bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the Electrochemical Stability of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Compounds for Lithium-Ion Batteries via Tailoring Precursors Synthesis Temperatures
Authors: Zhang Guanhua , Wang Hao , Yang Zihan , Xie Haoyang , Jia Zhenggang , Xiong Yueping
Published: August 2023

LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (LNCMO) cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) were prepared by the hydrothermal synthesis of precursors and high-temperature calcination. The effect of precursor hydrothermal synthesis temperature on the microstructures and electrochemical cycling performances of the Ni-rich LNCMO cathode materials were investigated by SEM, XRD, XPS and electrochemical tests. The results showed that the cathode material prepared using the precursor synthesized at a hydrothermal temperature of 220 °C exhibited the best charge/discharge cycle stability, whose specific capacity retention rate reached 81.94% after 50 cycles. Such enhanced cyclic stability of LNCMO was directly related to the small grain size, high crystallinity and structural stability inherited from the precursor obtained at 220 °C.
Unraveling the Phase Transition Behavior of MgMn2O4 Electrodes for Their Use in Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries
Authors: Miralles Carmen , Lana-Villarreal Teresa , Gómez Roberto
Published: August 2023

Rechargeable magnesium batteries are an attractive alternative to lithium batteries because of their higher safety and lower cost, being spinel-type materials promising candidates for their positive electrode. Herein, MgMn2O4 with a tetragonal structure is synthesized via a simple, low-cost Pechini methodology and tested in aqueous media. Electrochemical measurements combined with in-situ Raman spectroscopy and other ex-situ physicochemical characterization techniques show that, in aqueous media, the charge/discharge process occurs through the co-intercalation of Mg2+ and water molecules. A progressive structure evolution from a well-defined spinel to a birnessite-type arrangement occurs during the first cycles, provoking capacity activation. The concomitant towering morphological change induces poor cycling performance, probably due to partial delamination and loss of electrical contact between the active film and the substrate. Interestingly, both MgMn2O4 capacity retention and cyclability can be increased by doping with nickel. This work provides insights into the positive electrode processes in aqueous media, which is vital for understanding the charge storage mechanism and the correlated performance of spinel-type host materials.
Insight on the Swelling Pressure–Suction Relationship of Compacted Bentonite during Hydration
Authors: Wang Yang , Teng Jun , Huang Qi , Wang Wei , Zhong Yong
Published: August 2023

Investigation of the swelling pressure of buffer/backfill materials is a critical aspect in the design of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) disposal repositories. In this study, to clarify the swelling pressure–suction relation for compacted bentonite upon the hydration path, constant-volume swelling pressure tests with suction control were conducted. The swelling pressure–suction curves indicated that the swelling pressure of the specimens increased significantly with increasing dry density, while the shape of the curves during hydration depended on the dry density. Moreover, the swelling pressure–suction curves exhibited a distinction between unsaturated and saturated segments divided by the critical saturated state (CSS) curve, which proves the unique existence of a CSS curve in the stress space independent of the stress path. With the introduction of the CSS curve into the s–p space, the conventional stress space of unsaturated soil could expand to that of unsaturated expansive soil. The results obtained in this study could provide the mechanical parameters for the construction of disposal repositories. In addition, the stress space with CSS curve proposed in this study provides a new approach to building constitutive models of bentonite materials.
Modelling of Passenger Satisfaction and Reuse Intention with Monorail Services in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: A Hybrid SEM-ANN Approach
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmad Nazrul Hakimi , Borhan Muhamad Nazri , Mat Yazid Muhamad Razuhanafi , Hassan Sitti Asmah , Arham Ahmad Firdhaus , Hashim Sharizal
Published: August 2023

This study employs the fundamental concept of the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) model to explore the factors influencing passengers’ satisfaction with monorail service in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and their reuse intention. The study tests the hypotheses on 417 monorail passengers using a hybrid structural equation modelling based on parameter estimation of partial least squares (PLS-SEM) and an artificial neural network (ANN) method to estimate the proposed model. The results showed that the proposed model explains 70.4% and 59.5% of the variance in passenger satisfaction with the monorail service and reuse intention. The PLS-SEM results for Stage 1 showed that perceived quality and perceived value have a statistically significant influence on passenger satisfaction. Furthermore, all critical factors in the output from Stage 1 were used as the input in the ANN model to overcome the simplistic nature of the SEM model. The results for the ANN model (Stage 2) showed that perceived quality is the most crucial predictor of passenger satisfaction with the monorail service, followed by perceived quality. The outcomes of this study can help service providers, policymakers, and planners develop effective strategies for enhancing user satisfaction and improving monorail ridership.
Analytical Model for Information Flow Management in Intelligent Transport Systems
Authors: Terentyev Alexey , Marusin Alexey , Evtyukov Sergey , Marusin Aleksandr , Shevtsova Anastasia , Zelenov Vladimir
Published: August 2023

