bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manganese Oxide Loaded Carbon Fiber for Solar Energy Harvesting and Oil Decomposition
Authors: Gan Yong X. , Tran Anh B. , Rivera Alexander , Wu Ryan , Sukkoed Natnichar , Yu Zhen , Gan Jeremy B. , Dominguez Dominic , Chaparro Francisco J.
Published: February 2023

In this work, a manganese oxide electrode, containing carbon nanofiber composites (MnO2/CNF), has been made through electrospinning, oxidization, and partial carbonization high-temperature treatment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the morphology of the nanofiber and analyze the composition of the fiber. The fiber size range and element distribution were determined. The oxide nanoparticles were modeled as electrorheological suspensions in the polyacrylonitrile polymer solution during electrospinning. The dielectrophoretic behavior of the particles subjected to non-uniform electric fields were analyzed and the motion of the oxide particles under the actions from fluctuating electric fields was investigated to explain the sporadic distribution of nanoparticles within the composite nanofibers. A photoactive anode was made from the composite nanofiber and the decomposition of spilled oil was performed under sunlight illumination. It was observed that the manganese oxide containing carbon nanofiber composite electrode can generate electricity and clean the spilled oil under sunlight. Both energy conversion and environment cleaning concepts were demonstrated.
Favorable Conditions for the Detection of EGFR T790M Mutation Using Plasma Sample in Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Kim Insu , Seol Hee Yun , Kim Soo Han , Kim Mi-Hyun , Lee Min Ki , Eom Jung Seop
Published: February 2023

Background: Detection of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation using plasma samples has been considered simple and non-invasive, but the relatively high false negative results lead to additional tissue sampling in some patients. Until now, the characteristics of patients who prefer liquid biopsy have not yet been established. Methods: To evaluate the favorable conditions for the detection of T790M mutations using plasma samples, a multicenter retrospective study was performed between May 2018 and December 2021. Patients whose T790M mutation was detected in a plasma sample were classified as the plasma positive group. Study subjects with a T790M mutation not detected in a plasma sample but only in a tissue sample were grouped as the plasma false negative group. Results: Plasma positive and plasma false negative groups were found in 74 and 32 patients, respectively. As a result, 40% of patients with one or two metastatic organs at the time of re-biopsy had false negative plasma sample results, and 69% of patients with three or more metastatic organs at the time of re-biopsy had positive plasma results. In multivariate analysis, three or more metastatic organs at initial diagnosis were independently associated with the detection of a T790M mutation using plasma samples. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that the detection rate of a T790M mutation using plasma samples was related to the tumor burden, particularly to the number of metastatic organs.
Age Matters: The Moderating Effect of Age on Styles and Strategies of Coping with Stress and Self-Esteem in Patients with Neoplastic Prostate Hyperplasia
Authors: Skwirczyńska Edyta , Chudecka-Głaz Anita , Wróblewski Oskar , Tejchman Karol , Skonieczna-Żydecka Karolina , Piotrowiak Michał , Michalczyk Kaja , Karakiewicz Beata
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to analyze coping mechanisms and their psychological aspects during the treatment of neoplastic prostate hyperplasia. We have analyzed strategies and styles of coping with stress and self-esteem of patients diagnosed with neoplastic prostate hyperplasia. A total of 126 patients were included in the study. Standardized psychological questionnaires were used to determine the type of coping strategy by using the Stress Coping Inventory MINI-COPE, while a coping style questionnaire was used to assess the type of coping style by using the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS). The SES Self-Assessment Scale was used to measure the level of self-esteem. Patients using adaptive strategies of coping with stress in the form of active coping, seeking support and planning had higher self-esteem. However, the use of maladaptive coping strategies in the form of self-blame was found to cause a significant decrease in patients’ self-esteem. The study has also shown the choice of a task-based coping style to positively influence one’s self-esteem. An analysis related to patients’ age and coping methods revealed younger patients, up to 65 years of age, using adaptive strategies of coping with stress to have a higher level of self-esteem than older patients using similar strategies. The results of this study show that older patients, despite the use of adaptation strategies, have lower self-esteem. This group of patients should receive special care both from family and medical staff. The obtained results support the implementation of holistic care for patients, using psychological interventions to improve patients’ quality of life. Early psychological consultation and mobilization of patients’ personal resources may allow patients to change stress coping methods towards more adaptive forms.
Characterization of Primary Mucinous Ovarian Cancer by Diffusion-Weighted and Dynamic Contrast Enhancement MRI in Comparison with Serous Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Grabowska-Derlatka Laretta , Derlatka Pawel , Hałaburda-Rola Marta
Published: February 2023

