bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spline Curves Formation Given Extreme Derivatives
Authors: Panchuk Konstantin , Myasoedova Tatyana , Lyubchinov Evgeniy
Published: December 2020

This paper is dedicated to development of mathematical models for polynomial spline curve formation given extreme vector derivatives. This theoretical problem is raised in the view of a wide variety of theoretical and practical problems considering motion of physical objects along certain trajectories with predetermined laws of variation of speed, acceleration, jerk, etc. The analysis of the existing body of work on computational geometry performed by the authors did not reveal any systematic research in mathematical model development dedicated to solution of similar tasks. The established purpose of the research is therefore to develop mathematical models of formation of spline curves based on polynomials of various orders modeling the determined trajectories. The paper presents mathematical models of spline curve formation given extreme derivatives of the initial orders. The paper considers construction of Hermite and Bézier spline curves of various orders consisting of various segments. The acquired mathematical models are generalized for the cases of vector derivatives of higher orders. The presented models are of systematic nature and are universal, i.e., they can be applied in formation of any polynomial spline curves given extreme vector derivatives. The paper provides a number of examples validating the presented models.
Estimation of Unknown Parameters of Truncated Normal Distribution under Adaptive Progressive Type II Censoring Scheme
Authors: Chen Siqi , Gui Wenhao
Published: December 2020

In reality, estimations for the unknown parameters of truncated distribution with censored data have wide utilization. Truncated normal distribution is more suitable to fit lifetime data compared with normal distribution. This article makes statistical inferences on estimating parameters under truncated normal distribution using adaptive progressive type II censored data. First, the estimates are calculated through exploiting maximum likelihood method. The observed and expected Fisher information matrices are derived to establish the asymptotic confidence intervals. Second, Bayesian estimations under three loss functions are also studied. The point estimates are calculated by Lindley approximation. Importance sampling technique is applied to discuss the Bayes estimates and build the associated highest posterior density credible intervals. Bootstrap confidence intervals are constructed for the purpose of comparison. Monte Carlo simulations and data analysis are employed to present the performances of various methods. Finally, we obtain optimal censoring schemes under different criteria.
Low-Dose Pre-Operative Botulinum Toxin A Effectively Facilitates Complex Ventral Hernia Repair: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mourad Ali P. , De Robles Marie Shella , Winn Robert D.
Published: December 2020

Background: Complex ventral hernias following laparotomy present a unique challenge in that repair is hindered by the lateral tension of the abdominal wall. A novel approach to overcome this is the “chemical component separation” technique. Here, botulinum toxin A (BTA) is instilled into the muscles of the abdominal wall. This induces flaccid paralysis and effectively reduces tension in the wall, allowing the muscles to be successfully joined in the midline during surgery. We describe a method where a large incisional hernia was repaired using this technique and review the variations in methodology. Case report: A woman in her mid-40s developed a ventral hernia in the setting of a previous laparotomy for a small bowel perforation. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen demonstrated an 85 (Width) × 95 mm (Length) ventral hernia containing loops of the bowel. Pre-operative botulinum toxin A administration was arranged at the local interventional radiology department. A total of 100 units of BTA were instilled at four sites into the muscular layers of the abdominal wall under CT-fluoroscopic guidance. She underwent an open incisional hernia repair 4 weeks later, where the contents were reduced and the abdominal wall layers were successfully joined in the midline. There was no clinical evidence of hernia recurrence at 3-months follow-up. Conclusion: Low-dose BTA effectively facilitates the surgical management of large ventral incisional hernias. There is, however, significant variation in the dosage, concentration and anatomical landmarks in which BTA is administered as described in the literature. Further studies are needed to assess and optimise these variables.
Sustainable Fabrication of Organic Solvent Nanofiltration Membranes
Authors: Nguyen Thi Hai Yen , Nguyen Bao Tran Duy , Kim Jeong F.
Published: December 2020

Organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) has been considered as one of the key technologies to improve the sustainability of separation processes. Recently, apart from enhancing the membrane performance, greener fabricate on of OSN membranes has been set as a strategic objective. Considerable efforts have been made aiming to improve the sustainability in membrane fabrication, such as replacing membrane materials with biodegradable alternatives, substituting toxic solvents with greener solvents, and minimizing waste generation with material recycling. In addition, new promising fabrication and post-modification methods of solvent-stable membranes have been developed exploiting the concept of interpenetrating polymer networks, spray coating, and facile interfacial polymerization. This review compiles the recent progress and advances for sustainable fabrication in the field of polymeric OSN membranes.
Liquid Membranes for Efficient Recovery of Phenolic Compounds Such as Vanillin and Catechol
Authors: Pavón Sandra , Blaesing Luisa , Jahn Annika , Aubel Ines , Bertau Martin
Published: December 2020

