bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of organogels prepared with turpentine oil and wax mixtures via response surface methodology and determination of vaporization kinetic parameters
Authors: Öğütcü Mustafa , Dincer Albayrak Elif , Toklucu Ayşegül Kırca 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe main aim of the study is to investigate the thermal, textural and vaporization behaviors of turpentine oil (representing essential oils) organogels prepared with wax mixtures (beeswax, BW; shellac wax, SHW) instead of a single wax. The second aim was to determine the optimum level of wax addition to minimize vaporization of volatiles using response surface methodology.RESULTSBoth weighing and thermogravimetric analyses showed that when the total wax concentration increased, the vaporization was decelerated. The variation of the hardness and melting point values depended on both wax types and amounts in the mixtures. Additionally, the kinetics of the vaporization of the volatile compounds at 37 °C were evaluated, and both first‐ and second‐order reaction kinetic models fitted well for the vaporization with R2 values of 0.96–0.99. The organogelation increased the thermal stability and limited the release of volatiles. The multiple response optimization results showed that the melting point, the reaction rate constant and the weight loss of the organogels produced with 24.43% BW and 17.68% SHW were 44.40 °C, 4.00 × 10−3 day−1 and 30.02%, respectively.CONCLUSIONAs a result, essential oil organogels produced with a wax mixture instead of a single wax can provide controlled release of volatiles as well as tailored texture and melting range. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Modelling tomato pericarp microstructure as force control reference for harvesting robot
Authors: Xie Weigui , Yang Jinchen , Tan Zhenhua , Guo Zhengqiang , Liu Wangyu , Luo Yuanqiang , Gou Jingren 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe harvest of fruit can be significantly advanced with the thriving development of intelligent and automated robot technologies. Nevertheless, the picking success rate of tomato fruit still requires improvement as some fruits are unexpectedly damaged inside, which is imperceptible by machine vision. Herein, a modelling method based on modified Voronoi algorithm is proposed to reconstruct the cellular structure of tomato pericarp.ResultsBased on the reconstructed micro‐model, the compression physical behaviour of the pericarp cells is simulated to observe internal local stress and potential damage. It is revealed that the simulation result for pericarps of tomatoes with different ripeness is highly consistent to the experimental tests, which has well validated the feasibility of this modelling and simulation method.ConclusionA Voronoi‐based modelling method is proposed for micro‐reconstruction of tomato pericarp, and the corresponding compression simulation results agree well with the experimental tests. Such result can be utilized as reference to improve the grasping force control for harvesting robot to avoid invisible damage induced by accident overload issue. With the predicting result, superior success rate can be achieved to enhance robot performance. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Evolution of volatile compounds of baked dried tofu during catalytic infrared baking process and their correlation with relevant physicochemical properties
Authors: Chen Wenqing , Ma Haile , Jiang Qunhui , Shen Chen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDEnergy‐saving and low‐carbon baking processes, as well as the need to determine the flavor‐forming mechanisms of baked dried tofu, are becoming increasingly necessary. The application of emerging catalytic infrared radiation (CIR) technology in baking of dried tofu is considered of high interest due to the low energy consumption and high baking efficiency compared to traditional baking methods. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the evolution of aroma compounds in baked dried tofu during the CIR baking process and reveal relevant relationships between physical qualities, potential flavor precursors and key volatile compounds.RESULTSThe results showed that the surface color of dried tofu gradually turned an appetizing golden yellow color during the rapid heating process, caused by the uniform infrared radiation from the radiant emitters. Meanwhile, the moisture of dried tofu experienced minimal reduction and the hardness of dried tofu gradually increased with the formation of crust on the surface. In addition, 49 volatile compounds were identified by headspace solid‐phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and 13 substances – 1‐hexanol, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, 1‐pentanol, heptanal, nonanal, hexanal, (E,E)‐2,4‐decadienal, (E,Z)‐2,4‐decadienal, octanal, (E)‐2‐octenal, (E)‐2‐nonenal, 2‐heptanone and 2‐pentylfuran – were confirmed as key aroma compounds. Moreover, the amino acids aspartic acid, glutamic acid, isoleucine, lysine and arginine, and the fatty acids butyric, caprylic, capric, tridecanoic, stearic, oleic and linolenic were responsible for the unique flavor of CIR‐baked dried tofu.CONCLUSIONConsequently, the findings can provide a scientific basis for manufacturers to achieve precise quality control and large‐scale production of CIR‐baked dried tofu products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Divergent responses in microbial metabolic limitations and carbon use efficiency to variably sized polystyrene microplastics in soil