(1) Background. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a quantitative analysis of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI of mucinous ovarian cancer (MOC). It also aims to differentiate between low grade serous carcinoma (LGSC), high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) and MOC in primary tumors. (2) Materials and Methods. Sixty-six patients with histologically confirmed primary epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) were included in the study. Patients were divided into three groups: MOC, LGSC and HGSC. In the preoperative DWI and DCE MRI, selected parameters were measured: apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC), time to peak (TTP), and perfusion maximum enhancement (Perf. Max. En.). ROI comprised a small circle placed in the solid part of the primary tumor. The Shapiro–Wilk test was used to test whether the variable had a normal distribution. The Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA test was used to determine the p-value needed to compare the median values of interval variables. (3) Results. The highest median ADC values were found in MOC, followed by LGSC, and the lowest in HGSC. All differences were statistically significant (p < 0.000001). This was also confirmed by the ROC curve analysis for MOC and HGSC, showing that ADC had excellent diagnostic accuracy in differentiating between MOC and HGSC (p < 0.001). In the type I EOCs, i.e., MOC and LGSC, ADC has less differential value (p = 0.032), and TTP can be considered the most valuable parameter for diagnostic accuracy (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions. DWI and DCE appear to be very good diagnostic tools in differentiating between serous carcinomas (LGSC, HGSC) and MOC. Significant differences in median ADC values between MOC and LGSC compared with those between MOC and HGSC indicate the usefulness of DWI in differentiating between less and more aggressive types of EOC, not only among the most common serous carcinomas. ROC curve analysis showed that ADC had excellent diagnostic accuracy in differentiating between MOC and HGSC. In contrast, TTP showed the greatest value for differentiating between LGSC and MOC.
Is CIS a Contraindication to Hyperthermic Intravesical Chemotherapy (HIVEC) after BCG-Failure?
Authors: Anastay Vassili , Baboudjian Michael , Masson-Lecomte Alexandra , Lebacle Cédric , Chamouni Alexandre , Irani Jacques , Tillou Xavier , Waeckel Thibaut , Monges Arnaud , Duperron Céline , Gravis Gwenaelle , Walz Jochen , Lechevallier Eric , Pignot Géraldine
Published: February 2023

CIS of the bladder is associated with a high risk of progression. In the case of BCG failure, radical cystectomy should be performed. For patients who refuse or are ineligible, bladder-sparing alternatives are evaluated. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of Hyperthermic IntraVesical Chemotherapy (HIVEC) depending on the presence or absence of CIS. This retrospective, multicenter study was conducted between 2016 and 2021. Patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with BCG failure received 6–8 adjuvant instillations of HIVEC. The co-primary endpoints were recurrence-free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS). A total of 116 consecutive patients met our inclusion criteria of whom 36 had concomitant CIS. The 2-year RFS rate was 19.9% and 43.7% in patients with and without CIS, respectively (p = 0.52). Fifteen patients (12.9%) experienced progression to muscle-invasive bladder cancer with no significant difference between patients with and without CIS (2-year PFS rate = 71.8% vs. 88.8%, p = 0.32). In multivariate analysis, CIS was not a significant prognostic factor in terms of recurrence or progression. In conclusion, CIS may not be considered a contraindication to HIVEC, as there is no significant association between CIS and the risk of progression or recurrence after treatment.
Aberrant Methylation of the Imprinted C19MC and MIR371-3 Clusters in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Boyero Laura , Noguera-Uclés José Francisco , Castillo-Peña Alejandro , Salinas Ana , Sánchez-Gastaldo Amparo , Alonso Miriam , Benedetti Johana Cristina , Bernabé-Caro Reyes , Paz-Ares Luis , Molina-Pinelo Sonia
Published: February 2023

Epigenetic mechanisms have emerged as an important contributor to tumor development through the modulation of gene expression. Our objective was to identify the methylation profile of the imprinted C19MC and MIR371-3 clusters in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to find their potential target genes, as well as to study their prognostic role. DNA methylation status was analyzed in a NSCLC patient cohort (n = 47) and compared with a control cohort including COPD patients and non-COPD subjects (n = 23) using the Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 450 BeadChip. Hypomethylation of miRNAs located on chromosome 19q13.42 was found to be specific for tumor tissue. We then identified the target mRNA–miRNA regulatory network for the components of the C19MC and MIR371-3 clusters using the miRTargetLink 2.0 Human tool. The correlations of miRNA-target mRNA expression from primary lung tumors were analyzed using the CancerMIRNome tool. From those negative correlations identified, we found that a lower expression of 5 of the target genes (FOXF2, KLF13, MICA, TCEAL1 and TGFBR2) was significantly associated with poor overall survival. Taken together, this study demonstrates that the imprinted C19MC and MIR371-3 miRNA clusters undergo polycistronic epigenetic regulation leading to deregulation of important and common target genes with potential prognostic value in lung cancer.
Low-Dose Radiation Therapy (LDRT) against Cancer and Inflammatory or Degenerative Diseases: Three Parallel Stories with a Common Molecular Mechanism Involving the Nucleoshuttling of the ATM Protein?
Authors: Le Reun Eymeric , Foray Nicolas
Published: February 2023

