bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The estimated possibilities of process monitoring in milk production by the simple thermodynamic sensors
Authors: Adámek Martin , Adámkova Anna , Řezní­ček Michal , Kouřimská Lenka
Published: December 2016

The characterization and monitoring of thermal processes in thermodynamic systems can be performed using the thermodynamic sensors (TDS). The basic idea of thermodynamic sensor is possible to use in many various applications (eq. monitoring of frictional heat, thermal radiation, pollution of cleaning fluid, etc.). One of application areas, where the thermodynamic sensor can find the new area for a using, is a production of milk products - cheese, yogurt, kefir, etc. This paper describes the estimated possibilities, advantages and disadvantages of the use of thermodynamic sensors in diary productions and simple experiments for characterization and monitoring of basic operations in milk production process by thermodynamic sensors. The milk products are often realized by fermenting or renneting process. Final stages of fermentation and renneting processes are often determined on the base of sensory evaluation, pH measurement or by analytical method. The exact time of the fermentation process completion is dependent on various parameters and is often the company know-how. The fast, clean and simple non-analytical non-contact method for monitoring and for the determination of process final stages does not exist in this time. Tests of fermentation process, renneting process and yoghurt process by thermodynamic sensors were characterized and measured in this work. Measurement of activity yeasts was tested in first series of experiments. In second series of experiments, measurement of processes in milk production was tested. First results of simple experiments show that the thermodynamic sensors might be used for determination of time behaviour of these processes. Therefore, the milk products (cheese, yogurt, kefir, etc.) is opened as a one of new application areas, where the thermodynamic sensor can be used.
Nutritional valuse of edible coleoptera (Tenebrio molitor, Zophobas morio and Alphitobius diaperinus) reared reared in the Czech Republic
Authors: Adámková Anna , Kouřimská Lenka , Borkovcová Marie , Kulma Martin , Mlček Jiří­
Published: December 2016

Edible insects have gained the status of highly nutritious food with high protein and fat content. However, nutritional value of insects is not constant. It could be affected by species, developmental stage, rearing technology, nutrition or sex. This study's goal is to determine the protein and fat contents of three edible beetle species (giant mealworm - larvae of Zophobas morio, mealworm - larvae of Tenebrio molitor and, lesser mealworm - larvae of Alphitobius diaperinus) bred in the Czech Republic. Based on the obtained results, all investigated species could be considered as a reasonable source of lipids and two of them (mealworm and lesser mealworm) are also an excellent source of protein. Crude protein content of mealworm (630 g. kg-1 DM) was found to be higher than in other studies. The investigated species of lesser mealworm contained 600 g of crude protein/kg DM, which was equal to the results of other authors. Most authors report a higher content of nitrogen in the giant mealworm than were the values measured by this experiment (390 g.kg-1 DM). The lipid content in the tested samples was found in a range of 170 - 390 g.kg-1 DM. The highest lipid content was found in the larvae of giant mealworm and the lowest lipid content was found in the larvae of mealworm. The determined fat content of lesser mealworms was 290 g.kg-1. The fatty acid profiles of all samples were also determined.
Risk elements in selected types of vegetables
Authors: Harangozo Ľuboš
Published: December 2016

Vegetable has an important role in human nutrition. Various parts of the plants have been part of the human diet since the beginning. Vegetables have a number of properties that make its consumption very healthful. It not only is a good source of vitamins, minerals and fiber but also contains protective components so called phytonutrients, has an antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. Daily intake of vegetables offers many health benefits, helps to improve health for example the function of digestive and immune system, reduces the risk of various diseases and so we should take care to its regular consumption. It is widely used, except that it is the basic raw material for the preparation of foods and is also an important raw material for the processing industry. Nowadays has become environmental pollution by heavy metals as a big problem. The contamination of water, soil as well as air pollution by heavy metals negatively affects agricultural production and production of non-harmful to health, safe and quality food, which may be adverse effects on human health. Therefore, it is important that we devote this issue more attention. The aim of this work was to identify and determine content of heavy metals in selected vegetables. Defined objectives have been achieved by analyzing of selected species samples of root from brassica vegetables: carrot (Daucus carota L. ssp. sativus), parsley (Petroselinum hortesne HOFFM conv. radicosum), kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea L. var. gongylodes), celery (Apium graveolens L. var. rapaceum) and beetroot (Beta vulgaris L. var. conditiva ssp. vulgaris). The crops were bought in local market. The obtained results were compared with the results obtained from analyzes of vegetables that were grown in home conditions respectively from markets of local growers. All crops were grown in Slovak Republic. By using Varian AA 240FS and AAS method were analyzed the contents of risk metals in selected vegetables. It was confirmed that in selected types of vegetables analyzed element was not exceeded the limit values established by Codex Alimentarius of Slovak Republic. From the results, also can be concluded that higher contents of heavy metals (Cu, Mn, Ni, Cd, Pb) were mostly in samples from home gardeners than in samples came from local market.
Placing of aroma compounds by food sales promotion in chosen services business
Authors: Berčí­k Jakub , Palúchová Johana , Vietoris Vladimir , Horská Elena
Published: December 2016

