bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polycrystalline Diamond as a Potential Material for the Hard-on-Hard Bearing of Total Hip Prosthesis: Von Mises Stress Analysis
Authors: Ammarullah Muhammad Imam , Hartono Rachmad , Supriyono Toto , Santoso Gatot , Sugiharto S. , Permana Muki Satya
Published: March 2023

Due to polymeric wear debris causing osteolysis from polymer, metal ions causing metallosis from metal, and brittle characteristic causing fracture failure from ceramic in the application on bearing of total hip prosthesis requires the availability of new material options as a solution to these problems. Polycrystalline diamond (PCD) has the potential to become the selected material for hard-on-hard bearing in view of its advantages in terms of mechanical properties and biocompatibility. The present study contributes to confirming the potential of PCD to replace metals and ceramics for hard-on-hard bearing through von Mises stress investigations. A computational simulation using a 2D axisymmetric finite element model of hard-on-hard bearing under gait loading has been performed. The percentage of maximum von Mises stress to respective yield strength from PCD-on-PCD is the lowest at 2.47%, with CoCrMo (cobalt chromium molybdenum)-on-CoCrMo at 10.79%, and Al2O3 (aluminium oxide)-on-Al2O3 at 13.49%. This confirms that the use of PCD as a hard-on-hard bearing material is the safest option compared to the investigated metal and ceramic hard-on-hard bearings from the mechanical perspective.
Recent Trends in Biosensing and Diagnostic Methods for Novel Cancer Biomarkers
Authors: Rao Bommi Jagadeeswara , Kummari Shekher , Lakavath Kavitha , Sukumaran Reshmi A. , Panicker Lakshmi R. , Marty Jean Louis , Yugender Goud Kotagiri
Published: March 2023

Cancer is one of the major public health issues in the world. It has become the second leading cause of death, with approximately 75% of cancer deaths transpiring in low- or middle-income countries. It causes a heavy global economic cost estimated at more than a trillion dollars per year. The most common cancers are breast, colon, rectum, prostate, and lung cancers. Many of these cancers can be treated effectively and cured if detected at the primary stage. Nowadays, around 50% of cancers are detected at late stages, leading to serious health complications and death. Early diagnosis of cancer diseases substantially increases the efficient treatment and high chances of survival. Biosensors are one of the potential screening methodologies useful in the early screening of cancer biomarkers. This review summarizes the recent findings about novel cancer biomarkers and their advantages over traditional biomarkers, and novel biosensing and diagnostic methods for them; thus, this review may be helpful in the early recognition and monitoring of treatment response of various human cancers.
Hazard Evaluation of Indoor Air Quality in Bank Offices
Authors: Saidin Hamidi , Razak Azli , Mohamad Mohd , Ul-Saufie Ahmad , Zaki Sheikh , Othman Nor’azizi
Published: March 2023

IAQ is a crucial factor affecting the health, comfort, and productivity of workers, particularly those working in enclosed spaces like bank offices. This study aimed to evaluate the IAQ of a bank office’s operational area and vault by analyzing concentrations of CO2, TVOC, PM10, and PM2.5, as well as temperature, relative humidity, and air movement. Two different ventilation systems were compared to assess their impact on IAQ. The acquired data were statistically analyzed using mean comparison t-tests and hazard ratio analysis. The results revealed that indoor concentrations of PM2.5 and CO2 significantly contribute to the total hazard ratio, indicating the need to reduce their levels below reference values. The study also found that the ventilation system significantly affects indoor air quality, and concentrations of TVOC, CO2, PM10, and PM2.5 in the air are considerable. Significantly, the study found that bank offices with split unit air-conditioners had the highest mean CO2 levels, indicating poor ventilation. Overall, the study reveals that the building, activities, and ventilation in bank offices have a profound influence on IAQ parameters, primarily PM2.5 and CO2. Further research is required to formulate strategies for enhancing IAQ in these settings.
Synthesized Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Defects, Their Non-Destructive Inspection and Analysis Methods: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis of the Past Three Decades
Authors: Abdelkader Eslam Mohammed , Zayed Tarek , Faris Nour
Published: March 2023

Defects are essential indicators to gauge the structural integrity and safety of reinforced concrete bridges. Non-destructive inspection has been pervasively explored over the last three decades to localize and characterize surface and subsurface anomalies in reinforced concrete bridges. In addition, different fuzzy set theory-based, computer vision and artificial intelligence algorithms were leveraged to analyze the data garnered from non-destructive evaluation techniques. In light of the foregoing, this research paper presents a mixed review method that encompasses both bibliometric and systematic analyses of the state-of-the-art work pertinent to the assessment of reinforced concrete bridge defects using non-destructive techniques (CBD_NDT). In this context, this study reviews the literature of journal articles and book chapters indexed in Scopus and Web of Science databases from 1991 to the end of September 2022. To this end, 505 core peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters are compiled for evaluation after conducting forward and backward snowballing alongside removing irrelevant papers. This research study then exploits both VOSVIEWER and Bibiometrix R Package for the purpose of network visualization and scientometric mapping of the appended research studies. Thereafter, this paper carries out a multifaceted systematic review analysis of the identified literature covering tackled bridge defects, used non-destructive techniques, data processing methods, public datasets, key findings and future research directions. The present study is expected to assist practitioners and policymakers to conceive and synthesize existing research and development bodies, and future trends in the domain of the assessment of bridge defects using non-destructive techniques. It can also aid in raising awareness of the importance of defect management in bridge maintenance systems.
Simulation Study on Geometric Parameters Influencing the Flow Coefficient of Perforated Plate
Authors: Peng Yaogen , Mao Huijun , Liu Zhichao , Wei Cheng
Published: March 2023

