bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Fatigue Life of Aluminum Al 2024-T351 at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Mazlan Shahan , Yidris Noorfaizal , Koloor Seyed Saeid Rahimian , Petrů Michal
Published: November 2020

This paper presents the prediction of the fatigue life of aluminum Al 2024-T351 at room and elevated temperatures under uniaxial loading using finite element simulation. Structural parts such as fuselage, wings, aircraft turbines and heat exchangers are required to work safely at this working condition even with decreasing fatigue strength and other properties. The monotonic tensile and cyclic tests at 100 °C and 200 °C were conducted using MTS 810 servo hydraulic equipped with MTS 653 high temperature furnace at a frequency of 10 Hz and load ratio of 0.1. There was an 8% increase in the yield strength and a 2.32 MPa difference in the ultimate strength at 100 °C. However, the yield strength had a 1.61 MPa difference and 25% decrease in the ultimate strength at 200 °C compared to the room temperature. The mechanical and micro-structural behavior at elevated temperatures caused an increase in the crack initiation and crack propagation which reduced the total fatigue life. The yield strength, ultimate strength, alternating stress, mean stress and fatigue life were taken as the input in finite element commercial software, ANSYS. Comparison of results between experimental and finite element methods showed a good agreement. Hence, the suggested method using the numerical software can be used for predicting the fatigue life at elevated temperature.
In-Vitro Degradation of Hollow Silica Reinforced Magnesium Syntactic Foams in Different Simulated Body Fluids for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Manakari Vyasaraj , Kannan Sathish , Parande Gururaj , Doddamani Mrityunjay , Columbus Soumya , K Priya Sudha , Vincent S. , Gupta Manoj
Published: November 2020

This article reports the mechanical and biocorrosion behaviour of hollow silica nanosphere (SiO2) reinforced (0.5–2 vol.%) magnesium (Mg) syntactic foams. Room temperature tensile properties’ characterization suggests that the increased addition of hollow silica nanospheres resulted in a progressive increase in tensile yield strength (TYS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) with Mg-2 vol.% SiO2 exhibiting a maximum TYS of 167 MPa and a UTS of 217 MPa. The degradation behaviour of the developed Mg-SiO2 syntactic foams in four different simulated body fluids (SBFs): artificial blood plasma solution (ABPS), phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS), artificial saliva solution (ASS) and Hanks’ balanced saline solution (HBSS) was investigated by using potentiodynamic polarization studies. Results indicate that corrosion resistance of the Mg-SiO2 syntactic foam decreases with increasing chloride ion concentration of the SBF. Mg-1.0 vol.% SiO2 displayed the best corrosion response and its corrosion susceptibility pertaining to corrosion rate and polarisation curves in different SBF solutions can be ranked in the following order: ABPS > PBS > HBSS > ASS. The surface microstructure demonstrated the presence of a better passivated layer on the syntactic foams compared to pure Mg. The observed increase in corrosion resistance is correlated with intrinsic changes in microstructure due to the presence of hollow silica nanospheres. Further, the effect of corrosive environment on the degradation behaviour of Mg has been elucidated.
Manufacturing and Study of Mechanical Properties, Structure and Compatibility with Biological Objects of Plates and Wire from New Ti-25Nb-13Ta-5Zr Alloy
Authors: Gudkov Sergey V. , Simakin Alexander V. , Sevostyanov Mikhail A. , Konushkin Sergey V. , Losertová Monika , Ivannikov Alexander Yu. , Kolmakov Alexey G. , Izmailov Andrey Yu.
Published: November 2020

A Ti–25Nb–13Ta–5Zr alloy was produced and studied in this work, and plates and wires were made from this alloy. It is shown that the Ti–25Nb–13Ta–5Zr alloy has the required mechanical properties and a β-crystal phase. Microstructures were present on the surface of the alloy with a height of several hundred nm, located at a distance of 1.5–2 μm from each other. Ti–25Nb–13Ta–5Zr was superior to nitinol in terms of the formation of long-living reactive protein species and the generation of reactive oxygen species. Cell cultivation on Ti–25Nb–13Ta–5Zr alloy surfaces revealed a significant mitotic index (2%) and a small number of nonviable cells (<5%). The cells were actively attached and spread over the alloy. The biocompatibility of Ti–25Nb–13Ta–5Zr was verified by experiments on the implantation of the alloy in the form of plates and coiled wires. The surface morphology of the specimens after biological trials was not significantly altered. The experimental data we obtained suggest that Ti–25Nb–13Ta–5Zr is suitable for potential applications in biology and medicine.
The Fungicidal Action of Micafungin is Independent on Both Oxidative Stress Generation and HOG Pathway Signaling in Candida albicans
Authors: Alonso-Monge Rebeca , Guirao-Abad José P. , Sánchez-Fresneda Ruth , Pla Jesús , Yagüe Genoveva , Argüelles Juan Carlos
Published: November 2020

