bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Spark Plasma Sintered Mg-Zn-Ca-Pr Alloy
Authors: Hrapkowicz Bartłomiej , Lesz Sabina , Karolus Małgorzata , Garbiec Dariusz , Wiśniewski Jakub , Rubach Rafał , Gołombek Klaudiusz , Kremzer Marek , Popis Julia
Published: February 2022

Alloys based on magnesium are of considerable scientific interest as they have very attractive mechanical and biological properties that could be used to manufacture biodegradable materials for medical applications. Mechanical alloying is a very suitable process to obtain alloys that are normally hard to produce as it allows for solid-state diffusion via highly energetic milling, producing fine powders. Powders obtained by this method can be sintered into nearly net-shape products, moreover, their phase and chemical composition can be specifically tailored. This work aims to investigate the effect of milling time on the density, microstructure, phase composition, and mechanical properties of Mg-Zn-Ca-Pr powders processed by high energy mechanical alloying (HEMA) and consolidated by spark plasma sintering (SPS). Thus, the results of XRD phase analysis, particle size distribution (granulometry), density, mechanical properties, SEM investigation of mechanically alloyed and sintered Mg-Zn-Ca-Pr alloy are presented in this manuscript. The obtained results illustrate how mechanical alloying can be used to produce amorphous and crystalline materials, which can be sintered and demonstrates how the milling time impacts their microstructure, phase composition, and resulting mechanical properties.
The Effect of Solution Treatment on the Si Particles’ Morphology Evolution and the Thermal Conductivity and Tensile Properties of Sb-Modified Al-8Si-0.6Mg Alloys
Authors: Liang Xiaopeng , Wang Yihao , Wang Li , Guo Xinming , Zhang Liangjie , Li Huizhong
Published: February 2022

The effects of solution treatment time on the morphology evolution of Si particles and the thermal conductivity and tensile properties of Sb-modified alloys were studied. The results show that the evolution of Si particles follows four mechanisms: spheroidization, necking and splitting of particles with large aspect ratios, fusion of spherical particles, and coarsening controlled by diffusion. The first three mechanisms mainly occur at the early stage of solution treatment. The addition of Sb does not change the evolution law of the Si particles, but it does change the contribution of various evolution mechanisms, including promoting spheroidization, fusion, and coalescence, as well as significantly reducing the coarsening rate, which makes the thermal modification of Sb-modified alloys more effective. The increase in thermal conductivity during solution treatment is related to the decrease of the anharmonicity of lattice vibration, lattice wave scattering, and electron scattering of Si particles. The 0.4 wt. % Sb-modified alloy exhibits excellent tensile strength and elongation under as-cast T4- and T6-heat-treated conditions, because the modification significantly reduces the stress concentration of the Si particles and delays the germination and propagation of microcracks.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Protein Biomarkers of β-Cell Function in Type 2 Diabetes and Their Modulation with Glucose Normalization
Authors: Moin Abu Saleh Md , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Atkin Stephen L. , Butler Alexandra E.
Published: February 2022

Development of type-2 diabetes(T2D) is preceded by β-cell dysfunction and loss. However, accurate measurement of β-cell function remains elusive. Biomarkers have been reported to predict β-cell functional decline but require validation. Therefore, we determined whether reported protein biomarkers could distinguish patients with T2D (onset < 10-years) from controls. A prospective, parallel study in T2D (n = 23) and controls (n = 23) was undertaken. In T2D subjects, insulin-induced blood glucose normalization from baseline 7.6 ± 0.4 mmol/L (136.8 ± 7.2 mg/dL) to 4.5 ± 0.07 mmol/L (81 ± 1.2 mg/dL) was maintained for 1-h. Controls were maintained at 4.9 ± 0.1 mmol/L (88.2 ± 1.8 mg/dL). Slow Off-rate Modified Aptamer (SOMA) -scan plasma protein measurement determined a 43-protein panel reported as diagnostic and/or prognostic for T2D. At baseline, 9 proteins were altered in T2D. Three of 13 prognostic/diagnostic proteins were lower in T2D: Adiponectin (p < 0.0001), Endocan (p < 0.05) and Mast/stem cell growth factor receptor-Kit (KIT) (p < 0.01). Two of 14 prognostic proteins [Cathepsin-D (p < 0.05) and Cadherin-E (p < 0.005)], and four of 16 diagnostic proteins [Kallikrein-4 (p = 0.001), Aminoacylase-1 (p = 0.001), Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-4 (IGFBP4) (p < 0.05) and Reticulon-4 receptor (RTN4R) (p < 0.001)] were higher in T2D. Protein levels were unchanged following glucose normalization in T2D. Our results suggest that a focused biomarker panel may be useful for assessing β-cell dysfunction and may complement clinical decision-making on insulin therapy. Unchanged post-glucose normalization levels indicate these are not acute-phase proteins or affected by glucose variability.
Design and Modeling of Fiber-Free Optical MEMS Accelerometer Enabling 3D Measurements
Authors: Abozyd Samir , Toraya Abdelrahman , Gaber Noha
Published: February 2022

