bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-Silico Conceptualisation of Continuous Millifluidic Separators for Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Wen Yanzhe , Jiang Dai , Gavriilidis Asterios , Besenhard Maximilian O.
Published: November 2021

Magnetic nanoparticles are researched intensively not only for biomedical applications, but also for industrial applications including wastewater treatment and catalytic processes. Although these particles have been shown to have interesting surface properties in their bare form, their magnetisation remains a key feature, as it allows for magnetic separation. This makes them a promising carrier for precious materials and enables recovery via magnetic fields that can be turned on and off on demand, rather than using complex (nano)filtration strategies. However, designing a magnetic separator is by no means trivial, as the magnetic field and its gradient, the separator dimensions, the particle properties (such as size and susceptibility), and the throughput must be coordinated. This is showcased here for a simple continuous electromagnetic separator design requiring no expensive materials or equipment and facilitating continuous operation. The continuous electromagnetic separator chosen was based on a current-carrying wire in the centre of a capillary, which generated a radially symmetric magnetic field that could be described using cylindrical coordinates. The electromagnetic separator design was tested in-silico using a Lagrangian particle-tracking model accounting for hydrodynamics, magnetophoresis, as well as particle diffusion. This computational approach enabled the determination of separation efficiencies for varying particle sizes, magnetic field strengths, separator geometries, and flow rates, which provided insights into the complex interplay between these design parameters. In addition, the model identified the separator design allowing for the highest separation efficiency and determined the retention potential in both single and multiple separators in series. The work demonstrated that throughputs of ~1/4 L/h could be achieved for 250–500 nm iron oxide nanoparticle solutions, using less than 10 separator units in series.
The Role of Blood Clot in Guided Bone Regeneration: Biological Considerations and Clinical Applications with Titanium Foil
Authors: Milillo Lucio , Cinone Fabrizio , Lo Presti Federico , Lauritano Dorina , Petruzzi Massimo
Published: November 2021

In Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) materials and techniques are essential to achieve the expected results. Thanks to their properties, blood clots induce bone healing, maturation, differentiation and organization. The preferred material to protect the clot in Guided Bone Regeneration is the titanium foil, as it can be shaped according to the bone defect. Furthermore, its exposition in the oral cavity does not impair the procedure. We report on five clinical cases in order to explain the management of blood clots in combination with titanium foil barriers in different clinical settings. Besides being the best choice to protect the clot, the titanium foil represents an excellent barrier that is useful in GBR due to its biocompatibility, handling, and mechanical strength properties. The clot alone is the best natural scaffold to obtain the ideal bone quality and avoid the persistence of not-resorbed granules of filler materials in the newly regenerated bone. Even though clot contraction still needs to be improved, as it impacts the volume of the regenerated bone, future studies in GBR should be inspired by the clot and its fundamental properties.
Rapid Calculation of Residual Stresses in Dissimilar S355–AA6082 Butt Welds
Authors: Leoni Francesco , Fjær Hallvard Gustav , Ferro Paolo , Berto Filippo
Published: November 2021

An analytical model is proposed to rapidly capture the thermal and residual stresses values induced by the hybrid metal extrusion and bonding (HYB) process on dissimilar-metal butt-welded joints. The power input for two welding velocities is first assessed using a thermal–mechanical model solved by a heat generation routine written in MATLAB code. Subsequently, the obtained temperature history is used as input to solve the equilibrium and compatibility equations formulated to calculate the thermal and residual stresses. To verify the soundness of the analytical approach, a Finite Element numerical model of the entire process is carried out and results are compared with those coming from the proposed rapid method. It is found that the degree of accuracy reached by the analytical model is excellent, especially considering the tremendous time reduction when compared to that characterizing the standard numerical approach.
Efficient Design of Thin Wall Seating Made of a Single Piece of Heavy-Duty Corrugated Cardboard
Authors: Suarez Berta , Muneta Luisa M. , Romero Gregorio , Sanz-Bobi Juan D.
Published: November 2021

Corrugated cardboard has waved cores with small flutes that prevent the use of detailed numerical models of whole structures. Many homogenization methods in the literature overcome this drawback by defining equivalent homogeneous plates with the same mechanical behaviour at a macro-mechanical scale. However, few homogenization works have considered complete structures, focusing mainly on beams or plates. For the first time, this study explores the application of homogenization approaches to larger structures as an aid in their design process. We also considered triple-wall boards rather than single- and double-wall configurations commonly addressed in the literature. To this end, we adapted the homogenization methods proposed by Talbi and Duong to analyze thin-walled stools made of triple-wall corrugated cardboard. Using a progressive design process, we performed an efficient stool design by removing material zones with lower stresses, with 35% less material, 35% lower vertical deflections, and 66% lower stresses than the initial design. Unlike other corrugated cardboard stools, this design comprises just one folded piece instead of three, thus saving storage space. These results demonstrate the utility of homogenization techniques as an aid in the design process of whole structures made of corrugated cardboard. Further research will consider buckling analysis.
Effect of Calcination Temperature on the Phase Composition, Morphology, and Thermal Properties of ZrO2 and Al2O3 Modified with APTES (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane)
Authors: Nakonieczny Damian S. , Kern Frank , Dufner Lukas , Dubiel Agnieszka , Antonowicz Magdalena , Matus Krzysztof
Published: November 2021

