bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Clinical Performance of TiNi-Based Implants Used in Chest Wall Repair after Resection for Malignant Tumors
Authors: Topolnitskiy Evgeniy , Chekalkin Timofey , Marchenko Ekaterina , Yasenchuk Yuri , Kang Seung-Baik , Kang Ji-Hoon , Obrosov Aleksei
Published: November 2021

In this study, we assessed the outcomes after surgical treatment of thoracic post-excision defects in 15 patients, using TiNi knitted surgical meshes and customized artificial TiNi-based ribs. Methods: Eight patients were diagnosed with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) invading the chest wall, of which five patients were T3N0M0, two were T3N1M0, and one was T3N2M0. Squamous cell carcinoma was identified in three of these patients and adenocarcinoma in five. In two cases, chest wall resection and repair were performed for metastases of kidney cancer after radical nephrectomy. Three-dimensional CT reconstruction and X-ray scans were used to plan the surgery and customize the reinforcing TiNi-based implants. All patients received TiNi-based devices and were prospectively followed for a few years. Results: So far, there have been no lethal outcomes, and all implanted devices were consistent in follow-up examinations. Immediate complications were noted in three cases (ejection of air through the pleural drains, paroxysm of atrial fibrillation, and pleuritis), which were conservatively managed. In the long term, no complications, aftereffects, or instability of the thoracic cage were observed. Conclusion: TiNi-based devices used for extensive thoracic lesion repair in this context are promising and reliable biomaterials that demonstrate good functional, clinical, and cosmetic outcomes.
Computational Analysis of Flight Deck Structural Behaviour under Variable Loadings
Authors: Carter Victoria G. , Rizvi Md Jahir
Published: November 2021

The flight deck of an aircraft carrier is subjected to various loads. In addition, the operation of fixed-wing aircraft presents unique structural requirements for the deck. This paper, therefore, compares the structural behaviour of a flight deck which was designed following the guidelines of three classification societies: Lloyd’s Register (LR), Det Norske Veritas Germanischer Lloyd (DNV), and Registro Italiano Navale (RINA). The loading scenarios considered in this work represent the operation of an F-35B Lightning jet from a Queen Elizabeth-class (QEC) aircraft carrier. A commercial finite element analysis (FEA) software ANSYS was also used to investigate the deflection, stress and strain on the deck plates. The analysis identified that only the calculated deck thickness values based on the LR regulations would meet the requirement for the class. This finding was further supported by the FEA.
An Updated Global Species Diversity and Phylogeny in the Genus Wickerhamomyces with Addition of Two New Species from Thailand
Authors: Nundaeng Supakorn , Suwannarach Nakarin , Limtong Savitree , Khuna Surapong , Kumla Jaturong , Lumyong Saisamorn
Published: November 2021

Ascomycetous yeast species in the genus Wickerhamomyces (Saccharomycetales, Wickerhamomycetaceae) are isolated from various habitats and distributed throughout the world. Prior to this study, 35 species had been validly published and accepted into this genus. Beneficially, Wickerhamomyces species have been used in a number of biotechnologically applications of environment, food, beverage industries, biofuel, medicine and agriculture. However, in some studies, Wickerhamomyces species have been identified as an opportunistic human pathogen. Through an overview of diversity, taxonomy and recently published literature, we have updated a brief review of Wickerhamomyces. Moreover, two new Wickerhamomyces species were isolated from the soil samples of Assam tea (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) that were collected from plantations in northern Thailand. Herein, we have identified these species as W. lannaensis and W. nanensis. The identification of these species was based on phenotypic (morphological, biochemical and physiological characteristics) and molecular analyses. Phylogenetic analyses of a combination of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) of ribosomal DNA genes support that W. lannaensis and W. nanensis are distinct from other species within the genus Wickerhamomyces. A full description, illustrations and a phylogenetic tree showing the position of both new species have been provided. Accordingly, a new combination species, W. myanmarensis has been proposed based on the phylogenetic results. A new key for species identification is provided.
Personalized Medicine to Improve Treatment of Dopa-Responsive Dystonia—A Focus on Tyrosine Hydroxylase Deficiency
Authors: Nygaard Gyrid , Szigetvari Peter D. , Grindheim Ann Kari , Ruoff Peter , Martinez Aurora , Haavik Jan , Kleppe Rune , Flydal Marte I.
Published: November 2021

Dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD) is a rare movement disorder associated with defective dopamine synthesis. This impairment may be due to the fact of a deficiency in GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCHI, GCH1 gene), sepiapterin reductase (SR), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), or 6-pyruvoyl tetrahydrobiopterin synthase (PTPS) enzyme functions. Mutations in GCH1 are most frequent, whereas fewer cases have been reported for individual SR-, PTP synthase-, and TH deficiencies. Although termed DRD, a subset of patients responds poorly to L-DOPA. As this is regularly observed in severe cases of TH deficiency (THD), there is an urgent demand for more adequate or personalized treatment options. TH is a key enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting step in catecholamine biosynthesis, and THD patients often present with complex and variable phenotypes, which results in frequent misdiagnosis and lack of appropriate treatment. In this expert opinion review, we focus on THD pathophysiology and ongoing efforts to develop novel therapeutics for this rare disorder. We also describe how different modeling approaches can be used to improve genotype to phenotype predictions and to develop in silico testing of treatment strategies. We further discuss the current status of mathematical modeling of catecholamine synthesis and how such models can be used together with biochemical data to improve treatment of DRD patients.
Supervisory Layer for Improved Interactivity of Distributed Generation Inverters with Smart Grids
Authors: Carati Emerson Giovani , Barbosa Victor Emanuel Soares , Cardoso Rafael , de Oliveira Stein Carlos Marcelo , da Costa Jean Patric
Published: November 2021

