bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal, Dynamic Mechanical, Mechanical and Flammability Properties of Halloysite Nanotubes Filled Polyamide 11 Nanocomposites
Authors: Azahari Nur Najma Athirah , Anuar Hazleen , Hassan Azman , Jawaid Mohammed , Halim Zahurin , Samsudin Sani Amril
Published: April 2023

The effects of various filler contents on the thermal, dynamic mechanical, mechanical, as well as flammability properties of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) filler and polyamide 11 (PA 11) matrixes are investigated in this research. The nanocomposites were made out of 100 phr of PA 11 and three distinct HNTs loadings of 2, 4, and 6 phr each. PA 11 nanocomposites without HNTs filler was used as the reference sample. To melt-compound the nanocomposites, a twin-screw extruder was used, and the specimen for testing was then injected using an injection mold. SEM, TGA, DSC, FTIR, DMA, tensile, flexural, impact, and UL-94 flammability tests were conducted on the nanocomposites. Incorporation of 4 phr HNTs into the nanocomposites resulted in the highest tensile and flexural strength. Maximum improvement in the DMA, Young’s and flexural modulus was achieved at 6 phr HNTs content. The elongation at break and TGA resulted the highest increase at 2 phr HNTs content. However, the impact strength decreased with increasing HNTs content. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the ductility of the nanocomposites with increased HNTs content up to 4 phr. The DSC showed a steady increase in melting temperature (Tm) as HNTs content increased up to 4 phr, while the crystallization temperature (Tc) remained unchanged. TGA of PA 11/HNTs nanocomposites showed high thermal stability at 2 phr  HNTs content. However, on further addition of HNTs up to 6 phr, thermal stability of the nanocomposites decreased due to the excess amount of HNTs. All the nanocomposites passed the horizontal and vertical UL-94 test with HB and V-2 grade. PA 11/4HNTs nanocomposite has the highest tensile strength, flexural strength compared to other PA 11/HNTs nanocomposites. PA 11/4HNTs nanocomposite can be suggested as an optimum formulation with balanced mechanical properties in terms of toughness.
Optimization of CTLA-4 and PD-1 proteins in EMT6 Mouse Mammary Cancer Cells by Western Blot
Authors: Sham Nur Fatihah Ronny , Hasani Narimah Abdul Hamid , Idorus Mohd Yusri , Karim Muhammad Khalis Abdul , Syed Ahmad Fuad Syed Baharom , Hasbullah Harissa Husainy , Ibahim Mohammad Johari
Published: April 2023

Targeting the activation of immune checkpoints is recognized as an effective strategy for triggering anti-tumour immune responses in cancer cells. Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) were identified as potential crucial targets for cancer treatment. Overexpression of CTLA-4 and PD-1 proteins in primary tumour and human cell lines is well documented. In contrary, lack of data was available using animal cell lines. The presence study aims to optimize the expression of CTLA-4 and PD-1 proteins in EMT6 mouse mammary cancer cells using Western blot, and provide basic understanding of their association with breast cancer cell progression. Proteins extracted from EMT6 parental cells were adjusted to 30ng for gel electrophoresis. Afterwards, the protein was transferred to a nitrocellulose membrane for blotting. The membrane was then subjected to chemiluminescent for band detection. Results obtained using beta-actin as a housekeeping gene show that both CTLA-4 (32 kDa) and PD-1 (34 kDa) proteins were expressed by using a 1:1000 dilution for each antibody from the lysate of EMT6 mouse mammary cancer cells. The relative expression of PD-1 (4.0 ± 0.26) is higher compared to CTLA-4 (1.2 ± 1.8).  As a conclusion, both CTLA-4 and PD-1 proteins were indeed expressed in EMT6 mouse mammary cancer cells and this outcome provide the platform for extensive in vivo research on the link of both proteins with breast cancer using animal model.
Team Teaching in Higher Education: Personalities, Leadership Styles, and Preferences
Authors: Malak Haroon M. , Gambescia Stephen F.
Published: April 2023

Objective: This study aims to find out more about a) certain personality types, leadership styles, and teaching philosophies of those who have participated in team teaching, as well as b) their preferences for team teaching. These preliminary results ought to be helpful to faculty who may be asked to consider team teaching with a colleague(s), and results may help academic administrators assign and match faculty to team teach courses in their program offerings.Background: Given that few faculty have had the opportunity to team teach relative to the numerous courses they offer solo, there is a lack of focus, faculty development opportunities, and research on this subject. This does not, however, diminish the value of this method of delivering courses in higher education. Faculty may explore collaborative teaching in a number of ways, such as inviting a colleague to provide a one-time guest lecture, distributing assignments according to the collaborators' specialized knowledge, or working together on every part of the course.Methods: Using previously developed Myers-Briggs personality type finders and leadership style research tools, the participants' leadership and personality types were identified (Malak et al., 2022). People's experiences with teaching and preferences for leading vs. following were mapped using both qualitative (self-report) and quantitative (survey) approaches.Results: Sixty-three percent of the respondents identified as utilizing either servant leadership or coaching/mentoring. The majority of "E" type personalities like to "Lead," especially in a team-teaching atmosphere, according to this study's findings. The traditional team-teaching method was adopted by 49% of the participants, while 26% used cooperative learning, 11% used integrated learning, 9% used parallel learning, and the remaining 6% used monitoring learning. It is important to highlight that more than 60% of the subjects who had "E" qualities had backgrounds in nursing, public health, health administration, or health care.Conclusions: In summary, the faculty survey data reveal an overall profile of the faculty who have team taught in higher education as an extrovert with a penchant for judging; who prefers to lead rather than follow; uses a coaching/mentoring or servant leadership style; and prefers high level cooperation with a colleague(s) in the full range of teaching/learning activities.
Desafíos de la formación e investigación contable en Cuba: Repaso a su desarrollo y perspectiva
Authors: Ramírez Escalona Tamara , Llanes Montes Aleida , Sarduy Quintanilla Abel
Published: April 2023

