bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Warm Deformation Constitutive Model of GH4169 Alloy Based on Neural Network and the Arrhenius Model
Authors: Cheng Peng , Wang Decheng , Zhou Junying , Zuo Shanchao , Zhang Pengfei
Published: August 2022

In order to realize a better description of plastic flow behavior in the warm deformation process of GH4149, the GH4169 superalloy was compressed by Gleeble-3800 at a temperature of 700–900 °C and a strain rate of 0.01–10 s−1. The constitutive model of GH4169 superalloy was established using artificial neural network (ANN) and the Arrhenius equation, and the accuracy of the model was compared. The results show that the average absolute relative error (AARE) of the ANN constitutive model is 4.34%. The AARE of the Arrhenius equation constitutive model is 29.95%. The ANN constitutive model is more accurate than the Arrhenius constitutive model, and has consistent accuracy in the whole parameter range. The stress–strain curve obtained by the model is in good agreement with the experimental curve. The process of the warm compression test is simulated by finite element software importing the ANN constitutive material model. The results verified the reliability of the model. The ANN constitutive model can effectively predict the flow stress of GH4169 superalloy during the warm deformation process.
Mechanical Behavior and Microstructure Evolution during High-Temperature Tensile Deformation of MnE21 Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Li Xiangji , Wang Jiahui , Jiang Yutong , Zhang Maoqiang
Published: August 2022

In this study, tensile tests for magnesium–manganese rare earth alloy (MnE21) were conducted with a WDW-300 high-temperature universal testing machine at different temperatures (300 °C~500 °C) and strain rates (1 × 10−4s−1~1 × 10−1s−1). The high temperature thermal deformation behavior, dynamic recrystallization, and texture of MnE21 magnesium alloy were analyzed by combining the constitutive equation, hot processing map, and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The results show that the strain compensation equation can accurately predict the thermal deformation behavior. According to the hot processing map, the optimal processing regions were determined to be 350 °C, ε˙= 1 × 10−2s−1~ε˙= 1 × 10−4s−1, and 450–500 °C, ε ˙= 1 × 10−1s−1~ε˙= 1 × 10−4s−1. Based on the EBSD analysis, it was found that dynamic recrystallization of the alloy occurs above 350 °C, it was concluded that dynamic recrystallization was more adequate at 450 °C by analyzing the grain orientation and grain boundary difference orientation distribution. In addition, the texture index at different temperatures was also analyzed and it was found that the material showed a typical extrusion texture internally. During dynamic recrystallization, (01-11) [2-1-11], texture was produced.
Modeling Friction Stir Welding: On Prediction and Numerical Tool Development
Authors: Hossfeld Max
Published: August 2022

This paper reports on a simulation framework capable of predicting the outcomes of the friction stir welding process. Numerical tool development becomes directly possible without the need for previous calibration to welding experiments. The predictive power of the framework is demonstrated by a case study for numerical tool development and validated experimentally. Different tool geometries with high levels of detail and active material flow features are investigated, and their effect on the process outcomes is quantified. The simulation framework is found to be able to predict forces, material flow, temperature fields, weld formation and welding defects a priori, in detail and precisely. This applies to the outer appearance of the weld as well as the location, shape, and size of inner welding defects. Causes for defects can be identified, analyzed and remedied. Compared to the validation experiment, the simulation showed a slight overestimation of the process impact in the case study. Since the framework relies strictly on analytically describable physics, the efforts for modeling the process are moderate considering the precision of the results.
Binary Newton Calculation Method of Residual Stress Based on the Indentation Energy Difference Theory
Authors: Kong Desheng , Yang Bin , Hu Peiyu
Published: August 2022

Residual stress is a key parameter to evaluate the structural reliability of energy equipment. The indentation method has the characteristics of being nondestructive and easy to operate to calculate the residual stress of test materials, which has a broad application prospect in the field testing of energy equipment. However, because of the effect of preloading and data acquisition delay, the problem of indentation data fluctuation is prominent, and the indentation energy coefficient fitted by the traditional least square method is not consistent with the theoretical law, making it difficult to carry out stable calculations. In this paper, the Newton iteration formula of a binary nonlinear formula is derived based on the univariate Newton iteration formula, which is introduced into the data processing of residual stress, which increases the weight of the data in the stability stage and reduces the influence of the fluctuation data on the fitting results, so that the indentation energy coefficient is accurately calculated. Combined with the basic principle of indentation energy difference theory, the precise and efficient measurement of residual stress is realized.
Liquid Copper and Iron Production from Chalcopyrite, in the Absence of Oxygen
Authors: Daehn Katrin E. , Stinn Caspar , Rush Lucas , Benderly-Kremen Ethan , Wagner Mary Elizabeth , Boury Charles , Chmielowiec Brian , Gutierrez Carolina , Allanore Antoine
Published: August 2022

