bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Glycoside Hydrolase DogH Utilizing Soluble Starch to Maltose Improve Osmotic Tolerance in Deinococcus radiodurans
Authors: Gui Yuan , Lin Min , Yan Yongliang , Jiang Shijie , Zhou Zhengfu , Wang Jin
Published: February 2023

Deinococcus radiodurans is a microorganism that can adjust, survive or thrive in hostile conditions and has been described as “the strongest microorganism in the world”. The underlying mechanism behind the exceptional resistance of this robust bacterium still remains unclear. Osmotic stress, caused by abiotic stresses such as desiccation, salt stress, high temperatures and freezing, is one of the main stresses suffered by microorganisms, and it is also the basic response pathway by which organisms cope with environmental stress. In this study, a unique trehalose synthesis-related gene, dogH (Deinococcus radiodurans orphan glycosyl hydrolase-like family 10), which encodes a novel glycoside hydrolase, was excavated using a multi-omics combination method. The content accumulation of trehalose and its precursors under hypertonic conditions was quantified by HPLC-MS. Ours results showed that the dogH gene was strongly induced by sorbitol and desiccation stress in D. radiodurans. DogH glycoside hydrolase hydrolyzes α-1,4-glycosidic bonds by releasing maltose from starch in the regulation of soluble sugars, thereby increasing the concentration of TreS (trehalose synthase) pathway precursors and trehalose biomass. The maltose and alginate content in D. radiodurans amounted to 48 μg mg protein−1 and 45 μg mg protein−1, respectively, which were 9 and 28 times higher than those in E. coli, respectively. The accumulation of greater intracellular concentrations of osmoprotectants may be the true reason for the higher osmotic stress tolerance of D. radiodurans.
The Impact of Dysregulated microRNA Biogenesis Machinery and microRNA Sorting on Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Weng Yu-Ting , Chang Yao-Ming , Chern Yijuang
Published: February 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 22-nucleotide noncoding RNAs involved in the differentiation, development, and function of cells in the body by targeting the 3′- untranslated regions (UTR) of mRNAs for degradation or translational inhibition. miRNAs not only affect gene expression inside the cells but also, when sorted into exosomes, systemically mediate the communication between different types of cells. Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are age-associated, chronic neurological diseases characterized by the aggregation of misfolded proteins, which results in the progressive degeneration of selected neuronal population(s). The dysregulation of biogenesis and/or sorting of miRNAs into exosomes was reported in several NDs, including Huntington’s disease (HD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Many studies support the possible roles of dysregulated miRNAs in NDs as biomarkers and therapeutic treatments. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the dysregulated miRNAs in NDs is therefore timely and important for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. In this review, we focus on the dysregulated miRNA machinery and the role of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in NDs. The tools that are available to identify the target miRNA-mRNA axes in NDs in an unbiased manner are also discussed.
Long-Term Ingestion of Sicilian Black Bee Chestnut Honey and/or D-Limonene Counteracts Brain Damage Induced by High Fat-Diet in Obese Mice
Authors: Terzo Simona , Calvi Pasquale , Nuzzo Domenico , Picone Pasquale , Allegra Mario , Mulè Flavia , Amato Antonella
Published: February 2023

Obesity is linked to neurodegeneration, which is mainly caused by inflammation and oxidative stress. We analyzed whether the long-term intake of honey and/or D-limonene, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, when ingested separately or in combination, can counteract the neurodegeneration occurring in high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. After 10 weeks of HFD, mice were divided into: HFD-, HFD + honey (HFD-H)-, HFD + D-limonene (HFD-L)-, HFD + honey + D-limonene (HFD-H + L)-fed groups, for another 10 weeks. Another group was fed a standard diet (STD). We analyzed the brain neurodegeneration, inflammation, oxidative stress, and gene expression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) markers. The HFD animals showed higher neuronal apoptosis, upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes Fas-L, Bim P27 and downregulation of anti-apoptotic factors BDNF and BCL2; increased gene expression of the pro-inflammatory IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α and elevated oxidative stress markers COX-2, iNOS, ROS and nitrite. The honey and D-limonene intake counteracted these alterations; however, they did so in a stronger manner when in combination. Genes involved in amyloid plaque processing (APP and TAU), synaptic function (Ache) and AD-related hyperphosphorylation were higher in HFD brains, and significantly downregulated in HFD-H, HFD-L and HFD-H + L. These results suggest that honey and limonene ingestion counteract obesity-related neurodegeneration and that joint consumption is more efficacious than a single administration.
Predictive Stress Modeling of Resilient Modulus in Sandy Subgrade Soils
Authors: Tamošiūnas Tadas , Skuodis Šarūnas
Published: February 2023

The mechanical properties of pavement materials are crucial to the design and performance of flexible pavements. One of the most commonly used measures of these properties is the resilient modulus (Er). Many different models were developed to predict the resilient modulus of coarse soils, which are based on the states of stresses and the physical and mechanical properties of the soil. The unconsolidated unsaturated drained cyclic triaxial tests were performed for three variously graded and three well-graded sand specimens to determine the resilient modulus, and to perform predictive modeling using the K-θ, Rahim and George, Uzan, and Universal Witczak models. Obtained Er values directly depended on the confining pressure and deviatoric stress values used during the test. The Octahedral Shear Stress (OSS) model, proposed by the authors of the paper, predicts the resilient modulus with a coefficient of determination (R2) ranging from 0.85 to 0.99. The advantage of the model is the use of small-scale data tables, meaning fixed K1 and K2 regression coefficients, and it can be assigned to a specific specimen type without the need to determine them using the specific deviatoric and confining stresses.
Influence of Natural Fiber Content on the Frictional Material of Brake Pads—A Review
Authors: Ammar Zeina , Ibrahim Hamdy , Adly Mahmoud , Sarris Ioannis , Mehanny Sherif
Published: February 2023

