bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Advances in the Efficient Synthesis of Useful Amines from Biomass-Based Furan Compounds and Their Derivatives over Heterogeneous Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Jia , Yang Jian , Li Xuemei , Liu Hailong , Yao Xiaolan , Xia Chungu , Huang Zhiwei
Published: March 2023

Bio-based furanic oxygenates represent a well-known class of lignocellulosic biomass-derived platform molecules. In the presence of H2 and different nitrogen sources, these versatile building blocks can be transformed into valuable amine compounds via reductive amination or hydrogen-borrowing amination mechanisms, yet they still face many challenges due to the co-existence of many side-reactions, such as direct hydrogenation, polymerization and cyclization. Hence, catalysts with specific structures and functions are required to achieve satisfactory yields of target amines. In recent years, heterogeneous catalytic synthesis of amines from bio-based furanic oxygenates has received extensive attention. In this review, we summarize and discuss the recent significant progress in the generation of useful amines from bio-based furanic oxygenates with H2 and different nitrogen sources over heterogeneous catalysts, according to various raw materials and reaction pathways. The key factors affecting catalytic performances, such as active metals, supports, promoters, reaction solvents and conditions, as well as the possible reaction routes and catalytic reaction mechanisms are studied and discussed in depth. Special attention is paid to the structure–activity relationship, which would be helpful for the development of more efficient and stable heterogeneous catalysts. Moreover, the future research direction and development trend of the efficient synthesis for bio-based amines are prospected.
Methylglyoxal-Modified Albumin Effects on Endothelial Arginase Enzyme and Vascular Function
Authors: Alzayadneh Ebaa M. , Shatanawi Alia , Caldwell R. William , Caldwell Ruth B.
Published: March 2023

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) contribute significantly to vascular dysfunction (VD) in diabetes. Decreased nitric oxide (NO) is a hallmark in VD. In endothelial cells, NO is produced by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) from L-arginine. Arginase competes with NOS for L-arginine to produce urea and ornithine, limiting NO production. Arginase upregulation was reported in hyperglycemia; however, AGEs’ role in arginase regulation is unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of methylglyoxal-modified albumin (MGA) on arginase activity and protein expression in mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAEC) and on vascular function in mice aortas. Exposure of MAEC to MGA increased arginase activity, which was abrogated by MEK/ERK1/2 inhibitor, p38 MAPK inhibitor, and ABH (arginase inhibitor). Immunodetection of arginase revealed MGA-induced protein expression for arginase I. In aortic rings, MGA pretreatment impaired acetylcholine (ACh)-induced vasorelaxation, which was reversed by ABH. Intracellular NO detection by DAF-2DA revealed blunted ACh-induced NO production with MGA treatment that was reversed by ABH. In conclusion, AGEs increase arginase activity probably through the ERK1/2/p38 MAPK pathway due to increased arginase I expression. Furthermore, AGEs impair vascular function that can be reversed by arginase inhibition. Therefore, AGEs may be pivotal in arginase deleterious effects in diabetic VD, providing a novel therapeutic target.
No Time to Die—How Islets Meet Their Demise in Transplantation
Authors: Kale Atharva , Rogers Natasha M.
Published: March 2023

Islet transplantation represents an effective treatment for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and severe hypoglycaemia unawareness, capable of circumventing impaired counterregulatory pathways that no longer provide protection against low blood glucose levels. The additional beneficial effect of normalizing metabolic glycaemic control is the minimisation of further complications related to T1DM and insulin administration. However, patients require allogeneic islets from up to three donors, and the long-term insulin independence is inferior to that achieved with solid organ (whole pancreas) transplantation. This is likely due to the fragility of islets caused by the isolation process, innate immune responses following portal infusion, auto- and allo-immune-mediated destruction and β-cell exhaustion following transplantation. This review covers the specific challenges related to islet vulnerability and dysfunction that affect long-term cell survival following transplantation.
Melatonin Inhibits VEGF-Induced Endothelial Progenitor Cell Angiogenesis in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Lin Liang-Wei , Wang Shih-Wei , Huang Wei-Chien , Huynh Thanh Kieu , Lai Chao-Yang , Ko Chih-Yuan , Fong Yi-Chin , Lee Jie-Jen , Yang Shun-Fa , Tang Chih-Hsin
Published: March 2023

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is described as abnormal angiogenesis in the retina and the leaking of fluid and blood that generates a huge, dark, blind spot in the center of the visual field, causing severe vision loss in over 90% of patients. Bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to pathologic angiogenesis. Gene expression profiles downloaded from the eyeIntegration v1.0 database for healthy retinas and retinas from patients with neovascular AMD identified significantly higher levels of EPC-specific markers (CD34, CD133) and blood vessel markers (CD31, VEGF) in the neovascular AMD retinas compared with healthy retinas. Melatonin is a hormone that is mainly secreted by the pineal gland, and is also produced in the retina. Whether melatonin affects vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced EPC angiogenesis in neovascular AMD is unknown. Our study revealed that melatonin inhibits VEGF-induced stimulation of EPC migration and tube formation. By directly binding with the VEGFR2 extracellular domain, melatonin significantly and dose-dependently inhibited VEGF-induced PDGF-BB expression and angiogenesis in EPCs via c-Src and FAK, NF-κB and AP-1 signaling. The corneal alkali burn model demonstrated that melatonin markedly inhibited EPC angiogenesis and neovascular AMD. Melatonin appears promising for reducing EPC angiogenesis in neovascular AMD.
Study of the Bcl-2 Interactome by BiFC Reveals Differences in the Activation Mechanism of Bax and Bak
Authors: Gonzalo Óscar , Benedi Andrea , Vela Laura , Anel Alberto , Naval Javier , Marzo Isabel
Published: March 2023

