bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ECTFE Membrane Fabrication Using Green Binary Diluents TEGDA/TOTM and Its Performance in Membrane Condenser
Authors: Yu Songhong , Huang Yu , Zhang Lixun , Wang Qian , Wang Zhaohui , Cui Zhaoliang , Drioli Enrico
Published: August 2022

Poly(ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene) (ECTFE) membrane is a hydrophobic membrane material that can be used to recover water from high-humidity gases in the membrane condenser (MC) process. In this study, ECTFE membranes were prepared by the thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) method using the green binary diluents triglyceride diacetate (TEGDA) and trioctyl trimellitate (TOTM). Thermodynamic phase diagrams of the ECTFE/TEGDA: TOTM system were made. The effects of the diluent composition and cooling rate on the structure and properties of the ECTFE membranes were investigated by characterizing the SEM, contact angle, mechanical properties, pore size and porosity. The results showed that ECTFE membranes with cellular structure were successfully prepared and exhibit good mechanical properties. Moreover, increasing the TOTM content in the binary diluents and decreasing the cooling rate could effectively improve the mean pore size of the ECTFE membranes, but the increase in TOTM content reduced the mechanical properties. During the MC process, the water recovery performance of ECTFE membranes increased with the increase in the mean pore size of the membranes, and the condensation flow and water recovery of membrane prepared at 20% TOTM were 1.71 kg·m−2·h−1 and 54.84%, respectively, which were better than the performance of commercial hydrophobic PVDF membranes in the MC. These results indicated that there is good potential for the application of ECTFE membranes during the MC process.
Effect of Ta Content on Microstructure and Properties of (Ti,W)C-Based Cermets
Authors: Zhang Song , Liao Junfeng , Yang Meijun , Ji Baifeng , Li Qizhong , Goto Takashi , Tu Rong
Published: August 2022

(Ti,W)C-based cermets are an ideal material for the preparation of high-performance cutting tools due to their excellent mechanical properties, high temperature oxidation resistance, and corrosion resistance. However, their lower toughness limits the application of cutting tools. In order to solve the problem of low toughness faced by the current materials used in tools, in this study, a (Ti,W)C solid solution was used as the hard phase to prepare cermets with high toughness via vacuum sintering. The effects of Ta content on the composition, morphology, and microstructure of the cermets were analyzed through XRD analysis and SEM and EDS characterization methods. The mechanical properties such as hardness, transverse fracture strength, and the fracture toughness of the cermets and corrosion resistance in an HNO3 solution were also investigated. The results show that the microstructure of (Ti,W)C solid solution-based cermets exhibit simpler core-rim (single-rim) and acyclic structures, which weaken the formation and propagation of cracks at the interface. The relative density and grain size of cermets increases and decreases, respectively, with the greater amount of Ta addition, while excessive Ta addition leads to a decrease in the relative density and agglomeration between grains. The cermet with 3 wt.% Ta addition possessed excellent mechanical properties with a Vickers hardness, transverse rupture strength, and fracture toughness of 13 GPa, 1907.4 MPa, and 15.5 MPa m1/2, respectively. The addition of Ta leads to the formation of a Ta-rich protective layer on the surface of the cermet under the corrosion of the acidic solution, and with the increase in the Ta content, the corrosion resistance of the cermet gradually improves.
Modeling of Multiple Fatigue Cracks for the Aircraft Wing Corner Box Based on Non-ordinary State-based Peridynamics
Authors: Han Junzhao , Wang Guozhong , Zhao Xiaoyu , Chen Rong , Chen Wenhua
Published: August 2022

In the current research, we propose a novel non-ordinary state-based peridynamics (PD) fatigue model for multiple cracks’ initiation and growth under tension–tension fatigue load. In each loading cycle, the fatigue loading is redistributed throughout the peridynamic solid body, leading to progressive fatigue damage formation and expansion in an autonomous fashion. The proposed fatigue model parameters are first verified by a 3D numerical solution, and then, the novel model is used to depict the widespread fatigue damage evolution of the aircraft wing corner box. The modified constitutive damage model has been implemented into the peridynamic framework. Furthermore, the criteria and processes from multiple initiations to propagation are discussed in detail. It was found that the computational results obtained from the PD fatigue model were consistent with those from the test data. The angular errors of multiple cracks are within 2.66% and the number of cycles errors are within 15%. A comparison of test data and computational results indicates that the fatigue model can successfully capture multiple crack formations and propagation, and other behaviors of aluminum alloy material.
NPvis: An Interactive Visualizer of Peptidic Natural Product–MS/MS Matches
Authors: Kunyavskaya Olga , Mikheenko Alla , Gurevich Alexey
Published: August 2022

Peptidic natural products (PNPs) represent a medically important class of secondary metabolites that includes antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and antitumor agents. Advances in tandem mass spectra (MS/MS) acquisition and in silico database search methods have enabled high-throughput PNP discovery. However, the resulting spectra annotations are often error-prone and their validation remains a bottleneck. Here, we present NPvis, a visualizer suitable for the evaluation of PNP–MS/MS matches. The tool interactively maps annotated spectrum peaks to the corresponding PNP fragments and allows researchers to assess the match correctness. NPvis accounts for the wide chemical diversity of PNPs that prevents the use of the existing proteomics visualizers. Moreover, NPvis works even if the exact chemical structure of the matching PNP is unknown. The tool is available online and as a standalone application. We hope that it will benefit the community by streamlining PNP data analysis and validation.
NMR Metabolomics in Serum Fingerprinting of Schizophrenia Patients in a Serbian Cohort
Authors: Simić Katarina , Todorović Nina , Trifunović Snežana , Miladinović Zoran , Gavrilović Aleksandra , Jovanović Silvana , Avramović Nataša , Gođevac Dejan , Vujisić Ljubodrag , Tešević Vele , Tasić Ljubica , Mandić Boris
Published: August 2022

