bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Ductility of Compression-Controlled Flexural Members Using CFRP Grid to Confine Concrete
Authors: Michael Antonis , Hamilton H. R.
Published: September 2021

Concrete members are typically designed so that flexural failure initiates with steel yielding and ends with concrete crushing in compression in order to take advantage of the yielding property of steel that allows for large deformations prior to any fracture of the material. On the other hand, if a large percentage of steel or linear elastic non-yielding reinforcement (i.e., FRP composite) is used, the member flexural failure typically initiates and ends with concrete crushing in compression. These members are known as compression-controlled members and typically exhibit brittle behavior. This study proposes a new approach in improving the flexural behavior of over-reinforced members through concrete confinement using carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) grid tubes in the compression zone. The concept was experimentally tested using rectangular beams. Beam 1 (control beam) had no grid reinforcement and beam 2 (tube beam) had two 152 mm grid tubes embedded in its compression zone. Experimental results indicate improvement in the ductility of the tube beam compared to the control beam of approximately 20–30% depending on the criteria used. Considering the low amount and mechanical properties of the CFRP grid, the improvement is significant, which shows that the proposed approach is valid and improves the ductility of compression-controlled members.
Experimental Study on Sand Stabilization Using Bio-Cementation with Wastepaper Fiber Integration
Authors: Chen Meiqi , Gowthaman Sivakumar , Nakashima Kazunori , Komatsu Shin , Kawasaki Satoru
Published: September 2021

Recently, green materials and technologies have received considerable attention in geotechnical engineering. One of such techniques is microbially-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP). In the MICP process, CaCO3 is achieved bio-chemically within the soil, thus enhancing the strength and stiffness. The purpose of this study is to introduce the wastepaper fiber (WPF) onto the MICP (i) to study the mechanical properties of MICP-treated sand with varying WPF content (0–8%) and (ii) to assess the freeze–thaw (FT) durability of the treated samples. Findings revealed that the ductility of the treated samples increases with the increase in WPF addition, while the highest UCS is found with a small fiber addition. The results of CaCO3 content suggest that the WPF addition enhances the immobilization of the bacteria cells, thus yielding the precipitation content. However, shear wave velocity analysis indicates that a higher addition of WPF results in rapid deterioration of the samples when subjected to freeze–thaw cycles. Microscale analysis illuminates that fiber clusters replace the solid bonding at particle contacts, leading to reduced resistance to freeze–thaw damage. Overall, the study demonstrates that as a waste material, WPF could be sustainably reused in the bio-cementation.
Asymptotic Phase and Amplitude for Classical and Semiclassical Stochastic Oscillators via Koopman Operator Theory
Authors: Kato Yuzuru , Zhu Jinjie , Kurebayashi Wataru , Nakao Hiroya
Published: September 2021

The asymptotic phase is a fundamental quantity for the analysis of deterministic limit-cycle oscillators, and generalized definitions of the asymptotic phase for stochastic oscillators have also been proposed. In this article, we show that the asymptotic phase and also amplitude can be defined for classical and semiclassical stochastic oscillators in a natural and unified manner by using the eigenfunctions of the Koopman operator of the system. We show that the proposed definition gives appropriate values of the phase and amplitude for strongly stochastic limit-cycle oscillators, excitable systems undergoing noise-induced oscillations, and also for quantum limit-cycle oscillators in the semiclassical regime.
Feasibility Study of Direct-on-Line Energy-Efficient Motors in a Pumping Unit, Considering Reactive Power Compensation
Authors: Kazakbaev Vadim , Oshurbekov Safarbek , Prakht Vladimir , Dmitrievskii Vladimir
Published: September 2021

The paper compares the economic effect of using capacitors in fixed speed drives of a pumping station when using energy-efficient motors of various types. Induction motors of IE2 and IE3 energy efficiency classes, a direct-on-line synchronous motor with a permanent magnet in the rotor, and a direct-on-line synchronous reluctance motor are considered. The comparison takes into account not only the efficiency of the motors, but also their power factor, on which the losses in the cable and transformer depend. The possibility of using static capacitors to compensate for the reactive power of motors and reduce the losses is also considered. The feasibility analysis takes into account that the motors have different initial costs. The cost of capacitors is also taken into consideration. The analysis shows that the use of static capacitors can have a significant impact on the comparison between different motors in this application. Without considering capacitors, the permanent magnet motor has the shortest payback period, otherwise the synchronous reluctance motor has the shortest payback period.
Spline Approximation, Part 2: From Polynomials in the Monomial Basis to B-splines—A Derivation
Authors: Ezhov Nikolaj , Neitzel Frank , Petrovic Svetozar
Published: September 2021

In a series of three articles, spline approximation is presented from a geodetic point of view. In part 1, an introduction to spline approximation of 2D curves was given and the basic methodology of spline approximation was demonstrated using splines constructed from ordinary polynomials. In this article (part 2), the notion of B-spline is explained by means of the transition from a representation of a polynomial in the monomial basis (ordinary polynomial) to the Lagrangian form, and from it to the Bernstein form, which finally yields the B-spline representation. Moreover, the direct relation between the B-spline parameters and the parameters of a polynomial in the monomial basis is derived. The numerical stability of the spline approximation approaches discussed in part 1 and in this paper, as well as the potential of splines in deformation detection, will be investigated on numerical examples in the forthcoming part 3.
Identification of Couplings in Adaptive Dynamical Networks of Time-Delayed Feedback Oscillators
Authors: Sysoev Ilya V. , Kulminskiy Danil D. , Ponomarenko Vladimir I. , Prokhorov Mikhail D.
Published: September 2021

