bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Mathematical Model of Estradiol Production from Ultrasound Data for Bovine Ovarian Follicles
Authors: McEvoy Malgorzata J. , McAfee Marion , Hession John A. , Creedon Leo
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we present a new way to assess the concentration of estradiol (E2) and Insulin Growth Factor-1 (IGF) based on the results from ultrasound scans combined with mathematical models. The IGF1 model is based on the progesterone (P4) concentration, which can be estimated with models calculating P4 level based on the size/volume of corpus luteum (CL) measured during ultrasound scans. At this moment little is known about the underlying reasons for double ovulation and silent heat occurrences. Both of these are linked to the level of IGF1: double ovulations are linked to higher IGF1 levels and and silent heat is linked to lower E2 to P4 ratio. These models can help to improve understanding of the related concentrations of E2 and IGF1. Currently, it is known that diet and genetic factors have an impact on ovulation rates and silent heat. In this study, we also examine the decline of the production of E2 in vivo by atretic follicles throughout the process of atresia. This is the first recorded quantitative description of this decline.
Reduced MHC Class I and II Expression in HPV−Negative vs. HPV−Positive Cervical Cancers
Authors: Evans Andris M. , Salnikov Mikhail , Tessier Tanner M. , Mymryk Joe S.
Published: December 2022

Cervical cancer (CC) is the second most common cancer in women worldwide and the fourth leading cause of cancer-associated death in women. Although human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with nearly all CC, it has recently become clear that HPV−negative (HPV−) CC represents a distinct disease phenotype with increased mortality. HPV−positive (HPV+) and HPV− CC demonstrate different molecular pathology, prognosis, and response to treatment. Furthermore, CC caused by HPV α9 types (HPV16-like) often have better outcomes than those caused by HPV α7 types (HPV18-like). This study systematically and comprehensively compared the expression of genes involved in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II presentation within CC caused by HPV α9 types, HPV α7 types, and HPV− CC. We observed increased expression of MHC class I and II classical and non-classical genes in HPV+ CC and overall higher expression of genes involved in their antigen loading and presentation apparatus as well as transcriptional regulation. Increased expression of MHC I-related genes differs from previous studies using cell culture models. These findings identify crucial differences between antigen presentation within the tumor immune microenvironments of HPV+ and HPV− CC, as well as modest differences between HPV α9 and α7 CC. These differences may contribute to the altered patient outcomes and responses to immunotherapy observed between these distinct cancers.
Signaling Pathways of Podocyte Injury in Diabetic Kidney Disease and the Effect of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors
Authors: Chen Xiutian , Wang Jiali , Lin Yongda , Liu Yiping , Zhou Tianbiao
Published: December 2022

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most important comorbidities for patients with diabetes, and its incidence has exceeded one tenth, with an increasing trend. Studies have shown that diabetes is associated with a decrease in the number of podocytes. Diabetes can induce apoptosis of podocytes through several apoptotic pathways or induce autophagy of podocytes through related pathways. At the same time, hyperglycemia can also directly lead to apoptosis of podocytes, and the related inflammatory reactions are all harmful to podocytes. Podocyte damage is often accompanied by the production of proteinuria and the progression of DKD. As a new therapeutic agent for diabetes, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of diabetes and the improvement of terminal outcomes in many rodent experiments and clinical studies. At the same time, SGLT2i can also play a protective role in diabetes-induced podocyte injury by improving the expression of nephrotic protein defects and inhibiting podocyte cytoskeletal remodeling. Some studies have also shown that SGLT2i can play a role in inhibiting the apoptosis and autophagy of cells. However, there is no relevant study that clearly indicates whether SGLT2i can also play a role in the above pathways in podocytes. This review mainly summarizes the damage to podocyte structure and function in DKD patients and related signaling pathways, as well as the possible protective mechanism of SGLT2i on podocyte function.
Deciphering Transcriptional Networks during Human Cardiac Development
Authors: Canac Robin , Cimarosti Bastien , Girardeau Aurore , Forest Virginie , Olchesqui Pierre , Poschmann Jeremie , Redon Richard , Lemarchand Patricia , Gaborit Nathalie , Lamirault Guillaume
Published: December 2022

Human heart development is governed by transcription factor (TF) networks controlling dynamic and temporal gene expression alterations. Therefore, to comprehensively characterize these transcriptional regulations, day-to-day transcriptomic profiles were generated throughout the directed cardiac differentiation, starting from three distinct human- induced pluripotent stem cell lines from healthy donors (32 days). We applied an expression-based correlation score to the chronological expression profiles of the TF genes, and clustered them into 12 sequential gene expression waves. We then identified a regulatory network of more than 23,000 activation and inhibition links between 216 TFs. Within this network, we observed previously unknown inferred transcriptional activations linking IRX3 and IRX5 TFs to three master cardiac TFs: GATA4, NKX2-5 and TBX5. Luciferase and co-immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that these five TFs could (1) activate each other’s expression; (2) interact physically as multiprotein complexes; and (3) together, finely regulate the expression of SCN5A, encoding the major cardiac sodium channel. Altogether, these results unveiled thousands of interactions between TFs, generating multiple robust hypotheses governing human cardiac development.
Nucleophagic Degradation of Progerin Ameliorates Defenestration in Liver Sinusoidal Endothelium Due to SIRT1-Mediated Deacetylation of Nuclear LC3
Authors: Bai Yangqiu , Liu Jinying , Jiang Xiaoke , Li Xiuling , Zhang Bingyong , Luo Xiaoying
Published: December 2022

