bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cre mRNA Is Not Transferred by EVs from Endothelial and Adipose-Derived Stromal/Stem Cells during Vascular Network Formation
Authors: Schneider Jaana , Pultar Marianne , Oesterreicher Johannes , Bobbili Madhusudhan Reddy , Mühleder Severin , Priglinger Eleni , Redl Heinz , Spittler Andreas , Grillari Johannes , Holnthoner Wolfgang
Published: April 2021

Coculture systems employing adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (ASC) and endothelial cells (EC) represent a widely used technique to model vascularization. Within this system, cell–cell communication is crucial for the achievement of functional vascular network formation. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have recently emerged as key players in cell communication by transferring bioactive molecules between cells. In this study we aimed to address the role of EVs in ASC/EC cocultures by discriminating between cells, which have received functional EV cargo from cells that have not. Therefore, we employed the Cre-loxP system, which is based on donor cells expressing the Cre recombinase, whose mRNA was previously shown to be packaged into EVs and reporter cells containing a construct of floxed dsRed upstream of the eGFP coding sequence. The evaluation of Cre induced color switch in the reporter system via EVs indicated that there is no EV-mediated RNA transmission either between EC themselves or EC and ASC. However, since Cre mRNA was not found present in EVs, it remains unclear if Cre mRNA is generally not packaged into EVs or if EVs are not taken up by the utilized cell types. Our data indicate that this technique may not be applicable to evaluate EV-mediated cell-to-cell communication in an in vitro setting using EC and ASC. Further investigations will require a functional system showing efficient and specific loading of Cre mRNA or protein into EVs.
Marine Network Protocols and Security Risks
Authors: Tran Ky , Keene Sid , Fretheim Erik , Tsikerdekis Michail
Published: April 2021

Marine network protocols are domain-specific network protocols that aim to incorporate particular features within the specialized marine context that devices are implemented in. Devices implemented in such vessels involve critical equipment; however, limited research exists for marine network protocol security. In this paper, we provide an analysis of several marine network protocols used in today’s vessels and provide a classification of attack risks. Several protocols involve known security limitations, such as Automated Identification System (AIS) and National Marine Electronic Association (NMEA) 0183, while newer protocols, such as OneNet provide more security hardiness. We further identify several challenges and opportunities for future implementations of such protocols.
Soil Metabarcoding Offers a New Tool for the Investigation and Hunting of Truffles in Northern Thailand
Authors: Suwannarach Nakarin , Kumla Jaturong , In-on Ammarin , Lumyong Saisamorn
Published: April 2021

Truffles (Tuber spp.) are well-known as edible ectomycorrhizal mushrooms, and some species are one of the most expensive foods in the world. During the fruiting process, truffles produce hypogeous ascocarps; a trained pig or dog is needed to locate the ascocarps under the ground. Truffles in northern Thailand have been recorded in association with Betulaalnoides and Carpinus poilanei. In this study, we investigated the soil mycobiota diversity of soil samples from both of these truffle host plants in native forests using environmental DNA metabarcoding to target the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region of the rDNA gene for the purposes of investigation of truffle diversity and locating truffles during the non-fruiting phase. In this study, a total of 38 soil samples were collected from different locations. Of these, truffles had been found at three of these locations. Subsequently, a total of 1341 putative taxonomic units (OTUs) were obtained. The overall fungal community was dominated by phylum-level sequences assigned to Ascomycota (57.63%), Basidiomycota (37.26%), Blastocladiomycota (0.007%), Chytridiomycota (0.21%), Glomeromycota (0.01%), Kickxellomycota (0.01%), Mortierellomycota (2.08%), Mucoromycota (0.24%), Rozellomycota (0.01%), Zoopagomycota (0.003%), and unidentified (2.54%). The results revealed that six OTUs were determined to be representative and belonged to the genus Tuber. OTU162, OTU187, OTU447, and OTU530 belonged to T. thailandicum, T. lannaense, T. bomiense, and T. magnatum, whereas OTU105 and OTU720 were acknowledged as unrecognized Tuber species. From 38 locations, OTUs of truffles were found in 33 locations (including three previously known truffle locations). Thus, 30 collection sites were considered new locations for T. thailandicum, T. bomiense, and other unrecognized Tuber species. Interestingly, at 16 new locations, mature ascocarps of truffles that were undergoing the fruiting phase were located underground. All 16 truffle samples were identified as T. thailandicum based on morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analysis. However, ascocarps of other truffle species were not found at the new OTUs representative locations. The knowledge gained from this study can be used to lead researchers to a better understanding of the occurrence of truffles using soil mycobiota diversity investigation. The outcomes of this study will be particularly beneficial with respect to the search and hunt for truffles without the need for trained animals. In addition, the findings of this study will be useful for the management and conservation of truffle habitats in northern Thailand.
Bot Gummosis of Lemon (Citrus × limon) Caused by Neofusicoccum parvum
Authors: Aloi Francesco , Riolo Mario , Parlascino Rossana , Pane Antonella , Cacciola Santa Olga
Published: April 2021