This work proposes an autonomous management system for distributed generation (DG) systems connected to the AC grid, using supervisory control theory (SCT). SCT is used to deal with discrete asynchronous events that modify the properties and operational conditions of these systems. The proposed management layer allows the smart inverters to interact with smart grid managers (SGMs), while guaranteeing operation compliance with the IEEE Standards. The implemented supervisor for the management layer is an automaton that performs the smart inverter manager (SIM) functions in the photovoltaic systems in discrete events. A DSP real-time verification was performed with Typhoon HIL 602+ to demonstrate the smart inverter’s operating dynamics connected to the grid. The results showed the fast response and robust operation of the smart inverter manager to the commands from the smart grid manager.
Application of Coal Gangue as a Coarse Aggregate in Green Concrete Production: A Review
Authors: Gao Shan , Zhang Sumei , Guo Lanhui
Published: November 2021

Among the techniques for converting stacked coal gangue to reusable material, one of the most effective ways is to use coal gangue as a coarse aggregate in green concrete productions. The physical and chemical properties of rock and spontaneous-combustion coal gangue are generally suitable for being used as a coarse aggregate in green concrete. Coal gangue concrete is not recommended to be used in subsurface structures, as its water absorption law would be changed under a large replacement ratio. The mechanical performance of coal gangue concrete is degraded by raising the replacement ratio. Over-low and -high concrete grades are not suggested to be used as coal gangue aggregate, unless extra admixtures or specific methods are used. The influence of coal gangue on the durability of coal gangue concrete is remarkable, resulting from the porous structure of coal gangue that provides more transmission channels for air and liquid in concrete, but is beneficial for thermal insulation. The usage of coal gangue in structural concrete members is still limited. The mechanical behavior of some structural members using coal gangue concrete has been reported. Among them, concrete filled steel tubes are a preferable configuration for using coal gangue concrete, regarding both the mechanical and durability performance.
Corrosion Effects on Durability of RC Structures
Authors: Apostolopoulos Charis , Koulouris Konstantinos
Published: November 2021

The corrosion of steel reinforcement is recognized as one of the most important degradation problems in reinforced concrete (RC) structures [...]
Materials and Energy Balance of E-Waste Smelting—An Industrial Case Study in China
Authors: Ye Fengchun , Liu Zhihong , Xia Longgong
Published: November 2021

The application of Nerin Recycling Technologies (NRT) in electronic waste (E-waste) smelting was introduced in this study, and the material and energy balance was calculated based on the practical data with the METSIM software (METSIM International, USA). The main results are as follows: (1) the optimized processing parameters in the NRT smelting practice were the E-waste feeding rate of 5.95 t/h, oxidation smelting duration of 3.5 h, reduction smelting duration of 0.5 h, oxygen enrichment of 21–40 vol.%, oxygen consumption of 68.06 Nm3/ton raw material, slag temperature of 1280 °C, slag composition: Fe/SiO2 mass ratio of 0.8–1.4, CaO, 15–20 wt.%, Cu in crude copper ≥ 95 wt.%, Cu in slag, 0.5 wt.%, recovery of Cu, Au, and Ag ≥ 98%; (2) 98.49% Au, 98.04% Ag, 94.11% Ni, and 79.13% Sn entered the crude copper phase in the smelting process, 76.73% Pb and 67.22% Zn volatilized to the dust phase, and all halogen elements terminated in the dust and off-gas; (3) total heat input of the process was 79,480 MJ/h, the energy released by chemical reactions accounted for 69.94% of the total, and heat from fuels burning accounted for 33.04%. The energy brought away by the off-gas was 38,440 MJ/h, which was the largest part in heat output. The heat loss with the smelting slag accounted for 28.47% of the total.
Study on the Bonding Mechanism of Copper-Low Carbon Steel for Casting Compounding Process
Authors: Li Huirong , He Yueying , Zhang Haichao , Ma Tao , Li Yungang
Published: November 2021

