bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Effective Surface Defect Classification Method Based on RepVGG with CBAM Attention Mechanism (RepVGG-CBAM) for Aluminum Profiles
Authors: Li Zhiyang , Li Bin , Ni Hongjun , Ren Fuji , Lv Shuaishuai , Kang Xin
Published: October 2022

The automatic classification of aluminum profile surface defects is of great significance in improving the surface quality of aluminum profiles in practical production. This classification is influenced by the small and unbalanced number of samples and lack of uniformity in the size and spatial distribution of aluminum profile surface defects. It is difficult to achieve high classification accuracy by directly using the current advanced classification algorithms. In this paper, digital image processing methods such as rotation, flipping, contrast, and luminance transformation were used to augment the number of samples and imitate the complex imaging environment in actual practice. A RepVGG with CBAM attention mechanism (RepVGG-CBAM) model was proposed and applied to classify ten types of aluminum profile surface defects. The classification accuracy reached 99.41%, in particular, the proposed method can perfectly classify six types of defects: concave line (cl), exposed bottom (eb), exposed corner bottom (ecb), mixed color (mc), non-conductivity (nc) and orange peel (op), with 100% precision, recall, and F1. Compared with the existing advanced classification algorithms VGG16, VGG19, ResNet34, ResNet50, ShuffleNet_v2, and basic RepVGG, our model is the best in terms of accuracy, macro precision, macro recall and macro F1, and the accuracy was improved by 4.85% over basic RepVGG. Finally, an ablation experiment proved that the classification ability was strongest when the CBAM attention mechanism was added following Stage 1 to Stage 4 of RepVGG. Overall, the method we proposed in this paper has a significant reference value for classifying aluminum profile surface defects.
Advances in the Control and Improvement of Quality in the Resistance Spot Welding Process
Authors: Martín Óscar , De Tiedra Pilar
Published: October 2022

This work aims to respond to the need derived from the highly changing and competitive nature of the industrial environment in which the resistance spot welding (RSW) process is implemented, providing an updated and structured comprehensive overview of the advances that are being made in the field of quality control and the improvement of quality for this manufacturing process.
Numerical Study of Thermal Enhancement in a Single- and Double-Layer Microchannel Heat Sink with Different Ribs
Authors: Cao Miaolong , Cao Shi , Zhao Jincheng , Zhu Jiayi
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a microchannel heat sink model was proposed to realize single- and double- layer flow through built-in ribs. The finite element volume method was used to analyze the influence of the length, thickness and angle of the inner rib on the flow and heat transfer characteristics of the microchannel heat sink. The pressure drop, temperature field, flow field, and thermal characteristics are given. The numerical simulation results show that the rectangular rib plate makes the fluid in the microchannel heat sink flow alternately in the upper and lower layers, which can effectively enhance heat transfer. However, with the increase in rib length, the comprehensive evaluation factor decreases. The change of the angle of the rectangular rib plate has little influence on the Nusselt number. The change rate of the comprehensive evaluation factor of the thickness of the rectangular rib plate is the largest. When the Reynolds number is 1724, the comprehensive evaluation factor of Case 9 is 4.7% higher than that of Case 2. According to the parameter study of the built-in rib plate, the optimal parameter combination is given, in which the angle is 0°, the length is 7.5 mm, and the thickness is 0.2–0.3 mm.
Tangential Ultrasonic-Vibration Assisted Forming Grinding Gear: An Experimental Study
Authors: Bie Wenbo , Zhao Bo , Gao Guofu , Chen Fan , Jin Jiangwei
Published: October 2022

This study used a forming grinding wheel to machine an involute spur gear with ultrasonic vibration applied to the gear in order to improve the gear processing technology and enhance the gear processing effect. Conventional grinding and ultrasonic vibration-assisted forming grinding gear (TUVA-FGG) tests were carried out. The effects of grinding parameters, such as spindle speed, feed rate, radial grinding depth, and ultrasonic amplitude, on grinding force, grinding temperature, residual stress, surface roughness, and surface morphology were analyzed. The TUVA-FGG significantly improved processing efficiency. With the increase in spindle speed, the maximum reductions in the normal and tangential grinding forces, grinding temperature, and surface roughness reached 33.6, 24.5, 23.9, and 21.6%, respectively. With the increase in feed rate, the respective maximum reductions were 21.4, 19.7, 20.3, and 16.1%. With the increase in radial grinding depth, these values attained 24.6, 20.3, 21.5, and 17.6%, respectively. Finally, with the increase in ultrasonic amplitude, these reductions reached 21.4, 19.7, 21.5, and 19.4%. The maximum residual compressive stress grew by 30.3, 27.5, 30.9, and 27.5% with the increase of wheel rotation speed, feed speed, radial grinding depth, and ultrasonic amplitude, respectively. TUVA-FGG changed the conventional continuous cutting mechanism between the abrasive grain and workpiece into intermittent cutting, reducing grinding forces, grinding temperature, and surface roughness. Moreover, it increased residual compressive stress and improved the micromorphology of the tooth surface, thus enhancing gear machining efficiency.
Research on Broadband Matching Method for Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers Based on PDMS/TiO2 Particles
Authors: Gao Bizhen , Zhang Sai , He Changde , Wang Renxin , Yang Yuhua , Jia Licheng , Wang Zhihao , Wu Yang , Hu Shumin , Zhang Wendong
Published: October 2022

