bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Theoretical Framework for Optimality Conditions of Nonlinear Type-2 Interval-Valued Unconstrained and Constrained Optimization Problems Using Type-2 Interval Order Relations
Authors: Rahman Md Sadikur , Shaikh Ali Akbar , Ali Irfan , Bhunia Asoke Kumar , Fügenschuh Armin
Published: April 2021

In the traditional nonlinear optimization theory, the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) optimality conditions for constrained optimization problems with inequality constraints play an essential role. The situation becomes challenging when the theory of traditional optimization is discussed under uncertainty. Several researchers have discussed the interval approach to tackle nonlinear optimization uncertainty and derived the optimality conditions. However, there are several realistic situations in which the interval approach is not suitable. This study aims to introduce the Type-2 interval approach to overcome the limitation of the classical interval approach. This study introduces Type-2 interval order relation and Type-2 interval-valued function concepts to derive generalized KKT optimality conditions for constrained optimization problems under uncertain environments. Then, the optimality conditions are discussed for the unconstrained Type-2 interval-valued optimization problem and after that, using these conditions, generalized KKT conditions are derived. Finally, the proposed approach is demonstrated by numerical examples.
Rapid Sorting of Fucoxanthin-Producing Phaeodactylum tricornutum Mutants by Flow Cytometry
Authors: Fan Yong , Ding Xiao-Ting , Wang Li-Juan , Jiang Er-Ying , Van Phung Nghi , Li Fu-Li
Published: April 2021

Fucoxanthin, which is widely found in seaweeds and diatoms, has many benefits to human health, such as anti-diabetes, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory physiological activities. However, the low content of fucoxanthin in brown algae and diatoms limits the commercialization of this product. In this study, we introduced an excitation light at 488 nm to analyze the emitted fluorescence of Phaeodactylum tricornutum, a diatom model organism rich in fucoxanthin. We observed a unique spectrum peak at 710 nm and found a linear correlation between fucoxanthin content and the mean fluorescence intensity. We subsequently used flow cytometry to screen high-fucoxanthin-content mutants created by heavy ion irradiation. After 20 days of cultivation, the fucoxanthin content of sorted cells was 25.5% higher than in the wild type. This method provides an efficient, rapid, and high-throughput approach to screen fucoxanthin-overproducing mutants.
Svalbamides A and B, Pyrrolidinone-Bearing Lipodipeptides from Arctic Paenibacillus sp.
Authors: Du Young Eun , Bae Eun Seo , Lim Yeonjung , Cho Jang-Cheon , Nam Sang-Jip , Shin Jongheon , Lee Sang Kook , Nam Seung-Il , Oh Dong-Chan
Published: April 2021

Two new secondary metabolites, svalbamides A (1) and B (2), were isolated from a culture extract of Paenibacillus sp. SVB7 that was isolated from surface sediment from a core (HH17-1085) taken in the Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. The combinational analysis of HR-MS and NMR spectroscopic data revealed the structures of 1 and 2 as being lipopeptides bearing 3-amino-2-pyrrolidinone, d-valine, and 3-hydroxy-8-methyldecanoic acid. The absolute configurations of the amino acid residues in svalbamides A and B were determined using the advanced Marfey’s method, in which the hydrolysates of 1 and 2 were derivatized with l- and d- forms of 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrophenyl-5-alanine amide (FDAA). The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were completely assigned by deducing the stereochemistry of 3-hydroxy-8-methyldecanoic acid based on DP4 calculations. Svalbamides A and B induced quinone reductase activity in Hepa1c1c7 murine hepatoma cells, indicating that they represent chemotypes with a potential for functioning as chemopreventive agents.
Two Benthic Diatoms, Nanofrustulum shiloi and Striatella unipunctata, Encapsulated in Alginate Beads, Influence the Reproductive Efficiency of Paracentrotus lividus by Modulating the Gene Expression
Authors: Glaviano Francesca , Ruocco Nadia , Somma Emanuele , De Rosa Giuseppe , Campani Virginia , Ametrano Pasquale , Caramiello Davide , Costantini Maria , Zupo Valerio
Published: April 2021

Physiological effects of algal metabolites is a key step for the isolation of interesting bioactive compounds. Invertebrate grazers may be fed on live diatoms or dried, pelletized, and added to compound feeds. Any method may reveal some shortcomings, due to the leaking of wound-activated compounds in the water prior to ingestion. For this reason, encapsulation may represent an important step of bioassay-guided fractionation, because it may assure timely preservation of the active compounds. Here we test the effects of the inclusion in alginate (biocompatible and non-toxic delivery system) matrices to produce beads containing two benthic diatoms for sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus feeding. In particular, we compared the effects of a diatom whose influence on P. lividus was known (Nanofrustulum shiloi) and those of a diatom suspected to be harmful to marine invertebrates, because it is often present in blooms (Striatella unipunctata). Dried N. shiloi and S. unipunctata were offered for one month after encapsulation in alginate hydrogel beads and the larvae produced by sea urchins were checked for viability and malformations. The results indicated that N. shiloi, already known for its toxigenic effects on sea urchin larvae, fully conserved its activity after inclusion in alginate beads. On the whole, benthic diatoms affected the embryogenesis of P. lividus, altering the expression of several genes involved in stress response, development, skeletogenesis and detoxification processes. Interactomic analysis suggested that both diatoms activated a similar stress response pathway, through the up-regulation of hsp60, hsp70, NF-κB, 14-3-3 ε and MDR1 genes. This research also demonstrates that the inclusion in alginate beads may represent a feasible technique to isolate diatom-derived bioactive compounds.
Electrochromic Properties and Electrochemical Behavior of Marennine, a Bioactive Blue-Green Pigment Produced by the Marine Diatom Haslea ostrearia
Authors: Francezon Nellie , Herbaut Mickaël , Bardeau Jean-François , Cougnon Charles , Bélanger William , Tremblay Réjean , Jacquette Boris , Dittmer Jens , Pouvreau Jean-Bernard , Mouget Jean-Luc , Pasetto Pamela
Published: April 2021

