bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Approach to Modeling the Prediction of Movement Time
Authors: Lin Chiuhsiang Joe , Cheng Chih-Feng
Published: July 2021

Fitts’ law predicts the human movement response time for a specific task through a simple linear formulation, in which the intercept and the slope are estimated from the task’s empirical data. This research was motivated by our pilot study, which found that the linear regression’s essential assumptions are not satisfied in the literature. Furthermore, the keystone hypothesis in Fitts’ law, namely that the movement time per response will be directly proportional to the minimum average amount of information per response demanded by the particular amplitude and target width, has never been formally tested. Therefore, in this study we developed an optional formulation by combining the findings from the fields of psychology, physics, and physiology to fulfill the statistical assumptions. An experiment was designed to test the hypothesis in Fitts’ law and to validate the proposed model. To conclude, our results indicated that movement time could be related to the index of difficulty at the same amplitude. The optional formulation accompanies the index of difficulty in Shannon form and performs the prediction better than the traditional model. Finally, a new approach to modeling movement time prediction was deduced from our research results.
An Equivalent Linear Programming Form of General Linear Fractional Programming: A Duality Approach
Authors: Toloo Mehdi
Published: July 2021

Linear fractional programming has been an important planning tool for the past four decades. The main contribution of this study is to show, under some assumptions, for a linear programming problem, that there are two different dual problems (one linear programming and one linear fractional functional programming) that are equivalent. In other words, we formulate a linear programming problem that is equivalent to the general linear fractional functional programming problem. These equivalent models have some interesting properties which help us to prove the related duality theorems in an easy manner. A traditional data envelopment analysis (DEA) model is taken, as an instance, to illustrate the applicability of the proposed approach.
Uncertainty, Spillovers, and Forecasts of the Realized Variance of Gold Returns
Authors: Gupta Rangan , Pierdzioch Christian
Published: July 2021

Using data for the group of G7 countries and China for the sample period 1996Q1 to 2020Q4, we study the role of uncertainty and spillovers for the out-of-sample forecasting of the realized variance of gold returns and its upside (good) and downside (bad) counterparts. We go beyond earlier research in that we do not focus exclusively on U.S.-based measures of uncertainty, and in that we account for international spillovers of uncertainty. Our results, based on the Lasso estimator, show that, across the various model configurations that we study, uncertainty has a more systematic effect on out-of-sample forecast accuracy than spillovers. Our results have important implications for investors in terms of, for example, pricing of related derivative securities and the development of portfolio-allocation strategies.
The Effect of Molecular Weight on the Antimicrobial Activity of Chitosan from Loligo opalescens for Food Packaging Applications
Authors: Gomes Luciana C. , Faria Sara I. , Valcarcel Jesus , Vázquez José A. , Cerqueira Miguel A. , Pastrana Lorenzo , Bourbon Ana I. , Mergulhão Filipe J.
Published: July 2021

The growing requirement for sustainable processes has boosted the development of biodegradable plastic-based materials incorporating bioactive compounds obtained from waste, adding value to these products. Chitosan (Ch) is a biopolymer that can be obtained by deacetylation of chitin (found abundantly in waste from the fishery industry) and has valuable properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, antimicrobial activity, and easy film-forming ability. This study aimed to produce and characterize poly(lactic acid) (PLA) surfaces coated with β-chitosan and β-chitooligosaccharides from a Loligo opalescens pen with different molecular weights for application in the food industry. The PLA films with native and depolymerized Ch were functionalized through plasma oxygen treatment followed by dip-coating, and their physicochemical properties were assessed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, water contact angle, and scanning electron microscopy. Their antimicrobial properties were assessed against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas putida, where Ch-based surfaces reduced the number of biofilm viable, viable but nonculturable, and culturable cells by up to 73%, 74%, and 87%, respectively, compared to PLA. Biofilm growth inhibition was confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results suggest that Ch films of higher molecular weight had higher antibiofilm activity under the food storage conditions mimicked in this work, contributing simultaneously to the reuse of marine waste.
Pacific-Ciguatoxin-2 and Brevetoxin-1 Induce the Sensitization of Sensory Receptors Mediating Pain and Pruritus in Sensory Neurons
Authors: Pierre Ophélie , Fouchard Maxime , Le Goux Nelig , Buscaglia Paul , Leschiera Raphaël , Lewis Richard J. , Mignen Olivier , Fluhr Joachim W. , Misery Laurent , Le Garrec Raphaële
Published: July 2021

Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) and neurotoxic shellfish poisoning syndromes are induced by the consumption of seafood contaminated by ciguatoxins and brevetoxins. Both toxins cause sensory symptoms such as paresthesia, cold dysesthesia and painful disorders. An intense pruritus, which may become chronic, occurs also in CFP. No curative treatment is available and the pathophysiology is not fully elucidated. Here we conducted single-cell calcium video-imaging experiments in sensory neurons from newborn rats to study in vitro the ability of Pacific-ciguatoxin-2 (P-CTX-2) and brevetoxin-1 (PbTx-1) to sensitize receptors and ion channels, (i.e., to increase the percentage of responding cells and/or the response amplitude to their pharmacological agonists). In addition, we studied the neurotrophin release in sensory neurons co-cultured with keratinocytes after exposure to P-CTX-2. Our results show that P-CTX-2 induced the sensitization of TRPA1, TRPV4, PAR2, MrgprC, MrgprA and TTX-r NaV channels in sensory neurons. P-CTX-2 increased the release of nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the co-culture supernatant, suggesting that those neurotrophins could contribute to the sensitization of the aforementioned receptors and channels. Our results suggest the potential role of sensitization of sensory receptors/ion channels in the induction or persistence of sensory disturbances in CFP syndrome.
Analytical Solutions of a Two-Compartment Model Based on the Volume-Average Theory for Blood Toxin Concentration during and after Dialysis
Authors: Sano Yoshihiko , Sato Kentaro , Iida Ryusei , Kabashima Narutoshi , Ugawa Toyomu
Published: July 2021