The study of impedance matching between a transducer and its working medium is an important part of acoustic transducer design. The traditional quarter wavelength matching (Q-matching) scheme is not suitable for broadband capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers. To mitigate this issue, a 0–3 composite broadband matching layer based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate/TiO2 particles is designed to achieve electrical insulation and efficient acoustic energy transfer of underwater capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) devices. In this work, the coherent potential approximation model is used to analyze the properties of 0–3 composite materials. Samples are prepared for performance testing to determine the proportion of TiO2 particles that enable the 0–3 composite materials to have the same longitudinal acoustic impedance as water. The CMUT device is packaged by a spin coating and pouring process, and its performance tests are carried out. The experimental results show that the central frequency of the transducer remains at 1.74 MHz, the −6 dB fractional bandwidth increases from 97.3% to 100.3%, the 3 dB directional main beam width increases from 8.3° to 10.3°, the side lobes decrease significantly, and the device has good reception sensitivity. These values imply that the 0–3 composite material has good matching performance, and this matching scheme has the advantages of high efficiency and wide bandwidth. This broadband matching method endows CMUTs with great advantages in underwater detection systems, and it facilitates underwater ultrasonic imaging of CMUT.
Learning from the Invaders: What Viruses Teach Us about RNA-Based Regulation in Microbes
Authors: Sarin L. Peter
Published: October 2022

Viruses feature an evolutionary shaped minimal genome that is obligately dependent on the cellular transcription and translation machinery for propagation. To suppress host cell immune responses and ensure efficient replication, viruses employ numerous tactics to favor viral gene expression and protein synthesis. This necessitates a carefully balanced network of virus- and host-encoded components, of which the RNA-based regulatory mechanisms have emerged as particularly interesting albeit insufficiently studied, especially in unicellular organisms such as archaea, bacteria, and yeasts. Here, recent advances that further our understanding of RNA-based translation regulation, mainly through post-transcriptional chemical modification of ribonucleosides, codon usage, and (virus-encoded) transfer RNAs, will be discussed in the context of viral infection.
Labeling Ebola Virus with a Self-Splicing Fluorescent Reporter
Authors: Heiden Baylee , Mühlberger Elke , Lennon Christopher W. , Hume Adam J.
Published: October 2022

Inteins (intervening proteins) are polypeptides that interrupt the sequence of other proteins and remove themselves through protein splicing. In this intein-catalyzed reaction, the two peptide bonds surrounding the intein are rearranged to release the intein from the flanking protein sequences, termed N- and C-exteins, which are concurrently joined by a peptide bond. Because of this unique functionality, inteins have proven exceptionally useful in protein engineering. Previous work has demonstrated that heterologous proteins can be inserted within an intein, with both the intein and inserted protein retaining function, allowing for intein-containing genes to coexpress additional coding sequences. Here, we show that a fluorescent protein (ZsGreen) can be inserted within the Pyrococcus horikoshii RadA intein, with the hybrid protein (ZsG-Int) maintaining fluorescence and splicing capability. We used this system to create a recombinant Ebola virus expressing a fluorescent protein. We first tested multiple potential insertion sites for ZsG-Int within individual Ebola virus proteins, identifying a site within the VP30 gene that facilitated efficient intein splicing in mammalian cells while also preserving VP30 function. Next, we successfully rescued a virus containing the ZsG-Int-VP30 fusion protein, which displayed fluorescence in the infected cells. We thus report a new intein-based application for adding reporters to systems without the need to add additional genes. Further, this work highlights a novel reporter design, whereby the reporter is only made if the protein of interest is translated and does not remain fused to the protein of interest.
Enzyme Profiling and Identification of Endophytic and Rhizospheric Bacteria Isolated from Arthrocnemum macrostachyum
Authors: Khan Tooba , Alzahrani Othman M. , Sohail Muhammad , Hasan Khwaja Ali , Gulzar Salman , Rehman Ammad Ur , Mahmoud Samy F. , Alswat Amal S. , Abdel-Gawad Shebl Abdallah
Published: October 2022

Endophytic and rhizospheric bacteria isolated from halophytic plants support their host to survive in hyper-saline soil. These bacteria are also known to produce various enzymes with potential industrial applications. In this study, the endophytic and rhizospheric bacteria were isolated from Arthrocnemum macrostachyum collected from Karachi, Pakistan, and their ability to produce various extracellular enzymes was assessed using commercial and natural substrates. In total, 11 bacterial strains were isolated (four endophytic; seven rhizospheric). Bacillus was found to be the most abundant genus (73%), followed by Glutamicibacter (27%). The isolates including Glutamicibacter endophyticus and Bacillus licheniformis are reported for the first time from A. macrostachyum. All of the isolates were capable of producing at least two of the five industrially important hydrolytic enzymes tested, i.e., xylanase, cellulase, amylase, pectinase, and lipase. Lipase production was found to be highest among the isolates, i.e., up to 18 IU mL−1. Although most of the isolates could grow at a wide range of temperatures (4–55 °C), pH (1–11), and salt concentrations (2–12%), under extreme conditions, very little growth was observed and the optimal growth was recorded between 2% and 6% NaCl, 25 and 45 °C, and 7 and 9 pH. Our results suggest that these isolates could be potential producers of enzymes with several biotechnological applications.
Multi-Organ Transcriptome Response of Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) to Aeromonas salmonicida Subspecies salmonicida Systemic Infection
Authors: Chakraborty Setu , Hossain Ahmed , Cao Trung , Gnanagobal Hajarooba , Segovia Cristopher , Hill Stephen , Monk Jennifer , Porter Jillian , Boyce Danny , Hall Jennifer R. , Bindea Gabriela , Kumar Surendra , Santander Javier
Published: October 2022