Marennine has long been known as the unique peculiar pigment responsible for the natural greening of oysters. It is specifically produced by the marine diatom Haslea ostrearia and it is a natural blue molecule indeed promising for food industry because of the rarity of such non-toxic, blue-colored pigments. In the search for its still not defined molecular structure, investigation of the color changes with the redox state has been carried out combining different approaches. Reducing and oxidizing chemicals have been added to purified marennine solutions and a stable blue-green color has been confirmed for the oxidized state, while a yellow color corresponded to the reduced unstable state. Raman spectroscopy has been used to monitor changes in the Raman spectra corresponding to the different colored states, and cyclic voltammetry has allowed the detection of a redox system in which protons and electrons are exchanged. These findings show that marennine is a suitable stable blue pigment for use in food applications and help in the elucidation of the chromophore structure.
Awareness of the Causes Leading to Surgical Ablation of Ovarian Function in Premenopausal Breast Cancer—A Single-Center Analysis
Authors: Oliveira Joana Correia , Sousa Filipa Costa , Gante Inês , Dias Margarida Figueiredo
Published: April 2021

Background and Objectives: Ovarian surgical ablation (OSA) in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer is usually performed to halt ovarian function in premenopausal patients. Since alternative pharmacological therapy exists and few studies have investigated why surgery is still performed, we aimed to analyze the reasons for the use of OSA despite the remaining controversy. Materials and Methods: Premenopausal ER+ breast cancer patients treated at a tertiary center (2005–2011) were selected, and patients with germline mutations were excluded. Results: Seventy-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. Globally, the main reasons for OSA included: continued menstruation despite hormone therapy with or without ovarian medical ablation (OMA) (34.2%), patient informed choice (31.6%), disease progression (16.5%), gynecological disease requiring surgery (13.9%), and tamoxifen intolerance/contraindication (3.8%). In women aged ≥45 years, patient choice was significantly more frequently the reason for OSA (47.4% versus 17.1% (p = 0.004)). For those aged <45 years, salvation attempts were significantly more frequent as compared to older women (26.8% versus 5.3% (p = 0.01)). In 77.8% of women undergoing OSA with menstrual cycle maintenance, surgery was performed 1–5 years after diagnosis, while surgery was performed earlier (0–3 months after diagnosis) in patients undergoing OSA as an informed choice (56.0%), as a salvation attempt (53.8%), or due to gynecological disease (63.6%). The leading reason for OSA in women previously undergoing OMA was continued menstruation (60.0%). Conclusions: This study suggests a possible failure of pharmacological ovarian suppression and reinforces the need for shared decision-making with patients when discussing treatment strategies, although validation by further studies is warranted due to our limited sample size.
Vitamin B and Zinc Supplements and Capsaicin Oral Rinse Treatment Options for Burning Mouth Syndrome
Authors: Jankovskis Viktors , Selga Guntars
Published: April 2021

Background and Objectives: Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is an enigmatic, idiopathic, chronic, often painful clinical entity, where patients experience oral burning without clear clinical changes on the oral mucosa. There are yet to be well established standardized and validated definitions, diagnostic criteria or classifications for burning mouth syndrome. The aim of this study is to determine whether vitamin B complex and zinc supplements or 0.02% topical capsaicin rinse, can help alleviate BMS pain/burning levels. The objectives: (1) Gather data before and after treatment with vitamin B complex and zinc supplements (2) After the vitamin B complex and zinc protocol gather data before and after treatment with 0.02% topical capsaicin rinse (3) Data analysis and assessment for both treatment methods. Materials and Methods: 89 patients took part in the vitamin B and zinc supplement treatment regimen, out of those 20 patients took part in the capsaicin rinse treatment regimen. Before and after each treatment pain/burning levels were determined using the Visual analogue scale, salivary flow was also determined. Results: Both treatment methods showed statistically significant data in reducing pain/burning levels. There were no statistically significant changes in the salivary flow after any treatment. Conclusion: vitamin B and zinc supplement therapy and topical capsaicin rinse therapy can be an effective way to decrease pain/burning sensation levels in patients with BMS. More research should be conducted to determine the benefit of either vitamin B and zinc supplement therapy or topical capsaicin rinse therapy, so that BMS patients have treatment options, that have as few side-effects as possible.
Cryobiopsy in Lung Cancer Diagnosis—A Literature Review
Authors: Simon Mărioara , Simon Ioan , Tent Paul Andrei , Todea Doina Adina , Haranguș Antonia
Published: April 2021

