bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Metabolic Markers in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure before and after LVAD Implantation
Authors: Hilse Marion S. , Kretzschmar Tom , Pistulli Rudin , Franz Marcus , Bekfani Tarek , Haase Daniela , Neugebauer Sophie , Kiehntopf Michael , Gummert Jan F. , Milting Hendrik , Schulze P. Christian
Published: September 2021

Chronic heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome characterized by functional impairments of the myocardium. Metabolic and clinical changes develop with disease progression. In an advanced state, left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are implanted for mechanical unloading. Our study aimed to assess the effects of LVAD implantation on the metabolic phenotypes and their potential to reverse the latter in patients with advanced HF. Plasma metabolites were analyzed by LC–MS/MS in 20 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), 20 patients with dilative cardiomyopathy (DCM), and 20 healthy controls. Samples were collected in HF patients before, 30 days after, and >100 days after LVAD implantation. Out of 188 measured metabolites, 63 were altered in HF. Only three metabolites returned to pre-LVAD concentrations 100 days after LVAD implantation. Pre-LVAD differences between DCM and ICM were mainly observed for amino acids and biogenic amines. This study shows a reversal of metabolite abnormalities in HF as a result of LVAD implantation. The etiology of the underlying disease plays an essential role in defining which specific metabolic parameter is altered in HF and reversed by LVAD implantation. Our findings provide a detailed insight into the disease pattern of ICM and DCM and the potential for reversibility of metabolic abnormalities in HF.
Transferrin Biosynthesized in the Brain Is a Novel Biomarker for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Hoshi Kyoka , Ito Hiromi , Abe Eriko , Fuwa Takashi J. , Kanno Mayumi , Murakami Yuta , Abe Mitsunari , Murakami Takenobu , Yoshihara Akioh , Ugawa Yoshikazu , Saito Takashi , Saido Takaomi C. , Matsumoto Kana , Yamaguchi Yoshiki , Furukawa Katsutoshi , Arai Hiroyuki , Kanai Mitsuyasu , Miyajima Masakazu , Arai Hajime , Ogawa Norihiro , Akatsu Hiroyasu , Hashizume Yoshio , Tateno Hiroaki , Honda Takashi , Hashimoto Yasuhiro
Published: September 2021

Glycosylation is a cell type-specific post-translational modification that can be used for biomarker identification in various diseases. Aim of this study is to explore glycan-biomarkers on transferrin (Tf) for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Glycan structures of CSF Tf were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography followed by mass spectrometry. We found that a unique mannosylated-glycan is carried by a Tf isoform in CSF (Man-Tf). The cerebral cortex contained Man-Tf as a major isofom, suggesting that CSF Man-Tf is, at least partly, derived from the cortex. Man-Tf levels were analyzed in CSF of patients with neurological diseases. Concentrations of Man-Tf were significantly increased in AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) comparing with other neurological diseases, and the levels correlated well with those of phosphorylated-tau (p-tau), a representative AD marker. Consistent with the observation, p-tau and Tf were co-expressed in hippocampal neurons of AD, leading to the notion that a combined p-tau and Man-Tf measure could be a biomarker for AD. Indeed, levels of p-tau x Man-Tf showed high diagnostic accuracy for MCI and AD; 84% sensitivities and 90% specificities for MCI and 94% sensitivities and 89% specificities for AD. Thus Man-Tf could be a new biomarker for AD.
Dual-Frequency Polarized Reconfigurable Terahertz Antenna Based on Graphene Metasurface and TOPAS
Authors: Zhang Jinnan , Tao Shijie , Yan Xin , Zhang Xia , Guo Jinxuan , Wen Zhiqiang
Published: September 2021

A hybrid dual-frequency polarized reconfigurable terahertz antenna is designed and studied. Graphene and TOPAS are employed as the polarization conversion metasurface and dielectric substrate, respectively, enabling tunable polarization conversion and circular polarization. TOPAS is a good substrate material for broadband THz components due to its low absorption. By adjusting the chemical potential of graphene between 0 eV and 0.5 eV, the polarization state in the band of 1 THz (0.76–1.02 THz) and 2.5 THz (2.43–2.6 THz) can be reconstructed. Thanks to the multilayer graphene structure and low absorption TOPAS, the graphene metasurface exhibits a broad bandwidth of 0.26 and 0.17 THz, respectively, in the band of 1 THz and 2.5 THz. The working state of the circularly polarized antenna and linearly polarized antenna can be switched in the bands around 1 THz (0.7–0.75 THz, 0.96–1.04 THz) and 2.5 THz (2.42–2.52 THz), respectively, without changing the physical geometry. Moreover, the graphene antenna, metasurface, and hybrid structure are tested, respectively, to verify that the components do not interfere with each other in performance. The hybrid antenna shows great potential in tunable terahertz devices and related applications.
3D Printed Double Roller-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Blue Energy Harvesting
Authors: Kim Inkyum , Kim Daewon
Published: September 2021

