bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Electromagnetic Wave Absorption Properties of N-Doped SiC Nanowires
Authors: Shi Ranran , Liu Zheng , Liu Wenxiu , Kuang Jianlei
Published: August 2023

Enhancing the conductivity loss of SiC nanowires through doping is beneficial for improving their electromagnetic wave absorption performance. In this work, N-doped SiC nanowires were synthesized using three different methods. The results indicate that a large amount of Si2ON will be generated during the microwave synthesis of SiC nanowires in a nitrogen atmosphere. In addition, the secondary heat-treatment of the as-synthesized SiC nanowires under nitrogen atmosphere will significantly reduce their stacking fault density. When ammonium chloride is introduced as a doped nitrogen source in the reaction raw material, the N-doped SiC nanowires with high-density stacking faults can be synthesized by microwave heating. Therefore, the polarization loss induced by faults and the conductivity loss caused by doping will synergistically enhance the dielectric and EMW absorption properties of SiC nanowires in the range of 2–18 GHz. When the filling ratio of N-doped SiC nanowires is 20 wt.%, the composite shows a minimum reflection loss of –22.2 dB@17.92 GHz, and an effective absorption (RL ≤ –10 dB) bandwidth of 4.24 GHz at the absorber layer thickness of 2.2 mm. Further, the N-doped SiC nanowires also exhibit enhanced high-temperature EMW absorption properties with increasing temperature.
Recovery Study of Gold Nanoparticle Markers from Lateral Flow Immunoassays
Authors: Švarc Tilen , Majerič Peter , Feizpour Darja , Jelen Žiga , Zadravec Matej , Gomboc Timi , Rudolf Rebeka
Published: August 2023

Lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs) are a simple diagnostic device used to detect targeted analytes. Wasted and unused rapid antigen lateral flow immunoassays represent mass waste that needs to be broken down and recycled into new material components. The aim of this study was to recover gold nanoparticles that are used as markers in lateral flow immunoassays. For this purpose, a dissolution process with aqua regia was utilised, where gold nanoparticles were released from the lateral flow immunoassay conjugate pads. The obtained solution was then concentrated further with gold chloride salt (HAuCl4) so that it could be used for the synthesis of new gold nanoparticles in the process of ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP). Various characterisation methods including scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma were used during this study. The results of this study showed that the recovery of gold nanoparticles from lateral flow immunoassays is possible, and the newly synthesised gold nanoparticles represent the possibility for incorporation into new products.
Review in Waste Tire Management—Potential Applications in Mitigating Environmental Pollution
Authors: Czarna-Juszkiewicz Dorota , Kunecki Piotr , Cader Justyna , Wdowin Magdalena
Published: August 2023

Increasing year-by-year vehicle production is related to the expanding volume of used tires; therefore, exploring waste management strategies is strongly recommended. The global tire market reached 2.27 billion units in 2021 and is expected to reach 2.67 billion units by 2027. Dumping tires in landfills can cause significant environmental impacts, so waste tire utilisation plays an important role. Predominantly, the following three directions are employed for waste tire disposal: retreading, energy recovery and material recovery. The review shows that used tires can remove environmental pollution from both aqueous solutions containing heavy metal ions, dyes, pharmaceutical compounds, and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX). Particularly high efficiency was achieved in the removal of dyes (72%), taking into account the high initial concentration of impurities. The adsorption process depends on multiple factors, including, in particular, the following: pH, initial concentration of pollution, contact time and the properties of the sorbent used. The optimal pH range was identified to be between 6 and 7. Considering the principles of circular economy as well as based on the current state of knowledge, it can be concluded that the solid fraction obtained from the combustion of waste tires can be practically utilised for various environmental purposes.
Dye-Modified, Sonochemically Obtained Nano-SnS2 as an Efficient Photocatalyst for Metanil Yellow Removal
Authors: Matyszczak Grzegorz , Jóźwik Paweł , Zybert Magdalena , Yedzikhanau Albert , Krawczyk Krzysztof
Published: August 2023

We investigate the possibility of modification of SnS2 powder through sonochemical synthesis with the addition of an organic ligand. For that purpose, two organic dyes are used, Phenol Red and Anthraquinone Violet. All obtained powders are characterized using XRD, SEM, EDX, FT-IR, and UV-Vis investigations. Synthesized samples showed composition and structural properties typical for sonochemically synthesized SnS2. However, investigation with the Tauc method revealed that SnS2 powder modified with Phenol Red exhibits a significant shift in value of optical bandgap to 2.56 eV, while unmodified SnS2 shows an optical bandgap value of 2.42 eV. The modification of SnS2 powder with Anthraquinone Violet was unsuccessful. The obtained nanopowders were utilized as photocatalysts in the process of Metanil Yellow degradation, revealing that SnS2 modified with Phenol Red shows about 23% better performance than the unmodified one. The mean sonochemical efficiency of the performed synthesis is also estimated as 9.35 µg/W.
Prediction of Grain Size in a High Cobalt Nickel-Based Superalloy
Authors: Wang Jingzhe , Zhang Siyu , Jiang Liang , Srivatsa Shesh , Huang Zaiwang
Published: August 2023

