bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Camera Digital Image Correlation in Deformation Measurement of Civil Components with Large Slenderness Ratio and Large Curvature
Authors: Dai Yuntong , Li Hongmin
Published: September 2022

To address the limitations of conventional stereo-digital image correlation (DIC) on measuring complex objects, a continuous-view multi-camera DIC (MC-DIC) system and its two forms of camera arrangement are introduced. Multiple cameras with certain overlapping field of view are calibrated simultaneously to form an overall system for measuring the continuous full-surface deformation. The bending experiment of coral aggregate concrete beam and the axial compression experiment of timber column are conducted to verify the capability of continuous-view MC-DIC in deformation measurement of civil components with large slenderness ratio and large curvature, respectively. The obtained deformation data maintain good consistency with the displacement transducer and strain gauge. Results indicate that the continuous-view MC-DIC is a reliable 3D full-field measurement approach in civil measurements.
Fungi in Mycelium-Based Composites: Usage and Recommendations
Authors: Sydor Maciej , Cofta Grzegorz , Doczekalska Beata , Bonenberg Agata
Published: September 2022

Mycelium-Based Composites (MBCs) are innovative engineering materials made from lignocellulosic by-products bonded with fungal mycelium. While some performance characteristics of MBCs are inferior to those of currently used engineering materials, these composites nevertheless prove to be superior in ecological aspects. Improving the properties of MBCs may be achieved using an adequate substrate type, fungus species, and manufacturing technology. This article presents scientifically verified guiding principles for choosing a fungus species to obtain the desired effect. This aim was realized based on analyses of scientific articles concerning MBCs, mycological literature, and patent documents. Based on these analyses, over 70 fungi species used to manufacture MBC have been identified and the most commonly used combinations of fungi species-substrate-manufacturing technology are presented. The main result of this review was to demonstrate the characteristics of the fungi considered optimal in terms of the resulting engineering material properties. Thus, a list of the 11 main fungus characteristics that increase the effectiveness in the engineering material formation include: rapid hyphae growth, high virulence, dimitic or trimitic hyphal system, white rot decay type, high versatility in nutrition, high tolerance to a substrate, environmental parameters, susceptibility to readily controlled factors, easy to deactivate, saprophytic, non-mycotoxic, and capability to biosynthesize natural active substances. An additional analysis result is a list of the names of fungus species, the types of substrates used, the applications of the material produced, and the main findings reported in the scientific literature.
Charge Storage and Reliability Characteristics of Nonvolatile Memory Capacitors with HfO2/Al2O3-Based Charge Trapping Layers
Authors: Spassov Dencho , Paskaleva Albena , Guziewicz Elżbieta , Wozniak Wojciech , Stanchev Todor , Ivanov Tsvetan , Wojewoda-Budka Joanna , Janusz-Skuza Marta
Published: September 2022

Flash memories are the preferred choice for data storage in portable gadgets. The charge trapping nonvolatile flash memories are the main contender to replace standard floating gate technology. In this work, we investigate metal/blocking oxide/high-k charge trapping layer/tunnel oxide/Si (MOHOS) structures from the viewpoint of their application as memory cells in charge trapping flash memories. Two different stacks, HfO2/Al2O3 nanolaminates and Al-doped HfO2, are used as the charge trapping layer, and SiO2 (of different thickness) or Al2O3 is used as the tunneling oxide. The charge trapping and memory windows, and retention and endurance characteristics are studied to assess the charge storage ability of memory cells. The influence of post-deposition oxygen annealing on the memory characteristics is also studied. The results reveal that these characteristics are most strongly affected by post-deposition oxygen annealing and the type and thickness of tunneling oxide. The stacks before annealing and the 3.5 nm SiO2 tunneling oxide have favorable charge trapping and retention properties, but their endurance is compromised because of the high electric field vulnerability. Rapid thermal annealing (RTA) in O2 significantly increases the electron trapping (hence, the memory window) in the stacks; however, it deteriorates their retention properties, most likely due to the interfacial reaction between the tunneling oxide and the charge trapping layer. The O2 annealing also enhances the high electric field susceptibility of the stacks, which results in better endurance. The results strongly imply that the origin of electron and hole traps is different—the hole traps are most likely related to HfO2, while electron traps are related to Al2O3. These findings could serve as a useful guide for further optimization of MOHOS structures as memory cells in NVM.
Comparison of the Influence of Two Types of Plasma Treatment of Short Carbon Fibers on Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Composites Filled with These Treated Fibers
Authors: Novotná Jana , Kormunda Martin , Perner Jakub , Tomková Blanka
Published: September 2022

