bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Numerical Measurement Method for Dynamic Granular Materials Based on Computer Vision
Authors: Liu Hao , Nie Yuxing , Chen Man , Liu Shunkai , Mohammed Ashiru
Published: May 2022

Granular materials are widespread in nature and human production, and their macro-mechanical behavior is significantly affected by granule movement. The development of computer vision has brought some new ideas for measuring the numerical information (including the amount of translation, the rotation angle, velocity, acceleration, etc.) of dynamic granular materials. In this paper, we propose a numerical measurement method for dynamic granular materials based on computer vision. Firstly, an improved video instance segmentation (VIS) network is introduced to perform end-to-end multi-task learning, and its temporal feature fusion module and tracking head with long-sequence external memory can improve the problems of poor video data quality and high similarity in appearance of granular materials, respectively. Secondly, the numerical information can be extracted through a series of post-processing steps. Finally, the effectiveness of the measurement method is verified by comparing the numerical measurement results with the real values. The experimental results indicate that our improved VIS obtains an average precision (AP) of 76.6, the relative errors and standard deviations are maintained at a low level, and this method can effectively be used to measure the numerical information of dynamic granular materials. This study provides an intelligent proposal for the task of measuring numerical information of dynamic granular materials, which is of great significance for studying the spatial distribution, motion mode and macro-mechanical behavior of granular materials.
The Optimization of the Transition Zone of the Planar Heterogeneous Interface for High-Performance Seawater Desalination
Authors: Liu Chang , Liu Hui , Ma Pengfei , Liu Yan , Cai Ruochong , Yin Ran , Zhang Biao , Wei Shiqi , Miao Huifang , Cao Liuxuan
Published: May 2022

Reverse osmosis has become the most prevalent approach to seawater desalination. It is still limited by the permeability-selectivity trade-off of the membranes and the energy consumption in the operation process. Recently, an efficient ionic sieving with high performance was realized by utilizing the bi-unipolar transport behaviour and strong ion depletion of heterogeneous structures in 2D materials. A perfect salt rejection rate of 97.0% and a near-maximum water flux of 1529 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 were obtained. However, the energy consumption of the heterogeneous desalination setup is a very important factor, and it remains largely unexplored. Here, the geometric-dimension-dependent ion transport in planar heterogeneous structures is reported. The two competitive ion migration behaviours during the desalination process, ion-depletion-dominated and electric-field-dominated ion transport, are identified for the first time. More importantly, these two ion-transport behaviours can be regulated. The excellent performance of combined high rejection rate, high water flux and low energy consumption can be obtained under the synergy of voltage, pressure and geometric dimension. With the appropriate optimization, the energy consumption can be reduced by 2 orders of magnitude, which is 50% of the industrial energy consumption. These findings provide beneficial insight for the application and optimized design of low-energy-consumption and portable water desalination devices.
Influence of Diamond Grain Size on the Basic Properties of WC-Co/Diamond Composites Used in Tools for Wood-Based Materials Machining
Authors: Wachowicz Joanna , Wilkowski Jacek
Published: May 2022

The paper presents the effect of diamond particle size (varying between 2.5 µm and 20 µm) on the microstructure, density and hardness of WC-Co/diamond composites. The obtained materials contained 30% vol. diamond. The advanced sintering method Pulse Plasma Sintering (PPS) was used for the production of composites. The sintering process was carried out in two stages at a pressure of 50 and 100 MPa and a temperature of 1050 °C. Depending on the size of the diamond particles, composites with a density of 91–99% were obtained. Microstructure studies were performed employing scanning electron microscopy, along with an analysis of the chemical composition in micro-areas. Additionally, the phase composition was investigated by means of X-ray diffraction. In addition, hardness tests were performed. It was found that the size of the diamond particles significantly influenced the microstructure of the tested materials, as well as the density and hardness. As a result of PPS sintering of composites containing the finest diamond particles (2.5–5 µm), the presence of a metastable type of diamond—graphite was found.
Effect of Al Additions and Cooling Rate on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Austenite FeMnAlC Steels
Authors: Wang Cunyu , Cao Chenxing , Zhang Jing , Wang Hui , Cao Wenquan
Published: May 2022

The precipitation behavior of κ-carbide and its effects on mechanical properties in Fe-30Mn-xAl-1C (x = 7–11%) steels under water quenching and furnace cooling are studied in the present paper. TEM, XRD, EPMA were employed to characterize the microstructure, and tensile test and the Charpy impact test were used to evaluate mechanical properties. The results show that the density decreases by 0.1 g/cm3 for every 1 wt.% of Al addition. The excellent mechanical properties of tensile strength of 880 MPa and impact absorption energy of 120–220 J at −40 °C with V notch were obtained, with both solid solution and precipitation strengthening results in the yield strength increasing by about 57.5 MPa with per 1% Al addition in water-quenched samples. The increasing of yield strength of furnace-cooled samples comes from the relative strengthening of κ-carbides, and the strengthening potential reaches 107–467 MPa. The lower the cooling rate, the easier it is to promote the precipitation of κ-carbides and the formation of ferrite. The partitioning of C, Mn, Al determines the formation of κ-carbides at a given Al addition, and element partition makes the κ-carbides sufficiently easy to precipitate at a low cooling rate. The precipitation of κ-carbides improves strength and does not significantly reduce the elongation, but significantly reduces the impact absorption energy when Al addition ≥ 8%.
Effect of Initial Predeformation on the Plastic Properties of Rolled Sheets of AISI 304L Austenitic Steel
Authors: Szusta Jaroslaw , Zubelewicz Aleksander
Published: May 2022

