bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-Temperature Decomposition of Nitrous Oxide on Cs/MexCo3−xO4 (Me: Ni or Mg, x = 0–0.9) Oxides
Authors: Ivanova Yulia , Isupova Lyubov
Published: January 2023

Mixed oxides MexCo3−xO4 (Me: Ni or Mg, x = 0–0.9) with a spinel structure were synthesized by precipitation from Me, Co nitrate solutions using (NH4)2CO3 as the precipitating agent with subsequent modification of the dry precipitate with cesium by the Pechini method and calcination. The samples were studied by XRD, TPR, and TPD methods. Their catalytic activity was studied in the low-temperature (150–350 °C) nitrous oxide decomposition process. It was shown that an increase in the degree of substitution of cobalt (x) leads to a significant decrease in the degree of crystallization of the oxides, an increase in the specific surface area, and the formation of surface weakly bound oxygen species. The highest activity was shown by the catalysts with a degree of substitution x = 0.1, especially by the nickel-substituted sample, which contained the maximum amount of weakly bound surface oxygen species. The difference in the influence of Mg and Ni on the MexCo3−xO4 properties is discussed.
Synergy of Ion Exchange and Covalent Reaction: Immobilization of Penicillin G Acylase on Heterofunctional Amino-Vinyl Sulfone Agarose
Authors: da Rocha Thays N. , Morellon-Sterling Roberto , Gonçalves Luciana R. B. , Bolivar Juan M. , Alcántara Andrés R. , Rocha-Martin Javier , Fernández-Lafuente Roberto
Published: January 2023

Agarose-vinyl sulfone (VS) beads have proven to be a good support to immobilize several enzymes. However, some enzymes are hardly immobilized on it. This is the case of penicillin G acylase (PGA) from Escherichia coli, which is immobilized very slowly on this support (less than 10% in 24 h). This enzyme is also not significantly adsorbed in aminated MANAE-agarose beads, an anionic exchanger. In this study, MANAE-agarose beads were modified with divinyl sulfone (DVS) to produce MANAE-vinyl sulfone (VS) agarose beads. When PGA was immobilized on this support, the enzyme was fully immobilized in less than 1.5 h. PGA cannot be released from the support by incubation at high ionic strength, suggesting that the enzyme was rapidly immobilized in a covalent fashion. Considering that the amount of reactive VS groups was only marginally increased, the results indicated some cooperative effect between the anion exchange on the amine groups of the support, probably as the first step of the process, and the covalent attachment of the previously adsorbed PGA molecules. The covalent reaction of the previously adsorbed enzyme molecules proceeds much more efficiently than that of the free enzyme, due to the proximity of the reactive groups of the support and the enzyme. Finally, the steps of immobilization, incubation, and blocking with different agents were studied to determine the effects on final activity/stability. The stability of PGA immobilized on this new catalyst was improved with respect to the VS-agarose prepared at low ionic strength.
A Multi-Trait Association Analysis of Brain Disorders and Platelet Traits Identifies Novel Susceptibility Loci for Major Depression, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Tirozzi Alfonsina , Quiccione Miriam Shasa , Cerletti Chiara , Donati Maria Benedetta , de Gaetano Giovanni , Iacoviello Licia , Gialluisi Alessandro
Published: January 2023

Among candidate neurodegenerative/neuropsychiatric risk-predictive biomarkers, platelet count, mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width have been associated with the risk of major depressive disorder (MDD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) through epidemiological and genomic studies, suggesting partial co-heritability. We exploited these relationships for a multi-trait association analysis, using publicly available summary statistics of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of all traits reported above. Gene-based enrichment tests were carried out, as well as a network analysis of significantly enriched genes. We analyzed 4,540,326 single nucleotide polymorphisms shared among the analyzed GWASs, observing 149 genome-wide significant multi-trait LD-independent associations (p < 5 × 10−8) for AD, 70 for PD and 139 for MDD. Among these, 27 novel associations were detected for AD, 34 for PD and 40 for MDD. Out of 18,781 genes with annotated variants within ±10 kb, 62 genes were enriched for associations with AD, 70 with PD and 125 with MDD (p < 2.7 × 10−6). Of these, seven genes were novel susceptibility loci for AD (EPPK1, TTLL1, PACSIN2, TPM4, PIF1, ZNF689, AZGP1P1), two for PD (SLC26A1, EFNA3) and two for MDD (HSPH1, TRMT61A). The resulting network showed a significant excess of interactions (enrichment p = 1.0 × 10−16). The novel genes that were identified are involved in the organization of cytoskeletal architecture (EPPK1, TTLL1, PACSIN2, TPM4), telomere shortening (PIF1), the regulation of cellular aging (ZNF689, AZGP1P1) and neurodevelopment (EFNA3), thus, providing novel insights into the shared underlying biology of brain disorders and platelet parameters.
NEK6 Regulates Redox Balance and DNA Damage Response in DU-145 Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Pavan Isadora Carolina Betim , Basei Fernanda Luisa , Severino Matheus Brandemarte , Rosa e Silva Ivan , Issayama Luidy Kazuo , Mancini Mariana Camargo Silva , Góis Mariana Marcela , da Silva Luiz Guilherme Salvino , Bezerra Rosangela Maria Neves , Simabuco Fernando Moreira , Kobarg Jörg
Published: January 2023

