bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Aging Treatment on the Microstructure and Properties of 2.2 GPa Tungsten-Containing Maraging Steel
Authors: Han Shun , Li Xinyang , Liu Yu , Geng Ruming , Lei Simin , Li Yong , Wang Chunxu
Published: July 2023

Maraging steel is a prominent category of ultrahigh-strength steel (UHSS) characterized by excellent comprehensive properties, and it finds wide applications in manufacturing load-bearing structural components. In this study, a novel tungsten-containing maraging steel, C-250W, was designed. The effects of aging treatments on the mechanical properties, microstructure, precipitations, and reverted austenite of C-250W steel were investigated. The results revealed that the optimal combination of strength and toughness could be achieved through an aging treatment of C-250W steel carried out for 5 h at 480 °C after solution treatment at 1000 °C for 1 h. As the aging temperature increased, the proportion of dimples in the impact fracture gradually decreased while that of quasi-cleavage increased, leading to a reduction in Charpy impact energy. The boundary of martensitic lath decomposed gradually as the aging temperature increased, and it disappeared entirely at temperatures higher than 550 °C. Moreover, the aging process resulted in the formation of phases, including spherical Fe2M (M represents Mo, W) and thin strip-shaped Ni3N (N represents Mo, Ti) precipitates. These precipitates coarsened from 5 nm to 50–200 nm with increasing aging temperature. Additionally, the content of reverted austenite increased with the aging temperature. Within the temperature range of 400 °C to 500 °C for aging treatment, the content of film-shaped reverted austenite was approximately 3%, primarily distributed at the boundary of martensite lath. When the aging temperature exceeded 550 °C, the content of reverted austenite reached 20.2%, and its morphology changed from film-shaped to block-shaped, resulting in a decline in strength and toughness.
Coefficient Extraction of SAC305 Solder Constitutive Equations Using Equation-Informed Neural Networks
Authors: Yuan Cadmus , Su Qinghua , Chiang Kuo-Ning
Published: July 2023

Equation-Informed Neural Networks (EINNs) are developed as an efficient method for extracting the coefficients of constitutive equations. Subsequently, numerical Bayesian Inference (BI) iterations were applied to estimate the distribution of these coefficients, thereby further refining them. We could generate coefficients optimally aligned with the targeted application scenario by carefully adjusting pre-processing mapping parameters and identifying dataset preferences. Leveraging graphical representation techniques, the EINNs formulation is implemented in temperature- and strain-rate-dependent hyperbolic Garofalo, Anand, and Chaboche constitutive models to extract the corresponding coefficients for lead-free SAC305 solder material. The performance of the EINNs-based extracted coefficients, obtained from experimental results of SAC305 solder material, is comparable to existing studies. The methodology offers the dual advantage of providing the coefficients’ value and distribution against the training dataset.
Effect of Current Density on the Corrosion Resistance and Photocatalytic Properties of Cu-Ni-Zn0.96Ni0.02Cu0.02O Nanocomposite Coatings
Authors: Tan Haifeng , Yang Wenchao , Hao Mingzhu , Wang Chao , Yang Jie , Sunyu Haixuan , Ling Yunhe , Song Guihong , He Chunlin
Published: July 2023

2 at.% Cu + 2 at.% Ni were co-doped in ZnO nanoparticles by a simple hydrothermal method, and then the modified nanoparticles were compounded into Cu-Ni alloy coatings using an electroplating technique. The effects of the current density (15–45 mA/cm2) on the phase structure, surface morphology, thickness, microhardness, corrosion resistance, and photocatalytic properties of the coatings were investigated. The results show that the Cu-Ni-Zn0.96Ni0.02Cu0.02O nanocomposite coatings had the highest compactness and the best overall performance at a current density of 35 mA/cm2. At this point, the co-deposition rate reached its maximum, resulting in the deposition of more Zn0.96Ni0.02Cu0.02O nanoparticles in the coating. More nanoparticles were dispersed in the coating with a better particle strengthening effect, which resulted in a minimum crystallite size of 15.21 nm and a maximum microhardness of 558 HV. Moreover, the surface structure of the coatings became finer and denser. Therefore, the corrosion resistance was significantly improved with a corrosion current density of 2.21 × 10–3 mA/cm2, and the charge transfer resistance was up to 20.98 kΩ·cm2. The maximum decolorization rate of the rhodamine B solution was 24.08% under ultraviolet light irradiation for 5 h. The improvement in the comprehensive performance was mainly attributed to the greater concentration of Zn0.96Ni0.02Cu0.02O nanoparticles in the coating, which played the role of the particle-reinforced phase and reduced the microstructure defects.
Additive Manufacturing of an Extended-Release Tablet of Tacrolimus
Authors: Abdollahi Azin , Ansari Zahra , Akrami Mohammad , Haririan Ismaeil , Dashti-Khavidaki Simin , Irani Mohammad , Kamankesh Mojtaba , Ghobadi Emad
Published: July 2023

