bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strength Properties of a Porous Titanium Alloy Ti6Al4V with Diamond Structure Obtained by Laser Power Bed Fusion (LPBF)
Authors: Falkowska Anna , Seweryn Andrzej , Skrodzki Marcin
Published: November 2020

This paper presents the results of experimental research on the strength properties of porous structures with different degrees of density manufactured of Ti6Al4V titanium alloy by Laser Power Bed Fusion. In the experiment, samples with diamond structure of porosity: 34%, 50%, 73% and 81% were used, as well as samples with near-zero porosity. Monotonic tensile tests were carried out to determine the effective values of axial modulus of elasticity, ultimate tensile strength, offset yield strength, ultimate elongation and Poisson ratio for titanium alloys with different porosities. The paper also proposes relationships that can be easily used to estimate the strength and rigidity of a porous material manufactured by 3D printing. They were obtained by the approximation of two quotients. The first one refers to the relationship between the tensile strength of a material with a defined porosity to the strength of full-filled material. The second similarly determines the change in the value of the axial modulus of elasticity. The analysis of microscopic observations of fracture surfaces and also microtomography visualization of the material structure are also presented.
Recent Progress in Hybrid Biocomposites: Mechanical Properties, Water Absorption, and Flame Retardancy
Authors: Bahrami Mohsen , Abenojar Juana , Martínez Miguel Ángel
Published: November 2020

Bio-based composites are reinforced polymeric materials in which one of the matrix and reinforcement components or both are from bio-based origins. The biocomposite industry has recently drawn great attention for diverse applications, from household articles to automobiles. This is owing to their low cost, biodegradability, being lightweight, availability, and environmental concerns over synthetic and nonrenewable materials derived from limited resources like fossil fuel. The focus has slowly shifted from traditional biocomposite systems, including thermoplastic polymers reinforced with natural fibers, to more advanced systems called hybrid biocomposites. Hybridization of bio-based fibers/matrices and synthetic ones offers a new strategy to overcome the shortcomings of purely natural fibers or matrices. By incorporating two or more reinforcement types into a single composite, it is possible to not only maintain the advantages of both types but also alleviate some disadvantages of one type of reinforcement by another one. This approach leads to improvement of the mechanical and physical properties of biocomposites for extensive applications. The present review article intends to provide a general overview of selecting the materials to manufacture hybrid biocomposite systems with improved strength properties, water, and burning resistance in recent years.
Modelling, Analysis, and Optimization of the Effects of Pulsed Electrophoretic Deposition Parameters on TiO2 Films Properties Using Desirability Optimization Methodology
Authors: Barbana Nesrine , Ben Youssef Adel , Rezgui Mohamed Ali , Bousselmi Latifa , Al-Addous Mohammad
Published: November 2020

Titanium dioxide thin films immobilized over treated stainless steel were prepared using the pulsed electrophoretic deposition technique. The effects of process parameters (deposition time, applied voltage, initial concentration, and duty cycle) on photocatalytic efficiency and adhesion properties were investigated. To optimize the multiple properties of the thin film, a response surface methodology was combined with a desirability optimization methodology. Additionally, a quadratic model was established based on response surface analysis. The precision of the models was defined based on the analysis of variance (ANOVA), R2, and the normal plot of residuals. Then, a desirability function was used to optimize the multiple responses of the TiO2 thin film. The optimum values of applied voltage, catalyst concentration, duty cycle, and deposition time were 4 V, 16.34 g/L, 90% DC, and 150 s, respectively. Under these conditions, the decolorization efficiency of tested dye solution reached 82.75%. The values of critical charges LC1, LC2, and LC3 were 5.9 N, 12.5 N, and 16.7 N, respectively.
Reliability of Different Bending Test Methods for Dental Press Ceramics
Authors: Miura Daisuke , Ishida Yoshiki , Miyasaka Taira , Aoki Harumi , Shinya Akikazu
Published: November 2020

Objective: This study investigates the reliability of different flexural tests such as three-point-bending, four-point bending, and biaxial tests, in strengthening the dental pressed ceramics (DPCs) frequently used in clinical applications. Methods: The correlations between the three types of bending tests for DPCs were investigated. Plate-shaped specimens for the three-point and four-point bending tests and a disc-shaped specimen for the biaxial bending test were prepared. Each bending test was conducted using a universal testing machine. Results: The results for six DPCs showed that the flexural strength in descending order were the three-point flexural strength, biaxial flexural strength, and four-point flexural strength, respectively. Then, a regression analysis showed a strong correlation between each of the three test methods, with the combination of four-point and biaxial flexural strength showing the highest values. The biaxial flexural strength was not significantly different in the Weibull coefficient (m) compared to the other tests, with the narrowest range considering the 95% interval. The biaxial bending test was found to be suitable for materials with small plastic deformation from the yield point to the breaking point, such as DPCs.
Reinforcing Behaviors of Sulfur-Containing Silane Coupling Agent in Natural Rubber-Based Magnetorheological Elastomers with Various Vulcanization Systems
Authors: Wang Mengxin , Hao Xiaoqian , Wang Wenju
Published: November 2020

