bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hot Wear of Single Phase fcc Materials—Influence of Temperature, Alloy Composition and Stacking Fault Energy
Authors: Berger Aaron , Walter Maximilian , Benito Santiago Manuel , Weber Sebastian
Published: December 2021

The severe sliding abrasion of single-phase metallic materials is a complex issue with a gaining importance in industrial applications. Different materials with different lattice structures react distinctly to stresses, as the material reaction to wear of counter and base body is mainly determined by the deformation behavior of the base body. For this reason, fcc materials in particular are investigated in this work because, as shown in previous studies, they exhibit better hot wear behavior than bcc materials. In particular, three austenitic steels are investigated, with pure Ni as well as Ni20Cr also being studied as benchmark materials. This allows correlations to be worked out between the hot wear of the material and their microstructural parameters. For this reason, wear tests are carried out, which are analyzed on the basis of the wear characteristics and scratch marks using Electron Backscatter Diffraction. X-ray experiments at elevated temperatures were also carried out to determine the microstructural parameters. It was found that the stacking fault energy, which influences the strain hardening potential, governs the hot wear behavior at elevated temperatures. These correlations can be underlined by analysis of the wear affected cross section, where the investigated materials have shown clear differences.
Fatigue Behavior of Laser-Cut Sheet Metal Parts with Brazed-On Elements
Authors: Zeuner André Till , Kühne Robert , Standke Christiane , Köberlin David , Wanski Thomas , Schettler Sebastian , Füssel Uwe , Zimmermann Martina
Published: December 2021

Laser cutting is used in the production of formed sheet metal components. However, the cyclic load capacity is reduced compared to other subtractive processes. Laser cutting results in a significant loss of fatigue strength; however, thermal joining has its own effect on the cyclic load capacity. Accordingly, brazing causes a significant reduction in the mechanical strength. However, the open question is what consequences a combination of both processes may have on the overall fatigue strength of sheet metals. Laser-cut samples of AISI 304 with and without a brazed-on element were investigated for their microstructure and mechanical properties. The brazing process was found to have an annealing effect on the microstructure. It was further observed that the fatigue behavior of brazed specimens is dominated by inhomogeneities at the surface of the filler metal fillet located in the geometric notch of the brazed joint. Fatigue strength decreased by almost 50% compared to as-cut specimens. As long as no shared diffusion zone is formed between the laser-cut and the brazed joint, the use of laser cutting for the production of such components appears to be reasonable and does not further contribute to the loss of cyclic strength.
Monolayer and Bilayer Formation of Molecular 2D Networks Assembled at the Liquid/Solid Interfaces by Solution-Based Drop-Cast Method
Authors: Zeng Xingming , Hu Yi , Xie Rongbin , Khan Sadaf Bashir , Lee Shern-Long
Published: December 2021

In recent years, extending self-assembled structures from two-dimensions (2D) to three-dimensions (3D) has been a paradigm in surface supramolecular chemistry and contemporary nanotechnology. Using organic molecules of p-terphenyl-3,5,3′,5′-tetracarboxylic acid (TPTC), and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), we present a simple route, that is the control of the solute solubility in a sample solution, to achieve the vertical growth of supramolecular self-assemblies, which would otherwise form monolayers at the organic solvent/graphite interface. Presumably, the bilayer formations were based on π-conjugated overlapped molecular dimers that worked as nuclei to induce the yielding of the second layer. We also tested other molecules, including trimesic acid (TMA) and 1,3,5-tris(4-carboxyphenyl)-benzene (BTB), as well as the further application of our methodology, demonstrating the facile preparation of layered assemblies.
Aurones: A Golden Resource for Active Compounds
Authors: Mazziotti Ilaria , Petrarolo Giovanni , La Motta Concettina
Published: December 2021

Deemed as poorly represented in nature, aurones have been often overlooked by researchers compared to other members of the flavonoid superfamily. However, over the past two decades, they have been reassessed by the scientific community, who are increasingly appreciating their ability to modulate several biological pathways. This review summarizes the recent literature on this class of compounds, which has been analyzed from both a chemical and a functional point of view. Original articles, reviews and editorials featured in Pubmed and Scifinder over the last twenty years have been taken into account to provide the readers with a view of the chemical strategies to obtain them, their functional properties, and their potential of technological use. The resulting comprehensive picture aims at raising the awareness of these natural derivatives as effective drug candidates, fostering the development of novel synthetic analogues.
High Performance Liquid Chromatography versus Stacking-Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography for the Determination of Potentially Toxic Alkenylbenzenes in Food Flavouring Ingredients
Authors: Dang Huynh N. P. , Quirino Joselito P.
Published: December 2021