Evasion of apoptosis is one of the hallmarks of cancer cells. Proteins of the Bcl-2 family are key regulators of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, and alterations in some of these proteins are frequently found in cancer cells. Permeabilization of the outer mitochondrial membrane, regulated by pro- and antiapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family of proteins, is essential for the release of apoptogenic factors leading to caspase activation, cell dismantlement, and death. Mitochondrial permeabilization depends on the formation of oligomers of the effector proteins Bax and Bak after an activation event mediated by BH3-only proteins and regulated by antiapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family. In the present work, we have studied interactions between different members of the Bcl-2 family in living cells via the BiFC technique. Despite the limitations of this technique, present data suggest that native proteins of the Bcl-2 family acting inside living cells establish a complex network of interactions, which would fit nicely into “mixed” models recently proposed by others. Furthermore, our results point to differences in the regulation of Bax and Bak activation by proteins of the antiapoptotic and BH3-only subfamilies. We have also applied the BiFC technique to explore the different molecular models proposed for Bax and Bak oligomerization. Bax and Bak’s mutants lacking the BH3 domain were still able to associate and give BiFC signals, suggesting the existence of alternative surfaces of interaction between two Bax or Bak molecules. These results agree with the widely accepted symmetric model for the dimerization of these proteins and also suggest that other regions, different from the α6 helix, could be involved in the oligomerization of BH3-in groove dimers.
Tubule-Derived Follistatin Is Increased in the Urine of Rats with Renal Ischemia and Reflects the Severity of Acute Tubular Damage
Authors: Nagayama Izumi , Takayanagi Kaori , Hasegawa Hajime , Maeshima Akito
Published: March 2023

Activin A, a member of the TGF-beta superfamily, is a negative regulator of tubular regeneration after renal ischemia. Activin action is controlled by an endogenous antagonist, follistatin. However, the role of follistatin in the kidney is not fully understood. In the present study, we examined the expression and localization of follistatin in normal and ischemic rat kidneys and measured urinary follistatin in rats with renal ischemia to assess whether urinary follistatin could serve as a biomarker for acute kidney injury. Using vascular clamps, renal ischemia was induced for 45 min in 8-week-old male Wistar rats. In normal kidneys, follistatin was localized in distal tubules of the cortex. In contrast, in ischemic kidneys, follistatin was localized in distal tubules of both the cortex and outer medulla. Follistatin mRNA was mainly present in the descending limb of Henle of the outer medulla in normal kidneys but was upregulated in the descending limb of Henle of both the outer and inner medulla after renal ischemia. Urinary follistatin, which was undetectable in normal rats, was significantly increased in ischemic rats and peaked 24 h after reperfusion. There was no correlation between urinary follistatin and serum follistatin. Urinary follistatin levels were increased according to ischemic duration and were significantly correlated with the follistatin-positive area as well as the acute tubular damage area. These results suggest that follistatin normally produced by renal tubules increases and becomes detectable in urine after renal ischemia. Urinary follistatin might be useful to assess the severity of acute tubular damage.
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Drive Lipid Peroxidation during Ferroptosis
Authors: Mortensen Michael S. , Ruiz Jimena , Watts Jennifer L.
Published: March 2023

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death that is intricately linked to cellular metabolism. In the forefront of research on ferroptosis, the peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids has emerged as a key driver of oxidative damage to cellular membranes leading to cell death. Here, we review the involvement of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), lipid remodeling enzymes and lipid peroxidation in ferroptosis, highlighting studies revealing how using the multicellular model organism Caenorhabditis elegans contributes to the understanding of the roles of specific lipids and lipid mediators in ferroptosis.
Changes in Liver Lipidomic Profile in G2019S-LRRK2 Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Corral Nieto Yaiza , Yakhine-Diop Sokhna M. S. , Moreno-Cruz Paula , Manrique García Laura , Gabrielly Pereira Amanda , Morales-García José A. , Niso-Santano Mireia , González-Polo Rosa A. , Uribe-Carretero Elisabet , Durand Sylvère , Maiuri Maria Chiara , Paredes-Barquero Marta , Alegre-Cortés Eva , Canales-Cortés Saray , López de Munain Adolfo , Pérez-Tur Jordi , Pérez-Castillo Ana , Kroemer Guido , Fuentes José M. , Bravo-San Pedro José M.
Published: March 2023

