bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integracides: Tetracyclic Triterpenoids from Fusarium sp.—Their 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitory Potential and Structure–Activity Relation Using In Vitro and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Khayat Maan T. , Mohammad Khadijah A. , Mohamed Gamal A. , Safo Martin K. , Ibrahim Sabrin R. M.
Published: December 2022

Inflammation is a complicated disorder that is produced as a result of consecutive processes. 5-LOX (5-lipoxygenase) is accountable for various inflammation mediators and leukotrienes synthesis, and its inhibition is the target of anti-inflammation therapeutics. Fungi have acquired enormous attentiveness because of their capability to biosynthesize novel bio-metabolites that reveal diversified bio-activities. A new tetracyclic triterpenoid, integracide L (1), along with integracides B (2) and F (3), were separated from Mentha longifolia-associated Fusarium sp. (FS No. MAR2014). Their structures were verified utilizing varied spectral analyses. The isolated metabolites (1–3), alongside the earlier reported integracides G (4), H (5), and J (6), were inspected for 5-LOX inhibition capacity. Interestingly, 1–6 possessed marked 5-LOX inhibition potentials with IC50s ranging from 1.18 to 3.97 μM compared to zileuton (IC50 1.17 µM). Additionally, molecular docking was executed to examine the interaction among these metabolites and 5-LOX, as well as to validate the in vitro findings. The docking study revealed their inhibitory activity interactions in the binding pocket. These findings highlighted the potential of integracides as lead metabolites for anti-inflammation drug discovery.
How Are BMI, Nutrition, and Physical Exercise Related? An Application of Ordinal Logistic Regression
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Quintana Fernando G. , Lu Yunlong , Mohebujjaman Muhammad , Kamronnaher Kanon
Published: December 2022

Background: This paper performs a detailed ordinal logistic regression study in an evaluation of a survey at a university in South Texas, USA. We show that, for categorical data in our case, ordinal logistic regression works well. Methods: The survey was designed according to the guidelines in diet and lifestyle from the American Heart Association and the United States Department of Agriculture and was sent out to all registered students at Texas A&M International University in Laredo, Texas. Data analysis included 601 students’ results from the survey. Data analysis was conducted in Rstudio. Results: The results showed that, compared with students who do not have enough whole grain food and exercise, those who have enough in both tend to have normal BMIs. As age increases, BMI tends to be out of the normal range. Conclusions: Because BMI in this research has three categories, applying an ordinal logistic regression model to describe the relationship between an ordered categorical response variable and more explanatory variables has several advantages compared with other models, such as the linear regression model.
Potential Role of Tumor-Derived Exosomes in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer in the Era of Immunotherapy
Authors: Tartarone Alfredo , Lerose Rosa , Tartarone Marina , Aieta Michele
Published: December 2022

Lung cancer, of which non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents about 80% of all cases, is the second most common cancer diagnosed in the general population and one of the major causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Overall, the outcomes of patients with advanced NSCLC are still disappointing despite advances in diagnosis and treatment. In recent years immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), administered alone or in combination with chemotherapy, have revolutionized the treatment landscape of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. However, until now, tissue expression of PD-L1 and tumor mutation burden represent the only available biomarkers for NSCLC patients treated with ICIs. A growing body of evidence showed that tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) have the PD-L1 protein on their surface and that they are involved in angiogenesis, tumor growth, invasion, metastasis and immune escape. This review focused on the potential clinical applications of TDEs in NSCLC, including their possible role as a biomarker for prognosis and disease monitoring in patients undergoing immunotherapy.
Effects of Viscosupplementation on Tribological Behaviour of Articular Cartilage
Authors: Ranuša Matúš , Ondra Martin , Rebenda David , Vrbka Martin , Gallo Jiří , Křupka Ivan
Published: December 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the frequent conditions in the orthopaedic practice. The number of OA patients is increasing and the efficacy of the current treatment methods is relatively low in terms of slowing or even preventing of the disease progression. The current research suggests that the lubrication function of the cartilage depends on its articulating surfaces. These surfaces are characterized by extracellular matrices with a three-dimensional porous structure that ensures a proper lubrication regime to protect the surface against the wear. Viscosupplementation is one of the possible treatments to slow the OA progression. This therapeutic intervention is frequently used in the clinical practice for the knee osteoarthritis. Viscosupplementation can, to a certain extent, supplement the lubrication ability of the cartilage by doping the hyaluronic acid (HA) and thus delay the degradation. However, selection of a proper viscosupplement remains a challenge, both in terms of the correct evaluation of the HA properties and their interaction with different stages of the OA. The viscoupplements differ in their HA molecular weight that may influence the CoF development from both the short term and the long-term perspective. The aim of this study is to analyze the coefficient of friction (CoF) between the real surfaces of a bovine cartilage after applying viscosupplements. The experiments were conducted on a pin-on-plate tribometer with a real bovine cartilage to simulate the lubrication regimes of a human joint. The model joint was doped with 4 different commercially available viscosupplements with different molecular weights and cross-linking of the HA. The OA damage was simulated by using a model synovial fluid with a concentration that corresponds to an OA patient. A compression of the cartilage surface was observed during the experiment and the interstitial fluid drained away from the porous cartilage structure. This, in combination with a migrating contact area (MCA), led the synovial fluid (SF) to mix with the viscosupplement. Decrease in the CoF was observed after the application of the viscosupplements with an increasing molecular weight. This was observed under a functional boosted cartilage lubrication regime, what suggests that the viscosupplementation yields the benefits especially for the conditions where the cartilage is not substantially damaged by the OA.
Shelf Life Prediction of Picric Acid via Model-Based Kinetic Analysis of Its Thermal Decomposition
Authors: Sanchirico Roberto , Santonocito Marco Luca , Di Sarli Valeria , Lisi Luciana
Published: December 2022