With the advancement in computational approaches and experimental, simulation, and modeling tools in recent decades, a trial-and-validation method is attracting more attention in the materials community. The development of powder metallurgy Ni-based superalloys is a vivid example that relies on simulation and experiments to produce desired microstructure and properties in a tightly controlled manner. In this research, we show an integrated approach to predicting the grain size of industrial forgings starting from lab-scale cylindrical compression by employing modeling and experimental validation. (a) Cylindrical compression tests to obtain accurate flow stress data and the hot working processing window; (b) double-cone tests of laboratory scale validation; (c) sub-scale forgings for further validation under production conditions; and (d) application and validation on full-scale industrial forgings. The procedure uses modeling and simulation to predict metal flow, strain, strain rate, temperature, and the resulting grain size as a function of thermo-mechanical processing conditions. The models are calibrated with experimental data until the accuracy of the modeling predictions is at an acceptable level, which is defined as the accuracy at which the results can be used to design and evaluate industrial forgings.
Security Quantification for Discrete Event Systems Based on the Worth of States
Authors: Zhou Sian , Yu Jiaxin , Yin Li , Li Zhiwu
Published: August 2023

This work addresses the problem of quantifying opacity for discrete event systems. We consider a passive intruder who knows the overall structure of a system but has limited observational capabilities and tries to infer the secret of this system based on the captured information flow. Researchers have developed various approaches to quantify opacity to compensate for the lack of precision of qualitative opacity in describing the degree of security of a system. Most existing works on quantifying opacity study specified probabilistic problems in the framework of probabilistic systems, where the behaviors or states of a system are classified as secret or non-secret. In this work, we quantify opacity by a state-worth function, which associates each state of a system with the worth it carries. To this end, we present a novel category of opacity, called worthy opacity, characterizing whether the worth of information exposed to the outside world during the system’s evolution is below a threshold. We first provide an online approach for verifying worthy opacity using the notion of a run matrix proposed in this research. Then, we investigate a class of systems satisfying the so-called 1-cycle returned property and present a worthy opacity verification algorithm for this class. Finally, an example in the context of smart buildings is provided.
Tensor Decompositions and Their Properties
Authors: Peška Patrik , Jukl Marek , Mikeš Josef
Published: August 2023

In the present paper, we study two different approaches of tensor decomposition. The first part aims to study some properties of tensors that result from the fact that some components are vanishing in certain coordinates. It is proven that these conditions allow tensor decomposition, especially (1, σ), σ=1,2,3 tensors. We apply the results for special tensors such as the Riemann, Ricci, Einstein, and Weyl tensors and the deformation tensors of affine connections. Thereby, we find new criteria for the Einstein spaces, spaces of constant curvature, and projective and conformal flat spaces. Further, the proof of the theorem of Mikeš and Moldobayev is repaired. It has been used in many works and it is a generalization of the criteria formulated by Schouten and Struik. The second part deals with the properties of a special differential operator with respect to the general decomposition of tensor fields on manifolds with affine connection. It is shown that the properties of special differential operators are transferred to the components of a given decomposition.
Assessment of the Physical Invasiveness of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy during the Perioperative Period Based on Changes in Energy Metabolism
Authors: Chinda Daisuke , Shimoyama Tadashi , Fujiwara Sae , Kaizuka Masatoshi , Yasuda Kohei , Akitaya Kazuki , Arai Tetsu , Sawada Yohei , Hayamizu Shiro , Tatsuta Tetsuya , Kikuchi Hidezumi , Yanagimachi Miyuki , Mikami Tatsuya , Sakuraba Hirotake , Fukuda Shinsaku
Published: August 2023

A novel treatment method for achalasia of the esophagus and related disorders is known as peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). This study aimed to calculate the resting energy expenditure (REE) and evaluated the degree of physical invasiveness based on metabolic changes during the perioperative period of POEM. Fifty-eight patients who underwent POEM were prospectively enrolled; REE, body weight (BW), and basal energy expenditure were measured on the day of POEM, postoperative day 1 (POD 1), and three days after POEM (POD 3). The median REE/BW increased from 19.6 kcal/kg on the day of POEM to 24.5 kcal/kg on POD 1. On POD 3, it remained elevated at 20.9 kcal/kg. The stress factor on POD 1 was 1.20. Among the factors, including the Eckardt score, operation time, and the length of myotomy, the length of myotomy was associated with changes in REE/BW. During the perioperative period of POEM, the level of variation in energy expenditure was lower than that of esophageal cancer surgeries performed under general anesthesia. However, because the length of myotomy is a factor affecting changes in energy expenditure, careful perioperative management is desirable for patients with longer myotomy lengths.
Plasma Proteomics-Based Discovery of Mechanistic Biomarkers of Hyperbaric Stress and Pulmonary Oxygen Toxicity
Authors: Mahoney Kyle J. , Bowie Jacob S. , Ford Austin E. , Perera Neranjan , Sekiguchi Yasuki , Fothergill David M. , Lee Elaine C.
Published: August 2023