There are several ways to get higher sale involving human senses too. One of the options is a security of stimulating atmosphere of sale/ business environment. In addition to equipment, design and staff, the lighting, sound (noise), and last ones but not least smell, respectively air quality significantly take part on that. Aroma is the element that inherently belongs to the visual merchandising tools. It can influence not only emotions, memory, but total customers´ satisfaction and preferences as well as spending time in that place. In this context, it is important to find right compromise when choosing the aromatic compounds for various products, in the process of their application (intensity, process of aromatization) and security of sufficient air quality, because everybody perceives the odours with different sensitivity. Properly chosen smell and factors of air quality bring for business operators (services trades) many advantages; from staff, who more relax and friendly behave to the guests until making of various associations and stimulations of customers, who spend time inside of service. Fragrance or air quality looks like based on of present researches as the most important factor directly on point-of-sale, while aroma acquires the importance in case of memory too. On the one side, the thinks, which are seen or heard by customers, could be memorized by them few days or weeks, so on the second side, the thinks which are smelled, could be memorized by guests many decades. Except this, the Scientifics studies show, that over 75 % of all emotions are generated based on scent´ perception. The main aim of this paper is a research, how aroma influences customer purchasing decision (preferences) in chosen service provider through the tracking of daily sales of baked baguettes (Paninis) with using of aroma equipment; Aroma Dispenser.
Verification for the presence of inhibitory substances in poultry meat after the consumption of the feed mixture supplemented with fermented feed
Authors: Kožárová Ivona , Marcinčák Slavomí­r , Reitznerová Anna , Bartkovský Martin , Mačanga Ján , Marcinčáková Dana , Klempová Tatiana , Čertí­k Milan
Published: December 2016

The European Union has an obligation to ensure that feed produced in the European Union is safe for animals and also humans by ensuring food of animal origin is safe and wholesome. An increasing demand for safe, wholesome and nutritious animal products has led to the search for alternative substances in animal feed. Fermented feed has gained a lot of popularity in many animal diets today. They meet the demand for animal nutrition due to the formation of target substances with the desired properties. As some of them are attracting attention as potential antimicrobial agents that inhibit the growth of certain microorganisms, and the products of animal origin are controlled for the presence of residues of inhibitory (antimicrobial) substances, the aim of this work was to verify the presence of inhibitory substances in poultry meat (muscle, heart, liver, kidneys of broiler chickens) after the consumption of the feed mixture with addition of fermented feed (wheat bran fermented with the strain Umbelopsis isabellina CCF 2412) in a dose of 10 % of the total amount of the feed. The detection of residues was performed by two approved microbiological screening methods, the screening test for the detection of antibiotic residues (STAR) and the Premi®Test. Both methods detected the positive results and pre-identified the presence of residues of the inhibitory substances not only in the meat of broiler chickens but also in the investigated fermented feed. Due to the antimicrobial potential of the fermented feed and the possible presence of the false-positive results, each positive result must be confirmed by a confirmatory analysis.
Comparison of phytoestrogens dietary intake from vegetables and fruit in selected population in Slovakia
Authors: Belej Ľubomí­r , Šnirc Marek , Fekete Tomáš , Židek Radoslav , Čurlej Jozef , Kozelová Dagmar
Published: December 2016

Phytoestrogens are compounds that are naturally present in almost all plant foods to a varying degree. They include several different classes of chemical compounds known as isoflavones, coumestans and lignans. In our work we analyzed intake of phytoestrogens is based upon our answer questionaries' in different ages. Evaluating health effects of phytoestrogens is difficult and depends on numerous factors, including the kind and dose (amount) of phytoestrogens eaten and the age, gender, and health of the person. We are exposed daily to highly variable amounts of phytoestrogens. While adults are eating a vegetarian diet or those taking dietary supplements containing phytoestrogens have high levels of exposure, infants drinking soy-based formula have the highest exposure levels by far. Accurate information about dietary phytoestrogens is therefore important but there is very limited data concerning food contents. In this study, we analyzed the phytoestrogen content in fresh and processed fruits and vegetables. The comprehensive database of phytoestrogen content determined simultaneously in vegetables and fruits foods has been developed. The important source of phytoestrogens in Slovak men and women is garlic. Phytoestrogen intake of fruits in men as an in woman is very low. Slovak populations consume a lot of fruits but the total intake is low due to the lower content of phytoestrogens.
VBORNET Gap Analysis: Sand Fly Vector Distribution Models Utilised to Identify Areas of Potential Species Distribution in Areas Lacking Records
Authors: Alten Bulent , Versteirt Veerle , Van Bortel Wim , Zeller Herve , Wint William , Alexander Neil Stewart
Published: December 2016

