bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimized Metabotype Definition Based on a Limited Number of Standard Clinical Parameters in the Population-Based KORA Study
Authors: Dahal Chetana , Wawro Nina , Meisinger Christa , Breuninger Taylor A. , Thorand Barbara , Rathmann Wolfgang , Koenig Wolfgang , Hauner Hans , Peters Annette , Linseisen Jakob
Published: September 2022

The aim of metabotyping is to categorize individuals into metabolically similar groups. Earlier studies that explored metabotyping used numerous parameters, which made it less transferable to apply. Therefore, this study aimed to identify metabotypes based on a set of standard laboratory parameters that are regularly determined in clinical practice. K-means cluster analysis was used to group 3001 adults from the KORA F4 cohort into three clusters. We identified the clustering parameters through variable importance methods, without including any specific disease endpoint. Several unique combinations of selected parameters were used to create different metabotype models. Metabotype models were then described and evaluated, based on various metabolic parameters and on the incidence of cardiometabolic diseases. As a result, two optimal models were identified: a model composed of five parameters, which were fasting glucose, HDLc, non-HDLc, uric acid, and BMI (the metabolic disease model) for clustering; and a model that included four parameters, which were fasting glucose, HDLc, non-HDLc, and triglycerides (the cardiovascular disease model). These identified metabotypes are based on a few common parameters that are measured in everyday clinical practice. These metabotypes are cost-effective, and can be easily applied on a large scale in order to identify specific risk groups that can benefit most from measures to prevent cardiometabolic diseases, such as dietary recommendations and lifestyle interventions.
MED16 Promotes Tumour Progression and Tamoxifen Sensitivity by Modulating Autophagy through the mTOR Signalling Pathway in ER-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Li Han , Li Kang , Shu Dan , Shen Meiying , Tan Zhaofu , Zhang Wenjie , Pu Dongyao , Tan Wenhao , Tang Zhenrong , Jin Aishun , Liu Shengchun
Published: September 2022

Recent studies have shown that the mediator complex (MED) plays a vital role in tumorigenesis and development, but the role of MED16 (mediator complex subunit 16) in breast cancer (BC) is not clear. Increasing evidence has shown that the mTOR pathway is important for tumour progression and therapy. In this study, we demonstrated that the mTOR signalling pathway is regulated by the expression level of MED16 in ER+ breast cancer. With the analysis of bioinformatics data and clinical specimens, we revealed an elevated expression of MED16 in luminal subtype tumours. We found that MED16 knockdown significantly inhibited cell proliferation and promoted G1 phase cell cycle arrest in ER+ BC cell lines. Downregulation of MED16 markedly reduced the sensitivity of ER+ BC cells to tamoxifen and increased the stemness and autophagy of ER+ BC cells. Bioinformatic analysis of similar genes to MED16 were mainly enriched in autophagy, endocrine therapy and mTOR signalling pathways, and the inhibition of mTOR-mediated autophagy restored sensitivity to tamoxifen by MED16 downregulation in ER+ BC cells. These results suggest an important role of MED16 in the regulation of tamoxifen sensitivity in ER+ BC cells, crosstalk between the mTOR signalling pathway-induced autophagy, and together, with the exploration of tamoxifen resistance, may indicate a new therapy option for endocrine therapy-resistant patients.
Persicaria minor (Huds.) Opiz Prevents In Vitro Atherogenesis by Attenuating Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-Induced Monocyte Adhesion to Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Hamid Adila A. , Aminuddin Amilia , Anuar Nur Najmi Mohamad , Mansor Nur Izzati , Ahmad Mohd Faizal , Saleh Mohammed S. M. , Mokhtar Mohd Helmy , Ugusman Azizah
Published: September 2022

Persicaria minor (Huds.) Opiz is an herb with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-atherosclerosis effects. Nevertheless, the mechanism underlying its anti-atherosclerosis effect is poorly comprehended. This in vitro study assessed the protective effects of standardized aqueous extract of P. minor leaves (PM) on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced monocyte adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), which is one of the pivotal early steps in atherogenesis. The results showed that PM decreased the mRNA and protein expression of cellular adhesion molecules, vascular adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1, resulting in reduced adhesion of monocytes to HUVEC. Additionally, PM inhibited nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) activation as indicated by reduced NF-κB p65 levels in TNF-α-induced HUVEC. Overall, PM could prevent in vitro atherogenesis by inhibiting NF-κB activation and adhesion of monocytes to HUVEC. The effects of PM are probably mediated by its bioactive compound, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide. The findings may provide a rationale for the in vivo anti-atherosclerosis effect of PM, and support its potential use in atherosclerosis.
Experimental Study of Both-Sides Cylindrical Roller Machining Based on Ceramic Plate
Authors: Zhao Tianchen , Ding Junkai , Feng Kaiping , Yuan Julong , Lyu Binghai , Lv Xun , He Xingling
Published: September 2022