Progerin, a permanently farnesylated prelamin A protein in cell nuclei, is potentially implicated in the defenestration of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and liver fibrogenesis. Autophagy regulates the degradation of nuclear components, called nucleophagy, in response to damage. However, little is known about the role of nucleophagy in LSEC defenestration. Herein, we aim to dissect the underlying mechanism of progerin and nucleophagy in LSEC phenotype. We found an abnormal accumulation of progerin and a loss of SIRT1 in the nucleus of intrahepatic cells in human fibrotic liver tissue. In vivo, nuclear progerin abnormally accumulated in defenestrated LSECs, along with a depletion of SIRT1 and Cav-1 during liver fibrogenesis, whereas these effects were reversed by the overexpression of SIRT1 with the adenovirus vector. In vitro, H2O2 induced the excessive accumulation of progeirn, with the depletion of Lamin B1 and Cav-1 to aggravate LSEC defenestration. NAC and mito-TEMPO, classical antioxidants, inhibited NOX2- and NOX4-dependent oxidative stress to improve the depletion of Lamin B1 and Cav-1 and promoted progerin-related nucleophagy, leading to a reverse in H2O2-induced LSEC defenestration. However, rapamycin aggravated the H2O2-induced depletion of Lamin B1 and Cav-1 due to excessive autophagy, despite promoting progerin nucleophagic degradation. In addition, overexpressing SIRT1 with the adenovirus vector inhibited oxidative stress to rescue the production of Lamin B1 and Cav-1. Moreover, the SIRT1-mediated deacetylation of nuclear LC3 promoted progerin nucleophagic degradation and subsequently inhibited the degradation of Lamin B1 and Cav-1, as well as improved F-actin remodeling, contributing to maintaining LSEC fenestrae. Hence, our findings indicate a new strategy for reversing LSEC defenestration by promoting progerin clearance via the SIRT1-mediated deacetylation of nuclear LC3.
Systematic Methods for Isolating High Purity Nuclei from Ten Important Plants for Omics Interrogation
Authors: Yang Ming-Chao , Wu Zi-Chen , Huang Liang-Liang , Abbas Farhat , Wang Hui-Cong
Published: December 2022

Recent advances in developmental biology have been made possible by using multi-omic studies at single cell resolution. However, progress in plants has been slowed, owing to the tremendous difficulty in protoplast isolation from most plant tissues and/or oversize protoplasts during flow cytometry purification. Surprisingly, rapid innovations in nucleus research have shed light on plant studies in single cell resolution, which necessitates high quality and efficient nucleus isolation. Herein, we present efficient nuclei isolation protocols from the leaves of ten important plants including Arabidopsis, rice, maize, tomato, soybean, banana, grape, citrus, apple, and litchi. We provide a detailed procedure for nucleus isolation, flow cytometry purification, and absolute nucleus number quantification. The nucleus isolation buffer formula of the ten plants tested was optimized, and the results indicated a high nuclei yield. Microscope observations revealed high purity after flow cytometry sorting, and the DNA and RNA quality extract from isolated nuclei were monitored by using the nuclei in cell division cycle and single nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) studies, with detailed procedures provided. The findings indicated that nucleus yield and quality meet the requirements of snRNA-seq, cell division cycle, and likely other omic studies. The protocol outlined here makes it feasible to perform plant omic studies at single cell resolution.
Low WIP1 Expression Accelerates Ovarian Aging by Promoting Follicular Atresia and Primordial Follicle Activation
Authors: Zhou Su , Xi Yueyue , Chen Yingying , Fu Fangfang , Yan Wei , Li Milu , Wu Yaling , Luo Aiyue , Li Ya , Wang Shixuan
Published: December 2022

