bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Analysis of the Fatigue Resistance of Four Single File Canal Preparation Instruments
Authors: Al-Obaida Mohammad I. , Alzuwayer Abdulmohsen A. , Alanazi Saqer S. , Balhaddad Abdulrahman A.
Published: January 2022

Instrument separation during root canal therapy is inevitable in endodontics with several unfavorable clinical consequences. Therefore, examining the cyclic flexural fatigue resistance of commonly used rotary endodontic files is crucial. This study aimed to determine the cyclic flexural fatigue resistance of four nickel–titanium (NiTi) rotary files used as a single canal preparation technique: WaveOne, Reciproc, Protaper F2, and Unicone medium instruments. According to the manufacturer’s instructions, each file was rotated freely within a 1.3 mm deep and 1.3 mm wide V-shaped groove in a stainless-steel block with a 40° and 5 mm radius of curvature. Cyclic fatigue resistance was compared between the NiTi files by verifying the time needed to crack. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Scheffé post hoc with a significant level set at p < 0.05. Our results demonstrated that the WaveOne instrument had the highest cyclic flexural fatigue resistance among the tested groups (p ≤ 0.05), while Unicone had the lowest cyclic flexural fatigue resistance. This study concluded that WaveOne size 25/0.08 could illustrate a superior cyclic flexural fatigue resistance when instrumenting root canals with the lowest possibility to cause instrument separation.
New Secondary Metabolites from the Marine-Derived Fungus Talaromyces mangshanicus BTBU20211089
Authors: Zhang Kai , Zhang Xinwan , Lin Rui , Yang Haijin , Song Fuhang , Xu Xiuli , Wang Long
Published: January 2022

Seven new compounds, namely talaromanloid A (1), talaromydene (2), 10-hydroxy-8-demethyltalaromydine and 11-hydroxy-8-demethyltalaromydine (3 and 4), talaromylectone (5), and ditalaromylectones A and B (6 and 7), together with seven known compounds were identified from a marine-derived fungus, Talaromyces mangshanicus BTBU20211089, which was isolated from a sediment sample collected from the South China Sea. Their chemical structures were determined using spectroscopic data, including HRESIMS, 1D, and 2D NMR techniques. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were elucidated by comparing experimental and calculated ECD spectra. Compounds 1, 2, 6, and 7 are new compounds possessing a novel carbon skeleton. Compound 6 is a dimeric molecule of 3 and 9. Compound 7 shared a unique structure of the cyclized dimer of 3 and 4. All the compounds were tested for their bioactivities against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans.
Ligiamycins A and B, Decalin-Amino-Maleimides from the Co-Culture of Streptomyces sp. and Achromobacter sp. Isolated from the Marine Wharf Roach, Ligia exotica
Authors: Lim Hyung-Ju , An Joon Soo , Bae Eun Seo , Cho Eunji , Hwang Sunghoon , Nam Sang-Jip , Oh Ki-Bong , Lee Sang Kook , Oh Dong-Chan
Published: January 2022

Streptomyces sp. GET02.ST and Achromobacter sp. GET02.AC were isolated together from the gut of the wharf roach, Ligia exotica, inhabiting the intertidal zone of the west coast of Korea. The co-cultivation of these two strains significantly induced the production of two new metabolites, ligiamycins A (1) and B (2), which were barely detected in the single culture of Streptomyces sp. GET02.ST. The planar structures of ligiamycins A (1) and B (2) were elucidated as new decalins coupled with amino-maleimides by the analysis of various spectroscopic data, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), ultraviolet (UV), and mass (MS) data. The assignment of two nitrogen atoms in amino-maleimide in 1 was accomplished based on 1H-15N heteroatom single quantum coherence spectroscopy (HSQC) NMR experiments. The relative configurations of the ligiamycins were determined using rotating frame Overhauser effect spectroscopy (ROESY) NMR data, and their absolute configurations were deduced by comparing their experimental and calculated optical rotations. Ligiamycin A (1) displayed antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica, while ligiamycin B (2) exhibited mild cell cytotoxicity against human colorectal cancer cells.
The Thyroid Gland: A Revision Study on Its Vascularization and Surgical Implications
Authors: Branca Jacopo J. V. , Lascialfari Bruschi Alfredo , Pilia Antonino Marcello , Carrino Donatello , Guarnieri Giulia , Gulisano Massimo , Pacini Alessandra , Paternostro Ferdinando
Published: January 2022

Background: The “classic” thyroid gland arterial vascularization takes into account two superior thyroid arteries (STA), two inferior thyroid arteries (ITA) and, occasionally, a thyroid ima artery (TIMA). The present review focuses on exploring the available data concerning thyroid gland arterial vascularization and its variations. Methods: Here, we analysed 49 articles from the last century, ranging from case reports to reviews concerning cadaver dissection classes, surgical intervention, and non-invasive techniques as well. Results: The harvested data clearly highlighted that: (i) the STA originates predominantly from the external carotid artery; (ii) the ITA is a branch of the thyrocervical trunk; and (iii) the TIMA is a very uncommon variant predominantly occurring to compensate for ITA absence. Conclusion: A systematic review of a highly vascularized organ is of great relevance during surgical intervention and, thus, the knowledge of normal anatomy and its modification is essential both for fact-finding and in surgery.
Assessment of the Potential of Using Nanofiltration Polymeric and Ceramic Membranes to Treat Refinery Spent Caustic Effluents
Authors: Rita Ana Isabel , Nabais Ana Rita , Neves Luisa A. , Huertas Rosa , Santos Maria , Madeira Luis M. , Sanches Sandra
Published: January 2022

