bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NIL10: A New IL10-Receptor Binding Nanoparticle That Induces Cardiac Protection in Mice and Pigs Subjected to Acute Myocardial Infarction through STAT3/NF-κB Activation
Authors: Tesoro Laura , Hernández Ignacio , Ramírez-Carracedo Rafael , Díez-Mata Javier , Alcharani Nunzio , Jiménez-Guirado Beatriz , Ovejero-Paredes Karina , Filice Marco , Zamorano Jose Luis , Saura Marta , Zaragoza Carlos , Botana Laura
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: Early response after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) prevents extensive cardiac necrosis, in which inflammation resolution, including expression of anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (IL-10), may play a key role. (2) Methods: We synthesized NIL10, a micelle-based nanoparticle, to target IL-10 receptor in mice and pigs subjected to AMI. (3) Results: Administration of NIL10 induced cardiac protection of wild-type and IL-10 knockout mice and pigs subjected to AMI. Cardiac protection was not induced in IL-10-receptor null mice, as shown by a significant recovery of cardiac function, in which inflammatory foci and fibrosis were strongly reduced, together with the finding that resolving M2-like macrophage populations were increased after day 3 of reperfusion. In addition, anti-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-4, IL-7, IL-10, IL-13, IL-16, and IL-27 were also elevated. Mechanistically, NIL10 induced activation of the IL-10 receptor/STAT-3 signaling pathway, and STAT3-dependent inhibition of nuclear translocation of pro-inflammatory NF-ĸB transcription factor. (4) Conclusions: Taken together, we propose using NIL10 as a novel therapeutic tool against AMI-induced cardiac damage.
Acceleration of Polybutylene Succinate Biodegradation by Terribacillus sp. JY49 Isolated from a Marine Environment
Authors: Kim Su Hyun , Cho Jang Yeon , Cho Do Hyun , Jung Hee Ju , Kim Byung Chan , Bhatia Shashi Kant , Park See-Hyoung , Park Kyungmoon , Yang Yung-Hun
Published: September 2022

Polybutylene succinate (PBS) is a bioplastic substitute for synthetic plastics that are made from petroleum-based products such as polyethylene and polypropylene. However, the biodegradation rate of PBS is still low and similar to that of polylactic acid (PLA). Moreover, our knowledge about degrader species is limited to a few fungi and mixed consortia. Here, to identify a bacterial degrader to accelerate PBS degradation, we screened and isolated Terribacillus sp. JY49, which showed significant degradability. In order to optimize solid and liquid culture conditions, the effect of factors such as temperature, additional carbon sources, and salt concentrations on degradation was confirmed. We observed a degradation yield of 22.3% after 7 days when adding 1% of glucose. Additionally, NaCl was added to liquid media, and degradation yield was decreased but PBS films were broken into pieces. Comparing the degree of PBS degradation during 10 days, the degradation yield was 31.4% after 10 days at 30 °C. Alteration of physical properties of films was analyzed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). In addition, Terribacillus sp. JY49 showed clear zones on poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), polycaprolactone (PCL), and copolymers such as P(3HB-co-3HV) and P(3HV-co-4HB), exhibiting a broad spectrum of degradation activities on bioplastics. However, there was no significant difference in absorbance when esterase activity was examined for different types of bioplastics. Overall, Terribacillus sp. JY49 is a potential bacterial strain that can degrade PBS and other bioplastics, and this is the first report of Terribacillus sp. as a bioplastic degrader.
Spread Layers of Lysozyme Microgel at Liquid Surface
Authors: Milyaeva Olga Yu. , Akentiev Alexander V. , Bykov Alexey G. , Lin Shi-Yow , Loglio Giuseppe , Miller Reinhard , Michailov Alexander V. , Rotanova Ksenia Yu. , Noskov Boris A.
Published: September 2022

The spread layers of lysozyme (LYS) microgel particles were studied by surface dilational rheology, infrared reflection–absorption spectra, Brewster angle microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. It is shown that the properties of LYS microgel layers differ significantly from those of ß-lactoglobulin (BLG) microgel layers. In the latter case, the spread protein layer is mainly a monolayer, and the interactions between particles lead to the increase in the dynamic surface elasticity by up to 140 mN/m. In contrast, the dynamic elasticity of the LYS microgel layer does not exceed the values for pure protein layers. The compression isotherms also do not exhibit specific features of the layer collapse that are characteristic for the layers of BLG aggregates. LYS aggregates form trough three-dimensional clusters directly during the spreading process, and protein spherulites do not spread further along the interface. As a result, the liquid surface contains large, almost empty regions and some patches of high local concentration of the microgel particles.
Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)-Based Biodegradable Polymer from Agromyces indicus: Enhanced Production, Characterization, and Optimization
Authors: Adnan Mohd , Siddiqui Arif Jamal , Ashraf Syed Amir , Snoussi Mejdi , Badraoui Riadh , Alreshidi Mousa , Elasbali Abdelbaset Mohamed , Al-Soud Waleed Abu , Alharethi Salem Hussain , Sachidanandan Manojkumar , Patel Mitesh
Published: September 2022