The interfacial interface between fibers and matrix plays a key role for epoxy matrix composites and short recycled randomly arranged fibers. This study used short recycled carbon fiber (RCF) as a filler. Plasma treatment was used for carbon fiber surface treatment. This treatment was performed using radio (RF) and microwave (MW) frequencies at the same pressure and atmosphere. Appropriate chemical modification of the fiber surfaces helps to improve the wettability of the carbon fibers and, at the same time, allows the necessary covalent bonds to form between fibers and the epoxy matrix. The effect of the plasma treatment was analyzed and confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and wettability measurements. Composite samples filled with recycled carbon fibers with low concentrations (1 wt%, 2.5 wt% and 5 wt%) and high concentrations (20 wt% and 30 wt%) were made from selected treated fibers. The mechanical properties (impact toughness, 3PB) were analyzed on these samples. It was found that the modulus of elasticity and bending stress increase with the increasing content of recycled carbon fibers. A more significant change in impact strength occurred in samples with low concentration.
Synthesis of a Zinc Hydroxystannate/Sepiolite Hybrid Additive to Avoid Fire Propagation and Reduce Smoke Emission of EPDM Rubber Nanocomposites
Authors: Puertas María Luisa , Durán Teresa , Bartolomé José Florindo , Esteban-Cubillo Antonio
Published: September 2022

A zinc hydroxystannate/sepiolite (SEPZHS) hybrid additive was successfully prepared following a facile wet chemical route synthesis where zinc hydroxystannate (ZHS) nanoparticles were grown on the sepiolite’s surface. SEPZHS particles have a fibrillar structure with ZHS nanoparticles homogeneously dispersed and with significantly smaller particle sizes than the synthesized ZHS nanoparticles alone. Sepiolite and SEPZHS were organically modified and introduced in a basic ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) formulation for cable to evaluate the nanocomposite behavior under direct fire sources. The results confirmed the synergistic effect of the hybrid SEPZHS additive in the formation of a most stable and efficient char barrier, thus improving the flame-retardant behavior of EPDM nanocomposite in terms of heat emission, with reductions of more than 40% in the peak of Heat Release Rate (cone calorimeter test), and smoke suppression, with more than 25% reduction in the Total Smoke Production and Smoke Density parameters (smoke chamber test). Moreover, the addition of sepiolite-based additives increased the mechanical properties (hardness) of the nanocomposites, as a result of the matrix reinforcement. This suggests that the SEPZHS hybrid additive may provide a promising option for a new, cost-effective, eco-friendly, yet efficient flame-retardant solution.
Effect of the Moisture Content of Recycled Aggregate on the Mechanical Performance and Durability of Concrete
Authors: Sun Daosheng , Huang Wei , Liu Kaiwei , Ma Rui , Wang Aiguo , Guan Yanmei , Shen Shansan
Published: September 2022

Wasted concrete was often used as a recycled aggregate instead natural stone in fresh concrete to reduce the environmental impact in a decade. However, because of the residual mortar interface, the performance of recycled aggregate was weaker. In this paper, the recycled aggregate was prewetted, and the effects of prewetted degree on the workability, strength, and durability of concrete were studied. The properties of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ), including microhardness, pore structure, and width, were also investigated. The results show that the workability intensity increased with the increase in prewetted degree from 0% to 100%, while the strength was first increased and then decreased with the optimal value of 43.3 MPa when the prewetted degree was 50–65%. The water absorption and chloride ion diffusion coefficient were also decreased by approximately 10% at minimum with the prewetted degree around 55% because of the declined fraction of pores larger than 50 μm and smaller porosity. The width of ITZ was first sharply decreased with a prewetted degree of 50–65%, then increased again with higher moisture, while microhardness of the ITZ showed the opposite trend and reached 82.7 MPa at maximum, at 50%. The appropriate moisture (50–65%) improved the pore structure and hydration products with an internal curing effect. When the moisture content was too high, the excess water was released from aggregate to the matrix, causing a higher water–cement ratio at ITZ; the porosity and the number of macrospores were increased to weaken the performance of concrete.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Hybrid AZ91 Magnesium Matrix Composite with Ti and SiC Particles
Authors: Braszczyńska-Malik Katarzyna N.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, a new hybrid metal matrix composite, named AZ91/(SiC + Ti)p, is presented. The commercial AZ91 magnesium alloy was chosen as the matrix. The composite was reinforced with both SiC and Ti particles. The investigated material was successfully fabricated using stir casting methods. Microstructure analyses were carried out by digital and scanning electron microscopy with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM + EDX). Detailed investigations disclosed the presence (besides the reinforced particles) of primary dendrites of the α phase, α + γ eutectic and some part of discontinuous precipitates of the γ phase in the composite microstructure. The composite was characterised by uniform distribution of the Ti particles, whereas the SiC particles were revealed inside the primary dendrites of the α phase, on the Ti particles and in the interdendritic regions as a mixture with the α + γ eutectic. Both the tensile and compression strength as well as the yield strength of the composite were examined in both uniaxial tensile and compression tests at room temperature. The fabricated AZ91/(SiC + Ti)p hybrid composite exhibited higher mechanical properties of all those investigated in comparison with the unreinforced AZ91 matrix alloy (cast in the same conditions). Additionally, analyses of the fracture surfaces of the AZ91/(SiC + Ti)p hybrid composite carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM + EDX) were presented.
Axial Compressive Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete Filled Steel Tube Short Columns with Ground Desulfurization Slag
Authors: Liu Lan , Liu Yuhao , Cheng Zhi , Cheng Xinrong , Zhang Hongping
Published: September 2022

