bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relative Preference for Living in a Safer Place from Natural Disasters: A Case Study at Tokyo, Japan
Authors: Takabatake Tomoyuki , Hasegawa Nanami
Published: October 2022

While it would be desirable to encourage people to live in places that are safer from natural disasters to minimize casualties and property damage, few studies have focused on people’s relative preference for living in such places. The present study has sought to clarify the extent to which Tokyo residents consider safety from natural disaster to be more important than other factors relevant to the choice of residential location, as well as what personal attributes may be correlated with this perception. An online survey was conducted to collect 1554 valid responses from residents in the 23 city wards of Tokyo, Japan, and statistical analysis (a chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analysis) was then applied to the collected responses. The results demonstrated that, on average, 45.1% of the respondents considered that “safety from natural disasters” was relatively important among twelve such factors related to the selection of a suitable residential location. It was also found that showing a hazard map to Tokyo residents or educating them to take more interest in their health and the surrounding natural environment could be effective to increase the number of people preferring to live in safer places.
Prediction of the Spatial Pattern of Carbon Emissions Based on Simulation of Land Use Change under Different Scenarios
Authors: Wu Zhenhua , Zhou Linghui , Wang Yabei
Published: October 2022

Land use is an important factor in the change of carbon emissions, and predicting the spatial pattern of carbon emissions under different land use scenarios is of great significance to respond to the “double carbon” target of China. Based on the land use data of Nanjing city, Jiangsu Province, China in 2010, 2015 and 2020, this study used the Conversion of Land Use and its Effects at Small regional extent (CLUE-S) model to simulate the land use change pattern in 2030 under multiple scenarios, and predicted the carbon emissions of each subzone based on the simulation results. It also provides a carbon balance zoning from an economic and ecological point of view and proposes strategies tailored to each district. The results show that: (1) in 2030, under the ecological conservation scenario, ecological land all shows different degrees of increase, while under the cultivated land conservation scenario, construction land only increased by 1.47%. This indicates that the ecological and cultivated land protection perspectives can effectively curb the expansion of construction land. (2) The growth rate of carbon emissions in Nanjing from 2010–2030 decreased from 16.65–3.7%. This indicates that carbon emissions continue to rise, but the trend of growth is slowing down. (3) The spatial carbon emissions in Nanjing show an overall higher level in the north and lower in the center; the large expansion of building land and the concentration of industrial industries are the main reasons for the large increase in carbon emissions. Under the ecological protection scenario, the carbon emissions of Lishui, Pukou and Qixia districts were 11.05 × 104 t, 19.437 × 104 t and 10.211 × 104 t lower than those under the natural growth scenario, mainly because these three districts have more ecological land and the ecological protection effect is more significant. Under the cultivated land conservation scenario, the growth rate of carbon emissions slows down significantly. This indicates that the future structure of carbon emissions in Nanjing will vary significantly, and that ecological protection and arable land conservation play an important role in reducing carbon emissions. This study shows that it is difficult to reduce emissions in a concerted manner. Therefore, for different districts, differentiated land use optimization measures should be developed according to local conditions, and ecological protection and cultivated land protection scenarios should both be taken into account.
A Physicochemical Consideration of Prebiotic Microenvironments for Self-Assembly and Prebiotic Chemistry
Authors: Saha Arpita , Yi Ruiqin , Fahrenbach Albert C. , Wang Anna , Jia Tony Z.
Published: October 2022

The origin of life on Earth required myriads of chemical and physical processes. These include the formation of the planet and its geological structures, the formation of the first primitive chemicals, reaction, and assembly of these primitive chemicals to form more complex or functional products and assemblies, and finally the formation of the first cells (or protocells) on early Earth, which eventually evolved into modern cells. Each of these processes presumably occurred within specific prebiotic reaction environments, which could have been diverse in physical and chemical properties. While there are resources that describe prebiotically plausible environments or nutrient availability, here, we attempt to aggregate the literature for the various physicochemical properties of different prebiotic reaction microenvironments on early Earth. We introduce a handful of properties that can be quantified through physical or chemical techniques. The values for these physicochemical properties, if they are known, are then presented for each reaction environment, giving the reader a sense of the environmental variability of such properties. Such a resource may be useful for prebiotic chemists to understand the range of conditions in each reaction environment, or to select the medium most applicable for their targeted reaction of interest for exploratory studies.
Flower-like Superhydrophobic Surfaces Fabricated on Stainless Steel as a Barrier against Corrosion in Simulated Acid Rain
Authors: Fuchs-Godec Regina
Published: October 2022