An extended-release tablet of tacrolimus as once-daily dosing was fabricated using 3D printing technology. It was developed by combining two 3D-printing methods in parallel. Indeed, an optimized mixture of PVA, sorbitol, and magnesium stearate as a shell compartment was printed through a hot-melt extrusion (HME) nozzle while an HPMC gel mixture of the drug in the core compartment was printed by a pressure-assisted micro-syringe (PAM). A 3D-printed tablet with an infill of 90% was selected as an optimized formula upon the desired dissolution profile, releasing 86% of the drug at 12 h, similar to the commercial one. The weight variation, friability, hardness, assay, and content uniformity determination met USP requirements. A microbial evaluation showed that the 3D-printed tablet does not support microbial growth. SEM analysis showed smooth surfaces with multiple deposited layers. No peak interference appeared based on FTIR analysis. No decomposition of the polymer and drug was observed in the printing temperature, and no change in tacrolimus crystallinity was detected based on TGA and DSC analyses, respectively. The novel, sTable 3D-printed tablet, fabricated using controllable additive manufacturing, can quickly provide tailored dosing with specific kinetic release for personalized medicine at the point-of-care.
Effect of De-Icing Chemicals on Concrete Scaling: The Role of Storage Water
Authors: Misák Petr , Kocáb Dalibor , Bayer Patrik , Vymazal Tomáš , Rovnaníková Pavla
Published: July 2023

This paper deals with the effect of the character of the water used for the water storage of concrete test specimens on the results of tests for resistance to de-icing chemicals. Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of the content of free CO2 in water and leaching of calcium hydroxide from concrete on the test results. In the first experiment, the resistance of mortars to water and de-icing chemicals was investigated. It was found that the character of the water storage, i.e., fresh water vs. previously used water, can significantly affect the test results. The second experiment focused on investigating the effect of the content of free CO2 in water on the test results. It was found that the content of free CO2 in the water can statistically significantly influence the test results. In conclusion, the paper shows that the character of the water used for water storage of concrete test specimens and the content of free CO2 in water are essential factors that can significantly affect the results of concrete resistance tests to de-icing chemicals. Further research is needed to understand these influences and their potential use to improve the resistance of concrete.
Fully Automated Bioreactor-Based pH-Cycling System for Demineralization: A Comparative Study with a Conventional Method
Authors: Satou Ryouichi , Miki Naoko , Iwasaki Miyu , Sugihara Naoki
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to develop an automated pH-cycling system using inexpensive commercial components that can replicate pH fluctuations in the oral cavity and salivary clearance to compare demineralization characteristics with the conventional method. The study found that the newly developed cycle-1 group showed improved demineralization properties, including apparent lesion depth, surface roughness, Vickers hardness, mineral loss, and depth of demineralization, compared to the control group. Additionally, the cycle-2 group, which had a longer cycle interval, showed further improvements in the demineralization properties. This system can replicate the differences in dental damage caused by differences in meals, snacking frequencies, and lifestyle rhythms, making it useful in cariology, preventive dentistry research, and oral care product development. It can be constructed using inexpensive commercial products, significantly reducing research costs and improving reproducibility and fairness between different experimental facilities. The system can replicate lifestyle rhythms, such as meals, sleep, and oral clearance by saliva, making it an in vitro pseudo-oral cavity.
Risk Factors with Porcelain Laminate Veneers Experienced during Cementation: A Review
Authors: Assaf André , Azer Shereen S. , Sfeir Abdo , Al-Haj Husain Nadin , Özcan Mutlu
Published: July 2023

The clinical success of porcelain laminate veneers (PLVs) depends on many clinical and technical factors, from planning to execution, among which adhesive cementation is of significant importance. This procedure carries many risk factors if not optimally executed. The objective of this study was to document the clinical parameters affecting successful cementation procedures with a focus on the adhesive strength, integrity, and esthetics of the PLVs. A literature search was conducted through MEDLINE, complemented by a hand search using predefined keywords. Articles published in English between 1995 and 2023 were selected. According to this review, the success and longevity of PLVs rely in great part on the implementation of a precise cementation technique, starting from field isolation, adequate materials selection for adhesion, proper manipulation of the materials, the seating of the veneers, polymerization, and elimination of the excess cement. Several clinical steps performed before cementation, including treatment planning, preparation, impression, and adequate choice of the restorative material, could affect the quality of cementation. Scientific evidence suggests careful implementation of this process to achieve predictable outcomes with PLVs. The short- and long-term clinical success of adhesively luted PLVs is tributary to a deep understanding of the materials used and the implementation of clinical protocols. It is also contingent upon all the previous steps from case selection, treatment planning, and execution until and after the cementation.
Self-Compacting High-Strength Textile-Reinforced Concrete Using Sea Sand and Sea Water
Authors: Kryzhanovskyi Vitalii , Avramidou Athanasia , Orlowsky Jeanette , Spyridis Panagiotis
Published: July 2023

In this study, a self-compacting high-strength concrete based on ordinary and sulfate-resistant cements was developed for use in textile-reinforced structural elements. The control concrete was made from quartz sand and tap water, and the sea concrete was made from sea water and sea sand for the purpose of applying local building materials to construction sites in the coastal area. The properties of a self-compacting concrete mixture, as well as concrete and textile-reinforced concrete based on it, were determined. It was found that at the age of 28 days, the compressive strength of the sea concrete was 72 MPa, and the flexural strength was 9.2 MPa. The compressive strength of the control concrete was 69.4 MPa at the age of 28 days, and the flexural strength was 11.1 MPa. The drying shrinkage of the sea concrete at 28 days exceeded the drying shrinkage of the control concrete by 18%. The uniaxial tensile test showed the same behavior of the control and marine textile-reinforced concrete; after the formation of five cracks, only the carbon textile reinforcement came into operation. Accordingly, the use of sea water and sea sand in combination with a cement with reduced CO2 emissions and textile reinforcement for load-bearing concrete structures is a promising, sustainable approach.
Effects of Aluminum Addition on Microstructure and Properties of TiC-TiB2/Fe Coatings In Situ Synthesized by TIG Cladding
Authors: Ma Ning , Xiao Xiao , Zhao Di , Yin Danqing , Zhang Keke
Published: July 2023