The casting compounding process for copper-steel composite material has broad prospects of application, but due to the lack of supporting theories (especially the bonding mechanism of copper-steel at high temperatures), it is developing slowly. In this research, copper-steel composite materials for different casting temperatures have been prepared by the casting compound process. The results show that, for the casting compound process, the stable copper-steel transition layer can be formed in a short time, and the bonding of copper and low carbon steel is the result of both the diffusion of Cu in low carbon steel and the dissolution of Fe in molten copper. The diffusion coefficient of Cu in the low carbon steel is mainly concentrated in the range of 4.0 × 10−15–8.0 × 10−14 m2/s. However, for casting compound process of copper-steel, as the temperature rises the thickness of the copper-steel transition layer gradually decreases, while the Fe content in the copper layer gradually increases. At the same time, the analysis of the glow discharge results shows that, during the solid-liquid composite process of copper-steel, the element C in steel has a great influence. As the temperature rises, the segregation of C intensifies seriously; the peak of the C content moves toward the copper side and its value is gradually increases. The segregation of C would reduce the melting point of the steel and cause irregular fluctuations of the diffusion of Cu in low carbon steel. Therefore, a relatively lower molten copper temperature is more conducive to the preparation of copper-steel composite materials.
Pattern of Adiponectin, Osteocalcin, Irisin, FGF-21, and MCP-1 According to the Body Size Phenotype: Could They Be Markers of Metabolic Health in Mexican-Mestizo Middle-Aged Women?
Authors: Balcázar-Hernandez Lourdes , Basurto Lourdes , Manuel-Apolinar Leticia , Vega-García Sara , Basurto-Acevedo Norma , Martínez-Murillo Carlos , Sánchez-Arenas Rosalinda
Published: November 2021

Variations in levels of some adipokines, myokines, osteokines, hepatokines and inflammatory cytokines contribute to abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of adiponectin, osteocalcin (OCN), irisin, FGF-21, and MCP-1 according to the body size phenotype of middle-aged women, and their associations with BMI, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and HOMA-IR. A cross-sectional study in 265 women aged from 40 to 65 years was performed. The biochemical characteristics were evaluated in metabolically healthy normal weight, metabolically unhealthy normal weight, metabolically healthy obese, and metabolically unhealthy obese women. There was an association of OCN with BMI (r = −0.107; p = 0.047); adiponectin with BMI (r = −0.217; p = 0.001), insulin (r = −0.415; p = 0.0001), HOMA-IR (r = −0.429; p = 0.0001), and VAT (r = −0.134; p = 0.025); irisin with BMI (r = 0.604; p = 0.001), insulin (r = 0.446; p = 0.0001), HOMA-IR (r = 0.452; p = 0.0001), and VAT (r = 0.645; p = 0.0001); FGF−21 with insulin (r = −0.337; p= 0.030) and HOMA-IR (r = −0.341; p = 0.03); and MCP-1 with BMI (r = 0.481; p = 0.0001), VAT (r = 0.497; p = 0.001), insulin (r = 0.298; p= 0.001), and HOMA-IR (r = 0.255; p = 0.004). A multivariate analysis showed that an elevation of OCN (OR 1.4 (95%CI 1.06–1.81)) and a reduction of adiponectin (OR 0.9 (0.84–0.96)) were associated factors for a metabolic unhealthy phenotype in normal weight participants. Likewise, higher irisin (OR 1.007 (1.003–1.011)) and MCP-1 (1.044 (1.008–1.083)) were risk factors for a metabolic unhealthy phenotype in woman with obesity. OCN, adiponectin, irisin, FGF-21, and MCP-1 are associated with some metabolic parameters such as BMI, HOMA-IR, and VAT, and could be possible biomarkers of an unhealthy metabolic phenotype in middle-aged women.
A Matched Case-Control Study of Noncholesterol Sterols and Fatty Acids in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Vecka Marek , Dušejovská Magdalena , Staňková Barbora , Rychlík Ivan , Žák Aleš
Published: November 2021

Dyslipidemia is common among patients on hemodialysis, but its etiology is not fully understood. Although changes in cholesterol homeostasis and fatty acid metabolism play an important role during dialysis, the interaction of these metabolic pathways has yet to be studied in sufficient detail. In this study, we enrolled 26 patients on maintenance hemodialysis treatment (high-volume hemodiafiltration, HV HDF) without statin therapy (17 men/9 women) and an age/gender-matched group of 26 individuals without signs of nephropathy. The HV-HDF group exhibited more frequent signs of cardiovascular disease, disturbed saccharide metabolism, and altered lipoprotein profiles, manifesting in lower HDL-C, and raised concentrations of IDL-C and apoB-48 (all p < 0.01). HV-HDF patients had higher levels of campesterol (p < 0.01) and β-sitosterol (p = 0.06), both surrogate markers of cholesterol absorption and unchanged lathosterol concentrations. Fatty acid (FA) profiles were changed mostly in cholesteryl esters, with a higher content of saturated and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the HV-HDF group. However, n-6 PUFA in cholesteryl esters were less abundant (p < 0.001) in the HV-HDF group. Hemodialysis during end-stage kidney disease induces changes associated with higher absorption of cholesterol and disturbed lipoprotein metabolism. Changes in fatty acid metabolism reflect the combined effect of renal insufficiency and its comorbidities, mostly insulin resistance.
Glass Substrate Dust Removal Using 233 fs Laser-Generated Shockwave
Authors: Kim Myeongjun , Choi Philgong , Jo Jae Heung , Kim Kyunghan
Published: November 2021