Magnetorheological elastomers (MRE) is known as an intelligent material constituted of a rubber matrix as well as soft magnetic particles. Silane coupling agents are used to raise the interplay between the inorganic particles and rubber matrix. Silane coupling agent, bis-[-3-(trimethylsilyl propyl)tetra sulfide] (Si69), was picked for comparison of its reinforcing efficiency in the MRE with various vulcanization systems: a conventional (CV), semi-efficient (semi-EV), and efficient (EV) vulcanization system. The outcome illustrated that not only was there improved Si69 surface hydrophobicity of the magnetic particles, but also enhanced Si69 in the interplay between the rubber matrix and magnetic particles. On one hand, the saturated induced magnetic modulus and zero magnetic field modulus of MRE was increased in the vulcanization system, and the loss factor was reduced after the magnetic particles were modified by Si69. On the other hand, the effect of Si69 on the MRE depended on the vulcanization system. The Si69 provided better enhancements in the EV system due to effects of the sulfur contribution of Si69.
Cross-Section Deformation and Bending Moment of a Steel Square Tubular Section
Authors: Kut Stanisław , Stachowicz Feliks
Published: November 2020

When bending thin-walled profiles, significant distortion of the cross-section occurs, which has a significant impact on the course of the bending moment characteristics and on the value of allowable bending curvatures. This paper presents the results of experimental and numerical modeling of the box profile bending process, which was carried out in order to determine the dependence of the cross-sectional shape and bending moment of bending curvature. Extensive numerical calculations were used to model the process of shaping a square pipe from a circular tube and to model the bending process, especially when taking into account the effects of such a deformation path. The pure bending moment characteristics and the deformation of the cross-section were performed for a 25 × 25 × 2 mm square tube made of S235JR structural steel. The innovative approach for determining the parameters of cold bending square tubes pertained to considering the stress state in the preserved material in individual areas of their cross-section. The results of numerical modeling—after considering the history of deformation (i.e., the process of forming a square pipe from a pipe with a circular cross-section)—gave a satisfactory agreement with the results of experimental tests, both in terms of the degree of pipe wall deflection and the characteristics of the bending moment.
Efficiency Models for GaN-Based Light-Emitting Diodes: Status and Challenges
Authors: Piprek Joachim
Published: November 2020

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) based on Gallium Nitride (GaN) have been revolutionizing various applications in lighting, displays, biotechnology, and other fields. However, their energy efficiency is still below expectations in many cases. An unprecedented diversity of theoretical models has been developed for efficiency analysis and GaN-LED design optimization, including carrier transport models, quantum well recombination models, and light extraction models. This invited review paper provides an overview of the modeling landscape and pays special attention to the influence of III-nitride material properties. It thereby identifies some key challenges and directions for future improvements.
Influence of Alloying Elements on the Dynamic Recrystallization of 4 wt.–% Medium Manganese Steels
Authors: Gramlich Alexander , Schäfers Hanne , Krupp Ulrich
Published: November 2020

The hot deformation behaviour of air-hardening martensitic forging steels (of type 1.5132) is presented. The newly developed steels are characterized through dilatometric tests as well as through microstructure analyses with LOM and SEM and hardness measurements. Additionally, the influence of alloying elements on the flow curves at high temperatures is discussed. It is demonstrated that the higher alloying content does not increase the equivalent stresses in comparison to the reference alloys and contrariwise reduces the offset for dynamic recrystallization at temperatures below 1100 ∘C. Furthermore, the effect of different alloying elements on the strain hardening behaviour during hot compression of 4wt.–% medium manganese steels is presented. It is shown that boron reduces the offset for dynamic recrystallization if present in solid solution, while the combined addition of titanium and niobium annihilates the solid drag effect on the prior austenite grain boundaries.
The Influence of Thermal Properties Anisotropy on Subtractive Laser Processing of B4C/h-BN Composites
Authors: Rutkowski Paweł , Gala Karol , Misiura Kamila , Huebner Jan
Published: November 2020

This work concerns boron carbide matrix composites with the addition of hexagonal boron nitride particles (h-BN) as a solid lubricate. The composite materials were hot-pressed and analysed in terms of phase, structure, and microstructure changes in relation to the h-BN content. The uniaxial pressure applied during the manufacturing process allowed the orientation of single h-BN particles and its agglomerates in perpendicular direction to the pressing axis. The anisotropy of heat transfer and thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) and density changes in relation to temperature are discussed. Thermal diffusivity and conductivity were measured in relation to the material direction by the laser flash analysis method (LFA). In this paper, understanding the heat flow and CTE changes allowed explaining the results of investigated subtractive laser processes of the manufactured composites. The laser ablation process was conducted on B4C/h-BN composites in parallel and perpendicular direction to each other. It was done in a continuous work (CW) mode at 50 W with a 40 µm spot and 3 mm/s beam travel speed. The influence of h-BN particles and their orientation on thermal properties is discussed. The effect of laser processing on B4C/h-BN composites was also discussed in relation to the material surface roughness measured with a confocal microscope, microstructure observations, density, and thermal properties changes in relation to the material direction.
Mechanical Characterization of the Elastoplastic Response of a C11000-H2 Copper Sheet
Authors: Pacheco Matías , García-Herrera Claudio , Celentano Diego , Ponthot Jean-Philippe
Published: November 2020