Desulfurization slag (DS) is the solid waste discharged from the bottom of the circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler. It has good pozzolanic activity, self-hardening property and large expansibility. In this paper, ground desulfurization slag (GDS) is used as mineral admixture to replace cement to prepare self-compacting concrete (SCC). In order to find out the influence laws of different factors on the axial compressive properties of the self-compacting concrete filled steel tube (CFST), seven types of SCC are prepared and nine groups of CFST short column are fabricated. Filling ability test, compressive strength test and axial compressive test are performed. The filling ability and the compressive strength of the SCCs are investigated, and the axial compressive properties of the CFSTs are researched. The results show that the amount of polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PS) increases with the amount of GDS, and the addition of GDS decreases the 3d, 7d and 28d compressive strength of the SCCs. The optimum amount of GDS for SCCs and CFSTs is 30%. When the amount of GDS is 30%, the ultimate bearing capacity of CFST short column (GP3) is the highest, which is 33.6% higher than that of GP1 without GDS. The influence law of the GDS’s amount on the CFSTs’ ultimate bearing capacity is quite different from that of the GDS’s amount on the SCCs’ compressive strength. The ultimate bearing capacity of CFSTs can be significantly improved by adding GDS. Sodium sulfate can improve both the compressive strength of the SCC and the bearing capacity of the CFST.
Factorizable Joint Shift in Multinomial Classification
Authors: Tasche Dirk
Published: September 2022

Factorizable joint shift (FJS) was recently proposed as a type of dataset shift for which the complete characteristics can be estimated from feature data observations on the test dataset by a method called Joint Importance Aligning. For the multinomial (multiclass) classification setting, we derive a representation of factorizable joint shift in terms of the source (training) distribution, the target (test) prior class probabilities and the target marginal distribution of the features. On the basis of this result, we propose alternatives to joint importance aligning and, at the same time, point out that factorizable joint shift is not fully identifiable if no class label information on the test dataset is available and no additional assumptions are made. Other results of the paper include correction formulae for the posterior class probabilities both under general dataset shift and factorizable joint shift. In addition, we investigate the consequences of assuming factorizable joint shift for the bias caused by sample selection.
Deep Reinforcement Learning-Based RMSA Policy Distillation for Elastic Optical Networks
Authors: Tang Bixia , Huang Yue-Cai , Xue Yun , Zhou Weixing
Published: September 2022

The reinforcement learning-based routing, modulation, and spectrum assignment has been regarded as an emerging paradigm for resource allocation in the elastic optical networks. One limitation is that the learning process is highly dependent on the training environment, such as the traffic pattern or the optical network topology. Therefore, re-training is required in case of network topology or traffic pattern variations, which consumes a great amount of computation power and time. To ease the requirement of re-training, we propose a policy distillation scheme, which distills knowledge from a well-trained teacher model and then transfers the knowledge to the to-be-trained student model, so that the training of the latter can be accelerated. Specifically, the teacher model is trained for one training environment (e.g., the topology and traffic pattern) and the student model is for another training environment. The simulation results indicate that our proposed method can effectively speed up the training process of the student model, and it even leads to a lower blocking probability, compared with the case that the student model is trained without knowledge distillation.
Lobular Difference in Heritability of Brain Atrophy among Elderly Japanese: A Twin Study
Authors: Saeki Soichiro , Szabo Helga , Tomizawa Rie , Tarnoki Adam D. , Tarnoki David L. , Watanabe Yoshiyuki ,   Osaka Twin Research Group, Honda Chika
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives: Brain atrophy is related to cognitive decline. However, the heritability of brain atrophy has not been fully investigated in the Eastern Asian population. Materials and Methods: Brain imaging of 74 Japanese twins registered in the Osaka University Twin Registry was conducted with voxel-based morphometry SPM12 and was processed by individual voxel-based morphometry adjusting covariates (iVAC) toolbox. The atrophy of the measured lobes was obtained by comparing the focal volume to the average of healthy subjects. Classical twin analysis was used to measure the heritability of its z-scores. Results: The heritability of brain atrophy ranged from 0.23 to 0.97, depending upon the lobes. When adjusted to age, high heritability was reported in the frontal, frontal-temporal, and parietal lobes, but the heritability in other lobes was lower than 0.70. Conclusions: This study revealed a relatively lower heritability in brain atrophy compared to other ethnicities. This result suggests a significant environmental impact on the susceptibility of brain atrophy the Japanese. Therefore, environmental factors may have more influence on the Japanese than in other populations.
Topical Ozone Therapy—A Novel Modality in the Treatment of a Complicated Wound after Knee Joint Ligament Operation as a Consequence of Traffic Accident—Case Report
Authors: Pasek Jarosław , Pasek Tomasz , Szajkowski Sebastian , Cieślar Grzegorz
Published: September 2022

