bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State of Charge Estimation of Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Stacked Encoder–Decoder Bi-Directional LSTM for EV and HEV Applications
Authors: Terala Pranaya K. , Ogundana Ayodeji S. , Foo Simon Y. , Amarasinghe Migara Y. , Zang Huanyu
Published: August 2022

Energy storage technologies are being used excessively in industrial applications and in automobiles. Battery state of charge (SOC) is an important metric to be monitored in these applications to ensure proper and safe functionality. Since SOC cannot be measured directly, this paper puts forth a novel machine learning architecture to improve on the existing methods of SOC estimation. This method consists of using combined stacked bi-directional LSTM and encoder–decoder bi-directional long short-term memory architecture. This architecture henceforth represented as SED is implemented to overcome the nonparallel functionality observed in traditional RNN algorithms. Estimations were made utilizing different open-source datasets such as urban dynamometer driving schedule (UDDS), highway fuel efficiency test (HWFET), LA92 and US06. The least Mean Absolute Error observed was 0.62% at 25 °C for the HWFET condition, which confirms the good functionality of the proposed architecture.
Design, Analysis and Experiments of Hexapod Robot with Six-Link Legs for High Dynamic Locomotion
Authors: Ma Jiawang , Qiu Guanlin , Guo Weichen , Li Peitong , Ma Gan
Published: August 2022

An important feature of a legged robot is its dynamic motion performance. Traditional methods often improve the dynamic motion performance by reducing the moment of inertia of robot legs or by adopting quasi-direct drive actuators. This paper proposes a method to enhance the dynamic performance of a legged robot by transmission mechanism. Specifically, we present a unique six-link leg mechanism that can implement a large output motion using a small drive motion. This unique feature can enhance the robots’ dynamic motion capability. Experiments with a hexapod robot verified the effectiveness of the mechanism. The experimental results showed that, when the steering gear of the robot rotates 1°, the toe can lift 7 mm (5% of body height), and the maximum running speed of the robot can reach 390 mm/s (130% of the moveable body length per second).
Fabrication of Ultra-Fine and Ultra-Long Copper Tube Electrodes by Ultrasonic High-Frequency Percussion
Authors: Zhang Xiajunyu , Zhao Yugang , Yu Hanlin , Li Zhihao , Zhao Chuang , Liu Guangxin , Cao Chen , Liu Qian , Zheng Zhilong , Zhao Dandan
Published: August 2022

In this study, a new method of ultrasonic high-frequency percussion (UH-FP) is proposed. Ultra-fine and ultra-long copper tube electrodes cannot be fabricated by traditional processing methods, and the copper tube electrodes fabricated by UH-FP can be used in the process of rotary EDM for microfine holes. The UH-FP setup has been established based on an ultrasonic device, a workpiece chucking and rotation device, and a workpiece reciprocating motion device. In this work, by studying the principle of ultrasonic processing, the processing principle and mechanism of ultra-fine and ultra-long copper tube electrode preparation by ultrasonic high-frequency percussion is proposed. The effects of processing parameters (i.e., rotational speed, feed rate, working gap, percussion amplitude) on surface roughness are evaluated quantitatively. Experimental results show that the proposed method could complete the core leach of the core-containing copper tube electrodes after drawing, while improving surface quality. Some surface defects such as cracks, scratches and folds were completed removed, further improving the mechanical performance of processed parts. The surface roughness (Ra) of 0.091 μm was obtained from the initial 0.46 μm under the optimal processing parameters of 800 rpm tube rotational speed, 200 mm/min platform feed speed, 0.13 mm machining gap, 0.15 mm percussion amplitude, and 32 min machining time. The method shows potential for manufacturing copper tube electrodes for a wide range of industrial applications.
Optimized Random Forest for Solar Radiation Prediction Using Sunshine Hours
Authors: Villegas-Mier Cesar , Rodriguez-Resendiz Juvenal , Álvarez-Alvarado José , Jiménez-Hernández Hugo , Odry Ákos
Published: August 2022

Knowing exactly how much solar radiation reaches a particular area is helpful when planning solar energy installations. In recent years the use of renewable energies, especially those related to photovoltaic systems, has had an impressive up-tendency. Therefore, mechanisms that allow us to predict solar radiation are essential. This work aims to present results for predicting solar radiation using optimization with the Random Forest (RF) algorithm. Moreover, it compares the obtained results with other machine learning models. The conducted analysis is performed in Queretaro, Mexico, which has both direct solar radiation and suitable weather conditions more than three quarters of the year. The results show an effective improvement when optimizing the hyperparameters of the RF and Adaboost models, with an improvement of 95.98% accuracy compared to conventional methods such as linear regression, with 54.19%, or recurrent networks, with 53.96%, without increasing the computational time and performance requirements to obtain the prediction. The analysis was successfully repeated in two different scenarios for periods in 2020 and 2021 in Juriquilla. The developed method provides robust performance with similar results, confirming the validity and effectiveness of our approach.
Dahl Friction Model for Driving Characteristics of V-Shape Linear Ultrasonic Motors
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yuan Xianghui , Zeng Yuansong , Lang Lihui , Liang Hailong , Zhang Yanhu
Published: August 2022

