bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Topographic Factors on Cultivated-Land Ridge Orientation in the Black Soil Region of Songnen Plain
Authors: Du Guoming , Guo Tongbing , Ma Chen
Published: September 2022

Topographic factors are essential to the spatial distribution of ridge orientation, yet the literature shows limited exploration of the mechanisms underlying the effects of terrain on cultivated-land ridge orientation in a black soil region. To better understand this subject, interpretation, statistical analyses and field verification were carried out in Songnen Plain, a typical Mollisol area. The results revealed that inclined-ridge cultivation was the most common farming method in the study area. When the slope gradient of cultivated land was greater than 13°, the influence of slope on ridge orientation was obvious, and the residual ridge angle increased with the increase in slope. There was a strongly significant negative correlation between the residual ridge angle and the azimuth angle, and the proportion curves of all ridge orientations with respect to different slope aspects were axisymmetric with respect to azimuth angles of 0°–180°. The relationship among indices such as slope gradient, slope aspect and ridge orientation could be modeled using a Poly2D function. This study indicates that topographic factors are the dominant factor in ridge-orientation selection, and provides a scientific basis for block-scale cultivated-land protection and utilization in black soil region; however, the scientific configuration of ridge orientation requires further research.
Geoparks and Geotourism in China: A Sustainable Approach to Geoheritage Conservation and Local Development—A Review
Authors: Xu Kejian , Wu Wenhui
Published: September 2022

Geoparks and geotourism are relatively new activities within tourism. However, both have grown rapidly over the past decade. Geoparks, as an innovation for the conservation of geoheritage, play an important role in the development of geotourism. Geotourism has evolved partially in response to the need to minimize the negative impacts of mass tourism in geologically and geographically sensitive and/or im-portant areas situated in tourist environments, while at the same time providing a catalyst for sustainable rural development. China, with its vast territory and complex geological and geomorphic features, is often referred to as an open laboratory in geosciences and has 289 national geoparks and 41 UNESCO global geoparks so far. Currently, it is a leading country in the world in establishing and maintaining geoparks. This paper reviews the geoparks initiatives in China, as well as attempts to assess the compatibility of geoconservation and rural development within geotourism areas by exploring the challenges and outcomes of the geotourism development in China and by identifying and analysing the outcomes of geopark development. The results indicate a geopark is a sustainable approach to advancing geoconservation and promoting local economic development. The results further emphasize the importance of sustainable management in geotourism. Only when managed in a sustainable manner is geotourism likely to provide long-term improvements for developments in rural areas. Implications for geopark management and geotourism development are discussed.
The Influence of Social Information on Speech Intelligibility within the Spanish Heritage Community
Authors: Staggs Cecelia , Baese-Berk Melissa , Nagle Charlie
Published: September 2022

Previous research in speech perception has shown that perception is influenced by social factors that can result in behavioral consequences such as reduced intelligibility (i.e., a listeners’ ability to transcribe the speech they hear). However, little is known about these effects regarding Spanish speakers’ perception of heritage Spanish, Spanish spoken by individuals who have an ancestral and cultural connection to the Spanish language. Given that ideologies within the U.S. Latino community often equate Latino identity to speaking Spanish “correctly” and proficiently, there is a clear need to understand the potential influence these ideologies have on speech perception. Using a matched-guised methodology, we analyzed the influence of speaker social background information and listener social background information on speech perception. Participants completed a transcription task in which four different Spanish heritage speakers were paired with different social guises to determine if the speakers were perceived as equally intelligible under each guise condition. The results showed that social guise and listener social variables did not significantly predict intelligibility scores. We argue that the unique socio-political culture within the U.S. Latino community may lead to different effects of language ideology and social expectation on speech perception than what has been documented in previous work.
Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System of 2-Methoxyestradiol Exhibits Enhanced Anti-Proliferative and Pro-Apoptotic Activities in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Al-Qahtani Salwa , Bin-Melaih Hawazen , Atiya Eman , Fahmy Usama , Binmahfouz Lenah , Neamatallah Thikryat , Al-Abbasi Fahad , Abdel-Naim Ashraf
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: 2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME) is a metabolite of estrogens and possesses promising anti-proliferative and cytotoxic activities. However, it suffers unfavorable pharmacokinetic characteristics such as absorption after oral administration. The aim of this study was to prepare an optimized 2ME self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (2ME-SNEDDS) and evaluate its cytotoxicity and pro-apoptotic activities in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. (2) Methods: For optimization of the 2ME-SNEDDS, a three-component system was used in the D-optimal mixture experimental study. MCF-7 cells were incubated with the 2ME-SNEDDS and subjected to an assessment of growth inhibition, cell cycle progression, annexin V staining, caspase-3 concentration, Bax, Bcl-2, and cyclin D1 mRNA expression, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. (3) Results: The optimized formula had a globule size of 94.97 ± 4.35 nm. Zeta potential was found to be −3.4 ± 1.2 mV with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.34. In addition, 96.3  ± 4.3% of 2ME was released from the 2ME-SNEDDS within 24 h using the activated analysis bag technique. Moreover, the prepared 2ME-SNEDDS exhibited a significant enhancement of the anti-proliferative activity against MCF-7 cells in comparison to raw 2ME. This was associated with cyclin D1 expression down-regulation and the accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases. The pro-apoptotic activities of the 2ME-SNEDDS were confirmed by annexin V staining, which indicated enhanced early and late cell death. This accompanied modulation of the mRNA expression of Bax and Bcl-2 in favor of apoptosis. The 2ME-SNEDDS significantly enhanced cleaved caspase-3 concentration in comparison to raw 2ME. In addition, the 2ME-SNEDDS significantly increased the generation of ROS in MCF-7 cells. (4) Conclusions: The 2ME-SNEDDS exhibits enhanced cytotoxicity and pro-apoptotic activity in MCF-7 cells. This is mediated by, at least partially, ROS generation.
Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis Leaf Extract Alleviates Gentamicin-Induced Hepatorenal Injury in Rats—Possible Modulation of IL-1β and NF-κB Activity Assisted with Computational Approach
Authors: Khalil Hany Ezzat , Abdelwahab Miada F. , Emeka Promise Madu , Badger-Emeka Lorina I. , Ahmed Al-Shaimaa F. , Anter Aliaa F. , Abdel Hafez Sara Mohamed Naguib , AlYahya Khalid A. , Ibrahim Hairul-Islam Mohamed , Thirugnanasambantham Krishnaraj , Matsunami Katsuyoshi , Ibrahim Selim Alyaa Hatem
Published: September 2022