Schizophrenia is a widespread mental disorder that leads to significant functional impairments and premature death. The state of the art indicates gaps in the understanding and diagnosis of this disease, but also the need for personalized and precise approaches to patients through customized medical treatment and reliable monitoring of treatment response. In order to fulfill existing gaps, the establishment of a universal set of disorder biomarkers is a necessary step. Metabolomic investigations of serum samples of Serbian patients with schizophrenia (51) and healthy controls (39), based on NMR analyses associated with chemometrics, led to the identification of 26 metabolites/biomarkers for this disorder. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) models with prediction accuracies of 0.9718 and higher were accomplished during chemometric analysis. The established biomarker set includes aspartate/aspartic acid, lysine, 2-hydroxybutyric acid, and acylglycerols, which are identified for the first time in schizophrenia serum samples by NMR experiments. The other 22 identified metabolites in the Serbian samples are in accordance with the previously established NMR-based serum biomarker sets of Brazilian and/or Chinese patient samples. Thirteen metabolites (lactate/lactic acid, threonine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, glutamine, asparagine, alanine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, choline, glucose, glycine and tyrosine) that are common for three different ethnic and geographic origins (Serbia, Brazil and China) could be a good start point for the setup of a universal NMR serum biomarker set for schizophrenia.
Co-Expression Network and Integrative Analysis of Metabolome and Transcriptome Uncovers Biological Pathways for Fertility in Beef Heifers
Authors: Banerjee Priyanka , Rodning Soren P. , Diniz Wellison J. S. , Dyce Paul W.
Published: August 2022

Reproductive failure remains a significant challenge to the beef industry. The omics technologies have provided opportunities to improve reproductive efficiency. We used a multistaged analysis from blood profiles to integrate metabolome (plasma) and transcriptome (peripheral white blood cells) in beef heifers. We used untargeted metabolomics and RNA-Seq paired data from six AI-pregnant (AI-P) and six nonpregnant (NP) Angus-Simmental crossbred heifers at artificial insemination (AI). Based on network co-expression analysis, we identified 17 and 37 hub genes in the AI-P and NP groups, respectively. Further, we identified TGM2, TMEM51, TAC3, NDRG4, and PDGFB as more connected in the NP heifers’ network. The NP gene network showed a connectivity gain due to the rewiring of major regulators. The metabolomic analysis identified 18 and 15 hub metabolites in the AI-P and NP networks. Tryptophan and allantoic acid exhibited a connectivity gain in the NP and AI-P networks, respectively. The gene–metabolite integration identified tocopherol-a as positively correlated with ENSBTAG00000009943 in the AI-P group. Conversely, tocopherol-a was negatively correlated in the NP group with EXOSC2, TRNAUIAP, and SNX12. In the NP group, α-ketoglutarate-SMG8 and putrescine-HSD17B13 were positively correlated, whereas a-ketoglutarate-ALAS2 and tryptophan-MTMR1 were negatively correlated. These multiple interactions identified novel targets and pathways underlying fertility in bovines.
Altered TDP-43 Structure and Function: Key Insights into Aberrant RNA, Mitochondrial, and Cellular and Systemic Metabolism in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Jiang Leanne , Ngo Shyuan T.
Published: August 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and fatal neuromuscular disorder with no cure available and limited treatment options. ALS is a highly heterogeneous disease, whereby patients present with vastly different phenotypes. Despite this heterogeneity, over 97% of patients will exhibit pathological TAR-DNA binding protein-43 (TDP-43) cytoplasmic inclusions. TDP-43 is a ubiquitously expressed RNA binding protein with the capacity to bind over 6000 RNA and DNA targets—particularly those involved in RNA, mitochondrial, and lipid metabolism. Here, we review the unique structure and function of TDP-43 and its role in affecting the aforementioned metabolic processes in ALS. Considering evidence published specifically in TDP-43-relevant in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo models we posit that TDP-43 acts in a positive feedback loop with mRNA transcription/translation, stress granules, cytoplasmic aggregates, and mitochondrial proteins causing a relentless cycle of disease-like pathology eventuating in neuronal toxicity. Given its undeniable presence in ALS pathology, TDP-43 presents as a promising target for mechanistic disease modelling and future therapeutic investigations.
Metabolism of Exogenous [2,4-13C]β-Hydroxybutyrate following Traumatic Brain Injury in 21-22-Day-Old Rats: An Ex Vivo NMR Study
Authors: Scafidi Susanna , Jernberg Jennifer , Fiskum Gary , McKenna Mary C.
Published: August 2022

