bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Betaine Copolymer for Surface Modification of Cotton Fabric by Enhancing Temperature-Sensitive and Anti-Protein Specific Absorption Performance
Authors: Yan Xiaofei , Zhu Chenkai , Huang Ju , Qi Dongmin , Li Jiawei
Published: November 2021

The growth and reproduction of microorganisms on fabrics could not only affect the wearability of textiles but also cause harm to human health, and it is an important problem that should be solved to reduce the adsorption and growth of microorganisms on the surface of the fabric. A series of ω-vinyl betaine copolymers were synthesized by catalytic chain transfer polymerization (CCTP) and were modified by mercapto-vinyl click chemistry to synthesize silane-modified betaine copolymers, which were used to treat the cotton fabric. The hydrophilic–hydrophobic transition performance and anti-protein specific adhesion performance of cotton fabric with the betaine copolymer were systematically investigated. The copolymer was confirmed to be successfully finished on the cotton fabric via 1H–NMR and FTIR. The cotton fabric, which was treated by the betaine copolymer, presented temperature response performance in the range of 30–55 °C and had excellent anti-protein adsorption performance. The treated fabric had the best temperature-sensitive and anti-protein specific absorption performance among all the specimens when the mass fraction of G06B in DMAPS was 6 wt.%.
Support–Activity Relationship in Heterogeneous Catalysis for Biomass Valorization and Fine-Chemicals Production
Authors: Lazzarini Andrea , Colaiezzi Roberta , Gabriele Francesco , Crucianelli Marcello
Published: November 2021

Heterogeneous catalysts are progressively expanding their field of application, from high-throughput reactions for traditional industrial chemistry with production volumes reaching millions of tons per year, a sector in which they are key players, to more niche applications for the production of fine chemicals. These novel applications require a progressive utilization reduction of fossil feedstocks, in favor of renewable ones. Biomasses are the most accessible source of organic precursors, having as advantage their low cost and even distribution across the globe. Unfortunately, they are intrinsically inhomogeneous in nature and their efficient exploitation requires novel catalysts. In this process, an accurate design of the active phase performing the reaction is important; nevertheless, we are often neglecting the importance of the support in guaranteeing stable performances and improving catalytic activity. This review has the goal of gathering and highlighting the cases in which the supports (either derived or not from biomass wastes) share the worth of performing the catalysis with the active phase, for those reactions involving the synthesis of fine chemicals starting from biomasses as feedstocks.
Potassium Complexes of Quercetin-5′-Sulfonic Acid and Neutral O-Donor Ligands: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Thermal Analysis, Spectroscopic Characterization and Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Maciołek Urszula , Mendyk Ewaryst , Kosińska-Pezda Małgorzata , Kamiński Daniel M. , Kozioł Anna E.
Published: November 2021

The coordination ability of QSA− ligand towards potassium cations was investigated. Potassium complex of quercetin-5’-sulfonate of the general formula [KQSA(H2O)2]n was obtained. The [KQSA(H2O)2] (1) was a starting compound for solvothermal syntheses of acetone (2) and dimethylsulfoxide (3) complexes. For the crystalline complexes 1–3, crystals morphology was analyzed, IR and Raman spectra were registered, as well as thermal analysis for 1 was performed. Moreover, for 1 and 3, molecular structures were established. The potassium cations are coordinated by eight oxygen atoms (KO8) of a different chemical nature; coordinating groups are sulfonic, hydroxyl, and carbonyl of the QSA− anion, and neutral molecules—water (1) or DMSO (3). The detailed thermal studies of 1 confirmed that water molecules were strongly bonded in the complex structure. Moreover, it was stated that decomposition processes depended on the atmosphere used above 260 °C. The TG–FTIR–MS technique allowed the identification of gaseous products evolving during oxidative decomposition and pyrolysis of the analyzed compound: water vapor, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbonyl sulfide, and carbon monoxide. The solubility studies showed that 1 is less soluble in ethanol than quercetin dihydrate in ethanol, acetone, and DMSO. The exception was aqueous solution, in which the complex exhibited significantly enhanced solubility compared to quercetin. Moreover, the great solubility of 1 in DMSO explained the ease of ligand exchange (water for DMSO) in [KQSA(H2O)2].
Structure and Dielectric Behavior of Yb2O3-MgO Co-Doped 0.92BaTiO3-0.08(Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3 Ferroelectric Relaxor
Authors: Ren Xiao-Hu , Gui Dong-Yun
Published: November 2021

Dielectric properties and structure of 0.015Yb2O3-xMgO doped 0.92BaTiO3-0.08(Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3 ceramics with x = 0.0–0.025 have been investigated. As Yb2O3-MgO was added into the BT-NBT, the phase changes from tetragonal to pseudo-cubic, with the tetragonality c/a decreases from 1.011 to 1.008 and XRD peaks broadened. The combined study of XRD and TEM image revealed a formation of core–shell structure in grains with core of 400–600 nm and the shell of a thickness 60–200 nm. There is a slowly phase transition against temperature from the variable temperature Raman analysis. The ferroelectric relaxor peak of BT-NBT decreases from ~4000 to ~2000 and a new broad dielectric peak with an equivalent maximum (εr′~2300) appears in the temperature dependent dielectric constant curve (εr′-T), which produces a flat εr′-T curve. Sample 0.92BaTiO3-0.08(Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3-0.015Yb2O3-0.005 MgO and 0.92BaTiO3-0.08(Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3-0.015Yb2O3-0.01MgO give a εr′ variation within ±14% and ±10% in 20–165 °C. The core–shell microstructure should take account for the flattened εr′–T behavior of these samples.
Approximate Optimization Study of Light Curing Waterborne Polyurethane Materials for the Construction of 3D Printed Cytocompatible Cartilage Scaffolds
Authors: Chen Yi-Wen , Shie Ming-You , Chang Wen-Ching , Shen Yu-Fang
Published: November 2021

