bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune Cells in Cutaneous Wound Healing: A Review of Functional Data from Animal Models
Authors: Chesko David M. , Wilgus Traci A.
Published: February 2022

The healing of skin wounds involves the activation and recruitment of various immune cell types, many of which are believed to contribute significantly to different aspects of the repair process. Roles for immune cells have been described in practically all stages of wound healing, including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and scar formation/remodeling. Over the last decade, tools to deplete immune cell populations in animal models have become more advanced, leading to a surge in the number of studies examining the function of specific immune cell types in skin repair. In this review, we will summarize what is known about distinct immune cell types in cutaneous wound healing, with an emphasis on data from animal studies in which specific cell types have been targeted.
Clinical Relevance of Drug Interactions with Cannabis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lopera Valentina , Rodríguez Adriana , Amariles Pedro
Published: February 2022

Concomitant use of cannabis with other drugs may lead to cannabis–drug interactions, mainly due to the pharmacokinetic mechanism involving the family of CYP450 isoenzymes. This narrative systematic review aimed to systematize the available information regarding clinical relevance of cannabis–drug interactions. We utilized the PubMed/Medline database for this systematic review, using the terms drug interactions and cannabis, between June 2011 and June 2021. Articles with cannabis–drug interactions in humans, in English or Spanish, with full-text access were selected. Two researchers evaluated the article’s inclusion. The level of clinical relevance was determined according to the severity and probability of the interaction. Ninety-five articles were identified and twenty-six were included. Overall, 19 pairs of drug interactions with medicinal or recreational cannabis were identified in humans. According to severity and probability, 1, 2, 12, and 4 pairs of cannabis–drug interactions were classified at levels 1 (very high risk), 2 (high risk), 3 (medium risk), and 5 (without risk), respectively. Cannabis–warfarin was classified at level 1, and cannabis–buprenorphine and tacrolimus at level 2. This review provides evidence for both the low probability of the occurrence of clinically relevant drug interactions and the lack of evidence regarding cannabis–drug interactions.
Comment on Grivas et al. Morphology, Development and Deformation of the Spine in Mild and Moderate Scoliosis: Are Changes in the Spine Primary or Secondary? J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10, 5901
Authors: de Reuver Steven , Schlösser Tom , Kruyt Moyo , Ito Keita , Castelein René
Published: February 2022

With great interest, we have read the article entitled “Morphology, Development and Deformation of the Spine in Mild and Moderate Scoliosis: Are Changes in the Spine Pri-mary or Secondary [...]
The Assessment of Maternal and Fetal Intima-Media Thickness in Perinatology
Authors: Boroń Daniel , Kornacki Jakub , Wender-Ozegowska Ewa
Published: February 2022

Intima-media thickness (IMT) measurement is a non-invasive method of arterial wall assessment. An increased IMT is a common manifestation of atherosclerosis associated with endothelial dysfunction. In the course of pregnancy, various maternal organs, including the endothelium, are prepared for their new role. However, several pre-gestational conditions involving endothelial dysfunction, such as diabetes, chronic hypertension, and obesity, may impair the adaptation to pregnancy, whereas vascular changes may also affect fetal development, thus, influencing the fetal IMT. In the conducted studies, a correlation was found between an increased fetal abdominal aorta IMT (aIMT) and placental dysfunctions, which may subsequently impact both the mother and the fetus, and contribute to gestational hypertension, preeclampsia (PE), and fetal growth restriction (FGR). In fact, data indicate that following the delivery, the endothelial dysfunction persists and influences the future health of the mother and the newborn. Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy increase the maternal risk of chronic hypertension, obesity, and vascular events. Moreover, individuals born from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia or fetal growth restriction are at high risk of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, understanding the pathomechanism underlying an increased aIMT in preeclampsia and FGR, as well as subsequent placental dysfunctions, is essential for developing targeted therapies. This review summarizes recent publications regarding IMT and demonstrates how IMT measurements affect predicting perinatal complications.
Skin Culturable Microbiota in Farmed European Seabass (Dicentrarchuslabrax) in Two Aquacultures with and without Antibiotic Use
Authors: Ramljak Ana , Vardić Smrzlić Irena , Kapetanović Damir , Barac Fran , Kolda Anamarija , Perić Lorena , Balenović Ivana , Klanjšček Tin , Gavrilović Ana
Published: February 2022

This study examined culturable skin microbiota that was associated with farmed European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Healthy European seabass were sampled during summer commercial harvest from one conventional fish farm where antibiotics are used, and from another practicing a certified antibiotic-free fish aquaculture. Physicochemical and microbiological analysis of seawater and sediment were performed, as well as determination of culturable bacteria, including Vibrio, from skin swabs of European seabass and seawater and sediment at both farms. Samples were processed for isolation of bacteria and their characterization by molecular and antibiotic susceptibility tests. In both fish farms, most of the bacteria that were identified in the skin belonged to the genera Pseudomonas and Vibrio. Some of the microbiota that were identified are known to be pathogenic to fish: V.alginolyticus, V. anguillarum, and V. harveyi. Vibrio strains showed higher resistance to certain antibiotics compared to previous studies. This study provides, for the first time, information on the culturable skin bacteria that is associated with healthy European seabass under culture conditions with and without the use of antibiotics. This information will be useful in assessing how changes in culturable microbiota may affect the health of farmed European seabass, indicating a potential problem for fish health management during disease outbreaks.
Functional Classification and Characterization of the Fungal Glycoside Hydrolase 28 Protein Family
Authors: Villarreal Fernando , Stocchi Nicolás , ten Have Arjen
Published: February 2022

