bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(S,S)-1-(Phenyl((1′-4-nitrophenyl-ethyl)amino)methyl)-2-naphthol
Authors: Capozzi Maria Annunziata M. , Cardellicchio Cosimo
Published: December 2022

The Betti reaction of 2-naphthol, benzaldehyde and (S)-1-(4-nitrophenyl)ethylamine without any solvent gave the corresponding aminobenzylnaphthol, that is the (S,S)-1-(phenyl((1′-4-nitrophenyl-ethyl)amino)methyl)-2-naphthol, in good yield (56%). The absolute configuration of the title compound was attributed by NMR analysis, a procedure that is reliable if compared with the data obtained by X-ray diffraction experiments.
Friction Property of Hierarchical Micro/Nanopatterned PDMS
Authors: Kim Gang-Min , Lee Jeong-Won , Lee Sung-Jun , Kim Chang-Lae
Published: December 2022

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has many advantages, but the friction coefficient generated by contact with the counter material is high. The purpose of this study is to reduce the friction coefficient by forming hierarchical micro/nanopatterns on the PDMS surface using the imprinting method. In addition, the optimum conditions for reducing the friction coefficient by controlling the sliding speed and normal load were determined. After contacting flat bare PDMS and hierarchical micro/nanostructured PDMS with a counter tip made of polyurethane (PU), the change in friction with sliding speed and vertical load was evaluated. Under normal load conditions, the average friction coefficient of the bare PDMS decreased as the sliding speed increased, and that of the patterned PDMS slightly increased. Regardless of the sliding speed, the friction coefficient decreased as the normal load increased for both specimens. At a sliding speed of 4 mm/s under a load of 10 mN, the friction reduction effect of the pattern structure was the largest at 79%. Overall, the greatest friction reduction effect (84%) was confirmed in patterned PDMS with the lowest friction coefficient under the conditions of 4 mm/s, 50 mN, compared to bare PDMS with the highest friction coefficient under the conditions of 4 mm/s, 10 mN.
Carbides Dissolution in 5Cr15MoV Martensitic Stainless Steel and New Insights into Its Effect on Microstructure and Hardness
Authors: Liu Wenle , Wang Xuelin , Guo Fujian , Shang Chengjia
Published: December 2022

The dissolution behavior of carbides in martensitic stainless steel and its effect on microstructure and hardness were investigated by using X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD). The results indicated that the microstructure after austenitizing heat treatment and oil quenched consisted of martensite, M23C6 carbides and retained austenite. The temperature and particle size had great influence on the dissolution of carbides. The EBSD results showed that the twin-related variant pair V1/V2 governed the phase transformation. Meanwhile, the density of high-angle grain boundaries (HAGBs) increased with the increase of austenitizing temperature from 950 to 1150 °C. The hardness test results indicated that the hardness first increased and then decreased with the increase of the austenitizing temperature, and the peak appeared at 1050 °C with a Rockwell hardness value of 59.8 HRC. A model was established to quantitatively explain the contribution of different microstructures to hardness. The contribution to hardness came mainly from martensite. The retained austenite had a negative effect on hardness when the volume fraction was more than 10%. In contrast, carbides contributed less to hardness due to their small content.
State of Charge Estimation and Evaluation of Lithium Battery Using Kalman Filter Algorithms
Authors: Hu Longzhou , Hu Rong , Ma Zengsheng , Jiang Wenjuan
Published: December 2022

The accurate and rapid estimation of the state of charge (SOC) is important and difficult in lithium battery management systems. In this paper, an adaptive infinite Kalman filter (AUKF) was used to estimate the state of charge for a 18650 LiNiMnCoO2/graphite lithium-ion battery, and its performance was systematically evaluated under large initial errors, wide temperature ranges, and different drive cycles. In addition, three other Kalman filter algorithms on the predicted SOC of LIB were compared under different work conditions, and the accuracy and convergence time of different models were compared. The results showed that the convergence time of the AUKF algorithms was one order of magnitude smaller than that of the other three methods, and the mean absolute error was only less than 50% of the other methods. The present work can be used to help other researchers select an appropriate strategy for the SOC online estimation of lithium-ion cells under different applicable conditions.
Tensile Behavior, Constitutive Model, and Deformation Mechanisms of MarBN Steel at Various Temperatures and Strain Rates
Authors: Cai Yifan , Wang Quanyi , Liu Meng , Jiang Yunqing , Zou Tongfei , Wang Yunru , Li Qingsong , Pei Yubing , Zhang Hong , Liu Yongjie , Wang Qingyuan
Published: December 2022

To reduce harmful gas emission and improve the operational efficiency, advanced ultra-supercritical power plants put forward higher requirements on the high temperature mechanical properties of applied materials. In this paper, the tensile behavior and deformation mechanisms of MarBN steel are discussed at different strain rates (5 × 10−3 s−1, 5 × 10−4 s−1, and 5 × 10−5 s−1) under room temperature and 630 °C. The results show that the tensile behavior of the alloy is dependent on temperature and strain rate, which derived from the balance between the average dislocation velocity and dislocation density. Furthermore, observed dynamic recrystallized grains under severe deformation reveal the existence of dynamic recovery at 630 °C, which increases the elongation compared to room temperature. Finally, three typical constitutive equations are used to quantitatively describe the tensile deformation behavior of MarBN steel under different strain rates and temperatures. Meanwhile, the constitutive model of flow stress for MarBN steel is developed based on the hyperbolic sine law.
Angle-Dependent Raman Scattering Studies on Anisotropic Properties of Crystalline Hexagonal 4H-SiC
Authors: Feng Zhe Chuan , Zhao Dishu , Wan Lingyu , Lu Weijie , Yiin Jeffrey , Klein Benjamin , Ferguson Ian T.
Published: December 2022