Articular cartilage, which is a white transparent tissue with 1–2 mm thickness, is located in the interface between the two hard bones. The main functions of articular cartilage are stress transmission, absorption, and friction reduction. The cartilage cannot be repaired and regenerated once it has been damaged, and it needs to be replaced by artificial joints. Many approaches, such as artificial joint replacement, hyaluronic acid injection, microfracture surgery and cartilage tissue engineering have been applied in clinical treatment. Basically, some of these approaches are foreign material implantation for joint replacement to reach the goal of pain reduction and mechanism support. This study demonstrated another frontier in the research of cartilage reconstruction by applying regeneration medicine additive manufacturing (3D Printing) and stem cell technology. Light curing materials have been modified and tested to be printable and cytocompatible for stem cells in this research. Design of experiments (DOE) is adapted in this investigation to search for the optimal manufacturing parameter for biocompatible scaffold fabrication and stem cell attachment and growth. Based on the results, an optimal working process of biocompatible and printable scaffolds for cartilage regeneration is reported. We expect this study will facilitate the development of cartilage tissue engineering.
Design, Synthesis, and Preliminary Evaluation for Ti-Mo-Zr-Ta-Si Alloys for Potential Implant Applications
Authors: Baltatu Madalina Simona , Spataru Mihaela Claudia , Verestiuc Liliana , Balan Vera , Solcan Carmen , Sandu Andrei Victor , Geanta Victor , Voiculescu Ionelia , Vizureanu Petrica
Published: November 2021

Considering the future trends of biomaterials, current studies are focused on the corrosion resistance and the mechanical properties of new materials that need to be considered in the process of strengthening alloys with additive non-toxic elements. Many kinds of titanium alloys with different biocompatible elements (Mo, Si, Zr, etc.,) have been recently developed for their similar properties with human bone. Four new different alloys were obtained and investigated regarding their microstructure, mechanical, chemical, and biological behavior (in vitro and in vivo evaluation), the alloys are as follows: Ti15Mo7Zr15Ta, Ti15Mo7Zr15Ta0.5Si, Ti15Mo7Zr15Ta0.75Si, and Ti15Mo7Zr15Ta1Si. There were changes with the addition of the silicon element such as the hardness and the modulus of elasticity increased. An MTT assay confirmed the in vitro cytocompatibility of the prepared alloys.
Particle Size Effect of Oyster Shell on Mortar: Experimental Investigation and Modeling
Authors: Liao Yingdi , Shi Hongyi , Zhang Shimin , Da Bo , Chen Da
Published: November 2021

In order to solve the problem of lack of natural river sand, crushed waste oyster shells (WOS) were used to replace river sand. By replacing 20% river sand, WOS mortar with different particle sizes of WOS were made for the experiment. Through experimental observation, the initial slump and slump flow loss rate were studied. The effects of different particle sizes and curing times on the compressive strength, flexural strength, static elastic modulus, and dry shrinkage of WOS mortar were analyzed. The relationship formulas between the compressive strength, flexural strength, particle size, and curing age were proposed. The results showed that the setting time and slump flow decreased with a decrease in the particle size of WOS. It was also found that the mortar with fine crushed WOS had high compressive strength, flexural strength, and static elastic modulus at both early and long-term curing age. A formula was proposed to describe the development of the compressive strength with the particle size of WOS and curing time, and the relations among these mechanical properties were discussed. Furthermore, drying shrinkage increased when WOS was used and could not satisfy the standard requirement of 0.075%. In contrast, the addition of fine WOS and double-dose sulfonated naphthalene-formaldehyde superplasticizer (SNF SP) reduced the shrinkage rate of the mortar by 8.35% and provided better workability and mechanical properties for mortar.
Pushover Tests on Unreinforced Masonry Wallettes Retrofitted with an Innovative Coating: Experimental Study and Finite Element Modelling
Authors: Plassiard Jean-Patrick , Eymard Mathieu , Alachek Ibrahim , Plé Olivier
Published: November 2021

This paper investigates the mechanical contribution of an innovative coating applied on masonry wallettes compared to a traditional one. In both cases, the multifunctional coatings were insulating coatings intended for thermal refurbishment, but they could also be used to retrofit masonry. Uncoated specimens as well as coated ones were submitted to pushover tests to establish the strength gain. URM walls experienced brittle failures while the coated walls exhibited significant strength gains and strong ductility. The corresponding finite element models were developed. The behaviour of the URM walls was reproduced accurately in terms of strength and failure pattern. Models involving the coatings were used to partially retrieve the behaviour and to highlight the issues of a continuum approach.
Spatially Ordered Arrays of Colloidal Inorganic Metal Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals via Controlled Droplet Evaporation in a Confined Geometry
Authors: Lee Kwan , Moon Jonghyun , Jeong Jeonghwa , Hong Suck Won
Published: November 2021

