bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antifouling Conductive Composite Membrane with Reversible Wettability for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Li Yi , Gao Ruonan , Zhang Jianwen , Zhang Yue , Liang Shuai
Published: June 2022

Membrane fouling severely hinders the sustainable development of membrane separation technology. Membrane wetting property is one of the most important factors dominating the development of membrane fouling. Theoretically, a hydrophilic membrane is expected to be more resistant to fouling during filtration, while a hydrophobic membrane with low surface energy is more advantageous during membrane cleaning. However, conventional membrane materials do not possess the capability to change their wettability on demand. In this study, a stainless steel mesh–sulfosuccinate-doped polypyrrole composite membrane (SSM/PPY(AOT)) was prepared. By applying a negative or positive potential, the surface wettability of the membrane can be switched between hydrophilic and relatively hydrophobic states. Systematic characterizations and a series of filtration experiments were carried out. In the reduction state, the sulfonic acid groups of AOT were more exposed to the membrane surface, rendering the surface more hydrophilic. The fouling filtration experiments verified that the membrane is more resistant to fouling in the hydrophilic state during filtration and easier to clean in the hydrophobic state during membrane cleaning. Furthermore, Ca2+ and Mg2+ could complex with foulants, aggravating membrane fouling. Overall, this study demonstrates the importance of wettability switching in membrane filtration and suggests promising applications of the SSM/PPY(AOT) membrane.
High-Efficiency Water Recovery from Urine by Vacuum Membrane Distillation for Space Applications: Water Quality Improvement and Operation Stability
Authors: Wang Fei , Liu Junfeng , Li Da , Liu Zheng , Zhang Jie , Ding Ping , Liu Guochang , Feng Yujie
Published: June 2022

Water recovery by membrane distillation (MD) is an attractive alternative to existing urine treatment systems because it could improve the water recovery rate and reliability in space missions. However, there are few studies of urine MD, particularly on the removal of the remaining contaminants from distillate water and the assessment of its long-term performance. In this study, the influences of various operation parameters on distillate water quality and operation stability were investigated in batch mode. The low pH of feedstock reduced the conductivity and total ammonium nitrogen (TAN) in distillate water because the low pH promoted the ionization of ammonia to ammonium ions. However, the low pH also facilitated the formation of free chlorine hydride, which resulted in the minor deterioration of the conductivity in the distillate due to the increasing volatility of chlorine hydride in the feedstock. Thirty batches of vacuum membrane distillation (VMD) experiments demonstrated that the permeate flux and the distillate water quality slightly decreased due to the small range of membrane wetting but still maintained an over 94.2% and 95.8% removal efficiency of the total organic carbon (TOC) and TAN, and the conductivity was <125 μs cm−1 in the distillate water after 30 test batches. VMD is a feasible option for urine treatment in space missions.
Jet Penetration Performance of a Shaped Charge Liner Prepared by Metal Injection Molding
Authors: He Zheyu , Cheng Yi , He Hao , An Chuanfeng , Huang Yuqing , Zhang Xiang , Li Yimin
Published: June 2022

The metal injection molding (MIM) method was applied to manufacture a shaped charge liner (SCL) used for petroleum perforating bombs. Its application could overcome the drawback of heterogeneous density distribution prepared using the traditional powder metallurgy and spinning process. The sintering results showed that because of the limitation in the sintering temperature, the relative density of the W–Cu alloy shaped charge liners prepared by metal injection molding (MIM W–Cu SCLs) ranged from 48.05% at 1050 °C to 52.52% at 1100 °C, which was far below those prepared by spinning. Further increase to higher temperature led to the W–Cu separation, cracks, and distortion of the SCL. The explosive test proved that the shaped charge liners prepared by metal injection molding (MIM SCLs) could achieve comparable or even better penetration performance than those prepared by spinning. The particle size of tungsten played a significant role in the penetration performance in which the sample prepared from a −250-mesh tungsten powder showed the highest penetration depth, which was 18.44% deeper than that of the spinning process. From the observation of ballistic holes, the jet of the MIM SCL was composed of dispersed W–Cu particles without a slug. The diameters of the holes bored by the MIM SCLs were larger than those SCLs produced by spinning, which proved that the MIM SCL jet is noncoherent.
The Effect of TiC and Zr Additions on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ti-30Mo Alloy
Authors: Wang Zhenwei , Cheng Huichao , Liu Bin , Zhang Xin , Liu Zhanggen
Published: June 2022