Neofusicoccum parvum, in the family Botryosphaeriaceae, was identified as the causal agent of bot gummosis of lemon (Citrus × limon) trees, in the two major lemon-producing regions in Italy. Gummy cankers on trunk and scaffold branches of mature trees were the most typical disease symptoms. Neofusicoccum parvum was the sole fungus constantly and consistently isolated from the canker bark of symptomatic lemon trees. It was identified on the basis of morphological characters and the phylogenetic analysis of three loci, i.e., the internal transcribed spacer of nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS) as well as the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1) and β-tubulin (TUB2) genes. The pathogenicity of N. parvum was demonstrated by wound inoculating two lemon cultivars, ‘Femminello 2kr’ and ‘Monachello’, as well as citrange (C. sinensis × Poncirus trifoliata) ‘Carrizo’ rootstock. In artificial inoculations, the fungus was very aggressive on lemons and weakly virulent on citrange, consistently with symptoms observed in the field as a consequence of natural infections. This is the first report of N. parvum, both in a wide and in a strict taxonomic sense, as a pathogen of lemon in Italy.
Drug Regimen for Patients after a Pneumonectomy
Authors: Kim Noheul , Priefer Ronny
Published: April 2021

Pneumonectomy is an entire lung removal and is indicated for both malignant and benign diseases. Due to its invasiveness and postoperative complications, pneumonectomy is still associated with high mortality and morbidity. Appropriate postoperative management is crucial in pneumonectomy patients to improve quality of life and overall survival rates. Diverse drug regimens are under development to be used in adjuvant chemotherapy or to improve respiratory health after a pneumonectomy. The most common causes for a pneumonectomy are non-small cell lung cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma, and tuberculosis; thus, an appropriate drug regimen is necessary. The uncommon incidence of pneumonectomy cases remains the major obstacle in studies of postoperative drug regimens. As the majority of current studies include post-lobectomy and post-segmentectomy patients, it is highly recommended that further research of postoperative drug regimens be focused on post-pneumonectomy patients.
A Systematic Literature Review on the Application of Machine-Learning Models in Behavioral Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Cavus Nadire , Lawan Abdulmalik A. , Ibrahim Zurki , Dahiru Abdullahi , Tahir Sadiya , Abdulrazak Usama Ishaq , Hussaini Adamu
Published: April 2021

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. The insufficient number of trained clinicians coupled with limited accessibility to quick and accurate diagnostic tools resulted in overlooking early symptoms of ASD in children around the world. Several studies have utilized behavioral data in developing and evaluating the performance of machine learning (ML) models toward quick and intelligent ASD assessment systems. However, despite the good evaluation metrics achieved by the ML models, there is not enough evidence on the readiness of the models for clinical use. Specifically, none of the existing studies reported the real-life application of the ML-based models. This might be related to numerous challenges associated with the data-centric techniques utilized and their misalignment with the conceptual basis upon which professionals diagnose ASD. The present work systematically reviewed recent articles on the application of ML in the behavioral assessment of ASD, and highlighted common challenges in the studies, and proposed vital considerations for real-life implementation of ML-based ASD screening and diagnostic systems. This review will serve as a guide for researchers, neuropsychiatrists, psychologists, and relevant stakeholders on the advances in ASD screening and diagnosis using ML.
4-(7-Bromobenzo[d][1,2,3]thiadiazol-4-yl)morpholine
Authors: Gudim Nikita S. , Knyazeva Ekaterina A. , Obruchnikova Natalia V. , Rakitin Oleg A. , Popov Vadim V.
Published: April 2021

Dibromoderivatives of benzofused chalcogen-nitrogen heterocycles are important precursors in the synthesis of various photovoltaic materials. 4,7-Dibromobenzo[d][1,2,3]thiadiazole is a practically unexplored compound in this series. In this communication, it was shown that the nucleophilic substitution of 4,7-dibromobenzo[d][1,2,3]thiadiazole with morpholine gave selectively 4-substituted product—4-(7-bromobenzo[d][1,2,3]thiadiazol-4-yl)morpholine. The structure of the newly synthesized compound was established by means of elemental analysis, high resolution mass-spectrometry, 1H, 13C NMR, and IR spectroscopy, mass-spectrometry, and X-ray analysis.
Innovative Composite Materials for Sound Absorption and Insulation: Where We Are and Where We Are Going
Authors: Martellotta Francesco
Published: April 2021

Materials with sound-absorbing or sound-insulating properties have been rapidly evolving in recent years due to several reasons [...]
Spongostan™ Leads to Increased Regeneration of a Rat Calvarial Critical Size Defect Compared to NanoBone® and Actifuse
Authors: Wähnert Dirk , Koettnitz Julian , Merten Madlen , Kronenberg Daniel , Stange Richard , Greiner Johannes F. W. , Kaltschmidt Christian , Vordemvenne Thomas , Kaltschmidt Barbara
Published: April 2021