Research into the use of eco-friendly materials, such as natural fibers, in brake pads has gained momentum in the last few decades. This can be attributed to the potential of natural fibers to replace traditional materials in tribological applications such as braking pads. The harmful impact of the commonly-used brake pad materials, such as metal and mineral fibers, on human health and the environment necessitates the development of eco-friendly alternatives. Natural fibers, such as banana peels, palm kernels, and palm slag, have been shown to be a viable replacement for traditional brake pad materials. This article reviews the literature on the use of different natural fibers in brake pads and their impact on the physical, mechanical, and tribological properties. Trends for density, porosity, hardness, coefficient of friction (COF), and wear rate are observed. The recommended formulations to yield the optimum properties, according to the perspective of several studies, are showcased. In addition, the effect of asbestos material and natural fibers on life-cycle assessment and CO2 emission is highlighted. This article is an attempt to provide a foundation for future researchers in the field of natural fiber-reinforced composites for brake pad applications.
Influence of Ambient Temperature and Crystalline Structure on Fracture Toughness and Production of Thermoplastic by Enclosure FDM 3D Printer
Authors: Thumsorn Supaphorn , Prasong Wattanachai , Ishigami Akira , Kurose Takashi , Kobayashi Yutaka , Ito Hiroshi
Published: February 2023

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing has printed thermoplastic materials layer-by-layer to form three dimensional products whereby interlayer adhesion must be well controlled to obtain high mechanical performance and product integrity. This research studied the effects of ambient temperatures and crystalline structure on the interlayer adhesion and properties of thermoplastic FDM 3D printing. Five kinds of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) filaments, both commercially available and the laboratory-made, were printed using the enclosure FDM 3D printer. The ambient temperatures were set by the temperature-controlled chamber from room temperature to 75 °C with and without a cooling fan. The interlayer adhesion was characterized by the degree of entanglement density, morphology, and fracture toughness. In addition, PLA filament with high crystallinity has induced heat resistance, which could prevent filament clogging and successfully print at higher chamber temperatures. The ambient temperature increased with increased chamber temperature and significantly increased when printed without a cooling fan, resulting in improved interlayer bonding. The crystalline structure and dynamic mechanical properties of the 3D printed products were promoted when the chamber temperature was increased without a cooling fan, especially in PLA composites and PLA containing a high content of L-isomer. However, although the additives in the PLA composite improved crystallinity and the degree of entanglement density in the 3D-printed products, they induced an anisotropic characteristic that resulted in the declination of the interlayer bonding in the transverse orientation products. The increasing of chamber temperatures over 40 °C improved the interlayer bonding in pristine PLA products, which was informed by the increased fracture toughness. Further, it can be noted that the amorphous nature of PLA promotes molecular entanglement, especially when printed at higher chamber temperatures with and without a cooling fan.
Numerical Investigation on Vortex-Induced Vibrations of Two Cylinders with Unequal Diameters
Authors: Gao Yangyang , Yang Sisan , Wang Lizhong , Huan Caiyun , Zhang Jie
Published: February 2023

A series of numerical simulations of two-degree-of-freedom vortex-induced vibration of two coupled cylinders with unequal diameters are performed at the Reynolds number of 20,000. The effects of incident angle, spacing ratio, and diameter ratio on the VIV responses for two cylinders are investigated. It is shown that the lock-in range of the large cylinder is significantly widened and the maximum vibration amplitude decreases as a result of the existence of small cylinder. The mean drag coefficients and root mean square force coefficients of the large cylinder are not varied significantly with the incident angle and diameter ratio, but the force coefficients of the small cylinder vary considerably under different configurations. For the configuration of α = 0°, d/D = 0.05 and G/D = 0.05, the variations in vibration amplitude and frequency ratio are similar to those of the isolated cylinder. Different vortex shedding modes such as 2S mode, P+S mode, and 2P mode are observed for two coupled cylinders at different reduced velocities for different configurations.
Study on the Morphological Evolution of the Oujiang Estuary, China, in the 21st Century
Authors: Zhang Bohu , Zhang Zhiyong , Chen Fuyuan , He Kun
Published: February 2023