Inorganic metal halide perovskite nanocrystals, such as quantum dots (QDs), have emerged as intriguing building blocks for miniaturized light-emitting and optoelectronic devices. Although conventional lithographic approaches and printing techniques allow for discrete patterning at the micro/nanoscale, it is still important to utilize intrinsic QDs with the concomitant retaining of physical and chemical stability during the fabrication process. Here, we report a simple strategy for the evaporative self-assembly to produce highly ordered structures of CsPbBr3 and CsPbI3 QDs on a substrate in a precisely controllable manner by using a capillary-bridged restrict geometry. Quantum confined CsPbBr3 and CsPbI3 nanocrystals, synthesized via a modified hot-injection method with excess halide ions condition, were readily adapted to prepare colloidal QD solutions. Subsequently, the spatially patterned arrays of the perovskite QD rings were crafted in a confirmed geometry with high fidelity by spontaneous solvent evaporation. These self-organized concentric rings were systemically characterized regarding the center-to-center distance, width, and height of the patterns. Our results not only facilitate a fundamental understanding of assembly in the perovskite QDs to enable the solution-printing process but also provide a simple route for offering promising practical applications in optoelectronics.
Transparency- and Repellency-Enhanced Acrylic-Based Binder for Stimuli-Responsive Road Paint Safety Improvement Technology
Authors: Lim Won-Bin , Bae Ji-Hong , Lee Gyu-Hyeok , Lee Ju-Hong , Min Jin-Gyu , Huh PilHo
Published: November 2021

In the current study, an acrylic polymer binder applicable to road signs was successfully developed by mixing various acrylic, acrylate-type, and photoinitiator-based monomer species at different acrylate series/silicone acrylate ratios. An amorphous acrylic monomer was used, and the distance between the polymers was increased to improve transparency. The binder was designed with the purpose of reducing the yellowing phenomenon due to resonance by excluding the aromatic ring structure, which is the main cause of yellowing. The optical properties of the binder were determined according to the content of n-butyl methacrylate/methyl methacrylate and the composition of the crosslinking agent in the formulation. Allyl glycidyl ether and dilauroyl peroxide were used to improve the yellowing problem of benzoyl peroxide, an aromatic photoinitiator. Adding a silicone-based trivalent acrylic monomer, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (TMSPMA), was also found to have a significant effect on the transparency, shear properties, and water resistance of the binder. When 15 wt% TMSPMA was added, the best water repellency and mechanical properties were exhibited. The surface morphology of the improved binder and the peeling part were confirmed using field emission scanning electron microscopy. The acrylic polymer developed in this study can be applied in the coating and adhesive industries.
Mineral Materials as a Neutralizing Agent Used on Soil Contaminated with Copper
Authors: Żołnowski Andrzej Cezary , Wyszkowski Mirosław , Rolka Elżbieta , Sawicka Marta
Published: November 2021

The aim of the investigation was to evaluate the response of plants, using black mustard (Brassica nigra L. Koch) as a model plant, to soil contamination with copper (0, 200, 400, 600 mg Cu kg−1 of soil), and to determine the effectiveness of the Cu immobilization with mineral neutralizing materials, such as lime, clay and zeolite. The plant yield depended on soil contamination and mineral amendments. In the series without neutralizing materials, the level of 600 mg Cu kg−1 reduced the yield and increased leaf greenness. Lime alleviated the toxicity of Cu in objects with 200 mg Cu kg−1. Zeolite slightly mitigated the harmful effects of Cu at the level of 400 and 600 mg kg−1. Zeolite lowered the SPAD index. In the chemical composition of plants, the content of Cu, K, Mg, Na and Ca in plants increased to 400 mg Cu kg−1, while the content of P decreased to 600 mg Cu kg−1. Among the materials, lime reduced the Cu accumulation in plants the most, followed by clay. Cu narrowed the majority of ratios and widened the Ca:P and K:Ca ratios in plants. The applied mineral materials, except lime, did not significantly affect the formation of these indicators.
Effect of Sandblasting on Static and Fatigue Strength of Flash Butt Welded 75Cr4 Bandsaw Blades
Authors: Kubit Andrzej , Lenart Łukasz , Trzepieciński Tomasz , Krzysiak Andrzej , Łabuński Wojciech
Published: November 2021