Accurate prediction of blood toxin concentration during and after dialysis will greatly contribute to the determination of dialysis treatment conditions. Conventional models, namely single-compartment model and two-compartment model, have advantages and disadvantages in terms of accuracy and practical application. In this study, we attempted to derive the mathematical model that predicts blood toxin concentrations during and after dialysis, which has both accuracy and practicality. To propose the accurate model, a new two-compartment model was mathematically derived by adapting volume-averaging theory to the mass transfer around peripheral tissues. Subsequently, to propose a practical model for predicting the blood toxin concentration during dialysis, an analytical solution expressed as algebraic expression was derived by adopting variable transformation. Furthermore, the other analytical solution that predicts rebound phenomena after dialysis was also derived through similar steps. The comparisons with the clinical data revealed that the proposed analytical solutions can reproduce the behavior of the measured blood urea concentration during and after dialysis. The analytical solutions proposed as algebraic expressions will allow a doctor to estimate the blood toxin concentration of a patient during and after dialysis. The proposed analytical solutions may be useful to consider the treatment conditions for dialysis, including the rebound phenomenon.
Emerging Materials to Prepare Mixed Matrix Membranes for Pollutant Removal in Water
Authors: Lim Yu Jie , Lee So Min , Wang Rong , Lee Jaewoo
Published: July 2021

Various pollutants of different sizes are directly (e.g., water-borne diseases) and indirectly (e.g., accumulation via trophic transfer) threatening our water health and safety. To cope with this matter, multifaceted approaches are required for advanced wastewater treatment more efficiently. Wastewater treatment using mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) could provide an excellent alternative since it could play two roles in pollutant removal by covering adsorption and size exclusion of water contaminants simultaneously. This paper provides an overview of the research progresses and trends on the emerging materials used to prepare MMMs for pollutant removal from water in the recent five years. The transition of the research trend was investigated, and the most preferred materials to prepare MMMs were weighed up based on the research trend. Various application examples where each emerging material was used have been introduced along with specific mechanisms underlying how the better performance was realized. Lastly, the perspective section addresses how to further improve the removal efficiency of pollutants in an aqueous phase, where we could find a niche to spot new materials to develop environmentally friendly MMMs, and where we could further apply MMMs.
Corrosion Behaviour and J774A.1 Macrophage Response to Hyaluronic Acid Functionalization of Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Oxide on Biomedical Grade CoCr
Authors: Chico Belén , Pérez-Maceda Blanca Teresa , San José Sara , Escudero María Lorenza , García-Alonso María Cristina , Lozano Rosa María
Published: July 2021

Improvements in the lubrication of metal–metal joint prostheses are of great clinical interest in order to minimize the particles released during wear–corrosion processes. In this work, electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ErGO) on CoCr was functionalized with hyaluronic acid (ErGOHA). Functionalization was carried out by soaking for 24 h in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution containing 3 g/L hyaluronic acid (HA). The corrosion performance of CoCrErGO and CoCrErGOHA surfaces was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for 7 days in PBS. Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity were studied in mouse macrophages J774A.1 cell line by the measurement of mitochondrial activity (WST-1 assay) and plasma membrane damage (LDH assay). The inflammatory response was examined through TNF-α and IL-10 cytokines in macrophages culture supernatants, used as indicators of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, respectively. EIS diagrams of CoCrErGOHA revealed two time constants: the first one, attributed to the hydration and diffusion processes of the HA layer adsorbed on ErGO, and the second one, the corrosion resistance of ErGOHA/CoCr interface. Macrophage assays showed better behavior on CoCrErGOHA than CoCr and CoCrErGO surfaces based on their biocompatible, cytotoxic, and inflammatory responses. Comparative analysis of IL-10 showed that functionalization with HA induces higher values of anti-inflammatory cytokine, suggesting an improvement in inflammatory behavior.
Influence of Shot Peening on the Isothermal Fatigue Behavior of the Gamma Titanium Aluminide Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb at 750 °C
Authors: Breuner Christoph , Guth Stefan , Gall Elias , Swadźba Radosław , Gibmeier Jens , Heilmaier Martin
Published: July 2021

