bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre-Transplant Prediction of Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease Using the Gut Microbiome
Authors: Zargari Marandi Ramtin , Jørgensen Mette , Ilett Emma Elizabeth , Nørgaard Jens Christian , Noguera-Julian Marc , Paredes Roger , Lundgren Jens D. , Sengeløv Henrik , MacPherson Cameron Ross
Published: December 2022

Gut microbiota is thought to influence host responses to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT). Recent evidence points to this post-transplant for acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD). We asked whether any such association might be found pre-transplant and conducted a metagenome-wide association study (MWAS) to explore. Microbial abundance profiles were estimated using ensembles of Kaiju, Kraken2, and DeepMicrobes calls followed by dimensionality reduction. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to evaluate classification of the samples (aGvHD vs. none) using an elastic net to test the relevance of metagenomic data. Clinical data included the underlying disease (leukemia vs. other hematological malignancies), recipient age, and sex. Among 172 aHSCT patients of whom 42 developed aGVHD post transplantation, a total of 181 pre-transplant tool samples were analyzed. The top performing model predicting risk of aGVHD included a reduced species profile (AUC = 0.672). Beta diversity (37% in Jaccard’s Nestedness by mean fold change, p < 0.05) was lower in those developing aGvHD. Ten bacterial species including Prevotella and Eggerthella genera were consistently found to associate with aGvHD in indicator species analysis, as well as relief and impurity-based algorithms. The findings support the hypothesis on potential associations between gut microbiota and aGvHD based on a data-driven approach to MWAS. This highlights the need and relevance of routine stool collection for the discovery of novel biomarkers.
Aspirin Inhibition of Prostaglandin Synthesis Impairs Mosquito Egg Development
Authors: Choi Duyeol , Al Baki Md. Abdullah , Ahmed Shabbir , Kim Yonggyun
Published: December 2022

Several endocrine signals mediate mosquito egg development, including 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). This study reports on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as an additional, but core, mediator of oogenesis in a human disease-vectoring mosquito, Aedes albopictus. Injection of aspirin (an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX)) after blood-feeding (BF) inhibited oogenesis by preventing nurse cell dumping into a growing oocyte. The inhibitory effect was rescued by PGE2 addition. PGE2 was found to be rich in nurse cells and follicular epithelium after BF. RNA interference (RNAi) treatments of PG biosynthetic genes, including PLA2 and two COX-like peroxidases, prevented egg development. Interestingly, 20E treatment significantly increased the expressions of PG biosynthetic genes, while the RNAi of Shade (which is a 20E biosynthetic gene) expression prevented inducible expressions after BF. Furthermore, RNAi treatments of PGE2 receptor genes suppressed egg production, even under PGE2. These results suggest that a signaling pathway of BF-20E-PGE2 is required for early vitellogenesis in the mosquito.
TRIP13 Participates in Immediate-Early Sensing of DNA Strand Breaks and ATM Signaling Amplification through MRE11
Authors: Jeong Hyeongsun , Wie Minwoo , Baek In-Joon , Sohn Gyuwon , Um Si-Hyeon , Lee Seon-Gyeong , Seo Yuri , Ra Jaesun , Lee Eun A , Kim Shinseog , Kim Byung Gyu , Deshpande Rajashree A. , Paull Tanya T. , Han Joo Seok , Kwon Taejoon , Myung Kyungjae
Published: December 2022

Thyroid hormone receptor-interacting protein 13 (TRIP13) participates in various regulatory steps related to the cell cycle, such as the mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint and meiotic recombination, possibly by interacting with members of the HORMA domain protein family. Recently, it was reported that TRIP13 could regulate the choice of the DNA repair pathway, i.e., homologous recombination (HR) or nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ). However, TRIP13 is recruited to DNA damage sites within a few seconds after damage and may therefore have another function in DNA repair other than regulation of the pathway choice. Furthermore, the depletion of TRIP13 inhibited both HR and NHEJ, suggesting that TRIP13 plays other roles besides regulation of choice between HR and NHEJ. To explore the unidentified functions of TRIP13 in the DNA damage response, we investigated its genome-wide interaction partners in the context of DNA damage using quantitative proteomics with proximity labeling. We identified MRE11 as a novel interacting partner of TRIP13. TRIP13 controlled the recruitment of MDC1 to DNA damage sites by regulating the interaction between MDC1 and the MRN complex. Consistently, TRIP13 was involved in ATM signaling amplification. Our study provides new insight into the function of TRIP13 in immediate-early DNA damage sensing and ATM signaling activation.
Treatment with MDL 72527 Ameliorated Clinical Symptoms, Retinal Ganglion Cell Loss, Optic Nerve Inflammation, and Improved Visual Acuity in an Experimental Model of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Liu Fang , Alfarhan Moaddey , Baker Leanna , Shenoy Nidhi , Liao Yini , Henry-Ojo Harry O. , Somanath Payaningal R. , Narayanan S. Priya
Published: December 2022