Background and objectives: For many years, medicine has been looking for effective methods to be used in the treatment of chronic wounds. Pharmacological treatment is insufficient and does not give expected results of treatment. In the comprehensive treatment of wounds, physical medicine methods have been used, which are characterized by high efficiency and safety as well as relatively low costs of the therapy. Efficient application of a novel therapeutic modality in the form of topical ozone therapy in the treatment of a difficult-to-heal wound of the left knee joint after surgery due to the rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and damage to the medial meniscus because of a previous road accident in a 61-year-old female patient is presented. Methods: Topical ozone therapy treatment in the form of the “Ozone bag” with the use of an oxygen-ozone mixture (2.86% ozone and 97.14% of oxygen) with a concentration of 40 µg/mL was applied to the wound area. The therapeutic cycle consisted of two series of 10 treatment sessions lasting 20 min each, performed every day for 5 days a week, and carried out for 6 weeks. Results: Topical ozone therapy caused complete healing of the complicated wound remaining after orthopaedic surgery, which allowed the patient to live independently without experiencing pain, to move without elbow crutches, and to perform daily activities independently and ultimately to return to work.
Acute Intravesical Capsaicin for the Study of TRPV1 in the Lower Urinary Tract: Clinical Relevance and Potential for Innovation
Authors: Andersson Karl-Erik , Behr-Roussel Delphine , Denys Pierre , Giuliano Francois
Published: September 2022

Capsaicin acts on sensory nerves via vanilloid receptors. TRPV1 has been extensively studied with respect to functional lower urinary tract (LUT) conditions in rodents and humans. We aimed to (1) provide background information on capsaicin and TRPV1 and its mechanisms of action and basis for clinical use, (2) review the use of acute intravesical capsaicin instillation (AICI) in rodents to mimic various LUT disorders in which capsaicin sensitive C-fibers are involved and (3) discuss future innovative treatments. A comprehensive search of the major literature databases until June 2022 was conducted. Both capsaicin-sensitive and resistant unmyelinated bladder afferent C-fibers are involved in non-neurogenic overactive bladder/detrusor overactivity (OAB/DO). AICI is a suitable model to study afferent hyperactivity mimicking human OAB. Capsaicin-sensitive C-fibers are also involved in neurogenic DO (NDO) and potential targets for NDO treatment. AICI has been successfully tested for NDO treatment in humans. Capsaicin-sensitive bladder afferents are targets for NDO treatment. TRPV1-immunoreactive nerve fibers are involved in the pathogenesis of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS). The AICI experimental model appears relevant for the preclinical study of treatments targeting bladder afferents for refractory IC/BPS. The activity of capsaicin-sensitive bladder afferents is increased in experimental bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). The AICI model may also be relevant for bladder disorders resulting from C-fiber hyperexcitabilities related to BOO. In conclusion, there is a rationale for the selective blockade of TRPV1 channels for various bladder disorders. The AICI model is clinically relevant for the investigation of pathophysiological conditions in which bladder C-fiber afferents are overexcited and for assessing innovative treatments for bladder disorders based on their pathophysiology.
Synthesis of Dimpled Particles by Seeded Emulsion Polymerization and Their Application in Superhydrophobic Coatings
Authors: Wang Likui , Petrescu Florian Ion Tiberiu , Liu Jing , Li Hongping , Shi Gang
Published: September 2022

Dimpled particles are synthesized through the seeded polymerization of fluoroacrylate and styrene on swelled polystyrene spheres. The morphologies of the particles can be controlled by the polymerization temperature, the amount of solvent swelling the seeds or the ratio of the fluoroacrylate monomer over styrene. Golf-ball-like particles with many small dimples on their surfaces are obtained at low polymerization temperatures or with a small amount of solvent. Particles with a large single dimple are formed at higher polymerization temperatures, with larger solvent amounts or a higher ratio of fluoroacrylate over styrene. The morphology formation mechanism of these dimpled particles is proposed and the application of these particles in the fabrication of superhydrophobic coatings is demonstrated.
Theoretical and Experimental Study of the Effect of Plasma Characteristics on the Mechanical Properties of Ihram Cotton Fabric
Authors: Galaly Ahmed Rida , Dawood Nagia
Published: September 2022

Theoretical and experimental investigations of the radial distribution function of the electron temperature (RDFT), for the abnormal glow region in a low-density plasma fluid and weakly ionized argon gas, are provided. The final proved equation of RDFT agrees with the experimental data for different low pressures ranging from 0.2 to 1.2 torr, confirming that the electron temperatures decrease with an increasing product of radial distance (R) and gas pressures (P). A comparison of the two configurations: R>L and L>R,  for the axial distance (L), from the tip of the single probe to the cathode electrode, and the cathode electrode radius (R), shows that, in both cases, the generated plasma temperatures decrease, and densities increase. The RDFT accurately depicts a dramatic decrease for L < R by 60% compared with the values for L > R. This indicates that, when L < R, the rate of plasma loss by diffusion is reduced. Under this investigation, the mechanical characteristics of treated and pre-treated Ihram Cotton Fabric Samples were compared under the Influence of the different two configurations of Plasma Cell discharge: R>L>R. These characteristics included resiliency, strain hardening, tensile strength, elongation percentage, yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, toughness, and fracture (breaking) point. Furthermore, the mechanism parameters of plasma interaction with textile membrane will be discussed, such as: process mechanism, interaction, and gas type.
Process Optimization of Inconel 718 Alloy Produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Hwang Jiun-Ren , Zheng Jing-Yuan , Kuo Po-Chen , Huang Chou-Dian , Fung Chin-Ping
Published: September 2022