One possibility to improve the fatigue life and strength of metallic materials is shot peening. However, at elevated temperatures, the induced residual stresses may relax. To investigate the influence of shot peening on high-temperature fatigue behavior, isothermal fatigue tests were conducted on shot-peened and untreated samples of gamma TiAl 48-2-2 at 750 °C in air. The shot-peened material was characterized using EBSD, microhardness, and residual stress analyses. Shot peening leads to a significant increase in surface hardness and high compressive residual stresses near the surface. Both effects may have a positive influence on lifetime. However, it also leads to surface notches and tensile residual stresses in the bulk material with a negative impact on cyclic lifetime. During fully reversed uniaxial tension-compression fatigue tests (R = −1) at a stress amplitude of 260 MPa, the positive effects dominate, and the fatigue lifetime increases. At a lower stress amplitude of 230 MPa, the negative effect of internal tensile residual stresses dominates, and the lifetime decreases. Shot peening leads to a transition from surface to volume crack initiation if the surface is not damaged by the shots.
The Influence of Returnable Material on Internal Homogeneity of the High-Pressure Die-Cast AlSi9Cu3(Fe) Alloy
Authors: Matejka Marek , Bolibruchová Dana , Podprocká Radka
Published: July 2021

Nowadays, high-pressure die-casting technology is an integral part of industrial production. High productivity, reduced machining requirements together with the low weight and advantageous properties of aluminium alloys form an ideal combination for the production of numerous components for various industries. The experimental part of the presented article focuses on the analysis of the change in the ratio of returnable material and commercial-purity alloy in a batch depending on the internal homogeneity of castings (microstructure, porosity and microhardness) from AlSi9Cu3(Fe) alloy. The use of returnable material in the batch is a key factor in achieving the maximum use of aluminium melt, which increases the economic efficiency of production and, last but not least, has a more favorable impact on the environment. Structural analysis showed that the increase in returnable material in the batch was visibly manifested in a change in the morphology of the eutectic Si. A negative change in the morphology of the eutectic Si particles was observed after increasing the returnable material content in the batch to 75%. The evaluation of porosity at control cuts showed the influence of the increase of returnable material in the batch, where the worst results were achieved by the alloy with 90% but also the one with 55% returnable material content in the batch.
Hyperpolarized Dihydroxyacetone Is a Sensitive Probe of Hepatic Gluconeogenic State
Authors: Ragavan Mukundan , McLeod Marc A. , Giacalone Anthony G. , Merritt Matthew E.
Published: July 2021

Type II diabetes and pre-diabetes are widely prevalent among adults. Elevated serum glucose levels are commonly treated by targeting hepatic gluconeogenesis for downregulation. However, direct measurement of hepatic gluconeogenic capacity is accomplished only via tracer metabolism approaches that rely on multiple assumptions, and are clinically intractable due to expense and time needed for the studies. We previously introduced hyperpolarized (HP) [2-13C]dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as a sensitive detector of gluconeogenic potential, and showed that feeding and fasting produced robust changes in the ratio of detected hexoses (6C) to trioses (3C) in the perfused liver. To confirm that this ratio is robust in the setting of treatment and hormonal control, we used ex vivo perfused mouse livers from BLKS mice (glucagon treated and metformin treated), and db/db mice. We confirm that the ratio of signal intensities of 6C to 3C in 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra post HP DHA administration is sensitive to hepatic gluconeogenic state. This method is directly applicable in vivo and can be implemented with existing technologies without the need for substantial modifications.
Yeasts Associated with the Small-Intestinal Contents and Epithelium of Pon Yang Kham (Charolais Crossbred) Fattening Beef Cattle
Authors: Angchuan Jirameth , Khunnamwong Pannida , Wongpanit Kannika , Limtong Savitree , Srisuk Nantana
Published: July 2021

Yeast diversity in the pia and small-intestinal epithelium of Pon Yang Kham fattening cattle in Thailand was studied using a culture-dependent method. A total of 701 yeasts were isolated from the pia of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of the small intestine, while 425 isolates were obtained from the epithelium of all three parts of the small intestine. Yeast identification was performed and ascomycetous yeasts were found at levels of 96.9% and 86.8% in the pia and small intestine, respectively, whereas basidiomycetous yeasts were found at levels of 2.3% and 12.7%. Candida parapsilosis was the species with the highest occurrence in the duodenal and jejunal pia, with an 83.3% and 77.8% frequency of occurrence (FO), respectively. Both C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis were species with the highest occurrence in the ileum, with a 61.1% FO. Moreover, C. parapsilosis was the species with the highest occurrence in the epithelium of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, with FOs of 88.2%, 87.5%, and 87.2%, respectively. Principal coordinate analysis revealed no marked differences in yeast communities from either the pia or epithelium of all three parts of the small intestine. An estimation of the expected richness of the species showed that the observed species richness was lower than the predicted richness.
The Role of the Respiratory Microbiome and Viral Presence in Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Severity in the First Five Years of Life
Authors: Hoefnagels Ivo , van de Maat Josephine , van Kampen Jeroen J.A. , van Rossum Annemarie , Obihara Charlie , Tramper-Stranders Gerdien A. , Heikema Astrid P. , de Koning Willem , van Wermerskerken Anne-Marie , Horst-Kreft Deborah , Driessen Gertjan J.A. , Punt Janine , Smit Frank J. , Stubbs Andrew , Noordzij Jeroen G. , Hays John P. , Oostenbrink Rianne
Published: July 2021

