bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis and Design of Novel Axial Field Flux-Modulation Permanent Magnet Machines for Direct Drive Application
Authors: Li Jie , Yang Gongde , Rao Fei
Published: June 2022

Axial field flux-modulation permanent magnet (AF-FMPM) machines have been developed for direct drive applications such as wind power generation, HEVs, and railway traction. However, the existing studies on AF-FMPM machines are limited to the PM rotor structure, and less research has been carried out on AF-FMPM machines with PM stator structure. This paper studies two axial field flux-modulation permanent magnet (AF-FMPM) machines, i.e., NS or NN type, which all consist of the same stator and rotor structures but the dual identical outer surface-mounted PM stators face each other in different position. A comprehensive theoretical analysis and global optimization of the AF-FMPM machine based on ANSYS Maxwell 3-D FEA is presented. The performance comparisons between the AF-FMPM machine (NS) and AF-FMPM machine (NN) are presented, including the influence of the critical structural dimensions on the machine performance, phase flux linkage, phase back EMF, cogging torque, and average torque performance. The results show that the phase back EMF and average torque of the AF-FMPM machine (NS) are more sinusoidal and higher than that of the AF-FMPM machine (NN). Furthermore, the NS type machine shows the non-saliency characteristics, while the NN type machine is the salient machine.
A State-Compensated Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient Algorithm for UAV Trajectory Tracking
Authors: Wu Jiying , Yang Zhong , Liao Luwei , He Naifeng , Wang Zhiyong , Wang Can
Published: June 2022

The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) trajectory tracking control algorithm based on deep reinforcement learning is generally inefficient for training in an unknown environment, and the convergence is unstable. Aiming at this situation, a Markov decision process (MDP) model for UAV trajectory tracking is established, and a state-compensated deep deterministic policy gradient (CDDPG) algorithm is proposed. An additional neural network (C-Net) whose input is compensation state and output is compensation action is added to the network model of a deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) algorithm to assist in network exploration training. It combined the action output of the DDPG network with compensated output of the C-Net as the output action to interact with the environment, enabling the UAV to rapidly track dynamic targets in the most accurate continuous and smooth way possible. In addition, random noise is added on the basis of the generated behavior to realize a certain range of exploration and make the action value estimation more accurate. The OpenAI Gym tool is used to verify the proposed method, and the simulation results show that: (1) The proposed method can significantly improve the training efficiency by adding a compensation network and effectively improve the accuracy and convergence stability; (2) Under the same computer configuration, the computational cost of the proposed algorithm is basically the same as that of the QAC algorithm (Actor-critic algorithm based on behavioral value Q) and the DDPG algorithm; (3) During the training process, with the same tracking accuracy, the learning efficiency is about 70% higher than that of QAC and DDPG; (4) During the simulation tracking experiment, under the same training time, the tracking error of the proposed method after stabilization is about 50% lower than that of QAC and DDPG.
Material Extrusion Advanced Manufacturing of Helical Artificial Muscles from Shape Memory Polymer
Authors: Mitchell Kellen , Raymond Lily , Jin Yifei
Published: June 2022

Rehabilitation and mobility assistance using robotic orthosis or exoskeletons have shown potential in aiding those with musculoskeletal disorders. Artificial muscles are the main component used to drive robotics and bio-assistive devices. However, current fabrication methods to produce artificial muscles are technically challenging and laborious for medical staff at clinics and hospitals. This study aims to investigate a printhead system for material extrusion of helical polymer artificial muscles. In the proposed system, an internal fluted mandrel within the printhead and a temperature control module were used simultaneously to solidify and stereotype polymer filaments prior to extrusion from the printhead with a helical shape. Numerical simulation was applied to determine the optimal printhead design, as well as analyze the coupling effects and sensitivity of the printhead geometries on artificial muscle fabrication. Based on the simulation analysis, the printhead system was designed, fabricated, and operated to extrude helical filaments using polylactic acid. The diameter, thickness, and pitch of the extruded filaments were compared to the corresponding geometries of the mandrel to validate the fabrication accuracy. Finally, a printed filament was programmed and actuated to test its functionality as a helical artificial muscle. The proposed printhead system not only allows for the stationary extrusion of helical artificial muscles but is also compatible with commercial 3D printers to freeform print helical artificial muscle groups in the future.
A Study of the Impact of Predictive Maintenance Parameters on the Improvment of System Monitoring
Authors: Louhichi Rim , Sallak Mohamed , Pelletan Jacques
Published: June 2022

Predictive maintenance can be efficiently improved by studying the sensitivity of the maintenance decisions with respect to changes in the proposed model parameters (costs, duration of reparation, etc.). To address this issue, we first propose an original approach that includes both maintenance costs and maintenance risks in the same objective function to minimize. This approach uses the RUL as an indicator of the health state of the system and supposes that the system is under regular inspections and can only be replaced by a new system in case of serious deterioration or failure. Then, we present a process of human decision making under uncertainty based on several criteria. Finally, we study and analyze the influence of the model parameters and their implications on the obtained maintenance policies. The study will lead to some recommendations that can improve the predictive maintenance decisions and help experts better handle maintenance costs.
On a Framework for the Stability and Convergence Analysis of Discrete Schemes for Nonstationary Nonlocal Problems of Parabolic Type
Authors: Čiegis Raimondas , Dapšys Ignas
Published: June 2022