NEK6 is a central kinase in developing castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, the pathways regulated by NEK6 in CRPC are still unclear. Cancer cells have high reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and easily adapt to this circumstance and avoid cell death by increasing antioxidant defenses. We knocked out the NEK6 gene and evaluated the redox state and DNA damage response in DU-145 cells. The knockout of NEK6 decreases the clonogenic capacity, proliferation, cell viability, and mitochondrial activity. Targeting the NEK6 gene increases the level of intracellular ROS; decreases the expression of antioxidant defenses (SOD1, SOD2, and PRDX3); increases JNK phosphorylation, a stress-responsive kinase; and increases DNA damage markers (p-ATM and γH2AX). The exogenous overexpression of NEK6 also increases the expression of these same antioxidant defenses and decreases γH2AX. The depletion of NEK6 also induces cell death by apoptosis and reduces the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein. NEK6-lacking cells have more sensitivity to cisplatin. Additionally, NEK6 regulates the nuclear localization of NF-κB2, suggesting NEK6 may regulate NF-κB2 activity. Therefore, NEK6 alters the redox balance, regulates the expression of antioxidant proteins and DNA damage, and its absence induces the death of DU-145 cells. NEK6 inhibition may be a new strategy for CRPC therapy.
A Novel Window into Angiogenesis—Intravital Microscopy in the AV-Loop-Model
Authors: Vaghela Ravikumar , Arkudas Andreas , Gage Daniel , Körner Carolin , von Hörsten Stephan , Salehi Sahar , Horch Raymund E. , Hessenauer Maximilian
Published: January 2023

Due to the limitations of current in vivo experimental designs, our comprehensive knowledge of vascular development and its implications for the development of large-scale engineered tissue constructs is very limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop unique in vivo imaging chambers that allow the live visualization of cellular processes in the arteriovenous (AV) loop model in rats. We have developed two different types of chambers. Chamber A is installed in the skin using the purse sting fixing method, while chamber B is installed subcutaneously under the skin. Both chambers are filled with modified gelatin hydrogel as a matrix. Intravital microscopy (IVM) was performed after the injection of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled dextran and rhodamine 6G dye. The AV loop was functional for two weeks in chamber A and allowed visualization of the leukocyte trafficking. In chamber B, microvascular development in the AV loop could be examined for 21 days. Quantification of the microvascular outgrowth was performed using Fiji-ImageJ. Overall, by combining these two IVM chambers, we can comprehensively understand vascular development in the AV loop tissue engineering model¯.
Skeletal Muscle DNA Methylation and mRNA Responses to a Bout of Higher versus Lower Load Resistance Exercise in Previously Trained Men
Authors: Sexton Casey L. , Godwin Joshua S. , McIntosh Mason C. , Ruple Bradley A. , Osburn Shelby C. , Hollingsworth Blake R. , Kontos Nicholas J. , Agostinelli Philip J. , Kavazis Andreas N. , Ziegenfuss Tim N. , Lopez Hector L. , Smith Ryan , Young Kaelin C. , Dwaraka Varun B. , Frugé Andrew D. , Mobley Christopher B. , Sharples Adam P. , Roberts Michael D.
Published: January 2023

We sought to determine the skeletal muscle genome-wide DNA methylation and mRNA responses to one bout of lower load (LL) versus higher load (HL) resistance exercise. Trained college-aged males (n = 11, 23 ± 4 years old, 4 ± 3 years self-reported training) performed LL or HL bouts to failure separated by one week. The HL bout (i.e., 80 Fail) consisted of four sets of back squats and four sets of leg extensions to failure using 80% of participants estimated one-repetition maximum (i.e., est. 1-RM). The LL bout (i.e., 30 Fail) implemented the same paradigm with 30% of est. 1-RM. Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were collected before, 3 h, and 6 h after each bout. Muscle DNA and RNA were batch-isolated and analyzed using the 850k Illumina MethylationEPIC array and Clariom S mRNA microarray, respectively. Performed repetitions were significantly greater during the 30 Fail versus 80 Fail (p < 0.001), although total training volume (sets × reps × load) was not significantly different between bouts (p = 0.571). Regardless of bout, more CpG site methylation changes were observed at 3 h versus 6 h post exercise (239,951 versus 12,419, respectively; p < 0.01), and nuclear global ten-eleven translocation (TET) activity, but not global DNA methyltransferase activity, increased 3 h and 6 h following exercise regardless of bout. The percentage of genes significantly altered at the mRNA level that demonstrated opposite DNA methylation patterns was greater 3 h versus 6 h following exercise (~75% versus ~15%, respectively). Moreover, high percentages of genes that were up- or downregulated 6 h following exercise also demonstrated significantly inversed DNA methylation patterns across one or more CpG sites 3 h following exercise (65% and 82%, respectively). While 30 Fail decreased DNA methylation across various promoter regions versus 80 Fail, transcriptome-wide mRNA and bioinformatics indicated that gene expression signatures were largely similar between bouts. Bioinformatics overlay of DNA methylation and mRNA expression data indicated that genes related to “Focal adhesion,” “MAPK signaling,” and “PI3K-Akt signaling” were significantly affected at the 3 h and 6 h time points, and again this was regardless of bout. In conclusion, extensive molecular profiling suggests that post-exercise alterations in the skeletal muscle DNA methylome and mRNA transcriptome elicited by LL and HL training bouts to failure are largely similar, and this could be related to equal volumes performed between bouts.
Dietary Zinc Differentially Regulates the Effects of the GPR39 Receptor Agonist, TC-G 1008, in the Maximal Electroshock Seizure Test and Pentylenetetrazole-Kindling Model of Epilepsy
Authors: Doboszewska Urszula , Socała Katarzyna , Pieróg Mateusz , Nieoczym Dorota , Sawicki Jan , Sajnóg Adam , Szewczyk Bernadeta , Mlyniec Katarzyna , Sowa Ireneusz , Barałkiewicz Danuta , Wlaź Piotr
Published: January 2023

