bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The kynurenic acid analog SZR104 induces cytomorphological changes associated with the anti-inflammatory phenotype in cultured microglia
Authors: Szabo Melinda , Lajkó Noémi , Dulka Karolina , Barczánfalvi Gábor , Lőrinczi Bálint , Szatmári István , Mihály András , Vécsei László , Gulya Karoly
Published: July 2023

We previously showed the anti-inflammatory effects of kynurenic acid (KYNA) and its brain-penetrable analog N-(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl)-3-(morpholinomethyl)-4-hydroxyquinoline-2-carboxamide (SZR104) both in vivo and in vitro. Here, we identified the cytomorphological effects of KYNA and SZR104 in secondary microglial cultures established from newborn rat forebrains. We quantitatively analyzed selected morphological aspects of microglia in control (unchallenged), lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated (challenged), KYNA- or SZR104-treated, and LPS + KYNA or LPS + SZR104-treated cultures. Multicolor immunofluorescence labeling followed by morphometric analysis (area, perimeter, transformation index, lacunarity, density, span ratio, maximum span across the convex hull, hull circularity, hull area, hull perimeter, max/min radii, mean radius, diameter of bounding circle, fractal dimension, roughness, circularity) on binary (digital) silhouettes of the microglia revealed their morphological plasticity under experimental conditions. SZR104 and, to a lesser degree, KYNA inhibited proinflammatory phenotypic changes. For example, SZR104 treatment resulted in hypertrophied microglia characterized by a swollen cell body, enlarged perimeter, increased transformation index/decreased circularity, increased convex hull values (area, perimeter, mean radius, maximum span, diameter of the bounding circle and hull circularity), altered box-counting parameters (such as fractal dimension), and increased roughness/decreased density. Taken together, analysis of cytomorphological features could contribute to the characterization of the anti-inflammatory activity of SZR104 on cultured microglia.
Initial motor skill performance predicts future performance, but not learning
Authors: Abeles Dekel , Herszage Jasmine , Shahar Moni , Censor Nitzan
Published: July 2023

People show vast variability in skill performance and learning. What determines a person's individual performance and learning ability? In this study we explored the possibility to predict participants’ future performance and learning, based on their behavior during initial skill acquisition. We recruited a large online multi-session sample of participants performing a sequential tapping skill learning task. We used machine learning to predict future performance and learning from raw data acquired during initial skill acquisition, and from engineered features calculated from the raw data. Strong correlations were observed between initial and final performance, and individual learning was not predicted. While canonical experimental tasks developed and selected to detect average effects may constrain insights regarding individual variability, development of novel tasks may shed light on the underlying mechanism of individual skill learning, relevant for real-life scenarios.
Effect of low-dose hydrocortisone and inhaled nitric oxide on inflammatory mediators and local pulmonary metalloproteinases activity in LPS-induced sepsis in piglets
Authors: Kiczak Liliana , Pasławska Urszula , Goździk Waldemar , Adamik Barbara , Zielińska Marzena , Zieliński Stanisław , Nowak Kacper , Płóciennik Michał , Bania Jacek , Tabiś Aleksandra , Nowak Marcin , Pasławski Robert , Frostell Claes
Published: July 2023

Hospital mortality in sepsis varies between 30–45%. It has been shown that administration of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) and intravenous corticosteroid in a porcine endotoxemia model attenuated the systemic inflammatory response. We explored the anti-inflammatory effect of a double-treatment strategy (iNO + low-dose steroid) on the lungs in a long-term porcine endotoxic shock model. As metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the initiation of multiple organ dysfunction in septic shock, we evaluated the influence of this combination therapy on MMP2 and MMP9 activity and proIL-1β maturation. A shock-like condition was established in 23 animals by continuous infusion of E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 10 h. Then the animals were observed for 10 h. Twelve pigs received iNO and hydrocortisone (iNO treatment started 3 h after the initial LPS infusion and continued until the end of the experiment). Eleven pigs were controls. Pigs treated with iNO and hydrocortisone displayed less inflammatory infiltrates in the lungs than the controls and a lower level of IL-1β. The proMMP2 was significantly decreased in the iNO and hydrocortisone group. The amount of an active MMP9 (~ 60 kDa) was decreased in the iNO and hydrocortisone group. Total gelatinolytic activity was lower in the iNO and hydrocortisone group. Reduced MMP activity was accompanied by a 2.5-fold decrease of the active IL-1β form (17 kDa) in the pulmonary tissue of iNO combined with hydrocortisone exposed pigs. We demonstrated that in a porcine endotoxemia model the NO inhalation combined with intravenous hydrocortisone led to the attenuation of the inflammatory cascade induced by bacterial LPS. The decrease in pulmonary MMPs activities was accompanied by reduced proIL-1β processing.
Interpretable deep learning for improving cancer patient survival based on personal transcriptomes
Authors: Sun Bo , Chen Liang
Published: July 2023

