bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Relative Stiffness of Pile and Soil on Pile Group Effect
Authors: Liu Bo , Wang Xiaomin , Liu Chunhui , Kong Jingchang
Published: January 2023

Pile groups are designed to sustain complex loads in various engineering. During the design of a pile group, the obvious pile group effect should be considered for closely spaced pile groups. However, the group effect considered by different scholars varies, which makes it hard for engineers to consider the pile group effect for the design of a pile group. In this study, the finite element (FE) method is proposed to advance our understanding of the variations of pile group effects developed by different researchers, based on the concept of soil–pile relative stiffness. The relationship between soil–pile relative stiffness and normalized lateral load–displacement curves and bending moment profile response of the pile group is investigated. The results show that the pile group effect increases with the increase in soil–pile relative stiffness; the pile group effect increases with the decrease in pile spacing, increases with the increase in of number of piles in the group, and is significantly affected by pile group arrangement as well.
Modelling of Synthetic Fibre Rope Mooring for Floating Offshore Wind Turbines
Authors: Sørum Stian H. , Fonseca Nuno , Kent Michael , Faria Rui Pedro
Published: January 2023

Fibre ropes offer beneficial properties for mooring of floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs). However, the mooring line’s stiffness is both load-history and load-rate dependent. A quasi-static stiffness is observed for slow loading, with a higher stiffness related to rapid, cyclic loading (dynamic stiffness). Design standards provide different guidelines for how to combine these in the mooring analysis. This paper describes procedures for adapting laboratory test stiffness results to the Syrope and a bi-linear model and investigates the consequence of using the models for load calculations. The Syrope model accounts for the quasi-static and permanent rope elongation, while performing the analyses with the dynamic stiffness. The bi-linear model applies both the quasi-static and dynamic stiffness in the dynamic analyses. Based on fibre rope tests performed by Bridon-Bekaert, a Syrope model and two bi-linear models are adapted to the same fibre rope. Fatigue damage and ultimate loads on the mooring lines of Saitec’s SATH FOWT are calculated. The bi-linear model artificially reduces the tension ranges, particularly if there is a large difference between the quasi-static and dynamic stiffness of the fibre rope. This leads to a longer predicted fatigue lifetime. Differences in the extreme loads are caused by the permanent elongation of the Syrope model. This may be countered if the elongation is known and included in the bi-linear model. Finally, the bi-linear model introduces an amplitude-dependency in the horizontal natural periods.
Numerical Modeling of Solitary Wave-Induced Flow and Scour around a Square Onshore Structure
Authors: Li Jinzhao , Kong Xuan , Yang Yilin , Hu Jiexuan , Jin Ruijia
Published: January 2023

Waves or tsunamis in the onshore area could induce severe scour at the structure foundations, threatening the stability of the structure. This paper presents a numerical study of the solitary wave-induced flow and scour around a square onshore structure. A CFD model coupled with hydrodynamic and sediment transport models is first validated through a large-scale laboratory experiment, which shows that the model can well reproduce the flow and scour characteristics. Subsequently, based on the reliable numerical results, the flow field and scour development during wave inundation of the structure are explored. It is found that the development of the simulated scour depth is faster at the early stage compared to that in the experimental result. The results also show that the scour starts at the front corner of the structure, which is also the position of the maximum scour depth. The scour develops rapidly at the early stage and is almost completed in the first half of the wave period. In addition, the results demonstrate that bed scouring increases the wave force on the structure due to the increase in the flow velocity near the bed, which needs to be considered, especially in the shallow-water scour scenario. Finally, a simplified prediction equation is proposed for the temporal development of the scour depth.
Heterogeneous Distribution of Phospholipid Molecular Species in the Surface Culture of Flammulina velutipes: New Facts about Lipids Containing α-Linolenic Fatty Acid
Authors: Senik Svetlana V. , Manzhieva Bairta S. , Maloshenok Liliya G. , Serebryakov Evgeny B. , Bruskin Sergey A. , Kotlova Ekaterina R.
Published: January 2023

Mycelial fungi grow as colonies consisting of polar growing hyphae, developing radially from spore or inoculum. Over time, the colony develops, hyphae are subject to various exogenous or endogenous stimuli, and mycelium becomes heterogeneous in growth, gene expression, biosynthesis, and secretion of proteins and metabolites. Although the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of mycelium heterogeneity have been the subject of many studies, the role of lipids in colony development and zonality is still not understood. This work was undertaken to extend our knowledge of mycelium heterogeneity and to answer the question of how different lipid molecular species are distributed in the surface colony of the basidial fungus Flammulina velutipes and how this distribution correlates with its morphology. The heterogeneity in the lipid metabolism and lipid composition of the fungal mycelium was demonstrated. According to the real-time PCR and LC-MS/MS results, the expression of genes of PC metabolism, accumulation of phospholipid classes, and degree of unsaturation of PC and PE increased in the direction from the center to the periphery of the colony. The peripheral zone of the colony was characterized by a higher value of the PC/PE ratio and a higher level of phospholipids esterified by linolenic acid. Considering that the synthesis of phospholipids in fungi occurs in different ways, we also conducted experiments with deuterium-labeled phospholipid precursors and found out that the Kennedy pathway is the predominant route for PC biosynthesis in F. velutipes. The zonal differences in gene expression and lipid composition can be explained by the participation of membrane lipids in polar growth maintenance and regulation.
Comparison of Clinical and Imaginal Features According to the Pathological Grades of Dysplasia in Branch-Duct Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm (BD-IPMN) for Personalized Medicine
Authors: Na Ji Eun , Park Jae Keun , Lee Jong Kyun , Park Joo Kyung , Lee Kwang Hyuck , Lee Kyu Taek
Published: January 2023