The G-protein coupled receptor 39 (GPR39) is gaining increasing attention as a target for future drugs, yet there are gaps in the understanding of its pharmacology. Zinc is an endogenous agonist or an allosteric modulator, while TC-G 1008 is a synthetic, small molecule agonist. Zinc is also a positive allosteric modulator for the activity of TC-G 1008 at GPR39. Activation of GPR39 by TC-G 1008 facilitated the development of epileptogenesis in the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindling model of epilepsy. Congruently, TC-G 1008 decreased the seizure threshold in the maximal electroshock seizure threshold (MEST) test. Here, we investigated the effects of TC-G 1008 under the condition of zinc deficiency. Mice were fed a zinc-adequate diet (ZnA, 50 mg Zn/kg) or a zinc-deficient diet (ZnD, 3 mg Zn/kg) for 4 weeks. Following 4 weeks of dietary zinc restriction, TC-G 1008 was administered as a single dose and the MEST test was performed. Additional groups of mice began the PTZ-kindling model during which TC-G 1008 was administered repeatedly and the diet was continued. TC-G 1008 administered acutely decreased the seizure threshold in the MEST test in mice fed the ZnD diet but not in mice fed the ZnA diet. TC-G 1008 administered chronically increased the maximal seizure severity and the percentage of fully kindled mice in those fed the ZnA diet, but not in mice fed the ZnD diet. Our data showed that the amount of zinc in a diet is a factor contributing to the effects of TC-G 1008 in vivo.
Advanced Heat Exchangers for Waste Heat Recovery Applications
Authors: Jouhara Hussam
Published: January 2023

The incentive for industrial waste heat recovery, which has attracted much research interest in recent years, has been twofold: the obligation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with climate change targets and the need for processes to reduce overall energy consumption in order to remain commercially competitive [...]
Luminescent Metal-Organic Framework with 2,1,3-Benzothiadiazole Units for Highly Sensitive Gossypol Sensing
Authors: Pavlov Dmitry , Yu Xiaolin , Ryadun Alexey , Fedin Vladimir , Potapov Andrei
Published: January 2023

A new metal–organic framework based on cadmium(II) cations, di(p-carboxyphenyl)sulphone and 4,7-di(imidazol-1-yl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole was prepared, and its crystal structure was determined using single-crystal XRD analysis. MOF demonstrated bright luminescence with a maximum near 500 nm and quantum yield reaching 20%. In addition, this MOF demonstrated sensing properties towards antibiotics and a toxic natural polyphenol gossypol through effective luminescence quenching in an ethanol suspension. The determined detection limit for gossypol was among the lowest reported so far (0.65 µM), and did not significantly change in the interference experiments with cottonseed oil as background, indicating the possibility of using this MOF as a sensor for the detection and determination of gossypol in real-life samples.
WO3-Nanocrystal-Modified Electrodes for Ultra-Sensitive and Selective Detection of Cadmium (Cd2+) Ions
Authors: Gu Ruiqin , Zhao Yunong , Fu Huibing , Huang Qing , Li Long , Hu Zhixiang , Zhou Licheng , Chen Bingbing , Liu Huan
Published: January 2023

The detection of heavy metal ions is becoming increasingly important for environmental monitoring and personal safety protection. Owing to their large surface area and suitable conductivity, metal oxide semiconductor nanocrystals have been utilized in chemically modified electrodes for the rapid and low-cost detection of heavy metal ions. However, their sensitivity and selectivity for cadmium ion (Cd2+) detection still remains a challenge. Here, a method of ultra-sensitive and selective Cd2+ detection based on WO3-nanocrystal-modified electrodes is proposed and demonstrated. Colloidal WO3 nanocrystals were synthesized via a solvothermal route and then deposited onto a carbon electrode using a spin-coating method, forming the modification layer at room temperature. The WO3-nanocrystal-modified electrodes exhibit a remarkable signal transduction capability that converts Cd2+ adsorption into current output signals. The peak current was linear to the logarithm of the Cd2+ concentration from 1 nM to 10,000 nM when measured using the anodic stripping voltammetry method. The selectivity mechanism was studied and attributed to the high adsorption energy of cadmium on WO3 compared to other heavy metal ions. Employment of WO3 for a high-performance Cd2+-selective electrode opens many opportunities in portable ion-detection applications.
Assessment of Life Quality in Children with Dysphonia Using Modified Pediatric Voice-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire in Serbia
Authors: Stojanovic Jasmina , Veselinovic Mila , Jevtic Milica , Jovanovic Marina , Nikolic Dusan , Kuzmanovic Pficer Jovana , Zivkovic-Marinkov Emilija , Relic Nenad
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: Hoarseness is not uncommon in children, especially at school age, as communication with peers is intensified. It is caused by improper use or overuse of the vocal apparatus. (2) Methods: The study included 85 hoarse children aged 6–12 (study group) and 240 healthy children (control group) of the same age. The study group underwent a detailed medical history, phoniatric examination, larynx fiber endoscopy, allergy treatment and the Pediatric Voice-Related Quality of Life questionnaire, modified by Jasmina Stojanovic. (3) Results: Our modified questionnaire revealed the significance of parental perception of a voice disorder in a child after organized activities. Using our modified questionnaire, we were able to determine the most frequent form of a voice disorder in children—speaking too loudly—is often neglected by the environment and can lead to an overall lower life quality. (4) Conclusions: As the presence of hoarseness impairs the quality of life in the pediatric population, awareness of a voice disorder must be recognized and treated on time to overcome the possible side effects on a child’s psychological and emotional development.
An Investigation for Minimizing the Wear Loss of Microwave-Assisted Synthesized g-C3N4/MoS2 Nanocomposite Coated Substrate
Authors: Saxena Mukul , Sharma Anuj Kumar , Srivastava Ashish Kumar , Singh Narendra , Dixit Amit Rai
Published: January 2023