The aim of the research presented in this article is analysis of the effect of the surface treatment method on the static and fatigue strength of flash butt welded bandsaw blades. A 1-mm-thick 75Cr1 cold-work tool steel sheet used for bandsaw blades was used as the test material. Fractographic studies of the fatigue fractures and fractures formed in static tests were also carried out. The static strength tests showed sandblasting the weld surface had no significant effect on the load capacity of the joint. However, the sandblasted specimens showed a higher repeatability of the load capacity (lower standard deviation). In the case of both analyzed sample variants of specimens, sandblasted and non-sandblasted, the number of cycles at which the sample was damaged decreases with the percentage increase of the stress amplitude. When loading the samples with a stress amplitude value in the range between 400 and 690 MPa, sandblasting of the weld surface increased the average value of destructive cycles by about 10–86% (depending on the stress amplitude) compared to non-sandblasted joints. The sandblasting process introduces compressive stresses in the surface layer of the welds, therefore the variable tensile load acting on the sample requires a greater number of cycles before the fatigue cracks initiate and propagate. In the case of all specimens, a ductile fracture was observed. It was also found that, regardless of the variable stress amplitude, sandblasting has a positive effect on reducing the standard deviation of fatigue test results.
Effect of Application of a Bio-Adhesive on the Removal Torque Value and Rotational Misfit at the Implant–Abutment Junction: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Arshad Mahnaz , Khayat Zadeh Sina , Atai Mohammad , Shirani Gholamreza , Romanos Georgios E. , Bassir Seyed Hossein
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of application of a recently developed bio-adhesive (Impladhesive) to abutment screw threads on the removal torque value and rotational misfit at the implant–abutment junction. This in vitro study evaluated 20 implant fixtures and 20 straight abutments. Specimens were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10) with/without adhesive application. In the adhesive group, the abutment was dipped in Impladhesive before torquing. In the control group, the abutment was torqued conventionally without adhesive application. The removal torque value was recorded after completion of the cyclic loading of 500,000 cycles with 2 Hz frequency and 75 N load. Rotational misfit was recorded using a video measuring machine. After applying the torque, the change in the bisector angle on the abutment hex was recorded for each implant. The biocompatibility of Impladhesive was evaluated using a MTT cell vitality assay. Normal distribution of data was assessed using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Data were analyzed using a t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient The application of Impladhesive at the implant–abutment interface resulted in significantly greater mean removal torque value compared to the control group (p = 0.008). In addition, the mean rotational misfit at the implant–abutment interface was significantly lower in the use of Impladhesive compared to the control group (p = 0.001). In addition, the cell vitality was found to be greater than 80% at all evaluated time points. It can be concluded that the application of Impladhesive on the abutment screw significantly decreased rotational misfit and increased the removal torque value. Future studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of this bio-adhesive an in vivo setting.
Biomechanics of Additively Manufactured Metallic Scaffolds—A Review
Authors: Elhattab Karim , Hefzy Mohamed Samir , Hanf Zachary , Crosby Bailey , Enders Alexander , Smiczek Tim , Haghshenas Meysam , Jahadakbar Ahmadreza , Elahinia Mohammad
Published: November 2021

This review paper is related to the biomechanics of additively manufactured (AM) metallic scaffolds, in particular titanium alloy Ti6Al4V scaffolds. This is because Ti6Al4V has been identified as an ideal candidate for AM metallic scaffolds. The factors that affect the scaffold technology are the design, the material used to build the scaffold, and the fabrication process. This review paper includes thus a discussion on the design of Ti6A4V scaffolds in relation to how their behavior is affected by their cell shapes and porosities. This is followed by a discussion on the post treatment and mechanical characterization including in-vitro and in-vivo biomechanical studies. A review and discussion are also presented on the ongoing efforts to develop predictive tools to derive the relationships between structure, processing, properties and performance of powder-bed additive manufacturing of metals. This is a challenge when developing process computational models because the problem involves multi-physics and is of multi-scale in nature. Advantages, limitations, and future trends in AM scaffolds are finally discussed. AM is considered at the forefront of Industry 4.0, the fourth industrial revolution. The market of scaffold technology will continue to boom because of the high demand for human tissue repair.
Determining Number of Factors in Dynamic Factor Models Contributing to GDP Nowcasting
Authors: Luo Jiayi , Yu Cindy Long
Published: November 2021

Real-time nowcasting is a process to assess current-quarter GDP from timely released economic and financial series before the figure is disseminated in order to catch the overall macroeconomic conditions in real time. In economic data nowcasting, dynamic factor models (DFMs) are widely used due to their abilities to bridge information with different frequencies and to achieve dimension reduction. However, most of the research using DFMs assumes a fixed known number of factors contributing to GDP nowcasting. In this paper, we propose a Bayesian approach with the horseshoe shrinkage prior to determine the number of factors that have nowcasting power in GDP and to accurately estimate model parameters and latent factors simultaneously. The horseshoe prior is a powerful shrinkage prior in that it can shrink unimportant signals to 0 while keeping important ones remaining large and practically unshrunk. The validity of the method is demonstrated through simulation studies and an empirical study of nowcasting U.S. quarterly GDP growth rates using monthly data series in the U.S. market.
Absolute Structure Determination and Kv1.5 Ion Channel Inhibition Activities of New Debromoaplysiatoxin Analogues
Authors: Shen Sicheng , Wang Weiping , Chen Zijun , Zhang Huihui , Yang Yuchun , Wang Xiaoliang , Fu Peng , Han Bingnan
Published: November 2021