Eliminating dust is gaining importance as a critical requirement in the display panel manufacturing process. The pixel resolution of display panels is increasing rapidly, which means that even small dust particles on the order of a few micrometers can affect them. Conventional surface cleaning methods such as ultrasonic cleaning (USC), CO2 cleaning, and wet cleaning may not be sufficiently efficient, economical, or environment friendly. In this study, a laser shockwave cleaning (LSC) method with a 233 fs pulsed laser was developed, which is different from the laser ablation cleaning method. To minimize thermal damage to the glass substrate, the effect of the number of pulses and the gap distance between the focused laser beam and the glass substrate were studied. The optimum number of pulses and gap distance to prevent damage to the glass substrate was inferred as 500 and 20 μm, respectively. With the optimal pulse number and gap distance, cleaning efficiency was tested at a 95% removal ratio regardless of the density of the particles. The effective cleaning area was measured using the removal ratio map and compared with the theoretical value.
A Nanoscale Structure Based on an MIM Waveguide Coupled with a Q Resonator for Monitoring Trace Element Concentration in the Human Body
Authors: Li Tingsong , Yan Shubin , Liu Pengwei , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhang Yi , Shen Lifang , Ren Yifeng , Hua Ertian
Published: November 2021

In this study, a nano-refractive index sensor is designed that consists of a metal–insulator–metal (MIM) waveguide with a stub-1 and an orthogon ring resonator (ORR) with a stub-2. The finite element method (FEM) was used to analyze the transmission characteristics of the system. We studied the cause and internal mechanism of Fano resonance, and optimized the transmission characteristics by changing various parameters of the structure. In our experimental data, the suitable sensitivity could reach 2260 nm/RIU with a figure of merit of 211.42. Furthermore, we studied the detection of the concentration of trace elements (such as Na+) of the structure in the human body, and its sensitivity reached 0.505 nm/mgdL−1. The structure may have other potential applications in sensors.
Erratum: Zhu, Y.; Pal, J. Low-Voltage and High-Reliability RF MEMS Switch with Combined Electrothermal and Electrostatic Actuation. Micromachines 2021, 12, 1237
Authors: Zhu Yong , Pal Jitendra
Published: November 2021

The authors would like to update the Figure 3 and Figure 7 to the published paper [...]
Recent Topics of Pneumococcal Vaccination: Indication of Pneumococcal Vaccine for Individuals at a Risk of Pneumococcal Disease in Adults
Authors: Asai Nobuhiro , Mikamo Hiroshige
Published: November 2021

Pneumococcal disease is one of the most common and severe vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Despite the advances in antimicrobial treatment, pneumococcal disease still remains a global burden and exhibits a high mortality rate among people of all ages worldwide. The immunization program of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) in children has decreased pneumococcal disease incidence in several countries. However, there are several problems regarding the pneumococcal vaccine, such as indications for immunocompetent persons with underlying medical conditions with a risk of pneumococcal disease, the balance of utility and cost, i.e., cost-effectiveness, vaccine coverage rate, serotype replacement, and adverse events. Especially for individuals aged 19–64 at risk of pneumococcal disease, physicians and vaccine providers should make a rational decision whether the patients should be vaccinated or not, since there is insufficient evidence supporting it. We describe this review regarding topics and problems regarding pneumococcal vaccination from the clinician’s point of view.
Ozone Ice as an Oxygen Release Reagent for Heap Leaching of Gold Ore
Authors: Liu Ziyuan , Kou Jue , Xing Yi , Sun Chunbao , Liu Peng , Zhang Yuxin
Published: November 2021

The issue of poor aeration efficiency and low oxygen transfer in the heap leaching of gold has gained considerable attention. In this study, ozone ice was studied as an oxygen release reagent in the cyanide heap leaching of gold at a low temperature of approximately 5 °C, owing to its effective oxidation and clean and green properties. Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D) was used to monitor the effect of different ratios of cyanide and oxygen concentrations on the gold leaching rate. The results showed that the leaching rate doubled when the dissolved oxygen (DO) was increased from 8.2 mg/L to 12 mg/L at a relatively high cyanide concentration of 60 mg/L. The release of oxygen during the process of ozone ice melting was analyzed by simulating the oxygen-deficient condition of the ore heap in column leaching. In the first stage of ice melting, the DO in the solution increased dramatically, and the rate of increase improved with increased initial ozone concentration in the ice. In the second stage of ice melting, the rate of increase in the DO of the solution was not significantly affected by the initial ozone concentration in the ice; this was consistent with the decomposition rate of ozone. The addition of ozone ice containing 300 mg/L ozone increased the gold extraction by 4.1% in the ore column leaching experiment, compared to a column with no ozone ice. However, continuously increasing the ozone concentration up to 600 mg/L had no further significant effect, because the dissolved oxygen in the leaching solution reached saturation. The results facilitate a better understanding of the decomposition law of ozone in the melting process of ozone ice and help to improve the oxygen deficit state in gold leaching heaps.
Seismic-Scale Evidence of Thrust-Perpendicular Normal Faulting in the Western Outer Carpathians, Poland
Authors: Barmuta Jan , Starzec Krzysztof , Schnabel Wojciech
Published: November 2021