Our aim was to identify proteins that reflect an acute systemic response to prolonged hyperbaric stress and discover potential biomarker pathways for pulmonary O2 toxicity. The study was a double-blind, randomized, crossover design in trained male Navy diver subjects. Each subject completed two dry resting hyperbaric chamber dives separated by a minimum of one week. One dive exposed the subject to 6.5 h of 100% oxygen (O2) at 2ATA. The alternate dive exposed the subjects to an enhanced air nitrox mixture (EAN) containing 30.6% O2 at the same depth for the same duration. Venous blood samples collected before (PRE) and after (POST) each dive were prepared and submitted to LC-MS/MS analysis (2 h runs). A total of 346 total proteins were detected and analyzed. A total of 12 proteins were significantly increased at EANPOST (vs. EANPRE), including proteins in hemostasis and immune signaling and activation. Significantly increased proteins at O2PRE (vs. O2POST) included neural cell adhesion molecule 1, glycoprotein Ib, catalase, hemoglobin subunit beta, fibulin-like proteins, and complement proteins. EANPOST and O2POST differed in biomarkers related to coagulation, immune signaling and activation, and metabolism. Of particular interest is (EANPOST vs. O2POST), which is protective against oxidative stress.
Novel and Simple Method for Quantification of 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol with Microbial Conversion to 2,4,6-Trichloroanisole
Authors: Goto Saki , Urase Taro , Nakakura Kaito
Published: August 2023

Contamination with 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) often causes taste and odor (T&O) problems in drinking water due to its low odor threshold concentration. Microbial O-methylation of the precursor 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) would be the dominant mechanism for TCA formation. Simple and rapid measurement of TCP in the low concentration range is necessary to control the problems induced by TCA. In this study, the combination of microbial conversion and instrumental analysis was proposed as a method of TCP quantification. Fungi and bacteria were isolated from various water samples and examined for their ability to produce TCA from TCP. As a result, a strain exhibiting quantitative TCA production and a high growth rate was obtained and named Mycolicibacterium sp. CB14. The conversion rate of TCP to TCA by this strain was found to be high and stable (85.9 ± 5.3%), regardless of the applied TCP concentration, although within the range of 0.1–10 µg/L. The limits of detection and quantification for TCP by this proposed method were determined to be 5.2 ng/L and 17.3 ng/L, respectively. By improving the methods, Mycolicibacterium sp. CB14 could be used for the quantification of TCP at very low concentration levels, which is sufficient to manage the T&O problem caused by TCA.
The Quantitative Measurement of Peptidoglycan Components Obtained from Acidic Hydrolysis in Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria via Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Pismennõi Dmitri , Kattel Anna , Belouah Isma , Nahku Ranno , Vilu Raivo , Kobrin Eeva-Gerda
Published: August 2023

The high throughput in genome sequencing and metabolic model (MM) reconstruction has democratised bioinformatics approaches such as flux balance analysis. Fluxes’ prediction accuracy greatly relates to the deepness of the MM curation for a specific organism starting from the cell composition. One component is the cell wall, which is a functional barrier (cell shape, exchanges) with the environment. The bacterial cell wall (BCW), including its thickness, structure, and composition, has been extensively studied in Escherichia coli but poorly described for other organisms. The peptidoglycan (PG) layer composing the BCW is usually thinner in Gram− bacteria than in Gram+ bacteria. In both bacteria groups, PG is a polymeric mesh-like structure of amino acids and sugars, including N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylmuramic acid, and amino acids. In this study, we propose a high-throughput method to characterise and quantify PG in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using acidic hydrolysis and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS). The method showed a relatively short time frame (11 min analytical run), low inter- and intraday variability (3.2% and 4%, respectively), and high sensitivity and selectivity (limits of quantification in the sub mg/L range). The method was successfully applied on two Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli K12 MG1655, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron DSM 2079) and one Gram-positive bacterium (Streptococcus salivarius ssp. thermophilus DSM20259). The PG concentration ranged from 1.6% w/w to 14% w/w of the dry cell weight. The results were in good correlation with previously published results. With further development, the PG concentration provided by this newly developed method could reinforce the curation of MM.
Diagnostic and Management of Emphysematous Hepatitis with Emphasis on Biopathology
Authors: Porez Déborah , Kallel Hatem , Dobian Succes , Gerbert-Ferrendier Timotée , Nacher Mathieu , Djossou Félix , Demar Magalie , Amroun Hakim , Zappa Magaly , Drak Alsibai Kinan
Published: August 2023

Emphysematous hepatitis is a rare infectious disease, which corresponds to the presence of gas in the liver, without collection and after exclusion of vascular origin. This entity belongs to the group of emphysematous infections, whose physiopathology seems to be linked to the presence of unbalanced diabetes and to bacterial fermentation, leading to the production of gas within the liver parenchyma. Very few cases of emphysematous hepatitis have been described in the literature, and most of them had a rapidly fatal course. In this manuscript, we report the case of a 59-year-old man with emphysematous hepatitis due to wild-type Klebsiella pneumoniae that was successfully managed by surgery, and we perform a review of the literature to describe the clinical and biopathological aspects of this rare hepatic disease. Our manuscript underlines the need to perform biological and histopathological sampling to better understand the pathophysiology of this rare entity. The causes and mechanisms of emphysematous hepatitis, which seem to be multiple, lead us to believe that it is a syndrome rather than a simple infectious disease.
Clay/Fly Ash Bricks Evaluated in Terms of Kaolin and Vermiculite Precursors of Mullite and Forsterite, and Photocatalytic Decomposition of the Methanol–Water Mixture
Authors: Valášková Marta , Blahůšková Veronika , Edelmannová Miroslava Filip , Matějová Lenka , Soukup Karel , Plevová Eva
Published: August 2023

