bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Confidence Interval and Hypothesis Testing for the Ratio of the Coefficients of Variation of Two Uncorrelated Populations
Authors: Bahrampour Abbas , Avazzadeh Zeynab , Mahmoudi Mohammad Reza , Lopes António M.
Published: September 2022

One of the most accessible and useful statistical tools for comparing independent populations in different research areas is the coefficient of variation (CV). In this study, first, the asymptotic distribution of the ratio of CV of two uncorrelated populations is investigated. Then, the outputs are used to create a confidence interval and to establish a test of hypothesis about the CV ratio of the populations. The proposed approach is compared with an alternative method, showing its superiority and effectiveness.
Does Ocean Sunfish Mola spp. (Tetraodontiformes: Molidae) Represent a Risk for Tetrodotoxin Poisoning in the Portuguese Coast?
Authors: Baptista Miguel , Braga Ana Catarina , Rosa Rui , Costa Pedro Reis
Published: September 2022

Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin naturally occurring in terrestrial and marine organisms such as pufferfish. Due to the risk of TTX poisoning, fish of Tetraodontidae family and other puffer-related species must not be placed in the EU markets. This restriction applies to fish of the family Molidae even though no data on toxins’ occurrence is available. In this study, the presence of TTX and its analogues was investigated in the main edible tissue (the white muscle) and the main xenobiotics storage organ (the liver) of ocean sunfish Mola spp. (n = 13) from the South Portuguese coast. HILIC-MS/MS analyses did not reveal TTX in the analyzed samples, suggesting an inexistent or very limited risk of TTX poisoning.
Alginate-Based Micro- and Nanosystems for Targeted Cancer Therapy
Authors: Iravani Siavash , Varma Rajender S.
Published: September 2022

Alginates have been widely explored due to their salient advantages of hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, mucoadhesive features, bioavailability, environmentally-benign properties, and cost-effectiveness. They are applied for designing micro- and nanosystems for controlled and targeted drug delivery and cancer therapy as alginate biopolymers find usage in encapsulating anticancer drugs to improve their bioavailability, sustained release, pharmacokinetics, and bio-clearance. Notably, these nanomaterials can be applied for photothermal, photodynamic, and chemodynamic therapy of cancers/tumors. Future explorations ought to be conducted to find novel alginate-based (nano)systems for targeted cancer therapy using advanced drug delivery techniques with benefits of non-invasiveness, patient compliance, and convenience of drug administration. Thus, some critical parameters such as mucosal permeability, stability in the gastrointestinal tract environment, and drug solubility ought to be considered. In addition, the comprehensive clinical translational studies along with the optimization of synthesis techniques still need to be addressed. Herein, we present an overview of the current state of knowledge and recent developments pertaining to the applications of alginate-based micro- and nanosystems for targeted cancer therapy based on controlled drug delivery, photothermal therapy, and chemodynamic/photodynamic therapy approaches, focusing on important challenges and future directions.
Comparative Study of Docosahexaenoic Acid with Different Molecular Forms for Promoting Apoptosis of the 95D Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells in a PPARγ-Dependent Manner
Authors: Yue Hao , Tian Yingying , Zhao Zifang , Bo Yuying , Guo Yao , Wang Jingfeng
Published: September 2022

Cancer is a leading cause of death in worldwide. Growing evidence has shown that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has ameliorative effects on cancer. However, the effects of DHA-enriched phosphatidylcholine (DHA-PC) and efficacy differences between DHA-PC, DHA-triglyceride (DHA-TG), and DHA- ethyl esters (DHA-EE) on cancer cells had not been studied. In this study, 95D lung cancer cells in vitro were used to determine the effects and underlying mechanisms of DHA with different molecular forms. The results showed that DHA-PC and DHA-TG treatment significantly inhibited the growth of 95D cells by 53.7% and 33.8%, whereas DHA-EE had no significantly effect. Morphological analysis showed that DHA-PC and DHA-TG prompted promoted cell contraction, increased concentration of cell heterochromatin, vacuolization of cytoplasm, and edema of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. TUNEL and AO/EB staining indicated that both DHA-PC and DHA-TG promoted cell apoptosis, in which DHA-PC performed better than DHA-TG. Mechanistically, DHA-PC and DHA-TG treatment up-regulated the PPARγ and RXRα signal, inhibited the expression of NF-κB and Bcl-2, and enhanced the expression of Bax and caspase-3, thereby promoting cell apoptosis. In conclusion, DHA-PC exerted superior effects to DHA-TG and DHA-EE in promoting apoptosis in 95D non-small-cell lung cancer cells. These data provide new evidence for the application of DHA in treatment of cancer.
Revalorization of Microalgae Biomass for Synergistic Interaction and Sustainable Applications: Bioplastic Generation
Authors: López-Pacheco Itzel Y. , Rodas-Zuluaga Laura Isabel , Cuellar-Bermudez Sara P. , Hidalgo-Vázquez Enrique , Molina-Vazquez Abraham , Araújo Rafael G. , Martínez-Ruiz Manuel , Varjani Sunita , Barceló Damià , Iqbal Hafiz M. N. , Parra-Saldívar Roberto
Published: September 2022