Based on the interpretation of 2D seismic profiles integrated with surface geological investigations, a mechanism responsible for the formation of a large scale normal fault zone has been proposed. The fault, here referred to as the Rycerka Fault, has a predominantly normal dip-slip component with the detachment surface located at the base of Carpathian units. The fault developed due to the formation of an anticlinal stack within the Dukla Unit overlain by the Magura Units. Stacking of a relatively narrow duplex led to the growth of a dome-like culmination in the lower unit, i.e., the Dukla Unit, and, as a consequence of differential uplift of the unit above and outside the duplex, the upper unit (the Magura Unit) was subjected to stretching. This process invoked normal faulting along the lateral culmination wall and was facilitated by the regional, syn-thrusting arc–parallel extension. Horizontal movement along the fault plane is a result of tear faulting accommodating a varied rate of advancement of Carpathian units. The time of the fault formation is not well constrained; however, based on superposition criterion, the syn -thrusting origin is anticipated.
Heavy Mineral Sands Mining and Downstream Processing: Value of Mineralogical Monitoring Using XRD
Authors: König Uwe , Verryn Sabine M. C.
Published: November 2021

Heavy mineral sands are the source of various commodities such as white titanium dioxide pigment and titanium metal. The three case studies in this paper show the value of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and statistical methods such as data clustering for process optimization and quality control during heavy mineral processing. The potential of XRD as an automatable, reliable tool, useful in the characterization of heavy mineral concentrates, product streams and titania slag is demonstrated. The recent development of ultra-high-speed X-ray detectors and automated quantification allows for ‘on the fly’ quantitative X-ray diffraction analysis and truly interactive process control, especially in the sector of heavy mineral concentration and processing. Apart from the information about the composition of a raw ore, heavy mineral concentrate and the various product streams or titania slag, this paper provides useful information by the quantitative determination of the crystalline phases and the amorphous content. The analysis of the phases can help to optimize the concentration of ores and reduction of ilmenite concentrate. Traditionally, quality control of heavy mineral concentrates and titania slag relies mainly on elemental, chemical, gravimetrical, and magnetic analysis. Since the efficiency of concentration of minerals in the different product streams and reduction depends on the content of the different minerals, and for the latter on the titanium and iron phases such as ilmenite FeTiO3, rutile TiO2, anatase TiO2, or the various titanium oxides with different oxidation stages, fast and direct analysis of the phases is required.
Gas Migration Patterns with Different Borehole Sizes in Underground Coal Seams: Numerical Simulations and Field Observations
Authors: Liu Haibo , Shu Zhihang , Shi Yinbin , Wang Xuebing , Xiao Xucheng , Lin Jia
Published: November 2021

Gas flow in a coal seam is a complex process due to the complicated coal structure and the sorption characteristics of coal to adsorbable gas (such as carbon dioxide and methane). It is essential to understand the gas migration patterns for different fields of engineering, such as CBM exploitation, underground coal mine gas drainage, and CO2 geo-sequestration. Many factors influence gas migration patterns. From the surface production wells, the in-seam patterns of gas content cannot be quantified, and it is difficult to predict the total gas production time. In order to understand the gas flow patterns during gas recovery and the gas content variations with respect to production time, a solid-fluid coupled gas migration model is proposed to illustrate the gas flow in a coal seam. Field data was collected and simulation parameters were obtained. Based on this model, different scenarios with different borehole sizes were simulated for both directional boreholes and normal parallel boreholes in coal seams. Specifically, the borehole sizes for the directional boreholes were 10 m, 15 m, and 20 m. The borehole sizes for the normal parallel boreholes were 2 m, 4 m, and 6 m. Under different gas drainage leading times, the total gas recovery and residual gas contents were quantified. In Longwall Panel 909 of the Wuhushan coal mine, one gas drainage borehole and five 4 m monitoring boreholes were drilled. After six months of monitoring, the residual gas content was obtained and compared with the simulation results. Of the total gas, 61.36% was drained out from the first 4 m borehole. In this field study, the effective drainage diameter of the drainage borehole was less than 8 m after six months of drainage. The gas drainage performance was tightly affected by the borehole size and the gas drainage time. It was determined that the field observations were in line with the simulation results. The findings of this study can provide field data for similar conditions.
A Review on Chemical versus Microbial Leaching of Electronic Wastes with Emphasis on Base Metals Dissolution
Authors: Mishra Srabani , Panda Sandeep , Akcil Ata , Dembele Seydou , Agcasulu Ismail
Published: November 2021

There is a growing interest in electronic wastes (e-wastes) recycling for metal recovery because the fast depletion of worldwide reserves for primary resources is gradually becoming a matter of concern. E-wastes contain metals with a concentration higher than that present in the primary ores, which renders them as an apt resource for metal recovery. Owing to such aspects, research is progressing well to address several issues related to e-waste recycling for metal recovery through both chemical and biological routes. Base metals, for example, Cu, Ni, Zn, Al, etc., can be easily leached out through the typical chemical (with higher kinetics) and microbial (with eco-friendly benefits) routes under ambient temperature conditions in contrast to other metals. This feature makes them the most suitable candidates to be targeted primarily for metal leaching from these waste streams. Hence, the current piece of review aims at providing updated information pertinent to e-waste recycling through chemical and microbial treatment methods. Individual process routes are compared and reviewed with focus on non-ferrous metal leaching (with particular emphasis on base metals dissolution) from some selected e-waste streams. Future outlooks are discussed on the suitability of these two important extractive metallurgical routes for e-waste recycling at a scale-up level along with concluding remarks.
Applied Machine Learning for Geometallurgical Throughput Prediction—A Case Study Using Production Data at the Tropicana Gold Mining Complex
Authors: Both Christian , Dimitrakopoulos Roussos
Published: November 2021