Optical accelerometers are popular in some applications because of their better immunity to electromagnetic interference, and they are often more sensitive than other accelerometer types. Optical fibers were employed in most previous generations, making micro-fabrication problematic. The optical accelerometers that are suitable for mass manufacture and previously mentioned in the literature have various problems and are only sensitive in one direction (1D). This study presents a novel optical accelerometer that provides 3D measurements while maintaining simple hybrid fabrication compatible with mass production. The operating concept is based on a power change method that allows for measurements without the need for complex digital signal processing (DSP). Springs hold the proof mass between a light-emitting diode and a quadrant photo-detector, allowing the proof mass to move along three axes. Depending on the magnitude and direction of the acceleration affecting the system, the proof mass moves by a certain amount in the corresponding axis, causing some quadrants of the quadrant detector to receive more light than other quadrants. This article covers the design, implementation, mechanical simulation, and optical modeling of the accelerometer. Several designs have been presented and compared. The best simulated mechanical sensitivity reaches 3.7 μm/G, while the calculated overall sensitivity and resolution of the chosen accelerometer is up to 156 μA/G and 56.2 μG, respectively.
Gut Microbiota and Metabolism in Different Stages of Life and Health
Authors: Parkar Shanthi G. , Gopal Pramod K.
Published: February 2022

In a very fascinating read, John Goodsir, a Scottish surgeon, describes how he isolated “vegetable organisms” from the “ejected fluid” from the stomach of his 19-year-old patient [...]
Community Assembly and Co-Occurrence Patterns of Microeukaryotes in Thermokarst Lakes of the Yellow River Source Area
Authors: Ren Ze , Ma Kang , Jia Xuan , Wang Qing , Zhang Cheng , Li Xia
Published: February 2022

Thermokarst lakes are important aquatic ecosystems in cold regions, experiencing several changes due to global warming. However, the fundamental assembly mechanisms of microeukaryotic communities in thermokarst lakes are unknown. In this study, we examined the assembly processes and co-occurrence networks of microeukaryotic communities in sediment and water of thermokarst lakes in the Yellow River Source Area. Sediment microeukaryotic communities had a significantly lower α-diversity but higher β-diversity than water microeukaryotic communities. pH, sediment organic carbon, and total phosphorus significantly affected taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity of sediment communities, while conductivity was a significant driver for water communities. Both sediment and water microeukaryotic communities were strongly governed by dispersal limitation. However, deterministic processes, especially homogenous selection, were more relevant in structuring microeukaryotic communities in water than those in sediment. Changes in total nitrogen and phosphorus in sediment could contribute to shift its microeukaryotic communities from homogeneous selection to stochastic processes. Co-occurrence networks showed that water microeukaryotic communities are more complex and interconnected but have lower modularity than sediment microeukaryotic communities. The water microeukaryotic network had more modules than the sediment microeukaryotic network. These modules were dominated by different taxonomic groups and associated to different environmental variables.
Stability Evaluation of Layered Backfill Considering Filling Interval, Backfill Strength and Creep Behavior
Authors: Qi Chongchong , Guo Li , Wu Yu , Zhang Qinli , Chen Qiusong
Published: February 2022

Cemented paste backfill (CPB) is the primary solution to improving the safety of continuous mining. The interaction between rock mass and backfill is an important indicator of backfill stability. The creep behavior of weak rock mass is an essential factor, which causes the evolution of stresses and displacements in the backfill stope. In this paper, numerical models were constructed to analyze the interactions between rock mass and backfill by considering the creep behavior of the rock mass, filling interval, and backfill strength. The numerical simulation results showed the effects of different parameters, including the number of backfilling layers, filling interval time (FIT), and backfill strength under creep behavior on stress, displacements, and plastic deformation. The horizontal displacement near the mid-height and vertical displacement at the top of the backfilled stope is the largest compared to layered backfilling. The stress within the backfilled stope is smallest when the stope is filled in a single layer. With increasing FIT, stress in the backfilled stope decreases. FIT mainly affected the horizontal displacement of the stope. The stresses on the stope bottom decrease when the strength of the middle-backfilled stope decreases. Overall, this study provides important insights for understanding the creep behavior of rock mass in underground backfilling practices.
Passive Structural Control on Skarn Mineralization Localization: A Case Study from the Variscan Rosas Shear Zone (SW Sardinia, Italy)
Authors: Cocco Fabrizio , Attardi Antonio , Deidda Matteo Luca , Fancello Dario , Funedda Antonio , Naitza Stefano
Published: February 2022

The case study presented here deals with the Pb-Zn-Cu skarn ores hosted in the Rosas Shear Zone (RSZ), a highly strained domain located in the external zone of the Sardinian Variscan chain. The RSZ is characterized by several tectonic slices of Cambrian limestones within a strongly folded and foliated Cambrian-Ordovician siliciclastic succession, intruded by late Variscan granites and mafic dykes. Based on geological mapping, structural and microscope analyses, our results show that the skarn ores in the RSZ are an example of passive structurally controlled mineralization. The RSZ was structured close to the brittle–ductile transition and, once exhumed to shallower crustal levels, acted as plumbing system favoring a large-scale granite-related fluid circulation. The paragenesis and the mineralization style of the skarn vary slightly according to the peculiarity of the local structural setting: a tectonic slice adjacent to the mafic dyke; an intensely sheared zone or a discrete thrust surface.
The Modeling of Laboratory Experiments on Granular MX-80 Bentonite with COMSOL Multiphysics
Authors: Narkuniene Asta , Justinavicius Darius , Poskas Povilas , Grigaliuniene Dalia , Ragaisis Valdas
Published: February 2022