This is the first of a number of planned data papers presenting modelled vector distributions, the models in this paper were produced during the ECDC funded VBORNET project. This work continues under the VectorNet project now jointly funded by ECDC and EFSA. This data paper contains the sand fly model outputs produced as part of the VBORNET project. Further data papers will be published after sampling seasons when more field data will become available allowing further species to be modelled or validation and updates to existing models.The data package described here includes those sand fly species first modelled in 2013 and 2014 as part of the VBORNET gap analysis work which aimed to identify areas of potential species distribution in areas lacking records. It comprises four species models together with suitability masks based on land class and environmental limits. The species included within this paper are Phlebotomus ariasi, Phlebotomus papatasi, Phlebotomus perniciosus and Phlebotomus tobbi.The known distributions of these species within the project area (Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, North Africa, and Eurasia) are currently incomplete to a greater or lesser degree. The models are designed to fill the gaps with predicted distributions, to provide a) assistance in targeting surveys to collect ­distribution data for those areas with no field validated information, and b) a first indication of project wide distributions.
The naturalized nation: Anchoring, objectification and naturalized social representations of history
Authors: Hakoköngäs Eemeli , Sakki Inari
Published: December 2016

This study focuses on the connection between social representations of history and collective memory from the perspective of elementary concepts of social representations theory: anchoring, objectification and naturalization. The aims of the study are to arrive at a conceptual clarity of this connection and demonstrate how to apply basic concepts of social representations theory to the study of collective memory. The study also focuses on the naturalized characteristics of Finnish history. The data consist of the covers of twenty Finnish history books between the years 1965 and 2014. All the covers are embellished with typography or visual images. The covers were analysed using a semiotic approach in which the interest is in the description (denotation), the associations (connotation) and the meaning system these construe (myth). The analysis shows how national history is concretized with visual images (objectification), how the meaning of representation is conveyed (anchoring) and how collective memory is maintained (naturalization), transmitted and shaped during the years. The results show how the stable collective memories and changing social representations of history are interacting. The most frequently used visual element was the colour blue, which alludes to the Finnish flag, a symbol of the nation that represents the core of Finnish history. The study suggests that it is possible to conceptualize collective memories as naturalized social representations of history. It shows how processes of anchoring and objectification serve as tools of collective memory and how the naturalized conceptions are subtly changed. In addition, the study develops the use of visual semiotic analysis in social representations research.
La metáfora en Nietzsche, de verdad
Authors: Aspiunza Jaime
Published: December 2016

Se suele decir que para Nietzsche la verdad no existe, y se remite al famoso texto de Sobre verdad y mentira en sentido extramoral; detrás de tal «lectura» suelen estar o el relativismo o el cientismo ambientes. Se trata de un abuso interpretativo. Nietzsche corrige la noción de verdad, desmontando la pretensión de que tengamos acceso a las cosas en sí, a la realidad tal cual. Pero nos hace ver el origen individual de la verdad, la relación entre la experiencia vital y la palabra, por medio de la idea de «metáfora» entendida en sentido amplio. Eso le posibilita señalar el carácter creativo artístico del ser humano, que yo pretendo reconocer ya en el relato elemental de la experiencia, matriz dela literatura, lo que permitiría vincular esta a la verdad.It’s usual to say that for Nietzsche there is no truth, and the common reference is the famous text On Truth and Lies in a Non-moral Sense; such an “interpretation”is dragged either by relativism or by scientism. It is an interpretive abuse. Nietzsche makes a correction in the notion of truth, by dismantling the pretension to gain access to things in themselves, to reality as such. But he lets us see the origin of truth in the individual, the relation between vital experience and the word, through the idea of “metaphor” (in the broad sense of the term). That takes him to point out the creative artistic nature of man, which I’d like to reckon in the story telling of elemental experience, matrix of literature, what would let linking this to truth.
A poesia em interação com a pintura, segundo Diderot
Authors: Portich Ana
Published: December 2016

The article examines Diderot’s theory of language, focusing the approach between poetry and painting looked upon as conventional signs, mainly in the following works: Lettre sur les sourds et muets, Lettre sur les aveugles, Salon de 1767, Traité du Beau and De la poésie dramatique. The aim is to show that poetry’s specificity doesn’t go against the inclusion of pictorial elements such as the so-called poetic hieroglyphs. On the other hand, painting, although not a sequential language like poetry, includes a kind of narrative. O artigo pretende demonstrar que Diderot faz uma aproximação entre pintura e poesia, na medida em que ambas as artes são consideradas como signos ou sinais de convenção. A argumentação se vale da teoria da linguagem enunciada na Carta sobre os surdos-mudos e no Salão de 1767, recorrendo subsidiariamente à Carta sobre os cegos, ao Tratado sobre o belo e ao Discurso sobre a poesia dramática. Diderot define a especificidade da poesia, em todos os seus gêneros – em que se inclui o dramático–, como um discurso que comporta elementos imagéticos, por ele denominados hieróglifos poéticos. Por outro lado, a pintura, embora não seja uma linguagem sequencial como a poesia, contém uma espécie de narrativa que culmina com uma ideia central, ao modo da unidade de ação que fundamenta a poética.
El relativismo de gusto como problema en el siglo XVIII europeo: algunas propuestas inglesas y la solución aristocrática de Montesquieu
Authors: Olszevicki Nicolás Martín
Published: December 2016

