bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Bio-Inspired Motion Direction Detection Mechanism in Binary and Grayscale Background
Authors: Hua Yuxiao , Todo Yuki , Tang Zheng , Tao Sichen , Li Bin , Inoue Riku
Published: October 2022

The visual system plays a vital role in the daily life of humans, as more than 90 percent of the external information received by the human brain throughout the day comes from the visual system. However, how the human brain processes the received visual information remains a mystery. The information received from the external through the visual system can be divided into three main categories, namely, shape features, color features, and motion features. Of these, motion features are considered the key to deciphering the secrets of the visual system due to their independence and importance. In this paper, we propose a novel bio-inspired motion direction detection mechanism using direction-selective ganglion cells to explore the mystery of motion information extraction and analysis. The mechanism proposed in this paper is divided into two parts: local motion direction detection neurons and global motion direction detection neurons; the former is used to extract motion direction information from the local area, while the latter infers global motion direction from the local motion direction information. This mechanism is more consistent with the biological perception of the human natural visual system than the previously proposed model and has a higher biological plausibility and greater versatility. It is worth mentioning that we have overcome the problem in which the previous motion direction detection model could only be applied in the binary background by introducing the horizontal cells. Through the association formed by horizontal cells and bipolar cells, this model can be applied to recognizing problems of motion direction detection on a grayscale background. To further validate the effectiveness of the proposed model, a series of experiments with objects of different sizes, shapes, and positions are conducted by computer simulation. According to the simulation results, this model has been proven to have high accuracy rates regardless of objects’ sizes, shapes, and positions in all experiments. Furthermore, the proposed model is verified to own more stable accuracy rates and stronger noise immunity by comparing it with the recognized superior classical convolutional neural network in a background of different percentage noise.
Some New Existence Results for Positive Periodic Solutions to First-Order Neutral Differential Equations with Variable Coefficients
Authors: Zhang Lingping , Du Bo
Published: October 2022

In this article, we deal with some new existence results for positive periodic solutions for a class of neutral functional differential equations by employing Krasnoselskii’s fixed-point theorem and the properties of a neutral operator. Our results generalize corresponding works from the past. An example is given to show the feasibility and application of the obtained results.
Efficient Streaming Algorithms for Maximizing Monotone DR-Submodular Function on the Integer Lattice
Authors: Nguyen Bich-Ngan , Pham Phuong , Le Van-Vang , Snášel Václav
Published: October 2022

In recent years, the issue of maximizing submodular functions has attracted much interest from research communities. However, most submodular functions are specified in a set function. Meanwhile, recent advancements have been studied for maximizing a diminishing return submodular (DR-submodular) function on the integer lattice. Because plenty of publications show that the DR-submodular function has wide applications in optimization problems such as sensor placement impose problems, optimal budget allocation, social network, and especially machine learning. In this research, we propose two main streaming algorithms for the problem of maximizing a monotone DR-submodular function under cardinality constraints. Our two algorithms, which are called StrDRS1 and StrDRS2, have (1/2−ϵ), (1−1/e−ϵ) of approximation ratios and O(nϵlog(logBϵ)logk), O(nϵlogB), respectively. We conducted several experiments to investigate the performance of our algorithms based on the budget allocation problem over the bipartite influence model, an instance of the monotone submodular function maximization problem over the integer lattice. The experimental results indicate that our proposed algorithms not only provide solutions with a high value of the objective function, but also outperform the state-of-the-art algorithms in terms of both the number of queries and the running time.
Graph Embedding Method Based on Biased Walking for Link Prediction
Authors: Nie Mingshuo , Chen Dongming , Wang Dongqi
Published: October 2022

Link prediction is an essential and challenging problem in research on complex networks, which can provide research tools and theoretical supports for the formation and evolutionary mechanisms of networks. Existing graph representation learning methods based on random walks usually ignore the influence of local network topology on the transition probability of walking nodes when predicting the existence of links, and the sampling strategy of walking nodes during random walks is uncontrolled, which leads to the inability of these methods to effectively learn high-quality node vectors to solve the link prediction problem. To address the above challenges, we propose a novel graph embedding method for link prediction. Specifically, we analyze the evolution mechanism of links based on triadic closure theory and use the network clustering coefficient to represent the aggregation ability of the network’s local structure, and this adaptive definition of the aggregation ability of the local structure enables control of the walking strategy of nodes in the random walking process. Finally, node embedding generated based on biased walking paths is employed to solve the link prediction problem. Extensive experiments and analyses show that the TCW algorithm provides high accuracy across a diverse set of datasets.
An Efficient Algorithm for the Multi-Scale Solution of Nonlinear Fractional Optimal Control Problems
Authors: Noori Dalawi Araz , Lakestani Mehrdad , Ashpazzadeh Elmira
Published: October 2022

