bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging Role for 7T MRI and Metabolic Imaging for Pancreatic and Liver Cancer
Authors: Rivera Debra
Published: April 2022

Advances in magnet technologies have led to next generation 7T magnetic resonance scanners which can fit in the footprint and price point of conventional hospital scanners (1.5–3T). It is therefore worth asking if there is a role for 7T magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy for the treatment of solid tumor cancers. Herein, we survey the medical literature to evaluate the unmet clinical needs for patients with pancreatic and hepatic cancer, and the potential of ultra-high field proton imaging and phosphorus spectroscopy to fulfil those needs. We draw on clinical literature, preclinical data, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic data of human derived samples, and the efforts to date with 7T imaging and phosphorus spectroscopy. At 7T, the imaging capabilities approach histological resolution. The spectral and spatial resolution enhancements at high field for phospholipid spectroscopy have the potential to reduce the number of exploratory surgeries due to tumor boundaries undefined at conventional field strengths. Phosphorus metabolic imaging at 7T magnetic field strength, is already a mainstay in preclinical models for molecular phenotyping, energetic status evaluation, dosimetry, and assessing treatment response for both pancreatic and liver cancers. Metabolic imaging of primary tumors and lymph nodes may provide powerful metrics to aid staging and treatment response. As tumor tissues contain extreme levels of phospholipid metabolites compared to the background signal, even spectroscopic volumes containing less than 50% tumor can be detected and/or monitored. Phosphorus spectroscopy allows non-invasive pH measurements, indicating hypoxia, as a predictor of patients likely to recur. We conclude that 7T multiparametric approaches that include metabolic imaging with phosphorus spectroscopy have the potential to meet the unmet needs of non-invasive location-specific treatment monitoring, lymph node staging, and the reduction in unnecessary surgeries for patients undergoing resections for pancreatic cancer. There is also potential for the use of 7T phosphorous spectra for the phenotyping of tumor subtypes and even early diagnosis (<2 mL). Whether or not 7T can be used for all patients within the next decade, the technology is likely to speed up the translation of new therapeutics.
Self-Tuning Control Using an Online-Trained Neural Network to Position a Linear Actuator
Authors: Hernandez-Alvarado Rodrigo , Rodriguez-Abreo Omar , Garcia-Guendulain Juan Manuel , Hernandez-Diaz Teresa
Published: April 2022

Linear actuators are widely used in all kinds of industrial applications due to being devices that convert the rotation motion of motors into linear or straight traction/thrust motion. These actuators are ideal for all types of applications where inclination, lifting, traction, or thrust is required under heavy loads, such as wheelchairs, medical beds, and lifting tables. Due to the remarkable ability to exert forces and good precision, they are used classic control systems and controls of high-order. Still, they present difficulties in changing their dynamics and are designed for a range of disturbances. Therefore, in this paper, we present the study of an electric linear actuator. We analyze the positioning in real-time and attack the sudden changes of loads and limitation range by the control. It uses a general-purpose control with self-tuning gains, which can deal with the essential uncertainties of the actuator and suppress disturbances, as they can change their weights to interact with changing systems. The neural network combined with PID control compensates the simplicity of this type of control with artificial intelligence, making it robust to drastic changes in its parameters. Unlike other similar works, this research proposes an online training network with an advantage over typical neural self-adjustment systems. All of this can also be dispensed with the engine model for its operation. The results obtained show a decrease of 42% in the root mean square error (RMSE) during trajectory tracking and saving in energy consumption by 25%. The results were obtained both in simulation and in real tests.
Design of Quad-Band Bandpass Filter Using Dual-Mode SLRs and Coupled-Line for DCS/WLAN/WiMAX and 5G Applications
Authors: Tantiviwat Sugchai , Ibrahim Siti Zuraidah , Razalli Mohammad Shahrazel , Soh Ping Jack
Published: April 2022

A design of a microstrip quad-band BPF with flexibly controlled bandwidth is presented in this paper. Two dual-mode short-circuited SLRs with a common via-hole are proposed, which are utilized to obtain the first and second passband, while the third passband is generated by implementing the second-order half-wavelength coupled-line resonator. Another dual-mode open-circuited SLR can be operated at the fourth passband. The proposed quad-band BPF is centered at 1.80/2.45/3.50/4.90 GHz for DCS/WLAN/WiMAX and 5G applications. By appropriately choosing the lengths of the four sets of resonators, all passbands can be fully varied independently with minimal effect on other passbands. Moreover, the bandwidth of each passband can be flexibly controlled by tuning the coupling parameters. The dimension of the fabricated proposed filter is about 0.12 × 0.20 λg, indicating the compactness of the design, whereas the measurements are in good agreement with the simulated results. The measured S11 are at least 12 dB in the four passbands. The passbands S21 are approximately 0.65, 1.42, 0.78, and 1.20 dB, which exhibit low insertion loss at the passband frequency of the first, second, third, and fourth passband, respectively.
Toward an Accurate IR Remote Sensing of Body Temperature Radiometer Based on a Novel IR Sensing System Dubbed Digital TMOS
Authors: Avraham Moshe , Nemirovsky Jonathan , Blank Tanya , Golan Gady , Nemirovsky Yael
Published: April 2022