Microalgae and cyanobacteria are photosynthetic microorganisms’ sources of renewable biomass that can be used for bioplastic production. These microorganisms have high growth rates, and contrary to other feedstocks, such as land crops, they do not require arable land. In addition, they can be used as feedstock for bioplastic production while not competing with food sources (e.g., corn, wheat, and soy protein). In this study, we review the macromolecules from microalgae and cyanobacteria that can serve for the production of bioplastics, including starch and glycogen, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), cellulose, polylactic acid (PLA), and triacylglycerols (TAGs). In addition, we focus on the cultivation of microalgae and cyanobacteria for wastewater treatment. This approach would allow reducing nutrient supply for biomass production while treating wastewater. Thus, the combination of wastewater treatment and the production of biomass that can serve as feedstock for bioplastic production is discussed. The comprehensive information provided in this communication would expand the scope of interdisciplinary and translational research.
Scalarane Sesterterpenoids Isolated from the Marine Sponge Hyrtios erectus and their Cytotoxicity
Authors: Tran Huynh Nguyen Khanh , Kim Min Jin , Lee Yeon-Ju
Published: September 2022

Eighteen scalarane sesterterpenoids (1–18), including eight new derivatives (1–8), were isolated from the sponge Hyrtios erectus (family Thorectidae), the extract of which showed cytotoxicity against the HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines. Of the new derivatives, six compounds (1–6) were found to contain a γ-hydroxybutenolide moiety capable of reversible stereoinversion at the hydroxylated carbon center. Under the influence of other adjacent functional groups, each derivative exhibited a different stereochemical behavior, which was fully deduced by ROESY experiments. All the isolated compounds were examined for their cytotoxicity by MTS assay using staurosporine as a positive control (IC50 0.18 and 0.13 μΜ against HeLa and MCF-7 cells, respectively), and they were found to show weak growth inhibitory activities against HeLa and MCF-7 cells, with a minimal IC50 value of 20.0 μΜ. The compounds containing a γ-hydroxybutenolide moiety (1–3, 10, 12) showed cytotoxicity, with IC50 values ranging from 24.3 to 29.9 μΜ, and the most potent derivative was heteronemin (16). Although the cytotoxicities of isolated compounds were insufficient to discuss the structure–activity relationship, this research could contribute to expanding the structural diversity of scalaranes and understanding the stereochemical behavior of γ-hydroxybutenolides.
The Steady State Characteristics of Multicomponent Diffusion in Micro- and Mesoporous Media for Adsorbable and Nonadsorbable Species
Authors: Bizon Katarzyna , Boroń Dominika , Tabiś Bolesław
Published: September 2022

The study addresses one of the fundamental issues in the mathematical modeling and quantitative process analysis of complex multicomponent diffusion in meso- and microporous materials. The model presented here incorporates combined molecular diffusion, Knudsen diffusion, viscous flow, and surface diffusion. A methodology and algorithm for the determination of steady states of such complex diffusive processes are proposed. The adopted form of the surface diffusion model does not require the calculation of the thermodynamic factor matrix. The method was verified by comparing the profiles of the state variables with those obtained from the dynamic model for sufficiently long diffusion times. The application of the method is illustrated for two diffusion processes involving three components. In the first one, all components are subject to adsorption. In the other, one gaseous component is an inert and is therefore not adsorbed and does not participate in surface diffusion. It is shown that the presence of inerts as well as their number does not impede the application of the proposed algorithm for the determination of steady states.
Reverse Osmosis Membrane Zero Liquid Discharge for Agriculture Drainage Water Desalination: Technical, Economic, and Environmental Assessment
Authors: El Sayed Marwa M. , Abulnour Abdelghani M. G. , Tewfik Shadia R. , Sorour Mohamed H. , Hani Heba A. , Shaalan Hayam F.
Published: September 2022

Agricultural drainage water (ADW) represents a potential source for fresh water after receiving appropriate treatments to satisfy the water quality requirements. Desalination of ADW with medium salinity and moderate contamination with organic and inorganic chemical pollutants could provide a techno-economically feasible approach for facing water scarcity in arid areas. The current work presents a conceptual zero liquid discharge ADW desalination system proposed to treat 300,000 m3/d. The system is based on pretreatment to remove impurities harmful to desalination by staged reverse osmosis (RO) membrane. The brine from the last RO stage is treated via thermal vapor compression followed by evaporation in solar ponds to recover more fresh water and salts of economic value. The essential technical features of the proposed system components are formulated. The proposed system components and its technical and economic indicators are deduced using available software for water pretreatment, RO membrane, desalination, thermal desalination, and solar evaporation ponds. The system provides total distilled water recovery of about 98% viz. 294,000 m3/d in addition to recovered salts of 245,000 t/y. The net cost of water production amounts to USD 0.46 /m3. The environmental considerations of the system are addressed and advantages of applying zero liquid discharge system are elucidated.
Effects of Flow Velocity and Sand Concentration on Hydro-Abrasive Erosion Behavior of HVOF-Sprayed WC-Cr3C2-Ni Coating in 3.5 wt.% NaCl Aqueous Solution
Authors: Lin Jinran , Hong Sheng , Zheng Yuan , Sun Wei , Zhang Zhengwei , Kang Min , Fu Xiuqing
Published: September 2022

