bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase during Ischemia and Reperfusion
Authors: Mace Eric H. , Kimlinger Melissa J. , Billings Frederic T. , Lopez Marcos G.
Published: July 2023

Ischemia and reperfusion (IR) damage organs and contribute to many disease states. Few effective treatments exist that attenuate IR injury. The augmentation of nitric oxide (NO) signaling remains a promising therapeutic target for IR injury. NO binds to soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) to regulate vasodilation, maintain endothelial barrier integrity, and modulate inflammation through the production of cyclic-GMP in vascular smooth muscle. Pharmacologic sGC stimulators and activators have recently been developed. In preclinical studies, sGC stimulators, which augment the reduced form of sGC, and activators, which activate the oxidized non-NO binding form of sGC, increase vasodilation and decrease cardiac, cerebral, renal, pulmonary, and hepatic injury following IR. These effects may be a result of the improved regulation of perfusion and decreased oxidative injury during IR. sGC stimulators are now used clinically to treat some chronic conditions such as heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. Clinical trials of sGC activators have been terminated secondary to adverse side effects including hypotension. Additional clinical studies to investigate the effects of sGC stimulation and activation during acute conditions, such as IR, are warranted.
Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Possibilities and Challenges of Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cell-Based Therapies
Authors: Shimizu Yusuke , Ntege Edward Hosea , Azuma Chinatsu , Uehara Fuminari , Toma Takashi , Higa Kotaro , Yabiku Hiroki , Matsuura Naoki , Inoue Yoshikazu , Sunami Hiroshi
Published: July 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a highly prevalent, chronic, and progressive autoimmune disorder primarily affecting joints and muscles. The associated inflammation, pain, and motor restriction negatively impact patient quality of life (QOL) and can even contribute to premature mortality. Further, conventional treatments such as antiinflammatory drugs are only symptomatic. Substantial progress has been made on elucidating the etiopathology of overt RA, in particular the contributions of innate and adaptive immune system dysfunction to chronic inflammation. Although the precise mechanisms underlying onset and progression remain elusive, the discovery of new drug targets, early diagnosis, and new targeted treatments have greatly improved the prognosis and QOL of patients with RA. However, a sizable proportion of patients develop severe adverse effects, exhibit poor responses, or cannot tolerate long-term use of these drugs, necessitating more effective and safer therapeutic alternatives. Mounting preclinical and clinical evidence suggests that the transplantation of multipotent adult stem cells such as mesenchymal stromal/stem cells is a safe and effective treatment strategy for controlling chronic inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration in patients with intractable diseases, including RA. This review describes the current status of MSC-based therapies for RA as well as the opportunities and challenges to broader clinical application.
Staphylococcus aureus Sensitivity to Membrane Disrupting Antibacterials Is Increased under Microgravity
Authors: Jang Hyochan , Choi Seong Yeol , Mitchell Robert J.
Published: July 2023

In a survey of the International Space Station (ISS), the most common pathogenic bacterium identified in samples from the air, water and surfaces was Staphylococcus aureus. While growth under microgravity is known to cause physiological changes in microbial pathogens, including shifts in antibacterial sensitivity, its impact on S. aureus is not well understood. Using high-aspect ratio vessels (HARVs) to generate simulated microgravity (SMG) conditions in the lab, we found S. aureus lipid profiles are altered significantly, with a higher presence of branch-chained fatty acids (BCFAs) (14.8% to 35.4%) with a concomitant reduction (41.3% to 31.4%) in straight-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) under SMG. This shift significantly increased the sensitivity of this pathogen to daptomycin, a membrane-acting antibiotic, leading to 12.1-fold better killing under SMG. Comparative assays with two additional compounds, i.e., SDS and violacein, confirmed S. aureus is more susceptible to membrane-disrupting agents, with 0.04% SDS and 0.6 mg/L violacein resulting in 22.9- and 12.8-fold better killing in SMG than normal gravity, respectively. As humankind seeks to establish permanent colonies in space, these results demonstrate the increased potency of membrane-active antibacterials to control the presence and spread of S. aureus, and potentially other pathogens.
Correction: Cheng et al. Glutathione S-Transferases S1, Z1 and A1 Serve as Prognostic Factors in Glioblastoma and Promote Drug Resistance through Antioxidant Pathways. Cells 2022, 11, 3232
Authors: Cheng Bo , Wang Yu , Ayanlaja Abiola Abdulrahman , Zhu Jing , Kambey Piniel Alphayo , Qiu Ziqiang , Zhang Caiyi , Hu Wei
Published: July 2023

The authors wish to make the following change to their paper [...]
Liquid Biopsy in Neurological Diseases
Authors: Malhotra Sunny , Miras Mari Carmen Martín , Pappolla Agustín , Montalban Xavier , Comabella Manuel
Published: July 2023