In this study, Ti-30Mo-nTiC (0, 0.5 wt.%) and Ti-30Mo-0.5TiC-xZr (0, 4, 8, 12 wt.%) alloys were prepared using the powder metallurgy process with the addition of Zr at different rates. The effect of TiC and Zr additions on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the Ti-30Mo alloys were investigated, respectively. The results demonstrated that the addition of 0.5 wt.% TiC significantly improved the density, tensile strength and elastic modulus. The ultimate tensile strength, elongation and elastic modulus of the Ti-30Mo-0.5TiC alloy were determined to be 825 MPa, 7.3% and 112 GPa, respectively. For Ti-30Mo-0.5TiC-xZr alloys, the addition of Zr (8 wt.% or less) results in alloys having a high relative density (>98%), with the density of the alloy decreasing significantly when the Zr content is 12 wt.%. As the Zr content increases, the β phase lattice constant also increases along with the amount of carbide aggregation. This leads to a decrease in the alloy strength, with an increase in the alloy hardness. During high temperature tensile testing at 600 °C, the Ti-30Mo-0.5TiC alloy still had suitable mechanical properties, with its ultimate tensile strength and elongation being 472 MPa and 12.8%, respectively.
Effect of Austenitizing Temperature on the Work Hardening Behavior of Air-Hardening Steel LH800
Authors: Luo Xiang , Mi Zhenli , Wu Yanxin , Yang Yonggang , Jiang Haitao , Hu Kuanhui
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we present the effect of austenitizing temperature on the work hardening behavior of air-hardening steel LH800 by evaluating the influence of austenitizing temperature on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties, using Hollomon, Differential Crussard–Jaoul (DC-J), and Modified C-J (MC-J) work hardening models. The results reveal that with an increase in austenitizing temperature, there is an increase in the percentage of martensite, along with an increase in the strength and hardness of the LH800 steel; on the other hand, there is a decrease in the plasticity. Austenitized at 825 °C, LH800 steel exhibits its highest strength and good plasticity, with a tensile strength of 897 MPa and an elongation of 13.6%. The comparison between the three strain hardening models revealed that the Hollomon model was the finest fit for the experimental data utilized and could illustrate the work hardening behavior of LH800 steel most suitably. This model manifests a two-stage work hardening mechanism; the first stage is related to the plastic deformation of ferrite phase, while the second stage deals with the co-deformation of ferrite and martensite/bainite phase. As austenitizing temperature increases, the work hardening ability of LH800 steel diminishes at each stage, the transition strain decreases, and the plastic deformation of martensite starts earlier.
Effect of Process Control Agent on Microstructures and High-Temperature Oxidation Behavior of a Nickel-Based ODS Alloy
Authors: Mao Zhe , Li Jing , Liu Shi , Xiong Liangyin
Published: June 2022

Two nickel-based oxide-dispersion-strengthened (ODS) alloys supplemented with different amounts of process control agent (PCA) were prepared. The microstructures including grains and nanometric oxides and the subsequent oxidation behavior of these ODS alloys were investigated. It was found that the distribution of nanometric oxides in the nickel-based ODS alloy is uniform and the grains are refined by adding a proper amount of PCA in the mechanical milling, while the blocking effect on the diffusion of active elements Y, Al and Ti among powders takes place with an excessive amount of PCA, resulting in the precipitation of large-size oxides in local areas of the alloy. After oxidation in air at 1000 °C for 200 h, the oxide scales on the surface of both nickel-based ODS alloys are composed of Cr2O3. As Y-rich oxide particles are precipitated in the matrix, the thickness of the oxide scale is significantly reduced compared with non-ODS alloys. However, due to the influence of grain boundaries on the diffusion of elements, the oxide scale on the surface of an alloy with finer grain size is thicker. The oxidation resistance of ODS alloys strongly depends on the exact manufacturing process.
Study of the Mechanical Properties and Microstructural Response with Laser Shock Peening on 40CrMo Steel
Authors: Pan Xiaoming , Gu Zhiyang , Qiu Hui , Feng Aixin , Li Jing
Published: June 2022

In this work, the purpose of the study was to explore the influence of laser shock peening (LSP) on the mechanical behavior and microstructural response of 40CrMo steel. The residual stress at depth direction and the microstructural evolution of 40CrMo steel specimens without and with LSP treatments were tested by residual stress tester and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The microhardness at depth direction and the tensile properties at room temperature were measured. Moreover, the effects of LSP on the ability to resist wear of 40CrMo steel were analyzed, and the worn morphologies characteristics were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results demonstrated that LSP led to the surface residual stress convert from tensile stress to compressive stress, while the surface compressive residual stress tested parallel to the laser path of the specimen subjected to LSP reached −425 MPa. After the LSP process, the average surface microhardness reached 338 HV, which increased by 21.58% than that of the untreated sample. LSP could enhance the strength without losing plasticity significantly, while the average tensile strength reached 1165 MPa, and the fracture elongation reached 13.9%. After a friction and wear test, the mass loss of the sample after LSP treatment reduced by 27.5% compared to the original sample. The increase in dislocation density and the formation of deformation twins generated by LSP played a key role in enhancing the mechanical behavior of 40CrMo steel.
Assessing Microstructure Tensile Properties Relationships in Al-7Si-Mg Alloys via Multiple Regression
Authors: Silva Cássio , Barros André , Vida Talita , Garcia Amauri , Cheung Noé , Reis Danieli A. P. , Brito Crystopher
Published: June 2022

The development of Al-based alloys presumes a detailed understanding of the microstructure evolution during solidification since the as-solidified microstructure also has effects on the subsequent thermo-mechanical processing. In the present investigation Al-7wt.%Si-xMg (x = 0.5 and 1 wt.%) alloys are subjected to transient directional solidification with a view to characterizing the microstructure evolution, with special focus on both dendritic evolution and the inherent features of the Mg2Si and π-AlSiFeMg intermetallics. Experimental power-type functions relating the primary, secondary and tertiary interdendritic spacings to the solidification cooling rate and growth rate are developed. It is observed that the Mg content added to the Al-7wt.%Si alloy and the consequent increase in the Mg2Si fraction tends to increase the values of the primary dendritic spacing. However, this same behavior is not verified for the growth evolution of dendritic side branches. A multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis is developed permitting quantitative correlations for the prediction of tensile properties and hardness from microstructural parameters to be established. The increase in the Mg alloy content from 0.5 to 1 was shown to promote an increase in both the ultimate tensile strength (σu) and elongation.
Prognostic Value of Salivary Biochemical Indicators in Primary Resectable Breast Cancer
Authors: Bel’skaya Lyudmila V. , Sarf Elena A.
Published: June 2022