The identification of Parkinson’s disease (PD) biomarkers has become a main goal for the diagnosis of this neurodegenerative disorder. PD has not only been intrinsically related to neurological problems, but also to a series of alterations in peripheral metabolism. The purpose of this study was to identify metabolic changes in the liver in mouse models of PD with the scope of finding new peripheral biomarkers for PD diagnosis. To achieve this goal, we used mass spectrometry technology to determine the complete metabolomic profile of liver and striatal tissue samples from WT mice, 6-hydroxydopamine-treated mice (idiopathic model) and mice affected by the G2019S-LRRK2 mutation in LRRK2/PARK8 gene (genetic model). This analysis revealed that the metabolism of carbohydrates, nucleotides and nucleosides was similarly altered in the liver from the two PD mouse models. However, long-chain fatty acids, phosphatidylcholine and other related lipid metabolites were only altered in hepatocytes from G2019S-LRRK2 mice. In summary, these results reveal specific differences, mainly in lipid metabolism, between idiopathic and genetic PD models in peripheral tissues and open up new possibilities to better understand the etiology of this neurological disorder.
Large-Scale Polymorphism Analysis of Dog Leukocyte Antigen Class I and Class II Genes (DLA-88, DLA-12/88L and DLA-DRB1) and Comparison of the Haplotype Diversity between Breeds in Japan
Authors: Miyamae Jiro , Okano Masaharu , Katakura Fumihiko , Kulski Jerzy K. , Moritomo Tadaaki , Shiina Takashi
Published: March 2023

Polymorphisms of canine leukocyte antigen (DLA) class I (DLA-88 and DLA-12/88L) and class II (DLA-DRB1) genes are important for disease susceptibility studies, but information on the genetic diversity among dog breeds is still lacking. To better elucidate the polymorphism and genetic diversity between breeds, we genotyped DLA-88, DLA-12/88L, and DLA-DRB1 loci using 829 dogs of 59 breeds in Japan. Genotyping by Sanger sequencing identified 89, 43, and 61 alleles in DLA-88, DLA-12/88L, and DLA-DRB1 loci, respectively, and a total of 131 DLA-88–DLA-12/88L–DLA-DRB1 haplotypes (88-12/88L-DRB1) were detected more than once. Of the 829 dogs, 198 were homozygotes for one of the 52 different 88-12/88L-DRB1 haplotypes (homozygosity rate: 23.8%). Statistical modeling suggests that 90% of the DLA homozygotes or heterozygotes with one or other of the 52 different 88-12/88L-DRB1 haplotypes within somatic stem cell lines would benefit graft outcome after 88-12/88L-DRB1-matched transplantation. As previously reported for DLA class II haplotypes, the diversity of 88-12/88L-DRB1 haplotypes varied remarkably between breeds but was relatively conserved within most breeds. Therefore, the genetic characteristics of high DLA homozygosity rate and poor DLA diversity within a breed are useful for transplantation therapy, but they may affect biological fitness as homozygosity progresses.
Pathogenesis Underlying Neurological Manifestations of Long COVID Syndrome and Potential Therapeutics
Authors: Leng Albert , Shah Manuj , Ahmad Syed Ameen , Premraj Lavienraj , Wildi Karin , Li Bassi Gianluigi , Pardo Carlos A. , Choi Alex , Cho Sung-Min
Published: March 2023

The development of long-term symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) more than four weeks after primary infection, termed “long COVID” or post-acute sequela of COVID-19 (PASC), can implicate persistent neurological complications in up to one third of patients and present as fatigue, “brain fog”, headaches, cognitive impairment, dysautonomia, neuropsychiatric symptoms, anosmia, hypogeusia, and peripheral neuropathy. Pathogenic mechanisms of these symptoms of long COVID remain largely unclear; however, several hypotheses implicate both nervous system and systemic pathogenic mechanisms such as SARS-CoV2 viral persistence and neuroinvasion, abnormal immunological response, autoimmunity, coagulopathies, and endotheliopathy. Outside of the CNS, SARS-CoV-2 can invade the support and stem cells of the olfactory epithelium leading to persistent alterations to olfactory function. SARS-CoV-2 infection may induce abnormalities in innate and adaptive immunity including monocyte expansion, T-cell exhaustion, and prolonged cytokine release, which may cause neuroinflammatory responses and microglia activation, white matter abnormalities, and microvascular changes. Additionally, microvascular clot formation can occlude capillaries and endotheliopathy, due to SARS-CoV-2 protease activity and complement activation, can contribute to hypoxic neuronal injury and blood–brain barrier dysfunction, respectively. Current therapeutics target pathological mechanisms by employing antivirals, decreasing inflammation, and promoting olfactory epithelium regeneration. Thus, from laboratory evidence and clinical trials in the literature, we sought to synthesize the pathophysiological pathways underlying neurological symptoms of long COVID and potential therapeutics.
Aluminum-Catalyzed Cross Selective C3–N1′ Coupling Reactions of N-Methoxyindoles with Indoles
Authors: Tokushige Keisuke , Yamashiro Toshiki , Hirao Seiya , Abe Takumi
Published: March 2023

C3–N1′ bond formation of bisindoles has been a great challenge due to the intrinsic reactivity of indoles as both C3 and N1-nucleophilic character. Herein, we demonstrate an C3–N1′ cross-coupling reaction of indoles using N-methoxyindoles as N-electrophilic indole reagents in the presence of Lewis acid. The bisindoles generated in this transformation are latent C3-nucleophile, allowing them to be used as strategic intermediates in sequential C3–N1′–C3′–N1″ triindole formations. The potential synthetic usefulness of this sequential transformation was highlighted upon application to the construction of C3–N1 looped polyindoles.
Crotonaldehyde Adsorption on Cu-Pt Surface Alloys: A Quantum Mechanics Study
Authors: Ruvalcaba Ricardo , Guerrero-Sanchez Jonathan , Takeuchi Noboru , Zaera Francisco
Published: March 2023