Based on four years of spatially synchronous topographic data of the Oujiang Estuary from 2002 to 2019, the variations and physical mechanisms of estuarine evolution driven by natural conditions and human activities since the beginning of this century were analyzed. The results show that the evolution of the Oujiang Estuary has changed dramatically in the past 20 years. From 2002 to 2019, the net sediment erosion of the estuary was 163.44 million m3, and the average bed elevation of the river-dominated section (RDS), transition section (TS) and tide-dominated section (TDS) decreased by 4.61 m, 1.30 m and 2.14 m, respectively. In addition, the pattern of the shoal channel had changed, and the river facies coefficient (width–depth ratio) decreased by 16–64%. The evolution of the Oujiang Estuary is mainly caused by human activities (such as sand mining, reclamation). Sand mining is the direct cause of riverbed undercutting, and the large undercutting of riverbed terrain causes the increase in tidal power in the estuary and further causes river channel scouring. In the last 20 years, the average annual tidal range of the estuary increased by 0.19–1.14 m, and the flood discharge increased by about 17–80%, with an average value of 58%. The impact of tidal power on the evolution and development of the estuary has increased significantly. Apart from sand mining, reclamation projects such as the Wenzhou shoal outside the mouth also cause the local velocity of the tidal current section to increase, which aggravates the scouring trend of local river sections downstream. The scouring and silting changes in the Oujiang Estuary since the beginning of this century are the result of the adjustment of the estuarine system in response to the strong intervention of human activities.
Tsunami Risk Change Analysis for Qidong County of China Based on Land Use Classification
Authors: Hou Jingming , Gao Yi , Fan Tingting , Wang Peitao , Wang Yuchen , Wang Juncheng , Lu Wei
Published: February 2023

Tsunamis can cause high numbers of casualties, as well as direct and indirect economic losses to coastal regions. The huge destructiveness of tsunamis requires us to study tsunami risk and its temporal change. We adopt the tsunami scenarios of the Ryukyu Trench as an example to analyze the temporal change in tsunami risk. According to the tsunami numerical model results, the tsunami inundation in the worst tsunami scenario covered an area of 82.83 km2. Satellite data including Landsat 8 images from July 2013 and Landsat 9 images from March 2022 were used with the random forest (RF) method to analyze land use and tsunami vulnerability in 2013 and 2022. The tsunami risk and its temporal change were analyzed by integrating tsunami hazard and tsunami vulnerability. The tsunami risk change analysis results show that the area of tsunami risk level 1 increased by 4.57 km2, and the area of tsunami risk level 4 decreased by 7.31 km2. By analyzing changes in land use and land cover (LULC) and tsunami risk, we concluded that the expansion of constructed land and the increase in coastal population were responsible for the increase in tsunami risk. The results of tsunami risk change analysis will help us understand the current tsunami risk and predict possible future risk change. In addition, it is necessary to prepare tsunami prevention measures in advance and produce tsunami emergency response plans for Qidong County and other regions under potential tsunami threat.
Epoxy Resin Biocomposites Reinforced with Flax and Hemp Fibers for Marine Applications
Authors: Haramina Tatjana , Hadžić Neven , Keran Zdenka
Published: February 2023

A broader application of biocomposites still faces many challenges regarding structural integrity, environmental resistance, and biodegradability. These issues are particularly important when their marine applications are considered. Therefore, this paper seeks to address the hygroscopicity, mechanical properties, and biofouling resistance of biocomposites made of epoxy resin with 28 m% bio-based carbon content reinforced with flax and hemp fibers. A series of experiments are performed to acquire water absorption rates, saturation limits, mass increase, tensile and flexural properties, interlaminar shear strength, impact resistance, and mass gain due to biofouling. All tests of mechanical properties are conducted before and after immersion in seawater. The acquired saturation limits of flax/epoxy and hemp/epoxy biocomposites amount to 7.5% and 9.8%, respectively. The water uptake causes the tensile and flexural properties to decrease by 26–74%, while interlaminar and impact strength increase for flax/epoxy and decrease for hemp/epoxy biocomposites. In addition, it is observed that in almost all cases, flax/epoxy has superior properties compared with hemp/epoxy biocomposites. It is expected that this research will motivate naval architects and classification societies to consider biocomposites as prospective hull materials that provide both structural integrity and environmental sustainability.
Comparative Proteomic Analyses within Three Developmental Stages of the Mushroom White Hypsizygus marmoreus
Authors: Xu Lili , Lin Rongmei , Li Xiaohang , Zhang Chenxiao , Yang Xiuqing , Guo Lizhong , Yu Hao , Gao Xia , Hu Chunhui
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: The Hypsizygus marmoreus is a popular edible mushroom in East Asian markets. In a previous study, we reported the proteomic analyses of different developmental stages of H. marmoreus, from primordium to mature fruiting body. However, the growth and protein expression changes from scratching to primordium are unclear. (2) Methods: A label-free LC-MS/MS quantitative proteomic analysis technique was adopted to obtain the protein expression profiles of three groups of samples collected in different growth stages from scratching to the tenth day after scratching. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis and principal component analysis were performed to reveal the correlation among samples. The differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were organized. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was performed to divide the DEPs into different metabolic processes and pathways. (3) Results: From the 3rd day to the 10th day after scratching, mycelium recovered gradually and formed primordia. Compared with the Rec stage, 218 highly expressed proteins were identified in the Knot stage. Compared with the Pri stage, 217 highly expressed proteins were identified in the Rec stage. Compared with the Pri stage, 53 highly expressed proteins were identified in the Knot stage. A variety of the same highly expressed proteins were identified in these three developmental stages, including: glutathione S-transferase, acetyltransferase, importin, dehydrogenase, heat-shock proteins, ribosomal proteins, methyltransferase, etc. The key pathways in the development of H. marmoreus are metabolic process, catabolic process, oxidoreductase activity and hydrolase activity. DEPs in the Knot or Pri stages compared with the Rec stage were significantly decreased in the metabolic-, catabolic- and carbohydrate-related process; and the oxidoreductase, peptidase, and hydrolase activity, which can serve as targets for selectable molecular breeding in H. marmoreus. A total of 2000 proteins were classified into eight different modules by WGCNA, wherein 490 proteins were classified into the turquoise module. (4) Conclusions: Generally, from the 3rd day to the 10th day after scratching, mycelium recovered gradually and formed primordia. Importin, dehydrogenase, heat-shock proteins, ribosomal proteins, transferases were all highly expressed in these three developmental stages. DEPs in the Rec stage compared with the Knot or Pri stages were significantly enriched in the metabolic-, catabolic- and carbohydrate-related process; and in oxidoreductase, peptidase and hydrolase activities. This research contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms of the development changes before primordium of H. marmoreus.
Assessment of Soil Erosion from an Ungauged Small Watershed and Its Effect on Lake Ulansuhai, China
Authors: Zhang Zhuangzhuang , Yu Ruihong
Published: February 2023