An approach to solve the inverse problem of the reconstruction of the network of time-delay oscillators from their time series is proposed and studied in the case of the nonstationary connectivity matrix. Adaptive couplings have not been considered yet for this particular reconstruction problem. The problem of coupling identification is reduced to linear optimization of a specially constructed target function. This function is introduced taking into account the continuity of the nonlinear functions of oscillators and does not exploit the mean squared difference between the model and observed time series. The proposed approach allows us to minimize the number of estimated parameters and gives asymptotically unbiased estimates for a large class of nonlinear functions. The approach efficiency is demonstrated for the network composed of time-delayed feedback oscillators with a random architecture of constant and adaptive couplings in the absence of a priori knowledge about the connectivity structure and its evolution. The proposed technique extends the application area of the considered class of methods.
On the Diffuse Interface Models for High Codimension Dispersed Inclusions
Authors: Zipunova Elizaveta , Savenkov Evgeny
Published: September 2021

Diffuse interface models are widely used to describe the evolution of multi-phase systems of various natures. Dispersed inclusions described by these models are usually three-dimensional (3D) objects characterized by phase field distribution. When employed to describe elastic fracture evolution, the dispersed phase elements are effectively two-dimensional (2D) objects. An example of the model with effectively one-dimensional (1D) dispersed inclusions is a phase field model for electric breakdown in solids. Any diffuse interface field model is defined by an appropriate free energy functional, which depends on a phase field and its derivatives. In this work we show that codimension of the dispersed inclusions significantly restricts the functional dependency of the free energy on the derivatives of the problem state variables. It is shown that to describe codimension 2 diffuse objects, the free energy of the model necessarily depends on higher order derivatives of the phase field or needs an additional smoothness of the solution, i.e., its first derivatives should be integrable with a power greater than two. Numerical experiments are presented to support our theoretical discussion.
Field Validation of the Southern Rock Lobster Paralytic Shellfish Toxin Monitoring Program in Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Turnbull Alison , Dorantes-Aranda Juan José , Madigan Tom , Jolley Jessica , Revill Hilary , Harwood Tim , Hallegraeff Gustaaf
Published: September 2021

Paralytic shellfish toxins (PST) are found in the hepatopancreas of Southern Rock Lobster Jasus edwardsii from the east coast of Tasmania in association with blooms of the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella. Tasmania’s rock lobster fishery is one of the state’s most important wild capture fisheries, supporting a significant commercial industry (AUD 97M) and recreational fishing sector. A comprehensive 8 years of field data collected across multiple sites has allowed continued improvements to the risk management program protecting public health and market access for the Tasmanian lobster fishery. High variability was seen in toxin levels between individuals, sites, months, and years. The highest risk sites were those on the central east coast, with July to January identified as the most at-risk months. Relatively high uptake rates were observed (exponential rate of 2% per day), similar to filter-feeding mussels, and meant that lobster accumulated toxins quickly. Similarly, lobsters were relatively fast detoxifiers, losing up to 3% PST per day, following bloom demise. Mussel sentinel lines were effective in indicating a risk of elevated PST in lobster hepatopancreas, with annual baseline monitoring costing approximately 0.06% of the industry value. In addition, it was determined that if the mean hepatopancreas PST levels in five individual lobsters from a site were <0.22 mg STX equiv. kg−1, there is a 97.5% probability that any lobster from that site would be below the bivalve maximum level of 0.8 mg STX equiv. kg−1. The combination of using a sentinel species to identify risk areas and sampling five individual lobsters at a particular site, provides a cost-effective strategy for managing PST risk in the Tasmanian commercial lobster fishery.
Effect of Stress Magnitude on Pit Growth Rate of 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel in Chloride Environments
Authors: Jeong Jae-Yoon , Jeong Chaewon , Kim Yun-Jae , Jang Changheui
Published: September 2021

In this study, a corrosion pit test using notched bar specimens was conducted to investigate the effect of stress magnitude on the pit growth rate. To produce the notched bar specimens, 304 austenitic stainless steel was used, which is a material used for spent nuclear fuel canisters. Furthermore, three levels of stresses were generated using different notch radii. The corrosion pits were quantitatively measured through scanning electron microscopy and analyzed by finite element analysis. Based on experimental data, the pit growth rate model is suggested in terms of the stress and exposure time.
Arc Plasma Flow Variation by Obstruction Structures between Anode and Cathode
Authors: Cho Young-Tae , Jeong Gwang-Ho , Kim Chan-Kyu , Kim Won-Pyo , Jeong Young-Cheol
Published: September 2021

