bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Olfactory Choice for Decomposition Stage in the Burying Beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides: Preference or Aversion?
Authors: Delclos Pablo J. , Bouldin Tammy L. , Tomberlin Jeffery K.
Published: December 2020

Sensory cues predicting resource quality are drivers of key animal behaviors such as preference or aversion. Despite the abundance of behavioral choice studies across the animal kingdom, relatively few studies have tested whether these decisions are driven by preference for one choice or aversion to another. In the burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides, adult pairs exhibit parental care to raise their offspring on a small carrion resource. We tested whether carrion decomposition stage affected brood quantity and quality and found that mating pairs had significantly more offspring on fresher carcasses. To determine whether this observed reproductive benefit correlates with maternal preference behavior, we conducted a series of olfactory trials testing mated female preferences for mouse carcasses of differing decomposition stages. When given the option between fresh and older carcasses, females associated significantly more with fresher, 1-day old carcasses. However, this behavior may be driven by aversion, as females that were given a choice between the 7-day old carcass and a blank control spent significantly more time in the control chamber. We characterized volatile organic compound profiles of both carcass types, highlighting unique compounds that may serve as public information (sensu lato) conveying resource quality information to gravid beetles.
Calibration of Calorimetric Measurement in a Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber
Authors: Yang Tingjun
Published: December 2020

The liquid argon time projection chamber provides high-resolution event images and excellent calorimetric resolution for studying neutrino physics and searching for beyond-standard-model physics. In this article, we review the main physics processes that affect detector response, including the electronics and field responses, space charge effects, electron attachment to impurities, diffusion, and recombination. We describe methods to measure those effects, which are used to calibrate the detector response and convert the measured raw analog-to-digital converter (ADC) counts into the original energy deposition.
Identifying Markers of Cardiovascular Event-Free Survival in Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Khoury Etienne , Brisson Diane , Roy Nathalie , Tremblay Gérald , Gaudet Daniel
Published: December 2020

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant trait characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations appearing at birth and is associated with increased risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, in some cases, FH subjects over 70 years of age have surprisingly never experienced any CVD symptoms throughout their entire lives. The objective of this study consists of identifying biological and environmental markers acting as cardioprotective factors and associated with unexpected survival in FH. Upon age and reported cardiovascular events (CVE) stratification, we identified a total of 458 French–Canadian FH subjects with premature reported CVE, and 1297 young adults as well as 24 elderly subjects (≥70 years) who have never reported CVE requiring hospitalization. Logistic regression models were used to depict cardioprotective markers among FH survivors (≥70 years). Regression analyses of the FH cohort showed that female sex (odds ratio (OR) = 12.92 (4.23–39.46); p < 0.0001), high levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-C (OR = 6.76 (2.43–18.79); p = 0.0002) and elevated concentrations of adiponectin (OR = 71.40 (5.20–980.47); p = 0.001) were significant contributory factors in reducing FH-related CVD risk. Notably, female (OR = 11.45 (1.25–105.98); p = 0.031) and high HDL-C (OR = 9.78 (1.75–54.67); p = 0.009) were shown to be significant covariates associated with survival in FH. Non-smoking (OR = 11.73 (4.36–31.56); p < 0.0001) was also identified as an environmental factor associated with CVE-free survival. Based on this configured model of premature CVE occurrence, these results demonstrated that, beyond LDL-C levels, female sex, high HDL-C, elevated adiponectin and non-smoking are important markers that contribute to a reduced risk of CVD and CVE-free survival in FH.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Performance of ZnO–Graphene Nanocomposites: A Review
Authors: Albiter Elim , Merlano Aura S. , Rojas Elizabeth , Barrera-Andrade José M. , Salazar Ángel , Valenzuela Miguel A.
Published: December 2020

ZnO is an exciting material for photocatalysis applications due to its high activity, easy accessibility of raw materials, low production costs, and nontoxic. Several ZnO nano and microstructures can be obtained, such as nanoparticles, nanorods, micro flowers, microspheres, among others, depending on the preparation method and conditions. ZnO is a wide bandgap semiconductor presenting massive recombination of the generated charge carriers, limiting its photocatalytic efficiency and stability. It is common to mix it with metal, metal oxide, sulfides, polymers, and nanocarbon-based materials to improve its photocatalytic behavior. Therefore, ZnO–nanocarbon composites formation has been a viable alternative that leads to new, more active, and stable photocatalytic systems. Mainly, graphene is a well-known two-dimensional material, which could be an excellent candidate to hybridize with ZnO due to its excellent physical and chemical properties (e.g., high specific surface area, optical transmittance, and thermal conductivity, among others). This review analyses ZnO–graphene nanocomposites’ recent advances, addressing the synthesis methods and the resulting structural, morphological, optical, and electronic properties. Moreover, we examine the ZnO–graphene composites’ role in the photocatalytic degradation of organic/inorganic pollutants.
Synthesis and Optimization of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes–Ferrihydrite Hybrid Composite
Authors: Tran Thien , Deocampo Daniel M. , Kabengi Nadine
Published: December 2020