A novel uncooled thermal sensor based on a suspended transistor, fabricated in standard CMOS-SOI process, and released by dry etching, dubbed Digital TMOS, has been developed. Using the transistor as the sensing element has advantages in terms of internal gain, low power, low-cost technology, and high temperature sensitivity. A two channel radiometer, based on the new nano-metric CMOS-SOI-NEMS Technology, enables remote temperature sensing as well as emissivity sensing of the forehead and body temperatures of people, with high accuracy and high resolution. Body temperature is an indicator of human physiological activity and health, especially in pediatrics, surgery, and general emergency departments. This was already recognized in past pandemics such as SARS, EBOLA, and Chicken Flu. Nowadays, with the spread of COVID-19, forehead temperature measurements are used widely to screen people for the illness. Measuring the temperature of the forehead using remote sensing is safe and convenient and there are a large number of available commercial instruments, but studies show that the measurements are not accurate. The surface emissivity of an object has the most significant effect on the measured temperature by IR remote sensing. This work describes the achievements towards high–performance, low-cost, low power, mobile radiometry, to rapidly screen for fever to identify victims of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The main two aspects of the innovation of this study are the use of the new thermal sensor for measurements and the extensive modeling of this sensor.
Microfluidic Paper-Based Blood Plasma Separation Device as a Potential Tool for Timely Detection of Protein Biomarkers
Authors: Burgos-Flórez Francisco , Rodríguez Alexander , Cervera Eliana , De Ávila Marcio , Sanjuán Marco , Villalba Pedro J.
Published: April 2022

A current challenge regarding microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPAD) for blood plasma separation (BPS) and electrochemical immunodetection of protein biomarkers is how to achieve a µPAD that yields enough plasma to retain the biomarker for affinity biosensing in a functionalized electrode system. This paper describes the development of a BPS µPAD to detect and quantify the S100B biomarker from peripheral whole blood. The device uses NaCl functionalized VF2 filter paper as a sample collection pad, an MF1 filter paper for plasma retention, and an optimized microfluidic channel geometry. An inverted light microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and image processing software were used for visualizing BPS efficiency. A design of experiments (DOE) assessed the device’s efficacy using an S100B ELISA Kit to measure clinically relevant S100B concentrations in plasma. The BPS device obtained 50 μL of plasma from 300 μL of whole blood after 3.5 min. The statistical correlation of S100B concentrations obtained using plasma from standard centrifugation and the BPS device was 0.98. The BPS device provides a simple manufacturing protocol, short fabrication time, and is capable of S100B detection using ELISA, making one step towards the integration of technologies aimed at low-cost POC testing of clinically relevant biomarkers.
Omnidirectional Manipulation of Microparticles on a Platform Subjected to Circular Motion Applying Dynamic Dry Friction Control
Authors: Kilikevičius Sigitas , Liutkauskienė Kristina , Uldinskas Ernestas , El Banna Ribal , Fedaravičius Algimantas
Published: April 2022

Currently used planar manipulation methods that utilize oscillating surfaces are usually based on asymmetries of time, kinematic, wave, or power types. This paper proposes a method for omnidirectional manipulation of microparticles on a platform subjected to circular motion, where the motion of the particle is achieved and controlled through the asymmetry created by dynamic friction control. The range of angles at which microparticles can be directed, and the average velocity were considered figures of merit. To determine the intrinsic parameters of the system that define the direction and velocity of the particles, a nondimensional mathematical model of the proposed method was developed, and modeling of the manipulation process was carried out. The modeling has shown that it is possible to direct the particle omnidirectionally at any angle over the full 2π range by changing the phase shift between the function governing the circular motion and the dry friction control function. The shape of the trajectory and the average velocity of the particle depend mainly on the width of the dry friction control function. An experimental investigation of omnidirectional manipulation was carried out by implementing the method of dynamic dry friction control. The experiments verified that the asymmetry created by dynamic dry friction control is technically feasible and can be applied for the omnidirectional manipulation of microparticles. The experimental results were consistent with the modeling results and qualitatively confirmed the influence of the control parameters on the motion characteristics predicted by the modeling. The study enriches the classical theories of particle motion on oscillating rigid plates, and it is relevant for the industries that implement various tasks related to assembling, handling, feeding, transporting, or manipulating microparticles.
Hydrodynamic Effects on Biofilm Development and Recombinant Protein Expression
Authors: Soares Alexandra , Gomes Luciana C. , Monteiro Gabriel A. , Mergulhão Filipe J.
Published: April 2022