Background: In patients with BD-IPMN, surgical indications have been focused on finding malignant lesions (HGD, high-grade dysplasia/IC, invasive carcinoma). The aim of this study was to compare the preoperative factors that distinguish HGD from LGD (low-grade dysplasia) and HGD from IC to find the optimal pathologic target for surgery according to individuals, considering surgical risks and outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 232 patients with BD-IPMN diagnosed based on pathology after surgery and preoperative images. The primary outcome was identifying preoperative factors distinguishing HGD from LGD, and HGD from IC. Results: In patients with LGD/HGD, a solid component or an enhancing mural nodule ≥ 5 mm (OR = 9.29; 95% CI: 3.3–54.12; p < 0.000) and thickened/enhancing cyst walls (OR = 6.95; 95% CI: 1.68–33.13; p = 0.008) were associated with HGD. In patients with malignant lesions (HGD/IC), increased serum CA 19-9 (OR = 12.59; 95% CI: 1.81–87.44; p = 0.006) was associated with IC. Conclusions: The predictive factors for HGD were the presence of a solid component or an enhancing mural nodule ≥ 5 mm and thickened/enhancing cyst walls compared with LGD, and if accompanied by increased CA 19-9, it might be necessary to urgently evaluate the lesion due to the possibility of progression to IC. Based on this finding, we need to find HGD as the optimal pathologic target for surgery to improve survival in low-surgical-risk patients, and IC could be assumed to be the optimal pathologic target for surgery in high-surgical-risk patients because of high morbidity and mortality associated with surgery.
Severe Burn Injury Significantly Alters the Gene Expression and m6A Methylation Tagging of mRNAs and lncRNAs in Human Skin
Authors: Ran Yanqin , Yan Zhuoxian , Huang Mitao , Zhou Situo , Wu Fangqin , Wang Mengna , Yang Sifan , Zhang Pihong , Huang Xiaoyuan , Jiang Bimei , Liang Pengfei
Published: January 2023

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modulates RNA metabolism and functions in cell differentiation, tissue development, and immune response. After acute burns, skin wounds are highly susceptible to infection and poor healing. However, our understanding of the effect of burn injuries on m6A methylation and their potential mechanism is still limited. Human m6A-mRNA&lncRNA Epitranscriptomic microarray was used to obtain comprehensive mRNA and lncRNA transcriptome m6A profiling and gene expression patterns after burn injuries in human skin tissue. Bioinformatic and functional analyses were conducted to find molecular functions. Microarray profiling showed that 65 mRNAs and 39 lncRNAs were significantly hypermethylated; 5492 mRNAs and 754 lncRNAs were significantly hypomethylated. Notably, 3989 hypomethylated mRNAs were down-expressed and inhibited many wound healing biological processes and pathways including in the protein catabolic process and supramolecular fiber organization pathway; 39 hypermethylated mRNAs were up-expressed and influenced the cell surface receptor signaling pathway and inflammatory response. Moreover, we validated that m6A regulators (METTL14, METTL16, ALKBH5, FMR1, and HNRNPC) were significantly downregulated after burn injury which may be responsible for the alteration of m6A modification and gene expression. In summary, we found that homeostasis in the skin was disrupted and m6A modification may be a potential mechanism affecting trauma infection and wound healing.
Drought Monitoring in Terms of Evapotranspiration Based on Satellite Data from Meteosat in Areas of Strong Land–Atmosphere Coupling
Authors: Stoyanova Julia S. , Georgiev Christo G. , Neytchev Plamen N.
Published: January 2023

This study was focused on a key aspect of drought monitoring that has not been systematically studied in the literature: evaluation of the capacity of evapotranspiration data retrieved using geostationary meteorological satellites for use as a water stress precursor. The work was methodologically based on comparisons between constructed indexes of vegetation water stress (evapotranspiration drought index (ETDI) and evaporative stress ratio (ESR)) derived from the EUMETSAT LSASAF METREF and DMET satellite products and soil moisture availability (SMA) from a SVAT model. Long-term (2011–2021) data for regions with strong land–atmosphere coupling in Southeastern Europe (Bulgaria) were used. Stochastic graphical analysis and Q–Q (quantile–quantile) analyses were performed to compare water stress metrics and SMA. Analyses confirmed the consistency in the behavior of vegetation water-stress indexes and SMA in terms of their means, spatiotemporal variability at monthly and annual levels, and anomalous distributions. The biophysical aspects of the drought evaluation confirmed the complementary and parallel interaction of potential (METREF) and actual (DMET) evapotranspiration (in view of the Bouchet hypothesis) for the studied region. Anomalies in evapotranspiration stress indexes can provide useful early signals of agricultural/ecological drought, and the results confirm the validity of using their satellite-based versions to characterize SMA in the root zone and drought severity.
Intraoperative Catastrophes during Robotic Lung Resection: A Single-Center Experience and Review of the Literature
Authors: Manfredini Beatrice , Zirafa Carmelina Cristina , Romano Gaetano , Bagalà Elena , Cariello Claudia , Davini Federico , Melfi Franca
Published: January 2023