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in children are common and, although often mild, a major cause of mortality and hospitalization. Recently, the respiratory microbiome has been associated with both susceptibility and severity of LRTI. In this current study, we combined respiratory microbiome, viral, and clinical data to find associations with the severity of LRTI. Nasopharyngeal aspirates of children aged one month to five years included in the STRAP study (Study to Reduce Antibiotic prescription in childhood Pneumonia), who presented at the emergency department (ED) with fever and cough or dyspnea, were sequenced with nanopore 16S-rRNA gene sequencing and subsequently analyzed with hierarchical clustering to identify respiratory microbiome profiles. Samples were also tested using a panel of 15 respiratory viruses and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which were analyzed in two groups, according to their reported virulence. The primary outcome was hospitalization, as measure of disease severity. Nasopharyngeal samples were isolated from a total of 167 children. After quality filtering, microbiome results were available for 54 children and virology panels for 158 children. Six distinct genus-dominant microbiome profiles were identified, with Haemophilus-, Moraxella-, and Streptococcus-dominant profiles being the most prevalent. However, these profiles were not found to be significantly associated with hospitalization. At least one virus was detected in 139 (88%) children, of whom 32.4% had co-infections with multiple viruses. Viral co-infections were common for adenovirus, bocavirus, and enterovirus, and uncommon for human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and influenza A virus. The detection of enteroviruses was negatively associated with hospitalization. Virulence groups were not significantly associated with hospitalization. Our data underlines high detection rates and co-infection of viruses in children with respiratory symptoms and confirms the predominant presence of Haemophilus-, Streptococcus-, and Moraxella-dominant profiles in a symptomatic pediatric population at the ED. However, we could not assess significant associations between microbiome profiles and disease severity measures.
Diversity and Biocontrol Potential of Cultivable Endophytic Bacteria Associated with Halophytes from the West Aral Sea Basin
Authors: Gao Lei , Ma Jinbiao , Liu Yonghong , Huang Yin , Mohamad Osama Abdalla Abdelshafy , Jiang Hongchen , Egamberdieva Dilfuza , Li Wenjun , Li Li
Published: July 2021

Endophytes associated with halophytes may contribute to the host’s adaptation to adverse environmental conditions through improving their stress tolerance and protecting them from various soil-borne pathogens. In this study, the diversity and antifungal activity of endophytic bacteria associated with halophytic samples growing on the shore of the western Aral Sea in Uzbekistan were investigated. The endophytic bacteria were isolated from the nine halophytic samples by using the culture-dependent method and identified according to their 16S rRNA gene sequences. The screening of endophytic bacterial isolates with the ability to inhibit pathogenic fungi was completed by the plate confrontation method. A total of 289 endophytic bacterial isolates were isolated from the nine halophytes, and they belong to Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria. The predominant genera of the isolated endophytic bacteria were Bacillus, Staphylococcus, and Streptomyces, accounting for 38.5%, 24.7%, and 12.5% of the total number of isolates, respectively. The comparative analysis indicated that the isolation effect was better for the sample S8, with the highest diversity and richness indices. The diversity index of the sample S7 was the lowest, while the richness index of samples S5 and S6 was the lowest. By comparing the isolation effect of 12 different media, it was found that the M7 medium had the best performance for isolating endophytic bacteria associated with halophytes in the western Aral Sea Basin. In addition, the results showed that only a few isolates have the ability to produce ex-enzymes, and eight and four endophytic bacterial isolates exhibited significant inhibition to the growth of Valsa mali and Verticillium dahlia, respectively. The results of this study indicated that halophytes are an important source for the selection of microbes that may protect plant from soil-borne pathogens.
Alteration of the Fecal but Not Salivary Microbiome in Patients with Behçet’s Disease According to Disease Activity Shift
Authors: Kim Jin Cheol , Park Mi Jin , Park Sun , Lee Eun-So
Published: July 2021

The human microbiome plays an important role in various diseases, including Behçet’s disease (BD). However, the effects of disease activity and covariates influencing the microbial composition have not yet been investigated. Therefore, we investigated the fecal and salivary microbiomes of BD patients compared to those of recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU) patients, as well as dietary habit-matched healthy controls (HCs) selected from immediate family members using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The fecal microbiome alpha diversity of BD patients was not different from that of their matched HCs, although it was higher than that of unrelated HCs and decreased in BD patients with disease activity. A tendency toward clustering in the beta diversity of the fecal microbiome was observed between the active BD patients and their matched HCs. Active BD patients had a significantly higher abundance of fecal Bacteroides uniformis than their matched HCs and patients with the disease in an inactive state (p = 0.038). The abundance of salivary Rothia mucilaginosa group was higher in BD patients than in RAUs patients. BD patients with uveitis had different abundances of various taxa, compared to those without uveitis. Our results showed an association of fecal microbiome composition with BD disease activity and symptoms, suggesting the possible role of the gut microbiome in BD pathogenesis.
Tungsten Ores of the Dzhida W-Mo Ore Field (Southwestern Transbaikalia, Russia): Mineral Composition and Physical-Chemical Conditions of Formation
Authors: Damdinova Ludmila , Damdinov Bulat
Published: July 2021

