bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and Characterization of an Antifungal Gene Mt1 from Bacillus subtilis by Affecting Amino Acid Metabolism in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Song Pei , Dong Wubei
Published: May 2023

Fusarium head blight is a devastating disease that causes significant economic losses worldwide. Fusarium graminearum is a crucial pathogen that requires close attention when controlling wheat diseases. Here, we aimed to identify genes and proteins that could confer resistance to F. graminearum. By extensively screening recombinants, we identified an antifungal gene, Mt1 (240 bp), from Bacillus subtilis 330-2. We recombinantly expressed Mt1 in F. graminearum and observed a substantial reduction in the production of aerial mycelium, mycelial growth rate, biomass, and pathogenicity. However, recombinant mycelium and spore morphology remained unchanged. Transcriptome analysis of the recombinants revealed significant down-regulation of genes related to amino acid metabolism and degradation pathways. This finding indicated that Mt1 inhibited amino acid metabolism, leading to limited mycelial growth and, thus, reduced pathogenicity. Based on the results of recombinant phenotypes and transcriptome analysis, we hypothesize that the effect of Mt1 on F. graminearum could be related to the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), the most affected metabolic pathway with significant down-regulation of several genes. Our findings provide new insights into antifungal gene research and offer promising targets for developing novel strategies to control Fusarium head blight in wheat.
Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor: A Differentiation Marker in Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Gelmi Maria Chiara , Verdijk Robert M. , Houtzagers Laurien E. , van der Velden Pieter A. , Kroes Wilma G. M. , Luyten Gregorius P. M. , Vu T. H. Khanh , Jager Martine J.
Published: May 2023

Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is an important regulator of melanogenesis and melanocyte development. In cutaneous melanoma, MITF loss has been linked to an increased expression of stem cell markers, a shift in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related factors, and increased inflammation. We explored the role of MITF in Uveal Melanoma (UM) using a cohort of 64 patients enucleated at the Leiden University Medical Center. We analysed the relation between MITF expression and clinical, histopathological and genetic features of UM, as well as survival. We performed differential gene expression and gene set enrichment analysis using mRNA microarray data, comparing MITF-low with MITF-high UM. MITF expression was lower in heavily pigmented UM than in lightly pigmented UM (p = 0.003), which we confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, MITF was significantly lower in UM with monosomy 3/BAP1 loss than in those with disomy 3/no BAP1 loss (p < 0.001) and with 8q gain/amplification 8q (p = 0.02). Spearman correlation analysis showed that a low MITF expression was associated with an increase in inflammatory markers, hallmark pathways involved in inflammation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Similar to the situation in cutaneous melanoma, we propose that MITF loss in UM is related to de-differentiation to a less favourable EMT profile and inflammation.
The Role of Hedgehog Signaling in the Melanoma Tumor Bone Microenvironment
Authors: Shamsoon Karnoon , Hiraki Daichi , Yoshida Koki , Takabatake Kiyofumi , Takebe Hiroaki , Yokozeki Kenji , Horie Naohiro , Fujita Naomasa , Nasrun Nisrina Ekayani , Okui Tatsuo , Nagatsuka Hitoshi , Abiko Yoshihiro , Hosoya Akihiro , Saito Takashi , Shimo Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2023

A crucial regulator in melanoma progression and treatment resistance is tumor microenvironments, and Hedgehog (Hh) signals activated in a tumor bone microenvironment are a potential new therapeutic target. The mechanism of bone destruction by melanomas involving Hh/Gli signaling in such a tumor microenvironment is unknown. Here, we analyzed surgically resected oral malignant melanoma specimens and observed that Sonic Hedgehog, Gli1, and Gli2 were highly expressed in tumor cells, vasculatures, and osteoclasts. We established a tumor bone destruction mouse model by inoculating B16 cells into the bone marrow space of the right tibial metaphysis of 5-week-old female C57BL mice. An intraperitoneal administration of GANT61 (40 mg/kg), a small-molecule inhibitor of Gli1 and Gli2, resulted in significant inhibition of cortical bone destruction, TRAP-positive osteoclasts within the cortical bone, and endomucin-positive tumor vessels. The gene set enrichment analysis suggested that genes involved in apoptosis, angiogenesis, and the PD-L1 expression pathway in cancer were significantly altered by the GANT61 treatment. A flow cytometry analysis revealed that PD-L1 expression was significantly decreased in cells in which late apoptosis was induced by the GANT61 treatment. These results suggest that molecular targeting of Gli1 and Gli2 may release immunosuppression of the tumor bone microenvironment through normalization of abnormal angiogenesis and bone remodeling in advanced melanoma with jaw bone invasion.
DNA Repair Pathway in Ovarian Cancer Patients Treated with HIPEC
Authors: Flasarova Dominika , Urban Katerina , Strouhal Ondrej , Klos Dusan , Lemstrova Radmila , Dvorak Pavel , Soucek Pavel , Mohelnikova-Duchonova Beatrice
Published: May 2023