Radioactive waste disposal, as the final step of the open nuclear fuel cycle, is an important process to protect humans and the environment from harmful effects of ionising radiation. Approaching the construction of the geological repository, the understanding and predictability of the behavior of engineered barrier material becomes more important than ever. Therefore, a number of research studies are being focused on the experimental and numerical analysis of the engineered barrier material state and behavior under repository conditions. Engineered barrier material will be in contact with the host rock and waste packages, and its properties and behavior will be governed by complex and coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical processes. This paper presents the modeling activities of the Lithuanian Energy Institute, performed in the framework of the H2020 project BEACON (Bentonite Mechanical Evolution). The numerical model, developed in COMSOL Multiphysics (Burlington, MA 01803, USA), was applied for the modeling of experiments, performed by Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL, Switzerland), on granular MX-80 bentonite in the odeometer cell. The hydromechanical behavior of a compacted bentonite sample was analyzed under different conditions: hydration with groundwater under confined volume conditions and hydration under free swelling conditions and subsequent mechanical loading. Model outcomes (swelling pressure, saturation, dry density, and void ratio) were compared to the available experimental data. The modeling results were in line with the analyzed experimental data.
Antimicrobial and Larvicidal Activities of Different Ocimum Essential Oils Extracted by Ultrasound-Assisted Hydrodistillation
Authors: Sneha Kuzhimbattil , Narayanankutty Arunaksharan , Job Joice Tom , Olatunji Opeyemi Joshua , Alfarhan Ahmed , Famurewa Ademola C. , Ramesh Varsha
Published: February 2022

Infectious diseases and their vectors have remained a concern for human population from their historical origin. Microbial pathogens have also emerged as a potent threat to the healthcare systems even in developed countries. Essential oils remain a less explored method for infectious disease control; besides, the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of essential oil production has emerged as promising source of bioactive volatiles over conventional methods. This study analyzed the possible use of UAE- Essential oils (EOs) from different species of Ocimum plants (Ocimum basilicum (OB), O. gratissimum (OG), O. tenuiflorum (OT), and O. canum (OC)) in the management of microbial pathogens and mosquito larval control. The antibacterial activity was estimated in terms of a disc diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentrations against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella enteritidis. The larvicidal property was found using three important mosquito vectors and the LC50 value was determined. Furthermore, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were estimated in terms of radical scavenging activities and the inhibition of lipoxygenase enzyme activity. The EOs exhibited significant DPPH radical scavenging (high in OG), hydrogen-peroxide scavenging (OB) and lipoxygenase inhibition (OB). The antibacterial activity was high in OB and OG (p < 0.05) and the larvicidal activity was of higher sensitivity against Aedis and Culex, whereas Armigeres was more resistant. However, no sign of toxicity in the Allium cepa model or non-targeted organism Guppy fishes was observed. Overall, the UAE extracted Ocimum essential oils were found to be effective against various human pathogenic microbial organisms, with OB and OG being highly active. Likewise, the EOs was also able to induce mortality in the larval forms of various mosquito vectors.
Synthesis of Benzo[4,5]thiazolo[2,3-c][1,2,4]triazole Derivatives via C-H Bond Functionalization of Disulfide Intermediates
Authors: Ardón-Muñoz Luis G. , Bolliger Jeanne L.
Published: February 2022

Many nitrogen- and sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds exhibit biological activity. Among these heterocycles are benzo[4,5]thiazolo[2,3-c][1,2,4]triazoles for which two main synthetic approaches exist. Here we report a new synthetic protocol that allows the preparation of these tricyclic compounds via the oxidation of a mercaptophenyl moiety to its corresponding disulfide. Subsequent C-H bond functionalization is thought to enable an intramolecular ring closure, thus forming the desired benzo[4,5]thiazolo[2,3-c][1,2,4]triazole. This method combines a high functional group tolerance with short reaction times and good to excellent yields.
Synthesis and Antibacterial Properties of Oligomeric Dehydrogenation Polymer from Lignin Precursors
Authors: Wei Xin , Cui Sheng , Xie Yimin
Published: February 2022