In fungi, the Mitogen-Activated Protein kinase (MAPK) pathways sense a wide variety of environmental stimuli, leading to cell adaptation and survival. The HOG pathway plays an essential role in the pathobiology of Candida albicans, including the colonization of the gastrointestinal tract in a mouse model, virulence, and response to stress. Here, we examined the role of Hog1 in the C. albicans response to the clinically relevant antifungal Micafungin (MF), whose minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was identical in the parental strain (RM100) and in the isogenic homozygous mutant hog1 (0.016 mg/L). The cell viability was impaired without significant differences between the parental strain, the isogenic hog1 mutant, and the Hog1+ reintegrant. This phenotype was quite similar in a collection of hog1 mutants constructed in a different C. albicans background. MF-treated cells failed to induce a relevant increase of both reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and activation of the mitochondrial membrane potential in parental and hog1 cells. MF was also unable to trigger any significant activation of the genes coding for the antioxidant activities catalase (CAT1) and superoxide dismutase (SOD2), as well as on the corresponding enzymatic activities, whereas a clear induction was observed in the presence of Amphotericin B (AMB), introduced as a positive control of Hog1 signaling. Furthermore, Hog1 was not phosphorylated by the addition of MF, but, notably, this echinocandin caused Mkc1 phosphorylation. Our results strongly suggest that the toxic effect of MF on C. albicans cells is not mediated by the Hog1 MAPK and is independent of the generation of an internal oxidative stress in C. albicans.
Properties of Impact-Related Pseudotachylite and Associated Shocked Zircon and Monazite in the Upper Levels of a Large Impact Basin: a Case Study From the Vredefort Impact Structure
Authors: Kovaleva Elizaveta , Dixon Roger
Published: November 2020

The Vredefort impact structure in South Africa is deeply eroded to its lowermost levels. However, granophyre (impact melt) dykes in such structures preserve clasts of supracrustal rocks, transported down from the uppermost levels of the initial structure. Studying these clasts is the only way to understand the properties of already eroded impactites. One such lithic clast from the Vredefort impact structure contains a thin pseudotachylite vein and is shown to be derived from the near-surface environment of the impact crater. Traditionally, impact pseudotachylites are referred to as in situ melt rocks with the same chemical and isotopic composition as their host rocks. The composition of the sampled pseudotachylite vein is not identical to its host rock, as shown by the micro-X-ray fluorescence (µXRF) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometry mapping. Mapping shows that the melt transfer and material mixing within pseudotachylites may have commonly occurred at the upper levels of the structure. The vein is spatially related to shocked zircon and monazite crystals in the sample. Granular zircons with small granules are concentrated within and around the vein (not farther than 6–7 mm from the vein). Zircons with planar fractures and shock microtwins occur farther from the vein (6–12 mm). Zircons with microtwins (65°/{112}) are also found inside the vein, and twinned monazite (180°/[101]) is found very close to the vein. These spatial relationships point to elevated shock pressure and shear stress, concentrated along the vein’s plane during impact.
Synthesis of Polymer Grafted Starches and Their Flocculation Properties in Clay Suspension
Authors: Zhao Nana , Bitar Hani Al , Zhu Yunyin , Xu Yuming , Shi Zhiqing
Published: November 2020

Starch-based flocculants have been emerged as a promising alternative to conventional synthetic flocculants in wastewater treatment, especially for the treatment of oil sand tailings, as they are low cost, safe, biodegradable, fairly shear-stable, readily available from reproducible agricultural resources, and do not result in secondary pollution. In this paper, three types of polymer-grafted starches (St-g-Polymer) with different charge properties were synthesized and their molecular structures were controlled by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The correlations between the charge properties of starch-based flocculants, external environmental parameters, and flocculation performance were systematically investigated by conducting jar tests under various environmental conditions. It was found that the charge properties of the branch chain had a significant impact on flocculation performance. The cationic St-g-Polymer demonstrated the best performance due to the grafting of the cationic monomer to the starch backbone which improved the solubility of the copolymer and aided in the removal of small/water-soluble particles. The results obtained could assist in guiding the selection and design of suitable biodegradable flocculants when treating targeted wastewater.
On the Recovery of Hematite from an Iron Ore Fine Fraction by Electroflotation Using a Biosurfactant
Authors: Simões Carolina R. , Hacha Ronald R. , Merma Antonio G. , Torem Maurício L.
Published: November 2020

Electroflotation is a clean technique potentially able to recover fine particles from mineral suspensions. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the electroflotation of fines and ultrafine particles of an itabiritic iron ore using a biosurfactant extracted from Rhodococcus opacus bacteria. Infrared spectroscopy and zeta potential measurements confirmed the interaction between the biosurfactant and the mineral surface. The isoelectric point of hematite presented a value of about pH 5.3; after interacting with the biosurfactant, a charge reversal point of pH 3.5 was observed. The biosurfactant reduced the air/water surface tension from 71 to 40 mN/m, using 25 mg/L concentration. The electroflotation process of fine and ultrafine particles was evaluated as a function of pH, biosurfactant concentration, stirring of the aqueous suspension and current density. It was observed that the iron recovery (%) and iron grade (%) were negatively affected by increasing pH value. Therefore, best results were achieved at pH 3. Biosurfactant concentration and current density positively affected both response variables. An iron recovery value of about 83% and an iron grade of about 59% were achieved for the −38 + 20 µm size fraction; whereas, higher values were attained (98% and 64%, respectively) for the finer size fraction −20 µm.
A Critical Overview of Current Theoretical Methods of Estimating the Energy of Intramolecular Interactions
Authors: Jabłoński Mirosław
Published: November 2020

