bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Unusual College Experience: 16-Month Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms and Anxiety among Chinese New Undergraduate Students of 2019 during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Liu Lili , Chen Jianbin , Liang Shunwei , Peng Xiaodan , Yang Wenwen , Huang Andi , Wang Xiayong , Fan Fang , Zhao Jingbo
Published: March 2023

Background: This study examines the trajectories of the mental health conditions of 13,494 new undergraduate students who enrolled in 2019 in China from the beginning of the pandemic to the local recurrence of the pandemic, and found factors which may be associated with diverse trajectories. Methods: The trajectories of depression–anxiety outcomes were modeled using the growth mixture model. The multinomial logistic regression model was used to identify variables associated with different trajectory groups. Results: Both depression and anxiety in the new college students slightly increased during the 16-month period. The slopes of depression and anxiety were lower after the local outbreak. From the trajectories of depression and anxiety, five heterogeneous groups were identified: low–stable (64.3%), moderate–increased (18.2%), high–stable (11.1%), recovery (4.5%), and rapid–increased (1.8%). Environmental, somatic, and social factors were used to differentiate the low–stable group from the other groups. We found that college students with female gender, more conflict with parents, and feelings of loneliness during the pandemic were more likely to enter a high stability trajectory compared to a recovery trajectory. Conclusion: Most participants showed a stable mental health status, while others experienced deteriorating or chronic mental health problems, especially those who had sleep disturbances, less social support before the pandemic, or conflicts with parents during the pandemic. These students may need additional support and monitoring from college mental health providers to improve their wellbeing.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients during Infection and after Recovery in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alanazi Menyfah Q. , Abdelgawwad Waleed , Almangour Thamer A. , Mostafa Fatma , Almuheed Mona
Published: March 2023

This study evaluated the impact of COVID-19 and other factors on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of Saudi patients during infection and after recovery using the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS instruments. An observational prospective study was conducted in November 2022, during which 389 COVID-19 patients were surveyed during their visit to a medical center. Two weeks after their recovery, they were contacted again to re-evaluate their HRQoL (192 patients either refused to participate or withdrew). The mean of the EQ-5D-5L index and EQ-VAS scores significantly increased from (0.69 ± 0.29 and 63.16 ± 24.9) during infection to (0.92 ± 0.14 and 86.96 ± 15.3) after recovery. Specifically, COVID-19 patients experienced improvement of several HRQoL dimensions post recovery, such as better mobility, enhanced self-care, returning to usual activities, less pain/discomfort, and alleviated anxiety/depression. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that having a normal weight, being employed, not being anemic, and previously taking the BCG vaccine were positively associated with a greater change in the HRQoL. An interaction between being asthmatic and taking the influenza vaccine positively predicted a lower change in the HRQoL. Having a normal weight positively predicted a greater change in the perceived health state after recovery. Increasing the consumption of natural supplements (honey and curcuma) did not improve the HRQoL or the perceived health state. Based on these findings, COVID-19 mildly impacted the HRQoL of Saudis with varying effects depending on some socio-demographic/clinical characteristics of the patients.
Waste-Based Ceramsite for the Efficient Removal of Ciprofloxacin in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Qin Juan , Fang Yeting , Shi Jian , Tokoro Chiharu , Córdova-Udaeta Mauricio , Oyama Keishi , Zhang Juncheng
Published: March 2023

Ciprofloxacin (CIP), a compound with bioaccumulation toxicity and antibiotic resistance, is frequently detected in water at alarming concentrations, which is becoming an increasing concern. In this study, a low-cost ceramsite was developed from industrial solid wastes through sintering to remove CIP from wastewater. The effects of adsorbent dosage, initial pH, contact time, initial CIP concentration, and temperature were explored. More than 99% of CIP (20–60 mg/L) was removed at around pH 2–4 by the ceramsite. The kinetic data fitted well with the pseudo-second-order model, revealing that chemisorption was the main rate-determining step. The isotherm data was better described by the Freundlich model, suggesting that CIP was removed by the formation of multiple layers on the heterogeneous surface. Moreover, the removal efficiency was practically higher than 95% during five regeneration cycles, when different regeneration methods were used, including calcination, HCl, and NaOH washing, indicating that the ceramsite exhibited outstanding reusability in removing CIP. The primary mechanism of CIP removal by the ceramsite was found to be the synergism of adsorption and flocculation, both of which depended on the release of Ca2+ from the ceramsite. In addition, strong Ca-CIP complexes could be formed through surface complexation and metal cation bridging between Ca2+ and different functional groups in CIP.
Maize-YOLO: A New High-Precision and Real-Time Method for Maize Pest Detection
Authors: Yang Shuai , Xing Ziyao , Wang Hengbin , Dong Xinrui , Gao Xiang , Liu Zhe , Zhang Xiaodong , Li Shaoming , Zhao Yuanyuan
Published: March 2023