This article discusses the peculiarities of mineral composition and a fluid inclusions (FIs further in the text) study of the Kholtoson W and Inkur W deposits located within the Dzhida W-Mo ore field (Southwestern Transbaikalia, Russia). The Mo mineralization spatially coincides with the apical part of the Pervomaisky stock (Pervomaisky deposit), and the W mineralization forms numerous quartz veins in the western part of the ore field (Kholtoson vein deposit) and the stockwork in the central part (Inkur stockwork deposit). The ore mineral composition is similar at both deposits. Quartz is the main gangue mineral; there are also present muscovite, K-feldspar, and carbonates. The main ore mineral of both deposits is hubnerite. In addition to hubnerite, at both deposits, more than 20 mineral species were identified; they include sulfides (pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, bornite, etc.), sulfosalts (tetrahedrite, aikinite, stannite, etc.), oxides (scheelite, cassiterite), and tellurides (hessite). The results of mineralogical and fluid inclusions studies allowed us to conclude that the Inkur W and the Kholtoson W deposits were formed by the same hydrothermal fluids, related to the same ore-forming system. For both deposits, the fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures varied within the range ~195–344 °C. The presence of cogenetic liquid- and vapor-dominated inclusions in the quartz from the ores of the Kholtoson deposit allowed us to estimate the true temperature range of mineral formation as 413–350 °C. Ore deposition occurred under similar physical-chemical conditions, differing only in pressures of mineral formation. The main factors of hubnerite deposition from hydrothermal fluids were decreases in temperature.
Geochemistry of Sphalerite from the Permian Volcanic-Hosted Massive Sulphide (VHMS) Deposits in the Tasik Chini Area, Peninsular Malaysia: Constraints for Ore Genesis
Authors: Basori Mohd Basril Iswadi , Gilbert Sarah E. , Zaw Khin , Large Ross R.
Published: July 2021

The Bukit Botol and Bukit Ketaya deposits are two examples of volcanic-hosted massive sulphide (VHMS) deposits that occur in the Tasik Chini area, Central Belt of Peninsular Malaysia. The mineralisation is divided into subzones distinguished by spatial, mineralogical, and textural characteristics. The primary sulphide minerals include pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and galena, with lesser amounts of Sn- and Ag-bearing minerals, with Au. However, pyrrhotite is absent from both deposits. This study presents the results of sphalerite chemistry analysed by using an electron microprobe. Two types of sphalerite are recognised: sphalerite from the Bukit Botol deposit reveals a range of <DL to 24.0 mole% FeS, whereas sphalerite from the Bukit Ketaya deposit shows a range of <DL to 3 mole% FeS. Significant variations are shown in Zn, Cu, Cd, and Ag levels. Although the sphalerite has a wide variation in composition, a discernible decreasing Fe trend is exhibited from the stringer zone towards massive sulphide. This compositional variation in sphalerites may in part reflect variable temperature and activity of sulphur in the hydrothermal fluids during ore formation. Alternatively, the bimodal composition variations suggest that mineral chemistry relates to contrasting depositional processes. The Zn/Cd ratios for sphalerite from both these deposits are similar to those exhibited by volcano−sedimentary deposits with a volcanic origin. Therefore, the consistently low Cd concentrations and moderate to high Zn/Cd ratios suggest mixing of seawater and minor magmatic fluids controlling the chemistry of sphalerite at both deposits during their formation.
Carbothermic Reduction and Nitridation Mechanism of Vanadium-Bearing Titanomagnetite Concentrate
Authors: Yu Wen , Wen Xiaojin , Liu Wei , Chen Jiangan
Published: July 2021

In this study, the carbothermic reduction and nitridation mechanism of vanadium-bearing titanomagnetite concentrate are investigated in terms of phase transformation, microstructure transformation, and thermodynamic analyses. The differences in the reaction behavior of titanomagnetite and ilmenite in vanadium-bearing titanomagnetite concentrate, as well as the distribution characteristic of V in the roasted products, are emphatically studied. It is observed that the reaction sequences of titanomagnetite and ilmenite transformations into nitride are as follows: Fe3−xTixO4→Fe2TiO4→FeTiO3→M3O5→(Ti, V)(N, C); FeTiO3→M3O5→Ti(N, C). The reduction of M3O5 to TiN is the rate-limiting step of the entire reaction, and metal iron is an important medium for transferring C for the reduction of M3O5. Titanomagnetite is faster to convert into nitride than ilmenite is, and the reasons for this are discussed in detail. During the entire roasting process, V mainly coexists with Ti and seems to facilitate the conversion of titanium oxides into (Ti, V)(N, C).
Production, Properties and Performance of Slag-Based, Geopolymer Foams
Authors: Tsaousi Georgia-Maria , Panias Dimitrios
Published: July 2021

This paper demonstrates the transformation of the industrial residue (copper slag) of a Swedish mining and smelting company “Boliden”, through geopolymerization, into advanced building materials. The main objective of this experimental study is the assessment of the appropriate conditions for the preparation of alkali-activated slag-based geopolymer pastes with further foaming production, by aluminum powder addition. The alkaline-activating solution used was KOH, at a constant concentration (8 M). The effect of crucial operating parameters, such as S/L ratio (3.5–4.5 g/mL) and aluminum powder addition (0.12%–0.22%), on the geopolymer paste were studied, in order to achieve the optimum rheological conditions of the slurry. The physical properties of the materials were examined after the appropriate curing process (24 h at 70 °C), with density values ranging between 805 and 1100 kg/m3. The mechanical performance of the materials ranged between 1.28 and 2 MPa (compressive strength), and from 0.25 to 0.85 MPa (flexural strength), indicating the strong correlation of physical and mechanical properties. To assess the porosity and the size distribution of the voids, image processing techniques were applied on digital images of selected samples. According to these results, the synthesized materials exhibit similar, or even better, properties than the current concrete porous materials.
Burial and Thermal History Modeling of the Paleozoic–Mesozoic Basement in the Northern Margin of the Western Outer Carpathians (Case Study from Pilzno-40 Well, Southern Poland)
Authors: Botor Dariusz
Published: July 2021

