bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of Microgrid Frequency Stability Based on the Combined Power-to-Hydrogen-to-Power Technology under High Penetration Renewable Units
Authors: Youssef Abdel-Raheem , Mallah Mohamad , Ali Abdelfatah , Shaaban Mostafa F. , Mohamed Essam E. M.
Published: April 2023

Recently, with the large-scale integration of renewable energy sources into microgrid (μGs) power electronics, distributed energy systems have gained popularity. However, low inertia reduces system frequency stability and anti-disturbance capabilities, exposing power quality to intermittency and uncertainty in photovoltaics or wind turbines. To ensure system stability, the virtual inertia control (VIC) is presented. This paper proposes two solutions to overcome the low inertia problem and the surplus in capacities resulting from renewable energy sources. The first solution employs superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES), which can be deemed as an efficient solution for damping the frequency oscillations. Therefore, in this work, SMES that is managed by a simple proportional-integral-derivative controller (PID) controller is utilized to overcome the low inertia. In the second solution, the hydrogen storage system is employed to maintain the stability of the microgrid by storing surplus power generated by renewable energy sources (RESs). Power-to-Power is a method of storing excess renewable energy as chemical energy in the form of hydrogen. Hydrogen can be utilized locally or delivered to a consumption node. The proposed μG operation demonstrates that the integration of the photovoltaics (PVs), wind turbines (WTs), diesel engine generator (DEG), electrolyzer, micro gas turbine (μGT), and SMES is adequate to fulfill the load requirements under transient operating circumstances such as a low and high PV output power as well as to adapt to sudden changes in the load demand. The effectiveness of the proposed schemes is confirmed using real irradiance data (Benban City, Egypt) using a MATLAB/SIMULINK environment.
Effects of Seedling Size, Stock Type, and Mechanical Site Preparation Method on Initial Survival and Growth of Japanese Larch (Larix kaempferi) Seedlings
Authors: Harayama Hisanori , Tsuyama Ikutaro , Kitao Mitsutoshi , Yamada Takeshi , Furuya Naoyuki , Utsugi Hajime , Sasaki Shozo
Published: April 2023

It is important to understand the characteristics of Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) seedlings that allow them to grow vigorously after planting and quickly exceed the height of surrounding vegetation, resulting in lower weeding costs. Seven stock types, including bareroot and container-grown seedlings, were planted in two plots with different mechanical-site-preparation (MSP) methods and evaluated for survival, height, and root collar diameter (RCD) for four consecutive years. Three-year-old bareroot seedlings, which were one year older and larger than normal, had low survival rates in the mulcher MSP. Initial seedling height significantly differed among the seven stock types, while almost no significant differences were observed after four growing seasons. Model analyses showed that initial seedling height and RCD had a significant effect on seedling height after planting until the second growing season, while the effect of planted seedling age and plot became increasingly significant after the third growing season. The difference in seedling type, bareroot versus container-grown seedlings, had no effect on the seedling height during the four growing seasons after planting. A decision tree analysis suggests that the seedlings with sufficiently large RCD and young age, regardless of seedling type, can grow taller than surrounding vegetation more quickly.
An Extended Unit Restriction Model with Environmental Considerations for Forest Harvesting
Authors: Ríos-Mercado Roger Z. , López-Locés Mario C. , Aguirre-Calderón Oscar A. , Weintraub Andrés , Beltrán-Pérez Carlos
Published: April 2023

This paper addresses a forest harvesting problem with adjacency constraints, including additional environmental constraints to protect wildlife habitats and minimize infrastructure deployment costs. To this end, we propose an integer programming model to include those considerations during the optimization of the harvest regime of a Mexican forest. The model considered was based on the Unit Restriction Model, a benchmark approach that merges the management units before the optimization process. The resulting model, namely the Green Unit Restriction Model (GURM) and the benchmark model (URM) from the literature were tested with the forest Las Bayas, using information obtained from the SiPlaFor project from Universidad Juárez. The proposed model was solvable in all tested instances. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis study over a core data set of test instances was carried out on the different parameters of the GURM model to determine optimal configurations for the specific case study. Several environmental measures were assessed in our experimental work. The parameters evaluated were the distance value between pairs of units harvested in the same period, the distance value between those considered natural reserve units, the timber volume to be harvested, the green-up period, and the minimum forest reserve area. An interesting observation from the experiments was that the maximum area inversely affected the URM and GURM models; larger regions resulted in a reduced number of management units in the URM model, thus reducing the computational time to solve the instance of the problem, but in this case, at the expense of a reduced profit. One of the interesting findings was that, in all experiments under all different factors, harvesting every 5 or 6 years yields better profits than harvesting every 10 or 12 years. The current standard in the Mexican system is to harvest every 10 years.
Adaptive Trait Variation in Seedlings of Rare Endemic Mexican Spruce Provenances under Nursery Conditions
Authors: Wehenkel Christian , Torres-Valverde José Marcos , Hernández-Díaz José Ciro , Mendoza-Maya Eduardo , Carrillo-Parra Artemio , Solis-González Santiago , López-Upton Javier
Published: April 2023