Investigations were carried out to obtain different lignin monomers such as vanillin and catechol as efficiently as possible, to prevent side reactions e.g., during lignin degradation. Therefore, extraction experiments were performed to determine the influence of parameters such as initial pH in the aqueous phase, organic phases containing alcohols or solvating extractants, and monomer concentrations. Cyanex 923 (Cy923) and tri-n-butyl-phosphat (TBP) diluted in kerosene were the organic phases chosen to evaluate the transport of vanillin because of their high efficiencies (>76.8%) and suitability in membrane technologies. The most efficient vanillin transport was accomplished with Cy923, as > 90% of vanillin was transferred after 5 h. However, the permeability coefficient at carrier concentration of > 0.48 mol/L was influenced not only by the diffusion but also by the organic mixture viscosity. Thus, this concentration was used in the membrane experiment containing a mixture of vanillin and catechol in the feed phase. Catechol was transported about 7% faster to the receiving phase than vanillin, presumably due to its chemical structure. Side reactions were avoided using the current liquid membrane set-up, allowing the further industrial application of an entire process, which, e.g., recovers vanillin from enzymatic lignin conversion by membrane technology.
Selective Recovery of Copper from Industrial Sludge by Integrated Sulfuric Leaching and Electrodeposition
Authors: Trinh Ha Bich , Lee Jaeryeong , Kim Seunghyun , Lee Jae-chun , Aceituno Juan Carlos Fuentes , Oh Seokhoon
Published: December 2020

The metal-containing sludge generated from the printed circuit boards (PCBs) manufacturing has been recycled as a secondary resource of copper (Cu) rather than being treated as a hazardous solid waste. However, it should consider the complexity of processing and using of oxidizing or precipitation agents to dissolve and separate Cu from other impurities, especially iron (Fe). This study has combined the dissolution and separation step in one stage by integrated acid leaching and electrodeposition to simplify the recovery process, while maintaining the high efficiency of separation. The chemistry of acid leaching and electrodeposition of the metals demonstrated that the metals (Cu and Fe) in the sludge sample were dissolved in the H2SO4 electrolyte, and Cu could be selectively deposited on the cathode based on the different potential conditions to reduce it on the cathode. The important factors affecting the deposition of Cu were investigated, finding the optimal conditions (current density 15 mA/cm2, H2SO4 100 g/L, Cu 20 g/L, at 45 °C, and for 6 h) which could completely recover Cu from the electrolyte in a selective manner. The obtained copper product possessed a high purity of >99% with adequately uniform morphology and an acceptable consumption of energy (1.7 kWh/kg). It is an effective and simple approach to reclaim the value metal copper from the industrial waste in one single stage of integrated extraction and refining.
Effect of Nb and Mo Additions in the Microstructure/Tensile Property Relationship in High Strength Quenched and Quenched and Tempered Boron Steels
Authors: Zurutuza Irati , Isasti Nerea , Detemple Eric , Schwinn Volker , Mohrbacher Hardy , Uranga Pello
Published: December 2020

Recently, advanced thermomechanical hot rolling schedules followed by direct quenching are being developed in order to avoid reheating and quenching treatment after hot rolling to eliminate an energy and cost consuming step. The use of boron as an alloying element is a widely known practice in high strength medium carbon steels to increase the strength due its potential for delaying phase transformation and improving hardenability. In addition, a significant synergetic effect on hardenability could be reached combining B with microalloying elements (adding Nb, Mo or Nb-Mo). With the purpose of exploring the effect of microalloying elements and thermomechanical rolling schedule, laboratory thermomechanical simulations reproducing plate mill conditions were performed using ultra high strength steels micro-alloyed with Nb, Mo, and Nb-Mo. To that end, plane compression tests were performed, consisting of an initial preconditioning step, followed by several roughing and finishing deformation passes and a final quenching step. After fast cooling to room temperature, a tempering treatment was applied. In the present paper, the complex interaction between the martensitic microstructure, the tempering treatment, the addition of microalloying elements, and the resulting tensile properties was evaluated. For that purpose, an exhaustive EBSD quantification was carried out in both quenched as well as quenched and tempered states for all the steel grades and the contribution of different strengthening mechanisms on yield strength was analyzed. Highest tensile properties are achieved combining Nb and Mo, for both quenched (Q) and quenched and tempered states (Q&T), reaching yield strength values of 1107 MPa and 977 MPa, respectively. Higher tempering resistance was measured for the Mo-bearing steels, making the CMnNbMoB steel the one with the lowest softening after tempering. For CMnB grade, the yield strength reduction after tempering of about 413 MPa was measured, while for NbMo micro-alloyed steel, yield strength softening is considerably reduced to 130 MPa.
Uniaxial-Pressure-Induced Release of Magnetic Frustration in a Triangular Lattice Antiferromagnet YbCuGe
Authors: Umeo Kazunori , Watanabe Daichi , Araki Koji , Katoh Kenichi , Takabatake Toshiro
Published: December 2020

We have studied the effect of geometrical frustration on the antiferromagnetic order in the Yb-based triangular lattice compound YbCuGe below TN = 4.2 K by the measurements of magnetization and specific heat under hydrostatic and uniaxial pressures. By applying hydrostatic pressure P up to 1.34 GPa, TN hardly changes. By contrast, TN increases as P is applied along the hexagonal a axis, while TN decreases by the application of P along the c axis. The increase of TN only for P‖a suggests the release of the frustration inherent in the triangular lattice of Yb ions of this compound.
Effects of Substitution of Y with Yb and Ce on the Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Mg88.5Zn5Y6.5
Authors: Liao Hongxin , Lee Taekyung , Song Jiangfeng , Kim Jonghyun , Pan Fusheng
Published: December 2020