An efficient algorithm based on the wavelet collocation method is introduced in order to solve nonlinear fractional optimal control problems (FOCPs) with inequality constraints. By using the interpolation properties of Hermite cubic spline functions, we construct an operational matrix of the Caputo fractional derivative for the first time. Using this matrix, we reduce the nonlinear fractional optimal control problem to a nonlinear programming problem that can be solved with some suitable optimization algorithms. Illustrative examples are examined to demonstrate the important features of the new method.
Factors Predicting Malignant Occurrence and Polyp Recurrence after the Endoscopic Resection of Large Colorectal Polyps: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Mandic Olga , Jovanovic Igor , Cvetkovic Mirjana , Maksimovic Jasmina , Radonjic Tijana , Popovic Maja , Nikolic Novica , Brankovic Marija
Published: October 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors contributing to the malignancy of colorectal polyps, as well as risk factors for recurrence after the successful endoscopic mucosal resection of large colorectal polyps in a referral center. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study was performed in patients diagnosed with large (≥20 mm diameter) colorectal polyps and treated in the period from January 2014 to December 2019 at the University Hospital Medical Center Bezanijska Kosa, Belgrade, Serbia. Based on the endoscopic evaluation and classification of polyps, the following procedures were performed: en bloc resection, piecemeal resection or surgical treatment. Results: A total of 472 patients with large colorectal polyps were included in the study. The majority of the study population were male (62.9%), with a mean age of 65.7 ± 10.8 years. The majority of patients had one polyp (73.7%) less than 40 mm in size (74.6%) sessile morphology (46.4%), type IIA polyps (88.2%) or polyps localized in the descending colon (52.5%). The accessibility of the polyp was complicated in 17.4% of patients. En bloc resection was successfully performed in 61.0% of the patients, while the rate of piecemeal resection was 26.1%. Due to incomplete endoscopic resection, surgery was performed in 5.1% of the patients, while 7.8% of the patients were referred to surgery directly. Hematochezia (p = 0.001), type IIB polyps (p < 0.001) and complicated polyp accessibility (p = 0.002) were significant independent predictors of carcinoma presence in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Out of the 472 patients enrolled in the study, 364 were followed after endoscopic resection for colorectal polyp recurrence, which was observed in 30 patients (8.2%) during follow-up. Piecemeal resection (p = 0.048) and incomplete resection success (p = 0.013) were significant independent predictors of polyp recurrence in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: Whenever an endoscopist encounters a complex colorectal lesion (i.e., a polyp with complicated accessibility), polyp size > 40 mm, the Laterally Spreading Tumor nongranular (LST-NG) morphological type, type IIB polyps or the presence of hematochezia, malignancy risk should be considered before making the decision to either resect, refer to an advanced endoscopist or perform surgery.
Sexual Dysfunction in Women and Men with Psoriasis: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study
Authors: Kędra Kamila , Janeczko Kinga , Michalik Izabela , Reich Adam
Published: October 2022

Background and objectives: Psoriasis can lead to feelings of stigmatization, hinder social functioning, and impair quality of life. Psoriasis can also affect sexual activity, but there is still little research on this topic. The present study investigated whether and to what extent psoriasis, its severity, location and extent of skin lesions affect sexual dysfunction. Materials and Methods: A total of 45 women and 64 men aged 18 to 73 years hospitalized for psoriasis exacerbations were included in the study. Psoriasis severity, as assessed by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), ranged from 0.2 to 65 points (mean: 17.0 ± 14.9 points). After collecting demographic and clinical data, each subject was asked to complete the Dermatology Life Quality Index, the 11-item Sexual Life Questionnaire and the International Index of Erectile Function (only men). Results: Our study found that more than 90% of the patients surveyed felt at least a slight unattractiveness due to psoriasis. In approximately 80% of the subjects, the skin lesions at least occasionally affected their sex life, and more than 50% at least sometimes avoided sexual contact. The location of psoriasis, particularly in the genital area (p = 0.01), on the face (p = 0.03) and hands (p = 0.05), also had a significant impact on the level of sexual problems. Psoriasis has a significant impact on the quality of life (QoL), and a deterioration in QoL was strongly correlated with sexual dysfunction (r = 0.6, p < 0.001), PASI scores (r = 0.36, p < 0.001), self-assessment of psoriasis severity and location of psoriatic lesions. Conclusions: Psoriasis leads to various limitations, especially in the sphere of sexual life. Patients with psoriasis feel stigmatized, have lowered self-esteem and consequently experience significant sexual problems. Awareness of the co-occurring psychological aspect of psoriasis and the routine use of validated scales in dermatology practice should contribute to the rapid identification of patients with sexual dysfunction.
The Outcomes of Robotic Rehabilitation Assisted Devices Following Spinal Cord Injury and the Prevention of Secondary Associated Complications
Authors: Nistor-Cseppento Carmen Delia , Gherle Anamaria , Negrut Nicoleta , Bungau Simona Gabriela , Sabau Anca Maria , Radu Andrei-Flavius , Bungau Alexa Florina , Tit Delia Mirela , Uivaraseanu Bogdan , Ghitea Timea Claudia , Uivarosan Diana
Published: October 2022