The lignin precursors of coniferin and syringin were synthesised, and guaiacyl-type and guaiacyl-syringyl-type oligomeric lignin dehydrogenation polymers (DHP and DHP-GS) were prepared with the bulk method. The carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed that both DHP-G and DHP-GS contained β-O-4, β-5, β-β, β-1, and 5-5 substructures. Extraction with petroleum ether, ether, ethanol, and acetone resulted in four fractions for each of DHP-G (C11–C14) and DHP-GS (C21–C24). The antibacterial experiments showed that the fractions with lower molecular weight had relatively strong antibacterial activity. The ether-soluble fractions (C12 of DHP-G and C22 of DHP-GS) had strong antibacterial activities against E. coli and S. aureus. The C12 and C22 fractions were further separated by preparative chromatography, and 10 bioactive compounds (G1–G5 and GS1–GS5) were obtained. The overall antibacterial activities of these 10 compounds was stronger against E. coli than S. aureus. Compounds G1, G2, G3, and GS1, which had the most significant antibacterial activities, contained β-5 substructures. Of these, G1 had the best antibacterial activity. Its inhibition zone diameter was 19.81 ± 0.82 mm, and the minimum inhibition concentration was 56.3 ± 6.20 μg/mL. Atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry (APCI-MS) showed that the antibacterial activity of G1 was attributable to a phenylcoumarin dimer, while the introduction of syringyl units reduced antibacterial activity.
Activation of the Nrf2 Pathway as a Therapeutic Strategy for ALS Treatment
Authors: Arslanbaeva Liaisan , Bisaglia Marco
Published: February 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive and fatal disease that causes motoneurons degeneration and functional impairment of voluntary muscles, with limited and poorly efficient therapies. Alterations in the Nrf2-ARE pathway are associated with ALS pathology and result in aberrant oxidative stress, making the stimulation of the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response a promising therapeutic strategy in ALS to reduce oxidative stress. In this review, we first introduce the involvement of the Nrf2 pathway in the pathogenesis of ALS and the role played by astrocytes in modulating such a protective pathway. We then describe the currently developed activators of Nrf2, used in both preclinical animal models and clinical studies, taking into consideration their potentialities as well as the possible limitations associated with their use.
Automated Phasor Segmentation of Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Data for Discriminating Pigments and Binders Used in Artworks
Authors: Mattana Sara , Dal Fovo Alice , Lagarto João Luís , Bossuto Maria Chiara , Shcheslavskiy Vladislav , Fontana Raffaella , Cicchi Riccardo
Published: February 2022

The non-invasive analysis of fluorescence from binders and pigments employed in mixtures in artworks is a major challenge in cultural heritage science due to the broad overlapping emission of different fluorescent species causing difficulties in the data interpretation. To improve the specificity of fluorescence measurements, we went beyond steady-state fluorescence measurements by resolving the fluorescence decay dynamics of the emitting species through time-resolved fluorescence imaging (TRFI). In particular, we acquired the fluorescence decay features of different pigments and binders using a portable and compact fibre-based imaging setup. Fluorescence time-resolved data were analysed using the phasor method followed by a Gaussian mixture model (GMM) to automatically identify the populations of fluorescent species within the fluorescence decay maps. Our results demonstrate that this approach allows distinguishing different binders when mixed with the same pigment as well as discriminating different pigments dispersed in a common binder. The results obtained could establish a framework for the analysis of a broader range of pigments and binders to be then extended to several other materials used in art production. The obtained results, together with the compactness and portability of the instrument, pave the way for future in situ applications of the technology on paintings.
Viscose-Derived Activated Carbons Fibers as Highly Efficient Adsorbents for Dimethoate Removal from Water
Authors: Jocić Ana , Breitenbach Stefan , Bajuk-Bogdanović Danica , Pašti Igor A. , Unterweger Christoph , Fürst Christian , Lazarević-Pašti Tamara
Published: February 2022

Extensive use of pesticides resulting in their accumulation in the environment presents a hazard for their non-target species, including humans. Hence, efficient remediation strategies are needed, and, in this sense, adsorption is seen as the most straightforward approach. We have studied activated carbon fibers (ACFs) derived from viscose fibers impregnated with diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAHP). By changing the amount of DAHP in the impregnation step, the chemical composition and textural properties of ACFs are effectively tuned, affecting their performance for dimethoate removal from water. The prepared ACFs effectively reduced the toxicity of treated water samples, both deionized water solutions and spiked tap water samples, under batch conditions and in dynamic filtration experiments. Using the results of physicochemical characterization and dimethoate adsorption measurements, multiple linear regression models were made to reliably predict performance towards dimethoate removal from water. These models can be used to quickly screen among larger sets of possible adsorbents and guide the development of novel, highly efficient adsorbents for dimethoate removal from water.
Synthesis of Ionizable Calix[4]arenes for Chelation of Selected Divalent Cations
Authors: Blumberg Markus , Al-Ameed Karrar , Eiselt Erik , Luber Sandra , Mamat Constantin
Published: February 2022

Two sets of functionalised calix[4]arenes, either with a 1,3-crown ether bridge or with an open-chain oligo ether moiety in 1,3-position were prepared and further equipped with additional deprotonisable sulfonamide groups to establish chelating systems for selected cations Sr2+, Ba2+, and Pb2+ ions. To improve the complexation behaviour towards these cations, calix[4]arenes with oligo ether groups and modified crowns of different sizes were synthesized. Association constants were determined by UV/Vis titration in acetonitrile using the respective perchlorate salts and logK values between 3.2 and 8.0 were obtained. These findings were supported by the calculation of the binding energies exemplarily for selected complexes with Ba2+.
Slow-Relaxation Behavior of a Mononuclear Co(II) Complex Featuring Long Axial Co-O Bond
Authors: Xia Zhengyao , Li Yan , Ji Cheng , Jiang Yucheng , Ma Chunlan , Gao Ju , Zhang Jinlei
Published: February 2022

