bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Peptides from Plasma of Patients with Coronary Artery Disease on the Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Kozyk Marko , Strubchevska Kateryna , Marynenko Tetiana , Zlatska Alena , Halenova Tetiana , Raksha Nataliia , Savchuk Olexii , Falalyeyeva Tetyana , Kovalchuk Oleksandr , Ostapchenko Ludmyla
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the foremost cause of adult disability and mortality. There is an urgent need to focus on the research of new approaches for the prevention and treatment of CAD. Materials and Methods: The effects of peptides isolated from the blood plasma of CAD patients on endothelial cell secretion using the in vitro model have been tested. Human endothelial progenitor cells (HEPCs) were incubated for 24 h with peptides isolated from the plasma of healthy subjects or patients with stable angina, progressive unstable angina, and myocardial infarction. The contents of some soluble anticoagulant as well as procoagulant mediators in HEPC culture treated with peptide pools were then compared. Results and Conclusion: The results show that peptides from the plasma of patients with myocardial infarction promote endothelial cells to release both von Willebrand factor and endothelin-1, increasing vasoconstriction and shifting hemostatic balance toward a prothrombotic state. In contrast, peptides from the plasma of patients with progressive unstable angina suppress the secretion of endothelin-1 by HEPCs, while the secretion of both von Willebrand factor and tissue plasminogen activator was increased. As can be seen from the results obtained, disease derived peptides may contribute to the homeostasis of living organisms or the progression of pathological processes.
The Prone Lateral Approach for Lumbar Fusion—A Review of the Literature and Case Series
Authors: Barkay Gal , Wellington Ian , Mallozzi Scott , Singh Hardeep , Moss Isaac L.
Published: January 2023

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion is an evolving procedure in spine surgery allowing for the placement of large interbody devices to achieve indirect decompression of segmental stenosis, deformity correction and high fusion rates through a minimally invasive approach. Traditionally, this technique has been performed in the lateral decubitus position. Many surgeons have adopted simultaneous posterior instrumentation in the lateral position to avoid patient repositioning; however, this technique presents several challenges and limitations. Recently, lateral interbody fusion in the prone position has been gaining in popularity due to the surgeon’s ability to perform simultaneous posterior instrumentation as well as decompression procedures and corrective osteotomies. Furthermore, the prone position allows improved correction of sagittal plane imbalance due to increased lumbar lordosis when prone on most operative tables used for spinal surgery. In this paper, we describe the evolution of the prone lateral approach for interbody fusion and present our experience with this technique. Case examples are included for illustration.
Real Life Multicenter Comparison of 24-Month Outcomes of Anti-VEGF Therapy in Diabetic Macular Edema in Turkey: Ranibizumab vs. Aflibercept vs. Ranibizumab-Aflibercept Switch
Authors: Kucukevcilioglu Murat , Yeşiltaş Yağmur Seda , Durukan Ali Hakan , Unlu Nurten , Onen Mehmet , Alp Mehmet Numan , Kalayci Defne , Acar Mehmet Akif , Sekeroglu Mehmet Ali , Citirik Mehmet , Altintas Ayse Gul Kocak , Hazirolan Dicle , Ozdal Pinar Cakar , Toklu Yasin , Bicer Tolga , Ugurlu Nagihan , Budakoglu Ozlem , Yazar Zeliha , Zeki Nil Irem Ucgun , Serdar Kurtulus , Doguizi Sibel , Erol Yasemin Ozdamar , Atilgan Cemile Ucgul , Yorgun Mucella Arikan , Soba Dilek Ozcelik , Berker Nilufer , Baskan Ceyda
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with aflibercept (AFB) or ranibizumab (RNB) only, and after switching from RNB to AFB. This was a retrospective, real-world, multicenter (7 cities) 24 month study. Overall, 212 eyes in the AFB group, 461 in the RNB group, and 141 in the RNB to AFB group were included. The primary endpoints were differences in visual acuity (VA) and central macular thickness (CMT) from baseline to the final visit. The secondary outcomes were the percentage of eyes that achieved ≥10 letters gain and ≥10 letters loss in vision at month 12 and 24, and the percentage of eyes that achieved a thinning of ≥20% in CMT at month 3 and month 6. The results showed that VA did not significantly differ at baseline (AFB: 0.62 ± 0.38, RNB: 0.61 ± 0.36, RNB to AFB: 0.61 ± 0.38), at checkpoints, or at the final visit (AFB: 0.46 ± 0.38, RNB: 0.5 ± 0.37, RNB to AFB: 0.53 ± 0.36) (p > 0.05). Though the mean CMT at baseline was significantly thicker in the RNB to AFB group (479 ± 129.6 μm) when compared to the AFB (450.5 ± 122.6 μm) and RNB (442 ± 116 μm) groups (p < 0.01), similar measurements were obtained after 12 months. The percentages of eyes that gained or lost ≥10 letters in the AFB, RNB, and RNB to AFB groups at year 1 and 2 were similar, as was the percentages of eyes that demonstrated ≥20% CMT thinning at month 3 and 6. Our study showed similar visual improvements in non-switchers (AFB and RNB groups) and switchers (RNB to AFB group) through 2 years follow-up, however, AFB patients required fewer injections, visits, or need for additional treatments.
The Immune, Inflammatory and Hematological Response in COVID-19 Patients, According to the Severity of the Disease
Authors: Trofin Felicia , Nastase Eduard-Vasile , Vâță Andrei , Iancu Luminița Smaranda , Luncă Cătălina , Buzilă Elena Roxana , Vlad Mădălina Alexandra , Dorneanu Olivia Simona
Published: January 2023

