bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyses of Structural Robustness of Prefabricated Modular Buildings: A Case Study on Mid-Rise Building Configurations
Authors: Munmulla Thisari , Navaratnam Satheeskumar , Thamboo Julian , Ponnampalam Thusiyanthan , Damruwan Hidallana-Gamage , Tsavdaridis Konstantinos , Zhang Guomin
Published: August 2022

The limited knowledge of the behaviour of modular buildings subjected to different loading scenarios and thereby lack of design guidelines hinder the growth of modular construction practices despite its widespread benefits. In order to understand the robustness of modular building systems, a case study was carried out using the numerical analysis method to evaluate the robustness of ten-storey braced frame modular buildings with different modular systems. Two types of modules with different span lengths were used in the assessments. Then, three different column removal scenarios involving (1) removal of a corner column, (2) an edge column, and (3) an interior column were employed to assess the robustness of modular building cases considered. The forces generated in the elements in close proximity to the removed column were verified to assess the robustness of each building case analysed. The results showed that the change in damping ratio from 1% to 5% has no significant influence on the robustness of the modular building cases considered, where the zero-damping leads to collapse. Corner column removal has not considerably affected the robustness of the braced modular building cases studied. The axial capacity ratio of columns is 0.8 in dynamic column removal in the building subjected to corner column removal, while in interior column removal capacity ratio reached up to 1.2, making it the most vulnerable failure scenario. Doubling the span of the modules (from 2.5 m to 5 m) has influenced the robustness of the buildings by increasing the axial forces of columns up to 30% in the interior column removal scenario. Thus, this study highlights that proper guidelines should be made available to assess the robustness of modular building systems to effectively design against progressive collapse.
Safety and Efficacy of Carbon-Ion Radiotherapy for Elderly Patients with High-Risk Prostate Cancer
Authors: Hiroshima Yuichi , Ishikawa Hitoshi , Iwai Yuma , Wakatsuki Masaru , Utsumi Takanobu , Suzuki Hiroyoshi , Akakura Koichiro , Harada Masaoki , Sakurai Hideyuki , Ichikawa Tomohiko , Tsuji Hiroshi
Published: August 2022

Carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT) is a high-dose intensive treatment, whose safety and efficacy have been proven for prostate cancer. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of CIRT in elderly patients with prostate cancer. Patients aged 75 years or above at the initiation of CIRT were designated as the elderly group, and younger than 75 years as the young group. The overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), biochemical control rate (BCR), biochemical relapse-free survival (BRFS), and adverse events were compared between the elderly and young patients with high-risk prostate cancer treated with CIRT. The elderly group comprised 173 of 927 patients treated for high-risk prostate cancer between April 2000 and May 2018. The overall median age was 69 (range: 45–92) years. The median follow-up period was 91.9 (range: 12.6–232.3) months. The 10-year OS, DSS, BCR, and BRFS rates in the young and elderly groups were 86.9%/71.5%, 96.6%/96.8%, 76.8%/88.1%, and 68.6%/64.3%, respectively. The OS (p < 0.001) was longer in the younger group and the BCR was better in the elderly group (p = 0.008). The DSS and BRFS did not differ significantly between the two groups. The rates of adverse events between the two groups did not differ significantly and no patient had an adverse event of Grade 4 or higher during the study period. CIRT may be as effective and safe in elderly patients as the treatment for high-risk prostate cancer.
Tumour Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Challenging Target to Blunt Tumour Immune Evasion
Authors: Lopatina Tatiana , Sarcinella Alessandro , Brizzi Maria Felice
Published: August 2022

Control of the immune response is crucial for tumour onset and progression. Tumour cells handle the immune reaction by means of secreted factors and extracellular vesicles (EV). Tumour-derived extracellular vesicles (TEV) play key roles in immune reprogramming by delivering their cargo to different immune cells. Tumour-surrounding tissues also contribute to tumour immune editing and evasion, tumour progression, and drug resistance via locally released TEV. Moreover, the increase in circulating TEV has suggested their underpinning role in tumour dissemination. This review brings together data referring to TEV-driven immune regulation and antitumour immune suppression. Attention was also dedicated to TEV-mediated drug resistance.
PSMA Radioligand Uptake as a Biomarker of Neoangiogenesis in Solid Tumours: Diagnostic or Theragnostic Factor?
Authors: Rizzo Alessio , Dall’Armellina Sara , Pizzuto Daniele Antonio , Perotti Germano , Zagaria Luca , Lanni Valerio , Treglia Giorgio , Racca Manuela , Annunziata Salvatore
Published: August 2022

