bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-Dimensional Printing of Continuous Flax Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Composites by Five-Axis Machine
Authors: Zhang Haiguang , Liu Di , Huang Tinglong , Hu Qingxi , Lammer Herfried
Published: April 2020

A method for printing continuous flax fiber-reinforced plastic (CFFRP) composite parts by five-axis three-dimensional (3D) printer, based on fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology, has been developed. FFF printed parts usually need supporting structures, have a stair step effect, and unfavorable mechanical properties. In order to address these deficiencies, continuous natural fiber prepreg filaments were first manufactured, followed by curved path planning for the model for generation of the G-code, and finally printed by a five-axis 3D printer. The surface quality of printed parts was greatly improved. The tensile strength and modulus of CFFRP increased by 89% and 73%, respectively, compared with polylactic acid (PLA) filaments. The flexural strength and modulus of the 3D-printed CFFRP specimens increased by 211% and 224%, respectively, compared with PLA specimens. The maximal curved bending force load and stiffness of the 3D-printed CFFRP specimens increased by 39% and 115%, respectively, compared with the flat slicing method. Advanced light structures, such as leaf springs, can be designed and manufactured by taking advantage of the favorable properties of these composites, which endow them with significant potential for application in the field of automobiles.
Wound Dressings Coated with Silver Nanoparticles and Essential Oils for The Management of Wound Infections
Authors: Vasile Bogdan Stefan , Birca Alexandra Catalina , Musat Mihaela Carmen , Holban Alina Maria
Published: April 2020

Infection represents one of the major risk factors in persistent and difficult to treat wounds. This study focuses on developing antimicrobial wound dressings coated with silver nanoparticles, sodium alginate and different essential oils, to avoid wound infection and biofilm formation. The design of the wound dressings was done by the dip coating method. The characteristics of the developed materials were analysed by physicochemical (FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM) and biological (antimicrobial tests) approaches. The results demonstrated uniform silver nanoparticle formation on the substrate, and the developed nanomodified dressings were proven to have increased antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential. The developed wound dressings based on silver nanoparticles, sodium alginate and essential oils have real potential in treating infections, and can be investigated as an efficient alternative to antibiotics and topical preparations for wound management.
Strength of Graphene-Coated Ni Bi-Crystals: A Molecular Dynamics Nano-Indentation Study
Authors: Vardanyan Vardan Hoviki , Urbassek Herbert M.
Published: April 2020

Nanoindentation simulations are performed for a Ni(111) bi-crystal, in which the grain boundary is coated by a graphene layer. We study both a weak and a strong interface, realized by a 30 ∘ and a 60 ∘ twist boundary, respectively, and compare our results for the composite also with those of an elemental Ni bi-crystal. We find hardening of the elemental Ni when a strong, i.e., low-energy, grain boundary is introduced, and softening for a weak grain boundary. For the strong grain boundary, the interface barrier strength felt by dislocations upon passing the interface is responsible for the hardening; for the weak grain boundary, confinement of the dislocations results in the weakening. For the Ni-graphene composite, we find in all cases a weakening influence that is caused by the graphene blocking the passage of dislocations and absorbing them. In addition, interface failure occurs when the indenter reaches the graphene, again weakening the composite structure.
Woven Natural Fibre Reinforced Composite Materials for Medical Imaging
Authors: Morris Robert H. , Geraldi Nicasio R. , Stafford Johanna L. , Spicer Abi , Hall James , Bradley Christopher , Newton Michael I.
Published: April 2020

Repeatable patient positioning is key to minimising the burden on planning radiotherapy treatment. There are very few materials commercially available which are suitable for use in all common imaging and treatment modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-Ray computed tomography (CT) and radiotherapy. In this article, we present several such materials based on woven natural fibres embedded in a range of different resin materials which are suitable for such applications. By investigating a range of resins and natural fibre materials in combination and evaluating their performance in terms of MRI and X-Ray imaging, we show that a woven cotton material impregnated with a two-part epoxy resin provides a 15% improvement in passage of X-Rays and has no impact on the MRI signal (unlike the 40% MRI signal attenuation from carbon fibre), whilst also retaining a flexural modulus up to 71% of that of carbon fibre. These results demonstrate that natural fibre composites produced using such materials provide desirable properties for use in patient support and positioning devices for multi-modal imaging, without the need to significantly compromise on the strength of the material.
Scratch Testing of AlSi12/SiCp Composite Layer with High Share of Reinforcing Phase Formed in the Centrifugal Casting Process
Authors: Dolata Anna Janina , Mróz Marek , Dyzia Maciej , Jacek-Burek Magdalena
Published: April 2020

The scratch test enables assessing the susceptibility of a material to the development of scratches and, being in some ways a measure of its abrasion resistance, allows extended knowledge in the field of material application usability, especially its machining capabilities. The aim of the study was to assess the resistance of a centrifugally formed AlSi12/SiCp composite layer with a high share of reinforcing phase (Vp > 40%) to scratching with a diamond indenter. The microstructure and effect of the load applied to the diamond indenter on the scratch depth and susceptibility of the composite layer to the nucleation and propagation of cracks in hard and brittle SiC particles were analyzed. A simple model of SiCp cracking depending on their size, shape (geometry), and orientation in relation to the direction of scratching has been proposed.
Application of Dual Focused Ultrasonic Phased Array Transducer in Two Orthogonal Cross-Sections for Inspection of Multi-Layered Composite Components of the Aircraft Fuselage
Authors: Raišutis Renaldas , Tumšys Olgirdas
Published: April 2020

