bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Tungsten Addition on Continuous Cooling Transformation and Precipitation Behavior of a High Titanium Microalloyed Steel
Authors: Wang Zhenqiang , Huo Dongshen , Zhou Yanyuan , Sui Guoying , Jiang Fengchun
Published: October 2022

Effects of tungsten addition on the continuous cooling transformation (CCT) characteristics and precipitation behavior of a high titanium microalloyed steel were investigated by dilatometry, optical microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and hardness measurements. The results showed that the ranges of transformation products were moved to the right side of the CCT diagram when the 0.4% W was added. Accordingly, the following observations were made: (i) the ferrite phase transformation was shifted to the side of lower cooling rates and reduced temperatures; (ii) the bainite phase transformation region ran throughout the whole cooling rate range studied. Addition of W had a positive effect on the particle size refinement and number density increase of the precipitates. At the low cooling rates, in the range of <14 °C/s, W addition shifted the precipitation hardening peak to the low cooling rate side as the ferrite transformation induced stronger precipitation strengthening than the bainite one. Furthermore, the effect of W addition on phase transformation strengthening was obvious (increase in hardness: ~40Hv) at the high cooling rate range, over 14 °C/s.
Long-Term Behavior of Clinched Electrical Contacts
Authors: Kalich Jan , Matzke Marcus , Pfeiffer Wolfgang , Schlegel Stephan , Kornhuber Ludwig , Füssel Uwe
Published: October 2022

Joining by forming operations presents powerful and complex joining techniques. Clinching is a well-known joining process for use in sheet metalworking. Currently, clinched joints are focusing on mechanically enhanced connections. Additionally, the demand for integrating electrical requirements to transmit electrical currents will be increased in the future. This integration is particularly important, for instance, in the e-mobility sector. It enables connecting battery cells with electrical joints of aluminum and copper. Systematic use of the process-specific advantages of this joining method opens up the possibility to find and create electrically optimized connections. The optimization for the transmission of electrical currents will be demonstrated for clinched joints by adapting the tool geometry and the clinched joint design. Based on a comparison of the electrical joint resistance, the limit use temperature is defined for the joining materials used based on the microstructural condition and the aging condition due to artificial aging. As a result of the investigations carried out, reliable current transmission at a constant conductor temperature of up to 120 °C can be achieved for clinched copper–copper joints. In the case of pure aluminum joints and mixed joints of aluminum and copper, long-term stable current transmission can be ensured up to a conductor temperature of 100 °C.
The Effect of Hot Oscillatory Pressing Temperature on Microstructure and Tensile Behavior of Powder Metallurgy Superalloy
Authors: Li Guizhong , Sun Dejian , Kang Jiachen , Gao Yang , Yan Xuewei , Gao Qiancheng , Gao Ka
Published: October 2022

The effect of the hot oscillatory pressing (HOPing) temperature on the microstructure and tensile behavior of the powder metallurgy superalloys was investigated and compared with those of the hot pressed (HPed) sample. The results show that as the HOPing temperature rises, the pores and residual dendrites disappear, the grain size becomes coarser and more uniform, the prior particle boundaries (PPBs) scale decreases; the yield strength decreases gradually; the ultimate tensile strength and elongation increase first and then decrease; the tensile property stability gradually increases. The highest ultimate tensile strength and elongation of 1403 MPa and 35%, respectively, are reached when the HOPing temperature is 1160 °C. The fracture mode of the sample hot oscillatory pressed (HOPed) at 1160 °C is a transgranular and intergranular mixed fracture. Compared with the HPed sample, room temperature tensile properties of the HOPed sample improve remarkably due to the reduced size and density of PPBs precipitates.
Effect of Porosity on the Thermo-Mechanical Behavior of Friction-Stir-Welded Spark-Plasma-Sintered Aluminum Matrix Composites with Bimodal Micro- and Nano-Sized Reinforcing Al2O3 Particles
Authors: Sadeghi Behzad , Sadeghian Behzad , Taherizadeh Aboozar , Laska Aleksandra , Cavaliere Pasquale , Gopinathan Arun
Published: October 2022

The thermo-mechanical behavior of nanosized Al2O3 particles reinforcing aluminum was analyzed in the present paper. The material was prepared by spark plasma sintering and friction stir welding. The thermal stresses affecting the composite behavior during welding were modeled through COMSOL MultiPhysics, and the results were validated by the analyses of the composites’ mechanical properties. The spark-plasma-sintered materials presented limited porosity, which was taken into account during the modeling phase. Both model and experiments revealed that higher heat input is related to better material mixing during welding and sound mechanical properties. Thermal stresses lead to residual stresses close to 300 MPa in the thermo-mechanically affected zone for processing conditions of 1900 RPM and 37 mm/min. This leads to an increase in hardness up to 72 HV.
Optimization of As(V) Removal by Dried Bacterial Biomass: Nonlinear and Linear Regression Analysis for Isotherm and Kinetic Modelling
Authors: Altowayti Wahid Ali Hamood , Salem Ali Ahmed , Al-Fakih Abdo Mohammed , Bafaqeer Abdullah , Shahir Shafinaz , Tajarudin Husnul Azan
Published: October 2022

