bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Shear/Axial Stress Ratio on Multiaxial Non-Proportional Loading Fatigue Damage on AISI 303 Steel
Authors: Anes Vitor , Reis Luis , Freitas Manuel
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we investigate the cyclic response of AISI 303 stainless steel subjected to non-proportional loads with different amplitude ratios between shear stresses and normal stresses. Based on the experiments, a relationship between the proportional reference load and a varied range of non-proportional loads was established. To achieve this objective, an experimental program was implemented to evaluate the non-proportional parameter Y. Then, the evolution of this parameter was analyzed with the number of cycles to failure and with the ratio between shear and normal stresses, finally, the evolution of the non-proportional parameter Y was mapped by two functions. The results show that the non-proportional response of the AISI 303 can be estimated using the two functions obtained. This allows the estimation of the relationship between non-proportional and proportional stresses as a function of the number of cycles to failure together with the relationship between shear and normal stresses. The results obtained have direct application in the evaluation of accumulated damage, assessed in real-time, resulting from variable amplitude loading spectra. This is of particular interest for the evaluation of structural health monitoring of structures and mechanical components.
Hot Deformation Behavior of PM Ni with Harmonic Microstructure
Authors: Menapace Cinzia , Sharma Bhupendra , Ameyama Kei
Published: January 2022

The hot deformation behavior of a harmonic-structured pure nickel has been studied and compared with the hot deformability of a homogeneously structured nickel. Both materials were produced via the powder metallurgy route through the Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) of mechanical milled and un-milled powders. Hot deformation was evaluated through compression tests at three different temperatures (400 °C, 800 °C, and 1300 °C), covering a wide range in the homologous temperature spectrum for Ni (from 0.39 to 0.91), and at three different strain rates (0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 s−1). The evaluation of the stress–strain curves showed a higher hot compression resistance for the harmonic-structured nickel, together with higher strain hardening and strain rate sensitivity, thanks to the peculiar microstructural features of this material. Through the metallographic analysis of the specimens after hot compression, different mechanisms were identified as responsible for the deformation behavior in relation to the temperature of testing. While at 400 °C dynamic recrystallization has slightly started, at 800 °C it is widely diffused, and at 1300 °C it is replaced by grain growth and diffusion creep phenomena.
Recovery and Recycling of Valuable Metals
Authors: Azizi Dariush
Published: January 2022

Metals have always played a significant role in human life; contemporary global growth and prosperity are directly dependent on these materials [...]
Diffusion Bonding of Ti6Al4V at Low Temperature via SMAT
Authors: Chen Yuqing , Wang Guofeng , Liu Yongkang , Zhan Liqiang , Diao He , Wang Yuelin
Published: January 2022

Titanium alloys used to be welded to gain good joint strength at 920 °C through diffusion bonding. However, due to the heat preservation at high temperatures for a long time, we obtain joints with great bond strength while the mechanical properties of the sheet are lost. In this paper, taking Ti6Al4V alloy as an example, we studied the microstructure of the surface under the different times of surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT). In addition, the microstructure and mechanical properties after diffusion bonding at 800 °C-5 MPa-1 h were also conducted. The results show that the shear strength of TC4 alloy welded joint after SMAT treatment is improved, and the maximum shear strength can reach 797.7 MPa, up about 32.4%
Impingement Density Analysis on Heat Transfer and the Appearance of Edge Cracks in Conventional Slab Using Hydraulic Nozzles
Authors: Ruiz-Pineda Alfonso , Aguilar-Corona Alicia , Hernández-Bocanegra Constantin Alberto , Ramos-Banderas José Ángel , Solorio-Díaz Gildardo , Preciado-Martínez Romeo Omar
Published: January 2022

In this work, the fluid dynamics and heat transfer of two hydraulic nozzles used in the secondary cooling of the conventional slab continuous casting machine were analyzed. Impingement density maps, the jet opening angle and heat flux associated with different operating conditions (impingement distance, pressure) were experimentally determined. The opening angle and impingement density footprint were found to vary considerably in shape and magnitude with varying operating pressure and distances. Finally, it was found that when short operating distances are used, a greater heat extraction gradient occurs in the major axis of the impingement footprint, which promotes edge-cracks in the slab in plant.
Evolution of Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Residual Stress of a Cold Rolled Invar Sheet Due to Heat Treatment
Authors: Park Sung Jin , Jo Seong-Hyeon , Kim Jung Gi , Kim Juntae , Lee Ryul , Oh Young-Seok , Kim Se-Jong , Lee Ho Won , Kang Seong-Hoon , Jung Jaimyun
Published: January 2022

Invar alloy possesses a uniquely low coefficient of thermal expansion, making it an ideal material for fine metal masks. To manufacture fine metal masks, Invar alloys are often cold-rolled, during which residual stress develops. Heat treatment is an effective means to control residual stress that develops within Invar sheets after cold rolling, but the treatment should be carried out with care. In this article, a comprehensive study on the effect of heat treatment on the residual stress, microstructure, and mechanical properties of a cold-rolled Invar sheet is reported. We show that while both recovery and recrystallization are effective means of reducing residual stress, substantial microstructural changes and, therefore, notable changes in mechanical properties and residual stress, occur after recrystallization. Moreover, residual stress release due to recrystallization can be affected by microstructure and texture prior to heat treatment as these factors play a significant role in recrystallization.
In Situ Generated Shear Bands in Metallic Glass Investigated by Atomic Force and Analytical Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Rösner Harald , Kübel Christian , Ostendorp Stefan , Wilde Gerhard
Published: January 2022

