bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NPS-1034 Induce Cell Death with Suppression of TNFR1/NF-κB Signaling in Testicular Cancer
Authors: Chen Jian-Ting , Wang Shao-Chuan , Chen Brian-Shiian , Chang Ya-Chuan , Yu Chia-Ying , Sung Wen-Wei , Song Tuzz-Ying
Published: February 2022

Background and objectives: NPS-1034 with a dual inhibitory effect on Met and Axl kinase receptors has exhibited therapeutic potential in previous models. However, no study on treating testicular cancer (TC) cell lines with NPS-1034 has been established. Materials and Methods: In this study, a series of in vitro examinations of the apoptotic effect induced by NPS-1034 in TC cell lines was conducted to clarify the molecular interactions involved. Results: A decrease in cell viability rate was observed following NPS-1034 treatment, as shown in the MTT assay. Induction of the apoptotic effect was observed in TC cells as the sub-G1 and Annexin-PI populations increased in a dose-dependent manner. The involvement of the tumor receptor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) pathway was later determined by the proteome array and western blotting. A reduction in TNFR1 and NF-κB downstream protein expressions, an upregulation of cleaved caspase-3 and -7, and a downregulation of survivin and claspin all reassured the underlying mechanism of the TNFR1 involved in the apoptotic pathway induced by NPS-1034. Conclusions: Our findings provide evidence for a potential underlying TNFR1 pathway involved in NPS-1034 treatment. This study should offer new insights into targeted therapy for TC.
Study of Melamine-Formaldehyde/Phase Change Material Microcapsules for the Preparation of Polymer Films by Extrusion
Authors: García-Viñuales Sara , Rubio César , Martínez-Izquierdo Lidia , Zornoza Beatriz , Piera Elena , Caballero Miguel Ángel , Téllez Carlos
Published: February 2022

n-Eicosane-melamine formaldehyde microcapsules of an average size of 1.1 μm and latent heat of fusion of 146.2 ± 5.3 J/g have been prepared. They have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, calorimetric techniques, and thermogravimetric analyses. Under processing conditions, the microcapsules apparently preserved their properties, also maintaining their n-eicosane loading and heat storage capacity under washing conditions (water with detergent at 60 °C). The microcapsules synthesis has been scaled up for the fabrication of functional films by extrusion. For that, polymer films containing 10 wt.% of microcapsules were prepared at a pilot plant level. In those films, even though a fraction of the n-eicosane loading was lost during the extrusion process, the microcapsules showed good compatibility within the polyamide. The percentage of PCM in the polyamide 6 films was estimated by TGA, verifying also the heat storage capacity predicted by DSC (2.6 ± 0.7 J/g).
Antibacterial Activity of Isobavachalcone (IBC) Is Associated with Membrane Disruption
Authors: Assis Leticia Ribeiro de , Theodoro Reinaldo dos Santos , Costa Maria Beatriz Silva , Nascentes Julyanna Andrade Silva , Rocha Miguel Divino da , Bessa Meliza Arantes de Souza , Menezes Ralciane de Paula , Dilarri Guilherme , Hypolito Giovane Böerner , Santos Vanessa Rodrigues dos , Duque Cristiane , Ferreira Henrique , Martins Carlos Henrique Gomes , Regasini Luis Octavio
Published: February 2022

Isobavachalcone (IBC) is a natural prenylated chalcone with a broad spectrum of pharmacological properties. In this work, we newly synthesized and investigated the antibacterial activity of IBC against Gram-positive, Gram-negative and mycobacterial species. IBC was active against Gram-positive bacteria, mainly against Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 1.56 and 3.12 µg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, IBC was not able to act against Gram-negative species (MIC > 400 µg/mL). IBC displayed activity against mycobacterial species (MIC = 64 µg/mL), including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium kansasii. IBC was able to inhibit more than 50% of MSSA and MRSA biofilm formation at 0.78 µg/mL. Its antibiofilm activity was similar to vancomycin, which was active at 0.74 µg/mL. In order to study the mechanism of the action by fluorescence microscopy, the propidium iodide (PI) and SYTO9 fluorophores indicated that IBC disrupted the membrane of Bacillus subtilis. Toxicity assays using human keratinocytes (HaCaT cell line) showed that IBC did not have the capacity to reduce the cell viability. These results suggested that IBC is a promising antibacterial agent with an elucidated mode of action and potential applications as an antibacterial drug and a medical device coating.
Functional Properties of Casein and Caseinate Produced by Electrodialysis with Bipolar Membrane Coupled to an Ultrafiltration Module
Authors: Deschênes Gagnon Rosie , Bazinet Laurent , Mikhaylin Sergey
Published: February 2022