The adsorption of crotonaldehyde on Cu-Pt alloy surfaces was characterized by density functional theory (DFT). Two surfaces were considered: Cu2Pt/Cu(111) and Cu3Pt/Cu(111). It was determined that the presence of Pt on the surface, even when isolated as single atoms fully surrounded by Cu, provides additional stability for the adsorbates, increasing the magnitude of the adsorption energy by as much as 40 kJ/mol. The preferred bonding on both surfaces is via multiple coordination, with the most stable configuration being a cis arrangement with di-σ bonding of the C=O bond across a Cu–Cu bridge and an additional π bonding to a Pt atom. The fact that Pt significantly affects the adsorption of unsaturated aldehydes such as crotonaldehyde explains why the kinetics of their hydrogenation using single-atom alloy (SAA) catalysts vary with alloy composition, as we previously reported, and brings into question the simple model in which the role of Pt is only to promote the dissociation of H2.
Recent Advances in Magnetic Nanoparticles-Assisted Microfluidic Bioanalysis
Authors: Zhong Zihui , He Jincan , Li Gongke , Xia Ling
Published: March 2023

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are attracting increasing attention in bioanalysis, due to their large surface area and excellent steerable properties. Meanwhile, the booming development of microfluidics is offering a faster, lower consumption, and more effective approach to bioanalysis. MNPs-assisted microfluidic bioanalysis enables enhanced analytical performance by introducing functionalized magnetic nanomaterial into microchip devices. This work reviews the advances of MNPs-assisted microfluidic bioanalysis in the recent decade. The preparation and modification methods of MNPs are summarized as having a bioanalysis capability in microchips. These MNPs can be used for sample pretreatment materials and/or biosensing tags. In sample pretreatment, MNPs enable effective magnetic separation, preconcentration, and mass transport. In detection, MNPs act as not only magnetic sensing tags but also as the support for optical sensors. Finally, the overviews and challenges in microfluidic bioanalysis with the assistance of MNPs are discussed.
In Vitro Evaluation of ALDH1A3-Affinic Compounds on Breast and Prostate Cancer Cell Lines as Single Treatments and in Combination with Doxorubicin
Authors: Abusara Osama H. , Ibrahim Ali I. M. , Issa Hamzah , Hammad Alaa M. , Ismail Worood H.
Published: March 2023

Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzymes are involved in the growth and development of several tissues, including cancer cells. It has been reported that targeting the ALDH family, including the ALDH1A subfamily, enhances cancer treatment outcomes. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity of ALDH1A3-affinic compounds that have been recently discovered by our group, on breast (MCF7 and MDA-MB-231) and prostate (PC-3) cancer cell lines. These compounds were investigated on the selected cell lines as single treatments and in combination with doxorubicin (DOX). Results showed that the combination treatment experiments of the selective ALDH1A3 inhibitors (compounds 15 and 16) at variable concentrations with DOX resulted in significant increases in the cytotoxic effect on the MCF7 cell line for compound 15, and to a lesser extent for compound 16 on the PC-3 cell line, compared to DOX alone. The activity of compounds 15 and 16 as single treatments on all cell lines was found to be non-cytotoxic. Therefore, our findings showed that the investigated compounds have a promising potential to target cancer cells, possibly via an ALDH-related pathway, and sensitize them to DOX treatment.
The Importance of Psychometric and Physical Scales for the Evaluation of the Consequences of Scars—A Literature Review
Authors: Mekeres Gabriel Mihai , Buhaș Camelia Liana , Csep Andrei Nicolae , Beiușanu Corina , Andreescu Gineta , Marian Paula , Cheregi Cornel Dragoș , Fodor Radu , Manole Felicia
Published: March 2023

Background: Scars affect patients after trauma, burns, or surgical procedures and can generate both physical and psychosocial changes. The aesthetic damage represents the modification of a person’s physical appearance, in its bodily integrity, causing numerous sufferings and determining social or economic consequences. The aim of this research is to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages offered by the available psychosocial and physical scar scales in assessing the physical, aesthetic, psychosocial, and juridical consequences of scars. This will aid to inform medical examiners about the most valued existing scales to allow them to select the most appropriate instrument to manage their patient. Methods: A broad search of relevant scientific studies on the psychosocial determinants of post-traumatic and surgical scars was conducted by using the following international database tools: PsycINFO, MedLine Social Science Index, Scopus, Web of Science, published from 1960 until 2022. Results: We analyzed 63 scientific studies to assess the advantages and limits of several psychometric and physical scar evaluation scales. Conclusions: The researchers analyzed in this review highlight the advantages and limitation of existing instruments, evidencing the demand for future scar evaluation instruments and a scar-assessing algorithm that takes into account the physical, aesthetic, psychosocial, and legal consequences of scars.
Motus Vita Est: Fruit Flies Need to Be More Active and Sleep Less to Adapt to Either a Longer or Harder Life
Authors: Zakharenko Lyudmila P. , Petrovskii Dmitrii V. , Bobrovskikh Margarita A. , Gruntenko Nataly E. , Yakovleva Ekaterina Y. , Markov Alexander V. , Putilov Arcady A.
Published: March 2023