Plastic deformation of metallic glasses performed at temperatures well below the glass transition proceeds via the formation of shear bands. In this contribution, we investigated shear bands originating from in situ tensile tests of Al88Y7Fe5 melt-spun ribbons performed under a transmission electron microscope. The observed contrasts of the shear bands were found to be related to a thickness reduction rather than to density changes. This result should alert the community of the possibility of thickness changes occurring during in situ shear band formation that may affect interpretation of shear band properties such as the local density. The observation of a spearhead-like shear front suggests a propagation front mechanism for shear band initiation here.
One-Step Sintering Process for the Production of Magnetocaloric La(Fe,Si)13-Based Composites
Authors: Zhong Xi-Chun , Dong Xu-Tao , Huang Jiao-Hong , Liu Cui-Lan , Zhang Hu , Huang You-Lin , Yu Hong-Ya , Ramanujan Raju V.
Published: January 2022

A one-step sintering process was developed to produce magnetocaloric La(Fe,Si)13/Ce-Co composites. The effects of Ce2Co7 content and sintering time on the relevant phase transformations were determined. Following sintering at 1373 K/30 MPa for 1–6 h, the NaZn13-type (La,Ce)(Fe,Co,Si)13 phase formed, the mass fraction of α-Fe phase reduced and the CeFe7-type (La,Ce)(Fe,Co,Si)7 phase appeared. The mass fraction of the (La,Ce)(Fe,Co,Si)7 phase increased, and the α-Fe phase content decreased with increasing Ce2Co7 content. However, the mass fraction of the (La,Ce)(Fe,Co,Si)7 phase reduced with increasing sintering time. The EDS results showed a difference in concentration between Co and Ce at the interphase boundary between the 1:13 phase and the 1:7 phase, indicating that the diffusion mode of Ce is reaction diffusion, while that of Co is the usual vacancy mechanism. Interestingly, almost 100 % single phase (La,Ce)(Fe,Co,Si)13 was obtained by appropriate Ce2Co7 addition. After 6 h sintering at 1373 K, the Ce and Co content in the (La,Ce)(Fe,Co,Si)13 phase increased for larger Ce2Co7 content. Therefore, the Curie temperature increased from 212 K (binder-free sample) to 331 K (15 wt.% Ce2Co7 sample). The maximum magnetic entropy change (−ΔSM)max decreased from 8.8 (binder-free sample) to 6.0 J/kg·K (15 wt.% Ce2Co7 sample) under 5 T field. High values of compressive strength (σbc)max of up to 450 MPa and high thermal conductivity (λ) of up to 7.5 W/m·K were obtained. A feasible route to produce high quality La(Fe,Si)13 based magnetocaloric composites with large MCE, good mechanical properties, attractive thermal conductivity and tunable TC by a one-step sintering process has been demonstrated.
Urinary Volatomic Expression Pattern: Paving the Way for Identification of Potential Candidate Biosignatures for Lung Cancer
Authors: Taunk Khushman , Porto-Figueira Priscilla , Pereira Jorge A. M. , Taware Ravindra , da Costa Nattane Luíza , Barbosa Rommel , Rapole Srikanth , Câmara José S.
Published: January 2022

The urinary volatomic profiling of Indian cohorts composed of 28 lung cancer (LC) patients and 27 healthy subjects (control group, CTRL) was established using headspace solid phase microextraction technique combined with gas chromatography mass spectrometry methodology as a powerful approach to identify urinary volatile organic metabolites (uVOMs) to discriminate among LC patients from CTRL. Overall, 147 VOMs of several chemistries were identified in the intervention groups—including naphthalene derivatives, phenols, and organosulphurs—augmented in the LC group. In contrast, benzene and terpenic derivatives were found to be more prevalent in the CTRL group. The volatomic data obtained were processed using advanced statistical analysis, namely partial least square discriminative analysis (PLS-DA), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and multilayer perceptron (MLP) methods. This resulted in the identification of nine uVOMs with a higher potential to discriminate LC patients from CTRL subjects. These were furan, o-cymene, furfural, linalool oxide, viridiflorene, 2-bromo-phenol, tricyclazole, 4-methyl-phenol, and 1-(4-hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)-2-methyl-3-morpholinopropan-1-one. The metabolic pathway analysis of the data obtained identified several altered biochemical pathways in LC mainly affecting glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, pyruvate metabolism, and fatty acid biosynthesis. Moreover, acetate and octanoic, decanoic, and dodecanoic fatty acids were identified as the key metabolites responsible for such deregulation. Furthermore, studies involving larger cohorts of LC patients would allow us to consolidate the data obtained and challenge the potential of the uVOMs as candidate biomarkers for LC.
Altered Germinal-Center Metabolism in B Cells in Autoimmunity
Authors: Shiraz Ashton K. , Panther Eric J. , Reilly Christopher M.
Published: January 2022