To explore the hydro-abrasive erosion (HAE) behaviors of a high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF)-sprayed WC-Cr3C2-Ni coating in 3.5 wt.% NaCl aqueous solution, various flow velocities (FVs) and sand concentrations (SCs) were designed using a rotating disk rig facility. In comparison with 1Cr18Ni9Ti stainless steel, the WC-Cr3C2-Ni coating possessed higher hardness (H) and elastic modulus (E) values, worse anticorrosion properties, and superior HAE resistances in 3.5 wt.% NaCl aqueous solution. Higher FVs and SCs caused more severe HAE degradations for both the WC-Cr3C2-Ni coating and the 1Cr18Ni9Ti stainless steel, while FV had a greater influence on HAE resistances than SC. With an increase in the FV and SC, uncontinuous corrosion product films and erosion pits, the micro-cutting of the soft binder matrix and the fracturing of hard-phase grains, and crater formation and coating spalling were addressed as the HAE failure mechanisms in the 3.5 wt.% NaCl aqueous solution of the WC-Cr3C2-Ni coating.
Solid-State Additive Deposition of AA7075 on AZ31B Substrate: Heat Treatment to Improve the Corrosion Fatigue Resistance
Authors: Shaha Sugrib Kumar , Sarker Dyuti , Jahed Hamid
Published: September 2022

The influence of heat treatment on the coating microstructure, nanomechanical, and corrosion fatigue properties of solid-state deposition of AA7075 aluminum alloy on AZ31B cast Mg alloy is studied in detail. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) microstructural analysis shows columnar grain at the interface of AA7075/AZ31B. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) observation discovered elongated grains with a high fraction of deformed grain boundaries as-deposited and heat-treated at 200 °C conditions. In contrast, the annealed samples show recrystallized grains with increasing temperatures from 200 °C to 400 °C. The residual stress of the coating at the surface and subsurface measured by X-ray diffraction shows −55 MPa and −122 MPa, respectively, which transferred to tensile with increasing the annealing temperature up to 400 °C. Annealing treatment of the AA7075 coating considerably improved the nanomechanical properties and corrosion fatigue resistance. With increasing the annealing temperature from 200 °C to 400 °C, the hardness of the coating decreased, while the modulus increased significantly. The analysis of fatigue fracture surfaces revealed that corrosive solution entered through the cracks and accelerated the crack propagation, lowering the fatigue life. However, the presence of recrystallized grains improved the corrosion fatigue resistance.
De-Ironing of Aluminium Alloy Melts by High Shear Melt Conditioning Technology: An Overview
Authors: Lazaro-Nebreda Jaime , Patel Jayesh B. , Al-Helal Kawther , Gao Feng , Stone Ian , Chang Isaac T. H. , Scamans Geoff M. , Fan Zhongyun
Published: September 2022

The main problem of recycling aluminium scrap is the gradual accumulation of impurities, especially iron, which tend to form undesired intermetallic compounds that affect the integrity and the mechanical performance of the castings. In this paper, we aim to provide an overview on the topic of iron removal from aluminium melts through primary intermetallic precipitation and the progress made during the LiME Hub project to understand the process and to develop a more efficient procedure. We cover both thermodynamic analysis and experimental validation. We found that high shear melt conditioning technology enhances the typically slow nucleation and growth of the dense primary intermetallics, speeding up their sedimentation and allowing a faster removal of Fe from the melt by simple gravity sedimentation. It also promotes the formation of smaller and more compact Fe-rich intermetallics, allowing an increased volume fraction recovery and mitigating their effect of being present in the final castings. The technology is not limited to batch processing, with a 90% efficiency, but can also be applied to continuous melt treatment of aluminium scrap, with currently 60% efficiency, and could be combined with other solid–liquid separation techniques to increase the purification efficiency even more.
Relationship between the Composition and Elastic Modulus of TiZrTa Alloys for Implant Materials
Authors: Zhao Jinzhu , Liu Kaiyang , Ding Meining , Yin Lixia , Liang Shunxing
Published: September 2022

The elastic modulus is a key factor influencing the applications of implant materials because of the weakening effect of stress shielding. Ti and its alloys are good potential implant materials thanks to their low elastic modulus and fine biocompatibility. The addition of alloying elements into pure Ti and Ti alloys is the basic way to further decrease the elastic modulus whilst simultaneously enhancing strength, wearability, and corrosion resistance, for example. Finding the relationship between the composition and elastic modulus can greatly promote the development of Ti alloys with a low modulus for implant applications. In the current work, we investigated the elastic modulus of TiZrTa alloys with scores of compositions by using the high-throughput diffusion couple method, nanoindentation, and an electron probe micro-analysis. The relationship between the elastic modulus and the composition of the TiZrTa alloys was obtained. The average valence electron theory was employed to make clear the variation between the elastic modulus and the composition. Finally, the composition range formulae of TiZrTa alloys likely to have a low modulus were established by combining our data and previous results. These findings are helpful in developing new Ti alloys with a low modulus and also help to further understand the alloying theory.
High-Temperature Corrosion Behavior of Bi3.75La0.25Ti3O12 and Bi3La1Ti3O12 Coating Prepared by rf Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Bautista-Ruiz Jorge , Sánchez-Molina Jorge , Aperador Willian
Published: September 2022