The microstructures and mechanical properties of the Mg88.5Zn5Y6.5-XREX (RE = Yb and Ce, X = 0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5) (wt.%) alloys were investigated in the present study. Mg88.5Zn5Y6.5 is composed of three phases, namely, α-Mg, long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) phases, and intermetallic compounds. The content of the LPSO phases decreased with the addition of Ce and Yb, and no LPSO phases were detected in Mg88.5Zn5Y2.0Yb4.5. The alloys containing the LPSO phases possessed a stratified microstructure and exhibited excellent mechanical properties. Mg88.5Zn5Y5.0Ce1.5 exhibited the highest creep resistance and mechanical strength at both room temperature and 200 °C, owing to its suitable microstructure and high thermal stability. The yield strength of Mg88.5Zn5Y5.0Ce1.5 at room temperature was 358 MPa. The ultimate tensile strength of Mg88.5Zn5Y5.0Ce1.5 at room temperature and 200 °C was 453 MPa and 360 MPa, respectively.
Increasing the Lightweight Potential of Composite Cold Forging by Utilizing Magnesium and Granular Cores
Authors: Gitschel Robin , Kolpak Felix , Hering Oliver , Tekkaya A. Erman
Published: December 2020

In this paper a process sequence, that uses forward rod extrusion with cold forged C15 steel cup billets to produce lightweight shafts, is presented. The steel cup billets feature either a lightweight magnesium alloy core or a granular medium core that is removed after forming to obtain hollow shafts without the need of complex tools and highly loaded mandrels. It is shown that composite shafts featuring magnesium cores can be produced for a wide range of extrusion strains. Due to high hydrostic pressures in forward rod extrusion, the forming limit of magnesium at room temperature can be expanded. The observed bond strength between core and sheath is below the shear yield strength of utilized magnesium AZ31 alloy. Hollow shafts are successfully produced with the presented process route by utilizing zirconium oxide beads or quartz sand as a lost core. As the law of constant volume in metal forming is violated by compressible granular media, a simulation approach using a modified Drucker-Prager yield surface to model these materials is validated to provide a tool for efficient process design. Granular cores and magnesium alloy cores offer new possibilities in production of lightweight shafts by means of composite cold forging. Both process variants allow for higher weight savings than composite shafts based on aluminum cores.
Design and Simulation of Meshing Performance of Modified Straight Bevel Gears
Authors: Chen Mingzhang , Xiong Xiaoshuang , Zhuang Wuhao
Published: December 2020

As key components to transmit power and motion between intersecting shafts, it is necessary to design feasible tooth axial modification to improve the meshing performance and bearing capacity of straight bevel gears. The main purpose of this paper is to propose an effective axial modification method of straight bevel gears considering alignment errors. In this paper, the meshing performance of two kinds of tooth axial modification method (tooth end relief and symmetric crowned modification) for straight bevel gears is investigated by the finite element analysis (FEA). The results show that the tooth end relief is an optimal method to enhance the meshing performance of gears in different installations for decreasing transmission errors, reducing maximum contact stress and bending stress and improving the distribution of contact stress and bending stress. This research provides a suitable tooth end relief method of straight bevel gear with alignment errors.
Critical Assessment of the Effect of Atmospheric Corrosion Induced Hydrogen on Mechanical Properties of Advanced High Strength Steel
Authors: Rudomilova Darya , Prošek Tomáš , Traxler Ines , Faderl Josef , Luckeneder Gerald , Schimo-Aichhorn Gabriela , Muhr Andreas
Published: December 2020

Hydrogen absorption into steel during atmospheric corrosion has been of a strong concern during last decades. It is technically important to investigate if hydrogen absorbed under atmospheric exposure conditions can significantly affect mechanical properties of steels. The present work studies changes of mechanical properties of dual phase (DP) advanced high strength steel specimens with sodium chloride deposits during corrosion in humid air using Slow Strain Rate Test (SSRT). Additional annealed specimens were used as reference in order to separate the possible effect of absorbed hydrogen from that of corrosion deterioration. Hydrogen entry was monitored in parallel experiments using hydrogen electric resistance sensor (HERS) and thermal desorption mass spectrometry (TDMS). SSRT results showed a drop in elongation and tensile strength by 42% and 6%, respectively, in 27 days of atmospheric exposure. However, this decrease cannot be attributed to the effect of absorbed hydrogen despite the increase in hydrogen content with time of exposure. Cross-cut analysis revealed considerable pitting, which was suggested to be the main reason for the degradation of mechanical properties.
Posttranslational Modifications Pattern in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ene Corina Daniela , Penescu Mircea Nicolae , Georgescu Simona Roxana , Tampa Mircea , Nicolae Ilinca
Published: December 2020