The ocean covers 70% of the earth’s surface and is one of the largest uncultivated resources still available for harvesting energy. The triboelectric energy harvesting technology has the potential to effectively convert the ocean’s “blue energy” into electricity. A half-cylinder structure including rollers floating on the water has already been used, in which the pendulum motion of the rollers is driven by the waveform. For the stable motion of the rollers, the printed surface of the device was treated with acetone for attaining hydrophilicity. The electrical outputs with the proposed device were enhanced by increasing the contact surface area by simply implementing the double roller structure with double side-covered electrodes. With the optimized structure, the maximum power density reached a value of 69.34 µW m−2 at a load resistance of 200 MΩ with the device’s high output durability. Finally, the fabricated device was also applied to the artificial water waves to demonstrate the possibility of using this device in the ocean. By simply modifying the electrode structure and adding a roller, this device demonstrated the ability to generate over 160% of electrical output with the same covered area of the ocean by the triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) and potential ocean application.
E-Skin: The Dawn of a New Era of On-Body Monitoring Systems
Authors: Bunea Alina-Cristina , Dediu Violeta , Laszlo Edwin Alexandru , Pistriţu Florian , Carp Mihaela , Iliescu Florina Silvia , Ionescu Octavian Narcis , Iliescu Ciprian
Published: September 2021

Real-time “on-body” monitoring of human physiological signals through wearable systems developed on flexible substrates (e-skin) is the next target in human health control and prevention, while an alternative to bulky diagnostic devices routinely used in clinics. The present work summarizes the recent trends in the development of e-skin systems. Firstly, we revised the material development for e-skin systems. Secondly, aspects related to fabrication techniques were presented. Next, the main applications of e-skin systems in monitoring, such as temperature, pulse, and other bio-electric signals related to health status, were analyzed. Finally, aspects regarding the power supply and signal processing were discussed. The special features of e-skin as identified contribute clearly to the developing potential as in situ diagnostic tool for further implementation in clinical practice at patient personal levels.
Tuning Reconstruction Level of Precatalysts to Design Advanced Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts
Authors: Sun Hainan , Zhu Yinlong , Jung WooChul
Published: September 2021

Surface reconstruction engineering is an effective strategy to promote the catalytic activities of electrocatalysts, especially for water oxidation. Taking advantage of the physicochemical properties of precatalysts by manipulating their structural self-reconstruction levels provide a promising methodology for achieving suitable catalysts. In this review, we focus on recent advances in research related to the rational control of the process and level of surface transformation ultimately to design advanced oxygen evolution electrocatalysts. We start by discussing the original contributions to surface changes during electrochemical reactions and related factors that can influence the electrocatalytic properties of materials. We then present an overview of current developments and a summary of recently proposed strategies to boost electrochemical performance outcomes by the controlling structural self-reconstruction process. By conveying these insights, processes, general trends, and challenges, this review will further our understanding of surface reconstruction processes and facilitate the development of high-performance electrocatalysts beyond water oxidation.
Walking around Ribosomal Small Subunit: A Possible “Tourist Map” for Electron Holes
Authors: Sosorev Andrey Yu.
Published: September 2021

Despite several decades of research, the physics underlying translation—protein synthesis at the ribosome—remains poorly studied. For instance, the mechanism coordinating various events occurring in distant parts of the ribosome is unknown. Very recently, we suggested that this allosteric mechanism could be based on the transport of electric charges (electron holes) along RNA molecules and localization of these charges in the functionally important areas; this assumption was justified using tRNA as an example. In this study, we turn to the ribosome and show computationally that holes can also efficiently migrate within the whole ribosomal small subunit (SSU). The potential sites of charge localization in SSU are revealed, and it is shown that most of them are located in the functionally important areas of the ribosome—intersubunit bridges, Fe4S4 cluster, and the pivot linking the SSU head to its body. As a result, we suppose that hole localization within the SSU can affect intersubunit rotation (ratcheting) and SSU head swiveling, in agreement with the scenario of electronic coordination of ribosome operation. We anticipate that our findings will improve the understanding of the translation process and advance molecular biology and medicine.
Terpene Research Is Providing New Inspiration for Scientists
Authors: Drasar Pavel B. , Khripach Vladimir A.
Published: September 2021

This current Special Issue of Molecules gathers selected communications on terpenes and terpene derivatives, clearly demonstrating the sustained interest in and importance of natural products in this field; fields connected to secondary metabolites; and renewable resources of plant and animal compounds for medicinal, material, supramolecular, and general chemistry research [...]
Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering in Graphene Quantum Dots Grown via Electrochemical Process
Authors: Panyathip Rangsan , Sucharitakul Sukrit , Phaduangdhitidhada Surachet , Ngamjarurojana Athipong , Kumnorkaew Pisist , Choopun Supab
Published: September 2021

Graphene Quantum dots (GQDs) are used as a surface-enhanced Raman substrate for detecting target molecules with large specific surface areas and more accessible edges to enhance the signal of target molecules. The electrochemical process is used to synthesize GQDs in the solution-based process from which the SERS signals were obtained from GQDs Raman spectra. In this work, GQDs were grown via the electrochemical process with citric acid and potassium chloride (KCl) electrolyte solution to obtain GQDs in a colloidal solution-based format. Then, GQDs were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. From the results, SERS signals had observed via GQDs spectra through the Raman spectra at D (1326 cm−1) and G (1584 cm−1), in which D intensity is defined as the presence of defects on GQDs and G is the sp2 orbital of carbon signal. The increasing concentration of KCl in the electrolyte solution for 0.15M to 0.60M demonstrated the increment of Raman intensity at the D peak of GQDs up to 100 over the D peak of graphite. This result reveals the potential feasibility of GQDs as SERS applications compared to graphite signals.
Optimization of Taxol Extraction Process Using Response Surface Methodology and Investigation of Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Taxol in Taxus mairei
Authors: Li Lingyu , Chen Yiming , Ma Yingli , Wang Zhong , Wang Tao , Xie Yinfeng
Published: September 2021

