bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanofibrous Online Solid-Phase Extraction Coupled with Liquid Chromatography for the Determination of Neonicotinoid Pesticides in River Waters
Authors: Šrámková Ivana H. , Horstkotte Burkhard , Carbonell-Rozas Laura , Erben Jakub , Chvojka Jiří , Lara Francisco J. , García-Campaña Ana M. , Šatínský Dalibor
Published: June 2022

Polymeric nano- and microfibers were tested as potential sorbents for the extraction of five neonicotinoids from natural waters. Nanofibrous mats were prepared from polycaprolactone, polyvinylidene fluoride, polystyrene, polyamide 6, polyacrylonitrile, and polyimide, as well as microfibers of polyethylene, a polycaprolactone nano- and microfiber conjugate, and polycaprolactone microfibers combined with polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers. Polyimide nanofibers were selected as the most suitable sorbent for these analytes and the matrix. A Lab-In-Syringe system enabled automated preconcentration via online SPE of large sample volumes at low pressure with analyte separation by HPLC. Several mat layers were housed in a solvent filter holder integrated into the injection loop of an HPLC system. After loading 2 mL sample on the sorbent, the mobile phase eluted the retained analytes onto the chromatographic column. Extraction efficiencies of 68.8–83.4% were achieved. Large preconcentration factors ranging from 70 to 82 allowed reaching LOD and LOQ values of 0.4 to 1.7 and 1.2 to 5.5 µg·L−1, respectively. Analyte recoveries from spiked river waters ranged from 53.8% to 113.3% at the 5 µg·L−1 level and from 62.8% to 119.8% at the 20 µg·L−1 level. The developed methodology proved suitable for the determination of thiamethoxam, clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiacloprid, whereas matrix peak overlapping inhibited quantification of acetamiprid.
Precise Detection and Visualization of Nanoscale Temporal Confinement in Single-Molecule Tracking Analysis
Authors: Westra Manon , MacGillavry Harold D.
Published: June 2022

The plasma membrane consists of a diverse mixture of molecules that dynamically assemble into a highly non-random organization. The formation of nanoscale domains in the membrane is of particular interest as these domains underlie critical cellular functions. Single-molecule tracking is a powerful method to detect and quantify molecular motion at high temporal and spatial resolution and has therefore been instrumental in understanding mechanisms that underlie membrane organization. In single-molecule trajectories, regions of temporal confinement can be determined that might reveal interesting biophysical interactions important for domain formation. However, analytical methods for the detection of temporal confinement in single-molecule trajectories depend on a variety of parameters that heavily depend on experimental factors and the influence of these factors on the performance of confinement detection are not well understood. Here, we present elaborate confinement analyses on simulated random walks and trajectories that display transient confined behavior to optimize the parameters for different experimental conditions. Furthermore, we demonstrate a heatmap visualization tool that allows spatial mapping of confinement hotspots relative to subcellular markers. Using these optimized tools, we reliably detected subdiffusive behavior of different membrane components and observed differences in the confinement behavior of two types of glutamate receptors in neurons. This study will help in further understanding the dynamic behavior of the complex membrane and its role in cellular functioning.
Development of a Soft Robotic Bending Actuator Based on a Novel Sulfonated Polyvinyl Chloride–Phosphotungstic Acid Ionic Polymer–Metal Composite (IPMC) Membrane
Authors: Luqman Mohammad , Anis Arfat , Shaikh Hamid , Al-Zahrani Saeed , Alam Mohammad
Published: June 2022

This work presents the development of a cost-effective electric-stimulus-responsive bending actuator based on a sulfonated polyvinyl chloride (SPVC)–phosphotungstic acid (PTA) ionic polymer–metal composite (IPMC), using a simple solution-casting method followed by chemical reduction of platinum (Pt) ions as an electrode. The characterizations of the prepared IPMC were performed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Excellent ion-exchange capacity (IEC) and proton conductivity (PC), with values of ca. 1.98 meq·g−1 and ca. 1.6 mS·cm−1, respectively, were observed. The water uptake (WU) and water loss (WL) capacities of the IPMC membranes were measured at 25 °C, and found to have maxima of ca. 48% for 10 h, and ca. 36% at 6 V DC for almost 9 min, respectively. To analyze the actuation performance of the developed membrane, tip displacement and actuation force measurements were conducted. Tip displacement was found to be ca. 15.1 mm, whereas bending actuation was found to be 0.242 mN at 4 V DC. The moderate water loss, good proton conductivity (PC), high thermal stability, and good electrochemical properties of the developed IPMC membrane actuator position it as a cost-effective alternative to highly expensive conventional perfluorinated polymer-based actuators.
Ceramide Phosphoethanolamine as a Possible Marker of Periodontal Disease
Authors: Grundner Maja , Munjaković Haris , Tori Tilen , Sepčić Kristina , Gašperšič Rok , Oblak Čedomir , Seme Katja , Guella Graziano , Trenti Francesco , Skočaj Matej
Published: June 2022