Raman scattering spectroscopy (RSS) has the merits of non-destructiveness, fast analysis, and identification of SiC polytype materials. By way of angle-dependent Raman scattering (ADRS), the isotropic characteristics are confirmed for c-face 4H-SiC, while the anisotropic properties of a-face 4H-SiC are revealed and studied in detail via combined experiments and theoretical calculation. The variation functional relationship of the angle between the incident laser polarization direction and the parallel (perpendicular) polarization direction was well established. The selection rules of wurtzite 4H-SiC are deduced, and the intensity variations of the A1, E2, and E1 Raman phonon modes dependent on the incident angle are calculated, and well-matched with experimental data. Raman tensor elements of various modes are determined.
Microstructural Evolution of Diamond-Based Composites at High Temperature and High Pressure
Authors: Qiu Tianxu , Feng Jianwei , Cai Bo , Fan Guojiang , Zhang Wei , Liu Yong
Published: December 2022

Improving the toughness of diamond composites has become an industrial demand. In this work, Co50Ni40Fe10 multi-element alloy was designed as binder for diamond-based composites prepared by high temperature and high pressure (HTHP). Two methods of mixing-sintering and infiltration-sintering were used to prepare diamond-based composites with different diamond contents. The phase diagrams of Co-C and Co50Ni40Fe10-C at 6 GPa were calculated by Thermo-Calc. The results show that Co50Ni40Fe10 multi-element alloy promotes the sintering of diamond powder than element Co. The transverse rupture strength (TRS) of sintered diamond with Co50Ni40Fe10 (Co50Ni40Fe10-75 vol% diamond) is higher than that of Co-Comp (Co-75 vol% diamond). The TRS of polycrystalline diamond (PCD) with Co50Ni40Fe10 alloy binder is up to 1360.3 MPa, which is 19.2% higher than Co-PCD. Compared with Co, using Co50Ni40Fe10 as binder results in a less metal residue in PCD, while the metal cluster area is smaller and the metal distribution is more uniform.
A Flexibly Conditional Screening Approach via a Nonparametric Quantile Partial Correlation
Authors: Xia Xiaochao , Ming Hao
Published: December 2022

Considering the influence of conditional variables is crucial to statistical modeling, ignoring this may lead to misleading results. Recently, Ma, Li and Tsai proposed the quantile partial correlation (QPC)-based screening approach that takes into account conditional variables for ultrahigh dimensional data. In this paper, we propose a nonparametric version of quantile partial correlation (NQPC), which is able to describe the influence of conditional variables on other relevant variables more flexibly and precisely. Specifically, the NQPC firstly removes the effect of conditional variables via fitting two nonparametric additive models, which differs from the conventional partial correlation that fits two parametric models, and secondly computes the QPC of the resulting residuals as NQPC. This measure is very useful in the situation where the conditional variables are highly nonlinearly correlated with both the predictors and response. Then, we employ this NQPC as the screening utility to do variable screening. A variable screening procedure based on NPQC (NQPC-SIS) is proposed. Theoretically, we prove that the NQPC-SIS enjoys the sure screening property that, with probability going to one, the selected subset can recruit all the truly important predictors under mild conditions. Finally, extensive simulations and an empirical application are carried out to demonstrate the usefulness of our proposal.
Temporomandibular Joint and Otitis Media: A Narrative Review of Implications in Etiopathogenesis and Treatment
Authors: Bernkopf Edoardo , Cristalli Giovanni , de Vincentiis Giovanni Carlo , Bernkopf Giulia , Capriotti Vincenzo
Published: December 2022

Otitis media (OM) and its recurring (rAOM), effusive (OME), and chronic forms, represent a frequent clinical challenge. The middle ear, the mandible, and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) share several embryological and anatomical connections. Despite that, the role of mandibular malposition and TMJ dysfunction is frequently overlooked in the management of otitis media. In this narrative review, we present current evidence supporting the etiopathogenetic role of a dysfunctional stomatognathic system in the onset of OM and the effectiveness of orthognathic treatment in preventing rAOM and OME. In particular, a focus on the influence of TMJ on Eustachian tube function is provided.
A Study of the Mechanisms and Kinetics of the Localized Corrosion Aggravation of Ductile Iron in a Harsh Water Quality Environment
Authors: Wang Bingqin , Liu Tao , Tao Kai , Zhu Lingsheng , Liu Chao , Yong Xingyue , Cheng Xuequn
Published: December 2022