Precision medicine chooses the optimal drug for a patient by considering individual differences. With the tremendous amount of data accumulated for cancers, we develop an interpretable neural network to predict cancer patient survival based on drug prescriptions and personal transcriptomes (CancerIDP). The deep learning model achieves 96% classification accuracy in distinguishing short-lived from long-lived patients. The Pearson correlation between predicted and actual months-to-death values is as high as 0.937. About 27.4% of patients may survive longer with an alternative medicine chosen by our deep learning model. The median survival time of all patients can increase by 3.9 months. Our interpretable neural network model reveals the most discriminating pathways in the decision-making process, which will further facilitate mechanistic studies of drug development for cancers.
Salivary ultrasonography and histopathologic evaluation of secondary Sjögren’s syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Park Youngjae , Oh Minae , Lee Youn Soo , Kim Wan-Uk
Published: July 2023

Novel modalities, such as salivary ultrasonography (SGUS) and shear wave elastography (SWE), have previously been introduced to evaluate Sjögren’s syndrome (SS). However, in secondary SS (sSS), the diagnostic performance of SGUS and its relationship with clinicopathological characteristics have not yet been clearly defined. In this study, we aimed to investigate sSS in RA patients using SGUS and SWE and sought to determine its pathological correlations. Thirty-one RA patients who presented with sicca symptoms were included to be evaluated on SS, and were compared with 18 primary SS (pSS) patients. All subjects were assessed through SGUS, SWE, and conventional diagnostic approaches for SS, including minor salivary gland biopsy (MSGB). In SGUS evaluation, two separate scoring systems, suggested by Hocevar and OMERACT, were used. Among 31 RA patients with sicca symptoms, 19 (61.2%) were diagnosed as sSS. Similar to pSS, SGUS showed good diagnostic performance (sensitivity 68.4% and 78.9%, and specificity 91.7% and 75.0% for Hocever and OMERACT, respectively) in differentiating sSS from RA patients with simple sicca symptoms. The sSS and pSS patients exhibited significantly higher lymphoid infiltration areas in MSGB than RA patients without SS. Focus score and lymphoid infiltration areas correlated well with sonographic severity. Severity of fibrosis in MSGB showed better positive correlation with SWE than with SGUS. Similar to pSS, SGUS shows good diagnostic performance for sSS in RA patients. SWE reflects histopathologic chronicity of MSGB well in both pSS and sSS.
Pulmonary rehabilitation improves sleep efficiency measured by actigraphy in poorly sleeping COPD patients
Authors: Gabrovska Maria , Herpeux Audrey , Bruyneel Anne-Violette , Bruyneel Marie
Published: July 2023

Chronic insomnia is reported by up to 50% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. This may be attributable to several factors including nocturnal dyspnea, reduced physical activity, and less time outside. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is recommended in COPD to improve both physical and psychological conditioning. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of PR on sleep efficiency (SE, measured by actigraphy) in COPD patients. COPD eligible for PR were prospectively included. Baseline and post PR (30 sessions) assessments included incremental and maximal exercise testing, 6-min walking distance test (6MWT), actigraphy, and questionnaires [Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hospital Anxiety Depression scale, St George Respiratory, and modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale]. Sixty-one patients were included, and 31 patients completed the study protocol (68% of males, age 63 ± 9 y, FEV1 44.2 ± 12.3%). After PR, SE remained unchanged, p = 0.07, as well as PSQI score (p = 0.22), despite improvements in exercise capacity (incremental exercise test, 6MWT) and dyspnea. However, SE improved significantly in the poor sleeper subgroup (SE < 85%, n = 24, p = 0.02), whereas the PSQI remained unchanged. The present study shows, in COPD patients included in a PR program, that improvement in exercise capacity was disappointingly not associated with a better SE assessed by actigraphy. Subjective sleep quality was also unchanged at the end of PR program. However, SE improved significantly in the poor sleeper subgroup (SE < 85%). Further studies are required to better characterize the origin of sleep disturbances in COPD and the potential benefit of some (non-)pharmacologic interventions.
Contrast-free ultrasound imaging for blood flow assessment of the lower limb in patients with peripheral arterial disease: a feasibility study
Authors: Sabeti Soroosh , Nayak Rohit , McBane Robert D. , Fatemi Mostafa , Alizad Azra
Published: July 2023