Arc plasma flow between electrodes has been investigated in several studies. However, in the industrial field, arc plasma flow between electrodes is hindered by interfering materials such as filler metal in arc welding, substrates in chemical vapor deposition, and powders in sintering. Therefore, in this study, high temperature arc plasma flow analysis via three obstruction structure shapes was performed to understand the inter-electrode interference phenomena. COMSOL Multiphysics was used for the analysis; COMSOL interface such as electric field, magnetic field, heat transfer, and fluid flow (laminar flow) was applied and Multiphysics such as plasma heat source and temperature coupling were considered. The temperature and velocity of the arc plasma were determined and the energy transfer between the electrodes was analyzed. We confirmed that the concave shape has a lower average heat flux than the other shapes, with the arc pressure evenly distributed in the anode. It is concluded that the concave shape can reduce the flow of the plasma from the anode and obtain even distribution of the arc plasma in the radial direction.
Comparative Study on Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of Al-Si Alloy Cast from Sand Mold and Binder Jetting Mold
Authors: Castro-Sastre María Ángeles , García-Cabezón Cristina , Fernández-Abia Ana Isabel , Martín-Pedrosa Fernando , Barreiro Joaquín
Published: September 2021

This investigation is focused on the corrosion evaluation of an as-cast Al-Si alloy, obtained by two different casting methods: traditional sand casting and three-printing casting, using a binder jetted mold. The experimental results are discussed in terms of chemical composition, microstructure, hardness, and corrosion behavior of two different casting parts. The microstructure and composition of the sample before and after the corrosion tests was analyzed using light microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (DRX). The corrosion of the two processed castings was analyzed using anodic polarization (PA) test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in an aerated solution of 3.5% by weight NaCl, similar to the seawater environment. After the corrosion process, the samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma/optical emission spectrometry (ICP/OES); the composition was used to determine the chloride solution after immersion times. The sample processed by binder jetting mold showed higher corrosion resistance with nobler potentials, lower corrosion densities, higher polarization resistance, and more stable passive layers than the sample processed by sand casting. This improvement of corrosion resistance could be related to the presence of coarse silicon particles, which decrease of cathodic/anodic ratio and the number of micro-galvanic couples, and the lower amount of intermetallic β Al-Fe-Si phase observed in cast alloy solidified in binder jetting mold.
Renal Lipid Metabolism Abnormalities in Obesity and Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Bobulescu Ion Alexandru , Pop Laurentiu M. , Mani Chinnadurai , Turner Kala , Rivera Christian , Khatoon Sabiha , Kairamkonda Subash , Hannan Raquibul , Palle Komaraiah
Published: September 2021

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma is the most common and deadly type of cancer affecting the kidney, and is characterized histologically by large intracellular lipid deposits. These deposits are thought to result from lipid metabolic reprogramming occurring in tumor cells, but the exact mechanisms and implications of these metabolic alterations are incompletely understood. Obesity is an independent risk factor for clear cell renal cell carcinoma, and is also associated with lipid accumulation in noncancerous epithelial cells of the proximal tubule, where clear cell renal cell carcinoma originates. This article explores the potential link between obesity-associated renal lipid metabolic disturbances and lipid metabolic reprogramming in clear cell renal cell carcinoma, and discusses potential implications for future research.
Cross-Platform Evaluation of Commercially Targeted and Untargeted Metabolomics Approaches to Optimize the Investigation of Psychiatric Disease
Authors: Chaby Lauren E. , Lasseter Heather C. , Contrepois Kévin , Salek Reza M. , Turck Christoph W. , Thompson Andrew , Vaughan Timothy , Haas Magali , Jeromin Andreas
Published: September 2021

Metabolomics methods often encounter trade-offs between quantification accuracy and coverage, with truly comprehensive coverage only attainable through a multitude of complementary assays. Due to the lack of standardization and the variety of metabolomics assays, it is difficult to integrate datasets across studies or assays. To inform metabolomics platform selection, with a focus on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), we review platform use and sample sizes in psychiatric metabolomics studies and then evaluate five prominent metabolomics platforms for coverage and performance, including intra-/inter-assay precision, accuracy, and linearity. We found performance was variable between metabolite classes, but comparable across targeted and untargeted approaches. Within all platforms, precision and accuracy were highly variable across classes, ranging from 0.9–63.2% (coefficient of variation) and 0.6–99.1% for accuracy to reference plasma. Several classes had high inter-assay variance, potentially impeding dissociation of a biological signal, including glycerophospholipids, organooxygen compounds, and fatty acids. Coverage was platform-specific and ranged from 16–70% of PTSD-associated metabolites. Non-overlapping coverage is challenging; however, benefits of applying multiple metabolomics technologies must be weighed against cost, biospecimen availability, platform-specific normative levels, and challenges in merging datasets. Our findings and open-access cross-platform dataset can inform platform selection and dataset integration based on platform-specific coverage breadth/overlap and metabolite-specific performance.
Anti-Obesity Effect of Hot Water Extract of Barley Sprout through the Inhibition of Adipocyte Differentiation and Growth
Authors: Kim Myeong-Jin , Kawk Hye-Won , Kim Sang-Hyeon , Lee Hyo-Jae , Seo Ji-Won , Kim Jong-Tae , Jang Seung-Hee , Kim Min-Jeong , Kim Young-Min
Published: September 2021