Ductile iron is a high-strength cast iron material. The spherical graphite obtained by inoculation treatment effectively improves the mechanical properties of cast iron, resulting in higher strength than carbon steel. However, severe corrosion may occur under specific circumstances, especially in thermal water pipelines. In this paper, the corrosion mechanisms at the main defective points of ductile iron were investigated using microscopic morphological characterization after accelerated tests combined with numerical simulations. The influence law of each environmental factor on the corrosion kinetics of ductile iron in a complex water quality environment was studied using dynamic potential polarization tests. The results showed that the main causative factors leading to the increased corrosion of ductile iron were the presence of tail-like gaps on its surface, and the crescent-shaped shrinkage and loosening organization around the graphite spheres. After mechanical treatment was applied to eliminate the obvious defects, the number of corrosion pits was reduced by 41.6%, and the depth of the pits was slowed down by 40% after five days. By comparison, after ten days, the number of pits was reduced by 51%, and the depth of the pits was slowed down by 50%. The dynamic potential polarization test results show that the dissolved oxygen concentration has the greatest influence on the corrosion of ductile iron in the simulated water environment; meanwhile, the water hardness can slow down the corrosion of ductile iron. The relative influence of each environmental factor is as follows: dissolved oxygen concentration > temperature > immersion time > water hardness > pH > Cl−.
Ultrafast Temporal-Spatial Dynamics of Phase Transition in N-Doped Ge2Sb2Te5 Film Induced by Femtosecond Laser Pulse Irradiation
Authors: Wu Hao , Zhang Xiaobin , Han Weina
Published: December 2022

Element-doped phase change material (PCM) could improve the performances, e.g., better thermal stability, higher electrical resistance, and faster crystallization speed; thus, the influence of the doping element needs to be further investigated. In this paper, a femtosecond laser, which could realize the ultrafast phase transition rate of PCM between amorphization and crystallization, was used to explore the properties of nitrogen-doped Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST), and a bond effect was proposed. The pure GST and different nitrogen contents of doped GST films were investigated by femtosecond laser pulse excitation through a pump–probe shadowgraph imaging technique. The results showed that the element-doped films could change photon absorption because of the increase in free carriers. This caused the faster rate of reflectivity to change in the irradiated area by the laser beam as the more nitrogen doped. When the nitrogen content increased, the crystallization evolution became harder because it enhanced the bond effect, which suppressed crystalline grain growth and improved the thermal stability. Based on the analysis in the paper, the desired performances of PCMs, e.g., ultrafast dynamics, crystallization evolution, and thermal stability, could be controlled according to the demands by modifying the bond effect.
Additive Nanosecond Laser-Induced Forward Transfer of High Antibacterial Metal Nanoparticle Dose onto Foodborne Bacterial Biofilms
Authors: Nastulyavichus Alena , Khaertdinova Liliana , Tolordava Eteri , Yushina Yulia , Ionin Andrey , Semenova Anastasia , Kudryashov Sergey
Published: December 2022

Additive laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) of metal bactericidal nanoparticles from a polymer substrate directly onto food bacterial biofilms has demonstrated its unprecedented efficiency in combating pathogenic microorganisms. Here, a comprehensive study of laser fluence, metal (gold, silver and copper) film thickness, and the transfer distance effects on the antibacterial activity regarding biofilms of Gram-negative and Gram-positive food bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp.) indicated the optimal operation regimes of the versatile modality. LIFT-induced nanoparticle penetration into a biofilm was studied by energy-dispersion X-ray spectroscopy, which demonstrated that nanoparticles remained predominantly on the surface of the biofilm.
Trophic State Drives the Diversity of Protists in a Tropical River (New River, Belize)
Authors: Barbosa Maximiliano , Lefler Forrest W. , Berthold David E. , Briggs-Gonzalez Venetia S. , Mazzotti Frank J. , Laughinghouse H. Dail
Published: December 2022

Land use disrupts the ecosystem functioning of freshwater systems and significantly affects trophic state. Consequently, biodiversity is severely affected by changes to the ecosystem. Microbial eukaryotes (i.e., protists) play an essential role in ecosystem functioning, contributing to biogeochemical processes, nutrient cycling, and food webs. Protist composition is a useful biological quality parameter for monitoring aquatic ecosystems and determining aquatic system health. In this study, we investigated the effects of land usage and trophic state on the communities of microbial eukaryotes in the New River (Belize, C.A.). Land use and trophic state both significantly affected protist community compositions, with impacted and mesotrophic sampled sites having higher biodiversity when compared to other sites. Autotrophic organisms dominated indirectly impacted and eutrophic sites, while impacted and mesotrophic sites had proportional ratios of autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms. Our study highlights the significant effects of trophic gradients on protistan community composition, even at the local scales.
The Weissella Genus: Clinically Treatable Bacteria with Antimicrobial/Probiotic Effects on Inflammation and Cancer
Authors: Ahmed Sadia , Singh Sargun , Singh Vaidhvi , Roberts Kyle D. , Zaidi Arsalan , Rodriguez-Palacios Alexander
Published: December 2022