This article is probably the first such comprehensive review of theoretical methods for estimating the energy of intramolecular hydrogen bonds or other interactions that are frequently the subject of scientific research. Rather than on a plethora of numerical data, the main focus is on discussing the theoretical rationale of each method. Additionally, attention is paid to the fact that it is very often possible to use several variants of a particular method. Both of the methods themselves and their variants often give wide ranges of the obtained estimates. Attention is drawn to the fact that the applicability of a particular method may be significantly limited by various factors that disturb the reliability of the estimation, such as considerable structural changes or new important interactions in the reference system.
Synthesis and Conformational Analysis of Fluorinated Uridine Analogues Provide Insight into a Neighbouring-Group Participation Mechanism
Authors: Michailidou Freideriki , Lebl Tomas , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Sharma Sunil Vishnuprasadji , Brown Murray J. B. , Goss Rebecca Jane Miriam
Published: November 2020

Fluorinated nucleoside analogues have attracted much attention as anticancer and antiviral agents and as probes for enzymatic function. However, the lack of direct synthetic methods, especially for 2′,3′-dideoxy-2′,3′-difluoro nucleosides, hamper their practical utility. In order to design more efficient synthetic methods, a better understanding of the conformation and mechanism of formation of these molecules is important. Herein, we report the synthesis and conformational analysis of a 2′,3′-dideoxy-2′,3′-difluoro and a 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro uridine derivative and provide an insight into the reaction mechanism. We suggest that the transformation most likely diverges from the SN1 or SN2 pathway, but instead operates via a neighbouring-group participation mechanism.
Essential Oil from Melaleuca leucadendra: Antimicrobial, Antikinetoplastid, Antiproliferative and Cytotoxic Assessment
Authors: Monzote Lianet , Scherbakov Alexander M. , Scull Ramón , Satyal Prabodh , Cos Paul , Shchekotikhin Andrey E. , Gille Lars , Setzer William N.
Published: November 2020

Essential oils (EOs) are known for their use in cosmetics, food industries, and traditional medicine. This study presents the chemical composition and therapeutic properties against kinetoplastid and eukaryotic cells of the EO from Melaleucaleucadendra (L.) L. (Myrtaceae). Forty-five compounds were identified in the oil by GC-MS, containing a major component the 1,8-cineole (61%). The EO inhibits the growth of Leishmania amazonensis and Trypanosoma brucei at IC50 values <10 μg/mL. However, 1,8 cineole was not the main compound responsible for the activity. Against malignant (22Rv1, MCF-7, EFO-21, including resistant sublines MCF-7/Rap and MCF-7/4OHTAMO) and non-malignant (MCF-10A, J774A.1 and peritoneal macrophage) cells, IC50 values from 55 to 98 μg/mL and from 94 to 144 μg/mL were obtained, respectively. However, no activity was observed on Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger, Candida parapsilosis, Microsporum canis, or Trypanosoma cruzi. The EO was able to control the lesion size and parasite burden in the model of cutaneous leishmaniasis in BALB/c mice caused by L. amazonensis compared to untreated animals (p < 0.05) and similar with those treated with Glucantime® (p > 0.05). This work constitutes the first evidence of antiproliferative potentialities of EO from M. leucadendra growing in Cuba and could promote further preclinical investigations to confirm the medical value of this plant, in particular for leishmaniasis treatment.
ZnO Nanoparticles for Photocatalytic Application in Alkali-Activated Materials
Authors: Guzmán-Carrillo Hector R. , Manzano-Ramírez Alejandro , Garcia Lodeiro Ines , Fernández-Jiménez Ana
Published: November 2020

This paper reports an Alkali-Activated Materials (AAM) using two different precursors, metakaolin and a metallurgical slag with photocatalytic zinc oxide nanoparticles, as novel photocatalytic composites. The photodegradation performance of the composites using methylene blue (MB) dye as a wastewater model was investigated by ultraviolet radiations (UV-vis) spectroscopy. Adsorption in dark conditions and photodegradation under UV irradiation are the mechanisms for removing MB dye. The pseudo-first-order kinetic and pseudo-second-order kinetic models were employed, and the experimental data agreed with the pseudo-second-order model in both cases with UV and without UV irradiations. As new photocatalytic materials, these composites offer an alternative for environmental applications.
Acetylharpagide Protects Mice from Staphylococcus Aureus-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Inhibiting NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Zhaoxin , Wang Yun , Shan Yating , Yin Wu
Published: November 2020

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious disease that has a high risk of death among infants and teenagers. Acetylharpagide, a natural compound of Ajuga decumbens Thunb. (family Labiatae), has been found to have anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects. This study investigates the therapeutic effects of acetylharpagide on S. aureus-induced ALI in mice. Here, we found that acetylharpagide alleviated S. aureus-induced lung pathological morphology damage, protected the pulmonary blood-gas barrier and improved the survival of S. aureus-infected mice. Furthermore, S. aureus-induced myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity of lung homogenate and pro-inflammatory factors in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were suppressed by acetylharpagide. Mechanically, acetylharpagide inhibited the interaction between polyubiquitinated receptor interacting protein 1 (RIP1) and NF-κB essential modulator (NEMO), thereby suppressing NF-κB activity. In summary, these results show that acetylharpagide protects mice from S. aureus-induced ALI by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway. Acetylharpagide is expected to become a potential treatment for S. aureus-induced ALI.
Triflumizole as a Novel Lead Compound for Strigolactone Biosynthesis Inhibitor
Authors: Kawada Kojiro , Uchida Yuya , Takahashi Ikuo , Nomura Takahito , Sasaki Yasuyuki , Asami Tadao , Yajima Shunsuke , Ito Shinsaku
Published: November 2020