Functionalisation of the metal surface of low-carbon ferritic stainless steel (from hydrophilic to hydrophobic properties) was achieved by flower-like hierarchical structures on a steel substrate prepared by a low-cost immersion method. The flower-like structured hydrophobic layers on the steel substrate were obtained by immersing the samples in an ethanolic solution of stearic acid with the addition of various concentrations of expired vitamin E ((+)α-tocopherol). The stability and corrosion-inhibiting effect of the hierarchically structured (such as natural cornflower) hydrophobic layers were studied systematically during short and long immersion tests, 120 h (five days) in an acidic environment (pH = 3) using potentiodynamic measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronopotentiometry. The surfaces of the samples, their wettability, surface morphology and chemical composition were characterised by contact angle measurements, SEM, ATR-FTIR and EDAX. After 120 h of immersion, the inhibition efficiency of the flower-like structured hydrophobic layers on the steel substrate in the selected corrosion medium remained above 99%, and the hierarchical structure (flower-like structure) was also retained on the surface.
Preparation and Application of Nanocomposite Thin-Film Temperature Sensor during the Milling Process
Authors: Cui Yunxian , Wang Haoyu , Cao Kaidi , Zhou Qunli , Ding Wanyu , Yin Junwei
Published: October 2022

During the titanium alloy milling process, high temperatures in the tool-chip contact area will affect the tool life and precision of titanium alloy machining. Therefore, it is essential to measure the temperature of the tool-chip contact area continuously. In this paper, a finite element simulation model of the milling process was established using ABAQUS2020 to obtain the highest temperature location in the tool-chip contact area when milling titanium alloy. The integration of the wire with the alumina ceramic substrate formed an integrated wire substrate. Furthermore, NiCr, NiSi, and SiO2 films were deposited on the substrate sequentially using the DC pulsed magnetron sputtering technique. Finally, its microscopic morphology and static and dynamic performance were tested. The results show that the developed thin-film thermocouple temperature sensor has a Seebeck coefficient of 40.72 μV/°C and a dynamic response time of 0.703 ms. The application of the sensor to our titanium alloy milling experiments showed that the sensor can monitor the transient temperature in the tool-chip contact area, and its temperature measurement performance showed no detrimental effect from wearing. The effect of each milling parameter on the milling temperature was analyzed using ANOVA, and a regression model with an R-sq of 96.76% was obtained for the milling temperature.
Designing Efficient Flash-Calcined Sediment-Based Ecobinders
Authors: Amar Mouhamadou , Benzerzour Mahfoud , Abriak Nor-Edine
Published: October 2022

To ensure the optimum navigation of boats and protection against flooding, waterways and ports are regularly dredged. The volume of dredged materials represents 56 million m3 in France and 300 million m3 in Europe. These materials show a high potential for a use as supplementary cementitious material (SCM). In this paper, sediments treated by the flash calcination method (STFC), which is based on a low-energy consumption process, are utilized as a mineral admixture in a cementitious matrix. The results of the physical, chemical, and mineralogical characterization prove that this heat treatment has an interesting impact on the final properties of the sediments. Mortars based on the flash-calcined product have comparable mechanical properties to control mortar. For a substitution rate below 10%, the performances are even equivalent to a metakaolin (MK80)-based mortar. Calorimetry testing demonstrated that calcined materials also improve hydration processes in the cement matrixes by generating additional heat release due to sediment pozzolanic activity. Across this study, it is shown that waste material including sediment can be transformed after optimized heat treatment into a valuable resource for the building and infrastructure sector.
‘Molecular Beam Epitaxy’ on Organic Semiconductor Single Crystals: Characterization of Well-Defined Molecular Interfaces by Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Diffraction Techniques
Authors: Nakayama Yasuo , Tsuruta Ryohei , Koganezawa Tomoyuki
Published: October 2022

Epitaxial growth, often termed “epitaxy”, is one of the most essential techniques underpinning semiconductor electronics, because crystallinities of the materials seriously dominate operation efficiencies of the electronic devices such as power gain/consumption, response speed, heat loss, and so on. In contrast to already well-established epitaxial growth methodologies for inorganic (covalent or ionic) semiconductors, studies on inter-molecular (van der Waals) epitaxy for organic semiconductors is still in the initial stage. In the present review paper, we briefly summarize recent works on the epitaxial inter-molecular junctions built on organic semiconductor single-crystal surfaces, particularly on single crystals of pentacene and rubrene. Experimental methodologies applicable for the determination of crystal structures of such organic single-crystal-based molecular junctions are also illustrated.
A Robust and Efficient UAV Path Planning Approach for Tracking Agile Targets in Complex Environments
Authors: Cui Shunfeng , Chen Yiyang , Li Xinlin
Published: October 2022

The research into the tracking methods of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for agile targets is multi-disciplinary, with important application scenarios. Using a quadrotor as an example, in this paper, we mainly researched the tracking-related modeling and application verification of agile targets. We propose a robust and efficient UAV path planning approach for tracking agile targets aggressively and safely. This approach comprehensively takes into account the historical observations of the tracking target and the surrounding environment of the location. It reliably predicts a short time horizon position of the moving target with respect to the dynamic constraints. Firstly, via leveraging the Bernstein basis polynomial and combining obstacle distribution information around the target, the prediction module evaluated the future movement of the target, presuming that it endeavored to stay away from the obstacles. Then, a target-informed dynamic searching method was embraced as the front end, which heuristically searched for a safe tracking trajectory. Secondly, the back-end optimizer ameliorated it into a spatial–temporal optimal and collision-free trajectory. Finally, the tracking trajectory planner generated smooth, dynamically feasible, and collision-free polynomial trajectories in milliseconds, which is consequently reasonable for online target tracking with a restricted detecting range. Statistical analysis, simulation, and benchmark comparisons show that the proposed method has at least 40% superior accuracy compared to the leading methods in the field and advanced capabilities for tracking agile targets.
Automatic Control of a Mobile Manipulator Robot Based on Type-2 Fuzzy Sliding Mode Technique
Authors: Xu Xin , Shaker Ahmed , Salem Marwa S.
Published: October 2022