The distributions of the three Mexican spruces are fragmented, possibly leading to phenological, morphological and genetic differentiation, which is partly caused by local adaptation. In this study, we estimated for the first time the intra- and inter-specific phenotypic variation in 5641 seedlings from provenances of the three Mexican spruces. We examined (i) provenance-related differences in the seedling survival rate, diameter (D), height (H) and seed weight (SW) as quantitative traits, (ii) the association between the survival rate, D, H and SW and climatic and soil variables in the Picea provenances and (iii) (narrow-sense) heritability (within-provenance) based on D and H under the same nursery conditions, assuming that the response can be considered as a proxy for quantitative genetic differentiation between provenances. All Mexican spruce species differed significantly in H, and all eight provenances studied were significantly different in D and H, except for two neighboring provenances of P. mexicana. Very strong, significant correlations (up to R2 = 0.96) were found between H, the survival rate and SW with respect to environmental factors of provenance/seed origin. Additionally, the heritability index explained a high percentage of the provenance-related variance. The use of germplasm for restoration in different sites and with different populations requires collecting seeds from numerous trees from as many provenances as possible, but should be carried out with caution owing to the apparently strong local adaptation in provenances of the Mexican spruces.
Rising Temperature and the Spatiotemporal Patterns of Foot and Mouth Disease of Livestock in Mongolia
Authors: Mun William , Garroutte Erica , Obasanjo Iyabo
Published: April 2023

Background: Climate change is projected to have cascading effects on the environment and thereby trigger effects on animal health, human health and wellbeing. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals that has had dramatic socioeconomic impacts on nomadic pastoralist communities who are increasingly vulnerable to environmental degradation and climate change. FMD outbreaks are occurring more frequently in Mongolia and the effects of climatic change, such as more droughts, increasing temperature, and changing snow fall patterns, are also becoming more obvious. Methods: In this study we use spatiotemporal mapping and regression analyses to explore trends and associations between climate variables and FMD outbreaks across Mongolia from 2010 to 2020. Results: We found that the number of days with temperature above 80 °F in a province in a given year was associated with having a FMD outbreak. None of the other climate variables were associated with FMD outbreaks at the provincial level. Conclusion: Given the projected increase in warming temperatures across Mongolia, there is a need to further explore the association between rising temperatures and FMD outbreaks to prevent FMD from having cascading impacts on nomadic herder communities. Mitigating approaches for herders to use to reduce the impact of rising number of hot days on FMD spread needs to be devised and governments in countries with nomadic herding communities should enact climate adaptation policies for them.
Extracellular Matrix Regulation in Physiology and in Brain Disease
Authors: Soles Alyssa , Selimovic Adem , Sbrocco Kaelin , Ghannoum Ferris , Hamel Katherine , Moncada Emmanuel Labrada , Gilliat Stephen , Cvetanovic Marija
Published: April 2023

The extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounds cells in the brain, providing structural and functional support. Emerging studies demonstrate that the ECM plays important roles during development, in the healthy adult brain, and in brain diseases. The aim of this review is to briefly discuss the physiological roles of the ECM and its contribution to the pathogenesis of brain disease, highlighting the gene expression changes, transcriptional factors involved, and a role for microglia in ECM regulation. Much of the research conducted thus far on disease states has focused on “omic” approaches that reveal differences in gene expression related to the ECM. Here, we review recent findings on alterations in the expression of ECM-associated genes in seizure, neuropathic pain, cerebellar ataxia, and age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Next, we discuss evidence implicating the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) in regulating the expression of ECM genes. HIF-1 is induced in response to hypoxia, and also targets genes involved in ECM remodeling, suggesting that hypoxia could contribute to ECM remodeling in disease conditions. We conclude by discussing the role microglia play in the regulation of the perineuronal nets (PNNs), a specialized form of ECM in the central nervous system. We show evidence that microglia can modulate PNNs in healthy and diseased brain states. Altogether, these findings suggest that ECM regulation is altered in brain disease, and highlight the role of HIF-1 and microglia in ECM remodeling.
Emerging Non-Antibiotic Options Targeting Uropathogenic Mechanisms for Recurrent Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Chen Yu-Chen , Lee Wei-Chia , Chuang Yao-Chi
Published: April 2023

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most frequent bacterial infections in the clinical setting. Even without underlying anatomic or functional abnormalities, more than 40% of women experience at least one UTI in their lifetime, of which 30% develop recurrent UTIs (rUTIs) within 6 months. Conventional management with antibiotics for rUTIs may eventually lead to the development of multidrug-resistant uropathogens. Targeting of the pathogenicity of rUTIs, the evolution of uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), and inadequate host defenses by immune responses should be explored to provide non-antibiotic solutions for the management of rUTIs. The adaptive evolution of UPEC has been observed in several aspects, including colonization, attachment, invasion, and intracellular replication to invade the urothelium and survive intracellularly. Focusing on the antivirulence of UPEC and modulating the immunity of susceptible persons, researchers have provided potential alternative solutions in four categories: antiadhesive treatments (i.e., cranberries and D-mannose), immunomodulation therapies, vaccines, and prophylaxis with topical estrogen therapy and probiotics (e.g., Lactobacillus species). Combination therapies targeting multiple pathogenic mechanisms are expected to be a future trend in UTI management, although some of these treatment options have not been well established in terms of their long-term efficacy. Additional clinical trials are warranted to validate the therapeutic efficacy and durability of these techniques.
R-Loops and R-Loop-Binding Proteins in Cancer Progression and Drug Resistance
Authors: Elsakrmy Noha , Cui Haissi
Published: April 2023