Natural ventilation is one of the vital means for passive energy-efficient design in green buildings. As a widely used building façade, the perforated plate is mostly utilized for appearance decoration, noise absorption, and sun shading, but its impact on the natural ventilation effect has rarely been paid attention to. In this study, the influence of the perforation rate, the perforation size, and the perforation shape on the flow coefficient of the perforated plate were simulated using the commercial CFD software Fluent, and the correlation between the flow coefficient and these geometric parameters was then regressed. The results show that the flow coefficient of perforated plate increases with the increase in perforation rate, which is slightly greater than that of ordinary building openings, and the corresponding flow coefficients of different holes rank as circle > square > triangle under the same conditions. The flow coefficient increases with the increase in the perforation size, and this effect is greater when the size is small. In addition, the flow coefficient is less affected by the size of round holes compared to triangular and square holes. The regression model indicates that both the perforation rate and the perforation size have a considerable positive influence on the flow coefficient, while the square and triangle holes have a negative influence on the flow coefficient compared with the circular hole. Moreover, the geometric parameters of perforated plates that have the greatest influence on flow coefficient are perforation rate, perforation shape, and size, in descending order.
Optimizing PCM Integrated Wall and Roof for Energy Saving in Building under Various Climatic Conditions of Mediterranean Region
Authors: Dardouri Sana , Tunçbilek Ekrem , Khaldi Othmen , Arıcı Müslüm , Sghaier Jalila
Published: March 2023

Energy conservation in buildings has been the focus of many studies since nearly one-third of global energy consumption is due to buildings. Phase change material (PCM) technology promises to be an attractive solution for energy saving in buildings since it is a passive and effective technology, as demonstrated in the literature. Therefore, this study focuses on the energy-saving performance of PCM-integrated buildings located in a Mediterranean climate to reveal their energy-saving potential. PCM is integrated both in external or internal south walls and roofs of buildings under four different climatic conditions. EnergyPlus, which is a well-known building simulation software, is adopted for building thermal analyses. The effects of melting temperature, location of PCM layer in the wall, thickness of PCM layer, type of envelope (wall or roof), and PCM double-layer system in the wall are investigated. The corresponding energy savings and CO2 emission reductions are obtained for the considered cases. The results showed that up to 41.6% reduction in energy demand can be obtained depending on the PCM application. Besides, PCM with a low melting temperature (21 °C) favored heating energy savings, while PCM with a high melting temperature (29 °C) favored cooling energy savings. Moreover, the double-layer PCM system provided higher energy savings than the single-layer PCM system, especially in warm and arid regions (Sousse and Tozeur).
Synthesis and Analysis of In2CdO4/Y2SmSbO7 Nanocomposite for the Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine B within Dye Wastewater under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Luan Jingfei , Liu Wenlu , Yang Guangmin , Niu Bowen , Ma Bingbing
Published: March 2023

A new photocatalyst In2CdO4 was prepared by a solid phase sintering synthesis method at high temperature for the first time in this paper. The In2CdO4/Y2SmSbO7 heterojunction (IYH) catalyst was prepared by the solvent thermal method for the first time. The Y2SmSbO7 compound crystallized in the pyrochlore-type architecture and cubelike crystal system, and the space group of Y2SmSbO7 was Fd3m and the crystal cell parameters of Y2SmSbO7 was 9.51349 Å. The band gap width of Y2SmSbO7 was 2.63 eV. In2CdO4 crystallized with a body centered tetragonal lattice structure which was a tetragonal crystal system with a space group of I41/amd. The band gap width of In2CdO4 was 2.70 eV. After 110 minutes of visible light irradiation (VLGI-110min) with IYH as the photocatalyst, the removal rate (RR) of rhodamine B (RhB) concentration was 100% and the total organic carbon (TOC) concentration RR was 99.71%. The power mechanics invariable k toward RhB consistency and visible light irradiation (VLGI) time with IYH as the photocatalyzer reached 0.03073 min−1. The power mechanics invariable k which was involved with TOC reached 0.03621 min−1. After VLGI-110min, the RR of RhB with IYH as the photocatalyzer was 1.094, 1.174 or 1.740 times higher than that with In2CdO4, Y2SmSbO7 or N-doping TiO2 (N-TO) as the photocatalyzer, respectively. The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of IYH was the highest compared with In2CdO4, Y2SmSbO7, or N-TO. With appending a trapping agent, the oxidative capability for degrading RhB, which ranged from strong to weak among three oxidative radical groups, was as follows: hydroxyl radicals > superoxide anion > holes. This work provided a scientific basis for the research which resulted in prosperous development of efficient heterojunction compound catalysts.
A Review on the Progress in Chemo-Enzymatic Processes for CO2 Conversion and Upcycling
Authors: Markandan Kalaimani , Sankaran Revathy , Wei Tiong Yong , Siddiqui Humaira , Khalid Mohammad , Malik Sumira , Rustagi Sarvesh
Published: March 2023