Authors: Li Guanlin , Tang Yi , Son Yowhan , Zhao Xiaoxun , Iqbal Babar , Khan Kiran Yasmin , Guo Ruoyu , Yin Weiqing , Zhao Xin , Du Daolin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMicroplastics, considered emerging contaminants, have been accumulating excessively within soil ecosystems, conferring potentially detrimental effects with respect to soil carbon turnover and pools. As a major participant in soil carbon processes, microplastics affecting microorganisms may be one of the main agents affecting soil carbon dynamics. However, the microbial metabolism processes through which microplastics affect soil carbon dynamics remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of variously sized (1300, 800, 100, and 0.1 μm) polystyrene microplastics on soil microbial metabolism. Soil microplastics of all sizes invariably and consistently affected microbial metabolism, though nanomicroplastics (0.1 μm) stressed soil microorganisms more than micron‐microplastics. Furthermore, microplastics inhibited both microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) and respiration, the exception being the CUE in the 1300 μm microplastics treatment. As microplastic particle size decreased, the suppressive influence of microplastics on microbial respiration was gradually lost, the inhibitory effect on microbial CUE increased steadily, and the impact on microorganisms shifted from extracellular to intracellular, with intracellular microplastics exhibiting higher toxicity than extracellular microplastics. We used stoichiometric models to provide precise projections of microbial metabolism features associated with microplastic contamination, thereby enhancing the understanding of the effects of microplastic contamination on the carbon cycle and soil ecosystem.
Mixed plantation forest litter improves microbial nitrogen transformation by increasing nitrogen metabolism related genes and key bacterial taxa in northern China
Authors: Wu Di , Yin Changwei , Liu Zhili , Jin Guangze 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNitrogen (N) metabolism is a key metabolic pathway of nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. However, the mechanisms by which mixed plantation forest litter improves microbial N transformation are poorly understood. Thus, we investigated the N characteristics, N metabolism‐related genes, and key microbial modules of litter and soil in three types of forests: coniferous (CP forest), broadleaf (BP forest), and mixed forests (MCBP forest). Results indicated that the total N (TN), total hydrolysable organic N (THON), and percentage values of NH4+‐N/TN and NO3−‐N/TN in BP forest and MCBP forest litter were higher than those of CP forest litter, which was attributed to the increase in abundance of N fixation genes and dissimilatory nitrate reduction genes. The MCBP forest increased the bacterial number and diversity, and the abundance of key bacterial taxa. Bacterial key modules 1 and 2 were identified, consisting of Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Nitrospirae, Proteobacteria, and Gemmatimonadetes, while archaeal module 5 was also a key module, comprising Thaumarchaeota and Euryarchaeota. Nutrients were the limiting factor of key microbial modules in the decomposition of litter, further influencing N metabolism‐related genes and enzymes. Therefore, mixed plantation forests increased microbial N fixation and transformation during litter decomposition in northern China.
Insight into the pitting corrosion behavior of laser‐welded R60702 zirconium alloy in chloride electrolyte
Authors: Ren Lina , Wang Dayuan , Qi Liang , Ye Mengyuan , Miao Zhuang , Zhang Qunbing , Zhang Jianxun , Lei Xiaowei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis work aims to analyze the passivation and pitting corrosion behaviors of laser beam welded R60702 zirconium alloy in neutral and acidic chloride‐containing electrolytes. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements are carried out to investigate the electrochemical performance of the welding joint. Scanning electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction, and three‐dimensional profile digital microscope are utilized to reveal the microstructures and corrosion morphologies. The electrochemical results show that the heat‐affected zone (HAZ) and weld zone have nearly equal corrosion performance, and both of them are more corrosion‐resistant than the base metal. The corrosion morphologies suggest that the HAZ has the lowest sensitivity to pitting corrosion. Moreover, it is unraveled that, in chloride‐containing electrolytes, the quantity and distribution of Zr(Fe,Cr)2 particle phases are the main factors that determine the different corrosion performances of the welding joint.