While being a relatively prevalent condition particularly among aging patients, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of lower extremities commonly goes undetected or misdiagnosed due to its symptoms being nonspecific. Additionally, progression of PAD in the absence of timely intervention can lead to dire consequences. Therefore, development of non-invasive and affordable diagnostic approaches can be highly beneficial in detection and treatment planning for PAD patients. In this study, we present a contrast-free ultrasound-based quantitative blood flow imaging technique for PAD diagnosis. The method involves monitoring the variations of blood flow in the calf muscle in response to thigh-pressure-cuff-induced occlusion. Four quantitative metrics are introduced for analysis of these variations. These metrics include post-occlusion to baseline flow intensity variation (PBFIV), total response region (TRR), Lag0 response region (L0RR), and Lag4 (and more) response region (L4 + RR). We examine the feasibility of this method through an in vivo study consisting of 14 PAD patients with abnormal ankle-brachial index (ABI) and 8 healthy volunteers. Ultrasound data acquired from 13 legs in the patient group and 13 legs in the healthy group are analyzed. Out of the four utilized metrics, three exhibited significantly different distributions between the two groups (p-value < 0.05). More specifically, p-values of 0.0015 for PBFIV, 0.0183 for TRR, and 0.0048 for L0RR were obtained. The results of this feasibility study indicate the diagnostic potential of the proposed method for the detection of PAD.
Trends in tropical forest loss and the social value of emission reductions
Authors: Knoke Thomas , Hanley Nick , Roman-Cuesta Rosa Maria , Groom Ben , Venmans Frank , Paul Carola
Published: July 2023

Reducing global forest losses is essential to mitigate climate change and its associated social costs. Multiple market and non-market factors can enhance or reduce forest loss. Here, to understand the role of non-market factors (for example, policies, climate anomalies or conflicts), we can compare observed trends to a reference (expected) scenario that excludes non-market factors. We define an expected scenario by simulating land-use decisions solely driven by market prices, productivities and presumably plausible decision-making. The land-use allocation model considers economic profits and uncertainties as incentives for forest conversion. We compare reference forest losses in Brazil, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Indonesia (2000–2019) with observed forest losses and assign differences from non-market factors. Our results suggest that non-market factors temporarily lead to lower-than-expected forest losses summing to 11.1 million hectares, but also to phases with higher-than-expected forest losses of 11.3 million hectares. Phases with lower-than-expected forest losses occurred earlier than those with higher-than-expected forest losses. The damages avoided by delaying emissions that would otherwise have occurred represent a social value of US$61.6 billion (as of the year 2000). This result shows the economic importance of forest conservation efforts in the tropics, even if reduced forest loss might be temporary and reverse over time.
Soil moisture−atmosphere feedbacks have triggered the shifts from drought to pluvial conditions since 1980
Authors: Qing Yamin , Wang Shuo , Yang Zong-Liang , Gentine Pierre
Published: July 2023

Drought and pluvial transitions have attracted widespread attention. However, the dynamic evolution and underlying mechanisms of drought and pluvial transitions remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that there is a significant increase in the occurrence of drought and pluvial transitions (0.24−1.03% per year) globally during 1980−2020. We use convergent cross mapping to detect causal relationships between time series variables in the climate system and find that drought and pluvial transitions can be explained by an indirect transitive causal chain. Specifically, the soil moisture−latent heat flux−precipitation causal chain is likely to trigger the rainfall following the dryness in humid regions where enhanced evaporation increases the actual atmospheric moisture favoring the pluvial occurrence. By contrast, the soil moisture−moisture convergence−precipitation causal chain enhances the post-drought rainfall in arid regions due to atmospheric circulation dynamics. Our results indicate that land−atmosphere feedbacks play an important role in triggering the drought-pluvial shift in a changing climate.
Outlining cardiac ion channel protein interactors and their signature in the human electrocardiogram
Authors: Maurya Svetlana , Mills Robert W. , Kahnert Konstantin , Chiang David Y. , Bertoli Giorgia , Lundegaard Pia R. , Duran Marta Perez-Hernandez , Zhang Mingliang , Rothenberg Eli , George Alfred L. , MacRae Calum A. , Delmar Mario , Lundby Alicia
Published: July 2023