The increasing concentration of atmospheric CO2 due to human activities has resulted in serious environmental issues such as global warming and calls for efficient ways to reduce CO2 from the environment. The conversion of CO2 into value-added compounds such as methane, formic acid, and methanol has emerged as a promising strategy for CO2 utilization. Among the different techniques, the enzymatic approach based on the CO2 metabolic process in cells presents a powerful and eco-friendly method for effective CO2 conversion and upcycling. This review discusses the catalytic conversion of CO2 using single and multienzyme systems, followed by various chemo-enzymatic processes to produce bicarbonates, bulk chemicals, synthetic organic fuel and synthetic polymer. We also highlight the challenges and prospects for future progress in CO2 conversion via chemo-enzymatic processes for a sustainable solution to reduce the global carbon footprint.
Polymer-Supported Oxidovanadium(IV) Complexes and Their Catalytic Applications in One-Pot Multicomponent Reactions Producing Biologically Active 2,4,5-Trisubstituted-1H-imidazoles
Authors: Maurya Mannar R. , Nandi Monojit , Patter Akhil , Avecilla Fernando , Ghosh Kaushik
Published: March 2023

Two new monobasic tridentate O⁀N⁀N donor ligands, HL1 (I) and HL2 (II) have been obtained in two steps by reacting phenylhydrazine and salicylaldehyde or 3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylaldehyde and then reacting the resulting compounds with 2-chloromethylbenzimidazole in the presence of triethylamine. The reaction of [VIVO(acac)2] with these ligands in a 1:1 molar ratio in dry methanol led to the formation of homogeneous oxidovanadium(IV) complexes [VIVO(acac)L1] (1) and [VIVO(acac)L2] (2). Immobilization of these complexes on chloromethylated polystyrene (PS-Cl) cross-linked with divinyl benzene resulted in corresponding polymer-supported heterogeneous complexes PS-[VIVO(acac)L1] (3) and PS-[VIVO(acac)L2] (4). Ligands (I and II), homogeneous complexes (1 and 2) and heterogeneous complexes (3 and 4) have been characterized using elemental analysis and various spectroscopic techniques. A single crystal X-ray diffraction study of I and 1 further confirms their structures. The oxidation state IV of vanadium in these complexes was assured by recording their EPR spectra while heterogeneous complexes were further characterized using field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) combined with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). All vanadium complexes have been explored for their catalytic potential to one-pot-three-component reactions (reagents: benzil, ammonium acetate and various aromatic aldehydes) for the efficient synthesis of 2,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazole derivatives (nine examples). Various reaction conditions have been optimized to obtain a maximum yield (up to 96%) of catalytic products. It has been found that heterogeneous complexes show excellent catalytic activity and are recyclable up to five catalytic cycles.
Fe Single Atoms Reduced by NaBH4 Mediate g-C3N4 Electron Transfer and Effectively Remove 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole
Authors: Yang Chen , Hu Xuefeng , Bai Yaxing , Cai Beichuan , Li Yujie
Published: March 2023

In this study, a simple and low-energy synthesis scheme of Fe single-atom anchored carbon nitride was reported to improve the photocatalytic performance of g-C3N4. Synthesized Fe single-atom doped graphite carbon nitride (Fe-SACs/g-C3N4) showed high activity and stability for the degradation of 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT); under visible light irradiation, 99% of MBT could be degraded within 35 min, and the degradation ability basically did not decline after five cycles, mainly due to the synergistic effect of the Fe single atoms and carbon nitride. The results of X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and density functional theory calculations show that the single-atom Fe forms Fe-N4 coordination with pyridine nitrogen to generate a new electron transfer channel, which can significantly improve the in-plane separation and transfer of carriers, finally enhancing the generation of superoxide radicals. This is confirmed by time-resolved photoluminescence, photoelectron chemistry, and electron spin resonance measurements. The main intermediates of MBT degradation were determined using a liquid chromatograph–mass spectrometer (LC-MS), and a possible photocatalytic mechanism based on the quenching experiment and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) test was proposed. A deep understanding of the contribution of Fe single-atom sites with clear local coordination structures will help to design effective catalysts for photocatalytic performance.
Determination of Complex Formation between Drosophila Nrf2 and GATA4 Factors at Selective Chromatin Loci Demonstrates Transcription Coactivation
Authors: Neidviecky Emma , Deng Huai
Published: March 2023

