bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Corrosion Behavior of Waterborne Polyurethane Coating with High Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Yi Pan , Mo Juan , Liu Rui , Fan Baozhen , Xiao Kui , Gao Jin , Zhou Haifei
Published: February 2022

In this paper, the effects of mixture fillers on the thermal conductivity of a coating are studied, and the optimal addition proportion was obtained. Then, the corrosion behavior of the modified waterborne polyurethane coating with high thermal conductivity is investigated by salt spray experiments, pull-off tests, EIS and SKP measurements. The result shows that the coating with 2 wt % composite fillers exhibits the most excellent thermal conductivity (1.222 W·m−1·K−1). In terms of corrosion resistance, there is an absence of obvious corrosion phenomenon for the modified coating, and the polarization resistance is still as high as 1.31 × 107 Ω·cm2 at the final stage, which indicates that the incorporation of 2 wt % composite fillers also markedly enhances the corrosion resistance property of waterborne polyurethane coating. This is mainly attributed to the more compact structure and more excellent shielding action to the electrolyte. The surface Kelvin potential results further confirm the advantageous effects of mixture fillers on the corrosion protective performance. The corresponding protective mechanism of the composite coating is also proposed.
Multimodal Biometric Template Protection Based on a Cancelable SoftmaxOut Fusion Network
Authors: KIM Jihyeon , Jung Yoon Gyo , Teoh Andrew Beng Jin
Published: February 2022

Authentication systems that employ biometrics are commonplace, as they offer a convenient means of authenticating an individual’s identity. However, these systems give rise to concerns about security and privacy due to insecure template management. As a remedy, biometric template protection (BTP) has been developed. Cancelable biometrics is a non-invertible form of BTP in which the templates are changeable. This paper proposes a deep-learning-based end-to-end multimodal cancelable biometrics scheme called cancelable SoftmaxOut fusion network (CSMoFN). By end-to-end, we mean a model that receives raw biometric data as input and produces a protected template as output. CSMoFN combines two biometric traits, the face and the periocular region, and is composed of three modules: a feature extraction and fusion module, a permutation SoftmaxOut transformation module, and a multiplication-diagonal compression module. The first module carries out feature extraction and fusion, while the second and third are responsible for the hashing of fused features and compression. In addition, our network is equipped with dual template-changeability mechanisms with user-specific seeded permutation and binary random projection. CSMoFN is trained by minimizing the ArcFace loss and the pairwise angular loss. We evaluate the network, using six face–periocular multimodal datasets, in terms of its verification performance, unlinkability, revocability, and non-invertibility.
Equivalent Electronic Circuit of a System of Oscillators Connected with Periodically Variable Stiffness
Authors: Seth Soumyajit , Kudra Grzegorz , Witkowski Krzysztof , Awrejcewicz Jan
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we have shown an electronic circuit equivalence of a mechanical system consisting of two oscillators coupled with each other. The mechanical design has the effects of the magnetic spring force resistance force, and the spring constant of the system is periodically varying. We have shown that the system’s state variables, such as the displacements and the velocities, under the effects of different forces, lead to some nonlinear behaviors, like a transition from the fixed point attractors to the chaotic attractors through the periodic and quasi-periodic oscillations. We have verified those numerically obtained phenomena using the analog electronic circuit of this mechanical system.
Multimode Tree-Coding of Speech with Pre-/Post-Weighting
Authors: Li Ying-Yi , Ramadas Pravin , Gibson Jerry
Published: February 2022

As speech-coding standards have improved over the years, so complexity has increased, and less emphasis been placed on low encoding/decoding delay. We present a low-complexity, low-delay speech codec based on tree-coding with sample-by-sample adaptive long- and short-code generators that incorporates pre- and post-filtering for perceptual weighting and multimode speech classification with comfort noise generation (CNG). The pre-/post-weighting filters adapt based on the code generator parameters available at both the encoder and decoder rather than the usual method that uses the input speech. The coding of the multiple speech modes and comfort noise generation is accomplished using the code generator adaptation algorithms, again, rather than using the input speech. Codec complexity comparisons are presented and operational rate distortion curves for several standardized speech codecs and the new codec are given. Finally, codec performance is shown in relation to theoretical rate distortion bounds.
A Fingerprint-Based Verification Framework Using Harris and SURF Feature Detection Algorithms
Authors: Bakheet Samy , Al-Hamadi Ayoub , Youssef Rehab
Published: February 2022