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) have major consequences on the patient’s health and life. Voluntary muscle paralysis caused by spinal cord damage affects the patient’s independence. Following SCI, an irreversible motor and sensory deficit occurs (spasticity, muscle paralysis, atrophy, pain, gait disorders, pain). This pathology has implications on the whole organism: on the osteoarticular, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genito-urinary, skin, metabolic disorders, and neuro-psychic systems. The rehabilitation process for a subject having SCIs can be considered complex, since the pathophysiological mechanism and biochemical modifications occurring at the level of spinal cord are not yet fully elucidated. This review aims at evaluating the impact of robotic-assisted rehabilitation in subjects who have suffered SCI, both in terms of regaining mobility as a major dysfunction in patients with SCI, but also in terms of improving overall fitness and cardiovascular function, respiratory function, as well as the gastrointestinal system, bone density and finally the psychosocial issues, based on multiple clinical trials, and pilot studies. The researched literature in the topic revealed that in order to increase the chances of neuro-motor recovery and to obtain satisfactory results, the combination of robotic therapy, a complex recovery treatment and specific medication is one of the best decisions. Furthermore, the use of these exoskeletons facilitates better/greater autonomy for patients, as well as optimal social integration.
Development of an Integrated Salt Cartridge-Reverse Electrodialysis (Red) Device to Increase Electrolyte Concentrations to Biomedical Devices
Authors: Pakkaner Efecan , Orton Jessica L. , Campbell Caroline G. , Hestekin Jamie A. , Hestekin Christa N.
Published: October 2022

Emerging technologies in nanotechnology and biomedical engineering have led to an increase in the use of implantable biomedical devices. These devices are currently battery powered which often means they must be surgically replaced during a patient’s lifetime. Therefore, there is an important need for a power source that could provide continuous, stable power over a prolonged time. Reverse electrodialysis (RED) based biopower cells have been previously used to generate continuous power from physiologically relevant fluids; however, the low salinity gradient that exists within the body limited the performance of the biopower cell. In this study, a miniaturized RED biopower cell design coupled with a salt cartridge was evaluated for boosting the salt concentration gradient supplied to RED in situ. For the salt cartridge, polysulfone (PSf) hollow fibers were prepared in-house and saturated with NaCl solutions to deliver salt and thereby enhance the concentration gradient. The effect of operational parameters including solution flow rate and cartridge salt concentration on salt transport performance was evaluated. The results demonstrated that the use of the salt cartridge was able to increase the salt concentration of the RED inlet stream by 74% which in turn generated a 3-fold increase in the open circuit voltage (OCV) of the biopower cell. This innovative adaptation of the membrane-based approach into portable power generation could help open new pathways in various biomedical applications.
A Model of Lipid Monolayer–Bilayer Fusion of Lipid Droplets and Peroxisomes
Authors: Kalutsky Maksim A. , Galimzyanov Timur R. , Molotkovsky Rodion J.
Published: October 2022

Lipid droplets are unique organelles that store neutral lipids encapsulated by the lipid monolayer. In some processes of cellular metabolism, lipid droplets interact with peroxisomes resulting in the fusion of their envelopes and the formation of protrusions of the peroxisome monolayer, called pexopodia. The formation of pexopodia is facilitated by free fatty acids generated during lipolysis within lipid droplets. In this work, we studied the fusion of monolayer and bilayer membranes during the interaction between lipid droplets and peroxisomes. To this end, we built the energy trajectory of this process using the continuum elasticity theory and investigated the molecular details of the fusion structures utilizing molecular dynamics. We divided the fusion process into two stages: formation of a stalk and its consequent expansion into pexopodia. We found that in the considered system, the stalk was energetically more stable and had a lower energy barrier of formation compared to the case of bilayer fusion. The further evolution of the stalk depended on the value of the spontaneous curvature of the membrane in a threshold manner. We attributed the possible expansion of the stalk to the incorporation of free fatty acids into the stalk region. The developed model allowed describing quantitatively the process of monolayer–bilayer fusion.
Nanofiltration of the Remaining Whey after Kefir Grains’ Cultivation
Authors: Simonič Marjana
Published: October 2022

Acid whey is derived from fresh cheese. The proteins were isolated by a monolithic ion-exchange column. The remaining whey fraction was used as a starter culture substrate of kefir grains. The aim of this work was, firstly, to study the possibility of column replacement by a UF membrane. If we succeeded, the concentrate would be used as a starter culture substrate of kefir grains. The second part of the research was to purify the remaining solution. The idea was to separate this solution to the permeate and the concentrate by nanofiltration. Further application of both filtration streams was tested as aqueous solutions or dried matter. Chemical and microbiological analyses were performed of both the permeate and the concentrate. The permeate analyses showed that lactose had been fully removed. The aqueous permeate was not stable, mainly due to an increase of total bacteria from 103 to 106 CFU/mL. Therefore, the permeate was spray-dried. The dry permeate was added to the moisture solution in different concentrations. The results showed that up to 0.5% of the dry permeate could be added to the moisturizing solution, with negligible changes in properties having the ability to inhibit acne growth. Anaerobic digestion of industrial sludge was performed with the addition of an aqueous concentrate, which showed improvement in anaerobic fermentation.
On the Mixed Gas Behavior of Organosilica Membranes Fabricated by Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD)
Authors: Rubner Jens , Skribbe Soukaina , Roth Hannah , Kleines Lara , Dahlmann Rainer , Wessling Matthias
Published: October 2022

