bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA and mRNA Expression Changes in Glioblastoma Cells Cultivated under Conditions of Neurosphere Formation
Authors: Dymova Maya A. , Vasileva Natalia S. , Kuligina Elena V. , Savinovskaya Yulya I. , Zinchenko Nikita D. , Ageenko Alisa B. , Mishinov Sergey V. , Stepanov Grigory A. , Richter Vladimir A. , Semenov Dmitry V.
Published: October 2022

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most highly metastatic cancers. The study of the pathogenesis of GBM, as well as the development of targeted oncolytic drugs, require the use of actual cell models, in particular, the use of 3D cultures or neurospheres (NS). During the formation of NS, the adaptive molecular landscape of the transcriptome, which includes various regulatory RNAs, changes. The aim of this study was to reveal changes in the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their target mRNAs in GBM cells under conditions of NS formation. Neurospheres were obtained from both immortalized U87 MG and patient-derived BR3 GBM cell cultures. Next generation sequencing analysis of small and long RNAs of adherent and NS cultures of GBM cells was carried out. It was found that the formation of NS proceeds with an increase in the level of seven and a decrease in the level of 11 miRNAs common to U87 MG and BR3, as well as an increase in the level of 38 and a decrease in the level of 12 mRNA/lncRNA. Upregulation of miRNAs hsa-miR: -139-5p; -148a-3p; -192-5p; -218-5p; -34a-5p; and -381-3p are accompanied by decreased levels of their target mRNAs: RTN4, FLNA, SH3BP4, DNPEP, ETS2, MICALL1, and GREM1. Downregulation of hsa-miR: -130b-5p, -25-5p, -335-3p and -339-5p occurs with increased levels of mRNA-targets BDKRB2, SPRY4, ERRFI1 and TGM2. The involvement of SPRY4, ERRFI1, and MICALL1 mRNAs in the regulation of EGFR/FGFR signaling highlights the role of hsa-miR: -130b-5p, -25-5p, -335-3p, and -34a-5p not only in the formation of NS, but also in the regulation of malignant growth and invasion of GBM. Our data provide the basis for the development of new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of GBM.
The Impacts of Urbanisation and Climate Change on the Urban Thermal Environment in Africa
Authors: Li Xueqin , Stringer Lindsay C. , Dallimer Martin
Published: October 2022

Rapid urbanisation is affecting people in different ways, with some becoming more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Africa’s cities are projected to be home to nearly 60% of the continent’s population by 2050. In conjunction with climate change, these cities are experiencing critical environmental challenges, including changes in the urban thermal environment. Urban areas generally exhibit significantly higher air and surface temperatures than their surrounding rural areas, resulting in urban heat islands. However, little has been done to synthesise existing knowledge and identify the key research gaps in this area, particularly in Africa. This paper focuses on the combined effects of urbanisation and climate change on the urban thermal environment in Africa, and provides a comprehensive review of results, major advances and the dominant direction of research. Our review of 40 publications from peer-reviewed journals from 2000 to 2021 revealed that South Africa, Ethiopia and Nigeria were most frequently studied, and satellite imagery-based data and analysis were used predominantly. Results from a few studies have shown the practical implications for urban land-use planning, informal settlement management, human wellbeing and productivity, energy use, air pollution and disease spread. Integrated approaches, strengthening planning institutions, and early warning systems are proposed to address climate change. Low-income groups are emphasised in efforts to help people cope with heat stress. Solutions based on land use and land cover dynamics and blue–green infrastructure are mentioned but are in need of further research. Cities with similar patterns of urbanisation, geographies and climate conditions could benefit from multi-disciplinary research collaboration to address the combined impacts of rapid urbanisation and climate change.
Manufacturing Process Development and Rig Validation of Slurry Environmental Barrier Coatings for SiC Ceramic and SiC Composite Sub-Components
Authors: Lee Kang N. , Harder Bryan J. , Puleo Bernadette J. , Almansour Amjad S. , Kiser James D. , Setlock John A. , Fox Dennis S. , Cuy Michael D. , Kalluri Sreeramesh , Bhatt Ramakrishna T.
Published: October 2022

The process scale-up of fully oxide-based environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) on sintered SiC and chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composite (CMC) sub-components was investigated using various slurry manufacturing processes (dip, spray, spin–dip). The performance of EBC-coated sub-components (SiC heating element, SiC/SiC ceramic matrix mini-composite, SiC airfoil, SiC/SiC CMC airfoil) was evaluated in steam oxidation and combustion rigs. Steam oxidation was conducted at 1427 °C in 90 vol.% H2O (g) + 10 vol.% O2 (g) with a 1 h hold at 1427 °C per cycle (1 h hot and 20 min cooling). For high-pressure combustion rig testing, the EBC surface temperature ranged between 1354 °C and 1538 °C with the temperature gradient through CMC + EBC ranging between 100 °C and 150 °C. Dip and spin–dip are non-line-of-sight processes, whereas spray is a line-of-sight process. The three processes, collectively, demonstrated the capability to manufacture slurry EBCs on sub-components with various shapes and sizes. There was no discernable disparity in the EBC steam oxidation performance between the coupons and sub-components in this study and coupons in a previous study. The dependence of steam oxidation rates on the substrate chemistry reported previously was confirmed. The steam oxidation rate of EBC-coated sintered SiC, compared with EBC-coated CVI CMC, was ~2 times and ~1.5 times higher after 100 h and 500 h, respectively, due to the boron sintering aid in sintered SiC. An EBC-coated CMC airfoil after 150 15-h-long cycles in a high-pressure combustion rig test showed only limited EBC spallation along the leading edge and more substantial spallation along the trailing edge, demonstrating the feasibility of an oxide-based bond coat to meet the extreme temperature requirements of next-generation EBCs.
Cylindrical Rod Phosphor Structure for Laser-Driven White Lighting
Authors: Chen Bing-Mau , Ying Shang-Ping , Huang Hsuan-Li , Cheng Yu-Chieh
Published: October 2022