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a highly disabling neurological disease characterized by inflammation, neuronal damage, and demyelination. Vision impairment is one of the major clinical features of MS. Previous studies from our lab have shown that MDL 72527, a pharmacological inhibitor of spermine oxidase (SMOX), is protective against neurodegeneration and inflammation in the models of diabetic retinopathy and excitotoxicity. In the present study, utilizing the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS, we determined the impact of SMOX blockade on retinal neurodegeneration and optic nerve inflammation. The increased expression of SMOX observed in EAE retinas was associated with a significant loss of retinal ganglion cells, degeneration of synaptic contacts, and reduced visual acuity. MDL 72527-treated mice exhibited markedly reduced motor deficits, improved neuronal survival, the preservation of synapses, and improved visual acuity compared to the vehicle-treated group. The EAE-induced increase in macrophage/microglia was markedly reduced by SMOX inhibition. Upregulated acrolein conjugates in the EAE retina were decreased through MDL 72527 treatment. Mechanistically, the EAE-induced ERK-STAT3 signaling was blunted by SMOX inhibition. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate the potential benefits of targeting SMOX to treat MS-mediated neuroinflammation and vision loss.
KLK6/PAR1 Axis Promotes Tumor Growth and Metastasis by Regulating Cross-Talk between Tumor Cells and Macrophages
Authors: Hwang Yo Sep , Cho Hee Jun , Park Eun Sun , Lim Jeewon , Yoon Hyang Ran , Kim Jong-Tae , Yoon Suk Ran , Jung Haiyoung , Choe Yong-Kyung , Kim Yong-Hoon , Lee Chul-Ho , Kwon Yong Tae , Kim Bo Yeon , Lee Hee Gu
Published: December 2022

Kallikrein-related peptidase (KLK)6 is associated with inflammatory diseases and neoplastic progression. KLK6 is aberrantly expressed in several solid tumors and regulates cancer development, metastatic progression, and drug resistance. However, the function of KLK6 in the tumor microenvironment remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the role of KLK6 in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we uncovered the mechanism underlying KLK6-mediated cross-talk between cancer cells and macrophages. Compared with wild-type mice, KLK6−/− mice showed less tumor growth and metastasis in the B16F10 melanoma and Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) xenograft model. Mechanistically, KLK6 promoted the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) from macrophages via the activation of protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR1) in an autocrine manner. TNF-α secreted from macrophages induced the release of the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1) from melanoma and lung carcinoma cells in a paracrine manner. The introduction of recombinant KLK6 protein in KLK6−/− mice rescued the production of TNF-α and CXCL1, tumor growth, and metastasis. Inhibition of PAR1 activity suppressed these malignant phenotypes rescued by rKLK6 in vitro and in vivo. Our findings suggest that KLK6 functions as an important molecular link between macrophages and cancer cells during malignant progression, thereby providing opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
An Approach for Systems-Level Understanding of Prostate Cancer from High-Throughput Data Integration to Pathway Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Mobashir Mohammad , Turunen S. Pauliina , Izhari Mohammad Asrar , Ashankyty Ibraheem Mohammed , Helleday Thomas , Lehti Kaisa
Published: December 2022

To understand complex diseases, high-throughput data are generated at large and multiple levels. However, extracting meaningful information from large datasets for comprehensive understanding of cell phenotypes and disease pathophysiology remains a major challenge. Despite tremendous advances in understanding molecular mechanisms of cancer and its progression, current knowledge appears discrete and fragmented. In order to render this wealth of data more integrated and thus informative, we have developed a GECIP toolbox to investigate the crosstalk and the responsible genes’/proteins’ connectivity of enriched pathways from gene expression data. To implement this toolbox, we used mainly gene expression datasets of prostate cancer, and the three datasets were GSE17951, GSE8218, and GSE1431. The raw samples were processed for normalization, prediction of differentially expressed genes, and the prediction of enriched pathways for the differentially expressed genes. The enriched pathways have been processed for crosstalk degree calculations for which number connections per gene, the frequency of genes in the pathways, sharing frequency, and the connectivity have been used. For network prediction, protein–protein interaction network database FunCoup2.0 was used, and cytoscape software was used for the network visualization. In our results, we found that there were enriched pathways 27, 45, and 22 for GSE17951, GSE8218, and GSE1431, respectively, and 11 pathways in common between all of them. From the crosstalk results, we observe that focal adhesion and PI3K pathways, both experimentally proven central for cellular output upon perturbation of numerous individual/distinct signaling pathways, displayed highest crosstalk degree. Moreover, we also observe that there were more critical pathways which appear to be highly significant, and these pathways are HIF1a, hippo, AMPK, and Ras. In terms of the pathways’ components, GSK3B, YWHAE, HIF1A, ATP1A3, and PRKCA are shared between the aforementioned pathways and have higher connectivity with the pathways and the other pathway components. Finally, we conclude that the focal adhesion and PI3K pathways are the most critical pathways, and since for many other pathways, high-rank enrichment did not translate to high crosstalk degree, the global impact of one pathway on others appears distinct from enrichment.
10th Anniversary of Cells: Advances in Cellular Immunology—Regulation of Autoimmune Response and Antitumor Reactivity: Are They Two Side of the Same Coin?
Authors: Poggi Alessandro
Published: December 2022

The innate and adaptive arms of the immune system are involved in maintaining organism homeostasis [...]
Correction: Gill, H. Lysine-Specific Demethylase 1 (LSD1/KDM1A) Inhibition as a Target for Disease Modification in Myelofibrosis. Cells 2022, 11, 2107
Authors: Gill Harinder
Published: December 2022