The main aim of this article is to propose a general framework for the theoretical analysis of discrete schemes used to solve multi-dimensional parabolic problems with fractional power elliptic operators. This analysis is split into three parts. The first part is based on techniques well developed for the solution of nonlocal elliptic problems. The obtained discrete elliptic operators are used to formulate semi-discrete approximations. Next, the fully discrete schemes are constructed by applying the classical and robust approximations of time derivatives. The existing stability and convergence results are directly included in the new framework. In the third part, approximations of transfer operators are constructed by using uniform and the best uniform rational approximations. The stability and accuracy of the obtained local discrete schemes are investigated. The results of computational experiments are presented and analyzed. A three-dimensional test problem is solved. The rational approximations are constructed by using the BRASIL algorithm.
Design of Linear Matrix Inequality-Based Adaptive Barrier Global Sliding Mode Fault Tolerant Control for Uncertain Systems with Faulty Actuators
Authors: Naseri Kamran , Vu Mai The , Mobayen Saleh , Najafi Amin , Fekih Afef
Published: June 2022

This paper proposes a linear matrix inequality (LMI)-based adaptive barrier global sliding mode control (ABGSMC) for uncertain systems with faulty actuators. The proposed approach is derived using a novel global nonlinear sliding surface to guarantee the global dynamic property and to ensure system stability and the occurrence of sliding in the presence of actuator faults. The optimal coefficients of the sliding surface are determined using the LMI method. The system’s asymptotic stability is proven using Lyapunov theory. Additionally, an adaptive barrier function is considered to ensure the convergence of the output variables to a predefined locality of zero in a limited time, even where external disturbances and actuator faults are present. In order to decrease the steepness of the control action and mitigate the chattering phenomenon, the hyperbolic tangent function is employed instead of the signum function in the sliding mode control. The proposed method is validated using a simulation study of the Genesio’s chaotic system.
Logit Model for Estimating Non-Profit Organizations’ Financial Status as a Part of Non-Profit Financial Management
Authors: Mazanec Jaroslav , Bartosova Viera , Bohm Patrik
Published: June 2022

The non-profit sector plays an important role in the American and European continents, as non-profit organizations support the development of civil society and help people in need. However, most non-profit organizations (NPO) are financially dependent on various donors from the private sector. Nowadays, non-profit organizations focus on improving their non-profit financial management. This research aims to assess the financial status of Slovak non-profit organizations, using binary logistic regression. The initial sample includes 351 Slovak NPOs, which are divided into a training and test sub-sample. The data were obtained from Amadeus, FinStat, the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic, and the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic. The logit model shows that the significant variables are equity ratio, debt ratio, operating margin, and type of NPO using the statistical–analytical program IBM SPSS 25. The model also implies that non-profit organizations should focus on the revenue structure and revenues from the sale of products. The prediction model correctly classifies 97.03% of NPOs in the training sub-sample and 96.61% of NPOs in the test sub-sample. Moreover, more than 70% of vulnerable NPOs are correctly classified.
Reforming the Teaching and Learning of Foundational Mathematics Courses: An Investigation into the Status Quo of Teaching, Feedback Delivery, and Assessment in a First-Year Calculus Course
Authors: Zakariya Yusuf F. , Midttun Øystein , Nyberg Svein Olav Glesaaen , Gjesteland Thomas
Published: June 2022

Several universities are witnessing an increase in students’ enrolment in mathematics-intensive programmes over the last decades. This increase has come with the price of high failure rates in foundational mathematics courses, which poses challenges to mathematics teaching and learning in higher education. It is therefore inevitable, for some universities, to transform the teaching and learning of mathematics to more student-centred approaches that engage the students mathematically and enhance their success rates. We approach this transformative effort by investigating students’ perception of teaching, feedback, and assessment as a first step in reforming the teaching of a first-year mathematics course at a Norwegian university. The results of both quantitative and qualitative analyses of the data generated using a questionnaire from 107 (80 men) engineering students show that the status quo of teachings offers little support for learning. The teaching is dominated by teacher-led instruction, note-taking, and large pieces of proof which make learning difficult for students during class activities. The results also show that the current structure of the course offers limited formative feedback to students and that the assessment tasks require restructuring to capture students’ time and effort. We discuss the implications of these findings and make some recommendations for improvement.
Geodesic Mappings onto Generalized m-Ricci-Symmetric Spaces
Authors: Berezovski Volodymyr , Cherevko Yevhen , Hinterleitner Irena , Peška Patrik
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we study geodesic mappings of spaces with affine connections onto generalized 2-, 3-, and m-Ricci-symmetric spaces. In either case, the main equations for the mappings are obtained as a closed system of linear differential equations of the Cauchy type in the covariant derivatives. For the systems, we have found the maximum number of essential parameters on which the solutions depend. These results generalize the properties of geodesic mappings onto symmetric, recurrent, and also 2-, 3-, and m-(Ricci-)symmetric spaces with affine connections.
A Comprehensive Update on the Bioactive Compounds from Seagrasses
Authors: Gono Christina Mutiara Putri , Ahmadi Peni , Hertiani Triana , Septiana Eris , Putra Masteria Yunovilsa , Chianese Giuseppina
Published: June 2022