Barley sprouts are known to have several effective physiological activities. In this study, the anti-obesity effect of a barley sprout hot water extract (BSE) was confirmed. Saponarin was quantitatively analyzed in BSE using HPLC, and the inhibitory effect on 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte differentiation into adipocytes was confirmed by Oil Red O staining, TG assay, and Western blotting. In addition, the inhibitory effect of BSE on adipocyte growth was confirmed through glucose uptake and lipolysis of adipocytes. C57/BL/6N mice were induced to obesity with a high-fat diet, and BSE was administered to confirm the effect on an animal model. Weight gain, morphological changes in adipose tissue, changes in the food efficiency ratio, and blood biochemical changes were observed, and an improvement effect on fatty liver was confirmed. As a result, the anti-obesity effect of BSE was confirmed in vitro, and it was confirmed that this effect was also effective in vivo and that it could be helpful in the treatment of obesity-related diseases.
Understanding the Origin of Metal Gate Work Function Shift and Its Impact on Erase Performance in 3D NAND Flash Memories
Authors: Ramesh Sivaramakrishnan , Ajaykumar Arjun , Ragnarsson Lars-Åke , Breuil Laurent , El Hajjam Gabriel , Kaczer Ben , Belmonte Attilio , Nyns Laura , Soulié Jean-Philippe , Van den bosch Geert , Rosmeulen Maarten
Published: September 2021

We studied the metal gate work function of different metal electrode and high-k dielectric combinations by monitoring the flat band voltage shift with dielectric thicknesses using capacitance–voltage measurements. We investigated the impact of different thermal treatments on the work function and linked any shift in the work function, leading to an effective work function, to the dipole formation at the metal/high-k and/or high-k/SiO2 interface. We corroborated the findings with the erase performance of metal/high-k/ONO/Si (MHONOS) capacitors that are identical to the gate stack in three-dimensional (3D) NAND flash. We demonstrate that though the work function extraction is convoluted by the dipole formation, the erase performance is not significantly affected by it.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Novel Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum Strains Reveals Functional Divergence in the Human Gut Microbiota
Authors: Díaz Romina , Torres-Miranda Alexis , Orellana Guillermo , Garrido Daniel
Published: September 2021

Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum is a prevalent group in the human gut microbiome. Its persistence in the intestinal microbial community suggests a close host-microbe relationship according to age. The subspecies adaptations are related to metabolic capabilities and genomic and functional diversity. In this study, 154 genomes from public databases and four new Chilean isolates were genomically compared through an in silico approach to identify genomic divergence in genes associated with carbohydrate consumption and their possible adaptations to different human intestinal niches. The pangenome of the subspecies was open, which correlates with its remarkable ability to colonize several niches. The new genomes homogenously clustered within subspecies longum, as observed in phylogenetic analysis. B. longum SC664 was different at the sequence level but not in its functions. COG analysis revealed that carbohydrate use is variable among longum subspecies. Glycosyl hydrolases participating in human milk oligosaccharide use were found in certain infant and adult genomes. Predictive genomic analysis revealed that B. longum M12 contained an HMO cluster associated with the use of fucosylated HMOs but only endowed with a GH95, being able to grow in 2-fucosyllactose as the sole carbon source. This study identifies novel genomes with distinct adaptations to HMOs and highlights the plasticity of B. longum subsp. longum to colonize the human gut microbiota.
Cudrania tricuspidata Combined with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Modulate Gut Microbiota and Alleviate Obesity-Associated Metabolic Parameters in Obese Mice
Authors: Oh Ju Kyoung , Vasquez Robie , Hwang In-Chan , Oh Ye Na , Kim Sang Hoon , Kang Shin Ho , Joung Jae Yeon , Oh Nam Su , Kim Sejeong , Yoon Yohan , Kang Dae-Kyung
Published: September 2021

The aim of the presented study was to investigate the synbiotic effects of L. rhamnosus 4B15 and C. tricuspidata extract administration on the gut microbiota and obesity-associated metabolic parameters in diet-induced obese mice. Thirty-one 6-week-old male C57BL/N6 mice were divided into five diet groups: normal diet (ND, n = 7) group; high-fat diet (HFD, n = 6) group; probiotic (PRO, n = 5) group; prebiotic (PRE, n = 7) group; and synbiotic (SYN, n = 6) group. After 10 weeks, the percent of fat mass, serum triglyceride, and ALT levels were significantly reduced in SYN-fed obese mice, compared with other treatments. SYN treatment also modulated the abundance of Desulfovibrio, Dorea, Adlercreutzia, Allobaculum, Coprococcus, unclassified Clostridiaceae, Lactobacillus, Helicobacter, Flexispira, Odoribacter, Ruminococcus, unclassified Erysipelotrichaceae, and unclassified Desulfovibrionaceae. These taxa showed a strong correlation with obesity-associated indices. Lastly, the SYN-supplemented diet upregulated metabolic pathways known to improve metabolic health. Further investigations are needed to understand the mechanisms driving the synbiotic effect of C. tricuspidata and L. rhamnosus 4B15.
Gold in Ferromanganese Deposits from the NW Pacific
Authors: Mikhailik Pavel , Mikhailik Evgenii , Ivanov Vladimir
Published: September 2021