Periodontal disease is a chronic oral inflammatory disorder initiated by pathobiontic bacteria found in dental plaques—complex biofilms on the tooth surface. The disease begins as an acute local inflammation of the gingival tissue (gingivitis) and can progress to periodontitis, which eventually leads to the formation of periodontal pockets and ultimately results in tooth loss. The main problem in periodontology is that the diagnosis is based on the assessment of the already obvious tissue damage. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the current diagnostics used to assess periodontal disease. Using lipidomic analyses, we show that both crucial periodontal pathogens, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia, synthesize ceramide phosphoethanolamine (CPE) species, membrane sphingolipids not typically found in vertebrates. Previously, it was shown that this particular lipid can be specifically detected by an aegerolysin protein, erylysin A (EryA). Here, we show that EryA can specifically bind to CPE species from the total lipid extract from P. gingivalis. Furthermore, using a fluorescently labelled EryA-mCherry, we were able to detect CPE species in clinical samples of dental plaque from periodontal patients. These results demonstrate the potential of specific periodontal pathogen-derived lipids as biomarkers for periodontal disease and other chronic inflammatory diseases.
Multilamellar Liposomes as a Model for Biological Membranes: Saturation Recovery EPR Spin-Labeling Studies
Authors: Subczynski Witold Karol , Raguz Marija , Widomska Justyna
Published: June 2022

EPR spin labeling has been used extensively to study lipids in model membranes to understand their structures and dynamics in biological membranes. The lipid multilamellar liposomes, which are the most commonly used biological membrane model, were prepared using film deposition methods and investigated with the continuous wave EPR technique (T2-sensitive spin-labeling methods). These investigations provided knowledge about the orientation of lipids, their rotational and lateral diffusion, and their rate of flip-flop between bilayer leaflets, as well as profiles of membrane hydrophobicity, and are reviewed in many papers and book chapters. In the early 1980s, the saturation recovery EPR technique was introduced to membrane studies. Numerous T1-sensitive spin-label methods were developed to obtain detailed information about the three-dimensional dynamic membrane structure. T1-sensitive methods are advantageous over T2-sensitive methods because the T1 of spin labels (1–10 μs) is 10 to 1000 times longer than the T2, which allows for studies of membrane dynamics in a longer time–space scale. These investigations used multilamellar liposomes also prepared using the rapid solvent exchange method. Here, we review works in which saturation recovery EPR spin-labeling methods were applied to investigate the properties of multilamellar lipid liposomes, and we discuss their relationships to the properties of lipids in biological membranes.
Management Control and Integration Technology of Intelligent Production Line for Multi-Variety and Complex Aerospace Ring Forgings: A Review
Authors: Ma Huijuan , Huang Xiang , Cui Xuhua , Wang Peiliao , Chen Yizhe , Hu Zhili , Hua Lin
Published: June 2022

Large and complex ring forgings are key structural parts of the aerospace field, and their quality is closely related to the reliability of aerospace vehicles. However, high-quality production of aerospace ring forgings faces many problems, such as the long process design cycle and impoverished consistency, the difficulties of real-time detection under the severe time-varying state of the deformation process, the complexity of high-quality non-destructive testing under multitudinous defects, and the cumbersome management control of the multi-source and multi-dimensional heterogeneous data. Considering the current situation of multi-variety and multi-batch production for aerospace ring forgings, establishing an intelligent production line is a crucial means to solving the above problems and realizing the standardization and premiumization of key aerospace components. Therefore, management control and integration technology of the intelligent production line play a crucial role. An analysis, including the research progress of the intelligent computer-aided process planning (CAPP) system, the real-time detection and control system, the product quality testing system, and the intelligent management control and integration system, is systematically reviewed in this work. Through intelligently managing and controlling the integrated systems of the production line, the production efficiency of ring forgings can be effectively improved, and the production energy consumption can be remarkably reduced, which is of great significance for enhancing the manufacturing technology level of aerospace products.
Effect of Post-Processing Heat Treatments on Short-Term Creep Response at 650 °C for a Ti-6Al-4V Alloy Produced by Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Paoletti Chiara , Cabibbo Marcello , Santecchia Eleonora , Cerri Emanuela , Spigarelli Stefano
Published: June 2022

Post-processing heat treatments of Ti-6Al-4V parts produced by additive manufacturing are essential for restoring the peculiar martensitic structure that originates from the extremely high cooling rates typical of this technology. In this study, the influence of a 1050 °C annealing on a Ti-6Al-4V alloy, produced by additive manufacturing, on the minimum creep rate dependence on applied stress and temperature, was investigated at 650 °C. Experimental data obtained after two different subcritical annealings were also considered for comparison purposes. The analysis of the experimental creep data demonstrated that the alloy annealed at the highest temperature exhibited lower creep rates. The improved creep response was attributed to the combined effect of the presence of extended α-β interfaces and of a small volume fraction of Ti3Al particles.
Influence of Residual Stresses on the Crack Initiation and Short Crack Propagation in a Martensitic Spring Steel
Authors: Wildeis Anna , Christ Hans-Jürgen , Brandt Robert
Published: June 2022