This paper describes the effect of calcination temperature on the phase composition, chemical composition, and morphology of ZrO2 and Al2O3 powders modified with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). Both ceramic powders were modified by etching in piranha solution, neutralization in ammonia water, reaction with APTES, ultrasonication, and finally calcination at 250, 350, or 450 °C. The obtained modified powders were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, particle size distribution (PSD), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
Solid Propellant Formulations: A Review of Recent Progress and Utilized Components
Authors: Lysien Kinga , Stolarczyk Agnieszka , Jarosz Tomasz
Published: November 2021

The latest developments in solid propellants and their components are summarized. Particular attention is given to emerging energetic binders and novel, ‘green’ oxidizing agents and their use in propellant formulations. A brief overview of the latest reports on fuel additives is included. Finally, a summary of the state of the art and challenges in its development are speculated on.
An Attention-Based Generative Adversarial Network for Producing Illustrative Sketches
Authors: Yeom Jihyeon , Yang Heekyung , Min Kyungha
Published: November 2021

An illustrative sketch style expresses important shapes and regions of objects and scenes with salient lines and dark tones, while abstracting less important shapes and regions as vacant spaces. We present a framework that produces illustrative sketch styles from various photographs. Our framework is designed using a generative adversarial network (GAN), which comprised four modules: a style extraction module, a generator module, a discriminator module and RCCL module. We devise two key ideas to effectively extract illustrative sketch styles from sample artworks and to apply them to input photographs. The first idea is using an attention map that extracts the required style features from important shapes and regions of sample illustrative sketch styles. This attention map is used in the generator module of our framework for the effective production of illustrative sketch styles. The second idea is using a relaxed cycle consistency loss that evaluates the quality of the produced illustrative sketch styles by comparing images that are reconstructed from the produced illustrative sketch styles and the input photographs. This relaxed cycle consistency loss focuses on the comparison of important shapes and regions for an effective evaluation of the quality of the produced illustrative sketch styles. Our GAN-based framework with an attention map and a relaxed cycle consistency loss effectively produces illustrative sketch styles on various target photographs, including portraits, landscapes, and still lifes. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework through a human study, ablation study, and Frechet Inception Distance evaluation.
Multivariate Decomposition of Acoustic Signals in Dispersive Channels
Authors: Brajović Miloš , Stanković Isidora , Lerga Jonatan , Ioana Cornel , Zdravevski Eftim , Daković Miloš
Published: November 2021

We present a signal decomposition procedure, which separates modes into individual components while preserving their integrity, in effort to tackle the challenges related to the characterization of modes in an acoustic dispersive environment. With this approach, each mode can be analyzed and processed individually, which carries opportunities for new insights into their characterization possibilities. The proposed methodology is based on the eigenanalysis of the autocorrelation matrix of the analyzed signal. When eigenvectors of this matrix are properly linearly combined, each signal component can be separately reconstructed. A proper linear combination is determined based on the minimization of concentration measures calculated exploiting time-frequency representations. In this paper, we engage a steepest-descent-like algorithm for the minimization process. Numerical results support the theory and indicate the applicability of the proposed methodology in the decomposition of acoustic signals in dispersive channels.
Intelligent Ensemble Learning Approach for Phishing Website Detection Based on Weighted Soft Voting
Authors: Taha Altyeb
Published: November 2021

The continuous development of network technologies plays a major role in increasing the utilization of these technologies in many aspects of our lives, including e-commerce, electronic banking, social media, e-health, and e-learning. In recent times, phishing websites have emerged as a major cybersecurity threat. Phishing websites are fake web pages that are created by hackers to mimic the web pages of real websites to deceive people and steal their private information, such as account usernames and passwords. Accurate detection of phishing websites is a challenging problem because it depends on several dynamic factors. Ensemble methods are considered the state-of-the-art solution for many classification tasks. Ensemble learning combines the predictions of several separate classifiers to obtain a higher performance than a single classifier. This paper proposes an intelligent ensemble learning approach for phishing website detection based on weighted soft voting to enhance the detection of phishing websites. First, a base classifier consisting of four heterogeneous machine-learning algorithms was utilized to classify the websites as phishing or legitimate websites. Second, a novel weighted soft voting method based on Kappa statistics was employed to assign greater weights of influence to stronger base learners and lower weights of influence to weaker base learners, and then integrate the results of each classifier based on the soft weighted voting to differentiate between phishing websites and legitimate websites. The experiments were conducted using the publicly available phishing website dataset from the UCI Machine Learning Repository, which consists of 4898 phishing websites and 6157 legitimate websites. The experimental results showed that the suggested intelligent approach for phishing website detection outperformed the base classifiers and soft voting method and achieved the highest accuracy of 95% and an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 98.8%.
On a Nonlocal Boundary Value Problem of a State-Dependent Differential Equation
Authors: El-Sayed Ahmed , Hamdallah Eman , Ebead Hanaa
Published: November 2021