Taxus mairei is an important source for industrial extraction of taxol in China. However, the standard and steps of extraction are currently not uniform, which seriously affects the taxol yield. In the present study, the influence of four factors (methanol concentration, solid-liquid ratio, ultrasonic extraction temperature, and ultrasonic extraction time) on the taxol yield was successively explored in T. mairei. A response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction process based on the single-factor experiments above. The optimal conditions were as follows: methanol concentration was 90%, solid-liquid ratio was 1:15 (g/mL), ultrasonic extraction temperature was 40 °C and ultrasonic extraction time was 60 min. Moreover, the twigs and needles from T. mairei with different tree ages were treated by the optimum extraction process, which further revealed temporal and spatial distribution of taxol in the reproducible tissues. Interestingly, the taxol content was relatively higher in needles of T. ‘Jinxishan’ (a cultivar from T. mairei with yellow aril, FY), but was less in FY twigs. The accumulation of taxol in twigs and leaves of females (with red aril, FR) was significantly higher than that of males (M); however, the content showed a decreasing trend with the increasing tree ages. Therefore, it is suitable to increase the proportion of female trees especially the FY leaves as raw materials for the industrial production of taxol from T. mairei, and the tree ages should be better controlled at 3–7 years.
The Phenolic Compounds Profile and Cosmeceutical Significance of Two Kazakh Species of Onions: Alliumgalanthum and A. turkestanicum
Authors: Kadyrbayeva Gulnara , Zagórska Justyna , Grzegorczyk Agnieszka , Gaweł-Bęben Katarzyna , Strzępek-Gomółka Marcelina , Ludwiczuk Agnieszka , Czech Karolina , Kumar Manoj , Koch Wojciech , Malm Anna , Głowniak Kazimierz , Sakipova Zuriyadda , Kukula-Koch Wirginia
Published: September 2021

Numerous species of Allium genus have been used in the traditional medicine based on their vast biological effects, e.g., antimicrobial, digestion stimulant, anti-sclerotic, soothing, antiradical or wound healing properties. In this work, unpolar and polar extracts from two lesser-investigated species of Allium growing in Kazakhstan, Alliumgalanthum Kar. & Kir. (AG) and A. turkestanicum Regel. (AT), were studied for their composition and biological effects. In the HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analyses of water and alcoholic extracts simple organic acids, flavonoids and their glycosides were found to be the best represented group of secondary metabolites. On the other hand, in the GC-MS analysis diethyl ether, extracts were found to be rich sources of straight-chain hydrocarbons and their alcohols, fatty acids and sterols. The antimicrobial activity assessment showed a lower activity of polar extracts, however, the diethyl ether extract from AT bulbs and AG chives showed the strongest activity against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, B. cereus ATCC 10876, some species of Staphylococcus (S. aureus ATCC 25923 and S. epidermidis ATCC 12228) and all tested Candida species (Candida albicans ATCC 2091, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Candida glabrata ATCC 90030, Candida krusei ATCC 14243 and Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019) with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.125–0.5 mg/mL. The highest antiradical capacity exhibited diethyl ether extracts from AG bulbs (IC50 = 19274.78 ± 92.11 mg Trolox eq/g of dried extract) in DPPH assay. In ABTS scavenging assay, the highest value of mg Trolox equivalents, 50.85 ± 2.90 was calculated for diethyl ether extract from AT bulbs. The same extract showed the highest inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase (82.65 ± 1.28% of enzyme activity), whereas AG bulb ether extract was the most efficient murine tyrosinase inhibitor (54% of the enzyme activity). The performed tests confirm possible cosmeceutical applications of these plants.
Antispasmodic Effect of Asperidine B, a Pyrrolidine Derivative, through Inhibition of L-Type Ca2+ Channel in Rat Ileal Smooth Muscle
Authors: Duangjai Acharaporn , Rukachaisirikul Vatcharin , Sukpondma Yaowapa , Srimaroeng Chutima , Muanprasat Chatchai
Published: September 2021

Antispasmodic agents are used for modulating gastrointestinal motility. Several compounds isolated from terrestrial plants have antispasmodic properties. This study aimed to explore the inhibitory effect of the pyrrolidine derivative, asperidine B, isolated from the soil-derived fungus Aspergillus sclerotiorum PSU-RSPG178, on spasmodic activity. Isolated rat ileum was set up in an organ bath. The contractile responses of asperidine B (0.3 to 30 µM) on potassium chloride and acetylcholine-induced contractions were recorded. To investigate its antispasmodic mechanism, CaCl2, acetylcholine, Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), nifedipine, methylene blue and tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) were tested in the absence or in the presence of asperidine B. Cumulative concentrations of asperidine B reduced the ileal contraction by ~37%. The calcium chloride and acetylcholine-induced ileal contraction was suppressed by asperidine B. The effects of asperidine B combined with nifedipine, atropine or TEA were similar to those treated with nifedipine, atropine or TEA, respectively. In contrast, in the presence of l-NAME and methylene blue, the antispasmodic effect of asperidine B was unaltered. These results suggest that the antispasmodic property of asperidine B is probably due to the blockage of the L-type Ca2+ channel and is associated with K+ channels and muscarinic receptor, possibly by affecting non-selective cation channels and/or releasing intracellular calcium.
Scalable Graphene Defect Prediction Using Transferable Learning
Authors: Zheng Bowen , Zheng Zeyu , Gu Grace X.
Published: September 2021

