bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tensile Behavior of Basalt Textile Reinforced Concrete: Effect of Test Setups and Textile Ratios
Authors: Wan Chenglin , Wang Jiyang , Wang Shubin , Ji Xiaohua , Peng Yu , Zhang Hongmei
Published: December 2022

The clevis-grip tensile test is usually employed to evaluate the mechanical properties of textile reinforced concrete (TRC) composites, which is actually a bond test and is unsuitable for determining reliable design parameters. Thus, the clevis-grip tensile test needs further improvement to obtain foreseeable results concerning TRC tensile behavior. This paper presents the experimental results of twenty-one tension tests performed on basalt TRC (BTRC) thin plates with different test setups, i.e., clevis-grip and improved clevis-grip, and with different textile ratios. The influences of test setups and textile ratios on crack patterns, failure mode, and tensile stress-strain curves with characteristic parameters were analyzed in depth to judge the feasibility of the new test setup. The results indicated that with the new test setup, BTRC composites exhibited textile rupture at failure; in addition, multi-cracks occurred to the BTRC composites as the textile ratio exceeded 1.44%. In this case, the obtained results relied on textile properties, which can be considered reliable for design purposes. The modified ACK model with a textile utilization rate of 50% provided accurate predictions for the tensile stress-strain behavior of the BTRC composite derived from the improved test setup. The proposed test setup enables the adequate utilization of BTRC composite and the reliability of obtained results related to the occurrence of textile rupture; nevertheless, further work is required to better understand the key parameters affecting the textile utilization rate, such as the strength of the concrete matrix.
Investigation of High-Performance Electrode Materials: Processing and Storage Mechanism
Authors: Chen Qiang
Published: December 2022

The scope of the Special Issue entitled “Investigation of High-Performance Electrode Materials: Processing and Storage Mechanism” includes the research on electrodes of high-performance electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices (metal ion batteries, non-metallic ion batteries, metal–air batteries, supercapacitors, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, etc [...]
Carbonation Resistance and Pore Structure of Mixed-Fiber-Reinforced Concrete Containing Fine Aggregates of Iron Ore Tailings
Authors: Zheng Wenbo , Wang Sheliang , Quan Xiaoyi , Qu Yang , Mo Zhikai , Lin Changjun
Published: December 2022

The disposal of industrial by-product tailings has become an important issue in solving environmental pollution. In this study, 15%, 30%, 50%, and 70% iron tailings were used to replace the natural sand in concrete, and 1.5% steel fiber and 0–0.75% PVA fibers were added to the iron tailings concrete. The effects of the iron tailings replacement rate and the fiber content on the mechanical properties, carbonization depth, and concrete porosity were studied in a carbonization environment. The results demonstrated that the compressive and splitting tensile strengths of concrete first increased and subsequently decreased with an increase in the iron tailings replacement rate, while the carbonation depth and porosity initially decreased and subsequently increased. When the replacement rate of iron tailings was 30%, the compressive strength and split tensile strength were increased by 7.6% and 17.7%, respectively, and the porosity was reduced by 8.9%. The compressive strength, carbonation depth and porosity of single-doped steel-fiber concrete were superior to those of ordinary iron tailings concrete. However, compared with single-doped steel fiber, the performance of steel-PVA fiber was further improved. Based on the mechanical properties, the carbonation depth test results of the three aforementioned types of concrete, the mathematical expression of the uniaxial compression stress–strain curve of iron tailings concrete, and the prediction equation of the carbonation depth of mixed-fiber iron tailings concrete were proposed. This study provides a reference for the application and popularization of fiber-reinforced iron tailings concrete in carbonization environments.
A Control Method of Mobile Manipulator Based on Null-Space Task Planning and Hybrid Control
Authors: Zhang Shijun , Cheng Shuhong , Jin Zhenlin
Published: December 2022

The mobile manipulator is a floating base structure with wide space operability. An integrated mechanical device for mobile operation is formed through the organic combination of the mobile platform and multi-axis manipulator. This paper presents a general kinematic modeling method for mobile manipulators and gives the relevant derivation of the dynamic model. Secondly, the null-space composition of the mobile manipulator is analyzed, the task space is divided, and a variety of task-switching criteria are designed. Finally, a hybrid control model combining dynamic feedback and synovial control based on dynamic parameter identification is designed, and stability proof is given. The theoretical method is also verified by the experimental platform. The proposed method can effectively improve the control accuracy of the mobile manipulator, and the hybrid control method can effectively control the output torque to reach the ideal state.
Sliding Mode Based Load Frequency Control and Power Smoothing of Power Systems with Wind and BESS Penetration
Authors: Deng Zhiwen , Xu Chang , Huo Zhihong , Han Xingxing , Xue Feifei
Published: December 2022