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the immune and inflammatory responses in COVID-19 patients by dosing specific IgM and IgG total antibodies and interleukin 6, correlating them with the hematological and biochemical blood parameters and comparing them by the form of the disease. Materials and methods: One hundred twenty-five patients with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19, hospitalized between 15.03.2020 and 1.07.2020 in the Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases “Sf. Parascheva” Iaşi, were tested by chemiluminescence for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG and IL-6 in the serum. The results were correlated with the results of the CBC count and serum biochemical parameters detected on the admission day. The patients presented different forms of the disease (asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe, and critical) according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for the clinical management of COVID-19. Results: The amplitude of the immune response was directly correlated with the form of the disease. In the asymptomatic/mild form patients, the IL-6 and CRP concentrations were significantly higher and eosinophil count was significantly lower compared with the reference interval. In the moderate form, the concentrations of IL-6, CRP, and IgG were significantly higher, compared with the reference interval, while eosinophil count and eGFR were significantly lower. In severe/critical COVID-19 patients, IL-6, CRP, NLR, PLR, glucose, AST, urea, creatinine, and eGFR were significantly higher compared with the reference interval, while eosinophil count was significantly lower. IL-6 boosted in all forms of COVID-19, with a major increase in severe and critical patients. IL-6, neutrophil count, % neutrophils, NLR, PLR, CRP, AST, and urea increased with the severity of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the lymphocyte count, % lymphocytes, eosinophil count, % eosinophils, and hemoglobin decreased with the increased severity of COVID-19. Conclusions: The amplitude and the moment of appearance of the immune response depended on the form of the disease. IgM generally occurred in the first 14 days of illness, and IgG appeared beginning with the second week of disease. IgG titer increased rapidly until the fourth week of disease and decreased slowly after 4 weeks. The amplitudes of all the tested inflammatory and serological markers depended on the COVID-19 form, increasing somewhat in the moderate forms and even more in the critical ones. The lymphocyte and eosinophil count are able to predict the risk of severe COVID-19.
Production of Enriched Biomass by Carotenogenic Yeasts Cultivated on by-Products of Poultry Processing—A Screening Study
Authors: Holub Jiří , Szotkowski Martin , Chujanov Oleg , Špačková Dominika , Sniegoňová Pavlína , Márová Ivana
Published: January 2023

Carotenogenic yeasts are a group of microorganisms producing valuable metabolites such as carotenoids, ergosterol, ubiquinone or fatty acids. Their exceptional adaptability allows them to grow in diverse conditions. Owing to their extracellular lipase activity, they are capable of processing many lipid-type waste substrates. This study discusses the processing of poultry waste, specifically fat and feathers by using carotenogenic yeasts. Poultry fat does not require any pre-treatment to be utilized by yeast, but hydrolytic pre-treatment is required for the utilization of the nitrogen contained in feathers. Glycerol was used as a supplementary substrate to support the culture in the early stages of growth. Seven yeast strains were used for the experiments, of which the strain Rhodotorula mucilaginosa CCY19-4-25 achieved exceptional results of biomass production: 29.5 g/L on poultry fat + 10% glycerol at C/N ratio 25 and 28.3 g/L on media containing poultry fat + 25% glycerol at C/N 50. The bioreactor cultivation of the Rhodosporidium toruloides strain in media containing glycerol and feather hydrolysate as a nitrogen substrate achieved a biomass yield of 34.92 g/L after 144 h of cultivation. The produced enriched yeast biomass can be used as a component for poultry feeding; thus, the study is performed under the biorefinery concept.
Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli and Coagulase Positive Staphylococci in Cured Raw Milk Cheese from Alentejo Region, Portugal
Authors: Praça Joana , Furtado Rosália , Coelho Anabela , Correia Cristina Belo , Borges Vítor , Gomes João Paulo , Pista Angela , Batista Rita
Published: January 2023

Traditional cheeses are part of the Portuguese gastronomic identity, and raw milk of autochthonous species is a common primary ingredient. Here, we investigated the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, Coagulase Positive Staphylococci (CPS) and pathogenic Escherichia coli, as well as of indicator microorganisms (E. coli and other Listeria spp.) in 96 cured raw milk cheeses from the Alentejo region. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of pathogenic E. coli and Listeria spp. as well as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) screening of E. coli isolates was also performed. L. monocytogenes, CPS > 104 cfu/g and Extraintestinal E. coli were detected in 15.6%, 16.9% and 10.1% of the samples, respectively. Moreover, L. monocytogenes > 102 cfu/g and Staphylococcal enterotoxins were detected in 4.2% and 2.2% of the samples, respectively. AMR was observed in 27.3% of the E. coli isolates, six of which were multidrug resistant. WGS analysis unveiled clusters of high closely related isolates for both L. monocytogenes and L. innocua (often correlating with the cheese producer). This study can indicate poor hygiene practices during milk collection/preservation or during cheese-making procedures and handling, and highlights the need of more effective prevention and control measures and of multi-sectoral WGS data integration, in order to prevent and detect foodborne bacterial outbreaks.
eDNA Provides a Scaffold for Autoaggregation of B. subtilis in Bacterioplankton Suspension
Authors: Dogsa Iztok , Kostanjšek Rok , Stopar David
Published: January 2023