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are a family of carbon nanomaterials that have uses in many technological and medical applications due to their unique properties. However, compared to other nanomaterials, CNT have a significantly lower specific surface areas (SSA), which is a critical limitation for applications. To overcome this limitation, here, we report a new protocol to synthesize a hybrid material composed of varying ratios of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and ferrihydrite (FHY). Furthermore, through a series of physical and electrochemical characterization tests, we determined that 36% FHY and 64% MWCNT is the optimum ratio for a composite that maximizes both SSA and specific capacitance. The calculated SSA of the composite was 190 m2·g−1, 2.9 times higher than that of MWCNT alone. Moreover, the composite retained valuable electrochemical properties of CNT with an estimated specific capacitance of 100 F·g−1. This composite is a promising multifunctional nanomaterial for environmental and technological applications requiring electrochemical reactivity and high specific areas such as environmental biosensors, and capacitive deionization for wastewater remediation, and water softening.
A Model for Performance Estimation of Flapping Foil Operating as Biomimetic Stream Energy Device
Authors: Malefaki Iro E. , Belibassakis Kostas A.
Published: December 2020

During the recent period intensive research has focused on the advancement of engineering and technology aspects concerning the development and optimization of wave and current energy converters driven by the need to increase the percentage of marine renewable sources in the energy-production mix, particularly from offshore installations. Most stream energy-harvesting devices are based on hydro-turbines, and their performance is dependent on the ratio of the blade-tip speed to incident-flow speed. As the oncoming speed of natural-occurring currents varies randomly, there is a penalty for the latter device’s performance when operating at non-constant tip-speed ratio away from the design value. Unlike conventional turbines that are characterized by a single degree of freedom rotating around an axis, a novel concept is examined concerning hydrokinetic energy converters based on oscillating hydrofoils. The biomimetic device includes a rotating, vertically mounted, biomimetic wing, supported by an arm linked at a pivot point on the mid-chord. Activated by a controllable self-pitching motion the system performs angular oscillations around the vertical axis in incoming flow. In this work, the performance of the above flapping-foil, biomimetic flow energy harvester is investigated by application of a semi-3D model based on unsteady hydrofoil theory and the results are verified by comparison to experimental data and a 3D boundary element method based on vortex rings. By systematical application of the model the power extraction and efficiency of the system is presented for various cases including different geometric, mechanical, and kinematic parameters, and the optimal performance of the system is determined.
Effect of Ti Content on the Microstructure and High-Temperature Creep Property of Cast Fe-Ni-Based Alloys with High-Al Content
Authors: Subramanian Gokul , Jang Changheui , Shin Ji , Jeong Chaewon
Published: December 2020

The cast Fe-Ni-based austenitic heat-resistant alloys with 4.5 wt% Al and varying Ti content were developed for high-temperature application. With increase in Ti content, strength of model alloys increased gradually at 700 °C and 750 °C. At 750 °C, alloys with 35Ni–(2~4)Ti composition showed a significant increase in creep rupture life compared to 30Ni–1Ti alloy, attributed to the increase in γ’-Ni3(Al,Ti) precipitates due to higher Ni and Ti content. Among the 35Ni–(2~4)Ti alloys, increasing Ti content from 2 to 4 wt% gradually increased the creep rupture life in the as-cast condition. The creep rupture life was improved after solution annealing treatment, however, the beneficial effect of higher Ti content was not evident for 35Ni–(2~4)Ti alloys. After solution annealing, interdendritic phases were partially dissolved, but coarse B2-NiAl phases were formed. The size and amount of coarse B2-NiAl phases increased with Ti content. In the creep-tested specimens, creep void nucleation and crack propagation were observed along the coarse B2-NiAl phases, especially for high-Ti alloys. Therefore, the beneficial effect of the increase in γ’-Ni3(Al,Ti) precipitates for high-Ti alloys on creep property was limited due to the detrimental effect of the presence of coarse B2-NiAl phases.
Effect of Trace Magnesium Additions on the Dynamic Recrystallization in Cast Alloy 825 after One-Hit Hot-Deformation
Authors: Al-Saadi Munir , Mu Wangzhong , Hulme-Smith Christopher N. , Sandberg Fredrik , Jönsson Pär G.
Published: December 2020

Alloy 825 is widely used in several industries, but its useful service life is limited by both mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. The current work explores the effect of the addition of magnesium on the recrystallization and mechanical behavior of alloy 825 under hot compression. Compression tests were performed under conditions representative of typical forming processes: temperatures between 1100 and 1250 °C and at strain rates of 0.1–10 s−1 to a true strain of 0.7. Microstructural evolution was characterized by electron backscattered diffraction. Dynamic recrystallization was found to be more prevalent under all test conditions in samples containing magnesium, but not in all cases of conventional alloy 825. The texture direction ⟨101⟩ was the dominant orientation parallel to the longitudinal direction of casting (also the direction in which the samples were compressed) in samples that contained magnesium under all test conditions, but not in any sample that did not contain magnesium. For all deformation conditions, the peak stress was approximately 10% lower in material with the addition of magnesium. Furthermore, the differences in the peak strain between different temperatures are approximately 85% smaller if magnesium is present. The average activation energy for hot deformation was calculated to be 430 kJ mol−1 with the addition of magnesium and 450 kJ mol−1 without magnesium. The average size of dynamically recrystallized grains in both alloys showed a power law relation with the Zener–Hollomon parameter, DD~Z−n, and the exponent of value, n, is found to be 0.12. These results can be used to design optimized compositions and thermomechanical treatments of alloy 825 to maximize the useful service life under current service conditions. No experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of such changes on the service life and such experiments should now be performed.
Thermally Induced Gradient of Properties on a Superhydrophobic Magnesium Alloy Surface
Authors: Emelyanenko Kirill A. , Domantovsky Alexander G. , Chulkova Elizaveta V. , Emelyanenko Alexandre M. , Boinovich Ludmila B.
Published: December 2020