Lake Ulansuhai, one of the main water sources for semi-arid areas of China, has a local deposit caused by soil erosion during past decades. However, a lack of monitor stations prevents better estimation of soil erosion levels. Therefore, we try to estimate soil erosion in the Huangtuyaozi (HTYZ) watershed, an ungauged small watershed of the lake’s eastern watershed, by using the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) model and multi-source remote sensing data, and analyze its key drivers and effect on the lake siltation. The result showed that the soil erosion rate in the HTYZ watershed ranged from 0 to 129.893 t ha−1 yr−1 with an average of 6.45 t ha−1 yr−1 during 1986–2015. In particular, 80.06% of the area was less than 10 t ha−1 yr−1, and just 0.06% was over 50 t ha−1 yr−1, mainly in the mountain area, the southern part of the HTYZ watershed. Moreover, rainfall erosivity factor is the key factor, and rainfall during flood season plays a key role in soil erosion. Due to the soil erosion of HTYZ, siltation in Lake Ulansuhai reached 223.83 ha, with the annual siltation area increasing at a rate of 7.46 ha/yr. The results could provide a reference for estimating soil erosion of ungauged small watershed in semi-arid areas.
Selected Papers from the 2019 and 2021 Visual Resource Stewardship Conferences
Authors: Chamberlain Brent , Hoffman Robin , Smardon Richard
Published: February 2023

The biennial Visual Resource Stewardship conferences of 2017, 2019, and 2021 were designed to catalyze new ideas and innovation between academia, practice, NGOs, and government agencies who work to address the analysis, planning, valuation, design, and management of visual resources [...]
Investigation of Sterile Mining Dumps Resulting from Ore Exploitation and Processing in Maramures County, Romania
Authors: Petrean Ioana Andreea , Micle Valer , Șenilă Marin
Published: February 2023

Abandoned sterile dumps can be a significant source of environmental pollution, therefore the distribution of trace elements throughout mining is vital. Monitoring environmental factors in closed mining perimeters aims to track the quality of discharged waters in the emissary and assess acid mine drainage, the quality of the soil and vegetation, stability, and the condition of the land surfaces within the perimeter of the sterile deposits. One of the primary sources of land, water and air pollution is sterile mining dumps. Knowing the source of pollution is the first step in adequately managing the affected areas. This paper investigates the physical–chemical properties and the concentrations of heavy metals in sterile dumps resulting from mining. We studied one sterile dump that was the result of ore processing and whose surface was covered with abandoned mixed ore concentrate (Pb, Zn), located in the Băiuț mining area (Romania), and a second sterile mining dump that was the result of exploration and exploitation work in the Ilba mining area (Romania). In order to determine the physicochemical characteristics of the studied sterile dumps and to determine the concentration of heavy metals, 27 sterile samples and one soil sample were taken from the Băiuț dump. Additionally, 10 sterile samples and one soil sample were collected from the Ilba dump. Aqua regia extractable concentrations of heavy metals were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. At the same time, using a portable XRF, we analyzed selected samples from each site for total metal concentrations. Furthermore, from each site, one sample was analyzed by FT–IR spectrometry. The pH values in both sterile dumps were highly acidic (≤3.5) and the content of heavy metals was generally increased.
Microstructure and Cavitation Damage Characteristics of GX40CrNiSi25-20 Cast Stainless Steel by TIG Surface Remelting
Authors: Mitelea Ion , Bordeaşu Ilare , Cosma (Alexa) Daniela , Uțu Ion-Dragoș , Crăciunescu Corneliu Marius
Published: February 2023

