bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Supporting Microchannel Liquid-Cooled Plate for T/R Modules Based on Additive Manufacturing: Study on Its Pass Design, Formation Process and Boiling Heat Transfer Performance
Authors: Qian Bo , Fan Hongri , Liu Gang , Zhang Jianrui , Li Pei
Published: November 2021

The additive manufacturing technology of laser-based powder bed fusion (L-PBF), which is used to produce boiling heat transfer structures, offers a high processing flexibility and can provide lattice structures with a high surface-to-volume ratio. As an important part of the phased array radar, the plentiful transmit/receive (T/R) modules can generate considerable heat. Targeting this local overheating problem, this study discusses the pass design, the optimal formation process, and boiling heat transfer performance of microchannel liquid-cooled plates based on L-PBF additive manufacturing technology. The optimum design and process parameters were obtained by performing basic channel experiments. On this basis, the design and formation experiments of the microchannel structure were performed, and then the porosity and pore morphology of microchannel liquid-cooled plate samples were analysed. The boiling heat transfer experiments were conducted with deionised water, and the boiling heat transfer characteristics were compared with the saturated boiling curve of a traditional copper-tube liquid-cooled plate. The average wall temperature of the designed samples decreased by 4% compared with that of the traditional liquid-cooled plate under the same heat flow density the value reduced from 111.9 °C to 108.2 °C. Furthermore, within the same optimal boiling temperature range, the average heat flow densities of all the prepared samples increased by >60% compared with those of the traditional liquid-cooled plate the value increased from minimum 16 W∙cm−2 to maximum 34 W∙cm−2. The self-supporting microchannel structure can considerably improve the heat dissipation effect of T/R modules and solve the local overheating problem.
Enhanced Mechanical Properties in 6082 Aluminum Alloy Processed by Cyclic Deformation
Authors: Chen Xuanliang , Mørtsell Eva Anne , Sunde Jonas Kristoffer , O Minho , Marioara Calin Daniel , Holmestad Randi , Kobayashi Equo
Published: November 2021

Aging heat treatment is the most commonly used strengthening method for Al–Mg–Si alloys since high-density precipitates will be formed to hinder the movement of dislocations. In the current work, room temperature cyclic deformation was attempted to strengthen the alloy. We compared tensile test results of aged samples and cyclically deformed samples. It was found that cyclically deformed samples can achieve similar strength and approximately twice the uniform elongation as the peak aged samples. The high density of dislocations and nanoclusters observed in the cyclically deformed samples is thought to be the main reason for strengthening. Different cyclic deformation conditions have been tried and their effects were discussed.
Impact of Laser Texturing on Ni-Based Single Crystal Superalloys
Authors: Despres Lucille , Costil Sophie , Cormier Jonathan , Villechaise Patrick , Cariou Romain
Published: November 2021

Surface laser texturing is used to ensure mechanical anchoring and strengthen adhesion between the interfaces of bond coatless thermal barrier coating system. To anticipate a possible loss of mechanical properties and to adapt to the perpetual evolutions of chemical compositions of the system, we analyzed the microstructural evolutions of different Ni-based single crystal superalloys, induced during infrared nanosecond laser ablation. Localized asperities composed of a melted, re-solidified matter, with a different microstructure from that of the bulk material, were generated. Regarding asperity morphologies, recrystallization within the latter could be avoided. Then, to compare different Ni-base single crystal superalloys, the thermal-affected volumes were characterized for two patterns textured under different energetic conditions. It seems that all the studied single crystal superalloys behaved quite similarly during nanosecond laser ablation. Finally, according to these results, ablation kinetics between the γ and γ′ phases of Ni-based superalloys could not be homogeneous.
Utilization of Rubber Tree Bark for Reduction of Mill Scale at 1550 °C: Implication for Sustainable Wastes Recycling in Steelmaking Process
Authors: Kongkarat Somyote , Khumpa Jintana
Published: November 2021

Utilization of local-based waste materials can be a challenge due to the resource’s limitations. This study investigated the utilization of rubber tree bark (RTB) as a reductant for mill scale. RTB was blended with coal into five ratios, namely RTB#1–RTB#5. The blends were heated at 1000 °C under argon for 1 h. The char was mixed with scale to produce a carbon-mill scale composite pellet (CCP) with a 1.5 C/O molar ratio. The reduction of CCP was carried out in a tube furnace at 1550 °C for 30 min under argon flowing at 1 L/min. The reduced Fe droplets separate clearly from the residues. The CCP produced from blends RTB#1–RTB#5 shows better reduction with metal of 35.28–39.82 wt.%. The degree of metallization (DOM) ranges between 75.25–84.51%, which is two times higher than that of coal. RTB#3 shows the optimum condition with the highest DOM. CaO in RTB plays a role in forming an ash layer on the metal surface and reacting with Fe2O3 to form a new phase. Utilization of our local-based biomass, such as RTB as a reductant for mill scale, is possible. The consumption of fossil fuel in the process could be decreased by 30%, thus also the production cost.
Discrete One-Stage Mechanochemical Synthesis of Titanium-Nitride in a High-Energy Mill
Authors: Lapshin Oleg , Shkoda Olga , Ivanova Oksana , Zelepugin Sergey
Published: November 2021