Optimizing the diagnosis of lung cancer represents a challenge, as well as a necessity, for improving the low survival of these patients. Flexible bronchoscopy with forceps biopsy is one of the key diagnostic procedures used for lung tumors. The small sample size and crush artifacts are several factors that can often limit access to a complete diagnosis, therefore leading to the need of repeating the bronchoscopy procedure or other invasive diagnostic methods. The bronchoscopic cryobiopsy is a recent technique that proved its utility in the diagnosis of both endobronchial and peripheral lung tumors. In comparison with conventional forceps biopsy, studies report a higher diagnostic yield and a superior quality of the collected samples for both the histopathological and the molecular diagnosis of lung cancer. This method shows promising results in sampling lung tissue, alone, or in conjunction with fluoroscopy or radial endobronchial ultrasound (r-EBUS). With a good safety and cost-benefit profile, this novel method has the potential to improve the diagnosis, and therefore the management of lung cancer patients. The objective of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive review of the recent data regarding the advantages of cryobiopsy and r-EBUS in lung cancer diagnosis.
Development of Filter Media by Electrospinning for Air Filtration of Nanoparticles from PET Bottles
Authors: Bonfim Daniela P. F. , Cruz Fabiana G. S. , Guerra Vádila G. , Aguiar Mônica L.
Published: April 2021

Air pollution and solid pollution are considered global problems, and endanger human health mainly due to the emission of fine particulate matter released into the atmosphere and improper disposal of post-consumer plastic bottles. Therefore, it is urgent to develop filter media to effectively protect the public. The properties of plastics make them potential candidates for nanofiber mat formers due to their attractive structural and mechanical characteristics. This work aims to produce and evaluate novel PET electrospun fibers dispensed with the use of support materials to be used as filter media to remove nanoparticles from the air. The electrospinning process was carried out by changing the concentration of the polymer solution, the needle diameter, and the electrospinning processing time at two rotation speeds. The average diameters of the micro- and nanofibers of the filter media produced ranged from 3.25 μm to 0.65 μm and it was possible to conclude that, as the size of the fibers decreased, the mechanical strength increased from 3.2 to 4.5 MPa. In filtration tests, a collection efficiency of up to 99% with low-pressure drops (19.4 Pa) was obtained for nanoparticles, demonstrating high quality factor filter media, which could be applicable in gas filtration.
Application of Machine Learning Algorithm on MEMS-Based Sensors for Determination of Helmet Wearing for Workplace Safety
Authors: Tan Yan Hao , Hitesh Agarwal , Li King Ho Holden
Published: April 2021

Appropriate use of helmets as industrial personal protective gear is a long-standing challenge. The dilemma for any user wearing a helmet is thermal discomfort versus the chances of head injuries while not wearing it. Applying helmet microclimate psychrometry, we propose a logistic regression- (LR) based machine learning (ML) algorithm coupled with low-cost and readily available MEMS sensors to determine if a helmet was worn (W) or not worn (NW) by a human user. Experiment runs involving human subject (S) and mannequin experiment control (C) groups were conducted across no mask (NM) and mask (M) conditions. Only ambient-microclimate humidity difference (AMHD) was a feasible parameter for helmet wearing determination with 71 to 85% goodness of fit, 72 to 76% efficacy, and distinction from control group. Ambient-microclimate humidity difference’s rate of change (AMHDROC) had high correlation to helmet wearing and removal initiations and was quantitatively better in all measures. However, its feasibility was doubtful for continuous use beyond 1 min due to plateauing AMHD response. Experiments with control groups and temperature measurement showed invariant response to helmet worn or not worn with goodness of fit and efficacy consolidation to 50%. Results showed the algorithm can make helmet-wearing determinations with combination of analysis and use of data that was individually authentic and non-identifiable. This is an improvement as compared to state of the art skin-contact mechanisms and image analytics methods in enabling safety enhancements through data-driven worker safety ownership.
Soft Tooling-Friendly Inductive Mold Heating—A Novel Concept
Authors: Vieten Tobias , Zanin Davide , Knöller Andrea , Litwin Thomas , Eberhardt Wolfgang , Zimmermann André
Published: April 2021

In order to economize injection molded prototypes, additive manufacturing of, e.g., curable plastics based tools, can be employed, which is known as soft tooling. However, one disadvantage of such tools is that the variothermal process, which is needed to produce polymeric parts with small features, can lead to a shorter lifespan of the tooling due to its thermally impaired material properties. Here, a novel concept is proposed, which allows to locally heat the mold cavity via induction to circumvent the thermal impairment of the tooling material. The developed fabrication process consists of additive manufacturing of the tooling, PVD coating the mold cavity with an adhesion promoting layer and a seed layer, electroplating of a ferromagnetic metal layer, and finally patterning the metal layer via laser ablation to enhance the quality and efficiency of the energy transfer as well as the longevity by geometric measures. This process chain is investigated on 2D test specimens to find suitable fabrication parameters, backed by adhesion tests as well as environmental and induction tests. The results of these investigations serve as proof of concept and form the base for the investigation of such induction layers in actual soft tooling cavities.
Multi-Directional Universal Energy Harvesting Ball
Authors: Hall Ryan G. , Rashidi Reza
Published: April 2021

