bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon-Based Nanocomposites as Fenton-Like Catalysts in Wastewater Treatment Applications: A Review
Authors: Xin Ling , Hu Jiwei , Xiang Yiqiu , Li Caifang , Fu Liya , Li Qiuhua , Wei Xionghui
Published: May 2021

Advanced oxidation (e.g., fenton-like reagent oxidation and ozone oxidation) is a highly important technology that uses strong oxidizing free radicals to degrade organic pollutants and mineralize them. The fenton-like reactions have the characteristics of low cost, simple operation, thorough reaction and no secondary pollution. Fenton-like reagents refer to a strong oxidation system composed of transition metal ions (e.g., Fe3+, Mn2+ and Ag+) and oxidants (hydrogen peroxide, potassium persulfate, sodium persulfate, etc). Graphene and carbon nanotube possess a distinctive mechanical strength, flexibility, electrical and thermal conductivity and a very large specific surface area, which can work as an excellent carrier to disperse the catalyst and prevent its agglomeration. Fullerene can synergize with iron-based materials to promote the reaction of hydroxyl groups with organic pollutants and enhance the catalytic effect. Fenton-like catalysts influence the catalytic behavior by inducing electron transfer under strong interactions with the support. Due to the short lifespan of free radicals, the treatment effect is usually enhanced with the assistance of external conditions (ultraviolet and electric fields) to expand the application of fenton-like catalysts in water treatment. There are mainly light-fenton, electro-fenton and photoelectric-fenton methods. Fenton-like catalysts can be prepared by hydrothermal method, impregnation and coordination-precipitation approaches. The structures and properties of the catalysts are characterized by a variety of techniques, such as high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy. In this paper, we review the mechanisms, preparation methods, characterizations and applications status of fenton-like reagents in industrial wastewater treatment, and summarize the recycling of these catalysts and describe prospects for their future research directions.
Analysis of Contact Deformations in Support Systems Using Roller Prisms
Authors: Nozdrzykowski Krzysztof , Grządziel Zenon , Dunaj Paweł
Published: May 2021

This article presents the results of finite element analyses of the influence of reaction forces on stresses and strains at the contact points of the rollers of prism supports with cylindrical surfaces of the main journals of large-sized crankshafts. The analyses of strains and stresses, as well as the depth of their occurrences, in the case of the shaft journal and support rollers were carried out using Hertz contact theory and the finite element method. These calculation results proved to be highly consistent. Additionally, they provide a basis for stating that, in the case under consideration, permanent deformations do not significantly affect the values of the measured geometrical deviations nor the profile forms of the supported main crankshaft journals.
The Clinical Application of Porous Tantalum and Its New Development for Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Huang Gan , Pan Shu-Ting , Qiu Jia-Xuan
Published: May 2021

Porous tantalum (Ta) is a promising biomaterial and has been applied in orthopedics and dentistry for nearly two decades. The high porosity and interconnected pore structure of porous Ta promise fine bone ingrowth and new bone formation within the inner space, which further guarantee rapid osteointegration and bone–implant stability in the long term. Porous Ta has high wettability and surface energy that can facilitate adherence, proliferation and mineralization of osteoblasts. Meanwhile, the low elastic modulus and high friction coefficient of porous Ta allow it to effectively avoid the stress shield effect, minimize marginal bone loss and ensure primary stability. Accordingly, the satisfactory clinical application of porous Ta-based implants or prostheses is mainly derived from its excellent biological and mechanical properties. With the advent of additive manufacturing, personalized porous Ta-based implants or prostheses have shown their clinical value in the treatment of individual patients who need specially designed implants or prosthesis. In addition, many modification methods have been introduced to enhance the bioactivity and antibacterial property of porous Ta with promising in vitro and in vivo research results. In any case, choosing suitable patients is of great importance to guarantee surgical success after porous Ta insertion.
Process Optimization of In Situ Magnetic-Anisotropy Spark Plasma Sintering of M-Type-Based Barium Hexaferrite BaFe12O19
Authors: Mohammed Haetham , Albarody Thar , Susilawati Susilawati , Gohery Scott , Doyan Aris , Prayogi Saiful , Bilad Muhammad , Alebrahim Reza , Saeed Anwar
Published: May 2021

This paper introduces a new spark plasma sintering technique that is able to order crystalline anisotropy by in-series/in situ DC electric coupled magnetic field. The process control parameters have been investigated on the production of anisotropic BaFe12O19 magnets based on resulted remanence (Mr). Sintering holding time (H.T.), cooling rate (C.R.), pressure (P), and sintering temperature (S.T.) are optimized by Taguchi with L9 orthogonal array (OA). The remanent magnetization of nanocrystalline BaFe12O19 in parallel (Mrǁ) and perpendicular (MrꞱ) to the applied magnetic field was regarded as a measure of performance. The Taguchi study calculated optimum process parameters, which significantly improved the sintering process based on the confirmation tests of BaFe12O19 anisotropy. The magnetic properties in terms of Mrǁ and MrꞱ were greatly affected by sintering temperature and pressure according to ANOVA results. In addition, regression models were developed for predicting the Mrǁ as well as MrꞱ respectively.
Application of Statistical Methods in Predicting the Properties of Glass-Ceramic Materials Obtained from Inorganic Solid Waste
Authors: Zawada Anna , Przerada Iwona , Lubas Małgorzata , Sitarz Maciej , Leśniak Magdalena
Published: May 2021