This study focuses on the synthesis of TiC-TiB2/Fe coatings with varying amounts of aluminum (Al) using tungsten inert gas (TIG) cladding and investigates the impact of Al addition on microstructure refinement and performance enhancement of the coatings. The coatings were prepared on a mild steel substrate using TIG cladding. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the presence of TiC, TiB2, AlxTi, and AlxFe phases in the coatings. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the addition of Al improved the microstructure, reducing defects and enhancing the distribution of reinforcing phases within the coatings. The particle size of the reinforcing phases was significantly refined by the addition of Al. The micro-hardness of the coatings was significantly higher than that of the substrate, with the maximum micro-hardness of the coating reaching 955.5 ± 50.7 HV0.1, approximately six times that of the substrates. However, excessive Al addition led to a reduction in hardness due to a decrease in the quantity of hard phases. The wear tests showed that all the coatings had lower wear loss compared to the substrate material, with the wear loss initially decreasing and then increasing with the increasing Al content. Samples with a 28.57 wt.% Al addition exhibited the best wear resistance, with approximately 16.8% of the wear volume loss compared to mild steel under the same testing conditions, attributed to the optimal combination of reinforcement phase quantity and matrix properties.
New Insights on Robust Control of Tilting Trains with Combined Uncertainty and Performance Constraints
Authors: Hassan Fazilah , Zolotas Argyrios , Halikias George
Published: July 2023

A rigorous study on optimized robust control is presented for non-preview (nulling-type) high-speed tilting rail vehicles. The scheme utilizes sensors on the vehicle’s body, contrary to that of preview tilt (which uses prior rail track information). Tilt with preview is the industrial norm nowadays but is a complex scheme (both in terms of inter-vehicle signal connections and when it comes to straightforward fault detection). Non-preview tilt is simple (as it essentially involves an SISO control structure) and more effective in terms of (the localization of) failure detection. However, the non-preview tilt scheme suffers from performance limitations due to non-minimum-phase zeros in the design model (due to the compound effect of the suspension dynamic interaction and sensor combination used for feedback control) and presents a challenging control design problem. We proposed an optimized robust control design offering a highly improved non-preview tilt performance via a twofold model representation, i.e., (i) using the non-minimum phase design model and (ii) proposing a factorized design model version with the non-minimum phase characteristics treated as uncertainty. The impact of the designed controllers on tilt performance deterministic (curving acceleration response) and stochastic (ride quality) trade-off was methodically investigated. Nonlinear optimization was employed to facilitate fine weight selection given the importance of the ride quality as a bounded constraint in the design process.
Evaluation of a Front Braking Light for Improving Safety in Road Transport
Authors: Poliak Miloš , Dvorský Ján , Zýka Jan , Nica Elvira
Published: July 2023

The aim of innovations in road safety is to contribute to the better protection of road users and to minimize damage to their property. The main objective of this article is to identify disparities in perceptions of a front braking light by examining the road safety of road users based on their type of employment and the number of kilometers driven per year. The research will evaluate the attitudes of selected groups of road users based on the number of kilometers driven in a calendar year and whether driving a motor vehicle is their main duty as part of their job. The analysis involved 239 respondents using a paper questionnaire. Disparities in perceptions of innovations, with regard to road safety, were evaluated using contingency tables, chi-square tests, non-parametric tests, and Cramer’s V. Road users feel much safer with a front braking light when crossing traffic comprising vehicles and pedestrians (71%), at pedestrian crossings (74%), when turning left (63.4%), as well as when crossing traffic comprising multiple vehicles (62.5%). Disparities between respondents based on the type of employment of the road user were not confirmed. Road users with a higher number of driven kilometers have a more positive perception of the front braking light at pedestrian crossings.
The Fatal Clinical Outcome of Severe COVID-19 in Hospitalized Patients: Findings from a Prospective Cohort Study in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Tasnuva , Akter Afroza , Tauheed Imam , Akhtar Marjahan , Rahman Sadia Isfat Ara , Khaton Fatema , Ahmmed Faisal , Firoj Md. Golam , Ferdous Jannatul , Afrad Mokibul Hassan , Kawser Zannat , Hossain Mohabbat , Hasnat Mohammad Abul , Sumon Mostafa Aziz , Rashed Asif , Ghosh Shuvro , Banu Sayera , Shirin Tahmina , Bhuiyan Taufiqur Rahman , Chowdhury Fahima , Qadri Firdausi
Published: July 2023