Potassium channel Kv1.5 has been considered a key target for new treatments of atrial tachyarrhythmias, with few side effects. Four new debromoaplysiatoxin analogues with a 6/6/12 fused ring system were isolated from marine cyanobacterium Lyngbya sp. Their planar structures were elucidated by HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR. The absolute configuration of oscillatoxin J (1) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and the absolute configurations of oscillatoxin K (2), oscillatoxin L (3) and oscillatoxin M (4) were confirmed on the basis of GIAO NMR shift calculation followed by DP4 analysis. The current study confirmed the absolute configuration of the pivotal chiral positions (7S, 9S, 10S, 11R, 12S, 15S, 29R and 30R) at traditional ATXs with 6/12/6 tricyclic ring system. Compound 1, 2 and 4 exhibited blocking activities against Kv1.5 with IC50 values of 2.61 ± 0.91 µM, 3.86 ± 1.03 µM and 3.79 ± 1.01 µM, respectively. However, compound 3 exhibited a minimum effect on Kv1.5 at 10 µM. Furthermore, all of these new debromoaplysiatoxin analogs displayed no apparent activity in a brine shrimp toxicity assay.
Machine Learning Approaches to Predict Chronic Lower Back Pain in People Aged over 50 Years
Authors: Shim Jae-Geum , Ryu Kyoung-Ho , Cho Eun-Ah , Ahn Jin Hee , Kim Hong Kyoon , Lee Yoon-Ju , Lee Sung Hyun
Published: November 2021

Background and Objectives: Chronic lower back pain (LBP) is a common clinical disorder. The early identification of patients who will develop chronic LBP would help develop preventive measures and treatment. We aimed to develop machine learning models that can accurately predict the risk of chronic LBP. Materials and Methods: Data from the Sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2014 and 2015 (KNHANES VI-2, 3) were screened for selecting patients with chronic LBP. LBP lasting >30 days in the past 3 months was defined as chronic LBP in the survey. The following classification models with machine learning algorithms were developed and validated to predict chronic LBP: logistic regression (LR), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), naïve Bayes (NB), decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), gradient boosting machine (GBM), support vector machine (SVM), and artificial neural network (ANN). The performance of these models was compared with respect to the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Results: A total of 6119 patients were analyzed in this study, of which 1394 had LBP. The feature selected data consisted of 13 variables. The LR, KNN, NB, DT, RF, GBM, SVM, and ANN models showed performances (in terms of AUROCs) of 0.656, 0.656, 0.712, 0.671, 0.699, 0.660, 0.707, and 0.716, respectively, with ten-fold cross-validation. Conclusions: In this study, the ANN model was identified as the best machine learning classification model for predicting the occurrence of chronic LBP. Therefore, machine learning could be effectively applied in the identification of populations at high risk of chronic LBP.
A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression of Frequency and Risk Factors for Poststroke Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Authors: Su Yu-Chi , Guo Yao-Hong , Hsieh Pei-Chun , Lin Yu-Ching
Published: November 2021

Background and Objectives: This article aimed to investigate the risk factors for poststroke complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Materials and Methods: We searched electronic databases including PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase up to 27 October 2021. We enrolled analytical epidemiological studies comprising cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies. A quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for cohort and case-control studies and the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies. Binary outcomes were reported as odds ratios (ORs), and continuous outcomes were described as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals. For the meta-regression, beta coefficient and p value were adopted. Results: We included 21 articles comprising 2225 participants. Individuals with shoulder subluxation and spasticity were found to have higher risks for poststroke CRPS. Spasticity with higher modified Ashworth scale score, lower Brunnstrom hand stage, and inferior Barthel index scores were observed in patients with poststroke CRPS. The pooled incidence proportion in nine articles was 31.7%, and a correlation was found between effect sizes and the ratio of women and the proportion of left hemiparesis. The summarized prevalence in nine cross-sectional studies was 33.1%, and a correlation was observed between prevalence and the subluxation ratio and Brunnstrom stage. Conclusions: Based on our meta-analysis, being female, left hemiparesis, shoulder subluxation, spasticity, a lower Brunnstrom stage of distal upper limb, and an inferior Barthel index are all features for poststroke CRPS. Larger studies with greater statistical power may confirm our findings and clarify some other unknown risk factors for poststroke CRPS.
Study the Use of Activated Carbon and Bone Char on the Performance of Gravity Sand-Bag Water Filter
Authors: Fung Eric , Johnson Ken I. , Li Wenqi , Borges William , Chi Kai , Sharma Sunil K. , Madan Yogita , Sharma Priyanka R. , Hsiao Benjamin S.
Published: November 2021

In this study, granulated activated charcoal (GAC) and bio charcoal (BC) is used as a filler in P3 biosand bag filter to study their filtration performance against a range of fluoride impurities from 1–1400 mg/L. A set of experiments are done to analyze the filtration efficiency of the sandbag filter against fluoride impurities after incorporating different amounts (e.g., 0.2, 2 kg) and a combination of GAC and BC. A combination of filler GAC and BC (1 kg each) have exhibited excellent results with 100% fluoride removal efficiency against 5 mg/L fluoride impurities for an entire experimental time of 165 min. It is because of the synergetic effect of adsorption caused by the high surface area (739 m2/g) of GAC and hydroxyapatite groups in BC. The data from remediation experiments using individual GAC and BC are fitted into the Langmuir and Freundlich Isotherm Models to check their adsorption mechanism and determine GAC and BC’s maximum adsorption capacity (Qm). The remediation data for both GAC and BC have shown the better fitting to the Langmuir Isotherm Model with a high R2 value of 0.994 and 0.970, respectively, showing the excellent conformity with monolayer adsorption. While the GAC and BC have presented negative Kf values of −1.08 and −0.72, respectively, for Freundlich Model, showing the non-conformity to multilayer adsorption. The Qm values obtained from Langmuir Model for GAC is 6.23 mg/g, and for BC, it is 9.13 mg/g. The pH study on adsorption efficiency of individual GAC and BC against 5 mg/L of fluoride impurities indicates the decrease in removal efficiency with an increase in pH from 3 to 9. For example, BC has shown removal efficiency of 99.8% at pH 3 and 99.5% at pH 9, while GAC has exhibited removal efficiency of 96.1% at pH 3 and 95.9% at pH 9. Importantly, this study presents the significance of the synergetic application of GAC and BC in the filters, where GAC and BC are different in their origin, functionalities, and surface characteristics.
A Ready-to-Use Metal-Supported Bilayer Lipid Membrane Biosensor for the Detection of Phenol in Water
Authors: Siontorou Christina G. , Georgopoulos Konstantinos N.
Published: November 2021

