bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The IgCAM CAR Regulates Gap Junction-Mediated Coupling on Embryonic Cardiomyocytes and Affects Their Beating Frequency
Authors: Matthaeus Claudia , Jüttner René , Gotthardt Michael , Rathjen Fritz
Published: December 2022

The IgCAM coxsackie–adenovirus receptor (CAR) is essential for embryonic heart development and electrical conduction in the mature heart. However, it is not well-understood how CAR exerts these effects at the cellular level. To address this question, we analyzed the spontaneous beating of cultured embryonic hearts and cardiomyocytes from wild type and CAR knockout (KO) embryos. Surprisingly, in the absence of the CAR, cultured cardiomyocytes showed increased frequencies of beating and calcium cycling. Increased beatings of heart organ cultures were also induced by the application of reagents that bind to the extracellular region of the CAR, such as the adenovirus fiber knob. However, the calcium cycling machinery, including calcium extrusion via SERCA2 and NCX, was not disrupted in CAR KO cells. In contrast, CAR KO cardiomyocytes displayed size increases but decreased in the total numbers of membrane-localized Cx43 clusters. This was accompanied by improved cell–cell coupling between CAR KO cells, as demonstrated by increased intercellular dye diffusion. Our data indicate that the CAR may modulate the localization and oligomerization of Cx43 at the plasma membrane, which could in turn influence electrical propagation between cardiomyocytes via gap junctions.
Hsrω and Other lncRNAs in Neuronal Functions and Disorders in Drosophila
Authors: Singh Anand Kumar
Published: December 2022

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have a crucial role in epigenetic, transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. Many of these regulatory lncRNAs, such as MALAT1, NEAT1, HOTAIR, etc., are associated with different neurodegenerative diseases in humans. The lncRNAs produced by the hsrω gene are known to modulate neurotoxicity in polyQ and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease models of Drosophila. Elevated expression of hsrω lncRNAs exaggerates, while their genetic depletion through hsrω-RNAi or in an hsrω-null mutant background suppresses, the disease pathogenicity. This review discusses the possible mechanistic details and implications of the functions of hsrω lncRNAs in the modulation of neurodegenerative diseases.
Genetic Variability and Admixture Zones in the Italian Populations of Turkey Oak (Quercus cerris L.)
Authors: Bertolasi Bruno , Zago Luisa , Gui Lorenzo , Cossu Piero , Vanetti Isabella , Rizzi Silvio , Cavallini Marta , Lombardo Gianluca , Binelli Giorgio
Published: December 2022

The Turkey oak (Quercus cerris L.) is widely distributed in Italy, where it is the ecologically dominant oak on sandy and acidic soil. In this work, we analysed 23 natural populations by means of eight SSR (microsatellite) markers, to obtain the first synthetic map of genetic variability for this species and to study its dispersion during the Holocene, due to the possibility that at least one refugium during the Last Glacial Maximum was in Italy. The analyses showed a good amount of genetic variability together with fair differentiation between populations, as indicated by FST = 0.059. A Bayesian analysis of the amount of admixture among populations revealed the presence of four putative gene pools of origin and a rough subdivision of the populations according to their geographic location, as confirmed by the spatial analysis. No evidence for the existence of putative refugial populations was found; however, this study paves the way for the planning of conservation strategies also with regard to the relationship between Turkey oak and other oak species in Italy.
Evaluation of the Environmental Performance of Adsorbent Materials Prepared from Agave Bagasse for Water Remediation: Solid Waste Management Proposal of the Tequila Industry
Authors: Gómez-Navarro Camila S. , Warren-Vega Walter M. , Serna-Carrizales Juan C. , Zárate-Guzmán Ana I. , Ocampo-Pérez Raúl , Carrasco-Marín Francisco , Collins-Martínez Virginia H. , Niembro-García Joaquina , Romero-Cano Luis A.
Published: December 2022

In the present research work, the use of agro-industrial waste such as agave bagasse from the tequila industry was carried out. The agave bagasse was treated to obtain biosorbent and hydrochar materials. Direct Blue 86 was used as an adsorbate model to evaluate the performance of both materials. The adsorption studies showed an adsorption capacity of 6.49 mg g−1 in static and 17.7 mg g−1 in dynamic, associated with a physisorption process between functional groups of the material and the dye. The characterization of the biosorbent showed that the material was mainly composed of macroporous fibers with a surface area <5.0 m2 g−1. Elemental analysis showed a majority composition of C (57.19 wt%) and O (37.49 wt%). FTIR and XPS analyses showed that the material had C-O, C=O, -OH, O-C=O, and -NH2 surface groups. RAMAN and TGA were used to evaluate the composition, being cellulose (40.94%), lignin (20.15%), and hemicellulose (3.35%). Finally, the life-cycle assessment at a laboratory scale showed that the proposed biosorbent presents a 17% reduction in several environmental aspects compared to hydrochar, showing promise as an eco-friendly and highly efficient method for the remediation of water contaminated with dye, as well as being a promising alternative for the responsible management of solid waste generated by the tequila industry.
Fatigue Crack Growth in Metallic Materials
Authors: Antunes Fernando Ventura
Published: December 2022