Spent caustic effluents are very challenging due to their very hazardous nature in terms of toxicity as well as their extreme pH (approximately 12–14). Spent caustic has presented a challenge for wastewater treatment in refineries, due to its composition rich in mercaptans, sulfides and other aromatic compounds. To address such problems, membrane filtration was studied using real effluents from Sines Refinery, in Portugal. The present study attempts to assess the potential for spent caustic treatment with nanofiltration (NF) polymeric and ceramic membranes, assessing membrane life expectancy. For that, membrane aging studies in static mode were performed with the polymeric membrane before attempting NF treatment (dynamic studies). A ceramic membrane was also tested for the first time with this type of effluents, though only in dynamic mode. Although the polymeric membrane performance was very good and in accordance with previous studies, its lifespan was very reduced after 6 weeks of contact with spent caustic, compromising its use in an industrial unit. Contrarily to expectations, the ceramic membrane tested was not chemically more resistant than the polymeric one upon direct contact with spent caustic (loss of retention capacity in less than 1 h in contact with the spent caustic). The results obtained suggest that a pH of 13.9 is very aggressive, even for ceramic membranes.
Characterisation of Compressive Behaviour of Low-Carbon and Third Generation Advanced High Strength Steel Sheets with Freely Movable Anti-buckling Bars
Authors: Kim Jaehoon , Jung Jaebong , Park Taejoon , Kim Daeyong , Moon Young Hoon , Pourboghrat Farhang , Kim Ji Hoon
Published: January 2022

Measuring the compressive behaviour of sheet materials is an important process for understanding the material behaviour and numerical simulation of metal forming. The application of side force on both surfaces of a specimen in the thickness direction is an effective way to prevent buckling when conducting compressive tests. However, the side effects of side forces (such as the biaxial stress state and non-uniform deformation) make it difficult to interpret the measured data and derive the intrinsic compressive behaviour. It is even more difficult for materials with tension–compression asymmetry such as steels that undergo transformation-induced plasticity. In this study, a novel design for a sheet compression tester was developed with freely movable anti-buckling bars on both sides of the specimen to prevent buckling during in-plane compressive loading. Tensile and compressive tests under side force were conducted for low-carbon steel using the digital image correlation method. The raw tensile and compressive stress–strain data of the low-carbon steel showed apparent flow stress asymmetry of tension and compression, originating from the biaxial and thickness effects. A finite element method-based data correction procedure was suggested and validated for the low-carbon steel. The third generation advanced high strength steels showed intrinsic tension–compression asymmetry at room temperature whereas the asymmetry was significantly reduced at 175 °C.
Influence of Magnetic Fields Assisted for Preparation of Ferromagnetic Mono- and Bi-Metallic Co and Co–V SHS Catalysts on Their Activity in Deep Oxidation and Hydrogenation of CO2
Authors: Pugacheva Elena , Borshch Vyacheslav , Zhuk Svetlana , Andreev Dmitrii , Ikornikov Denis , Boyarchenko Olga , Golosova Olga
Published: January 2022

Co–Al and Co–V–Al intermetallics produced by centrifugal self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) were used as precursors for preparation of catalysts for deep oxidation and hydrogenation of CO2. Leaching in NaOH solution and stabilization with H2O2 solution of precursors were carried out in permanent magnetic field (MF) (0.24 Т) and alternating magnetic field (0.13 Т, 50 Hz). Prepared Co и Co–V (95Co–5V, 90Co–10V) granular catalysts with size of 100–300 µm were characterized by XRD, SEM, EDS, and BET method and revealed to have a scaly surface structure. It was shown that the type of MF affects phase composition and surface morphology, as well as specific surface and activity in deep oxidation of CO and hydrocarbons as an important part of the neutralization of gas emissions, and hydrogenation of CO2, the processing of which would reduce atmospheric pollution with this greenhouse gas. Catalysts obtained in alternating MF was found to possess higher activity in the process of deep oxidation.
Metabolomic Profiling of Malaysian and New Zealand Honey Using Concatenated NMR and HRMS Datasets
Authors: Yusoff Yusnaini M. , Abbott Grainne , Young Louise , Edrada-Ebel RuAngelie
Published: January 2022

This study aims to compare the metabolomic profiles of Malaysian and New Zealand honey while determining their anti-oncogenic activity for potential prophylactic functions. Metabolomics tools including multivariate analysis were applied on concatenated LC-HRMS and NMR datasets to afford an intensive chemical profile of honey samples and have a snapshot of the bioactive metabolites in the respective collections. Malaysian samples were found to have higher sugar and polyphenolic content, while New Zealand samples afforded higher concentration of low molecular weight (MW) lipids. However, New Zealand honey collected from the northern islands had higher concentration of acetylated saccharides, while those from the southern islands yielded higher low MW phenolic metabolites that were comparable to Malaysian honey. Mild anti-oncogenic compounds against breast cancer cell line ZR75 were putatively identified in Malaysian honey that included earlier described antioxidants such as gingerdiol, 2-hexylphenol-O-β-D-xylopyranoside, plastoquinone, tropine isovalerate, plumerinine, and 3,5-(12-phenyl-8-dodecenyl)resorcinol, along with several phenolic esters and lignans.
An Electrically and Thermally Erasable Liquid Crystal Film Containing NIR Absorbent Carbon Nanotube
Authors: Miao Zongcheng , Wang Dong
Published: January 2022

