bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonic-Aided Co-Precipitation of Tannins and Chitosan Ammonium Salt on Cotton Fabric for Antimicrobial and Ultraviolet-Shielding Properties: An Efficient, Colourless, and Eco-Finishing Strategy
Authors: Zhou Yuyang , Zheng Feiyang , Wang Jingjing
Published: June 2022

Sustainable fabrication of protective cotton, using bio-extracts, is becoming increasingly attractive. However, many shortcomings—including the introduction of potentially hazardous mordants or modifiers to cotton, annoying colour changes after finishing, and low processing efficiency—require further melioration. Therefore, an efficient ultrasonic-assisted colourless finishing process was developed in this study, to fabricate ultraviolet-proof and antimicrobial cotton. A pair of oppositely charged bio-based substances, i.e., tannin acid (TA) and hydroxypropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC) were introduced during the ultrasonic process. The results reveal that cationic HACC significantly promotes the adsorption of TA to cotton. The apparent colour of the cotton remained almost unchanged after finishing. Based on Pesudo first-/second-order kinetic models, chemisorption was verified as the dominant mechanism. Efficiency under ultrasound was enhanced by 5.3% (70 °C) and 27% (90 °C), respectively. A mathematical modelling study established the factors to be in the following order of significance: concentration > pH > temperature. Under optimal conditions, a theoretical maximum UPF of 380.8 was achieved. TA (8 g/L)-treated cotton deactivated up to 98% of Escherichia coli, and also provided excellent UV-shielding performance. In general, the ultrasonic-assisted eco-dyeing and finishing process for cotton was explored in depth from practical and theoretical perspectives, which should push forward the development of the sustainable textile industry.
Prediction of Abrasive Waterjet Machining Parameters of Military-Grade Armor Steel by Semi-Empirical and Regression Models
Authors: Rammohan Soundarapandian , Kumaran Sundaresan Thirumalai , Uthayakumar Marimuthu , Korniejenko Kinga , Nykiel Marek , Velayutham Arumugam
Published: June 2022

Rolled homogeneous armor steel (RHA) with a high tensile strength, toughness, and hardness is often used in military combat vehicles. RHA is a high-strength low alloy steel suitable for all battlefield usage in military vehicles. The present work examines the prediction output responses in the material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness (Ra), and kerf angle (Ka) for the AWJM of armor steel using regression and semi-empirical models. The AWJM trials were performed using an L27 factorial design with each process variable set to three levels, namely, the standoff distance (SOD), jet traversing speed (JT), and jet water pressure (P). A regression model was constructed using the response surface method (RSM) and data from the trials. Through dimensional analysis and with Buckingham’s π-theorem, a semi-empirical model was built using both the experimental data and material property data. Predictions made by the models were proportionate with the results of the experiments under the same conditions. Microscopic investigations on MRR and Ra were performed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The optimal values of the output responses of the machined armor steel plate were obtained with higher MRR = 298.92 mm3/min, lower Ka = 0.651°, and lower Ra = 2.23 µm. The present work established that semi-empirical models accurately predict the output responses in the AWJM of armor steel.
Preparation and Performance of Ternesite–Ye’elimite Cement
Authors: Shen Yan , Chen Xi , Li Jiang , Wang Peifang , Qian Jueshi
Published: June 2022

Ternesite–ye’elimite (TCSA) cement is a new type of environmentally advantageous binder prepared by introducing ternesite, a reactive phase, into belite calcium sulfoaluminate cement clinker. This paper reports the laboratory production of TCSA cement by the addition of minor elements to achieve the coexistence of ternesite and ye’elimite. The influence of dopants on the mineralogical composition of clinkers and the clinkering conditions for the preparation of TCSA cement clinkers were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties and hydration products of the cement pastes were also studied. The results indicated that the addition of CaF2, P2O5 and Na2O can promote the coexistence of ternesite and ye’elimite, and that Na2O is the most effective candidate. TCSA cement clinkers could be successfully prepared at 1150 °C for 30 min by doping 0.3% Na2O. The TCSA cement clinkers exhibited shorter setting times than the BCSA cement clinkers. The later strength of TCSA cement showed a significant increase compared with BCSA cement. The effect of Na2O was different on the strength development for TCSA and BCSA cement. The dissolution of ternesite could promote the formation of ettringite. The reactivity of belite was higher in TCSA cement due to the formation of strätlingite.
Review and Comparison of Clearance Control Strategies
Authors: Gao Bingwei , Shen Wei , Guan Hao , Zhang Wei , Zheng Lintao
Published: June 2022

The nonlinearity of clearance has a significant influence on the performance of a system while ensuring the reliability of the variable-speed transmission, and hinders the development of the controlled object according to the predetermined trajectory. Aimed at the transmission clearance problem in different systems, this study summarizes the existing literature and provides a reference for the research and compensation of clearance characteristics. First, the influence of clearance on system performance is analyzed and summarized, and it is shown that the existence of clearance causes problems, such as system response delay and limited cycle oscillation. Then, the control strategies for studying clearance are introduced, which are mainly divided into the control strategy based on the clearance model and the non-clearance model control strategy, and these are respectively explained. Finally, some opinions are proposed for the perfection and development of future clearance nonlinear control theory. Ideas for realizing the suppression of the adverse effects of clearances have their characteristics, and in practical applications, the difficulty of implementation and cost control should be comprehensively considered. In the future, to cope with complex and changeable environments, the clearance control strategy will continue to be optimized.
Bistability and Robustness for Virus Infection Models with Nonmonotonic Immune Responses in Viral Infection Systems
Authors: Wang Tengfei , Wang Shaoli , Xu Fei
Published: June 2022