Nrf2 is the dominant cellular stress response factor that protects cells through transcriptional responses to xenobiotic and oxidative stimuli. Nrf2 malfunction is highly correlated with many human diseases, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be fully uncovered. GATA4 is a conserved GATA family transcription factor that is essential for cardiac and dorsal epidermal development. Here, we describe a novel interaction between Drosophila Nrf2 and GATA4 proteins, i.e., cap‘n’collar C (CncC) and Pannier (Pnr), respectively. Using the bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay—a unique imaging tool for probing protein complexes in living cells—we detected CncC–Pnr complexes in the nuclei of Drosophila embryonic and salivary gland cells. Visualization of CncC–Pnr BiFC signals on the polytene chromosome revealed that CncC and Pnr tend to form complexes in euchromatic regions, with a preference for loci that are not highly occupied by CncC or Pnr alone. Most genes within these loci are activated by the CncC–Pnr BiFC, but not by individually expressed CncC or Pnr fusion proteins, indicating a novel mechanism whereby CncC and Pnr interact at specific genomic loci and coactivate genes at these loci. Finally, CncC-induced early lethality can be rescued by Pnr depletion, suggesting that CncC and Pnr function in the same genetic pathway during the early development of Drosophila. Taken together, these results elucidate a novel crosstalk between the Nrf2 xenobiotic/oxidative response factor and GATA factors in the transcriptional regulation of development. This study also demonstrates that the polytene chromosome BiFC assay is a valuable tool for mapping genes that are targeted by specific transcription factor complexes.
Extracellular Lactic Acidosis of the Tumor Microenvironment Drives Adipocyte-to-Myofibroblast Transition Fueling the Generation of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts
Authors: Andreucci Elena , Fioretto Bianca Saveria , Rosa Irene , Matucci-Cerinic Marco , Biagioni Alessio , Romano Eloisa , Calorini Lido , Manetti Mirko
Published: March 2023

Lactic acidosis characterizes the tumor microenvironment (TME) and is involved in the mechanisms leading to cancer progression and dissemination through the reprogramming of tumor and local host cells (e.g., endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells). Adipose tissue also represents a crucial component of the TME which is receiving increasing attention due to its pro-tumoral activity, however, to date, it is not known whether it could be affected by the acidic TME. Now, emerging evidence from chronic inflammatory and fibrotic diseases underlines that adipocytes may give rise to pathogenic myofibroblast-like cells through the adipocyte-to-myofibroblast transition (AMT). Thus, our study aimed to investigate whether extracellular acidosis could affect the AMT process, sustaining the acquisition by adipocytes of a cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-like phenotype with a pro-tumoral activity. To this purpose, human subcutaneous adipose-derived stem cells committed to adipocytes (acADSCs) were cultured under basal (pH 7.4) or lactic acidic (pH 6.7, 10 mM lactate) conditions, and AMT was evaluated with quantitative PCR, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence analyses. We observed that lactic acidosis significantly impaired the expression of adipocytic markers while inducing myofibroblastic, pro-fibrotic, and pro-inflammatory phenotypes in acADSCs, which are characteristic of AMT reprogramming. Interestingly, the conditioned medium of lactic acidosis-exposed acADSC cultures was able to induce myofibroblastic activation in normal fibroblasts and sustain the proliferation, migration, invasion, and therapy resistance of breast cancer cells in vitro. This study reveals a previously unrecognized relationship between lactic acidosis and the generation of a new CAF-like cell subpopulation from adipocytic precursor cells sustaining tumor malignancy.
Surface Plasmon Electrochemistry: Tutorial and Review
Authors: Hirbodvash Zohreh , Berini Pierre
Published: March 2023

Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are optical surface waves propagating along a metal surface. They exhibit attributes such as field enhancement and sub-wavelength localization, which make them attractive for surface sensing, as they are heavily exploited in surface plasmon biosensors. Electrochemistry also occurs on metal surfaces, and electrochemical techniques are also commonly applied in biosensors. As metal surfaces are integral in both, it is natural to combine these techniques into a single platform. Motivations include: (i) realising a multimodal biosensor (electrochemical and optical), (ii) using SPPs to probe the electrochemical double layer or to probe electrochemical activity, thus revealing complementary information on redox reactions, or (iii) using SPPs to pump electrochemical reactions by creating non-equilibrium energetic electrons and holes in a working electrode through the absorption of SPPs thereon. The latter is of interest as it may yield novel redox reaction pathways (i.e., plasmonic electrocatalysis).
Oxygen for the Newborn: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Perrone Serafina , Manti Sara , Petrolini Chiara , Dell’Orto Valentina Giovanna , Boscarino Giovanni , Ceccotti Chiara , Bertini Mattia , Buonocore Giuseppe , Esposito Susanna Maria Roberta , Gitto Eloisa
Published: March 2023

Oxygen supplementation is widely used in neonatal care, however, it can also cause toxic effects if not used properly. Therefore, it appears crucial to find a balance in oxygen administration to avoid damage as a consequence of its insufficient or excessive use. Oxygen toxicity is mainly due to the production of oxygen radicals, molecules normally produced in humans and involved in a myriad of physiological reactions. In the neonatal period, an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidant defenses, the so-called oxidative stress, might occur, causing severe pathological consequences. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms of the production of oxygen radicals and their physiological functions in determining a set of diseases grouped together as “free radical diseases in the neonate”. In addition, we describe the evolution of the oxygenation target recommendations during neonatal resuscitation and post-stabilization phases with the aim to define the best oxygen administration according to the newest evidence.
Therapeutic Strategies of Primary Molar Infraocclusion: A Systematic Review
Authors: Patano Assunta , Inchingolo Angelo Michele , Laudadio Claudia , Azzollini Daniela , Marinelli Grazia , Ceci Sabino , Latini Giulia , Rapone Biagio , Inchingolo Alessio Danilo , Mancini Antonio , Inchingolo Francesco , Di Venere Daniela , Tartaglia Gianluca Martino , Dipalma Gianna , Malcangi Giuseppina
Published: March 2023