Our previous studies have shown that the application of the proposed technique of a dual focused ultrasonic beam in two orthogonal cross-sections in passive (elevation) and active (azimuth) apertures of linear ultrasonic phased array transducer (ULPAT) enhances the 3D spatial resolution in the case of the inspection of conventional defects (flat bottom holes) or measurement of thickness of multi-layered metal composites. The objective of this work is to apply the proposed technique to enhance the spatial resolution of the ULPAT in the cases of detection and sizing demonstration of internal defects possessing spatially complex geometry, and during the inspection of defective multi-layered thin composite components (e.g., GLARE) of the aircraft fuselage. The specially prepared aluminium specimen possessing an internal defect of complicated geometry (crescent-shaped) was investigated. The simulation results and experiments demonstrate the resolution enhancement, higher amplitude of the reflections (e.g., 2.5 times or +8 dB) and spatial improvement in the defect detection even in the case of the non-perpendicular incidence of ultrasonic waves to the complex geometry surface of the internal defect. During the experiments, the multi-layered GFRP-metal based composite sample GLARE 3-3/2 was investigated in the case of the single-side access to the surface of the sample. The internal artificial delamination type defect of 25 mm was detected with a higher accuracy. Compared to the limitations of conventional ULPAT, the relative error (32%) (at the −6 dB level) of lateral defect dimensions estimation was completely reduced.
Utilizing Osteocyte Derived Factors to Enhance Cell Viability and Osteogenic Matrix Deposition within IPN Hydrogels
Authors: Parmentier Laurens , Riffault Mathieu , Hoey David A.
Published: April 2020

Many bone defects arising due to traumatic injury, disease, or surgery are unable to regenerate, requiring intervention. More than four million graft procedures are performed each year to treat these defects making bone the second most commonly transplanted tissue worldwide. However, these types of graft suffer from a limited supply, a second surgical site, donor site morbidity, and pain. Due to the unmet clinical need for new materials to promote skeletal repair, this study aimed to produce novel biomimetic materials to enhance stem/stromal cell osteogenesis and bone repair by recapitulating aspects of the biophysical and biochemical cues found within the bone microenvironment. Utilizing a collagen type I–alginate interpenetrating polymer network we fabricated a material which mirrors the mechanical and structural properties of unmineralized bone, consisting of a porous fibrous matrix with a young’s modulus of 64 kPa, both of which have been shown to enhance mesenchymal stromal/stem cell (MSC) osteogenesis. Moreover, by combining this material with biochemical paracrine factors released by statically cultured and mechanically stimulated osteocytes, we further mirrored the biochemical environment of the bone niche, enhancing stromal/stem cell viability, differentiation, and matrix deposition. Therefore, this biomimetic material represents a novel approach to promote skeletal repair.
Application of Magnetic Resonance Techniques to the In Situ Characterization of Li-Ion Batteries: A Review
Authors: Krachkovskiy Sergey , Trudeau Michel L. , Zaghib Karim
Published: April 2020

In situ magnetic resonance (MR) techniques, such as nuclear MR and MR imaging, have recently gained significant attention in the battery community because of their ability to provide real-time quantitative information regarding material chemistry, ion distribution, mass transport, and microstructure formation inside an operating electrochemical cell. MR techniques are non-invasive and non-destructive, and they can be applied to both liquid and solid (crystalline, disordered, or amorphous) samples. Additionally, MR equipment is available at most universities and research and development centers, making MR techniques easily accessible for scientists worldwide. In this review, we will discuss recent research results in the field of in situ MR for the characterization of Li-ion batteries with a particular focus on experimental setups, such as pulse sequence programming and cell design, for overcoming the complications associated with the heterogeneous nature of energy storage devices. A comprehensive approach combining proper hardware and software will allow researchers to collect reliable high-quality data meeting industrial standards.
Multiobjective Mixed Integer Nonlinear Model to Plan the Schedule for the Final Disposal of the Spent Nuclear Fuel in Finland
Authors: Montonen Outi , Eronen Ville-Pekka , Ranta Timo , Huttunen Jani A. S. , Mäkelä Marko M.
Published: April 2020

The safe disposal of the spent nuclear fuel is the important part of the nuclear power production. In this paper, we model the geological disposal in Finland covering objectives related to the interim storage, the encapsulation facility, the disposal facility, and the costs. A notable fact is that all the fuel types used in Finland are taken into account. The resulting optimization model is of a multiobjective nonlinear mixed integer type having eight objectives. The model is solved with the interactive method utilizing the special type of the achievement scalarizing functions. From this, we obtain a disposal schedule giving amounts of canisters to encapsulate in each time period. The results obtained are analyzed from the practical point of view.
Gradient Structures Associated with a Polynomial Differential Equation
Authors: Treanţă Savin
Published: April 2020