Recently, bistable viral infection systems have attracted increased attention. In this paper, we study bistability and robustness for virus infection models with nonmonotonic immune responses in viral infection systems. The results show that the existing transcritical bifurcation undergoes backward or forward bifurcation in viral infection models with nonmonotonic immune responses. Our investigation demonstrates that the backward bifurcation threshold is the elite control threshold. When the immune intensity is greater than the elite control threshold, the virus will be under elite control; when the immune intensity is less than the elite control threshold, the virus may rebound. We also give a new definition of robustness to characterize bistable systems.
Parallel Hybrid Algorithms for a Finite Family of G-Nonexpansive Mappings and Its Application in a Novel Signal Recovery
Authors: Suantai Suthep , Kankam Kunrada , Cholamjiak Watcharaporn , Yajai Watcharaporn
Published: June 2022

This article considers a parallel monotone hybrid algorithm for a finite family of G-nonexpansive mapping in Hilbert spaces endowed with graphs and suggests iterative schemes for finding a common fixed point by the two different hybrid projection methods. Moreover, we show the computational performance of our algorithm in comparison to some methods. Strong convergence theorems are proved under suitable conditions. Finally, we give some numerical experiments of our algorithms to show the efficiency and implementation of the LASSO problems in signal recovery with different types of blurred matrices and noise.
Mining and Evolution Analysis of Network Public Opinion Concerns of Stakeholders in Hot Social Events
Authors: Chen Jianhong , Du Shuyue , Yang Shan
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: Hot social events contain a large amount of public opinion information, and a more detailed analysis of this information will help the relevant parts to formulate more targeted supervision strategies at different stages and for the public opinion publishers involved in the event discussions, so as to achieve efficient management of public opinion; (2) Methods:Based on stakeholder theory and life cycle theory, this study constructs stakeholder classification system by using keyword identification method; adopts LDA model to complete topic clustering; analyzes and summarizes topic evolution pattern by calculating topic similarity; (3) Results: The study divided the stakeholders involved in the Jiang Ge case into 10 categories, and the results of topic clustering were divided into two categories according to the content of the topics, which were based on the case itself and on the parties involved in the case; it was found that each stakeholder focused on a different topic with different emphasis, no matter the topic of public opinion or the different life cycle stages of public opinion. Based on the differences in topic similarity between adjacent stages, the topic evolution patterns of different stakeholders were categorized into three types; (4) Conclusions: Example verification shows that the method presented in this paper can dig out the topic focus and evolution path of stakeholders in the field of public opinion, and provide a horizontal and vertical comparative analysis between stakeholders and different life cycle stages.
Study on a Quantitative Indicator for Surface Stability Evaluation of Limestone Strata with a Shallowly Buried Spherical Karst Cave
Authors: Xie Peng , Duan Huchen , Wen Haijia , Yang Chao , Ma Shaokun , Yue Zurun
Published: June 2022

This paper developed a quantitative evaluation necessary to ensure ground stability, so a quantitative indicator (bearing capacity). A homogeneous axisymmetric model was generated, considering China’s stress field and the Karst topography characteristics, simultaneously obtaining stress component expression. We then determined the bearing capacity calculation formula by combining the strength theory of shear failure and the stress component expressions. Finally, the comparison of the bearing capacity calculation results between theoretical analysis and a numerical simulation indicated that the error was less than 5%, and the result verified the rationality of the formula.
An Improved Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm for Numerical Optimization Problems
Authors: Chen Mengnan , Zhou Yongquan , Luo Qifang
Published: June 2022

The arithmetic optimization algorithm is a recently proposed metaheuristic algorithm. In this paper, an improved arithmetic optimization algorithm (IAOA) based on the population control strategy is introduced to solve numerical optimization problems. By classifying the population and adaptively controlling the number of individuals in the subpopulation, the information of each individual can be used effectively, which speeds up the algorithm to find the optimal value, avoids falling into local optimum, and improves the accuracy of the solution. The performance of the proposed IAOA algorithm is evaluated on six systems of nonlinear equations, ten integrations, and engineering problems. The results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms other algorithms in terms of convergence speed, convergence accuracy, stability, and robustness.
Progress in Isoindolone Alkaloid Derivatives from Marine Microorganism: Pharmacology, Preparation, and Mechanism
Authors: Hang Sijin , Chen Hui , Wu Wenhui , Wang Shiyi , Fang Yiwen , Sheng Ruilong , Tu Qidong , Guo Ruihua
Published: June 2022

