bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis and Prospect of Precision Plastic Forming Technologies for Production of High-Speed-Train Hollow Axles
Authors: Shu Xuedao , Ye Caoqi , Wang Jitai , Xia Yingxiang , Zhang Song , Wang Ying , Xu Haijie , Deng Yimin
Published: January 2023

The hollow axle is the key basic component of high-speed trains. How to realize its production with short process and high-quality precision plastic forming is the frontier of current research and a major problem to be solved. On the basis of analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of the existing forging process of the hollow axle, this paper expounds the principles and characteristics of multi-wedge synchrostep cross-wedge rolling (MSCWR) technology, multi-roll cross-wedge rolling (MCWR) technology, three-roll skew rolling (TRSR) technology, and tandem flexible skew rolling (TFSR) technology in detail, and discusses the feasibility and key technical problems of these technologies to form the hollow axle. It is concluded that tandem flexible skew rolling (TFSR) technology has the advantages of short process, high quality, high efficiency, energy saving, and material saving, and this technology is the development direction of precision plastic forming of the hollow axle. The research results provide technical guidance and research directions for promoting global high-speed rail development.
Joining Stainless-Steel AISI 304 and High-Strength Aluminum Alloy AA 6082 by Brazing Using Al-Ge-Si Foils
Authors: Ivannikov Alexander , Abramov Anton , Popov Nikita , Penyaz Milena , Suchkov Alexey , Pukhareva Natalia , Sevryukov Oleg
Published: January 2023

An Al-40.0Ge-3.4Si wt.% alloy foil with a thickness of 50 ± 5 μm, obtained via an ultrafast solidification method, is described in this work. A complete wetting of the aluminum alloy substrate with a wetting angle of 0° is observed, and the formation of a drop with a wetting angle of 30 ± 5° is observed on the steel substrate. Similar and dissimilar brazed joints of aluminum alloy AA 6082 and stainless-steel AISI 304 are obtained. The microstructure of the AA 6082/AA 6082 brazed seam is homogeneous and contains particles of an Al7Fe2Si system intermetallic compound and particles of an Al-Ge eutectic composition. The brazed seam of the AISI 304/AISI 304 joint is formed due to the formation of the Al8Fe2(Si, Cr) intermetallic compound reaction layer on the steel surface. The proposed scheme for the AISI 304/AA 6082 brazed joint formation is given. The brazed seam represents the Al8Fe2(Si, Cr) reaction layer on the steel surface, the thickness of which depends on the holding time during brazing, and the aluminum matrix of which has particles of a composition close to an Al-Ge eutectic. The obtained results could be used for the optimization of time–temperature brazing modes in order to improve the mechanical characteristics of AISI 304/AA 6082 dissimilar joints.
Co-Expression of Lipid Transporters Simultaneously Enhances Oil and Starch Accumulation in the Green Microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii under Nitrogen Starvation
Authors: Chen Ru , Yamaoka Yasuyo , Feng Yanbin , Chi Zhanyou , Xue Song , Kong Fantao
Published: January 2023

Lipid transporters synergistically contribute to oil accumulation under normal conditions in microalgae; however, their effects on lipid metabolism under stress conditions are unknown. Here, we examined the effect of the co-expression of lipid transporters, fatty acid transporters, (FAX1 and FAX2) and ABC transporter (ABCA2) on lipid metabolism and physiological changes in the green microalga Chlamydomonas under nitrogen (N) starvation. The results showed that the TAG content in FAX1-FAX2-ABCA2 over-expressor (OE) was 2.4-fold greater than in the parental line. Notably, in FAX1-FAX2-ABCA2-OE, the major membrane lipids and the starch and cellular biomass content also significantly increased compared with the control lines. Moreover, the expression levels of genes directly involved in TAG, fatty acid, and starch biosynthesis were upregulated. FAX1-FAX2-ABCA2-OE showed altered photosynthesis activity and increased ROS levels during nitrogen (N) deprivation. Our results indicated that FAX1-FAX2-ABCA2 overexpression not only enhanced cellular lipids but also improved starch and biomass contents under N starvation through modulation of lipid and starch metabolism and changes in photosynthesis activity. The strategy developed here could also be applied to other microalgae to produce FA-derived energy-rich and value-added compounds.
Magnetic Energy Losses and Temperature Control System for Giant Magnetostrictive Transducer
Authors: Li Yafang , Dong Xia , Yu Xiaodong
Published: January 2023

The giant magnetostrictive transducer (GMT) can be widely used in ultra-precision machining in precision-fluid-control fields. The temperature stability of GMT is critical for the reliable generation of output characteristics. This study presents a magnetic-energy-losses method for the GMT working at high frequency, and designs a temperature-stable control system to improve energy transmission and heat dissipation. Based on the loss-separation theory and experimental data, the temperature-rise characteristics of the transducer are analyzed. The temperature rise considers the effects of hysteresis loss, the eddy-current loss, the anomalous loss and the Joule heat. A constitutive relation among losses, frequency and magnetic-flux density is given. The temperature distribution of the transducer can be quickly and accurately calculated, using the constitutive equation. According to the convective heat-transfer and the thermal-compensation method, a temperature-control system is designed. A prototype of the system is then fabricated and tested to verify the feasibility and efficacy of the proposed design methods. The results demonstrate that the output- displacement deviation can be controlled at less than 0.65 μm, and the temperature difference is less than 3 °C.
Combining Flow Cytometry and Metagenomics Improves Recovery of Metagenome-Assembled Genomes in a Cell Culture from Activated Sludge
Authors: Abdulkadir Nafi’u , Saraiva Joao Pedro , Schattenberg Florian , Toscan Rodolfo Brizola , Borim Correa Felipe , Harms Hauke , Müller Susann , da Rocha Ulisses Nunes
Published: January 2023