Discrete (discontinuous) mechanochemical synthesis of titanium nitride was experimentally investigated. The experimental results show that mechanical activation intensifies the chemical conversion in the Ti-N system, and the discrete synthesis of the final product is conducted under “soft” controlled conditions without high heat release. The new theory of mechanochemical synthesis and the mathematical model based on it were used for theoretical evaluation of the dynamics of titanium activation in the nitrogen medium. It was found that the discrete mode of synthesis includes two factors accelerating mechanochemical reactions in the Ti-N synthesis: structural (grinding of metallic reagent and formation of interfacial areas) and kinetic (accumulation of excess energy stored in the formed structural defects in metallic reagent). The kinetic constants of the process were found using experimental data and the inverse problem method. The diagrams defining the controlled modes of obtaining titanium nitride particles with the given characteristics were constructed. A mathematical model for theoretical estimation of the dynamics of activation of titanium powder in the nitrogen medium was developed using a new macrokinetic theory of mechanochemical synthesis.
Localization of Plastic Deformation in Ti-6Al-4V Alloy
Authors: Skripnyak Vladimir V. , Skripnyak Vladimir A.
Published: November 2021

This article investigated the mechanical behavior of Ti-6Al-4V alloy (VT6, an analog to Ti Grade 5) in the range of strain rates from 0.1 to 103 s−1. Tensile tests with various notch geometries were performed using the Instron VHS 40/50-20 servo hydraulic testing machine. The Digital Image Correlation (DIC) analysis was employed to investigate the local strain fields in the gauge section of the specimen. The Keyence VHX-600D digital microscope was used to characterize full-scale fracture surfaces in terms of fractal dimension. At high strain rates, the analysis of the local strain fields revealed the presence of stationary localized shear bands at the initial stages of strain hardening. The magnitude of plastic strain within the localization bands was significantly higher than those averaged over the gauge section. It was found that the ultimate strain to fracture in the zone of strain localization tended to increase with the strain rate. At the same time, the Ti-6Al-4V alloy demonstrated a tendency to embrittlement at high stress triaxialities.
Metamodels’ Development for High Pressure Die Casting of Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Anglada Eva , Boto Fernando , García de Cortazar Maider , Garmendia Iñaki
Published: November 2021

Simulation is a very useful tool in the design of the part and process conditions of high-pressure die casting (HPDC), due to the intrinsic complexity of this manufacturing process. Usually, physics-based models solved by finite element or finite volume methods are used, but their main drawback is the long calculation time. In order to apply optimization strategies in the design process or to implement online predictive systems, faster models are required. One solution is the use of surrogate models, also called metamodels or grey-box models. The novelty of the work presented here lies in the development of several metamodels for the HPDC process. These metamodels are based on a gradient boosting regressor technique and derived from a physics-based finite element model. The results show that the developed metamodels are able to predict with high accuracy the secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) of the cast parts and, with good accuracy, the misrun risk and the shrinkage level. Results obtained in the predictions of microporosity and macroporosity, eutectic percentage, and grain density were less accurate. The metamodels were very fast (less than 1 s); therefore, they can be used for optimization activities or be integrated into online prediction systems for the HPDC industry. The case study corresponds to several parts of aluminum cast alloys, used in the automotive industry, manufactured by high-pressure die casting in a multicavity mold.
Preparation of Bulk TiZrNbMoV and NbTiAlTaV High-Entropy Alloys by Powder Sintering
Authors: Wu Yaqi , Liaw Peter , Zhang Yong
Published: November 2021

The refractory HEAs block material was prepared by powder sintering, using an equal atomic proportion of mixed TiZrNbMoV and NbTiAlTaV metal powder raw materials. The phase was analyzed, using an XRD. The microstructure of the specimen was observed, employing a scanning electron microscope, and the compressive strength of the specimen was measured, using an electronic universal testing machine. The results showed that the bulk cubic alloy structure was obtained by sintering at 1300 °C and 30 MPa for 4 h, and a small amount of complex metal compounds were contained. According to the pore distribution, the formed microstructure can be divided into dense and porous zones. At a compression rate of 10−4s−1, the yield strengths of TiZrNbMoV and NbTiAlTaV alloys are 1201 and 700 MPa, respectively.
Dynamics of the Metabolome of Aliinostoc sp. PMC 882.14 in Response to Light and Temperature Variations
Authors: Le Moigne Damien , Demay Justine , Reinhardt Anita , Bernard Cécile , Kim Tiam Sandra , Marie Benjamin
Published: November 2021