Background: Activity plays a very important role in keeping bodies strong and healthy, slowing senescence, and decreasing morbidity and mortality. Drosophila models of evolution under various selective pressures can be used to examine whether increased activity and decreased sleep duration are associated with the adaptation of this nonhuman species to longer or harder lives. Methods: For several years, descendants of wild flies were reared in a laboratory without and with selection pressure. To maintain the “salt” and “starch” strains, flies from the wild population (called “control”) were reared on two adverse food substrates. The “long-lived” strain was maintained through artificial selection for late reproduction. The 24 h patterns of locomotor activity and sleep in flies from the selected and unselected strains (902 flies in total) were studied in constant darkness for at least, 5 days. Results: Compared to the control flies, flies from the selected strains demonstrated enhanced locomotor activity and reduced sleep duration. The most profound increase in locomotor activity was observed in flies from the starch (short-lived) strain. Additionally, the selection changed the 24 h patterns of locomotor activity and sleep. For instance, the morning and evening peaks of locomotor activity were advanced and delayed, respectively, in flies from the long-lived strain. Conclusion: Flies become more active and sleep less in response to various selection pressures. These beneficial changes in trait values might be relevant to trade-offs among fitness-related traits, such as body weight, fecundity, and longevity.
Multi-Band Analysis on Physical Properties of the Quasi-Two-Dimensional Superconductor NbSe2
Authors: Ye Chenxiao , Che Jiantao , Han Tianyi , Huang Hai
Published: March 2023

The discovery of quasi-two-dimensional superconductors bears consequences for both basic research and practical applications. However, the mechanism of superconductivity and the form of order parameters are still controversial problems for the transition metal dichalcogenide NbSe2 thin film. Under the Neumann boundary condition, the physical properties of this compound are investigated within the two-component Ginzburg–Landau theory. We compute the upper critical field in an arbitrary direction and the temperature dependence of critical supercurrent density through this layered system. All of our theoretical calculations fit the experimental measurements well; thus, this study strongly provides evidence of two-gap s-wave superconductivity in the NbSe2 thin film.
Tribological and Micromechanical Properties of the Nanostructured Carbonitride/Nitride Coatings of Transition Metals Alloyed by Hf and Nb
Authors: Leitans Armands , Jansons Ernests , Lungevics Janis , Kundzins Karlis , Boiko Irina , Kanders Uldis , Kovalenko Vladimirs , Linins Oskars
Published: March 2023

In this article, the fabrication, characterization, tribological performance, and micromechanical properties of nanostructured smart coatings (NSC) based on the multilayered alternating carbonitride/nitride bilayer {TiMe-CN/TiAlSi-N}n system are discussed. The symbol “Me” denotes refractory metals Hf or Nb, and the index “n” shows the number of superlattice periods. The NSC samples were deposited onto bearing steel (100Cr6) substrates using a reactive high-power physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique that can be scaled up for industrial use. The deposited multilayered NSC contained crystalline nanometer-scale TiMe-CN/TiAlSi-N nanoparticles strengthened by Hf or Nb additives, which increased surface microhardness up to 3000 HV. The measured steady-state friction coefficient (CoF) was within the 0.2–0.4 range, and a specific wear rate lower than 2 × 10−6 mm3/Nm was observed in the dry friction regime. The impact of NSC substrate hardness and NSC coating thickness on microhardness measurement values was investigated. A thicker coating provided a higher integrated (coating + substrate) microhardness value at a lower indentation test force (<0.3 N). As the indentation test force increased, the obtained microhardness values decreased faster for the coatings deposited on a softer substrate. The surface roughness impact on wear properties for specific NSC coatings was observed.
Numerical Analysis of Low-Cycle Fatigue Using the Direct Cyclic Method Considering Laser Welding Residual Stress
Authors: Liu Miaoran , Kouadri-Henni Afia , Malard Benoit
Published: March 2023

The sequential-coupled thermo-mechanical model and direct cyclic technique are employed to investigate laser welding and low-cycle fatigue residual stress, respectively. The effects of residual stress on fatigue properties and the relaxation behaviour are analyzed. The simulation results highlight the strong dependence of laser welding residual stress on constitutive models and how low-cycle fatigue residual stress is influenced by the initial laser welding residual stress. Furthermore, the simulation indicates that residual stress redistributes and relaxes in the weld and heat-affected zone after low-cycle fatigue. To validate the accuracy of the simulation, the neutron diffraction experiment is carried out, and the experimental data are consistent with the simulation results.
Pyramid-Patterned Germanium Composite Film Anode for Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Batteries Prepared Using a One-Step Physical Method
Authors: Wang Liyong , Wang Mei , Jiao Liansheng , Wang Huiqi , Yang Jinhua , Dong Xiaozhong , Bi Ting , Ji Shengsheng , Liu Lei , Hu Shengliang , Chen Chengmeng , Guo Quangui , Liu Zhanjun
Published: March 2023