This paper discusses the development of a multi-directional, universal, electromagnetic energy harvester. The device is a ball consisting of two parts: a rigid spherical core with internal tubes, coils and magnets, and a flexible silicone-based shell holding a carrier fluid. The multi-directional aspect of the design comes from the device’s spherical shape. The harvester generates energy when subject to compressive force, by moving fluid through a tube, pushing a permanently magnetized ball through a coil wound around the tube. A combination of 3-D printed PLA plastic and molded silicone was used to produce a prototype. The energy harvester can be utilized in applications where there is an oscillating compression and it is not limited to certain applications due to its universal ball shape. It was tested at five different frequencies between 4–15 Hz on its four different outer sides producing electricity at a range of 17 to 44 mV.
CSRR-SICW High Sensitivity High Temperature Sensor Based on Si3N4 Ceramics
Authors: Su Shujing , Ren Ting , Zhang Lili , Xu Fujia
Published: April 2021

A new type of wireless passive, high sensitivity, high temperature sensor was designed to meet the real-time temperature test in the harsh aero-engine environment. The sensor consists of a complementary split ring resonator and a substrate integrated circular waveguide (CSRR-SICW) structure and is based on high temperature resistant Si3N4 ceramic as the substrate material. Temperature is measured by real-time monitoring of the resonant frequency of the sensor. In addition, the ambient temperature affects the dielectric constant of the dielectric substrate, and the resonant frequency of the sensor is determined by the dielectric constant, so the function relationship between temperature and resonant frequency can be established. The experimental results show that the resonant frequency of the sensor decreases from 11.3392 GHz to 11.0648 GHz in the range of 50–1000 °C. The sensitivity is 123 kHz/°C and 417 kHz/°C at 50–450 °C and 450–1000 °C, respectively, and the average test sensitivity is 289 kHz/°C. Compared with previously reported high temperature sensors, the average test sensitivity is approximately doubled, and the test sensitivity at 450–1000 °C is approximately three times higher. Therefore, the proposed high sensitivity sensor has promising prospects for high temperature measurement.
Distribution of Prophages in the Oenococcus oeni Species
Authors: Claisse Olivier , Chaïb Amel , Jaomanjaka Fety , Philippe Cécile , Barchi Yasma , Lucas Patrick M. , Le Marrec Claire
Published: April 2021

Oenococcus oeni is the most exploited lactic acid bacterium in the wine industry and drives the malolactic fermentation of wines. Although prophage-like sequences have been identified in the species, many are not characterized, and a global view of their integration and distribution amongst strains is currently lacking. In this work, we analyzed the complete genomes of 231 strains for the occurrence of prophages, and analyzed their size and positions of insertion. Our data show the limited variation in the number of prophages in O. oeni genomes, and that six sites of insertion within the bacterial genome are being used for site-specific recombination. Prophage diversity patterns varied significantly for different host lineages, and environmental niches. Overall, the findings highlight the pervasive presence of prophages in the O. oeni species, their role as a major source of within-species bacterial diversity and drivers of horizontal gene transfer. Our data also have implications for enhanced understanding of the prophage recombination events which occurred during evolution of O. oeni, as well as the potential of prophages in influencing the fitness of these bacteria in their distinct niches.
Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus Pal5 Enhances Plant Robustness Status under the Combination of Moderate Drought and Low Nitrogen Stress in Zea mays L.
Authors: Tufail Muhammad Aammar , Touceda-González María , Pertot Ilaria , Ehlers Ralf-Udo
Published: April 2021

Plant growth promoting endophytic bacteria, which can fix nitrogen, plays a vital role in plant growth promotion. Previous authors have evaluated the effect of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus Pal5 inoculation on plants subjected to different sources of abiotic stress on an individual basis. The present study aimed to appraise the effect of G. diazotrophicus inoculation on the amelioration of the individual and combined effects of drought and nitrogen stress in maize plants (Zea mays L.). A pot experiment was conducted whereby treatments consisted of maize plants cultivated under drought stress, in soil with a low nitrogen concentration and these two stress sources combined, with and without G. diazotrophicus seed inoculation. The inoculated plants showed increased plant biomass, chlorophyll content, plant nitrogen uptake, and water use efficiency. A general increase in copy numbers of G. diazotrophicus, based on 16S rRNA gene quantification, was detected under combined moderate stress, in addition to an increase in the abundance of genes involved in N fixation (nifH). Endophytic colonization of bacteria was negatively affected by severe stress treatments. Overall, G. diazotrophicus Pal5 can be considered as an effective tool to increase maize crop production under drought conditions with low application of nitrogen fertilizer.
The Gut Microbiota Can Provide Viral Tolerance in the Honey Bee
Authors: Dosch Christopher , Manigk Anja , Streicher Tabea , Tehel Anja , Paxton Robert J. , Tragust Simon
Published: April 2021