Pectin is a major constituent of the plant cell wall, comprising compounds with important industrial applications such as homogalacturonan, rhamnogalacturonan and xylogalacturonan. A large array of enzymes is involved in the degradation of this amorphous substrate. The Glycoside Hydrolase 28 (GH28) family includes polygalacturonases (PG), rhamnogalacturonases (RG) and xylogalacturonases (XG) that share a structure of three to four pleated β-sheets that form a rod with the catalytic site amidst a long, narrow groove. Although these enzymes have been studied for many years, there has been no systematic analysis. We have collected a comprehensive set of GH28 encoding sequences to study their evolution in fungi, directed at obtaining a functional classification, as well as at the identification of substrate specificity as functional constraint. Computational tools such as Alphafold, Consurf and MEME were used to identify the subfamilies’ characteristics. A hierarchic classification defines the major classes of endoPG, endoRG and endoXG as well as three exoPG classes. Ascomycete endoPGs are further classified in two subclasses whereas we identify four exoRG subclasses. Diversification towards exomode is explained by loops that appear inserted in a number of turns. Substrate-driven diversification can be identified by various specificity determining positions that appear to surround the binding groove.
Cancer Angiogenesis and Opportunity of Influence on Tumor by Changing Vascularization
Authors: Maiborodin Igor , Mansurova Alfija , Chernyavskiy Alexander , Romanov Alexander , Voitcitctkii Vladimir , Kedrova Anna , Tarkhov Alexander , Chernyshova Alena , Krasil’nikov Sergey
Published: February 2022

Based on the study of recent scientific literature devoted to neovascularization and angiogenesis in malignant neoplasms, it was concluded that there are many publications on each of the problems of tumor angiogenesis and vascularization. The formation of blood vessels in a tumor and certain aspects of the prognostic value of the severity of vascularization in almost all forms of cancer are considered. Special attention is paid to the peculiarities of angiogenesis in tumors of the female reproductive system. A large number of vessels in the tumor often indicates a poor prognosis. The influence of various factors on the initiation of angiogenesis and the process itself, as well as the possibility of suppressing such signals to slow down the formation of blood vessels and thus the development of the tumor are widely studied. The results of pharmacological suppression of tumor vessel formation demonstrate a good clinical outcome but one accompanied by a large number of severe adverse side effects. Such a significant amount of studies on each of the problems of tumor vascularization indicates the increasing importance of this area of oncology. At the same time, only a very small number of works are devoted to the study of the differences in angiogenesis and number of vessels between different parts of the tumor, as well as between the primary tumor node and its metastases. The refinement of the results is still to be done. It was noted that the expression of proangiogenic factors in metastases is usually higher than in the source of metastasis, and the expression in lymphogenous metastases is higher than in hematogenous ones.
The Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Antagonists (Anti TNF-α) in Personalized Treatment of Patients with Isolated Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Past and Possible Future Scenarios
Authors: Manzo Ciro , Hysa Elvis , Castagna Alberto , Isetta Marco
Published: February 2022

Background: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the cornerstone of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) therapy, but their long-term use (as is usually necessary in PMR patients) can induce many adverse events. Alternatives have long been sought. The primary aim of our narrative review is to provide an overview about the use of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) drugs in patients with PMR, and discuss advantages and disadvantages. Materials and methods: we performed a non-systematic literature search (PRISMA protocol not followed) on PubMed and Medline (OVID interface). Results and Conclusions: only two anti TNF-α drugs have been prescribed to PMR patients: infliximab in 62 patients and etanercept in 28 patients. These drugs were normally used in addition to GCs when significant comorbidities and/or relapsing PMR were present; less commonly, they were used as first-line therapy. In general, they have been scarcely successful in patients with PMR. Indeed, randomized controlled trials did not confirm the positive results reported in case reports and/or case series. However, an administration schedule and study design different from those proposed in the past could favour new scenarios in the interest of PMR patients.
Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements’ Contamination in the Soil of Greater Cairo, Egypt Using Geochemical and Magnetic Attributes
Authors: Saleh Ahmed , Dawood Yehia H. , Gad Ahmed
Published: February 2022