Selective, nanometer-thin organosilica layers created by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) exhibit selective gas permeation behavior. Despite their promising pure gas performance, published data with regard to mixed gas behavior are still severely lacking. This study endeavors to close this gap by investigating the pure and mixed gas behavior depending on temperatures from 0 °C to 60 °C for four gases (helium, methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen) and water vapor. For the two permanent gases, helium and methane, the studied organosilica membrane shows a substantial increase in selectivity from αHe/CH4 = 9 at 0 °C to αHe/CH4 = 40 at 60 °C for pure as well as mixed gases with helium permeance of up to 300 GPU. In contrast, a condensable gas such as CO2 leads to a decrease in selectivity and an increase in permeance compared to its pure gas performance. When water vapor is present in the feed gas, the organosilica membrane shows even stronger deviations from pure gas behavior with a permeance loss of about 60 % accompanied by an increase in ideal selectivity αHe/CO2 from 8 to 13. All in all, the studied organosilica membrane shows very promising results for mixed gases. Especially for elevated temperatures, there is a high potential for separation by size exclusion.
Variation Law of Thickness Fraction of Three-Laminated Aluminum Composite Plate by Solid–Liquid–Solid and Liquid–Solid–Liquid Twin-Roll Casting
Authors: Zhao Ridong , Yan Meng , Jiao Zishuai , Guo Dongchun , Huang Huagui
Published: October 2022

Solid–liquid–solid twin-roll casting (SLS-TRC) and liquid–solid–liquid twin-roll casting (LSL-TRC) are two processes for manufacturing three-laminated aluminum composite plates by using solid–liquid cast-rolling composite technology. In order to study the variation law of thickness fractions, a 1060/3003/1060 three-laminated aluminum composite plate was taken as the manufacturing product, and the thickness of the solid strip was used as the variable. Based on the “uactive” user subroutines of MSC.MARC software, the 2D thermomechanical coupling models of SLS-TRC and LSL-TRC were established respectively, and the thickness variation law of the solid strip under the two processes was obtained and verified by experiments. Finally, the recommended process was given according to the target thickness fraction. The results show that with an increase in the cladding thickness, the KISS point (complete freezing point of molten metal) height of the SLS-TRC process increases, the coordinated deformation position decreases relative to the KISS point, and the strain increases. In the LSL-TRC process, as the thickness of the core increases, KISS point height increases, the coordinated deformation position decreases relative to the KISS point, and the strain decreases. The formation process of the composite interface of the two processes is consistent with the N. Bay theory. Finally, through the comparison of cast-rolling forces, it was found that when manufacturing a three-laminated aluminum composite plate with a relatively small thickness fraction (the thickness fraction is less than 30%), the SLS-TRC process requires less load; when the thickness fraction of the three-laminated aluminum composite plate is large (the thickness fraction is greater than 30%), the load required for the manufacturing of the LSL-TRC process is small. The results of this research can provide practical guidance for the manufacturing of three-laminated metal matrix composite panels.
Modeling and Simulation Investigations on Microstructure Evolution during Additive Manufacturing of AlSi10Mg Alloy
Authors: Yan Xuewei , Yang Xuemei , Tian Guoqiang , Sun Dejian , Liu Shilong , Xiong Zhihui , Wen Zhenhua , Xu Qingyan
Published: October 2022

Microstructure has significant effects on the mechanical properties of AlSi10Mg alloy. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of microstructure evolution, such as dendrite and Al-Si eutectic, is of great significance to obtain the desirable microstructure and manage the performance of AlSi10Mg components. In the current work, an integrated dendrite and eutectic evolution model based on the cellular automaton–finite difference (CA-FD) method, taking account of solute distribution, growth kinetics, and nucleation mechanism, was established. Microstructures of the as-built selective laser melted (SLMed) samples were characterized by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) techniques, and the experimental results showed that the microstructure consisted of Al grains and Al-Si eutectic networks in the individual melt pool. Dendrite growth, solute redistribution in ternary alloy and dendritic morphologies with different cooling rates were numerically investigated. In addition, the proposed model was also applied to predict the Al-Si eutectic evolution, and eutectic morphologies under eutectic undercooling in a range of 5 K to 20 K were also simulated. The simulated results indicated that dendrites were refined with the increasing of the cooling rates, and Al-Si eutectic morphology was sensitive to eutectic undercooling such that higher eutectic undercooling refined the eutectic microstructures. Model validations were performed, and the experimental results agreed well with the simulation results, indicating that the proposed model can successfully reproduce both dendrite and eutectic microstructures.
Effects of Strength-Modified Grinding on the Surface Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 30CrMnSiA Bearing Steel
Authors: Liu Xiaochu , Chen Xiujie , Liang Zhongwei , Zou Tao , Liu Zhaoyang , Hu Bin
Published: October 2022