Mechanical components and structures are submitted to cyclic loads in different applications; therefore, they must be designed to withstand fatigue [...]
Copper Iodide on Spacer Fabrics as Textile Thermoelectric Device for Energy Generation
Authors: Schmidl Gabriele , Jia Guobin , Gawlik Annett , Lorenz Philipp , Zieger Gabriel , Dellith Jan , Diegel Marco , Plentz Jonathan
Published: December 2022

The integration of electronic functionalities into textiles for use as wearable sensors, energy harvesters, or coolers has become increasingly important in recent years. A special focus is on efficient thermoelectric materials. Copper iodide as a p-type thermoelectrically active, nontoxic material is attractive for energy harvesting and energy generation because of its transparency and possible high-power factor. The deposition of CuI on polyester spacer fabrics by wet chemical processes represents a great potential for use in textile industry for example as flexible thermoelectric energy generators in the leisure or industrial sector as well as in medical technologies. The deposited material on polyester yarn is investigated by electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and by thermoelectric measurements. The Seebeck coefficient was observed between 112 and 153 µV/K in a temperature range between 30 °C and 90 °C. It is demonstrated that the maximum output power reached 99 nW at temperature difference of 65.5 K with respect to room temperature for a single textile element. However, several elements can be connected in series and the output power can be linear upscaled. Thus, CuI coated on 3D spacer fabrics can be attractive to fabricate thermoelectric devices especially in the lower temperature range for textile medical or leisure applications.
Current State of Coal Fly Ash Utilization: Characterization and Application
Authors: Valeev Dmitry , Kondratiev Alex
Published: December 2022

This Special Issue of Materials is devoted to various aspects of coal fly ash (CFA) utilization [...]
Optical Properties, Microstructure, and Phase Fraction of Multi-Layered Monolithic Zirconia with and without Yttria-Gradient
Authors: Cho Mi-Hyang , Seol Hyo-Joung
Published: December 2022

The differences in the optical properties of multi-layered zirconia with and without yttria-gradient are not fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the optical properties, related microstructures, and phase fractions of multi-layered zirconia with and without yttria-gradient. For this, multi-layered zirconia of 5 mol% yttria (5Y) stabilized (Katana STML) and 4Y/5Y stabilized (e.max MT Multi) were cut layerwise, sintered, and analyzed using the opalescence parameter (OP), average transmittance (AT%), translucency parameter (TP), and contrast ratio (CR). The average grain size and phase fractions were obtained from field-emission scanning electron micrographs and X-ray diffraction patterns, respectively. Although the TP values of Katana STML and e.max MT Multi did not show a significant difference (except for transition layer 1), the results of AT and CR showed that the translucency of e.max MT Multi was slightly higher than that of Katana STML (p < 0.05). The opalescence gradient was higher in Katana STML than in the e.max MT Multi. In both zirconia types, translucency increased from the dentin to enamel layer based on the AT, TP, and CR results, while OP decreased (p < 0.05). The higher translucency from the dentin to enamel layer in Katana STML was caused by the pigmentation gradient, while in e.max MT Multi, it was caused by the difference in phase fraction and the pigmentation gradient.
Study of the Functionalities of a Biochar Electrode Combined with a Photoelectrochemical Cell
Authors: Giannakopoulos Spyridon , Vakros John , Manariotis Ioannis D. , Mantzavinos Dionissios , Lianos Panagiotis
Published: December 2022

Biochar has been obtained by pyrolysis of spent malt rootlets under limited oxygen supply and further activated by mixing with KOH and pyrolyzed again at high temperature. The total specific surface area of such activated biochar was 1148 m2 g−1, while that of micropores was 690 m2 g−1. This biochar was used to make a functional electrode by deposition on carbon cloth and was combined with a photoelectrochemical cell. The biochar electrode functioned as a supercapacitor in combination with the electrolyte of the cell, reaching a specific capacity of 98 Fg−1, and it was capable of storing charges generated by the cell, proving current flow both under illumination and in the dark. The same electrode could be used as an air-cathode providing oxygen reduction functionality and thus demonstrating interesting electrocatalyst properties.
Handling Irregular Many-Objective Optimization Problems via Performing Local Searches on External Archives
Authors: Xing Lining , Wu Rui , Chen Jiaxing , Li Jun
Published: December 2022

Adaptive weight-vector adjustment has been explored to compensate for the weakness of the evolutionary many-objective algorithms based on decomposition in solving problems with irregular Pareto-optimal fronts. One essential issue is that the distribution of previously visited solutions likely mismatches the irregular Pareto-optimal front, and the weight vectors are misled towards inappropriate regions. The fact above motivated us to design a novel many-objective evolutionary algorithm by performing local searches on an external archive, namely, LSEA. Specifically, the LSEA contains a new selection mechanism without weight vectors to alleviate the adverse effects of inappropriate weight vectors, progressively improving both the convergence and diversity of the archive. The solutions in the archive also feed back the weight-vector adjustment. Moreover, the LSEA selects a solution with good diversity but relatively poor convergence from the archive and then perturbs the decision variables of the selected solution one by one to search for solutions with better diversity and convergence. At last, the LSEA is compared with five baseline algorithms in the context of 36 widely-used benchmarks with irregular Pareto-optimal fronts. The comparison results demonstrate the competitive performance of the LSEA, as it outperforms the five baselines on 22 benchmarks with respect to metric hypervolume.
On Join-Dense Subsets of Certain Families of Aggregation Functions
Authors: Halaš Radomír , Pócs Jozef , Pócsová Jana
Published: December 2022