The crack initiation and short crack propagation in a martensitic spring steel were investigated by means of in-situ fatigue testing. Shot peened samples as well as untreated samples were exposed to uniaxial alternating stress to analyze the impact of compressive residual stresses. The early fatigue damage started in both sample conditions with the formation of slip bands, which subsequently served as crack initiation sites. Most of the slip bands and, correspondingly, most of the short fatigue cracks initiated at or close to prior austenite grain boundaries. The observed crack density of the emerging network of short cracks increased with the number of cycles and with increasing applied stress amplitudes. Furthermore, the prior austenite grain boundaries acted as obstacles to short crack propagation in both sample conditions. Compressive residual stresses enhanced the fatigue strength, and it is assumed that this beneficial effect was due to a delayed transition from short crack propagation to long crack propagation and a shift of the crack initiation site from the sample surface to the sample interior.
Data-Driven Construction Method of Material Mechanical Behavior Model
Authors: Qu Meijiao , Li Mengqi , Wen Zhichao , He Weifeng
Published: June 2022

To obtain the mechanical behavior response of the material under loading, a data-driven construction method of material mechanical behavior model is proposed, which is universal for predicting the mechanical behavior of any material under different loads. Based on the framework of artificial intelligence and finite element simulation, the method uses Python script to drive an Abaqus loop calculation to obtain data sets and performs artificial intelligence training on data sets to realize model construction. In this paper, taking the quasi-static tension of 9310 steel as an example, a material mechanical behavior model is constructed, and the accuracy of the prediction model is verified based on the experimental data. The results show that the simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental data. The error between the simulation results and the experimental results is within 2%, indicating that the model constructed by this method can effectively predict the mechanical properties of materials.
Lateral Buckling of Pipe-in-Pipe Systems under Sleeper-Distributed Buoyancy—A Numerical Investigation
Authors: Zhang Zechao , Chen Zhihua , Liu Hongbo
Published: June 2022

The crude oil in pipelines should remain at high temperature and pressure to satisfy the fluidity requirement of deep-sea oil transportation and consequently lead to the global buckling of pipelines. Uncontrolled global buckling is accompanied by pipeline damage and oil leakage; therefore, active buckling control of pipelines is needed. Pipe-in-pipe (PIP) systems have been widely used in deep-sea oil pipelines because of the protection and insulation characteristics of the outer pipe to the inner pipe. In this study, sleeper-distributed buoyancy is used as an active buckling control method for the global buckling of PIP systems with initial imperfections. The accuracy of this technique is verified by comparing the finite element model of a 3D pipeline with experimental data. The effects of buoyancy density, pipe–soil friction coefficient, initial imperfection, stiffness ratio of inner and outer pipes, and buoyancy unit interval on the global buckling performance are also analyzed. The critical buckling force and lateral displacement of this method are studied using an analytic solution, and the relevant calculation formulas are obtained and verified to provide a basis for its engineering application.
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Prestrain on the Formability of Zn-Cu-Ti Alloy Zinc Sheet
Authors: Nicoletti Emanuel , Roatta Analía , Ponzellini Marinelli Luciano , Signorelli Javier , Celentano Diego
Published: June 2022

The forming limit diagrams (FLDs) characterizing the formability of sheet metals are usually obtained by applying proportional loadings. Nevertheless, the industrial processes involve strain path changes that can modify the limit-strain values. In addition, for strongly anisotropic sheet metals such as the Zn-Cu-Ti zinc alloy, large differences in forming limit curves (FLCs) with respect to the sheet rolling direction are observed. In the present work, the analysis of the effect of bilinear strain paths on the FLC is addressed by both experimental measurements and numerical simulations. For this purpose, a miniature testing device was used that allows evaluation of the influence of strain path changes on the limit strain on samples at 0°, 45° and 90° with respect to the sheet rolling direction cut from non-standard large samples previously subjected to a prestrain along the RD up to an early deformation of ~0.12. Numerical simulations were carried out using the well-known Marciniak and Kuczynski (MK) theory in conjunction with the viscoplastic self-consistent (VPSC) crystal plasticity model. In order to account for the grain fragmentation process due to the continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) mechanism, an ad hoc short-range interaction effect (SRE) model was included in the simulations. Additionally, the measured and simulated texture evolution of Zn-Cu-Ti alloy sheets at the different stages of the deformations were shown. The capacity of the MK-VPSC-SRE model was validated, and the limitations to simulating the texture development, flow stress and forming limit curves, including a non-proportional strain path, were discussed.
Branched-Chain and Aromatic Amino Acids in Relation to Fat Mass and Fat-Free Mass Changes among Adolescents: A School-Based Intervention
Authors: Pana Magnoudewa Priscille , Ayotte Pierre , Anassour-Laouan-Sidi Elhadji , Suhas Edouard , Gatti Clémence Mahana Iti , Lucas Michel
Published: June 2022