Arsenic occurrence and toxicity records in various industrial effluents have prompted researchers to find cost-effective, quick, and efficient methods for removing arsenic from the environment. Adsorption of As(V) onto dried bacterial biomass is proposed in the current work, which continues a line of previous research. Dried bacterial biomass of WS3 (DBB) has been examined for its potential to remove As(V) ions from aqueous solutions under various conditions. Under optimal conditions, an initial concentration of 7.5 ppm, pH 7, adsorbent dose of 0.5 mg, and contact period of 8 h at 37 °C results in maximum removal of 94%. Similarly, amine, amide, and hydroxyl groups were shown to contribute to As(V) removal by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the adsorption of As(V) in the cell wall of DBB was verified by FESEM-EDX. In addition, equilibrium adsorption findings were analyzed using nonlinear and linear isotherms and kinetics models. The predicted best-fit model was selected by calculating the coefficient of determination (R2). Adsorption parameters representative of the adsorption of As(V) ions onto DBB at R2 values were found to be more easily attained using the nonlinear Langmuir isotherm model (0.95). Moreover, it was discovered that the nonlinear pseudo-second-order rate model using a nonlinear regression technique better predicted experimental data with R2 than the linear model (0.98). The current study verified the nonlinear approach as a suitable way to forecast the optimal adsorption isotherm and kinetic data.
Dynamic Response of Nanoscale He Bubbles in Single Crystal Al during Release from a High-Pressure State
Authors: Wu Weidong , Shao Jianli
Published: October 2022

Previous researches have presented some knowledge about the shock loading and unloading of the nanoscale He bubble. However, the He bubble will undergo a long high-pressure adiabatic relaxation process after being shocked. This work focuses on the release path of the nanoscale He bubble in single crystal Al from a stable high-pressure state by molecular dynamics method. Firstly, we consider the case that two opposite release waves meet at the center of the He bubble. Combined with the analysis of deformation mechanism and stress waveform around the He bubble, the difference of evolution law of He bubble under different pressure conditions is revealed. The evolution of the number and distribution of voids with or without the He bubble is compared. And the nucleation region gradually extends to both sides of the He bubble with the increase of initial Hugoniot pressure. Moreover, when a single unloading wave is considered to sweep through the He bubble, the microjet formation in the He bubble is found due to the pressure gradient effect. The shape and velocity distribution of internal and surface jets are discussed.
Research Progress on Characterization and Regulation of Forming Quality in Laser Joining of Metal and Polymer, and Development Trends of Lightweight Automotive Applications
Authors: Zhou Zhenhong , Gao Xiangdong , Zhang Yanxi
Published: October 2022

Metal–polymer hybrid structures have been widely used in research into their lightweight automotive applications, because of their excellent comprehensive properties. As an efficient technology for automatic connection of dissimilar materials, laser joining has great application potential and development value in the field of lightweight automotive design. However, due to the physical and chemical differences between metals and polymers, the formation quality of the hybrid joint is seriously affected by defects, low bonding strength, and poor morphology. Meanwhile, it is difficult to meet the demands for lightweight automobiles by considering only bonding strength as the target for forming quality. Therefore, the technological characteristics of metal–polymer hybrid structures for use in lightweight automotive applications are analyzed, the advantages and problems of laser-joining technology are discussed, and the characterization indexes and regulation measures of forming quality in laser joining are summarized. This paper which provides reference and guidance for reliable forming, intelligent development, and lightweight application of laser joining for polymer–metal hybrid structures.
Effect of Current Input Method and Solid Fraction on the Roundness and Mechanical Properties in Semi-Solid Processing of Aluminum Materials
Authors: Lee Won-Jin , Babu Janarthanan-Pillai-Sumathi-Suresh , Kang Chung-Gil , Lee Min-Sik
Published: October 2022

The automobile industry has been concentrating on developing eco-friendly materials that improve the safety and fuel efficiency of automobiles. Aluminum alloys, well known as lightweight materials, have been studied, particularly as the demand for high-strength and lightweight materials has been increasing. This study focuses on the technique of rheocasting using electromagnetic stirring (EMS), which is a typical semi-solid method for manufacturing aluminum products. Focusing on EMS, the effect of current input methods on the castability, roundness, and mechanical properties of products manufactured by rheocasting was evaluated. A large electromagnet was used to stir the molten metal, with a maximum weight of 5 to 20 kg of molten metal used in industry, using two types of current input methods—direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). The microstructure, roundness, and mechanical properties were evaluated by fabricating a tensile specimen using EMS experimentation. The experimental results showed that excellent castability appeared at solid fractions of 20 and 30%. In addition, when the products were manufactured with a solid fraction of 20% and an AC input, the apparent tensile strength was the highest at 177 MPa. The equivalent diameter of the α-Al particles was 53 μm and the roundness was 1.8.
Influence of Cu and Ni on the Hot Ductility of Low C Steels with Respect to the Straightening Operation When Continuous Casting
Authors: Comineli Osvaldo , Qaban Abdullah , Mintz Barrie
Published: October 2022

