bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Assessment Methodology for Laser Metal Deposition of New Metallic Alloys
Authors: Cearsolo Xabier , Arrue Mario , Gabilondo Maitane , Sanchez Jon Mikel , Galarraga Haize , Garcia de Cortazar Maider , Girot Mata Franck
Published: January 2023

Metal additive manufacturing technologies are gaining great interest. However, the existing metallic alloys are generally formulated for conventional manufacturing processes. Thus, it is necessary to adapt their chemical composition or develop new alloys for the manufacturing conditions of additive manufacturing processes. The main method for manufacturing metal powder is gas atomization, but it is very expensive with long manufacturing times. Therefore, it is necessary to develop alloy validation methods that simplify the development process of new alloys. This paper deals with a methodology based on thermodynamic heat transfer equations, simulation, and powderless tests. This novel methodology enabled the determination of the optimal conditions for the laser melting deposition process of the commercial AA7075 alloy with a reduced number of experimental tests with powder, reducing the difficulties inherent to powder processing. The developed process was divided into two stages. In the first stage, the heating of the substrate was studied. In the second stage, the depositions of single tracks were validated with the parameters extrapolated from the previous stage. Hence, it was possible to manufacture single tracks free of cracks with an adequate aspect ratio.
Bio-Stimulated Surface Healing of Historical and Compatible Conservation Mortars
Authors: Vučetić Snežana , Čjepa Damir , Miljević Bojan , Bergh John Milan van der , Šovljanski Olja , Tomić Ana , Nikolić Emilija , Markov Siniša , Hiršenberger Helena , Ranogajec Jonjaua
Published: January 2023

The main focus of this research was the bio-stimulated healing of cracks in lime mortar samples (historical and newly designed). The investigation started from comprehensive characterisation of historical mortars, while in the next stage a compatible conservation mortar was designed and characterised, with special attention given to the contact zone formation between original and conservation mortars. The next step was the design of a bio-stimulating crack-sealing agent, a two-component liquid system: bacteria culture Sporosarcina pasteurii DSM 33 and nutrients. Both historical and conservation mortar samples were used in order to study their potentials for bio-stimulated surface-crack repair. The experiment lasted for 150 days, allowing the ureolytic bacteria Sporosarcina pasteurii DSM 33 to induce the precipitation of calcium carbonate into cracks and heal the damaged surface of the tested materials. The healing phenomenon was continuously monitored during a period of 150 days. Special attention was given to the evaluation of the morphology, chemical and structural characteristics of the deposits created in/on the surface cracks, monitored by optical microscopy, SEM, XRF and XRD analyses. The obtained results present valuable input for the application of the developed system in real environmental conditions as a solution for the future sustainable architectural conservation of traditionally prepared mortars.
A Parameter Optimization Method for Chatter Stability in Five-Axis Milling
Authors: Tong Xin , Liu Qiang , Wang Liuquan , Sun Pengpeng
Published: January 2023

Chatter is a dynamic instability caused by the regeneration of waviness on the workpiece surface and damages the machining efficiency and product quality. For five-axis milling, the chatter stability analysis is more complicated because the cutter-workpiece engagement and the direction of the dynamic cutting force vary along the tool path. This paper presents a parameter optimization method to avoid chatter in the five-axis milling process. The dynamic milling system is modeled in each tool-path segment, and the stability is analyzed by introducing the semi-discretization method to solve the delay differential equation. In addition, the multi-frequency solution to the stability prediction for the multiple degrees of freedom spindle-cutter system and workpiece system is presented. Considering the speed and acceleration constraints of the spindle system and the feeding system, the spindle speed optimization iterative method is applied based on the chatter prediction. The verification experiment is conducted on the five-axis milling of the S-curve part to show the predictive accuracy of the chatter model and the validity of the proposed optimization method.
Paralytic Shellfish Toxins in the Gastropod Concholepas concholepas: Variability, Toxin Profiles and Mechanisms for Toxicity Reduction
Authors: Seguel Miriam , Molinet Carlos , Díaz Manuel , Álvarez Gonzalo , García Carlos , Marín Andrés , Millanao María Olga , Díaz Patricio A.
Published: January 2023

Harmful algal blooms of toxin-producing microalgae are recurrent in southern Chile. Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) outbreaks pose the main threat to public health and the fishing industry in the Patagonian fjords. This study aims to increase understanding of the individual and spatial variability of PSP toxicity in the foot of Concholepas concholepas, Chile’s most valuable commercial benthic invertebrate species, extracted from the Guaitecas Archipelago in Chilean Patagonia. The objective is to determine the effect of pigment removal and freezing during the detoxification process. A total of 150 specimens (≥90 mm length) were collected from this area. The live specimens were transferred to a processing plant, where they were measured and gutted, the foot was divided into two equal parts, and pigment was manually removed from one of these parts. The PSP toxicity of each foot (edible tissue) was determined by mouse bioassay (MBA) and high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection and postcolumn oxidation (HPLC-FLD PCOX). The individual toxicity per loco, as the species is known locally, varied from <30 to 146 μg STX diHCL eq 100 g−1 (CV = 43.83%) and from 5.96 to 216.3 μg STX diHCL eq 100 g−1 (CV = 34.63%), using MBA and HPLC, respectively. A generalized linear model showed a negative relation between individual weight and toxicity. The toxicological profile showed a dominance of STX (>95%), neoSTX and GTX2. The removal of pigment produced a reduction in PSP toxicity of up to 90% and could represent a good detoxification tool moving forward. The freezing process in the muscle with pigment did not produce a clear pattern. There is a significant reduction (p < 0.05) of PSP toxicity via PCOX but not MBA. Furthermore, the study discusses possible management and commercialization implications of the findings regarding small-scale fisheries.
Probiotic Potential of the Marine Isolate Enterococcus faecium EA9 and In Vivo Evaluation of Its Antisepsis Action in Rats
Authors: Zaghloul Eman H. , Abuohashish Hatem M. , El Sharkawy Amany S. , Abbas Eman M. , Ahmed Mohammed M. , Al-Rejaie Salim S.
Published: January 2023