Our previous study demonstrated that ovarian wild-type P53-induced phosphatase 1 (WIP1) expression decreased with age. We hypothesized that WIP1 activity was related to ovarian aging. The role of WIP1 in regulating ovarian aging and its mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Adult female mice with or without WIP1 inhibitor (GSK2830371) treatment were divided into three groups (Veh, GSK-7.5, GSK-15) to evaluate the effect of WIP1 on ovarian endocrine and reproductive function and the ovarian reserve. In vitro follicle culture and primary granulosa cell culture were applied to explore the mechanisms of WIP1 in regulating follicular development. This study revealed that WIP1 expression in atretic follicle granulosa cells is significantly lower than that in healthy follicles. Inhibiting WIP1 phosphatase activity in mice induced irregular estrous cycles, caused fertility declines, and decreased the ovarian reserve through triggering excessive follicular atresia and primordial follicle activation. Primordial follicle depletion was accelerated via PI3K-AKT-rpS6 signaling pathway activation. In vitro follicle culture experiments revealed that inhibiting WIP1 activity impaired follicular development and oocyte quality. In vitro granulosa cell experiments further indicated that downregulating WIP1 expression promoted granulosa cell death via WIP1-p53-BAX signaling pathway-mediated apoptosis. These findings suggest that appropriate WIP1 expression is essential for healthy follicular development, and decreased WIP1 expression accelerates ovarian aging by promoting follicular atresia and primordial follicle activation.
Micro-RNAs Shuttled by Extracellular Vesicles Secreted from Mesenchymal Stem Cells Dampen Astrocyte Pathological Activation and Support Neuroprotection in In-Vitro Models of ALS
Authors: Provenzano Francesca , Nyberg Sophie , Giunti Debora , Torazza Carola , Parodi Benedetta , Bonifacino Tiziana , Usai Cesare , Kerlero de Rosbo Nicole , Milanese Marco , Uccelli Antonio , Shaw Pamela J. , Ferraiuolo Laura , Bonanno Giambattista
Published: December 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease with no effective cure. Astrocytes display a toxic phenotype in ALS and contribute to motoneuron (MN) degeneration. Modulating astrocytes’ neurotoxicity can reduce MN death. Our previous studies showed the beneficial effect of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) administration in SOD1G93A ALS mice, but the mechanisms are still unclear. We postulated that the effects could be mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by MSCs. We investigated, by immunohistochemical, molecular, and in vitro functional analyses, the activity of MSC-derived EVs on the pathological phenotype and neurotoxicity of astrocytes isolated from the spinal cord of symptomatic SOD1G93A mice and human astrocytes (iAstrocytes) differentiated from inducible neural progenitor cells (iNPCs) of ALS patients. In vitro EV exposure rescued mouse and human ALS astrocytes’ neurotoxicity towards MNs. EVs significantly dampened the pathological phenotype and neuroinflammation in SOD1G93A astrocytes. In iAstrocytes, exposure to EVs increased the antioxidant factor Nrf2 and reduced reactive oxygen species. We previously found nine miRNAs upregulated in MSC-derived EVs. Here, the transfection of SOD1G93A astrocytes with single miRNA mimics reduced astrocytes’ activation and the expression of neuroinflammatory factors. Moreover, miR-466q and miR-467f mimics downregulate Mapk11, while miR-466m-5p and miR-466i-3p mimics promote the nuclear translocation of Nrf2. In iAstrocytes, transfection with miR-29b-3p mimic upregulated NQO1 antioxidant activity and reduced neurotoxicity towards MNs. MSC-derived EVs modulate astrocytes’ reactive phenotype and neurotoxicity through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-shuttled miRNAs, thus representing a therapeutic strategy in ALS.
Modeling the Endothelial Glycocalyx Layer in the Human Conventional Aqueous Outflow Pathway
Authors: Karimi Alireza , Halabian Mahdi , Razaghi Reza , Downs J. Crawford , Kelley Mary J. , Acott Ted S.
Published: December 2022

A layer of proteoglycans and glycoproteins known as glycocalyx covers the surface of the trabecular meshwork (TM), juxtacanalicular tissue (JCT), and Schlemm’s canal (SC) inner wall of the conventional aqueous outflow pathway in the eye. This has been shown to play a role in the mechanotransduction of fluid shear stress and in the regulation of the outflow resistance. The outflow resistance in the conventional outflow pathway is the main determinant of the intraocular pressure (IOP) through an active, two-way, fluid–structure interaction coupling between the outflow tissues and aqueous humor. A 3D microstructural finite element (FE) model of a healthy human eye TM/JCT/SC complex with interspersed aqueous humor was constructed. A very thin charged double layer that represents the endothelial glycocalyx layer covered the surface of the elastic outflow tissues. The aqueous humor was modeled as electroosmotic flow that is charged when it is in contact with the outflow tissues. The electrical–fluid–structure interaction (EFSI) method was used to couple the charged double layer (glycocalyx), fluid (aqueous humor), and solid (outflow tissues). When the IOP was elevated to 15 mmHg, the maximum aqueous humor velocity in the EFSI model was decreased by 2.35 mm/s (9%) compared to the fluid–structure interaction (FSI) model. The charge or electricity in the living human conventional outflow pathway generated by the charged endothelial glycocalyx layer plays a minor biomechanical role in the resultant stresses and strains as well as the hydrodynamics of the aqueous humor.
Nrf2 Deficiency Exacerbated CLP-Induced Pulmonary Injury and Inflammation through Autophagy- and NF-κB/PPARγ-Mediated Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Luo Jing , Wang Jin , Zhang Jing , Sang Aming , Ye Xujun , Cheng Zhenshun , Li Xinyi
Published: December 2022

The balance between M1 and M2 macrophage polarization is involved in the regulation of pulmonary inflammation. Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nfe2l2, also known as Nrf2), a nuclear transcription factor, is reported to play protective roles in acute lung injury (ALI) and inflammation, and increasing evidence indicates that the protective effects of Nrf2 are closely related to autophagy. This study aimed to explore whether Nrf2 is involved in sepsis-induced acute pulmonary injury and inflammation and in the role of macrophage polarization in the process. In the present study, sepsis patients, an Nrf2 knockout mouse that underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated macrophage cell lines were employed to investigate the potential functions of Nrf2 in sepsis-induced lung injury and the underlying mechanisms. Clinical studies showed that the NRF2 mRNA level was inversely correlated with pulmonary inflammation and disease severity in patients with sepsis. Analyses in a CLP-treated Nrf2 knockout mouse model indicated that an Nrf2 deficiency promoted a CLP-induced increase in M1 macrophage polarization and apoptosis and inhibited CLP-induced upregulation of the autophagy level in lung tissues. Experiments in RAW264.7 cells revealed that Nrf2 overexpression inhibited M1 macrophage polarization but promoted M2 macrophage polarization by improving the autophagy, and Nrf2 overexpression promoted PPARγ but inhibited NF-κB nuclear translocation. In conclusion, these results indicate that Nrf2 plays a protective role in sepsis-induced pulmonary injury and inflammation through the regulation of autophagy- and NF-κB/PPARγ-mediated macrophage polarization.
FGFR Inhibitors in Cholangiocarcinoma—A Novel Yet Primary Approach: Where Do We Stand Now and Where to Head Next in Targeting This Axis?
Authors: Chmiel Paulina , Gęca Katarzyna , Rawicz-Pruszyński Karol , Polkowski Wojciech P. , Skórzewska Magdalena
Published: December 2022