The recovery of metagenome-assembled genomes is biased towards the most abundant species in a given community. To improve the identification of species, even if only dominant species are recovered, we investigated the integration of flow cytometry cell sorting with bioinformatics tools to recover metagenome-assembled genomes. We used a cell culture of a wastewater microbial community as our model system. Cells were separated based on fluorescence signals via flow cytometry cell sorting into sub-communities: dominant gates, low abundant gates, and outer gates into subsets of the original community. Metagenome sequencing was performed for all groups. The unsorted community was used as control. We recovered a total of 24 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) representing 11 species-level genome operational taxonomic units (gOTUs). In addition, 57 ribosomal operational taxonomic units (rOTUs) affiliated with 29 taxa at species level were reconstructed from metagenomic libraries. Our approach suggests a two-fold increase in the resolution when comparing sorted and unsorted communities. Our results also indicate that species abundance is one determinant of genome recovery from metagenomes as we can recover taxa in the sorted libraries that are not present in the unsorted community. In conclusion, a combination of cell sorting and metagenomics allows the recovery of MAGs undetected without cell sorting.
Advances in Lactobacillus Restoration for β-Lactam Antibiotic-Induced Dysbiosis: A System Review in Intestinal Microbiota and Immune Homeostasis
Authors: Shi Ying , Luo Jiaqi , Narbad Arjan , Chen Qihe
Published: January 2023

A balanced gut microbiota and their metabolites are necessary for the maintenance of the host’s health. The antibiotic-induced dysbiosis can cause the disturbance of the microbial community, influence the immune homeostasis and induce susceptibility to metabolic- or immune-mediated disorders and diseases. The Lactobacillus and their metabolites or components affect the function of the host’s immune system and result in microbiota-mediated restoration. Recent data have indicated that, by altering the composition and functions of gut microbiota, antibiotic exposure can also lead to a number of specific pathologies, hence, understanding the potential mechanisms of the interactions between gut microbiota dysbiosis and immunological homeostasis is very important. The Lactobacillus strategies for detecting the associations between the restoration of the relatively imbalanced microbiome and gut diseases are provided in this discussion. In this review, we discuss the recently discovered connections between microbial communities and metabolites in the Lactobacillus treatment of β-lactam antibiotic-induced dysbiosis, and establish the relationship between commensal bacteria and host immunity under this imbalanced homeostasis of the gut microbiota.
Crystal-Chemical and Spectroscopic Study of Gem Sphalerite from Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia
Authors: Bačík Peter , Fridrichová Jana , Rybnikova Olena , Štubňa Ján , Illášová Ľudmila , Škoda Radek , Vaculovič Tomáš , Pulišová Zuzana , Sečkár Peter
Published: January 2023

A complex crystal-chemical investigation based on spectroscopic methods, Electron MicroProbe Analysis (EMPA), and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was made on sphalerite samples from the Terézia and Rozália veins in the Banská Štiavnica ore district. The yellow (sample A) and olive-green sphalerite (C) are in association only with quartz; orange sphalerite (B) is associated with quartz and chalcopyrite; and black sphalerite (D) is associated with galena, chalcopyrite, quartz, and baryte. EMPA revealed that Cd and Fe are substituting for Zn with variable proportions; the Cd/Fe ratio decreases from 2.82–2.85 in the A sample to 0.42 in the D sample. LA-ICP-MS showed that, except Cd and Fe, only Mn has content above 20; Co and Cu vary between 2 and 17 ppm. The optical absorption spectra exhibit absorption between 644 and 740 nm with three smaller humps at 669–671, 698–702, and 732–743 nm, and weaker absorption bands at 858–894 nm in the NIR region, which can be all assigned to crystal-field transitions of Fe2+. The absorption edge starts at about 600 nm to the UV region. Minimal absorption is in the yellow-red part of the visible spectrum giving rise to yellowish-orange and orange-red colors. Absorption in the red region for olive-green sphalerite is more pronounced, explaining the shift to greenish hues. In black sphalerite, the absorption pattern is similar to the olive-green sphalerite, but the bands in the 644 to 740 nm region are less defined. The black color could be caused by slightly higher concentrations of Fe, the smaller size of individual crystals in the aggregate reducing macroscopic transparency, and/or the presence of submicroscopic inclusions.
Comparison of Handheld and Echelle Spectrometer to Assess Copper in Ores by Means of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)
Authors: Brinkmann Pia , Köllner Nicole , Merk Sven , Beitz Toralf , Altenberger Uwe , Löhmannsröben Hans-Gerd
Published: January 2023