Notably known for its extraordinary thermal and mechanical properties, graphene is a favorable building block in various cutting-edge technologies such as flexible electronics and supercapacitors. However, the almost inevitable existence of defects severely compromises the properties of graphene, and defect prediction is a difficult, yet important, task. Emerging machine learning approaches offer opportunities to predict target properties such as defect distribution by exploiting readily available data, without incurring much experimental cost. Most previous machine learning techniques require the size of training data and predicted material systems of interest to be identical. This limits their broader application, because in practice a newly encountered material system may have a different size compared with the previously observed ones. In this paper, we develop a transferable learning approach for graphene defect prediction, which can be used on graphene with various sizes or shapes not seen in the training data. The proposed approach employs logistic regression and utilizes data on local vibrational energy distributions of small graphene from molecular dynamics simulations, in the hopes that vibrational energy distributions can reflect local structural anomalies. The results show that our machine learning model, trained only with data on smaller graphene, can achieve up to 80% prediction accuracy of defects in larger graphene under different practical metrics. The present research sheds light on scalable graphene defect prediction and opens doors for data-driven defect detection for a broad range of two-dimensional materials.
Construction of Electrostatic Self-Assembled 2D/2D CdIn2S4/g-C3N4 Heterojunctions for Efficient Visible-Light-Responsive Molecular Oxygen Activation
Authors: Yin Hongfei , Yuan Chunyu , Lv Huijun , He Xulin , Liao Cheng , Liu Xiaoheng , Zhang Yongzheng
Published: September 2021

Molecular oxygen activated by visible light to generate radicals with high oxidation ability exhibits great potential in environmental remediation The efficacy of molecular oxygen activation mainly depends on the separation and migration efficiency of the photoinduced charge carriers. In this work, 2D/2D CdIn2S4/g-C3N4 heterojunctions with different weight ratios were successfully fabricated by a simple electrostatic self-assembled route. The optimized sample with a weight ratio of 5:2 between CdIn2S4 and g-C3N4 showed the highest photocatalytic activity for tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) degradation, which also displayed good photostability. The enhancement of the photocatalytic performance could be ascribed to the 2D/2D heterostructure; this unique 2D/2D structure could promote the separation and migration of the photoinduced charge carriers, which was beneficial for molecular oxygen activation, leading to an enhancement in photocatalytic activity. This work may possibly provide a scalable way for molecular oxygen activation in photocatalysis.
Synthesis of Molybdenum Sulfide/Tellurium Hetero-Composite by a Simple One-Pot Hydrothermal Technique for High-Performance Supercapacitor Electrode Material
Authors: Karki Hem Prakash , Kim Hyojae , Jung Jinmu , Oh Jonghyun
Published: September 2021

It is necessary to investigate effective energy storage devices that can fulfill the requirements of short-term and long-term durable energy outputs. Here, we report a simple one-pot hydrothermal technique through which to fabricate the MoS2/Te nanocomposite to be used as an effective electrode material for high-performance supercapacitors. Comprehensive characterization of the as-fabricated nanomaterial was performed using FESEM, HRTEM, XRD, FTIR, XPS, etc., as well as electrochemical characterizations. The electrochemical characterization of the as-fabricated nanocomposite electrode material showed a high specific capacitance of 402.53 F g−1 from a galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) profile conducted at 1 A g−1 current density. The electrode material also showed significant rate performance with high cyclic stability reaching up to 92.30% under 4000 cycles of galvanostatic charge-discharge profile at a current density of 10 A g−1. The highly encouraging results obtained using this simple synthetic approach demonstrate that the hetero-structured nanocomposite of MoS2/Te electrode material could serve as a promising composite to use in effective supercapacitors or energy storage devices.
The Global Impact of Alcohol Consumption on Premature Mortality and Health in 2016
Authors: Sohi Ivneet , Franklin Ari , Chrystoja Bethany , Wettlaufer Ashley , Rehm Jürgen , Shield Kevin
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to estimate the impact of alcohol use on mortality and health among people 69 years of age and younger in 2016. A comparative risk assessment approach was utilized, with population-attributable fractions being estimated by combining alcohol use data from the Global Information System on Alcohol and Health with corresponding relative risk estimates from meta-analyses. The mortality and health data were obtained from the Global Health Observatory. Among people 69 years of age and younger in 2016, 2.0 million deaths and 117.2 million Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) lost were attributable to alcohol consumption, representing 7.1% and 5.5% of all deaths and DALYs lost in that year, respectively. The leading causes of the burden of alcohol-attributable deaths were cirrhosis of the liver (457,000 deaths), road injuries (338,000 deaths), and tuberculosis (190,000 deaths). The numbers of premature deaths per 100,000 people were highest in Eastern Europe (155.8 deaths per 100,000), Central Europe (52.3 deaths per 100,000 people), and Western sub-Saharan Africa (48.7 deaths per 100,000). A large portion of the burden of disease caused by alcohol among people 69 years of age and younger is preventable through the implementation of cost-effective alcohol policies such as increases in taxation.
If It Works, Don’t Touch It? A Cell-Based Approach to Studying 2-[18F]FDG Metabolism
Authors: Klebermass Eva-Maria , Mahmudi Mahshid , Geist Barbara Katharina , Pichler Verena , Vraka Chrysoula , Balber Theresa , Miller Anne , Haschemi Arvand , Viernstein Helmut , Rohr-Udilova Nataliya , Hacker Marcus , Mitterhauser Markus
Published: September 2021