En este artículo, analizamos los vínculos entre teoría estética y teoría política en los momentos de surgimiento del pensamiento moderno sobre las artes. En primer lugar, reconstruimos las discusiones británicas, desde Shaftesbury hasta Hume, sobre la problemática del relativismo del gusto en un contexto de expansión del público lector. Sugerimos que las discusiones estéticas modernas involucran, desde el inicio, una dimensión política. Con esta conclusión preliminar, nos focalizamos en las propuestas de Montesquieu. Abordando, de este último, un corpus heterogéneo, que incluye no sólo el “Essai sûr le goût” sino también su clásico De l´esprit des lois y su novela epistolar Lettres persanes, demostramos que el modo en que intenta escapar del relativismo del gusto está basado en los mismos principios que su teoría política, definida por algunos historiadores como “liberalismo aristocrático”.   In this paper, we analyze the imbrication of aesthetic and political theory in the moments of the rising of the modern thought about the arts. In the first place, we reconstruct the British debates, from Shaftesbury to Hume, in order to reveal how these thinkers try to solve the problem of the relativism of taste in a context of expansion of the reading public. We suggest that modern aesthetic discussions involve, from the beginning, a political dimension. With this preliminary conclusion, we focus on the ideas of the Baron de Montesquieu. Dealing with a varied corpus, which includes not only the “Essai sur le gout” but also his classic De l´esprit des lois and the Lettres persanes, we show that the way by which he tries to solve the problem of the relativism of taste is based on the same principles as his political theory, defined by some historians as “aristocratic liberalism”.
The Struggle of Integration: James Baldwin and Melanie Klein in the Context of Black Lives Matter
Authors: McIvor David W
Published: December 2016

Recent killings of unarmed black citizens are a fresh reminder of the troubled state of
racial integration in the United States. At the same time, the unfolding Black Lives
Matter protest movements and the responses by federal agencies each testify to a not
insignificant capacity for addressing social pathologies surrounding the color line. In
order to respond to this ambivalent situation, this article suggests a pairing between the
work of James Baldwin and that of the psychoanalyst Melanie Klein. I will argue that we
cannot fully appreciate the depths of what Baldwin called the “savage paradox” of race
without the insights provided by Klein and object relations psychoanalysis. Conversely,
Baldwin helps us to sound out the political significance of object relations approaches,
including the work of Klein and those influenced by her such as Hanna Segal and Wilfred
Bion. In conversation with the work of Baldwin, object relations theory can help to
identify particular social settings and institutions that might allow concrete efforts
toward racial justice to take root.
Time-domain charge pumping on silicon-on-insulator MOS devices
Authors: Watanabe Tokinobu , Hori Masahiro , Tsuchiya Toshiaki , Fujiwara Akira , Ono Yukinori
Published: December 2016

Time-domain charge pumping, which monitors transient currents during the charge pumping process, was applied to silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MOS gated p–i–n diodes. We found that the transient electron current is strongly dependent on the polarity of the back (substrate) gate. Specifically, when the back gate is positively biased, the current peak caused by the electron trap to the interface defects was found to disappear (or significantly weaken), which was attributed to the charging effects of the trapped electrons. The present results reveal the importance of the formation of the back channel and provide important information for further detailed analysis of the charge pumping process in SOI MOS devices.
MONITORAMENTO DOS AGROTÓXICOS QUINCLORAC E CARBOFURAN NO RIO CAMBORIÚ, MUNICÍPIO DE CAMBORIU, SANTA CATARINA
Authors: Andreatta Matias Vanessa , Da Silva Tamanaha Márcio
Published: December 2016

No Brasil, um dos maiores produtores de arroz irrigado é o estado de Santa Catarina, onde se localiza a bacia hidrográfica do rio Camboriú. A utilização de agroquímicos na rizicultura confere a esta prática um grande potencial de poluição hídrica, podendo-se destacar os agrotóxicos quinclorac e carbofuran, os quais são utilizados em larga escala nesse cultivo. Durante doze meses (maio de 2014 a abril de 2015) quatro pontos da bacia foram visitados e 48 amostras de água foram coletadas (1 coleta/ponto/mês). Estas amostras foram preparadas por extração em fase sólida e analisadas em cromatógrafo líquido acoplado a espectrômetro de massa em tandem. Os resultados mostraram que o quinclorac foi encontrado apenas nas amostras coletadas em pontos próximos a locais de cultivo do arroz, já o carbofuran foi encontrado em outros pontos também. Todas as amostras contaminadas foram coletadas durante o período de safra. Além disso, o quinclorac esteve presente em valores detectáveis e em valores quantificáveis em um número menor de amostras do que o agrotóxico carbofuran. Contudo, o carbofuran não esteve presente em concentrações maiores do que os valores máximos permitidos sugeridos pela EMBRAPA e pelo Ministério da Saúde. Para o quinclorac não há valores limites recomendados.
Lymphoepithelioma-Like Cholangiocarcinoma Associated With HCV: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Akabori Hiroya , Ishida Mitsuaki , Shiomi Hisanori , Maehira Hiromitsu , Murakami Koichiro , Shimizu Tomoharu , Naka Shigeyuki , Kushima Ryoji , Tani Masaji
Published: December 2016

Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma is a particular form of undifferentiated carcinoma characterized by a prominent lymphoid stroma that was originally described in the nasopharynx. We present a case of hepatitis C virus (HCV)–associated lymphoepithelioma-like cholangiocarcinoma (LEL-CC), located at the liver, in a patient with history of malignancy. A 79-year-old man underwent partial hepatectomy with lymphadenectomy for a suspected metastasis of colon cancer 2.5 years after hemicolectomy for advanced colon cancer followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. The resected tumor was diagnosed as LEL-CC via a distinct histologic pattern with dense lymphoplasma cell infiltration. According to the available literature, our report describes a rare cases of HCV-associated LEL-CC that coexisted with other malignancy and that was associated with survival for more than 3 years after surgery, suggesting that surgical resection may be the recommended therapeutic option for LEL-CC to provide a definitive diagnosis as well as obtain a good prognosis, even in advanced stages of LEL-CC.
The Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Pancreatic Resection for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma in Patients Older Than 75 Years
Authors: Aoyama Toru , Murakawa Masaaki , Atsumi Yosuke , Kazama Keisuke , Shiozawa Manabu , Kobayashi Satoshi , Ueno Makoto , Morimoto Manabu , Yukawa Norio , Oshima Takashi , Yoshikawa Takaki , Rino Yasushi , Masuda Munetaka , Morinaga Soichiro
Published: December 2016

The short- and long-term outcomes of pancreatic resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma have not been fully evaluated in elderly patients. This retrospective study selected patients who underwent curative surgery for pancreatic cancer at our institution. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: nonelderly patients (age < 75 years; group A) and elderly patients (age ≥ 75 years; group B). The surgical morbidity, surgical mortality, overall survival (OS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates in the 2 groups were compared. A total of 221 patients were evaluated in the study. The overall complication rates were 44.8% in group A and 52.6% in group B. Surgical mortality was observed in 2 patients due to an abdominal abscess and cardiovascular disease in group A (1.1%) and in 1 patient due to postoperative bleeding in group B (2.6%). There were no significant differences (P = 0.379 and P = 0.456, respectively). Furthermore, the 5-year OS and RFS rates were similar between the elderly patients and nonelderly patients (18.55 versus 20.2%, P = 0.946 and 13.1% versus 16.0%, P = 0.829, respectively). The short-term outcomes and long-term survival after pancreatic resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma were almost equal in the elderly and the nonelderly patients in this study. Therefore, it is unnecessary to avoid pancreatic resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma in elderly patients simply because of their age.
Concerns Regarding Thermal Ablation for Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Jiang Mingjie , Yu Yongchao , Yang Ankui
Published: September 2024

This Viewpoint discusses drawbacks to thermal ablation for papillary thyroid cancer.
NIMO: A graphical user interface‐based R package for species distribution modelling
Authors: Gandaho Stanislas Mahussi , Sogbohossou Etotépé A. , Thompson Lindy Jane
Published: September 2024

Species distribution modelling (SDM) is essential for understanding and predicting biodiversity patterns globally. However, the complexities of data preparation, algorithm selection and model evaluation can present significant challenges. This paper introduces NIMO, an R package with a user‐friendly graphical interface aimed at streamlining the entire SDM workflow.

In SDM, data preparation is a crucial and time‐consuming process, which requires the acquisition of spatiotemporal occurrence records. The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) database plays a key role in addressing data scarcity by providing extensive community science‐based repositories. However, compiling, aligning and verifying spatial references can be laborious. NIMO addresses these challenges by offering a flexible workflow that allows users to more easily query biodiversity data.

NIMO organizes its features into three main steps: pre‐modelling, modelling and post‐modelling. It empowers users to optimize data for modelling with a variety of algorithms. NIMO allows for default hyperparameter values or extensive tuning, providing users with flexibility in selecting models.

Practical implication: To demonstrate the effectiveness of NIMO, we presented a case study focusing on the critically endangered white‐backed vulture (Gyps africanus) in Kruger National Park, South Africa. We used NIMO to collect GBIF occurrence data and integrated environmental predictors to map suitable habitat (probability of occurrence). The distribution modelling workflow included area calibration, collinearity check, generation of training and testing data sets, model fitting and model combination. The results showcase the discriminative ability of fitted models, especially the generalized linear model, support vector machine and random forest, that constituted the ensemble model. Spatial prediction using the ensemble model revealed that the species has a higher occurrence probability close to roads, indicating a possible increased risk of mortality for the vultures in Kruger National Park from motor vehicle collisions.
Effect of High‐Energy Ball‐Milling Duration on Densification, Microstructure, and Mechanical Properties of Cr2AlC‐Dispersed 90W‐6Ni‐2Fe‐2Co Heavy Alloys
Authors: Adhikari Deepak , Sengupta Pradyut , Panigrahi Ajit , Bajpai Shubhra , Gupta Surojit , Debata Mayadhar
Published: September 2024