Its properties make copper one of the world’s most important functional metals. Numerous megatrends are increasing the demand for copper. This requires the prospection and exploration of new deposits, as well as the monitoring of copper quality in the various production steps. A promising technique to perform these tasks is Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). Its unique feature, among others, is the ability to measure on site without sample collection and preparation. In this work, copper-bearing minerals from two different deposits are studied. The first set of field samples come from a volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposit, the second part from a stratiform sedimentary copper (SSC) deposit. Different approaches are used to analyze the data. First, univariate regression (UVR) is used. However, due to the strong influence of matrix effects, this is not suitable for the quantitative analysis of copper grades. Second, the multivariate method of partial least squares regression (PLSR) is used, which is more suitable for quantification. In addition, the effects of the surrounding matrices on the LIBS data are characterized by principal component analysis (PCA), alternative regression methods to PLSR are tested and the PLSR calibration is validated using field samples.
Identifying Potential Molecular Targets in Fungi Based on (Dis)Similarities in Binding Site Architecture with Proteins of the Human Pharmacolome
Authors: Bedoya-Cardona Johann E. , Rubio-Carrasquilla Marcela , Ramírez-Velásquez Iliana M. , Valdés-Tresanco Mario S. , Moreno Ernesto
Published: January 2023

Invasive fungal infections represent a public health problem that worsens over the years with the increasing resistance to current antimycotic agents. Therefore, there is a compelling medical need of widening the antifungal drug repertoire, following different methods such as drug repositioning, identification and validation of new molecular targets and developing new inhibitors against these targets. In this work we developed a structure-based strategy for drug repositioning and new drug design, which can be applied to infectious fungi and other pathogens. Instead of applying the commonly accepted off-target criterion to discard fungal proteins with close homologues in humans, the core of our approach consists in identifying fungal proteins with active sites that are structurally similar, but preferably not identical to binding sites of proteins from the so-called “human pharmacolome”. Using structural information from thousands of human protein target-inhibitor complexes, we identified dozens of proteins in fungal species of the genera Histoplasma, Candida, Cryptococcus, Aspergillus and Fusarium, which might be exploited for drug repositioning and, more importantly, also for the design of new fungus-specific inhibitors. As a case study, we present the in vitro experiments performed with a set of selected inhibitors of the human mitogen-activated protein kinases 1/2 (MEK1/2), several of which showed a marked cytotoxic activity in different fungal species.
Cinnamomum sp. and Pelargonium odoratissimum as the Main Contributors to the Antibacterial Activity of the Medicinal Drink Horchata: A Study Based on the Antibacterial and Chemical Analysis of 21 Plants
Authors: Fernandez-Soto Paulina , Celi Diana , Tejera Eduardo , Alvarez-Suarez José Miguel , Machado António
Published: January 2023

Horchata, a herbal infusion drink from Ecuador containing a mixture of medicinal plants, has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, diuretic, and antioxidant activity. The antibacterial activity of each of the plants contained in the horchata mixture has not been fully evaluated. Thus, in this study, we analysed the antibacterial activity of 21 plants used in horchata, collected from the Ecuadorian Andes region, against bacterial strains of clinical importance. The methanolic extract of Cinnamomum sp. showed minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 250 µg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 and Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), while Pelargonium odoratissimum exhibited a MIC value of 500 µg/mL towards S. aureus ATCC25923. The high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS/MS) analyses identified in Cinnamomum sp. epicatechin tannins, cinnamaldehyde, and prehelminthosporol molecules, whereas in P. odoratissimum, gallocatechin and epigallocatechin tannins, some flavonoids, and gallic acid and derivatives were identified. Finally, Cinnamomum sp. and P. odoratissimum showed partial inhibition of biofilm formation of S. aureus ATCC25923 and MRSA. Overall, our findings revealed which of the plants used in horchata are responsible for the antibacterial activity attributed to this herbal drink and exhibit the potential for Cinnamomum sp. and P. odoratissimum secondary metabolites to be explored as scaffolds in drug development.
Effects and Influence of External Electric Fields on the Equilibrium Properties of Tautomeric Molecules
Authors: Angelov Ivan , Zaharieva Lidia , Antonov Liudmil
Published: January 2023

In this review, we have attempted to briefly summarize the influence of an external electric field on an assembly of tautomeric molecules and to what experimentally observable effects this interaction can lead to. We have focused more extensively on the influence of an oriented external electric field (OEEF) on excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) from the studies available to date. The possibilities provided by OEEF for regulating several processes and studying physicochemical processes in tautomers have turned this direction into an attractive area of research due to its numerous applications.
Comparative Study on the Structural Properties and Bioactivities of Three Different Molecular Weights of Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides
Authors: Zeng Wenjun , Chen Lulu , Xiao Zhihui , Li Yanping , Ma Jianlong , Ding Jianbao , Yang Jin
Published: January 2023