Este artículo está dirigido a identificar los desafíos de la formación profesional y las principales tendencias de los temas de investigación contable en Cuba. Para ello, se realiza un estudio histórico, lógico y documental de los diferentes momentos y programas para la formación universitaria y posgraduada de contadores cubanos, así como de los programas y temas de investigación de maestrías y doctorados. También se realiza un estudio bibliométrico de la revista de mayor impacto en el área contable en Cuba, lo que permite representar el comportamiento de los intereses científicos en esta fuente. Como principales resultados del trabajo se identifican los retos y desafíos para la profesión, tanto propios del entorno cubano, como comunes a nivel mundial, y se determinan los principales temas que han sido objeto de estudio en las investigaciones de los últimos diez años. Se pudo determinar que los principales temas de investigación contable en Cuba cubren un amplio campo de actuación de la Contabilidad y las Finanzas: Costos, Auditoría y Control, Contabilidad Social y Medioambiental, Activos intangibles, Administración Financiera, Contabilidad gubernamental, Gestión del proceso presupuestario, e Historia de la Contabilidad.
Estado de la investigación contable en Perú: Una revisión desde la academia y el gremio profesional
Authors: Díaz Becerra Oscar Alfredo , Choy Zevallos Elsa Esther
Published: April 2023

La investigación contable en Perú tiene un desarrollo incipiente y con poca producción, en particular, en revistas científicas locales, situación que ha mejorado en los últimos años con las estrategias implementadas. Este artículo tiene como propósito determinar el estado actual de la investigación contable desarrollada en las universidades y en los colegios de contadores públicos departamentales, a través del órgano de investigación de la Junta de Decanos de Colegios de Contadores Públicos del Perú (JDCCPP), para ello se revisó bibliografía pública como también privada, utilizando el método analítico, con una visión descriptiva y la técnica de revisión documental. Los resultados evidencian baja producción en investigación contable en la academia y poco desarrollo de competencias en el proceso formativo del contador, como observación, reflexión, análisis y predicción. En el caso del gremio profesional contable, también existe baja producción intelectual, lo que genera espacios laborales para otras disciplinas o las nuevas que aparezcan en esta era de transformación digital, por lo que se concluye que la investigación contable será el fundamento de soporte de las nuevas competencias profesionales que necesita el contador para solucionar problemas complejos que presenta el quehacer profesional.
Mobility and Dual Tasking in the Everyday Lives of Adults with Multiple Sclerosis: A Qualitative Exploration
Authors: VanNostrand Michael , Emberley Katie , Cairns Erin , Shanahan Kristina , Kasser Susan L.
Published: April 2023

Objective: The purpose of the study was to understand how people with multiple sclerosis experience dual-tasking situations in their everyday lives. Methods: Focus groups involving a total of 11 individuals with multiple sclerosis (eight females and three males) participated in this qualitative inquiry. Participants were asked open-ended questions focused on the nature of and consequences around dual tasking when standing or walking. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to examine the data. Results: Three themes were generated from the data: (a) Life Is a Dual Task, (b) The Social Divide, and (c) Sacrifices for Stability. Conclusions: This study highlights the significance and impact of dual tasking on the lived experience of adults with multiple sclerosis, furthering the need to more fully examine this phenomenon and potentially improve fall-prevention interventions and facilitate community participation.
Goblet cell stress management
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: April 2023

Autophagy augments the mucus-secreting capacity of goblet cells by reducing ER stress.
The G118R plus R263K Combination of Integrase Mutations Associated with Dolutegravir-Based Treatment Failure Reduces HIV-1 Replicative Capacity and Integration
Authors: Xiao Meng A. , Cleyle Jenna , Yoo Sunbin , Forrest Mekayla , Krullaars Zoë , Pham Hanh Thi , Mesplède Thibault
Published: April 2023

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment with antiretroviral regimens containing integrase strand transfer inhibitors such as dolutegravir (DTG) and bictegravir (BIC) offers high levels of protection against the development of drug resistance mutations. Despite this, resistance to DTG and BIC can occur through the development of the R263K integrase substitution.
Expression of
Microcystis
Biosynthetic Gene Clusters in Natural Populations Suggests Temporally Dynamic Synthesis of Novel and Known Secondary Metabolites in Western Lake Erie
Authors: Yancey Colleen E. , Yu Fengan , Tripathi Ashootosh , Sherman David H. , Dick Gregory J.
Published: April 2023