Clean energy infrastructure depends on chalcopyrite: the mineral that contains 70% of the world’s copper reserves, as well as a range of precious and critical metals. Smelting is the only commercially viable route to process chalcopyrite, where the oxygen-rich environment dictates the distribution of impurities and numerous upstream and downstream unit operations to manage noxious gases and by-products. However, unique opportunities to address urgent challenges faced by the copper industry arise by excluding oxygen and processing chalcopyrite in the native sulfide regime. Through electrochemical experiments and thermodynamic analysis, gaseous sulfur and electrochemical reduction in a molten sulfide electrolyte are shown to be effective levers to selectively extract the elements in chalcopyrite for the first time. We present a new process flow to supply the increasing demand for copper and byproduct metals using electricity and an inert anode, while decoupling metal production from fugitive gas emissions and oxidized by-products.
A Physically Based Model Predicting the Degradation of Hydrogen on Crack Growth Critical Stress Intensity Factor of Metals
Authors: Huang Yuting , Chen Jihan , Wang Yanfei , Liu Wei , Wu Weijie , Li Xinfeng , Yang Xinyu
Published: August 2022

A simple, physically based model is developed to quantitatively predict the degradation of hydrogen on the crack growth critical stress intensity factor (CSIF) of metals. The model is formulated by combining a microscopically shielded Griffith criterion (MSGC) model for plasticity-induced cleavage fracture and thermodynamics decohesion (TDD) theory for hydrogen-enhanced interface decohesion. The hydrogen-influenced CSIF is described as a function of the intrinsic CSIF (hydrogen-free), initial hydrogen concentration (solubility), hydrogen trap binding energy and crack tip stress. All parameters in the model can be determined with a physical basis and the model is successfully validated by comparison with published experimental data.
Experimental Characterization of Water Condensation Processes on Self-Assembled Monolayers Using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Energy Dissipation Monitoring
Authors: Song Subin , Latag Glenn Villena , Mondarte Evan Angelo Quimada , Chang Ryongsok , Hayashi Tomohiro
Published: August 2022

Water condensation on solid surfaces is a universal phenomenon that plays an essential role in many interfacial phenomena, such as friction, corrosion, adsorption, etc. Thus far, the initial states of water condensation on surfaces with varying chemical properties have yet to be fully explained at the nanoscale. In this study, we performed a real-time characterization of water condensation on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) with different functional groups using quartz crystal microbalance with energy dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). We found that the kinetics of water condensatison is critically dependent on the head group chemistries. We discovered that the condensed water’s viscoelasticity cannot be predicted from macroscopic water contact angles, but they were shown to be consistent with the predictions of molecular simulations instead. In addition, we also found a highly viscous interfacial water layer on hydrophilic protein-resistant SAMs. In contrast, the interfacial water layer/droplet on either hydrophilic protein-adsorbing or hydrophobic SAMs exhibited lower viscosity. Combining our and previous findings, we discuss the influence of interfacial hydration on the viscoelasticity of condensed water.
Characteristics of Coal Slurry Aggregate Induced by Inorganic Salts
Authors: Fan Yuping , Zhang Yangyang , Dong Xianshu , Ma Xiaomin , Li Na , Jin Wei
Published: August 2022

The impact of coagulant type and dosage on the clarity, zeta potential, floc size, and floc structure of a coal slurry suspension was investigated. The results showed that the critical coagulation concentrations of trivalent ions are 0.81 mM and 0.018 mM for coal–coal and coal–kaolinite, respectively, which are lower than those of divalent ions. The initial settling was more affected by AlCl3 and FeCl3 than MgCl2 and CaCl2, while the supernatant turbidity was significantly decreased at a lower dosage (0.06 mM) for trivalent ions, consistent with the classical Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek theory, zeta potential results, and adsorption behaviors of quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation. The floc size and settling rate induced by AlCl3 and FeCl3 were greater than those of divalent ions at lower concentrations and tended to have an irregular and porous structure, enhancing the coagulation effect. The findings highlight the differences in the physical characteristics of floc size and structure in optimizing the coagulation process produced by electrical neutralization and sweep-floc coagulation of amorphous metal hydroxide precipitates.
Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution Using Forest Species Plantations of Post-Mining Landscapes, Ptolemais, N. Greece
Authors: Samara Theano , Spanos Ioannis , Papachristou Thomas G. , Platis Panagiotis
Published: August 2022

The main purpose of the study was the absorption of heavy metals in the leaves of forest tree species, which were planted in two different plots for forestry use and environmental restoration. Four species were studied Pinus brutia, Robinia pseudoacaccia, Quercus trojana and Fraxinus ornus. Forty-eight leaf samples were collected which consisted of six samples from each species at each plot. The heavy metal concentrations in the leaves were measured for the following nine heavy metals: iron (Fe), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co) and lead (Pd). The determinative estimation of metal concentration was carried out in the clear filtrate, using ICP-OES. Statistically significant differences in the concentrations of the heave metals were found among the species, as well as between the two plots. It was only in Robinia peudoacacia’s leaves that the cadmium concentration showed a statistical difference among the other species. The same applied for manganese in Quercus trojana’s leaves and zinc for Pinus brutia. The careful selection and planting of the appropriate forest tree species provides for an overall improvement in the environment in heavy metal polluted sites, such as those resulting from thermal power plants.
Effect of ZnO Nanofiller on Structural and Electrochemical Performance Improvement of Solid Polymer Electrolytes Based on Polyvinyl Alcohol–Cellulose Acetate–Potassium Carbonate Composites
Authors: Ojur Dennis John , Ali Mohammed Khalil Mohammed , Ibnaouf Khalid Hassan , Aldaghri Osama , Abdel All Naglaa F. M. , Adam Abdullahi Abbas , Usman Fahad , Hassan Yarima Mudassir , Abdulkadir Bashir Abubakar
Published: August 2022