The most recent and non-invasive approach for studying early-stage biomarkers is liquid biopsy. This implies the extraction and analysis of non-solid biological tissues (serum, plasma, saliva, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid) without undergoing invasive procedures to determine disease prognosis. Liquid biopsy can be used for the screening of several components, such as extracellular vesicles, microRNAs, cell-free DNA, cell-free mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, circulating tumour cells, circulating tumour DNA, transfer RNA, and circular DNA or RNA derived from body fluids. Its application includes early disease diagnosis, the surveillance of disease activity, and treatment response monitoring, with growing evidence for validating this methodology in cancer, liver disease, and central nervous system (CNS) disorders. This review will provide an overview of mentioned liquid biopsy components, which could serve as valuable biomarkers for the evaluation of complex neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury, CNS tumours, and neuroinfectious diseases. Furthermore, this review highlights the future directions and potential limitations associated with liquid biopsy.
Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) in Ovarian Cancer—Looking Back and Forward
Authors: Okła Karolina
Published: July 2023

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a significant role in the immune system and have been extensively studied in cancer. MDSCs are a heterogeneous population of myeloid cells that accumulate in the tumor microenvironment. Consequently, the high abundance of these cells often leads to immunosuppression, tumor growth, treatment failure, and poor prognosis. Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female genital tract. Currently, there is a lack of effective clinical strategies for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Although several studies underline the negative role of human MDSCs in ovarian cancer, this topic is still understudied. The works on MDSCs are summarized here, along with an explanation of why focusing on these cells would be a promising approach for treating ovarian cancer patients.
Innate Immunity and Sex: Distinct Inflammatory Profiles Associated with Murine Pain in Acute Synovitis
Authors: Valdrighi Natália , Blom Arjen , Vago Juliana , van Beuningen Henk , Vitters Elly , Helsen Monique , Walgreen Birgitte , Arntz Onno , Koenders Marije , van der Kraan Peter , Blaney Davidson Esmeralda , van de Loo Fons
Published: July 2023

Joint pain severity in arthritic diseases differs between sexes and is often more pronounced in women. This disparity is thought to stem from biological mechanisms, particularly innate immunity, yet the understanding of sex-specific differences in arthritic pain remains incomplete. This study aims to investigate these disparities using an innate immunity-driven inflammation model induced by intra-articular injections of Streptococcus Cell Wall fragments to mimic both acute and pre-sensitized joint conditions. Nociceptive behavior was evaluated via gait analysis and static weight-bearing, and inflammation was evaluated via joint histology and the synovial gene expression involved in immune response. Although acute inflammation and pain severity were comparable between sexes, distinct associations between synovial inflammatory gene expression and static nociceptive behavior emerged. These associations delineated sex-specific relationships with pain, highlighting differential gene interactions (Il6 versus Cybb on day 1 and Cyba/Gas6 versus Nos2 on day 8) between sexes. In conclusion, our study found that, despite similar pain severity between sexes, the association of inflammatory synovial genes revealed sex-specific differences in the molecular inflammatory mechanisms underlying pain. These findings suggest a path towards more personalized treatment strategies for pain management in arthritis and other inflammatory joint diseases.
MG53 Mitigates Nitrogen Mustard-Induced Skin Injury
Authors: Li Haichang , Li Zhongguang , Li Xiuchun , Cai Chuanxi , Zhao Serena Li , Merritt Robert E. , Zhou Xinyu , Tan Tao , Bergdall Valerie , Ma Jianjie
Published: July 2023

Sulfur mustard (SM) and nitrogen mustard (NM) are vesicant agents that cause skin injury and blistering through complicated cellular events, involving DNA damage, free radical formation, and lipid peroxidation. The development of therapeutic approaches targeting the multi-cellular process of tissue injury repair can potentially provide effective countermeasures to combat vesicant-induced dermal lesions. MG53 is a vital component of cell membrane repair. Previous studies have demonstrated that topical application of recombinant human MG53 (rhMG53) protein has the potential to promote wound healing. In this study, we further investigate the role of MG53 in NM-induced skin injury. Compared with wild-type mice, mg53−/− mice are more susceptible to NM-induced dermal injuries, whereas mice with sustained elevation of MG53 in circulation are resistant to dermal exposure of NM. Exposure of keratinocytes and human follicle stem cells to NM causes elevation of oxidative stress and intracellular aggregation of MG53, thus compromising MG53′s intrinsic cell membrane repair function. Topical rhMG53 application mitigates NM-induced dermal injury in mice. Histologic examination reveals the therapeutic benefits of rhMG53 are associated with the preservation of epidermal integrity and hair follicle structure in mice with dermal NM exposure. Overall, these findings identify MG53 as a potential therapeutic agent to mitigate vesicant-induced skin injuries.
RNA-Based Liquid Biopsy in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Kabzinski Jacek , Kucharska-Lusina Aleksandra , Majsterek Ireneusz
Published: July 2023