Marine angiosperms produce a wide variety of secondary metabolites with unique structural features that have the potential to be developed as effective and potent drugs for various diseases. Recently, research trends in secondary metabolites have led to drug discovery with an emphasis on their pharmacological activity. Among marine angiosperms, seagrasses have been utilized for a variety of remedial purposes, such as treating fevers, mental disorders, wounds, skin diseases, muscle pain, and stomach problems. Hence, it is essential to study their bioactive metabolites, medical properties, and underlying mechanisms when considering their pharmacological activity. However, there is a scarcity of studies on the compilation of existing work on their pharmacological uses, pharmacological pathways, and bioactive compounds. This review aims to compile the pharmacological activities of numerous seagrass species, their secondary metabolites, pharmacological properties, and mechanism of action. In conclusion, this review highlights the potency of seagrasses as a promising source of natural therapeutical products for preventing or inhibiting human diseases.
VHCF Behavior of Inconel 718 in Different Heat Treatment Conditions in a Hot Air Environment
Authors: Schöne Sebastian , Schettler Sebastian , Kuczyk Martin , Zawischa Martin , Zimmermann Martina
Published: June 2022

The very high cycle properties of Inconel 718 in two different heat treatment conditions were investigated at a test temperature of 500 °C. One condition was optimized for fatigue strength and displayed a finer-grained microstructure, while the second batch had a more coarse-grained microstructure. For the high-temperature ultrasonic fatigue testing, a new test concept was developed. The method is based on the principle of a hot-air furnace and thus differs from the conventionally used induction heaters. The concept could be successfully evaluated in the course of the investigations. The materials’ microstructure was analyzed before and after fatigue testing by means of metallographic and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)analysis. The results show a significant influence of the heat treatment on the fatigue strength caused by the specific microstructure. Further, a difference in crack propagation behavior due to microstructural influences and non-metallic precipitations was observed.
Early Evolutionary Selection of NAD Biosynthesis Pathway in Bacteria
Authors: Sharma Suraj , Hsieh Yin-Chen , Dietze Jörn , Bockwoldt Mathias , Strømland Øyvind , Ziegler Mathias , Heiland Ines
Published: June 2022

Bacteria use two alternative pathways to synthesize nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) from nicotinamide (Nam). A short, two-step route proceeds through nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) formation, whereas the other pathway, a four-step route, includes the deamidation of Nam and the reamidation of nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide (NAAD) to NAD. In addition to having twice as many enzymatic steps, the four-step route appears energetically unfavourable, because the amidation of NAAD includes the cleavage of ATP to AMP. Therefore, it is surprising that this pathway is prevalent not only in bacteria but also in yeast and plants. Here, we demonstrate that the considerably higher chemical stability of the deamidated intermediates, compared with their amidated counterparts, might compensate for the additional energy expenditure, at least at elevated temperatures. Moreover, comprehensive bioinformatics analyses of the available >6000 bacterial genomes indicate that an early selection of one or the other pathway occurred. The mathematical modelling of the NAD pathway dynamics supports this hypothesis, as there appear to be no advantages in having both pathways.
Proteomics and Metabolomics Profiling of Pork Exudate Reveals Meat Spoilage during Storage
Authors: Zhao Fan , Wei Zhenqian , Bai Yun , Li Chunbao , Zhou Guanghong , Kristiansen Karsten , Wang Chong
Published: June 2022

Previous studies have evaluated pork quality by omics methods. However, proteomics coupled with metabolomics to investigate pork freshness by using pork exudates has not been reported. This study determined the changes in the profiles of peptides and metabolites in exudates from pork stored at different temperatures (25, 10, 4, and −2 °C). Multivariate statistical analysis revealed similar changes in profiles in exudates collected from pork stored at −2 and 4 °C, and additional changes following storage at higher temperatures. We identified peptides from 7 proteins and 30 metabolites differing in abundance between fresh and spoiled pork. Significant correlations between pork quality and most of the peptides from these 7 proteins and 30 metabolites were found. The present study provides insight into changes in the peptide and metabolite profiles of exudates from pork during storage at different temperatures, and our analysis suggests that such changes can be used as markers of pork spoilage.
Protective Effects of Bee Pollen on Multiple Propionic Acid-Induced Biochemical Autistic Features in a Rat Model
Authors: Alfawaz Hanan A. , El-Ansary Afaf , Al-Ayadhi Laila , Bhat Ramesa Shafi , Hassan Wail M.
Published: June 2022