Fabrication of superhydrophobic coatings for magnesium alloys is in high demand for various industrial applications. Such coatings not only extend the service life of metal structures, but also impart additional useful functional properties to the coated surface. In this study, we show that nanosecond laser processing of long, thin stripes of magnesium alloys followed by the deposition of a hydrophobic agent onto the magnesium oxide layer is a simple, convenient, and easily reproducible method for obtaining superhydrophobic surfaces with property gradient along the sample. The mechanism of the gradient in wettability and electrochemical properties of the magnesium alloy surface is discussed based on the high-temperature growth of magnesium oxide and its following degradation. The latter is related to the development of internal stresses and the formation of cracks and pores within the oxide layer at prolonged exposure to high temperatures during the interaction of a laser beam with the substrate. The effect of heating during laser processing of magnesium materials with limited sizes on the protective properties of the forming coatings is elucidated.
Effect of Low Copper Addition to As-Forged 304 Stainless Steel for Dental Applications
Authors: Chen Ker-Kong , Chao Chih-Yeh , Chen Jeng-Huey , Wu Ju-Hui , Chang Yen-Hao , Du Je-Kang
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of incorporating low copper (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 wt.%) additions into as-forged AISI 304 stainless steel (304SS). The microstructures and mechanical properties of the steel were examined using scanning electron microscopy and a universal testing machine. The antibacterial properties of the Cu-bearing 304SS specimens were investigated using Escherichia coli. Each specimen was soaked in artificial saliva to detect the release of copper ions through inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The addition of copper had no significant effect on the microstructure of the as-forged Cu-bearing 304SS, but it slightly increased its maximum tensile strength. The antibacterial rate of the as-cast and as-forged 304SS with 2 wt.% Cu was over 80%, which corresponded to an increase in the release of copper ions. This study demonstrates that low-Cu-content stainless steel can reduce bacteria and can be a suitable material for the oral environment because of the low release of Cu ions.
An Overview of Molecular Dynamic Simulation for Corrosion Inhibition of Ferrous Metals
Authors: Haris Nur Izzah Nabilah , Sobri Shafreeza , Yusof Yus Aniza , Kassim Nur Kartinee
Published: December 2020

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is a powerful tool to study the molecular level working mechanism of corrosion inhibitors in mitigating corrosion. In the past decades, MD simulation has emerged as an instrument to investigate the interactions at the interface between the inhibitor molecule and the metal surface. Combined with experimental measurement, theoretical examination from MD simulation delivers useful information on the adsorption ability and orientation of the molecule on the surface. It relates the microscopic characteristics to the macroscopic properties which enables researchers to develop high performance inhibitors. Although there has been vast growth in the number of studies that use molecular dynamic evaluation, there is still lack of comprehensive review specifically for corrosion inhibition of organic inhibitors on ferrous metal in acidic solution. Much uncertainty still exists on the approaches and steps in performing MD simulation for corrosion system. This paper reviews the basic principle of MD simulation along with methods, selection of parameters, expected result such as adsorption energy, binding energy and inhibitor orientation, and recent publications in corrosion inhibition studies.
A Modified Phase-Field Damage Model for Metal Plasticity at Finite Strains: Numerical Development and Experimental Validation
Authors: Živković Jelena , Dunić Vladimir , Milovanović Vladimir , Pavlović Ana , Živković Miroslav
Published: December 2020

Steel structures are designed to operate in an elastic domain, but sometimes plastic strains induce damage and fracture. Besides experimental investigation, a phase-field damage model (PFDM) emerged as a cutting-edge simulation technique for predicting damage evolution. In this paper, a von Mises metal plasticity model is modified and a coupling with PFDM is improved to simulate ductile behavior of metallic materials with or without constant stress plateau after yielding occurs. The proposed improvements are: (1) new coupling variable activated after the critical equivalent plastic strain is reached; (2) two-stage yield function consisting of perfect plasticity and extended Simo-type hardening functions. The uniaxial tension tests are conducted for verification purposes and identifying the material parameters. The staggered iterative scheme, multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient, and logarithmic natural strain measure are employed for the implementation into finite element method (FEM) software. The coupling is verified by the ‘one element’ example. The excellent qualitative and quantitative overlapping of the force-displacement response of experimental and simulation results is recorded. The practical significances of the proposed PFDM are a better insight into the simulation of damage evolution in steel structures, and an easy extension of existing the von Mises plasticity model coupled to damage phase-field.
A Systematic Review of Structural Reliability Methods for Deformation and Fatigue Analysis of Offshore Jacket Structures
Authors: Shittu Abdulhakim Adeoye , Kolios Athanasios , Mehmanparast Ali
Published: December 2020