This work presents a novel metal-supported bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) biosensor built on tyrosinase to quantitate phenol. The detection strategy is based on the enzyme–analyte initial association and not the commonly adopted monitoring of the redox cascade reactions; such an approach has not been proposed in the literature to date and offers many advantages for environmental monitoring with regard to sensitivity, selectivity, reliability and assay simplicity. The phenol sensor developed herein showed good analytical and operational characteristics: the detection limit (signal-to-noise ratio = 3) was 1.24 pg/mL and the sensitivity was 33.45 nA per pg/mL phenol concentration. The shelf life of the tyrosinase sensor was 12 h and the lifetime (in consecutive assays) was 8 h. The sensor was reversible with bathing at pH 8.5 and could be used for eight assay runs in consecutive assays. The validation in real water samples showed that the sensor could reliably detect 2.5 ppb phenol in tap and river water and 6.1 ppb phenol in lake water, without sample pretreatment. The prospects and applicability of the proposed biosensor and the underlying technology are also discussed.
Microstructure Characteristics and Strengthening Behavior of Cu-Bearing Non-Oriented Silicon Steel: Conventional Process versus Strip Casting
Authors: Fang Feng , Hou Diwen , Wang Zhilei , Che Shangfeng , Zhang Yuanxiang , Wang Yang , Yuan Guo , Zhang Xiaoming , Misra Raja Devesh Kumar , Wang Guodong
Published: November 2021

Based on conventional hot rolling processes and strip casting processes, Cu precipitation strengthening is used to improve the strength of non-oriented silicon steel in order to meet the requirements of high-speed driving motors of electric vehicles. Microstructure evolution was studied, and the effects of Cu precipitates on magnetic and mechanical properties are discussed. Compared with conventional processes, non-oriented silicon steel prepared by strip casting exhibited advantages with regard to microstructure optimization with coarse grain and {100} texture. Two-stage rolling processes were more beneficial for uniform microstructure, coarse grains and improved texture. The high magnetic induction B50 of 1.762 T and low core losses with P1.5/50, P1.0/400 and P1.0/1000 of 1.93, 11.63 and 44.87 W/kg, respectively, were obtained in 0.20 mm sheets in strip casting. Cu precipitates significantly improved yield strength over ~120 MPa without deteriorating magnetic properties both in conventional process and strip casting. In the peak stage aged at 550 °C for 120 min, Cu precipitates retained bcc structure and were coherent with the matrix, and the yield strength of the 0.20 mm sheet was as high as 501 MPa in strip casting. The main mechanism of precipitation strengthening was attributed to coherency strengthening and modulus strengthening. The results indicated that balanced magnetic and mechanical properties can be achieved in thin-gauge non-oriented silicon steel with Cu addition in strip casting.
Water Electrolysis for the Production of Hydrogen to Be Employed in the Ironmaking and Steelmaking Industry
Authors: Cavaliere Pasquale Daniele , Perrone Angelo , Silvello Alessio
Published: November 2021

The way to decarbonization will be characterized by the huge production of hydrogen through sustainable routes. Thus, the basic production way is water electrolysis sustained by renewable energy sources allowing for obtaining “green hydrogen”. The present paper reviews the main available technologies for the water electrolysis finalized to the hydrogen production. We describe the fundamental of water electrolysis and the problems related to purification and/or desalinization of water before electrolysis. As a matter of fact, we describe the energy efficiency issues with particular attention to the potential application in the steel industry. The fundamental aspects related to the choice of high-temperature or low-temperature technologies are analyzed.
Corrosion of N10276 in a H2S, HCl, and CO2 Containing Atmosphere at 480 °C and 680 °C
Authors: Nimmervoll Manuela , Mori Gregor , Bucher Edith , Schmid Alexander , Haubner Roland
Published: November 2021

In several industrial processes, metallic materials suffer from chlorine- and sulfur-induced high-temperature corrosion. In previous studies, several steels have been tested at laboratory scale in a simulated gas atmosphere of a pyrolysis process of anthropogenic resources. In this paper, we propose a model on the course of corrosion in a H2S and HCl-containing atmosphere for N10276, which contains, besides iron, chromium, and nickel, also molybdenum as main alloying element. Bearing in mind the impact of the main alloying elements, as well as thermodynamic considerations and kinetic effects, the corrosion behavior of N10276 in a H2S and HCl-containing atmosphere at 480 °C and 680 °C can be explained. In addition, the corrosion behavior of N10276 is compared with earlier tested Fe-Cr-Ni alloys and differences in the corrosion behavior are stated within this paper.
Coupling Mixed Mode Chromatography/ESI Negative MS Detection with Message-Passing Neural Network Modeling for Enhanced Metabolome Coverage and Structural Identification
Authors: Xing Gang , Sresht Vishnu , Sun Zhongyuan , Shi Yuji , Clasquin Michelle F.
Published: November 2021