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental disorders that clinically presented as impaired social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and weakened communication. The use of bee pollen as a supplement rich in amino acids amino acids, vitamins, lipids, and countless bioactive substances may lead to the relief of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, glutamate excitotoxicity, and impaired neurochemistry as etiological mechanisms autism. Thirty young male Western albino rats were randomly divided as: Group I-control; Group II, in which autism was induced by the oral administration of 250 mg propionic acid/kg body weight/day for three days followed by orally administered saline until the end of experiment and Group III, the bee pollen-treated group, in which the rats were treated with 250 mg/kg body weight of bee pollen for four weeks before autism was induced as described for Group II. Markers related to oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, glutamate excitotoxicity, and neurochemistry were measured in the brain tissue. Our results indicated that while glutathione serotonin, dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), GABA/Glutamate ratio, and vitamin C were significantly reduced in propionic acid-treated group (p < 0.05), glutamate, IFN-γ, IL-1A, IL-6, caspase-3, and lipid peroxide levels were significantly elevated (p < 0.05). Bee pollen supplementation demonstrates protective potency presented as amelioration of most of the measured variables with significance range between (p < 0.05)–(p < 0.001).
Is SARS-CoV-2 Directly Responsible for Cardiac Injury? Clinical Aspects and Postmortem Histopathologic and Immunohistochemical Analysis
Authors: Oprinca George-Călin , Oprinca-Muja Lilioara-Alexandra , Mihalache Manuela , Birlutiu Rares-Mircea , Birlutiu Victoria
Published: June 2022

Myocardial injury in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection may be attributed to the presence of the virus at the cellular level, however, it may also be secondary to other diseases, playing an essential role in the evolution of the disease. We evaluated 16 patients who died because of SARS-CoV-2 infection and analyzed the group from both clinical and pathological points of view. All autopsies were conducted in the Sibiu County morgue, taking into consideration all the national protocols for COVID-19 patients. Of the 16 autopsies we performed, two were complete, including an extensive examination of the cranial cavity. In our study, the cardiac injury was primarily cumulative. Chronic cardiac injuries included fatty infiltration of the myocardium in five cases, fibrosis in 11 cases, and coronary atherosclerosis in two cases. Among the cases with evidence of acute cardiovascular injuries, inflammatory lymphocytic infiltrate was observed in nine cases, subepicardial or visceral pericardial neutrophil-rich vascular congestion in five cases, and venous thrombosis in three cases. Acute ischemia or myocytic distress was identified by vacuolar degeneration in four cases; areas of undulated and/or fragmented myocardial fibers, with eosinophilia and nuclear pyknosis with or without enucleation of the myocytes in nine cases; and in one case, we observed a large area of myocardial necrosis. Immunohistochemical criteria confirmed the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 antigen at the level of the myocardium in only two cases. Comorbidities existing prior to SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with systemic and local inflammatory, thrombotic, hypoxic, or immunological phenomena influence the development of cardiac lesions, leading to death.
The Current Knowledge on the Pathogenesis of Tissue and Medical Device-Related Biofilm Infections
Authors: Di Domenico Enea Gino , Oliva Alessandra , Guembe María
Published: June 2022

Biofilm is the trigger for the majority of infections caused by the ability of microorganisms to adhere to tissues and medical devices. Microbial cells embedded in the biofilm matrix are highly tolerant to antimicrobials and escape the host immune system. Thus, the refractory nature of biofilm-related infections (BRIs) still represents a great challenge for physicians and is a serious health threat worldwide. Despite its importance, the microbiological diagnosis of a BRI is still difficult and not routinely assessed in clinical microbiology. Moreover, biofilm bacteria are up to 100–1000 times less susceptible to antibiotics than their planktonic counterpart. Consequently, conventional antibiograms might not be representative of the bacterial drug susceptibility in vivo. The timely recognition of a BRI is a crucial step to directing the most appropriate biofilm-targeted antimicrobial strategy.
Corallococcus soli sp. Nov., a Soil Myxobacterium Isolated from Subtropical Climate, Chalus County, Iran, and Its Potential to Produce Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Babadi Zahra Khosravi , Garcia Ronald , Ebrahimipour Gholam Hossein , Risdian Chandra , Kämpfer Peter , Jarek Michael , Müller Rolf , Wink Joachim
Published: June 2022

A novel myxobacterial strain ZKHCc1 1396T was isolated in 2017 from a soil sample collected along Chalus Road connecting Tehran and Mazandaran, Iran. It was a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterial strain that displayed the general features of Corallococcus, including gliding and fruiting body formation on agar and microbial lytic activity. Strain ZKHCc1 1396T was characterized as an aerobic, mesophilic, and chemoheterotrophic bacterium resistant to many antibiotics. The major cellular fatty acids were branched-chain iso-C17:0 2-OH, iso-C15:0, iso-C17:1, and iso-C17:0. The strain showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Corallococcusterminator CA054AT (99.67%) and C. praedator CA031BT (99.17%), and formed a novel branch both in the 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenomic tree. The genome size was 9,437,609 bp, with a DNA G + C content of 69.8 mol%. The strain had an average nucleotide identity (ANI) value lower than the species cut-off (95%), and with the digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) below the 70% threshold compared to the closest type strains. Secondary metabolite and biosynthetic gene cluster analyses revealed the strain’s potential to produce novel compounds. Based on polyphasic taxonomic characterization, we propose that strain ZKHCc1 1396T represents a novel species, Corallococcus soli sp. nov. (NCCB 100659T = CIP 111634T).
Bacteria Halotolerant from Karst Sinkholes as a Source of Biosurfactants and Bioemulsifiers
Authors: Maldonado Desena Félix , De la Cruz Ceferino Navila , Gómez Cornelio Sergio , Alvarez Villagomez Carina , Herrera Candelario José Luis , De la Rosa García Susana
Published: June 2022