In this paper, an automatic control method based on type-2 fuzzy sliding mode control for a mobile arm robot is presented. These types of robots have very complex dynamics due to the uncertainty of the arm parameters and the mobility of their base, so conventional control methods do not provide a suitable solution. The proposed method proves convergence with Lyapunov theory, and its convergence is mathematically guaranteed. A type-2 fuzzy system is responsible for approximating unmodulated dynamics, nonlinear terms, and uncertain parameters. In simulations, the performance of the proposed method with different situations, including uncertainty in arm parameters, uncertainty in mobile robot parameters (arm robot base), uncertainty in load, as well as indeterminacy in modeling have been applied. The comparison with two conventional controllers shows the efficiency and superiority of the proposed method.
Inferences for Nadarajah–Haghighi Parameters via Type-II Adaptive Progressive Hybrid Censoring with Applications
Authors: Elshahhat Ahmed , Alotaibi Refah , Nassar Mazen
Published: October 2022

This study aims to investigate the estimation problems when the parent distribution of the population under consideration is the Nadarajah–Haghighi distribution in the presence of an adaptive progressive Type-II hybrid censoring scheme. Two approaches are considered in this regard, namely, the maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimation methods. From the classical point of view, the maximum likelihood estimates of the unknown parameters, reliability, and hazard rate functions are obtained as well as the associated approximate confidence intervals. On the other hand, the Bayes estimates are obtained based on symmetric and asymmetric loss functions. The Bayes point estimates and the highest posterior density Bayes credible intervals are computed using the Monte Carlo Markov Chain technique. A comprehensive simulation study is implemented by proposing different scenarios for sample sizes and progressive censoring schemes. Moreover, two applications are considered by analyzing two real data sets. The outcomes of the numerical investigations show that the Bayes estimates using the general entropy loss function are preferred over the other methods.
Rs10204525 Polymorphism of the Programmed Death (PD-1) Gene Is Associated with Increased Risk in a Saudi Arabian Population with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Al-Harbi Nouf , Vaali-Mohammed Mansoor-Ali , Al-Omar Suliman , Zubaidi Ahmed , Al-Obeed Omar , Abdulla Maha-Hamadien , Mansour Lamjed
Published: October 2022

Checkpoint programmed death-1 (PD-1) has been identified as an immunosuppressive molecule implicated in the immune evasion of transformed cells. It is highly expressed in tumor cells in order to evade host immunosurveillance. In this study, we aimed to assess the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of PD-1 and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the Saudi population. For this case-control study, the TaqMan assay method was used for genotyping three SNPs in the PD-1 gene in 100 CRC patients and 100 healthy controls. Associations were estimated using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for multiple inheritance models (codominant, dominant, recessive, over-dominant, and log-additive). Moreover, PD-1 gene expression levels were evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR in colon cancer tissue and adjacent colon tissues. We found that the PD-1 rs10204525 A allele was associated with an increased risk of developing CRC (OR = 2.35; p = 0.00657). In addition, the PD-1 rs10204525 AA homozygote genotype was associated with a high risk of developing CRC in the codominant (OR = 21.65; p = 0.0014), recessive (OR = 10.97; p = 0.0015), and additive (OR = 1.98; p = 0.012) models. A weak protective effect was found for the rs2227981 GG genotype (OR = 2.52; p = 0.034), and no significant association was found between the rs2227982 and CRC. Haplotype analysis showed that the rs10204525, rs2227981, rs2227982 A-A-G haplotype was associated with a significantly increased risk of CRC (OR = 6.79; p =0.031).
The Effect and Safety of Rapid and Gradual Urinary Decompression in Urine Retention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wu Meng-Yu , Chang Jer-Ruey , Lee Yi-Kung , Lin Po-Chen , Tsai Tou-Yuan
Published: October 2022