Microcystis
spp. dominate cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) worldwide and pose significant threats to water quality through the production of secondary metabolites, many of which are toxic. While the toxicity and biochemistry of microcystins and several other compounds have been studied, the broader suite of secondary metabolites produced by
Microcystis
remains poorly understood, leaving gaps in our understanding of their impacts on human and ecosystem health.
Imprinted Anti-Hemagglutinin and Anti-Neuraminidase Antibody Responses after Childhood Infections of A(H1N1) and A(H1N1)pdm09 Influenza Viruses
Authors: Daulagala Pavithra , Mann Brian R. , Leung Kathy , Lau Eric H. Y. , Yung Louise , Lei Ruipeng , Nizami Sarea I. N. , Wu Joseph T. , Chiu Susan S. , Daniels Rodney S. , Wu Nicholas C. , Wentworth David , Peiris Malik , Yen Hui-Ling
Published: April 2023

Seasonal influenza vaccines have aimed to generate neutralizing anti-HA antibodies for protection since licensure. More recently, anti-NA antibodies have been established as an additional correlate of protection.
Longitudinal Follow-Up of the Immunity to SARS-CoV-2 in Health Care Workers in Argentina: Persistence of Humoral Response and Neutralizing Capacity after Sputnik V Vaccination
Authors: Castro Eliana F. , Acosta Julián , Moriena Lucía , Rios Medrano Mayra , Tejerina Cibello Malena , Codino Eduardo , Taborda Miguel Ángel , Álvarez Diego E. , Cavatorta Ana Laura
Published: April 2023

Since December 2020, Argentina has begun a mass vaccination program. The first vaccine available in our country was Sputnik V, which has been approved for use in 71 countries with a total population of 4 billion people.
Baicalein Resensitizes Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Pathogens to Doxycycline
Authors: Wang Yuhang , Su Junfeng , Zhou Ziyan , Yang Jie , Liu Wenjuan , Zhang Yafen , Zhang Pengyu , Guo Tingting , Li Guocai
Published: April 2023

Doxycycline is an important broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic used for treating multiple human infections, but its resistance rates are recently rising globally. Thus, new agents capable of boosting the effectiveness of doxycycline need to be discovered.
Comprehensive Genome Analysis of Cellulose and Xylan-Active CAZymes from the Genus
Paenibacillus
: Special Emphasis on the Novel Xylanolytic
Paenibacillus
sp. LS1
Authors: Mukherjee Saumashish , Lodha Tushar Dilipchand , Madhuprakash Jogi
Published: April 2023

Xylan is the most abundant hemicellulose in the lignocellulosic (plant) biomass that requires cooperative deconstruction by an arsenal of different xylanolytic enzymes to produce xylose and xylooligosaccharides. Microbial (particularly, bacterial) candidates that encode such enzymes are an asset to the biorefineries to mediate efficient and eco-friendly deconstruction of xylan to generate products of value.
Denosumab and incidence of type 2 diabetes among adults with osteoporosis: population based cohort study
Authors: Lyu Houchen , Zhao Sizheng Steven , Zhang Licheng , Wei Jie , Li Xiaoxiao , Li Hui , Liu Yi , Yin Pengbin , Norvang Vibeke , Yoshida Kazuki , Tedeschi Sara K , Zeng Chao , Lei Guanghua , Tang Peifu , Solomon Daniel H
Published: April 2023

Objective

To estimate the effect of denosumab compared with oral bisphosphonates on reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes in adults with osteoporosis.

Design

Population based study involving emulation of a randomized target trial using electronic health records.

Setting

IQVIA Medical Research Data primary care database in the United Kingdom, 1995-2021.

Participants

Adults aged 45 years or older who used denosumab or an oral bisphosphonate for osteoporosis.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome was incident type 2 diabetes, as defined by diagnostic codes. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals, comparing denosumab with oral bisphosphonates using an as treated approach.

Results

4301 new users of denosumab were matched on propensity score to 21 038 users of an oral bisphosphonate and followed for a mean of 2.2 years. The incidence rate of type 2 diabetes in denosumab users was 5.7 (95% confidence interval 4.3 to 7.3) per 1000 person years and in oral bisphosphonate users was 8.3 (7.4 to 9.2) per 1000 person years. Initiation of denosumab was associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes (hazard ratio 0.68, 95% confidence interval 0.52 to 0.89). Participants with prediabetes appeared to benefit more from denosumab compared with an oral bisphosphonate (hazard ratio 0.54, 0.35 to 0.82), as did those with a body mass index ≥30 (0.65, 0.40 to 1.06).

Conclusions

In this population based study, denosumab use was associated with a lower risk of incident type 2 diabetes compared with oral bisphosphonate use in adults with osteoporosis. This study provides evidence at a population level that denosumab may have added benefits for glucose metabolism compared with oral bisphosphonates.
Optimized density and locations of stroke centers for improved cost effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Ennab Vogel Nicklas , Wester Per , Andersson Granberg Tobias , Levin Lars-Åke
Published: April 2023

Background

Despite the proven cost effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion, treatment within 6 hours from symptom onset remains inaccessible for many patients. We aimed to find the optimal number and location of treatment facilities with respect to the cost effectiveness of MT in patients with AIS, first by the most cost effective implementation of comprehensive stroke centers (CSCs), and second by the most cost effective addition of complementary thrombectomy capable stroke centers (TSCs).