A priori knowledge of the shelf life of energetic materials (EMs) is relevant due to its direct association with safety and functionality. This paper proposes a quick and reliable approach to predicting the shelf life of EMs whose thermal decomposition is an autocatalytic process once their failure threshold has been defined as a function of the limiting extent of conversion. This approach is based on the assumption of a kinetic law consistent with the autocatalytic behavior and on the subsequent extraction, via a suitable procedure of parameter identification, of the kinetics of thermal decomposition from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data gathered under dynamic conditions at three different heating rates. Its reliability is proven for picric acid (PA) through the comparison of kinetic predictions with evaluations of conversion obtained by using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis for samples subjected to isothermal and non-isothermal accelerated aging tests, as well as for a sample of naturally aged material, i.e., PA, stored at room temperature for more than 10 years.
A Study on the Healing Performance of Mortar with Microcapsules Using Silicate-Based Inorganic Materials
Authors: Kim Cheol-Gyu , Choi Yun-Wang , Choi Sung , Oh Sung-Rok
Published: December 2022

Advancements in material science have led to the development of various self-healing concrete technologies. Among these is the use of microcapsule-based self-healing materials. This study evaluated the effects of self-healing microcapsules on the quality and healing properties of mortar. A silicate-based inorganic material mixture was used as the healing material tested with ordinary Portland cement. Accordingly, the effects of microcapsules (MCs) on the rheological, mechanical, and healing properties of mortar were determined. The mixing of MCs reduced the plastic viscosity and yield stress of the cement composite material owing to the particle properties of the MCs. The reduction was in proportion to the mixing ratio. The evaluation results show that the unit water permeability decreased owing to the healing reaction immediately after crack initiation. The healing rate was more than 95% at 7 days of healing age when more than 3% of MCs was mixed. This study provides a reference for the optimal mixing rate of MCs to achieve an ideal concrete healing rate.
Microstructure, Tensile, and Fatigue Properties of Large-Scale Austenitic Lightweight Steel
Authors: Shin Jong-Ho , Song Jeon-Young , Kim Sung-Dae , Park Seong-Jun , Ma Young-Wha , Lee Jong-Wook
Published: December 2022

High-Mn lightweight steel, Fe-0.9C-29Mn-8Al, was manufactured using steelmaking, ingot-making, forging, and rolling processes. After the final rolling process, a typical austenite single phase was observed on all sides of the thick plate. The microstructural changes after annealing and aging heat-treatments were observed, using optical and transmission electron microscopy. The annealed coupon exhibited a typical austenite single phase, including annealing twins in several grains; the average grain size was 153 μm. After aging heat treatment, κ-carbide was observed within the grains and on the grain boundaries. Additionally, the effect of aging heat treatment on the mechanical properties was analyzed, using a tensile test. The fine κ-carbide that precipitated within the grains in the aged coupon improved the 0.2% offset yield and the tensile stresses, as compared to the as-annealed coupon. To estimate the applicability of high-Mn lightweight steel for low-pressure (LP) steam turbine blades, a low-cycle fatigue (LCF) test was carried out at room temperature. At a total strain amplitude of 0.5 to 1.2%, the LCF life of high-Mn lightweight steel was approximately three times that of 12% Cr steel, which is used in commercial LP steam turbine blades. The LCF behavior of high-Mn lightweight steel followed the Coffin–Manson equation. The LCF life enhancement in the high-Mn lightweight steel results from the planar dislocation gliding behavior.
Investigation of Surface Integrity of Selective Laser Melting Additively Manufactured AlSi10Mg Alloy under Ultrasonic Elliptical Vibration-Assisted Ultra-Precision Cutting
Authors: Tan Rongkai , Zhao Xuesen , Liu Qi , Guo Xianmin , Lin Fengtao , Yang Liquan , Sun Tao
Published: December 2022