DNA repair pathways are essential for maintaining genome stability, and understanding the regulation of these mechanisms may help in the design of new strategies for treatments, the prevention of platinum-based chemoresistance, and the prolongation of overall patient survival not only with respect to ovarian cancer. The role of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) together with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and adjuvant systemic chemotherapy is receiving more interest in ovarian cancer (OC) treatment because of the typical peritoneal spread of the disease. The aim of our study was to compare the expression level of 84 genes involved in the DNA repair pathway in tumors and the paired peritoneal metastasis tissue of patients treated with CRS/platinum-based HIPEC with respect to overall patient survival, presence of peritoneal carcinomatosis, treatment response, and alterations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Tumors and metastatic tissue from 28 ovarian cancer patients collected during cytoreductive surgery before HIPEC with cisplatin were used for RNA isolation and subsequent cDNA synthesis. Quantitative real-time PCR followed. The most interesting findings of our study are undoubtedly the gene interactions among the genes CCNH, XPA, SLK, RAD51C, XPA, NEIL1, and ATR for primary tumor tissue and ATM, ATR, BRCA2, CDK7, MSH2, MUTYH, POLB, and XRCC4 for metastases. Another interesting finding is the correlation between gene expression and overall survival (OS), where a low expression correlates with a worse OS.
Environmental Pollution and the Risk of Developing Metabolic Disorders: Obesity and Diabetes
Authors: Khalil William Junior , Akeblersane Meriem , Khan Ana Saad , Moin Abu Saleh Md , Butler Alexandra E.
Published: May 2023

To meet the increased need for food and energy because of the economic shift brought about by the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, there has been an increase in persistent organic pollutants (POPs), atmospheric emissions and metals in the environment. Several studies have reported a relationship between these pollutants and obesity, and diabetes (type 1, type 2 and gestational). All of the major pollutants are considered to be endocrine disruptors because of their interactions with various transcription factors, receptors and tissues that result in alterations of metabolic function. POPs impact adipogenesis, thereby increasing the prevalence of obesity in exposed individuals. Metals impact glucose regulation by disrupting pancreatic β-cells, causing hyperglycemia and impaired insulin signaling. Additionally, a positive association has been observed between the concentration of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the 12 weeks prior to conception and fasting glucose levels. Here, we evaluate what is currently known regarding the link between environmental pollutants and metabolic disorders. In addition, we indicate where further research is required to improve our understanding of the specific effects of pollutants on these metabolic disorders which would enable implementation of changes to enable their prevention.
Synthesis, Biological Activity, ADME and Molecular Docking Studies of Novel Ursolic Acid Derivatives as Potent Anticancer Agents
Authors: Michalak Olga , Cybulski Marcin , Szymanowski Wojciech , Gornowicz Agnieszka , Kubiszewski Marek , Ostrowska Kinga , Krzeczyński Piotr , Bielawski Krzysztof , Trzaskowski Bartosz , Bielawska Anna
Published: May 2023

A series of new ursolic acid (UA) derivatives substituted with various amino acids (AAs) or dipeptides (DP) at the C-3 position of the steroid skeleton was designed and synthesized. The compounds were obtained by the esterification of UA with the corresponding AAs. The cytotoxic activity of the synthesized conjugates was determined using the hormone-dependent breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and the triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA. Three derivatives (l-seryloxy-, l-prolyloxy- and l-alanyl-l-isoleucyloxy-) showed micromolar IC50 values and reduced the concentrations of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9. Further studies revealed that for two compounds (l-seryloxy- and l-alanyl-l-isoleucyloxy-), a possible mechanism of their antiproliferative action is the activation of caspase-7 and the proapoptotic Bax protein in the apoptotic pathway. The third compound (l-prolyloxy- derivative) showed a different mechanism of action as it induced autophagy as measured by an increase in the concentrations of three autophagy markers: LC3A, LC3B, and beclin-1. This derivative also showed statistically significant inhibition of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Finally, for all synthesized compounds, we computationally predicted their ADME properties as well as performed molecular docking to the estrogen receptor to assess their potential for further development as anticancer agents.
Semi-Supervised Model for Aspect Sentiment Detection
Authors: Madhoushi Zohreh , Hamdan Abdul Razak , Zainudin Suhaila
Published: May 2023

Advancements in text representation have produced many deep language models (LMs), such as Word2Vec and recurrent-based LMs. However, there are scarce works that focus on detecting implicit sentiments with a small amount of labelled data because there are many different review areas. Deep learning techniques are suitable to automate the representation learning process. Hence, we proposed a semi-supervised aspect-based sentiment analysis (ABSA) model for online review to predict explicit and implicit sentiment in three domains (laptop, restaurant, and hotel). The datasets of this study, S1 and S2, were obtained from a standard SemEval online competition and Amazon review datasets. The proposed models outperform the previous baseline models regarding the F1-score of aspect category detection and accuracy of sentiment detection. This study finds more relevant aspects and accurate sentiment for ABSA by developing more stable and robust models. The accuracy of sentiment detection is 84.87% in the restaurant domain on the first dataset. For the second dataset, the proposed method achieved 84.43% in the laptop domain, 85.21% in the restaurant domain, and 85.57% in the hotel domain. The novelty is the proposed new semi-supervised model for aspect sentiment detection with embedded aspect inspired by the encoder–decoder architecture in the neural machine translation (NMT) model.
Secondary Rhinaria Contribute to Major Sexual Dimorphism of Antennae in the Aphid Semiaphis heraclei (Takahashi)
Authors: Song Ke-Xin , Wang Jiang-Yue , Qiao Hai-Li , Wei Hong-Shuang , Guo Kun , Xu Chang-Qing
Published: May 2023

