bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Targeted Screening and Identification of the Transformation Pathway of Carbamazepine in the Saemangeum Watershed, Republic of Korea
Authors: Jeon Da Rae , Kim Young-Eun , Im Jong Kwon , Huh Yujeong , Kim Hyoung Seop
Published: November 2024

Carbamazepine (CBZ) is a widely used pharmaceutical for various purposes, including as an anticonvulsant, antibiotic, and antiepileptic agent, and it undergoes diverse metabolic pathways in both the environment and the human body. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the distribution of CBZ, the presence of its transformation products (TPs), and the transformation pathways in the Mangyeong and Dongjin Rivers in the Saemangeum watershed of Korea using non-targeted screening. The concentration distribution results for CBZ and its TPs showed that the average concentrations in the Mangyeong and Dongjin Rivers were 128.8 ng/L and 89.0 ng/L, respectively. The Mangyeong River exhibited a higher CBZ concentration than the Dongjin River, which was similar to those of the reported CBZ concentrations in other major domestic and international rivers. The types and detection frequencies of the identified TPs exhibited similar trends. The detection frequencies of the TPs decreased in the following order: CBZ-EP > DiOH-CBZ > 10OH-CBZ > 2OH-CBZ > 9-carboxyacridine > 9-acridinecarboxaldehyde. The detection frequency of the main TPs was high, and some were believed to be generated during the water treatment process. The presence of additional TPs (CBZ-O-quinone, acridine, and iminostilbene) was confirmed by the generated molecular networks. This study presents the transformation pathway of the CBZ and provides foundational data for understanding the environmental behavior of TPs, improving wastewater treatment plants, managing water quality, and establishing water environmental policies.
The Impact of Genetic Mutations on the Efficacy of Immunotherapies in Lung Cancer
Authors: Lui Ki , Cheung Kwok-Kuen , Ng Winnie Wing-Man , Wang Yanping , Au Doreen W. H. , Cho William C.
Published: November 2024

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, primarily driven by genetic mutations. The most common genetic alterations implicated in lung cancer include mutations in TP53, KRAS, KEAP1, NF1, EGFR, NRF2, ATM, ALK, Rb1, BRAF, MET, and ERBB2. Targeted therapies have been developed to inhibit cancer growth by focusing on these specific genetic mutations. However, either the mutations are undruggable or the efficacy of these therapies is often compromised over time due to the emergence of drug resistance, which can occur through additional mutations in the targeted protein or alternative growth signaling pathways. In recent years, immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach to enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatment by leveraging the body’s immune system. Notable advancements include immune checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies targeting cell surface receptors, antibody–drug conjugates, and bispecific antibodies. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms of FDA-approved immunotherapeutic drugs, offering an updated perspective on the current state and future developments in lung cancer therapy. More importantly, the factors that positively and negatively impact the immunotherapy’s efficacy will also be discussed.
Alzheimer’s Disease as Type 3 Diabetes: Understanding the Link and Implications
Authors: Kciuk Mateusz , Kruczkowska Weronika , Gałęziewska Julia , Wanke Katarzyna , Kałuzińska-Kołat Żaneta , Aleksandrowicz Marta , Kontek Renata
Published: November 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are two prevalent conditions that present considerable public health issue in aging populations worldwide. Recent research has proposed a novel conceptualization of AD as “type 3 diabetes”, highlighting the critical roles of insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism in the pathogenesis of the disease. This article examines the implications of this association, exploring potential new avenues for treatment and preventive strategies for AD. Key evidence linking diabetes to AD emphasizes critical metabolic processes that contribute to neurodegeneration, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and alterations in insulin signaling pathways. By framing AD within this metabolic context, we can enhance our understanding of its etiology, which in turn may influence early diagnosis, treatment plans, and preventive measures. Understanding AD as a manifestation of diabetes opens up the possibility of employing novel therapeutic strategies that incorporate lifestyle modifications and the use of antidiabetic medications to mitigate cognitive decline. This integrated approach has the potential to improve patient outcomes and deepen our comprehension of the intricate relationship between neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders.
The Yield of Genetic Testing and Putative Genetic Factors of Disease Heterogeneity in Long QT Syndrome Patients
Authors: Bukaeva Anna , Ershova Alexandra , Kharlap Maria , Kiseleva Anna , Kutsenko Vladimir , Sotnikova Evgeniia , Divashuk Mikhail , Pokrovskaya Maria , Garbuzova Elizaveta , Blokhina Anastasia , Kopylova Oksana , Zotova Evgenia , Petukhova Anna , Zharikova Anastasia , Ramensky Vasily , Zaicenoka Marija , Vyatkin Yuri , Meshkov Alexey , Drapkina Oxana
Published: November 2024