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is leading cause of morbidity in young children. Acute dysregulation of oxidative glucose metabolism within the first hours after injury is a hallmark of TBI. The developing brain relies on ketones as well as glucose for energy. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the metabolism of ketones early after TBI injury in the developing brain. Following the controlled cortical impact injury model of TBI, 21-22-day-old rats were infused with [2,4-13C]β-hydroxybutyrate during the acute (4 h) period after injury. Using ex vivo 13C-NMR spectroscopy, we determined that 13C-β-hydroxybutyrate (13C-BHB) metabolism was increased in both the ipsilateral and contralateral sides of the brain after TBI. Incorporation of the label was significantly higher in glutamate than glutamine, indicating that 13C-BHB metabolism was higher in neurons than astrocytes in both sham and injured brains. Our results show that (i) ketone metabolism was significantly higher in both the ipsilateral and contralateral sides of the injured brain after TBI; (ii) ketones were extensively metabolized by both astrocytes and neurons, albeit higher in neurons; (iii) the pyruvate recycling pathway determined by incorporation of the label from the metabolism of 13C-BHB into lactate was upregulated in the immature brain after TBI.
Metabolomics Markers of COVID-19 Are Dependent on Collection Wave
Authors: Lewis Holly-May , Liu Yufan , Frampas Cecile F. , Longman Katie , Spick Matt , Stewart Alexander , Sinclair Emma , Kasar Nora , Greener Danni , Whetton Anthony D. , Barran Perdita E. , Chen Tao , Dunn-Walters Deborah , Skene Debra J. , Bailey Melanie J.
Published: August 2022

The effect of COVID-19 infection on the human metabolome has been widely reported, but to date all such studies have focused on a single wave of infection. COVID-19 has generated numerous waves of disease with different clinical presentations, and therefore it is pertinent to explore whether metabolic disturbance changes accordingly, to gain a better understanding of its impact on host metabolism and enable better treatments. This work used a targeted metabolomics platform (Biocrates Life Sciences) to analyze the serum of 164 hospitalized patients, 123 with confirmed positive COVID-19 RT-PCR tests and 41 providing negative tests, across two waves of infection. Seven COVID-19-positive patients also provided longitudinal samples 2–7 months after infection. Changes to metabolites and lipids between positive and negative patients were found to be dependent on collection wave. A machine learning model identified six metabolites that were robust in diagnosing positive patients across both waves of infection: TG (22:1_32:5), TG (18:0_36:3), glutamic acid (Glu), glycolithocholic acid (GLCA), aspartic acid (Asp) and methionine sulfoxide (Met-SO), with an accuracy of 91%. Although some metabolites (TG (18:0_36:3) and Asp) returned to normal after infection, glutamic acid was still dysregulated in the longitudinal samples. This work demonstrates, for the first time, that metabolic dysregulation has partially changed over the course of the pandemic, reflecting changes in variants, clinical presentation and treatment regimes. It also shows that some metabolic changes are robust across waves, and these can differentiate COVID-19-positive individuals from controls in a hospital setting. This research also supports the hypothesis that some metabolic pathways are disrupted several months after COVID-19 infection.
Novel Exopolysaccharide from Marine Bacillus subtilis with Broad Potential Biological Activities: Insights into Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Cytotoxicity, and Anti-Alzheimer Activity
Authors: Abdel-Wahab Basel A. , F. Abd El-Kareem Hanaa , Alzamami Ahmad , A. Fahmy Cinderella , H. Elesawy Basem , Mostafa Mahmoud Maged , Ghareeb Ahmed , El Askary Ahmad , H. Abo Nahas Hebatallah , G. M. Attallah Nashwah , Altwaijry Najla , M. Saied Essa
Published: August 2022

In the presented study, Bacillus subtilis strain AG4 isolated from marine was identified based on morphological, physiological, phylogenetic characteristics and an examination of 16S rRNA sequences. Novel exopolysaccharide (EPSR4) was extracted and isolated from the Bacillus subtilis strain as a major fraction of exopolysaccharide (EPS). The analysis of structural characterization indicated that EPSR4 is a β-glycosidic sulphated heteropolysaccharide (48.2%) with a molecular weight (Mw) of 1.48 × 104 g/mole and has no uronic acid. Analysis of monosaccharide content revealed that EPSR4 consists of glucose, rhamnose and arabinose monosaccharide in a molar ratio of 5:1:3, respectively. Morphological analysis revealed that EPSR4 possess a high crystallinity degree with a significant degree of porosity, and its aggregation and conformation in the lipid phase might have a significant impact on the bioactivity of EPSR4. The biological activity of EPSR4 was screened and evaluated by investigating its antioxidant, cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory, and anti-Alzheimer activities. The antioxidant activity results showed that EPSR4 has 97.6% scavenging activity toward DPPH free radicals at 1500 µg/mL, with an IC50 value of 300 µg/mL, and 64.8% at 1500 µg/mL toward hydrogen peroxide free radicals (IC50 = 1500 µg/mL, 30 min). Furthermore, EPSR4 exhibited considerable inhibitory activity towards the proliferation of T-24 (bladder carcinoma), A-549 (lung cancer) and HepG-2 (hepatocellular carcinoma) cancer cell lines with IC50 of 244 µg/mL, 148 µg/mL and 123 µg/mL, respectively. An evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity revealed that EPSR4 has potent lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitory activity (IC50 of 54.3 µg/mL) and a considerable effect on membrane stabilization (IC50 = 112.2 ± 1.2 µg/mL), while it showed cyclooxygenase (COX2) inhibitory activity up to 125 µg/mL. Finally, EPSR4 showed considerable inhibitory activity towards acetylcholine esterase activity. Taken together, this study reveals that Bacillus subtilis strain AG4 could be considered as a potential natural source of novel EPS with potent biological activities that would be useful for the healthcare system.
Process Studies of the Impact of Land-Surface Resolution on Convective Precipitation Based on High-Resolution ICON Simulations
Authors: Singh Shweta , Kalthoff Norbert
Published: August 2022