The performance of this study involves the use of the zoning method based on the principle of the hierarchical relationship between probabilities. This paper proposes an analytical model allowing for the design of information and analysis platforms in intelligent transport systems. The proposed model uses a synthesis of methods for managing complex systems’ structural dynamics and solves the problem of achieving the optimal balance between the information situations existing for the object and the subject under analysis. A series of principles are formulated that govern the mathematical modeling of information and analysis platforms. Specifically, these include the use of an object-oriented approach to forming the information space of possible decisions and the division into levels and subsystems based on the principles of technology homogeneity and information state heterogeneity. Using the proposed approach, an information and analysis platform is developed for sustainable transportation system management, that allows for the objective, multivariate forecasting-based record of changes in the system’s variables over time for a particular process, and where decision-making simulation models can be adjusted in relation to a particular process based on an information situation existing for a particular process within a complex transport system. The study demonstrates a mathematical model that solves the optimal balance problem in organizationally and technically complex management systems and is based on vector optimization techniques for the most optimal decision-making management. The analysis involves classical mathematical functions with an unlimited number of variables including traffic volume, cargo turnover, safety status, environmental performance, and related variables associated with the movement of objects within a transport network. The study has produced a routing protocol prescribing the optimal vehicle trajectories within an organizationally and technically complex system exposed to a substantial number of external factors of uncertain nature.
Nanomembranes-Affiliated Water Remediation: Chronology, Properties, Classification, Challenges and Future Prospects
Authors: Tripathy Divya Bajpai , Gupta Anjali
Published: August 2023

Water contamination has become a global crisis, affecting millions of people worldwide and causing diseases and illnesses, including cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A. Conventional water remediation methods have several challenges, including their inability to remove emerging contaminants and their high cost and environmental impact. Nanomembranes offer a promising solution to these challenges. Nanomembranes are thin, selectively permeable membranes that can remove contaminants from water based on size, charge, and other properties. They offer several advantages over conventional methods, including their ability to remove evolving pollutants, low functioning price, and reduced ecological influence. However, there are numerous limitations linked with the applications of nanomembranes in water remediation, including fouling and scaling, cost-effectiveness, and potential environmental impact. Researchers are working to reduce the cost of nanomembranes through the development of more cost-effective manufacturing methods and the use of alternative materials such as graphene. Additionally, there are concerns about the release of nanomaterials into the environment during the manufacturing and disposal of the membranes, and further research is needed to understand their potential impact. Despite these challenges, nanomembranes offer a promising solution for the global water crisis and could have a significant impact on public health and the environment. The current article delivers an overview on the exploitation of various engineered nanoscale substances, encompassing the carbonaceous nanomaterials, metallic, metal oxide and metal–organic frameworks, polymeric nano-adsorbents and nanomembranes, for water remediation. The article emphasizes the mechanisms involved in adsorption and nanomembrane filtration. Additionally, the authors aim to deliver an all-inclusive review on the chronology, technical execution, challenges, restrictions, reusability, and future prospects of these nanomaterials.
Study on the Microscopic Mechanism of Axle Steel EA4T during Uniaxial Cyclic Deformation Process
Authors: Ren Xuehong , Yang Shaopu , Zhao Wenjie , Wen Guilin
Published: August 2023

In order to reveal the dislocation evolution law of body-centered cubic axle steel EA4T during cyclic deformation and provide an experimental basis for the subsequent construction of cyclic constitutive models based on microscopic physical mechanisms, macroscopic deformation experiments were first conducted on axle steel EA4T, including monotonic tensile experiments under different deformation amounts, symmetric strain cycling experiments under a different number of cycles, and ratcheting deformation experiments under a different number of cycles. Then, systematic observations of different samples at different deformation stages were conducted using a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) to investigate the dislocation configuration and evolution during strain cycling and ratcheting deformation. The observed results show that the dislocation evolution law of axle steel EA4T during the uniaxial tensile experiment, symmetrical strain cycling, and ratcheting deformation is basically the same, and the dislocation density increases with the increase in plastic deformation and number of cycles. The dislocation configuration gradually develops from low-density dislocation configurations such as dislocation lines and dislocation pileups to high-density dislocation configurations such as severe dislocation tangles and dislocation walls. The microscopic mechanism of the uniaxial ratcheting evolution of axle steel EA4T can be qualitatively explained by the dislocation configuration and evolution.
Fracture Analysis and Working Stress Calculation of Bearing Cage Used in Charging Pump in a Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Chen Qiang , Jiang Shengli , Duan Deli
Published: August 2023

This paper presents an analysis of the fracture accident of a cylindrical roller bearing cage used in a charging pump in a nuclear power plant. The causes and mechanisms of bearing cage breakage were investigated by material failure analysis and simulation calculations. Macroscopic observation results confirmed that the cage fracture occurred at the stress concentration position. The microfracture morphology of the cage obtained from scanning electron microscopy showed a fatigue feature. The analysis of residual stress indicated large residual stress perpendicular to the fracture surface. The finite element calculation showed that when the bearing was moving in and out of the working area during operation, large working stress appeared at the stress concentration position. Working stress and residual stress acted together, approaching the fatigue limit of materials, and finally led to the cage fatigue fracture. The stress of the other two structural cages of the same type of bearing was also calculated, and no such large stress concentration was identified; thus, one plastic cage was temporarily used.
The Use of the Linear Energy Calculation Model in High-Frequency Induction (HFI) Tube Welding Technology to Obtain Optimal Microstructure and Weld Geometry
Authors: Techmański Zbigniew , Stępień Jacek , Garstka Tomasz , Wieczorek Paweł , Nowak Jakub , Kobielski Artur
Published: August 2023