In this paper, the existence of absolutely continuous solutions and some properties will be studied for a nonlocal boundary value problem of a state-dependent differential equation. The infinite-point boundary condition and the Riemann–Stieltjes integral condition will also be considered. Some examples will be provided to illustrate our results.
Gloeothece sp.—Exploiting a New Source of Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antitumor Agents
Authors: Amaro Helena M. , Barros Rita , Tavares Tânia , Almeida Raquel , Pinto Isabel Sousa , Malcata Francisco Xavier , Guedes Ana Catarina
Published: November 2021

Bioactive lipidic compounds of microalgae, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and carotenoids, can avoid or treat oxidation-associated conditions and diseases like inflammation or cancer. This study aimed to assess the bioactive potential of lipidic extracts obtained from Gloeothece sp.–using Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) solvents like ethanol, acetone, hexane:isopropanol (3:2) (HI) and ethyl lactate. The bioactive potential of extracts was assessed in terms of antioxidant (ABTS•+, DPPH•, •NO and O2•assays), anti-inflammatory (HRBC membrane stabilization and Cox-2 screening assay), and antitumor capacity (death by TUNEL, and anti-proliferative by BrdU incorporation assay in AGS cancer cells); while its composition was characterized in terms of carotenoids and fatty acids, by HPLC-DAD and GC-FID methods, respectively. Results revealed a chemopreventive potential of the HI extract owing to its ability to: (I) scavenge -NO• radical (IC50, 1258 ± 0.353 µg·mL−1); (II) inhibit 50% of COX-2 expression at 130.2 ± 7.4 µg·mL−1; (III) protect 61.6 ± 9.2% of lysosomes from heat damage, and (IV) induce AGS cell death by 4.2-fold and avoid its proliferation up to 40% in a concentration of 23.2 ± 1.9 µg·mL−1. Hence, Gloeothece sp. extracts, namely HI, were revealed to have the potential to be used for nutraceutical purposes.
Beneficial Effects of Robot-Assisted Gait Training on Functional Recovery in Women after Stroke: A Cohort Study
Authors: Lamberti Nicola , Manfredini Fabio , Lissom Luc Oscar , Lavezzi Susanna , Basaglia Nino , Straudi Sofia
Published: November 2021

Background and Objectives: Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) could be a rehabilitation option for patients after experiencing a stroke. This study aims to determine the sex-related response to robot-assisted gait training in a cohort of subacute stroke patients considering mixed results previously reported. Materials and Methods: In this study, 236 participants (145 males, 91 females) were admitted to a rehabilitation facility after experiencing a stroke and performed RAGT within a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Functional Ambulatory Category (FAC) were assessed at admission and discharge to determine sex-related outcomes. Results: At the baseline, no significant difference among sexes was observed. At the end of rehabilitation, both males and females exhibited significant improvements in FIM (71% of males and 80% of females reaching the MCID cut-off value) and FAC (∆score: men 1.9 ± 1.0; women 2.1 ± 1.1). A more remarkable improvement was observed in women of the whole population during the study, but statistical significance was not reached. When analysing the FAC variations with respect to the total number of RAGT sessions, a more significant improvement was observed in women than men (p = 0.025). Conclusion: In conclusion, among subacute stroke patients, benefits were observed following RAGT during a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program in both sexes. A greater significant recovery for women with an ischemic stroke or concerning the number of sessions attended was also highlighted. The use of gait robotics for female patients may favour a selective functional recovery after stroke.
Applications of Nisin and EDTA in Food Packaging for Improving Fabricated Chitosan-Polylactate Plastic Film Performance and Fish Fillet Preservation
Authors: Chang Shun-Hsien , Chen Ying-Ju , Tseng Hsiang-Jung , Hsiao Hsin-I , Chai Huey-Jine , Shang Kuo-Chung , Pan Chorng-Liang , Tsai Guo-Jane
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to increase the antibacterial activity of chitosan-polylactic acid (PLA) composite film by adding nisin and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). We evaluated the mechanical, physicochemical, and antibacterial properties of various PLA composite films, as well as the enhancement effect of PLA composite films with EDTA + nisin on the preservation of grouper fillets. Films of PLA alone, PLA plus chitosan (C5), PLA plus nisin + EDTA (EN2), and PLA plus chitosan plus nisin + EDTA (C5EN1 and C5EN2) were prepared. The addition of EDTA + nisin to the chitosan-PLA matrix significantly improved the antibacterial activity of the PLA composite film, with C5EN1 and C5EN2 films showing the highest antibacterial activity among the five films. Compared with the fish samples covered by C5, the counts of several microbial categories (i.e., mesophilic bacteria, psychrotrophic bacteria, coliforms, Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, and Vibrio) and total volatile basic nitrogen content in fish were significantly reduced in the samples covered by C5EN1. In addition, the counts of samples covered by C5EN1 or C5 were significantly lower compared to the uncovered and PLA film-covered samples.
Optimization of the Microwave-Assisted Carbothermical Reduction Process for Metals from Electric Arc Furnace Dust with Biochar
Authors: Anzulevich Anton , Butko Leonid , Kalganov Dmitrii , Pavlov Dmitrii , Tolkachev Valentin , Fedii Alexander , Buchelnikov Vasiliy , Peng Zhiwei
Published: November 2021