Weissella is a genus earlier considered a member of the family Leuconostocaceae, which was reclassified into the family Lactobacillaceae in 1993. Recently, there have been studies emphasizing the probiotic and anti-inflammatory potential of various species of Weissella, of which W. confusa and W. cibaria are the most representative. Other species within this genus include: W. paramesenteroides, W. viridescens, W. halotolerans, W. minor, W. kandleri, W. soli, W. ghanensis, W. hellenica, W. thailandensis, W. fabalis, W. cryptocerci, W. koreensis, W. beninensis, W. fabaria, W. oryzae, W. ceti, W. uvarum, W. bombi, W. sagaensis, W. kimchi, W. muntiaci, W. jogaejeotgali, W. coleopterorum, W. hanii, W. salipiscis, and W. diestrammenae. Weissella confusa, W. paramesenteroides, W. koreensis, and W. cibaria are among the few species that have been isolated from human samples, although the identification of these and other species is possible using metagenomics, as we have shown for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and healthy controls. We were able to isolate Weissella in gut-associated bacteria (post 24 h food deprivation and laxatives). Other sources of isolation include fermented food, soil, and skin/gut/saliva of insects/animals. With the potential for hospital and industrial applications, there is a concern about possible infections. Herein, we present the current applications of Weissella on its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory mechanistic effects, the predisposing factors (e.g., vancomycin) for pathogenicity in humans, and the antimicrobials used in patients. To address the medical concerns, we examined 28 case reports focused on W. confusa and found that 78.5% of infections were bacteremia (of which 7 were fatal; 1 for lack of treatment), 8 were associated with underlying malignancies, and 8 with gastrointestinal procedures/diseases of which 2 were Crohn’s disease patients. In cases of a successful resolution, commonly administered antibiotics included: cephalosporin, ampicillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and daptomycin. Despite reports of Weissella-related infections, the evolving mechanistic findings suggest that Weissella are clinically treatable bacteria with emerging antimicrobial and probiotic benefits ranging from oral health, skin care, obesity, and inflammatory diseases to cancer.
Macroplastics and Microplastics in Intertidal Sediment of Vinces and Los Tintos Rivers, Guayas Province, Ecuador
Authors: Talbot Rebecca , Cárdenas-Calle Maritza , Mair James M , López Franklin , Cárdenas Guillermo , Pernía Beatríz , Hartl Mark G. J. , Uyaguari Miguel
Published: December 2022

The composition, abundance and distribution of macroplastics (MAPs) and microplastics (MPs) in the Vinces and Los Tintos rivers were determined in three sites (Pueblo Nuevo, Santa Marianita, Los Tintos) from the low basin in the coastal province of Guayas, Ecuador. MAPS were recorded by visual census, covering a total distance of 140 m, and MPs were extracted in the intertidal sediments via density separation using a saturated NaCl solution, and these were counted using a stereomicroscope. A total of 940 plastic items were identified. The predominant debris was plastic with 85.2%, followed by manufactured materials and metals. The Vinces River contained the highest abundance of plastic in the locality of Pueblo Nuevo. The most abundant plastic was MPs. The most common MAPs were plastic bags (23%), food packaging (17%) and foamed plastic (8%). MP size classes quantified between 0.15 and 2.52 mm in intertidal, very fine sandy sediment and decreased in abundance with increasing grain size. The most common MPs were fibres (65.2%) (black (43.8%) and blue (25.8%)), and their distribution has a high correlation with population density and water flow direction: Santa Marianita 5.55 g−1, Pueblo Nuevo 7.39 g−1, Los Tintos 8.17−1. A significant abundance of fibres was identified in Pueblo Nuevo. The plastic spatial distribution revealed major plastic pollution in areas where recreational and tourism activities have been developed. Therefore, we recommend implementing awareness campaigns by educating businesses, residents and tourists on managing solid waste (especially plastic) and wastewater. Our results can serve as a baseline for future plastic monitoring in the area.
Estimating Residence Time Distributions in Industrial Closed-Circuit Ball Mills
Authors: Vinnett Luis , Contreras Felipe , Díaz Francisco , Pino-Muñoz Catalina , Ledezma Tania
Published: December 2022

This paper compares two deconvolution methodologies used to estimate residence time distributions (RTD) in industrial closed-circuit ball mills. Parametric and non-parametric deconvolution techniques were evaluated. Both techniques allowed for direct RTD estimates from inlet and outlet tracer measurements in the mills, with no need for mass balances nor assumptions to correct the effect of the tracer recirculation in the grinding circuits. Measurements of inlet and outlet concentrations were conducted by radioactive solid tracers and on-stream detectors. The parametric deconvolution was applied assuming the N-perfectly-mixed-reactors-in-series model, whereas the non-parametric deconvolution consisted of a constrained least squares estimation subject to non-negativity. The shapes of the estimated RTDs were consistent between these methodologies, showing mound-shaped distributions in all cases. From the parametric approach, mixing regimes described by 2–4 perfect mixers in series were observed, which indicated significant differences regarding perfect mixing. The mean (τmean) and median (τ50) residence times were more consistent with the RTD shapes when applying the parametric deconvolution. The non-parametric approach was more sensitive to noise, a disadvantage leading to mean residence times significantly higher than the median, and less consistent with the RTD locations. From the comparisons, the estimation strategies proved to be applicable in industrial closed-circuit ball mills. The parametric deconvolution led to better overall performances for τ50 = 1.7–8.3 min, given a suitable model structure for the RTDs.
Sublayer-Enhanced Growth of Highly Ordered Mn5Ge3 Thin Film on Si(111)
Authors: Yakovlev Ivan , Tarasov Ivan , Lukyanenko Anna , Rautskii Mikhail , Solovyov Leonid , Sukhachev Alexander , Volochaev Mikhail , Efimov Dmitriy , Goikhman Aleksandr , Bondarev Ilya , Varnakov Sergey , Ovchinnikov Sergei , Volkov Nikita , Tarasov Anton
Published: December 2022