Background: Infraocclusion of deciduous molars is a clinical disturbance that occurs during primary and mixed dentition and has some orthodontic implications. Infraoccluded teeth are believed to be potential sites of malocclusion, with a risk of tipping neighbouring teeth and losing space. This systematic review aims to analyse the management of primary molars infraocclusion and to provide updated guidelines. Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from 1 January 2017 to 28 November 2022. The inclusion criteria were: studies only on human subjects, open access studies, case reports, randomised trials, retrospective, observational studies, and English language. Results: A total of 372 publications were identified from the databases and a final number of nine studies were included in the review for qualitative analysis. Conclusion: Management of patients suffering from infraocclusion depends on the severity, age at diagnosis, and presence of succeeded premolars. Early diagnosis of infraoccluded primary elements is fundamental and cannot be postponed. Preservation of the primary molars may be a valid option with long-term stability if there is no or moderate primary molar infraocclusion, root resorption of less than half of the root, and no decay or restoration.
Sibling Relationship Dynamics in Families with a Child Diagnosed with a Chronic Mental Disorder versus a Somatic Condition
Authors: Rad Florina , Andrei Emanuela Lucia , Irimie-Ana Alecsandra , Olteanu Ilinca , Budișteanu Magdalena , Mihailescu Ilinca , Mînecan Elma-Maria , Manea Mihnea Costin , Coliță Anca , Buică Alexandra
Published: March 2023

Background: Recent research still focuses on the psychological impact on siblings and the problematic relationships in families with children with chronic illnesses. Our study evaluates the dynamics in sibling relationships in families with a child diagnosed with a chronic disease. Methods: We comparatively evaluated the degree of empathy, involvement, friendship, and rivalry in sibling relationships in two groups of families who have a child with a chronic pediatric disorder versus a chronic mental disorder. Results: The levels of involvement/friendship, empathy/care/concern, and education/learning were significantly higher in the pediatric group. Where there were siblings under the age of 10, rivalry scores tended to be higher in both groups. Conclusions: Coping strategies, emphatic interactions, and implications in common activities are difficult to identify in the relationship between siblings when one of them has a chronic mental disorder. All of these negative aspects entail poor quality sibling relationships and draw alarm signals regarding the need for monitoring and intervention familial programs.
The In Vitro and In Vivo Anticancer Effect of Photomed for Photodynamic Therapy: Comparison with Photofrin and Radachlorin
Authors: Kim Jieun , Kim Johyun , Yoon Heewon , Chae Yoon-Jee , Rhew Kiyon , Chang Ji-Eun
Published: March 2023

To overcome the limitation of conventional cancer treatments, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been introduced as another treatment option. PDT provides a non-invasive, non-surgical way with reduced toxicity. To improve the antitumor efficacy of PDT, we synthesized a novel photosensitizer, a 3-substituted methyl pyropheophorbide-a derivative (Photomed). The purpose of the study was to evaluate the antitumor effect of PDT with Photomed comparing with the clinically approved photosensitizers Photofrin and Radachlorin. The cytotoxicity assay against SCC VII cells (murine squamous cell carcinoma) was performed to determine whether Photomed is safe without PDT and whether Photomed is effective against cancer cells with PDT. An in vivo anticancer efficacy study was also performed using SCC VII tumor-bearing mice. The mice were divided into small-tumor and large-tumor groups to identify whether Photomed-induced PDT is effective for not only small tumors but also large tumors. From in vitro and in vivo studies, Photomed was confirmed to be (1) a safe photosensitizer without laser irradiation, (2) the most effective photosensitizer with PDT against cancers compared to Photofrin and Radachlorin and (3) effective with PDT in treating not only small tumors but also large tumors. In conclusion, Photomed may contribute as a novel, potential photosensitizer for use in PDT cancer treatment.
Effects of Large Extracellular Vesicles from Kidney Cancer Patients on the Growth and Environment of Renal Cell Carcinoma Xenografts in a Mouse Model
Authors: Ferragu Matthieu , Vergori Luisa , Le Corre Vincent , Bellal Sarah , del Carmen Martinez Maria , Bigot Pierre
Published: March 2023