The contact process of stator and slider described by the Coulomb friction model is basically in a pure sliding friction state, and a mechanical model based on the Dahl friction theory was proposed to describe the contact process between stator and slider of V-shape linear ultrasonic motor. With consideration for the tangential compliance of stator and slider, the dynamic contact and friction processes of stator and slider were addressed in stages. The simulation results show that the ratio of the friction positive work decreases with the increase of the preload, and the vibration amplitude of the stator increases the proportion of positive work of the friction force. Improving the contact stiffness of the stator and slider is conducive to improving the output performance of the ultrasonic motor. The asymmetry of the left and right performance of the V-shaped vibrator will cause a difference in the left and right running speeds of the ultrasonic motor. The improved Dahl friction-driving model makes up for the discontinuity of tangential contact force calculated by the Coulomb friction model. This study demonstrates that the friction-driving model based on the Dahl theory is reliable and reasonable for linear ultrasonic motors according to the experimental results.
Design of a Miniaturized Wide-Angle Fisheye Lens Based on Deep Learning and Optimization Techniques
Authors: Tien Chuen-Lin , Chiang Chun-Yu , Sun Wen-Shing
Published: August 2022

This paper presents the optimization design of a miniaturized five-element wide-angle fisheye lens using a deep learning algorithm. Zemax optical design software was used to simulate and optimize the wide-angle fisheye lens. A deep learning algorithm helped to find the best combination of different lens materials. We first used six lens elements as an initial configuration to design miniaturized wide-angle fisheye lenses using the optimization process. The optical system components were gradually decreased to five lens elements. Both OKP4HT and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) plastic aspheric lenses were selected to replace the second spherical glass lens in the original design. We propose two types of wide-angle fisheye lens designs with four spherical lenses and one aspheric lens. The results for these designs indicated a viewing angle of 174°, a total length of less than 15 mm, a spot size of less than 6 μm, lateral color within ±1 μm, field curvature within ±0.02 mm, and F-θ distortion of ±3.5%. In addition, the MTF value was larger than 0.4 at the spatial frequency of 100 cycles/mm.
Highly Durable Antimicrobial Tantalum Nitride/Copper Coatings on Stainless Steel Deposited by Pulsed Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Elangovan Thangavel , Balasankar Athinarayanan , Arokiyaraj Selvaraj , Rajagopalan Ramaseshan , George Rani P. , Oh Tae Hwan , Kuppusami Parasuraman , Ramasundaram Subramaniyan
Published: August 2022

Highly durable and antimicrobial tantalum nitride/copper (TaN/Cu) nanocomposite coatings were deposited on D-9 stainless steel substrates by pulsed magnetron sputtering. The Cu content in the coating was varied in the range of 1.42–35.42 atomic % (at.%). The coatings were characterized by electron probe microanalyzer, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope. The antibacterial properties of the TaN/Cu coatings against gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa were evaluated using a cell culture test. The peak hardness and Young’s modulus of TaN/Cu with 10.46 at.% Cu were 24 and 295 GPa, respectively, which amounted to 15 and 41.67% higher than Cu-free TaN. Among all, TaN/Cu with 10.46 at.% exhibited the lowest friction coefficient. The TaN/Cu coatings exhibited significantly higher antibacterial activity than Cu-free TaN against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. On TaN, the bacterial count was about 4 × 106 CFU, whereas it was dropped to 1.2 × 102 CFU in case of TaN/Cu with 10.46 at.% Cu. The bacterial count was decreased from 9 to 6 when the Cu content increased from 25.54 to 30.04 at.%. Live bacterial cells were observed in the SEM images of TaN, and dead cells were found on TaN/Cu. Overall, TaN/Cu with 10.46 at.% Cu was found to be a potential coating composition in terms of higher antimicrobial activity and mechanical durability.
Comprehensive Power Gain Assessment of GaN-SOI-FinFET for Improved RF/Wireless Performance Using TCAD
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Gupta Neha , Goyal Amit Kumar , Massoud Yehia
Published: August 2022

In this work, we present a radio frequency (RF) assessment of the nanoscale gallium nitride-silicon-on-insulator fin field-effect transistor (GaN-SOI-FinFET). All the performances of the device were compared with GaN-FinFET and conventional FinFET (Conv. FinFET) simultaneously. All the results show that the power gains significantly improved in terms of Gma, Gms, Stern stability factor (SS), GMT, and intrinsic delay in comparison with conventional FinFET. Current gain and unilateral power gain were also evaluated for the extraction of fT (cut-off frequency) and fMAX, respectively. fT and fMAX were enhanced by 88.8% and 94.6%, respectively. This analysis was performed at several THz frequencies. Further, the parametric assessment was also performed in terms of gate length and oxide thickness to find the optimized value of gate length and oxide thickness. The implementation of GaN in the channel reduces the parasitic capacitance and paves the way for high-performance RF applications.
Long-Term Fertilization Strategy Impacts Rhizoctonia solani–Microbe Interactions in Soil and Rhizosphere and Defense Responses in Lettuce
Authors: Sommermann Loreen , Babin Doreen , Behr Jan Helge , Chowdhury Soumitra Paul , Sandmann Martin , Windisch Saskia , Neumann Günter , Nesme Joseph , Sørensen Søren J. , Schellenberg Ingo , Rothballer Michael , Geistlinger Joerg , Smalla Kornelia , Grosch Rita
Published: August 2022