In order to improve the accuracy and batch consistency of cylindrical roller machining, in this paper, a both-sides cylindrical roller machining method based on hard ceramic plate is proposed. Traditional cast iron and stainless-steel polishing plate were replaced by ceramic materials with high hardness and good wear resistance. After processing by centerless grinding, the cylindrical roller is processed by both-sides lapping and polishing using Al2O3 ceramic plates. The roundness, diameter and surface quality of the roller and the wear of the ceramic plate before and after machining were compared and analyzed in order to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of this method. After grinding for 1 h and polishing for 8 h, the average roundness of the cylindrical rollers decreased from the initial 2.3 μm to 0.32 μm, while the roundness of each roller tended to be the same. At the same time, the batch diameter deviation of cylindrical rollers was reduced from 3 μm to 1 μm, and the batch consistency was satisfactory. The machining marks produced by centerless grinding on the roller surface were completely removed, and the surface quality was significantly improved. The surface roughness after polishing reached Ra 16 nm. The upper and lower ceramic plate had certain wear, but the amount was small, having little impact on the machining results. The shape accuracy and batch consistency of the rollers after machining were satisfactory. The ceramic plate had high hardness, good wear resistance and small wear in the machining process. Additionally, it could maintain extremely high flatness for a long time. Using hard ceramic plates to process cylindrical rollers, high precision and high consistency cylindrical rollers can be obtained after machining.
Heating Rate Effect on Gas Permeability and Pore Structure of Mortar under High Temperature
Authors: Chen Wei , Liu Yuehan , Sheng Mingquan , Zhang Hejun , Liang Yue , Skoczylas Frederic
Published: September 2022

This experimental study investigated the effect of heating rate on mortar gas permeability and microstructure. The mortar was heated to three target temperatures (400 °C, 500 °C, and 600 °C) at three heating rates (5 °C/min,10 °C/min, and 15 °C/min). The variations of gas permeability and porosity were measured simultaneously at different confining pressures, and the changes in mortar microstructure were analyzed by NMR and SEM techniques. The results show that the porosity and gas permeability increase with an increase in temperature and heating rate. The gas permeability and porosity continue to decrease as confinement is increased due to a reduction in the pore volume. The microstructure observed by SEM indicates that the high heating rate induces some microcracks at 500 °C and 600 °C. The fractal dimension based on NMR can quantitatively characterize the complexity of the mortar pore structure and shows a quadratic decreasing relationship with gas permeability and porosity.
Hybrid Interfacial Transition Zone between Wet—On—Wet Casted Concrete—Microstructure and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Telhaj Klaudja , Hedlund Hans , Cwirzen Andrzej
Published: September 2022

The manufacture of elements containing two types of concrete allows for the minimization of the amount of Portland cement by matching the properties of concrete with local structural and durability requirements. The most common production method of the hybrid element is wet–on–hard and wet–on–wet. Casting wet–on–dry is the most common approach while casting wet–on–wet has been used mostly for concrete overlays and screeds. The study focuses on the wet–on–wet method but is applied in the production of vertical and horizontal elements. Bond-behavior and micro properties of the wet–on–wet casting interface of ultra–high–performance concrete (UHPC)–normal strength concretes are investigated. The obtained results indicate the formation of a hybrid interfacial transition zone between the two types of casted concrete. The binder matrix located in this zone appeared to combine properties of both used concrete. Porosity, phase composition, and presumably also strength, changed gradually. Furthermore, despite significant differences in shrinkage, no microcracking or delamination was observed in that zone. The ultimate flexural and compressive strength of the produced elements were either equal to the stronger concrete or were higher than the weaker of the used concrete.
Influence of Synthetic Limestone Sand on the Frost Resistance of Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Cement Mortar
Authors: Wu Qianqian , Hou Yuying , Mei Jiangtao , Yang Jianming , Gan Tao
Published: September 2022

Synthetic limestone sand has advantages, such as stable quality and adjustable particle size distribution, and has gradually substituted high-quality natural sand as a fine aggregate in concrete production. The project team has prepared Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Cement (MKPC) mortar by replacing part of the river sand with machine-made limestone sand in equal amounts, which proves that its physical and mechanical properties are obviously better than mortar prepared by whole river sand. However, the research on the impact of machine-made limestone sand on the durability of MKPC mortar has not been carried out. As the repairing material of concrete structures, the frost resistance of MKPC mortar must be evaluated. In this study, the effect of synthetic limestone sand on the frost resistance of Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Cement (MKPC) mortar was investigated by characterizing the strength, mass loss rate, and water absorption of specimens subjected to freeze–thaw cycling. MKPC mortars prepared using solely river sand (M0) or limestone sand (M1) were completely degraded after 225 freezing–thawing cycles in water, whereas the flexural and compressive strengths of MKPC mortar (M2) prepared using both river and synthetic limestone sands was 29.3 and 22.0% of the initial strengths, respectively. The water freeze–thaw resistance of M2 specimens were significantly higher than that of M0 and M1 specimens, and the sulfate freeze–thaw resistance of M1 and M2 were significantly higher than that of M0. The mass loss of MKPC mortar is not more than 0.4% when it is frozen and thawed 225 times in water and 5% Na2SO4 solution, which is far lower than the damage standard of 5%. Based on the favorable composition of the two aggregates, the initial open porosity of M2 was relatively low, owing to the lower water–cement ratio of the mortar at the same flow rate.
Response Surface Methodology Based Optimization of Test Parameter in Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyamide 66 for Dry Sliding, Tribological Performance
Authors: Jagadeesan Narendran , Selvaraj Anthoniraj , Nagaraja Santhosh , Abbas Mohamed , Saleel C. Ahamed , Aabid Abdul , Baig Muneer
Published: September 2022