The authors would like to make the following corrections to the published paper [...]
Expression and Kinetics of Endogenous Cannabinoids in the Brain and Spinal Cord of a Spare Nerve Injury (SNI) Model of Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Kurosu Kenta , Islam Ariful , Sato Tomohito , Kahyo Tomoaki , Banno Tomohiro , Sato Noriko , Matsuyama Yukihiro , Setou Mitsutoshi
Published: December 2022

The role of endogenous cannabinoids in neuropathic pain has been actively studied, among which 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) has received the most attention. However, owing to its chemical properties, direct detection of 2-AG distribution in tissues is difficult. Moreover, although desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging (DESI-MSI) has enabled the detection of 2-AG, its distribution in the brain and spinal cord of neuropathic pain models has not been reported. In this study, the expression and distribution of 2-AG in the brain and spinal cord of a spare nerve injury (SNI) mice model of neuropathic pain was examined using DESI-MSI. The brain and lumbar spinal cord were collected and analyzed on days 3, 7, and 21 after treatment. On days 3 and 7 after treatment, 2-AG expression in the SNI model was decreased in the hypothalamus, midbrain, and especially in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) region but increased in the lumbar spinal cord. On day 21, the SNI model showed decreased 2-AG expression in the hypothalamus, but the difference from the control was not significant. Furthermore, there were no differences in 2-AG expression between the lumbar spinal cord, midbrain, or PAG. These data suggest that 2-AG might be involved in pain control.
Redox Genetic Risk Score and the Incidence of End-Stage Kidney Disease in People with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Mohammedi Kamel , Marre Michel , Hadjadj Samy , Potier Louis , Velho Gilberto
Published: December 2022

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is a multifactorial condition influenced by genetic background, but the extent to which a genetic risk score (GRS) improves ESKD prediction is unknown. We built a redox GRS on the base of previous association studies (six polymorphisms from six redox genes) and tested its relationship with ESKD in three cohorts of people with type 1 diabetes. Among 1012 participants, ESKD (hemodialysis requirement, kidney transplantation, eGFR < 15 mL/min/1.73 m2) occurred in 105 (10.4%) during a 14-year follow-up. High redox GRS was associated with increased ESKD risk (adjusted HR for the upper versus the lowest GRS tertile: 2.60 (95% CI, 1.51–4.48), p = 0.001). Each additional risk-allele was associated with a 20% increased risk of ESKD (95% CI, 8–33, p < 0.0001). High GRS yielded a relevant population attributable fraction (30%), but only a marginal enhancement in c-statistics index (0.928 [0.903–0.954]) over clinical factors 0.921 (0.892–0.950), p = 0.04). This is the first report of an independent association between redox GRS and increased risk of ESKD in type 1 diabetes. Our results do not support the use of this GRS in clinical practice but provide new insights into the involvement of oxidative stress genetic factors in ESKD risk in type 1 diabetes.
PCSK9 in Liver Cancers at the Crossroads between Lipid Metabolism and Immunity
Authors: Alannan Malak , Seidah Nabil G. , Merched Aksam J.
Published: December 2022

Metabolic rewiring and defective immune responses are considered to be the main driving forces sustaining cell growth and oncogenesis in many cancers. The atypical enzyme, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), is produced by the liver in large amounts and plays a major role in lipid metabolism via the control of the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and other cell surface receptors. In this context, many clinical studies have clearly demonstrated the high efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors in treating hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. Recent data implicated PCSK9 in the degradation of major histocompatibility complex I (MHC-I) receptors and the immune system as well as in other physiological activities. This review highlights the complex crosstalk between PCSK9, lipid metabolism and immunosuppression and underlines the latest advances in understanding the involvement of this convertase in other critical functions. We present a comprehensive assessment of the different strategies targeting PCSK9 and show how these approaches could be extended to future therapeutic options to treat cancers with a main focus on the liver.
Challenges and Adverse Effects of Wearing Face Masks in the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Gyapong Francis , Debrah Ethel , Oforiwaa Maame , Isawumi Abiola , Mosi Lydia
Published: December 2022

Background: The use of face masks was a significant part of the WHO COVID-19 preventive protocols. While their usage has been effective, lack of adherence by individuals has been associated with discomfort and adverse side effects. This might facilitate unnecessary exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, thereby increasing the incidence of COVID-19. This study assessed the side effects of prolonged mask-wearing and offers recommendations for present and future pandemics. Methods: Adverse side effects of face masks were evaluated from November 2021 to February 2022 with a structured Google Forms online questionnaire. The survey targeted regular and occasional face mask users around the world. All responders anonymously completed the survey, which included ten structured questions with a sub-section on the effects of the continuous use of face masks. The information obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the data were presented in graphs. Results: Almost 60% (1243) of the 2136 participants indicated discomfort while using face masks. Breathing difficulties and pain around the ears were cited as major causes of discomfort, accounting for 32% and 22%, respectively, of responses. Headaches were reported by 26.8% (572) of the respondents, with 44.6% experiencing one within 1 h of wearing a mask. Nine hundred and eight (908) respondents experienced nasal discomfort, while 412 individuals reported various skin-related discomfort, including excessive sweating around the mouth and acne. Conclusions: This study provides baseline data as to why there was less adherence to face mask use which includes headaches, skin irritation, ear pains, breathing difficulties, sore throat, dry eyes, and increased sweating around the mouth. As a result, this may contribute to an increased risk of infection. While COVID-19 lingers and the management of its undesirable effects persists into the future, it is vital that a superior mask design, concentrating on safety, comfort, and tolerability, be developed.
Multiparametric Guided-Mode Resonance Biosensor Monitoring Bulk and Surface-Film Variations
Authors: Buchanan-Vega Joseph A. , Magnusson Robert
Published: December 2022