This paper presents research on the influence of material anisotropy caused by the technological process of its manufacturing on the plastic properties of the material. In the experimental study, samples cut from an AISI 304L rolled sheet in the rolling direction, transverse, and at a 45° angle to the rolling direction were predeformed by axial deformation at 18 and 30%. The principal specimens extracted from the pre-deformed plates, cut in the longitudinal, transverse, and 45° angle directions, were subjected to tensile loading until failure. The data thus obtained allowed for the analysis of the plastic flow mechanism using the author’s calculation procedure. The CR coefficient analysis provided information on the state of plastic anisotropy caused by the pre-deformation. For the specimens predeformed in the rolling direction, plastic flow isotropy was observed at a strain of 35%. For the specimens predeformed in the transverse direction—the plastic anisotropy is completely removed at a strain of 33%. For the specimens predeformed at 45 degrees to the rolling direction, it was found that the strain completely removed the plastic anisotropy induced by rolling. The calculations provided information that due to an abrupt change in the strain path, a strong reconfiguration of the plastic flow mechanism occurs, causing the removal of anisotropy generated by rolling.
Competing Magnetic Interactions in Inverted Zn-Ferrite Thin Films
Authors: Bohra Murtaza , Battula Sai Vittal , Singh Nitesh , Sahu Baidyanath , Annadi Anil , Singh Vidyadhar
Published: May 2022

Zn-ferrite is a versatile material among spinels owing to its physicochemical properties, as demonstrated in rich phase diagrams, with several conductive or magnetic behaviors dictated by its cation inversion. The strength and the type of cation inversion can be manipulated through the various thermal treatment conditions. In this study, inverted Zn-ferrite thin films prepared from radio frequency magnetron sputtering were subjected to different in situ (in vacuum) and ex situ (in air) annealing treatments. The temperature and field dependence of magnetization behaviors reveal multiple magnetic interactions compared to its bulk antiferromagnet behavior. Using the magnetic component model, the different magnetic interactions can be explained in terms of superparamagnetic (SPM), paramagnetic (PM), and ferrimagnetic (FM) contributions. At low temperatures, the SPM and FM contributions can be approximated to the hard and soft ferrimagnetic phases of Zn-ferrite, respectively, which changes with the annealing temperature and sputter power. Distinct magnetic properties emanating from in situ annealing compared to the ex situ annealing were ascribed to the nonzero Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio, leading to the different magnetic interactions. The anisotropy was found to be the key parameter that governs the behavior of annealed in situ samples.
Complex Dynamic Behaviour of Food Web Model with Generalized Fractional Operator
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Alzaid Sara Salem , Alkahtani Badr Saad T. , Kumar Sunil
Published: May 2022

We apply a new generalized Caputo operator to investigate the dynamical behaviour of the non-integer food web model (FWM). This dynamical model has three population species and is nonlinear. Three types of species are considered in this population: prey species, intermediate predators, and top predators, and the top predators are also divided into mature and immature predators. We calculated the uniqueness and existence of the solutions applying the fixed-point hypothesis. Our study examines the possibility of obtaining new dynamical phase portraits with the new generalized Caputo operator and demonstrates the portraits for several values of fractional order. A generalized predictor–corrector (P-C) approach is utilized in numerically solving this food web model. In the case of the nonlinear equations system, the effectiveness of the used scheme is highly evident and easy to implement. In addition, stability analysis was conducted for this numerical scheme.
Simulation of Dissipative Hybrid Nanofluid (PEG-Water + ZrO2 + MgO) Flow by a Curved Shrinking Sheet with Thermal Radiation and Higher Order Chemical Reaction
Authors: Veeram Gopinath , Poojitha Pasam , Katta Harika , Hemalatha Sanakkayala , Babu Macherla Jayachandra , Raju Chakravarthula S. K. , Shah Nehad Ali , Yook Se-Jin
Published: May 2022