The self-binding of bacterial cells, or autoaggregation, is, together with surface colonization, one of the first steps in the formation of a mature biofilm. In this work, the autoaggregation of B. subtilis in dilute bacterial suspensions was studied. The dynamics of cell lysis, eDNA release, and bacterial autoaggregate assembly were determined and related to the spatial autocorrelation of bacterial cells in dilute planktonic bacterial suspensions. The non-random distribution of cells was associated with an eDNA network, which stabilized the initial bacterial cell-cell aggregates. Upon the addition of DNase I, the aggregates were dispersed. The release of eDNA during cell lysis allows for the entrapment of bacterial drifters at a radius several times the size of the dying bacteria. The size of bacterial aggregates increased from 2 to about 100 μm in diameter in dilute bacterial suspensions. The results suggest that B. subtilis cells form previously unnoticed continuum of autoaggregate structures during planktonic growth.
Effect of Savirin or Ticagrelor Treatment on the Expression of Commonly Used Reference Genes in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Pant Narayan , Rush Catherine , Warner Jeffrey , Eisen Damon P.
Published: January 2023

Reference genes are frequently used for the normalization of quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRTPCR) data in gene expression studies. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common causes of biofilm-related infections. Savirin and ticagrelor show in vitro as well as in vivo antibiofilm activity against S. aureus. The main aim of this study was to identify the most stably expressed reference genes to study the effect of these molecules on genes in a strong biofilm producing S. aureus isolate isolated from biofilm-related infection. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed by using relative quantification method. Four different algorithms, delta Ct, normfinder, bestkeeper, and genorm, followed by a comprehensive analysis was used to identify the most stable reference genes from a list of sixteen different candidate reference genes. All four algorithms reported different results, with some comparable findings among some methods. In the comprehensive analysis of the results of all the algorithms used, the most stable reference genes found were spa, rpoD, and pyk for savirin treatment experiment and gapdH, gyrA, and gmk for ticagrelor treatment experiment. The optimal number of reference genes required was two for both the experimental conditions. Despite having some drawbacks, each algorithm can reliably determine an appropriate reference gene independently. However, based on consensus ranking and the required optimal number of reference genes reported, spa and rpoD were the most appropriate reference genes for savirin treatment experiment, and gapdH and gyrA were most appropriate for ticagrelor treatment experiment. This study provides baseline data on reference genes to study the effect of savirin or ticagrelor treatment on the expression of potential reference genes in S. aureus. We recommend prior re-validation of reference genes on a case-by-case basis before they can be used.
Effects of Cellulase and Lactic Acid Bacteria on Ensiling Performance and Bacterial Community of Caragana korshinskii Silage
Authors: Bai Baochao , Qiu Rui , Wang Zhijun , Liu Yichao , Bao Jian , Sun Lin , Liu Tingyu , Ge Gentu , Jia Yushan
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cellulase (CE) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on Caragana korshinskii silage by analyzing the fermentation parameters, chemical composition, and bacterial community. The Caragana korshinskii was harvested at the fruiting period and treated with cellulase and LAB alone as a control treatment with no additive (CK). The ensiling performance and bacterial community were determined after 3, 7, 15, 30, and 60 days of fermentation process. Compared with the CK group, the pH, dry matter loss, and ammonia nitrogen content were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in the LAB and CE treatments. Compared with the CK and LAB group, the contents of acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent lignin in the CE group decreased significantly (p < 0.05), and the water-soluble carbohydrates, acetic acid, and lactic acid concentrations increased significantly (p < 0.05). At the genus level of microorganisms, the addition of cellulase and LAB significantly reduced the microbial diversity. Compared with the CK group (78.05%), the relative abundance of Lactiplantibacillus in the CE group (90.19%) and LAB group (88.40%) significantly (p < 0.05) increased. The relative abundance of Pediococcus in the CE group (3.66%) and LAB group (2.14%) was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that in the CK group (14.73%). Predicted functional profiling of 16S rRNA genes revealed that the addition of cellulase and LAB increased the pyruvate metabolic pathway during Caragana korshinskii silage, thereby increasing the accumulation of lactic acid concentration. The addition of cellulase expressed a better advantage in the biosynthetic capacity of lysine. In summary, the addition of cellulase and LAB could adjust the bacterial community to improve the silage quality of Caragana korshinskii, and the addition of cellulase exhibited better results than the LAB additives.
A 7-Week Summer Camp in Antarctica Induces Fluctuations on Human Oral Microbiome, Pro-Inflammatory Markers and Metabolic Hormones Profile
Authors: Moraes Michele M. , Mendes Thiago T. , Borges Leandro , Marques Alice L. , Núñez-Espinosa Cristian , Gonçalves Dawit A. P. , Simões Carolina B. , Vieira Tales S. , Ladeira Roberto V. P. , Lourenço Talita G. B. , Ribeiro Danielle V. , Hatanaka Elaine , Heller Debora , Arantes Rosa M. E.
Published: January 2023