R-loops are three-stranded DNA/RNA hybrids that form by the annealing of the mRNA transcript to its coding template while displacing the non-coding strand. While R-loop formation regulates physiological genomic and mitochondrial transcription and DNA damage response, imbalanced R-loop formation can be a threat to the genomic integrity of the cell. As such, R-loop formation is a double-edged sword in cancer progression, and perturbed R-loop homeostasis is observed across various malignancies. Here, we discuss the interplay between R-loops and tumor suppressors and oncogenes, with a focus on BRCA1/2 and ATR. R-loop imbalances contribute to cancer propagation and the development of chemotherapy drug resistance. We explore how R-loop formation can cause cancer cell death in response to chemotherapeutics and be used to circumvent drug resistance. As R-loop formation is tightly linked to mRNA transcription, their formation is unavoidable in cancer cells and can thus be explored in novel cancer therapeutics.
Adhesion to the Brain Endothelium Selects Breast Cancer Cells with Brain Metastasis Potential
Authors: Zhang Bai , Li Xueyi , Tang Kai , Xin Ying , Hu Guanshuo , Zheng Yufan , Li Keming , Zhang Cunyu , Tan Youhua
Published: April 2023

Tumor cells metastasize from a primary lesion to distant organs mainly through hematogenous dissemination, in which tumor cell re-adhesion to the endothelium is essential before extravasating into the target site. We thus hypothesize that tumor cells with the ability to adhere to the endothelium of a specific organ exhibit enhanced metastatic tropism to this target organ. This study tested this hypothesis and developed an in vitro model to mimic the adhesion between tumor cells and brain endothelium under fluid shear stress, which selected a subpopulation of tumor cells with enhanced adhesion strength. The selected cells up-regulated the genes related to brain metastasis and exhibited an enhanced ability to transmigrate through the blood–brain barrier. In the soft microenvironments that mimicked brain tissue, these cells had elevated adhesion and survival ability. Further, tumor cells selected by brain endothelium adhesion expressed higher levels of MUC1, VCAM1, and VLA-4, which were relevant to breast cancer brain metastasis. In summary, this study provides the first piece of evidence to support that the adhesion of circulating tumor cells to the brain endothelium selects the cells with enhanced brain metastasis potential.
Pharmaco-Omics in Psoriasis: Paving the Way towards Personalized Medicine
Authors: Antonatos Charalabos , Asmenoudi Paschalia , Panoutsopoulou Mariza , Vasilopoulos Yiannis
Published: April 2023

The emergence of high-throughput approaches has had a profound impact on personalized medicine, evolving the identification of inheritable variation to trajectory analyses of transient states and paving the way for the unveiling of response biomarkers. The utilization of the multi-layered pharmaco-omics data, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and relevant biological information, has facilitated the identification of key molecular biomarkers that can predict the response to therapy, thereby optimizing treatment regiments and providing the framework for a tailored treatment plan. Despite the availability of multiple therapeutic options for chronic diseases, the highly heterogeneous clinical response hinders the alleviation of disease signals and exacerbates the annual burden and cost of hospitalization and drug regimens. This review aimed to examine the current state of the pharmaco-omic approaches performed in psoriasis, a common inflammatory disease of the skin. We sought to identify central studies that investigate the inter-individual variability and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of drug response progression via biological profiling in psoriatic patients administered with the extended therapeutic armamentarium of psoriasis, incorporating conventional therapies, small molecules, as well as biological drugs that inhibit central pathogenic cytokines involved in the disease pathogenesis.
New Insights on Metabolic Features of Bacillus subtilis Based on Multistrain Genome-Scale Metabolic Modeling
Authors: Blázquez Blas , San León David , Rojas Antonia , Tortajada Marta , Nogales Juan
Published: April 2023

Bacillus subtilis is an effective workhorse for the production of many industrial products. The high interest aroused by B. subtilis has guided a large metabolic modeling effort of this species. Genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) are powerful tools for predicting the metabolic capabilities of a given organism. However, high-quality GEMs are required in order to provide accurate predictions. In this work, we construct a high-quality, mostly manually curated genome-scale model for B. subtilis (iBB1018). The model was validated by means of growth performance and carbon flux distribution and provided significantly more accurate predictions than previous models. iBB1018 was able to predict carbon source utilization with great accuracy while identifying up to 28 metabolites as potential novel carbon sources. The constructed model was further used as a tool for the construction of the panphenome of B. subtilis as a species, by means of multistrain genome-scale reconstruction. The panphenome space was defined in the context of 183 GEMs representative of 183 B. subtilis strains and the array of carbon sources sustaining growth. Our analysis highlights the large metabolic versatility of the species and the important role of the accessory metabolism as a driver of the panphenome, at a species level.
HSV-1 Glycoprotein D and Its Surface Receptors: Evaluation of Protein–Protein Interaction and Targeting by Triazole-Based Compounds through In Silico Approaches
Authors: Bivacqua Roberta , Romeo Isabella , Barreca Marilia , Barraja Paola , Alcaro Stefano , Montalbano Alessandra
Published: April 2023