This study aims to maintain the frequency stability of the power system penetrated by wind power. Hence, a battery energy storage system (BESS) is applied to smooth the wind power output in power systems and to enhance their load frequency control (LFC) capacity. A novel comprehensive control framework is proposed for power systems integrated with wind farms and BESS based on an adaptive fuzzy super-twisting sliding mode control (AF-SSMC) method. Firstly, the sliding functions and control laws of subsystems are designed according to different relative degrees. Then, the super-twisting algorithm is applied to suppress the chattering of the sliding mode control law. Furthermore, an adaptive fuzzy control method is used to adjust the control gains online for better control performance of the controllers. The Lyapunov stability theory is employed to prove the asymptotic stability of the subsystems. The model of an interconnected thermal power system with wind and BESS penetration is also constructed for simulation analyses. The results indicate that the AF-SSMC method effectively reduces the chattering, and the proposed framework stabilizes the frequency of the power system under system uncertainties and external disturbances. Moreover, the wind farm and BESS combined system accurately tracks a reference power to reduce wind power fluctuations.
State Estimation of Memristor Neural Networks with Model Uncertainties
Authors: Ma Libin , Wang Mao
Published: December 2022

This paper is concerned with the problem of state estimation of memristor neural networks with model uncertainties. Considering the model uncertainties are composed of time-varying delays, floating parameters and unknown functions, an improved method based on long short term memory neural networks (LSTMs) is used to deal with the model uncertainties. It is proved that the improved LSTMs can approximate any nonlinear model with any error. On this basis, adaptive updating laws of the weights of improved LSTMs are proposed by using Lyapunov method. Furthermore, for the problem of state estimation of memristor neural networks, a new full-order state observer is proposed to achieve the reconstruction of states based on the measurement output of the system. The error of state estimation is proved to be asymptotically stable by using Lyapunov method and linear matrix inequalities. Finally, two numerical examples are given, and simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the scheme, especially when the memristor neural networks with model uncertainties.
Constraint Definition for Gripper Selection and Grasp Planning for Robotic Assembly Using Product Manufacturing Information from STEP AP242Ed2 Files
Authors: Mohammed Shafi Khurieshi , Arbo Mathias Hauan , Tingelstad Lars
Published: December 2022

This article uses the Product Manufacturing Information (PMI) from STEP AP242 neutral files for gripper selection and grasp planning in a robotic assembly operation. The PMI, along with the part geometry and dimensions, are used in identifying various handling features of the parts and selecting an appropriate gripper. The required PMI, like material, volume, surface finish, threading and coating information, are added to the STEP AP242 files. The PMI is semantically included in the STEP files following the Model Based Definition (MBD) methodology. Two methods are described to add the PMI to the STEP files, one using a custom string and another using the standard entities defined in ISO 10303 AP242: 2020 standard. The entire process is demonstrated in a use case.
Automatic Semantic Modeling for Structural Data Source with the Prior Knowledge from Knowledge Base
Authors: Xu Jiakang , Mayer Wolfgang , Zhang Hongyu , He Keqing , Feng Zaiwen
Published: December 2022

A critical step in sharing semantic content online is to map the structural data source to a public domain ontology. This problem is denoted as the Relational-To-Ontology Mapping Problem (Rel2Onto). A huge effort and expertise are required for manually modeling the semantics of data. Therefore, an automatic approach for learning the semantics of a data source is desirable. Most of the existing work studies the semantic annotation of source attributes. However, although critical, the research for automatically inferring the relationships between attributes is very limited. In this paper, we propose a novel method for semantically annotating structured data sources using machine learning, graph matching and modified frequent subgraph mining to amend the candidate model. In our work, Knowledge graph is used as prior knowledge. Our evaluation shows that our approach outperforms two state-of-the-art solutions in tricky cases where only a few semantic models are known.
Performance and Extreme Conditions Analysis Based on Iterative Modelling Algorithm for Multi-Trailer AGVs
Authors: Sánchez-Martinez Roberto , Sierra-García J. Enrique , Santos Matilde
Published: December 2022

Automatic guidance vehicles (AGV) are industrial vehicles that play an important role in the development of smart manufacturing systems and Industry 4.0. To provide these autonomous systems with the flexibility that is required today in these industrial workspaces, AGV computational models are necessary in order to analyze their performance and design efficient planning and control strategies. To address these issues, in this work, the mathematical model and the algorithm that implement a computational control-oriented simulation model of a hybrid tricycle-differential AGV with multi-trailers have been developed. Physical factors, such as wheel-ground interaction and the effect of vertical and lateral loads on its dynamics, have been incorporated into the model. The model has been tested in simulation with two different controllers and three trajectories: a circumference, a square, and an s-shaped curve. Furthermore, it has been used to analyze extreme situations of slipping and capsizing and the influence of the number of trailers on the tracking error and the control effort. This way, the minimum lateral friction coefficient to avoid slipping and the minimum ratio between the lateral and height displacement of the center of gravity to avoid capsizing have been obtained. In addition, the effect of a change in the friction coefficient has also been simulated.
Static Response of 2D FG Porous Plates Resting on Elastic Foundation Using Midplane and Neutral Surfaces with Movable Constraints
Authors: Melaibari Ammar , Mohamed Salwa A. , Assie Amr E. , Shanab Rabab A. , Eltaher Mohamed A.
Published: December 2022