Background: Robotic surgery is increasingly used in the treatment of lung disease. Intraoperative catastrophes, despite their low incidence, are currently a critical aspect of this approach. This study aims to identify the incidence and management of catastrophic events in patients who underwent robotic anatomical pulmonary resection; (2) Methods: Data from all patients who underwent robotic anatomical pulmonary resection from 2014 to 2021 for lung disease were collected and analyzed. Catastrophic intraoperative events are defined as events that demanded emergency management for life-threatening bleeding, with or without undocking and thoracotomy; (3) Results: Catastrophic events occurred in seven (1.4%) procedures; all of them consisted of vascular damage during lobectomy. Most of the catastrophic events occurred during left upper lobectomies (57%). Patients in this group had a higher ASA class and a higher pathological stage compared to the control group; (4) Conclusions: Intraoperative catastrophes are unpredictable events which also occur in experienced surgical teams. Given the widespread use of robotic surgery, it is essential to develop well-defined crisis management strategies to better manage catastrophic events in robotic thoracic surgery and improve clinical outcomes.
Recent Development for Ultra-Precision Macro–Micro Dual-Drive System: A Review
Authors: Yang Manzhi , Gui Haochen , Zhang Chuanwei , Zhao Shuanfeng , Han Feiyan , Dang Meng , Zhang Bin
Published: January 2023

Macro–micro dual-drive technology uses a micro-drive system to compensate for motion errors of a macro-drive system, solving the contradiction between large travel and high-precision motion. Additionally, it has a wide range of applications in the ultra-precision field. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze and research the ultra-precision macro–micro dual-drive system. Firstly, this paper analyzes the history of ultra-precision technology development and summarizes the research status of ultra-precision technology processing and application. Secondly, the micro-drive mechanism design and macro–micro-drive mode of macro–micro dual-drive technology, which can solve the contradiction of large stroke and high precision, are reviewed, and the application of macro–micro dual-drive technology in an ultra-precision system is summarized. Finally, the challenges and development trends of the ultra-precision macro–micro dual-drive system are analyzed. The research in this paper will play an important role in promoting the development of the ultra-precision system and macro–micro dual-drive technology.
Research on the High Precision Synchronous Control Method of the Fieldbus Control System
Authors: Chen Lingyu , Zheng Jieji , Fan Dapeng , Chen Ning
Published: January 2023

The synchronization control performance of the Fieldbus control system (FCS) is an important guarantee for the completion of multi-axis collaborative machining tasks, and its synchronization control accuracy is one of the decisive factors for the machining quality. To improve the synchronization control accuracy of FCS, this paper first makes a comprehensive analysis of the factors affecting synchronization in FCS. Secondly, by analyzing the communication model of linear Ethernet, a distributed clock compensation method based on timestamps is proposed to solve the asynchronous problem of communication data transmission in the linear ethernet bus topology. Then, based on the CANopen application layer protocol, the FCS communication and device control task collaboration method is proposed to ensure the synchronous control of multiple devices by FCS. Finally, an experimental platform is built for functional verification and performance testing of the proposed synchronization method. The results show that the proposed synchronization method can achieve a communication synchronization accuracy of 50 ns and a device control synchronization accuracy of 150 ns.
4D Printing of Hydrogels Controlled by Hinge Structure and Spatially Gradient Swelling for Soft Robots
Authors: Kameoka Masanari , Watanabe Yosuke , Shiblee MD Nahin Islam , Kawakami Masaru , Ogawa Jun , Khosla Ajit , Furukawa Hidemitsu , Zhang Shengyang , Hirai Shinichi , Wang Zhongkui
Published: January 2023

In 4D printing, structures with gradients in physical properties are 3D printed in order to dramatically increase deformation. For example, printing bilayer structures with passive and active layers has been proposed, however, these methods have the disadvantages that the material of each layer is mixed, and the modeling process is complicated. Herein, we present a method of creating gradient gels with different degrees of polymerization on the UV-exposed side and the other side using a single material by simply increasing the amount of initiator. This gel is the first example in which the differential swelling ratio between two sides causes the gradient to curl inward toward the UV-exposed side. The mechanical properties (swelling ratio and Young’s modulus) were measured at different material concentrations and structures, and the effects of each on deformation were analyzed and simulated. The results show that adding an initiator concentration of 0.2 (mol/L) or more causes deformation, that increasing the crosslinker concentration by a factor of three or more increases deformation, and that adding a hinge structure limits the gradient gel to deformation up to 90°. Thus, it was found that the maximum deformation can be predicted to some extent by simulation. In the future, we will be able to create complex structures while utilizing simulation.
Improved Hybrid Firefly Algorithm with Probability Attraction Model
Authors: Bei Jin-Ling , Zhang Ming-Xin , Wang Ji-Quan , Song Hao-Hao , Zhang Hong-Yu
Published: January 2023

An improved hybrid firefly algorithm with probability attraction model (IHFAPA) is proposed to solve the problems of low computational efficiency and low computational accuracy in solving complex optimization problems. First, the method of square-root sequence was used to generate the initial population, so that the initial population had better population diversity. Second, an adaptive probabilistic attraction model is proposed to attract fireflies according to the brightness level of fireflies, which can minimize the brightness comparison times of the algorithm and moderate the attraction times of the algorithm. Thirdly, a new location update method is proposed, which not only overcomes the deficiency in that the relative attraction of two fireflies is close to 0 when the distance is long but also overcomes the deficiency that the relative attraction of two fireflies is close to infinity when the distance is small. In addition, a combinatorial variational operator based on selection probability is proposed to improve the exploration and exploitation ability of the firefly algorithm (FA). Later, a similarity removal operation is added to maintain the diversity of the population. Finally, experiments using CEC 2017 constrained optimization problems and four practical problems in engineering show that IHFAPA can effectively improve the quality of solutions.
Criteria-Based Model of Hybrid Photovoltaic–Wind Energy System with Micro-Compressed Air Energy Storage
Authors: Arnaoutakis Georgios E. , Kocher-Oberlehner Gudrun , Katsaprakakis Dimitris Al.
Published: January 2023