Sexual generation is an important generation in the life cycle of host-alternating aphids, and its population size determines the intensity of the peak in the next spring. Although male trapping techniques based on olfactory stimuli have been successfully established in the field, the biological basis of olfactory perception in males is unclear. In this study, we compared the morphology of antennae and the types, sizes, numbers, and distribution of sensilla between males and sexual females in the host-alternating aphid Semiaphis heraclei (Hemiptera: Aphididae). We found that flagellum length differentiation contributed to the majority of the sexual dimorphism of antennae. Most sensillum types or subtypes, including trichoid sensilla subtype I, campaniform sensilla, and primary rhinaria subtypes I and II, were enlarged in males. In addition, males bore more trichoid sensilla subtype I than sexual females. In particular, secondary rhinaria were present in males only and could not be detected in sexual females. These results revealed the structural basis of male olfactory perception. Our findings provide insight into the mechanism underlying chemical communication between sexual aphids and could thus be useful for pest control.
Life Table Parameters of Tetranychus merganser Boudreaux (Acari: Tetranychidae) on Five Host Plants
Authors: Segura-Martínez Ma. Teresa de Jesús , Ordaz-Silva Salvador , Hernández-Juárez Agustín , Heinz-Castro Rapucel Tonantzin Quetzalli , Mora-Ravelo Sandra Grisell , Chacón-Hernández Julio César
Published: May 2023

The quality of the host plant affects the life history parameters of tetranychid mites. The biology and fertility life tables of Tetranychus merganser on five host plants (Carica papaya, Phaseolus vulgaris, Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum, Helietta parvifolia, and Rosa hybrida) were assessed under laboratory conditions at 28 ± 1 °C and 70–80% relative humidity (RH) with a photoperiod of 12:12 h (L:D). The development period of immature females differed among the tested host plants and ranged from 9.32 days on P. vulgaris to 11.34 days on H. parvifolia. For immature males, it ranged from 9.25 days on P. vulgaris to 11.50 days on H. parvifolia. The female survival rate varied from 53.97% on H. parvifolia to 94.74% on P. vulgaris. The highest total fecundity rate was recorded on P. vulgaris (125.40 eggs/female) and the lowest on H. parvifolia (43.92 eggs/female). The intrinsic rate of increase (rm) varied from 0.271 (H. parvifolia) to 0.391 (P. vulgaris). The net reproductive rate (RO) was higher on P. vulgaris than on the other host plants. The longest mean generation time (GT) was calculated on C. annuum var. glabriusculum and the shortest on Rosa hybrida. The demographic parameters suggest the unsuitability of H. parvifolia as the host for the development of red spider mites, and the best performance of T. merganser was on P. vulgaris.
Long Term Follow-Up of Patients with Systemic Right Ventricle and Biventricular Physiology: A Single Centre Experience
Authors: Ciuca Cristina , Balducci Anna , Angeli Emanuela , Di Dio Mariateresa , Assenza Gabriele Egidy , Mariucci Elisabetta , Ragni Luca , Lovato Luigi , Niro Fabio , Gesuete Valentina , Careddu Lucio , Bartolacelli Ylenia , Bulgarelli Ambra , Donti Andrea , Gargiulo Gaetano Domenico
Published: May 2023

Background: A progressively increasing prevalence of congenital heart disease (CHD) in adulthood has been noticed in recent decades; CHD cases with a systemic right ventricle have a poorer outcome. Methods: Seventy-three patients with SRV evaluated in an outpatient clinic between 2014 and 2020 were enrolled in this study. Thirty-four patients had a transposition of the great arteries treated with an atrial switch operation; 39 patients had a congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA). Results: Mean age at the first evaluation was 29.6 ± 14.2 years; 48% of the patients were female. The NYHA class at the visit was III or IV in 14% of the cases. Thirteen patients had at least one previous pregnancy. In 25% of the cases, complications occurred during pregnancy. Survival free from adverse events was 98.6% at one year and 90% at 6-year follow-up without any difference between the two groups. Two patients died and one received heart transplantation during follow-up. The most common adverse event during follow-up was the presence of arrhythmia requiring hospitalization (27.1%), followed by heart failure (12.3%). The presence of LGE together with lower exercise capacity, higher NYHA class and more dilated and/or hypokinetic RV predicted a poorer outcome. Quality of life was similar to the QoL of the Italian population. Conclusions: Long-term follow-up of patients with a systemic right ventricle is characterized by a high incidence of clinical events, prevalently arrhythmias and heart failure, which cause most of the unscheduled hospitalizations.
Cybersecurity in a Large-Scale Research Facility—One Institution’s Approach
Authors: Butcher David S. , Brigham Christian J. , Berhalter James , Centers Abigail L. , Hunkapiller William M. , Murphy Timothy P. , Palm Eric C. , Smith Julia H.
Published: May 2023