Alkenylbenzenes, including eugenol, methyleugenol, myristicin, safrole, and estragole, are potentially toxic phytochemicals, which are commonly found in foods. Occurrence data in foods depends on the quality of the analytical methodologies available. Here, we developed and compared modern reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and stacking-micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) methods for the determination of the above alkenylbenzenes in food flavouring ingredients. The analytical performance of HPLC was found better than the stacking-MEKC method. Compared to other HPLC methods found in the literature, our method was faster (total run time with conditioning of 15 min) and able to separate more alkenylbenzenes. In addition, the analytical methodology combining an optimized methanol extraction and proposed HPLC was then applied to actual food flavouring ingredients. This methodology should be applicable to actual food samples, and thus will be vital to future studies in the determination of alkenylbenzenes in food.
A New Oxadiazole-Based Topsentin Derivative Modulates Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 1 Expression and Exerts Cytotoxic Effects on Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Pecoraro Camilla , Parrino Barbara , Cascioferro Stella , Puerta Adrian , Avan Amir , Peters Godefridus J. , Diana Patrizia , Giovannetti Elisa , Carbone Daniela
Published: December 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal form of cancer characterized by drug resistance, urging new therapeutic strategies. In recent years, protein kinases have emerged as promising pharmacological targets for the treatment of several solid and hematological tumors. Interestingly, cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) is overexpressed in PDAC tissues and has been correlated to the aggressive nature of these tumors because of its key role in cell cycle progression and resistance to the induction of apoptosis. For these reasons, CDK1 is one of the main causes of chemoresistance, representing a promising pharmacological target. In this study, we report the synthesis of new 1,2,4-oxadiazole compounds and evaluate their ability to inhibit the cell growth of PATU-T, Hs766T, and HPAF-II cell lines and a primary PDAC cell culture (PDAC3). Compound 6b was the most active compound, with IC50 values ranging from 5.7 to 10.7 µM. Molecular docking of 6b into the active site of CDK1 showed the ability of the compound to interact effectively with the adenosine triphosphate binding pocket. Therefore, we assessed its ability to induce apoptosis (which increased 1.5- and 2-fold in PATU-T and PDAC3 cells, respectively) and to inhibit CDK1 expression, which was reduced to 45% in Hs766T. Lastly, compound 6b passed the ADME prediction, showing good pharmacokinetic parameters. These data demonstrate that 6b displays cytotoxic activity, induces apoptosis, and targets CDK1, supporting further studies for the development of similar compounds against PDAC.
Single-Port Coherent Perfect Loss in a Photonic Crystal Nanobeam Resonator
Authors: Choi Jihoon , Noh Heeso
Published: December 2021

We numerically demonstrated single-port coherent perfect loss (CPL) with a Fabry–Perot resonator in a photonic crystal (PC) nanobeam by using a perfect magnetic conductor (PMC)-like boundary. The CPL mode with even symmetry can be reduced to a single-port CPL when a PMC boundary is applied. The boundary which acts like a PMC boundary, here known as a PMC-like boundary, and can be realized by adjusting the phase shift of the reflection from the PC when the wavelength of the light is within the photonic bandgap wavelength range. We designed and optimized simple Fabry–Perot resonator and coupler in nanobeam to get the PMC-like boundary. To satisfy the loss condition in CPL, we controlled the coupling loss in the resonator by modifying the lattice constant of the PC used for coupling. By optimizing the coupling loss, we achieved zero reflection (CPL) in a single port with a PMC-like boundary.
MicroRNAs as a Suitable Biomarker to Detect the Effects of Long-Term Exposures to Nanomaterials. Studies on TiO2NP and MWCNT
Authors: Ballesteros Sandra , Vales Gerard , Velázquez Antonia , Pastor Susana , Alaraby Mohamed , Marcos Ricard , Hernández Alba
Published: December 2021

The presence of nanomaterials (NMs) in the environment may represent a serious risk to human health, especially in a scenario of chronic exposure. To evaluate the potential relationship between NM-induced epigenetic alterations and carcinogenesis, the present study analyzed a panel of 33 miRNAs related to the cell transformation process in BEAS-2B cells transformed by TiO2NP and long-term MWCNT exposure. Our battery revealed a large impact on miRNA expression profiling in cells exposed to both NMs. From this analysis, a small set of five miRNAs (miR-23a, miR-25, miR-96, miR-210, and miR-502) were identified as informative biomarkers of the transforming effects induced by NM exposures. The usefulness of this reduced miRNA battery was further validated in other previously generated transformed cell systems by long-term exposure to other NMs (CoNP, ZnONP, MSiNP, and CeO2NP). Interestingly, the five selected miRNAs were consistently overexpressed in all cell lines and NMs tested. These results confirm the suitability of the proposed set of mRNAs to identify the potential transforming ability of NMs. Particular attention should be paid to the epigenome and especially to miRNAs for hazard assessment of NMs, as wells as for the study of the underlying mechanisms of action.
Ordered Porous TiO2@C Layer as an Electrocatalyst Support for Improved Stability in PEMFCs
Authors: Liu Gaoyang , Yang Zhaoyi , Wang Xindong , Fang Baizeng
Published: December 2021

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are the most promising clean energy source in the 21st century. In order to achieve a high power density, electrocatalytic performance, and electrochemical stability, an ordered array structure membrane electrode is highly desired. In this paper, a new porous Pt-TiO2@C ordered integrated electrode was prepared and applied to the cathode of a PEMFC. The utilization of the TiO2@C support can significantly decrease the loss of catalyst caused by the oxidation of the carbon from the conventional carbon layer due to the strong interaction of TiO2 and C. Furthermore, the thin carbon layer coated on TiO2 provides the rich active sites for the Pt growth, and the ordered support and catalyst structure reduces the mass transport resistance and improves the stability of the electrode. Due to its unique structural characteristics, the ordered porous Pt-TiO2@C array structure shows an excellent catalytic activity and improved Pt utilization. In addition, the as-developed porous ordered structure exhibits superior stability after 3000 cycles of accelerated durability test, which reveals an electrochemical surface area decay of less than 30%, considerably lower than that (i.e., 80%) observed for the commercial Pt/C.
Impact of the Incorporation of Nano-Sized Cellulose Formate on the End Quality of Polylactic Acid Composite Film
Authors: Zhang Yidong , Liu Chao , Wu Meiyan , Li Zhenqiu , Li Bin
Published: December 2021