The article presents a calculation model of the linear energy of welding P235GH steel tubes with high-frequency currents in order to obtain an optimal microstructure and geometry of the weld of high internal purity. The model was developed based on real data for the standard linear energy used in the steelworks Huta Łabędy and presented as the power factor P/V and P/(V·t), where P is the power [kW], V the production speed [m/min] and t the wall thickness. The model can be used for two ranges of pipe diameters: 114.3–168.3 mm and 219.1–323.9 mm. The data from the model were implemented into the High Frequency Induction (HFI) control panel of Huta Łabędy in order to produce test tubes which were subsequently tested with ultrasounds to verify the quality of the internal weld. In addition, samples were taken for metallographic analysis, which was supposed to check whether the applied linear energy calculation model allows the obtainment of the optimal weld geometry and the optimal angle of the metal flow line allowing for swelling and the extrusion of melted impurities from the inside of the joint by the squeeze rolls. The metallographic analysis also determined the nature of the occurrence of ferrite inside of the center diffusion bond and the zonal microstructure of the joint, the control of which is based on the correlation of the parameters of the mechanical process of forming the tube with the linear energy of welding. Carrying out the technological and technical process based on the applied HFI linear energy calculation model allowed us to obtain a weld of high purity and metallurgical consistency. This model can be used in the future on an industrial scale for the production of pipes using the HFI method.
The Influence of Powder Particle Size Distributions on Mechanical Properties of Alloy 718 by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Stegman Benjamin Thomas , Lopez Jack , Jarosinski William , Wang Haiyan , Zhang Xinghang
Published: August 2023

Currently, metallic powders for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) primarily come in two commercially available powder size distributions (PSDs): 15+/45− for non-reactive powders and 15+/63− for reactive powders. These powders are generally produced via gas atomization processes that create highly spherical particles with a Gaussian PSD. Because of the standard deviation within a Gaussian distribution, only small portions of the total product are used for LPBF applications. This screening process makes the other particle sizes a waste product and, thus, increases processing costs. The non-reactive 718 powder was printed with both the typical PSD of 15+/45− and a wider bimodal experimental PSD. Compared to conventional 718, the 718 alloys with bimodal PSD shows less than a 0.2% difference in density, and insignificant change in mechanical behavior. Electron backscattered diffraction studies revealed that grain sizes and morphology were similar between the two sample sets, but bimodal 718 alloy has a slightly greater degree of large grains. The study suggests that particles with wide or bimodal size distributions show promise in producing equivalent high-quality products without sacrificing mechanical properties.
Investigating the Acute Metabolic Effects of the N-Methyl Carbamate Insecticide, Methomyl, on Mouse Liver
Authors: Groswald Amy M. , Gripshover Tyler C. , Watson Walter H. , Wahlang Banrida , Luo Jianzhu , Jophlin Loretta L. , Cave Matthew C.
Published: August 2023

Many pesticides have been identified as endocrine and metabolism-disrupting chemicals with hepatotoxic effects. However, data are limited for insecticides in the n-methyl carbamate class, including methomyl. Here, we investigate the liver and systemic metabolic effects of methomyl in a mouse model. We hypothesize that methomyl exposure will disrupt xenobiotic and intermediary metabolism and promote hepatic steatosis in mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were exposed daily to 0–5 mg/kg methomyl for 18 days. Mice were fed water and regular chow diet ad libitum. Metabolic phenotyping was performed, and tissue samples were collected. Effects were generally greatest at the highest methomyl dose, which induced Cyp1a2. Methomyl decreased whole body weight while the liver:body weight and testes:body weight ratios were increased. Hepatic steatosis increased while plasma LDL decreased. Fasting blood glucose and the glucose tolerance test area under the curve decreased along with hepatic glycogen stores. Methomyl, however, did not increase liver oxidative stress or injury. Collectively, these data demonstrate that methomyl disrupts hepatic xenobiotic and intermediary metabolism while increasing the testes:body weight ratio, suggesting that it may be an endocrine disrupting chemical. Besides methomyl’s known action in cholinesterase inhibition, it may be involved in aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation. The potential impact of n-methyl carbamate insecticides on metabolic health and diseases, including toxicant-associated steatotic liver disease (TASLD), warrants further investigation.
The Cerato-Platanin EPL2 from Trichoderma reesei Is Not Directly Involved in Cellulase Formation but in Cell Wall Remodeling
Authors: Silva Alinne Costa , Oshiquiri Letícia Harumi , de Morais Costa de Jesus Luiz Felipe , Maués David Batista , Silva Roberto do Nascimento
Published: August 2023