Very early after their discovery, X-rays were used in multiple medical applications, such as treatments against cancer, inflammation and pain. Because of technological constraints, such applications involved X-ray doses lower than 1 Gy per session. Progressively, notably in oncology, the dose per session increased. However, the approach of delivering less than 1 Gy per session, now called low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT), was preserved and is still applied in very specific cases. More recently, LDRT has also been applied in some trials to protect against lung inflammation after COVID-19 infection or to treat degenerative syndromes such as Alzheimer’s disease. LDRT illustrates well the discontinuity of the dose-response curve and the counterintuitive observation that a low dose may produce a biological effect higher than a certain higher dose. Even if further investigations are needed to document and optimize LDRT, the apparent paradox of some radiobiological effects specific to low dose may be explained by the same mechanistic model based on the radiation-induced nucleoshuttling of the ATM kinase, a protein involved in various stress response pathways.
The Secondary Myelodysplastic Neoplasms (MDS) Jigsaw
Authors: Calvete Oriol , Mestre Julia , Jerez Andrés , Solé Francesc
Published: February 2023

There is a great deal of controversy in the hematologic community regarding the classification of secondary myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDSs). Current classifications are based on the presence of genetic predisposition and MDS post-cytotoxic therapy (MDS-pCT) etiologies. However, since these risk factors are not exclusive for secondary MDSs and there are multiple overlapping scenarios, a comprehensive and definitive classification is yet to come. In addition, a sporadic MDS might arise after a primary tumor fulfills the diagnostic criteria of MDS-pCT without a causative cytotoxicity. In this review, we describe the triggering pieces of a secondary MDS jigsaw: previous cytotoxic therapy, germline predisposition and clonal hematopoiesis. Epidemiological and translational efforts are needed to put these pieces together and ascertain the real weight of each of these pieces in each MDS patient. Future classifications must contribute to understanding the role of secondary MDS jigsaw pieces in different concomitant or independent clinical scenarios associated with the primary tumor.
Twenty Novel MicroRNAs in the Aqueous Humor of Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Czop Marcin , Gasińska Karolina , Kosior-Jarecka Ewa , Wróbel-Dudzińska Dominika , Kocki Janusz , Żarnowski Tomasz
Published: February 2023

The microRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs (19–25 nt) that regulate the level of gene expression at the post-transcriptional stage. Altered miRNAs expression can lead to the development of various diseases, e.g., pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG). In this study, we assessed the levels of miRNA expression in the aqueous humor of PEXG patients using the expression microarray method. Twenty new miRNA molecules have been selected as having the potential to be associated with the development or progression of PEXG. Ten miRNAs were downregulated in PEXG (hsa-miR-95-5p, hsa-miR-515-3p, hsa-mir-802, hsa-miR-1205, hsa-miR-3660, hsa-mir-3683, hsa -mir-3936, hsa-miR-4774-5p, hsa-miR-6509-3p, hsa-miR-7843-3p) and ten miRNAs were upregulated in PEXG (hsa-miR-202 -3p, hsa-miR-3622a-3p, hsa-mir-4329, hsa-miR-4524a-3p, hsa-miR-4655-5p, hsa-mir-6071, hsa-mir-6723-5p, hsa-miR-6847-5p, hsa-miR-8074, and hsa-miR-8083). Functional analysis and enrichment analysis showed that the mechanisms that can be regulated by these miRNAs are: extracellular matrix (ECM) imbalance, cell apoptosis (possibly retinal ganglion cells (RGCs)), autophagy, and elevated calcium cation levels. Nevertheless, the exact molecular basis of PEXG is unknown and further research is required on this topic.
Spectrin-Based Regulation of Cardiac Fibroblast Cell-Cell Communication
Authors: Nassal Drew M. , Shaheen Rebecca , Patel Nehal J. , Yu Jane , Leahy Nick , Bibidakis Dimitra , Parinandi Narasimham L. , Hund Thomas J.
Published: February 2023

Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) maintain the fibrous extracellular matrix (ECM) that supports proper cardiac function. Cardiac injury induces a transition in the activity of CFs to promote cardiac fibrosis. CFs play a critical role in sensing local injury signals and coordinating the organ level response through paracrine communication to distal cells. However, the mechanisms by which CFs engage cell-cell communication networks in response to stress remain unknown. We tested a role for the action-associated cytoskeletal protein βIV-spectrin in regulating CF paracrine signaling. Conditioned culture media (CCM) was collected from WT and βIV-spectrin deficient (qv4J) CFs. WT CFs treated with qv4J CCM showed increased proliferation and collagen gel compaction compared to control. Consistent with the functional measurements, qv4J CCM contained higher levels of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines and increased concentration of small extracellular vesicles (30–150 nm diameter, exosomes). Treatment of WT CFs with exosomes isolated from qv4J CCM induced a similar phenotypic change as that observed with complete CCM. Treatment of qv4J CFs with an inhibitor of the βIV-spectrin-associated transcription factor, STAT3, decreased the levels of both cytokines and exosomes in conditioned media. This study expands the role of the βIV-spectrin/STAT3 complex in stress-induced regulation of CF paracrine signaling.
Crosstalk between Oxidative Stress and Aging in Neurodegeneration Disorders
Authors: Abdelhamid Rehab F. , Nagano Seiichi
Published: February 2023

