bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of Multifocal Microlens Array on Silicon Microcantilever via Femtosecond-Laser-Assisted Etching Technology
Authors: Wang Bao-Xu , Zheng Jia-Xin , Qi Jin-Yong , Guo Ming-Rui , Gao Bing-Rong , Liu Xue-Qing
Published: January 2022

Micro-opto-electromechanical systems (MOEMSs) are a new class of integrated and miniaturized optical systems that have significant applications in modern optics. However, the integration of micro-optical elements with complex morphologies on existing micro-electromechanical systems is difficult. Herein, we propose a femtosecond-laser-assisted dry etching technology to realize the fabrication of silicon microlenses. The size of the microlens can be controlled by the femtosecond laser pulse energy and the number of pulses. To verify the applicability of this method, multifocal microlens arrays (focal lengths of 7–9 μm) were integrated into a silicon microcantilever using this method. The proposed technology would broaden the application scope of MOEMSs in three-dimensional imaging systems.
Design of an Effective Prosthetic Hand System for Adaptive Grasping with the Control of Myoelectric Pattern Recognition Approach
Authors: Wang Yanchao , Tian Ye , She Haotian , Jiang Yinlai , Yokoi Hiroshi , Liu Yunhui
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we develop a prosthetic bionic hand system to realize adaptive gripping with two closed-loop control loops by using a linear discriminant analysis algorithm (LDA). The prosthetic hand contains five fingers and each finger is driven by a linear servo motor. When grasping objects, four fingers except the thumb would adjust automatically and bend with an appropriate gesture, while the thumb is stretched and bent by the linear servo motor. Since the change of the surface electromechanical signal (sEMG) occurs before human movement, the recognition of sEMG signal with LDA algorithm can help to obtain people’s action intention in advance, and then timely send control instructions to assist people to grasp. For activity intention recognition, we extract three features, Variance (VAR), Root Mean Square (RMS) and Minimum (MIN) for recognition. As the results show, it can achieve an average accuracy of 96.59%. This helps our system perform well for disabilities to grasp objects of different sizes and shapes adaptively. Finally, a test of the people with disabilities grasping 15 objects of different sizes and shapes was carried out and achieved good experimental results.
Editorial for the Special Issue on “Frontiers of Ultra-Precision Machining”
Authors: Guo Jiang , Wang Chunjin , Kang Chenwei
Published: January 2022

Ultra-precision machining is a multi-disciplinary research area that is an important branch of manufacturing technology [...]
Flexible Capacitive Pressure Sensor Based on Microstructured Composite Dielectric Layer for Broad Linear Range Pressure Sensing Applications
Authors: Shi Yaoguang , Lü Xiaozhou , Zhao Jihao , Wang Wenran , Meng Xiangyu , Wang Pengfei , Li Fan
Published: January 2022

Flexible pressure sensors have attracted a considerable amount of attention in various fields including robotics and healthcare applications, among others. However, it remains significantly challenging to design and fabricate a flexible capacitive pressure sensor with a quite broad linearity detection range due to the nonlinear stress–strain relation of the hyperelastic polymer-based dielectric material. Along these lines, in this work, a novel flexible capacitive pressure sensor with microstructured composite dielectric layer (MCDL) is demonstrated. The MCDL was prepared by enforcing a solvent-free planetary mixing and replica molding method, while the performances of the flexible capacitive pressure sensor were characterized by performing various experimental tests. More specifically, the proposed capacitive pressure sensor with 4.0 wt % cone-type MCDL could perceive external pressure loads with a broad detection range of 0–1.3 MPa, which yielded a high sensitivity value of 3.97 × 10−3 kPa−1 in a relative wide linear range of 0–600 kPa. Moreover, the developed pressure sensor exhibited excellent repeatability during the application of 1000 consecutive cycles and a fast response time of 150 ms. Finally, the developed sensor was utilized for wearable monitoring and spatial pressure distribution sensing applications, which indicates the great perspectives of our approach for potential use in the robotics and healthcare fields.
MHD Flow of a Hybrid Nano-Fluid in a Triangular Enclosure with Zigzags and an Elliptic Obstacle
Authors: Chabani Ines , Mebarek-Oudina Fateh , Ismail Abdel Aziz I.
Published: January 2022

The current study uses the multi-physics COMSOL software and the Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer model with a porosity of ε = 0.4 to conduct a numerical study on heat transfer by Cu-TiO2/EG hybrid nano-fluid inside a porous annulus between a zigzagged triangle and different cylinders and under the influence of an inclined magnetic field. The effect of numerous factors is detailed, including Rayleigh number (103 ≤ Ra ≤ 106), Hartmann number (0 ≤ Ha ≤ 100), volume percent of the nano-fluid (0.02 ≤ ϕ ≤ 0.08), and the rotating speed of the cylinder (−4000 ≤ w ≤ 4000). Except for the Hartmann number, which decelerates the flow rate, each of these parameters has a positive impact on the thermal transmission rate.
Angiogenesis and Functional Vessel Formation Induced by Interstitial Flow and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Using a Microfluidic Chip
Authors: Liu Yufang , Li Jiao , Zhou Jiasheng , Liu Xue , Li Huibing , Lu Yao , Lin Bingcheng , Li Xiaojie , Liu Tingjiao
Published: January 2022

