bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Raising the Oxidation Resistance of Low-Alloyed Mg-Ca Alloys Through a Preheating Treatment in an Argon Atmosphere
Authors: Liu Siyuan , Apell Jonathan , Liu Zhihui , Liu Guojun , Lang Xingyou , Zhu Yongfu , Jiang Qing
Published: November 2024

With the rise and development of aerospace, communications, electronics, medical, transportation and other fields, magnesium (Mg) and its alloys have attracted much attention for their high specific strength and stiffness, good electromagnetic shielding properties, excellent damping properties and other advantages. However, magnesium has a high affinity for oxygen, producing magnesium oxide (MgO), and MgO’s Pilling–Bedworth ratio (PBR) of 0.81 is not protective. The occurrence of catastrophic oxidation is unavoidable with the increase of oxidation time and temperature. A promising approach is to perform an appropriate pretreatment in conjunction with alloying to obtain a dense and compact composite protective film. In this work, the effect of a preheating treatment on the oxidation resistance (OR) of Mg-xCa (x = 1, 3 and 5 wt. %) was investigated. The preheating was carried out in an Ar atmosphere at 400 °C for 8 h. Upon it, a dense and compact MgO/CaO composite protective film was formed on the surface, which is CaO-rich especially in the vicinity to the surface. The alloys’ oxidation resistance was strongly increased due to the composite protective film formed during the preheating treatment, in particular for Mg-3Ca. Relative to the Mg-hcp phase, the OR of the Mg2Ca phase was significantly raised.
Biodegradable Polyurethane Foams Based on Polyols Obtained from Cellulose and Its Hydroxypropyl Derivative
Authors: Lubczak Renata , Kus-Liśkiewicz Małgorzata , Lubczak Jacek , Szpiłyk Marzena , Broda Daniel , Bobko Ewa
Published: November 2024

Three methods of cellulose-derived polyol synthesis were elaborated. The suitable substrates were (hydroxypropyl)cellulose or cellulose, which were hydroxyalkylated in reactions with glycidol and ethylene carbonate in triethylene glycol or in water. The products were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, and MALDI ToF spectroscopies. For all polyols, IR spectra showed strong bands at 1060 cm−1 from the ether group formed upon the ring opening of GL and EC. The polyol obtained from (hydroxypropyl)cellulose in the triethylene glycol solvent was accompanied by oligomeric products of glycol hydroxyalkylation and oligomeric glycidol. The polyol obtained by the hydroxyalkylation of cellulose with glycidol and ethylene carbonate in the water contained units of hydroxyalkylated cellulose and products of hydroxyalkylation of water. The physical properties of the obtained polyols, like density, viscosity, and surface tension, were determined. The polyols were then used to obtain rigid polyurethane foams. The foams have apparent density, water uptake, and polymerization shrinkage similar to classic rigid PUFs. The foams showed advantageous thermal resistance in comparison with classic ones. After thermal exposure, their compressive strength improved. The biodegradation of the obtained materials was tested by a respirometric method in standard soil conditions by the measurement of biological oxygen demand and also using the cellulases or the enzymes responsible for cellulose degradation. It has been found that polyols are totally biodegradable within one month of exposure, while the foams obtained thereof are at least 50% biodegraded in the same conditions. The enzymatic biodegradation of the PUFs by the action of microbial cellulase was confirmed.
Investigation of Electromagnetic Wave Propagation in Photonic-like Welded Materials Using the Finite Element Method
Authors: Basmaci Ayse Nihan , Filiz Seckin
Published: November 2024

In this study, two identical and two dissimilar materials are conjoined by applying the friction welding method to yield various rods. This investigation’s primary focus entails examining the repercussions associated with the heat-affected zone (HAZ) arising from elevated temperatures at the welding interfaces on the propagation of electromagnetic (EM) waves within the resultant structures. The study incorporates the photonic crystal approach in conjunction with Maxwell’s equations, and the subsequent solution of the latter is executed using the finite element method. The subdivision of the structures into fifteen elements is predicated upon the assumption of the electromagnetic wave number of the m-th segment, km, of discrete segments. The finite element method is then administered to the HAZ regions of the structures, wherein the HAZ is discretised into one, three, and five elements, respectively.
Transforming Food Biowaste into Selective and Reusable Adsorbents for Pesticide Removal from Water
Authors: Milanković Vedran , Tasić Tamara , Brković Snežana , Potkonjak Nebojša , Unterweger Christoph , Pašti Igor A. , Lazarević-Pašti Tamara
Published: November 2024