The long-term effects of agricultural management such as different fertilization strategies on soil microbiota and soil suppressiveness against plant pathogens are crucial. Therefore, the suppressiveness of soils differing in fertilization history was assessed using two Rhizoctonia solani isolates and their respective host plants (lettuce, sugar beet) in pot experiments. Further, the effects of fertilization history and the pathogen R. solani AG1-IB on the bulk soil, root-associated soil and rhizosphere microbiota of lettuce were analyzed based on amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and ITS2 region. Organic fertilization history supported the spread of the soil-borne pathogens compared to long-term mineral fertilization. The fertilization strategy affected bacterial and fungal community composition in the root-associated soil and rhizosphere, respectively, but only the fungal community shifted in response to the inoculated pathogen. The potential plant-beneficial genus Talaromyces was enriched in the rhizosphere by organic fertilization and presence of the pathogen. Moreover, increased expression levels of defense-related genes in shoots of lettuce were observed in the soil with organic fertilization history, both in the absence and presence of the pathogen. This may reflect the enrichment of potential plant-beneficial microorganisms in the rhizosphere, but also pathogen infestation. However, enhanced defense responses resulted in retarded plant growth in the presence of R. solani (plant growth/defense tradeoff).
Lactulose Ingestion Induces a Rapid Increase in Genus Bifidobacterium in Healthy Japanese: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial
Authors: Sakai Yohei , Ochi Hiroshi , Tanaka Miyuki
Published: August 2022

Oral administration of a low dose of lactulose increases the abundance of genus Bifidobacterium in the large intestine; however, the details of the daily variation in Bifidobacterium have not been researched. To observe how the intestinal microbiota, including Bifidobacterium, change, especially immediately after the initiation of ingestion, we conducted a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study of ingestion of 4 g lactulose/day for 2 weeks in 36 healthy Japanese (including males and females). The primary outcome was the percentage of Bifidobacterium in the faecal bacteria. In the lactulose-treatment group, the percentage of Bifidobacterium was already significantly higher 2 days after starting lactulose ingestion than in the placebo group (20.5 ± 1.2% vs. 17.1 ± 1.2%, p = 0.021). Significant differences were maintained, gradually widening, until the end of the 2-week intervention period. There were significant increases in the percentage and the number of Bifidobacterium with ingestion of 4 g lactulose/day for 2 weeks, but no significant changes in the beta diversity of the intestinal microbiota between lactulose and placebo ingestion. The percentage of Bifidobacterium in the faecal bacteria returned to its original level within a week of the end of intervention with lactulose.
Mixed Fungal Biofilms: From Mycobiota to Devices, a New Challenge on Clinical Practice
Authors: Costa Polyana de Souza , Prado Andressa , Bagon Natalia Pecin , Negri Melyssa , Svidzinski Terezinha Inez Estivalet
Published: August 2022

Most current protocols for the diagnosis of fungal infections are based on culture-dependent methods that allow the evaluation of fungal morphology and the identification of the etiologic agent of mycosis. Most current protocols for the diagnosis of fungal infections are based on culture-dependent methods that enable the examination of the fungi for further identification of the etiological agent of the mycosis. The isolation of fungi from pure cultures is typically recommended, as when more than one species is identified, the second agent is considered a contaminant. Fungi mostly survive in highly organized communities that provoke changes in phenotypic profile, increase resistance to antifungals and environmental stresses, and facilitate evasion from the immune system. Mixed fungal biofilms (MFB) harbor more than one fungal species, wherein exchange can occur that potentialize the effects of these virulence factors. However, little is known about MFB and their role in infectious processes, particularly in terms of how each species may synergistically contribute to the pathogenesis. Here, we review fungi present in MFB that are commensals of the human body, forming the mycobiota, and how their participation in MFB affects the maintenance of homeostasis. In addition, we discuss how MFB are formed on both biotic and abiotic surfaces, thus being a significant reservoir of microorganisms that have already been associated in infectious processes of high morbidity and mortality.
The Effects of Secondary Growth of Spartina alterniflora after Treatment on Sediment Microorganisms in the Yellow River Delta
Authors: Shang Shuai , Li Liangyu , Zhang Zaiwang , Zang Yu , Chen Jun , Wang Jun , Wu Tao , Xia Jiangbao , Tang Xuexi
Published: August 2022