Polylactic acid (PLA) films with good sustainable and biodegradable properties have been increasingly explored recently, while the poor mechanical property of PLA limits its further application. Herein, three kinds of nano-sized cellulose formate (NCF: cellulose nanofibril (CNF), cellulose nanocrystal (CNC), and regenerated cellulose formate (CF)) with different properties were fabricated via a one-step formic acid (FA) hydrolysis of tobacco stalk, and the influence of the properties of NCF with different morphologies, crystallinity index (CrI), and degree of substitution (DS) on the end quality of PLA composite film was systematically compared. Results showed that the PLA/CNC film showed the highest increase (106%) of tensile strength compared to the CNF- and CF-based films, which was induced by the rod-like CNC with higher CrI. PLA/CF film showed the largest increase (50%) of elongation at the break and more even surface, which was due to the stronger interfacial interaction between PLA and the CF with higher DS. Moreover, the degradation property of PLA/CNF film was better than that of other composite films. This fundamental study was very beneficial for the development of high-quality, sustainable packaging as an alternative to petroleum-based products.
Bi-Functional Paraffin@Polyaniline/TiO2/PCN-222(Fe) Microcapsules for Solar Thermal Energy Storage and CO2 Photoreduction
Authors: Sun Wenchang , Hou Yueming , Zhang Xu
Published: December 2021

A novel type of bi-functional microencapsulated phase change material (MEPCM) microcapsules with thermal energy storage (TES) and carbon dioxide (CO2) photoreduction was designed and fabricated. The polyaniline (PANI)/titanium dioxide (TiO2)/PCN-222(Fe) hybrid shell encloses phase change material (PCM) paraffin by the facile and environment-friendly Pickering emulsion polymerization, in which TiO2 and PCN-222(Fe) nanoparticles (NPs) were used as Pickering stabilizer. Furthermore, a ternary heterojunction of PANI/(TiO2)/PCN-222(Fe) was constructed due to the tight contact of the three components on the hybrid shell. The results indicate that the maximum enthalpy of MEPCMs is 174.7 J·g−1 with encapsulation efficiency of 77.2%, and the thermal properties, chemical composition, and morphological structure were well maintained after 500 high–low temperature cycles test. Besides, the MEPCM was employed to reduce CO2 into carbon monoxide (CO) and methane (CH4) under natural light irradiation. The CO evolution rate reached up to 45.16 μmol g−1 h−1 because of the suitable band gap and efficient charge migration efficiency, which is 5.4, 11, and 62 times higher than pure PCN-222(Fe), PANI, and TiO2, respectively. Moreover, the CO evolution rate decayed inapparently after five CO2 photoreduction cycles. The as-prepared bi-functional MEPCM as the temperature regulating building materials and air purification medium will stimulate a potential application.
Electrospun Methacrylated Gelatin/Poly(L-Lactic Acid) Nanofibrous Hydrogel Scaffolds for Potential Wound Dressing Application
Authors: Sun Mingchao , Chen Shaojuan , Ling Peixue , Ma Jianwei , Wu Shaohua
Published: December 2021

Electrospun nanofiber mats have attracted intense attention as advanced wound dressing materials. The objective of this study was to fabricate methacrylated gelatin (MeGel)/poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) hybrid nanofiber mats with an extracellular matrix (ECM) mimicking nanofibrous structure and hydrogel-like properties for potential use as wound dressing materials. MeGel was first synthesized via the methacryloyl substitution of gelatin (Gel), a series of MeGel and PLLA blends with various mass ratios were electrospun into nanofiber mats, and a UV crosslinking process was subsequently utilized to stabilize the MeGel components in the nanofibers. All the as-crosslinked nanofiber mats exhibited smooth and bead-free fiber morphologies. The MeGel-containing and crosslinked nanofiber mats presented significantly improved hydrophilic properties (water contact angle = 0°; 100% wettability) compared to the pure PLLA nanofiber mats (~127°). The swelling ratio of crosslinked nanofiber mats notably increased with the increase of MeGel (143.6 ± 7.4% for PLLA mats vs. 875.0 ± 17.1% for crosslinked 1:1 MeGel/PLLA mats vs. 1135.2 ± 16.0% for crosslinked MeGel mats). The UV crosslinking process was demonstrated to significantly improve the structural stability and mechanical properties of MeGel/PLLA nanofiber mats. The Young’s modulus and ultimate strength of the crosslinked nanofiber mats were demonstrated to obviously decrease when more MeGel was introduced in both dry and wet conditions. The biological tests showed that all the crosslinked nanofiber mats presented great biocompatibility, but the crosslinked nanofiber mats with more MeGel were able to notably promote the attachment, growth, and proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts. Overall, this study demonstrates that our MeGel/PLLA blend nanofiber mats are attractive candidates for wound dressing material research and application.
Continuously Reinforced Carbon Nanotube Film Sea-Cucumber-like Polyaniline Nanocomposites for Flexible Self-Supporting Energy-Storage Electrode Materials
Authors: Li Bingjian , Liu Shi , Yang Haicun , Xu Xixi , Zhou Yinjie , Yang Rong , Zhang Yun , Li Jinchun
Published: December 2021