The heat transmission capabilities of hybrid nanofluids are superior to those of mono nanofluids. In addition to solar collectors and military equipment, they may be found in a number of areas including heat exchanger, automotive industry, transformer cooling and electronic cooling. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the significance of the higher order chemical reaction parameter on the radiative flow of hybrid nanofluid (polyethylene glycol (PEG)–water combination: base fluid and zirconium dioxide, magnesium oxide: nanoparticles) via a curved shrinking sheet with viscous dissipation. Flow-driven equations were transformed into nonlinear ODEs using appropriate similarity transmutations, and then solved using the bvp4c solver (MATLAB built-in function). The results of two scenarios, PEG−Water+ZrO2+MgO (hybrid nanofluid) and PEG−Water+ZrO2, (nanofluid) are reported. In order to draw important inferences about physical features, such as heat transfer rate, a correlation coefficient was used. The main findings of this study were that curvature parameter lowers fluid velocity, and Eckert number increases the temperature of fluid. It was observed that the volume fraction of nanoparticles enhances the skin friction coefficient and curvature parameter lessens the same. It was noticed that when curvature parameter (K) takes input in the range 0.5≤K≤2.5, the skin friction coefficient decreases at a rate of 1.46633 (i.e., 146.633%) (in the case of hybrid nanofluid) and 1.11236 (i.e., 111.236%) (in the case of nanofluid) per unit value of curvature parameter. Increasing rates in the skin friction parameter were 3.481179 (i.e., 348.1179%) (in the case of hybrid nanofluid) and 2.745679 (in the case of nanofluid) when the volume fraction of nanoparticle (ϕ1) takes input in the range 0≤ϕ1≤0.2. It was detected that, when Eckert number (Eck) increases, Nusselt number decreases. The decrement rates were observed as 1.41148 (i.e., 141.148%) (in the case of hybrid nanofluid) and 1.15337 (i.e., 153.337%) (in the case of nanofluid) when Eckert number takes input in the range 0≤Eck≤0.2. In case of hybrid nanofluid, it was discovered that the mass transfer rate increases at a rate of 1.497214 (i.e., 149.7214%) when chemical reaction (Kr) takes input in the range 0≤Kr≤0.2. In addition, we checked our findings against those of other researchers and discovered a respectable degree of agreement.
A Combinatorial Characterization of H(4, q2)
Authors: Innamorati Stefano , Zuanni Fulvio
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we remove the solid incidence assumption in a characterization of H(4,q2) by J. Schillewaert and J. A. Thasby proving that Hermitian plane incidence numbers imply Hermitian solid incidence numbers, except for a few possible small cases.
Optimization of Observer Feedback Gains for Stable Sensorless IM Drives at Very Low Frequencies: A Comparative Study between GA and PSO
Authors: Zaky Mohamed S. , Shaaban Shaaban M. , Fetouh Tamer , Azazi Haitham Z. , Mesalam Yehya I.
Published: May 2022

Instability of an adaptive flux observer (AFO) in the regenerating mode at low frequencies is a great challenge of sensorless induction motor (SIM) drives. Zero observer feedback gains (OFGs) in the regenerating mode at low frequencies are the main reasons for moving the dominant zero of the speed estimators to the unstable region. OFGs should be appropriately selected to transfer the unstable dominant zero to the stable region. In this paper, genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) techniques were used to design the OFGs for a stable observer. A fair comparison of the dominant zero location between the two approaches using the optimized OFGs is presented under parameter deviation. Analytical results and the design procedure of the OFGs using the two approaches are presented under deviations of stator resistance and mutual inductance to guarantee a stable dominant zero in the regenerating mode of IM. The dominant zeros obtained by PSO had a superior location to that obtained by GA for both stator resistance and mutual inductance deviations. It was observed that one of the gains had an almost constant value over a wide range of parameter deviations. However, the value of the other gain was dependent on the deviation of machine parameters. The advantage of using PSO over GA is that the relation between the gain and parameter deviation can be represented by a deterministic and mostly linear relationship. Simulation and experimental work of the SIM drive are presented and evaluated under the optimized OFGs.
On the M-Estimator under Third Moment Condition
Authors: Luo Rundong , Chen Yiming , Song Shuai
Published: May 2022

Estimating the expected value of a random variable by data-driven methods is one of the most fundamental problems in statistics. In this study, we present an extension of Olivier Catoni’s classical M-estimators of the empirical mean, which focus on the heavy-tailed data by imposing more precise inequalities on exponential moments of Catoni’s estimator. We show that our works behave better than Catoni‘s both in practice and theory. The performances are illustrated in the simulation and real data.
Enhanced Absorption Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell with Composite Materials and Bilayer Structure of Nanorods and Nanospheres
Authors: Rehman Anees Ur , Ullah Najeeb , Saeed Muhammad Abid , Khalil Usman Khan
Published: May 2022

The concept of localized surface plasmon resonance has been applied to increase the absorption efficiency of dye-sensitive solar cells (DSSCs) by using various photoanode structures. A three-dimensional model for a photoanode of the DSSC based on composite materials was developed using COMSOL Multiphysics. Spherical-, rod- and triangular-shaped aluminum nanoparticles were employed in the core of SiO2 to examine the influence of morphology on the performance of DSSCs in the 350–750 nm wavelength range. The UV-Vis absorption results indicated that aluminum nanoparticles with spherical, rod and triangle morphologies had 39.5%, 36.1% and 34.6% greater absorption capability than aluminum-free nanoparticles. In addition, we investigated the effect of plasmonic absorption in DSSCs for photoanodes made of TiO2, SiO2 and bilayer TiO2/SiO2 with and without covering aluminum nanoparticles. The TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles had fixed diameters of 90 nm each. The UV-Vis absorption and Tauc curves indicated that the TiO2/SiO2 bilayer structure (with and without aluminum nanoparticles) had greater absorption and lower bandgap energies than individual TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles. Furthermore, bilayer photoanode nanostructures were investigated based on nanospheres and nanorods for core–shell Al@SiO2 nanoparticles. The results indicated that a photoanode with nanorod/nanosphere structure had a 12% better absorption capability than a nanosphere/nanorod configuration. This improvement in absorption is attributed to the high surface area, which boosts dye loading capacity and long-term light capture, resulting in greater interaction between the dye and the photon. Our study develops core–shell nanoparticles with optimized shape and materials for bilayer photoanode structures in photovoltaic technology.
Combining Heat Treatment and High-Pressure Torsion to Enhance the Hardness and Corrosion Resistance of A356 Alloy
Authors: Gebril Mohamed Abdelgawad , Omar Mohd Zaidi , Mohamed Intan Fadhlina , Othman Norinsan Kamil , Irfan Osama M.
Published: May 2022