Protein–protein interactions (PPI) represent attractive targets for drug design. Thus, aiming at a deeper insight into the HSV-1 envelope glycoprotein D (gD), protein–protein docking and dynamic simulations of gD-HVEM and gD-Nectin-1 complexes were performed. The most stable complexes and the pivotal key residues useful for gD to anchor human receptors were identified and used as starting points for a structure-based virtual screening on a library of both synthetic and designed 1,2,3-triazole-based compounds. Their binding properties versus gD interface with HVEM and Nectin-1 along with their structure-activity relationships (SARs) were evaluated. Four [1,2,3]triazolo[4,5-b]pyridines were identified as potential HSV-1 gD inhibitors, for their good theoretical affinity towards all conformations of HSV-1 gD. Overall, this study suggests promising basis for the design of new antiviral agents targeting gD as a valuable strategy to prevent viral attachment and penetration into the host cell.
The Role of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Bone Healing: Systematic Review
Authors: Berni Micaela , Brancato Alice Maria , Torriani Camilla , Bina Valentina , Annunziata Salvatore , Cornella Elena , Trucchi Michelangelo , Jannelli Eugenio , Mosconi Mario , Gastaldi Giulia , Caliogna Laura , Grassi Federico Alberto , Pasta Gianluigi
Published: April 2023

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a treatment that is increasingly used in orthopedics practices. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) promotes angiogenesis, fracture healing and osteogenic differentiation of stem cells. However, the underlying mechanisms during bone formation remain largely unknown. Factors such as wavelength, energy density, irradiation and frequency of LLLT can influence the cellular mechanisms. Moreover, the effects of LLLT are different according to cell types treated. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge of the molecular pathways activated by LLLT and its effects on the bone healing process. A better understanding of the cellular mechanisms activated by LLLT can improve its clinical application.
Appropriate Macronutrients or Mineral Elements Are Beneficial to Improve Depression and Reduce the Risk of Depression
Authors: Quan Zhengyang , Li Hui , Quan Zhenzhen , Qing Hong
Published: April 2023

Depression is a common mental disorder that seriously affects the quality of life and leads to an increasing global suicide rate. Macro, micro, and trace elements are the main components that maintain normal physiological functions of the brain. Depression is manifested in abnormal brain functions, which are considered to be tightly related to the imbalance of elements. Elements associated with depression include glucose, fatty acids, amino acids, and mineral elements such as lithium, zinc, magnesium, copper, iron, and selenium. To explore the relationship between these elements and depression, the main literature in the last decade was mainly searched and summarized on PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and other electronic databases with the keywords “depression, sugar, fat, protein, lithium, zinc, magnesium, copper, iron, and selenium”. These elements aggravate or alleviate depression by regulating a series of physiological processes, including the transmission of neural signals, inflammation, oxidative stress, neurogenesis, and synaptic plasticity, which thus affect the expression or activity of physiological components such as neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors, receptors, cytokines, and ion-binding proteins in the body. For example, excessive fat intake can lead to depression, with possible mechanisms including inflammation, increased oxidative stress, reduced synaptic plasticity, and decreased expression of 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Postsynaptic density protein 95(PSD-95), etc. Supplementing mineral elements, such as selenium, zinc, magnesium, or lithium as a psychotropic medication is mostly used as an auxiliary method to improve depression with other antidepressants. In general, appropriate nutritional elements are essential to treat depression and prevent the risk of depression.
Genome-Wide Identification, Evolution, and Expression Analyses of AP2/ERF Family Transcription Factors in Erianthus fulvus
Authors: Qian Zhenfeng , Rao Xibing , Zhang Rongqiong , Gu Shujie , Shen Qingqing , Wu Huaying , Lv Shaozhi , Xie Linyan , Li Xianli , Wang Xianhong , Chen Shuying , Liu Lufeng , He Lilian , Li Fusheng
Published: April 2023

The AP2/ERF transcription factor family is one of the most important gene families in plants and plays a vital role in plant abiotic stress responses. Although Erianthus fulvus is very important in the genetic improvement of sugarcane, there are few studies concerning AP2/ERF genes in E. fulvus. Here, we identified 145 AP2/ERF genes in the E. fulvus genome. Phylogenetic analysis classified them into five subfamilies. Evolutionary analysis showed that tandem and segmental duplication contributed to the expansion of the EfAP2/ERF family. Protein interaction analysis showed that twenty-eight EfAP2/ERF proteins and five other proteins had potential interaction relationships. Multiple cis-acting elements present in the EfAP2/ERF promoter were related to abiotic stress response, suggesting that EfAP2/ERF may contribute to adaptation to environmental changes. Transcriptomic and RT-qPCR analyses revealed that EfDREB10, EfDREB11, EfDREB39, EfDREB42, EfDREB44, EfERF43, and EfAP2-13 responded to cold stress, EfDREB5 and EfDREB42 responded to drought stress, and EfDREB5, EfDREB11, EfDREB39, EfERF43, and EfAP2-13 responded to ABA treatment. These results will be helpful for better understanding the molecular features and biological role of the E. fulvus AP2/ERF genes and lay a foundation for further research on the function of EfAP2/ERF genes and the regulatory mechanism of the abiotic stress response.
Tryptophan in Nutrition and Health 2.0
Authors: Poeggeler Burkhard , Singh Sandeep Kumar , Sambamurti Kumar , Pappolla Miguel Angelo
Published: April 2023