Posttranslational modifications are dynamic enzymatic-mediated processes, regulated in time and space, associated with cancer development. We aimed to evaluate the significance of posttranslational modifications in the pathogenesis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The authors developed a prospective, observational study during a period of three years and included 55 patients with localized renal cell carcinoma and 30 heathy subjects. Glycosylation, nitration and carbonylation, thiol-disulfide homeostasis, methylation, phosphorylation and proteolytic cleavage were evaluated in the serum of the evaluated subjects in the present study. Our results showed some characteristics for early ccRCC: high production of cytokines, substrate hypersialylation, induced nitrosative and carbonylic stress, arginine hypermethylation, thiol/disulfide homeostasis (TDH) alteration, the regulatory role of soluble receptors (sRAGE—soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products, sIL-6R—soluble receptor for Interleukin 6) in RAGE and IL-6 signaling, the modulatory effect of TK1—thymidine kinase 1 and TuM2-PK—tumoral pyruvate-kinase 2 in controlling the level of phosphometabolites in neoplastic cells. These data could be the initial point for development of a panel of biomarkers such as total sialic acid, orosomucoids, nitrotyrosine, carbonylic metabolites, Asymmetric Dimethylarginines (ADMA), Symmetric Dimethylarginines (SDMA), and thiol-disulfide equilibrium for early diagnosis of ccRCC. Moreover, they could be considered a specific disease posttranslational modification signature which underlines the transition from early to advanced stages in this neoplasia, and of a therapeutic target in kidney oncogenesis.
Analytical Evaluation and Experiment of the Dynamic Characteristics of Double-Thimble-Type Fiber Bragg Grating Temperature Sensors
Authors: Luo Chuan , Wang Han , Zhang Dacheng , Zhao Zhengang , Li Yingna , Li Chuan , Liang Ke
Published: December 2020

A double-thimble-type fiber Bragg grating (FBG) temperature sensor that isolates the stress strain is developed, and the three materials of air, grease, and copper thimble are employed for encapsulating. To investigate the effect of different encapsulation materials on the time constant of the sensors under dynamic conditions, the transient heat conduction mathematical model is built according to the lumped heat capacity (LHC) system and thermal equilibrium theory, and the time constant is solved by an analytical solution. Then, a proportional three-dimensional sensor simulation model is established and the transient heat transfer process is numerically solved by the finite element analysis method. To verify the models, an experimental system is established to test the response speed of the three-type sensor and the experimental data are compared with the analytical and numerical solution results. The results show that the dynamic response performance depends on the encapsulation material parameters; the response speed is faster than recovery speed; and the response speed of the air packaging sensor is more than 20% faster than that of the grease packaging sensor, and more than 30% faster than that of the copper packaging sensor. The smaller the heat storage capacity and the larger the heat transfer coefficient, the faster the sensor’s response speed.
Precision EDM of Micron-Scale Diameter Hole Array Using in-Process Wire Electro-Discharge Grinding High-Aspect-Ratio Microelectrodes
Authors: Zou Zhixiang , Guo Zhongning , Huang Qinming , Yue Taiman , Liu Jiangwen , Chen Xiaolei
Published: December 2020

Micro-electrical discharge machining (micro-EDM) is a good candidate for processing micro-hole arrays, which are critical features of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), diesel injector nozzles, inkjet printheads and turbine blades, etc. In this study, the wire vibration of the wire electro-discharge grinding (WEDG) system has been analyzed theoretically, and, accordingly, an improved WEDG method was developed to fabricate micron-scale diameter and high-aspect-ratio microelectrodes for the in-process micro-EDM of hole array with hole diameter smaller than 20 μm. The improved method has a new feature of a positioning device to address the wire vibration problem, and thus to enhance microelectrodes fabrication precision. Using this method, 14 μm diameter microelectrodes with less than 0.4 μm deviation and an aspect ratio of 142, which is the largest aspect ratio ever reported in the literature, were successfully fabricated. These microelectrodes were then used to in-process micro-EDM of hole array in stainless steel. The effects of applied voltage, current and pulse frequency on hole dimensional accuracy and microelectrode wear were investigated. The optimal processing parameters were selected using response–surface experiments. To improve machining accuracy, an in-process touch-measurement compensation strategy was applied to reduce the cumulative compensation error of the micro-EDM process. Using such a system, micro-hole array (2 × 80) with average entrance diameter 18.91 μm and average exit diameter 17.65 μm were produced in 50 μm thickness stainless steel sheets, and standard deviations of hole entrance and exit sides of 0.44 and 0.38 μm, respectively, were achieved.
Sensitivity Analysis of Biosensors Based on a Dielectric-Modulated L-Shaped Gate Field-Effect Transistor
Authors: Chong Chen , Liu Hongxia , Wang Shulong , Chen Shupeng , Xie Haiwu
Published: December 2020

Label-free biomolecular sensors have been widely studied due to their simple operation. L-shaped tunneling field-effect transistors (LTFETs) are used in biosensors due to their low subthreshold swing, off-state current, and power consumption. In a dielectric-modulated LTFET (DM-LTFET), a cavity is trenched under the gate electrode in the vertical direction and filled with biomolecules to realize the function of the sensor. A 2D simulator was utilized to study the sensitivity of a DM-LTFET sensor. The simulation results show that the current sensitivity of the proposed structure could be as high as 2321, the threshold voltage sensitivity could reach 0.4, and the subthreshold swing sensitivity could reach 0.7. This shows that the DM-LTFET sensor is suitable for a high-sensitivity, low-power-consumption sensor field.
Gaining Micropattern Fidelity in an NOA81 Microsieve Laser Ablation Process
Authors: Sabahi-Kaviani Rahman , Luttge Regina
Published: December 2020