Plasma membrane-derived vesicles, also referred to as large extracellular vesicles (lEVs), are implicated in several pathophysiological situations, including cancer. However, to date, no studies have evaluated the effects of lEVs isolated from patients with renal cancer on the development of their tumors. In this study, we investigated the effects of three types of lEVs on the growth and peritumoral environment of xenograft clear cell renal cell carcinoma in a mouse model. Xenograft cancer cells were derived from patients’ nephrectomy specimens. Three types of lEVs were obtained from pre-nephrectomy patient blood (cEV), the supernatant of primary cancer cell culture (sEV) and from blood from individuals with no medical history of cancer (iEV). Xenograft volume was measured after nine weeks of growth. Xenografts were then removed, and the expression of CD31 and Ki67 were evaluated. We also measured the expression of MMP2 and Ca9 in the native mouse kidney. lEVs from kidney cancer patients (cEV and sEV) tend to increase the size of xenografts, a factor that is related to an increase in vascularization and tumor cell proliferation. cEV also altered organs that were distant from the xenograft. These results suggest that lEVs in cancer patients are involved in both tumor growth and cancer progression.
Development of Digital Droplet PCR Targeting the Influenza H3N2 Oseltamivir-Resistant E119V Mutation and Its Performance through the Use of Reverse Genetics Mutants
Authors: Van Poelvoorde Laura A. E. , Dufrasne François E. , Van Gucht Steven , Saelens Xavier , Roosens Nancy H. C.
Published: March 2023

The monitoring of antiviral-resistant influenza virus strains is important for public health given the availability and use of neuraminidase inhibitors and other antivirals to treat infected patients. Naturally occurring oseltamivir-resistant seasonal H3N2 influenza virus strains often carry a glutamate-to-valine substitution at position 119 in the neuraminidase (E119V-NA). Early detection of resistant influenza viruses is important for patient management and for the rapid containment of antiviral resistance. The neuraminidase inhibition assay allows the phenotypical identification of resistant strains; however, this test often has limited sensitivity with high variability depending on the virus strain, drugs and assays. Once a mutation such as E119V-NA is known, highly sensitive PCR-based genotypic assays can be used to identify the prevalence of such mutant influenza viruses in clinical samples. In this study, based on an existing reverse transcriptase real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) assay, we developed a reverse transcriptase droplet digital PCR assay (RT-ddPCR) to detect and quantify the frequency of the E119V-NA mutation. Furthermore, reverse genetics viruses carrying this mutation were created to test the performance of the RT-ddPCR assay and compare it to the standard phenotypic NA assay. We also discuss the advantage of using an RT-ddPCR instead of qPCR method in the context of viral diagnostics and surveillance.
Climate-Induced Non-Economic Loss and Damage: Understanding Policy Responses, Challenges, and Future Directions in Pacific Small Island Developing States
Authors: Chandra Alvin , McNamara Karen E. , Clissold Rachel , Tabe Tammy , Westoby Ross
Published: March 2023

Despite mitigation and adaptation efforts, the residual risks of climate change will continue to impact the most vulnerable communities globally. Highly exposed regions, such as the Pacific Islands, will continue to experience profound negative loss and damage as a result of climate change, which will challenge current ways of life. Knowledge on the extent to which regional and national climate change polices can identify and respond to non-economic loss and damage (NELD) is limited. From the perspectives of stakeholders in the Pacific Islands region, this research aims to gain insights into how regional and national policies are responding to NELD, as the well as the barriers, shortcomings, and requirements for future responses. Utilising a mixed qualitative–quantitative approach, this research explores the perspectives of expert informants, including those from the government, donors and development partners, civil society, intergovernmental organisations, and other relevant bodies, such as universities. The key findings of this study indicate that current policy responses include a regional policy that integrates disaster and climate change losses, national efforts to preserve traditional and local knowledge, national adaptation and resilience planning, community-based projects, and relocation and resettlement. Additionally, NELD is a relatively new concept for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers, and it is difficult to conceptualise the diversity of issues related to NELD in the region. Owing to this poor understanding, a key gap relates to the dominance of the economic lens when characterising climate-induced impacts in the region. As such, there is a limited holistic consideration of climate change impacts, and thus a limited appreciation of the interrelated factors of NELD within policy responses that then cascade towards communities. Finally, the paper outlines key policy insights as follows: policies on integration, adaptation, resilience planning, relocation and resettlement have advanced; the economic lens dominates when characterising climate-induced impacts on the region; there is a limited appreciation of the interrelated factors of NELD; and there exists a need to account for residual and intangible losses to land, culture, traditional knowledge, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human agency. The insights gained from this research can provide a practical basis for guiding local to regional action and help support and design comprehensive risk management solutions in order to address NELD associated with climate change.
Dispersion of Carbon Nanotubes Improved by Ball Milling to Prepare Functional Epoxy Nanocomposites
Authors: Gao Ziqi , Han Quanjiabao , Liu Jianbang , Zhao Kangbo , Yu Yin , Feng Yuanyuan , Han Sensen
Published: March 2023