The novel strengthen-modified grinding technique (SMGT) treatment was carried out on 30CrMnSiA bearing steels to investigate the effect of jet pressure (0.2–0.6 MPa) and jet angle (30–90°) on its surface micromorphology, microstructure, and mechanical properties. The results show that, under the compound effects of the impact of steel beads and the abrasive powder micro-cutting, the surface of 30CrMnSiA specimens treated by the SMGT has a microstructure with plenty of micropits inside the pits and overlaps between pits. The pit width, depth, and bulge height positively correlate with jet pressure. The pit depth and bulge height positively correlate with jet angle, while the pit width negatively correlates with jet angle. When a pit morphology is produced, plenty of plastic deformation leads to grain refinement, and the lattice distortion induces retained austenite transformation to martensite. Grain refinement and increased martensite content are the main reasons for the significant increase in hardness on the SMGT-treated specimen surface. With the optimized processing parameters, the grain size of the surface was reduced to 10.14 µm, and the martensite content and hardness of the surface layer rose to 51.35% and 377.6 HV0.2.
Dependence of Particle Size and Geometry of Copper Powder on the Porosity and Capillary Performance of Sintered Porous Copper Wicks for Heat Pipes
Authors: Hoan Trinh Minh , Toan Nguyen Van , Hung Nguyen Phu , Trinh Pham Van , Trung Tran Bao , Phuong Doan Dinh
Published: October 2022

Permeability and capillary performance are the most important parameters relating to the thermal performance of heat pipes. These parameters are deeply linked to pore structure, which has been influenced by the starting powder utilized. In this paper, the effect of particle size and geometry of copper powder on the porosity and capillary performance of porous wicks were systematically studied. Sintered porous wicks were made from different-sized spherical (58 μm, 89 μm, 125 μm) and dendritic (59 μm, 86 μm, 130 μm) Cu powders. The results demonstrated that the porosity and capillary performance of both types of copper powder increase with particle size due to an increase in the connectivity between internal pores. In comparison to the spherical powder, the dendritic powder demonstrated superior capillary efficiency as well as greater porosity. Additionally, a model was proposed for the capillary performance and permeability of sintered porous copper. The predicted results were quite comparable to the experimental data, demonstrating the effect of the starting powder. These findings suggest that porosity and capillary performance of porous wicks are strongly related to powder geometry as well as particle size.
Modeling of Abnormal Grain Growth That Considers Anisotropic Grain Boundary Energies by Cellular Automaton Model
Authors: Ye Liyan , Mei Bizhou , Yu Liming
Published: October 2022

A new cellular automaton (CA) model of abnormal grain growth (AGG) that considers anisotropic grain boundary energies was developed in this paper. The anisotropic grain boundary energy was expressed based on two types of grains, which correspond to two components of different crystallographic orientation in textured materials. The CA model was established by assigning different grain boundary energies and grain-growth-driven mechanisms to four types of grain boundaries formed by two types of grains. The grain boundaries formed by different kinds of grains adopted the lowest energy principle, while the grain boundaries formed by the same kind of grains adopted the curvature-driven mechanism. The morphology calculated by the CA model shows the characteristics of AGG. Then, the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami (JMA) model was fitted to predict the growth kinetics. By analyzing the fitting results, the JMA model is capable of predicting the growth kinetics of AGG. The Avrami exponent p decreases from about 1.5 to 1 with the initial number of Type II grains increasing. The investigation of the Hillert model and grain size distribution further indicates that the microstructure evolution is consistent with AGG. Therefore, the analysis of morphology and kinetics indicates that AGG can be fairly well-simulated by the present CA model.
The Combined Intervention of Aqua Exercise and Burdock Extract Synergistically Improved Arterial Stiffness: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial
Authors: Ha Min-Seong , Lee Jae-Hoon , Jeong Woo-Min , Kim Hyun Ryun , Son Woo Hyeon
Published: October 2022

Metabolic syndrome (MS), characterized by the presence of risk factors for various metabolic disorders, including impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance, has a high incidence in the Asian population. Among the various approaches used for improving MS, the combination of exercise and nutrition is of increasing importance. In this randomized controlled trial, we evaluated the effects of combined aqua exercise and burdock extract intake on blood pressure, insulin resistance, arterial stiffness, and vascular regulation factors in older women with MS. A total of 42 participants were randomly assigned into one of four groups (control, exercise, burdock, and exercise + burdock) and underwent a 16-week double-blinded intervention. Blood pressure, insulin resistance, arterial stiffness, and vascular regulation factors were evaluated before and after the intervention. The 16-week intervention of aqua exercise decreased the levels of insulin, glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and thromboxane A2, but increased the levels of the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index and prostaglandin I2. The combined burdock extract intake and aqua exercise intervention had an additional effect, improving the augmentation index, augmentation index at 75 beats per min, and pulse wave velocity. In conclusion, aqua exercise could improve insulin resistance and vascular regulation factors in older women with MS. Furthermore, combined treatment with burdock extract intake could improve arterial stiffness via a synergistic effect.
On-Machine Measurement of Profile and Concentricity for Ultra-Precision Grinding of Hemispherical Shells
Authors: Wang Yu , Guan Chaoliang , Dai Yifan , Xue Shuai
Published: October 2022