Due to its overexpression on the surface of prostate cancer cells, prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a relatively novel effective target for molecular imaging and radioligand therapy (RLT) in prostate cancer. Recent studies reported that PSMA is expressed in the neovasculature of various types of cancer and regulates tumour cell invasion as well as tumour angiogenesis. Several authors explored the role of diagnostic and therapeutic PSMA radioligands in various malignancies. In this narrative review, we describe the current status of the literature on PSMA radioligands’ application in solid tumours other than prostate cancer to explore their potential role as diagnostic or therapeutic agents, with particular regard to the relevance of PSMA radioligand uptake as neoangiogenetic biomarker. Hence, a comprehensive review of the literature was performed to find relevant articles on the applications of PSMA radioligands in non-prostate solid tumours. Data on the general, methodological and clinical aspects of all included studies were collected. Forty full-text papers were selected for final review, 8 of which explored PSMA radioligand PET/CT performances in gliomas, 3 in salivary gland malignancies, 6 in thyroid cancer, 2 in breast cancer, 16 in renal cell carcinoma and 5 in hepatocellular carcinoma. In the included studies, PSMA radioligand PET showed promising performance in patients with non-prostate solid tumours. Further studies are needed to better define its potential role in oncological patients management, especially in those undergoing antineoangiogenic therapies, and to assess the efficacy of PSMA-RLT in this clinical context.
Obesity Management in the Primary Prevention of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zunica Elizabeth R. M. , Heintz Elizabeth C. , Axelrod Christopher L. , Kirwan John P.
Published: August 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary hepatic malignancy and a leading cause of cancer-related death globally. HCC is associated with an indolent clinical presentation, resulting in frequent advanced stage diagnoses where surgical resection or transplant therapies are not an option and medical therapies are largely ineffective at improving survival. As such, there is a critical need to identify and enhance primary prevention strategies to mitigate HCC-related morbidity and mortality. Obesity is an independent risk factor for the onset and progression of HCC. Furthermore, obesity is a leading cause of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the fasting growing etiological factor of HCC. Herein, we review evolving clinical and mechanistic associations between obesity and hepatocarcinogenesis with an emphasis on the therapeutic efficacy of prevailing lifestyle/behavioral, medical, and surgical treatment strategies for weight reduction and NASH reversal.
Can We Efficiently Target HDAC in Cancer?
Authors: Kiesslich Tobias , Neureiter Daniel
Published: August 2022

According to the hallmarks of cancer, typical processes of human cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis are essentially influenced by pathologic epigenetic deregulations via DNA methylation and/or histone modification [...]
Defective DNAM-1 Dependent Cytotoxicity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Infiltrating NK Cells
Authors: Mantovani Stefania , Varchetta Stefania , Mele Dalila , Maiello Roberta , Donadon Matteo , Soldani Cristiana , Franceschini Barbara , Torzilli Guido , Tartaglia Giuseppe , Maestri Marcello , Piccolo Gaetano , Barabino Matteo , Opocher Enrico , Bernuzzi Stefano , Mondelli Mario U. , Oliviero Barbara
Published: August 2022

Background: Natural killer (NK) cells play a key role in immune surveillance and response to tumors, their function regulated by NK cell receptors and their ligands. The DNAM-1 activating receptor recognizes the CD155 molecule expressed in several tumor cells, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to investigate the role of the DNAM-1/CD155 axis in mediating the NK cell response in patients with HCC. Methods: Soluble CD155 was measured by ELISA. CD155 expression was sought in HCC cells by immunohistochemistry, qPCR, and flow cytometry. DNAM-1 modulation in NK cells was evaluated in transwell experiments and by a siRNA-mediated knockdown. NK cell functions were examined by direct DNAM-1 triggering. Results: sCD155 was increased in sera from HCC patients and correlated with the parameters of an advanced disease. The expression of CD155 in HCC showed a positive trend toward better overall survival. DNAM-1 downmodulation was induced by CD155-expressing HCC cells, in agreement with lower DNAM-1 expressions in tumor-infiltrating NK (NK-TIL) cells. DNAM-1-mediated cytotoxicity was defective both in circulating NK cells and in NK-TIL of HCC patients. Conclusions: We provide evidence of alterations in the DNAM-1/CD155 axis in HCC, suggesting a possible mechanism of tumor resistance to innate immune surveillance.
Formation and Intramolecular Capture of α-Imino Gold Carbenoids in the Au(I)-Catalyzed [3 + 2] Reaction of Anthranils, 1,2,4-Oxadiazoles, and 4,5-Dihydro-1,2,4-Oxadiazoles with Ynamides
Authors: Stylianakis Ioannis , Litinas Iraklis , Kolocouris Antonios , Silva López Carlos
Published: August 2022

α-Imino gold carbenoid species have been recognized as key intermediates in a plethora of processes involving gold-activated alkynes. Here, we explored the pathways of the Au(I)-catalyzed [3 + 2] reaction between the mild nucleophiles: anthranil, 1,2,4-oxadiazole, or 4,5-dihydro-1,2,4-oxadiazole, and an ynamide, PhC≡C-N(Ts)Me, proceeding via the formation of the aforementioned α-imino gold carbene intermediate which, after intramolecular capture, regioselectively produces 2-amino-3-phenyl-7-acyl indoles, N-acyl-5-aminoimidazoles, or N-alkyl-4-aminoimidazoles, respectively. In all cases, the regioselectivity of the substituents at 2, 3 in the 7-acyl-indole ring and 4, 5 in the substituted imidazole ring is decided at the first transition state, involving the attack of nitrogen on the C1 or C2 carbon of the activated ynamide. A subsequent and steep energy drop furnishes the key α-imino gold carbene. These features are more pronounced for anthranil and 4,5-dihydro-1,2,4-oxadiazole reactions. Strikingly, in the 4,5-dihydro-1,2,4-oxadiazole reaction the significant drop of energy is due to the formation of an unstable α-imino gold carbene, which after a spontaneous benzaldehyde elimination is converted to a stabilized one. Compared to anthranil, the reaction pathways for 1,2,4-oxadiazoles or 4,5-dihydro-1,2,4-oxadiazoles are found to be significantly more complex than anticipated in the original research. For instance, compared to the formation of a five-member ring from the α-imino gold carbene, one competitive route involves the formation of intermediates consisting of a four-member ring condensed with a three-member ring, which after a metathesis and ring expansion led to the imidazole ring.
Determination of Chemical Kinetic Parameters for Adsorption and Desorption of NH3 in Cu-Zeolite Used as a DeNOx SCR Catalyst of Diesel Engines
Authors: Kim Yanghwa , Lim Ocktaeck , Kim Hongsuk
Published: August 2022