There has been an increase in interest in developing functional polymer composites based on green chemistry principles. The purpose of this study was to investigate the preparation of functional epoxy/carbon nanotube nanocomposites using ball milling methods. In contrast to mechanical mixing, ball milling promoted good dispersion of CNTs within the epoxy matrix, thereby improving their mechanical properties and electrical conductivity. In epoxy nanocomposites with ball milling, Young’s modulus and tensile strength were increased by 653% and 150%, respectively, when CNT loading was 1.0 vol%. Additionally, the ball milling of CNTs improves their dispersion, resulting in a low percolation threshold at 0.67 vol%. The epoxy/CNT film sensor that was produced using the ball milling approach not only exhibited high reliability and sensitivity to mechanical strains and impact loads, but also possessed the ability to self-detect damage, such as cracks, and accurately locate them. This study marks a notable milestone in the advancement of functional epoxy/CNT composites through the ball milling approach.
EA2-IMDG: Efficient Approach of Using an In-Memory Data Grid to Improve the Performance of Replication and Scheduling in Grid Environment Systems
Authors: Guroob Abdo H.
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes a novel approach, EA2-IMDG (Efficient Approach of Using an In-Memory Data Grid) to improve the performance of replication and scheduling in grid environment systems. Grid environments are widely used for distributed computing, but they are often faced with the challenge of high data access latency and poor scalability. By utilizing an in-memory data grid (IMDG), the aim is to significantly reduce the data access latency and improve the resource utilization of the system. The approach uses the IMDG to store data in RAM, instead of on disk, allowing for faster data retrieval and processing. The IMDG is used to distribute data across multiple nodes, which helps to reduce the risk of data bottlenecks and improve the scalability of the system. To evaluate the proposed approach, a series of experiments were conducted, and its performance was compared with two baseline approaches: a centralized database and a centralized file system. The results of the experiments show that the EA2-IMDG approach improves the performance of replication and scheduling tasks by up to 90% in terms of data access latency and 50% in terms of resource utilization, respectively. These results suggest that the EA2-IMDG approach is a promising solution for improving the performance of grid environment systems.
Electrical Manipulation of Spin-Dependent Anisotropy of a Dirac Cone in a Graphene Superlattice with Alternating Periodic Electrostatic and Exchange Fields
Authors: Somroob Pattana , Liewrian Watchara
Published: March 2023

We studied the spin-dependent behavior of the electronic properties of alternating periodic potentials applied to finite and infinite graphene superlattices coupled with tunable electrostatic and exchange fields. The band structures were evaluated using the transfer matrix approach. The results of tuning the coupled electrostatic potential and exchange field showed that the spin-dependent anisotropy of a Dirac cone depends on the difference between the amplitude of periodically modulated coupling. Spin-dependent collimation occurs when the modulations become zero-average potentials with the ratio of both periodically modulated strengths equals one, in which one spin can be moved freely, but the other one is highly collimated. In addition, we find that the number of extra Dirac points in the infinite superlattice is spin-dependent. In terms of spin-ups, their number increases with an increase in the strength of both modulated fields. To ensure this calculation, we also compute the conductance of finite periodic modulation at zero energy. It is shown that the peaks of the conductance occur when the extra Dirac point emerges. This result may be utilized to design graphene-based devices with highly spin-polarized collimators.
Wear and Corrosion Behavior of Cold-Sprayed Cu-10Sn Coatings
Authors: Ozdemir Ismail , Bulbul Bahattin , Grund Thomas , Lampke Thomas
Published: March 2023

Gas-atomized Cu-10Sn powders as a potential substitute for sintered bronze layers are usually employed in plain-bearing shells produced by cold spray (CS) processes on steel substrates (AISI 1010). In this study, the effective thickness, i.e., approx. 450 µm, of the bronze overlay required for the bearing shell was successfully and cost-effectively deposited in a short time. A ball-on-disc test setup was used to explore the tribological behavior of cold-sprayed bronze coatings under dry sliding conditions, and the electrochemical corrosion behaviors of sprayed coatings at room temperature were also evaluated by using the potentiodynamic scanning (PDS) technique in acidic (0.01 M Na2SO4) and alkaline (3.5% NaCl) environments. The characterization of the sprayed bronze coatings revealed no formation of oxidation or new phases during cold spraying and that the coatings were well-adhered to the substrates, implying good bonding. The wear results demonstrated that, as the load and sliding distance increased, the friction coefficients and wear rates of the sprayed coatings decreased. The PDS results showed that the corrosion resistance of the Cu-10Sn coating layer in an acidic environment is higher than that in an alkaline environment. In addition, the coated layer presented no passivation or pitting onset due to the heavy corrosion reaction in an alkaline solution.
A Review on the Progress of AlGaN Tunnel Homojunction Deep-Ultraviolet Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Nagata Kengo , Matsubara Taichi , Saito Yoshiki , Kataoka Keita , Narita Tetsuo , Horibuchi Kayo , Kushimoto Maki , Tomai Shigekazu , Katsumata Satoshi , Honda Yoshio , Takeuchi Tetsuya , Amano Hiroshi
Published: March 2023

Conventional deep-ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) based on AlGaN crystals have extremely low light-emission efficiencies due to the absorption in p-type GaN anode contacts. UV-light-transparent anode structures are considered as one of the solutions to increase a light output power. To this end, the present study focuses on developing a transparent AlGaN homoepitaxial tunnel junction (TJ) as the anode of a deep-UV LED. Deep-UV LEDs composed of n+/p+-type AlGaN TJs were fabricated under the growth condition that reduced the carrier compensation in the n+-type AlGaN layers. The developed deep-UV LED achieved an operating voltage of 10.8 V under a direct current (DC) operation of 63 A cm−2, which is one of the lowest values among devices composed of AlGaN tunnel homojunctions. In addition, magnesium zinc oxide (MgZnO)/Al reflective electrodes were fabricated to enhance the output power of the AlGaN homoepitaxial TJ LED. The output power was increased to 57.3 mW under a 63 A cm−2 DC operation, which was 1.7 times higher than that achieved using the conventional Ti/Al electrodes. The combination of the AlGaN-based TJ and MgZnO/Al reflective contact allows further improvement of the light output power. This study confirms that the AlGaN TJ is a promising UV-transmittance structure that can achieve a high light-extraction efficiency.
The Vertically Heteroepitaxial Structure for Lead-Free Piezoelectric K0.5Na0.5NbO3 Films
Authors: Wang Zhe , Wang Lingyan , Ren Wei , Li Chao , Quan Yi , Zheng Kun , Zhuang Jian
Published: March 2023