This study investigated the relevant processes responsible for differences of convective precipitation caused by land-surface resolution. The simulations were performed with the ICOsahedral Nonhydrostatic model (ICON) with grid spacing of 156 m and Large Eddy Simulation physics. Regions of different orographic complexity, days with weak synoptic forcing and favourable convective conditions were selected. The resolution of land-surface properties (soil type, vegetation) and/or the orography was reduced from 156 to 5000 m. Analyses are based on backward trajectories (Lagrangian Analysis Tool (LAGRANTO)), heat budget and convective organisation potential (COP) calculations. On average, the relative difference of areal mean daily precipitation at 1250 and 5000 m land-surface resolutions compared to 156 m were 6% and 15%, respectively. No consistent dependency of precipitation on orography or land-surface properties was found. Both factors impact convective initiation over areas with embedded mesoscale-sized land-surface heterogeneities. The position of convective precipitation was often influenced by the resolution of orography. Coarsening from 156 to 5000 m considerably changed the location of wind convergence and associated convection initiation. It also affects the onset times of clouds (<20 min) and precipitation (≈1 h). Cloud aggregation and microphysical processes proved to be important for further development towards convective precipitation.
Combination of Micro-Corrugation Process and Pre-Stretched Method for Highly Stretchable Vertical Wavy Structured Metal Interconnects
Authors: Yamamoto Michitaka , Okuda Shinji , Takamatsu Seiichi , Itoh Toshihiro
Published: August 2022

Metal interconnects with a vertical wavy structure have been studied to realize high-density and low-electric-resistance stretchable interconnects. This study proposed a new method for fabricating vertical wavy structured metal interconnects that comprises the pre-stretch method and the micro-corrugation process. The pre-stretch method is a conventional method in which a metal film is placed on a pre-stretched substrate, and a vertical wavy structure is formed using the return force of the substrate. The micro-corrugation process is a recent method in which a metal foil is bent vertically and continuously using micro-gears. In the proposed method, the pitch of the vertical wavy structured interconnect fabricated using the micro-corrugation process is significantly narrowed using the restoring force of the pre-stretched substrate, with stretchability improvement of up to 165%, which is significantly higher than that of conventional vertical wavy structured metal interconnects. The electrical resistance of the fabricated interconnect was low (120–160 mΩ) and stable (±2 mΩ or less) until breakage by strain. In addition, the fabricated interconnect exhibits durability of more than 6500 times in a 30% strain cycle test.
Texturing Technologies for Plastics Injection Molding: A Review
Authors: Masato Davide , Piccolo Leonardo , Lucchetta Giovanni , Sorgato Marco
Published: August 2022

Texturing is an engineering technology that can be used to enable surface functionalization in the plastics injection molding industry. A texture is defined as the geometrical modification of the topography by addition of surface features that are characterized by a smaller scale than the overall surface dimensions. Texturing is added to products to create novel functionalities of plastic products and tools, which can be exploited to modify interactions with other materials in contact with the surface. The geometry, dimensions, and positioning on the surface define the function of a texture and its properties. This work reviews and discuss the wide range of texturing technologies available in the industry. The advantages and limitations of each technology are presented to support the development of new surface engineering applications in the plastics manufacturing industry.
Peripheral-Free Calibration Method for Redundant IMUs Based on Array-Based Consumer-Grade MEMS Information Fusion
Authors: Liang Siyuan , Dong Xiaochao , Guo Tianyu , Zhao Feng , Zhang Yuhua
Published: August 2022

The MEMS array-based inertial navigation module (M-IMU) reduces the measurement singularities of MEMS sensors by fusing multiple data processing to improve its navigation performance. However, there are still existing random and fixed errors in M-IMU navigation. The calibration method calibrates the fixed error parameters of M-IMU to further improve navigation accuracy. In this paper, we propose a low-cost and efficient calibration method to effectively estimate the fixed error parameters of M-IMU. Firstly, we manually rotate the M-IMU in multiple sets of different attitudes (stationary), then use the LM-calibration algorithm to optimize the cost function of the corresponding sensors in different intervals of the stationary-dynamic filter separation to obtain the fixed error parameters of MEMS, and finally, the global fixed error parameters of the M-IMU are calibrated by adaptive support fusion of the individual MEMS fixed error parameters based on the benchmark conversion. A comparison of the MEMS calibrated separately by the fusion-calibration algorithm and the LM-calibration algorithm verified that the calibrated MEMS array improved the measurement accuracy by about 10 db and reduced the dispersion of the output data by about 8 db compared to the individual MEMS in a multi-dimensional test environment, indicating the robustness and feasibility of the fusion calibration algorithm.
Q-Factor Enhancement of Coupling Bragg and Local Resonance Band Gaps in Single-Phase Phononic Crystals for TPOS MEMS Resonator
Authors: Li Lixia , He Weitao , Tong Zhixue , Liu Haixia , Xie Miaoxia
Published: August 2022