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) coated by a poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) layer were doped in bistable cholesteric liquid crystal (ChLC) film to provide electric, thermal, or optical erasability controllable films. The CNT/PVP formed a compatible NIR-absorbing film that can generate heat to switch ChLC film from a planar texture to a focal conic texture. The appropriate content of CNT/PVP is provided to achieve a fast thermal response, satisfactory dispersion, and clear display brightness. The ChLC film containing CNT/PVP @ 0.8 (wt.%) saves 51% time at thermal erasing, compared to the ChLC mixture without NIR absorbent. The hybrid organic–inorganic bistable ChLC material reported here extends and offers new applications of ChLC writing tablets.
Upgrading the Nutritional Value of PKC Using a Bacillus subtilis Derived Monocomponent β-Mannanase
Authors: Gomez-Osorio Luis-Miguel , Nielsen Janni Ulnits , Martens Helle Jakobe , Wimmer Reinhard
Published: January 2022

Palm kernel cake (PKC) is an abundant side stream that can only be added to non-ruminant feed in small concentrations due to its content of antinutritional factors, mainly galactomannan, which cannot be digested by non-ruminants. β-mannanases can be added to partially hydrolyze galactomannan to form mannose oligosaccharides, which are known to be prebiotic. We here investigate the action of a β-mannanase from B. subtilis on PKC by colorimetry, NMR and fluorescence microscopy. The amount of mannan oligosaccharides in solution was significantly increased by the β-mannanase and their degree of polymerization (DP) was significantly reduced. There was a dose-response behavior in that larger β-mannanase concentrations increased the amount of soluble mannose oligosaccharides while reducing their average DP. Using confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, solubilization of galactomannan in PKC was clearly visualized. Images show a clear disruption of the cellulose and galactomannan structures of the PKC cell walls. We thus show in this study that using commercial dosages of β-mannanase on PKC can lead to formation of prebiotic compounds. Thus, this study suggests that utilization of PKC in poultry feed formulation might be increased by addition of a β-mannanase and would improve the return on investment.
Real-Time Monitoring Polymerization Reactions Using Dipolar Echoes in 1H Time Domain NMR at a Low Magnetic Field
Authors: Garcia Rodrigo Henrique dos Santos , Filgueiras Jefferson Gonçalves , Colnago Luiz Alberto , de Azevedo Eduardo Ribeiro
Published: January 2022

1H time domain nuclear magnetic resonance (1H TD-NMR) at a low magnetic field becomes a powerful technique for the structure and dynamics characterization of soft organic materials. This relies mostly on the method sensitivity to the 1H-1H magnetic dipolar couplings, which depend on the molecular orientation with respect to the applied magnetic field. On the other hand, the good sensitivity of the 1H detection makes it possible to monitor real time processes that modify the dipolar coupling as a result of changes in the molecular mobility. In this regard, the so-called dipolar echoes technique can increase the sensitivity and accuracy of the real-time monitoring. In this article we evaluate the performance of commonly used 1H TD-NMR dipolar echo methods for probing polymerization reactions. As a proof of principle, we monitor the cure of a commercial epoxy resin, using techniques such as mixed-Magic Sandwich Echo (MSE), Rhim Kessemeier—Radiofrequency Optimized Solid Echo (RK-ROSE) and Dipolar Filtered Magic Sandwich Echo (DF-MSE). Applying a reaction kinetic model that supposes simultaneous autocatalytic and noncatalytic reaction pathways, we show the analysis to obtain the rate and activation energy for the epoxy curing reaction using the NMR data. The results obtained using the different NMR methods are in good agreement among them and also results reported in the literature for similar samples. This demonstrates that any of these dipolar echo pulse sequences can be efficiently used for monitoring and characterizing this type of reaction. Nonetheless, the DF-MSE method showed intrinsic advantages, such as easier data handling and processing, and seems to be the method of choice for monitoring this type of reaction. In general, the procedure is suitable for characterizing reactions involving the formation of solid products from liquid reagents, with some adaptations concerning the reaction model.
The Nutritional and Antioxidant Potential of Artisanal and Industrial Apple Vinegars and Their Ability to Inhibit Key Enzymes Related to Type 2 Diabetes In Vitro
Authors: Ousaaid Driss , Laaroussi Hassan , Mechchate Hamza , Bakour Meryem , El Ghouizi Asmae , Mothana Ramzi A. , Noman Omar , Es-safi Imane , Lyoussi Badiaa , El Arabi Ilham
Published: January 2022