Mechanical components frequently come into contact against one another causing friction that produces heat at the contact area and wear of the components that shortens part life and increases energy consumption. In the current study, an attempt was made to optimize the parameters for the pin-on-disc wear tester. The experiments were carried out in ambient thermal conditions with varying sliding speeds (0.5 m/s, 0.75 m/s, and 1.0 m/s) and applied loads (5 N, 10 N, and 15 N) for pure molybdenum disulfide with 9% and 20% weight percentage of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) in molybdenum-disulfide (MoS2)-nanocomposite-coated steel substrate. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the outcome of interaction between various constraints. To identify the minimum wearing conditions, the objective was defined as the criterion ‘smaller is better’. The maximum impact of the applied load on the coefficient of friction and wear depth was estimated to be 59.6% and 41.4%, respectively, followed by sliding speed. The optimal condition for the minimum coefficient of friction and wear was determined to be 15 N for applied load, 0.75 m/s for sliding speed, and weight percentage of 9 for g-C3N4 in MoS2 nanocomposite. At the 95% confidence level, applied load was assessed to have the most significant effect on the coefficient of friction, followed by sliding speed and material composition, whereas material composition considerably impacts wear, followed by loading and sliding speed. These parameters show the effect of mutual interactions. Results from the Taguchi method and response surface methodology are in good agreement with the experimental results.
Structure, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of TiSiWN Coatings
Authors: Hu Wen , Du Jianwei , Liu Zheren , Sun Xu , Chen Li
Published: January 2023

Elemental alloying has been proven to be a valid approach for improving the performance of coatings and has attracted significant research attention. This study aims to explore the impact of W-addition on the structure, mechanical and thermal properties of arc evaporated TiSiN coatings. Ti0.88Si0.12N coating presents a single-phase structure of fcc-(Ti, Si)N, while Ti0.88Si0.08W0.04N and Ti0.84Si0.09W0.07N coatings show a fcc-(Ti, Si, W)N and bcc-W dual-phase structure. As the W content increases, the surface quality of our coatings is obviously improved on account of the pronounced reduction in growth defects, including macroparticles and holes. Introduction of W slightly increases the hardness from 40.0 ± 0.5 GPa for Ti0.88Si0.12N to 41.6 ± 1.1 GPa for Ti0.88Si0.08W0.04N and 42.0 ± 1.0 GPa for Ti0.84Si0.09W0.07N. All our coatings possess a high thermal stability with their hardness values remaining above 38 GPa even after annealing at 1100 °C. Meanwhile, as a result of the suppressed anatase to rutile TiO2 transformation, alloying with W ameliorates the oxidation resistance of TiSiN coatings. After 750 °C oxidation for 10 h, the W-containing coatings only reveal oxide layers of ~301.5 (Ti0.88Si0.08W0.04N) and 279.2 nm (Ti0.84Si0.09W0.07N), whereas Ti0.88Si0.12N coating has already been entirely oxidized.
Comparative Study on Wear Behaviors of Monolayer and Heterogeneous Multilayer Ta Coatings in Atmospheric and SBF Environments
Authors: Yue Yun , Liu Shuguang , Qiu Weiwei , Wang Fei , Xue Yongjie , Xia Chaoqun , Du Sanming
Published: January 2023

Monolayer Ta and multilayer Ti/Zr/Ta and Zr/Ti/Ta coatings were prepared by magnetron sputtering on TC4 substrates to improve the surface friction and wear properties in a simulated body fluid (SBF) environment and an atmospheric environment. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, laser scanning confocal microscopy and nano scratch testing were employed to establish the structure-property-environment relationships. By controlling the preparation parameters, the outermost layer of all three samples was Ta coating, and the total coating thickness of each sample was about 3 μm. Friction and wear testing revealed that, compared to bare TC4 substrate, and multilayer Ti/Zr/Ta and Zr/Ti/Ta coatings, the monolayer Ta possessed the lowest friction coefficient as well as the minimum wear rate (i.e., calculation result of the wear track width and wear depth). This was mainly attributed to excellent adhesion strength, a particular structure and solid lubrication of the monolayer coating. The same coating sample exhibited a stronger wear resistance in the SBF environment than in the atmospheric environment. Furthermore, the wear behaviors and mechanisms of various coatings under different experimental environments are also discussed.
A Model Surface for Calculating the Reflectance of Smooth and Rough Aluminum Layers in the Vacuum Ultraviolet Spectral Range
Authors: Stenzel Olaf , Wilbrandt Steffen , He Jian-Ying , Stempfhuber Sven , Schröder Sven , Tünnermann Andreas
Published: January 2023

