bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water Behavior of Aerogels Obtained from Chemically Modified Potato Starches during Hydration
Authors: Le Thanh-Blicharz Joanna , Lewandowicz Jacek , Małyszek Zuzanna , Kowalczewski Przemysław Łukasz , Walkowiak Katarzyna , Masewicz Łukasz , Baranowska Hanna Maria
Published: November 2021

Aerogels are highly porous materials that are prepared by removing water held within a hydrogel in a manner that maintains the three-dimensional structure of the gel. Recently, there has been much interest in the preparation of aerogels from biopolymers, including starch. The applicability of native starches in the food industry is partially limited; therefore, the functional properties of starch are often improved by means of physical and/or chemical modification. The aim of the work was the analysis of molecular dynamics and the transport of water in aerogels obtained from native and chemically modified potato starches of the normal and waxy variety. Chemical modification with OSA (E 1450) as well as cross-linking with adipic anhydrite and acetylation (E 1422) had no significant impact on the hydration of potato starch aerogels as well as equilibrium water activity. The introduction of chemical moieties into starch macromolecules led to the improved binding of water by the biopolymer matrix; this was especially evident in the case of waxy starch derivatives. A increase in the amylopectin-to-amylose ratio of starch used for production of aerogels resulted in a decrease of equilibrium water activity along with spin-lattice relaxation time.
Exploring Chinese Consumers’ Online Purchase Intentions toward Certified Food Products during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Qi Xin , Tian Xu , Ploeger Angelika
Published: November 2021

The outbreak of COVID-19 has significantly increased consumers’ demands for online groceries, as well as healthy, safe, and better-quality food products. In China, certified food products are commonly perceived as safe and good-quality products. Therefore, this study investigated potential factors that influenced Chinese consumers’ online shopping intentions toward certified food during the COVID-19 crisis. An integrated model was proposed by combining the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) with the impact of COVID-19 (IOC). The empirical results of structural equation modelling analysis with 491 usable responses revealed that the proposed model showed a good model fit and satisfactory explanatory power (R2 = 53%) regarding consumers’ certified online food shopping intentions during the pandemic. The path analysis demonstrated that attitude, perceived behavioural control, perceived usefulness (PU), and IOC significantly affected consumers’ online purchase intentions of certified food. PU and perceived ease of use (PEOU) were important drivers of attitudes, and PEOU significantly influenced PU. Moreover, the IOC was significantly related to most factors, except subjective norms. These findings can be useful for detecting changes in consumer behaviour, and providing suitable strategic implications for stakeholders in the Chinese certified food sector during the current and post-pandemic eras.
The Individual Differences in the Perception of Oral Chemesthesis Are Linked to Taste Sensitivity
Authors: Roukka Sulo , Puputti Sari , Aisala Heikki , Hoppu Ulla , Seppä Laila , Sandell Mari A.
Published: November 2021

Chemesthesis is a part of the flavor experience of foods. Chemesthetic perception is studied to understand its effect on food-related behavior and health. Thus, the objective of this research was to study individual differences in chemesthetic perception. Our study involved sensory tests of three chemesthetic modalities (astringency, pungency, and cooling). Participants (N = 196) evaluated the intensity of samples in different concentrations using a line scale under sensory laboratory conditions. Aluminum ammonium sulfate, capsaicin, and menthol were used as the prototypic chemesthetic compounds. The participants were divided into sensitivity groups in different chemesthetic modalities by hierarchical clustering based on their intensity ratings. In addition, an oral chemesthesis sensitivity score was determined to represent the generalized chemesthesis sensitivity. The results showed that people can perceive chemesthesis on different intensity levels. There were significantly positive correlations between (1) sensitivity scores for oral chemesthesis and taste as well as (2) each chemesthesis and taste modalities. Moreover, based on the multinomial logistic regression model, significant interactions between oral chemesthesis and taste sensitivity were discovered. Our findings showed that people can be classified into different oral chemesthesis sensitivity groups. The methods and results of this study can be utilized to investigate associations with food-related behavior and health.
Bent It Like FRs: Extended Radio AGN in the COSMOS Field and Their Large-Scale Environment
Authors: Vardoulaki Eleni , Vazza Franco , Jiménez-Andrade Eric F. , Gozaliasl Ghassem , Finoguenov Alexis , Wittor Denis
Published: November 2021

A fascinating topic in radio astronomy is how to associate the complexity of observed radio structures with their environment in order to understand their interplay and the reason for the plethora of radio structures found in surveys. In this project, we explore the distortion of the radio structure of Fanaroff–Riley (FR)-type radio sources in the VLA-COSMOS Large Project at 3 GHz and relate it to their large-scale environment. We quantify the distortion by using the angle formed between the jets/lobes of two-sided FRs, namely bent angle (BA). Our sample includes 108 objects in the redshift range 0.08<z<3, which we cross-correlate to a wide range of large-scale environments (X-ray galaxy groups, density fields, and cosmic web probes) in the COSMOS field. The median BA of FRs in COSMOS at zmed∼0.9 is 167.5−37.5+11.5 degrees. We do not find significant correlations between BA and large-scale environments within COSMOS covering scales from a few kpc to several hundred Mpc, nor between BA and host properties. Finally, we compare our observational data to magnetohydrodynamical (MHD) adaptive-mesh simulations ENZO-MHD of two FR sources at z = 0.5 and at z = 1. Although the scatter in BA of the observed data is large, we see an agreement between observations and simulations in the bent angles of FRs, following a mild redshift evolution with BA. We conclude that, for a given object, the dominant mechanism affecting the radio structures of FRs could be the evolution of the ambient medium, where higher densities of the intergalactic medium at lower redshifts as probed by our study allow more space for jet interactions.
Bound on Photon Circular Orbits in General Relativity and Beyond
Authors: Chakraborty Sumanta
Published: November 2021