This work presents an elastoplastic characterization of a rolled C11000-H2 99.90% pure copper sheet considering the orthotropic non-associated Hill-48 criterion together with a modified Voce hardening law. One of the main features of this material is the necking formation at small strains levels causing the early development of non-homogeneous stress and strain patterns in the tested samples. Due to this fact, a robust inverse calibration approach, based on an experimental–analytical–numerical iterative predictor–corrector methodology, is proposed to obtain the constitutive material parameters. This fitting procedure, which uses tensile test measurements where the strains are obtained via digital image correlation (DIC), consists of three steps aimed at, respectively, determining (a) the parameters of the hardening model, (b) a first prediction of the Hill-48 parameters based on the Lankford coefficients and, (c) corrected parameters of the yield and flow potential functions that minimize the experimental–numerical error of the material response. Finally, this study shows that the mechanical characterization carried out in this context is capable of adequately predicting the behavior of the material in the bulge test.
On an Inequality for Legendre Polynomials
Authors: Sofonea Florin , Ţincu Ioan
Published: November 2020

This paper is concerned with the orthogonal polynomials. Upper and lower bounds of Legendre polynomials are obtained. Furthermore, entropies associated with discrete probability distributions is a topic considered in this paper. Bounds of the entropies which improve some previously known results are obtained in terms of inequalities. In order to illustrate the results obtained in this paper and to compare them with other results from the literature some graphs are provided.
Towards a Generalised Metaheuristic Model for Continuous Optimisation Problems
Authors: Cruz-Duarte Jorge M. , Ortiz-Bayliss José C. , Amaya Iván , Shi Yong , Terashima-Marín Hugo , Pillay Nelishia
Published: November 2020

Metaheuristics have become a widely used approach for solving a variety of practical problems. The literature is full of diverse metaheuristics based on outstanding ideas and with proven excellent capabilities. Nonetheless, oftentimes metaheuristics claim novelty when they are just recombining elements from other methods. Hence, the need for a standard metaheuristic model is vital to stop the current frenetic tendency of proposing methods chiefly based on their inspirational source. This work introduces a first step to a generalised and mathematically formal metaheuristic model, which can be used for studying and improving them. This model is based on a scheme of simple heuristics, which perform as building blocks that can be modified depending on the application. For this purpose, we define and detail all components and concepts of a metaheuristic (i.e., its search operators), such as heuristics. Furthermore, we also provide some ideas to take into account for exploring other search operator configurations in the future. To illustrate the proposed model, we analyse search operators from four well-known metaheuristics employed in continuous optimisation problems as a proof-of-concept. From them, we derive 20 different approaches and use them for solving some benchmark functions with different landscapes. Data show the remarkable capability of our methodology for building metaheuristics and detecting which operator to choose depending on the problem to solve. Moreover, we outline and discuss several future extensions of this model to various problem and solver domains.
Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithms to Find Community Structures in Large Networks
Authors: Guerrero Manuel , Gil Consolación , Montoya Francisco G. , Alcayde Alfredo , Baños Raúl
Published: November 2020

Real-world complex systems are often modeled by networks such that the elements are represented by vertices and their interactions are represented by edges. An important characteristic of these networks is that they contain clusters of vertices densely linked amongst themselves and more sparsely connected to nodes outside the cluster. Community detection in networks has become an emerging area of investigation in recent years, but most papers aim to solve single-objective formulations, often focused on optimizing structural metrics, including the modularity measure. However, several studies have highlighted that considering modularityas a unique objective often involves resolution limit and imbalance inconveniences. This paper opens a new avenue of research in the study of multi-objective variants of the classical community detection problem by applying multi-objective evolutionary algorithms that simultaneously optimize different objectives. In particular, they analyzed two multi-objective variants involving not only modularity but also the conductance metric and the imbalance in the number of nodes of the communities. With this aim, a new Pareto-based multi-objective evolutionary algorithm is presented that includes advanced initialization strategies and search operators. The results obtained when solving large-scale networks representing real-life power systems show the good performance of these methods and demonstrate that it is possible to obtain a balanced number of nodes in the clusters formed while also having high modularity and conductance values.
A Sustainable Inventory Model with Imperfect Products, Deterioration, and Controllable Emissions
Authors: Mashud Abu Hashan Md , Roy Dipa , Daryanto Yosef , Ali Mohd Helmi
Published: November 2020