Utilization of solar and wind energy is increasing worldwide. Photovoltaic and wind energy systems are among the major contributing tec4hnologies to the generation capacity from renewable energy sources; however, the generation often does not temporally match the demand. Micro-compressed air energy storage (micro-CAES) is among the low-cost storage options, and its coupling with the power generated by photovoltaics and wind turbines can provide demand shifting, modeled by efficient algorithms. A model based on criteria that are preset according to the demand is presented. The model decides on the distribution of the generated energy, depending on the state of the energy storage and the preset criteria of each storage technology. The satisfaction of the demand by the energy production and micro-CAES is compared to that of storage batteries. The demand originates in a case study of a household and optimal configurations of photovoltaics and wind turbines, and the storage capacities and costs are compared. An optimal configuration of 30 photovoltaic panels and two wind turbines was found for micro-CAES. The annual stored energy of micro-CAES was 114 kWh higher than that of the system with batteries.
Prognostics and Health Management of the Robotic Servo-Motor under Variable Operating Conditions
Authors: Lee Hyewon , Raouf Izaz , Song Jinwoo , Kim Heung Soo , Lee Soobum
Published: January 2023

A robot is essential in many industrial and manufacturing facilities due to its efficiency, accuracy, and durability. However, continuous use of the robotic system can result in various component failures. The servo motor is one of the critical components, and its bearing is one of the vulnerable parts, hence failure analysis is required. Some previous prognostics and health management (PHM) methods are very limited in considering the realistic operating conditions of industrial robots based on various operating speeds, loading conditions, and motions, because they consider constant speed data with unloading conditions. This paper implements a PHM for the servo motor of a robotic arm based on variable operating conditions. Principal component analysis-based dimensionality reduction and correlation analysis-based feature selection are compared. Two machine learning algorithms have been used to detect fault features under various operating conditions. This method is proposed as a robust fault-detection model for industrial robots under various operating conditions. Features from different domains not only improved the generalization of the model’s performance but also improved the computational efficiency of massive data by reducing the total number of features. The results showed more than 90% accuracy under various operating conditions. As a result, the proposed method shows the possibility of robust failure diagnosis under various operating conditions similar to the actual industrial environment.
Input-Output Selection for LSTM-Based Reduced-Order State Estimator Design
Authors: Debnath Sarupa , Sahoo Soumya Ranjan , Agyeman Bernard Twum , Liu Jinfeng
Published: January 2023

In this work, we propose a sensitivity-based approach to construct reduced-order state estimators based on recurrent neural networks (RNN). It is assumed that a mechanistic model is available but is too computationally complex for estimator design and that only some target outputs are of interest and should be estimated. A reduced-order estimator that can estimate the target outputs is sufficient to address such a problem. We introduce an approach based on sensitivity analysis to determine how to select the appropriate inputs and outputs for data collection and data-driven model development to estimate the desired outputs accurately. Specifically, we consider the long short-term memory (LSTM) neural network, a type of RNN, as the tool to train the data-driven model. Based on it, an extended Kalman filter, a state estimator, is designed to estimate the target outputs. Simulations are carried out to illustrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed approach.
Functional Characterization of Four Known Cav2.1 Variants Associated with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Folacci Mathilde , Estaran Sébastien , Ménard Claudine , Bertaud Anaïs , Rousset Matthieu , Roussel Julien , Thibaud Jean-Baptiste , Vignes Michel , Chavanieu Alain , Charnet Pierre , Cens Thierry
Published: January 2023

Cav2.1 channels are expressed throughout the brain and are the predominant Ca2+ channels in the Purkinje cells. These cerebellar neurons fire spontaneously, and Cav2.1 channels are involved in the regular pacemaking activity. The loss of precision of the firing pattern of Purkinje cells leads to ataxia, a disorder characterized by poor balance and difficulties in performing coordinated movements. In this study, we aimed at characterizing functional and structural consequences of four variations (p.A405T in I-II loop and p.R1359W, p.R1667W and p.S1799L in IIIS4, IVS4, and IVS6 helices, respectively) identified in patients exhibiting a wide spectrum of disorders including ataxia symptoms. Functional analysis using two major Cav2.1 splice variants (Cav2.1+e47 and Cav2.1−e47) in Xenopus laevis oocytes, revealed a lack of effect upon A405T substitution and a significant loss-of-function caused by R1359W, whereas R1667W and S1799L caused both channel gain-of-function and loss-of-function, in a splice variant-dependent manner. Structural analysis revealed the loss of interactions with S1, S2, and S3 helices upon R1359W and R1667W substitutions, but a lack of obvious structural changes with S1799L. Computational modeling suggests that biophysical changes induced by Cav2.1 pathogenic mutations might affect action potential frequency in Purkinje cells.
An Overview of Synthesis and Structural Regulation of Magnetic Nanomaterials Prepared by Chemical Coprecipitation
Authors: Li Zelin , Sun Yuanjun , Ge Songwei , Zhu Fei , Yin Fei , Gu Lina , Yang Fan , Hu Ping , Chen Guoju , Wang Kuaishe , Volinsky Alex A.
Published: January 2023