In this article, a cylindrical rod phosphor structure was developed and used for laser-driven white lighting. The blue light emitting from the laser diode (LD) with limited divergence enters the cylindrical rod containing phosphor and excites the yellow phosphor particles in the cylindrical rod to generate white light. Multiple phosphor blends with yellow and red phosphors were also applied to the cylindrical rod phosphor structure to enhance the red luminescence of white light with a low correlated color temperature (CCT). An advanced structure with a surrounding transparent layer around the central cylindrical rod containing phosphors was also investigated to enhance the possibility of the blue light absorption by phosphors in the cylindrical rod region away from the LD. The cylindrical rod phosphor structures with or without the surrounding transparent layer were fabricated to produce laser-driven white lighting, and the optical characteristics of the cylindrical rod phosphor structures with different phosphor concentrations or yellow-to-red phosphor weight ratios were examined.
Effect of Phaeodactylum Tricornutum in Seawater on the Hydration of Blended Cement Pastes
Authors: Wang Junjie , Xu Lei , Guo Jiatong , Jiang Yimu , He Hang , Wang Yuli , Fu Weiqi , Zhu Yi , Ye Zhe , He Pukang , Zhang Yi
Published: October 2022

Seawater can be used as mixing water for concrete with no steel reinforcement in some areas with difficult access to fresh water. Diatoms such as Phaeodactylum tricornutum are among the most abundant micro-organisms living in seawater, and they could be unavoidable when collecting seawater. In fact, diatoms can provide bio-SiO2 and bio-CaCO3 sources, namely amorphous nano-SiO2 and crystallised nano-CaCO3, which could be beneficial to cement hydration. Thus, the effects of different Phaeodactylum tricornutum concentrations (0%, 2.5% and 5% by weight of suspension of seawater and diatoms) in seawater on cement hydration in ordinary Portland cement (OPC) mixes (100% OPC) and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) mixes (70% OPC + 30% GGBS) were investigated through tests of compressive strength, XRD, DTG–DTA and SEM. The results show that diatoms accelerated cement hydration by providing the nucleus for C-S-H structure and contributed pozzolanic reactions by amorphous nano-SiO2 and nano-CaCO3. The accelerated cement hydration was also confirmed by the fact that more Ca(OH)2 was formed in cement pastes with diatoms. However, it has also been found that diatoms decreased the compressive strength of cement pastes by leaving more weak bonds between the C-S-H structure, which was considered to be caused by the organic parts and the micron gap formed in diatoms. When comparing an OPC paste mix with 5% diatoms to a blank OPC paste, the reduction in compressive strength at 28 days can reach a maximum of 50.1%. The ability to provide bridging effects between C-S-H particles in GGBS paste was discovered to depend on the development of additional ettringite. This resulted in a 7.6% loss in compressive strength after 28 days in a GGBS paste with 5% diatoms.
A Multi-Analytical Protocol for Decision Making to Study Copper Alloy Artefacts from Underwater Excavations and Plan Their Conservation
Authors: Gherardi Francesca , Stewart Heather
Published: October 2022

The multi-analytical protocol currently in use at Historic England for the investigation of copper alloy artefacts recovered during underwater excavations aims to determine their manufacturing processes, identify repairs, and assess their state of preservation. Each step of the scientific analysis is described, and the results obtained from the study of a selection of copper alloy objects recovered from the Dutch East India Company (VOC) Rooswijk shipwreck (1740) are used as examples of the application of the protocol to gain archaeological, metallurgical, and conservation data. This information is crucial to plan the most appropriate procedures and determine treatment steps for the study and conservation of copper alloy artefacts from the marine environment.
Effect of Al2O3 Content on High-Temperature Oxidation Resistance of Ti3SiC2/Al2O3
Authors: Du Yuhang , Li Qinggang , Chen Sique , Ma Deli , Pan Baocai , Zhang Zhenyu , Li Jinkai
Published: October 2022

Considering the lack of an effective anti-oxidation protective layer for the oxidation process of Ti3SiC2, an in situ synthesis of Ti3SiC2 and Al2O3 was designed. Thermally stable Al2O3 was used to improve the high-temperature oxidation resistance of Ti3SiC2. Samples without TiC were selected for the oxidation test, and the oxidation morphology and weight gain curves of the oxidized surface in air at 1400 °C are reported. The change in the oxidation behavior occurred 4 h after oxidation. The addition of Al2O3 changed the composition of the oxide layer and compensated for the lack of a dense protective layer during Ti3SiC2 oxidation. Moreover, after 4 h of oxidation, the newly generated Al2TiO5 and the composite layer formed by diffusion were the main reasons for the large difference in the final weight gain between the two sets of samples.
Effect of Thermochromic and Photochromic Microcapsules on the Surface Coating Properties for Metal Substrates
Authors: Han Yan , Yan Xiaoxing , Zhao Wenting
Published: October 2022