With growing concerns regarding environmental pollution and the need for sustainable waste management practices, this study investigates the potential of utilizing spent coffee grounds (SCG) as a precursor for producing functional carbon materials aimed at organophosphorus pesticide remediation under environmentally relevant conditions. Carbonization of SCG is followed by various activation methods, including treatment with potassium hydroxide, phosphoric acid, and carbon dioxide, individually or in combination. The resulting biochars are systematically analyzed for their adsorption performance towards malathion and chlorpyrifos. Screening tests revealed a selective adsorption preference towards aromatic chlorpyrifos over aliphatic malathion. Activation processes significantly influence adsorption kinetics and efficiency, with physical activation showing notable adsorption rates and capacity enhancements. Moreover, the SCG-derived biochars exhibit a pronounced dependency on adsorption temperature. Adsorption, regeneration, and reuse of the most promising material are tested in a real, spiked tap water sample, proving that the presence of ions in tap water did not affect the adsorption and that the material has the potential to be reused more than ten times. This work proposes a straightforward approach for recycling SCG by converting it into functional carbon materials, underscoring the importance of selecting the appropriate activation processes and conditions for practical applications in pesticide remediation.
Boundedness of Differential of Symplectic Vortices in Open Cylinder Model
Authors: Her Hai-Long
Published: November 2024

Let G be a compact connected Lie group, (X,ω,μ) a Hamiltonian G-manifold with moment map μ, and Z a codimension-2 Hamiltonian G-submanifold of X. We study the boundedness of the differential of symplectic vortices (A,u) near Z, where A is a connection 1-form of a principal G-bundle P over a punctured Riemann surface Σ˚, and u is a G-equivariant map from P to an open cylinder model near Z. We show that if the total energy of a family of symplectic vortices on Σ˚≅[0,+∞)×S1 is finite, then the A-twisted differential dAu(r,θ) is uniformly bounded for all (r,θ)∈[0,+∞)×S1.
GPU Accelerating Algorithms for Three-Layered Heat Conduction Simulations
Authors: Murúa Nicolás , Coronel Aníbal , Tello Alex , Berres Stefan , Huancas Fernando
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we consider the finite difference approximation for a one-dimensional mathematical model of heat conduction in a three-layered solid with interfacial conditions for temperature and heat flux between the layers. The finite difference scheme is unconditionally stable, convergent, and equivalent to the solution of two linear algebraic systems. We evaluate various methods for solving the involved linear systems by analyzing direct and iterative solvers, including GPU-accelerated approaches using CuPy and PyCUDA. We evaluate performance and scalability and contribute to advancing computational techniques for modeling complex physical processes accurately and efficiently.
Dynamic Data-Driven Deterioration Model for Sugarcane Shredder Hammers Oriented to Lifetime Extension
Authors: Rodriguez-Obando Diego , Rosero-García Javier , Rosero Esteban
Published: November 2024

Several sugar mills operate as waste-to-energy plants. The shredder is the initial high-energy machine in the production chain and prepares sugarcane. Its hammers, essential spare parts, require continuous replacement. Then, the search for intelligent strategies to extend the lifetime of these hammers is fundamental. This paper presents (a) a dynamic data-driven model for estimating the deterioration and predicting remaining life of the sugarcane shredder hammers during operation, for which the real data of the entering sugarcane flow and the power required to prepare the sugarcane are analyzed, and (b) a management architecture intended for online decision-making assistance to extend the hammers’ life by making a trade-off between the desired lifetime, along with a nominal shredder work satisfaction criterion. The deterioration model is validated with real data achieving an accuracy of 84.41%. The remaining life prognostic is within a confidence zone calculated from the historical sugarcane flow, with a probability close to 99%, fitting a lognormal probability distribution. A numerical example is also provided to illustrate a closed loop control, where the proposed architecture is used to extend the useful life of the hammers during operation, adjusting the incoming sugarcane flow while maintaining the nominal work satisfaction of the shredder.
A Finite-Time Disturbance Observer for Tracking Control of Nonlinear Systems Subject to Model Uncertainties and Disturbances
Authors: Nguyen Manh Hung , Ahn Kyoung Kwan
Published: November 2024

In this study, a finite-time disturbance observer (FTDOB) with a new structure is originally put forward for the motion tracking problem of a class of nonlinear systems subject to model uncertainties and exogenous disturbances. Compared to existing disturbance estimator designs in the literature, in which the estimation error only converges to the origin asymptotically under assumptions that the first and/or second derivatives are vanishing, the suggested DOB is able to estimate the disturbance exactly in finite time. Firstly, uncertainties (parametric and unstructured uncertainties), unknown dynamics, and external disturbances in system dynamics are lumped into a generalized disturbance term that is subsequently estimated by the proposed DOB. Based on this, a DOB-based backstepping controller is synthesized to ensure high-accuracy tracking performance under various working conditions. The stability analysis of not only the DOB but also the overall closed-loop system is theoretically confirmed by the Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, the advantages of the proposed FTDOB and the FTDOB-based controller over other DOBs and existing DOB-based controllers are explicitly simultaneously demonstrated by a series of numerical simulations on a second-order mechanical system and comparative experiments on an actual DC motor system.
Nonparametric Predictive Inference for Discrete Lifetime Data
Authors: Coolen Frank P. A. , Coolen-Maturi Tahani , Mahnashi Ali M. Y.
Published: November 2024