Strigolactones (SLs) are carotenoid-derived plant hormones involved in the development of various plants. SLs also stimulate seed germination of the root parasitic plants, Striga spp. and Orobanche spp., which reduce crop yield. Therefore, regulating SL biosynthesis may lessen the damage of root parasitic plants. Biosynthetic inhibitors effectively control biological processes by targeted regulation of biologically active compounds. In addition, biosynthetic inhibitors regulate endogenous levels in developmental stage- and tissue-specific manners. To date, although some chemicals have been found as SL biosynthesis inhibitor, these are derived from only three lead chemicals. In this study, to find a novel lead chemical for SL biosynthesis inhibitor, 27 nitrogen-containing heterocyclic derivatives were screened for inhibition of SL biosynthesis. Triflumizole most effectively reduced the levels of rice SL, 4-deoxyorobanchol (4DO), in root exudates. In addition, triflumizole inhibited endogenous 4DO biosynthesis in rice roots by inhibiting the enzymatic activity of Os900, a rice enzyme that converts the SL intermediate carlactone to 4DO. A Striga germination assay revealed that triflumizole-treated rice displayed a reduced level of germination stimulation for Striga. These results identify triflumizole as a novel lead compound for inhibition of SL biosynthesis.
Biotransformation of Oleanane and Ursane Triterpenic Acids
Authors: Luchnikova Natalia A. , Grishko Victoria V. , Ivshina Irina B.
Published: November 2020

Oleanane and ursane pentacyclic triterpenoids are secondary metabolites of plants found in various climatic zones and regions. This group of compounds is highly attractive due to their diverse biological properties and possible use as intermediates in the synthesis of new pharmacologically promising substances. By now, their antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitumor, and other activities have been confirmed. In the last decade, methods of microbial synthesis of these compounds and their further biotransformation using microorganisms are gaining much popularity. The present review provides clear evidence that industrial microbiology can be a promising way to obtain valuable pharmacologically active compounds in environmentally friendly conditions without processing huge amounts of plant biomass and using hazardous and expensive chemicals. This review summarizes data on distribution, microbial synthesis, and biological activities of native oleanane and ursane triterpenoids. Much emphasis is put on the processes of microbial transformation of selected oleanane and ursane pentacyclic triterpenoids and on the bioactivity assessment of the obtained derivatives.
Properties of High-Swelling Native Starch Treated by Heat–Moisture Treatment with Different Holding Times and Iterations
Authors: Lin Chia-Long , Lin Jheng-Hua , Lin Jia-Jing , Chang Yung-Ho
Published: November 2020

Tapioca and potato starches were used to investigate the effect of heat–moisture treatment (HMT; 95–96 °C, 0–60 min, 1–6 iterations) on gelatinization properties, swelling power (SP), solubility and pasting properties. Tapioca starch had similar content and degree of polymerization of amylose, but a higher amylopectin short/long chain ratio, to potato starch. After HMT, the gelatinization temperature range was narrowed for tapioca starch, but was widened for potato starch. Decreases in SP and solubility were less for tapioca than potato starches, coinciding with a progressive shift to the moderate-swelling pasting profile for tapioca but a drastic change to the restricted-swelling profile for potato. Moreover, decreasing extents of SP and maximum viscosity for HMT tapioca starch were, respectively, in the range of 47–63% and 0–36%, and those of HMT potato starch were 89–92% and 63–94%. These findings indicate that the granule expansion and viscosity change of starch during gelatinization can be tailored stepwise by altering the HMT holding time and iteration.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Amino Chalcone Derivatives as Antiproliferative Agents
Authors: Lu Chao-Fan , Wang Sheng-Hui , Pang Xiao-Jing , Zhu Ting , Li Hong-Li , Li Qing-Rong , Li Qian-Yu , Gu Yu-Fan , Mu Zhao-Yang , Jin Min-Jie , Li Yin-Ru , Hu Yang-Yang , Zhang Yan-Bing , Song Jian , Zhang Sai-Yang
Published: November 2020

Chalcone is a common scaffold found in many biologically active compounds. The chalcone scaffold was also frequently utilized to design novel anticancer agents with potent biological efficacy. Aiming to continue the research of effective chalcone derivatives to treat cancers with potent anticancer activity, fourteen amino chalcone derivatives were designed and synthesized. The antiproliferative activity of amino chalcone derivatives was studied in vitro and 5-Fu as a control group. Some of the compounds showed moderate to good activity against three human cancer cells (MGC-803, HCT-116 and MCF-7 cells) and compound 13e displayed the best antiproliferative activity against MGC-803 cells, HCT-116 cells and MCF-7 cells with IC50 values of 1.52 μM (MGC-803), 1.83 μM (HCT-116) and 2.54 μM (MCF-7), respectively which was more potent than the positive control (5-Fu). Further mechanism studies were explored. The results of cell colony formatting assay suggested compound 10e inhibited the colony formation of MGC-803 cells. DAPI fluorescent staining and flow cytometry assay showed compound 13e induced MGC-803 cells apoptosis. Western blotting experiment indicated compound 13e induced cell apoptosis via the extrinsic/intrinsic apoptosis pathway in MGC-803 cells. Therefore, compound 13e might be a valuable lead compound as antiproliferative agents and amino chalcone derivatives worth further effort to improve amino chalcone derivatives’ potency.
Tetracycline Removal by Activating Persulfate with Diatomite Loading of Fe and Ce
Authors: Lv Chongning , Shi Jindou , Tang Qiuju , Hu Qi
Published: November 2020