Ammonia-based selective catalytic reduction is one of the most effective NOx reduction technologies for diesel engines, but its low NOx reduction efficiency under low-temperature conditions needs further improvement. Previous studies have broadened our understanding of the NH3 adsorption and desorption that occurs in an SCR catalyst of Cu ion-exchanged zeolite. However, many studies conducted to data on the control of the NH3 adsorption and desorption in SCR catalysts have considered a simple chemical reaction related to a single acid site. This study demonstrates a detailed process for determining the chemical kinetic parameters of the adsorption and desorption of NH3 for different types of acid sites of a zeolite catalyst. The determined chemical kinetics parameters will be used for more effective control of the SCR system in future studies.
Catalytic Activity of Carbon Materials in the Oxidation of Minerals
Authors: Burbano Aura Alejandra , Gascó Gabriel , Paz-Ferreiro Jorge , Méndez Ana
Published: August 2022

This study aims to advance the knowledge of using carbon materials as catalysts in the oxidation of chalcopyrite. For this, two different materials (a commercial activated carbon (CC) and commercial biochar (BC)) were added to chalcopyrite ore (CPY) at three weight ratios (1:1, 1:0.5, and 1:0.25). Mixtures were treated with sulfuric/ferric solution for 96 h at 90 °C. Experimental results showed that extraction of copper from CPY was around 36%, increasing to higher than 90% with the addition of CC or BC at the proper ratio. The best result (99.1% Cu extraction) was obtained using a 1:1 ratio of CPY:CC. Analysis of solid residues shows that CC, with a high surface area, adsorbs sulfur onto its surface, limiting elemental sulfur formation. Additionally, the treatment of CPY in the CC’s presence transforms the chalcopyrite into CuS. Sulfur adsorption or CuS formation was not observed after the leaching of chalcopyrite with BC. However, the addition of BC to CPY at a ratio of 1:0.25 also increased the extraction of copper to 91.1%. Two carbon materials were oxidized after treatment with a sulfuric/ferric solution, and BC probably displayed catalytic properties in the leaching medium.
Chemocatalytic Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass to Ethanol: A Mini-Review
Authors: Gong Zhenggang , Lv Xianqing , Yang Junhui , Luo Xiaolin , Shuai Li
Published: August 2022

Ethanol has been widely used as a clean fuel, solvent, and hydrogen carrier. Currently, ethanol is generally produced through fermentation of starch- and sugarcane-derived sugars (e.g., glucose and sucrose) or ethylene hydration. Its production from abundant and inexpensive lignocellulosic biomass would facilitate the development of green and sustainable society. Biomass-derived carbohydrates and syngas can serve as important feedstocks for ethanol synthesis via biological and chemical pathways. Nevertheless, the biological pathway for producing ethanol through biomass-derived glucose fermentation has the disadvantages of long production period and carbon loss. These issues can be effectively mitigated by chemocatalytic methods, which can readily convert biomass to ethanol in high yields and high atomic efficiency. In this article, we review the recent advances in chemocatalytic conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol, with a focus on analyzing the mechanism of chemocatalytic pathways and discussing the issues related to these methods. We hope this mini-review can provide new insights into the development of direct ethanol synthesis from renewable lignocellulosic biomass.
Proteostasis Deregulation in Neurodegeneration and Its Link with Stress Granules: Focus on the Scaffold and Ribosomal Protein RACK1
Authors: Masi Mirco , Attanzio Alessandro , Racchi Marco , Wolozin Benjamin , Borella Sofia , Biundo Fabrizio , Buoso Erica
Published: August 2022

The role of protein misfolding, deposition, and clearance has been the dominant topic in the last decades of investigation in the field of neurodegeneration. The impairment of protein synthesis, along with RNA metabolism and RNA granules, however, are significantly emerging as novel potential targets for the comprehension of the molecular events leading to neuronal deficits. Indeed, defects in ribosome activity, ribosome stalling, and PQC—all ribosome-related processes required for proteostasis regulation—can contribute to triggering stress conditions and promoting the formation of stress granules (SGs) that could evolve in the formation of pathological granules, usually occurring during neurodegenerating effects. In this review, the interplay between proteostasis, mRNA metabolism, and SGs has been explored in a neurodegenerative context with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease (AD), although some defects in these same mechanisms can also be found in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which are discussed here. Finally, we highlight the role of the receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) in these pathologies and note that, besides its well characterized function as a scaffold protein, it has an important role in translation and can associate to stress granules (SGs) determining cell fate in response to diverse stress stimuli.
Mechanical Stretch Induced Osteogenesis on Human Annulus Fibrosus Cells through Upregulation of BMP-2/6 Heterodimer and Activation of P38 and SMAD1/5/8 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Chen Cheng-Nan , Chang Hsin-I , Yen Chia-Kung , Liu Wen-Lung , Huang Kuo-Yuan
Published: August 2022