Synthesis and Properties of Vinyl Ether and Acrylonitrile Copolymers
Authors: Wang Guochen , Guo Shanshan , Xu Weiping , Chen Dong , Song Changtong , Ma Yuhong , Yang Wantai 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe radical copolymerizations of vinyl ethers, including ethylene glycol monovinyl ether (HEVE) and isobutyl vinyl ether (IBVE), and acrylonitrile (AN) are investigated. The reactivity ratios of comonomers are evaluated by Fineman–Ross (rHEVE = 0.032 and rAN = 1.054, and rIBVE = 0.031 and rAN = 13.984) and Kelen–Tudos (rHEVE = 0.001 and rAN = 1.036, and rIBVE = 0.032 and rAN = 13.981) methods, respectively. The conversions of HEVE and IBVE under similar conditions also support that HEVE has a higher reactivity than that of IBVE. A series of poly(HEVE‐co‐AN)s (Mn from 56 000 to 110 000) and poly(IBVE‐co‐AN)s (Mn from 52 000 to 97 000) with random sequential structure are prepared. Furthermore, the glass transitional temperatures of poly(vinyl ether‐co‐AN)s decrease with the increase of vinyl ether units in the copolymers. Thermal stability of poly(vinyl ether‐co‐AN)s is comparable, which is slightly affected by vinyl ether contents. Poly(HEVE‐co‐AN)s possess a two‐stage weight loss (one around 230 °C, and the other around 300 °C), and poly(IBVE‐co‐AN)s decompose at around 350 °C with one stage. In addition, the poly(HEVE‐co‐AN)s demonstrate a good hydrophilicity of which the average of static water contact angles decrease from 85.4° to 62.4° with the HEVE units increased from 8% to 33%.
Understanding the rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance genes mediated by IS26
Authors: Tang Na , Wei Dawei , Zeng Yuan , Zhang Gang , Wang Chao , Feng Jie , Song Yuqin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractInsertion sequences (ISs) promote the transmission of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) across bacterial populations. However, their contributions and dynamics during the transmission of resistance remain unclear. In this study, we selected IS26 as a representative transposable element to decipher the relationship between ISs and ARGs and to investigate their transfer features and transmission trends. We retrieved 2656
translocatable
IS26
‐bounded
units with
ARGs (tIS26‐bUs‐ARGs) in complete bacterial genomes from the NCBI RefSeq database. In total, 124 ARGs spanning 12 classes of antibiotics were detected, and the average contribution rate of IS26 to these genes was 41.2%. We found that
IS26
‐bounded
units (IS26‐bUs) mediated extensive ARG dissemination within the bacteria of the Gammaproteobacteria class, showing strong transfer potential between strains, species, and even phyla. The IS26‐bUs expanded in bacterial populations over time, and their temporal expansion trend was significantly correlated with antibiotic usage. This wide dissemination could be due to the nonspecific target site preference of IS26. Finally, we experimentally confirmed that the introduction of a single copy of IS26 could lead to the formation of a composite transposon mediating the transmission of “passenger” genes. These observations extend our knowledge of the IS26 and provide new insights into the mediating role of ISs in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance.