Cu-containing steels can suffer from hot shortness unless Ni is added to protect them but whether this problem also influences the straightening operation is not clear. Previous work on hot ductility has found that only when the tensile samples from Cu-containing steels are oxidised can any deleterious influence of copper be found. However, this paper shows that oxidation is not essential. It is more complex than that and, as Cu has been suggested for TRIP steels at levels up to 2.5% Cu to increase their strength and ductility, a greater understanding is required, both of hot shortness and cracking during straightening. The present paper explores the hot ductility behaviour of steels alloyed with Cu and Ni in the straightening temperature range, 700–1000 °C, when tested in air and in an argon atmosphere. Segregation of Cu to the sulphides and grain boundaries occurred allowing the formation of fine Cu2S particles at the austenite grain boundaries favouring intergranular failure and this was more pronounced under oxidising conditions and required strain. It was concluded that a Cu addition, as well as causing hot shortness at higher temperatures will also cause cracking problems in the straightening temperature range in the more sensitive to cracking grades of steel and although the problems are different they are nevertheless interrelated and provided there is sufficient Ni, both may be avoided.
Microstructure, Mechanical and Superelastic Properties of Ti-Zr-Nb Alloy for Biomedical Application Subjected to Equal Channel Angular Pressing and Annealing
Authors: Sheremetyev Vadim , Derkach Mikhail , Churakova Anna , Komissarov Aleksander , Gunderov Dmitry , Raab Georgy , Cheverikin Vladimir , Prokoshkin Sergey , Brailovski Vladimir
Published: October 2022

Biomedical Ti-18Zr-15Nb (at.%) shape memory alloy was subjected to a low-temperature equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) at 200 °C for three passes and post-deformation annealing (PDA) in the 400–650 °C temperature range for 1 to 60 min. It was observed that ECAP led to the formation of an inhomogeneous highly dislocated substructure of β-phase with a large number of differently oriented deformation bands containing nanograined and nano-subgrained areas. In this state, the alloy strength increased significantly, as compared to the undeformed state, but its ductility and superelasticity deteriorated appreciably. As a result of a short-term (5 min) PDA at 550–600 °C, the processes of polygonization of an entire volume of the material and recrystallization inside the deformation bands were observed. After PDA at 600 °C for 5 min, the alloy manifested a relatively high strength (UTS = 650 MPa), a satisfactory ductility (δ = 15%) and a superior superelastic behavior with a maximum superelastic recovery strain of εrsemax = 3.4%.
Recrystallization Texture Analysis of FeCoNiCrMnAl0.5 High-Entropy Alloy Investigated by High-Energy X-ray Diffraction
Authors: Shi Yajuan , Wang Youkang , Li Shilei , Li Runguang , Cui Yimin , Wang Yan-Dong
Published: October 2022

In small volume fractions, the bcc phase plays an important role in the properties of FeCoNiCrMnAl0.5 multiple-phase high-entropy alloys (HEAs). Since the small volume fraction of the bcc phase limits the detection of its texture, its texture evolution during mechanical processing is still unclear. In the current research, high-energy X-ray diffraction was used to investigate the crystallographic textures of cold-rolled and annealed FeCoNiCrMnAl0.5 dual-phase HEA with fcc and bcc phases. During cold-rolling deformation, multi-pass symmetry under isothermal conditions leads to asymmetric {200}bcc and {211}bcc peaks; the asymmetry disappears after annealing treatment, with the evolution of prominent texture components and the release of internal residual stress. The Goss texture component and {112}<110> and {111}<112> texture components were intensified after cold-rolling in the fcc and bcc phases, respectively, with orientation relationships of {110}bcc<111>bcc//{111}fcc<110>fcc recognized in the cold-rolled HEA. Based on this relationship, the yield strength (YS) and engineering ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the sample reached 570 MPa and 920 MPa, respectively, which shows a fracture elongation of 27%. The study provides deeper insight into the anisotropic mechanical characteristics of the investigated HEA and demonstrates the great potential of dual-phase HEAs for mechanical applications in industry.
Tailoring the Microstructure of an AA5754 Aluminum Alloy by Tuning the Combination of Heat Treatment, Friction Stir Welding, and Cold Rolling
Authors: Cabibbo Marcello , Santecchia Eleonora , di Pompeo Valerio , Gatto Maria Laura , Spigarelli Stefano
Published: October 2022

Friction stir welding (FSW) has now reached a technological impact and diffusion that makes it a common joining practice for several classes of metallic materials. These include light alloys (aluminum, titanium, magnesium), steels, and other metallic alloys. In addition, the combination of FSW with pre- or post-welding heat treatments or plastic deformation, such as cold rolling (CR), can favor minimal necessary plate thicknesses and induce effective alloy strengthening mechanisms that make the FSW joint lines as plate reinforcing zones. Process parameters, such as pin rotation and transverse speed, can be tuned to optimize the mechanical properties of the resulting joint. This work presents a microstructural study of the mechanical response of different sequences of heat treatment, FSW, and CR in a non-age hardened Al-Mg AA5754 alloy. By using polarized optical microscopy and microhardness tests, two FSW conditions were used to fabricate a joint; and were than subjected to different sequences of heat treatment and cold rolling. The results suggest that FSW conditions have a limited effect on the microstructure, while microhardness profiles show a higher variability of the different datasets related to the low welding speed investigated.
Controlled Spintronic Emitter of THz Radiation on an Atomically Thin WS2/Silicon Substrate
Authors: Buryakov Arseniy , Gorbatova Anastasia , Avdeev Pavel , Bezvikonnyi Nikita , Abdulaev Daniil , Klimov Alexey , Ovcharenko Sergei , Mishina Elena
Published: October 2022