Maintaining product quality and environmental performance are emerging concerns in modern competitive and transparent businesses. Many retailers separate perfect products from imperfect ones to ensure product quality and endeavor to achieve carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction through green technology investments and sustainable inventory planning. Product deterioration often badly hampers the retailing business; hence, suitable preservation technologies are used. In this study, we examined the optimization model of the selling price, investment, and replenishment planning to maximize the total profit. The proposed model considered the effect of a greater deterioration rate and discount price of imperfect products. Due to the high uncertainty in demand, a realistic holding cost was deliberated with a variable and constant part. Every time the retailer transports purchased items, greenhouse gases (GHGs), including CO2, are produced. Government regulations on CO2 minimization and customer awareness for greener products stimulate retailers to invest in energy-efficient green technology. This study simultaneously showed a harmonious relationship among the attributes of preservation technology, green technology investment, and discounts on defective items. Theoretical derivations were performed with numerical analysis.
Experimental Validation of a Sliding Mode Control for a Stewart Platform Used in Aerospace Inspection Applications
Authors: Velasco Javier , Calvo Isidro , Barambones Oscar , Venegas Pablo , Napole Cristian
Published: November 2020

The authors introduce a new controller, aimed at industrial domains, that improves the performance and accuracy of positioning systems based on Stewart platforms. More specifically, this paper presents, and validates experimentally, a sliding mode control for precisely positioning a Stewart platform used as a mobile platform in non-destructive inspection (NDI) applications. The NDI application involves exploring the specimen surface of aeronautical coupons at different heights. In order to avoid defocusing and blurred images, the platform must be positioned accurately to keep a uniform distance between the camera and the surface of the specimen. This operation requires the coordinated control of the six electro mechanic actuators (EMAs). The platform trajectory and the EMA lengths can be calculated by means of the forward and inverse kinematics of the Stewart platform. Typically, a proportional integral (PI) control approach is used for this purpose but unfortunately this control scheme is unable to position the platform accurately enough. For this reason, a sliding mode control (SMC) strategy is proposed. The SMC requires: (1) a priori knowledge of the bounds on system uncertainties, and (2) the analysis of the system stability in order to ensure that the strategy executes adequately. The results of this work show a higher performance of the SMC when compared with the PI control strategy: the average absolute error is reduced from 3.45 mm in PI to 0.78 mm in the SMC. Additionally, the duty cycle analysis shows that although PI control demands a smoother actuator response, the power consumption is similar.
Indirect Taxis on a Fluctuating Environment
Authors: Morgulis Andrey , Ilin Konstantin
Published: November 2020

In this article, we study a Patlak–Keller–Siegel (PKS) model of a community of two species placed in the inhomogeneous environment. We employ PKS law for modeling tactic movement due to interspecific taxis and in response to the environmental fluctuations. These fluctuations can arise for natural reasons, e.g., the terrain relief, the sea currents and the food resource distribution, and there are artificial ones. The main result in the article elucidates the effect of the small-scale environmental fluctuations on the large-scale pattern formation in PKS systems. This issue remains uncharted, although numerous studies have addressed the pattern formation while assuming an homogeneous environment. Meanwhile, exploring the role of the fluctuating environment is substantial in many respects, for instance, for predicting the side effects of human activity or for designing the control of biological systems. As well, it is necessary for understanding the roles played in the dynamics of trophic communities by the natural environmental inhomogeneities—those mentioned above, for example. We examined the small-scale environmental inhomogeneities in the spirit of Kapitza’s theory of the upside-down pendulum, but we used the homogenization instead of classical averaging. This approach is novel for the dynamics of PKS systems (though used commonly for other areas). Employing it has unveiled a novel mechanism of exerting the effect from the fluctuating environment on the pattern formation by the drift of species arising upon the homogenization of the fluctuations.
New Monoterpenoids and Polyketides from the Deep-Sea Sediment-Derived Fungus Aspergillus sydowii MCCC 3A00324
Authors: Niu Siwen , Yang Longhe , Chen Tingting , Hong Bihong , Pei Shengxiang , Shao Zongze , Zhang Gaiyun
Published: November 2020

Chemical study of the secondary metabolites of a deep-sea-derived fungus Aspergillus sydowii MCCC 3A00324 led to the isolation of eleven compounds (1–11), including one novel (1) and one new (2) osmane-related monoterpenoids and two undescribed polyketides (3 and 4). The structures of the metabolites were determined by comprehensive analyses of the NMR and HRESIMS spectra, in association with quantum chemical calculations of the 13C NMR, ECD, and specific rotation data for the configurational assignment. Compound 1 possessed a novel monoterpenoid skeleton, biogenetically probably derived from the osmane-type monoperpenoid after the cyclopentane ring cleavage and oxidation reactions. Additionally, compound 3 was the first example of the α-pyrone derivatives bearing two phenyl units at C-3 and C-5, respectively. The anti-inflammatory activities of 1–11 were tested. As a result, compound 6 showed potent inhibitory nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated BV-2 microglia cells with an inhibition rate of 94.4% at the concentration of 10 µM. In addition, a plausible biosynthetic pathway for 1 and 2 was also proposed.
Functional Characterization of a New GH107 Endo-α-(1,4)-Fucoidanase from the Marine Bacterium Formosa haliotis
Authors: Vuillemin Marlene , Silchenko Artem S. , Cao Hang Thi Thuy , Kokoulin Maxim S. , Trang Vo Thi Dieu , Holck Jesper , Ermakova Svetlana P. , Meyer Anne S. , Mikkelsen Maria Dalgaard
Published: November 2020