Compound 1 (SMTP-7, also FGFC1), an isoindolone alkaloid from marine fungi Starchbotrys longispora FG216 and fungi Stachybotrys microspora IFO 30018, possessed diverse bioactivities such as thrombolysis, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, and so on. It may be widely used for the treatment of various diseases, including cerebral infarction, stroke, ischemia/reperfusion damage, acute kidney injury, etc. Especially in cerebral infarction, compound 1 could reduce hemorrhagic transformation along with thrombolytic therapy, as the traditional therapies are accompanied with bleeding risks. In the latest studies, compound 1 selectively inhibited the growth of NSCLC cells with EGFR mutation, thus demonstrating its excellent anti-cancer activity. Herein, we summarized pharmacological activities, preparation of staplabin congeners—especially compound 1—and the mechanism of compound 1, with potential therapeutic applications.
Characterization of Antimicrobial Composite Edible Film Formulated from Fermented Cheese Whey and Cassava Peel Starch
Authors: Utama Gemilang Lara , Dinika Isfari , Nurmilah Siti , Masruchin Nanang , Nurhadi Bambang , Balia Roostita Lobo
Published: June 2022

Antimicrobial composite edible film can be a solution for environmentally friendly food packaging, which can be made from fermented cheese whey containing an antimicrobial agent and cassava peel waste that contains starch. The research aims to determine the formulation of fermented cheese whey and cassava peel waste starch, resulting in an antimicrobial composite edible film with the best physical, mechanical, and water vapour permeability (WVP) properties, as well as with high antimicrobial activity. This research was conducted using experimental methods with nine composite edible film formulation treatments with three replications. Three variations in the fermented cheese whey and cassava peel starch ratio (v/v) (1:3, 1:1, 3:1) were combined with variations in the addition of glycerol (20%, 33%, 45%) (w/w) in the production of the composite edible film. Then, the physical characteristics such as elongation at break, tensile strength, WVP, colour, and antimicrobial effect of its film-forming solution were observed. The results showed that 24 h of whey fermentation with Candida tropicalis resulted in an 18.50 mm inhibition zone towards Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The best characteristic of the film was obtained from the formulation of a whey:starch ratio of 1:3 and 33% glycerol, which resulted in a thickness value of 0.21 mm, elongation at break of 19.62%, tensile strength of 0.81 N/mm2, WVP of 3.41 × 10−10·g/m·s·Pa at a relative humidity (RH) of 100%–35%, and WVP of 9.84 × 10−10·g/m·s·Pa at a RH of 75%–35%, with an antimicrobial activity towards P. aeruginosa of 5.11 mm.
Magneto-Optical Imaging of Arbitrarily Distributed Defects in Welds under Combined Magnetic Field
Authors: Ma Nvjie , Gao Xiangdong , Tian Meng , Wang Congyi , Zhang Yanxi , Gao Perry P.
Published: June 2022

Using the traditional magneto-optical detection methods, micro-weld defects parallel with the magnetic field direction may be overlooked. In order to overcome this, a non-destructive testing method based on magneto-optical imaging under a vertical combined magnetic field (VCMF) is proposed. To demonstrate this, the experimental results of the magneto-optical imaging of weld defects excited by a vertical combined magnetic field (VCMF) or parallel combined magnetic field (PCMF) are compared with those of traditional magnetic fields (constant magnetic field (CMF), alternating magnetic field (AMF), and rotating magnetic field (RMF)). It is found that the magneto-optical imaging under a VCMF can accurately detect weld defects of any shape and distribution. In addition, the center difference method is used to eliminate the influence of noise on the defect contour extraction of magneto-optical images, and the active contour of weld defects in the magneto-optical images is extracted. The results show that many noises can be identifiedby the robustness of the level set method, operating in low-pass filtering, so that much information that is usually lost can be retained.
Comparative Metabolomics of Small Molecules Specifically Expressed in the Dorsal or Ventral Marginal Zones in Vertebrate Gastrula
Authors: Suzuki Yukako , Hayasaka Ryosuke , Hasebe Masako , Ikeda Satsuki , Soga Tomoyoshi , Tomita Masaru , Hirayama Akiyoshi , Kuroda Hiroki
Published: June 2022

Many previous studies have reported the various proteins specifically secreted as inducers in the dorsal or ventral regions in vertebrate gastrula. However, little is known about the effect on cell fate of small molecules below 1000 Da. We therefore tried to identify small molecules specifically expressed in the dorsal marginal zone (DMZ) or ventral marginal zone (VMZ) in vertebrate gastrula. Small intracellular and secreted molecules were detected using explants and supernatant samples. Hydrophilic metabolites were analyzed by capillary ion chromatography–mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, and lipids were analyzed by supercritical fluid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. In total, 190 hydrophilic metabolites and 396 lipids were identified. The DMZ was found to have high amounts of glycolysis- and glutathione metabolism-related metabolites in explants, and the VMZ was richer in purine metabolism-related metabolites. We also discovered some hydrophilic metabolites and lipids differentially contained in the DMZ or VMZ. Our research would contribute to a deeper understanding of the cellular physiology that regulates early embryogenesis.
Enhancing Red Yeast Biomass Yield and Lipid Biosynthesis by Using Waste Nitrogen Source by Glucose Fed-Batch at Low Temperature
Authors: Gientka Iwona , Wirkowska-Wojdyła Magdalena , Ostrowska-Ligęza Ewa , Janowicz Monika , Reczek Lidia , Synowiec Alicja , Błażejak Stanisław
Published: June 2022