The existence of a photon circular orbit can tell us a lot about the nature of the underlying spacetime, since it plays a pivotal role in the understanding of the characteristic signatures of compact objects, namely the quasi-normal modes and shadow radius. For this purpose, determination of the location of the photon circular orbit is of utmost importance. In this work, we derive bounds on the location of the photon circular orbit around compact objects within the purview of general relativity and beyond. As we have explicitly demonstrated, contrary to the earlier results in the context of general relativity, the bound on the location of the photon circular orbit is not necessarily an upper bound. Depending on the matter content, it is possible to arrive at a lower bound as well. This has interesting implications for the quasi-normal modes and shadow radius, the two key observables related to the strong field tests of gravity. Besides discussing the bound for higher dimensional general relativity, we have also considered how the bound on the photon circular orbits gets modified in the braneworld scenario, for pure Lovelock and general Lovelock theories of gravity. Implications of these results for compact objects were also discussed.
Lean Yet Unhealthy: Asian American Adults Had Higher Risks for Metabolic Syndrome than Non-Hispanic White Adults with the Same Body Mass Index: Evidence from NHANES 2011–2016
Authors: Zhu Lin , Yang Wei J. , Spence Cody B. , Bhimla Aisha , Ma Grace X.
Published: November 2021

(1) Background: Despite having consistently lower rates of obesity than other ethnic groups, Asian Americans (AAs) are more likely to be identified as metabolically obese, suggesting an ethnic-specific association between BMI and cardiometabolic outcomes. The goal of this study was to provide an estimate of metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence among AAs using national survey data and to compare this rate to that of non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs) over the BMI continuum. (2) Methods: Using the NHANES 2011–2016 data, we computed age-adjusted, gender-specific prevalence of MetS and its individual components for three BMI categories. Furthermore, we conducted multivariate binary logistic regression to examine the risk of MetS in AAs compared to NHWs, controlling for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. The analysis sample consisted of 2121 AAs and 6318 NHWs. (3) Results: Among AAs, the prevalence of MetS and its components increased with higher BMI levels, with overall prevalence being 5.23% for BMI < 23, 38.23% for BMI of 23–27.4, and 77.68% for BMI ≥ 27.5 in men; and 18.61% for BMI < 23, 47.82% for BMI of 23–27.4, and 67.73% for BMI ≥ 27.5 in women. We also found that for those with a BMI > 23, AAs had a higher predicted risk of MetS than their NHW counterparts of the same BMI level, in both men and women. (4) Conclusions: Our findings support the use of lower BMI ranges for defining overweight and obesity in Asian populations, which would allow for earlier and more appropriate screening for MetS and may better facilitate prevention efforts.
Surgical versus Nonsurgical Multimodality Treatment in an Idiopathic Frozen Shoulder: A Retrospective Study of Clinical and Functional Outcomes
Authors: Satora Wojciech , Brzóska Roman , Prill Robert , Reichert Paweł , Oleksy Łukasz , Mika Anna , Królikowska Aleksandra
Published: November 2021

This retrospective study compared the clinical and functional outcomes of patients diagnosed with an idiopathic frozen shoulder with symptom onset of a maximum of six months, treated by arthroscopic capsular release followed by corticosteroid injection and physiotherapy to patients who received only corticosteroid injection followed by physiotherapy. The patients who underwent arthroscopic capsular release, intraoperative corticosteroid injection, and physiotherapy (Group I, n = 30) or received only corticosteroids injection and physiotherapy (Group II, n = 29) were examined in terms of shoulder range of motion (ROM), pain intensity, and function before a given treatment and three, six, and twelve months later. The groups were comparable pre-treatment in terms of ROM, pain, and functional outcome. Group I had statistically and clinically significantly better ROM and function at three and six months post-treatment than Group II. Despite being statistically significant, the between-group differences at twelve-month follow-up in ROM and function were too small to be considered clinically notable. The between-group comparison of pain revealed no significant differences at any post-treatment point of time. The early arthroscopic capsular release preceding corticosteroid injection and physiotherapy seemed more effective at three- and six-month follow-up; however, it brought a comparable result to corticosteroid injection and subsequent physiotherapy at twelve months follow-up.
Circulating p16-Positive and p16-Negative Tumor Cells Serve as Independent Prognostic Indicators of Survival in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Chang Pei-Hung , Wang Hung-Ming , Kuo Yung-Chia , Lee Li-Yu , Liao Chia-Jung , Kuo Hsuan-Chih , Hsu Cheng-Lung , Liao Chun-Ta , Lin Sanger Hung-Chi , Huang Pei-Wei , Wu Tyler Min-Hsien , Hsieh Jason Chia-Hsun
Published: November 2021