This paper uses mathematical methods as the basic tool at the stage of experiment planning. The importance of research programming applications was shown using the theory of experiments and the STATISTICA software. The method of experiment planning used in the case of studying the properties of a mixture, depending on its composition, features considerable complexity. The aim of the statistical analysis was to determine the influence of variable chemical composition of waste materials on selected properties of glass-ceramic materials. A statistical approach to multicomponent systems, such as ceramic sets, enables the selection of appropriate amounts of raw materials through the application of ‘a plan for mixtures’. To utilize the raw waste materials, e.g., slags from a solid waste incinerator, fly or bottom ashes, in the modeling of new materials, a mathematical relationship was developed, which enables estimating, based on the waste chemical composition, selected technological and practical properties of the glass so as to obtain a material featuring the required technological–practical parameters. For the obtained glasses, a comparative analysis of the experimentally and computationally determined properties was carried out: transformation temperature, liquidus temperature, density, and thermal expansion coefficient. The obtained high theoretical approximation (at the level of determination correlation coefficient R2 > 0.8) confirms the suitability of the polynomial model for mixtures for applications in the design of new glass-ceramic products.
Design and Thermal Stability Analysis of Swing Micro-Mirror Structure for Gravitational Wave Observatory in Space
Authors: Zheng Kunyao , Xu Mingming
Published: May 2021

A kind of swing micro-mirror structure with high stability for gravitational wave observatory in space is proposed in this paper. As the key interface instrument in the gravitational wave observatory, the swing micro-mirror structure plays a very important role. Firstly, the 3D model of the mechanism is designed and established. Then, the solution method of the index of stability, pointing jitter, is researched. After that, the thermal stability and the first-order natural frequency of the mechanism are researched via finite element analysis. The first-order natural frequency of the mechanism is 247.55 Hz, which can meet the requirements of the design. It can be seen from the results of the simulation, the amplitude spectral density of the mirror angle deviation is 3.975 nrad/√Hz when the range of temperature variation is 0.1 °C, which is able to meet the requirements of the design. The thermal stability has a closed relationship with the structural stability around the X-axis. In addition, this article also studies the thermal stability of the mechanism in the case of temperature changes in different directions. It is found that the thermal stability of the mechanism around the Y-axis would be significantly affected by the temperature changes along the Y-axis.
The Internal Field in a Ferromagnetic Crystal with Chiral Molecular Packing of Achiral Organic Radicals
Authors: Blundell Stephen J. , Lancaster Tom , Baker Peter J. , Pratt Francis L. , Shiomi Daisuke , Sato Kazunobu , Takui Takeji
Published: May 2021

The achiral organic radical dinitrophenyl nitronyl nitroxide crystallizes in two enantiomorphs, both being chiral tetragonal space groups that are mirror images of each other. Muon-spin rotation experiments have been performed to study the magnetic properties of these crystals and demonstrate that long-range magnetic order is established below a temperature of 1.10(1) K. Two oscillatory components are detected in the muon data, which show two different temperature dependences.
Reliability Properties of the NDL Family of Discrete Distributions with Its Inference
Authors: Almazah Mohammed Mohammed Ahmed , Alnssyan Badr , Ahmed Abdul Hadi N. , Afify Ahmed Z.
Published: May 2021

The natural discrete Lindley (NDL) distribution is an intuitive idea that uses discrete analogs to well-known continuous distributions rather than using any of the published discretization techniques. The NDL is a flexible extension of both the geometric and the negative binomial distributions. In the present article, we further investigate new results of value in the areas of both theoretical and applied reliability. To be specific, several closure properties of the NDL are proved. Among the results, sufficient conditions that maintain the preservation properties under useful partial orderings, convolution, and random sum of random variables are introduced. Eight different methods of estimation, including the maximum likelihood, least squares, weighted least squares, Cramér–von Mises, the maximum product of spacing, Anderson–Darling, right-tail Anderson–Darling, and percentiles, have been used to estimate the parameter of interest. The performance of these estimators has been evaluated through extensive simulation. We have also demonstrated two applications of NDL in modeling real-life problems, including count data. It is worth noting that almost all the methods have resulted in very satisfactory estimates on both simulated and real-world data.
The Curve Estimation of Combined Truncated Spline and Fourier Series Estimators for Multiresponse Nonparametric Regression
Authors: Nurcahayani Helida , Budiantara I Nyoman , Zain Ismaini
Published: May 2021