A356 aluminium alloy is subjected to heat treatment and high-pressure torsion (HPT) processing to investigate the impact of the combined treatments on the alloy’s microstructure refinement, corrosion resistance and hardness. The high-pressure torsion process was performed at room temperature for 0.75 and 5 turns. Subjecting the A356 Al alloy to a heat treatment and subsequent HPT processing produced a more refined microstructure, which has the effect of enhancing the alloy hardness and corrosion resistance under fragmentation and the homogenous redistribution of the intermetallic compounds and the Si particles. The results of the treatment show that there is a marked increase in hardness when imposing a strain from 61 HV to 198 HV on the A356 Al alloy, which has been HPTed and heat-treated for five turns. The polarisation curves show that there is a considerable improvement in the corrosion resistance rate of the alloy from 0.043 mm·year−1 for the A356 Al alloy sample to 0.003 mm·year−1 after five turns of HPT. In this work, the microstructure refinement resulted in the improvement of both the mechanical strength and corrosion resistance of the aluminium 356 alloy after heat treatment in comparison to the untreated alloy.
Study on Extraction Performance of Vanadium (V) from Aqueous Solution by Octyl-Imidazole Ionic Liquids Extractants
Authors: He Jingui , Tao Wenju , Dong Guozhen
Published: May 2022

It is worth it to explore the extraction performance for vanadium by the imidazole ionic liquids. The extraction of vanadium (V) was studied using [Omim]Cl, [Omim]Br, and [Omim][BF4] as extractants. The effects of various diluents, equilibrium time, extraction temperature, and anion species were investigated. The structure-activity relationship of vanadium and ILs was discussed by calculating the lattice energy of ILs based on the Glasser theory and the volume of anions. The results show that n-pentanol is the optimum diluent. Under the extraction conditions of an equilibrium time of 60 s and extraction temperature of 25 °C, the extraction rates of V (V) by [Omim]Cl, [Omim]Br, and [Omim][BF4] reached 97.93%, 96.59%, and 87.01%, respectively. Furthermore, based on the Glasser theory, the lattice energy of ionic liquids decreased in the order [Omim]Cl > [Omim]Br > [Omim]BF4. The volume of the anions increased in the order Cl− < Br− < BF4− < HVO42−. The extraction rate of V (V) depended on the size of the anions and the strength of the interaction between the anion and imidazolium cation. The results of counterevidence experiments verified the larger the anion volume, the easier it is to combine with cation in the organic phase, and the lattice energy of extracted compound is lower. The statistical analysis showed that the effect of the equilibrium time and temperature were not significant in the model, and the anions species showed a significant effect on the extraction efficiency of V (V).
Effects of Acute and Chronic Resistance Exercise on the Skeletal Muscle Metabolome
Authors: Gehlert Sebastian , Weinisch Patrick , Römisch-Margl Werner , Jaspers Richard T. , Artati Anna , Adamski Jerzy , Dyar Kenneth A. , Aussieker Thorben , Jacko Daniel , Bloch Wilhelm , Wackerhage Henning , Kastenmüller Gabi
Published: May 2022

Resistance training promotes metabolic health and stimulates muscle hypertrophy, but the precise routes by which resistance exercise (RE) conveys these health benefits are largely unknown. Aim: To investigate how acute RE affects human skeletal muscle metabolism. Methods: We collected vastus lateralis biopsies from six healthy male untrained volunteers at rest, before the first of 13 RE training sessions, and 45 min after the first and last bouts of RE. Biopsies were analysed using untargeted mass spectrometry-based metabolomics. Results: We measured 617 metabolites covering a broad range of metabolic pathways. In the untrained state RE altered 33 metabolites, including increased 3-methylhistidine and N-lactoylvaline, suggesting increased protein breakdown, as well as metabolites linked to ATP (xanthosine) and NAD (N1-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide) metabolism; the bile acid chenodeoxycholate also increased in response to RE in muscle opposing previous findings in blood. Resistance training led to muscle hypertrophy, with slow type I and fast/intermediate type II muscle fibre diameter increasing by 10.7% and 10.4%, respectively. Comparison of post-exercise metabolite levels between trained and untrained state revealed alterations of 46 metabolites, including decreased N-acetylated ketogenic amino acids and increased beta-citrylglutamate which might support growth. Only five of the metabolites that changed after acute exercise in the untrained state were altered after chronic training, indicating that training induces multiple metabolic changes not directly related to the acute exercise response. Conclusion: The human skeletal muscle metabolome is sensitive towards acute RE in the trained and untrained states and reflects a broad range of adaptive processes in response to repeated stimulation.
Circulating Metabolites as Biomarkers of Disease in Patients with Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Godoi Alexandre B. , do Canto Amanda M. , Donatti Amanda , Rosa Douglas C. , Bruno Danielle C. F. , Alvim Marina K. , Yasuda Clarissa L. , Martins Lucas G. , Quintero Melissa , Tasic Ljubica , Cendes Fernando , Lopes-Cendes Iscia
Published: May 2022