Cholangiocarcinomas (CCAs) are rare but aggressive tumours with poor diagnosis and limited treatment options. Molecular targeted therapies became a promising proposal for patients after progression under first-line chemical treatment. In light of an escalating prevalence of CCA, it is crucial to fully comprehend its pathophysiology, aetiology, and possible targets in therapy. Such knowledge would play a pivotal role in searching for new therapeutic approaches concerning diseases’ symptoms and their underlying causes. Growing evidence showed that fibroblast growth factor/fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGF/FGFR) pathway dysregulation is involved in a variety of processes during embryonic development and homeostasis as well as tumorigenesis. CCA is known for its close correlation with the FGF/FGFR pathway and targeting this axis has been proposed in treatment guidelines. Bearing in mind the significance of molecular targeted therapies in different neoplasms, it seems most reasonable to move towards intensive research and testing on these in the case of CCA. However, there is still a need for more data covering this topic. Although positive results of many pre-clinical and clinical studies are discussed in this review, many difficulties lie ahead. Furthermore, this review presents up-to-date literature regarding the outcomes of the latest clinical data and discussion over future directions of FGFR-directed therapies in patients with CCA.
Failure Behavior of Composite Bolted Joints: Review
Authors: El-Sisi Alaa , Hassanin Ahmed , Alsharari Fahad , Galustanian Narek , Salim Hani
Published: December 2022

The fiber-reinforced polymeric (FRP) composite can be joined by adhesive bonding or mechanically fastening the composite element. Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) and glass fiber-reinforced polymers (GFRP) are the most common types of polymers. Mechanically fastened or bolted joints do not need treatments, and the surface temperature and other environmental effects such as humidity do not affect its strength. In this research, the previous research that describes the behavior of the composite bolted joint (CBJ) is presented and summarized including the modes of failure of the CBJ, and the experimental works that explain the bearing failure (BF) of the CBJ. In addition, the effects of bolt clamping force (BCF) and techniques that are used to simulate the progressive failure and damage in composite materials and finite element simulation works are surveyed.
Nondestructive Evaluation of Thermal Barrier Coatings Thickness Using Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy Combined with Hybrid Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Li Rui , Ye Dongdong , Xu Zhou , Yin Changdong , Xu Huachao , Zhou Haiting , Yi Jianwu , Chen Yajuan , Pan Jiabao
Published: December 2022

To ensure the thermal stability of aero-engine blades under high temperature and harsh service environments, it is necessary to quickly and accurately evaluate the thickness of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). In this work, it was proposed to use the terahertz nondestructive testing (NDT) technique combined with the hybrid machine learning algorithm to measure the thickness of TBCs. The finite difference time-domain (FDTD) method was used to model the optical propagation characteristics of TBC samples with different thicknesses (101–300 μm) in the frequency band. To make the terahertz time-domain signal obtained simulation more realistic, uniform white noise was added to the simulation data and wavelet denoising was conducted to mimic the real testing environment. Principal components analysis (PCA) algorithm and whale optimization algorithm (WOA) combined with an optimized Elman neural network algorithm was employed to set up the hybrid machine learning model. Finally, the hybrid thickness regression prediction model shows low error, high accuracy, and an exceptional coefficient of determination R2 of 0.999. It was demonstrated that the proposed hybrid algorithm could meet the thickness evaluation requirements. Meanwhile, a novel, efficient, safe, and accurate terahertz nondestructive testing method has shown great potential in the evaluation of structural integrity of thermal barrier coatings in the near future.
Thin Layers of SrTiO3-TiO2 with Eutectic Composition for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Sar Jaroslaw , Kołodziejak Katarzyna , Orliński Krzysztof , Gajewski Michal , Teodorczyk Marian , Pawlak Dorota Anna
Published: December 2022

Hydrogen as a potential fuel of the future can be produced in a photoelectrochemial water splitting process. Herein, we demonstrate the fabrication of photoelectrochemical electrodes based on SrTiO3-TiO2 with a eutectic composition on titanium and conductive glass FTO (fluorine doped tin oxide) substrates by magnetron sputtering. The XRD and SEM/EDS reveal the amorphous nature and homogeneity of the sputtered material. The influence of the layer thickness on the photoactivity was investigated. There were three-layer thicknesses (50, 350, and 750 nm) selected by sputtering for 12, 80 and 220 min for the preparation of photoelectrodes. The photoelectrochemical analysis confirms the photoactivity of the obtained layers under illumination with a xenon lamp (600 mW/cm2). The highest photocurrent density of 11.8 × 10−3 mAcm−2 at 1.2 V vs. SCE was recorded for a layer thickness of 50 nm on titanium as better matching between the Ti work function and the conduction band.
Microstructure and Properties of MAO-Cu/Cu-(HEA)N Composite Coatings on Titanium Alloy
Authors: Wang Zhao , Lan Nan , Zhang Yong , Deng Wanrong
Published: December 2022