This paper presents a type of single-phase double “I” hole phononic crystal (DIH-PnC) structure, which is formed by vertically intersecting double “I” holes. By using the finite element method, the complex energy band curve, special point mode shapes, and different delay lines were calculated. Numerical results showed that DIH-PnC yielded ultra-wide band gaps with strong attenuation. The formation mechanism is attributed to the Bragg-coupled local resonance mechanism. The effects of the pore width in DIH-PnC on the band gaps were further explored numerically. Significantly, as the pore width variable, the position of the local resonance natural frequency could be modulated, and this enabled the coupling between the local resonance and the Bragg mechanism. Subsequently, we introduced this DIH-PnC into the thin-film piezoelectric-on-silicon (TPOS) resonator. The results illustrated that the anchor loss quality factor (Qanc) of the DIH-PnC resonator was 20,425.1% higher than that of the conventional resonator and 3762.3% higher than the Qanc of the cross-like holey PnC resonator. In addition, the effect of periodic array numbers on Qanc was researched. When the Qanc reached 1.12 × 106, the number of the period array in DIH-PnC only needed to be 1/6 compared with cross-like holey PnC. Adopting the PnC based on the coupling Bragg and local resonance band gaps had a good effect on improving the Qanc of the resonator.
Enhancing Heat Dissipation of Photoluminescent Composite in White-Light-Emitting Diodes by 3D-Interconnected Thermal Conducting Pathways
Authors: Xia Puzhen , Xie Bin , Luo Xiaobing
Published: August 2022

The photoluminescent composite, which consists of micro-/nanoscale photoluminescent particles and a polymer matrix, plays a key role in optical wavelength conversion in white-light-emitting diodes (WLEDs). Heat is inevitably generated within the composite due to the energy lost through conversion and cannot be easily dissipated due to the extremely low thermal conductivity of the polymer matrix. Consequently, the composite suffers from a high working temperature, which severely deteriorates its optical performance as well as its long-term stability in WLEDs. To tackle this thermal issue, in this work three-dimensional (3D)-interconnected thermal conducting pathways composed of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) platelets were constructed inside a photoluminescent composite, using a simplified bubbles-templating method. The thermal conductivity of the composite was efficiently enhanced from 0.158 to 0.318 W/(m∙K) under an ultralow hBN loading condition of 2.67 wt%. As a result, the working temperature of the photoluminescent composite in WLEDs was significantly reduced by 32.9 °C (from 102.3 °C to 69.4 °C, under 500 mA). Therefore, the proposed strategy can improve the heat accumulation issue in photoluminescent composites and thus improve the optical stability of WLEDs.
A Bridge-Shaped Vibration Energy Harvester with Resonance Frequency Tunability under DC Bias Electric Field
Authors: Duan Guan , Li Yingwei , Tan Chi
Published: August 2022

A vibration piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) is usually designed with a resonance frequency at the external excitation frequency for higher energy conversion efficiency. Here, we proposed a bridge-shaped PEH capable of tuning its resonance frequency by applying a direct current (DC) electric field on piezoelectric elements. A theoretical model of the relationship between the resonance frequency and DC electric field was first established. Then, a verification experiment was carried out and the results revealed that the resonance frequency of the PEH can be tuned by applying a DC electric field to it. In the absence of an axial preload, the resonance frequency of the PEH can be changed by about 18.7 Hz under the DC electric field range from −0.25 kV/mm to 0.25 kV/mm. With an axial preload of 5 N and 10 N, the resonance frequency bandwidth of the PEH can be tuned to about 13.4 Hz and 11.2 Hz, respectively. Further experimental results indicate that the output power and charging response of the PEH can also be significantly enhanced under a DC electric field when the excitation frequency deviates from the resonance frequency.
WEDM-Generated Slot Width Variation Modeling
Authors: Dodun Oana , Slătineanu Laurențiu , Nagîț Gheorghe , Hrițuc Adelina , Mihalache Andrei , Beșliu-Băncescu Irina
Published: August 2022

Wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) is a process that is used when it is necessary to manufacture small-width slots with a micrometer accuracy or to precisely detach parts with complex contours from metal workpieces in the form of sheets or plates. The fact that the wire electrode rests only in the working zone in two of its guides allows it to achieve micrometric oscillations, leading to the generation of an error from the flat shape of the slot surfaces that gradually develops into the workpiece. The slot widths are influenced by several factors, such as the workpiece thickness, pulse-on time, pulse-off time, the wire tension force, the current, and the wire movement speed along its axis. Some theoretical assumptions about the behavior of the wire electrode were first considered. An experimental research plan was then designed to obtain additional information on the influence of the mentioned factors on the slot width in different positions of the cross-section through the slot. The statistical processing of the experimental results led to the elaboration of empirical mathematical models that highlight the order of influence and the intensity of the influence exerted by the factors mentioned above.
Wheat Seed Coating with Streptomyces sp. Strain DEF39 Spores Protects against Fusarium Head Blight
Authors: Mattei Valerio , Motta Andrea , Saracchi Marco , Kunova Andrea , Cortesi Paolo , Pizzatti Cristina , Pasquali Matias
Published: August 2022