Background: Recently, crop byproducts are considered a hot topic and can be converted into beneficial products. Cauliflower is well-known for its protective effects against oxidative stress-induced damage. The current study aimed to investigate the chemical profile and the ameliorative effects of cauliflower leaf extract (CL) on gentamicin-induced renal and hepatic injuries in rats. Methods: Cauliflower leaf was extracted with methanol to give the total methanol extract (TME) followed by the determination of total phenolic contents (TPC). Rats were divided into five groups; Group I was assigned as the control group, while the other groups were injected with gentamicin for ten days. Group II was given distilled water. Rats in groups III and IV were treated with oral CL (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively). Group V received L-cysteine (as a positive control). The functions of the kidneys and liver; oxidative stress and morphological and apoptotic changes of renal and hepatic tissues were assessed. Results: The TME was subjected to chromatographic techniques to yield ferulic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid and quercetin. TPC was 72.31 mg GAE/g of dried extract. CL treatment dose-dependently ameliorated gentamicin-induced impaired kidney and liver functions and improved the histopathological appearance of both organs. It also reduced gentamicin-induced oxidative stress. CL demonstrated downregulation of mRNA and protein expressions of IL-1β and NF-κB compared to nontreated rats. In silico interaction of the isolated compounds with amino acid residues of IL-1β and NF-κB might explain the current findings. Conclusion: Taken together, this study raises the waste-to-wealth potential of cauliflower to mitigate gentamicin-induced hepatorenal injury and convert the waste agromaterials into valuable products.
Perceived Anxiety, Coping, and Autonomic Function in Takotsubo Syndrome Long after the Acute Event
Authors: Lazzeroni Davide , Ciraci Chiara , Sommaruga Marinella , Oggioni Carlotta , Saccò Melissa , Ziveri Valentina , Paglialonga Letizia , Bini Matteo , Moderato Luca , Brambilla Lorenzo , Coruzzi Paolo , Cruciani Gianluca , Lingiardi Vittorio , Tanzilli Annalisa , Galli Federica
Published: September 2022

Background: Anxiety and depressive disorders represent predisposing factors for the autonomic dysfunctions that characterize the acute phase of Takotsubo syndrome (TS). However, there is insufficient data on this relationship after the acute event. The present study aimed at evaluating the psychological and autonomic status of patients with a history of TS. Methods: Ten TS patients whose acute event occurred at least 1 year prior to the evaluation and nine healthy age- and sex-matched subjects were evaluated. The cardiovascular assessment included a clinical examination, beat-to-beat heart rate monitoring to assess heart rate variability, and a psychological examination using the 16 Personality Factors-C Form (16PF), the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, the Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced (COPE), the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: TS patients scored significantly higher on the STAI (i.e., Anxiety Trait), 16PF (i.e., Tension), and COPE (i.e., Transcendental Orientation). TS patients also showed lower heart rate variability. Moreover, a significant inverse correlation was found between sympathetic tone (LF/HF ratio) and coping orientation. Conclusions: Long after the acute event, TS patients are characterized by elevated anxiety, high tension, and a specific religious coping strategy.
Epidemic of Wheat Stripe Rust Detected by Hyperspectral Remote Sensing and Its Potential Correlation with Soil Nitrogen during Latent Period
Authors: Chen Jing , Saimi Ainisai , Zhang Minghao , Liu Qi , Ma Zhanhong
Published: September 2022