Nonparametric regression becomes a potential solution if the parametric regression assumption is too restrictive while the regression curve is assumed to be known. In multivariable nonparametric regression, the pattern of each predictor variable’s relationship with the response variable is not always the same; thus, a combined estimator is recommended. In addition, regression modeling sometimes involves more than one response, i.e., multiresponse situations. Therefore, we propose a new estimation method of performing multiresponse nonparametric regression with a combined estimator. The objective is to estimate the regression curve using combined truncated spline and Fourier series estimators for multiresponse nonparametric regression. The regression curve estimation of the proposed model is obtained via two-stage estimation: (1) penalized weighted least square and (2) weighted least square. Simulation data with sample size variation and different error variance were applied, where the best model satisfied the result through a large sample with small variance. Additionally, the application of the regression curve estimation to a real dataset of human development index indicators in East Java Province, Indonesia, showed that the proposed model had better performance than uncombined estimators. Moreover, an adequate coefficient of determination of the best model indicated that the proposed model successfully explained the data variation.
Molecular Networking Leveraging the Secondary Metabolomes Space of Halophila stipulaceae (Forsk.) Aschers. and Thalassia hemprichii (Ehrenb. ex Solms) Asch. in Tandem with Their Chemosystematics and Antidiabetic Potentials
Authors: Hegazi Nesrine M. , Saad Hamada H. , Marzouk Mona M. , Abdel Rahman Mohamed F. , El Bishbishy Mahitab H. , Zayed Ahmed , Ulber Roland , Ezzat Shahira M.
Published: May 2021

The Red Sea is one of the most biodiverse aquatic ecosystems. Notably, seagrasses possess a crucial ecological significance. Among them are the two taxa Halophila stipulacea (Forsk.) Aschers., and Thalassia hemprichii (Ehrenb. ex Solms) Asch., which were formally ranked together with the genus Enhalus in three separate families. Nevertheless, they have been recently classified as three subfamilies within Hydrocharitaceae. The interest of this study is to explore their metabolic profiles through ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS/MS) analysis in synergism with molecular networking and to assess their chemosystematics relationship. A total of 144 metabolites were annotated, encompassing phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and lipids. Furthermore, three new phenolic acids; methoxy benzoic acid-O-sulphate (16), O-caffeoyl-O-hydroxyl dimethoxy benzoyl tartaric acid (26), dimethoxy benzoic acid-O-sulphate (30), a new flavanone glycoside; hexahydroxy-monomethoxy flavanone-O-glucoside (28), and a new steviol glycoside; rebaudioside-O-acetate (96) were tentatively described. Additionally, the evaluation of the antidiabetic potential of both taxa displayed an inherited higher activity of H. stipulaceae in alleviating the oxidative stress and dyslipidemia associated with diabetes. Hence, the current research significantly suggested Halophila, Thalassia, and Enhalus categorization in three different taxonomic ranks based on their intergeneric and interspecific relationship among them and supported the consideration of seagrasses in natural antidiabetic studies.
The Impact of Chemical-Mechanical Ex Situ Aging on PFSA Membranes for Fuel Cells
Authors: Robert Mylène , El Kaddouri Assma , Perrin Jean-Christophe , Mozet Kévin , Dillet Jérôme , Morel Jean-Yves , Lottin Olivier
Published: May 2021

A proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) constitutes today one of the preferred technologies to promote hydrogen-based alternative energies. However, the large-scale deployment of PEMFCs is still hampered by insufficient durability and reliability. In particular, the degradation of the polyelectrolyte membrane, caused by harsh mechanical and chemical stresses experienced during fuel cell operation, has been identified as one of the main factors restricting the PEMFC lifetime. An innovative chemical-mechanical ex situ aging device was developed to simultaneously expose the membrane to mechanical fatigue and an oxidizing environment (i.e., free radicals) in order to reproduce conditions close to those encountered in fuel cell systems. A cyclic compressive stress of 5 or 10 MPa was applied during several hours while a degrading solution (H2O2 or a Fenton solution) was circulated in contact with the membrane. The results demonstrated that both composite Nafion™ XL and non-reinforced Nafion™ NR211 membranes are significantly degraded by the conjoint mechanical and chemical stress exposure. The fluoride emission rate (FER) was generally slightly lower with XL than with NR211, which could be attributed to the degradation mitigation strategies developed for composite XL, except when the pressure level or the aging duration were increased, suggesting a limitation of the improved durability of XL.
Comparative Study of MnO2 Dissolution from Black Copper Minerals and Manganese Nodules in an Acid Medium
Authors: Moraga Carlos , Cerecedo-Saenz Eduardo , González Javier , Robles Pedro , Carrillo-Pedroza Francisco , Toro Norman
Published: May 2021

The low grade of copper deposits and the use of the froth flotation process have caused excessive tailing production. In recent years, experts have looked for new alternative methods to improve this situation. Black copper minerals are abundant resources not exploited by large-scale copper mining and possess high Mn concentrations. On the other hand, manganese nodules are submarine resources and show high concentrations of Cu, Ni, Fe, and, mainly, Mn. However, both mineral resources are refractory to conventional leaching processes, and so a reducing agent is necessary for their treatment. We studied the use of tailings obtained from the flotation of foundry slags with a high content of Fe3O4 as reducing agents at different MnO2/tailings ratios and H2SO4 concentrations. Mn dissolution was compared in marine nodule and black copper minerals samples. It was found that higher Mn dissolutions are obtained from marine nodules, likely due to the acid consumption created by Cu dissolution from black copper minerals. The remnant elements in manganese nodules were leached under an oxidant condition.
Study on High-Temperature Mechanical Properties of Fe–Mn–C–Al TWIP/TRIP Steel
Authors: Yang Guangkai , Zhuang Changling , Li Changrong , Lan Fangjie , Yao Hanjie
Published: May 2021