Background: Decisions regarding the staging, prognosis, and treatment of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are made after determining their p16 expression levels and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection status. Methods: We investigated the prognostic roles of p16-positive and p16-negative circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and their cell counts in HNSCC patients. We enrolled patients with locally advanced HNSCCs who received definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy for final analysis. We performed CTC testing and p16 expression analysis before chemoradiotherapy. We analyzed the correlation between p16-positive and p16-negative CTCs and HPV genotyping, tissue p16 expression status, response to chemoradiotherapy, disease-free survival, and overall survival. Results: Forty-one patients who fulfilled the study criteria were prospectively enrolled for final analysis. The detection rates of p16-positive (>0 cells/mL blood) and p16-negative (≥3 cells/mL blood) CTCs were 51.2% (n = 21/41) and 70.7%, respectively. The best responses of chemoradiotherapy and the p16 positivity of CTCs are independent prognostic factors of disease progression, with hazard ratios of 1.738 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.031–2.927), 5.497 (95% CI: 1.818–16.615), and 0.176 (95% CI: 0.056–0.554), respectively. The p16 positivity of CTCs was a prognostic factor for cancer death, with a hazard ratio of 0.294 (95% CI: 0.102–0.852). Conclusions: The p16-positive and p16-negative CTCs could predict outcomes in HNSCC patients receiving definitive chemoradiotherapy. This non-invasive CTC test could help stratify the risk and prognosis before chemoradiotherapy in clinical practice and enable us to perform de-intensifying therapies.
Impact of Asthma on Plantar Pressures in a Sample of Adult Patients: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Painceira-Villar Roi , García-Paz Vanesa , Becerro de Bengoa-Vallejo Ricardo , Losa-Iglesias Marta Elena , López-López Daniel , Martiniano João , Pereiro-Buceta Héctor , Martínez-Jiménez Eva María , Calvo-Lobo Cesar
Published: November 2021

Based on the high prevalence of asthma in the population, and its relationship with various musculoskeletal and postural disorders, the aim of this study was to evaluate the plantar pressures in asthmatic patients compared to a control group. A case-control study involving 90 participants was conducted, consisting of 45 asthma patients and 45 healthy paired controls. Static plantar pressure data were recorded using a portable pressure sensor platform. Statistically significant differences were shown in the body weight on the left heel (p = 0.031), and the right forefoot maximum peak pressure was lower in the case group (p = 0.042). The findings of this study show alterations in static plantar pressures in asthmatic patients compared to healthy individuals. Specifically, the subjects with asthma showed less maximum pressure in the right forefoot and less weight on the left heel, which appear to be associated with the asthma disease.
Interaction of Alcohol Consumption and ABCG2 rs2231142 Variant Contributes to Hyperuricemia in a Taiwanese Population
Authors: Chen I-Chieh , Chen Yen-Ju , Chen Yi-Ming , Lin Hsueh-Ju , Lin Ying-Cheng , Chagn Jui-Chun , Chen Pei-Chun , Lin Ching-Heng
Published: November 2021

Background: ABCG2 rs2231142 is an important genetic factor that contributes to the development of gout and hyperuricemia (HUA). Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that lifestyle risk factors of HUA (e.g., alcohol consumption) and genetic predisposition (e.g., ABCG2 gene) together, contribute to enhanced serum uric acid levels. However, the interaction between ABCG2 rs2231142, alcohol consumption, and HUA in the Taiwanese population is still unclear. Therefore, this study investigated whether the risk of HUA is associated with ABCG2 rs2231142 variants and how this is affected by alcohol consumption. Method: study subjects were selected from the participants of the Taiwan Biobank database. Overall, 114,540 participants aged 30 to 70 years were enrolled in this study. The interaction between ABCG2 rs2231142, alcohol consumption, and serum uric acid (sUA) levels was analyzed by multiple logistic regression models. Results: the prevalence of HUA was 32.7% and 4.4 % in the male and female populations, respectively. In the whole study population, the minor T allele of ABCG2 rs2231142 was significantly associated with HUA risk, and the occurrence of HUA was high in TT genotype and TG genotype. The risk of HUA was significantly increased by the combined association of ABCG2 rs2231142 and alcohol consumption for TG/TT genotype compared to the GG genotype (wild-type genotype), especially among women. Conclusion: the ABCG2 rs2231142 is a crucial genetic locus for sUA levels in the Taiwanese population and our findings revealed that alcohol consumption combined with the ABCG2 rs2231142 risk allele contributes to increased HUA risk.
Research on Green Innovation of the Great Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan City Group Based on Network
Authors: Wang Lu , Ye Wenzhong , Chen Lingming
Published: November 2021