In this paper, MAO-Cu/Cu-(HEA)N composite coatings on TC4 titanium alloy were prepared by combining micro arc oxidation (MAO) with magnetron sputtering (MS) to enhance the wear resistance and antibacterial ability of the substrate in simulated seawater. The number of micropores on the surface of the composite coatings decreased with increasing CuSO4 concentration in the electrolyte, causing the surfaces to be flat and smooth. XPS and EDS analyses revealed that the MAO-Cu/Cu-(HEA)N composite coatings predominately contained TiO2, Cu2O, and (HEA)N. Moreover, the addition of CuSO4 increased the growth rate of the MAO coatings. Comparatively, the MAO-Cu/Cu-(HEA)N composite coating with 5 g/L CuSO4 showed superior wear resistance, reduced friction coefficient (approximately 0.2), and shallow and narrow grinding cracks were observed compared to the other coatings. Antibacterial experiments showed that the MAO-Cu/Cu-(HEA)N composite coatings had better bacterial killing effects than the TC4 substrate, which is of great significance to the antifouling abilities of titanium alloys in marine applications.
The Preparation of a Superhydrophobic Fluorine Rubber Surface
Authors: He Xinyang , Ren Shuaichang , Tong Ruiting
Published: December 2022

Superhydrophobic materials have a good application prospect in self-cleaning, anti-fouling, anti-corrosion, and anti-freezing. However, creating large areas of simple, efficient, and environmentally friendly superhydrophobic surfaces remains a huge challenge. In this paper, a simple, environmentally friendly surface superhydrophobic preparation method is used based on 107 silicone rubber adhesive. A superhydrophobic coating with a micro/nano structure was constructed on the surface of fluorine rubber. The particle size and groups of HB-192V powder (mainly SiO2) were observed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The structures of two kinds of rubber surfaces were observed by SEM, and the superhydrophobic surface materials were qualitatively analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The hydrophobic properties of the superhydrophobic surface and the bouncing properties of droplets were analyzed by a contact angle measuring instrument and a high-speed camera. The results show that the preparation of superhydrophobic fluorine rubber on the surface of the water meter contact angle could reach an average of 154.1°. The superhydrophobic surface prepared by this method has a better hydrophobic and droplet bounce property.
Color Paintings of Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Royal Residence: An Analytical Study
Authors: Teri Gele , Fu Peng , Han Kezhu , Li Jiaxin , Li Yanli , Jia Zhihui , Wang Yongjin , Li Yuhu
Published: December 2022

Color paintings have much aesthetic value and historical importance. This study examined the color paintings of the east pillar of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom’s Great Hall. The pillars in interiors of ancient buildings were painted with a layer of red lacquer. The painted pillars are valuable because they symbolize the highest rank of a building’s hierarchy and the esteemed status of the owner. In this study, we investigated pigments, inorganic fillers, and adhesives used in the color paintings of the royal residence. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, polarized light microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy were used to investigate the pigments of the paintings. Pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py–GC/MS) was used to classify the composition of adhesives. The results showed that the painted pigments included vermilion (HgS), graphite (C), white lead (2PbCO3·Pb(OH)2), and lead red (Pb3O4). The Py–GC/MS showed possible presence of tung oil and flour in the mortar. The X-ray diffraction demonstrated the presence of limewater and brick dust (gismondine, dolomite). The analyses of pigment, inorganic fillers, and adhesives of the Taiping royal palace paintings provide information on the long-standing preservation of the paintings.
Influence of Post-Deposition Thermal Treatments on the Morpho-Structural, and Bonding Strength Characteristics of Lithium-Doped Biological-Derived Hydroxyapatite Coatings
Authors: Duta L. , Stan G. E. , Popescu-Pelin G. , Zgura I. , Anastasescu M. , Oktar F. N.
Published: December 2022

We report on hydroxyapatite (HA) of biological-origin doped with lithium carbonate (LiC) and lithium phosphate (LiP) coatings synthesized by Pulsed laser deposition onto Ti6Al4V substrates fabricated by the Additive manufacturing technique. A detailed comparison from the structural, morphological, chemical composition, wetting behavior and bonding strength standpoints of as-deposited (NTT) and post-deposition thermal-treated (TT) coatings at temperatures ranging from 400 to 700 °C (i.e., TT400–TT700), was performed. Structural investigations indicated a complete crystallization of the initially amorphous HA-based layers at temperatures in excess of 500 °C. The morphological analyses emphasized the rough appearance of the film surfaces, consisting of particulates whose dimensions increased at higher temperatures, with an emphasis on LiC coatings. AFM investigations evidenced rough surfaces, with a clear tendency to increase in corrugation with the applied temperature, in the case of LiC coatings. A hydrophobic behavior was observed for control, NTT and TT400 samples, whilst a radical shift towards hydrophilicity was demonstrated for both types of structures at higher temperatures. In the case of TT500–TT700 coatings, the pull-out adherence values increased considerably compared to control ones. Taking into consideration the obtained results, the positive influence of post-deposition thermal treatments (performed at higher temperatures) on the physical–chemical and mechanical properties of LiC and LiP coatings was indicated. Alongside these improved characteristics observed at elevated temperatures, the sustainable nature of the used BioHA materials should recommend them as viable alternatives to synthetic HA ones for bone implant applications.
Effect of Annealing on the Microstructure, Opto-Electronic and Hydrogen Sensing Properties of V2O5 Thin Films Deposited by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Mazur Michał , Kiełczawa Szymon , Domaradzki Jarosław
Published: December 2022