Climate change affects crops development, pathogens survival rates and pathogenicity, leading to more severe disease epidemics. There are few reports on early, simple, large-scale quantitative detection technology for wheat diseases against climate change. A new technique for detecting wheat stripe rust (WSR) during the latent period based on hyperspectral technology is proposed. Canopy hyperspectral data of WSR was obtained; meanwhile, duplex PCR was used to measure the content of Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici (Pst) in the same canopy section. The content of Pst corresponded to its spectrum as the classification label of the model, which is established by discriminant partial least squares (DPLS) and support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. In the spectral region of 325–1075 nm, the model’s average recognition accuracy was between 75% and 80%. In the sub-band of 325–1075 nm, the average recognition accuracy of the DPLS was 80% within the 325–474 nm. The average recognition accuracy of the SVM was 83% within the 475–624 nm. Correlation analysis showed that the disease index of WSR was positively correlated with soil nitrogen nutrition, indicating that the soil nitrogen nutrition would affect the severity of WSR during the latent period.
Epiglottopexy Is a Treatment of Choice for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Caused by a Collapsing Epiglottis
Authors: Masárová Michaela , Formánek Martin , Jor Ondřej , Novák Vilém , Vrtková Adéla , Matoušek Petr , Komínek Pavel , Zeleník Karol
Published: September 2022

Drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) reveals epiglottic collapse to be a frequent cause of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and intolerance of positive airway pressure (PAP). These patients require different management. This prospective study aimed to compare transoral laser epiglottopexy outcomes in patients with OSA caused by epiglottic collapse with the patients’ previous PAP outcomes. Fifteen consecutive adult patients with OSA and epiglottic collapse during DISE were included; ten were analyzed. Before inclusion, PAP was indicated and ineffective in six patients, one of whom underwent unsuccessful uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. PAP was performed during DISE in all patients before epiglottopexy and was uniformly ineffective. ENT control was performed at 1 week and 1 month, and control limited polygraphy to 6 months after surgery. The apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were significantly improved (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively) in all patients after epiglottopexy. Surgery was successful in 9/10 patients; the remaining patient had a significantly decreased AHI and could finally tolerate PAP. Transoral laser epiglottopexy is used to treat OSA in patients with epiglottic collapse. Unlike other methods, it significantly reduces both AHI and ESS and should be considered for these patients. An active search for OSA patients with epiglottic collapse is recommended to prevent treatment failure.
Determining the Effects of Compost Substitution on Carbon Sequestration, Greenhouse Gas Emission, Soil Microbial Community Changes, and Crop Yield in a Wheat Field
Authors: Min Hongzhi , Huang Xingchen , Xu Daoqing , Shao Qingqin , Li Qing , Wang Hong , Ren Lantian
Published: September 2022

Compost produced by straw and livestock and poultry manure under the action of micro-organisms is one of the main forms of organic alternative fertilizers at present. The present study explored the effects of compost substitution on soil greenhouse gas emissions, soil microbial community changes, and wheat yield to determine the best substitution ratio for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and soil microbial community changes and increasing wheat yield. Using the single-factor randomized block trial design, four treatments were employed, the characteristics of greenhouse gas emission, yield and yield components, and the changes of soil microbial community under different compost substitution ratio in the whole wheat growing season were determined by static box-gas chromatography. During the wheat season, both CO2 and N2O emissions were reduced, whereas CH4 emission was increased. That all treatments reduced the Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Greenhouse gas emission intensity (GHGI) in wheat season compared with T0. Compost substitution can alleviate the global warming potential to some extent. Under the condition of compost substitution, the wheat yield under T2 and T3 increased significantly compared with that under the control; however, the spike number and 1000-grain weight did not differ significantly among the treatments. When compost replacement was 30%, the yield was the highest. Under different ratios of compost substitution, the microbial communities mainly comprised Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Patescibacteria, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Gemmatimonadetes, and Verrucomicrobia. The soil microbial community structure differed mainly due to the difference in the compost substitution ratio and was clustered into different groups. In conclusion, to achieve high wheat yield and low greenhouse gas emissions, compost replacement of 30% is the most reasonable means for soil improvement and fertilization.
Postprandial Responses of Serum Cholesterol, Glucose and Plasma Antioxidant Activity, after Intake of an Innovative High Fat Mayonnaise-Based Appetizer, Enhanced with Olive Paste, in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Papagianni Olga , Loukas Thomas , Magkoutis Athanasios , Kagoudi Maria , Skalkos Dimitrios , Kafetzopoulos Dimitrios , Dimou Charalampia , Karantonis Haralabos C. , Koutelidakis Antonios E.
Published: September 2022