Angiogenesis occurs during both physiological and pathological processes. In this study, a microfluidic chip for the development of angiogenesis was utilized to assess angiogenic sprouting and functional vessel formation. We also found that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was a determinant of the initiation of vascular sprouts, while the direction of these sprouts was greatly influenced by interstitial flow. Isoforms of VEGF such as VEGF121, VEGF165, and VEGF189 displayed different angiogenic properties on the chip as assessed by sprout length and number, vessel perfusion, and connectivity. VEGF165 had the highest capacity to induce vascular sprouting among the three isoforms assessed and furthermore, also induced functional vessel formation. This chip could be used to analyze the effect of different angiogenic factors and drugs, as well as to explore the mechanism of angiogenesis induced by such factors.
Commutation Torque Ripple Reduction Strategy of Brushless DC Motor Drives Based on Boosting Voltage of DC-Link Small Capacitor
Authors: Li Xinmin , Yuan He , Chen Wei , Yu Lihong , Gu Xin
Published: January 2022

Based on the brushless DC motor system with DC-link small capacitance powered by a single-phase AC power source, a boosting DC-link voltage strategy to reduce the commutation torque ripple of brushless DC motors is proposed in this paper. The control strategy utilizes the special topology of the motor system to boost the DC-link capacitor voltage in a specific zone during the non-commutation period. During the commutation period, the high voltage of the DC-link capacitor is released to meet the voltage requirement of the brushless DC motor during commutation. In order to reduce the commutation torque ripple and ensure the normal operation of the brushless DC motor, each rectifier cycle is divided into three zones according to the characteristics of the periodic change of the rectifier output voltage. Different operation modes are proposed for different zones. In DC-link capacitor boost voltage mode, the DC-link capacitor boosts the voltage to meet the voltage of the motor demand during the commutation period for achieving the purpose of reducing the commutation torque ripple. In this paper, the controller of the brushless DC motor system is designed and the experimental platform is built. The experimental results verified the correctness of the theoretical analysis and the feasibility of the proposed method.
Defects Produced during Wet Transfer Affect the Electrical Properties of Graphene
Authors: Zhang Dongliang , Zhang Qi , Liang Xiaoya , Pang Xing , Zhao Yulong
Published: January 2022

Graphene has been widely used due to its excellent electrical, mechanical and chemical properties. Defects produced during its transfer process will seriously affect the performance of graphene devices. In this paper, single-layer graphene was transferred onto glass and silicon dioxide (SiO2) substrates by wet transfer technology, and the square resistances thereof were tested. Due to the different binding forces of the transferred graphene surfaces, there may have been pollutants present. PMMA residues, graphene laminations and other defects that occurred in the wet transfer process were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. These defects influenced the square resistance of the produced graphene films, and of these defects, PMMA residue was the most influential; square resistance increased with increasing PMMA residue.
Scanning Probe Lithography: State-of-the-Art and Future Perspectives
Authors: Fan Pengfei , Gao Jian , Mao Hui , Geng Yanquan , Yan Yongda , Wang Yuzhang , Goel Saurav , Luo Xichun
Published: January 2022

High-throughput and high-accuracy nanofabrication methods are required for the ever-increasing demand for nanoelectronics, high-density data storage devices, nanophotonics, quantum computing, molecular circuitry, and scaffolds in bioengineering used for cell proliferation applications. The scanning probe lithography (SPL) nanofabrication technique is a critical nanofabrication method with great potential to evolve into a disruptive atomic-scale fabrication technology to meet these demands. Through this timely review, we aspire to provide an overview of the SPL fabrication mechanism and the state-the-art research in this area, and detail the applications and characteristics of this technique, including the effects of thermal aspects and chemical aspects, and the influence of electric and magnetic fields in governing the mechanics of the functionalized tip interacting with the substrate during SPL. Alongside this, the review also sheds light on comparing various fabrication capabilities, throughput, and attainable resolution. Finally, the paper alludes to the fact that a majority of the reported literature suggests that SPL has yet to achieve its full commercial potential and is currently largely a laboratory-based nanofabrication technique used for prototyping of nanostructures and nanodevices.
RNase R, a New Virulence Determinant of Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Bárria Cátia , Mil-Homens Dalila , Pinto Sandra N. , Fialho Arsénio M. , Arraiano Cecília M. , Domingues Susana
Published: January 2022

Pneumococcal infections have increasingly high mortality rates despite the availability of vaccines and antibiotics. Therefore, the identification of new virulence determinants and the understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind pathogenesis have become of paramount importance in the search of new targets for drug development. The exoribonuclease RNase R has been involved in virulence in a growing number of pathogens. In this work, we used Galleria mellonella as an infection model to demonstrate that the presence of RNase R increases the pneumococcus virulence. Larvae infected with the RNase R mutant show an increased expression level of antimicrobial peptides. Furthermore, they have a lower bacterial load in the hemolymph in the later stages of infection, leading to a higher survival rate of the larvae. Interestingly, pneumococci expressing RNase R show a sudden drop in bacterial numbers immediately after infection, resembling the eclipse phase observed after intravenous inoculation in mice. Concomitantly, we observed a lower number of mutant bacteria inside larval hemocytes and a higher susceptibility to oxidative stress when compared to the wild type. Together, our results indicate that RNase R is involved in the ability of pneumococci to evade the host immune response, probably by interfering with internalization and/or replication inside the larval hemocytes.
Extracellular Glycolytic Activities in Root Endophytic Serendipitaceae and Their Regulation by Plant Sugars
Authors: De Rocchis Vincenzo , Roitsch Thomas , Franken Philipp
Published: January 2022