A major challenge in the clinical management of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is identifying those who do not respond to antiseizure medication (ASM), allowing for the timely pursuit of alternative treatments such as epilepsy surgery. Here, we investigated changes in plasma metabolites as biomarkers of disease in patients with MTLE. Furthermore, we used the metabolomics data to gain insights into the mechanisms underlying MTLE and response to ASM. We performed an untargeted metabolomic method using magnetic resonance spectroscopy and multi- and univariate statistical analyses to compare data obtained from plasma samples of 28 patients with MTLE compared to 28 controls. The patients were further divided according to response to ASM for a supplementary and preliminary comparison: 20 patients were refractory to treatment, and eight were responsive to ASM. We only included patients using carbamazepine in combination with clobazam. We analyzed the group of patients and controls and found that the profiles of glucose (p = 0.01), saturated lipids (p = 0.0002), isoleucine (p = 0.0001), β-hydroxybutyrate (p = 0.0003), and proline (p = 0.02) were different in patients compared to controls (p < 0.05). In addition, we found some suggestive metabolites (without enough predictability) by multivariate analysis (VIP scores > 2), such as lipoproteins, lactate, glucose, unsaturated lipids, isoleucine, and proline, that might be relevant to the process of pharmacoresistance in the comparison between patients with refractory and responsive MTLE. The identified metabolites for the comparison between MTLE patients and controls were linked to different biological pathways related to cell-energy metabolism and pathways related to inflammatory processes and the modulation of neurotransmitter release and activity in MTLE. In conclusion, in addition to insights into the mechanisms underlying MTLE, our results suggest that plasma metabolites may be used as disease biomarkers. These findings warrant further studies exploring the clinical use of metabolites to assist in decision-making when treating patients with MTLE.
Metabolomic Analysis of Plasma from Breast Cancer Patients Using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Mass Spectrometry: An Untargeted Study
Authors: Da Cunha Patricia A. , Nitusca Diana , Canto Luisa Matos Do , Varghese Rency S. , Ressom Habtom W. , Willey Shawna , Marian Catalin , Haddad Bassem R.
Published: May 2022

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality in women worldwide, and therefore, novel biomarkers for early disease detection are critically needed. We performed herein an untargeted plasma metabolomic profiling of 55 BC patients and 55 healthy controls (HC) using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS). Pre-processed data revealed 2494 ions in total. Data matrices’ paired t-tests revealed 792 ions (both positive and negative) which presented statistically significant changes (FDR < 0.05) in intensity levels between cases versus controls. Metabolites identified with putative names via MetaboQuest using MS/MS and mass-based approaches included amino acid esters (i.e., N-stearoyl tryptophan, L-arginine ethyl ester), dipeptides (ile-ser, met-his), nitrogenous bases (i.e., uracil derivatives), lipid metabolism-derived molecules (caproleic acid), and exogenous compounds from plants, drugs, or dietary supplements. LASSO regression selected 16 metabolites after several variables (TNM Stage, Grade, smoking status, menopausal status, and race) were adjusted. A predictive conditional logistic regression model on the 16 LASSO selected ions provided a high diagnostic performance with an area-under-the-curve (AUC) value of 0.9729 (95% CI 0.96–0.98) on all 55 samples. This study proves that BC possesses a specific metabolic signature that could be exploited as a novel metabolomics-based approach for BC detection and characterization. Future studies of large-scale cohorts are needed to validate these findings.
The Occurrence of a Negative Energy Balance in Holstein-Friesian and Simmental Cows and Its Association with the Time of Resumption of Reproductive Activity
Authors: Młynek Krzysztof , Strączek Ilona , Głowińska Beata
Published: May 2022

Intensive lactation (lactogenesis) in cows is conducive to a negative energy balance (NEB), so the search for traits associated with the physiological capacity to cope with its consequences is a current area of research. This is especially important because NEB overlaps with the resumption of the reproductive cycle, which determines the profitability of herds. This study analysed the relationship between NEB and the time of resumption of reproductive activity in cows with varying genetic potential (Simmental and Holstein-Friesian), fed a similar diet (TMR). The aim of the study was to analyse the dependencies between NEB markers and changes in progesterone levels between 25 and 31 days postpartum. A strong positive correlation was shown between daily milk production (DMP) and loss of body condition (LBCS; 0.772; p ≤ 0.05). These parameters were associated with the levels of NEB biomarkers. Higher values of NEB indicators (LBCS, C16:0, C18:1, NEFA, and BHBA) were usually noted during periods with higher DMP (II and III). The trends observed were confirmed by positive correlation coefficients (r), which ranged from 0.324 to 0.810 (p ≤ 0.05). The reverse trend was noted for glucose and leptin, which decreased as productivity increased, as confirmed by r values from −0.368 to −0.530 (p ≤ 0.05). In both breeds, the glucose and leptin levels decreased as DMP increased. Higher values for NEB indicators were shown to be negatively correlated with progesterone levels (r from −0.300 to −0.712; p ≤ 0.05), and a lower progesterone level was associated with a longer calving-to-first-service interval and calving-to-conception interval. The rate of postpartum triglyceride release depends on daily milk production, and therefore the adaptability of the liver should be considered an important element of mitigation of the consequences of NEB. This may have practical applications by extending productive life, which is often shortened due to deteriorating reproductive performance.
From Soft to Hard Biomimetic Materials: Tuning Micro/Nano-Architecture of Scaffolds for Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Carotenuto Felicia , Politi Sara , Ul Haq Arsalan , De Matteis Fabio , Tamburri Emanuela , Terranova Maria Letizia , Teodori Laura , Pasquo Alessandra , Di Nardo Paolo
Published: May 2022