B lymphocytes play an important role in the pathophysiology of many autoimmune disorders by producing autoantibodies, secreting cytokines, and presenting antigens. B cells undergo extreme physiological changes as they develop and differentiate. Aberrant function in tolerogenic checkpoints and the metabolic state of B cells might be the contributing factors to the dysfunctionality of autoimmune B cells. Understanding B-cell metabolism in autoimmunity is important as it can give rise to new treatments. Recent investigations have revealed that alterations in metabolism occur in the activation of B cells. Several reports have suggested that germinal center (GC) B cells of individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have altered metabolic function. GCs are unique microenvironments in which the delicate and complex process of B-cell affinity maturation occurs through somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class switching recombination (CSR) and where Bcl6 tightly regulates B-cell differentiation into memory B-cells or plasma cells. GC B cells rely heavily on glucose, fatty acids, and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) for their energy requirements. However, the complicated association between GC B cells and their metabolism is still not clearly understood. Here, we review several studies of B-cell metabolism, highlighting the significant transformations that occur in GC progression, and suggest possible approaches that may be investigated to more precisely target aberrant B-cell metabolism in SLE.
Effect of a Misidentified Centre of a Type ASG Material Measure on the Determined Topographic Spatial Resolution of an Optical Point Sensor
Authors: Schaude Janik , Gröschl Andreas Christian , Hausotte Tino
Published: January 2022

The article presents the determination of the topographic spatial resolution of an optical point sensor. It is quantified by the lateral period limit DLIM measured on a type ASG material measure, also called (topographic) Siemens star, with a confocal sensor following both a radial measurement and evaluation, as proposed by ISO 25178-70, and the measurement and subsequent evaluation of two line scans, proposed by the NPL Good Practice Guide. As will be shown, for the latter, an only slightly misidentified target centre of the Siemens star leads to quite significant errors of the determined DLIM. Remarkably, a misidentified target centre does not necessarily result in an overestimation of DLIM, but lower values might also be obtained. Therefore, a modified Good Practice Guide is proposed to determine DLIM more accurately, as it includes a thorough determination of the centre of the Siemens star as well. While the measurement and evaluation effort is increased slightly compared to the NPL Good Practice Guide, it is still much faster than a complete radial measurement and evaluation.
Bimetallic Nanomaterials-Based Electrochemical Biosensor Platforms for Clinical Applications
Authors: Kannan Palanisamy , Maduraiveeran Govindhan
Published: January 2022

Diabetes is a foremost health issue that results in ~4 million deaths every year and ~170 million people suffering globally. Though there is no treatment for diabetes yet, the blood glucose level of diabetic patients should be checked closely to avoid further problems. Screening glucose in blood has become a vital requirement, and thus the fabrication of advanced and sensitive blood sugar detection methodologies for clinical analysis and individual care. Bimetallic nanoparticles (BMNPs) are nanosized structures that are of rising interest in many clinical applications. Although their fabrication shares characteristics with physicochemical methodologies for the synthesis of corresponding mono-metallic counterparts, they can display several interesting new properties and applications as a significance of the synergetic effect between their two components. These applications can be as diverse as clinical diagnostics, anti-bacterial/anti-cancer treatments or biological imaging analyses, and drug delivery. However, the exploitation of BMNPs in such fields has received a small amount of attention predominantly due to the vital lack of understanding and concerns mainly on the usage of other nanostructured materials, such as stability and bio-degradability over extended-time, ability to form clusters, chemical reactivity, and biocompatibility. In this review article, a close look at bimetallic nanomaterial based glucose biosensing approaches is discussed, concentrating on their clinical applications as detection of glucose in various real sample sources, showing substantial development of their features related to corresponding monometallic counterparts and other existing used nanomaterials for clinical applications.
Advances in Single-Cell Printing
Authors: Zhou Xiaohu , Wu Han , Wen Haotian , Zheng Bo
Published: January 2022

Single-cell analysis is becoming an indispensable tool in modern biological and medical research. Single-cell isolation is the key step for single-cell analysis. Single-cell printing shows several distinct advantages among the single-cell isolation techniques, such as precise deposition, high encapsulation efficiency, and easy recovery. Therefore, recent developments in single-cell printing have attracted extensive attention. We review herein the recently developed bioprinting strategies with single-cell resolution, with a special focus on inkjet-like single-cell printing. First, we discuss the common cell printing strategies and introduce several typical and advanced printing strategies. Then, we introduce several typical applications based on single-cell printing, from single-cell array screening and mass spectrometry-based single-cell analysis to three-dimensional tissue formation. In the last part, we discuss the pros and cons of the single-cell strategies and provide a brief outlook for single-cell printing.
Measurement of Small-Slope Free-Form Optical Surfaces with the Modified Phase Retrieval
Authors: Ma Xinxue , Wang Jianli , Wang Bin , Liu Xinyue
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we demonstrate the use of the modified phase retrieval as a method for application in the measurement of small-slope free-form optical surfaces. This technique is a solution for the measurement of small-slope free-form optical surfaces, based on the modified phase retrieval algorithm, whose essence is that only two defocused images are needed to estimate the wave front with an accuracy similar to that of the traditional phase retrieval but with less image capturing and computation time. An experimental arrangement used to measure the small-slope free-form optical surfaces using the modified phase retrieval is described. The results of these experiments demonstrate that the modified phase retrieval method can achieve measurements comparable to those of the standard interferometer.
Analyzing Distributed Vibrating Sensing Technologies in Optical Meshes
Authors: Rahman Saifur , Ali Farman , Muhammad Fazal , Irfan Muhammad , Glowacz Adam , Shahed Akond Mohammed , Armghan Ammar , Faraj Mursal Salim Nasar , Ali Amjad , Alkahtani Fahad Salem
Published: January 2022