Using a top-down magnetron sputtering technique with a high deposition-rate, a one-step method for preparing germanium (Ge) hybrid film is presented. At present, graphite film is used as a current collector because it is flexible, self lubricating, and possesses a stress–strain-relieving property. In order to further suppress the volume changes of the Ge, a multilayered electrically conductive nickel film is deposited between multilayered Ge films. The cells are cycled at a current density of 200 mA g−1. An initial discharge and charge capacity of 1180.7 and 949.3 mAh g−1 are achieved by the prepared integrated pyramid patterned Ge composite film anode, respectively. The average capacity was maintained at 580 mAh g−1 after 280 cycles. In the rate capability measurement, the Ge composite demonstrated a reversible capacity of 1163.1 mAh g−1. It is easily made using magnetron sputtering, which is widely accepted in the industry. A physical approach to increase pure Ge’s specific capacity and its cycle life for LIBs is demonstrated in this work.
Multiscale CFD Modeling of Area-Selective Atomic Layer Deposition: Application to Reactor Design and Operating Condition Calculation
Authors: Yun Sungil , Wang Henrik , Tom Matthew , Ou Feiyang , Orkoulas Gerassimos , Christofides Panagiotis D.
Published: March 2023

Area-selective atomic layer deposition (ASALD) as a bottom-up nanopatterning technique has gained recognition for its ability to address misalignment issues in semiconductor manufacturing. This in silico study investigates process operation conditions for ASALD of SiO2/Al2O3 and reactor optimization by using multiscale computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling. Several reactor designs were modeled in Ansys Workbench and their results compared to ensure effective reagent separation and homogeneous exposure to reagents across the wafer. Annular reaction zones and asymmetrical inlets enhanced uniform exposure to reagents and minimized reagent intermixing, which allowed the reactor to tolerate higher rotational speeds. Additionally, low rotation speeds and high species mole fractions were required for complete deposition of a cycle of the ASALD process. This research provides insight into the ASALD process operation and contributes to further industrial versatility.
The Effect of Various Contaminants on the Surface Tribological Properties of Rail and Wheel Materials: An Experimental Approach
Authors: Singh Rabesh Kumar , Shindhe Mahesh , Rawat Prashant , Srivastava Ashish Kumar , Singh Gyanendra Kumar , Verma Rajesh , Bhutto Javed Khan , Hussein Hany S.
Published: March 2023

This study reports on the tribological behavior of Indian rail track and wheel materials under different contaminants. A pin-on-disc tribometer was selected for the experimental analysis in ambient conditions (temperature of 24.9 °C and relative humidity of 66%). Sand, mist, leaves, and grease were the contaminants used in this investigation. The railway track was used to make the pin, and the wheel was used to make the disc. The acquired results were analyzed using frictional force and wear depth as a function of time as the variables. These pollutant effects were compared to no-contaminant conditions. It was observed that the sand increased the friction force and wear depth, whereas oil decreased friction and wear. Mist and leaves also reduced friction and wear. The effect of leaves was higher than the mist. The effect of load on various contaminants was also investigated. The results showed that as the load increased, the friction force and wear also increased for all contaminants. The results of this study can help in understanding the wear phenomenon of wheels and rail tracks in different parts of India.
Mathematical Model and Numerical Method of Calculating the Dynamics of High-Temperature Drying of Milled Peat for the Production of Fuel Briquettes
Authors: Sorokova Natalia , Variny Miroslav , Pysmennyy Yevhen , Kol’chik Yuliia
Published: March 2023

Milled peat must be dried for the production of peat fuel briquettes. The current trend in the creation of drying technologies is the intensification of the dehydration process while obtaining a high-quality final product. An increase in the temperature of the drying agent, above 300 °C, significantly accelerates the reaching of the final moisture content of the peat. In the final stage, it is also accompanied by partial thermal decomposition of the solid phase. Its first stage, which is the decomposition of hemicellulose, contributes to a decrease in weight and an increase in the caloric content of the dry residue. The development of high-temperature drying modes consists of determining the temperature and velocity of the drying agent, wherein the duration of the material reaching the equilibrium moisture content will be minimal and the temperature of the material will not rise above the second-stage decomposition temperature of cellulose. This problem can be solved by the mathematical modeling of the dynamics of peat particles drying in the flow. The article presents a mathematical model of heat and mass transfer, phase transitions, and shrinkage during the dehydration of milled peat particles. The equations of the mathematical model were built based on the differential equation of mass transfer in open deformable systems, which, in the absence of deformations, turns into the known equation of state. A numerical method for implementing a mathematical model has been developed. The adequacy of the mathematical model is confirmed by comparing the results of numerical modeling with known experimental data.
Data Sharing Privacy Metrics Model Based on Information Entropy and Group Privacy Preference
Authors: Guo Yihong , Zuo Jinxin , Guo Ziyu , Qi Jiahao , Lu Yueming
Published: March 2023

With the development of the mobile internet, service providers obtain data and resources through a large number of terminal user devices. They use private data for business empowerment, which improves the user experience while causing users’ privacy disclosure. Current research ignores the impact of disclosing user non-sensitive attributes under a single scenario of data sharing and lacks consideration of users’ privacy preferences. This paper constructs a data-sharing privacy metrics model based on information entropy and group privacy preferences. Use information theory to model the correlation of the privacy metrics problem, the improved entropy weight algorithm to measure the overall privacy of the data, and the analytic hierarchy process to correct user privacy preferences. Experiments show that this privacy metrics model can better quantify data privacy than conventional methods, provide a reliable evaluation mechanism for privacy security in data sharing and publishing scenarios, and help to enhance data privacy protection.
Dynamic Multimedia Encryption Using a Parallel File System Based on Multi-Core Processors
Authors: Khashan Osama A. , Khafajah Nour M. , Alomoush Waleed , Alshinwan Mohammad , Alamri Sultan , Atawneh Samer , Alsmadi Mutasem K.
Published: March 2023