This study focused on mullite-based and forsterite-based ceramic bricks fired at 1000 °C from mixtures of fly ash (40 mass%) and kaolins or vermiculites (60 mass%). The structural, physical, and mechanical properties were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, nitrogen physisorption, mercury porosimetry, thermogravimetry, and compressive strength. In the development of green-material-derived photocatalysts, we evaluated fly ash ceramic bricks based on kaolins and vermiculites, which deserve deeper research. Alkali potassium in the mixtures positively influenced the reduction of the firing temperature, shrinkage, small porosity, and high compressive strength of ceramic bricks. The crystallization of mullite in fly ash was observed on exotherm maxima from 813 to 1025 °C. Muscovite/illite admixture in kaolins precursor of mullite-based ceramics reduced the crystallization temperature of mullite by up to 70 °C. Vermiculite–hydrobiotite–phlogopite in mixed layers of a raw vermiculite precursor of forsterite-based ceramics controlled the formation of enstatite and forsterite in the temperature range from 736 ± 6 °C to 827 ± 6 °C. Mullite- and forsterite-based ceramic bricks were also investigated for photocatalytic hydrogen production. The photocatalytic generation of hydrogen in the presence of mullite-based ceramic bricks was positively correlated with the percentages of Fe2O3 in the lattice of mullites and in the presence of forsterite-based ceramics with the presence of diopside. Mullite-based ceramic produced the highest yield of hydrogen (320 µmol/gcat after 4 h of irradiation) in the presence of mullite with the highest 10.4% substitution of Fe2O3 in the lattice. The forsterite-based ceramic produced the highest hydrogen yields (354 µmol/gcat after 4 h of irradiation) over more active diopside than forsterite.
The New Functional Hybrid Chaperone Protein ADGroEL–SacSm
Authors: Mikhaylina Alisa , Lekontseva Natalia , Marchenkov Victor , Kolesnikova Viktoria , Khairetdinova Albina , Nikonov Oleg , Balobanov Vitalii
Published: August 2023

The creation of new proteins by combining natural domains is a commonly used technique in protein engineering. In this work, we have tested the possibilities and limitations of using circular homo-oligomeric Sm-like proteins as a basis for attaching other domains. Attachment to such a stable base should bring target domains together and keep them in the correct mutual orientation. We chose a circular homoheptameric Sm-like protein from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius as a stable backbone and the apical domain of the GroEL chaperone protein as the domain of study. This domain by itself, separated from the rest of the GroEL molecule, does not form an oligomeric ring. In our design, the hyperstable SacSm held the seven ADGroELs together and forced them to oligomerize. The designed hybrid protein was obtained and studied with various physical and chemical methods. Stepwise assembly and self-organization of this protein have been shown. First, the SacSm base was assembled, and then ADGroEL was folded on it. Functional testing showed that the obtained fusion protein was able to bind the same non-native proteins as the full-length GroEL chaperone. It also reduced the aggregation of a number of proteins when they were heated, which confirms its chaperone activity. Thus, the engineering path we chose made it possible to create an efficient thermostable chaperone. The result obtained shows the productivity of the way we chose for the creation and stabilization of oligomeric proteins.
Niobium Nitride Preparation for Superconducting Single-Photon Detectors
Authors: Luo Peng , Zhao Yihui
Published: August 2023

Niobium nitride (NbN) is widely used in the production of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) due to its high superconducting transition temperature and suitable energy gap. The processing parameters used for the preparation of NbN films and the subsequent processing of nanowires have a significant effect on the performance of the SNSPD. In this review, we will present various thin film growth methods, including magnetron sputtering, atomic layer deposition (ALD), and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The relationships between the superconducting performance of each thin film and the corresponding deposition process will be discussed. Subsequently, NbN nanowire fabrication methods and microstructures based on thin film etching will be summarized, and their impact on the qualities of the finished SNSPDs will be systematically analyzed. Finally, we will provide an outlook for the future development of preparation for SNSPD.
Dynamics of Dispersive Measurements of Flux-Qubit States: Energy-Level Splitting Connected to Quantum Wave Mechanics
Authors: Choi Jeong Ryeol
Published: August 2023

Superconducting flux qubits have many advantages as a storage of quantum information, such as broad range tunability of frequency, small-size fabricability, and high controllability. In the flux qubit–oscillator, qubits are connected to SQUID resonators for the purpose of performing dispersive non-destructive readouts of qubit signals with high fidelity. In this work, we propose a theoretical model for analyzing quantum characteristics of a flux qubit–oscillator on the basis of quantum solutions obtained using a unitary transformation approach. The energy levels of the combined system (qubit + resonator) are analyzed in detail. Equally spaced each energy level of the resonator splits into two parts depending on qubit states. Besides, coupling of the qubit to the resonator brings about an additional modification in the split energy levels. So long as the coupling strength and the tunnel splitting are not zero but finite values, the energy-level splitting of the resonator does not disappear. We conclude that quantum nondemolition dispersive measurements of the qubit states are possible by inducing bifurcation of the resonator states through the coupling.
Biomass-Derived Carbon Aerogels for ORR/OER Bifunctional Oxygen Electrodes
Authors: Jiao Yue , Xu Ke , Xiao Huining , Mei Changtong , Li Jian
Published: August 2023