Lumpfish is utilized as a cleaner fish to biocontrol sealice infestations in Atlantic salmon farms. Aeromonas salmonicida, a Gram-negative facultative intracellular pathogen, is the causative agent of furunculosis in several fish species, including lumpfish. In this study, lumpfish were intraperitoneally injected with different doses of A. salmonicida to calculate the LD50. Samples of blood, head-kidney, spleen, and liver were collected at different time points to determine the infection kinetics. We determined that A. salmonicida LD50 is 102 CFU per dose. We found that the lumpfish head-kidney is the primary target organ of A. salmonicida. Triplicate biological samples were collected from head-kidney, spleen, and liver pre-infection and at 3- and 10-days post-infection for RNA-sequencing. The reference genome-guided transcriptome assembly resulted in 6246 differentially expressed genes. The de novo assembly resulted in 403,204 transcripts, which added 1307 novel genes not identified by the reference genome-guided transcriptome. Differential gene expression and gene ontology enrichment analyses suggested that A. salmonicida induces lethal infection in lumpfish by uncontrolled and detrimental blood coagulation, complement activation, inflammation, DNA damage, suppression of the adaptive immune system, and prevention of cytoskeleton formation.
Metabolic Characteristics of Porcine LA-MRSA CC398 and CC9 Isolates from Germany and China via Biolog Phenotype MicroArrayTM
Authors: Krüger-Haker Henrike , Ji Xing , Bartel Alexander , Feßler Andrea T. , Hanke Dennis , Jiang Nansong , Tedin Karsten , Maurischat Sven , Wang Yang , Wu Congming , Schwarz Stefan
Published: October 2022

Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) is an important zoonotic pathogen, often multi-resistant to antimicrobial agents. Among swine, LA-MRSA of clonal complex (CC) 398 dominates in Europe, Australia and the Americas, while LA-MRSA-CC9 is the main epidemic lineage in Asia. Here, we comparatively investigated the metabolic properties of rare and widespread porcine LA-MRSA isolates from Germany and China using Biolog Phenotype MicroArray technology to evaluate if metabolic variations could have played a role in the development of two different epidemic LA-MRSA clones in swine. Overall, we were able to characterize the isolates’ metabolic profiles and show their tolerance to varying environmental conditions. Sparse partial least squares discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA) supported the detection of the most informative substrates and/or conditions that revealed metabolic differences between the LA-MRSA lineages. The Chinese LA-MRSA-CC9 isolates displayed unique characteristics, such as a consistently delayed onset of cellular respiration, and increased, reduced or absent usage of several nutrients. These possibly unfavorable metabolic properties might promote the ongoing gradual replacement of the current epidemic LA-MRSA-CC9 clone in China with the emerging LA-MRSA-CC398 lineage through livestock trade and occupational exposure. Due to the enhanced pathogenicity of the LA-MRSA-CC398 clone, the public health risk posed by LA-MRSA from swine might increase further.
Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus Isolates from Bovine Mastitis and Bulk Tank Milk: First Isolation of Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus in Japan
Authors: Miyazawa Ryota , Shimoda So , Matsuda Keiichi , Tobe Ryuta , Ando Tasuke , Yoneyama Hiroshi
Published: October 2022

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most important pathogens in humans as well as in livestock. Particularly, bovine mastitis caused by S. aureus is a serious issue in dairy farms due to disease recurrence. Here, cases of S. aureus-mediated intramammary infection occurring in the Miyagi Prefecture in Japan were monitored from May 2015 to August 2019; a total of 59 strains (49 from bovine milk and 10 from bulk milk) were obtained from 15 dairy farms and analyzed via sequence-based typing methods and antibiotic susceptibility tests. Two pairs of isolates were determined as recurrence cases from the same cows in distinct farms. The sequence type (ST), spa type, and coa type of each pair were the same: one pair showed ST705, t529, and VIb and the other showed ST352, t267, and VIc. In addition, the possession of toxin genes analyzed of each pair was exactly the same. Furthermore, seven oxacillin-sensitive clonal complex 398 isolates were obtained from a single farm. This is the first confirmed case of a Methicillin-Sensitive SA (MSSA) ST398 strain isolated from mastitis-containing cows in Japan. Our findings suggest that nationwide surveillance of the distribution of ST398 strains in dairy farms is important for managing human and animal health.
Food Safety Issues Related to Eating In and Eating Out
Authors: Gargiulo Adriana H. , Duarte Stephany G. , Campos Gabriela Z. , Landgraf Mariza , Franco Bernadette D. G. M. , Pinto Uelinton M.
Published: October 2022