This study aims to obtain a novel probiotic strain adapted to marine habitats and to assess its antisepsis properties using a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model in rodents. The marine Enterococcus faecium EA9 was isolated from marine shrimp samples and evaluated for probiotic potential after phenotypical and molecular identification. In septic animals, hepatic and renal tissues were histologically and biochemically evaluated for inflammation and oxidative stress following the probiotic treatment. Moreover, gene expressions of multiple signaling cascades were determined using RT-PCR. EA9 was identified and genotyped as Enterococcus faecium with a 99.88% identity. EA9 did not exhibit any signs of hemolysis and survived at low pH and elevated concentrations of bile salts. Moreover, EA9 isolate had antibacterial activity against different pathogenic bacteria and could thrive in 6.5% NaCl. Septic animals treated with EA9 had improved liver and kidney functions, lower inflammatory and lipid peroxidation biomarkers, and enhanced antioxidant enzymes. The CLP-induced necrotic histological changes and altered gene expressions of IL-10, IL-1β, INF-γ, COX-2, SOD-1, SOD-2, HO-1, AKT, mTOR, iNOS, and STAT-3 were abolished by the EA9 probiotic in septic animals. The isolate Enterococcus faecium EA9 represents a promising marine probiotic. The in vivo antisepsis testing of EA9 highlighted its potential and effective therapeutic approach.
Metabolic Role of Autophagy in the Pathogenesis and Development of NAFLD
Authors: An Lingxuan , Wirth Ulrich , Koch Dominik , Schirren Malte , Drefs Moritz , Koliogiannis Dionysios , Niess Hanno , Andrassy Joachim , Guba Markus , Bazhin Alexandr V. , Werner Jens , Kühn Florian
Published: January 2023

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a spectrum of liver disease, ranging from simple steatosis to hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Liver fibrosis, which portends a poor prognosis in NAFLD, is characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins resulting from abnormal wound repair response and metabolic disorders. Various metabolic factors play crucial roles in the progression of NAFLD, including abnormal lipid, bile acid, and endotoxin metabolism, leading to chronic inflammation and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Autophagy is a conserved process within cells that removes unnecessary or dysfunctional components through a lysosome-dependent regulated mechanism. Accumulating evidence has shown the importance of autophagy in NAFLD and its close relation to NAFLD progression. Thus, regulation of autophagy appears to be beneficial in treating NAFLD and could become an important therapeutic target.
Different Types of Glucocorticoids to Evaluate Stress and Welfare in Animals and Humans: General Concepts and Examples of Combined Use
Authors: Botía María , Escribano Damián , Martínez-Subiela Silvia , Tvarijonaviciute Asta , Tecles Fernando , López-Arjona Marina , Cerón José J.
Published: January 2023

The main glucocorticoids involved in the stress response are cortisol and cortisone in most mammals and corticosterone in birds and rodents. Therefore, these analytes are currently the biomarkers more frequently used to evaluate the physiological response to a stressful situation. In addition, “total glucocorticoids”, which refers to the quantification of various glucocorticoids by immunoassays showing cross-reactivity with different types of glucocorticoids or related metabolites, can be measured. In this review, we describe the characteristics of the main glucocorticoids used to assess stress, as well as the main techniques and samples used for their quantification. In addition, we analyse the studies where at least two of the main glucocorticoids were measured in combination. Overall, this review points out the different behaviours of the main glucocorticoids, depending on the animal species and stressful stimuli, and shows the potential advantages that the measurement of at least two different glucocorticoid types can have for evaluating welfare.
Activity of Microbial-Derived Phenolic Acids and Their Conjugates against LPS-Induced Damage in Neuroblastoma Cells and Macrophages
Authors: González de Llano Dolores , Roldán Mikel , Parro Laura , Bartolomé Begoña , Moreno-Arribas M. Victoria
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate whether microbial-derived phenolic acids, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic (DHPA), protocatechuic acid (PCA), and dihydrocaffeic acid (DHCFA) and their conjugated forms (DHCFA 3-O-sulfate and DHCFA 3-O-β-D-glucuronide), exhibit protective effects against neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Experiments were performed on human neuronal SH-SY5Y cells stimulated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP). Anti-inflammatory activity in terms of pro-inflammatory cytokine production was also evaluated in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages as a reactive microglial model. Treatment of the SH-SY5Y cells with the free phenolic acids, as well as with the conjugated metabolites, at physiologically concentrations (1, 10 and 50 μM), resulted in increased cell viability of LPS- and tBHP-stimulated cells. Phenolic metabolites and, especially, the conjugated derivatives also protected neuronal cells through significant attenuation of inflammation by decreasing ROS levels. Furthermore, the conjugated and microbial-derived phenolic metabolites significantly inhibited the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8) in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Among the phenolic metabolites tested, different efficacies were observed, with the glucuronide form standing out. Overall, these results suggest, for the first time, that conjugated derivatives of phenolic acids seem to be more effective at protecting neurons from inflammation damage and oxidative stress. Further in vivo studies are warranted.
Photocatalytic Methane Conversion over Pd/ZnO Photocatalysts under Mild Conditions
Authors: Pignataro Machado Arthur , Amaral Carminati Saulo , Ribeiro Januário Eliane , Silvaino Ferreira Patricia , Moreira Vaz Jorge , Spinacé Estevam Vitorio
Published: January 2023