Methods

This study was based on nationwide observational data comprising 18 793 patients with suspected AIS potentially eligible for treatment with MT. The most cost effective solutions were attained by solving the p median facility location–allocation problem with the objective function of maximizing the incremental net monetary benefit (INMB) of MT compared with no MT in patients with AIS. Deterministic sensitivity analysis (DSA) was used as the basis of the results analysis.

Results

The implementation strategy with seven CSCs produced the highest annual INMB per patient of all possible solutions in the base case scenario. The most cost effective implementation strategy of the extended scenario comprised seven CSCs and four TSCs. DSA revealed sensitivity to variability in MT rate and the maximum willingness to pay per quality adjusted life year gained.

Conclusion

The combination of optimization modeling and cost effectiveness analysis provides a powerful tool for configuring the extent and locations of CSCs (and TSCs). The most cost effective implementation of CSCs in Sweden entails 24/7 MT services at all seven university hospitals.
Effects of industrial disturbances on the flavonoid concentration ofRhododendron groenlandicum
Authors: Thomas Maxime , Lamara Mebarek , Asselin Hugo , Fenton Nicole J.
Published: April 2023

The boreal forest is subject to various anthropogenic disturbances, including logging, mining, and hydroelectricity production and transport. These disturbances affect Indigenous communities and the culturally salient species they depend on for the practice of traditional and subsistence activities. Rhododendron groenlandicum (Oeder) Kron & Judd is one such species whose leaves are used to treat various ailments, due to their concentration in biologically active chemicals such as flavonoids. Our objective was to assess the effect of anthropogenic disturbances on the chemical properties of R. groenlandicum on the territories of three Indigenous communities. Leaf samples were collected near mines, under hydroelectric power lines, and in non-disturbed sites. Our results showed that variations in flavonoid concentration were mainly related to territory ( R2= 0.43, P = 0.0005), while disturbance type had a smaller effect ( R2= 0.18, P = 0.02). Samples from Nemaska, the northernmost territory with the most open forest stands, had higher concentrations of epicatechin (+23%, P = 0.03). Quercetin-3-glucoside concentrations were lower near mines (−19%, P = 0.01). The effects of disturbances on the chemical signature of R. groenlandicum are complex, and a complete assessment of the consequences of industrial activity on Indigenous landscape value must take into account other culturally salient species.
B → K(∗)νν̄ in covariant confined quark model
Authors: Issadykov Aidos , Ivanov Mikhail A.
Published: April 2023

We study the [Formula: see text] decays within the Standard Model (SM) by using the relevant transition form factors obtained from the covariant confined quark model (CCQM) developed by us. The [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] transition form factors are calculated in the full kinematic [Formula: see text] range. The branching fractions are then calculated. It is shown that our results are in an agreement with those obtained in other theoretical approaches. Currently, the BaBar and Belle collaborations provide us by the upper limits at 90% confidence limit. The obtained bounds are roughly an order of magnitude larger than the SM predictions. This should stimulate experimental collaborations to set up experiments that allow one to obtain more accurate branching values, which is quite achievable on the updated LHCb and Belle machines. If the discrepancies between theory and experiment are confirmed, this will open up opportunities for constructing models with new particles and interactions leading to an extension of the SM.
Pairon spectral function for high-Tc cuprate superconductors
Authors: Kumari Anita , Chauhan Radhika , Indu B. D.
Published: April 2023

The pairon spectral function for the high-[Formula: see text] cuprate superconductor [Formula: see text] has been evaluated through renormalized pairon frequency, analogous to the frequency (energy) of excited pairons. The exercise has been carried out with the help of many-body quantum dynamical Green’s function theory via a model Hamiltonian that includes the effects of the electrons, phonons, impurities and anharmonic fields. The analysis of the obtained results reveals that renormalized pairon frequency progressively increases up to the critical temperature [Formula: see text] and afterwards, instead of dropping to zero, it decreases smoothly with increasing temperature, capturing the essence of the pseudogap in high-[Formula: see text] cuprates. A further analysis of temperature-dependent spectral function also establishes the presence of the pseudogap above [Formula: see text]. The spectral function displays a conscious behavior with the variation of electron–phonon coupling constant ([Formula: see text]).
A Weight-Based Cutoff Resampling Method for Accelerated Particle Filtering
Authors: Choppala Praveen B.
Published: April 2023