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a prevalent and diverse group of malignancies with substantial morbidity and mortality rates. Early detection and monitoring of HNC are crucial for improving patient outcomes. Liquid biopsy, a non-invasive diagnostic approach, has emerged as a promising tool for cancer detection and monitoring. In this article, we review the application of RNA-based liquid biopsy in HNC. Various types of RNA, including messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA (miRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), small nuclear RNA (snRNA), small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA), circular RNA (circRNA) and PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA), are explored as potential biomarkers in HNC liquid-based diagnostics. The roles of RNAs in HNC diagnosis, metastasis, tumor resistance to radio and chemotherapy, and overall prognosis are discussed. RNA-based liquid biopsy holds great promise for the early detection, prognosis, and personalized treatment of HNC. Further research and validation are necessary to translate these findings into clinical practice and improve patient outcomes.
MicroRNA-Based Discovery of Biomarkers, Therapeutic Targets, and Repositioning Drugs for Breast Cancer
Authors: Ye Qing , Raese Rebecca A. , Luo Dajie , Feng Juan , Xin Wenjun , Dong Chunlin , Qian Yong , Guo Nancy Lan
Published: July 2023

Breast cancer treatment can be improved with biomarkers for early detection and individualized therapy. A set of 86 microRNAs (miRNAs) were identified to separate breast cancer tumors from normal breast tissues (n = 52) with an overall accuracy of 90.4%. Six miRNAs had concordant expression in both tumors and breast cancer patient blood samples compared with the normal control samples. Twelve miRNAs showed concordant expression in tumors vs. normal breast tissues and patient survival (n = 1093), with seven as potential tumor suppressors and five as potential oncomiRs. From experimentally validated target genes of these 86 miRNAs, pan-sensitive and pan-resistant genes with concordant mRNA and protein expression associated with in-vitro drug response to 19 NCCN-recommended breast cancer drugs were selected. Combined with in-vitro proliferation assays using CRISPR-Cas9/RNAi and patient survival analysis, MEK inhibitors PD19830 and BRD-K12244279, pilocarpine, and tremorine were discovered as potential new drug options for treating breast cancer. Multi-omics biomarkers of response to the discovered drugs were identified using human breast cancer cell lines. This study presented an artificial intelligence pipeline of miRNA-based discovery of biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and repositioning drugs that can be applied to many cancer types.
Exploring the Effect of Sn Addition to Supported Au Nanoparticles on Reducible/Non-Reducible Metal Oxides Supports for Alkane Oxidation
Authors: Stucchi Marta , Vomeri Alessandro , Stichleutner Sándor , Lázár Károly , Pitzalis Emanuela , Evangelisti Claudio , Prati Laura
Published: July 2023

Acetone-stabilized Au- and Sn-solvated metal atoms (SMAs) were used as to obtain Au- and AuSn-supported catalysts by simple impregnation on a reducible (TiO2) and a non-reducible (Al2O3) metal-oxide. Their catalytic behaviour was investigated for cyclohexane oxidation to cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone (KA oil), and their morphological and physical properties were studied by TEM, STEM-EDS and 119Sn-Mössbauer spectroscopy. The catalytic results firstly demonstrated that the bare supports played a role on the reaction mechanism, slowing down the formation of the oxidation products and directing the radical formation. Hereinafter, the comparison between the monometallic Au-supported catalysts and the corresponding bimetallic Au-Sn catalysts allowed for the understanding of the potential role of Sn. 119Sn-Mössbauer characterization analyses showed the presence of SnO2, which was recognized to favour the electrons’ exchange to form radicals, interacting with oxygen. Such interaction, in particular, could be favoured by the co-presence of Au. Moreover, the same metal composition on the catalyst surface resulted in a different catalytic behaviour depending on the support.
Deficiencies in the Intentions, Attitudes, and Knowledge of Future Healthcare Professionals Regarding Breastfeeding
Authors: Čatipović Marija , Mikšić Štefica , Fureš Rajko , Puharić Zrinka , Pavlović Dragica
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, positive intentions, and attitudes regarding breastfeeding among university students. A validated questionnaire collected data from 236 students of the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek about breastfeeding intentions, attitudes, and knowledge. Descriptive methods were used to present the students’ results in terms of their intentions, attitudes, and knowledge. For each question included in the questionnaire, the maximum possible and maximum achieved numbers of points were calculated, as well as the percentage of points achieved in relation to the maximum possible number. Correlations between the results on individual scales of the questionnaire and the total results of the questionnaire are shown by Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Questionnaire answers that were least in line with professional recommendations were selected and analyzed. We found that the areas that should be given special attention in the education of students are: the intention of breastfeeding for more than a year; the use of breaks for breastfeeding in the workplace; attitudes and knowledge about the quality of breast milk in relation to substitutes; attitudes about breastfeeding in public places and breastfeeding for more than two years; and the feeling of maternity and breastfeeding (compared to bottle feeding). The relationship between the results was considered in terms of intentions, attitudes, and knowledge in relation to the overall results of the questionnaire, and the authors’ thoughts on the reasons behind the poorer results achieved for certain questions were presented.
Small Leucine-Rich Proteoglycan PODNL1 Identified as a Potential Tumor Matrix-Mediated Biomarker for Prognosis and Immunotherapy in a Pan-Cancer Setting
Authors: Dai Geyang , Sun Yue , Wei Rui , Xi Ling
Published: July 2023