Genetic overdiagnosis of long QT syndrome (LQTS) becomes a critical concern due to the high clinical significance of DNA diagnosis. Current guidelines for LQTS genetic testing recommend a limited scope and strict referral based on the Schwartz score. Nevertheless, LQTS may be underdiagnosed in patients with borderline phenotypes. We aimed to evaluate the total yield of rare variants in cardiac genes in LQTS patients. The cohort of 82 patients with LQTS referral diagnosis underwent phenotyping, Schwartz score counting, and exome sequencing. We assessed known LQTS genes for diagnostics, as per guidelines, and a broader set of genes for research. Diagnostic testing yield reached 75% in index patients; all causal variants were found in KCNQ1, KCNH2, and SCN5A genes. Research testing of 248 heart-related genes achieved a 50% yield of molecular diagnosis in patients with a low Schwartz score (<3.5). In patients with LQTS-causing variants, each additional rare variant in heart-related genes added 0.94 points to the Schwartz score (p value = 0.04), reflecting the more severe disease in such patients than in those with causal variants but without additional findings. We conclude that the current LQTS genetic diagnosis framework is highly specific but may lack sensitivity for patients with a Schwartz score <3.5. Improving referral criteria for these patients could enhance DNA diagnosis. Also, our results suggest that additional variants in cardiac genes may affect the severity of the disease in the carriers of LQTS-causing variants, which may aid in identifying new modifier genes.
Near-Infrared Light Photodynamic Therapy with PEI-Capped Up-Conversion Nanoparticles and Chlorin e6 Induces Apoptosis of Oral Cancer Cells
Authors: Cui Jinhao , Makita Yoshimasa , Okamura Tomoharu , Ikeda Chihoko , Fujiwara Shin-ichi , Tominaga Kazuya
Published: November 2024

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignancy in the oral cavity. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a new alternative for the treatment of diseases using photosensitizers (PS) and light. In this study, we used a photosensitizer complex (Ce6-MnNPs—Chlorin e6 combined with up-conversion nanoparticles NaYF4:Yb/Er/Mn) to investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of this treatment against oral cancer cells. We also investigated the mechanism of action of near-infrared light PDT (NIR-PDT) combined with the Ce6-MnNPs. After determining a suitable concentration of Ce6-MnNPs using an MTT assay, human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells (HSC-3) were treated with NIR-PDT with Ce6-MnNPs. We examined the characteristics of Ce6-MnNPs by transmission electron microscopy (TEM); a zeta potential and particle size analyzer; Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR); cell viability by MTT assay; and apoptosis by FITC-Annexin V/PI assay. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), apoptosis-related mRNA level (Bax and Bcl-2) and p53 protein were also researched. NIR-PDT with 0.5 ng/µL Ce6-MnNPs inhibited the proliferation of HSC-3 (p < 0.05). After treatment with NIR-PDT, changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis occurred (p < 0.01). The ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and p53-positive cells increased (p < 0.01). These results suggest that this treatment can induce apoptosis of oral cancer cells.
Multi-Timescale Energy Consumption Management in Smart Buildings Using Hybrid Deep Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Ibude Favour , Otebolaku Abayomi , Ameh Jude E. , Ikpehai Augustine
Published: November 2024

Demand side management is a critical issue in the energy sector. Recent events such as the global energy crisis, costs, the necessity to reduce greenhouse emissions, and extreme weather conditions have increased the need for energy efficiency. Thus, accurately predicting energy consumption is one of the key steps in addressing inefficiency in energy consumption and its optimization. In this regard, accurate predictions on a daily, hourly, and minute-by-minute basis would not only minimize wastage but would also help to save costs. In this article, we propose intelligent models using ensembles of convolutional neural network (CNN), long-short-term memory (LSTM), bi-directional LSTM and gated recurrent units (GRUs) neural network models for daily, hourly, and minute-by-minute predictions of energy consumptions in smart buildings. The proposed models outperform state-of-the-art deep neural network models for predicting minute-by-minute energy consumption, with a mean square error of 0.109. The evaluated hybrid models also capture more latent trends in the data than traditional single models. The results highlight the potential of using hybrid deep learning models for improved energy efficiency management in smart buildings.
High Absorption of Electromagnetic Waves Based on 3D PMMA@Mxene@Co3O4 Composite Microsphere
Authors: Guo Jinghe , Wang Yanxiang , Wang Lanzhou , Ding Bohan , Wang Yongbo , Sun Yue , Dai Shichao , Wang Donglong , Bi Shishuai
Published: November 2024

With the increasing demand for effective electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers due to the proliferation of electronic devices and 5G communication systems, traditional wave-absorbing materials can no longer meet the current requirements. Thus, this research introduces a three-dimensional (3D) composite material consisting of PMMA@Mxene@Co₃O₄ microspheres, prepared through in situ self-assembly and hydrothermal growth. The strong electrical conductivity of Mxene, combined with the magnetic loss of Co₃O₄, ensures enhanced dielectric–magnetic synergy, leading to excellent EMW absorption. The study investigates the influence of varying Co₃O₄ content on the electromagnetic properties of the composite. Experimental results show that the optimal sample, with a thickness of 2.5 mm, achieves a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −52.88 dB at 6.88 GHz and an effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.28 GHz. This work highlights the potential of 3D PMMA@Mxene@Co₃O₄ composites as high-performance microwave absorbers, providing a promising solution to EMW pollution. The findings offer valuable insights into material design strategies, demonstrate a promising pathway for developing lightweight, high-performance EMW absorbing materials by optimizing impedance matching and utilizing advanced microstructure design techniques.
Study on the Application of Foamed Lightweight Soil in Road Widening Project: A Numerical Insight
Authors: Li Pu-Hao , Yan Ke-Zhen
Published: November 2024