The world population is aging rapidly, and increasing lifespan exacerbates the burden of age-related health issues. On the other hand, premature aging has begun to be a problem, with increasing numbers of younger people suffering aging-related symptoms. Advanced aging is caused by a combination of factors: lifestyle, diet, external and internal factors, as well as oxidative stress (OS). Although OS is the most researched aging factor, it is also the least understood. OS is important not only in relation to aging but also due to its strong impact on neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and Parkinson’s disease (PD). In this review, we will discuss the aging process in relation to OS, the function of OS in neurodegenerative disorders, and prospective therapeutics capable of relieving neurodegenerative symptoms associated with the pro-oxidative condition.
Ceramic Materials in Na2O-CaO-P2O5 System, Obtained via Heat Treatment of Cement-Salt Stone Based on Powder Mixture of Ca3(C6H5O7)2∙4H2O, Ca(H2PO4)2∙H2O and NaH2PO4
Authors: Toshev Otabek U. , Safronova Tatiana V. , Shatalova Tatiana B. , Lukina Yulia S.
Published: February 2023

Ceramic materials in Na2O-CaO-P2O5 system were obtained by firing cement-salt stone made from pastes based on powder mixtures including calcium citrate tetrahydrate Ca3(C6H5O7)2∙4H2O, monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM) Ca(H2PO4)2∙H2O and/or sodium dihydrogen phosphate NaH2PO4. The phase composition of the obtained samples of cement-salt stone after adding water, hardening and drying included brushite CaHPO4∙2H2O, monetite CaHPO4 and also unreacted Ca3(C6H5O7)2∙4H2O, Ca(H2PO4)2∙H2O and/or NaH2PO4. The phase composition of ceramics in Na2O-CaO-P2O5 system obtained by firing cement-salt stone was formed due to thermal conversion of hydrated salt and heterophase reactions between components presented in samples during firing. The phase composition of ceramic samples based on powder mixture of Ca3(C6H5O7)2∙4H2O and Ca(H2PO4)2∙H2O after firing at 900 °C included β-calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) β-Ca2P2O7. The phase composition of ceramic samples based on powder mixture of Ca3(C6H5O7)2∙4H2O, and NaH2PO4 after firing at 900 °C included β-sodium rhenanite β-CaNaPO4. The phase composition of ceramic samples based on powder mixture of Ca3(C6H5O7)2∙4H2O, Ca(H2PO4)2∙H2O and NaH2PO4 after firing at 900 °C included β-Ca2P2O7, β-CaNaPO4, double calcium-sodium pyrophosphate Na2CaP2O7, and Na-substituted tricalcium phosphate Сa10Na(PO4)7. Obtained ceramic materials in Na2O-CaO-P2O5 system including biocompatible and biodegradable phases could be important for treatments of bone tissue defects by means of approaches of regenerative medicine.
An Aptamer Biosensing Strategy for Label-Free Assay of Dual Acute Myocardial Infarction Biomarkers Built upon AuNPs/Ti3C2-MXenes
Authors: Mi Xiaona , Li Huiling , Tu Yifeng
Published: February 2023

The sensitive quantification of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and myoglobin (Myo) in blood is essential for an early emergency diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Attributed to AuNPs and a titanium element on the surface of the AuNPs/Ti3C2-MXenes hybrid, each respective aptamer strand can be immobilized on. In this work, a nanohybrid was deposited on amino-functionalized indium tin oxide (ITO) via an Au–N bond; thereafter, it could catch cTnI-specific, thiol-functionalized DNA aptamer through Au–S self-assembly or Myo-aptamer via adsorption and metal chelate interaction between phosphate groups and titanium for specific recognition. Both using [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− as a signaling probe, the differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) current of the cTnI-aptasensor decreased after binding with cTnI, while the other responded to Myo via the impedimetric measurement. These developed biosensors enable the response to the femtogram/mL level cTnI or nanogram/mL level Myo. Remarkably, the proposed aptasensors exhibit high sensitivity and specificity for targets and display great potential for applications in clinic diagnosis.
Relationship between Product and Process Characteristics of Handwriting Skills of Children in the Second Grade of Elementary School
Authors: Coradinho Helena , Melo Filipe , Almeida Gabriela , Veiga Guida , Marmeleira José , Teulings Hans-Leo , Matias Ana Rita
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between the quality and speed of handwriting and the process characteristics of the handwriting of children in the second grade of elementary school considered as a function of age and gender. A sample of 57 children (mean age 7.25 years, SD 0.43) participated in the study. The Concise Assessment Method for Children’s Handwriting (BHK) was used to assess the quality and speed of handwriting. The characteristics of the process of handwriting were assessed using MovAlyzeR® software. The handwriting of boys showed a significantly greater number of strokes and slanted more to the right than the handwriting of girls. Handwriting quality and speed significantly correlated with several process characteristics: the number of strokes, reaction time, duration, relative pen-down duration, average pen pressure, vertical size, horizontal size, road length, and average absolute velocity. This research contributes to the construction of normative values in the process characteristics of the handwriting of elementary school children and provides a promising step towards the early identification of difficulties that can lead to dysgraphia, thus preventing later difficulties in handwriting.
Perfectionistic Children and Their Parents: Is There Room for an Intergenerational Transmission? A Study of a Clinical Sample of Italian Children and Their Parents
Authors: Martucci Melania , Castellano Visaggi Maria , Di Iorio Giorgia , Vacca Mariacarolina , Zaccaria Valerio , Ardizzone Ignazio , Lombardo Caterina
Published: February 2023