Protein–protein interactions are essential for normal cellular processes and signaling events. Defining these interaction networks is therefore crucial for understanding complex cellular functions and interpretation of disease-associated gene variants. We need to build a comprehensive picture of the interactions, their affinities and interdependencies in the specific organ to decipher hitherto poorly understood signaling mechanisms through ion channels. Here we report the experimental identification of the ensemble of protein interactors for 13 types of ion channels in murine cardiac tissue. Of these, we validated the functional importance of ten interactors on cardiac electrophysiology through genetic knockouts in zebrafish, gene silencing in mice, super-resolution microscopy and patch clamp experiments. Furthermore, we establish a computational framework to reconstruct human cardiomyocyte ion channel networks from deep proteome mapping of human heart tissue and human heart single-cell gene expression data. Finally, we integrate the ion channel interactome with human population genetics data to identify proteins that influence the electrocardiogram (ECG). We demonstrate that the combined channel network is enriched for proteins influencing the ECG, with 44% of the network proteins significantly associated with an ECG phenotype. Altogether, we define interactomes of 13 major cardiac ion channels, contextualize their relevance to human electrophysiology and validate functional roles of ten interactors, including two regulators of the sodium current (epsin-2 and gelsolin). Overall, our data provide a roadmap for our understanding of the molecular machinery that regulates cardiac electrophysiology.
Impact of chemicals and physical stressors on horizontal gene transfer via natural transformation
Authors: Al-Gashgari Bothayna , Mantilla-Calderon David , Wang Tiannyu , de los Angeles Gomez Maria , Baasher Fras , Daffonchio Daniele , Laleg-Kirati Taous-Meriem , Hong Pei-Ying
Published: July 2023

Contaminants in the environment can increase natural transformation rates in bacteria. However, the co-occurrence of a large suite of contaminants may result in final transformation rates that are not based on the geometric addition of individual responses. Here we show that the combination of different chemicals and physical stressors results in natural transformation that do not always follow geometric additive responses. Specifically, some combinations increased transformation rates synergistically, while others decreased rates antagonistically. Unpredictability in the natural transformation outcome was also observed when Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1 was exposed to chlorinated reclaimed water. We determined that the stimulatory effect of contaminants on natural transformation can be compensated when extracellular DNA concentrations fall below 0.1 ng l−1 per 2 × 107 cells. Thus, wastewater treatment process that can minimize concentrations of extracellular DNA and cell load would be a key intervention strategy to minimize natural transformation frequency arising from the use of treated wastewater.
Recent advances in the discovery of plant-derived antimicrobial natural products to combat antimicrobial resistant pathogens: insights from 2018–2022
Authors: Woo Sunmin , Marquez Lewis , Crandall William J. , Risener Caitlin J. , Quave Cassandra L.
Published: July 2023

Plants produce a wide array of secondary metabolites capable of inhibiting pathways crucial for microbial survival and pathogenicity.
High-throughput sperm DNA analysis at the single-cell and population levels
Authors: Simchi Mohammad , Riordon Jason , Wang Yihe , McCallum Christopher , You Jae Bem , Jarvi Keith , Nosrati Reza , Sinton David
Published: July 2023

An automated analysis method for the sperm chromatin dispersion assay is demonstrated that quantifies DNA quality of more than 1000 of sperm at the single-cell and population levels within 7 minutes – a 40-fold reduction in processing time.
A bacteriorhodopsin multisensor system for qualitative and quantitative monitoring of methanol, ethanol, propanol, and butanol under extreme conditions
Authors: Bryl Krzysztof
Published: July 2023

A novel bacteriorhodopsin multisensor system for monitoring methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol under extreme conditions of temperature, pH, salinity has been constructed and tested during thermophilic decomposition of paper mill wastewater.
Nanofibers as precursors for the rapid formation of hydrogels
Authors: Srikamut Pichapak , Theerasilp Man , Crespy Daniel
Published: July 2023