Endophytic fungi that colonize the plant root live in an environment with relative high concentrations of different sugars. Analyses of genome sequences indicate that such endophytes can secrete carbohydrate-related enzymes to compete for these sugars with the surrounding plant cells. We hypothesized that typical plant sugars can be used as carbon source by root endophytes and that these sugars also serve as signals to induce the expression and secretion of glycolytic enzymes. The plant-growth-promoting endophytes Serendipita indica and Serendipita herbamans were selected to first determine which sugars promote their growth and biomass formation. Secondly, particular sugars were added to liquid cultures of the fungi to induce intracellular and extracellular enzymatic activities which were measured in mycelia and culture supernatants. The results showed that both fungi cannot feed on melibiose and lactose, but instead use glucose, fructose, sucrose, mannose, arabinose, galactose and xylose as carbohydrate sources. These sugars regulated the cytoplasmic activity of glycolytic enzymes and also their secretion. The levels of induction or repression depended on the type of sugars added to the cultures and differed between the two fungi. Since no conventional signal peptide could be detected in most of the genome sequences encoding the glycolytic enzymes, a non-conventional protein secretory pathway is assumed. The results of the study suggest that root endophytic fungi translocate glycolytic activities into the root, and this process is regulated by the availability of particular plant sugars.
Serum Biochemical Parameters, Rumen Fermentation, and Rumen Bacterial Communities Are Partly Driven by the Breed and Sex of Cattle When Fed High-Grain Diet
Authors: Qiu Xinjun , Qin Xiaoli , Chen Liming , Chen Zhiming , Hao Rikang , Zhang Siyu , Yang Shunran , Wang Lina , Cui Yafang , Li Yingqi , Ma Yiheng , Cao Binghai , Su Huawei
Published: January 2022

Hybridization in bovines is practiced with the main aim of improving production performance, which may imply the microbial variations in the rumen from the parental breed cross to their progeny. Besides, the interactions of offspring breed with sex in terms of rumen bacteria are not clear. This study aims to evaluate the variations in rumen bacterial communities in different breeds and sexes, and the correlations among fattening performance, serum biochemical parameters, and rumen fermentation. Forty-two 19.2 ± 0.67-month-old beef cattle (390 ± 95 kg of initial body weight) comprising two genetic lines (Yiling and Angus × Yiling) and two sexes (heifers and steers) were raised under the same high-grain diet for 120 d. On the last two days, blood samples were collected from each animal via the jugular vein before morning feeding for analyzing serum biochemical parameters; rumen fluid samples were obtained via esophageal intubation 2 h after morning feeding for analyzing rumen fermentation parameters and bacterial communities. The results show that both breed and sex had a certain impact on fattening performance, serum biochemical parameters, and rumen fermentation. No differences in the diversity and structure of rumen bacterial communities were observed. Significant interactions (p < 0.05) of breed and sex were observed for Succinivibrionaceae UCG-002 and Prevotellaceae UCG-001. The relative abundances of the Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, Prevotellaceae UCG-003, and Succinivibrio were different (p < 0.05) between breeds. Heifers had a higher (p = 0.008) relative abundance of the Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group than steers. Correlation analysis showed a significant relationship (p < 0.05) of rumen bacteria with serum biochemical parameters, rumen pH, and rumen fermentation patterns. Additionally, only two genera, Prevotellaceae UCG-003 and Prevotellaceae UCG-001, had positive correlations with feed efficiency. In conclusion, serum biochemical parameters, rumen fermentation, and rumen bacterial communities are partly driven by the breed and sex of cattle fed a high-grain diet.
Multi-Scale Application of Advanced ANN-MLP Model for Increasing the Large-Scale Improvement of Digital Data Visualisation Due to Anomalous Lithogenic and Anthropogenic Elements Distribution
Authors: Šajn Robert , Stafilov Trajče , Balabanova Biljana , Alijagić Jasminka
Published: January 2022

The main objective of this paper is to compare and improve spatial distributions models for Pb and Cu in air and soil using the universal kriging and ANN-MLP at the macro regional scale. For this purpose, both models have been applied for visualization of a spatial distribution of lead (Pb) and copper (Cu) in a morphologically and geologically complex area. Two river basins in the eastern part of North Macedonia, have been selected as the main research region due to the extensive anthropogenic impact of long-lasting mining activities, with emphasis on the specific geochemistry of the area. Two environmental media (soil and moss) have been selected as they are much more available as space from biospheres submitted for destruction processes globally. Surface soil and moss as bio-indicator element measurements were submitted in correlation with geospatial data obtained from DEM, land cover data, and remote sensing, and are incorporated into spatial distribution mapping using an advanced prediction modeling technique, ANN-MPL. Both methods have been further compared and evaluated. The comparative data outputs have led to the general conclusion that ANN-MPL gives more realistic, reliable, and comprehensive results than the universal kriging method for the reconstruction of main distribution pathways. The more the factors influencing the process of distribution of the elements increase, the more the use of ANN-MPL improves.
The Paleogene Gosau Group Slope Basins of the Incipient Eastern Alpine Orogenic Wedge: A Case Study at the Gams Basin (Austria)
Authors: Koukal Veronika , Wagreich Michael , Kallanxhi Mădălina-Elena , Knierzinger Wolfgang
Published: January 2022