This paper presents the state of the art in Structural Reliability Analysis (SRA) methods with a view of identifying key applications of each method and its proposed variations, qualifying characteristics, advantages, and limitations. Due to the increasing complexity and scale of modern offshore jacket structures, it becomes increasingly necessary to propose an accurate and efficient approach for the assessment of uncertainties in their material properties, geometric dimensions, and operating environments. SRA, as a form of uncertainty analysis, has been demonstrated to be a useful tool in the design of structures because it can directly quantify how uncertainty about input parameters can affect structural performance. Herein, attention was focused specifically on the probabilistic fracture mechanics approach because this accounts accurately for fatigue reliability mostly encountered as being dominant in the design of such structures. The well-established analytical/approximate methods such as the First- and Second-Order Reliability Methods (FORM/SORM) are widely used as they offer a good balance between accuracy and efficiency for realistic problems. They are, however, inaccurate in cases of highly non-linear systems. As a result, they have been modified using methods such as conjugate search direction approach, saddle point approximation, subset simulation, evidence theory, etc. in order to improve accuracy. Initially, direct simulations methods such as the Monte Carlo Simulation Method (MCS) with its various variance reduction techniques such as the Importance Sampling (IS), Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS), etc. are ideal for structures having non-linear limit states but perform poorly for problems that calculate very low probabilities of failure. Overall, each method has its own merits and limitation, with FORM/SORM being the most commonly used, but recently, simulation methods have increasingly been used due to continuous advances in computation powers. Other relevant methods include the Response Surface Methods (RSM) and the Surrogate Models/Meta-models (SM/MM), which are advanced approximation methods and are ideal for structures with implicit limit state functions and high-reliability indices. Combinations of advanced approximation methods and reliability analysis methods are also found in literature as they can be suitable for complex, highly non-linear problems.
Discovery of Urinary Biomarkers of Seaweed Intake Using Untargeted LC–MS Metabolomics in a Three-Way Cross-Over Human Study
Authors: Xi Muyao , Ove Dragsted Lars , Tullin Mikkel , Ernst Madeleine , Zaharudin Nazikussabah , La Barbera Giorgia
Published: December 2020

Seaweeds are a marine source rich in potentially bioactive components, and therefore have attracted attention since the middle of the twentieth century. Accurate and objective assessment of the intake of seaweeds to study their health effects is hampered by a lack of validated intake biomarkers. In this three-armed, randomized, cross-over study, an untargeted metabolomics approach was applied for discovering novel intake biomarkers. Twenty healthy participants (9 men and 11 women) were provided each of three test meals in a randomized order: 5 g of Laminaria digitate (LD), 5 g of Undaria pinnatifida (UP), or a control meal with energy-adjusted pea protein. Four urine samples and a 24 h pooled urine were collected along with blood samples at seven time-points. All samples were profiled by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS and the data were analyzed by univariate analysis and excretion kinetics to select putative intake biomarkers. In total, four intake biomarkers were selected from urine samples. They were identified as hydroxyl-dihydrocoumarin at Level III, loliolid glucuronide at level I, and isololiolid glucuronide at level II, while the last one remains unknown. Further identification and validation of these biomarkers by a cross-sectional study is essential to assess their specificity and robustness.
Micro and Nano Raman Lasers
Authors: Sirleto Luigi
Published: December 2020

Raman lasers (RLs) are a class of optically pumped laser, offering coherent lights at any desired wavelength by a proper choice of the pump wavelength, when both wavelengths are within the transparency region of the gain material and an adequately high nonlinearity and/or optical intensity are provided [...]
Study on Flow Characteristics of Working Medium in Microchannel Simulated by Porous Media Model
Authors: Xue Yufan , Guo Chunsheng , Gu Xiaoxiao , Xu Yanfeng , Xue Lihong , Lin Han
Published: December 2020

As a phase change evaporator, a microchannel array heat exchanger is of great significance in the field of microscale heat dissipation. The performance of which strongly depends on the flow resistance, capillary force, and other factors. In order to improve the heat dissipation efficiency, it is necessary to perform an in-depth study of the characteristics of microchannel flow using numerical simulation. However, the current simulation model requires high computational cost and long simulation time. To solve this problem, this paper simplifies the numerical simulation of the rectangular parallel array microchannels by building the basic flow model based on the concept of porous media. In addition, we explore the effect of aspect-ratio (AR), hydraulic diameter, inlet velocity, and other parameters of fluid flow behavior inside the microchannels. Meanwhile, a user-defined function (UDF) is formulated to add the capillary force into the model to introduce capillary force into the porous media model. Through the above research, the paper establishes the porous media model for single-phase and gas-liquid two-phase flow, which acts as a simplification of microchannel array simulation without grossly affecting the results obtained. In addition, we designed and manufactured experiments using silicon-based microchannel heat exchangers with different-ratios, and combined with the visualization method to measure the performance of the device and compared them with simulation results. The theoretical model is verified through the suction experiment of array microchannel evaporator capillary core. The simplified model of microchannel array significantly saves the computational cost and time, and provides guidance for the related experimental researches.
Fundamental Definitions for Axially-Strained Piezo-Semiconductive Nanostructures
Authors: Amiri Peyman , Falconi Christian
Published: December 2020