The podocan-like protein 1 (PODNL1), an important member of the small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRP) family, is a crucial component of the tumor microenvironment (TME). But its prognostic values and the role in the TME have not been systematically estimated in a pan-cancer setting. Targeting PODNL1, a systematic exploration into the TCGA datasets, reconciling with the analyses of single-cell transcriptomes and immunotherapeutic cohorts in cancers, and validation by tissue microarray-based multiplex immunofluorescence staining was performed. PODNL1 was significantly correlated with the poor prognosis and immunotherapeutic responses in various cancers. In-depth demonstration of molecular mechanisms indicated that PODNL1 expressions were notably positively correlated with cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) infiltration levels in 33 types of cancers. It also positively correlated with the pan-fibroblast TGF-β response signature score, and the hallmarks including TGF-β, TNF-α, inflammatory response, apical junction, epithelial–mesenchymal transition and hedgehog in pan-cancer. Furthermore, high PODNL1 expressions were positively related with the regulation of tumor-promoting TGF-β signaling through downregulating SMAD2/3:4 heterotrimer regulations transcription and up-regulating the pathway restricted SMAD protein phosphorylation. Single-cell transcriptome analyses and immunofluorescence validations indicated that PODNL1 was predominantly expressed in the cancer cells and CAFs in various cancers. Additionally, the heterogeneity of cancer genotype–phenotype cross-talking was also observed associated with PODNL1. Our systematic study indicates that PODNL1 plays an important role in the complex regulation network of tumor progression, and lays a foundation for further exploration to develop PODNL1 as a valuable matrix-mediated biomarker for cancer immunotherapy and prognosis in a pan-cancer setting.
Interactions of piRNAs with the mRNA of Candidate Genes in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Rakhmetullina Aizhan , Akimniyazova Aigul , Niyazova Togzhan , Pyrkova Anna , Tauassarova Makpal , Ivashchenko Anatoliy , Zielenkiewicz Piotr
Published: July 2023

Recently, a database of human piRNAs (piwi-interacting RNAs) was created, which allows the study of the binding of many piRNAs to the mRNAs of genes involved in many diseases, including cancer. In the present work, we identified the piRNAs that can interact with candidate esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) genes. The binding of 480 thousand piRNAs with the mRNAs of 66 candidate ESCC genes was studied. Bioinformatic studies found that piRNAs bind only to the mRNAs of nine candidate genes: AURKA, BMP7, GCOM1, ERCC1, MTHFR, SASH1, SIX4, SULT1A1, and TP53. It has been shown that piRNAs can bind to mRNA by overlapping nucleotide sequences in limited 3′UTR and 5′UTR regions called clusters of binding sites (BSs). The existence of clusters of piRNA BSs significantly reduces the proportion of the nucleotide sequences of these sites in the mRNA of target genes. Competition between piRNAs occurs for binding to the mRNA of target genes. Individual piRNAs and groups of piRNAs that have separate BSs and clusters of BSs in the mRNAs of two or more candidate genes have been identified in the mRNAs of these genes. This organization of piRNAs BSs indicates the interdependence of the expression of candidate genes through piRNAs. Significant differences in the ability of genes to interact with piRNAs prevent the side effects of piRNAs on genes with a lack of the ability to bind such piRNAs. Individual piRNAs and sets of piRNAs are proposed and recommended for the diagnosis and therapy of ESCC.
Scale Dependence of Errors in Snow Water Equivalent Simulations Using ERA5 Reanalysis over Alpine Basins
Authors: Shrestha Susen , Zaramella Mattia , Callegari Mattia , Greifeneder Felix , Borga Marco
Published: July 2023

This study aims to evaluate the potential of ERA5 precipitation and temperature reanalysis for snow water equivalent (SWE) simulation by considering the role of catchment spatial scale in controlling the errors obtained by comparison with corresponding SWE simulations from ground stations. This is obtained by exploiting a semi-distributed snowpack model (TOPMELT) implemented over the upper Adige River basin in the Eastern Italian Alps, where 16 sub-catchments of varying sizes are considered. The comparison is carried out from 1992 to 2019. The findings show that ERA5 precipitation overestimated low-intensity rainfall (drizzle problem) and underestimated high-intensity rainfall, while ERA5 temperature underestimated observations. The overestimation of low-intensity rainfall created fictitious low-intensity snowfall events, which, when combined with colder ERA5 temperature, resulted in delayed snowmelt and increased fictitious snow-cover days over the study area. The quantile mapping (QM) technique was used to remove errors in ERA5 variables. It was shown that ERA5 could struggle to resolve the orographic enhancement in precipitation, which may be particularly important during high-SWE years. This reduces the positive precipitation bias during those years, thus reducing comparatively the ability of the quantile mapping technique to correct for bias homogeneously during all years. This study highlighted the importance of temperature correction over precipitation correction in SWE simulation, particularly for smaller basins.
Regional Climate Change Adaptation Based on the PSR Model—Multi-Case Comparative Analysis on a Global Scale
Authors: Xu Mengzhi , Li Jixia , Luan Shixin
Published: July 2023