Fucoidans from brown macroalgae are sulfated fucose-rich polysaccharides, that have several beneficial biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. Controlled enzymatic depolymerization of the fucoidan backbone can help produce homogeneous, defined fucoidan products for structure-function research and pharmaceutical uses. However, only a few endo-fucoidanases have been described. This article reports the genome-based discovery, recombinant expression in Escherichia coli, stabilization, and functional characterization of a new bacterial endo-α-(1,4)-fucoidanase, Fhf1, from Formosa haliotis. Fhf1 catalyzes the cleavage of α-(1,4)-glycosidic linkages in fucoidans built of alternating α-(1,3)-/α-(1,4)-linked l-fucopyranosyl sulfated at C2. The native Fhf1 is 1120 amino acids long and belongs to glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 107. Deletion of the signal peptide and a 470 amino acid long C-terminal stretch led to the recombinant expression of a robust, minimized enzyme, Fhf1Δ470 (71 kDa). Fhf1Δ470 has optimal activity at pH 8, 37–40 °C, can tolerate up to 500 mM NaCl, and requires the presence of divalent cations, either Ca2+, Mn2+, Zn2+ or Ni2+, for maximal activity. This new enzyme has the potential to serve the need for controlled enzymatic fucoidan depolymerization to produce bioactive sulfated fucoidan oligomers.
Efficacy and Safety of SGLT-2 Inhibitors for Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus among Kidney Transplant Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chewcharat Api , Prasitlumkum Narut , Thongprayoon Charat , Bathini Tarun , Medaura Juan , Vallabhajosyula Saraschandra , Cheungpasitporn Wisit
Published: November 2020

Background: The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety profiles of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors for treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) among kidney transplant patients. Methods: We conducted electronic searches in Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases from inception through April 2020 to identify studies that investigated the efficacy and safety of SGLT-2 inhibitors in kidney transplant patients with DM. Study results were pooled and analyzed utilizing random-effects model. Results: Eight studies with 132 patients (baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 64.5 ± 19.9 mL/min/1.73 m2) treated with SGLT-2 inhibitors were included in our meta-analysis. SGLT-2 inhibitors demonstrated significantly lower hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (WMD = −0.56% [95%CI: −0.97, −0.16]; p = 0.007) and body weight (WMD = −2.16 kg [95%CI: −3.08, −1.24]; p < 0.001) at end of study compared to baseline level. There were no significant changes in eGFR, serum creatinine, urine protein creatinine ratio, and blood pressure. By subgroup analysis, empagliflozin demonstrated a significant reduction in body mass index (BMI) and body weight. Canagliflozin revealed a significant decrease in HbA1C and systolic blood pressure. In terms of safety profiles, fourteen patients had urinary tract infection. Only one had genital mycosis, one had acute kidney injury, and one had cellulitis. There were no reported cases of euglycemic ketoacidosis or acute rejection during the treatment. Conclusion: Among kidney transplant patients with excellent kidney function, SGLT-2 inhibitors for treatment of DM are effective in lowering HbA1C, reducing body weight, and preserving kidney function without reporting of serious adverse events, including euglycemic ketoacidosis and acute rejection.
Effect of Oxide Scale on Hot Dip Zn-Al-Mg Alloy Coating Prepared by Reduction Combined with Induction Heating
Authors: Zhang Yijie , Xu Minyun , Ma Ruina , Du An , Fan Yongzhe , Zhao Xue , Cao Xiaoming
Published: November 2020

Hot dipping Zn-Al-Mg coatings were prepared by rapid induction heating combined with gas protection. The influence of oxide scale on the structure and surface quality of a hot-dip Zn-6Al-3Mg alloy coating was studied in this paper. The results showed that the reaction of Fe-Al was suppressed by the scale on the surface of the steel plate. When the thickness of scale was 10 μm and the steel entry temperature was 900 °C, the surface quality of the coating was good. The Zn-Al-Mg coatings mainly consisted of the ternary eutectic structure of Zn/Al/MgZn2 and Fe4Al13 at the interface. When the scale thickness was 2–3 μm with the same steel entry temperature, the surface quality of the coating was poor, and serious stripe-like protrusion defects were formed on the surface of the coating, which was mainly caused by the Fe4Al13 phase separating from the substrate / coating interface into the overlay.
Recycling Strategies for Ceramic All-Solid-State Batteries—Part I: Study on Possible Treatments in Contrast to Li-Ion Battery Recycling
Authors: Schwich Lilian , Küpers Michael , Finsterbusch Martin , Schreiber Andrea , Fattakhova-Rohlfing Dina , Guillon Olivier , Friedrich Bernd
Published: November 2020