A coating with thermochromic and photochromic microcapsules can enhance a product’s attractiveness. Different coating processes may affect the performance of coatings. Therefore, the micromorphology, chemical composition, chromatic difference, gloss, hardness, adhesion, impact resistance, roughness, cold liquid resistance, and ultraviolet photooxidation resistance of the surface coating on the metal substrate were assessed by choosing three coating processes. The thermochromic color difference of the coating with photochromic microcapsules in the primer and thermochromic microcapsules in the topcoat changes greatly. When the temperature reached 80 °C, the maximum color difference of the coating was found to be 23.0. The color difference of the coating with the thermochromic microcapsules in the primer and photochromic microcapsules in the topcoat was the most obvious, with a color difference of 71.7. The gloss of the coating mixed with thermochromic microcapsules and photochromic microcapsules was the highest, which was found to be 81.7 GU. The coating gloss of thermochromic microcapsules in the primer and photochromic microcapsules in the topcoat was found to be 15.6. The mechanical property of the coating mixed with thermochromic microcapsules and photochromic microcapsules was the best—the hardness was found to be 2H, the adhesion was found to be level 1, and the impact resistance was found to be 12.5 kg·cm. The mechanical property of the coating prepared by the other two coating sequences was poor. The coating prepared by the three finishing processes on the metal substrate had sufficient cold liquid resistance, and the gloss of the coating before and after the cold liquid resistance changed slightly. By studying the coating process of thermochromic coating and photochromic coating, a technical reference is provided for creating dual-function intelligent coatings.
Whether Carbon Nanotubes Are Capable, Promising, and Safe for Their Application in Nervous System Regeneration. Some Critical Remarks and Research Strategies
Authors: Zieliński Andrzej , Majkowska-Marzec Beata
Published: October 2022

Carbon nanotubes are applied in or considered for different fields of medicine. Among them is the regeneration or rebuilding of nervous system components, which still lack substantial progress; this field is supported by carbon nanotubes to a great extent as the principal material. The limited research on this issue has involved PU/silk/MWCNTs, PCL/silk/MWCNTs, PCL/PGS/CNTs, chitin/CNTs, PGF/CNTs, CNTs/PGFs/PLDLA, MWCNTs/chitosan, MWCNTs/PPy, PLA/MWCNTs, PU/PAA/MWCNts, GelMA/SACNTs, and CNTs alone, which have been subjected to different surface modifications and applied in the form of solid materials or scaffolds that are degradable or nondegradable. So far, these attempts have shown that the use of surface-modified MWCNTs is a promising way to improve the functions of nervous systems as a whole, even though some drawbacks, such as the potential cytotoxicity or the weak adhesion of CNTs to other components, may appear and be eliminated by their proper functionalization. The present review presents an idea of a nonbiodegradable scaffold structure composed of a chosen conductive polymer that is able to create a scaffold structure, a selected nanocarbon form (with MWCNTs as the first candidate), and a corrosion-resistant metal as a conductor. Other substances are also considered for their ability to increase the mechanical strength and adhesion of CNTs and their biological and electrical properties. The novelty of this approach is in the simultaneous use of nanocarbon and conductive metallic fibers in a polymer scaffold structure.
Effect of Pt Addition on the Formation of Ni–Pt Porous Layer
Authors: Nakajima Kano , Takahashi Hiroki , Fukumoto Michihisa
Published: October 2022

A Ni–Pt alloy porous layer was formed by electrodepositing Pt using Ni as the substrate sample, followed by Al-depositing and Al-dissolving. The Pt was electrolyzed using an aqueous solution as the medium, and the Al-depositing and Al-dissolving were treated using a molten salt as the medium. The molten salt used was NaCl–KCl with 3.5 mol% AlF3 added. It was found that Pt electrodeposition formed on the surface had a finer structure. Furthermore, it was clarified that the lower the electrodeposition potential, the thicker the Ni-Pt alloy porous layer. The cathode polarization curve was measured in KOH solution, and the hydrogen gas was determined when a constant voltage electrolysis was performed with a hydrogen detection gas sensor using a tubular yttria-stabilized zirconia (8 mol% Y2O3–ZrO2).
Study on Composite Improvement of Silt Sites by Lignin and Sodium Methylsilicate and Its Micro Mechanism
Authors: Ji Yufu , Ma Qingwen , Li Xingang , Tian Yang , Cao Pengke
Published: October 2022