Regional climate change is affected by global warming, large-scale inter-regional circulation, and land use/cover. As a result of different ecological, economic, and social conditions, climate adaptation actions vary from region to region, including community-based adaptation in small island developing states, enhancing flood resilience in Europe, weather index insurance promotion in Africa, climate change adaptation based on traditional knowledge in the Polar Regions, and global joint decision-making in terms of regional issues of the Ocean. This paper takes the above five typical cases as the research objects, and the multi-case comparative research method is adopted to discuss regional climate change adaptation based on the pressure–state–response framework. It found that: (1) regional climate change adaptation faces significant pressure from cross-regional flows of finance, population, and species under climate change; (2) climate change hotspot maps based on climate change projections show regional climate vulnerability; (3) responses for regional climate change adaptation require active promotion of multi-level governance with horizontal and vertical cooperation. In the future, regional climate change adaptation should focus on inter-regional climate justice and equality, regional climate change adaptation pathways optimization, and how to effectively learn from typical regional climate adaptation cases.
A Review of Optical Fiber Sensing Technology Based on Thin Film and Fabry–Perot Cavity
Authors: Ma Chaoqun , Peng Donghong , Bai Xuanyao , Liu Shuangqiang , Luo Le
Published: July 2023

Fiber sensors possess characteristics such as compact structure, simplicity, electromagnetic interference resistance, and reusability, making them widely applicable in various practical engineering applications. Traditional fiber sensors based on different microstructures solely rely on the thermal expansion effect of silica material itself, limiting their usage primarily to temperature or pressure sensing. By employing thin film technology to form Fabry–Perot (FP) cavities on the end-face or inside the fiber, sensitivity to different physical quantities can be achieved using different materials, and this greatly expands the application range of fiber sensing. This paper provides a systematic introduction to the principle of FP cavity fiber optic sensors based on thin film technology and reviews the applications and development trends of this sensor in various measurement fields. Currently, there is a growing need for precise measurements in both scientific research and industrial production. This has led to an increase in the variety of structures and sensing materials used in fiber sensors. The thin film discussed in this paper, suitable for various types of sensing, not only applies to fiber optic FP cavity sensors but also contributes to the research and advancement of other types of fiber sensors.
Development of Resonant Cavity Film for 575 nm All-Solid-State Laser System
Authors: Zhu Han , Xin Yawu , Chen Yunru , Ma Shihui , Zhang Yuxia , Peng Yongchao , Lin Yixin , Xiong Shifu , Hu Zhanggui
Published: July 2023

Yellow lasers have attracted much attention due to their applications in biomedicine, astronomy and spectroscopy, and the resonant cavity is an important part of lasers. In this work, the resonant cavity film was studied and prepared using physical vapor deposition (PVD) technology to couple and match the optical properties of Dy,Tb:LuLiF4 crystal to generate yellow laser. In the process of film deposition, the substrate temperature has an important influence on the quality of the film. Therefore, we first investigated the effect of HfO2 film quality at different substrate temperatures. Furthermore, the multilayer film was designed to couple and match the optical properties of Dy,Tb:LuLiF4 crystal. According to the designed film system scheme, HfO2 and UV-SiO2 were used as high- and low-refractive index film materials for resonant cavity film preparation using the PVD technique, and the effect of process parameters on the film quality was investigated. A 450 nm pump laser was used to directly pump Dy3+ to excite and generate the yellow laser. In this process, the excited radiation jump occurs in the crystal, and the generated laser in the new band reaches a certain threshold after oscillation and gain in the resonant cavity, thus successfully outputting a 575 nm yellow laser.
Investigation on the Rheological Properties and Microscopic Characteristics of Graphene and SBR Composite Modified Asphalt
Authors: Wang Lijun , Liang Fengxiang , Li Zixia , Zhao Qiang
Published: July 2023

Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is commonly used as a modifier to enhance the low-temperature performance of asphalt. However, it is worth noting that while SBR modified asphalt exhibits good low-temperature performance, its high-temperature performance is comparatively inferior. This limitation significantly restricts the widespread use of SBR modified asphalt. As a new type of nanomaterial, graphene (GR) can change the microstructure of asphalt binder and provide asphalt with better mechanical, thermal, and adhesion properties. The main purpose of this study is to explore the influence of GR and SBR composite incorporation on the performance indexes of modified asphalt, and to study its compatibility and modification mechanism from the microscopic point of view of asphalt. The weight factor optimization system of modified asphalt was established by an analytic hierarchy process, and the optimum content of GR was determined to be 0.1% in a quantifiable way. The test results demonstrate that the inclusion of graphene substantially enhances the high-temperature rutting resistance of asphalt, reduces the temperature sensitivity of modified asphalt, and improves its storage stability. However, its effect on the low-temperature performance of asphalt is relatively minimal. Microscopic experimental results reveal the formation of a stable structure at the interface between GR and SBR in the composite modified asphalt. Furthermore, the dispersed phase exhibits improved uniformity, which positively impacts the stability of the asphalt binder.
Experimental Study of Electrolytic Processing of Discharge-Assisted Jet Masks
Authors: Chen Chaoda , Wu Shaofang , Zhang Tong , Wang Yage , Shao Xiaoqiang , Mo Fengrong
Published: July 2023