We present a systematic approach to calculating the reflectance of aluminum thin films. In our approach, the rough aluminum surface is modelled as a square array of submicrometer-sized oblate cylinders. The focus of the study is on the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) spectral range, with wavelengths ranging from 120 nm to 200 nm. The VUV reflectance of aluminum films is calculated by using the rigorous coupled wave approach in order to take the surface roughness of aluminum into account. The modelled reflectance spectra are compared to experimental data from unprotected and protected aluminum films.
Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) Based Soil Erosion Susceptibility Mapping in Northwestern Himalayas: A Case Study of Central Kashmir Province
Authors: Mushtaq Fayma , Farooq Majid , Tirkey Anamika Shalini , Sheikh Bashir Ahmad
Published: January 2023

The Kashmir Valley is immensely susceptible to soil erosion due to its diverse topography and unstable geological formations in the Himalayan region. The present study helps in assessing the spatial distribution and prioritizing soil erosion zones in the Central Kashmir region covering the Sindh and Dachigam catchments. The study implemented the GIS-based analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and weighted sum method (WSM) using datasets of precipitation, geological map, soil map, and satellite imagery and derived eleven factors (topographical derivatives, LULC, soil, drainage, rainfall, lithology, wetness index and greenness of an area). The ratings and weightage were proven to be unbiased and reliable based on the observed value of the consistency ratio (CR) (i.e., 0.07). The study depicts 41% of the total area to be extremely vulnerable to soil erosion. The slope varies from 0–62° with mean of 22.12°, indicating 467.99 km2 (26%) and 281.12 km2 (15%) of the area under high and very high susceptible zones, respectively. The NDVI and NDWI maps indicate soil erosion severity covering an area of 40% and 38%, respectively, in highly susceptible zones. High drainage density and curvature zones were observed in 18.33% and 22.64% of the study area, respectively. The study will assist in the planning and implementation of conservation measures.
Structural Characterization of Low-Sr-Doped Hydroxyapatite Obtained by Solid-State Synthesis
Authors: Baldassarre Francesco , Altomare Angela , Mesto Ernesto , Lacalamita Maria , Dida Bujar , Mele Altin , Bauer Elvira Maria , Puzone Massimo , Tempesta Emanuela , Capelli Davide , Siliqi Dritan , Capitelli Francesco
Published: January 2023

Strontium-substituted Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 hydroxyapatite (HAp) powders, with Sr wt% concentrations of 2.5, 5.6 and 10%, were prepared by a solid-state synthesis method. The chemical composition of the samples was accurately evaluated by using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy. The morphology of the samples was analyzed via optical microscopy, while structural characterization was achieved through powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. The PXRD structural characterization showed the presence of the Sr dopant in the Ca1 structural site for HAp with a lower Sr concentration and in the Ca2 site for the sample with a higher Sr concentration. FTIR and Raman spectra showed slight band shifts and minor modifications of the (PO4) bands with increasing the Sr doping rate.
Preparation, Characterization, DFT Calculations, Antibacterial and Molecular Docking Study of Co(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) Mixed Ligand Complexes
Authors: Al-Fakeh Maged , Messaoudi Sabri , Alresheedi Faisal , Albadri Abuzar , El-Sayed Wael , Saleh Emran
Published: January 2023

In the present work, complexes of cobalt(II), copper(II), and zinc(II), 2-amino-4-methylpyrimidineand, and 2,3-diaminopyridine were successfully prepared and characterized using elemental analysis, UV-visible, and FTIR spectroscopy, as well as magnetic susceptibility measurements, molar conductance, TGA analysis, and X-ray diffraction. From elemental and spectral data, the formulae [M(L1)(L2)Cl2(H2O)] (where L1 = AMPY (2-amino-4-methylpyrimidine) and L2 = DAPY(2,3-diaminopyridine)) and M = Co(II) (2), Cu(II) (2), and Zn(II)) for the metal complexes have been proposed. The geometric structures of the mixed-ligand complexes were found to be octahedral around the metal ions, and the XRD patterns showed monoclinic crystal systems with space group P21. The mode of bonding was pentacoordinate for Cu and hexacoordinate for Zn and Co. Different features may result from the fact that not all molecules have the same electron distribution. For example, Zn and Co have larger electron densities in at least one of the chlorides in the HOMO compared with pentacoordinate Cu, which has a small electron distribution on the chloride. Thermal analysis indicated that all metal complexes are stable up to about 88 °C with thermodynamically favored overlapped chemical reactions. Excellent antibacterial and antifungal activity was shown by the three synthesized forms of the complexes. The Zn(II) complex had a high level of antioxidant activity with a DPPH scavenging of 91.5%, whereas the Cu(II) complex had a low level of antioxidant potential (16.5%). The docking tests also showed that all compounds had good binding energy levels (7.2–7.9 kcal mol−1). For this reason, all molecules can easily fit in the receptor protein’s catalytic sites. However, the Co(II) complex is shown to be more active.
Cinetochilides minimus sp. nov., a Tiny Benthic Ciliate (Protozoa, Ciliophora) from Brackish Water in Korea
Authors: Moon Ji Hye , Omar Atef , Jung Jae-Ho
Published: January 2023