Despite the fact that breast cancer was detected in the early stages, the prognosis was not always favorable. In this paper, we examined the impact of clinical and pathological characteristics of patients and the composition of saliva before treatment on overall survival and the risk of recurrence of primary resectable breast cancer. The study included 355 patients of the Omsk Clinical Oncology Center with a diagnosis of primary resectable breast cancer (T1-3N0-1M0). Saliva was analyzed for 42 biochemical indicators before the start of treatment. We have identified two biochemical indicators of saliva that can act as prognostic markers: alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and diene conjugates (DC). Favorable prognostic factors were ALP activity above 71.7 U/L and DC level above 3.93 c.u. Additional accounting for aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity allows for forming a group with a favorable prognosis, for which the relative risk is reduced by more than 11 times (HR = 11.49, 95% CI 1.43–88.99, p = 0.01591). Salivary AST activity has no independent prognostic value. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size, lymph nodes metastasis status, malignancy grade, tumor HER2 status, and salivary ALP activity were independent predictors. It was shown that the risk of recurrence decreased with menopause and increased with an increase in the size of the primary tumor and lymph node involvement. Significant risk factors for recurrence were salivary ALP activity below 71.7 U/L and DC levels below 3.93 c.u. before treatment. Thus, the assessment of biochemical indicators of saliva before treatment can provide prognostic information comparable in importance to the clinicopathological characteristics of the tumor and can be used to identify a risk group for recurrence in primary resectable breast cancer.
Hypouricemic Effect of Submerged Culture of Ganoderma lucidum in Potassium Oxonate-Induced Hyperuricemic Rats
Authors: Huang Chung-Hsiung , Chen Tzu-Yu , Tsai Guo-Jane
Published: June 2022

Hyperuricemia is a disease caused by a high level of uric acid in the blood. It is an important factor for gout and may be linked to renal and hepatic failure. The objective of this study was to investigate the hypouricemic effects of submerged culture of Ganoderma lucidum. The lyophilized powder of mycelium (GM) and extracellular polysaccharides (GP) of the G. lucidum submerged culture were prepared. The contents of hypouricemic components, including phenolics and flavonoids, in GM (34.33 ± 0.41 mg/g and 0.32 ± 0.01 mg/g) were higher than that in GP (20.52 ± 1.49 mg/g and not detected). The hypouricemic effect of GM and GP was evaluated in potassium oxonate (PO)-injected rats. The average food intake (23.3 ± 1.2 g/day) and body weight (355.7 ± 28.0 g) were decreased, and the serum level of uric acid (5.56 ± 0.41 mg/dL) was increased in PO-injected rats. However, allopurinol (10 mg/kg b.w.) or GM treatment (200 or 400 mg/kg b.w) improved food intake (26.3 ± 2.7 g/day) and reduced the level of uric acid (4.45 ± 0.46 mg/dL). In parallel, the activity of hepatic xanthine oxidase (XOD) was downregulated from 841.29 ± 299.58 μU/mg protein to 540.80 ± 199.20 μU/mg protein. Moreover, GM and GP (200 or 400 mg/kg b.w) alleviated the level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) from 30.49 ± 4.71 to 21.16 ± 4.25 mg/dL. GP treatment also diminished the level of alanine transaminase (ALT) from 52.63 ± 18.82 to 27.35 ±6.82 U/L. These results clearly demonstrated the hypouricemic effect of submerged G. lucidum culture and their potential against hyperuricemia-associated renal and hepatic damage. GM was more potent to alleviate hyperuricemia, and GP was more potent to improve renal and hepatic function.
Lipid Metabolism Is Dysregulated in the Motor Cortex White Matter in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Sadler Gemma L. , Lewis Katherine N. , Narayana Vinod K. , De Souza David P. , Mason Joel , McLean Catriona , Gonsalvez David G. , Turner Bradley J. , Barton Samantha K.
Published: June 2022

Lipid metabolism is profoundly dysregulated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), yet the lipid composition of the white matter, where the myelinated axons of motor neurons are located, remains uncharacterised. We aimed to comprehensively characterise how myelin is altered in ALS by assessing its lipid and protein composition. We isolated white matter from the motor cortex from post-mortem tissue of ALS patients (n = 8 sporadic ALS cases and n = 6 familial ALS cases) and age- and sex-matched controls (n = 8) and conducted targeted lipidomic analyses, qPCR for gene expression of relevant lipid metabolising enzymes and Western blotting for myelin proteins. We also quantified myelin density by using spectral confocal reflectance microscopy (SCoRe). Whilst myelin protein composition was similar in ALS and control tissue, both the lipid levels and the expression of their corresponding enzymes were dysregulated, highlighting altered lipid metabolism in the white matter as well as a likely change in myelin composition. Altered myelin composition could contribute to motor neuron dysfunction, and this highlights how oligodendrocytes may play a critical role in ALS pathogenesis.
Serum and Soleus Metabolomics Signature of Klf10 Knockout Mice to Identify Potential Biomarkers
Authors: Baroukh Nadine , Canteleux Nathan , Lefèvre Antoine , Dupuy Camille , Martias Cécile , Presset Antoine , Subramaniam Malayannan , Hawse John R. , Emond Patrick , Pouletaut Philippe , Morandat Sandrine , Bensamoun Sabine F. , Nadal-Desbarats Lydie
Published: June 2022

The transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 10 (Klf10), also known as Tieg1 for TGFβ (Inducible Early Gene-1) is known to control numerous genes in many cell types that are involved in various key biological processes (differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation), including cell metabolism and human disease. In skeletal muscle, particularly in the soleus, deletion of the Klf10 gene (Klf10 KO) resulted in ultrastructure fiber disorganization and mitochondrial metabolism deficiencies, characterized by muscular hypertrophy. To determine the metabolic profile related to loss of Klf10 expression, we analyzed blood and soleus tissue using UHPLC-Mass Spectrometry. Metabolomics analyses on both serum and soleus revealed profound differences between wild-type (WT) and KO animals. Klf10 deficient mice exhibited alterations in metabolites associated with energetic metabolism. Additionally, chemical classes of aromatic and amino-acid compounds were disrupted, together with Krebs cycle intermediates, lipids and phospholipids. From variable importance in projection (VIP) analyses, the Warburg effect, citric acid cycle, gluconeogenesis and transfer of acetyl groups into mitochondria appeared to be possible pathways involved in the metabolic alterations observed in Klf10 KO mice. These studies have revealed essential roles for Klf10 in regulating multiple metabolic pathways whose alterations may underlie the observed skeletal muscle defects as well as other diseases.
Metabolic Profiling of Bladder Cancer Patients’ Serum Reveals Their Sensitivity to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Zhuang Juntao , Yang Xiao , Zheng Qi , Li Kai , Cai Lingkai , Yu Hao , Lv Jiancheng , Bai Kexin , Cao Qiang , Li Pengchao , Yang Haiwei , Wang Junsong , Lu Qiang
Published: June 2022

Numerous patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer develop low responsiveness to cisplatin. Our purpose was to explore differential metabolites derived from serum in bladder cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Data of patients diagnosed with cT2-4aNxM0 was collected. Blood samples were retained prospectively before the first chemotherapy for untargeted metabolomics by 1H-NMR and UPLC-MS. To identify characterized metabolites, multivariate statistical analyses were applied, and the intersection of the differential metabolites discovered by the two approaches was used to identify viable biomarkers. A total of 18 patients (6 NAC-sensitive patients and 12 NAC-resistant patients) were enrolled. There were 29 metabolites detected by 1H-NMR and 147 metabolites identified by UPLC-MS. Multivariate statistics demonstrated that in the sensitive group, glutamine and taurine were considerably increased compared to their levels in the resistant group, while glutamate and hypoxanthine were remarkably decreased. Pathway analysis and enrichment analysis showed significant alterations in amino acid pathways, suggesting that response to chemotherapy may be related to amino acid metabolism. In addition, hallmark analysis showed that DNA repair played a regulatory role. Overall, serum metabolic profiles of NAC sensitivity are significantly different in bladder cancer patients. Glycine, hypoxanthine, taurine and glutamine may be the potential biomarkers for clinical treatment. Amino acid metabolism has potential value in enhancing drug efficacy.
Finite Element Modeling and Test of Piezo Disk with Local Ring Electrodes for Micro Displacement
Authors: Liu Yonggang , Zhang Shuliang , Yan Pengfei , Li Hiji
Published: June 2022

A new piezoelectric actuator combining interdigitated ring electrodes and a PZT-52(Lead Zirconate Titanate) disk was investigated for the large displacement requirements of piezoelectric actuators. Finite element models were established according to the structural characteristics of the actuator and static analysis was carried out based on ANSYS software. Then Ø25 mm × 2 mm samples were prepared. The displacement detection system was established, and the influence of electrode structure on radial displacement was studied experimentally. A comparison between the experimental results and the finite element analysis confirmed that the finite element model was correct. The results showed that the effect of electrode width on displacement was small. With decrease in electrode center distance and increase in the number of electrodes pairs, the radial displacement increased correspondingly. The peak of radial displacement was 1.63 μm under a 200 V voltage excitation voltage of 0.2 Hz. This was 2.5 times that for a conventional electrode piezo disk with the same structure. The actuator demonstrated better displacement properties. The piezoelectric disk could be valuable in applications involving micro-nano devices.
Thin-Film Transistors from Electrochemically Exfoliated In2Se3 Nanosheets
Authors: Gao Xiangxiang , Liu Hai-Yang , Zhang Jincheng , Zhu Jian , Chang Jingjing , Hao Yue
Published: June 2022

The wafer-scale fabrication of two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor thin films is the key to the preparation of large-area electronic devices. Although chemical vapor deposition (CVD) solves this problem to a certain extent, complex processes are required to realize the transfer of thin films from the growth substrate to the device substrate, not to mention its harsh reaction conditions. The solution-based synthesis and assembly of 2D semiconductors could realize the large-scale preparation of 2D semiconductor thin films economically. In this work, indium selenide (In2Se3) nanosheets with uniform sizes and thicknesses were prepared by the electrochemical intercalation of quaternary ammonium ions into bulk crystals. Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly was used to fabricate scalable and uniform In2Se3 thin films by coordinating In2Se3 with poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA). Field-effect transistors (FETs) made from a single In2Se3 flake and In2Se3 thin films showed mobilities of 12.8 cm2·V−1·s−1 and 0.4 cm2·V−1·s−1, respectively, and on/off ratios of >103. The solution self-assembled In2Se3 thin films enriches the research on wafer-scale 2D semiconductor thin films for electronics and optoelectronics and has broad prospects in high-performance and large-area flexible electronics.
High Performance Eight-Port Dual-Band MIMO Antenna System for 5G Devices
Authors: Kiani Saad , Khan Muhammad , Rafique Umair , Marey Mohamed , Alharbi Abdullah , Mostafa Hala , Khan Muhammad , Abbas Syed
Published: June 2022