The frequent occurrence of crop pests and diseases is one of the important factors leading to the reduction of crop quality and yield. Since pests are characterized by high similarity and fast movement, this poses a challenge for artificial intelligence techniques to identify pests in a timely and accurate manner. Therefore, we propose a new high-precision and real-time method for maize pest detection, Maize-YOLO. The network is based on YOLOv7 with the insertion of the CSPResNeXt-50 module and VoVGSCSP module. It can improve network detection accuracy and detection speed while reducing the computational effort of the model. We evaluated the performance of Maize-YOLO in a typical large-scale pest dataset IP102. We trained and tested against those pest species that are more damaging to maize, including 4533 images and 13 classes. The experimental results show that our method outperforms the current state-of-the-art YOLO family of object detection algorithms and achieves suitable performance at 76.3% mAP and 77.3% recall. The method can provide accurate and real-time pest detection and identification for maize crops, enabling highly accurate end-to-end pest detection.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Pervistop®, a New Combination Based on EGCG, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 and Hyaluronic Acid on Patients with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Persistent Infections and Cervical Lesions: A Pilot Study
Authors: Aragona Cesare , Bezerra Espinola Maria Salomè , Bilotta Gabriele , Porcaro Giuseppina , Calcagno Marco
Published: March 2023

Background: The persistence of the HPV infection is a risk factor in the integration of viral DNA in the host genome, leading to transforming events. The lack of therapies for HPV-persistent infections determine an unmet medical need. Methods: We enrolled forty patients with persistent HPV infections and cervical lesions and divided them into two groups. The women in the treated group received 200 mg epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), 400 µg folic acid (FA), 1 mg vitamin B12, and 50 mg hyaluronic acid (HA) for 12 weeks. The control group received no treatment. Results: 40 patients completed the study. Fifteen out of 20 women in the control group still had an LSIL at the end of the study. One woman had a decrease in the DNA load, while six had no change and eight had an increase in DNA content. In the treatment group, 17 out of 20 women achieved a full viral clearance. These women showed no cytological or histological evidence of lesions following the treatment. Conclusions: Our data highlight the possible effect of such combination on LSIL. Therefore, the evidence reported here supports the potential to carry out further randomized placebo-controlled studies with an adequate number of patients to verify our results.
A Hyper-Personalized Product Recommendation System Focused on Customer Segmentation: An Application in the Fashion Retail Industry
Authors: Yıldız Emre , Güngör Şen Ceyda , Işık Eyüp Ensar
Published: March 2023

Providing the right products, at the right place and time, according to their customer’s preferences, is a problem-seeking solution, especially for companies operating in the retail industry. This study presents an integrated product RS that combines various data mining techniques with this motivation. The proposed approach consists of the following steps: (1) customer segmentation; (2) adding the location dimension and determining the association rules; (3) the creation of product recommendations. We used the RFM technique for customer segmentation and the k-means clustering algorithm to create customer segments with customer-based RFM values. Then, the Apriori algorithm, one of the association rule mining algorithms, is used to create accurate rules. In this way, cluster-based association rules are created. Finally, product recommendations are presented with a rule-based heuristic algorithm. This is the first system that considers customers’ demographic data in the fashion retail industry in the literature. Furthermore, the customer location information is used as a parameter for the first time for the clustering phase of a fashion retail product RS. The proposed systematic approach is aimed at producing hyper-personalized product recommendations for customers. The proposed system is implemented on real-world e-commerce data and compared with the current RSs used according to well-known metrics and the average sales information. The results show that the proposed system provides better values.
Maleic Acid as a Co-Former for Pharmaceutically Active GABA Derivatives: Mechanochemistry or Solvent Crystallization?
Authors: Komisarek Daniel , Taskiran Ebru , Vasylyeva Vera
Published: March 2023

In this study, we compare the mechanochemical and classical solvent crystallization methods for forming maleates of GABA and its pharmaceutically active derivatives: Pregabalin, Gabapentin, Phenibut, and Baclofen. Common characterization techniques, like powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction, IR-spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and 1H-NMR spectroscopy, are used for the evaluation of structural and physicochemical properties. Our work shows that maleate formation is possible with all investigated target compounds. Large increases in solubility can be achieved, especially for Pregabalin, where up to twentyfold higher solubility in its maleate compared to the pure form can be reached. We furthermore compare the mechanochemical and solvent crystallization regarding quickness, reliability of phase production, and overall product quality. A synthetic route is shown to have an impact on certain properties such as melting point or solubility of the same obtained products, e.g., for Gabapentin and Pregabalin, or lead to the formation of hydrates vs. anhydrous forms. For the GABA and Baclofen maleates, the method of crystallization is not important, and similarly, good results can be obtained by either route. In contrast, Phenibut maleate cannot be obtained pure and single-phase by either method. Our work aims to elucidate promising candidates for the multicomponent crystal formation of blockbuster GABA pharmaceuticals and highlight the usefulness of mechanochemical production routes.
An Overview of Recent Developments in Improving the Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2-Based Materials for the Treatment of Indoor Air and Bacterial Inactivation
Authors: Assadi Achraf Amir , Baaloudj Oussama , Khezami Lotfi , Ben Hamadi Naoufel , Mouni Lotfi , Assadi Aymen Amine , Ghorbal Achraf
Published: March 2023