A guided-mode resonance (GMR) sensor with multiple resonant modes is used to measure the collection of biomolecules on the sensor surface and the index of refraction of the sensor environment (bulk). The number of sensor variables that can be monitored (biolayer index of refraction, biolayer thickness, and bulk, or background, index of refraction) is determined by the number of supported resonant modes that are sensitive to changes in these variable values. The sensor we use has a grating and homogeneous layer, both of which are made of silicon nitride (Si3N4), on a quartz substrate. In this work, we simulate the sensor reflection response as a biolayer grows on the sensor surface at thicknesses from 0 to 20 nm and biolayer indices of refraction from 1.334 to 1.43 RIU; simultaneously, we vary the bulk index of refraction from 1.334 to 1.43 RIU. In the specified span of sensor variable values, the resonance wavelength shifts for 2023 permutations of the biolayer index of refraction, biolayer thickness, and bulk index of refraction are calculated and accurately inverted. Inversion is the process of taking resonant wavelength shifts, for resonant modes of a sensor, as input, and finding a quantitative variation of sensor variables as output. Analysis of the spectral data is performed programmatically with MATLAB. Using experimentally measured resonant wavelength shifts, changes in the values of biolayer index of refraction, biolayer thickness, and bulk index of refraction are determined. In a model experiment, we deposit Concanavalin A (Con A) on our sensor and subsequently deposit yeast, which preferentially bonds to Con A. A unique contribution of our work is that biolayer index and biolayer thickness are simultaneously determined.
Comparison of Colorimetric and Fluorometric Chemosensors for Protein Concentration Determination and Approaches for Estimation of Their Limits of Detection
Authors: Mamaeva Anastasiya A. , Martynov Vladimir I. , Deyev Sergey M. , Pakhomov Alexey A.
Published: December 2022

Here, we present a direct comparison of different dyes and assays for the determination of protein concentrations. We compared the classical Bradford assay with two modern assays based on the fluorogenic dyes QuDye and ProteOrange and showed that the Bradford reagent achieved excellent results in the determination of protein concentrations as compared with more modern rivals. We also showed that standard approaches for determining the limit of detection (LoD) and limit of quantification (LoQ) may not work correctly with the tested dyes. We proposed a new approach that extends the standard algorithm for LoD and LoQ determination. This approach works well with both classical colorimetric and fluorogenic dyes, as well as with nontrivial fluorescent probes.
Silver-Coated Gold Nanorods as Optical Probes for the Sensitive Detection of Ascorbic Acid in Tablets
Authors: Wen Shuai , Huang Min , Cheng Ru , Gao Jie , Wang Jian
Published: December 2022

Ascorbic acid (AA) has been widely used to improve human health since it was first found, such as resisting scurvy, enhancing immunity, and preventing arteriosclerosis. Moreover, it plays a very important role in the anti-oxidation process in the human body. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop sensitive and accurate detection methods. In this work, silver-coated gold nanorods (Au@Ag NRs) acted as the optical probe, which could be etched with hydroxyl radicals (·OH) from the Fenton reaction between H2O2 and Fe2+, leading to the blue shift of longitudinal localized surface plasmon resonance absorption. However, as a free radical scavenger, AA was able to inhibit the Fenton reaction, resulting in a red shift of plasmon resonance absorption. Based on the change in longitudinal plasma resonance absorption of silver-coated gold nanorods, a linear relationship between the maximum longitudinal absorption wavelength and the concentration of AA was established in the range of 2.5–17.5 μM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.48 μM and a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 1.61 μM, which was feasible to detect AA in tablets.
The First Homozygote Mutation c.499G>T (Asp167Tyr) in the RPE65 Gene Encoding Retinoid Isomerohydrolase Causing Retinal Dystrophy
Authors: Bjeloš Mirjana , Ćurić Ana , Rak Benedict , Bušić Mladen , Kuzmanović Elabjer Biljana
Published: December 2022

RPE65, an abundant membrane-associated protein present in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), is a vital retinoid isomerase necessary for regenerating 11-cis-retinaldehyde from all-trans retinol in the visual cycle. In patients with inherited retinal dystrophy (IRD), precise genetic diagnosis is an indispensable approach as it is required to establish eligibility for the genetic treatment of RPE65-associated IRDs. This case report aims to report the specific phenotype–genotype correlation of the first patient with a homozygous missense variant RPE65 c.499G>T, p. (Asp167Tyr). We report a case of a 66-year-old male who demonstrated a unique phenotype manifesting less severe functional vision deterioration in childhood and adolescence, and extensive nummular pigment clusters. The underlying causes of the differences in the typical bone spicule and atypical nummular pigment clumping are unknown, but suggest that the variant itself influenced the rate of photoreceptor death. Functional studies are needed to define whether the substitution of aspartate impairs the folding of the tertiary RPE65 structure only and does not lead to the complete abolishment of chromophore production, thus explaining the less severe phenotype in adolescence.
Effect of Cr3C2 Content on the Microstructure and Wear Resistance of Fe3Al/Cr3C2 Composites
Authors: Feng Yingkai , Shan Jiguo , Zhao Lin , Liu Zhenbo , Gong Karin , Li Changhai
Published: December 2022