To cut the cost of the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process, which is much higher than that of the traditional manufacturing process, an effective implementation of optimization analysis is needed. The study investigated the optimization of the LPBF Inconel 718 alloy with the Taguchi method and principal component analysis (PCA), covering four control factors at three levels in the manufacturing process. It focused on four mechanical properties, namely tensile strength, elongation, impact energy, and hardness. The results show that the highest tensile strength is obtainable at a laser power of 140 W, scanning speed of 800 mm/s, scanning pitch of 70 μm, and interlayer angle of 45 degrees. The optimal combination of process parameters for multiobjective optimization is just the same as that for single-objective optimization for tensile strength. The difference between the predicted and experimental average tensile strength is 1.2%, and the error of the predicted optimal strength index is 12.6%. The most important control factor for tensile strength and multiple responses is the angle between layers, with a contribution rate exceeding 90%. With a given volume energy density of the LPBF process, the higher the power and scanning speed, the higher the accumulated energy and the larger the amount of dendritic or cellular crystals formed.
Constitutive Equation and Characterization of the Nickel-Based Alloy 825
Authors: Xu Hui , Li Yugui , Li Huaying , Wang Jinbin , Liu Guangming , Song Yaohui
Published: September 2022

In this contribution, a series of isothermal compression tests for the 825 nickel-based alloy were performed using a Gleeble-3800 computer-controlled thermomechanical simulator at the compression temperature range of 850 °C to 1150 °C and the strain rate range of 0.14 s−1 to 2.72 s−1. The hot deformation equation of the alloy is derived from the piecewise model based on the theory of work hardening-dynamic recovery and dynamic recrystallization (DRX), respectively. Comparisons between the predicted and experimental data indicate that the proposed constitutive model had a highly accurate prediction. The deformation rate and temperature effect were associated with microstructural change, and the evolution of the microstructure was analyzed through electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The dislocation densities of the alloy at the deformation of 850 °C and 2.72 s−1 is higher than at the other deformation, the higher dislocation density is the higher stored energy and the higher degree of DRX. As well, two types of DRX nucleation mechanisms have been identified: discontinuous dynamic recrystallization (DDRX) and continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX). Changes in grain boundary have significant effect on the DRX nucleation of the alloy, twin boundaries act as potential barriers limiting dislocation slip and motion and eventually leading to the accumulation of dislocation during plastic deformation. This study identified that the major contribution which results in the growth of new twins in DRX grains is the new boundary of Σ3 twins.
Study of the Effect of Quenching and Tempering Modes on the Strength Level of Alloyed Structural Steels Used to Produce Fasteners
Authors: Zaitsev Alexander , Koldaev Anton , Stepanov Alexey , Arutyunyan Nataliya , Stolyarov Alexey , Zaytseva Mariya , Konstantinov Dmitrii
Published: September 2022

The development of high-strength fasteners is required due to the modern trend of reducing the weight of engineering structures. At present, structural bolts of property classes 8.8–10.9 are widely used, and higher-strength bolts of property classes 12.9 and 14.9 are being developed. In this paper, we analyzed the possibilities and conditions for manufacturing fasteners of different strength categories from steels of seven grades, containing and not containing boron. The necessary corresponding temperature ranges of processing are determined based on the study of hot-rolled round steel. Tensile strength, yield strength, relative elongation, reduction in area, and Vickers microhardness were measured. An analysis was made of the hardenability and the influence of the holding time during tempering on the mechanical properties of the considered round steel. Using the method of scanning electron microscopy, the effect of carbide precipitation during tempering on the mechanical properties of fasteners was established.
Control of Welding Residual Stress in Large Storage Tank by Finite Element Method
Authors: Wu Gang , Luo Jinheng , Li Lifeng , Long Yan , Zhang Shuxin , Wang Yujie , Zhang Yao , Xie Shuyi
Published: September 2022

T-joint welding is a key manufacturing process of large storage tanks. However, complex residual stresses are generated and have a great effect on the structural integrity of storage tanks. The high residual stress caused by welding and the discontinuous structure may result in tank cracking and failure. In this work, the residual stress distributions on the inner surface, outer surface, and thickness direction of the T-joint were investigated by using the finite element method and indentation test method. The effect of local PWHT with different heating temperatures, heating rates, and heating widths on the residual stress distribution was also discussed. Results show that the residual stress of the T-shaped joint is high due to the serious structure discontinuity, multi-layer welding, and high strength. Among all the stresses, the circumferential residual stress is the highest and most concentrated in the outer weld connected with the annular plate. The residual stress gradually decreases with the increase in the heat treatment temperature. When the heating rate is less than 106 °C/h, the residual stress gradually decreases with the decrease in the heating rate. The large thermal deformation caused by heat treatment can be simultaneously avoided by heating the inside and outside of the T-joint. The residual stress decreases with the decrease in the width of the heating zone. The residual stress can be regulated by using a smaller width in the heating zone. An optimized heat treatment scheme with a heating temperature of 700 °C, heating rate of 56 °C/h, and heating width of 200 mm was proposed, which has a good ability to control residual stresses and improve the quality of the T-joint. It also has a good application in engineering.
Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial and Perilipin Content in a Cohort of Obese Subjects Undergoing Moderate and High Intensity Training
Authors: Sirago Giuseppe , Vaccari Filippo , Lazzer Stefano , D’Amuri Andrea , Sanz Juana M. , Narici Marco V. , Reggiani Carlo , Passaro Angelina , Toniolo Luana
Published: September 2022