Piezoelectric nanotransducers may offer key advantages in comparison with conventional piezoelectrics, including more choices for types of mechanical input, positions of the contacts, dimensionalities and shapes. However, since most piezoelectric nanostructures are also semiconductive, modeling becomes significantly more intricate and, therefore, the effects of free charges have been considered only in a few studies. Moreover, the available reports are complicated by the absence of proper nomenclature and figures of merit. Besides, some of the previous analyses are incomplete. For instance, the local piezopotential and free charges within axially strained conical piezo-semiconductive nanowires have only been systematically investigated for very low doping (1016 cm−3) and under compression. Here we give the definitions for the enhancement, depletion, base and tip piezopotentials, their characteristic lengths and both the tip-to-base and the depletion-to-enhancement piezopotential-ratios. As an example, we use these definitions for analyzing the local piezopotential and free charges in n-type ZnO truncated conical nanostructures with different doping levels (intrinsic, 1016 cm−3, 1017 cm−3) for both axial compression and traction. The definitions and concepts presented here may offer insight for designing high performance piezosemiconductive nanotransducers.
An Investigation into Laser-Assisted Electrochemical Discharge Machining of Transparent Insulating Hard-Brittle Material
Authors: Zhao Douyan , Zhang Zhaoyang , Zhu Hao , Cao Zenghui , Xu Kun
Published: December 2020

Electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) and laser machining are emerging nontraditional machining technologies suitable for micro-processing of insulating and hard-brittle materials typified by glass. However, poor machinability of glass is a major constraint, which remains to be solved. For the micro-grooves processed by ECDM, the bottom surface is usually uneven and associated with protrusion structures, while the edges are not straight with obvious wave-shaped heat-affected zones (HAZs) and over-cutting. Besides, the cross section of the micro-grooves processed by the laser is V-shape with a large taper. To solve these problems, this study proposed the laser-assisted ECDM for glass micro-grooving, which combines ECDM and laser machining. This study compared morphological features of the single processing method and the hybrid processing method. The results show that ECDM caused cylindrical protrusions at the bottom of the microgrooves. After processing these micro-grooves by laser, the cylindrical protrusions were removed. However, the edge quality of the microgrooves was still poor. Therefore, we used the laser to get microgrooves first, so we got micro-grooves with better edge quality. Then we use ECDM to improve the taper of microgrooves and the cross-sectional shape of the microgrooves transformed from a V-shape to a U-shape.
Mineral Matter in the Late Permian C1 Coal from Yunnan Province, China, with Emphasis on Its Origins and Modes of Occurrence
Authors: Li Xiao , Dai Shifeng , Nechaev Victor P. , Graham Ian T. , French David , Wang Xibo , Zhao Lei , Zhao Jingtao
Published: December 2020

This paper reports the mineralogy and geochemistry of the Late Permian C1 Coal from Bole and Laibin mines in eastern Yunnan, Southwestern China (C1 Coal in Laibin mine is composed of three layers termed B1, B2, and B3). The coals are characterized by medium-high ash yields and very low sulfur contents. Compared with average values of trace element concentrations in hard coals worldwide, the Bole and Laibin coals are enriched in V, Co, Cu, Zn, and Se, which were mainly derived from the sediment-source region of the Kangdian Upland. Major minerals in the coal samples and roof and floor strata include quartz, interstratified berthierine/chamosite (B/C), as well as kaolinite, mixed layer illite/smectite, calcite, pyrite, and anatase. Unlike a pure chamosite, the 7 Å peak of interstratified B/C is sharp and narrow, while the 14 Å peak is broad and weak, or absent in some coal samples. Interstratified B/C was largely precipitated from low-temperature Fe-rich and Mg-rich hydrothermal fluids or, in some cases, is an alteration product of kaolinite. Secondary phases of quartz, calcite, pyrite, kaolinite, chalcopyrite, gypsum, and REE-phosphates in the coal samples are the dominant authigenic minerals formed at syngenetic and early diagenetic stages. Four intra-seam partings in C1 Coal, B1, and B3 layers are identified as tonsteins derived from felsic volcanic ashes. These tonsteins consist mainly of cryptocrystalline kaolinite with graupen and vermicular textures, and minor amounts of high-temperature quartz, zircon, apatite, monazite, and anatase. The floor of the C1 Coal in the Bole mine is a tuffaceous claystone and consists of altered high-Ti basalt volcaniclastics, characterized by high concentrations of Zr, Nb, V, Co, Cu, and Zn, low Al2O3/TiO2 ratio (~4.62), high Ti/Y ratio (~900), enrichment of middle rare earth elements, and positive Eu anomalies.
Heterotypic Supramolecular Hydrogels Formed by Noncovalent Interactions in Inflammasomes
Authors: Shy Adrianna N. , Wang Huaimin , Feng Zhaoqianqi , Xu Bing
Published: December 2020