This work reports the effect of simple feeding strategies and temperature to obtain high-cell-density cultures of Rhodotorula glutinis var. rubescens LOCKR13 maximizing the de novo lipid productivity using deproteinated potato wastewater (DPW) as a basic medium. Feeding DPW with glucose enables a high yield of Rhodotorula glutinis var. rubescens LOCKR13 biomass (52 g d.w. L−1) to be obtained. The highest values of lipid accumulation (34.15%, w/w), production (14.68 g L−1) and yield coefficients (YL/S: 0.242 g g−1), and volumetric productivity (PL: 0.1 g L−1 h−1) were reached by the strain in the two-stage fed-batch process at 20 °C. The lipid of yeast biomass was rich in oleic acid (Δ9C18:1) and palmitic acid (C16:0), and the lower temperature of incubation significantly increased the MUFA (especially oleic acid) content. For the first time, a unique set of thermal analyses of the microbial oil was performed. The isotherms of the oxidation kinetics (PDSC) showed that lipids extracted from the biomass of red yeast had high oxidative stability. This feature of the yeast oil can be useful for long-shelf-life food products and can be promising for the production of biodiesel.
Ingenious Action of Vibrio cholerae Neuraminidase Recruiting Additional GM1 Cholera Toxin Receptors for Primary Human Colon Epithelial Cells
Authors: Detzner Johanna , Püttmann Charlotte , Pohlentz Gottfried , Müthing Johannes
Published: June 2022

For five decades it has been known that the pentamer of B subunits (choleragenoid) of the cholera toxin (CT) of Vibrio cholerae binds with high preference to the ganglioside GM1 (II3Neu5Ac-Gg4Cer). However, the exact structures of CT-binding GM1 lipoforms of primary human colon epithelial cells (pHCoEpiCs) have not yet been described in detail. The same holds true for generating further GM1 receptor molecules from higher sialylated gangliosides with a GM1 core through the neuraminidase of V. cholerae. To avoid the artificial incorporation of exogenous gangliosides from animal serum harboring GM1 and higher sialylated ganglio-series gangliosides, pHCoEpiCs were cultured in serum-free medium. Thin-layer chromatography overlay binding assays using a choleragenoid combined with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry revealed GM1 lipoforms with sphingosine (d18:1) as the sole sphingoid base linked to C14:0, C16:0, C18:0 or C20:0 fatty acyl chains forming the ceramide (Cer) moieties of the main choleragenoid-binding GM1 species. Desialylation of GD1a (IV3Neu5Ac,II3Neu5Ac-Gg4Cer) and GT1b (IV3Neu5Ac,II3(Neu5Ac)2-Gg4Cer) of pHCoEpiCs by V. cholerae neuraminidase was observed. GD1a-derived GM1 species with stable sphingosine (d18:1) and saturated fatty acyl chains varying in chain length from C16:0 up to C22:0 could be identified, indicating the ingenious interplay between CT and the neuraminidase of V. cholerae recruiting additional GM1 receptors of pHCoEpiCs.
Characteristics and Biological Activity of Exopolysaccharide Produced by Lysobacter sp. MMG2 Isolated from the Roots of Tagetes patula
Authors: Kim Inhyup , Chhetri Geeta , So Yoonseop , Kim Jiyoun , Seo Taegun
Published: June 2022

In the present study, exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by Lysobacter sp. MMG2 (lyEPS) was characterized and purified. The lyEPS-producing strain Lysobacter sp. MMG2 was isolated from the roots of Tagetes patula. When lyEPS was produced in tryptic soy broth with 1% glucose and the lyophilized powder was measured, the yield was found to be 0.67 g/L. The molecular weight (Mw) of lyEPS was 1.01 × 105 Da. Its monosaccharide composition includes 84.24% mannose, 9.73% glucose, 2.55% galactose, 2.77% arabinose, 0.32% xylose, and 0.03% rhamnose. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that lyEPS has various round and rough surfaces. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis identified its carbohydrate polymer functional groups. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis of lyEPS revealed two events of mass loss: the first was water loss, which resulted in 3.97% mass loss and the second event occurred at approximately 212 °C. lyEPS could inhibit biofilm-producing pathogenic bacteria without any antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, lyEPS at a concentration of 4 mg/mL could exhibit potent 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging activity (89.25%). These results indicate that lyEPS could be a promising candidate for industrial development if its biological activity is further explored.
A Metabolomic Analysis of Cirrhotic Ascites
Authors: Beyoğlu Diren , Simillion Cedric , Storni Federico , De Gottardi Andrea , Idle Jeffrey R.
Published: June 2022

Ascites is a common complication of decompensated liver cirrhosis, and yet relatively little is known about its biochemical composition. We conducted two metabolomic investigations, comparing the profile of ascites from 33 cirrhotic patients and postoperative peritoneal drainage fluid from 33 surgical patients (Experiment 1). The profile of paired ascites and plasma was also compared in 17 cirrhotic patients (Experiment 2). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry-based metabolomics identified 29 metabolites that significantly characterized ascites fluid, whether postoperative drainage fluid or plasma were used as controls. Ten elevated amino acids (glutamine, proline, histidine, tyrosine, glycine, valine, threonine, methionine, lysine, phenylalanine) and seven diminished lipids (laurate, myristate, palmitate, oleate, vaccenate, stearate, cholesterol) largely comprised the cirrhotic ascites metabolomic phenotype that differed significantly (adjusted p < 0.002 to 0.03) from peritoneal drainage fluid or plasma. The pattern of upregulated amino acids in cirrhotic ascites did not indicate albumin proteolysis by peritoneal bacteria. Bidirectional clustering showed that the more severe the cirrhosis, the lower the lipid concentration in ascitic fluid. The metabolomic compartment of ascites in patients with decompensated cirrhosis is characterized by increased amino acids and decreased lipids. These novel findings have potential relevance for diagnostic purposes.
Simultaneous Removal of Heavy Metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni, Zn and Pb) from Aqueous Solutions Using Thermally Treated Romanian Zeolitic Volcanic Tuff
Authors: Senila Marin , Neag Emilia , Cadar Oana , Kovacs Emoke Dalma , Aschilean Ioan , Kovacs Melinda Haydee
Published: June 2022