The current manuscript develops a novel mathematical formulation to portray the static deflection of a bi-directional functionally graded (BDFG) porous plate resting on an elastic foundation. The correctness of the static response produced by middle surface (MS) vs. neutral surface (NS) formulations, and the position of the boundary conditions, are derived in detail. The relation between in-plane displacement field variables on NS and on MS are derived. Bi-directional gradation through the thickness and axial direction are described by the power function; however, the porosity is depicted by cosine function. The displacement field of a plate is controlled by four variables higher order shear deformation theory to satisfy the zero shear at upper and lower surfaces. Elastic foundation is described by the Winkler–Pasternak model. The equilibrium equations are derived by Hamilton’s principles and then solved numerically by being discretized by the differential quadrature method (DQM). The proposed model is confirmed with former published analyses. The numerical parametric studies discuss the effects of porosity type, porosity coefficient, elastic foundations variables, axial and transverse gradation indices, formulation with respect to MS and NS, and position of boundary conditions (BCs) on the static deflection and stresses.
Fractional Calculus Extension of the Kinetic Theory of Fluids: Molecular Models of Transport within and between Phases
Authors: Magin Richard L. , Lenzi Ervin K.
Published: December 2022

The application of fractional calculus in the field of kinetic theory begins with questions raised by Bernoulli, Clausius, and Maxwell about the motion of molecules in gases and liquids. Causality, locality, and determinism underly the early work, which led to the development of statistical mechanics by Boltzmann, Gibbs, Enskog, and Chapman. However, memory and nonlocality influence the future course of molecular interactions (e.g., persistence of velocity and inelastic collisions); hence, modifications to the thermodynamic equations of state, the non-equilibrium transport equations, and the dynamics of phase transitions are needed to explain experimental measurements. In these situations, the inclusion of space- and time-fractional derivatives within the context of the continuous time random walk (CTRW) model of diffusion encodes particle jumps and trapping. Thus, we anticipate using fractional calculus to extend the classical equations of diffusion. The solutions obtained illuminate the structure and dynamics of the materials (gases and liquids) at the molecular, mesoscopic, and macroscopic time/length scales. The development of these models requires building connections between kinetic theory, physical chemistry, and applied mathematics. In this paper, we focus on the kinetic theory of gases and liquids, with particular emphasis on descriptions of phase transitions, inter-phase mixing, and the transport of mass, momentum, and energy. As an example, we combine the pressure–temperature phase diagrams of simple molecules with the corresponding anomalous diffusion phase diagram of fractional calculus. The overlap suggests links between sub- and super-diffusion and molecular motion in the liquid and the vapor phases.
Two Approximation Formulas for Bateman’s G-Function with Bounded Monotonic Errors
Authors: Mahmoud Mansour , Almuashi Hanan
Published: December 2022

Two new approximation formulas for Bateman’s G-function are presented with strictly monotonic error functions and we deduced their sharp bounds. We also studied the completely monotonic (CM) degrees of two functions involving G(r), deducing two of its inequalities and improving some of the recently published results.
Hospitalization Duration for Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Temporal Analysis of 18-Year United States Data
Authors: Bhat Anusha G. , Singh Mandeep , Patlolla Sri Harsha , Belford Peter Matthew , Zhao David X. , Vallabhajosyula Saraschandra
Published: December 2022