The advance of structural biology has revealed numerous noncovalent interactions between peptide sequences in protein structures, but such information is less explored for developing peptide materials. Here we report the formation of heterotypic peptide hydrogels by the two binding motifs revealed by the structures of an inflammasome. Specifically, conjugating a self-assembling motif to the positively or negatively charged peptide sequence from the ASCPYD filaments of inflammasome produces the solutions of the peptides. The addition of the peptides of the oppositely charged and complementary peptides to the corresponding peptide solution produces the heterotypic hydrogels. Rheology measurement shows that ratios of the complementary peptides affect the viscoelasticity of the resulted hydrogel. Circular dichroism indicates that the addition of the complementary peptides results in electrostatic interactions that modulate self-assembly. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that the ratio of the complementary peptides controls the morphology of the heterotypic peptide assemblies. This work illustrates a rational, biomimetic approach that uses the structural information from the protein data base (PDB) for developing heterotypic peptide materials via self-assembly.
First Synthesis of Racemic Trans Propargylamino-Donepezil, a Pleiotrope Agent Able to Both Inhibit AChE and MAO-B, with Potential Interest against Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Guieu Benjamin , Lecoutey Cedric , Legay Rémi , Davis Audrey , Sopkova de Oliveira Santos Jana , Altomare Cosimo Damiano , Catto Marco , Rochais Christophe , Dallemagne Patrick
Published: December 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease towards which pleiotropic approach using Multi-Target Directed Ligands is nowadays recognized as probably convenient. Among the numerous targets which are today validated against AD, acetylcholinesterase (ACh) and Monoamine Oxidase-B (MAO-B) appear as particularly convincing, especially if displayed by a sole agent such as ladostigil, currently in clinical trial in AD. Considering these results, we wanted to take benefit of the structural analogy lying in donepezil (DPZ) and rasagiline, two indane derivatives marketed as AChE and MAO-B inhibitors, respectively, and to propose the synthesis and the preliminary in vitro biological characterization of a structural compromise between these two compounds, we called propargylaminodonepezil (PADPZ). The synthesis of racemic trans PADPZ was achieved and its biological evaluation established its inhibitory activities towards both (h)AChE (IC50 = 0.4 µM) and (h)MAO-B (IC50 = 6.4 µM).
Ocimum campechianum Mill. from Amazonian Ecuador: Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Extracts and Their Main Constituents (Eugenol and Rosmarinic Acid)
Authors: Tacchini Massimo , Echeverria Guevara Monica Paulina , Grandini Alessandro , Maresca Immacolata , Radice Matteo , Angiolella Letizia , Guerrini Alessandra
Published: December 2020

The essential oil (EO), the methanolic (MeOH), and the 70% ethanolic (70% EtOH) extracts obtained from the aerial parts of Ocimum campechianum Mill. (Ecuador) were chemically characterized through gas-chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry detector (GC-MS), high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array-mass spectrometry detectors (HPLC-DAD-MS) and studied for their in vitro biological activity. The radical scavenger activity, performed by spectrophotometric 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays, highlighted significant IC50 values for the EO, extracts and their main constituents (eugenol and rosmarinic acid). EO (and eugenol) showed noteworthy activity against Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae and a moderate effect against clinical Candida strains, with possible synergism in association to fluconazole against the latter microorganisms. The extracts and pure molecules exhibited weak cytotoxic activity against the HaCat cell line and no mutagenicity against Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains, giving indication of safety. Instead, EO showed a weak activity against adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549). The above-mentioned evidence leads us to suggest a potential use of the crude drug, extracts, and EO in cosmetic formulation and food supplements as antioxidant agents. In addition, EO may also have a possible application in plant protection and anti-Candida formulations.
Classification of Unifloral Honeys from SARDINIA (Italy) by ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy and Random Forest
Authors: Ciulu Marco , Oertel Elisa , Serra Rosanna , Farre Roberta , Spano Nadia , Caredda Marco , Malfatti Luca , Sanna Gavino
Published: December 2020

Nowadays, the mislabeling of honey floral origin is a very common fraudulent practice. The scientific community is intensifying its efforts to provide the bodies responsible for controlling the authenticity of honey with fast and reliable analytical protocols. In this study, the classification of various monofloral honeys from Sardinia, Italy, was attempted by means of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and random forest. Four different floral origins were considered: strawberry-tree (Arbutus Unedo L.), asphodel (Asphodelus microcarpus), thistle (Galactites tormentosa), and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus calmadulensis). Training a random forest on the infrared spectra allowed achieving an average accuracy of 87% in a cross-validation setting. The identification of the significant wavenumbers revealed the important role played by the region 1540–1175 cm−1 and, to a lesser extent, the region 1700–1600 cm−1. The contribution of the phenolic fraction was identified as the main responsible for this observation.
Synthesis, Photoisomerization, Antioxidant Activity, and Lipid-Lowering Effect of Ferulic Acid and Feruloyl Amides
Authors: Lambruschini Chiara , Demori Ilaria , El Rashed Zeinab , Rovegno Leila , Canessa Elena , Cortese Katia , Grasselli Elena , Moni Lisa
Published: December 2020