Hydrodynamics play an important role in the rate of cell attachment and nutrient and oxygen transfer, which can affect biofilm development and the level of recombinant protein production. In the present study, the effects of different flow conditions on the development of Escherichia coli biofilms and the expression of a model recombinant protein (enhanced green fluorescent protein, eGFP) were examined. Planktonic and biofilm cells were grown at two different flow rates in a recirculating flow cell system for 7 days: 255 and 128 L h−1 (corresponding to a Reynolds number of 4600 and 2300, respectively). The fluorometric analysis showed that the specific eGFP production was higher in biofilms than in planktonic cells under both hydrodynamic conditions (3-fold higher for 255 L h−1 and 2-fold higher for 128 L h−1). In the biofilm cells, the percentage of eGFP-expressing cells was on average 52% higher at a flow rate of 255 L h−1. Furthermore, a higher plasmid copy number (PCN) was obtained for the highest flow rate for both planktonic (244 PCN/cell versus 118 PCN/cell) and biofilm cells (43 PCN/cell versus 29 PCN/cell). The results suggested that higher flow velocities promoted eGFP expression in E. coli biofilms.
Assessing Microbial Corrosion Risk on Offshore Crude Oil Production Topsides under Conditions of Nitrate and Nitrite Treatment for Souring
Authors: Nicoletti Danika , Sharma Mohita , Gieg Lisa M.
Published: April 2022

Oilfield souring is a detrimental effect caused by sulfate-reducing microorganisms that reduce sulfate to sulfide during their respiration process. Nitrate or nitrite can be used to mitigate souring, but may also impart a corrosion risk. Produced fluids sampled from the topside infrastructure of two floating, production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessels (Platform A and Platform B) were assessed for microbial corrosion under nitrate and nitrite breakthrough conditions using microcosm tests incubated at 54 °C. Microbial community compositions on each individual FPSO were similar, while those between the two FPSO vessels differed. Platform B microbial communities responded as expected to nitrate breakthrough conditions, where nitrate-reducing activity was enhanced and sulfate reduction was inhibited. In contrast, nitrate treatments of Platform A microbial communities were not as effective in preventing sulfide production. Nitrite breakthrough conditions had the strongest sulfate reduction inhibition in samples from both platforms, but exhibited the highest pitting density. Live experimental replicates with no nitrate or nitrite additive yielded the highest general corrosion rates in the study (up to 0.48 mm/year), while nitrate- or nitrite-treated fluids revealed general corrosion rates that are considered low or moderate (<0.12 mm/year). Overall, the results of this study provide a description of nitrogen- and sulfur-based microbial activities under thermophilic conditions, and their risk for MIC that can occur along fluid processing lines on FPSO topsides that process fluids during offshore oil production operations.
Gut Microbial Composition of Pacific Salmonids Differs across Oregon River Basins and Hatchery Ancestry
Authors: Kirchoff Nicole S. , Cornwell Trevan , Stein Staci , Clements Shaun , Sharpton Thomas J.
Published: April 2022

The gut microbiome may represent a relatively untapped resource in the effort to manage and conserve threatened or endangered fish populations, including wild and hatchery-reared Pacific salmonids. To clarify this potential, we defined how steelhead trout gut microbiome composition varies across watersheds and as a function of ancestry. First, we measured this variation across watersheds using wild steelhead trout sampled from nine locations spanning three river basins. While gut microbial composition differs across basins, there exist bacterial clades that are ubiquitous across all populations. Correlating the phylogenetic composition of clades with geographic distance reveals 395 clades of bacteria whose ecological distribution implicates their co-diversification with steelheads. Second, we quantified how microbiome composition varies between first generation hatchery-reared steelhead and traditional hatchery-reared steelhead. Despite being subject to the same hatchery management strategies, fish bred from wild parents carry distinct microbiomes from those bred from hatchery broodstock, implicating the role of genotype on microbiome composition. Finally, we integrated all data from both studies to reveal two distinct, yet robust clusters of community composition. Collectively, our study documents for the first time how the steelhead gut microbiome varies by geography or broodstock and uncovers microbial taxa that may indicate the watershed or hatchery from which an individual was sourced.
The Response Regulator RegA Is a Copper Binding Protein That Covalently Dimerizes When Exposed to Oxygen
Authors: Ke Nijia , Bauer Carl E.
Published: April 2022

In Rhodobacter capsulatus, the histidine kinase RegB is believed to phosphorylate its cognate transcriptional factor RegA only under anaerobic conditions. However, transcriptome evidence indicates that RegA regulates 47 genes involved in energy storage, energy production, signaling and transcription, under aerobic conditions. In this study, we provide evidence that RegA is a copper binding protein and that copper promotes the dimerization of RegA under aerobic conditions. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis indicates that RegA binds Cu1+ and Cu2+ in a 1:1 and 2:1 ratio, respectively. Through LC-MS/MS, ESI-MS and non-reducing SDS-PAGE gels, we show that Cu2+ stimulates disulfide bond formation in RegA at Cys156 in the presence of oxygen. Finally, we used DNase I footprint analysis to demonstrate that Cu2+-mediated covalent dimerized RegA is capable of binding to the ccoN promoter, which drives the expression of cytochrome cbb3 oxidase subunits. This study provides a new model of aerobic regulation of gene expression by RegA involving the formation of an intermolecular disulfide bond.
The Effects of Rhizosphere Inoculation with Pseudomonas mandelii on Formation of Apoplast Barriers, HvPIP2 Aquaporins and Hydraulic Conductance of Barley
Authors: Arkhipova Tatiana , Sharipova Guzel , Akhiyarova Guzel , Kuzmina Ludmila , Galin Ilshat , Martynenko Elena , Seldimirova Oksana , Nuzhnaya Tatyana , Feoktistova Arina , Timergalin Maxim , Kudoyarova Guzel
Published: April 2022