The main objective of the current study was to determine the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities, and α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition of apple vinegar produced by artisanal and industrial methods. Apple vinegar samples were analyzed to identify their electrical conductivity, pH, titratable acidity, total dry matter, Brix, density, mineral elements, polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C. The antioxidant activity of apple vinegar samples was evaluated using two tests, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Finally, we determined α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities of artisanal and industrial apple vinegar. The results showed the following values: pH (3.69–3.19); electrical conductivity (2.81–2.79 mS/cm); titratable acidity (3.6–5.4); ash (4.61–2.90); °Brix (6.37–5.2); density (1.02476–1.02012), respectively, for artisanal apple vinegar and industrial apple vinegar. Concerning mineral elements, potassium was the most predominant element followed by sodium, magnesium, and calcium. Concerning bioactive compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids, and vitamin C), the apple vinegar produced by the artisanal method was the richest sample in terms of bioactive compounds and had the highest α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibition. The findings of this study showed that the quality and biological activities of artisanal apple vinegar were more important than industrial apple vinegar.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Effect of Streptococcus pyogenes Strains, Protegrin PG-1, Cathelicidin LL-37, Nerve Growth Factor and Chemotherapy on the C6 Glioma Cell Line
Authors: Chernov Alexandr N. , Tsapieva Anna , Alaverdian Diana A. , Filatenkova Tatiana A. , Galimova Elvira S. , Suvorova Mariia , Shamova Olga V. , Suvorov Alexander N.
Published: January 2022

Brain cancer treatment, where glioblastoma represents up to 50% of all CNS malignancies, is one of the most challenging calls for neurooncologists. The major driver of this study was a search for new approaches for the treatment of glioblastoma. We tested live S. pyogenes, cathelicidin family peptides and NGF, assessing the oncolytic activity of these compounds as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapeutics. For cytotoxicity evaluation, we used the MTT assay, trypan blue assay and the xCELLigence system. To evaluate the safety of the studied therapeutic approaches, we performed experiments on normal human fibroblasts. Streptococci and peptides demonstrated high antitumor efficiency against glioma C6 cells in all assays applied, surpassing the effect of chemotherapeutics (doxorubicin, carboplatin, cisplatin, etoposide). A real-time cytotoxicity analysis showed that the cell viability index dropped to 21% 2–5 h after S. pyogenes strain exposure. It was shown that LL-37, PG-1 and NGF also exhibited strong antitumor effects on C6 glioma cells when applied at less than 10−4 M. Synergistic effects for combinations of PG-1 with carboplatin and LL-37 with etoposide were shown. Combinations of S. pyogenes strain #7 with NGF or LL-37 demonstrated a cytotoxic effect (56.7% and 57.3%, accordingly) on C6 glioma cells after 3 h of exposure.
Correction: Fan et al. Native Collagen II Relieves Bone Impairment through Improving Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Ageing db/db Mice. Molecules 2021, 26, 4942
Authors: Fan Rui , Hao Yuntao , Liu Xinran , Kang Jiawei , Hu Jiani , Mao Ruixue , Liu Rui , Zhu Na , Xu Meihong , Li Yong
Published: January 2022

The authors would like to correct spelling mistakes (undenatured type II collagen) in the title, as well as in the main manuscript including the tables and figures in the title paper [...]
The Improved Milk Quality and Enhanced Anti-Inflammatory Effect in Acetylserotonin-O-methyltransferase (ASMT) Overexpressed Goats: An Association with the Elevated Endogenous Melatonin Production
Authors: Wu Hao , Cui Xudai , Guan Shengyu , Li Guangdong , Yao Yujun , Wu Haixin , Zhang Jinlong , Zhang Xiaosheng , Yu Tuan , Li Yunxiang , Lian Zhengxing , Zhang Lu , Liu Guoshi
Published: January 2022

Background: Transgenic animal production is an important means of livestock breeding and can be used to model pharmaceutical applications. Methods: In this study, to explore the biological activity of endogenously produced melatonin, Acetylserotonin-O-methyltransferase (ASMT)-overexpressed melatonin-enriched dairy goats were successfully generated through the use of pBC1-ASMT expression vector construction and prokaryotic embryo microinjection. Results: These transgenic goats have the same normal phenotype as the wild-type goats (WT). However, the melatonin levels in their blood and milk were significantly increased (p < 0.05). In addition, the quality of their milk was also improved, showing elevated protein content and a reduced somatic cell number compared to the WT goats. No significant changes were detected in the intestinal microbiota patterns between groups. When the animals were challenged by the intravenous injection of E. coli, the ASMT-overexpressed goats had a lower level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and higher anti-inflammatory cytokines compared to the WT goats. Metabolic analysis uncovered a unique arachidonic acid metabolism pattern in transgenic goats. Conclusions: The increased melatonin production due to ASMT overexpression in the transgenic goats may have contributed to their improved milk quality and enhanced the anti-inflammatory ability compared to the WT goats.
Multifunctional Eco-Friendly Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Al-Mohaimeed Amal Mohamed , Al-Onazi Wedad Altuhami , El-Tohamy Maha Farouk
Published: January 2022