In this study, a solution casting method was used to prepare solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) based on a polymer blend comprising polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), cellulose acetate (CA), and potassium carbonate (K2CO3) as a conducting salt, and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) as a nanofiller. The prepared electrolytes were physicochemically and electrochemically characterized, and their semi-crystalline nature was established using XRD and FESEM. The addition of ZnO to the polymer–salt combination resulted in a substantial increase in ionic conductivity, which was investigated using impedance analysis. The size of the semicircles in the Cole–Cole plots shrank as the amount of nanofiller increased, showing a decrease in bulk resistance that might be ascribed to an increase in ions due to the strong action of the ZnO-NPs. The sample with 10 wt % ZnO-NPs was found to produce the highest ionic conductivity, potential window, and lowest activation energy (Ea) of 3.70 × 10–3 Scm–1, 3.24 V, and 6.08 × 10–4 eV, respectively. The temperature–frequency dependence of conductivity was found to approximately follow the Arrhenius model, which established that the electrolytes in this study are thermally activated. Hence, it can be concluded that, based on the improved conductivity observed, SPEs based on a PVA-CA-K2CO3/ZnO-NPs composite could be applicable in all-solid-state energy storage devices.
Resveratrol Ameliorates High Altitude Hypoxia-Induced Osteoporosis by Suppressing the ROS/HIF Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yan Changqing , Wang Zirou , Liu Weili , Pu Lingling , Li Ran , Ai Chongyi , Xu Hongbao , Zhang Baoyi , Wang Tianhui , Zhang Xiangyu , Chen Zhaoli , Wang Xinxing
Published: August 2022

Hypoxia at high-altitude leads to osteoporosis. Resveratrol (RES), as an antioxidant, has been reported to promote osteoblastogenesis and suppress osteoclastogenesis. However, the therapeutic effect of RES against osteoporosis induced by high-altitude hypoxia remains unclear. Thus, this study was intended to investigate the potential effects of RES on high-altitude hypoxia-induced osteoporosis both in vivo and in vitro. Male Wistar rats were given RES (400 mg/kg) once daily for nine weeks under hypoxia, while the control was allowed to grow under normoxia. Bone mineral density (BMD), the levels of bone metabolism-related markers, and the changes on a histological level were measured. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and RAW264.7 were incubated with RES under hypoxia, with a control growing under normoxia, followed by the evaluation of proliferation and differentiation. The results showed that RES inhibited high-altitude hypoxia-induced reduction in BMD, enhanced alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), calcitonin (CT) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) levels, whereas it reduced cross-linked carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I) levels and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity in vivo. In addition, RES attenuated histological deteriorations in the femurs. In vitro, RES promoted osteoblastogenesis and mineralization in hypoxia-exposed BMSCs, along with promotion in RUNX2, ALP, OCN and osteopontin (OPN) levels, and inhibited the proliferation and osteoclastogenesis of RAW264.7. The promotion effects of RES on osteoblastogenesis were accompanied by the down-regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) induced by hypoxia. These results demonstrate that RES can alleviate high-altitude hypoxia-induced osteoporosis via promoting osteoblastogenesis by suppressing the ROS/HIF-1α signaling pathway. Thus, we suggest that RES might be a potential treatment with minimal side effects to protect against high-altitude hypoxia-induced osteoporosis.
Therapeutic Potential of Small Molecules Targeting Oxidative Stress in the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Dailah Hamad Ghaleb
Published: August 2022

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an increasing and major global health problem. COPD is also the third leading cause of death worldwide. Oxidative stress (OS) takes place when various reactive species and free radicals swamp the availability of antioxidants. Reactive nitrogen species, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and their counterpart antioxidants are important for host defense and physiological signaling pathways, and the development and progression of inflammation. During the disturbance of their normal steady states, imbalances between antioxidants and oxidants might induce pathological mechanisms that can further result in many non-respiratory and respiratory diseases including COPD. ROS might be either endogenously produced in response to various infectious pathogens including fungi, viruses, or bacteria, or exogenously generated from several inhaled particulate or gaseous agents including some occupational dust, cigarette smoke (CS), and air pollutants. Therefore, targeting systemic and local OS with therapeutic agents such as small molecules that can increase endogenous antioxidants or regulate the redox/antioxidants system can be an effective approach in treating COPD. Various thiol-based antioxidants including fudosteine, erdosteine, carbocysteine, and N-acetyl-L-cysteine have the capacity to increase thiol content in the lungs. Many synthetic molecules including inhibitors/blockers of protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation, catalytic antioxidants including superoxide dismutase mimetics, and spin trapping agents can effectively modulate CS-induced OS and its resulting cellular alterations. Several clinical and pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that these antioxidants have the capacity to decrease OS and affect the expressions of several pro-inflammatory genes and genes that are involved with redox and glutathione biosynthesis. In this article, we have summarized the role of OS in COPD pathogenesis. Furthermore, we have particularly focused on the therapeutic potential of numerous chemicals, particularly antioxidants in the treatment of COPD.
Advances in Electrostatic Spinning of Polymer Fibers Functionalized with Metal-Based Nanocrystals and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Li Haojun , Xu Meng , Shi Rui , Zhang Aiying , Zhang Jiatao
Published: August 2022