Securing multimedia data on disk drives is a major concern because of their rapidly increasing volumes over time, as well as the prevalence of security and privacy problems. Existing cryptographic schemes have high computational costs and slow response speeds. They also suffer from limited flexibility and usability from the user side, owing to continuous routine interactions. Dynamic encryption file systems can mitigate the negative effects of conventional encryption applications by automatically handling all encryption operations with minimal user input and a higher security level. However, most state-of-the-art cryptographic file systems do not provide the desired performance because their architectural design does not consider the unique features of multimedia data or the vulnerabilities related to key management and multi-user file sharing. The recent move towards multi-core processor architecture has created an effective solution for reducing the computational cost and maximizing the performance. In this paper, we developed a parallel FUSE-based encryption file system called ParallelFS for storing multimedia files on a disk. The developed file system exploits the parallelism of multi-core processors and implements a hybrid encryption method for symmetric and asymmetric ciphers. Usability is significantly enhanced by performing encryption, decryption, and key management in a manner that is fully dynamic and transparent to users. Experiments show that the developed ParallelFS improves the reading and writing performances of multimedia files by approximately 35% and 22%, respectively, over the schemes using normal sequential encryption processing.
Interactions between PTCDI-C8 and Si(100) Surface
Authors: Lament Katarzyna , Grodzicki Miłosz , Mazur Piotr , Sabik Agata , Lewandków Rafał , Ciszewski Antoni
Published: March 2023

PTCDI-C8 molecules are vapor-deposited onto reconstructed Si(100)—(2 × 1) surface under ultra-high vacuum. X-ray photoelectron spectra reveal a bond formation between oxygen atoms of the molecules’ carboxylic groups and Si dangling bonds of the substrate. Following PTCDI—C8 film growth, ultraviolet photoelectron spectra show a drop in the HOMO level with respect to the Fermi level from 1.8 eV to 2.0 eV and a monotonic work function increase from 2.5 eV up to 3.3 eV. For a film thickness of 6.0 nm, a difference of 1.5 eV between the HOMO level of the film and the valence band maximum of the substrate is accomplished.
Computing the Durability of WAAM 18Ni-250 Maraging Steel Specimens with Surface Breaking Porosity
Authors: Peng Daren , Champagne Victor K. , Ang Andrew S. M. , Birt Aaron , Michelson Alex , Pinches Sam , Jones Rhys
Published: March 2023

The durability assessment of additively manufactured parts needs to account for both surface-breaking material discontinuities and surface-breaking porosity and how these material discontinuities interact with parts that have been left in the as-built state. Furthermore, to be consistent with the airworthiness standards associated with the certification of metallic parts on military aircraft the durability analysis must be able to predict crack growth, as distinct from using a crack growth analysis in which parameters are adjusted so as to match measured data. To partially address this, the authors recently showed how the durability of wire arc additively manufactured (WAAM) 18Ni-250 maraging steel specimens, where failure was due to the interaction of small surface-breaking cracks with surface roughness, could be predicted using the Hartman–Schijve variant of the NASGRO crack growth equation. This paper illustrates how the same equation, with the same material parameters, can be used to predict the durability of a specimen where failure is due to surface-breaking porosity.
Aspergillus terreus-Mediated Selenium Nanoparticles and Their Antimicrobial and Photocatalytic Activities
Authors: Saied Ebrahim , Mekky Alsayed E. , Al-Askar Abdulaziz A. , Hagag Abdelrahman F. , El-bana Abdullah A. , Ashraf Mohamed , Walid Abdelrahman , Nour Taha , Fawzi Mahmoud M. , Arishi Amr A. , Hashem Amr H.
Published: March 2023

Selenium (Se) is a nutritional component necessary for animal and plant development and reproduction. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have a high absorption rate during routine supplementation. In the current study, a cell-free extract of Aspergillus terreus was used as a reducing and stabilizing agent in the synthesis of SeNPs using a green and eco-friendly method. The mycosynthesized SeNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results of the characterization process showed that the mycosynthesized SeNPs had spherical shapes and sizes less than 100 nm. Results showed that mycosynthesized SeNPs exhibited promising antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria where inhibition zones were 14, 20, 16, and 13 mm toward S. haemolyticus, S. aureus, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae, respectively. However, it had weak antifungal activity against C. albicans, where the inhibition zone was 12 mm. The efficacy of mycosynthesized SeNPs for the decolorization of malachite green dye was investigated. Results illustrated that SeNPs exhibited rapid biodegradation of malachite green dye, reaching up to 89% after 240 min. In conclusion, SeNPs were successfully biosynthesized using A. terreus and demonstrated both antimicrobial and photocatalytic activities.
Inhibited Degradation of Organic–Inorganic Perovskite-Based Quantum Dot Films via Rapid Annealing Temperatures
Authors: Huang Pao-Hsun , Lai Pin-Jia , Chen Wen-Ray , Liu Chuan-Hsi , Sze Po-Wen , Lien Shui-Yang , Huang Chien-Jung
Published: March 2023