Indoor air quality has become a significant public health concern. The low cost and high efficiency of photocatalytic technology make it a natural choice for achieving deep air purification. Photocatalysis procedures have been widely investigated for environmental remediation, particularly for air treatment. Several semiconductors, such as TiO2, have been used for photocatalytic purposes as catalysts, and they have earned a lot of interest in the last few years owing to their outstanding features. In this context, this review has collected and discussed recent studies on advances in improving the photocatalytic activity of TiO2-based materials for indoor air treatment and bacterial inactivation. In addition, it has elucidated the properties of some widely used TiO2-based catalysts and their advantages in the photocatalytic process as well as improved photocatalytic activity using doping and heterojunction techniques. Current publications about various combined catalysts have been summarized and reviewed to emphasize the significance of combining catalysts to increase air treatment efficiency. Besides, this paper summarized works that used these catalysts to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and microorganisms. Moreover, the reaction mechanism has been described and summarized based on literature to comprehend further pollutant elimination and microorganism inactivation using photocatalysis. This review concludes with a general opinion and an outlook on potential future research topics, including viral disinfection and other hazardous gases.
A Fast Design Method of Anisotropic Dielectric Lens for Vortex Electromagnetic Wave Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Liang Bingyang , Zhang Yonghua , Zhou Yuanguo , Liu Weiqiang , Ni Tao , Wang Anyi , Fan Yanan
Published: March 2023

Orbital angular momentum (OAM) has made it possible to regulate classical waves in novel ways, which is more energy- or information-efficient than conventional plane wave technology. This work aims to realize the transition of antenna radiation mode through the rapid design of an anisotropic dielectric lens. The deep learning neural network (DNN) is used to train the electromagnetic properties of dielectric cell structures. Nine variable parameters for changing the dielectric unit structure are present in the input layer of the DNN network. The trained network can predict the transmission phase of the unit cell structure with greater than 98% accuracy within a specific range. Then, to build the corresponding relationship between the phase and the parameters, the gray wolf optimization algorithm is applied. In less than 0.3 s, the trained network can predict the transmission coefficients of the 31 × 31 unit structure in the arrays with great accuracy. Finally, we provide two examples of neural network-based rapid anisotropic dielectric lens design. Dielectric lenses produce the OAM modes +1, −1, and −1, +2 under TE and TM wave irradiation, respectively. This approach resolves the difficult phase matching and time-consuming design issues associated with producing a dielectric lens.
Effect from Autoclave Sterilization and Usage on the Fracture Resistance of Heat-Treated Nickel–Titanium Rotary Files
Authors: El Abed Rashid , Al Raeesi Dana , Alshehhi Aisha , Alkhatib Zuhair , Khamis Amar H. , Jamal Mohamed , Kim Hyeon-Cheol
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to assess the effect of mechanical loading and heating on the cyclic fatigue and torsional fracture resistances of heat-treated nickel–titanium files after usage and autoclaving. Sixty files (One Curve) were tested for cyclic fatigue and torsional fracture resistances using customized devices. The files were divided into three groups according to the test conditions (n = 10); new (group-N), used for simulated canal shaping (group-U), and sterilized after use (group-S). For cyclic fatigue resistances, the files were freely rotated in a curved metal canal under body temperature; the time elapsed to fracture was recorded and the numbers of cycles to fracture (NCF) were calculated. For the torsional resistances, the file tip was fixed and rotated until the file fractured. The maximum torsional load and distortion angle were recorded. The toughness was calculated. Fracture fragments were examined with a scanning electron microscope. Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc test at the significance level of 95%. Group-U showed significantly higher NCF than group-S (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant differences between groups-N and -S in the NCF (p > 0.05). Group-N showed a significantly bigger distortional angle and higher torsional toughness than groups-U and -S, but the ultimate torsional strength did not have significant difference between the groups. Under the limitation of this study, autoclave sterilization after single-usage did not improve the fracture resistance of heat-treated One Curve nickel–titanium files.
Effect of Corrosion on the Bond Behavior of Steel-Reinforced, Alkali-Activated Slag Concrete
Authors: Cui Yifei , Qu Shihao , Gao Kaikai , Tekle Biruk Hailu , Bao Jiuwen , Zhang Peng
Published: March 2023

Alkali-activated slag concrete (ASC) is regarded as one of the most promising sustainable construction materials for replacing ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPC) due to its comparable strength and outstanding durability in challenging environments. In this study, the corrosion of steel bars embedded in ASC and OPC was studied by means of an electrically accelerated corrosion test of steel bars in concrete. Meanwhile, the bond performance of the corroded steel bars embedded in ASC was tested and compared with corresponding OPC groups. The results showed that ASC and OPC behaved differently in terms of bond deterioration. The high chemical resistance of ASC decreased the corrosion of steel bars and, thus, increased the residue bond strength and the bond stiffness.
Experimental Investigation of Mechanical and Fracture Behavior of Parallel Double Flawed Granite Material under Impact with Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhang Zhijun , Chen Ying , Liu Yong , Luo Xinyao , Dai Bing
Published: March 2023