Persulfate (PS)-based oxidation technology is efficient in removing refractory organics from water. A novel diatomite (DIA) support Fe and Ce composite (Fe-Ce/DIA) was prepared for activating persulfate to degrade tetracycline in water. The Fe and Ce were uniformly loaded on DIA, and the total pore size of Fe-Ce/DIA was 6.99 × 10−2 cm3/g, and the average pore size was 12.06 nm. Fe-Ce/DIA presented a good catalytic activity and 80% tetracycline was removed under the persulfate system. The Fe-Ce/DIA also had photocatalytic activity, and the corresponding tetracycline removal efficiency was 86% under UV irradiation. Fe-Ce/DIA exhibited less iron dissolution rate compared with Fe-DIA. The tetracycline degradation rate was enhanced when the temperature increased. The optimal tetracycline removal efficiency was obtained when the conditions were of persulfate 10 mM, Fe-Ce/DIA dosage 0.02 g/L, and tetracycline concentration 50 mg/L. In addition, Fe-Ce/DIA showed a wide pH application and good reusability and stability.
Inhibiting the NLRP3 Inflammasome
Authors: El-Sharkawy Lina Y. , Brough David , Freeman Sally
Published: November 2020

Inflammasomes are protein complexes which are important in several inflammatory diseases. Inflammasomes form part of the innate immune system that triggers the activation of inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. The inflammasome most studied in sterile inflammation and non-communicable disease is the NLRP3 inflammasome. Upon activation by diverse pathogen or disease associated signals, NLRP3 nucleates the oligomerization of an adaptor protein ASC forming a platform (the inflammasome) for the recruitment and activation of the protease caspase-1. Active caspase-1 catalyzes the processing and release of IL-1β and IL-18, and via cleavage of the pore forming protein gasdermin D can drive pyroptotic cell death. This review focuses on the structural basis and mechanism for NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in the context of drug design, providing chemical structures, activities, and clinical potential of direct inflammasome inhibitors. A cryo-EM structure of NLRP3 bound to NEK7 protein provides structural insight and aids in the discovery of novel NLRP3 inhibitors utilizing ligand-based or structure-based approaches.
Efficient Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting by Tailoring MoS2/CoTe Heterojunction in a Photoelectrochemical Cell
Authors: Sitara Effat , Nasir Habib , Mumtaz Asad , Ehsan Muhammad Fahad , Sohail Manzar , Iram Sadia , Bukhari Syeda Aqsa Batool
Published: November 2020

Solar energy conversion through photoelectrochemical water splitting (PEC) is an upcoming promising technique. MoS2/CoTe heterostructures were successfully prepared and utilized for PEC studies. MoS2 and CoTe were prepared by a hydrothermal method which were then ultrasonicated with wt. % ratios of 1:3, 1:1 and 3:1 to prepare MoS2/CoTe (1:3), MoS2/CoTe (1:1) and MoS2/CoTe (3:1) heterostructure, respectively. The pure materials and heterostructures were characterized by XRD, UV–vis-DRS, SEM, XPS, PL and Raman spectroscopy. Photoelectrochemical measurements were carried out by linear sweep voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic measurements. A maximum photocurrent density of 2.791 mA/cm2 was observed for the MoS2/CoTe (1:1) heterojunction which is about 11 times higher than the pristine MoS2. This current density was obtained at an applied bias of 0.62 V vs. Ag/AgCl (1.23 V vs. RHE) under the light intensity of 100 mW/cm2 of AM 1.5G illumination. The enhanced photocurrent density may be attributed to the efficient electron–hole pair separation. The solar to hydrogen conversion efficiency was found to be 0.84% for 1:1 MoS2/CoTe, signifying the efficient formation of the p-n junction. This study offers a novel heterojunction photocatalyst, for PEC water splitting.
Self-Assembled Multi-Epitope Peptide Amphiphiles Enhance the Immune Response against Enterovirus 71
Authors: Kim Yu-Gyeong , Lee Yunsu , Kim Joo Hee , Chang Sun-Young , Jung Jong-Wha , Chung Woo-Jae , Jin Hyo-Eon
Published: November 2020

Subunit vaccines consist of non-genetic material, such as peptides or proteins. They are considered safe because they have fewer side effects; however, they have low immunogenicity when used alone. We aimed to enhance the immune response of peptide-based vaccines by using self-assembled multimeric peptide amphiphiles (PAs). We designed two epitope PAs by conjugating epitope peptides from Enterovirus 71 (EV71) virus particle (VP) 1 and VP3 capsid proteins with different fatty acid chain lengths (VP1PA and VP3PA). These PAs self-assembled into supramolecular structures at a physiological pH, and the resulting structures were characterized using atomic force microscopy. Multi-epitope PAs (m-PAs) consisted of a 1:1 mixture of VP1PA and VP3PA solutions. To evaluate immunogenicity, m-PA constructs were injected with adjuvant subcutaneously into female Balb/c mice. Levels of antigen-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgG1 in m-PA-injected mice serum samples were analyzed using ELISA and Western blotting. Additionally, cytokine production stimulated by each antigen was measured in splenocytes cultured from immunized mice groups. We found that m-PA showed improved humoral and cellular immune responses compared to the control and peptide groups. The sera from m-PA immunized mice group could neutralize EV71 infection and protect host cells. Thus, self-assembled m-PAs can promote a protective immune response and can be developed as a potential platform technology to produce peptide vaccines against infectious viral diseases.
Schottky Barrier Height and Image Force Lowering in Monolayer MoS2 Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Vaknin Yonatan , Dagan Ronen , Rosenwaks Yossi
Published: November 2020