The charge storage mechanism and capacity of supercapacitors completely depend on the electrochemical and mechanical properties of electrode materials. Herein, continuously reinforced carbon nanotube film (CNTF), as the flexible support layer and the conductive skeleton, was prepared via the floating catalytic chemical vapor deposition (FCCVD) method. Furthermore, a series of novel flexible self-supporting CNTF/polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposite electrode materials were prepared by cyclic voltammetry electrochemical polymerization (CVEP), with aniline and mixed-acid-treated CNTF film. By controlling the different polymerization cycles, it was found that the growth model, morphology, apparent color, and loading amount of the PANI on the CNTF surface were different. The CNTF/PANI-15C composite electrode, prepared by 15 cycles of electrochemical polymerization, has a unique surface, with a “sea-cucumber-like” 3D nanoprotrusion structure and microporous channels formed via the stacking of the PANI nanowires. A CNTF/PANI-15C flexible electrode exhibited the highest specific capacitance, 903.6 F/g, and the highest energy density, 45.2 Wh/kg, at the current density of 1 A/g and the voltage window of 0 to 0.6 V. It could maintain 73.9% of the initial value at a high current density of 10 A/g. The excellent electrochemical cycle and structural stabilities were confirmed on the condition of the higher capacitance retention of 95.1% after 2000 cycles of galvanostatic charge/discharge, and on the almost unchanged electrochemical performances after 500 cycles of bending. The tensile strength of the composite electrode was 124.5 MPa, and the elongation at break was 18.9%.
On the Use of Carbon Cables from Plastic Solvent Combinations of Polystyrene and Toluene in Carbon Nanotube Synthesis
Authors: Orbaek White Alvin , Hedayati Ali , Yick Tim , Gangoli Varun Shenoy , Niu Yubiao , Lethbridge Sean , Tsampanakis Ioannis , Swan Gemma , Pointeaux Léo , Crane Abigail , Charles Rhys , Sallah-Conteh Jainaba , Anderson Andrew O. , Davies Matthew Lloyd , Corr Stuart. J. , Palmer Richard E.
Published: December 2021

For every three people on the planet, there are approximately two Tonnes (Te) of plastic waste. We show that carbon recovery from polystyrene (PS) plastic is enhanced by the coaddition of solvents to grow carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by liquid injection chemical vapour deposition. Polystyrene was loaded up to 4 wt% in toluene and heated to 780 °C in the presence of a ferrocene catalyst and a hydrogen/argon carrier gas at a 1:19 ratio. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Raman spectroscopy were used to identify multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The PS addition in the range from 0 to 4 wt% showed improved quality and CNT homogeneity; Raman “Graphitic/Defective” (G/D) values increased from 1.9 to 2.3; mean CNT diameters increased from 43.0 to 49.2 nm; and maximum CNT yield increased from 11.37% to 14.31%. Since both the CNT diameters and the percentage yield increased following the addition of polystyrene, we conclude that carbon from PS contributes to the carbon within the MWCNTs. The electrical contact resistance of acid-washed Bucky papers produced from each loading ranged from 2.2 to 4.4 Ohm, with no direct correlation to PS loading. Due to this narrow range, materials with different loadings were mixed to create the six wires of an Ethernet cable and tested using iPerf3; the cable achieved up- and down- link speeds of ~99.5 Mbps, i.e., comparable to Cu wire with the same dimensions (~99.5 Mbps). The lifecycle assessment (LCA) of CNT wire production was compared to copper wire production for a use case in a Boeing 747-400 over the lifespan of the aircraft. Due to their lightweight nature, the CNT wires decreased the CO2 footprint by 21 kTonnes (kTe) over the aircraft’s lifespan.
Co-Designing a New Yoga-Based Mindfulness Intervention for Survivors of Stroke: A Formative Evaluation
Authors: Thayabaranathan Tharshanah , Immink Maarten A. , Hillier Susan , Stolwyk Rene , Andrew Nadine E. , Stevens Philip , Kilkenny Monique F. , Gee Emma , Carey Leeanne , Brodtmann Amy , Bernhardt Julie , Thrift Amanda G. , Cadilhac Dominique A.
Published: December 2021

Movement-based mindfulness interventions (MBI) are complex, multi-component interventions for which the design process is rarely reported. For people with stroke, emerging evidence suggests benefits, but mainstream programs are generally unsuitable. We aimed to describe the processes involved and to conduct a formative evaluation of the development of a novel yoga-based MBI designed for survivors of stroke. We used the Medical Research Council complex interventions framework and principles of co-design. We purposefully approached health professionals and consumers to establish an advisory committee for developing the intervention. Members collaborated and iteratively reviewed the design and content of the program, formatted into a training manual. Four external yoga teachers independently reviewed the program. Formative evaluation included review of multiple data sources and documentation (e.g., formal meeting minutes, focus group discussions, researcher observations). The data were synthesized using inductive thematic analysis. Three broad themes emerged: (a) MBI content and terminology; (b) manual design and readability; and (c) barriers and enablers to deliver the intervention. Various perspectives and feedback on essential components guided finalizing the program. The design phase of a novel yoga-based MBI was strengthened by interdisciplinary, consumer contributions and peer review. The 12-week intervention is ready for testing among survivors of stroke.
The Chemical Composition and Health-Promoting Effects of the Grewia Species—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Qamar Muhammad , Akhtar Saeed , Ismail Tariq , Wahid Muqeet , Barnard Ross T. , Esatbeyoglu Tuba , Ziora Zyta M.
Published: December 2021