This paper introduces a novel retaining wall structure that integrates a traditional mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining wall with foamed lightweight soil (FLS) as the fill material. To evaluate the performance of the structure, a numerical approach based on the finite difference method was employed. Firstly, numerical models were developed based on a centrifuge test model designed by previous researchers, and the results were compared with the measured data. The close agreement between the experimental values and simulations demonstrates the reliability and validity of the proposed numerical models. Subsequently, a series of parametric studies were conducted to reveal the effect of key parameters on the performance of the newly proposed retaining wall. Furthermore, this paper proposes a modified harmonic search algorithm (MHSA), which is based on the original harmonic search algorithm (OHSA), to optimize the design of the proposed retaining wall structure. The results indicate that the proposed retaining wall structure can effectively reduce the differential settlement between the existing road and the newly constructed road at a relatively lower cost. The MHSA can serve as a practical design guidebook for engineers and potential users, enabling rapid and efficient design.
Coupling Effects of Stress and Carbonation on Concrete Durability: A Review
Authors: Liu Zhixin , Sun Chaochao , Qu Jili
Published: November 2024

This review investigates the combined effects of stress and carbonation on the durability of concrete, an important but under-researched factor affecting infrastructure longevity. Carbonation substantially degrades concrete, particularly under tensile, compressive, and bending stresses. This paper synthesizes recent findings to explore how these stress states influence the progression of carbonation and overall durability, emphasizing data on carbonation depth, mechanical performance, and structural integrity. Key models and experimental results are evaluated, revealing significant gaps in current knowledge, including limited insights into the long-term impacts of stress-carbonation interactions and the lack of standardized testing methods. To address these gaps, future research should prioritize the refinement of carbonation prediction models under complex stress conditions and the development of high-resilience materials suitable for challenging environments. Ultimately, this review aims to establish a foundation for more accurate predictions of concrete service life, thereby supporting advancements in material science and sustainable construction practices.
Numerical Investigation of the Impact of Cracks and Stiffness Loss in the Supporting System for the Dynamic Characteristics of a Rotating Machine
Authors: Żywica Grzegorz , Kiciński Jan
Published: November 2024

In the literature on rotating machinery, many articles discuss the analysis of various rotor and bearing defects, including both sliding and rolling bearings. Defects in the rotor supporting system are investigated much less frequently. In rotor-bearing-supporting structure systems, where there are couplings between the individual sub-systems, damage to the supporting structure can significantly impact the dynamic properties of the entire machine. The authors of this article have, therefore, focused on analysing the defects that can occur in the supporting system of the rotor and bearings. This article presents the results of a numerical analysis of two common defects in the supporting structure: cracks in the bolted joints attaching the machine body to the foundation and a decrease in foundation stiffness. The research object was a test rig that accurately reproduced the dynamic phenomena occurring in rotating machinery, such as vapour and gas turbines. In the numerical model of the rotating machine, a three-dimensional linear model of the supporting structure was combined with a beam model of the rotor line via a nonlinear fluid film-bearing model. The developed model allowed for the analysis of two different failures in the supporting system over a wide range of rotational speeds. The calculations showed that damage to the supporting structure can significantly impact the dynamic characteristics of the entire rotating machine.
Weakening the Anisotropic Property and Refining Prior-β Grains via Hammer Peening Treatment During Wire Arc Additively Manufacturing of Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Xian Guo , Pan Jingbang , Lee Junghoon , Kang Namhyun
Published: November 2024

In Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), solidification grain morphology in titanium alloy tends to be columnar rather than equiaxed due to heat dissipation and repeated thermal cycles. This study demonstrates improved microstructure and anisotropic properties in Ti-6Al-4V specimens fabricated by WAAM and treated with hammer peening, resulting in a transition from columnar grains to fine equiaxed grains (~300 μm) in both single-pass and four-bead WAAM walls. The anisotropic elongation decreased by approximately 7%, and tensile strength along the building direction decreased by ~50 MPa for a single-pass wall. Additionally, small and large equiaxed prior-β grains appeared alternately due to the combined effect of hammer peening and welding deposition. The region can be categorized into three parts (MAX, MED, MIN) based on the degree of plastic strain characterized by KAM mapping of EBSD data. In current WAAM parameters, the ratio of strong (~1.5 mm) deformation field (MAX) is about 50% within one deposition layer (MAX+MIN), suggesting a new approach for producing equiaxed prior-β grains. We expect that this method will be applicable for transforming the prior-β grains from columnar to equiaxed. Furthermore, the distribution of plastic strain and phase transformation mechanisms offers innovative approaches to optimize the hammer peening process, with potential applications to optimize the process for more complex components in the aerospace and power plant industries.
Fabrication of Ultrathin Al Foils by Accumulative Pack Rolling: Influence of Pack Materials
Authors: Nie Ning , Wang Rui , Deng Guanyu , Wang Hui , Wang Pengfei , Tieu Anh Kiet , Li Huijun , Su Lihong
Published: November 2024