Recently, there has been significant interest in bio-based degradable plastics owing to their potential as a green and sustainable alternative to synthetic plastics due to their biodegradable properties. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a biodegradable polymer that is produced by bacteria and archaea as carbon and energy reserves. Due to its rapid degradation in natural environments, it can be considered a biodegradable plastic alternative. In the present study, a dye-based procedure was used to screen PHB-producing bacteria isolated from mangrove soil samples. Among the seven isolates, Agromyces indicus (A. indicus), identified by means of 16S rRNA analysis, accumulated the highest amount of PHB. The extracted polymer was characterized by a UV–Vis spectrophotometer, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and for the presence of the phbB gene, which confirmed the structure of the polymer as PHB. The maximum PHB production by A. indicus was achieved after 96 h of incubation at a pH of 8.0 and 35 °C in the presence of 2% NaCl, with glucose and peptone as the carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The strain was found to be capable of accumulating PHB when various cheap agricultural wastes, such as rice, barley, corn, and wheat bran, were used as the carbon sources. The response surface methodology (RSM) through the central composite design (CCD) for optimizing the PHB synthesis was found to be highly efficient at augmenting the polymer yields. As a result of the optimum conditions obtained from the RSM, this strain can increase the PHB content by approximately 1.4-fold when compared with an unoptimized medium, which would substantially lower the production cost. Therefore, the isolate A. indicus strain B2 may be regarded as one of the best candidates for the industrial production of PHB from agricultural wastes, and it can remove the environmental concerns associated with synthetic plastic.
Extraction and Physico–Chemical Characterization of Chitosan from Mantis Shrimp (Oratosquilla nepa) Shell and the Development of Bio-Composite Film with Agarose
Authors: Yarnpakdee Suthasinee , Kaewprachu Pimonpan , Jaisan Chalalai , Senphan Theeraphol , Nagarajan Muralidharan , Wangtueai Sutee
Published: September 2022

Mantis shrimp (Oratosquilla nepa) exoskeleton, a leftover generated after processing, was used as a starting material for chitosan (CS) production. CS was extracted with different deacetylation times (2, 3 and 4 h), termed CS−2, CS−3 and CS−4, respectively, and their characteristics and antimicrobial and film properties with agarose (AG) were investigated. Prolonged deacetylation time increased the degree of deacetylation (DDA: 73.56 ± 0.09–75.56 ± 0.09%), while extraction yield (15.79 ± 0.19–14.13 ± 0.09%), intrinsic viscosity (η: 3.58 ± 0.09–2.97 ± 0.16 dL/g) and average molecular weight (Mν: 1.4 ± 0.05–1.12 ± 0.08 (×106 Da)) decreased (p < 0.05). FTIR spectra of extracted CS were similar to that of commercial CS. Among all the CS samples prepared, CS−3 had the best yield, DDA, Mν and antimicrobial activity. Therefore, it was chosen for the development of composite films with AG at different ratios (CS−3/AG; 100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75 and 0/100). As the proportion of AG increased, the tensile strength (29.96 ± 1.80–89.70 ± 5.08 MPa) of the composite films increased, while thickness (0.056 ± 0.012–0.024 ± 0.001 mm), elongation at break (36.52 ± 1.12–25.32 ± 1.23%) and water vapor permeability (3.56 ± 0.10–1.55 ± 0.02 (×10−7 g m m−2 s−1 Pa−1)) decreased (p < 0.05). Moreover, lightness of the films increased and yellowness decreased. CS−3/AG (50/50) composite film exhibited high mechanical and barrier properties and excellent compatibility according to FTIR and SEM analyses. According to these finding, mantis shrimp exoskeleton could be used to produce CS. The developed bio-composite film based on an appropriate ratio (50/50) of CS−3 and AG has potential for being used as food packaging material.
Polydopamine and Mercapto Functionalized 3D Carbon Nano-Material Hybrids Synergistically Modifying Aramid Fibers for Adhesion Improvement
Authors: Fang Zhonghang , Tu Qunzhang , Yang Xuan , Shen Xinmin , Yin Qin , Chen Zhiyuan
Published: September 2022

In order to solve the problem of poor interfacial adhesion between aramid fibers and a rubber matrix, an efficient and mild modification method was proposed via polydopamine and mercapto functionalized graphene oxide (GO) and carbon nanotube (CNTs) hybrids synergistically modifying aramid fibers. GO and CNTs were firstly stacked and assembled into unique 3D GO-CNTs hybrids through π-π conjugation. Then, the mercapto functionalization of the assembled 3D GO-CNTs hybrids was realized via the dehydration condensation reaction between the hydroxyls of GO and the silanol groups of coupling agent. Finally, the mercapto functionalized 3D GO-CNTs hybrids were grafted onto the aramid fibers, which were pre-modified by polydopamine through the Michael addition reaction mechanism. The surface morphology and chemical structures of GO-CNTs hybrids and fibers and the interfacial adhesion strength between fibers and rubber matrix were investigated. The results showed that the modification method had brought about great changes in the surface structure of fibers but not generated any damage traces. More importantly, this modification method could improve the interfacial strength by 110.95%, and the reason was not only the reactivity of functional groups but also that the 3D GO-CNTs hybrids with excellent mechanical properties could effectively share interfacial stress. The method proposed in this paper was universal and had the potential to be applied to other high-performance fiber-reinforced composites.
Modeling Solution Drying by Moving a Liquid-Vapor Interface: Method and Applications
Authors: Tang Yanfei , McLaughlan John E. , Grest Gary S. , Cheng Shengfeng
Published: September 2022