This editorial summarizes the eight articles that have been collected for the Special Issue entitled “Tryptophan in Nutrition and Health 2 [...]
The Variety of 3D Breast Cancer Models for the Study of Tumor Physiology and Drug Screening
Authors: Fröhlich Eleonore
Published: April 2023

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and responsible for multiple deaths worldwide. 3D cancer models enable a better representation of tumor physiology than the conventional 2D cultures. This review summarizes the important components of physiologically relevant 3D models and describes the spectrum of 3D breast cancer models, e.g., spheroids, organoids, breast cancer on a chip and bioprinted tissues. The generation of spheroids is relatively standardized and easy to perform. Microfluidic systems allow control over the environment and the inclusion of sensors and can be combined with spheroids or bioprinted models. The strength of bioprinting relies on the spatial control of the cells and the modulation of the extracellular matrix. Except for the predominant use of breast cancer cell lines, the models differ in stromal cell composition, matrices and fluid flow. Organoids are most appropriate for personalized treatment, but all technologies can mimic most aspects of breast cancer physiology. Fetal bovine serum as a culture supplement and Matrigel as a scaffold limit the reproducibility and standardization of the listed 3D models. The integration of adipocytes is needed because they possess an important role in breast cancer.
Metastasis Inhibition
Authors: Shibata Masa-Aki , Taniguchi Kohei
Published: April 2023

Cancer metastasis is a common biological phenomenon observed in malignant tumors that can lead to death in affected individuals [...]
Strategy for Pre-Clinical Development of Active Targeting MicroRNA Oligonucleotide Therapeutics for Unmet Medical Needs
Authors: Thibonnier Marc , Ghosh Sujoy
Published: April 2023

We present here an innovative modular and outsourced model of drug research and development for microRNA oligonucleotide therapeutics (miRNA ONTs). This model is being implemented by a biotechnology company, namely AptamiR Therapeutics, in collaboration with Centers of Excellence in Academic Institutions. Our aim is to develop safe, effective and convenient active targeting miRNA ONT agents for the metabolic pandemic of obesity and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), as well as deadly ovarian cancer.
Breeding and Genomic Approaches towards Development of Fusarium Wilt Resistance in Chickpea
Authors: Yadav Rakesh Kumar , Tripathi Manoj Kumar , Tiwari Sushma , Tripathi Niraj , Asati Ruchi , Patel Vinod , Sikarwar R. S. , Payasi Devendra K.
Published: April 2023

Chickpea is an important leguminous crop with potential to provide dietary proteins to both humans and animals. It also ameliorates soil nitrogen through biological nitrogen fixation. The crop is affected by an array of biotic and abiotic factors. Among different biotic stresses, a major fungal disease called Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (FOC), is responsible for low productivity in chickpea. To date, eight pathogenic races of FOC (race 0, 1A, and 1B/C, 2-6) have been reported worldwide. The development of resistant cultivars using different conventional breeding methods is very time consuming and depends upon the environment. Modern technologies can improve conventional methods to solve these major constraints. Understanding the molecular response of chickpea to Fusarium wilt can help to provide effective management strategies. The identification of molecular markers closely linked to genes/QTLs has provided great potential for chickpea improvement programs. Moreover, omics approaches, including transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics give scientists a vast viewpoint of functional genomics. In this review, we will discuss the integration of all available strategies and provide comprehensive knowledge about chickpea plant defense against Fusarium wilt.
Specimen Size Effect on the Tensile Properties of Rolled Steel of Long-Term-Operated Portal Crane
Authors: Zvirko Olha , Dzioba Ihor , Hredil Myroslava , Pała Robert , Oliynyk Oleksandr , Furmańczyk Piotr
Published: April 2023

This paper presents the research results on the mechanical behavior of the low-carbon rolled steel of a sea portal crane after a 33-year operation depending on the operational stresses and rolling direction in order to assess its serviceability. The tensile properties of steels were investigated using rectangular cross-section specimens with different thicknesses and the same width. Strength indicators were slightly dependent on the considered factors (operational conditions, the cutting direction, and thickness of specimens). However, a clear trend of higher ultimate strength for thinner specimens was noticed, especially in the case of more brittle material due to its operational degradation. Plasticity of the tested steel specimens was more sensitive to the influence of the above-mentioned factors than strength but less sensitive than impact toughness. Uniform elongation was slightly less for thinner specimens regardless of the investigated steel state or the orientation of specimens relative to the rolling direction. The post-necking elongation was lower for transversal specimens compared with longitudinal ones, and the effect was more significant when testing steel with the lowest brittle fracture resistance. Among the tensile properties, non-uniform elongation was demonstrated to be the most effective for assessing the operational changes in the state of rolled steels.
Formation of Self-Healing Organic Coatings for Corrosion Protection of Al Alloys by Dispersion of Spherical and Fibrous Capsules
Authors: Chiba Makoto , Tsuji Yuki , Takada Rin , Eguchi Yuri , Takahashi Hideaki
Published: April 2023