Here, Pd nanoparticles supported on ZnO were prepared by the alcohol-reduction and the borohydride-reduction methods, and their efficiency towards the photocatalytic conversion of methane under mild conditions were evaluated. The resulting Pd/ZnO photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV–Vis, and transmission electron microscopy. The reactions were performed with the photocatalysts dispersed in water in a bubbling stream of methane under UV-light illumination. The products formed were identified and quantified by gas chromatography (GC-FID/TCD/MSD). The principal products formed were C2H6 and CO2 with minor quantities of C2H4 and CO. No H2 production was observed. The preparation methods influenced the size and dispersion of Pd nanoparticles on the ZnO, affecting the performance of the photocatalysts. The best performance was observed for the photocatalyst prepared by borohydride reduction with 0.5 wt% of Pd, reaching a C2H6 production rate of 686 µmol·h−1·g−1 and a C2H6 selectivity of 46%.
A Novel Intelligent Rebound Hammer System Based on Internet of Things
Authors: Pang Zongqiang , Wang Qing , Wang Yong , Gong Zhiyin
Published: January 2023

In order to improve the test efficiency of concrete strength and ensure measured data reliability, we present a novel intelligent rebound hammer system which is based on the Internet of Things (IoT) and speech recognition technology. The system uses a STM32F103C8T6 microcontroller as the Main Control Unit (MCU), and one BC26 module as the communication unit, combined with a LD3320 voice recognition module and TOF050H laser ranging sensor to achieve the function of phonetic transcription and laser ranging. Without the need for traditional multi-person collaboration and burdensome data transfer, the system can collect the data of rebound value and location information and send them to the remote cloud information management system automatically in real time. The test results show that the system has high measuring accuracy, good data transmission stability and convenient operation, which could provide guidance for other types of non-destructive testing equipment designs.
A Smart-Anomaly-Detection System for Industrial Machines Based on Feature Autoencoder and Deep Learning
Authors: Ahmed Imran , Ahmad Misbah , Chehri Abdellah , Jeon Gwanggil
Published: January 2023

Machine-health-surveillance systems are gaining popularity in industrial manufacturing systems due to the widespread availability of low-cost devices, sensors, and internet connectivity. In this regard, artificial intelligence provides valuable assistance in the form of deep learning methods to analyze and process big machine data. In diverse industrial applications, gears are considered a condemning element; many contributing failures occur due to an unexpected breakdown of the gears. In recent research, anomaly-detection and fault-diagnosis systems have been the gears’ most contributing content. Thus, in work, we presented a smart deep learning-based system to detect anomalies in an industrial machine. Our system used vibrational analysis methods as a deciding tool for different machinery-maintenance decisions. We will first perform a data analysis of the gearbox data set to analyze the data’s insights. By calculating and examining the machine’s vibration, we aim to determine the nature and severity of the defect in the machine and hence detect the anomaly. A gearbox’s vibration signal holds the fault’s signature in the gears, and earlier fault detection of the gearbox is achievable by examining the vibration signal using a deep learning technique. Therefore, we aim to propose a 6-layer autoencoder-based deep learning framework for anomaly detection and fault analysis using a publically available data set of wind-turbine components. The gearbox fault-diagnosis data set is utilized for experimentation, including collecting vibration attributes recorded using SpectraQuest’s gearbox fault-diagnostics simulator. Through comprehensive experiments, we have seen that the framework gains good results compared to others, with an overall accuracy of 91%.
Wireless Inchworm-like Compact Soft Robot by Induction Heating of Magnetic Composite
Authors: Jung Woojun , Lee Seonghyeon , Hwang Yongha
Published: January 2023

Microrobots and nanorobots have been produced with various nature-inspired soft materials and operating mechanisms. However, freely operating a wirelessly miniaturized soft robot remains a challenge. In this study, a wireless crawling compact soft robot using induction heating was developed. The magnetic composite heater built into the robot was heated wirelessly via induction heating, causing a phase change in the working fluid surrounding the heater. The pressure generated from the evaporated fluid induces the bending of the robot, which is composed of elastomers. During one cycle of bending by heating and shrinking by cooling, the difference in the frictional force between the two legs of the robot causes it to move forward. This robot moved 7240 μm, representing 103% of its body length, over nine repetitions. Because the robot’s surface is made of biocompatible materials, it offers new possibilities for a soft exploratory microrobot that can be used inside a living body or in a narrow pipe.
Editorial for the Special Issue on Micro and Smart Devices and Systems
Authors: Mao Zebing , Xie Jin , Ding Hong
Published: January 2023