Hundreds of kilometers of optical fibers are installed for optical meshes (OMs) to transmit data over long distances. The visualization of these deployed optical fibers is a highlighted issue because the conventional procedure can only measure the optical losses. Thus, this paper presents distributed vibration sensing (DVS) estimation mechanisms to visualize the optical fiber behavior installed for OMs which is not possible by conventional measurements. The proposed technique will detect the power of light inside the optical fiber, as well as different physical parameters such as the phase of transmitted light inside the thread, the frequency of vibration, and optical losses. The applicability of optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) and optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR) DVS techniques are validated theoretically for various state detection procedures in optical fibers. The simulation model is investigated in terms of elapsed time, the spectrum of a light signal, frequency, and the impact of many external physical accidents with optical fibers.
Bandwidth Tunable Optical Bandpass Filter Based on Parity-Time Symmetry
Authors: Zhang Bowen , Chen Nuo , Lu Xinda , Hu Yuhang , Yang Zihao , Zhang Xinliang , Xu Jing
Published: January 2022

A chip-scale tunable optical filter is indispensable to meeting the demand for reconfigurability in wavelength division multiplexing systems, channel routing, and switching, etc. Here, we propose a new scheme of bandwidth tunable band-pass filters based on a parity-time (PT) symmetric coupled microresonator system. Large bandwidth tunability is realized on the basis of the tuning of the relative resonant frequency between coupled rings and by making use of the concept of the exception point (EP) in the PT symmetric systems. Theoretical investigations show that the bandwidth tuning range depends on the intrinsic loss of the microresonators, as well as on the loss contrast between the two cavities. Our proof-of-concept device confirms the tunability and shows a bandwidth tuning range from 21 GHz to 49 GHz, with an extinction ratio larger than 15 dB. The discrepancy between theory and experiment is due to the non-optimized design of the coupling coefficients, as well as to fabrication errors. Our design based on PT symmetry shows a distinct route towards the realization of tunable band-pass filters, providing new ways to explore non-Hermitian light manipulation in conventional integrated devices.
Intake of MPRO3 over 4 Weeks Reduces Glucose Levels and Improves Gastrointestinal Health and Metabolism
Authors: Lee Songhee , You Heesang , Lee Yeongju , Baik Haingwoon , Paik Jeankyung , Lee Hayera , Park Soodong , Shim Jaejung , Lee Junglyoul , Hyun Sunghee
Published: January 2022

Human gut microbiota are involved in different metabolic processes, such as digestion and nutrient synthesis, among others. For the elderly, supplements are a major means of maintaining health and improving intestinal homeostasis. In this study, 51 elderly women were administered MPRO3 (n = 17), a placebo (n = 16), or both (MPRO3: 1 week, placebo: 3 weeks; n = 18) for 4 weeks. The fecal microbiota were analyzed by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene V3–V4 super-variable region. The dietary fiber intake increased, and glucose levels decreased with 4-week MPRO3 intake. Reflux, indigestion, and diarrhea syndromes gradually improved with MPRO3 intake, whereas constipation was maintained. The stool shape also improved. Bifidobacterium animalis, B. pseudolongum, Lactobacillus plantarum, and L. paracasei were relatively more abundant after 4 weeks of MPRO3 intake than in those subjects after a 1-week intake. Bifidobacterium and B. longum abundances increased after 1 week of MPRO3 intake but decreased when the intake was discontinued. Among different modules and pathways, all 10 modules analyzed showed a relatively high association with 4-week MPRO3 intake. The mineral absorption pathway and cortisol biosynthesis and secretion pathways correlated with the B. animalis and B. pseudolongum abundances at 4 weeks. Therefore, 4-week MPRO3 intake decreased the fasting blood glucose level and improved intestinal health and metabolism.
Serbian Traditional Goat Cheese: Physico-Chemical, Sensory, Hygienic and Safety Characteristics
Authors: Mladenović Katarina G. , Grujović Mirjana Ž. , Kocić-Tanackov Sunčica D. , Bulut Sandra , Iličić Mirela , Degenek Jovana , Semedo-Lemsaddek Teresa
Published: January 2022