Trichoderma reesei is a saprophytic fungus that produces large amounts of cellulases and is widely used for biotechnological applications. Cerato-platanins (CPs) are a family of proteins universally distributed among Dikarya fungi and have been implicated in various functions related to fungal physiology and interaction with the environment. In T. reesei, three CPs are encoded in the genome: Trire2_111449, Trire2_123955, and Trire2_82662. However, their function is not fully elucidated. In this study, we deleted the Trire2_123955 gene (named here as epl2) in the wild-type QM6aΔtmus53Δpyr4 (WT) strain and examined the behavior of the Δepl2 strain compared with WT grown for 72 h in 1% cellulose using RNA sequencing. Of the 9143 genes in the T. reesei genome, 760 were differentially expressed, including 260 only in WT, 214 only in Δepl2, and 286 in both. Genes involved in oxidative stress, oxidoreductase activity, antioxidant activity, and transport were upregulated in the Δepl2 mutant. Genes encoding cell wall synthesis were upregulated in the mutant strain during the late growth stage. The Δepl2 mutant accumulated chitin and glucan at higher levels than the parental strain and was more resistant to cell wall stressors. These results suggest a compensatory effect in cell wall remodeling due to the absence of EPL2 in T. reesei. This study is expected to contribute to a better understanding of the role of the EPL2 protein in T. reesei and improve its application in biotechnological fields.
Performance of the Disc Diffusion Method, MTS Gradient Tests and Two Commercially Available Microdilution Tests for the Determination of Cefiderocol Susceptibility in Acinetobacter spp.
Authors: Jeannot Katy , Gaillot Susie , Triponney Pauline , Portets Sylvain , Pourchet Valentin , Fournier Damien , Potron Anaïs
Published: August 2023

Cefiderocol is a siderophore-conjugated cephalosporin with potent activity against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens including Acinetobacter baumannii. The aim of this study was to evaluate cefiderocol testing methods on a relevant collection of 97 Acinetobacter spp. isolates. Commercialized broth microdilution methods (ComASP®, Liofilchem and UMIC®, Bruker), MIC test strips (Liofilchem) and disc diffusion using discs of three different brands (Mast Diagnostic, Liofilchem and Oxoid—Thermo Fisher Scientific) were compared with the broth microdilution reference method. None of the methods tested fulfilled acceptable criteria (essential agreement [EA] ≥ 90%; bias = ±30%) but both BMD methods achieved acceptable categorical agreement rates (CA = 95.9% [93/97, 95% CI 89.9–98.4] and CA = 93.8% [91/97, 95% CI 87.2–97.1] for ComASP® and UMIC®, respectively) and bias < 30% (−7.2% and −25.2% for ComASP® and UMIC®, respectively). The use of MIC gradient testing is strongly discouraged due to misclassification of 55% (n = 23/42) of resistant strains. Finally, the disc diffusion method could be used to rapidly screen for susceptible strains by setting a critical diameter of 22 mm.
Changes in the Prevalence of Infection in Pregnant Women during the COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Werter Dominique E. , Schuster Heleen J. , Schneeberger Caroline , Pajkrt Eva , de Groot Christianne J. M. , van Leeuwen Elisabeth , Kazemier Brenda M.
Published: August 2023

Background: During the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, strict mitigation measures and national lockdowns were implemented. Our objective was to investigate to what extent the prevalence of some infections in pregnancy was altered during different periods of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was a single centre retrospective cohort study conducted in the Netherlands on data collected from electronic patient files of pregnant women from January 2017 to February 2021. We identified three time periods with different strictness of mitigation measures: the first and second lockdown were relatively strict; the inter-lockdown period was less strict. The prevalence of the different infections (Group B Streptococcus (GBS)-carriage, urinary tract infections and Cytomegalovirus infection) during the lockdown was compared to the same time periods in previous years (2017–2019). Results: In the first lockdown, there was a significant decrease in GBS-carriage (19.5% in 2017–2019 vs. 9.1% in 2020; p = 0.02). In the period following the first lockdown and during the second, no differences in prevalence were found. There was a trend towards an increase in positive Cytomegalovirus IgM during the inter-lockdown period (4.9% in 2017–2019 vs. 12.8% in 2020; p = 0.09), but this did not reach statistical significance. The number of positive urine cultures did not significantly change during the study period. Conclusions: During the first lockdown there was a reduction in GBS-carriage; further studies are warranted to look into the reason why.
Probiotics as an Alternative to Antibiotics: Genomic and Physiological Characterization of Aerobic Spore Formers from the Human Intestine
Authors: Vittoria Maria , Saggese Anella , Isticato Rachele , Baccigalupi Loredana , Ricca Ezio
Published: August 2023