This study focuses on the role of Cr2AlC‐MAX phase incorporation on the density, phase composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of 90W‐6Ni‐2Fe‐2Co heavy alloy. The blended powders are ball milled in a high‐energy ball mill up to 40 h, compacted, and sintered at 1500 °C. The mechanical alloying results in a refined microstructure with uniform distribution of W, matrix, and dispersoids. The minimum grain size of W (14.7 ± 5.6 μm) is obtained in 2 wt% Cr2AlC‐containing tungsten alloy prepared from 40 h‐milled powders. Among the investigated alloys, 1 wt% Cr2AlC‐incorporated samples exhibit maximum compressive stress (2026 MPa). The incorporation of fine Cr2AlC as dispersoids is found to be beneficial in improving the strength as well as ductility of WHAs. The best combination of yield strength (553.4 MPa), ultimate tensile strength (1011.2 MPa), ductility (11.4%), and product of strength and elongation (11.5 GPa%) is found in alloy prepared from 40 h milled 90W‐4.8Ni‐1.6Fe‐1.6Co‐2Cr2AlC. The improved tensile strength in Cr2AlC‐incorporated WHAs may be attributed to the combined effect of grain size refinement and dispersion strengthening. Overall, the combination of ball milling and Cr2AlC incorporation in tungsten‐heavy alloys is found to be effective in developing a novel W‐based alloy system for strategic applications.
Portable Monitoring System for Assessing Therapeutic Efficacy in HER2‐Overexpressing Breast Cancer: One‐Step Simultaneous Detection of Cancer‐Derived Exosomal Proteins and mRNA in Urine
Authors: Kim Ryunhyung , Mun Byeonggeol , Lim Jaewoo , Jeong Hyein , Son Hye Young , Kang Byunghoon , Lim Seongjae , Kang Minkyung , Rho Hyun Wook , Huh Yong‐min , Oh Seung Jae , Lim Jaewook , Lim Eun‐Kyung , Haam Seungjoo
Published: September 2024

Point‐of‐care (POC) monitoring of patient condition is crucial for effective cancer treatment and prognosis. This can be achieved non‐invasively by analyzing exosomes in body fluids. However, the heterogeneity of exosomes and non‐standardized quantification methods may interfere with clearly determining the patient's condition. Therefore, there is a need for technology that can precisely analyze both tumor‐derived exosomes and normal exosomes. Herein, this study presents the exosome multiple‐separation for simultaneous detection (EXO‐MUSSID) platform, which simultaneously isolates different exosomes based on their magnetization properties and monitors therapeutic efficacy of drugs. Using immunoaffinity magnetophoresis technology, HER2‐overexpressing and normal exosomes are collected separately, enabling real‐time monitoring of HER2 (also known as ERBB2) expression by analyzing the mRNA of each exosome based on a catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) reaction. A portable fluorescence reader customized for the EXO‐MUSSID platform is developed for POC monitoring of HER2‐overexpressing breast cancer (HER2+ BC). The performance of the EXO‐MUSSID platform is validated using urine samples from HER2+ BC mouse models, confirming the progression of HER2+ BC and the changes in HER2 expression due to trastuzumab treatment. It is expected to serve as a valuable tool for exosome‐based liquid biopsy in disease monitoring.
Dynamically Tunable Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance in Self‐Assembled SrCoOx‐Au Vertically Aligned Nanocomposite Thin Films
Authors: Wu Jingrui , Yan Fengbo , Zhao Jianqiao , Qian Linhui , Cheng Tong‐Huai , Su Jiejun , Bi Lei , Huang Yu , Wang Weipeng , Zhang Zhengjun , Luo Feng , Ning Shuai
Published: September 2024

While the physical principles for regulating localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) are well established, dynamically tuning the LSPR in a given material post synthesis remains challenging. Herein, this study demonstrates a strategy for dynamically tuning the LSPR of Au nanostructures by selectively altering the dielectric environment. Au is integrated with an electrochemically gatable oxide, i.e., SrCoOx (SCO), into vertically aligned nanocomposite thin films via a self‐assembly growth mechanism, where Au develops into nanopillars embedded in the SCO matrix. By selectively controlling the tri‐state phase transitions of SCO matrix via varying the bias voltage polarity in ionic liquid gating (ILG), the LSPR behavior of Au nanopillars can be dynamically tuned. Specifically, gating with a negative bias fully suppresses the LSPR, while a positive bias leads to a continuous blueshift of the LSPR wavelength upon increasing the ILG duration. This work not only opens new directions for the dynamic control of LSPR of noble metal nanostructures, but also offers insight to the voltage control of multifunctionalities via structural and physical intercoupling between different phases in self‐assembled nanocomposites.
Nanozymes in Biomedical Applications: Innovations Originated From Metal‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: Zhao Yuewu , Cheng Junjie , Li Zhen , Wang Jine , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: September 2024