We studied the micropattern fidelity of a Norland Optical Adhesive 81 (NOA81) microsieve made by soft-lithography and laser micromachining. Ablation opens replicated cavities, resulting in three-dimensional (3D) micropores. We previously demonstrated that microsieves can capture cells by passive pumping. Flow, capture yield, and cell survival depend on the control of the micropore geometry and must yield high reproducibility within the device and from device to device. We investigated the NOA81 film thickness, the laser pulse repetition rate, the number of pulses, and the beam focusing distance. For NOA81 films spin-coated between 600 and 1200 rpm, the pulse number controls the breaching of films to form the pore’s aperture and dominates the process. Pulse repetition rates between 50 and 200 Hz had no observable influence. We also explored laser focal plane to substrate distance to find the most effective ablation conditions. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of focused ion beam (FIB)-cut cross sections of the NOA81 micropores and inverted micropore copies in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) show a smooth surface topology with minimal debris. Our studies reveal that the combined process allows for a 3D micropore quality from device to device with a large enough process window for biological studies.
Yeast Biodiversity in Fermented Doughs and Raw Cereal Matrices and the Study of Technological Traits of Selected Strains Isolated in Spain
Authors: Chiva Rosana , Celador-Lera Lorena , Uña José Antonio , Jiménez-López Ana , Espinosa-Alcantud María , Mateos-Horganero Enrique , Vega Soledad , Santos María Ángeles , Velázquez Encarna , Tamame Mercedes
Published: December 2020

Bakers use pure microorganisms and/or traditional sourdoughs as the leavening agent for making bread. The performance of each starter and the substances produced by the microorganisms greatly affect the dough rheology and features of breads. Modern sourdoughs inoculated with selected lactic acid bacteria and yeasts are microbiologically stable, safer than traditional sourdoughs, and easy to use. However, the commercial repertoire of baker’s yeasts is still limited. Therefore, there is a demand for new strains of yeast species, capable of conferring distinctive traits to breads made from a variety of agri-food matrices, in the design of innovative starters. In this context, we report the first comprehensive study on yeasts isolated from a wide range of fermented doughs, cereal flours, and grains of Spain. Nine yeast species were identified from 433 isolates, which were distributed among separate clades. Moreover, phenotypic traits of potential technological relevance were identified in selected yeast strains. Mother doughs (MDs) showed the greatest yeast biodiversity, whereas commercial Saccharomyces starters or related and wild strains often dominated the bakery doughs. A metataxonomic analysis of wheat and tritordeum MDs revealed a greater richness of yeast species and percentage variations related to the consistency, flour type, and fermentation time of MDs.
Biofilm Formation among Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Isolates Has Clinical Relevance: The ANSELM Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Pompilio Arianna , Ranalli Marco , Piccirilli Alessandra , Perilli Mariagrazia , Vukovic Dragana , Savic Branislava , Krutova Marcela , Drevinek Pavel , Jonas Daniel , Fiscarelli Ersilia V. , Tuccio Guarna Assanti Vanessa , Tavío María M. , Artiles Fernando , Di Bonaventura Giovanni
Published: December 2020

The ability to form biofilms is a recognized trait of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, but the extent of its clinical relevance is still unclear. The present multicenter prospective study (ANSELM) aims at investigating the association between biofilm formation and clinical outcomes of S. maltophilia infections. One hundred and nine isolates were collected from various geographical origins and stratified according to their clinical relevance. Biofilm formation was evaluated by the microtiter plate assay and correlated with microbiological and clinical data from the associated strains. Antibiotic susceptibility of the planktonic cells was tested by the disk diffusion technique, while antibiotic activity against mature biofilms was spectrophotometrically assessed. Most strains (91.7%) were able to form biofilm, although bloodborne strains produced biofilm amounts significantly higher than strains causing hospital- rather than community-acquired infections, and those recognized as “definite” pathogens. Biofilm formation efficiency was positively correlated with mechanical ventilation (p = 0.032), whereas a negative relationship was found with antibiotic resistance (r2 = 0.107; p < 0.001), specifically in the case of the pathogenic strains. Mature S. maltophilia biofilms were markedly more resistant (up to 128 times) to cotrimoxazole and levofloxacin compared with their planktonic counterparts, especially in the case of bloodborne strains. Our findings indicate that biofilm formation by S. maltophilia is obviously a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of infections, especially in deep ones, thus warranting additional studies with larger cohort of patients and isolates.
Comparison of Microbiological Characteristics and Genetic Diversity between Burkholderia cepacia Complex Isolates from Vascular Access and Other Clinical Infections
Authors: Wong Min Yi , Tseng Yuan-Hsi , Huang Tsung-Yu , Lin Bor-Shyh , Tung Chun-Wu , Chu Chishih , Huang Yao-Kuang
Published: December 2020

Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) is a group of closely related bacteria with widespread environmental distribution. BCC bacteria are opportunistic pathogens that cause nosocomial infections in patients, especially cystic fibrosis (CF). Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) is used nowadays to differentiate species within the BCC complex. This study collected 41 BCC isolates from vascular access infections (VAIs) and other clinical infections between 2014 and 2020. We preliminarily identified bacterial isolates using standard biochemical procedures and further conducted recA gene sequencing and MLST for species identification. We determined genetic diversity indices using bioinformatics software. We studied 14 isolates retrieved from patients with VAIs and observed that Burkholderia cepacia was the predominant bacterial species, and B. contaminans followed by B. cenocepacia were mainly retrieved from patients with other infections. According to MLST data, we identified that all B. contaminans isolates belonged to ST102, while a wide variety of sequence types (STs) were found in B. cenocepacia isolates. In summary, the high diversity and easy transmission of BCC increase BCC infections, which provides insights into their potential clinical effects in non-CF infections.
Molecular Characterization of Giardia duodenalis in Children and Adults Sampled in Algeria
Authors: Belkessa Salem , Thomas-Lopez Daniel , Houali Karim , Ghalmi Farida , Stensvold Christen Rune
Published: December 2020

The molecular epidemiology of giardiasis in Africa remains unclear. A study was carried out across four hospitals in Algeria. A total of 119 fecal samples from 55 children, 37 adults, and 27 individuals of undetermined age, all scored positive for intestinal parasites by microscopy, and were screened by real-time PCR for Giardia. Molecular characterization of Giardia was performed by assemblage-specific PCR and PCR targeting the triose phosphate isomerase gene (tpi). Of the 119 samples, 80 (67%) were Giardia-positive by real-time PCR. For 48 moderately-highly real-time PCR-positive samples, tpi genotyping assigned 22 samples to Assemblage A and 26 to Assemblage B. Contrary to Assemblage A, Assemblage B exhibited substantial genetic diversity and allelic heterozygosity. Assemblage-specific PCR proved to be specific for discriminating Assemblage A or B but not as sensitive as tpi genotyping. We confirmed that real-time PCR is more sensitive than microscopy for detecting Giardia in stool samples and that robust amplification and sequencing of the tpi gene is feasible when moderate-to-strongly real-time PCR-positive samples are used. This study is one of the few performed in Africa providing genotyping data on Giardia infections in humans. Both assemblages A and B were commonly seen and not associated with specific sociodemographic data.
Purification and Characterization of WA18, a New Mycocin Produced by Wickerhamomyces anomalus Active in Wine Against Brettanomyces bruxellensis Spoilage Yeasts
Authors: Comitini Francesca , Agarbati Alice , Canonico Laura , Galli Edoardo , Ciani Maurizio
Published: December 2020

Wickerhamomyces anomalus strain 18, isolated from a natural underground cheese ripening pit, secretes a mycocin named WA18 that inhibits wine spoilage yeasts belonging to Brettanomyces bruxellensis species, with a broad-spectrum of activity. WA18 was purified, and the purified protein was digested with specific restriction enzymes (lysine K and arginine R cut sites). The LC–MS and LC–MS/MS analysis after enzymatic digestions revealed a molecular weight of 31 kDa. Bioinformatics processing and database research of digested pure killer protein showed 99% identity with a UDP-glycosyltransferase protein. Competitive inhibition assay of killer activity by cell-wall polysaccharides suggests that branched glucans represent the first receptor site of the toxin on the envelope of the sensitive target. The WA18 partially purified crude extract (PPCE) showed high stability of antimicrobial activity at the physicochemical conditions suitable for the winemaking process. Indeed, in wine WA18 was able to counteract B. bruxellensis and control the production of ethyl phenols. In addition, the strain WA18 was compatible with Saccharomyces cerevisiae in co-culture conditions with a potential application together with commercial starter cultures. These data suggest that WA18 mycocin is a promising biocontrol agent against spoilage yeasts in winemaking, particularly during wine storage.
Candida albicans as an Essential “Keystone” Component within Polymicrobial Oral Biofilm Models?
Authors: Young Tracy , Alshanta Om-Alkhir , Kean Ryan , Bradshaw David , Pratten Jonathan , Williams Craig , Woodall Chris , Ramage Gordon , Brown Jason L.
Published: December 2020

Background: Existing standardized biofilm assays focus on simple mono-species or bacterial-only models. Incorporating Candida albicans into complex biofilm models can offer a more appropriate and relevant polymicrobial biofilm for the development of oral health products. Aims: This study aimed to assess the importance of interkingdom interactions in polymicrobial oral biofilm systems with or without C. albicans, and test how these models respond to oral therapeutic challenges in vitro. Materials and Methods: Polymicrobial biofilms (two models containing 5 and 10 bacterial species, respectively) were created in parallel in the presence and absence of C. albicans and challenged using clinically relevant antimicrobials. The metabolic profiles and biomasses of these complex biofilms were estimated using resazurin dye and crystal violet stain, respectively. Quantitative PCR was utilized to assess compositional changes in microbial load. Additional assays, for measurements of pH and lactate, were included to monitor fluctuations in virulence “biomarkers.” Results: An increased level of metabolic activity and biomass in the presence of C. albicans was observed. Bacterial load was increased by more than a factor of 10 in the presence of C. albicans. Assays showed inclusion of C. albicans impacted the biofilm virulence profiles. C. albicans did not affect the biofilms’ responses to the short-term incubations with different treatments. Conclusions: The interkingdom biofilms described herein are structurally robust and exhibit all the hallmarks of a reproducible model. To our knowledge, these data are the first to test the hypothesis that yeasts may act as potential “keystone” components of oral biofilms.
The Union Is Strength: The Synergic Action of Long Fatty Acids and a Bacteriophage against Xanthomonas campestris Biofilm
Authors: Papaianni Marina , Ricciardelli Annarita , Casillo Angela , Corsaro Maria M. , Borbone Fabio , Della Ventura Bartolomeo , Velotta Raffaele , Fulgione Andrea , Woo Sheridan L. , Tutino Maria L. , Parrilli Ermenegilda , Capparelli Rosanna
Published: December 2020