This article aims to promote the high-quality development of the Great Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan City Group and improve the green innovation efficiency of urban agglomeration. This article takes green innovation in networked urban agglomerations as its research subject. Furthermore, it analyzes the impact of network structure characteristics such as network scale and network structure hole on green innovation in urban agglomerations. Moreover, this study uses the unexpected output SBM model to measure green innovation efficiency of the eight prefecture-level cities in the Great Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan City Group from 2012 to 2018 and analyzes its influencing factors using the panel Tobit model. The results show that the overall green innovation efficiency of the Great Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan City Group is stable. The distribution of urban green innovation efficiency in the region is characterized by urban gradient and mid-stream drive. In the process of networked innovation, economic development, which has a positive impact on green innovation, promotes the overall effectiveness of the network structure. The low efficiency of urban educational resources, which has a negative impact on green innovation, leads to the redundancy of a network scale. The unapparent advantage of industrial structures, which have a negative impact on the development of green innovation, leads to the insufficient depth and breadth of network openness. Lastly, government support and the level of infrastructure have no impact on green innovation.
Quantifying Cereal Productivity on Sandy Soil in Response to Some Soil-Improving Cropping Systems
Authors: Lipiec Jerzy , Usowicz Bogusław
Published: November 2021

Little information is available on the effect of soil-improving cropping systems (SICS) on crop productivity on low fertility sandy soils although they are increasingly being used in agriculture in many regions of the world due to the growing demand for food. The study aimed at quantifying the effect of four soil-improving cropping systems applied on sandy soil on cereal productivity (yield of grain and straw and plant height) in a 4-year field experiment conducted in Poland with spring cereal crops: oat (2017), wheat (2018), wheat (2019), and oat (2020). The experiment included the control (C) and the following SICS: liming (L), leguminous catch crops for green manure (LU), farmyard manure (M), and farmyard manure + liming + leguminous catch crops for green manure together (M + L + LU). To quantify the effect of the SICS, classic statistics and the Bland–Altman method were used. It was shown that all yield trait components significantly increased in the last study year (2020) under SICS with M and M + L + LU. All yield trait components were significantly lower in the dry years (2018–2019) than in the wet years (2017 and 2020). The relatively large rainfall quantity in May during intensive growth at shooting and the scarce precipitation during later growth in the dry year 2019 resulted in a significantly greater straw yield compared to the other dry year 2018. The values of Bland–Altman bias (mean difference between the particular SICS and the control) varied (in kg m−2) from −0.002 for LU in 2019 to 0.128 for M and 0.132 for M + L + LU in 2020. The highest limits of agreement (LoA) were in general noted for all yield trait components (the least even yield) in the most productive SICS including M and M + L + LU in the wet year 2020. The Bland–Altman ratio (BAR) values indicate that quantification of the effects of all soil-improving practices was most uncertain in the dry year 2018 for the grain yield and in the wet year 2020 for the straw yield and much less uncertain for the plant height in all SICS and study years. The results of this study provide helpful information about the effect of the SICS on the different yield trait components depending on the period of their application and weather conditions prevailing during the growing season.
Air Quality and the Spatial-Temporal Differentiation of Mechanisms Underlying Chinese Urban Human Settlements
Authors: Li Xueming , Li Songbo , Tian Shenzhen , Guan Yingying , Liu He
Published: November 2021

Urban air has its typical structural characteristics. With the continuous optimization of urban human settlement indicators, the key issue and single system of “air quality” in urban human settlements needs to be further discussed. Based on air conditions, this paper attempts to visually measure the spatial-temporal distribution of human settlements in 283 prefecture-level cities in China using ArcGIS and Matlab and tries to reveal the influencing mechanisms: (1) There is no significant difference between the average of the comprehensive score of human settlements in 6 years. The overall level of those in all cities decreases from 0.6581 to 0.6004 year by year, and the average level order in the seven regions of China is Southern China (0.7310) > Southwest China (0.6608) > East China (0.6515) > Northeast China (0.6496) > Northwest China (0.6049)> Central China (0.5901) > North China (0.5565). (2) The global Moran’s I index of China’s human settlements is between 0.3750–0.7345, showing a positive spatial correlation, and the comprehensive development level has the characteristics of local spatial convergence of low-value clusters in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River and high-value clusters in the south coast and Heilongjiang Province. (3) The spatial econometric model tests the influencing mechanism. There is a significant spatial positive correlation between science and technology investment in each city. The urbanization rate, the degree of advanced industrial structure, and the urban average elevation have a certain spatial spillover, showing a negative correlation. Science and technology investment and the degree of advanced industrial structure have the greatest impact.
Changes in the Country and Their Impact on Topographic Data of Agricultural Land—A Case Study of Slovakia
Authors: Kuzevicova Zofia , Bobikova Diana , Kuzevic Stefan , Khouri Samer
Published: November 2021

Due to natural phenomena as well as human activities, changes are occurring in land use. Techniques and environment GIS have made it possible to process large amounts of data from various sources. In Slovakia, mapping of topography and elevation is being carried out as part of the elaboration of land readjustment projects. This is also a starting point for updating estimated pedologic-ecological units (EPEUs). Therefore, it is necessary to make efforts to harmonize the real state of the country with the data stored in the EPEU database, which are the basis for spatial analyses in the country and the creation of price maps. The EPEU system was built in the 1970s; however, only after 1990, due to changes in ownership and user conditions of the land, did it begin to seriously address the issue of updating data. This study examines selected sources of altimetry data, especially airborne laser scanning (ALS), and their potential role in processing purpose maps and harmonizing boundary curves and slope and exposure characteristics at a stable 5-position EPEU local code. Based on the obtained results, the use of ALS data and the Digital Terrain Model (DTM) derived from them may lead to the streamlining of some processes in terms of planning and decision-making regarding land use, even outside the context of the ongoing land reforms in the Slovak Republic.
Enzymatic Degumming of Rice Bran Oil Using Different Commercial Phospholipases and Their Cocktails
Authors: Rodrigues Mayara S. , Dos Passos Rafaela M. , Pontes Paula V. de A. , Ferreira Marcela C. , Meirelles Antonio J. A. , Stevens Christian V. , Maximo Guilherme J. , Sampaio Klicia A.
Published: November 2021