Adult honey bees host a remarkably consistent gut microbial community that is thought to benefit host health and provide protection against parasites and pathogens. Currently, however, we lack experimental evidence for the causal role of the gut microbiota in protecting the Western honey bees (Apis mellifera) against their viral pathogens. Here we set out to fill this knowledge gap by investigating how the gut microbiota modulates the virulence of a major honey bee viral pathogen, deformed wing virus (DWV). We found that, upon oral virus exposure, honey bee survival was significantly increased in bees with an experimentally established normal gut microbiota compared to control bees with a perturbed (dysbiotic) gut microbiota. Interestingly, viral titers were similar in bees with normal gut microbiota and dysbiotic bees, pointing to higher viral tolerance in bees with normal gut microbiota. Taken together, our results provide evidence for a positive role of the gut microbiota for honey bee fitness upon viral infection. We hypothesize that environmental stressors altering honey bee gut microbiota composition, e.g., antibiotics in beekeeping or pesticides in modern agriculture, could interact synergistically with pathogens, leading to negative effects on honey bee health and the epidemiology and impact of their viruses.
Enteric Ganglioneuritis, a Common Feature in a Subcutaneous TBEV Murine Infection Model
Authors: Boelke Mathias , Puff Christina , Becker Kathrin , Hellhammer Fanny , Gusmag Frederic , Marks Hannah , Liebig Katrin , Stiasny Karin , Dobler Gerhard , Baumgärtner Wolfgang , Schulz Claudia , Becker Stefanie C.
Published: April 2021

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a severe neurologic disease in Europe and Asia. Disease expression ranges from asymptomatic to severe neurological clinical pictures, involving meningitis, encephalitis, meningoencephalitis and potentially fatal outcome. Humans mostly become infected with TBE virus (TBEV) by the bite of an infected tick. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in humans are mainly attributed to the first viremic phase of TBEV infection with unspecific symptoms and/or resulting from severe neurological impairment of the central nervous system (CNS). We used the subcutaneous TBEV-infection of C57BL/6 mice as a model to analyze GI complications of TBE. We observed the acute distension and segmental dilation of the intestinal tract in 10 of 22 subcutaneously infected mice. Histological analysis revealed an intramural enteric ganglioneuritis in the myenteric and submucosal plexus of the small and large intestine. The numbers of infiltrating macrophages and CD3+ T lymphocytes correlated with the severity of ganglioneuritis, indicating an immune-mediated pathogenesis due to TBEV-infection of the enteric plexus. Our study demonstrates that the inflammation of enteric intramural ganglia presents to be a common feature in TBEV-infected mice. Accordingly, the results of this mouse model emphasize that GI disease manifestation and consequences for long-term sequelae should not be neglected for TBEV-infections in humans and require further investigation.
Development of Mine Soils in a Chronosequence of Forestry-Reclaimed Sites in Eastern Kentucky
Authors: Sena Kenton L. , Yeager Kevin M. , Barton Christopher D. , Lhotka John M. , Bond William E. , Schindler Kimberly J.
Published: April 2021

Surface mining for coal has contributed to widespread deforestation and soil loss in coal mining regions around the world, and particularly in Appalachia, USA. Mined land reforestation is of interest in this and other regions where forests are the dominant pre-mining land use. This study evaluated mine soil development on surface-mined sites reforested according to the Forestry Reclamation Approach, representing a chronosequence of time ranging from 0 to 19 years after reclamation. Soils were sampled in depth increments to 50 cm and analyzed for a suite of soil physical and chemical characteristics. Overall, soil fines (silt + clay) tended to increase over time since reclamation (17% silt at year 0 increasing to 35% at year 11; 3.2% clay at year 0 increasing to 5.7% at year 14) while concentrations of metals (e.g., Al, Mg, Mn, Na) demonstrated varied relationships with time since reclamation. Concentrations of organic carbon (OC) tended to increase with time (0.9% OC at year 0 increasing to 2.3% at year 14), and were most enriched in near-surface soils. Some soil characteristics (e.g., Na, OC, Ca) demonstrated patterns of increasing similarity to the forest control, while others were distinct from the forest control throughout the chronosequence (e.g., Al, clay, Mn, gravel). Future surveys of these soils over time will elucidate longer-term patterns in soil development, and better characterize the time scales over which these soils might be expected to approximate forest soil conditions.
Research on Supporting Method for High Stressed Soft Rock Roadway in Gentle Dipping Strata of Red Shale
Authors: Ma Chunde , Xu Jiaqing , Tan Guanshuang , Xie Weibin , Lv Zhihai
Published: April 2021