Obesity is a complex condition characterized by abnormal and excessive fat accumulation, resulting in an increased risk for severe health problems. Skeletal muscles play a major role in movement and fat catabolism, but the insulin resistance that comes with obesity makes it difficult to fulfill these tasks. In this study, we analyse two types of training protocols, moderate intensity continuous training (MICT) versus high intensity interval training (HIIT), in a cohort of obese subjects to establish which muscle adaptations favour fat consumption in response to exercise. Mitochondria play a role in fat oxidation. We found protein upregulation of mitochondrial biomarkers, TOMM20 and Cox-4, in HIIT but not in MICT, without detecting any shifts in fibre composition phenotype of the vastus lateralis in both training groups. Interestingly, both MICT and HIIT protocols showed increased protein levels of perilipin PLIN2, which is involved in the delivery and consumption of fats. HIIT also augmented perilipin PLIN5. Perilipins are involved in fat storage in skeletal muscles and their upregulation, along with the analysis of circulatory lipid profiles reported in the present study, suggest important adaptations induced by the two types of training protocols that favour fat consumption and weight loss in obese subjects.
Stimulation of GLUT4 Glucose Uptake by Anthocyanin-Rich Extract from Black Rice (Oryza sativa L.) via PI3K/Akt and AMPK/p38 MAPK Signaling in C2C12 Cells
Authors: Feng Shui-Yuan , Wu Shu-Jing , Chang Yun-Ching , Ng Lean-Teik , Chang Sue-Joan
Published: September 2022

Anthocyanin from black rice was reported to have beneficial effects on diabetes, but the molecular mechanisms are still largely unknown. Black rice cultivated from different regions in Taiwan (Hualien and Changhua) were included in this study. Concentrations of anthocyanin were significantly higher using the ethanol extraction method than those using water; therefore, ethanol extracts from Hualien and Changhua black rice (HBRE and CBRE) were used for further investigation. 2-NBDG glucose uptake analysis revealed that both HBRE and CBRE promote glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes. The membrane expression levels of GLUT4 and phosphorylation of IRS-1 also had been markedly increased by both HBRE and CBRE, which was in accordance with the glucose uptake results. CBRE did not affect the downstream of IRS-1 but significantly enhanced protein levels of p-AMPK/AMPK. In contrast, HBRE was shown to target various signaling participated in GLUT4 glucose uptake, including PI3K/Akt and the p38 MAPK/ERK. Overall, we demonstrated that anthocyanin-rich extracts from black rice stimulate GLUT4 glucose uptake via upregulation of PI3K/Akt and AMPK/p38 MAPK signaling in C2C12 myotubes. Our findings revealed that anthocyanin-rich black rice might be a promising functional food for the prevention and treatment of insulin resistance and diabetic hyperglycemia.
Neuronal Activity Reporters as Drug Screening Platforms
Authors: Sterin Igal , Santos Ana C. , Park Sungjin
Published: September 2022

Understanding how neuronal activity changes and detecting such changes in both normal and disease conditions is of fundamental importance to the field of neuroscience. Neuronal activity plays important roles in the formation and function of both synapses and circuits, and dysregulation of these processes has been linked to a number of debilitating diseases such as autism, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. Despite advances in our understanding of synapse biology and in how it is altered in disease, the development of therapeutics for these diseases has not advanced apace. Many neuronal activity assays have been developed over the years using a variety of platforms and approaches, but major limitations persist. Current assays, such as fluorescence indicators are not designed to monitor neuronal activity over a long time, they are typically low-throughput or lack sensitivity. These are major barriers to the development of new therapies, as drug screening needs to be both high-throughput to screen through libraries of compounds, and longitudinal to detect any effects that may emerge after continued application of the drug. This review will cover existing assays for measuring neuronal activity and highlight a live-cell assay recently developed. This assay can be performed with easily accessible lab equipment, is both scalable and longitudinal, and can be combined with most other established methods.
The Influence of Aligned MHD on Engine Oil-Based Casson Nanofluid with Carbon Nanotubes (Single and Multi-Wall) Passing through a Shrinking Sheet with Thermal Radiation and Wall Mass Exchange
Authors: Rashid Irfan , Zubair Tamour , Asjad Muhammad Imran , Tag-Eldin Elsayed M.
Published: September 2022

The optimization of heating or cooling during an industrial system may result in power savings, reduced processing time, enhanced thermal efficiency, and increased equipment operating lifespan. The advancement of high-efficiency thermal systems for heat and mass transport improvement has become increasingly popular in recent years. The analysis of aligned magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) on engine oil-based Casson nanofluid with carbon nanotubes (single and multi-wall) passing a shrinking sheet following the thermal radiation and wall mass transport phenomena is carried out in this aspect. The dynamic model is utilized to reduce difficult ordinary differential equations into nondimensional forms, which are then analytically assessed. To study the repercussions of a physical parameter on the velocity field, skin friction at the wall, the stream pattern, the temperature distribution, isotherm, and the local Nusselt, numeric data and visualizations are generated. When the value of ϕ increases, the velocity field decelerates, and the velocity pattern of multi-walled CNTs drops considerably when compared to single-walled CNTs. The local Nusselt number is a decreasing function of N and ϕ and the opposite trend is shown for Pr. The local Nusselt number is a decreasing function of N and ϕ and the opposite trend is shown for Pr. The single-walled CNTs have a higher degradation rate as compared to multi-walled CNTs. It is found that higher temperature distribution occurs in the case of multi-walled CNT-based fluid as compared to single-walled CNT-based fluid.
A Parametric Study on a Paper-Based Bi-Material Cantilever Valve
Authors: Heidari-Bafroui Hojat , Kumar Ashutosh , Charbaji Amer , Smith Winfield , Rahmani Nassim , Anagnostopoulos Constantine , Faghri Mohammad
Published: September 2022