Amongst all biometric-based personal authentication systems, a fingerprint that gives each person a unique identity is the most commonly used parameter for personal identification. In this paper, we present an automatic fingerprint-based authentication framework by means of fingerprint enhancement, feature extraction, and matching techniques. Initially, a variant of adaptive histogram equalization called CLAHE (contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization) along with a combination of FFT (fast Fourier transform), and Gabor filters are applied to enhance the contrast of fingerprint images. The fingerprint is then authenticated by picking a small amount of information from some local interest points called minutiae point features. These features are extracted from the thinned binary fingerprint image with a hybrid combination of Harris and SURF feature detectors to render significantly improved detection results. For fingerprint matching, the Euclidean distance between the corresponding Harris-SURF feature vectors of two feature points is used as a feature matching similarity measure of two fingerprint images. Moreover, an iterative algorithm called RANSAC (RANdom SAmple Consensus) is applied for fine matching and to automatically eliminate false matches and incorrect match points. Quantitative experimental results achieved on FVC2002 DB1 and FVC2000 DB1 public domain fingerprint databases demonstrate the good performance and feasibility of the proposed framework in terms of achieving average recognition rates of 95% and 92.5% for FVC2002 DB1 and FVC2000 DB1 databases, respectively.
Plebeian Sage (Salvia plebeia R. Br) Extract Ameliorates Inflammation and Cartilage Degradation in Surgically Induced Osteoarthritis Rats
Authors: Lee Eun-Byeol , Choi Ji-Hye , Ku Sae-Kwang , Choi Beom-Rak , Jang Hwan-Hee , Kim Heon-Woong , Lee Jeong-Sang , Lee Sung-Hyen
Published: February 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most prevalent articular disease with the clinical syndrome of joint pain accompanied by varying degrees of functional limitation, reduces the quality of elderly life. In this study, the effects of Plebeian sage extract (PS) on anti-inflammatory and anti-articular cartilage degradation activities were evaluated in rats with surgically induced OA. PS supplement for 12 weeks significantly decreased Mankin scores, including inflammatory cell numbers, and improved surface cartilage damage and mean femur and tibia articular cartilage (AC) thicknesses in OA rats. PS diminished IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9, as well as lipocalin-2 levels in serum or cartilage, which were increased due to OA. The results suggested that PS decreased joint inflammation and loss of articular cartilage by suppressing provocative responses and synovial tissue decimation in the OA model. Thus, PS may be used as a novel potential therapeutic regime for OA in the elderly.
Art and Place: Crossing Borders in the Work of Perejaume
Authors: Schultz Deborah
Published: February 2022

In a sequence of drawings from the mid-1990s, the Catalan artist Perejaume (b. 1957) visualizes the migration of art movements across geographical and political borders. In doing so, the artist offers visual forms for intangible journeys through time and space. In sharp contrast to earlier concepts of the development of art, from Vasari’s cyclical model of rise and fall to Alfred H. Barr’s linear ‘Development of Cubism and Abstract Art’, Perejaume’s drawings offer a less definitive, more suggestive, visualization of the migration of art movements. By locating his drawings in specific landscapes, the artist gives a sense of the complex spatial relations between art and place. Within his wider practice, Perejaume crosses many borders. Artist, poet, writer and performer, he works in an extensive range of styles and mediums. This paper explores Perejaume’s representations of the migration of art movements, proposing them as alternative visual and conceptual models for the shape of art history.
Some New Results for a Class of Multivalued Interpolative Kannan-Type Contractions
Authors: Konwar Nabanita , Srivastava Rekha , Debnath Pradip , Srivastava Hari Mohan
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we introduce the notion of multivalued interpolative Kannan-type contractions. We also introduce a more general version of this notion by relaxing the degrees of freedom of the powers arising in the contractive condition. Gaba et al. (2021) recently pointed out a significant error in the paper of Gaba and Karapinar (2019), showing that a particular type of generalized interpolative Kannan-type contraction does not posses a fixed point in general in a complete metric space. Thus, the study of generalized Kannan-type mappings remains an interesting and mathematically challenging area of research. The main aim of this article is to address such existing results for multivalued mappings. We also investigate common fixed points for this type of contractions. Our results extend and unify some existing results in the literature.
The Relationships among Three Kinds of Divisions of Type-1 Fuzzy Numbers
Authors: Jiang Yadan , Qiu Dong
Published: February 2022

The division operation for type-1 fuzzy numbers in its original form is not invertible for the multiplication operation. This is an essential drawback in some applications. To eliminate this drawback several approaches are proposed: the generalized Hukuhara division, generalized division and granular division. In this paper, the expression of granular division is introduced, and the relationships among generalized Hukuhara division, generalized division and granular division are clarified.
Pb Induces MCP-1 in the Choroid Plexus
Authors: Gu Huiying , Xu Yundan , Du Nicole , Yu Yongqi , Zheng Wei , Du Yansheng
Published: February 2022