Role of autoreactive Tc17 cells in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Peng Yong , Zhang Xiuli , Tang Yandan , He Shunqing , Rao Guilan , Chen Quan , Xue Yahui , Jin Hong , Liu Shu , Zhou Ziyang , Xiang Yun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE—an animal model of MS) is primarily mediated by T cells. However, recent studies have only focused on interleukin (IL)‐17‐secreting CD4+ T‐helper cells, also known as Th17 cells. This study aimed to compare Th17 cells and IL‐17‐secreting CD8+ T‐cytotoxic cells (Tc17) in the context of MS/EAE.MethodsFemale C57BL/6 mice were immunized with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptides 35–55 (MOG35–55), pertussis toxin, and complete Freund's adjuvant to establish the EAE animal model. T cells were isolated from the spleen (12–14 days postimmunization). CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were purified using isolation kit and then differentiated into Th17 and Tc17, respectively, using MOG35–55 and IL‐23. The secretion levels of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and IL‐17 were measured via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay using cultured CD4+ and CD8+ T cell supernatants. The pathogenicity of Tc17 and Th17 cells was assessed through adoptive transfer (tEAE), with the clinical course assessed using an EAE score (0–5). Hematoxylin and eosin as well as Luxol fast blue staining were used to examine the spinal cord. Purified CD8+ CD3+ and CD4+ CD3+ cells differentiated into Tc17 and Th17 cells, respectively, were stimulated with MOG35–55 peptide for proliferation assays.ResultsThe results showed that Tc17 cells (15,951 ± 1985 vs. 55,709 ± 4196 cpm; p < 0.050) exhibited a weaker response to highest dose (20 μg/mL) MOG35–55 than Th17 cells. However, this response was not dependent on Th17 cells. After the 48 h stimulation, at the highest dose (20 μg/mL) of MOG35–55. Tc17 cells secreted lower levels of IFN‐γ (280.00 ± 15.00 vs. 556.67 ± 15.28 pg/mL, p < 0.050) and IL‐17 (102.67 ± 5.86 pg/mL vs. 288.33 ± 12.58 pg/mL; p < 0.050) than Th17 cells. Similar patterns were observed for IFN‐γ secretion at 96 and 144 h. Furthermore, Tc17 cell‐induced tEAE mice exhibited similar EAE scores to Th17 cell‐induced tEAE mice and also showed similar inflammation and demyelination.ConclusionThe degree of pathogenicity of Tc17 cells in EAE is lower than that of Th17 cells. Future investigation on different immune cells and EAE models is warranted to determine the mechanisms underlying MS.
Moving Beyond the Temporal Bone Lab: Creating a Drilling Station in the Otolaryngology Clinic
Authors: Freiser Monika E. , Morill Christian , Eichar Bradley , Baddour Khalil , Jabbour Noel 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWith the advent of operable 3‐dimensional (3D)‐printed models, case preparation could occur outside of the cadaveric laboratory. The objective of this study was to design a mobile drilling station that can be used for surgical practice in a variety of clean workplaces. Using materials obtained from hardware stores and online retailers, a wheelable drilling station was constructed to mimic laboratory conditions while also being easily maneuverable into clinic rooms. The station houses the otologic drill, suction, and irrigation mechanisms, is height adjustable, and has a shielded workspace. The mobile drilling station was moved into a microscope‐containing otolaryngology clinic room where faculty and trainees were asked to drill a pediatric 3D‐printed temporal bone followed by completing an evaluation survey. This is the first mobile drilling station described in the literature and can be easily constructed, mobilized, and used in an otolaryngology clinic for dedicated surgical practice using 3D‐printed models.