Failure of tissues and organs resulting from degenerative diseases or trauma has caused huge economic and health concerns around the world. Tissue engineering represents the only possibility to revert this scenario owing to its potential to regenerate or replace damaged tissues and organs. In a regeneration strategy, biomaterials play a key role promoting new tissue formation by providing adequate space for cell accommodation and appropriate biochemical and biophysical cues to support cell proliferation and differentiation. Among other physical cues, the architectural features of the biomaterial as a kind of instructive stimuli can influence cellular behaviors and guide cells towards a specific tissue organization. Thus, the optimization of biomaterial micro/nano architecture, through different manufacturing techniques, is a crucial strategy for a successful regenerative therapy. Over the last decades, many micro/nanostructured biomaterials have been developed to mimic the defined structure of ECM of various soft and hard tissues. This review intends to provide an overview of the relevant studies on micro/nanostructured scaffolds created for soft and hard tissue regeneration and highlights their biological effects, with a particular focus on striated muscle, cartilage, and bone tissue engineering applications.
Nano-Sized Polyelectrolyte Complexes Formed between Poly(vinyl benzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride) and Insulin
Authors: Chroni Angeliki , Pispas Stergios
Published: May 2022

Novel biohybrid homo-polyelectrolyte-based nanocarriers were formed by the complexation of insulin (INS) with a biocompatible and cationic polyelectrolyte, namely, poly(vinyl benzyl trimethylammonium chloride) (PVBTMAC). According to light-scattering techniques, the hydrophilic PVBTMAC homo-polyelectrolyte forms single chains in aqueous media. The resulting biohybrid PVBTMAC/INS nanocarriers were formed via electrostatic co-assembly. The effects of polyelectrolyte structure and content on the characteristics of the formed PVBTMAC/INS complexes were studied. A significant aggregation tendency of the PVBTMAC/INS complexes was observed, based on the physicochemical results, especially at high protein concentration, corroborating the effective electrostatic interaction of INS with the cationic polyelectrolyte. The physicochemical properties of the formed PVBTMAC/INS nanocarriers depended on the concentration of the stock polymer and INS solutions. A neat PVBTMAC homo-polymer and PVBTMAC/INS nanocarriers demonstrated good serum stability in the presence of fetal bovine serum (FBS) proteins. Fluorescence spectroscopy (FS) studies revealed no INS conformational changes after its complexation with the cationic PVBTMAC polyelectrolyte. The obtained PVBTMAC/INS complexes demonstrated considerable and promising characteristics for potential use as insulin delivery systems.
Geochemical and Geochronological Constraints of Permian-Triassic Magmatism on Oceanic Subduction and Continental Collision during the Eastern Paleo-Tethyan Evolution
Authors: Xu Wentao , Liu Fulai , Xu Wang , Wang Huining , Ji Lei , Wang Fang , Wang Dan
Published: May 2022

The Jinshajiang–Ailaoshan–Song Ma orogenic belt (JASB), as a vital segment of the eastern Paleo-Tethyan tectonic zone, is one of the most important zones in which to study the Paleo-Tethyan tectonic evolution. We have undertaken an integrated geochronological, petrological, and geochemical study of mafic rocks from the JASB to reveal the subduction and closure processes of the eastern Paleo-Tethyan Ocean during the Permian to Triassic. In conjunction with previous magmatic and metamorphic records in the JASB, three important tectonic stages are identified: (1) Early Permian to Early Triassic (ca. 288–248 Ma). Most of the Early Permian to Early Triassic mafic rocks have normal mid-ocean ridge basalt (N-MORB)- or enriched MORB (E-MORB)-like rare earth elements (REE) and trace element-normalized patterns with positive εNd(t) and εHf(t) values and negative Nb and Ta anomalies. Their La/Nb ratios and εNd(t) values show that approximately 3%–15% of slab-derived fluid accounts for the generation of these rocks. These characteristics suggest that the mafic rocks formed in an arc/back-arc basin setting at this stage. Additionally, the Early Permian mafic rocks are mainly exposed in the Jomda–Weixi–Yaxuanqiao–Truong Son magmatic rock belt (JYTB) on the western side of the JASB, indicating that the westward subduction of the Jinshajiang–Ailaoshan–Song Ma Paleo-Tethys Ocean (JASO) began in the Early Permian. Middle Permian mafic rocks are exposed in the Ailaoshan-Day Nui Con Voi metamorphic complex belt and the JYTB on both sides of the JASB. We propose that the bipolar subduction of the JASO occurred in the Middle Permian and ended in the Early Triassic. (2) Middle Triassic (ca. 248–237 Ma). The mafic rocks at this stage have LREE- and LILE-enriched patterns, negative Nb and Ta anomalies and negative εNd(t) values. Their variable εHf(t), εNd(t) values and La/Nb ratios show that these mafic rocks were highly affected by crustal material (ca. 16%). Considering the Middle Triassic high-pressure (HP) metamorphism and massive Al-enriched felsic magmatism in the JASB, these rocks may have formed in a collisional setting between the South China Block (SCB) and the North Qiangtang–Simao–Indochina Block (QSIB) during the Middle Triassic. (3) Late Triassic (ca. 235–202 Ma). The mafic rocks at this stage have negative εNd(t) and εHf(t) values and show terrestrial array characteristics. The εNd(t) values and La/Nb ratios show that approximately 30% of crustal components account for the generation of these rocks. Combined with the contemporaneous bimodal magma and metamorphism during the Late Triassic, we suggest that these rocks may have formed in a postcollisional extensional setting associated with magma diapir.
Assessment of Operational Effectiveness of Innovative Circuit for Production of Crushed Regular Aggregates in Particle Size Fraction 8–16 mm
Authors: Gawenda Tomasz , Stempkowska Agata , Saramak Daniel , Foszcz Dariusz , Krawczykowska Aldona , Surowiak Agnieszka
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this paper is to analyze a modern and unique technological system producing common aggregates at the Imielin Dolomite Mine. The installation was built on the basis of inventions of AGH UST and consists of an impact crusher, innovative screens WSR and WSL, light fraction separator SEL and hard fraction separator SET, low-pressure hydrocyclone NHC and infrastructure. The study was carried out on the crusher and screen on the example of production of aggregates with grain size 8–16 mm from dolomite, granite, limestone, sandstone, and gravel. The results showed that cubic aggregates with a low content of irregular grains of less than 1% can be produced in this technological system.
Impacts from Topsoil Stockpile Height on Soil Geochemical Properties in Two Mining Operations in British Columbia: Implications for Restoration Practices
Authors: Fischer Ashley M. , Van Hamme Jonathan D. , Gardner Wendy C. , Fraser Lauchlan H.
Published: May 2022