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are crucial electrochemical reactions that play vital roles in energy conversion and storage technologies, such as fuel cells and metal–air batteries. Typically, noble-metal-based catalysts are required to enhance the sluggish kinetics of the ORR and OER, but their high costs restrict their practical commercial applications. Thus, highly active and strong non-noble metal catalysts are essential to address the cost and durability challenge. Based on previous research, carbon-based catalysts may present the best alternatives to these precious metals in the future owing to their affordability, very large surface areas, and superior mechanical and electrical qualities. In particular, carbon aerogels prepared using biomass as the precursors are referred to as biomass-derived carbon aerogels. They have sparked broad attention and demonstrated remarkable performance in the energy conversion and storage sectors as they are ecologically beneficial, affordable, and have an abundance of precursors. Therefore, this review focuses on various nanostructured materials based on biomass-derived carbon aerogels as ORR/OER catalysts, including metal atoms, metal compounds, and alloys.
Low Detection Limit and High Sensitivity 2-Butanone Gas Sensor Based on ZnO Nanosheets Decorated by Co Nanoparticles Derived from ZIF-67
Authors: Zhang Hua , Zhao Wenjie , Meng Fanli
Published: August 2023

2-butanone has been certified to cause potential harm to the human body, environment, etc. Therefore, achieving a method for the high sensitivity and low limit detection of 2-butanone is of great significance. To achieve this goal, this article uses ZIF-67 prepared by a precipitation method as a cobalt source, and then prepares cobalt-modified zinc oxide nanosheets through a hydrothermal method. The microstructure of the materials was observed by SEM, EDS, TEM, HRTEM, XPS and XRD. The test data display that the sensor ZC2 can produce a high response (2540) to 100 ppm 2-butanone at 270 °C, which is 21 times higher than that of pure ZnO materials. Its detection limit is also optimized to 24 ppb. The sensor (ZC2) also excels in these properties: selectivity, repeatability and stability over 30 days. Further analysis indicates that the synergistic and catalytic effects of p-n heterojunction are the key sources for optimizing the performance of sensors for detecting 2-butanone.
Uncovering the Concerns and Needs of Individuals with Celiac Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Vázquez-Polo Maialen , Navarro Virginia , Larretxi Idoia , Perez-Junkera Gesala , Lasa Arrate , Matias Silvia , Simon Edurne , Churruca Itziar
Published: August 2023

The treatment for celiac disease (CD) involves a strict gluten-free diet, which can be challenging and lead to questions for patients. Pinpointing these uncertainties can enable the creation of efficient educational resources. In this study, a questionnaire was specifically designed to gain insights into the knowledge, concerns, and needs of individuals with CD and their supporters. The questionnaire was distributed through the Instagram social network and received adequate responses from 300 participants, 258 (86%) being female and 152 (50.7%) falling in the age range of 25–44 years. The concerns of individuals with celiac disease and celiac supporters were rated on a 1–4 scale, with a mean score of 3.5 indicating significant concern. A total of 255 (85%) of all participants expressed that their principal concern was the social limitations they faced, such as difficulties in eating out and sharing food with others. Every participant evaluated their overall disease knowledge, averaging at 2.92 out of 4, indicating a reasonable level of awareness. When asked if they believed that improving general knowledge about CD in the general population would enhance their quality of life, the vast majority responded affirmatively. This finding underscores the importance of not only educating individuals with CD but also reaching out to the wider population, especially those who have a direct impact on the daily lives of individuals with CD, such as family members, friends, and food service providers.
Changes in Choline Metabolites and Ceramides in Response to a DASH-Style Diet in Older Adults
Authors: Tate Brianna N. , Van Guilder Gary P. , Aly Marwa , Spence Lisa A. , Diaz-Rubio M. Elena , Le Henry H. , Johnson Elizabeth L. , McFadden Joseph W. , Perry Cydne A.
Published: August 2023

This feeding trial evaluated the impact of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet on changes in plasma choline, choline metabolites, and ceramides in obese older adults; 28 adults consumed 3oz (n = 15) or 6oz (n = 13) of beef within a standardized DASH diet for 12 weeks. Plasma choline, betaine, methionine, dimethylglycine (DMG), phosphatidylcholine (PC), lysophosphotidylcholine (LPC), sphingomyelin, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), L-carnitine, ceramide, and triglycerides were measured in fasted blood samples. Plasma LPC, sphingomyelin, and ceramide species were also quantified. In response to the study diet, with beef intake groups combined, plasma choline decreased by 9.6% (p = 0.012); DMG decreased by 10% (p = 0.042); PC decreased by 51% (p < 0.001); total LPC increased by 281% (p < 0.001); TMAO increased by 26.5% (p < 0.001); total ceramide decreased by 22.1% (p < 0.001); and triglycerides decreased by 18% (p = 0.021). All 20 LPC species measured increased (p < 0.01) with LPC 16:0 having the greatest response. Sphingomyelin 16:0, 18:0, and 18:1 increased (all p < 0.001) by 10.4%, 22.5%, and 24%, respectively. In contrast, we observed that sphingomyelin 24:0 significantly decreased by 10%. Ceramide 22:0 and 24:0 decreased by 27.6% and 10.9% (p < 0.001), respectively, and ceramide 24:1 increased by 36.8% (p = 0.013). Changes in choline and choline metabolites were in association with anthropometric and cardiometabolic outcomes. These findings show the impact of the DASH diet on choline metabolism in older adults and demonstrate the influence of diet to modify circulating LPC, sphingomyelin, and ceramide species.
Net-Baryon Probability Distributions from Lattice Simulations
Authors: Rogalyov Roman , Goy Vladimir
Published: August 2023