The tribological performance of a glass fiber reinforced polyamide66 (GFRPA66) composite with varying fiber weight percentage (wt.%) [30 wt.% and 35 wt.%] is investigated in this study using a pin-on-disc tribometer. GFRPA66 composite specimens in the form of pins with varying percentages of fiber viz., 30 wt.% and 35 wt.% are fabricated by an injection molding process. Tribological performances, such as coefficient of friction (COF) and the specific wear rate (SWR), are investigated. The factors affecting the wear of GFRPA66 composites [with 30 wt.% and 35 wt.% reinforcements] are identified based on the process parameters such as load, sliding velocity, and sliding distance. Design Expert 13.0 software is used for the experimental data analysis, based on the design of experiments planned in accordance with the central composite design (CCD) of the response surface methodology (RSM) technique. The significance of the obtained results are analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques. To attain minimum SWR and COF, the wear performance is optimized in dry sliding conditions. The analysis of experimental data revealed that SWR and COF increased with increasing load, sliding velocity, and sliding distance for GFRPA66 [30 wt.%], but decreased with increasing polyamide weight percentage. The SWR for a maximum load of 80 N, and for a sliding velocity of 0.22 m/s, and a sliding distance of 3500 m for GFRPA66 composite specimens with 30 wt.% reinforcements are found to be 0.0121 m3/Nm, while the SWR for the same set of parameters for GFRPA66 composite specimens with 35 wt.% reinforcements are found to be 0.0102 m3/Nm. The COF for the GFRPA66 composite specimens with 30 wt.% reinforcements for the above set of parameters is found to be 0.37, while the GFRPA66 composite specimens with 35 wt.% reinforcements showed significant improvement in wear performance with a reduction in COF to 0.25. Finally, using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), the worn surfaces of the GFRPA66 are examined and interpreted.
Prediction of Creep Curves Based on Back Propagation Neural Networks for Superalloys
Authors: Ma Bohao , Wang Xitao , Xu Gang , Xu Jinwu , He Jinshan
Published: September 2022

Creep deformation is one of the main failure forms for superalloys during service and predicting their creep life and curves is important to evaluate their safety. In this paper, we proposed a back propagation neural networks (BPNN) model to predict the creep curves of MarM247LC superalloy under different conditions. It was found that the prediction errors for the creep curves were within ±20% after using six creep curves for training. Compared with the θ projection model, the maximum error was reduced by 30%. In addition, it is validated that this method is applicable to the prediction of creep curves for other superalloys such as DZ125 and CMSX-4, indicating that the model has a wide range of applicability.
Visualization in Mathematical Packages When Teaching with Information Technologies
Authors: Ochkov Valery , Vasileva Inna , Orlov Konstantin , Chudova Julia , Tikhonov Anton
Published: September 2022

A method has been obtained for the use of visualization in computer mathematical packages, which is an effective means of overcoming difficult situations that arise for students when mastering such packages and solving computational problems. Depending on the complexity of the problem being solved, either the teacher or the students themselves can create special visual graphic (animation) objects. Such objects allow, initially without going into the intricacies of the functioning of the package and the mathematical apparatus used, to competently describe a complete picture of a difficult situation for students and indicate ways to resolve it. The method is considered through the example of the process of solving systems of equations using the mathematical package Mathcad and the WolframAlpha online resource. Graphical and animated objects are presented that clearly demonstrate the areas of the location of initial approximations, allowing you to numerically obtain all the real roots of systems of trigonometric and nonlinear equations. Similar objects are built to find the critical points of the Himmelblau’s special test function. Visualization materials are confirmed by the presented computational calculations. The proposed method is implemented in the form of plans for lectures and practical classes on mathematical modeling using computer technologies. The method was tested with university students at the National Research University Moscow Power Engineering Institute.
Simultaneous-Fault Diagnosis of Satellite Power System Based on Fuzzy Neighborhood ζ-Decision-Theoretic Rough Set
Authors: Tao Laifa , Wang Chao , Jia Yuan , Zhou Ruzhi , Zhang Tong , Chen Yiling , Lu Chen , Suo Mingliang
Published: September 2022

Due to the increasing complexity of the entire satellite system and the deteriorating orbital environment, multiple independent single faults may occur simultaneously in the satellite power system. However, two stumbling blocks hinder the effective diagnosis of simultaneous-fault, namely, the difficulty of obtaining the simultaneous-fault data and the extremely complicated mapping of the simultaneous-fault modes to the sensor data. To tackle the challenges, a fault diagnosis strategy based on a novel rough set model is proposed. Specifically, a novel rough set model named FNζDTRS by introducing a concise loss function matrix and fuzzy neighborhood relationship is proposed to accurately mine and characterize the relationship between fault and data. Furthermore, an attribute rule-based fault matching strategy is designed without using simultaneous-fault data as training samples. The numerical experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the FNζDTRS model, and the diagnosis experiments performed on a satellite power system illustrate the superiority of the proposed approach.
High-Order Sliding Mode Control for Three-Joint Rigid Manipulators Based on an Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Jin , Meng Wenjun , Yin Yufeng , Li Zhengnan , Ma Lidong , Liang Weiqiang
Published: September 2022