The main purpose of this work was to extract valuable metals from EAF dust with the addition of biochar, using microwaves to control and optimize the carbothermical reduction process. To achieve better microwave penetration and the most homogeneous electromagnetic heat source distribution possible in a sample, the content of EAF dust and biochar in centimeter-size spherical particles prepared by the pelletization process was considered to be radially heterogeneous. The content of EAF dust was determined experimentally and the effective permittivity, permeability, and thermal conductivity of the EAF dust as well as biochar–EAF powder mixture were determined using effective medium approximation. The microwave heating of a multilayered pellet of biochar-containing EAF dust was simulated and investigated. The influence of the distribution of the components within the pellet on the effectiveness of the microwave heating was investigated, as was the influence of the biochar conductivity. The interaction of the pellet with both plane waves in free space and with H10 mode waves in a single-mode waveguide was considered. The most optimal distribution of EAF dust and biochar within the pellet for the reduction process was determined.
Microstructure Features and Superplasticity of Extruded, Rolled and SPD-Processed Magnesium Alloys: A Short Review
Authors: Malik Abdul , Masood Chaudry Umer , Hamad Kotiba , Jun Tea-Sung
Published: November 2021

In this study, an overview of microstructure features such as grain size, grain structure, texture and its impact on strain rate sensitivity, strain hardening index, activation energy and thermal stability for achieving superplasticity of Mg alloys are presented. The deformation behavior under different strain rates and temperatures was also elaborated. For high elongation to fracture grain boundary sliding, grain boundary diffusion is the dominant deformation mechanism. In contrast, for low-temperature and high strain rate superplasticity, grain boundary sliding and solute drag creep mechanism or viscous glide dislocation followed by GBS are the dominant deformations. In addition, the results of different studies were compared, and optimal strain rate and temperature were diagnosed for achieving excellent high strain rate superplasticity.
Numerical Model Simulation of the Double-Roll Rotary Forging of Large Diameter Thin-Walled Disk
Authors: Yu Zhongquan , Chen Mingchao , Ma Chong , Luo Site , Zhu Chundong
Published: November 2021

Double-roll rotary forging is an emerging plastic forming technology based on rotary forging. Owing to the advantages of being labor-saving, a small eccentric load, low noise and vibration, good uniformity, high surface quality, and material saving, it is very promising for the fabrication of large diameter thin-walled disks. To date, little relevant research on the double-roll rotary forging technology of large diameter thin-walled metal disks has been reported, and the deformation characteristic and the influence of three key parameters on the double-roll rotary forging process remain uninvestigated. Herein, a reasonable 3D rigid-plastic numerical model of the double-roll rotary forging of a disk workpiece is established under the Deform software environment. Based on the valid 3D numerical model, the deformation mechanism, and the effective laws of three key parameters (feed rate v of the lower die, rotational speed n of the upper die, and the initial temperature T of the disk workpiece) on the metal flow and force and power parameters in the double-roll rotary forging process have been explored. The research results provide valuable guidelines for a better understanding of double-roll rotary forging for the fabrication of large diameter thin-walled disks.
Hot Rolling of the Twin-Roll Cast and Homogenized Mg-6.8Y-2.5Zn (WZ73) Magnesium Alloy Containing LPSO Structures
Authors: Ullmann Madlen , Kittner Kristina , Prahl Ulrich
Published: November 2021

In this study, hot rolling trials were conducted on a twin-roll cast and homogenized magnesium alloy Mg-6.8Y-2.5Zn (WZ73). The WZ73 contains long period stacking ordered (LPSO) structures due to the ratio of Y and Zn content. Microstructural and texture evolution depending on the different strain and strain rates were investigated, and the resulting mechanical properties were also considered. Therefore, samples were quenched in water directly after hot rolling. The results revealed that the rolling parameters significantly influence dynamic recrystallization (DRX), while continuous and twin-induced dynamic recrystallization are assumed to be the main DRX mechanisms. It was also found that high strains and strain rates are required to proceed the DRX. The resulting textures revealed that the non-basal slip of -dislocations and -dislocations is activated during hot rolling. Hot rolling results in increased strength and ductility compared to the initial twin-roll cast and homogenized state.
New Analyzing Approaches for In Situ Interdiffusion Experiments to Determine Concentration-Dependent Diffusion Coefficients in Liquid Al–Au
Authors: Schiller Toni , Sondermann Elke , Meyer Andreas
Published: November 2021