The particle filter is known to be a powerful tool for the estimation of moving targets guided by nonlinear dynamics and sensors. The filter, however, is known to suffer from degeneracy — a feature of one particle gathering all the weight, thus causing the filter to completely diverge. Degeneracy problems become more evident when the sensors are accurate and/or the target maneuvers greatly. The resampling step in the particle filter is critical because it avoids degeneracy of particles by eliminating the wasteful use of particles that do not contribute to the posterior probability density function. The conventional resampling methods, despite being unbiased in approximating the posterior density, involve exhaustive and sequential communication within the particles and thus are computationally expensive. Hence conventional resampling is a major bottleneck for fast implementation of particle filters for real-time tracking. In this paper, we propose a new approach of filtering that requires resampling of only a minimum number of the most important particles that contribute to the posterior density. Minimizing the resampling operation to over a few important particles substantially accelerates the filtering process. We show the merits of the proposed method via simulations using a nonlinear example.
Satellite and Aerial Image Restoration Using Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Hanis S. , Narayanan S. Abinav , Viswanath P. Abishek , Bhooshan V.
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we present a deep reinforcement learning-based method for effectively denoising satellite and aerial imagery data. Noise of various kinds and with varying noise levels contaminates satellite imagery data. The image’s quality and readability suffer when there is noise present. Therefore, it is crucial to create a network that can effectively and efficiently remove noise from the image while also preserving its quality and signal components. This paper evaluates the denoising capabilities of the deep reinforcement learning system. The proposed network is trained using the training set from the “dataset of object detection in aerial images (DOTA) dataset,” and its hyperparameters were adjusted for optimum performance. The training set from the aforementioned dataset was used to train the proposed network. The trained network was given the test set of unseen images for denoising. Statistical denoising, a common denoising technique, was used on the test dataset, and the outcomes were assessed. The same unseen images were also given to existing CNN-based denoising algorithms like denoising using CNN (DnCNN), U-shaped DnCNN (UDnCNN), and dilated U-shaped DnCNN (DUDnCNN), designed specifically for image denoising. Runtime and structural similarity index (SSIM) as well as peak signal-to-noise ratio have both been used as evaluation metrics to compare the effectiveness of various approaches. It is discovered that, when comparing the performance of various systems, the suggested system outperforms both statistical- and CNN-based denoising in terms of the evaluation metrics, PSNR and SSIM.
On full subdirect products of a bi-semilattice and a (zero-symmetric) near-ring
Authors: Mukherjee Rajlaxmi , Chakraborty Kamalika , Sardar Sujit Kumar
Published: April 2023

In order to find an analogue of the structure theorem,“a semigroup is a full subdirect product of a semilattice and a group if and only if it is an [Formula: see text]-inversive sturdy semilattice of cancellative monoids (Theorem 14 of [H. Mitsch, Subdirect products of E-inversive semigroups, J. Austral. Math. Soc. 48 (1990) 66–78])”, in the setting of seminearrings we have characterized the seminearrings which are full subdirect products of a bi-semilattice and a (zero-symmetric) near-ring and which are subdirect products of a distributive lattice and a (zero-symmetric) near-ring.
New postcranial remains from the Lealt Shale Formation of the Isle of Skye, Scotland, showcase hidden pterosaur diversity in the Middle Jurassic
Authors: Jagielska Natalia , Challands Thomas J. , O'Sullivan Michael , Ross Dugald A. , Fraser Nicholas C. , Wilkinson Mark , Brusatte Stephen L.
Published: April 2023

The Early to Middle Jurassic transition was significant in pterosaur evolution, during which these volant reptiles exploded in diversity alongside dinosaurs and other animals. It has long been thought, however, that pterosaurs did not develop large wingspans until after the Jurassic, a notion challenged by the recent discovery of
Dearc sgiathanach
in the Bathonian-aged Lealt Shale Formation of the Isle of Skye, Scotland, whose holotype specimen had an estimated wingspan greater than 2.5 m. We here report the discovery of a new pterosaur specimen from the Lealt Shale Formation, comprising a tibiotarsus, metatarsal, pedal phalanges and caudal vertebrae. The elongate tail vertebrae with ossified processes indicate that the specimen is a non-pterodactyloid pterosaur, albeit its fragmentary nature makes it difficult to determine whether it belongs to a new taxon. Its metatarsal and caudal vertebrae are considerably larger than corresponding bones in the
Dearc
holotype, indicating that it belonged to an even larger individual, thus demonstrating that pterosaurs with broad wingspans were not anomalous in the Middle Jurassic. The growing Middle Jurassic pterosaur record of Scotland and England, although mostly represented by isolated and fragmentary fossils, reveals a high diversity of clades, long obscured by the lack of well-preserved skeletons.
Representations of Materials for Machine Learning
Authors: Damewood James , Karaguesian Jessica , Lunger Jaclyn R. , Tan Aik Rui , Xie Mingrou , Peng Jiayu , Gómez-Bombarelli Rafael
Published: April 2023

High-throughput data generation methods and machine learning (ML) algorithms have given rise to a new era of computational materials science by learning the relations between composition, structure, and properties and by exploiting such relations for design. However, to build these connections, materials data must be translated into a numerical form, called a representation, that can be processed by an ML model. Data sets in materials science vary in format (ranging from images to spectra), size, and fidelity. Predictive models vary in scope and properties of interest. Here, we review context-dependent strategies for constructing representations that enable the use of materials as inputs or outputs for ML models. Furthermore, we discuss how modern ML techniques can learn representations from data and transfer chemical and physical information between tasks. Finally, we outline high-impact questions that have not been fully resolved and thus require further investigation.
Viral Evolution Shaped by Host Proteostasis Networks
Authors: Yoon Jimin , Patrick Jessica E. , Ogbunugafor C. Brandon , Shoulders Matthew D.
Published: April 2023

Understanding the factors that shape viral evolution is critical for developing effective antiviral strategies, accurately predicting viral evolution, and preventing pandemics. One fundamental determinant of viral evolution is the interplay between viral protein biophysics and the host machineries that regulate protein folding and quality control. Most adaptive mutations in viruses are biophysically deleterious, resulting in a viral protein product with folding defects. In cells, protein folding is assisted by a dynamic system of chaperones and quality control processes known as the proteostasis network. Host proteostasis networks can determine the fates of viral proteins with biophysical defects, either by assisting with folding or by targeting them for degradation. In this review, we discuss and analyze new discoveries revealing that host proteostasis factors can profoundly shape the sequence space accessible to evolving viral proteins. We also discuss the many opportunities for research progress proffered by the proteostasis perspective on viral evolution and adaptation.
Review—Progress in Electrochemical Etching of Third-Generation Semiconductors
Authors: Chen Yun , Yu Pengfei , Zhong Yiming , Dong Shankun , Hou Maoxiang , Liu Huilong , Chen Xin , Gao Jian , Wong Ching-Ping
Published: April 2023