Cyanobacteria are microorganisms able to adapt to a wide variety of environmental conditions and abiotic stresses. They produce a large number of metabolites that can participate in the dynamic adaptation of cyanobacteria to a range of different light, temperature, and nutrient conditions. Studying the metabolite profile is one way to understand how the physiological status of cells is related to their adaptive response. In this study, we sought to understand how the diversity and dynamics of the whole metabolome depended on the growth phase and various abiotic factors such as light intensity and temperature. The cyanobacterium, Aliinostoc sp. PMC 882.14, was selected for its large number of biosynthetic gene clusters. One group of cells was grown under normal conditions as a control, while other groups were grown under higher light or temperature. Metabolomes were analyzed by mass spectrometry (qTOF-MS/MS) combined with untargeted analysis to investigate metabolite dynamics, and significant variation was found between exponential and stationary phases, regardless of culture conditions. In the higher light group, the synthesis of several metabolites, including shinorine, was induced while other metabolites, such as microviridins, were synthesized under higher temperature conditions. Among highly regulated metabolites, we observed the presence of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) and variants of somamides, microginins, and microviridins. This study demonstrated the importance of considering the physiological state of cyanobacteria for comparative global metabolomics and studies of the regulatory processes involved in production of specific metabolites. Our results also open up new perspectives on the use of organisms such as cyanobacteria for the targeted production of bioactive metabolites.
Mass Spectrometry-Based Metabolomic and Lipidomic Analysis of the Effect of High Fat/High Sugar Diet and GreenshellTM Mussel Feeding on Plasma of Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Abshirini Maryam , Cabrera Diana , Fraser Karl , Siriarchavatana Parkpoom , Wolber Frances M. , Miller Matthew R. , Tian Hong Sabrina , Kruger Marlena C.
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to examine the changes in lipid and metabolite profiles of ovariectomized (OVX) rats with diet-induced metabolic syndrome-associated osteoarthritis (MetOA) after supplementation with greenshell mussel (GSM) using an untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics approach. Ninety-six rats were fed with one of four diets: control, control supplemented with GSM + GSM, high fat/high sugar (HFHS), or high fat/high sugar enriched with GSM (HFHS + GSM). After 8 weeks on experimental diets, half of the rats in each group underwent OVX and the other half were sham operated. After being fed for an additional 28 weeks, blood samples were collected for the metabolomics analysis. Lipid and polar metabolites were extracted from plasma and analysed by LC-MS. We identified 29 lipid species from four lipid subclasses (phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, diacylglycerol, and triacylglycerol) and a set of eight metabolites involved in amino acid metabolism (serine, threonine, lysine, valine, histidine, pipecolic acid, 3-methylcytidine, and cholic acid) as potential biomarkers for the effect of HFHS diet and GSM supplementation. GSM incorporation more specifically in the control diet generated significant alterations in the levels of several lipids and metabolites. Further studies are required to validate these findings that identify potential biomarkers to follow OA progression and to monitor the impact of GSM supplementation.
Sensitive and Selective Electrochemical Detection of Epirubicin as Anticancer Drug Based on Nickel Ferrite Decorated with Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Mehmandoust Mohammad , Erk Nevin , Karaman Ceren , Karimi Fatemeh , Salmanpour Sadegh
Published: November 2021

The accurate and precise monitoring of epirubicin (EPR), one of the most widely used anticancer drugs, is significant for human and environmental health. In this context, we developed a highly sensitive electrochemical electrode for EPR detection based on nickel ferrite decorated with gold nanoparticles (Au@NiFe2O4) on the screen-printed electrode (SPE). Various spectral characteristic methods such as Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to investigate the surface morphology and structure of the synthesized Au@NiFe2O4 nanocomposite. The novel decorated electrode exhibited a high electrocatalytic activity toward the electrooxidation of EPR, and a nanomolar limit of detection (5.3 nM) was estimated using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) with linear concentration ranges from 0.01 to 0.7 and 0.7 to 3.6 µM. The stability, selectivity, repeatability reproducibility and reusability, with a very low electrode response detection limit, make it very appropriate for determining trace amounts of EPR in pharmaceutical and clinical preparations.
Research on Characteristics of Broadband Acoustic Sensor Based on Silicon-Based Grooved Microring Resonator
Authors: Cui Jiangong , Yu Yaxin , Chu Xiaoxia , Zhao Rongyu , Zhu Min , Zhang Wendong , Zhang Guojun
Published: November 2021

In order to meet the requirements of having a small structure, a wide frequency band, and high sensitivity for acoustic signal measurement, an acoustic sensor based on a silicon-based grooved microring resonator is proposed. In this paper, the effective refractive index method and the finite element method are used to analyze the optical characteristics of a grooved microring resonator, and the size of the sensor is optimized. The theoretical analysis results show that, when the bending radius reaches 10 μm, the theoretical quality factor is about 106, the sensitivity is 3.14 mV/Pa, and the 3 dB bandwidth is 430 MHz, which is three orders of magnitude larger based on the sensitivity of the silicon-based cascaded resonator acoustic sensor. The sensor exhibits high sensitivity and can be used in hydrophones. The small size of the sensor also shows its potential application in the field of array integration.
Research on Novel CMUTs for Detecting Micro-Pressure with Ultra-High Sensitivity and Linearity
Authors: Ding Qi , Wang Hongliang , Zhang Hanqiang , Huang Xiao , Sun Xiaolei , Qin Zhenjie , Ren Rui , Zhu Jiajun , He Changde , Zhang Wendong
Published: November 2021

Capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducers (CMUTs) have been indispensable owing to their resonance characteristics in the MHz frequency range. However, the inferior pressure sensitivity and linearity of traditional CMUTs themselves cannot meet the actual demands of micro-pressure measurements. In this paper, two novel CMUTs are proposed for the first time to improve the measuring performance of micro-pressure in the range of 0–10 kPa. The core concept of the enhancement is strengthening membrane deformability by partly adjusting the CMUT framework under the combined action of electrostatic force and uniform pressure. Two modified structures of an inverted frustum cone-like cavity and slotted membrane are presented, respectively, and a finite element model (FEM) of CMUT was constructed and analyzed using COMSOL Multiphysics 5.5. The results demonstrate that the maximum displacement and pressure sensitivity are improved by 16.01% and 30.79% for the frustum cone-like cavity and 104.22% and 1861.31% for the slotted membrane, respectively. Furthermore, the results show that the width uniformity of the grooves does not influence the characteristics of the membrane, which mainly depend on the total width of the grooves, greatly enriching design flexibility. In brief, the proposed structural designs can significantly improve the micro-pressure measurement performance of the CMUT, which will accelerate the rapid breakthrough of technical barriers in the fields of aerospace, industry control, and other sensing domains.
Theoretical Study of Field-Free Switching in PMA-MTJ Using Combined Injection of STT and SOT Currents
Authors: Wasef Shaik , Fariborzi Hossein
Published: November 2021

Field-free switching in perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions (P-MTJs) can be achieved by combined injection of spin-transfer torque (STT) and spin-orbit torque (SOT) currents. In this paper, we derived the relationship between the STT and SOT critical current densities under combined injection. We included the damping–like torque (DLT) and field-like torque (FLT) components of both the STT and SOT. The results were derived when the ratio of the FLT to the DLT component of the SOT was positive. We observed that the relationship between the critical SOT and STT current densities depended on the damping constant and the magnitude of the FLT component of the STT and the SOT current. We also noted that, unlike the FLT component of SOT, the magnitude and sign of the FLT component of STT did not have a significant effect on the STT and SOT current densities required for switching. The derived results agreed well with micromagnetic simulations. The results of this work can serve as a guideline to model and develop spintronic devices using a combined injection of STT and SOT currents.
An Algorithm for Tracking the Position and Velocity of Multiple Neuronal Signals Using Implantable Microelectrodes In Vivo
Authors: Broche Lionel M. , Bustamante Karla D. , Hughes Michael Pycraft
Published: November 2021

Increasingly complex multi-electrode arrays for the study of neurons both in vitro and in vivo have been developed with the aim of tracking the conduction of neural action potentials across a complex interconnected network. This is usually performed through the use of electrodes to record from single or small groups of microelectrodes, and using only one electrode to monitor an action potential at any given time. More complex high-density electrode structures (with thousands of electrodes or more) capable of tracking action potential propagation have been developed but are not widely available. We have developed an algorithm taking data from clusters of electrodes positioned such that action potentials are detected by multiple sites, and using this to detect the location and velocity of action potentials from multiple neurons. The system has been tested by analyzing recordings from probes implanted into the locust nervous system, where recorded positions and velocities correlate well with the known physical form of the nerve.
Cardiac Cell Patterning on Customized Microelectrode Arrays for Electrophysiological Recordings
Authors: Ji Jiaying , Ren Xiang , Zorlutuna Pinar
Published: November 2021

Cardiomyocytes (CMs) and fibroblast cells are two essential elements for cardiac tissue structure and function. The interactions between them can alter cardiac electrophysiology and thus contribute to cardiac diseases, such as arrhythmogenesis. One possible explanation is that fibroblasts can directly affect cardiac electrophysiology through electrical coupling with CMs. Therefore, detecting the electrical activities in the CM-fibroblast network is vital for understanding the coupling dynamics among them. Current commercialized platforms for studying cardiac electrophysiology utilize planar microelectrode arrays (MEAs) to record the extracellular field potential (FP) in real-time, but the prearranged electrode configuration highly limits the measurement capabilities at specific locations. Here, we report a custom-designed MEA device with a novel micropatterning method to construct a controlled network of neonatal rat CMs (rCMs) and fibroblast connections for monitoring the electrical activity of rCM-fibroblast co-cultures in a spatially controlled fashion. For the micropatterning of the co-culture, surface topographical features and mobile blockers were used to control the initial attachment locations of a mixture of rCMs and fibroblasts, to form separate beating rCM-fibroblast clusters while leaving empty space for fibroblast growth to connect these clusters. Once the blockers are removed, the proliferating fibroblasts connect and couple the separate beating clusters. Using this method, electrical activity of both rCMs and human-induced-pluripotent-stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iCMs) was examined. The coupling dynamics were studied through the extracellular FP and impedance profile recorded from the MEA device, indicating that the fibroblast bridge provided an RC-type coupling of physically separate rCM-containing clusters and enabled synchronization of these clusters.
Protective Efficacy in a Hamster Model of a Multivalent Vaccine for Human Visceral Leishmaniasis (MuLeVaClin) Consisting of the KMP11, LEISH-F3+, and LJL143 Antigens in Virosomes, Plus GLA-SE Adjuvant
Authors: Fernández Laura , Solana Jose Carlos , Sánchez Carmen , Jiménez Mª Ángeles , Requena Jose M. , Coler Rhea , Reed Steven G. , Valenzuela Jesus G. , Kamhawi Shaden , Oliveira Fabiano , Fichera Epifanio , Glueck Reinhard , Bottazzi Maria Elena , Gupta Gaurav , Cecilio Pedro , Pérez-Cabezas Begoña , Cordeiro-da-Silva Anabela , Gradoni Luigi , Carrillo Eugenia , Moreno Javier
Published: November 2021