Using the rf magnetron sputtering technique, Bi3.75La0.25Ti3O12 and Bi3La1Ti3O12 coatings were formed and obtained as a thin film on Hastelloy substrates. When subjected to high-temperature conditions, the effect of lanthanum on the anti-corrosive properties of the coatings was investigated. The anti-corrosive response was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic curves, which are rarely reported. Hot corrosion occurs through the electrochemical mechanism, and more information can be obtained through electrochemical corrosion tests, which are very effective and fast. The electrochemical behavior at high temperatures was studied via molten salt corrosion tests, potentiodynamic polarization curves, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Additionally, the coatings were evaluated via scanning electron microscopy and transmission microscopy to determine their morphology. With X-ray diffraction, the crystallinity of the films was determined. It was determined that the corrosion rate directly correlates with the temperature, attributed to the mechanisms induced by the Na2SO4 and V2O5 salts that generated condensation. As the temperature increases, the density of the corrosion current increases in the thin films of Bi3.75La0.25Ti3O12 and Bi3La1Ti3O12. When comparing the two compounds, it is determined that the increase in lanthanum alters the positive acid character, thus reducing the dissolution of the oxides and increasing protection.
Investigation of Strength and Formability of 6016 Aluminum Tailor Welded Blanks
Authors: Basile Dario , Sesana Raffaella , De Maddis Manuela , Borella Luca , Russo Spena Pasquale
Published: September 2022

The automotive industry is constantly looking for innovative techniques to produce lighter, more efficient, and less polluting vehicles to comply with the increasingly restrictive environmental regulations. One of the latest technologies, which is still developing, is based on the fabrication of the body-in-white and car parts through the stamping of aluminum tailor welded blanks. Tailor welded blanks (TWBs) are generally a combination of two/three metal sheets with different thicknesses and/or mechanical strengths, which are commonly laser butt-welded. Even though the aluminum TWBs have the main advantage of producing lightweight parts, their use is still limited by the lower formability than their parent materials and by the fact that laser welding of aluminum sheets still remains a process easily subjected to weld defects (i.e., internal porosity) and, hence, requires strict control of process parameters. This study has investigated the effects of the main laser welding process parameters (laser power, welding speed, and focus position) on the mechanical properties and formability of aluminum TWBs made of the 6xxx series. The research results show that the welding conditions highly influence the weldability of such alloys. Heat input over 70 J/mm is responsible for excessive porosity and molten pool (and consequent root concavity), which are responsible for the lowest mechanical strength and formability of joints. Differently, low amounts of imperfections have a limited influence on the mechanical behaviors of the TWB joints. Overall, a narrow weldability window is required to ensure welded joints with proper strength and limited or no porosity.
Genomic Diversity, Competition, and Toxin Production by Group I and II Clostridium botulinum Strains Used in Food Challenge Studies
Authors: Bowe Brooke Kathryn , Wentz Travis Gwynn , Gregg Brieana Marie , Tepp William Howard , Schill Kristin Marie , Sharma Shashi , Pellett Sabine
Published: September 2022

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum are the causative agent of human and animal botulism, a rare but serious and potentially deadly intoxication. Foodborne botulism is caused by the consumption of foods containing BoNTs, which results from contamination of foods with C. botulinum spores and toxin production by the bacteria during growth within the food. Validation of the safety of food products is essential in preventing foodborne botulism, however, limited guidance and standards exist for the selection of strains used in C. botulinum food challenge studies. Sequencing and genomics studies have revealed that C. botulinum is a large, diverse, and polyphyletic species, with physiologic and growth characteristics studied only in a few representatives. Little is known about potential growth competition or effects on toxin production between C. botulinum strains. In this study, we investigated an applied cocktail of ten C. botulinum strains, seven Group I and three Group II. Whole genome SNP alignments revealed that this strain cocktail encompasses the major clades of the Group I and II C. botulinum species. While growth competition appears to exist between several of the strains, the cocktail as a whole resulted in high levels of BoNT production.
Osteopenia and Sarcopenia as Potential Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infection after Posterior Lumbar Fusion: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ruffilli Alberto , Manzetti Marco , Cerasoli Tosca , Barile Francesca , Viroli Giovanni , Traversari Matteo , Salamanna Francesca , Fini Milena , Faldini Cesare
Published: September 2022

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a feared complication in spinal surgery, that leads to lower outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Among its risk factors, sarcopenia and osteopenia have recently attracted particular interest. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the influence of sarcopenia and osteopenia on the postoperative infection rate in patients treated with posterior fusion for degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine. This retrospective study included data from 308 patients. Charts were reviewed and central sarcopenia and osteopenia were evaluated through magnetic resonance images (MRI), measuring the psoas to lumbar vertebral index (PLVI) and the M score. Multivariate linear regression was performed to identify independent risk factors for infection. The postoperative SSI rate was 8.4%. Patients with low PLVI scores were not more likely to experience postoperative SSI (p = 0.68), while low M-score patients were at higher risk of developing SSI (p = 0.04). However, they did not generally show low PLVI values (p = 0.5) and were homogeneously distributed between low and high PLVI (p = 0.6). Multivariate analysis confirmed a low M score to be an independent risk factor for SSI (p = 0.01). Our results suggest that osteopenia could have significant impact on spinal surgery, and prospective studies are needed to better investigate its role.
The Permian-Triassic Riftogen Rocks in the Norilsk Area (NW Siberian Province): Geochemistry and Their Possible Link with PGE-Cu-Ni Mineralization
Authors: Krivolutskaya Nadezhda , Mikhailov Valery , Gongalsky Bronislav , Kuzmin Dmitry , Svirskaya Natalia
Published: September 2022