Lead (Pb) is an environmental element that has been implicated in the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Additionally, innate immune activation contributes to AD pathophysiology. However, the mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. The choroid plexus (CP) is not only the site of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production, but also an important location for communication between the circulation and the CSF. In this study, we investigated the involvement of the CP during Pb exposure by evaluating the expression of the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). MCP-1 is highly expressed in the CP compared to other CNS tissues. MCP-1 regulates macrophage infiltration and is upregulated in AD brains. Our study revealed that Pb exposure stimulated MCP-1 expression, along with a significantly increased macrophage infiltration into the CP. By using cultured Z310 rat CP cells, Pb exposure stimulated MCP-1 expression in a dose-related fashion and markedly activated both NF-κB and p38 MAP kinase. Interestingly, both SB 203580, a p38 inhibitor, and BAY 11-7082, an NF-κB p65 inhibitor, significantly blocked Pb-induced MCP-1 expression. However, SB203580 did not directly inhibit NF-κB p65 phosphorylation. In conclusion, Pb exposure stimulates MCP-1 expression via the p38 and NF-κB p65 pathways along with macrophage infiltration into the CP.
The Acute Effects of Normobaric Hypoxia on Strength, Muscular Endurance and Cognitive Function: Influence of Dose and Sex
Authors: Karayigit Raci , Eser Mustafa Can , Sahin Fatma Nese , Sari Cengizhan , Sanchez-Gomez Angela , Dominguez Raul , Koz Mitat
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study was to examine the acute effects of different levels of hypoxia on maximal strength, muscular endurance, and cognitive function in males and females. In total, 13 males (mean ± SD: age, 23.6 ± 2.8 years; height, 176.6 ± 3.9 cm; body mass, 76.6 ± 2.1 kg) and 13 females (mean ± SD: age, 22.8 ± 1.4 years; height, 166.4 ± 1.9 cm; body mass, 61.6 ± 3.4 kg) volunteered for a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Participants completed a one repetition strength and muscular endurance test (60% of one repetition maximum to failure) for squat and bench press following four conditions; (i) normoxia (900 m altitude; FiO2: 21%); (ii) low dose hypoxia (2000 m altitude; FiO2: 16%); (iii) moderate dose hypoxia (3000 m altitude; FiO2: 14%); and (iv) high dose hypoxia (4000 m altitude; FiO2: 12%). Heart rate, blood lactate, rating of perceived exertion, and cognitive function was also determined during each condition. The one repetition maximum squat (p = 0.33) and bench press (p = 0.68) did not differ between conditions or sexes. Furthermore, squat endurance did not differ between conditions (p = 0.34). There was a significant decrease in bench press endurance following moderate (p = 0.02; p = 0.04) and high (p = 0.01; p = 0.01) doses of hypoxia in both males and females compared to normoxia and low dose hypoxia, respectively. Cognitive function, ratings of perceived exertion, and lactate were also significantly different in high and moderate dose hypoxia conditions compared to normoxia (p < 0.05). Heart rate was not different between the conditions (p = 0.30). In conclusion, high and moderate doses of acute normobaric hypoxia decrease upper body muscular endurance and cognitive performance regardless of sex; however, lower body muscular endurance and maximal strength are not altered.
Bird Assemblages in Coffee Agroforestry Systems and Other Human Modified Habitats in Indonesia
Authors: Imron Muhammad Ali , Campera Marco , Al Bihad Dennis , Rachmawati Farah Dini , Nugroho Febrian Edi , Budiadi Budiadi , Wianti K. Fajar , Suprapto Edi , Nijman Vincent , Nekaris K.A.I.
Published: February 2022

Deforestation in the tropics is mainly driven by the need to expand agriculture and forestry land. Tropical cropland has also undergone a process of intensification, particularly evident in regions that are the main exporters of deforestation-driven commodities. Around 25 million people in the world depend on coffee production, which has a profound contribution to global biodiversity loss through agricultural extensification and intensification. Nevertheless, coffee agroforestry systems have been postulated to serve as an alternative refuge for biodiversity across different regions. We aim to compare bird abundance, diversity, and richness in commercial polyculture coffee systems (i.e., the highest degree of habitat complexity that can be achieved in coffee fields after deforestation) with other coffee agroforestry systems and human modified habitats in Java, Indonesia. We collected data in 21 sites (1228 points) on Java from February to August 2021 using the point sampling method. Via generalised additive models, we tested whether the abundance, diversity, and richness of birds were different between different human modified habitats including other potential predictors such as elevation, distance to protected areas, shade tree richness, and plant diversity. Using the non-metric multidimensional scaling, we tested whether there was a difference in terms of the composition of foraging guilds between habitats. Commercial polyculture coffee fields can sustain levels of bird abundance, diversity, and richness comparable to agroforestry systems under natural forest, and higher than sun coffee and shaded monoculture coffee, and of other human modified habitats such as crop/fruit fields and tree farms. Coffee agroforestry systems have a higher proportion of nectarivores, insectivores, and frugivores than other systems that can sustain high diversity and richness of birds such as paddy fields that mainly have granivores and carnivores. Complex polycultures can represent an avenue for the future of sustainable agriculture in conditions where deforestation rates are high and in crops such as coffee, which maintain high yield in the presence of diverse shade.
Slc7a8 Deletion Is Protective against Diet-Induced Obesity and Attenuates Lipid Accumulation in Multiple Organs
Authors: Pitere Reabetswe R. , van Heerden Marlene B. , Pepper Michael S. , Ambele Melvin A.
Published: February 2022

Adipogenesis, through adipocyte hyperplasia and/or hypertrophy, leads to increased adiposity, giving rise to obesity. A genome-wide transcriptome analysis of in vitro adipogenesis in human adipose-derived stromal/stem cells identified SLC7A8 (Solute Carrier Family 7 Member 8) as a potential novel mediator. The current study has investigated the role of SLC7A8 in adipose tissue biology using a mouse model of diet-induced obesity. slc7a8 knockout (KO) and wildtype (WT) C57BL/6J mice were fed either a control diet (CD) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 14 weeks. On the HFD, both WT and KO mice (WTHFD and KOHFD) gained significantly more weight than their CD counterparts. However, KOHFD gained significantly less weight than WTHFD. KOHFD had significantly reduced levels of glucose intolerance compared with those observed in WTHFD. KOHFD also had significantly reduced adipocyte mass and hypertrophy in inguinal, mesenteric, perigonadal, and brown adipose depots, with a corresponding decrease in macrophage infiltration. Additionally, KOHFD had decreased lipid accumulation in the liver, heart, gastrocnemius muscle, lung, and kidney. This study demonstrates that targeting slc7a8 protects against diet-induced obesity by reducing lipid accumulation in multiple organs and suggests that if targeted, has the potential to mitigate the development of obesity-associated comorbidities.
Exploring the Wnt Pathway as a Therapeutic Target for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Koushyar Sarah , Meniel Valerie S. , Phesse Toby J. , Pearson Helen B.
Published: February 2022