Kaifeng Zhouqiao site is located in the traffic trunk line in Gulou District of Kaifeng City. The dynamic load of urban traffic is large. In addition, the silt has poor stability of its particle skeleton structure, large porosity and poor mechanical performance. Under the action of dynamic load, the soil of the site will suffer from cracking, collapse, unstable deformation and overall stability damage. In order to enhance the stability of the soil, this paper uses sodium methylsilicate and lignin fiber to modify the site soil, evaluates the mechanical properties of the improved soil through the compression and shear tests, evaluates the durability of the improved soil through the dry wet cycle test, and reveals its modification mechanism through the micro experiment, so that the mechanical properties of the site soil can be improved, so as to achieve the purpose of repair and reinforcement. The experiment shows that the effect of improving the compressive strength of soil is the best when the content of sodium methylsilicate is 0.3%–0.5%, and the effect of improving the shear strength of soil is the best when the content of lignin is 0.5%–2%. The maximum mass loss rate of the composite modified sample after 10 dry and wet cycles is only 0.71%. The comprehensive analysis determines that the best proportion of the composite is 0.5% sodium methylsilicate and 2% lignin fiber. The modified soil has good waterproof and mechanical properties.
Influence of Surface Properties and Microbial Growth Media on Antibacterial Action of ZnO
Authors: Johnson Dustin , Reeks John M. , Caron Alexander , Tzoka Iakovos , Ali Iman , McGillivray Shauna M. , Strzhemechny Yuri M.
Published: October 2022

Nano- and microscale ZnO demonstrate robust antibacterial action, although the driving mechanisms remain undetermined. In this study for commercial ZnO nano-powders and home-grown ZnO microparticles of varying morphologies we probe the response to bacterial growth media in isolation and with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. ZnO microparticles are synthesized via a controllable hydrothermal method and subjected to biological assays with varying microbial environments. Changes in the optoelectronic, structural and chemical properties of these crystals before and after such exposure are characterized utilizing temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. This is done to evaluate the impact of surface-surface interactions in antibacterial assays and the role ZnO surface and morphological properties play in these processes. In our experiments various bacterial environments are employed to elucidate the effects of media interactions on the cytotoxic efficacy of ZnO. In particular, minimum inhibitory concentration assays with Staphylococcus aureus reveal that microscale particles exhibit antibacterial efficacy comparable to that of the nano-powders, indicating that intra-bacterial internalization is not necessary for antimicrobial action. In our studies we determine that the nature of structural and optoelectronic changes in ZnO depends on both the media type and the presence (or absence) of bacteria in these media. Further evidence is provided to support significant cytotoxicity in the absence of particle internalization in bacteria, further highlighting the role of surface and media interactions in this process.
Intelligent Robotic Welding Based on a Computer Vision Technology Approach
Authors: AL-Karkhi Nazar Kais , Abbood Wisam T. , Khalid Enas A. , Jameel Al-Tamimi Adnan Naji , Kudhair Ali A. , Abdullah Oday Ibraheem
Published: October 2022

Robots have become an essential part of modern industries in welding departments to increase the accuracy and rate of production. The intelligent detection of welding line edges to start the weld in a proper position is very important. This work introduces a new approach using image processing to detect welding lines by tracking the edges of plates according to the required speed by three degrees of a freedom robotic arm. The two different algorithms achieved in the developed approach are the edge detection and top-hat transformation. An adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system ANFIS was used to choose the best forward and inverse kinematics of the robot. MIG welding at the end-effector was applied as a tool in this system, and the weld was completed according to the required working conditions and performance. The parts of the system work with compatible and consistent performances, with acceptable accuracy for tracking the line of the welding path.
Study of Initial β-Zr Formation in β-Quenched N36 Zirconium Alloy Using Dynamic and Metallographic Methods
Authors: Aldeen Ali W. , Chen Zhongwei , Disher Imad A. , Yan Kang , Zhu Yongjia
Published: October 2022

In this study, the initial temperature of the (α) to (α + β) phase transformation of β-quenched N36 zirconium alloy was determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and metallographic techniques. Diagnosis and analysis of the difference between the two techniques were also conducted. It was found that the phase transition temperature, obtained by metallographic techniques, lies in a temperature range of 710–715 °C. This value is lower than that recorded by DSC analysis. A peak separation successfully explained the dissolution of the second phase particles (SPP)s and α→β phase transformation using the DSC analysis. Compared with previous studies, the results of this study showed that β-quenched starting material is responsible for the delay of β-Zr formation during the heat treatment of the N36 zirconium alloy.
Correlation between Mechanical Properties—Structural Characteristics and Cavitation Resistance of Cast Aluminum Alloy Type 5083
Authors: Istrate Dionisie , Sbârcea Beatrice-Gabriela , Demian Alin Mihai , Buzatu Andreea Daniela , Salcianu Laura , Bordeasu Ilare , Micu Lavinia Madalina , Ghera Cristian , Florea Bogdan , Ghiban Brândușa
Published: October 2022

The aluminum alloy type 5083, which has high corrosion resistance, excellent weldability, and good strength, is widely used in shipbuilding, automotive, aerospace, and industrial construction. The present paper has the aim of establishing a possible correlation between mechanical properties, structural characteristics, and cavitation erosion properties of the 5083 alloy after applying different heat treatments. Different homogenization heat treatments (350 °C, 450 °C) were applied, each followed by cooling in air and artificial aging at different temperature (140 °C and 180 °C) with three maintenance periods, 1 h, 12 h, and 24 h. The experiments concerning cavitation resistance of the experimental samples were completed in accordance with ASTM G32-2016. The cavitation erosion resistance were determined either by analytical diagrams MDER (or MDE) vs. cavity attack duration, or by measuring the maximum erosion attack by stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Finally, the best combination of heat treatments applied to cast aluminum products type 5083 is homogenization at 350 °C followed by artificial aging at 180 °C, at which the highest mechanical characteristics are obtained, a resilience of 25 J/cm2, a grain size of 140–180 μm, and a maximum depth of the erosion MDEmax around 14–17 µm.
Fabrication and Characterization of Clinacanthus nutans Mediated Reduced Graphene Oxide Using a Green Approach
Authors: Perumal Dharshini , Albert Emmellie Laura , Saad Norazalina , Hin Taufiq Yap Yun , Zawawi Ruzniza Mohd , Teh Huey Fang , Che Abdullah Che Azurahanim
Published: October 2022