Background and Objectives: The morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19 have burdened worldwide healthcare systems beyond their capacities, forcing them to promptly investigate the virus characteristics and its associated outcomes. This clinical analysis aimed to explore the key factors related to the fatal outcome of severe COVID-19 cases. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five adult severe COVID-19 patients were enrolled from two COVID-19 hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Clinical manifestation, comorbid conditions, medications, SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR related cycle threshold (CT) value, hematology, biochemical parameters with SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG and IgM responses at enrollment were compared between the survivors and deceased participants. Results: Total 27 patients survived and 8 patients died within 3 months of disease onset. Deceased patients suffered longer from shortness of breath than the survived (p = 0.049). Among the severe cases, 62% of the deceased patients had multiple comorbid condition compared to 48% of those who survived. Interestingly, the anti-viral was initiated earlier among the deceased patients [median day of 1 (IQR: 0, 1.5) versus 6.5 (IQR: 6.25, 6.75)]. Most of the survivors (55%) received a combination of anticoagulant (p = 0.034). Liver enzymes, creatinine kinase, and procalcitonin were higher among the deceased patients during enrollment. The median CT value among the deceased was significantly lower than the survivors (p = 0.025). A significant difference for initial IgG (p = 0.013) and IgM (p = 0.030) responses was found between the survivor and the deceased groups. Conclusions: The factors including older age, male gender, early onset of respiratory distress, multiple comorbidities, low CT value, and poor antibody response may contribute to the fatal outcome in severe COVID-19 patients. Early initiation of anti-viral and a combination of anticoagulant treatment may prevent or lower the fatality among severe COVID-19 cases.
Analysis of Multi-Mycotoxins in Commonly Consumed Spices Using the LC-MS/MS Method for Assessing Food Safety Risks
Authors: Demirhan Burak , Demirhan Buket Er
Published: July 2023

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by certain fungal species. In this study, the aim was to investigate mycotoxins, which pose a serious health problem. For this purpose, a total of 140 spice samples (black pepper, red pepper, cumin, and turmeric) purchased from Ankara, Turkey, were analyzed for specific mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1-AFB1, aflatoxin B2-AFB2, aflatoxin G1-AFG1, aflatoxin G2-AFG2, ochratoxin A-OTA, zearalenone-ZEN) using an LC-MS/MS multi-mycotoxin method. The Staphylococcus spp. and Micrococcus spp. counts in the spice samples were also analyzed using the conventional culture method. The contamination levels of AFB1 ranged from not detected (ND) to 39.12 μg/kg; AFB2 ranged from ND to 2.10 μg/kg; AFG1 ranged from ND to 0.92 μg/kg; AFG2 ranged from ND to 3.67 μg/kg; OTA ranged from ND to 39.79 μg/kg; ZEN ranged from ND to 11.16 μg/kg. The maximum residue limit for AFB1 (5 μg/kg) determined according to the Turkish Food Codex (TFC) was exceeded in five samples of red pepper, two samples of black pepper, and one sample of turmeric. Furthermore, it was determined that three samples of red pepper and one sample of black pepper exceeded the maximum limits for total aflatoxin (10 μg/kg) and OTA (15 μg/kg) specified in the TFC.
Detection of Mycobacterial DNA in Human Bone Marrow
Authors: González-Escalada Alba , Rebollo María José , Barrios Payan Jorge , Hernández-Pando Rogelio , García María Jesús
Published: July 2023

Bone marrow is a cell-rich tissue of the reticuloendothelial system essential in the homeostasis and accurate functioning of hematopoiesis and of the immune system; moreover, it is also rich in lipids because it contains marrow adipocytes. This work aimed to evaluate the detection of mycobacterial DNA in human bone marrow as a tool to understand the complex pathology caused by the main pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded human bone marrow samples were studied using both conventional PCR + hybridization and in situ PCR to figure out the cell distribution of the targeted DNA. Samples were retrospectively collected from HIV+ patients with microbiologically proved mycobacterial infection and from subjects without evidence of infection. Mycobacterium avium (Mav) as well as Mtb DNA was detected in both settings, including tissues with and without granulomas. We detected DNA from both mycobacterial species, using in situ PCR, inside bone marrow macrophages. Other cell types, including adipocytes, showed positive signals only for Mtb DNA. This result suggested, for the first time, that marrow adipocytes could constitute an ideal reservoir for the persistence of Mtb, allowing the bacilli to establish long-lasting latent infection within a suitable lipid environment. This fact might differentiate pathogenic behavior of non-specialized pathogens such as Mav from that of specialized pathogens such as Mtb.
Modification of Dispersin B with Cyclodextrin-Ciprofloxacin Derivatives for Treating Staphylococcal
Authors: Abdelkader Jinan , Alelyani Magbool , Alashban Yazeed , Alghamdi Sami A. , Bakkour Youssef
Published: July 2023