Several Mediterranean functional foods and their process by-products may exert a beneficial role on hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and oxidative stress modulation, providing bioactive compounds with functional properties, contributing to possible chronic disease prevention (cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes mellitus, etc.). The purpose of the present interventional study was to investigate the postprandial responses of metabolic biomarkers, after the intake of an innovative mayonnaise-based appetizer, enhanced with olive paste, in healthy volunteers. In this cross-over design, randomized and single-blind, interventional–clinical trial, 10 healthy volunteers, aged 20–30 years old, after splitting into the control group and the Mediterranean group, consumed a pasta meal rich in fat and carbohydrates (150 g), containing a mayonnaise-based appetizer or the same appetizer, enhanced with 9% olive paste. After a 1-week washout period, the subjects consumed the meals in reverse. Differences between groups on postprandial responses of total plasma antioxidant capacity according to the FRAP method, serum total cholesterol, glucose, and uric acid levels, were determined before, 30 min, 1.5 h, and 3 h after consumption. The results showed that, in comparison to the control group, consumption of the enhanced appetizer resulted in a significantly decreased total serum cholesterol and glucose levels, and also led to a significant increase in plasma total antioxidant activity, 3 h after consumption (p < 0.05). Further investigation with large prospective studies is needed to validate the current results.
Mdivi-1 Induced Mitochondrial Fusion as a Potential Mechanism to Enhance Stress Tolerance in Wheat
Authors: Rakhmatullina Daniya , Mazina Anastasia , Ponomareva Anastasia , Dmitrieva Svetlana , Beckett Richard Peter , Minibayeva Farida
Published: September 2022

Mitochondria play a key role in providing energy to cells. These organelles are constantly undergoing dynamic processes of fusion and fission that change in stressful conditions. The role of mitochondrial fusion in wheat root cells was studied using Mdivi-1, an inhibitor of the mitochondrial fragmentation protein Drp1. The effect of the inhibitor was studied on mitochondrial dynamics in the roots of wheat seedlings subjected to a wounding stress, simulated by excision. Treatment of the stressed roots with the inhibitor increased the size of the mitochondria, enhanced their functional activity, and elevated their membrane potentials. Mitochondrial fusion was accompanied by a decrease in ROS formation and associated cell damage. Exposure to Mdivi-1 also upregulated genes encoding the glycolytic enzyme glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and an energy sensor AMP-dependent protein sucrose non-fermenting-related kinase (SnRK1), suggesting that mitochondrial fusion is associated with a general activation of energy metabolism. Controlling mitochondrial fusion rates could change the physiology of wheat plants by altering the energy status of the cell and helping to mitigate the effects of stress.
In Vitro Evaluation of Weizmannia coagulans Strain LMG S-31876 Isolated from Fermented Rice for Potential Probiotic Properties, Safety Assessment and Technological Properties
Authors: Sreenadh Madapati , Kumar Kallur Ranjith , Nath Soumitra
Published: September 2022

Bacillus coagulans, which has been taxonomically reclassified as Weizmannia coagulans, has been the focus of research due to its wide distribution in fermented foods, probiotic properties, and tolerance to extreme environments. The purpose of this study was to characterise putative probiotic bacteria in a fermented rice sample, followed by an in vitro screening of presumptive probiotic properties and a safety assessment to ensure their safety for human consumption. The predominant isolate was Gram-positive, rod-shaped, catalase-positive, spore-forming, motile, and facultatively anaerobic. The biochemical test and 16S rDNA sequencing identify the isolate as Weizmannia coagulans strain LMG S-31876. The strain showed significant viability in acidic gastric juice, pancreatin, and bile. The strain showed tolerance to 5% NaCl, and a low-to-moderate percentage of hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation was recorded. It met all safety criteria, including haemolytic activity, DNase activity, antibiotic sensitivity, and growth inhibition of other bacteria. Evaluation of its technological properties showed positive results for amylolytic and lipolytic activities; however, negative results were obtained for proteolytic activity. It could be concluded from the gathered data that W. coagulans strain LMG S-31876 isolated from fermented rice, might serve as a potential functional probiotic food. However, extended follow-up durations and larger-scale trials by assessing the therapeutic effects in managing various clinical gastrointestinal conditions are required to warranty such effects.
Factorial Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Phycocyanin from Synechocystis salina: Towards a Biorefinery Approach
Authors: Assunção Joana , Amaro Helena M. , Malcata Francisco Xavier , Guedes Ana Catarina
Published: September 2022

PC is a bioactive and colorant compound widely sought in the food, nutraceutical and cosmetic industries, and one of the most important pigments produced by Synechocystis salina. However, the general extraction process is usually time-consuming and expensive, with low extraction yields—thus compromising a feasible and sustainable bioprocess. Hence, new extraction technologies (e.g., ultrasound assisted-extraction or UAE) emerged in the latest years may serve as a key step to make the overall bioprocess more competitive. Therefore, this study aimed at optimizing the yields of phycocyanin (PC) rich-extracts of S. salina by resorting to UAE; in attempts to explore this process in a more economically feasible way; valorization of the remaining cyanobacterial biomass, via extraction of other bioactive pigments and antioxidants, was tackled within a biorefinery perspective. A two-stage extraction (using ethanol and water) was thus performed (because it favors PC extraction); other bioactive pigments, including chlorophyll a (chl a), carotenoids, and other phycobiliproteins (PBPs), but also antioxidant (AOX) capacity and extraction yields were also evaluated for their optimum UAE yields. A factorial design based on Box–Behnken model was developed; and the influence of such extraction parameters as biomass to solvent ratio (B/S ratio = 1.5–8.5 mg·mL−1), duty cycle (DT = 40–100%), and percentage of amplitude (A = 40–100%) were evaluated. The model predicted higher PC yields with high B/S ratio = 6 mg·mL−1, lower DT = 80% and an A = 100%. Classical extraction was compared with UAE under the optimum conditions found; the latter improved PC yields by 12.5% and 47.8%, when compared to freeze-thawing extraction, and bead beater homogenization-based extraction, respectively. UAE successive extractions allowed to valorize other important bioactive compounds than PC, by reusing biomass, supporting a favorable contribution to the economic feasibility of the S. salina-based process towards a biorefinery approach.
Fluid Management, Intra-Abdominal Hypertension and the Abdominal Compartment Syndrome: A Narrative Review
Authors: Jacobs Rita , Wise Robert D. , Myatchin Ivan , Vanhonacker Domien , Minini Andrea , Mekeirele Michael , Kirkpatrick Andrew W. , Pereira Bruno M. , Sugrue Michael , De Keulenaer Bart , Bodnar Zsolt , Acosta Stefan , Ejike Janeth , Tayebi Salar , Stiens Johan , Cordemans Colin , Van Regenmortel Niels , Elbers Paul W. G. , Monnet Xavier , Wong Adrian , Dabrowski Wojciech , Jorens Philippe G. , De Waele Jan J. , Roberts Derek J. , Kimball Edward , Reintam Blaser Annika , Malbrain Manu L. N. G.
Published: September 2022