Co(II) mononuclear complex with different coordination geometry would display various of field-induced single-ion magnet (SIM) behaviors. Here, we identify a field-induced single-ion magnet in a mononuclear complex Co(H2DPA)2·H2O (H2DPA = 2,6-pyridine-dicarboxylic acid) by the hydrothermal method. The long axial Co-O coordination bond (Co1‧‧‧O3) can be formed by Co1 and O3. Therefore, Co(II) ion is six-coordinated in a distorted elongated octahedron. AC magnetization susceptibilities show that the effective energy barrier is up to 43.28 K. This is much larger than most mononuclear Co(II). The distorted elongated octahedron caused by the axial Co-O coordination bond is responsible for the high effective energy barrier. The distribution of electron density in Co1 and O3 atoms in the long axial bond would influence the magnetic relaxation process in turn. Our work deepens the relationship between the effective energy barrier and the weak change of ligand field by long axial bonds, which would facilitate constructing SIM with high energy temperature.
Application of the Photoacoustic Approach in the Characterization of Nanostructured Materials
Authors: Isaiev Mykola , Mussabek Gauhar , Lishchuk Pavlo , Dubyk Kateryna , Zhylkybayeva Nazym , Yar-Mukhamedova Gulmira , Lacroix David , Lysenko Vladimir
Published: February 2022

A new generation of sensors can be engineered based on the sensing of several markers to satisfy the conditions of the multimodal detection principle. From this point of view, photoacoustic-based sensing approaches are essential. The photoacoustic effect relies on the generation of light-induced deformation (pressure) perturbations in media, which is essential for sensing applications since the photoacoustic response is formed due to a contrast in the optical, thermal, and acoustical properties. It is also particularly important to mention that photoacoustic light-based approaches are flexible enough for the measurement of thermal/elastic parameters. Moreover, the photoacoustic approach can be used for imaging and visualization in material research and biomedical applications. The advantages of photoacoustic devices are their compact sizes and the possibility of on-site measurements, enabling the online monitoring of material parameters. The latter has significance for the development of various sensing applications, including biomedical ones, such as monitoring of the biodistribution of biomolecules. To extend sensing abilities and to find reliable measurement conditions, one needs to clearly understand all the phenomena taking place during energy transformation during photoacoustic signal formation. Therefore, the current paper is devoted to an overview of the main measurement principles used in the photoacoustic setup configurations, with a special focus on the key physical parameters.
Synthesis, Characterization, Photocatalysis, and Antibacterial Study of WO3, MXene and WO3/MXene Nanocomposite
Authors: Warsi Al-Zoha , Aziz Fatima , Zulfiqar Sonia , Haider Sajjad , Shakir Imran , Agboola Philips O.
Published: February 2022

Tungsten oxide (WO3), MXene, and an WO3/MXene nanocomposite were synthesized to study their photocatalytic and biological applications. Tungsten oxide was synthesized by an easy and cost-effective hydrothermal method, and its composite with MXene was prepared through the sonication method. The synthesized tungsten oxide, MXene, and its composite were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) for their structural, morphological, spectral, elemental and surface area analysis, respectively. The crystallite size of WO3 calculated from XRD was ~10 nm, the particle size of WO3 was 130 nm, and the average thickness of MXene layers was 175 nm, which was calculated from FESEM. The photocatalytic activity of as-synthesized samples was carried out for the degradation of methylene blue under solar radiation, MXene, the WO3/MXene composite, and WO3 exhibited 54%, 89%, and 99% photocatalytic degradation, respectively. WO3 showed maximal degradation ability; by adding WO3 to MXene, the degradation ability of MXene was enhanced. Studies on antibacterial activity demonstrated that these samples are good antibacterial agents against positive strains, and their antibacterial activity against negative strains depends upon their concentration. Against positive strains, the WO3/MXene composite’s inhibition zone was at 7 mm, while it became 9 mm upon increasing the concentration. This study proves that WO3, MXene, and the WO3/MXene nanocomposite could be used in biological and environmental applications.
Toxic Effects and Mechanisms of Silver and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Zebrafish Embryos in Aquatic Ecosystems
Authors: Lee Yen-Ling , Shih Yung-Sheng , Chen Zi-Yu , Cheng Fong-Yu , Lu Jing-Yu , Wu Yuan-Hua , Wang Ying-Jan
Published: February 2022

The global application of engineered nanomaterials and nanoparticles (ENPs) in commercial products, industry, and medical fields has raised some concerns about their safety. These nanoparticles may gain access into rivers and marine environments through industrial or household wastewater discharge and thereby affect the ecosystem. In this study, we investigated the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on zebrafish embryos in aquatic environments. We aimed to characterize the AgNP and ZnONP aggregates in natural waters, such as lakes, reservoirs, and rivers, and to determine whether they are toxic to developing zebrafish embryos. Different toxic effects and mechanisms were investigated by measuring the survival rate, hatching rate, body length, reactive oxidative stress (ROS) level, apoptosis, and autophagy. Spiking AgNPs or ZnONPs into natural water samples led to significant acute toxicity to zebrafish embryos, whereas the level of acute toxicity was relatively low when compared to Milli-Q (MQ) water, indicating the interaction and transformation of AgNPs or ZnONPs with complex components in a water environment that led to reduced toxicity. ZnONPs, but not AgNPs, triggered a significant delay of embryo hatching. Zebrafish embryos exposed to filtered natural water spiked with AgNPs or ZnONPs exhibited increased ROS levels, apoptosis, and lysosomal activity, an indicator of autophagy. Since autophagy is considered as an early indicator of ENP interactions with cells and has been recognized as an important mechanism of ENP-induced toxicity, developing a transgenic zebrafish system to detect ENP-induced autophagy may be an ideal strategy for predicting possible ecotoxicity that can be applied in the future for the risk assessment of ENPs.
Dimension-Dependent Phenomenological Model of Excitonic Electric Dipole in InGaAs Quantum Dots
Authors: Steindl Petr , Klenovský Petr
Published: February 2022