Bone substitute materials are becoming increasingly important in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Reconstruction of critical size bone defects is still challenging for surgeons. Here, we compared the clinically applied organic bone substitute materials NanoBone® (nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite and nanostructured silica gel; n = 5) and Actifuse (calcium phosphate with silicate substitution; n = 5) with natural collagen-based Spongostan™ (hardened pork gelatin containing formalin and lauryl alcohol; n = 5) in bilateral rat critical-size defects (5 mm diameter). On topological level, NanoBone is known to harbour nanopores of about 20 nm diameter, while Actifuse comprises micropores of 200–500 µm. Spongostan™, which is clinically applied as a haemostatic agent, combines in its wet form both nano- and microporous topological features by comprising 60.66 ± 24.48 μm micropores accompanied by nanopores of 32.97 ± 1.41 nm diameter. Micro-computed tomography (µCT) used for evaluation 30 days after surgery revealed a significant increase in bone volume by all three bone substitute materials in comparison to the untreated controls. Clearly visual was the closure of trepanation in all treated groups, but granular appearance of NanoBone® and Actifuse with less closure at the margins of the burr holes. In contrast, transplantion of Spongostan™ lead to complete filling of the burr hole with the highest bone volume of 7.98 ccm and the highest bone mineral density compared to all other groups. In summary, transplantation of Spongostan™ resulted in increased regeneration of a rat calvarial critical size defect compared to NanoBone and Actifuse, suggesting the distinct nano- and microtopography of wet Spongostan™ to account for this superior regenerative capacity. Since Spongostan™ is a clinically approved product used primarily for haemostasis, it may represent an interesting alternative in the reconstruction of defects in the maxillary region.
Inverse 3D Printing with Variations of the Strand Width of the Resulting Scaffolds for Bone Replacement
Authors: Seidenstuecker Michael , Schilling Pia , Ritschl Lucas , Lange Svenja , Schmal Hagen , Bernstein Anke , Esslinger Steffen
Published: April 2021

The objective of this study was to vary the wall thicknesses and pore sizes of inversely printed 3D molded bodies. Wall thicknesses were varied from 1500 to 2000 to 2500 µm. The pores had sizes of 500, 750 and 1000 µm. The sacrificial structures were fabricated from polylactide (PLA) using fused deposition modeling (FDM). To obtain the final bioceramic scaffolds, a water-based slurry was filled into the PLA molds. The PLA sacrificial molds were burned out at approximately 450 °C for 4 h. Subsequently, the samples were sintered at 1250 °C for at least 4 h. The scaffolds were mechanically characterized (native and after incubation in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 28 days). In addition, the biocompatibility was assessed by live/dead staining. The scaffolds with a strand spacing of 500 µm showed the highest compressive strength; there was no significant difference in compressive strength regardless of pore size. The specimens with 1000 µm pore size showed a significant dependence on strand width. Thus, the specimens (1000 µm pores) with 2500 µm wall thickness showed the highest compressive strength of 5.97 + 0.89 MPa. While the 1000(1500) showed a value of 2.90 + 0.67 MPa and the 1000(2000) of 3.49 + 1.16 MPa. As expected for beta-Tricalciumphosphate (β-TCP), very good biocompatibility was observed with increasing cell numbers over the experimental period.
High Magnesium and Sirolimus on Rabbit Vascular Cells—An In Vitro Proof of Concept
Authors: Fedele Giorgia , Castiglioni Sara , Maier Jeanette A. , Locatelli Laura
Published: April 2021

Drug-eluting bioresorbable scaffolds represent the last frontier in the field of angioplasty and stenting to treat coronary artery disease, one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In particular, sirolimus-eluting magnesium-based scaffolds were recently introduced in clinical practice. Magnesium alloys are biocompatible and dissolve in body fluids, thus determining high concentrations of magnesium in the local microenvironment. Since magnesium regulates cell growth, we asked whether high levels of magnesium might interfere with the antiproliferative action of sirolimus. We performed in vitro experiments on rabbit coronary artery endothelial and smooth muscle cells (rCAEC and rSMC, respectively). The cells were treated with sirolimus in the presence of different concentrations of extracellular magnesium. Sirolimus inhibits rCAEC proliferation only in physiological concentrations of magnesium, while high concentrations prevent this effect. On the contrary, high extracellular magnesium does not rescue rSMC growth arrest by sirolimus and accentuates the inhibitory effect of the drug on cell migration. Importantly, sirolimus and magnesium do not impair rSMC response to nitric oxide. If translated into a clinical setting, these results suggest that, in the presence of sirolimus, local increases of magnesium concentration maintain normal endothelial proliferative capacity and function without affecting rSMC growth inhibition and response to vasodilators.
Subsurface Temperature Estimation from Sea Surface Data Using Neural Network Models in the Western Pacific Ocean
Authors: Wang Haoyu , Song Tingqiang , Zhu Shanliang , Yang Shuguo , Feng Liqiang
Published: April 2021