Electrodialysis with a bipolar membrane coupled to an ultrafiltration module (EDBM-UF) is a hybrid technology recently developed as an ecofriendly alternative to chemical acidification to produce casein and caseinate from skim milk. In this study, the composition and functional properties of casein and caseinate obtained by chemical acidification/basification and by the EDBM-UF method from winter and summer milks were analyzed and compared. Results show that the emulsifying properties, solubility, water holding, and gelling capacities are equivalent between casein and caseinate from both methods. However, the foaming properties of EDBM-UF ingredients were improved, and casein was less hygroscopic. Additionally, the season of milk influenced certain functional properties, such as water-holding capacity and hygroscopicity. Therefore, these results allow concluding that EDBM-UF ingredients have equivalent or higher functionality than chemically produced ingredients, and that the EDBM-UF process would be a more eco-efficient alternative to the chemical one.
Response Surface Methodology for Optimization of Rotating Biological Contactor Combined with External Membrane Filtration for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Waqas Sharjeel , Harun Noorfidza Yub , Bilad Muhammad Roil , Samsuri Taufik , Nordin Nik Abdul Hadi Md , Shamsuddin Norazanita , Nandiyanto Asep Bayu Dani , Huda Nurul , Roslan Jumardi
Published: February 2022

A large amount of wastewater is directly discharged into water bodies without treatment, causing surface water contamination. A rotating biological contactor (RBC) is an attached biological wastewater treatment process that offers a low energy footprint. However, its unstable removal efficiency makes it less popular. This study optimized operating parameters in RBC combined with external membrane filtration (RBC-ME), in which the latter acted as a post-treatment step to stabilize the biological performance. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the biological and filtration performance by exploiting three parameters, namely disk rotation, hydraulic retention time (HRT), and sludge retention time (SRT). Results show that the RBC-ME exhibited superior biological treatment capacity and higher effluent quality compared to stand-alone RBC. It attained 87.9 ± 3.2% of chemical oxygen demand, 45.2 ± 0.7% total nitrogen, 97.9 ± 0.1% turbidity, and 98.9 ± 1.1% ammonia removals. The RSM showed a good agreement between the model and the experimental data. The maximum permeability of 144.6 L/m2 h bar could be achieved under the optimum parameters of 36.1 rpm disk rotation, 18 h HRT, and 14.9 d SRT. This work demonstrated the effective use of statistical modeling to enhance RBC-ME system performance to obtain a sustainable and energy-efficient condition.
Machine-Learning-Based Model of Elastic—Plastic Deformation of Copper for Application to Shock Wave Problem
Authors: Mayer Alexander E. , Lekanov Mikhail V. , Grachyova Natalya A. , Fomin Eugeniy V.
Published: February 2022

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations explored the deformation behavior of copper single crystal under various axisymmetric loading paths. The obtained MD dataset was used for the development of a machine-learning-based model of elastic–plastic deformation of copper. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) approximated the elastic stress–strain relation in the form of tensor equation of state, as well as the thresholds of homogeneous nucleation of dislocations, phase transition and the beginning of spall fracture. The plastic part of the MD curves was used to calibrate the dislocation plasticity model by means of the probabilistic Bayesian algorithm. The developed constitutive model of elastic–plastic behavior can be applied to simulate the shock waves in thin copper samples under dynamic impact.
The Influence of Tool Shape on Plastic Metal Flow, Microstructure and Properties of Friction Stir Welded 2024 Aluminum Alloy Joints
Authors: Sun Yumeng , Liu Wei , Li Yupeng , Gong Wenbiao , Ju Chuan
Published: February 2022

In this paper, the effect of different shapes of tool pin on the plastic flow of 2024-T6 aluminum alloy during friction stir welding was studied. In order to observe the plastic flow of materials more clearly, we chose the method of friction stir welding of dissimilar materials, considering the different corrosive characteristics of aluminum alloys made of different materials when exposed to the same corrosive liquid. By studying and comparing the temperature field, macro and microstructure, microhardness and tensile properties of welded joints, the results indicated that the metal in the weld nugget zone (WNZ) mainly came from the base metal of the advancing side, the thread being the driving force of the downward movement of the FSW plastic metal. The deep groove thread tool pin had the strongest ability to drive the metal downward. The conical cam thread tool pin had the strongest stirring effect on materials and the best metal fluidity. The macroscopic morphology, microstructure, mechanical properties and fracture morphology of different joints were analyzed, and the results showed that all joints could form an excellent union, with an onion ring pattern appearing in cross-section. The minimum grain size of the WNZ formed by the conical cam thread stirring head was 7~12 μm; the hardness was least at the junction of the heat affected zone (HAZ) and the thermo-mechanically affected zone (TMAZ). However, the hardness of the weld formed by the conical cam thread at this point was higher than that of other stirring heads; the tensile strength of all joints was more than 80% of the BM, and the maximum tensile strength of the joint welded by the conical cam thread tool pin was 364.27 MPa, accounting for 86.73% of the base metal (BM). The elongation after break was 14.95%. Tensile fracture morphology analysis showed that all joints were fractured by plastic fracture.
Study on Reduction of Partially Oxidized Cauliflower-like Copper Powder by Hydrogen
Authors: An Juan , Xie Gang , Xia Wentang , Yuan Xiaoli , Liu Kai , An Hao , Wang Hongdan
Published: February 2022