The molecular weight, the triple-helix conformation, the monosaccharide content, the manner of glycosidic linkages, and the polysaccharide conjugates of polysaccharides all affect bioactivity. The purpose of this study was to determine how different molecular weights affected the bioactivity of the Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs). By ethanol-graded precipitation and ultrafiltration membrane separation, one oligosaccharide (LBPs-1, 1.912 kDa) and two polysaccharides (LBPs-2, 7.481 kDa; LBPs-3, 46.239 kDa) were obtained from Lycium barbarum. While the major component of LBPs-1 and LBPs-2 was glucose, the main constituents of LBPs-3 were arabinose, galactose, and glucose. LBPs-2 and LBPs-3 exhibited triple-helix conformations, as evidenced by the Congo red experiment and AFM data. Sugar residues of LBPs-2 and LBPs-3 were elucidated by NMR spectra. The polysaccharides (LBPs-2 and LBPs-3) exhibited much higher antioxidant capacities than oligosaccharide (LBPs-1). LBPs-3 showed higher oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity than LBPs-2, but a lower capability for scavenging ABTS+ radicals. In zebrafish, LBPs-2 and LBPs-3 boosted the growth of T-lymphocytes and macrophages, enhanced the immunological response, and mitigated the immune damage generated by VTI. In addition to the molecular weight, the results indicated that the biological activities would be the consequence of various aspects, such as the monosaccharide composition ratio, the chemical composition, and the chemical reaction mechanism.
Magnetic/Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-67 Nanocomposite for Magnetic Solid-Phase Extraction of Five Flavonoid Components from Chinese Herb Dicranopteris pedata
Authors: Feng Zhiyang , Zhu Jiaqing , Zhuo Shen , Chen Jun , Huang Wenyi , Cheng Hao , Li Lijun , Tang Tai , Feng Jun
Published: January 2023

A magnetically functionalized Fe3O4@ZIF−67 metal–organic framework (MOF) was prepared by electrostatic self-assembly using magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles as the core and ZIF−67 as the shell. The composite was characterized by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller measurements. Magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) was performed on five flavonoids from Dicranopteris pedata using Fe3O4@ZIF−67 as an adsorbent. The developed MSPE method was combined with high-performance liquid chromatography–ultraviolet detection to preconcentrate and separate five flavonoids (rutin, quercitrin, kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnoside, quercetin, and kaempferol) from Dicranopteris pedata. The factors affecting the extraction, such as the amount of Fe3O4@ZIF−67 adsorbent, salt ion concentration in the sample solution, vortex time, type and amount of desorbing solvent, concentration of formic acid to acidify the desorbing solvent, and acetonitrile ratio, were optimized. The developed method showed good linearity over the concentration range of 1.09–70.0 μg∙mL−1 for the five flavonoids, with R2 values between 0.9901 and 0.9945. The limits of detection and average recoveries for the five flavonoids were in the ranges of 39.5–56.2 ng∙mL−1 and 92.2–100.7%, respectively. The method presented herein is simple, efficient, and sensitive; it can be used for enrichment analysis of the five flavonoids in Dicranopteris pedata.
Study on Molecularly Imprinted Polymers Obtained Sonochemically for the Determination of Aflatoxins in Food
Authors: Palmieri Sara , Elfadil Dounia , Fanti Federico , Della Pelle Flavio , Sergi Manuel , Amine Aziz , Compagnone Dario
Published: January 2023

Aflatoxins (AFs) are fungi secondary metabolites produced by the Aspergillus family. These compounds can enter the food chain through food contamination, representing a risk to human health. Commercial immunoaffinity columns are widely used for the extraction and cleanup of AFs from food samples; however, their high cost and large solvent consumption create a need for alternative strategies. In this work, an alternative strategy for producing molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) was proposed to extract aflatoxins AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2 from complex food samples, using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The MIPs were synthesized via a low-cost and rapid (5 min) sonochemical free-radical polymerization, using 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid as a dummy template. MIPs-based solid phase extraction performance was tested on 17 dietary supplements (vegetables, fruits, and cereals), obtaining appreciable recovery rates (65–90%) and good reproducibility (RSD ≤ 6%, n = 3); the selectivity towards other mycotoxins was proved and the data obtained compared with commercial immunoaffinity columns. The proposed strategy can be considered an alternative affordable approach to the classical immunoaffinity columns, since it is more selective and better performing.
Comparing the Effects of Encapsulated and Non-Encapsulated Propolis Extracts on Model Lipid Membranes and Lactic Bacteria, with Emphasis on the Synergistic Effects of Its Various Compounds
Authors: Šturm Luka , Osojnik Črnivec Ilja Gasan , Prislan Iztok , Ulrih Nataša Poklar
Published: January 2023

Propolis is a resinous compound made by bees with well-known biological activity. However, comparisons between encapsulated and non-encapsulated propolis are lacking. Therefore, the antibacterial activity, effect on the phase transition of lipids, and inhibition of UV-induced lipid oxidation of the two forms of propolis were compared. The results showed that non-encapsulated propolis produces quicker effects, thus being better suited when more immediate effects are required (e.g., antibacterial activity). In order to gain an in-depth introspective on these effects, we further studied the synergistic effect of propolis compounds on the integrity of lipid membranes. The knowledge of component synergism is important for the understanding of effective propolis pathways and for the perspective of modes of action of synergism between different polyphenols in various extracts. Thus, five representative molecules, all previously isolated from propolis (chrysin, quercetin, trans-ferulic acid, caffeic acid, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate) were mixed, and their synergistic effects on lipid bilayers were investigated, mainly using DSC. The results showed that some compounds (quercetin, chrysin) exhibit synergism, whereas others (caffeic acid, t-ferulic acid) do not show any such effects. The results also showed that the synergistic effects of mixtures composed from several different compounds are extremely complex to study, and that their prediction requires further modeling approaches.
Effects of the Novel LaPLa-Enriched Medium- and Long-Chain Triacylglycerols on Body Weight, Glycolipid Metabolism, and Gut Microbiota Composition in High Fat Diet-Fed C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Shi Jinyuan , Wang Qianqian , Li Chuang , Yang Mengyu , Hussain Muhammad , Zhang Junhui , Feng Fengqin , Zhong Hao
Published: January 2023