Nanozymes exhibit significant potential in medical theranostics, environmental protection, energy development, and biopharmaceuticals due to their exceptional catalytic performance. Compared with natural enzymes, nanozymes have the advantages of simple preparation and purification, convenient production and low cost. Therefore, it is very important to prepare nanozymes quickly and efficiently, which not only helps to expand their application scope, but also can further exert their great potential in various fields. Metal‐organic frameworks (MOF) materials serve as versatile substrates for constructing nanozymes, offering unique advantages like adjustable structure, high specific surface area, and porous channels. MOF coordination nodes constructed from metal ions or metal clusters have unique properties that can be leveraged to tailor nanozyme characteristics for different applications. This review describes and analyzes recent methods for constructing nanozymes using MOF materials, and explores their application prospects in biomedicine. By expounding the preparation techniques and biomedical applications of nanozymes, this review aims to inspire researchers to develop innovative nanozyme materials and explore new application directions.
Enhanced Intramolecular Hole Transfer in Block Copolymer Enables >15% and Operational Stable Single‐Material–Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Li Bin , Kong Yuxin , Li Tao , Li Hongxiang , Zhao Haibin , Cheng Pei , Yuan Jianyu
Published: September 2024

Recent studies on narrow bandgap all‐conjugated block copolymer (BCP) single‐material–organic solar cells (SMOSCs) have made unprecedented progress in power conversion efficiency (PCE); however, it still lacks understanding of the structure‐property relationship in these highly mixed materials. Herein, the impact of different synthetic protocols (direct synthesis (d‐BCP) versus sequential synthesis (s‐BCP)) is first investigated on the relevant photovoltaic properties. Targeting the same BCP, namely PBDB‐T‐b‐PYIT, it is found that the change in polymerization reaction leads to quite different optical and transport properties. The d‐BCP outputs a record‐high PCE of 15.02% for SMOSCs as well as enhanced operation stability under simulated 1‐sun illumination, which is significantly higher than that of s‐BCP (10.33%) and even close to its bulk heterojunction (BHJ) counterparts. Detailed transient absorption spectroscopy reveals ultrafast dynamics of charge transfer (CT) and exciton dissociation in BCP. In together with morphology characterization, it is revealed that the d‐BCP has more phase pure composition, enhanced molecular ordering, and higher intramolecular CT efficiency relative to those of s‐BCP. These findings gain insight into both the structure and carrier dynamic of BCP and demonstrate the possibility of achieving high‐efficiency and stable SMOSCs.
Hybrid Anapole Induced Chirality in Metasurfaces
Authors: Hassanfiroozi Amir , Lu Yen Cheng , Wu Pin Chieh
Published: September 2024

The interaction between light and matter, particularly chirality, plays a pivotal role in modern science and technology. Typically, metasurfaces achieve chiro‐optical effects by coupling electric and magnetic dipoles in specific orientations. In this work, the design and optimization of an asymmetric H‐shaped metasurface is explored to induce hybrid anapole (HA) for optical activity. When the symmetry of the metasurface structure is disrupted, the design can simultaneously excite first‐order and pseudo high‐order HA under illumination with a specific circular polarization, both occurring within the same spectral regime. This results in high reflection for one circular polarization and a significant reduction in reflection for the orthogonal polarization, thereby exhibiting exceptional chiro‐optical activity. Moreover, the HA‐based chiral metasurface demonstrates strong polarization control capabilities, as verified by Stokes parameter analysis, revealing high birefringence and a pronounced dependence on the incident polarization angle. These results provide valuable insights for the design and optimization of HA metasurfaces for advanced optical applications and polarization control, paving the way for new developments in chiral nanophotonics.
Temperature Dependent Swelling Transitions of Hummers Graphite Oxide in Liquid 1‐Alcohols
Authors: Li Gui , Gurzęda Bartosz , Iakunkov Artem , Nordenström Andreas , Boulanger Nicolas , Hennig Christoph , Dejoie Catherine , Talyzin Alexander V.
Published: September 2024

Graphite oxides (GO) swell in liquid alcohols with significant expansion of c‐lattice. However, temperature‐dependent swelling of Hummers GO (HGO) has so far been reported only for methanol and ethanol. Here, HGO swelling in liquid 1‐alchohols (C1 to C22 according to the number of carbons) is studied as a function of temperature using in situ synchrotron radiation XRD. Swelling transitions never previously observed for HGO in any kind of polar solvents are found, enthalpy of these transition and compositions of HGO‐Cx solid solvates near the point of solvent melting reported. Swelling transitions from low temperature to high‐temperature phase are found for HGO in C10–C22 alcohols, similarly to earlier reported transitions in Brodie graphite oxide (BGO). The transitions correspond to a strong change of inter‐layer distance correlating with the alcohol molecules length and change in molecules orientation from perpendicular to parallel to GO planes (Type II transitions). However, Type I swelling transitions (related to insertion/removal of one layer of alcohol molecules) reported earlier for BGO are not found in HGO. Continuous changes of the d(001) spacing are revealed for HGO immersed in all smaller alcohols in the range C1 (methanol) to C9 (nonanol).
Interferon Stimulated Gene Expression Is a Biomarker for Primary Mitochondrial Disease
Authors: Keshavan Nandaki , Mhaldien Lana , Gilmour Kimberly , Rahman Shamima
Published: September 2024

Objective

Mitochondria are implicated in regulation of the innate immune response. We hypothesized that abnormalities in interferon signaling may contribute to pathophysiology in patients with primary mitochondrial disease (PMD).

Methods

Expression of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) was measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in whole blood samples from a cohort of patients with PMD.