The copper powder produced by electrolysis has a dendritic structure, which gives it excellent green strength as a raw material for producing powder metallurgical components. Yet its large specific surface makes it susceptible to oxidation. Although the oxidation tends to occur only on the surface, it still needs to be reduced. The partially oxidized cauliflower-like copper powder was reduced by hydrogen in this paper. Internal diffusion was found as the rate controlling step for the hydrogen reduction reaction, in which the apparent activation energy was determined to be 14.18 kJ/mol using the Arrhenius-based expression for the diffusion coefficient. Controlling copper powder particles were still compact after reduction, and the tips of dendrite arms became round and smooth. The apparent density decreased after reduction, but excess temperature led to sintering, and as a result, increased apparent density of metallic powder. Therefore, lower reduction temperature and appropriately long reduction times yielded better apparent density. These research results can provide reference for metallic powder plants.
Analysis of the Low Cycle Fatigue Behavior of DP980 Steel Gas Metal Arc Welded Joints
Authors: Rosado-Carrasco Juliana G. , González-Zapatero Walter F. , García Christian J. , Gómora César M. , Jaramillo David , Ambriz Ricardo R.
Published: February 2022

Dual phase (DP) steels have high strength, while maintaining outstanding elongation capacities. This is possible using a well-controlled thermomechanical process that produces a perfect phase combination in the DP microstructures. However, automotive makers are required to weld the DP steels, which generates a soft zone in the microstructure. In this work, 1.6 mm-thick DP980 steel sheets were welded by gas metal arc welding process to analyze the response of the welded soft zone to cyclic loading conditions. Conducted macrographic and metallography analyses revealed good quality in the appearance of the welded joints, with a complete fusion of the DP980 joint and without the presence of discontinuities. Low cycle fatigue tests of the DP welded joints were conducted under a constant amplitude strain control mode. The welded joints experienced a fatigue life reduction with respect to the DP980 steel of ~16% at strain amplitudes of 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4%. For strain amplitudes larger than 0.6%, the fatigue life of the welded joint was reduced by 39%. Weld thermal cycles combined with metallography analysis indicated that a tempered process of the martensite during the welding was responsible for the soft-zone formation and the poor fatigue response.
Sex-Specific Catabolic Metabolism Alterations in the Critically Ill following High Dose Vitamin D
Authors: Chary Sowmya , Amrein Karin , Mahmoud Sherif H. , Lasky-Su Jessica A. , Christopher Kenneth B.
Published: February 2022

Pharmacological interventions are essential for the treatment and management of critical illness. Although women comprise a large proportion of the critically ill, sex-specific pharmacological properties are poorly described in critical care. The sex-specific effects of vitamin D3 treatment in the critically ill are not known. Therefore, we performed a metabolomics cohort study with 1215 plasma samples from 428 patients from the VITdAL-ICU trial to study sex-specific differences in the metabolic response to critical illness following high-dose oral vitamin D3 intervention. In women, despite the dose of vitamin D3 being higher, pharmacokinetics demonstrated a lower extent of vitamin D3 absorption compared to men. Metabolic response to high-dose oral vitamin D3 is sex-specific. Sex-stratified individual metabolite associations with elevations in 25(OH)D following intervention showed female-specific positive associations in long-chain acylcarnitines and male-specific positive associations in free fatty acids. In subjects who responded to vitamin D3 intervention, significant negative associations were observed in short-chain acylcarnitines and branched chain amino acid metabolites in women as compared to men. Acylcarnitines and branched chain amino acids are reflective of fatty acid B oxidation, and bioenergesis may represent notable metabolic signatures of the sex-specific response to vitamin D. Demonstrating sex-specific pharmacometabolomics differences following intervention is an important movement towards the understanding of personalized medicine.
Potential Mechanisms for How Long-Term Physical Activity May Reduce Insulin Resistance
Authors: Lee-Ødegård Sindre , Olsen Thomas , Norheim Frode , Drevon Christian Andre , Birkeland Kåre Inge
Published: February 2022

Insulin became available for the treatment of patients with diabetes 100 years ago, and soon thereafter it became evident that the biological response to its actions differed markedly between individuals. This prompted extensive research into insulin action and resistance (IR), resulting in the universally agreed fact that IR is a core finding in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T2DM is the most prevalent form of diabetes, reaching epidemic proportions worldwide. Physical activity (PA) has the potential of improving IR and is, therefore, a cornerstone in the prevention and treatment of T2DM. Whereas most research has focused on the acute effects of PA, less is known about the effects of long-term PA on IR. Here, we describe a model of potential mechanisms behind reduced IR after long-term PA to guide further mechanistic investigations and to tailor PA interventions in the therapy of T2DM. The development of such interventions requires knowledge of normal glucose metabolism, and we briefly summarize an integrated physiological perspective on IR. We then describe the effects of long-term PA on signaling molecules involved in cellular responses to insulin, tissue-specific functions, and whole-body IR.
High-Throughput UHPLC-MS to Screen Metabolites in Feces for Gut Metabolic Health
Authors: Zawadzki Andressa de , Thiele Maja , Suvitaival Tommi , Wretlind Asger , Kim Min , Ali Mina , Bjerre Annette F. , Stahr Karin , Mattila Ismo , Hansen Torben , Krag Aleksander , Legido-Quigley Cristina
Published: February 2022