Background and objectives: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-related outcomes in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have improved over time, but there are limited data on the length of stay (LOS) in relation to in-hospital mortality. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort of adult AMI admissions was identified from the National Inpatient Sample (2000–2017) and stratified into short (≤3 days) and long (>3 days) LOS. Outcomes of interest included temporal trends in LOS and associated in-hospital mortality, further sub-stratified based on demographics and comorbidities. Results: A total 11,622,528 admissions with AMI were identified, with a median LOS of 3 (interquartile range [IQR] 2–6) days with 49.9% short and 47.3% long LOS, respectively. In 2017, compared to 2000, temporal trends in LOS declined in all AMI, with marginal increases in LOS >3 days and decreases for ≤3 days (median 2 [IQR 1–3]) vs. long LOS (median 6 [IQR 5–9]). Patients with long LOS had lower rates of coronary angiography and PCI, but higher rates of non-cardiac organ support (respiratory and renal) and use of coronary artery bypass grafting. Unadjusted in-hospital mortality declined over time. Short LOS had comparable mortality to long LOS (51.3% vs. 48.6%) (p = 0.13); however, adjusted in-hospital mortality was higher in LOS >3 days when compared to LOS ≤ 3 days (adjusted OR 3.00, 95% CI 2.98–3.02, p < 0.001), with higher hospitalization (p < 0.001) when compared to long LOS. Conclusions: Median LOS in AMI, particularly in STEMI, has declined over the last two decades with a consistent trend in subgroup analysis. Longer LOS is associated with higher in-hospital mortality, higher hospitalization costs, and less frequent discharges to home compared to those with shorter LOS.
Complete Cycle Mapping Using a Quantitative At-Home Hormone Monitoring System in Prediction of Fertile Days, Confirmation of Ovulation, and Screening for Ovulation Issues Preventing Conception
Authors: Wegrzynowicz Andrea K. , Beckley Amy , Eyvazzadeh Aimee , Levy Gary , Park John , Klein Joshua
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives: To achieve pregnancy, it is highly beneficial to identify the time of ovulation as well as the greater period of fertile days during which sperm may survive leading up to ovulation. Confirming successful ovulation is also critical to accurately diagnose ovulatory disorders. Ovulation predictor kits, fertility monitors, and tracking apps are all available to assist with detecting ovulation, but often fall short. They may not detect the full fertile window, provide accurate or real-time information, or are simply expensive and impractical. Finally, few over-the-counter products provide information to women about their ovarian reserve and future fertility. Therefore, there is a need for an easy, over-the-counter, at-home quantitative hormone monitoring system that assesses ovarian reserve, predicts the entire fertile window, and can screen for ovulatory disorders. Materials and Methods: Proov Complete is a four-in-one at-home multihormone testing system that utilizes lateral flow assay test strips paired with the free Proov Insight App to guide testing of four hormones—FSH, E1G, LH, and PdG—across the woman’s cycle. In a pilot study, 40 women (including 16 with a fertility-related diagnosis or using fertility treatments) used Complete for one cycle. Results: Here, we demonstrate that Proov Complete can accurately and sensitively predict ovarian reserve, detect up to 6 fertile days and confirm if ovulation was successful, in one easy-to-use kit. Ovulation was confirmed in 38 cycles with a detectable PdG rise. An average of 5.3 fertile days (from E1G rise to PdG rise) were detected, with an average of 2.7 days prior to LH surge. Ovulation was confirmed via PdG rise an average of 2.6 days following the LH surge. While 38/40 women had a PdG rise, only 22 had a sustained PdG level above 5 μg/mL throughout the critical implantation window, indicating ovulatory dysfunction in 16 women. Conclusions: Proov Complete can detect the entire fertile window of up to 6 fertile days and confirm ovulation, while also providing information on ovarian reserve and guidance to clinicians and patients.
Management of Complex Acetabular Fractures by Using 3D Printed Models
Authors: Ivanov Stoyan , Valchanov Petar , Hristov Stoyan , Veselinov Deyan , Gueorguiev Boyko
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives: Using 3D printed models in orthopaedics and traumatology contributes to a better understanding of injury patterns regarding surgical approaches, reduction techniques, and fracture fixation methods. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel technique implementing 3D printed models to facilitate the optimal preoperative planning of the surgical treatment of complex acetabular fractures. Materials and Methods: Patients with complex acetabular fractures were assigned to two groups: (1) conventional group (n = 12) and (2) 3D printed group (n = 10). Both groups included participants with either a posterior column plus posterior wall fracture, a transverse plus posterior wall fracture, or a both-column acetabular fracture. Datasets from CT scanning were segmented and converted to STL format, with separated bones and fragments for 3D printing in different colors. Comparison between the two groups was performed in terms of quality of fracture reduction (good: equal to, or less than 2 mm displacement, and fair: larger than 2 mm displacement), functional assessment, operative time, blood loss, and number of intraoperative x-rays. Results: A significant decrease in operative time, blood loss, and number of intraoperative x-rays was registered in the 3D printed group versus the conventional one (p < 0.01), with 80% of the patients in the former having good fracture reduction and 20% having fair reduction. In contrast, 50% of the patients in the conventional group had good reduction and 50% had fair reduction. The functional score at 18-month follow-up was better for patients in the 3D printed group. Conclusions: The 3D printing technique can be considered a highly efficient and patient-specific approach for management of complex acetabular fractures, helping to restore patient′s individual anatomy after surgery.
A Brief History of Cardiothoracic Surgical Critical Care Medicine in the United States
Authors: Kopanczyk Rafal , Kumar Nicolas , Bhatt Amar M.
Published: December 2022

Cardiothoracic surgical intensive care has developed in response to advances in cardiothoracic surgery. The invention of the cardiopulmonary bypass machine facilitated a motionless and bloodless surgical field and made operations of increasing complexity feasible. By the mid-1950s, the first successful procedures utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass took place. This was soon followed by the establishment of postoperative recovery units, the precursors to current cardiothoracic surgical intensive care units. These developments fostered the emergence of a new medical specialty: the discipline of critical care medicine. Together, surgeons and intensivists transformed the landscape of acute, in-hospital care. It is important to celebrate these achievements by remembering the individuals responsible for their conception. This article describes the early days of cardiothoracic surgery and cardiothoracic intensive care medicine.
Large Intrathoracic Desmoid Tumor and Re-Expansion Pulmonary Edema: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Pistioli Efstathia , Soulioti Eleftheria , Kapetanakis Emmanouil I. , Michos Thrasyvoulos P. , Tomos Periklis I. , Sidiropoulou Tatiana
Published: December 2022

Re-expansion pulmonary edema is a potentially life-threatening situation following thoracic surgery of a compromised lung. We report the case of a 24-year-old female scheduled for a resection of a large intrathoracic desmoid tumor that presented with re-expansion pulmonary edema at the conclusion of her surgery and discuss the clinical presentation, mechanism and predictors of this entity and review similar cases reported in the literature.
Novel Polyelectrolyte-Based Draw Solute That Overcomes the Trade-Off between Forward Osmosis Performance and Ease of Regeneration
Authors: Emadzadeh Daryoush , Atashgar Amirsajad , Kruczek Boguslaw
Published: December 2022