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the most severe clinical form of leishmaniasis, fatal if untreated. Vaccination is the most cost-effective approach to disease control; however, to date, no vaccines against human VL have been made available. This work examines the efficacy of a novel vaccine consisting of the Leishmania membrane protein KMP11, LEISH-F3+ (a recombinant fusion protein, composed of epitopes of the parasite proteins nucleoside hydrolase, sterol-24-c-methyltransferase, and cysteine protease B), and the sand fly salivary protein LJL143, in two dose ratios. The inclusion of the TLR4 agonist GLA-SE as an adjuvant, and the use of virosomes (VS) as a delivery system, are also examined. In a hamster model of VL, the vaccine elicited antigen-specific immune responses prior to infection with Leishmania infantum. Of note, the responses were greater when higher doses of KMP11 and LEISH-F3+ proteins were administered along with the GLA-SE adjuvant and/or when delivered within VS. Remarkably, hamsters immunized with the complete combination (i.e., all antigens in VS + GLA-SE) showed significantly lower parasite burdens in the spleen compared to those in control animals. This protection was underpinned by a more intense, specific humoral response against the KMP11, LEISH-F3+, and LJL143 antigens in vaccinated animals, but a significantly less intense antibody response to the pool of soluble Leishmania antigens (SLA). Overall, these results indicate that this innovative vaccine formulation confers protection against L. infantum infection, supporting the advancement of the vaccine formulation into process development and manufacturing and the conduction of toxicity studies towards future phase I human clinical trials.
Comparative Genomic and Physiological Analysis against Clostridium scindens Reveals Eubacterium sp. c-25 as an Atypical Deoxycholic Acid Producer of the Human Gut Microbiota
Authors: Song Isaiah , Gotoh Yasuhiro , Ogura Yoshitoshi , Hayashi Tetsuya , Fukiya Satoru , Yokota Atsushi
Published: November 2021

The human gut houses bile acid 7α-dehydroxylating bacteria that produce secondary bile acids such as deoxycholic acid (DCA) from host-derived bile acids through enzymes encoded by the bai operon. While recent metagenomic studies suggest that these bacteria are highly diverse and abundant, very few DCA producers have been identified. Here, we investigated the physiology and determined the complete genome sequence of Eubacterium sp. c-25, a DCA producer that was isolated from human feces in the 1980s. Culture experiments showed a preference for neutral to slightly alkaline pH in both growth and DCA production. Genomic analyses revealed that c-25 is phylogenetically distinct from known DCA producers and possesses a multi-cluster arrangement of predicted bile-acid inducible (bai) genes that is considerably different from the typical bai operon structure. This arrangement is also found in other intestinal bacterial species, possibly indicative of unconfirmed 7α-dehydroxylation capabilities. Functionality of the predicted bai genes was supported by the induced expression of baiB, baiCD, and baiH in the presence of cholic acid substrate. Taken together, Eubacterium sp. c-25 is an atypical DCA producer with a novel bai gene cluster structure that may represent an unexplored genotype of DCA producers in the human gut.
First Report of CC5-MRSA-IV-SCCfus “Maltese Clone” in Bat Guano
Authors: Mairi Assia , Touati Abdelaziz , Pantel Alix , Yahiaoui Martinez Alex , Ahmim Mourad , Sotto Albert , Dunyach-Remy Catherine , Lavigne Jean-Philippe
Published: November 2021

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a widespread pathogen that could cause different illnesses in both human and animals. Presence of MRSA in animals raises concerns of their capacity to act as reservoirs, particularly in wild animals. This study aimed to characterize the resistance and virulence patterns of S. aureus strains isolated from bat guano in Algeria. From March to May 2016, 98 bat guano samples from Aokas’s cave (Bejaia, Algeria) were collected. Swabs were taken for microbiological studies. Isolates were identified by Vitek® MS system, and antibiotic susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion method. The clonal origin, virulence and antibiotic resistance profiles of S. aureus isolates were characterized by whole genome sequencing. Eleven S. aureus strains were obtained from the 98 guano samples. Seven isolates were sensitive to all antibiotics tested and four (36.3%) were resistant to penicillin G, cefoxitin and fusidic acid. The four MRSA isolates were assigned to the sequence type ST149 and related to spa type t010. These isolates harbored a SCCmecIV element and the fusidic acid resistance element Q6GD50 (fusC). They carried different virulence genes including several enterotoxins (sea, egc enterotoxin locus, sec, sel), and the toxic shock syndrome toxin (tst). Our results highlight that bat guano may constitute an important reservoir of MRSA strains.
Metagenomic Investigation of a Low Diversity, High Salinity Offshore Oil Reservoir
Authors: Scheffer Gabrielle , Hubert Casey R. J. , Enning Dennis R. , Lahme Sven , Mand Jaspreet , de Rezende Júlia R.
Published: November 2021