A cybersecurity approach for a large-scale user facility is presented—utilizing the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL) at Florida State University (FSU) as an example. The NHMFL provides access to the highest magnetic fields for scientific research teams from a range of disciplines. The unique challenges of cybersecurity at a widely accessible user facility are showcased, and relevant cybersecurity frameworks for the complex needs of a user facility with industrial-style equipment and hazards are discussed, along with the approach for risk identification and management, which determine cybersecurity requirements and priorities. Essential differences between information technology and research technology are identified, along with unique requirements and constraints. The need to plan for the introduction of new technology and manage legacy technologies with long usage lifecycles is identified in the context of implementing cybersecurity controls rooted in pragmatic decisions to avoid hindering research activities while enabling secure practices, which includes FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) and open data management principles. The NHMFL’s approach to FAIR data management is presented. Critical success factors include obtaining resources to implement and maintain necessary security protocols, interdisciplinary and diverse skill sets, phased implementation, and shared allocation of NHMFL and FSU responsibilities.
Fabrication and Characterization of Piezoelectric PEO/SF/BaTiO3 Scaffolds for Cardiac Tissue Engineering
Authors: Khalil Abdelrahman K. A. , Fouad Hassan , Abdal-hay Abdalla , Abd El-salam Nasser M. , Abdelrazek Khalil Khalil
Published: May 2023

The existence of an intrinsic electrical platform responsible for the formation and transmission of impulses is essential, especially in cardiac tissue. However, most cardiac tissue made from biodegradable polymeric materials lacks conductive characteristics; this delays regional conduction, potentially causing arrhythmias. This study proposes a conductive polyethylene oxide (PEO)/silk fibroin (SF)-based material conjugated with conductive nanoparticles as a cardiac patch to fix any infarcted heart part. A new composite of PEO/15 wt%SF/0.2 wt%BaTiO3 was prepared and characterized in vitro. The obtained patches were characterized by conventional Bragg-platinum-conductive action (XRD), FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectra, and thermogravimetric analysis. A PiezoTester device was used to evaluate the piezoelectric properties. The produced samples of 500 μm thickness were assessed in tapping mode. The applied load was selected to be as low as possible, and the frequencies were adjusted to simulate the heartbeats, ranging from 10 to 100 Hz. The results showed that a maximum of around 1100 mV was obtained at a load of 20 N. A maximum of about 80 mV was received at an applied force of 1 N and a frequency of 100 Hz, which matches the electricity generated by the human heart. The cytotoxicity effect of prepared films was tested against AC16 cells using microculture tetrazolium assay (MTT). The pristine PEO cell viability either was not affected by adding SF or slightly decreased. However, the cell viability dramatically increased by adding BaTiO3 to the PEO/SF composites. The confocal microscope images proved that the cells showed a spread morphology. The cells adhered to the PEO membranes and demonstrated a well-spread morphology. Overall, our study suggests that the PEO/SF/BaTiO3 composite can be a promising cardiac patch material for repairing infarcted heart tissue, as it is conductive, has good mechanical properties, and is biocompatible.
An Eco-Friendly Process to Extract Hydroxyapatite from Sheep Bones for Regenerative Medicine: Structural, Morphologic and Electrical Studies
Authors: Gavinho Sílvia Rodrigues , Bozdag Mehmet , Kalkandelen Cevriye , Regadas Joana Soares , Jakka Suresh Kumar , Gunduz Oguzhan , Oktar Faik Nuzhet , Graça Manuel Pedro Fernandes
Published: May 2023

Hydroxyapatite (HA) promotes excellent bone regeneration in bone-tissue engineering, due to its similarity to bone mineral and its ability to connect to living tissues. These factors promote the osteointegration process. This process can be enhanced by the presence of electrical charges, stored in the HA. Furthermore, several ions can be added to the HA structure to promote specific biological responses, such as magnesium ions. The main objective of this work was to extract hydroxyapatite from sheep femur bones and to study their structural and electrical properties by adding different amounts of magnesium oxide. The thermal and structural characterizations were performed using DTA, XRD, density, Raman spectroscopy and FTIR analysis. The morphology was studied using SEM, and the electrical measurements were registered as a function of frequency and temperature. Results show that: (i) an increase of MgO amount indicates that the solubility of MgO is below 5%wt for heat treatments at 600 °C; (ii) the rise of MgO content increases the capacity for electrical charge storage; (iii) sheep hydroxyapatite presents itself as a natural source of hydroxyapatite, environmentally sustainable and low cost, and promising for applications in regenerative medicine.
Design and Reachability Analysis of a Rigid–Flexible Robot for Interior Wall Spraying of Large Oil Cabins
Authors: Qie Jinbo , Miao Yugang , Han Tao , Liu Huiju , Shao Zhufeng , Chang Daofang
Published: May 2023

Product oil tankers are essential transportation equipment for petroleum transfer. Due to petroleum products’ intense penetration and solubility, the quality requirements for coating product oil tankers are high, and regular maintenance is needed. Currently, this relies on manual labor, which involves working in enclosed spaces with harsh conditions, high labor intensity, long working time periods, and unstable quality. We proposed a lightweight, rigid–flexible robotic system using a cable-driven parallel robot with a serial framework-type manipulator arm to address this with conceptual design and dimensional analysis. Based on the kinematic and static modeling, we analyzed the workspace of the cable-driven parallel robot. Considering the interference issues under different robot poses, we analyzed the dimensions of the framework-type manipulator arm and the terminal reachability of the rigid–flexible robotic system. The results show that the proposed rigid–flexible robot can cover all areas to be coated, providing a new automated solution for the specialized coating of product oil tanker cabins.
Zerumbone Disturbs the Extracellular Matrix of Fluconazole-Resistant Candida albicans Biofilms
Authors: Abreu-Pereira César Augusto , Gorayb-Pereira Ana Luiza , Menezes Noveletto João Vinícius , Jordão Cláudia Carolina , Pavarina Ana Cláudia
Published: May 2023