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is an important cause of low back pain. Repetitive tensile stress from the daily motion of the spine predisposes it to injury of the annulus fibrosus (AF) which causes IVD degeneration. This study aims to determine the causal relationship between mechanical stretch and osteogenesis in the AF cells of IVD as affected by bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs), specifically BMP-2/6 heterodimers. Our results found that 15% tensile stress (high cyclic stretching, HCS) may induce the expression of osteogenesis-related markers (Runx2, osterix) by upregulating BMP-2/6 heterodimeric ligands and their receptors on the human AF cell line. HCS also induced transient phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and SMAD1/5/8. Neutralizing antibodies to the BMP-2/6 receptor (ALK3) blocked the expression of Runx2 and osterix, as well as the phosphorylation of p38 and SMAD1/5/8. In addition, treatment with a p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) or siRNA to neutralize the effects of SMAD1/5/8 suppressed tensile stress-induced Runx2 and osterix expression. Mechanical stretching induces activation of p38 MAP kinase and SMAD1/5/8 signaling pathways, followed by the upregulation of BMP-2/6 heterodimer expression, thereby stimulating osteogenic Runx2 and osterix expression on AF cells. HCS may accelerate the progression of IVD degeneration by promoting an osteogenic response.
Cognitive Decline and BPSD Are Concomitant with Autophagic and Synaptic Deficits Associated with G9a Alterations in Aged SAMP8 Mice
Authors: Vasilopoulou Foteini , Bellver-Sanchis Aina , Companys-Alemany Júlia , Jarne-Ferrer Júlia , Irisarri Alba , Palomera-Ávalos Verónica , Gonzalez-Castillo Celia , Ortuño-Sahagún Daniel , Sanfeliu Coral , Pallàs Mercè , Griñán-Ferré Christian
Published: August 2022

Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are presented in 95% of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) patients and are also associated with neurotrophin deficits. The molecular mechanisms leading to age-related diseases are still unclear; however, emerging evidence has suggested that epigenetic modulation is a key pathophysiological basis of ageing and neurodegeneration. In particular, it has been suggested that G9a methyltransferase and its repressive histone mark (H3K9me2) are important in shaping learning and memory by modulating autophagic activity and synaptic plasticity. This work deepens our understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the loss of cognitive function and BPSD in AD. For this purpose, several tasks were performed to evaluate the parameters of sociability (three-chamber test), aggressiveness (resident intruder), anxiety (elevated plus maze and open field) and memory (novel object recognition test) in mice, followed by the evaluation of epigenetic, autophagy and synaptic plasticity markers at the molecular level. The behavioural alterations presented by senescence-accelerated mice prone 8 (SAMP8) of 12 months of age compared with their senescence-accelerated mouse resistant mice (SAMR1), the healthy control strain was accompanied by age-related cognitive deficits and alterations in epigenetic markers. Increased levels of G9a are concomitant to the dysregulation of the JNK pathway in aged SAMP8, driving a failure in autophagosome formation. Furthermore, lower expression of the genes involved in the memory-consolidation process modulated by ERK was observed in the aged male SAMP8 model, suggesting the implication of G9a. In any case, two of the most important neurotrophins, namely brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) and neurotrophin-3 (NT3), were found to be reduced, along with a decrease in the levels of dendritic branching and spine density presented by SAMP8 mice. Thus, the present study characterizes and provides information regarding the non-cognitive and cognitive states, as well as molecular alterations, in aged SAMP8, demonstrating the AD-like symptoms presented by this model. In any case, our results indicate that higher levels of G9a are associated with autophagic deficits and alterations in synaptic plasticity, which could further explain the BPSD and cognitive decline exhibited by the model.
Elicitation of Roots and AC-DC with PEP-13 Peptide Shows Differential Defense Responses in Multi-Omics
Authors: Chambard Marie , Ben Mlouka Mohamed Amine , Jing Lun , Plasson Carole , Cosette Pascal , Leprince Jérôme , Follet-Gueye Marie-Laure , Driouich Azeddine , Nguema-Ona Eric , Boulogne Isabelle
Published: August 2022

The root extracellular trap (RET) has emerged as a specialized compartment consisting of root AC-DC and mucilage. However, the RET’s contribution to plant defense is still poorly understood. While the roles of polysaccharides and glycoproteins secreted by root AC-DC have started to be elucidated, how the low-molecular-weight exudates of the RET contribute to root defense is poorly known. In order to better understand the RET and its defense response, the transcriptomes, proteomes and metabolomes of roots, root AC-DC and mucilage of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr, var. Castetis) upon elicitation with the peptide PEP-13 were investigated. This peptide is derived from the pathogenic oomycete Phytophthora sojae. In this study, the root and the RET responses to elicitation were dissected and sequenced using transcriptional, proteomic and metabolomic approaches. The major finding is increased synthesis and secretion of specialized metabolites upon induced defense activation following PEP-13 peptide elicitation. This study provides novel findings related to the pivotal role of the root extracellular trap in root defense.
Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms in Chronic Pain
Authors: Mauceri Daniela
Published: August 2022