General hot-plate heating is used to form a crystal structure of films; however, how to achieve a homogeneous and regulated crystal formation will be a crucial challenge in the future. In this study, based on perovskite-series materials, organic methylamine lead trioxide (MAPbI3) films doped with inorganic lead iodide (CsPbI3) quantum dots (QDs) are treated using the rapid thermal annealing (RTA) process in argon gas to break the crystallization barrier. These RTA-treated perovskite quantum dot (PQD) films at various temperatures of 100–160 °C are detected using X-ray diffraction, X-ray spectroscopy, and absorbance measurements to investigate their structural and optical properties as well as their binding states. The experimental results demonstrate that the PQD film annealed at 120 °C has optimized characteristics, revealing better crystallinity and the lowest content of oxygen atoms (31.4%) and C-O-C bonding (20.1%). A too-high RTA temperature, more than 140 °C, causes severe degradation with the existence of PbI2. A proper RTA process, an alternative to normal heating and annealing, can effectively inhibit the occurrence of degradation and even usefully improve the performance of PQD films.
High-Quality AlN Grown on Si(111) Substrate by Epitaxial Lateral Overgrowth
Authors: Huang Yingnan , Liu Jianxun , Sun Xiujian , Zhan Xiaoning , Sun Qian , Gao Hongwei , Feng Meixin , Zhou Yu , Yang Hui
Published: March 2023

We report on the epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) of high-quality AlN on stripe-patterned Si(111) substrates with various trench widths. By narrowing down the trench and ridge widths of patterned Si substrates, crack-free, 6-micrometer-thick, high-quality AlN films on Si substrates were produced. The full-width-at-half-maximum values of the X-ray-diffraction rocking curves for the AlN (0002) and (101¯2) planes were as low as 260 and 374 arcsec, respectively, corresponding to a record low dislocation density of 1.3 × 109 cm−2. Through the combination of a micro-Raman study and the X-ray diffraction analysis, it was found that narrowing the stripe width from 5 μm to 3 μm can reduce the vertical growth thickness before coalescence, resulting in a large decrease in the internal tensile stress and tilt angle, and, therefore, better suppression in the cracks and dislocations of the ELO–AlN. This work paves the way for the fabrication of high-performance Al(Ga)N-based thin-film devices such as ultraviolet light-emitting diodes and AlN bulk acoustic resonators grown on Si.
Review: Electrochemiluminescence of Perovskite-Related Nanostructures
Authors: Vasylkovskyi Volodymyr , Bespalova Iryna , Slipchenko Mykola , Slipchenko Olena , Zholudov Yuriy , Chichkov Boris
Published: March 2023

Perovskite nanostructures are promising nanomaterials for their possible application in electrochemiluminescent (ECL) analytical systems due to their unique optical, electronic, and chemical properties. This review focuses on the most recent advances in the application of perovskite and perovskite-related nanostructures, with different chemical compositions and modifications, in ECL with various media, coreactants, and reaction types. The most optimal methods of perovskite nanoparticle synthesis and electrode modification methods were reviewed. Possibilities and perspectives of the use of perovskite-related nanostructures for the ECL generation were demonstrated.
Variation in Leaf Pigment Complex Traits of Wetland Plants Is Related to Taxonomy and Life Forms
Authors: Ronzhina Dina A.
Published: March 2023

The leaf pigment complex traits of 44 wetland plant species from the Middle Urals (Russia) were studied to analyze their diversity in relation to taxonomy and life forms. The chlorophyll content per dry weight (ChlDW) and leaf area (ChlArea), the ratio of chlorophylls a and b, and CO2 uptake rates (ADW) were determined. ChlDW varied by 10-fold from 2.20 to 21.9 mg g−1 among the wetland plant species. The influence of taxonomy at the level of classes on the variation of the pigment complex traits was revealed. Dicots had greater ChlDW and had a greater proportion of chlorophylls in the light-harvesting complex (ChlLHC) than monocots. In dicots, ChlLHC was positively correlated with leaf area ratio (r = 0.63, p < 0.01), and the effect of life forms on the content and ratio of pigments was determined. In monocots, chlorophyll content was positively correlated with ADW (r = 0.75, p < 0.001) and plant height (r = 0.66, p < 0.001). In monocots, the effect of families on the pigment content was observed. The lack of differences in ChlArea between the different systematic groups and life forms indicates a similar ability of the leaf area unit to absorb a solar energy.
Neuroanatomical Study and Three-Dimensional Cranial Reconstruction of the Brazilian Albian Pleurodiran Turtle Euraxemys essweini
Authors: Martín-Jiménez Marcos , Pérez-García Adán
Published: March 2023

Pleurodira represent one of the two clades that compose the crown Testudines, and their temporal range is Late Jurassic–present. However, knowledge about the neuroanatomy of extinct pleurodires is still very limited. In this context, scarce neuroanatomical information about the Cretaceous clade Euraxemydidae is currently available, limited to some characters of the Moroccan Cenomanian Dirqadim schaefferi. In the present work, we perform the detailed neuroanatomical study of its sister taxon, the Brazilian Albian Euraxemys essweini, based on the analysis of the skull of its holotype and only known individual of the species. The detailed virtual three-dimensional reconstruction of all its cranial bones is performed, also improving the information about its osseous anatomy. The different neuroanatomical cavities (i.e., cranial, nasal, and labyrinthic ones) and canals (i.e., nervous and circulatory ones) are compared with those identified thus far for other extinct and extant members of the Pleurodira in order to characterize the neuroanatomy of the extinct clade Euraxemydidae in detail.