This work describes an environmental-friendly preparation of ZnO nanoparticles using aqueous oat extract. The advanced electrochemical and optical features of green synthesized ZnONPs displayed excellent antibacterial activity and exhibited an important role in pharmaceutical determinations. The formation of nanoscale ZnO was confirmed using various spectroscopic and microscopic investigations. The formed nanoparticles were found to be around 100 nm. The as-prepared ZnONPs were monitored for their antibacterial potential against different bacterial strains. The inhibition zones for ZnONPs were found as Escherichia coli (16 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (12 mm) and Bacillus subtilis (11 mm) using a 30-µg mL−1 sample concentration. In addition, ZnONPs exhibited significant antioxidant effects, from 58 to 67%, with an average IC50 value of 0.88 ± 0.03 scavenging activity and from 53 to 71% (IC50 value of 0.73 ± 0.05) versus the scavenging free radicals DPPH and ABTS, respectively. The photocatalytic potential of ZnONPs for Rhodamine B dye degradation under UV irradiation was calculated. The photodegradation process was carried out as a function of time-dependent and complete degradation (nearly 98%), with color removal after 120 min. Conclusively, the synthesized ZnONPs using oat biomass might provide a great promise in the future for biomedical applications.
Beneficial Effects of Laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) and Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) Extract on Rat Health
Authors: Berendika Marija , Domjanić Drozdek Sandra , Odeh Dyana , Oršolić Nada , Dragičević Petar , Sokolović Marijana , Garofulić Ivona Elez , Đikić Domagoj , Jurčević Irena Landeka
Published: January 2022

Polyphenols of Laurel and Myrtle exhibit structural diversity, which affects bioavailability, metabolism, and bioactivity. The gut microbiota plays a key role in modulating the production, bioavailability and, thus the biological activities of phenolic metabolites, particularly after the intake of food containing high-molecular-weight polyphenols. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the polyphenolic components of Laurel and Myrtle aqueous extract have beneficial effects on rat health. The growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), β-glucuronidase, β-glucosidase, β-galactosidase activity, pH value, body weight change and food efficacy ratio after intragastric treatment of rats with Laurel and Myrtle extract at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg for two weeks were investigated. The endogenous populations of colonic probiotic bacteria (Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria) were counted on selective media. According to the obtained data, Laurel extract in the applied dose of 50 and 100 and Myrtle extract (100 mg/kg) positively affects the rats health by increasing the number of colonies of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria compared to the control group, causes changes in glycolytic enzymatic activity and minor change in antioxidative tissue activity. In addition, high doses of Laurel increase food efficiency ratio, while Myrtle has the same effect at a lower dose.
PCA-Assisted Raman Analysis of Osteonecrotic Human Femoral Heads
Authors: Ishimura Eiji , Zhu Wenliang , Marin Elia , Honma Taigi , Sugano Nobuhiko , Ando Wataru , Pezzotti Giuseppe
Published: January 2022

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) occurs frequently in adolescents and young adults and causes progressive deformation and destruction of the hip joint and impairs standing and walking, resulting in a significant decrease in the quality of life of patients. In addition, studies have shown that a history of corticosteroid administration and heavy alcohol consumption are closely related to the occurrence of ONFH. However, the detailed mechanism by which steroid administration and alcohol consumption are associated with the development of the disease is still unknown. With many researches still ongoing and without a clear biological pathway for osteonecrosis, effective preventive measures cannot be taken. Therefore, the current focus of ONFH treatment is to establish an early diagnosis and treatment strategy. We obtained the femoral heads of four patients with steroidal ONFH and three patients with alcoholic ONFH. We then compared the femoral heads of steroidal and alcoholic osteonecrosis by analyzing them at the molecular level by Raman spectroscopy. Crystallographic changes (deformations) in the mineral phase and fraction of organic material respect to the total mass were then plotted as a function. We found that changes in bone composition in ONFH were different in steroidal and alcoholic ONFH. We conclude that this suggests that the developmental mechanisms of steroidal and alcoholic ONFH may follow different paths. We also noticed that while steroid seem to lead to a more marked degradation of the tissue, alcohol seem to affect also the quality of the healthy tissue.
Multi-Channel High-Performance Absorber Based on SiC-Photonic Crystal Heterostructure-SiC Structure
Authors: Han Jing , Jiang Jijuan , Wu Tong , Gao Yang , Gao Yachen
Published: January 2022

The multi-channel high-efficiency absorber in the mid-infrared band has broad application prospects. Here, we propose an SiC-photonic crystal (PhC) heterostructure-SiC structure to realize the absorber. The absorption characteristics of the structure are studied theoretically. The results show that the structure can achieve high-efficiency multi-channel absorption in the mid-infrared range. The absorption peaks come from the coupling of the dual Tamm phonon polariton (TPhP) mode formed at the interface between the two SiC layers and the photonic crystal, and the optical Tamm state (OTS) mode formed in the PhC heterostructure. By adjusting the thickness of the air dielectric layer and the period of the PhC in the heterostructure, the mode coupling intensity can be regulated; thereby, the position and intensity of the absorption peak can be adjusted. In addition, the absorption peaks of TE and TM polarized light can be controlled by changing the incident angle. Adjusting the incident angle can also control the excitation and intensity of the epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) phonon polariton mode produced by TM polarized light. This kind of light absorber may have potential applications in sensors, filters, modulators, switches, thermal radiators, and so on.
Effects of Fe, Mn Individual Doping and (Fe, Mn) Co-Doping on Ferromagnetic Properties of Co2Si Powders
Authors: Zou Jiang , Wang Lifeng , He Juan , Wu Bo , Xie Quan
Published: January 2022