Several important classes of aggregation functions defined on a bounded lattice form a lattice with respect to the pointwise operations of join and meet, respectively. The lattice structure of such classes is usually very complex; thus, it is very useful to characterize them by some appropriate sets of functions. In this paper, we focus on the three important classes of aggregation functions, namely the lattice of all aggregation functions, the lattice of idempotent aggregation functions, and the lattice of Sugeno integrals (defined on distributive lattices) and characterize their lattices by means of join-dense subsets. Moreover, the minimality of these sets is discussed.
Validating Measurement Structure of Checklist for Evaluating Ergonomics Risks in Heavy Mobile Machinery Cabs
Authors: Spasojević Brkić Vesna , Misita Mirjana , Perišić Martina , Brkić Aleksandar , Veljković Zorica
Published: December 2022

Heavy mobile machinery cabs and their equipment are still not well adjusted to operators, so it is not surprising that we are still witnessing huge consequences of accidents at sites where they operate. The checklist with 39 questions, based on the previous research, is formed, and its’ measurement structure has been tested on the sample of 102 transport, construction, and mining machines, including cranes, excavators, bucket wheel excavators, bulldozers, loaders, graders, backhoe loaders, trenchers, dump trucks, and scrapers by correlation analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, Spearman-Brown and Kendall’s W coefficient, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. The results validate the measurement structure of a checklist with only 17 items and five constructs. The results show that special attention should be put to the design of armrests and working conditions/exhaust gases, which are negatively correlated to cab interior space and task visibility. All other correlations between seat characteristics, the characteristics of armrests, whole-body vibration influences, reaching commands, the characteristics of cab interior space and environments, and interpersonal relationships are positive, which means that improvements to one area lead to improvements in another. Accordingly, the proposed model should be used for the fast, efficient, and cost-effective evaluation of ergonomics risks and as a guideline for further cab design improvements.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement vs. Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement for Long-Term Mortality Due to Stroke and Myocardial Infarction: A Meta-Analysis during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ion Alexandru Cristian , Serbanoiu Liviu Ionut , Plesu Elena , Busnatu Stefan Sebastian , Andrei Catalina Liliana
Published: December 2022

Background and objectives: One of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in people over the age of 50 is stroke. The acceptance of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as a treatment option for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) has increased as a result of numerous randomized clinical trials comparing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and TAVR in high- and intermediate-risk patients, showing comparable clinical outcomes and valve hemodynamics. Materials and Methods: An electronic search of Medline, Google Scholar and Cochrane Central was carried out from their inception to 28 September 2022 without any language restrictions. Results: Our meta-analysis demonstrated that, as compared with SAVR, TAVR was not linked with a lower stroke ratio or stroke mortality. It is clear from this that the SAVR intervention techniques applied in the six studies were successful in reducing cardiogenic consequences over time. Conclusions: A significantly decreased rate of mortality from cardiogenic causes was associated with SAVR. Additionally, when TAVR and SAVR were compared for stroke mortality, the results were nonsignificant with a p value of 0.57, indicating that none of these procedures could decrease stroke-related mortality.
Investigating the Degradation of EUV Transmittance of an EUV Pellicle Membrane
Authors: Wi Seong Ju , Jang Yong Ju , Lee Dong Gi , Kim Seon Yong , Ahn Jinho
Published: December 2022

The extreme ultraviolet (EUV) pellicle is a freestanding membrane that protects EUV masks from particle contamination during EUV exposure. Although a high EUV transmittance of the pellicle is required to minimize the loss of throughput, the degradation of EUV transmittance during the extended exposure of the pellicle has been recently reported. This may adversely affect the throughput of the lithography process. However, the cause of this phenomenon has not yet been clarified. Therefore, we investigated the cause of the degradation in the EUV transmittance by observing the compositional change when the Ru/SiNx pellicle composite was heated in an emulated EUV scanner environment. The Ru thin film that was deposited at high pressure had more void networks but was not oxidized, whereas the SiNx thin film was oxidized after heating. This was because the void network in the Ru thin film served as a preferential diffusion path for oxygen and caused oxidation of the SiNx thin film. It was confirmed that the degradation of the EUV transmittance was due to the oxidation of SiNx. The results verified the effect of diffusivity in the thin film due to the void network on oxidation and EUV transmittance.
The Nb-V-Ti-N-C System Microelements Coupling Precipitation Behavior and Its Effects on Properties in High Strength Naval Steel
Authors: Zhang Lingtong , Zhang Bowei , Wang Yanlin , Zheng Zhihao , Chen Xiaohua , Zhou Xiaohua , Brokmeier Heinz-Günter , Wang Zidong , Tang Hao
Published: December 2022