As a typical invasive species, Spartina alterniflora is widely recognized as one of the primary threats to biodiversity in various habitats, including wetlands. Although the invasion by S. alterniflora has been managed in multiple ways, it may reappear after treatment. How S. alterniflora affects the soil microbial community in coastal wetlands during its regeneration process has not yet been clarified. Here, rhizosphere soil samples (RSPs) and bulk soil samples (SSPs) were collected in the S. alterniflora community and a high-throughput sequencing method was conducted to analyze the composition and diversity of soil microorganisms. Meanwhile, we also obtain the soil physicochemical properties. In the present study, there was no significant difference in the alpha diversity of both bacterial and fungal communities in the SSP and RSP groups. The PCoA (principal coordinate analysis) also showed that the microbial community structure did not differ significantly between the SSP and RSP groups. The results showed that except for pH, the total sulfur (TS) content, total nitrogen (TN) content, and electrical conductivity (EC) did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) between the SSP and RSP groups. The composition of the bacterial and fungal community in the rhizosphere of S. alterniflora was similar to that found in the surrounding soils. The top two dominant bacterial phyla were Proteobacteria and Desulfobacterota in the present study. Venn diagram results also support this view; most OTUs belong to the common OTUs of the two groups, and the proportion of unique OTUs is relatively small. The LEfSe (LDA effect size) analysis showed that Campylobacterota (at the phylum level) and Sulfurimonas (at the genus level) significantly increased in the RSP group, implying that the increased Sulfurimonas might play an essential role in the invasion by S. alterniflora during the under-water period. Overall, these results suggest that the bacterial and fungal communities were not significantly affected by the S. alterniflora invasion due to the short invasion time.
The Enzyme Gene Expression of Protein Utilization and Metabolism by Lactobacillus helveticus CICC 22171
Authors: Zhang Huixin , Xu Mengfan , Hu Shanhu , Zhao Hongfei , Zhang Bolin
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study was to explore the hydrolytic ability of Lactobacillus helveticus CICC 22171 with regard to protein and the expression of enzyme genes during protein utilization. The results revealed that the strain hydrolyzed casein from the C-terminal, reached the maximum level in 6 h, and the number of amino acids in the hydrolyzed peptide was 7–33. The molecular weight was 652.4–3432.74 kDa. Hydrophobic peptides produced by hydrolysis were the source of β-casein bitterness. Leucine and glutamine were the preferred cleavage points after 1 h; tyrosine and tryptophan subsequently increased. The first step of hydrolysis was controlled by PrtP and PrtM genes and coordinated with the action of PrtH1 and PrtH2. The transport system consisted of DtpT, OppB, OppD and OppF. The hydrolytic third step endopeptidase system consisted of the aminopeptidases (PepN, PepC, PepM and PepA), the endopeptidases (PepE, PepF and PepO); the dipeptidases (PepV and PepD), the tripeptidase PepT; the proline peptidases (PepX, PepP, PepQ, PepR and PepI). The expression of CEP genes was significantly different, and the expression level of genes related to the transport system significantly increased from 0 to 1 h. The specificity of the substrate and action site of endopeptidase was abundant.
Ophthalmic Solutions with a Broad Antiviral Action: Evaluation of Their Potential against Ocular Herpetic Infections
Authors: Zannella Carla , Chianese Annalisa , De Bernardo Maddalena , Folliero Veronica , Petrillo Francesco , De Filippis Anna , Boccia Giovanni , Franci Gianluigi , Rosa Nicola , Galdiero Massimiliano
Published: August 2022

HSV-1 can be associated with severe and recurrent eye infections characterized by a strong inflammatory response that leads to blepharoconjunctivitis, epithelial and stromal keratitis, and retinal necrosis. The incidence of HSV-1 keratitis is 1.5 million every year worldwide, including more than 40,000 new cases exhibiting serious visual failures. Generally, the therapy uses antiviral drugs to promote healing; however, there are currently no compounds that are able to completely eradicate the virus. In addition, the phenomenon of resistance is rapidly spreading among HSV-1 strains, creating mutants developing resistance to the common antiviral drugs; therefore, deep research on this issue is warranted. The efficacy of different ophthalmic solutions already on the market was evaluated for reducing HSV-1 infection. Different plaque assays were set up on epithelial cells, revealing that two ophthalmic solutions were able to inhibit viral replication in the early stages of infection. The data were further confirmed by molecular tests analyzing the expression levels of the principal genes involved in HSV-1 infection, and a strong reduction was observed after only 1 min of eye-drop treatment. Collectively, these results suggested the use of ophthalmic solutions as potential antiviral options for the treatment of ocular herpetic infection.
Enterococcus faecalis Shields Porphyromonas gingivalis in Dual-Species Biofilm in Oxic Condition
Authors: Tan Huan Chang , Cheung Gary Shun Pan , Chang Jeffrey Wen Wei , Zhang Chengfei , Lee Angeline Hui Cheng
Published: August 2022