Background and objectives: Trials to evaluate the effect and safety of rapid and gradual urinary decompression have been published for decades. Due to inconclusive results, this study aimed to assess whether rapid bladder decompression increased complications in adults with acute urinary retention. Materials and Methods: We searched the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases for articles published from the database inception to 31 August 2021. Studies that compared the effects and complication rates of rapid and gradual urinary decompression in adults with acute urinary retention were included. The primary outcome was post-decompression hematuria, while the secondary outcome was circulatory collapse. Meta-analyses were conducted using random effects models. Sensitivity analyses, tests for publication bias, and trial sequential analyses were conducted. The PROSPERO registration number is CRD42021233457. Results: Overall, four articles were included in the comprehensive analysis, and 435 participants met all the eligibility criteria. In the primary meta-analysis of all four study groups, rapid urinary decompression did not increase the risk of post-decompression hematuria (RR = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.62 to 1.35; p = 0.642). The I2 statistic was 0.0% (p = 0.732), indicating no substantial heterogeneity. In the meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies, the result did not change (RR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.31 to 2.52; p = 0.824). The Egger’s test and Begg test (p = 0.339 and 0.497, respectively) indicated the absence of statistical evidence of publication bias. Leave-one-out sensitivity analysis was conducted and showed the pooled results were robust. In secondary outcome, there were no reported events of circulatory collapse in the current studies. Conclusions: The currently available data suggest that rapid urinary decompression is an effective and safe method with a complication rate similar to that of gradual decompression in an acute urinary retention population. Further large-scale randomized studies are required.
De Novo Skin Neoplasms in Liver-Transplanted Patients: Single-Center Prospective Evaluation of 105 Cases
Authors: Paganelli Alessia , Magistri Paolo , Kaleci Shaniko , Chester Johanna , Pezzini Claudia , Catellani Barbara , Ciardo Silvana , Casari Alice , Giusti Francesca , Bassoli Sara , Di Sandro Stefano , Pellacani Giovanni , Farnetani Francesca , Di Benedetto Fabrizio
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives: Solid-organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) are notably considered at risk for developing cutaneous malignancies. However, most of the existing literature is focused on kidney transplant-related non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). Conflicting data have been published so far on NMSC incidence among liver transplant recipients (LTRs), and whether LTRs really should be considered at lower risk remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to prospectively collect data on the incidence of cutaneous neoplasms in an LTR cohort. Materials and Methods: All LTRs transplanted at the Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation Unit of Modena University Hospital from October 2015 to June 2021 underwent a post-transplant periodic skin check at the Dermatology Unit according to our institutional integrated care pathway. Data on the presence of cutaneous malignant and premalignant lesions were collected at every timepoint. Results: A total of 105 patients were enrolled in the present study. Nearly 15% of the patients developed cutaneous cancerous and/or precancerous lesions during the follow-up period. Almost half of the skin cancerous lesions were basal cell carcinomas. Actinic keratoses (AKs) were observed in six patients. Four patients developed in situ squamous cell carcinomas, and one patient was diagnosed with stage I malignant melanoma. Otherwise, well-established risk factors for the occurrence of skin tumors, such as skin phototype, cumulative sun exposure, and familial history of cutaneous neoplasms, seemed to have no direct impact on skin cancer occurrence in our cohort, as well as an immunosuppressive regimen and the occurrence of non-cutaneous neoplasms. Conclusions: Close dermatological follow-up is crucial for LTRs, and shared protocols of regular skin checks in this particular subset of patients are needed in transplant centers.
Numerical Simulation of the Electromagnetic Dross Removal Technology Applied in Zinc Pot of Hot-Dip Galvanizing Line
Authors: Xiao Yubao , Guo Qingtao , Liu Tie , Wang Qiang , Chai Mingliang , Zhang Kailun , Li Yuting , Pan Dong
Published: October 2022

The forming of zinc dross floating on the surface of molten zinc in zinc pot is inevitable during hot-dip galvanizing production. The cleaning of zinc dross has always been a challenge and a difficult problem to solve. Based on the electromagnetic field theory and its application, a new electromagnetic dross removal technology was proposed, and the zinc dross driven by flowing molten zinc was possible to remove in an electromagnetic field circumstance. Through the coupling simulation of electromagnetic field and flow field, the electromagnetic force acting on molten zinc and the flow situation of molten zinc were simulated. The results showed that electromagnetic field can effectively act on the top surface of molten zinc and affect the flow of molten zinc. Different load conditions of electromagnetic field and the distance between the bottom surface of the iron core and the top surface of molten zinc related to zinc dross removal effect were discussed. Finally, the optimal application parameters of the electromagnetic dross removal technology were put forward.
Muscle Amino Acid and Adenine Nucleotide Metabolism during Exercise and in Liver Cirrhosis: Speculations on How to Reduce the Harmful Effects of Ammonia
Authors: Holeček Milan
Published: October 2022

Studies from the last decades indicate that increased levels of ammonia contribute to muscle wasting in critically ill patients. The aim of the article is to examine the effects of two different causes of hyperammonemia—increased ATP degradation in muscles during strenuous exercise and impaired ammonia detoxification to urea due to liver cirrhosis. During exercise, glycolysis, citric acid cycle (CAC) activity, and ATP synthesis in muscles increase. In cirrhosis, due to insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction, glycolysis, CAC activity, and ATP synthesis in muscles are impaired. Both during exercise and in liver cirrhosis, there is increased ammonia detoxification to glutamine (Glu + NH3 + ATP → Gln + ADP + Pi), increased drain of ketoglutarate (α-KG) from CAC for glutamate synthesis by α-KG-linked aminotransferases, glutamate, aspartate, and α-KG deficiency, increased oxidation of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA; valine, leucine, and isoleucine), and protein-energy wasting in muscles. It is concluded that ammonia can contribute to muscle wasting regardless of the cause of its increased levels and that similar strategies can be designed to increase muscle performance in athletes and reduce muscle loss in patients with hyperammonemia. The pros and cons of glutamate, α-KG, aspartate, BCAA, and branched-chain keto acid supplementation are discussed.
A Normalized Model of a Microelectromechanical Relay Calibrated by Laser-Doppler Vibrometry
Authors: Marvin Jessica , Jang Michael , Contreras Daniel , Spencer Matthew
Published: October 2022