This paper presents nonparametric predictive inference for discrete lifetime data. While lifetimes are mostly treated as continuous random variables in statistics, there are scenarios where time observations are recorded as discrete values, for example, in actuary, where lifetimes are often recorded as integers in years. The presented method provides lower and upper probabilities for a variety of events of interest involving discrete lifetimes, with examples provided for illustration. Furthermore, the discrete-time situation is considered for inference of the reliability of systems, with discrete-time data for components of different types and using the survival signature to combine inference on components’ reliability to quantify the overall system reliability.
Efficient Multiplicative Calculus-Based Iterative Scheme for Nonlinear Engineering Applications
Authors: Shams Mudassir , Kausar Nasreen , Șomîtcă Ioana Alexandra
Published: November 2024

It is essential to solve nonlinear equations in engineering, where accuracy and precision are critical. In this paper, a novel family of iterative methods for finding the simple roots of nonlinear equations based on multiplicative calculus is introduced. Based on theoretical research, a novel family of simple root-finding schemes based on multiplicative calculus has been devised, with a convergence order of seven. The symmetry in the pie graph of the convergence–divergence areas demonstrates that the method is stable and consistent when dealing with nonlinear engineering problems. An extensive examination of the numerical results of the engineering applications is presented in order to assess the effectiveness, stability, and consistency of the recently established method in comparison to current methods. The analysis includes the total number of functions and derivative evaluations per iteration, elapsed time, residual errors, local computational order of convergence, and error graphs, which demonstrate our method’s better convergence behavior when compared to other approaches.
New Results on Graph Matching from Degree-Preserving Growth
Authors: Erdős Péter L. , Kharel Shubha R. , Mezei Tamás Róbert , Toroczkai Zoltán
Published: November 2024

The recently introduced model in S. R. Kharel et al.’s study [Degree-preserving network growth. Nature Physics 2022, 18, 100–106] uses matchings to insert new vertices of prescribed degrees into the current graph of an ever-growing graph sequence. The process depends both on the size of the largest available matching, which is the focus of this paper, as well as on the actual choice of the matching. Here, we first show that the question of whether a graphic degree sequence, extended with a new degree 2δ, remains graphic is equivalent to the existence of a realization of the original degree sequence with a matching of size δ. Secondly, we present lower bounds for the size of the maximum matchings in any realization of the degree sequence. We then study the bounds on the size of maximal matchings in some realizations of the sequence, known as the potential matching number. We also estimate the minimum size of both maximal and maximum matchings, as determined by the degree sequence, independently of graphical realizations. Along this line we answer a question raised by T. Biedl et al.: Tight bounds on maximal and maximum matchings. Discrete Mathematics 2004, 285, 7–15.
Carbon Asset Management Mode Selection for Capital-Constrained Enterprises
Authors: Lang Yutong , Ji Xiaoyu , Wang Yingtong , He Yingfu
Published: November 2024

Carbon asset management has become an important way to reduce carbon costs. There are three main carbon asset management modes, including carbon quota compliance, carbon asset autonomous management, and custody. A key challenge faced by capital-constrained enterprises is how to scientifically select a carbon asset management mode based on actual needs. This paper considers the impacts of setup costs of carbon asset management departments, carbon asset appreciation, custody costs, and revenue sharing, maximizes the enterprises’ profits, develops optimization models for three modes, and provides the optimal low-carbon production strategies. This paper provides evidence for enterprises to choose optimal modes under different capital levels and carbon emissions by comparing modes. The conclusions are as follows. When setup costs are low, the carbon asset autonomous management mode is suggested for the optimal profit. With higher setup costs, either carbon asset compliance or custody mode is recommended. Under abundant capital, the carbon asset custody mode is suggested. Given a certain amount of capital and low setup costs, high-emission enterprises are encouraged to adopt the carbon asset autonomous management mode for a win–win of profits and carbon emissions. The carbon asset custody and compliance modes are suggested for medium-emission and low-emission enterprises, respectively.
New Polyhydroxysteroid Glycosides with Antioxidant Activity from the Far Eastern Sea Star Ceramaster patagonicus
Authors: Malyarenko Timofey V. , Zakharenko Viktor M. , Kicha Alla A. , Ponomarenko Arina I. , Manzhulo Igor V. , Kalinovsky Anatoly I. , Popov Roman S. , Dmitrenok Pavel S. , Ivanchina Natalia V.
Published: November 2024