With the increased use of digital technologies in the mining industry, the amount of centrally stored production data is continuously growing. However, datasets in mines and processing plants are not fully utilized to build links between extracted materials and metallurgical plant performances. This article shows a case study at the Tropicana Gold mining complex that utilizes penetration rates from blasthole drilling and measurements of the comminution circuit to construct a data-driven, geometallurgical throughput prediction model of the ball mill. Several improvements over a previous publication are shown. First, the recorded power draw, feed particle and product particle size are newly considered. Second, a machine learning model in the form of a neural network is used and compared to a linear model. The article also shows that hardness proportions perform 6.3% better than averages of penetration rates for throughput prediction, underlining the importance of compositional approaches for non-additive geometallurgical variables. When adding ball mill power and product particle size, the prediction error (RMSE) decreases by another 10.6%. This result can only be achieved with the neural network, whereas the linear regression shows improvements of 4.2%. Finally, it is discussed how the throughput prediction model can be integrated into production scheduling.
Screening of Potential Anti-Thrombotic Ingredients from Salvia miltiorrhiza in Zebrafish and by Molecular Docking
Authors: Tang Huilan , Qin Ningyi , Rao Chang , Zhu Jiahui , Wang Haiqiang , Hu Guang
Published: November 2021

Background: Danshen (DS), the dry root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge., has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for many years to promote blood circulation and to inhibit thrombosis. However, the active ingredients responsible for the anti-thrombotic effect and the underlying mechanisms are yet to be fully elucidated. Methods: Molecular docking was used to predict the active ingredients in DS and their potential targets by calculating the scores of docking between DS ingredients and thrombosis-related proteins. Then, a chemical-induced zebrafish thrombosis model was applied to confirm their anti-thrombotic effects. Result: The molecular docking results indicated that compared to the control ligand, higher docking scores were observed for several compounds in DS, among which salvianolic acid B (SAB), lithospermic acid (LA), rosmarinic acid (MA), and luteolin-7-O-β-d-glucoside (LG) could attenuate zebrafish caudal vein thrombosis and recover the decrease in heart red blood cells (RBCs) in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: Our study showed that it is possible to screen the potential active components in natural products by combining the molecular docking method and zebrafish in vivo model.
Membranes Prepared from Recombinant RGD-Silk Fibroin as Substrates for Human Corneal Cells
Authors: Nili Elham , Harkin Damien G. , Dawson Rebecca A. , Richardson Neil A. , Suzuki Shuko , Chirila Traian V.
Published: November 2021

A recombinant formulation of silk fibroin containing the arginine–glycine–aspartic acid (RGD) cell-binding motif (RGD-fibroin) offers potential advantages for the cultivation of corneal cells. Thus, we investigated the growth of corneal stromal cells and epithelial cells on surfaces created from RGD-fibroin, in comparison to the naturally occurring Bombyx mori silk fibroin. The attachment of cells was compared in the presence or absence of serum over a 90 min period and analyzed by quantification of dsDNA content. Stratification of epithelial cells on freestanding membranes was examined by confocal fluorescence microscopy and optimized through use of low molecular weight poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG; 300 Da) as a porogen, the enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP) as a crosslinking agent, and stromal cells grown on the opposing membrane surface. The RGD-fibroin reduced the tendency of stromal cell cultures to form clumps and encouraged the stratification of epithelial cells. PEG used in conjunction with HRP supported the fabrication of more permeable freestanding RGD-fibroin membranes, that provide an effective scaffold for stromal–epithelial co-cultures. Our studies encourage the use of RGD-fibroin for corneal cell culture. Further studies are required to confirm if the benefits of this formulation are due to changes in the expression of integrins, components of the extracellular matrix, or other events at the transcriptional level.
Linnaea borealis L. var. borealis—In Vitro Cultures and Phytochemical Screening as a Dual Strategy for Its Ex Situ Conservation and a Source of Bioactive Compounds of the Rare Species
Authors: Thiem Barbara , Kruszka Dariusz , Turowska Natalia , Sliwinska Elwira , Berge Viktor , Kikowska Małgorzata
Published: November 2021

Linnaea borealis L. (Twinflower)—a dwarf shrub in the Linnaeeae tribe of Caprifoliaceae family—is distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. By means of this study, a reliable protocol for efficient micropropagation of uniform L. borealis L. var. borealis plantlets has been provided for the first time; callus culture was also established. Different initial explants, types of cultures, media systems, and plant growth regulators in Murashige and Skoog (MS) media were tested. Agitated shoot cultures in the liquid media turned out to be the best system for the production of sustainable plant biomass. After stabilization of the callus lines, the highest growth index (c.a. 526%) was gained for callus maintained on MS enriched with picloram. TLC and UHPLC-HESI-HRMS analysis confirmed the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids, and for the first time, the presence of iridoids and triterpenoid saponins in this species. Multiplication of L. borealis shoot culture provides renewable raw material, allowing for the assessment of the phytochemical profile, and, in the future, for the quantitative analyses and the studies of the biological activity of extracts, fractions, or isolated compounds. This is the first report on in vitro cultures of traditionally used L. borealis rare taxon and its biosynthetic potential.
Electron-Deficient Acetylenes as Three-Modal Adjuvants in SNH Reaction of Pyridinoids with Phosphorus Nucleophiles
Authors: Trofimov Boris A. , Volkov Pavel A. , Telezhkin Anton A.
Published: November 2021