Ultrathin metal foils are essential for applications requiring miniaturization across modern industry. Nevertheless, it is challenging for conventional rolling mills and conventional rolling methods to reduce the thickness of single-layer foils to a scale approaching just a few micrometers. This difficulty arises from a range of inherent factors, including the elastic modulus, diameter of the rollers, resistance of rolled materials, and friction coefficient. To address these limitations, an accumulative pack rolling (APR) method has been developed in this work to fabricate ultrathin metal foils. Al foils down to ~2 µm have been successfully fabricated by using Al, Ta, and stainless steel (SS) as pack materials. The effects of the pack sheets on surface morphology, thickness reduction, and microstructural evolution were investigated. Key surface roughening behaviors, including ridging and particle-like surface roughening, were observed on the inner surface, which influences the roughening and thinning behavior of the target Al foils. This study also provides insights into surface roughening mechanisms, including rolling marks, ridging, and particle-like roughening, and demonstrates the critical role of pack sheet materials in controlling plastic instability, achieving uniform thickness reduction in ultrathin foils, and preventing severe deterioration of surface flatness during the APR process.
Metabolomics of Papanicolaou Tests for the Discovery of Ovarian Cancer Biomarkers
Authors: Sah Samyukta , Schwiebert Elisabeth M. , Moore Samuel G. , Liu Ying , Gaul David A. , Boylan Kristin L. M. , Skubitz Amy P. N. , Fernández Facundo M.
Published: November 2024

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) remains one of the most lethal cancers among women due to most cases going undiagnosed until later stages. The early detection and treatment of this malignancy provides the best prognosis, but the lack of an accurate and sensitive screening tool combined with ambiguous symptoms hinders these diagnoses. In contrast, screening for cervical cancer via Papanicolaou (Pap) tests is a widespread practice that greatly reduces the cancer’s mortality rates. Interestingly, previous studies show evidence of OC cells in Pap tests, suggesting that proteins, and potentially lipids, shed from ovarian tumors end up in the cervix. The goal of this study is to evaluate the practicality of using Pap tests as biospecimens for OC-screening-related metabolomics. Methods: To evaluate the effectiveness of using residual Pap test samples as biospecimens for potential metabolomics work, 29 Pap test samples, collected from women over the age of 50 with normal cytology and no visible blood contamination, were first obtained from the University of Minnesota, with IRB approval. These samples were centrifuged to recover the cell pellets from the supernatants. The cell pellets underwent a biphasic extraction, followed by an RP-LC-MS analysis, while the supernatants underwent two separate extractions and analyses, including RP-LC-MS and HILIC-LC-MS. Non-targeted features were detected in the range of 220–1000 m/z to determine the sensitivity and scope of the various extraction and analytical workflows, as well as evaluating residual Pap test samples as viable metabolomics biospecimens. Results: The biphasic extraction and subsequent RP-LC-MS analysis of the isolated cell pellets from all 29 samples yielded informative, exploratory data, highlighting the potential of using residual Pap test samples as biospecimens for metabolomics, specifically lipidomics, studies. Each sample was analyzed in both the positive and negative ion mode, yielding the detection of 7318 in the positive ion mode and 3733 in the negative ion mode. Using multiple reference libraries, 22.85% and 36.19% of these features were annotated in the positive and negative ion mode, respectively. Among these detected features, 453 unique lipids, representative of 20 different lipid subclasses, were annotated in all 29 samples. Of the various lipid subclasses represented from the detected lipids, ceramides, triacylglycerols, hexosylceramides, and phosphatidylcholines contributed to over half (53.3%) of the detected lipids at 16.2%, 13.0%, 12.8%, and 11.3%, respectively. Conclusions: The detection of these 453 common lipids across all patients establishes a relative lipidome baseline for women over the age of 50 with normal cervical cytology. This exploratory study is the first investigation to utilize residual Pap test samples as biospecimens in a metabolomics/lipidomics workflow.
MS2Lipid: A Lipid Subclass Prediction Program Using Machine Learning and Curated Tandem Mass Spectral Data
Authors: Sakamoto Nami , Oka Takaki , Matsuzawa Yuki , Nishida Kozo , Jayaprakash Jayashankar , Hori Aya , Arita Makoto , Tsugawa Hiroshi
Published: November 2024

Background: Untargeted lipidomics using collision-induced dissociation-based tandem mass spectrometry (CID-MS/MS) is essential for biological and clinical applications. However, annotation confidence still relies on manual curation by analytical chemists, despite the development of various software tools for automatic spectral processing based on rule-based fragment annotations. Methods: In this study, we present a novel machine learning model, MS2Lipid, for the prediction of known lipid subclasses from MS/MS queries, providing an orthogonal approach to existing lipidomics software programs in determining the lipid subclass of ion features. We designed a new descriptor, MCH (mode of carbon and hydrogen), to increase the specificity of lipid subclass prediction in nominal mass resolution MS data. Results: The model, trained with 6760 and 6862 manually curated MS/MS spectra for the positive and negative ion modes, respectively, classified queries into one or several of 97 lipid subclasses, achieving an accuracy of 97.4% in the test set. The program was further validated using various datasets from different instruments and curators, with the average accuracy exceeding 87.2%. Using an integrated approach with molecular spectral networking, we demonstrated the utility of MS2Lipid by annotating microbiota-derived esterified bile acids, whose abundance was significantly increased in fecal samples of obese patients in a human cohort study. This suggests that the machine learning model provides an independent criterion for lipid subclass classification, enhancing the annotation of lipid metabolites within known lipid classes. Conclusions: MS2Lipid is a highly accurate machine learning model that enhances lipid subclass annotation from MS/MS data and provides an independent criterion.
Virtual Screening Approaches to Identify Promising Multitarget-Directed Ligands for the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Jończyk Jakub , Przybylska Klaudia , Staszewski Marek , Godyń Justyna , Werner Tobias , Stefaniak-Napieralska Monika , Stark Holger , Walczyński Krzysztof , Bajda Marek
Published: November 2024

Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. The available medical treatment options for autism spectrum disorder are very limited. While the etiology and pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder are still not fully understood, recent studies have suggested that wide alterations in the GABAergic, glutamatergic, cholinergic, and serotonergic systems play a key role in its development and progression. Histamine neurotransmission is known to have complex interactions with other neurotransmitters that fit perfectly into the complex etiology of this disease. Multitarget-directed compounds with an affinity for the histamine H3 receptor indicate an interesting profile of activity against autism spectrum disorder in animal models. Here, we present the results of our research on the properties of (4-piperazin-1-ylbutyl)guanidine derivatives acting on histamine H3 receptors as potential multitarget ligands. Through the virtual screening approach, we identified promising ligands among 32 non-imidazole histamine H3 receptor antagonists/inverse agonists with potential additional activity against the dopamine D2 receptor and/or cholinesterases. The virtual screening protocol integrated predictions from SwissTargetPrediction, SEA, and PPB2 tools, along with molecular docking simulations conducted using GOLD 5.3 and Glide 7.5 software. Among the selected ligands, compounds 25 and 30 blocked radioligand binding to the D2 receptor at over 50% at a screening concentration of 1 µM. Further experiments allowed us to determine the pKi value at the D2 receptor of 6.22 and 6.12 for compounds 25 and 30, respectively. Our findings suggest that some of the tested compounds could be promising multitarget-directed ligands for the further research and development of more effective treatments for autism spectrum disorder.
Substrate Specificity of ABCB Transporters Predicted by Docking Simulations Can Be Confirmed by Experimental Tests
Authors: Röpcke Mario , Lu Sha , Plate Cäcilia , Meinzer Fee , Lisiecki Antonia , Dobler Susanne
Published: November 2024

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, particularly those of subfamily B, are involved in cell detoxification, multidrug resistance, drug treatment pharmacodynamics, and also ecological adaptation. In this regard, ABCB transporters may play a decisive role in the co-evolution between plants and herbivores. Cardenolides, toxic steroid glycosides, are secondary plant metabolites that defend plants against herbivores by targeting their sodium–potassium ATPase. Despite their toxicity, several herbivorous insects such as the large milkweed bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus) have evolved adaptations to tolerate cardenolides and sequester them for their own defense. We investigate the role of two ABCB transporters of O. fasciatus for the paracellular transport of cardenolides by docking simulations and ATPase assays. Cardenolide binding of OfABCB1 and OfABCB2 is predicted by docking simulations and calculated binding energies are compared with substrate specificities determined in ATPase assays. Both tested ABCB transporters showed activity upon exposure to cardenolides and Km values that agreed well with the predictions of our docking simulations. We conclude that docking simulations can help identify transporter binding regions and predict substrate specificity, as well as provide deeper insights into the structural basis of ABC transporter function.
Anti-Sintering Behavior of GYYSZ, Thermophysical Properties, and Thermal Shock Behavior of Thermal Barrier Coating with YSZ/Composite/GYYSZ System by Atmospheric Plasma Spraying
Authors: Jiang Chunxia , Li Rongbin , He Feng , Cheng Zhijun , Li Wenge , Zhao Yuantao
Published: November 2024

In this study, Gd2O3 and Yb2O3 co-doped YSZ (GYYSZ) ceramic coatings were prepared via atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). The GYYSZ ceramic coatings were subjected to heat treatment at different temperatures for 5 h to analyze their high-temperature phase stability and sintering resistance. The thermophysical properties of GYYSZ, YSZ, and composite coatings were compared. Three types of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) were designed: GYYSZ (TBC-1), YSZ/GYYSZ (TBC-2), and YSZ/Composite/GYYSZ (TBC-3). The failure mechanisms of these three TBCs were investigated. The results indicate that both the powder and the sprayed GYYSZ primarily maintain a homogeneous cubic phase c-ZrO2, remaining stable at 1500 °C after annealing. The sintering and densification of the coatings are influenced by the annealing temperature; higher temperatures lead to faster sintering rates. At 1500 °C, the grain size and porosity of GYYSZ are 4.66 μm and 9.9%, respectively. At 1000 °C, the thermal conductivity of GYYSZ is 1.35 W·m−1 K−1, which is 44% lower than that of YSZ. The thermal conductivity of the composite material remains between 1.79 W·m−1 K−1 and 1.99 W·m−1 K−1 from room temperature to 1000 °C, positioned between GYYSZ and YSZ. In the TBC thermal shock water quenching experiment, TBC-3 demonstrated an exceptionally long thermal shock lifetime of 246.3 cycles, which is 5.8 times that of TBC-1 and 1.8 times that of TBC-2. The gradient coating structure effectively reduces the thermal mismatch stress between layers, while the dense surface microcracks provide a certain toughening effect. Failure analysis of the TBC reveals that TBC-3 exhibits a mixed failure mode characterized by both spallation and localized peeling. The ultimate failure was attributed to the propagation of transverse cracks during the final stage of water quenching, which led to the eventual spallation of the ceramic blocks.
Water Sorption on Isoreticular CPO-27-Type MOFs: From Discrete Sorption Sites to Water-Bridge-Mediated Pore Condensation
Authors: Kloß Marvin , Schäfers Lara , Zhao Zhenyu , Weinberger Christian , Egold Hans , Tiemann Michael
Published: November 2024