This paper reports results of investigations on selected properties of vanadium oxide thin films deposited using gas impulse magnetron sputtering and annealed at temperatures in the range of 423 K to 673 K. Post-process annealing was shown to allow phase transition of as-deposited films from amorphous to nanocrystalline V2O5 with crystallite sizes in the range of 23 to 27 nm. Simultaneously, annealing resulted in an increase in surface roughness and grain size. Moreover, a decrease in transparency was observed in the visible wavelength range of approximately 50% to 30%, while the resistivity of formed vanadium pentoxide thin films was almost unchanged and was in the order of 102 Ω·cm. Simultaneously, the best optoelectronic performance, testified by evaluated figure of merit parameter, indicated the as-deposited amorphous films. Performed Seebeck coefficient measurements indicated the electron type of electrical conduction of each prepared thin film. Furthermore, gas sensing properties towards diluted hydrogen were investigated for annealed V2O5 thin films, and it was found that the highest senor response was obtained for a thin film annealed at 673 K and measured at operating temperature of 623 K.
Research Progress of Water–Laser Compound Machining Technology
Authors: Shao Kun , Zhou Qunlin , Chen Qingshan , Liu Yi , Wang Chenfang , Li Xiang
Published: December 2022

As an emerging industry, laser processing technology has developed rapidly and has gradually become a key technology in transforming traditional manufacturing. It has been widely used in various fields such as industrial production, communication technology, information processing, health care, military, and scientific research. The application and development of laser processing technology is restricted by thermal damage and the processing residues existing in traditional laser processing. However, water laser compound machining can better solve the above-mentioned problems. In water laser compound machining , heat and byproducts can be absorbed and taken away by water to improve processing quality. This paper expounds and analyzes the principles and research of three popular water laser compound machining methods (water-guided laser processing, underwater laser processing and water-jet-assisted laser processing). Furthermore, this paper analyzes the technical difficulties in water laser compound machining and looks forward to the future development trends of this technology.
Ink-Jet Printing towards Ultra-High Resolution: A Review
Authors: Qiu Xinbo , Gong Xiliang , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zheng Weitao
Published: December 2022

Ink-jet printing combines large-area film fabrication with low-cost solution processing. A high-resolution display calls for small-sized and closely arranged pixels, which can be realised using ink-jet printing. Here, we introduce the relevant steps of ink-jet printing, namely, droplet formation, falling, hitting the substrate, spreading, and the formation of a pixel. On the basis of a summarisation of factors that affect pixel formation, an approximation model is established to explore the minimum size of a pixel.
Heuristic Evaluation of Microsoft Teams as an Online Teaching Platform: An Educators’ Perspective
Authors: Al-Qora’n Lamis , Salem Omar Al Sheik , Gordon Neil
Published: December 2022

The way that education is delivered changed significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic to be completely online in many countries for many institutions. Despite the fact that they are not online teaching platforms, virtual meeting platforms were utilized to deal with this transformation. One of the platforms Philadelphia University utilized for the unplanned shift to online teaching was Microsoft Teams. This paper examines how heuristic evaluation may be used to guide the evaluation of online meeting platforms for teaching and focuses on the use of heuristic evaluation to assess the level of usability of Microsoft Teams. The level of Zoom’s usability is also evaluated using heuristic evaluation in order to compare it to that of Microsoft Teams and to assess Microsoft Teams’ overall usability in comparison to other platforms being used for the same purpose. Microsoft Teams was identified as having a few issues that need to be addressed. Additionally, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to Microsoft Teams’ usability were assessed.
Regulation Mechanism of the Shock Waves in a Pentamode Lattice-Ring Structure Subjected to Collision
Authors: Zhang Zhenhua , Han Bangyi
Published: December 2022

This paper hopes to explore the application potential of pentamode materials in the field of shock protection. Hammer percussion tests revealed that the peak strain of the inner-ring front shock surface of the pentamode lattice-ring structure is 103.9% of that of the inner-ring rear shock surface. According to the simulation results, for a solid ring of equal mass made of the same base material, the ratio mentioned above reaches 3385.7%. Compared with the solid ring of equal mass made of the same base material, the pentamode lattice-ring structure saw a decline of 65.5% in the peak strain of its inner-ring front shock surface. The distribution laws of the group velocity characterizing energy-flow characteristics were discovered by calculating cell dispersion curves in various layers of the pentamode lattice-ring structure. The laws governing the effects of cellular structure parameters on group velocity anisotropy and pentamode characteristic parameters were also revealed. It was found that the deflection angle of the energy-flow vector is positively correlated with group velocity anisotropy and that the effects of pentamode characteristic parameters π and μ on the deflection angle of the energy-flow vector vary greatly in different value ranges. The deflection angle of the energy-flow vector has a decisive effect on the protection performance of the pentamode lattice-ring structure. The conclusions of this study can provide some theoretical support for the shock protection of submarine structures.
A Novel Nonlinear Optical Limiter Based on Stimulated Brillouin Scattering in Highly-Nonlinear Fiber
Authors: Ni Hongcheng , Lu Yuangang , Zhang Zelin , Peng Jianqin , Geng Wei , Dong Biao , Huang Jian
Published: December 2022