Aim: To develop a reproducible biofilm model consisting of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and to evaluate the interaction between the two bacterial species. Methodology: E. faecalis and P. gingivalis were grown in mono-culture, sequential, and co-culture models for 96 h in a 96-well polystyrene microtiter plate under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions separately. The viability of the two bacterial species in the biofilms was quantified by polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Biofilm thickness and protein contents were measured using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to analyze cell viability and biofilm thickness among different culture models cultivated under either aerobic or anaerobic conditions. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Different culture models tested did not show any significant difference between the viable cell counts of both E. faecalis and P. gingivalis cultivated under aerobic and anaerobic conditions (p > 0.05). Biofilm was significantly thicker (p < 0.05) in the co-culture models compared to the mono-culture and sequential models. Protein contents in the biofilms were more pronounced when both bacterial species were co-cultured under aerobic conditions. Conclusions: E. faecalis appeared to shield P. gingivalis and support its continued growth in oxic (aerobic) conditions. The co-culture model of E. faecalis and P. gingivalis produced a significantly thicker biofilm irrespective of the presence or absence of oxygen, while increased protein contents were only observed in the presence of oxygen.
Possibility of Using By-Products with High NDF Content to Alter the Fecal Short Chain Fatty Acid Profiles, Bacterial Community, and Digestibility of Lactating Dairy Cows
Authors: Lyu Jiaying , Yang Zhantao , Wang Erdan , Liu Gaokun , Wang Yajing , Wang Wei , Li Shengli
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to investigate whether agricultural by-products with a high NDF content and small-particle-size substitute for forage could cause hindgut acidosis and dysbacteriosis in lactating dairy cows. We investigated the impact of soybean hull and beet pulp on the fecal fermentation, bacterial community, and digestibility of cows. Sixteen lactating Holstein cows were treated as follows (% of dry matter (DM)): amount of by-product added was 0 (control, CON), 1.67% (low by-products, LB), 3.33% (medium by-products, MB), and 5% (high by-products, HB). The results showed the fecal pH of cows to be 7.23–7.29, implying no hindgut acidosis. With increased inclusion of by-products in the diets, the proportion of fecal propionate; relative abundance of the phylum Bacteroidetes, the family Lachnospiraceae, and genera unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae, Acetitomaculum, and Prevotella; and the DM and NDF digestibility of cows all increased linearly. Meanwhile, the fecal genera Turicibacter and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 decreased linearly. By-products promoted the abundance of fecal bacteria genes related to energy metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and propanoate metabolism; and correlations between fecal short chain fatty acids, digestibility, and the bacteria genera were seen. Overall, our study suggested that adding 5% by-products could be a viable dietary formulation strategy that promotes digestibility and makes positive changes in hindgut fermentation and bacteria.
Ferulic Acid Esterase Producing Lactobacillus johnsonii from Goat Feces as Corn Silage Inoculants
Authors: Andrada Estefania , Mechoud Mónica Adriana , Abeijón-Mukdsi María Claudia , Chagra Dib Elsa Patricia , Cerviño Santiago , Perez Chaia Adriana , Medina Roxana Beatriz
Published: August 2022

Ferulic acid esterase (FAE+)-producing lactobacilli are being studied as silage inoculants due to their potential of increasing forage fiber digestibility. In this work, three FAE+ Lactobacillus (L.) johnsonii strains were isolated from caprine feces and characterized according to their potential probiotic characteristics and as silage inoculants. Limosilactobacillus fermentum CRL1446, a human probiotic isolated from goat cheese, was also included in the experiments as a potential silage inoculant. FAE activity quantification, probiotic characterization, and growth in maize aqueous extract indicated that L. johnsonii ETC187 might have a better inoculant and probiotic aptitude. Nevertheless, results in whole-corn mini silos indicated that, although acid detergent fiber (ADF) was significantly reduced by this strain (3% compared with the uninoculated (UN) group), L. johnsonii ETC150 and CRL1446 not only induced similar ADF reduction but also reduced dry matter (DM) loss (by 7.3% and 6.5%, respectively) compared with the UN group. Additionally, CRL1446 increased in vitro DM degradability by 10%. All treatments reduced gas losses when compared with the UN group. The potential probiotic features of these strains, as well as their beneficial impact on corn fermentation shown in this study, encourage further studies as enhancers in animal production.
Development and Evaluation of Duplex MIRA-qPCR Assay for Simultaneous Detection of Staphylococcus aureus and non-aureus Staphylococci
Authors: Lai Jiulian , Huang Zhenzhou , Xiao Yue , Yu Keyi , Bai Xuemei , Gao He , Dai Hang , Liu Xiaoning , Wang Duochun
Published: August 2022

Staphylococcus spp., especially Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), is an important pathogen in hospital-acquired infection and food poisoning. Here, we developed a multienzyme isothermal rapid amplification combined with duplex quantitative PCR (duplex MIRA-qPCR) method, which can simultaneously detect the S. aureus species-specific conserved gene FMN-bgsfp and the Staphylococcus genus-specific conserved gene tuf. This assay enabled the amplification of DNA within 20 min at a constant temperature of 39 °C. Specificity analysis indicated that all nine common Staphylococcus species were positive and non-Staphylococcus spp. were negative for tuf gene, whereas S. aureus was positive, non-aureus Staphylococci species and non-Staphylococcus spp. were negative for FMN-bgsfp gene, suggesting that duplex MIRA-qPCR exhibited high specificity. Meanwhile, the sensitivity was tested and the limit of detection (LoD) was 3 × 102 CFU/mL. The coefficient variation values ranged from 0.13% to 2.09%, indicating that the assay had good repeatability. Furthermore, all the nine common Staphylococcus species (including S. aureus) could be detected from four kinds of simulated samples and the LoD of S. aureus was 8.56 × 103 CFU/mL. In conclusion, the duplex MIRA-qPCR has advantages of stronger specificity, lower detection threshold, shorter detection time, and simpler operation, which is an effective tool to detect S. aureus and non-aureus Staphylococci spp. infections rapidly.
Reuse of Acid Bioleachate in Bacterial Oxidation of a Refractory Gold Sulfide Concentrate
Authors: Andrianandraina Sitraka Herizo , Darvishi-Alamdari Houshang , Blais Jean-François
Published: August 2022