Understanding the nature of the barrier height in a two-dimensional semiconductor/metal interface is an important step for embedding layered materials in future electronic devices. We present direct measurement of the Schottky barrier height and its lowering in the transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD)/metal interface of a field effect transistor. It is found that the barrier height at the gold/ single-layer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) interfaces decreases with increasing drain voltage, and this lowering reaches 0.5–1 V We also show that increase of the gate voltage induces additional barrier lowering.
Control of Nanostructured Polysulfone Membrane Preparation by Phase Inversion Method
Authors: Bărdacă Urducea Cristina , Nechifor Aurelia Cristina , Dimulescu Ioana Alina , Oprea Ovidiu , Nechifor Gheorghe , Totu Eugenia Eftimie , Isildak Ibrahim , Albu Paul Constantin , Bungău Simona Gabriela
Published: November 2020

The preparation of membranes from polymer solutions by the phase inversion method, the immersion—precipitation technique has proved since the beginning of obtaining technological membranes the most versatile and simple possibility to create polymeric membrane nanostructures. Classically, the phase inversion technique involves four essential steps: Preparation of a polymer solution in the desired solvent, the formation of the polymer solution film on a flat support, the immersion of the film in a coagulation bath containing polymer solvents, and membrane conditioning. All phase inversion stages are important for the prepared membrane’s nanostructure and have been studied in detail for more than six decades. In this paper, we explored, through an electrochemical technique, the influence of the contact time with the polymer film’s environment until the introduction into the coagulation bath. The system chosen for membrane preparation is polysulfone-dimethylformamide-aqueous ethanol solution (PSf-DMF-EW). The obtained nanostructured membranes were characterized morphologically and structurally by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermal analysis (TA), and in terms of process performance through water permeation and bovine serum albumin retention (BSA). The membrane characteristics were correlated with the polymeric film exposure time to the environment until the contact with the coagulation bath, following the diagram of the electrochemical parameters provided by the electrochemical technique.
Association of Free Sugars Intake with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors among Japanese Adults: The 2016 National Health and Nutrition Survey, Japan
Authors: Fujiwara Aya , Okada Emiko , Okada Chika , Matsumoto Mai , Takimoto Hidemi
Published: November 2020

The relationship between free sugars intake and cardiometabolic risk factors is unclear in Japanese adults. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate this association using data from the 2016 National Health and Nutrition Survey, Japan. The percentage of energy intake from free sugars was estimated based on the 1-day weighed dietary record data of Japanese men (n = 4071) and women (n = 5794) aged ≥ 20 years. Associations between free sugars intake and cardiometabolic risk factors, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), systolic and diastolic blood pressures, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level and levels of serum total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, were investigated using linear regression and Dunnett’s test, with the lowest category of quartiles as a reference. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, free sugars intake was inversely associated with blood pressures (men only) and HDL-cholesterol level (both sexes) and positively associated with total-cholesterol level (women only) and LDL-cholesterol level (both sexes), whereas no association was observed for BMI, WC, and HbA1c level. This study identified both positive and inverse associations of free sugars intake with cardiometabolic risk factors in Japanese adults.
AphaMax®, an Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae Aqueous Extract, Exerts Intestinal Protective Effects in Experimental Colitis in Rats
Authors: Zizzo Maria Grazia , Caldara Gaetano , Bellanca Annalisa , Nuzzo Domenico , Di Carlo Marta , Scoglio Stefano , Serio Rosa
Published: November 2020

Background: Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) is a unicellular cyanobacterium considered to be a “superfood” for its complete nutritional profile and beneficial properties. We investigated possible beneficial effects of an AFA extract, commercialized as AphaMax®, containing concentrated amount of phycocyanins and phytochrome, in 2,4 dinitrobenzensulfonic acid(DNBS)-induced colitis in rats. Methods: Effects of preventive oral treatment of AphaMax® (20, 50 or 100 mg/kg/day) in colitic rats were assessed and then macroscopic and microscopic analyses were performed to evaluate the inflammation degree. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and NF-κB, pro-inflammatory citockines, cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible NOS (iNOS) levels of expression were determined, as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and nitrite levels. Results: AphaMax® treatment attenuated the severity of colitis ameliorating clinical signs. AphaMax® reduced the histological colonic damage and decreased MPO activity, NF-κB activation, as well as iNOS and COX-2 expression. AphaMax® treatment improved the altered immune response associated with colonic inflammation reducing IL-1β, IL-6 expression. Lastly, AphaMax® reduced oxidative stress, decreasing ROS and nitrite levels. Conclusions: Preventive treatment with AphaMax® attenuates the severity of the inflammation in DNBS colitis rats involving decrease of the NF-kB activation, reduction of iNOS and COX-2 expression, and inhibition of oxidative stress. Due its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant proprieties AphaMax® could be a good candidate as a complementary drug in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treatment.
Impact of Nursing Methodology Training Sessions on Completion of the Virginia Henderson Assessment Record
Authors: Lopez Maria , Jimenez Jose-Maria , Fernández-Castro Mercedes , Martin-Gil Belen , Garcia Sara , Cao Maria-Jose , Frutos-Martin Manuel , Castro Maria-Jose
Published: November 2020