Estimating the ocean subsurface thermal structure (OSTS) based on multisource sea surface data in the western Pacific Ocean is of great significance for studying ocean dynamics and El Niño phenomenon, but it is challenging to accurately estimate the OSTS from sea surface parameters in the area. This paper proposed an improved neural network model to estimate the OSTS from 0–2000 m from multisource sea surface data including sea surface temperature (SST), sea surface salinity (SSS), sea surface height (SSH), and sea surface wind (SSW). In the model experiment, the rasterized monthly average data from 2005–2015 and 2016 were selected as the training and testing set, respectively. The results showed that the sea surface parameters selected in the paper had a positive effect on the estimation process, and the average RMSE value of the ocean subsurface temperature (OST) estimated by the proposed model was 0.55 °C. Moreover, there were pronounced seasonal variation signals in the upper layers (the upper 200 m), however, this signal gradually diminished with increasing depth. Compared with known estimation models such as the random forest (RF), the multiple linear regression (MLR), and the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), the proposed model outperformed these models under the data conditions of the paper. This research can provide an advanced artificial intelligence technique for estimating subsurface thermohaline structure in major sea areas.
New Expressions to Apply the Variation Operation Strategy in Engineering Tools Using Pumps Working as Turbines
Authors: Plua Frank A , Sánchez-Romero Francisco-Javier , Hidalgo Victor , López-Jiménez P. Amparo , Pérez-Sánchez Modesto
Published: April 2021

The improvement in energy saving aspects in water systems is currently a topic of major interest. The utilization of pumps working as turbines is a relevant strategy in water distribution networks consisting of pressurized pipes, using these machines to recover energy, generate green energy and reduce leakages in water systems. The need to develop energy studies, prior to the installation of these facilities, requires the use of simulation tools. These tools should be able to define the operation curves of the machine as a function of the flow rate. This research proposes a new strategy to develop a mathematics model for pumps working as turbines (PATs), considering the modified affinity laws. This proposed model, which can be input into hydraulic simulation tools (e.g., Epanet, WaterGems), allows estimation of the head, efficiency, and power curves of the PATs when operating at different rotational speeds. The research used 87 different curves for 15 different machines to develop the new model. This model improves the results of the previously published models, reducing the error in the estimation of the height, efficiency, and power values. The proposed model reduced the errors by between 30 and 50% compared to the rest of the models.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Possible Immunomodulatory Activity Mechanism of Chlorella sp. Exopolysaccharides on RAW264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Wu Siwei , Liu Hongquan , Li Siyu , Sun Han , He Xiumiao , Huang Ying , Long Han
Published: April 2021

In this study, the exopolysaccharides of Chlorella sp. (CEP) were isolated to obtain the purified fraction CEP4. Characterization results showed that CEP4 was a sulfated heteropolysaccharide. The main monosaccharide components of CEP4 are glucosamine hydrochloride (40.8%) and glucuronic acid (21.0%). The impact of CEP4 on the immune activity of RAW264.7 macrophage cytokines was detected, and the results showed that CEP4 induced the production of nitric oxide (NO), TNF-α, and IL-6 in a dose-dependent pattern within a range of 6 μg/mL. A total of 4824 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained from the results of RNA-seq. Gene enrichment analysis showed that immune-related genes such as NFKB1, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly upregulated, while the genes RIPK1 and TLR4 were significantly downregulated. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were significantly enriched in immune-related biological processes, including toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway, cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway, and C-type lectin receptor signaling pathway. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis showed that HSP90AB1, Rbx1, ISG15, Psmb6, Psmb3, Psmb8, PSMA7, Polr2f, Rpsa, and NEDD8 were the hub genes with an essential role in the immune activity of CEP4. The preliminary results of the present study revealed the potential mechanism of CEP4 in the immune regulation of RAW264.7 macrophages, suggesting that CEP4 is a promising immunoregulatory agent.
Don’t Forget Rare Causes of Postpartum Headache! Cases Report and Literature Review
Authors: Di Paolo Marco , Maiese Aniello , Mangiacasale Ornella , Pesetti Barbara , Pierotti Simone , Manetti Alice Chiara , dell’Aquila Massimiliano , De Filippis Angela , Turillazzi Emanuela
Published: April 2021

Headache is a common finding in the postpartum period, caused by a spectrum of different conditions. Most headaches in the postpartum period are self-limiting and benign in etiology, but there are some potentially serious causes to be considered. We disclose two cases of postpartum headache, initially considered as post-dural puncture headache (PDPH), that evolved into a harmful condition and showed that an expanded differential diagnosis for headache in the postpartum is mandatory, requiring a high level of attention from health professionals. In fact, a careful examination of the medical history, physical examination, and the recognition for the need for early neuroradiological imaging should increase diagnostic accuracy.
Harnessing Digital Health Technologies to Remotely Manage Diabetic Foot Syndrome: A Narrative Review
Authors: Najafi Bijan , Mishra Ramkinker
Published: April 2021