The glucose derivative 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-[18F]FDG) is still the most used radiotracer for positron emission tomography, as it visualizes glucose utilization and energy demand. In general, 2-[18F]FDG is said to be trapped intracellularly as 2-[18F]FDG-6-phosphate, which cannot be further metabolized. However, increasingly, this dogma is being questioned because of publications showing metabolism beyond 2-[18F]FDG-6-phosphate and even postulating 2-[18F]FDG imaging to depend on the enzyme hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in the endoplasmic reticulum. Therefore, we aimed to study 2-[18F]FDG metabolism in the human cancer cell lines HT1080, HT29 and Huh7 applying HPLC. We then compared 2-[18F]FDG metabolism with intracellular tracer accumulation, efflux and the cells’ metabolic state and used a graphical Gaussian model to visualize metabolic patterns. The extent of 2-[18F]FDG metabolism varied considerably, dependent on the cell line, and was significantly enhanced by glucose withdrawal. However, the metabolic pattern was quite conserved. The most important radiometabolites beyond 2-[18F]FDG-6-phosphate were 2-[18F]FDMannose-6-phosphate, 2-[18F]FDG-1,6-bisphosphate and 2-[18F]FD-phosphogluconolactone. Enhanced radiometabolite formation under glucose reduction was accompanied by reduced efflux and mirrored the cells’ metabolic switch as assessed via extracellular lactate levels. We conclude that there can be considerable metabolism beyond 2-[18F]FDG-6-phosphate in cancer cell lines and a comprehensive understanding of 2-[18F]FDG metabolism might help to improve cancer research and tumor diagnosis.
Aerial Projection 3D Display Based on Integral Imaging
Authors: Zhao Wu-Xiang , Zhang Han-Le , Ji Qing-Lin , Deng Huan , Li Da-Hai
Published: September 2021

We proposed an aerial projection 3D display based on integral imaging. It is composed of a projector, a lens-array holographic optical element (HOE), and two parabolic mirrors. The lens-array HOE is a diffraction grating and is made by the volume holography technique. The lens-array HOE can be produced on a thin glass plate, and it has the optical properties of a lens array when the Bragg condition is satisfied. When the display beams of the element image array (EIA) are projected on the lens-array HOE, 3D images can be reconstructed. The two parabolic mirrors can project 3D images into the air. The Bragg-unmatched light simply passes through the lens-array HOE. Therefore, the aerial projection 3D images appear to be imaged in the air without any medium. In the experiment, a BenQ projector was used for the projection of 3D images, with a resolution of 1600 × 1200. The diameter and the height of each parabolic mirror are 150 mm and 25 mm, respectively. The inner diameter of the parabolic mirror is 40 mm. The 3D images were projected in the air, and the experimental results prove the correctness of our display system.
All-Fiber Gas Raman Laser by D2-Filled Hollow-Core Photonic Crystal Fibers
Authors: Pei Wenxi , Li Hao , Huang Wei , Wang Meng , Wang Zefeng
Published: September 2021

We report here an all-fiber structure tunable gas Raman laser based on deuterium-filled hollow-core photonic crystal fibers (HC-PCFs). An all-fiber gas cavity is fabricated by fusion splicing a 49 m high-pressure deuterium-filled HC-PCF with two solid-core single-mode fibers at both ends. When pumped with a pulsed fiber amplifier seeded by a tunable laser diode at 1.5 μm, Raman lasers ranging from 1643 nm to 1656 nm are generated. The maximum output power is ~1.2 W with a Raman conversion efficiency of ~45.6% inside the cavity. This work offers an alternative choice for all-fiber lasers operating at 1.6–1.7 μm band.
Deformation Measurements of Neuronal Excitability Using Incoherent Holography Lattice Light-Sheet Microscopy (IHLLS)
Authors: Potcoava Mariana , Art Jonathan , Alford Simon , Mann Christopher
Published: September 2021