Pseudomonas mandelii strain IB-Ki14 has recently been shown to strengthen the apoplastic barriers of salt-stressed plants, which prevents the entry of toxic sodium. It was of interest to find out whether the same effect manifests itself in the absence of salinity and how this affects the hydraulic conductivity of barley plants. Berberine staining confirmed that the bacterial treatment enhanced the deposition of lignin and suberin and formation of Casparian bands in the roots of barley plants. The calculation of hydraulic conductance by relating transpiration to leaf water potential showed that it did not decrease in bacteria-treated plants. We hypothesized that reduced apoplastic conductivity could be compensated by the higher conductivity of the water pathway across the membranes. This assumption was confirmed by the results of the immunolocalization of HvPIP2;5 aquaporins with specific antibodies, showing their increased abundance around the areas of the endodermis and exodermis of bacteria-treated plants. The immunolocalization with antibodies against auxins and abscisic acid revealed elevated levels of these hormones in the roots of plants treated with bacteria. This root accumulation of hormones is likely to be associated with the ability of Pseudomonas mandelii IB-Ki14 to synthesize these hormones. The involvement of abscisic acid in the control of aquaporin abundance and auxins—in the regulation of and formation of apoplast barriers—is discussed.
Effects of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis on Gut Barrier Function, Proinflammatory Response, ROS Production and Pathogen Inhibition Properties in IPEC-J2—Escherichia coli/Salmonella Typhimurium Co-Culture
Authors: Palkovicsné Pézsa Nikolett , Kovács Dóra , Rácz Bence , Farkas Orsolya
Published: April 2022

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance raises serious concerns worldwide. Probiotics offer a promising alternative to enhance growth promotion in farm animals; however, their mode of action still needs to be elucidated. The IPEC-J2 cell line (porcine intestinal epithelial cells) is an appropriate tool to study the effect of probiotics on intestinal epithelial cells. In our experiments, IPEC-J2 cells were challenged by two gastrointestinal (GI) infection causing agents, Escherichia coli (E. coli) or Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium). We focused on determining the effect of pre-, co-, and post-treatment with two probiotic candidates, Bacillus licheniformis or Bacillus subtilis, on the barrier function, proinflammatory cytokine (IL-6 and IL-8) response, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of IPEC-J2 cells, in addition to the adhesion inhibition effect. Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) proved to be anti-inflammatory and had an antioxidant effect under certain treatment combinations, and further effectively inhibited the adhesion of pathogenic bacteria. Interestingly, they had little effect on paracellular permeability. Based on our results, Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis are both promising candidates to contribute to the beneficial effects of probiotic multispecies mixtures.
Gradual Enhancement of the Assemblage Stability of the Reed Rhizosphere Microbiome with Recovery Time
Authors: Zheng Fuchao , Mou Xiaoming , Zhang Jinghua , Zhang Tiange , Xia Lu , Yin Shenglai , Wu Lingye , Leng Xin , An Shuqing , Zhao Dehua
Published: April 2022

Rhizoplane microbes are considered proxies for evaluating the assemblage stability of the rhizosphere in wetland ecosystems due to their roles in plant growth and ecosystem health. However, our knowledge of how microbial assemblage stability is promoted in the reed rhizosphere of wetlands undergoing recovery is limited. We investigated the assemblage stability, diversity, abundance, co-occurrence patterns, and functional characteristics of reed rhizosphere microbes in restored wetlands. The results indicated that assemblage stability significantly increased with recovery time and that the microbial assemblages were capable of resisting seasonal fluctuations after more than 20 years of restoration. The number of bacterial indicators was greater in the restoration groups with longer restoration periods. Most bacterial indicators appeared in the 30-year restoration group. However, the core taxa and keystone species of module 2 exhibited greater abundance within longer recovery periods and were well organized, with rich and diverse functions that enhanced microbial assemblage stability. Our study provides insight into the connection between the rhizosphere microbiome and recovery period and presents a useful theoretical basis for the empirical management of wetland ecosystems.
Prototheca Infections and Ecology from a One Health Perspective
Authors: Libisch Balázs , Picot Carine , Ceballos-Garzon Andrés , Moravkova Monika , Klimesová Marcela , Telkes Gábor , Chuang Shih-Te , Le Pape Patrice
Published: April 2022