This study provides an eight-component multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna architecture for fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication systems. The single antenna element is comprised of an L-shaped radiating component, an L-shaped parasitic element, and a ground plane with a rectangular slot. The main element with a slot-loaded ground plane helps to draw current from a coaxial feed from the other side of the board, while the parasitic element helps to elongate the current path and improve the impedance of the system. This enables the system to radiate at two different frequency ranges: 3.34–3.7 GHz and 4.67–5.08 GHz, with 360 MHz and 410 MHz bandwidths, respectively. For MIMO configuration, the radiating elements are designed on either side of a 0.8 mm thick FR-4 substrate, allowing space to accommodate a battery, radio frequency (RF) systems and subsystems, and camera and sensor modules. The corner and the middle elements are arranged in such a manner so that they can provide spatial and pattern diversity. Furthermore, at least 12 dB of isolation is established between any two radiating elements. Various MIMO performance parameters were evaluated, e.g., mean effective gain (MEG), channel capacity (CC), envelope correlation coefficient (ECC), realized gain, far-field characteristics, and efficiency. Single- and double-hand mode evaluations were performed to further demonstrate the capability of the proposed MIMO antenna. A prototype of the proposed MIMO antenna was manufactured and assessed to verify the simulated data. The measured and simulated results were found to be in good agreement. On the basis of its performance characteristics, the designed MIMO system could be used in 5G communication systems.
Escherichia/Shigella, SCFAs, and Metabolic Pathways—The Triad That Orchestrates Intestinal Dysbiosis in Patients with Decompensated Alcoholic Cirrhosis from Western Mexico
Authors: Baltazar-Díaz Tonatiuh Abimael , González-Hernández Luz Alicia , Aldana-Ledesma Juan Manuel , Peña-Rodríguez Marcela , Vega-Magaña Alejandra Natali , Zepeda-Morales Adelaida Sara Minia , López-Roa Rocío Ivette , del Toro-Arreola Susana , Martínez-López Erika , Salazar-Montes Adriana María , Bueno-Topete Miriam Ruth
Published: June 2022

Gut microbiota undergoes profound alterations in alcohol cirrhosis. Microbiota-derived products, e.g., short chain fatty acids (SCFA), regulate the homeostasis of the gut-liver axis. The objective was to evaluate the composition and functions of the intestinal microbiota in patients with alcohol-decompensated cirrhosis. Fecal samples of 18 patients and 18 healthy controls (HC) were obtained. Microbial composition was characterized by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, SCFA quantification was performed by gas chromatography (GC), and metagenomic predictive profiles were analyzed by PICRUSt2. Gut microbiota in the cirrhosis group revealed a significant increase in the pathogenic/pathobionts genera Escherichia/Shigella and Prevotella, a decrease in beneficial bacteria, such as Blautia, Faecalibacterium, and a decreased α-diversity (p < 0.001) compared to HC. Fecal SCFA concentrations were significantly reduced in the cirrhosis group (p < 0.001). PICRUSt2 analysis indicated a decrease in acetyl-CoA fermentation to butyrate, as well as an increase in pathways related to antibiotics resistance, and aromatic amino acid biosynthesis. These metabolic pathways have been poorly described in the progression of alcohol-related decompensated cirrhosis. The gut microbiota of these patients possesses a pathogenic/inflammatory environment; therefore, future strategies to balance intestinal dysbiosis should be implemented. These findings are described for the first time in the population of western Mexico.
The Main Bacterial Communities Identified in the Sites Affected by Periimplantitis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Iușan Simina Angela Lăcrimioara , Lucaciu Ondine Patricia , Petrescu Nausica Bianca , Mirică Ioana Codruța , Toc Dan-Alexandru , Albu Silviu , Costache Carmen
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: Periimplantitis is an infectious condition that affects the periimplant tissue and is of bacterial etiology. However, to date, the exact bacterial flora involved in its occurrence is not known. The aim of this literature review was to summarize the articles published on this topic and to identify the main bacterial species isolated in periimplantitis. (2) Methods: The articles published in three databases were researched: Pubmed, Embase and Web of Science using Prisma guides and combinations of MeSH terms. We selected 25 items from the 980 found by applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. (3) Results: We quantified the results of the 25 studies included in this review. In general, the most commonly identified bacterial species were Gram-negative anaerobic species, as Prevotella, Streptococcus, Fusobacterium and Treponema. (4) Conclusion: The most frequent bacteria in the periimplantitis sites identified in this review are Gram-negative anaerobic species, also involved in the pathogenesis of the periodontal disease.
Distinguishing Kingella kingae from Pyogenic Acute Septic Arthritis in Young Portuguese Children
Authors: Gouveia Catarina , Subtil Ana , Norte Susana , Arcangelo Joana , Santos Madalena Almeida , Corte-Real Rita , Simões Maria João , Canhão Helena , Tavares Delfin
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: We aim to identify clinical and laboratorial parameters to distinguish Kingella kingae from pyogenic septic arthritis (SA). (2) Methods: A longitudinal, observational, single-centre study of children < 5 years old with microbiological positive SA admitted to a paediatric hospital from 2013–2020 was performed. Clinical and laboratorial data at admission and at 48 h, as well as on treatment and evolution, were obtained. (3) Results: We found a total of 75 children, 44 with K. kingae and 31 with pyogenic infections (mostly MSSA, S. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes). K. kingae affected younger children with low or absent fever, low inflammatory markers and a favourable prognosis. In the univariate analyses, fever, septic look, CRP and ESR at admission and CRP at 48 h were significantly lower in K. kingae SA. In the multivariate analyses, age > 6 months ≤ 2 years, apyrexy and CRP ≤ 100 mg/L were significative, with an overall predictive positive value of 86.5%, and 88.4% for K. kingae. For this model, ROC curves were capable of differentiating (AUC 0.861, 95% CI 0.767–0.955) K. kingae SA from typical pathogens. (4) Conclusions: Age > 6 months ≤ 2 years, apyrexy and PCR ≤ 100 mg/L were the main predictive factors to distinguish K. kingae from pyogenic SA < 5 years. These data need to be validated in a larger study.
A Calculator for COVID-19 Severity Prediction Based on Patient Risk Factors and Number of Vaccines Received
Authors: Israel Ariel , Schäffer Alejandro A. , Merzon Eugene , Green Ilan , Magen Eli , Golan-Cohen Avivit , Vinker Shlomo , Ruppin Eytan
Published: June 2022