This study investigates the Paleogene deep-water depositional system of the Gosau Group at Gams, Styria (Austria). The examined sections of the Danian to the Ypresian age (NP1–NP12) comprise sediments of the Nierental and Zwieselalm Formations. Four deep-water clastic facies assemblages were encountered: (1) pelagic marls with thin turbidites, (2) carbonate-rich turbidites, (3) carbonate-poor turbidites, and (4) marl-bearing turbidites; slump beds and mass flow deposits are common features in all facies assemblages. Based on heavy mineral, thin section, microprobe, and paleoflow analyses, provenance was from the surrounding Northern Calcareous Alps (NCA) rocks and exhuming metamorphic Upper Austroalpine units to the south. In addition, biogenic calcareous material was delivered by adjacent contemporaneous shelf zones. The sedimentary depocenter was situated at the slope of the incipient Alpine orogenic wedge, in frontal parts of the NCA, facing the subducting Penninic Ocean/Alpine Tethys. The evolution of the Gams Basin was connected to the eoalpine and mesoalpine orogeny and the adjunctive transpressional setting. The Gams deep-water depositional system is interpreted as an aggrading or prograding submarine fan, deposited into a small confined slope basin, positioned along an active continental margin, bound and influenced by (strike-slip) faults, related to crustal shortening. The development of the Gams slope basin and its infilling sequences was mainly dominated by tectonism and sediment supply, rather than by eustatic sea-level fluctuations. The basin was cut off during the Eocene due to renewed orogeny. A Quaternary analogue for the Upper Cretaceous to Paleogene basin setting of the Gams area is represented by the Santa Monica Basin in the California Continental Borderland.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Modelling in 2021
Authors:   Modelling Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Recent Advances in the Synthesis and Application of Three-Dimensional Graphene-Based Aerogels
Authors: Jing Jingyun , Qian Xiaodong , Si Yan , Liu Guolin , Shi Congling
Published: January 2022

Three-dimensional graphene-based aerogels (3D GAs), combining the intrinsic properties of graphene and 3D porous structure, have attracted increasing research interest in varied fields with potential application. Some related reviews focusing on applications in photoredox catalysis, biomedicine, energy storage, supercapacitor or other single aspect have provided valuable insights into the current status of Gas. However, systematic reviews concentrating on the diverse applications of 3D GAs are still scarce. Herein, we intend to afford a comprehensive summary to the recent progress in the preparation method (template-free and template-directed method) summarized in Preparation Strategies and the application fields (absorbent, anode material, mechanical device, fire-warning material and catalyst) illustrated in Application of 3D GAs with varied morphologies, structures, and properties. Meanwhile, some unsettled issues, existing challenges, and potential opportunities have also been proposed in Future Perspectives to spur further research interest into synthesizing finer 3D GAs and exploring wider and closer practical applications.
Quantitative Determination of Unbound Piperacillin and Imipenem in Biological Material from Critically Ill Using Thin-Film Microextraction-Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Włodarski Robert , Żuchowska Karolina , Filipiak Wojciech
Published: January 2022

β-Lactam antibiotics are most commonly used in the critically ill, but their effective dosing is challenging and may result in sub-therapeutic concentrations that can lead to therapy failure and even promote antimicrobial resistance. In this study, we present the analytical tool enabling specific and sensitive determination of the sole biologically active fraction of piperacillin and imipenem in biological material from the critically ill. Thin-film microextraction sampling technique, followed by rapid liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis, was optimized and validated for the quantitative determination of antibiotics in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens collected from intensive care unit (ICU) patients suffering from ventilation-associated pneumonia (n = 18 and n = 9, respectively). The method was optimized and proved to meet the criteria of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines for bioanalytical method validation. Highly selective, sensitive, accurate and precise analysis by means of thin-film microextraction–LC-MS/MS, which is not affected by matrix-related factors, was successfully applied in clinical settings, revealing poor penetration of piperacillin and imipenem from blood into BAL fluid (reflecting the site of bacterial infection), nonlinearity in antibiotic binding to plasma-proteins and drug-specific dependence on creatinine clearance. This work demonstrates that only a small fraction of biologically active antibiotics reach the site of infection, providing clinicians with a high-throughput analytical tool for future studies on personalized therapeutic drug monitoring when tailoring the dosing strategy to an individual patient.
Development and Validation of a Novel HPLC Method to Analyse Metabolic Reaction Products Catalysed by the CYP3A2 Isoform: In Vitro Inhibition of CYP3A2 Enzyme Activity by Aspirin (Drugs Often Used Together in COVID-19 Treatment)
Authors: Hussain Amira , Naughton Declan P. , Barker James
Published: January 2022