The roles of medium- and long-chain triacylglycerols (MLCT) on health benefits under high fat diet (HFD) conditions remain in dispute. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of novel LaPLa-rich MLCT on the glycolipid metabolism and gut microbiota in HFD-fed mice when pork fat is half replaced with MLCT and palm stearin (PS). The results showed that although MLCT could increase the body weight in the mouse model, it can improve the energy utilization, regulate the glucose and lipid metabolism, and inhibit the occurrence of inflammation. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequencing of gut microbiota indicated that PS and MLCT affected the overall structure of the gut microbiota to a varying extent and specifically changed the abundance of some operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Moreover, several OTUs belonging to the genera Dorea, Streptococcus, and g_Eryipelotrichaceae had a high correlation with obesity and obesity-related metabolic disorders of the host. Therefore, it can be seen that this new MLCT has different properties and functions from the previous traditional MLCT, and it can better combine the advantages of MLCT, lauric acid, and sn-2 palmitate, as well as the advantages of health function and metabolism. In summary, this study explored the effects of LaPLa-enriched lipids on glycolipid metabolism in mice, providing theoretical support for future studies on the efficacy of different types of conjugated lipids, intending to apply them to industrial production and subsequent development of related products.
Comparison of Photophysical Properties of Lanthanide(III) Complexes of DTTA- or DO3A-Appended Aryl-2,2′-Bipyridines
Authors: Krinochkin Alexey P. , Valieva Maria I. , Starnovskaya Ekaterina S. , Shtaitz Yaroslav K. , Kopchuk Dmitry S. , Taniya Olga S. , Kim Grigory A. , Shevyrin Vadim A. , Zyryanov Grigory V. , Chupakhin Oleg N.
Published: January 2023

New Tb(III) and Eu(III) complexes based on aryl-2,2′-bipyridine ligands with a cyclic DO3A chelating unit appended in the alpha position of the bipyridine core were synthesized. The photophysical properties of these complexes were compared with those of complexes of ligands with identical aryl-2,2′-bipyridine chromophores, but with an acyclic DTTA residue as an additional chelating site in the alpha position of the bipyridine core. The nature of the polyaminocarboxylic acid fragments was found to have a significant influence on the luminescence. For some of the Eu(III) complexes, upon the transition from acyclic DTTA- to the cyclic DO3A-appended ligands, a noticeable increase in the intensity of Eu(III) luminescence was observed, with an increase in the quantum yield of up to 2.55 times. In contrast, for most of the Tb(III) complexes, a similar transition resulted in a noticeable decrease in the luminescence intensity of the Tb(III) cation.
Multimodal Communication and Peer Interaction during Equation-Solving Sessions with and without Tangible Technologies
Authors: Lehtonen Daranee , Joutsenlahti Jorma , Perkkilä Päivi
Published: January 2023

Despite the increasing use of technologies in the classroom, there are concerns that technology-enhanced learning environments may hinder students’ communication and interaction. In this study, we investigated how tangible technologies can enhance students’ multimodal communication and interaction during equation-solving pair work compared to working without such technologies. A tangible app for learning equation solving was developed and tested in fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms with two class teachers and 24 students. Video data of the interventions were analysed using deductive and inductive content analysis. Coded data were also quantified for quantitative analysis. Additionally, teacher interview data were used to compare and contrast the findings. The findings showed that the tangible app better promoted students’ multimodal communication and peer interaction than working only with paper and pencil. When working in pairs, tangible-app students interacted with one another much more often and in more ways than their paper-and-pencil peers. The implications of this study are discussed in terms of its contributions to research on tangible technologies for learning, educational technology development, and the use of tangibles in classrooms to support students’ multimodal communication and peer interaction.
Dietary Transfer of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Induces Locomotive Defects Associated with GABAergic Motor Neuron Damage in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: How Chun Ming , Huang Chi-Wei
Published: January 2023

The widespread use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and their release into the environment have raised concerns about the potential toxicity caused by dietary transfer. However, the toxic effects and the mechanisms of dietary transfer of ZnO-NPs have rarely been investigated. We employed the bacteria-feeding nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as the model organism to investigate the neurotoxicity induced by exposure to ZnO-NPs via trophic transfer. Our results showed that ZnO-NPs accumulated in the intestine of C. elegans and also in Escherichia coli OP50 that they ingested. Additionally, impairment of locomotive behaviors, including decreased body bending and head thrashing frequencies, were observed in C. elegans that were fed E. coli pre-treated with ZnO-NPs, which might have occurred because of damage to the D-type GABAergic motor neurons. However, these toxic effects were not apparent in C. elegans that were fed E. coli pre-treated with zinc chloride (ZnCl2). Therefore, ZnO-NPs particulates, rather than released Zn ions, damage the D-type GABAergic motor neurons and adversely affect the locomotive behaviors of C. elegans via dietary transfer.
Synthesis and Applications of Optical Materials
Authors: Park Seung-Min , Jun Bong-Hyun
Published: January 2023