Micro and smart devices and systems are small, interconnected devices and systems that are designed to be highly functional, efficient, and convenient [...]
An Experimental and Numerical Study on Glass Frit Wafer-to-Wafer Bonding
Authors: Farshchi Yazdi Seyed Amir Fouad , Garavaglia Matteo , Ghisi Aldo , Corigliano Alberto
Published: January 2023

A thermo-mechanical wafer-to-wafer bonding process is studied through experiments on the glass frit material and thermo-mechanical numerical simulations to evaluate the effect of the residual stresses on the wafer warpage. To experimentally characterize the material, confocal laser profilometry and scanning electron microscopy for surface observation, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy for microstructural investigation, and nanoindentation and die shear tests for the evaluation of mechanical properties are used. An average effective Young’s modulus of 86.5 ± 9.5 GPa, a Poisson’s ratio of 0.19 ± 0.02, and a hardness of 5.26 ± 0.8 GPa were measured through nanoindentation for the glass frit material. The lowest nominal shear strength ranged 1.13 ÷ 1.58 MPa in the strain rate interval to 0.33 ÷ 4.99 × 10−3 s−1. To validate the thermo-mechanical model, numerical results are compared with experimental measurements of the out-of-plane displacements at the wafer surface (i.e., warpage), showing acceptable agreement.
Recent Progress on Hydrogel-Based Piezoelectric Devices for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Du Yuxuan , Du Wenya , Lin Dabin , Ai Minghao , Li Songhang , Zhang Lin
Published: January 2023

Flexible electronics have great potential in the application of wearable and implantable devices. Through suitable chemical alteration, hydrogels, which are three-dimensional polymeric networks, demonstrate amazing stretchability and flexibility. Hydrogel-based electronics have been widely used in wearable sensing devices because of their biomimetic structure, biocompatibility, and stimuli-responsive electrical properties. Recently, hydrogel-based piezoelectric devices have attracted intensive attention because of the combination of their unique piezoelectric performance and conductive hydrogel configuration. This mini review is to give a summary of this exciting topic with a new insight into the design and strategy of hydrogel-based piezoelectric devices. We first briefly review the representative synthesis methods and strategies of hydrogels. Subsequently, this review provides several promising biomedical applications, such as bio-signal sensing, energy harvesting, wound healing, and ultrasonic stimulation. In the end, we also provide a personal perspective on the future strategies and address the remaining challenges on hydrogel-based piezoelectric electronics.
Synergy Effect between Sodium Oleate and Alcohol Ethoxylates on the Reverse Flotation of Quartz
Authors: Zhang Na , Li Jiajia , Kou Jue , Sun Chunbao
Published: January 2023

In this study, an optimized method was presented for the reverse quartz flotation in iron ore purification where sodium oleate (NaOL) was always selected as the collector due to its accessibility and economic benefits. Three alcohol ethoxylates, octylphenol ethoxylate (OP-10), nonylphenol ethoxylate (NP-10) and fatty alcohol ethoxylates (AEO-9) were introduced to improve the collecting performance of NaOL in the reverse flotation of quartz. It turned out that the addition of alcohol ethoxylates was helpful to increase the recovery of quartz in the flotation with the order of OP-10 > NP-10 > AEO-9. To characterize the adsorption of NaOL on activated quartz in different surfactant systems, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D) were employed. Furthermore, the contact angles of the quartz surface that interacted with different surfactant systems were measured to investigate the synergy effect of NaOL and alcohol ethoxylates on the hydrophobicity of quartz. It turned out that alcohol ethoxylates promoted the adsorption of NaOL on the activated quartz, resulting in an increase in the hydrophobicity of quartz also in the order of OP-10 > NP-10 > AEO-9, which well explained the flotation results. Regular Solution Theory (RST) and the dilution effect based on the surface tension analysis were utilized to elucidate the synergy mechanism between NaOL and the alcohol ethoxylate.
Paragenetic Association of Platinum and Gold Minerals in Placers of the Anabar River in the Northeast of the Siberian Platform
Authors: Okrugin Alexander , Gerasimov Boris
Published: January 2023