Enhanced soil’s magnetic susceptibility reflects particles of anthropogenic/natural origin; therefore, it can be utilized as an indication of soil contamination. A total of 51 different land-use soil samples collected from Greater Cairo, Egypt, were assessed integrally using potentially toxic elements content (PTEs), magnetic susceptibility, and statistical and spatial analysis. PTE concentrations were compared to the world average, threshold, and screening values set by literature. Various environmental indices were estimated to assess soil contamination with these elements. Spatial distribution maps of PTEs and environmental indices were constructed to provide decision makers with a certain identification of riskier areas. In general, the concentrations of the analyzed PTEs showed variation with land-use types and follows a pattern of: Industrial > Agricultural > Urban. The distribution of PTEs in Greater Cairo was influenced by several anthropogenic sources, including traffic emission, industrial activity, and agricultural practices. The measured magnetic susceptibility values indicate magnetically enhanced soil signals dominated by multi-domain or pseudo-single-domain superparamagnetic particles of anthropogenic origin. A significant association was observed between magnetic susceptibility values and Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, and V, and the calculated environmental indices. It can be concluded that magnetic susceptibility is of proven effectivity in the assessment of soil contamination.
Catalan as a Heritage Language in Germany
Authors: Arnaus Gil Laia , Jiménez-Gaspar Amelia
Published: February 2022

Germany is currently the third country with more Catalan residents mainly characterized as families with children born in Germany but raised with Catalan as heritage language (HL). Only few studies have investigated Catalan as an HL in Germany. Our study tries to fill this gap with spontaneous recordings of 16 bilingual and trilingual children (mean age 5;7). In terms of language competence (measured via MLU), balanced bilingualism is present in most children (44%), followed by those showing a dominance into German (38%). Interestingly, regarding language use (measured in w/minute), both balanced and Catalan dominants were fluent in both L1s similarly, while the German dominant group mostly prefer German. Moreover, the parents filled in a questionnaire on current and cumulative input from which some factors were examined such as family language policies (FLP), child’s language choice to the Catalan-speaking parent, Catalan skills of the non-native parent, family language and frequency of comprehension and production activities. In a nutshell, the results show that FLP and HL as FL or no FL seem to have an impact in the child’s grammatical development in the very early years, as opposed to family language. Children mostly direct their speech in the HL when talking to the Catalan-speaking parent.
Marked to Die-Cell Death Mechanisms for Keratinocyte Acantholysis in Pemphigus Diseases
Authors: Bumiller-Bini Hoch Valéria , Schneider Larissa , Pumpe Anna Elisabeth , Lüders Emelie , Hundt Jennifer Elisabeth , Boldt Angelica Beate Winter
Published: February 2022

Pemphigus is a group of blistering autoimmune diseases causing painful skin lesions, characterized by acantholysis and by the production of autoantibodies against, mainly, adhesion proteins. We reviewed the literature for molecules and/ or features involved in the 12 cell death pathways described by Nomenclature Committee on Cell Death, taking place in pemphigus patients, cell lines, or human skin organ cultures treated with sera or IgG from pemphigus patients or in pemphigus mouse models, and found 61 studies mentioning 97 molecules involved in cell death pathways. Among the molecules, most investigated were pleiotropic molecules such as TNF and CASP3, followed by FASL and CASP8, and then by FAS, BAX, BCL2, and TP53, all involved in more than one pathway but interpreted to function only within apoptosis. Most of these previous investigations focused only on apoptosis, but four recent studies, using TUNEL assays and/or electron microscopy, disqualified this pathway as a previous event of acantholysis. For PV, apoptolysis was suggested as a cell death mechanism based on pathogenic autoantibodies diversity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and p38 MAPK signaling. To answer those many questions that remain on cell death and pemphigus, we propose well-controlled, statistically relevant investigations on pemphigus and cell death pathways besides apoptosis, to overcome the challenges of understanding the etiopathology of pemphigus diseases.
Tuning the Defects of Two-Dimensional Layered Carbon/TiO2 Superlattice Composite for a Fast Lithium-Ion Storage
Authors: Liu Bingheng , Gu Bo , Wang Jingxian , Li Anchang , Zhang Ming , Shen Zhongrong
Published: February 2022

Defect engineering is one of the effective ways to improve the electrochemical property of electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIB). Herein, an organic functional molecule of p-phenylenediamine is embedded into two-dimensional (2D) layered TiO2 as the electrode for LIB. Then, the 2D carbon/TiO2 composites with the tuning defects are prepared by precise control of the polymerization and carbothermal atmospheres. Low valence titanium in metal oxide and nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets can be obtained in the carbon/TiO2 composite under a carbonization treatment atmosphere of N2/H2 gas, which can not only increase the electronic conductivity of the material but also provide sufficient electrochemical active sites, thus producing an excellent rate capability and long-term cycle stability. The prepared composite can provide a high capacity of 396.0 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 with a high capacitive capacity ratio. Moreover, a high specific capacity of 80.0 mAh g−1 with retention rate of 85% remains after 10,000 cycles at 3.0 A g−1 as well as the Coulomb efficiency close to 100%. The good rate-capability and cycle-sustainability of the layered materials are ascribed to the increase of conductivity, the lithium-ion transport channel, and interfacial capacitance due to the multi-defect sites in the layered composite.
Progress and Challenges of InGaN/GaN-Based Core–Shell Microrod LEDs
Authors: Meier Johanna , Bacher Gerd
Published: February 2022