Forward osmosis (FO) is an emerging technology for seawater and brackish desalination, wastewater treatment, and other applications, such as food processing, power generation, and protein and pharmaceutical enrichment. However, choosing a draw solute (DS) that provides an appropriate driving force and, at the same time, is easy to recover, is challenging. In this study, water-soluble poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) was modified by a high-electrical-conductivity 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) monomer to fabricate a novel draw solute (mPSS). FO tests with the CTA membrane in the active layer facing the feed solution (AL-FS) orientation, using a 50 mS/cm aqueous solution of synthesized solute and distilled water as a feed solution exhibited a water flux of 4.2 L h−1 m−2 and a corresponding reverse solute flux of 0.19 g h−1 m−2. The FO tests with the same membrane, using a 50 mS/cm NaCl control draw solution, yielded a lower water flux of 3.6 L h−1 m−2 and a reverse solute flux of 4.13 g h−1 m−2, which was more than one order of magnitude greater. More importantly, the synthesized draw solute was easily regenerated using a commercial ultrafiltration membrane (PS35), which showed over 96% rejection.
An Experimental Study of a Zeolite Membrane Reactor for Reverse Water Gas Shift
Authors: Sakai Motomu , Tanaka Kyoka , Matsukata Masahiko
Published: December 2022

Reverse water gas shift (RWGS) is attracting attention as one of the promising technologies for CO2 conversion. Selective removal of H2O from the reaction system can improve the CO2 conversion beyond the equilibrium conversion of RWGS in a conventional reactor. In this study, a conventional plug-flow reactor without membrane, and two types of RWGS membrane reactors using ZSM-5 membranes, were developed. The yield of CO without membrane (Case 1) was almost the same as the equilibrium conversion. A membrane reactor (Case 2) showed a CO yield 2–3% above that of a conventional reactor. From the results, the effectiveness of the dehydration membrane reactor for RWGS was verified. In addition, CO yield was further increased in the reactor made up of the combination of conventional reactor and membrane reactor (Case 3). For example, the CO yields in Cases 1, 2, and 3 at 560 K were 21.8, 24.9, and 29.0%, respectively. Although the CO yield increased in Case 2, a large amount of raw materials penetrated through the membrane to the permeation side, and was lost. In Case 3, H2 and CO2 permeation through the membrane were suppressed because of the existence of H2O, resulting in the prevention of the leakage of raw material, and contributing to the high CO yield.
A Review on the Morphology and Material Properties of the Gas Separation Membrane: Molecular Simulation
Authors: Liu Yilin , Li Na , Cui Xin , Yan Weichao , Su Jincai , Jin Liwen
Published: December 2022

Gas membrane separation technology is widely applied in different industry processes because of its advantages relating to separation performance and economic efficiency. It is usually difficult and time consuming to determine the suitable membrane materials for specific industrial separation processes through traditional experimental research methods. Molecular simulation is widely used to investigate the microscopic morphology and macroscopic properties of materials, and it guides the improvement of membrane materials. This paper comprehensively reviews the molecular-level exploration of the dominant mechanism and influencing factors of gas membrane-based separation. The thermodynamics and kinetics of polymer membrane synthesis, the molecular interactions among the penetrated gases, the relationships between the membrane properties and the transport characteristics of different gases in the composite membrane are summarized and discussed. The limitations and perspectives of the molecular simulation method in the study of the gas membrane separation process are also presented to rationalize its potential and innovative applications. This review provides a more comprehensive reference for promoting the materials’ design and engineering application of the gas separation membrane.
In Vitro, In Silico and Network Pharmacology Mechanistic Approach to Investigate the α-Glucosidase Inhibitors Identified by Q-ToF-LCMS from Phaleria macrocarpa Fruit Subcritical CO2 Extract
Authors: Mia Md. Abdur Rashid , Ahmed Qamar Uddin , Ferdosh Sahena , Helaluddin Abul Bashar Mohammed , Awal Md. Shihabul , Sarian Murni Nazira , Sarker Md. Zaidul Islam , Zakaria Zainul Amiruddin
Published: December 2022