In this paper, an engine piston ring coating comprising composite material of Fe3Al and Cr3C2 mixed powder was prepared by laser cladding onto carbon structural steel. The microstructure and tribological properties of the cladding materials were investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and wear tests. The influence mechanism of the Cr3C2 content in cladding powder was studied. During the process of wear, the soft Fe3Al/Fe2AlCr matrix is first ground off, and the hard Cr7C3 phase initially supports the abrasive surface before being worn away into hard particles, resulting in abrasive wear. With the increase in Cr3C2 content, the hardness of the cladding layer increases, the proportion of the Cr7C3 phase increases, and the morphology changes from a sparse network to a dense floccule. Of the cladding layers with different Cr3C2 content, the 15 wt.% Cr3C2 cladding layer had the lowest friction coefficient, and the 25 wt.% Cr3C2 cladding layer had the lowest wear rate. The low wear rate of the 25 wt.% Cr3C2 cladding layer can be attributed to the fact that adhesive wear does not easily occur and the fine microstructure of the strengthening phase, which facilitates better separation in the grinding surfaces.
Efficient Planar Perovskite Solar Cells with ZnO Electron Transport Layer
Authors: Qiu Chufeng , Wu Yan , Song Jiaxing , Wang Wentao , Li Zaifang
Published: December 2022

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have experienced rapid development in the past period of time, and a record efficiency of up to 25.7% has been yielded. At present, the PSCs with the planar structure are the most prevailing, which not only can significantly simplify the device fabrication process but also reduce the processing temperature. Particularly, the electron transport layer (ETL) plays a critical role in boosting the device performance of planar PSCs. ZnO is a promising candidate as the ETL owing to its high transparency, suitable energy band structure, and high electron mobility. Moreover, ZnO is easy to be processed at a low cost and low energy. This review mainly summarized the recent advances in the application and strategic optimization of ZnO ETL for planar PSCs. The basic properties of ZnO, including energy levels, mobility, processability, trap defects, as well as chemical stability, are clearly clarified. The most available deposition means for preparing ZnO ETLs were also described briefly. Finally, we presented the challenges and guidelines for utilizing ZnO as ETL on efficient planar PSCs.
Comparative Surface Quality of Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) Cut through by CNC Routing and by CO2 Laser at Different Angles as Related to the Wood Grain
Authors: Gurău Lidia , Coșereanu Camelia , Timar Maria Cristina , Lungu Antonela , Condoroţeanu Cristina Daria
Published: December 2022

The evaluation of surface quality is an important criterion to understand the effect of the cutting angle in relation to the grain and of the processing tool on wood. This paper examines, in a comparison, the surface quality of maple cut through by CNC and CO2 laser, for different angles with regard to the wood grain: 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90° and at different feed speeds of the CNC router: 2; 2.5; 3; 3.5 and 4 m/min. The direction of processing as related to the grain was a more significant factor in comparison with the feed speed when CNC was used, with best options for 0°, 90° and 75° and worst for 15°, where fuzzy grain was predominant, followed in order by 30°, 45°, and 60°, where pull-out material prevailed. The laser smoothed the core roughness, Rk, with no significant differences as related to the wood grain direction and enhanced an anatomical waviness earlywood-latewood, with the earlywood processed deeper. As the cutting advanced from along to across the grain, the laser uncovered more wood anatomical details and with less destruction. No significant differences in Rk between CNC cutting and laser processing were found for angles: 0°, 60°, and 75°, but surfaces processed at 15°, 30°, and 45° were significantly rougher in the case of CNC cutting. Comparative FTIR investigation of surfaces cut by laser and CNC (at 0° and 90°) clearly revealed temperature-induced chemical changes, such as hemicelluloses degradation, possibly demethylation and advanced condensation in the structure of lignin, in the case of laser processing.
An In Vitro Study of the Antifungal Efficacy of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles against Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Tan Eng Pei , Djearamane Sinouvassane , Wong Ling Shing , Rajamani Ranjithkumar , Tanislaus Antony Anto Cordelia , Subbaih Suresh Kumar , Janakiraman Ashok Kumar , Aminuzzaman Mohammod , Subramaniyan Vetriselvan , Sekar Mahendran , Selvaraj Siddharthan
Published: December 2022