LEDs based on planar InGaN/GaN heterostructures define an important standard for solid-state lighting. However, one drawback is the polarization field of the wurtzite heterostructure impacting both electron–hole overlap and emission energy. Three-dimensional core–shell microrods offer field-free sidewalls, thus improving radiative recombination rates while simultaneously increasing the light-emitting area per substrate size. Despite those promises, microrods have still not replaced planar devices. In this review, we discuss the progress in device processing and analysis of microrod LEDs and emphasize the perspectives related to the 3D device architecture from an applications point of view.
Systematic Study of Effective Hydrothermal Synthesis to Fabricate Nb-Incorporated TiO2 for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Lee So Yoon , Numata Daiki , Serizawa Ai , Sasaki Koudai , Fukushima Kaito , Hu Xiulan , Ishizaki Takahiro
Published: February 2022

Fuel cells are expected to serve as next-generation energy conversion devices owing to their high energy density, high power, and long life performance. The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is important for determining the performance of fuel cells; therefore, using catalysts to promote the ORR is essential for realizing the practical applications of fuel cells. Herein, we propose Nb-incorporated TiO2 as a suitable alternative to conventional Pt-based catalysts, because Nb doping has been reported to improve the conductivity and electron transfer number of TiO2. In addition, Nb-incorporated TiO2 can induce the electrocatalytic activity for the ORR. In this paper, we report the synthesis method for Nb-incorporated TiO2 through a hydrothermal process with and without additional load pressures. The electrocatalytic activity of the synthesized samples for the ORR was also demonstrated. In this process, the samples obtained under various load pressures exceeding the saturated vapor pressure featured a high content of Nb and crystalline TiNb2O7, resulting in an ellipsoidal morphology. X-ray diffraction results also revealed that, on increasing the Nb doping amounts, the diffraction peak of the anatase TiO2 shifted to a lower angle and the full width at half maximum decreased. This implies that the Ti atom is exchanged with the Nb atom during this process, resulting in a decrease in TiO2 crystallinity. At a doping level of 10%, Nb-incorporated TiO2 exhibited the best electrocatalytic activity in terms of the oxygen reduction current (iORR) and onset potential for the ORR (EORR); this suggests that 10% Nb-doped samples have the potential for enhancing electrocatalytic activity.
Ligustrum lucidum Leaf Extract-Assisted Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Nano-Adsorbents Having Potential in Ultrasound-Assisted Adsorptive Removal of Methylene Blue Dye from Wastewater and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Sultan Mujaddad , Siddique Maria , Khan Romana , Fallatah Ahmed M. , Fatima Nighat , Shahzadi Irum , Waheed Ummara , Bilal Muhammad , Ali Asmat , Abbasi Arshad Mehmood
Published: February 2022

Present study was conducted to investigate the adsorption and ultrasound-assisted adsorption potential of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silver nanoparticles loaded on chitosan (AgCS composite) as nano-adsorbents for methylene blue (MB) removal. AgNPs were synthesized using leaf extract of Ligustrum lucidum, which were incorporated on the chitosan’s surface for modification. UV–Vis Spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX techniques were used to confirm the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials. Batch adsorption and sono-adsorption experiments for the removal of MB were executed under optimal conditions; for fitting the experimental equilibrium data, Langmuir and Freundlich’s isotherm models were adopted. In addition, the antimicrobial potential of the AgNPs and AgCS were examined against selected bacterial and fungal strains. UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed AgNPs synthesis from the leaf extract of L. lucidum used as a reducer, which was spherical as exposed in the SEM analysis. The FTIR spectrum illustrated phytochemicals in the leaf extract of L. lucidum functioning as stabilizing agents around AgNPs and AgCS. Whereas, corresponding crystalline peaks of nanomaterial, including a signal peak at 3 keV indicating the presence of silver, were confirmed by XRD and EDX. The Langmuir model was chosen as an efficient model for adsorption and sono-adsorption, which exposed that under optimum conditions (pH = 6, dye initial concentration = 5 mg L−1, adsorbents dosage = 0.005 g, time = 120 min, US power 80 W), MB removal efficiency of AgNPs was >70%, using ultrasound-assisted adsorption compared to the non-sonicated adsorption. Furthermore, AgNPs exhibited promising antibacterial potential against Staphylococcus aureus with the maximum zone of inhibition (14.67 ± 0.47 mm). It was concluded that the green synthesis approach for the large-scale production of metallic nanoparticles is quite effective and can be recommended for efficient and cost-effective way to eradicate dyes, particularly from textile wastewater.
Investigations Regarding the Addition of ZnO and Li2O-TiO2 to Phosphate-Tellurite Glasses: Structural, Chemical, and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Elisa Mihail , Iordache Stefan-Marian , Iordache Ana-Maria , Stefan Constantina Raluca , Vasiliu Ileana Cristina , Cristea Daniel , Ursutiu Doru , Samoila Cornel , Sava Bogdan Alexandru , Boroica Lucica , Dinca Marius Catalin , Filip Ana Violeta , Eftimie Mihai , Enculescu Monica
Published: February 2022