In the coming years, the demand for safe electrical energy storage devices with high energy density will increase drastically due to the electrification of the transportation sector and the need for stationary storage for renewable energies. Advanced battery concepts like all-solid-state batteries (ASBs) are considered one of the most promising candidates for future energy storage technologies. They offer several advantages over conventional Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs), especially with regard to stability, safety, and energy density. Hardly any recycling studies have been conducted, yet, but such examinations will play an important role when considering raw materials supply, sustainability of battery systems, CO2 footprint, and general strive towards a circular economy. Although different methods for recycling LIBs are already available, the transferability to ASBs is not straightforward due to differences in used materials and fabrication technologies, even if the chemistry does not change (e.g., Li-intercalation cathodes). Challenges in terms of the ceramic nature of the cell components and thus the necessity for specific recycling strategies are investigated here for the first time. As a major result, a recycling route based on inert shredding, a subsequent thermal treatment, and a sorting step is suggested, and transferring the extracted black mass to a dedicated hydrometallurgical recycling process is proposed. The hydrometallurgical approach is split into two scenarios differing in terms of solubility of the ASB-battery components. Hence, developing a full recycling concept is reached by this study, which will be experimentally examined in future research.
Metabolic Syndrome and Abnormal Peri-Organ or Intra-Organ Fat (APIFat) Deposition in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: An Overview
Authors: Katsiki Niki , Stoian Anca Pantea , Steiropoulos Paschalis , Papanas Nikolaos , Suceveanu Andra-Iulia , Mikhailidis Dimitri P.
Published: November 2020

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disorder with an increasing prevalence, characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. Systemic inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of COPD and can also predispose to metabolic disorders (e.g., metabolic syndrome (MetS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)). Such comorbidities can negatively affect COPD outcomes, cardiovascular risk, and quality of life. Apart from NAFLD, abnormal peri-organ or intra-organ fat (APIFat) could be considered as markers for cardiometabolic diseases and even for COPD. The present narrative review considers the associations of COPD with MetS, NAFLD, and other APIFat, including epicardial, perirenal, peripancreatic, and intramuscular adipose tissue. Further research is needed to define these relationships and identify any potential clinical implications.
Blood Metabolomic Profiling Confirms and Identifies Biomarkers of Food Intake
Authors: Langenau Julia , Oluwagbemigun Kolade , Brachem Christian , Lieb Wolfgang , Giuseppe Romina di , Artati Anna , Kastenmüller Gabi , Weinhold Leonie , Schmid Matthias , Nöthlings Ute
Published: November 2020

Metabolomics can be a tool to identify dietary biomarkers. However, reported food-metabolite associations have been inconsistent, and there is a need to explore further associations. Our aims were to confirm previously reported food-metabolite associations and to identify novel food-metabolite associations. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from 849 participants (57% men) of the PopGen cohort. Dietary intake was obtained using FFQ and serum metabolites were profiled by an untargeted metabolomics approach. We conducted a systematic literature search to identify previously reported food-metabolite associations and analyzed these associations using linear regression. To identify potential novel food-metabolite associations, datasets were split into training and test datasets and linear regression models were fitted to the training datasets. Significant food-metabolite associations were evaluated in the test datasets. Models were adjusted for covariates. In the literature, we identified 82 food-metabolite associations. Of these, 44 associations were testable in our data and confirmed associations of coffee with 12 metabolites, of fish with five, of chocolate with two, of alcohol with four, and of butter, poultry and wine with one metabolite each. We did not identify novel food-metabolite associations; however, some associations were sex-specific. Potential use of some metabolites as biomarkers should consider sex differences in metabolism.
Persistent Activities of Extracellular Enzymes Adsorbed to Soil Minerals
Authors: Olagoke Folasade K. , Kaiser Klaus , Mikutta Robert , Kalbitz Karsten , Vogel Cordula
Published: November 2020

Adsorption of extracellular enzymes to soil minerals is assumed to protect them against degradation, while modifying their activities at the same time. However, the persistence of the activity of adsorbed enzymes remains poorly understood. Therefore, we studied the persistence of cellulase and α-amylase activities after adsorption to soil amended with various amounts (+1, +5, and +10 wt.%) of three typical soil minerals, montmorillonite, kaolinite, and goethite. Soil without mineral addition (pure soil), pure minerals, and pure dissolved enzymes were used as references. Soil mineral–enzyme complexes were prepared and then incubated for 100 days; temporal changes in enzyme activities were analyzed after 0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 days. The specific enzyme activities (activities normalized to protein content) and their persistence (activities relative to activities at day 0) were compared to enzyme activities in solution and after sorption to the control soil. Amylase adsorption to pure minerals increased in the following order: montmorillonite > kaolinite > goethite. That of cellulase increased in the following order: goethite > montmorillonite > kaolinite. Adsorption of enzymes to soils did not increase in the same order of magnitude as the addition of reactive binding sites. Based on inverse relationships between the amount of enzyme adsorbed and the specific enzyme activity and their persistency, we showed that a limited availability of sorption sites is important for high specific activity and persistence of the enzymes. This is probably the consequence of less and weaker bonds, as compared to a high availability of sorption sites, resulting in a smaller impact on the active sites of the enzyme. Hence, we suppose that the soil mineral phase supports microorganisms in less-sorptive environments by saving energy on enzyme production, since small enzyme release could already result in sufficient activities to degrade respective target carbon substrates.
Monitoring Gene Expression during a Galleria mellonella Bacterial Infection
Authors: Moya-Andérico Laura , Admella Joana , Fernandes Rodrigo , Torrents Eduard
Published: November 2020