During the excavation of underground projects, the rock masses left as the bearing support system are also subjected to dynamic loads from the excavation activities ahead. These rock masses have been damaged and fractured during the initial exposure (dynamic loads) and are subjected to static loads in the subsequent process as the support system. In this study, granite rock samples and specimens with different angles were produced, preloaded with different confining pressure, and under a combination of dynamic and static loading tests using a modified dynamic and static loading system: split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). The peak strain and dynamic modulus of elasticity are weakened by the inclination angle in a similar way to the strength, with the specimens showing an evolutionary pattern from tensile strain to shear damage. The change in the inclination angle of flaws would weaken the dynamic and combined strengths, and a larger inclination flaw results in a significant decrease in its strength. Fractal analysis revealed that the fractural dimension was closely related to the fissure angle and showed a good linear correlation with the strain rate. This study will provide an important security assurance for deep mining.
Performance Study of Lightweight Insulating Mortar Reinforced with Straw Fiber
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Liu Weitao , Zhang Shuo , Hou Jiaoyun
Published: March 2023

The current research aimed to develop lightweight, environmentally friendly mortar materials using crop straw fibers with better insulation properties. The lightweight mortar samples were tested for moisture content, thermal conductivity and compressive strength on days 3, 7 and 28, respectively. Scanning electron tomography (SEM) was performed on the fiber–matrix bonding interface and internal fiber structure. The permeability rating was also measured to check the impermeability of the lightweight fiber mortar. Due to the high hygroscopicity of plant fibers, the thermal conductivity of the mortar was high at the initial molding stage; the thermal conductivity measured at day 28 decreased with increasing fiber content, while the mechanical properties gradually decreased. The impermeability test showed that the straw fiber mortar had better impermeability than the standard mortar. However, with the addition of 2% of 10 mm long fibers, we increased the compressive strength and thermal insulation properties. Numerical simulations verified that the fiber insulation mortar has good thermal insulation properties in high-temperature tunnels.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Solid-State Rotary Friction Welded Inconel 713C and 32CrMo4 Steel Joints Used in a Turbocharger Rotor
Authors: Szwajka Krzysztof , Zielińska-Szwajka Joanna , Trzepieciński Tomasz
Published: March 2023

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of selected parameters of friction welding, such as friction pressure and welding speed, on the mechanical properties and microstructure of friction-welded Inconel 713C-32CrMo4 joints. Tensile strength and hardness tests were carried out to determine the mechanical properties of the resulting welded joints. The results of the ultimate tensile strength, hardness, and microstructure were linked to the parameters of the welding process. It was found that the highest tensile strength was 1222 N/mm2. There was a significant increase in the hardness value in the thermo-mechanically affected zone for all samples. However, as the friction pressure increased, the zone with the higher hardness value migrated towards the 32CrMo4 material. In all weld tests, the fracture was found on the 32CrMo4 steel side. A distinct band of carbide formation was observed between the thermo-mechanically affected zone and the Inconel 713C base material.
Quantum Oscillations of the Energy Loss Rate of Hot Electrons in Graphene at Strong Magnetic Fields
Authors: Tsaousidou Margarita , Kubakaddi Shrishail S.
Published: March 2023

We present a theoretical model for the calculation of the energy loss rate (ELR) of hot electrons in a monolayer graphene due to their coupling with acoustic phonons at high perpendicular magnetic fields. Electrons interact with both transverse acoustic (TA) and longitudinal acoustic (LA) phonons. Numerical simulations of the ELR are performed as a function of the magnetic field, the electron temperature, the electron density, and the Landau level broadening. We find robust oscillations of the ELR as a function of the filling factor ν that originate from the oscillating density of states at the Fermi level. Screening effects on the deformation potential coupling are taken into account, and it is found that they lead to a significant reduction of ELR, especially, at low electron temperatures, Te, and high magnetic fields. At temperatures much lower than the Bloch–Grüneisen temperature, the ELR shows a Te4 dependence that is related to the unscreened electron interaction with TA acoustic phonons. Finally, our theoretical model is compared with existing experimental results and a very good quantitative agreement is found.
The Synergistic Effects of Ultrafine Slag Powder and Limestone on the Rheology Behavior, Microstructure, and Fractal Features of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC)
Authors: Luan Congqi , Yang Qingchun , Lin Xinru , Gao Xin , Cheng Heng , Huang Yongbo , Du Peng , Zhou Zonghui , Wang Jinbang
Published: March 2023