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris is known as the causative agent of black rot disease, which attacks mainly crucifers, severely lowering their global productivity. One of the main virulence factors of this pathogen is its capability to penetrate and form biofilm structures in the xylem vessels. The discovery of novel approaches to crop disease management is urgent and a possible treatment could be aimed at the eradication of biofilm, although anti-biofilm approaches in agricultural microbiology are still rare. Considering the multifactorial nature of biofilm, an effective approach against Xanthomonas campestris implies the use of a multi-targeted or combinatorial strategy. In this paper, an anti-biofilm strategy based on the use of fatty acids and the bacteriophage (Xccφ1)-hydroxyapatite complex was optimized against Xanthomonas campestris mature biofilm. The synergic action of these elements was demonstrated and the efficient removal of Xanthomonas campestris mature biofilm was also proven in a flow cell system, making the proposed approach an effective solution to enhance plant survival in Xanthomonas campestris infections. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the efficacy of the proposed treatment were explored.
Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Microbiology of Cobalt in Mining-Affected Environments
Authors: Ziwa Gabriel , Crane Rich , Hudson-Edwards Karen A.
Published: December 2020

Cobalt is recognised by the European Commission as a “Critical Raw Material” due to its irreplaceable functionality in many types of modern technology, combined with its current high-risk status associated with its supply. Despite such importance, there remain major knowledge gaps with regard to the geochemistry, mineralogy, and microbiology of cobalt-bearing environments, particularly those associated with ore deposits and subsequent mining operations. In such environments, high concentrations of Co (up to 34,400 mg/L in mine water, 14,165 mg/kg in tailings, 21,134 mg/kg in soils, and 18,434 mg/kg in stream sediments) have been documented. Co is contained in ore and mine waste in a wide variety of primary (e.g., cobaltite, carrolite, and erythrite) and secondary (e.g., erythrite, heterogenite) minerals. When exposed to low pH conditions, a number of such minerals are known to undergo dissolution, typically forming Co2+(aq). At circumneutral pH, such aqueous Co can then become immobilised by co-precipitation and/or sorption onto Fe and Mn(oxyhydr)oxides. This paper brings together contemporary knowledge on such Co cycling across different mining environments. Further research is required to gain a truly robust understanding of the Co-system in mining-affected environments. Key knowledge gaps include the mechanics and kinetics of secondary Co-bearing mineral environmental transformation, the extent at which such environmental cycling is facilitated by microbial activity, the nature of Co speciation across different Eh-pH conditions, and the environmental and human toxicity of Co.
Structural Characterization and Adsorption Capability of Carbonaceous Matters Extracted from Carbonaceous Gold Concentrate
Authors: Niu Huiqun , Yang Hongying , Tong Linlin
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the structures of element carbon and humic acid extracted from carbonaceous gold concentrate were characterized employing a variety of analytical methods. The extracted amounts of ECE (elemental carbon extract) and HAE (humic acid extract) were 14.84–38.50 and 11.55–28.05 mg g−1, respectively. SEM and porosity analysis indicated that ECE occurred mostly as irregular blocky particles with a mesoporous surface with the average pore diameter being 31.42 nm. The particle size of ECE was mainly ranged from 5.5 to 42 μm and the specific surface area was 20.35 m2 g−1. The physicochemical features and structure of ECE were close to activated carbon, and the crystallinity was slightly lower than graphite. The particle size distribution of HAE varied from 40 to 400 nm with the specific surface area of 42.84 m2 g−1, whereas the average pore diameter of HAE was 2.97 nm. FTIR and UV–VIS analyses indicated that HAE was a complex organic compound containing the enrichment of oxygen-containing structure. The results showed that the adsorption amounts of ECE and HAE under the acidic conditions were 470.46 and 357.60 mg g−1, respectively. In an alkaline environment, the amount of ECE was 449.02 mg g−1 and the value of HAE was 294.72 mg g−1. ECE mainly utilized the outer surface and mesoporous structure to adsorb gold, while the functional groups’ complexation or surface site adsorption was the leading approach for HAE to adsorb gold.
Computational Surface Modelling of Ices and Minerals of Interstellar Interest—Insights and Perspectives
Authors: Rimola Albert , Ferrero Stefano , Germain Aurèle , Corno Marta , Ugliengo Piero
Published: December 2020