Magnetic materials are crucial energy materials that are widely used in day-to-day life. Therefore, the development and study of high-performance magnetic materials are of great significance. In this study, the magnetic materials Co66.6Si33.4, Co60.6X6Si33.4 (X = Fe, Mn), and Co60.6Fe3Mn3Si33.4 were prepared via the ball milling and sintering processes. Their crystal structures, electrical conductivity, and magnetic properties were investigated via the X-ray diffraction analysis and by using a resistivity tester, vibrating sample magnetometer, and vector network analyser. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that a single phase of Co66.6Si33.4 and its doped alloy powders were successfully obtained. The electrical conductivities of Mn6Co60.6Si33.4 and Fe3Mn3Co60.6Si33.4 were measured using a resistivity tester. The results indicate that Mn doping and Fe and Mn Co-doping enhanced the electrical conductivity of Co66.6Si33.4. The magnetic properties of Co66.6Si33.4 were determined using a vibrating sample magnetometer. We observed that the magnetic properties were enhanced after doping. Co60.6Fe3Mn3Si33.4 exhibited excellent magnetic properties. Further, its permeability was determined using a vector network analyser. At a low frequency, the u’ and u” values of Co60.6Fe6Si33.4 and Co60.6Fe3Mn3Si33.4 were enhanced; whereas, at a high frequency, after doping, the u’ and u” values changed only slightly. This study can be used as a basis for future studies on magnetic functional materials.
A Comprehensive Review of Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C3N4)–Metal Oxide-Based Nanocomposites: Potential for Photocatalysis and Sensing
Authors: Alaghmandfard Amirhossein , Ghandi Khashayar
Published: January 2022

g-C3N4 has drawn lots of attention due to its photocatalytic activity, low-cost and facile synthesis, and interesting layered structure. However, to improve some of the properties of g-C3N4, such as photochemical stability, electrical band structure, and to decrease charge recombination rate, and towards effective light-harvesting, g-C3N4–metal oxide-based heterojunctions have been introduced. In this review, we initially discussed the preparation, modification, and physical properties of the g-C3N4 and then, we discussed the combination of g-C3N4 with various metal oxides such as TiO2, ZnO, FeO, Fe2O3, Fe3O4, WO3, SnO, SnO2, etc. We summarized some of their characteristic properties of these heterojunctions, their optical features, photocatalytic performance, and electrical band edge positions. This review covers recent advances, including applications in water splitting, CO2 reduction, and photodegradation of organic pollutants, sensors, bacterial disinfection, and supercapacitors. We show that metal oxides can improve the efficiency of the bare g-C3N4 to make the composites suitable for a wide range of applications. Finally, this review provides some perspectives, limitations, and challenges in investigation of g-C3N4–metal-oxide-based heterojunctions.
An Artefactual Cluster of Mycobacterium abscessus Pneumonia among Cancer Patients Arising from Contamination
Authors: Diella Giusy , Caggiano Giuseppina , Triggiano Francesco , Lopuzzo Marco , Apollonio Francesca , Mastria Michele , Ronga Luigi , Bonadonna Lucia , Lucentini Luca , Pece Antonia , Milella Pietro , Montagna Maria Teresa
Published: January 2022

The Mycobacteriumabscessus complex (MABC) is a group of rapidly growing, nontuberculous mycobacteria that are ubiquitous in soil, urban water pipes, swimming pools, and drinking water. Members of the MABC are considered opportunistic pathogens. The aim of this study was to investigate the origins of MABC detected in broncho-lavage (BL) samples from asymptomatic cancer patients. We turned our attention to washing and disinfection procedures for bronchoscopes; we also assessed water and disinfectant samples. Of 10 BL and 34 environmental samples tested, four BL samples (40%) and seven environmental samples (20.6%) tested positive for MABC. We hypothesized that contamination could arise from the prewashing machine and/or the water used because no patient had clinical or radiological signs consistent with MABC respiratory tract infection. Our study highlights the importance of evaluating cleaning and disinfection procedures for endoscope channels to reduce the potential spread of microorganisms and artefactual results arising from contamination.
Application of Ion Beam Analysis in Studies of First Wall Materials in Controlled Fusion Devices
Authors: Rubel Marek , Widdowson Anna , Dittrich Laura , Moon Sunwoo , Weckmann Armin , Petersson Per
Published: January 2022

The paper provides a concise overview of ion beam analysis methods and procedures in studies of materials exposed to fusion plasmas in controlled fusion devices with magnetic confinement. An impact of erosion–deposition processes on the morphology of wall materials is presented. In particular, results for deuterium analyses are discussed. Underlying physics, advantages and limitations of methods are addressed. The role of wall diagnostics in studies of material migration and fuel retention is explained. A brief note on research and handling of radioactive and beryllium-contaminated materials is also given.
Synthesis and Characterization of Microwave-Assisted Copolymer Membranes of Poly(vinyl alcohol)-g-starch-methacrylate and Their Evaluation for Gas Transport Properties
Authors: Patil Mallikarjunagouda , Mathad Shridhar N. , Patil Arun Y. , Arshad Muhammad Nadeem , Alorfi Hajar Saeed , Puttegowda Madhu , Asiri Abdullah M. , Khan Anish , Azum Naved
Published: January 2022