Stimuli to excitable cells and various cellular processes can cause cell surface deformations; for example, when excitable cell membrane potentials are altered during action potentials. However, these cellular changes may be at or below the diffraction limit (in dendrites the structures measured are as small as 1 µm), and imaging by traditional methods is challenging. Using dual lenses incoherent holography lattice light-sheet (IHLLS-2L) detection with holographic phase imaging of selective fluorescent markers, we can extract the full-field cellular morphology or structural changes of the object’s phase in response to external stimulus. This approach will open many new possibilities in imaging neuronal activity and, overall, in light sheet imaging. In this paper, we present IHLLS-2L as a well-suited technique for quantifying cell membrane deformation in neurons without the actuation of a sample stage or detection microscope objective.
Optical Amplification and Fast-Slow Light in a Three-Mode Cavity Optomechanical System without Rotating Wave Approximation
Authors: Zhao Yan-Na , Wang Tie , Wang Dong-Yang , Han Xue , Zhang Shou , Wang Hong-Fu
Published: September 2021

We investigate the optical amplification of the output field and fast-slow light effect in a three-mode cavity optomechanical system without rotating wave approximation and discuss two ways of realizing the optical amplification effect. Resorting to the Coulomb coupling between the nanomechanical resonators, the asymmetric double optomechanically induced amplification effect can be achieved by utilizing the counterrotating term. Moreover, we find a remarkable optical amplification effect and observe the prominent fast-slow light effect at the singular point since the introduction of mechanical gain. Meanwhile, the transmission rate of the output field is increased by four orders of magnitude and the group delay time can reach in the order of 105μs. Our work is of great significance for the potential applications of optomechanically induced amplification in quantum information processing and quantum precision measurement.
Unmodified Silica Nanoparticles Enhance Mechanical Properties and Welding Ability of Epoxy Thermosets with Tunable Vitrimer Matrix
Authors: Barabanova Anna I. , Afanas’ev Egor S. , Molchanov Vyacheslav S. , Askadskii Andrey A. , Philippova Olga E.
Published: September 2021

Epoxy/silica thermosets with tunable matrix (vitrimers) were prepared by thermal curing of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) in the presence of a hardener—4-methylhexahydrophthalic anhydride (MHHPA), a transesterification catalyst—zinc acetylacetonate (ZAA), and 10–15 nm spherical silica nanoparticles. The properties of the resulting material were studied by tensile testing, thermomechanical and dynamic mechanical analysis. It is shown that at room temperature the introduction of 5–10 wt% of silica nanoparticles in the vitrimer matrix strengthens the material leading to the increase of the elastic modulus by 44% and the tensile stress by 25%. Simultaneously, nanoparticles enhance the dimensional stability of the material since they reduce the coefficient of thermal expansion. At the same time, the transesterification catalyst provides the thermoset with the welding ability at heating, when the chain exchange reactions are accelerated. For the first time, it was shown that the silica nanoparticles strengthen welding joints in vitrimers, which is extremely important, since it allows to repeatedly use products made of thermosets and heal defects in them. Such materials hold great promise for use in durable protective coatings, adhesives, sealants and many other applications.
Polysaccharides as Stabilizers for Polymeric Microcarriers Fabrication
Authors: Demina Tatiana S. , Kilyashova Liubov A. , Popyrina Tatiana N. , Svidchenko Eugenia A. , Bhuniya Sankarprasad , Akopova Tatiana A. , Grandfils Christian
Published: September 2021

Biodegradable polymeric microparticles are widely used in drug delivery systems with prolonged-release profiles and/or cell microcarriers. Their fabrication via the oil/water emulsion solvent evaporation technique has normally required emulsifiers in the aqueous phase. The present work aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various polysaccharides, such as chitosan, hyaluronic acid, cellulose, arabinogalactan, guar and their derivatives, as an alternative to synthetic surfactants for polylactide microparticle stabilization during their fabrication. Targeted modification of the biopolymer’s chemical structure was also tested as a tool to enhance polysaccharides’ emulsifying ability. The transformation of biomacromolecules into a form of nanoparticle via bottom-up or top-down methods and their subsequent application for microparticle fabrication via the Pickering emulsion solvent evaporation technique was useful as a one-step approach towards the preparation of core/shell microparticles. The effect of polysaccharides’ chemical structure and the form of their application on the polylactide microparticles’ total yield, size distribution and morphology was evaluated. The application of polysaccharides has great potential in terms of the development of green chemistry and the biocompatibility of the formed microparticles, which is especially important in biomedicine application.
Production of Thermophilic Chitinase by Paenibacillus sp. TKU052 by Bioprocessing of Chitinous Fishery Wastes and Its Application in N-acetyl-D-glucosamine Production
Authors: Doan Chien Thang , Tran Thi Ngoc , Wang San-Lang
Published: September 2021

The bioprocessing of chitinous fishery wastes (CFWs) to chitinases through fermentation approaches has gained importance owing to its great benefits in reducing the enzyme production cost, and utilizing chitin waste. In this work, our study of the chitinase production of Paenibacillus sp. TKU052 in the presence of different kinds of CFWs revealed a preference for demineralized crab shells powder (deCSP); furthermore, a 72 kDa chitinase was isolated from the 0.5% deCSP-containing medium. The Paenibacillus sp. TKU052 chitinase displayed maximum activity at 70 °C and pH 4–5, while Zn2+, Fe3+, Triton X-100, Tween 40, and SDS exerted a negative effect on its activity, whereas Mn2+ and 2-mercaptoethanol were found to potentially enhance the activity. Among various kinds of polysaccharide, Paenibacillus sp. TKU052 chitinase exhibited the best catalytic activity on colloidal chitin (CC) with Km = 9.75 mg/mL and Vmax = 2.43 μmol/min. The assessment of the hydrolysis of CC and N-acetyl chitooligosaccharides revealed that Paenibacillus sp. TKU052 chitinase possesses multiple catalytic functions, including exochitinase, endochitinase, and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase activities. Finally, the combination of Paenibacillus sp. TKU052 chitinase and Streptomyces speibonae TKU048 N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase could efficiently convert CC to N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc) with a production yield of 94.35–98.60% in 12–24 h.
Microencapsulation of Photochromic Solution with Polyurea by Interfacial Polymerization
Authors: Zhang Yuhua , Zhang Xi , Yan Yurong , Chen Zhonghua
Published: September 2021