In this study, high-temperature tensile tests were carried out on a Gleeble-3500 thermal simulator under a strain rate of ε = 1 × 10−3 s−1 in the temperature range of 600–1310 °C. The hot deformation process of Fe–15.3Mn–0.58C–2.3Al TWIP/TRIP at different temperatures was studied. In the whole tested temperature range, the reduction of area ranged from 47.3 to 89.4% and reached the maximum value of 89.4% at 1275 °C. Assuming that 60% reduction of area is relative ductility trough, the high-temperature ductility trough was from 1275 °C to the melting point temperature, the medium-temperature ductility trough was 1000–1250 °C, and the low-temperature ductility trough was around 600 °C. The phase transformation process of the steel was analyzed by Thermo-Calc thermodynamics software. It was found that ferrite transformation occurred at 646 °C, and the austenite was softened by a small amount of ferrite, resulting in the reduction of thermoplastic and formation of the low-temperature ductility trough. However, the small difference in thermoplasticity in the low-temperature ductility trough was attributed to the small amount of ferrite and the low transformation temperature of ferrite. The tensile fracture at different temperatures was characterized by means of optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that there were Al2O3, AlN, MnO, and MnS(Se) impurities in the fracture. The abnormal points of thermoplasticity showed that the inclusions had a significant effect on the high-temperature mechanical properties. The results of EBSD local orientation difference analysis showed that the temperature range with good plasticity was around 1275 °C. Under large deformation extent, the phase difference in the internal position of the grain was larger than that in the grain boundary. The defect density in the grain was large, and the high dislocation density was the main deformation mechanism in the high-temperature tensile process.
Digital Scanning of Welds and Influence of Sampling Resolution on the Predicted Fatigue Performance: Modelling, Experiment and Simulation
Authors: Hultgren Gustav , Myrén Leo , Barsoum Zuheir , Mansour Rami
Published: May 2021

Digital weld quality assurance systems are increasingly used to capture local geometrical variations that can be detrimental for the fatigue strength of welded components. In this study, a method is proposed to determine the required scanning sampling resolution for proper fatigue assessment. Based on FE analysis of laser-scanned welded joints, fatigue failure probabilities are computed using a Weakest-link fatigue model with experimentally determined parameters. By down-sampling of the scanning data in the FE simulations, it is shown that the uncertainty and error in the fatigue failure probability prediction increases with decreased sampling resolution. The required sampling resolution is thereafter determined by setting an allowable error in the predicted failure probability. A sampling resolution of 200 to 250 μm has been shown to be adequate for the fatigue-loaded welded joints investigated in the current study. The resolution requirements can be directly incorporated in production for continuous quality assurance of welded structures. The proposed probabilistic model used to derive the resolution requirement accurately captures the experimental fatigue strength distribution, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9 between model and experimental failure probabilities. This work therefore brings novelty by deriving sampling resolution requirements based on the influence of stochastic topographical variations on the fatigue strength distribution.
Effect of Scanning Strategy in the L-PBF Process of 18Ni300 Maraging Steel
Authors: Rivalta Francesco , Ceschini Lorella , Jarfors Anders E. W. , Stolt Roland
Published: May 2021

Maraging steels are good candidates for the laser powder bed fusion process (L-PBF), also known as Selective Laser Melting, due to excellent weldability and resistance to quench cracking. Powders physical and chemical characteristics dominate the final microstructure and properties of the printed parts, that are also heavily influenced by the process parameters. In this study, the effects of the scanning strategies on dimensions, average surface roughness, density and material hardness were evaluated, keeping the powder type and the volumetric energy density (Andrew number) constant. The effects of the scanning strategy on these properties are far less understood than on other important ones, like residual stresses and distortion, strongly affected by the scanning strategy. In this study, parallel stripes, chessboard and hexagonal pattern strategies were studied, keeping the Andrew number constant but varying the interlayer rotation. In general, the hexagonal strategy underperformed compared to the chessboard and the stripes ones.
Neutron Scattering as a Powerful Tool to Investigate Magnetic Shape Memory Alloys: A Review
Authors: Río-López Natalia A. , Lázpita Patricia , Salazar Daniel , Petrenko Viktor I. , Plazaola Fernando , Chernenko Volodymyr , Porro Jose M.
Published: May 2021

Magnetic shape memory alloys (MSMAs) are an interesting class of smart materials characterized by undergoing macroscopic deformations upon the application of a pertinent stimulus: temperature, stress and/or external magnetic fields. Since the deformation is rapid and contactless, these materials are being extensively investigated for a plethora of applications, such as sensors and actuators for the medical, automotive and space industries, energy harvesting and damping devices, among others. These materials also exhibit a giant magnetocaloric effect, whereby they are very promising for magnetic refrigeration. The applications in which they can be used are extremely dependent on the material properties, which are, in turn, greatly conditioned by the structure, atomic ordering and magnetism of a material. Particularly, exploring the material structure is essential in order to push forward the current application limitations of the MSMAs. Among the wide range of available characterization tools, neutron scattering techniques stand out in acquiring advanced knowledge about the structure and magnetism of these alloys. Throughout this manuscript, a comprehensive review about the characterization of MSMAs using neutron techniques is presented. Several elastic neutron scattering techniques will be explained and exemplified, covering neutron imaging techniques—such as radiography, tomography and texture diffractometry; diffraction techniques—magnetic (polarized neutron) diffraction, powder neutron diffraction and single crystal neutron diffraction, reflectometry and small angle neutron scattering. This will be complemented with a few examples where inelastic neutron scattering has been employed to obtain information about the phonon dispersion in MSMAs.
Consolidated Bioprocessing: Synthetic Biology Routes to Fuels and Fine Chemicals
Authors: Banner Alec , Toogood Helen S. , Scrutton Nigel S.
Published: May 2021