Permanent electric dipole is a key property for effective control of semiconductor quantum-dot-based sources of quantum light. For theoretical prediction of that, complex geometry-dependent quantum simulations are necessary. Here, we use k·p simulations of exciton transition in InGaAs quantum dots to derive a simple geometry-dependent analytical model of dipole. Our model, discussed here, enables reasonably good estimation of the electric dipole, caused in quantum dot by the elastic strain, including an externally induced one. Due to its apparent simplicity, not necessitating elaborate and time-consuming simulations, it might after experimental verification serve as a preferred choice for experimentalists enabling them to make quick estimates of built-in and induced electric dipole in quantum dots.
An Array of Flag-Type Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Harvesting Wind Energy
Authors: Zhao Zhiqiang , Wei Bin , Wang Yan , Huang Xili , Li Bo , Lin Fang , Ma Long , Zhang Qianxi , Zou Yongjiu , Yang Fang , Pang Hongchen , Xu Jin , Pan Xinxiang
Published: February 2022

Harvesting wind energy from the ambient environment is a feasible method for powering wireless sensors and wireless transmission equipment. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have proven to be a stable and promising technology for harvesting ambient wind energy. This study explores a new method for the performance enhancement and practical application of TENGs. An array of flag-type triboelectric nanogenerators (F-TENGs) for harvesting wind energy is proposed. An F-TENG consists of one piece of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane, which has two carbon-coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) membranes on either side with their edges sealed. The PTFE was pre-ground to increase the initial charge on the surface and to enhance the effective contact area by improving the surface roughness, thus achieving a significant improvement in the output performance. The vertical and horizontal arrays of F-TENGs significantly improved the power output performance. The optimal power output performance was achieved when the vertical parallel distance was approximately 4D/15 (see the main text for the meaning of D), and the horizontal parallel distance was approximately 2D. We found that the peak output voltage and current of a single flag-type TENG of constant size were increased by 255% and 344%, respectively, reaching values of 64 V and 8 μA, respectively.
Review of Highly Mismatched III-V Heteroepitaxy Growth on (001) Silicon
Authors: Du Yong , Xu Buqing , Wang Guilei , Miao Yuanhao , Li Ben , Kong Zhenzhen , Dong Yan , Wang Wenwu , Radamson Henry H.
Published: February 2022

Si-based group III-V material enables a multitude of applications and functionalities of the novel optoelectronic integration chips (OEICs) owing to their excellent optoelectronic properties and compatibility with the mature Si CMOS process technology. To achieve high performance OEICs, the crystal quality of the group III-V epitaxial layer plays an extremely vital role. However, there are several challenges for high quality group III-V material growth on Si, such as a large lattice mismatch, highly thermal expansion coefficient difference, and huge dissimilarity between group III-V material and Si, which inevitably leads to the formation of high threading dislocation densities (TDDs) and anti-phase boundaries (APBs). In view of the above-mentioned growth problems, this review details the defects formation and defects suppression methods to grow III-V materials on Si substrate (such as GaAs and InP), so as to give readers a full understanding on the group III-V hetero-epitaxial growth on Si substrates. Based on the previous literature investigation, two main concepts (global growth and selective epitaxial growth (SEG)) were proposed. Besides, we highlight the advanced technologies, such as the miscut substrate, multi-type buffer layer, strain superlattice (SLs), and epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO), to decrease the TDDs and APBs. To achieve high performance OEICs, the growth strategy and development trend for group III-V material on Si platform were also emphasized.
Providing the Best Parenteral Nutrition before and after Surgery for NEC: Macro and Micronutrients Intakes
Authors: Guiducci Silvia , Duci Miriam , Moschino Laura , Meneghelli Marta , Fascetti Leon Francesco , Bonadies Luca , Cavicchiolo Maria Elena , Verlato Giovanna
Published: February 2022

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the main gastrointestinal emergency of preterm infants for whom bowel rest and parenteral nutrition (PN) is essential. Despite the improvements in neonatal care, the incidence of NEC remains high (11% in preterm newborns with a birth weight <1500 g) and up to 20–50% of cases still require surgery. In this narrative review, we report how to optimize PN in severe NEC requiring surgery. PN should begin as soon as possible in the acute phase: close fluid monitoring is advocated to maintain volemia, however fluid overload and electrolytes abnormalities should be prevented. Macronutrients intake (protein, glucose, and lipids) should be adequately guaranteed and is essential in each phase of the disease. Composite lipid emulsion should be the first choice to reduce the risk of parenteral nutrition associated liver disease (PNALD). Vitamin and trace elements deficiency or overload are frequent in long-term PN, therefore careful monitoring should be planned starting from the recovery phase to adjust their parenteral intake. Neonatologists must be aware of the role of nutrition especially in patients requiring long-term PN to sustain growth, limiting possible adverse effects and long-term deficiencies.
Effects of Creatine Supplementation on Brain Function and Health
Authors: Forbes Scott C. , Cordingley Dean M. , Cornish Stephen M. , Gualano Bruno , Roschel Hamilton , Ostojic Sergej M. , Rawson Eric S. , Roy Brian D. , Prokopidis Konstantinos , Giannos Panagiotis , Candow Darren G.
Published: February 2022