Introduction: The relationship between maladaptive perfectionism and Internalizing (ID) and Externalizing Disorders (ED) in children needs to be better understood, along with the intergenerational transmission of these traits from parents to children. The present work aimed to share light on both these issues. Method: 39 children with ID, 19 with ED, and their parents were recruited*. The Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, the Big Five Inventory, the Child and Adolescent Perfectionism Scale, and the Hierarchical Personality Inventory for Children were used. The association between parent personality and perfectionism traits and children’s perfectionism dimensions was evaluated through hierarchical regression analysis. Results: ID and ED groups did not differ significantly concerning perfectionism. Fathers presented higher scores than mothers in Self-Oriented Perfectionism, Other-Oriented Perfectionism, and Socially-Prescribed Perfectionism. Parents of children with ID report higher levels of Obedience in their children, while parents of children with ED reported higher levels of Creativity and Perseverance. Significant associations were found between perfectionism in parents and their children, as well as between perfectionism and the personality of children. Conclusion: Results suggest a transdiagnostic nature of Perfectionism and support the transgenerational transmission of the personality traits investigated.
Adaptive Thinking in Cities: Urban Continuity within Built Environments
Authors: Morel Hana , Dorpalen Brenda Denise
Published: February 2023

Adaptive reuse of built heritage is increasingly critical for reasons of sustainability, particularly in urban spaces. With increasing pressures for building and housing, the building and construction industry will likely continue to contribute 39% of all carbon emissions in the world, with operational emissions accounting for 28%. Further demolition, urban renewal and rebuilding not only obstruct pathways to decarbonisation but create shocks that disrupt and displace communities. We argue that it is essential to support built heritage beyond conventional urban renewal approaches and to position it as a critical community-based asset that can leverage local knowledge and promote a sustainable and more circular economy. However, such an agenda must acknowledge the challenges of adopting new innovative practices that can reduce strain on current material and social resources. This paper situates adaptive reuse as critical in strategies to reuse existing building stock and other broader sustainability movements, framing it from an economic angle. A case study approach explores adaptive reuse interventions and how these might be extended to other areas.
Effect of High-Temperature-Assisted Ultrasonic Deep Rolling on Microstructure and Tribological Properties of Ni-WC Coatings
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zhao Yuncai , He Yang , Meng Cheng , Zhang Xinyu , Zhang Shilei
Published: February 2023

Cermet coatings are post-treated by a new surface microcrystallization technology, namely high-temperature-assisted ultrasonic deep rolling (HT + UDR). The process parameters of ultrasonic deep rolling significantly affect the microstructure and tribological properties of the Ni-WC coatings. In this paper, the samples were treated with different preloading depths (0.20 mm, 0.25 mm, and 0.30 mm), and the microstructure and properties of the coatings were characterized by SEM, EDS, X-ray stress analysis, and micro-Vickers hardness testing. An MMW-1A-type friction and wear tester was used for the dry friction and wear test at room temperature, respectively. Compared with the untreated sample, plastic rheology occurred on the surface of the coatings after HT + UDR, showing a phenomenon of “cutting peaks and filling valleys”. In the treated coatings, visible cracks were eliminated, and the inside of the coating was denser. The surface hard phase was increased as a “skeleton” and embedded with the soft phase, which played a role in strong and tough bonding. After HT + UDR + 0.25 mm treatment, the surface roughness increased by 68%, the microhardness of the surface layer reached a maximum of 726.3 HV0.1, and the residual tensile stress changed from 165.5 MPa to −337.9 MPa, which inhibited the germination and propagation of cracks. HT + UDR improved the wear resistance of the coating in many aspects. The coating after the 0.25 mm preloading depth treatment possessed the smallest friction coefficient and the lowest wear amount, which is 0.04 and 4.5 mg, respectively. The wear form was abrasive wear, and the comprehensive tribological performance is the best.
Experimental Study on Performance of Modified Cement-Based Building Materials under High-Water-Pressure Surrounding Rock Environment
Authors: Yao Jun , Feng Di , Wang Zhikui , Peng Chengcheng , Zhang Yonggang , Han Lei
Published: February 2023