The reduction of graphene oxide (rGO) utilizing green methods such as plants has attracted much attention due to its productivity, eco—friendly features, and cost effectiveness. In the present study, the reflux method was employed to synthesize Clinacanthus nutans (C. nutans) leaf extract mediated rGO using a simple approach. The synthesized rGO was characterized using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The UV-Vis spectrum demonstrated the absorption peak of rGO (270 nm) at distinct locations, while the FTIR analysis demonstrated that the amount of oxygen group in rGO was reduced. The Raman analysis confirms the reduction of GO by a slight increase in the D—band to G—band intensity ratio. The XRD spectra demonstrated that rGO was successfully produced based on the illustrated 2Ɵ angles at a peak of 22.12° with d-spacing of 0.40 nm. FESEM clearly reveals the morphology of rGO that shows crumpled thin sheets, a rougher surface, and a wave—shaped corrugated structure. The reduction of GO was analyzed in the removal of the hydroxyl group and amorphotization of sp2 carbon structures. The C/O ratio in rGO was higher than GO which indicates the small amount of oxygen-containing functional groups were still presented in the reduced graphene oxide. Furthermore, the cyclic voltammetry behavior of a modified screen—printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was measured. The redox reactivity of rGO—SPCE has been affirmed and compared with GO—SPCE and bare—SPCE. The toxicity using A. salina cysts demonstrated that rGO is less toxic compared to GO. The analysis adequately supports the synthesis of rGO and the effective removal of oxygen-containing functional groups from GO. The findings herein illustrate that C. nutans mediates the synthesis of rGO and is a promising eco-friendly substitute to conventional carbon-based fabrication.
Crystallization in Fluidized Bed Reactors: From Fundamental Knowledge to Full-Scale Applications
Authors: Seckler Marcelo Martins
Published: October 2022

A review is presented on fifty years of research on crystallization in fluidized bed reactors (FBRs). FBRs are suitable for recovery of slightly soluble compounds from aqueous solutions, as it yields large, millimeter sized particles, which are suitable for reuse and permits low liquid residence times in the timescale of minutes. Full-scale applications for water softening have been applied since the 1980s, and since then, new applications have been developed or are in development for recovery of phosphorus, magnesium, fluoride, metals, sulfate, and boron. Process integration with membrane, adsorption, and biological processes have led to improved processes and environmental indicators. Recently, novel FBR concepts have been proposed, such as the aerated FBR for chemical-free precipitation of calcium carbonate, the seedless FBR to yield pure particulate products, a circulating FBR for economic recovery and extended use of seeds, as well as coupled FBRs for separation of chiral compounds and FBRs in precipitation with supercritical fluids. Advances are reported in the understanding of elementary phenomena in FBRs and on mathematical models for fluid dynamics, precipitation kinetics, and FBR systems. Their role is highlighted for process understanding, optimization and control at bench to full-scale. Future challenges are discussed.
Modeling Hardness Evolution during the Post-Welding Heat Treatment of a Friction Stir Welded 2050-T34 Alloy
Authors: Galisson Sébastien , Carron Denis , Le Masson Philippe , Stamoulis Georgios , Feulvarch Eric , Surdon Gilles
Published: October 2022

A unified constitutive model of yield strength evolution during heat treatment has been revised to simulate the hardness evolution during the post-welding heat treatment of AA2050-T34 Friction Stir Welded (FSW) plates. The model considers the strengthening by dislocations, solid solution, clusters, and the T1 phase. As a result, the successful prediction of yield strength evolution during the aging of AA2050 with different initial tempers has been achieved. The kinetics of precipitation of the T1 phase during heat treatment has been characterized by electrical resistivity on the unwelded and FSW samples. The obtained results have been used to check the ability of the model to simulate the evolution of the relative volume fraction of the T1 phase and hardness during the post-welding heat treatment in the different zones of FSW samples. Despite some observed discrepancies on the top and bottom of the weld joint, the revised numerical model captures well the overall hardness profile after the post-weld heat treatment.
Electronic Properties and Chemical Bonding in V2FeSi and Fe2VSi Heusler Alloys
Authors: Abuova Aisulu , Merali Nurpeiis , Abuova Fatima , Khovaylo Vladimir , Sagatov Nursultan , Inerbaev Talgat
Published: October 2022

First-principles calculations of the stability, electronic, and magnetic properties of full-Heusler compound V2FeSi and Fe2VSi in regular (L21) and inverse (XA) structures have been performed using density functional theory within an SCAN meta-GGA functional. It is found that the XA crystal lattice is energetically more favorable for V2FeSi, while Fe2VSi forms the L21 structure. In both cases, the electronic structure of the energetically stable modifications corresponds to half-metallic ferrimagnets. Magnetic properties of energetically favorable structures obey the Slater–Pauling rule. All considered properties of the studied structures are explained within the crystal orbital Hamilton population analysis.
The Effect of Crystal Seeds on Calcium Carbonate Ion Pair Formation in Aqueous Solution: A ReaxFF Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Wang Zhengjiang , Yang Yang , Jiang Qi , Hu Dalong , Li Jiawei , Su Yan , Wang Jing , Li Yajuan , Xing Wenbin , Wang Shoushen , Wang Jinlei , Zheng Bin
Published: October 2022