Phosphate and tellurite glasses can be used in optics, optoelectronics, magneto-optics, and nuclear and medical fields. Two series of phosphate-tellurite glasses, (50-x)ZnO-10Al2O3-40P2O5-xTeO2 and (40-x)Li2O-10Al2O3-5TiO2-45P2O5-xTeO2 (x = 5, 10), were synthesized by a non-conventional wet-route, and the mechanical properties as key performance measures for their application in optoelectronics were investigated. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) measurements revealed the vitreous nature of the investigated materials. Instrumented indentation tests allowed the calculation of hardness (H) and Young’s modulus (E) using the Oliver and Pharr model. The influence of increasing the TeO2 content, as well as the substitution of ZnO by Li2O-TiO2, on the variation of hardness, Young’s modulus, penetration depth (PD), and fracture toughness (FT) was evaluated in both series. As a general trend, there is a decrease in the hardness and Young’s modulus with increasing penetration depth. The addition of Li2O and TiO2 instead of ZnO leads to improved hardness and elastic modulus values. Regarding the H/E ratio, it was found that the samples with lower TeO2 content should be significantly more crack-resistant compared to the higher TeO2 content samples. The H3/E2 ratio, being lower than 0.01, revealed a poor resistance of these glasses to plastic deformation. At the same time, a decrease of the fracture toughness with increasing TeO2 content was noticed for each glass series. Based on dilatometry measurements, the thermal expansion coefficient as well as the characteristic temperatures of the glasses were measured. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (FESEM-EDX) revealed a uniform distribution of the elements in the bulk samples. The mechanical properties of these vitreous materials are important in relation to their application as magneto-optical Faraday rotators in laser cavities.
Special Issue of Materials Focused on “Electrical, Thermal and Optical Properties of Nanocarbon Materials”
Authors: Janas Dawid
Published: February 2022

Due to their extraordinary properties, nanocarbon materials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or graphene have been at the forefront of research for the past few decades [...]
Mechanical Design and Performance Analysis of a Weevil-Inspired Jumping Mechanism
Authors: Yu Zhiwei , Zeng Yifan , Guo Ce
Published: February 2022

Jumping mechanisms constitute an important means of resolution in applications such as crossing uneven terrain and space exploration. However, the traditional design mainly uses engineering design thinking, but seldom studies the structural characteristics of organisms themselves and lacks biomimetic research basis, which leads to the difference between jumping mechanism and biological structure and its jumping ability. On the other hand, it lacks in-depth study on biological jumping mechanism from the view of engineering. Weevil has excellent jumping performance, and its key jumper structure is specially designed by biologist. To investigate the motion mechanism and working mechanism of the jumping mechanisms, this paper takes the weevil as the bionic object, and designs a weevil-inspired jumping mechanism. A miniature prototype is designed to reproduce weevil’s jumping mechanism with its working principle and anatomical structure to verify how weevil’s jumping mechanisms work, and turns out to perform well at jumping height. This paper is presented the anatomical structure and working principle of the weevil jumping mechanism, followed by explanation and analysis of its kinematics and dynamics, then performing virtual prototype simulations to compare different design schemes, with results guiding the parameter optimization and subjecting a prototype machine into a height test. In comparisons among existing jumping mechanisms whose jumping method is bio-inspired, the present design, which weighs 44.7 g and can jump to a maximum height of 2 m. The present research establishes a biologically inspired working principle and provides a new practical archetype in biologically inspired studies.
Temperature Control for Automated Tape Laying with Infrared Heaters Based on Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Römer Martin , Bergers Johannes , Gabriel Felix , Dröder Klaus
Published: February 2022

The use of fiber-reinforced lightweight materials in the field of electromobility offers great opportunities to increase the range of electric vehicles and also enhance the functionality of the components themselves. In order to meet the demand for a high number of variants, flexible production technologies are required which can quickly adapt to different component variants and thereby avoid long setup times of the required production equipment. By applying the formflexible process of automated tape laying (ATL), it is possible to build lightweight components in a variant-flexible way. Unidirectional (UD) tapes are often used to build up lightweight structures according to a predefined load path. However, the UD tape which is used to build the components is particularly sensitive to temperature fluctuations due to its low thickness. Temperature fluctuations within the production sites as well as the warming of the tape layer and the deposit surface over longer process times have an impact on the heat flow which is infused to the tape and make an adaptive control of the tape heating indispensable. At present, several model-based control strategies are available. However, these strategies require a comprehensive understanding of the ATL system and its environment and are therefore difficult to design. With the possibility of model-free reinforcement learning, it is possible to build a temperature control system that learns the common dependencies of both the process being used and its operating environment, without the need to rely on a complete understanding of the physical interrelationships. In this paper, a reinforcement learning approach based on the deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm is presented, with the aim to control the temperature of an ATL endeffector based on infrared emitters. The algorithm was adapted to the thermal inertia of the system and trained in a real process environment. With only a small amount of training data, the trained DDPG agent was able to reliably maintain the ATL process temperatures within a specified tolerance range. By applying this technique, UD tape can be deposited at a consistent process temperature over longer process times without the need for a cooling system. Reducing process complexity can help to increase the prevalence of lightweight components and thus contribute to lower energy consumption of electric vehicles.
Approximation of GBS Type q-Jakimovski-Leviatan-Beta Integral Operators in Bögel Space
Authors: Alotaibi Abdullah
Published: February 2022