Plasma levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and aromatic amino acids (AAA) are considered early metabolic markers of obesity and insulin resistance (IR). This study aimed to assess changes in plasma concentrations of BCAA/AAA and HOMA-IR2 (homeostasis model assessment of IR) after intervention-induced modifications in fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) among French Polynesian adolescents. FM, FFM, plasma levels of BCAA and AAA, HOMA-IR2 were recorded at baseline and post intervention among 226 adolescents during a 5-month school-based intervention on diet and physical activity. Participants were divided into two subgroups according to their college attendance status which determined their intervention adherence: externs/half-residents (n = 157) and residents (n = 69). Four ordinal categories of body composition changes post-intervention were created for the analysis (FMgain/FFMlost < FMgain/FFMgain < FMlost/FFMlost < FMlost/FFMgain). After 5 months, changes in BCAA (p−trend < 0.001) and AAA (p−trend = 0.007) concentrations were positively associated with ordinal categories of body composition. HOMA-IR2 significantly decreased with FMlost (−0.40; 95% CI, −0.60 to −0.20) and increased with FMgain (0.23; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.36). Our results suggest that FM loss is associated with a decrease in concentrations of obesity and IR metabolic markers which is more substantial when FM loss is accompanied with FFM gain.
Dissecting the Roles of Lipids in Preeclampsia
Authors: Yang Yu , Wang Yixiao , Lv Yan , Ding Hongjuan
Published: June 2022

Preeclampsia is a multisystem pregnancy disorder that is characterized by different degrees of placental malperfusion, with release of antiangiogenic factors into the circulation, leading to maternal vascular endothelial injury and high blood pressure. As a major cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity worldwide, once preeclampsia has been diagnosed, there are no curative treatments except for delivery. Lipids serve as ubiquitous and multifunctional metabolites that are integral and essential to many diverse functions on both a cellular and organismal level. Lipid metabolic abnormalities have emerged as potential risk factors for the development and progression of preeclampsia. This review comprehensively examines decades of discovery to illuminate the roles of lipids and dysregulation in the levels of various lipid classes in preeclampsia. In addition, the roles of lipids are summarized to further understand the pathogenic mechanisms of preeclampsia. Overall, the review highlights the promising potential of pathophysiology and lipid-targeting therapeutic strategies in preeclampsia.
Macronutrient Proportions and Fat Type Impact Ketogenicity and Shape the Circulating Lipidome in Dogs
Authors: Jackson Matthew Irick
Published: June 2022

Many physiological processes including ketogenesis are similar in dogs and humans, but there is little information available on the effect of carbohydrate restriction in dogs. Here, the ketogenicity and serum metabolic profiles of dogs were assessed after they had consumed high carbohydrate (HiCHO); high protein, low carbohydrate (PROT_LoCHO); or high fat, low carbohydrate (FAT_LoCHO) foods. Thirty-six dogs were fed HiCHO for 4 weeks, then randomized to PROT_LoCHO or FAT_LoCHO for 5 weeks. Dogs then crossed over to the other food for an additional 5 weeks. Generally, reduction of dietary carbohydrate by replacement with either protein or fat increased the energy required to maintain body weight, and fat had a greater effect. Postabsorptive energy availability derived mainly from glucose and triglycerides with HiCHO, from gluconeogenic amino acids and fatty acids with PROT_LoCHO, and from fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate with FAT_LoCHO. This study demonstrated that the reduction of carbohydrate in canine foods is potentially beneficial to dogs based on improvements in metabolism and supports the use of low-carbohydrate foods as safe and effective for healthy adult dogs.
Development of a Novel Targeted Metabolomic LC-QqQ-MS Method in Allergic Inflammation
Authors: Obeso David , Contreras Nuria , Dolores-Hernández Mariana , Carrillo Teresa , Barbas Coral , Escribese María M. , Villaseñor Alma , Barber Domingo
Published: June 2022

The transition from mild to severe allergic phenotypes is still poorly understood and there is an urgent need of incorporating new therapies, accompanied by personalized diagnosis approaches. This work presents the development of a novel targeted metabolomic methodology for the analysis of 36 metabolites related to allergic inflammation, including mostly sphingolipids, lysophospholipids, amino acids, and those of energy metabolism previously identified in non-targeted studies. The methodology consisted of two complementary chromatography methods, HILIC and reversed-phase. These were developed using liquid chromatography, coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-QqQ-MS) in dynamic multiple reaction monitoring (dMRM) acquisition mode and were validated using ICH guidelines. Serum samples from two clinical models of allergic asthma patients were used for method application, which were as follows: (1) corticosteroid-controlled (ICS, n = 6) versus uncontrolled (UC, n = 4) patients, and immunotherapy-controlled (IT, n = 23) versus biologicals-controlled (BIO, n = 12) patients. The results showed significant differences mainly in lysophospholipids using univariate analyses in both models. Multivariate analysis for model 1 was able to distinguish both groups, while for model 2, the results showed the correct classification of all BIO samples within their group. Thus, this methodology can be of great importance for further understanding the role of these metabolites in allergic diseases as potential biomarkers for disease severity and for predicting patient treatment response.
Vacuum Inner Spacer to Improve Annealing Effect during Electro-Thermal Annealing of Nanosheet FETs
Authors: Wang Dong-Hyun , Lee Khwang-Sun , Park Jun-Young
Published: June 2022