In this paper, by using the characteristic system method, the kernel of a polynomial differential equation involving a derivation in R n is described by solving the Cauchy Problem for the corresponding first order system of PDEs. Moreover, the kernel representation has a special significance on the space of solutions to the corresponding system of PDEs. As very important applications, it has been established that the mathematical framework developed in this work can be used for the study of some second-order PDEs involving a finite set of derivations.
A Density-Dependent Host-Parasitoid Model with Stability, Bifurcation and Chaos Control
Authors: Ma Xiaorong , Din Qamar , Rafaqat Muhammad , Javaid Nasir , Feng Yongliang
Published: April 2020

The aim of this article is to study the qualitative behavior of a host-parasitoid system with a Beverton-Holt growth function for a host population and Hassell-Varley framework. Furthermore, the existence and uniqueness of a positive fixed point, permanence of solutions, local asymptotic stability of a positive fixed point and its global stability are investigated. On the other hand, it is demonstrated that the model endures Hopf bifurcation about its positive steady-state when the growth rate of the consumer is selected as a bifurcation parameter. Bifurcating and chaotic behaviors are controlled through the implementation of chaos control strategies. In the end, all mathematical discussion, especially Hopf bifurcation, methods related to the control of chaos and global asymptotic stability for a positive steady-state, is supported with suitable numerical simulations.
Influence of Ozone Treatment on Ultrafiltration Performance and Nutrient Flow in a Membrane Based Nutrient Recovery Process from Anaerobic Digestate
Authors: Gienau Tobias , Ehrmanntraut Artjom , Kraume Matthias , Rosenberger Sandra
Published: April 2020

Membrane filtration of biological suspensions is frequently limited by fouling. This mechanism is well understood for ultrafiltration of activated sludge in membrane bioreactors. A rather young application of ultrafiltration is the recovery of nutrients from anaerobic digestates, e.g., from agricultural biogas plants. A process chain of solid/liquid separation, ultrafiltration, and reverse osmoses separates the digestate into different products: an organic N-P-fertilizer (solid digestate), a recirculate (UF retentate), a liquid N-K-fertilizer (RO retentate) and water. Despite the preceding particle removal, high crossflow velocities are required in the ultrafiltration step to overcome fouling. This leads to high operation costs of the ultrafiltration step and often limits the economical application of the complete process chain. In this study, under-stoichiometric ozone treatment of the ultrafiltration feed stream is investigated. Ozone treatment reduced the biopolymer concentration and apparent viscosity of different digestate centrates. Permeabilities of centrate treated with ozone were higher than without ozone treatment. In a laboratory test rig and in a pilot plant operated at the site of two full scale biogas plants, ultrafiltration flux could be improved by 50–80% by ozonation. Nutrient concentrations in the fertilizer products were not affected by ozone treatment.
Comment on Stefanescu, D.M.; Alonso, G.; Suarez, R. Recent Developments in Understanding Nucleation and Crystallization of Spheroidal Graphite in Iron-Carbon-Silicon Alloys. Metals 2020, 10, 221
Authors: Lacaze Jacques , Castro-Roman Manuel J.
Published: April 2020

In an article published in this journal in February 2020, Stefanescu et al [...]
Copper Corrosion Behavior in Simulated Concrete-Pore Solutions
Authors: Bacelis Ángel , Veleva Lucien , Alpuche-Avilés Mario A.
Published: April 2020

The copper corrosion was studied for 30 days in two alkaline electrolytes: saturated Ca(OH)2 and cement extract, employed to simulate concrete-pore environments. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Cyclic Voltammetry were carried out at the open circuit potential (OCP), and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) curves were performed for comparative purposes. Electrochemical current fluctuations, considered as electrochemical noise (EN), were employed as non-destructive methods. The tests revealed that sat. Ca(OH)2 is the less aggressive to the Cu surface, mainly because of the lower in one order pH. In consequence, the OCP values of Cu were more positive, the polarization resistance values were higher by one order of magnitude, and the anodic currents of Cu were lower than those in the cement extract. The analyzed EN indicated that the initial corrosion attacks on the Cu surface are quasi-uniform, resulting from the stationary persistent corrosion process occurring in both model solutions. XPS analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns revealed that in sat. Ca(OH)2, a Cu2O/CuO corrosion layer was formed, which effectively protects the metallic Cu-surface. We present evidence for the sequential oxidation of Cu to the (+1) and (+2) species, its impact on the corrosion layer, and also its protective properties.
Experimental and FEM Analysis of Wear Behaviour in AA5083 Ultrafine-Grained Cams
Authors: Luis Pérez C. J. , Luri Irigoyen R. , Fuertes Bonel J. P. , León Iriarte J. , Salcedo Pérez D. , Puertas Arbizu I.
Published: April 2020