The fruit of Phaleria macrocarpa have been traditionally used as an antidiabetic remedy in Malaysia and neighbouring countries. Despite its potential for diabetes treatment, no scientific study has ever been conducted to predict the inhibitor interaction of the protein α-glucosidase identified in an extract prepared with a non-conventional extraction technique. Hence, the major aim of this research was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant, the α-glucosidase inhibitors, and the molecular dynamic simulations of the α-glucosidase inhibitors identified by Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (Q-ToF-LCMS) analysis. Initially, dry fruit were processed using non-conventional and conventional extraction methods to obtain subcritical carbon dioxide extracts (SCE-1 and SCE-2) and heating under reflux extract (HRE), respectively. Subsequently, all extracts were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidative and α-glucosidase inhibitory potentials. Subsequently, the most bioactive extract (SCE-2) was subjected to Q-ToF-LCMS analysis to confirm the presence of α-glucosidase inhibitors, which were then analysed through molecular dynamic simulations and network pharmacology approaches to confirm their possible mechanism of action. The highest inhibitory effects of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and α-glucosidase on SCE-2 was found as 75.36 ± 0.82% and 81.79 ± 0.82%, respectively, compared to the SCE-1 and HRE samples. The Q-ToF-LCMS analysis tentatively identified 14 potent α-glucosidase inhibitors. Finally, five identified compounds, viz., lupenone, swertianolin, m-coumaric acid, pantothenic acid, and 8-C-glucopyranosyleriodictylol displayed significant stability, compactness, stronger protein-ligand interaction up to 100 ns further confirming their potential as α-glucosidase inhibitors. Consequently, it was concluded that the SCE-2 possesses a strong α-glucosidase inhibitory effect due to the presence of these compounds. The findings of this study might prove useful to develop these compounds as alternative safe α-glucosidase inhibitors to manage diabetes more effectively.
Investigation of the Exometabolomic Profiles of Rat Islets of Langerhans Cultured in Microfluidic Biochip
Authors: Essaouiba Amal , Jellali Rachid , Gilard Françoise , Gakière Bertrand , Okitsu Teru , Legallais Cécile , Sakai Yasuyuki , Leclerc Eric
Published: December 2022

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex disease with high prevalence of comorbidity and mortality. DM is predicted to reach more than 700 million people by 2045. In recent years, several advanced in vitro models and analytical tools were developed to investigate the pancreatic tissue response to pathological situations and identify therapeutic solutions. Of all the in vitro promising models, cell culture in microfluidic biochip allows the reproduction of in-vivo-like micro-environments. Here, we cultured rat islets of Langerhans using dynamic cultures in microfluidic biochips. The dynamic cultures were compared to static islets cultures in Petri. The islets’ exometabolomic signatures, with and without GLP1 and isradipine treatments, were characterized by GC-MS. Compared to Petri, biochip culture contributes to maintaining high secretions of insulin, C-peptide and glucagon. The exometabolomic profiling revealed 22 and 18 metabolites differentially expressed between Petri and biochip on Day 3 and 5. These metabolites illustrated the increase in lipid metabolism, the perturbation of the pentose phosphate pathway and the TCA cycle in biochip. After drug stimulations, the exometabolome of biochip culture appeared more perturbed than the Petri exometabolome. The GLP1 contributed to the increase in the levels of glycolysis, pentose phosphate and glutathione pathways intermediates, whereas isradipine led to reduced levels of lipids and carbohydrates.
Oscillatory Motion of Water Droplets Both in Oil and on Superhydrophobic Surface under Corona Discharge
Authors: Tang Qiang , Zhang Zongtang , Zhang Jia-Han , Tang Feiran , Wang Chengjun , Cui Xiaxia
Published: December 2022

Charged droplets driven by Coulomb force are an important part of a droplet-based micro reactor. In this study, we realized the rapid oscillatory motion of droplets both in oil and on superhydrophobic surface by injecting charges through corona discharge. Distinct from the oscillatory motion of water droplets under a DC electric field, charge injection can make the motion of water droplets more flexible. A droplet in the oil layer can move up and down regularly under the action of corona discharge, and the discharge voltage can control the movement period and height of the droplet. In addition, the left–right translation of droplets on a superhydrophobic surface can be achieved by injecting charges into the hydrophobic film surface through corona discharge. Two kinds of droplet motion behaviors are systematically analyzed, and the mechanism of droplet motion is explained. The present results could help establish new approaches to designing efficient machines in microfluidics and micromechanical equipment.
Self-Disinfecting Urethral Catheter to Overcome Urinary Infections: From Antimicrobial Photodynamic Action to Antibacterial Biochemical Entities
Authors: Dias Lucas D. , Duarte Luana S. , Naves Plínio L. F. , Napolitano Hamilton B. , Bagnato Vanderlei S.
Published: December 2022

Medical-device-related infections are considered a worldwide public health problem. In particular, urinary catheters are responsible for 75% of cases of hospital urinary infections (a mortality rate of 2.3%) and present a high cost for public and private health systems. Some actions have been performed and described aiming to avoid it, including clinical guidelines for catheterization procedure, antibiotic prophylaxis, and use of antimicrobial coated-urinary catheters. In this review paper, we present and discuss the functionalization of urinary catheters surfaces with antimicrobial entities (e.g., photosensitizers, antibiotics, polymers, silver salts, oxides, bacteriophage, and enzymes) highlighting the immobilization of photosensitizing molecules for antimicrobial photodynamic applications. Moreover, the characterization techniques and (photo)antimicrobial effects of the coated-urinary catheters are described and discussed. We highlight the most significant examples in the last decade (2011–2021) concerning the antimicrobial coated-urinary catheter and their potential use, limitations, and future perspectives.
Investigation of the Antibacterial, Anti-Biofilm, and Antioxidative Effect of Piper betle Leaf Extract against Bacillus gaemokensis MW067143 Isolated from Dental Caries, an In Vitro-In Silico Approach
Authors: Jalil Varda , Khan Maryam , Haider Syed Zeeshan , Shamim Saba
Published: December 2022