As optical materials have shown outstanding physical and chemical characteristics in the bio, medical, electronics, energy and related fields of studies, the potential benefits of using these materials have been widely recognized [...]
Modeling and Optimization of Sensitivity and Creep for Multi-Component Sensing Materials
Authors: Bi Gangping , Xiao Bowen , Lin Yuanchang , Yan Shaoqiu , Tang Ying , He Songxiying , Shang Mingsheng , He Guotian
Published: January 2023

Pressure sensors urgently need high-performance sensing materials in order to be developed further. Sensitivity and creep are regarded as two key indices for assessing a sensor’s performance. For the design and optimization of sensing materials, an accurate estimation of the impact of several parameters on sensitivity and creep is essential. In this study, sensitivity and creep were predicted using the response surface methodology (RSM) and support vector regression (SVR), respectively. The input parameters were the concentrations of nickel (Ni) particles, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and multilayer graphene (MLG), as well as the magnetic field intensity (B). According to statistical measures, the SVR model exhibited a greater level of predictability and accuracy. The non-dominated sorting genetic-II algorithm (NSGA-II) was used to generate the Pareto-optimal fronts, and decision-making was used to determine the final optimal solution. With these conditions, the optimized results revealed an improved performance compared to the earlier study, with an average sensitivity of 0.059 kPa−1 in the pressure range of 0–16 kPa and a creep of 0.0325, which showed better sensitivity in a wider range compared to previous work. The theoretical sensitivity and creep were relatively similar to the actual values, with relative deviations of 0.317% and 0.307% after simulation and experimental verification. Future research for transducer performance optimization can make use of the provided methodology because it is representative.
Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production and Tetracycline Degradation Using ZnIn2S4 Quantum Dots Modified g-C3N4 Composites
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Gu Xinyue , Zhao Yue , Zhang Kai , Yan Ya , Qi Kezhen
Published: January 2023

In this work, ZnIn2S4/g-C3N4 (ZIS/CN) composites were synthesized by in-situ growth method, which showed excellent photocatalytic activity in the degradation of tetracycline and hydrogen production from water under visible light irradiation. ZnIn2S4 quantum dots (ZIS QDs) tightly combined with sheet g-C3N4 (CN) to accelerate the separation and transportation of photogenerated charges for enhanced photocatalytic activity. Among the prepared nanocomposites, 20%ZnIn2S4 QDs/g-C3N4 (20%ZIS/CN) delivered the highest photocatalytic activity. After 120 min of irradiation, the degradation rate of tetracycline with 20%ZIS/CN was 54.82%, 3.1 times that of CN while the rate of hydrogen production was 75.2 μmol·g−1·h−1. According to the optical and electrochemical characterization analysis, it was concluded that the excellent photocatalytic activities of the composite materials were mainly due to the following three points: enhancement in light absorption capacity, acceleration in the charge transport, and reduction in the carrier recombination rate through the formation of S-scheme heterojunction in the composite system. The high photocatalytic activity of ZIS/CN composites provides a new idea to develop highly efficient photocatalysts.
Supplementation with Whey Protein, but Not Pea Protein, Reduces Muscle Damage Following Long-Distance Walking in Older Adults
Authors: Spoelder Marcia , Koopmans Lotte , Hartman Yvonne A. W. , Bongers Coen C. W. G. , Schoofs Merle C. A. , Eijsvogels Thijs M. H. , Hopman Maria T. E.
Published: January 2023

Background: Adequate animal-based protein intake can attenuate exercise induced-muscle damage (EIMD) in young adults. We examined the effects of 13 days plant-based (pea) protein supplementation compared to whey protein and placebo on EIMD in active older adults. Methods: 47 Physically active older adults (60+ years) were randomly allocated to the following groups: (I) whey protein (25 g/day), (II) pea protein (25 g/day) or (III) iso-caloric placebo. Blood concentrations of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength and muscle soreness were measured prior to and 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after a long-distance walking bout (20–30 km). Results: Participants walked 20–30 km and 2 dropped out, leaving n = 15 per subgroup. The whey group showed a significant attenuation of the increase in EIMD at 24 h post-exercise compared to the pea and placebo group (CK concentration: 175 ± 90 versus 300 ± 309 versus 330 ± 165, p = p < 0.001). No differences in LDH levels, muscle strength, skeletal muscle mass and muscle soreness were observed across groups (all p-values > 0.05). Conclusions: Thirteen days of pea protein supplementation (25 g/day) does not attenuate EIMD in older adults following a single bout of prolonged walking exercise, whereas the whey protein supplementation group showed significantly lower post-exercise CK concentrations.
Preparing Patients for Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Procedures: Ensuring an Optimal Nutritional Status for Successful Results
Authors: Vitagliano Tiziana , Garieri Pietro , Lascala Lidia , Ferro Yvelise , Doldo Patrizia , Pujia Roberta , Pujia Arturo , Montalcini Tiziana , Greco Manfredi , Mazza Elisa
Published: January 2023