Streptomycetes are promising candidates for the biological control of Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) in wheat. Studies involving the use of streptomycetes as biological control agents (BCAs) have been limited to the application when the wheat plant is developed, close to the infection on the spike during flowering. Here, we tested the effects of seed treatment with the Streptomyces sp. DEF39 spores before sowing on FHB symptoms’ development. The seed treatment protected the plant from infection by Fusarium graminearum by 49% (p = 0.04). We traced Streptomyces sp. DEF39 in plant organs using strain-specific primers here developed, showing that the streptomycete acts as an endophyte, colonizing the plant tissues up to the spike as well as the roots. This work suggests that it is possible to use a streptomycete as a seed coating BCA, able to partially protect wheat from FHB disease.
New Antimicrobial Peptide with Two CRAC Motifs: Activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Koksharova Olga , Safronova Nina , Dunina-Barkovskaya Antonina
Published: August 2022

Due to the emergence of multiple antibiotic resistance in many pathogens, the studies on new antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have become a priority scientific direction in fundamental and applied biology. Diverse mechanisms underlie the antibacterial action of AMPs. Among them are the effects that AMPs cause on bacterial cell membranes. In this work, we studied the antibacterial activity of a peptide named P4 with the following sequence RTKLWEMLVELGNMDKAVKLWRKLKR that was constructed from two alpha-helical fragments of the influenza virus protein M1 and containing two cholesterol-recognizing amino-acid consensus (CRAC) motifs. Previously we have shown that 50 μM of peptide P4 is toxic to cultured mouse macrophages. In the present work, we have found that peptide P4 inhibits the growth of E. coli and B. subtilis strains at concentrations that are significantly lower than the cytotoxic concentration that was found for macrophages. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for B. subtilis and E. coli cells were 0.07 ± 0.01 μM and 1.9 ± 0.4 μM, respectively. Scramble peptide without CRAC motifs did not inhibit the growth of E. coli cells and was not cytotoxic for macrophages but had an inhibitory effect on the growth of B. subtilis cells (IC50 0.4 ± 0.2 μM). A possible involvement of CRAC motifs and membrane sterols in the mechanism of the antimicrobial action of the P4 peptide is discussed. We assume that in the case of the Gram-negative bacterium E. coli, the mechanism of the toxic action of peptide P4 is related to the interaction of CRAC motifs with sterols that are present in the bacterial membrane, whereas in the case of the Gram-positive bacterium B. subtilis, which lacks sterols, the toxic action of peptide P4 is based on membrane permeabilization through the interaction of the peptide cationic domain and anionic lipids of the bacterial membrane. Whatever the mechanism can be, we report antimicrobial activity of the peptide P4 against the representatives of Gram-positive (B. subtilis) and Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria.
Role of the Gut–Brain Axis, Gut Microbial Composition, Diet, and Probiotic Intervention in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Thangaleela Subramanian , Sivamaruthi Bhagavathi Sundaram , Kesika Periyanaina , Bharathi Muruganantham , Chaiyasut Chaiyavat
Published: August 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second-most prevalent neurodegenerative or neuropsychiatric disease, affecting 1% of seniors worldwide. The gut microbiota (GM) is one of the key access controls for most diseases and disorders. Disturbance in the GM creates an imbalance in the function and circulation of metabolites, resulting in unhealthy conditions. Any dysbiosis could affect the function of the gut, consequently disturbing the equilibrium in the intestine, and provoking pro-inflammatory conditions in the gut lumen, which send signals to the central nervous system (CNS) through the vagus enteric nervous system, possibly disturbing the blood–brain barrier. The neuroinflammatory conditions in the brain cause accumulation of α-syn, and progressively develop PD. An important aspect of understanding and treating the disease is access to broad knowledge about the influence of dietary supplements on GM. Probiotics are live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Probiotic supplementation improves the function of the CNS, and improves the motor and non-motor symptoms of PD. Probiotic supplementation could be an adjuvant therapeutic method to manage PD. This review summarizes the role of GM in health, the GM–brain axis, the pathogenesis of PD, the role of GM and diet in PD, and the influence of probiotic supplementation on PD. The study encourages further detailed clinical trials in PD patients with probiotics, which aids in determining the involvement of GM, intestinal mediators, and neurological mediators in the treatment or management of PD.
New Insights into Bacillus-Primed Plant Responses to a Necrotrophic Pathogen Derived from the Tomato-Botrytis Pathosystem
Authors: Morales Paloma , González Máximo , Salvatierra-Martínez Ricardo , Araya Michael , Ostria-Gallardo Enrique , Stoll Alexandra
Published: August 2022

Induced systemic resistance (ISR) is one of the most studied mechanisms of plant–microbe interaction and is considered a very promising alternative for integrated pest management programs. In our study, we explored the plant defense response induced by Bacillus velezensis BBC047 in relation to its application before or after Botrytis cinerea infection of tomato plants. The inoculation of BBC047 did not considerably alter the gene expression of the tomato tissues, whereas infection with B. cinerea in BBC047-primed plants induced expression of LRR and NBS-LRR receptors, which are highly related to the ISR response. As expected, B. cinerea infection generated molecular patterns typical of a defense response to pathogen infection as the overexpression of pathogenesis-related proteins (PRs) in leaflets distant to the point of infection. The curative treatment (P + F + B) allowed us to gain insights into plant response to an inverted priming. In this treatment, B. cinerea caused the m tissue damage, extending nearly entirely across the entire infected leaves. Additionally, genes generally associated with early SAR response (<16 h) were overexpressed, and apparently, the beneficial strain was not perceived as such. Therefore, we infer that the plant defense to the curative treatment represents a higher degree of biological stress triggered by the incorporation of strain BBC047 as second arriving microorganism. We highlight the importance the phytosanitary status of plants prior to inoculation of beneficial microorganism for the biocontrol of pathogens.
Chicken Gut Microbiota Responses to Dietary Bacillus subtilis Probiotic in the Presence and Absence of Eimeria Infection
Authors: Memon Fareed Uddin , Yang Yunqiao , Zhang Geyin , Leghari Imdad Hussain , Lv Feifei , Wang Yuhan , Laghari Farooque , Khushk Farooque Ahmed , Si Hongbin
Published: August 2022