This work presents a behavioral model for a microelectromechanical (MEM) relay for use in circuit simulation. Models require calibration, and other published relay models require over a dozen parameters for calibration, many of which are difficult to extract or are only available after finite element analysis. This model improves on prior work by taking advantage of model normalization, which often results in models that require fewer parameters than un-normalized models. This model only needs three parameters extracted from experiment and one dimension known from device fabrication to represent its non-contact behavior, and two additional extracted parameters to represent its behavior when in contact. The extracted parameters–quality factor, resonant frequency, and the pull-in voltage–can be found using laser Doppler vibrometry. The device dimension is the actuation gap size, which comes from process data. To demonstrate this extraction process, a series of velocity step responses were excited in MEM relays, the measured velocity responses were used to calibrate the model, and then then simulations of the model (implemented in Verilog-A) were compared against the measured data. The error in the simulated oscillation frequency and peak velocity, two values selected as figures of merit, is less than 10% across many operating voltages.
Micromachined Thermal Time-of-Flight Flow Sensors and Their Applications
Authors: Huang Liji
Published: October 2022

Micromachined thermal flow sensors on the market are primarily manufactured with the calorimetric sensing principle. The success has been in limited industries such as automotive, medical, and gas process control. Applications in some emerging and abrupt applications are hindered due to technical challenges. This paper reviews the current progress with micromachined devices based on the less popular thermal time-of-flight sensing technology: its theory, design of the micromachining process, control schemes, and applications. Thermal time-of-flight sensing could effectively solve some key technical hurdles that the calorimetric sensing approach has. It also offers fluidic property-independent data acquisition, multiparameter measurement, and the possibility for self-calibration. This technology may have a significant perspective on future development.
High-Throughput Dispensing of Viscous Solutions for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Revia Richard A. , Wagner Brandon , James Matthew , Zhang Miqin
Published: October 2022

Cells cultured in three-dimensional scaffolds express a phenotype closer to in vivo cells than cells cultured in two-dimensional containers. Natural polymers are suitable materials to make three-dimensional scaffolds to develop disease models for high-throughput drug screening owing to their excellent biocompatibility. However, natural polymer solutions have a range of viscosities, and none of the currently available liquid dispensers are capable of dispensing highly viscous polymer solutions. Here, we report the development of an automated scaffold dispensing system for rapid, reliable, and homogeneous creation of scaffolds in well-plate formats. We employ computer-controlled solenoid valves to regulate air pressure impinging upon a syringe barrel filled with scaffold solution to be dispensed. Automated dispensing of scaffold solution is achieved via a programmable software interface that coordinates solution extrusion and the movement of a dispensing head. We show that our pneumatically actuated dispensing system can evenly distribute high-viscosity, chitosan-based polymer solutions into 96- and 384-well plates to yield highly uniform three-dimensional scaffolds after lyophilization. We provide a proof-of-concept demonstration of high-throughput drug screening by culturing glioblastoma cells in scaffolds and exposing them to temozolomide. This work introduces a device that can hasten the creation of three-dimensional cell scaffolds and their application to high-throughput testing.
Electromechanical Properties of 3D-Printed Stretchable Carbon Fiber Composites
Authors: Salo Teemu , Di Vito Donato , Halme Aki , Vanhala Jukka
Published: October 2022

The addition of fillers has been implemented in fused filament fabrication (FFF), and robust carbon fillers have been found to improve the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of 3D-printed matrices. However, in stretchable matrices, the use of fillers imposes significant challenges related to quality and durability. In this work, we show that long carbon staple fibers in the form of permeable carbon fiber cloth (CFC) can be placed into a stretchable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) matrix to improve the system. Four CFC sample series (nominally 53–159-µm-thick CFC layers) were prepared with a permeable and compliant thin CFC layer and a highly conductive and stiff thick CFC layer. The sample series was tested with single pull-up tests and cyclic tensile tests with 10,000 cycles and was further studied with digital image correlation (DIC) analyses. The results showed that embedded CFC layers in a TPU matrix can be used for stretchable 3D-printed electronics structures. Samples with a thin 53 µm CFC layer retained electrical properties at 50% cyclic tensile deformations, whereas the samples with a thick >150-µm CFC layer exhibited the lowest resistance (5 Ω/10 mm). Between those structures, the 106-µm-thick CFC layer exhibited balanced electromechanical properties, with resistance changes of 0.5% in the cyclic tests after the orientation of the samples. Furthermore, the suitability of the structure as a sensor was estimated.
Schistosomiasis Mansoni-Recruited Eosinophils: An Overview in the Granuloma Context
Authors: Malta Kássia K. , Palazzi Cinthia , Neves Vitor H. , Aguiar Yasmin , Silva Thiago P. , Melo Rossana C. N.
Published: October 2022