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are widely used in biomedical applications due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The objective of the present study was to determine the antifungal activity of ZnO NPs against the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The turbidity test results showed a significant (p < 0.05) dose-dependent growth inhibitory effect of ZnO NPs on S. cerevisiae as the growth inhibition increased from 7.04 ± 0.64 to 70.30 ± 3.19% as the concentration of ZnO NPs increased from 5 to 150 μg/mL. The scanning microscopy images evidenced the morphological alterations such as regional invagination, pitting, cracks, wrinkles, and cell wall rupture in the yeast cells treated with ZnO NPs. In addition, the FTIR spectrum revealed the possible involvement of hydroxyl, alkene, amides, carbonyl, and phosphate groups from polysaccharides, polypeptides, phospholipids, and ergosterol of the yeast cells wall for binding of ZnO NPs on the cell surface. The present study has demonstrated the antifungal activity of ZnO NPs on S. cerevisiae through growth inhibition and the morphological damages resulting from the treatment of ZnO NPs.
Nanomaterial-Based Sensors for Exhaled Breath Analysis: A Review
Authors: Velumani Mohan , Prasanth Asokan , Narasimman Subramaniyam , Chandrasekhar Arunkumar , Sampson Abraham , Meher Samir Ranjan , Rajalingam Sivacoumar , Rufus Elizabeth , Alex Zachariah C.
Published: December 2022

The quantification of gases in breath has gained significant attention as a modern diagnosis method due to its non-invasive nature, and as a painless and straightforward method for the early detection of physiological disorders. Several notable clinical applications have been established for disease diagnosis by correlating exhaled breath samples and specific diseases. In addition, diverse breath molecules represent a biomarker of specific illnesses and are precisely identified by the standard analytical method. However, because of the bulky equipment size, expensive cost, and complexity in measurement when using analytical methods, many researchers are focusing on developing highly selective, sensitive, stable, robust, and economical sensors for breath analysis. It is essential to optimize approaches such as breath sampling, biomarker sensing, data analysis, etc. However, the detection of ppb-level biomarkers in exhaled breath is too challenging to solve due to the abundance of interfering gases. We present a brief and comprehensive review of a recent diagnostic technique that employs nanomaterial (NM)-based sensors to identify the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated to diseases. Because they are easily fabricated, chemically versatile, and can be integrated with existing sensing platforms, NMs are ideal for such sensors. Initially, this review provides crucial details about certain representative biomarkers found in diseased patients’ exhaled breath and the demand for breath sensors. Subsequently, the review highlights diverse sensor technologies such as electrical, optical, and mass-sensitive gas sensors and describes their sensing capability for detecting the biomarkers’ concentrations and their primary endeavor of diagnosing disease. Finally, the pitfalls and challenges of sensor characteristics are discussed. This article lays the basis for developing high-performance gas sensors based on novel NMs.
Numerical Modelling on the Effect of Temperature on MOCVD Growth of ZnO Using Diethylzinc and Tertiarybutanol
Authors: Wu Yiyi , Wu Rui , Zhou Xiaosong , Wang Hongli , Hu Yang , Nie Dengpan , Bao Dongmei
Published: December 2022

The dynamic growth of MOCVD-grown ZnO thin films under temperature effect was systematically investigated by a numerical approach using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique. A three-dimensional (3D) reactor-scale model was developed to determine the growth rate and uniformity of ZnO thin film in the temperature range of 593 K to 713 K. The mixed-convection flow and heat transfer inside the reactor chamber were assessed. The results showed that as the temperature increased, ZnO thickness increased initially before decreasing. At 673 K, the highest deposition rate with acceptable uniformity was achieved. The admixture of transverse and longitudinal rolls was observed for the flow conditions. Temperature variations were found to directly affect the axial and lateral uniformity of deposition, but had a minor impact on the size and position of transverse rolls. Experimental verification studies were conducted, and high-quality ZnO films were successfully fabricated by using diethylzinc (DEZn) and tertiarybutanol (t-BuOH) as precursors; it was found that the comprehensive thickness and structural properties of ZnO deposited at temperature of 673 K are preferred. Experimental results and numerical simulations exhibited good agreement.
Effects of Copper Content on the Microstructural, Mechanical and Tribological Properties of TiAlSiN–Cu Superhard Nanocomposite Coatings
Authors: Heo Sung-Bo , Kim Wang Ryeol , Kim Jun-Ho , Choe Su-Hyeon , Kim Daeil , Lim Jae-Hun , Park In-Wook
Published: December 2022

The effects of the Cu content on the microstructural, mechanical and tribological properties of the TiAlSiN–Cu coatings were investigated in an effort to improve the wear resistance with a good fracture toughness for cutting tool applications. A functionally graded TiAlSiN–Cu coating with various copper (Cu) contents was fabricated by a filtered cathodic arc ion plating technique using four different (Ti, TiAl2, Ti4Si, and Ti4Cu) targets in an argon-nitrogen atmosphere. The results showed that the TiAlSiN–Cu coatings are a nanocomposite consisting of (Ti,Al)N nano-crystallites (~5 to 7 nm) embedded in an amorphous matrix, which is a mixture of TiOx, AlOx, SiOx, SiNx, and CuOx phase. The addition of Cu atoms into the TiAlSiN coatings led to the formation of an amorphous copper oxide (CuOx) phase in the coatings. The maximum nanohardness (H) of ~46 GPa, H/E ratio of ~0.102, and adhesion bonding strength between coating and substrate of ~60 N (LC2) were obtained at a Cu content ranging from 1.02 to 2.92 at.% in the TiAlSiN–Cu coatings. The coating with the lowest friction coefficient and best wear resistance was also obtained at a Cu content of 2.92 at.%. The formation of the amorphous CuOx phase during coating growth or sliding test played a key role as a smooth solid-lubricant layer, and reduced the average friction coefficient (~0.46) and wear rate (~10 × 10−6 mm3/N·m).
Protection and Rehabilitation Effects of Cordyceps militaris Fruit Body Extract and Possible Roles of Cordycepin and Adenosine
Authors: Bach Mai Xuan , Minh Truong Ngoc , Anh Dao Thi Ngoc , Anh Ho Ngoc , Anh Le Viet , Trung Nguyen Quang , Minh Bui Quang , Xuan Tran Dang
Published: December 2022