This study assessed the effect of zerumbone (ZER) against fluconazole-resistant (CaR) and -susceptible Candida albicans (CaS) biofilms and verified the influence of ZER on extracellular matrix components. Initially, to determine the treatment conditions, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) and the survival curve were evaluated. Biofilms were formed for 48 h and exposed to ZER at concentrations of 128 and 256 µg/mL for 5, 10 and 20 min (n = 12). One group of biofilms did not receive the treatment in order to monitor the effects. The biofilms were evaluated to determine the microbial population (CFU/mL), and the extracellular matrix components (water-soluble polysaccharides (WSP), alkali-soluble polysaccharides (ASPs), proteins and extracellular DNA (eDNA), as well as the biomass (total and insoluble) were quantified. The MIC value of ZER for CaS was 256 μg/mL, and for CaR, it was 64 μg/mL. The survival curve and the MFC value coincided for CaS (256 μg/mL) and CaR (128 μg/mL). ZER reduced the cellular viability by 38.51% for CaS and by 36.99% for CaR. ZER at 256 µg/mL also reduced the total biomass (57%), insoluble biomass (45%), WSP (65%), proteins (18%) and eDNA (78%) of CaS biofilms. In addition, a reduction in insoluble biomass (13%), proteins (18%), WSP (65%), ASP (10%) and eDNA (23%) was also observed in the CaR biofilms. ZER was effective against fluconazole-resistant and -susceptible C. albicans biofilms and disturbed the extracellular matrix.
Industrially Important Fungal Carotenoids: Advancements in Biotechnological Production and Extraction
Authors: Naz Tahira , Ullah Samee , Nazir Yusuf , Li Shaoqi , Iqbal Bushra , Liu Qing , Mohamed Hassan , Song Yuanda
Published: May 2023

Carotenoids are lipid-soluble compounds that are present in nature, including plants and microorganisms such as fungi, certain bacteria, and algae. In fungi, they are widely present in almost all taxonomic classifications. Fungal carotenoids have gained special attention due to their biochemistry and the genetics of their synthetic pathway. The antioxidant potential of carotenoids may help fungi survive longer in their natural environment. Carotenoids may be produced in greater quantities using biotechnological methods than by chemical synthesis or plant extraction. The initial focus of this review is on industrially important carotenoids in the most advanced fungal and yeast strains, with a brief description of their taxonomic classification. Biotechnology has long been regarded as the most suitable alternative way of producing natural pigment from microbes due to their immense capacity to accumulate these pigments. So, this review mainly presents the recent progress in the genetic modification of native and non-native producers to modify the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway for enhanced carotenoid production, as well as factors affecting carotenoid biosynthesis in fungal strains and yeast, and proposes various extraction methods to obtain high yields of carotenoids in an attempt to find suitable greener extraction methods. Finally, a brief description of the challenges regarding the commercialization of these fungal carotenoids and the solution is also given.
Prevalence and Trends in Hepatitis B & C Virus among Blood Donors in Pakistan: A Regional Transfusion Center Study
Authors: Zorob Tehreem , Farooqi Muhammad Awais , Ahsan Ali , Zaki Abdullah , Rathore Muhammad Ali , Farooqi Hafiz Muhammad Umer
Published: May 2023

Around 118.5 million blood donations are collected annually to save precious lives. The donated blood may also be associated with blood-borne infections. With around 247 million population, Pakistan is an endemic country for viral hepatitis, and there is a high risk of having asymptomatic blood donors among healthy donors. Viral hepatitis is 2.5% prevalent in the general population, and blood donation and its screening have become grave health concerns for Pakistani health authorities. Asymptomatic viral hepatitis needs screening to rule out subliminally diseased individuals, as recommended by the World Health Organization. Knowing the prevalence of the transfusion transmissible infectious (TTIs) agents in healthy blood donors helps assess the disease burden in any population, boosts treatment rates, and precludes dreaded complications in the affected people. The objective of the current study was to determine the prevalence and trends of significant TTIs among blood donors visiting the Armed Forces Institute of Transfusion (AFIT), Rawalpindi, Pakistan. A total of 15,405 blood donors were screened for HBV, HCV, HIV, malaria, and syphilis during this cross-sectional descriptive study. Most donors had an O-positive blood group; AB-negative donors were only 0.7%. Out of the study population, we reported 1.06% HBV, 0.54% HCV, 0.19% HIV, and 0.31% syphilis-positive asymptomatic blood donors. However, no blood donor was found positive for malaria. The Punjab province was reported as the most burdened for TTIs, and youngsters aged 18–27 years were mainly positive, indicating the need to conduct national-level awareness campaigns about TTIs. The stakeholders need to strengthen the blood collection guidelines, and effective performance should be strictly monitored through internal and external audits considering the aim of reaching non-infectious blood products.
Smart Warehousing as a Wave of the Future
Authors: Min Hokey
Published: May 2023