The Virginia Henderson model, integrated in the computer application GACELA Care, helps to standardise the nursing assessment and establish precise and personalised nursing diagnoses. The aim was to determine the extent of completion of the initial patient assessment record after nurses following a training programme on nursing methodology. A quasi-experimental, retrospective, randomised, observational, single-group study was performed in two stages: pre-training and post-training. Voluntary training sessions were held for the nurses that work with GACELA Care. The completion of the initial patient assessment using the needs of Virginia Henderson and the Norton scale was evaluated before and after the training sessions. Completion of the needs of Virginia Henderson in the initial patient assessment increased from 94.2% to 100% (p = 0.014). Completion of “hygiene/skin” increased significantly from 83.3% to 95.8% (pre-training and post-training, respectively). The remaining needs did not show statistical significance. Recording of the Norton scale increased from 63.13% to 92.5% (p < 0.001). The training sessions on nursing methodology have improved the completion of records and inclusion of normal characteristics, defining characteristics and risk factors, and improving pressure ulcer risk assessment through the Norton scale.
Reemerging Rice Orange Leaf Phytoplasma with Varying Symptoms Expressions and Its Transmission by a New Leafhopper Vector—Nephotettix virescens Distant
Authors: Jonson Gilda B. , Matres Jerlie M. , Ong Socheath , Tanaka Toshiharu , Choi Il-Ryong , Chiba Sotaro
Published: November 2020

Rice orange leaf phytoplasma (ROLP) belongs to the “Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris” 16SrI-B subgroup, which is solely transmitted by the zigzag-striped leafhopper (Recilia dorsalis Motchulsky) and the green leafhopper (Nephotettix cincticeps Uhler) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Recently, rice plants showing orange leaf discoloration have become ubiquitous in several paddies of two provinces in the Philippines. In total of 98 symptomatic rice plants, 82% (Laguna) and 95% (Mindanao) were ROLP-positive by nested PCR detection. These plants showed more varying symptoms than previously reported. The vector insect R. dorsalis was scarcely present but green paddy leafhopper, N. virescens Distant (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), was commonly observed in the paddies, thus the ability of N. virescens to transmit ROLP was thoroughly investigated. Newly emerged adult N. virescens, which fed on ROLD-source rice plants, were used to inoculate a susceptible rice seedling and was serially transferred into a new healthy seedling. Resultant positive transmission rates varied from 5.1% to 17.8%. The transmission ability of the insects was generally decreased over time. These findings suggest that N. virescens is an alternative vector of ROLP in the Philippines. Altogether, this study highlighted the increasing importance of ROLD-reemergence in Southeast and East Asia and proved the need for careful management of this alternative vector insect.
Could Naturally Occurring Coronaviral Diseases in Animals Serve as Models for COVID-19? A Review Focusing on the Bovine Model
Authors: Wensman Jonas Johansson , Stokstad Maria
Published: November 2020

The current pandemic of COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of basic studies on coronaviruses (CoVs) in general, and severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in particular. CoVs have for long been studied in veterinary medicine, due to their impact on animal health and welfare, production, and economy. Several animal models using coronaviral disease in the natural host have been suggested. In this review, different animal models are discussed, with the main focus on bovine CoV (BCoV). BCoV is endemic in the cattle population worldwide and has been known and studied for several decades. SARS-CoV-2 and BCoV are both betacoronaviruses, where BCoV is highly similar to human coronavirus (HCoV) OC43, encompassing the same virus species (Betacoronavirus 1). BCoV causes respiratory and gastrointestinal disease in young and adult cattle. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the similarities and dissimilarities between BCoV and SARS-CoV-2, as well as discussing the usage of BCoV as a model for human CoVs, including SARS-CoV-2.
Erratum: Hens, B.; et al. Application of the Gastrointestinal Simulator (GIS) Coupled with In Silico Modeling to Measure the Impact of Coca-Cola® on the Luminal and Systemic Behavior of Loratadine (BCS Class 2b). Pharmaceutics, 2020, 12, 566
Authors: Hens Bart , Bermejo Marival , Augustijns Patrick , Cristofoletti Rodrigo , Amidon Gregory E. , Amidon Gordon L.
Published: November 2020

The authors make the following correction to this paper after the final publication of the work [...]
Intragenomic Polymorphism of the ITS 1 Region of 35S rRNA Gene in the Group of Grasses with Two-Chromosome Species: Different Genome Composition in Closely Related Zingeria Species
Authors: Rodionov Alexander V. , Gnutikov Alexander A. , Nosov Nikolai N. , Machs Eduard M. , Mikhaylova Yulia V. , Shneyer Victoria S. , Punina Elizaveta O.
Published: November 2020