Because of growing urbanization and lack of time to prepare meals at home, eating out or getting food delivered have become common trends for many people. The consumption of food from unknown sources may impose an increased chance of contamination with microbiological hazards, especially if sanitary conditions are not met. We evaluated data from health surveillance agencies and scientific articles on foodborne diseases (FBD) reported internationally according to the exposure sites. We observed that the data are influenced by cultural, political, and socioeconomic differences. For instance, in New Zealand, Australia, United States, Denmark and India, the occurrence of FBD outbreaks was greater from foods prepared in commercial establishments and street vendors than from households. Conversely, in China, countries of the European Union and Brazil, the results are the opposite. Additionally, the pandemic imposed new eating behavior patterns, increasing delivery services and foods prepared in so-called “Dark Kitchens”. The underreporting and heterogeneity of data among countries prevented a precise conclusion to the question of whether homemade foods are inherently safer than foods prepared out. Nevertheless, a lower level of development in a country influences its sanitation conditions, as well as the number of street food vendors, the search for cheaper foods, and insufficient knowledge of the population on good hygiene practices, which can all increase the chances of FBD cases.
Numerical Analysis of the Radial Load, Pressure and Velocity Fields of a Single Blade Pump
Authors: Bleho Dávid , Olšiak Róbert , Knížat Branislav , Mlkvik Marek
Published: October 2022

The centrifugal screw-type pump is a type of pump which, due to its hydraulic and mechanical properties, is used in several areas of the industry (e.g., for sludge and rainwater disposal). To avoid impeller passage clogging, the 3D impeller geometry is designed as a helically curved blade added to a conical hub. The passability through the fluid canal of the modelled impeller is 100 mm. In this paper, the magnitude of the radial force on an impeller blade is investigated as a function of the flow rate. The digital model was designed in Catia V5 and calculated using the commercial Ansys CFX software. A numerical computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method was used to investigate the performance characteristics of the pump, specifically discussing internal flow conditions such as velocity, pressure and the radial force mentioned above.
Extending the Scope of the New Variant of the Castagnoli–Cushman Cyclocondensation onto o-Methyl Benzoic Acids Bearing Various Electron-Withdrawing Groups in the α-Position
Authors: Guranova Natalia , Yakovleva Lyudmila , Bakulina Olga , Dar’in Dmitry , Krasavin Mikhail
Published: October 2022

Based on the previously reported involvement of homophthalic acid monoesters in the Castagnoli–Cushman reaction-type cyclocondensation with imines, we tested a number of other o-methyl benzoic acids bearing various electron-withdrawing groups in the α-position. The majority of these substrates delivered the expected tetrahydroisoquinolone adducts on activation with CDI or acetic anhydride. Homophthalic acid mononitriles displayed the highest promise as substrates for the new reaction, both in terms of scope and product yields. Homophthalic acid monoamides either gave low yields or failed to react with imines. Sulfonyl-substituted substrates gave the desired (and hitherto unknown) type of tetrahydroisoquinolines. Despite the low yields, this approach to sulfonyl-substituted tetrahydroisoquinolines appears practical as alternative syntheses based on the traditional, carboxylic acid CCR adducts would presumably be cumbersome and multistep. The azido- and nitro-substituted o-methyl benzoic acids failed to react with imines.
The Antibacterial and Larvicidal Potential of Bis-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum
Authors: Javed Muhammad Rizwan , Salman Mahwish , Tariq Anam , Tawab Abdul , Zahoor Muhammad Kashif , Naheed Shazia , Shahid Misbah , Ijaz Anam , Ali Hazrat
Published: October 2022

Lactic acid bacteria produce a variety of antibacterial and larvicidal metabolites, which could be used to cure diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria and to efficiently overcome issues regarding insecticide resistance. In the current study, the antibacterial and larvicidal potential of Bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate isolated from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BCH-1 has been evaluated. Bioactive compounds were extracted by ethyl acetate and were fractionated by gradient column chromatography from crude extract. Based on FT-IR analysis followed by GC-MS and ESI-MS/MS, the active compound was identified to be Bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate. Antibacterial potential was evaluated by disk diffusion against E. coli (12.33 ± 0.56 mm inhibition zone) and S. aureus (5.66 ± 1.00 mm inhibition zone). Larvicidal potency was performed against Culex quinquefasciatus Say larvae, where Bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate showed 100% mortality at 250 ppm after 72 h with LC50 of 67.03 ppm. Furthermore, after 72 h the acetylcholinesterase inhibition was observed as 29.00, 40.33, 53.00, 64.00, and 75.33 (%) at 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 ppm, respectively. In comet assay, mean comet tail length (14.18 ± 0.28 μm), tail DNA percent damage (18.23 ± 0.06%), tail movement (14.68 ± 0.56 µm), comet length (20.62 ± 0.64 µm), head length (23.75 ± 0.27 µm), and head DNA percentage (39.19 ± 0.92%) were observed at 250 ppm as compared to the control. The current study for the first time describes the promising antibacterial and larvicidal potential of Bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum that would have potential pharmaceutical applications.
Exploration of Habitat-Related Chemical Markers for Stephania tetrandra Applying Multiple Chromatographic and Chemometric Analysis
Authors: Cao Xiunan , Miao Xinxin , Ge Minglei , Zhang Mengmeng , Lv Zhenguo , Wang Wei , Chang Yanxu , Ouyang Huizi , He Jun
Published: October 2022