Electro-thermal annealing (ETA) in a MOSFET utilizes Joule heating. The high-temperature heat effectively cures gate dielectric damages induced by electrical stresses or ionizing radiation. However, even though ETA can be used to improve the reliability of logic and memory devices, applying ETA in state-of-the-art field-effect transistors (FETs) such as nanosheet FETs (NS FETs) has not yet been demonstrated. This paper addresses the heat distribution characteristic of an NS FET considering the application of ETA, using 3D simulations. A vacuum inner spacer is newly proposed to improve annealing effects during ETA. In addition, evaluations of the device scaling and annealing effect were performed with respect to gate length, nanosheet-to-nanosheet vertical space, and inner spacer thickness. Guidelines for ETA in NS FETs can be provided on the basis of the results.
Motion and Load Analysis of the Flexible Platform Based on Noncontact Processing
Authors: Lin Chao , Jiang Mingdong , Xu Ping , Zheng Shan
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we explore the applicability of the positioning stage based on flexible hinges for noncontact processing. According to the actual application of the positioning stage, Hooke’s law, the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory, and the geometric relationship of the structure are applied to analyze the coupled displacement in the movement of the positioning stage and the changes in the performance of the positioning stage caused by external loads. The coupled-displacement matrix and the external-load matrix obtained from the analysis are substituted into the ideal-displacement expression of the positioning stage to obtain the displacement expression of the platform in noncontact machining. The platform trajectory obtained by the referenced curve is analyzed. In addition, the coupled displacement in the X- and Y-directions and the coupled displacement caused by the external load in the Z-direction are nanoscales and about one-thousandth of the output displacement, which meets the requirement of tracking accuracy for micron-level machining. Finally, we use finite element analysis (FEA) and experiments to prove the correctness of the theoretical analysis.
Multi-Material Topology Optimization of Flexure Hinges Using Element Stacking Method
Authors: Liu Min , Li Yifeng , Zhan Jinqing
Published: June 2022

Traditional flexure hinges are designed by using a single material, and their performance is inadequate, compared to the ideal hinge. This paper presents a topology-optimization design method for multi-material flexure hinges based on the element stacking method. A topology optimization model for multi-material flexure hinges is constructed to find the optimal distribution of various materials, where the objective function is to maximize the compliance in the rotational direction, whilst minimizing the compliance in the axial direction. In order to ensure the rotation precision of the hinge, the position constraint of the rotation center is proposed. The gradient information of objective and constraint functions is derived by the adjoint method, and the method of moving asymptotes (MMA) is used to update the design variable. Several numerical examples are performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, and the results show that the multi-material flexure hinge has a higher rotation ratio than the single-material flexure hinge.
A Timing-Based Split-Path Sensing Circuit for STT-MRAM
Authors: Ishdorj Bayartulga , Kim Jeongyeon , Kim Jae Hwan , Na Taehui
Published: June 2022

Spin-transfer torque magnetoresistive random access memory (STT-MRAM) applications have received considerable attention as a possible alternative for universal memory applications because they offer a cost advantage comparable to that of a dynamic RAM with fast performance comparable to that of a static RAM, while solving the scaling issues faced by conventional MRAMs. However, owing to the decrease in supply voltage (VDD) and increase in process fluctuations, STT-MRAMs require an advanced sensing circuit (SC) to ensure a sufficient read yield in deep submicron technology. In this study, we propose a timing-based split-path SC (TSSC) that can achieve a greater read yield compared to a conventional split-path SC (SPSC) by employing a timing-based dynamic reference voltage technique to minimize the threshold voltage mismatch effects. Monte Carlo simulation results based on industry-compatible 28-nm model parameters reveal that the proposed TSSC method obtains a 42% higher read access pass yield at a nominal VDD of 1.0 V compared to the SPSC in terms of iso-area and -power, trading off 1.75× sensing time.
Rolling Motion of a Soft Microsnowman under Rotating Magnetic Field
Authors: Kararsiz Gokhan , Duygu Yasin Cagatay , Rogowski Louis William , Bhattacharjee Anuruddha , Kim Min Jun
Published: June 2022

This paper demonstrates a manipulation of snowman-shaped soft microrobots under a uniform rotating magnetic field. Each microsnowman robot consists of two biocompatible alginate microspheres with embedded magnetic nanoparticles. The soft microsnowmen were fabricated using a microfluidic device by following a centrifuge-based microfluidic droplet method. Under a uniform rotating magnetic field, the microsnowmen were rolled on the substrate surface, and the velocity response for increasing magnetic field frequencies was analyzed. Then, a microsnowman was rolled to follow different paths, which demonstrated directional controllability of the microrobot. Moreover, swarms of microsnowmen and single alginate microrobots were manipulated under the rotating magnetic field, and their velocity responses were analyzed for comparison.
Joint Inversion with Borehole and Semi-Airborne TEM Data Based on Equivalent Filament Approximation
Authors: Wu Junjie , Zhi Qingquan , Deng Xiaohong , Wang Xingchun , Yang Yi
Published: June 2022