This research project aimed to investigate the physico-chemical, sensory, hygienic and safety characteristics of raw goat milk, whey, brine and traditional goat cheese during the ripening period of 28 days. Physico-chemical parameters included the determination of dry matter, fat, ash, protein, pH, water activity and NaCl content. The presence of Enterobacteriaceae and fungi was estimated on milk and cheese samples, and a sensory panel evaluated the products’ features and acceptability during ripening. The results show that the cheese under study belongs to the acid full-fat cheese group. A consumer panel attributed high scores to the goat cheese, until the 21st day of ripening. After this period, the overall features altered significantly, including augmented bitterness, odor intensification and the development of molds on the surface. The presence of fungi, associated with Enterobacteriaceae, suggests that the hygiene of the production processes needs to be improved. Regarding microbial safety, the detection of putative pathogens and antibiotic resistances recommend an active surveillance of traditional foods to avoid foodborne infections and/or the dissemination of resistant microorganisms along the food chain.
Improved Neomycin Sulfate Potency in Streptomyces fradiae Using Atmospheric and Room Temperature Plasma (ARTP) Mutagenesis and Fermentation Medium Optimization
Authors: Yu Fei , Zhang Min , Sun Junfeng , Wang Fang , Li Xiangfei , Liu Yan , Wang Zhou , Zhao Xinrui , Li Jianghua , Chen Jian , Du Guocheng , Xue Zhenglian
Published: January 2022

To improve the screening efficiency of high-yield neomycin sulfate (NM) Streptomyces fradiae strains after mutagenesis, a high-throughput screening method using streptomycin resistance prescreening (8 μg/mL) and a 24-deep well plates/microplate reader (trypan blue spectrophotometry) rescreening strategy was developed. Using this approach, we identified a high-producing NM mutant strain, Sf6-2, via six rounds of atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) mutagenesis and screening. The mutant displayed a NM potency of 7780 ± 110 U/mL and remarkably stable genetic properties over six generations. Furthermore, the key components (soluble starch, peptone, and (NH4)2SO4) affecting NM potency in fermentation medium were selected using Plackett-Burman and optimized by Box-Behnken designs. Finally, the NM potency of Sf6-2 was increased to 10,849 ± 141 U/mL at the optimal concentration of each factor (73.98 g/L, 9.23 g/L, and 5.99 g/L, respectively), and it exhibited about a 40% and 100% enhancement when compared with before optimization conditions and the wild-type strain, respectively. In this study, we provide a new S. fradiae NM production strategy and generate valuable insights for the breeding and screening of other microorganisms.
Characterization of the Tellurite-Resistance Properties and Identification of the Core Function Genes for Tellurite Resistance in Pseudomonas citronellolis SJTE-3
Authors: Peng Wanli , Wang Yanqiu , Fu Yali , Deng Zixin , Lin Shuangjun , Liang Rubing
Published: January 2022

Tellurite is highly toxic to bacteria and commonly used in the clinical screening for pathogens; it is speculated that there is a potential relationship between tellurite resistance and bacterial pathogenicity. Until now, the core function genes of tellurite resistance and their characteristics are still obscure. Pseudomonas citronellolis SJTE-3 was found able to resist high concentrations of tellurite (250 μg/mL) and formed vacuole-like tellurium nanostructures. The terZABCDE gene cluster located in the large plasmid pRBL16 endowed strain SJTE-3 with the tellurite resistance of high levels. Although the terC and terD genes were identified as the core function genes for tellurite reduction and resistance, the inhibition of cell growth was observed when they were used solely. Interestingly, co-expression of the terA gene or terZ gene could relieve the burden caused by the expression of the terCD genes and recover normal cell growth. TerC and TerD proteins commonly shared the conserved sequences and are widely distributed in many pathogenic bacteria, highly associated with the pathogenicity factors.
Transcriptional Shift and Metabolic Adaptations during Leishmania Quiescence Using Stationary Phase and Drug Pressure as Models
Authors: Jara Marlene , Barrett Michael , Maes Ilse , Regnault Clement , Imamura Hideo , Domagalska Malgorzata Anna , Dujardin Jean-Claude
Published: January 2022

Microorganisms can adopt a quiescent physiological condition which acts as a survival strategy under unfavorable conditions. Quiescent cells are characterized by slow or non-proliferation and a deep downregulation of processes related to biosynthesis. Although quiescence has been described mostly in bacteria, this survival skill is widespread, including in eukaryotic microorganisms. In Leishmania, a digenetic parasitic protozoan that causes a major infectious disease, quiescence has been demonstrated, but the molecular and metabolic features enabling its maintenance are unknown. Here, we quantified the transcriptome and metabolome of Leishmania promastigotes and amastigotes where quiescence was induced in vitro either, through drug pressure or by stationary phase. Quiescent cells have a global and coordinated reduction in overall transcription, with levels dropping to as low as 0.4% of those in proliferating cells. However, a subset of transcripts did not follow this trend and were relatively upregulated in quiescent populations, including those encoding membrane components, such as amastins and GP63, or processes like autophagy. The metabolome followed a similar trend of overall downregulation albeit to a lesser magnitude than the transcriptome. It is noteworthy that among the commonly upregulated metabolites were those involved in carbon sources as an alternative to glucose. This first integrated two omics layers afford novel insight into cell regulation and show commonly modulated features across stimuli and stages.
Unique Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in the Second Large Cruise Ship Cluster in Japan
Authors: Abe Haruka , Ushijima Yuri , Amano Murasaki , Sakurai Yasuteru , Yoshikawa Rokusuke , Kinoshita Takaaki , Kurosaki Yohei , Yanagihara Katsunori , Izumikawa Koichi , Morita Kouichi , Kohno Shigeru , Yasuda Jiro
Published: January 2022