A key unmet need in metabolomics continues to be the specific, selective, accurate detection of traditionally difficult to retain molecules including simple sugars, sugar phosphates, carboxylic acids, and related amino acids. Designed to retain the metabolites of central carbon metabolism, this Mixed Mode (MM) chromatography applies varied pH, salt concentration and organic content to a positively charged quaternary amine polyvinyl alcohol stationary phase. This MM method is capable of separating glucose from fructose, and four hexose monophosphates a single chromatographic run. Coupled to a QExactive Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer with negative ESI, linearity, LLOD, %CV, and mass accuracy were assessed using 33 metabolite standards. The standards were linear on average >3 orders of magnitude (R2 > 0.98 for 30/33) with LLOD < 1 pmole (26/33), median CV of 12% over two weeks, and median mass accuracy of 0.49 ppm. To assess the breadth of metabolome coverage and better define the structural elements dictating elution, we injected 607 unique metabolites and determined that 398 are well retained. We then split the dataset of 398 documented RTs into training and test sets and trained a message-passing neural network (MPNN) to predict RT from a featurized heavy atom connectivity graph. Unlike traditional QSAR methods that utilize hand-crafted descriptors or pre-defined structural keys, the MPNN aggregates atomic features across the molecular graph and learns to identify molecular subgraphs that are correlated with variations in RTs. For sugars, sugar phosphates, carboxylic acids, and isomers, the model achieves a predictive RT error of <2 min on 91%, 50%, 77%, and 72% of held-out compounds from these subsets, with overall root mean square errors of 0.11, 0.34, 0.18, and 0.53 min, respectively. The model was then applied to rank order metabolite IDs for molecular features altered by GLS2 knockout in mouse primary hepatocytes.
Controlling Resonator Nonlinearities and Modes through Geometry Optimization
Authors: Hajjaj Amal Z. , Jaber Nizar
Published: November 2021

Controlling the nonlinearities of MEMS resonators is critical for their successful implementation in a wide range of sensing, signal conditioning, and filtering applications. Here, we utilize a passive technique based on geometry optimization to control the nonlinearities and the dynamical response of MEMS resonators. Also, we explored active technique i.e., tuning the axial stress of the resonator. To achieve this, we propose a new hybrid shape combining a straight and initially curved microbeam. The Galerkin method is employed to solve the beam equation and study the effect of the different design parameters on the ratios of the frequencies and the nonlinearities of the structure. We show by adequately selecting the parameters of the structure; we can realize systems with strong quadratic or cubic effective nonlinearities. Also, we investigate the resonator shape effect on symmetry breaking and study different linear coupling phenomena: crossing, veering, and mode hybridization. We demonstrate the possibility of tuning the frequencies of the different modes of vibrations to achieve commensurate ratios necessary for activating internal resonance. The proposed method is simple in principle, easy to fabricate, and offers a wide range of controllability on the sensor nonlinearities and response.
Isothermal Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) of E. coli gDNA in Commercially Fabricated PCB-Based Microfluidic Platforms
Authors: Georgoutsou-Spyridonos Maria , Filippidou Myrto , Kaprou Georgia D. , Mastellos Dimitrios C. , Chatzandroulis Stavros , Tserepi Angeliki
Published: November 2021

Printed circuit board (PCB) technology has been recently proposed as a convenient platform for seamlessly integrating electronics and microfluidics in the same substrate, thus facilitating the introduction of integrated and low-cost microfluidic devices to the market, thanks to the inherent upscaling potential of the PCB industry. Herein, a microfluidic chip, encompassing on PCB both a meandering microchannel and microheaters to accommodate recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), is designed and commercially fabricated for the first time on PCB. The developed microchip is validated for RPA-based amplification of two E. coli target genes compared to a conventional thermocycler. The RPA performance of the PCB microchip was found to be well-comparable to that of a thermocycler yet with a remarkably lower power consumption (0.6 W). This microchip is intended for seamless integration with biosensors in the same PCB substrate for the development of a point-of-care (POC) molecular diagnostics platform.
Towards Zero Solid Waste in the Sedimentary Phosphate Industry: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Taha Yassine , Elghali Abdellatif , Hakkou Rachid , Benzaazoua Mostafa
Published: November 2021