About 422 million people worldwide have diabetes and approximately one-third of them have a major risk factor for diabetic foot ulcers, including poor sensation in their feet from peripheral neuropathy and/or poor perfusion to their feet from peripheral artery disease. The current healthcare ecosystem, which is centered on the treatment of established foot disease, often fails to adequately control key reversible risk factors to prevent diabetic foot ulcers leading to unacceptable high foot disease amputation rate, 40% recurrence of ulcers rate in the first year, and high hospital admissions. Thus, the latest diabetic foot ulcer guidelines emphasize that a paradigm shift in research priority from siloed hospital treatments to innovative integrated community prevention is now critical to address the high diabetic foot ulcer burden. The widespread uptake and acceptance of wearable and digital health technologies provide a means to timely monitor major risk factors associated with diabetic foot ulcer, empower patients in self-care, and effectively deliver the remote monitoring and multi-disciplinary prevention needed for those at-risk people and address the health care access disadvantage that people living in remote areas. This narrative review paper summarizes some of the latest innovations in three specific areas, including technologies supporting triaging high-risk patients, technologies supporting care in place, and technologies empowering self-care. While many of these technologies are still in infancy, we anticipate that in response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic and current unmet needs to decentralize care for people with foot disease, we will see a new wave of innovations in the area of digital health, smart wearables, telehealth technologies, and “hospital-at-home” care delivery model. These technologies will be quickly adopted at scale to improve remote management of diabetic foot ulcers, smartly triaging those who need to be seen in outpatient or inpatient clinics, and supporting acute or subacute care at home.
Effects of Zn and Mg Segregations on the Grain Boundary Sliding and Cohesion in Al: Ab Initio Modeling
Authors: Kuznetsov Andrey , Karkina Lidia , Gornostyrev Yuri , Korzhavyi Pavel
Published: April 2021

The formation of Zn and Mg segregations at a tilt Σ5{013} <100> grain boundary (GB) in Al and the effects of these solutes on deformation behavior of polycrystalline Al were investigated using ab initio total energy calculations. Using a step-by-step modeling of the segregation process, we found that the formation of a thick segregation layer of Zn at the GB is energetically preferable, while the formation of an atomically thin segregation layer is expected in the case of Mg. To reveal the effect of segregation on the cohesive properties of Al GBs, we calculated the energy of cleavage decohesion and the shear resistance for GB sliding. We show that the segregation of Zn results in a substantial decrease in barriers for GB sliding, while the segregation of Mg increases the barriers. The results obtained allow us to explain experimental findings and demonstrate a strong relationship between chemical bonding of solute atoms, their segregation ability, and GB strength.
Synthesis of Ag-La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 (LSM-Ag) Composite Powder and Its Application in Magnesium Air Battery
Authors: Wu Xiaohan , Liu Hui , Zhang Jiaxi , Song Juemin , Huang Jiefeng , Xu Wanli , Yan Yang , Yu Kun
Published: April 2021

La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 (LSM) catalyst is prepared via a sol-gel method and modified via a typical silver mirror reaction. Silver ammonia solution is reduced in a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-containing solution to obtain silver nanoparticles and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is added as a surfactant. The microstructure and morphology of the LSM-Ag composite powder are characterized. According to the results, the Ag particles precipitate on the LSM surface in elemental form and the grain size is about one hundred nanometers. The analysis of electrocatalytic performance of LSM-Ag cathodes with different amounts of silver loading reveals that the number of electrons transferred during the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) of the cathode with an Ag content of 14% by weight reached 3.9, which is very close to that of commercial Pt/C catalysts. Similarly, the maximum power density of the air battery made of LSM-14%Ag is 73 mW/cm2, which exceeds that of 63 mW/cm2, found for the LSM battery. Finally, increasing the amount of silver loading allows one to improve the electrochemical performance of LSM catalysts. The best effect is achieved when the Ag loading exceeds 14%.
Determination of Plastic Anisotropy of Extruded 7075 Aluminum Alloy Thick Plate for Simulation of Post-Extrusion Forming
Authors: Jung Dae-Kwan , Ha Seong-Ho , Kim Heung-Kyu , Shin Young-Chul
Published: April 2021

In this study, the plastic anisotropy distribution of an extruded 7075 aluminum alloy thick plate was evaluated through small-cube compression tests. The extruded plate with a thickness of 15 mm was divided into five layers in order to verify the difference in plastic anisotropy along the thickness direction of the extruded thick plate. Small-cube specimens with a side length of 1 mm were extracted from each layer and subjected to compression tests in each direction to evaluate the directional r-values of the extruded material. The r-values were applied to Hill’s quadratic yield criterion to calculate the six coefficients for each layer. To consider the plastic anisotropy in the thickness direction, a finite element model divided into five layers in the thickness direction was applied. Upsetting tests were conducted to verify the accuracy of the finite element analysis using cube specimens with a side length of 15 and 10.6 mm, and the results of the finite element analysis and the upsetting test were compared and analyzed against each other. Consequently, the finite element analyses were precisely simulated the upsetting test results.
Dissimilar Welding of Low Alloy Steels Welded Joints: Effect of Run-Off and Run-On Plates
Authors: Jeongung Park , An Gyubaek
Published: April 2021

The steel run-off plates attached at the start and end of a weld usually have the same material, shape, and groove as the base metal according to the rules for designing and constructing ship steel structures. However, rather than using the same grade of base steel, readily available steel is often used for these plates to increase material utilization. When using dissimilar grade steel as a run-off plate, the physical properties of the base metal may be diluted if the weld joint of the base plate is penetrated, thereby lowering the physical property value of the joint. If the physical properties of the welded part of the real structure are lowered because of the dilution of the properties of the dissimilar grade steel material, the safety of the entire structure can be affected. Therefore, in this study, analyses of the metal microstructure, hardness, impact, and chemical composition were performed on surfaces where the run-off plate was removed after welding to examine the effect of dissimilar run-off plate. The results of this study reveal that the properties of the run-off plate were not diluted toward the base metal and the Charpy impact value at the weld end was up to 48% greater than the impact value at the start of the weld at a temperature of −40 °C.
Integrated Metabolomics and Transcriptomics Using an Optimised Dual Extraction Process to Study Human Brain Cancer Cells and Tissues
Authors: Woodward Alison , Pandele Alina , Abdelrazig Salah , Ortori Catherine A. , Khan Iqbal , Uribe Marcos Castellanos , May Sean , Barrett David A. , Grundy Richard G. , Kim Dong-Hyun , Rahman Ruman
Published: April 2021