Eosinophils are remarkably recruited during schistosomiasis mansoni, one of the most common parasitic diseases worldwide. These cells actively migrate and accumulate at sites of granulomatous inflammation termed granulomas, the main pathological feature of this disease. Eosinophils colonize granulomas as a robust cell population and establish complex interactions with other immune cells and with the granuloma microenvironment. Eosinophils are the most abundant cells in granulomas induced by Schistosoma mansoni infection, but their functions during this disease remain unclear and even controversial. Here, we explore the current information on eosinophils as components of Schistosoma mansoni granulomas in both humans and natural and experimental models and their potential significance as central cells triggered by this infection.
Eggerthella lenta DSM 2243 Alleviates Bile Acid Stress Response in Clostridium ramosum and Anaerostipes caccae by Transformation of Bile Acids
Authors: Pedersen Kristian Jensen , Haange Sven-Bastiaan , Žížalová Kateřina , Viehof Alina , Clavel Thomas , Leniček Martin , Engelmann Beatrice , Wick Lukas Y. , Schaap Frank G. , Jehmlich Nico , Rolle-Kampczyk Ulrike , von Bergen Martin
Published: October 2022

Bile acids are crucial for the uptake of dietary lipids and can shape the gut-microbiome composition. This latter function is associated with the toxicity of bile acids and can be modulated by bile acid modifying bacteria such as Eggerthella lenta, but the molecular details of the interaction of bacteria depending on bile acid modifications are not well understood. In order to unravel the molecular response to bile acids and their metabolites, we cultivated eight strains from a human intestinal microbiome model alone and in co-culture with Eggerthella lenta in the presence of cholic acid (CA) and deoxycholic acid (DCA). We observed growth inhibition of particularly gram-positive strains such as Clostridium ramosum and the gram-variable Anaerostipes cacae by CA and DCA stress. C. ramosum was alleviated through co-culturing with Eggerthella lenta. We approached effects on the membrane by zeta potential and genotoxic and metabolic effects by (meta)proteomic and metabolomic analyses. Co-culturing with Eggerthella lenta decreased both CA and DCA by the formation of oxidized and epimerized bile acids. Eggerthella lenta also produces microbial bile salt conjugates in a co-cultured species-specific manner. This study highlights how the interaction with other bacteria can influence the functionality of bacteria.
Characteristics of Naturally Formed Nanoparticles in Various Media and Their Prospecting Significance in Chaihulanzi Deposit
Authors: Lu Meiqu , Cao Jianjin , Wang Zhengyang , Wang Guoqiang
Published: October 2022

In recent years, the exploration of concealed deposits has become extremely urgent as the shortage of surface resources worsens. In this study, naturally formed nanoparticles in five media (deep-seated fault gouge, ascending gas flow, soil, shallow groundwater and deep groundwater) in Chaihulanzi Au deposit, China, were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. The characteristics of category, shape, lattice parameters, chemical component and association were obtained. The results show that deep media can carry natural nanoparticles to the surface media, resulting in an increased proportion of O and metal chemical valence such as Pb and Cu in nanoparticles. The metal elements Au, Ag, Cu, Zn and As in nanoparticles correspond to those of orebody minerals. Au-Ag-Cu, Fe-As, Cu-Sn and Pb-Zn element associations in nanoparticles are similar to those of mineral composition or orebody paragenesis in Chaihulanzi deposit. Compared with nanoparticle characteristics in deposit and background areas, it can be deduced that natural ore-bearing nanoparticles come from concealed orebodies. With the characteristics of more oxide forms and the dislocation of the crystal lattice, these nanoparticles are formed by faulting and oxidation. Nanoparticles produced in concealed orebodies that migrate from the deep to the surface media could be used for prospecting.
Environmental Characteristics of the Mining Area of Ni–Cu–Fe Paleoproterozoic PGE Monchepluton Intrusion (NE Scandinavia)
Authors: Huber Miłosz , Chmiel Stanisław , Iakovleva Olga
Published: October 2022

The problem of dump recultivation associated with sulfide ore mining is always a challenge for ecologists. A special case is the Arctic, where the specific climate and short vegetative period mean that any traces of such activities can persist for many years. The Monchepluton massif is a Paleoproterozoic, layered Platinum Group Element (PGE) intrusion, which is located in NE Scandinavia, beyond the Arctic Circle. This intrusion is mainly composed of ultramafic and alkaline rocks, represented by dunites, harzburgites, orthopyroxenites, norites, and gabbronorites. In these rocks, there is mineralization of the oxide ores Cr, Fe, and Ti, as well as the sulfide ores Cu, Ni, Fe, and PGE. The massifs of this intrusion were mined in the 20th century. The traces of intensive mining in the area are still visible today. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the state of the environment and propose its rehabilitation. The authors carried out an inventory of the mining facilities and studies of the area’s rocks, soils, plants, and waters. The results of these studies unequivocally show that the current condition of the site indicates the conditions for an ecological disaster. The most important polluting factor is the presence of metallurgical plants, which are responsible for acid rain and soil pollution. Another threat is uncontrolled mine water outflows. Due to the specific climatic conditions and the vegetation found in the area, the process of rehabilitating the area may be costly and lengthy.
Enhancing the Photo and Thermal Stability of Nicotine through Crystal Engineering with Gentisic Acid
Authors: Angevine Devin J. , Camacho Kristine Joy , Rzayev Javid , Benedict Jason B.
Published: October 2022