Cordyceps militaris is a valued medicinal fungus in folk medicine in East Asia. It contains two major nucleosides, cordycepin and adenosine, which have been reported to have potential antineoplastic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. This paper aimed to study the effect of C. militaris extract on the reproductive function of a mouse model, evaluating possible toxicity, androgenic activity, and protective and rehabilitative effects against damages caused by sodium valproate (VPA). There was no death and abnormalities observed in mice. Androgen activity was also shown in young male rats by an improvement in several sexual organs. The protective effect of C. militaris extract was explained by the gain of sexual organs’ weight, testosterone concentration, and seminiferous tubule size as well as the enhancement of sperm density, alive sperm percentage, and the progressive forward movement of sperm. The pregnancy rate of female rats paired with VPA-administered male rats (500 mg/kg/day) increased proportionally with the higher dose of C. militaris extract. In the rehabilitation study, an incline in the weight of the Cowper’s gland and glans (0.112 g/kg/day) and testicle and prostate (0.336 g/kg/day) as well as an improvement of the sperm forward progressive movement was observed. The percentage of unprogressive sperm and immotile sperm has reduced. These results suggest that C. militaris is a potential supplement to reduce the negative effects of VPA and improve reproductive function, in which the two major constituents cordycepin and adenosine may play an active role.
A Comparison between Task Distribution Strategies for Load Balancing Using a Multiagent System
Authors: Vecliuc Dumitru-Daniel , Leon Florin , Logofătu Doina
Published: December 2022

This work presents a comparison between several task distribution methods for load balancing with the help of an original implementation of a solution based on a multi-agent system. Among the original contributions, one can mention the design and implementation of the agent-based solution and the proposal of various scenarios, strategies and metrics that are further analyzed in the experimental case studies. The best strategy depends on the context. When the objective is to use the processors at their highest processing potential, the agents preferences strategy produces the best usage of the processing resources with an aggregated load per turn for all PAs up to four times higher than the rest of the strategies. When one needs to have a balance between the loads of the processing elements, the maximum availability strategy is better than the rest of the examined strategies, producing the lowest imbalance rate between PAs out of all the strategies in most scenarios. The random distribution strategy produces the lowest average load especially for tasks with higher required processing time, and thus, it should generally be avoided.
Statistical Theory of Optimal Stochastic Signals Processing in Multichannel Aerospace Imaging Radar Systems
Authors: Volosyuk Valeriy , Zhyla Semen
Published: December 2022

The work is devoted to solving current scientific and applied problems of the development of radar imaging methods. These developments are based on statistical theory of optimal signal processing. These developments allow researchers to create coherent high-resolution information-enriched images as well as incoherent images. These methods can be practically applied in multichannel aerospace radars through the proposed programs and algorithms. Firstly, the following models of stochastic signals at the output of multichannel registration regions of scattered electro-magnetic fields, internal noise, and observation equations are developed and their statistical characteristics investigated. For the considered models of observation equations, the likelihood functional is defined. This definition is an important stage in optimizing spatial and temporal signal processing. These signals are distorted by internal receiver noises in radar systems. Secondly, by synthesising and analysing methods of measuring a radar cross section, the problem of incoherent imaging by aerospace radars with planar antenna array is solved. Thirdly, the obtained optimal mathematical operations are physically interpreted. The proposed interpretation helps to implement a quasi-optimal algorithm of radar cross section estimation in aerospace radar systems. Finally, to verify the proposed theory, a semi-natural experiment of real radio holograms processing was performed. These radio holograms are digital recordings of spatial and temporal signals by an airborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system. The results of the semi-natural experiment are presented and analysed in the paper. All the calculations, developments and results in this paper can be applied to new developments in areas such as remote sensing or non-destructive testing.
Effect of Secondary α Phase on Stress Corrosion Cracking of a Novel Metastable β Titanium Alloy in 3.5% NaCl Solution
Authors: Zhang Haoyu , Wang Chuan , Zhang Shuai , Yu Xiaoling , Zhou Ge , Zhang Zhiqiang , Chen Lijia
Published: December 2022