Four new glycosides of polyhydroxysteroids, ceramasterosides A, B, D, and E (1–4), and two previously known compounds, ceramasteroside C1 (5) and attenuatoside B-I (6), were isolated from an extract of a deep-sea sea star species, the orange cookie star Ceramaster patagonicus. The structures of 1–4 were elucidated by the extensive NMR and ESIMS methods. Steroid monoglycosides 1 and 2 had a common 3β,6α,8,15β,16β-pentahydroxysteroid nucleus and a C–29 oxidized stigmastane side chain and differed from each other only in monosaccharide residues. Ceramasteroside A (1) contained 3-O-methyl-4-O-sulfated β-D-xylopyranose, while ceramasteroside B (2) had 3-O-methyl-4-O-sulfated β-D-glucopyranose, recorded from starfish-derived steroid glycosides for the first time. Their biological activity was studied using a model of lipopolysaccharide-induced (LPS) inflammation in a SIM-A9 murine microglial cell line. During the LPS-induced activation of microglial cells, 1, 3, and 5, at a non-toxic concentration of 1 µM, showed the highest efficiency in reducing the production of intracellular NO, while 4 proved to be most efficient in reducing the extracellular nitrite production. All the test compounds reduced the LPS-induced malondialdehyde (MDA) production. The in vitro experiments have demonstrated, for the first time, the antioxidant activity of the compounds under study.
The Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Sugammadex and Neostigmine in Reversing Neuromuscular Blockade Inpatients with Obesity Undergoing Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis
Authors: Wang Shuangwen , Dong Yanjie , Wang Shuangcheng , Han Yang , Li Qian
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is practiced worldwide. Sugammadex was proven to have multiple benefits in reversing neuromuscular blockade (NMB) for patients with obesity undergoing MBS, but its effects on complications of various systems are not clear and concrete. Materials and Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted as per the PRISMA guidelines and registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42023491171). A systematic search was conducted in multiple databases for studies comparing sugammadex with neostigmine in MBS. Continuous data are reported as mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Dichotomous data are reported as relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs. A two-sided p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed to evaluate the reliability of the conclusions. Results: Nine studies with 633 patients met the inclusion criteria. Compared with those from the neostigmine group, patients from the sugammadex group were characterized by a significantly shorter recovery time from the administration of the study drug to a train-of-four (TOF) ratio of ≥90% (MD [95% CI]: −15.40 [−26.64; −4.15]; I2 = 96.6%; p = 0.0073; n = 380; random effects model), a lower risk of postoperative residual curarization (PORC) (RR [95% CI]: 0.18 [0.09; 0.38]; p < 0.0001; I2 = 27.9%; n = 344; common effect model), postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) (RR [95% CI]: 0.67 [0.48; 0.93]; p = 0.0164; I2 = 0%; n = 335; common effect model), and cardiovascular complications (RR [95% CI]: 0.48 [0.26; 0.88]; p = 0.0186; I2 = 14.7%; n = 178; common effect model). TSA confirmed the conclusions regarding the recovery time and PORC risk. Conclusions: In conclusion, our systemic review and meta-analysis with TSA revealed that sugammadex provided a faster and more reliable choice to reverse NMB in patients with obesity undergoing MBS, with a lower risk of PORC. Sugammadex reduced the risk of cardiovascular complications and postoperative nausea and vomiting. However, the conclusions were not confirmed, and, so, further studies may be necessary.
Diagnostic Value of Serum Sodium Level and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Predicting Severity of Acute Appendicitis: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Two-Center Study
Authors: Senol Serdar , Kusak Mustafa , Özdemir Dursun Burak , Sendil Ahmet Murat
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: The best way to distinguish complicated acute appendicitis (CAA) from uncomplicated acute appendicitis (UCAA) is still under debate. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential use of the serum sodium (Na+) level and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) to distinguish CAA from UCAA and to evaluate whether CAA is more reliably diagnosed using these two variables together. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional, two-center study of patients diagnosed with AA between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2023. The demographic and analytical variables were analyzed. The NLR was defined as the quotient between the absolute values of neutrophils and lymphocytes. Hyponatremia was defined as a serum Na+ level of ≤135 mmol/L. The sensitivity and specificity of the NLR and the serum Na+ level in the diagnosis of CAA were determined by assessing the receiver operating characteristic curves. Results: Among the patients who underwent an appendectomy, 3066 histologically confirmed AA cases were identified and included in this study. The registered data revealed that 348 (11.3%) patients had CAA, and the remaining 2718 (88.7%) patients had UCAA. The mean ages were 49.47 ± 18.97 and 38.16 ± 14.50, respectively (p < 0.001). The analysis revealed an exponential correlation between the NLR and the serum Na+ level with a moderate degree of agreement with CAA (Cohen’s Kappa: 0.461, p < 0.001). For CAA, using the NLR and the serum Na+ level, the areas under the curve and the cutoffs were 0.664, 4.2 with a confidence interval (CI) of 0.647–0.681 and 0.727, 135 mmol/L with a CI of 0.711–0.742, respectively; all these values were significant with a p-value of <0.001. Conclusions: Although the serum Na+ level is a more effective marker than the NLR, using these two variables together can help detect high-risk patients who may benefit from early management by limiting delays in surgery.
Predictive and Prognostic Value of Inflammatory and Nutritional Indexes in Patients with Breast Cancer Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Arici Mustafa Ozgur , Kivrak Salim Derya , Kocer Murat , Alparslan Ahmet Sukru , Karakas Baris Rafet , Ozturk Banu
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) improves survival by increasing pathologic complete response (pCR). Blood-based indexes have been studied in breast cancer for predicting pCR and prognosis, but the results are conflicting. We aimed to assess the impact of inflammatory and nutritional indexes on pCR and survival. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 304 patients. Pre-NAC laboratory data were used to calculate their neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (NLR), pan-immune inflammation values (PIV), lactate dehydrogenase–albumin ratios (LAR), and prognostic nutritional indexes. The optimal cut-off values were determined through an analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to reveal the factors predicting pCR. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were conducted to identify prognostic factors predicting survival. Results: The median follow-up was 38.5 months. pCR was achieved in 41.4% of the patients. In the univariate analyses, the NLR (p = 0.032) and PIV (p = 0.002) were indexes associated with pCR. In the multivariate analysis, the PIV (p = 0.008) was the only index significantly correlated with pCR. According to the multivariate Cox regression analyses, clinical stage 3 (p = 0.032), a pathologic response other than pCR (p = 0.021), and a high LAR (≥4.72) (p = 0.002) were correlated with increased recurrence risk. The univariate Cox regression analyses revealed that failure to achieve pCR (p = 0.037) and the presence of a high LAR (p = 0.044) were significant predictors of overall survival. However, the multivariate analyses failed to identify any significant predictors of death. Conclusions: We found that the PIV was more effective than the other indexes in predicting pCR. To our knowledge, this study is the first to determine an association between the LAR and disease-free survival in patients with breast cancer receiving NAC. We concluded that a high LAR was a poor prognostic factor, especially in patients without a pCR. Therefore, close postoperative monitoring and the intensification of adjuvant treatment should be considered for these patients. However, further studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Combined Effects of Surface Roughness, Solubility Parameters, and Hydrophilicity on Biofouling of Reverse Osmosis Membranes
Authors: AlQasas Neveen , Johnson Daniel
Published: November 2024