Hydrocarbon exploration under thrust belts is a challenging frontier globally. In this work, 1-D thermal maturity modeling of the Paleozoic–Mesozoic basement in the northern margin of the Western Outer Carpathians was carried out to better explain the thermal history of source rocks that influenced hydrocarbon generation. The combination of Variscan burial and post-Variscan heating due to elevated heat flow may have caused significant heating in the Paleozoic basement in the pre-Middle Jurassic period. However, the most likely combined effect of Permian-Triassic burial and Late Triassic–Early Jurassic increase of heat flow caused the reaching of maximum paleotemperature. The main phase of hydrocarbon generation in Paleozoic source rocks developed in pre-Middle Jurassic times. Therefore, generated hydrocarbons from Ordovician and Silurian source rocks were lost before reservoirs and traps were formed in the Late Mesozoic. The Miocene thermal overprint due to the Carpathian overthrust probably did not significantly change the thermal maturity of organic matter in the Paleozoic–Mesozoic strata. Thus, it can be concluded that petroleum accumulations in the Late Jurassic and Cenomanian reservoirs of the foreland were charged later, mainly by source rocks occurring within the thrustbelt, i.e., Oligocene Menilite Shales. Finally, this work shows that comprehensive mineralogical and geochemical studies are an indispensable prerequisite of any petroleum system modelling because their results could influence petroleum exploration of new oil and gas fields.
Nepheline Syenite as an Alternative Source for Aluminum Production
Authors: Bagani Maria , Balomenos Efthymios , Panias Dimitrios
Published: July 2021

The increasing demand for aluminum in conjunction with the limited available bauxite deposits in Europe results in the dire need for the evaluation of alternative raw materials for the whole value chain of alumina production. The present paper focuses on the possible use of nepheline syenite, originated as a mine byproduct, in alumina production through leaching with an azeotropic HCl solution. Previous work on nepheline syenite dissolution focused more on the extraction of potassium and sodium values. In this work, emphasis is given at the characteristics and leachability of aluminum content phases by applying a high temperature HCl leaching in untreated material. From this point of view, leaching experiments were conducted on nepheline syenite, at a temperature range of 90 °C to 150 °C and with aqueous azeotropic HCl solution. Leaching, in the aforementioned conditions, is a process, characterized by medium aluminum dissolution. The results show that the aluminum-bearing phases that withstand the dissolution process are mainly the ones of sodium and potassium feldspars.
3D-Printing of Drug-Eluting Implants: An Overview of the Current Developments Described in the Literature
Authors: Domsta Vanessa , Seidlitz Anne
Published: July 2021

The usage of 3D-printing for drug-eluting implants combines the advantages of a targeted local drug therapy over longer periods of time at the precise location of the disease with a manufacturing technique that easily allows modifications of the implant shape to comply with the individual needs of each patient. Research until now has been focused on several aspects of this topic such as 3D-printing with different materials or printing techniques to achieve implants with different shapes, mechanical properties or release profiles. This review is intended to provide an overview of the developments currently described in the literature. The topic is very multifaceted and several of the investigated aspects are not related to just one type of application. Consequently, this overview deals with the topic of 3D-printed drug-eluting implants in the application fields of stents and catheters, gynecological devices, devices for bone treatment and surgical screws, antitumoral devices and surgical meshes, as well as other devices with either simple or complex geometry. Overall, the current findings highlight the great potential of the manufacturing of drug-eluting implants via 3D-printing technology for advanced individualized medicine despite remaining challenges such as the regulatory approval of individualized implants.
Efficacy of a Covalent Microtubule Stabilizer in Taxane-Resistant Ovarian Cancer Models
Authors: Yee Samantha S. , Risinger April L.
Published: July 2021

Ovarian cancer often has a poor clinical prognosis because of late detection, frequently after metastatic progression, as well as acquired resistance to taxane-based therapy. Herein, we evaluate a novel class of covalent microtubule stabilizers, the C-22,23-epoxytaccalonolides, for their efficacy against taxane-resistant ovarian cancer models in vitro and in vivo. Taccalonolide AF, which covalently binds β-tubulin through its C-22,23-epoxide moiety, demonstrates efficacy against taxane-resistant models and shows superior persistence in clonogenic assays after drug washout due to irreversible target engagement. In vivo, intraperitoneal administration of taccalonolide AF demonstrated efficacy against the taxane-resistant NCI/ADR-RES ovarian cancer model both as a flank xenograft, as well as in a disseminated orthotopic disease model representing localized metastasis. Taccalonolide-treated animals had a significant decrease in micrometastasis of NCI/ADR-RES cells to the spleen, as detected by quantitative RT-PCR, without any evidence of systemic toxicity. Together, these findings demonstrate that taccalonolide AF retains efficacy in taxane-resistant ovarian cancer models in vitro and in vivo and that its irreversible mechanism of microtubule stabilization has the unique potential for intraperitoneal treatment of locally disseminated taxane-resistant disease, which represents a significant unmet clinical need in the treatment of ovarian cancer patients.
Phosphine Sulfide-Based Bipolar Host Materials for Blue Phosphorescent Organic Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Xie Gaozhan , Wang Jiangchao , Cao Yang , Xue Xudong , Zhang Xiao , Liu Chang , Li Huanhuan , Tao Ye , Chen Runfeng
Published: July 2021