The control and monitoring of the polarization of terahertz radiation are of interest for numerous applications. Here we present a simple controllable THz emitter with a small coercive magnetic field. It is based on a Co/WS2/silicon structure, in which the presence of uniaxial magnetic anisotropy caused by mechanical stress in a ferromagnetic film was found. Our results show that a ferromagnet/semiconductor emitter can become a technologically simple device for terahertz spintronics.
Structure and Oxidation Behavior of NiAl-Based Coatings Produced by Non-Vacuum Electron Beam Cladding on Low-Carbon Steel
Authors: Ogneva Tatiana S. , Ruktuev Alexey A. , Lazurenko Daria V. , Emurlaev Kemal I. , Malyutina Yulia N. , Golkovsky Mikhail G. , Egoshin Kirill D. , Bataev Ivan A.
Published: October 2022

NiAl-based intermetallic coatings were obtained using non-vacuum electron beam cladding on low-carbon steel. The structure of the coatings was investigated using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The coatings mostly consisted of grains elongated perpendicular to the substrates, with a strong <100> texture along the grain growth direction. The coatings contained about 14 at. % Fe, which appeared due to the partial melting of the steel substrate. At the bottom of the coatings, an inhomogeneous mixing zone with an increased concentration of Fe was formed; at the “substrate–coating” interface, a thick layer with a Fe50-Ni25-Al25 at. % composition was observed. The samples exhibited weight gains of 0.1, 0.8, 2.14, and 3.4 mg/cm2 after 100 h of oxidation at 700, 800, 900, and 1000 °C, respectively. The oxide layer contained α-Al2O3 and θ-Al2O3, and the presence of iron atoms contributed to the formation of a small amount of spinel. During the oxidation process, a layer with a high Fe content (~60 at. %) formed along the boundary between the oxide film and the NiAl-based material, which had a positive effect on the formation of a non-porous “oxide–coating” interface.
Ab-Initio Studies of the Micromechanics and Interfacial Behavior of Al3Y|fcc-Al
Authors: Li Yong , Huang Yuanchun , Zhang Xieyi
Published: October 2022

In this paper, an Ab-initio study was employed to study the properties of interfaces of Al3Y|Al. The interface strength, shear strength, structural stability, electronic density, bonding characteristics, stacking fault energy, and plasticity were all investigated. The interface with the stacking style of ABab or CBAcba has the greatest interface strength. The Al3Y(111)|Al(111) interface has the highest tensile stress of 13.39 GPa for rigid stretching; and 9.39 GPa for relaxation stretching. In the stretching process, the Al3Y(111)|Al(111) interface is prone to break on the Al3Y side. However, the Al3Y(010)|Al(010) and Al3Y(110)|Al(110) interface systems tend to fracture at the interface and Al side, respectively. Moreover, the differential charge density, electron localization function, and partial density of states (PDOS) demonstrate the newly formed chemical bonds at the interface, and the chemical bonds were formed by s-p or s-p-d hybrid orbitals. According to the Rice ratio and shear stress, these interfaces were found to be plastic and the Al3Y(111)|Al(111) interface has the best plasticity. This is significant because the formed interfaces are all advanced structure materials, which can be potentially used in automobile and aeronautical fields, even in some special industries.
Effect of High-Pressure Torsion on Microstructure, Mechanical and Operational Properties of Zn-1%Mg-0.1%Ca Alloy
Authors: Martynenko Natalia , Anisimova Natalia , Rybalchenko Olga , Kiselevskiy Mikhail , Rybalchenko Georgy , Tabachkova Natalia , Zheleznyi Mark , Prosvirnin Dmitriy , Filonenko Dmitrii , Bazhenov Viacheslav , Koltygin Andrey , Belov Vladimir , Dobatkin Sergey
Published: October 2022

A study of the effect of high-pressure torsion (HPT) on the structure, phase composition, corrosion resistance, mechanical properties and bioactivity in vitro of Zn-1%Mg-0.1%Ca alloy was performed. It was shown that HPT leads to refinement of the alloy microstructure with the formation of recrystallized α-Zn grains with an average size of 750 ± 30 nm, and grains of a mixture of different phases with a size of 38 ± 7 nm. In addition, precipitation of Ca-enriched particles ~20 nm in size was observed. X-ray phase analysis showed that the Zn-1%Mg-0.1%Ca alloy consists of five phases (Zn, Mg2Zn11, MgZn2, CaZn11 and CaZn13), whose volume fraction does not change after HPT. It was found that HPT does not lead to a deterioration in the corrosion resistance of the alloy. At the same time, HPT leads to an increase in the yield stress of the alloy from 135 ± 13 to 356 ± 15 MPa, the ultimate tensile strength from 154 ± 5 to 416 ± 31 MPa, and the ductility from 0.4 ± 0.1 to 5.5 ± 2.8%. No significant increase in hemolytic activity, bactericidal activity, and the ability to colonize the surface of the alloy by cells was revealed during the conducted studies. Additionally, there was no significant difference in these parameters in comparison with the control. However, HPT contributes to a decrease in the cytotoxicity of the alloy by an average of 10% compared to the annealed alloy. The conducted studies allow us to conclude that the Zn-1%Mg-0.1%Ca alloy is promising material for the development of biodegradable orthopedic medical implants.
Substantial Fat Loss in Physique Competitors Is Characterized by Increased Levels of Bile Acids, Very-Long Chain Fatty Acids, and Oxylipins
Authors: Sarin Heikki , Hulmi Juha , Qin Youwen , Inouye Michael , Ritchie Scott , Cheng Susan , Watrous Jeramie , Nguyen Thien-Tu , Lee Joseph , Jin Zhezhen , Terwilliger Joseph , Niiranen Teemu , Havulinna Aki , Salomaa Veikko , Pietiläinen Kirsi , Isola Ville , Ahtiainen Juha , Häkkinen Keijo , Jain Mohit , Perola Markus
Published: October 2022