The novel paper-based Bi-Material Cantilever (B-MaC) valve allows the autonomous loading and control of multiple fluid reagents which contributes to the accurate operation of paper-based microfluidic devices utilized for biological and chemical sensing applications. In this paper, an extensive parametric study is presented to evaluate the effects of key geometric parameters of the valve, such as paper direction, cantilever width, paper type, tape type, and sample volume, in addition to the effects of relative humidity and temperature on the functionality of the B-MaC and to provide a better understanding of the rate of fluid flow and resulting deflection of the cantilever. Machine direction, cantilever width, paper type, and tape type were found to be important parameters that affect the B-MAC’s activation time. It was also observed that the rate of fluid imbibition in the B-MaC is considerably affected by change in humidity for high (55 °C) and low (25 °C) temperatures, while humidity levels have no significant effect during imbibition in the B-MaC at an ambient temperature of 45 °C. It was also found that a minimum distance of 4 mm is required between the B-MaC and the stationary component to prevent accidental activation of the B-MaC prior to sample insertion when relative humidity is higher than 90% and temperature is lower than 35 °C. The rate of fluid imbibition that determines the wetted length of the B-MaC and the final deflection of the cantilever are critical in designing and fabricating point-of-care microfluidic paper-based devices. The B-MaC valve can be utilized in a fluidic circuit to sequentially load several reagents, in addition to the sample to the detection area.
Double Immunochromatographic Test System for Sensitive Detection of Phycotoxins Domoic Acid and Okadaic Acid in Seawater and Seafood
Authors: Hendrickson Olga D. , Zvereva Elena A. , Solopova Olga N. , Zherdev Anatoly V. , Sveshnikov Peter G. , Eremin Sergei A. , Dzantiev Boris B.
Published: September 2022

In this investigation, a double immunochromatographic analysis (ICA) of two relevant phycotoxins, domoic acid (DA) and okadaic acid (OA), was developed for the first time. The ICA was performed in the indirect competitive format using gold nanoparticles conjugated with anti-species antibodies. Under optimal conditions, the instrumental detection limits/cutoffs for simultaneous detection of DA and OA were 1.2/100 and 0.1/2.5 ng/mL, respectively. The time of the assay was 18 min. The ICA was applied to test seawater and a large panel of seafood, including mussels, tiger shrimps, octopuses, whelks, crabs, and scallops. The proposed simple sample preparation method for seafood takes only 20 min. For seawater, a dilution by buffer was implemented. The assay recoveries varied from 80.8% to 124.5%. The competitive potential of the proposed technique as a tool to control natural water and seafood samples is determined by its simplicity, rapidity, and sensitivity.
Ultra-Smooth and Efficient NiO/Ag/NiO Transparent Electrodes for Flexible Organic Light-Emitting Devices
Authors: Bai Yu , Chuai Yahui , Wang Yingzhi , Wang Yang
Published: September 2022

We demonstrate highly flexible and efficient organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) using an ultra-smooth NAN anode. A template-stripping process was employed to create an ultra-smooth NAN anode on a photopolymer substrate. The flexible OLEDs obtained by this method maintained good electroluminescent properties and mechanical stability after bending. The efficiency of the flexible OLEDs was improved by 30.6% compared with conventional OLEDs deposited on PET/ITO substrate due to the enhanced hole injection from the ultra-smooth anode.
New Strategy for Inducing Resistance against Bacterial Wilt Disease Using an Avirulent Strain of Ralstonia solanacearum
Authors: Moussa Zeiad , Rashad Ehsan M. , Elsherbiny Elsherbiny A. , Al-Askar Abdulaziz A. , Arishi Amr Abker , Al-Otibi Fatimah O. , Saber WesamEldin I. A.
Published: September 2022

Ralstonia solanacearum is one of the globally significant plant pathogens that infect a wide host range of economically important plants. A study was conducted to evaluate the hypothesis that an avirulent strain of R. solanacearum can act as a biocontrol mediator for managing potato bacterial wilt. Virulent R. solanacearum was isolated and identified (GenBank accession number; OP180100). The avirulent strain was obtained from the virulent strain through storage for 3 weeks until the development of deep red colonies. The virulent strain had higher lytic activity than the avirulent strain. Tubers’ treatments by the avirulent strain of R. solanacearum, (supernatant, boiled supernatant, and dead cells) significantly reduced plant disease rating and increased the growth, physiological activities, and biomass of potato compared to the untreated, infected control. The major components detected by GC–MS in the supernatant revealed 10.86% palmitic acid (virulent), and 18.03% 1,3-dioxolane, 2,4,5-trimethyl- (avirulent), whereas the major component in the boiled supernatant was 2-hydroxy-gamma-butyrolactone in the virulent (21.17%) and avirulent (27.78%) strains. This is the first research that assessed the influence of boiled supernatant and dead cells of virulent and avirulent R.solanacearum strains in controlling bacterial wilt disease. Additional work is encouraged for further elucidation of such a topic.
Characterization of Two Novel Predatory Bacteria, Bacteriovorax stolpii HI3 and Myxococcus sp. MH1, Isolated from a Freshwater Pond: Prey Range, and Predatory Dynamics and Efficiency
Authors: Inoue Daisuke , Hiroshima Naoto , Nakamura So , Ishizawa Hidehiro , Ike Michihiko
Published: September 2022