Geo-authentic herbs refer to medicinal materials produced in a specific region with superior quality. Stephania tetrandra S. Moore (S. tetrandra) is cultivated in many provinces of China, including Anhui, Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan, and Taiwan, among which Jiangxi is the geo-authentic origin. To explore habitat-related chemical markers of herbal medicine, an integrated chromatographic technique including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) combined with chemometric analysis was established. The established methods manifested that they were clearly divided into two groups according to non-authentic origins and geo-authentic origins, suggesting that the metabolites were closely related to their producing areas. A total of 70 volatile compounds and 50 non-volatile compounds were identified in S. tetrandra. Meanwhile, tetrandrine, fangchinoline, isocorydine, magnocurarine, magnoflorine, boldine, and higenamine as chemical markers were accurately quantified and suggested importance in grouping non-authentic origins and geo-authentic origins samples. The discriminatory analysis also indicated well prediction performance with an accuracy of 80%. The results showed that the multiple chromatographic and chemometric analysis technique could be used as an effective approach for discovering the chemical markers of herbal medicine to fulfill the evaluation of overall chemical consistency among samples from different producing areas.
Complex-Forming Properties of Ceftazidime with Fe(III) Ions in an Aqueous Solution
Authors: Pająk Marek , Woźniczka Magdalena , Fichna Jakub
Published: October 2022

In the present study, the complexing properties of ceftazidime with Fe(III) ions in aqueous solutions were characterized by UV-vis spectrophotometric and potentiometric methods. Using the UV-vis spectrophotometric method, the absorbance values for Fe(III) ions, a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic (ceftazidime), and the Fe(III)-ceftazidime system were determined. Based on pH-metric studies, the value of the stability constant for the Fe(III)-ceftazidime complex was calculated.
Sustainable Ketalization of Glycerol with Ethyl Levulinate Catalyzed by the Iron(III)-Based Metal-Organic Framework MIL-88A
Authors: Melchiorre Massimo , Lentini Domenico , Cucciolito Maria Elena , Taddeo Francesco , Hmoudah Maryam , Di Serio Martino , Ruffo Francesco , Russo Vincenzo , Esposito Roberto
Published: October 2022

The catalytic properties of a simple iron-containing MOF based on fumaric acid, MIL-88A, were investigated in the ketalization of ethyl levulinate with glycerol. The corresponding product is a component of current interest as a renewable building block for many uses. Under the following conditions (solventless, 120 °C, stoichiometric ratio, 1% cat.), the reaction proceeds with good yields (85%), and the catalyst can be recovered and recycled without loss of activity, despite some changes in the crystalline lattice and morphology. Moreover, the residual iron content in the product is in the order of units of ppm (≤2), which demonstrates the robustness of the MOF under the reaction conditions.
In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Azadirachta indica Aqueous Leaf Extract against MDR Pathogens
Authors: Alqahtani Omaish , Mirajkar Kiran K. , Kumar K R. Anil , Mahnashi Mater H. , Shaikh Ibrahim Ahmed , Mitra Susweta , Nagaraj Harshitha , More Sunil S. , Muddapur Uday M. , Khan Aejaz Abdullatif , Sudarshan P. Renuka
Published: October 2022

Rice is the most important staple food crop feeding more than 50% of the world’s population. Rice blast is the most devastating fungal disease, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae (M. oryzae) which is widespread in rice growing fields causing a significant reduction in the yield. The present study was initiated to evaluate the effect of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the biochemical constituents of rice plants infected with blast. AgNPs were synthesized by using Azadirachta indica leaf extract and their characterization was performed using UV-visible spectroscopy, particle size analyser (PSA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) which confirmed the presence of crystalline, spherical shaped silver nanoparticles with an average size of 58.9 nm. After 45 days of sowing, artificial inoculation of rice blast disease was performed. After the onset of disease symptoms, the plants were treated with AgNPs with different concentrations. Application of nanoparticles elevated the activity of antioxidative enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase compared to control plants, and total phenol and reducing sugars were also elevated. The outcome of this study showed that an increase in all biochemical constituents was recorded for A. indica silver nanoparticles-treated plants. The highest values were recorded in 30 ppm and 50 ppm AgNPs-treated plants, which showed the highest resistance towards the pathogen. Green synthesized AgNPs can be used in future for disease control in susceptible varieties of rice. The synthesized AgNPs using A. indica leaf extract have shown promising antibacterial activity when tested against 14 multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria comprising Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (n = 6) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 7) with a good zone of inhibition diameter, tested with the disc diffusion method. Based on these findings, it appears that A. indica AgNPs have promise as an antibacterial agent effective against MDR pathogens.
Dark Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium) Anthocyanins Suppressed ERK1/2-Akt/mTOR Cell Signaling and Oxidative Stress: Implications for TNBC Growth and Invasion
Authors: Silveira Rabelo Ana Carolina , Mertens-Talcott Susanne U. , Chew Boon P. , Noratto Giuliana
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to assess dark sweet cherry (DSC) total polyphenols (WE) and anthocyanins (ACN) against metastatic breast cancer (BC). The WE and ACN anticancer activity and underlying mechanisms were assessed in vitro using 4T1 BC cells. A pilot study using a BALB/C mouse syngeneic model bearing 4T1 tumors assessed the anti-metastatic potential of ACN in vivo. ACN inhibited cell viability with higher potency than WE and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) (IC50 = 58.6 µg cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalent (C3G)/mL or 122 µM). ACN induced p38 stress-related intrinsic apoptosis, leading to caspase-3 cleavage and total PARP decrease. ACN suppressed ERK1/2 and Akt/mTOR signaling pathways, which are abnormally activated in BC and promote motility and invasion. This was consistent with suppression of VCAM-1 mRNA, Scr phosphorylation and 88.6% reduction of cells migrating to wounded area. The pilot in vivo results supported the ACN-mediated suppression of angiogenesis in tumors and lungs. ACN also lowered Cenpf mRNA in lungs, associated with lung metastasis lesions and poor survival. Results demonstrated the dual Akt-ERK inhibitory role of ACN and suppression of their downstream pro-invasive targets. These results encourage a larger scale in vivo study to confirm that ACN may help to fight BC invasion and metastasis.
Development of an Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Hydroxylated Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Animal-Derived Food
Authors: Zhao Wenyu , Cui Na , Huang Yuan , Wang Zihao , Wang Peilong , Liang Haijun , Wang Ruiguo , Su Xiaoou
Published: October 2022

Hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls (OH-PCBs) are a group of metabolites biotransformed from polychlorinated biphenyls by animals with higher toxicities than their parent compounds. The present work developed and validated an analytical method for determinating penta-, hexa-, and hepta-chlorine substituted OH-PCBs in animal-derived food based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) with isotope-dilution. The target analytes were extracted with a 50% n-hexane/dichloromethane (v/v), purified by sulfuric acid-silica gel, and separated by 5% hydrated silica gel, achieving a final concentration of 100 times before injection to LC–MS/MS. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) for target OH-PCBs were within the ranges of 0.003–0.010 μg/kg and 0.009–0.030 μg/kg, respectively. Average recoveries ranged between 76.7% and 116.5%, with relative standard deviations of less than 18.4%. The proposed method is simple, time-saving, sensitive, and accurate, making it a powerful tool for risk monitoring of OH-PCBs in animal-derived food.
Classical vs. Non-Classical Cyclometalated Pt(II) Complexes
Authors: Maidich Luca , Pilo Maria I. , Rourke Jonathan P. , Clarkson Guy J. , Canu Patrizia , Stoccoro Sergio , Zucca Antonio
Published: October 2022

Rollover cyclometalated complexes constitute a family of derivatives which differ from classical cyclometalated species in certain aspects. Various potential application fields have been developed for both classes of compounds, which have both similarities and differences. In order to uncover the relationships and distinctions between these two families of compounds, four Pt(II) cyclometalated complexes derived from 2-phenylpyridine (ppy) and 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy), assumed as prototypical ligands, were compared. For this study, an electron rich isostructural and isoelectronic pair of compounds, [Pt(N^C)Me(PPh3)], and an electron-poorer compound, [Pt(N^C)Cl(PPh3)] were chosen (N^C = ppy or bpy). DFT calculations, cyclic voltammetry, and UV-Vis spectra also helped to shed light into these species. Due to the presence of the more electronegative nitrogen in place of a C-H group, the rollover bpy-H ligand becomes a slightly weaker donor than the classical ppy-H ligand, and hence, generates (slightly) more stable cyclometalated complexes, lower energy frontier molecular orbitals, and electron-poorer platinum centers. On the whole, it was revealed that classical and rollover complexes have overall structural similarity, which contrasts to their somewhat different chemical behavior.
Fatty Acids of Ten Commonly Consumed Pulses
Authors: Byrdwell William Craig , Goldschmidt Robert J.
Published: October 2022

Gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionization detection (FID) and mass spectrometry (MS) detection were used to characterize the fatty acid (FA) compositions of ten commonly consumed (i.e., market class) pulses. Lipids from ground pulses were extracted using a classical chloroform/methanol extraction and quantified by GC-FID with structural confirmation by GC-MS. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to FA compositions of the pulse extracts, and the pulses clustered into three distinct groups: one rich in linolenic acid, 18:3 (carbon number:unsaturation, C:U), one rich in 16:0, and one in which 18:1 was highest, along with predominant 18:2. These ten pulses averaged 46.1% linoleic acid (18:2), 22.7% oleic acid (18:1), 18.0% palmitic acid (16:0), and 7.6% linolenic acid (18:3). Individual values ranged widely, with 18:2 ranging from 26.0% in black beans to 48.4% in garbanzo beans. The greatest difference was in 18:3, which ranged from 2.2% in garbanzo beans to 38.8% in pinto beans. Oxo-FA were observed in all ten samples, and the distribution of oxo-FA in the samples also varied. Overall, the very different FA compositions of pulses lead to the possibility of breeding and genetic modification between pulses to produce the most desirable FA composition for nutritional benefit.
Water Saturated with Pressurized CO2 as a Tool to Create Various 3D Morphologies of Composites Based on Chitosan and Copper Nanoparticles
Authors: Stamer Katerina S. , Pigaleva Marina A. , Pestrikova Anastasiya A. , Nikolaev Alexander Y. , Naumkin Alexander V. , Abramchuk Sergei S. , Sadykova Vera S. , Kuvarina Anastasia E. , Talanova Valeriya N. , Gallyamov Marat O.
Published: October 2022