Weight loss and increased physical activity may promote beneficial modulation of the metabolome, but limited evidence exists about how very low-level weight loss affects the metabolome in previously non-obese active individuals. Following a weight loss period (21.1 ± 3.1 weeks) leading to substantial fat mass loss of 52% (−7.9 ± 1.5 kg) and low body fat (12.7 ± 4.1%), the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolic signature of 24 previously young, healthy, and normal weight female physique athletes was investigated. We observed uniform increases (FDR < 0.05) in bile acids, very-long-chain free fatty acids (FFA), and oxylipins, together with reductions in unsaturated FFAs after weight loss. These widespread changes, especially in the bile acid profile, were most strongly explained (FDR < 0.05) by changes in android (visceral) fat mass. The reported changes did not persist, as all of them were reversed after the subsequent voluntary weight regain period (18.4 ± 2.9 weeks) and were unchanged in non-dieting controls (n = 16). Overall, we suggest that the reported changes in FFA, bile acid, and oxylipin profiles reflect metabolic adaptation to very low levels of fat mass after prolonged periods of intense exercise and low-energy availability. However, the effects of the aforementioned metabolome subclass alteration on metabolic homeostasis remain controversial, and more studies are warranted to unravel the complex physiology and potentially associated health implications. In the end, our study reinforced the view that transient weight loss seems to have little to no long-lasting molecular and physiological effects.
Stroke-like Episodes in Inherited Neurometabolic Disorders
Authors: Będkowska Natalia , Zontek Aneta , Paprocka Justyna
Published: October 2022

Stroke-like episodes (SLEs) are significant clinical manifestations of metabolic disorders affecting the central nervous system. Morphological equivalents presented in neuroimaging procedures are described as stroke-like lesions (SLLs). It is crucial to distinguish SLEs from cerebral infarction or intracerebral hemorrhage, mainly due to the variety in management. Another significant issue to underline is the meaning of the main pathogenetic hypotheses in the development of SLEs. The diagnostic process is based on the patient’s medical history, physical and neurological examination, neuroimaging techniques and laboratory and genetic testing. Implementation of treatment is generally symptomatic and includes L-arginine supplementation and adequate antiepileptic management. The main aim of the current review was to summarize the basic and actual knowledge about the occurrence of SLEs in various inherited neurometabolic disorders, discuss the possible pathomechanism of their development, underline the role of neuroimaging in the detection of SLLs and identification of the electroencephalographic patterns as well as histological abnormalities in inherited disorders of metabolism.
Estradiol, Estrone and Ethinyl Estradiol Metabolism Studied by High Resolution LC-MS/MS Using Stable Isotope Labeling and Trapping of Reactive Metabolites
Authors: Chabi Kahina , Sleno Lekha
Published: October 2022

Biotransformation reactions that xenobiotics undergo during their metabolism are crucial for their proper excretion from the body, but can also be a source of toxicity, especially in the case of reactive metabolite formation. Unstable, reactive metabolites are capable of covalent binding to proteins, and have often been linked to liver damage and other undesired side effects. A common technique to assess the formation of reactive metabolites employs trapping them in vitro with glutathione and characterizing the resulting adducts by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Some endogenous compounds, however, can interfere with xenobiotic metabolites of interest, making the analysis more difficult. This study demonstrates the usefulness of isotope-labeled compounds to detect and elucidate the structures of both stable metabolites and trapped adducts of three estrogen analogs using an untargeted LC-MS/MS workflow. The metabolism of estradiol, estrone and ethinyl estradiol was investigated. Unlabeled and deuterated versions of these three compounds were incubated with human or rat liver microsomes in the presence of two different trapping agents, namely glutathione and N-acetylcysteine. The detection of closely eluting deuterated peaks allowed us to confirm the formation of several known metabolites, as well as many previously uncharacterized ones. The structure of each adduct was elucidated by the detailed analysis of high-resolution MS/MS spectra for elucidating fragmentation pathways with accurate mass measurements. The use of isotopic labeling was crucial in helping confirm many metabolites and adduct structures, as well as removing endogenous interferences.
The Role of Amino Acids in Tuberculosis Infection: A Literature Review
Authors: Amalia Fiki , Syamsunarno Mas Rizky A. A. , Triatin Rima Destya , Fatimah Siti Nur , Chaidir Lidya , Achmad Tri Hanggono
Published: October 2022