Globally grown and organoleptically appreciated Grewia species are known as sources of bioactive compounds that avert the risk of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Therefore, in recent years, the genus Grewia has attracted increasing scientific attention. This is the first systematic review which focusses primarily on the nutritional composition, phytochemical profile, pharmacological properties, and disease preventative role of Grewia species. The literature published from 1975 to 2021 was searched to retrieve relevant articles from databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. Two independent reviewers carried out the screening, selection of articles, and data extraction. Of 815 references, 56 met our inclusion criteria. G. asiatica and G. optiva were the most frequently studied species. We found 167 chemical compounds from 12 Grewia species, allocated to 21 categories. Flavonoids represented 41.31% of the reported bioactive compounds, followed by protein and amino acids (10.7%), fats and fatty acids (9.58%), ash and minerals (6.58%), and non-flavonoid polyphenols (5.96%). Crude extracts, enriched with bioactive compounds, and isolated compounds from the Grewia species show antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective/radioprotective, immunomodulatory, and sedative hypnotic potential. Moreover, antimicrobial properties, improvement in learning and memory deficits, and effectiveness against neurodegenerative ailments are also described within the reviewed article. Nowadays, the side effects of some synthetic drugs and therapies, and bottlenecks in the drug development pathway have directed the attention of researchers and pharmaceutical industries towards the development of new products that are safe, cost-effective, and readily available. However, the application of the Grewia species in pharmaceutical industries is still limited.
Child Contact Case Management—A Major Policy-Practice Gap in High-Burden Countries
Authors: Vasiliu Anca , Salazar-Austin Nicole , Trajman Anete , Lestari Trisasi , Mtetwa Godwin , Bonnet Maryline , Casenghi Martina
Published: December 2021

The 2021 Global Tuberculosis (TB) report shows slow progress towards closing the pediatric TB detection gap and improving the TB preventive treatment (TPT) coverage among child and adolescent contacts. This review presents the current knowledge around contact case management (CCM) in low-resource settings, with a focus on child contacts, which represents a key priority population for CCM and TPT. Compelling evidence demonstrates that CCM interventions are a key gateway for both TB case finding and identification of those in need of TPT, and their yield and effectiveness should provide a strong rationale for prioritization by national TB programs. A growing body of evidence is now showing that innovative models of care focused on community-based and patient-centered approaches to household contact investigation can help narrow down the CCM implementation gaps that we are currently facing. The availability of shorter and child-friendly TPT regimens for child contacts provide an additional important opportunity to improve TPT acceptability and adherence. Prioritization of TB CCM implementation and adequate resource mobilization by ministries of health, donors and implementing agencies is needed to timely close the gap.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profiling of Potassium Transport-Related Genes in Vigna radiata under Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Azeem Farrukh , Ijaz Usman , Ali Muhammad Amjad , Hussain Sabir , Zubair Muhammad , Manzoor Hamid , Abid Muhammad , Zameer Roshan , Kim Dong-Seon , Golokhvast Kirill S. , Chung Gyuhwa , Sun Sangmi , Nawaz Muhammad Amjad
Published: December 2021

Potassium (K+) is one of the most important cations that plays a significant role in plants and constitutes up to 10% of plants’ dry weight. Plants exhibit complex systems of transporters and channels for the distribution of K+ from soil to numerous parts of plants. In this study, we have identified 39 genes encoding putative K+ transport-related genes in Vigna radiata. Chromosomal mapping of these genes indicated an uneven distribution across eight out of 11 chromosomes. Comparative phylogenetic analysis of different plant species, i.e., V. radiata, Glycine max, Cicer arietinum, Oryza sativa, and Arabidopsis thaliana, showed their strong conservation in different plant species. Evolutionary analysis of these genes suggests that gene duplication is a major route of expansion for this family in V. radiata. Comprehensive promoter analysis identified several abiotic stresses related to cis-elements in the promoter regions of these genes, suggesting their role in abiotic stress tolerance. Our additional analyses indicated that abiotic stresses adversely affected the chlorophyll concentration, carotenoids, catalase, total soluble protein concentration, and the activities of superoxide and peroxidase in V. radiata. It also disturbs the ionic balance by decreasing the uptake of K+ content and increasing the uptake of Na+. Expression analysis from high-throughput sequencing data and quantitative real-time PCR experiments revealed that several K+ transport genes were expressed in different tissues (seed, flower, and pod) and in abiotic stress-responsive manners. A highly significant variation of expression was observed for VrHKT (1.1 and 1.2), VrKAT (1 and 2) VrAKT1.1, VrAKT2, VrSKOR, VrKEA5, VrTPK3, and VrKUP/HAK/KT (4, 5, and 8.1) in response to drought, heat or salinity stress. It reflected their potential roles in plant growth, development, or stress adaptations. The present study gives an in-depth understanding of K+ transport system genes in V. radiata and will serve as a basis for a functional analysis of these genes.
Current Situation and Perspectives of Fruit Annonaceae in Mexico: Biological and Agronomic Importance and Bioactive Properties
Authors: Hernández Fuentes Luis M. , Montalvo González Efigenia , García Magaña Maria de Lourdes , Anaya Esparza Luis M. , Nolasco González Yolanda , Villagrán Zuamí , González Torres Sughey , Velázquez Monreal José Joaquín , Morelos Flores David Antonio
Published: December 2021