This paper presents a control method for the problem of trajectory jitter and poor tracking performance of the end of a three-joint rigid manipulator. The control is based on a high-order particle swarm optimization algorithm with an improved sliding mode control neural network. Although the sliding mode variable structure control has a certain degree of robustness, because of its own switching characteristics, chattering can occur in the later stage of the trajectory tracking of the manipulator end. Hence, on the basis of the high-order sliding mode control, the homogeneous continuous control law and super-twisting adaptive algorithm were added to further improve the robustness of the system. The radial basis function neural network was used to compensate the errors in the modeling process, and an adaptive law was designed to update the weights of the middle layer of the neural network. Furthermore, an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm was established and applied to optimize the parameters of the neural network, which improved the trajectory tracking of the manipulator end. Finally, MATLAB simulation results indicated the validity and superiority of the proposed control method compared with other sliding mode control algorithms.
Association of Frailty Status with Risk of Fall among Hospitalized Elderly Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in an Acute Geriatric Unit
Authors: Zulfiqar Abrar-Ahmad , Habchi Perla , Dembele Ibrahima Amadou , Andres Emmanuel
Published: September 2022

Introduction: The objective was to study the association of frailty status in hospitalized elderly patients with risk of fall in an acute geriatric unit and to characterize elderly “fallers” using a comprehensive gerontological assessment. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in patients over 65 years of age and hospitalized in an acute geriatric unit. This work was carried out in the Acute Geriatric Medicine Unit, Saint-Julien Hospital, Center Hospitalier Universitaire de Rouen from 1 June 2016 to 15 August 2016. Results: 172 patients were included during the collection period, with a female predominance of 115 patients (66.9%). The average age of the sample was 79.37 years old (65–85). The average CHARLSON score was 6.93 (3–16). Patients came from home in 81.4% of cases (i.e., 140 patients), and from a nursing home in 18.6% of cases (i.e., 32 patients). The risk of falling, as assessed by the Monopodal Support Test, returned as abnormal for 127 patients. In our series, there was a statistically strong link between the risk of falling and the presence of a dementia pathology (p = 0.009), the presence of a vitamin D deficiency (p = 0.03), the presence of frailty, as assessed by the three scales (modified SEGA scale, Fried scale and CFS/7 (<0.001), a high comorbidity score (p = 0.04), and a disturbed autonomy assessment according to IADL (p = 1.02 × 10−5) and according to ADL (p = 6.4 × 10−8). There was a statistically strong link between the risk of falling and the occurrence of death (p = 0.01). Conclusion: The consequences of the fall in terms of morbidity and mortality and the frequency of this event with advancing age and its impact on the quality of life as well as on health expenditure justify a systematic identification of the risk of falling in the elderly population. It is therefore important to have sensitive, specific, and reproducible tools available for identifying elderly people at high risk of falling.
Modulation of Membrane Microviscosity by Protein-Mediated Carotenoid Delivery as Revealed by Time-Resolved Fluorescence Anisotropy
Authors: Semenov Alexey N. , Gvozdev Danil A. , Zlenko Dmitry V. , Protasova Elena A. , Khashimova Anastasia R. , Parshina Evgenia Yu. , Baizhumanov Adil A. , Lotosh Natalia Yu. , Kim Eleonora E. , Kononevich Yuriy N. , Pakhomov Alexey A. , Selishcheva Alla A. , Sluchanko Nikolai N. , Shirshin Evgeny A. , Maksimov Eugene G.
Published: September 2022

Carotenoids are potent antioxidants with a wide range of biomedical applications. However, their delivery into human cells is challenging and relatively inefficient. While the use of natural water-soluble carotenoproteins capable to reversibly bind carotenoids and transfer them into membranes is promising, the quantitative estimation of the delivery remains unclear. In the present work, we studied echinenone (ECN) delivery by cyanobacterial carotenoprotein AnaCTDH (C-terminal domain homolog of the Orange Carotenoid Protein from Anabaena), into liposome membranes labelled with BODIPY fluorescent probe. We observed that addition of AnaCTDH-ECN to liposomes led to the significant changes in the fast-kinetic component of the fluorescence decay curve, pointing on the dipole-dipole interactions between the probe and ECN within the membrane. It may serve as an indirect evidence of ECN delivery into membrane. To study the delivery in detail, we carried out molecular dynamics modeling of the localization of ECN within the lipid bilayer and calculate its orientation factor. Next, we exploited FRET to assess concentration of ECN delivered by AnaCTDH. Finally, we used time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy to assess changes in microviscosity of liposomal membranes. Incorporation of liposomes with β-carotene increased membrane microviscosity while the effect of astaxanthin and its mono- and diester forms was less pronounced. At temperatures below 30 °C addition of AnaCTDH-ECN increased membrane microviscosity in a concentration-dependent manner, supporting the protein-mediated carotenoid delivery mechanism. Combining all data, we propose FRET-based analysis and assessment of membrane microviscosity as potent approaches to characterize the efficiency of carotenoids delivery into membranes.
Effect of Segregation of Sc, Y and La Atoms on Prenucleation at the Liquid-Al/γ-Al2O3{1 1 1} Interfaces
Authors: Fang Changming , Fan Zhongyun
Published: September 2022