Mn5Ge3 epitaxial thin films previously grown mainly on Ge substrate have been synthesized on Si(111) using the co-deposition of Mn and Ge at a temperature of 390 °C. RMS roughness decreases by almost a factor of two in the transition from a completely polycrystalline to a highly ordered growth mode. This mode has been stabilized by changing the ratio of the Mn and Ge evaporation rate from the stoichiometric in the buffer layer. Highly ordered Mn5Ge3 film has two azimuthal crystallite orientations, namely Mn5Ge3 (001) [1-10] and Mn5Ge3 (001) [010] matching Si(111)[-110]. Lattice parameters derived a (7.112(1) Å) and c (5.027(1) Å) are close to the bulk values. Considering all structural data, we proposed a double buffer layer model suggesting that all layers have identical crystal structure with P6₃/mcm symmetry similar to Mn5Ge3, but orientation and level of Si concentration are different, which eliminates 8% lattice mismatch between Si and Mn5Ge3 film. Mn5Ge3 film on Si(111) demonstrates no difference in magnetic properties compared to other reported films. TC is about 300 K, which implies no significant excess of Mn or Si doping. It means that the buffer layer not only serves as a platform for the growth of the relaxed Mn5Ge3 film, but is also a good diffusion barrier.
Acoustically Stimulated Charge Transport in Graphene Film
Authors: Roshchupkin Dmitry , Kononenko Oleg , Fakhrtdinov Rashid , Emelin Evgenii , Sergeev Alexander
Published: December 2022

The process of acoustically stimulated charge transport in the graphene film on the surface of the YZ−cut of a LiNbO3 crystal was investigated. It was found that the dependence of the current in the graphene film on the frequency of the surface acoustic wave (SAW) excitation repeats the amplitude-frequency response of the SAW delay time line. It is shown that increasing the SAW amplitude leads to an increase in the current in the graphene film, and the current in the graphene film depends linearly on the amplitude of the high-frequency input signal supplied to the interdigital transducer (IDT, in dB). It is demonstrated that at a positive bias potential on the graphene film, the SAW propagation allows to change the direction of the current in the graphene film by changing the amplitude of the SAW. It is also shown that in the frequency range of the amplitude-frequency response of the SAW delay time line, the current in the graphene film can vary from positive to negative values depending on the frequency. The capability to control the SAW excitation frequency or the SAW amplitude makes it possible to control the value and direction of the current in the graphene film. The SAW propagation lets to collect and transport the photo-stimulated charges in the graphene film on the crystal surface.
A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Food Perceptions, Food Preferences, Diet Quality, and Health in a Food Desert Campus
Authors: Aldaz Kaitlyn J. , Flores Sigry Ortiz , Ortiz Rudy M. , Diaz Rios L. Karina , Dhillon Jaapna
Published: December 2022

The sensory properties of foods guide food choices and intake, importantly determining nutritional and health status. In communities that have inconsistent access to nutritious foods, such as food deserts, food taste perceptions and preferences have yet to be explored. The purpose of this study was to examine how taster status (supertaster vs. non-taster) and food security status (high or marginal vs. low or very low) influences food taste intensities, food preferences and perceptions, and diet quality in a cohort of students from a food desert campus in the Central Valley of California. Moreover, the complex relationship of socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, and sex on cardiometabolic and cognitive health warrants further examination. Two hundred fifty participants (aged 18–24 years) living in a food desert campus were recruited in 2018 for this cross-sectional study where participants underwent taste tests on selected fruits, vegetables, and nuts, and clinical tests (anthropometrics, blood glucose, blood pressure, and endothelial function), cognitive function tests (memory and attention), diet quality assessment (Healthy Eating Index (HEI)), and food preference and perception assessments. Food taste intensities were influenced by sex with bitter and umami taste intensities of several foods being perceived more intensely by males. Moreover, food liking was largely influenced by ethnicity with Hispanics having higher liking ratings for several foods compared with non-Hispanics. Both, Hispanics and females, had higher total fruit HEI scores and lower attention scores than non-Hispanics and males, respectively. Females also had lower blood pressure, reactive hyperemia index, and fasting blood glucose. Food-insecure individuals rated cost and convenience as more important factors for overall food consumption and had lower attention scores than those with higher food-security status. Future research should consider the complex interactions of factors such as taste and flavor perception, sex, ethnicity, prior exposure to foods, and other environmental factors when studying food preferences and health in young adults.
Nutritional Assessment of the Infant Population of the Chirikyacu Indigenous Community of Peru
Authors: Murillo-Llorente María Teresa , Montagud-Hidalgo Paula , Pérez-Murillo Javier , Legidos-García María Ester , Palau-Ferré Alma , Pérez-Bermejo Marcelino
Published: December 2022