Coccidiosis is a well-known poultry disease that causes the severe destruction of the intestinal tract, resulting in reduced growth performance and immunity, disrupted gut homeostasis and perturbed gut microbiota. Supplementation of probiotics were explored to play a key role in improving growth performance, enhancing innate and adaptive immunity, maintaining gut homeostasis and modulating gut microbiota during enteric infection. This study was therefore designed to investigate the chicken gut whole microbiota responses to Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) probiotic feeding in the presence as well as absence of Eimeria infection. For that purpose, 84 newly hatched chicks were assigned into four groups, including (1) non-treated non-challenged control group (CG − ET), (2) non-treated challenged control group (CG + ET), (3) B. subtilis-fed non-challenged group (BS − ET) and (4) B. subtilis-fed challenged group (BS + ET). CG + ET and BS + ET groups were challenged with Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) on 21 day of housing. Our results for Alpha diversity revealed that chickens in both infected groups (CG + ET and BS + ET) had lowest indexes of Ace, Chao 1 and Shannon, while highest indexes of Simpson were found in comparison to non-challenged groups (CG − ET and BS − ET). Firmicutes was the most affected phylum in all experimental groups following Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota, which showed increased abundance in both non-challenged groups, whereas Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota affected both challenged groups. The linear discriminant analysis effect size method (lEfSe) analysis revealed that compared to the CG + ET group, supplementation of probiotic in the presence of Eimeria infection increased the abundance of some commensal genera, included Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Corynebacterium, Enterococcus, Romboutsia, Subdoligranulum, Bacillus, Turicibacter and Weissella, with roles in butyrate production, anti-inflammation, metabolic reactions and the modulation of protective pathways against pathogens. Collectively, these findings evidenced that supplementation of B. subtilis probiotic was positively influenced with commensal genera, thereby alleviating the Eimeria-induced intestinal disruption.
The MinCDE Cell Division System Participates in the Regulation of Type III Secretion System (T3SS) Genes, Bacterial Virulence, and Motility in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Yan Yichao , Wang Yanyan , Yang Xiaofei , Fang Yuan , Cheng Guanyun , Zou Lifang , Chen Gongyou
Published: August 2022

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) causes bacterial leaf blight (BLB) in rice, which is one of the most severe bacterial diseases in rice in some Asian countries. The type III secretion system (T3SS) of Xoo encoded by the hypersensitive response and pathogenicity (hrp) genes is essential for its pathogenicity in host rice. Here, we identified the Min system (MinC, MinD, and MinE), a negative regulatory system for bacterial cell division encoded by minC, minD, and minE genes, which is involved in negative regulation of hrp genes (hrpB1 and hrpF) in Xoo. We found that the deletion of minC, minD, and minCDE resulted in enhanced hrpB1 and hrpF expression, which is dependent on two key hrp regulators HrpG and HrpX. The minC, minD, and minCDE mutants exhibited elongated cell lengths, and the classic Min system-defective cell morphology including minicells and short filamentations. Mutation of minC in Xoo resulted in significantly impaired virulence in host rice, swimming motility, and enhanced biofilm formation. Our transcriptome profiling also indicated some virulence genes were differentially expressed in the minC mutants. To our knowledge, this is the first report about the Min system participating in the regulation of T3SS expression. It sheds light on the understanding of Xoo virulence mechanisms.
The Scenario of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens of Sheep on a Mediterranean Island
Authors: Saratsis Anastasios , Ligda Panagiota , Aal Fredie , Jelicic Mandy , Polgar Juliette , de Vries Myrthe , Mastranestasis Ioannis , Musella Vincenzo , Rinaldi Laura , Jongejan Frans , Sotiraki Smaragda
Published: August 2022

Ticks and transmitted pathogens constitute a major concern for livestock health/welfare and productivity for the Mediterranean region, often posing an important zoonotic threat. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence, infection intensity, and seasonality of ticks and tick-borne pathogens on the island of Lesvos in Greece, which was selected as a potential hotspot for their circulation. To this end, 101 sheep farms were visited over a tick activity season, and ticks, blood samples, and questionnaire data were collected. Ticks were identified by species, and DNA from both ticks and blood samples was further investigated using the polymerase chain reaction–reverse line blot (PCR–RLB) technique. In 72.3% of the farms, sheep were found to be infected by 9 ixodid species, with Rhipicephalus turanicus being the most common during the spring/early summer period. As regards tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), 84.9% of the animals were found to be infected with at least one pathogen, the most common being genera of Anaplasma and Theileria, alone or in co-infections. To further characterize the Anaplasma species found, selected samples were sequenced, revealing isolates of A. ovis, A. capra, A. marginale, and A. phagocytophilum. Of the 169 female R. turanicus ticks analyzed by PCR–RLB, 89.9% were harboring at least one TBP belonging to the genera Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Babesia, Theileria, or Rickettsia. Overall, the data presented in this study revealed a high burden of ticks and TBPs in sheep, including zoonotic species, stressing the need for applying effective monitoring and control programs using a more holistic One Health approach.
Comparison of the Influence of Different Nucleic Acid Extraction Assays on the Sensitivity of Trypanosoma cruzi-Specific Real-Time PCR
Authors: Kann Simone , Zabala-Monterroza Wendy , García Cenia , Concha Gustavo , Landt Olfert , Hahn Andreas , Weinreich Felix , Frickmann Hagen
Published: August 2022