A total of thirty-two aerobic spore former strains were isolated from intestinal samples of healthy children and analyzed for their hemolytic and antibiotic-resistant activities. Four strains selected as non-hemolytic and sensitive to all antibiotics recommended as relevant by regulatory agencies were short-listed and evaluated for their in silico and in vitro probiotic potentials. The four selected strains were assigned to the Bacillus velezensis (MV4 and MV11), B. subtilis (MV24), and Priestia megaterium (formerly Bacillus megaterium) (MV30) species. A genomic analysis indicated that MV4, MV11, and MV24 contained a homolog of the gene coding for the fibrinolytic enzyme nattokinase while only MV30 encoded a glutamic acid decarboxylase essential to synthesize the neurotransmitter GABA. All four strains contained gene clusters potentially coding for new antimicrobials, showed strong antioxidant activity, formed biofilm, and produced/secreted quorum-sensing peptides able to induce a cytoprotective stress response in a model of human intestinal (HT-29) cells. Altogether, genomic and physiological data indicate that the analyzed strains do not pose safety concerns and have in vitro probiotic potentials allowing us to propose their use as an alternative to antibiotics.
The Medical Relevance of Toxoplasma Infections in Terms of the Safety of Blood Recipients under Immunosuppression—A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wesołowski Roland , Pawłowska Marta , Mila-Kierzenkowska Celestyna
Published: August 2023

Laboratory diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of blood recipients, especially in the case of immunosuppressed people, such as organ transplant patients. Toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is a potential threat to people with weakened immune systems, and blood transfusions from infected donors can lead to severe complications. In this publication, we analyze the medical relevance of Toxoplasma infection in the context of the safety of blood recipients, focusing on the immunosuppressed patient population. We present various diagnostic methods, such as serological, molecular, and microscopic tests, which can detect the presence of Toxoplasma gondii in donors’ blood. We also discuss the importance of adequately interpreting diagnostic results, considering risk factors, and detectability of the infection. We pay special attention to high-sensitivity and -specificity diagnostic techniques, which allow us to minimize the risk of Toxoplasma gondii transmission to blood recipients. Our findings have important implications for clinical practice and organ transplantation guidelines, emphasizing the need to diagnose and monitor Toxoplasma infections in blood donors and recipients.
Impacts of a DUF2207 Family Protein on Streptococcus mutans Stress Tolerance Responses and Biofilm Formation
Authors: Huang Xiaochang , Laird Camile G. , Riley Paul P. , Wen Zezhang Tom
Published: August 2023

Locus SMU.243 in Streptococcus mutans was annotated as a member of the DUF2207 family proteins highly conserved in all bacteria but with unknown function. To investigate its role in S. mutans physiology, a SMU.243-deficient mutant was constructed using allelic exchange mutagenesis, and the impacts of SMU.243 deletion on bacterial growth, stress tolerance response, and biofilm formation were analyzed. Compared to the wild-type UA159, S. mutans lacking SMU.243 displayed a reduced growth rate and a reduced overnight culture density (p < 0.01) when grown at low pH and in the presence of methyl viologen. Relative to the parent strain, the deficient mutant also had a reduced survival rate following incubation in a buffer of pH 2.8 (p < 0.01) and in a buffer containing hydrogen peroxide at 58 mM after 60 min (p < 0.001) and had a reduced capacity in biofilm formation especially in the presence of sucrose (p < 0.01). To study any ensuing functional/phenotypical links between SMU.243 and uppP, which is located immediately downstream of SMU.243 and encodes an undecaprenyl pyrophosphate phosphatase involved in recycling of carrier lipid undecaprenyl phosphate, a uppP deficient mutant was generated using allelic exchange mutagenesis. Unlike the SMU.243 mutant, deletion of uppP affected cell envelope biogenesis and caused major increases in susceptibility to bacitracin. In addition, two variant morphological mutants, one forming rough colonies and the other forming mucoid, smooth colonies, also emerged following the deletion of uppP. The results suggest that the SMU.243-encoded protein of the DUF2207 family in S. mutans plays an important role in stress tolerance response and biofilm formation, but unlike the downstream uppP, does not seem to be involved in cell envelope biogenesis, although the exact roles in S. mutans’ physiology awaits further investigation.
Characterization of Microplastics and Mesoplastics and Presence of Biofilms, Collected in the Gualí Wetland Cundinamarca, Colombia
Authors: Porras-Rojas Maria Alejandra , Charry-Vargas Cristina , Muñoz-Yustres Jorge Leonardo , Martínez-Silva Paula , Gómez-Méndez Luis David
Published: August 2023

Wetlands are being contaminated by housing developments, effluents, industrial areas, and poor sanitation, resulting in the presence of plastic polymers and the development of biofilms on these materials, which represent an elevated risk to freshwater fauna and flora. The objective of this study was to characterize mesoplastics and microplastics, collected in the Gualí Wetland, Colombia, as well as to verify the presence of biofilms on such polymers. Nine water samples (36 L per sample) were evaluated at three points of the wetland; the size of the particles was determined by image analysis, the type of polymer through FTIR, and the presence of biofilms by microscopy. A total of 79 items/0.135 m3 were collected, 2 macroplastic items, 53 mesoplastic items, and 24 microplastic items. The presence of fragments (70%) and pellets (41%), with transparent (40%) and white (30%) being the predominant ones, was outstanding. Among the polymers, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) dominated, followed by expanded polystyrene. The results of SEM demonstrated the presence of diatoms on the surface of the plastic polymers. Furthermore, the results showed a greater amount of HDPE mesoplastics and microplastics in the shape of fragments and pellets. In addition, the presence of biofilms on these plastic particles can increase the adsorption of contaminants, negatively affecting this ecosystem. The outcome of this study can be used to identify bacteria that reside in biofilms associated with microplastics and mesoplastics.
Development and Validation of a New UFLC–MS/MS Method for the Detection of Organophosphate Pesticide Metabolites in Urine
Authors: Kumar Dileshwar , Sinha Sukesh Narayan , Vasudev Kasturi
Published: August 2023