Increased concentrations of heavy metals in the environment are of public health concern, their removal from waters receiving considerable interest. The aim of this paper was to study the simultaneous adsorption of heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni, Zn and Pb) from aqueous solutions using the zeolitic volcanic tuffs as adsorbents. The effect of thermal treatment temperature, particle size and initial metal concentrations on the metal ions sorption was investigated. The selectivity of used zeolite for the adsorption of studied heavy metals followed the order: Pb > Cr > Cu > Zn > Cd > Ni. The removal efficiency of the heavy metals was strongly influenced by the particle sizes, the samples with smaller particle size (0–0.05 mm) being more efficient in heavy metals removal than those with larger particle size (1–3 mm). Generally, no relevant changes were observed in heavy metals removal efficiency for the treatment temperatures of 200 °C and 350 °C. Moreover, at a higher temperature (550 °C), a decrease in the removal efficiencies was observed. The Cd, Zn, Cu, Cr, Zn and Ni sorption was best described by Langmuir model according to the high values of correlation coefficient. The pseudo-first-order kinetic model presented the best correlation of the experimental data.
Graphene Oxide-Sensitized Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus
Authors: Liu Xuemei , Xu Chao , Fu Chunyu , Xia Dongfang , Wang Fuchao , Yin Hongzong , Peng Jun
Published: June 2022

Biosensor analysis based on the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) phenomenon enables label-free, highly sensitive analyte detection without prior sample purification or processing. However, potential applications of SPR biosensors in virus detection in biological samples remain to be explored. Owing to its excellent biocompatibility and abundance of hydroxyl and carboxyl functional groups, graphene oxide (GO) has been widely used as a biosensor of proteins and metal ions in living cells. The present work explored the effect of GO modification on the sensitivity of an SPR biosensor and used a GO-modified sensor to detect porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in cell culture, as shown. The GO modification markedly enhanced the sensitivity of the Fourier transform SPR sensor and enabled linear detection of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) with a multiplicity of infection in the range 0.2–1.7 (R2 = 0.998). Such a GO-modified sensor provides a promising alternative for virus detection.
The LAM of the Rings: Large Amplitude Motions in Aromatic Molecules Studied by Microwave Spectroscopy
Authors: Nguyen Ha Vinh Lam , Caminati Walther , Grabow Jens-Uwe
Published: June 2022

Large amplitude motions (LAMs) form a fundamental phenomenon that demands the development of specific theoretical and Hamiltonian models. In recent years, along with the strong progress in instrumental techniques on high-resolution microwave spectroscopy and computational capacity in quantum chemistry, studies on LAMs have become very diverse. Larger and more complex molecular systems have been taken under investigation, ranging from series of heteroaromatic molecules from five- and six-membered rings to polycyclic-aromatic-hydrocarbon derivatives. Such systems are ideally suited to create families of molecules in which the positions and the number of LAMs can be varied, while the heteroatoms often provide a sufficient dipole moment to the systems to warrant the observation of their rotational spectra. This review will summarize three types of LAMs: internal rotation, inversion tunneling, and ring puckering, which are frequently observed in aromatic five-membered rings such as furan, thiophene, pyrrole, thiazole, and oxazole derivatives, in aromatic six-membered rings such as benzene, pyridine, and pyrimidine derivatives, and larger combined rings such as naphthalene, indole, and indan derivatives. For each molecular class, we will present the representatives and summarize the recent insights on the molecular structure and internal dynamics and how they help to advance the field of quantum mechanics.
Preparation, Characterization, and In Vitro Anticancer Activity Evaluation of Broccoli-Derived Extracellular Vesicle-Coated Astaxanthin Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Chunmei , Song Qi , Yin Xialian , Song Ruilong , Chen Gang
Published: June 2022

Astaxanthin (AST) is a type of ketone carotenoid having significant antioxidation and anticancer abilities. However, its application is limited due to its low stability and bioavailability. In our study, poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-encapsulated AST (AST@PLGA) nanoparticles were prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation method and then further processed by ultrasound with broccoli-derived extracellular vesicles (BEVs), thereby evolving as BEV-coated AST@PLGA nanoparticles (AST@PLGA@BEVs). The preparation process and methods were optimized by three factors and three levels of response surface method to increase drug loading (DL). After optimization, the DL was increased to 6.824%, and the size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of AST@PLGA@BEVs reached 191.60 ± 2.23 nm, 0.166, and −15.85 ± 0.92 mV, respectively. Moreover, AST@PLGA@BEVs exhibited more notable anticancer activity than AST in vitro. Collectively, these results indicate that the method of loading AST in broccoli-derived EVs is feasible and has important significance for the further development and utilization of AST as a functional food.
The Role of Saponins in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Tan Bei , Wu Xueqing , Yu Jie , Chen Zhong
Published: June 2022

Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain caused by tissue injury or disease involving the somatosensory nervous system, which seriously affects the patient’s body function and quality of life. At present, most clinical medications for the treatment of neuropathic pain, including antidepressants, antiepileptic drugs, or analgesics, often have limited efficacy and non-negligible side effects. As a bioactive and therapeutic component extracted from Chinese herbal medicine, the role of the effective compounds in the prevention and treatment of neuropathic pain have gradually become a research focus to explore new analgesics. Notably, saponins have shown analgesic effects in a large number of animal models. In this review, we summarized the most updated information of saponins, related to their analgesic effects in neuropathic pain, and the recent progress on the research of therapeutic targets and the potential mechanisms. Furthermore, we put up with some perspectives on future investigation to reveal the precise role of saponins in neuropathic pain.
Trichoderma Enzymes for Degradation of Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A
Authors: Dini Irene , Alborino Vittoria , Lanzuise Stefania , Lombardi Nadia , Marra Roberta , Balestrieri Anna , Ritieni Alberto , Woo Sheridan L. , Vinale Francesco
Published: June 2022

The contamination of agricultural products with mycotoxins causes risks to animal and human health and severe economic losses. Mycotoxicoses can be reduced by preventing fungal infection using chemical and biological approaches. The chemical strategies can release toxic molecules; therefore, strategies for biological control are being evaluated, such as using nontoxic fungi and their metabolites. This work evaluated the effect of exoenzymes produced by the beneficial fungus Trichoderma afroharzianum strain T22 in degrading Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and Ochratoxin A (OTA). The ability of Trichoderma to produce hydrolases was stimulated by using different inducing substrates. The highest AFB1 and OTA degradation activity was obtained using a medium containing lyophilized mushrooms and crude fiber. The T. afroharzianum T22’s ability to reduce mycotoxins may be attributed to peroxidase enzymes. This study showed that T.afroharzianum strain T22 or its peroxidase supplementation could represent a sustainable strategy for the degradation of AFB1 and OTA in feed and food products.
Design, Synthesis and Cytotoxic Activity Evaluation of Newly Synthesized Amides-Based TMP Moiety as Potential Anticancer Agents over HepG2 Cells
Authors: Al-Warhi Tarfah , Aldhahrani Adil , Althobaiti Fayez , Fayad Eman , Abu Ali Ola A. , Albogami Sarah , Abu Almaaty Ali H. , Khedr Amgad I. M. , Bukhari Syed Nasir Abbas , Zaki Islam
Published: June 2022

A novel series of amides based TMP moiety was designed, synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative as well as enzyme inhibition activity. Compounds 6a and 6b showed remarkable cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cells with IC50 values 0.65 and 0.92 μM, respectively compared with SAHA and CA-4 as reference compounds. In addition, compound 6a demonstrated good HDAC-tubulin dual inhibition activity as it showed better HDAC activity as well as anti-tubulin activity. Moreover, compound 6a exhibited G2/M phase arrest and pre-G1 apoptosis as demonstrated by cell cycle analysis and Annexin V assays. Further apoptosis studies demonstrated that compound 6a boosted the level of caspase 3/7. Caspase 3/7 activation and apoptosis induction were evidenced by decrease in mitochondrial permeability suggesting that activation of caspase 3/7 may occur via mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.
Nanolayered CoCrFeNi/Graphene Composites with High Strength and Crack Resistance
Authors: Feng Xiaobin , Cao Ke , Huang Xiege , Li Guodong , Lu Yang
Published: June 2022

Emerging high-entropy alloy (HEA) films achieve high strength but generally show ineludible brittle fractures, strongly restricting their micro/nano-mechanical and functional applications. Nanolayered (NL) CoCrFeNi/graphene composites are elaborately fabricated via magnetron sputtering and the transfer process. It is uncovered that NL CoCrFeNi/graphene composite pillars exhibit a simultaneous ultra-high strength of 4.73 GPa and considerable compressive plasticity of over 20%. Detailed electron microscope observations and simulations reveal that the monolayer graphene interface can effectively block the crack propagation and stimulate dislocations to accommodate further deformation. Our findings open avenues for the fabrication of high-performance, HEA-based composites, thereby addressing the challenges and unmet needs in flexible electronics and mechanical metamaterials.
Recent Progress on Nanomaterials for NO2 Surface Acoustic Wave Sensors
Authors: Dinu Livia Alexandra , Buiculescu Valentin , Baracu Angela Mihaela
Published: June 2022

NO2 gas surface acoustic wave (SAW)sensors are under continuous development due to their high sensitivity, reliability, low cost and room temperature operation. Their integration ability with different receptor nanomaterials assures a boost in the performance of the sensors. Among the most exploited nano-materials for sensitive detection of NO2 gas molecules are carbon-based nanomaterials, metal oxide semiconductors, quantum dots, and conducting polymers. All these nanomaterials aim to create pores for NO2 gas adsorption or to enlarge the specific surface area with ultra-small nanoparticles that increase the active sites where NO2 gas molecules can diffuse. This review provides a general overview of NO2 gas SAW sensors, with a focus on the different sensors’ configurations and their fabrication technology, on the nanomaterials used as sensitive NO2 layers and on the test methods for gas detection. The synthesis methods of sensing nanomaterials, their functionalization techniques, the mechanism of interaction between NO2 molecules and the sensing nanomaterials are presented and discussed.
CuxO-Modified Nanoporous Cu Foil as a Self-Supporting Electrode for Supercapacitor and Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Li Zhenhan , Lin Jianbin , He Xin , Xin Yue , Liang Ping , Zhang Chi
Published: June 2022