The borehole transient electromagnetic (TEM) method can be useful in deep mineral exploration to detect blind ore bodies beside or below the borehole, and is especially adapted to finding small-scale, deep, rich ore bodies. In this method a transmitting loop is deployed on the top surface of the Earth, while a receiving coil is moved down the borehole. As the borehole TEM method is limited by the borehole’s location and depth, so its exploration scope is limited. The surface to airborne TEM method is a semi-airborne TEM configuration that transmits on the surface and receives TEM response in air. The two systems are combined into one system in this study, sharing the transmission loop deployed on the surface. With this combined system, the TEM response in the borehole and in the air can be observed at the same time. This paper employs a joint interpretation method based on the equivalent filament, which is introduced to obtain more reliable geometric information for the target with both borehole and aerial TEM data. The eddy currents induced in a thin confined conductor can be represented by equivalent current filaments, and the distribution of filaments can reflect the position and geometry of the conductor. Therefore, geometric parameters of targets can be obtained by filament inversion, and the joint inversion can be more accurate with both borehole and aerial response. Numerical modeling results show that the joint inversion based on the equivalent filament results can reliably obtain the geometric parameters of the thin conductive plate embedded in half space.
Mill Feed Control System and Algorithm Based on Python
Authors: Zhang Wenkang , Liu Dan , Du Yu , Liu Ruitao , Wang Daqian , Yu Longzhou , Wen Shuming
Published: June 2022

Grinding is an important link in the process of mineral processing. It plays a vital role in mineral processing by optimizing the grinding process, improving the quality of grinding products and ensuring the follow-up operation indicators. In this paper, the Python language, intelligent theoretical control technology and mineral processing were combined to solve the problem of ore feeding control in mineral processing. Using error factor analysis, an extended control algorithm was designed. The NumPy library and data collected from the Yuan YangMou concentrator in China were used to quantitatively analyze the factors affecting the error of electronic belt scales. This paper introduces the use of Kalman filtering for electronic belt scale weight data to reduce the effect of noise and hence reduce errors. The factors affecting the process of mill feeding are also analyzed. The core ideas and methods of fuzzy control theory are summarized, and a Python-based fuzzy controller suitable for the mill feeding process that improves the overall robustness and accuracy of feeding system is implemented.
Genesis of the Tangshang Au Deposit in Southeast Yunnan Province, China: Constraints from In Situ Chemical and S-Sr Isotope Analyses
Authors: Song Weifang , Wu Pan , Liu Jianzhong , Li Junhai , Wang Zepeng , Tan Qinping , Xie Zhuojun , Zheng Lulin
Published: June 2022

The Yunnan–Guizhou–Guangxi district (also known as the Dian–Qian–Gui “Golden Triangle”) in southwestern China contains numerous Carlin-type Au deposits (CTGDs). However, the sources of Au and Au-bearing fluids in these deposits remain controversial. The Tangshang Au deposit is a middle-sized CTGD in southeastern Yunnan Province. This study involved in situ chemical and S isotope analyses of sulfides and in situ trace elemental and Sr isotope analyses of ore-related calcite; these data were used to trace the sources of fluids and Au, as well as the genesis of this deposit. Four pyrite types (Py1, Py2, Py3, and Py4) and two arsenopyrite types (Apy1 and Apy2) were identified based on their textural characteristics. It was found that Py1 contains relatively lower Au, Sb, Cu, and Tl contents than those of Py2, Py3, and Py4. Py1 is wrapped by rim-Py2 and Py3, which indicates an early-ore-stage genesis. The Carlin-type mineralization elements are elevated in the pyrites (Au = 3.04–38.1 ppm; As = 40,932–65,833 ppm; Tl = 0 to 3.3 ppm; Sb = 1.2 to 343 ppm; and Cu = 10 to 102 ppm), and the average Co/Ni ratio is 0.54. Additionally, Au has a positive correlation with Tl and Cu. The high concentrations of As and Au in all types of pyrite indicate that the ore-forming fluids are rich in both elements. The sulfides in the ores were shown to produce similar S isotope ratios, which are obviously higher than the S isotope value of sulfide (~0‰) in Emeishan basalt; therefore, the integration of these and elemental composition data indicated that all pyrites (Py1, Py2, Py3, and Py4) form during the ore stage. These results also demonstrate that the δ34S values of the Au-bearing fluids are higher than those of basalt wall rocks. The flat chondrite-normalized REEs pattern and positive Eu anomaly of the calcite were similar to those obtained from Emeishan basalt, which suggests a reducing characteristic of hydrothermal fluids. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.70557–0.70622) of calcite were also comparable to the range obtained from Emeishan basalt. Some slightly higher 87Sr/86Sr ratios, which ranged between those obtained from Emeishan basalt and limestone from the Maokou Formation, indicated that the Sr isotope ratios of the Au-bearing fluids are higher than those of Emeishan basalt. Based on data generated in the present study and the regional geology of this area, a genetic model involving a metamorphic fluid system was proposed for the Tangshang gold deposit, and a gold mineralization event related to metamorphic fluid in the south of the Dian–Qian–Gui “Golden Triangle” was indicated.
Constant Wear Criterion for Optimization of the Crushing Chamber of Cone Crushers
Authors: Zhang Zilong , Ren Tingzhi , Cheng Jiayuan
Published: June 2022