This study investigated the effect of the interaction between ultrafine slag powder (USL) and limestone (LS) on the rheology behavior, microstructure, and fractal features of UHPC. The results indicated that B2 with mass ratio of 2:1 between the USL and LS obtained the highest compressive strength and the lowest yield stress. The combination of the USL and LS facilitated the cement hydration, ettringite, and monocarboaluminate (Mc) formation, as well as the increase in the polymerization of the C–S–H. The synergistic action between the USL and LS refined the pore structure due to the formation of the Mc, compensating for the consumption of the CH by the pozzolanic reaction, which provided a denser microstructure in the UHPC. The fractal dimension (Ds) of the UHPC was strongly related to the concrete pore structures and the compressive strength, which demonstrated that a new metric called the Ds value may be used to assess the synergistic effect of the UHPC.
Predictive Value of Gene Databases in Discovering New Biomarkers and New Therapeutic Targets in Lung Cancer
Authors: Liu Mengfeng , Yu Xiran , Qu Changfa , Xu Shidong
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives: The molecular mechanisms of lung cancer are still unclear. Investigation of immune cell infiltration (ICI) and the hub gene will facilitate the identification of specific biomarkers. Materials and Methods: Key modules of ICI and immune cell-associated differential genes, as well as ICI profiles, were identified using lung cancer microarray data from the single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) in the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. Protein–protein interaction networks were used to identify hub genes. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the diagnostic significance of the hub genes, and survival analysis was performed using gene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA). Results: Significant changes in ICI were found in lung cancer tissues versus adjacent normal tissues. WGCNA results showed the highest correlation of yellow and blue modules with ICI. Protein–protein interaction networks identified four hub genes, namely CENPF, AURKA, PBK, and CCNB1. The lung adenocarcinoma patients in the low hub gene expression group showed higher overall survival and longer median survival than the high expression group. They were associated with a decreased risk of lung cancer in patients, indicating their potential role as cancer suppressor genes and potential targets for future therapeutic development. Conclusions: CENPF, AURKA, PBK, and CCNB1 show great potential as biomarkers and immunotherapeutic targets specific to lung cancer. Lung cancer patients’ prognoses are often foreseen using matched prognostic models, and genes CENPF, AURKA, PBK, and CCNB1 in lung cancer may serve as therapeutic targets, which require further investigations.
Microfluidic Methods for Generation of Submicron Droplets: A Review
Authors: Huang Biao , Xie Huiying , Li Zhenzhen
Published: March 2023

Submicron droplets are ubiquitous in nature and widely applied in fields such as biomedical diagnosis and therapy, oil recovery and energy conversion, among others. The submicron droplets are kinetically stable, their submicron size endows them with good mobility in highly constricted pathways, and the high surface-to-volume ratio allows effective loading of chemical components at the interface and good heat transfer performance. Conventional generation technology of submicron droplets in bulk involves high energy input, or relies on chemical energy released from the system. Microfluidic methods are widely used to generate highly monodispersed micron-sized or bigger droplets, while downsizing to the order of 100 nm was thought to be challenging because of sophisticated nanofabrication. In this review, we summarize the microfluidic methods that are promising for the generation of submicron droplets, with an emphasize on the device fabrication, operational condition, and resultant droplet size. Microfluidics offer a relatively energy-efficient and versatile tool for the generation of highly monodisperse submicron droplets.
The Process Parameters of Micro Particle Bombarding (MPB) for Surface Integrity Enhancement of Cermet Material and Tool Steel
Authors: Hsu Fu-Chuan , Chen Li-Jie , Liu Zong-Rong , Tsai Hsiu-An , Lin Chin-Hao , Chen Wei-Yu , Lee Hwa-Teng , Cheng Tsung-Jen
Published: March 2023

In order to increase the performance of tool or mold/die, there are a lot of micro features on the surface to provide special functions, such as anti-adhesion or lubrication. The MPB (Micro Particle Bombarding) process provides a powerful technology to enhance the surface quality without damaging the micro features. The effect of MPB parameters were investigated by bombarding the surface with extremely small particles (20~200 µm in diameter) at a high velocity and pressure to obtain a better surface integrity. -The MPB has two functions, one is micro blasting for cleaning purposes and the other is micro shot peening for surface strengthening. The regression relationship between particle bombarding time and micro hardness is established to predict the surface hardness after MPB process. The experimental results reveal that the surface hardness of cermet is increased 14~66% (HV2167~HV3163) by micro particle bombarding. The micro shot peening provides a good surface integrity due to thebetter surface roughness of 0.1 μmRa and higher compress residual stress of −1393.7 MPa, which is up to 26% enhancement compared with the base material cermet. After micro shot peening, the surface hardness of the SKD11 tool steel increased from HV 686 to HV 739~985. The surface roughness of SKD 11 after micro shot peening was 0.31–0.48 μmRa, while the surface roughness after micro blasting was 0.77–1.15 μmRa. It is useful to predict the residual stress for micro blasting by surface roughness, and to estimate the residual stress after micro shot peening by surface hardness by applying the MPB process in industry in the case of SKD 11 tool steel.
High-Throughput Gel Microbeads as Incubators for Bacterial Competition Study
Authors: Nguyen-Le Trang Anh , Zhao Xinne , Bachmann Michael , Ruelens Philip , Visser J. Arjan G. M. de , Baraban Larysa
Published: March 2023

Bacteria primarily live in structured environments, such as colonies and biofilms, attached to surfaces or growing within soft tissues. They are engaged in local competitive and cooperative interactions impacting our health and well-being, for example, by affecting population-level drug resistance. Our knowledge of bacterial competition and cooperation within soft matrices is incomplete, partly because we lack high-throughput tools to quantitatively study their interactions. Here, we introduce a method to generate a large amount of agarose microbeads that mimic the natural culture conditions experienced by bacteria to co-encapsulate two strains of fluorescence-labeled Escherichia coli. Focusing specifically on low bacterial inoculum (1–100 cells/capsule), we demonstrate a study on the formation of colonies of both strains within these 3D scaffolds and follow their growth kinetics and interaction using fluorescence microscopy in highly replicated experiments. We confirmed that the average final colony size is inversely proportional to the inoculum size in this semi-solid environment as a result of limited available resources. Furthermore, the colony shape and fluorescence intensity per colony are distinctly different in monoculture and co-culture. The experimental observations in mono- and co-culture are compared with predictions from a simple growth model. We suggest that our high throughput and small footprint microbead system is an excellent platform for future investigation of competitive and cooperative interactions in bacterial communities under diverse conditions, including antibiotics stress.
Intelligent Genetic Decoding System Based on Nucleic Acid Isothermal Amplification for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Liu Xiaonan , Zhang Jiaxing , Hua Kai
Published: March 2023