Malnutrition is one of the main public health problems affecting early childhood development, compromising the health and quality of life of thousands of Peruvian children. The main contribution of this work is the analysis of the nutritional status of the infant population of the Chirikyacu Indigenous Community of Peru in order to evaluate current and future food policies. It is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 19 children between 6 months and 6 years of age. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, clinical variables and dietary habits were analyzed from 7 January to 4 February 2018. The mean age of the children was 29.74 months (SD = 23.91). We found statistically significant differences between the BMI values of boys and girls (p < 0.05; Mann–Whitney test). According to the z-scores, 35.29% suffer from malnutrition, although in no case is it severe. Hair, nails and skin were in good condition in general, except for some cases showing signs of nutritional deficiency. Dietary patterns are based on legumes, vegetables, dairy products, ice cream, cookies and sweets, and are considered insufficient to cover basic needs; water intake was also insufficient. Breastfeeding lasted an average of 14 months (SD = 2.9). We found a prevalence of malnutrition higher than that established by the WHO in Latin America among the children of Chirikyacu. The dietary pattern is insufficient to cover basic needs, so it is necessary to continue with nutritional educational interventions to improve it.
Maternal Weight Gain during Pregnancy and the Developing Autonomic Nervous System—Possible Impact of GDM
Authors: Fritsche Louise , Hartkopf Julia , Hummel Julia , Löffler Dorina S. , Yamazaki Hajime , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Peter Andreas , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Wagner Robert , Fritsche Andreas , Preissl Hubert , Heni Martin
Published: December 2022

Objective: The intrauterine environment is known to affect the offspring’s long-term risk for obesity and diabetes. Previous data show that maternal metabolism and gestational weight gain (GWG) are associated with fetal autonomic nervous system (ANS) function, which can be assessed with heart rate variability (HRV). We investigated whether this association is also present in 2-year-old children and addressed the impact of gestational diabetes (GDM). Research design and methods: We examined the 2-year-old offspring of mothers who had undergone a 5-point, 75 g oral glucose tolerance test during pregnancy. To assess HRV, a 10-minute ECG was recorded, and time domain and frequency domain parameters were analyzed. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance testing. Results: We examined 67 children (33 girls, 34 boys), 30 of whom were born to mothers with treated GDM and normoglycemic pregnancies (NGT), respectively. No differences were found between the groups with regard to birth weight, weight at the age of 2 years, and body fat content. We observed that GWG was associated with heart rate and HRV, indicating that children of mothers with low GWG had a lower parasympathetic tone. This association was detected in NGT-exposed—but not in GDM-exposed—children. HR and HRV correlated with body fat and fat-free mass in children from normoglycemic pregnancies only. Conclusion: We found that the impact of maternal GWG on offspring ANS function was missing in the presence of treated GDM. The balance of the ANS was related to offspring body composition in children from NGT pregnancies only. Our results suggest that maternal weight gain during pregnancy has a critical impact on the developing ANS, which might be disturbed in the presence of GDM.
Consumption of Key Food Groups by Individuals Consuming Popular Diet Patterns: Mixed Effects of Replacing Foods High in Added Sugar, Sodium, Saturated Fat, and Refined Grains
Authors: Rowe Sarah , Tukun Avonti Basak , Johnson LuAnn K. , Love David C. , Belury Martha A. , Conrad Zach
Published: December 2022

Adults in the United States are increasingly following ‘popular’ diet patterns that restrict food groups, macronutrients, or eating time. However, the intake of food groups associated with these diet patterns has not been well characterized. The objectives of this study were to (1) characterize the mean intake of food groups among consumers of popular diet patterns in the US, and (2) model the effect of targeted food substitutions on the intake of food groups. Data were acquired from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005–2018 (n = 34,411). A diet model was developed to assess the effects of replacing one serving each of foods highest in added sugar, sodium, saturated fat, and refined grains with healthy alternatives on the intake of key food groups for each diet pattern. Modeled replacement resulted in increased intake of fruit and whole grains and decreased intake of dairy for most diet patterns, while the effects on the intake of vegetables, protein foods, and oils were variable across diet patterns. The complexity of the natural eating environment, in which many people consume mixed dishes that include both healthy and less healthy ingredients, produces a challenge for health professionals when providing dietary counseling. Nevertheless, this substitution approach may help improve adherence to dietary guidelines, especially if used as a steppingstone for further dietary improvement.
Photonic Hook with Modulated Bending Angle Formed by Using Triangular Mesoscale Janus Prisms
Authors: Chen Wei-Yu , Liu Cheng-Yang , Hsieh Yu-Kai , Minin Oleg V. , Minin Igor V.
Published: December 2022

In this study, we propose a novel design of triangular mesoscale Janus prisms for the generation of the long photonic hook. Numerical simulations based on the finite-difference time-domain method are used to examine the formation mechanism of the photonic hook. The electric intensity distributions near the micro-prisms are calculated for operation at different refractive indices and spaces of the two triangular micro-prisms. The asymmetric vortices of intensity distributions result in a long photonic hook with a large bending angle. The length and the bending angle of the photonic hook are efficiently modulated by changing the space between the two triangular micro-prisms. Moreover, the narrow width of the photonic hook is achieved beyond the diffraction limit. The triangular Janus micro-prisms have high potential for practical applications in optical tweezers, nanoparticle sorting and manipulation and photonic circuits.
ACC Deaminase Produced by PGPR Mitigates the Adverse Effect of Osmotic and Salinity Stresses in Pisum sativum through Modulating the Antioxidants Activities
Authors: Gupta Anmol , Rai Smita , Bano Ambreen , Sharma Swati , Kumar Manoj , Binsuwaidan Reem , Suhail Khan Mohammad , Upadhyay Tarun Kumar , Alshammari Nawaf , Saeed Mohd , Pathak Neelam
Published: December 2022