We use the results of lattice simulations of the net-baryon number density at imaginary baryon chemical potential in Nf=2 QCD to construct the equation of state of dense and hot strong-interacting matter both above the Roberge–Weiss temperature T>TRW and below the critical temperature T<Tc. For these cases, we also evaluate probability distributions of the net-baryon number, as well as the respective cumulants and moments. The consequences of the asymptotic behavior of these probability distributions for the problem of reconstruction of the net-baryon probability distributions from cumulants are discussed.
A Case of Severe Mpox Complicated with Streptococcus pyogenes Sepsis in a Patient with HIV Infection
Authors: Di Bari Silvia , Mondi Annalisa , Pinnetti Carmela , Mazzotta Valentina , Carletti Fabrizio , Matusali Giulia , Vincenti Donatella , Gagliardini Roberta , Santoro Raffaele , Fontana Carla , Maggi Fabrizio , Girardi Enrico , Vaia Francesco , Antinori Andrea
Published: August 2023

Since May 2022, a global outbreak of human Mpox has rapidly spread in non-endemic countries. We report a case of a 34-year-old man admitted to hospital for a six-day history of fever associated with vesiculo-pustular rash involving the face, limbs, trunk and perianal region, lymphadenopathy and severe proctitis and pharyngitis. He was HIV-positive and virologically suppressed by stable antiretroviral therapy. On admission, Mpox virus-specific RT-PCR was positive from multiple samples. Additionally, blood cultures yielded Streptococcus pyogenes, prompting a 14-day-course of penicillin G and clindamycin. Due to the worsening of proctitis along with right ocular mucosa involvement, tecovirimat treatment was started with a rapid improvement in both skin and mucosal involvement. The patient was discharged after 21 days of hospitalization and the complete clinical resolution occurred 38 days after symptom onset. This is a case of Mpox with extensive multi-mucosal (ocular, pharyngeal and rectal) and cutaneous extension and S. pyogenes bacteraemia probably related to bacterial translocation from the skin or oral cavity that was eased by Mpox lesions/inflammation. The HIVinfection, although well controlled by antiretroviral therapy, could have played a role in the severe course of Mpox, suggesting the importance of a prompt antiviral treatment in HIV-positive patients.
Abiraterone Acetate Complexes with Biometals: Synthesis, Characterization in Solid and Solution, and the Nature of Chemical Bonding
Authors: Buikin Petr , Vologzhanina Anna , Novikov Roman , Dorovatovskii Pavel , Korlyukov Alexander
Published: August 2023

Abiraterone acetate (AbirAc) is the most used steroidal therapeutic agent for treatment of prostate cancer. The mainly hydrophobic molecular surface of AbirAc results in its poor solubility and plays an important role for retention of abiraterone in the cavity of the receptor formed by peptide chains and heme fragments. In order to evaluate the hydrolytic stability of AbirAc, to modify its solubility by formation of new solid forms and to model bonding of this medication with the heme, a series of d-metal complexes with AbirAc was obtained. AbirAc remains stable in water, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, and ethanol, and readily interacts with dications as a terminal ligand to create discrete complexes, including [FePC(AbirAc)2] and [ZnTPP(AbirAc)] (H2PC = phthalocyanine and H2TPP = 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrine) models for ligand–receptor bonding. In reactions with silver(I) nitrate, AbirAc acts as a bridge ligand. Energies of chemical bonding between AbirAc and these cations vary from 97 to 235 kJ mol−1 and exceed those between metal atoms and water molecules. This can be indicative of the ability of abiraterone to replace solvent molecules in the coordination sphere of biometals in living cells, although the model [ZnTPP] complex remains stable in CDCl3, CD2Cl2, and 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane-d2 solvents and decomposes in polar dimethylsulfoxide-d6 and methanol-d4 solvents, as follows from the 1H DOSY spectra. Dynamics of its behavior in 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane-d2 were studied by ROESY and NMR spectra.
Enhanced XUV Harmonics Generation with an Intense Laser Field in the Overdriven Regime
Authors: Qin Zhiyong , Xu Zibo , Yu Changhai , Liu Jiansheng , Cai Jintan , Zhang Zhijun , Zhou Shiyi , Jiao Xuhui , Xiang Zhongtao
Published: August 2023