To address the high tolerance of biofilms to antibiotics, it is urgent to develop new strategies to fight against these bacterial consortia. An innovative antibiofilm nanovector drug delivery system, consisting of Dispersin B-permethylated-β-cyclodextrin/ciprofloxacin adamantyl (DspB-β-CD/CIP-Ad), is described here. For this purpose, complexation assays between CIP-Ad and (i) unmodified β-CD and (ii) different derivatives of β-CD, which are 2,3-O-dimethyl-β-CD, 2,6-O-dimethyl-β-CD, and 2,3,6-O-trimethyl-β-CD, were tested. A stoichiometry of 1/1 was obtained for the β-CD/CIP-Ad complex by NMR analysis. Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) experiments were carried out to determine Ka, ΔH, and ΔS thermodynamic parameters of the complex between β-CD and its different derivatives in the presence of CIP-Ad. A stoichiometry of 1/1 for β-CD/CIP-Ad complexes was confirmed with variable affinity according to the type of methylation. A phase solubility study showed increased CIP-Ad solubility with CD concentration, pointing out complex formation. The evaluation of the antibacterial activity of CIP-Ad and the 2,3-O-dimethyl-β-CD/CIP-Ad or 2,3,6-O-trimethyl-β-CD/CIP-Ad complexes was performed on Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) strains. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) studies showed that the complex of CIP-Ad and 2,3-O-dimethyl-β-CD exhibited a similar antimicrobial activity to CIP-Ad alone, while the interaction with 2,3,6-O-trimethyl-β-CD increased MIC values. Antimicrobial assays on S. epidermidis biofilms demonstrated that the synergistic effect observed with the DspB/CIP association was partly maintained with the 2,3-O-dimethyl-β-CDs/CIP-Ad complex. To obtain this “all-in-one” drug delivery system, able to destroy the biofilm matrix and release the antibiotic simultaneously, we covalently grafted DspB on three carboxylic permethylated CD derivatives with different-length spacer arms. The strategy was validated by demonstrating that a DspB-permethylated-β-CD/ciprofloxacin-Ad system exhibited efficient antibiofilm activity.
Coriandrum sativum and Its Utility in Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Santibáñez Anislada , Jiménez-Ferrer Enrique , Angulo-Bejarano Paola Isabel , Sharma Ashutosh , Herrera-Ruiz Maribel
Published: July 2023

The negative impact on worldwide social well-being by the increasing rate of psychiatric diseases has led to a continuous new drug search. Even though the current therapeutic options exert their activity on multiple neurological targets, these have various adverse effects, causing treatment abandonment. Recent research has shown that Coriandrum sativum offers a rich source of metabolites, mainly terpenes and flavonoids, as useful agents against central nervous system disorders, with remarkable in vitro and in vivo activities on models related to these pathologies. Furthermore, studies have revealed that some compounds exhibit a chemical interaction with γ-aminobutyric acid, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, which are key components in the pathophysiology associated with psychiatric and neurological diseases. The current clinical evaluations of standardized extracts of C. sativum are scarce; however, one or more of its compounds represents an area of opportunity to test the efficacy of the plant as an anxiolytic, antidepressant, antiepileptic, or sleep enhancer. For this, the aim of the review was based on the pharmacological activities offered by the compounds identified and isolated from coriander and the processes involved in achieving their effect. In addition, lines of technological research, like molecular docking and nanoparticles, are proposed for the future development of phytomedicines, based on the bioactive molecules of C. sativum, for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders addressed in the present study.
Propagation Capacity of Phage Display Peptide Libraries Is Affected by the Length and Conformation of Displayed Peptide
Authors: Kamstrup Sell Danna , Sinkjaer Anders Wilgaard , Bakhshinejad Babak , Kjaer Andreas
Published: July 2023

The larger size and diversity of phage display peptide libraries enhance the probability of finding clinically valuable ligands. A simple way of increasing the throughput of selection is to mix multiple peptide libraries with different characteristics of displayed peptides and use it as biopanning input. In phage display, the peptide is genetically coupled with a biological entity (the phage), and the representation of peptides in the selection system is dependent on the propagation capacity of phages. Little is known about how the characteristics of displayed peptides affect the propagation capacity of the pooled library. In this work, next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to investigate the amplification capacity of three widely used commercial phage display peptide libraries (Ph.D.™-7, Ph.D.™-12, and Ph.D.™-C7C from New England Biolabs). The three libraries were pooled and subjected to competitive propagation, and the proportion of each library in the pool was quantitated at two time points during propagation. The results of the inter-library competitive propagation assay led to the conclusion that the propagation capacity of phage libraries on a population level is decreased with increasing length and cyclic conformation of displayed peptides. Moreover, the enrichment factor (EF) analysis of the phage population revealed a higher propagation capacity of the Ph.D.TM-7 library. Our findings provide evidence for the contribution of the length and structural conformation of displayed peptides to the unequal propagation rates of phage display libraries and suggest that it is important to take peptide characteristics into account once pooling multiple combinatorial libraries for phage display selection through biopanning.
Soluble TREM2 Concentrations in the Cerebrospinal Fluid Correlate with the Severity of Neurofibrillary Degeneration, Cognitive Impairment, and Inflammasome Activation in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Španić Popovački Ena , Babić Leko Mirjana , Langer Horvat Lea , Brgić Klara , Vogrinc Željka , Boban Marina , Klepac Nataša , Borovečki Fran , Šimić Goran
Published: July 2023