Mining activities are often severely disruptive to the landscape, and a major barrier to reclamation after mining is lack of quality topsoil. This research addresses knowledge gaps in the industry by exploring the compositional nature of topsoil stockpiles and their ability to facilitate post-mining revegetation after long-term storage. To do this, we conducted an extensive profile characterization of two topsoil stockpiles at two mining operations in the interior of British Columbia, where soil geochemical properties were investigated. Both stockpiles showed reduced soil quality and significant changes compared to reference soils. Importantly, there was an accumulation of metals and a reduction in soil nutrients with increasing stockpile depth in one or both stockpiles. These results highlight the important influence of topsoil-stockpile height on soil geochemical properties, which ultimately influences the success of restoration. This research provides insights into the response of soil geochemistry across a depth gradient in severely disturbed mining soils.
Formulation and Characterization of Nicotine Microemulsion-Loaded Fast-Dissolving Films for Smoking Cessation
Authors: Kheawfu Kantaporn , Panraksa Pattaraporn , Jantrawut Pensak
Published: May 2022

The present study aimed to develop a nicotine microemulsion (NCT-ME) and incorporate it into a fast-dissolving film. The NCT-ME was prepared by mixing the specified proportions of nicotine (NCT), surfactant, co-solvent, and water. The NCT-ME was measured by its average droplet size, size distribution, zeta potential, and morphology. NCT-ME fast-dissolving films were prepared by the solvent casting technique. The films were characterized by morphology, weight, thickness, disintegration time, and mechanical strength properties and the determined NCT loading efficiency and in vitro drug release. The results showed that almost all NCT-MEs presented droplet sizes of less than 100 nm with a spherical form, narrow size distribution, and zeta potentials of −10.6 to −73.7 mV. There was no difference in weight and thickness between all NCT-ME films, but significant changes in the disintegration times were noticed in NCT40-Smix[PEG-40H(2:1)]10 film. The mechanical properties of films varied with changes in type of surfactant. About 80% of the drug release was observed to be between 3 and 30 min. The drug release kinetics were fitted with the Higuchi matrix model. The NCT40-Smix[P-80(1:1)]10 film showed the highest dissolution rate. It was concluded that the developed ME-loaded fast-dissolving film can increase drug release to a greater extent than the films without ME.
Smart Biopolymer-Based Nanocomposite Materials Containing pH-Sensing Colorimetric Indicators for Food Freshness Monitoring
Authors: Tavassoli Milad , Alizadeh Sani Mahmood , Khezerlou Arezou , Ehsani Ali , Jahed-Khaniki Gholamreza , McClements David Julian
Published: May 2022

Nanocomposite biopolymer materials containing colorimetric pH-responsive indicators were prepared from gelatin and chitosan nanofibers. Plant-based extracts from barberry and saffron, which both contained anthocyanins, were used as pH indicators. Incorporation of the anthocyanins into the biopolymer films increased their mechanical, water-barrier, and light-screening properties. Infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated that a uniform biopolymer matrix was formed, with the anthocyanins distributed evenly throughout them. The anthocyanins in the composite films changed color in response to alterations in pH or ammonia gas levels, which was used to monitor changes in the freshness of packaged fish during storage. The anthocyanins also exhibited antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, which meant that they could also be used to slow down the degradation of the fish. Thus, natural anthocyanins could be used as both freshness indicators and preservatives in biopolymer-based nanocomposite packaging materials. These novel materials may therefore be useful alternatives to synthetic plastics for some food packaging applications, thereby improving the environmental friendliness and sustainability of the food supply.
Antifungal Activity of Soft Tissue Extract from the Garden Snail Helix aspersa (Gastropoda, Mollusca)
Authors: Azeem Hoda H. Abd-El , Osman Gamalat Y. , El-Seedi Hesham R. , Fallatah Ahmed M. , Khalifa Shaden A. M. , Gharib Mohamed M.
Published: May 2022