There has been some research on jet electrolytic processing at home and abroad, and the phenomenon of discharge during the process has been reported, but there has been little research on the mode of jet electrolysis with the aid of discharge. A jet mask electrolytic processing experiment was set up to prepare a blue oil mask on the surface of the workpiece using photolithography; two processing modes were achieved using different tool electrodes, the workpiece was processed by two types of motion, the processing micro-pits were observed morphologically using an optical microscope, and the test data were analyzed by plotting graphs. Experiments show that a blue oil mask with a thickness of 50 μm covers the workpiece to strengthen the fixity, and that jet electrolytic discharge machining can effectively improve the depth-to-width ratio by increasing the contribution to depth by 30%–38% and the contribution to width by 2%–18%, compared to jet electrolytic machining. The former has less island effect than the latter, with a flatter bottom and better-machined shape.
Self-Healing Redox-Active Coatings Based on Ferrocenyl-Containing Polysiloxanes
Authors: Rashevskii Artem A. , Deriabin Konstantin V. , Parshina Elizaveta K. , Islamova Regina M.
Published: July 2023

The known ferrocenyl-containing silicone materials have redox activity and electrical conductivity at the level of antistatic materials, but they are incapable of self-healing due to their irreversible cross-linking, which significantly reduces their application area. The development of novel self-healing ferrocenyl-containing silicone rubbers (FSRs) is a promising area of research that extends the possibilities of their application as protective coatings. In this work, a new method was developed to synthesize FSRs with different ferrocenyl unit content (25 and 50 mol.%) by anionic copolymerization of cyclic octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), cyclic tetraferrocenyl-substituted 1,3,5,7-tetramethyltetrasiloxane (Fc4D4), and bicyclic cross-linking agent (bis-D4). The optimal concentrations of the cross-linking agent and ferrocenyl-substituted unit content for FSRs are 5 wt.% and 25 mol.%, respectively. The FSRs exhibit tensile strength and elongation at break up to 0.1 MPa and 215%. The FSRs possess both self-healing at room and/or elevated temperatures (100 °C) and redox activity (Fc/Fc+ transformations at E0 = 0.43 V) and conductivity at the antistatic level (ca. 10−10–10−11 S·cm−1). The thermal properties of the FSRs were studied. The proposed approach is relevant for the creation of new functional silicone materials as flexible, self-healing, and antistatic protective coatings.
Influence of TiO2 on the Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Resistance of Hydroxyapatite HaP + TiO2 Nanocomposites Deposited Using Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Dhiflaoui Hafedh , Ben Salem Sarra , Salah Mohamed , Dabaki Youssef , Chayoukhi Slah , Gassoumi Bilel , Hajjaji Anouar , Ben Cheikh Larbi Ahmed , Amlouk Mosbah , Benhayoune Hicham
Published: July 2023

Titanium oxides and their alloys are widely used in medical applications because of their biocompatibility. However, they are characterized by their low resistance to corrosion. The HaP + TiO2 nanocomposites’ coating was applied in different experiments, especially on a Ti-6Al-4V substrate with the spray pyrolysis process to deal with such weakness. The TiO2 content effects on the surface morphology and the phase composition were investigated using a scanning electron microscopy, X-ray microanalysis (SEM-EDXS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The mechanical properties were determined with nanoindentation. The potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and simulated body fluid (SBF) solution environment tests were carried out to investigate the corrosion resistance of HaP + TiO2/Ti6Al4V systems. The experimental findings revealed that sprayed thin films possessed uniform morphology. The coatings’ nanoindentations proved that the HaP + 20% TiO2 coating hardness (252.77 MPa) and the elastic modulus (52.48 GPa) overtopped those of the pure hydroxyapatite coatings. The corrosion test demonstrated that the corrosion current density of about 36.1 µA cm−2 and the corrosion potential of the order of −392.7 mV of HaP + 20% TiO2 was lower compared to the pure HaP coating.
Incorporating Physics-Based Models into Equivalent Circuit Analysis of EIS Data from Organic Coatings
Authors: Policastro Steven A. , Anderson Rachel M. , Hangarter Carlos M. , Arcari Attilio , Iezzi Erick B.
Published: July 2023

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a widely used method for monitoring coatings because it can be done in situ and causes little damage to the coating. However, interpreting the impedance data from coatings in order to determine the state of the coating and its protective abilities is challenging. A modified version of the rapid electrochemical assessment of paint (REAP) equivalent circuit is developed here, along with a method to calculate the impedance of a circuit using matrix algebra. This new equivalent circuit and the calculation method are used to analyze EIS data obtained from a two-layer commercial organic coating system immersed in NaCl solutions with different concentrations and at different temperatures. The matrix calculation method is validated by comparing results obtained from commercial analysis software to this method for two different equivalent circuits, and the parameter values are nearly equal. Physics-based models of the equivalent circuit elements are derived and used to obtain both initial estimates for the regressions and physics-based constraints on the model parameters. These models are integrated into the regression procedure, and the corrected Akaike information criterion (AICc) is used to compare fits between the new circuit and classic equivalent circuits. The AICc values indicate the new circuit results in better fits than classic equivalent circuits used for coatings analysis.
Enhanced Adsorption of Azoxystrobin from Water by As-Prepared Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Malhat Farag , Abdallah Osama I. , Hussien Mohamed , Youssef Ahmed M. , Alminderej Fahad M. , Saleh Sayed M.
Published: July 2023