Aspirin (also known as acetylsalicylic acid) is a drug intended to treat fever, pain, or inflammation. Treatment of moderate to severe cases of COVID-19 using aspirin along with dexamethasone has gained major attention globally in recent times. Thus, the purpose of this study was to use High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to evaluate the in vitro inhibition of CYP3A2 enzyme activity using aspirin in rat liver microsomes (RLMs). In this study, an efficient and sensitive HPLC method was developed using a reversed phase C18 column (X Bridge 4.6 mm × 150 mm, 3.5 µm) at 243 nm using acetonitrile and water (70:30 v/v). The linearity (r2 > 0.999), precision (<15%), accuracy and recovery (80–120%), limit of detection (5.60 µM and 0.06 µM), limit of quantification (16.98 µM and 0.19 µM), and stability of the newly developed method were validated for dexamethasone and 6β-hydroxydexamethasone, respectively, following International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. This method was applied in vitro to measure CYP3A2 activity. The results showed that aspirin competitively inhibits 6β-hydroxylation (CYP3A2 activity) with an inhibition constant (Ki) = 95.46 µM and the concentration of the inhibitor causing 50% inhibition of original enzyme activity (IC50) = 190.92 µM. This indicated that there is a minimal risk of toxicity when dexamethasone and aspirin are co-administrated and a very low risk of toxicity and drug interaction with drugs that are a substrate for CYP3A2 in healthcare settings.
Coumarin-Resveratrol-Inspired Hybrids as Monoamine Oxidase B Inhibitors: 3-Phenylcoumarin versus trans-6-Styrylcoumarin
Authors: Mellado Marco , González César , Mella Jaime , Aguilar Luis F. , Celik Ismail , Borges Fernanda , Uriarte Eugenio , Delogu Giovanna , Viña Dolores , Matos Maria J.
Published: January 2022

Monoamine oxidases (MAOs) are attractive targets in drug design. The inhibition of one of the isoforms (A or B) is responsible for modulating the levels of different neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, as well as the production of reactive oxygen species. Molecules that act selectively on one of the MAO isoforms have been studied deeply, and coumarin has been described as a promising scaffold. In the current manuscript we describe a comparative study between 3-phenylcoumarin (endo coumarin-resveratrol-inspired hybrid) and trans-6-styrylcoumarin (exo coumarin-resveratrol-inspired hybrid). Crystallographic structures of both compounds were obtained and analyzed. 3D-QSAR models, in particular CoMFA and CoMSIA, docking simulations and molecular dynamics simulations have been performed to support and better understand the interaction of these molecules with both MAO isoforms. Both molecules proved to inhibit MAO-B, with trans-6-styrylcoumarin being 107 times more active than 3-phenylcoumarin, and 267 times more active than trans-resveratrol.
Enhanced Enzyme Reuse through the Bioconjugation of L-Asparaginase and Silica-Based Supported Ionic Liquid-like Phase Materials
Authors: Nunes João C. F. , Almeida Mafalda R. , Bento Rui M. F. , Pereira Matheus M. , Santos-Ebinuma Valéria C. , Neves Márcia C. , Freire Mara G. , Tavares Ana P. M.
Published: January 2022

L-asparaginase (ASNase) is an amidohydrolase that can be used as a biopharmaceutical, as an agent for acrylamide reduction, and as an active molecule for L-asparagine detection. However, its free form displays some limitations, such as the enzyme’s single use and low stability. Hence, immobilization is one of the most effective tools for enzyme recovery and reuse. Silica is a promising material due to its low-cost, biological compatibility, and tunable physicochemical characteristics if properly functionalized. Ionic liquids (ILs) are designer compounds that allow the tailoring of their physicochemical properties for a given task. If properly designed, bioconjugates combine the features of the selected ILs with those of the support used, enabling the simple recovery and reuse of the enzyme. In this work, silica-based supported ionic liquid-like phase (SSILLP) materials with quaternary ammoniums and chloride as the counterion were studied as novel supports for ASNase immobilization since it has been reported that ammonium ILs have beneficial effects on enzyme stability. SSILLP materials were characterized by elemental analysis and zeta potential. The immobilization process was studied and the pH effect, enzyme/support ratio, and contact time were optimized regarding the ASNase enzymatic activity. ASNase–SSILLP bioconjugates were characterized by ATR-FTIR. The bioconjugates displayed promising potential since [Si][N3444]Cl, [Si][N3666]Cl, and [Si][N3888]Cl recovered more than 92% of the initial ASNase activity under the optimized immobilization conditions (pH 8, 6 × 10−3 mg of ASNase per mg of SSILLP material, and 60 min). The ASNase–SSILLP bioconjugates showed more enhanced enzyme reuse than reported for other materials and immobilization methods, allowing five cycles of reaction while keeping more than 75% of the initial immobilized ASNase activity. According to molecular docking studies, the main interactions established between ASNase and SSILLP materials correspond to hydrophobic interactions. Overall, it is here demonstrated that SSILLP materials are efficient supports for ASNase, paving the way for their use in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
Barrier Dispersion-Based Coatings Containing Natural and Paraffin Waxes
Authors: Woch Julia , Małachowska Edyta , Korasiak Kamil , Lipkiewicz Aneta , Dubowik Marcin , Chrobak Justyna , Iłowska Jolanta , Przybysz Piotr
Published: January 2022