Hydrogels are prepared in a fast process by dissolving nanofibers containing hydrogel precursors.
Vortex fluidic high shear induced crystallisation of fullerene C70 into nanotubules
Authors: Vimalanathan Kasturi , Zhang Zhi , Zou Jin , Raston Colin L.
Published: July 2023

A new bottom-up crystallisation process for controlling the self-assembly of C70 molecules into hollow ‘fcc’ nanotubules under non equilibrium conditions while adopting the principles of green chemistry.
Asymmetric alkene–alkene reductive cross-coupling reactionviavisible-light photoredox/cobalt dual catalysis
Authors: Maiti Mamata , Jana Sayan K. , Maji Biplab
Published: July 2023

The first example of asymmetric alkene–alkene reductive coupling is demonstratedviavisible-light-fueled photoredox/cobalt dual catalysis.
Synthesis, structure and properties of coordination complexes of tin(ii) phthalocyanine and naphthalocyanine with transition metal fragments
Authors: Faraonov Maxim A. , Yudanova Evgeniya I. , Kuzmin Alexey V. , Khasanov Salavat S. , Troyanov Sergey I. , Otsuka Akihiro , Yamochi Hideki , Kitagawa Hiroshi , Konarev Dmitri V.
Published: July 2023

Tin(ii) phthalocyanine and naphthalocyanine form stable M–Sn bonds yielding coordination complexes with transition metal fragments. In this review, we discuss the syntheses, structures and properties of such complexes.
Physicochemical insights into semiconductor properties of a semitransparent tantalum nitride photoanode for solar water splitting
Authors: Higashi Tomohiro , Nishiyama Hiroshi , Pihosh Yuriy , Wakishima Kaisei , Kawase Yudai , Sasaki Yutaka , Nagaoka Akira , Yoshino Kenji , Takanabe Kazuhiro , Domen Kazunari
Published: July 2023

Self-conductivity of semitransparent Ta3N5 on an insulating quartz substrate promotes carrier transfer from the interior of Ta3N5 to the external circuit, enabling efficient solar water splitting without the insertion of a conductive layer.
Directed self-assembly strategy of a DET complex based on the application of artificial electron channeling
Authors: Song Zhan , Wei Meijing , Fang Yinghao , Lu Fuping , Jia Minze , Qin Hui-Min , Mao Shuhong
Published: July 2023

Custom exogenous ferredoxin (Fdx) created a new conduit for electrons to travel from the reductase to the oxygenase, which increased the 4-androstene-3,17-dione (AD) conversion rate.
A metal-to-metal charge transfer induced green-yellow phosphor CsAlGe2O6:Bi3+ for full-spectrum LED devices
Authors: Yang Shuo , Wang Chuqi , Ma Xiaoxi , Wang Chuang , Dong Yujuan , Dong Enlai , Zhu Ge , Xin Shuangyu
Published: July 2023

MMCT-induced Bi3+-activated green-yellow phosphors suitable for full-spectrum LEDs.
Cobalt bis(dicarbollide) is a DNA-neutral pharmacophore
Authors: Fink Krzysztof , Cebula Jakub , Tošner Zdeněk , Psurski Mateusz , Uchman Mariusz , Goszczyński Tomasz M.
Published: July 2023

Cobalt bis(dicarbollide) (COSAN) is a DNA-neutral pharmacophore without significant interactions with DNA. As a result, DNA is not necessary for COSAN to induce cytotoxicity, which is most likely protein- or cell membrane-dependent.
Switchable cyclopalladation of substrates containing two directing groups: on the way to non-symmetrical [2.2]-dipalladaparacyclophanes
Authors: Korábková Tereza , Bartáček Jan , Marek Lukáš , Hanusek Jiří , Růžička Aleš , Váňa Jiří
Published: July 2023

The regioselectivity of C–H activation reactions of substrates with multiple directing groups can be easily switched using additional acids.
Identification of non-metal single atomic phosphorus active sites for the CO2 reduction reaction
Authors: Bin Yang Hong , Xu Cong-Qiao , Baskaran Sambath , Lu Ying-Rui , Gu Chengding , Liu Wei , Ding Jie , Zhang Jincheng , Wang Qilun , Chen Wei , Li Jun , Huang Yanqiang , Zhang Tao , Liu Bin
Published: July 2023