Cavitation erosion degrades the surface of engineering components when the material is exposed to turbulent fluid flows. Under conditions of local pressure fluctuations, a nucleation of gas or vapor bubbles occurs. If the pressure suddenly drops below the vapor pressure, these bubbles collapse violently when subjected to higher pressure. This collapse is accompanied by the sudden flow of the liquid, which is manifested by stress pulses capable of causing plastic deformations on solid surfaces. Repeating these stress conditions can cause material removal and ultimately failure of the component itself. The present study aims to reduce the negative impact of this phenomenon on the mechanical systems components, using the TIG local surface remelting technique. Cavitation erosion tests were performed in accordance with the ASTM G32-2016 standard on samples taken from a cast high-alloy stainless steel. The alloy response for each melting current value was investigated by measuring mass loss as a function of cavitation attack time and by analyzing the damaged surfaces using optical and scanning electron microscopes. It was highlighted that the TIG remelted layers provide an increase in cavitation erosion resistance of 5–6 times as a consequence of the fine graining and microstructure induced by the technique applied.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of the Zintl Phases NaSrSb, NaBaSb and NaEuSb
Authors: Wang Yi , Bobev Svilen
Published: February 2023

This work details the synthesis and the crystal structures of the ternary compounds NaSrSb, NaBaSb and NaEuSb. They are isostructural and adopt the hexagonal ZrNiAl-type structure (space group P6¯2m; Pearson code hP9). The structure determination in all three cases was performed using single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The structure features isolated Sb3– anions arranged in layers stacked along the crystallographic c-axis. In the interstices, alkali and alkaline-earth metal cations are found in tetrahedral and square pyramidal coordination environments, respectively. The formal partitioning of the valence electrons adheres to the valence rules, i.e., Na+Sr2+Sb3–, Na+Ba2+Sb3– and Na+Eu2+Sb3– can be considered as Zintl phases with intrinsic semiconductor behavior. Electronic band structure calculations conducted for NaBaSb are consistent with this notion and show a direct gap of approx. 0.9 eV. Additionally, the calculations hint at possible inverted Dirac cones, a feature that is reminiscent of topological quantum materials.
Theoretical and Experimental Designs on Several Mechanical Properties of Cu–Al–Zn Shape Memory Alloys Used in the Processing Industry
Authors: Plăcintă Constantin , Stanciu Sergiu , Panainte-Lehadus Mirela , Mosnegutu Emilian , Nedeff Florin , Nedeff Valentin , Tomozei Claudia , Petrescu Tudor-Cristian , Agop Maricel
Published: February 2023

By assimilating shape memory alloys with mathematical multifractal-type objects, a theoretical model based on Scale Relativity Theory in the form of The Multifractal Theory of Motion, in order to explain the mechanical behavior of such material, is proposed. The model is validated by analyzing the mechanical behavior of Cu–Al–Zn shape memory alloy with various chemical compositions. More precisely, the multifractal tunnel effect can “mime” the mechanical hysteresis of such a material, a situation in which a direct correspondence for several mechanical properties of Cu–Al–Zn is highlighted (the chemical composition can be correlated with the shapes of the curves controlled through the multifractality degree, while the areas delimited by the same curves can be correlated with the multifractal specific potential, as a measure of the mechanical memory degree).
Manufacturing and Characterization of Dental Crowns Made of 5-mol% Yttria Stabilized Zirconia by Digital Light Processing
Authors: Jung Jae-Min , Kim Gyu-Nam , Koh Young-Hag , Kim Hyoun-Ee
Published: February 2023

We herein report manufacturing of dental crowns made of 5-mol% yttria partially stabilized zirconia (5Y-PSZ) with desired mechanical properties, optical translucency and dimensional accuracy using digital light processing (DLP). To this end, all processing parameters were carefully controlled and optimized. First, 5Y-PSZ particles with a bimodal distribution were prepared via calcination of as-received granules and subsequent ball-milling and then used to formulate 5Y-PSZ suspensions with a high solid loading of 50 vol% required for high densification after sintering. Dispersant content was also optimized. To provide high dimensional accuracy, initial dimensions of dental crowns for 3D printing were precisely determined by considering increase and decrease in dimensions during photopolymerization and sintering, respectively. Photopolymerization time was also optimized for a given layer thickness of 50 μm to ensure good bonding between layers. A multi-step debinding schedule with a slow heating rate was employed to avoid formation of any defects. After sintering at 1500 °C for 2 h, 5Y-PSZ could be almost fully densified without noticeable defects within layers and at interfaces between layers. They had high relative densities (99.03 ± 0.39%) with a high cubic phase content (59.1%). These characteristics allowed for achievement of reasonably high mechanical properties (flexural strength = 625.4 ± 75.5 MPa and Weibull modulus = 7.9) and % transmittance (31.4 ± 0.7%). In addition, 5Y-PSZ dental crowns showed excellent dimensional accuracy (root mean square (RMS) for marginal discrepancy = 44.4 ± 10.8 μm and RMS for internal gap = 22.8 ± 1.6 μm) evaluated by the 3D scanning technique.
Research of Car Cooler Thermal Performance Depending on the Mileage of Cooler and Coolant
Authors: Lipnický Marek , Brodnianská Zuzana
Published: February 2023