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major cause of cancer-related deaths around the world. Targeting the sensitized epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) caused by gene mutation through the tyrosine kinase inhibitor is an effective therapeutic strategy for NSCLC. Hence, the individualized therapeutic strategy has highlighted the demand for a simple, fast, and intelligent strategy for the genetic decoding of EGFR to cater to the popularization of precision medicine. In this research, a one-pot assay for EGFR identification is established by combining a loop-mediated isothermal amplification and amplification refractory mutation system. By optimizing the component and condition of the nucleic acid amplification system, a sensitive and specific distinguishability is achieved for tracing target variant (60 copies, 0.1%) identification under a strong interferential background within 40 min. Moreover, complex operation and time-consuming data processing, as well as the aerosol contamination, are avoided owing to the whole process for intelligent genetic decoding being performed in a sealed tube. As a demonstration, L858R, the primary point mutation for the sensitization of EGFR, has been accurately decoded using this assay with highly heterogeneous cancerous tissue. In addition, this method can be easily extended for other genetic information decoding using a tailor-made primer set. Thus, we propose that this straightforward strategy may serve as a promising tool for NSCLC diagnosis in clinical practice.
Macrocycle with Equatorial Coordination Sites Provides New Opportunity for Structure-Diverse Metallacages
Authors: Zhao Yibo , Lu Yunfeng , Liu Ao , Zhang Zhi-Yuan , Li Chunju , Sue Andrew C.-H.
Published: March 2023

Reported here is the synthesis of a macrocycle with equatorial coordination sites for the construction of self-assembled metallacages. The macrocycle is prepared via a post-modification on the equator of biphen[n]arene. Utilizing this macrocycle as a ligand, three prismatic cages and one octahedral cage were synthesized by regulating the geometric structures and coordination number of metal acceptors. The multi-cavity configuration of prismatic cage was revealed by single-crystal structure. We prove that a macrocycle with equatorial coordination sites can be an excellent building block for synthesizing structure-diverse metallacages. Our results provide a typical example and a general method for the design and synthesis of metallacages.
Efficient Diesel Desulfurization by Novel Amphiphilic Polyoxometalate-Based Hybrid Catalyst at Room Temperature
Authors: Zhao Jie , Wang Bingquan , Wang Rui , Kozhevnikov Ivan V. , Vladimir Korchak
Published: March 2023

Amphiphilic hybrid catalysts were prepared by modifying [SMo12O40]2− with tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazole bromide (BMIMBr) and octadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (ODAB), respectively. The prepared catalysts were characterized by IR, XRD, SEM, TG and XPS. The desulfurization performance of the catalysts was investigated in model oil and actual diesel using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an oxidant and acetonitrile as an extractant. All catalysts exhibited favorable activity for removing sulfur compounds at room temperature. Dibenzothiophene (DBT) can be nearly completely removed using SMo12O402−-organic catalysts within a short reaction time. For different sulfur compounds, the [TBA]2SMo12O40 catalyst showed a better removal effect than the [BMIM]2SMo12O40 and [ODA]2SMo12O40 catalyst. The [TBA]2SMo12O40 dissolved in extraction solvent could be reused up to five times in an oxidative desulfurization (ODS) cycle with no significant loss of activity. The [BMIM]2SMo12O40 performed as a heterogeneous catalyst able to be recycled from the ODS system and maintained excellent catalytic activity. The catalysts showed a positive desulfurization effect in real diesel treatment. Finally, we described the ODS desulfurization mechanism of DBT using SMo12O402−-organic hybrid catalysts. The amphiphilic hybrid catalyst cation captures DBT, while SMo12O402− reacts with the oxidant H2O2 to produce peroxy-active species. DBT can be oxidized to its sulfone by the action of peroxy-active species to achieve ODS desulfurization.
Anti–Zika Virus Activity and Isolation of Flavonoids from Ethanol Extracts of Curatella americana L. Leaves
Authors: Lima Lienne D’Auria , Reis Adriana Cotta Cardoso , Sousa Jordano Augusto Carvalho , Valente Gabriel Mendonça , de Mello Silva Breno , Magalhães Cíntia Lopes de Brito , Kohlhoff Markus , Teixeira Luiz Fernando de Medeiros , Brandão Geraldo Célio
Published: March 2023