Considering the metal-based nanocrystal (NC) hierarchical structure requirements in many real applications, starting from basic synthesis principles of electrostatic spinning technology, the formation of functionalized fibrous materials with inorganic metallic and semiconductor nanocrystalline materials by electrostatic spinning synthesis technology in recent years was reviewed. Several typical electrostatic spinning synthesis methods for nanocrystalline materials in polymers are presented. Finally, the specific applications and perspectives of such electrostatic spun nanofibers in the biomedical field are reviewed in terms of antimicrobial fibers, biosensing and so on.
On the Distinctive Hardness, Anti-Corrosion Properties and Mechanisms of Flame-Deposited Carbon Coating with a Hierarchical Structure in Contrast to a Graphene Layer via Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Meng Wei , Zou Jinbin , Wang Xingyao , Zhang Peng , Du Xusheng
Published: August 2022

Two carbonaceous (amorphous carbon and graphene) coatings were catalytically grown on bulk Ni plates. It was found that the flame-deposited carbon (FDC) layers exhibited a unique hierarchical structure with the formation of FDC/Ni nano-interlocking interface. The effect of the flame coating time on its corrosion protective efficiency (PE) was studied and compared with that of graphene coating produced via chemical vapor deposition. The FDC grown for 10 min exhibited a PE of 92.7%, which was much greater than that of the graphene coating (75.6%). The anti-corrosive mechanisms of both coatings were revealed and compared. For graphene coatings, the higher reaction temperature than that for FDC resulted in large grain boundaries inherent in the coating. Such boundaries were weak points and easily initiated grain boundary corrosion. In contrast, corrosion started at only certain local defects in FDC layers, whose unique interface structure likely promoted its PE as well. Moreover, after the coating process, the hardness of FDC-coated Ni remained almost unchanged, in contrast to that of graphene-coated samples (reduced by ~30%). This is suggested to be related to the crystal structure evolution of the Ni substrate caused by the heat treatment accompanying the coating process.
Synergetic Effect of Li-Ion Concentration and Triple Doping on Ionic Conductivity of Li7La3Zr2O12 Solid Electrolyte
Authors: Nguyen Minh Hai , Park Sangbaek
Published: August 2022

Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) is a promising and safe solid electrolyte for all-solid-state batteries. To achieve high ionic conductivity of LLZO, stabilizing the cubic phase and reducing Li loss during the sintering process is essential. Therefore, reducing the sintering temperature, which increases the sintering time for high-density pellets, is necessary. Herein, we investigate the change in the crystal structure, morphology, and Li ionic conductivity of LLZO pellets by triple doping with Al, Ga, and Ta and modulating the variation in initial Li concentrations. Interestingly, the proportion of the conductive cubic phase increased with increasing Li stoichiometry by 1.1 times, and this tendency was further accelerated by triple doping. The synergetic effects of triple doping and Li concentration also minimized Li loss during sintering. Accordingly, it provided a high-quality LLZO pellet with good ionic conductivity (3.6 × 10−4 S cm−1) and high relative density (97.8%). Notably, the LLZO pellet was obtained using a very short sintering process (40 min). Considering that the most time-consuming step is the sintering process for LLZO, this study can provide guidelines for the fast production and commercialization of LLZO electrolytes with high ionic conductivity.
Covalent Organic Frameworks-TpPa-1 as an Emerging Platform for Electrochemical Sensing
Authors: Li Gang , Yuan Baiqing , Chen Sidi , Gan Liju , Xu Chunying
Published: August 2022

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a new type of metal-free porous architecture with a well-designed pore structure and high stability. Here an efficient electrochemical sensing platform was demonstrated based on COFs TpPa-1 constructed by 1,3,5-triformylphloroglucinol (Tp) with p-phenylenediamine (Pa-1), which possesses abundant nitrogen and oxo-functionalities. COFs TpPa-1 exhibited good water dispersibility and strong adsorption affinities for Pd2+ and thus was used as loading support to modify Pd2+. The Pd2+-modified COFs TpPa-1 electrode (Pd2+/COFs) showed high electrocatalytic activity for both hydrazine oxidation reaction and nitrophenol reduction reaction. In addition, TpPa-1-derived nitrogen-doped carbon presented high activity for the electro-oxidation of reduced glutathione (GSH), and sensitive electrochemical detection of GSH was achieved. The presented COFs TpPa-1 can be utilized as a precursor as well as support for anchoring electro-active molecules and nanoparticles, which will be useful for electrochemical sensing and electrocatalysis.
Performance Enhancement of Silver Nanowire-Based Transparent Electrodes by Ultraviolet Irradiation
Authors: Wang Shengyong , Liu Huan , Pan Yongqiang , Xie Fei , Zhang Yan , Zhao Jijie , Wen Shuai , Gao Fei
Published: August 2022