The Nb-V-Ti-N-C system microelements coupling precipitation behavior in high strength naval steel was thermodynamically analyzed. The effects of micron/nano particles on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance were also studied by an in situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tensile test, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, and electrochemical polarization measurements. The results show that the solid solution amount of Nb, V, Ti, N, or C decreases in the steels as the temperature decreases. Carbonitrides begin to precipitate at 1506.39 °C in N1 steel, and the carbonitrides are nano-scale. Meanwhile, carbonitrides begin to precipitate at 1628.74 °C in N2 steel, which is 116.69 °C higher than the corresponding liquidus temperature of 1512.05 °C; carbonitrides with micron scale are formed in the metal melt. The tensile test revealed that with the increase in titanium content from 0.05% to 0.1%, the strength increases while the elongation decreases. The in situ SEM test results indicated that lower plasticity are associated with the carbonitrides of micron-scale, which are the micro crack sources under stress. Polarization test results indicated that pitting corrosion may easily occur at the abnormally large-sized (Nb, V, Ti)(C, N) carbonitrides.
Influence of R-Ratio on Fatigue of Aluminum Bonding Wires
Authors: Moers Cassandra , Dresbach Christian
Published: December 2022

Bonding wires made of aluminum are the most used materials for the transmission of electrical signals in power electronic devices. During operation, different cyclic mechanical and thermal stresses can lead to fatigue loads and a failure of the bonding wires. A prediction or prevention of the wire failure is not yet possible by design for all cases. The following work presents meaningful fatigue tests in small wire dimensions and investigates the influence of the R-ratio on the lifetime of two different aluminum wires with a diameter of 300 µm each. The experiments show very reproducible fatigue results with ductile failure behavior. The endurable stress amplitude decreases linearly with an increasing stress ratio, which can be displayed by a Smith diagram, even though the applied maximum stresses exceed the initial yield stresses determined by tensile tests. A scaling of the fatigue results by the tensile strength indicates that the fatigue level is significantly influenced by the strength of the material. Due to the very consistent findings, the development of a generalized fatigue model for predicting the lifetime of bonding wires with an arbitrary loading situation seems to be possible and will be further investigated.
Numerical Simulation of Temperature Field and Melt Pool Characteristics of CP-Ti Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Guo Kai , Ji Yunping , Li Yiming , Kang Xueliang , Bai Huiyi , Ren Huiping
Published: December 2022

A coupled heat source model that combined a Gauss surface heat source with a Gauss cylindrical volumetric heat source was introduced to simulate temperature field distribution and melt pool characteristics using a finite element simulation (FEM) method for the deep and narrow melt pools formed in laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) aiming at commercial pure titanium (CP-Ti). For comparison, the same simulations using the Gauss surface heat source model and the double ellipsoid heat source model were also performed. The simulated melt pool geometries using the coupled heat source model match well with the measurements, with an average error of 1% for the melt pool depth and 7% for the width. Based on the single-track experimental results, it was found by comparing the simulated results from the three heat source models that the coupled heat source model had better accuracy than the other two. Then, the temperature field and the melt pool geometries of CP-Ti fabricated at different laser power levels from 300 W to 500 W and scanning speeds from 600 mm/s to 4000 mm/s were simulated. According to the simulated maximum temperature and geometries of the melt pool, a suitable process parameters map for CP-Ti was obtained. The reported experimental results agree well with the simulated map. The coupled heat source model is more accurate and applicable for the deep and narrow melt pools formed during L-PBF.
Dietary Polyphenols in Relation to Gut Microbiota Composition in Saudi Arabian Females
Authors: Alsuhaibani Munirah , Aljuraiban Ghadeer , Aljazairy Esra’a , Abudawood Manal , Hussain Syed , Alnaami Abdullah , Sabico Shaun , Al-Daghri Nasser , Al-Musharaf Sara
Published: December 2022

Polyphenols may modulate gut microbiota; however, limited studies have examined this relationship relative to obesity. We aim to investigate the association between polyphenol intake and gut microbiota composition in relation to obesity indices among Saudi Arabian females. This study included 92 adults stratified by body mass index (BMI) into controls (BMI ≥ 18.5–24.9 kg/m2; n = 48) and cases (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2; n = 44), and further divided into high and low polyphenol intake by median intake (252 mg/1000 kcal/day). Fecal samples were collected to analyze the gut microbiota composition via the whole-genome shotgun sequencing technique. Results showed that Flavonifractor plautii and Clostridium bolteae were positively correlated with polyphenol intake in the total sample (r = 0.22, p = 0.03; r = 0.28, p = 0.01, respectively). There were inverse correlations between Blautia wexlerae and polyphenol intake (r = −0.56, p < 0.01) in the case group, and between Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and polyphenol intake (r = −0.45, p = 0.03) in the control group. Those in the case group with low polyphenol intake, and those with high waist-to-hip ratio (WHR; ≥0.83), showed significantly lower alpha-diversity than those in the control group with normal WHR (<0.83), (p < 0.05). Findings suggest that polyphenols are correlated with specific bacteria and may play an important role in the modulation of gut microbiota and obesity management.
Surface Modification of 3D Printed Microfluidic Devices for Controlled Wetting in Two-Phase Flow
Authors: Warr Chandler A. , Crawford Nicole G. , Nordin Gregory P. , Pitt William G.
Published: December 2022