The integration of untargeted metabolomics and transcriptomics from the same population of cells or tissue enhances the confidence in the identified metabolic pathways and understanding of the enzyme–metabolite relationship. Here, we optimised a simultaneous extraction method of metabolites/lipids and RNA from ependymoma cells (BXD-1425). Relative to established RNA (mirVana kit) or metabolite (sequential solvent addition and shaking) single extraction methods, four dual-extraction techniques were evaluated and compared (methanol:water:chloroform ratios): cryomill/mirVana (1:1:2); cryomill-wash/Econospin (5:1:2); rotation/phenol-chloroform (9:10:1); Sequential/mirVana (1:1:3). All methods extracted the same metabolites, yet rotation/phenol-chloroform did not extract lipids. Cryomill/mirVana and sequential/mirVana recovered the highest amounts of RNA, at 70 and 68% of that recovered with mirVana kit alone. sequential/mirVana, involving RNA extraction from the interphase of our established sequential solvent addition and shaking metabolomics-lipidomics extraction method, was the most efficient approach overall. Sequential/mirVana was applied to study a) the biological effect caused by acute serum starvation in BXD-1425 cells and b) primary ependymoma tumour tissue. We found (a) 64 differentially abundant metabolites and 28 differentially expressed metabolic genes, discovering four gene-metabolite interactions, and (b) all metabolites and 62% lipids were above the limit of detection, and RNA yield was sufficient for transcriptomics, in just 10 mg of tissue.
Advances in Nanofluidics
Authors: Kazoe Yutaka , Xu Yan
Published: April 2021

Recently, a new frontier in fluid science and engineering at the 1 to 1000 nm scale, called nanofluidics, has developed and provided new methodologies and applications to the fields of chemistry, biology, material sciences, bioengineering, medicine, drug discovery, energy, and environmental engineering [...]
Photothermal Optical Beam Steering Using Large Deformation Multi-Layer Thin Film Structures
Authors: Hall Harris J. , McDaniel Sean , Shah Piyush , Torres David , Figueroa Jose , Starman LaVern
Published: April 2021

Photothermal actuation of microstructures remains an active area of research for microsystems that demand electrically isolated, remote, on-chip manipulation. In this study, large-deformation structures constructed from thin films traditional to microsystems were explored through both simulation and experiment as a rudimentary means to both steer and shape an incident light beam through photothermal actuation. A series of unit step infrared laser exposures were applied at increasing power levels to both uniformly symmetric and deliberately asymmetric absorptive structures with the intent of characterizing the photothermal tilt response. The results indicate that a small angle (<4° at ~74 W/cm2) mechanical tilt can be instantiated through central placement of an infrared beam, although directional control appears highly sensitive to initial beam placement. Greater responsivity (up to ~9° mechanical tilt at ~54 W/cm2) and gross directional control was demonstrated with an asymmetrical absorptive design, although this response was accompanied by a large amount (~5–10°) of mechanical tilt burn-in and drift. Rigorous device cycling remains to be explored, but the results suggest that these structures, and those similar in construction, can be further matured to achieve controllable photoactuation suitable for optical beam control or other applications.
Investigation of Normally-Off p-GaN/AlGaN/GaN HEMTs Using a Self-Terminating Etching Technique with Multi-Finger Architecture Modulation for High Power Application
Authors: Chang Ya-Chun , Ho Yu-Li , Huang Tz-Yan , Huang Ding-Wei , Wu Chao-Hsin
Published: April 2021

Normally-off p-gallium nitride (GaN) high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) devices with multi-finger layout were successfully fabricated by use of a self-terminating etching technique with Cl2/BCl3/SF6-mixed gas plasma. This etching technique features accurate etching depth control and low surface plasma damage. Several devices with different gate widths and number of fingers were fabricated to investigate the effect on output current density. We then realized a high current enhancement-mode p-GaN HEMT device with a total gate width of 60 mm that exhibits a threshold voltage of 2.2 V and high drain current of 6.7 A.
Bioactive Components in Oat and Barley Grain as a Promising Breeding Trend for Functional Food Production
Authors: Shvachko Natalia A. , Loskutov Igor G. , Semilet Tatyana V. , Popov Vitaliy S. , Kovaleva Olga N. , Konarev Alexei V.
Published: April 2021