Antarctic camps pose psychophysiological challenges related to isolated, confined, and extreme (ICE) conditions, including meals composed of sealed food. ICE conditions can influence the microbiome and inflammatory responses. Seven expeditioners took part in a 7-week Antarctic summer camp (Nelson Island) and were evaluated at Pre-Camp (i.e., at the beginning of the ship travel), Camp-Initial (i.e., 4th and 5th day in camp), Camp-Middle (i.e., 19th–20th, and 33rd–34th days), Camp-Final (i.e., 45th–46th day), and at the Post-Camp (on the ship). At the Pre-Camp, Camp-Initial, and Camp-Final, we assessed microbiome and inflammatory markers. Catecholamines were accessed Pre- and Post-Camp. Heart rate variability (HRV), leptin, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroxine (T4) were accessed at all time points. Students’ t-tests or repeated-measures analysis of variance (one or two-way ANOVA) followed by Student-Newman-Keuls (post hoc) were used for parametric analysis. Kruskal-Wallis test was applied for non-parametric analysis. Microbiome analysis showed a predominance of Pseudomonadota (34.01%), Bacillota (29.82%), and Bacteroidota (18.54%), followed by Actinomycetota (5.85%), and Fusobacteria (5.74%). Staying in a long-term Antarctic camp resulted in microbiome fluctuations with a reduction in Pseudomonadota—a “microbial signature” of disease. However, the pro-inflammatory marker leptin and IL-8 tended to increase, and the angiogenic factor VEGF was reduced during camp. These results suggest that distinct Antarctic natural environments and behavioral factors modulate oral microbiome and inflammation.
Exploration of the Nuclear Proteomes in the Ciliate Oxytricha trifallax
Authors: Lu Michael W. , Beh Leslie Y. , Yerlici V. Talya , Fang Wenwen , Kulej Katarzyna , Garcia Benjamin A. , Landweber Laura F.
Published: January 2023

Nuclear dimorphism is a fundamental feature of ciliated protozoa, which have separate somatic and germline genomes in two distinct organelles within a single cell. The transcriptionally active somatic genome, contained within the physically larger macronucleus, is both structurally and functionally different from the silent germline genome housed in the smaller micronucleus. This difference in genome architecture is particularly exaggerated in Oxytricha trifallax, in which the somatic genome comprises tens of thousands of gene-sized nanochromosomes maintained at a high and variable ploidy, while the germline has a diploid set of megabase-scale chromosomes. To examine the compositional differences between the nuclear structures housing the genomes, we performed a proteomic survey of both types of nuclei and of macronuclear histones using quantitative mass spectrometry. We note distinct differences between the somatic and germline nuclei, with many functional proteins being highly enriched in one of the two nuclei. To validate our conclusions and the efficacy of nuclear separation, we used protein localization through a combination of transformations and immunofluorescence. We also note that the macronuclear histones strikingly display only activating marks, consistent with the conclusion that the macronucleus is the hub of transcription. These observations suggest that the compartmentalization of different genome features into separate structures has been accompanied by a similar specialization of nuclear components that maintain and facilitate the functions of the genomes specific to each nucleus.
Ultrastructure and Physiological Characterization of Morchella Mitospores and Their Relevance in the Understanding of the Morel Life Cycle
Authors: Liu Wei , He Peixin , Zhang Jin , Wu Liyuan , Er Lingfang , Shi Xiaofei , Gu Zhijia , Yu Fuqiang , Pérez-Moreno Jesús
Published: January 2023

Morels, which belong to the Ascomycete genus Morchella, are highly valued edible fungi treasured by gourmet chefs worldwide. Some species are saprotrophic and others are able to form facultative mycorrhizal-like associations with plant roots without establishing true ectomycorrhizal symbioses. In general, it is considered that the formation of asexual spores, or mitospores, is an important step in the life cycle of morels. However, ultrastructure characterization and physiological attributes of morel mitospores have received little attention. In this contribution, the mitospores of M. sextelata were successfully induced under laboratory conditions and their ultrastructure, occurrence, germination, physiological characteristics and mating type gene structure were studied. Mitospore production was closely related to aeration, nutrition and humidity conditions. The average germination rate of mitospores on different media and under various induction stimuli was very low, with an average of 1/100,000. Based on the ultrastructure characterization, low germination rate, growth rate decline, rapid aging and mating genotyping, it was concluded that the mitospores of M. sextelata had lost their conventional function as conidia and might act more as mate sperm-like (gamete) structures. Thus, this study contributed to a deeper understanding of the life cycle of the economically and ecologically important morel fungal group.
The Occurrence Mechanism of Lacustrine Shale Oil in the Second Member of the Paleogene Kongdian Formation, Cangdong Sag, Bohai Bay Basin
Authors: Dong Qingmin , Pu Xiugang , Chen Shiyue , Yan Jihua , Shi Zhannan , Han Wenzhong , Xie Delu , Dong Jiangchang , Fang Zheng , Wang Bo
Published: January 2023