Salinity-induced ethylene production and reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibit agricultural productivity. The plant synthesizes ethylene directly from aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC). By using ACC as a nitrogen source, bacteria with ACC deaminase (ACCD) inhibit the overproduction of ethylene, thereby maintaining the ROS. The present study investigated the ACCD activity of previously identified rhizobacterial strains in Dworkin and Foster (DF) minimal salt media supplemented with 5 mM ACC (as N-source). Bacterial isolates GKP KS2_7 (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and MBD 133 (Bacillus subtilis) could degrade ACC into α-ketobutyrate, exhibiting ACCD activity producing more than ~257 nmol of α-ketobutyrate mg protein−1 h−1, and were evaluated for other plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits including indole acetic acid production (>63 µg/mL), phosphate solubilization (>86 µg mL−1), siderophore (>20%) ammonia and exopolysaccharide production. Furthermore, Fourier Transform Infrared analysis also demonstrated α-ketobutyrate liberation from ACC deamination in DF minimal salt media, thereby confirming the ACCD activity. These isolates also showed enhanced tolerance to salinity stress of 3% w/v NaCl in vitro, in addition to facilitating multifarious PGP activities. Seed bacterization by these ACCD-producing bacterial isolates (GKP KS2_7 and MBD 133) revealed a significant decline in stress-stimulated ethylene levels and its associated growth inhibition during seedling germination. They also mitigated the negative effects of salt stress and increased the root-shoot length, fresh and dry weight of root and shoot, root-shoot biomass, total sugar, protein, reducing sugar, chlorophyll content, and antioxidants enzymes in Pisum sativum. As a result, these strains (GKP KS2_7 and MBD 133) might be applied as biofertilizers to counteract the negative effects of soil salinity.
Rapid Transient Expression of Receptor-Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2 and the Conserved M2e Peptide of Influenza A Virus Linked to Flagellin in Nicotiana benthamiana Plants Using Self-Replicating Viral Vector
Authors: Mardanova Eugenia S. , Kotlyarov Roman Y. , Ravin Nikolai V.
Published: December 2022

The development of recombinant vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A is an important task. The combination of the conserved influenza A antigen, the extracellular domain of the transmembrane protein M2 (M2e), and the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (RBD) provides the opportunity to develop a bivalent vaccine against these infections. The fusion of antigens with bacterial flagellin, the ligand for Toll-like receptor 5 and potent mucosal adjuvant, may increase the immunogenicity of the candidate vaccines and enable intranasal immunization. In this study, we report the transient expression of RBD alone, RBD coupled with four copies of M2e, and fusions of RBD and RBD-4M2e with flagellin in Nicotiana benthamiana plants using the self-replicating potato virus X-based vector pEff. The yields of purified recombinant proteins per gram of fresh leaf tissue were about 20 µg for RBD, 50–60 µg for RBD-4M2e and the fusion of RBD with flagellin, and about 90 µg for RBD-4M2e fused to flagellin. Targeting to the endoplasmic reticulum enabled the production of glycosylated recombinant proteins comprising RBD. Our results show that plant-produced RBD and RBD-4M2e could be further used for the development of subunit vaccines against COVID-19 and a bivalent vaccine against COVID-19 and influenza A, while flagellin fusions could be used for the development of intranasal vaccines.
Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation of Pyrolysis of Polymethyl Methacrylate under Non-Uniform Radiative Heating
Authors: Sun Yujia
Published: December 2022

PMMA material is widely used in the building and household industries, and its pyrolysis behavior is important for fire safety. In real fire conditions, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) material will receive non-uniform distributed radiative heat flux from heat sources (such as fire). However, most of the existing work on this subject is limited to one dimensional geometry with uniform heat flux. This paper investigates the heat transfer and pyrolysis mechanism of PMMA material under non-uniform radiative heat flux. A three-dimensional model is developed to this end with a consideration of in-depth radiation and surface heat loss. The results show that temperature and density contours are highly non-uniform inside the solid and there is both a high-temperature core and low-density core beneath the surface. The maximum temperature occurs at a location under the top surface.
Toward the Decarbonization of Plastic: Monopolymer Blend of Virgin and Recycled Bio-Based, Biodegradable Polymer
Authors: Titone Vincenzo , Mistretta Maria Chiara , Botta Luigi , La Mantia Francesco Paolo
Published: December 2022

Decarbonization of plastics is based on two main pillars: bio-based polymers and recycling. Mechanical recycling of biodegradable polymers could improve the social, economic and environmental impact of the use of these materials. In this regard, the aim of this study was to investigate whether concentrations of the same recycled biopolymer could significantly affect the rheological and mechanical properties of biodegradable monopolymer blends. Monopolymer blends are blends made of the same polymers, virgin and recycled. A sample of commercially available biodegradable blend was reprocessed in a single-screw extruder until two extrusion cycles were completed. These samples were exposed to grinding and melt reprocessed with 75% and 90% of the same virgin polymer. The blends were characterized by tensile tests and rheological tests. The results obtained showed that while multiple extrusions affected the mechanical and rheological properties of the polymer, the concentration of the reprocessed material present in the blends only very slightly affected the properties of the virgin material. In addition, the experimentally observed trends were accurately predicted by the additive model adopted.
Simulation of Nondilute Dendrimer Systems with the Bond Fluctuation Model
Authors: Freire Juan J.
Published: December 2022