The third-generation semiconductors have richer and better properties than traditional semiconductors, and show promising application prospects in high-power, high-temperature, high-frequency, and optoelectronic devices. Therefore, they have gained increasing interest and received extensive research attention in recent years. Electrochemical etching plays an important role in exploring the properties of the third-generation semiconductors and related device fabrication. This paper systematically reviews the electrochemical etching process of silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) which are the typical representative of the third-generation semiconductors. Through subdividing the electrochemical etching approach into anodic oxidation etching, photoelectrochemical etching and electroless photoelectrochemical etching, the mechanism of each electrochemical etching method is expounded, the influences of various etching parameters on the etching results are discussed, and the related applications of electrochemical etching in characterizing crystal defects, processing micro-nano structures, and fabricating microelectronic devices are summarized. Finally, future development in achieving more efficient electrochemical etching is briefly discussed. In general, this paper provides a systematic review of the electrochemical etching of third-generation semiconductors, which is helpful for researchers to supplement the content in this field, and even non-researchers in this field will be able to familiarize themselves with the relevant content quickly through this paper.
Three-Dimensional Self-Ordered Multilayered Ge Nanodots on SiGe
Authors: Wen Wei-Chen , Schubert Markus Andreas , Zoellner Marvin Hartwig , Tillack Bernd , Yamamoto Yuji
Published: April 2023

Three-dimensional (3D) self-ordered Ge nanodots in cyclic epitaxial growth of Ge/SiGe superlattice on Si0.4Ge0.6 virtual substrate (VS) were fabricated by reduced pressure chemical vapor deposition. The Ge nanodots were formed by Stranski-Krastanov mechanism. By the Ge/SiGe superlattice deposition, dot-on-dot alignment and 〈100〉 alignment were obtained toward the vertical and lateral direction, respectively. Facets and growth mechanism of Ge nanodots and key factors of alignment were studied. Two types of Ge nanodots were observed, diamond-like nanodots composed of {105} and dome-like nanodots composed of {113} and {519} or {15 3 23} facets. The Ge nanodots tend to grow directly above the nanodots of the previous period as these regions show a relatively higher tensile strain induced by the buried nanodots. Thus, this dot-on-dot alignment is sensitive to the SiGe spacer thickness, and it degrades when the SiGe spacer becomes thicker. The Ge content of the SiGe spacer ranging from 45 to 52% affects the lateral alignment and the size uniformity of Ge nanodots because of the strain balance between the superlattice and the VS. By maintaining the strain balance, ordering of the 3D aligned Ge nanodots can be improved.
Nanoscale Engineering of Structurally Stable Nd-Substituted LaCoO3 as An Electrode Material for Supercapacitors
Authors: Asad Humna , Ali Hamad , Ali Ghulam , Ansar M. Tamoor , Ramay Shahid M. , Alghamdi Eman A. , Atiq Shahid
Published: April 2023

Perovskite oxides have recently emerged as a novel class of electrochemical materials owing to their amazing reversible redox capabilities and enriched electrical characteristics, rich oxygen vacancies, and highly stable structure. Herein, the impact of Nd-substitution on the morphological and electrochemical features of Nd-doped LaCoO3 nanoparticles has been studied. A facile and cost-effective sol-gel process routed via auto-ignition was used for sample synthesis. The development of pure single-phase cubic LaCoO3 perovskite and its structural stability throughout the series was confirmed via X-ray diffraction. The transformation from sponge-like structure to grains-like morphology was evident by a field-emission scanning electron microscope. Cyclic voltammetry measurements revealed a surface redox and intercalation pseudo-capacitive nature of the samples. It is outcome that La0.95Nd0.05CoO3 at 6 A g−1 of current density exhibits paramount power (5788.8 W kg−1) and energy (0.975 Wh kg−1) densities. All the revealed consequences had inferred La0.95Nd0.05CoO3 (x = 0.05) as a potential candidate for electrode material in supercapacitors.
Lemierre Syndrome: A Diagnosis behind the Veil
Authors: Au Pak-Ho , Nwabara Kelechi , Gvazava Nanuli , Ejiofor Shannon , Ghous Ghulam
Published: April 2023

Lemierre syndrome (LS) is a rare, serious infection that is often misdiagnosed, as it frequently mimics common upper respiratory infections. It is even rarer for LS to be preceded by a viral infection. We share a case of LS in a young man who presented to the Emergency Department with COVID-19 viral infection followed by a subsequent LS diagnosis. The patient’s condition initially worsened despite treatments for COVID-19 and was subsequently started on broad-spectrum antibiotics. He was then diagnosed with LS after blood cultures grew Fusobacterium necrophorum, and antibiotics were adjusted accordingly, resulting in improvement of symptoms. Even though LS is often recognized as a sequela of bacterial pharyngitis, preceding viral infections, including COVID-19, might be a risk factor that contributes to the development of LS.
Study of Microstructure and Wear Resistance of AA5052/B4C Nanocomposites as a Function of Volume Fraction Reinforcement to Particle Size Ratio by ANN
Authors: Dinesh Kumar D. , Balamurugan A. , Suresh K. C. , Suresh Kumar R. , Jayanthi N. , Ramakrishnan T. , Hasane Ahammad S. K. , Mayakannan S. , Venkatesa Prabhu S.
Published: April 2023