A method of simulating the drying process of a soft matter solution with an implicit solvent model by moving the liquid-vapor interface is applied to various solution films and droplets. For a solution of a polymer and nanoparticles, we observe “polymer-on-top” stratification, similar to that found previously with an explicit solvent model. Furthermore, “polymer-on-top” is found even when the nanoparticle size is smaller than the radius of gyration of the polymer chains. For a suspension droplet of a bidisperse mixture of nanoparticles, we show that core-shell clusters of nanoparticles can be obtained via the “small-on-outside” stratification mechanism at fast evaporation rates. “Large-on-outside” stratification and uniform particle distribution are also observed when the evaporation rate is reduced. Polymeric particles with various morphologies, including Janus spheres, core-shell particles, and patchy particles, are produced from drying droplets of polymer solutions by combining fast evaporation with a controlled interaction between the polymers and the liquid-vapor interface. Our results validate the applicability of the moving interface method to a wide range of drying systems. The limitations of the method are pointed out and cautions are provided to potential practitioners on cases where the method might fail.
The Use of New Waste-Based Plasticizer Made from Modified Used Palm Oil for Non-Glutinous Thermoplastic Starch Foam
Authors: Junthip Jatupol , Chaipalee Natchapat , Sangsorn Yada , Maspornpat Chanannat , Jitcharoen Juthamas , Limrungruengrat Sittichai , Chotchuangchutchaval Thana , Martwong Ekkachai , Sukhawipat Nathapong
Published: September 2022

A novel waste-based plasticizer derived from modified used palm oil (mUPO) was successfully developed and has been used as a new plasticizer to non-glutinous thermoplastic starch foam to improve their properties. The molecular weight and hydroxyl number of the mUPO was 3150 g/mol and 192.19 mgOH/g, respectively. The effects of mUPO content ranging from 0 to 9 phr were investigated. The results revealed that the optimal mUPO content as an additive was 6 wt%. The addition of mUPO had a direct effect on the mechanical properties and thermal properties. The impact strength increased from 1.30 to 4.55 J/m, while the glass transition temperature (Tg) decreased from 70.83 to 66.50 °C by increasing mUPO from 0 phr to 6 phr in the thermoplastic starch foam. The mUPO, on the other hand, has also the potential to reduce shrinkage from 33.91 to 21.77% and moisture absorption from 5.93 to 1.73% by increasing the content from 0 phr to 6 phr in starch foam. Furthermore, the mUPO helps the forming of the foam structure as measured by SEM, and the mUPO utilization of waste-based material could be a promising green alternative plasticizer for starch components, especially starch foam applications.
Bio-Based Poly(lactic acid)/Poly(butylene sebacate) Blends with Improved Toughness
Authors: Frone Adriana Nicoleta , Popa Marius Stelian , Uşurelu Cătălina Diana , Panaitescu Denis Mihaela , Gabor Augusta Raluca , Nicolae Cristian Andi , Raduly Monica Florentina , Zaharia Anamaria , Alexandrescu Elvira
Published: September 2022

A series of poly(butylene sebacate) (PBSe) aliphatic polyesters were successfully synthesized by the melt polycondensation of sebacic acid (Se) and 1,4-butanediol (BDO), two monomers manufactured on an industrial scale from biomass. The number average molecular weight (Mn) in the range from 6116 to 10,779 g/mol and the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the PBSe polyesters were tuned by adjusting the feed ratio between the two monomers. Polylactic acid (PLA)/PBSe blends with PBSe concentrations between 2.5 to 20 wt% were obtained by melt compounding. For the first time, PBSe’s effect on the flexibility and toughness of PLA was studied. As shown by the torque and melt flow index (MFI) values, the addition of PBSe endowed PLA with both enhanced melt processability and flexibility. The tensile tests and thermogravimetric analysis showed that PLA/PBSe blends containing 20 wt% PBSe obtained using a BDO molar excess of 50% reached an increase in elongation at break from 2.9 to 108%, with a negligible decrease in Young’s modulus from 2186 MPa to 1843 MPa, and a slight decrease in thermal performances. These results demonstrated the plasticizing efficiency of the synthesized bio-derived polyesters in overcoming PLA’s brittleness. Moreover, the tunable properties of the resulting PBSe can be of great industrial interest in the context of circular bioeconomy.
Research on the Mechanical Behavior of Buried Double-Wall Corrugated Pipes
Authors: Gao Dongyang , Yang Huiwei , Yu Wenwen , Wu Xiaogang , Wu Angxuan , Lu Guoyun , Zheng Qiang
Published: September 2022