Zingeria (Poaceae) is a small genus that includes Z. biebersteiniana, a diploid species with the lowest chromosome number known in plants (2n = 4) as well as hexaploid Z. kochii and tetraploid Z. pisidica, and/or Z. trichopoda species. The relationship between these species and the other low-chromosomes species Colpodium versicolor are unclear. To explore the intragenomic polymorphism and genome composition of these species we examined the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer 1 of the 35S rRNA gene via NGS approach. Our study revealed six groups of ribotypes in Zingeria species. Their distribution confirmed the allopolyploid nature of Z. kochii, whose probable ancestors were Colpodium versicolor and Z. pisidica. Z. pisidica has 98% of rDNA characteristic only for this species, and about 0.3% of rDNA related to that of Z. biebersteiniana. We assume that hexaploid Z. kochii is either an old allopolyploid or a homodiploid that has lost most of the rRNA genes obtained from Z. biebersteiniana. In Z. trichopoda about 81% of rDNA is related to rDNA of Z. biebersteiniana and 19% of rDNA is derived from Poa diaphora sensu lato. The composition of the ribotypes of the two plants determined by a taxonomy specialist as Z. pisidica and Z. trichopoda is very different. Two singleton species are proposed on this base with ribotypes as discriminative characters. So, in all four studied Zingeria species, even if the morphological difference among the studied species was modest, the genomic constitution was significantly different, which suggests that these are allopolyploids that obtained genomes from different ancestors.
Valorisation of Posidonia oceanica Sea Balls (Egagropili) as a Potential Source of Reinforcement Agents in Protein-Based Biocomposites
Authors: Mirpoor Seyedeh Fatemeh , Giosafatto Concetta Valeria L. , Di Pierro Prospero , Di Girolamo Rocco , Regalado-González Carlos , Porta Raffaele
Published: November 2020

Nanocrystalline cellulose (NC) and a lignin-containing fraction (LF) were obtained from egagropili, the so called sea balls produced from rhizome and stem fragments of Posidonia oceanica that accumulate in large amounts along the coastal beaches in the form of tightly packed and dry materials of various dimensions. Both egagropili fractions have been shown to be able to improve the physicochemical properties of biodegradable films prepared from protein concentrates derived from hemp oilseed cakes. These materials, manufactured with a biodegradable industrial by-product and grafted with equally biodegradable waste-derived additives, exhibited an acceptable resistance with a still high flexibility, as well as they showed an effective barrier activity against water vapor and gases (O2 and CO2). Furthermore, both NC and LF decreased film moisture content, swelling ability and solubility, thus indicating that both additives were able to improve water resistance of the hydrocolloid films. The exploitation of egagropili, actually considered only an undesirable waste to be disposed, as a renewable source of reinforcing agents to blend with different kinds of polymers is suggested.
Experimental Study on Flammability and Flame Spread Characteristics of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Cable
Authors: An Weiguang , Tang Yanhua , Liang Kai , Wang Tao , Zhou Yang , Wen Zhijie
Published: November 2020

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is widely applied in cables as insulation materials, which are vital for operation and control of industrial processes. However, PVC cables fires frequently occur, arousing public concern. Therefore, experimental methods are used to study flammability and flame-spread characteristics of PVC cable in this paper. Influences of cable structure and number are investigated, which is scanty in previous works. As cable core number of single cable or cable number of multiple cables rises, average flame height and width increase while the increment decreases. Formulas concerning dimensionless flame height and single cable diameter (or total width of multiple cables) are obtained. The former is negatively correlated with the latter. For single cable, convective heat transfer is dominant, and flame-spread rate decreases as cable core number increases. Cable maximum temperature, which drops first and then rises as cable core number increases, is observed in the cable core area. For multiple cable, the flame-spread rate increases as cable number increases. As the cable number rises, the length of pyrolysis and combustion zone increases while the maximum temperature of cable surface decreases. This work is beneficial to fire hazard evaluation and safety design of PVC cables.
Synthesis, Optical, Thermal and Structural Characteristics of Novel Thermocleavable Polymers Based on Phthalate Esters
Authors: R. Murad Ary , Iraqi A. , Aziz Shujahadeen B. , N. Abdullah Sozan , Abdulwahid Rebar T.
Published: November 2020

In this work three novel phthalate-based thermocleavable copolymers, PBTP-11, PBTDTP-11 and PFDTP-11 have been designed and synthesized. PBTP-11 and PBTDTP-11 were prepared by copolymerizing distannylated bithiophene without or with flanked thienyl groups as the electron-donor units with dibrominated secondary phthalate ester as the electron-acceptor units. PFDTP-11 was prepared by copolymerizing distannylated fluorene flanked by thienyl groups as the electron-donor moieties with dibrominated secondary phthalate ester as the electron-acceptor moieties. All polymers were prepared via the Stille polymerization. The impact of two different electron-donor units on the solubility, molecular weights, optical properties, thermal and structural properties of the resulting polymers were investigated. PFDTP-11 had the highest average molecular weight (Mn = 16,400 g mol−1). The polymers had Eg in the range of 2.11–2.58 eV. After thermal treatment, the Eg of the polymers were reduced by around 0.3–0.4 eV. This significant control over bandgap is promising and opens a gate towards commercializing these copolymers in energy harvesting devices such as solar cells. TGA data showed weight loss at around 300 °C, corresponding to the elimination of the secondary ester groups. After annealing, the soluble precursor polymers were transformed into active phthalic anhydride polymers and the resulting films were completely insoluble in all solvents, which shows good stability. Powder XRD studies showed that all polymers have an amorphous nature in the solid state, and therefore can be employed as electrolytes in energy devices.