Publications covering a new easy metal-free functionalization of pyridinoids (pyridines, quinolines, isoquinolines, acridine) under the action of the system of electron-deficient acetylenes (acetylenecarboxylic acid esters, acylacetylenes)/P-nucleophiles (phosphine chalcogenides, H-phosphonates) are reviewed. Special attention is focused on a SNH reaction of the regioselective cross-coupling of pyridines with secondary phosphine chalcogenides triggered by acylacetylenes to give 4-chalcogenophosphorylpyridines. In these processes, acetylenes act as three-modal adjuvants (i) activating the pyridine ring towards P-nucleophiles, (ii) deprotonating the P-H bond and (iii) facilitating the nucleophilic addition of the P-centered anion to a heterocyclic moiety followed by the release of the selectively reduced acetylenes (E-alkenes).
Antiviral Activities of Halogenated Emodin Derivatives against Human Coronavirus NL63
Authors: Horvat Monika , Avbelj Martina , Durán-Alonso María Beatriz , Banjanac Mihailo , Petković Hrvoje , Iskra Jernej
Published: November 2021

The current COVID-19 outbreak has highlighted the need for the development of new vaccines and drugs to combat Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Recently, various drugs have been proposed as potentially effective against COVID-19, such as remdesivir, infliximab and imatinib. Natural plants have been used as an alternative source of drugs for thousands of years, and some of them are effective for the treatment of various viral diseases. Emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthracene-9,10-dione) is a biologically active anthraquinone with antiviral activity that is found in various plants. We studied the selectivity of electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions on an emodin core (halogenation, nitration and sulfonation), which resulted in a library of emodin derivatives. The main aim of this work was to carry out an initial evaluation of the potential to improve the activity of emodin against human coronavirus NL63 (HCoV-NL63) and also to generate a set of initial SAR guidelines. We have prepared emodin derivatives which displayed significant anti-HCoV-NL63 activity. We observed that halogenation of emodin can improve its antiviral activity. The most active compound in this study was the iodinated emodin analogue E_3I, whose anti-HCoV-NL63 activity was comparable to that of remdesivir. Evaluation of the emodin analogues also revealed some unwanted toxicity to Vero cells. Since new synthetic routes are now available that allow modification of the emodin structure, it is reasonable to expect that analogues with significantly improved anti-HCoV-NL63 activity and lowered toxicity may thus be generated.
A Metastable p-Type Semiconductor as a Defect-Tolerant Photoelectrode
Authors: Sohag Zahirul , O’Donnell Shaun , Fuoco Lindsay , Maggard Paul A.
Published: November 2021

A p-type Cu3Ta7O19 semiconductor was synthesized using a CuCl flux-based approach and investigated for its crystalline structure and photoelectrochemical properties. The semiconductor was found to be metastable, i.e., thermodynamically unstable, and to slowly oxidize at its surfaces upon heating in air, yielding CuO as nano-sized islands. However, the bulk crystalline structure was maintained, with up to 50% Cu(I)-vacancies and a concomitant oxidation of the Cu(I) to Cu(II) cations within the structure. Thermogravimetric and magnetic susceptibility measurements showed the formation of increasing amounts of Cu(II) cations, according to the following reaction: Cu3Ta7O19 + x/2 O2 → Cu(3−x)Ta7O19 + x CuO (surface) (x = 0 to ~0.8). With minor amounts of surface oxidation, the cathodic photocurrents of the polycrystalline films increase significantly, from <0.1 mA cm−2 up to >0.5 mA cm−2, under visible-light irradiation (pH = 6.3; irradiant powder density of ~500 mW cm−2) at an applied bias of −0.6 V vs. SCE. Electronic structure calculations revealed that its defect tolerance arises from the antibonding nature of its valence band edge, with the formation of defect states in resonance with the valence band, rather than as mid-gap states that function as recombination centers. Thus, the metastable Cu(I)-containing semiconductor was demonstrated to possess a high defect tolerance, which facilitates its high cathodic photocurrents.
New Kendomycin Derivative Isolated from Streptomyces sp. Cl 58-27
Authors: Paulus Constanze , Gromyko Oleksandr , Luzhetskyy Andriy
Published: November 2021

In the course of screening new streptomycete strains, the strain Streptomyces sp. Cl 58-27 caught our attention due to its interesting secondary metabolite production profile. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of an ansamycin natural product that belongs structurally to the already known kendomycins. The structure of the new kendomycin E was elucidated using NMR spectroscopy, and the corresponding biosynthetic gene cluster was identified by sequencing the genome of Streptomyces sp. Cl 58-27 and conducting a detailed analysis of secondary metabolism gene clusters using bioinformatic tools.
Prunetin 4′-O-Phosphate, a Novel Compound, in RAW 264.7 Macrophages Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Activity via Suppression of MAP Kinases and the NFκB Pathway
Authors: Park Tae-Jin , Hong Hyehyun , Kim Min-Seon , Park Jin-Soo , Chi Won-Jae , Kim Seung-Young
Published: November 2021