Vaccines have allowed for a significant decrease in COVID-19 risk, and new antiviral medications can prevent disease progression if given early in the course of the disease. The rapid and accurate estimation of the risk of severe disease in new patients is needed to prioritize the treatment of high-risk patients and maximize lives saved. We used electronic health records from 101,039 individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, since the beginning of the pandemic and until 30 November 2021, in a national healthcare organization in Israel to build logistic models estimating the probability of subsequent hospitalization and death of newly infected patients based on a few major risk factors (age, sex, body mass index, hemoglobin A1C, kidney function, and the presence of hypertension, pulmonary disease, and malignancy) and the number of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine doses received. The model’s performance was assessed by 10-fold cross-validation: the area under the curve was 0.889 for predicting hospitalization and 0.967 for predicting mortality. A total of 50%, 80%, and 90% of death events could be predicted with respective specificities of 98.6%, 95.2%, and 91.2%. These models enable the rapid identification of individuals at high risk for hospitalization and death when infected, and they can be used to prioritize patients to receive scarce medications or booster vaccination. The calculator is available online.
Genomic Characterization of Escherichia coli O8 Strains Producing Shiga Toxin 2l Subtype
Authors: Yang Xi , Liu Qian , Sun Hui , Xiong Yanwen , Matussek Andreas , Bai Xiangning
Published: June 2022

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) can cause diseases ranging from mild diarrhea to fatal extra-intestinal hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Shiga toxin (Stx) is the key virulence factor in STEC, two Stx types (Stx1 and Stx2) and several subtypes varying in sequences, toxicity, and host specificity have been identified. Stx2l is a newly-designated subtype related to human disease but lacks thorough characterization. Here, we identified Stx2l from five STEC strains (Stx2l-STECs) recovered from raw mutton and beef in China. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to characterize the Stx2l-STECs in this study together with Stx2l-STECs retrieved from public databases. Our study revealed that all the analyzed Stx2l-STEC strains belonged to the same serogroup O8. Multilocus sequencing typing (MLST) showed two sequence types (ST88 and ST23) among these strains. Stx2l-converting prophages from different sources shared a highly similar structure and sequence. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based analysis revealed genetic relatedness between the human-derived and food-derived strains belonging to ST23. To conclude, our study supported the designation of Stx2l and demonstrated diverse host range and geographical distribution of Stx2l-STECs.Stx2l-STEC strains from different sources showed a high genetic similarity with an identical O8 serogroup. Further studies are needed to investigate the epidemiological trait and pathogenic potential of Stx2l-STEC strains.
Current Progress and Future Perspectives on the Use of Bacillus clausii
Authors: Ghelardi Emilia , Abreu y Abreu Ana Teresa , Marzet Christian Boggio , Álvarez Calatayud Guillermo , Perez Marcos , Moschione Castro Ana Paula
Published: June 2022

Bacillus clausii is a probiotic that benefits human health. Its key characteristics include the ability to form spores; the resulting tolerance to heat, acid, and salt ensures safe passage through the human gastrointestinal tract with no loss of cells. Although B. clausii has been widely used for many decades, the beneficial properties of other probiotics, such as Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp., are better disseminated in the literature. In this review, we summarize the physiological, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties of probiotic B. clausii strains. We also describe findings from studies that have investigated B. clausii probiotics from the perspective of quality and safety. We highlight innovative properties based on biochemical investigations of non-probiotic strains of B. clausii, revealing that B. clausii may have further health benefits in other therapeutic areas.
The Gold–Palladium Ozernoe Occurrence (Polar Urals, Russia): Mineralogy, Conditions of Formation, Sources of Ore Matter and Fluid
Authors: Murzin Valery , Palyanova Galina , Mayorova Tatiana , Beliaeva Tatiana
Published: June 2022