Aberrant activation of the Wnt pathway is emerging as a frequent event during prostate cancer that can facilitate tumor formation, progression, and therapeutic resistance. Recent discoveries indicate that targeting the Wnt pathway to treat prostate cancer may be efficacious. However, the functional consequence of activating the Wnt pathway during the different stages of prostate cancer progression remains unclear. Preclinical work investigating the efficacy of targeting Wnt signaling for the treatment of prostate cancer, both in primary and metastatic lesions, and improving our molecular understanding of treatment responses is crucial to identifying effective treatment strategies and biomarkers that help guide treatment decisions and improve patient care. In this review, we outline the type of genetic alterations that lead to activated Wnt signaling in prostate cancer, highlight the range of laboratory models used to study the role of Wnt genetic drivers in prostate cancer, and discuss new mechanistic insights into how the Wnt cascade facilitates prostate cancer growth, metastasis, and drug resistance.
Discovering the Triad between Nav1.5, Breast Cancer, and the Immune System: A Fundamental Review and Future Perspectives
Authors: Rajaratinam Harishini , Mokhtar Noor Fatmawati , Asma-Abdullah Nurul , Fuad Wan Ezumi Mohd
Published: February 2022

Nav1.5 is one of the nine voltage-gated sodium channel-alpha subunit (VGSC-α) family members. The Nav1.5 channel typically carries an inward sodium ion current that depolarises the membrane potential during the upstroke of the cardiac action potential. The neonatal isoform of Nav1.5, nNav1.5, is produced via VGSC-α alternative splicing. nNav1.5 is known to potentiate breast cancer metastasis. Despite their well-known biological functions, the immunological perspectives of these channels are poorly explored. The current review has attempted to summarise the triad between Nav1.5 (nNav1.5), breast cancer, and the immune system. To date, there is no such review available that encompasses these three components as most reviews focus on the molecular and pharmacological prospects of Nav1.5. This review is divided into three major subsections: (1) the review highlights the roles of Nav1.5 and nNav1.5 in potentiating the progression of breast cancer, (2) focuses on the general connection between breast cancer and the immune system, and finally (3) the review emphasises the involvements of Nav1.5 and nNav1.5 in the functionality of the immune system and the immunogenicity. Compared to the other subsections, section three is pretty unexploited; it would be interesting to study this subsection as it completes the triad.
Status and Prospects of Botanical Biopesticides in Europe and Mediterranean Countries
Authors: Acheuk Fatma , Basiouni Shereen , Shehata Awad A. , Dick Katie , Hajri Haifa , Lasram Salma , Yilmaz Mete , Emekci Mevlüt , Tsiamis George , Spona-Friedl Marina , May-Simera Helen , Eisenreich Wolfgang , Ntougias Spyridon
Published: February 2022

Concerning human and environmental health, safe alternatives to synthetic pesticides are urgently needed. Many of the currently used synthetic pesticides are not authorized for application in organic agriculture. In addition, the developed resistances of various pests against classical pesticides necessitate the urgent demand for efficient and safe products with novel modes of action. Botanical pesticides are assumed to be effective against various crop pests, and they are easily biodegradable and available in high quantities and at a reasonable cost. Many of them may act by diverse yet unexplored mechanisms of action. It is therefore surprising that only few plant species have been developed for commercial usage as biopesticides. This article reviews the status of botanical pesticides, especially in Europe and Mediterranean countries, deepening their active principles and mechanisms of action. Moreover, some constraints and challenges in the development of novel biopesticides are highlighted.
Somatostatin and Somatostatin-Containing Interneurons—From Plasticity to Pathology
Authors: Liguz-Lecznar Monika , Dobrzanski Grzegorz , Kossut Malgorzata
Published: February 2022

Despite the obvious differences in the pathophysiology of distinct neuropsychiatric diseases or neurodegenerative disorders, some of them share some general but pivotal mechanisms, one of which is the disruption of excitation/inhibition balance. Such an imbalance can be generated by changes in the inhibitory system, very often mediated by somatostatin-containing interneurons (SOM-INs). In physiology, this group of inhibitory interneurons, as well as somatostatin itself, profoundly shapes the brain activity, thus influencing the behavior and plasticity; however, the changes in the number, density and activity of SOM-INs or levels of somatostatin are found throughout many neuropsychiatric and neurological conditions, both in patients and animal models. Here, we (1) briefly describe the brain somatostatinergic system, characterizing the neuropeptide somatostatin itself, its receptors and functions, as well the physiology and circuitry of SOM-INs; and (2) summarize the effects of the activity of somatostatin and SOM-INs in both physiological brain processes and pathological brain conditions, focusing primarily on learning-induced plasticity and encompassing selected neuropsychological and neurodegenerative disorders, respectively. The presented data indicate the somatostatinergic-system-mediated inhibition as a substantial factor in the mechanisms of neuroplasticity, often disrupted in a plethora of brain pathologies.
Work Motivation: The Roles of Individual Needs and Social Conditions
Authors: Vo Thuy Thi Diem , Tuliao Kristine Velasquez , Chen Chung-Wen
Published: February 2022