The lacustrine shale in the second member of the Kongdian Formation (Ek2) is the most significant target of shale oil exploration in the Cangdong Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China. To investigate the occurrence mechanisms and to reveal the influencing factors of shale oil mobility in Ek2, a series of analyses (X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), total organic carbon (TOC) analysis, Rock-Eval pyrolysis, low-temperature nitrogen physisorption (LNP), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and multiple isothermal stage (MIS) pyrolysis) were conducted on samples collected from well cores in the Cangdong Sag. The results show that the lithofacies can be categorized as laminated felsic shales, laminated and massive mixed shales, and laminated and massive carbonate shales. The shales were characterized by a high organic matter abundance and moderate thermal evolution with good to excellent hydrocarbon generation potential and contained a high abundance of Type I and II1 kerogens. Laminated felsic shales and laminated mixed shales, compared with other lithofacies, had clear advantages in the amount of free hydrocarbon that can be volatilized from the rock (S1), the oil saturation index (OSI) value, and the free oil and movable oil content. LNP, MIP, and MIS pyrolysis analyses show that the residual shale oil mainly occurred in pores with diameters smaller than 200 nm, and the pore diameter when residual oil occurred in some laminated shale samples could reach 50 μm. The lower limits of the pore diameter where free oil and movable oil occurred were 7 and 30 nm, respectively. The mobility of shale oil is controlled by the shale oil component, thermal maturity, TOC content, and pore volume. The results herein provide a basis for the evaluation of optimal shale oil intervals.
Beyond the Standard Model with Six-Dimensional Spinors
Authors: Chester David , Marrani Alessio , Rios Michael
Published: January 2023

Six-dimensional spinors with Spin(3,3) symmetry are utilized to efficiently encode three generations of matter. E8(−24) is shown to contain physically relevant subgroups with representations for GUT groups, spacetime symmetries, three generations of the standard model fermions, and Higgs bosons. Pati–Salam, SU(5), and Spin(10) grand unified theories are found when a single generation is isolated. For spacetime symmetries, Spin(4,2) may be used for conformal symmetry, AdS5→dS4, or simply broken to Spin(3,1) of a Minkowski space. Another class of representations finds Spin(2,2) and can give AdS3 with various GUTs. An action for three generations of fermions in the Majorana–Weyl spinor 128 of Spin(4,12) is found with Spin(3) flavor symmetry inside E8(−24). The 128 of Spin(12,4) can be regarded as the tangent space to a particular pseudo-Riemannian form of the octo-octonionic Rosenfeld projective plane E8(−24)/Spin(12,4)=(OsxO)P2.
Experimental Demonstration of Attoseconds-at-Harmonics at the SASE3 Undulator of the European XFEL
Authors: Trebushinin Andrei , Geloni Gianluca , Serkez Svitozar , Mercurio Giuseppe , Gerasimova Natalia , Maltezopoulos Theophilos , Guetg Marc , Schneidmiller Evgeny
Published: January 2023

We report on observations of single spike spectra (3–13% of events) upon employing a previously proposed method for single spike generation via harmonic conversion. The method was tested at the soft X-ray SASE3 undulator of the European XFEL. The first part of the undulator allows one to amplify bunching at the fundamental as well as the higher harmonics. The downstream undulator is tuned to a harmonic, the fourth in our case, to amplify pulses with a shorter duration. We estimate the generated pulse duration within such a subset of short pulses at a level of 650 as. Considering the demonstrated probability of single spike events, this method is attractive for high repetition-rate free electron lasers.
Enhancement of a Graphene-Based Near-Field Thermophotovoltaic System by Optimization Algorithms and Dynamic Regulations
Authors: Sheng Yitao
Published: January 2023

Thermophotovoltaics (TPVs), a heat recovery technique, is faced with low efficiency and power density. It has been proven that graphene helps add new functionalities to optical components and improve their performance for heat transfer. In this work, I study Near-field radiative heat transfer in TPVs based on a composite nanostructure composed of Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) sheet and a narrow bandgap photovoltaic cell made from Indium Arsenide (InAs). I introduce a new way to calculate nonradiative recombination (NR) and compare the performance with and without the NR being considered. By comparing graphene modulated on the emitter (G-E), on the receiver (G-R), and on both the emitter and the receiver (G-ER), I find the G-ER case can achieve the highest current density. However, constrained by the bandgap energy of the cell, this case is far lower than the G-E case when it comes to efficiency. After applying variant particle swarm optimization (VPSO) and dynamic optimization, the model is optimized up to 43.63% efficiency and 11 W/cm2 electric power at a 10 nm vacuum gap with a temperature difference of 600 K. Compared with before optimization, the improvement is 8.97% and 7.2 W/cm2, respectively. By analyzing the emission spectrum and the transmission coefficient, I find that after optimization the system can achieve higher emissivity above the bandgap frequency, thus achieving more efficient conversion of light to electricity. In addition, I analyze the influence of temperature difference by varying it from 300 K to 900 K, indicating the optimized model at a 900 K temperature difference can achieve 49.04% efficiency and 52 W/cm2 electric power. By comparing the results with related works, this work can achieve higher conversion efficiency and electric power after the optimization of relevant parameters. My work provides a method to manipulate the near-field TPV system with the use of a graphene-based emitter and promises to provide references in TPV systems that use low bandgap energy cells.
Multi-Wavelength Spot-Array Beams Based on Tunable Dammann Grating Metasurface
Authors: Wu Yuning , Shi Zhiwei , Jiang Huan , Deng Yaohua
Published: January 2023