Background: General pathophysiological mechanisms regarding associations between fluid administration and intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) are evident, but specific effects of type, amount, and timing of fluids are less clear. Objectives: This review aims to summarize current knowledge on associations between fluid administration and intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and fluid management in patients at risk of intra-abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). Methods: We performed a structured literature search from 1950 until May 2021 to identify evidence of associations between fluid management and intra-abdominal pressure not limited to any specific study or patient population. Findings were summarized based on the following information: general concepts of fluid management, physiology of fluid movement in patients with intra-abdominal hypertension, and data on associations between fluid administration and IAH. Results: We identified three randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 38 prospective observational studies, 29 retrospective studies, 18 case reports in adults, two observational studies and 10 case reports in children, and three animal studies that addressed associations between fluid administration and IAH. Associations between fluid resuscitation and IAH were confirmed in most studies. Fluid resuscitation contributes to the development of IAH. However, patients with IAH receive more fluids to manage the effect of IAH on other organ systems, thereby causing a vicious cycle. Timing and approach to de-resuscitation are of utmost importance, but clear indicators to guide this decision-making process are lacking. In selected cases, only surgical decompression of the abdomen can stop deterioration and prevent further morbidity and mortality. Conclusions: Current evidence confirms an association between fluid resuscitation and secondary IAH, but optimal fluid management strategies for patients with IAH remain controversial.
Gallic Acid Ameliorates the Inflammatory State of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells and Promotes Pro-Osteodifferentiation Capabilities of Inflammatory Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes
Authors: Dai Zhenning , Li Ziyue , Zheng Weihan , Yan Zi , Zhang Lijun , Yang Jiaxin , Xiao Jing , Sun Hanxiao , Li Shiyu , Huang Wenhua
Published: September 2022

The slow proliferation rate and poor osteodifferentiation ability of inflammatory periodontal membrane stem cells extracted from periodontitis tissues (i-PDLSCs) account for poor efficiency in treating inflammatory bone loss. Exosomes reportedly have inducible and relatively stable components, allowing them to promote inflammatory bone repair, but obtaining i-PDLSCs exosomes with the ability to promote osteodifferentiation is challenging. In the present study, i-PDLSCs were extracted from periodontal membrane tissues of patients with severe periodontitis, and in vitro induction with gallic acid (GA) significantly promoted the proliferative activity of i-PDLSCs at a concentration of 10 mM, with TC0 of 11.057 mM and TC50 of 67.56 mM for i-PDLSCs. After mRNA sequencing, we found that GA could alleviate oxidative stress in i-PDLSCs and increase its mitochondrial membrane potential and glucose aerobic metabolism level, thus promoting the osteodifferentiation of i-PDLSCs. After exosomes of i-PDLSCs after GA induction (i-EXO-GA) were isolated by differential centrifugation, we found that 200 ug/mL of i-EXO-GA could remarkably promote the osteodifferentiation of i-PDLSCs. Overall, our results suggest that GA induction can enhance the proliferation and osteodifferentiation in primary cultures of i-PDLSCs in vitro, mediated by alleviating oxidative stress and glycometabolism levels in cells, which further influences the osteodifferentiation-promoting ability of i-EXO-GA. Overall, we provide a viable cell and exosome induction culture method for treating inflammatory alveolar defects associated with periodontitis.
4,7-Bis(2,3,3a,8b-tetrahydrocyclopenta[b]indol-4(1H)-yl)-[1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4-c]pyridine
Authors: Chmovzh Timofey N. , Rakitin Oleg A.
Published: September 2022

Donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D) type molecules are of interest as components in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). In this communication, 4,7-bis(2,3,3a,8b-tetrahydrocyclopenta[b]indol-4(1H)-yl)-[1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4-c]pyridine was obtained by two successive reactions—aromatic nucleophilic substitution SNAr and Buchwald-Hartwig cross-coupling reaction. The structure of newly synthesized compounds was established by elemental analysis, high resolution mass-spectrometry, 1H, 13C NMR, IR and UV spectroscopy and mass-spectrometry. The luminescent properties of the title compound were studied.
Synthesis of Ti6Al4V/SrFHA Composites by Microwave-Assisted Liquid Phase Deposition and Calcination
Authors: Zhu Guangyan , Peng Qian , Luo Ting , Pan Hao , Wang Yuehong , Peng Zhiwei
Published: September 2022

The feasibility of synthesis of Ti6Al4V/SrFHA (Ca9.37Sr0.63(PO4)6F2) composites via coating strontium and fluorine co-doped HA to Ti6Al4V substrate by microwave-assisted liquid phase deposition and calcination was evaluated, with a focus on the effect of the deposition temperature from 30 °C to 70 °C. The outcomes demonstrate that strontium and fluorine can be successfully doped into HA to form a SrFHA coating with modified micromorphology which is deposited on the alloy. When the deposition temperature was 50 °C, the coating with the largest uniform continuous SrFHA coverage was obtained. After calcination, the adhesion strength and Vickers microhardness of the Ti6Al4V/SrFHA composite increased from 0.68 MPa and 323 HV to 2.41 MPa and 329 HV, respectively, with a decrease in the water contact angle from 10.88° to 7.24°, exhibiting enhancement of both mechanical properties and wettability. Moreover, the composite obtained at the deposition temperature of 50 °C exhibited good bioactivity based on the simulate body fluid (SBF) test. On account of the above features primarily as a result of the combined effect of the co-doping of strontium and fluorine, high crystallinity of SrFHA, large surface roughness, and formation of the titanium oxide transition layer, the Ti6Al4V/SrFHA composite shows great potential in dental implantology.
Developing Insulating Polymeric Foams: Strategies and Research Needs from a Circular Economy Perspective
Authors: Doyle Lucia , Weidlich Ingo , Di Maio Ernesto
Published: September 2022

Insulating polymeric foams have an important role to play in increasing energy efficiency and therefore contributing to combating climate change. Their development in recent years has been driven towards the reduction of thermal conductivity and achievement of the required mechanical properties as main targets towards sustainability. This perception of sustainability has overseen the choice of raw materials, which are often toxic, or has placed research efforts on optimizing one constituent while the other necessary reactants remain hazardous. The transition to the circular economy requires a holistic understanding of sustainability and a shift in design methodology and the resulting research focus. This paper identifies research needs and possible strategies for polymeric foam development compatible with Circular Product Design and Green Engineering, based on an extensive literature review. Identified research needs include material characterization of a broader spectrum of polymer melt–gas solutions, ageing behavior, tailoring of the polymer chains, detailed understanding and modeling of the effects of shear on cell nucleation, and the upscaling of processing tools allowing for high and defined pressure drop rates.
Electronic and Optical Properties of BP, InSe Monolayer and BP/InSe Heterojunction with Promising Photoelectronic Performance
Authors: Huang Xingyong , Cao Qilong , Wan Mingjie , Song Hai-Zhi
Published: September 2022

Two-dimensional (2D) materials provide a new strategy for developing photodetectors at the nanoscale. The electronic and optical properties of black phosphorus (BP), indium selenide (InSe) monolayer and BP/InSe heterojunction were investigated via first-principles calculations. The geometric characteristic shows that the BP, InSe monolayer and BP/InSe heterojunction have high structural symmetry, and the band gap values are 1.592, 2.139, and 1.136 eV, respectively. The results of band offset, band decomposed charge and electrostatic potential imply that the heterojunction structure can effectively inhibit the recombination of electron–-hole pairs, which is beneficial for carrier mobility of photoelectric devices. Moreover, the optical properties, including refractive index, reflectivity, electron energy loss, extinction coefficient, absorption coefficient and photon optical conductivity, show excellent performance. These findings reveal the optimistic application potential for future photoelectric devices. The results of the present study provide new insight into challenges related to the peculiar behavior of the aforementioned materials with applications.
Chromium(III) Removal from Nickel(II)-Containing Waste Solutions as a Pretreatment Step in a Hydrometallurgical Process
Authors: Kostrzewa Milena , Staszak Katarzyna , Ginter-Kramarczyk Dobrochna , Kruszelnicka Izabela , Góra Wojciech , Baraniak Marek , Lota Grzegorz , Regel-Rosocka Magdalena
Published: September 2022