Work motivation plays a vital role in the development of organizations, as it increases employee productivity and effectiveness. To expand insights into individuals’ work motivation, the authors investigated the influence of individuals’ competence, autonomy, and social relatedness on their work motivation. Additionally, the country-level moderating factors of those individual-level associations were examined. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) was used to analyze data from 32,614 individuals from 25 countries, obtained from the World Values Survey (WVS). Findings showed that autonomy and social relatedness positively impacted work motivation, while competence negatively influenced work motivation. Moreover, the individual-level associations were moderated by the country-level religious affiliation, political participation, humane orientation, and in-group collectivism. Contributions, practical implications, and directions for further research were then discussed.
Reduction of the Carbon Footprint of Precast Columns by Combining Normal and Light Aggregate Concrete
Authors: Halding Philip Skov
Published: February 2022

To reduce the global emission of CO2 from the building industry, researchers, architects and manufacturers must consider new ways of constructing precast concrete buildings. Modern concrete columns and walls are not optimized to the applied load, and there is potential to save material. By creating a stronger column core and a lightweight concrete cover, it is possible to reduce the carbon footprint. A method is proposed to calculate such eccentrically loaded columns of two or more materials. The analytical method is developed for straight columns and columns with Entasis. Production of curved Entasis columns is possible by using textile molds due to the low mold pressure from the light aggregate concrete. Two column types are load tested to confirm the method. The CO2 emission is calculated for some column examples, and it shows that an optimized column geometry often leads to a reduced carbon footprint compared to regular columns. The concept is especially efficient for slender columns. Furthermore, the external light aggregate concrete layer ensures protection against fire if high-strength concrete is applied as the column core.
BIM in the Center of Digital Transformation of the Construction Sector—The Status of BIM Adoption in North Macedonia
Authors: Stojanovska-Georgievska Lihnida , Sandeva Ivana , Krleski Aleksandar , Spasevska Hristina , Ginovska Margarita , Panchevski Igor , Ivanov Risto , Perez Arnal Ignasi , Cerovsek Tomo , Funtik Tomas
Published: February 2022

The building sector nowadays has come to the stage where it needs a “digital” renovation. This is to be accomplished by an introduction of change into the methodology of construction and using new tools and technologies, such as BIM technology. This paper gives an insight into the status of BIM adoption in North Macedonia. It presents the threefold actions toward introduction of BIM in the national construction industry. These actions refer to scanning the current situation regarding digitalization of the sector, then taking promotional actions to express the benefits of BIM, and finally identifying and proposing the most suitable measures, summarized in the proposal of the National Roadmap for BIM adoption. The methods used consist of a brief literature review of the global status of BIM development. Then, the results of a survey conducted on more than 300 respondents representing a sample of building professionals in the country are discussed, and the barriers for successful BIM adoption are accordingly identified. The next step is to showcase the potential benefits of BIM for assessment of energy performance of buildings. As a final point, the conclusions drafted toward identification of the most important challenges are addressed in the proposed National Roadmap for BIM adoption.
Toluene Steam Reforming over Ni/CeZrO2—The Influence of Steam to Carbon Ratio and Contact Time on the Catalyst Performance and Carbon Deposition
Authors: Łamacz Agata
Published: February 2022

The formation of tars during coal or biomass gasification is a serious issue resulting in decreasing efficiency of the process and increased maintenance costs. The decomposition of tars can be conducted via catalytic steam reforming that enriches the produced gas in hydrogen. Nevertheless, the catalyst should be characterized by high activity, stability, and resistance towards carbon deposition. Ceria-zirconia supported nickel (Ni/CeZrO2) is a very good candidate to catalyze tar removal—Ni is an active phase for reforming reactions, while CeZrO2 provides the active sites that play important roles in protecting the catalyst from carbon deposition. Ni/CeZrO2 shows high activity in the steam reforming of model tar compounds. In this paper, its performance in the steam reforming of toluene and carbon deposition is discussed considering the changing parameters of the reaction: the temperature, steam to carbon ratio, and the contact time.
Facile Synthesis of Sillén-Aurivillius Layered Oxide Bi7Fe2Ti2O17Cl with Efficient Photocatalytic Performance for Degradation of Tetracycline
Authors: Gu Yan , Yu Fang , Chen Jikun , Zhang Qinfang
Published: February 2022