Areal placers of diamond and precious metals (platinum and gold) of unknown origin are widespread in the Anabar River basin on the northeastern part of the Siberian Platform. This article discusses the typomorphic features of palladium gold (porpezite) and ferroan platinum, which, in addition to fragmented individual grains, sometimes form close growths, which indicates their obvious genetic relationship. This can be used to delimit the primary sources of commercial components of complex placers by their genetic types. The composition of minerals was determined on a Camebax-Micro (Cameca, France) microprobe analyzer, and their microstructural relationships were studied using the scanning microscope JSM-6480LV JEOL. Determination of the structure and parameters of elementary lattices of minerals was carried out on the D8 Discover diffractometer. According to microprobe analysis, the Pd content in porpezite ranges from 0.73% to 12.83%, Ag does not exceed 2.75% and Cu reaches 3–4%. Considering the composition, such a gold–platinum mineral association from placers of the Anabar river is close to precious metals from placers of the Gulinsky massif, as well as Au–PGE ore occurrences related to ultramafic–mafic intrusions of other regions of the world. Complex gold–platinum-metal mineralizations are usually closely related to parent rocks and are often observed in sulfide and chromite ores of layered ultramafic–mafic intrusions with complex metasomatic and hydrothermal transformations. It is shown that in such cases gold and platinum form a magmatogenic paragenesis of minerals that coexist until the separation of hydrothermal solutions from magma, which, as a rule, transports Au and Ag with a small fraction of PGE from the fluid-ore-magmatic system in accordance with the model of the formation of gold–porphyry deposits. Within the Anabar diamond-bearing region, according to modern geophysical data, a significant number of local gravimagnetic anomalies associated with the presence of intrusive massifs of basic and alkaline-ultrabasic rocks in the cover and within the basement have been identified. This allows us to assume that the buried parent rocks of the Anabar Au–Pt placers may be located in both the Precambrian and Phanerozoic strata.
Size Distribution, Elemental Composition and Morphology of Nanoparticles Separated from Respirable Coal Mine Dust
Authors: Assemi Shoeleh , Pan Lei , Wang Xuming , Akinseye Titilayo , Miller Jan D.
Published: January 2023

Nanoparticles, defined as particles with one dimension below 100 nm, contribute little to the total mass concentration in respirable coal mine dust (RCMD) toxicological studies, but they could have a considerable part in the adverse health effects by RCMD inhalation. It has been shown that inhaled nanoparticles can penetrate deep into the lung and could plausibly contribute to acute and chronic pulmonary diseases by triggering oxidative stress formation and inducing inflammation. RCMD nanoparticles from samples collected in an underground mine in the United States were analyzed by a particle separation technique, field-flow fractionation (FFF), for size, morphology, and elemental composition. Two sub-techniques, asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AsFlFFF), and sedimentation field-flow fractionation (SdFFF) were used to increase the detection size range. Nanoparticles with a size range between 25–400 nm were detected. Fractions were collected throughout the size distribution and were analyzed by electron microscopy and inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Electron micrographs showed the presence of carbonaceous particles, mineral particles, diesel particles, and aggregates. Major and trace elements such as Si and Ca were detected in high abundance in all fractions. Other metals included Mg, Fe, Al, Cs, and Pb. Higher relative concentrations of Cs and Pb were observed at the size range below 30 nm. The data suggests that nanoparticles in RCMD can be highly reactive, either as a result of their size or their potential to carry toxins such as transition and heavy metals. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first data on the size, morphology, and composition of RCMD nanoparticles with a size below 100 nm.
Comparison of Particle Shape, Surface Area, and Color Properties of the Calcite Particles Ground by Stirred and Ball Mill
Authors: Ulusoy Ugur , Çayirli Serkan , Bayar Guler , Gokcen Hasan Serkan
Published: January 2023

Since the particle size, shape, specific surface area, and purity of the ground calcium carbonate (GCC) decide its usability in the paper, paint, and plastic industries, the effect of grinding is important. However, the effect of stirred and ball mill grinding on the particle shape of GCC by dynamic image analysis (DIA) is still lacking in the literature. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare the aspect ratio at the same fineness (d97 = 50 μm) and evaluate other properties such as color, and surface area of GCC particles by stirred and ball mill grindings. DIA results showed that particles produced by the ball mill had higher aspect ratio values than those by the stirred mill. This was attributed to the impact, and attrition breakage modes produced by the ball and stirred mill, respectively. This conclusion is supported by XRD and SEM. Finally, the results related to physical properties such as aspect ratio, surface area, and whiteness are discussed depending on the usage area of GCC.
Two-Dimensional Iron Phosphorus Trisulfide as a High-Capacity Cathode for Lithium Primary Battery
Authors: Lenus Syama , Thakur Pallavi , Samantaray Sai Smruti , Narayanan Tharangattu N. , Dai Zhengfei
Published: January 2023

Metal phosphorus trichalcogenide (MPX3) materials have aroused substantial curiosity in the evolution of electrochemical storage devices due to their environment-friendliness and advantageous X-P synergic effects. The interesting intercalation properties generated due to the presence of wide van der Waals gaps along with high theoretical specific capacity pose MPX3 as a potential host electrode in lithium batteries. Herein, we synthesized two-dimensional iron thio-phosphate (FePS3) nanoflakes via a salt-template synthesis method, using low-temperature time synthesis conditions in single step. The electrochemical application of FePS3 has been explored through the construction of a high-capacity lithium primary battery (LPB) coin cell with FePS3 nanoflakes as the cathode. The galvanostatic discharge studies on the assembled LPB exhibit a high specific capacity of ~1791 mAh g−1 and high energy density of ~2500 Wh Kg−1 along with a power density of ~5226 W Kg−1, some of the highest reported values, indicating FePS3′s potential in low-cost primary batteries. A mechanistic insight into the observed three-staged discharge mechanism of the FePS3-based primary cell resulting in the high capacity is provided, and the findings are supported via post-mortem analyses at the electrode scale, using both electrochemical- as well as photoelectron spectroscopy-based studies.
Stereoselective Epoxidation of Triterpenic Allylic Alcohols and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Synthesized Compounds
Authors: Krainova Gulnaz , Beloglazova Yulia , Dmitriev Maksim , Grishko Victoria
Published: January 2023