The mechanical behavior of buried HDPE double-wall corrugated pipes is mainly affected by the material and the structure of the pipe wall. Here we studied a peculiar material that added fly ash (FA) in high density polyethylene (HDPE) to develop composites. We have conducted research on FA/HDPE composites with different mix proportions. When 5% compatibilizer was added to the 10% FA masterbatch/HDPE composite, the Young’s Modulus of FA/HDPE composite was higher. This paper mainly studies the mechanical behavior of the structure of pipe walls for materials with this proportion of the ingredients. The mechanical behavior of double-wall corrugated pipes with different ratios of interior and exterior wall thicknesses is studied by keeping the sum of the interior and exterior wall thicknesses unchanged. Pipes with six different ratios of interior and exterior wall thicknesses are simulated; the results show that the strain of crest and liner gradually decreased and the valley strain gradually increased with the increase of the exterior wall thickness. By comparing inner and outer wall thickness ratios from 0.67 to 2.33, it is found that the structural performance and economic advantage for the double-wall corrugated pipes is best when the thickness ratio of the interior wall and the exterior wall is controlled to be from 1.3 to 1.8. This paper expounds the deformation mechanism of double-wall corrugated pipes from the perspective of mechanical behavior and structural characteristics, and provides a reference for material selection and structural design of double-wall corrugated pipes.
Experimental and Theoretical Study on Flexural Behavior of GFRP- and CFRP-Reinforced Concrete Beams after High-Temperature Exposure
Authors: Zhao Jun , Pan Haojin , Wang Zike , Li Guanghui
Published: September 2022

In this study, in order to study the flexural behavior of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars with reinforced concrete beams under static loads after high-temperature exposure, seven pieces of FRP-reinforced concrete beams were subjected to static bending tests and calculation model derivations. Four-point bending tests were carried out on FRP-reinforced concrete beams after high temperature treatment. The effects of high temperature and types of FRP bars on the cracking load, crack development, deflection and ultimate capacity, and failure mode of concrete beams were investigated. The test results show that the maximum crack width, deflection, and ultimate bearing capacity of GFRP- and CFRP-reinforced concrete beams decrease obviously with a rise in high temperature. After the exposure of 400 °C for 2 h, compared with the behavior of concrete beams at room temperature, the maximum crack width of GFRP and CFRP-reinforced concrete beams increased by 42.9% and 41.7%, respectively, the deflection increases by 103.6% and 22.0%, and the ultimate bearing capacity decrease by 11.9% and 3.9%. Meanwhile, through the analysis of the existing research results and test results, the calculation models for the maximum crack width, deflection, and residual ultimate capacity of FRP-reinforced concrete beams after exposure of high temperature were proposed. For FRP-reinforced concrete beams after high-temperature exposure, the errors between the measured maximum crack width, stiffness, residual bearing capacity, and their corresponding calculated values using the model were mostly less than 10%. The calculated value using the proposed model in this research is in good agreement with the measured value. The mechanical properties of FRP-reinforced high-strength concrete structures after high-temperature exposure can be preliminarily predicted, which provides a new theoretical basis for the application of FRP-reinforced concrete structures.
L-Cysteine Modified Chitosan Nanoparticles and Carbon-Based Nanostructures for the Intranasal Delivery of Galantamine
Authors: Nanaki Stavroula G. , Spyrou Konstantinos , Veneti Pelagia , Karouta Niki , Gournis Dimitrios , Baroud Turki N. , Barmpalexis Panagiotis , Bikiaris Dimitrios N.
Published: September 2022

The present study evaluates the use of thiolized chitosan conjugates (CS) in combination with two fundamental carbon nanoforms (carbon dots (CDs) and Hierarchical Porous Carbons (HPC)) for the preparation of intranasally (IN) administrated galantamine (GAL) nanoparticles (NPs). Initially, the modification of CS with L-cysteine (Cys) was performed, and the successful formation of a Cys-CS conjugates was verified via 1H-NMR, FTIR, and pXRD. The new Cys-CS conjugate showed a significant solubility enhancement in neutral and alkaline pH, improving CS’s utility as a matrix-carrier for IN drug administration. In a further step, drug-loaded NPs were prepared via solid-oil–water double emulsification, and thoroughly analyzed by SEM, DLS, FTIR and pXRD. The results showed the formation of spherical NPs with a smooth surface, while the drug was amorphously dispersed within most of the prepared NPs, with the exemption of those systems contianing the CDs. Finally, in vitro dissolution release studies revealed that the prepared NPs could prolong GAL’s release for up to 12 days. In sum, regarding the most promising system, the results of the present study clearly suggest that the preparation of NPs using both Cys-CS and CDs results in a more thermodynamically stable drug dispersion, while a zero-order release profile was achieved, which is essential to attain a stable in vivo pharmacokinetic behavior.
Anti-Adhesive Organosilane Coating Comprising Visibility on Demand
Authors: Kern Wolfgang , Müller Matthias , Bandl Christine , Krempl Nina , Kratzer Markus
Published: September 2022

There is a wide application field for anti-adhesive and hydrophobic coatings, stretching from self-cleaning surfaces over anti-graffiti and release coatings to demolding aids in the production of polymers. The typical materials for the latter are hard coatings, including TiN, CrN, diamond-like carbon, etc. Alternatively, organosilane coatings based on perfluorinated compounds or molecules with long alkyl side chains can be employed. Although these functional layers are generally required to be invisible, there is a demand for a straightforward approach, which enables the temporary control of successful and homogeneous application as well as abrasion and wear of the coatings during use. For this purpose, a visibility-on-demand property was introduced to an already established anti-adhesive organosilane coating by incorporation of 1,8-naphthalimide-N-propyltriethoxysilane (NIPTES) as a fluorescent marker molecule. While the naphthalimide unit provides blue fluorescence under UV irradiation, the ethoxy groups of NIPTES enable the covalent coupling to the coating as a result of the hydrolysis and condensation reactions. As a consequence, the fluorescent marker molecule NIPTES can simply be added to the coating solution as an additional organosilane component, without the need for changes in the approved deposition procedure. The generated fluorescent anti-adhesive coatings were characterized by contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy (AFM), as well as by different spectroscopic techniques, including FTIR, UV-Vis, fluorescence and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In addition, the on-demand control function provided by the introduced fluorescence properties was evaluated along an injection molding process.
A Review on Fully Bio-Based Materials Development from Polylactide and Cellulose Nanowhiskers
Authors: Purnama Purba , Samsuri Muhammad , Iswaldi Ihsan
Published: September 2022