Galleria mellonella larvae are an alternative in vivo model that has been extensively used to study the virulence and pathogenicity of different bacteria due to its practicality and lack of ethical constraints. However, the larvae possess intrinsic autofluorescence that obstructs the use of fluorescent proteins to study bacterial infections, hence better methodologies are needed. Here, we report the construction of a promoter probe vector with bioluminescence expression as well as the optimization of a total bacterial RNA extraction protocol to enhance the monitoring of in vivo infections. By employing the vector to construct different gene promoter fusions, variable gene expression levels were efficiently measured in G. mellonella larvae at various time points during the course of infection and without much manipulation of the larvae. Additionally, our optimized RNA extraction protocol facilitates the study of transcriptional gene levels during an in vivo infection. The proposed methodologies will greatly benefit bacterial infection studies as they can contribute to a better understanding of the in vivo infection processes and pathogen–mammalian host interactions.
Settleable Dust and Bioburden in Portuguese Dwellings
Authors: Viegas Carla , Dias Marta , Almeida Beatriz , Vicente Estela , Caetano Liliana Aranha , Carolino Elisabete , Alves Célia
Published: November 2020

Monitoring campaigns in several buildings have shown that occupants exposed to contaminated indoor air generally exhibit diverse health symptoms. This study intends to assess settleable dust loading rates and bioburden in Portuguese dwellings by passive sampling onto quartz fiber filters and electrostatic dust cloths (EDCs), respectively. Settled dust collected by EDCs was analyzed by culture-based methods (including azole-resistance screening) and qPCR, targeting four different toxigenic Aspergillus sections (Flavi, Fumigati, Circumdati, and Nidulantes). Dust loading rates and bioburden showed higher variability in the summer season. In both seasons, Penicillium sp. was the one with the highest prevalence (59.1% winter; 58.1% summer), followed by Aspergillus sp. in winter (13.0%). Fungal contamination increased in the winter period, while bacterial counts decreased. Aspergillus sections Circumdati and Nidulantes, detected in voriconazole supplemented media, and Aspergillus sections Fumigati and Nidulantes, detected by molecular tools, were found in the winter samples. This study reinforces the importance of applying: (a) Passive sampling methods in campaigns in dwellings; (b) two different culture media (MEA and DG18) to assess fungi; (c) in parallel, molecular tools targeting the most suitable indicators of fungal contamination; and (d) azole resistance screening to unveil azole resistance detection in fungal species.
Dudomycins: New Secondary Metabolites Produced after Heterologous Expression of an Nrps Cluster from Streptomyces albus ssp. Chlorinus Nrrl B-24108
Authors: Lasch Constanze , Stierhof Marc , Estévez Marta Rodríguez , Myronovskyi Maksym , Zapp Josef , Luzhetskyy Andriy
Published: November 2020

Since the 1950s, natural products of bacterial origin were systematically developed to be used as drugs with a wide range of medical applications. The available treatment options for many diseases are still not satisfying, wherefore, the discovery of new structures has not lost any of its importance. Beyond the great variety of already isolated and characterized metabolites, Streptomycetes still harbor uninvestigated gene clusters whose products can be accessed using heterologous expression in host organisms. This works presents the discovery of a set of structurally novel secondary metabolites, dudomycins A to D, through the expression of a cryptic NRPS cluster from Streptomyces albus ssp. Chlorinus NRRL B-24108 in the heterologous host strain Streptomyces albus Del14. A minimal set of genes, required for the production of dudomycins, was defined through gene inactivation experiments. This paper also proposes a model for dudomycin biosynthesis.
Phage Prevalence in the Human Urinary Tract—Current Knowledge and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Żaczek Maciej , Weber-Dąbrowska Beata , Międzybrodzki Ryszard , Górski Andrzej
Published: November 2020

Recent metagenomic analyses imply an immense abundance of phages in the human body. Samples collected from different sites (lungs, skin, oral cavity, intestines, ascitic fluid, and urine) reveal a generally greater number of phage particles than that of eukaryotic viruses. The presence of phages in those tissues and fluids reflects the paths they must overcome in the human body, but may also relate to the health statuses of individuals. Besides shaping bacterial metabolism and community structure, the role of phages circulating in body fluids has not been fully understood yet. The lack of relevant reports is especially visible with regard to the human urobiome. Certainly, phage presence and the role they have to fulfill in the human urinary tract raises questions on potential therapeutic connotations. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections in humans and their treatment poses a difficult therapeutic dilemma. Despite effective antibiotic therapy, these infections tend to recur. In this review, we summarized the recent data on phage presence in the human urinary tract and its possible implications for health and disease.
Clinical and Microbiological Efficacy of Pyrophosphate Containing Toothpaste: A Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Hong Inpyo , Lee Hyun Gee , Keum Hye Lim , Kim Myong Ji , Jung Ui-Won , Kim KiJung , Kim Su Yeon , Park Taehun , Kim Hye-Jin , Kim Jin Ju , Sul Woo Jun , An Susun , Cha Jae-Kook
Published: November 2020