Petroleum, synthetic, and natural waxes have been used as hydrophobic bases for dispersions intended for use as barrier coatings for packaging paper. Oil-in-water dispersions with alkaline pH were prepared by a two-step homogenization procedure containing paraffin wax, with various characteristics, the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis product or beeswax. The size of the dispersed particles determined by dynamic light scattering depended on the type of hydrophobic base used and was in the range of 350–440 nm. The ability of dispersion particles in aggregation driven by electrostatic attraction, evaluated by Zeta potential analysis by electrophoretic light scattering, was from −26 to −50 mV. Static multiply light scattering was used for 30 days of stability assessment and helped to select the dispersion with a Sarawax SX70 wax base as the most stable. Dispersions were further used for coating the backing of kraft paper by the Meyer rod method. Coated paper with an applied coating of 6 g/m2 had very good hydrophobic properties (Cobb60 < 4 g/m2), sufficient strength properties, and air permeation, which enabled its application as a packaging material. The dispersions based on Sarawax SX70 wax were evaluated as the best coating for Mondi ProVantage Kraftliner 125 g/m2 backing paper. Good hydrophobic properties and strength properties indicate the possibility of using the SX70-based wax dispersion coating as a replacement for PFAS coatings in some applications.
The Role of Phase Migration of Carbon Nanotubes in Melt-Mixed PVDF/PE Polymer Blends for High Conductivity and EMI Shielding Applications
Authors: Lencar Calin , Ramakrishnan Shashank , Erfanian Elnaz , Sundararaj Uttandaraman
Published: January 2022

In this work, the effects of blend ratio and mixing time on the migration of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) within poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/polyethylene (PE) blends are studied. A novel two-step mixing approach was used to pre-localize MWCNTs within the PE phase, and subsequently allow them to migrate into the thermodynamically favored PVDF phase. Light microscopy images confirm that MWCNTs migrate from PE to PVDF, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show individual MWCNTs migrating fully into PVDF, while agglomerates remained trapped at the PVDF/PE interface. PVDF:PE 50:50 and 20:80 polymer blend nanocomposites with 2 vol% MWCNTs exhibit exceptional electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) at 10 min of mixing (13 and 16 dB, respectively-at a thickness of 0.45 mm), when compared to 30 s of mixing (11 and 12 dB, respectively), suggesting the formation of more interconnected MWCNT networks over time. TEM images show that these improved microstructures are concentrated on the PE side of the PVDF/PE interface. A modified version of the “Slim-Fast-Mechanism” is proposed to explain the migration behavior of MWCNTs within the PVDF/PE blend. In this theory, MWCNTs approaching perpendicular to the interface penetrate the PVDF/PE interface, while those approaching in parallel or as MWCNT agglomerates remain trapped. Trapped MWCNTs act as barriers to additional MWCNTs, regardless of geometry. This mechanism is verified via TEM and scanning electron microscopy and suggests the feasibility of localizing MWCNTs at the interface of PVDF/PE blends.
Fibrous Roots of Cimicifuga Are at Risk of Hepatotoxicity
Authors: Yu Yang , Tan Jialiang , Nie Jianing , Lv Chongning , Lu Jincai
Published: January 2022

The cause of liver damage by using black cohosh preparation has been concerned but remains unclear. After a preliminary investigation, the black cohosh medicinal materials sold in the market were adulterated with Asian cohosh (Cimicifuga) without removing the fibrous roots. The safety of Cimicifuga rhizome and fibrous roots is unknown and has not been reported. Therefore, in this paper, the rhizome and fibrous roots of Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim (C. dahurica) were completely separated, extracted with 70% ethanol, and freeze-dried to obtain crude rhizome extract (RC) and fibrous roots extract (FRC). UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to identify 39 compounds in the rhizome and fibrous roots of Cimicifuga, mainly saponins and phenolic acids. In the L-02 cytotoxicity experiment, the IC50 of fibrous roots (1.26 mg/mL) was slightly lower than that of rhizomes (1.417 mg/mL). In the 90-day sub-chronic toxicity study, the FRC group significantly increased the level of white blood cells, ALP, ALT, AST, BILI and CHOL (p < 0.05); large area of granular degeneration and balloon degeneration occurred in liver tissue; and the expression of p-NF-kB in the nucleus increased in a dose-dependent manner. Overall, Fibrous roots of Cimicifuga are at risk of hepatotoxicity and should be strictly controlled and removed during the processing.
Volatile Flavor Profile and Sensory Properties of Vegetable Soybean
Authors: Guo Luping , Huang Lu , Cheng Xi , Gao Yuan , Zhang Xiaoyan , Yuan Xingxing , Xue Chenchen , Chen Xin
Published: January 2022

The volatile flavor profiles and sensory properties of different vegetable soybean varieties popularized and cultivated in China for 20, 10, and 2 years (TW292, X3, and SX6, respectively) were investigated. Nutrient composition analysis revealed that TW292 had a high soluble protein and soluble sugar content but low fat content. The total free amino acid content (15.43 mg/g) and umami free amino acid content (6.08 mg/g) of SX6 were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of the other varieties. An electronic tongue effectively differentiated between the umami and sweetness characteristics of the vegetable soybeans. Differences in sensory evaluation results were mainly reflected in texture and taste. A total of 41 volatile compounds were identified through HS-SPME-GC-MS, and the main flavor compounds were 1-octen-3-ol, hexanal, (Z)-2-heptenal, 2-octene, nonanal, (Z)-2-decenal, and 3,5-octadien-2-one. However, the volatile composition of different vegetable soybean varieties exhibited large variability in type and relative contents. Considerable differences in nutritional, organoleptic, and aroma characteristics were found among different varieties. The results of this study will provide a good basis for the assessment and application of the major vegetable soybean varieties grown in China.
Effect of Yellowing Duration on the Chemical Profile of Yellow Tea and the Associations with Sensory Traits
Authors: Fan Fang-Yuan , Zhou Sen-Jie , Qian Hong , Zong Bang-Zheng , Huang Chuang-Sheng , Zhu Ruo-Lan , Guo Hao-Wei , Gong Shu-Ying
Published: January 2022