Rice bran oil is a highly nutritious vegetable oil, as it is rich in tocols and γ-oryzanol. Degumming is the first step in the vegetable oil refining process, and its main objective is the removal of phospholipids or gums. In the present study, enzymatic degumming trials were performed on crude rice bran oil using the phospholipases PLA1, Purifine® PLC, their mixture (PLA1/PLC), and a cocktail known as Purifine® 3G. Enzymatic degumming applying 50 mg/kg of PLA1 for 120 min resulted in a residual phosphorus content of 10.4 mg/kg and an absolute free fatty acid increase of 0.30%. Enzymatic degumming applying 300 mg/kg of Purifine® PLC for 120 min at 60 °C resulted in a residual phosphorus content of 67 mg/kg and an absolute diacylglycerol increase of 0.41%. The mixture of phospholipases and the cocktail presented approximately 5 mg/kg of residual phosphorus content after the reaction times. For all degumming processes, the preservation of minor components such as tocols and γ-oryzanol were observed. These results indicate that the use of enzyme mixtures or their cocktails to attain low phosphorus content and high diacylglycerol/free fatty acid conversion during enzymatic degumming is a viable alternative.
Cloning, Expression and Characterization of UDP-Glucose Dehydrogenases
Authors: Couto Márcia R. , Rodrigues Joana L. , Rodrigues Lígia R.
Published: November 2021

Uridine diphosphate-glucose dehydrogenase (UGD) is an enzyme that produces uridine diphosphate-glucuronic acid (UDP-GlcA), which is an intermediate in glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) production pathways. GAGs are generally extracted from animal tissues. Efforts to produce GAGs in a safer way have been conducted by constructing artificial biosynthetic pathways in heterologous microbial hosts. This work characterizes novel enzymes with potential for UDP-GlcA biotechnological production. The UGD enzymes from Zymomonas mobilis (ZmUGD) and from Lactobacillus johnsonii (LbjUGD) were expressed in Escherichia coli. These two enzymes and an additional eukaryotic one from Capra hircus (ChUGD) were also expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. The three enzymes herein studied represent different UGD phylogenetic groups. The UGD activity was evaluated through UDP-GlcA quantification in vivo and after in vitro reactions. Engineered E. coli strains expressing ZmUGD and LbjUGD were able to produce in vivo 28.4 µM and 14.9 µM UDP-GlcA, respectively. Using S. cerevisiae as the expression host, the highest in vivo UDP-GlcA production was obtained for the strain CEN.PK2-1C expressing ZmUGD (17.9 µM) or ChUGD (14.6 µM). Regarding the in vitro assays, under the optimal conditions, E. coli cell extract containing LbjUGD was able to produce about 1800 µM, while ZmUGD produced 407 µM UDP-GlcA, after 1 h of reaction. Using engineered yeasts, the in vitro production of UDP-GlcA reached a maximum of 533 µM using S. cerevisiae CEN.PK2-1C_pSP-GM_LbjUGD cell extract. The UGD enzymes were active in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic hosts, therefore the genes and expression chassis herein used can be valuable alternatives for further industrial applications.
Effect of Grain Refiner on Fracture Toughness of 7050 Ingot and Plate
Authors: Yu Fang , Wang Xiangjie , Huang Tongjian , Chao Daiyi
Published: November 2021

In this paper, two types of grain refining alloys, Al-3Ti-0.15C and Al-5Ti-0.2B, were used to cast two types of 7050 rolling ingots. The effect of Al-3Ti-0.15C and Al-5Ti-0.2B grain refiners on fracture toughness in different directions for 7050 ingots after heat treatment and 7050-T7651 plates was investigated using optical electron microscopy (OEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanical properties testing included both tensile and plane strain fracture toughness (KIC). The grain size was measured from the surface to the center of the 7050 ingots with two different grain refiners. The fracture surface was analyzed by SEM and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The experiments showed the grain size from edge to center was reduced in 7050 ingots with both the TiC and TiB refiners, and the grain size was larger for ingots with the Al-3Ti-0.15C grain refiner at the same position. The tensile properties of 7050 ingots after heat treatment with Al-3Ti-0.15C grain refiner were 1–2 MPa lower than the ingot with the Al-5Ti-0.2B grain refiner. For the 7050-T7651 100 mm thick plate with the Al-3Ti-0.15C grain refiner, for the L direction, the tensile properties were lower by about 10~15 MPa; for the plate with the Al-3Ti-0.15C refiner than plate with Al-5Ti-0.2B refiner, for the LT direction, the tensile properties were lower by about 13–18 MPa; and for the ST direction, they were lower by about 8–10 MPa compared to that of Al-5Ti-0.2B refiner. The fracture toughness of the 7050-T7651 plate produced using the Al-3Ti-0.15C ingot was approximately 2–6 MPa · m higher than the plate produced from the Al-5Ti-0.2B ingot. Fractography of the failed fracture toughness specimens revealed that the path of crack propagation of the 7050 ingot after heat treatment produced from the Al-3Ti-0.15C grain refiner was more tortuous than in the ingot produced from the Al-5Ti-0.2B, which resulted in higher fracture toughness.
A Comparison of the Probes with a Cantilever Beam and a Double-Sided Beam in the Tool Edge Profiler for On-Machine Measurement of a Precision Cutting Tool
Authors: Wen Bo , Sekine Sho , Osawa Shinichi , Shimizu Yuki , Matsukuma Hiraku , Archenti Andreas , Gao Wei
Published: November 2021