In previous works, we developed a self-healing organic coating with dispersed spherical capsules for corrosion protection. The capsule consisted of a polyurethane shell and healing agent as the inner. When the coating was damaged physically, the capsules were broken, and the healing agent was released from the broken capsules to the damaged area. The healing agent could react with moisture in the air to form the self-healing structure and cover the damaged area of coating. In the present investigation, a self-healing organic coating with spherical and fibrous capsules was formed on aluminum alloys. The corrosion behavior of the specimen coated with the self-healing coating was examined in a Cu2+/Cl− solution after physical damage, and it was found that no corrosion occurred during the corrosion test. This is discussed in terms of the high healing ability of fibrous capsules as a result of the high projected area.
Broadband and Multi-Cylinder-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Mechanical Energy Harvesting with High Space Utilization
Authors: Chen Xu , Cao Bao , Yang Chao , Zhang Haonan , Fang Lin , Chen Chen , Wang Zixun , He Wen , Wang Peihong
Published: April 2023

The development and utilization of new energy sources is an effective means of addressing the limits of traditional fossil energy resources and the problem of environmental pollution. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) show great potential for applications in harvesting low-frequency mechanical energy from the environment. Here, we propose a multi-cylinder-based triboelectric nanogenerator (MC-TENG) with broadband and high space utilization for harvesting mechanical energy from the environment. The structure consisted of two TENG units (TENG I and TENG II) assembled by a central shaft. Both an internal rotor and an external stator were included in each TENG unit, operating in oscillating and freestanding layer mode. On one hand, the resonant frequencies of the masses in the two TENG units were different at the maximum angle of oscillation, allowing for energy harvesting in a broadband range (2.25–4 Hz). On the other hand, the internal space of TENG II was fully utilized, and the maximum peak power of the two TENG units connected in parallel reached 23.55 mW. In contrast, the peak power density reached 31.23 Wm−3, significantly higher than that of a single TENG unit. In the demonstration, the MC-TENG could power 1000 LEDs, a thermometer/hygrometer, and a calculator continuously. Therefore, the MC-TENG will have excellent application in the field of blue energy harvesting in the future.
Characterization of the 1-(5-(4,5-Dimethyl-1,3,2-dioxoborolan-2-yl)thiophen-2-yl)ethanone Using NMR 13C, 1H and 11B through the Density Functional Theory
Authors: Guevara Ulises J. , Núñez R. Jesús B. , Lozada-Yavina Rafael , Tiutiunnyk Anton , Pérez Laura M. , Díaz Pablo , Urdaneta Neudo , Laroze David
Published: April 2023

The use of computational methods that allow us to perform characterization on new compounds is not a novelty; nevertheless, the degree of complexity of the structures makes their study more challenging since new techniques and methods are required to adjust to the new structural model. The case of nuclear magnetic resonance characterization of boronate esters is fascinating because of its widespread use in materials science. In this paper, we use density functional theory to characterize the structure of the compound 1-[5-(4,5-Dimethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)thiophen-2-yl]ethanonea by means of nuclear magnetic resonance. We studied the compound in its solid form with the PBE–GGA and PBEsol–GGA functionals, with a set of plane wave functions and an augmented wave projector, which included gauge in CASTEP and its molecular structure with the B3LYP functional using the package Gaussian 09. In addition, we performed the optimization and calculation of the chemical shifts and isotropic nuclear magnetic resonance shielding of 1H, 13C, and 11B. Finally, we analyzed and compared the theoretical results with experimental diffractometric data observing a good approximation.
Experimental Study on the Mechanical Behavior of Dry Corn Stalk Cutting
Authors: Wilczyński Dominik , Wałęsa Krzysztof , Talaśka Krzysztof , Wojtkowiak Dominik
Published: April 2023

This work presents an experimental study of cutting corn stalks for thermal energy generation. The study was carried out for the values of blade angle in the range of α = 30–80°, distance between the blade and the counter-blade g = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 mm and the velocity of the blade V = 1, 4, 8 mm/s. The measured results were used to determine shear stresses and cutting energy. The ANOVA variance analysis tool was used to determine the interactions between the initial process variables and the responses. Furthermore, the blade load-state analysis was carried out, together with determining the knife blade strength characteristic, based on the determination criteria for the strength of the cutting tool. Therefore, the force ratio Fcc/Tx was determined as the determinant of strength, and its variance characteristic in the function of the blade angle, α, was used in the performed optimization. The optimization criteria entailed the determination of such values of the blade angle, α, for which the cutting force value, Fcc, and the coefficient of knife blade strength approached the minimum value. Hence, the optimized value of the blade angle, α, within the range 40–60° was determined, depending on the assumed weight parameters for the above-mentioned criteria.
Advances in Natural Products from the Marine-Sponge-Associated Microorganisms with Antimicrobial Activity in the Last Decade
Authors: Liang Jiaqi , She Jianglian , Fu Jun , Wang Jiamin , Ye Yuxiu , Yang Bin , Liu Yonghong , Zhou Xuefeng , Tao Huaming
Published: April 2023