This review covers the development of eco-friendly, bio-based materials based on polylactide (PLA) and cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs). As a biodegradable polymer, PLA is one of the promising materials to replace petroleum-based polymers. In the field of nanocomposites, CNWs offer many advantages; they are made from renewable resources and exhibit beneficial mechanical and thermal properties in combination with polymer matrix. A wide range of surface modifications has been done to improve the miscibility of CNW with the PLA homopolymer, which generally gives rise to hydrophobic properties. PLA–CNW nanocomposite materials are fully degradable and sustainable and also offer improved mechanical and thermal properties. Limitations pertaining to the miscibility of CNWs with PLA were solved through surface modification and chemical grafting on the CNW surfaces. Further development has been done by combining PLA-based material via stereocomplexation approaches in the presence of CNW particles, known as bio-stereo-nanocomposite PLA–CNW. The combination of stereocomplex crystalline structures in the presence of well-distributed CNW particles produces synergetic effects that enhance the mechanical and thermal properties, including stereocomplex memory (melt stability). The bio-based materials from PLA and CNWs may serve as eco-friendly materials owing to their sustainability (obtained from renewable resources), biodegradability, and tunability properties.
Carbon Modification of K1.6Fe1.6Ti6.4O16 Nanoparticles to Optimize the Dielectric Properties of PTFE-Based Composites
Authors: Tsyganov Alexey , Vikulova Maria , Artyukhov Denis , Bainyashev Alexey , Goffman Vladimir , Gorokhovsky Alexander , Gorshkov Nikolay
Published: September 2022

In this work, polymer matrix composites with the compositions PTFE/KFTO(H) and PTFE/KFTO(H)@CB and with filler volume fractions of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 15, and 30% (without and with carbon modification at a content of 2.5 wt.% regarding ceramic material) were produced by calendering and hot pressing and studied using FTIR, SEM, and impedance spectroscopy methods. Ceramic filler (KFTO(H)) was synthesized using the sol–gel Pechini method. Its structure was investigated and confirmed by the XRD method with following Rietveld refinement. The carbon black (CB) modification of KFTO(H) was carried out through the calcination of a mixture of ceramic and carbon materials in an argon atmosphere. Afterwards, composites producing all the components’ structures weren’t destroyed according to the FTIR results. The effect of carbon additive at a content of 2.5 wt.% relating to ceramic filler in the system of polymer matrix composites was shown, with permittivity increasing up to ε’ = 28 with a simultaneous decrease in dielectric loss (tanδ < 0.1) at f = 103 Hz for composites of PTFE/KFTO(H)@CB (30 vol.%).
Novel Functional Glass–Ceramic Coatings on Titanium Substrates from Glass Powders and Reactive Silicone Binders
Authors: Elsayed Hamada , Bertolini Rachele , Biasetto Lisa , Ożóg Paulina , Kraxner Jozef , Galusek Dušan , Bernardo Enrico
Published: September 2022

‘Silica-defective glasses’, combined with a silicone binder, have been already shown as a promising solution for the manufacturing of glass–ceramics with complex geometries. A fundamental advantage is the fact that, after holding glass powders together from room temperature up to the firing temperature, the binder does not completely disappear. More precisely, it converts into silica when heat-treated in air. A specified ‘target’ glass–ceramic formulation results from the interaction between glass powders and the binder-derived silica. The present paper is dedicated to the extension of the approach to the coating of titanium substrates (to be used for dental and orthopedic applications), with a bioactive wollastonite–diopside glass–ceramic layer, by the simple airbrushing of suspensions of glass powders in alcoholic silicone solutions. The interaction between glass and silica from the decomposition of the binder led to crack-free glass–ceramic coatings, upon firing in air; in argon, the glass/silicone mixtures yielded novel composite coatings, embedding pyrolytic carbon. The latter phase enabled the absorption of infrared radiation from the coating, which is useful for disinfection purposes.
Corneal Stroma Regeneration with Collagen-Based Hydrogel as an Artificial Stroma Equivalent: A Comprehensive In Vivo Study
Authors: Osidak Egor Olegovich , Andreev Andrey Yurevich , Avetisov Sergey Eduardovich , Voronin Grigory Victorovich , Surnina Zoya Vasilievna , Zhuravleva Anna Vladimirovna , Grigoriev Timofei Evgenievich , Krasheninnikov Sergey Vladimirovich , Sukhinich Kirill Konstantinovich , Zayratyants Oleg Vadimovich , Domogatsky Sergey Petrovich
Published: September 2022