The volcanic rocks in the Vologochan syncline, the Khikey River valley, and Mount Sunduk, within the Norilsk area in the NW Siberian large igneous province, have been studied. They belong to the Ivakinsky, Syverminsky, Gudchikhinsky, Khakanchansky, Nadezhdinsky, Tuklonsky, and Morongovsky Formations. These Formations consist of trachybasalts, picritic basalts and tholeiitic basalts with aphyric and porphyritic textures, and intersertal and poikiloofitic structures. For the first time, we demonstrate the variations in the structure and composition of these Formations along the strike, based on 151 analyses of the major and trace elements in the rocks. The thickness of all the Formations, excepting the Morongovsky, reduce dramatically from the Yenisey–Khatanga trough to the Tunguska syneclise, and they pinch out in the east of the Norilsk area and are attributed to riftogen (rift) basalts. The rock compositions also change in this direction, especially in the Gudchikhinsky and Nadezhdinsky Formations. The two subformations of the Gudchikhinsky formation, the lower and upper, disappear in the east, so the Gudchikhinsky consists only of high-Mg rocks, picritic basalts, and picrites. The composition of the Nadezhdinsky formation varies intensely in its (Gd/Yb)n and (Th/Nb) ratios from the Vologochan syncline to the Khikey River valley. These structural and compositional variabilities differ between the rift formations and the platform ones. Two gabbro–dolerite sills from these areas that are close to the Norilsk and Ergalakh intrusive complexes have been studied. The metal contents in volcanic and intrusive rocks are similar and do not differ from the barren rocks of the South Pyasinsky massif comprising the PGE-Cu-Ni deposits. Only the Gudchikhinsky Formation contains elevated Cu and Ni concentrations. These features and the coinciding spatial distribution of the ore-bearing intrusions and picrites of the Gudchikhinsky rocks in the Norilsk–Igarka paleorift suggest their genetic link. It is proposed that the initial sulfides could have been formed in the mantle, as the Gudchikhinsky picrites, transported to the lower crust, and then involved by the trap magmas in the origin of the ore-bodies in the Norilsk deposits.
Experimental Study on the Mechanical Behavior of Coal under Triaxial Dynamic Compression
Authors: Cheng Chunhui , Xue Sheng , Han Yidan
Published: September 2022

The frequency and intensity of coal-rock dynamic incidents in underground coal mining, such as coal bumps and outbursts of coal and gas, tend to increase with mining depth. These dynamic incidents are closely related to the dynamic mechanical behavior of coal. In this experimental study, the dynamic mechanical behavior of coal was investigated with an active triaxial split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test system. In the test, the in-situ stress field for coal with an overburden depth of 100 m to 600 m was simulated and the dynamic loading tests of coal were undertaken under low, medium, and high loading rates. The results of the study show that the dynamic compression strength of coal increases with loading rate and axial and confining stress, and the effect of confining stress is more profound than that of axial stress. The results also reveal that the energy consumption and energy density per unit volume of coal are positively correlated with the depth and loading rate. This study may help gain insights into the occurrence mechanism of coal-rock dynamic incidents in underground coal mining.
A Near-Source Electromagnetic Method for Deep Ore Explorations
Authors: Xue Guoqiang , Chen Weiying , Wu Xin , Yan Shu , Guo Wenbo
Published: September 2022

A near-source electromagnetic method known as the short-offset transient electromagnetic (SOTEM) method was proposed. Compared with the traditional far-source methods, the offset of the SOTEM method is greatly reduced, to only 0.3~2 times of the maximum depth. Therefore, the SOTEM can obtain the signal with higher signal-to-noise ratio and sensitivity. Application in the Xiaoshan Mine of Henan Province showed that the SOTEM method is an effective method for deep ore exploration, especially in mountainous areas.
Study of the Reinforcement Effect in (0.5–x)TeO2–0.2WO3–0.1Bi2O3–0.1MoO3–0.1SiO2–xCNDs Glasses Doped with Carbon Nanodiamonds
Authors: Kozlovskiy Artem L. , Tleulessova Indira , Borgekov Daryn B. , Uglov Vladimir V. , Anishchik Viktor M. , Zdorovets Maxim V. , Shlimas Dmitriy I.
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of carbon nanodiamonds on the reinforcement and hardening of telluride glasses, as well as to establish the dependence of the strengthening properties and optical characteristics of glasses on CND concentration. According to X-ray diffraction data, the synthesized glasses have an amorphous structure despite the addition of CNDs, and at high concentrations of CNDs, reflections characteristic of small crystalline particles of carbon nanodiamonds are observed. An analysis of the strength properties of glasses depending on the concentration of the CND dopant showed that an increase in the CND concentration to 0.10–0.15 mol. leads to an increase in hardness by 33–50% in comparison with undoped samples. The studies carried out to determine the resistance to external influences found that doping leads to an increase in the resistance of strength characteristics against destruction and embrittlement, and in the case of high concentrations, the change in strength properties is minimal, which indicates a high ceramic stability degree. The study of the radiation resistance of synthesized glasses found that the addition of CNDs leads to an increase in resistance to radiation damage when irradiated with gamma rays, while also maintaining resistance to high radiation doses. The study of the shielding characteristics found that the addition of CNDs is most effective in shielding gamma rays with energies of 130–660 MeV.
Tug-of-War Driven by the Structure of Carboxylic Acids: Tuning the Size, Morphology, and Photocatalytic Activity of α-Ag2WO4
Authors: Ribeiro Lara Kelly , Gouveia Amanda Fernandes , Silva Francisco das Chagas M. , Noleto Luís F. G. , Assis Marcelo , Batista André M. , Cavalcante Laécio S. , Guillamón Eva , Rosa Ieda L. V. , Longo Elson , Andrés Juan , Luz Júnior Geraldo E.
Published: September 2022