Recently, there was an abundance of studies being conducted on the metabolomic profiling of tuberculosis patients. Amino acids are critical metabolites for the immune system, as they might contribute to providing nutrients for the host intracellular pathway. In tuberculosis, several amino acids play important roles in both the mycobacteria infection mechanism and the host. Individual studies showed how the dynamics of metabolite products that result from interactions between Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and the host play important roles in different stages of infection. In this review, we focus on the dynamics of amino-acid metabolism and identify the prominent roles of amino acids in the diagnostics and treatment of tuberculosis infection. Online resources, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Clinical Key, were used to search for articles with combination keywords of amino acids and TB. The inclusion criteria were full-text articles in English published in the last 10 years. Most amino acids were decreased in patients with active TB compared with those with latent TB and healthy controls. However, some amino acids, including leucine, isoleucine, valine, phenylalanine, aspartate, and glutamate, were found to be at higher levels in TB patients. Additionally, the biomarkers of Mtb infection included the ratios of kynurenine to tryptophan, phenylalanine to histidine, and citrulline to arginine. Most amino acids were present at different levels in different stages of infection and disease progression. The search for additional roles played by those metabolomic biomarkers in each stage of infection might facilitate diagnostic tools for staging TB infection.
Optimized Fertilization Practices Improved Rhizosphere Soil Chemical and Bacterial Properties and Fresh Waxy Maize Yield
Authors: Li Guanghao , Li Wei , Zhang Shibo , Lu Weiping , Lu Dalei
Published: October 2022

The interactive mechanism of root and soil for achieving high and stable yield of maize is still unclear. Synchronizing soil nutrient supply with crop requirements by optimizing fertilization is effective cultivation measures to improve maize yield. In this study, field trials were conducted to investigate the dynamic changes of optimized fertilization on chemical and bacterial properties in rhizosphere soil, root physiological properties, and yield of fresh waxy maize. Optimized fertilization practices (one-time application of new compound fertilizer at sowing, three-, and six-leaf stages, denoted as F1, F2, and F3), local traditional fertilization (F4), and no fertilization (F0) were set up in 2-year field experiments at two sites. F3 increased the fresh ear (10.2%) and grain (9.4%) yields relative to F4. Optimized fertilization practices increased the abundance and diversity of rhizosphere soil bacterial communities at R3. The enzymatic activities of oxidoreductase, hydrolase, transferase, and lyase in rhizosphere soil under F3 were higher than those in other treatments at R1 and R3. F3 increased the contents of organic matter and total N in rhizosphere soil, as well as the root activities. These findings provide physiological information from underground on optimized fertilization types and stages in enhancing the yield of fresh waxy maize. One-time application of new compound fertilizer at six-leaf stage increased the abundance and diversity of bacterial, organic matter and total N content in rhizosphere soil, enhanced root activity at post-silking stage, and eventually improved yield of fresh waxy maize in southern China.
Expression Profiles of Kidney Mitochondrial Proteome during the Progression of the Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction: Focus on Energy Metabolism Adaptions
Authors: Ortega-Lozano Ariadna Jazmín , Jiménez-Uribe Alexis Paulina , Aranda-Rivera Ana Karina , Gómez-Caudillo Leopoldo , Ríos-Castro Emmanuel , Tapia Edilia , Bellido Belen , Aparicio-Trejo Omar Emiliano , Sánchez-Lozada Laura Gabriela , Pedraza-Chaverri José
Published: October 2022

Kidney diseases encompass many pathologies, including obstructive nephropathy (ON), a common clinical condition caused by different etiologies such as urolithiasis, prostatic hyperplasia in males, tumors, congenital stenosis, and others. Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in rodents is an experimental model widely used to explore the pathophysiology of ON, replicating vascular alterations, tubular atrophy, inflammation, and fibrosis development. In addition, due to the kidney’s high energetic demand, mitochondrial function has gained great attention, as morphological and functional alterations have been demonstrated in kidney diseases. Here we explore the kidney mitochondrial proteome differences during a time course of 7, 14, and 21 days after the UUO in rats, revealing changes in proteins involved in three main metabolic pathways, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), and the fatty acid (FA) metabolism, all of them related to bioenergetics. Our results provide new insight into the mechanisms involved in metabolic adaptations triggered by the alterations in kidney mitochondrial proteome during the ON.
Inhibitory Activity of Bioactive Phloroglucinols from the Rhizomes of Dryopteris crassirhizoma on Escherichia coli β-Glucuronidase: Kinetic Analysis and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Phong Nguyen Viet , Zhao Yan , Min Byung Sun , Yang Seo Young , Kim Jeong Ah
Published: October 2022

Phloroglucinols—one of the major secondary metabolites in Dryopteris crassirhizoma—exhibit various pharmacological effects, such as antiviral, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities. This study evaluated 30 phloroglucinols isolated from the rhizomes of D. crassirhizoma for their inhibitory activity on β-glucuronidase via in vitro assays. Among them, dimeric phloroglucinols 13–15 moderately inhibited β-glucuronidase, and trimeric phloroglucinols 26–28 showed strong inhibitory effects, with IC50 values ranging from 5.6 to 8.0 μM. Enzyme kinetic analysis confirmed all six active compounds to be in a competitive mode of inhibition. Molecular docking simulations revealed the key binding interactions with the active site of β-glucuronidase protein and the binding mechanisms of these active metabolites. Our results suggest that the rhizomes of D. crassirhizoma and trimeric compounds 26–28 may serve as potential candidates for discovering and developing new β-glucuronidase inhibitors.
Impact of Sustained Exogenous Irisin Myokine Administration on Muscle and Myocyte Integrity in Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Alzoughool Foad , Al-Zghoul Mohammad Borhan , Ghanim Bayan Y. , Atoum Manar , Aljawarneh Yousef , Idkaidek Nasir , Qinna Nidal A.
Published: October 2022