Endoscopic Transnasal Management of Meningoceles and Encephaloceles in Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Li Alyssa Y. , Gaebe Karolina , Quon Jennifer L. , Vescan Allan , James Adrian L. , Wolter Nikolaus E. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo review surgical techniques used in the endoscopic transnasal repair of pediatric basal meningoencephaloceles and compare perioperative outcomes in children <2 and ≥2 years old.Data SourcesMEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL.Review MethodsData sources were searched from inception to August 22, 2022, using search terms relevant to endoscopic transnasal meningoencephalocele repair in children. Reviews and Meta‐analyses were excluded. Primary outcomes were the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications, including cerebrospinal fluid leak, recurrence, and reintervention. Quality assessments were performed using Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale, ROBIN‐I, and NIH.ResultsOverall, 217 patients across 61 studies were identified. The median age at surgery was 4 years (0‐18 years). Fifty percent were female; 31% were <2 years. Most defects were meningoencephaloceles (56%), located transethmoidal (80%), and of congenital origin (83%). Seventy‐five percent of repairs were multilayered. Children ≥2 years underwent multilayer repairs more frequently than those <2 years (P = 0.004). Children <2 years more frequently experienced postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks (P = 0.02), meningoencephalocele recurrence (P < 0.0001), and surgical reintervention (P = 0.005). Following multilayer repair, children <2 years were more likely to experience recurrence (P = 0.0001) and reintervention (P = 0.006).ConclusionYounger children with basal meningoencephaloceles appear to be at greater risk of postoperative complications following endoscopic endonasal repair, although the quality of available evidence is weakened by incomplete reporting. In the absence of preoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak or meningitis, it may be preferable to delay surgery as access is more conducive to successful repair in older children.
Experimental estimation and numerical validation of cohesive zone parameters in hydroxyl functionalized MWCNTs‐reinforced CFRP under pure mode II loading
Authors: Saikia Pran Jyoti , Kumar Munna , Kumar Avneesh , Muthu Nelson 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe present study concerns the interface mode II fracture of hydroxyl functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) reinforced carbon fiber epoxy composites. The well‐known cohesive zone model (CZM) is employed for investigating crack propagation. The major difficulty in applying the CZM is the parameter identification. In this work, the CZM's strength and energy parameters are determined reliably from the Short beam shear (SBS) and End‐notched flexure (ENF) tests, respectively, for pristine and three MWCNTs variations—0.1 wt.%, 0.2 wt.%, and 0.3 wt.%. The derived CZM parameters from the tests are imputed to a bilinear cohesive law to simulate the global load vs. displacement responses, which correlate well with the experimental findings. It is observed that the addition of 0.2 wt.% of MWCNTs increases the cohesive strength and fracture energy up to 14.14% and 17.78%, respectively, when compared to the pristine composites. Finally, the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis is carried out to investigate the fracture mechanisms.Highlights
Cohesive properties under mode II are estimated using standard fracture tests.
The homogenization technique is used to calculate the effective properties of CFRP.
The maximum % error among the experimental and the numerical peak load is 3.01%.
A higher density of hackles with an increase of MWCNTs up to 0.2 wt.%.
Undesired films with brilliant whiteness produced from a transparent amorphous polymer solution during room temperature evaporation or water washing
Authors: Zhu Peng , Pan Chundi , Liu Jianxin , Feng Luyao , Zhang Huapeng , Ma Ning , Tsai Fang‐Chang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDuring the use, storage, or cleaning of polyetherimide (PEI) solutions, undesired white films often appear. In this study, equivalent experiments of PEI solutions involving room temperature evaporation and solvent exchange with water are conducted to simulate their air exposure and water washing processes, respectively. Specifically, we focus on investigating the phenomenon and mechanism of white appearance in their films from room temperature evaporation with a cellular‐like porous structure and solvent exchange films that exhibit a finger‐like porous structure. Results obtained from FE‐SEM, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and Datacolor reflectance spectrophotometer indicate that both types of porous structures exhibit long‐range disorderliness, leading to multiple scattering of incident light and high reflectance across the visible light spectrum resulting in a white appearance. Furthermore, due to different structures caused by phase separation, mechanical properties of solvent exchange films are significantly inferior compared with those of films from room temperature evaporation. Finally, we verify the universality of these mechanisms for white film formation in PEI through experiments using PS and PMMA. This study provides insights into efficient utilization of polymer solutions and offers new strategies for biomimetic preparation of white films.Highlights
White cellular‐like porous films were prepared by solvent evaporation method.
White finger‐like porous films were produced through solvent exchange by water.
Multiple scattering caused by above porous structures led to white appearance.
Finger‐like porous films with nanosphere as the basic scatter unit had a luster.
Universality of both white formation mechanisms was verified by PMMA and PS.