Severe plastic deformation (SPD) processes have attracted a great deal of both scientific and technological interest over the last few years as a consequence of the improvements that are possible to obtain in the microstructure and mechanical properties of the materials manufactured through the use of these kind of processes. However, the practical applications of such materials to obtain mechanical components are significantly fewer. As a direct consequence, the same thing has been observed in the development of studies that show the in-service behaviour of the mechanical components developed in this way. Since one of the industrial objectives of these SPD processes is to obtain functional parts, it is necessary to carry out studies to fill this gap. Therefore, in this study, an analysis of the wear that cams undergo when manufactured from an AA5083 aluminium-magnesium alloy is carried out. The cams were isothermally-forged from materials with and without previous SPD processing by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP). Subsequently, the wear behaviour of these cams was analysed by using specific equipment, which may have been considered to have a block-on-ring configuration, developed for testing in-service wear behaviour of mechanical parts. From this comparative wear study with cams, it is shown that previously-processed materials by ECAP have a better wear performance. Moreover, finite element modelling (FEM) simulations were also included to predict wear in the cams processed in this way. A good agreement between FEM and experimental results was obtained. It is this aspect of performing the wear tests on functional and real mechanical components, and not on laboratory samples, which makes this present research work novel.
Laser Welding of ASTM A553-1 (9% Nickel Steel) (PART I: Penetration Shape by Bead on Plate)
Authors: Kim Jaewoong , Kim Jisun , Kang Sungwook , Chun Kwangsan
Published: April 2020

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is tightening regulations, in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ship operations. As a result, the number of vessels using Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as fuel has increased rapidly. At this time, ASTM A553-1 (9% nickel steel) is being used as a tank material for storing LNG as fuel, because it has higher strength than other cryogenic materials. Currently, shipyards are manufacturing LNG fuel tanks by using the Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) method, using 9% nickel steel material. However, fabrication through FCAW welding has two drawbacks. The first is to use a welding electrode that is 20 times higher in cost than the base metal, and the second is that the total production cost increases because the thickness of the tank increases due to the strength drop near the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) after welding. Laser welding, which does not require additional welding rods and has no strength reduction in the HAZ, can overcome the drawbacks of FCAW welding and ensure price competitiveness. In this study, it is confirmed the characteristics of the penetration shape of Bead on Plate (BOP) after various laser welding conditions as a basic study to apply laser welding to A553-1 welding. For this, penetration characteristics of A553-1, according to laser welding speed and power, which is a main factor of laser welding, are confirmed.
Chemotactic Responses of Jurkat Cells in Microfluidic Flow-Free Gradient Chambers
Authors: Sonmez Utku M. , Wood Adam , Justus Kyle , Jiang Weijian , Syed-Picard Fatima , LeDuc Philip R. , Kalinski Pawel , Davidson Lance A.
Published: April 2020

Gradients of soluble molecules coordinate cellular communication in a diverse range of multicellular systems. Chemokine-driven chemotaxis is a key orchestrator of cell movement during organ development, immune response and cancer progression. Chemotaxis assays capable of examining cell responses to different chemokines in the context of various extracellular matrices will be crucial to characterize directed cell motion in conditions which mimic whole tissue conditions. Here, a microfluidic device which can generate different chemokine patterns in flow-free gradient chambers while controlling surface extracellular matrix (ECM) to study chemotaxis either at the population level or at the single cell level with high resolution imaging is presented. The device is produced by combining additive manufacturing (AM) and soft lithography. Generation of concentration gradients in the device were simulated and experimentally validated. Then, stable gradients were applied to modulate chemotaxis and chemokinetic response of Jurkat cells as a model for T lymphocyte motility. Live imaging of the gradient chambers allowed to track and quantify Jurkat cell migration patterns. Using this system, it has been found that the strength of the chemotactic response of Jurkat cells to CXCL12 gradient was reduced by increasing surface fibronectin in a dose-dependent manner. The chemotaxis of the Jurkat cells was also found to be governed not only by the CXCL12 gradient but also by the average CXCL12 concentration. Distinct migratory behaviors in response to chemokine gradients in different contexts may be physiologically relevant for shaping the host immune response and may serve to optimize the targeting and accumulation of immune cells to the inflammation site. Our approach demonstrates the feasibility of using a flow-free gradient chamber for evaluating cross-regulation of cell motility by multiple factors in different biologic processes.
Symbioflor2® Escherichia coli Genotypes Enhance Ileal and Colonic Gene Expression Associated with Mucosal Defense in Gnotobiotic Mice
Authors: Escribano-Vazquez Unai , Beimfohr Claudia , Bellet Deborah , Thomas Muriel , Zimmermann Kurt , Langella Philippe , Cherbuy Claire
Published: April 2020

Symbioflor2® is a probiotic product composed of six Escherichia coli genotypes, which has a beneficial effect on irritable bowel syndrome. Our objective was to understand the individual impact of each of the six genotypes on the host, together with the combined impact of the six in the compound Symbioflor2®. Gnotobiotic mice were mono-associated with one of the six genotypes or associated with the compound product. Ileal and colonic gene expression profiling was carried out, and data were compared between the different groups of gnotobiotic mice, along with that obtained from conventional (CV) mice and mice colonized with the probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917. We show that Symbioflor2® genotypes induce intestinal transcriptional responses involved in defense and immune mechanisms. Using mice associated with Symbioflor2®, we reveal that the product elicits a balanced response from the host without any predominance of a single genotype. The Nissle strain and the six bacterial genotypes have different effects on the intestinal gene expression, suggesting that the impacts of these probiotics are not redundant. Our data show the effect of the Symbioflor2® genotypes at the molecular level in the digestive tract, which further highlights their beneficial action on several aspects of intestinal physiology.
Relationships between Gut Microbiota, Metabolome, Body Weight, and Glucose Homeostasis of Obese Dogs Fed with Diets Differing in Prebiotic and Protein Content
Authors: Apper Emmanuelle , Privet Lisa , Taminiau Bernard , Le Bourgot Cindy , Svilar Ljubica , Martin Jean-Charles , Diez Marianne
Published: April 2020