The yellowing process is the crucial step to form the characteristic sensory and chemical properties of yellow tea. To investigate the chemical changes and the associations with sensory traits during yellowing, yellow teas with different yellowing times (0–13 h) were prepared for sensory evaluation and chemical analysis. The intensities of umami and green-tea aroma were reduced whereas sweet taste, mellow taste and sweet aroma were increased under long-term yellowing treatment. A total of 230 chemical constituents were determined, among which 25 non-volatiles and 42 volatiles were the key chemical contributors to sensory traits based on orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA), multiple factor analysis (MFA) and multidimensional alignment (MDA) analysis. The decrease in catechins, flavonol glycosides and caffeine and the increase in certain amino acids contributed to the elevated sweet taste and mellow taste. The sweet, woody and herbal odorants and the fermented and fatty odorants were the key contributors to the characteristic sensory feature of yellow tea with sweet aroma and over-oxidation aroma, including 7 ketones, 5 alcohols, 1 aldehyde, 5 acids, 4 esters, 5 hydrocarbons, 1 phenolic compound and 1 sulfocompound. This study reveals the sensory trait-related chemical changes in the yellowing process of tea, which provides a theoretical basis for the optimization of the yellowing process and quality control of yellow tea.
Nephroprotective Effects of Alhagi camelorum against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Albino Wistar Rats
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Omer , Ahmed Muhammad Masood , Arshad Shafia , Javaid Usman , Khan Imran Ahmad , Manzoor Majid , Andleeb Shumaila , Riaz Romana , Munawar Shaukat Hussain , Manzoor Zahid , Mumtaz Asma
Published: January 2022

Alhagi camelorum (AC) is an old plant with a significant therapeutic value throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The overuse of cisplatin (Cis > 50 mg/m2) is associated with observed nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, gastrotoxicity, myelosuppression, and allergic reactions. Remedial measures are needed for the protection of nephrotoxicity against cisplatin. Thus, we investigated the nephroprotective effects of AC plant extract to prevent cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in albino Wistar rats. The presence of polyphenols, phenolic compounds, tannins, and saponins was revealed during phytochemical investigation, and a significantly intense antioxidant activity was recorded. There were no toxicological symptoms in the treated rats, and no anatomical, physiological, or histological abnormalities were found compared to the control rats. The results of correcting cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity revealed that the extract has a significant ability to treat kidney damage, with most parameters returning to normal after only three weeks of therapy. It is concluded that co-administration of cisplatin with AC extract showed exceptional nephroprotective effects at a dose of 600 mg/kg for Cis-induced nephrotoxicity.
Investigating Chaperone like Activity of Green Silver Nanoparticles: Possible Implications in Drug Development
Authors: Rauf Mohd Ahmar , Alam Md Tauqir , Ishtikhar Mohd , Ali Nemat , Alghamdi Adel , AlAsmari Abdullah F.
Published: January 2022

Protein aggregation and amyloidogenesis have been associated with several neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s etc. Unfortunately, there are still no proper drugs and no effective treatment available. Due to the unique properties of noble metallic nanoparticles, they have been used in diverse fields of biomedicine like drug designing, drug delivery, tumour targeting, bio-sensing, tissue engineering etc. Small-sized silver nanoparticles have been reported to have anti-biotic, anti-cancer and anti-viral activities apart from their cytotoxic effects. The current study was carried out in a carefully designed in-vitro to observe the anti-amyloidogenic and inhibitory effects of biologically synthesized green silver nanoparticles (B-AgNPs) on human serum albumin (HSA) aggregation taken as a model protein. We have used different biophysical assays like thioflavin T (ThT), 8-Anilino-1-naphthalene-sulphonic acid (ANS), Far-UV CD etc. to analyze protein aggregation and aggregation inhibition in vitro. It has been observed that the synthesized fluorescent B-AgNPs showed inhibitory effects on protein aggregation in a concentration-dependent manner reaching a plateau, after which the effect of aggregation inhibition was significantly declined. We also observed meaningful chaperone-like aggregation-inhibition activities of as-synthesized florescent B-AgNPs in astrocytes.
The Effects of Adding a Gel-Alike Curcuma longa L. Suspension as Color Agent on Some Quality and Sensory Properties of Yogurt
Authors: Guerra Angélica Serpa , Hoyos Catalina Gómez , Velásquez-Cock Jorge , Vélez Lina , Gañán Piedad , Zuluaga Robin
Published: January 2022