Interdiffusion coefficients are key parameters for the solidification process of liquid alloys. However, the determination of interdiffusion coefficients in liquid metals at high temperatures is a challenging and extensive task, due to a variety of potential systematic errors. In recent years we have developed an X-ray in situ shear cell method for the measurement of interdiffusion coefficients in binary metallic melts. This technique enables the monitoring of the experiment in order to exclude fatal errors. Utilizing X-ray contrast, the method also provides a time-resolved concentration distribution. Such an in situ data set contains significantly more information than ex situ evaluated experiments. Available analyzing strategies do not fully exploit this potential yet. We present three new analyzing approaches that are able to retrieve a concentration-dependent interdiffusion coefficient from only one in situ data set. In that way, larger concentration differences become accessible for an experiment, which considerably decreases efforts. Using simulations, the approaches are checked for robustness. Furthermore, the approaches are run on real in situ data from a binary (0 to 9 at% Au-content) Al–Au alloy at 1000 °C which results in a concentration-dependent interdiffusion coefficient within the measured concentration range.
The Effect of Anodization on the Mechanical Properties of AA6061 Produced by Additive Friction Stir-Deposition
Authors: Zhu Ning , Avery Dustin Z. , Rutherford Ben A. , Phillips Brandon J. , Allison Paul G. , Jordon J. Brian , Brewer Luke N.
Published: November 2021

This paper examines the impact of oxide coatings on the surfaces of feedstock material used for Additive Friction Stir-Deposition (AFS-D). The AFS-D is a solid-state additive manufacturing process that uses severe plastic deformation and frictional heating to build bulk depositions from either metallic rod or powder feedstock. Since aluminum alloys naturally form an oxide layer, it is important to determine the influence of the feedstock surface oxide layer on the resultant as-deposited microstructure and mechanical properties. In this study, three AA6061 square-rod feedstock materials were used, each with a different thickness of aluminum oxide coating: non-anodized, 10-micron thick, and 68-micron thick. Macroscale depositions were produced with these feedstock rods using the AFS-D process. Optical and electron microscopy showed that the two oxide coatings applied through anodization were efficiently dispersed during the AFS-D process, with oxide particles distributed throughout the microstructure. These oxide particles had median sizes of 1.8 and 3 μm2, respectively. The yield and tensile strengths of these materials were not measurably impacted by the thickness of the starting oxide coating. While all three feedstock material variations failed by ductile rupture, the elongation-to-failure did decrease from 68% to 55% in the longitudinal direction and from 60% to 43% in the build direction for the thickest initial oxide coating, 68 microns.
Extrusion-Based 3D Printing of CuSn10 Bronze Parts: Production and Characterization
Authors: Kılınç Ahmet Çağrı , Goktas Ali Aydın , Keskin Özgür Yasin , Köktaş Serhan
Published: November 2021

The interest in producing cost-effective 3D printed metallic materials is increasing day by day. One of these methods, which has gained much attention recently, is the fused deposition modelling (FDM) method. The parameters used in the FDM method have significant effects on the printed part properties. In this study, CuSn10 bronze alloy was successfully produced. The printing speed and layer thickness were investigated as the printing process parameters, and their effect on morphological properties was characterized by using SEM. As a result, it was observed that the formation of printing-induced voids was prevented by applying a layer thickness of 0.2 mm. Additionally, by increasing printing speed, a slight decrease in product density was observed. Following determination of 3D printing parameters which give the highest printed part density, the parts were debound in hexane solution via solvent debinding. Finally, the parts were sintered at 850, 875 and 900 °C for 5 h to examine effect of sintering temperature on density, porosity, shape deformation and mechanical properties. Although partial slumping started to form over 875 °C, the highest density (94.19% of theoretical density) and strength (212 ± 17.72 MPa) were obtained by using 900 °C as the sintering temperature.
Grapevine and Wine Metabolomics-Based Guidelines for FAIR Data and Metadata Management
Authors: Savoi Stefania , Arapitsas Panagiotis , Duchêne Éric , Nikolantonaki Maria , Ontañón Ignacio , Carlin Silvia , Schwander Florian , Gougeon Régis D. , Ferreira António César Silva , Theodoridis Georgios , Töpfer Reinhard , Vrhovsek Urska , Adam-Blondon Anne-Francoise , Pezzotti Mario , Mattivi Fulvio
Published: November 2021

In the era of big and omics data, good organization, management, and description of experimental data are crucial for achieving high-quality datasets. This, in turn, is essential for the export of robust results, to publish reliable papers, make data more easily available, and unlock the huge potential of data reuse. Lately, more and more journals now require authors to share data and metadata according to the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles. This work aims to provide a step-by-step guideline for the FAIR data and metadata management specific to grapevine and wine science. In detail, the guidelines include recommendations for the organization of data and metadata regarding (i) meaningful information on experimental design and phenotyping, (ii) sample collection, (iii) sample preparation, (iv) chemotype analysis, (v) data analysis (vi) metabolite annotation, and (vii) basic ontologies. We hope that these guidelines will be helpful for the grapevine and wine metabolomics community and that it will benefit from the true potential of data usage in creating new knowledge being revealed.
Metabolomics-Microbiome Crosstalk in the Breast Cancer Microenvironment
Authors: Al-Ansari Mysoon M. , AlMalki Reem H. , Dahabiyeh Lina A. , Abdel Rahman Anas M.
Published: November 2021