The Annonaceae family is one of the oldest angiosperms. The genus Annona is the one with the most species and, together with Asimina, the only ones that contain edible fruits. In the last 10 years, interest in these fruit species has increased, mainly due to their nutritional properties and their application in the treatment of human diseases. Mexico is the center of origin for most of them. However, at present much of the basic agronomic information, postharvest handling of the fruits, and their potential as new crops for areas with poor soils in organic matter or semi-dry climates is unknown. It is considered that these custard apple species may be an option to change towards instead of crops that have lost profitability and sustainability. A review of the current state of knowledge in different areas of the species A. muricata, A. macroprophyllata, A. reticulata, A. squamosa, and A. cherimola was carried out and to focus research efforts on the topics of greatest interest and on those where is required to achieve a sustainable production and use of these resources in Mexico. However, knowledge about the cultivation and potential uses of these species is needed to increase their commercialization; the integration of interdisciplinary and interinstitutional groups is required.
Whole-Genome Resequencing of Near-Isogenic Lines Reveals a Genomic Region Associated with High Trans-Lycopene Contents in Watermelon
Authors: Lee Siyoung , Park Girim , Choi Yunseo , Park Seoyeon , Kim Hoytaek , Lee Oakjin , Kim Taebok , Park Younghoon
Published: December 2021

Trans-lycopene is a functional phytochemical abundant in red-fleshed watermelons, and its contents vary among cultivars. In this study, the genetic basis of high trans-lycopene contents in scarlet red flesh was evaluated. Three near-isogenic lines (NILs) with high trans-lycopene contents were derived from the scarlet red-fleshed donor parent DRD and three coral red-fleshed (low trans-lycopene contents) recurrent parents. The lycopene contents of DRD (589.4 ± 71.8 µg/g) were two times higher than that of the recurrent parents, and values for NILs were intermediate between those of the parents. Coral red-fleshed lines and F1 cultivars showed low trans-lycopene contents (135.7 ± 18.0 µg/g to 213.7 ± 39.5 µg/g). Whole-genome resequencing of two NILs and their parents and an analysis of genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms revealed three common introgressed regions (CIRs) on chromosomes 6, 9, and 10. Twenty-eight gene-based cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers were developed from the CIRs. The CAPS markers derived from CIR6 on chromosome 6, spanning approximately 1 Mb, were associated (R2 = 0.45–0.72) with the trans-lycopene contents, particularly CIR6-M1 and CIR6-M4. Our results imply that CIR6 is a major genomic region associated with variation in the trans-lycopene contents in red-fleshed watermelon, and CIR6-M1 and CIR6-M4 may be useful for marker-assisted selection.
Silica-Based Core-Shell Nanocapsules: A Facile Route to Functional Textile
Authors: Zhang Chi , Hu Chunyan , Chang Shuo , Zhan Jianchao , Shen Jiajia , Shen Henggen
Published: December 2021

In this work, we present a surfactant-free miniemulsion approach to obtain silica-based core-shell nanocapsules with a phase change material (PCM) core via in-situ hydrolytic polycondensation of precursor hyperbranched polyethoxysiloxanes (PEOS) as silica shells. The obtained silica-based core-shell nanocapsules (PCM@SiO2), with diameters of ~400 nm and silica shells of ~14 nm, reached the maximum core content of 65%. The silica shell had basically no significant influence on the phase change behavior of PCM, and the PCM@SiO2 exhibited a high enthalpy of melt and crystallization of 123–126 J/g. The functional textile with PCM@SiO2 has been proposed with thermoregulation and acclimatization, ultraviolet (UV) resistance and improved mechanical properties. The thermal property tests have shown that the functional textile had good thermal stability. The functional textile, with a PCM@SiO2 concentration of 30%, was promising, with enthalpies of melting and crystallization of 27.7 J/g and 27.8 J/g, and UV resistance of 77.85. The thermoregulation and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) value could be maintained after washing 10 times, which demonstrated that the functional textile had durability. With good thermoregulation and UV resistance, the multi-functional textile shows good prospects for applications in thermal comfort and as protective and energy-saving textile.
Susceptibility of East Asian Marine Warm Clouds to Aerosols in Winter and Spring from Co-Located A-Train Satellite Observations
Authors: Chang Chiao-Wei , Chen Wei-Ting , Chen Yi-Chun
Published: December 2021