The use of crystal engineering to convert liquids into crystalline solids remains a powerful method for inhibiting undesired degradation pathways. When nicotine, a liquid sensitive to both light and air, is combined with the GRAS-listed compound, gentisic acid, the resulting crystalline solid, exhibits enhanced photo and thermal stability. Despite a modest ΔTm of 42.7 °C, the melting point of 155.9 °C for the nicotinium gentisate salt is the highest reported for nicotine-containing crystalline solids. An analysis of the crystal packing and thermodynamic properties provides context for the observed properties.
In Silico Approach of Glycinin and Conglycinin Chains of Soybean By-Product (Okara) Using Papain and Bromelain
Authors: Ningrum Andriati , Wardani Dian Wahyu , Vanidia Nurul , Sarifudin Achmat , Kumalasari Rima , Ekafitri Riyanti , Kristanti Dita , Setiaboma Woro , Munawaroh Heli Siti Halimatul
Published: October 2022

This study explores utilization of a sustainable soybean by-product (okara) based on in silico approach. In silico approaches, as well as the BIOPEP database, PeptideRanker database, Peptide Calculator database (Pepcalc), ToxinPred database, and AllerTop database, were employed to evaluate the potential of glycinin and conglycinin derived peptides as a potential source of bioactive peptides. These major protein precursors have been found as protein in okara as a soybean by-product. Furthermore, primary structure, biological potential, and physicochemical, sensory, and allergenic characteristics of the theoretically released antioxidant peptides were predicted in this research. Glycinin and α subunits of β-conglycinin were selected as potential precursors of bioactive peptides based on in silico analysis. The most notable among these are antioxidant peptides. First, the potential of protein precursors for releasing bioactive peptides was evaluated by determining the frequency of occurrence of fragments with a given activity. Through the BIOPEP database analysis, there are several antioxidant bioactive peptides in glycinin and β and α subunits of β-conglycinin sequences. Then, an in silico proteolysis using selected enzymes (papain, bromelain) to obtain antioxidant peptides was investigated and then analyzed using PeptideRanker and Pepcalc. Allergenic analysis using the AllerTop revealed that all in silico proteolysis-derived antioxidant peptides are probably nonallergenic peptides. We also performed molecular docking against MPO (myeloperoxidases) for this peptide. Overall, the present study highlights that glycinin and β and α subunits of β-conglycinin could be promising precursors of bioactive peptides that have an antioxidant peptide for developing several applications.
Treatment of Liquid Digestate by Green Algal Isolates from Artificial Eutrophic Pond
Authors: Sobolewska Ewelina , Borowski Sebastian , Nowicka-Krawczyk Paulina , Banach Katarzyna
Published: October 2022

The ability of aquatic microalgae to treat the liquid digestate obtained from the anaerobic digestion of plant waste was investigated. Microalgae were isolated from natural environment for a laboratory-scale cultivation and were then used to remove nutrients and organic contaminants from the liquid digestate. It was shown that the microalgae consortia (Tetradesmus obliquus, Microglena sp., Desmodesmus subspicatus) could reduce nitrogen, phosphates, and total COD by up to 70%, 57%, and 95%, respectively. A new algae genus Microglena was isolated, which in a consortium with Tetradesmus obliquus and Desmodesmus subspicatus exhibited a high efficiency in the removal of both organic contaminants and nutrients from the liquid fraction of digestate.
2D Leaf-Like Structured ZIF-L Embedded Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite as an Electrochemical Sensing Platform for Sensitively Detecting Benomyl
Authors: Shi Min , Peng Guanwei , Xue Shuya , Xu Jingkun , Gao Yansha , Liu Shuwu , Duan Xuemin , Lu Limin
Published: October 2022

In this work, a two-dimensional leaf-like framework-L embedded electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO@ZIF-L) was proposed as an outstanding electrode material for the sensitive electrochemical sensing of benomyl (BM). ZIF-L is surrounded by ERGO, which could effectively ensure the stability and dispersion of ZIF-L. With this unique combination, the prepared ERGO@ZIF-L displayed excellent synergistic characteristics with a large surface area, excellent conductivity, plentiful active sites, and high electrocatalytic properties, thus endowing it with high sensitivity for BM determination. The experimental parameters, such as solution pH, material volume, and accumulation time, were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the BM sensor showed a wide linear range (0.009–10.0 μM) and low-limit detection (3.0 nM). Moreover, the sensor displayed excellent stability, repeatability, and reproducibility, and good anti-interference capability. The method was successfully applied to detect BM in real-world samples.
Rubus Capped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Induce Apoptosis in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: George Blassan P. , Rajendran Naresh K. , Houreld Nicolette N. , Abrahamse Heidi
Published: October 2022