Breast cancer, the most frequent cancer diagnosed among females, is associated with a high mortality rate worldwide. Alterations in the microbiota have been linked with breast cancer development, suggesting the possibility of discovering disease biomarkers. Metabolomics has emerged as an advanced promising analytical approach for profiling metabolic features associated with breast cancer subtypes, disease progression, and response to treatment. The microenvironment compromises non-cancerous cells such as fibroblasts and influences cancer progression with apparent phenotypes. This review discusses the role of metabolomics in studying metabolic dysregulation in breast cancer caused by the effect of the tumor microenvironment on multiple cells such as immune cells, fibroblasts, adipocytes, etc. Breast tumor cells have a unique metabolic profile through the elevation of glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolism. This metabolic profile is highly sensitive to microbiota activity in the breast tissue microenvironment. Metabolomics shows great potential as a tool for monitoring metabolic dysregulation in tissue and associating the findings with microbiome expression.
Knowledge-Driven Manufacturing Process Innovation: A Case Study on Problem Solving in Micro-Turbine Machining
Authors: Zhang Dong , Wang Gangfeng , Xin Yupeng , Shi Xiaolin , Evans Richard , Guo Biao , Huang Pu
Published: November 2021

Micromachining techniques have been applied widely to many industrial sectors, including aerospace, automotive, and precision instruments. However, due to their high-precision machining requirements, and the knowledge-intensive characteristics of miniaturized parts, complex manufacturing process problems often hinder production. To solve these problems, a systematic scheme for structured micromachining process problem solving and an innovation support system is required. This paper presents a knowledge-based holistic framework that enables process planners to achieve micromachining innovation design. By analyzing innovation design procedures and available knowledge sources, an open multi-source Machining Process Innovation Knowledge (MPIK) acquisition paradigm is presented, including knowledge units and a knowledge network. Further, a MPIK network-driven structured process problem-solving and heuristic innovation design method was explored. Subsequently, a knowledge-driven heuristic design system for machining process innovation was integrated in the Computer-Aided Process Innovation (CAPI) platform. Finally, a case study involving specific process problem-solving and innovation scheme design for micro-turbine machining was studied to validate the proposed approach.
Research Progress of Microtransfer Printing Technology for Flexible Electronic Integrated Manufacturing
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhang Chong , Tan Zheng , Tang Jingrong , Yao Chi , Hao Bo
Published: November 2021

In recent years, with the rapid development of the flexible electronics industry, there is an urgent need for a large-area, multilayer, and high-production integrated manufacturing technology for scalable and flexible electronic products. To solve this technical demand, researchers have proposed and developed microtransfer printing technology, which picks up and prints inks in various material forms from the donor substrate to the target substrate, successfully realizing the integrated manufacturing of flexible electronic products. This review retrospects the representative research progress of microtransfer printing technology for the production of flexible electronic products and emphasizes the summary of seal materials, the basic principles of various transfer technology and fracture mechanics models, and the influence of different factors on the transfer effect. In the end, the unique functions, technical features, and related printing examples of each technology are concluded and compared, and the prospects of further research work on microtransfer printing technology is finally presented.
Research on Fano Resonance Sensing Characteristics Based on Racetrack Resonant Cavity
Authors: Yu Yaxin , Cui Jiangong , Liu Guochang , Zhao Rongyu , Zhu Min , Zhang Guojun , Zhang Wendong
Published: November 2021

To reduce the loss of the metal–insulator–metal waveguide structure in the near-infrared region, a plasmonic nanosensor structure based on a racetrack resonant cavity is proposed herein. Through finite element simulation, the transmission spectra of the sensor under different size parameters were analyzed, and its influence on the sensing characteristics of the system was examined. The analysis results show that the structure can excite the double Fano resonance, which has a distinctive dependence on the size parameters of the sensor. The position and line shape of the resonance peak can be adjusted by changing the key parameters. In addition, the sensor has a higher sensitivity, which can reach 1503.7 nm/RIU when being used in refractive index sensing; the figure of merit is 26.8, and it can reach 0.75 nm/°C when it is used in temperature sensing. This structure can be used in optical integrated circuits, especially high-sensitivity nanosensors.
Bioremediation of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Seawater: Prospects of Using Lyophilized Native Hydrocarbon-Degrading Bacteria
Authors: Perdigão Rafaela , Almeida C. Marisa R. , Magalhães Catarina , Ramos Sandra , Carolas Ana L. , Ferreira Bruno S. , Carvalho Maria F. , Mucha Ana P.
Published: November 2021