Designing and modifying nanoporous metal foils to make them suitable for supercapacitor and catalysis is significant but challenging. In this work, CuxO nanoflakes have been successfully in situ grown on nanoporous Cu foil via a facile electrooxidation method. A Ga-assisted surface Ga-Cu alloying–dealloying is adopted to realize the formation of a nanoporous Cu layer on the flexible Cu foil. The following electrooxidation, at a constant potential, modifies the nanoporous Cu layer with CuxO nanoflakes. The optimum CuxO/Cu electrode (O-Cu-2h) delivers the maximum areal capacitance of 0.745 F cm−2 (410.27 F g−1) at 0.2 mA cm−2 and maintains 94.71% of the capacitance after 12,000 cycles. The supercapacitor consisted of the O-Cu-2h as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode has an energy density of 24.20 Wh kg−1 and power density of 0.65 kW kg−1. The potential of using the electrode as oxygen evolution reaction catalysts is also investigated. The overpotential of O-Cu-2h at 10 mA cm−2 is 394 mV; however, the long-term stability still needs further improvement.
The Association between Dietary Patterns and Pre-Pregnancy BMI with Gestational Weight Gain: The “Born in Shenyang” Cohort
Authors: Hu Jiajin , Gao Ming , Ma Yanan , Wan Ningyu , Liu Yilin , Liu Borui , Li Lin , Yu Yang , Liu Yang , Liu Bohan , Wen Deliang
Published: June 2022

The reported associations of maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy with gestational weight gain are inconsistent, especially among the less studied Asian Chinese populations. In a prospective pre-birth cohort study conducted in northern China, we determined the associations between maternal dietary patterns and the probability of excess gestational weight gain (EGWG) among 1026 pregnant women. We used 3-day food diaries to assess maternal diet and performed principal component analysis to identify dietary patterns. Maternal adherence to a traditional pattern, which was characterized by a higher intake of tubers, vegetables, fruits, red meat, and rice, was associated with a higher probability of EGWG (quartile 3 vs. quartile 1, odds ratio [OR] = 1.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.10−2.38). This risk association was more pronounced among women who were overweight/obese before pregnancy (quartile 4 vs. quartile 1, OR = 5.17, 95% CI = 1.45–18.46; p for interaction < 0.01). Maternal adherence to a high protein pattern, which was characterized by a higher intake of fried foods, beans and bean products, dairy products, and fruits, was associated with a lower risk of EGWG (quartile 3 vs. quartile 1, OR = 0.56, 95% CI, 0.39−0.81). The protective association was more pronounced among non-overweight/obese women (p for interaction < 0.01). These findings may help to develop interventions and better define target populations for EGWG prevention.
Inverse Association between Dietary Iron Intake and Gastric Cancer: A Pooled Analysis of Case-Control Studies of the Stop Consortium
Authors: Collatuzzo Giulia , Teglia Federica , Pelucchi Claudio , Negri Eva , Rabkin Charles S. , Liao Linda M. , Sinha Rashmi , López-Carrillo Lizbeth , Lunet Nuno , Morais Samantha , Aragonés Nuria , Moreno Victor , Vioque Jesus , Garcia de la Hera Manoli , Ward Mary H. , Malekzadeh Reza , Pakseresht Mohammadreza , Hernández-Ramírez Raúl Ulises , López-Cervantes Malaquias , Bonzi Rossella , Dalmartello Michela , Tsugane Shoichiro , Hidaka Akihisa , Camargo M. Constanza , Curado Maria Paula , Zhang Zuo-Feng , Zubair Nadia , La Vecchia Carlo , Shah Shailja , Boffetta Paolo
Published: June 2022

Background: Inconsistent findings have been reported regarding the relationship between dietary iron intake and the risk of gastric cancer (GC). Methods: We pooled data from 11 case-control studies from the Stomach Cancer Pooling (StoP) Project. Total dietary iron intake was derived from food frequency questionnaires combined with national nutritional tables. We derived the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for quartiles of dietary iron through multivariable unconditional logistic regression models. Secondary analyses stratified by sex, smoking status, caloric intake, anatomical subsite and histological type were performed. Results: Among 4658 cases and 12247 controls, dietary iron intake was inversely associated with GC (per quartile OR 0.88; 95% CI: 0.83–0.93). Results were similar between cardia (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.77–0.94) and non-cardia GC (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.81–0.94), and for diffuse (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.69–0.89) and intestinal type (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.79–0.98). Iron intake exerted an independent effect from that of smoking and salt intake. Additional adjustment by meat and fruit/vegetable intake did not alter the results. Conclusions: Dietary iron is inversely related to GC, with no difference by subsite or histological type. While the results should be interpreted with caution, they provide evidence against a direct effect of iron in gastric carcinogenesis.
Dietary Inflammation Index and Its Association with Long-Term All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in the General US Population by Baseline Glycemic Status
Authors: Yuan Sheng , Song Chenxi , Zhang Rui , He Jining , Dou Kefei
Published: June 2022