Halotolerant bacteria with biosurfactant (BS) and bioemulsifiers (BE) activity can coexist in Karstic sinkholes with marine influence. Two sinkholes in the Yucatan peninsula were selected to isolate bacteria with BE and BS activity stable in NaCl. The optimal time, the effect of nitrogen and carbon source in the medium, and the conditions (agitation, pH and salinity) for the production of BS and BE compounds in planktonic and sessile (stimulate the formation of biofilms in cell roller) culture were determined. Eighty strains showed the highest emulsification activity (EI24 ≥ 50%) and drop-collapse ≥ 4 mm. 87% of the strains are moderately halotolerant, and 21% bordered the limit of extreme halotolerance. Twenty-four strains maintained or improved their BS and BE activity under salinity conditions at 5% and 10%, being the most active genera Bacillus, Paenibacillus and Lysinibacillus, identified by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The results show that the nitrogen source positively affects the BS and BE activity, regardless of the type of culture. The sessile culture markedly stimulated BS activity with significant differences. However, we did not find a greater influence on the culture conditions. The results suggest that halotolerant bacteria from sinkholes could be implemented in bioremediation and other biotechnological applications.
Low-Cost Detection of Methane Gas in Rice Cultivation by Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector Based on Manual Injection and Split Pattern
Authors: Li Chaofeng , Ji Qingge , Fu Xianshu , Yu Xiaoping , Ye Zihong , Zhang Mingzhou , Sun Chuanxin , Qiu Yulou
Published: June 2022

Rice cultivation is one of the most significant human-created sources of methane gas. How to accurately measure the methane concentration produced by rice cultivation has become a major problem. The price of the automatic gas sampler used as a national standard for methane detection (HJ 38-2017) is higher than that of gas chromatography, which greatly increases the difficulty of methane detection in the laboratory. This study established a novel methane detection method based on manual injection and split pattern by changing the parameters of the national standard method without adding any additional automatic gas samplers. The standard curve and correlation coefficient obtained from the parallel determination of methane standard gas were y = 2.4192x + 0.1294 and 0.9998, respectively. Relative standard deviation (RSD, <2.82%), recycle rate (99.67–102.02%), limit of detection (LOD, 0.0567 ppm) and limit of quantification (LOQ, 0.189 ppm) of this manual injection method are satisfying, demonstrating that a gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID), based on manual injection at a split ratio (SR) of 5:1, could be an effective and accurate method for methane detection. Methane gases produced by three kinds of low-methane rice treated with oxantel pamoate acid, fumaric acid and alcohol, were also collected and detected using the proposed manual injection approach Good peak shapes were obtained, indicating that this approach could also be used for quantification of methane concentration.
The Effects of High-Pressure Processing on pH, Thiobarbituric Acid Value, Color and Texture Properties of Frozen and Unfrozen Beef Mince
Authors: Şayin Sert Tuğba , Coşkun Fatma
Published: June 2022

In this study, beef mince (approximately 4% fat longissmus costarum muscle of approximately 2-year-old Holstein cattle) was used as a material. High-pressure processing (HPP) was applied to frozen and unfrozen, vacuum-packed minced meat samples. The pH and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values of the samples were examined during 45 days of storage. Color values (L*, a* and b*) and texture properties were examined during 30 days of storage. After freezing and HPP (350 MPa, 10 min, 10 °C), the pH value of minced meat increased (p > 0.05) and its TBA value decreased (p < 0.05). The increase in pH may be due to increased ionization during HPP. Some meat peptides, which are considered antioxidant compounds, increased the oxidative stability of meat, so a decrease in TBA may have been observed after freezing and HPP. While the color change in unpressurized samples was a maximum of 3.28 units during storage, in the pressurized sample, it exceeded the limit of 10 units on the first day of storage and exceeded the limit of 10 units on the third day of storage in the frozen and pressurized sample. Freezing and HPP caused the color of beef mince to be retained longer. The hardness, gumminess, chewability, adherence, elasticity, flexibility values of the pressurized and pressurized after freezing samples were higher than those of the unpressurized samples during storage. On the other hand, the opposite was the case for the adhesiveness values. In industrial applications, meat must be pressurized after being vacuum packed. If HPP is applied to frozen beef mince, some of its properties such as TBA, color, and texture can be preserved for a longer period of time without extreme change.
Recent Progress in Azopyridine-Containing Supramolecular Assembly: From Photoresponsive Liquid Crystals to Light-Driven Devices
Authors: Ren Hao , Yang Peng , Yu Haifeng
Published: June 2022