Oil reservoirs can represent extreme environments for microbial life due to low water availability, high salinity, high pressure and naturally occurring radionuclides. This study investigated the microbiome of saline formation water samples from a Gulf of Mexico oil reservoir. Metagenomic analysis and associated anaerobic enrichment cultures enabled investigations into metabolic potential for microbial activity and persistence in this environment given its high salinity (4.5%) and low nutrient availability. Preliminary 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing revealed very low microbial diversity. Accordingly, deep shotgun sequencing resulted in nine metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), including members of novel lineages QPJE01 (genus level) within the Halanaerobiaceae, and BM520 (family level) within the Bacteroidales. Genomes of the nine organisms included respiratory pathways such as nitrate reduction (in Arhodomonas, Flexistipes, Geotoga and Marinobacter MAGs) and thiosulfate reduction (in Arhodomonas, Flexistipes and Geotoga MAGs). Genomic evidence for adaptation to high salinity, withstanding radioactivity, and metal acquisition was also observed in different MAGs, possibly explaining their occurrence in this extreme habitat. Other metabolic features included the potential for quorum sensing and biofilm formation, and genes for forming endospores in some cases. Understanding the microbiomes of deep biosphere environments sheds light on the capabilities of uncultivated subsurface microorganisms and their potential roles in subsurface settings, including during oil recovery operations.
Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Colonization and Infection in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Single-Center, Retrospective Study
Authors: Pagani Nicole , Corcione Silvia , Lupia Tommaso , Scabini Silvia , Filippini Claudia , Angilletta Roberto , Shbaklo Nour , Mornese Pinna Simone , Romagnoli Renato , Biancone Luigi , Cavallo Rossana , Di Perri Giovanni , Solidoro Paolo , Boffini Massimo , De Rosa Francesco Giuseppe
Published: November 2021

Carbapenemase-KPC producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (CP-Kp) infection represents a serious threat to solid organ transplant (SOT). All patients admitted between 1 May 2011 and 31 August 2014 undergoing SOT were included in the retrospective study. The primary outcomes included a description of the association of enteric colonization and invasive infections by CP-Kp with one-year mortality. Secondary outcomes were the study of risk factors for colonization and invasive infections by CP-Kp. Results: A total of 5.4% (45/828) of SOT recipients had at least one positive rectal swab for CP-Kp, with most (88.9%) occurring after transplantation. 4.5% (35/828) of patients developed a CP-Kp-related invasive infection, with 68.6% (24/35) being previously colonized. The 1-year mortality was 31.1% in patients with enteric colonization with CP-Kp and, it was 51.4% among patients with CP-Kp-related invasive infections. At univariate analysis, colonization, invasive infections, sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock were significantly associated with 1-year mortality. At multivariate analysis, only invasive infections and the combination of sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock were significantly associated with 1-year mortality, whereas gastrointestinal colonization was significantly associated with survival. In this population, the 1-year mortality was significantly associated with invasive infections; otherwise, gastrointestinal colonization was not associated with increased 1-year mortality.
In Vitro Effect of Copper (I) Complex [Cu(NN1)2](ClO4) on Vibrio harveyi BB170 Biofilm Formation
Authors: Soto-Aguilera Sarita , Modak Brenda , Aldabaldetrecu Maialen , Lozano Carla P. , Guerrero Juan , Lefimil Claudia , Parra Mick
Published: November 2021

Biofilm formation in pathogenic bacteria is an important factor of resistance to antimicrobial treatments, allowing them to survive for a long time in their hosts. In the search for new antibiofilm agents, in this work we report the activity of a copper (I) complex, [Cu(NN1)2]ClO4, synthesized with Cu (I) and NN1, an imine ligand 6-((quinolin-2-ylmethylene)amino)-2H-chromen-2-one, a derivate of natural compound coumarin. The antibacterial and antibiofilm capacity was evaluated in Vibrio harveyi BB170 used as model bacteria. Antibacterial activity was measured in vitro by minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) determination. Antibiofilm capacity of copper (I) complex was analyzed by different concentrations of IC50 values. The results showed that the sub-IC50 concentration, 12.6 µg/mL of the copper (I) complex, was able to reduce biofilm formation by more than 75%, and bacterial viability was reduced by 50%. Inverted and confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that the [Cu(NN1)2]ClO4 complex affected the biofilm structure. Therefore, the copper (I) complex is effective as an antibiofilm compound in V. harveyi BB170.
Zircon U–Pb Ages and Geochemistry of Granitoid in the Yuejinshan Copper–Gold Deposit, NE China: Constraints on Petrogenesis and Metallogenesis
Authors: Wang Qingshuang , Wei Yanlan , Yang Yanchen , Peng Hu
Published: November 2021

Yuejinshan copper–gold orebodies form a hydrothermal deposit located southwest of the Wandashan massif in the western Pacific oceanic tectonic regime. The orebodies are veins and lenses in granite porphyry and skarn or contact zones between these rocks. Early Cretaceous Yuejinshan magmatism provides critical evidence for regional mineralization and tectonic history. In this work, whole-rock major and trace elements and zircon U–Pb data for Yuejinshan granitic intrusions were studied to investigate the geochronological framework, petrogenesis, tectonic implications, and metallogenesis. Granodiorites are calc-alkaline and have geochemical characteristics that indicate affinities with subduction-related crust–mantle magmas derived from partial melting of a mantle wedge and subducted sediments metasomatized by subduction-related fluids. These magmas have experienced fractional crystallization and assimilated crustal materials. Granite porphyries, monzogranites, and quartz diorites are peraluminous, geochemically similar to remelted granites, and derived from partial melting of the crust. Zircon U–Pb LA-ICP-MS data and previous ages indicate that the granitoids were emplaced in the Early Cretaceous. We propose that mineralization mainly occurred at 130 Ma, while magmatism during 116–109 Ma triggered the enrichment of copper and gold in this deposit. Magmatism of different geological ages overlapped spatially and formed the Yuejinshan copper–gold deposit in an active continental margin setting related to the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate.
Evolution of the Late Mesozoic Magmatism of the Omulevka Terrane of the North Part of the Verkhoyansk–Kolyma Orogenic Region
Authors: Trunilina Vera A.
Published: November 2021