This paper describes a comparison of the mechanical structures (a double-sided beam and a cantilever beam) of a probe in a tool edge profiler for the measurement of a micro-cutting tool. The tool edge profiler consists of a positioning unit having a pair of one-axis DC servo motor stages and a probe unit having a laser displacement sensor and a probe composed of a stylus and a mechanical beam; on-machine measurement of a tool cutting edge can be conducted with a low contact force through measuring the deformation of the probe by the laser displacement sensor while monitoring the tool position. Meanwhile, the mechanical structure of the probe could affect the performance of measurement of the edge profile of a precision cutting tool. In this paper, the measurement principle of the tool edge profile is firstly introduced; after that, slopes and a top-flat of a cutting tool sample are measured by using a cantilever-type probe and a double-sided beam-type probe, respectively. The measurement performances of the two probes are compared through experiments and theoretical measurement uncertainty analysis.
Functional Form of Nonmanipulable Social Choice Functions with Two Alternatives
Authors: De Simone Anna , Tarantino Ciro
Published: November 2021

We propose a new functional form characterization of binary nonmanipulable social choice functions on a universal domain and an arbitrary, possibly infinite, set of agents. In order to achieve this, we considered the more general case of two-valued social choice functions and describe the structure of the family consisting of groups of agents having no power to determine the values of a nonmanipulable social choice function. With the help of such a structure, we introduce a class of functions that we call powerless revealing social choice functions and show that the binary nonmanipulable social choice functions are the powerless revealing ones.
Correlation between Fractal Dimension and Areal Surface Parameters for Fracture Analysis after Bending-Torsion Fatigue
Authors: Macek Wojciech
Published: November 2021

This paper investigates the fracture surface topography of two steel and aluminum alloys subject to bending-torsion fatigue loadings, as well as their susceptibility to fatigue performance and failure mechanisms. Using fracture surface topography data analysis, elements with different geometries were elaborated. A correlation between the fractal dimension, other selected parameters of surface topography such as areal Sx, and fatigue loading conditions was found. Distinctions in particular regions of cracks were also recognized through proving the correctness and universality of the total fracture surface method. The influence of fatigue loading parameters on the surface topography of fatigue fractures was demonstrated. For the analyzed cases, results show that the fractal dimension and standard surface topography parameters represent a correlation between them and loading conditions. As a single parameter, the appropriate loading ratio cannot be outright calculated with fractal dimension, but can be estimated with some approximation, taking into account additional assumptions.
Dynamic Effect of Operational Regulation on the Mesophilic BioMethanation of Grape Marc
Authors: Kassongo Josue , Shahsavari Esmaeil , Ball Andrew S.
Published: November 2021

Wine production annually generates an estimated 11 million metric tonnes of grape marc (GM) worldwide. The diversion of this organic waste away from landfill and towards its use in the generation of renewable energy has been investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of operational parameters relating to the treatment regime and inoculum source in the extraction of methane from GM under unmixed anaerobic conditions at 35 °C. The study entailed the recirculation of a previously acclimated sludge (120 days) as downstream inoculum, an increased loading volume (1.3 kg) and a low substrate-to-inoculum ratio (10:3 SIR). The results showed that an incorporation of accessible operational controls can effectively enhance cumulative methane yield (0.145 m3 CH4 kg−1 VS), corresponding to higher amounts of digestible organics converted. The calculated average volumetric methane productivity equalled 0.8802 L CH4 LWork−1 d−1 over 33.6 days whilst moderate pollutant removal (43.50% COD removal efficiency) was achieved. Molecular analyses identified Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla as core organisms for hydrolytic and fermentative stages in trophic relationships with terminal electron acceptors from the methane-producing Methanosarcina genus. Economic projections established that the cost-effective operational enhancements were sustainable for valorisation from grape marc by existing wineries and distilleries.
Microscopic Kinetics in Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Exposed to a Single Ultra-Short XUV/X-ray Laser Pulse
Authors: Medvedev Nikita , Chalupský Jaromír , Juha Libor
Published: November 2021