This paper presents Cr(III) removal from nickel sulfate waste solutions as a pretreatment step for the modification of hydrogen storage alloys. Adsorption with two cation exchange resins, Dowex G26 (strongly acidic) and MAC-3 (weakly acidic), and precipitation with various solutions were chosen as simple operations for Cr(III) removal from waste solutions. The adsorption of Cr(III) was investigated for both model and real waste nickel solutions. Dowex G26 appeared to be more efficient in Cr(III) removal (RCr(III) from 43 to 80%) than MAC-3 (RCr(III) from 40 to 53%). However, the adsorption from multi-component solutions (presence of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cr(III)) showed no selectivity in Cr(III) adsorption in comparison to those of Co(II) and Ni(II). Cr(III), Ni(II) and Co(II) were removed at a comparable level (30–36%) from a three-component solution of 10 g/dm3 of each metal ion, and a 56–72% removal of these ions was achieved from the real solution. Therefore, the precipitation of Cr(III) was carried out from a real waste nickel solution to compare its performance with adsorption. The best precipitation solution appeared to be 3 and 30% NaOH due to the quantitative precipitation of Cr(OH)3 at pH 5 and relatively small co-precipitation of Ni(II) and Co(II) hydroxides (PCo(II) = 20–52%, PNi(II) = 0–54%). Based on the results of the research, it can be concluded that precipitation with a NaOH solution is an efficient pretreatment operation of an electrolyte for further steps of the hydrometallurgical process of nickel electrodeposition and appears to be more selective in the elimination of Cr(III) than adsorption with Dowex G26 resin.
Ga2Te3-Based Composite Anodes for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Huy Vo Pham Hoang , Kim Il Tae , Hur Jaehyun
Published: September 2022

Recently, metal chalcogenides have received considerable attention as prospective anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) because of their high theoretical capacities based on their alloying or conversion reactions. Herein, we demonstrate a gallium(III) telluride (Ga2Te3)-based ternary composite (Ga2Te3–TiO2–C) synthesized via a simple high-energy ball mill as a great candidate SIB anode material for the first time. The electrochemical performance, as well as the phase transition mechanism of Ga2Te3 during sodiation/desodiation, is investigated. Furthermore, the effect of C content on the performance of Ga2Te3–TiO2–C is studied using various electrochemical analyses. As a result, Ga2Te3–TiO2–C with an optimum carbon content of 10% (Ga2Te3–TiO2–C(10%)) exhibited a specific capacity of 437 mAh·g−1 after 300 cycles at 100 mA·g−1 and a high-rate capability (capacity retention of 96% at 10 A·g−1 relative to 0.1 A·g−1). The good electrochemical properties of Ga2Te3–TiO2–C(10%) benefited from the presence of the TiO2–C hybrid buffering matrix, which improved the mechanical integrity and electrical conductivity of the electrode. This research opens a new direction for the improvement of high-performance advanced SIB anodes with a simple synthesis process.
Effect of Temperature on the Physical Salt Attack of Cement Mortars under Repeated Partial Immersion in Sodium Sulfate Solution
Authors: Jiang Xing , Mu Song , Guo Zheng , Liu Guangyan
Published: September 2022

Physical salt attack (PSA) is one of the dominant durability issues of cement-based materials, where salt crystallization pressure is the driving force inducing damage. However, research on the temperature-related deterioration behavior of cement-based materials is limited. In this study, salt-contaminated cement mortars were rewetted at different temperatures. The assessment criteria were based on the visual appearance, weight evolution and size distribution of scaled materials, and the alterations in the microstructure were investigated by microscopy, thermal and mineralogical analyses. The results indicated that more severe damage developed at 5 °C than that at 20 °C due to the greater crystallization pressure caused by the conversion from thenardite (Na2SO4) to mirabilite (Na2SO4·10H2O) at the lower temperature. No damage was observed at 35 °C, since the repeated dissolution and re-crystallization of thenardite were harmless for the specimens. In addition, two distinct damage patterns were observed for PSA performed at 5 °C and 20 °C, namely, granular disintegration and contour scaling.
Concrete Made with Iron Ore Tailings as a Fine Aggregate: A Step towards Sustainable Concrete
Authors: Arbili Mohamed Moafak , Alqurashi Muwaffaq , Majdi Ali , Ahmad Jawad , Deifalla Ahmed Farouk
Published: September 2022

The need for low-cost raw materials is driven by the fact that iron ore tailings, a prevalent kind of hazardous solid waste, have created major environmental issues. Although many studies have focused on using iron ore tailing (IOT) in concrete and have reported positive results, readers may find it difficult to accurately assess the behaviors of IOT in concrete due to the scattered nature of the information. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of IOT in concrete is necessary. This paper thoroughly reviews the characteristics of concrete that contains IOT such as fresh properties, mechanical properties and durability at different age of curing. The outcome of this review indicates that by using IOT, concrete’s mechanical properties and durability improved, but its flowability decreased. Compressive strength of concrete with 20% substitution of IOT is 14% more than reference concrete. Furthermore, up to 40% substitution of IOT produces concrete that has sufficient flowability and compactability. Scan electronic microscopy results indicate a weak interfacial transition zone (ITZ). The optimum IOT dosage is important since a greater dose may decrease the strength properties and durability owing to a lack of fluidity. Depending on the physical and chemical composition of IOT, the average value of optimum percentages ranges from 30 to 40%. The assessment also recommends areas of unsolved research for future investigations.
Study on Creep-Fatigue Mechanical Behavior and Life Prediction of Ti2AlNb-Based Alloy
Authors: Wang Yanju , Wang Xinhao , Yang Yanfeng , Lan Xiang , Zhang Zhao , Li Heng
Published: September 2022