Bacterial pre-oxidation of refractory gold concentrates generates large volumes of leachate and requires a significant supply of nutrients to support bacterial growth. Therefore, bioleachate reuse reduces both water consumption and the nutrients required for the process. However, the efficiency of this method and its benefit need to be further explored. In the present study, two tests on the reuse of bioleachate in new cycles of bacterial oxidation were carried out to evaluate the efficiency and the benefit of bioleachate reuse. Our results showed that the reuse of bioleachates could reduce nitrogen and phosphorus requirements by 40% and 36%, respectively, after a 14-day biooxidation stage in a stirred tank bioreactor. We also showed that the reuse of bioleachate had a positive effect on the recovery of gold in a subsequent 48 h treatment by cyanidation. The gold recovery rate (initial concentration of 44 mg/kg) remained unchanged at 90% after the two bioleachate recirculation loops. The reuse of bioleachate also made it possible to increase the solubilization rates of other metals from the sulfide concentrate. Thus, the solubilization yields of copper (initial concentration of 3587 mg/kg) and zinc (initial concentration of 27,315 mg/kg) increased, respectively, from 14.8% and 40.2% to 37.5% and 99.6% after the two bioleachate recirculation loops.
Mineral Chemistry of Low-Temperature Phyllosilicates in Early Paleozoic Metaclastic Rocks, Eastern Tauride Belt, Türkiye
Authors: Bozkaya Ömer , Yalçın Hüseyin
Published: August 2022

The mineral chemistry of illite/mica and chlorites, together with the evaluation of textural data of low-temperature metaclastic rocks, plays an important role in determining their origin and metamorphic grade. This study aimed to investigate the chemical properties of phyllosilicates in early Paleozoic metaclastic rocks in the Eastern Tauride Belt, Türkiye. The textural (electron microscopy) and chemical (mineral chemistry analysis) analyses were performed on the samples representing different grades of metamorphism. The illites/micas and chlorites are observed as detrital (chlorite–mica stacks) and neoformation origin. Trioctahedral chlorites (chamosite) exhibit different chemistry for detrital and neoformed origin as well as the metamorphic grade. Tetrahedral Al and octahedral Fe + Mg increase, whereas octahedral Al decreases together with the increasing grade of metamorphism. The detrital chlorites have higher tetrahedral Al and Fe contents than their neoformed counterparts. Chlorite geothermometry data (detrital: 241–≥350 °C; neoformed: 201–268 °C) are compatible with the texture and illite Kübler index data. Illite/white-mica compositions display muscovite and Na-K mica. Tetrahedral Al and interlayer K + Na contents of illites/micas increase with metamorphic grade. Na-K mica and paragonite are observed as replacement-type developments within the detrital CMS. The obtained data indicate that phyllosilicate chemistry can be used effectively for determining the geological evolution of low-grade metamorphic sequences.
Comparative Study of the Potentially Toxic Elements and Essential Microelements in Honey Depending on the Geographic Origin
Authors: Ligor Magdalena , Kowalkowski Tomasz , Buszewski Bogusław
Published: August 2022

The profiling and quantification of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in honey from Poland was the main aim of this work. Due to the differences in botanical and geographical origin, 33 honey samples from various parts of Poland have been tested and compared to 12 samples taken from other countries, such as Australia, Bulgaria, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Romania and Turkey. The studied elements in honey samples were: As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, V and Zn. In most cases, the analyzed samples of honey were characterized by the moderate values of analyzed PTEs. Only a few samples contained higher concentrations of copper and manganese were noted. The presence of cadmium and lead in the level below the background equivalent concentrations was measured in the tested samples.
Molecular Modeling Study of Novel Lancifolamide Bioactive Molecule as an Inhibitor of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1), and Anti-proliferative Proteins
Authors: Saadullah Malik , Farid Arshad , Ali Asad , Rashad Muhammad , Naseem Faiza , Rashid Sheikh Abdur , Ghazanfar Shakira , Yasin Muhammad , Akhtar Nosheen , Almuhayawi Mohammed S. , Alruhaili Mohammed H. , Selim Samy
Published: August 2022

Combretaceae, an immense family involving species (500) or genera (20), originates in tropical and subtropical regions. This family has evinced medicinal values such as anti-leishmanial, cytotoxic, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antiprotozoal, and antifungal properties. Conocarpus lancifolius (C. lancifolius) methanol extract (CLM) was prepared, then compound isolation performed by open column chromatography, and compound structure was determined by spectroscopic techniques (13C NMR, IR spectroscopy, 1H-NMR, mass spectrometry UV-visible, and 2D correlation techniques). Molecular docking studies of ligand were performed on transcriptional regulators 4EY7 and 2GV9 to observe possible interactions. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of secondary metabolites including steroids, cardiac glycosides, saponins, anthraquinones, and flavonoids. The isolated compound was distinguished as lancifolamide (LFD). It showed cytotoxic activity against human breast cancer, murine lymphocytic leukemia, and normal cells, human embryonic kidney cells, and rat glioma cells with IC50 values of 0.72 µg/mL, 2.01 µg/mL, 1.55 µg/mL, and 2.40 µg/mL, respectively. Although no cytotoxic activity was noticed against human colon cancer and human lung cancer, LFD showed 24.04% inhibition against BChE and 60.30% inhibition against AChE and is therefore beneficial for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AChE and LFD interact mechanistically in a way that is optimum for neurodegenerative disorders, according to molecular docking studies. Methanol and dichloromethane extract of C. lancifolius and LFD shows antibacterial and antifungal activity against antibiotic resistance Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus mutans, Brevibacillus laterosporus, Salmonella Typhi, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans, respectively. LFD shows antiviral activity against HSV-1 with 26% inhibition IP. The outcomes of this study support the use of LFD for cognitive disorders and highlight its underlying mechanism, targeting AChE, DNA-POL, NF-KB, and TNF-α, etc., for the first time.
Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Model of Neuroinflammation: Mechanisms of Action, Research Application and Future Directions for Its Use
Authors: Skrzypczak-Wiercioch Anna , Sałat Kinga
Published: August 2022