Due to intrinsic difference between non-metal atoms and metal atoms, SACs with non-metal centers will also have unique characteristics, which would cause changes in the adsorption configuration of reaction intermediates, thereby regulating the reaction path.
Expanding lignin thermal property space by fractionation and covalent modification
Authors: Riddell Luke A. , Enthoven Floris J. P. A. , Lindner Jean-Pierre B. , Meirer Florian , Bruijnincx Pieter C. A.
Published: July 2023

To further unlock kraft lignin's potential in material applications, we show that tight control can be achieved over a key physicochemical lignin parameter, its Tg, which largely determines, and serves as proxy for, the properties of lignin-derived thermoset materials.
Non-catalytic proteins as promising detoxifiers in lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment: unveiling the mechanism for enhanced enzymatic hydrolysis
Authors: Madadi Meysam , Song Guojie , Gupta Vijai Kumar , Aghbashloh Mortaza , Sun Chihe , Sun Fubao , Tabatabaei Meisam
Published: July 2023

Dilute acid (DA) pretreatment of biomass generates multiple inhibitory compounds within the pretreated hydrolysates.
Rapid microfluidics prototyping through variotherm desktop injection molding for multiplex diagnostics
Authors: Suarez Gianmarco D. , Bayer Steevanson , Tang Yuki Yu Kiu , Suarez Domenick A. , Cheung Peter Pak-Hang , Nagl Stefan
Published: July 2023

Desktop injection molding of microfluidics was demonstrated with variable temperature of the mold and the resulting centrifugal microfluidic chips with integrated optical pH sensors were employed for AS-LAMP based genotyping of CYP2C19 alleles.
Special tailoring of a copper–pyromellitic acid complex with sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) to form a composite membrane for polymer electrolyte fuel cells
Authors: U. Anil Kumar , Sakthivel Rajendran , Sethi Asis , Mohan Dass Baskaran , Bhat Santoshkumar D. , Dhavale Vishal M.
Published: July 2023

Special tailoring of a copper–pyromellitic acid complex with sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) forms a composite membrane for enhanced performance in fuel cells. Polymer electrolyte of this study is a viable alternative to Nafion.
Regiodivergent synthesis of sulfone-tethered lactam–lactones bearing four contiguous stereocenters
Authors: Beng Timothy K. , Eichwald Jane , Fessenden Jolyn , Quigley Kaiden , Sharaf Sapna , Jeon Nanju , Do Minh
Published: July 2023

The catalytic, regiodivergent, and stereocontrolled sulfonyllactonization of lactam-tethered 5-aryl-4(E)-pentenoic acids has facilitated the synthesis of sulfonylated fused γ-lactone-lactams bearing four contiguous stereocenters.
Probing the effect of ethylene carbonate on optimizing the halogen-free electrolyte performance for Mg sulfur batteries
Authors: Moselhy Mostafa. A. , Farrag Mohamed , Zhu Yujie , Sheha Eslam
Published: July 2023

Ethylene carbonate perturb the bonding scheme of HFE and catalyze the dissociation of the dissolved salt and hence electrolyte conductivity.
The H-NOX protein structure adapts to different mechanisms in sensors interacting with nitric oxide
Authors: Yoo Byung-Kuk , Kruglik Sergei G. , Lambry Jean-Christophe , Lamarre Isabelle , Raman C. S. , Nioche Pierre , Negrerie Michel
Published: July 2023

Some bacteria possess protein sensors homologous to the heme domain of mammalian soluble guanylate cyclase. Their affinity for NO can be adapted by modulating the energy barrier for cleavage of the heme iron-histidine bond as a function of temperature.
Insights into a crystallization-like activation mechanism of diatom biosilica as an anode for next-generation Li-ion batteries
Authors: Chen Yuxin , Liu Hongchang , Yang Kang , Nie Zhenyuan , Xia Jinlan , Shen Ze , Xie Jianping , Liu Hongwei
Published: July 2023

According to the experimental results and previous reports, a crystallization-like activation mechanism was proposed and used to reasonably explain electrochemical performance of DBS@C anodes.
Nanomaterials: a promising multimodal theranostics platform for thyroid cancer
Authors: Li Lei , Wang Ze , Guo Hui , Lin Quan
Published: July 2023