We study the behavior of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) exposed to femtosecond pulses of extreme ultraviolet and X-ray laser radiation in the single-shot damage regime. The employed microscopic simulation traces induced electron cascades, the thermal energy exchange of electrons with atoms, nonthermal modification of the interatomic potential, and a triggered atomic response. We identify that the nonthermal hydrogen decoupling triggers ultrafast fragmentation of PMMA strains at the absorbed threshold dose of ~0.07 eV/atom. At higher doses, more hydrogen atoms detach from their parental molecules, which, at the dose of ~0.5 eV/atom, leads to a complete separation of hydrogens from carbon and oxygen atoms and fragmentation of MMA molecules. At the dose of ~0.7 eV/atom, the band gap completely collapses indicating that a metallic liquid is formed with complete atomic disorder. An estimated single-shot ablation threshold and a crater depth as functions of fluence agree well with the experimental data collected.
Non-C2-Symmetric Bis-Benzimidazolium Salt Applied in the Synthesis of Sterically Hindered Biaryls
Authors: Chen Yen-Hsin , Huang Shu-Jyun , Hsu Tung-Yu , Hung Pei-Yu , Wei Ting-Rong , Lee Dong-Sheng , Lu Ta-Jung
Published: November 2021

A novel non-C2-symmetric bis-benzimidazolium salt derived from (±)-valinol has been prepared by a simple and straightforward process in good yield. The structure of bis-benzimidazolium salt provided a bulky steric group on the ethylene bridge; which facilitates the catalytic efficacy in the C(sp2)–C(sp2) formation. Its catalytic activity in Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction of unactivated aryl chlorides has been found to have high efficacy in 1 mol% Pd loading. This protocol demonstrated the potential on the synthesis of sterically hindered biaryls.
Chromane Derivatives from Underground Parts of Iris tenuifolia and Their In Vitro Antimicrobial, Cytotoxicity and Antiproliferative Evaluation
Authors: Otgon Oldokh , Nadmid Suvd , Paetz Christian , Dahse Hans-Martin , Voigt Kerstin , Bartram Stefan , Boland Wilhelm , Dagvadorj Enkhmaa
Published: November 2021

Phytochemical investigation of the ethanol extract of underground parts of Iris tenuifolia Pall. afforded five new compounds; an unusual macrolide termed moniristenulide (1), 5-methoxy-6,7-methylenedioxy-4-O-2′-cycloflavan (2), 5,7,2′,3′-tetrahydroxyflavanone (3), 5-hydroxy-6,7-dimethoxyisoflavone-2′-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (9), 5,2′,3′-dihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxyisoflavone (10), along with seven known compounds (4–8, 11–12). The structures of all purified compounds were established by analysis of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and HR-ESI-MS. The antimicrobial activity of the compounds 1–3, 5, 9, and 10 was investigated using the agar diffusion method against fungi, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In consequence, new compound 3 was found to possess the highest antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis VRE and Mycobacterium vaccae. Cell proliferation and cytotoxicity tests were also applied on all isolated compounds and plant crude extract in vitro with the result of potent inhibitory effect against leukemia cells. In particular, the newly discovered isoflavone 10 was active against both of the leukemia cells K-562 and THP-1 while 4–6 of the flavanone type compounds were active against only THP-1.
Mouse Acidic Chitinase Effectively Degrades Random-Type Chitosan to Chitooligosaccharides of Variable Lengths under Stomach and Lung Tissue pH Conditions
Authors: Wakita Satoshi , Sugahara Yasusato , Nakamura Masayuki , Kobayashi Syunsuke , Matsuda Kazuhisa , Takasaki Chinatsu , Kimura Masahiro , Kida Yuta , Uehara Maiko , Tabata Eri , Hiraoka Koji , Seki Shiro , Matoska Vaclav , Bauer Peter O. , Oyama Fumitaka
Published: November 2021

Chitooligosaccharides exhibit several biomedical activities, such as inflammation and tumorigenesis reduction in mammals. The mechanism of the chitooligosaccharides’ formation in vivo has been, however, poorly understood. Here we report that mouse acidic chitinase (Chia), which is widely expressed in mouse tissues, can produce chitooligosaccharides from deacetylated chitin (chitosan) at pH levels corresponding to stomach and lung tissues. Chia degraded chitin to produce N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (GlcNAc) dimers. The block-type chitosan (heterogenous deacetylation) is soluble at pH 2.0 (optimal condition for mouse Chia) and was degraded into chitooligosaccharides with various sizes ranging from di- to nonamers. The random-type chitosan (homogenous deacetylation) is soluble in water that enables us to examine its degradation at pH 2.0, 5.0, and 7.0. Incubation of these substrates with Chia resulted in the more efficient production of chitooligosaccharides with more variable sizes was from random-type chitosan than from the block-type form of the molecule. The data presented here indicate that Chia digests chitosan acquired by homogenous deacetylation of chitin in vitro and in vivo. The degradation products may then influence different physiological or pathological processes. Our results also suggest that bioactive chitooligosaccharides can be obtained conveniently using homogenously deacetylated chitosan and Chia for various biomedical applications.
Evaluating Feasibility of Human Tissue Engineered Respiratory Epithelium Construct as a Potential Model for Tracheal Mucosal Reconstruction
Authors: Mohd Yunus Mohd Heikal , Rashidbenam Zahra , Fauzi Mh Busra , Bt Hj Idrus Ruszymah , Bin Saim Aminuddin
Published: November 2021