To monitor human exposure to pesticides, experts commonly measure their metabolites in urine, particularly dialkyl phosphates (DAPs), which include diethyl phosphate (DEP), Diethyl thiophosphate (DETP), diethyl dithiophosphate (DEDTP), dimethyl phosphate (DMP), dimethyl thiophosphate (DMTP) and dimethyl dithiophosphate (DMDTP)to monitor the metabolites of organophosphates. These DAP metabolites are a urinary biomarker for assessing pesticide exposure and potential health risks. This study presented a new screening method combining ultrafast liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC–MS/MS) to detect six DAP metabolites in human urine. The study also compared standard sample extraction methods, namely, liquid–liquid extraction (LLE); quick, easy, cheap, effective, ruggedand safe (QuEChERS); and lyophilization. After a comprehensive analysis of the methods used to extract the analytes, including recovery rate, repeatability and reproducibility, the liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) method was found to be the best. It had a high recovery rate, was easy to handle, required less sample volume and had a short extraction time. Therefore, the LLE method was chosen for further analysis. The results showed excellent performance with high recoveries between 93% and 102%, precise repeatability (RSD) between 0.62% and 5.46% and acceptable reproducibility values (RSD) between 0.80% and 11.33%. The method also had limits of detection (LOD) ranging from 0.0201 ng/mL to 0.0697 ng/mL and limits of quantification (LOQ) ranging from 0.0609 ng/mL to 0.2112 ng/mL. Furthermore, the UFLC–MS/MS method was validated based on the SANTE guidance and successfully analyzed 150 urine samples from farmers and non-farmers. This validated method proved useful for biomonitoring studies focusing on OP pesticide exposure. It offers several advantages, such as a reduced need for samples, chemicals and materials, and a shorter analysis time. The method is sensitive and selective in detecting metabolites in human urine, making it a valuable approach for the practical and efficient assessment of pesticide exposure.
Advances in the Structure of GGGGCC Repeat RNA Sequence and Its Interaction with Small Molecules and Protein Partners
Authors: Liu Xiaole , Zhao Xinyue , He Jinhan , Wang Sishi , Shen Xinfei , Liu Qingfeng , Wang Shenlin
Published: August 2023

The aberrant expansion of GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeats within the first intron of the C9orf72 gene represent the predominant genetic etiology underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontal temporal dementia (FTD). The transcribed r(GGGGCC)n RNA repeats form RNA foci, which recruit RNA binding proteins and impede their normal cellular functions, ultimately resulting in fatal neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, the non-canonical translation of the r(GGGGCC)n sequence can generate dipeptide repeats, which have been postulated as pathological causes. Comprehensive structural analyses of r(GGGGCC)n have unveiled its polymorphic nature, exhibiting the propensity to adopt dimeric, hairpin, or G-quadruplex conformations, all of which possess the capacity to interact with RNA binding proteins. Small molecules capable of binding to r(GGGGCC)n have been discovered and proposed as potential lead compounds for the treatment of ALS and FTD. Some of these molecules function in preventing RNA–protein interactions or impeding the phase transition of r(GGGGCC)n. In this review, we present a comprehensive summary of the recent advancements in the structural characterization of r(GGGGCC)n, its propensity to form RNA foci, and its interactions with small molecules and proteins. Specifically, we emphasize the structural diversity of r(GGGGCC)n and its influence on partner binding. Given the crucial role of r(GGGGCC)n in the pathogenesis of ALS and FTD, the primary objective of this review is to facilitate the development of therapeutic interventions targeting r(GGGGCC)n RNA.
Construction of Carbon Nanofiber-Wrapped SnO2 Hollow Nanospheres as Flexible Integrated Anode for Half/Full Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Shao Qi , Liu Jiaqi , Yang Xiantao , Guan Rongqiang , Yu Jing , Li Yan
Published: August 2023

SnO2 is deemed a potential candidate for high energy density (1494 mAh g−1) anode materials for Li-ion batteries (LIBs). However, its severe volume variation and low intrinsic electrical conductivity result in poor long-term stability and reversibility, limiting the further development of such materials. Therefore, we propose a novel strategy, that is, to prepare SnO2 hollow nanospheres (SnO2-HNPs) by a template method, and then introduce these SnO2-HNPs into one-dimensional (1D) carbon nanofibers (CNFs) uniformly via electrospinning technology. Such a sugar gourd-like construction effectively addresses the limitations of traditional SnO2 during the charging and discharging processes of LIBs. As a result, the optimized product (denoted SnO2-HNP/CNF), a binder-free integrated electrode for half and full LIBs, displays superior electrochemical performance as an anode material, including high reversible capacity (~735.1 mAh g−1 for half LIBs and ~455.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 for full LIBs) and favorable long-term cycling stability. This work confirms that sugar gourd-like SnO2-HNP/CNF flexible integrated electrodes prepared with this novel strategy can effectively improve battery performance, providing infinite possibilities for the design and development of flexible wearable battery equipment.
Hard-Shelled Glycol Chitosan Nanoparticles for Dual MRI/US Detection of Drug Delivery/Release: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Baroni Simona , Argenziano Monica , La Cava Francesca , Soster Marco , Garello Francesca , Lembo David , Cavalli Roberta , Terreno Enzo
Published: August 2023