Silver nanowires (AgNWs) are used as transparent electrodes (TE) in many devices. However, the contact mode between the nanowires is the biggest reason why the sheet resistance of silver nanowires is limited. Here, simple and effective ultraviolet (UV) irradiation welding is chosen to solve this problem. The influence of the power density of the UV irradiation on welding of the silver nanowires is studied and the fixed irradiation time is chosen as one minute. The range of the UV (380 nm) irradiation power is chosen from 30 mW/cm2 to 150 mW/cm2. First of all, the transmittance of the silver nanowire film is not found to be affected by the UV welding (400–11,000 nm). The sheet resistance of the silver nanowires decreases to 73.9% at 60 mW/cm2 and increases to 127.6% at 120 mW/cm2. The investigations on the UV irradiation time reveal that the sheet resistance of the AgNWs decreases continuously when the UV irradiation time is varied from 0 to 3 min, and drops to 57.3% of the initial value at 3 min. From 3–6 min of the continuous irradiation time, the change of the sheet resistance is not obvious, which reflects the self-limiting and self-termination of AgNWs welding. By changing the wavelength of the UV irradiation from 350–400 nm, it is found that the welding effect is best when the UV wavelength is 380 nm. The average transmittance, square resistance, and the figure of merit of the welded AgNWs at 400–780 nm are 95.98%, 56.5 Ω/sq, and 117.42 × 10−4 Ω−1, respectively. The UV-welded AgNWs are also used in silicon-based photodetectors, and the quantum efficiency of the device is improved obviously.
Insight into the Investigation of Diamond Nanoparticles Suspended Therminol®55 Nanofluids on Concentrated Photovoltaic/Thermal Solar Collector
Authors: Das Likhan , Rubbi Fazlay , Habib Khairul , Aslfattahi Navid , Rahman Saidur , Yahya Syed Mohd , Kadirgama Kumaran
Published: August 2022

Nanofluids are identified as advanced working fluids in the solar energy conversion field with superior heat transfer characteristics. This research work introduces carbon-based diamond nanomaterial and Therminol®55 oil-based nanofluids for implementation in a concentrated photovoltaic/thermal (CPV/T) solar collector. This study focuses on the experimental formulation, characterization of properties, and performance evaluation of the nanofluid-based CPV/T system. Thermo-physical (thermal conductivity, viscosity, and rheology), optical (UV-vis and FT-IR), and stability (Zeta potential) properties of the formulated nanofluids are characterized at 0.001–0.1 wt.% concentrations of dispersed particles using experimental assessment. The maximum photo-thermal energy conversion efficiency of the base fluid is improved by 120.80% at 0.1 wt.%. The thermal conductivity of pure oil is increased by adding the nanomaterial. The highest enhancement of 73.39% is observed for the TH-55/DP nanofluid. Furthermore, dynamic viscosity decreased dramatically across the temperature range studied (20–100 °C), and the nanofluid exhibited dominant Newtonian flow behavior, with viscosity remaining nearly constant up to a shear rate of 100 s−1. Numerical simulations of the nanofluid-operated CPV/T collector have disclosed substantial improvements. At a concentrated solar irradiance of 5000 W/m2 and an optimal flow rate of 3 L/min, the highest thermal and electrical energy conversion efficiency enhancements are found to be 11 and 1.8%, respectively.
Effective Practical Solutions for De-Icing of Automotive Component
Authors: Tinti Andrea , Carallo Gloria Anna , Greco Antonio , Romero-Sánchez María Dolores , Vertuccio Luigi , Guadagno Liberata
Published: August 2022

Carbon Nanotube (CNTs)-based masterbatches have been mixed with thermoplastic polymers currently used to manufacture automotive components. These mixtures have been tailored to integrate an effective heating function in the materials. The manufacturing method for composite compounding and processing conditions significantly affects the electrical resistivity of the developed materials. The resistivity of the material can be controlled within tight tolerances sufficient to meet automotive requirements. The optimal compounding parameters of the melt process technologies were defined to obtain uniform filler dispersion and distribution. Heating and de-icing tests were performed on sheet specimens with optimized CNT content and electrical conductivity suitable for effective electro-thermal behaviour with low input voltages (≤24 V DC), making them safe for users. Finally, a simplified analytical model of the Joule effect arising from an energy balance of the system under study (heat equation) was developed and validated by comparison with experimental data for use in future development for the purpose of the preliminary design of components in the automotive sector.
On the Formation of Nanogratings in Commercial Oxide Glasses by Femtosecond Laser Direct Writing
Authors: Xie Qiong , Cavillon Maxime , Pugliese Diego , Janner Davide , Poumellec Bertrand , Lancry Matthieu
Published: August 2022

Nanogratings (NGs) are self-assembled subwavelength and birefringent nanostructures created by femtosecond laser direct writing (FLDW) in glass, which are of high interest for photonics, sensing, five-dimensional (5D) optical data storage, or microfluidics applications. In this work, NG formation windows were investigated in nine commercial glasses and as a function of glass viscosity and chemical composition. The NG windows were studied in an energy—frequency laser parameter landscape and characterized by polarizing optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Pure silica glass (Suprasil) exhibits the largest NG window, whereas alkali borosilicate glasses (7059 and BK7) present the smallest one. Moreover, the NG formation windows progressively reduced in the following order: ULE, GeO2, B33, AF32, and Eagle XG. The NG formation window in glasses was found to decrease with the increase of alkali and alkaline earth content and was correlated to the temperature dependence of the viscosity in these glasses. This work provides guidelines to the formation of NGs in commercial oxide glasses by FLDW.
Effect of Iodide-Based Organic Salts and Ionic Liquid Additives in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Performance
Authors: Sarrato João , Pinto Ana , Cruz Hugo , Jordão Noémi , Malta Gabriela , Branco Paula , Lima J. , Branco Luis
Published: August 2022