Prototheca microalgae were only recognized as pathogens of both humans and animals in the 1960s; however, since then, these microbes have been drawing increasing interest in both human and veterinary medicine. The first human outbreak of protothecosis in a tertiary care chemotherapy ward in 2018 further highlighted the need to understand in more depth and detail their ecology, etiology, pathogenesis and routes of transmission between different hosts, environments and habitats from a One Health perspective. Protothecal infections have been reported in a growing number of cattle herds around the world in recent decades, and Prototheca has become an important bovine mastitis pathogen in certain countries and regions. The survival of Prototheca in the environment and its ability to spread in the herd pose a serious challenge to the management of infected dairy farms. Prevention of the disease is particularly important, as there is no effective and reliable treatment for it and the chances of self-healing are minimal. Therefore, the development of more effective drugs is needed for the treatment of human and animal protothecosis. The prudent use of antibiotics and their replacement by alternative or preventive measures, when possible, may further contribute to the control of protothecal infections.
Experimental and Numerical Modelling of Deep-Sea-Mining-Generated Turbidity Currents
Authors: Elerian Mohamed , van Rhee Cees , Helmons Rudy
Published: April 2022

Renewable energy installations and energy storage solutions require significant quantities of critical raw materials such as nickel, cobalt and rare earth metals. The supply chains of these raw materials face many difficulties, such as the continuous decrease of mineral ore grades on land. In view of these complications, the motivation to search for new resources has grown, with the deep sea being seen as a potential source of these minerals. Polymetallic nodule mining generates turbidity currents, which could negatively impact the deep-sea environment. For that reason, we investigate this type of current experimentally and numerically in order to characterize the generated turbidity current. Various non-cohesive sediment types, i.e., different particle sizes, and different concentrations are tested using a lock-exchange set-up. Three sediment types (glass beads, silica sand and a 50/50 blend of glass beads and silica sand) with seven initial sediment concentrations are examined. Additionally, for the numerical work, a drift–flux modelling approach is used to simulate the performed lock-exchange experiments. The results show that the front velocities of the currents resulting from the three sediment types increases with increasing initial concentrations inside the lock regardless. Moreover, using the same initial concentration, the difference in front velocities between the generated currents of the three sediment types decreases as the initial concentration increases. When using an initial volumetric concentration of 2.5% and 3%, the difference in front velocities between the generated current of the three sediment types vanishes. Finally, by comparing the numerical and experimental results, the drift–flux model is proven to be a reliable numerical model for predicting the current.
2D and 3D Seismic Survey for Sandstone-Type Uranium Deposit and Its Prediction Patterns, Erlian Basin, China
Authors: Wu Qubo , Wang Yanchun , Li Ziying , Qiao Baoping , Yu Xiang , Huang Weichuan , Cao Chengyin , Li Ziwei , Pan Ziqiang , Huang Yucheng
Published: April 2022

The Erlian basin is one of the most important basins in northern China to host sandstone-type uranium deposits (SUDs), in which Bayanwula, Saihangaobi, and Hadatu are under development, to name a few. Issues such as the metallogenic mechanism and mineralization of these deposits need to be addressed throughout the mining process. Over the past several decades, 2D and 3D seismic reflection surveys have been carried out to study these typical SUDs. The seismic technique has become the most effective geophysical tool of uranium (U) exploration, and it is used to develop our understanding of the stratigraphic configuration, faults, and sandstone contents of target layers in uranium environments. In addition, seismic interpretation could yield useful suggestions regarding the subsequent drilling program in the work area. There are two seismically predictable patterns of SUDs, named “Big depression + fault” and “Large-angle unconformity + fault”, which have been established following detailed seismic research in this basin. The characteristics of these faults are as follows: (1) the “‘U’-shaped formation” is conducive to the inflow of O-U-bearing groundwater into the target sandstone; (2) the “Big depression of reductive formation” provides plenty of organic matter (containing reducing media and U pre-enrichment) to promote redox reaction mineralization; (3) “Large-angle unconformity” is favorable to the migration of reducing substances, consequently leading to an enhancement in redox U mineralization; (4) “faults with long-term activity” become rising channels for reducing the presence of fluids and gases at depth; and (5) “sandstone and its scrambled seismic facies”. The results also offer indirect evidence of a connection between hydrothermal fluids and U mineralization; a hypothesis of “hydrothermal effusion” mineralization is proposed accordingly. In conclusion, seismically produced images of geological structures and sandstone distribution could yield important information for U prospecting and mine planning; it is worth considering seismic technologies in the future exploration of SUDs.
Dissolution of Magnetite and Hematite in Mixtures of Oxalic and Nitric Acid: Mechanisms and Kinetics
Authors: Vehmaanperä Paula , Sihvonen Tuomas , Salmimies Riina , Häkkinen Antti
Published: April 2022

Dissolution mechanisms and kinetics have a key role in better understanding of processes. In this work, magnetite and hematite powder were dissolved in oxalic and nitric acid mixtures at different temperatures. Higher temperature and higher amounts of oxalic acid in the system accelerated the dissolution kinetics but did not result in higher solubility levels. Oxalic acid had also drawbacks in the process since higher amounts in the system promoted formation of a solid product, humboldtine (Fe(II)C2O4∙2H2O), which, in turn, inhibited the dissolution. This problem may be overcome by adding even a small amount of nitric acid to the system. Kinetic analysis showed, in the variable-rate-controlling step, that two linear fits of the Kabai model described the dissolution better in an oxalic acid and acid mixture of 70/30. Thermodynamic data and special cubic models showed that the nitric acid concentration had a significant role in the solubility, whereas the concentration of oxalic acid had only minor effects on solubility. The results also showed that measuring the oxalate and nitrate concentrations did not provide additional information about the dissolution mechanism itself. The pH, however, might be a tool for following the extent of dissolution, even though it is not a direct indicator of the dissolution mechanism.
Typomorphism of Native Gold (Geological-Industrial Types of Gold Deposits in the North-East of Russia)
Authors: Savva Natalia E. , Kravtsova Raisa G. , Anisimova Galina S. , Palyanova Galina A.
Published: April 2022