Microorganisms are the dominating source of food and nutrition for sponges and play an important role in sponge structure, chemical defense, excretion and evolution. In recent years, plentiful secondary metabolites with novel structures and specific activities have been identified from sponge-associated microorganisms. Additionally, as the phenomenon of the drug resistance of pathogenic bacteria is becoming more and more common, it is urgent to discover new antimicrobial agents. In this paper, we reviewed 270 secondary metabolites with potential antimicrobial activity against a variety of pathogenic strains reported in the literature from 2012 to 2022. Among them, 68.5% were derived from fungi, 23.3% originated from actinomycetes, 3.7% were obtained from other bacteria and 4.4% were discovered using the co-culture method. The structures of these compounds include terpenoids (13%), polyketides (51.9%), alkaloids (17.4%), peptides (11.5%), glucosides (3.3%), etc. Significantly, there are 124 new compounds and 146 known compounds, 55 of which have antifungal activity in addition to antipathogenic bacteria. This review will provide a theoretical basis for the further development of antimicrobial drugs.
Preparation and Antibiosis Investigation of Kaolinite Nanotubes and Silver Nanowires Co-Doped Electrospinning-Silk Fibroin/Gelatin Porous Fiber Films
Authors: Xiao Jiamin , Li Yanfang , Wang Jianliang , Xu Yizhe , Zhang Guoren , Leng Chongyan
Published: April 2023

Skin wounds are one of the most common injuries for the human body; they can lead to an infection and cause tissue necrosis and even life-threatening injuries. Therefore, it is an urgent task to develop skin scaffold materials to meet the various needs of restoring skin’s structural integrity. In this research, kaolinite nanotubes and silver nanowires co-doped silk fibroin and gelatin composite porous fiber films were fabricated by an electrospinning method. The composition, micrograph, chemical states of elements included, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial properties of the samples produced were analyzed. After co-doping kaolinite nanotubes and silver nanowires, the fiber diameter of the porous fiber films became uniform, and the beads in the film were reduced significantly. The silk fibroin/gelatin/kaolinite nanotubes/silver nanowire (SF/GEL/KA-N/AgNWs) film shows antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, and the antibacterial rings were 7.42 mm and 5.76 mm, respectively. All the films were free of cytotoxicity and provided good biocompatibility, which is a great clinical application potential in skin.
Low-Profile and Wider-Angle Beam Tilting Parasitic Array Resonator Antenna with Optimized Deflected Ground Plane on FR-4 Substrate
Authors: Mohd Zainudin Nur Ain Fatihah , Osman Mohamed Nasrun , Sabapathy Thennarasan , Jusoh Muzammil , Mohd Yasin Mohd Najib , A. Rahim Mohamad Kamal
Published: April 2023

A low-profile and wide-angle radiation pattern reconfigurable antenna is designed, analyzed, and fabricated for wireless sensor network (WSN) applications, which operate at a 2.5-GHz frequency. This work aims to minimize the number of switches and optimize the parasitic size and ground plane to achieve a steering angle of more than 30° using a low cost-high loss FR-4 substrate. The radiation pattern reconfigurability is achieved by introducing four parasitic elements surrounding a driven element. In this work, the single driven element is fed by a coaxial feed, while other parasitic elements are integrated with the RF switches on the FR-4 as the substrate with dimensions of 150 × 100 mm (1.67 × 2.5 λo). The RF switches of the parasitic elements are surface mounted on the substrate. By truncating and modifying the ground plane, the beam steering can be achieved at more than 30° on the xz plane. Additionally, the proposed antenna can attain an average tilt angle of more than 10° on the yz plane. The antenna is also capable of attaining other important results, such as a fractional bandwidth of 4% at 2.5 GHz and an average gain of 2.3 dBi for all configurations. By adopting the ON/OFF condition on the embedded RF switches, the beam steering can be controlled at a certain angle, thus increasing the tilting angle of the wireless sensor networks. With such a good performance, the proposed antenna has high potential to serve as a base station in WSN applications.
Remaining Useful Lifetime Prediction Based on Extended Kalman Particle Filter for Power SiC MOSFETs
Authors: Wu Wei , Gu Yongqian , Yu Mingkang , Gao Chongbing , Chen Yong
Published: April 2023

Nowadays, the performance of silicon-based devices is almost approaching the physical limit of their materials, which have difficulty meeting the needs of modern high-power applications. The SiC MOSFET, as one of the important third-generation wide bandgap power semiconductor devices, has received extensive attention. However, numerous specific reliability issues exist for SiC MOSFETs, such as bias temperature instability, threshold voltage drift, and reduced short-circuit robustness. The remaining useful life (RUL) prediction of SiC MOSFETs has become the focus of device reliability research. In this paper, a RUL estimation method using the Extended Kalman Particle Filter (EPF) based on an on-state voltage degradation model for SiC MOSFETs is proposed. A new power cycling test platform is designed to monitor the on-state voltage of SiC MOSFETs used as the failure precursor. The experimental results show that the RUL prediction error decreases from 20.5% of the traditional Particle Filter algorithm (PF) algorithm to 11.5% of EPF with 40% data input. The life prediction accuracy is therefore improved by about 10%.
Broadening of the ν2 Raman Band of CH4 by C3H8 and C4H10
Authors: Tanichev Aleksandr S. , Petrov Dmitry V.
Published: April 2023