The universe is molecularly rich, comprising from the simplest molecule (H2) to complex organic molecules (e.g., CH3CHO and NH2CHO), some of which of biological relevance (e.g., amino acids). This chemical richness is intimately linked to the different physical phases forming Solar-like planetary systems, in which at each phase, molecules of increasing complexity form. Interestingly, synthesis of some of these compounds only takes place in the presence of interstellar (IS) grains, i.e., solid-state sub-micron sized particles consisting of naked dust of silicates or carbonaceous materials that can be covered by water-dominated ice mantles. Surfaces of IS grains exhibit particular characteristics that allow the occurrence of pivotal chemical reactions, such as the presence of binding/catalytic sites and the capability to dissipate energy excesses through the grain phonons. The present know-how on the physicochemical features of IS grains has been obtained by the fruitful synergy of astronomical observational with astrochemical modelling and laboratory experiments. However, current limitations of these disciplines prevent us from having a full understanding of the IS grain surface chemistry as they cannot provide fundamental atomic-scale of grain surface elementary steps (i.e., adsorption, diffusion, reaction and desorption). This essential information can be obtained by means of simulations based on computational chemistry methods. One capability of these simulations deals with the construction of atom-based structural models mimicking the surfaces of IS grains, the very first step to investigate on the grain surface chemistry. This perspective aims to present the current state-of-the-art methods, techniques and strategies available in computational chemistry to model (i.e., construct and simulate) surfaces present in IS grains. Although we focus on water ice mantles and olivinic silicates as IS test case materials to exemplify the modelling procedures, a final discussion on the applicability of these approaches to simulate surfaces of other cosmic grain materials (e.g., cometary and meteoritic) is given.
A Chemometry of Aldrovanda vesiculosa L. (Waterwheel, Droseraceae) Populations
Authors: Płachno Bartosz J. , Strzemski Maciej , Dresler Sławomir , Adamec Lubomír , Wojas-Krawczyk Kamila , Sowa Ireneusz , Danielewicz Anna , Miranda Vitor F. O.
Published: December 2020

The genus Aldrovanda is a Palaeogene element containing a single extant species, Aldrovanda vesiculosa L. This aquatic carnivorous herb has a very wide range of distribution, natively covering four continents; however, it is a critically endangered aquatic plant species worldwide. Previous studies revealed that A. vesiculosa had an extremely low genetic variation. The main aim of the present paper is to explore, using chemometric tools, the diversity of 16 A. vesiculosa populations from various sites from four continents (Eurasia, Africa, Australia). Using chemometric data as markers for genetic diversity, we show the relationships of 16 A. vesiculosa populations from various sites, including four continents. Phytochemical markers allowed the identification of five well-supported (bootstrap > 90%) groups among the 16 populations sampled. The principal component analysis data support the idea that the strongly related African (Botswana) and Australian (Kimberley, NT, NW Australia) populations are the most distant ones, separated from the European and Asian ones. However, considering the five Australian populations sampled, three are nested within the Eurasian group. The chemometric data are correlated positively with the geographical distances between the samples, which suggests a tendency toward isolation for the most distant populations.
Thiazole Analogues of the Marine Alkaloid Nortopsentin as Inhibitors of Bacterial Biofilm Formation
Authors: Carbone Anna , Cascioferro Stella , Parrino Barbara , Carbone Daniela , Pecoraro Camilla , Schillaci Domenico , Cusimano Maria Grazia , Cirrincione Girolamo , Diana Patrizia
Published: December 2020

Anti-virulence strategy is currently considered a promising approach to overcome the global threat of the antibiotic resistance. Among different bacterial virulence factors, the biofilm formation is recognized as one of the most relevant. Considering the high and growing percentage of multi-drug resistant infections that are biofilm-mediated, new therapeutic agents capable of counteracting the formation of biofilms are urgently required. In this scenario, a new series of 18 thiazole derivatives was efficiently synthesized and evaluated for its ability to inhibit biofilm formation against the Gram-positive bacterial reference strains Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and S. aureus ATCC 6538 and the Gram-negative strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442. Most of the new compounds showed a marked selectivity against the Gram-positive strains. Remarkably, five compounds exhibited BIC50 values against S. aureus ATCC 25923 ranging from 1.0 to 9.1 µM. The new compounds, affecting the biofilm formation without any interference on microbial growth, can be considered promising lead compounds for the development of a new class of anti-virulence agents.
Reliable Condensation Curing Silicone Elastomers with Tailorable Properties
Authors: Jurásková Alena , Møller Olsen Stefan , Dam-Johansen Kim , Brook Michael A. , Skov Anne Ladegaard
Published: December 2020

The long-term stability of condensation curing silicone elastomers can be affected by many factors such as curing environment, cross-linker type and concentration, and catalyst concentration. Mechanically unstable silicone elastomers may lead to undesirable application failure or reduced lifetime. This study investigates the stability of different condensation curing silicone elastomer compositions. Elastomers are prepared via the reaction of telechelic silanol-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (HO-PDMS-OH) with trimethoxysilane-terminated polysiloxane ((MeO)3Si-PDMS-Si(OMe)3) and ethoxy-terminated octakis(dimethylsiloxy)-T8-silsesquioxane ((QMOEt)8), respectively. Two post-curing reactions are found to significantly affect both the stability of mechanical properties over time and final properties of the resulting elastomers: Namely, the condensation of dangling and/or unreacted polymer chains, and the reaction between cross-linker molecules. Findings from the stability study are then used to prepare reliable silicone elastomer coatings. Coating properties are tailored by varying the cross-linker molecular weight, type, and concentration. Finally, it is shown that, by proper choice of all three parameters, a coating with excellent scratch resistance and electrical breakdown strength can be produced even without an addition of fillers.