Photochromic materials are interesting materials because of their color-changing property under UV light and visible light irradiation. However, they are vulnerable to many factors, such as pH oxygen, ion, solvent, etc. because of the unsaturated bonds existing on the photochromic molecular. Microencapsulation of the photochromic materials can separate them from the surroundings. Here, photochromic microcapsules using 3,3-Diphenyl-3H-naphtho[2,1-b] pyran (NP)/solution as core and polyurea as shell via interfacial polymerization were prepared, and bis(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidinyl)sebacate (HALS 770) was used as photostabilizer. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), a laser particle size analyzer, a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a thermogravimetric analyzer and an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer were used for characterization. The results showed that the microcapsules had a uniform particle size of about 0.56 μm when the percentage of the oil phase (core) in the emulsion was less than 15%, the addition amount of the emulsifier was 0.4%, and the stirring rate was 1800 r/min. The microcapsules showed better performance in thermal stability when the core/shell ratio was 1:1. The photostabilizer had little impact on the color-changing property of the microcapsule, but it could protect the microcapsules from UV light radiation aging.
Hans Jonas, Günther Anders, and the Atomic Priesthood: An Exploration into Ethics, Religion and Technology in the Nuclear Age
Authors: Musch Sebastian
Published: September 2021

This article investigates the ethical implications of the notion of an Atomic Priesthood, an artificially constructed religion built around the preservation of knowledge related to nuclear-waste storage by using the work of Hans Jonas (1903–1993) and Günther Anders (1902–1992). Building on Jonas’ The Imperative of Responsibility from 1979 and Anders’ The Outdatedness of Human Beings from 1956, this article participates in the debate regarding the ethics of the post-closure marking of nuclear-waste storage sites. Assuming that we have a moral obligation toward future generations, as Jonas argued, even after the nuclear-waste storages have been filled and closed, there remains a need to communicate the danger of these sites to future civilizations to whom our languages and other semiotic systems are incomprehensible. Discussing the hypothetical concept of the Atomic Priesthood, an artificial religion whose central purpose would be to make it taboo to approach certain “impure” sites where our civilization had buried nuclear waste, this article argues that due to the unsolved ethical stakes, technological solutions are unequipped to deal with the long-term ramifications of nuclear power.
Impact of Lightning Data Assimilation on Forecasts of a Leeward Slope Precipitation Event in the Western Margin of the Junggar Basin
Authors: Liu Peng , Yang Yi , Xin Yu , Wang Chenghai
Published: September 2021

A moderate precipitation event occurring in northern Xinjiang, a region with a continental climate with little rainfall, and in leeward slope areas influenced by topography is important but rarely studied. In this study, the performance of lightning data assimilation is evaluated in the short-term forecasting of a moderate precipitation event along the western margin of the Junggar Basin and eastern Jayer Mountain. Pseudo-water vapor observations driven by lightning data are assimilated in both single and cycling analysis experiments of the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) three-dimensional variational (3DVAR) system. Lightning data assimilation yields a larger increment in the relative humidity in the analysis field at the observed lightning locations, and the largest increment is obtained in the cycling analysis experiment. Due to the increase in water vapor content in the analysis field, more suitable thermal and dynamic conditions for moderate precipitation are obtained on the leeward slope, and the ice-phase and raindrop particle contents increase in the forecast field. Lightning data assimilation significantly improves the short-term leeward slope moderate precipitation prediction along the western margin of the Junggar Basin and provides the best forecast skill in cycling analysis experiments.
Cloud Transform Algorithm Based Model for Hydrological Variable Frequency Analysis
Authors: Bai Xia , Jin Juliang , Ning Shaowei , Wu Chengguo , Zhou Yuliang , Zhang Libing , Cui Yi
Published: September 2021