Traditional cement-based grouting materials have good reinforcement and anti-seepage effects on the surrounding rock under normal conditions, but the grouting effect is not ideal due to problems such as a long setting time, a low stone ratio, and poor crack resistance under high water pressure and in a dynamic water environment. In this study, we aimed to improve the physical properties, chemical properties, and microstructure of a cement-based slurry by forming a hydrogel through its chemical crosslinking with polyvinyl alcohol and boric acid as modifiers for the purpose of improving the permeability resistance of the surrounding rock grouting under high-water-pressure conditions, which can expand the function of traditional building materials. The grouting effect of the modified cementitious material on the surrounding rock was analyzed through indoor tests, the SEM testing of the performance of the modified slurry, the numerical calculation of the seepage field, and the application of the modified slurry in combination with the actual project to verify the water-plugging effect. The research findings demonstrate that (1) the additives boric acid and PVA can significantly speed up the slurry gel time, and the gel time can be controlled within 2–20 min to meet the specification requirements. (2) At a velocity of moving water > 1 m/s, the retention of the solidified modified slurry stone body reaches more than 80%. According to the SEM analysis, the structure of the solidified modified slurry stone body is dense and has good impermeability. (3) According to the numerical calculation analysis, the modified slurry can effectively change the seepage field of the surrounding rock and improve its seepage resistance. The water pressure outside the lining is reduced by 47%, 31%, and 22%, respectively, compared with no slurry, the pure cement slurry, and cement–water-glass grouting, and the indoor test and numerical simulation conclusions are consistent.
Thin Film Deposition Techniques in Surface Engineering Strategies for Advanced Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Sun Dapeng , Tian Siying , Yin Chujun , Chen Fengling , Xie Jing , Huang Chun , Li Chaobo
Published: February 2023

Recent progress in the fabrication of controlled structures and advanced materials has improved battery performance in terms of specific capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability. However, interfacial problems such as increased resistance and contact instability between the electrodes and solid/liquid electrolytes still put pressure on the controllable formation of structures and the improvement of performance as well as safety. Here, we first briefly introduce the deposition techniques in terms of working mechanism and experimental process, then illustrate the associated advantages/disadvantages of the surface engineering methods based on deposition techniques (physical vapor deposition and chemical reaction deposition) to the provision of reference for researchers selecting the appropriate approach. Second, we exemplify the Si/LiCoO2/LiPON/Li to demonstrate the main progress made in lithium-ion batteries, elaborating on the efforts in engineering the reactive surface utilizing the deposition techniques. Finally, general conclusions and prospects for future advanced thin film deposition techniques in the field of lithium-ion batteries are presented.
One-Step Fabrication of Iron Aluminide Containing Hydrophobic Modified Layers with Enhanced Anti-Corrosion Performance
Authors: Lian Weiqi , Jie Xiaohua
Published: February 2023

An iron aluminide modified layer prepared by a novel powder mixed electrical discharge alloying (PMEDA) process with a green compact aluminum electrode is conducted to improve the corrosion performance of work pieces. The phase composition and microstructure of the modified samples are analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). Corrosion performance is investigated by the electrochemical workstation and the mechanism of corrosion resistance improvement is explored. The 12A modified samples exhibit a hydrophobic 102.4° contact angle, while showing 669% and 40% less corrosion current density in the simulated aqueous corrosion condition in comparison with the non-treated and non-hydrophobic modified samples, respectively. These enhanced performances are attributed to the synchronization of a hydrophobic surface, corrosion-proof iron aluminide and a dense, well-distributed modified layer.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Co-Deposited Ti-Ni Films Prepared by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Zhang Xiaolin , Ding Yi , Ma Honglu , Zhao Ruibin , Wang Liangquan , Zhang Fanyong
Published: February 2023

Ti-Ni films with various Ni contents (16.5, 22.0, 33.5 at. %) were deposited on Al alloy substrates using DC magnetron co-sputtering. The effects of Ni target power and substrate bias (−10, −70, −110 V) on morphologies, crystallography, nanomechanical properties and scratch behavior of films were studied. All the deposited Ti-Ni films exhibited a BCC structure of β-Ti (Ni). The Ti-Ni films grew with a normal columnar structure with good bonding to substrates. When increasing the Ni target power and substrate bias, the grain size grew larger and the surface became denser. The as-deposited Ti-Ni films significantly improved the hardness (>4 GPa) of the Al alloy substrate. With the increase of bias voltage, the hardness and modulus of the film increased. The hardness and modulus of the Ti-22.0Ni film prepared at −70 V bias were 5.17 GPa and 97.6 GPa, respectively, and it had good adhesion to the substrate.
Solubility and Crystallization Studies of Picolinic Acid
Authors: Baptista Diogo S. , Piedade M. Fátima M. , Esteves Catarina V.
Published: February 2023