The effect of the secondary α phase on stress corrosion cracking of a novel metastable β titanium alloy, Ti-6Mo-5V-3Al-2Fe, in 3.5% NaCl solution was investigated by slow strain rate testing. Fine acicular secondary α phase was obtained by aging at the low temperature of 520 °C, and coarsened rod-like secondary α phase was obtained by aging at the high temperature of 680 °C. The electrochemical measurement results and slow strain rate testing results show that the microstructure contained with fine acicular secondary α phase exhibits better corrosion resistance and less stress corrosion cracking susceptibility. The fracture morphology exhibits a mixed fracture characteristic with shallow and small dimples, as well as tear ridges and flat facets with undulating surfaces. The combination of Absorption Induced Dislocation Emission and Hydrogen Enhanced Localized Plasticity is the main mechanism for stress corrosion cracking. Fine acicular secondary α phase with narrow spacing leads to less accumulated dislocations and smaller localized stress, so that has a beneficial effect on stress corrosion performance.
A Comparison of Patients’ and Physicians’ Knowledge and Expectations Regarding Precision Oncology Tests
Authors: Dehar Navdeep , Abedin Tasnima , Tang Patricia , Bebb Gwyn , Cheung Winson Y.
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: As genomic testing is becoming a part of the mainstream oncology practice, it is vital to ensure that our patients fully understand the implications of these tests. This study aimed to compare the attitudes and expectations of cancer patients with those of their physicians regarding the role of biomarker testing in clinical decision making. (2) Methods: Two separate, complimentary, self-administered questionnaires for patients with cancer and their physicians, respectively, were collected in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Out of 117, 113 completed patient surveys were included in the statistical analysis, constituting a 96.4% response rate. These surveys were subsequently matched with those of their corresponding oncologists to determine the concordance rates. (3) Results: Overall, patients demonstrated a good understanding of general cancer biology (80.0%) and diagnostic processes (90.0%) associated with precision oncology. Most patients wanted their tumours to be tested to guide treatment, and the oncologists broadly shared these views (concordance 65.1%). However, there were discrepancies between the knowledge and expectations regarding the applications of test results on actual diagnosis and prognosis between patients and their oncologists (concordance 26.1% and 36.0%, respectively). While only 28.0% of patients thought they had enough knowledge to make informed decisions, the majority (68.0%) said they needed more information. (4) Conclusion: Our study shows that patients and cancer physicians do not always agree with the roles and applications of genomic tests, which could lead to misplaced expectations and poor health outcomes. More research is needed to devise strategies to improve education and communication to align these expectations and improve the quality of clinical decision making.
Biodiversity of Coleoptera (Insecta) in the Middle and Lower Volga Regions (Russia)
Authors: Egorov Leonid V. , Alekseev Sergei K. , Ruchin Alexander B. , Sazhnev Aleksey S. , Artaev Oleg N. , Esin Mikhail N. , Lobachev Evgeniy A. , Lukiyanov Sergei V. , Semenov Anatoliy V. , Lukyanova Yulia A. , Shulaev Nikolai V. , Litvinov Kirill V.
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: The conservation of entomofauna in individual macroregions requires efforts to study the distribution and abundance of insects. For this purpose, databases are created that enumerate this information. Such databases, with the processing of significant factual material, make it possible to objectively assess the status of a species and, if necessary, take measures for its protection. The aim of the paper is to describe the modern Coleoptera fauna in nine regions of Russia on the basis of a recently published dataset. (2) Methods: We conducted our own studies in 1994, 1996, 1998–2003 and 2005–2022. The dataset also includes data from museum specimens from other years. We used a variety of methods, such as sifting through litter, searching under the bark of trees and stumps, trapping by light, soil traps, beer traps, window traps, etc. For each observation, the coordinates of the find, the number of individuals observed and the date were recorded. (3) Results: The dataset contains data on 1469 species and subspecies of Coleoptera from 85 families found in the Volga Region. In total, there are 31,433 samples and 9072 occurrences in the dataset. (4) Conclusions: The largest families in terms of species diversity are Curculionidae (202 species), Carabidae (145 species) and Chrysomelidae (142 species). There are 54 species of Coleoptera with a northern range boundary in the macroregion, two species with a southern range boundary and one species with an eastern range boundary. Twenty-one invasive Coleoptera species have been recorded in the macroregion.
First Report of a Paucibranchia (Polychaeta, Eunicidae) Species without Lateral Palps in Korean Subtidal Waters, with Genetic Evidence for Its Taxonomic Position
Authors: Kim Dae Hun , Soh Ho Young , Jeong Man-Ki
Published: December 2022

An undescribed species belonging to the family Eunicidae was detected in a sublittoral habitat of the southern coast of Korea. This Korean eunicid species was initially thought to belong to the genus Lysidice based on its general appearance, including the absence of prostomial lateral palps and peristomial cirri. However, a more detailed characterization of the morphological features of the maxillae and mandible coupled with mtCOI and 18S rRNA gene sequence analyses confirmed that this species is a member of the genus Paucibranchia. The absence of lateral palps found in the intact adult specimens with 153 segments is a unique feature not previously reported in species belonging to Paucibranchia. Thus, the new species, Paucibranchia triantennata sp. nov., can be easily distinguished from other known congeneric species. Except for the absence of lateral palps, P. triantennata sp. nov. resembled P. conferta, P. gathofi, and P. patriciae in the shape of the prostomium, brief location and shape of branchiae, and absence of compound spinigers. However, P. triantennata could be clearly distinguished from these species by the shorter prostomial antennae, a large number of subacicular hooks, and the morphological features of the maxillae and compound falcigers.