In the initial phase of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, a large-scale cluster on the cruise ship Diamond Princess (DP) emerged in Japan. Genetic analysis of the DP strains has provided important information for elucidating the possible transmission process of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on a cruise ship. However, genome-based analyses of SARS-CoV-2 detected in large-scale cruise ship clusters other than the DP cluster have rarely been reported. In the present study, whole-genome sequences of 94 SARS-CoV-2 strains detected in the second large cruise ship cluster, which emerged on the Costa Atlantica (CA) in Japan, were characterized to understand the evolution of the virus in a crowded and confined place. Phylogenetic and haplotype network analysis indicated that the CA strains were derived from a common ancestral strain introduced on the CA cruise ship and spread in a superspreading event-like manner, resulting in several mutations that might have affected viral characteristics, including the P681H substitution in the spike protein. Moreover, there were significant genetic distances between CA strains and other strains isolated in different environments, such as cities under lockdown. These results provide new insights into the unique evolution patterns of SARS-CoV-2 in the CA cruise ship cluster.
Molecular Genetic Analysis with Microsatellite-like Loci Reveals Specific Dairy-Associated and Environmental Populations of the Yeast Geotrichum candidum
Authors: Tinsley Colin R. , Jacques Noémie , Lucas Marine , Grondin Cécile , Legras Jean-Luc , Casaregola Serge
Published: January 2022

Geotrichum candidum is an environmental yeast, also found as part of the cheese surface microbiota, where it is important in the ripening of many traditional cheeses, such as Camembert. We have previously developed a Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) scheme, which differentiated five clades, of which one contained only environmental isolates, two were composed almost entirely of dairy isolates, and two others contained a mixture of dairy, environmental, and miscellaneous food isolates. In order to provide a simple method to uniquely type G. candidum strains, and in addition to permit investigation of the population structure at a fine level, we describe here a molecular analysis using a set of twelve highly discriminating microsatellite-like markers. The present study consolidates the previously suggested division between dairy and environmental strains, and in addition distinguishes a specifically European group of environmental strains. This analysis permitted the discrimination of 72 genotypes from the collection of 80 isolates, while retaining the underlying meaningful phylogenetic relation between groups of strains.
Red Cusk-Eel (Genypterus chilensis) Gut Microbiota Description of Wild and Aquaculture Specimens
Authors: Romero Jaime , Díaz Osmán , Miranda Claudio D. , Rojas Rodrigo
Published: January 2022

Chile has promoted the diversification of aquaculture and red cusk-eel (Genypterus chilensis) is one of the prioritized species. However, many aspects of the biology of the species are unknown or have little information available. These include intestinal microbiota, an element that may play an important role in the nutrition and defense of cultured animals for meat production. This study compares the microbiota composition of the intestinal contents of wild and aquaculture fish to explore the microbial communities present and their potential contribution to the host. DNA was extracted from the intestinal content samples and the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequenced using the Ion Torrent platform. After the examination of the sequences, strong differences were found in the composition at the level of phylum, being Firmicutes and Tenericutes the most abundant in aquaculture and wild condition, respectively. At the genus level, the Vagococcus (54%) and Mycoplasma (97%) were the most prevalent in the microbial community of aquaculture and wild condition, respectively. The evaluation of predicted metabolic pathways in these metagenomes showed that in wild condition there is an important presence of lipid metabolism belonging to the unsaturated fatty acid synthesis. In the aquaculture condition, the metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides were relevant. To our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize and compare the intestinal microbiota of red cusk-eel (Genypterus chilensis) of wild and aquaculture origin using high-throughput sequencing.
Lactoferrin-Functionalized Noble Metal Nanoparticles as New Antivirals for HSV-2 Infection
Authors: Krzyzowska Malgorzata , Chodkowski Marcin , Janicka Martyna , Dmowska Dominika , Tomaszewska Emilia , Ranoszek-Soliwoda Katarzyna , Bednarczyk Katarzyna , Celichowski Grzegorz , Grobelny Jaroslaw
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: Lactoferrin has been recognized as a potent inhibitor of human herpetic viruses, such as herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2). In this work, we tested if silver and gold nanoparticles modified with lactoferrin (LF-Ag/AuNPs) can become novel microbicides with additional adjuvant properties to treat genital herpes infection. (2) Methods: The antiviral and cytotoxic activities of LF-Ag/AuNPs were tested in human skin HaCaT and vaginal VK-2-E6/E7 keratinocytes. Viral titers and immune responses after treatment with LF-Ag/AuNPs were tested in murine vaginal HSV-2 infection. (3) Results: LF-Ag/AuNPs inhibited attachment and entry of HSV-2 in human keratinocytes much better than lactoferrin. Furthermore, pretreatment with LF-AgNPs led to protection from infection. Infected mice treated intravaginally with LF-Ag/AuNPs showed lower virus titers in the vaginal tissues and spinal cords in comparison to treatment with lactoferrin. Following treatment, vaginal tissues showed a significant increase in CD8+/granzyme B + T cells, NK cells and dendritic cells in comparison to NaCl-treated group. LF-Ag/AuNPs-treated animals also showed significantly better expression of IFN-γ, CXCL9, CXCL10, and IL-1β in the vaginal tissues. (4) Conclusions: Our findings show that LF-Ag/AuNPs could become effective novel antiviral microbicides with immune-stimulant properties to be applied upon the mucosal tissues.
Kinome Analysis of Cattle Peripheral Lymph Nodes to Elucidate Differential Response to Salmonella spp.
Authors: Arsenault Ryan J. , Brown Tyson R. , Edrington Thomas S. , Nisbet David J.
Published: January 2022