Irisin is an exercise-induced myokine implicated as a fundamental mediator of physical activity benefits. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the chronic administration model of irisin on the physiological and molecular status of skeletal muscle. A total of 20 female Sprague Dawley rats (250 ± 40 g) were implanted with an irisin-loaded osmotic pump (5 µg/kg/day) for 42 days; in addition, 3 females received a single subcutaneous injection of irisin (5 µg/kg). On a weekly basis for six weeks, animals were weighed and blood samples were collected. After 42 days, hind muscle biopsies were collected for histology and gene analysis. Serum irisin, clinical biochemistry, and histopathology were quantified and evaluated. Genes encoding for different physiological muscle activities, such as oxidative stress, fatty acid metabolism, muscle hypertrophy, mitochondrial fusion, and aging were assayed. The results showed a significant reduction in body weight percentage and creatine kinase level without affecting the morphological characteristics of skeletal muscle. Significant changes were noted in genes involved in muscle physiological activity, growth, and aging, as well as genes encoding for the antioxidant system, fatty acid oxidation processes, and mitochondrial fusion. In conclusion, exogenous irisin can induce the same physiological and molecular mechanisms that might be induced by exercise.
Acetyl Co-A Carboxylase Inhibition Halts Hyperglycemia Induced Upregulation of De Novo Lipogenesis in Podocytes and Proximal Tubular Cells
Authors: Kayampilly Pradeep , Roeser Nancy , Rajendiran Thekkelnaycke M , Pennathur Subramaniam , Afshinnia Farsad
Published: October 2022

The effect of glycemic stress on de novo lipogenesis (DNL) in podocytes and tubular epithelial cells is understudied. This study is aimed (A) to show the effect of glycemic stress on DNL, and (B) to assess the effect of acetyl-Co A (ACC) inhibition on halting upregulation of DNL, on the expression of other lipid regulatory genes in the DNL pathway, and on markers of fibrosis and apoptosis in podocytes and tubular epithelial cells. We used cultured mouse primary tubular epithelial cells, mouse proximal tubular (BUMPT) cells, and immortal mouse podocytes and measured their percentage of labeled 13C2-palmitate as a marker of DNL after incubation with 13C2 acetate in response to high glucose concentration (25 mM). We then tested the effect of ACC inhibition by complimentary strategies utilizing CRISPR/cas9 deletion or incubation with Acaca and Acacb GapmeRs or using a small molecule inhibitor on DNL under hyperglycemic concentration. Exposure to high glucose concentration (25 mM) compared to osmotic controlled low glucose concentration (5.5 mM) significantly increased labeled palmitate after 24 h up to 72 h in podocytes and primary tubular cells. Knocking out of the ACC coding Acaca and Acacb genes by CRISPR/cas9, downregulation of Acaca and Acacb by specific antisense LNA GapmeRs and inhibition of ACC by firsocostat similarly halted/mitigated upregulation of DNL and decreased markers of fibrosis and programmed cell death in podocytes and various tubular cells. ACC inhibition is a potential therapeutic target to mitigate or halt hyperglycemia-induced upregulation of DNL in podocytes and tubular cells.
Reduced Dehydroepiandrosterone-Sulfate Levels in the Mid-Luteal Subphase of the Menstrual Cycle: Implications to Women’s Health Research
Authors: Hamidovic Ajna , Soumare Fatimata , Naveed Aamina , Davis John , Sun Jiehuan , Dang Nhan
Published: October 2022

The regulation of DHEA-sulfate by steroid sulfotransferase (SULT) and steryl-sulfatase (STS) enzymes is a vital process for the downstream formation of many steroid hormones. DHEA-sulfate is the most abundant steroid hormone in the human body; thus, DHEA-sulfate and its hydrolyzed form, DHEA, continue to be evaluated in numerous studies, given their importance to human health. Yet, a basic question of relevance to the reproductive-age female population—whether the two steroid hormones vary across the menstrual cycle—has not been addressed. We applied a validated, multi-step protocol, involving realignment and imputation of study data to early follicular, mid-late follicular, periovulatory, and early, mid-, and late luteal subphases of the menstrual cycle, and analyzed DHEA-sulfate and DHEA serum concentrations using ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. DHEA-sulfate levels started to decrease in the early luteal, significantly dropped in the mid-luteal, and returned to basal levels by the late luteal subphase. DHEA, however, did not vary across the menstrual cycle. The present study deep-mapped trajectories of DHEA and DHEA-sulfate across the entire menstrual cycle, demonstrating a significant decrease in DHEA-sulfate in the mid-luteal subphase. These findings are relevant to the active area of research examining associations between DHEA-sulfate levels and various disease states.
Novel Implications of Nanoparticle-Enhanced Radiotherapy and Brachytherapy: Z-Effect and Tumor Hypoxia
Authors: Zhou Runze , Zhao Di , Beeraka Narasimha M. , Wang Xiaoyan , Lu Pengwei , Song Ruixia , Chen Kuo , Liu Junqi
Published: October 2022