Ferromanganese crusts from four different areas of the North-West Pacific Ocean—the Detroit (northern part of the Imperial Ridge) guyot, the Zubov (Marshall Islands) guyot, the “Gummi Bear” seamount (an intraplate volcano near the Krusenstern FZ), and Belyaevsky volcano (the Sea of Japan)—were studied. Samples from the Detroit and Zubov guyots and the “Gummi Bear” seamount have similar chemical and mineral compositions of hydrogenetic cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts. Crust from the Sea of Japan seems to reflect a hydrothermal influence. The gold content in most samples from the Detroit guyot was 68 ppb and from the Zubov guyot varied from 180 to 1390 ppb, which is higher than the average for the Pacific crusts (55 ppb). Gold content in two other samples was less than 10 ppb. Based on the electron microscopic studies, aggregation of gold particles with a size of 680 μm were identified in the Detroit guyot crust. The sizes of the Au particles are up to 10–15 μm, which has not been previously noted. Gold particles similar in morphology and size were also found in the Zubov guyot crust, which is located far from the Detroit guyot. The largest particle of gold (≈60 μm), represented by electrum, was found in the clay substrate from the “Gummi Bear” seamount. The lamellar, rudaceous morphology of the gold particles from the Detroit and Zubov guyots reflects their in situ formation, in contrast to the agglutinated, rounded with traces of dragging gold grain found in the substrate of the sample from the “Gummi Bear” seamount. Three-component (Ag-Au-Cu) gold particles were found in the hydrothermal crust from the Belyaevsky underwater volcano. Grains similar in composition were also found in Co-rich crust. The research results show that the gold was probably added to by hydrothermal fluid in the already-formed hydrogenetic ferromanganese crusts during rejuvenated volcanic stages. Biogeochemical processes may have played a major role in the formation of submicron solid-phase gold particles.
Synthesis of Ammonium-Based Ionic Liquids for the Extraction Process of a Natural Pigment (Betanin)
Authors: Morales-García Pedro , Calvillo-Muñoz Evelyn Y. , Lijanova Irina V. , Likhanova Natalya V. , Olivares-Xometl Octavio , Arellanes-Lozada Paulina
Published: September 2021

The use of new synthesized ammonium-based ionic liquids was explored as an alternative to the current process implemented in the betanin extraction from red beet juice, resulting in high yields: 70% and 82%. Betanin is a vegetal pigment that has been applied to a large variety of products in the food industry, which is important, for it can work as a substitute for the red synthetic dyes used nowadays. Additionally, the use of the kosmotropic salt sodium acetate was explored in order to separate the complex formed by the ionic liquid and pigment of interest in a process that combined two techniques: ATPS (aqueous two-phase system) and SOES (salting-out extraction system). The results reveal that the studied techniques could work as a novel process for the extraction of betanin from red beet juice employing ionic liquids, which have not been tested for this purpose in other research.
A Convenient Approach towards the Synthesis of ADMDP Type Iminosugars and Nojirimycin Derivatives from Sugar-Derived Lactams
Authors: Szcześniak Piotr , Grzeszczyk Barbara , Furman Bartłomiej
Published: September 2021

An efficient method for the synthesis of nojirimycin- and pyrrolidine-based iminosugar derivatives has been developed. The strategy is based on the partial reduction in sugar-derived lactams by Schwartz’s reagent and tandem stereoselective nucleophilic addition of cyanide or a silyl enol ether dictated by Woerpel’s or diffusion control models, which affords amino-modified iminosugars, such as ADMDP or higher nojirimycin derivatives.
Molecular Determinant of DIDS Analogs Targeting RAD51 Activity
Authors: Velic Denis , Demeyer Alexandre , Peterlini Thibaut , Benhelli-Mokrani Houda , Mathé-Allainmat Monique , Masson Jean-Yves , Fleury Fabrice
Published: September 2021

RAD51 is the central protein in DNA repair by homologous recombination (HR), involved in several steps of this process. It is shown that overexpression of the RAD51 protein is correlated with increased survival of cancer cells to cancer treatments. For the past decade, RAD51 overexpression-mediated resistance has justified the development of targeted inhibitors. One of the first molecules described to inhibit RAD51 was the 4,4′-diisothiocyanato-stilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid (DIDS) molecule. This small molecule is effective in inhibiting different functions of RAD51, however its mode of action and the chemical functions involved in this inhibition have not been identified. In this work, we used several commercial molecules derived from DIDS to characterize the structural determinants involved in modulating the activity of RAD51. By combining biochemical and biophysical approaches, we have shown that DIDS and two analogs were able to inhibit the binding of RAD51 to ssDNA and prevent the formation of D-loop by RAD51. Both isothiocyanate substituents of DIDS appear to be essential in the inhibition of RAD51. These results open the way to the synthesis of new molecules derived from DIDS that should be greater modulators of RAD51 and more efficient for HR inhibition.
The Antifungal Action Mode of N-Phenacyldibromobenzimidazoles
Authors: Staniszewska Monika , Kuryk Łukasz , Gryciuk Aleksander , Kawalec Joanna , Rogalska Marta , Baran Joanna , Kowalkowska Anna
Published: September 2021

Our study aimed to characterise the action mode of N-phenacyldibromobenzimidazoles against C. albicans and C. neoformans. Firstly, we selected the non-cytotoxic most active benzimidazoles based on the structure–activity relationships showing that the group of 5,6-dibromobenzimidazole derivatives are less active against C. albicans vs. 4,6-dibromobenzimidazole analogues (5e–f and 5h). The substitution of chlorine atoms to the benzene ring of the N-phenacyl substituent extended the anti-C. albicans action (5e with 2,4-Cl2 or 5f with 3,4-Cl2). The excellent results for N-phenacyldibromobenzimidazole 5h against the C. albicans reference and clinical isolate showed IC50 = 8 µg/mL and %I = 100 ± 3, respectively. Compound 5h was fungicidal against the C. neoformans isolate. Compound 5h at 160–4 µg/mL caused irreversible damage of the fungal cell membrane and accidental cell death (ACD). We reported on chitinolytic activity of 5h, in accordance with the patterns observed for the following substrates: 4-nitrophenyl-N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminide and 4-nitrophenyl-β-d-N,N′,N″-triacetylchitothiose. Derivative 5h at 16 µg/mL: (1) it affected cell wall by inducing β-d-glucanase, (2) it caused morphological distortions and (3) osmotic instability in the C. albicans biofilm-treated. Compound 5h exerted Candida-dependent inhibition of virulence factors.
Heteroelement Analogues of Benzoxaborole and Related Ring Expanded Systems
Authors: Nowicki Krzysztof , Pacholak Piotr , Luliński Sergiusz
Published: September 2021