This paper describes a novel nanoformulation for dual MRI/US in vivo monitoring of drug delivery/release. The nanosystem was made of a perfluoropentane core coated with phospholipids stabilized by glycol chitosan crosslinked with triphosphate ions, and it was co-loaded with the prodrug prednisolone phosphate (PLP) and the structurally similar MRI agent Gd-DTPAMA-CHOL. Importantly, the in vitro release of PLP and Gd-DTPAMA-CHOL from the nanocarrier showed similar profiles, validating the potential impact of the MRI agent as an imaging reporter for the drug release. On the other hand, the nanobubbles were also detectable by US imaging both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, the temporal evolution of both MRI and US contrast after the administration of the proposed nanosystem could report on the delivery and the release kinetics of the transported drug in a given lesion.
Flow Boiling Heat Transfer; Experimental Study of Hydrocarbon Based Nanorefrigerant in a Vertical Tube
Authors: Hernaiz Marta , Elexpe Iker , Aranzabe Estibaliz , Aguayo Andrés T.
Published: August 2023

Flow boiling is a complex process but very efficient for thermal management in different sectors; enhancing flow boiling heat transfer properties is a research field of great interest. This study proposes the use of various nanomaterials, carbon-based materials, and metal oxides; in n-pentane as a hydrocarbon-based refrigerant to enhance the flow boiling heat transfer coefficient. This thermal property has been experimentally evaluated using a vertical evaporation device of glass with an internal diameter of 20 mm. The results have shown that proposed nanomaterials dispersion in n-pentane has a limited effect on the thermophysical properties and is conditioned by their dispersibility but promotes a significant increment of pentane heat transfer coefficient (h), increasing the overall heat transfer coefficient (U) of the evaporator. The enhanced heat transfer performance is attributed to the behavior of nanoparticles under working conditions and their interaction with the working surface, promoting a higher generation of nucleation sites. The observed behavior suggests a heat transfer mechanism transition from forced convection to nucleate heat transfer, supported by visual observations.
Self-Healing Cement: A Review
Authors: Kordas George
Published: August 2023

The self-healing of cementitious materials can be achieved by precipitation of calcium carbonate through the enzymatic hydrolysis of urea. When a crack appears in cement, the damage can be repaired by allowing bacteria to encounter the water seeping through the crack. This forms a calcium carbonate, which heals the cracks. This occurs because microorganisms begin metabolizing and precipitating the mineral, healing the damage caused by the crack. Then, bacteria are incorporated into various containers, which release microorganisms by crushing, leading to the precipitation of calcium carbonate. In addition, this paper references the superabsorbent polymers (SAP) used for self-healing and hybrid organic-inorganic core–shell SAPs, a recently developed, state-of-the-art self-healing technology for cementitious materials.
Long Non-Coding RNA Signatures in Lymphopoiesis and Lymphoid Malignancies
Authors: Baghdadi Hamed , Heidari Reza , Zavvar Mahdi , Ahmadi Nazanin , Shakouri Khomartash Mehdi , Vahidi Mahmoud , Mohammadimehr Mojgan , Bashash Davood , Ghorbani Mahdi
Published: August 2023

Lymphoid cells play a critical role in the immune system, which includes three subgroups of T, B, and NK cells. Recognition of the complexity of the human genetics transcriptome in lymphopoiesis has revolutionized our understanding of the regulatory potential of RNA in normal lymphopoiesis and lymphoid malignancies. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of RNA molecules greater than 200 nucleotides in length. LncRNAs have recently attracted much attention due to their critical roles in various biological processes, including gene regulation, chromatin organization, and cell cycle control. LncRNAs can also be used for cell differentiation and cell fate, as their expression patterns are often specific to particular cell types or developmental stages. Additionally, lncRNAs have been implicated in lymphoid differentiation, such as regulating T-cell and B-cell development, and their expression has been linked to immune-associated diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma. In addition, lncRNAs have been investigated as potential biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic response to disease management. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge about the regulatory role of lncRNAs in physiopathology processes during normal lymphopoiesis and lymphoid leukemia.
Sex Difference in the Associations among Obesity-Related Indices with Hyperuricemia in a Large Taiwanese Population Study
Authors: Su Shih-Yao , Lin Tsung-Han , Liu Yi-Hsueh , Wu Pei-Yu , Huang Jiun-Chi , Su Ho-Ming , Chen Szu-Chia
Published: August 2023