Microfluidic devices (MFDs) printed in 3-D geometry using digital light projection to polymerize monomers often have surfaces that are not as hydrophobic as MFDs made from polydimethylsiloxane. Droplet microfluidics in these types of devices are subject to droplet adhesion and aqueous spreading on less hydrophobic MFD surfaces. We have developed a post-processing technique using hydrophobic monomers that renders the surfaces of these devices much more hydrophobic. The technique is fast and easy, and involves flowing monomer without initiator into the channels and then exposing the entire device to UV light that generates radicals from the initiator molecules remaining in the original 3-D polymerization. After treatment the channels can be cleared and the surface is more hydrophobic, as evidenced by higher contact angles with aqueous droplets. We hypothesize that radicals generated near the previously printed surfaces initiate polymerization of the hydrophobic monomers on the surfaces without bulk polymerization extending into the channels. The most hydrophobic surfaces were produced by treatment with an alkyl acrylate and a fluorinated acrylate. This technique could be used for surface treatment with other types of monomers to impart unique characteristics to channels in MFDs.
Sapphire Selective Laser Etching Dependence on Radiation Wavelength and Etchant
Authors: Butkutė Agnė , Sirutkaitis Romualdas , Gailevičius Darius , Paipulas Domas , Sirutkaitis Valdas
Published: December 2022

Transparent and high-hardness materials have become the object of wide interest due to their optical and mechanical properties; most notably, concerning technical glasses and crystals. A notable example is sapphire—one of the most rigid materials having impressive mechanical stability, high melting point and a wide transparency window reaching into the UV range, together with impressive laser-induced damage thresholds. Nonetheless, using this material for 3D micro-fabrication is not straightforward due to its brittle nature. On the microscale, selective laser etching (SLE) technology is an appropriate approach for such media. Therefore, we present our research on C-cut crystalline sapphire microprocessing by using femtosecond radiation-induced SLE. Here, we demonstrate a comparison between different wavelength radiation (1030 nm, 515 nm, 343 nm) usage for material modification and various etchants (hydrofluoric acid, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and sulphuric and phosphoric acid mixture) comparison. Due to the inability to etch crystalline sapphire, regular SLE etchants, such as hydrofluoric acid or potassium hydroxide, have limited adoption in sapphire selective laser etching. Meanwhile, a 78% sulphuric and 22% phosphoric acid mixture at 270 °C temperature is a good alternative for this process. We present the changes in the material after the separate processing steps. After comparing different processing protocols, the perspective is demonstrated for sapphire structure formation.
The Development and Progress of the UWB Physical Layer
Authors: Lv Ziteng , Zhang Xin , Chen Dongdong , Li Di , Wang Xianglong , Zhao Tianlong , Yang Yintang , Zhao Yanbo , Zhang Xin
Published: December 2022

Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology has been applied in many fields, such as radar and indoor positioning, because of its advantages of having a high transmission rate, anti-multipath interference, and good concealment. In the UWB physical layer, the transmitting link, including an encoder and a pulse generator, is used to improve the anti-interference ability of the signal, while the receiving link, including a receiver and a decoder, can correct the error signal. Therefore, the performance of the UWB physical layer can obviously affect the speed and quality of UWB signal transmission. In this paper, the structure and performance of the codec and transceiver of the UWB physical layer are introduced and compared. In addition, some typical architectures and features are summarized and discussed, which provides a valuable reference and suggestions for the design of the UWB physical layer. Finally, the outlook of the UWB physical layer is presented: its development direction mainly includes high speed, low power consumption, and fewer hardware resources.
Performance Enhancement of Perovskite Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diodes via Management of Hole Injection
Authors: Wang Weigao , Li Yiyang , Duan Yu , Qiu Mingxia , An Hua , Peng Zhengchun
Published: December 2022

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is widely used in optoelectronic devices due to its excellent hole current conductivity and suitable work function. However, imbalanced carrier injection in the PEDOT:PSS layer impedes obtaining high-performance perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs). In this work, a novel poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-co-(4,40-(N-(p-butylphenyl))diphenylamine)] (TFB) is applied as the hole transport layers (HTLs) to facilitate the hole injection with cascade-like energy alignment between PEDOT:PSS and methylammonium lead tribromide (MAPbBr3) film. Our results indicate that the introduced TFB layer did not affect the surface morphology or lead to any additional surface defects of the perovskite film. Consequently, the optimal PeLEDs with TFB HTLs show a maximum current efficiency and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 21.26 cd A−1 and 6.68%, respectively. Such EQE is 2.5 times higher than that of the control devices without TFB layers. This work provides a facile and robust route to optimize the device structure and improve the performance of PeLEDs.
Synthesis of Aroma Compounds as a Function of Different Nitrogen Sources in Fermentations Using Non-Saccharomyces Wine Yeasts
Authors: Badura Jennifer , Medić Marko , Wyk Niël van , Krause Birgit , Semmler Heike , Brezina Silvia , Pretorius Isak S. , Rauhut Doris , Wallbrunn Christian von
Published: December 2022