Background: The unprecedented supply chain disruptions caused by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic forced many firms to change their way of doing business dramatically. These changes include quickly responding to the growing demand for online orders and the corresponding direct shipments to customer locations. These changes have been further accelerated by rapid technological innovations resulting from the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0). One of the most notable technological transformations that we have witnessed is the growing popularity of smart warehousing concepts. Although smart warehousing may represent a wave of the warehousing future, the published literature rarely documents its underlying principles, specific application targets, and potential impacts on supply chain performance. This research aims to identify key drivers of the digital warehousing revolution and describe important value propositions for warehousing automation. Methods: To help companies develop smart warehouses successfully as an integral part of a supply chain link, I conceptualize an ideal smart warehousing system, design its basic architecture, propose specific milestones for monitoring the progress of smart warehouse development, and then, identify critical success factors for its full utilization in today’s volatile warehousing environment. This paper employed qualitative content analysis to conceptualize smart warehousing development and establish a smart warehousing framework. Results: A smart warehouse will bring many managerial benefits, including warehousing cost efficiency, labor productivity, and agility in the era of the knowledge economy. Conclusions: This paper will enable companies to accelerate digital transformation and improve their competitiveness amid the post-pandemic industrial revolution.
New Benzotrithiophene-Based Molecules as Organic P-Type Semiconductor for Small-Molecule Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Castillo Cristian , Aracena Andrés , Ballesteros Luis , Neculqueo Gloria , Gence Loik , Quero Franck
Published: May 2023

A new benzotrithiophene-based small molecule, namely 2,5,8-Tris[5-(2,2-dicyanovinyl)-2-thienyl]-benzo[1,2-b:3,4-b′:6,5-b″]-trithiophene (DCVT-BTT), was successfully synthesized and subsequently characterized. This compound was found to present an intense absorption band at a wavelength position of ∼544 nm and displayed potentially relevant optoelectronic properties for photovoltaic devices. Theoretical studies demonstrated an interesting behavior of charge transport as electron donor (hole-transporting) active material for heterojunction cells. A preliminary study of small-molecule organic solar cells based on DCVT-BTT (as the P-type organic semiconductor) and phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (as the N-type organic semiconductor) exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 2.04% at a donor: acceptor weight ratio of 1:1.
Nanocomposite Electrocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reactions (HERs) for Sustainable and Efficient Hydrogen Energy—Future Prospects
Authors: Jawhari Ahmed Hussain , Hasan Nazim
Published: May 2023

Hydrogen is considered a good clean and renewable energy substitute for fossil fuels. The major obstacle facing hydrogen energy is its efficacy in meeting its commercial-scale demand. One of the most promising pathways for efficient hydrogen production is through water-splitting electrolysis. This requires the development of active, stable, and low-cost catalysts or electrocatalysts to achieve optimized electrocatalytic hydrogen production from water splitting. The objective of this review is to survey the activity, stability, and efficiency of various electrocatalysts involved in water splitting. The status quo of noble-metal- and non-noble-metal-based nano-electrocatalysts has been specifically discussed. Various composites and nanocomposite electrocatalysts that have significantly impacted electrocatalytic HERs have been discussed. New strategies and insights in exploring nanocomposite-based electrocatalysts and utilizing other new age nanomaterial options that will profoundly enhance the electrocatalytic activity and stability of HERs have been highlighted. Recommendations on future directions and deliberations for extrapolating information have been projected.
Review on Hydrophobic Thin Films Prepared Using Magnetron Sputtering Deposition
Authors: Ju Yuxin , Ai Ling , Qi Xiaopeng , Li Jia , Song Weijie
Published: May 2023

Hydrophobic thin films have gained significant attention due to their broad applications in self-cleaning, anti-corrosion, anti-icing, medicine, oil–water separation, and other fields. The target hydrophobic materials can be deposited onto various surfaces thanks to the scalable and highly reproducible nature of magnetron sputtering, which is comprehensively overviewed in this review. While alternative preparation methods have been extensively analyzed, a systematic understanding of hydrophobic thin films fabricated using magnetron sputtering deposition is still absent. After outlining the fundamental mechanism of hydrophobicity, this review briefly summarizes three types of sputtering-deposited thin films that originate from oxides, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and diamond-like carbon (DLC), respectively, primarily focusing on the recent advances in their preparation, characteristics, and applications. Finally, the future applications, current challenges, and development of hydrophobic thin films are discussed, and a brief perspective on future research directions is provided.
Preliminary Study of New Low-Temperature Hard Abrasion Resistant Fe-P and Fe-P-X (X = C or/and B) Casting Alloys
Authors: Zorc Matija , Nagode Aleš , Burja Jaka , Kosec Borut , Bizjak Milan , Zorc Borut
Published: May 2023