The profile and concentricity of hemispherical shells affect the frequency split and quality factor of hemispherical resonators. To compensate for machining errors caused by tool wear and tool setting, an on-machine measurement (OMM) method for the profile and concentricity of hemispherical shells in ultra-precision grinding was developed without the removal of workpieces from the machine tool. The OMM utilizes an inductive lever probe to test the inner and outer surfaces of the shell. A standard sphere is utilized to calibrate the relative position of the inductive lever probe at the two different work positions. To enhance the test accuracy of the OMM, a zero-position trigger-sampling method for the inductive lever probe was developed. It was verified to achieve a stable repeatability accuracy of 0.04 μm when using the OMM to realize a single-point sampling. Hemispherical shells were tested using the proposed OMM method. The concentricity test’s accuracy was verified to achieve accuracy better than 1 μm using a coordinate measuring machine and a standard sphere. The accuracy was 0.26 μm for testing the profiles of the hemispherical shell. The proposed OMM system was integrated with an ultra-precision machine tool. It is hoped that this method can help realize the integration function of machining-measurement-compensation.
3D Biofilm Models Containing Multiple Species for Antimicrobial Testing of Wound Dressings
Authors: Reddersen Kirsten , Tittelbach Jörg , Wiegand Cornelia
Published: October 2022

The treatment of chronic wounds presents a major challenge in medical care. In particular, the effective treatment of bacterial infections that occur in the form of biofilms is of crucial importance. To develop successful antibiofilm strategies for chronic wound treatment, biofilm models are needed that resemble the in vivo situation, are easy to handle, standardizable, and where results are readily transferable to the clinical situation. We established two 3D biofilm models to distinguish the effectiveness of wound dressings on important microorganisms present in chronic wounds. The first 3D biofilm model contains Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter baumannii, while the second is based on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bacteria are cultivated in a nutrient-rich agar/gelatin mix, into which air bubbles are incorporated. This results in a mature biofilm growing in clusters similar to its organization in chronic wounds. The models are convenient to use, have low variability and are easy to establish in the laboratory. Treatment with polihexanide and silver-containing wound dressings showed that the models are very well suited for antimicrobial testing and that they can detect differences in the efficacy of antimicrobial substances. Therefore, these models present valuable tools in the development of effective antibiofilm strategies in chronic wounds.
Research on Grinding Law and Grinding Parameters Optimization of Polymetallic Complex Ores
Authors: Ma Shaojian , Li Hengjun , Shuai Zhichao , Yang Jinlin , Deng Xingjian , Xu Wenzhe
Published: October 2022

Grinding plays an important role in mining, construction, metallurgy, chemical, coal and other basic industries. In terms of beneficiation, grinding is the most energy consuming operation. So, reasonable grinding conditions according to the properties of ores is the key to obtain good grinding results and reduce energy consumption and resource waste. In this paper, Tongkeng and Gaofeng polymetallic complex ores are taken as research objects, and the effects of grinding law based on single factor condition test and the grinding parameters optimization based on response surface method were studied for two kinds of ores. The results show that grinding time is a significant factor affecting the particle size composition. The suitable grinding concentration of Tongkeng ore and Gaofeng ore is 70% and 75%, respectively. The effect of mill filling ratio on Gaofeng ore is not obvious. The rotational rate has little effect on the grinding technical efficiency. The regression model equations obtained by response surface method are extremely significant, and the relative errors of prediction are all within 1%, indicating high reliability of fitting equations. The order of influencing factors of the two ores is as follows: grinding time > filling ratio > grinding concentration. For Tongkeng ore, the optimized grinding conditions are grinding time 5.4 min, grinding concentration 67% and filling ratio 35%. For Gaofeng ore, the optimized grinding conditions are grinding time 3.8 min, grinding concentration 73% and filling ratio 34%.
Shape from Shading-Based Study of Silica Fusion Characterization Problems
Authors: Yang Aimin , Wang Li-Jing , Ma Wei-Ning , Tang Mei , Chen Jing
Published: October 2022