Feces are the product of our diets and have been linked to diseases of the gut, including Chron’s disease and metabolic diseases such as diabetes. For screening metabolites in heterogeneous samples such as feces, it is necessary to use fast and reproducible analytical methods that maximize metabolite detection. As sample preparation is crucial to obtain high quality data in MS-based clinical metabolomics, we developed a novel, efficient and robust method for preparing fecal samples for analysis with a focus in reducing aliquoting and detecting both polar and non-polar metabolites. Fecal samples (n = 475) from patients with alcohol-related liver disease and healthy controls were prepared according to the proposed method and analyzed in an UHPLC-QQQ targeted platform in order to obtain a quantitative profile of compounds that impact liver-gut axis metabolism. MS analyses of the prepared fecal samples have shown reproducibility and coverage of n = 28 metabolites, mostly comprising bile acids and amino acids. We report metabolite-wise relative standard deviation (RSD) in quality control samples, inter-day repeatability, LOD (limit of detection), LOQ (limit of quantification), range of linearity and method recovery. The average concentrations for 135 healthy participants are reported here for clinical applications. Our high-throughput method provides a novel tool for investigating gut-liver axis metabolism in liver-related diseases using a noninvasive collected sample.
Lipid Metabolism Interplay in CRC—An Update
Authors: Krauß Dana , Fari Ourania , Sibilia Maria
Published: February 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) to date still ranks as one of the deadliest cancer entities globally, and despite recent advances, the incidence in young adolescents is dramatically increasing. Lipid metabolism has recently received increased attention as a crucial element for multiple aspects of carcinogenesis and our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms is steadily growing. However, the mechanism how fatty acid metabolism contributes to CRC is still not understood in detail. In this review, we aim to summarize our vastly growing comprehension and the accompanied complexity of cellular fatty acid metabolism in CRC by describing inputs and outputs of intracellular free fatty acid pools and how these contribute to cancer initiation, disease progression and metastasis. We highlight how different lipid pathways can contribute to the aggressiveness of tumors and affect the prognosis of patients. Furthermore, we focus on the role of lipid metabolism in cell communication and interplay within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and beyond. Understanding these interactions in depth might lead to the discovery of novel markers and new therapeutic interventions for CRC. Finally, we discuss the crucial role of fatty acid metabolism as new targetable gatekeeper in colorectal cancer.
Metabolomic Studies in Inner Ear Pathologies
Authors: Boullaud Luc , Blasco Hélène , Trinh Thuy-Trân , Bakhos David
Published: February 2022

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common sensory deficit. The etiologies of sensorineural hearing loss have been described and can be congenital or acquired. For congenital non-syndromic hearing loss, mutations that are related to sites of cochlear damage have been discovered (e.g., connexin proteins, mitochondrial genes, etc.). For cytomegalovirus infection or auditory neuropathies, mechanisms are also well known and well researched. Although the etiologies of sensorineural hearing loss may be evident for some patients, the damaged sites and pathological mechanisms remain unclear for patients with progressive post-lingual hearing loss. Metabolomics is an emerging technique in which all metabolites present in a sample at a given time are analyzed, reflecting a physiological state. The objective of this study was to review the literature on the use of metabolomics in hearing loss. The findings of this review suggest that metabolomic studies may help to develop objective tests for diagnosis and personalized treatment.
The Emerging Roles of Intracellular PCSK9 and Their Implications in Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Lebeau Paul F. , Platko Khrystyna , Byun Jae Hyun , Makda Yumna , Austin Richard C.
Published: February 2022

The importance of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9) gene was quickly recognized by the scientific community as the third locus for familial hypercholesterolemia. By promoting the degradation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), secreted PCSK9 protein plays a vital role in the regulation of circulating cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease risk. For this reason, the majority of published works have focused on the secreted form of PCSK9 since its initial characterization in 2003. In recent years, however, PCSK9 has been shown to play roles in a variety of cellular pathways and disease contexts in LDLR-dependent and -independent manners. This article examines the current body of literature that uncovers the intracellular and LDLR-independent roles of PCSK9 and also explores the many downstream implications in metabolic diseases.
Optimized 3D Bioprinting Technology Based on Machine Learning: A Review of Recent Trends and Advances
Authors: Shin Jaemyung , Lee Yoonjung , Li Zhangkang , Hu Jinguang , Park Simon S. , Kim Keekyoung
Published: February 2022

The need for organ transplants has risen, but the number of available organ donations for transplants has stagnated worldwide. Regenerative medicine has been developed to make natural organs or tissue-like structures with biocompatible materials and solve the donor shortage problem. Using biomaterials and embedded cells, a bioprinter enables the fabrication of complex and functional three-dimensional (3D) structures of the organs or tissues for regenerative medicine. Moreover, conventional surgical 3D models are made of rigid plastic or rubbers, preventing surgeons from interacting with real organ or tissue-like models. Thus, finding suitable biomaterials and printing methods will accelerate the printing of sophisticated organ structures and the development of realistic models to refine surgical techniques and tools before the surgery. In addition, printing parameters (e.g., printing speed, dispensing pressure, and nozzle diameter) considered in the bioprinting process should be optimized. Therefore, machine learning (ML) technology can be a powerful tool to optimize the numerous bioprinting parameters. Overall, this review paper is focused on various ideas on the ML applications of 3D printing and bioprinting to optimize parameters and procedures.
Fabrication of Multiple Parallel Microchannels in a Single Microgroove via the Heating Assisted MIMIC Technique
Authors: Zhang Dengying , Xing Wenqiang , Li Weiren , Liu Shengming , Dong Yanli , Zhang Lichun , Zhao Fengzhou , Wang Jun , Xu Zheng
Published: February 2022