The crushing chamber is the core component of a cone crusher, consisting of mantle and concave parts. Reducing the impact of crushing chamber wear on the performance of cone crushers and the quality of crushed products while extending the service life of the mantle and concave has become a significant research challenge. The impact of the compression ratio and particle size distribution coefficient on the particle crushing pressure is investigated here in order to establish the particle pressure model. The effect of the normal and tangential components of particle crushing pressure on the wear of the mantle and concave is discussed, and the wear with the increase in crushed products and accumulation of operating time is explored in order to develop a wear model of the crushing chamber. By evaluating the compensation of the worn crushing chamber according to the adjustment mechanism of the mantle, a constant wear criterion for the crushing chamber of the cone crusher is proposed. Through analysis of industrial experimental data on an experimental prototype of a ZS200MF cone crusher with an optimized mantle and concave, the capacity was found to fluctuate at 83.45 t/h with no apparent downward trend, the calibration size production was reduced by 6.2%, and the wear similarity coefficient was 8.82%. This indicates that replacing the optimized mantle and concave based on the constant wear criterion maintains the performance of the cone crusher, delays the decline in the quality of the crushed products, and ensures similarity between the adjusted worn crushing chamber and the initial crushing chamber, which verifies the feasibility and effectiveness of the constant wear criterion for the optimization of crushing chamber. Based on the constant wear criterion, cone crushers can be optimized to obtain a crushing chamber with constant wear characteristics, which provides theoretical support for the development of new high-efficiency cone crushers as well as the optimization of existing equipment.
Trace Element Concentrations and Mineralogy of Quartz Vein Deposits from Southeastern Hubei Province, China
Authors: Wang Jiuyi , Xie Zefeng , Wang Chunlian , Hu Yufei
Published: June 2022

Hydrothermal quartz samples collected from the Fujiashan and Yipanqiu quartz deposits in southeastern Hubei Province, China have been investigated by analytical combination of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, in conjunction with conventional beneficiation processing to evaluate their potential as sources of high purity quartz (HPQ) from a commercial perspective. Microscopy efforts reveal that major mineral impurities associated with quartz are K-feldspar, muscovite, iron oxides, rutile with accessory kaolinite. Bulk trace element concentrations of the processed quartz products demonstrate that the Fujiashan-II quartz vein with cumulative impurities of less than 50 μg g−1 with <30 μg g−1 Al and <10 μg g−1 Ti fits with the lattice-bound criteria for HPQ, meeting the requirement by a HPQ deposit. However, the Yipanqiu quartz deposits are not promising for HPQ production due to high fluid inclusion contents, intimate intergrowth texture with highly variable crystal size, and probably high lattice-bound element contents. The early Neoproterozoic Fujiashan quartz deposits have likely been experienced long-term retrograde metamorphism-related recrystallisation which might contribute to high-purity quartz formation. Due to a much younger crystallization age compared to the Fujiashan deposits, quartz grains in the middle Cretaceous Yipanqiu quartz vein retain high trace elements, leading to exclusion of being a HPQ deposit.
Magmatic Process Associated with the Baogutu Reduced Cu Porphyry-Type Deposit (West Junggar, Northwest China): Evidence from Multiple Enclaves
Authors: Wu Chu , Hong Tao , Xu Xing-Wang , Zheng Xiao , Wang Cheng-Xi , Liang Wan-Juan , Sun Ke-Feng , Zhang Hui-Jun , Wang Bin , Dong Lian-Hui
Published: June 2022

Enclaves constitute a key tracer guide to assess the magmatic source and evolutionary processes of Cu–Mo–Au porphyry-type deposits. In this study, four types of enclaves were identified in the Baogutu reduced Cu porphyry-type deposit, West Junggar, Northwest China: gabbroic enclaves (Type 1) and schist enclaves (Type 2) are proposed to be restites and immiscible enclaves, respectively, which confirm the contributions of mantle components and sediments in the reduced Cu porphyry-type deposit. Fine-grained dioritic enclaves (Type 3) have a similar mineral composition and texture to the dioritic host rocks, which are probably autoliths derived from inhomogeneous fractional crystallization. Tuffaceous siltstone enclaves (Type 4) with a zircon U-Pb age of 339.2 ± 7.5 Ma (MSWD = 0.55), the formation age of which is in agreement with the host early Carboniferous rock unit, indicate that these tuffaceous siltstone enclaves might have formed in a contamination process. Moreover, the schist enclaves, together with the newly discovered 2691.3 ± 12.3 Ma inherited zircon in tuffaceous siltstone enclaves, further indicate that the Baogutu arc could be a continental arc.
From Traditional Ethnopharmacology to Modern Natural Drug Discovery: A Methodology Discussion and Specific Examples
Authors: Pirintsos Stergios , Panagiotopoulos Athanasios , Bariotakis Michalis , Daskalakis Vangelis , Lionis Christos , Sourvinos George , Karakasiliotis Ioannis , Kampa Marilena , Castanas Elias
Published: June 2022