With the rapid development of AI (artificial intelligence) in recent years, AI has been widely used in the image processing of iron tailings. The main component of iron tailings is silica, which is the most difficult part of the iron tailing composition to fuse. Therefore, the melting behavior of iron tailings can be characterized by the melting behavior of silica. First of all, in the actual production process, the temperature of the high-temperature furnace exceeds 1500 °C, which leads to a short service life of the conventional testing equipment. A line array CCD (charge coupled device) camera system with amplification effect was used to acquire data on silica in a high-temperature melt pool in a non-contact manner. The corundum crucible position is fixed, which can be used to establish a two-dimensional coordinate system to reproduce the object’s motion pattern to solve the problem of the short service life of conventional inspection equipment. The color and wobble problems generated by the Rift Valley CCD system when taking pictures need to be corrected for accurate image processing. Secondly, the change in the center-of-mass position of silica during melting was studied using the temporal images of silica in a high-temperature melt pool, and the edge contour features were extracted from the silica images and filled inside the contours, from which the mass, area and perimeter were obtained. Finally, the volume change of silica in the time series image is calculated after eliminating the effect of background factors, and the 2D image is constructed into a 3D image. We built a SFS (shape from shading) model according to the lighting conditions, and the actual melting rate of silica is calculated accordingly. According to the model calculation results, it can be seen that with the change in time, silica surface area under heat gradually decreases, then the silica melting rate gradually decreases; among them, the faster melting rate is about 0.007 cubic millimeter/second, and the slower melting rate is about 0.0015 cubic millimeter/second. Data support was provided for the blast furnace slag direct fiber formation process. The introduction of the algorithmic model into the actual production process has certain advantages. Therefore, the SFS model established in this paper has some practical value and is worth promoting in related enterprises.
Applying Data-Driven-Based Logistic Function and Prediction-Area Plot to Map Mineral Prospectivity in the Qinling Orogenic Belt, Central China
Authors: Bai Hongyang , Cao Yuan , Zhang Heng , Wang Wenfeng , Jiang Chaojun , Yang Yongguo
Published: October 2022

This study combines data-driven-based logistic functions with prediction–area (P–A) plot for delineating target areas of orogenic Au deposits in the eastern margin of the Qinling metallogenic belt, central China. First, appropriate geological and geochemical factors were identified, optimized, and transformed into a series of fuzzy numbers with a range of 0–1 through a data-driven-based logistic function in order to determine the evidence layer for prospecting orogenic Au. In addition, the P–A plot was derived on the above evidence layers and their corresponding fuzzy overlay layers to pick out a proper prediction scheme, in the process of which acidic magmatic activity proved to be the most important factor of ore-controlling. Moreover, to further prove the advantages of this method, a traditional linear knowledge-driven approach was carried out for comparative purposes. Finally, based on concentration–area (C–A) fractal theory, the fractal thresholds were determined and a mineral prospecting map was generated. The obtained prediction map consisted of high, medium, low, and weak metallogenic potential areas, accounting for 2.5%, 16.1%, 38.4%, and 43% of the study area, containing 2, 3, 1, and 0 of the 6 known mine occurrences contained, respectively. The P–A plot indicated that the result predicted 83% of Au deposits with 17% of the area, confirming the joint application of the data-driven-based logistic function and P–A plot to be a simple, effective, and low-cost method for mineral prospectivity mapping, that can be a guidance for further work in the study area.
A Model–Based Parametric Study of Centrifugal Dewatering of Mineral Slurries
Authors: Bai Changzhi , Park Hangil , Wang Liguang
Published: October 2022

Solid bowl centrifuges (SBCs) find wide industrial applications for various solid–liquid separation tasks. Despite its importance, the information on the effects of the operational variables of an SBC on the dewatering performance is limited, even with some conflicting results, especially for the effects of the weir height and differential speed on the solids recovery. In the present work, a systematic simulation study was carried out using a validated SBC model to investigate the effects of various process parameters on the solids recovery. The simulation results matched well with the reported experimental findings in the literature. Additionally, the present work provides insights on why there is a disagreement between the experimental findings of the effects of the differential speed and the weir height.
β-Cyclocitral: Emerging Bioactive Compound in Plants
Authors: Faizan Mohammad , Tonny Sadia Haque , Afzal Shadma , Farooqui Zeba , Alam Pravej , Ahmed S. Maqbool , Yu Fangyuan , Hayat Shamsul
Published: October 2022

β-cyclocitral (βCC), a main apocarotenoid of β-carotene, increases plants’ resistance against stresses. It has recently appeared as a novel bioactive composite in a variety of organisms from plants to animals. In plants, βCC marked as stress signals that accrue under adverse ecological conditions. βCC regulates nuclear gene expression through several signaling pathways, leading to stress tolerance. In this review, an attempt has been made to summarize the recent findings of the potential role of βCC. We emphasize the βCC biosynthesis, signaling, and involvement in the regulation of abiotic stresses. From this review, it is clear that discussing compound has great potential against abiotic stress tolerance and be used as photosynthetic rate enhancer. In conclusion, this review establishes a significant reference base for future research.
Antileishmanial Anthracene Endoperoxides: Efficacy In Vitro, Mechanisms and Structure-Activity Relationships
Authors: Machin Laura , Piontek Martin , Todhe Sara , Staniek Katrin , Monzote Lianet , Fudickar Werner , Linker Torsten , Gille Lars
Published: October 2022