In the present article, we introduce the bivariate variant of Beta integral type operators based on Appell polynomials via q-calculus. We study the local and global type approximation properties for these new operators. Next, we introduce the GBS form for these new operators and then study the degree of approximation by means of modulus of smoothness, mixed modulus of smoothness and Lipschitz class of Bögel continuous functions.
Pessimistic Multigranulation Rough Set of Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets Based on Soft Relations
Authors: Anwar Muhammad Zishan , Al-Kenani Ahmad N. , Bashir Shahida , Shabir Muhammad
Published: February 2022

Qian presented multigranulation rough set (MGRS) models based on Pawlak’s rough set (RS) model. There are two types of MGRS models, named optimistic MGRS and pessimistic MGRS. Recently, Shabir et al. presented an optimistic multigranulation intuitionistic fuzzy rough set (OMGIFRS) based on soft binary relations. This paper explores the pessimistic multigranulation intuitionistic fuzzy rough set (PMGIFRS) based on soft relations combined with a soft set (SS) over two universes. The resulting two sets are lower approximations and upper approximations with respect to the aftersets and foresets. Some basic properties of this established model are studied. Similarly, the MGRS of an IFS based on multiple soft relations is presented and some algebraic properties are discussed. Finally, an example is presented that illustrates the importance of the proposed decision-making algorithm.
Effect of Ce on the Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of Al-5Mg-3Zn-1Cu Alloy
Authors: Zhang Xingwen , Sui Yudong , Jiang Yehua , Wang Qudong
Published: February 2022

The effects of different Ce content on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of Al-5Mg-3Zn-1Cu alloy in metal mold gravity casting were studied in this paper. The microstructure of the alloy was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-Ray diffractometer (XRD). The corrosivity of all alloys in 3.5 wt.%NaCl solution was studied by electrochemical and immersion corrosion techniques. The results show that the microstructure of the alloy is mainly composed of α-Al, T phase, and Al2Cu phase. Ce can refine the organization of the alloy, but when the addition of Ce is higher than 0.25 wt.%, a massive Ce-rich phase appears in the alloy. The results of a potential polarization test show that the corrosion potential of the alloy increases obviously from −1.253 V to −1.193 V with the increase in Ce content in the alloy.
Cavitation Erosion, Abrasive and Sliding Wear Behavior of Metal-Based Structures
Authors: Szala Mirosław
Published: February 2022

The literature includes systematic studies of the wear behavior and phenomena responsible for a material’s degradation resistance [...]
A Two-Dimensional Phase-Field Investigation on Unidirectionally Solidified Tip-Splitting Microstructures
Authors: Laxmipathy V. Pavan , Wang Fei , Selzer Michael , Nestler Britta
Published: February 2022

The onset of morphological instabilities along a solidifying interface has a tendency to influence the microstructural characteristics of cast alloys. In the present study, the initiation as well as the mechanism of microstructural pattern formation is investigated by a quantitative phase-field approach. For energetically isotropic interfaces, we show that the presence of grain boundary grooves promotes the initiation of morphological instabilities, and with progressive solidification, they subsequently amplify into tip-splitting microstructures. We also demonstrate that the grain boundary groove shape influences the amplification of the ridge-shaped instability near the pit region. The structural transition of tip splitting to dendritic microstructures is showcased through the effect of interfacial anisotropy. In addition, the prediction of the tip-splitting position is discussed through an analytical criterion, wherein the sign of the surface Laplacian of interfacial curvature dictates the formation of crest and trough positions in a tip-splitting pattern. In complete agreement with the sharp-interface theory, our phase-field simulations validate the analytically obtained tip-splitting position and suggest that the two tips evolve symmetrically on either side of the hindered concave region. Furthermore, the role of lattice anisotropy on the tip-splitting phenomenon is also discussed in detail.
Cemented Paste Backfill (CPB) Material Properties for Undercut Analysis
Authors: Grabinsky Murray , Jafari Mohammadamin , Pan Andrew
Published: February 2022

A longstanding mine backfill design challenge is determining the strength required if the (partially) cured backfill is subsequently undercut. Mitchell (1991) called the undercut backfill a sill mat and proposed an analytical solution that is still often used, at least for preliminary design, and has motivated subsequent empirical design methods. However, fully employing the Mitchell sill mat solution requires knowledge of the backfill material’s Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), tangent Young’s modulus (Et), tensile strength (σt), as well as estimates of stope wall closure. Conducting a high-quality UCS test poses challenges but relating the test result to the remaining material parameters is more difficult. Some new material testing data is presented and compared to available published results. Using the parameter mi=UCS/σt the range of available testing data is found to be mi= 3 to 22, however, the most compelling data is obtained when the Mohr’s failure circle in tension is tangential to the corresponding Mohr–Coulomb failure envelope determined from other strength tests. In these cases, the value mi= 4 is found for the materials tested, which is much lower than the value mi= 10 commonly assumed and implies a limiting UCS 60% lower compared to the conventional assumption. It is also found that the relationship between Et and UCS is described by a power function that is close to linear, but the values for the constant and exponent in the power function depend on the material tested. However, for given tailings the power function is found to be independent of void ratio, binder type or concentration, curing time, and water salinity, within the ranges these parameters were investigated. Therefore, when Et is used in the Mitchell sill mat solution it should be correlated with the UCS using the appropriate power function. These correlations are then used with the Mitchell sill mat solution and published measurements of backfill closure strains to estimate the Mitchell solution’s range of applicability based on its underlying assumptions, and a similar analysis is extended to an “empirical design method” motivated by the Mitchell sill mat solution. It is demonstrated that these existing approaches have limited applicability, and more generally a full analysis in support of rational design will require numerical modeling that incorporates the effect of confining stress on the material’s stiffness and mobilized strength.
Inhibition on α-Glucosidase Activity and Non-Enzymatic Glycation by an Anti-Oxidative Proteoglycan from Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Zhang Ying , Pan Yanna , Li Jiaqi , Zhang Zeng , He Yanming , Yang Hongjie , Zhou Ping
Published: February 2022