The development of an efficient and environment-friendly photocatalyst for antibiotics degradation is of great significance and still remains a major challenge. Herein, a novel Sillén-Aurivillius layered oxide Bi7Fe2Ti2O17Cl is successfully synthesized via a one-step flux route (noted as F-BFTOC) and solid-state reaction (noted as S-BFTOC). The as-prepared F-BFTOC manifests the enhanced visible-light photocatalytic performance towards tetracycline (TC) degradation compared with Bi4NbO8Cl and its degradation efficiency reaches 90% within 90 min. Additionally, the proposed degradation pathway and photocatalytic mechanism are systematically investigated by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), active species trapping test, electron spin resonance (ESR) and first-principles calculations. The superior degradation of antibiotics is primarily derived from the photo-generated h+, and radical ·O2− as the dominant active species. More importantly, the F-BFTOC exhibits excellent cycle stability and TC is ultimately transformed into non-toxic open-loop products. Simultaneously, Rhodamine B (RhB) as a typical organic pollutant is further employed to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of F-BFTOC, and 98% of the degradation efficiency is achieved. BFTOC as a multifunctional photocatalyst for pollutant degradation offers a new insight for Sillén-Aurivillius photocatalytic in the field of water purification.
Osteopontin as Candidate Biomarker of Coronary Disease despite Low Cardiovascular Risk: Insights from CAPIRE Study
Authors: Carbone Federico , Meessen Jennifer , Magnoni Marco , Andreini Daniele , Maggioni Aldo Pietro , Latini Roberto , Montecucco Fabrizio
Published: February 2022

Stratification according high cardiovascular (CV) risk categories, still represents a clinical challenge. In this analysis of the CAPIRE study (NCT02157662), we investigate whether inflammation could fit between CV risk factors (RFs) and the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD). In total, 544 patients were included and categorized according with the presence of CAD and CV risk factor burden (low/multiple). The primary endpoint was to verify any independent association of neutrophil-related biomarkers with CAD across CV risk categories. The highest values of osteopontin (OPN) were detected in the low RF group and associated with CAD (23.2 vs. 19.4 ng/mL; p = 0.001), although no correlation with plaque extent and/or composition were observed. Conversely, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and resistin did not differ by CAD presence. Again, OPN was identified as independent variable associated with CAD but only in the low RF group (adjOR 8.42 [95% CI 8.42–46.83]; p-value = 0.015). As an ancillary finding, a correlation linked OPN with the neutrophil degranulation biomarker MPO (r = 0.085; p = 0.048) and resistin (r = 0.177; p = 3.4 × 10−5). In the present study, OPN further strengthens its role as biomarker of CAD, potentially bridging subclinical CV risk with development of atherosclerosis.
Implications of Poly(A) Tail Processing in Repeat Expansion Diseases
Authors: Joachimiak Paweł , Ciesiołka Adam , Figura Grzegorz , Fiszer Agnieszka
Published: February 2022

Repeat expansion diseases are a group of more than 40 disorders that affect mainly the nervous and/or muscular system and include myotonic dystrophies, Huntington’s disease, and fragile X syndrome. The mutation-driven expanded repeat tract occurs in specific genes and is composed of tri- to dodeca-nucleotide-long units. Mutant mRNA is a pathogenic factor or important contributor to the disease and has great potential as a therapeutic target. Although repeat expansion diseases are quite well known, there are limited studies concerning polyadenylation events for implicated transcripts that could have profound effects on transcript stability, localization, and translation efficiency. In this review, we briefly present polyadenylation and alternative polyadenylation (APA) mechanisms and discuss their role in the pathogenesis of selected diseases. We also discuss several methods for poly(A) tail measurement (both transcript-specific and transcriptome-wide analyses) and APA site identification—the further development and use of which may contribute to a better understanding of the correlation between APA events and repeat expansion diseases. Finally, we point out some future perspectives on the research into repeat expansion diseases, as well as APA studies.
Development of On-Site Rapid Detection Device for Soil Macronutrients Based on Capillary Electrophoresis and Capacitively Coupled Contactless Conductivity Detection (C4D) Method
Authors: Zhang Junqing , Wang Rujing , Jin Zhou , Guo Hongyan , Liu Yi , Chang Yongjia , Chen Jiangning , Li Mengya , Chen Xiangyu
Published: February 2022

The acquisition of nutrient data on a precise scale has played a vital role in nutrient management processes for soils. However, the lack of rapid precise and multi-index detection techniques for soil macronutrient contents hinders both rational fertilization and cost reduction. In this paper, a rapid detection method and device were devised, combining capillary electrophoresis (CE) and capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D), and presented to detect macronutrient contents of soil. The device consisted of a capillary channel, C4D detector, high-voltage system, etc. It separated macronutrient ions using capillary electrophoresis and then measured the ion concentration based on the C4D principle. Lime concretion black soil samples from a complete field were collected and detected. NO3−, NH4+, H2PO4− and K+ in sample solutions could be detected in 5 min with relative standard deviations (RSDs) from 1.0 to 7.51%. The injection voltage was set to 10 kV for 5 s, and the separation voltage was set to 14 kV. This demonstrated the excellent performance of the C4D device on the detection of soil macronutrients, which could help to guide fertilization operations more effectively.
The Damage Threshold of Multilayer Film Induced by Femtosecond and Picosecond Laser Pulses
Authors: Wang Yunzhe , Cheng Xiangzheng , Shao Junfeng , Zheng Changbin , Chen Anmin , Zhang Luwei
Published: February 2022

Laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) is an essential factor in measuring the anti-laser damage of optical films. The damage threshold and morphology of the Ta2O5/SiO2 multilayer film prepared by electron beam evaporation were studied by femtosecond (50 fs) and picosecond (30 ps) laser irradiations. The results showed that the LIDT of the film was 1.7 J·cm−2 under the femtosecond laser. The damage morphology developed from surface damage to a clear layered structure, and the outline has become more transparent and regular with an increase in the laser fluence. Under the picosecond laser irradiation, the LIDT of the film was 2.0 J·cm−2. The damage morphology developed from small range to thin film layer separation, and the outline changed from blurry to clear with an increase in laser fluence. Therefore, the LIDT of the film decreased with a decrease in the laser pulse width.
Novel Hydrophobic Nanostructured Antibacterial Coatings for Metallic Surface Protection
Authors: Nistor Cristina Lavinia , Mihaescu Catalin Ionut , Bala Daniela , Gifu Ioana Catalina , Ninciuleanu Claudia Mihaela , Burlacu Sabina Georgiana , Petcu Cristian , Vladu Mariana-Gratiela , Ghebaur Adi , Stroea Lenuta , Cinteza Ludmila Otilia
Published: February 2022

A simple and cost-efficient method to modify different surfaces in order to improve their bioactivity, corrosion and wear resistance proved to be sol-gel coatings. The silane layers have been shown to be effective in the protection of steel, aluminum or magnesium alloys and copper and copper alloys. Moreover, it has been found that the adding of different inorganic nanoparticles into silica films leads to increasing their performance regarding corrosion protection. In this study, we fabricated, a simple sol-gel method, transparent mono- and bi-layered hydrophobic coatings with simultaneous antibacterial, hydrophobic and anti-corrosive properties for the protection of metallic surfaces against the action of air pollutants or from biological attacks of pathogens. The first layer (the base) of the coating contains silver (Ag) or zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles with an antibacterial effect. The second layer includes zinc oxide nanoparticles with flower-like morphology to increase the hydrophobicity of the coating and to improve corrosion-resistant properties. The second layer of the coating contains a fluorinated silica derivative, 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane (PFOTES), which contributes to the hydrophobic properties of the final coating by means of its hydrophobic groups. The mono- and bi-layered coatings with micro/nano rough structures have been applied by brushing on various substrates, including metallic surfaces (copper, brass and mild steel) and glass (microscope slides). The as-prepared coatings showed improved hydrophobic properties (water CA > 90°) when compared with the untreated substrates while maintaining the transparent aspect. The corrosion resistance tests revealed significantly lower values of the corrosion rates recorded for all the protected metallic surfaces, with the lowest values being measured for the bi-layered coatings containing ZnO particles, both in the first and in the second layers of the coating. Considering the antibacterial activity, the most effective were the AOAg-II and AOZnO-II coatings, which exhibited the highest reduction of microbial growth.
Development of Microcapsule Bioactive Paper Loaded with Chinese Fir Essential Oil to Improve the Quality of Strawberries
Authors: Song Xiuli , Shi Liuxin , Liu Su , Hou Chen , Zhu Kai , Cheng Qiang , Mei Luyu
Published: February 2022

Essential oils are natural antibacterial substances and have potential value for application in fruit and vegetable packaging. In this study, Chinese fir essential oil (CFEO) was microencapsulated to prepare food packaging materials for the first time to overcome its volatilization and oxidation shortcomings and to obtain a sustained-release form of the oil. CFEO was effectively encapsulated in gelatin and chitosan using the complex coacervation method, and the encapsulation efficiency, microstructure, infrared spectrum and thermal stability of the microcapsules were evaluated. Experiments confirmed that the microcapsules had some antibacterial activity. A bioactive paper was developed by combining CFEO microcapsules (CFEO-Ms) with paper-based material using the film-forming property of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The coated paper showed good mechanical, air permeability and moisture permeability properties. Environmental scanning electron microscopy confirmed that CFEO-Ms bonded well with PVA and was successfully introduced into the paper fiber after coating, forming an obvious coating film on the surface to facilitate the continuous release of CFEO. The shelf life of strawberries was significantly prolonged when the PVA-coated paper mixed with 3% CFEO-Ms was used for packaging. The results demonstrated that the CFEO-Ms coated paper has the potential to become an effective packaging material for the preservation of strawberries.
Utilization of Active Edible Films (Chitosan, Chitosan Nanoparticle, and CaCl2) for Enhancing the Quality Properties and the Shelf Life of Date Palm Fruits (Barhi Cultivar) during Cold Storage
Authors: El-Gioushy Sherif Fathy , El-Masry Ahmed M. , Fikry Mohammad , El-Kholy Mohamed F. , Shaban Ayman E. , Sami Rokayya , Algarni Eman , Alshehry Garsa , Aljumayi Huda , Benajiba Nada , Al-Mushhin Amina A. M. , Algheshairy Reham M. , El-Badawy Hamed E.
Published: February 2022