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is an excellent membrane-forming polymer and can be modified with potato starch and methyl acrylate monomers to obtain copolymers with improved physical and chemical properties. The study presents the synthesis of poly(vinyl alcohol)-g-starch-poly(methyl acrylate) PVA-g-St-g-PMA copolymers using microwave irradiation technique and potassium persulfate initiator. Solution casting and solvent evaporation methods were adopted for the fabrication of polyvinyl alcohol-g-starch-acrylamide composite membranes. The synthesized graft copolymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermal analysis. The modified nanocomposite membranes were showed very promising results with the parameters permeability and selectivity. The nanocomposite membranes exhibited the advantages of easy handling and reuse.
Polymer-Based Nanofiber–Nanoparticle Hybrids and Their Medical Applications
Authors: Zhang Mingxin , Song Wenliang , Tang Yunxin , Xu Xizi , Huang Yingning , Yu Dengguang
Published: January 2022

The search for higher-quality nanomaterials for medicinal applications continues. There are similarities between electrospun fibers and natural tissues. This property has enabled electrospun fibers to make significant progress in medical applications. However, electrospun fibers are limited to tissue scaffolding applications. When nanoparticles and nanofibers are combined, the composite material can perform more functions, such as photothermal, magnetic response, biosensing, antibacterial, drug delivery and biosensing. To prepare nanofiber and nanoparticle hybrids (NNHs), there are two primary ways. The electrospinning technology was used to produce NNHs in a single step. An alternate way is to use a self-assembly technique to create nanoparticles in fibers. This paper describes the creation of NNHs from routinely used biocompatible polymer composites. Single-step procedures and self-assembly methodologies are used to discuss the preparation of NNHs. It combines recent research discoveries to focus on the application of NNHs in drug release, antibacterial, and tissue engineering in the last two years.
Effects of Different Ethanol/Diesel Blending Ratios on Combustion and Emission Characteristics of a Medium-Speed Diesel Engine
Authors: Wang Zhiqiang , Li Lijun
Published: January 2022

In order to better evaluate the effects of ethanol/diesel blends on engine combustion and emission characteristics, we developed an engine cylinder model using the software CONVERGE combined with the program CHEMKIN. The model was validated experimentally. A modified chemical kinetic mechanism was used to calculate the combustion process of diesel fuel and ethanol for the diesel engine, including 154 reactions and 68 species. Furthermore, the influence of different ethanol proportions on diesel engine combustion and emission characteristics, including power, brake specific fuel consumption, brake thermal efficiency, cylinder pressure, cylinder temperature, nitrogen oxide (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and soot emissions, was also investigated. Our results showed that cylinder pressure and temperature increased with increased ethanol content. When the ethanol content increased to 20% at 100% load, the cylinder pressure increased by 0.46%, and the thermal efficiency increased by 3.63%. However, due to the lower calorific value of ethanol, the power decreased by 4.12%, and the brake specific fuel consumption increased by 4.23%. In addition, the ethanol/diesel blends significantly reduced CO and soot emissions. Compared with diesel, soot and CO emissions from the D80E20 at 100% load reduced by 63.25% and 17.24%, respectively. However, NOx emission increased by 1.39%.
The Gospel’s Double Antisymmetry as the End-Point of the Development of Western Society
Authors: Pohar Borut
Published: January 2022

In this article, we addressed the question of whether the Gospel’s double antisymmetry can be found in reality as such and especially in Western society, which has obviously made developments in its history. Based on the conceptual analysis of language, we came to the conclusion that there are four layers of reality: the material world, lifeworld, material life and personal life. Through the analysis of individual layers of reality, we have come to the realization that they are characterized by the double antisymmetry (horizontal and vertical) spoken of in the Gospel. While the world (material and lived) is characterized by the primacy of parts over the whole, life (material and personal) is characterized by the primacy of the whole over the parts. Furthermore, if the material world and material life are characterized by the supremacy of the abstract over the concrete, the lifeworld and personal life are characterized by the supremacy of the concrete over the abstract. Based on examples from logic, science, and society, we also show how this antisymmetry manifests itself in concrete phenomena of everyday life and how it points to the gradual conversion of Western society, which is, according to our conclusion, becoming more and more like the People of God, the heir of the Kingdom of Heaven proclaimed by Jesus of Nazareth.
Nomads and Vagabond Monks: From the Text to the Reader in 18th Century Inner Asia
Authors: King Matthew William
Published: January 2022

Buddhist Studies scholarship in general, and its (re)turn to the literary specifically, is overwhelmingly concerned with texts and authors. But what can this research into “Buddhist texts” and “Buddhist authors”, however robust, ever reliably tell us if not accompanied by comparative inquiry into the destabilizing tactics of readers? This article first highlights analytical resources for a comparative history of reading Buddhist literature in Inner Asia by looking to the work of Michel de Certeau and Roger Chartier. I then turn to a case study of collaborative reading that developed across the contiguous monastic and imperial networks binding together Tibetan, Mongolian, Manchu, and Chinese readers at the turn of the 18th century. Focused specifically on letter exchanges between the polyglot scholars Güng Gombojab, Katok Tséwang Norbu, and Situ Paṇchen, I underscore how collaborative reading developed to open the literary heritage of trans-Eurasia beyond the technical abilities or material access of any single reader.
Analysis of Asymmetry in Active Split-Ring Resonators to Design Circulating-Current Eigenmode: Demonstration of Beamsteering and Focal-Length Control toward Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface
Authors: Kitayama Daisuke , Pander Adam , Takahashi Hiroyuki
Published: January 2022