The long road from emerging biotechnologies to commercial “green” biosynthetic routes for chemical production relies in part on efficient microbial use of sustainable and renewable waste biomass feedstocks. One solution is to apply the consolidated bioprocessing approach, whereby microorganisms convert lignocellulose waste into advanced fuels and other chemicals. As lignocellulose is a highly complex network of polymers, enzymatic degradation or “saccharification” requires a range of cellulolytic enzymes acting synergistically to release the abundant sugars contained within. Complications arise from the need for extracellular localisation of cellulolytic enzymes, whether they be free or cell-associated. This review highlights the current progress in the consolidated bioprocessing approach, whereby microbial chassis are engineered to grow on lignocellulose as sole carbon sources whilst generating commercially useful chemicals. Future perspectives in the emerging biofoundry approach with bacterial hosts are discussed, where solutions to existing bottlenecks could potentially be overcome though the application of high throughput and iterative Design-Build-Test-Learn methodologies. These rapid automated pathway building infrastructures could be adapted for addressing the challenges of increasing cellulolytic capabilities of microorganisms to commercially viable levels.
Staphylococcal Infections: Host and Pathogenic Factors
Authors: Adhikari Rajan P.
Published: May 2021

In 1880, the Scottish surgeon Sir Alexander Ogston first described staphylococci in pus from a surgical abscess in a knee joint: “The masses looked like bunches of grapes” [...]
Characterization of Partially Purified Bacteriocins Produced by Enterococcus faecium Strains Isolated from Soybean Paste Active Against Listeria spp. and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci
Authors: Fugaban Joanna Ivy Irorita , Vazquez Bucheli Jorge Enrique , Holzapfel Wilhelm Heinrich , Todorov Svetoslav Dimitrov
Published: May 2021

Three out of one hundred eighty putative LAB isolates from Korean traditional fermented soybean paste were identified to be unique and bacteriocinogenic strains. Based on phenotypic and 16S rRNA sequencing analysis, selected strains were identified as Enterococcus faecium ST651ea, E. faecium ST7119ea and E. faecium ST7319ea. The bacteriocinogenic properties of the studied strains were evaluated against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC15313, Listeria innocua ATCC33090 and vancomycin-resistant E. faecium VRE19 of clinical origin. The strains E. faecium ST651ea, ST7119ea and ST7319ea expressed bacteriocins with an activity of 12,800 AU/mL, 25,600 AU/mL and 25,600 AU/mL, respectively, recorded against L. monocytogenes ATCC15131. According to the PCR-based screening of bacteriocin-related genes, which was further confirmed through amplicon sequencing, showed that strain E. faecium ST651ea carries entB and entP genes, whereas both E. faecium ST7119ea and ST7319ea strains harbor entA and entB genes. The molecular size of expressed bacteriocins was estimated by tricine-SDS-PAGE showing an approximative protein size of 4.5 kDa. The assessment of the spectrum of activity of bacteriocins ST651ea, ST7119ea and ST7319ea showed strong activity against most of clinical VRE isolates, majority of other Enterococcus spp. and Listeria spp. Bacteriocins ST651ea, ST7119ea and ST7319ea were partially purified by combination of 60% ammonium sulfate precipitation and hydrophobic chromatography on the SepPakC18 column. Challenge test with semi-purified (60% 2-propanol fraction) bacteriocins resulted in a significant reduction of viable cells for all test organisms. Thus, indicating that all the bacteriocins evaluated can be used as potential biocontrol in food and feed industries as well as an alternative treatment for VRE-related infections in both veterinary and clinical settings.
Nicotine Increases Macrophage Survival through α7nAChR/NF-κB Pathway in Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis Infection
Authors: AlQasrawi Dania , Naser Ebraheem , Naser Saleh A.
Published: May 2021

Recently, we reported that nicotine plays a role in the failure of the macrophage in the clearance of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) during infection in Crohn’s disease smokers. We also demonstrated that nicotine enhances macrophages cellular survival during MAP infection. Blocking α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) with the pharmacological antagonist—mecamylamine—subverted the anti-inflammatory effect of nicotine in macrophages. Yet, it is still unknown how α7nAChR is involved in the modulation of the macrophage response during MAP infection. Here, we studied the mechanistic role of nicotine-α7nAChR interaction in modulating NF-ĸB survival pathway, autophagy, and effect on cathelicidin production in MAP-infected macrophages using THP-1 cell lines. Our results showed that nicotine upregulated α7nAChR expression by 5-folds during MAP infection compared to controls. Bcl-2 expression was also significantly increased after nicotine exposure. Moreover, Nicotine inhibited autophagosome formation whereas infection with MAP in absence of nicotine has significantly increased LC-3b in macrophages. Nicotine also further upregulated NF-ĸB subunits expression including Rel-B and p100, and increased nuclear translocation of p52 protein. We also discovered that cathelicidin production was significantly suppressed in MAP-infected macrophages, treatment with nicotine showed no effect. Overall, the study provides new insight toward understanding the cellular role of nicotine through α7nAChR/NF-ĸB p100/p52 signaling pathway in inducing anti-apoptosis and macrophage survival during MAP infection in Crohn’s disease smokers.
Intra-Colonial Viral Infections in Western Honey Bees (Apis Mellifera)
Authors: Castelli Loreley , Genchi García María Laura , Dalmon Anne , Arredondo Daniela , Antúnez Karina , Invernizzi Ciro , Reynaldi Francisco José , Le Conte Yves , Beaurepaire Alexis
Published: May 2021