Nanoparticles are of great interest for water treatment as they remove a significant portion of water contaminants. In analogy to these emerging practices, the present work investigated the feasibility of using silica nanoparticles (SiO2-NPs) to remove azoxystrobin from an aqueous solution. We investigated the effects of experimental parameters, such as solution temperature, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and initial azoxystrobin concentration, on the removal efficiency of azoxystrobin. Structural and chemical analysis of the synthesized nanoparticles was performing using X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and surface studies. The percentage of azoxystrobin removal efficiency was 92.8 at an initial azoxystrobin concentration of 10 mg/L. The result showed that by increasing the adsorbent dosage from 0.005 to 0.1 mg, the percentage removal efficiency of azoxystrobin from aqueous solution increased significantly from 59.72% to 95.21%. At the same time, the adsorption amount of azoxystrobin in equilibrium decreased with increasing temperature. It was found that the optimum temperature for removing azoxystrobin was 20 °C. Although the study was conducted under well-controlled laboratory conditions, the silica nanoparticle system showed excellent performance in removing a significant amount of azoxystrobin, making it a potential alternative/cooperator in water treatment for removing pesticides from aqueous solutions.
A Study on the Adsorption Mechanism and Compactness of the TFS Coating Interfacial Layer
Authors: Xie Yafei , Zhao Tong , Liu Kai
Published: July 2023

Chrome-plated plates, also known as tin-free plates (TFS), are the latest substrates for coating plates. The coating plate cannot be separated from the TFS during the stamping and extension process, and the interface layer of the TFS coating plate cannot produce pores to ensure good corrosion resistance and the appearance of the metal packaging cans. This requires the TFS coating plate interfacial layer to have good adsorption and compactness. In this paper, the molecular simulation model of the interfacial layer interaction of the TFS coating plate was established by using molecular mechanics simulation, Monte Carlo simulation, and molecular dynamics simulation, and the influential rules of chromium oxide crystalline structure, coating functional group type, and coating pressure on the adsorption and compactness of interfacial layer were analyzed and verified by experiments. The results show that the adsorption is stronger when the surface of the TFS is a chromium oxide (110) crystalline surface and contains hydroxide ions. The adsorption of polyester polyurethane coating and polyether polyurethane coating for and the adsorption of polyester polyurethane coating functional groups is stronger than polyether functional groups, and the adsorption of other functional groups is ranked by the same method. The interfacial layer compactness increases with an increase in coating pressure. For this experimental sample, the value of the film pressure sensor is 18,940 g when meeting the requirements of adsorption and compactness of the interfacial layer of the TFS coating plate, which can be extended for other coating plates.
Effect of Polyethylene-Grafted Maleic Anhydride on the Properties of Flue-Gas Desulfurized Gypsum/Epoxy Resin Composites
Authors: Li Fei , Li Hai , Die Juncheng , Zhang Yafeng , Li Yi , Wang Mingyu , Cao Yang , Zhang Kexi , Tu Jinchun
Published: July 2023

Waste resource utilization can save energy, reduce costs, and is one of the important means to protect the environment. Flue-gas desulphurized (FGD) gypsum is a common industrial by-product. These by-products are not only difficult to use, but also have serious impacts on the ecological environment. The conventional process of the industrial utilization of the calcium sulfate whisker pretreatment process leads to a low utilization rate of FGD gypsum, further increasing the consumption of resources and leading to secondary pollution. This study presents a method of preparing composites by adding FGD gypsum directly into epoxy resin with polyethylene-grafted maleic (PGM) anhydride as a compatibilizer of FGD gypsum/epoxy resin composites. Results showed weak tensile properties and impact properties of the composites when only FGD gypsum was added. When the amount of PGM added was 6 wt%, the tensile properties and impact properties of FGD gypsum/epoxy resin composites improved by 75% and 63%, and compared with the neat epoxy resin, the tensile properties and impact properties of FGD gypsum/epoxy resin composites, respectively, improved by 30% and 57%. Additionally, laser particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), and a Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) were used to examine the effects of PGM on the mechanical properties of FGD gypsum/epoxy resin composites and its mechanism of action. The recycling of FGD gypsum in resin materials has been extended in this study.
Enhanced Electrochromic Properties of Nanocrystalline Molybdenum Oxide Films Modified by Dopamine
Authors: Zhou Dan , Yang Liping
Published: July 2023