Additive manufacturing technology has been widely used in aviation, aerospace, automobiles and other fields due to the fact that near-net-shaped components with unprecedented geometric freedom can be fabricated. Additively manufactured aluminum alloy has received a lot of attention, due to its excellent material properties. However, the finished surface of additively manufactured aluminum alloy with nanoscale surface roughness is quite challenging and rarely addressed. In this paper, a novel machining technology known as ultrasonic elliptical vibration-assisted cutting (UEVC) was adopted to suppress the generation of cracks, improve the surface integrity and reduce tool wear during the ultra-precision machining of selective laser melting (SLM) additively manufactured AlSi10Mg alloy. The experimental results revealed that, in the conventional cutting (CC) process, surface defects, such as particles, pores and grooves, appeared on the machined surface, and the machined surface rapidly deteriorated with the increase in cumulative cutting area. In contrast, an almost flawless machined surface was obtained in the UEVC process, and its roughness value was less than 10 nm. Moreover, the tool wear of the CC tool was remarkably greater than that of the UEVC tool, and the standard flank wear width of the CC tool was more than twice that of the UEVC tool. Therefore, the UEVC technology is considered to be a feasible method for the ultra-precision machining of SLM additively manufactured AlSi10Mg alloy.
Chloride Diffusion in Concrete Made with Coal Fly Ash Ternary and Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag Portland Cements
Authors: Sanjuán Miguel Ángel , Rivera Rosa Abnelia , Martín Domingo Alfonso , Estévez Esteban
Published: December 2022

Ternary Portland cement usage with a high amount of cement constituents different from clinker can afford great climate change advantages by lowering the Portland cement clinker content in the final product. This will contribute to cutting greenhouse gas emissions to close to zero by 2050. Such ternary Portland cements can be composed of different amounts of ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GBFS), coal fly ash (CFA), and clinker (K). Cements made with GGBFS, or CFA boast pozzolanic characteristics. Therefore, they would improve both the concrete compressive strength at later ages and durability. The 28- and 90-days mechanical strength test, non-steady state chloride migration test, described in NT BUILD 492, and natural chloride diffusion test (NT BUILD 443) were performed in concrete. Ternary cements made with GBFS and/or CFA presented better chloride diffusion resistance than concrete made with plain Portland cements. Furthermore, the development of compressive strength was delayed. The service life study was developed for concretes made with ternary cements with regard to the chloride penetration case.
Electrical and Gas Sensor Properties of Nb(V) Doped Nanocrystalline β-Ga2O3
Authors: Andreev Matvei , Topchiy Maxim , Asachenko Andrey , Beltiukov Artemii , Amelichev Vladimir , Sagitova Alina , Maksimov Sergey , Smirnov Andrei , Rumyantseva Marina , Krivetskiy Valeriy
Published: December 2022

A flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) technique was applied to obtain pure and Nb(V)-doped nanocrystalline β-Ga2O3, which were further studied as gas sensor materials. The obtained samples were characterized with XRD, XPS, TEM, Raman spectroscopy and BET method. Formation of GaNbO4 phase is observed at high annealing temperatures. Transition of Ga(III) into Ga(I) state during Nb(V) doping prevents donor charge carriers generation and hinders considerable improvement of electrical and gas sensor properties of β-Ga2O3. Superior gas sensor performance of obtained ultrafine materials at lower operating temperatures compared to previously reported thin film Ga2O3 materials is shown.
Synthesis of Rare-Earth-Doped Strontium Tungstate Phosphor at Room Temperature and Applied Flexible Composite
Authors: Wi Jung-Hyun , Jung Jae-Yong , Park Sang-Geon
Published: December 2022

In this study, we successfully synthesized rare-earth-doped crystalline SrWO4 at room temperature by co-precipitation. The results from the X-ray diffraction analysis showed a main diffraction peak related to the (112) plane. Phosphors doped with either Dy3+ or Sm3+ ions showed strong light absorption in the UV region and blue-yellow and red light emission. To synthesize a white light phosphor, Dy3+ and Sm3+ ions were co-doped to produce a SrWO4:[Sm3+]/[Dy3+] phosphor. When the Sm3+ ion concentration was increased and the Dy3+ concentration was maintained, the red light intensity increased while the blue-yellow light intensity decreased. The composites were combined with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and a flexible composite material was fabricated. The composite exhibited various luminescence properties under UV and visible light, which suggested its potential for use as an LED color filter.
Self-Crosslinkable Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives from Silicone-(Meth)acrylate Telomer Syrups
Authors: Weisbrodt Mateusz , Kowalczyk Agnieszka
Published: December 2022

In this study, a novel and environmentally friendly method for the preparation of photoreactive pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) was demonstrated. Adhesive binders based on n-butyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, acrylic acid, and 4-acryloyloxy benzophenone were prepared with a UV-induced telomerization process in the presence of triethylsilane (TES) as a telogen and acylphosphine oxide (APO) as a radical photoinitiator. The influence of TES (0–10 wt. parts) and APO (0.05–0.1 wt. parts/100 wt. parts of monomer mixtures) concentrations on the UV telomerization process kinetics was investigated using a photodifferential scanning calorimetry method and selected physicochemical features of the obtained silicone-(met)acrylate telomeric syrups (K-value, solid content, glass-transition temperature, and dynamic viscosity), as well as properties of the obtained PSAs (Tg, adhesion, tack, and cohesion), were studied. An increase in TES content caused a significant decrease in the Tg values (approx. 10 °C) and K-value (up to approximately 25 a.u.) of the dry telomers, as well as the dynamic viscosity of the telomeric syrups. PSAs were obtained through UV irradiation of thin polymer films consisting only of silicone-(meth)acrylate telomer solutions (without the use of additional chemical modifiers or of a protective gas atmosphere and protective layers). PSAs were characterized by very good adhesion (12.4 N/25 mm), cohesion at 20 °C (>72 h) and 70 °C (>72 h), and low glass-transition temperature (−25 °C).
Cyclic Deformation Behavior of Additive-Manufactured IN738LC Superalloys from Virgin and Reused Powders
Authors: Chen Jialiang , Xu Jinghao , Segersäll Mikael , Hryha Eduard , Peng Ru Lin , Moverare Johan
Published: December 2022

In laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), most powders are not melted in the chamber and collected after the printing process. Powder reuse is appreciable without sacrificing the mechanical properties of target components. To understand the influences of powder reuse on mechanical performance, a nickel-based superalloy, IN738LC, was investigated. Powder morphology, microstructure and chemical compositions of virgin and reused powders were characterized. An increase in oxygen content, generally metallic oxides, was located on the surface of powders. Monotonic tensile and cyclic fatigue were tested. Negligible deterioration in strength and tensile ductility were found, while scattered fatigue performance with regard to fatigue life was shown. Deformation and fatigue crack propagation mechanisms were discussed for describing the powder degradation effects.
Evaluation of Fly Ash from Co-Combustion of Paper Mill Wastes and Coal as Supplementary Cementitious Materials
Authors: Wu Ming-Fu , Huang Wei-Hsing
Published: December 2022

The applications of waste-derived fuel from paper mills in industrial boilers benefit the reduction of carbon emissions. However, the co-combustion of waste-derived fuel and coal causes significant changes in the characteristics of the ash and brings about the need to find possible means of the utilization of the ash produced. In this work fly, ash samples were collected from circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boilers co-combusting paper mill wastes with coal and analyzed in detail. The chemical, physical, and thermal characteristics of two different co-combustion fly ashes (CCFA) were investigated using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The chemical composition of CCFA is largely affected by the fuel source type. Thermal analyses of CCFA show that the type of desulfurization system used by the boiler influences the form of sulfate present in the fly ash. The presence of calcium sulfite hemihydrate can cause a high loss in the ignition of CCFA. By comparing the physical requirements specified in the ASTM standard for coal fly ash to be used in concrete, the CCFA produced from paper mill wastes was found to show good potential as supplementary cementitious materials.
Experimental Validation of Diffraction Lithography for Fabrication of Solid Microneedles
Authors: Tan Jun Ying , Li Yuankai , Chamani Faraz , Tharzeen Aabila , Prakash Punit , Natarajan Balasubramaniam , Sheth Rahul A. , Park Won Min , Kim Albert , Yoon Donghoon , Kim Jungkwun
Published: December 2022

Microneedles are highly sought after for medicinal and cosmetic applications. However, the current manufacturing process for microneedles remains complicated, hindering its applicability to a broader variety of applications. As diffraction lithography has been recently reported as a simple method for fabricating solid microneedles, this paper presents the experimental validation of the use of ultraviolet light diffraction to control the liquid-to-solid transition of photosensitive resin to define the microneedle shape. The shapes of the resultant microneedles were investigated utilizing the primary experimental parameters including the photopattern size, ultraviolet light intensity, and the exposure time. Our fabrication results indicated that the fabricated microneedles became taller and larger in general when the experimental parameters were increased. Additionally, our investigation revealed four unique crosslinked resin morphologies during the first growth of the microneedle: microlens, first harmonic, first bell-tip, and second harmonic shapes. Additionally, by tilting the light exposure direction, a novel inclined microneedle array was fabricated for the first time. The fabricated microneedles were characterized with skin insertion and force-displacement tests. This experimental study enables the shapes and mechanical properties of the microneedles to be predicted in advance for mass production and wide practical use for biomedical or cosmetic applications.
GA-Based Permutation Logic for Grid Integration of Offshore Multi-Source Renewable Parks
Authors: Rojas-Delgado Brenda , Ekweoba Chisom , Lavidas George , Temiz Irina
Published: December 2022

This paper proposes and analyzes a genetic algorithm based permutation control logic applied to the aggregator of an offshore multi-source park. The energy losses at the common coupling point are accounted for in the feedback. This paper focuses on offshore distributed energy resources, such as floating photovoltaic (PV), wind, and wave power. The main contributions of this research are the development of a control system that is capable of tracking the set-point imposed by the demand curve for each source individually, the introduction of a capacity factor for combined offshore floating PV/wind/wave power farms, and the unveiling of pure offshore renewable sources as potential storage-less flexibility service providers. The results of a case study for a site near San Francisco showed that energy losses and capacity factors are positively influenced by implementing the proposed approach.
Mechanism Design and Performance Analysis of a Wearable Hand Rehabilitation Robot
Authors: Du Jiazheng , Tian Yu , Zhang Dagan , Wang Hongbo , Zhang Yongshun , Cheng Bo , Niu Jianye
Published: December 2022