The structured light projection (SLP) method occupies a crucial position in three-dimensional (3D) imaging technology. Different working wavelengths of structured light can be employed depending on the situation. However, there are few structured lights that can be modulated based on wavelength at present. Therefore, we have comprehensively investigated and designed a Dammann grating (DG) based on metasurface, which can be controlled through multi-beam interference (MBI) to achieve a change of the working wavelength. In this work, we can convert the straight waveguide to the helical waveguide by fine-tuning the related parameters of the incident lights and generate 5 × 5 diffraction spot arrays in the wavelength range of 480–510 nm and 950–1020 nm, respectively. Furthermore, the metasurfaces exhibit good performance. For example, their spread angles can be up to 44° × 44° and they can reach a conversion efficiency of over ≥50% while maintaining a contrast ratio of roughly 40%. Compared with traditional structured light, it can be used in different working wavelengths and has a broader application range in 3D sensing systems.
Salinity Stress Influences the Main Biochemical Parameters of Nepeta racemosa Lam.
Authors: Lungoci Constantin , Motrescu Iuliana , Filipov Feodor , Rimbu Cristina Mihaela , Jitareanu Carmenica Doina , Ghitau Carmen Simona , Puiu Ioan , Robu Teodor
Published: January 2023

In this work, the effects of salt stress on Nepeta racemosa Lam. were studied to analyze the possibility of using it as a potential culture for salinity-affected soils. A total of nine concentrations of salts—NaCl (18, 39, and 60 mg/100 g soil), Na2SO4 (50, 85, and 120 mg/100 g soil), and a mixture (9 g NaCl + 25 g Na2SO4, 19 g NaCl + 43 g Na2SO4, and 30 g NaCl + 60 g Na2SO4/100 g soil)—simulated real salinity conditions. Environmental electron microscopy offered information about the size and distribution of glandular trichomes, which are very important structures that contain bioactive compounds. The chlorophyll pigments, polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were determined based on spectrophotometric protocols. The results have shown a different impact of salinity depending on the salt type, with an increase in bioactive compound concentrations in some cases. The highest polyphenol concentrations were obtained for Na2SO4 variants (47.05 and 46.48 mg GA/g dw for the highest salt concentration in the first and second year, respectively), while the highest flavonoid content was found for the salt mixtures (42.77 and 39.89 mg QE/g dw for the highest concentrations of salt in the first and, respectively, the second year), approximately 100% higher than control. From the Pearson analysis, strong correlations were found between chlorophyll pigments (up to 0.93), antioxidant activity and yield for the first harvest (up to 0.38), and antioxidant activity and flavonoid content for the second harvest (up to 0.95). The results indicate the possibility of growing the studied plants in salt-stress soils, obtaining higher concentrations of bioactive compounds.
Integrative Taxonomy of Nitraria (Nitrariaceae), Description of the New Enigmatic Species and Key to All Currently Known Species
Authors: Banaev Evgeny V. , Tomoshevich Maria A. , Khozyaykina Sofia A. , Erst Anna A. , Erst Andrey S.
Published: January 2023

A new species, Nitraria iliensis sp. nov., is described from the Ili basin, Almaty region, Kazakhstan. It belongs to section Nitraria ser. Sibiricae and is morphologically similar to N. sibirica Pall. An integrative taxonomic approach based on molecular, biochemical and morphological analyses, along with palynological data, was used to delimit this new species. The studied species of the genus are illustrated, and photographs of authentic specimens of the new species, as well as a distribution map of the new species and segregate taxa, are provided. Morphological characters were investigated, more important traits for identification were found, and a new key to distinguish between all species of the genus was prepared.
Analysis of Maintenance Techniques for a Three-Dimensional Digital Twin-Based Railway Facility with Tunnels
Authors: Kim Min-kyeong , Hwang Dongkyu , Park Duckshin
Published: January 2023

In accordance with the paradigm of the 4th and Industrial Revolution, the introduction of building information modeling is expected in all areas related to railroad construction, operation and management, along with the establishment of a metaverse platform that combines big data, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence. The performance of tasks related to the safety and maintenance of railway facilities is aided by the use of digital systems free from physical and temporal constraints. Three-dimensional (3D) modeling and other 4th industrial technologies, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR), are increasingly implemented in many types of infrastructure. With respect to railroads, the use of these methods to monitor tunnel spaces has been hindered by the limitations of modeling with UAV and inadequate Global Positioning System reception. Here, we conducted the domestic application of 4th industrial technologies to a railway tunnel; we addressed these problems using a BLK360, a fixed LiDAR device that combines two-dimensional panoramic images and a 3D point cloud method. The outcomes of this research will benefit railway operation managers by providing a platform combining a two-dimensional panoramic virtual reality (VR) image and a 3D model developed from a 3D scan framework for the maintenance of existing railway facilities (tunnels). Our approach was optimized for the maintenance and operational management of railroad facilities, as demonstrated for tunnels, because it continuously acquires time-series data that is appropriate for the maintenance of the corresponding space. In the future, this approach can be used for test tracks and operational lines.
Synthesis of DOPO-Based Phosphorus-Nitrogen Containing Hyperbranched Flame Retardant and Its Effective Application for Poly(ethylene terephthalate) via Synergistic Effect
Authors: Abdalrhem Hossamaldin Ahmed Omer , Pan Yueyue , Gu Hongda , Ao Xiang , Ji Xiaohuan , Jiang Xiaoze , Sun Bin
Published: January 2023