The effect of epitaxial strain on the electrical properties of ferroelectric films has been widely investigated. However, this kind of strain is generally attributed to the substrate clamping constraints and is easily relaxed when the thickness of films is over 100 nm. In this work, a vertically epitaxial strain was introduced into lead-free piezoelectric K0.5Na0.5NbO3 films to improve the electrical properties of ferroelectric films. Two-phase, vertically epitaxial composite KNN-ZnO thin films were grown on the (001) STO substrate using a pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method. The highly (001) preferentially oriented KNN phase and (112¯ 0)-oriented ZnO phase were orderly arranged. Two types of morphologies of “square-like” and “stripe-looking” grains were observed in the surface image. An asymmetric “square” out-of-plane phase hysteresis loop and a “butterfly” displacement loop were exhibited in the KNN phase, whereas the ZnO phase showed a closed phase hysteresis loop and a slim displacement-voltage loop. Two different kinds of polarization behaviors for domains were also observed under applied electric fields, in which the domain of the KNN phase is easily switched to the opposite state, whereas the ZnO phase keeps a stable domain state when applying a DC bias of ±50 V. the vertically epitaxial growth of the KNN-ZnO composited films in this work provides a new way to fabricate complex nanoscale materials.
Complex Assessment of X-ray Diffraction in Crystals with Face-Centered Silicon Carbide Lattice
Authors: Bosikov Igor I. , Martyushev Nikita V. , Klyuev Roman V. , Tynchenko Vadim S. , Kukartsev Viktor A. , Eremeeva Svetlana V. , Karlina Antonina I.
Published: March 2023

X-ray diffraction analysis is essential in studying stacking faults. Most of the techniques used for this purpose are based on theoretical studies. These studies suggest that the observed diffraction patterns are caused by random stacking faults in crystals. In reality, however, the condition of randomness for stacking faults may be violated. The purpose of the study was to develop a technique that can be used to calculate the diffraction effects of the axis of the thin plates of twin, new phases, as well as other variations in defective structures. Materials and methods. This was achieved through modern X-ray diffraction methods using differential equations (transformations and Fourier transforms) and the construction of the Ewald sphere, mathematical analysis, mathematical logic, and mathematical modeling (complex Markov chain). Conclusion. The study made it possible to develop a technique for the calculation of the diffraction effects of the axis of the thin plates of twin, new phases and other variations in defective structures. The technique makes it possible to solve several complex, urgent problems related to the calculation of X-ray diffraction for crystals with face-centered lattices containing different types of stacking faults. At the same time, special attention was paid to the correlations between the relative positions of faults. The calculations showed that the proposed method can help to determine the nature and structure of stacking faults by identifying the partial and vertex dislocations limiting them in twin crystals with a face-centered cubic structure of silicon carbide based on X-ray diffraction analysis.
Synthesis and Structural Studies of Complexes of Bis(pentafluorophenyl)mercury with Di(phosphane oxide) Ligands
Authors: Rangarajan Shalini , Beaumont Owen , Guo Zhifang , Balakrishna Maravanji , Deacon Glen , Blair Victoria
Published: March 2023

The reaction of bis(pentafluorophenyl)mercury with the ligands bis(diphenylphosphano) methane P,P’-dioxide ({Ph2P(O)}2CH2) (1), bis{2-(N,N,N’N’-tetraethyldiaminophosphano) imidazol-1-yl} methane P,P’-dioxide ({2-PO(NEt2)2C3N2H2}2CH2) (2) and bis (2-diphenylphosphanophenyl) ether P,P’-dioxide ({2-PPh2(O)C6H4}2O) (3) afforded crystalline σ-donor complexes [{Hg(C6F5)2}2{Ph2P(O)}2CH2] (1Hg), [Hg(C6F5)2{2-PO(NEt2)2C3N2H2}2CH2]n (2Hg) and [Hg(C6F5)2{2-PPh2(O)C6H4}2O] (3Hg), respectively. The molecular structures of 1Hg, 2Hg and 3Hg show considerable differences. In complex 1Hg, a single bridging bidentate ligand connects two three-coordinate T-shape mercury atoms with a near linear C-Hg-C atom array. Complex 2Hg is a one-dimensional coordination polymer in which adjacent four-coordinate mercury atoms with a linear C-Hg-C atom array are linked by bridging bidentate O,O’- ligands, whilst in complex 3Hg a T-shape three-coordinate mercury atom is ligated by (3) in a monodentate fashion. The Hg-O bond lengths of complexes 1Hg, 2Hg and 3Hg differ substantially (range 2.5373(14)-2.966(3) Å) owing to structural and bonding differences.