This article analyses the as-cast state of practically unknown Fe-P-based cast alloys with or without an addition of carbon and/or boron, cast into a grey cast iron mould. The melting intervals of the alloys were determined by DSC analysis, and the microstructure was characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy with an EDXS detector. The hardness and microhardness of the alloys were also measured. Their hardness reached values between 52 and 65 HRC depending on chemical composition and microstructure, showing their high abrasion resistance. The high hardness is a consequence of the eutectic and primary intermetallic phases of Fe3P, Fe3C, Fe2B or mixed type. By increasing the concentration of metalloids and combining them, the hardness and brittleness of the alloys were increased. The alloys with predominantly eutectic microstructures were the least brittle. Depending on the chemical composition, the solidus and liquidus temperatures ranged from 954 °C to 1220 °C and were lower than those of the well-known wear-resistant white cast irons.
Effect of Reduction Sequence during Rolling on Deformed Texture and Anisotropy of Ferritic Stainless Steel
Authors: Cho Sang Heon , Lee Young Jin , Bahanan Warda , Oh Jeong Moo , Kim Dong-Ju , Kang Jee-Hyun , Ryu Jungho , Widiantara I Putu , Ko Young Gun
Published: May 2023

This investigation studied the effect of reduction sequence during rolling of ferritic stainless steel on texture and anisotropy. A series of thermomechanical processes were performed on the present samples utilizing rolling deformation, with a total height reduction of 83% but with different reduction sequences, 67% + 50% (route A) and 50% + 67% (route B). Microstructural analysis showed that no significant difference was found in terms of the grain morphology between route A and route B. In terms of the texture, as compared to route A, route B developed a sharper texture on all components along the γ-fiber and a considerably higher fraction of boundaries that displayed 38°111 misorientations with respect to the surrounding deformed grains. In consequence, optimal deep drawing properties were achieved, where rm was maximized and Δr was minimized. Moreover, despite the similar morphology between the two processes, the resistance toward ridging was improved in the case of route B. This was explained in relation to the selective growth-controlled recrystallization, which favors the formation of microstructure with homogeneous distribution of the <111>//ND orientation.
Preparation and Properties of Hollow Glass Microspheres/Dicyclopentadiene Phenol Epoxy Resin Composite Materials
Authors: Lu Jiadong , Zhang Songli , Zhang Leizhi , Wang Chenxi , Min Chunying
Published: May 2023

With the development of the integrated circuit and chip industry, electronic products and their components are becoming increasingly miniaturized, high-frequency, and low-loss. These demand higher requirements for the dielectric properties and other aspects of epoxy resins to develop a novel epoxy resin system that meets the needs of current development. This paper employs ethyl phenylacetate cured dicyclopentadiene phenol (DCPD) epoxy resin as the matrix and incorporates KH550 coupling-agent-treated SiO2 hollow glass microspheres to produce composite materials with low dielectric, high heat resistance, and high modulus. These materials are applied as insulation films for high density interconnect (HDI) and substrate-like printed circuit board (SLP) boards. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) technique was used to characterize the reaction between the coupling agent and HGM, as well as the curing reaction between the epoxy resin and ethyl phenylacetate. The curing process of the DCPD epoxy resin system was determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The various properties of the composite material with different HGM contents were tested, and the mechanism of the impact of HGM on the properties of the composite material was discussed. The results indicate that the prepared epoxy resin composite material exhibits good comprehensive performance when the HGM content is 10 wt.%. The dielectric constant at 10 MHz is 2.39, with a dielectric loss of 0.018. The thermal conductivity is 0.1872 Wm−1 k−1, the coefficient of thermal expansion is 64.31 ppm/K, the glass transition temperature is 172 °C, and the elastic modulus is 1221.13 MPa.
Uncovering Dislocation- and Precipitate-Induced Viscoplastic Damage in Al-Zn-Mg Alloy
Authors: Zheng Yunlong , Guo Ning , Tang Bingtao , Su Baoyi , Zhou Qingjun
Published: May 2023

The existing phenomenological theories of plastic forming of sheet metal lack the predictability of the influences of dislocations and precipitates on viscoplastic damage in Al-Zn-Mg alloys. This study examines the evolution of grain size that occurs when the Al-Zn-Mg alloy undergoes a hot deformation process, specifically concentrating on dynamic recrystallization (DRX). The uniaxial tensile tests are conducted at deformation temperatures ranging from 350 to 450 °C and strain rates of 0.01–1 s−1. The intragranular and intergranular dislocation configurations and their interactions with dynamic precipitates are revealed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, the MgZn2 phase induces microvoid formation. Subsequently, an improved multiscale viscoplastic constitutive model is established that emphasizes the effect of precipitates and dislocations on the evolution of microvoid-based damage. Using a calibrated and validated micromechanical model, the simulation of hot-formed U-shaped parts is conducted through finite element (FE) analysis. During the hot U-forming process, the formation of defects is expected to have an impact on both the distribution of thickness and the level of damage. In particular, the damage accumulation rate is influenced by temperature and strain rate, and local thinning is caused by the damage evolution of U-shaped parts.
On the Competition between Intergranular and Transgranular Failure within 7xxx Al Alloys with Tailored Microstructures
Authors: Han Sutao , Lezaack Matthieu B. , Pyka Grzegorz , Netto Nelson , Simar Aude , Wahab Magd Abdel , Hannard Florent
Published: May 2023