Raman spectroscopy is a promising method for the analysis of natural gas. It is necessary to account for the broadening effects on spectral lines to improve measurement accuracy. In this study, the broadening coefficients for methane lines in the region of the ν2 band perturbed by propane, n-butane, and isobutane at room temperature were measured. We estimated the measurement errors of the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the case of neglecting the broadening effects on the methane spectrum by the pressure of C2–C6 alkanes. The obtained data are suited for the correct simulation of the methane spectrum in the hydrocarbon-bearing gases and can be used to improve the accuracy of the analysis of natural gas by Raman spectroscopy.
Untargeted Metabolomics Using UHPLC-HRMS Reveals Metabolic Changes of Fresh-Cut Potato during Browning Process
Authors: Li Baohong , Fu Yingjie , Xi Hui , Liu Shan , Zhao Wuduo , Li Peng , Fan Wu , Wang Dingzhong , Sun Shihao
Published: April 2023

Surface browning plays a major role in the quality loss of fresh-cut potatoes. Untargeted metabolomics were used to understand the metabolic changes of fresh-cut potato during the browning process. Their metabolites were profiled by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). Data processing and metabolite annotation were completed by Compound Discoverer 3.3 software. Statistical analysis was applied to screen the key metabolites correlating with browning process. Fifteen key metabolites responsible for the browning process were putatively identified. Moreover, after analysis of the metabolic causes of glutamic acid, linolenic acid, glutathione, adenine, 12-OPDA and AMP, we found that the browning process of fresh-cut potatoes was related to the structural dissociation of the membrane, oxidation and reduction reaction and energy shortage. This work provides a reference for further investigation into the mechanism of browning in fresh-cut products.
Modulation of Gut Microbiota through Low-Calorie and Two-Phase Diets in Obese Individuals
Authors: Carelli Laurie Lynn , D’Aquila Patrizia , Rango Francesco De , Incorvaia Armida , Sena Giada , Passarino Giuseppe , Bellizzi Dina
Published: April 2023

Different nutritional regimens have been reported to exert beneficial effects on obesity through the regulation of the composition and function of gut microbiota. In this context, we conducted in obese subjects two dietary interventions consisting of a low-calorie and two-phase (ketogenic plus low-calorie) diet for 8 weeks. Anthropometric and clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline and following the two diets, and gut microbiota composition was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A significant reduction was observed for abdominal circumference and insulin levels in the subjects following the two-phase diet. Significant differences in gut microbial composition were observed after treatment compared to the baseline. Both diets induced taxonomic shifts including a decrease in Proteobacteria, which are recognized as dysbiosis markers and enrichment of Verrucomicrobiaceae, which has recently emerged as an effective probiotic. An increase in Bacteroidetes, constituting the so-called good bacteria, was observable only in the two-phase diet. These findings provide evidence that a targeted nutritional regimen and an appropriate use of probiotics can modulate gut microbiota to reach a favorable composition and achieve the balance often compromised by different pathologies and conditions, such as obesity.
Maintenance of Potent Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses in Long-Term Hemodialysis Patients after 1273-mRNA SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination
Authors: Gonzalez-Perez Maria , Baranda Jana , Berges-Buxeda Marcos J. , Conde Patricia , Pérez-Olmeda Mayte , Lozano-Ojalvo Daniel , Cámara Carmen , del Rosario Llópez-Carratalá Maria , Gonzalez-Parra Emilio , Portolés Pilar , Ortiz Alberto , Portoles Jose , Ochando Jordi
Published: April 2023

Continuous evaluation of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine effectiveness in hemodialysis (HD) patients is critical in this immunocompromised patient group with higher mortality rates due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The response towards vaccination in HD patients has been studied weeks after their first and second SARS-CoV-2 vaccination dose administration, but no further studies have been developed in a long-term manner, especially including both the humoral and cellular immune response. Longitudinal studies that monitor the immune response to COVID-19 vaccination in individuals undergoing HD are therefore necessary to prioritize vaccination strategies and minimize the pathogenic effects of SARS-CoV-2 in this high-risk group of patients. We followed up HD patients and healthy volunteers (HV) and monitored their humoral and cellular immune response three months after the second (V2+3M) and after the third vaccination dose (V3+3M), taking into consideration previous COVID-19 infections. Our cellular immunity results show that, while HD patients and HV individuals secrete comparable levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 in ex vivo stimulated whole blood at V2+3M in both naïve and COVID-19-recovered individuals, HD patients secrete higher levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 than HV at V3+3M. This is mainly due to a decay in the cellular immune response in HV individuals after the third dose. In contrast, our humoral immunity results show similar IgG binding antibody units (BAU) between HD patients and HV individuals at V3+3M, independently of their previous infection status. Overall, our results indicate that HD patients maintain strong cellular and humoral immune responses after repeated 1273-mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations over time. The data also highlights significant differences between cellular and humoral immunity after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, which emphasizes the importance of monitoring both arms of the immune response in the immunocompromised population.