During a field survey of Korean marine and brackish water ciliate diversity, we collected a tiny benthic ciliate (13–18 µm long in vivo) from the opening of a brackish water lagoon (10‰). At low magnification, it resembles members of the genus Aspidisca because of the oval body shape and the benthic life style, but is not thigmotactic. Based on the observations of living cells, silver-impregnated specimens (i.e., using protargol, silver carbonate, and wet silver nitrate), SEM images, and the 18S rRNA gene sequences, we confirmed that it is a new member of the genus Cinetochilides. The new species, C. minimus sp. nov., can be easily distinguished from other congeners mainly by the fragmented somatic kinety 1. In spite of the small size, the new species has more than 200 basal bodies, including those in the oral apparatus. The arrangement of the ciliary pattern is rather confusing because of the polymerized kinetids, the sparse basal bodies, the non-ciliated area on the dorsal side, and the presence of parasomal sacs next to the kinetosomes. In the present study, we provide a detailed morphological description and infer the phylogenetic position of Cinetochilides minimus sp. nov. based on 18S rRNA gene sequences.
Toxic Effect of Anionic Surfactants on Freshwater Sponge Lubomirskia baikalensis and Its Endosymbiotic Microalgae Chlorella sp.
Authors: Nikonova Alyona Alexandrovna , Mizandrontsev Igor Borisovich , Bazhenov Boris Nikolaevich , Khanaev Igor Veniaminovich , Shabalina Olesya Viktorovna , Afanasyeva Alexandra Alexandrovna , Avezova Tatiana Nikolaevna , Chindyavskaya Anna Nikolaevna , Bityutsky Alexander Nikolaevich , Kan Andrey Yurievich , Karikh Leonid Gennadievich , Dubrova Kristina Sergeevna , Vorobyeva Svetlana Semyonovna , Glyzina Olga Yurievna
Published: January 2023

A number of reports on sponge diseases, including from Lake Baikal, have increased dramatically all over the world in recent years. Herewith, there are various hypotheses for sponge mortality. Lubomirskia baikalensis (phylum Porifera, order Spongillida) is a unique endemic freshwater sponge of Lake Baikal that contains a complex community of eukaryotic and prokaryotic endosymbiotic microorganisms. In this work, we present the first results for the effect of anionic surfactants viz. linear alkylbenzene sulphonates (LAS) at low 10 and 20 µg L−1 concentrations on Baikal sponge species and their symbiotic community as an experimental model. A new toxicity test protocol under conditions close to natural is proposed. It uses the sponge amoebocytes called as SA1-cells, which contain eukaryotic green microalgae Chlorella sp. These SA1-cells are shown to be representative indicator in assessing the impact of anionic surfactants. The acute toxic effect resulted in 97–100% sponge cell death in less than 48 h, as well as 100% symbiotic microalgae Chlorella sp. death over 72 h was noted under LAS solution (20 μg L−1) exposure during in vivo experiments. This includes the cell membrane fatty acid changes, change in the cell sizes, cell swelling, and lysis. Long term exposure to LAS solution (10 μg L−1) reflected in cellular stress (oxidative stress) and accompanied by malondialdehyde formation (0.16–2.0 μg g−1 of dry weight) during 14-day exposure was noted. Oxidative stress and mortality of L. baikalensis are associated with their low antioxidant activity. Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) found in the range from 0.00031 to 0.00077 Trolox equivalents for these freshwater sponges.
An Explainable Deep Learning Model to Prediction Dental Caries Using Panoramic Radiograph Images
Authors: Oztekin Faruk , Katar Oguzhan , Sadak Ferhat , Yildirim Muhammed , Cakar Hakan , Aydogan Murat , Ozpolat Zeynep , Talo Yildirim Tuba , Yildirim Ozal , Faust Oliver , Acharya U. Rajendra
Published: January 2023