Salmonella spp., contained within the peripheral lymph nodes (PLNs) of cattle, represents a significant source of contamination of ground beef. Herein is the first report where species-specific kinome peptide arrays designed for bovine biology were used to further the understanding of Salmonella spp. within these PLNs. For the purpose of this research, multiple comparisons of sub-iliac lymph nodes were made to include nodes from feedlot cattle that were infected with Salmonella spp. to those that were non-infected; seasonal differences in feedlot cattle harvested in either August or January; cull dairy cows compared to feedlot cattle; and PLNs from cattle experimentally inoculated with Salmonella spp. versus naturally infected animals. The first comparison of Salmonella-positive and -negative PLNs found that considering the kinotypes for these animals, the major distinguishing difference was not the presence or absence of Salmonella spp. in the PLNs but the concentration. Further, the majority of pathways activated were directly related to immune responses including innate immunity, thus Salmonella spp. within the PLNs activates the immune system in that node. Results from the comparison of feedlot cattle and cull dairy cows suggests that a Salmonella spp.-negative animal, regardless of type, has a more consistent kinome profile than that of a Salmonella spp.-positive animal and that the differences between feedlot and cull dairy cattle are only pronounced when the PLNs are Salmonella spp. positive. PLNs collected in the winter showed a much more consistent kinome profile, regardless of Salmonella status, suggesting that in the winter these cattle are similar, and this is not affected by the presence of Salmonella spp., whereas significant variability among kinotypes was observed for PLNs collected in the summer. The most distinct clustering of kinotypes observed in this study was related to how the animal was infected with Salmonella spp. There were significant differences in the phosphorylation state of the immune response peptides between experimentally and naturally infected animals, suggesting that the immune system is activated in a significantly different manner when comparing these routes of infection. Increasing our understanding of Salmonella spp. within cattle, and specifically within the PLNs, will ultimately help design effective pre-harvest intervention strategies as well as appropriate experimentation to validate those technologies.
Petrographic Record and Conditions of Expansive Hydration of Anhydrite in the Recent Weathering Zone at the Abandoned Dingwall Gypsum Quarry, Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Jarzyna Adrian , Bąbel Maciej , Ługowski Damian , Vladi Firouz
Published: January 2022

In the Dingwall gypsum quarry in Nova Scotia, Canada, operating in 1933–1955, the bedrock anhydrite deposits of the Carboniferous Windsor Group have been uncovered from beneath the secondary gypsum beds of the extracted raw material. The anhydrite has been subjected to weathering undergoing hydration (gypsification), transforming into secondary gypsum due to contact with water of meteoric derivation. The ongoing gypsification is associated with a volume increase and deformation of the quarry bottom. The surface layer of the rocks is locally split from the substrate and raised, forming spectacular hydration relief. It shows numerous domes, ridges and tepee structures with empty internal chambers, some of which represent unique hydration caves (swelling caves, Quellungshöhlen). The petrographic structure of the weathering zone has been revealed by macro- and microscopic observations. It was recognized that gypsification commonly starts from a developing network of tiny fractures penetrating massive anhydrite. The gypsification advances from the fractures towards the interior of the anhydrite rocks, which are subdivided into blocks or nodules similar to corestones. Characteristic zones can be recognized at the contact of the anhydrite and the secondary gypsum: (1) massive and/or microporous anhydrite, (2) anhydrite penetrated by tiny gypsum veinlets separating the disturbed crystals and their fragments (commonly along cleavage planes), (3) gypsum with scattered anhydrite relics, and (4) secondary gypsum. The secondary gypsum crystals grow both by replacement and displacement, and also as cement. Displacive growth, evidenced by abundant deformation of the fragmented anhydrite crystals, is the direct cause of the volume increase. Crystallization pressure exerted by gypsum growth is thought to be the main factor generating volume increase and, consequently, also the formation of new fractures allowing water access to “fresh” massive anhydrite and thus accelerating its further hydration. The expansive hydration is taking place within temperature range from 0 to ~30 °C in which the solubility of gypsum is lower than that of anhydrite. In such conditions, dissolving anhydrite yields a solution supersaturated with gypsum and the dissolution of anhydrite is simultaneous with in situ replacive gypsum crystallization. Accompanying displacive growth leads to volume increase in the poorly confined environment of the weathering zone that is susceptible to upward expansion.
Size Effect of the Number of Parallel Joints on Uniaxial Compressive Strength and Characteristic Strength
Authors: Hu Gaojian , Ma Gang , Liu Jie , Qi Kuan
Published: January 2022

The number of parallel joints has an impact on the size effect of the uniaxial compressive strength and characteristic strength of a rock; however, the relationships between them are yet to be derived. We studied the influence of the number of joints and rock size on the uniaxial compressive strength of the rock. This study established ten numerical simulation programs using numerical simulations and the RFPA software. Stress–strain curves of different numbers of parallel joints and sizes of rocks were analyzed. Relationships between the uniaxial compressive strength and number of parallel joints and rock size were proposed, and their special functions were obtained. Mathematical models between rock characteristic size, rock characteristic strength and the number of parallel joints were established. Simulations of the verification program confirmed that these relationships are still applicable after the angle of parallel joints changes.
Introduction to the Special Issue “Advances in Computational Intelligence Applications in the Mining Industry”
Authors: Ganguli Rajive , Dessureault Sean , Rogers Pratt
Published: January 2022