This article presents the results of a study of Late Mesozoic intrusive formations of the Omulevka terrane of the Verkhoyansk–Kolyma orogenic region. The research area covers the Selennyakh block of the Omulevka terrane and the territory adjacent to the south. The compositions of rock-forming, accessory and restitic minerals and geochemical features of intrusive rocks are considered. The methods of optical microscopy, microprobe, silicate and spectral analyses were used. There are the following several stages in the evolution of magmatism: (1) the Late Jurassic supra-subduction (gabbro, dolerites), (2) the beginning of the Early Cretaceous-transitional from supra-subduction to marginal-continental (gabbro-diorites, diorites, granodiorites), (3) the Early Cretaceous of active continental margin (granodiorites, granites), (4) the Late Cretaceous postorogenic or continental-riftogenic (alkali-feldspar granites of A-type), (5) the Late Cretaceous continental riftogenic (subalkaline gabbroids and basaltoids). In the process of evolution from stage one to stage four, there was an increase in the silicic acid content, total alkalinity and ferruginousity of rocks with the movement of magmogeneration levels to higher and higher horizons of the lithosphere (calculated pressure from 1.6–1.4 GPa to 0.6–0.9 GPa). At the same time, the preservation of high temperatures of magmogeneration (1000–1150 °C) and crystallization implies the supply of additional heat from an external (deep) source during the formation of granitoid melts. The magmatic activity is completed by the intrusion of subalkaline derivatives of a deep hearth, formed by metasomatized lherzolites. All the studied igneous rocks are either direct mantle fusions, or bear signs of the participation of mantle matter in the generation of parent melts in crustal substrates: the presence of tschermakite in gabbroids, nonequilibrium structures, the composition of early generations of biotites corresponding to biotites of mantle and crust-mantle derivatives, the presence of pyroxenes and accessory minerals characteristic of mantle magmas in granitoids. In the diagram Al-Na-K-2Ca–Fe + Ti + Mg, the composition points of the studied intrusive rocks tend to the mixing trend. In general, the research results suggest that the evolution of the Late Mesozoic intrusive magmatism of the studied territory and the specific matter of rock compositions were caused by the crust-mantle interaction as a result of the rise of mantle diapirs in the crust from a long-existing deep hearth of the main melt.
Geochemistry and Holocene Sedimentary Environment Evolution of Subaqueous Clinoform off Shandong Peninsula (Yellow Sea)
Authors: Zhu Yingtao , Xu Yongchen , Liu Mingyang , Lin Zhaobin , Zhu Longhai
Published: November 2021

As a key sedimentary body connecting the north and South Yellow Sea, the subaqueous clinoform off Shandong Peninsula plays an important role in the sedimentary system of China seas, and it is also a studied example in the study among the major “source to sink” systems. Based on AMS 14C dating, sediment grain size, major and trace element contents from core WH-05 located at the edge of the clinoform, we discuss changes in the deposition rate, analyze sediment provenance and controlling factors, and reveal the environmental evolution of the source area since the Holocene. Results from core WH-05 show that marine sedimentation began at about 8.5 ka B.P. The deposition rate decreased from the initial 28.37 m/ka to 0.52 m/ka. Sediment provenance suggests that the Huanghe river sediments have been the main source for the study area since the Holocene. The As/Al, V/Sc indicators show that the environmental oxidation environment was gradually weakened and then increased slightly starting from 7.0 ka B.P. The change in redox is consistent with the change in sea level, the deposition rate, and depositional depth.
Purcell Effect and Beaming of Emission in Hybrid AlGaAs Nanowires with GaAs Quantum Dots
Authors: Reznik Rodion R. , Cirlin George E. , Kotlyar Konstantin P. , Ilkiv Igor V. , Akopian Nika , Leandro Lorenzo , Nikolaev Valentin V. , Belonovski Alexey V. , Kaliteevski Mikhail A.
Published: November 2021

Control of directionality of emissions is an important task for the realization of novel nanophotonic devices based on nanowires. Most of the existing approaches providing high directionality of the light emitted from nanowires are based on the utilization of the tapered shape of nanowires, serving as nanoantenna coupling with the light waveguided in nanowire and the directional output beam. Here we report the beaming of the emitted light with wavelength near 800 nm by naturally formed core-shell AlGaAs NW with multiply GaAs quantum dots (QDs) diameter 30 nm and height 10 nm, while the diameter of NW 130 nm, what does not support efficient emission into waveguided modes, including the mode HE11. Experimental measurements show that intensity of emission for directions in the vicinity of the axis of NW is about two orders of magnitude higher than for perpendicular directions. The developed theoretical approach allowed us to calculate the probability of spontaneous emission for various directions and into waveguided modes and showed that highly directional radiation can be provided by the intrinsic emission properties of cylindrical NW. Our results suggest that for the small diameter of NW, directional emissions are associated with an TM0 leaky mode (when electric field oriented in axial direction) and therefore manifests in an existence of axial electric dipole transitions in quantum dots.
Ultra-Broadband Polarization Conversion Metasurface with High Transmission for Efficient Multi-Functional Wavefront Manipulation in the Terahertz Range
Authors: Jiang Xiaoqiang , Fan Wenhui , Qin Chong , Chen Xu
Published: November 2021