γ-Al2O3 particles form inevitably in liquid Al- alloys during liquid-handling and casting processes. Such oxide particles may act as potential nucleation sites during solidification. Recent research revealed that native γ-Al2O3 particles exhibit different potency for nucleating solid Al, which may reduce the number of potential nucleation sites in the liquid. Chemical segregation at the liquid/oxide interface may modify the substrates’ nucleation potency. In this paper, we investigated prenucleation at the Al(l)/γ-Al2O3 interface with segregation of Sc, Y and La (Group 3) atoms using an ab initio molecular dynamics simulation technique. Our results revealed that the segregation of Sc, Y and La results in a reconstruction of the Al atoms adjacent to the substrates and consequently a rough substrate surface. Present investigation opens a new path for manipulating solidification processes via chemical segregation at the liquid/substrate interface.
Phase Equilibria of the Mg-Zn-Sm System in Mg-Rich Corner at 320 °C and 400 °C
Authors: Yin Tian , Ma Zheng , Chen Hongcan , Luo Qun , Zhang Jieyu , Wu Guangxin
Published: September 2022

To clarify the controversy regarding the phase equilibria in the Mg-rich corner of the Mg-Zn-Sm system, alloys annealed at 320 °C and 400 °C were employed to determine the phase constitution, composition and crystal structure by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The maximum solubility of Zn in Mg3Sm was measured to be 49.2 at.% at 400 °C. The Y phase (Mg62Zn31Sm7), only observed in the as-cast alloys, was determined to have an orthorhombic structure with lattice parameters of a = 10.20 Å, b = 11.26 Å and c = 9.64 Å by TEM. The hexagonal compound μ7, identified with lattice parameters of a = 34.62 Å and c = 8.94 Å, was detected during the transformation of the Y phase to the Z phase in the alloys located in the (Mg) + Mg3Sm + Z three-phase region. The phase equilibria (Mg) + Mg41Sm5 + Mg3Sm, Mg + Mg3Sm + Z, (Mg) + Z + liquid and Mg2Zn3 + Z + liquid at 400 °C are confirmed, and the three-phase region (Mg) + Z + MgZn exists in the Mg-Zn side at 320 °C. Subsequently, a self-consistent thermodynamic description was obtained based on the experimental data. Meanwhile, solidification simulation of Y phase formation was conducted by suppressing the stale Z phase, which can reasonably explain the as-cast microstructure of alloys in the Mg-rich corner. The thermodynamic database would be helpful for the further development of Mg-Zn-Sm alloys.
Mechanism of Balanced Strength and Ductility in High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel
Authors: Zhu Yuzhi , Jia Yunke , Chen Xiaohua , Wang Yanlin , Wang Zidong
Published: September 2022

A high-strength low-alloy steel with balanced strength and ductility was reported. A product of the strength and elongation (PSE) at a break of ~19 GPa% was obtained. The microstructure of the material was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, electron backscattered diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy methods. Phase transformation follows the K–S orientation relationships. Interconnecting structures generate due to the variant interactions within one prior austenite grain. The multi-phase microstructure containing both soft and hard phases contributes to good plasticity. The homogeneously distributed NbC nanoparticles make up the loss of strength ascribed to the soft retained austenite and keep the strength at an extremely high level.
Effect of Direct Recycling Hot Press Forging Parameters on Mechanical Properties and Surface Integrity of AA7075 Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Ruhaizat Nasha Emieza , Yusuf Nur Kamilah , Lajis Mohd Amri , Al-Alimi Sami , Shamsudin Shazarel , Tukiat Ikhwan Shah Tisadi , Zhou Wenbin
Published: September 2022

The current practice in aluminum recycling plants is to change the waste into molten metal through the conventional recycling (CR) manufacturing process. However, the CR technique is so energy-intensive that it also poses an indirect threat to the environment. This paper presents a study on meltless direct recycling hot press forging (DR-HPF) as an alternative sustainable approach that has fewer steps with low energy consumption, as well as preventing the generation of new waste. A laboratory experiment was conducted to study the mechanical properties and surface integrity of AA7075 aluminum alloy by employing a hot press forging (HPF) process under different temperatures (380, 430, and 480 °C) and holding times (0, 60, and 120 min). It was found that as the parameter increased, there was a positive increase in ultimate tensile strength (UTS), elongation to failure (ETF), density, and microhardness. The recycled chips exhibit the best mechanical properties at the highest parameters (480 °C and 120 min), whereas the UTS = 245.62 MPa and ETF = 6.91%, while surface integrity shows that the calculated microhardness and density are 69.02 HV and 2.795 g/cm3, respectively. The UTS result shows that the highest parameters of 480 °C and 120 min are comparable with the Aerospace Specification Metals (ASM) Aluminum AA7075-O standard. This study is a guide for machinists and the manufacturing industry to increase industry sustainability, to preserve the earth for future generations.
Thermodynamic Modeling of the Ag-Cu-Sn Ternary System
Authors: Tong Qingsong , Ge Jing , Rong Maohua , Li Jielong , Jiao Jian , Zhang Lu , Wang Jiang
Published: September 2022