Hand rehabilitation is critical to the recovery of post-stroke patients. However, designing a modular mechanism of the hand to improve the human-machine compatibility and precision of operation is still a challenge. This paper proposes a new type of hand exoskeleton rehabilitation robot with nine degrees of freedom. With the flexible rods, the passive range of motion for finger adduction/abduction is extended under the premise of independent flexion/extension of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joint. Based on hand anatomy, the relationship between the offset of the metacarpophalangeal joint and the body height in the process of flexion and extension is discussed, and it is applied to the structure optimization and control system. The genetic algorithm is employed to achieve the size optimization, and the kinematics is analyzed. Finally, a prototype is built and preliminary experiments are carried out, including the range of motion and the grasping ability of the robot. The experimental results show that the robot can realize the patients’ hand rehabilitation function and has certain adaptability.
A New Mixture Differential Cryptanalysis on Round-Reduced AES
Authors: Qiao Kexin , Cheng Junjie , Ou Changhai
Published: December 2022

AES is the most widely used secret-key cryptosystem in industry, and determining the security of AES is a central problem in cryptanalysis. The mixture differential property proposed in Eurocrypt 2017 is an essential property to setup state-of-the-art key recovery attacks on some round-reduced versions of AES. In this paper, we exploit mixture differential properties that are automatically deduced from a mixed integer linear programming (MILP)-based model to extend key recovery attacks on AES. Specifically, we modify the MILP model toolkit to produce all mixture trails explicitly and test a 5-round secret-key mixture differential distinguisher on small-scale AES experimentally. Moreover, we utilize this distinguisher to do a key recovery attack on 6-round AES-128 that outperforms previous work in the same fashion. We also for the first time utilize a 6-round AES secret-key distinguisher to set up a key recovery attack on 7-round AES-192. This work is a new yet simple cryptanalysis on AES by exploiting mixture differential properties.
Bayesian Inference Algorithm for Estimating Heterogeneity of Regulatory Mechanisms Based on Single-Cell Data
Authors: He Wenlong , Xia Peng , Zhang Xinan , Tian Tianhai
Published: December 2022

The rapid progress in biological experimental technologies has generated a huge amount of experimental data to investigate complex regulatory mechanisms. Various mathematical models have been proposed to simulate the dynamic properties of molecular processes using the experimental data. However, it is still difficult to estimate unknown parameters in mathematical models for the dynamics in different cells due to the high demand for computing power. In this work, we propose a population statistical inference algorithm to improve the computing efficiency. In the first step, this algorithm clusters single cells into a number of groups based on the distances between each pair of cells. In each cluster, we then infer the parameters of the mathematical model for the first cell. We propose an adaptive approach that uses the inferred parameter values of the first cell to formulate the prior distribution and acceptance criteria of the following cells. Three regulatory network models were used to examine the efficiency and effectiveness of the designed algorithm. The computational results show that the new method reduces the computational time significantly and provides an effective algorithm to infer the parameters of regulatory networks in a large number of cells.
Temperature and Crystalline Orientation-Dependent Plastic Deformation of FeNiCrCoMn High-Entropy Alloy by Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Yang Fuan , Cai Jun , Zhang Yong , Lin Junpin
Published: December 2022

The effect of the crystallographic direction and temperature on the mechanical properties of an FeNiCrCoMn high-entropy alloy (HEA) is explored by molecular dynamics simulations. The calculated static properties are in agreement with the respective experimental/early theoretical results. The calculated compressive yield stress along the <010> direction of a single crystal/polycrystal is the same in order of magnitude as the experimental results. The yield stress and Young’s modulus of the single crystal show strong anisotropy. Unlike the single crystal, the polycrystal behaves as an isotropic and has strong ductility. It is found that the dislocations produced in the plastic deformation process of the HEA are mainly 1/6<112> Shockley dislocations. The dislocations produced under normal stress loads are far more than that in the shearing process. FCC transformation into HCP does not occur almost until yield stress appears. The yield stress, yield strain, and Young’s modulus reduce gradually with increasing temperature. The modulus of the single/double crystal under compressive and tensile loads presents an obvious asymmetry, while there is only a small difference in the polycrystal. The strain point is found to be the same for stress yielding, FCC-HCP phase transition, and dislocation density, varying from slow to fast with strain at the considered temperature.
Effect of TiN Coating on the Structure, Mechanical Properties and Fracture of the Mg-Ca-Zn Alloy
Authors: Khrustalyov Anton , Monogenov Alexander , Baigonakova Gulsharat , Akhmadieva Anastasia , Marchenko Ekaterina , Vorozhtsov Alexander
Published: December 2022

This paper establishes the optimal thickness of TiN ceramic coating on the surface of Mg-Ca-Zn alloy using optical and scanning microscopy methods. X-ray diffraction analysis and tests on its mechanical properties showed that deposition of coating with a thickness of not less than 1 μm on the alloy causes a uniform distribution of the TiN phase over the magnesium alloy surface. The TiN coating also contributes to simultaneous increases in the yield strength, tensile strength, ductility and microhardness of the Mg-Ca-Zn alloy.
The Gut Microbiome of Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bacorn Mickayla , Romero-Soto Hector N. , Levy Shira , Chen Qing , Hourigan Suchitra K.
Published: December 2022