A novel nonlinear optical limiter (NOL) based on stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in highly nonlinear fiber was proposed and experimentally demonstrated at 1550 nm wavelength. The nonlinear optical limiting effects of HNLF were characterized and demonstrated theoretically and experimentally. In a proof-of-concept experiment, we verified that the NOL based on a 50 m HNLF has excellent limiting performance due to its small effective area and high Brillouin gain coefficient. The linear transmittance and lowest nonlinear transmittance of the NOL were 87.5% and 11.9%, respectively.
Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) of Multi-Principal Element Alloys of Copper-Niobium-Titanium-Di-Boride-Graphite, Investigation of Microstructures, and Properties
Authors: Eze Azunna Agwo , Sadiku Emmanuel Rotimi , Kupolati Williams Kehinde , Snyman Jacques , Ndambuki Julius Musyoka , Ibrahim Idowu David
Published: December 2022

A near-equiatomic multi-principal element alloy of Cu40Nb30(TiB2)20C10 with both nano-particle size (14 nm) and micron-particle sizes (−44 µm) of Nb was designed and made via the spark plasma sintering technique at two different sintered temperatures of 650 °C and 700 °C with other SPS parameters being constant. The sintering mode, microstructures, microhardness, density, relative density, wear behavior, and corrosion properties of the alloys were investigated and compared to ascertain the best for aerospace applications. The SPS technique was applied to produce the tested samples in this study. The results showed that the alloys with nano-particles of Nb sintered faster, with the lowest wear rate, and their microstructure shows a dendritic configuration with the existence of graphite-rich and niobium-rich nano-segregations in the inter-dendritic areas with the lowest coefficient of friction, Cu-NbTiB2C with nano-particles of Nb sintered at 650 °C recorded the highest microhardness value (786.03 HV0.2), and CuNbTiB2C with micro-particles of Nb sintered at 700 °C exhibited the best anti-corrosion characteristics in a sulphuric acid environment. The results obtained in this study correspond to the requirements for high-performance engineering materials, which will make the novel materials relevant in the aerospace industry.
Elucidation of the Strong Effect of the Annealing and the Magnetic Field on the Magnetic Properties of Ni2-Based Heusler Microwires
Authors: Salaheldeen Mohamed , Wederni Asma , Ipatov Mihail , Gonzalez Julian , Zhukova Valentina , Zhukov Arcady
Published: December 2022

We study the effect of annealing and the applied magnetic field from 50 Oe to 20 kOe on the magneto-structural behavior of Ni2FeSi-based Heusler microwires fabricated by using Taylor-Ulitovsky technique. Using the XRD analysis, a strong effect of annealing, manifested as the development of the crystallization process, was observed. The average grain size and crystalline phase content of annealed sample increase from 21.3 nm and 34% to 32.8 nm and 79%, respectively, as-compared to the as-prepared one. In addition, upon annealing, phase transforms into a monoclinic martensitic structure with a modulation of 10 M, which cannot be found in the as-prepared sample. Concerning the magnetic properties, both samples show ferromagnetic behavior below and above the room temperature, where the Curie temperature of Ni2FeSi is higher than the room temperature. The induced secondary phases have a noticeable effect on the magnetic behavior of the annealed sample, where a high normalized saturation magnetization (NMs) and low normalized reduced remenance (Mr = M/M5K), compared to the as-prepared have been detected. Additionally, the coercivity of annealed sample shows one flipping point at 155 K where its behavior changes with temperature. Meanwhile, the as-prepared sample show two flipped point at 205 K and 55 K. A mismatch between field cooling (FC) and field heating (FH) magnetization curves with temperature has been detected for annealed sample at low applied magnetic field. The difference in magnetic and structure behavior of Ni2FeSi microwires sample is discussed considering the effect of induced internal stresses by the presence of a glass coating and the recrystallization and stresses relaxation upon annealing.
Synergistic Effect of the KBrO3 Electron Acceptor on the Photocatalytic Performance of the Nb-TiO2 Nanocomposite for Polluted Phenol Red Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Almulhem Najla Khaled , Awada Chawki , Alnaim Nisrin Mohammed , Al Taisan Nada , Alshoaibi Adil Ahmed , Shaalan Nagih M.
Published: December 2022

In this work, the effect of KBrO3 on the photodegradation mechanism of Nb-TiO2 nanocomposites was analyzed. The photocatalytic activities of Nb-TiO2 were evaluated by using a high concentration of phenol red (PR). Nb-TiO2 nanocomposites were fabricated by a simple sol–gel route with new experimental conditions. HRTEM and EDX were used to study the structural properties of the Nb-TiO2 nanocomposites. KBrO3 decreased the degradation time of 20 mg·L−1 of phenol red to 110 min, shorter than that in our previous work without KBrO3. In addition, the results showed that the addition of KBrO3 led to a significant degradation process, which reached an efficiency of 95%. The fast decomposition of the PR pollutants was due to the charge transfer between the KBrO3 and Nb-TiO2 nanocomposites in the wastewater treatment.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study of OH Stretching Modes in Pyrophyllite and Talc
Authors: Wu Haoyu , He Mingyue , Wu Shaokun , Yang Mei , Liu Xi
Published: December 2022