Magnetic nanomaterials are widely used in biosynthesis, catalysis, as electronic and microwave-absorbing materials, and in environmental treatment because of their high specific surface area, strong magnetism, chemical stability, and good biocompatibility. The chemical coprecipitation method is widely used for the preparation of magnetic nanomaterials due to its simplicity, low cost, and easily-controlled operating conditions. The magnetic nanomaterials prepared by the chemical coprecipitation method are summarized according to the different compositions, including the basic preparation principles, and the factors affecting their morphology, size, and microstructure. The mechanisms of preparing magnetic nanomaterials by chemical precipitation and the process control factors are emphasized. Finally, the preparation of magnetic nanomaterials by chemical coprecipitation is summarized and prospected.
Simultaneous Improvement of Strength, Ductility and Damping Capacity of Single β-Phase Mg–Li–Al–Zn Alloys
Authors: Yang Xinhe , Jin Yang , Wu Ruizhi , Wang Jiahao , Wang Dan , Ma Xiaochun , Hou Legan , Serebryany Vladimir , Tashlykova-Bushkevich Iya I. , Betsofen Sergey Ya.
Published: January 2023

Body-centered cubic (BCC) Mg–Li alloy can be effectively strengthened by with the addition of Al and Zn. However, adding excessive amounts result in reduced mechanical properties and damping capacity of the alloy during subsequent heat treatment and deformation. The effects of solution-hot rolling-aging on the mechanical properties and damping capacity of LAZ1333 alloy and LAZ1366 alloy were studied. The solid solution strengthening greatly increases the hardness of the alloy, but the ductility is extremely poor. The AlLi softening phase precipitated during the subsequent hot rolling and aging process greatly improves the ductility of the alloy, but the excess precipitation of in the AlLi softening phase and the solid solution of excess Zn element are not conducive to the substantial improvement of the strength and ductility of the alloy. Excessive addition of alloying elements is detrimental to the damping capacity of the alloy, but the damping capacity of the alloy can be significantly improved by depleting the number of solute atoms through subsequent ageing treatments. The UTS and FE of as-cast LAZ 1333 alloy are 111 MPa and 16.9%, respectively. The as-aged LAZ1333 alloy has the best mechanical properties and damping capacity, and the UTS and FE are increased by 65.8% and 89.3%, respectively, compared to the as-cast alloy, and the damping capacity increased from 0.011 to 0.015.
Research on Roll Shape Design for Quarter Wave Control of High-Strength Steel
Authors: Liu Chao , Wu Hairui , He Anrui , Wang Fenjia , Sun Wenquan , Shao Jian , Miao Ruilin , Zhou Xuegang , Ma Bo
Published: January 2023

Quarter wave defects often occur in high-strength steel production in wide rolling mills, which seriously affect product quality and production stability. The existing shape control actuators, such as roll bending, roll shifting, and CVC roll shape, can not adjust the high-order wave, and the upgraded CVCplus roll shape also has limited effects on the quarter wave. Therefore, the MVCplus roll shape is developed based on the superposition principle in order to realize the local roll shape modification at the wave position. Two cosine curves are superposed on the CVC roll shape within the strip width to decrease the reduction at the quarter of the strip width, and maximum reduction is achieved at the position of maximum wave height. The new roll shape can significantly reduce the quarter wave defects in practical application, and has little effect on the adjustment characteristics of the original CVC roll shape.
Microstructure and High Temperature-Mechanical Properties of TiC/Graphene/Ti6Al4V Composite Formed by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Chang Shijie , Du Wenbo , Zhao Zhanyong , Bai Peikang
Published: January 2023

TiC/graphene/Ti6Al4V composites were prepared by laser powder bed fusion using graphene and Ti6Al4V powder. The differences in microstructure and high-temperature mechanical properties between the Ti6Al4V alloy and the TiC/graphene/Ti6Al4V composite were studied. The tensile and microhardness of the two materials were tested at 400 °C, 500 °C, and 600 °C; the results of the TiC/graphene/Ti6Al4V composite were 126 MPa, 162 MPa, and 76 MPa and 70 HV, 59 HV, and 61HV, respectively, higher than those of the Ti6Al4V alloy. These results happened because graphene reacted with Ti to form TiC particles, which were homogeneously distributed amongst α’ acicular martensite. The addition of graphene refined the size of the acicular α’ martensite. At the same time, the graphene and TiC particles showed a dispersion-strengthening effect. The mechanical properties of the TiC/graphene/Ti6Al4V composite were improved by the combination of fine-grain strengthening and dispersion strengthening mechanisms.
Human Adenovirus and Influenza A Virus Exacerbate SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Animal Models
Authors: Svyatchenko Victor A. , Ternovoi Vladimir A. , Lutkovskiy Roman Y. , Protopopova Elena V. , Gudymo Andrei S. , Danilchenko Nataliya V. , Susloparov Ivan M. , Kolosova Nataliya P. , Ryzhikov Alexander B. , Taranov Oleg S. , Omigov Vladimir V. , Gavrilova Elena V. , Agafonov Alexander P. , Maksyutov Rinat A. , Loktev Valery B.
Published: January 2023