RNA viruses play a significant role in the current high losses of pollinators. Although many studies have focused on the epidemiology of western honey bee (Apis mellifera) viruses at the colony level, the dynamics of virus infection within colonies remains poorly explored. In this study, the two main variants of the ubiquitous honey bee virus DWV as well as three major honey bee viruses (SBV, ABPV and BQCV) were analyzed from Varroa-destructor-parasitized pupae. More precisely, RT-qPCR was used to quantify and compare virus genome copies across honey bee pupae at the individual and subfamily levels (i.e., patrilines, sharing the same mother queen but with different drones as fathers). Additionally, virus genome copies were compared in cells parasitized by reproducing and non-reproducing mite foundresses to assess the role of this vector. Only DWV was detected in the samples, and the two variants of this virus significantly differed when comparing the sampling period, colonies and patrilines. Moreover, DWV-A and DWV-B exhibited different infection patterns, reflecting contrasting dynamics. Altogether, these results provide new insight into honey bee diseases and stress the need for more studies about the mechanisms of intra-colonial disease variation in social insects.
Occurrence and Distribution of Moganite and Opal-CT in Agates from Paleocene/Eocene Tuffs, El Picado (Cuba)
Authors: Götze Jens , Stanek Klaus , Orozco Gerardo , Liesegang Moritz , Mohr-Westheide Tanja
Published: May 2021

Agates in Paleocene/Eocene tuffs from El Picado/Los Indios, Cuba were investigated to characterize the mineral composition of the agates and to provide data for the reconstruction of agate forming processes. The volcanic host rocks are strongly altered and fractured and contain numerous fissures and veins mineralized by quartz and chalcedony. These features indicate secondary alteration and silicification processes during tectonic activities that may have also resulted in the formation of massive agates. Local accumulation of manganese oxides/hydroxides, as well as uranium (uranyl-silicate complexes), in the agates confirm their contemporaneous supply with SiO2 and the origin of the silica-bearing solutions from the alteration processes. The mineral composition of the agates is characterized by abnormal high bulk contents of opal-CT (>6 wt%) and moganite (>16 wt%) besides alpha-quartz. The presence of these elevated amounts of “immature” silica phases emphasize that agate formation runs through several structural states of SiO2 with amorphous silica as the first solid phase. A remarkable feature of the agates is a heterogeneous distribution of moganite within the silica matrix revealed by micro-Raman mapping. The intensity ratio of the main symmetric stretching-bending vibrations (A1 modes) of alpha-quartz at 465 cm−1 and moganite at 502 cm−1, respectively, was used to depict the abundance of moganite in the silica matrix. The zoned distribution of moganite and variations in the microtexture and porosity of the agates indicate a multi-phase deposition of SiO2 under varying physico-chemical conditions and a discontinuous silica supply.
Preparation and Characterization of Optically Active Polyurethane from Rotatory Binaphthol Monomer and Polyurethane Prepolymer
Authors: Lin Ling , Mao Haiyan , Li Ziyin , Li Wenyao , Wang Chaoxia
Published: May 2021

Optically active polymers are promising multifunctional materials with great application potentials. Herein, environmentally friendly optically active polyurethanes (OPUs) were obtained by introducing rotatory binaphthol monomer to polyurethane. The influence of binaphthol monomer content on the structure, mechanical properties, infrared emissivity, and thermal insulation of OPUs was studied intensively. Structure characterization indicated that the optically active polyurethanes have been successfully synthesized. The OPU synthesized with BIMOL and BDO at the mole ratio of 1:1 presented better thermal resistance. In addition, OPUs showed enhanced tensile strength and stretchability with the increase of BINOL content to a certain extent due to its rigid structural features and high molecular weight. The optically active polyurethanes showed lower infrared emissivity values (8–14 μm) than waterborne polyurethane (WPU), and the infrared emissivity decreased from 0.850 to 0.572 as the content of the BINOL monomer increased. Moreover, OPU4 exhibited the best heat insulation and cooling ability with about a 7 °C temperature difference. The thus-synthesized optically active polyurethanes provide an effective solution for developing highly effective thermal insulation materials.
Cephalotaxine Inhibits the Survival of Leukemia Cells by Activating Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway and Inhibiting Autophagy Flow
Authors: Liu Tingting , Guo Qiang , Zheng Shuze , Liu Yang , Yang Heng , Zhao Meimei , Yao Lu , Zeng Kewu , Tu Pengfei
Published: May 2021