This study presents the typomorphic features of native gold grains from three different geological-industrial types (GIT) of gold deposits in the North-East of Russia: (1) gold–arsenic-sulfide in black shale strata (Natalka, Degdekan, Karalveem, Maldyak deposits), (2) gold–quartz veins in granitoids (Dorozhnoye, Butarnoye, Shkolnoye, Maltan deposits), and (3) gold–silver adularia in volcanogenic strata (Kupol, Olcha, Kubaka, Burgali, Primorskoe, Dalnee deposits). The reliability of the geological interpretation is directly related to mineral associations, fineness variations, its internal structure and the content of microimpurities. Native gold is a reliable indicator for identifying various GIT of gold deposits at the early geological-prospecting stages of studying gold-bearing areas. Typomorphic features of native gold for each of the considered GIT are stable and do not depend on the age and scale of mineralization. It is shown that using an integrated approach obtains genetic information about a particular ore object, which makes it possible to predict the vertical range of mineralization and outline the technology for processing ores. The information obtained can also be effectively used in the search for placer deposits in nearby watercourses. Identification of typomorphic features of ore and placer native gold opens up wide opportunities for delineating the distribution areas of placer deposits.
Co-Remediation of Acid Mine Drainage and Industrial Effluent Using Passive Permeable Reactive Barrier Pre-Treatment and Active Co-Bioremediation
Authors: Thisani Sandisiwe Khanyisa , Kallon Daramy Vandi Von , Byrne Patrick
Published: April 2022

This study evaluated the co-remediation performance of an active–passive process comprised of passive permeable reactive barrier acid mine drainage (AMD) pre-treatment and active anaerobic digestion treatment of AMD with effluent as a carbon source. The bioreactor was operated for 24 consecutive days with peak chemical oxygen demand (COD) and sulphate loading rates of 6.6 kg COD/m3/day and 0.89 kg SO42−/m3/day, respectively. The AMD pre-treatment was capable of removing 99%, 94% and 42% of iron (Fe), potassium (K), and aluminium (Al) concentrations, respectively. The biological treatment process was capable of removing 89.7% and 99% of COD and sulphate concentrations, respectively. The treated wastewater copper (Cu), sulphate (SO42−), and pH were within the effluent discharge limits and the potable water standards of South Africa. Fe, Al, manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) concentrations in the treated wastewater were marginally higher than the discharge and potable water limit with all concentrations exceeding the limit by less than 0.65 mg/L. The remediation performance of the process was found to be effective with limited operational inputs, which can enable low cost co-remediation.
3D Inversion of Magnetic Gradient Tensor Data Based on Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Deng Hua , Hu Xiangyun , Cai Hongzhu , Liu Shuang , Peng Ronghua , Liu Yajun , Han Bo
Published: April 2022

High-precision vector magnetic field detection has been widely used in the fields of celestial magnetic field detection, aeromagnetic detection, marine magnetic field detection and geomagnetic navigation. Due to the large amount of data, the 3D inversion of high-precision magnetic gradient vector data often involves a large number of computational requirements and is very time-consuming. In this paper, a 3D magnetic gradient tensor (MGT) inversion method is developed, based on using a convolutional neural network (CNN) to automatically predict physical parameters from the 2D images of MGT. The information of geometry, depth and parameters such as magnetic inclination (I), magnetic declination (D) and magnetization susceptibility of magnetic anomalies is extracted, and a 3D model is obtained by comprehensive analysis. The method first obtains sufficient MGT data samples by forward modeling of different magnetic anomalies. Then, we use an improved CNN with shear layers to achieve the prediction of each magnetic parameter. The reliability of the algorithm is verified by numerical simulations of synthetic models of multiple magnetic anomalies. MGT data of the Tallawang magnetite diorite deposit in Australia are also predicted by using this method to obtain a slab model that matches the known geological information. The effects of sample size and noise level on the prediction accuracy are discussed. Compared with single-component prediction, the results of multi-component joint prediction are more reliable. From the numerical model study and the field data validation, we demonstrate the capability of using CNNs for inversing MGT data.
On the Development of Phenol-Formaldehyde Resins Using a New Type of Lignin Extracted from Pine Wood with a Levulinic-Acid Based Solvent
Authors: Melro Elodie , Antunes Filipe E. , Valente Artur J. M. , Duarte Hugo , Romano Anabela , Medronho Bruno
Published: April 2022