Aesthetic and cosmetic medical practices have attracted considerable consumer attention globally. However, possible complications vary and range from mild, self-resolving ecchymoses or edema to more persistent complications. The aim of this review is to identify the nutritional deficits or excesses associated with the major complications of reconstructive surgery, aesthetic surgery, and mini-invasive aesthetic procedures. An additional goal is to provide a bundle of actions for professionals working in the industry in order to reduce the risks of aesthetic procedures and improve the clinical outcomes. Granulomas, hypertrophic scars and keloids, seromas, infections and xerosis, hyperpigmentation, petechiae, livedo reticularis, slower wound healing, and other poor outcomes are frequently associated with nutritional deficiencies. Nutritional status can markedly affect wound healing and tissue repair following surgical interventions, as well as the outcomes of aesthetic and cosmetic medical practices. Professionals working in this industry, therefore, need to consider the nutritional aspects of their patients to obtain the best results.
Bioactive Lignans from Flaxseed: Biological Properties and Patented Recovery Technologies
Authors: Sangiorgio Paola , Errico Simona , Verardi Alessandra , Moliterni Stefania , Tamasi Gabriella , Rossi Claudio , Balducchi Roberto
Published: January 2023

Flaxseed lignans frequently feature in the literature. However, much remains to be discovered about the mechanisms underlying their functional and therapeutic properties. Furthermore, it is necessary to identify systems for lignan production and detoxification that are sustainable, cost-effective, easy to use, and scale up. These systems can address the needs of the nutraceutical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors and lead to competitive commercial products. This review analyzes the biological effects of lignans as anticancer, antioxidants, and modulators of estrogen activity. It also focuses on the most recent articles on lignan extraction methods that are sustainable and suitable as products for human consumption. Furthermore, the most up-to-date and relevant patents for lignan recovery are examined. The search and selection methodology for articles and patents was conducted using the most popular bibliographic and patent databases (e.g., Scopus, Pubmed, Espacenet). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first overview that details the patented technologies developed in the flaxseed lignans area in the last 10 years.
Bacterial Antibiotic Resistance: The Most Critical Pathogens
Authors: Biondo Carmelo
Published: January 2023

Antibiotics primarily act on bacterial growth by eliminating bacteria or preventing them from reproducing and spreading [...]
LMP1-EBV Gene Deletion Mutations and HLA Genotypes of Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients in Vietnam
Authors: Trinh Cua , Tran Dung , Nguyen Linh , Tran Nghia , Nguyen Minh , Nguyen Vy , Vu Nhung , Dang Khanh , Van Vo Kha , Chau Hoa , Phan Phi , Truc Phuong Mai
Published: January 2023

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common cancer among head and neck cancers in Vietnam. We aimed to identify the rate of a 30 bp deletion mutation of the LMP1-EBV gene in nasopharyngeal biopsy tissue samples, the HLA genotypes of NPC patients, and the relationship between these two targets. Patients with NPC at Can Tho Oncology Hospital from September 2014 to December 2018 were selected. A length of 30 bp of the del-LMP1-EBV gene was analyzed using a PCR technique, and the HLA genotypes in patients’ blood samples were analyzed with PCR-SSO technology. HLA-B*15 gene carriers had the highest risk of 30 bp LMP1-EBV gene deletion mutation, which was found in 51 out of 70 patients (72.9%). Carriers of the HLA-B*15 allele had a 4.6-fold increased risk of a 30 bp del-LMP1-EBV gene compared with non-carriers of this allele. The initial identification of NPC was related to the 30 bp del-LMP1-EBV gene and high frequencies of the -A*02, -B*15, -DRB1*12, -DQB1*03, and -DQA1*01 HLA alleles. Our study results suggest an association of the 30 bp del-LMP1-EBV gene and the HLA-B*15 allele with NPC susceptibility.
The Influence of Exercise Intensity on Tryptophan Metabolites in Thoroughbred Horses
Authors: Staniszewska Magdalena , Kowalik Sylwester , Sadok Ilona , Kędzierski Witold
Published: January 2023

Catabolism of tryptophan (Trp) is modulated by physical activity and provides a pool of active compounds: Trp is considered a calmative agent, kynurenine (Kyn) and 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HKyn) show neurotoxic effects, kynurenic acid (Kyna) and xanthurenic acid (XA) have neuroprotective properties like nicotinamide (NAm), while serotonin is the neurotransmitter. The study was conducted to investigate the dependence of exercise intensity, measured by plasma lactic acid (LA) concentration, on the level of Trp, its catabolites (serotonin, Kyn, 3-HKyn, Kyna and XA), and NAm in Thoroughbred horses. A total of 18 young race Thoroughbred horses were investigated during exercise tests. Blood samples for analysis were collected: at rest, 10 min after the end of the exercise, and 60 min after the end of the exercise. Plasma LA was determined by the enzymatic method, Trp, and other metabolites using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. In horses performing intense exercise, the concentration of LA, Kyn, XA and NAm was increased, while Trp was decreased. Significant correlations were detected for exercise-induced increase in LA and 3-HKyn, XA, and NAm. Considering the scope of changes in analyzed data, there is an expected neutral effect on the health status of exercised horses.
Genetically Encoded Self-Assembling Protein Nanoparticles for the Targeted Delivery In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Obozina Anastasiia S. , Komedchikova Elena N. , Kolesnikova Olga A. , Iureva Anna M. , Kovalenko Vera L. , Zavalko Fedor A. , Rozhnikova Tatiana V. , Tereshina Ekaterina D. , Mochalova Elizaveta N. , Shipunova Victoria O.
Published: January 2023