(1) Background: Dental calculus works as a niche wherein pathogenic bacteria proliferate in the oral cavity. Previous studies revealed the anticalculus activity of pyrophosphates, however there was no clinical study that evaluated microbiome changes associated with calculus inhibition. Therefore, the aim of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the calculus inhibition of pyrophosphate-containing toothpaste and its effect on oral microbiome changes. (2) Methods: Eighty subjects with a calculus index ≥2 on the lingual of the mandibular anterior tooth were randomly allocated to the test group that pyrophosphate-containing toothpaste was given to or the placebo control group. Full mouth debridement and standardized tooth brushing instruction were given before the allocation. Plaque index, gingival index, calculus index, probing depth, and bleeding on probing were measured at the baseline, and at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Genomic DNA was extracted from the plaque samples collected at the baseline and at 12 weeks, and 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing was applied for microbiome analysis. (3) Results: None of the clinical parameters showed significant differences by visits or groups, except the plaque index of the test group, which reduced significantly between 4 and 12 weeks. A significant difference of microbiome between the baseline and 12 weeks was observed in the test group. Between baseline and 12 weeks, the proportion of Spirochetes decreased in the control group, and the proportions of Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria and Spirochetes in the phylum level and the proportions of Haemophilus, Fusobacterium and Capnocytophaga in the genus level decreased in the test group. In the test group, as plaque index decreased, Streptococcus increased, and Fusobacterium and Haemophilus parainfluenza decreased. (4) Conclusion: The use of pyrophosphate-containing toothpaste effectively inhibited the dysbiosis of the oral microbiome and the proliferation of pathogenic species in periodontal disease. Clinically, plaque formation in the pyrophosphate-containing toothpaste group was effectively decreased, however there was no significant change in calculus deposition.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Staphylococcus xylosus in Solid Dairy Matrix Reveals an Aerobic Lifestyle Adapted to Rind
Authors: Leroy Sabine , Even Sergine , Micheau Pierre , de La Foye Anne , Laroute Valérie , Le Loir Yves , Talon Régine
Published: November 2020

Staphylococcus xylosus is found in the microbiota of traditional cheeses, particularly in the rind of soft smeared cheeses. Despite its frequency, the molecular mechanisms allowing the growth and adaptation of S. xylosus in dairy products are still poorly understood. A transcriptomic approach was used to determine how the gene expression profile is modified during the fermentation step in a solid dairy matrix. S. xylosus developed an aerobic metabolism perfectly suited to the cheese rind. It overexpressed genes involved in the aerobic catabolism of two carbon sources in the dairy matrix, lactose and citrate. Interestingly, S. xylosus must cope with nutritional shortage such as amino acids, peptides, and nucleotides, consequently, an extensive up-regulation of genes involved in their biosynthesis was observed. As expected, the gene sigB was overexpressed in relation with general stress and entry into the stationary phase and several genes under its regulation, such as those involved in transport of anions, cations and in pigmentation were up-regulated. Up-regulation of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes and glycine betaine transport and synthesis systems showed that S. xylosus has to cope with oxidative and osmotic stresses. S. xylosus expressed an original system potentially involved in iron acquisition from lactoferrin.
Single Cell Oil Production by Oleaginous Yeasts Grown in Synthetic and Waste-Derived Volatile Fatty Acids
Authors: Bettencourt Sara , Miranda Catarina , Pozdniakova Tatiana A. , Sampaio Paula , Franco-Duarte Ricardo , Pais Célia
Published: November 2020

Four yeast isolates from the species—Apiotrichum brassicae, Candida tropicalis, Metschnikowia pulcherrima, and Pichia kudriavzevii—previously selected by their oleaginous character and growth flexibility in different carbon sources, were tested for their capacity to convert volatile fatty acids into lipids, in the form of single cell oils. Growth, lipid yields, volatile fatty acids consumption, and long-chain fatty acid profiles were evaluated in media supplemented with seven different volatile fatty acids (acetic, butyric, propionic, isobutyric, valeric, isovaleric, and caproic), and also in a dark fermentation effluent filtrate. Yeasts A. brassicae and P. kudriavzevii attained lipid productivities of more than 40% (w/w), mainly composed of oleic (>40%), palmitic (20%), and stearic (20%) acids, both in synthetic media and in the waste-derived effluent filtrate. These isolates may be potential candidates for single cell oil production in larger scale applications by using alternative carbon sources, combining economic and environmental benefits.