Low-cycle fatigue, creep and creep-fatigue tests of Ti2AlNb-based alloy were carried out at 550 °C. Compared with low-cycle fatigue, a creep-fatigue hysteresis loop has larger area and smaller average stress. The introduction of creep damage will greatly reduce the cycle life, and change the fatigue crack initiation point and failure mechanism. Based on the linear damage accumulation rule, the fatigue damage and creep damage were described by the life fraction method and the time fraction method, respectively, and the creep-fatigue life of the Ti2AlNb-based alloy is predicted within an error band of ±2 times.
Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate Mineral Loaded Freeze-Dried Scaffolds for Potential Synthetic Bone Applications
Authors: Iqbal Neelam , Braxton Thomas Michael , Anastasiou Antonios , Raif El Mostafa , Chung Charles Kai Yin , Kumar Sandeep , Giannoudis Peter V. , Jha Animesh
Published: September 2022

Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate (DCPD) mineral scaffolds alone do not possess the mechanical flexibility, ease of physicochemical properties’ tuneability or suitable porosity required for regenerative bone scaffolds. Herein, we fabricated highly porous freeze-dried chitosan scaffolds embedded with different concentrations of Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate (DCPD) minerals, i.e., 0, 20, 30, 40 and 50 (wt)%. Increasing DCPD mineral concentration led to increased scaffold crystallinity, where the % crystallinity for CH, 20, 30, 40, and 50-DCPD scaffolds was determined to be 0.1, 20.6, 29.4, 38.8 and 69.9%, respectively. Reduction in scaffold pore size distributions was observed with increasing DCPD concentrations of 0 to 40 (wt)%; coalescence and close-ended pore formation were observed for 50-DCPD scaffolds. 50-DCPD scaffolds presented five times greater mechanical strength than the DCPD mineral-free scaffolds (CH). DCPD mineral enhanced cell proliferation for the 20, 30 and 40-DCPD scaffolds. 50-DCPD scaffolds presented reduced pore interconnectivity due to the coalescence of many pores in addition to the creation of closed-ended pores, which were found to hinder osteoblast cell proliferation.
Technical Risk Assessment for the Safe Design of a Man-Rider Chair Lift System
Authors: Siddiqui Mohd Ahtesham Hussain , Akhtar Shahzad , Chattopadhyaya Somnath , Sharma Shubham , Li Changhe , Dwivedi Shashi Prakash , Antosz Katarzyna , Machado José
Published: September 2022

Underground mining is a difficult area for miners to work. Miners must go to the working faces by walking, which is not only time consuming but also physically demanding. In mines, a man-rider chair lift system (MRCL) has been developed to alleviate the strain stresses caused by walking lengthy and uneven distances up to the working faces. All parameters, including horizontal and vertical distances, variation and inclination of underground mines, slope forces considering the weight of persons and chair, forces acting towards return and drive unit, curves angles, power to operate, and rope safety factor, are calculated mathematically while modelling a man-rider chair lift system for both the installation and extension phases. We analyzed the analytical approach in conjunction with practical installation of the man-rider chair lift system to establish if the installation and extension of MRCL is genuinely feasible in the current scenario. We also created a simulation model of steel wire rope in Creo 8.0 for analyzing the various stresses on it with the Ansys R 16.2 software. In both phase I and phase II, the factor of safety is above that recommended, and the system is a hundred percent reliable, risk-free, and safe for operation.
Optimal Design for Vibration Mitigation of a Planar Parallel Mechanism for a Fast Automatic Machine
Authors: Zaccaria Federico , Quarta Edoardo , Badini Simone , Carricato Marco
Published: September 2022

This work studies a planar parallel mechanism installed on a fast-operating automatic machine. In particular, the mechanism design is optimized to mitigate experimentally-observed vibrations. The latter are a frequent issue in mechanisms operating at high speeds, since they may lead to low-quality products and, ultimately, to permanent damage to the goods that are processed. In order to identify the vibration cause, several possible factors are explored, such as resonance phenomena, elastic deformations of the components, and joint deformations under operation loads. Then, two design optimization are performed, which result in a significant improvement in the vibrational behaviour, with oscillations being strongly reduced in comparison to the initial design.
A Graph Matching Model for Designer Team Selection for Collaborative Design Crowdsourcing Tasks in Social Manufacturing
Authors: Liu Dianting , Wu Danling , Wu Shan
Published: September 2022

In order to find a suitable designer team for the collaborative design crowdsourcing task of a product, we consider the matching problem between collaborative design crowdsourcing task network graph and the designer network graph. Due to the difference in the nodes and edges of the two types of graphs, we propose a graph matching model based on a similar structure. The model first uses the Graph Convolutional Network to extract features of the graph structure to obtain the node-level embeddings. Secondly, an attention mechanism considering the differences in the importance of different nodes in the graph assigns different weights to different nodes to aggregate node-level embeddings into graph-level embeddings. Finally, the graph-level embeddings of the two graphs to be matched are input into a multi-layer fully connected neural network to obtain the similarity score of the graph pair after they are obtained from the concat operation. We compare our model with the basic model based on four evaluation metrics in two datasets. The experimental results show that our model can more accurately find graph pairs based on a similar structure. The crankshaft linkage mechanism produced by the enterprise is taken as an example to verify the practicality and applicability of our model and method.