Resole resins have many applications, especially for foam production. However, the use of phenol, a key ingredient in resoles, has serious environmental and economic disadvantages. In this work, lignin extracted from pine wood using a “green” solvent, levulinic acid, was used to partially replace the non-sustainable phenol. The physicochemical properties of this novel resin were compared with resins composed of different types of commercial lignins. All resins were optimized to keep their free formaldehyde content below 1 wt%, by carefully adjusting the pH of the mixture. Substitution of phenol with lignin generally increases the viscosity of the resins, which is further increased with the lignin mass fraction. The addition of lignin decreases the kinetics of gelification of the resin. The type and amount of lignin also affect the thermal stability of the resins. It was possible to obtain resins with higher thermal stability than the standard phenol-formaldehyde resins without lignin. This work provides new insights regarding the development of lignin-based resoles as a very promising sustainable alternative to petrol-based resins.
Plants of the Genus Zingiber: A Review of Their Ethnomedicine, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology
Authors: Deng Miao , Yun Xuan , Ren Shurui , Qing Zhixing , Luo Fenglian
Published: April 2022

Plant of the genus Zingiber (Zingiberaceae) have primarily distributed in subtropical and tropical Asia, South America and Africa. The species of this genus have been widely used as food and in folk with a long history for treating various diseases. Reports related to the phytochemistry and phytochemistry of Zingiber species are numerous, but articles on the summary of the genus Zingiber remain scarce. This review aims at presenting comprehensive information about the genus Zingiber and providing a reference for the future application by systematically reviewing the literature from 1981 to 2020. Currently, a total of 447 phytochemical constituents have been isolated and identified from this genus, in which volatile oils, diarylheptanoids, gingerols, flavonoids and terpenoids are the major components. Gingerols, which are the main functional components, are the spicy and aromatic ingredients in the Zingiber species. Extracts and single compounds from Zingiber plants have been discovered to possess numerous biological functions, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, larvicidal, antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities. This review provides new insights into the ethnomedicine, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Zingiber and brings to the forefront key findings on the functional components of this genus in food and pharmaceutical industries.
In Vitro–In Vivo Correlation of Tianeptine Sodium Sustained-Release Dual-Layer Tablets
Authors: Lee Ye-Ji , Kim Joo-Eun
Published: April 2022

Tianeptine tablets are currently marketed to be designed for immediate-release tablets. The tianeptine has a short half-life, making it difficult to design for sustained-release tablets and achieve bioequivalence with the tianeptine immediate-release tablet (Stablon®). We established the in vitro–in vivo correlation (IVIVC) of three formulations of tianeptine sustained-release tablets according to their granule size. To evaluate sustained drug release, in vitro tests were performed in pH 1.2 media for 24 h. In vivo pharmacokinetic analysis was performed following oral administration of reference drug and test drug to beagle dogs. The dissolution profile revealed delayed release as the size of the granules increased. The dissolution results were confirmed in pharmacokinetic analysis, showing that the half-life was delayed as granule size increased. The final formulation and reference drug showed an equivalent area under the curve (AUC). Through this, IVIVC was established according to the size of the tianeptine sodium granules, which is the purpose of this study, and was used to predict in vivo pharmacokinetics from the formulation composition. This approach may be useful for determining optimal formulation compositions to achieve the desired pharmacokinetics when developing new formulations.
Effect of Processing Treatment and Modified Atmosphere Packing on Carrot’s Microbial Community Structure by Illumina MiSeq Sequencing
Authors: Ratajczak Katarzyna , Staninska-Pięta Justyna , Czarny Jakub , Cyplik Paweł , Wolko Łukasz , Piotrowska-Cyplik Agnieszka
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to analyze the microbiome of carrot (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) subjected to minimal pre-treatment (rinsing in organic acid solution) and packaging in a high-oxygen modified atmosphere, and then stored for 17 days under refrigeration conditions (4 °C). The highest levels of bacteria in the carrot microbiome were characterized, at almost 78%, by bacteria belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonadaceae families. Rinsing in a solution of ascorbic and citric acids resulted in the improvement of microbiological quality in the first day of storage. However, the use of a high-oxygen modified atmosphere extended the shelf life of the minimally processed product. Compared to carrots stored in air, those stored in high oxygen concentration were characterized by a greater ratio of bacteria belonging to the Serratia and Enterobacter genera, and a lower ratio belonging to the Pseudomonas and Pantoea genera. Moreover, the β-biodiversity analysis confirmed that the oxygen concentration was the main factor influencing the differentiation of the metabiomes of the stored carrots. The bacterial strains isolated from carrots identified by molecular methods were mostly pathogenic or potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Neither the minimal pre-treatment nor packaging in high-oxygen atmosphere was able to eliminate the threat of pathogenic bacteria emerging in the product.
Dietary Polyphenols: Extraction, Identification, Bioavailability, and Role for Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal and Prostate Cancers
Authors: Ahmad Naveed , Qamar Muhammad , Yuan Ye , Nazir Yasir , Wilairatana Polrat , Mubarak Mohammad S.
Published: April 2022