The fouling of protein on the surface of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes is a surface phenomenon strongly dependent on the physical and chemical characteristics of both the membrane surface and the foulant molecule. Much of the focus on fouling mitigation is on the synthesis of more hydrophilic membrane materials. However, hydrophilicity is only one of several factors affecting foulant attachment. A more systematic and rationalized methodology is needed to screen the membrane materials for the synthesis of fouling-resistant materials, which will ensure the prevention of the accumulation of foulants on the membrane surfaces, avoiding the trial and error methodology used in most membrane synthesis in the literature. If a clear correlation is found between various membrane surface properties, in combination or singly, and the amount of fouling, this will facilitate the establishment of a systematic strategy of screening materials and enhance the selection of membrane materials and therefore will reflect on the efficiency of the membrane process. In this work, eight commercial reverse osmosis membranes were tested for bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein fouling. The work here focused on three surface membrane properties: the surface roughness, the water contact angle (hydrophilicity), and finally the Hansen solubility parameter (HSP) distance between the foulant understudy (BSA protein) and the membrane surface. The HSP distance was investigated as it represented the affinities of materials to each other, and therefore, it was believed to have an important contribution to the tendency of foulant to stick to the surface of the membrane. The results showed that the surface roughness and the HSP distance contributed to membrane fouling more than the hydrophilicity. We recommend taking into account the HSP distance between the membrane material and foulants when selecting membrane materials.
Optimized Build Orientation and Laser Scanning Strategies for Reducing Thermal Residual Stress in Topology-Optimized Automotive Components
Authors: Yang Jeongho , Jung Youngsuk , Jung Jaewoong , Ock Jae Dong , Cho Shinhu , Park Sang Hu , Lee Tae Hee , Park Jiyong
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the reduction in thermal residual stress during the powder bed fusion (PBF) process in a non-standardized shape generated by topology optimization method in lightweight automotive part of brake caliper. While the caliper of the braking system for reducing the CO2 consumption in vehicle systems undergoes a redesign to increased strength and reduced weight, challenges arise due to biased melting area ratios in the topologically optimized design, causing the thermal deformation. To address this, our research proposes an efficient PBF scan strategy aimed at minimizing anisotropy and residual stress—a critical consideration for successful manufacturing. The effectiveness of the laser scan strategy is validated through testing on a brake dynamometer, following the JASO C406 test procedure, an authorized standard for commercial brake calipers. Furthermore, a comparative analysis between the conventional product and the proposed brake caliper highlights superior performance, particularly under lightweight conditions. This comprehensive approach contributes valuable insights to the field, offering a potential solution for overcoming manufacturing challenges associated with topologically optimized designs in automotive components.
Untargeted and Targeted Lipidomics Unveil Dynamic Lipid Metabolism Alterations in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Feng Li , He Bingshu , Xia Jianzhen , Wang Zhonghua
Published: November 2024