Methods for creating various 3D morphologies of composites based on chitosan and copper nanoparticles stabilized by it in carbonic acid solutions formed under high pressure of saturating CO2 were developed. This work includes a comprehensive analysis of the regularities of copper nanoparticles stabilization and reduction with chitosan, studied by IR and UV-vis spectroscopies, XPS, TEM and rheology. Chitosan can partially reduce Cu2+ ions in aqueous solutions to small-sized, spherical copper nanoparticles with a low degree of polydispersity; the process is accompanied by the formation of an elastic polymer hydrogel. The resulting composites demonstrate antimicrobial activity against both fungi and bacteria. Exposing the hydrogels to the mixture of He or H2 gases and CO2 fluid under high pressure makes it possible to increase the porosity of hydrogels significantly, as well as decrease their pore size. Composite capsules show sufficient resistance to various conditions and reusable catalytic activity in the reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline reaction. The relative simplicity of the proposed method and at the same time its profound advantages (such as environmental friendliness, extra purity) indicate an interesting role of this study for various applications of materials based on chitosan and metals.
A Computational Study on the Mechanism of Catalytic Cyclopropanation Reaction with Cobalt N-Confused Porphyrin: The Effects of Inner Carbon and Intramolecular Axial Ligand
Authors: Iwanaga Osamu , Miyanishi Mayuko , Tachibana Toshihiro , Miyazaki Takaaki , Shiota Yoshihito , Yoshizawa Kazunari , Furuta Hiroyuki
Published: October 2022

The factors that affect acceleration and high trans/cis selectivity in the catalytic cyclopropanation reaction of styrene with ethyl diazoacetate by cobalt N-confused porphyrin (NCP) complexes were investigated using density functional theory calculations. The reaction rate was primarily related to the energy gap between the cobalt–carbene adduct intermediates, A and B, which was affected by the NCP skeletons and axial pyridine ligands more than the corresponding porphyrin complex. In addition, high trans/cis stereoselectivity was determined at the TS1 and, in part, in the isomerization process at the carbon-centered radical intermediates, Ctrans and Ccis.
Atomic-Resolution Experimental Structural Biology and Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Hyaluronan and Its Complexes
Authors: Guvench Olgun
Published: October 2022

This review summarizes the atomic-resolution structural biology of hyaluronan and its complexes available in the Protein Data Bank, as well as published studies of atomic-resolution explicit-solvent molecular dynamics simulations on these and other hyaluronan and hyaluronan-containing systems. Advances in accurate molecular mechanics force fields, simulation methods and software, and computer hardware have supported a recent flourish in such simulations, such that the simulation publications now outnumber the structural biology publications by an order of magnitude. In addition to supplementing the experimental structural biology with computed dynamic and thermodynamic information, the molecular dynamics studies provide a wealth of atomic-resolution information on hyaluronan-containing systems for which there is no atomic-resolution structural biology either available or possible. Examples of these summarized in this review include hyaluronan pairing with other hyaluronan molecules and glycosaminoglycans, with ions, with proteins and peptides, with lipids, and with drugs and drug-like molecules. Despite limitations imposed by present-day computing resources on system size and simulation timescale, atomic-resolution explicit-solvent molecular dynamics simulations have been able to contribute significant insight into hyaluronan’s flexibility and capacity for intra- and intermolecular non-covalent interactions.
Purification and Characterization of Bot33: A Non-Toxic Peptide from the Venom of Buthus occitanus tunetanus Scorpion
Authors: ElFessi Rym , Khamessi Oussema , Srairi-Abid Najet , Sabatier Jean-Marc , Tytgat Jan , Peigneur Steve , Kharrat Riadh
Published: October 2022