The epoxidation process of semi-synthetic triterpenoids 2-methyl-3-oxo-19β,28-epoxy- 18α-olean-1-ene, and its allylic alcohol derivatives were examined. 1,2α-epoxide, as the main product, was found to be formed from the starting enone exposed to m-chloroperbenzoic acid (mCPBA). In the case of hydroxy-directed mCPBA-oxidation of triterpenic allyl alcohols and their 3α-alkyl-substituted derivatives, inversion of C1 and C2 asymmetric centers with the formation of 1,2β-epoxyalcohols took place. The synthesis of 2,3α-epoxides was fulfilled from 2,3-dialkyl-substituted C(3) allyl alcohols by the action of pyridinium chlorochromate under [1,3]-oxidative rearrangement conditions. The transformations brought about enabled chiral oleanane derivatives with an oxygen-containing substituent at the C1, C2, and C3 atoms to be obtained. The study also provides information on in silico PASS prediction of pharmacological effects and in vitro evaluation of the cytotoxic activity of the synthesized compounds.
Expression and Characterisation of the First Snail-Derived UDP-Gal: Glycoprotein-N-acetylgalactosamine β-1,3-Galactosyltransferase (T-Synthase) from Biomphalaria glabrata
Authors: Zemkollari Marilica , Blaukopf Markus , Grabherr Reingard , Staudacher Erika
Published: January 2023

UDP-Gal: glycoprotein-N-acetylgalactosamine β-1,3-galactosyltransferase (T-synthase, EC 2.4.1.122) catalyses the transfer of the monosaccharide galactose from UDP-Gal to GalNAc-Ser/Thr, synthesizing the core 1 mucin type O-glycan. Such glycans play important biological roles in a number of recognition processes. The crucial role of these glycans is acknowledged for mammals, but a lot remains unknown regarding invertebrate and especially mollusc O-glycosylation. Although core O-glycans have been found in snails, no core 1 β-1,3-galactosyltransferase has been described so far. Here, the sequence of the enzyme was identified by a BlastP search of the NCBI Biomphalaria glabrata database using the human T-synthase sequence (NP_064541.1) as a template. The obtained gene codes for a 388 amino acids long transmembrane protein with two putative N-glycosylation sites. The coding sequence was synthesised and expressed in Sf9 cells. The expression product of the putative enzyme displayed core 1 β-1,3-galactosyltransferase activity using pNP-α-GalNAc as the substrate. The enzyme showed some sequence homology (49.40% with Homo sapiens, 53.69% with Drosophila melanogaster and 49.14% with Caenorhabditis elegans) and similar biochemical parameters with previously characterized T-synthases from other phyla. In this study we present the identification, expression and characterisation of the UDP-Gal: glycoprotein-N-acetylgalactosamine β-1,3-galactosyltransferase from the fresh-water snail Biomphalaria glabrata, which is the first cloned T-synthase from mollusc origin.
Systematic Comparison of Structural Characterization of Polysaccharides from Ziziphus Jujuba cv. Muzao
Authors: Ji Xiaolong , Zhang Shuli , Jin Xueyuan , Yin Chuanxue , Zhang Yang , Guo Xudan , Lin Ximeng
Published: January 2023

To investigate the structural information differences of Ziziphus Jujuba cv. Muzao polysaccharides, ten samples were successfully extracted from aqueous and alkaline solutions, prepared via DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow through different eluents and Sephacryl S-300 columns, and systematically analyzed. Their characteristics were studied and then compared using chemical testing, high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), gas chromatography (GC), methylation analysis, and NMR spectroscopy. The data achieved demonstrated that different jujube polysaccharide fractions possessed different structural characteristics, and most of them belonged to pectic polysaccharides. Overall, the structural information difference of jujube polysaccharides was preliminarily illuminated, which could not only promote the potential application of Z. Jujuba cv. Muzao polysaccharides but also provide an effective way to analyze the structures of polysaccharides from other genera jujube fruit.
The Current State and Future Prospects of Auricularia auricula’s Polysaccharide Processing Technology Portfolio
Authors: Yu Te , Wu Qiong , Liang Bin , Wang Jiaming , Wu Di , Shang Xinzhu
Published: January 2023

Auricularia auricula polysaccharides (AAP) have been widely studied in the field of medicine and healthcare because of their unique structure and physiological activity. Many species of Auricularia auricula polysaccharides have been extracted, isolated, and purified by different methods, and their structures have been analyzed. Auricularia auricula polysaccharides have been proven to have beneficial effects on the human body, including slowing the aging process, controlling the intestinal system, and treating cardiovascular disorders. In this paper, the extraction, isolation, and purification of AAP from Auricularia auricula, as well as research in the field of medicine and healthcare, have pointed to the shortcomings and limitations of these methods. We also suggest future research directions for Auricularia auricula polysaccharides; standardized processing methods must be confirmed, and officially approved AAPs are needed for commercial applications. Finally, an optimistic outlook on the development of AAPs is given.
Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity against Phytopathogenic Fungi of Essential Oils Obtained from Echinophora tenuifolia subsp. sibthorpiana Grown in Wild and Cultivated Conditions in Turkey
Authors: Sanli Arif , Ok Fatma Zehra
Published: January 2023