The review covers the chemistry of organoboron heterocycles structurally related to benzoxaboroles where one of the carbon atoms in a boracycle or a fused benzene ring is replaced by a heteroelement such as boron, silicon, tin, nitrogen, phosphorus, or iodine. Related ring expanded systems including those based on naphthalene and biphenyl cores are also described. The information on synthetic methodology as well as the basic structural and physicochemical characteristics of these emerging heterocycles is complemented by a presentation of their potential applications in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry, the latter aspect being mostly focused on the promising antimicrobial activity of selected compounds.
Inactivation Activities of Ozonated Water, Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Water and Ethanol against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Takeda Yohei , Jamsransuren Dulamjav , Makita Yoshimasa , Kaneko Akihiro , Matsuda Sachiko , Ogawa Haruko , Oh Hourei
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to compare the SARS-CoV-2-inactivation activity and virucidal mechanisms of ozonated water (OW) with those of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) and 70% ethanol (EtOH). SARS-CoV-2-inactivation activity was evaluated in a virus solution containing 1%, 20% or 40% fetal bovine serum (FBS) with OW, SAEW or EtOH at a virus-to-test solution ratio of 1:9, 1:19 or 1:99 for a reaction time of 20 s. EtOH showed the strongest virucidal activity, followed by SAEW and OW. Even though EtOH potently inactivated the virus despite the 40% FBS concentration, virus inactivation by OW and SAEW decreased in proportion to the increase in FBS concentration. Nevertheless, OW and SAEW showed potent virucidal activity with 40% FBS at a virus-to-test solution ratio of 1:99. Real-time PCR targeting the viral genome revealed that cycle threshold values in the OW and SAEW groups were significantly higher than those in the control group, suggesting that OW and SAEW disrupted the viral genome. Western blotting analysis targeting the recombinant viral spike protein S1 subunit showed a change in the specific band into a ladder upon treatment with OW and SAEW. OW and SAEW may cause conformational changes in the S1 subunit of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
Miniaturized Salinity Gradient Energy Harvesting Devices
Authors: Hsu Wei-Shan , Preet Anant , Lin Tung-Yi , Lin Tzu-En
Published: September 2021

Harvesting salinity gradient energy, also known as “osmotic energy” or “blue energy”, generated from the free energy mixing of seawater and fresh river water provides a renewable and sustainable alternative for circumventing the recent upsurge in global energy consumption. The osmotic pressure resulting from mixing water streams with different salinities can be converted into electrical energy driven by a potential difference or ionic gradients. Reversed-electrodialysis (RED) has become more prominent among the conventional membrane-based separation methodologies due to its higher energy efficiency and lesser susceptibility to membrane fouling than pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO). However, the ion-exchange membranes used for RED systems often encounter limitations while adapting to a real-world system due to their limited pore sizes and internal resistance. The worldwide demand for clean energy production has reinvigorated the interest in salinity gradient energy conversion. In addition to the large energy conversion devices, the miniaturized devices used for powering a portable or wearable micro-device have attracted much attention. This review provides insights into developing miniaturized salinity gradient energy harvesting devices and recent advances in the membranes designed for optimized osmotic power extraction. Furthermore, we present various applications utilizing the salinity gradient energy conversion.
Silicon Metalens Fabrication from Electron Beam to UV-Nanoimprint Lithography
Authors: Baracu Angela Mihaela , Avram Marius Andrei , Breazu Carmen , Bunea Mihaela-Cristina , Socol Marcela , Stanculescu Anca , Matei Elena , Thrane Paul Conrad Vaagen , Dirdal Christopher Andrew , Dinescu Adrian , Rasoga Oana
Published: September 2021

This study presents the design and manufacture of metasurface lenses optimized for focusing light with 1.55 µm wavelength. The lenses are fabricated on silicon substrates using electron beam lithography, ultraviolet-nanoimprint lithography and cryogenic deep reactive-ion etching techniques. The designed metasurface makes use of the geometrical phase principle and consists of rectangular pillars with target dimensions of height h = 1200 nm, width w = 230 nm, length l = 354 nm and periodicity p = 835 nm. The simulated efficiency of the lens is 60%, while the master lenses obtained by using electron beam lithography are found to have an efficiency of 45%. The lenses subsequently fabricated via nanoimprint are characterized by an efficiency of 6%; the low efficiency is mainly attributed to the rounding of the rectangular nanostructures during the pattern transfer processes from the resist to silicon due to the presence of a thicker residual layer.
Novel K2Ti8O17 Anode via Na+/Al3+ Co-Intercalation Mechanism for Rechargeable Aqueous Al-Ion Battery with Superior Rate Capability
Authors: Feng Qiangqiang , Liu Yanyan , Yan Jitong , Feng Wei , Ji Shaozheng , Tang Yongfu
Published: September 2021