Dental caries is the most frequent dental health issue in the general population. Dental caries can result in extreme pain or infections, lowering people’s quality of life. Applying machine learning models to automatically identify dental caries can lead to earlier treatment. However, physicians frequently find the model results unsatisfactory due to a lack of explainability. Our study attempts to address this issue with an explainable deep learning model for detecting dental caries. We tested three prominent pre-trained models, EfficientNet-B0, DenseNet-121, and ResNet-50, to determine which is best for the caries detection task. These models take panoramic images as the input, producing a caries–non-caries classification result and a heat map, which visualizes areas of interest on the tooth. The model performance was evaluated using whole panoramic images of 562 subjects. All three models produced remarkably similar results. However, the ResNet-50 model exhibited a slightly better performance when compared to EfficientNet-B0 and DenseNet-121. This model obtained an accuracy of 92.00%, a sensitivity of 87.33%, and an F1-score of 91.61%. Visual inspection showed us that the heat maps were also located in the areas with caries. The proposed explainable deep learning model diagnosed dental caries with high accuracy and reliability. The heat maps help to explain the classification results by indicating a region of suspected caries on the teeth. Dentists could use these heat maps to validate the classification results and reduce misclassification.
Subdural Lesions Linking Additional Intracranial Spaces and Chronic Subdural Hematomas: A Narrative Review with Mutual Correlation and Possible Mechanisms behind High Recurrence
Authors: Lin Muh-Shi
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study was two-fold. The first was to investigate the pathologic mechanisms underlying the formation of subdural fluid collection, an umbrella term referring to a condition commonly seen in the clinical setting. Accumulation of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the subdural space can be referred to in this disease category, disregarding the underlying source of the subdural fluid. However, in these two clinical situations, especially after trauma or brain surgery, fluid collection from the subarachnoid space (subdural hygroma) or from the ventricle to the subarachnoid space and infusion into the subdural space (external hydrocephalus), surgical management of critical patients may adopt the strategies of burr-hole, subduroperitoneal shunt, or ventriculoperitoneal shunt, which present distinctly different thoughts. Crucially, the former can be further transformed into chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). The second significant theme was the pathogenesis of CSDH. Once the potential dural border cell (DBC) layer is separated such as if a wound is formed, the physiological mechanisms that seem to promote wound healing will resume in the subdural space as follows: coagulation, inflammation, fibroblast proliferation, neovascularization, and fibrinolysis. These aptly correspond to several key characteristics of CSDH formation such as the presence of both coagulation and fibrinolysis signals within the clot, neomembrane formation, angiogenesis, and recurrent bleeding, which contribute to CSDH failing to coagulate and absorb easily. Such a complexity of genesis and the possibility of arising from multiple pathological patterns provide a reasonable explanation for the high recurrence rate, even after surgery. Among the various complex and clinically challenging subdural lesions, namely, CSDH (confined to the subdural space alone), subdural hygroma (linked in two spaces), and external hydrocephalus (linked in three spaces), the ability to fully understand the different pathological mechanisms of each, differentiate them clinically, and devote more interventional strategies (including anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenic, and anti-fibrinolysis) will be important themes in the future.
Intrinsically Safe Drone Propulsion System for Underground Coal Mining Applications: Computational and Experimental Studies
Authors: Aboelezz Ahmed , Wetz David , Lehr Jane , Roghanchi Pedram , Hassanalian Mostafa
Published: January 2023

The mining industry has recently shown increased interest in drones for routine activities in underground and surface mines. Designing a drone for coal mines is extremely complicated since the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has tight guidelines for any equipment that can be used in underground coal mines. Due to these criteria, designing a drone for underground coal mining is exceedingly difficult. This paper explores the challenges of creating an intrinsically safe drone propulsion system. To address the challenges of designing an intrinsically safe drone’s propulsion system for an underground coal mine, this work aims to investigate the potential approaches to enhance efficiency and mitigate the heat. The study begins with the drone’s sizing approach before moving on to the experimental setup that is utilized to test the drone’s propulsion system. Finally, answers to numerous issues arising during the inquiry are offered, and these solutions are empirically explored.
Locally Differentially Private Heterogeneous Graph Aggregation with Utility Optimization
Authors: Liu Zichun , Huang Liusheng , Xu Hongli , Yang Wei
Published: January 2023

Graph data are widely collected and exploited by organizations, providing convenient services from policy formation and market decisions to medical care and social interactions. Yet, recent exposures of private data abuses have caused huge financial and reputational costs to both organizations and their users, enabling designing efficient privacy protection mechanisms a top priority. Local differential privacy (LDP) is an emerging privacy preservation standard and has been studied in various fields, including graph data aggregation. However, existing research studies of graph aggregation with LDP mainly provide single edge privacy for pure graph, leaving heterogeneous graph data aggregation with stronger privacy as an open challenge. In this paper, we take a step toward simultaneously collecting mixed attributed graph data while retaining intrinsic associations, with stronger local differential privacy protecting more than single edge. Specifically, we first propose a moderate granularity attributewise local differential privacy (ALDP) and formulate the problem of aggregating mixed attributed graph data as collecting two statistics under ALDP. Then we provide mechanisms to privately collect these statistics. For the categorical-attributed graph, we devise a utility-improved PrivAG mechanism, which randomizes and aggregates subsets of attribute and degree vectors. For heterogeneous graph, we present an adaptive binning scheme (ABS) to dynamically segment and simultaneously collect mixed attributed data, and extend the prior mechanism to a generalized PrivHG mechanism based on it. Finally, we practically optimize the utility of the mechanisms by reducing the computation costs and estimation errors. The effectiveness and efficiency of the mechanisms are validated through extensive experiments, and better performance is shown compared with the state-of-the-art mechanisms.
The Transformation and Application of Virtual and Reality in Creative Teaching: A New Interpretation of the Triadic Ballet
Authors: Ting Yi-Wen , Lin Po-Hsien , Lin Chih-Long
Published: January 2023

Virtual imaging technology has been widely used in entertainment, medicine, engineering and other fields, and the advancement of virtual imaging has also provided new opportunities for art performances and exhibitions. This research uses live dance, screen dance and virtual dance displays to conduct the audience’s experience of watching dance performances and compares the three forms. A total of 30 students participated in this research. According to the results of this study, the content of the dance works includes route and trajectory, movements and expressions, costumes, and overall atmosphere; there is no obvious difference under the three viewing conditions, and the spatial performance of dance works is best in live performances. According to the research results, the physical stage performance still has the advantage of space performance, virtual image has the advantage of solving the distance between the audience and the stage, and the screen image is helpful for the performance of the stage color. The results of this study show that the presentation of different technologies can improve the audience’s viewing experience of dance, but how to create an impressive spatial experience using the screen image and a virtual environment for a live performance still needs technical improvement.
Unfolding Teachers’ Interpretative Knowledge into Semiotic Interpretative Knowledge to Understand and Improve Mathematical Learning in an Inclusive Perspective
Authors: Asenova Miglena , Del Zozzo Agnese , Santi George
Published: January 2023