The hydro-distilled essential oils obtained from aerial parts of the wild and cultivated Echinophora tenuifolia subsp. sibthorpiana have been analyzed by GC-MS and screened for antimicrobial activity. In total, 28 compounds representing more than 99% of the oils were identified. α-phellandrene (13.22% and 55.27%), δ-3-carene (49.29% and 4.03%), and methyl eugenol (22.59–25.69%) were found as the main components for the wild and cultivated oils, respectively. EOs of the wild and cultivated plants differed significantly in both the percentage of the main components and antifungal effect. α-phellandrene was more dominant in cultivated plants (55.27%) than in wild ones (13.22%), while δ-3-carene was more abundant in the wild plants (49.29%). In the antifungal assays, both oils displayed moderate to high activity against three phytopathogenic fungi; Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani, and Alternaria alternata.
Behavioral Despair Is Blocked by the Flavonoid Chrysin (5,7-Dihydroxyflavone) in a Rat Model of Surgical Menopause
Authors: Flores-Aguilar Luis Ángel , Cueto-Escobedo Jonathan , Puga-Olguín Abraham , Olmos-Vázquez Oscar Jerónimo , Rosas-Sánchez Gilberto Uriel , Bernal-Morales Blandina , Rodríguez-Landa Juan Francisco
Published: January 2023

Women have a high susceptibility to the negative effects of stress. Hormonal changes experienced throughout their reproductive life partially contribute to a higher incidence of anxiety and depression symptoms, particularly, during natural or surgical menopause. In preclinical research, the flavonoid chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone) exerts anxiolytic- and anti-despair-like effects; however, it is unknown whether chrysin exerts a protective effect against the behavioral changes produced by acute stress on locomotor activity and behavioral despair in rats at 12-weeks post-ovariectomy. Ovariectomized female Wistar rats were assigned to eight groups: vehicle group (10% DMSO), three groups with chrysin and three groups with the same dose of allopregnanolone (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg), and one group with diazepam (2 mg/kg). The treatments were administered for seven consecutive days and the effects were evaluated in the locomotor activity and swimming tests. Chrysin (2 mg/kg) increased the latency to first immobility and decreased the total immobility time in the swimming test as the reference drugs allopregnanolone and diazepam (2 mg/kg); while locomotor activity prevented the behavioral changes produced by swimming. In conclusion, chrysin exerts a protective effect against the behavioral changes induced by acute stress, similarly to the neurosteroid allopregnanolone and the benzodiazepine diazepam in rats subjected to a surgical menopause model.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Molecular Modeling Studies of Naphthoquinone Sulfonamides and Sulfonate Ester Derivatives as P2X7 Inhibitors
Authors: Pacheco Paulo Anastácio Furtado , Gonzaga Daniel Tadeu Gomes , von Ranke Natalia Lidmar , Rodrigues Carlos Rangel , da Rocha David Rodrigues , da Silva Fernando de Carvalho , Ferreira Vitor Francisco , Faria Robson Xavier
Published: January 2023

ATP acts in the extracellular environment as an important signal, activating a family of receptors called purinergic receptors. In recent years, interest in the potential therapeutics of purinergic components, including agonists and antagonists of receptors, has increased. Currently, many observations have indicated that ATP acts as an important mediator of inflammatory responses and, when found in high concentrations in the extracellular space, is related to the activation of the P2X7 purinergic receptor. In this sense, the search for new inhibitors for this receptor has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years. Sulfonamide derivatives have been reported to be potent inhibitors of P2X receptors. In this study, ten naphthoquinone sulfonamide derivatives and five naphthoquinone sulfonate ester derivatives were tested for their inhibitory activity on the P2X7 receptor expressed in peritoneal macrophages. Some compounds showed promising results, displaying IC50 values lower than that of A740003. Molecular docking and dynamic studies also indicated that the active compounds bind to an allosteric site on P2X7R. The binding free energy indicates that sulfonamides have an affinity for the P2X7 receptor similar to A740003. Therefore, the compounds studied herein present potential P2X7R inhibition.
Extending Ag Nanoparticles as Colorimetric Sensor to Industrial Zinc Electrolyte for Cobalt Ion Detection
Authors: Xiao Ni , Weng Wei , Tang Ding , Tan Wen , Zhang Liye , Deng Zheyuan , Chi Xiaopeng , Ku Jiangang , Zhong Shuiping
Published: January 2023

The direct and rapid determination of trace cobalt ion (Co2+) in the electrolyte of zinc smelting plants is urgently needed but is impeded by the severe interference of extremely high-concentration zinc ions in the solution. Herein, colorimetric detection of Co2+ by the polyvinylpyrrolidone functionalized silver nanoparticles (PVP-AgNPs) is realized in solutions with the Zn/Co ratio being high, up to (0.8–5) × 104, which is located within the ratio range in industrial solution. The high concentration of Zn2+ induces a strong attenuation of Co2+-related signals in ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) extinction spectra; nevertheless, a good linear range for detecting 1–6 mg/L Co2+ in 50 g/L Zn2+ solution is still acquired. The strong anti-interference toward other metal ions and the mechanism understanding for trace Co2+ detection in such a high-concentration Zn2+ solution are also revealed by systematic analysis techniques. The results extend the AgNPs as colorimetric sensors to industrial solutions, providing a new strategy for detecting trace-metal ions in industrial plants.
Calix[6]arene-Based [3]Rotaxanes as Prototypes for the Template Synthesis of Molecular Capsules
Authors: Cester Bonati Federica , Bazzoni Margherita , Baccini Caterina , Zanichelli Valeria , Orlandini Guido , Arduini Arturo , Cera Gianpiero , Secchi Andrea
Published: January 2023