The effect of crystal seeds on calcium carbonate (CaCO3) cluster formation in aqueous solution is of interest in the fields of geochemistry, inorganic chemistry, atmospheric science, biomedicine, biomineralization, and tissue engineering. Due to an instantaneous and microscopic process, it is still experimentally challenging to directly capture the CaCO3 pre-nucleation. This study employed reactive force field (ReaxFF) molecular dynamics simulations to explore the variation among CaCO3 ion pairs in an aqueous solution with or without crystal seeds. The results show that the addition of crystal seeds can improve CaCO3 ion pair formation. We found that the surface of the calcite phase, compared with the metastable vaterite phase, prefers to attach the ion pairs from solution via proton transfer. This work sheds light on the effect of different crystal seeds on CaCO3 ion pair formation as a precursor of pre-nucleation clusters.
Green Synthesis of Chitosan Nanoparticles Using of Martynia annua L. Ethanol Leaf Extract and Their Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Duraisamy Narayanasamy , Dhayalan Sangeetha , Shaik Mohammed Rafi , Shaik Althaf Hussain , Shaik Jilani P. , Shaik Baji
Published: October 2022

The herbal-based drug isolation-related research has increased recently around the globe. Accordingly, the current study was designed to evaluate the phytochemical content of ethanol extract of Martynia annua and its chitosan nanoparticles (MA-CNPs) antibacterial activity against bacterial pathogens such as Bacteroides fragilis, Streptococcus oralis MTCC 2696, Propionibacterium acnes MTCC 1951, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 424, Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 2940, E. coli MTCC 443, Bacillus cereus MTCC 441, Streptococcus mutans MTCC 890, Aeromonas hydrophila MTCC 12301, and Streptococcus faecalis by agar well diffusion methods. The obtained results showed that the ethanol extract of M. annua contains more pharmaceutically valuable phytochemicals than other solvent extracts and its mediated chitosan nanoparticles showed effective antibacterial activities. The ethanol extract also effectively reduced, capped, and stabilized the chitosan into MA-CNPs. The green synthesized MA-CNPs were characterized and confirmed through UV-visible spectrophotometer, FT-IR, SEM, and DLS analyses. The MA-CNPs exhibited considerable antibacterial activity in the order of Bacteroides fragilis > Streptococcus oralis > Propionibacterium acnes > Pseudomonas aeruginosa > Staphylococcus aureus > E. coli > Bacillus cereus > Streptococcus mutans > Aeromonas hydrophila> Streptococcus faecalis. Finally, the results strongly recommended that the ethanol extract of M. annua-mediated chitosan nanoparticles could be considered an effective nanomaterial to control microbial pathogens. Further, therapeutical uses of MA-CNPs need in vitro and in vivo investigation.
Effect of Curing Temperature on the Properties of Electrically Controlled Dimming Film with Wide Working Temperature Range
Authors: Xu Jianjun , Li Hui , Guo Lei , Zhang Zuowei , Zou Cheng , Wang Qian , Yang Huai , Wang Xiao , Yu Meina , Gao Yanzi
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) film with good electro-optical properties and wide working temperature range was prepared by the UV-polymerization induced phase separation (PIPS) method by optimizing the curing temperature using a LC with wide temperature range. The investigation found that when the polymerization temperature was at the clearing point of the prepolymer/LC mixture, the film had better electro-optical properties and a high contrast ratio of 51 at 90 °C, and the rise time and decay time were respectively as fast as 241.5 ms and 1750 ms at −20 °C. This study provides further methodological guidance for the curing process of PDLC film, and promotes its application in outdoor smart windows.
Cranial Radiation Therapy as Salvage in the Treatment of Relapsed Primary CNS Lymphoma
Authors: Volpini Matthew E. , Song Jiheon , Samant Rajiv , MacDonald David , Nair Vimoj J.
Published: October 2022

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare malignancy. Standard of care is upfront high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) chemotherapy, while cranial radiation is more commonly used in the salvage setting. In this retrospective study, we aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of salvage cranial radiation in PCNSL. PCNSL patients who received upfront HD-MTX chemotherapy and salvage cranial radiation after treatment failure between 1995 and 2018 were selected. Radiological response to cranial radiation was assessed as per Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology Criteria. Twenty one patients were selected (median age 59.9 years), with median follow-up of 19.9 months. Fourteen patients (66.7%) received a boost to the gross tumour volume (GTV). Four patients (19.0%) sustained grade ≥2 treatment-related neurotoxicity post-completion of cranial radiation. Of the 19 patients who had requisite MRI with gadolinium imaging available for Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria assessment, 47.4% achieved complete response, 47.4% achieved partial response, and 5.3% of patients exhibited stable disease. Higher dose to the whole brain (>30 Gy) was associated with higher rate of complete response (63.6%) than lower dose (≤30 Gy, 37.5%), while boost dose to the gross disease was also associated with higher rate of complete response (61.5%) compared with no boost dose (33.3%). Median overall survival was 20.0 months. PCNSL patients who relapsed following upfront chemotherapy showed a high rate of response to salvage cranial radiation, especially in those receiving greater than 30 Gy to the whole brain and boost to gross disease.
Efficacy and Feasibility of Proton Beam Therapy in Relapsed High-Risk Neuroblastoma-Experiences from the Prospective KiProReg Registry
Authors: Jazmati Danny , Hero Barbara , Thole.-Kliesch Theresa M. , Merta Julien , Deubzer Hedwig E. , Bäumer Christian , Heinzelmann Feline , Schleithoff Stefanie Schulze , Koerber Friederike , Eggert Angelika , Schwarz Rudolf , Simon Thorsten , Timmermann Beate
Published: October 2022