Recently, terahertz (THz) wireless communication has been widely investigated as the future prospect of wireless network architecture. However, most of the natural existing materials are inapplicable for THz devices, which hinder their further development. To promote the integration and channel capacity of the THz wireless communication systems, an ultrabroadband polarization conversion metasurface for efficient multi-functional wavefront manipulation is proposed. The designed metasurface is composed of an arrow-type structure sandwiched by a pair of orthogonal gratings, which can induce the Fabry-Pérot-like cavity for improving the transmission. Simulated results indicate that the transmission coefficient of the cross-polarization metasurface is higher than 90% from 0.73 THz to 2.24 THz, and the corresponding polarization conversion ratio is greater than 99.5%. Moreover, the phase coverage of 0–2π at operation frequency can be easily obtained by altering the geometric parameter of the metasurface. To demonstrate the concept of wavefront manipulation, anomalous refraction, focusing metalens, and vortex beam generation are investigated in detail. All of these applications exhibit a remarkable performance of the proposed metasurface that has great potential in prompting the efficient, broadband and compact systems for THz wireless communication.
Thermal Stability, Blocking Regime and Superparamagnetic Behavior in Mn-Al-C Melt Spun Ribbons
Authors: Crisan Alina Daniela , Leca Aurel , Dan Ioan , Crisan Ovidiu
Published: November 2021

Alloys possessing nominal compositions Mn53Al45C2 and Mn52Al46C2 were prepared by the melt spinning method and were subjected to complex structural, morphological and magnetic investigations. As these alloys can exhibit tetragonal L10-type and τ phase, they have good potential as rare earth (RE)—free magnets. It is, therefore, important to monitor the ε–τ phase transformation and the stability and the magnetic features of the tetragonal phase in an entire temperature interval. By using synchrotron X-ray diffraction, it has been proven that the ε–τ phase transformation occurs gradually, with the τ phase becoming predominant only after 450 °C. Moreover, this phase has been proven to be quite stable without any grain growth even at the highest temperature investigated at 800 °C. Low temperature behavior was thoroughly investigated by using a complex combination of major and minor hysteresis loops combined with the zero field cooled-field cooled magnetization protocols (ZFC-FC). Two different regimes, blocking and superparamagnetic, were documented. A spin reorientation transition was proven to occur at 55 K while a maximum magnetization observed in ZFC-FC curves proved that at about 75 K, a transition from ferro to superparamagnetic state occurs. The existence of a blocking regime below 55 K that is characteristic to nanogranular systems with superparamagnetic behavior has shown further development towards obtaining RE-free magnets.
Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory Calculations of N- and S-Doped TiO2 Nanotube for Water-Splitting Applications
Authors: Lin Yin-Pai , Isakoviča Inta , Gopejenko Aleksejs , Ivanova Anna , Začinskis Aleksandrs , Eglitis Roberts I. , D’yachkov Pavel N. , Piskunov Sergei
Published: November 2021

On the basis of time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) we performed first-principle calculations to predict optical properties and transition states of pristine, N- and S-doped, and N+S-codoped anatase TiO2 nanotubes of 1 nm-diameter. The host O atoms of the pristine TiO2 nanotube were substituted by N and S atoms to evaluate the influence of dopants on the photocatalytic properties of hollow titania nanostructures. The charge transition mechanism promoted by dopants positioned in the nanotube wall clearly demonstrates the constructive and destructive contributions to photoabsorption by means of calculated transition contribution maps. Based on the results of our calculations, we predict an increased visible-light-driven photoresponse in N- and S-doped and the N+S-codoped TiO2 nanotubes, enhancing the efficiency of hydrogen production in water-splitting applications.
Lithium-Based Upconversion Nanoparticles for High Performance Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Alkahtani Masfer , Almuqhim Anas Ali , Qasem Hussam , Alsofyani Najla , Alfahd Anfal , Alenzi Sultan M. , Aljuwayr Abdulaziz , Alzahrani Yahya A. , Al-Badri Abdurahman , Alotaibi Mohammad Hayal , Bagabas Abdulaziz , AlHazaa Abdulaziz N. , Hemmer Philip R.
Published: November 2021

In this work, we report an easy, efficient method to synthesize high quality lithium-based upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) which combine two promising materials (UCNPs and lithium ions) known to enhance the photovoltaic performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Incorporating the synthesized YLiF4:Yb,Er nanoparticles into the mesoporous layer of the PSCs cells, at a certain doping level, demonstrated a higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19%, additional photocurrent, and a better fill factor (FF) of 82% in comparison to undoped PSCs (PCE = ~16.5%; FF = 71%). The reported results open a new avenue toward efficient PSCs for renewable energy applications.