In this study, we investigated the features of the infectious process by simulating co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and human adenovirus type 5 (HAdV-5) or influenza A virus (IAV) in vitro and in vivo. The determination of infectious activity of viruses and digital PCR demonstrated that during simultaneous and sequential HAdV-5 followed by SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro and in vivo, the HAdV-5 infection does not interfere with replication of SARS-CoV-2. The hamsters co-infected and mono-infected with SARS-CoV-2 exhibited nearly identical viral titers and viral loads of SARS-CoV-2 in the lungs. The hamsters and ferrets co-infected by SARS-CoV-2- and IAV demonstrated more pronounced clinical manifestations than mono-infected animals. Additionally, the lung histological data illustrate that HAdV-5 or IAV and SARS-CoV-2 co-infection induces more severe pathological changes in the lungs than mono-infection. The expression of several genes specific to interferon and cytokine signaling pathways in the lungs of co-infected hamsters was more upregulated compared to single infected with SARS-CoV-2 animals. Thus, co-infection with HAdV-5 or IAV and SARS-CoV-2 leads to more severe pulmonary disease in animals.
Growth and Volatile Organic Compound Production of Pseudomonas Fish Spoiler Strains on Fish Juice Agar Model Substrate at Different Temperatures
Authors: Parlapani Foteini F. , Anagnostopoulos Dimitrios A. , Karamani Evangelia , Mallouchos Athanasios , Haroutounian Serkos A. , Boziaris Ioannis S.
Published: January 2023

Microbial spoilage is the main cause of quality deterioration in seafood. Several strains of psychotropic Pseudomonas have been found to dominate in such products, producing a plethora of volatile organic compounds (VOC). Herein, we investigated the growth of and VOC production by seven strains of Pseudomonas associated with spoiled fish after inoculation as single and mixed cultures on model fish substrate and storage at 0, 4 and 8 °C. The results indicated a strain-dependent VOC profile that was also affected by the storage temperature. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) successfully grouped the strains based on VOC profile at each studied temperature, while some potential Chemical Spoilage Indices (CSI) were revealed. The findings of the present work will contribute to the understanding of the metabolic activity of particular strains of Pseudomonas and to reveal any potential CSI for rapid evaluation of fish spoilage/freshness status.
How Does Hospital Microbiota Contribute to Healthcare-Associated Infections?
Authors: Cruz-López Flora , Martínez-Meléndez Adrián , Garza-González Elvira
Published: January 2023

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are still a global public health concern, associated with high mortality and increased by the phenomenon of antimicrobial resistance. Causative agents of HAIs are commonly found in the hospital environment and are monitored in epidemiological surveillance programs; however, the hospital environment is a potential reservoir for pathogenic microbial strains where microorganisms may persist on medical equipment surfaces, on the environment surrounding patients, and on corporal surfaces of patients and healthcare workers (HCWs). The characterization of hospital microbiota may provide knowledge regarding the relatedness between commensal and pathogenic microorganisms, their role in HAIs development, and the environmental conditions that favor its proliferation. This information may contribute to the effective control of the dissemination of pathogens and to improve infection control programs. In this review, we describe evidence of the contribution of hospital microbiota to HAI development and the role of environmental factors, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence factors of the microbial community in persistence on hospital surfaces.
Role of Bacillus subtilis Spore Core Water Content and pH in the Accumulation and Utilization of Spores’ Large 3-Phosphoglyceric Acid Depot, and the Crucial Role of This Depot in Generating ATP Early during Spore Germination
Authors: Korza George , Goulet Michelle , DeMarco Angela , Wicander James , Setlow Peter
Published: January 2023

The development of Bacillus spore cores involves the accumulation of 3-phosphoglycerate (3PGA) during sporulation, following core acidification to ~6.4, and before decreases in core water content occur due to Ca-dipicolinc acid (CaDPA) uptake. This core acidification inhibits phosphoglycerate mutase (PGM) at pH 6.4, allowing 3PGA accumulation, although PGM is active at pH 7.4. Spores’ 3PGA is stable for months at 4 °C and weeks at 37 °C. However, in wild-type spore germination, increases in core pH to 7.5–8 and in core water content upon CaDPA release and cortex peptidoglycan hydrolysis allow for rapid 3PGA catabolism, generating ATP; indeed, the earliest ATP generated following germination is from 3PGA catabolism. The current work found no 3PGA in those Bacillus subtilis spores that do not accumulate CaDPA during sporulation and have a core pH of ~7.4. The ATP production in the germination of 3PGA-less spores in a poor medium was minimal, and the germinated spores were >99% dead. However, the 3PGA-replete spores that germinated in the poor medium accumulated >30 times more ATP, and >70% of the germinated spores were found to be alive. These findings indicate why 3PGA accumulation during sporulation (and utilization during germination) in all the Firmicute spores studied can be crucial for spore revival due to the generation of essential ATP. The latter finding further suggests that targeting PGM activity during germination could be a novel way to minimize the damaging effects of spores.
Domiciliation of Trichoderma asperellum Suppresses Globiosporangium ultimum and Promotes Pea Growth, Ultrastructure, and Metabolic Features
Authors: Moussa Zeiad , Alanazi Yasmene F. , Khateb Aiah Mustafa , Eldadamony Noha M. , Ismail Marwa M. , Saber WesamEldin I. A. , Darwish Doaa Bahaa Eldin
Published: January 2023