The effects of the percentage volume of reinforcement, the ratio of reinforcement, and the matrix size of particles on the wear behavior of AA5052/B4C metal matrix composites (MMCs) examine. This research examines a model function developed from an artificial neural network (ANN). AA5052/B4C composites bent using a powder metallurgy technique to hardness and ball-on-disc wear testing. There are two exemptions such as (1) when the percentage volume of reinforcement is less than 8% and (2) when the ratio of reinforcement particle size (Rs) and matrix particle size (Ms) increases before decreasing. The results show that wear loss decreases with increasing percentage volume of reinforcement and ratio of Rs and Ms. In the second case, wear loss is increased at high levels of percentage volume (14%) since the proportion of reinforcement and matrix size of the particle is close to 1. When the volume percentage of reinforcement is high (14%) and the matrix and reinforcement particle sizes are substantial (120 m), the reinforcement particles become dislodged and break. Because these broken-up particles are easily removed from the surface, the material’s wear resistance is reduced. In this case, raising the volume fraction yields a uniformly higher hardness for all Rs/Ms values; hence, composites with lower reinforcement volume percentages show better wear resistance. Hardness and wear resistance have no relationship with one another.
Examining the Extent of Contamination, Antibiotic Resistance, and Genetic Diversity of Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile Strains in Meat and Feces of Some Native Birds of Iran
Authors: Ansarian Barezi Akbar , Shakerian Amir , Rahimi Ebrahim , Esfandiari Zahra
Published: April 2023

Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile (C. difficile) is one of the essential enteropathogens in humans and livestock and is a severe health threat, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. Also, antimicrobials are one of the most critical risk factors for C. difficile infection (CDI). The present study examined the infection, antibiotic resistance, and genetic diversity of the C. difficile strains in the meat and feces of some native birds (chicken, duck, quail, and partridge) in the Shahrekord region, Iran, from July 2018 to July 2019. Samples were grown on CDMN agar after an enrichment step. To determine the toxin profile, the tcdA, tcdB, tcdC, cdtA, and cdtB genes were detected via multiplex PCR. The antibiotic susceptibility of these isolates was examined using the disk diffusion method and followed based on MIC and epsilometric test. 300 meat samples of chicken, duck, partridge, and quail and 1100 samples of bird feces were collected from six traditional farms in Shahrekord, Iran. Thirty‐five meat samples (11.6%) and 191 fecal samples (17.36%) contained C. difficile. Moreover, five toxigenic samples isolated had 5, 1, and 3 tcdA/B, tcdC, and cdtA/B genes. Out of the studied strains isolated from the 226 samples, two isolates belonging to ribotype RT027 and one isolated RT078 profile related to native chicken feces were observed from chicken sample. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that all the strains are resistant to ampicillin, 28.57% are resistant to metronidazole, and 100% were susceptible to vancomycin. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the raw meat of birds might be a source of resistant C. difficile that poses a hygienic threat to the consumption of native bird meat. Nevertheless, further studies are essential to understand additional epidemiological features of C. difficile in bird meat.
Role of Gut Microbiota and Oxidative Stress in the Progression of Transplant-Related Complications following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Chi Mingxuan , Jiang Tao , He Xing , Peng Haoyu , Li Yunlong , Zhang Jiong , Wang Li , Nian Qing , Ma Kuai , Liu Chi
Published: April 2023

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), also known as bone marrow transplantation, has curative potential for various hematologic malignancies but is associated with risks such as graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), severe bloodstream infection, viral pneumonia, idiopathic pneumonia syndrome (IPS), lung fibrosis, and sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), which severely deteriorate clinical outcomes and limit the wide application of HSCT. Recent research has provided important insights into the effects of gut microbiota and oxidative stress (OS) on HSCT complications. Therefore, based on recent studies, we describe intestinal dysbiosis and OS in patients with HSCT and review recent molecular findings underlying the causal relationships of gut microbiota, OS, and transplant-related complications, focusing particularly on the involvement of gut microbiota-mediated OS in postengraftment complications. Also, we discuss the use of antioxidative and anti-inflammatory probiotics to manipulate gut microbiota and OS, which have been associated with promising effects in improving HSCT outcomes.
Curcumin Improves Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Inhibiting Pyroptosis through AKT/Nrf2/ARE Pathway
Authors: Wei Zhang , pinfang Kang , jing Zhou , zhuoya Yao , Shaohuan Qian , Chao Shi
Published: April 2023