The prevention of postprandial hyperglycemia and diabetic complications is crucial for diabetes management. Inhibition of α-glucosidase to slow carbohydrate metabolism is a strategy to alleviate postprandial hyperglycemia. In addition, suppression of non-enzymatic glycation can diminish the advanced glycation end products and reduce the oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby preventing the diabetic complications. In this study, an anti-oxidative proteoglycan (named FYGL) extracted from Ganoderma lucidum was investigated in vitro for its inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase and non-enzymatic glycation using molecular kinetics, intrinsic fluorescence assay, and bovine serum albumin glycation models. The molecular kinetics and fluorescence assay revealed that FYGL decreases α-glucosidase activity by forming a FYGL–α-glucosidase complex. To evaluate the anti-glycation effect, fructose-glycated and methylglyoxal-glycated BSA models were analyzed by spectroscopic and SDS-PAGE methods. Results showed that FYGL inhibited the glycation at every stage and suppressed glycoxidation, possibly due to its anti-oxidative capacity and FYGL–BSA complex formation. Furthermore, we demonstrated in vivo that FYGL could alleviate postprandial hyperglycemia in db/db mice as well as AGE accumulation and vascular injury in diabetic rats. Overall, FYGL possesses anti-postprandial hyperglycemia and anti-glycation functions and would be potentially used in clinic for diabetes and related complication management.
New Red-Shifted 4-Styrylcoumarin Derivatives as Potential Fluorescent Labels for Biomolecules
Authors: Eustáquio Raquel , Ramalho João P. Prates , Caldeira Ana T. , Pereira António
Published: February 2022

Important scientific areas, such as cellular biology, medicine, pharmacy, and environmental sciences, are dependent on very sensitive analytical techniques to track and detect biomolecules. In this work, we develop a simple, low-cost and effective synthetic strategy to produce new red-shifted 4-styrylcoumarin derivatives as promising inexpensive fluorescent labels for biomolecules. The extension of the delocalized π-electron system results in bathochromic shifts in these new coumarin derivatives, which also present large Stokes shifts. In addition, density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory calculations helped to rationalize the photophysical properties observed by the experimental results.
Optimization of the Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction Technology of Steroidal Saponins from Polygonatum kingianum Collett & Hemsl and Evaluating Its Quality Planted in Different Areas
Authors: He Sen , Wang Xifu , Chen Jiaqiang , Li Xiaogang , Gu Wen , Zhang Fan , Cao Guanhua , Yu Jie
Published: February 2022

Polygonatum kingianum Collett & Hemsl is one of the famous traditional Chinese herbs with satisfactory therapeutic effects on invigorating Qi, nourishing Yin and moistening lungs, in which steroidal saponins are one class of important active substances. The main purpose is to determine the optimal extraction technology of steroidal saponins and evaluate the quality of P. kingianum planted in five different areas. The optimal ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) technology was established by using single-factor experiments and the response surface methodology (RSM), and the determination method of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for dioscin and diosgenin, two primary types of acid-hydrolyzed steroidal saponins, was constructed with good linear range and precision. The results showed that UAE was an efficient extraction method for steroidal saponins, and the extraction yield was significantly affected by the liquid-solid ratio. The optimal extraction technology was generated following a liquid-solid ratio of 10:1 (mL/g), an ethanol concentration of 85% (v/v), an extraction time of 75 min, an extraction temperature of 50 °C and three extractions, of which these parameters were in line with the predicted values calculated by RSM. Considering only dioscin and diosgenin, the quality of P. kingianum planted at five sample plots presented non-significant difference. However, the content of diosgenin in Pingbian Prefecture (PB) was higher than that of the other four areas with a value of 0.46 mg/g. Taken together, the optimal UAE technology for P. kingianum steroidal saponins was determined via RSM. The quality evaluation revealed that there was a non-significant difference among P. kingianum planted in different areas based on the contents of the sum of dioscin and diosgenin. This work has important reference value for the exploitation and utilization of P. kingianum.
Development and Validation of Multi-Residue Method for Drugs Analysis in Human Feces by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Míguez-Suárez Gabriel , Cardelle-Cobas Alejandra , Sinisterra-Loaiza Laura , Vázquez Beatriz , Cepeda Alberto , Nebot Carolina
Published: February 2022