For the first time, multiple parallel microchannels in a single microgroove have been fabricated by the heating-assisted micromolding in capillaries technique (HAMIMIC). Microchannel development, cross-sectional shape, and length were all explored in depth. The factors affecting the cross-sectional shape and length of the double-microchannel were also discussed. Finally, a special-shaped PDMS guiding mold was designed to control the cross-sectional shape and length of multiple parallel microchannels for controlled growth. The HAMIMIC technique provides a low-cost, straightforward, and repeatable way to create multiple parallel microchannels in a single microgroove, and will promote the progress of bifurcated vessels and thrombus vessels preparation technology.
Significance of Rosseland’s Radiative Process on Reactive Maxwell Nanofluid Flows over an Isothermally Heated Stretching Sheet in the Presence of Darcy–Forchheimer and Lorentz Forces: Towards a New Perspective on Buongiorno’s Model
Authors: Rasool Ghulam , Shafiq Anum , Hussain Sajjad , Zaydan Mostafa , Wakif Abderrahim , Chamkha Ali J. , Bhutta Muhammad Shoaib
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to investigate the consequences of the Darcy–Forchheimer medium and thermal radiation in the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Maxwell nanofluid flow subject to a stretching surface. The involvement of the Maxwell model provided more relaxation time to the momentum boundary layer formulation. The thermal radiation appearing from the famous Rosseland approximation was involved in the energy equation. The significant features arising from Buongiorno’s model, i.e., thermophoresis and Brownian diffusion, were retained. Governing equations, the two-dimensional partial differential equations based on symmetric components of non-Newtonian fluids in the Navier–Stokes model, were converted into one-dimensional ordinary differential equations using transformations. For fixed values of physical parameters, the solutions of the governing ODEs were obtained using the homotopy analysis method. The appearance of non-dimensional coefficients in velocity, temperature, and concentration were physical parameters. The critical parameters included thermal radiation, chemical reaction, the porosity factor, the Forchheimer number, the Deborah number, the Prandtl number, thermophoresis, and Brownian diffusion. Results were plotted in graphical form. The variation in boundary layers and corresponding profiles was discussed, followed by the concluding remarks. A comparison of the Nusselt number (heat flux rate) was also framed in graphical form for convective and non-convective/simple boundary conditions at the surface. The outcomes indicated that the thermal radiation increased the temperature profile, whereas the chemical reaction showed a reduction in the concentration profile. The drag force (skin friction) showed sufficient enhancement for the augmented values of the porosity factor. The rates of heat and mass flux also fluctuated for various values of the physical parameters. The results can help model oil reservoirs, geothermal engineering, groundwater management systems, and many others.
Voltammetric Determination of Isoniazid in the Presence of Acetaminophen Utilizing MoS2-Nanosheet-Modified Screen-Printed Electrode
Authors: Tajik Somayeh , Dourandish Zahra , Nejad Fariba Garkani , Aghaei Afshar Abbas , Beitollahi Hadi
Published: February 2022

We used MoS2 nanosheets (MoS2 NSs) for surface modification of screen-printed electrode (MoS2NSs-SPE) aimed at detecting isoniazid (INZ) in the presence of acetaminophen (AC). According to analysis, an impressive catalytic performance was found for INZ and AC electro-oxidation, resulting in an appreciable peak resolution (~320 mV) for both analytes. Chronoamperometry, differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), linear sweep voltammogram (LSV), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were employed to characterize the electrochemical behaviors of the modified electrode for the INZ detection. Under the optimal circumstances, there was a linear relationship between the peak current of oxidation and the various levels of INZ (0.035–390.0 µM), with a narrow limit of detection (10.0 nM). The applicability of the as-developed sensor was confirmed by determining the INZ and AC in tablets and urine specimens, with acceptable recoveries.
Selective Passivation of Three-Dimensional Carbon Microelectrodes by Polydopamine Electrodeposition and Local Laser Ablation
Authors: Rezaei Babak , Saghir Saloua , Pan Jesper Yue , Davidsen Rasmus Schmidt , Keller Stephan Sylvest
Published: February 2022

In this article, a novel approach for selective passivation of three-dimensional pyrolytic carbon microelectrodes via a facile electrochemical polymerization of a non-conductive polymer (polydopamine, PDA) onto the surface of carbon electrodes, followed by a selective laser ablation is elaborated. The 3D carbon electrodes consisting of 284 micropillars on a circular 2D carbon base layer were fabricated by pyrolysis of lithographically patterned negative photoresist SU-8. As a second step, dopamine was electropolymerized onto the electrode by cyclic voltammetry (CV) to provide an insulating layer at its surface. The CV parameters, such as the scan rate and the number of cycles, were investigated and optimized to achieve a reliable and uniform non-conductive coating on the surface of the 3D pyrolytic carbon electrode. Finally, the polydopamine was selectively removed only from the tips of the pillars, by using localized laser ablation. The selectively passivated electrodes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods. Due to the surface being composed of highly biocompatible materials, such as pyrolytic carbon and polydopamine, these 3D electrodes are particularly suited for biological application, such as electrochemical monitoring of cells or retinal implants, where highly localized electrical stimulation of nerve cells is beneficial.
Data Glove Using Soft and Stretchable Piezoresistive Sensors
Authors: Aw Kean , Budd Jessica , Wilshaw-Sparkes Thomas
Published: February 2022