Pain is an unpleasant but essential-to-life sensation, usually resulting from tissue damage. When pain persists long after the injury has resolved, it becomes pathological. The precise molecular and cellular mechanisms causing the transition from acute to chronic pain are not fully understood. A key aspect of pain chronicity is that several plasticity events happen along the neural pathways involved in pain. These long-lasting adaptive changes are enabled by alteration in the expression of relevant genes. Among the different modulators of gene transcription in adaptive processes in the nervous system, epigenetic mechanisms play a pivotal role. In this review, I will first outline the main classes of epigenetic mediators and then discuss their implications in chronic pain.
An NIR Emissive Donor-π-Acceptor Dicyanomethylene-4H-Pyran Derivative as a Fluorescent Chemosensor System towards Copper (II) Detection
Authors: Karkosik Agata , Moro Artur J.
Published: August 2022

A novel donor-π-acceptor fluorescent dye as a chemosensor for Cu2+ ions is herein presented. The fluorophoric core consists of a 3,5-diphenyl-dicyanomethylene-4H-pyran (DCM), with extended styryl chains on positions 2 and 6, bearing terminal di-(2-picolyl)amine (DPA) groups for metal coordination. Optical characterization of the chemosensor dye reveals an absorption maximum at ca. 500 nm and a strong bathochromic shift in the emission, reaching ca. 750 nm in polar solvents. This solvatochromic behavior, which yields very large Stokes shifts (up to ~6700 cm−1), is characteristic of the strong intramolecular Charge Transfer (CT) nature of this chromophoric system. While the chemosensor has demonstrated no changes in its optical properties over a wide pH range (2–12), a strong quenching effect was observed upon Cu2+ coordination, with a 1:1 binding stoichiometry, indicating that only one DPA unit is capable of effectively chelating Cu2+, rendering the second DPA motif inactive. The binding constant was determined to be 7.5 × 107 M−1, indicating a very high sensitivity, and an LOD of 90.1 nM. Competition assays have demonstrated that the chemosensor is highly selective towards Cu2+, even in the presence of excesses of other mono- and di-valent cations. Co2+ and Ni2+ proved to be the strongest interferents, particularly in the luminescent response. Paper test-strips prepared with the embedded sensor showed a fluorometric response in the presence of different copper (II) concentrations, which attested to the potential of this chemosensor to be used in the determination of Cu2+ content in aqueous media, for in-field applications.
Preparation of Melamine-Formaldehyde Resin/Rice Husk Powder Coated Epoxy Resin Microcapsules and Effects of Different Microcapsule Contents on the Properties of Waterborne Coatings on Tilia europaea Surface
Authors: Huang Nan , Yan Xiaoxing , Han Yan
Published: August 2022

With the development of economy and science and technology, people put forward higher standards for the performance of the surface coating of wood products, which requires us to carry out innovative research on the coating. In this work, a kind of microcapsule was prepared with melamine-formaldehyde resin/rice husk powder as wall material and epoxy resin as core material. The microcapsules were added to the waterborne acrylic resin coating according to the contents of 0%, 1.0%, 4.0%, 7.0%, 10.0%, 13.0%, 16.0% and 20.0% respectively, and were coated on the surface of the Tilia europaea boards in the form of topcoat. The effects of different contents of microcapsules on the optical properties, mechanical properties and aging resistance of the coating were explored, and the optimal content that can effectively improve the properties of the coating was analyzed. Test results indicated that when the microcapsule content is 7.0%, the comprehensive properties of the coating is optimal. At this time, the color difference of the coating is 6.96, the gloss at 60° is 13.4%, the hardness is 2H, the adhesion grade is 1, and the impact resistance is 12.0 kg·cm. After the aging test, the gloss loss rate decreases, the color difference is 5.69, and the gloss at 60° is 11.6%. The results of aging test show that the coating with epoxy microcapsules has a certain self-healing function. In this study, the microcapsules which can optimize the mechanical properties waterborne coating and prolong the service life of wood were prepared. This can meet the diverse needs of consumers, supply a theoretical reference for the preparation of functional microcapsules, and provide reference value for the functional research of the coating on wood furniture surface.
The Fabrication of Indium–Gallium–Zinc Oxide Sputtering Targets with Various Gallium Contents and Their Applications to Top-Gate Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Tien Tsung-Cheng , Wu Jyun-Sheng , Hsieh Tsung-Eong , Wu Hsin-Jay
Published: August 2022

We prepared amorphous indium–gallium–zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin films with various Ga content ratios and investigated their feasibility as the active channel layers of top-gate thin-film transistors (TFT). First, the 2-inch IGZO sputtering targets with stoichiometric ratios of InGaZn2O5, InGaZnO4, and InGa2ZnO5.5 were fabricated using In2O3, Ga2O3, and ZnO oxide powders as raw materials via sintering treatments at temperatures ranging from 900 °C to 1300 °C for 6 h or 8 h. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the InGaZn2O5 and InGaZnO4 targets are single-phase structures whereas the InGa2ZnO5.5 target is a two-phase structure. Hall effect measurement indicated that the a-InGaZn2O5 and a-InGaZnO4 layers possess a carrier concentration (N) of about 1019 cm−3 and a resistivity (ρ) of about 10−2 Ω·cm; however, the N of the a-InGa2ZnO5.5 layer is only 1017 cm−3, and the ρ is about 1 to 4 Ω·cm. Moreover, the a-InGaZn2O5 layer exhibited the highest Hall-effect mobility (μHall) of 21.17 cm2·V−1·sec−1. This indicated that the impedance of Ga3+ ions to carrier migration is the main factor affecting the electrical properties of a-IGZO layers. Ga content in the a-IGZO channel similarly affects the performance of the TFT devices prepared in this study. The annealing at 300 °C for 1 h in an ambient atmosphere was found to significantly improve the electrical properties of the TFT devices. The best performance was observed in the a-InGaZnO4 TFT sample subjected to post-annealing at 300 °C with Vth = −0.85 V, μFE = 8.46 cm2, V−1·sec−1, SS = 2.31, V·decade−1, and Ion/Ioff = 2.9 × 104.
Research Progress of Self-Cleaning, Anti-Icing, and Aging Test Technology of Composite Insulators
Authors: He Qiang , He Wenjie , Zhang Fangyuan , Zhao Yiming , Li Lu , Yang Xiangjun , Zhang Fengwei
Published: August 2022