Using the bond fluctuation model, we performed Monte Carlo simulations for solutions of generation 4 and 5 dendrimers with only an intermediate unit between the branching points at different concentrations, ranging from moderately dilute solutions to concentrated systems close to the melt behavior. This model may represent different real types of dendrimer families. We obtained the mean sizes, asphericities, displacement of units, scattering functions, radial distribution functions and structure factors. We compared the results obtained for the last two properties with much faster Monte Carlo simulations of point-like dendrimers using global potentials obtained through the study of binary interactions. The latter procedure provided good reproductions of these properties but failed in the reproduction of the scattering functions in the range of higher concentrations. In this range, the scattering function cannot be described as the product of the structure function and the form factor, because the intensity decreases when the density of the dendrimer units becomes more homogenous.
Raman Study of Block Copolymers of Methyl Ethylene Phosphate with Caprolactone and L-lactide
Authors: Liubimovskii Sergei O. , Novikov Vasiliy S. , Shlyakhtin Andrey V. , Kuzmin Vladimir V. , Godyaeva Maria M. , Gudkov Sergey V. , Sagitova Elena A. , Ustynyuk Leila Yu. , Nikolaeva Goulnara Yu.
Published: December 2022

We present an in-depth analysis of Raman spectra of novel block copolymers of methyl ethylene phosphate (MeOEP) with caprolactone (CL) and L-lactide (LA), recorded with the excitation wavelengths of 532 and 785 nm. The experimental peak positions, relative intensities and profiles of the poly(methyl ethylene phosphate) (PMeOEP), polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(L-lactide) (PLA) bands in the spectra of the copolymers and in the spectra of the PMeOEP, PCL and PLA homopolymers turn out to be very similar. This clearly indicates the similarity between the conformational and phase compositions of PMeOEP, PCL and PLA parts in molecules of the copolymers and in the PMeOEP, PCL and PLA homopolymers. Experimental ratios of the peak intensities of PMeOEP bands at 737 and 2963 cm−1 and the PCL bands at 1109, 1724 and 2918 cm−1 can be used for the estimation of the PCL—b—PMeOEP copolymers chemical composition. Even though only one sample of the PMeOEP—b—PLA copolymers was experimentally studied in this work, we assume that the ratios of the peak intensities of PLA bands at 402, 874 and 1768 cm−1 and the PMeOEP band at 737 cm−1 can be used to characterize the copolymer chemical composition.
Bone Formation on Murine Cranial Bone by Injectable Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid Containing Nano-Hydroxyapatite and Bone Morphogenetic Protein
Authors: Hachinohe Yuki , Taira Masayuki , Hoshi Miki , Hatakeyama Wataru , Sawada Tomofumi , Kondo Hisatomo
Published: December 2022

New injection-type bone-forming materials are desired in dental implantology. In this study, we added nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) to cross-linkable thiol-modified hyaluronic acid (tHyA) and evaluated its usefulness as an osteoinductive injectable material using an animal model. The sol (ux-tHyA) was changed to a gel (x-tHyA) by mixing with a cross-linker. We prepared two sol–gel (SG) material series, that is, x-tHyA + BMP with and without nHAp (SG I) and x-tHyA + nHAp with and without BMP (SG II). SG I materials in the sol stage were injected into the cranial subcutaneous connective tissues of mice, followed by in vivo gelation, while SG II materials gelled in Teflon rings were surgically placed directly on the cranial bones of rats. The animals were sacrificed 8 weeks after implantation, followed by X-ray analysis and histological examination. The results revealed that bone formation occurred at a high rate (>70%), mainly as ectopic bone in the SG I tests in mouse cranial connective tissues, and largely as bone augmentation in rat cranial bones in the SG II experiments when x-tHyA contained both nHAp and BMP. The prepared x-tHyA + nHAp + BMP SG material can be used as an injection-type osteoinductive bone-forming material. Sub-periosteum injection was expected.
60% IACS Conductive Metal Coating on a Polymer Surface: Achievement of a Highly Efficient Additive Processing by Cold Spraying
Authors: Lalu Khoitara Libin , Raoelison Rija Nirina , Costil Sophie
Published: December 2022

This paper investigates a current challenge that enables the hybridization of different materials using a solid-state additive principle. We investigate the suitability of such a principle to easily and efficiently grow a metallic electrically conductive coating on a polymer substrate. The additive principle is obtained using the high-pressure cold spraying (CS) method whose literature does not include an achievement as suggested in this paper, that is, to obtain a good conductive copper coating onto polymer with a very high deposition efficiency by tuning the effect of the stand-off distance, transverse speed of the nozzle, and temperature of the carrier gas on the deposition efficiency (DE) in order to overcome delamination and erosion, and thus to improve the DE. A good coating formation up to 400 µm can be obtained, which implies that a standoff distance higher than 100 mm is needed, since both a high gas temperature (400–500 °C) and high gas pressure (30 bars) are required. A nozzle scanning velocity in the range of 200–300 mm/s gives the highest DE. The results reveal that the Cu coating on PEEK reaches a DE up to 91%, leading to an electrical conductivity up to 60% IACS (International Annealed Copper Standard). Thus, parametric analysis, along with the deposition optimization, promises to be feasible for the future in terms of DE improvement along with a good electrical conductivity in CS.