Radiotherapy and internal radioisotope therapy (brachytherapy) induce tumor cell death through different molecular signaling pathways. However, these therapies in cancer patients are constrained by dose-related adverse effects and local discomfort due to the prolonged exposure to the surrounding tissues. Technological advancements in nanotechnology have resulted in synthesis of high atomic elements such as nanomaterials, which can be used as radiosensitizers due to their photoelectric characteristics. The aim of this review is to elucidate the effects of novel nanomaterials in the field of radiation oncology to ameliorate dose-related toxicity through the application of ideal nanoparticle-based radiosensitizers such as Au (gold), Bi (bismuth), and Lu (Lutetium-177) for enhancing cytotoxic effects of radiotherapy via the high-Z effect. In addition, we discuss the role of nanoparticle-enhanced radiotherapy in alleviating tumor hypoxia through the nanodelivery of genes/drugs and other functional anticancer molecules. The implications of engineered nanoparticles in preclinical and clinical studies still need to be studied in order to explore potential mechanisms for radiosensitization by minimizing tumor hypoxia, operational/logistic complications and by overcoming tumor heterogeneity in radiotherapy/brachytherapy.
Comparative Analysis of Untargeted Metabolomics in Tolerant and Sensitive Genotypes of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Seeds Exposed to Terminal Drought Stress
Authors: Subramani Mayavan , Urrea Carlos A. , Kalavacharla Venu
Published: October 2022

Many environmental stresses can affect the accumulation of metabolites in plants, including drought. In the present study, we found a great deal of variability in the seed metabolic profiles of the tolerant (Matterhorn, SB-DT2 and SB-DT3) common bean genotypes in comparison to the sensitive genotypes (Sawtooth, Merlot and Stampede) using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). The genotypes were grown in the field and subjected to drought stress after flowering (terminal drought stress). We aimed to investigate the accumulation of genotype-specific metabolites and related pathways under terminal drought stress by comparing tolerant and sensitive genotypes within a race. A total of 26 potential metabolites were identified across genotype comparisons. Significant metabolic pathways, including monobactam biosynthesis, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, pentose phosphate pathway, C5-branched dibasic acid metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis, were derived from the enriched metabolites. Many of these metabolic pathways were specific and varied with genotype comparisons. SB-DT2 vs. stampede revealed more significant metabolites and metabolic pathways compared to Matterhorn vs. Sawtooth and SB-DT3 vs. Merlot under terminal drought stress. Our study provides useful information regarding the metabolite profiles of seeds and their related pathways in comparisons of tolerant and sensitive common bean genotypes under terminal drought conditions. Further research, including transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, may contribute to a better understanding of molecular mechanisms and nutritional differences among seeds of common bean genotypes grown under terminal drought conditions.
Sinomenine Ameliorates Colitis-Associated Cancer by Modulating Lipid Metabolism via Enhancing CPT1A Expression
Authors: Zhang Jing , Huang Dan , Dai Yue , Xia Yu-Feng
Published: October 2022

Colitis-associated cancer (CAC), arising from long-lasting intestinal inflammation, is a common type of colorectal cancer. Sinomenine (SIN), the major active compound of Sinomenium acutum, displays excellent antitumor activity. In modern pharmacological research, SIN has been proved to arrest proliferation of human colon cancer cells in vitro, but its functional role and specific mechanism in CAC were still elusive. This study explored the molecular mechanism of SIN on CAC. The results showed that orally administered SIN could decrease the occurrence and development of CAC. Metabolomics results revealed SIN could reprogram metabolism in CAC mice by reversing 34 endogenous metabolites. Importantly, the most prominent metabolic alteration was lipid metabolism. Mechanistically, SIN improved lipid metabolism by enhancing the expression of CPT1A in CAC mice. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of SIN on the proliferation of human colon cancer cells was blunted via CPT1A inhibitor. The results of this study added further evidence of the molecular mechanisms that allow SIN to exert anti-CAC effect by facilitating lipid metabolism and reaffirmed its potential and distinctive role as a chemopreventive agent in CAC.
Heartwood Extract of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. Offers Defense against Oxyradicals and Improves Glucose Uptake in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Dar Mohammad Irfan , Rafat Sahar , Dev Kapil , Abass Sageer , Khan Mohammad Umar , Abualsunun Walaa A. , Murshid Samar S. , Ahmad Sayeed , Qureshi Mohammad Irfan
Published: October 2022

Diabetes mellitus leads to cellular damage and causes apoptosis by oxidative stress. Heartwood extract of Pterocarpus marsupium has been used in Ayurveda to treat various diseases such as leprosy, diabetes, asthma, and bronchitis. In this study, we worked out the mechanism of the antidiabetic potential of methanolic heartwood extract of Pterocarpus marsupium (MPME). First, metabolic profiling of MPME was done using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS), ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (UPLC-MS), and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) to identify phenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids in MPME. Biological studies were carried out in vitro using the HepG2 cell line. Many antidiabetic compounds were identified including Quercetin. Methanolic extract of MPME (23.43 µg/mL–93.75 µg/mL) was found to be safe and effective in reducing oxyradicals in HepG2 cells. A concentration of 93.75 µg/mL improved glucose uptake efficiently. A significant decrease in oxidative stress, cell damage, and apoptosis was found in MPME-treated HepG2 cells. The study suggests that the heartwood of Pterocarpus marsupium offers good defense in HepG2 cells against oxidative stress and improves glucose uptake. The results show the significant antidiabetic potential of MPME using a HepG2 cell model. The effect seems to occur by reducing oxidative stress and sensitizing the cells towards glucose uptake, hence lowering systemic glucose levels, as well as rescuing ROS generation.