We constructed the A-Train co-located aerosol and marine warm cloud data from 2006 to 2010 winter and spring over East Asia and investigated the sensitivities of single-layer warm cloud properties to aerosols under different precipitation statuses and environmental regimes. The near-surface stability (NSS), modulated by cold air on top of a warm surface, and the estimated inversion strength (EIS) controlled by the subsidence are critical environmental parameters affecting the marine warm cloud structure over East Asia and, thus, the aerosols–cloud interactions. Based on our analysis, precipitating clouds revealed higher cloud susceptibility to aerosols as compared to non-precipitating clouds. The cloud liquid water path (LWP) increased with aerosols for precipitating clouds, yet decreased with aerosols for non-precipitating clouds, consistent with previous studies. For precipitating clouds, the cloud LWP and albedo increased more under higher NSS as unstable air promotes more moisture flux from the ocean. Under stronger EIS, the cloud albedo response to aerosols was lower than that under weaker EIS, indicating that stronger subsidence weakens the cloud susceptibility due to more entrainment drying. Our study suggests that the critical environmental factors governing the aerosol–cloud interactions may vary for different oceanic regions, depending on the thermodynamic conditions.
Monitoring Climate Impacts on Annual Forage Production across U.S. Semi-Arid Grasslands
Authors: Poděbradská Markéta , Wylie Bruce K. , Bathke Deborah J. , Bayissa Yared A. , Dahal Devendra , Derner Justin D. , Fay Philip A. , Hayes Michael J. , Schacht Walter H. , Volesky Jerry D. , Wagle Pradeep , Wardlow Brian D.
Published: December 2021

The ecosystem performance approach, used in a previously published case study focusing on the Nebraska Sandhills, proved to minimize impacts of non-climatic factors (e.g., overgrazing, fire, pests) on the remotely-sensed signal of seasonal vegetation greenness resulting in a better attribution of its changes to climate variability. The current study validates the applicability of this approach for assessment of seasonal and interannual climate impacts on forage production in the western United States semi-arid grasslands. Using a piecewise regression tree model, we developed the Expected Ecosystem Performance (EEP), a proxy for annual forage production that reflects climatic influences while minimizing impacts of management and disturbances. The EEP model establishes relations between seasonal climate, site-specific growth potential, and long-term growth variability to capture changes in the growing season greenness measured via a time-integrated Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) observed using a Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). The resulting 19 years of EEP were converted to expected biomass (EB, kg ha−1 year−1) using a newly-developed relation with the Soil Survey Geographic Database range production data (R2 = 0.7). Results were compared to ground-observed biomass datasets collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and University of Nebraska-Lincoln (R2 = 0.67). This study illustrated that this approach is transferable to other semi-arid and arid grasslands and can be used for creating timely, post-season forage production assessments. When combined with seasonal climate predictions, it can provide within-season estimates of annual forage production that can serve as a basis for more informed adaptive decision making by livestock producers and land managers.
Computer Vision in Analyzing the Propagation of a Gas–Gunpowder Jet
Authors: Palchikova Irina G. , Latyshov Igor V. , Smirnov Evgenii S. , Vasiliev Vasilii A. , Kondakov Alexander V. , Budaeva Irina A.
Published: December 2021

A method of mathematically processing the digital images of targets is developed. The theoretical and mathematical justification and the experimental validation of the possibility of estimating the amount of gunshot residue (GSR) and determining the GSR distribution over the target on the basis of its digital image is provided. The analysis of the optical density in selected concentric rings in the images reveals the radial dependence of soot distribution in the cross section of a gas–gunpowder jet. The analysis of the optical density in selected sectors of the circle reveals the angular dependence of the soot distribution in the gas–gunpowder jet cross section. It is shown that the integral optical density averaged over a selected area in the target image characterizes the mass of GSP deposited on it. It is possible to quantify the differences in the radial and angular distributions of the thickness of the GSR layer on various targets obtained both with the help of weapons of different types at the same distances and with the help of weapons of the same type at different distances, by calculating the distribution of optical density on their digital images.
Machine Learning Methods of Regression for Plasmonic Nanoantenna Glucose Sensing
Authors: Corcione Emilio , Pfezer Diana , Hentschel Mario , Giessen Harald , Tarín Cristina
Published: December 2021

The measurement and quantification of glucose concentrations is a field of major interest, whether motivated by potential clinical applications or as a prime example of biosensing in basic research. In recent years, optical sensing methods have emerged as promising glucose measurement techniques in the literature, with surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy combining the sensitivity of plasmonic systems and the specificity of standard infrared spectroscopy. The challenge addressed in this paper is to determine the best method to estimate the glucose concentration in aqueous solutions in the presence of fructose from the measured reflectance spectra. This is referred to as the inverse problem of sensing and usually solved via linear regression. Here, instead, several advanced machine learning regression algorithms are proposed and compared, while the sensor data are subject to a pre-processing routine aiming to isolate key patterns from which to extract the relevant information. The most accurate and reliable predictions were finally made by a Gaussian process regression model which improves by more than 60% on previous approaches. Our findings give insight into the applicability of machine learning methods of regression for sensor calibration and explore the limitations of SEIRA glucose sensing.
Upconversion Nanoparticles-Based Fluorescence Immunoassay for the Sensitive Detection of 2-Amino-3-methylimidazo [4,5-f] Quinoline (IQ) in Heat Processed Meat
Authors: Huang Xufang , Sheng Wei , Chen Haonan , Zhang Biao , Huang Na , Wang Shuo
Published: December 2021