This work aimed to develop a bioremediation product of lyophilized native bacteria to respond to marine oil spills. Three oil-degrading bacterial strains (two strains of Rhodococcus erythropolis and one Pseudomonas sp.), isolated from the NW Portuguese coast, were selected for lyophilization after biomass growth optimization (tested with alternative carbon sources). Results indicated that the bacterial strains remained viable after the lyophilization process, without losing their biodegradation potential. The biomass/petroleum ratio was optimized, and the bioremediation efficiency of the lyophilized bacterial consortium was tested in microcosms with natural seawater and petroleum. An acceleration of the natural oil degradation process was observed, with an increased abundance of oil-degraders after 24 h, an emulsion of the oil/water layer after 7 days, and an increased removal of total petroleum hydrocarbons (47%) after 15 days. This study provides an insight into the formulation and optimization of lyophilized bacterial agents for application in autochthonous oil bioremediation.
Age-Dependent Serotype-Associated Case-Fatality Rate in Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in the Autonomous Community of Madrid between 2007 and 2020
Authors: De Miguel Sara , Latasa Pello , Yuste José , García Luis , Ordobás María , Ramos Belén , Pérez Marta , Ortiz Maira Alejandra , Sanz Juan Carlos
Published: November 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the serotype-associated fatality rate in cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in the Spanish region of Madrid between 2007 and 2020. Serotyping was performed by Pneumotest Latex and the Quellung reaction using commercial antisera. Case-fatality rate was estimated as the ratio between the number of deaths at hospital discharge and the number of cases attributable to each serotype. To evaluate the association measures, the odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval were calculated. Twenty five pneumococcal serotypes were associated to mortality and comprised 87.8% of the total number of isolates characterized. Serotypes 8, 3, 19A, 1, 7F, 22F, 12F, and 11A were the most prevalent (≥3% each). Serotypes 31, 11A, and 19F were significantly associated to high case-fatality rates (>20% each). The lower significantly associated case-fatality rate (<10% each) was found in serotypes 5, 1, 12B, 7F, 12F, 8, 33, and 10A. The serotypes with higher mortality levels (≥0.04 per 100,000 population) were 11A (fatality 24.0%), 3 (fatality 18.7%), 19A (fatality 12.5%), and 8 (fatality 7.2%). Serotype 3 was worrisome because it is associated with important fatality levels combined with very high incidence and mortality rates. Serotype 11A also showed a high fatality with marked incidence and mortality levels. Some few frequent serotypes as 31, 19F, and 15A despite its high fatality had low levels of mortality. By contrast other serotypes as 8 showing low fatality had high mortality ranges because it shows a wide extended distribution. Finally, common serotypes, such as 1 and 5, presented small mortality length, due to their low case-fatality rates.
Characterization of Yeasts Isolated from Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Natural Whey Starter: From Spoilage Agents to Potential Cell Factories for Whey Valorization
Authors: Martini Serena , Bonazzi Mattia , Malorgio Ilaria , Pizzamiglio Valentina , Tagliazucchi Davide , Solieri Lisa
Published: November 2021

Whey is the main byproduct of the dairy industry and contains sugars (lactose) and proteins (especially serum proteins and, at lesser extent, residual caseins), which can be valorized by the fermentative action of yeasts. In the present study, we characterized the spoilage yeast population inhabiting natural whey starter (NWS), the undefined starter culture of thermophilic lactic acid bacteria used in Parmigiano Reggiano (PR) cheesemaking, and evaluated thermotolerance, mating type, and the aptitude to produce ethanol and bioactive peptides from whey lactose and proteins, respectively, in a selected pool of strains. PCR-RFLP assay of ribosomal ITS regions and phylogenetic analysis of 26S rDNA D1/D2 domains showed that PR NWS yeast population consists of the well-documented Kluyveromyces marxianus, as well as of other species (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Wickerhamiella pararugosa, and Torulaspora delbrueckii), with multiple biotypes scored within each species as demonstrated by (GTG)5-based MSP-PCR. Haploid and diploid K. marxianus strains were identified through MAT genotyping, while thermotolerance assay allowed the selection of strains suitable to grow up to 48 °C. In whey fermentation trials, one thermotolerant strain was suitable to release ethanol with a fermentation efficiency of 86.5%, while another candidate was able to produce the highest amounts of both ethanol and bioactive peptides with potentially anti-hypertensive function. The present work demonstrated that PR NWS is a reservoir of ethanol and bioactive peptides producer yeasts, which can be exploited to valorize whey, in agreement with the principles of circularity and sustainability.
Leuconostoc mesenteroides Strains Isolated from Carrots Show Probiotic Features
Authors: Schifano Emily , Tomassini Alberta , Preziosi Adele , Montes Jorge , Aureli Walter , Mancini Patrizia , Miccheli Alfredo , Uccelletti Daniela
Published: November 2021

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) share several beneficial effects on human organisms, such as bioactive metabolites’ release, pathogens’ competition and immune stimulation. This study aimed at determining the probiotic potential of autochthonous lactic acid bacteria isolated from carrots. In particular, the work reported the characterization at the species level of four LAB strains deriving from carrots harvested in Fucino highland, Abruzzo (Italy). Ribosomal 16S DNA analysis allowed identification of three strains belonging to Leuconostoc mesenteroides and a Weissella soli strain. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to investigate the probiotic potential of the different isolates. Among them, L. mesenteroides C2 and L. mesenteroides C7 showed high survival percentages under in vitro simulated gastro-intestinal conditions, antibiotic susceptibly and the ability to inhibit in vitro growth against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus pathogens. In parallel, the simple model Caenorhabditis elegans was used for in vivo screenings. L. mesenteroides C2 and L. mesenteroides C7 strains significantly induced pro-longevity effects, protection from pathogens’ infection and innate immunity stimulation. Overall, these results showed that some autochthonous LAB from vegetables such as carrots have functional features to be considered as novel probiotic candidates.
Dynamics of Plasmatic Levels of Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines in HIV-Infected Individuals with M. tuberculosis Co-Infection
Authors: Nosik Marina , Ryzhov Konstantin , Rymanova Irina , Sobkin Alexandr , Kravtchenko Alexey , Kuimova Ulyana , Pokrovsky Vadim , Zverev Vitaly , Svitich Oxana
Published: November 2021

Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV have profound effects on the immune system, which can lead to the activation of viral replication and negatively regulate the activation of T cells. Dysregulation in the production of cytokines necessary to fight HIV and M. tuberculosis may ultimately affect the results of the treatment and be important in the pathogenesis of HIV infection and TB. This work presents the results of a study of the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-1RA) in drug-naïve patients with dual infection of HIV/TB at the late stages of HIV-infection, with newly diagnosed HIV and TB, and previously untreated HIV in the process of receiving antiretroviral (ART) and TB treatment vs. a cohort of patients with HIV monoinfection and TB monoinfection. The study revealed that during a double HIV/TB infection, both Th1 and Th2 immune responses are suppressed, and a prolonged dysregulation of the immune response and an increased severity of the disease in pulmonary/extrapulmonary tuberculosis is observed in HIV/TB co-infection. Moreover, it was revealed that a double HIV/TB infection is characterized by delayed and incomplete recovery of immune activity. High levels of IL-6 were detected in patients with HIV/TB co-infection before initiation of dual therapy (2.1-fold increase vs. HIV), which persisted even after 6 months of treatment (8.96-fold increase vs. HIV), unlike other cytokines. The persistent enhanced expression of IL-6 in patients with dual HIV/TB co-infection allows the consideration of it as a potential marker of early detection of M. tuberculosis infection in HIV-infected individuals. The results of multivariate regression analysis showed a statistical trend towards an increase in the incidence of IRIS in patients with high IL-1Ra levels (in the range of 1550–2500 pg/mL): OR = 4.3 (95%CI 3.7–14.12, p = 0.53), which also allows IL-1Ra to be considered as a potential predictive biomarker of the development of TB-IRIS and treatment outcomes.
Risk Assessment for Molds in the Vicinity of a Child Requiring Peritoneal Dialysis Living in a Rural Northern German Area
Authors: Zautner Andreas Erich , Frickmann Hagen , Podbielski Andreas
Published: November 2021

As well as severe immunosuppression, other predisposing factors may facilitate invasive mycosis caused by molds. Chronic kidney disease and the resulting peritoneal dialysis have been reported as factors putting patients at risk of fungal infections from environmental sources. We describe an environmental investigation undertaken to guide exposure prevention for a peritoneal dialysis patient with transient colonization of her nostrils by Lichtheimia corymbifera in a rural area of northern Germany. Systematic screening for airborne and surface-deposited molds enabled targeted recommendations to be made, although Lichtheimia corymbifera itself was not grown from the collected environmental samples. This communication is intended to illustrate how such an investigation can be performed on the basis of the environmental distribution of the molds and how preventive recommendations can be derived from the results.
MLA-SEM Characterization of Sulphide Weathering, Erosion, and Transport at the Voisey’s Bay Orthomagmatic Ni-Cu-Co Sulphide Mineralization, Labrador, Canada
Authors: Wilton Derek H. C. , Thompson Gary M. , Evans-Lamswood Dawn
Published: November 2021

The Voisey’s Bay nickel-copper-cobalt (Ni-Cu-Co) sulphide deposits constitute a significant resource of orthomagmatic mineralization. The deposits are not exposed at the surface except for in a small ferruginous gossan (Discovery Hill). The subsequent geophysical surveys and diamond drilling led to the discovery of the Ovoid ore body, buried beneath 20 m of till, and other deeper deposits in the bedrock. This study was initiated to characterize the sulphide mineralogy of these deposits through various stages of weathering, erosion, and transport. Because the samples ranged from bedrock through to a variety of surficial sediment types, the automated SEM-based identification provided by the MLA-SEM system was the ideal technique to quantitatively evaluate mineral distributions in the different media. The derived MLA-SEM data indicate that, aside from the Discovery Hill gossan, the surface sulphide mineralization at Voisey’s Bay was weathered in a pre-glaciation regolith at the Mini-Ovoid deposit and, on the surface of the Ovoid deposit, the massive sulphide was unoxidized due to a thin calcite-cemented clay cover. Pentlandite is very preferentially oxidized compared to other sulphides in the Voisey’s Bay ore, to depths of up to 10 m in bedrock. Conversely, within the coarse reject samples of crushed drill cores stored in sealed plastic bags, pyrrhotite was altered, whereas pentlandite and chalcopyrite are stable, presumably due to anaerobic reactions. The MLA-SEM detected trace amounts of minute sulphide grains in surficial sediments, but their contents abruptly decreased with distance from the sulphide mineralization. Microtextures such as troilite and pentlandite exsolution or twinning in pyrrhotite, however, could be observed in the fine sulphide grains from till, suggesting a derivation from orthomagmatic sulphide material, such as the Voisey’s Bay mineralization.