While the vast majority of research involving creatine supplementation has focused on skeletal muscle, there is a small body of accumulating research that has focused on creatine and the brain. Preliminary studies indicate that creatine supplementation (and guanidinoacetic acid; GAA) has the ability to increase brain creatine content in humans. Furthermore, creatine has shown some promise for attenuating symptoms of concussion, mild traumatic brain injury and depression but its effect on neurodegenerative diseases appears to be lacking. The purpose of this narrative review is to summarize the current body of research pertaining to creatine supplementation on total creatine and phophorylcreatine (PCr) content, explore GAA as an alternative or adjunct to creatine supplementation on brain creatine uptake, assess the impact of creatine on cognition with a focus on sleep deprivation, discuss the effects of creatine supplementation on a variety of neurological and mental health conditions, and outline recent advances on creatine supplementation as a neuroprotective supplement following traumatic brain injury or concussion.
The Impact of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxes by Household Income: A Multi-City Comparison of Nielsen Purchasing Data
Authors: Barker Abigail R. , Mazzucca Stephanie , An Ruopeng
Published: February 2022

Due to the role that sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) play in the obesity epidemic, SSB taxes have been enacted in the United States in the California cities of Albany, Berkeley, Oakland, and San Francisco, as well as in Boulder, Philadelphia, and Seattle. We pooled five years of Nielsen Consumer Panel and Retail Scanner Data (2014–18) to examine purchasing behaviors in and around these cities that have instituted SSB taxes. We included households that were either subject to the tax during the study period or were in surrounding areas within the same state. The goal was to test for the differential impact of SSB taxes by income level and type of tax. Multivariate analyses of beverage purchases found that (1) there is a dose–response relationship with the size of the SSB tax; (2) the Philadelphia tax, which is the only one that includes low-calorie beverages, is associated with greater reductions in SSB purchases and an increase in bottled water purchase; and (3) approximately 72% of the tax is passed through to consumers, but this does not vary by income level of the household. Few income-related effects were detected. Overall, our findings suggest that the Philadelphia model may be the most effective at encouraging healthy habits in beverage choice.
A Comparison of SARC-F, Calf Circumference, and Their Combination for Sarcopenia Screening among Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Lin Yu-Li , Wang Chih-Hsien , Tsai Jen-Pi , Chen Chih-Tsung , Chen Yi-Hsin , Hung Szu-Chun , Hsu Bang-Gee
Published: February 2022

Sarcopenia is frequently encountered in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). We evaluated and compared the diagnostic performance of a strength, assistance walking, rise from a chair, climb stairs, and falls (SARC-F) questionnaire, SARC-F combined with calf circumference (SARC-CalF), and calf circumference (CC) for screening sarcopenia among patients undergoing PD. We measured the appendicular skeletal muscle mass, evaluated using a multifrequency bioimpedance spectroscopy device, handgrip strength, and 6-m gait speed. SARC-F, SARC-CalF, and CC were obtained in all participants. Sarcopenia was defined using four different diagnostic criteria, including the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019, revised European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2), Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), and International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS). Among 186 enrolled patients undergoing PD (mean age 57.5 ± 14.1 years), the sarcopenia prevalence was 25.8–38.2% using the four definitions. The discriminative powers of SARC-CalF (range 0.648–0.748) and CC (range 0.652–0.813) against the four definitions were better than those exhibited by SARC-F (range 0.587–0.625), which achieved significant difference, except when adopting the criteria of the FNIH. After stratification by gender, the superiority of SARC-CalF and CC over SARC-F was maintained when AWGS 2019, EWGSOP2, and IWGS were applied. In conclusion, CC and SARC-CalF outperformed SARC-F in the diagnostic accuracy of sarcopenia among patients undergoing PD.
Simple Clinical Screening Underestimates Malnutrition in Surgical Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease—An ACS NSQIP Analysis
Authors: Abd-El-Aziz Mohamed A. , Hübner Martin , Demartines Nicolas , Larson David W. , Grass Fabian
Published: February 2022

The present large scale study aimed to assess the prevalence and consequences of malnutrition, based on clinical assessment (body mass index and preoperative weight loss) and severe hypoalbuminemia (<3.1 g/L), in a representative US cohort undergoing IBD surgery. The American College of Surgeons National Quality improvement program (ACS-NSQIP) Public User Files (PUF) between 2005 and 2018 were assessed. A total of 25,431 patients were identified. Of those, 6560 (25.8%) patients had severe hypoalbuminemia, 380 (1.5%) patients met ESPEN 2 criteria (≥10% weight loss over 6 months PLUS BMI < 20 kg/m2 in patients <70 years OR BMI < 22 kg/m2 in patients ≥70 years), and 671 (2.6%) patients met both criteria (severe hypoalbuminemia and ESPEN 2). Patients who presented with malnutrition according to any of the three definitions had higher rates of overall, minor, major, surgical, and medical complications, longer LOS, higher mortality and higher rates of readmission and reoperation. The simple clinical assessment of malnutrition based on BMI and weight loss only, considerably underestimates its true prevalence of up to 50% in surgical IBD patients and calls for dedicated nutritional assessment.
Suppressive Role of Lactoferrin in Overweight-Related Female Fertility Problems
Authors: Sato Ban , Kanai Seiya , Sakaguchi Daiki , Yajima Kodai , Matsumoto Yu , Morohoshi Kazunori , Kagaya Shinji , Izumo Nobuo , Ichinose Minoru , Kang Woojin , Miyado Mami , Miyado Kenji , Kawano Natsuko
Published: February 2022