Despite advances in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory therapies, inflammation and its consequences still remain a significant problem in medicine. Acute inflammatory responses are responsible for directly life-threating conditions such as septic shock; on the other hand, chronic inflammation can cause degeneration of body tissues leading to severe impairment of their function. Neuroinflammation is defined as an inflammatory response in the central nervous system involving microglia, astrocytes, and cytokines including chemokines. It is considered an important cause of neurodegerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a strong immunogenic particle present in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. It is a major triggering factor for the inflammatory cascade in response to a Gram-negative bacteria infection. The use of LPS as a strong pro-inflammatory agent is a well-known model of inflammation applied in both in vivo and in vitro studies. This review offers a summary of the pathogenesis associated with LPS exposure, especially in the field of neuroinflammation. Moreover, we analyzed different in vivo LPS models utilized in the area of neuroscience. This paper presents recent knowledge and is focused on new insights in the LPS experimental model.
Application of Af4-Multidetection to Liraglutide in Its Formulation: Preserving and Representing Native Aggregation
Authors: Marassi Valentina , Macis Marco , Giordani Stefano , Ferrazzano Lucia , Tolomelli Alessandra , Roda Barbara , Zattoni Andrea , Ricci Antonio , Reschiglian Pierluigi , Cabri Walter
Published: August 2022

Aggregation is among the most critical parameters affecting the pharmacological and safety profile of peptide Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). For this reason, it is of utmost importance to define the exact aggregation state of peptide drugs, particularly when the API is marketed as a ready-to-use solution. Consequently, appropriate non-destructive techniques able to replicate the peptide environment must be employed. In our work, we exploited Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4), connected to UV, dRI, fluorescence, and MALS detectors, to fully characterize the aggregation state of Liraglutide, a peptide API used for the treatment of diabetes type 2 and chronic obesity. In previous studies, Liraglutide was hypothesized to assemble into hexa-octamers in phosphate buffer, but no information on its behavior in the formulation medium was provided up to now. The method used allowed researchers to work using formulation as the mobile phase with excellent recoveries and LoQ/LoD, discerning between stable and degraded samples, and detecting, when present, aggregates up to 108 Da. The native state of Liraglutide was assessed and found to be an association into pentamers, with a non-spherical conformation. Combined to benchmark analyses, the sameness study was complete and descriptive, also giving insight on the aggregation process and covalent/non-covalent aggregate types.
Stability Enhancement of Anthocyanins from Blackcurrant (Ribes Nigrum L.) Pomace through Intermolecular Copigmentation
Authors: Azman Ezzat Mohamad , Yusof Nurhayati , Chatzifragkou Afroditi , Charalampopoulos Dimitris
Published: August 2022

Intermolecular copigmentation denotes the interaction between colored anthocyanins and the colorless copigment, which is not bound covalently to the anthocyanin molecule. This is the first study to investigate the effect of intermolecular copigmentation on the stability of individual anthocyanins from dried blackcurrant pomace (DBP) using four pure phenolic acids as copigments (ferulic, caffeic, chlorogenic, and rosmarinic acid). Studies were performed at pH 3.0 and pH 6.0, with a copigment/anthocyanin extract molar ratio of 5:1, during storage at 20 °C. At both pH 3.0 and 6.0, rosmarinic acid showed the strongest hyperchromic and bathochromic effects (p < 0.05) on day 0. However, rosmarinic acid showed low stability during storage. At pH 3.0, chlorogenic acid and control samples were capable of maintaining very high levels of total anthocyanin stability during storage (p < 0.05). On the other hand, ferulic acid and control samples had the longest estimated half-life during storage at pH 6.0. Intermolecular copigmentation successfully increased the half-life, color retention, and antioxidant activity of the anthocyanin solution, with cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) exhibiting the highest stability at both pH values. Overall, anthocyanins from DBP, in combination with chlorogenic or ferulic acid, showed potential for use in commercial food applications.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of G2-Like Transcription Factor Genes in Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis)
Authors: Wu Ruihua , Guo Lin , Wang Ruoyu , Zhang Qian , Yao Hongjun
Published: August 2022