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic disorder with a growing body of evidence suggesting the central role of lipid metabolism in its pathogenesis. However, the dynamic changes in lipid metabolism across different stages of T2DM remain understudied. Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the temporal alterations in lipid metabolism in T2DM using an integrated lipidomics approach. Method: Serum samples from 155 subjects were analyzed using LC-MS-based lipidomics, including untargeted and targeted approaches. Results: We identified significant alterations in 44 lipid metabolites in newly diagnosed T2DM patients and 29 in high-risk individuals, compared with healthy controls. Key metabolic pathways such as sphingomyelin, phosphatidylcholine, and sterol ester metabolism were disrupted, highlighting the involvement of insulin resistance and oxidative stress in T2DM progression. Moreover, 13 lipid metabolites exhibited diagnostic potential for T2DN, showing consistent trends of increase or decrease as the disease progressed. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the importance of lipid metabolism in T2D development and identify potential lipid biomarkers for early diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression, which contribute to paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies.
Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi—Untargeted Metabolomics Approach to Investigate the Chemical Variation in Volatile and Non-Volatile Compounds
Authors: Carneiro Mara Junqueira , Pinheiro Guilherme Perez , Antunes Elisa Ribeiro Miranda , Hantao Leandro Wang , Moritz Thomas , Sawaya Alexandra Christine Helena Frankland
Published: November 2024

Context: Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi is used in Brazilian folk medicine due to the wound healing and antiseptic properties of its bark, and its fruit are used as a condiment. However, the aerial parts of this plant have been studied and present some bioactive compounds as well. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the variation in volatile and non-volatile composition of S. terebinthifolia leaves using untargeted metabolomics. Material and Methods: The leaves of four trees were collected over one year; ethanolic extracts were analyzed by UHPLC-MS and fresh leaves were analyzed by GC-MS using HS-SPME. The data were processed using online software. Results: The results suggest seasonality interfered little with the chemical composition of leaves. On the other hand, the sex of the plant clearly determined the chemical composition of both volatile and non-volatile compounds. Discussion and conclusions: Chemical variability between plants with male and female flowers is fundamental information for the standardized use of its leaves. Compounds with important biological activities were putatively identified, confirming the potential use of S. terebinthifolia leaves as a source of bioactive compounds, reducing waste and increasing economic gains for local farmers throughout the year.
Fermented Rice Bran Mitigated the Syndromes of Type 2 Diabetes in KK-Ay Mice Model
Authors: Agista Afifah Zahra , Kato Ami , Goto Tomoko , Koseki Takuya , Oikawa Akira , Ohsaki Yusuke , Yamaki Michiko , Yeh Chiu-Li , Yang Suh-Ching , Ardiansyah  , Budijanto Slamet , Komai Michio , Shirakawa Hitoshi
Published: November 2024

Background: Diabetes is a devastating disease that causes millions of deaths. Fermented rice bran (FRB), made by fermenting rice bran with Aspergillus kawachii and a mixture of lactic acid bacteria, was hypothesized to b able to improve diabetes-related symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the effects of FRB supplementation in mitigating type 2 diabetes symptoms and identifying FRB bioactive compounds. Methods: In this study, KK-Ay mice (4 w.o. male) were used as a model for type 2 diabetes. Mice were divided into three different groups. The first group received a control diet, the second received a 12.5% non-fermented rice bran (RB) supplemented diet, and the last group was fed a 12.5% FRB-supplemented diet. Supplementation was done for 4 weeks. Results: FRB supplementation lowered the blood glucose level, OGTT, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, liver RAGE protein, and glucokinase in KK-Ay mice. Metabolome analysis of RB and FRB showed that fermentation increased bioactive compounds in rice bran, such as GABA, L-theanine, and carnitine. It also increased the levels of various free amino acids while converting some amino acids such as arginine, tyrosine, and tryptophan into other metabolites. Conclusions: This research showed the potency of FRB supplementation as a preventive agent against type 2 diabetes.
Fabrication of Radial Array Transducers Using 1-3 Composite via a Bending and Superposition Technique
Authors: Li Chong , Zhu Jing , Chen Ruimin
Published: November 2024

Piezoelectric composite materials, combining the advantages of both piezoelectric materials and polymers, have been extensively used in ultrasonic transducers. However, the pitch size of radial array ultrasonic transducers normally exceeds one wavelength, which limits their performance. In order to minimize grating lobes of current radial transducers and then increase their imaging resolution, a 2.5 MHz 1-3 composite radial array transducer with 64 elements and 600 μm pitch was designed and fabricated by combining flexible circuit board and using a bending-and-superposition method. All the array elements were connected and actuated via the customized circuit board which is thin and soft. The kerf size is set to be 1/3 wavelength. PZT-5H/epoxy 1-3 composite was used as an active material because it exhibits an ultrahigh electromechanical coupling coefficient (kt = 0.74), a very low mechanical quality factor (Qm = 11), and relatively low acoustic impedance (Zc = 13.43 MRayls). The developed radial array transducer exhibited a center frequency of 2.72 MHz, an average −6 dB bandwidth of 36%, an insertion loss of 31.86 dB, and a crosstalk of −26.56 dB between the adjacent elements near the center frequency. These results indicate that the bending-and-superposition method is an effective way to fabricate radial array transducers by binding flexible circuit boards. Furthermore, the utilization of tailored flexible circuitry boards presents an effective approach for realizing reductions in crosstalk level (CTL).
Design of Magnetic Fluid-Enhanced Optical Fiber Polarization Filter
Authors: Chen Haixu , Zhang Lianzhen , Ding Xin
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we demonstrated a method of filling the air holes of a photonic crystal fiber (PCF), coated with gold film, with magnetic fluid (MF) to enhance the Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). The simulation results show that at the wavelength of 1260–1675 nm, the minimum loss coefficient of the y-polarization mode is 4.7 times that before filling with MF, and the x-polarization mode is 0.45 times greater. Then, based on this method, we designed a polarizing filter with a core diameter of 9 µm. The numerical simulation results indicate that it not only maintains the same core diameter as the single-mode fiber, but also has a larger bandwidth and a higher extinction ratio (ER). Additionally, we can optimize its ER at a specific wavelength by adjusting the magnetic field.
Effects of Prospective Audit and Feedback in Patients with Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Bacteremia
Authors: Yamada Yota , Miyazaki Motoyasu , Kushima Hisako , Hirata Hitomi , Ogawa Arata , Komiya Yukie , Hagiwara Chika , Nakashima Akio , Ishii Hiroshi , Imakyure Osamu
Published: November 2024