Azobenzene derivatives have become one of the most famous photoresponsive chromophores in the past few decades for their reversible molecular switches upon the irradiation of actinic light. To meet the ever-increasing requirements for applications in materials science, biomedicine, and light-driven devices, it is usually necessary to adjust their photochemical property from the molecular level by changing the substituents on the benzene rings of azobenzene groups. Among the diverse azobenzene derivatives, azopyridine combines the photoresponsive feature of azobenzene groups and the supramolecular function of pyridyl moieties in one molecule. This unique feature provides pH-responsiveness and hydrogen/halogen/coordination binding sites in the same chromophore, paving a new way to prepare multi-functional responsive materials through non-covalent interactions and reversible chemical reactions. This review summarizes the photochemical and photophysical properties of azopyridine derivatives in supramolecular states (e.g., hydrogen/halogen bonding, coordination interactions, and quaternization reactions) and illustrates their applications from photoresponsive liquid crystals to light-driven devices. We hope this review can highlight azopyridine as one more versatile candidate molecule for designing novel photoresponsive materials towards light-driven applications.
Zizania latifolia and Its Major Compound Tricin Regulate Immune Responses in OVA-Treated Mice
Authors: Lee Jae-Yeul , Park Se-Ho , Jhee Kwang-Hwan , Yang Seun-Ah
Published: June 2022

Tricin, a flavone belonging to the Gramineae family, has been confirmed to be the primary compound in a Zizania latifolia extract (ZLE) that prevents allergies. Various allergic reactions occur because of the unbalanced differentiation of T help cells (Th) and the consequent overproduction of IgE. Therefore, the regulation of Th1 and Th2 responses by T helper cell differentiation is essential for suppressing allergic responses. This study confirmed the immunomodulatory effects of ZLE and the major compound tricin in an OVA-sensitized mouse model. The IgE and OVA-specific production of tricin and ZLE in plasma were investigated in OVA-sensitized mice. The effects of tricin and ZLE on the amount of Th1 and Th2 cytokines and transcription factors released in splenocytes were investigated in OVA-sensitized mice. The skin roughness and the number of mast cells were confirmed by staining the skin surface with H&E and toluidine blue. Tricin and ZLE reduced the plasma IgE and OVA-specific-IgE levels significantly compared to the OVA group. On the other hand, tricin and ZLE promoted the release of the Th1 cytokines IL-12 and IFN-γ and inhibited the release of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, -10, -13, and -5) in OVA-sensitized mice. Tricin and ZLE induced T-bet and NFATc2 expression, and-down regulated GATA-3 levels. The skin roughness and the number of mast cells decreased in the OVA-immunized mice. Overall, the data indicate that tricin and ZLE may prevent allergy-related diseases through immunomodulation.
Adlay Seed (Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. Ma-yuen Stapf.) Ethanolic Extract Fractions and Subfractions Induce Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Breast and Cervical Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Chiang Yi-Fen , Chung Cheng-Pei , Lin Jing-Hui , Chiang Wenchang , Chen Hsin-Yuan , Ali Mohamed , Shih Yin-Hwa , Wang Kai-Lee , Huang Tsui-Chin , Chang Hsin-Yi , Lin Li-Chun , Shieh Tzong-Ming , Hsia Shih-Min
Published: June 2022

The antitumor effects of Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf. (adlay seed) ethanolic extract have been increasingly shown. This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of both the fractions and subfractions of adlay seed ethanolic extract on the human breast (MCF-7) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines, as well as exploring their possible mechanisms of action. The ethanolic extracts were obtained from different parts of adlay seed, including AHE (adlay hull extract), ATE (adlay testa extract), ABE (adlay bran extract) and PAE (polished adlay extract). The results of a 3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl- tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that AHE-Ea and ATE-Ea showed significant growth inhibitory effects in a dose-dependent manner. The results also showed that the AHE-Ea-K, AHE-Ea-L, ATE-Ea-E and ATE-Ea-F subfractions inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase and decreased CDK4/Cyclin D1 protein expression. Finally, the extract activated caspase-3 activity and PARP protein expression, which induced MCF-7 and HeLa cell apoptosis. We then used liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS) to identify the potential active components., Quercetin showed an anticancer capacity. In conclusion, the AHE-Ea-K, AHE-Ea-L, ATE-Ea-E and ATE-Ea-F subfractions showed antitumor effects through the inhibition of MCF-7 and HeLa cell line viability, as well as inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.
Cebranopadol as a Novel Promising Agent for the Treatment of Pain
Authors: Ziemichod Wojciech , Kotlinska Jolanta , Gibula-Tarlowska Ewa , Karkoszka Natalia , Kedzierska Ewa
Published: June 2022