Pore engineering is commonly used to alter the properties of metal–organic frameworks. This is achieved by incorporating different linker molecules (L) into the structure, generating isoreticular frameworks. CPO-27, also named MOF-74, is a prototypical material for this approach, offering the potential to modify the size of its one-dimensional pore channels and the hydrophobicity of pore walls using various linker ligands during synthesis. Thermal activation of these materials yields accessible open metal sites (i.e., under-coordinated metal centers) at the pore walls, thus acting as strong primary binding sites for guest molecules, including water. We study the effect of the pore size and linker hydrophobicity within a series of Ni2+-based isoreticular frameworks (i.e., Ni2L, L = dhtp, dhip, dondc, bpp, bpm, tpp), analyzing their water sorption behavior and the water interactions in the confined pore space. For this purpose, we apply water vapor sorption analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. In addition, defect degrees of all compounds are determined by thermogravimetric analysis and solution 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We find that larger defect degrees affect the preferential sorption sites in Ni2dhtp, while no such indication is found for the other materials in our study. Instead, strong evidence is found for the formation of water bridges/chains between coordinating water molecules, as previously observed for hydrophobic porous carbons and mesoporous silica. This suggests similar sorption energies for additional water molecules in materials with larger pore sizes after saturation of the primary binding sites, resulting in more bulk-like water arrangements. Consequently, the sorption mechanism is driven by classical pore condensation through H-bonding anchor sites instead of sorption at discrete sites.
Differential Effects of Extracellular Vesicles from Two Different Glioblastomas on Normal Human Brain Cells
Authors: Wang Mary , Graner Arin N. , Knowles Bryne , McRae Charlotte , Fringuello Anthony , Paucek Petr , Gavrilovic Michael , Redwine McKenna , Hanson Caleb , Coughlan Christina , Grimaldo-Garcia Stacey , Metzger Brooke , Bolus Vince , Kopper Timothy J. , Smith Marie , Zhou Wenbo , Lenz Morgan , Abosch Aviva , Ojemann Steven , Lillehei Kevin O. , Yu Xiaoli , Graner Michael W.
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Glioblastomas (GBMs) are dreadful brain tumors with abysmal survival outcomes. GBM extracellular vesicles (EVs) dramatically affect normal brain cells (largely astrocytes) constituting the tumor microenvironment (TME). We asked if EVs from different GBM patient-derived spheroid lines would differentially alter recipient brain cell phenotypes. This turned out to be the case, with the net outcome of treatment with GBM EVs nonetheless converging on increased tumorigenicity. Methods: GBM spheroids and brain slices were derived from neurosurgical patient tissues following informed consent. Astrocytes were commercially obtained. EVs were isolated from conditioned culture media by ultrafiltration, concentration, and ultracentrifugation. EVs were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, electron microscopy, biochemical markers, and proteomics. Astrocytes/brain tissues were treated with GBM EVs before downstream analyses. Results: EVs from different GBMs induced brain cells to alter secretomes with pro-inflammatory or TME-modifying (proteolytic) effects. Astrocyte responses ranged from anti-viral gene/protein expression and cytokine release to altered extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) signaling pathways, and conditioned media from EV-treated cells increased GBM cell proliferation. Conclusions: Astrocytes/brain slices treated with different GBM EVs underwent non-identical changes in various omics readouts and other assays, indicating “personalized” tumor-specific GBM EV effects on the TME. This raises concern regarding reliance on “model” systems as a sole basis for translational direction. Nonetheless, net downstream impacts from differential cellular and TME effects still led to increased tumorigenic capacities for the different GBMs.
RETRACTED: Kokkinopoulou et al. Associations Between Christian Orthodox Church Fasting and Adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund’s Cancer Prevention Recommendations. Nutrients 2022, 14, 1383
Authors: Kokkinopoulou Anna , McGowan Rachel , Brogan Yvonne , Armstrong Julie , Pagkalos Ioannis , Hassapidou Maria , Kafatos Anthony
Published: November 2024

The Nutrients Editorial Office retracts the article “Associations between Christian Orthodox Church Fasting and Adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund’s Cancer Prevention Recommendations” [...]
Spatial Transcriptomics and Single-Nucleus Multi-Omics Analysis Revealing the Impact of High Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation on Offspring Brain Development
Authors: Xu Xiguang , Lin Yu , Yin Liduo , Serpa Priscila da Silva , Conacher Benjamin , Pacholec Christina , Carvallo Francisco , Hrubec Terry , Farris Shannon , Zimmerman Kurt , Wang Xiaobin , Xie Hehuang
Published: November 2024