The secretory glycoprotein lactoferrin (LF) is suggested to ameliorate overweight regardless of non-genetic or genetic mechanisms. Although maternal overweight represents a key predictor of offspring growth, the efficacy of LF on fertility problems in overweight and obese mothers remains unknown. To address this issue, we examined the effect of LF ingestion by analyzing overweight mice (Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice with high-fat diets; HF mice) and obese mice (leptin-deficient mice with type II diabetes; ob/ob mice). Plasma insulin, leptin, glucose, and cholesterol levels were measured, and thermal imaging and histological analysis were employed. The litter size of HF females was reduced due to miscarriage, which was reversed by LF ingestion. In addition, LF ingestion suppressed overweight prevalence in their offspring. The component analysis of the maternal blood demonstrated that glucose concentration in both HF females and their offspring was normalized by LF ingestion, which further standardized the concentration of insulin, but not leptin. LF ingestion was unable to reverse female infertility in ob/ob mice, although their obesity and uterine function were partially improved. Our results indicate that LF upregulates female fertility by reinforcing ovarian and uterine functions in females that are overweight due to caloric surplus.
Dental Anxiety and Stress in Patients during Different Types of Oral Surgery
Authors: Richter Patricia , Bohl Christin , Berth Hendrik
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study is to capture the dental anxiety of patients in a dental clinic. A special focus was placed on the measurement of the course of possible anxiety occurring during a single dental visit with different surgical procedures. Therefore, 129 patients were interviewed in an oral surgical clinic. The course of possible anxiety was measured with a short questionnaire about the current stress (“Kurzfragebogen zur aktuellen Beanspruchung”, KAB), which was completed by the patients at three different times in the waiting room, as well as before and after the treatment in the consulting room. In the waiting room, the patient answered a questionnaire, including the following instruments: questions about age and sex, KAB (stress), and the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS, anxiety). According to the DAS, 64.1% belonged to the low-anxiety group, 29.7% belonged to the medium-anxiety group and 6.2% belonged to the high-anxiety group. For all groups, the stress just before the treatment was the highest and it was the lowest after treatment. The KAB values of the female patients were significantly higher than those of the male patients. About one third of the patients suffered from dental anxiety.
Kinetics of Placental Infection by Different Smooth Brucella Strains in Mice
Authors: Poveda-Urkixo Irati , Ramírez Gustavo A. , Grilló María-Jesús
Published: February 2022

Abortion and reproductive failures induced by Brucella are the main symptoms of animal brucellosis. Laboratory animal models are essential tools of research to study the Brucella pathogenesis before experimentation in natural hosts. To extend the existing knowledge, we studied B. melitensis 16M (virulent) and Rev1 (attenuated) as well as B. suis bv2 infections in pregnant mice. Here, we report new information about kinetics of infection (in spleens, blood, placentas, vaginal shedding, and foetuses), serum cytokine profiles, and histopathological features in placentas and the litter throughout mice pregnancy. Both B. melitensis strains showed a marked placental tropism and reduced viability of pups (mainly in 16M infections), which was preceded by an intense Th1-immune response during placental development. In contrast, B. suis bv2 displayed lower placental tropism, mild proinflammatory immune response, and scarce bacterial transmission to the litter, thus allowing foetal viability. Overall, our studies revealed three different smooth Brucella patterns of placental and foetal pathogenesis in mice, providing a useful animal model for experimental brucellosis.
Effect of Caffeine and Flavonoids on the Binding of Tigecycline to Human Serum Albumin: A Spectroscopic Study and Molecular Docking
Authors: Sovrlić Miroslav , Mrkalić Emina , Jelić Ratomir , Ćendić Serafinović Marina , Stojanović Stefan , Prodanović Nevena , Tomović Jovica
Published: February 2022

Human serum albumin (HSA) has a very significant role in the transport of drugs, in their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, as well as the unbound concentration of drugs in circulating plasma. The aim of this study was to look into the competition between tigecycline (TGC) and alkaloid (ALK) (caffeine (CAF)), and flavonoids (FLAVs) (catechin (CAT), quercetin (QUE), and diosmin (DIO)) in binding to HSA in simulated physiological conditions using multiple spectroscopic measurements and docking simulations. Fluorescence analysis was used to find the binding and quenching properties of double HSA-TGC and triple HSA-TGC-CAF/FLAV systems. The conformational change of the HSA was analyzed using synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and circular dichroism. Obtained results of spectroscopic analyses indicate that triple complexes of HSA-TGC-CAF/FLAVs are formed without problems and have higher binding affinities than double HSA-TGC. In addition, TGC does not change the microenvironments around the tryptophan (Trp) and tyrosine (Tyr) residues in the presence of ALK and FLAVs. Ultimately, the binding affinity, competition, and interaction nature were explored by docking modeling. Computational outcomes are in good accordance with experimentally obtained results. Accordingly, concluding remarks may be very useful for potential interactions between common food components and drugs.