A competitive fluorescence immunoassay for the quantitative detection of 2-amino-3-methylimidazo [4,5-f] quinoline (IQ) in pan-fried meat patties was developed, using magnetic nanoparticles coupled with coating antigen as the capture probe and anti-IQ antibody coupled with NaYF4: Yb, Er upconversion nanoparticles as the signal probe. Under optimal conditionals, the wide detection range for IQ in phosphate buffer saline is from 0.01 to 100 μg·L−1 (R2 = 0.991) with a detection limit of 0.007 μg·L−1. This proposed method has been applied to detect IQ in two different types of pan-fried meat patties at varying frying times, and the IQ content in chicken patties and fish patties are 2.11–3.47 μg·kg−1 and 1.35–2.85 μg·kg−1, respectively. These results are consistent with that of the ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In summary, this method can serve as a sensitive and specific test tool for the determination of IQ in processed meat.
Personalized Route Planning System Based on Driver Preference
Authors: Wang Ren , Zhou Mengchu , Gao Kaizhou , Alabdulwahab Ahmed , Rawa Muhyaddin J.
Published: December 2021

At present, most popular route navigation systems only use a few sensed or measured attributes to recommend a route. Yet the optimal route considered by drivers needs be based on multiple objectives and multiple attributes. As a result, these existing systems based on a single or few attributes may fail to meet such drivers’ needs. This work proposes a driver preference-based route planning (DPRP) model. It can recommend an optimal route by considering driver preference. We collect drivers’ preferences, and then provide a set of routes for their choice when they need. Next, we present an integrated algorithm to solve DPRP, which speeds up the search process for recommending the best routes. Its computation cost can be reduced by simplifying a road network and removing invalid sub-routes. Experimental results demonstrate its effectiveness.
AI-Enabled Predictive Maintenance Framework for Autonomous Mobile Cleaning Robots
Authors: Pookkuttath Sathian , Rajesh Elara Mohan , Sivanantham Vinu , Ramalingam Balakrishnan
Published: December 2021

Vibration is an indicator of performance degradation or operational safety issues of mobile cleaning robots. Therefore, predicting the source of vibration at an early stage will help to avoid functional losses and hazardous operational environments. This work presents an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled predictive maintenance framework for mobile cleaning robots to identify performance degradation and operational safety issues through vibration signals. A four-layer 1D CNN framework was developed and trained with a vibration signals dataset generated from the in-house developed autonomous steam mopping robot ‘Snail’ with different health conditions and hazardous operational environments. The vibration signals were collected using an IMU sensor and categorized into five classes: normal operational vibration, hazardous terrain induced vibration, collision-induced vibration, loose assembly induced vibration, and structure imbalanced vibration signals. The performance of the trained predictive maintenance framework was evaluated with various real-time field trials with statistical measurement metrics. The experiment results indicate that our proposed predictive maintenance framework has accurately predicted the performance degradation and operational safety issues by analyzing the vibration signal patterns raised from the cleaning robot on different test scenarios. Finally, a predictive maintenance map was generated by fusing the vibration signal class on the cartographer SLAM algorithm-generated 2D environment map.
Prototyping Mobile Storytelling Applications for People with Aphasia
Authors: Szklanny Krzysztof , Wichrowski Marcin , Wieczorkowska Alicja
Published: December 2021

Aphasia is a partial or total loss of the ability to articulate ideas or comprehend spoken language, resulting from brain damage, in a person whose language skills were previously normal. Our goal was to find out how a storytelling app can help people with aphasia to communicate and share daily experiences. For this purpose, the Aphasia Create app was created for tablets, along with Aphastory for the Google Glass device. These applications facilitate social participation and enhance quality of life by using visual storytelling forms composed of photos, drawings, icons, etc., that can be saved and shared. We performed usability tests (supervised by a neuropsychologist) on six participants with aphasia who were able to communicate. Our work contributes (1) evidence that the functions implemented in the Aphasia Create tablet app suit the needs of target users, but older people are often not familiar with tactile devices, (2) reports that the Google Glass device may be problematic for persons with right-hand paresis, and (3) a characterization of the design guidelines for apps for aphasics. Both applications can be used to work with people with aphasia, and can be further developed. Aphasic centers, in which the apps were presented, expressed interest in using them to work with patients. The Aphasia Create app won the Enactus Poland National Competition in 2015.
Corporate Financialization, Financing Constraints, and Environmental Investment
Authors: Tao Lan , Chen Lianfang , Li Kun
Published: December 2021

This paper took non-financial listed companies on A-shares from 2014 to 2018 as samples to empirically test the relationship between corporate financialization, financing constraints, and environmental investment. The empirical results showed that the degree of corporate financialization is negatively related to environmental investment, and the negative relationship between long-term financial assets and environmental investment is more significant. Financialization has a “crowding out” effect on environmental investment when the firm is a non-state enterprise or a small-scale enterprise. Financialization has a “reservoir” effect on environmental investment when it is subject to less financing constraints. Further analysis revealed that both long-term and short-term financial assets have an inhibiting effect on environmental investment when environmental regulations are stringent. This paper provides a theoretical reference for companies to make investment decisions on financial assets and to improve their ability on environmental investment and green sustainability.