To obtain industrialized poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) composites with highly efficient flame retardancy, a phosphorus-nitrogen (P-N) containing hyperbranched flame retardant additive was synthesized by 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phospho-phenanthrene-butyric acid (DDP) and tris(2-hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate (THEIC) through high temperature esterification known as hyperbranched DDP-THEIC (hbDT). The chemical structure of the synthesized hbDT was determined by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and GPC, etc. Subsequently, hbDT/PET composites were prepared by co-blending, and the effects of hbDT on the thermal stability, flame retardancy, combustion performance, and thermal degradation behavior of PET were explored to deeply analyze its flame retardant mechanism. The test results showed that hbDT was successfully synthesized, and that hbDT maintained thermal stability well with the required processing conditions of PET as retardant additives. The flame retardant efficiency of PET was clearly improved by the addition of hbDT via the synergistic flame-retardant effect of P and N elements. When the mass fraction of flame retardant was 5%, the LOI of the hbDT/PET composite increased to 30.2%, and the vertical combustion grade reached UL-94 V-0. Compared with pure PET, great decreased total heat release (decreased by 16.3%) and peak heat release rate (decreased by 54.9%) were exhibited. Finally, the flame retardant mechanism of hbDT/PET was supposed, and it was confirmed that retardant effect happened in both the gas phase and condensed phase. This study is expected to provide a new idea for the development of low toxic, environment-friendly and highly efficient flame retardant additive for polyesters in an industry scale.
Ameliorative Effect of Medicarpin on Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Impairment in Mice
Authors: Oh Jong Min , Park Jong Eun , Mun Seul-Ki , Yee Sung-Tae , Kim Hoon
Published: January 2023

The ameliorative effect of medicarpin (MC) was investigated by animal behavioral experiments such as Morris water maze (MWM), Y-maze, and passive avoidance test (PAT), using scopolamine-induced cognitively impaired mice. The scopolamine (5 mg/kg), donepezil (5 mg/kg), and MC (5 and 15 mg/kg) were administered by intraperitoneal injection at a volume of 0.3 mL. In the MWM, the escape latency times of MC-treated groups were significantly decreased compared with the scopolamine-treated negative control, and times spent in the platform zone of MC-treated groups were increased dose-dependently. In the Y-maze, the zone alternations of the MC-treated group were increased to the level of the donepezil-treated positive control. In the PAT, the crossing times of MC-treated groups were significantly higher than those of the negative control with dose-dependency. On the other hand, the monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A, MAO-B, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities, relating to cognitive functions, in hippocampus treated with MC were decreased. In addition, the AChE activity in SH-SY5Y cells was significantly decreased. In Western blots, phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding protein (p-CREB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt), and dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) levels in the hippocampus were higher than those of the negative control. In addition, p-CREB, BDNF, p-Akt, and D2R levels in SH-SY5Y cells treated with MC were significantly increased. These results showed that MC ameliorated a cognitive function along with increased BDNF and D2R expressions, and they suggested that MC could be used for the treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation on Effects of Pin Diameter on Multi-Point Forming
Authors: Tandogan Mahmut , Eyercioglu Omer , Engin Kaan Emre
Published: January 2023

Multi-point forming (MPF) is an advanced and flexible method to form sheet metal workpieces. Although there are studies investigating different aspects of this method, the studies on the effects of pin diameter on sheet and pin contact on MPF are insufficient. In this study, pins with diameters of 10, 12, and 14 mm were used to investigate the damage factor, effective stress distribution, and required forming loads of three forms of aluminum 1100 parts in finite element simulations. In addition, experimental works were conducted for the 12 mm pin and the forming loads and the thinning on the contact points of pin and formed sheet metal parts were compared with the simulations. The 14 mm pin forming provided the highest effective stress distributions and the damage factors of 0.448, 0.770, and 0.329 were obtained for form1, form2, and form3, respectively. The percentage errors between experimental works and simulations using 12 mm pin forming were calculated as 7.4, 5.1, and 2.4% for all forms 1 to 3. In conclusion, pin diameter was shown to have significant effects on the MPF process. Larger diameter pins resulted in higher loads and tearing of sheet metal.
Study on the Influencing Factors of the Response Characteristics of the Slide Valve-Type Direct-Acting Relief Valve with External Orifice
Authors: Liu Huiyong , Zhao Qing
Published: January 2023