The Ugi four-component reaction employing naturally occurred ferulic acid (FA) is proposed as a convenient method to synthesize feruloyl tertiary amides. Applying this strategy, a peptoid-like derivative of ferulic acid (FEF77) containing 2 additional hydroxy-substituted aryl groups, has been synthesized. The influence of the configuration of the double bond of ferulic acid and feruloyl amide on the antioxidant activity has been investigated thanks to light-mediated isomerization studies. At the cellular level, both FA, trans and cis isomers of FEF77 were able to protect human endothelial cord vein (HECV) cells from the oxidative damage induced by exposure to hydrogen peroxide, as measured by cell viability and ROS production assays. Moreover, in steatotic FaO rat hepatoma cells, an in vitro model resembling non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the molecules exhibited a lipid-lowering effect, which, along with the antioxidant properties, points to consider feruloyl amides for further investigations in a therapeutic perspective.
Protective Effect of Ferulic Acid against Hydrogen Peroxide Induced Apoptosis in PC12 Cells
Authors: Nakayama Hironao , Nakahara Masako , Matsugi Erina , Soda Midori , Hattori Tomoka , Hara Koki , Usami Ayuki , Kusumoto Chiaki , Higashiyama Shigeki , Kitaichi Kiyoyuki
Published: December 2020

Ferulic Acid (FA) is a highly abundant phenolic phytochemical which is present in plant tissues. FA has biological effects on physiological and pathological processes due to its anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative properties, however, the detailed mechanism(s) of function is poorly understood. We have identified FA as a molecule that inhibits apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or actinomycin D (ActD) in rat pheochromocytoma, PC12 cell. We also found that FA reduces H2O2-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in PC12 cell, thereby acting as an anti-oxidant. Then, we analyzed FA-mediated signaling responses in rat pheochromocytoma, PC12 cells using antibody arrays for phosphokinase and apoptosis related proteins. This FA signaling pathway in PC12 cells includes inactivation of pro-apoptotic proteins, SMAC/Diablo and Bad. In addition, FA attenuates the cell injury by H2O2 through the inhibition of phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Importantly, we find that FA restores expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key neuroprotective effector, in H2O2-treated PC12 cells. As a possible mechanism, FA increases BDNF by regulating microRNA-10b expression following H2O2 stimulation. Taken together, FA has broad biological effects as a neuroprotective modulator to regulate the expression of phosphokinases, apoptosis-related proteins and microRNAs against oxidative stress in PC12 cells.
Purification and Characterization of Recombinant Expressed Apple Allergen Mal d 1
Authors: Kaeswurm Julia A. H. , Nestl Bettina , Richter Sven M. , Emperle Max , Buchweitz Maria
Published: December 2020

Mal d 1 is the primary apple allergen in northern Europe. To explain the differences in the allergenicity of apple varieties, it is essential to study its properties and interaction with other phytochemicals, which might modulate the allergenic potential. Therefore, an optimized production route followed by an unsophisticated purification step for Mal d 1 and respective mutants is desired to produce sufficient amounts. We describe a procedure for the transformation of the plasmid in competent E. coli cells, protein expression and rapid one-step purification. r-Mal d 1 with and without a polyhistidine-tag are purified by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) and fast-protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) using a high-resolution anion-exchange column, respectively. Purity is estimated by SDS-PAGE using an image-processing program (Fiji). For both mutants an appropriate yield of r-Mal d 1 with purity higher than 85% is achieved. The allergen is characterized after tryptic in gel digestion by peptide analyses using HPLC-MS/MS. Secondary structure elements are calculated based on CD-spectroscopy and the negligible impact of the polyhistidine-tag on the folding is confirmed. The formation of dimers is proved by mass spectrometry and reduction by DTT prior to SDS-PAGE. Furthermore, the impact of the freeze and thawing process, freeze drying and storage on dimer formation is investigated.
Influence of the Interface Composition to the Superconductivity of Ti/PdAu Films
Authors: Xu Xiaolong , Rajteri Mauro , Li Jinjin , Zhang Shuo , Chen Jian , Monticone Eugenio , Zhong Qing , Gao Huifang , Li Wei , Li Xu , Li Qi , Zhong Yuan , Cao Wenhui , Wang Shijian , Gao Ying , Liu Zheng , Wang Xueshen
Published: December 2020

In this work, the interface composition of the superconducting Ti/PdAu bilayer is tuned by an annealing process in N2 from 100 to 500 °C to control the superconducting transition temperature (Tc). This Ti-PdAu composition layer is characterized with a high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS) to show the infiltration process. The surface topography, electrical, and cryogenic properties are also shown. The inter-infiltration of Ti and PdAu induced by the thermal treatments generates an intermixed layer at the interface of the bilayer film. Due to the enforced proximity effect by the annealing process, the Tc of Ti (55 nm)/PdAu (60 nm) bilayer thin films is tuned from an initial value of 243 to 111 mK which is a temperature that is suitable for the application as the function unit of a superconducting transition edge sensor.
Post-Synthesis Modification of Photoluminescent and Electrochemiluminescent Au Nanoclusters with Dopamine
Authors: Kim Jae Hyun , Kim Joohoon
Published: December 2020