Obesity is a major issue in pets and nutritional strategies need to be developed, like promoting greater protein and fiber intake. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary protein levels and prebiotic supplementation on the glucose metabolism and relationships between the gut, microbiota, metabolome, and phenotype of obese dogs. Six obese Beagle dogs received a diet containing 25.6% or 36.9% crude protein, with or without 1% short-chain fructo-oligosaccharide (scFOS) or oligofructose (OF), in a Latin-square study design. Fecal and blood samples were collected for metabolite analysis, untargeted metabolomics, and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. A multi-block analysis was performed to build a correlation network to identify relationships between fecal microbiota, metabolome, and phenotypic variables. Diets did not affect energy homeostasis, but scFOS supplementation modulated fecal microbiota composition and induced significant changes of the fecal metabolome. Bile acids and several amino acids were related to glucose homeostasis while specific bacteria gathered in metavariables had a high number of links with phenotypic and metabolomic parameters. It also suggested that fecal aminoadipate and hippurate act as potential markers of glucose homeostasis. This preliminary study provides new insights into the relationships between the gut microbiota, the metabolome, and several phenotypic markers involved in obesity and associated metabolic dysfunctions.
The Porcine Nasal Microbiota with Particular Attention to Livestock-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Germany—A Culturomic Approach
Authors: Schlattmann Andreas , von Lützau Knut , Kaspar Ursula , Becker Karsten
Published: April 2020

Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) remains a serious public health threat. Porcine nasal cavities are predominant habitats of LA-MRSA. Hence, components of their microbiota might be of interest as putative antagonistically acting competitors. Here, an extensive culturomics approach has been applied including 27 healthy pigs from seven different farms; five were treated with antibiotics prior to sampling. Overall, 314 different species with standing in nomenclature and 51 isolates representing novel bacterial taxa were detected. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from pigs on all seven farms sampled, comprising ten different spa types with t899 (n = 15, 29.4%) and t337 (n = 10, 19.6%) being most frequently isolated. Twenty-six MRSA (mostly t899) were detected on five out of the seven farms. Positive correlations between MRSA colonization and age and colonization with Streptococcus hyovaginalis, and a negative correlation between colonization with MRSA and Citrobacter spp. were found (p < 0.05). Of 209 non-S. aureus members of the Staphylococcaceae family, 25 isolates (12.0%) from three out of the seven farms exhibited methicillin resistance, including two Macrococcus goetzii isolates carrying the mecB gene. Among 125 Enterobacterales, none tested positive for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase production. The high frequency of methicillin-resistant staphylococci supports the need for enhanced efforts within the “One Health” concept to manage the antibiotic resistance crisis in the human and veterinary medicine sector.
The Cytomegalovirus Protein Kinase pUL97: Host Interactions, Regulatory Mechanisms and Antiviral Drug Targeting
Authors: Steingruber Mirjam , Marschall Manfred
Published: April 2020

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) expresses a variety of viral regulatory proteins that undergo close interaction with host factors including viral-cellular multiprotein complexes. The HCMV protein kinase pUL97 represents a viral cyclin-dependent kinase ortholog (vCDK) that determines the efficiency of HCMV replication via phosphorylation of viral and cellular substrates. A hierarchy of functional importance of individual pUL97-mediated phosphorylation events has been discussed; however, the most pronounced pUL97-dependent phenotype could be assigned to viral nuclear egress, as illustrated by deletion of the UL97 gene or pharmacological pUL97 inhibition. Despite earlier data pointing to a cyclin-independent functionality, experimental evidence increasingly emphasized the role of pUL97-cyclin complexes. Consequently, the knowledge about pUL97 involvement in host interaction, viral nuclear egress and additional replicative steps led to the postulation of pUL97 as an antiviral target. Indeed, validation experiments in vitro and in vivo confirmed the sustainability of this approach. Consequently, current investigations of pUL97 in antiviral treatment go beyond the known pUL97-mediated ganciclovir prodrug activation and henceforward include pUL97-specific kinase inhibitors. Among a number of interesting small molecules analyzed in experimental and preclinical stages, maribavir is presently investigated in clinical studies and, in the near future, might represent a first kinase inhibitor applied in the field of antiviral therapy.
Inoculum Strategies and Performances of Malolactic Starter Lactobacillus plantarum M10: Impact on Chemical and Sensorial Characteristics of Fiano Wine
Authors: Lombardi Silvia Jane , Pannella Gianfranco , Iorizzo Massimo , Testa Bruno , Succi Mariantonietta , Tremonte Patrizio , Sorrentino Elena , Di Renzo Massimo , Strollo Daniela , Coppola Raffaele
Published: April 2020