In this work, combined with previous assessments of the Ag-Cu, Ag-Sn and Cu-Sn binary systems, thermodynamic modeling of the Ag-Cu-Sn ternary system was performed using the CALPHAD method using the reported phase diagram data and thermodynamic data. The solution phases including Liquid, fcc, bcc, hcp, bct(Sn) and diamond(Sn) were modeled as substitutional solutions and their excess Gibbs energies were expressed by the Redlich–Kister–Muggianu polynomial. The solubility of the third element in binary intermetallic compounds was not taken into account due to the fact that ternary solubilities for most of the binary compounds are not significant. Thermodynamic properties of liquid alloys, liquidus projection, several vertical sections and isothermal sections were calculated, which were in reasonable agreement with the reported experimental data. Finally, a set of self-consistent thermodynamic parameters formulating the Gibbs energies of various phases in the Ag-Cu-Sn ternary system was obtained.
Optimization of 3D Printing Parameters on Deformation by BP Neural Network Algorithm
Authors: Li Yu , Ding Feng , Tian Weijun
Published: September 2022

Traditional processing technology is not suitable for the requirements of advanced manufacturing due to the disadvantages of large repeated experiments, high cost, and low economic effect. As the latest additive technology, 3D printing technology has to deal with many issues such as process parameters and nonlinear mathematical models. A three-layer backpropagation (BP) artificial neural network with a Lavenberg–Marquardt algorithm was established to train the network and predict orthogonal experimental data. Additionally, the best combination of parameters of material deformations were predicted and verified by experiments. The results show that the predicted value obtained by the BP model is in good agreement with the experimental value curve, with a small relative error and a correlation coefficient of 0.99985. Moreover, the deformation errors of the printed model are not more than 3%. The incorporation of the BP neural network algorithm into the 3D printing process can, therefore, help cope with related problems, which is a future trend.
Multi-Functional Potential of Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains and Antimicrobial Effects in Minimally Processed Pomegranate (Punica granatum L. cv Jolly Red) Arils
Authors: Ben Farhat Leila , Romeo Flora Valeria , Foti Paola , Russo Nunziatina , Randazzo Cinzia Lucia , Caggia Cinzia , Abidi Ferid
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of both cells, and cell-free supernatants (CFS) of 7 selected lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains belonging to Limosilactobacillus fermentum (4 strains), Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (1 strain), Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (1 strain), and Enterococcus faecium (1 strain) species, against Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, by both the agar-well diffusion and co-culture methods. In addition, probiotic and safety traits were also detected. Great variability was detected on antimicrobial effects, whereas all tested strains were found sensitive to most of the tested antibiotics, and without any DNase, gelatinase, or hemolytic activity. Moreover, strains showed excellent survival in acidic conditions and exhibited tolerance to pepsin and bile salts. Based on the in vitro results, the CFSs of two selected L. fermentum strains were applied, in a mixed solution, as bio-preservative into minimally processed pomegranate arils, inoculated with a cocktail of L. monocytogenes and E. coli. Samples, packaged in an ordinary atmosphere, were analyzed during refrigerated storage, for up to 12 days, for physicochemical (as weight loss, texture, color, pH, total soluble solids and organic acid content) and for microbiological traits. Results revealed the effectiveness of CFS, up to 12 days, in reducing weight loss and microbial growth, without any significant effect on texture, total soluble solid content and color, found comparable to the acid citric treatment, highlighting the multi-functional potential of selected probiotic strains.
Lead-Free Copper-Based Perovskite Nanonets for Deep Ultraviolet Photodetectors with High Stability and Better Performance
Authors: Xu Shuhong , Tang Jieqin , Qu Junfeng , Xia Pengfei , Zhu Kai , Shao Haibao , Wang Chunlei
Published: September 2022

Considering practical application and commercialization, the research of non-toxic and stable halide perovskite and its application in the field of photoelectric detection have received great attention. However, there are relatively few studies on deep ultraviolet photodetectors, and the perovskite films prepared by traditional spin-coating method have disadvantages such as uneven grain size and irregular agglomeration, which limit their device performance. Herein, uniform and ordered Cs3Cu2I5 nanonet arrays are fabricated based on monolayer colloidal crystal (MCC) templates prepared with 1 μm polystyrene (PS) spheres, which enhance light-harvesting ability. Furthermore, the performance of the lateral photodetector (PD) is significantly enhanced when using Cs3Cu2I5 nanonet compared to the pure Cs3Cu2I5 film. Under deep ultraviolet light, the Cs3Cu2I5 nanonet PD exhibits a high light responsivity of 1.66 AW−1 and a high detection up to 2.48 × 1012 Jones. Meanwhile, the unencapsulated PD has almost no response to light above 330 nm and shows remarkable stability. The above results prove that Cs3Cu2I5 nanonet can be a great potential light-absorbing layer for solar-blind deep ultraviolet PD, which can be used as light absorption layer of UV solar cell.
Arthrobotrys musiformis (Orbiliales) Kills Haemonchus contortus Infective Larvae (Trichostronylidae) through Its Predatory Activity and Its Fungal Culture Filtrates
Authors: Pérez-Anzúrez Gustavo , Olmedo-Juárez Agustín , von-Son de Fernex Elke , Alonso-Díaz Miguel Ángel , Delgado-Núñez Edgar Jesús , López-Arellano María Eugenia , González-Cortázar Manasés , Zamilpa Alejandro , Ocampo-Gutierrez Ana Yuridia , Paz-Silva Adolfo , Mendoza-de Gives Pedro
Published: September 2022