Interest in edible coatings applications has progressively developed towards improving the quality and shelf life of climacteric fruits. This study aimed to investigate the influence of pre-harvest treatments (chitosan, chitosan nanoparticle, and CaCl2) on the physicochemical and quality attributes of Barhi date palm fruits during storage periods. Different pre-harvest treatments (control, chitosan 1, 2, and 3 g/L, CaCl2 1, 2, and 3 g/L, nano-chitosan 1, 2, and 3 cm3 /L) were applied. The results showed that all treatments were effective for enhancing the fruit quality, with increasing total soluble solids and total sugars, decreasing weight loss, discarded total acidity, and total soluble tannins compared to the control treatment. Additionally, the results revealed that the highest percentage of TSS was obtained in control fruits (35.78%). Meanwhile, the lowest mean values were obtained from chitosan nanoparticle at 3 cm3/L (33.91%). Treatments with chitosan nanoparticle at 3 cm3/L and CaCl2 at 3 g/L gave the statistically highest values of total tannins (0.225 and 0.220, respectively). The optimal treatment involved spraying the fruit with 3 cm3/L of nano-chitosan or 3 g/L of CaCl2 to increase the fruit quality and the shelf life of Barhi dates. The results indicated that weight loss was negatively linked with the moisture content and firmness, while decay had a strong positive relationship with the Rutab index and a negative correlation with the moisture content. Furthermore, the Rutab index was negatively associated with the total tannins and total chlorophyll.
The Complete Series of Lanthanoid-Chloranilato Lattices with Dimethylsulfoxide: Role of the Lanthanoid Size on the Coordination Number and Crystal Structure
Authors: Benmansour Samia , Gómez-García Carlos J. , Hernández-Paredes Antonio
Published: February 2022

We report the synthesis, structural and magnetic characterization of the complete series of lanthanoid-based chloranilato 2D lattices with dimethylsulfoxide (dmso) formulated as: [Ln2(C6O4Cl2)3(dmso)6] with Ln = La(1), Ce(2), Pr(3), Nd(4), Sm(5), Eu(6), Gd(7) and Tb(8) or [Ln2(C6O4Cl2)3(dmso)4]·2dmso·2H2O with Ln = Dy(9), Ho(10), Er(11), Tm(12) and Yb(13); C6O4Cl22− = dianion of 3,6-dichloro-2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone = chloranilato. Single crystal X-ray analysis shows that the largest Ln(III) ions (La–Tb, 1–8) crystallise in the monoclinic P21/n space group (phase I), whereas the smallest ones (Dy–Yb, 9–13) crystallise in the triclinic P-1 space group (phase II). Both phases show a (6,3)-2D network with the typical hexagonal honeycomb lattice, although phase I presents important distortions, resulting in rectangular cavities with a brick-wall orientation. The largest ions (phase I) show a coordination number of nine with a capped square antiprismatic geometry in contrast to the smallest ions (phase II) that present a coordination number of eight with a triangular dodecahedral geometry. Magnetic measurements show that all the Ln(III) ions are magnetically well isolated, leading to the presence of a field induced single-ion magnet behaviour in the Er derivative, with an energy barrier of 23(2) K for DC fields of 20, 50 and 100 mT.
Straightforward One-Pot Synthesis of New 4-Phenyl-1,2,5,6-tetraazafluoranthen-3(2H)-one Derivatives: X-ray Single Crystal Structure and Hirshfeld Analyses
Authors: Boraei Ahmed T. A. , Haukka Matti , Sopaih Manar , Al-Majid Abdullah Mohammed , Soliman Saied M. , Barakat Assem , Sarhan Ahmed A. M.
Published: February 2022

A straightforward one-pot route for the synthesis of a new 4-phenyl-1,2,5,6-tetraazafluoranthen-3(2H)-one is reported form the direct hydrazinolysis of triketo ester and hydrazine hydrate in ethanol. 4-Phenyl-1,2,5,6-tetraazafluoranthen-3(2H)-one was subjected to aza-Michael addition and N-alkylation on reaction with a set of alkylating agents in the presence of K2CO3. Hydrazinolysis of 4-phenyl-1,2,5,6-tetraazafluoranthen-3(2H)-one ester to hydrazide and conversion of hydrazide to thiosemicarbazide were successful. X-Ray single crystals analysis and 1H, 13C NMR were used for unambiguous structure confirmation. The O…H, N…H, C…N and C…C in 2, and the N…H, C…N, C…C, C…O and H…H interactions in 6 are the most important in the molecular packing based on Hirshfled analysis. Moreover, the presence of short C…C and C…N contacts in both compounds revealed the presence of π–π stacking interactions.
Low-Temperature Magnetic and Magnetocaloric Properties of Manganese-Substituted Gd0.5Er0.5CrO3 Orthochromites
Authors: Panwar Neeraj , Singh Kuldeep , Kanwar Komal , Bitla Yugandhar , Kumar Surendra , Puli Venkata Sreenivas
Published: February 2022

Rare-earth chromites have been envisioned to replace gas-based refrigeration technology because of their promising magnetocaloric properties at low temperatures, especially in the liquid helium temperature range. Here, we report the low-temperature magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of Gd0.5Er0.5Cr1−xMnxO3 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5) rare-earth orthochromites. The Néel transition temperature (TN) was suppressed from 144 K for Gd0.5Er0.5CrO3 to 66 K for the Gd0.5Er0.5Cr0.5Mn0.5O3 compound. Furthermore, magnetization reversal was observed in the magnetization versus temperature behavior of the Gd0.5Er0.5Cr0.6Mn0.4O3 and Gd0.5Er0.5Cr0.5Mn0.5O3 compounds at 100 Oe applied magnetic field. The magnetic entropy change (−∆S) value varied from 16.74 J/kg-K to 7.46 J/kg-K, whereas the relative cooling power (RCP) ranged from 375.94 J/kg to 220.22 J/kg with a Mn ion concentration at 5 T field and around 7.5 K temperature. The experimental results were substantiated by a theoretical model. The present values of the magnetocaloric effect are higher than those of many undoped chromites, manganites and molecular magnets in the liquid helium temperature range.