We studied the mineralization and sulfur isotopic composition of sulfides of gold–palladium ores in olivine clinopyroxenites from the Dzelyatyshor massif made up of a continuous layered series of rocks: olivine-free clinopyroxenite–olivine clinopyroxenite–wehrlite. The primary igneous layering of rocks, manifested as different quantitative ratios of clinopyroxene and olivine in them, controls the local trends of variability in the chemistry of mineral-forming medium and the concentrations of ore components, including noble metals, and sulfur in each separate layer during its cooling. The replacement of primary rock-forming minerals by secondary minerals, when the temperature decreases, is a characteristic trend for pyroxenites: (a) olivine → serpentine, secondary magnetite, and (b) clinopyroxene → amphibole, secondary magnetite → chlorite. The deposition of native gold in parageneses with PGM and sulfides at the Ozernoe occurrence took place during the replacement of earlier rock-forming minerals by chlorite. This process completed mineral formation at the deposit and took place at temperatures 150–250 °C and at the high activity of S, Te, Sb, and As of fluid. The variability of mineral formation conditions during chloritization is reflected in the change of native-sulfide forms of Pd by arsenide-antimonide forms and the sulfur isotopic composition of sulfides. The Pd content in native gold increases in the series—Au-Ag solid solution (<1.5 wt.% Pd)—Au-Cu intermetallides (to 6 wt.% Pd)—Cu-Au-Pd solid solutions (16.2–16.9 wt.% Pd). The sulfur isotopic composition of pyrite, chalcopyrite, and bornite varies from −2.1 to −2.9‰. It is assumed that a deep-seated magmatic basic melt was the source of fluid, ore components, and sulfur.
3D Multi-Parameter Geological Modeling and Knowledge Findings for Mo Oxide Orebodies in the Shangfanggou Porphyry–Skarn Mo (–Fe) Deposit, Henan Province, China
Authors: Liu Zhifei , Zuo Ling , Xu Senmin , He Yaqing , Wang Chunyi , Wang Luofeng , Yang Tao , Wang Gongwen , Zeng Linggao , Mou Nini , Yang Wangdong
Published: June 2022

The Shangfanggou Mo–Fe deposit is a typical and giant porphyry–skarn deposit located in the East Qinling–Dabie molybdenum (Mo) polymetallic metallogenic belt in the southern margin of the North China Block. In this paper, three-dimensional (3D) multi-parameter geological modeling and microanalysis are used to discuss the mineralization and oxidation transformation process of molybdenite during the supergene stage. Meanwhile, from macro to micro, the temporal–spatial–genetic correlation and exploration constraints are also established by 3D geological modeling of industrial Mo orebodies and Mo oxide orebodies. SEM-EDS and EPMA-aided analyses indicate the oxidation products of molybdenite are dominated by tungsten–powellite at the supergene stage. Thus, a series of oxidation processes from molybdenite to tungsten–powellite are obtained after the precipitation of molybdenite; eventually, a special genetic model of the Shangfanggou high oxidation rate Mo deposit is formed. Oxygen fugacity reduction and an acid environment play an important part in the precipitation of molybdenite: (1) During the oxidation process, molybdenite is first oxidized to a MoO2·SO4 complex ion and then reacts with a carbonate solution to precipitate powethite, in which W and Mo elements can be substituted by complete isomorphism, forming a unique secondary oxide orebody dominated by tungsten–powellite. (2) Under hydrothermal action, Mo4+ can be oxidized to jordisite in the strong acid reduction environment at low temperature and room temperature during the hydrothermal mineralization stage. Ilsemannite is the oxidation product, which can be further oxidized to molybdite.
Petrogenesis and Geological Significance of the Quartz Monzonites in the Jinling Area, Western Shandong Province
Authors: Zhang Zhao-Lu , Zhang Chao , Li Ye , Wang Lu-Yuan , Gao Ji-Lei , Ma Ming , Li Ya-Dong
Published: June 2022

Jinling complex pluton is a key part of the Mesozoic magmatic belt in the eastern North China Craton. However, its petrogenesis is still being debated. The Jinling complex, mainly composed of biotite diorites, hornblende diorite, augite diorites, (quartz) monzonites, and quartz diorites, is outcropped in Huashan and Heitieshan. This paper studies the zircon geochronology, zircon Hf isotope, and Sr-Nd-Pb isotope of quartz monzonites. The samples have high contents of Cr, Ni, V, Al2O3, Ba, Sr, and are enriched in LREEs, LILEs (K, Ba, Sr), depleted in HREEs, and HFSEs (Nb, Ta, Ti). The samples with captured zircons of ~2.5 Ga yield a weighted mean age of ~127 Ma, and the zircons have negative values of εHf(t) from −3.2 to −9.4 while the ratios of 208Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, 206Pb/204Pb 37.75~38.15, 15.41~15.43, 17.59~17.98, respectively. The ratios of Th/U are from 3.77 to 3.82, while the values of μ and ω are 9.18 and from 35.72 to 36.15. Meanwhile, the ratios of 87Sr/86Sr are higher than the ones of the mantle. Geochemical and isotopic features indicate that the quartz monzonites derived from the subcontinental lithospheric mantle that probably assimilated ancient NCC upper crust materials (~15–20%) during the magma ascent in a lithospheric extension setting.
Tailings Filtration Using Recessed Plate Filter Presses: Improving Filter Media Selection by Replicating the Abrasive Wear of Filter Media Caused by Falling Filter Cake after Cake Detachment
Authors: Fränkle Bernd , Morsch Patrick , Sok Thien , Gleiß Marco , Nirschl Hermann
Published: June 2022