Results

Upregulated ISG expression was observed in a high proportion (41/55, 75%) of patients with PMD on at least 1 occasion, most frequently IFI27 upregulation, seen in 50% of the samples. Some patients had extremely high IFI27 levels, similar to those seen in patients with primary interferonopathies. A statistically significant correlation was observed between elevated IFI27 gene expression and PMD, but not between IFI27 and secondary mitochondrial dysfunction, suggesting that ISG upregulation is a biomarker of PMD. In some patients with PMD, ISG abnormalities persisted on repeat measurement over several years, indicative of ongoing chronic inflammation. Subgroup analyses suggested common ISG signatures in patients with similar mitochondrial disease mechanisms and positive correlations with disease severity among patients with identical genetic diagnoses.

Interpretation

Dysregulated interferon signaling is frequently seen in patients with PMD suggesting that interferon dysregulation is a contributor to pathophysiology. This may indicate a role for repurposing of immunomodulatory therapies for the treatment of PMDs by targeting interferon signaling. ANN NEUROL 2024;96:1185–1200
Space and Time Correlations in Quantum Histories
Authors: Castellani Leonardo , Gabetti Anna
Published: September 2024

The formalism of generalized quantum histories allows a symmetrical treatment of space and time correlations, by taking different traces of the same history density matrix. In this framework, the characterization of spatial and temporal entanglement is revisited. An operative protocol is presented, to map a history state into the ket of a static composite system. It is demonstrated, by examples, how the Leggett–Garg and the temporal Clauser‐Horne‐Shimony‐Holt (CHSH) inequalities can be violated in this approach.
Integrating the in vitro antioxidant activity of polyacrylonitrile/polyindole composites
Authors: Alayunt Naci Ömer , Soykan Cengiz
Published: September 2024

In this study, five compounds belonging to the Polymer composites (PCs) family, have been prepared with different amounts of polyacrylonitrile and polyindole in the composite. The PCs have inherently bactericidal activity, owing to the nitrile and indole groups. Antioxidant activity was assessed by using reducing power activity, superoxide radical scavenging activity and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. In our study, butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT), ascorbic acid and α‐tocopherol, which are considered synthetic standard antioxidants, were used to compare antioxidant activity. In addition, since it is known that the MDA levels resulting from the oxidation of fats in Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells are inversely proportional to the antioxidant properties, it gave an idea about the in vitro antioxidant properties of the new synthesized PCs. Reducing force capacity, superoxide radical scavenging activity and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity were found to be higher at 100 μg mL−1 concentration compared to 50 μg mL−1 concentration.
Skink systematics inside out: Comparative cranial osteology of the New World Mabuyinae
Authors: Ferreira‐Junior Julio C. , Vrcibradic Davor , Passos Paulo
Published: September 2024

The Mabuyinae subfamily exhibits remarkable diversity, encompassing 26 genera and 236 currently recognized species. Traditionally, the entire range of the group was attributed to the single genus Mabuya, which had a wide distribution along tropical regions of the Planet. In recent studies, phylogenetic hypotheses based on molecular data have identified four major groups, which have been further divided into geographically distinct clades. At least two phylogenetically distinct lineages of Mabuyinae are distributed in the Neotropical Region: Trachylepis atlantica and the remaining 16 genera within the Mabuyinae clade from the mainland and the Caribbean islands. Our understanding of Mabuyinae osteology is still quite limited, particularly concerning interspecific variation. This lack of information hinders our ability to make strong contributions to the phylogenetic relationships within this group or even to confirm the existence of certain new taxa considering their relatively conserved external morphology. This work provides a comprehensive anatomical reference for the adult skull of Neotropical Mabuyinae lizards, highlighting osteological features that might be useful for delimiting each genus. This descriptive guide includes illustrations and employs multiple techniques, such as dry preparation, clearing and staining, and high‐resolution computerized microtomography. Our results provide additional diagnostic characteristics that include specific cranial bone arrangements, dental patterns, and cranial adaptations, such as dorsoventral head flattening, and their functional implications for bite force and cranial biomechanics. This study reinforces the importance of cranial morphology in understanding the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary trajectories of New World Mabuyinae lizards, advocating for broader morphological sampling to enrich our understanding of these diverse reptiles.
Speed‐sensorless control for SPMSM via novel exponential super‐twisting ADRC
Authors: Hu Mingyuan , Ahn Hyeongki , Park Jihoon , You Kwanho
Published: September 2024

Although the conventional super‐twisting reaching law (CSTRL) maintains the desired tracking performance for disturbed systems, its implementation is challenging due to its dependence on accurate system dynamics. To mitigate this dependence and reduce chattering of CSTRL, a novel exponential super‐twisting reaching law (NESTRL) is proposed, leveraging the dynamic adaptability of the exponential reaching law and eliminating chattering. By using NESTRL, the proposed controller can achieve a fast response without chattering. Additionally, a comprehensive procedure for finite convergence time analysis is provided. The convergence conditions of the system's state variables are determined using a Lyapunov function, and the stability of system is proven using an algebraic Lyapunov function. Finally, simulations and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed approach is valid and effective, showing improvements compared to the traditional super‐twisting active disturbance rejection control and linear active disturbance rejection control in sensorless control.