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by protozoal Leishmania parasites. Previous studies have shown that endoperoxides (EP) can selectively kill Leishmania in host cells. Therefore, we studied in this work a set of new anthracene-derived EP (AcEP) together with their non-endoperoxidic analogs in model systems of Leishmania tarentolae promastigotes (LtP) and J774 macrophages for their antileishmanial activity and selectivity. The mechanism of effective compounds was explored by studying their reaction with iron (II) in chemical systems and in Leishmania. The correlation of structural parameters with activity demonstrated that in this compound set, active compounds had a LogPOW larger than 3.5 and a polar surface area smaller than 100 Å2. The most effective compounds (IC50 in LtP < 2 µM) with the highest selectivity (SI > 30) were pyridyl-/tert-butyl-substituted AcEP. Interestingly, also their analogs demonstrated activity and selectivity. In mechanistic studies, it was shown that EP were activated by iron in chemical systems and in LtP due to their EP group. However, the molecular structure beyond the EP group significantly contributed to their differential mitochondrial inhibition in Leishmania. The identified compound pairs are a good starting point for subsequent experiments in pathogenic Leishmania in vitro and in animal models.
A More Sustainable Isocyanide Synthesis from N-Substituted Formamides Using Phosphorus Oxychloride in the Presence of Triethylamine as Solvent
Authors: Salami Sodeeq Aderotimi , Siwe-Noundou Xavier , Krause Rui Werner Maçedo
Published: October 2022

A simple, green, and highly efficient protocol for the synthesis of isocyanides is described. The reaction involves dehydration of formamides with phosphorus oxychloride in the presence of triethylamine as solvent at 0 °C. The product isocyanides were obtained in high to excellent yields in less than 5 min. The method offers several advantages including increased synthesis speed, relatively mild conditions, and rapid access to large numbers of functionalized isocyanides, excellent purity, increased safety, and minimal reaction waste. The new approach of synthesising dehydrative isocyanides from formamides is significantly more environmentally-friendly than prior methods.
Strategies for Improving Bioavailability, Bioactivity, and Physical-Chemical Behavior of Curcumin
Authors: Racz Levente Zsolt , Racz Csaba Pal , Pop Lucian-Cristian , Tomoaia Gheorghe , Mocanu Aurora , Barbu Ioana , Sárközi Melinda , Roman Ioana , Avram Alexandra , Tomoaia-Cotisel Maria , Toma Vlad-Alexandru
Published: October 2022

Curcumin (CCM) is one of the most frequently explored plant compounds with various biological actions such as antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antineoplastic, and antioxidant/anti-inflammatory properties. The laboratory data and clinical trials have demonstrated that the bioavailability and bioactivity of curcumin are influenced by the feature of the curcumin molecular complex types. Curcumin has a high capacity to form molecular complexes with proteins (such as whey proteins, bovine serum albumin, β-lactoglobulin), carbohydrates, lipids, and natural compounds (e.g., resveratrol, piperine, quercetin). These complexes increase the bioactivity and bioavailability of curcumin. The current review provides these derivatization strategies for curcumin in terms of biological and physico-chemical aspects with a strong focus on different type of proteins, characterization methods, and thermodynamic features of protein–curcumin complexes, and with the aim of evaluating the best performances. The current literature review offers, taking into consideration various biological effects of the CCM, a whole approach for CCM-biomolecules interactions such as CCM-proteins, CCM-nanomaterials, and CCM-natural compounds regarding molecular strategies to improve the bioactivity as well as the bioavailability of curcumin in biological systems.
Antimicrobial Activity of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Prepared by Photoreduction Process with Leaves and Fruit Extracts of Plinia cauliflora and Punica granatum
Authors: Franzolin Marcia Regina , Courrol Daniella dos Santos , Silva Flavia Rodrigues de Oliveira , Courrol Lilia Coronato
Published: October 2022

The increased number of resistant microbes generates a search for new antibiotic methods. Metallic nanoparticles have emerged as a new platform against several microorganisms. The nanoparticles can damage the bacteria membrane and DNA by oxidative stress. The photoreduction process is a clean and low-cost method for obtaining silver and gold nanoparticles. This work describes two original insights: (1) the use of extracts of leaves and fruits from a Brazilian plant Plinia cauliflora, compared with a well know plant Punica granatum, and (2) the use of phytochemicals as stabilizing agents in the photoreduction process. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis, FTIR, transmission electron microscopy, and Zeta potential. The antimicrobial activity of nanoparticles was obtained with Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, particularly the pathogens Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923; Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633; clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Enterococcus faecalis; Escherichia coli ATCC 25922; Escherichia coli O44:H18 EAEC042 (clinical isolate); Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 700603, Salmonella Thiphymurium ATCC 10231; Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853; and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. Excellent synthesis results were obtained. The AgNPs exhibited antimicrobial activities against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and yeast (80–100%), better than AuNPs (0–87.92%), and may have the potential to be used as antimicrobial agents.