Dietary inflammatory potential has been proven to be correlated with the incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. However, the evidence regarding the impact of dietary inflammatory patterns on long-term mortality is scarce. This cohort study aims to investigate the dietary inflammatory pattern of the general US individuals by baseline glycemic status and to estimate its association with long-term mortality. A total of 20,762 general American adults with different glycemic statuses from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included. We extracted 24-h dietary information, and the dietary inflammatory index (DII) was calculated. The outcomes were defined as 5-year all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Compared with the normoglycemia group, individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes had higher DII scores (overall weighted p < 0.001). Compared with low DII scores, participants with high DII scores were at a higher risk of long-term all-cause mortality (HR: 1.597, 95% CI: 1.370, 1.861; p < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (HR: 2.036, 95% CI: 1.458, 2.844; p < 0.001). The results were stable after adjusting for potential confounders. Moreover, the prognostic value of DII for long-term all-cause mortality existed only in diabetic individuals but not in the normoglycemia or prediabetes group (p for interaction = 0.006). In conclusion, compared to the normoglycemia or prediabetes groups, participants with diabetes had a higher DII score, which indicates a greater pro-inflammatory potential. Diabetic individuals with higher DII scores were at a higher risk of long-term all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.
Ethics in Emergency Times: The Case of COVID-19
Authors: Semplici Stefano
Published: June 2022

A disaster is an occurrence disrupting a community’s normal functioning and existence. The disruption may render it impossible to comply with principles and to respect, protect, and fulfill rights as it happens in ordinary times; it may induce an overwhelming shortage of resources and make tragic decisions unavoidable. From its very beginning, the COVID-19 pandemic evoked the scenario of disaster medicine, where triage is likely to imply not simply postponing a treatment but letting someone die. However, it is not only the health care system that faces disruption risks. Lockdown measures and other restrictions were imposed to curb the pandemic, impinging upon individual freedom as well as economic activities. The proposal of mandatory vaccination implied a suspension of the principle of autonomy, which is a fundamental pillar of modern medicine. Out of the ordinary balancing efforts may be required, and two questions arise. Do such exceptional circumstances suggest reconsidering the criteria to apply, especially when essential, life-saving treatments are at stake? Who should decide? Science offers the premises to build on, but the last word does not belong to science. It remains the province of ethics and politics.
Plants’ Physio-Biochemical and Phyto-Hormonal Responses to Alleviate the Adverse Effects of Drought Stress: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Wahab Abdul , Abdi Gholamreza , Saleem Muhammad Hamzah , Ali Baber , Ullah Saqib , Shah Wadood , Mumtaz Sahar , Yasin Ghulam , Muresan Crina Carmen , Marc Romina Alina
Published: June 2022

Water, a necessary component of cell protoplasm, plays an essential role in supporting life on Earth; nevertheless, extreme changes in climatic conditions limit water availability, causing numerous issues, such as the current water-scarce regimes in many regions of the biome. This review aims to collect data from various published studies in the literature to understand and critically analyze plants’ morphological, growth, yield, and physio-biochemical responses to drought stress and their potential to modulate and nullify the damaging effects of drought stress via activating natural physiological and biochemical mechanisms. In addition, the review described current breakthroughs in understanding how plant hormones influence drought stress responses and phytohormonal interaction through signaling under water stress regimes. The information for this review was systematically gathered from different global search engines and the scientific literature databases Science Direct, including Google Scholar, Web of Science, related studies, published books, and articles. Drought stress is a significant obstacle to meeting food demand for the world’s constantly growing population. Plants cope with stress regimes through changes to cellular osmotic potential, water potential, and activation of natural defense systems in the form of antioxidant enzymes and accumulation of osmolytes including proteins, proline, glycine betaine, phenolic compounds, and soluble sugars. Phytohormones modulate developmental processes and signaling networks, which aid in acclimating plants to biotic and abiotic challenges and, consequently, their survival. Significant progress has been made for jasmonates, salicylic acid, and ethylene in identifying important components and understanding their roles in plant responses to abiotic stress. Other plant hormones, such as abscisic acid, auxin, gibberellic acid, brassinosteroids, and peptide hormones, have been linked to plant defense signaling pathways in various ways.
Laser-Assisted Melt Electrospinning of Poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone): Analyses on Processing Behavior and Characteristics of Prepared Fibers
Authors: Hou Zongzi , Kobayashi Haruki , Tanaka Katsufumi , Takarada Wataru , Kikutani Takeshi , Takasaki Midori
Published: June 2022

The laser-assisted melt electrospinning (LES) method was utilized for the preparation of poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) fibers. During the process, a carbon dioxide laser was irradiated, and voltage was applied to the raw fiber of PLCL. In situ observation of fiber formation behavior revealed that only a single jet was formed from the swelling region under the conditions of low laser power and applied voltage and feeding rate, whereas multiple jets and shots were produced with increases in these parameters. The formation of multiple jets resulted in the preparation of thinner fibers, and under the optimum condition, an average fiber diameter of 0.77 μm and its coefficient of variation of 17% was achieved without the formation of shots. The estimation of tension and stress profiles in the spin-line was also carried out based on the result of in situ observation and the consideration that the forces originated from surface tension, electricity, air friction, and inertia. The higher peak values of tension and stress appearing near the apex of the swelling region corresponded to the formation of thinner fibers for the condition of single-jet ejection. Analyses of the molecular orientation and crystallization of as-spun fibers revealed the formation of a wide variation of higher order structure depending on the spinning conditions.