Haemonchus contortus (Hc) is a parasite affecting small ruminants worldwide. Arthrobotrys musiformis (Am) is a nematode-trapping fungi that captures, destroys and feeds on nematodes. This study assessed the predatory activity (PA) and nematocidal activity (NA) of liquid culture filtrates (LCF) of Am against Hc infective larvae (L3), and additionally, the mycochemical profile (MP) was performed. Fungal identification was achieved by traditional and molecular procedures. The PA of Am against HcL3 was performed in water agar plates. Means of non-predated larvae were recorded and compared with a control group without fungi. LCF/HcL3 interaction was performed using micro-tittering plates. Two media, Czapek–Dox broth (CDB) and sweet potato dextrose broth (SPDB) and three concentrations, were assessed. Lectures were performed after 48 h interaction. The means of alive and dead larvae were recorded and compared with proper negative controls. The PA assessment revealed 71.54% larval reduction (p < 0.01). The highest NA of LCF was found in CDB: 93.42, 73.02 and 51.61%, at 100, 50 and 25 mg/mL, respectively (p < 0.05). Alkaloids and saponins were identified in both media; meanwhile, coumarins were only identified in CDB. The NA was only found in CDB, but not in SPDB. Coumarins could be responsible for the NA.
Influence of Environmental Factors on Biofilm Formation of Staphylococci Isolated from Wastewater and Surface Water
Authors: Silva Vanessa , Pereira José Eduardo , Maltez Luís , Poeta Patrícia , Igrejas Gilberto
Published: September 2022

The presence of biofilms can negatively affect several different areas, such as the food industry, environment, and biomedical sectors. Conditions under which bacteria grow and develop, such as temperature, nutrients, and pH, among others, can largely influence biofilm production. Staphylococcus species survive in the natural environment due to their tolerance to a wide range of temperatures, dryness, dehydration, and low water activity. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the influence of external environmental factors on the formation of biofilm of staphylococci isolated from hospital wastewater and surface waters. We investigated the biofilm formation of methicillin-resistant and -susceptible S. aureus (MRSA and MSSA) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) under various temperatures, pH values, salt concentrations, glucose concentrations, and under anaerobic and aerobic conditions. CoNS had the ability to produce more biofilm biomass than MSSA and MRSA. All environmental factors studied influenced the biofilm formation of staphylococci isolates after 24 h of incubation. Higher biofilm formation was achieved at 4% of NaCl and 0.5% of glucose for MSSA and CoNS, and 1% of NaCl and 1.5% of glucose for MRSA isolates. Biofilm formation of isolates was greater at 25 °C and 37 °C than at 10 °C and 4 °C. pH values between 6 and 8 led to more robust biofilm formation than pH levels of 9 and 5. Although staphylococci are facultative anaerobes, biofilm formation was higher in the presence of oxygen. The results demonstrated that multiple environmental factors affect staphylococci biofilm formation. Different conditions affect differently the biofilm formation of MRSA, MSSA, and CoNS strains.
Collagen Organization, Polarization Sensitivity and Image Quality in Human Corneas using Second Harmonic Generation Microscopy
Authors: Bueno Juan M. , Martínez-Ojeda Rosa M. , Yago Inés , Ávila Francisco J.
Published: September 2022

In this paper, a Second-Harmonic-Generation (SHG) microscope was used to study the relationship between collagen structural arrangement, image quality and polarization sensitivity in human corneas with different organizations. The degree of order (or alternatively, the Structural Dispersion, SD) was quantified using the structure tensor method. SHG image quality was evaluated with different objective metrics. Dependence with polarization was quantified by means of a parameter defined as polarimetric modulation, which employs polarimetric SHG images acquired with four independent polarization states. There is a significant exponential relationship between the quality of the SHG images and the SD of the samples. Moreover, polarization sensitivity strongly depends on collagen arrangement. For quasi- or partially organized specimens, there is a polarization state that noticeably improves the image quality, providing additional information often not seen in other SHG images. This does not occur in non-organized samples. This fact is closely related to polarimetric modulation, which linearly decreases with the SD. Understanding in more detail the relationships that take place between collagen distribution, image quality and polarization sensitivity brings the potential to enable the development of optimized SHG image acquisition protocols and novel objective strategies for the analysis and detection of pathologies related to corneal collagen disorders, as well as surgery follow-ups.
Two-Dimension Asymmetric Electromagnetically Induced Grating in Rydberg Atoms
Authors: Wang Binbin , Yan Dong , Liu Yimou , Wu Jinhui
Published: September 2022