Molybdenum oxide (MoO3) electrochromic (EC) materials have not been widely used at present due to relatively poor performance and inadequate research. In order to enhance the EC properties of the MoO3 to achieve the purpose of practical use, the modified nanocrystalline MoO3 films were fabricated by a cheap and simple complexation-assisted sol–gel method followed by annealing at 300 °C. In this method, dopamine (DA) is used as a structure-directing agent and the added amount of DA has a great influence on the structure and morphology and, thus, electrochemical and EC properties of the MoO3 films. Different from the pure MoO3 polycrystalline film, the film modified with a suitable amount of DA possesses a distinctive nanocrystal-embedded amorphous structure, and, thus, can achieve synergy effects of EC properties through combining the advantages of both amorphous phases and nanocrystalline. Therefore, compared with the pure MoO3 film, the modified MoO3 film shows much higher EC properties in terms of optical contrast, coloration efficiency, switching speed, and cycling stability. Moreover, a complementary type EC device with dual active layers (the modified MoO3 film and polyaniline) was fabricated and tested, and the results demonstrate the potential application of the modified MoO3 film.
Optimization of Bulk Heterojunction Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Ali Alaa Y. , Holmes Natalie P. , Cooling Nathan , Holdsworth John , Belcher Warwick , Dastoor Paul , Zhou Xiaojing
Published: July 2023

The performance of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT): phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices was found to be strongly influenced by environmental during preparation, thermal annealing conditions, and the material blend composition. We optimized laboratory fabricated devices for these variables. Humidity during the fabrication process can cause electrode oxidation and photo-oxidation in the active layer of the OPV. Thermal annealing of the device structure modifies the morphology of the active layer, resulting in changes in material domain sizes and percolation pathways which can enhance the performance of devices. Thermal annealing of the blended organic materials in the active layer also leads to the growth of crystalline for P3HT domains due to a more arrangement packing of chains in the polymer. Poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) acts as a hole transport layer in these P3HT:PCBM devices. Two commercially materials of PEDOT:PSS were utilizing in the optimization of the OPV in this research; high conductivity PEDOT:PSS-PH1000 and PEDOT:PSS-Al4083, which is specifically designed for OPV interfaces. It was demonstrated that OPVs were prepared with PEDOT:PSS-PH1000 have a less than the average performance of PEDOT:PSS-Al4083. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) decreased clearly with a reducing in masking area devices from 5 mm2 to 3.8 mm2 for OPVs based on PH1000 almost absolutely due to the reduced short circuit current (Jsc). This work provides a roadmap to understanding P3HT:PCBM OPV performance and outlines the preparation issues which need to be resolved for efficient device fabrication
FGPE+: The Mobile FGPE Environment and the Pareto-Optimized Gamified Programming Exercise Selection Model—An Empirical Evaluation
Authors: Maskeliūnas Rytis , Damaševičius Robertas , Blažauskas Tomas , Swacha Jakub , Queirós Ricardo , Paiva José Carlos
Published: July 2023

This paper is poised to inform educators, policy makers and software developers about the untapped potential of PWAs in creating engaging, effective, and personalized learning experiences in the field of programming education. We aim to address a significant gap in the current understanding of the potential advantages and underutilisation of Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) within the education sector, specifically for programming education. Despite the evident lack of recognition of PWAs in this arena, we present an innovative approach through the Framework for Gamification in Programming Education (FGPE). This framework takes advantage of the ubiquity and ease of use of PWAs, integrating it with a Pareto optimized gamified programming exercise selection model ensuring personalized adaptive learning experiences by dynamically adjusting the complexity, content, and feedback of gamified exercises in response to the learners’ ongoing progress and performance. This study examines the mobile user experience of the FGPE PLE in different countries, namely Poland and Lithuania, providing novel insights into its applicability and efficiency. Our results demonstrate that combining advanced adaptive algorithms with the convenience of mobile technology has the potential to revolutionize programming education. The FGPE+ course group outperformed the Moodle group in terms of the average perceived knowledge (M = 4.11, SD = 0.51).
High-Conductivity MXene Film-Based Millimeter Wave Antenna for 5G Applications
Authors: Guo Jiannan , Si Yunfa , Song Rongguo , Zu Haoran , Xin Yitong , Ye Dong , Xu Ming , Li Bao-Wen , He Daping
Published: July 2023

Millimeter wave antennas have the advantage of high directivity, miniaturization, high resolution and data transfer speed, wide bandwidth, and lower latency. In this work, a millimeter wave planar array antenna (PAA) with the characteristics of wideband and low sidelobes, which consists of eight identical linear array antenna (LAA) based on Ti3C2 MXene, is designed and fabricated. It is the first time that MXene antennas are proposed for a 5G millimeter wave antenna application. MXene PAA has a high realized gain of 22.22 dBi and a −10 dB impedance bandwidth of measurement covering the range from 24 GHz to 28 GHz, including the 5G FR2—n258 frequency band. With Chebyshev current distribution, the MXene PAA has a half-power beam width of 10.2° and 10.8° in the xoz-plane and yoz-plane radiation patterns with the sidelobes levels below −20 dB, respectively. Therefore, MXene PAA is suitable for 5G mobile communication applications.