Antimicrobial stewardship (AS) Guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America recommend employing prospective audit and feedback (PAF) as an effective intervention in AS programs. Since July 2022, our hospital has implemented PAF for all patients with positive blood cultures, including those with extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (EC) bacteremia. Our study examined the effect of PAF on clinical outcomes in patients with ESBL-EC bacteremia. We enrolled 62 patients diagnosed with ESBL-EC via blood culture who were undergoing antibiotic treatment. The patients were divided into the pre-PAF and post-PAF implementation groups. The rate of antibiotic de-escalation from broad-spectrum antibiotics to narrow-spectrum cefmetazole was significantly higher in the post-PAF group than in the pre-PAF group (80.7% vs. 32.4%, p = 0.0003). The treatment failure rate in the pre-PAF group was higher than that in the post-PAF group (38.7% vs. 12.9%, p = 0.04). The results of this study indicate that the implementation of PAF is advantageous not only in terms of process indicators but also in improved clinical outcomes, including reduced treatment failure rates. We hope that this study will encourage the implementation of PAF in more facilities to instigate a collective effort to reduce the incidence of antimicrobial resistance.
Creation of Cellulolytic Communities of Soil Microorganisms—A Search for Optimal Approaches
Authors: Zverev Aleksei O. , Kimeklis Anastasiia K. , Orlova Olga V. , Lisina Tatiana O. , Kichko Arina A. , Pinaev Alexandr G. , Lapidus Alla L. , Abakumov Evgeny V. , Andronov Evgeny E.
Published: November 2024

For the targeted selection of microbial communities that provide cellulose degradation, soil samples containing cellulolytic microorganisms and specific plant residues as a substrate can be used. The details of this process have not been studied: in particular, whether the use of different soils determines the varying efficiency of communities; whether these established cellulolytic communities will have substrate specificity, and other factors. To answer these questions, four soil microbial communities with different cellulolytic activity (Podzol and the soil of Chernevaya taiga) and substrates (oat straw and hemp shives) with different levels of cellulose availability were used, followed by trained communities that were tested on botrooth substrates (in all possible combinations). Based on the analysis of the taxonomic structure of all communities and their efficiency across all substrates (decomposition level, carbon, and nitrogen content), it was shown that the most important taxa of all trained microbial cellulolytic communities are recruited from secondary soil taxa. The original soil does not affect the efficiency of cellulose decomposition: both soils produce equally active communities. Unexpectedly, the resulting communities trained on oats were more effective on hemp than the communities trained on hemp. In general, the usage of pre-trained microbial communities increases the efficiency of decomposition.
Arsenic Enhances the Degradation of Middle-Chain Petroleum Hydrocarbons by Rhodococcus sp. 2021 Under Their Combined Pollution
Authors: Shi Hongpeng , Gong Chengyan , Zheng Meilin , Zhao Yinghao , Liu Ying , Ma Luyan , Liu Zhipei
Published: November 2024

The efficient and green remediation of petroleum hydrocarbon (PH) contamination has emerged as a viable strategy for environmental management. Here, we investigated the interaction between arsenic and PH degradation by Rhodococcus sp. 2021 under their combined pollution. The strain exhibited disparate responses to varying concentrations and valences of arsenic. The elevated concentration of arsenic (>100 mg/L) facilitated the degradation of PHs, and there was a positive correlation between arsenic-promoted degradation of PHs and their carbon-chain length. The degradation of PHs changed with arsenic conditions as follows: trivalent arsenic groups > pentavalent arsenic groups > arsenic-free groups (control). Arsenite and arsenate significantly promoted the gene expression of arsenic metabolism and alkane degrading. But unlike arsenite, arsenate also significantly promoted the gene expression of phosphate metabolism. And arsenite promoted the up-regulation of the expression of genes involved in the process of PHs oxidation and fatty acid oxidation. These results highlight the potential of Rhodococcus sp. 2021 in the remediation of combined total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) and heavy metal pollution, providing new insights into the green and sustainable bioremediation of combined pollution of organic matters such as PHs and heavy metals/heavy metal-like elements such as arsenic.
Unveiling Emerging Opportunistic Fish Pathogens in Aquaculture: A Comprehensive Seasonal Study of Microbial Composition in Mediterranean Fish Hatcheries
Authors: Skliros Dimitrios , Kostakou Maria , Kokkari Constantina , Tsertou Maria Ioanna , Pavloudi Christina , Zafeiropoulos Haris , Katharios Pantelis , Flemetakis Emmanouil
Published: November 2024