Malolactic fermentation (MLF) is a biological process that, in addition to deacidifying, also improves biological stability and changes the chemical and sensorial characteristics of wines. However, multiple biotic and abiotic factors, present in must and wine, make the onset and completion of MLF by indigenous malolactic bacteria or added commercial starters difficult. This work illustrates the metabolic and fermentative dynamics in winemaking Fiano wine, using a commercial starter of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the selected strain Lactobacillus plantarum M10. In particular, an inoculum of malolactic starter was assessed at the beginning of alcoholic fermentation (early co-inoculum), at half alcoholic fermentation (late co-inoculum), and post alcoholic fermentation (sequential inoculum). The malolactic starter, before its use, was pre-adapted in sub-optimal growth conditions (pH 5.0). In sequential inoculum of the Lb. plantarum M10, even in a wine with high acidity, has confirmed its good technological and enzymatic characteristics, completing the MLF and enriching the wine with desirable volatile compounds.
iTRAQ-based Quantitative Proteomics Analysis Identifies Host Pathways Modulated during Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Swine
Authors: He Jun-Jun , Ma Jun , Wang Jin-Lei , Zhang Fu-Kai , Li Jie-Xi , Zhai Bin-Tao , Elsheikha Hany M. , Zhu Xing-Quan
Published: April 2020

Toxoplasma gondii is a leading cause of foodborne illness and consumption of undercooked pig meat is a major risk factor for acquiring toxoplasmosis, which causes a substantial burden on society. Here, we used isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) labelling coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to identify cellular proteins and pathways altered during T. gondii infection in pigs. We also used parallel reaction monitoring-based LC-MS/MS to verify the levels of protein expression of infected spleens and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs). At 6 days post-infection (dpi), 156, 391, 170, 292, and 200 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were detected in the brain, liver, lung, MLNs and spleen, respectively. At 18 dpi, 339, 351, 483, 388, and 303 DEPs were detected in the brain, liver, lung, MLNs and spleen, respectively. Although proteins involved in immune responses were upregulated in all infected tissues, protein expression signature in infected livers was dominated by downregulation of the metabolic processes. By weighted gene co-expression network analysis, we could further show that all proteins were clustered into 25 co-expression modules and that the pink module significantly correlated with the infection status. We also identified 163 potential anti-T. gondii proteins (PATPs) and provided evidence that two PATPs (HSP70.2 and PDIA3) can reduce T. gondii burden in porcine macrophages in vitro. This comprehensive proteomics analysis reveals new facets in the pathogenesis of T. gondii infection and identifies key proteins that may contribute to the pig’s defense against this infection.
Mineralogical Characterization of Slags from the Oiola Site (Biscay, Spain) to Assess the Development in Bloomery Iron Smelting Technology from the Roman Period to the Middle Ages
Authors: Portillo-Blanco Haizea , Zuluaga Maria Cruz , Ortega Luis Angel , Alonso-Olazabal Ainhoa , Cepeda-Ocampo Juan José , Martínez Salcedo Ana
Published: April 2020

The Oiola archeological site, located in the mining complex of La Arboleda (Biscay, North Spain) was an important iron smelting center from the Roman Period to the Middle Ages and even in more current times (19th–20th centuries). Tap-slags and some plano-convex slags were identified as smelting slags. Samples were analyzed by optical microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy coupled with electron-dispersive spectroscopy and Raman microspectroscopy to perform a mineralogical and textural characterization. Additionally, thermogravimetric and thermodiffraction analyses were carried out to determine furnace operating temperatures. The mineral assemblage reflects furnace temperatures and cooling rates and the addition of quartz as the main flux to decrease the melting temperature of the iron ore. The comparison of slags from the Roman Period and the Middle Age reveals changes in the pyrometallurgical process through time.
Industrial Experiment of Goaf Filling Using the Filling Materials Based on Hemihydrate Phosphogypsum
Authors: Rong Kuanwei , Lan Wentao , Li Hongyan
Published: April 2020

The surface stockpiling of phosphogypsum not only occupies a large amount of land, but also seriously harms the surrounding ecological environment. The preparation of phosphogypsum into filling materials for mine filling can not only maintain the stability of surrounding rock, reduce surface subsidence, enhance the recovery of resources, but it can also completely solve the problem of phosphogypsum stockpiling. Under certain activation conditions, hemihydrate phosphogypsum has a strong cementing property. It is an important way to reduce the filling cost by using hemihydrate phosphogypsum instead of cement as a cementing material. Through laboratory experiments, the filling materials based on hemihydrate phosphogypsum were developed. In order to further verify its feasibility in practical filling engineering, the industrial experiment of goaf filling was carried out in a phosphorus mine. The results show that the filling system was simple, reliable, and easy to operate and manage. The strength of the filling body basically reached the expected strength target of 2.5 MPa in 3 days. The consolidation speed of the filling materials was faster, which is beneficial to the safe underground construction of the mine. The results of the industrial experiment of goaf filling indicate that the filling materials based on hemihydrate phosphogypsum are suitable for mine filling engineering practice, the work amount is small, and the filling cost is low.
Yolk–Shell Nanostructures: Syntheses and Applications for Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Moon Geon Dae
Published: April 2020