The normal function of the airway epithelium is vital for the host’s well-being. Conditions that might compromise the structure and functionality of the airway epithelium include congenital tracheal anomalies, infection, trauma and post-intubation injuries. Recently, the onset of COVID-19 and its complications in managing respiratory failure further intensified the need for tracheal tissue replacement. Thus far, plenty of naturally derived, synthetic or allogeneic materials have been studied for their applicability in tracheal tissue replacement. However, a reliable tracheal replacement material is missing. Therefore, this study used a tissue engineering approach for constructing tracheal tissue. Human respiratory epithelial cells (RECs) were isolated from nasal turbinate, and the cells were incorporated into a calcium chloride-polymerized human blood plasma to form a human tissue respiratory epithelial construct (HTREC). The quality of HTREC in vitro, focusing on the cellular proliferation, differentiation and distribution of the RECs, was examined using histological, gene expression and immunocytochemical analysis. Histological analysis showed a homogenous distribution of RECs within the HTREC, with increased proliferation of the residing RECs within 4 days of investigation. Gene expression analysis revealed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in gene expression level of proliferative and respiratory epithelial-specific markers Ki67 and MUC5B, respectively, within 4 days of investigation. Immunohistochemical analysis also confirmed the expression of Ki67 and MUC5AC markers in residing RECs within the HTREC. The findings show that calcium chloride-polymerized human blood plasma is a suitable material, which supports viability, proliferation and mucin secreting phenotype of RECs, and this suggests that HTREC can be a potential candidate for respiratory epithelial tissue reconstruction.
Trial Proteomic Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of the Protein Matrix of Submandibular Sialoliths
Authors: Czaplewska Paulina , Bogucka Aleksandra E. , Musiał Natalia , Tretiakow Dmitry , Skorek Andrzej , Stodulski Dominik
Published: November 2021

Our studies aimed to explore the protein components of the matrix of human submandibular gland sialoliths. A qualitative analysis was carried out based on the filter aided sample preparation (FASP) methodology. In the protein extraction process, we evaluated the applicability of the standard demineralization step and the use of a lysis buffer containing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and dithiothreitol (DTT). The analysis of fragmentation spectra based on the human database allowed for the identification of 254 human proteins present in the deposits. In addition, the use of multi-round search in the PEAKS Studio program against the bacterial base allowed for the identification of 393 proteins of bacterial origin present in the extract obtained from sialolith, which so far has not been carried out for this biological material. Furthermore, we successfully applied the SWATH methodology, allowing for a relative quantitative analysis of human proteins present in deposits. The obtained results correlate with the classification of sialoliths proposed by Tretiakow. The performed functional analysis allowed for the first time the selection of proteins, the levels of which differ between the tested samples, which may suggest the role of these proteins in the calcification process in different types of sialoliths. These are preliminary studies, and drawing specific conclusions requires research on a larger group, but it provides us the basis for the continuation of the work that has already begun.
Anti-Obesity Effects of Matoa (Pometia pinnata) Fruit Peel Powder in High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats
Authors: Suzuki Toshikazu , Nagata Mayumi , Kagawa Natsuko , Takano Shiori , Nahrowi  , Nomura Jun
Published: November 2021

Fruit peels, pericarps, or rinds are rich in phenolic/polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant properties and potentially beneficial effects against obesity and obesity-related non-communicable diseases. This study investigated the anti-obesity effects of matoa (Pometia pinnata) and salak (Salacca zalacca) fruit peel. Neither matoa peel powder (MPP) nor salak peel powder (SPP) affected the body weight, visceral fat weight, or serum glucose or lipid levels of Sprague–Dawley rats when included as 1% (w/w) of a high-fat diet (HFD). However, MPP significantly decreased the hepatic lipid level. MPP at a dose of 3% (w/w) of the HFD decreased body weight, visceral fat, and serum triglyceride levels as well as the hepatic lipid content. The inhibitory effect of MPP on hepatic lipid accumulation was not enhanced when its concentration was increased from 1% to 3% of the HFD. The anti-obesity effect of matoa was partly explained by the inhibitory effect of the matoa peel extract on fatty acid-induced secretion of ApoB-48 protein, a marker of intestinal chylomicrons, in differentiated Caco-2 cell monolayers. We identified hederagenin saponins that are abundant in MPP as potential anti-obesity substances. These results will contribute towards the development of functional foods with anti-obesity effects using the matoa fruit peel.
Discovery of Guanidine Derivatives from Buthus martensii Karsch with Metal-Binding and Cholinesterase Inhibition Properties
Authors: Liu Yu-Ming , Fan Jing-Jing , Wang Li-Ning
Published: November 2021

Two rare guanidine-type alkaloids, Buthutin A (1) and Buthutin B (2), along with two other compounds (3, 4), were isolated from Buthus martensii Karsch, and determined using extensive spectroscopic data analysis and high resolution-mass spectrometry. Compound 1 showed the most potent inhibition on AChE and BChE with IC50 values of 7.83 ± 0.06 and 47.44 ± 0.95 μM, respectively. Kinetic characterization of compound 1 confirmed a mixed-type of AChE inhibition mechanism in accordance with the docking results, which shows its interaction with both catalytic active (CAS) and peripheral anionic (PAS) sites. The specific binding of compound 1 to PAS domain of AChE was also confirmed experimentally. Moreover, compounds 1 and 3 exhibited satisfactory biometal binding abilities toward Cu2+, Fe2+, Zn2+ and Al3+ ions. These results provide a new evidence for further development and utilization of B. martensii in health and pharmaceutical products.