This research investigates the design and implementation of elastomer-based piezoresistive strain sensors and applies them to a data glove to demonstrate their application. The piezoresistive strain sensors are made by mixing Ecoflex 00-30 and carbon-black nanoparticles and then using stencil and doctor blading to deposit the piezoresistive traces as a mass fabrication technique. The primary objective is to integrate two sensing piezoresistive elements as one single-piece sensor that detects the bending angles of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints of each finger. Using a unique zig-zag pattern allows to selectively mask any unwanted piezoresistive sensing. The sensor has a gage factor of 0.68. Experiments conducted have demonstrated that the use of these soft, flexible, and stretchable piezoresistive sensors is repeatable and viable sensors for data-glove and has the potential for other wearable applications.
Miniaturized Pyrotechnic Systems Meet the Performance Needs While Limiting the Environmental Impact
Authors: Rossi Carole , Shen Ruiqi
Published: February 2022

Pyrotechnic systems, also termed pyrotechnics, refer to a broad family of sophisticated single-use devices that are able to produce heat, light, smoke, sound, motion, and/or a combination of these thanks to the reaction of an energetic material (primary and secondary explosives, powders/propellants, and other pyrotechnic substances) [...]
Electrospun Nanofiber Covered Polystyrene Micro-Nano Hybrid Structures for Triboelectric Nanogenerator and Supercapacitor
Authors: Park Jihyeon , Jo Seungju , Kim Youngsu , Zaman Shakir , Kim Daewon
Published: February 2022

Recently, tremendous research on small energy supply devices is gaining popularity with the immerging Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. Especially, energy conversion and storage devices can provide opportunities for small electronics. In this research, a micro-nano structured design of electrodes is newly developed for high performing hybrid energy systems with the improved effective surface area. Further, it could be simply fabricated through two-steps synthesis of electrospinning and glass transition of a novel polystyrene (PS) substrate. Herein, the electro-spun nanofiber of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and Nylon 66 (Nylon) are applied to the dielectric layer of a triboelectric generator (TENG), while the PAN and polyaniline (PANI) composites is utilized as an electroactive material of supercapacitor (SC). As a result, the self-charging power system is successfully integrated with the wrinkled PAN/PS (W-PAN/PS@PANI)-SC and W-TENG by using a rectifier. According to the fabricated hybrid energy systems, the electrical energy produced by W-TENG can be successfully stored into as-fabricated W-PAN/PS@PANI-SC and can also turn on a commercial green LED with the stored energy. Therefore, the micro-nano structured electrode designed for hybrid energy systems can contribute to improve the energy conversion and storage performance of various electronic devices.
Investigation on the Micro Cutting Mechanism and Surface Topography Generation in Ultraprecision Diamond Turning
Authors: Wu Quanhui , Chen Guoda , Liu Qinglin , Pan Baisong , Chen Wanqun
Published: February 2022

Revealing forming mechanism of workpiece surface topography plays an important role in improving ultraprecision turning. In this paper, the forming mechanism of the turning workpiece surface topography is analyzed and verified by the theoretical simulation and experiment respectively. First, the factors directly related to the turning process are analyzed, and a volumetric error model is built and discussed, which considered geometric errors, tool geometry, spindle vibrations, feed rate, cut depth, and feed system position change. The vibration mechanism and laws of the spindle system under multi-field coupling is analyzed, and the effect of the spindle axial vibration on the turning surface topography is studied. In addition, influence of coupled vibrations on the turning surface texture is analyzed, and an equivalent machining model is constructed to identify crucial geometric errors of the workpiece surface topography. Finally, a homemade ultraprecision machine tool system is built and used for turning the workpiece surface, and the tested results of the surface topography demonstrate Ra is better, 10 nm and Rv is better, 20 nm. The end face of the workpiece forms periodically fluctuating wave and ripple patterns, and the comparison between theoretical analysis and experimental detection of the surface topography is verified.
A New NVM Device Driver for IoT Time Series Database
Authors: Cai Tao , Ma Yueming , Liu Peiyao , Niu Dejiao , Li Lei
Published: February 2022

Numerous IoT devices in IoT systems collect data concurrently, which brings great challenges to IoT time series databases to store and manage these data. NVM device has high read–write speed compared with HDD and Flash-based SSD, and it is a possible way to solve the storage bottleneck. However, there are some limitations that should be solved such as the overhead of the I/O software stack for NVM devices and the lack of optimization for IoT time series databases in a Linux environment. By analyzing the characteristics of IoT time series databases and NVM devices, we optimized the device driver of NVM in Linux and provide a new structure of a NVM device driver for IoT time series databases. A multi-queue management strategy and a lightweight load balance mechanism based on frequency were designed to improve the concurrency and efficiency of NVM device drivers. The prototype of an IoT-oriented NVM device driver named TS-PMEM was implemented based on an open-source NVM device driver. Six prototypes were used for evaluation with YCSB-TS, a test tool for time series databases. Results showed that TS-PMEM can improve write throughput of the time series databases by 18.6%, query throughput by 10.6%, and reduce the write latency by 8.3% and query latency by 6.4%.
Whole Genome Sequence Analysis of Multidrug Resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains in Kuwait
Authors: Moghnia Ola H. , Al-Sweih Nourah A.
Published: February 2022