Red shale is widely distributed among the deep mine areas of Kaiyang Phosphate Mine, which is the biggest underground phosphate mine of China. Because of the effect of various factors, such as high stress, ground water and so on, trackless transport roadways in deep mine areas were difficult to effectively support for a long time by using traditional supporting design methods. To deal with this problem, some innovative works were carried out in this paper. First, mineral composition and microstructure, anisotropic, hydraulic mechanical properties and other mechanical parameters of red shale were tested in a laboratory to reveal its deformation and failure characteristics from the aspect of lithology. Then, some numerical simulation about the failure process of the roadways in layered red shale strata was implemented to investigate the change regulation of stress and strain in the surrounding rock, according to the real rock mechanical parameters and in-situ stress data. Therefore, based on the composite failure law and existing support problems of red shale roadways, some effective methods and techniques were adopted, especially a kind of new wave-type bolt that was used to relieve rock expansion and plastic energy to prevent concentration of stress and excess deformation. The field experiment shows the superiorities in new techniques have been verified and successfully applied to safeguard roadway stability.
Application of General Linear Models (GLM) to Assess Nodule Abundance Based on a Photographic Survey (Case Study from IOM Area, Pacific Ocean)
Authors: Wasilewska-Błaszczyk Monika , Mucha Jacek
Published: April 2021

The success of the future exploitation of the Pacific polymetallic nodule deposits depends on an accurate estimation of their resources, especially in small batches, scheduled for extraction in the short term. The estimation based only on the results of direct seafloor sampling using box corers is burdened with a large error due to the long sampling interval and high variability of the nodule abundance. Therefore, estimations should take into account the results of bottom photograph analyses performed systematically and in large numbers along the course of a research vessel. For photographs taken at the direct sampling sites, the relationship linking the nodule abundance with the independent variables (the percentage of seafloor nodule coverage, the genetic types of nodules in the context of their fraction distribution, and the degree of sediment coverage of nodules) was determined using the general linear model (GLM). Compared to the estimates obtained with a simple linear model linking this parameter only with the seafloor nodule coverage, a significant decrease in the standard prediction error, from 4.2 to 2.5 kg/m2, was found. The use of the GLM for the assessment of nodule abundance in individual sites covered by bottom photographs, outside of direct sampling sites, should contribute to a significant increase in the accuracy of the estimation of nodule resources.
Colour Transformation and Textural Change in Biotite: Some Remarks for the Interpretation of Firing Technology in Greyware Pottery Thin-Sections
Authors: Travé Allepuz Esther
Published: April 2021

Firing is a crucial step in the production of pottery, as it irreversibly transforms the clay into ceramic. Clay sintering and subsequent vitrification occur during firing, together with other transformations undergone by specific minerals and rock inclusions according to their optical and physical properties, including their colour. Some of these are visible in thin-sections and might be interpreted as technological markers or contribute to the estimation of firing temperatures, although most of them are poorly documented. In this paper, we approach the transformations in colour, texture and optical properties that occurred in biotite inclusions from medieval greyware pottery. Our study considers a batch of 40 pottery samples from medieval Catalonia analysed by XRD. According to the estimated firing temperature ranges and atmospheres, we examined the behaviour of biotite at different temperature ranges from 700 °C to 1000 °C by means of optical microscopy, considering its size, shape and abundance, and compared these features to a wider assemblage of thin-sections from medieval earthenware. The results obtained are interesting, as they offer a valuable reference for petrographic studies on pottery. We discuss the potential of ceramic petrography as a way to perform more precise and refined sample selection for further analysis on archaeothermometry.
In Situ Atomic-Scale Observation of Silver Oxidation Triggered by Electron Beam Irradiation
Authors: Zhang Hui , Xu Tao , Zhu Yatong , Wang Wen , Zhang Hao , Yuan Dundong , Sun Litao
Published: April 2021

Understanding the mechanism of metal oxidation processes is critical for maintaining the desired properties of metals and catalysts, as well as for designing advanced materials. In this work, we investigate the electron beam induced oxidation of silver using in situ transmission electron microscopy. The additions of Ag-O columns on {111} and {110} planes were captured with atomic resolution. Interestingly, oscillatory growth on {110} planes was observed, which resulted from the double effect of electron beam irradiation. It was found that not only thermodynamic factors but also kinetic factors played significant roles in morphology evolutions. These results can facilitate the fundamental understanding of the oxidation process of Ag and provide a promising approach for the fabrication of desired nanostructures.
Anomalous Temperature Dependence of Photoluminescence Caused by Non-Equilibrium Distributed Carriers in InGaN/(In)GaN Multiple Quantum Wells
Authors: Ben Yuhao , Liang Feng , Zhao Degang , Wang Xiaowei , Yang Jing , Liu Zongshun , Chen Ping
Published: April 2021

An increase of integrated photoluminescence (PL) intensity has been observed in a GaN-based multiple quantum wells (MQWs) sample. The integrated intensity of TDPL spectra forms an anomalous variation: it decreases from 30 to 100 K, then increases abnormally from 100 to 140 K and decreases again when temperature is beyond 140 K. The increased intensity is attributed to the electrons and holes whose distribution are spatial non-equilibrium distributed participated in the radiative recombination process and the quantum barrier layers are demonstrated to be the source of non-equilibrium distributed carriers. The temperature dependence of this kind of spatial non-equilibrium carriers’ dynamics is very different from that of equilibrium carriers, resulting in the increased emission efficiency which only occurs from 100 to 140 K. Moreover, the luminescence efficiency of MQWs with non-equilibrium carriers is much higher than that without non-equilibrium carriers, indicating the high luminescence efficiency of GaN-based LEDs may be caused by the non-equilibrium distributed carriers. Furthermore, a comparison analysis of MQWs sample with and without hydrogen treatment further demonstrates that the better quantum well is one of the key factors of this anomalous phenomenon.
Metal Oxide Based Heterojunctions for Gas Sensors: A Review
Authors: Yang Shulin , Lei Gui , Xu Huoxi , Lan Zhigao , Wang Zhao , Gu Haoshuang
Published: April 2021