Fruits, vegetables, and other edible plants in our diet have numerous health benefits, due to the bioactive compounds in these food items, including polyphenols. These plants are a rich and promising source of natural products and phytochemicals that can be used to treat and prevent numerous diseases and prevent the progression of cancer. Dietary polyphenols exhibit chemo-preventive and therapeutic effects against various ailments, including several types of cancer. The current study focuses on polyphenol’s traditional and advanced extraction methods, with supercritical extraction as a novel approach. It also deals with their identification, bioavailability, and role in preventing and treating colorectal and prostate cancers. Additionally, the article covers the literature that deals with the anticancer activities of polyphenols, as well as their potential use as anticancer agents.
Composition and Antifungal Activity of the Alkaloidal Fraction of Lupinus mirabilis Leaves: A Biochemometrics-Based Exploration
Authors: Bernal Freddy A. , Coy-Barrera Ericsson
Published: April 2022

Lupinus plants are well-recognized due to their significant alkaloid content, which has made them the subject of several studies. However, the lack of chemical and biological information on the Colombian Lupinus species remains a fact. Therefore, the alkaloidal fractions from the leaves of L. mirabilis obtained by conventional solvent and ultrasound-assisted extraction (CSE and UAE, respectively) at different time frames were analyzed. Sparteine (2) was the main component in all cases; however, its relative abundance showed large variability, ranging from 64.7% to 80.6%. Minor constituents were also affected by the extraction conditions. In general, prolonged times gave a higher proportion of alkaloids under CSE, while only a slight decrease was observed under UAE. Both the method and extraction time appeared to equally affect the ratios of particular alkaloids, leading to variations in their effect on the mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum. Holistic analysis through multiple-covariate statistical methods as an approach to integrating chemical and bioactivity datasets allowed inferring the compounds most likely responsible for the changes in mycelial growth inhibition. 13α-Hydroxylupanine (12) might represent a promising compound to be included in further studies against this phytopathogen.
In Silico Molecular Docking Analysis of Karanjin against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases as a Potential Natural Lead Molecule for New Drug Design, Development and Therapy
Authors: Gnanaraj Charles , Sekar Mahendran , Fuloria Shivkanya , Swain Shasank S. , Gan Siew Hua , Chidambaram Kumarappan , Rani Nur Najihah Izzati Mat , Balan Tavamani , Stephenie Sarah , Lum Pei Teng , Jeyabalan Srikanth , Begum M. Yasmin , Chandramohan Vivek , Thangavelu Lakshmi , Subramaniyan Vetriselvan , Fuloria Neeraj Kumar
Published: April 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are neurodegenerative disorders that have emerged as among the serious health problems of the 21st century. The medications currently available to treat AD and PD have limited efficacy and are associated with side effects. Natural products are one of the most vital and conservative sources of medicines for treating neurological problems. Karanjin is a furanoflavonoid, isolated mainly from Pongamia pinnata with several medicinal plants, and has been reported for numerous health benefits. However, the effect of karanjin on AD and PD has not yet been systematically investigated. To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of karanjin, extensive in silico studies starting with molecular docking against five putative targets for AD and four targets for PD were conducted. The findings were compared with three standard drugs using Auto Dock 4.1 and Molegro Virtual Docker software. Additionally, the physiochemical properties (Lipinski rule of five), drug-likeness and parameters including absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination and toxicity (ADMET) profiles of karanjin were also studied. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed with two selective karanjin docking complexes to analyze the dynamic behaviors and binding free energy at 100 ns time scale. In addition, frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) and density-functional theory (DFT) were also investigated from computational quantum mechanism perspectives using the Avogadro-ORCA 1.2.0 platform. Karanjin complies with all five of Lipinski’s drug-likeness rules with suitable ADMET profiles for therapeutic use. The docking scores (kcal/mol) showed comparatively higher potency against AD and PD associated targets than currently used standard drugs. Overall, the potential binding affinity from molecular docking, static thermodynamics feature from MD-simulation and other multiparametric drug-ability profiles suggest that karanjin could be considered as a suitable therapeutic lead for AD and PD treatment. Furthermore, the present results were strongly correlated with the earlier study on karanjin in an Alzheimer’s animal model. However, necessary in vivo studies, clinical trials, bioavailability, permeability and safe dose administration, etc. must be required to use karanjin as a potential drug against AD and PD treatment, where the in silico results are more helpful to accelerate the drug development.
Optimization of an Ultra-Sonication Extraction Method for Major Compounds Found in Mondia whitei Using Design of Experiment
Authors: Chokwe Ramakwala Christinah , Dube Simiso , Nindi Mathew Muzi
Published: April 2022

Optimum extraction conditions are vital in quality control methods to enable accurate quantification of the compounds of interest. An ultra-sonication method was developed for the extraction of seven major compounds found in Mondia whitei. Extraction temperature, time, power, frequency, percentage of ethanol in water and solvent to sample ratio were screened to access their significance on the percentage recovery of the compounds of interest. These parameters were screened using Descriptive screening design. Extraction temperature, solvent to sample ratio and the interaction between temperature and percentage ethanol in water were found to have a significant effect on the response. These parameters were then optimized using central composite design. The optimum conditions were found to be 66.1% ethanol in water, 70 °C temperature and 3 mL: 5 mg solvent to sample ratio. This method was successfully applied in the development of a quality control method for the seven compounds in Mondia whitei samples.