Three phosphine sulfide-based bipolar host materials, viz CzPhPS, DCzPhPS, and TCzPhPS, were facilely prepared through a one-pot synthesis in excellent yields. The developed hosts exhibit superior thermal stabilities with the decomposition temperatures (Td) all exceeding 350 °C and the melting temperatures (Tm) over 200 °C. In addition, their triplet energy (ET) levels are estimated to be higher than 3.0 eV, illustrating that they are applicable to serve as hosts for blue phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (PhOLEDs). The maxima luminance, current efficiency (CE), power efficiency (PE), and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 17,223 cd m−2, 36.7 cd A−1, 37.5 lm W−1, and 17.5% are achieved for the blue PhOLEDs hosted by CzPhPS. The PhOLEDs based on DCzPhPS and TCzPhPS show inferior device performance than that of CzPhPS, which might be ascribed to the deteriorated charge transporting balance as the increased number of the constructed carbazole units in DCzPhPS and TCzPhPS molecules would enhance the hole-transporting ability of the devices to a large extent. Our study demonstrates that the bipolar hosts derived from phosphine sulfide have enormous potential applications in blue PhOLEDs, and the quantity of donors should be well controlled to exploit highly efficient phosphine sulfide-based hosts.
Hypocholesterolemic Effect of Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) Extract in Healthy Female Subjects: A Pilot Study
Authors: Nanashima Naoki , Horie Kayo , Kitajima Maiko , Takamagi Shizuka , Mikami Kasumi , In Naoya , Tomisawa Toshiko
Published: July 2021

Blackcurrant extract (BCE) ameliorates dyslipidemia in menopausal model animals and in elderly women at a risk of dyslipidemia. However, it is unknown whether the daily intake of BCE can prevent lipid abnormalities in healthy individuals. Lipids are essential for the body, but they also cause arteriosclerosis. In this noncomparative pilot study, we examined the effects of BCE administered for 29 days on serum lipids in young healthy women. Blood samples were collected before and on days 4 and 29 after BCE intake, and 20 lipoprotein fractions in the serum were separated using a gel-permeation high-performance liquid chromatography method to measure the triacylglycerol and cholesterol levels in lipoproteins. There were no effects on lipids on day 4 of BCE intake, but the total cholesterol level decreased on day 29. Furthermore, the levels of total very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, small VLDL cholesterol, and large low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly decreased. These results suggest that the daily intake of BCE has a hypocholesterolemic effect in healthy women, and that it is effective in preventing atherosclerosis.
The Effect of Simulated In Vitro Digestion on Biological Activity of Viburnum opulus Fruit Juices
Authors: Pietrzyk Nina , Zakłos-Szyda Małgorzata , Redzynia Małgorzata , Podsędek Anna
Published: July 2021

In the present study, an in vitro digestion method has been used to assay the influence of the physiological conditions in the mouth, stomach, and intestine on the stability and activity in different cell models of the main phenolic compounds from Viburnum opulus fresh juice (FJ), phenolic-rich juice (PJ), and the bioavailable fractions (DFJ and DPJ). The data obtained indicate that the V. opulus samples achieved after in vitro digestion had an influence on cellular glucose and lipid metabolism. The bioavailable fraction of both digested juices stimulated glucose uptake and decreased lipid accumulation by L6 myoblasts and HepG2 hepatocytes. Both DFJ and DPJ reduced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines by 3T3-L1 adipocytes: interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Simultaneously, DFJ and DPJ enhanced oxidative stress in MIN6 cells and decreased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). UPLC–MS analysis revealed qualitative and quantitative changes in hydroxycinnamic acids. In particular, the content of chlorogenic acid decreased drastically; its content in the bioavailable fraction was almost 7 times and 30 times lower than in the FJ and PJ, respectively. Our results suggested that although the phenolic compounds of V. opulus juices undergo transformation during digestion, they are still potent antioxidant agents with biological activity.
Natural and Conventional Cosmetics—Mercury Exposure Assessment
Authors: Podgórska Aleksandra , Puścion-Jakubik Anna , Grodzka Anita , Naliwajko Sylwia K. , Markiewicz-Żukowska Renata , Socha Katarzyna
Published: July 2021

Mercury (Hg) can enter the human body through the respiratory tract and digestive system, but also through the skin. Sources of Hg in the environment can be natural processes, but also human activities, including agriculture, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. Hg can also enter the body through food, but also with cosmetics that are used for a long time. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the Hg content in 268 randomly selected cosmetics: Natural and conventional, for face and body. Hg content was determined using an atomic absorption spectrometer (AMA 254, Leco, Prague, Czech Republic). It was shown that the face preparations were characterized by a significantly higher Hg content than the body preparations. No differences in the content of the tested element were found between natural and conventional preparations. Hg could be detected in all samples with concentrations measured from 0.348 to 37.768 µg/kg.
Nanoparticles for Targeted Drug Delivery to Cancer Stem Cells: A Review of Recent Advances
Authors: Ertas Yavuz Nuri , Abedi Dorcheh Keyvan , Akbari Ali , Jabbari Esmaiel
Published: July 2021