Opioids are used to treat pain, but despite their effectiveness, they possess several side effects such as respiratory depression, tolerance and physical dependence. Cebranopadol has been evaluated as a solution to this problem. The compound acts on the mu opioid receptor and the nociceptin/orphanin receptor and these receptors co-activation can reduce opioid side-effects without compromising analgesia. In the present review, we have compiled information on the effects of cebranopadol, its pharmacokinetics, and clinical trials involving cebranopadol, to further explore its promise in pain management.
Binding Studies of Caffeic and p-Coumaric Acid with α-Amylase: Multispectroscopic and Computational Approaches Deciphering the Effect on Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs)
Authors: Khan Mohd Shahnawaz , Alokail Majed S. , Alenad Amal Majed H. , Altwaijry Nojood , Alafaleq Nouf Omar , Alamri Abdulaziz Mohammed , Zawba Mubarak Ali
Published: June 2022

Alpha-amylase (α-amylase) is a key player in the management of diabetes and its related complications. This study was intended to have an insight into the binding of caffeic acid and coumaric acid with α-amylase and analyze the effect of these compounds on the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Fluorescence quenching studies suggested that both the compounds showed an appreciable binding affinity towards α-amylase. The evaluation of thermodynamic parameters (ΔH and ΔS) suggested that the α-amylase-caffeic/coumaric acid complex formation is driven by van der Waals force and hydrogen bonding, and thus complexation process is seemingly specific. Moreover, glycation and oxidation studies were also performed to explore the multitarget to manage diabetes complications. Caffeic and coumaric acid both inhibited fructosamine content and AGE fluorescence, suggesting their role in the inhibition of early and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). However, the glycation inhibitory potential of caffeic acid was more in comparison to p-coumaric acid. This high antiglycative potential can be attributed to its additional –OH group and high antioxidant activity. There was a significant recovery of 84.5% in free thiol groups in the presence of caffeic acid, while coumaric attenuated the slow recovery of 29.4% of thiol groups. In vitro studies were further entrenched by in silico studies. Molecular docking studies revealed that caffeic acid formed six hydrogen bonds (Trp 59, Gln 63, Arg 195, Arg 195, Asp 197 and Asp 197) while coumaric acid formed four H-bonds with Trp 59, Gln 63, Arg 195 and Asp 300. Our studies highlighted the role of hydrogen bonding, and the ligands such as caffeic or coumaric acid could be exploited to design antidiabetic drugs.
Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Polyphenols from Ilex latifolia Using Response Surface Methodology and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Chen Ying , Sun Xuqiang , Fang Lanting , Jiang Xinxiu , Zhang Xuena , Ge Zijun , Wang Rongbin , Wang Cunqin
Published: June 2022

The polyphenolic extract of Ilex latifolia (PEIL) exhibits a variety of biological activities. An evaluation of the parameters influencing the ultrasonic extraction process and the assessment of PEIL antioxidant activity are presented herein. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the experimental conditions for the polyphenols ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) from the leaves of Ilex latifolia. We identified the following optimal conditions of PEIL: ethanol concentration of 53%, extraction temperature of 60 °C, extraction time of 26 min and liquid–solid ratio of 60 mL/g. Using these parameters, the UAE had a yield of 35.77 ± 0.26 mg GAE/g, similar to the value we predicted using RSM (35.864 mg GAE/g). The antioxidant activity of PEIL was assessed in vitro, using various assays, as well as in vivo. We tested the effects of various doses of PEIL on D-galactose induced aging. Vitamin C (Vc) was used as positive control. After 21 days of administration, we measured superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in mouse serum and liver tissue. The results demonstrated that the PEIL exhibits potent radical scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrythydrazyl (DPPH∙), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS+), and hydroxyl (∙OH) radicals. The serum concentrations of SOD and GSH-Px were higher, and MDA levels were lower, in the medium- and high-dose PEIL-treated groups than those in the aging group (p < 0.01), and the activity of MDA was lower than those of the model group (p < 0.01). The liver concentrations of SOD and GSH-Px were higher (p < 0.05), and MDA levels were lower, in the medium- and high-dose PEIL-treated groups than those in the aging control group (p < 0.01). These results suggest that optimizing the conditions of UAE using RSM could significantly increase the yield of PEIL extraction. PEIL possesses strong antioxidant activity and use as a medicine or functional food could be further investigated.
Research on the Synergistic Effect of Total Ionization and Displacement Dose in GaN HEMT Using Neutron and Gamma-Ray Irradiation
Authors: Chen Rui , Liang Yanan , Han Jianwei , Lu Qihong , Chen Qian , Wang Ziyu , Wang Hao , Wang Xuan , Yuan Runjie
Published: June 2022

This paper studies the synergistic effect of total ionizing dose (TID) and displacement damage dose (DDD) in enhancement-mode GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) based on the p-GaN gate and cascode structure using neutron and 60Co gamma-ray irradiation. The results show that when the accumulated gamma-ray doses are up to 800k rad(Si), the leakage-current degradations of the two types of GaN HEMTs with 14 MeV neutron irradiation of 1.3 × 1012 n/cm2 and 3 × 1012 n/cm2 exhibit a lower degradation than the sum of the two separated effects. However, the threshold voltage shifts of the cascode structure GaN HEMT show a higher degradation when exposed to both TID and DDD effects. Moreover, the failure mechanisms of the synergistic effect in GaN HEMT are investigated using the scanning electron microscopy technique. It is shown that for the p-GaNHEMT, the increase in channel resistance and the degradation of two-dimensional electron gas mobility caused by neutron irradiation suppresses the increase in the TID leakage current. For the cascode structure HEMT, the neutron radiation-generated defects in the oxide layer of the metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor might capture holes induced by gamma-ray irradiation, resulting in a further increase in the number of trapped charges in the oxide layer.
Association between Dietary Patterns Reflecting C-Reactive Protein and Metabolic Syndrome in the Chinese Population
Authors: Yu Huan , Wen Qiaorui , Lv Jun , Sun Dianjianyi , Ma Yuan , Man Sailimai , Yin Jianchun , Tong Mingkun , Wang Bo , Yu Canqing , Li Liming
Published: June 2022