The beneficial microorganisms represent a new and hopeful solution for a sustainable environment and development. In this investigation, Trichoderma asperellum ZNW, isolated from seeds, was domiciliated within the pea plant for improving growth, disease management, and enhancement of productivity. Globisporangium ultimum NZW was isolated from deformed pea seeds, representing the first record of the pathogen caused by pea damping-off. Both fungi were molecularly identified. T. asperellum ZNW produced several lytic enzymes and bioactive metabolites as detected by GC-MC. The SEM illustrated the mycoparasitic behavior of T. asperellum ZNW on G. ultimum NZW mycelia. In the pot experiment, T. asperellum domiciliated the root and grew as an endophytic fungus, leading to root vessel lignification. Under soil infection, T. asperellum reduced damping-off, by enhancing peroxidase, polyphenol, total phenols, and photosynthetic pigments content. The vegetative growth, yield, and soil dehydrogenase activity were improved, with an enhancement in the numerical diversity of the microbial rhizosphere. This work may enable more understanding of the plant-fungal interaction, yet, working on domiciliation is recommended as a new approach to plant protection and growth promotion under various ecological setups.
Evidence for the Hydration of Some Organic Compounds during Reverse-Phase HPLC Analysis
Authors: Zenkevich Igor G. , Derouiche Abdennour , Nikitina Daria A.
Published: January 2023

Some polar analytes (X) can reversibly form hydrates in water-containing eluents under the conditions of reversed-phase HPLC analysis, X + H2O ⇄ X × H2O. One of the methods to detect their formation is the recurrent approximation of the net retention times of such analytes, tR(C + ΔC) = atR(C) + b, where ΔC = const is the constant step in the variation of the organic modifier content of an eluent. These dependencies are linear if hydrates are not formed, but in the case of hydrate formation, they deviate from linearity under high water content. It has been shown that UV spectroscopic parameters, namely, relative optical densities: Arel = A(λ1)/A(λ2), depend on eluent composition for some organic compounds, but their variations cannot be used as indicators for hydrate formation. The coefficients that characterize the dependence of the analyte retention indices on the organic component concentration of an eluent, dRI/dC, appeared to be the most informative additional criterion for hydration. The values of these coefficients for most polar analytes are largely negative (dRI/dC < 0), whereas, for nonpolar compounds, they are largely positive (dRI/dC > 0).
From Rice Husk Ash to Silica-Supported Carbon Nanomaterials: Characterization and Analytical Application for Pre-Concentration of Steroid Hormones from Environmental Waters
Authors: Bianchini Petra , Merlo Francesca , Maraschi Federica , Brescia Rosaria , Prato Mirko , Profumo Antonella , Speltini Andrea
Published: January 2023

Rice husk (RH) in the rice industry is often air-burnt to obtain energy in the form of heat and RH ash (RHA) residue. In this work, RHA was applied as a starting material to obtain silica-supported carbon nanomaterials, resulting in a new reuse of a globally produced industrial waste product, in a circular economy approach. The preparation involves ultrasound-assisted one-pot oxidation with a sulfonitric mixture followed by wet oven treatment in a closed vessel. A study of oxidation times and RHA amount/acid volume ratio led to a solid material (nC-RHA@SiO2) and a solution containing silica-supported carbon quantum dots (CQD-RHA@SiO2). TEM analyses evidenced that nC-RHA@SiO2 consists of nanoparticle aggregates, while CQD-RHA@SiO2 are carbon-coated spherical silica nanoparticles. The presence of oxygenated carbon functional groups, highlighted by XPS analyses, makes these materials suitable for a wide range of analytical applications. As the main product, nC-RHA@SiO2 was tested for its affinity towards steroid hormones. Solid-phase extractions were carried out on environmental waters for the determination of target analytes at different concentrations (10, 50, and 200 ng L−1), achieving quantitative adsorption and recoveries (RSD < 20%, n = 3). The method was successfully employed for monitoring lake, river, and wastewater treatment plant water samples collected in Northern Italy.
Autothermal Reforming of Volatile Organic Compounds to Hydrogen-Rich Gas
Authors: Bian Chao , Huang Jiazhun , Zhong Biqi , Zheng Zefeng , Dang Dai , Okafor Obiefuna C. , Liu Yujia , Wang Tiejun
Published: January 2023

Industrial emissions of volatile organic compounds are urgently addressed for their toxicity and carcinogenicity to humans. Developing efficient and eco-friendly reforming technology of volatile organic compounds is important but still a great challenge. A promising strategy is to generate hydrogen-rich gas for solid oxide fuel cells by autothermal reforming of VOCs. In this study, we found a more desirable commercial catalyst (NiO/K2O-γ-Al2O3) for the autothermal reforming of VOCs. The performance of autothermal reforming of toluene as a model compound over a NiO/K2O-γ-Al2O3 catalyst fitted well with the simulation results at the optimum operating conditions calculated based on a simulation using Aspen PlusV11.0 software. Furthermore, the axial temperature distribution of the catalyst bed was monitored during the reaction, which demonstrated that the reaction system was self-sustaining. Eventually, actual volatile organic compounds from the chemical factory (C9, C10, toluene, paraxylene, diesel, benzene, kerosene, raffinate oil) were completely reformed over NiO/K2O-γ-Al2O3. Reducing emissions of VOCs and generating hydrogen-rich gas as a fuel from the autothermal reforming of VOCs is a promising strategy.
Assembly-Induced Emission Enhancement in Glutathione-Capped Bimetallic Gold and Copper Nanoclusters by Al3+ Ions and Further Application in Myricetin Determination
Authors: Bai Hao-Jie , Qi De-Yan , Li Hong-Wei , Wu Yuqing
Published: January 2023