Currently, the storage of ore processing residues is a major challenge in the mining industry. These tailings are increasingly filtered in advance of disposal using filter presses to make storage safer and to recover water effectively. However, the falling of the detached filter cakes between the individual filtration cycles results in the abrasive wear of the filter cloths at specific points of the chamber geometry and is a main reason for the necessity of a regular replacement. Improved filter media selection through abrasion testing replicating this specific load case increases plant economics by reducing the risk of unplanned downtimes. Therefore, this article explains a test procedure adapted to the direction-specific wear. A brush apparatus is presented, which abrasively loads filter fabrics stretched over an exchangeable edge geometry uniaxially in one direction. The effects of important apparatus setting parameters (sample clamping torque, brush overlap, and brush speed) are shown. Furthermore, the resistances of three different filter media typical for tailings filtration were compared and different edge geometries investigated. Thereby, significant differences were found with regard to filter media type, filter media material, and edge geometry. Depending on the edge geometry used, the polypropylene fabric withstands a load amount by a factor of 3.3 to 8.9 higher than the nonwoven polypropylene, the nylon fabric withstands a load amount by a factor of 3.6 to 5.3 higher than the polypropylene fabric and the nylon cloth withstands a load amount by a factor of 16.1 to 31.8 higher than the nonwoven polypropylene.
Molecular Environment Effects That Modulate the Photophysical Properties of Novel 1,3-Phosphinoamines Based on 2,1,3-Benzothiadiazole
Authors: Khisamov Radmir M. , Ryadun Alexey A. , Konchenko Sergey N. , Sukhikh Taisiya S.
Published: June 2022

We report synthesis, crystal structure, and photophysical properties of novel 1,3-phosphinoamines based on 4-amino-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (NH2-btd): Ph2PCH(Ph)NH-btd (1) and Ph2P(E)CH(Ph)NH-btd, (E = O (2α and 2β·thf), S (3), Se (4)). Chalcogenides 2–4 exhibit bright emissions with a major band at 519–536 nm and a minor band at 840 nm. According to TD-DFT calculations, the first band is attributed to fluorescence, while the second band corresponds to phosphorescence. In the solid state, room temperature quantum yield reaches 93% in the case of the sulphide. The compounds under study feature effects of the molecular environment on the luminescent properties, which manifest themselves in fluorosolvatochromism as well as in a luminescent response to changes in crystal packing and in contributions to aggregation effects. Specifically, transformation of solid 2β·thf to solvate-free 2β either by aging or by grinding causes crystal packing changes, and, as a result, a hypsochromic shift of the emission band. Polystyrene films doped with 2 reveal a bathochromic shift upon increasing the mass fraction from 0.2 to 3.3%, which is caused by molecular aggregation effects.
Stress Buffering and Longevity Effects of Amber Extract on Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans)
Authors: Somuah-Asante Sandra , Sakamoto Kazuichi
Published: June 2022

Amber is a fossilized tree resin historically used in wound healing and stress relief. Unfortunately, there is no concrete scientific evidence supporting such efficacy. Here, the stress buffering and longevity effect of Amber extract (AE) in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was investigated. Survival assays, health span assays, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Stress biomarker detection assays, Green Fluorescence Proteins (GFP), Real Time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and C. elegans mutants were employed to investigate the stress buffering and longevity effect of AE. In the study, it was observed that AE supplementation improved health span and survival in both normal and stressed worms. Additionally, AE positively regulated stress hormones (cortisol, oxytocin, and dopamine) and decreased fat and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Through the Insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway, AE enhanced the nuclear localization of DAF-16 and the expression of heat shock proteins and antioxidant genes in GFP-tagged worms and at messenger RNA levels. Finally, AE failed to increase the survival of daf-16, daf-2, skn-1 and hsf-1 loss-of-function mutants, confirming the involvement of the IIS pathway. Evidently, AE supplementation relieves stress and enhances longevity. Thus, amber may be a potent nutraceutical for stress relief.
Tuning the Intramolecular Chemiexcitation of Neutral Dioxetanones by Interaction with Ionic Species
Authors: Magalhães Carla M. , Esteves da Silva Joaquim C. G. , Pinto da Silva Luís
Published: June 2022

The intramolecular chemiexcitation of high-energy peroxide intermediates, such as dioxetanones, is an essential step in different chemi- and bioluminescent reactions. Here, we employed the Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) methodology to evaluate if and how external stimuli tune the intramolecular chemiexcitation of model dioxetanones. More specifically, we evaluated whether the strategic placement of ionic species near a neutral dioxetanone model could tune its thermolysis and chemiexcitation profile. We found that these ionic species allow for the “dark” catalysis of the thermolysis reaction by reducing the activation barrier to values low enough to be compatible with efficient chemi- and bioluminescent reactions. Furthermore, while the inclusion of these species negatively affected the chemiexcitation profile compared with neutral dioxetanones, these profiles appear to be at least as efficient as anionic dioxetanones. Thus, our results demonstrated that the intramolecular chemiexcitation of neutral dioxetanones can be tuned by external stimuli in such a way that their activation barriers are decreased. Thus, these results could help to reconcile findings that neutral dioxetanones could be responsible for efficient chemi-/bioluminescence, while being typically associated with high activation parameters.