The use of veterinary drugs in animal production is a common practice to secure animal and human health. However, residues of administrated drugs could be present in animal food products. Levels of drugs in food of animal origin are regulated within the European Union. In recent years, residues have been detected not only in food, but also in the environmental elements such as water or soil, meaning that humans are involuntarily exposed to these substances. This article presents a multiclass method for the analysis of various therapeutic groups of pharmaceuticals in human feces. Pharmaceuticals are extracted from feces with an acid extraction solvent, and after filtration the extract was analyzed by HPLC–MS/MS. A limit of detection of 10 ng/g was achieved for 9 pharmaceuticals, with linearity over 0.99 and repeatability and reproducibility lower than 20%. The method was satisfactorily applied in 25 feces samples of individuals that had declared not to be under medical treatment for the last two months. Results indicate the presence of six different compounds at concentration between 10 and 456 ng/g. This preliminary study showed the involuntary exposure of human gut microbiota to active substances such as pharmaceuticals
The Nutrition-Microbiota-Physical Activity Triad: An Inspiring New Concept for Health and Sports Performance
Authors: Boisseau Nathalie , Barnich Nicolas , Koechlin-Ramonatxo Christelle
Published: February 2022

The human gut microbiota is currently the focus of converging interest in many diseases and sports performance. This review presents gut microbiota as a real “orchestra conductor” in the host’s physio(patho)logy due to its implications in many aspects of health and disease. Reciprocally, gut microbiota composition and activity are influenced by many different factors, such as diet and physical activity. Literature data have shown that macro- and micro-nutrients influence gut microbiota composition. Cumulative data indicate that gut bacteria are sensitive to modulation by physical activity, as shown by studies using training and hypoactivity models. Sports performance studies have also presented interesting and promising results. Therefore, gut microbiota could be considered a “pivotal” organ for health and sports performance, leading to a new concept: the nutrition-microbiota-physical activity triad. The next challenge for the scientific and medical communities is to test this concept in clinical studies. The long-term aim is to find the best combination of the three elements of this triad to optimize treatments, delay disease onset, or enhance sports performance. The many possibilities offered by biotic supplementation and training modalities open different avenues for future research.
Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction of Codonopsis pilosula Glucofructan: Optimization, Structure, and Immunoregulatory Activity
Authors: Ji Hai-Yu , Yu Juan , Jiao Jian-Shuang , Dong Xiao-Dan , Yu Sha-Sha , Liu An-Jun
Published: February 2022

In recent years, multiple edible polysaccharides from Codonopsis pilosula were mainly isolated with high average molecular weights and exhibited various bioactivities, but it was proven that low-molecular-weight polysaccharides could exert stronger activities due to the superior water solubility and permeability. In the present study, the water-soluble polysaccharide C. pilosula with low molecular weight was isolated under ultrasonic assistance at 30 °C, the extraction process was optimized via response surface method (RSM), and the structure and immunoregulatory activity were further investigated. The maximum yield (4.86%) for crude polysaccharides (cCPPs) was obtained under following parameters: ultrasonic power of 370 W, liquid/material ratio of 33 mL/g, ultrasonic time of 81 min. Subsequently, the cCPPs were further purified through dialysis and Sephadex G-25 column to acquire purified polysaccharide (CPPs). Structural analysis indicated that CPPs was a glucofructan (average molecular weight of 4.23 × 103 Da) with (2→1)-β-D-Fruf and (1→)-α-D-Glcp as the backbone branched by (2→6)-β-D-Fruf. Additionally, CPPs could enhance immunoregulatory function by stimulating NO production and cytokine (IL-6 and TNF-α) secretion of RAW264.7 macrophages dose-dependently, which presented no cytotoxic effects. These data suggest that CPPs have the potential to be used as a nutritional dietary compound and natural immunostimulant supplement in the food industry.
Sustainable Diets as Tools to Harmonize the Health of Individuals, Communities and the Planet: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kowalsky Tatianna Oliva , Morilla Romero de la Osa Rubén , Cerrillo Isabel
Published: February 2022

Background. Climate change and global health are inextricably linked. Thus, health systems and their professionals must adapt and evolve without losing quality of care. Aim(s). To identify health and environmental co-benefits derived from a sustainable diet and promotion strategies that favor its implementation. Methods. A systematic search for articles published on sustainable diets and human/planetary health published between 2013 and 2020 was conducted on the databases PubMed, Cinahl, Scopus and Trip from 4 to 7 May 2020 in accordance with the PRISMA guideline. Results. A total of 201 articles was retrieved, but only 21 were included. A calorie-balanced diet mainly based on food of plant origin that would allow the attainment of 60% of daily caloric requirements and a low protein intake from animal foods (focusing in fish and poultry) could significantly reduce global morbi-mortality and the dietary environmental impact maintaining a framework of sustainability conditioned by the consumption of fresh, seasonal, locally produced and minimally packaged products. Discussion. The implementation of sustainable diets requires working on the triangulation of concepts of food–health–environment from schools and that is permanently reinforced during all stages of the life by healthcare workers, who should establish the appropriate modifications according to the age, gender and health situation.