Cereal crops, such as oats and barley, possess a number of valuable properties that meet the requirements for functional diet components. This review summarized the available information about bioactive compounds of oat and barley grain. The results of studying the structure and physicochemical properties of the cell wall polysaccharides of barley and oat are presented. The main components of the flavonoids formation pathway are shown and data, concerning anthocyanins biosynthesis in various barley tissues, are discussed. Moreover, we analyzed the available information about structural and regulatory genes of anthocyanin biosynthesis in Hordeum vulgare L. genome, including β-glucan biosynthesis genes in Avena sativa L species. However, there is not enough knowledge about the genes responsible for biosynthesis of β-glucans and corresponding enzymes and plant polyphenols. The review also covers contemporary studies about collections of oat and barley genetic resources held by the N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR). This review intended to provide information on the processes of biosynthesis of biologically active compounds in cereals that will promote further researches devoted to transcription factors controlling expression of structural genes and their role in other physiological processes in higher plants. Found achievements will allow breeders to create new highly productive varieties with the desirable properties.
Insights into Multifunctional Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Glioblastoma Treatment
Authors: Khan Mohd , Sherwani Subuhi , Khan Saif , Alouffi Sultan , Alam Mohammad , Al-Motair Khalid , Khan Shahper
Published: April 2021

Glioblastoma (GB) is an aggressive cancer with high microvascular proliferation, resulting in accelerated invasion and diffused infiltration into the surrounding brain tissues with very low survival rates. Treatment options are often multimodal, such as surgical resection with concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The development of resistance of tumor cells to radiation in the areas of hypoxia decreases the efficiency of such treatments. Additionally, the difficulty of ensuring drugs effectively cross the natural blood–brain barrier (BBB) substantially reduces treatment efficiency. These conditions concomitantly limit the efficacy of standard chemotherapeutic agents available for GB. Indeed, there is an urgent need of a multifunctional drug vehicle system that has potential to transport anticancer drugs efficiently to the target and can successfully cross the BBB. In this review, we summarize some nanoparticle (NP)-based therapeutics attached to GB cells with antigens and membrane receptors for site-directed drug targeting. Such multicore drug delivery systems are potentially biodegradable, site-directed, nontoxic to normal cells and offer long-lasting therapeutic effects against brain cancer. These models could have better therapeutic potential for GB as well as efficient drug delivery reaching the tumor milieu. The goal of this article is to provide key considerations and a better understanding of the development of nanotherapeutics with good targetability and better tolerability in the fight against GB.
The Cytotoxic Effect of Apis mellifera Venom with a Synergistic Potential of Its Two Main Components—Melittin and PLA2—On Colon Cancer HCT116 Cell Lines
Authors: Yaacoub Carole , Rifi Mariam , El-Obeid Dany , Mawlawi Hiba , Sabatier Jean-Marc , Coutard Bruno , Fajloun Ziad
Published: April 2021

Colon carcinogenesis is ranked second globally among human diseases after cardiovascular failures. Bee venom (BV) has been shown to possess in vitro anticancer effects against several types of cancer cells. The two main biopeptides of Apis mellifera BV, namely, melittin (MEL) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2), are suspected to be the biomolecules responsible for the anticancer activity. The present work aims to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of the A. mellifera venom on human colon carcinoma cells (HCT116), and to assess the synergistic effect of MEL and PLA2 on these cells. After analyzing, through high-pressure liquid chromatography, the proportions of MEL and PLA2 on BV, we have established a cell viability assay to evaluate the effect of BV, MEL, PLA2, and a mixture of MEL and PLA2 on the HCT116 cells. Results obtained showed a strong cytotoxicity effect induced by the A. mellifera venom and to a lower extent MEL or PLA2 alone. Remarkably, when MEL and PLA2 were added together, their cytotoxic effect was greatly improved, suggesting a synergistic activity on HCT116 cells. These findings confirm the cytotoxic effect of the A. mellifera venom and highlight the presence of synergistic potential activities between MEL and PLA2, possibly inducing membrane disruption of HCT116 cancer cells. Altogether, these results could serve as a basis for the development of new anticancer treatments.
Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activity in Oat-Buckwheat Dough and Cookies with Added Spices or Herbs
Authors: Starowicz Małgorzata , Arpaci Saruhan , Topolska Joanna , Wronkowska Małgorzata
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the phytochemicals and antioxidant activity in oat-buckwheat doughs and cookies with the addition of ten selected spices or herbs (2 g/100 g flours weight basis). The used spices and herbs, as was expected, showed a wide range of bioactive molecules, namely phenolic acids and flavonoids, and they are a rich source of components with antioxidant potential. All analysed oat-buckwheat dough showed higher antioxidant activity potential and higher total phenolic content (TPC) compared to cookies. The highest TPC was found in clove, both dough and cookies, with its addition showing the highest ferric reducing antioxidant power. Generally, cookies with the addition of spice/herbs showed higher phytochemical contents and antioxidant activity compared to oat-buckwheat cookies without the condiment. The technology of obtaining confectionery products, like oat-buckwheat cookies, that will favor the protection of bioactive compounds should still be improved.
Engineering the Interface between Inorganic Nanoparticles and Biological Systems through Ligand Design
Authors: Huang Rui , Luther David C. , Zhang Xianzhi , Gupta Aarohi , Tufts Samantha A. , Rotello Vincent M.
Published: April 2021