We investigate the realization and manipulation of a two-dimension (2D), asymmetric, electromagnetically induced grating (EIG) in a sample of Rydberg atoms exhibiting the van der Waals (vdW) interactions. The scheme relies on the application of a strong control field and a weak probe field, with the former periodically modulated in a 2D plane and the latter incident perpendicular to the 2D plane. We find that the probe field can be diffracted into an asymmetric intensity distribution depending on the relevant modulation parameters of the control field, as well as the density and length of the atomic sample. In particular, higher-order diffraction intensities can be enhanced in different ways as the vdW interaction, modulation strength, or sample length is increased. It is also of interest that the asymmetric diffraction distribution can be shifted to different quadrants by choosing appropriate modulation phases of the control field. These results may be used to develop new photonic devices with asymmetric diffraction properties required in future all-optical networks.
Cold Resistance of Euonymus japonicus Beihaidao Leaves and Its Chloroplast Genome Structure and Comparison with Celastraceae Species
Authors: Cai Hongyu , Gu Xiaozheng , Li Yongtan , Ren Yachao , Yan Shufang , Yang Minsheng
Published: September 2022

Euonymus japonicus Beihaidao is one of the most economically important ornamental species of the Euonymus genus. There are approximately 97 genera and 1194 species of plants worldwide in this family (Celastraceae). Using E. japonicus Beihaidao, we conducted a preliminary study of the cold resistance of this species, evaluated its performance during winter, assembled and annotated its chloroplast genome, and performed a series of analyses to investigate its gene structure GC content, sequence alignment, and nucleic acid diversity. Our objectives were to understand the evolutionary relationships of the genus and to identify positive selection genes that may be related to adaptations to environmental change. The results indicated that E. japonicus Beihaidao leaves have certain cold resistance and can maintain their viability during wintering. Moreover, the chloroplast genome of E. japonicus Beihaidao is a typical double-linked ring tetrad structure, which is similar to that of the other four Euonymus species, E. hamiltonianus, E. phellomanus, E. schensianus, and E. szechuanensis, in terms of gene structure, gene species, gene number, and GC content. Compared to other Celastraceae species, the variation in the chloroplast genome sequence was lower, and the gene structure was more stable. The phylogenetic relationships of 37 species inferred that members of the Euonymus genus do not form a clade and that E. japonicus Beihaidao is closely related to E. japonicus and E. fortunei. A total of 11 functional positive selected genes were identified, which may have played an important role in the process of Celastraceae species adapting to environmental changes. Our study provides important genetic information to support further investigations into the phylogenetic development and adaptive evolution of Celastraceae species.
Six Underutilized Grain Crops for Food and Nutrition in China
Authors: Zhang Zongwen , Zhang Jing , Lu Ping , Wu Bin , Liu Minxuan , Gao Jia , Wang Chunchao , Bai Keyu , Guo Ganggang
Published: September 2022

Underutilized grain crops are an essential part of the food system that supports humankind. A number of these crops can be found in China, such as barley, buckwheat, broomcorn millet, foxtail millet, oat, and sorghum, which have characteristics such as containing more nutritional elements, being resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses, and having strong adaptability to poor environments. The diversity of these crops provides options for farmers’ livelihoods and healthy food for the population. Although some mentioned crops such as barley, oat, and sorghum are not underutilized crops globally, they could be considered underutilized in China as they were more important in the past and could be revitalized for food and nutrition in the future. This paper reviews current progress in research and development in the areas of germplasm resource conservation, variety improvement, cultivation technologies, processing, and the nutrition and benefits of six underutilized grain crops in China. It is concluded that underutilized grain crops could play a critical role in food and nutritional security in China.
Development of a Highly Efficient Shoot Organogenesis System for an Ornamental Aeschynanthus pulcher (Blume) G. Don Using Leaves as Explants
Authors: Yang Honglin , Yuan Honglin , Du Cunmei , Liang Liyun , Chen Meiling , Zou Lijuan
Published: September 2022

Aeschynanthus pulcher (Blume) G. Don, the “lipstick plant” is a prized ornamental plant with distinctive flowers. Here, we introduce a novel in vitro regeneration method for A. pulcher using leaf explants and an optimized combination of phytohormone plant growth regulators (PGRs). The optimal conditions for shoot regeneration included 1 mg L−1 polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) plus 3 mg L−1 thidiazuron (TDZ), inducing a response rate of 82.4% and a shoot/explant ratio of 38.6. When the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium contained indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) alone, leaves first differentiated into adventitious roots and then adventitious shoots. Leaves cultured on MS medium containing 1 g L−1 PVP, 3 mg L−1 TDZ, 5 mg L−1 casein, and 0.1 mg L−1 α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) for 30 d exhibited the highest embryogenic callus (EC) induction rate (95.6%). The optimal shoot proliferation coefficient (21.5) was obtained when shoots derived from EC were cultured on the same medium as that used for EC induction for 5 weeks. The most effective medium for rooting of elongated shoots was MS medium containing 1 g L−1 PVP, 5 mg L−1 casein, 3 mg L−1 6-benzyladenine (BA), and 0.1 mg L−1 NAA, and the number of roots reached 18.8. The regenerated plants grown in a greenhouse had 100% survival following one week of hardening. Overall, our effective and efficient propagation method should result in shortened culture periods and reduced production costs, allowing for the future selective breeding and genetic improvement of A. pulcher.