The ethnomedicinal plant Curatella americana L. (Dilleniaceae) is a common shrub in the Brazilian Cerrado, whose ethanolic extract showed significant in vitro anti–Zika virus activity by the MTT colorimetric method. Currently, there is no drug in clinical use specifically for the treatment of this virus; therefore, in this work, the antiviral and cytotoxic properties of the ethanolic extract, fractions, and compounds were evaluated. The ethanolic extract of the leaves showed no cytotoxicity for the human MRC-5 cell and was moderately cytotoxic for the Vero cell (CC50 161.5 ± 2.01 µg/mL). This extract inhibited the Zika virus multiplication cycle with an EC50 of 85.2 ± 1.65 µg/mL. This extract was fractionated using the liquid–liquid partition technique, and the ethyl acetate fraction showed significant activity against the Zika virus with an EC50 of 40.7 ± 2.33 µg/mL. From the ethyl acetate fraction, the flavonoids quercetin-3-O-hexosylgallate (1), quercetin-3-O-glucoside (2), and quercetin (5) were isolated, and in addition to these compounds, a mixture of quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside (3) and quercetin-3-O-arabinoside (4) was also obtained. The isolated compounds quercetin and quercetin-3-O-hexosylgallate inhibited the viral cytopathic effect at an EC50 of 18.6 ± 2.8 and 152.8 ± 2.0, respectively. Additionally, analyses by liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer allowed the identification of another 24 minor phenolic constituents present in the ethanolic extract and in the ethyl acetate fraction of this species.
Vibrational Study on the Structure, Bioactivity, and Silver Adsorption of Silk Fibroin Fibers Grafted with Methacrylonitrile
Authors: Di Foggia Michele , Tsukada Masuhiro , Taddei Paola
Published: March 2023

Natural fibers have received increasing attention as starting materials for innovative applications in many research fields, from biomedicine to engineering. Bombyx mori silk fibroin has become a material of choice in the development of many biomedical devices. Grafting represents a good strategy to improve the material properties according to the desired function. In the present study, Bombyx mori silk fibroin fibers were grafted with methacrylonitrile (MAN) with different weight gains. The potential interest in biomedical applications of MAN functionalization relies on the presence of the nitrile group, which is an acceptor of H bonds and can bind metals. IR and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the grafted samples and the possible structural changes induced by grafting. Afterward, the same techniques were used to study the bioactivity (i.e., the calcium phosphate nucleation ability) of MAN-grafted silk fibroins after ageing in simulated body fluid (SBF) for possible application in bone tissue engineering, and their interaction with Ag+ ions, for the development of biomaterials with enhanced anti-microbial properties. MAN was found to efficiently polymerize on silk fibroin through polar amino acids (i.e., serine and tryptophan), inducing an enrichment in silk fibroin-ordered domains. IR spectroscopy allowed us to detect the nucleation of a thin calcium phosphate layer and the uptake of Ag+ ions through the nitrile group, which may foster the application of these grafted materials in biomedical applications.
Novel Nanotherapeutics for Cancer Immunotherapy by PD-L1-Aptamer-Functionalized and Fexofenadine-Loaded Albumin Nanoparticles
Authors: Lai Xialian , Yao Fengjiao , An Yacong , Li Xundou , Yang Xian-Da
Published: March 2023

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is an important strategy for cancer treatment and has achieved remarkable clinical results. Further enhancement of the efficacy of ICB therapy with a new technical approach is of potential medical importance. In this study, we constructed a novel nanotherapeutic agent (PDL1-NP-FEXO) for cancer immunotherapy by attaching PD-L1 aptamers to albumin nanoparticles that were loaded with H1-antihitamine fexofenadine (FEXO). FEXO has been reported to enhance the immunotherapy response by reducing the immunosuppressive M2-like macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. The albumin nanoparticle was fabricated using a self-assembly method. A dynamic light scattering (DLS) study revealed that the average size of PD-L1 aptamer-modified nanoparticle without FEXO (PDL1-NP) was 135.5 nm, while that of PDL1-NP-FEXO was 154.6 nm. Similar to free PD-L1 aptamer, PDL1-NP could also bind with PD-L1-expressing tumor cells (MDA-MB-231). Of note, compared with free PD-L1 aptamer, PDL1-NP significantly boosted tumor inhibition in CT26-bearing mice. Moreover, PDL1-NP-FEXO further enhanced the antitumor efficacy vs. PDL1-NP in an animal model, without raising systemic toxicity. These results indicate that PDL1-NP-FEXO represents a promising strategy to improve ICB efficacy and may have application potential in cancer immunotherapy.
Upcycling of Acid-Leaching Solutions from Li-Ion Battery Waste Treatment through the Facile Synthesis of Magnetorheological Fluid
Authors: Abramowicz Magdalena , Osial Magdalena , Urbańska Weronika , Walicki Mikołaj , Wilczewski Sławomir , Pregowska Agnieszka , Skórczewska Katarzyna , Jenczyk Piotr , Warczak Magdalena , Pisarek Marcin , Giersig Michael
Published: March 2023