The effect of car cooler mileage and coolant mileage on cooler thermal performance was experimentally investigated. The water–ethylene-glycol-based coolant with mileages of 0 km, 50,000 km, and 100,000 km was circulated in new and used car coolers with mileages of 0 km and 100,000 km, respectively. The heating and cooling time of coolants, heat transfer rate, and thermal performance were evaluated. The coolant with a mileage of 0 km in the new cooler achieved a heating time of 41 min and 30 s, which is 8 min less time compared to the coolant with mileage of 100,000 km in the used cooler. When the operating temperature was reached earlier, the engine ran more efficiently and consumed less fuel. The coolant with 0 km mileage in the new cooler achieved a cooling time of 4 min and 30 s, which is 3 min and 30 s less time compared to the coolant with 50,000 km mileage in the new cooler. The new coolant in the new cooler achieved the shortest heating time and cooling time and the highest thermal performance (η = 0.79). The used cooler with the new coolant only achieved a one-time decrease compared to the new cooler and new coolant. The coolant with 50,000 km and 100,000 km mileage for the new cooler and used cooler reached a drop of 1.01 to 1.02 times compared to the new cooler. Coolant and coolers with higher mileage have no significant effect on the thermal performance of the cooler and the correct cooling function of the car engine.
EfferDeepNet: An Efficient Semantic Segmentation Method for Outdoor Terrain
Authors: Wei Yuhai , Wei Wu , Zhang Yangbiao
Published: February 2023

The recognition of terrain and outdoor complex environments based on vision sensors is a key technology in practical robotics applications, and forms the basis of autonomous navigation and motion planning. While traditional machine learning methods can be applied to outdoor terrain recognition, their recognition accuracy is low. In order to improve the accuracy of outdoor terrain recognition, methods based on deep learning are widely used. However, the network structure of deep learning methods is very complex, and the number of parameters is large, which cannot meet the actual operating requirements of of unmanned systems. Therefore, in order to solve the problems of poor real-time performance and low accuracy of deep learning algorithms for terrain recognition, this paper proposes the efficient EfferDeepNet network for pixel level terrain recognition in order to realize global perception of outdoor environment. First, this method uses convolution kernels with different sizes in the depthwise separable convolution (DSC) stage to extract more semantic feature information. Then, an attention mechanism is introduced to weight the acquired features, focusing on the key local feature areas. Finally, in order to avoid redundancy due to a large number of features and parameters in the model, this method uses a ghost module to make the network more lightweight. In addition, to solve the problem of pixel level terrain recognition having a negative effect on image boundary segmentation, the proposed method integrates an enhanced feature extraction network. Experimental results show that the proposed EfferDeepNet network can quickly and accurately perform global recognition and semantic segmentation of terrain in complex environments.
Nijenhuis Operators and Abelian Extensions of Hom-δ-Jordan Lie Supertriple Systems
Authors: Li Qiang , Ma Lili
Published: February 2023

Representations and cohomologies of Hom-δ-Jordan Lie supertriple systems are established. As an application, Nijenhuis operators and abelian extensions of Hom-δ-Jordan Lie supertriple systems are discussed. We obtain the infinitesimal deformation generated by virtue of a Nijenhuis operator. It is obtained that the sufficient and necessary condition for the equivalence of abelian extensions of Hom-δ-Jordan Lie supertriple systems.
Assessing the Impact of Different Technological Strategies on the Fate of Salmonella in Chicken Dry-Fermented Sausages by Means of Challenge Testing and Predictive Models
Authors: Austrich-Comas Anna , Jofré Anna , Gou Pere , Bover-Cid Sara
Published: February 2023

Salmonella is the main relevant pathogen in chicken dry-fermented sausages (DFS). The safety of shelf-stable DFS must rely on the production process, which should not only prevent growth but promote inactivation of Salmonella. The aim of the study was to assess the behaviour of Salmonella during the production process of two types of low-acid chicken DFS. The impact of the use of starter culture, corrective storage and high-pressure processing (HPP) at different processing times was assessed through challenge testing, i.e., inoculating a cocktail of Salmonella into the meat batter (at 6 Log10 cfu/g) used for sausage manufacture. Sausages of medium (fuet-type, FT) and small (snack-type, ST) calibre were elaborated through ripening (10–15 °C/16 d) and fermentation plus ripening (22 °C/3 d + 14 °C/7 d). Physico-chemical parameters were analysed and Salmonella was enumerated throughout the study. The observed results were compared with the simulations provided by predictive models available in the literature. In FT, a slight decrease in Salmonella was observed during the production process while in ST, a 0.9–1.4 Log10 increase occurred during the fermentation at 22 °C. Accordingly, DFS safety has to be based on the process temperature and water activity decrease, these factors can be used as inputs of predictive models based on the gamma-concept, as useful decision support tool for producers. Salmonella lethality was enhanced by combining HPP and corrective storage strategies, achieving >1 and 4 Log10 reductions for FT and ST, respectively.
Arthropod-Borne Flaviviruses in Pregnancy
Authors: Howard-Jones Annaleise R. , Pham David , Sparks Rebecca , Maddocks Susan , Dwyer Dominic E. , Kok Jen , Basile Kerri
Published: February 2023