Hyperuricemia has been linked with the development of diabetes, gout, kidney, and cardiovascular diseases. Although obesity is associated with hyperuricemia, data on sex differences in this association are scarce. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore sex differences in the correlations among various indices of obesity with hyperuricemia in Taiwan. Data were obtained from the Taiwan Biobank and included 122,067 participants. After excluding 179 participants with missing data, the remaining 121,888 participants (men: 43,790; women: 78,098) were enrolled. The prevalence rates of hyperuricemia (defined as serum uric acid >7.0/6.0 mg/dL in men/women) were 29.8% and 13.6%, respectively (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed high values of body shape index (ABSI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist–hip ratio (WHR), lipid accumulation product (LAP), conicity index (CI), visceral adiposity index (VAI), body adiposity index (BAI), abdominal volume index (AVI), body mass index (BMI), and body roundness index (BRI) were significantly associated with hyperuricemia in both the male and female participants (all p < 0.001). The interactions between sex and all 10 of these indices were significant (all p < 0.001) for hyperuricemia. In men, LAP had the highest area under the curve (0.669), followed by BMI (0.655), VAI (0.645), AVI (0.642), BRI (0.640), WHtR (0.633), BAI (0.605), WHR (0.599), CI (0.574), and ABSI (0.510). In women, LAP also had the highest area under the curve (0.754), followed by BMI (0.728), VAI (0.724), WHtR (0.721), BRI (0.720), AVI (0.713), WHR (0.676), BAI (0.673), CI (0.626), and ABSI (0.544). In conclusion, obesity-related indices were associated with hyperuricemia in this large Taiwanese study, and sex differences were found in these associations, with stronger associations in women than in men.
Automatic Method of Exploring the Landscape of Freeform Dioptric Optical Problems, Working in the Infrared Region
Authors: Mayeur Thibaut , Volatier Jean-Baptiste , Druart Guillaume , Cau Françoise , Tartas Elodie , Durand Alain
Published: August 2023

We present an automated method of finding different freeform dioptric starting systems, working in the infrared region, for further optimization in commercial optical design software. Our developed method couples the simultaneous multiple surface (SMS) method, introduced by Benítez and Miñano, with automatic optimization in Zemax OpticStudio. The method allows an optical designer to explore the merit function (MF) landscape of freeform optical problems. In this article, we apply our method to a size, weight, and power (SWaP) problem, and we compare our designed system with a system found in the literature that has the same aperture of F/1.2. Then, we increase the aperture of the system up to F/0.9, taking advantage of the use of freeform surfaces.
Awareness, Knowledge, and Perception of Tooth-Supported and Implant-Supported Prostheses among Adults in Sana’a City: A Survey-Based Study
Authors: Al-Fareh Aqram , Dubais Mohammed , Smran Ahlam , El Bahra Shadi , Samran Abdulaziz
Published: August 2023

The study aimed to evaluate knowledge, awareness, and perception of tooth-supported and implant-supported prostheses among an adult sample in Sana’a city in Yemen. A cross-sectional descriptive–analytical study was conducted on a convenient sample of 509 participants. All participants were aged 18 years and above with at least 1 missing tooth. The participants visited the public or private hospitals or their outpatient clinics in the municipality of the capital, Sana’a, Yemen. Their chief complaints when visiting the hospitals were not related to dental problems but to general healthcare. The participants who agreed and signed the consent form were interviewed and examined. The data were then recorded and statistically analyzed. The levels of awareness and knowledge of implant-supported prostheses among the 509 participants were low (58.0%, 33.6%, respectively). A significant positive correlation was found between genders (p = 0.003 for males, p = 0.000 for females), but no significant differences were detected between genders related to the awareness and knowledge of tooth-supported prostheses (p = 0.690). Most of the respondents had a low level of awareness, knowledge, and perception of treatment options for tooth replacement modalities.
An Unexpected Case of Opisthorchis felineus Infection Revealed during Liver Transplantation
Authors: Mangano Valentina D , Campani Daniela , Cacciato Insilla Andrea , Coco Barbara , Gomez Morales Maria Angeles , Brunetto Maurizia , La Rosa Giuseppe , Ludovisi Alessandra , De Simone Paolo , Bruschi Fabrizio
Published: August 2023

A man with hepatitis B infection was admitted to Pisa University Hospital for hepatological evaluation, which revealed multiple cystic lesions and suggested a cirrhotic evolution. Treatment with Entecavir 0.5 mg/day was started, resulting in rapid viral load suppression and alanine aminotransferase normalization. After 10 years, imaging documented a single nodule of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and a robot-assisted nodule resection was performed. One year later, HCC recurrence prompted orthotopic liver transplantation, during which the patient died because of the sudden rupture of the donor’s organ and rapid multiorgan deterioration before retransplantation. During post-mortem liver examination, adult worms were evidenced within large biliary ducts, suggesting infection with Opisthorchis or Clonorchis spp. flukes. Sequencing of the ITS2 locus, following PCR amplification of DNA extracted from liver tissue, revealed 100% identity with the reference sequence of O. felineus. Infection of the patient with O. felineus was confirmed by the presence of specific IgG detected by ELISA in the patient’s sera. Two major alkaline phosphatase serum levels peaks observed during the first two years of antiviral therapy support the hypothesis that O. felineus infection worsened liver function. This case report highlights the importance of a very careful screening of parasitic infections in solid organ transplantation candidates.