Non-Saccharomyces yeasts are prevalent at the onset of grape must fermentations and can have a significant influence on the final wine product. In contrast to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the biosynthetic pathways leading to aroma compound formation in these non-conventional yeasts, in particular those that are derived from amino acid metabolism, remains largely unexplored. Within a synthetic must environment, we investigated the amino acid utilization of four species (Hanseniaspora uvarum, Hanseniaspora osmophila, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, Starmerella bacillaris) and S. cerevisiae. We report on the differential uptake preferences for amino acids with H. uvarum displaying the most rapid uptake of most amino acids. To investigate the fate of amino acids and their direct contribution to aroma synthesis in H. uvarum, H. osmophila and Z. rouxii, musts were supplemented with single amino acids. Aroma profiling undertaken after three days showed the synthesis of specific aroma compounds by the respective yeast was dependent on the specific amino acid supplementation. H. osmophila showed similarities to S. cerevisiae in both amino acid uptake and the synthesis of aroma compounds depending on the nitrogen sources. This study shows how the uptake of specific amino acids contributes to the synthesis of aroma compounds in wine fermentations using different non-Saccharomyces yeasts.
Persistence as a Constituent of a Biocontrol Mechanism (Competition for Nutrients and Niches) in Pseudomonas putida PCL1760
Authors: Miftakhov Aynur Kamilevich , Diabankana Roderic Gilles Claret , Frolov Mikhail , Yusupov Marat Miratovich , Validov Shamil Zavdatovich , Afordoanyi Daniel Mawuena
Published: December 2022

Competition for nutrients and niches (CNN) is known to be one of the mechanisms for biocontrol mostly exhibited by Pseudomonas strains. Phenotypic and full genome analysis revealed Pseudomonas putida PCL1760 controlling tomato foot and root rot (TFRR) solely through CNN mechanism. Although the availability of nutrients and motility are the known conditions for CNN, persistence of bacteria through dormancy by ribosomal hibernation is a key phenomenon to evade both biotic and abiotic stress. To confirm this hypothesis, rsfS gene knockout mutant of PCL1760 (SB9) was first obtained through genetic constructions and compared with the wild type PCL1760. Primarily, relative expression of rsfS in PCL1760 was conducted on tomato seedlings which showed a higher expression at the apical part (1.02 ± 0.18) of the plant roots than the basal (0.41 ± 0.13). The growth curve and persistence in ceftriaxone after the induction of starvation with rifampicin were performed on both strains. Colonization on the tomato root by CFU and qPCR, including biocontrol ability against Fusarium, was also tested. The growth dynamics of both PCL1760 and SB9 in basal and rich medium statistically did not differ (p ≤ 0.05). There was a significant difference observed in persistence showing PCL1760 to be more persistent than its mutant SB9, while SB9 (pJeM2:rsfS) was 221.07 folds more than PCL1760. In colonization and biocontrol ability tests, PCL1760 was dominant over SB9 colonizing and controlling TFRR (in total, 3.044 × 104 to 6.95 × 103 fg/µL and 55.28% to 30.24%, respectively). The deletion of the rsfS gene in PCL1760 reduced the persistence and effectiveness of the strain, suggesting persistence as one important characteristic of the CNN.
Damage Evolution Prediction during 2D Scale-Model Tests of a Rubble-Mound Breakwater: A Case Study of Ericeira’s Breakwater
Authors: Lemos Rute , Santos João A. , Fortes Conceição J.E.M.
Published: December 2022

Melby presents a formula to predict damage evolution in rubble-mound breakwaters whose armour layer is made of rock, based on the erosion measured in scale-model tests and the characteristics of the incident sea waves in such tests. However, this formula is only valid for armour layers made of rock and for the range of tested sea states. The present work aims to show how the Melby methodology can be used to establish a similar formula for the armour layer damage evolution in a rubble-mound breakwater where tetrapods are employed. For that, a long-duration test series is conducted with a 1:50 scale model of the quay section of the Ericeira Harbour breakwater. The eroded volume of the armour layer was measured using a Kinect position sensor. The damage parameter values measured in the experiments are lower than those predicted by the formulation for rock armour layers. New ap and b coefficients for the Melby formula for the tested armour layer were established based on the minimum root mean square error between the measured and the predicted damage. This work shows also that it is possible to assess the damage evolution in scale-model tests with rubble-mound breakwaters by computing the eroded volume and subsequently, the dimensionless damage parameter based on the equivalent removed armour units.
Piezo-Resistive Flexible Pressure Sensor by Blade-Coating Graphene–Silver Nanosheet–Polymer Nanocomposite
Authors: Kang Zheng , Li Xiangmeng , Zhao Xiaodong , Wang Xiaoqiang , Shen Jian , Wei Huifen , Zhu Xijing
Published: December 2022