Size and morphology control during the synthesis of materials requires a molecular-level understanding of how the addition of surface ligands regulates nucleation and growth. In this work, this control is achieved by using three carboxylic acids (tartaric, benzoic, and citric) during sonochemical syntheses. The presence of carboxylic acids affects the kinetics of the nucleation process, alters the growth rate, and governs the size and morphology. Samples synthesized with citric acid revealed excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation process of Rhodamine B, and recyclability experiments demonstrate that it retains 91% of its photocatalytic activity after four recycles. Scavenger experiments indicate that both the hydroxyl radical and the hole are key species for the success of the transformation. A reaction pathway is proposed that involves a series of dissolution−hydration–dehydration and precipitation processes, mediated by the complexation of Ag+. We believe these studies contribute to a fundamental understanding of the crystallization process and provide guidance as to how carboxylic acids can influence the synthesis of materials with controlled size and morphology, which is promising for multiple other scientific fields, such as sensor and catalysis fields.
Polyhydroxy Fullerenes Enhance Antibacterial and Electrocatalytic Activity of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Palomino Luis , Chipoco Haro Danae A. , Gakiya-Teruya Miguel , Zhou Feng , La Rosa-Toro Adolfo , Krishna Vijay , Rodriguez-Reyes Juan Carlos F.
Published: September 2022

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are known and widely used for their antibacterial properties. However, the ever-increasing resistance of microorganisms compels the design of novel nanomaterials which are able to surpass their capabilities. Herein, we synthesized silver nanoparticles using, for the first time, polyhydroxy fullerene (PHF) as a reducing and capping agent, through a one-pot synthesis method. The resulting nanoparticles (PHF-AgNPs) were compared to AgNPs that were synthesized using sodium citrate (citrate-AgNPs). They were characterized using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), dynamic light scattering, and UV-visible spectroscopy. Our results showed that PHF-AgNPs have a smaller size and a narrower size distribution than citrate-AgNPs, which suggests that PHF may be a better capping agent than citrate. Antibacterial assays using E. coli showed enhanced antimicrobial activity for PHF-AgNPs compared to citrate-AgNPs. The electrocatalytic activity of nanoparticles towards oxygen evolution and reduction reaction (OER and ORR, respectively) was tested through cyclic voltammetry. Both nanoparticles are found to promote OER and ORR, but PHF-AgNPs showed a significant increase in activity with respect to citrate-AgNPs. Thus, our results demonstrate that the properties of forming nanoparticles can be tuned by choosing the appropriate reducing/capping agent. Specifically, this suggests that PHF-AgNPs can find potential applications for both catalytic and biomedical applications.
Two-Dimensional Electromagnetohydrodynamic (EMHD) Flows of Fractional Viscoelastic Fluids with Electrokinetic Effects
Authors: Tian Kai , An Shujuan , Zhao Guangpu , Ding Zhaodong
Published: September 2022

The present study provides analytical and numerical solutions for an electromagnetohydrodynamic (EMHD) flow using a Caputo time-fractional Maxwell model. The flow is a typical rectangular channel flow. When the scale of the cross-stream is much smaller than the streamwise and spanwise scales, the model is approximated as a two-dimensional slit parallel plate flow. Moreover, the influence of the electric double layer (EDL) at the solid–liquid interface is also considered. The electro-osmotic force generated by the interaction between the electric field and the EDL will induce a flow (i.e., electro-osmotic flow). Due to the application of the electric field at the streamwise and the vertical magnetic field, the flow is driven by Lorentz force along the spanwise direction. Simultaneously, under the action of the magnetic field, the electro-osmotic flow induces a reverse Lorentz force, which inhibits the electro-osmotic flow. The result shows that resonance behavior can be found in both directions in which the flow is generated. However, compared with the classical Maxwell fluid, the slip velocity and resonance behavior of fractional Maxwell fluid are suppressed. In the spanwise direction, increasing the strength of magnetic field first promotes the slip velocity and resonance behavior, and then suppresses them, while in the streamwise direction, both the electro-osmotic flow and resonance behavior are suppressed with the magnetic field.
Preparation of Nickel Oxide Nanoflakes for Carrier Extraction and Transport in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chang Chih-Yu , Wu You-Wei , Yang Sheng-Hsiung , Abdulhalim Ibrahim
Published: September 2022

Hole transport layers (HTLs) with high conductivity, charge extraction ability, and carrier transport capability are highly important for fabricating perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with high power conversion efficiency and device stability. Low interfacial recombination between the HTL and perovskite absorber is also crucial to the device performance of PSCs. In this work, we developed a three-stage method to prepare NiOx nanoflakes as the HTL in the inverted PSCs. Due to the addition of the nanoflake layer, the deposited perovskite films with larger grain sizes and fewer boundaries were obtained, implying higher photogenerated current and fill factors in our PSCs. Meanwhile, the downshifted valence band of the NiOx HTL improved hole extraction from the perovskite absorber and open-circuit voltages of PSCs. The optimized device based on the NiOx nanoflakes showed the highest efficiency of 14.21% and a small hysteresis, which outperformed the NiOx thin film as the HTL. Furthermore, the device maintained 83% of its initial efficiency after 60 days of storage. Our results suggest that NiOx nanoflakes provide great potential for constructing PSCs with high efficiency and long-term stability.
Not Only Leptotrombidium spp. an Annotated Checklist of Chigger Mites (Actinotrichida: Trombiculidae) Associated with Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Moniuszko Hanna , Wojnarowski Konrad , Cholewińska Paulina
Published: September 2022