Hydrological variable frequency analysis is a fundamental task for water resource management and water conservancy project design. Given the deficiencies of higher distribution features for the upper tail section of hydrological variable frequency curves and the corresponding safer resulting design of water conservancy projects utilizing the empirical frequency formula and Pearson type III function-based curve fitting method, the normal cloud transform algorithm-based model for hydrological variable frequency analysis was proposed through estimation of the sample empirical frequency by the normal cloud transform algorithm, and determining the cumulative probability distribution curve by overlapping calculation of multiple conceptual cloud distribution patterns, which is also the primary innovation of the paper. Its application result in northern Anhui province, China indicated that the varying trend of the cumulative probability distribution curve of annual precipitation derived from the proposed approach was basically consistent with the result obtained through the traditional empirical frequency formula. Furthermore, the upper tail section of the annual precipitation frequency curve derived from the cloud transform algorithm varied below the calculation result utilizing the traditional empirical frequency formula, which indicated that the annual precipitation frequency calculation result utilizing the cloud transform algorithm was more optimal compared to the results obtained by the traditional empirical frequency formula. Therefore, the proposed cloud transform algorithm-based model was reliable and effective for hydrological variable frequency analysis, which can be further applied in the related research field of hydrological process analysis.
Point-Line Visual Stereo SLAM Using EDlines and PL-BoW
Authors: Rong Hanxiao , Gao Yanbin , Guan Lianwu , Ramirez-Serrano Alex , Xu Xu , Zhu Yunyu
Published: September 2021

Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) technologies based on point features achieve high positioning accuracy and complete map construction. However, despite their time efficiency and accuracy, such SLAM systems are prone to instability and even failure in poor texture environments. In this paper, line features are integrated with point features to enhance the robustness and reliability of stereo SLAM systems in poor texture environments. Firstly, method Edge Drawing lines (EDlines) is applied to reduce the line feature detection time. Meanwhile, the proposed method improves the reliability of features by eliminating outliers of line features based on the entropy scale and geometric constraints. Furthermore, this paper proposes a novel Bags of Word (BoW) model combining the point and line features to improve the accuracy and robustness of loop detection used in SLAM. The proposed PL-BoW technique achieves this by taking into account the co-occurrence information and spatial proximity of visual words. Experiments using the KITTI and EuRoC datasets demonstrate that the proposed stereo Point and EDlines SLAM (PEL-SLAM) achieves high accuracy consistently, including in challenging environments difficult to sense accurately. The processing time of the proposed method is reduced by 9.9% and 4.5% when compared to the Point and Line SLAM (PL-SLAM) and Point and stereo Point and Line based Visual Odometry (sPLVO) methods, respectively.
Neotectonics of the Western Suleiman Fold Belt, Pakistan: Evidence for Bookshelf Faulting
Authors: Karaca Sukru O. , Abir Ismail A. , Khan Shuhab D. , Ozsayın Erman , Qureshi Kamil A.
Published: September 2021

The Suleiman Fold-Thrust Belt represents an active deformational front at the western margin of the Indian plate and has been a locus of major earthquakes. This study focuses on the western part of the Suleiman Fold-Thrust Belt that comprises two parallel NW–SE oriented faults: Harnai Fault and Karahi Fault. These faults have known thrust components; however, there remains uncertainty about the lateral component of motion. This work presents the new observation of surface deformation using the Small Baseline Subset (SBAS), Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technique on Sentinel-1A datasets to decompose displacement into the vertical and horizontal components employing ascending and descending track geometries. The subsurface structural geometry of this area was assessed using 2D seismic and well data. In addition, geomorphic indices were calculated to assess the relative tectonic activity of the area. InSAR results show that the Karahi Fault has a ~15 mm right-lateral movement for descending and ~10 mm/for ascending path geometries. The Harnai Fault does not show any lateral movement. Seismic data are in agreement with the InSAR results suggesting that the Harnai Fault is a blind thrust. This work indicates that the block between these two faults displays a clockwise rotation that creates the “bookshelf model”.
LIDAR Scanning as an Advanced Technology in Physical Hydraulic Modelling: The Stilling Basin Example
Authors: Li Rui , Splinter Kristen D. , Felder Stefan
Published: September 2021

In hydraulic engineering, stilling basin design is traditionally carried out using physical models, conducting visual flow observations as well as point-source measurements of pressure, flow depth, and velocity at locations of design relevance. Point measurements often fail to capture the strongly varying three-dimensionality of the flows within the stilling basin that are important for the best possible design of the structure. This study introduced fixed scanning 2D LIDAR technology for laboratory-scale physical hydraulic modelling of stilling basins. The free-surface motions were successfully captured along both longitudinal and transverse directions, providing a detailed free-surface map. LIDAR-derived free-surface elevations were compared with typical point-source measurements using air–water conductivity probes, showing that the elevations measured with LIDAR consistently corresponded to locations of strongest air–water flow interactions at local void fractions of approximately 50%. The comparison of LIDAR-derived free-surface elevations with static and dynamic pressure sensors confirmed differences between the two measurement devices in the most energetic parts of the jump roller. The present study demonstrates that LIDAR technology can play an important role in physical hydraulic modelling, enabling design improvement through detailed free-surface characterization of complex air–water flow motions beyond the current practice of point measurements and visual flow observations.
Survey on Antibiotic Residues in Egg Samples in Italy
Authors: Saluti Giorgio , Colagrande Maria , Castellani Federica , Ricci Matteo , Diletti Gianfranco , Scortichini Giampiero
Published: September 2021

The presence of antibiotic residue in eggs is a current issue due to the increasingly important phenomenon of antibiotic resistance. A multiclass, confirmatory method for the determination of seventy-three antimicrobial agents (amphenicols, cephalosporins, diaminopyrimidines, lincosamides, macrolides, penicillins, pleuromutilins, quinolones, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines) with liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry was applied to 200 egg samples collected from 119 Italian farms during the years 2018–2021.