The use of ionic liquid and organic salts as additives for electrolyte systems in dye-sensitized solar cells have been widely described in recent years. The tunability of their physical-chemical properties according to the cation–anion selection contributes toward their high efficiencies. For this purpose, several iodide-based organic salts including imidazolium, picolinium, guanidinium and alkylammonium cations were tested using acetonitrile/valeronitrile electrolytes and their photovoltaic parameters were compared. A best efficiency of 4.48% (4.15% for the reference) was found for 1-ethyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium iodide ([C2DMIM]I) containing electrolyte, reaffirming the effectiveness of these additives. 4-tertbutylpyridine was included into the formulation to further improve the performance while determining which iodide salts demonstrate the highest synergy with this additive. [C2DMIM]I once again proved to be the superior additive, achieving an efficiency of 6.48% (6% for the reference). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was employed to elucidate the effects of the various additives, demonstrating the relevance of the counter electrode resistance on device performance. Finally, several computational descriptors for the cationic structures were calculated and correlated with the photovoltaic and resistance parameters, showing that properties related to polarity, namely relative positive charge, molecular polarizability and partition coefficient are in good agreement with the counter-electrode resistance.
A Patient with Erdheim-Chester Disease Limited to Central Nervous System
Authors: Gupta Rajesh K. , Haque Anam , Reddy Thejasvi A. , Pérez Carlos A.
Published: August 2022

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare, sporadic, non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis, a multisystem disorder, which has higher mortality when presented with CNS involvement. We report a 46-year-old woman who has ECD with exclusive CNS involvement. She presented with intracranial hemorrhage and had a poor response to corticosteroid and interferon. She required multiple debulking procedures and eventually responded well to cobimetinib. She has not had any other organ involvement thus far. This report highlights that CNS involvement may be the only manifestation of ECD and sometimes may require a repeat biopsy with IHC testing for excellent treatment outcomes.
Family-Run Pig Farms: Research and Extension Activities for Parasite Control in a Municipality in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Class Camila , Silveira Renato , Fialho Priscila , Silva Letícia , Lobão Lucas , Amendoeira Maria Regina , Barbosa Alynne
Published: August 2022

The parasites infesting pigs and pig farmers on family farms in Rio de Janeiro city, Brazil, were analyzed, and extension activities were carried out to impart information about parasites. Between 2020 and 2021, fecal samples were collected from 180 pigs as well as ear scrapings from 142 pigs. In addition, 34 stool specimens from farmers and their families were analyzed. The collected material was processed by parasitological techniques. Parasites were detected in 86.1% of the pigs, forms of phylum Ciliophora (70.5%), strongylids (56.7%), Strongyloides ransomi (44.4%), coccidia (38.3%) and Ascaris suum (32.2%). Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis were identified in 3.5% of the pigs. An analysis of infections by age group revealed that the general frequency of phylum Ciliophora and strongylid parasites was statistically significant. Other factors also associated with the frequency of the parasites included the type of food fed to the pigs, cleaning of the facilities, care of piglets and type of facility. The frequency of intestinal parasites of farmers themselves was low; however, the high rate of parasite infections detected in pigs highlighted the precarious conditions of hygiene of the farms. Lastly, the farmers’ participation in extension activities was a step forward in actions to improve their farm management.
LBMPL Vaccine Therapy Induces Progressive Organization of the Spleen Microarchitecture, Improved Th1 Adaptative Immune Response and Control of Parasitism in Leishmania infantum Naturally Infected Dogs
Authors: Roatt Bruno Mendes , de Oliveira Cardoso Jamille Mirelle , Reis Levi Eduardo Soares , Moreira Gabriel José Lucas , Gonçalves Letícia Captein , de Souza Marques Flávia , das Dores Moreira Nádia , de Abreu Vieira Paula Melo , de Oliveira Aguiar-Soares Rodrigo Dian , Giunchetti Rodolfo Cordeiro , Reis Alexandre Barbosa
Published: August 2022

The spleen plays a central role in human and canine visceral leishmaniasis, where the activation of the immune response occurs in one of the tissues where Leishmania infantum reproduces. Therefore, this organ is both a target to understand the mechanisms involved in the parasite control and a parameter for assessing the therapeutic response. In this sense, this study aimed to evaluate the main histological, immunological and parasitological aspects in the spleen of symptomatic dogs naturally infected by L. infantum treated with the therapeutic vaccine LBMPL. For this, dogs were divided into four groups: dogs uninfected and untreated (NI group); L. infantum-infected dogs that were not treated (INT group); L. infantum-infected dogs that received treatment only with monophosphoryl lipid A adjuvant (MPL group); and L. infantum-infected dogs that received treatment with the vaccine composed by L. braziliensis promastigote proteins associated with MPL adjuvant (LBMPL group). Ninety days after the therapeutics protocol, the dogs were euthanized and the spleen was collected for the proposed evaluations. Our results demonstrated a reduction of hyperplasia of red pulp and follicular area of white pulp, increased mRNA expression of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-12 and iNOS, and decreased IL-10 and TGF-β1, and intense reduction of splenic parasitism in dogs treated with the LBMPL vaccine. These results possibly suggest that the pro-inflammatory environment promoted the progressive organization of the splenic architecture favoring the cellular activation, with consequent parasite control. Along with previously obtained data, our results propose the LBMPL vaccine as a possible treatment strategy for canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL).
Bacteraemia Caused by Probiotic Strains of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus—Case Studies Highlighting the Need for Careful Thought before Using Microbes for Health Benefits
Authors: Mikucka Agnieszka , Deptuła Aleksander , Bogiel Tomasz , Chmielarczyk Agnieszka , Nurczyńska Elżbieta , Gospodarek-Komkowska Eugenia
Published: August 2022