The gut microbiome has been shown to play a critical role in maintaining a healthy state. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome is involved in modulating disease severity and potentially contributes to long-term outcomes in adults with COVID-19. Due to children having a significantly lower risk of severe illness and limited sample availability, much less is known about the role of the gut microbiome in children with COVID-19. It is well recognized that the developing gut microbiome of children differs from that of adults, but it is unclear if this difference contributes to the different clinical presentations and complications. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of the gut microbiome in children with COVID-19, with gut microbiome dysbiosis being found in pediatric COVID-19 but specific taxa change often differing from those described in adults. Additionally, we discuss possible mechanisms of how the gut microbiome may mediate the presentation and complications of COVID-19 in children and the potential role for microbial therapeutics.
Current Data on Oral Peri-Implant and Periodontal Microbiota and Its Pathological Changes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gazil Virginie , Bandiaky Octave Nadile , Renard Emmanuelle , Idiri Katia , Struillou Xavier , Soueidan Assem
Published: December 2022

The 5- and 10-year implant success rates in dentistry are nearly 90%. Prevalence of peri-implant diseases is 10% for peri-implantitis and 50% for peri-implant mucositis. To better understand these inflammatory pathologies of infectious origin, it is important to know if the composition of the peri-implant microbiota is comparable with the periodontal microbiota in healthy and pathological conditions. New generation sequencing (NGS) is a recent metagenomic method that analyzes the overall microorganisms present in an ecological niche by exploiting their genome. These methods are of two types: 16S rRNA sequencing and the shotgun technique. For several years, they have been used to explore the oral, periodontal, and, more specifically, peri-implant microbiota. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the recent results of these new explorations by comparing the periodontal and peri-implant microbiota in patients with healthy and diseased sites and to explore the microbiological characteristics of peri-implantitis. A better knowledge of the composition of the peri-implant microbiota would enable us to optimize our therapeutic strategies. An electronic systematic search was performed using the medical databases PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect, and Periodontology 2000. The selected articles were published between January 2015 and March 2021. Inclusion criteria included clinical studies comparing healthy and pathological periodontal and peri-implant microbiota exclusively using 16S rRNA sequencing or shotgun sequencing, with enrolled populations free of systemic pathology, and studies without substantial bias. Eight articles were selected and reviewed. All of them used 16S rRNA sequencing exclusively. The assessment of these articles demonstrates the specific character of the peri-implant microbiota in comparison with the periodontal microbiota in healthy and pathological conditions. Indeed, peri-implant diseases are defined by dysbiotic bacterial communities that vary from one individual to another, including known periodontopathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g.) and genera less mentioned in the periodontal disease pattern such as Filifactor alocis. Examination of peri-implant microbiota with 16S rRNA sequencing reveals differences between the periodontal and peri-implant microbiota under healthy and pathological conditions in terms of diversity and composition. The pattern of dysbiotic drift is preserved in periodontal and peri-implant diseases, but when comparing the different types of pathological sites, the peri-implant microbiota has a specificity in the presence of bacteria proper to peri-implantitis and different relative proportions of the microorganisms present.
Bioprospecting for Novel Bacterial Sources of Hydrolytic Enzymes and Antimicrobials in the Romanian Littoral Zone of the Black Sea
Authors: Ruginescu Robert , Lavin Paris , Iancu Lavinia , Menabit Selma , Purcarea Cristina
Published: December 2022

Marine microorganisms have evolved a large variety of metabolites and biochemical processes, providing great opportunities for biotechnologies. In the search for new hydrolytic enzymes and antimicrobial compounds with enhanced characteristics, the current study explored the diversity of cultured and uncultured marine bacteria in Black Sea water from two locations along the Romanian coastline. Microbial cell density in the investigated samples varied between 65 and 12.7 × 103 CFU·mL−1. The total bacterial community identified by Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA gene comprised 185 genera belonging to 46 classes, mainly Gammaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Flavobacteriia, and 24 phyla. The 66 bacterial strains isolated on seawater-based culture media belonged to 33 genera and showed variable growth temperatures, growth rates, and salt tolerance. A great fraction of these strains, including Pseudoalteromonas and Flavobacterium species, produced extracellular proteases, lipases, and carbohydrases, while two strains belonging to the genera Aquimarina and Streptomyces exhibited antimicrobial activity against human pathogenic bacteria. This study led to a broader view on the diversity of microbial communities in the Black Sea, and provided new marine strains with hydrolytic and antimicrobial capabilities that may be exploited in industrial and pharmaceutical applications.
Strengthening Ni-Coated CNT/Mg Composites by Optimizing the CNT Content
Authors: Xu Jilei , Zhang Yizhuang , Li Zhiyuan , Ding Yunpeng , Zhao Xin , Zhang Xinfang , Wang Hanying , Liu Changhong , Guo Xiaoqin
Published: December 2022

The dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is the bottleneck in CNT-reinforced metal matrix composites. In this work, CNT/Mg composites were prepared by grinding Mg powder and then dispersing CNTs via ball milling and hot pressing. The uniform distribution of Ni-coated CNTs in the matrix was achieved by optimizing the content of CNTs. Scanning electron microscope, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, and compression tests were employed. With the CNT content being less than 1%, the CNTs can be evenly distributed in CNT/Mg composites, resulting in a sharp increase in strength. However, with the higher CNT content, the CNTs gradually cluster, leading decreased fracture strain and strength. Furthermore, the coated Ni in the CNTs reacts with the magnesium matrix and completely transforms into Mg2Ni, significantly enhancing the interface bonding. This strong interface bonding and the diffusely distributed Mg2Ni in the matrix significantly strengthen the CNT/Mg composite.
IL-10-Secreting CD8+ T Cells Specific for Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV): Generation, Maintenance and Phenotype
Authors: Jackson Sarah E. , Sedikides George X. , Romashova Veronika , Okecha Georgina , Remmerswaal Ester B. M. , Bemelman Frederike J. , Sinclair John H. , Wills Mark R.
Published: December 2022

HCMV-specific CD8+ T-cells are potent anti-viral effector cells in HCMV infected individuals, but evidence from other viral infections suggests that CD8+ T-cells can also produce the immunomodulatory cytokine IL-10. In this work we show that there are HCMV-specific IL-10 CD8+ T-cell responses in a cohort of individuals aged 23–76 years of age, predominantly directed against the HCMV proteins known to be expressed during latent infections as well as towards the proteins US3 and pp71. The analysis of HCMV-specific responses established during primary infection has shown that the IL-10 responses to US3 and pp71 HCMV proteins are detectable in the first weeks post infection, but not the responses to latency-associated proteins, and this IL-10 response is produced by both CD8+ and CD4+ T-cells. Phenotyping studies of HCMV-specific IL-10+ CD8+ T-cells show that these are CD45RA+ effector memory cells and co-express CD28 and CD57, however, the expression of the inhibitory receptor PD-1 varied from 90% to 30% between donors. In this study we have described for the first time the HCMV-specific IL-10 CD8+ T-cell responses and have demonstrated their broad specificity and the potential immune modulatory role of the immune response to HCMV latent carriage and periodic reactivation.
Genetic Diversity of Candida spp. Isolates Colonizing Twins and Their Family Members
Authors: Wojciechowska-Koszko Iwona , Kwiatkowski Paweł , Roszkowska Paulina , Krasnodębksa-Szponder Barbara , Sławiński Michał , Gabrych Artur , Giedrys-Kalemba Stefania , Dołęgowska Barbara , Kowalczyk Edward , Sienkiewicz Monika
Published: December 2022

A wide range of options for studying Candida species are available through genetic methods. Twins, particularly monozygotic ones and their families may be fitting subjects for studying those microorganisms. The question is: How specific can yeast flora be in an individual? The study aimed to analyze the strain relatedness among commensal yeasts isolated from various parts of the bodies of healthy people and to compare correlations between the genotypes of the isolates. Yeasts were isolated from 63 twins and their family members (n = 25) from the oral cavity, anus, interdigital space and navel. After species identification, Candida albicans (n = 139), C. parapsilosis (n = 39), C. guilliermondii (n = 25), C. dubliniensis (n = 11) and C. krusei (n = 9) isolates were analyzed using the random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) optimization method. The similarities between the strains were calculated based on the Dice (Sab) coefficient and are displayed graphically as dendrograms. Using cluster analysis, the following relatedness was distinguished: 13 genotypes and three unique (Un) patterns among C. albicans; 10 genotypes and four Un patterns among C. parapsilosis; three genotypes and one Un pattern among C. guilliermondii and C. dubliniensis; and three genotypes among C. krusei isolates. The presence of identical, similar or both genotypes among the strains isolated from family members shows the transmission of yeasts between ontocenoses in the same person and between individuals. The similarity between the genotypes of C. albicans, C. guilliermondii, C. dubliniensis and C. krusei was more remarkable than between the genotypes of C. parapsilosis in the strains isolated from ontocenoses of the same individual and their family members. The degrees of genetic similarity between Candida spp. strains isolated from monozygotic twins and those obtained from their relatives did not differ.
Monitoring Wind-Borne Particle Matter Entering Poultry Farms via the Air-Inlet: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus and Other Pathogens Risk
Authors: Elbers Armin R. W. , Gonzales José L. , Koene Miriam G. J. , Germeraad Evelien A. , Hakze-van der Honing Renate W. , van der Most Marleen , Rodenboog Henk , Velkers Francisca C.
Published: December 2022