Flaviviruses are a diverse group of enveloped RNA viruses that cause significant clinical manifestations in the pregnancy and postpartum periods. This review highlights the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and prevention of the key arthropod-borne flaviviruses of concern in pregnancy and the neonatal period—Zika, Dengue, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile, and Yellow fever viruses. Increased disease severity during pregnancy, risk of congenital malformations, and manifestations of postnatal infection vary widely amongst this virus family and may be quite marked. Laboratory confirmation of infection is complex, especially due to the reliance on serology for which flavivirus cross-reactivity challenges diagnostic specificity. As such, a thorough clinical history including relevant geographic exposures and prior vaccinations is paramount for accurate diagnosis. Novel vaccines are eagerly anticipated to ameliorate the impact of these flaviviruses, particularly neuroinvasive disease manifestations and congenital infection, with consideration of vaccine safety in pregnant women and children pivotal. Moving forward, the geographical spread of flaviviruses, as for other zoonoses, will be heavily influenced by climate change due to the potential expansion of vector and reservoir host habitats. Ongoing ‘One Health’ engagement across the human-animal-environment interface is critical to detect and responding to emergent flavivirus epidemics.
Computational Evaluation of N-Based Transannular Interactions in Some Model Fused Medium-Sized Heterocyclic Systems and Implications for Drug Design
Authors: Griffith Renate , Bremner John B.
Published: February 2023

As part of a project on fused medium-sized ring systems as potential drugs, we have previously demonstrated the usefulness of Density Functional Theory (DFT) to evaluate amine nitrogen-based transannular interactions across the central 10-membered ring in the bioactive dibenzazecine alkaloid, protopine. A range of related hypothetical systems have been investigated, together with transannular interactions involving ring-embedded imino or azo group nitrogens and atoms or groups (Y) across the ring. Electrostatic potential energies mapped onto electron density surfaces in the different ring conformations were evaluated in order to characterise these conformations. Unexpectedly, the presence of sp2 hybridised nitrogen atoms in the medium-sized rings did not influence the conformations appreciably. The strength and type of the N…Y interactions are determined primarily by the nature of Y. This is also the case when the substituent on the interacting nitrogen is varied from CH3 (protopine) to H or OH. With Y = BOH, very strong interactions were observed in protopine analogues, as well as in rings incorporating imino or azo groups. Strong to moderate interactions were observed with Y = CS, CO and SO in all ring systems. Weaker interactions were observed with Y = S, O and weaker ones again with an sp3 hybridised carbon (Y = CH2). The transannular interactions can influence conformational preferencing and shape and change electron distributions at key sites, which theoretically could modify properties of the molecules while providing new or enhanced sites for biological target interactions, such as the H or OH substituent. The prediction of new strong transannular interaction types such as with Y = BOH and CS should be helpful in informing priorities for synthesis and other experimental studies.
Light Harvesting Nanoprobe for Trace Detection of Hg2+ in Water
Authors: Chepak Aleksandr , Balatskiy Denis , Tutov Mikhail , Mironenko Aleksandr , Bratskaya Svetlana
Published: February 2023

The continuously increasing flow of toxic heavy metals to the environment due to intensive industrial activity and tightening requirements with regard to the content of metal ions in drinking and discharged waters urges the development of affordable and sensitive devices to the field control of pollutants. Here, we report a new thiated Rhodamine-lactam probe for Hg2+ detection and demonstrate how its sensitivity can be increased via the incorporation of the probe molecules into the optically transparent siloxane-acrylate coatings on polymethyl methacrylate and, alternatively, into the water-dispersible light-harvesting FRET nanoparticles (NPs), in which dye cations are separated by fluorinated tetraphenylborate anions. We have shown that the optimization of the FRET NPs composition had allowed it to reach the antenna effect of ~300 and fabricate “off/on” sensor for Hg2+ ion determination in aqueous solutions with the detection limit of ~100 pM, which is far below the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) of mercury in drinking water recommended by the World Health Organization. Although this work is more proof-of-concept than a ready-to-use analytical procedure, the suggested approaches to fabrication of the FRET NPs based on the popular rhodamine-lactam platform can be used as a background for the development of low-cost portable sensing devices for the extra-laboratory determination of hazardous metal ions.
Terpenoids from Myrrh and Their Cytotoxic Activity against HeLa Cells
Authors: Kuck Katrin , Unterholzner Anna , Lipowicz Bartosz , Schwindl Sebastian , Jürgenliemk Guido , Schmidt Thomas J. , Heilmann Jörg
Published: February 2023

The oleo–gum resin of Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl. has a long history of medicinal use, although many of its constituents are still unknown. In the present investigation, 34 secondary metabolites were isolated from myrrh resin using different chromatographic techniques (silica flash chromatography, CPC, and preparative HPLC) and their structures were elucidated with NMR spectroscopy, HRESIMS, CD spectroscopy, and ECD calculations. Among the isolated substances are seven sesquiterpenes (1–7), one disesquiterpene (8), and two triterpenes (23, 24), which were hitherto unknown, and numerous substances are described here for the first time for C. myrrha or the genus Commiphora. Furthermore, the effects of selected terpenes on cervix cancer cells (HeLa) were studied in an MTT-based in vitro assay. Three triterpenes were observed to be the most toxic with moderate IC50 values of 60.3 (29), 74.5 (33), and 78.9 µM (26). Due to the different activity of the structurally similar triterpenoids, the impact of different structural elements on the cytotoxic effect could be discussed and linked to the presence of a 1,2,3-trihydroxy substructure in the A ring. The influence on TNF-α dependent expression of the intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) was also tested for 4–6, 9–11, 17, 18, 20, and 27 in vitro, but revealed less than 20% ICAM-1 reduction and, therefore, no significant anti-inflammatory activity.
GSH-Activatable Aggregation-Induced Emission Cationic Lipid for Efficient Gene Delivery
Authors: Yuan Yue-Rui , Liu Qiang , Wang Deyu , Deng Yu-Dan , Du Ting-Ting , Yi Wen-Jing , Yang Sheng-Tao
Published: February 2023