Mites of the family Trombiculidae are known for playing a role in maintaining and spreading the scrub typhus etiologic agent, an intracellular Gram-negative bacterium, Orientia tsutsugamushi. Species of the genus Leptotrombidium are investigated most thoroughly, particularly in SE Asia, and a few are proven vectors for the pathogen. The mentioned association, however, is not the only one among trombiculids. Here, we present a list of chiggers indicated in the literature as positive for bacterial pathogens, tested throughout almost 100 years of research. Taxonomic identities of trombiculids follow recent revisions and checklists. Results point at 100 species, from 28 genera, evidenced for association with 31 bacterial taxa. Pathogen-positive mites constitute around 3.3% of the total number of species comprising the family. Discussed arachnids inhabit six biogeographic realms and represent free-living instars as well as external and internal parasites of rodents, soricomorphs, scadents, lagomorphs, peramelemorphs, bats, passerine birds, reptiles and humans. A variety of so far detected bacteria, including novel species, along with the mites’ vast geographical distribution and parasitism on differentiated hosts, indicate that revealing of more cases of Trombiculidae-pathogens association is highly probable, especially utilizing the newest techniques enabling a large-scale bacterial communities survey.
Lessons from SARS-CoV-2 Pandemics: How Restrictive Measures Impacted the Trend of Respiratory Infections in Neonates and Infants up to Three Months of Age
Authors: De Rose Domenico Umberto , Caoci Stefano , Auriti Cinzia , Maddaloni Chiara , Capolupo Irma , Salvatori Guglielmo , Brusco Carla , Coltella Luana , Concato Carlo , Russo Cristina , Colagrossi Luna , Perno Carlo Federico , Braguglia Annabella , Villani Alberto , Dotta Andrea , Raponi Massimiliano
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: Massive social efforts to prevent the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic have affected the epidemiological features of respiratory infections. (2) Methods: The study aims to describe the trend of hospitalizations for bronchiolitis among newborns and infants up to three months of life in Rome (Italy), in the pre-COVID-19 era and during the pandemic. (3) Results: We observed a marked decrease in the number of neonates and infants with bronchiolitis after national lockdowns in 2020 and the first months of 2021 and a similar trend in the number of bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV was the leading pathogen responsible for bronchiolitis before the national lockdown in March 2020 (70.0% of cases), while Rhinovirus was the leading pathogen responsible for bronchiolitis (62.5%) during the pandemic while strict restrictions were ongoing. As Italy approached the COVID-19 vaccination target, the national government lifted some COVID-19-related restrictions. A surprising rebound of bronchiolitis (particularly cases caused by RSV) was observed in October 2021. (4) Conclusions: In this study, we describe for the first time the fluctuations over time of RSV bronchiolitis among newborns and young infants in Italy in relation to the restrictive measures containing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results are in line with other countries’ reports.
Habitat and Season Drive Chigger Mite Diversity and Abundance on Small Mammals in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Alkathiry Hadil , Al-Rofaai Ahmed , Ya’cob Zubaidah , Cutmore Tamsin S. , Mohd-Azami Siti Nurul Izzah , Husin Nurul Aini , Lim Fang Shiang , Koosakulnirand Sirikamon , Mahfodz Nor Hidayana , Ishak Siti Nabilah , Loong Shih Keng , Stekolnikov Alexandr , Mohd-Taib Farah Shafawati , Abubakar Sazaly , Makepeace Benjamin L. , Chaisiri Kittipong , Khoo Jing Jing
Published: September 2022

Chigger mites are vectors of the bacterial disease scrub typhus, caused by Orientia spp. The bacterium is vertically transmitted in the vector and horizontally transmitted to terrestrial vertebrates (primarily wild small mammals), with humans as incidental hosts. Previous studies have shown that the size of the chigger populations is correlated with the density of small mammals in scrub typhus-endemic regions. Here, we explore interactions between the small mammals and chiggers in two oil palm plantations located in the Perak and Johor states of Peninsular Malaysia. The location in Perak also contained an aboriginal (Orang Asli) settlement. A ~5% sub-sample from 40,736 chigger specimens was identified from five species of small mammals (n = 217), revealing 14 chigger species, including two new records for Malaysia. The abundance and species richness of chiggers were significantly affected by habitat type (highest in forest border), state (highest in Perak), and season (highest in dry). The overall prevalence of Orientia tsutsugamushi DNA in small-mammal tissues was 11.7% and was not significantly affected by host or habitat characteristics, but in Johor, was positively associated with infestation by Leptotrombidium arenicola. These findings highlight the risk of contracting scrub typhus in oil palm plantations and associated human settlements.
Diversity and Exploration of Endophytic Bacilli for the Management of Head Scab (Fusarium graminearum) of Wheat
Authors: Kaul Noyonika , Kashyap Prem Lal , Kumar Sudheer , Singh Deepti , Singh Gyanendra Pratap
Published: September 2022