The rapidly growing production and usage of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) dramatically raises the number of harmful wastes. Consequently, the LIBs waste management processes, taking into account reliability, efficiency, and sustainability criteria, became a hot issue in the context of environmental protection as well as the scarcity of metal resources. In this paper, we propose for the first time a functional material—a magnetorheological fluid (MRF) from the LIBs-based liquid waste containing heavy metal ions. At first, the spent battery waste powder was treated with acid-leaching, where the post-treatment acid-leaching solution (ALS) contained heavy metal ions including cobalt. Then, ALS was used during wet co-precipitation to obtain cobalt-doped superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and as an effect, the harmful liquid waste was purified from cobalt. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized with SEM, TEM, XPS, and magnetometry. Subsequently, superparamagnetic nanoparticles sized 15 nm average in diameter and magnetization saturation of about 91 emu g−1 doped with Co were used to prepare the MRF that increases the viscosity by about 300% in the presence of the 100 mT magnetic fields. We propose a facile and cost-effective way to utilize harmful ALS waste and use them in the preparation of superparamagnetic particles to be used in the magnetorheological fluid. This work describes for the first time the second life of the battery waste in the MRF and a facile way to remove the harmful ingredients from the solutions obtained after the acid leaching of LIBs as an effective end-of-life option for hydrometallurgical waste utilization.
The Structure of Ordered Mesoporous Materials Synthesized from Aluminum Phyllosilicate Clay (Bentonite)
Authors: Zienkiewicz-Strzalka Malgorzata , Pikus Stanislaw , Skibinska Malgorzata , Blachnio Magdalena , Derylo-Marczewska Anna
Published: March 2023

This paper reports the synthesis and structural analysis of mesoporous silica materials with the use of aluminum phyllosilicate clay (bentonite) as an alternative silica source. In the proposed synthesis, bentonite, as natural aluminosilicate, was used instead of commercially available and quite expensive tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) silica source. The objective of the research study was to determine the effect of aluminum loading in the mesoporous silica body for ordering structure, porosity, and potential sorption capacity to thorium ions. The unique direction developed in this procedure is focused on preparing advanced materials from natural sources with their own desired functionality and general availability. The applied procedure based on the classic, one-step synthesis of SBA-15 silicates was modified by gradually increasing the bentonite amount with simultaneous reduction of the TEOS content. The structural and morphological characterization, as well as evaluation of the porous structure of the obtained materials, was performed using powder wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), small-angle scattering (SAXS), transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM, SEM), low-temperature nitrogen adsorption–desorption methods and potentiometric titration. The new, cost-effective composites for the removal of Th(IV) ions are proposed. The synergistic effect of expanding the porous surface using bentonite as a silica precursor and the presence of thorium-binding groups (such as Al2O3) is indicated.
Microbial Enrichment Techniques on Syngas and CO2 Targeting Production of Higher Acids and Alcohols
Authors: Konstantinidi Styliani , Skiadas Ioannis V. , Gavala Hariklia N.
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: Microbial conversion of gaseous molecules, such as CO2, CO and H2, to valuable compounds, has come to the forefront since the beginning of the 21st century due to increasing environmental concerns and the necessity to develop alternative technologies that contribute to a fast transition to a more sustainable era. Research efforts so far have focused on C1–C2 molecules, i.e., ethanol and methane, while interest in molecules with higher carbon atoms has also started to emerge. Research efforts have already started to pay off, and industrial installments on ethanol production from steel-mill off-gases as well as methane production from the CO2 generated in biogas plants are a reality. (2) Methodology: The present study addresses C4–C6 acids and butanol as target molecules and responds to how the inherent metabolic potential of mixed microbial consortia could be revealed and exploited based on the application of different enrichment methods (3) Results and Conclusions: In most of the enrichment series, the yield of C4–C6 acids was enhanced with supplementation of acetic acid and ethanol together with the gas substrates, resulting in a maximum of 43 and 68% (e-mol basis) for butyric and caproic acid, respectively. Butanol formation was also enhanced, to a lesser degree though and up to 9% (e-mol basis). Furthermore, the microbial community exhibited significant shifts depending on the enrichment conditions applied, implying that a more profound microbial analysis on the species level taxonomy combined with the development of minimal co-cultures could set the basis for discovering new microbial co-cultures and/or co-culturing schemes.
Novel Synthesis of Dihydroisoxazoles by p-TsOH-Participated 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition of Dipolarophiles withα-Nitroketones
Authors: Yang Caiyun , Hu Sirou , Pan Xinhui , Yang Ke , Zhang Ke , Liu Qingguang , Xin Xiaobing , Li Jie , Wang Jinhui , Yang Xiaoda
Published: March 2023

This article reports in detail a method for the synthesis of 3-benzoxoxazoline by the reaction of alkenes (alkynes) and a variety of α-nitroketones in the presence of p-TsOH. The scope of alkenes is broad, including different alkenes and the alkyne. This reaction provides a convenient and efficient synthetic method of 3-benzoylisoxazolines.
Near-IR Absorbers Based on Pt(II)-Dithiolene Donor–Acceptor Charge-Transfer (CT) Systems: A Structural Analysis to Highlight DA Interactions
Authors: Espa Davide , Pilia Luca , Artizzu Flavia , Serpe Angela , Deplano Paola , Marchiò Luciano
Published: March 2023

The packing interactions of a series of electron donor (D) and electron acceptor (A) charge transfer (CT) near-IR absorbers based on platinum-dithiolene complexes are reinvestigated here as a case study also by using the Hirshfeld surface analysis. This analysis on systems, which exhibit the 1:1, 2:1 and 2:2 columnar stacking patterns between D and A, allows us to point out that several interactions of atoms and fragments are involved in the stacking interactions but also that only a limited fraction of these interactions, limited to the 1:1 D/A columnar stacking case, can be relatable to the absorption features of this class of compounds.