High-order harmonic generation with high photon flux has been a challenging task in strong-field physics. According to the high-order harmonic generation process, the essential requirements for achieving efficient harmonic radiations inside a gas medium are the improvement of the induced atomic dipole moment amplitude of the single-atom response in the microscopic and the phase matching of the high harmonics in the macroscopic medium. In this work, we demonstrated a feasible approach to enhance the extreme-ultraviolet harmonics in the plateau region by increasing the intensity of the driving laser while keeping the laser energy constant. The simulation results showed that by increasing the laser intensity to the overdriven regime, the average extreme-ultraviolet harmonics yield in the plateau region is approximately twice as high as that obtained optimally in the conventional loose focusing geometry scheme by utilizing a relatively low-intensity driving laser with the same laser energy. The quantitative analysis of the harmonics generation process in the macroscopic medium and the phase matching revealed that the observed enhancement in harmonics can be attributed to the amplification of the induced atomic dipole moment amplitude of the single-atom response in the high-intensity driving laser and the favorable transient phase matching in the overdriven regime. Furthermore, the investigation of the driving laser indicated that the favorable transient phase matching is caused by the spatiotemporal reshaping of the driving laser in the overdriven regime.
In-Field Rainwater Harvesting Tillage in Semi-Arid Ecosystems: I Maize–Bean Intercrop Performance and Productivity
Authors: Tesfuhuney Weldemichael , Ravuluma Muthianzhele , Dzvene Admire Rukudzo , Bello Zaid , Andries Fourie , Walker Sue , Cammarano Davide
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study was to monitor and compare the growth and productivity of maize/beans sole and inter-cropping systems under conventional (CON) and in-field rainwater harvesting (IRWH) tillage practices. During the typical drought conditions of the 2018/19 growing season, seven homestead gardens of smallholder farmers (four in Paradys and three in Morago villages) in the Thaba Nchu rural communities of South Africa were selected for on-farm demonstration trials. Two tillage systems CON and IRWH as the main plot and three cropping systems as sub-treatment (sole maize and beans and intercropping) were used to measure crop growth and productivity parameters. The results showed that IRWH tillage had significantly higher above-ground dry matter for both sole maize (29%) and intercropped maize (27%) compared to CON treatments. The grain yield under both tillage systems showed that IRWH-Sole >> IRWH-Ic >> CON-Sole >> CON-Ic, with values ranging from 878.2 kg ha−1 to 618 kg ha−1 (p ≤ 0.05). The low harvest index values (0.21–0.38) could have been due to the effect of the drought during the growing season. The results of precipitation use efficiency (PUE) showed that the IRWH tillage was more effective at converting rainwater into maize biomass and grain yield compared to CON tillage. However, the different cropping systems did not show a consistent trend in PUE. During the growing season, the PUE for AGDM varied for different tillage and cropping system treatments in Morago and Paradys. For maize, it ranged between 10.01–6.07 and 9.93–7.67 kg ha−1, while for beans, it ranged between 7.36–3.95 and 7.07–3.89 kg ha−1 mm−1. The PUE for grain yield showed similar trends with the significantly highest values of PUE under IRWH tillage systems for the Morago sites, but there were no significant differences at the Paradys site in both tillage and cropping systems. There is a critical need, therefore, to devise alternative techniques to promote an increase in smallholders’ productivity based on an improved ability to capture and use resources more efficiently.
Dial-In Synthesis of ‘Polymer Opal’ Core–Interlayer–Shell Composite Nanoparticles
Authors: Rosetta Giselle , Macaire Line , Butters Mike , Finlayson Chris E.
Published: August 2023

The emulsion polymerization process via which core–interlayer–shell polymer nanoparticles are synthesized is engineered to offer a crucial control of the eventual size and monodispersity of the polystyrene (PS) cores. We examine the role of key experimental parameters, optimizing the temperature, reactant purity, and agitation (stirring) rate. The subsequent addition of a poly(methyl-methacrylate) (PMMA) grafting layer and a poly(ethyl-acrylate) (PEA) shell layer produces composite particles, which are shear-orderable into opaline films, known as ‘polymer opals’. We thus demonstrate pathways toward a ‘dial-in’ process, where the time taken to obtain the target core size is mapped to the expected resultant structural color. At reaction temperatures of 60 and 70 °C, viable conditions are found where all syntheses give an excellent level of monodispersity (polydispersity index < 0.02), suitable for interlayer and shell growth. These reports may be readily applied to a wider industrial scale fabrication pipeline for these polymeric photonic materials.
Synthesis of Poly (2-Acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfnoinc Salt) Modified Carbon Spheres
Authors: Su Na
Published: August 2023

The paper reports a facile synthesis of novel anionic spherical polymer brushes which was based on grafting sodium 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane-1-sulfonate from the surface of 4,4′-Azobis (4-cyanopentanoyl chloride)-modified carbon spheres. Various characterization methods involving a scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrum, and thermo-gravimetric analysis were utilized to analyze the morphology, chemical composition, bonding structure, and thermal stability, respectively. The molecular weight (Mw) and polydispersity (Mw/Mn) of brushes were 616,000 g/mol and 1.72 determined by gel permeation chromatography experiments. Moreover, the dispersibility of ASPB in water and in the presence of aqueous NaCl solutions of different concentrations was investigated. Results show that the dispersibility of carbon spheres has been enhanced owing to grafted polyelectrolyte chains, while the zeta potential of the particle decreases and its brush layer shrinks upon exposure to sodium ions (Na+).
Chitosan Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Cement Containing Epidermal Growth Factor Promotes Pulp Cell Proliferation with a Minimum Effect on Fluoride and Aluminum Release
Authors: Hengtrakool Chanothai , Wanichpakorn Supreya , Kedjarune-Leggat Ureporn
Published: August 2023