In this article, grounded in the concept of interpretative knowledge (IK), which is well known in the literature, we introduce and discuss the construct of semiotic interpretative knowledge (SIK). This theoretical tool unfolds the interpretation of conceptual knowledge into a broader construct that intertwines the use of semiotic representations with the manifold aspects of mathematical learning. In the first part of the article, we first introduce Duval’s semio-cognitive approach, in which semiotics is the element characterizing the specific cognitive functioning of mathematics. On the basis of some classic examples from the relevant literature, we then show the necessity of introducing the semiotic component into IK to expand the interpretive power of the teacher. In the second part of the article, through the analysis of six episodes involving students with a specific learning disorder (SLD) engaged in mathematical activities, we show how the development of the teacher’s SIK emerges as a necessary condition for the implementation of inclusive teaching practices. This permits us to face the research question focused on how SIK allows us to understand the student’s behavior in a special needs educational context and provide effective feedback. In this sense, SIK is shown to be an intrinsic prerequisite of inclusive teaching, thus extending the concept of IK to the components of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK).
Classroom-Situated Willingness to Communicate: Student Teachers of EFL in Spain
Authors: Estrada-Chichón José Luis , Zayas-Martínez Francisco , Sánchez-Cabrero Roberto
Published: January 2023

This exploratory mixed-methods research involves an intra-/intergroup replication design to analyse the classroom-situated willingness to communicate (WTC) in English foreign language (EFL) student teachers of early childhood education according to grouping, group member familiarity, and EFL proficiency. The novelty lies in the adaptation from face-to-face to virtual teaching while student teachers attended a didactics course at the University of Cádiz (Spain). Results show that there are no significant differences in WTC concerning teaching modality except for grouping. Conclusions imply that classroom-situated WTC is not affected by teaching modality when instruction aims at language acquisition by fostering oral communicative interaction.
Establishing a Real-Time Multi-Step Ahead Forecasting Model of Unbalance Fault in a Rotor-Bearing System
Authors: Bera Banalata , Lin Chun-Ling , Huang Shyh-Chin , Liang Jin-Wei , Lin Po Ting
Published: January 2023

Recently, prognostics and health management (PHM) has garnered a lot of attention in the industrial sector for its cost-effective maintenance and safe operation of the system. In this regard, vibration-based predictive maintenance using sensors plays a significant role in the diagnosis and prognosis of various faults. The need of the hour is to know when and which part must be replaced in advance for efficient and reliable operation. Unbalance is one major fault acting on any rotary system leading to excessive vibration and causing various other faults developing early failure in components directly or indirectly. In this paper, we show how a prognostic model can be built for the identification of future unbalance trend of a rotor-bearing system with the aid of a mathematical model of the system and statistical/machine learning methods. The prognostic model developed is used to forecast the unbalance time-series data of an industrial turbine rotor in real-time which forecasts the month ahead unbalance values. The proposed model is verified for prognostic analysis using datasets from a local plastic company. After careful examination of the results, it is concluded that the proposed model can aid in precisely detecting future system unbalance.
Optical Solitons in Magneto-Optic Waveguides Having Kudryashov’s Law of Nonlinear Refractive Index by Trial Equation Approach
Authors: Wang Ming-Yue , Biswas Anjan , Yıldırım Yakup , Moraru Luminita , Moldovanu Simona , Alghamdi Abdulah A.
Published: January 2023

The paper addresses optical solitons in magneto-optic waveguides that are studied using Kudryashov’s law of nonlinear refractive index in the presence of chromatic dispersion and Hamiltonian-type perturbation terms. The trial solution approach yielded a variety of soliton solutions, which are listed in this paper.
Virtual Battery Pack-Based Battery Management System Testing Framework
Authors: Sun Bingxiang , Zhao Xinze , He Xitian , Ruan Haijun , Zhu Zhenlin , Zhou Xingzhen
Published: January 2023

The battery management system (BMS) is a core component to ensure the efficient and safe operation of electric vehicles, and the practical evaluation of key BMS functions is thus of great importance. However, the testing of a BMS with actual battery packs suffers from a poor testing repeatability and a long status transition time due to the uncontrollable degradation of battery systems and testing environment variations. In this paper, to overcome this challenge, we propose an efficient BMS testing framework that uses virtual battery packs rather than actual ones, thus enabling a rapid and accurate evaluation of a BMSs key functions. A series-connected virtual battery pack model through leveraging Copula’s method is formulated to capture the dynamics and inconsistency of individual batteries in the pack. The developed lithium iron phosphate model features low computational efforts and is experimentally validated with different dynamical profiles, implying a high-precision virtual battery pack that is capable of reproducing the actual one. Furthermore, this framework includes a closed-loop testing platform, which can provide the state-of-charge/state-of-power references and thus automatically test and evaluate the states of the battery packs estimated from the BMS. Particularly, we consider the initial polarization that often exists in the batteries during the operation to accurately calibrate the available state-of-power benchmark of battery packs in the real world. The performed BMS testing results using the proposed framework illustrate that the tested BMS cannot adapt to the varied operation conditions, thus leading to high state estimation errors, which may result in the over-charge/discharge or over-temperature of the batteries. Therefore, this work highlights the value of effective BMS testing, providing the promising potential to achieve reliability and durability for battery systems.