This is an exciting time for the mining industry, as it is on the cusp of a change in efficiency as it gets better at leveraging data [...]
An Experimental Investigation of the Gas Permeability of Tectonic Coal Mineral under Triaxial Loading Conditions
Authors: Chen Zhaoying , Li Guofu , Wang Yi , Li Zemin , Chi Mingbo , Zhang Hongwei , Tian Qingling , Wang Junhui
Published: January 2022

Underground coal mining of CH4 gas-rich tectonic coal seams often induces methane outburst disasters. Investigating gas permeability evolution in pores of the tectonic coal is vital to understanding the mechanism of gas outburst disasters. In this study, the triaxial loading–unloading stresses induced gas permeability evolutions in the briquette tectonic coal samples, which were studied by employing the triaxial-loading–gas-seepage test system. Specifically, effects of loading paths and initial gas pressures on the gas permeability of coal samples were analyzed. The results showed the following: (1) The gas permeability evolution of coal samples was correlated with the volumetric strain change during triaxial compression scenarios. In the initial compaction and elastic deformation stages, pores and cracks in the coal were compacted, resulting in a reduction in gas permeability in the coal body. However, after the yield stage, the gas permeability could be enhanced due to sample failure. (2) The gas permeability of the tectonic coal decreased as a negative exponential function with the increase in initial gas pressure, in which the permeability was decreased by 67.32% as the initial gas pressure increased from 0.3 MPa to 1.5 MPa. (3) Coal samples underwent a period of strain development before they began to fail during confining pressure releasing. After the stress releasing-induced yield stage, the coal sample was deformed and cracked, resulting in a quickly increase in gas permeability. With a further releasing process, failure of the sample occurred, and thus induced rapidly increasing gas permeability. These obtained results could provide foundations for gas outburst prevention in mining gas-rich tectonic coal seams.
Mapping Main Structures and Related Mineralization of the Arabian Shield (Saudi Arabia) Using Sharp Edge Detector of Transformed Gravity Data
Authors: Eldosouky Ahmed M. , El-Qassas Reda A. Y. , Pham Luan Thanh , Abdelrahman Kamal , Alhumimidi Mansour S. , El Bahrawy Ahmed , Mickus Kevin , Sehsah Haytham
Published: January 2022

Saudi Arabia covers most of the Arabian Peninsula and is characterized by tectonic regimes ranging from Precambrian to Recent. Using gravity data to produce the lateral boundaries of subsurface density bodies, and edge detection of potential field data, a new subsurface structural map was created to decipher the structural framework controls on the distribution of gold deposits in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, we detected the relationships between major structures and mineral accumulations, thereby simultaneously solving the problem of edge detectors over complex tectonic patterns for both deeper and shallower origins. Analytic signal (ASg), theta map (TM), TDX, and softsign function (SF) filters were applied to gravity data of Saudi Arabia. The results unveil low connectivity along the Najd fault system (NFS) with depth, except perhaps for the central zones along each segment. The central zones are the location of significant gold mineralization, i.e., Fawarah, Gariat Avala, Hamdah, and Ghadarah. Moreover, major fault zones parallel to the Red Sea extend northward from the south, and their connectivity increases with depth and controls numerous gold mines, i.e., Jadmah, Wadi Bidah, Mamilah, and Wadi Leif. These fault zones intersect the NFS in the Midyan Terrane at the northern part of the AS, and their conjugation is suggested to be favorable for gold mineralization. The SF maps revealed the boundary between the Arabian Shield and Arabian Shelf, which comprises major shear zones, implying that most known mineralization sites are linked to post-accretionary structures and are not limited to the Najd fault system (NFS).
Compositional Closure—Its Origin Lies Not in Mathematics but Rather in Nature Itself
Authors: Pingitore Nicholas E. , Engle Mark A.
Published: January 2022

Compositional closure, spurious negative correlations in data sets of a fixed sum (e.g., fractions and percent), is often encountered in geostatistical analyses, particularly in mineralogy, petrology, and geochemistry. Techniques to minimize the effects of closure (e.g., log-ratio transformations) can provide consistent geostatistical results. However, such approaches do not remove these effects because closure does not result from mathematical operations but is an inherent property of the physical systems under study. The natural world causes physical closure; mathematics simply describes that closure and cannot alter it by manipulations. Here, we examine the distinct types of geologic systems and samples to determine in which situations closure (physical and mathematical) does or does not ensue and the reasons therefor. We parse compositional systems based on (1) types of components under study, immutable (e.g., elements) or reactive (minerals), and (2) whether the system is open or closed to component transfer. Further, open systems can be (1) displacive in which addition of a component physically crowds out others, or (2) accommodative in which addition or subtraction of components does not affect the others. Only displacive systems are subject to compositional closure. Accommodative systems, even with components expressed as percent or fractions, are not closed physically or, therefore, mathematically.