Cephalotaxine (CET) is a natural alkaloid with potent antileukemia effects. However, its underlying molecular mechanism has not been well understood. In this study, we verified that CET significantly inhibited the viability of various leukemia cells, including HL-60, NB4, Jurkat, K562, Raji and MOLT-4. RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analysis revealed that CET causes mitochondrial function change. Mechanism research indicated that CET activated the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway by reducing the mitochondrial membrane potential, downregulating anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein and upregulating pro-apoptotic Bak protein. In addition, the autophagy signaling pathway was highly enriched by RNA-seq analysis. Then, we found that CET blocked the fluorescence colocation of MitoTracker Green and LysoTracker Red and upregulated the level of LC3-II and p62, which indicated that autophagy flow was impaired. Further results demonstrated that CET could impair lysosomal acidification and block autophagy flow. Finally, inhibiting autophagy flow could aggravate apoptosis of HL-60 cells induced by CET. In summary, this study demonstrated that CET exerted antileukemia effects through activation of the mitochondria-dependent pathway and by impairing autophagy flow. Our research provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of CET in the treatment of leukemia.
Spirostanol Sapogenins and Saponins from Convallaria majalis L. Structural Characterization by 2D NMR, Theoretical GIAO DFT Calculations and Molecular Modeling
Authors: Dąbrowska-Balcerzak Karolina , Nartowska Jadwiga , Wawer Iwona , Siudem Paweł , Paradowska Katarzyna
Published: May 2021

Two new spirostanol sapogenins (5β-spirost-25(27)-en-1β,2β,3β,5β-tetrol 3 and its 25,27-dihydro derivative, (25S)-spirostan-1β,2β,3β,5β-tetrol 4) and four new saponins were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Convallaria majalis L. together with known sapogenins (isolated from Liliaceae): 5β-spirost-25(27)-en-1β,3β-diol 1, (25S)-spirostan-1β,3β-diol 2, 5β-spirost-25(27)-en-1β,3β,4β,5β-tetrol 5, (25S)-spirostan-1β,3β,4β,5β-tetrol 6, 5β-spirost-25(27)-en-1β,2β,3β,4β,5β-pentol 7 and (25S)-spirostan-1β,2β,3β,4β,5β-pentol 8. New steroidal saponins were found to be pentahydroxy 5-O-glycosides; 5β-spirost-25(27)-en-1β,2β,3β,4β,5β-pentol 5-O-β-galactopyranoside 9, 5β-spirost-25(27)-en-1β,2β,3β,4β,5β-pentol 5-O-β-arabinonoside 11, 5β-(25S)-spirostan-1β,2β,3β,4β,5β-pentol 5-O-galactoside 10 and 5β-(25S)-spirostan-1β,2β,3β,4β,5β-pentol 5-O-arabinoside 12 were isolated for the first time. The structures of those compounds were determined by NMR spectroscopy, including 2D COSY, HMBC, HSQC, NOESY, ROESY experiments, theoretical calculations of shielding constants by GIAO DFT, and mass spectrometry (FAB/LSI HR MS). An attempt was made to test biological activity, particularly as potential chemotherapeutic agents, using in silico methods. A set of 12 compounds was docked to the PDB structures of HER2 receptor and tubulin. The results indicated that diols have a higher affinity to the analyzed targets than tetrols and pentols. Two compounds (25S)-spirosten-1β,3β-diol 1 and 5β-spirost-25(27)-en-1β,2β,3β,4β,5β-pentol 5-O-galactoside 9 were selected for further evaluation of biological activity.
Neuroprotective Effect and Antioxidant Potency of Fermented Cultured Wild Ginseng Root Extracts of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer in Mice
Authors: Kim Chul-Joong , Ryu Hyeon-Yeol , Lee Somin , Lee Han-Joo , Chun Yoon-Soek , Kim Jong-Kyu , Yu Chang-Yeon , Ghimire Bimal Kumar , Lee Jae-Geun
Published: May 2021

Wild ginseng has better pharmacological effects than cultivated ginseng. However, its industrialization is limited by the inability to grow wild ginseng on a large scale. Herein, we demonstrate how to optimize ginseng production through cultivation, and how to enhance the concentrations of specific ginsenosides through fermentation. In the study, we also evaluated the ability of fermented cultured wild ginseng root extract (HLJG0701-β) to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), as well as its neuroprotective effects and antioxidant activity. In invitro tests, HLJG0701-β inhibited AChE activity and exerted neuroprotective and antioxidant effects (showing increased catalyst activity but decreased reactive oxygen species concentration). In invivo tests, after HLJG0701-β was orally administered at doses of 0, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg in an animal model of memory impairment, behavioral evaluation (Morris water maze test and Y-maze task test) was performed. The levels of AChE, acetylcholine (ACh), blood catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in brain tissues were measured. The results showed that HLJG0701-β produced the best results at a dose of 250 mg/kg or more. The neuroprotective mechanism of HLJG0701-β was determined to involve the inhibition of AChE activity and a decrease in oxidative stress. In summary, both invitro and invivo tests confirmed that HJG0701-β administration can lead to memory improvement.
Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot, Chaenomeles superba Lindl. and Cornus mas L. Leaf Extracts as Natural Preservatives for Pork Meat Products
Authors: Efenberger-Szmechtyk Magdalena , Gałązka-Czarnecka Ilona , Otlewska Anna , Czyżowska Agata , Nowak Agnieszka
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of using Aronia melanocarpa, Chaenomeles superba, and Cornus mas leaf extracts as natural preservatives for pork meat products. Pork sausages were stored in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) (80% N2 and 20% CO2) at 4 °C for 29 days. The total psychrotrophic counts (TPC) were determined during the storage period, along with the numbers of Enterobacteriaceae and lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The extracts improved the microbial quality of the meat products but to a lesser extent than sodium nitrate (III). They reduced the amounts of Enterobacteriaceae and LAB. The A.melanocarpa leaf extract showed the strongest preservative effect. The bacterial biodiversity of the meat products was investigated based on high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Two predominant bacteria phyla were identified, Proteobacteria and Firmucutes, mostly consisting of genera Photobacterium, Brochothrix, and Carnobacterium. The extracts also influenced microbial community in sausages decreasing or increasing bacterial relative abundance. The extracts significantly inhibited lipid oxidation and improved the water-holding capacity of the meat, with C. superba extract showing the strongest influence. In addition, A. melanocarpa and C. superba improved the redness (a*) of the sausages. The results of this study show that A. melanocarpa, C. superba, and C. mas leaf extracts can extend the shelf life of meat products stored in MAP at 4 °C.
Total Face Approach (TFA) 3D Cephalometry and Superimposition in Orthognathic Surgery: Evaluation of the Vertical Dimensions in a Consecutive Series
Authors: Perrotti Giovanna , Baccaglione Giulia , Clauser Tommaso , Scaini Riccardo , Grassi Roberta , Testarelli Luca , Reda Rodolfo , Testori Tiziano , Del Fabbro Massimo
Published: May 2021