Here, we report a post-synthesis functionalization of the shell of Au nanoclusters (NCs) synthesized using glutathione as a thiolate ligand. The as-synthesized Au NCs are subjected to the post-synthesis functionalization via amidic coupling of dopamine on the cluster shell to tailor photoluminescence (PL) and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) features of the Au NCs. Because the NCs’ PL at ca. 610 nm is primarily ascribed to the Au(I)-thiolate (SG) motifs on the cluster shell of the NCs, the post-synthesis functionalization of the cluster shell enhanced the PL intensity of the Au NCs via rigidification of the cluster shell. In contrast to the PL enhancement, the post-synthesis modification of the cluster shell does not enhance the near-infrared (NIR) ECL of the NCs because the NIR ECL at ca. 800 nm is ascribed to the Au(0)-SG motifs in the metallic core of the NCs.
Bidirectional Angle-Tolerant Polarization-Tuned Filtering and Wide-Range Refractive Index Sensing Based on Metal Film Coated Nanograting
Authors: Cui Wenli , Wu Qiannan , Chen Bo , Li Xufeng , Luo Xiaolin , Peng Wei
Published: December 2020

The miniaturization and integration of photonic devices are new requirements in the fast-growing optics field. In this paper, we focus on a feature-rich sub-wavelength nanograting-coated single-layer metal film. The numerical results show that the reflection behaviors of this proposed structure can realize bidirectional dual-channel ultra-narrowband polarized filtering and bidirectional wavelength-modulated sensing in a wide refractive index (RI) range from 1.0 to 1.4 for incident angle of 10° with transverse-magnetic (TM) polarized illumination at wavelengths between 550 nm to 1500 nm. Moreover, the bidirectional properties of filtering and sensing are not obviously decreased when increasing incident angle from 10° to 30°, and decreasing incident angle from 10° to 0°. The calculated RI sensitivity can be up to 592 nm/RIU with a high figure of merit (FOM) of 179.4 RIU−1. More to the point, this nanograting has a simple structure and is less sensitive to the height and shape of grating ridge, which provides great convenience for the fabrication of devices. The other thing that is going on is that this structure can also realize synchronously tunable color filtering, including green to red, with high color purity in the visible band by choosing the period. The underlying physical mechanism is analyzed in detail, and is primarily attributed to surface plasmon polariton (SPP) resonance and dipole resonance at double plasmon resonance wavelengths. This work has tremendous potential in developing multipurpose and high-performance integrated optical devices such as spectral filters, colored displays and plasmon biomedical sensors.
SnSe Nanosheets: From Facile Synthesis to Applications in Broadband Photodetections
Authors: Li Xiangyang , Song Zongpeng , Zhao Huancheng , Zhang Wenfei , Sun Zhenhua , Liang Huawei , Zhu Haiou , Pei Jihong , Li Ling , Ruan Shuangchen
Published: December 2020

In recent years, using two-dimensional (2D) materials to realize broadband photodetection has become a promising area in optoelectronic devices. Here, we successfully synthesized SnSe nanosheets (NSs) by a facile tip ultra-sonication method in water-ethanol solvent which was eco-friendly. The carrier dynamics of SnSe NSs was systematically investigated via a femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy in the visible wavelength regime and three decay components were clarified with delay time of τ1 = 0.77 ps, τ2 = 8.3 ps, and τ3 = 316.5 ps, respectively, indicating their potential applications in ultrafast optics and optoelectronics. As a proof-of-concept, the photodetectors, which integrated SnSe NSs with monolayer graphene, show high photoresponsivities and excellent response speeds for different incident lasers. The maximum photo-responsivities for 405, 532, and 785 nm were 1.75 × 104 A/W, 4.63 × 103 A/W, and 1.52 × 103 A/W, respectively. The photoresponse times were ~22.6 ms, 11.6 ms, and 9.7 ms. This behavior was due to the broadband light response of SnSe NSs and fast transportation of photocarriers between the monolayer graphene and SnSe NSs.
Zinc Supplementation Modulates NETs Release and Neutrophils’ Degranulation
Authors: Kuźmicka Weronika , Manda-Handzlik Aneta , Cieloch Adrianna , Mroczek Agnieszka , Demkow Urszula , Wachowska Małgorzata , Ciepiela Olga
Published: December 2020

Zinc plays an important physiological role in the entire body, especially in the immune system. It is one of the most abundant microelements in our organism and an essential component of enzymes and antibacterial proteins. Zinc levels were reported to be correlated with the intensity of innate immunity responses, especially those triggered by neutrophils. However, as the results are fragmentary, the phenomenon is still not fully understood and requires further research. In this study, we aimed to perform a comprehensive assessment and study the impact of zinc on several basic neutrophils’ functions in various experimental setups. Human and murine neutrophils were preincubated in vitro with zinc, and then phagocytosis, oxidative burst, degranulation and release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were analyzed. Moreover, a murine model of zinc deficiency and zinc supplementation was introduced in the study and the functions of isolated cells were thoroughly studied. We showed that zinc inhibits NETs release as well as degranulation in both human and murine neutrophils. Our study revealed that zinc decreases NETs release by inhibiting citrullination of histone H3. On the other hand, studies performed in zinc-deficient mice demonstrated that low zinc levels result in increased release of NETs and enhanced neutrophils degranulation. Overall, it was shown that zinc affects neutrophils’ functions in vivo and in vitro. Proper zinc level is necessary to maintain efficient functioning of the innate immune response.