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cells that can initiate, self-renew, and sustain tumor growth. CSCs are responsible for tumor metastasis, recurrence, and drug resistance in cancer therapy. CSCs reside within a niche maintained by multiple unique factors in the microenvironment. These factors include hypoxia, excessive levels of angiogenesis, a change of mitochondrial activity from aerobic aspiration to aerobic glycolysis, an upregulated expression of CSC biomarkers and stem cell signaling, and an elevated synthesis of the cytochromes P450 family of enzymes responsible for drug clearance. Antibodies and ligands targeting the unique factors that maintain the niche are utilized for the delivery of anticancer therapeutics to CSCs. In this regard, nanomaterials, specifically nanoparticles (NPs), are extremely useful as carriers for the delivery of anticancer agents to CSCs. This review covers the biology of CSCs and advances in the design and synthesis of NPs as a carrier in targeting cancer drugs to the CSC subpopulation of cancer cells. This review includes the development of synthetic and natural polymeric NPs, lipid NPs, inorganic NPs, self-assembling protein NPs, antibody-drug conjugates, and extracellular nanovesicles for CSC targeting.
Evaluation and Optimization of Poly-d-Lysine as a Non-Natural Cationic Polypeptide for Gene Transfer in Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Sanchez-Martos Miguel , Martinez-Navarrete Gema , Bernabeu-Zornoza Adela , Humphreys Lawrence , Fernandez Eduardo
Published: July 2021

Cationic polypeptides and cationic polymers have cell-penetrating capacities and have been used in gene transfer studies. In this study, we investigate the capability of a polymer of d-lysine (PDL), a chiral form of α–Poly-lysine, as a possible nonviral vector for releasing genetic materials to neuroblastoma cells and evaluate its stability against proteases. We tested and compared its transfection effectiveness in vitro as a vehicle for the EGFP plasmid DNA (pDNA) reporter in the SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma, HeLa, and 3T3 cell lines. Using fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry, we demonstrated high transfection efficiencies based on EGFP fluorescence in SH-SY5Y cells, compared with HeLa and 3T3. Our results reveal PDL as an efficient vector for gene delivery specifically in the SH-SY5Y cell line and suggest that PDL can be used as a synthetic cell-penetrating polypeptide for gene therapy in neuroblastoma cells.
Electrochemical Immunosensors with PQQ-Decorated Carbon Nanotubes as Signal Labels for Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine
Authors: Ma Xiaohua , Deng Dehua , Xia Ning , Hao Yuanqiang , Liu Lin
Published: July 2021

Nanocatalysts are a promising alternative to natural enzymes as the signal labels of electrochemical biosensors. However, the surface modification of nanocatalysts and sensor electrodes with recognition elements and blockers may form a barrier to direct electron transfer, thus limiting the application of nanocatalysts in electrochemical immunoassays. Electron mediators can accelerate the electron transfer between nanocatalysts and electrodes. Nevertheless, it is hard to simultaneously achieve fast electron exchange between nanocatalysts and redox mediators as well as substrates. This work presents a scheme for the design of electrochemical immunosensors with nanocatalysts as signal labels, in which pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is the redox-active center of the nanocatalyst. PQQ was decorated on the surface of carbon nanotubes to catalyze the electrochemical oxidation of tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) with ferrocenylmethanol (FcM) as the electron mediator. With prostate-specific antigen (PSA) as the model analyte, the detection limit of the sandwich-type immunosensor was found to be 5 pg/mL. The keys to success for this scheme are the slow chemical reaction between TCEP and ferricinum ions, and the high turnover frequency between ferricinum ions, PQQ. and TCEP. This work should be valuable for designing of novel nanolabels and nanocatalytic schemes for electrochemical biosensors.
The Impact of Milk Fat Globule Membrane with Exercise on Age-Related Degeneration of Neuromuscular Junctions
Authors: Sugita Satoshi , Tamura Kotaro , Yano Michiko , Minegishi Yoshihiko , Ota Noriyasu
Published: July 2021

Morphological changes in neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), which are synapses formed between α-motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers, are considered to be important in age-related motor dysfunction. We have previously shown that the intake of dietary milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) combined with exercise attenuates age-related NMJ alterations in the early phase of aging. However, it is unclear whether the effect of MFGM with exercise on age-related NMJ alterations persists into old age, and whether intervention from old age is still effective when age-related changes in NMJs have already occurred. In this study, 6- or 18-month-old mice were treated with a 1% MFGM diet and daily running wheel exercise until 23 or 24 months of age, respectively. MFGM treatment with exercise was effective in suppressing the progression of age-related NMJ alterations in old age, and even after age-related changes in NMJs had already occurred. Moreover, the effect of MFGM intake with exercise was not restricted to NMJs but extended to the structure and function of peripheral nerves. This study demonstrates that MFGM intake with exercise may be a novel approach for improving motor function in the elderly by suppressing age-related NMJ alterations.