A promising aqueous aluminum ion battery (AIB) was assembled using a novel layered K2Ti8O17 anode against an activated carbon coated on a Ti mesh cathode in an AlCl3-based aqueous electrolyte. The intercalation/deintercalation mechanism endowed the layered K2Ti8O17 as a promising anode for rechargeable aqueous AIBs. NaAc was introduced into the AlCl3 aqueous electrolyte to enhance the cycling stability of the assembled aqueous AIB. The as-designed AIB displayed a high discharge voltage near 1.6 V, and a discharge capacity of up to 189.6 mAh g−1. The assembled AIB lit up a commercial light-emitting diode (LED) lasting more than one hour. Inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) were employed to investigate the intercalation/deintercalation mechanism of Na+/Al3+ ions in the aqueous AIB. The results indicated that the layered structure facilitated the intercalation/deintercalation of Na+/Al3+ ions, thus providing a high-rate performance of the K2Ti8O17 anode. The diffusion-controlled electrochemical characteristics and the reduction of Ti4+ species during the discharge process illustrated the intercalation/deintercalation mechanism of the K2Ti8O17 anode. This study provides not only insight into the charge–discharge mechanism of the K2Ti8O17 anode but also a novel strategy to design rechargeable aqueous AIBs.
Highly Sensitive and Stretchable c-MWCNTs/PPy Embedded Multidirectional Strain Sensor Based on Double Elastic Fabric for Human Motion Detection
Authors: Shen Huiying , Ke Huizhen , Feng Jingdong , Jiang Chenyu , Wei Qufu , Wang Qingqing
Published: September 2021

Owing to the multi-dimensional complexity of human motions, traditional uniaxial strain sensors lack the accuracy in monitoring dynamic body motions working in different directions, thus multidirectional strain sensors with excellent electromechanical performance are urgently in need. Towards this goal, in this work, a stretchable biaxial strain sensor based on double elastic fabric (DEF) was developed by incorporating carboxylic multi-walled carbon nanotubes(c-MWCNTs) and polypyrrole (PPy) into fabric through simple, scalable soaking and adsorption-oxidizing methods. The fabricated DEF/c-MWCNTs/PPy strain sensor exhibited outstanding anisotropic strain sensing performance, including relatively high sensitivity with the maximum gauge factor (GF) of 5.2, good stretchability of over 80%, fast response time < 100 ms, favorable electromechanical stability, and durability for over 800 stretching–releasing cycles. Moreover, applications of DEF/c-MWCNTs/PPy strain sensor for wearable devices were also reported, which were used for detecting human subtle motions and dynamic large-scale motions. The unconventional applications of DEF/c-MWCNTs/PPy strain sensor were also demonstrated by monitoring complex multi-degrees-of-freedom synovial joint motions of human body, such as neck and shoulder movements, suggesting that such materials showed a great potential to be applied in wearable electronics and personal healthcare monitoring.
Hyaluronic Acid/Collagen Nanofiber Tubular Scaffolds Support Endothelial Cell Proliferation, Phenotypic Shape and Endothelialization
Authors: Niu Yuqing , Galluzzi Massimiliano
Published: September 2021

In this study, we designed and synthetized artificial vascular scaffolds based on nanofibers of collagen functionalized with hyaluronic acid (HA) in order to direct the phenotypic shape, proliferation, and complete endothelization of mouse primary aortic endothelial cells (PAECs). Layered tubular HA/collagen nanofibers were prepared using electrospinning and crosslinking process. The obtained scaffold is composed of a thin inner layer and a thick outer layer that structurally mimic the layer the intima and media layers of the native blood vessels, respectively. Compared with the pure tubular collagen nanofibers, the surface of HA functionalized collagen nanofibers has higher anisotropic wettability and mechanical flexibility. HA/collagen nanofibers can significantly promote the elongation, proliferation and phenotypic shape expression of PAECs. In vitro co-culture of mouse PAECs and their corresponding smooth muscle cells (SMCs) showed that the luminal endothelialization governs the biophysical integrity of the newly formed extracellular matrix (e.g., collagen and elastin fibers) and structural remodeling of SMCs. Furthermore, in vitro hemocompatibility assays indicated that HA/collagen nanofibers have no detectable degree of hemolysis and coagulation, suggesting their promise as engineered vascular implants.
Direct Fabrication of Micron-Thickness PVA-CNT Patterned Films by Integrating Micro-Pen Writing of PVA Films and Drop-on-Demand Printing of CNT Micropatterns
Authors: Luo Jun , Zhao Zhixuan , Qi Lehua , Lian Hongcheng , Zhao Yufang
Published: September 2021