It is unclear how the dietary patterns reflecting C-reactive protein (CRP) affect metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the Chinese population. To examine the effect of the dietary pattern reflecting CRP with MetS, a cross-sectional study was based on the health checkup data from the Beijing MJ Health Screening Centers between 2008 and 2018. The CRP-related dietary pattern was derived from 17 food groups using reduced-rank regression. Participants were divided into five groups according to the quintiles of dietary pattern score. Multivariate logistic regression was then applied to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the quintiles of diet pattern score related to MetS and its four components. Of the 90,130 participants included in this study, 11,209 had MetS. A CRP-related dietary pattern was derived, characterized by a higher consumption of staple food, fresh meat, processed products, and sugar-sweetened beverages but a lower intake of honey and jam, fruits, and dairy products. Compared with participants in the lowest quintile (Q1), participants in the higher quintiles were associated with increased risks of MetS in a dose–response manner after adjustment for potential confounders (p for linear trend < 0.001), the ORs for Q2 to Q5 were 1.10 (95% CI: 1.02–1.19), 1.14 (95% CI: 1.05–1.22), 1.23 (95% CI: 1.15–1.33), and 1.49 (95% CI: 1.38–1.61), respectively. Moreover, the effects were stronger among individuals aged 50 years or older. A CRP-related dietary pattern was associated with the risk of MetS. It provides new insights that dietary intervention to achieve a lower inflammatory level could potentially prevent MetS.
Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Lane Melissa M. , Gamage Elizabeth , Travica Nikolaj , Dissanayaka Thusharika , Ashtree Deborah N. , Gauci Sarah , Lotfaliany Mojtaba , O’Neil Adrienne , Jacka Felice N. , Marx Wolfgang
Published: June 2022

Since previous meta-analyses, which were limited only to depression and by a small number of studies available for inclusion at the time of publication, several additional studies have been published assessing the link between ultra-processed food consumption and depression as well as other mental disorders. We aimed to build on previously conducted reviews to synthesise and meta-analyse the contemporary evidence base and clarify the associations between the consumption of ultra-processed food and mental disorders. A total of 17 observational studies were included (n = 385,541); 15 cross-sectional and 2 prospective. Greater ultra-processed food consumption was cross-sectionally associated with increased odds of depressive and anxiety symptoms, both when these outcomes were assessed together (common mental disorder symptoms odds ratio: 1.53, 95%CI 1.43 to 1.63) as well as separately (depressive symptoms odds ratio: 1.44, 95%CI 1.14 to 1.82; and, anxiety symptoms odds ratio: 1.48, 95%CI 1.37 to 1.59). Furthermore, a meta-analysis of prospective studies demonstrated that greater ultra-processed food intake was associated with increased risk of subsequent depression (hazard ratio: 1.22, 95%CI 1.16 to 1.28). While we found evidence for associations between ultra-processed food consumption and adverse mental health, further rigorously designed prospective and experimental studies are needed to better understand causal pathways.
Suspected Adenovirus Causing an Emerging HEPATITIS among Children below 10 Years: A Review
Authors: Rabaan Ali A. , Bakhrebah Muhammed A. , Nassar Majed S. , Natto Zuhair S. , Al Mutair Abbas , Alhumaid Saad , Aljeldah Mohammed , Garout Mohammed , Alfouzan Wadha A. , Alshahrani Fatimah S. , Sulaiman Tarek , AlFonaisan Meshal K. , Alfaresi Mubarak , Alshamrani Saleh A. , Nainu Firzan , Yong Shin Jie , Choudhary Om Prakash , Ahmed Naveed
Published: June 2022

In October 2021, a case of acute hepatic failure without any known cause was identified in the United States of America. Upon further investigation, other children aged 1–6 years were reported to have the same liver failure, and some of them were positive for adenovirus 41 type F. On 21 April 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released an alert after 74 cases were identified in United Kingdom (UK) between 5 and 8 April in children below 10 years of age, some of whom were also found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2. All the patients showed symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, and abdominal pain. The patients’ liver enzymes were remarkably increased. A total of 650 cases had been reported from 33 countries as of 27 May 2022, among which 222 cases were reported in the UK alone. No connection with SARS-CoV-2 or its vaccine has been found so far. However, the suspected cause is adenovirus, including its genomic variations, because its pathogenesis and laboratory investigations have been positively linked. Until further evidence emerges, hygiene precautions could be helpful to prevent its spread.