Composite insulators are widely used in power systems because of their advantages of light weight, good pollution resistance, and high mechanical strength. With the increasingly serious environmental pollution problem, especially in winter at high latitudes, composite insulators are easily affected by fog, bird droppings, algae, and icing. Long-term exposure to the outdoor insulator surface will cause aging, which will then pose ae potential safety hazard to the stable operation of insulators. Therefore, the self-cleaning, anti-icing, and aging test technologies of composite insulators are particularly important. This paper introduces the research progress and current situation of self-cleaning, anti-icing surface preparation, and aging test technology of composite insulators, and looks forward to the future development of composite insulators.
Stress Relaxation during Artificial Aging of an AlSi7Cu0.5Mg Cast Alloy
Authors: Wang René , Ram Dinesh , Stauder Bernhard , Gutiérrez Ricardo Fernández , Gariboldi Elisabetta , Poletti Maria Cecilia
Published: August 2022

After casting and solidification, Al cast cylinder heads undergo a sequence of heat treatments to achieve the desired material properties. This sequence comprises solution heat treatment (SHT), quenching, and artificial aging. Internal stresses are formed due to temperature gradients in the complex geometry of the cylinder heads during quenching from the SHT temperature to room temperature. Especially high tensile stresses can produce damage during service. However, part of these internal stresses relaxes during the aging treatment. This work aims to systematically measure the relaxation of the stresses, as well as to phenomenologically model the amount and rate of relaxation. Cast specimens of AlSi7Cu0.5Mg are heat-treated in a furnace before relaxation in a creep testing machine. SHT and SHT plus aging at 180, 200, and 230 °C for 0 h, 0.5 h, 1 h, 4 h, and 6 h are carried out before testing. The relaxation of the stress at constant temperature and strain over 5 h is recorded at three different testing temperatures (180 °C, 200 °C, and 230 °C). The relaxation process is strongly dependent on the testing temperature: at 180 °C and 200 °C the equilibrium stress was already reached after around 1 h, and at 230 °C the equilibrium was reached after 3.5 h. The initial stress values do not influence the relaxation rate. A phenomenological relaxation model is developed to calculate the stress decrement over time and the equilibrium stress in the AlSi7Cu0.5Mg-alloy. The model allows for calculating the levels of residual stress at any time during artificial aging as a function of the thermal history of the alloy, the relaxation temperature, and the initial stress level. Complete relaxation of the initial stress is not reached within 5 h.
Succinyl and Adipoyl Dihydrazones: A Solid-State, Solution and Antibacterial Study
Authors: Topić Edi , Damjanović Vladimir , Pičuljan Katarina , Vrdoljak Višnja , Rubčić Mirta
Published: August 2022

A series of aryl-functionalized alkyl dihydrazones was prepared by condensation of succinyl or adipoyl dihydrazide and selected ortho-hydroxybenzaldehydes (2-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde, 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, and 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde) in solution. The obtained products were structurally characterized in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD), thermal analysis (TGA-DSC), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and in DMSO-d6 solution by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. Combined FTIR and crystal structure data point to a N–NH–C=O tautomeric form of the hydrazone parts as well as the enol-imino tautomeric form of the aldehyde residues and a robust trans-syn conformation for the structurally investigated ones. While the molecules retain the same tautomeric form in the DMSO-d6 solution, they adopt several conformations, due to rotations around Car–C, C–N, and N–N bonds. The compounds show exceptional thermal stability, with a complex degradation pattern. Slight differences in thermal behavior correlate to alkyl chain length and aryl substituents. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of prepared dihydrazones was evaluated on THP-1 and HepG2 cell lines, while their antibacterial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Moraxella catarrhalis bacteria. All compounds proved to be non-cytotoxic, and some exhibited moderate antibacterial activity.
Measurement and Correlation of the Solubility of Florfenicol in Four Binary Solvent Mixtures from T = (278.15 to 318.15) K
Authors: Zhang Xinyuan , Cui Pingping , Yin Qiuxiang , Zhou Ling
Published: August 2022