Lactic acid bacteria belonging to Lactobacillus spp. and Lacticaseibacillus spp. are a natural part of fermented milk and other food products, probiotic supplements and human microbiota. They mainly belong to mucosal microflora, especially oral, vaginal and intestinal. Lacticaseibacillus spp. strains included in probiotics are generally characterised as safe microorganisms, and the species are concerned bacteria with very low pathogenic potential. However, infections caused by Lactobacillus spp. and Lacticaseibacillus spp., including bacteraemia and endocarditis, occur occasionally. The aim of the study was to present two cases of bacteraemia due to Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus associated with the use of a probiotic product. It afflicted patients in intensive care units. The investigation was preliminarily based on clinical and microbiological recognition of the cases. The initial observation was laboratory confirmed with the application of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) results. Identical PFGE patterns were obtained for the evaluated strains and the strains derived from a commercially available probiotic that was administered to those patients. The increasing number of studies describing opportunistic infections due to probiotic strains of Lacticaseibacillus spp. should result in verifying the safety of probiotic formulations used in immunocompromised patients and forming detailed guidelines for the use of probiotics among patients from several risk groups.
Retrospective Study of Appropriate Primary Prevention in Postmenopausal Women Presenting with a Major Adverse Cardiovascular Endpoint (MACE)
Authors: Cieri-Hutcherson Nicole E. , Lomakina Aleksandra , Chilbert Maya R.
Published: August 2022

Background: Postmenopausal women may be at an increased risk for cardiovascular events. The postmenopausal transition represents a key time for implementation of preventative strategies to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the appropriate use of primary prophylaxis of cardiovascular disease in this population and to determine if an opportunity exists for improvement in primary prevention prescribing. Methods: A single-center, retrospective study was conducted of postmenopausal women aged 45–60 years between 1 October 2019 and 30 April 2021 with a diagnosis of a new major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE). This study was approved by the University at Buffalo Institutional Review Board. Results: After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 231 patients were included and analyzed. Median age was 55 years; 66.6% white; median body mass index was 30.11 kg/m2; 30.3% history of diabetes; 51.1% current smokers; 82.3% with a primary care provider (PCP); 97.6% insured. Patients with diabetes, current smokers, and those without a PCP were more likely to have inappropriate primary prevention use than patients without diabetes, non-smokers, and with a PCP, respectively (78.7% vs. 51.3%, p = 0.0002; 57.6% vs. 42.4%, p = 0.0177; 73.7% vs. 56.0%, p = 0.0474). Specifically, current smokers, and those with diabetes had significantly more inappropriate use of aspirin and statins for primary prevention than non-smokers and patients without diabetes. Conclusions: This study observed the use of appropriate primary prevention therapies in postmenopausal women and found that an opportunity may exist to improve prescribing appropriate primary prevention therapies for certain groups, most notably in postmenopausal women with diabetes, smokers, uninsured, and those without a PCP.
Could a Computer Learn to Be an Appeals Court Judge? The Place of the Unspeakable and Unwriteable in All-Purpose Intelligent Systems
Authors: Woods John
Published: August 2022

I will take it that general intelligence is intelligence of the kind that a typical human being—Fred, say—manifests in his role as a cognitive agent, that is, as an acquirer, receiver and circulator of knowledge in his cognitive economy. Framed in these terms, the word “general” underserves our ends. Hereafter our questions will bear upon the all-purpose intelligence of beings like Fred. Frederika appears as Fred’s AI-counterpart, not as a fully programmed and engineered being, but as a presently unrealized theoretical construct. Our basic question is whether it is in principle possible to equip Frederika to do what Fred does as an all-purpose participant in his own cognitive economy. Can she achieve a sufficiency of relevant similarity to him to allow us to say that she herself can do what Fred can do, perhaps even better? One of the things that Fred can do—or at least could learn from experience to do—is discharge the duties of an Appeals Court judge. As set down in the ancient doctrine of lex non scripta, Fred must be able to detect, understand and correctly apply certain tacit and implicit rules of law which defy express propositional formulation and linguistic articulation. Fred has an even more widespread capacity for the epistemically tacit and implicit, clearly one of his most cost-saving kinds of intelligence. Indeed, most by far of what Fred will ever know he will know tacitly and implicitly. So we must ask: how tightly bound to the peculiarities of Fred’s cognitive enablement conditions is the character of the intelligence that he manifests? And how far down Fred’s causal make-up does intelligence actually go?
Broadband and High-Efficiency Multi-Tasking Silicon-Based Geometric-Phase Metasurfaces: A Review
Authors: Zeng Jinwei , Dong Yajuan , Zhang Jinrun , Wang Jian
Published: August 2022