The spread of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae is a global concern. The management of infections caused by multidrug resistance (MDR) isolates poses substantial clinical challenges in both hospitals and communities. This study aimed to investigate the genetic characteristics and variations of MDR E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing against 19 antibiotics were performed by standard methods. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was carried out on eight carbapenem-resistant isolates using an Illumina MiSeq platform. The assembled draft genomes were annotated, then sequences were blasted against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes database. WGS detected several resistance genes mediating the production of β-lactamases, including carbapenems and extended-spectrum β-lactamase genes as (blaOXA-1/-48, blaKPC-2/-29, blaCMY-4/-6, blaSHV-11/-12, blaTEM-1, blaCTX-M-15, blaOKP-B, blaACT and blaEC). Furthermore quinolone resistance including oqxA/oqxB, aac(6′)-Ib-cr5, gyrA_D87N, gyrA_S83F, gyrA_S83L, parC_S80I, parE_S458A, parE_I355T, parC_S80I, and qnrB1. In addition to aminoglycoside modifying enzymes genes (aph(6)-Id, aph(3″)-Ib, aac(3)-IIa, aac(6′)-Ib, aadA1, aadA2 and aadA5), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (dfrA12/A14/A17 and sul1/sul2), tetracycline (tetA and tetB), fosfomycin (fosA and uhpT_E350Q) resistance genes, while other genes were detected conferring chloramphenicol (floR, catA2, and efflux pump cmIA5), macrolides resistance (mph(A) and erm(B), and quaternary ammonium efflux pump qacEdelta. Bleomycin and colistin resistance genes were detected as ble and pmrB_R256G, respectively. Comprehensive analysis of MDR strains provided by WGS detected variable antimicrobial resistance genes and their precise resistance mechanism. WGS is essential for control and prevention strategies to combat the growing threat of AMR and the implementation of multifaceted interventions are needed.
Distribution and Characteristics of Listeria spp. in Pigs and Pork Production Chains in Germany
Authors: Oswaldi Verena , Lüth Stefanie , Dzierzon Janine , Meemken Diana , Schwarz Stefan , Feßler Andrea T. , Félix Benjamin , Langforth Susann
Published: February 2022

Listeria (L.) monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that can cause disease, mainly in elderly, pregnant or immunocompromised persons through consumption of contaminated food, including pork products. It is widespread in the environment and can also be found in asymptomatic carrier animals, for example, in different tissues of pigs. To learn more about their nature, 16 Listeria spp. isolates found in tonsils and intestinal content of pigs and 13 isolates from the slaughterhouse environment were characterized using next-generation sequencing (NGS). A wide distribution of clonal complexes was observed in pigs, as well as in the pork production chain, suggesting multiple sources of entry. Hypervirulent clones were found in pig tonsils, showing the potential risk of pigs as source of isolates causing human disease. The presence of closely related isolates along the production chain suggests a cross-contamination in the slaughterhouse or recontamination from the same source, strengthening the importance of efficient cleaning and disinfection procedures. The phenotypical antimicrobial resistance status of L. monocytogenes isolates was examined via broth microdilution and revealed a low resistance level. Nevertheless, genotypical resistance data suggested multiple resistances in some non-pathogenic L. innocua isolates from pig samples, which might pose a risk of spreading resistances to pathogenic species.
Unamplified, Long-Read Metagenomic Sequencing Approach to Close Endosymbiont Genomes of Low-Biomass Insect Populations
Authors: Petrone Joseph R. , Muñoz-Beristain Alam , Glusberger Paula Rios , Russell Jordan T. , Triplett Eric W.
Published: February 2022

With the current advancements in DNA sequencing technology, the limiting factor in long-read metagenomic assemblies is now the quantity and quality of input DNA. Although these requirements can be met through the use of axenic bacterial cultures or large amounts of biological material, insect systems that contain unculturable bacteria or that contain a low amount of available DNA cannot fully utilize the benefits of third-generation sequencing. The citrus greening disease insect vector Diaphorina citri is an example that exhibits both of these limitations. Although endosymbiont genomes have mostly been closed after the short-read sequencing of amplified template DNA, creating de novo long-read genomes from the unamplified DNA of an insect population may benefit communities using bioinformatics to study insect pathosystems. Here all four genomes of the infected D. citri microbiome were sequenced to closure using unamplified template DNA and two long-read sequencing technologies. Avoiding amplification bias and using long reads to assemble the bacterial genomes allowed for the circularization of the Wolbachia endosymbiont of Diaphorina citri for the first time and paralleled the annotation context of all four reference genomes without utilizing a traditional hybrid assembly. The strategies detailed here are suitable for the sequencing of other insect systems for which the input DNA, time, and cost are an issue.
Low-Temperature Biodegradation of Lignin-Derived Aromatic Model Monomers by the Cold-Adapted Yeast Rhodosporidiobolus colostri Isolated from Alpine Forest Soil
Authors: Margesin Rosa , Ludwikowski Thomas Marek , Kutzner Andrea , Wagner Andreas Otto
Published: February 2022