The construction of heterojunctions has been widely applied to improve the gas sensing performance of composites composed of nanostructured metal oxides. This review summarises the recent progress on assembly methods and gas sensing behaviours of sensors based on nanostructured metal oxide heterojunctions. Various methods, including the hydrothermal method, electrospinning and chemical vapour deposition, have been successfully employed to establish metal oxide heterojunctions in the sensing materials. The sensors composed with the built nanostructured heterojunctions were found to show enhanced gas sensing performance with higher sensor responses and shorter response times to the targeted reducing or oxidising gases compare with those of the pure metal oxides. Moreover, the enhanced gas sensing mechanisms of the metal oxide-based heterojunctions to the reducing or oxidising gases are also discussed, with the main emphasis on the important role of the potential barrier on the accumulation layer.
Simultaneous Removal of Arsenic and Manganese from Synthetic Aqueous Solutions Using Polymer Gel Composites
Authors: Safi Syed Ragib , Gotoh Takehiko
Published: April 2021

The groundwater in approximately 50% of the Bangladesh landmass contains Mn concentrations greater than the limit prescribed by the WHO drinking water guidelines. Although studies have suggested that γ-FeOOH can effectively remove Mn from water, its practicability has not been investigated, considering that the additional processes required to separate the adsorbents and precipitates are not environment-friendly. To improve the efficiency of adsorptive Mn-removal under natural conditions, we employed a cationic polymer gel composite, N,N’-Dimethylaminopropyl acrylamide, methyl chloride quaternary (DMAPAAQ) loaded with iron hydroxide (DMAPAAQ + FeOOH), and a non-ionic polymer gel composite, N,N’-Dimethylacrylamide (DMAA) loaded with iron hydroxide (DMAA + FeOOH). DMAPAAQ + FeOOH exhibited a higher As removal efficiency under natural conditions while being environment-friendly. Our results suggest that the higher efficiency of the cationic gel composite is owed to the higher γ-FeOOH content in its gel structure. The maximum adsorption of Mn by DMAPAAQ + FeOOH was 39.02 mg/g. Furthermore, the presence of As did not influence the adsorption of Mn on the DMAPAAQ + FeOOH gel composite and vice versa. DMAPAAQ adsorbed As and the γ-FeOOH particles simultaneously adsorbed Mn. Our findings can serve as a basis for the simultaneous removal of contaminants such as As, Mn, Cr, and Cd.
High-Performance Photodetectors Based on Nanostructured Perovskites
Authors: Li Chunlong , Li Jie , Li Zhengping , Zhang Huayong , Dang Yangyang , Kong Fangong
Published: April 2021

In recent years, high-performance photodetectors have attracted wide attention because of their important applications including imaging, spectroscopy, fiber-optic communications, remote control, chemical/biological sensing and so on. Nanostructured perovskites are extremely suitable for detective applications with their long carrier lifetime, high carrier mobility, facile synthesis, and beneficial to device miniaturization. Because the structure of the device and the dimension of nanostructured perovskite have a profound impact on the performance of photodetector, we divide nanostructured perovskite into 2D, 1D, and 0D, and review their applications in photodetector (including photoconductor, phototransistor, and photodiode), respectively. The devices exhibit high performance with high photoresponsivity, large external quantum efficiency (EQE), large gain, high detectivity, and fast response time. The intriguing properties suggest that nanostructured perovskites have a great potential in photodetection.
Formation of Fractal Dendrites by Laser-Induced Melting of Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Kucherik Alexey , Samyshkin Vlad , Prusov Evgeny , Osipov Anton , Panfilov Alexey , Buharov Dmitry , Arakelian Sergey , Skryabin Igor , Kavokin Alexey Vitalievich , Kutrovskaya Stella
Published: April 2021

We report on the fabrication of fractal dendrites using laser-induced melting of aluminum alloys. We target boron carbide (B4C), which is one of the most effective radiation-absorbing materials characterized by a low coefficient of thermal expansion. Due to the high fragility of B4C crystals, we were able to introduce its nanoparticles into a stabilization aluminum matrix of AA385.0. The high-intensity laser field action led to the formation of composite dendrite structures under the effect of local surface melting. Modelling the dendrite cluster growth confirms its fractal nature and sheds light on the pattern behavior of the resulting quasicrystal structure.
A Healthy Diet Rich in Calcium and Vitamin C Is Inversely Associated with Metabolic Syndrome Risk in Korean Adults from the KNHANES 2013–2017
Authors: Park Sunmin , Kim Kyungjin , Lee Byung-Kook , Ahn Jaeouk
Published: April 2021