Color is an important characteristic of food products. This characteristic is related to consumer acceptability. To use the entire rhizome of Curcuma longa (CL) as a food colorant, a novel gel alike stable suspension (CLS) was previously developed using cellulose nanofibers (CNFs). Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the CLS as a color additive on a stirred yogurt. Three concentrations of CLS were studied (0.1, 0.125, and 0.15 wt. %) and compared to yogurt without CLS. The obtained yogurts were characterized through the determination of pH, titratable acidity, syneresis, color and curcumin content after 1, 7, 14, and 21 days of storage. Additionally, rheological and sensory measurements were performed on the samples after one day of storage. Results show that the addition of CLS does not affect the pH and titratable acidity of the samples, but all the yogurts showed an increase in their syneresis during the storage time, showing a breakdown of the gel structure. Furthermore, the CLS suspension has the ability to impart a yellow color to yogurts, a characteristic that was stable during storage. Finally, the addition of 1 wt. % or 1.25 wt. % of CLS allows the development of a yogurt with adequate sensory perception.
Effects of Pyrolysis on High-Capacity Si-Based Anode of Lithium Ion Battery with High Coulombic Efficiency and Long Cycling Life
Authors: Tzeng Yonhua , Jhan Cheng-Ying , Wu Yi-Hsuan
Published: January 2022

We report a facile pyrolysis process for the fabrication of a porous silicon-based anode for lithium-ion battery. Silicon flakes of 100 nm × 800 nm × 800 nm were mixed with equal weight of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) as the binder and the conductivity enhancement additive, Ketjen Black (KB), at the weight ratio of silicon–binder–KB being 70%:20%:10%, respectively. Pyrolysis was carried out at 700 °C in an inert argon environment for one hour. The process converts the binder to graphitic carbon coatings on silicon and a porous carbon structure. The process led to initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) being improved from 67% before pyrolysis to 75% after pyrolysis with the retention of 2.1 mAh/cm2 areal capacity after 100 discharge–charge cycles at 1 A/g rate. The improved ICE and cycling performance are attributed to graphitic coatings, which protect silicon from irreversible reactions with the electrolyte to form compounds such as lithium–silicon–fluoride (Li2SiF6) and the physical integrity and buffer space provided by the porous carbon structure. By eliminating the adverse effects of KB, the anode made with silicon-to-binder weight ratio of 70%:30% exhibited further improvement of the ICE to approximately 90%. This demonstrated that pyrolysis is a facile and promising one-step process for the fabrication of silicon-based anode with high ICE and long cycling life. This is especially true when the amount and choice of conductivity enhancement additive are optimized.
Activated Carbon and Carbon Quantum Dots/Titanium Dioxide Composite Based on Waste Rice Noodles: Simultaneous Synthesis and Application in Water Pollution Control
Authors: Jin Xinyan , Che Ruijie , Yang Jie , Liu Yan , Chen Xinbao , Jiang Yunge , Liang Jiaqi , Chen Shuoping , Su Heping
Published: January 2022

To achieve the full utilization of waste rice noodle (WRN) without secondary pollution, activated carbon (AC) and carbon quantum dots/titanium dioxide (CQDs/TiO2) composite were simultaneously synthesized by using WRN as raw material. Both of the two materials showed potential applications in water pollution control. The AC based on WRN displayed a porous spherical micro-morphology, which could absorb heavy metal elements like Pb(II) and Cr(VI) efficiently, with a maximum equilibrium uptake of 12.08 mg·g−1 for Pb(II) and 9.36 mg·g−1 for Cr(VI), respectively. The adsorption of the resulted AC could match the Freundlich adsorption isotherm and the pseudo-second-order kinetics mode. On the other hand, the CQDs/TiO2 composite based on WRN displayed a high efficient photocatalytic degradation effect on various water-soluble dyes such as methylene blue, malachite green, methyl violet, basic fuchsin, and rhodamine B under visible light irradiation, which showed better photocatalytic performance than commercial TiO2. The introduction of CQDs based on WRN to TiO2 could result in efficient electron-hole pair separation and enable more photogenerated electrons to reduce O2 and more photogenerated holes to oxidize H2O or OH−, which could cause stronger abilities in producing O2·− and ·OH radical and better photocatalytic activity.
High-Performance Boron Nitride-Based Membranes for Water Purification
Authors: García Doménech Natalia , Purcell-Milton Finn , Sanz Arjona Adrián , Casasín García Maria-Luisa , Ward Maeve , Cabré Marc Brunet , Rafferty Aran , McKelvey Kim , Dunne Peter , Gun’ko Yurii K.
Published: January 2022

In recent years, nanotechnology-based approaches have resulted in the development of new alternative sustainable technologies for water purification. Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials are an emerging class of materials for nanofiltration membranes. In this work, we report the production, characterisation and testing of a promising nanofiltration membrane made from water-exfoliated boron nitride (BN) 2D nanosheets. The membranes have been tested for water purification and removal of typical water-soluble dyes such as methyl orange, methylene blue and Evans blue, with the water-exfoliated BN membranes achieving retention values close to 100%. In addition, we compared the performance of membranes made from water-exfoliated BN with those produced from BN using sonication-assisted liquid exfoliation in selected organic solvents such as 2-propanol and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. It was found that membranes from the water-exfoliated BN showed superior performance. We believe this research opens up a unique opportunity for the development of new high-performance environmentally friendly membranes for nanofiltration and new sustainable separation technologies.