Background: Despite an intensive multimodal treatment approach, approximately 50% of high-risk (HR) neuroblastoma (NB) patients experience progression. Despite the advances in targeted therapy, high-dose chemotherapy, and other systemic treatment options, radiation therapy (RT) to sites of relapsed disease can be an option to reduce tumor burden and improve chance for disease control. Methods: Patients who received salvage irradiation with proton beam therapy (PBT) for local or metastatic relapse of HR NB within the prospective registry trials KiProReg and ProReg were eligible for this retrospective analysis. Data on patient characteristics, multimodality therapy, adverse events, and oncologic endpoints were evaluated. Adverse events were assessed before, during, and after PBT according to common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) V4.0. Results: Between September 2013 and September 2020, twenty (11 male; 9 female) consecutive patients experiencing local (N = 9) or distant recurrence (N = 25) were identified for this analysis. Distant recurrences included osteomedullary (N = 11) or CNS lesions (N = 14). Salvage therapy consisted of re-induction chemo- or chemo-immuno-therapy (N = 19), surgery (N = 6), high-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation (N = 13), radiation (N = 20), and concurrent systemic therapy. Systemic therapy concurrent to RT was given to six patients and included temozolomide (N = 4), carboplatine (N = 1), or anaplastic lymphoma kinase tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ALK-TKI) (N = 1). A median dose of 36 Gy was applied to the 34 recurrent sites. Local RT was applied to 15 patients, while five patients, received craniospinal irradiation for CNS relapse. After a median follow-up (FU) of 20 months (4–66), the estimated rate for local control, distant metastatic free survival, and overall survival at 3 years was 68.0%, 37.9%, and 61.6%, respectively. During RT, ten patients (50%) presented with a higher-grade acute hematologic adverse event. Late higher-grade sequelae included transient myelitis with transverse section (N = 2) and secondary malignancy outside of the RT field (N = 1). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the efficacy and safety of RT/PBT for recurrent HR NB in a multimodality second-line approach. To better define the role of RT for these patients, prospective studies would be desirable.
Dragonflies (Odonata) in Cocoa Growing Areas in the Atlantic Forest: Taxonomic Diversity and Relationships with Environmental and Spatial Variables
Authors: Santos Laís R. , Rodrigues Marciel E.
Published: October 2022

In the south of Bahia state, a large part of the native Atlantic Forest areas has been modified for the cultivation of cocoa (Theobroma cacao). These crops are cultivated under the shade of the canopy of native trees, a system locally known as the “cabruca” agroforestry system. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of Odonata assemblages (adults and larvae) in cocoa farming areas and to identify the relationships of these species with local and spatial environmental variables of the monitored sites. Altogether, adult and larvae were sampled at 22 sites. Physical and physicochemical water variables were recorded for each site. A total of 1336 dragonflies were collected, of which 20 were Zygoptera species and 30 were adult Anisoptera representatives. The different life stages were related to environmental variables such as conductivity, watercourse channel width, and dissolved oxygen. The space predictors were also associated with the assemblages, mainly for adults. The present study identified that cabruca areas maintain a great diversity of dragonflies, including species that are considered to be forest specialists and more sensitive to landscape changes. The characteristics of this cropping system are considered to be favorable for the conservation of the biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest.
Hard Nut to Crack. Acorn Hardness Implications on Oviposition of the Acorn Weevil Curculio glandium Marsham, 1802 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Reut Michał , Jakubczyk Ewa , Chrabąszcz Mariusz , Moniuszko Hanna
Published: October 2022

Curculio glandium females associated with the pedunculate oak were investigated in order to fill the knowledge gap on acorn structure preferences and shell-hardening influence on ovipositional behavior and fecundity. Shell solidification progression of weekly harvested acorns was measured using penetration and force–deformation tests along with fruit mass within a time frame covering weevils’ reproduction period. Captured females were offered regular acorns (uncracked, soft enough to drill into) and older seeds (with natural cracks) for behavior recordings and preferences tests. Young acorns and fruits ripe enough to be too hard for females to drill (artificially pierced and untouched) were used for egg output assessment throughout the shell-hardening progression. Experiments revealed that naturally cracked acorns were chosen significantly more often, which resulted in reduced drilling-phase duration. Egg number did not differ significantly before and after the threshold of acorn hardening; however, having passed it, females significantly more frequently deposited eggs in artificially pierced seeds. Results indicate the opportunistic nature of female preferences. Oviposition in cracked or pierced acorns facilitates the process and lowers competition for relatively shortly available soft and healthy seeds, the first of which reach impenetrability in the third week of August.
Evaluation of Genetic Diversity and Parasite-Mediated Selection of MHC Class I Genes in Emberiza godlewskii (Passeriformes: Emberizidae)
Authors: Huang Wei , Wang Xinyi , Liu Boye , Lenz Tobias L. , Peng Yangyang , Dong Lu , Zhang Yanyun
Published: October 2022