Gastropods comprise approximately 80% of molluscans, of which land snails are used variably as food and traditional medicines due to their high protein content. Moreover, different components from land snails exhibit antimicrobial activities. In this study, we evaluated the antifungal activity of soft tissue extracts from Helix aspersa against Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus brasiliensis by identifying extract components using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). Two concentrations of three extracts (methanol, acetone, and acetic acid) showed antifungal activity. Both acetone (1 g/3 mL) and acetic acid extracts (1 g/mL) significantly inhibited C.albicans growth (p = 0.0001, 5.2 ± 0.2 mm and p = 0.02, 69.7 ± 0.6 mm, respectively). A. flavus and A. brasiliensis growth were inhibited by all extracts at 1 g/mL, while inhibition was observed for acetic acid extracts against A. brasiliensis (p = 0.02, 50.3 ± 3.5 mm). The highest growth inhibition was observed for A. flavus using acetic acid and acetone extracts (inhibition zones = 38 ± 1.7 mm and 3.1 ± 0.7 mm, respectively). LC-MS-MS studies on methanol and acetone extracts identified 11-α-acetoxyprogesterone with a parent mass of 372.50800 m/z and 287.43500 m/z for luteolin. Methanol extracts contained hesperidin with a parent mass of 611.25400 m/z, whereas linoleic acid and genistein (parent mass = 280.4 and 271.48900 m/z, respectively) were the main metabolites.
Quality of Oil Pressed from Hemp Seed Varieties: ‘Earlina 8FC’, ‘Secuieni Jubileu’ and ‘Finola’
Authors: Golimowski Wojciech , Teleszko Mirosława , Marcinkowski Damian , Kmiecik Dominik , Grygier Anna , Kwaśnica Andrzej
Published: May 2022

In the last decade, the demand for edible niche oils has increased. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the seeds hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) varieties: ‘Finola’ (FIN-314)’, ‘Earlina 8FC’, and ‘Secuieni Jubileu’, and cold and hot pressed oils were prepared from each seed. The seeds were examined for moisture content, granulometric distribution, bulk density, and fat content. Seeds were pressed without and with preconditioning (60 °C), and oil yield and pressing time were recorded. The oil was filtered through cellulose membranes. Oil–water content, oil color, fatty acid profile, and sterol content were studied. From the study conducted, there are significant differences in the parameters of oil recovery and its quality compared to ‘Finola’ seed oil, which is widely reported in the literature. ‘Finola’ oil yield was the lowest, with an average of 79% compared to ‘Earlina’ (82%) and ‘S. Jubileu’ (84%). All oil samples contained a comparable amount of sterols, with campesterol (0.32 mg/g), β-sitosterol (1.3 mg/g) and Δ5-avenasterol (0.15 mg/g) predominating. From the organoleptic evaluation, it was evident that both varieties hemp oils and marc (‘Earlina’ and ‘S. Jubileu’) were not bitter like the “Finola” oil and marc. More detailed studies in this direction have to be undertaken.
Chrysosporazines Revisited: Regioisomeric Phenylpropanoid Piperazine P-Glycoprotein Inhibitors from Australian Marine Fish-Derived Fungi
Authors: Agampodi Dewa Amila , Khalil Zeinab G. , Elbanna Ahmed H. , Capon Robert J.
Published: May 2022

A library of fungi previously recovered from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of several fresh, commercially sourced Australian mullet fish was re-profiled for production of a rare class of phenylpropanoid piperazine alkaloids (chrysosporazines) using an integrated platform of; (i) miniaturized 24-well plate cultivation profiling (MATRIX), (ii) UPLC-DAD and UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS (GNPS) chemical profiling, and; (iii) precursor directed biosynthesis to manipulate in situ biosynthetic performance and outputs; to detect two new fungal producers of chrysosporazines. Chemical analysis of an optimized PDA solid phase cultivation of Aspergillus sp. CMB-F661 yielded the new regioisomeric chrysosporazine T (1) and U (2), while precursor directed cultivation amplified production and yielded the very minor new natural products azachrysosporazine T1 (3) and U1 (4), and the new unnatural analogues neochrysosporazine R (5) and S (6). Likewise, chemical analysis of an optimized M1 solid phase cultivation of Spiromastix sp. CMB-F455 lead to the GNPS detection of multiple chrysosporazines and brasiliamides, and the isolation and structure elucidation of chrysosporazine D (7) and brasiliamide A (8). Access to new chrysosporazine regioisomers facilitated structure activity relationship investigations to better define the chrysosporazine P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitory pharmacophore, which is exceptionally potent at reversing doxorubrin resistance in P-gp over expressing colon carcinoma cells (SW600 Ad300).
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Docking Studies of Antagonistic Hydroxylated Arecaidine Esters Targeting mAChRs
Authors: Kilian Jonas , Millard Marlon , Ozenil Marius , Krause Dominik , Ghaderi Khadija , Holzer Wolfgang , Urban Ernst , Spreitzer Helmut , Wadsak Wolfgang , Hacker Marcus , Langer Thierry , Pichler Verena
Published: May 2022

The muscarinic acetylcholine receptor family is a highly sought-after target in drug and molecular imaging discovery efforts aimed at neurological disorders. Hampered by the structural similarity of the five subtypes’ orthosteric binding pockets, these efforts largely failed to deliver subtype-selective ligands. Building on our recent successes with arecaidine-derived ligands targeting M1, herein we report the synthesis of a related series of 11 hydroxylated arecaidine esters. Their physicochemical property profiles, expressed in terms of their computationally calculated CNS MPO scores and HPLC-logD values, point towards blood–brain barrier permeability. By means of a competitive radioligand binding assay, the binding affinity values towards each of the individual human mAChR subtypes hM1–hM5 were determined. The most promising compound of this series 17b was shown to have a binding constant towards hM1 in the single-digit nanomolar region (5.5 nM). Similar to our previously reported arecaidine-derived esters, the entire series was shown to act as hM1R antagonists in a calcium flux assay. Overall, this study greatly expanded our understanding of this recurring scaffolds’ structure–activity relationship and will guide the development towards highly selective mAChRs ligands.