Ethnopharmacology, through the description of the beneficial effects of plants, has provided an early framework for the therapeutic use of natural compounds. Natural products, either in their native form or after crude extraction of their active ingredients, have long been used by different populations and explored as invaluable sources for drug design. The transition from traditional ethnopharmacology to drug discovery has followed a straightforward path, assisted by the evolution of isolation and characterization methods, the increase in computational power, and the development of specific chemoinformatic methods. The deriving extensive exploitation of the natural product chemical space has led to the discovery of novel compounds with pharmaceutical properties, although this was not followed by an analogous increase in novel drugs. In this work, we discuss the evolution of ideas and methods, from traditional ethnopharmacology to in silico drug discovery, applied to natural products. We point out that, in the past, the starting point was the plant itself, identified by sustained ethnopharmacological research, with the active compound deriving after extensive analysis and testing. In contrast, in recent years, the active substance has been pinpointed by computational methods (in silico docking and molecular dynamics, network pharmacology), followed by the identification of the plant(s) containing the active ingredient, identified by existing or putative ethnopharmacological information. We further stress the potential pitfalls of recent in silico methods and discuss the absolute need for in vitro and in vivo validation as an absolute requirement. Finally, we present our contribution to natural products’ drug discovery by discussing specific examples, applying the whole continuum of this rapidly evolving field. In detail, we report the isolation of novel antiviral compounds, based on natural products active against influenza and SARS-CoV-2 and novel substances active on a specific GPCR, OXER1.
Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic and Antioxidant Potential of New (2S,3S)-2-(4-isopropylbenzyl)-2-methyl-4-nitro-3-phenylbutanals and Their Corresponding Carboxylic Acids through In Vitro, In Silico and In Vivo Studies
Authors: Mahmood Fawad , Khan Jamshaid Ali , Mahnashi Mater H. , Jan Muhammad Saeed , Javed Muhammad Aamir , Rashid Umer , Sadiq Abdul , Hassan Syed Shams ul , Bungau Simona
Published: June 2022

In the current study, a series of new (2S,3S)-2-(4-isopropylbenzyl)-2-methyl-4-nitro-3-phenylbutanals (FM1-6) with their corresponding carboxylic acid analogues (FM7-12) has been synthesized. Initially, the aldehydic derivatives were isolated in the diastereomeric form, and the structures were confirmed with NMR, MS and elemental analysis. Based on the encouraging results in in vitro COX 1/2, 5-LOX and antioxidant assays, we oxidized the compounds and obtained the pure single (major) diastereomer for activities. Among all the compounds, FM4, FM10 and FM12 were the leading compounds based on their potent IC50 values. The IC50 values of compounds FM4, FM10 and FM12 were 0.74, 0.69 and 0.18 µM, respectively, in COX-2 assay. Similarly, the IC50 values of these three compounds were also dominant in COX-1 assay. In 5-LOX assay, the majority of our compounds were potent inhibitors of the enzyme. Based on the potency and safety profiles, FM10 and FM12 were subjected to the in vivo experiments. The compounds FM10 and FM12 were observed with encouraging results in in vivo analgesic and anti-inflammatory models. The molecular docking studies of the selected compounds show binding interactions in the minimized pocked of the target proteins. It is obvious from the overall results that FM10 and FM12 are potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents.
Nanostructure Sn/C Composite High-Performance Negative Electrode for Lithium Storage
Authors: Saddique Jaffer , Shen Honglie , Ge Jiawei , Huo Xiaomin , Rahman Nasir , Ahmadi Ahmad Aziz Al , Mushtaq Muhammad
Published: June 2022

Tin-based nanocomposite materials embedded in carbon frameworks can be used as effective negative electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), owing to their high theoretical capacities with stable cycle performance. In this work, a low-cost and productive facile hydrothermal method was employed for the preparation of a Sn/C nanocomposite, in which Sn particles (sized in nanometers) were uniformly dispersed in the conductive carbon matrix. The as-prepared Sn/C nanocomposite displayed a considerable reversible capacity of 877 mAhg−1 at 0.1 Ag−1 with a high first cycle charge/discharge coulombic efficiency of about 77%, and showed 668 mAh/g even at a relatively high current density of 0.5 Ag−1 after 100 cycles. Furthermore, excellent rate capability performance was achieved for 806, 697, 630, 516, and 354 mAhg−1 at current densities 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 Ag−1, respectively. This outstanding and significantly improved electrochemical performance is attributed to the good distribution of Sn nanoparticles in the carbon framework, which helped to produce Sn/C nanocomposite next-generation negative electrodes for lithium-ion storage.
Umbelliferose Isolated from Cuminum cyminum L. Seeds Inhibits Antigen-Induced Degranulation in Rat Basophilic Leukemia RBL-2H3 Cells
Authors: Ishida Momoko , Ohara Rika , Miyagawa Fuka , Kikuzaki Hiroe , Nishi Kosuke , Onda Hiroyuki , Yoshino Nanami , Sugahara Takuya
Published: June 2022

Cuminum cyminum L. (cumin) is an annual plant of the Umbelliferae family native to Egypt. We previously showed that the aqueous extract of cumin seeds suppresses degranulation by downregulating the activation of antigen-induced intracellular signaling molecules in rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells. However, the active substances in the extract have not yet been identified. Accordingly, herein, we aimed to ascertain the water-soluble substances present in cumin seeds that inhibit degranulation, which led to the identification of umbelliferose, a characteristic trisaccharide present in plants of the Umbelliferae family. Our study is the first to reveal the degranulation-suppressing activity of umbelliferose, and quantification studies suggest that cumin seed powder contains 1.6% umbelliferose. Raffinose, an isomer of umbelliferose, was also found to significantly suppress antigen-induced degranulation, but less so than umbelliferose. Both umbelliferose and raffinose contain sucrose subunits in their structures, with galactose moieties bound at different sites. These differences in structure suggest that the binding of galactose to the sucrose subunit at the α1-2 bond contributes to its strong degranulation-inhibiting properties.