The slide valve-type direct-acting relief valve with external orifice (SVTDARVWEO) is widely used in hydraulic systems, and its response characteristics are influenced by key factors. It is of great significance to carry out research on the influencing factors of the response characteristics of the SVTDARVWEO. The working principle of the SVTDARVWEO is analyzed in the present study. The simulation model of the SVTDARVWEO is established using AMESim. The influence of the orifice diameter, viscosity coefficient, valve element mass, spring stiffness, oil seal length, and valve element diameter on the response characteristics of the SVTDARVWEO is studied. The results show that: (1) The smaller the orifice diameter is, the smaller the oscillation frequency, amplitude and maximum overshoot of pressure, flowrate, displacement and velocity are. (2) When the viscosity coefficient is 50 N/(m/s), 55 N/(m/s) and 60 N/(m/s), the pressure, flowrate, displacement and velocity oscillate periodically, but the amplitude of the oscillation decreases gradually, and the oscillation frequency is 250 Hz. When the viscosity coefficient is 60 N/(m/s), the pressure, flowrate, displacement and velocity will reach their respective stable values earlier. (3) When the valve element mass is 0.01 kg, 0.015 kg and 0.02 kg, the pressure, flowrate, displacement and velocity oscillate periodically, but the amplitude of oscillation decreases gradually. When the valve element mass is 0.01 kg, the pressure, flowrate, displacement and velocity will reach the stable value earlier. (4) The smaller the spring stiffness is, the greater the maximum overshoot of pressure, flowrate, displacement and velocity is, and the higher the number of oscillations to reach the stable value are, in addition to more time being required. (5) With the increase in oil seal length, the maximum overshoot of pressure and velocity, stability value of displacement also increase correspondingly. (6) With the increase in the valve element diameter, the stable value of pressure decreases, and the oscillation frequency of pressure, flowrate, displacement and velocity increase, but the oscillation amplitude decreases.
Optimum Volume Fraction and Inlet Temperature of an Ideal Nanoparticle for Enhanced Oil Recovery by Nanofluid Flooding in a Porous Medium
Authors: Al-Yaari Abdullah , Ching Dennis Ling Chuan , Sakidin Hamzah , Muthuvalu Mohana Sundaram , Zafar Mudasar , Alyousifi Yousif , Saeed Anwar Ameen Hezam , Haruna Abdurrashid
Published: January 2023

Nowadays, oil companies employ nanofluid flooding to increase oil production from oil reservoirs. Herein the present work, a multiphase flow in porous media was used to simulate oil extraction from a three-dimensional porous medium filled with oil. Interestingly, the finite element method was used to solve the nonlinear partial differential equations of continuity, energy, Darcy’s law, and the transport of nanoparticles (NPs). The proposed model used nanofluids (NFs) empirical formulas for density and viscosity on NF and oil relative permeabilities and NP transport equations. The NPs thermophysical properties have been investigated and compared with their oil recovery factor (ORF) to determine the highest ORF. Different NPs (SiO2, CuO, and Al2O3) were used as the first parameter, keeping all parameters constant. The simulation was run three times for the injected fluid using the various NPs to compare the effects on enhanced oil recovery. The second parameter, volume fraction (VF), has been modeled six times (0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5%), with all other parameters held constant. The third parameter, the injected NF inlet temperature (293.15–403.15 K), was simulated assuming that all other parameters are kept constant. The energy equation was applied to choose the inlet temperature that fits the optimum NP and VF to determine the highest ORF. Findings indicated that SiO2 shows the best ORF compared to the other NPs. Remarkably, SiO2 has the lowest density and highest thermal capacity. The optimum VF of SiO2 was 4%, increasing the ORF but reduced when the VF was higher than 4%. The ORF was improved when the viscosity and density of the oil decreased by increasing the injected inlet temperature. Furthermore, the results indicated that the highest ORF of 37% was obtained at 353.15 K when SiO2 was used at a VF of 4%. At the same time, the lowest recovery is obtained when a volume of 5% was used at 403.15 K.
Industrial Application of Data-Driven Process Monitoring with an Automatic Selection Strategy for Modeling Data
Authors: Sun Wei , Zhou Zhuoteng , Ma Fangyuan , Wang Jingde , Ji Cheng
Published: January 2023

The increasing scale of industrial processes has significantly motivated the development of data-driven fault detection and diagnosis techniques. The selection of representative fault-free modeling data from operation history is an important prerequisite to establishing a long-term effective process monitoring model. However, industrial data are characterized by a high dimension and multimode, and are also contaminated with both outliers and frequent random disturbances, making automatic modeling data selection a great challenge in industrial applications. In this work, an information entropy-based automatic selection strategy for modeling data is proposed, based on which a general real-time process monitoring framework is developed for a large-scale industrial methanol to olefin unit with multiple operating conditions. Modeling data representing normal operating conditions are automatically selected with only a few manually defined normal samples. A long-term effective process monitoring model is then established based on a multi-layer autoencoder, through which unexpected disturbances in real-time operation can be detected early and the root cause can be preliminarily diagnosed by contribution plots. The adjustment of operating conditions has also been considered through a model update strategy. Details of the proposed data selection strategy and modeling process have been provided to facilitate the industrial application of process monitoring systems by other researchers or companies.
The Effect of Organic Fillers on the Mechanical Strength of the Joint in the Adhesive Bonding
Authors: Anaç Nergizhan , Doğan Zekeriya
Published: January 2023

The most important advantages of adding additives to adhesives are increasing the bonding strength and reducing the adhesive cost. The desire to reduce costs as well as the need for environmentally friendly and health-friendly products have paved the way for the recycling of waste materials and the use of cheaper natural materials as additives. In this study, mussel, olive pomace, and walnut powders in different ratios (5%, 15%, and 30% by weight) and in different sizes (38 and 45 µm) were added to an epoxy adhesive. The steel materials were joined in the form of single-lap joints by using the obtained adhesives with additives. These joints were subjected to the tensile test and the strengths of these joints were examined. SEM images of the bonding interface were taken, and the distribution of the powders was examined. When the powder size was 45 µm, bond strengths increased in all additive ratios compared to the pure adhesive, while for 38 µm powders, the strength value increased only at the 5% additive ratio. In joints with 45 µm powder additives, the strength increased by up to 38% compared to the pure adhesive, while this rate was determined as 31% for 38 µm.