G2-like (GLK) transcription factors contribute significantly and extensively in regulating chloroplast growth and development in plants. This study investigated the genome-wide identification, phylogenetic relationships, conserved motifs, promoter cis-elements, MCScanX, divergence times, and expression profile analysis of PeGLK genes in moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis). Overall, 78 putative PeGLKs (PeGLK1–PeGLK78) were identified and divided into 13 distinct subfamilies. Each subfamily contains members displaying similar gene structure and motif composition. By synteny analysis, 42 orthologous pairs and highly conserved microsynteny between regions of GLK genes across moso bamboo and maize were found. Furthermore, an analysis of the divergence times indicated that PeGLK genes had a duplication event around 15 million years ago (MYA) and a divergence happened around 38 MYA between PeGLK and ZmGLK. Tissue-specific expression analysis showed that PeGLK genes presented distinct expression profiles in various tissues, and many members were highly expressed in leaves. Additionally, several PeGLKs were significantly up-regulated under cold stress, osmotic stress, and MeJA and GA treatment, implying that they have a likelihood of affecting abiotic stress and phytohormone responses in plants. The results of this study provide a comprehensive understanding of the moso bamboo GLK gene family, as well as elucidating the potential functional characterization of PeGLK genes.
Recent Trends in the Preparation of Nano-Starch Particles
Authors: Hassan Nora Ali , Darwesh Osama M. , Smuda Sayed Saad , Altemimi Ammar B. , Hu Aijun , Cacciola Francesco , Haoujar Imane , Abedelmaksoud Tarek Gamal
Published: August 2022

Starch is affected by several limitations, e.g., retro-gradation, high viscosity even at low concentrations, handling issues, poor freeze–thaw stability, low process tolerance, and gel opacity. In this context, physical, chemical, and enzymatic methods have been investigated for addressing such limitations or adding new attributes. Thus, the creation of biomaterial-based nanoparticles has sparked curiosity. Because of that, single nucleotide polymorphisms are gaining a lot of interest in food packaging technology. This is due to their ability to increase the mechanical and water vapor resistance of the matrix, as well as hide its re-crystallization during storage in high-humidity atmospheres and enhance the mechanical properties of films when binding in paper machines and paper coating. In medicine, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are suitable as carriers in the field of drug delivery for immobilized bioactive or therapeutic agents, as well as wastewater treatments as an alternative to expensive activated carbons. Starch nanoparticle preparations can be performed by hydrolysis via acid hydrolysis of the amorphous part of a starch molecule, the use of enzymes such as pullulanase or isoamylase, or a combination of two regeneration and mechanical treatments with the employment of extrusion, irradiation, ultrasound, or precipitation. The possibility of obtaining cheap and easy-to-use methods for starch and starch derivative nanoparticles is of fundamental importance. Nano-precipitation and ultra-sonication are rather simple and reliable methods for nanoparticle production. The process involves the addition of a diluted starch solution into a non-solvent, and ultra-sonication aims to reduce the size by breaking the covalent bonds in polymeric material due to intense shear forces or mechanical effects associated with the collapsing of micro-bubbles by sound waves. The current study focuses on starch nanoparticle manufacturing, characterization, and emerging applications.
Transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: it’s come a long way and here to stay
Authors: Ng Jing Yu , Chen Chien-Chih
Published: August 2022

Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) was introduced as a novel technique to deal with rectal cancers. Its transanal approach offered the shortest distance to approach a challenging location, allowing an excellent visualization of the distal resection margin. Since its introduction in 2010, a significant amount of research has been put in to measure its development. In this review, we look at its ancestry, the genesis for its introduction and continued evolution as well as some of the important outcomes in its journey thus far. The importance of a structured and proctored learning journey is also stressed to enable the safe application and development of this technique. Beyond this, the TaTME movement has progressed relentlessly and its utility has been expanded to the management of benign conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, Hartman reversals, and anastomotic strictures. We believe that the continued development and adoption of TaTME worldwide is here to stay.
La función social de la metafísica popular: una mirada desde la filosofía de Arthur Schopenhauer.
Authors: Escobar Gómez Julián Andrés
Published: August 2022

En este texto vamos a analizar el concepto de “Metafísica Popular” en los escritos menores de Schopenhauer. Según este autor, aquél concepto reemplaza al de religión. Así pues, para el presente artículo es necesario plantear el interrogante ¿por qué la religión se considera, en la obra de Schopenhaer, como metafísica? ¿y por qué es denominada popular? De este modo, el análisis a realizar estribará en responder a ese interrogante, procurando dar una lectura actual a este problema latente en la época de este pensador.
Nota editorial
Authors: Fisgativa Carlos Mario
Published: August 2022

Con este conjunto de textos, queremos convocar a lectores e investigadores a entablar debates académicos desde el ámbito de la filosofía y de las humanidades, para alimentar los procesos tan necesarios en nuestra región y en las instituciones universitarias. Les invitamos, entonces, a consultar, discutir y difundir los textos que presentamos en este número.
Sedimentary Cycles in the Nugget Sandstone, Northeastern Utah
Authors: High Lee R. , Picard M Dane
Published: August 2022

The Nugget Sandstone is one of the classic eolian sequences of the Colorado Plateau region. North of Vernal, Utah, the Nugget contains sedimentary cycles consisting of three units: (I) red mudstone, (2) siltstone, and (3) sandstone. The thinly bedded facies of the Nugget is characterized by complete cycles (1-2-3) in which the redbeds of units I and 2 are dominant. The crossstratified facies consists of alternations (2-3), and the medium- to large-scale cross-stratified sandstone of unit 3 is so well developed that it gives the facies its name. The cycles formed during wet-dry fluctuations in the climate. Units I and 2 represent small lakes, inland sebkhas, and mudflats; unit 3 represents eolian dunes. During deposition of the Nugget the general climate became more arid, and eolian dune deposition dominated, broken only rarely by local ephemeral lakes during moist periods.