Rubus fairholmianus (RF) has widely been used to treat various ailments, including pain, diabetes, and cancer. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have drawn attention in modern healthcare applications. Hence, we designed this study to synthesize zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using R. fairholmianus root extract to investigate its synergistic cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells and explore the possible cell death mechanism. ZnO NPs were synthesized via green synthesis using R. fairholmianus root extract, and the effect on MCF-7 cells was determined by looking at cellular morphology, proliferation, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The results showed that cellular proliferation was reduced following treatment with R. fairholmianus capped zinc oxide nanoparticles (RFZnO NPs), while cytotoxicity and ROS were increased. There was also an increase in apoptosis as indicated by the significant increase in cytoplasmic cytochrome c and caspase 3/7 (markers of apoptosis), as well as increased levels of pro-apoptotic proteins (p53, Bax) and decreased levels of anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2). In conclusion, these results showed that RFZnO NPs induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells via a mitochondria-mediated caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway and suggest the use of acetone root extract of R. fairholmianus for the treatment of cancer-related ailments.
The Synthesis and Evaluation of Diethyl Benzylphosphonates as Potential Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Brodzka Anna , Kowalczyk Paweł , Trzepizur Damian , Koszelewski Dominik , Kramkowski Karol , Szymczak Mateusz , Wypych Aleksandra , Lizut Rafał , Ostaszewski Ryszard
Published: October 2022

The impact of substituent at phenyl ring of diethyl benzylphosphonate derivatives on cytotoxic activity was studied. The organophosphonates were obtained based on developed palladium-catalyzed α, β-homodiarylation of vinyl esters protocol. The new synthetic pathway toward 1,2-bis(4-((diethoxyphosphoryl)methyl)phenyl)ethyl acetate was proposed which significantly improves the overall yield of the final product (from 1% to 38%). Several newly synthesized organophosphonates were tested as new potential antimicrobial drugs on model Escherichia coli bacterial strains (K12 and R2-R3). All tested compounds show the highest selectivity and activity against K12 and R2 strains. Preliminary cellular studies using MIC and MBC tests and digestion of Fpg after modification of bacterial DNA suggest that selected benzylphosphonate derivatives may have greater potential as antibacterial agents than typically used antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, bleomycin and cloxacillin. These compounds are highly specific for pathogenic E. coli strains based on the model strains used and may be engaged in the future as new substitutes for commonly used antibiotics, which is especially important due to the increasing resistance of bacteria to various drugs and antibiotics.
Analysis of the Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Activity of Natural Compounds and Their Analogues against Staphylococcus aureus Isolates
Authors: Mastoor Sobia , Nazim Fizza , Rizwan-ul-Hasan Syed , Ahmed Khalid , Khan Shabnam , Ali Syed Nawazish , Abidi Syed Hani
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the most frequent causes of biofilm-associated infections. With the emergence of antibiotic-resistant, especially methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), there is an urgent need to discover novel inhibitory compounds against this clinically important pathogen. In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of 11 compounds, including phenyl propenes and phenolic aldehydes, eugenol, ferulic acid, sinapic acid, salicylaldehyde, vanillin, cinnamoyl acid, and aldehydes, against drug-resistant S. aureus isolates. (2) Methods: Thirty-two clinical S. aureus isolates were obtained from Alkhidmat Diagnostic Center and Blood Bank, Karachi, Pakistan, and screened for biofilm-forming potential, and susceptibility/resistance against ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, ampicillin, amikacin, cephalothin, clindamycin, streptomycin, and gentamicin using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Subsequently, 5 representative clinical isolates were selected and used to test the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm potential of 11 compounds using both qualitative and quantitative assays, followed by qPCR analysis to examine the differences in the expression levels of biofilm-forming genes (ica-A, fnb-B, clf-A and cna) in treated (with natural compounds and their derivatives) and untreated isolates. (3) Results: All isolates were found to be multi-drug resistant and dominant biofilm formers. The individual Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of natural compounds and their analogues ranged from 0.75–160 mg/mL. Furthermore, the compounds, Salicylaldehyde (SALI), Vanillin (VAN), α-methyl-trans-cinnamaldehyde (A-MT), and trans-4-nitrocinnamic acid (T4N) exhibited significant (15–92%) biofilm inhibition/reduction percentage capacity at the concentration of 1–10 mg/mL. Gene expression analysis showed that salicylaldehyde, α-methyl-trans-cinnamaldehyde, and α-bromo-trans-cinnamaldehyde resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) downregulation of the expression of ica-A, clf-A, and fnb-A genes compared to the untreated resistant isolate. (4) Conclusions: The natural compounds and their analogues used in this study exhibited significant antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity against S. aureus. Biofilms persist as the main concern in clinical settings. These compounds may serve as potential candidate drug molecules against biofilm forming S. aureus.