Silicon (Si)-based geometric phase metasurfaces are fantastic state-of-the-art light field manipulators. While the optical metasurfaces generally excel in the micro-control of light with supreme accuracy and flexibility, the geometric phase principle grants them the much-desired broadband phase manipulation property, free from material dispersion. Furthermore, adopting Si as their fundamental material serves as a critical step toward applicable practice. Thanks to the optical lossless feature and CMOS compatibility, Si-based metasurfaces are bestowed with high efficiency and fabrication conveniency. As a result, the Si-based metasurfaces can be perfectly integrated into Si-based optoelectronic chips with on-demand functions, trending to replace the conventional bulky and insufficient macroscopic optical devices. Here we review the origin, physical characteristics, and recent development of Si-based geometric-phase metasurfaces, especially underscoring their important achievements in broadband, high efficiency, and multitasking functionalities. Lastly, we envision their typical potential applications that can be realized in the near future.
Physiological and Transcriptome Analyses of CaCl2 Treatment to Alleviate Chilling Injury in Pineapple
Authors: Zhang Mengzhuo , Zhang Qiang , Tian Cong , Liu Guangsen , Pan Yonggui , Xu Xiangbin , Shi Xuequn , Zhang Zhengke , Meng Lanhuan
Published: August 2022

The post-harvest ripening of pineapples can be effectively postponed by refrigerated storage. Nevertheless, internal browning (IB) frequently appears in pineapples after refrigerated storage during the course of the shelf life at room temperature, which is known as chilling injury (CI). In this study, the chilling injury of pineapple fruit was induced by a low temperature (6 °C) and transferred to normal-temperature storage; the best concentration of 50 μmol/L of CaCl2 was selected by the IB appearance and electrical conductivity. Fruit quality, reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidants, and transcription factors were investigated. The physiological data results indicated that pineapples treated with 50 μmol/L of CaCl2 maintained fruit quality, decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS), and enhanced the antioxidant activity of fruits, alleviating internal browning (IB) symptoms in pineapple fruit. The expressions of related genes were also consistent with the physiological changes by the transcriptome data analysis. In addition, we focused on some related metabolic pathways, including phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, MAPK pathway, plant hormone, plant–pathogen interaction, tricarboxylic acid cycle (TAC), and fatty acid biosynthesis. We performed integrative analyses of transcriptome data combined with a series of physiology and experimental analyses on the internal browning of pineapples, which will be of great significance to extending the shelf life of pineapples through molecular biology in the future.
Optimization of the Extraction Procedure for the Phenolic-Rich Glechoma hederacea L. Herb and Evaluation of Its Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Potential
Authors: Grabowska Karolina , Amanowicz Kinga , Paśko Paweł , Podolak Irma , Galanty Agnieszka
Published: August 2022

The dried Glechoma hederacea L. herb has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Its therapeutic potential is related to the presence of phenolic compounds. To optimize extraction efficiency the effect of the use of different techniques (HRE—heat reflux extraction, I/ME—infusion combined with maceration, UE—sonication and SE—Soxhlet extraction), various solvents (water and ethanol) and processing time (15 min to 2 h) on phenolics content was investigated. The HPLC method was applied to determine and compare the content of phenolic acids (rosmarinic, chlorogenic, protocatechuic) and flavonoids (rutin, isoquercetin) in the extracts. Furthermore, the cytotoxic activity of the extracts was examined for the first time against human cancer and normal cells of skin origin (A375, HTB140, HaCaT) and gastrointestinal origin (Caco-2 and HT-29, HepG2). In addition, the antioxidant potential was evaluated using the DPPH and FRAP method. The I/ME-water and HRE/ethanol procedures turned out to be optimal for obtaining extracts of dried G. hederacea L. herb rich in bioactive phenolics. These extracts exhibited high antioxidant activity, correlated with the content of the compounds analyzed. Furthermore, the extracts of the dried Glechoma herb were not toxic to normal human cells, indicating its safe use both internally and externally.
Effects of Insect-Resistant Maize 2A-7 Expressing mCry1Ab and mCry2Ab on the Soil Ecosystem
Authors: Yang Shuke , Liu Xin , Xu Xiaohui , Sun Hongwei , Li Fan , Hao Chaofeng , Lu Xingbo
Published: August 2022

Transgenic maize 2A-7 expressing mCry1Ab and mCry2Ab has excellent resistance to lepidopteran pests. Previous studies have investigated the effects of several Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins on the soil. However, the effects of artificially modified Bt proteins on soil ecosystems are still unclear. To evaluate the effects of transgenic maize 2A-7 on soil, the physicochemical properties, enzyme activities and functional diversities of the microbial communities in rhizosphere soils from 2A-7 and its near-isogenic non-transgenic control Dongdan 6531 were analyzed at different developmental stages under field conditions. The alteration of six physicochemical properties (pH, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, organic matter, available phosphorus and alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen) and six functional enzymes (catalase, alkaline phosphatase, sucrase, acid phosphatase, urease and alkaline protease) activities in the rhizosphere soils between the two maize cultivars were drastically correlated with plant growth stage, but not affected by the artificially modified Bt transgenes. An analysis of time-course Biolog data revealed that the functional diversity of microbial communities in the rhizosphere soil of 2A-7 and its control were similar at each developmental stage. The results suggest that transgenic maize 2A-7 has no significant impact on the soil ecosystem and provide valuable information on scientific safety assessments of 2A-7 and its commercial applications.