Among oral diseases, dental caries is one of the most frequent to affect human health. The current research work aimed to ascertain the antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and antioxidative potential of Piper betle leaf extract against bacteria isolated from dental caries. Analysis for the presence of phytochemical compounds revealed compounds, such as tannins, steroids, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids, which were also confirmed by TLC and FTIR. GC-MS analysis elucidated the presence of 20 phytocompounds, among which were some well-reported bioactive compounds. The chloroform extract of P. betle demonstrated good antibacterial activity (7 mm) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (100 mg mL−1) against Bacillus gaemokensis MW067143, which was the frequent biofilm producer among isolated bacterial strains. Fractions of the extract were isolated through column chromatography, after which the antibacterial activity was again evaluated. Spirost-8-en-11-one,3-hydroxy(3β,5α,14β,20β,22β,25R), an oxosteroid in nature, was observed to exhibit remarkable antibacterial potential (12 mm) against B. gaemokensis. Bacterial cells treated with P. betle extract had elevated SOD, APOX, POX, and GR activity, while its proteolytic activity against whole bacterial proteins was pronounced with the suppression of several proteins (50, 40, 15, and 10 kDa) in SDS-PAGE. Bacterial cells treated with P. betle extract demonstrated decreased growth, while the extract was also observed to exhibit inhibition of biofilm formation (70.11%) and demolition of established B. gaemokensis biofilms (57.98%). SEM analysis revealed significant changes to bacterial morphology post treatment with P. betle, with cellular disintegration being prominent. In silico network pharmacology analysis elucidated proteins like ESR1 and IL6 to be majorly involved in biological pathways of dental caries, which also interact with the protective ability of P. betle. Gene Ontology (GO) terms and KEGG pathways were also screened using enrichment analysis. Molecular docking demonstrated the highest binding affinity of Spirost-8-en-11-one,3-hydroxy-,(3β,5α,14β,20β,22β,25R) with bacterial proteins FabI (−12 kcal/mol), MurB (−17.1 kcal/mol), and FtsZ (−14.9 kcal/mol). Therefore, it is suggested that P. betle can serve a potentially therapeutic role and could be used in the preparation of herbal formulations for managing bacterial flora.
Promotion of Deoxycholic Acid Effect on Colonic Cancer Cell Lines In Vitro by Altering the Mucosal Microbiota
Authors: Ma Yanpeng , Zhang Yi , Qu Ruize , Zhou Xin , Sun Lulu , Wang Kai , Jiang Changtao , Zhang Zhipeng , Fu Wei
Published: December 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent neoplasm and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Microbiota and their products, such as bile acids (BAs), are important causal factors for the occurrence and development of CRC. Therefore, we performed 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC–MS) to measure mucosal microbiota and BA composition in paired cancerous and noncancerous gut tissue samples from 33 patients with CRC at a hospital in Beijing. In cancerous tissues, we detected altered mucosal microbiota with increased levels of the genera Bacteroides, Curtobacterium, and Campylobacter and an increase in deoxycholic acid (DCA), which was the only BA elevated in cancerous tissues. Ex vivo coculture showed that the mucosal microbiota in cancerous tissues indeed had a stronger DCA production ability, indicating that DCA-producing bacteria are enriched in tumors. Results from the CCK8 and Transwell assays indicated that DCA enhances the overgrowth, migration, and invasion of CRC cell lines, and, through qPCR and Western blot analyses, downregulation of FXR was observed in CRC cell lines after DCA culture. We then verified the downregulation of FXR expression in cancerous tissues using our data and the TCGA database, and we found that FXR downregulation plays an important role in the development of CRC. In conclusion, differing mucosal microbiota, increased amounts of mucosal DCA, and lower FXR expression were demonstrated in cancerous tissues compared to normal tissue samples. The results of this study can be applied to the development of potential therapeutic targets for CRC prevention, such as altering mucosal microbiota, DCA, or FXR.
Changes in Phylogenetic and Functional Diversity of Ciliates along the Course of a Mediterranean Karstic River
Authors: Gulin Beljak Vesna , Kulaš Antonija , Lentendu Guillaume , Vlaičević Barbara , Gligora Udovič Marija , Sertić Perić Mirela , Rebrina Fran , Žutinić Petar , Orlić Sandi , Matoničkin Kepčija Renata
Published: December 2022