Florfenicol is an excellent antibiotic and is widely used in animal bacterial diseases. However, its poor water solubility leads to various problems, such as poor absorption and bioavailability. The development of nanocrystals is one of the most useful methods for solubilizing florfenicol, which often requires solubility data of florfenicol in different mixed solvents. In this work, the solubility of florfenicol was determined by the gravimetric method in methanol + water, ethanol + water, 1-propanol + water, and isopropanol + water binary solvents at temperatures from 278.15 to 318.15 K. In these four mixed solvents, the solubility of florfenicol increased with the increase in temperature. The solubility of florfenicol in methanol + water mixed solvent increases with the decrease in water ratio, while the solubility of florfenicol in ethanol + water, 1-propanol + water, or isopropanol + water mixed solvents increased first and then decreased with the decrease in water ratio, indicating a cosolvency phenomenon. The modified Apelblat model, CNIBS/R-K model, Jouyban–Acree model, and NRTL model were used to correlate the solubility data of florfenicol in four binary solvents. RMSD values indicated that the calculated values are in good agreement with the experimental solubility data for all four models, among which the CNIBS/R-K model provides the best correlation.
Fabrication and Characterization of Lead-Free BNT-6BT Ultrasonic Transducers Designed by an Intelligent Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Junshan , Zhao Jianxin , Quan Yi , He Jingrong , Li Yi , Wang Zhe , Zheng Kun , Zhuang Jian , Jiang Zhishui , Wen Li , Ren Wei
Published: August 2022

Lead-free piezoelectric material-based ultrasonic transducers have been researched for several years, but the inefficient properties and design difficulties have troubled lead-free ultrasonic transducers for a long time. To improve the performance and design efficiency of lead-free ultrasonic transducers, in this work, an equivalent circuit model and intelligent optimization algorithm were combined for use in a transducer design. Firstly, 0.94(Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3-0.06BaTiO3(BNT-6BT) lead-free piezoelectric ceramics were prepared and characterized. Then, BNT-6BT ceramics were used to fabricate the ultrasonic transducers. An equivalent circuit model-based software, PiezoCAD, and a genetic algorithm-based back-propagation neural network were used to optimize the design of the transducers. A 3.03 MHz center frequency and 60.3% −6 dB bandwidth of the optimized transducers were achieved, which were consistent with the neural networks optimization results. To verify the application potential of the lead-free transducers, tungsten rods phantom imaging and polystyrene spheres with 300 μm diameter manipulation were completed by the transducers, and the experiment results indicate that the BNT-6BT lead-free transducers have great potential in further biological and biomedical applications.
Cathepsin K: A Versatile Potential Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Various Cancers
Authors: Qian Die , He Lisha , Zhang Qing , Li Wenqing , Tang Dandan , Wu Chunjie , Yang Fei , Li Ke , Zhang Hong
Published: August 2022

Cancer, a common malignant disease, is one of the predominant causes of diseases that lead to death. Additionally, cancer is often detected in advanced stages and cannot be radically cured. Consequently, there is an urgent need for reliable and easily detectable markers to identify and monitor cancer onset and progression as early as possible. Our aim was to systematically review the relevant roles of cathepsin K (CTSK) in various possible cancers in existing studies. CTSK, a well-known key enzyme in the bone resorption process and most studied for its roles in the effective degradation of the bone extracellular matrix, is expressed in various organs. Nowadays, CTSK has been involved in various cancers such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, bone cancer, renal carcinoma, lung cancer and other cancers. In addition, CTSK can promote tumor cells proliferation, invasion and migration, and its mechanism may be related to RANK/RANKL, TGF-β, mTOR and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Clinically, some progress has been made with the use of cathepsin K inhibitors in the treatment of certain cancers. This paper reviewed our current understanding of the possible roles of CTSK in various cancers and discussed its potential as a biomarker and/or novel molecular target for various cancers.
Deep Troglomorphy: New Arrhopalitidae (Collembola: Symphypleona) of Different Life Forms from the Snezhnaya Cave System in the Caucasus
Authors: Vargovitsh Robert S.
Published: August 2022

The Snezhnaya (=Snow) Cave System (depth −1760 m; total length 40.8 km), located in the West Caucasus, is inhabited by distinctly troglomorphic collembolan species from several families. Two new species of the family Arrhopalitidae occur in the deep parts of the system. Both are highly morphologically specialized; however, they evolved into different troglobiont life forms. Arrhopalites profundus sp. nov. with extremely long claws, lamellate mucro, and an enlarged sensory organ of third antennal segment lives exclusively in hygropetric and epineustonic habitats, whereas Pygmarrhopalites rystsovi sp. nov., with greatly elongated and multi-subsegmentated antennae and long legs, prefers open terrestrial spaces. The troglomorphy, as well as ecological life forms of the obligate cave-dwelling Arrhopalitidae, in general, are discussed and classified as neustonic-hygropetric, atmobiont, intrasubstrate, and intermediate troglomorphs.
Assessment of the Potential of the Invasive Arboreal Plant Ailanthus altissima (Simaroubaceae) as an Economically Prospective Source of Natural Pesticides
Authors: Kozuharova Ekaterina , Pasdaran Ardalan , Al Tawaha Abdel Rahman , Todorova Teodora , Naychov Zheko , Ionkova Iliana
Published: August 2022

The extensive use of pesticides may negatively affect human health. Additionally, it is one of the main reasons for the decline of pollinators and is thus a hazard for most crops and biodiversity as a whole. Good candidates for the replacement of pesticides with ones less toxic to humans and pollinators are natural products (bioactive compounds extracted from plants), even though it should be kept in mind that some of them can be toxic too. Ailanthus altissima (Mill.), swingle, known also as tree of heaven, (Simaroubaceae) is one of the most aggressive alien invasive plants. It demonstrates a high tolerance to various habitat conditions and a potent propagation ability. This plant has a prominent ability to suppress the seed development of local vegetation. The aim of this review study is to summarize the potential of this plant for use as a natural pesticide, starting with ethnobotanical information. The essential oils extracted from A. altissima with its main components α-curcumene α-gurjunene, γ-cadinene, α-humulene, β-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, germacrene D, etc., have been reported to possess different activities such as insect repellent, insecticidal, and herbicidal activity. Additionally, polar extracts and particularly quassinoids, the phenolic constituents of A. altissima leaves, are potent phytotoxins and fumigants. The basic extraction protocols are also summarized.
Tracking the Effects of Climate Change on the Distribution of Plecia nearctica (Diptera, Bibionidae) in the USA Using MaxEnt and GIS
Authors: Abou-Shaara Hossam F. , Amiri Esmaeil , Parys Katherine A.
Published: August 2022