Nanoparticles (NPs) provide multipurpose platforms for a wide range of biological applications. These applications are enabled through molecular design of surface coverages, modulating NP interactions with biosystems. In this review, we highlight approaches to functionalize nanoparticles with “small” organic ligands (Mw < 1000), providing insight into how organic synthesis can be used to engineer NPs for nanobiology and nanomedicine.
Probing the Surface Chemistry of Nanoporous Gold via Electrochemical Characterization and Atom Probe Tomography
Authors: Foroozan-Ebrahimy AmirHossein , Langelier Brian , Newman Roger
Published: April 2021

Surface chemistry information is crucial in understanding catalytic and sensing mechanisms. However, resolving the outermost monolayer composition of metallic nanoporous materials is challenging due to the high tortuosity of their morphology. In this study, we first elaborate on the capabilities and limitations of atom probe tomography (APT) in resolving interfaces. Subsequently, an electrochemical approach is designed to characterize the surface composition of nanoporous gold (NPG), developed from dealloying an inexpensive precursor (95 at. % Ag, 5 at. % Au), by the means of aqueous electrochemical measurements of the selective electrosorption of sulfide ions, which react strongly with Ag, but to a significantly lesser extent with Au. Accordingly, cyclic voltammetry was performed at various scan rates on NPG in alkaline aqueous solutions (0.2 M NaOH; pH 13) in the presence and absence of 1 mM Na2S. Calibrations via similar voltammetric measurements on pure polycrystalline Ag and Au surfaces allowed for a quantitative estimation for the Ag surface coverage of NPG. The sensitivity threshold for the detection of the adsorbate–Ag interaction was assessed to be approximately 2% Ag surface coverage. As curves measured on NPG only showed featureless capacitive currents, no faradaic charge density associated with sulfide electrosorption could be detected. This study opens a new avenue to gain further insight into the monolayer surface coverage of metallic nanoporous materials and assists in enhancement of the interpretation of APT reconstructions.
Effect of Morphologically Controlled Hematite Nanoparticles on the Properties of Fly Ash Blended Cement
Authors: Kongsat Pantharee , Sinthupinyo Sakprayut , O’Rear Edgar A. , Pongprayoon Thirawudh
Published: April 2021

Several types of hematite nanoparticles (α-Fe2O3) have been investigated for their effects on the structure and properties of fly ash (FA) blended cement. All synthesized nanoparticles were found to be of spherical shape, but of different particle sizes ranging from 10 to 195 nm depending on the surfactant used in their preparation. The cement hydration with time showed 1.0% α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles are effective accelerators for FA blended cement. Moreover, adding α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles in FA blended cement enhanced the compressive strength and workability of cement. Nanoparticle size and size distribution were important for optimal filling of various size of pores within the cement structure.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Antibacterial Activity Using Various Medicinal Plant Extracts: Morphology and Antibacterial Efficacy
Authors: Salayová Aneta , Bedlovičová Zdenka , Daneu Nina , Baláž Matej , Lukáčová Bujňáková Zdenka , Balážová Ľudmila , Tkáčiková Ľudmila
Published: April 2021

A green synthetic route for the production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using five different aqueous plant extracts, namely, Berberis vulgaris, Brassica nigra, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Lavandula angustifolia and Origanum vulgare, was investigated in this study. The present work demonstrates the influence of plant extract composition (antioxidant and total phenolic content) on the size and morphology of the produced AgNPs. The biosynthetic procedure was rapid and simple and was easily monitored via colour changes and ultraviolet and visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Subsequently, measurement of zeta potential (ZP), photon cross-correlation spectroscopy (PCCS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) analysis were employed to characterise the as-synthesised nanoparticles. The XRD investigation confirmed the presence of Ag0 in the nanoparticles, and interactions between the bioactive compounds of the plants and the produced AgNPs were evident in the FTIR spectra. TEM indicated that the nanoparticles exhibited a bimodal size distribution, with the smaller particles being spherical and the larger having a truncated octahedron shape. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of the AgNPs was tested against five bacterial strains. All synthesised nanoparticles exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity at a precursor concentration of 5 mM compared to the control substance, gentamicin sulphate, with the best results observed for AgNPs prepared with B. nigra and L. angustifolia extracts.
High-Performance-Based Perovskite-Supported Nanocomposite for the Development of Green Energy Device Applications: An Overview
Authors: Chen Tse-Wei , Ramachandran Rasu , Chen Shen-Ming , Anushya Ganesan , Divya Rani Selvarajan , Mariyappan Vinitha , Elumalai Perumal , Vasimalai Nagamalai
Published: April 2021

Perovskite-based electrode catalysts are the most promising potential candidate that could bring about remarkable scientific advances in widespread renewable energy-storage devices, especially supercapacitors, batteries, fuel cells, solid oxide fuel cells, and solar-cell applications. This review demonstrated that perovskite composites are used as advanced electrode materials for efficient energy-storage-device development with different working principles and various available electrochemical technologies. Research efforts on increasing energy-storage efficiency, a wide range of electro-active constituents, and a longer lifetime of the various perovskite materials are discussed in this review. Furthermore, this review describes the prospects, widespread available materials, properties, synthesis strategies, uses of perovskite-supported materials, and our views on future perspectives of high-performance, next-generation sustainable-energy technology.