Background: Cephalometry is fundamental in diagnosis, analysis, and planning of orthodontic-surgical treatment as it reveals skeletal relationship between the upper and lower jaw as well as facial aesthetic parameters. Nevertheless, 3D cephalometry has still not become the exam of choice in orthognathic treatment even though today CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) is routinely used in other branches of dentistry. Methods: In a sample of 13 patients undergoing bimaxillary orthognathic surgery a chin-vertex CBCT exam was prescribed prior to orthodontic treatment (OT) and 12 months after surgery (T1). The DICOM files uploaded to MaterialiseSimplant Ortho software pro 2.1 (Materialise Co., Leuven, Belgium) were analyzed following the multiplane 3D Total Face cephalometry protocol (TFA). Results: Results comparing pre-op and post-op TFA 3D cephalometry, were then evaluated considering reference values reported in literature. The CBCT, carried out pre- and post-surgery, were subsequently analyzed employing the superimposition method using cranial base as reference. The aim of this study is to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the two methods in orthognathic surgery. Conclusions: Multiplane 3D TFA allows the clinician to locate where major or minor skeletal discrepancies are found with respect to ideal parameters and is also useful in classifying skeletal intermaxillary relation. The superimposition method is highly intuitive but does not provide information on the quantity and location of osteotomic movement.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Ethiofencarb by a Visible Light-Driven SnIn4S8 Photocatalyst
Authors: Chen Chiing-Chang , Shaya Janah , Polychronopoulou Kyriaki , Golovko Vladimir B. , Tesana Siriluck , Wang Syuan-Yun , Lu Chung-Shin
Published: May 2021

This work reports the preparation and detailed characterization of stannum indium sulfide (SnIn4S8) semiconductor photocatalyst for degradation of ethiofencarb (toxic insecticide) under visible-light irradiation. The as-prepared SnIn4S8 showed catalytic efficiency of 98% in 24 h under optimal operating conditions (pH = 3, catalyst dosage of 0.5 g L−1). The photodegradation reaction followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. The major intermediates have been identified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. •O2− and •OH radicals appeared to be the primary active species in the degradation process as revealed by scavenger and electronic spin resonance studies, while photogenerated holes had a secondary role in this process. A plausible mechanism involving two routes was proposed for ethiofencarb degradation by SnIn4S8 after identifying the major intermediate species: oxidative cleavage of the CH2-S and the amide bonds of the carbamate moiety. Lastly, SnIn4S8 was found to be efficient, stable, and reusable in treating real water samples in three successive photodegradation experiments. This study demonstrates the prospect of SnIn4S8 photocatalysis in treatment of natural and contaminated water from extremely toxic organic carbamates as ethiofencarb.
Recent Advances in the Development of Smart and Active Biodegradable Packaging Materials
Authors: Sani Mahmood Alizadeh , Azizi-Lalabadi Maryam , Tavassoli Milad , Mohammadi Keyhan , McClements David Julian
Published: May 2021

Interest in the development of smart and active biodegradable packaging materials is increasing as food manufacturers try to improve the sustainability and environmental impact of their products, while still maintaining their quality and safety. Active packaging materials contain components that enhance their functionality, such as antimicrobials, antioxidants, light blockers, or oxygen barriers. Smart packaging materials contain sensing components that provide an indication of changes in food attributes, such as alterations in their quality, maturity, or safety. For instance, a smart sensor may give a measurable color change in response to a deterioration in food quality. This article reviews recent advances in the development of active and smart biodegradable packaging materials in the food industry. Moreover, studies on the application of these packaging materials to monitor the freshness and safety of food products are reviewed, including dairy, meat, fish, fruit and vegetable products. Finally, the potential challenges associated with the application of these eco-friendly packaging materials in the food industry are discussed, as well as potential future directions.