Predatory bacteria, which prey on other bacteria, have significant functions in microbial ecosystems and have attracted increasing attention for their biotechnological use. However, knowledge of the characteristics of wild-type environmental predatory bacteria remains limited. This study isolated two predatory bacteria, Bacteriovorax stolpii HI3 and Myxococcus sp. MH1, from a freshwater pond and characterized their predation capabilities. Determination of the prey range using 53 potential prey strains, including 52 environmental strains, revealed that B. stolpii HI3 and Myxococcus sp. MH1 could prey on a wide spectrum of Gram-negative bacteria and a broader range of bacteria, irrespective of phylogeny, in accordance with the common characteristics of Bdellovibrio and like organisms and myxobacteria, respectively. Liquid culture assays also found that although predation by B. stolpii HI3 rapidly and largely occurred, the prey bacteria regrew, possibly through plastic phenotypic resistance to predation. In contrast, predation by Myxococcus sp. MH1 occurred at relatively low efficiency but was longer lasting. The two strains exhibited slightly distinct temperature preferences but commonly preferred slightly alkaline pH. The novel findings of this study provide evidence for the coexistence of predatory bacteria with diverse predation capabilities in the natural aquatic environment.
Soil Microbial Co-Occurrence Patterns under Controlled-Release Urea and Fulvic Acid Applications
Authors: Li Zeli , Zhang Kexin , Qiu Lixue , Ding Shaowu , Wang Huaili , Liu Zhiguang , Zhang Min , Wei Zhanbo
Published: September 2022

The increasing amount of agricultural applications of controlled-release urea (CRU) and fulvic acids (FA) demands a better understanding of FA’s effects on microbially mediated nitrogen (N) nutrient cycling. Herein, a 0–60 day laboratory experiment and a consecutive pot experiment (2016–2018) were carried out to reveal the effects of using CRU on soil microbial N-cycling processes and soil fertility, with and without the application of FA. Compared to the CRU treatment, the CRU+FA treatment boosted wheat yield by 22.1%. To reveal the mechanism of CRU+FA affecting the soil fertility, soil nutrient supply and microbial community were assessed and contrasted in this research. From 0–60 days, compared with the CRU treatment, leaching NO3−-N content of CRU+FA was dramatically decreased by 12.7–84.2% in the 20 cm depth of soil column. Different fertilizers and the day of fertilization both have an impact on the soil microbiota. The most dominant bacterial phyla Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria were increased with CRU+FA treatment during 0–60 days. Network analysis revealed that microbial co-occurrence grew more intensive during the CRU+FA treatment, and the environmental change enhanced the microbial community. The CRU+FA treatment, in particular, significantly decreased the relative abundance of Sphingomonas, Lysobacter and Nitrospira associated with nitrification reactions, Nocardioides and Gaiella related to denitrification reactions. Meanwhile, the CRU+FA treatment grew the relative abundance of Ensifer, Blastococcus, and Pseudolabrys that function in N fixation, and then could reduce NH4+-N and NO3−-N leaching and improve the soil nutrient supply. In conclusion, the synergistic effects of slow nutrition release of CRU and growth promoting of FA could improve the soil microbial community of N cycle, reduce the loss of nutrients, and increase the wheat yield.
Reducing the Presence of Clusters in Bubble Size Measurements for Gas Dispersion Characterizations
Authors: Vinnett Luis , Urriola Benjamín , Orellana Francisca , Guajardo Camila , Esteban Alex
Published: September 2022

This short communication evaluates a new strategy to sample bubbles in gas dispersion characterizations. Bubble size is measured in a bidimensional flotation cell using the McGill bubble size analyzer under different types of frothers, frother concentrations and superficial gas rates. The original design of this bubble viewer is modified, changing the deflecting system to photograph only a fraction of the bubbles entering the device. As a result, the new design increases the ability to successfully identify bubbles by a maximum of 20% using an automated algorithm. This increase is caused by a reduction in the formation of clusters in the visual field. The improvement, which is a function of the operating conditions, is most significant in the transition from ellipsoidal/ellipsoidal–turbulent regimes (no frother or low frother concentrations) to conditions with an over-agglomeration of bubbles in the visual field (high superficial gas rates and high frother concentrations). A comparison of the bubble size parameters obtained from the original and proposed deflecting systems shows that the new design does not distort the estimated bubble size distributions. To complement the research findings, alternative sampling designs, using new or existing segmentation algorithms, are then proposed to improve gas dispersion characterizations at different scales.