Thyroid cancer, the most common malignancy in the head and neck region, has shown an increasing incidence trend. With the continuous advancement of nanotechnology, nanomaterials hold great promise in providing diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer.
Insights about the ability of folate based supramolecular gels to act as targeted therapeutic agents
Authors: Rizzo Carla , Cancemi Patrizia , Buttacavoli Miriam , Di Cara Gianluca , D’Amico Cesare , Billeci Floriana , Marullo Salvatore , D’Anna Francesca
Published: July 2023

We obtained supramolecular gels of imidazolium and ammonium-based folate salts with the aim to obtain targeted chemotherapeutic agents.
Nanotubular-aerogel/hydrogel hybrid for strain sensing applications
Authors: Zhang Qian , Ye Wenchao , Li Guojiao , Gong Yanli , Liang Wenlang , Leng Yongxiang
Published: July 2023

This study develops a nanotubular-aerogel hybrid hydrogel (NAHH) with strong mechanical properties and skin-like conductivity for on-skin sensing devices. The NAHH also exhibits antibacterial activity and favorable cytocompatibility.
Kaempferol improves acute kidney injury via inhibition of macrophage infiltration in septic mice
Authors: Xu Zuqing , Wang Xiao , Kuang Wenbin , Wang Shiyang , Zhao Yanli
Published: July 2023

Sepsis contributes to life-threatening circulatory and organ dysfunction by dysregulating the host response to infection in critically ill patients. Treatment in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) can improve the survival of patients who suffer from severe sepsis, but sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SAKI) is still one of the main causes of death. The existing treatment is mainly focused on controlling microorganism induced infections by using drugs, such as ulinastatin and glucocorticoid. Also, it is well documented that kaempferol, a flavonoid derived from plant sources, improves septic mouse survival via anti-inflammatory response. However, the mechanism of anti-inflammatory response mediated by this flavonoid compound was little known. This study aims to demonstrate the mechanisms of inflammatory response regulated by kaempferol treatment during sepsis. We perform cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) injury as a sepsis mouse model and evaluate organ injury in sepsis. The molecular (qRT-PCR and Western Blot) and cellular profiling (IHC staining and Flow Cytometry) of the immune responses illustrates that kaempferol decreases the expression of adhesion molecular genes (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), thereby inhibiting F4/80+ macrophages infiltration in CLP-induced acute kidney injury. Our data suggested that kaempferol alleviates acute kidney injury via regulating F4/80+ macrophages infiltration in CLP-induced acute kidney injury.
Thermoelectric energy harvesting for internet of things devices using machine learning: A review
Authors: Kucova Tereza , Prauzek Michal , Konecny Jaromir , Andriukaitis Darius , Zilys Mindaugas , Martinek Radek
Published: July 2023

Initiatives to minimise battery use, address sustainability, and reduce regular maintenance have driven the challenge to use alternative power sources to supply energy to devices deployed in Internet of Things (IoT) networks. As a key pillar of fifth generation (5G) and beyond 5G networks,IoT is estimated to reach 42 billion devices by the year 2025. Thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are solid state energy harvesters which reliably and renewably convert thermal energy into electrical energy. These devices are able to recover lost thermal energy, produce energy in extreme environments, generate electric power in remote areas, and power micro‐sensors. Applying the state of the art, the authorspresent a comprehensive review of machine learning (ML) approaches applied in combination with TEG‐powered IoT devices to manage and predict available energy. The application areas of TEG‐driven IoT devices that exploit as a heat source the temperature differences found in the environment, biological structures, machines, and other technologies are summarised. Based on detailed research of the state of the art in TEG‐powered devices, the authors investigated the research challenges, applied algorithms and application areas of this technology. The aims of the research were to devise new energy prediction and energy management systems based on ML methods, create supervised algorithms which better estimate incoming energy, and develop unsupervised and semi‐supervised approaches which provide adaptive and dynamic operation. The review results indicate that TEGs are a suitable energy harvesting technology for low‐power applications through their scalability, usability in ubiquitous temperature difference scenarios, and long operating lifetime. However, TEGs also have low energy efficiency (around 10%) and require a relatively constant heat source.
A novel sea clutter suppression method based on SVD‐FRFT at low signal‐to‐clutter ratio
Authors: Cheng Qingyun , Wu Xiaochuan , Zhang Xin , Yang Qiang
Published: July 2023