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a multi-copy immune gene family in vertebrates. Its genes are highly variable and code for antigen-presenting molecules. Characterization of MHC genes in different species and investigating the mechanisms that shape MHC diversity is an important goal in understanding the evolution of biological diversity. Here we developed a next-generation sequencing (NGS) protocol to genotype the MHC class I genes of 326 Godlewski’s buntings (Emberiza godlewskii) sampled in the Western mountain area of Beijing from 2014 to 2016. A total of 184 functional alleles were identified, including both non-classical and classical alleles, clustering into nine supertypes. Compared with other passerine birds, the number of MHC class I alleles per individual in Godlewski’s buntings is high (mean 16.1 ± 3.3, median 16). In addition, we demonstrated signatures of historical and contemporary selection on MHC genes. Reflecting historical selection, ten amino acid sites in the antigen-binding domain showed signatures of balancing selection, eight of which exhibit high amino acid polymorphism. In terms of contemporary selection, we found that specific MHC supertypes were nominally associated with the infection of two malaria parasite lineages. These findings indicate the action of historical and possibly also contemporary balancing selection and suggest negative frequency-dependent or fluctuating selection as possible selection mechanisms.
Impacts of Cd Pollution on the Vitality, Anatomy and Physiology of Two Morphologically Different Lichen Species of the Genera Parmotrema and Usnea, Evaluated under Experimental Conditions
Authors: Santos Alex Marcelino dos , Vitorino Luciana Cristina , Cruvinel Bárbara Gonçalves , Ávila Roniel Geraldo , Vasconcelos Filho Sebastião de Carvalho , Batista Priscila Ferreira , Bessa Layara Alexandre
Published: October 2022

The heavy metal Cd accumulates in trophic chains, constituting a toxic element for photosynthesizing organisms, including the algal photobionts of lichen. Thus, as lichens respond differently to heavy metal toxicity, we hypothesized that the species Parmotrema tinctorum and Usnea barbata, commonly sampled in the Cerrado ecoregion, could be sensitive to Cd and, therefore, be used to biomonitor the dispersion of this metal. We also aimed to indicate the responsiveness of biological markers to Cd in these species by exposing the thalli to simulated rainfall with increasing metal concentrations. We observed that both lichen species are responsive to Cd stress; however, different pathways are accessed. The synthesis of carotenoids by P. tinctorum and the production of antioxidant enzymes by U. barbata seem to constitute relevant response strategies to Cd-induced stress. The lichen morphoanatomy, cell viability, photobiont vitality index, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and chlorophyll a synthesis were efficient biomarkers for the effects of increasing Cd exposure in P. tinctorum, being the variables primarily associated with damage to the photobiont. For U. barbata, the lichen morphoanatomy, photochemistry, and antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase) were essential to reflect Cd toxicity. However, the species P. tinctorum was characterized as the most sensitive to Cd toxicity, constituting a good bioindicator for the presence of this metal. It can be used in the diagnosis of air quality in urban and industrial areas or even in forest areas influenced by Cd in phosphate fertilizers.
Phytoplankton Community Structure and Its Relationship with Environmental Factors in Nanhai Lake
Authors: Gong Donghui , Guo Ziqing , Wei Wenxue , Bi Jie , Wang Zhizhong , Ji Xiang
Published: October 2022

In order to determine the characteristics of phytoplankton community structure in Nanhai Lake in Baotou City and its relationship with environmental factors, water and phytoplankton samples were collected and composition and biomass were investigated at six sites in the spring, summer, and autumn of 2021. This article used correlation analysis and redundancy analysis (RDA) combined with the community turnover index (BC) to analyze the phytoplankton functional groups. The results showed that 7 phyla and 68 genera of phytoplankton were identified in the water body, of which Chlorophyta, Bacillariophyta, Cyanobacteria, Chrysophyta, Euglenophyta, Cryptophyta, and Pyrrophyta accounted for 34%, 32%, 16%, 6%, 4%, 4%, and 3%, respectively. The phytoplankton in the water body was classified into 23 functional groups, of which MP and D functional groups were the long−term dominant functional groups, indicating that the habitat is a turbid water body. The ecological state index (Q) value ranged from 1.94 to 3.13, with an average value of 2.74. The comprehensive nutritional index (TSIM(∑)) was between 49.32 and 52.11, with an average value of 51.72, indicating that Nanhai Lake was in a mesotrophic state. Correlation analysis and redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that multiple nutrients, transparency (SD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), water temperature (WT), and Chlorophyll a (Chl−a) were the main environmental factors affecting the biomass of dominant functional groups in the water body. The study showed the characteristics of the functional groups of algae in a precious urban lake in arid and semi−arid areas of China and their relationship with environmental factors (physical and chemical indicators, anions and cation ions, and heavy metal ions), and provided a scientific basis for its water quality evaluation.