Wind-supported transport of particle matter (PM) contaminated with excreta from highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIv)-infected wild birds may be a HPAIv-introduction pathway, which may explain infections in indoor-housed poultry. The primary objective of our study was therefore to measure the nature and quantity of PM entering poultry houses via air-inlets. The air-inlets of two recently HPAIv-infected poultry farms (a broiler farm and a layer farm) were equipped with mosquito-net collection bags. PM was harvested every 5 days for 25 days. Video-camera monitoring registered wild bird visits. PM was tested for avian influenza viruses (AIV), Campylobacter and Salmonella with PCR. Insects, predominantly mosquitoes, were tested for AIV, West Nile, Usutu and Schmallenberg virus. A considerable number of mosquitoes and small PM amounts entered the air-inlets, mostly cobweb and plant material, but no wild bird feathers. Substantial variation in PM entering between air-inlets existed. In stormy periods, significantly larger PM amounts may enter wind-directed air-inlets. PM samples were AIV and Salmonella negative and insect samples were negative for all viruses and bacteria, but several broiler and layer farm PM samples tested Campylobacter positive. Regular wild (water) bird visits were observed near to the poultry houses. Air-borne PM and insects—potentially contaminated with HPAIv or other pathogens—can enter poultry air-inlets. Implementation of measures limiting this potential introduction route are recommended.
On Majorization Uncertainty Relations in the Presence of a Minimal Length
Authors: Rastegin Alexey E.
Published: December 2022

The emergence of a minimal length at the Planck scale is consistent with modern developments in quantum gravity. This is taken into account by transforming the Heisenberg uncertainty principle into the generalized uncertainty principle. Here, the position-momentum commutator is modified accordingly. In this paper, majorization uncertainty relations within the generalized uncertainty principle are considered. Dealing with observables with continuous spectra, each of the axes of interest is divided into a set of non-intersecting bins. Such formulation is consistent with real experiments with a necessarily limited precision. On the other hand, the majorization approach is mainly indicative for high-resolution measurements with sufficiently small bins. Indeed, the effects of the uncertainty principle are brightly manifested just in this case. The current study aims to reveal how the generalized uncertainty principle affects the leading terms of the majorization bound for position and momentum measurements. Interrelations with entropic formulations of this principle are briefly discussed.
Genome Size in the Arenaria ciliata Species Complex (Caryophyllaceae), with Special Focus on A. ciliata subsp. bernensis, a Narrow Endemic of the Swiss Northern Alps
Authors: Kozlowski Gregor , Fragnière Yann , Clément Benoît , Meade Conor
Published: December 2022

The genus Arenaria (Caryophyllaceae) comprises approximately 300 species worldwide; however, to date, just six of these taxa have been investigated in terms of their genome size. The main subject of the present study is the A. ciliata species complex, with special focus on A. ciliata subsp. bernensis, an endemic plant occurring in the Swiss Northern Alps. Altogether, 16 populations and 77 individuals of the A. ciliata complex have been sampled and their genome sizes were estimated using flow cytometry, including A. ciliata subsp. bernensis, A. ciliata s.str., A. multicaulis, and A. gothica. The Arenaria ciliata subsp. bernensis shows the highest 2c-value of 6.91 pg of DNA, while A. gothica showed 2c = 3.69 pg, A. ciliata s.str. 2c = 1.71 pg, and A. multicaulis 2c = 1.57 pg. These results confirm the very high ploidy level of A. ciliata subsp. bernensis (2n = 20x = 200) compared to other taxa in the complex, as detected by our chromosome counting and previously documented by earlier work. The genome size and, thus, also the ploidy level, is stable across the whole distribution area of this taxon. The present study delivers additional support for the taxonomic distinctiveness of the high alpine endemic A. ciliata subsp. bernensis, which strongly aligns with other differences in morphology, phylogeny, phenology, ecology, and plant communities, described previously. In affirming these differences, further support now exists to re-consider the species status of this taxon. Upgrading to full species rank would significantly improve the conservation prospects for this taxon, as, because of its precise ecological adaptation to alpine summit habitats, the A. ciliata subsp. bernensis faces acute threats from accelerated climate warming.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of TUA and TUB Genes in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) during Its Development
Authors: Ren Yang , Song Qilu , Shan Sicong , Wang Junwei , Ma Shoucai , Song Yulong , Ma Lingjian , Zhang Gaisheng , Niu Na
Published: December 2022

Microtubules play a fundamental role in plant development, morphogenesis, and cytokinesis; they are assembled from heterodimers containing an α-tubulin (TUA) and a β-tubulin (TUB) protein. However, little research has been conducted on the TUA and TUB gene families in hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In this study, we identified 15 TaTUA and 28 TaTUB genes in wheat. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 15 TaTUA genes were divided into two major subfamilies, and 28 TaTUB genes were divided into five major subfamilies. Mostly, there were similar motif compositions and exon-intron structures among the same subfamilies. Segmental duplication of genes (WGD/segmental) is the main process of TaTUA and TaTUB gene family expansion in wheat. It was found that TaTUA and TaTUB genes presented specific temporal and spatial characteristics based on the expression profiles of 17 tissues during wheat development using publicly available RNA-seq data. It was worth noting, via qRT-PCR, that two TaTUA and five TaTUB genes were highly expressed in fertile anthers compared to male sterility. These were quite different between physiological male sterile lines and S-type cytoplasmic male sterile lines at different stages of pollen development. This study offers fundamental information on the TUA and TUB gene families during wheat development and provides new insights for exploring the molecular mechanism of wheat male sterility.