The key to gene therapy is the design of biocompatible and efficient delivery systems. In this work, a glutathione (GSH)-activated aggregation-induced-emission (AIE) cationic amphiphilic lipid, termed QM-SS-KK, was prepared for nonviral gene delivery. QM-SS-KK was composed of a hydrophilic biocompatible lysine tripeptide headgroup, a GSH-triggered disulfide linkage, and a hydrophobic AIE fluorophore QM-OH (QM: quinoline-malononitrile) tail. The peptide moiety could not only efficiently compact DNA but also well modulate the dispersion properties of QM-SS-KK, leading to the fluorescence-off state before GSH treatment. The cleavage of disulfide in QM-SS-KK by GSH generated AIE signals in situ with a tracking ability. The liposomes consisted of QM-SS-KK, and 1,2-dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) (QM-SS-KK/DOPE) delivered plasmid DNAs (pDNAs) into cells with high efficiency. In particular, QM-SS-KK/DOPE had an enhanced transfection efficiency (TE) in the presence of 10% serum, which was two times higher than that of the commercial transfection agent PEI25K. These results highlighted the great potential of peptide and QM-based fluorescence AIE lipids for gene delivery applications.
Using HPLC with In-Column Derivatization to Authenticate Coffee Samples
Authors: Manwaring Corey W. , Cravino Jake A. , Patel Margi , Stathakis Jonathan G. H. , Soliven Arianne , Suktham Thirada , Shalliker Ross Andrew
Published: February 2023

Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages, with the global coffee capsule market worth over USD 4 billion and growing. The incidence of coffee fraud is estimated to be up to one in five coffees being contaminated with cheaper blends of coffee. Given the worsening extent of climate change, coffee crop yields are harder to maintain, while demand is increasing. The 2021 Brazil frost delaying or destroying many coffee crops is an example. Hence, the incidence of coffee fraud is expected to increase, and as the market becomes more complex, there needs to be faster, easier, and more robust means of real-time coffee authentication. In this study, we propose the use of novel approaches to postcolumn derivatization (termed herein as in-column derivatization) to visualize the antioxidant profiles of coffee samples, to be later used as indicators for authentication purposes. We propose three simple mathematical similarity metrics for the real-time identification of unknown coffee samples from a sample library. Using the CUPRAC assay, and these metrics, we demonstrate the capabilities of the technique to identify unknown coffee samples from within our library of thirty.
Recent Progress in Metal Oxide-Based Photocatalysts for CO2 Reduction to Solar Fuels: A Review
Authors: Li Xuanzhen , Xiong Jing , Tang Zhiling , He Wenjie , Wang Yingli , Wang Xiong , Zhao Zhen , Wei Yuechang
Published: February 2023

One of the challenges in developing practical CO2 photoconversion catalysts is the design of materials with a low cost, high activity and good stability. In this paper, excellent photocatalysts based on TiO2, WO3, ZnO, Cu2O and CeO2 metal oxide materials, which are cost-effective, long-lasting, and easy to fabricate, are evaluated. The characteristics of the nanohybrid catalysts depend greatly on their architecture and design. Thus, we focus on outstanding materials that offer effective and practical solutions. Strategies to improve CO2 conversion efficiency are summarized, including heterojunction, ion doping, defects, sensitization and morphology control, which can inspire the future improvement in photochemistry. The capacity of CO2 adsorption is also pivotal, which varies with the morphological and electronic structures. Forms of 0D, 1D, 2D and 3DOM (zero/one/two-dimensional- and three-dimensional-ordered macroporous, respectively) are involved. Particularly, the several advantages of the 3DOM material make it an excellent candidate material for CO2 conversion. Hence, we explain its preparation method. Based on the discussion, new insights and prospects for designing high-efficient metallic oxide photocatalysts to reduce CO2 emissions are presented.
(S)-N-Benzyl-1-phenyl-3,4-dihydroisoqunoline-2(1H)-carboxamide Derivatives, Multi-Target Inhibitors of Monoamine Oxidase and Cholinesterase: Design, Synthesis, and Biological Activity
Authors: Jin Qing-Hao , Zhang Li-Ping , Zhang Shan-Shan , Zhuang Dai-Na , Zhang Chu-Yu , Zheng Zhou-Jun , Guan Li-Ping
Published: February 2023

A series of (S)-1-phenyl-3,4-dihydroisoquinoline-2(1H)-carboxamide derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for inhibitory activity against monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A and-B, acetylcholine esterase (AChE), and butyrylcholine esterase (BChE). Four compounds (2i, 2p, 2t, and 2v) showed good inhibitory activity against both MAO-A and MAO-B, and two compounds (2d and 2j) showed selective inhibitory activity against MAO-A, with IC50 values of 1.38 and 2.48 µM, respectively. None of the compounds showed inhibitory activity against AChE; however, 12 compounds showed inhibitory activity against BChE. None of the active compounds showed cytotoxicity against L929cells. Molecular docking revealed several important interactions between the active analogs and amino acid residues of the protein receptors. This research paves the way for further study aimed at designing MAO and ChE inhibitors for the treatment of depression and neurodegenerative disorders.