Yolk–shell nanostructures have attracted tremendous research interest due to their physicochemical properties and unique morphological features stemming from a movable core within a hollow shell. The structural potential for tuning inner space is the focal point of the yolk–shell nanostructures in a way that they can solve the long-lasted problem such as volume expansion and deterioration of lithium-ion battery electrodes. This review gives a comprehensive overview of the design, synthesis, and battery anode applications of yolk–shell nanostructures. The synthetic strategies for yolk–shell nanostructures consist of two categories: templating and self-templating methods. While the templating approach is straightforward in a way that the inner void is formed by removing the sacrificial layer, the self-templating methods cover various different strategies including galvanic replacement, Kirkendall effect, Ostwald ripening, partial removal of core, core injection, core contraction, and surface-protected etching. The battery anode applications of yolk–shell nanostructures are discussed by dividing into alloying and conversion types with details on the synthetic strategies. A successful design of yolk–shell nanostructures battery anodes achieved the improved reversible capacity compared to their bare morphologies (e.g., no capacity retention in 300 cycles for Si@C yolk–shell vs. capacity fading in 10 cycles for Si@C core–shell). This review ends with a summary and concluding remark yolk–shell nanostructures.
Impact of Endocytosis and Lysosomal Acidification on the Toxicity of Copper Oxide Nano- and Microsized Particles: Uptake and Gene Expression Related to Oxidative Stress and the DNA Damage Response
Authors: Strauch Bettina Maria , Hubele Wera , Hartwig Andrea
Published: April 2020

The toxicity of the copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NP) has been attributed to the so-called “Trojan horse”-type mechanism, relying on the particle uptake and extensive intracellular release of copper ions, due to acidic pH in the lysosomes. Nevertheless, a clear distinction between extra- and intracellular-mediated effects is still missing. Therefore, the impact of the endocytosis inhibitor hydroxy-dynasore (OH-dyn), as well as bafilomycin A1 (bafA1), inhibiting the vacuolar type H+-ATPase (V-ATPase), on the cellular toxicity of nano- and microsized CuO particles, was investigated in BEAS 2 B cells. Selected endpoints were cytotoxicity, copper uptake, glutathione (GSH) levels, and the transcriptional DNA damage and (oxidative) stress response using the high-throughput reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). OH-dyn markedly reduced intracellular copper accumulation in the cases of CuO NP and CuO MP; the modulation of gene expression, induced by both particle types affecting especially HMOX1, HSPA1A, MT1X, SCL30A1, IL8 and GADD45A, were completely abolished. BafA1 lowered the intracellular copper concentration in case of CuO NP and strongly reduced transcriptional changes, while any CuO MP-mediated effects were not affected by bafA1. In conclusion, the toxicity of CuO NP depended almost exclusively upon dynamin-dependent endocytosis and the intracellular release of redox-active copper ions due to lysosomal acidification, while particle interactions with cellular membranes appeared to be not relevant.
Enhanced Anti-Mold Property and Mechanism Description of Ag/TiO2 Wood-Based Nanocomposites Formation by Ultrasound- and Vacuum-Impregnation
Authors: Lin Lin , Cao Jiaming , Zhang Jian , Cui Qiliang , Liu Yi
Published: April 2020

Ag/TiO2 wood-based nanocomposites were prepared by the methods of ultrasound impregnation and vacuum impregnation. The as-prepared samples were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and water contact angles (WCAs). The anti-mold properties of the Ag/TiO2 wood-based nanocomposites were improved by 14 times compared to those of the original wood. The nano-Ag/TiO2, which was impregnated in the tracheid and attached to the cell walls, was able to form a two-stage rough structure and reduce the number of hydroxyl functional groups on the wood surfaces. The resulting decline of wood hydrophobic and equilibrium moisture content (EMC) destroyed the moisture environment necessary for mold survival. Ag/TiO2 was deposited in the wood pores, which reduced the number and volume of pores and blocked the path of mold infection. Thus, the anti-mold properties of the Ag/TiO2 wood-based nanocomposite were improved by cutting off the water source and blocking the mold infection path. This study reveals the anti-mold mechanism of Ag/TiO2 wood-based nanocomposites and provides a feasible pathway for wood-based nanocomposites with anti-mold functions.
Removal of Cr(VI) from Aqueous Solution by Polypyrrole/Hollow Mesoporous Silica Particles
Authors: Du Linlin , Gao Peng , Liu Yuanli , Minami Tsuyoshi , Yu Chuanbai
Published: April 2020

The removal of Cr(VI) in wastewater plays an important role in human health and environment. In this work, polypyrrole/hollow mesoporous silica particle (PPy/HMSNs) adsorbents have been newly synthesized by in-situ polymerization, which prevent the aggregation of pyrrole in the process of polymerization and exhibit highly selective and powerful adsorption ability for Cr(VI). The adsorption process was in good agreement with the quasi-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model. And the maximum adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) was 322 mg/g at 25 °C. Moreover, the removal rate of Cr(VI) by PPy/HMSNs was ~100% in a number of binary systems, such as Cl−/Cr(VI), NO3−/Cr(VI), SO42−/Cr(VI), Zn2+/Cr(VI), Fe3+/Cr(VI), Sn4+/Cr(VI), and Cu2+/Cr(VI). Thus, the PPy/HMSNs adsorbents have great potential for the removal of Cr(VI) in wastewater.
Investigation of Electrical Properties and Reliability of GaN-Based Micro-LEDs
Authors: Zhang Ke , Liu Yibo , Kwok Hoi-sing , Liu Zhaojun
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we report high-performance Micro-LEDs on sapphire substrates, with pixel size scaling to 20 µm and an ultra-high current density of 9902 A/cm2. The forward voltages (VF) of the devices ranged from 2.32 V to 2.39 V under an injection current density of 10 A/cm2. The size and structure-dependent effects were subsequently investigated to optimize the device design. The reliability of Micro-LED devices was evaluated under long-aging, high-temperature, and high-humidity conditions. It was found that Micro-LED devices can maintain comparable performance with an emission wavelength of about 445 nm and a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 22 nm under extreme environments. Following this, specific analysis with four detailed factors of forward voltage, forward current, slope, and leakage current was carried out in order to show the influence of the different environments on different aspects of the devices.
Association between Polyphenol Intake and Breast Cancer Risk by Menopausal and Hormone Receptor Status
Authors: Vitelli-Storelli Facundo , Zamora-Ros Raul , Molina Antonio J. , Fernández-Villa Tania , Castelló Adela , Barrio Juan Pablo , Amiano Pilar , Ardanaz Eva , Obón-Santacana Mireia , Gómez-Acebo Inés , Fernández-Tardón Guillermo , Molina-Barceló Ana , Alguacil Juan , Marcos-Gragera Rafael , Ruiz-Moreno Emma , Pedraza Manuela , Gil Leire , Guevara Marcela , Castaño-Vinyals Gemma , Dierssen-Sotos Trinidad , Kogevinas Manolis , Aragonés Nuria , Martín Vicente
Published: April 2020