Background: Folate, an essential vitamin B9, is crucial for diverse biological processes, including neurogenesis. Folic acid (FA) supplementation during pregnancy is a standard practice for preventing neural tube defects (NTDs). However, concerns are growing over the potential risks of excessive maternal FA intake. Objectives/Methods: Here, we employed a mouse model and spatial transcriptomic and single-nucleus multi-omics approaches to investigate the impact of high maternal FA supplementation during the periconceptional period on offspring brain development. Results: Maternal high FA supplementation affected gene pathways linked to neurogenesis and neuronal axon myelination across multiple brain regions, as well as gene expression alterations related to learning and memory in thalamic and ventricular regions. Single-nucleus multi-omics analysis revealed that maturing excitatory neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG) are particularly vulnerable to high maternal FA intake, leading to aberrant gene expressions and chromatin accessibility in pathways governing ribosomal biogenesis critical for synaptic formation. Conclusions: Our findings provide new insights into specific brain regions, cell types, gene expressions and pathways that can be affected by maternal high FA supplementation.
Vernonanthura tweediana (Baker) H. Rob. (Asteraceae), an Ordinary Bush or an Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulator Aromatic Species?
Authors: Machado Isabel D. , Borges Pâmela P. , Giacomozzi Larissa J. A. , Benvenutti Larissa , Santin José R. , dos Santos Sarah C. , Rau Martinho , Begnini Iêda M. , Rebelo Ricardo A. , Coutinho Henrique D. M. , Lima Clara M. G. , Emran Talha B.
Published: November 2024

Background: Oral traditional knowledge disseminates the use of young leaves of Vernonanthura tweediana (Asteraceae) as poultice in feverish cases among family farmers in Santa Catarina, Brazil, but there is a lack of phytochemistry and pharmacological studies on this species, especially those related to volatile organic compounds. Methods: In the present study, the dry leaves of V. tweediana were subjected to hydrodistillation for the extraction of essential oil. Sample characterization was conducted using GC-FID and GC-MS. To evaluate anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities, the air pouch method was used, and with the exudate obtained, total and differential leukocyte counts were performed, as well as the quantification of total proteins, interleukin (IL) 1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Results: The essential oil yield extraction was 0.13%, and sesquiterpenes were the main constituents: α-copaene (5.1%), β-caryophyllene (27.77%), α-caryophyllene (15.1%), germacrene D (14.0%), and bicyclogermacrene (13.3%). A sample was subjected to biological tests, with a reduction in leukocyte migration to the inflammatory focus. The immunomodulatory activity was also pronounced, as the oil modulated all cytokine secretions measured when compared to the control. The high concentration of caryophyllenes might explain these findings. Conclusions: Future studies will consider the fractionation of the essential oil to establish the degree of synergism between the constituents.
Advances in Loading Techniques and Quality by Design for Fused Deposition Modeling in Pharmaceutical Production: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ahmed Yusra , Mahmoud Azza A. K. , Ludasi Krisztina , Sovány Tamás
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Three-dimensional printing technology has emerging interest in pharmaceutical manufacturing, offering new opportunities for personalized medicine and customized drug delivery systems. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is highly regarded in the pharmaceutical industry because of its cost effectiveness, easy operation, and versatility in creating pharmaceutical dosage forms. This review investigates different methods of incorporating active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) into filament matrices for use in fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing. Methods: Two electronic databases, the Web of Science and PubMed, were utilized to survey the literature. The selected keywords for this review were as follows: fused filament fabrication OR fused deposition modeling OR FDM OR FFF AND 3D printing AND loading techniques OR impregnation techniques AND solid dosage form. Results: This paper evaluates various loading techniques such as soaking, supercritical impregnation, microwave impregnation, and hot-melt extrusion, focusing on their effectiveness and capacity for drug incorporation. Additionally, this review includes a thorough risk assessment of the extrusion process using Ishikawa and SWOT analyses. Conclusions: Overall, this review provides comprehensive insights into the latest advancements in 3D printing for pharmaceutical applications and identifies key areas for future research and development.
Natural-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites for Furniture Applications
Authors: Ichim Mariana , Muresan Emil Ioan , Codau Elena
Published: November 2024

Increasing environmental awareness has driven a shift in furniture production from traditional materials, such as wood and wood-based panels, to sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives, such as natural-fiber-reinforced (NFR) composites. Environmental consciousness has become a key factor in both production and consumer choices, with growing demand for sustainably sourced materials, eco-friendly manufacturing processes, and durable furniture that helps reduce the impact of disposable products on the environment. This paper analyzes various requirements for natural-fiber-reinforced polymer composites used in furniture applications, including performance, structural–functional, ecological, economical, and safety requirements. It discusses factors influencing the performance of composite materials, such as the selection of matrix and reinforcing fibers, the matrix-to-reinforcement ratio, and the choice of manufacturing technology, as well as the compatibility and bonding between the matrix and fibers. Additionally, several standards commonly used to determine the mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of these materials are presented.
Unstable Delamination Growth in Stiffened Composite Panels Under Cyclic Loading Conditions
Authors: Castaldo Rossana , Russo Angela , Zarrelli Mauro , Toscano Cinzia , Riccio Aniello
Published: November 2024