Restoring the anatomical and functional characteristics of the cornea using various biomaterials is especially relevant in the context of a global shortage of donor tissue. Such biomaterials must be biocompatible, strong, and transparent. Here, we report a Viscoll collagen membrane with mechanical and optical properties suitable for replacing damaged stromal tissue. After removing a portion of the stroma, a Viscoll collagen membrane was implanted into the corneas of rabbits. After 6 months, the active migration of host cells into Viscoll collagen membranes was noted, with the preservation of corneal transparency in all experimental animals. Effective integration of the Viscoll collagen membrane with corneal tissue promoted nerve regeneration in vivo, as confirmed by in vivo confocal microscopy. We also demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the Viscoll collagen membrane for corneal stroma regeneration. Thus, in combination with the proposed packaging format that provides long-term storage of up to 10 months, this material has great potential for replacing and regenerating damaged stromal tissues.
Agglomerate Growth of Xanthan Gum Powder during Fluidized-Bed Agglomeration Process
Authors: Lee Donghyeon , Yoo Byoungseung
Published: September 2022

Xanthan gum (XG) powder was agglomerated via a fluidized-bed agglomeration process using water and maltodextrin (MD) binder solution, after which the products were examined. The agglomerated XG samples were collected every 10 min during agglomeration (50 min) to characterize particle growth behavior. Here, we investigated the particle size distribution, morphological characteristics, and rheological properties of agglomerates obtained at different agglomeration times. The particle size gradually increased with agglomeration time from 0 to 50 min. The porous agglomerates showed rapid growth after 40 min. The particle size of the final products tended to decrease in the dry phase for 10 min due to particle attribution during drying. Using MD as a binder solution instead of water resulted in larger XG particles. The dynamic moduli (G′ and G″) of the final product with water binder were higher than those of the native powder, whereas those of the final product with MD binder solution were lower. The G′ values of the agglomerates with MD increased gradually with agglomeration time. Native XG powders exhibited small and dense particles with a smooth surface, whereas the XG agglomerates had large and porous particles with rough surfaces and became more irregular and rougher as the agglomeration progressed.
A Metal Ion and Thermal-Responsive Bilayer Hydrogel Actuator Achieved by the Asymmetric Osmotic Flow of Water between Two Layers under Stimuli
Authors: Dai Wanting , Zhou Xiaoyan , Guo Huilong
Published: September 2022

Shape-morphing hydrogels have drawn great attention due to their wide applications as soft actuators, while asymmetric responsive shape-morphing behavior upon encountering external stimuli is fundamental for the development of hydrogel actuators. Therefore, in this work, bilayer hydrogels were prepared and the shrinkage ratios (LA/LN) of the AAm/AAc layer to the NIPAM layer immersed in different metal ion solutions, leading to bending in different directions, were investigated. The difference in the shrinkage ratio was attributed to the synergistic effect of the osmolarity difference between the inside and outside of the hydrogels and the interaction difference between the ion and hydrogel polymer chains. Additionally, under thermal stimuli, the hydrogel actuator would bend toward the NIPAM layer due to the shrinkage of the hydrogel networks caused by the hydrophilic–hydrophobic phase transition of NIPAM blocks above the LCST. This indicates that metal ion and thermal-responsive shape-morphing hydrogel actuators with good mechanical properties could be used as metal ion or temperature-controllable switches or other smart devices.
From Colloquialism to Metaphorical Expression: A Diachronic Study of Chinese Dialect Words Based on Chán Buddhist Literature
Authors: Zeng Chen , Anderl Christoph
Published: September 2022

Chán Buddhist literature is not only an important source for the study of religious thought during the Chinese late medieval and early modern periods, but also constitutes a treasure trove for investigating the development of the colloquial language of the respective periods, both in terms of semantics and syntactic constructions. Since the editors of Chán Buddhist literature—such as the Recorded Saying and Transmission of the Lamp texts—claimed to convey the “living words” of the patriarchs and masters, numerous vernacularisms were integrated in the dialogue sections of the texts, and the use of traditional Buddhist terminology was often reduced to a minimum. Frequently, Chán Buddhist texts are among the earliest sources in which these colloquialisms surfaced. In this paper, we focus on expressions which derive from the colloquial language of the late Táng and Sòng periods, and which were integrated in Chán Buddhist literature, often assuming a particular metaphorical meaning in the rhetorical structure of the texts. We reconstruct their original meaning, their use in the Chán texts, as well as their further development in Sinitic languages and dialects. Besides contributing to a better understanding of the vocabulary used in the enigmatic language of Chán literature and the metaphorical mapping of originally colloquial expressions in a religious context, in this preliminary study, we also hope to contribute to a better understanding of the development of semantic items from the perspective of historical linguistics, their complex paths of metaphorical extensions, as well as their usage in local linguistic contexts. In addition, the case studies also illustrate the transformative force of religion on the development of language, and the complex interplay between religious ideas and linguistic expression.
Application of Machine Learning in Forecasting the Impact of Mining Deformation: A Case Study of Underground Copper Mines in Poland
Authors: Cieślik Konrad , Milczarek Wojciech
Published: September 2022