Plecia nearctica Hardy, commonly referred to as lovebugs, is a species of march fly with a subtropical American distribution. The northern range limits of P. nearctica could alter due to climate change, which is a worldwide issue. It has been reported that flowers utilized by P. nearctica are not visited by pollinators, which may negatively impact foraging activity particularly when resources are limited. This study used 933 occurrence records of P. nearctica in the USA to predict its potential range expansion by 2050. To predict potential habitat change we applied well-established modeling procedures using both MaxEnt and geographical information system (GIS). Six environmental variables, two climate models, and two Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSP126 and SSP585) were used in the analysis. The model performance was excellent with a high True Skilled Statistic (=0.75) value. The predicted potential distribution and range expansion of P. nearctica in 2050 includes the Gulf Coast and the Southeastern and Western regions of the USA. However, results suggest that most of the Central and Northern USA are unlikely to provide suitable habitat for this pest and have no reason for concern about interactions between pollinators and P. nearctica.
Genome-Wide Screening for SNPs Associated with Stature in Diverse Cattle Breeds
Authors: Abdelmanova Alexandra S. , Sermyagin Alexander A. , Dotsev Arsen V. , Bardukov Nikolay V. , Fornara Margaret S. , Brem Gottfried , Zinovieva Natalia A.
Published: August 2022

Cattle breeds used in industrial production tend to be larger than local cattle, as increased dairy and beef productivity is closely related to stature. This study aimed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with stature in diverse cattle breeds. Thirteen local and transboundary cattle breeds (n = 670) were divided into two groups according to their stature. The high-stature group included the Angus, Ayrshire, Black-and-White, Holstein, Kholmogor, Yaroslavl, Tagil, and Istoben breeds. The low-stature group included Jersey, Kalmyk, Kyrgyz, Mongolian, and Yakut. The average height at withers was 136.3 ± 1.6 and 121.6 ± 2.8 cm in the high- and low-stature groups, respectively. The samples of the 11 breeds were genotyped using high-density DNA arrays. Genotypes of the two remaining breeds were downloaded from the publicly available WIDDE database. Genome-wide association studies revealed seven SNPs strongly associated with stature, including three at 77.3–77.8 cM on BTA4 and four at 24.5–25.2 cM on BTA14. Functional annotation showed the localization within identified regions of genes responsible for growth, exterior characteristics, protein and lipid metabolism, and feed intake. The identified SNPs can be considered useful DNA markers for marker-assisted cattle breeding aimed at increasing stature.
Comparison of Diagnostic Performance of Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Enterography in the Assessment of Active Bowel Lesions in Patients with Crohn’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lee Da In , You Myung-Won , Park So Hyun , Seo Mirinae , Park Seong Jin
Published: August 2022

We aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic performances of ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) in assessing active bowel lesions in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). Materials and Methods: We searched PubMed and EMBASE for studies in which US and MRE were used to assess active bowel lesions in CD patients. Bivariate random effect meta-analytic methods were used to estimate pooled sensitivity, specificity, and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) curves. We performed a meta-regression analysis to explore the source of study heterogeneity. Results: Eleven studies involving 752 patients were included. US exhibited a pooled sensitivity of 86% (95% confidence interval (CI) 72–94), pooled specificity of 88% (95% CI 78–94), and HSROC of 0.93 in 10 studies. MRE exhibited a pooled sensitivity of 88% (95% CI 76–95), pooled specificity of 87% (95% CI 73–95), and an HSROC of 0.94 in eight studies. In seven studies comparing the diagnostic performances of US and MRE, the summary sensitivity of US and MRE were 86% (95% CI 65–96, I2 = 92.1) and 86% (95% CI 72–93, I2 = 88.1) (p = 0.841), respectively. The summary specificity of US and MRE were 87% (95% CI 78–93, I2 = 79.8%) and 84% (72–90, I2 = 72.5%) (p = 0.431), respectively, which showed no statistical differences. On meta-regression analysis, studies from Europe (p = 0.002), those that used linear US probes (p = 0.012), those on small bowel lesions (p = 0.01), and those with outcomes as combined features (active inflammation) reported higher US sensitivity than those from other regions, those that used both linear and convex US probes, those on small and large bowels, and those with outcome as one feature (bowel wall thickening or ulcer). Studies with pediatric patients (p = 0.001), those with reference standards including US (p = 0.001), and outcomes as combined features (p = 0.01) reported higher MRE specificity than those with adult populations, reference standards other than the US, and outcomes as one feature. Conclusions: In spite of considerable heterogeneity in the included studies, both US and MRE can diagnose active bowel lesions with comparable diagnostic accuracy in patients with CD. The study region, type of US probe, lesion location, investigated outcome for US sensitivity and study population, reference standards, and investigated outcomes for MRE specificity were potential sources of heterogeneity.