A significant emission enhancement (>100-fold) of glutathione-capped bimetallic gold and copper nanoclusters (AuCuNC@GSH) was achieved by assembling with Al3+ ions and by assembly-induced emission enhancement (AIEE). Further chelation of myricetin to Al3+ resulted in emission quenching of AuCuNC-Al3+, which was applied to specifically detect myricetin. Two linear responses were shown in the range of 0–1.5 μM and 1.5–50 μM, separately, leading to a low limit of detection at 8.7 nM. The method was successfully and accurately applied to myricetin determination in grape juice, which showed good application for real samples. Finally, the in-depth mechanism revealed that both the chelation of myricetin and Al3+ and the inner filter effect (IFE) between myricetin-Al3+ and AuCuNC-Al3+ greatly contributed to the quenching response of myricetin. Therefore, the present study provides an easy way to improve the fluorescence property of metal nanoclusters. Additionally, it supplies a cost-effective and easily performed approach to detect myricetin with high selectivity and sensitivity.
A Multi-Method Approach for Impact Assessment of Some Heavy Metals on Lactuca sativa L.
Authors: Soran Maria-Loredana , Sîrb Aura Nicoleta , Lung Ildiko , Opriş Ocsana , Culicov Otilia , Stegarescu Adina , Nekhoroshkov Pavel , Gligor Delia-Maria
Published: January 2023

Heavy metals represent a large category of pollutants. Heavy metals are the focus of researchers around the world, mainly due to their harmful effects on plants. In this paper, the influence of copper, cadmium, manganese, nickel, zinc and lead, present in soil in different concentrations (below the permissible limit, the maximum permissible concentration and a concentration higher than the maximum permissible limit) on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) was evaluated. For this purpose, the authors analyzed the variation of photosynthetic pigments, total polyphenols, antioxidant activity and the elemental content in the studied plants. The experimental results showed that the variation of the content of biologically active compounds, elemental content and the antioxidant activity in the plants grown in contaminated soil, compared to the control plants, depends on the type and concentration of the metal added to the soil. The biggest decrease was recorded for plants grown in soil treated with Ni I (−42.38%) for chlorophyll a, Zn II (−32.92%) for chlorophyll b, Ni I (−40.46%) for carotenoids, Pb I (−40.95%) for polyphenols and Cu III (−29.42%) for DPPH. On the other hand, the largest increase regarding the amount of biologically active compounds was registered for Mn I (88.24%) in the case of the chlorophyll a, Mn I (65.56%) for chlorophyll b, Pb I (116.03%) for carotenoids, Ni III (1351.23%) for polyphenols and Ni III (1149.35%) for DPPH.
The Photocatalytic Conversion of Carbon Dioxide to Fuels Using Titanium Dioxide Nanosheets/Graphene Oxide Heterostructure as Photocatalyst
Authors: Karawek Apisit , Kittipoom Kittipad , Tansuthepverawongse Labhassiree , Kitjanukit Nutkamol , Neamsung Wannisa , Lertthanaphol Napat , Chanthara Prowpatchara , Ratchahat Sakhon , Phadungbut Poomiwat , Kim-Lohsoontorn Pattaraporn , Srinives Sira
Published: January 2023

Carbon dioxide (CO2) photoreduction to high-value products is a technique for dealing with CO2 emissions. The method involves the molecular transformation of CO2 to hydrocarbon and alcohol-type chemicals, such as methane and methanol, relying on a photocatalyst, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2). In this research, TiO2 nanosheets (TNS) were synthesized using a hydrothermal technique in the presence of a hydrofluoric acid (HF) soft template. The nanosheets were further composited with graphene oxide and doped with copper oxide in the hydrothermal process to create the copper−TiO2 nanosheets/graphene oxide (CTNSG). The CTNSG exhibited outstanding photoactivity in converting CO2 gas to methane and acetone. The production rate for methane and acetone was 12.09 and 0.75 µmol h−1 gcat−1 at 100% relative humidity, providing a total carbon consumption of 71.70 µmol gcat−1. The photoactivity of CTNSG was attributed to the heterostructure interior of the two two−dimensional nanostructures, the copper−TiO2 nanosheets and graphene oxide. The nanosheets−graphene oxide interfaces served as the n−p heterojunctions in holding active radicals for subsequent reactions. The heterostructure also directed the charge transfer, which promoted electron−hole separation in the photocatalyst.
Graphene/Ge Photoconductive Position-Sensitive Detectors Based on the Charge Injection Effect
Authors: Li Genglin , Fu Jintao , Sun Feiying , Nie Changbin , Wu Jun
Published: January 2023

Position-sensitive detectors (PSDs) are of great significance to optical communication, automatic alignment, and dislocation detection domains, by precisely obtaining the position information of infrared light spots which are invisible to human eyes. Herein, a kind of PSD based on graphene/germanium (Ge) heterojunction architecture is proposed and demonstrated, which exhibits amplified signals by unitizing the charge injection effect. Driven by the graphene/Ge heterojunction, a large number of photogenerated carriers diffuse from the incident position of the light spot and subsequently inject into graphene, which ultimately generates a photoresponse with high efficiency. The experimental results show that the device can exhibit a fast response speed of 3 μs, a high responsivity of ~40 A/W, and a detection distance of 3000 μm at the 1550 nm band, which hints that the graphene/Ge heterojunction can be used as an efficient platform for near-infrared light spot position sensing.