The demand for flexible pressure sensors in wearable devices is dramatically increasing. However, challenges still exist in making flexible pressure sensors, including complex or costly fabrication processes and difficulty in mass production. In this paper, a new method is proposed for preparing the flexible pressure sensors that combines an imprinting technique with blade-coating of a graphene–silver nanosheet–polymer nanocomposite. The piezo-resistive type flexible pressure sensor consists of interdigital electrodes and nanocomposite as a sensing layer, as well as a micropillar array structure. The morphology of the sensitive layer of the sensor is characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The response performance, sensitivity, and stability of the sensor are investigated. The test results show that the initial resistance of the pressure sensor is only 1.6 Ω, the sensitivity is 0.04 kPa−1, and the response time is about 286 ms. In addition, a highly hydrophobic wetting property can be observed on the functional structure surface of the sensor. The contact angle is 137.2 degrees, revealing the self-cleaning property of the sensor. Finally, the prepared sensor is demonstrated as a wearable device, indicating promising potential in practical applications.
Deciphering the Reactive Pathways of Competitive Reactions inside Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Marforio Tainah Dorina , Tomasini Michele , Bottoni Andrea , Zerbetto Francesco , Mattioli Edoardo Jun , Calvaresi Matteo
Published: December 2022

Nanoscale control of chemical reactivity, manipulation of reaction pathways, and ultimately driving the outcome of chemical reactions are quickly becoming reality. A variety of tools are concurring to establish such capability. The confinement of guest molecules inside nanoreactors, such as the hollow nanostructures of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), is a straightforward and highly fascinating approach. It mechanically hinders some molecular movements but also decreases the free energy of translation of the system with respect to that of a macroscopic solution. Here, we examined, at the quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) level, the effect of confinement inside CNTs on nucleophilic substitution (SN2) and elimination (syn-E2 and anti-E2) using as a model system the reaction between ethyl chloride and chloride. Our results show that the three reaction mechanisms are kinetically and thermodynamically affected by the CNT host. The size of the nanoreactor, i.e., the CNT diameter, represents the key factor to control the energy profiles of the reactions. A careful analysis of the interactions between the CNTs and the reactive system allowed us to identify the driving force of the catalytic process. The electrostatic term controls the reaction kinetics in the SN2 and syn/anti-E2 reactions. The van der Waals interactions play an important role in the stabilization of the product of the elimination process.
Cs(Pb,Mn)Br3 Quantum Dots Glasses with Superior Thermal Stability for Contactless Electroluminescence Green−Emitting LEDs
Authors: Du Aochen , Zhao Wenxiao , Peng Yu , Qin Xinzhi , Lin Zexi , Ye Yun , Chen Enguo , Xu Sheng , Guo Tailiang
Published: December 2022

CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br or I) perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) have gained increasing interest due to their superior performance in photoelectric applications. In our work, a series of Mn2+ doped CsPbBr3 PQDs were successfully prepared in glasses by melt quenching and in situ crystallization technique. Due to the 4T1 (4G)→6A1 (6S) transition of Mn2+, a slight red shift from 510 nm to 516 nm was found, with the FWHM expansion from 18 nm to 26 nm. The PQDs@glasses showed excellent thermal stability, and the exciton binding energy reached a high level of 412 meV. The changes of the electronic structure after Mn doping CsPbBr3 can be demonstrated by first principles. Finally, a contactless electroluminescence device with the PQDs@glasses was designed based on the principle of electromagnetic induction, which is a potential application for detecting distance in sterile and dust−free environments.
Manifesting Epoxide and Hydroxyl Groups in XPS Spectra and Valence Band of Graphene Derivatives
Authors: Rabchinskii Maxim K. , Shnitov Vladimir V. , Brzhezinskaya Maria , Baidakova Marina V. , Stolyarova Dina Yu. , Ryzhkov Sergey A. , Saveliev Svyatoslav D. , Shvidchenko Alexander V. , Nefedov Denis Yu. , Antonenko Anastasiia O. , Pavlov Sergey V. , Kislenko Vitaliy A. , Kislenko Sergey A. , Brunkov Pavel N.
Published: December 2022

The derivatization of graphene to engineer its band structure is a subject of significant attention nowadays, extending the frames of graphene material applications in the fields of catalysis, sensing, and energy harvesting. Yet, the accurate identification of a certain group and its effect on graphene’s electronic structure is an intricate question. Herein, we propose the advanced fingerprinting of the epoxide and hydroxyl groups on the graphene layers via core-level methods and reveal the modification of their valence band (VB) upon the introduction of these oxygen functionalities. The distinctive contribution of epoxide and hydroxyl groups to the C 1s X-ray photoelectron spectra was indicated experimentally, allowing the quantitative characterization of each group, not just their sum. The appearance of a set of localized states in graphene’s VB related to the molecular orbitals of the introduced functionalities was signified both experimentally and theoretically. Applying the density functional theory calculations, the impact of the localized states corresponding to the molecular orbitals of the hydroxyl and epoxide groups was decomposed. Altogether, these findings unveiled the particular contribution of the epoxide and hydroxyl groups to the core-level spectra and band structure of graphene derivatives, advancing graphene functionalization as a tool to engineer its physical properties.
Higher Serum Testosterone Level Was Associated with a Lower Risk of Prediabetes in US Adults: Findings from Nationally Representative Data
Authors: Wang Jason , Yan Alice F. , Cheskin Lawrence J. , Shi Zumin
Published: December 2022