Scorpion venom is a rich source of promising therapeutic compounds, such as highly selective ion channel ligands with potent pharmacological effects. Bot33 is a new short polypeptide of 38 amino acid residues with six cysteines purified from the venom of the Buthus occitanus tunetanus scorpion. Bot33 has revealed less than 40% identity with other known alpha-KTx families. This peptide displayed a neutral amino acid (Leucine), in the position equivalent to lysine 27, described as essential for the interaction with Kv channels. Bot33 did not show any toxicity following i.c.v. injection until 2 µg/kg mouse body weight. Due to its very low venom concentration (0.24%), Bot33 was chemically synthesized. Unexpectedly, this peptide has been subjected to a screening on ion channels expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and it was found that Bot33 has no effect on seven Kv channel subtypes. Interestingly, an in silico molecular docking study shows that the Leu27 prevents the interaction of Bot33 with the Kv1.3 channel. All our results indicate that Bot33 may have a different mode of action from other scorpion toxins, which will be interesting to elucidate.
Effectiveness of 38% Silver Diamine Fluoride Application along with Atraumatic Restorative Treatment for Arresting Caries in Permanent Teeth When Compared to Atraumatic Restorative Treatment in Adults—Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Varughese Anju , Janakiram Chandrashekar , Varma Balagopal , Mathew Anil , Venugopalan Shankar Rengasamy , Ramanarayanan Venkitachalam , Singh Prabath
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Dental caries in the adult population that require preventive and therapeutic treatment are generally neglected in rural communities. The determination of the effectiveness of the application of 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in arresting caries lesions when combined with atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) is very important, as it serves as a preventive and restorative procedure to regain the function of the permanent dentition. The assessment of optimal SDF application with ART, in comparison with ART alone, in managing cavitated carious lesions in a pragmatic setting, is the need of the hour to recommend optimal dental care, especially in rural settings which have minimal access to comprehensive dental care. Methods and Analysis: The clinical trial will enrol 220 adults (18–65 years) with cavitated carious lesions attending the Amrita School of Dentistry in the Ernakulam district, India. This study is a randomized, controlled trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio in two parallel groups. Study arm 1 will receive 38% SDF application and ART, and study arm 2 will receive ART only. A digital radiograph will be taken immediately after restoration (baseline) as well as at the end of the 6th month for evaluation of caries arrest. The assessment of the survival of the restoration will be done on the 7th day, 30th day, and at the end of the 6th month. The final analysis would include both the tooth and person levels. Ethics and Dissemination: This trial adheres to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and the guidelines of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). This study protocol has been approved by the Institutional Review Board. This trial has been registered prospectively with the Clinical Trial Registry of India (Registration No: CTRI/2021/12/038816).
Nano- and Microsensors for In Vivo Real-Time Electrochemical Analysis: Present and Future Perspectives
Authors: Vaneev Alexander N. , Timoshenko Roman V. , Gorelkin Petr V. , Klyachko Natalia L. , Korchev Yuri E. , Erofeev Alexander S.
Published: October 2022

Electrochemical nano- and microsensors have been a useful tool for measuring different analytes because of their small size, sensitivity, and favorable electrochemical properties. Using such sensors, it is possible to study physiological mechanisms at the cellular, tissue, and organ levels and determine the state of health and diseases. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the application of electrochemical sensors for measuring neurotransmitters, oxygen, ascorbate, drugs, pH values, and other analytes in vivo. The evolution of electrochemical sensors is discussed, with a particular focus on the development of significant fabrication schemes. Finally, we highlight the extensive applications of electrochemical sensors in medicine and biological science.
Does Size Matter? The Case of Piezoresistive Properties of Carbon Nanotubes/Elastomer Nanocomposite Synthesized through Mechanochemistry
Authors: Turco Antonio , Monteduro Anna Grazia , Montagna Francesco , Primiceri Elisabetta , Frigione Mariaenrica , Maruccio Giuseppe
Published: October 2022

The growing interest in piezoresistive sensors has favored the development of numerous approaches and materials for their fabrication. Within this framework, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are often employed. However, CNTs are a heterogeneous material with different morphological characteristics in terms of length and diameter, and, so far, experimental studies have not usually considered the effect of these parameters on the final sensor performances. Here, we observe how, by simply changing the CNTs length in a solvent-free mechanochemistry fabrication method, different porous 3D elastomeric nanocomposites with different electrical and mechanical properties can be obtained. In particular, the use of longer carbon nanotubes allows the synthesis of porous nanocomposites with better mechanical stability and conductivity, and with a nine-times-lower limit of detection (namely 0.2 Pa) when used as a piezoresistive sensor. Moreover, the material prepared with longer carbon nanotubes evidenced a faster recovery of its shape and electrical properties during press/release cycles, thus allowing faster response at different pressures. These results provide evidence as to how CNTs length can be a key aspect in obtaining piezoresistive sensors with better properties.
Competition of Photo-Excitation and Photo-Desorption Induced Positive and Negative Photoconductivity Switch in Te Nanowires
Authors: Yin Yanling , Ling Jing , Wang Liushun , Zhou Weichang , Peng Yuehua , Zhou Yulan , Tang Dongsheng
Published: October 2022

The photocurrent in tellurium nanowire (Te NW) exhibits a subtle influence by many extrinsic factors. Herein, we fabricate Te NW devices and explore their photoresponse properties in detail. It is observed that the current increases greatly at low environmental relative humidity (RH) under light illumination, demonstrating an evident positive photoconductivity (PPC). However, the photocurrent reduces at high RH, yielding a typical negative photoconductivity (NPC). In addition, when exposed to a proper relative humidity, Te NW devices show PPC immediately and then transfer to NPC gradually under illumination, exhibiting the RH sensitive PPC/NPC switch. It is proposed that the competition between photo-excitation and photo-desorption is responsible for this subtle switch of PPC/NPC. On the one hand, the adsorbed water molecules on the surface of Te nanowires, acting as electron acceptors, lead to an increase of conductance, exhibiting the PPC phenomenon. On the other hand, the photo-desorption of water molecules from the surface results in a decreased carrier concentration in the Te nanowires, yielding the NPC phenomenon. The in-depth understanding of such charge transfer processes between the absorbed water molecules and Te nanowires provides an effective route to modulate the carrier densities and control the PPC/NPC switch, which will accelerate the design and application of novel optoelectronic nanodevices.