In this work, the ability of several bis-viologen axles to thread a series of heteroditopic tris(N-phenylureido)calix[6]arene wheels to give interwoven supramolecular complexes to the [3]pseudorotaxane type was studied. The unidirectionality of the threading process inside these nonsymmetric wheels allows the formation of highly preorganised [3]pseudorotaxane and [3]rotaxane species in which the macrocycles phenylureido moieties, functionalised with either ester, carboxylic, or hydroxymethyl groups, are facing each other. As verified by NMR and semiempirical computational studies, these latter compounds possess the correct spatial arrangement of their subcomponents, which could lead, in principle, upon proper bridging reaction, to the realisation of upper-to-upper molecular capsules that are based on calix[6]arene derivatives.
Unveiling the Antioxidant, Clinical Enzyme Inhibitory Properties and Cytotoxic Potential of Tambourissa peltata Baker—An Understudied Endemic Plant
Authors: Suroowan Shanoo , Llorent-Martínez Eulogio J. , Zengin Gokhan , Buskaran Kalaivani , Fakurazi Sharida , Abdalla Ashraf N. , Khalid Asaad , Le Van Bao , Mahomoodally Mohamad Fawzi
Published: January 2023

This study documents for the first time the phytochemical composition and biological activities of Tambourissa peltata Baker, an endemic plant from Mauritius. Phytochemical extraction was performed using ethyl acetate, methanol and distilled water as solvents. The phytochemical composition was determined through HPLC-MS and other standard assays. The DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC and phosphomolybdenum assays were employed for the determination of the antioxidant potential, whereas cell viability assays were used to determine the cytotoxicity. The highest phenolic and phenolic acid contents were obtained in the aqueous extract (179.91 ± 0.67 gallic acid equivalents/g and 55.74 ± 1.43 caffeic acid equivalents/g). The highest quantity of flavonoids was obtained in the ethyl acetate extract (28.97 ± 0.46 rutin equivalents/g). The methanolic extract was the highest source of flavonols (33.71 ± 0.13 mg catechin equivalents/g). A total of 34 phytochemicals were identified, mainly proanthocyanidins and flavonoid glycosides. The highest antioxidant activity in DPPH (973.40 ± 5.65 mg TE (Trolox equivalents)/g), ABTS (2030.37 ± 40.83 mg TE/g), FRAP (1461.39 ± 5.95 mg TE/g), CUPRAC (1940.99 ± 20.95 mg TE/g) and phosphomolybdenum (8.37 ± 0.23 mmol TE/g) assays was recorded for the aqueous extract. The ethyl acetate extract was the most active metal chelator. The highest acetylcholinesterase inhibitor was the methanolic extract, whereas the ethyl acetate extract was the most active against BChE. The tyrosinase enzyme was most inhibited by the methanolic extract. Alpha-amylase and glucosidase were most inhibited by the aqueous extract. The methanolic extract was capable of inducing cell cytotoxicity to the human colorectal carcinoma without damaging normal cells. T. peltata warrants further attention from the scientific community given its multifaceted biological properties.
Ultrafast Spectroscopies of Nitrophenols and Nitrophenolates in Solution: From Electronic Dynamics and Vibrational Structures to Photochemical and Environmental Implications
Authors: Bailey-Darland Sullivan , Krueger Taylor D. , Fang Chong
Published: January 2023

Nitrophenols are a group of small organic molecules with significant environmental implications from the atmosphere to waterways. In this work, we investigate a series of nitrophenols and nitrophenolates, with the contrasting ortho-, meta-, and para-substituted nitro group to the phenolic hydroxy or phenolate oxygen site (2/3/4NP or NP−), implementing a suite of steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic techniques that include UV/Visible spectroscopy, femtosecond transient absorption (fs-TA) spectroscopy with probe-dependent and global analysis, and femtosecond stimulated Raman spectroscopy (FSRS), aided by quantum calculations. The excitation-dependent (400 and 267 nm) electronic dynamics in water and methanol, for six protonated or deprotonated nitrophenol molecules (three regioisomers in each set), enable a systematic investigation of the excited-state dynamics of these functional “nanomachines” that can undergo nitro-group twisting (as a rotor), excited-state intramolecular or intermolecular proton transfer (donor–acceptor, ESIPT, or ESPT), solvation, and cooling (chromophore) events on molecular timescales. In particular, the meta-substituted compound 3NP or 3NP− exhibits the strongest charge-transfer character with FSRS signatures (e.g., C–N peak frequency), and thus, does not favor nitroaromatic twist in the excited state, while the ortho-substituted compound 2NP can undergo ESIPT in water and likely generate nitrous acid (HONO) after 267 nm excitation. The delineated mechanistic insights into the nitro-substituent-location-, protonation-, solvent-, and excitation-wavelength-dependent effects on nitrophenols, in conjunction with the ultraviolet-light-induced degradation of 2NP in water, substantiates an appealing discovery loop to characterize and engineer functional molecules for environmental applications.