Pyrophyllite and talc are both tetrahedra–octahedra–tetrahedra (TOT)-type phyllosilicates, but differences can be found in the stacking mode of the layers and the ion occupation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to differentiate between pyrophyllite and talc. In the 400–600 cm−1 region, pyrophyllite exhibits six peaks, while talc only exhibits five peaks. In the 1000–1200 cm−1 region, pyrophyllite exhibits three clear peaks at approximately 1051, 1070, and 1121 cm−1; while talc only exhibits one strong peak near 1020 cm−1. The differences between pyrophyllite and talc in the near–infrared (NIR) region are clear in the 4000–4700 cm−1 region, and pyrophyllite exhibits an intense peak around 4615 cm−1, which is attributed to the combination of the OH and Si-O-Si stretching bands. Talc has a maximum peak located near 4324 cm−1, which is attributed to the OH stretching vibration. In addition, talc has a secondary peak near 4366 cm−1. Talc has two other weaker peaks around 4054 and 4180 cm−1. The 7000–7250 cm−1 region exhibits the first fundamental overtone of the OH group stretching vibrations. The common characteristic band of these two minerals is 7175–7183 cm−1. The first overtone of OH stretching vibrations can also be generated by adjacent peaks in the fundamental overtones. The peaks of these two minerals around 7094 cm−1 appear to be a combination of 3630 (±5) cm−1 and 3642 (±3) cm−1.The factor of the first fundamental overtone of the OH group stretching vibration is 1.95 (±0.003). Therefore, the characteristic peaks in the mid-infrared (MIR) and NIR regions can be used to distinguish between pyrophyllite and talc, providing a research basis for further exploration in related geological areas.
Fabrication of CeCl3/LiCl/CaCl2 Ternary Eutectic Scintillator for Thermal Neutron Detection
Authors: Sasaki Rei , Kamada Kei , Kim Kyoung Jin , Yajima Ryuga , Yoshino Masao , Kutsuzawa Naoko , Murakami Rikito , Horiai Takahiko , Yoshikawa Akira
Published: December 2022

To date, 3He gas has been commonly used to detect thermal neutrons because of their high chemical stability and low sensitivity to γ-rays, owing to their low density and large neutron capture cross-section. However, the depletion of 3He gas prompts the development of a new solid scintillator for thermal neutron detection to replace 3He gas detectors. Solid scintillators containing 6Li are commonly used to detect thermal neutrons. However, they are currently used in single crystals only, and their 6Li concentration is defined by their chemical composition. In this study, 6Li-containing eutectic scintillators were developed. CeCl3 was selected as the scintillator phase because of its low density (3.9 g/cm3); high light yield (30,000 photons/MeV); and fast decay time with four components of 4.4 ns (6.6%), 23.2 ns (69.6%), 70 ns (7.5%) and >10 μs (16.3%), owing to the Ce3+ 5d-4f emission peak at approximately 360 nm. Crystals of the CeCl3, LiCl and CaCl2 ternary eutectic were fabricated by the vertical Bridgman technique. The grown eutectic crystals exhibited Ce3+ 5d-4f emission with a peak at 360 nm. The light yield was 18,000 photons/neutron, and the decay time was 10.5 ns (27.7%) and 40.1 ns (72.3%). Therefore, this work demonstrates optimization by combining a scintillator phase and Li-rich matrix phase for high Li content, fast timing, high light yield and low density.
Fabrication of Mesoporous V2O5@g-C3N4 Nanocomposite as Photocatalyst for Dye Degradation
Authors: Saleh Sayed M. , Albadri Abuzar E. A. E. , Aissa Mohamed Ali Ben , Modwi Abueliz
Published: December 2022

This study investigated the photocatalytic degradation of RB dye by V2O5@g-C3N4 nano-catalysts. The sonication method was utilized to create V2O5@g-C3N4 nano-catalysts. V2O5@g-C3N4 nano-catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), high-resolution electron microscopy (TEM), BET-surface area analyzer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and ultraviolet spectroscopy. In the meantime, the photocatalytic activity, pH, and photocatalyst dosage are investigated in depth to account for RB dye decolorization. The rate constant for RB dye photodegradation was 0.0517 (min−1) and the decolorization rate was 93.4%. The degrading efficiency of RB dye by V2O5@g-C3N4 nanocatalysts is consistent with pseudo-first-order kinetics. The results of this study demonstrated that V2O5@g-C3N4 nanocatalysts are particularly effective at destroying dyes in water.
Nivolumab Hypersensitivity Reactions a Myth or Reality in Solid Tumors—A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Pîrlog Cristina-Florina , Paroșanu Andreea Ioana , Slavu Cristina Orlov , Olaru Mihaela , Popa Ana Maria , Iaciu Cristian , Niță Irina , Moțatu Pompilia , Horia Cotan , Manolescu Loredana Sabina Cornelia , Nițipir Cornelia
Published: December 2022

Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are the most effective treatments nowadays. Nivolumab was the second ICI used for treating solid tumors with amazing results. Patients treated with Nivolumab may react differently to this treatment. Some people tolerate this treatment very well without experiencing any adverse reactions, whilst some may have mild symptoms and a part of them can present severe reactions. In our research, we sought to identify the answers to four questions: 1. what type of cancer has more severe hypersensitivity reactions to Nivolumab, 2. what is the time frame for developing these severe reactions to Nivolumab, 3. whether it is best to continue or stop the treatment after a severe hypersensitivity reaction to Nivolumab and 4. what severe hypersensitivity reactions are the most frequent reported along Nivolumab treatment. This review also highlights another problem with regard to the usage of concomitant and prior medications or other methods of treatment (e.g., radiation therapy), which can also lead to severe reactions. Treatment with Nivolumab is very well tolerated, but patients should also be warned of the possibility of severe hypersensitivity reactions for which they should urgently see a doctor for a personalized evaluation. There are some options for individuals with severe hypersensitivity reactions, for eg. switching the medication or applying a desensitization protocol.