Solubility and crystallization studies of a monocarboxylic derivative of pyridine, picolinic acid (2-pyridinecarboxylic acid), were undertaken as a need for new data in the literature was identified. Moreover, comparative studies of structurally related small molecules, such as these pyridinecarboxylic acid isomers (picolinic acid (PA), nicotinic acid (NA, also known as Niacin or vitamin B3), and isonicotinic acid (IA)), can contribute to a larger goal of identifying optimal crystallization conditions. Indeed, vitamin B3 has been thoroughly explored in literature, whilst IA and, particularly, PA have received less attention. Hence, results on both the solubility (obtained through the gravimetric method) and solid-state structure (investigated by means of PXRD) of PA, at different temperatures, in three polar solvents: water, ethanol (both protic solvents) and acetonitrile (aprotic solvent) are presented in this work. These results indicate that PA is very soluble in water (for T ≈ 293 K, CPA ≈ 862.5 g·kg−1), way less soluble in ethanol (CPA ≈ 57.1 g·kg−1), and even less in acetonitrile (CPA ≈ 17.0 g·kg−1). The crystallization outcome was analyzed in comparison with its family of compounds data, revealing that two polymorphic forms were identifiable for PA, and that no hydrates or solvates were found.
The Role of Weak C–H···X (X = O, π) Interactions in Three 1-Hydroxy-2-naphthoic Acid Cocrystals with N-Containing Heteroaromatics: Structural Characterization and Synthon Cooperation
Authors: Qu Huiqi , Chen Ruixin , Ma Yiru , Li Na , Zhang Mingjuan , Yu Yueqin , Lv Zhiguo , Liu Kang
Published: February 2023

Herein, three novel cocrystals of 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid: tetramethylpyrazine, 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid:1,10-phenanthroline, and 1-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid:1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene (L2) were obtained by crystallization in methanol–water mixed solvent via a slow evaporation method. The cocrystalline products 1−3 were carried out by a range of techniques, including single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform–infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric testing. We analyzed the crystal structures of the cocrystals 1−3 and found that weak interactions C–H···X (X = O or π) were of great importance in the process of self-assembly as well as strong and conventional hydrogen bonds (N–H···O, O–H···N, O–H···O), leading to a stable and diverse multidimensional supramolecular architecture. It is worth noting that a series of ring motifs with different sizes were explored in the crystal structures of the above complexes, such as R22(5), R22(7), R22(8), R23(13), R24(16), R44(16), R44(22), and so on. The classical and robust supramolecular synthon intermolecular bond between acid and pyridine (acid···pyridine) heterosynthon R22(7), commonly found in organic solids containing carboxylic acids with other N-containing heteroaromatics, was further demonstrated to be involved in the construction of the hydrogen-bond networks of cocrystal 1. The thermogravimetric technique used in this study proved that the mass losses of these three cocrystals were closely related to the strength of the hydrogen bonds in the package fraction.
Assessment of Peripheral Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio and Prognostic Nutritional Index in the Efficacy and Prognosis of Radiotherapy for Cervical Cancer
Authors: Gao Zhongrong , Zhao Mengli , Yang Xiaojing , Fu Jie
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the pre-treatment peripheral platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) with the efficacy and prognosis of radiotherapy for cervical cancer. A total of 110 patients with cervical cancer who received radiotherapy at our hospital from November 2017 to November 2020 were retrospectively analysed. The cut-off values of PLR and PNI were obtained using the receive operating characteristic curve (ROC) and the Youden index. The patients were divided into high PLR and low PLR and high PNI and low PNI groups. We compared the clinical characteristics, 3-year overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) between the high and low PLR groups, as well as the high and low PNI groups of patients. Cox regression was used to analyse the factors influencing OS and PFS. The median follow-up duration was 26 months. The optimal cut-off value for PLR was 186.88 and that for PNI was 47.35. The 3-year OS values were 81.00% and 97.10% for the high PLR (PLR > 186.88) and low PLR (PLR ≤ 186.88) groups, respectively, and the 3-year PFS values were 59.50% and 88.20% for the high PLR and low PLR groups, respectively, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). The 3-year OS values were 97.50% and 74.20% for the high PNI (PNI > 47.35) and the low PNI (PNI ≤ 47.35) groups, respectively, and the 3-year PFS values were 87.30% and 51.60% for the high PNI and low PNI groups, respectively, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). Multifactorial Cox regression analyses revealed that high PLR value (PLR > 187.88), low PNI value (PNI ≤ 47.35), histological type, and FIGO stage were independent risk factors for the OS of cervical cancer. Pretreatment PNI values and PLR values can be used as simple and feasible predictors of clinical efficacy and prognosis for patients treated with radiotherapy for cervical cancer.
Assessment of Habitat Selection by Invasive Plants and Conditions with the Best Performance of Invasiveness Traits
Authors: Grzędzicka Emilia
Published: February 2023