Background: Individuals with specific TREM2 gene variants that encode for a Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid cells 2 have a higher prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). By interacting with amyloid and apolipoproteins, the TREM2 receptor regulates the number of myeloid cells, phagocytosis, and the inflammatory response. Higher TREM2 expression has been suggested to protect against AD. However, it is extremely difficult to comprehend TREM2 signaling in the context of AD. Previous results are variable and show distinct effects on diverse pathological changes in AD, differences between soluble and membrane isoform signaling, and inconsistency between animal models and humans. In addition, the relationship between TREM2 and inflammasome activation pathways is not yet entirely understood. Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between soluble TREM2 (sTREM2) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma samples and other indicators of AD pathology. Methods: Using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), we analyzed 98 samples of AD plasma, 35 samples of plasma from individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 11 samples of plasma from healthy controls (HC), as well as 155 samples of AD CSF, 90 samples of MCI CSF, and 50 samples of HC CSF. Results: CSF sTREM2 levels were significantly correlated with neurofibrillary degeneration, cognitive decline, and inflammasome activity in AD patients. In contrast to plasma sTREM2, CSF sTREM2 levels in the AD group were higher than those in the MCI and HC groups. Moreover, concentrations of sTREM2 in CSF were substantially higher in the MCI group than in the HC group, indicating that CSF sTREM2 levels could be used not only to distinguish between HC and AD patients but also as a biomarker to detect earlier changes in the MCI stage. Conclusions: The results indicate CSF sTREM2 levels reliably predict neurofibrillary degeneration, cognitive decline, and inflammasome activation, and also have a high diagnostic potential for distinguishing diseased from healthy individuals. To add sTREM2 to the list of required AD biomarkers, future studies will need to include a larger number of patients and utilize a standardized methodology.
The Mediating Effects of Nutritional Status on the Relationship between Number of Residual Teeth and Cognitive Function among Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Study
Authors: Li Yun , Xia Xin , Wu Wenwen , Tian Xin , Hu Yuexia , Dong Birong , Wang Yanyan
Published: July 2023

The underlying mechanisms of the relationship between the number of teeth and cognition is still unclear. We aimed to construct a mediation model between the number of residual teeth and cognitive function, using nutritional status as a mediating factor. This study was completed using the West China Health and Aging Trend cohort. A total of 6634 multi-ethnic older adults, aged 50 years or older, were included. This study measured cognitive function using the Short-Portable Mental Status Questionnaire, and nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form. The mediation analysis examined the potential mediating role of nutritional status. The pathway analysis was supplemented and validated using the structural equation modelling framework. Multiple linear regression demonstrated that a higher number of residual teeth was correlated with enhanced cognitive function (β = −0.15; 95% CI: −0.19 to −0.111). The mediation model, from the number of residual teeth to cognitive impairment, was partially mediated by nutritional status (β = −0.0608; 95% CI: −0.0762 to −0.0461). The proportion of the mediating effect, expressed as a percentage, was 40.66%. Furthermore, the estimated coefficients for the number of residual teeth and nutritional status varied across ethnic groups. This study indicated that enhancing the nutrition of older adults could reduce the adverse effects of the number of residual teeth on cognitive function among older adults.
N,N-Dimethyl-anthranilic Acid from Calvatia nipponica Mushroom Fruiting Bodies Induces Apoptotic Effects on MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Lee Dahae , Lee Seulah , Jang Yoon Seo , Ryoo Rhim , Kim Jung Kyu , Kang Ki Sung , Kim Ki Hyun
Published: July 2023

Breast cancer ranks among the most prevalent malignancies affecting women worldwide, and apoptosis-targeting drugs are attractive candidates for the treatment of cancer. In the current study, we investigated the in vitro cytotoxicity of the mushroom Calvatia nipponica in human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), identified potential antitumor compounds through bioactivity-guided isolation, and elucidated the antitumor, pro-apoptotic molecular mechanisms of the identified bioactive compounds. C. nipponica is edible when young, and it has been used as a food source as well as a traditional medicine in wound dressings. However, only a limited number of studies have reported its chemical composition and biological activities. In the screening test, the methanol extract of C. nipponica fruiting bodies exhibited cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cells. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the methanol (MeOH) extract and chemical investigation of the active fractions resulted in the isolation of fourteen compounds (1–14), including six alkaloids (1–3, 5, 7, and 8), two phenolic compounds (4 and 6), one fatty acid (9), and five steroids (10–14). The structures of the isolated compounds were determined using NMR spectroscopic methods, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, and comparison of data with previously reported values. The isolated compounds (1–14) were tested for cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cells, where compound 1, i.e., N,N-dimethyl-anthranilic acid, exhibited the most significant cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 cells, with an IC50 value of 90.28 ± 4.23 μM and apoptotic cell death of 56.01% ± 2.64% at 100 μM. Treatment with compound 1 resulted in an upregulation of protein levels, including cleaved caspase-8, cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, Bad, and Cytochrome c, but decreased the levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). Overall, these results indicate that N,N-dimethyl-anthranilic acid (1) may have anti-breast cancer activity and is probably involved in the induction of apoptosis mediated by extrinsic and intrinsic signaling pathways.
Effect of Isocaloric Meals on Postprandial Glycemic and Metabolic Markers in Type 1 Diabetes—A Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: Barouti Afroditi Alexandra , Björklund Anneli , Catrina Sergiu Bogdan , Brismar Kerstin , Rajamand Ekberg Neda
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of four isocaloric meals with different macronutrient compositions on postprandial blood glucose, lipids, and glucagon in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Seventeen subjects tested four isocaloric meals in a randomized crossover design. The meal compositions were as follows: high-carbohydrate (HC); high-carbohydrate with extra fiber (HC-fiber); low-carbohydrate high-protein (HP); and low-carbohydrate high-fat (HF). Blood glucose and lipid measurements were collected up to 4 h and glucagon up to 3 h postprandially. Mean postprandial glucose excursions were lower after the HP compared to the HC (p = 0.036) and HC-fiber meals (p = 0.002). There were no differences in mean glucose excursions after the HF meal compared to the HC and HP meals. The HF meal resulted in higher triglyceride excursions compared to the HP meal (p < 0.001) but not compared to the HC or HC-fiber meals. Glucagon excursions were higher at 180 min after the HP meal compared to the HC and HF meals. In conclusion, the low-carbohydrate HP meal showed the most favorable glycemic and metabolic effects during a 4 h postprandial period in subjects with T1D.
Effects of Acute Caffeine Ingestion on Cognitive Performance before and after Repeated Small-Sided Games in Professional Soccer Players: A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Crossover Trial
Authors: de Almeida Rodrigo Freire , de Oliveira Mateus , Furigo Isadora Clivatti , Aquino Rodrigo , Clarke Neil David , Tallis Jason , Guimaraes-Ferreira Lucas
Published: July 2023