Open access to SAR data from the Sentinel 1 missions allows analyses of long-term ground surface changes. The current data-acquisition frequency of 12 days facilitates the continuous monitoring of phenomena such as volcanic and tectonic activity or mining-related deformations. SAR data are increasingly also used as input data in forecasting phenomena on the basis of machine learning. This article presents the possibility of using selected machine learning algorithms in forecasting the influence of underground mining activity on the ground surface. The study was performed for a mining protective area with a surface of over 500 km2 and located in western Poland. The ground surface displacements were calculated for the period from November 2014 to July 2021, with the use of the Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) method. The forecasts were performed for a total of 22 identified subsidence troughs. Each of the troughs was provided with two profiles, with a total of more than 10,000 identified points. The selected algorithms served to prepare 180-day displacement forecasts. The best results (significantly better than the baseline) were obtained with the ARIMA and Holt models. Linear models also provided better results than the baseline and their performance was very good at up to 2 months forecasting. Tree-based models including their sophisticated ensemble versions: bagging (Random Forest, Extra Trees) and boosting (XGBoost, LightGBM, CatBoost, Gradient Boosting, Hist Gradient Boosting) cannot be used for this type of predictions since Decision Trees are not able to extrapolate and thus are not a valid stand-alone tool for forecasting in this type of problems. A combination of satellite remote sensing data and machine learning facilitated both the simultaneous quasi-permanent monitoring of ground surface displacements and their forecasting in a relatively long time period.
Mixed Feature Prediction on Boundary Learning for Point Cloud Semantic Segmentation
Authors: Hao Fengda , Li Jiaojiao , Song Rui , Li Yunsong , Cao Kailang
Published: September 2022

Existing point cloud semantic segmentation approaches do not perform well on details, especially for the boundary regions. However, supervised-learning-based methods depend on costly artificial annotations for performance improvement. In this paper, we bridge this gap by designing a self-supervised pretext task applicable to point clouds. Our main innovation lies in the mixed feature prediction strategy during the pretraining stage, which facilitates point cloud feature learning with boundary-aware foundations. Meanwhile, a dynamic feature aggregation module is proposed to regulate the range of receptive field according to the neighboring pattern of each point. In this way, more spatial details are preserved for discriminative high-level representations. Extensive experiments across several point cloud segmentation datasets verify the superiority of our proposed method, including ShapeNet-part, ScanNet v2, and S3DIS. Furthermore, transfer learning on point cloud classification and object detection tasks demonstrates the generalization ability of our method.
Lithosphere Ionosphere Coupling Associated with Seismic Swarm in the Balkan Peninsula from ROB-TEC and GPS
Authors: Wei Lvquan , Li Junyu , Liu Lilong , Huang Liangke , Zheng Dunyong , Tian Xiangyu , Huang Ling , Zhou Lv , Ren Chao , He Hongchang
Published: September 2022

With the rapid development of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and their increasingly wide range of applications in atmospheric science, total electron content (TEC) data are widely used in the theoretical study of layer coupling related to seismicity. This study detected and analyzed pre-earthquake ionospheric anomalies (PEIA) by using TEC data from the Royal Observatory of Belgium (ROB), and analyzed coseismic ionospheric disturbance (CID) with vertical TEC (VTEC) from the GPS stations in earthquake preparation areas. The results show that PEIA appear to increase continuously from 08:00–12:00 UT in the 3 days before a seismic swarm of Mw > 5.0. The ionosphere over the seismogenic zones exhibited large-scale anomalies when multiple seismogenic zones of the Balkan Peninsula spatially and temporally overlapped. Moreover, the TEC around the earthquake centers showed a positive anomaly lasting for 7 h. In a single seismogenic zone in Greece, the TEC around the earthquake center reached over +3.42 TECu. In addition, the CID observed from GPS stations shows that with the increase in the number of earthquakes, the ionosphere over the seismogenic area is more obviously disturbed, and after three strong earthquakes, TEC suddenly decreased over the seismogenic area and formed a phenomenon similar to an ionospheric hole. We conclude that a lithosphere–atmosphere–ionosphere coupling mechanism existed before the seismic swarm appeared in the Balkan Peninsula. Earthquake-induced VTEC anomalies occurred more frequently within a 3–10 day window before the earthquake. This phenomenon is particularly evident when multiple seismogenic zones overlap spatiotemporally.
Non-Sinusoidal micro-Doppler Estimation Based on Dual-Branch Network
Authors: Lu Jie , Zhang Wenpeng , Liu Yongxiang , Yang Wei
Published: September 2022

The fine state of targets can be represented by the extracted micro-Doppler (m-D) components from the radar echo. However, current methods do not consider the specialty of the m-D components, and their performance with non-sinusoidal components is poor. In this paper, a neural network is applied to signal extraction for the first time. Inspired by the semantic line detection in computer vision, the extraction of the m-D components is transformed into the network-based time–frequency curves detection problem. Specifically, a novel dual-branch network-based m-D components extraction method is proposed. According to the property of intersected multiple m-D components, the dual-branch network consisting of a continuous m-D components extraction branch, and a crossing point detection branch is designed to obtain components and cross points at the same time. In addition, a shuffle attention-fast Fourier convolution (SA-FFC) module is proposed to fuse local and global contexts and focus on key features. To solve the error correlation problem of multi-component signals, the first-order parametric continuous condition and cubic spline interpolation are employed to obtain complete and smooth components curves. Simulation and measurement results show that this method of good robustness is a good candidate for separating the non-sinusoidal m-D components with intersections.
A Two-Step Machine Learning Approach for Crop Disease Detection Using GAN and UAV Technology
Authors: Prasad Aaditya , Mehta Nikhil , Horak Matthew , Bae Wan D.
Published: September 2022