Targeted nanoparticles of different origins are considered as new-generation diagnostic and therapeutic tools. However, there are no targeted drug formulations within the composition of nanoparticles approved by the FDA for use in the clinic, which is associated with the insufficient effectiveness of the developed candidates, the difficulties of their biotechnological production, and inadequate batch-to-batch reproducibility. Targeted protein self-assembling nanoparticles circumvent this problem since proteins are encoded in DNA and the final protein product is produced in only one possible way. We believe that the combination of the endless biomedical potential of protein carriers as nanoparticles and the standardized protein purification protocols will make significant progress in “magic bullet” creation possible, bringing modern biomedicine to a new level. In this review, we are focused on the currently existing platforms for targeted self-assembling protein nanoparticles based on transferrin, lactoferrin, casein, lumazine synthase, albumin, ferritin, and encapsulin proteins, as well as on proteins from magnetosomes and virus-like particles. The applications of these self-assembling proteins for targeted delivery in vitro and in vivo are thoroughly discussed, including bioimaging applications and different therapeutic approaches, such as chemotherapy, gene delivery, and photodynamic and photothermal therapy. A critical assessment of these protein platforms’ efficacy in biomedicine is provided and possible problems associated with their further development are described.
Improving Lurasidone Hydrochloride’s Solubility and Stability by Higher-Order Complex Formation with Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Gamboa-Arancibia María Elena , Caro Nelson , Gamboa Alexander , Morales Javier Octavio , González Casanova Jorge Enrique , Rojas Gómez Diana Marcela , Miranda-Rojas Sebastián
Published: January 2023

The biopharmaceutical classification system groups low-solubility drugs into two groups: II and IV, with high and low permeability, respectively. Most of the new drugs developed for common pathologies present solubility issues. This is the case of lurasidone hydrochloride—a drug used for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar depression. Likewise, the stability problems of some drugs limit the possibility of preparing them in liquid pharmaceutical forms where hydrolysis and oxidation reactions can be favored. Lurasidone hydrochloride presents the isoindole-1,3-dione ring, which is highly susceptible to alkaline hydrolysis, and the benzisothiazole ring, which is susceptible to a lesser extent to oxidation. Herein, we propose to study the increase in the solubility and stability of lurasidone hydrochloride by the formation of higher-order inclusion complexes with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin. Several stoichiometric relationships were studied at between 0.5 and 3 hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin molecules per drug molecule. The obtained products were characterized, and their solubility and stability were assessed. According to the obtained results, the formation of inclusion complexes dramatically increased the solubility of the drug, and this increased with the increase in the inclusion ratio. This was associated with the loss of crystalline state of the drug, which was in an amorphous state according to infrared spectroscopy, calorimetry, and X-ray analysis. This was also correlated with the stabilization of lurasidone by the cyclodextrin inhibiting its recrystallization. Phase solubility,1H-NMR, and docking computational characterization suggested that the main stoichiometric ratio was 1:1; however, we cannot rule out a 1:2 ratio, where a second cyclodextrin molecule could bind through the isoindole-1,3-dione ring, improving its stability as well. Finally, we can conclude that the formation of higher-order inclusion complexes of lurasidone with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin is a successful strategy to increase the solubility and stability of the drug.
Therapeutic Monitoring of Orally Administered, Small-Molecule Anticancer Medications with Tumor-Specific Cellular Protein Targets in Peripheral Fluid Spaces—A Review
Authors: Köllő Zoltán , Garami Miklós , Vincze István , Vásárhelyi Barna , Karvaly Gellért
Published: January 2023

Orally administered, small-molecule anticancer drugs with tumor-specific cellular protein targets (OACD) have revolutionized oncological pharmacotherapy. Nevertheless, the differences in exposure to these drugs in the systemic circulation and extravascular fluid compartments have led to several cases of therapeutic failure, in addition to posing unknown risks of toxicity. The therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of OACDs in therapeutically relevant peripheral fluid compartments is therefore essential. In this work, the available knowledge regarding exposure to OACD concentrations in these fluid spaces is summarized. A review of the literature was conducted by searching Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science for clinical research articles and case reports published between 10 May 2001 and 31 August 2022. Results show that, to date, penetration into cerebrospinal fluid has been studied especially intensively, in addition to breast milk, leukocytes, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, peritoneal fluid, pleural fluid, saliva and semen. The typical clinical indications of peripheral fluid TDM of OACDs were (1) primary malignancy, (2) secondary malignancy, (3) mental disorder, and (4) the assessment of toxicity. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was most commonly applied for analysis. The TDM of OACDs in therapeutically relevant peripheral fluid spaces is often indispensable for efficient and safe treatments.
Novel Nanoparticle-Based Treatment and Imaging Modalities
Authors: Taratula Oleh , Taratula Olena R.
Published: January 2023

Over the last twenty years, nanomaterials have been widely used in cancer research [...]
The Digital Mind: How Computers (Re)Structure Human Consciousness
Authors: Ott Brian L.
Published: January 2023

Technologies of communication condition human sense-making. They do so by creating the social environment we inhabit and extending their structural biases and logics through human use. As such, this essay inquires into the prevailing habits of mind in the digital era. Employing a media ecology of communication, I argue that digital computers and microprocessors are defined by three structural properties and, hence, underlying logics: digitization (binary code), algorithmic execution (input/output), and efficiency (machine logic). Repeated exposure to these logics cultivates a digital mind, a model of thinking, communicating, and sense-making characterized by intransigence, impertinence, and impulsivity. I conclude the essay by exploring the broader implications of a digital mind, paying particular attention to the challenges it poses to democratic politics.