Low testosterone may be a novel risk factor for prediabetes. We assessed the associations between prediabetes and total serum testosterone (TT), and whether the associations were modified by population characteristics. The data from 5330 adults aged ≥ 20 years, who participated in the 2011–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the United States, were used. Prediabetes was based on fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, or OGTT. Sociodemographic, obesity, co-morbidities, and lifestyle factors were included in logistic regression models. A dose-response relationship was found between prediabetes and the testosterone quartiles. The odds ratio (OR and 95% CI) for prediabetes across the quartiles of TT were: 1.00, 0.68 (0.50–0.92), 0.51 (0.36–0.72), and 0.48 (0.34–0.70) in men; and 1.00, 1.06 (0.81–1.40), 0.81 (0.61–1.06), and 0.68 (0.49–0.93) in women. The results changed marginally if the models were adjusted for additional variables such as BMI. The subgroup analyses showed differences in the association, which was stronger in some groups (for men: age < 50, white and black, overweight/obese, adequate physical activity, never-smoking; and for women: age ≥ 50, black). A higher testosterone level was associated with a lower risk of prediabetes among US adults. The strength of the association varied by population characteristics, weight status, gender, and lifestyle factors.
The Importance of Neonatal Screening for Galactosemia
Authors: Badiu Tișa Ioana , Achim Anca Cristina , Cozma-Petruț Anamaria
Published: December 2022

Galactosemia is an inborn metabolic disorder caused by a deficient activity in one of the enzymes involved in the metabolism of galactose. The first description of galactosemia in newborns dates from 1908, ever since complex research has been performed on cell and animal models to gain more insights into the molecular and clinical bases of this challenging disease. In galactosemia, the newborn appears to be born in proper health, having a window of opportunity before developing major morbidities that may even be fatal following ingestion of milk that contains galactose. Galactosemia cannot be cured, but its negative consequences on health can be avoided by establishing precocious diagnosis and treatment. All the foods that contain galactose should be eliminated from the diet when there is a suspicion of galactosemia. The neonatal screening for galactosemia can urge early diagnosis and intervention, preventing complications. All galactosemia types may be detected during the screening of newborns for this disorder. The major target is, however, galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) deficiency galactosemia, which is diagnosed by applying a combination of total galactose and GALT enzyme analysis as well as, in certain programs, mutation screening. Most critically, infants who exhibit symptoms suggestive of galactosemia should undergo in-depth testing for this condition even when the newborn screening shows normal results. The decision to enroll global screening for galactosemia among the specific population still faces many challenges. In this context, the present narrative review provides an updated overview of the incidence, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of galactosemia, questioning under the dome of these aspects related to the disease the value of its neonatal monitoring.
The Concept of Healthy Behaviours in Obesity May Have Unintended Consequences
Authors: Craig Hilary C. , Doran Zoë M. , le Roux Carel W.
Published: December 2022

Obesity has become a global epidemic, representing a major health crisis, with a significant impact both in human and financial terms. Obesity was originally seen as a condition, not a disease, which was considered self-inflicted. Thus, it was understandable that a simplistic approach, such as eat less and move more was proposed to manage obesity. Over the last 25 years, the perception of obesity has been gradually changing and the awareness has risen that it is a disease in its own right and not just a precipitating factor for type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), etc. Creation of a comprehensive algorithm for the management of obesity needs to be informed by an in-depth understanding of the issues impacting the provision of treatment. Promotion of healthy behaviours is essential to help the population become healthier, but these are not obesity treatment strategies. Twenty percent of patients with obesity may respond to approaches based on healthy behaviour, but the 80% who do not respond should not be stigmatised but rather their treatment should be escalated. The unintended consequences of promoting healthy behaviours to patients with obesity can be mitigated by understanding that obesity is likely to be a subset of complex diseases, that require chronic disease management. Once the biology of the disease has been addressed, then healthy behaviours may play an invaluable role in optimising self-care within a chronic disease management strategy.
Reliability and Validity of the Emotional Eater Questionnaire in Romanian Adults
Authors: Putnoky Salomeia , Serban Denis Mihai , Banu Ancuta Mioara , Ursoniu Sorin , Serban Costela Lacrimioara
Published: December 2022

Negative emotions and chronic stress trigger abnormal compensatory behaviors known as emotional eating (EE). EE is a well-known mediator for increased body mass index and weight gain. Our aim was to analyze the factor structure and validity and reliability of the Emotional Eater Questionnaire (EEQ) in a sample of 200 Romanian adults with excess weight. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assess the construct validity. The mindful eating questionnaire (MEQ) was used to test concurrent validity. Cronbach’s alpha and Spearman correlations were used to analyze internal and external reliability. The socio-demographic characteristics were used as factors for convergent validity. PCA revealed the existence of three major factors, disinhibition, type of food, and guilt, which accounted for 64.9% of the variance. Concurrent validity showed medium to large associations with MEQ (r = 0.650; p < 0.001) and a large association with the emotional subscale of MEQ (r = 0.732; p < 0.001). Reliability was adequate with Cronbach’s alfa = 0.841 and ICC = 0.775. In a multivariate model, the highest contribution to the EE score was the age (beta = −0.327), followed by feminine gender (beta = 0.321), high levels of perceived stress (beta = 0.215), BMI (beta = 0.184) and lower perceived health status (beta = 0.184). The Romanian version of the EEQ is a reliable and valid tool for measuring emotional eating in adults with excess weight.