The importance of microbial communities in fish hatcheries for fish health and welfare has been recognized, with several studies mapping these communities during healthy rearing conditions and disease outbreaks. In this study, we analyzed the bacteriome of the live feeds, such as microalgae, rotifers, and Artemia, used in fish hatcheries that produce Mediterranean species. Our goal was to provide baseline information about their structure, emphasizing in environmental putative fish pathogenic bacteria. We conducted 16S rRNA amplicon Novaseq sequencing for our analysis, and we inferred 46,745 taxonomically annotated ASVs. Results showed that incoming environmental water plays a significant role in the presence of important taxa that constitute presumptive pathogens. Bio-statistical analyses revealed a relatively stable bacteriome among seasonal samplings for every hatchery but a diverse bacteriome between sampling stations and a distinct core bacteriome for each hatchery. Analysis of putative opportunistic fish pathogenic genera revealed some co-occurrence correlation events and a high average relative abundance of Vibrio, Tenacibaculum, and Photobacterium genera in live feeds, reaching a grand mean average of up to 7.3% for the hatchery of the Hellenic Center of Marine Research (HCMR), 12% for Hatchery A, and 11.5% for Hatchery B. Mapping the bacteriome in live feeds is pivotal for understanding the marine environment and distinct aquaculture practices and can guide improvements in hatchery management, enhancing fish health and sustainability in the Mediterranean region.
Decoding the Impact of a Bacterial Strain of Micrococcus luteus on Arabidopsis Growth and Stress Tolerance
Authors: Chang Yu-Cheng , Lee Pin-Hsueh , Hsu Chao-Liang , Wang Wen-Der , Chang Yueh-Long , Chuang Huey-wen
Published: November 2024

Microbes produce various bioactive metabolites that can influence plant growth and stress tolerance. In this study, a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR), strain S14, was identified as Micrococcus luteus (designated as MlS14) using de novo whole-genome assembly. The MlS14 genome revealed major gene clusters for the synthesis of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), terpenoids, and carotenoids. MlS14 produced significant amounts of IAA, and its volatile organic compounds (VOCs), specifically terpenoids, exhibited antifungal activity, suppressing the growth of pathogenic fungi. The presence of yellow pigment in the bacterial colony indicated carotenoid production. Treatment with MlS14 activated the expression of β-glucuronidase (GUS) driven by a promoter containing auxin-responsive elements. The application of MlS14 reshaped the root architecture of Arabidopsis seedlings, causing shorter primary roots, increased lateral root growth, and longer, denser root hairs; these characteristics are typically controlled by elevated exogenous IAA levels. MlS14 positively regulated seedling growth by enhancing photosynthesis, activating antioxidant enzymes, and promoting the production of secondary metabolites with reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity. Pretreatment with MlS14 reduced H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in seedlings under drought and heat stress, resulting in greater fresh weight during the post-stress period. Additionally, exposure to MlS14 stabilized chlorophyll content and growth rate in seedlings under salt stress. MlS14 transcriptionally upregulated genes involved in antioxidant defense and photosynthesis. Furthermore, genes linked to various hormone signaling pathways, such as abscisic acid (ABA), auxin, jasmonic acid (JA), and salicylic acid (SA), displayed increased expression levels, with those involved in ABA synthesis, using carotenoids as precursors, being the most highly induced. Furthermore, MlS14 treatment increased the expression of several transcription factors associated with stress responses, with DREB2A showing the highest level of induction. In conclusion, MlS14 played significant roles in promoting plant growth and stress tolerance. Metabolites such as IAA and carotenoids may function as positive regulators of plant metabolism and hormone signaling pathways essential for growth and adaptation to abiotic stress.
Fungal Apoptosis-Related Proteins
Authors: Li Longjie , Du Chunmei
Published: November 2024

Programmed cell death (PCD) plays a crucial role in the development and homeostasis maintenance of multicellular organisms. Apoptosis is a form of PCD that prevents pathological development by eliminating damaged or useless cells. Despite the complexity of fungal apoptosis mechanisms being similar to those of plants and metazoans, fungal apoptosis lacks the core regulatory elements of animal apoptosis. Apoptosis-like PCD in fungi can be triggered by a variety of internal and external factors, participating in biological processes such as growth, development, and stress response. Although the core regulatory elements are not fully understood, apoptosis-inducing factor and metacaspase have been found to be involved. This article summarizes various proteins closely related to fungal apoptosis, such as apoptosis-inducing factor, metacaspase, and inhibitors of apoptosis proteins, as well as their structures and functions. This research provides new strategies and ideas for the development of natural drugs targeting fungal apoptosis and the control of fungal diseases.