Aeronautical structures can be damaged by objects during operation and maintenance. Indeed, foreign object impacts (FOIs) affect the overall performance of composite structural components. Delamination is the most critical damage mechanism as it is undetectable and develops silently. This phenomenon can be worsened by cyclic loading, as residual strength and stiffness can decrease rapidly, potentially leading to collapse. Unstable delamination growth is critical because it can occur without an increase in the applied load, threatening the integrity of the structure. Predicting this behaviour under fatigue loading is challenging for standard non-linear finite element methods (FEMs), which often face convergence problems when simulating the dynamic nature of delamination growth. This paper presents an efficient alternative methodology for analysing the propagation of delamination under cyclic loading in composite structures, with non-linear static analyses. This new methodology has been shown to be able to correctly account for the decrease in load carrying capacity during growth by performing ad hoc iterations with alternating force and displacement-controlled FEM simulations. To achieve this objective, the Paris law approach has been implemented in the ANSYS FEM code together with an enhanced virtual crack closure technique (VCCT)-based method. The model correctly predicted delamination growth in stiffened aeronautical panels with artificial delaminations subjected to cyclic compression loading.
Application of Chitosan and Its Derivatives Against Plant Viruses
Authors: Komarova Tatiana , Shipounova Irina , Kalinina Natalia , Taliansky Michael
Published: November 2024

Chitosan is a natural biopolymer that is industrially produced from chitin via deacetylation. Due to its unique properties and a plethora of biological activities, chitosan has found application in diverse areas from biomedicine to agriculture and the food sector. Chitosan is regarded as a biosafe, biodegradable, and biocompatible compound that was demonstrated to stimulate plant growth and to induce a general plant defense response, enhancing plant resistance to various pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, nematodes, and viruses. Here, we focus on chitosan application as an antiviral agent for plant protection. We review both the pioneer studies and recent research that report the effect of plant treatment with chitosan and its derivatives on viral infection. Special attention is paid to aspects that affect the biological activity of chitosan: polymer length and, correspondingly, its molecular weight; concentration; deacetylation degree and charge; application protocol; and experimental set-up. Thus, we compare the reported effects of various forms and derivatives of chitosan as well as chitosan-based nanomaterials, focusing on the putative mechanisms underlying chitosan-induced plant resistance to plant viruses.
Remaking Local Knowledge: The Reinterpretation of Morality Through Religious Teachings and Folklore
Authors: Cao Meng
Published: November 2024

Popular religion in China has been very active ever since the late 1970s, with the restoration of temples and statues, a rising numbers of believers, and people’s increasing enthusiasm for religious activities. Folklore, rituals and legends are also ‘borrowed’ to reinvent tradition to fit in the strand of intangible cultural heritage. Therefore, seemingly reviving religions are also going through the process of de-religionization. Based on my ethnographic work in a Chinese county, I attempted to understand religion’s role in constructing local knowledge and how religious practices are affected by urbanization as well as globalization. The revival of institutional religions like Buddhism and Protestantism comes at the cost of popular religion or popular religious practices. Local deities lost the battle of competing with regional deities, which led to the simplification of local religious knowledge, a decrease in the diversity of deities and the tendency of convergence in terms of deities’ functions and believers’ appeals. A once complicated celestial hierarchy mirroring the imperial dynasty has been replaced by a more universal understanding of either bodhi in Buddhism or salvation in Protestantism. Local knowledge is reinterpreted by these religious teachings in the name of a higher cause of morality.
Frequency-Hopping Binary Offset Carrier Modulation with Independent Frequency-Hopping Patterns in Lower and Upper Sidebands
Authors: Yang Yikang , Ma Jiangang , Deng Lingyu , Li Hengnian
Published: November 2024

To enhance the anti-interference capabilities and increase flexibility in frequency allocation between the lower and upper sidebands of the navigation signal, we introduce frequency-hopping binary offset carrier modulation with independent frequency-hopping patterns in lower and upper sidebands (IFH-BOC). This novel modulation is classified as a constant-envelope multiplexing (CEM) method, with independent frequency-hopping patterns for the lower and upper sidebands, in contrast with frequency-hopping binary offset carrier (FH-BOC) and binary offset carrier (BOC) modulations, which share the same patterns. IFH-BOC represents a generalized modulation that incorporates FH-BOC and BOC, thus retaining their advantages while introducing new characteristics, such as independent frequency-hopping pattern design and flexible spectral splitting. The results indicate that IFH-BOC maintains the same time–frequency characteristics and measurement accuracy as FH-BOC when using identical modulation parameters, yet it demonstrates superior anti-interference performance due to its varied frequency-hopping patterns. Furthermore, IFH-BOC provides enhanced flexibility in spectral splitting compared with BOC modulation, potentially allowing for increased availability of L-band frequencies for satellite navigation. With these benefits, IFH-BOC is poised to be a promising modulation for the signal design of next-generation global navigation satellite systems.