Habitat selection is one of the fundamental concepts in ecology and means that each organism should choose the habitat that will maximize its success. Invaders may be an underestimated object in research on habitat selection. Invasive plants experience enormous propagule pressure and bear the costs of spreading in disturbed anthropogenic habitats. It means that they do not necessarily achieve maximum invasiveness traits in such habitats, which they selected to colonize. This study aimed to assess habitats where invaders are likely to occur from the set of all available ones in the landscape and the habitats with the best performed traits of invaders. The research was conducted on 52 and 112 plots in 2019 and 2021, respectively, in South-Eastern Poland, and the invasive plants were Caucasian hogweeds Heracleum sp. In the first year, the circle plots had a 50 m radius and were to measure habitat areas and traits of hogweeds (height, number of individuals in the plot, cover, and number of flowering specimens). Detrimental correspondence analysis and linear mixed model investigated that hogweeds achieved the best performance reflected by traits in continuous habitats—meadows and forests. In the second year, the plots to measure habitats had a 100 m radius. The reference plots were far from the invasion exposure, and the paired control vs. Heracleum ones had the same habitats with the potential to be invaded. The generalized linear mixed model showed that the probability of the hogweeds occurrence was higher when the habitat was overgrowing with a simultaneous decrease in open areas and in the increasing ruderal area with a decrease in bushes. The impact of the invader’s habitat on the invasion performance depended on the purpose of habitat selection. When invaders spread and increased invasive extent or appeared in habitat edges, they did not reach the highest traits, the best performing in continuous habitats. The specificity of habitat selection of invaders is another aspect that distinguishes invasion science from classic ecology.
Reconstructed River Water Temperature Dataset for Western Canada 1980–2018
Authors: Shrestha Rajesh R. , Pesklevits Jennifer C.
Published: February 2023

Continuous water temperature data are important for understanding historical variability and trends of river thermal regime, as well as impacts of warming climate on aquatic ecosystem health. We describe a reconstructed daily water temperature dataset that supplements sparse historical observations for 55 river stations across western Canada. We employed the air2stream model for reconstructing water temperature dataset over the period 1980–2018, with air temperature and discharge data used as model inputs. The model was calibrated and validated by comparing with observed water temperature records, and the results indicate a reasonable statistical performance. We also present historical trends over the ice-free summer months from June to September using the reconstructed dataset, which indicate- significantly increasing water temperature trends for most stations. Besides trend analysis, the dataset could be used for various applications, such as calculation of heat fluxes, calibration/validation of process-based water temperature models, establishment of baseline condition for future climate projections, and assessment of impacts on ecosystems health and water quality.
Data Balancing Techniques for Predicting Student Dropout Using Machine Learning
Authors: Mduma Neema
Published: February 2023

Predicting student dropout is a challenging problem in the education sector. This is due to an imbalance in student dropout data, mainly because the number of registered students is always higher than the number of dropout students. Developing a model without taking the data imbalance issue into account may lead to an ungeneralized model. In this study, different data balancing techniques were applied to improve prediction accuracy in the minority class while maintaining a satisfactory overall classification performance. Random Over Sampling, Random Under Sampling, Synthetic Minority Over Sampling, SMOTE with Edited Nearest Neighbor and SMOTE with Tomek links were tested, along with three popular classification models: Logistic Regression, Random Forest, and Multi-Layer Perceptron. Publicly accessible datasets from Tanzania and India were used to evaluate the effectiveness of balancing techniques and prediction models. The results indicate that SMOTE with Edited Nearest Neighbor achieved the best classification performance on the 10-fold holdout sample. Furthermore, Logistic Regression correctly classified the largest number of dropout students (57348 for the Uwezo dataset and 13430 for the India dataset) using the confusion matrix as the evaluation matrix. The applications of these models allow for the precise prediction of at-risk students and the reduction of dropout rates.
Stearylamine Liposome as an Anti-Parasitic Agent
Authors: Vassoudevane Janani , Mariebernard Monika , Rajendran Vinoth
Published: February 2023

The uncontrolled increasing clinical resistance to the current anti-parasitic drugs towards important protozoan parasites (Plasmodium, Leishmania, Trypanosoma and Toxoplasma) has stimulated the search for novel and safe therapeutic agents at affordable prices for countries in which these parasites are endemic. For the past few decades, the criticality of the cationic lipid stearylamine (SA) in liposomes has been explored in these human parasites. Previously, SA was incorporated in the liposomal formulation to impart a net positive charge for enhanced cellular uptake. However, the discovery of SA in liposomes alone elicits a strong anti-parasitic activity with immunomodulatory potential. Additionally, the SA liposome possesses a significant inhibitory potential on multiple life stages of the parasite cycle and delivers an equal effect on both drug-sensitive and resistant parasites. Moreover, the delivery of standard anti-parasitic drugs using SA liposome vesicles has enhanced the efficacy of drugs due to the synergistic impacts without causing any apparent toxicity on the host cells. In addition, the delivery of antigens as vaccine candidates using SA liposomes elicits a pronounced immune response in clearing the infection compared to other cationic lipids and SA-free liposomes. Nonetheless, SA liposome mediates its anti-parasitic activity by targeting the negatively charged phosphatidylserine-exposed infected host cell surface or by interaction with negatively charged sialic acid of free-living parasites. Overall, SA liposome confers its protection by acting as a chemotherapeutic agent with immunomodulatory activity. Therefore, a broadly acting anti-parasitic agent (SA liposome) is promising in tackling the deadly parasitic infections in endemic regions and warrants further clinical investigations.