7xxx aluminium series reach exceptional strength compared to other industrial aluminium alloys. However, 7xxx aluminium series usually exhibit Precipitate-Free Zones (PFZs) along grain boundaries, which favour intergranular fracture and low ductility. In this study, the competition between intergranular and transgranular fracture is experimentally investigated in the 7075 Al alloy. This is of critical importance since it directly affects the formability and crashworthiness of thin Al sheets. Using Friction Stir Processing (FSP), microstructures with similar hardening precipitates and PFZs, but with very different grain structures and intermetallic (IM) particle size distribution, were generated and studied. Experimental results showed that the effect of microstructure on the failure mode was significantly different for tensile ductility compared to bending formability. While the tensile ductility was significantly improved for the microstructure with equiaxed grains and smaller IM particles (compared to elongated grains and larger particles), the opposite trend was observed in terms of formability.
Light Transmission Characteristics and Cytotoxicity within A Dental Composite Color Palette
Authors: Ilie Nicoleta , Ionescu Andrei Cristian , Huth Karin Christine , Moldovan Marioara
Published: May 2023

Modern light-cured, resin-based composites are offered in a wide range of shades and translucencies. This large variation, created by varying the amount and type of pigmentation and opacifiers, is essential to enable an esthetic restoration in each patient situation, but may affect light transmission in the deeper layers during curing. We quantified optical parameters and their real-time variation during curing for a 13-shade composite palette of identical chemical composition and microstructure. Incident irradiance and real-time light transmission through 2 mm thick samples were recorded to calculate absorbance, transmittance, and the kinetic of transmitted irradiance. Data were supplemented by the characterization of cellular toxicity to human gingival fibroblasts up to 3 months. The study highlights a strong dependence of light transmission and its kinetic as a function of shade, with the largest changes occurring within the first second of exposure; the faster changes, the darker and more opaque the material. Transmission differences within progressively darker shades of a pigmentation type (hue) followed a hue-specific, non-linear relationship. Shades with similar transmittance but belonging to different hues were identified, while the corresponding kinetic was identical only up to a transmittance threshold. A slight drop in absorbance was registered with increasing wavelength. None of the shades were cytotoxic.
Thermal Behavior Changes of As-Received and Retrieved Bio-Active® (BA) and TriTanium® (TR) Multiforce Nickel–Titanium Orthodontic Archwires
Authors: Stoyanova-Ivanova Angelina , Georgieva Mirela , Petrov Valeri , Martins Jorge N. R. , Andreeva Laura , Petkov Alexander , Petrova Nadia , Georgiev Velizar
Published: May 2023

Multiforce nickel–titanium (NiTi) orthodontic archwires release progressively increasing forces in a front-to-back direction along their length. The properties of NiTi orthodontic archwires depend on the correlation and characteristics of their microstructural phases (austenite, martensite and the intermediate R-phase). From a clinical and manufacturing point of view, the determination of the austenite finish (Af) temperature is of the greatest importance, as in the austenitic phase, the alloy is most stable and exhibits the final workable form. The main purpose of using multiforce orthodontic archwires is to decrease the intensity of the applied forces to the teeth with a small root surface area, such as the lower central incisors, and also provide forces high enough to move the molars. With the optimally dosed forces of multiforce orthodontic archwires in the frontal, premolar and molar segments, the feeling of pain can be reduced. This will contribute to the greater cooperation of the patient, which is of utmost importance to achieve optimal results. The aim of this research was to determine the Af temperature at each segment of as-received and retrieved Bio-Active® and TriTanium® archwires with dimensions of 0.016 × 0.022 inches, investigated by the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) method. A classical Kruskal–Wallis one-way ANOVA test and multi-variance comparison based on the ANOVA test statistic using the Bonferroni corrected Mann–Whitney test for multiple comparisons were used. The incisor, premolar and molar segments have different Af temperatures, and they decrease from the anterior to posterior so that the posterior segment has the lowest Af. Bio-Active® and TriTanium® with dimensions of 0.016 × 0.022 inches can be used as first leveling archwires by additional cooling and are not recommended for use on patients with mouth breathing.
Prediction of Tool Eccentricity Effects on the Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Welded AA5754-H24 Aluminum Alloy Using ANN Model
Authors: Essa Ahmed R. S. , Ahmed Mohamed M. Z. , Aboud Aboud R. K. , Alyamani Rakan , Sebaey Tamer A.
Published: May 2023

The current study uses three different pin eccentricities (e) and six different welding speeds to investigate the impact of pin eccentricity on friction stir welding (FSW) of AA5754-H24. To simulate and forecast the impact of (e) and welding speed on the mechanical properties of friction stir welded joints for (FSWed) AA5754-H24, an artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed. The input parameters for the model in this work are welding speed (WS) and tool pin eccentricity (e). The outputs of the developed ANN model include the mechanical properties of FSW AA5754-H24 (ultimate tensile strength, elongation, hardness of the thermomechanically affected zone (TMAZ), and hardness of the weld nugget zone (NG)). The ANN model yielded a satisfactory performance. The model has been used to predict the mechanical properties of the FSW AA5754 aluminum alloy as a function of TPE and WS with excellent reliability. Experimentally, the tensile strength is increased by increasing both the (e) and the speed, which was already captured from the ANN predictions. The R2 values are higher than 0.97 for all the predictions, reflecting the output quality.