The direct fabrication of micron-thickness patterned electronics consisting of patterned PVA films and CNT micropatterns still faces considerable challenges. Here, we demonstrated the integrated fabrication of PVA films of micron-thickness and CNT-based patterns by utilising micro-pen writing and drop-on-demand printing in sequence. Patterned PVA films of 1–5 μm in thickness were written first using proper micro-pen writing parameters, including the writing gap, the substrate moving velocity, and the working pressure. Then, CNT droplets were printed on PVA films that were cured at 55–65 °C for 3–15 min, resulting in neat CNT patterns. In addition, an inertia-pseudopartial wetting spreading model was established to release the dynamics of the droplet spreading process over thin viscoelastic films. Uniform and dense CNT lines with a porosity of 2.2% were printed on PVA substrates that were preprocessed at 55 °C for 9 min using a staggered overwriting method with the proper number of layers. Finally, we demonstrated the feasibility of this hybrid printing method by printing a patterned PVA-CNT film and a micro-ribbon. This study provides a valid method for directly fabricating micron-thickness PVA-CNT electronics. The proposed method can also provide guidance on the direct writing of other high-molecular polymer materials and printing inks of other nanosuspensions.
Microbial Decontamination and Antibacterial Activity of Nanostructured Titanium Dental Implants: A Narrative Review
Authors: Hosseinpour Sepanta , Nanda Ashwin , Walsh Laurence J. , Xu Chun
Published: September 2021

Peri-implantitis is the major cause of the failure of dental implants. Since dental implants have become one of the main therapies for teeth loss, the number of patients with peri-implant diseases has been rising. Like the periodontal diseases that affect the supporting tissues of the teeth, peri-implant diseases are also associated with the formation of dental plaque biofilm, and resulting inflammation and destruction of the gingival tissues and bone. Treatments for peri-implantitis are focused on reducing the bacterial load in the pocket around the implant, and in decontaminating surfaces once bacteria have been detached. Recently, nanoengineered titanium dental implants have been introduced to improve osteointegration and provide an osteoconductive surface; however, the increased surface roughness raises issues of biofilm formation and more challenging decontamination of the implant surface. This paper reviews treatment modalities that are carried out to eliminate bacterial biofilms and slow their regrowth in terms of their advantages and disadvantages when used on titanium dental implant surfaces with nanoscale features. Such decontamination methods include physical debridement, chemo-mechanical treatments, laser ablation and photodynamic therapy, and electrochemical processes. There is a consensus that the efficient removal of the biofilm supplemented by chemical debridement and full access to the pocket is essential for treating peri-implantitis in clinical settings. Moreover, there is the potential to create ideal nano-modified titanium implants which exert antimicrobial actions and inhibit biofilm formation. Methods to achieve this include structural and surface changes via chemical and physical processes that alter the surface morphology and confer antibacterial properties. These have shown promise in preclinical investigations.
Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering
Authors: Friedrich Ralf P. , Cicha Iwona , Alexiou Christoph
Published: September 2021

In recent years, many promising nanotechnological approaches to biomedical research have been developed in order to increase implementation of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering in clinical practice. In the meantime, the use of nanomaterials for the regeneration of diseased or injured tissues is considered advantageous in most areas of medicine. In particular, for the treatment of cardiovascular, osteochondral and neurological defects, but also for the recovery of functions of other organs such as kidney, liver, pancreas, bladder, urethra and for wound healing, nanomaterials are increasingly being developed that serve as scaffolds, mimic the extracellular matrix and promote adhesion or differentiation of cells. This review focuses on the latest developments in regenerative medicine, in which iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) play a crucial role for tissue engineering and cell therapy. IONPs are not only enabling the use of non-invasive observation methods to monitor the therapy, but can also accelerate and enhance regeneration, either thanks to their inherent magnetic properties or by functionalization with bioactive or therapeutic compounds, such as drugs, enzymes and growth factors. In addition, the presence of magnetic fields can direct IONP-labeled cells specifically to the site of action or induce cell differentiation into a specific cell type through mechanotransduction.
Effect of Morphology and Plasmonic on Au/ZnO Films for Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Zayed Mohamed , Nasser Nourhan , Shaban Mohamed , Alshaikh Hind , Hamdy Hany , Ahmed Ashour M.
Published: September 2021

To improve photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, various ZnO nanostructures (nanorods (NRs), nanodiscs (NDs), NRs/NDs, and ZnO NRs decorated with gold nanoparticles) have been manufactured. The pure ZnO nanostructures have been synthesized using the successive ionic-layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) combined with the chemical bath deposition (CBD) process at various deposition times. The structural, chemical composition, nanomorphological, and optical characteristics have been examined by various techniques. The SEM analysis shows that by varying the deposition time of CBD from 2 to 12 h, the morphology of ZnO nanostructures changed from NRs to NDs. All samples exhibit hexagonal phase wurtzite ZnO with polycrystalline nature and preferred orientation alongside (002). The crystallite size along (002) decreased from approximately 79 to 77 nm as deposition time increased from 2 to 12 h. The bandgap of ZnO NRs was tuned from 3.19 to 2.07 eV after optimizing the DC sputtering time of gold to 4 min. Via regulated time-dependent ZnO growth and Au sputtering time, the PEC performance of the nanostructures was optimized. Among the studied ZnO nanostructures, the highest photocurrent density (Jph) was obtained for the 2 h ZnO NRs. As compared with ZnO NRs, the Jph (7.7 mA/cm2) of 4 min Au/ZnO NRs is around 50 times greater. The maximum values of both IPCE and ABPE are 14.2% and 2.05% at 490 nm, which is closed to surface plasmon absorption for Au NPs. There are several essential approaches to improve PEC efficiency by including Au NPs into ZnO NRs, including increasing visible light absorption and minority carrier absorption, boosting photochemical stability, and accelerating electron transport from ZnO NRs to electrolyte carriers.