In this work, toward an intelligent radio environment for 5G/6G, design methodologies of active split-ring resonators (SRRs) for more efficient dynamic control of metasurfaces are investigated. The relationship between the excitation of circulating-current eigenmode and the asymmetric structure of SRRs is numerically analyzed, and it is clarified that the excitation of the circulating-current mode is difficult when the level of asymmetry of the current path is decreased by the addition of large capacitance such as from semiconductor-based devices. To avoid change in the asymmetry, we incorporated an additional gap (slit) in the SRRs, which enabled us to excite the circulating-current mode even when a large capacitance was implemented. Prototype devices were fabricated according to this design methodology, and by the control of the intensity/phase distribution, the variable focal-length and beamsteering capabilities of the transmitted waves were demonstrated, indicating the high effectiveness of the design. The presented design methodology can be applied not only to the demonstrated case of discrete varactors, but also to various other active metamaterials, such as semiconductor-integrated types for operating in the millimeter and submillimeter frequency bands as potential candidates for future 6G systems.
Dynamic Asynchronous Anti Poisoning Federated Deep Learning with Blockchain-Based Reputation-Aware Solutions
Authors: Chen Zunming , Cui Hongyan , Wu Ensen , Yu Xi
Published: January 2022

As promising privacy-preserving machine learning technology, federated learning enables multiple clients to train the joint global model via sharing model parameters. However, inefficiency and vulnerability to poisoning attacks significantly reduce federated learning performance. To solve the aforementioned issues, we propose a dynamic asynchronous anti poisoning federated deep learning framework to pursue both efficiency and security. This paper proposes a lightweight dynamic asynchronous algorithm considering the averaging frequency control and parameter selection for federated learning to speed up model averaging and improve efficiency, which enables federated learning to adaptively remove the stragglers with low computing power, bad channel conditions, or anomalous parameters. In addition, a novel local reliability mutual evaluation mechanism is presented to enhance the security of poisoning attacks, which enables federated learning to detect the anomalous parameter of poisoning attacks and adjust the weight proportion of in model aggregation based on evaluation score. The experiment results on three datasets illustrate that our design can reduce the training time by 30% and is robust to the representative poisoning attacks significantly, confirming the applicability of our scheme.
MOSQUITO EDGE: An Edge-Intelligent Real-Time Mosquito Threat Prediction Using an IoT-Enabled Hardware System
Authors: Polineni Shyam , Shastri Om , Bagchi Avi , Gnanakumar Govind , Rasamsetti Sujay , Sundaravadivel Prabha
Published: January 2022

Species distribution models (SDMs) that use climate variables to make binary predictions are effective tools for niche prediction in current and future climate scenarios. In this study, a Hutchinson hypervolume is defined with temperature, humidity, air pressure, precipitation, and cloud cover climate vectors collected from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that were matched to mosquito presence and absence points extracted from NASA’s citizen science platform called GLOBE Observer and the National Ecological Observatory Network. An 86% accurate Random Forest model that operates on binary classification was created to predict mosquito threat. Given a location and date input, the model produces a threat level based on the number of decision trees that vote for a presence label. The feature importance chart and regression show a positive, linear correlation between humidity and mosquito threat and between temperature and mosquito threat below a threshold of 28 °C. In accordance with the statistical analysis and ecological wisdom, high threat clusters in warm, humid regions and low threat clusters in cold, dry regions were found. With the model running on the cloud and within ArcGIS Dashboard, accurate and granular real-time threat level predictions can be made at any latitude and longitude. A device leveraging Global Positioning System (GPS) smartphone technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) to collect and analyze data on the edge was developed. The data from the edge device along with its respective date and location collected are automatically inputted into the aforementioned Random Forest model to provide users with a real-time threat level prediction. This inexpensive hardware can be used in developing countries that are threatened by vector-borne diseases or in remote areas without cloud connectivity. Such devices can be linked with citizen science mosquito data platforms to build training datasets for machine learning based SDMs.
Physics-Based Forward Modeling of Ocean Surface Swell Effects on SMAP L1-C NRCS Observations
Authors: Wijesundara Shanka N. , Johnson Joel T.
Published: January 2022

This paper examines the impact of ocean surface swell waves on near-coastal L-band high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data collected using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Soil Moisture Active/Passive (SMAP) radar at 40° incidence angle. The two-scale model and a more efficient off-nadir approximation of the second-order small-slope-approximation are used for co- and cross-polarized backscatter normalized radar cross-section (NRCS) predictions of the ocean surface, respectively. Backscatter NRCS predictions are modeled using a combined wind and swell model where wind-driven surface roughness is characterized using the Durden–Vesecky directional spectrum, while swell effects are represented through their contribution to the long wave slope variance (mean-square slopes, or MSS). The swell-only MSS is numerically computed based on a model defined using the JONSWAP spectrum with parameters calculated using the National Data Buoy Center and Wave Watch III data. The backscatter NRCS model is further refined to include fetch-limited and low-wind corrections. The results show an improved agreement between modeled and observed HH-polarized backscatter NRCS when swell effects are included and indicate a relatively larger swell impact on L-band compared to higher radar frequencies. Preliminary investigations into the potential swell retrieval capabilities in the form of excess MSS are encouraging, however further refinements are required to make broadly applicable conclusions.