This study is aimed at exploring whether curcumin can regulate the AKT pathway, promote the transfer of Nrf2 into the nucleus, and inhibit cell pyroptosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Diabetic rats and cardiomyocytes were treated with curcumin to study its effect on myocardial pyroptosis. Whether curcumin can promote the transfer of Nrf2 into the nucleus through AKT pathway regulation was assessed by western blotting and immunofluorescence. The Nrf2 knockout vector and ml385 were used to block the Nrf2 pathway, and the differences between the different groups in the expression of pyroptosis protein, cell activity, and incidence of apoptosis were evaluated to verify the relationship between the effect of curcumin on pyroptosis inhibition and the Nrf2 pathway. Curcumin promoted the transfer of Nrf2 into the nucleus through the AKT pathway and increased the expression of the antioxidant factors HO-1 and GCLC. These effects reduced reactive oxygen species accumulation and mitochondrial damage in diabetic myocardium and inhibited diabetes-induced pyroptosis. However, in cardiomyocytes with a blocked Nrf2 pathway, the ability of curcumin to inhibit pyroptosis was significantly reduced, and the protective effect on the cells was lost. Curcumin can reduce the accumulation of superoxide in the myocardium through AKT/Nrf2/ARE pathway activation and inhibit pyroptosis. It also has a role in diabetic cardiomyopathy treatment. This study provides new directions for evaluating the mechanism of diabetic cardiomyopathy and treating diabetic myocardium.
Synthesis and Experimental Thermal Adsorption Characteristics of Epoxy Hybrid Composite for Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Venkatesh R. , David Roshita , Priya C. B. , Aruna M. , Kaliyaperumal Gopal , Mukilarasan N. , Malladi Avinash , Karthikeyan M.
Published: April 2023

Polymer-based matrix hybrid composites meet their demand in various engineering applications and food industries due to their excellent mechanical, thermal, corrosion, and biodegradable performance. The polymer-based hybrid composites have been a better choice for high thermal insulation at low cost. This experiment attempted to find the thermal adsorption characteristics, heat deflection temperature, linear thermal expansion, and thermal conductivity of epoxy hybrid composites, which contained four different layers of Kevlar and basalt fiber fabricated via a low-cost conventional hand mold layup technique. This experiment revealed that the effect of basalt/Kevlar fiber on epoxy increased thermal performance. The results noted that the hybrid composite consists of less Kevlar fiber with the maximum basalt fiber of sample 4, showed excellent thermal adsorption effect on weight loss limited at 70.98%, and a better heat deflection temperature and[Formula: see text]per °C linear thermal expansion were obtained. Sample 3 exhibited a maximum thermal conductivity of 0.251 W/mK. However, the thermal adsorption of hybrid composite has been limited by more basalt fiber, leading to a 1 wt%/°C decomposition rate.
Prandtl Number and Viscosity Correlations of Titanium Oxide Nanofluids
Authors: Mlangeni Palesa Helen , Huan Zhongjie , Sithebe Thembelani , Veeredhi Vasudeva Rao
Published: April 2023

Many features of nanofluids, such as the Prandtl number and viscosity, are researched as the number of studies conducted in the field of nanofluids increases. Observations on the Prandtl number and viscosity of titanium oxide nanofluids are made in this study. These observations are made at low concentrations of titanium oxide nanoparticles and temperatures ranging from 30.4°C to 70.4°C. Novel correlations for viscosity and Prandtl number as functions of temperature have been developed and compared to the previously published models for Prandtl number and viscosity. The results indicate that titanium oxide-ethylene glycol nanofluid has a greater viscosity and Prandtl number than all other titanium oxide nanofluids observed in the study at 0.01 nanoparticle concentration. The results on viscosity and Prandtl number for the new correlations fall within the same range as those found in the literature, indicating that the new correlations introduced as functions of temperature in this study can be used in future research to establish viscosity and Prandtl number calculations for the different types of nanofluids at specific temperatures.
Measuring the Effect of Vision on the Synergy of Lower Extremity Muscles during Walking using Nonnegative Matrix Factorization (NNMF) Algorithm Method
Authors: Safari Nasim , Alemzadeh Mahboubeh , Majlesi Mahdi , Farahpour Nader , Mansoorizadeh Muharram
Published: April 2023

Introduction. Lack of visual information in blind people during walking can affect the choice of muscle synergy from among the many incoming messages that reach the central nervous system (CNS). This study aimed to determine the effect of vision on the synergy of lower limb muscles during walking using the nonnegative matrix factorization algorithm (NNMF). Methods. Ten blind people and 10 people with normal vision participated in this study. Activities of involved muscles were recorded during walking. Muscle synergy matrix and synergy activation coefficient were calculated using the NNMF algorithm, while the variance accounted for criterion was used to determine the number of synergies required during walking. In order to assess the similarity of muscle synergy pattern and the relative weight of each muscle in each synergy in each group, Pearson correlation and independent samples t-test at a significance level of α ≤ 0.05 were used. Results. Four muscle synergies were extracted from EMG data during walking. The first (r = 0.431) and the second (r = 0.457) synergy patterns showed a moderate correlation between the two groups. However, the third (r = 0.302) and the fourth (r = 0.329) synergy patterns showed a weak correlation between the two groups. In the blind group, the relative weight of the muscles in the first synergy was significant for the external extensor muscle (

P
=
0.023

), and in the second synergy for the biceps femoris. Also, in the third synergy, the relative weight was found to be significant in none of the muscles. In the fourth synergy, however, the relative weight of external extensor muscle in the blind group showed a significant decrease, as compared to the group with normal vision. Conclusions. These changes can be the strategy of the CNS to preserve the optimal functioning in the motor system of blind people.