Soccer is a team sport that requires players to process a significant amount of information quickly and respond with both speed and accuracy to the ever-changing demands of the game. As such, success in soccer depends not only on physical attributes but also on cognitive abilities such as perception and decision-making. The aim of the current study was to investigate the acute effects of caffeine ingestion on Stroop test performance before and after repeated small-sided games (SSG) in professional soccer players. Twelve professional male soccer players (29 ± 4.1 years; 78.1 ± 7.7 kg body mass) participated in this study. A randomized crossover double-blind placebo-controlled trial was used. Caffeine (5 mg.kg−1) or a placebo was ingested 45 min before a protocol consisting of five 5 min SSG with 1 min rest intervals. A computerized version of the colour Stroop test was completed immediately before and after the exercise protocol. During the Stroop test, words appeared on the computer screen in three different ways: (i) neutral words (neutral condition); (ii) correspondent colour (i.e., “red” painted in red; congruent condition), or; (iii) different colour (i.e., “red” painted in green; incongruent condition). The incongruent condition aimed to cause the interference effect, as the colour and the word did not match. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed after each SSG. RPE increased during the five sets of the SSG protocol (p < 0.001), without differences between the caffeine and placebo trials. The soccer-specific exercise protocol promoted a faster response during the Stroop test (two-way ANOVA main effect for SSG protocol: p < 0.05), with no differences in accuracy (p > 0.05). Caffeine ingestion resulted in slower reaction time during the Stroop test during the congruent and neutral trials but not during the incongruent trial (two-way ANOVA main effect for supplementation: p = 0.009, p = 0.045, and p = 0.071, respectively). Accuracy was lower in the caffeine trial in congruent and incongruent trials (p < 0.05 caffeine vs. placebo both on the pre- and post-SSG protocol). In conclusion, a soccer-specific exercise protocol improved the Stroop test performance in professional soccer players, but acute caffeine ingestion (5 mg.kg−1) was detrimental.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Substituted Fused Dipyranoquinolinones
Authors: Vlachou Evangelia-Eirini N. , Pontiki Eleni , Hadjipavlou-Litina Dimitra J. , Litinas Konstantinos E.
Published: July 2023

New methyl-substituted, and diphenyl-substituted fused dipyranoquinolinones are prepared in excellent yields via the triple bond activation and 6-endo-dig cyclization of propargyloxycoumarin derivatives by gold nanoparticles supported on TiO2 in chlorobenzene under microwave irradiation. In the absence of gold nanoparticles, the methyl-substituted propargyloxycoumarin derivatives resulted in fused furopyranoquinolinones through Claisen rearrangement and 5-exo-dig cyclization. The intermediate propargyloxy-fused pyridocoumarins are prepared by propargylation of the corresponding hydroxy-fused pyridocoumarins. The methyl-substituted derivatives of the latter are synthesized in excellent yield by the three-component reaction of amino hydroxycoumarin with n-butyl vinyl ether under iodine catalysis. The diphenyl-substituted derivatives of hydroxy-fused pyridocoumarins are obtained, also, by the three-component reaction of amino hydroxycoumarin with benzaldehyde and phenyl acetylene catalyzed by iron (III) chloride. Preliminary biological tests of the title compounds indicated lipoxygenase (LOX) (EC 1.13.11.12) inhibitory activity (60–100 μM), whereas compound 28a, with IC50 = 10 μM, was found to be a potent LOX inhibitor and a possible lead compound. Only compounds 10b and 28b significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation.
Neuroprotective Effects of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. Leaf Extract against Glutamate-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Apoptosis in Human Microglial Cells
Authors: Phoraksa Onuma , Chimkerd Chanika , Thiyajai Parunya , Judprasong Kunchit , Tuntipopipat Siriporn , Tencomnao Tewin , Charoenkiatkul Somsri , Muangnoi Chawanphat , Sukprasansap Monruedee
Published: July 2023