The phosphate industry produces huge volumes of waste (hundred million tons per year). These wastes are generally surface landfilled, leading to significant environmental impacts and a large footprint. The current practices of phosphate waste management, the typology of the waste streams and their characteristics, and finally their potential applications are reviewed. All the waste streams generated during the life cycle of phosphoric acid production going from the extraction of phosphate rock to its enrichment and transformation are considered. Great circularity opportunities have been identified and they aim (i) to recover the residual phosphorus and other critical minerals and metals, and (ii) to consider phosphate wastes as alternative resources in the civil engineering and building sectors. The purpose is to shift from linear thinking to circular thinking where synergy between different mining and other industries is highly encouraged. By doing so, opportunities to safeguard natural resources and to minimize the environmental and societal impacts are limitless. However, many challenges are still limiting this shift: economic and technical constraints, societal and policy-makers’ awareness, regulation harmonization and finally knowledge gaps. More efforts and investment in research and development are still required to reach the zero-waste target.
HPLC Analysis of the Urinary Iodine Concentration in Pregnant Women
Authors: Mikulska Aniceta A. , Filipowicz Dorota , Główka Franciszek K. , Szczepanek-Parulska Ewelina , Ruchała Marek , Bartecki Michał , Karaźniewicz-Łada Marta
Published: November 2021

Iodine is an essential component for fetal neurodevelopment and maternal thyroid function. Urine iodine is the most widely used indicator of iodine status. In this study, a novel validated ion-pair HPLC–UV method was developed to measure iodine concentration in clinical samples. A sodium thiosulfate solution was added to the urine sample to convert the total free iodine to iodide. Chromatographic separation was achieved in a Pursuit XRs C8 column. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and a water phase containing 18-crown-6-ether, octylamine and sodium dihydrogen phosphate. Validation parameters, such as accuracy, precision, limits of detection and quantification, linearity and stability, were determined. Urinary samples from pregnant women were used to complete the validation and confirm the method’s applicability. In the studied population of 93 pregnant women, the median UIC was lower in the group without iodine supplementation (117 µg/L, confidence interval (%CI): 95; 138) than in the supplement group (133 µg/L, %CI: 109; 157). In conclusion, the newly established ion-pair HPLC–UV method was adequately precise, accurate and fulfilled validation the criteria for analyzing compounds in biological fluids. The method is less complicated and expensive than other frequently used assays and permits the identification of the iodine-deficient subjects.
Interactions of β-Lactoglobulin with Bovine Submaxillary Mucin vs. Porcine Gastric Mucin: The Role of Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Residues as Studied by Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Yılmaz Hilal , Lee Seunghwan , Chronakis Ioannis S.
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate binding interactions between β-lactoglobulin (BLG) and two different mucins, bovine submaxillary mucins (BSM) and porcine gastric mucin (PGM), using intrinsic and extrinsic fluorescence spectroscopies. Intrinsic fluorescence spectra showed an enhanced decrease of fluorescence intensity of BLG at all pH conditions when BLG was mixed with PGM rather than with BSM. We propose that, unlike BSM, the tertiary structure of PGM changes and the hydrophobic regions are exposed at pH 3 due to protonation of negatively charged residues. Results suggest that PGM also facilitated the structural unfolding of BLG and its binding with PGM by a hydrophobic interaction, especially at acidic pH, which was further supported by extrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy. Hydrophobic interaction is suggested as the dominant interaction mechanism between BLG and PGM at pH 3, whereas electrostatic interaction is the dominant one between BLG and BSM.
Soluble Dietary Fiber, One of the Most Important Nutrients for the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Guan Zhi-Wei , Yu En-Ze , Feng Qiang
Published: November 2021

Dietary fiber is a widely recognized nutrient for human health. Previous studies proved that dietary fiber has significant implications for gastrointestinal health by regulating the gut microbiota. Moreover, mechanistic research showed that the physiological functions of different dietary fibers depend to a great extent on their physicochemical characteristics, one of which is solubility. Compared with insoluble dietary fiber, soluble dietary fiber can be easily accessed and metabolized by fiber-degrading microorganisms in the intestine and produce a series of beneficial and functional metabolites. In this review, we outlined the structures, characteristics, and physiological functions of soluble dietary fibers as important nutrients. We particularly focused on the effects of soluble dietary fiber on human health via regulating the gut microbiota and reviewed their effects on dietary and clinical interventions.
Transformation of Tetracycline by Manganese Peroxidase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium
Authors: Sun Xuemei , Leng Yifei , Wan Duanji , Chang Fengyi , Huang Yu , Li Zhu , Xiong Wen , Wang Jun
Published: November 2021

The negative impacts on the ecosystem of antibiotic residues in the environment have become a global concern. However, little is known about the transformation mechanism of antibiotics by manganese peroxidase (MnP) from microorganisms. This work investigated the transformation characteristics, the antibacterial activity of byproducts, and the degradation mechanism of tetracycline (TC) by purified MnP from Phanerochaete chrysosporium. The results show that nitrogen-limited and high level of Mn2+ medium could obtain favorable MnP activity and inhibit the expression of lignin peroxidase by Phanerochaete chrysosporium. The purified MnP could transform 80% tetracycline in 3 h, and the threshold of reaction activator (H2O2) was about 0.045 mmol L−1. After the 3rd cyclic run, the transformation rate was almost identical at the low initial concentration of TC (77.05–88.47%), while it decreased when the initial concentration was higher (49.36–60.00%). The antimicrobial potency of the TC transformation products by MnP decreased throughout reaction time. We identified seven possible degradation products and then proposed a potential TC transformation pathway, which included demethylation, oxidation of the dimethyl amino, decarbonylation, hydroxylation, and oxidative dehydrogenation. These findings provide a novel comprehension of the role of MnP on the fate of antibiotics in nature and may develop a potential technology for tetracycline removal.