Fusarium graminearum causing head scab (HS) or head blight (HB) disease in wheat is one of the nasty fungi reported to cause significant grain quality and yield loss. Biological control using endophytic bacteria has emerged as a prospective option for containing fungal diseases in an environmentally benevolent, durable, and sustainable manner. In this regard, 112 endophytic bacilli were isolated from the anthesis stage (Zadok’s growth stage 65) from five different wheat genotypes with an aim to identify prospective antagonistic strains against F. graminearum. The molecular identity of the strains was confirmed by matching 16S rRNA sequences of bacterial strains with the gene sequences of type strains available in the National Center for Biotechnology Information database and reported 38 different species of Bacillus in all the five wheat cultivars. Further, it has been observed that only fourteen strains (B. clarus NOK09, B. mojavensis NOK16, B. subtilis NOK33, B. rugosus NOK47, B. mojavensis NOK52, B. clarus NOK59, B. coahuilensis NOK72, B. cabrialesii NOK78, B. cabrialesii NOK82, B. rugosus NOK85, B. amyloliquefaciens NOK89, B. australimaris NOK95, B. pumilus NOK103, and B. amyloliquefaciens NOK109) displayed in-vitro antagonistic effect against Fusarium graminearum fungus. Furthermore, the three endophytic Bacillus strains showing the strongest antagonistic effect (>70% of growth inhibition of fungal mycelium) under in-vitro antagonistic assay were selected for field experiments. In a two-year consecutive field study, a combination of three strains (B. clarus NOK09 + B. subtilis NOK33 + B. amyloliquefaciens NOK109) displayed a remarkable reduction in HS disease index by 81.47% and 77.85%, respectively. Polymerase chain reaction assay detected three genes (ituD, bmyC, and srfA) involved in antibiotic biosynthesis pathways. Additional attributes such as potassium solubilization, siderophore release, and hydrolytic enzyme (protease, lipase, amylase, chitinase, and pectinase) synthesis have been observed in these strains. Overall, the present study was successful in profiling endophytic bacilli and selecting the combination of effective antagonistic endophytic Bacillus strains that could be the best alternative for the sustainable and ecological sound management of HS disease in wheat under field conditions.
ShK-Domain-Containing Protein from a Parasitic Nematode Modulates Drosophila melanogaster Immunity
Authors: Lima Aklima K. , Dhillon Harpal , Dillman Adler R.
Published: September 2022

A key component to understanding host–parasite interactions is the molecular crosstalk between host and parasite. Excreted/secreted products (ESPs) released by parasitic nematodes play an important role in parasitism. They can directly damage host tissue and modulate host defense. Steinernema carpocapsae, a well-studied parasite of insects releases approximately 500 venom proteins as part of the infection process. Though the identity of these proteins is known, few have been studied in detail. One protein family present in the ESPs released by these nematodes is the ShK family. We studied the most abundant ShK-domain-containing protein in S. carpocapsae ESPs, Sc-ShK-1, to investigate its effects in a fruit fly model. We found that Sc-ShK-1 is toxic under high stress conditions and negatively affects the health of fruit flies. We have shown that Sc-ShK-1 contributes to host immunomodulation in bacterial co-infections resulting in increased mortality and microbial growth. This study provides an insight on ShK-domain-containing proteins from nematodes and suggests these proteins may play an important role in host–parasite interactions.
Potential SARS-CoV-2 Susceptibility of Cetaceans Stranded along the Italian Coastline
Authors: Audino Tania , Berrone Elena , Grattarola Carla , Giorda Federica , Mattioda Virginia , Martelli Walter , Pintore Antonio , Terracciano Giuliana , Cocumelli Cristiano , Lucifora Giuseppe , Nocera Fabio Di , Di Francesco Gabriella , Di Renzo Ludovica , Rubini Silva , Gavaudan Stefano , Toffan Anna , Puleio Roberto , Bold Dashzeveg , Brunelli Francesco , Goria Maria , Petrella Antonio , Caramelli Maria , Corona Cristiano , Mazzariol Sandro , Richt Juergen A. , Di Guardo Giovanni , Casalone Cristina
Published: September 2022

Due to marine mammals’ demonstrated susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2, based upon the homology level of their angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) viral receptor with the human one, alongside the global SARS-CoV-2 occurrence and fecal contamination of the river and marine ecosystems, SARS-CoV-2 infection may be plausibly expected to occur also in cetaceans, with special emphasis on inshore species like bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Moreover, based on immune and inflammatory responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans, macrophages could also play an important role in antiviral defense mechanisms. In order to provide a more in-depth insight into SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility in marine mammals, we evaluated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and the expression of ACE2 and the pan-macrophage marker CD68. Aliquots of tissue samples, belonging to cetaceans stranded along the Italian coastline during 2020-2021, were collected for SARS-CoV-2 analysis by real-time PCR (RT-PCRT) (N = 43) and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) (N = 59); thirty-two aliquots of pulmonary tissue sample (N = 17 Tursiops truncatus, N = 15 Stenella coeruleoalba) available at the Mediterranean Marine Mammal Tissue Bank (MMMTB) of the University of Padua (Legnaro, Padua, Italy) were analyzed to investigate ACE2 expression by IHC. In addition, ACE2 and CD68 were also investigated by Double-Labeling Immunofluorescence (IF) Confocal Laser Microscopy. No SARS-CoV-2 positivity was found in samples analyzed for the survey while ACE2 protein was detected in the lower respiratory tract albeit heterogeneously for age, gender/sex, and species, suggesting that ACE2 expression can vary between different lung regions and among individuals. Finally, double IF analysis showed elevated colocalization of ACE2 and CD68 in macrophages only when an evident inflammatory reaction was present, such as in human SARS-CoV-2 infection.