Biorenovation, a microbial enzyme-assisted degradation process of precursor compounds, is an effective approach to unraveling the potential bioactive properties of the derived compounds. In this study, we obtained a new compound, prunetin 4′-O-phosphate (P4P), through the biorenovation of prunetin (PRN), and investigated its anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. The anti-inflammatory effect of P4P was evaluated by measuring the production of prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2), nitric oxide (NO), which is an inflammation-inducing factor, and related cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interleukin-1β (IL1β), and interleukin-6 (IL6). The findings demonstrated that P4P was non-toxic to cells, and its inhibition of the secretion of NO—as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines—was concentration-dependent. A simultaneous reduction in the protein expression level of pro-inflammatory proteins such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was observed. Moreover, the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) such as extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 MAPK (p38), and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) was downregulated. To conclude, we report that biorenovation-based phosphorylation of PRN improved its anti-inflammatory activity. Cell-based in vitro assays further confirmed that P4P could be applied in the development of anti-inflammatory therapeutics.
Enhanced Efficiency of the Removal of Cytostatic Anthracycline Drugs Using Immobilized Mycelium of Bjerkandera adusta CCBAS 930
Authors: Rybczyńska-Tkaczyk Kamila
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioremoval of anthracycline antibiotics (daunomycin-DNR, doxorubicin–DOX, and mitoxantrone-MTX) by immobilized mycelium of B. adusta CCBAS 930. The activity of oxidoreductases: versatile peroxidases (VP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glucose oxidase (GOX), and the levels of phenolic compounds (PhC) and free radicals (SOR) were determined during the biotransformation of anthracyclines by B. adusta strain CCBAS 930. Moreover, the phytotoxicity (Lepidium sativum L.), biotoxicity (MARA assay), and genotoxicity of anthracyclines were evaluated after biological treatment. After 120 h, more than 90% of anthracyclines were removed by the immobilized mycelium of B. adusta CCBAS 930. The effective biotransformation of anthracyclines was correlated with detoxification and reduced genotoxicity.
The Evolution and Future of Targeted Cancer Therapy: From Nanoparticles, Oncolytic Viruses, and Oncolytic Bacteria to the Treatment of Solid Tumors
Authors: Pierce Kyle M. , Miklavcic William R. , Cook Kyle P. , Hennen Mikayla Sweitzer , Bayles Kenneth W. , Hollingsworth Michael A. , Brooks Amanda E. , Pullan Jessica E. , Dailey Kaitlin M.
Published: November 2021

While many classes of chemotherapeutic agents exist to treat solid tumors, few can generate a lasting response without substantial off-target toxicity despite significant scientific advancements and investments. In this review, the paths of development for nanoparticles, oncolytic viruses, and oncolytic bacteria over the last 20 years of research towards clinical translation and acceptance as novel cancer therapeutics are compared. Novel nanoparticle, oncolytic virus, and oncolytic bacteria therapies all start with a common goal of accomplishing therapeutic drug activity or delivery to a specific site while avoiding off-target effects, with overlapping methodology between all three modalities. Indeed, the degree of overlap is substantial enough that breakthroughs in one therapeutic could have considerable implications on the progression of the other two. Each oncotherapeutic modality has accomplished clinical translation, successfully overcoming the potential pitfalls promising therapeutics face. However, once studies enter clinical trials, the data all but disappears, leaving pre-clinical researchers largely in the dark. Overall, the creativity, flexibility, and innovation of these modalities for solid tumor treatments are greatly encouraging, and usher in a new age of pharmaceutical development.
A Redox-Mediator-Integrated Flexible Micro-Supercapacitor with Improved Energy Storage Capability and Suppressed Self-Discharge Rate
Authors: Wi Sung Min , Kim Jihong , Lee Suok , Choi Yu-Rim , Kim Sung Hoon , Park Jong Bae , Cho Younghyun , Ahn Wook , Jang A-Rang , Hong John , Lee Young-Woo
Published: November 2021

To effectively improve the energy density and reduce the self-discharging rate of micro-supercapacitors, an advanced strategy is required. In this study, we developed a hydroquinone (HQ)-based polymer-gel electrolyte (HQ-gel) for micro-supercapacitors. The introduced HQ redox mediators (HQ-RMs) in the gel electrolyte composites underwent additional Faradaic redox reactions and synergistically increased the overall energy density of the micro-supercapacitors. Moreover, the HQ-RMs in the gel electrolyte weakened the self-discharging behavior by providing a strong binding attachment of charged ions on the porous graphitized carbon electrodes after the redox reactions. The micro-supercapacitors with HQ gel (HQ-MSCs) showed excellent energy storage performance, including a high energy volumetric capacitance of 255 mF cm−3 at a current of 1 µA, which is 2.7 times higher than the micro-supercapacitors based on bare-gel electrolyte composites without HQ-RMs (b-MSCs). The HQ-MSCs showed comparatively low self-discharging behavior with an open circuit potential drop of 37% compared to the b-MSCs with an open circuit potential drop of 60% after 2000 s. The assembled HQ-MSCs exhibited high mechanical flexibility over the applied external tensile and compressive strains. Additionally, the HQ-MSCs show the adequate circuit compatibility within series and parallel connections and the good cycling performance of capacitance retention of 95% after 3000 cycles.