There is limited evidence of phenolic compounds acting as protective agents on several cancer types, including breast cancer (BC). Nevertheless, some polyphenol classes have not been investigated and there is a lack of studies assessing the effect on menopausal status and hormone receptor status as influenced by these compounds. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between the intake of all polyphenol classes in relation to the BC risk by menopausal and hormone receptor status. We used data from a population-based multi-case-control study (MCC-Spain) including 1472 BC cases and 1577 controls from 12 different regions of Spain. The odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CI were calculated using logistic regression of mixed effects by quartiles and log2 of polyphenol intakes (adjusted for the residual method) of overall BC, menopausal and receptor status. No associations were found between total intake of polyphenols and BC risk. However, inverse associations were found between stilbenes and all BC risk (ORQ4 vs. Q1: 0.70, 95%CI: 0.56–0.89, Ptrend = 0.001), the consumption of hydroxybenzaldehydes (ORQ4 vs. Q1: 0.75, 95%CI: 0.59–0.93, Ptrend = 0.012) and hydroxycoumarins (ORQ4 vs. Q1: 0.73, 95%CI: 0.57–0.93; Ptrend = 0.005) were also inversely associated. The intake of stilbenes, hydroxybenzaldehydes and hydroxycoumarins can contribute to BC reduction risk on all menopausal and receptor statuses.
Changes in Salivary Proteome in Response to Bread Odour
Authors: Carreira Laura , Midori Castelo Paula , Simões Carla , Capela e Silva Fernando , Viegas Cláudia , Lamy Elsa
Published: April 2020

It is widely recognized that smelling food results in a mouth-watering feeling and influences appetite. However, besides changes in volume, little is known about the effects that food odours have on the composition of saliva. The aim of the present study was to access the effects that smelling bread has on saliva proteome and to compare such effects with those of chewing and ingesting it. Besides a significant increase in saliva flow rate, together with a decrease in total protein concentration, bread odour induced changes in the proportion of different salivary proteins. The expression levels of two spots of cystatins and two spots of amylase increased due to olfactory stimulation, similar to what happened with bread mastication, suggesting that odour can allow anticipation of the type of food eaten and consequently the physiological oral changes necessary to that ingestion. An interesting finding was that bread odour increased the expression levels of several protein spots of immunoglobulin chains, which were decreased by both bread or rice mastication. This may be of clinical relevance since food olfactory stimulation of salivary immunoglobulins can be used to potentiate the oral immune function of saliva. Moreover, the effects of bread odour in the levels of salivary proteins, previously observed to be involved in oral food processing led to the hypothesis of an influence of this odour in the sensory perception of foods further ingested. Further studies are needed to elucidate this point, as well as whether the changes observed for bread odour are specific, or if different food odours lead to similar salivary proteome responses.
Haemoproteus spp. and Leucocytozoon californicus Coinfection in a Merlin (Falco colombarius)
Authors: Nardoni Simona , Parisi Francesca , Rocchigiani Guido , Ceccherelli Renato , Mancianti Francesca , Poli Alessandro
Published: April 2020

The Leucocytozoon genus comprises numerous widely distributed parasites which have been less investigated than other avian hemoprotozoa. Their occurrence is common, with very variable prevalence values and pathogenicity degrees. Leucocytozoon species are characterized by a great taxonomic diversity, and infections are usually restricted to birds of the same family. In the present paper, a mixed hemosporidia infection by Leucocytozoon californicus and Haemoproteus sp. in an adult male merlin (Falco columbarius) which died during hospitalisation is reported, indicating, for the first time, a newly described avian host species. A molecular investigation was carried out through cytochrome b gene analysis, revealing a 100% match with L. californicus and Haemoproteus spp. A blood smear examination allowed us to detect Leucocytozoon fusiform mature gametocytes and different degrees of maturity of Haemoproteus gametocytes. Histopathology revealed foci of necrosis, hemorrhagic areas and extramedullary hematopoiesis in the liver, the presence of microthrombi in the heart and lung and scattered hemorrhages in the lung.