The association between metabolic syndrome and eating patterns remains unclear. We hypothesized that Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) scores were related to metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk in adults in a gender-dependent manner. We aimed to examine the hypothesis using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey-VI (2013–2017) data with a complex sample survey design. Adjusted means and 95% confidence intervals of KHEI scores and nutrient intake estimated by the 24-h recall were calculated according to MetS status after adjusting for age, residence area, region, education, obesity, income, drinking status, smoking status, marriage, and exercise. Adjusted odds ratios for MetS were measured according to KHEI quartiles using logistic regression analysis while controlling for covariates. MetS incidence was significantly higher in females than in males. Those who were older, less educated, earning less income, more obese, living in rural areas, drinking severely, non-exercising, and married had higher MetS incidence than those with the opposite state. Total KHEI scores of all components KHEI scores were lower for those with MetS (MetS group) than those without MetS (Non-MetS group) in both genders. For KHEI components, having breakfast and milk and fat intake had lower scores for the MetS group than for the Non-MetS group in women, whereas fruits and milk and milk product intake had lower scores for the MetS group in men. Nutrient intake influenced the MetS risk in females more than in males. Fat, calcium, and vitamin C intakes from 24-h recall were lower in the MetS group than in the Non-MetS group in women. KHEI scores had an inverse association with MetS risk by 0.98-fold in both genders after adjusting for covariates. In conclusion, a healthy diet that includes adequate calcium and vitamin C is associated with a lower the risk of MetS in both men and women.
Trajectories of Eating Behaviour Changes during Adolescence
Authors: Doggui Radhouene , Ward Stéphanie , Johnson Claire , Bélanger Mathieu
Published: April 2021

Adolescence represents a critical transition phase during which individuals acquire eating behaviours that can track into adulthood. This study aims to characterise trends in eating behaviours throughout adolescence by investigating the presence of sub-groups of individuals presenting distinct trajectories of vegetable and fruit, sugary beverage, breakfast and fast-food consumption. Data from 744 MATCH study Canadian participants followed from 11 to 18 Years old (2013–2019) were included in the analyses. Participants reported how often they ate breakfast and consumed vegetables and fruits, sugary beverages and fast foods. Trajectories of eating behaviours over seven years were identified using group-based multi-trajectory modelling. For girls, three different groups were identified, namely ‘stable food intake with a decline in daily breakfast consumption’ (39.9%), ‘moderate food intake and worsening in overall eating behaviours’ (38.0%) and ‘stable high food intake’ (22.1%). For boys, five different groups were identified, namely ‘low food intake with stable daily breakfast consumption’ (27.3%), ‘breakfast-skippers and increasing fast food intake’ (27.1%), ‘low food intake with a decline in daily breakfast consumption’ (23.9%), ‘high food intake with worsening of eating behaviours’ (13.3%) and ‘average food intake with consistently high breakfast consumption’ (8.4%). Eating behaviours evolve through various distinct trajectories and sub-group-specific strategies may be required to promote healthy eating behaviours among adolescents.
The Role of Fructose in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: Old Relationship and New Insights
Authors: Federico Alessandro , Rosato Valerio , Masarone Mario , Torre Pietro , Dallio Marcello , Romeo Mario , Persico Marcello
Published: April 2021

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents the result of hepatic fat overload not due to alcohol consumption and potentially evolving to advanced fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Fructose is a naturally occurring simple sugar widely used in food industry linked to glucose to form sucrose, largely contained in hypercaloric food and beverages. An increasing amount of evidence in scientific literature highlighted a detrimental effect of dietary fructose consumption on metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, obesity, hepatic steatosis, and NAFLD-related fibrosis as well. An excessive fructose consumption has been associated with NAFLD development and progression to more clinically severe phenotypes by exerting various toxic effects, including increased fatty acid production, oxidative stress, and worsening insulin resistance. Furthermore, some studies in this context demonstrated even a crucial role in liver cancer progression. Despite this compelling evidence, the molecular mechanisms by which fructose elicits those effects on liver metabolism remain unclear. Emerging data suggest that dietary fructose may directly alter the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism, including those that increase hepatic fat accumulation or reduce hepatic fat removal. This review aimed to summarize the current understanding of fructose metabolism on NAFLD pathogenesis and progression.
The Potential Neuroprotective Role of Free and Encapsulated Quercetin Mediated by miRNA against Neurological Diseases
Authors: Benameur Tarek , Soleti Raffaella , Porro Chiara
Published: April 2021

Chronic neuroinflammation is a pathological condition of numerous central nervous system (CNS) diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and many others. Neuroinflammation is characterized by the microglia activation and concomitant production of pro-inflammatory cytokines leading to an increasing neuronal cell death. The decreased neuroinflammation could be obtained by using natural compounds, including flavonoids known to modulate the inflammatory responses. Among flavonoids, quercetin possess multiple pharmacological applications including anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, antiapoptotic and anti-thrombotic activities, widely demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo studies. In this review, we describe the recent findings about the neuroprotective action of quercetin by acting with different mechanisms on the microglial cells of CNS. The ability of quercetin to influence microRNA expression represents an interesting skill in the regulation of inflammation, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis and immune responses. Moreover, in order to enhance quercetin bioavailability and capacity to target the brain, we discuss an innovative drug delivery system. In summary, this review highlighted an important application of quercetin in the modulation of neuroinflammation and prevention of neurological disorders.