Automated plant diagnosis is a technology that promises large increases in cost-efficiency for agriculture. However, multiple problems reduce the effectiveness of drones, including the inverse relationship between resolution and speed and the lack of adequate labeled training data. This paper presents a two-step machine learning approach that analyzes low-fidelity and high-fidelity images in sequence, preserving efficiency as well as accuracy. Two data-generators are also used to minimize class imbalance in the high-fidelity dataset and to produce low-fidelity data that are representative of UAV images. The analysis of applications and methods is conducted on a database of high-fidelity apple tree images which are corrupted with class imbalance. The application begins by generating high-fidelity data using generative networks and then uses these novel data alongside the original high-fidelity data to produce low-fidelity images. A machine learning identifier identifies plants and labels them as potentially diseased or not. A machine learning classifier is then given the potentially diseased plant images and returns actual diagnoses for these plants. The results show an accuracy of 96.3% for the high-fidelity system and a 75.5% confidence level for our low-fidelity system. Our drone technology shows promising results in accuracy when compared to labor-based methods of diagnosis.
Atmospheric Correction Model for Water–Land Boundary Adjacency Effects in Landsat-8 Multispectral Images and Its Impact on Bathymetric Remote Sensing
Authors: Zhang Huanwei , Ma Yi , Zhang Jingyu , Zhao Xin , Zhang Xuechun , Leng Zihao
Published: September 2022

Atmospheric correction (AC) is the basis for quantitative water remote sensing, and adjacency effects form an important part of AC for medium- and high-spatial-resolution optical satellite images. The 6S radiative transfer model is widely used, but its background reflectance function does not take the radiance changes at water–land boundaries into account. If the observed land possesses bright features, the radiance of the adjacent water will be affected, leading to deviations in the AC results and increasing the uncertainty of water depth-based optical quantitative remote sensing. In this paper, we propose a model named WL-AE (a correction model for water–land boundary adjacency effects), which is based on the obvious radiance differences at water–land boundaries. This model overcomes the problem by which the background reflectance calculation is not terminated due to the highlighting pixel. We consider the influences of different Rns (neighborhood space) on the target pixel. The effective calculation of the equivalent background reflectance of the target pixel is realized, and the influence of the land area anomaly highlighting the pixel on the adjacent water is avoided. The results show that WL-AE can effectively improve the entropy and contrast of the input image and that the water–land boundary is greatly affected by adjacency effects, especially in the green and near-infrared bands, where the Mrc (mean rate of change) are as high as 14.2% and 20.1%, respectively. In the visible wavelength, the Sd of Rrc (the relative rate of change) is positively correlated with Rns, and the Sd reaches 16.9%. Although the adjacency effect is affected by ground object types, its influence area remains within 3 km offshore. Based on the WL-AE and 6S results, the comparative test regarding bathymetric inversion shows that the influence is significant in the 0–5 m depth section. In Penang, the MRE of the 0–4 m inversion results is 31.4%, which is 10.5% lower than that of the 6S model.
Long-Term Performance Evaluation of the Latest Multi-Source Weighted-Ensemble Precipitation (MSWEP) over the Highlands of Indo-Pak (1981–2009)
Authors: Ali Sikandar , Chen Yaning , Azmat Muhammad , Kayumba Patient Mindje , Ahmed Zeeshan , Mind’je Richard , Ghaffar Abdul , Qin Jinxiu , Tariq Akash
Published: September 2022

The paucity of in-situ records, particularly in the glaciated mountainous region, is an obstacle in cryosphere ecology and environmental studies. Generally, available gauge station data is fragmented and covers valleys; thus, the use of gridded precipitation products (GPPs) is crucial in such complex terrains. However, these GPPs suffer from systematic biases and uncertainties owing to parameterization deficiencies. Therefore, the main goal of this research is to systematically evaluate the long-term performance and differences of the newly launched MSWEP in comparison to APHRO, CHIRPS, ERA-5, and PGMFD over the transboundary region of Indo-Pak (1981–2009) at spatial (whole to sub-basins) and temporal (daily to seasonal) scales. Findings reveal (1) overall, five GPPs produced well annual spatial precipitation variability with high magnitudes in the northwestern and low in the northeastern region. (2) The estimations from GPPs also divulged better correlation with in-situ observations (MSWEP = 0.86, APHRO = 0.76, ERA-5 = 0.81, CHIRPS = 0.57 and PGMFD = 0.68) at daily span. Better performance was observed during the monsoon compared to winter and pre-monsoon seasons. (3) Lately, estimates from MSWEP are more reliable for all the seasons, especially in the winter season, with the highest CC (0.90) and lowest relative bias (3.03%). (4) All GPPs (excluding ERA-5) overestimated light precipitation (0–1 mm/day) and underestimated moderate to heavy precipitation, in contrast to the ERA-5 that tended to underestimate the light but overestimate moderate (1–20 mm/day) and heavy precipitation (>20 mm/day) events. The CHIRPS was less accurate in detecting most of the precipitation events. The MSWEP product captured all precipitation intensities more accurately than other GPPs. The current research indicates considerable implications for product improvement and data users for choosing better alternative precipitation data at a local scale.