Ciliates are a group of phagotrophic protists found in a wide variety of ecosystems. This study builds on recent studies of ciliates in the Krka river and investigates changes in the phylogenetic and functional diversity of ciliates in biofilm to predict the phylogenetic and functional structure of ciliates in other karstic rivers. Biofilm samples were collected from four representative locations: upstream (Krka spring), midstream (Marasovine), and downstream (Roški slap, Skradinski buk) of the Krka river to test for differences in phylogenetic and functional diversity of ciliates in relation to location and positioning on tufa stones (light/dark-exposed side of tufa stone). Our results showed that Krka spring had higher phylogenetic species variability, lower phylogenetic diversity, and lower functional richness than Skradinski buk, suggesting phylogenetic overdispersal at Krka spring. This could be due to environmental filtering, competitive exclusion, or a combination of these factors. As the first study of its kind in the Mediterranean, our results shed light on the phylogenetic and functional diversity of ciliates in karst ecosystems and provide a basis for future ecological and conservation efforts.
Safety Evaluation of Bacillus subtilis IDCC1101, Newly Isolated from Cheonggukjang, for Industrial Applications
Authors: Kim Su-Hyeon , Yehuala Gashaw Assefa , Bang Won Yeong , Yang Jungwoo , Jung Young Hoon , Park Mi-Kyung
Published: December 2022

The present study aimed to evaluate the safety of Bacillus subtilis (BS) IDCC1101, newly isolated from Cheonggukjang in Korea. Genome sequencing of BS IDCC1101 was performed to investigate the presence of secondary metabolites, virulence, antibiotic resistance, and mobile elements. Its phenotypic safety analyses included antibiotic susceptibility, enzyme activity, carbohydrate utilization, production of biogenic amines (BAs) and D-/L-lactate, hemolytic activity, and toxicities in HaCaT cells and rats. The genome of BS IDCC1101 consisted of 4,118,950 bp with 3077 functional genes. Among them, antimicrobial and antifungal secondary metabolites were found, such as fengycin, bacillibactin, and bacilysin. Antibiotic resistance and virulence genes did not exhibit transferability since they did not overlap with mobile elements in the genome. BS IDCC1101 was susceptible to almost all antibiotics suggested for assessment of BS’s antibiotic susceptibility by EFSA guidelines, except for streptomycin. BS IDCC1101 showed the utilization of a wide range of 27 carbohydrates, as well as enzyme activities such as alkaline phosphatase, esterase, esterase lipase, naphthol-AS-BI-phosphohydrolase, α-galactosidase, β-galactosidase, α-glucosidase, and β-glucosidase activities. Additionally, BS IDCC1101 did not exhibit the production of D-/L-lactate and hemolytic activities. Its toxicity in HaCaT cells and rats was also not detected. Thus, these genotypic and phenotypic findings indicate that BS IDCC1101 can be safely used for industrial applications.
Editorial for Special Issue “Valorization of Metallurgical and Mining Residues and Wastes”
Authors: Pérez-Villarejo Luis , Angelopoulos George N.
Published: December 2022

This Special Issue has presented the most recent advances in some of the key aspects of mining and metallurgical waste valorization [...]
RIAM: A Universal Accessible Protocol for the Isolation of High Purity DNA from Various Soils and Other Humic Substances
Authors: Pinaev Alexander G. , Kichko Arina A. , Aksenova Tatiana S. , Safronova Vera I. , Kozhenkova Elena V. , Andronov Evgeny E.
Published: December 2022

A single universal open protocol RIAM (named after Research Institute for Agricultural Microbiology) for the isolation of high purity DNA from different types of soils and other substrates (high and low in humic, clay content, organic fertilizer, etc.) is proposed. The main features of the RIAM protocol are the absence of the sorption–desorption stage on silica columns, the use of high concentrations of phosphate in buffers, which prevents DNA sorption on minerals, and DNA precipitation using CTAB. The performance of RIAM was compared with a reference commercial kit and showed very good results in relation to the purity and quantity of DNA, as well as the absence of inhibitory activity on PCR. In all cases, the RIAM ensured the isolation of DNA in quantities much greater than the commercial kit without the effect of PCR inhibition up to 50 ng DNA per reaction in a volume of 15 µL. The latter circumstance along with the ability of the protocol to extract low molecular weight DNA fractions makes the method especially suitable for those cases where quantitative assessments, detection of minor components of soil microbiota, and completeness of isolation of all DNA fractions are required.
The Formation of Protein Corona by Nanoplastics and Horseradish Peroxidase
Authors: Zhou Jing , Yu Yanni , Luan Yaning , Dai Wei
Published: December 2022

In theory, nanoplastics (NPs) can adsorb biological macromolecules, such as proteins, in the surrounding environment to form protein corona (PC). In this study, we focus on amino polystyrene (PS) NPs and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to explore the dynamic process of the formation of PS-HRP PC and their influence on PS and HRP. This work used atomic force microscopy, laser particle size and Zeta potential analyzer, and UV-vis spectrophotometer. According to the adsorption behavior of HRP to NPs, the surface morphology characteristics of NPs can be observed to change at 60 min. Meanwhile, the increase in size and hydrodynamic diameter, the decrease in Zeta potential, surface roughness and HRP activity, and the change in HRP structure attest to the PC formation. The thickness of the PC was approximately 30 nm and there are differences in the dynamic and static variations in the size of the PC. The PC formation process progresses gradually from 0 min to 240 min. Overall, the formation of PS-HRP PC is identified, and the changes in its properties are confirmed from the perspective of nanoplastics and peroxidase, which help study the effects of nanoplastics on the environment and creatures.