For the molecular diagnosis of Chagas disease by real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction), optimization of diagnostic accuracy is desirable. The detection limit of real-time PCR assays for the diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi in human serum is affected by various influences including the choice of the nucleic acid extraction assay. In this study, three nucleic acid extraction assays were compared regarding their influence on the sensitivity of a T. cruzi-specific real-time PCR with 62 reference sera containing T. cruzi target DNA (deoxyribonucleotide acid). More than 95% of the positive sera were correctly identified after all three nucleic acid extraction strategies with a detection rate ranging from 96.8% (60/62) for the worst assay to 100% (62/62) for the best one. A matched pairs analysis for the comparison of the cycle threshold (Ct) values obtained with the 59 reference samples with positive real-time PCR results after all three nucleic acid extraction schemes indicated differences in a range of about 3 Ct steps. Summarized, all three compared nucleic acid extraction schemes were basically suitable for T. cruzi-specific PCR from serum with some minor differences. However, in the case of low quantities of circulating parasite DNA in the serum of a patient with Chagas disease, even minor effects can make a difference in the individual diagnosis.
Ore Genesis of the Toudaochuan Gold Deposit in Central Jilin Province, NE China: Constraints from Fluid Inclusions and C–H–O–S–Pb Isotopes
Authors: Li Jingmou , Ren Yunsheng , Yang Qun , Sun Xinhao
Published: August 2022

The Toudaochuan gold deposit is a recently discovered lode gold deposit in Central Jilin Province. Gold ore bodies are dominantly controlled by NE-trending fault. The major hydrothermal period can be further divided into the quartz–pyrite stage (stage I), quartz–gold–polymetallic sulfides stage (stage II, major gold mineralization stage), and quartz–carbonate stage (stage III). Primary fluid inclusions (FIs) identified in quartz at different hydrothermal stages include liquid-rich aqueous FIs (L-type), CO2 FIs (C-type, including CO2-bearing C1-type FIs and CO2-rich C2-type FIs), and minor vapor-rich aqueous FIs (V-type). Microthermometry studies on different fluid inclusions indicate that the original ore-forming fluids belonged to the CO2–H2O–NaCl system characterized by a moderate–low temperature and low salinity in stages I and II, and they finally evolved into a H2O–NaCl system characterized by low temperature and low salinity in stage III. Fluid immiscibility is considered to be the key ore-forming mechanism. The initial ore-forming fluid was originated from magmatic water and was mixed with meteoric water in the later stage. The S and Pb isotope data suggest that the ore metal materials were derived from the mixed source of mantle and crust. Based on all the above data, therefore, it can be proposed that the Toudaochuan gold deposit is a mesothermal magmatic–hydrothermal gold deposit.
Research on the Stability Mechanism of the Surrounding Rock of Gob-Side Entry Retaining by Roof Cutting in Dianping Coal Mine
Authors: Ma Zi-min , Wang Yan-jun , Huang Long , Wang Hao-hao , Wang Jiong , Wang Zhao-xuan , Wang Yan-long , Wang Bo-tao
Published: August 2022

According to the movement characteristics of the surrounding rock of the gob-side entry retaining by roof cutting (GERRC), the structural evolution mechanism and stability control countermeasures are studied in this paper. Taking the roof cutting and bulking as the core point, the movement process of the surrounding rock of GERRC is divided into five stages: roof cutting, dynamic pressure support, gangue bulking, double arch roadway support, and roadway formation. Combined with mechanical analysis, the roof pressure of the mechanical model of the short-arm beam formed by roof cutting is calculated, and the roof breaking criterion is obtained, which provides a basis for roof control design and reasonable support strength calculation. A structural model of double-arch roadway protection under the action of hydrostatic roof cutting and gangue bulking was established, and the mechanism of roadway formation stability was studied. The gob-side bulking gangue and short-arm beam are formed by roof cutting, and the solid coal seam forms the immediate balance arch, the bulking gangue in goaf, articulated transfer rock beam, and solid coal seam forms the main balance arch. The two together are called double balance arch. With the support of the double-balanced arch on the overlying rock strata, the roadway below is located in the low-stress zone, which ensures the stability of the roadway surrounding rock. Through mechanical analysis and field observation, the law of bulking and deformation and mechanical characteristics of gob-side gangue in the above structural model are analyzed, and the reasonableness of the structural model of the double-arch guard lane is verified through numerical simulation of the cut top into lanes. and the reasonableness of the structural model of double-arch protection in GERRC is verified by using numerical simulation. In this paper, a mechanical double-arch model has been developed that allows us to understand the mechanism of stress transfer of roof cutting roadway from the perspective of a dynamic balance of roadway surrounding rock and overlying rock strata, helping us to specify efficient support countermeasures.