The development of biomaterials that are able to control the release of bioactive molecules is a challenging task for regenerative dentistry. This study aimed to enhance resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) for the release of epidermal growth factor (EGF). This RMGIC was formulated from RMGIC powder supplemented with 15% (w/w) chitosan at a molecular weight of either 62 or 545 kDa with 5% bovine serum albumin mixed with the same liquid component as the Vitrebond. EGF was added while mixing. ELISA was used to determine EGF release from the specimen immersed in phosphate-buffered saline at 1 h, 3 h, 24 h, 3 d, 1 wk, 2 wks, and 3 wks. Fluoride and aluminum release at 1, 3, 5, and 7 d was measured by electrode and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Pulp cell viability was examined through MTT assays and the counting of cell numbers using a Coulter counter. The RMGIC with 65 kDa chitosan is able to prolong the release of EGF for significantly longer than RMGIC for at least 3 wks due to its retained bioactivity in promoting pulp cell proliferation. This modified RMGIC can prolong the release of fluoride, with a small amount of aluminum also released for a limited time. This biomaterial could be useful in regenerating pulp–dentin complexes.
Mechanical Performance of Glass/Epoxy Composites Loaded with Silane-Treated Aluminum Hydroxide Fillers
Authors: Shaker Khubab , Adnan Muhammad , Nawab Yasir , Umair Muhammad , Jabbar Madeha , Siddique Amna , Ahmad Ahsan
Published: August 2023

This study investigates the influence of silane-treated aluminum hydroxide on the mechanical performance of flame-retardant composites. These composites have potential applications for luggage bags, as a replacement for conventional plastics, offering more durability and lighter weight. Glass fabric was used as the reinforcement, while epoxy was used as the matrix material. To impart flame retardancy, aluminum hydroxide nanoparticles were used as fillers in different weight % age (5%, 10% and 15%). As these are inorganic particles and have compatibility issues with the matrix material, silane-coupling agents (Dynasylan® 6490 and Dynasylan Glymo) were used to treat these filler particles. Both the silane-coupling agents fraction used for treatment and the fillers fraction added to the composites were varied to determine the most optimum combination. The mechanical properties of the developed composites such as tensile, flexural, and short beam shear strength were investigated. The best results were exhibited by 10% aluminum hydroxide fillers treated with 1% (by weight) coupling agent (Dynasylan Glymo).
Preservation of Fresh-Cut ‘Maradol’ Papaya with Polymeric Nanocapsules of Lemon Essential Oil or Curcumin
Authors: Galindo-Pérez Moises Job , Martínez-Acevedo Lizbeth , Vidal-Romero Gustavo , Serrano-Mora Luis Eduardo , Zambrano-Zaragoza María de la Luz
Published: August 2023

Papaya is one of the most consumed fruits in the world; however, tissue damage caused by cuts quickly leads to its decay. Therefore, this study aimed to prepare and characterize lemon oil and curcumin nanocapsules to evaluate their capacity for preserving fresh-cut papaya. Lemon essential oil and curcumin nanocapsules were prepared using ethyl cellulose (EC) and poly-(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) by the emulsification–diffusion method coupled with ultrasound. The particles had sizes smaller than 120 nm, with polydispersity indices below 0.25 and zeta potentials exceeding −12 mV, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The nanoparticles remained stable for 27 days, with sedimentation being the instability mechanism observed. These nanoparticles were employed to coat fresh-cut papaya, which was stored for 17 days. The results demonstrated their remarkable efficacy in reducing the respiration rate. Furthermore, nanocapsules maintained the pH and acidity levels of the papayas for an extended period. The lemon oil/EC nanocapsule treatment retained the color better. Additionally, all systems exhibited the ability to minimize texture loss associated with reduced pectin methylesterase activity. Finally, the nanocapsules showed a notable reduction in polyphenol oxidase activity correlating with preserving total phenolic compounds in the fruit. Therefore, the lemon oil and curcumin nanoparticles formed using EC and PCL demonstrated their effectiveness in preserving fresh-cut ‘Maradol’ papaya.
Study of the Self-Polymerization of Epoxy/Phthalonitrile Copolymers and Their High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Laminates
Authors: Xu Mingzhen , Li Bo , Li Xiongyao , Fan Zexu , Ren Dengxun
Published: August 2023

Self-polymerization epoxy/phthalonitrile (APPEN) pre-polymers were studied systematically, and then, gelation time and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were employed to investigate their curing behaviors. Taking advantage of orthogonal test analysis, the key factors that affected the co-polymerization of APPEN were defined and the appropriate pre-polymerization conditions were analyzed. A possible curing mechanism of APPEN was proposed. Then, the thermomechanical and mechanical properties of glass-fiber-reinforced APPEN laminates (APPEN/GF) prepared at 180 °C were analyzed to understand the cross-linked and aggregation structures. Fracture surface of the composite laminates was also investigated to reveal the copolymerization degree and the interfacial binding. The results indicated that APPEN/GF composites exhibit outstanding mechanical and thermomechanical properties (flexural strength, 712 MPa, flexural modulus, 38 GPa, and Tg > 185 °C). The thermal stability (T5% > 334 °C and IPDT reached 1482 °C) of APPEN/GF composites was also investigated to further reveal the copolymerization between epoxy resin and aminophthalonitrile, which may be beneficial to the application of epoxy-matrix-based composites in the field of high-performance polymer composites.