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress caused by excessive glutamate in the central nervous system leads to neurodegeneration. Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. has been reported to possess neuroprotective properties. We aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of A. lebbeck leaf extracts on glutamate-induced neurotoxicity and apoptosis linked to ER stress using human microglial HMC3 cells. A. lebbeck leaves were extracted using hexane (AHE), mixed solvents, and ethanol. Each different extract was evaluated for cytotoxic effects on HMC3 cells, and then non-cytotoxic concentrations of the extracts were pretreated with the cells, followed by glutamate. Our results showed that AHE treatment exhibited the highest protective effect and was thus selected for finding the mechanistic approach. AHE inhibited the specific ER stress proteins (calpain1 and caspase-12). AHE also suppressed the apoptotic proteins (Bax, cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-3); however, it also increased the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein. Remarkably, AHE increased cellular antioxidant activities (SOD, CAT, and GPx). To support the activation of antioxidant defense and inhibition of apoptosis in our HMC3 cell model, the bioactive phytochemicals within AHE were identified by HPLC analysis. We found that AHE had high levels of carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, and lutein) and flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol). Our novel findings indicate that AHE can inhibit glutamate-induced neurotoxicity via ER stress and apoptosis signaling pathways by activating cellular antioxidant enzymes in HMC3 cells, suggesting a potential mechanism for neuroprotection. As such, A. lebbeck leaf might potentially represent a promising source and novel alternative approach for preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
A Blue-Light-Emitting 3 nm-Sized CsPbBr3 Perovskite Quantum Dot with ZnBr2 Synthesized by Room-Temperature Supersaturated Recrystallization
Authors: Idosa Dula Adugna , Abebe Mulualem , Mani Dhakshnamoorthy , Thankappan Aparna , Thomas Sabu , Aga Fekadu Gochole , Kim Jung Yong
Published: July 2023

Recently, tuning the green emission of CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs) to blue through quantum size and confinement effects has received considerable attention due to its remarkable photophysical properties. However, the synthesis of such a blue-emitting QD has been challenging. Herein, supersaturated recrystallization was successfully implemented at room temperature to synthesize a broadband blue-emitting ZnBr2-doped CsPbBr3 QD with an average size of ~3 nm covering the blue spectrum. The structural and optical properties of CsPbBr3 QDs demonstrated that QD particle size may decrease by accommodating ZnBr2 dopants into the perovskite precursor solution. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy confirmed the presence of zinc ions with the QDs. This work provides a new strategy for synthesizing strongly quantum-confined QD materials for photonic devices such as light-emitting diodes and lighting.
Powerful Elliptically Polarized Terahertz Radiation from Oscillating-Laser-Driven Discharge Surface Currents
Authors: Dmitriev Egor , Bukharskii Nikolai , Korneev Philipp
Published: July 2023

This work presents a general concept of an intense laser-driven source of strong electromagnetic waves, which can be used for obtaining powerful terahertz radiation with controlled polarization. It is shown that the irradiation of a solid target surface by short relativistic laser pulses at small angles provides the excitation of strong compact relativistic discharge current pulses, propagating in a certain direction. For elliptical targets, this current emits elliptically polarized electromagnetic radiation at a given frequency with the ellipticity and the spectra defined by the target geometry. The proposed setup allows reaching extreme THz intensities and provides easy control of the radiation parameters, making it attractive for various scientific and technological applications.
Is the Non-Pointness of the Electron Observable in e+e− Annihilation at Center-of-Mass Energies 55–207 GeV?
Authors: Chen Yutao , Lin Chih-Hsun , Liu Minghui , Sakharov Alexander S. , Ulbricht Jürgen , Zhao Jiawei
Published: July 2023

The experimental data from VENUS, TOPAS, OPAL, DELPHI, ALEPH and L3 Collaborations collected from 1989 to 2003 are applied to study the quantum electrodynamics (QED) framework through the direct contact interaction term approach, using the annihilation reaction e+e−→γγ(γ). The analysis involves performing a χ2-test to detect the presence of an excited electron e*, and and evidence of non-point like behavior in the e+e− annihilation zone. The analysis yields compelling results, showing a significant signal at a confidence level of approximately 5 standard deviations. These findings suggest the existence of an excited electron with a mass of 308 ± 14 GeV and indicate the presence of a contact interaction characterized by a cutoff scale of 1253.53 ± 226 GeV. Furthermore, the interpretation of the cutoff scale result in terms of a radius of (1.57 ± 0.07) × 10−17 cm raises an intriguing possibility regarding the electron’s non-pointness.
CFD Investigation on the Performance of Cyclone Separators with Divergent or Convergent Insertion Pipes
Authors: Wang Mengyang , Feng Ding , Wang Jiangang , Hou Lingxia , Miao Enming
Published: July 2023

For multi-phase separation, developing high-performance cyclone separators is highly demanded. In this study, different divergent or convergent insertion pipes bFelow the vortex finder are employed to improve the separation performance. The impacts of insertion pipe geometrical configurations on the flow characteristics, pressure drop, and separation efficiency are systematically analyzed. The results reveal that the employed insertion pipe can significantly affect the static pressure distribution inside the cyclone. A longer insertion pipe length and larger tilt angle result in a wider central low-pressure area and smaller overall static pressure. The divergent insertion pipes increase pressure loss, while the convergent insertion pipes augment pressure loss. A larger insertion pipe length significantly impacts the axial velocity distribution. For divergent insertion pipes, the maximum central axial velocity increases with increasing tilt angles and then decreases. For small particles (dp ≤ 5 μm), a convergent insertion pipe exhibits a better separation performance. When the particle diameter dp ≥ 5 μm, divergent insertion pipes with larger angles and lengths can significantly decrease the pressure drop while guaranteeing satisfied collection efficiency. When L = 75 mm and θ = 60°, the pressure drop is reduced by 7.8%. This study may contribute to rationally designing high performance cyclone separators and also paves ways for improving the existing cyclone separators.