The contribution of cold-adapted yeasts to the emerging field of lignin biovalorization has not yet been studied. The red-pigmented basidiomycetous yeast strain Rhodosporidiobolus colostri DBVPG 10655 was examined for its potential to degrade five selected lignin-derived aromatic monomers (syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, ferulic acid, and vanillic acid). The strain utilized p-coumaric acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and ferulic acid not only as the sole carbon source; full biodegradation occurred also in mixtures of multiple monomers. Vanillic acid was not utilized as the sole carbon source, but was degraded in the presence of p-coumaric acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and ferulic acid. Syringic acid was utilized neither as the sole carbon source nor in mixtures of compounds. Biodegradation of lignin-derived aromatic monomers was detected over a broad temperature range (1–25 °C), which is of ecological significance and of biotechnological relevance.
An Experimental Study of Pressure Drop Characteristics and Flow Resistance Coefficient in a Fluidized Bed for Coal Particle Fluidization
Authors: Peng Jian , Sun Wei , Xie Le , Han Haisheng , Xiao Yao
Published: February 2022

Liquid–solid fluidized beds have a wide range of applications in metallurgical processing, mineral processing, extraction, and wastewater treatment. Great interest on their flow stability and heterogeneous fluidization behaviors has been aroused in research. In this study, various fluidization experiments were performed by adjusting the operating conditions of particle size, particle density, and liquid superficial velocity. For each case, the steady state of liquid–solid fluidization was obtained, and the bed expansion height and pressure drop characteristics were analyzed. The time evolution of pressure drop at different bed heights can truly reflect the liquid–solid heterogeneous fluidization behaviors that are determined by operating conditions. With the increase in superficial liquid velocity, three typical fluidization stages were observed. Accordingly, the flow resistance coefficient was obtained based on the experimental data of bed expansion height and pressure drop. The flow resistance coefficient experiences a decrease with the increase in the modified particle Reynolds number and densimetric Froude number.
Structural Setting of the Sixtymile Gold District, Yukon, Canada: Insights into Regional Deformation and Mineralization from Field Mapping and 3D Magnetic Inversion
Authors: Rimando Jeremy , Peace Alexander L. , Geng Meixia , Verbaas Jacob , Slade Harley
Published: February 2022

The Sixtymile gold district, Yukon, Canada has been mined for placer gold since the late 19th century. However, increasing demand for gold has prompted exploration of new lode deposits. Previous studies in the nearby Klondike gold district have shown correlation between placer deposits and bedrock occurrences. Poor bedrock exposure and a complex deformation history, however, make it difficult to determine structural controls on gold mineralization. Through structural analysis involving mesoscopic-scale field observations of fractures, faults, foliation, and folds, and 3D geophysical inversion, the goal of this study was to determine the structural setting of the Sixtymile district to enhance discovery success. Structural measurements in the Glacier Creek, Miller Creek, Bedrock Creek, and Sixtymile River areas show the relationships among the orientations of foliation, fractures, and veins. In most localities, veins are found both parallel and at high angles to foliation, and there is generally a weaker correlation between fractures and veins compared to between foliation and veins. This correlation between foliation and veins is corroborated by inferred gold-bearing horizons from gold assay data. Outcrops of oblique reverse and strike-slip faults, possibly related to a larger-scale thrust-zone, and to the left-lateral Sixtymile-Pika Fault, respectively, were documented for the first time in this study. The results of the 3D probabilistic inversion of total magnetic intensity data for magnetic susceptibility show that magnetic susceptibility highs are preferentially associated with volcanics, but also point to possible intrusive bodies or hydrothermal alteration zones associated with mineralization. A geologic cross-section through the lithologies demonstrates highly variable deformation styles, including extensive folding, possibly indicative of a multiphase deformational history necessitating further, more detailed investigations of the area.
Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Plastic Failure and Grouting Diffusion within Deep Roadway Surrounding Rock under Three-Dimensional Unequal Ground Stress and Its Application
Authors: Huang Yaoguang , Yang Wanxia , Li Yangyang , Guo Weibin
Published: February 2022

To explore the bolt-grouting method of the deep roadway under three-dimensional unequal ground stress, a unidirectional coupling model of surrounding rock plastic failure and grouting diffusion considering the influence of excavation disturbance stress was established. Spatial evolution characteristics of plastic failure and grouting diffusion, and the impact of the spacing and row spacing of grouting bolts/cables on grout diffusion, were simulated by using the numerical method. The results revealed that the horizontal ground stress perpendicular to the axial direction of the roadway was the main factor inducing roadway damage. Moreover, the more significant the difference of the ground stress in three directions, the larger the plastic zone of the roof corner and floor corner of the roadway. Under different lateral pressure coefficients, the grout diffused can be approximate ellipsoid and cylinders. Furthermore, the larger the ratio of lateral pressure coefficients perpendicular to and parallel to the axial direction of roadway, the larger the diffusion length of grout in each spatial direction in the surrounding rock. In bolt-grouting support, the length of the grouting bolts/cables should be greater than the plastic zone of the surrounding rock, and the optimal relationship between their spacing and row spacing and diffusion length of grout is determined. The research results were applied in the bolt-grouting engineering for the three-level main roadway in the Haizi Coal Mine, and a good support effect was achieved. This can provide technical guidance and a method of reference for the design and parameter optimization of bolt-grouting support for roadways under deep high ground stress.