The target and sea clutter Doppler domains frequently overlap due to the frequent passage of slow ship targets through the sea clutter zone. In this letter, a novel sea clutter suppression method is suggested as a solution to this issue, whose key is a novel singular value zeroing criterion guided by the search results of two‐dimensional spectral peaks. Verified by simulations, the method proposed can improve signal‐to‐clutter ratio (SCR) from −8 to 41 dB in the frequency domain and be more effective than the conventional SVD‐FRFT (a method for joint application of singular value decomposition and fractional Fourier transformer) and improved SVD‐FRFT.
Modulation signal recognition based on feed‐forward attention mechanism
Authors: Wang Biao , Zhang Shizhen , Zhu Yunan
Published: July 2023

In recent years, research on modulated signal recognition using deep learning (DL) has achieved remarkable success, allowing automatic modulation recognition (AMR) to play a crucial role in modern communication systems. The emergence of the attention mechanism has then rapidly led to a wide range of applications in image classification and speech recognition, which proves the effectiveness of the attention mechanism. In this paper, the authors propose a network model feed‐forward Attention mechanism with Residuals networks and Long Short‐Term Memory (RLADNN) based on feed‐forward attention mechanism with Residuals networks (Resnet) and Long Short‐Term Memory (LSTM), which takes the advantage that the Attention mechanism can effectively solve some long‐term memory problems in [−20:18] signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) for the recognition of 11 modulated signals with different SNR, and effectively improves the recognition rate.
A compact printed hybrid‐mode antenna for dual‐band dual‐sense circular polarisation
Authors: Fujimoto Takafumi , Guan Chai‐Eu
Published: July 2023

A compact printed hybrid‐mode antenna for dual‐band dual‐sense circular polarisation (CP) has been proposed. To achieve dual‐band dual‐sense CP, a hybrid mode produced by an L‐shaped element and a loop element is used. In the lower frequency band, the left‐handed CP is radiated by a vertical electric field from the L‐shaped element and a horizontal electric field from the loop element. In the higher frequency band, the right‐handed CP is radiated by a horizontal electric field from the L‐shaped element and a vertical electric field from the loop element. Both the L‐shaped and the loop elements produce resonances in the lower and higher frequency bands. The operational principle for dual‐band dual‐sense CP is clarified using the simulated orthogonal components of the electric fields and the simulated electric current distributions. Parametric studies are discussed in the design procedure. The simulated and measured input reflection coefficient, axial ratio, absolute gain, and radiation pattern are presented. The measured bandwidths of −10dB‐input reflection coefficient with a 3dB‐axial ratio are 2.37–2.55 GHz (7.32%) in the lower frequency band and 3.38–3.70 GHz (9.04%) in the higher frequency band. The antenna size is 0.0741λ2.452 and 0.151λ3.52 (λ f is a wavelength at f GHz).
Third harmonic injection control for co‐phase traction power supply system using direct AC/AC full‐bridge modular multilevel converter
Authors: Tian Ruoning , Wu Xuezhi , Jing Long , Li Jinke , Zhao Haitian , Yan Huiwen
Published: July 2023

As the full‐bridge modular multilevel converter (FB‐MMC) enables direct three‐phase AC voltage to single‐phase AC voltage conversion with good power quality and high voltage level, it is suitable for the co‐phase traction power supply system. However, voltage deviation occurs between arms when the direct AC/AC FB‐MMC operates in equal or similar frequency conditions. To solve this problem, a voltage balancing control based on third harmonic injection of co‐phase power supply system using direct AC/AC FB‐MMC is proposed. With the third harmonic injection, voltage balancing between arms is ensured and the capacity of FB‐MMC is enhanced. The third harmonic voltage is directly obtained from existing signals and the third harmonic current reference is produced by simple proportional‐integral (PI) controller. The effect of the third harmonic currents under different voltage ratios and phase difference is quantitatively analyzed, optimized range of voltage ratio and phase difference are obtained to minimize arm currents increment and reduce overrating of converter currents. In addition, a comparison between the proposed and the conventional control scheme is studied, showing the superior of proposed method in cost and performance. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed scheme is verified by simulations and experiments.
SHOTGLAS
Authors: Latour M. , Hämmerich S. , Dorsch M. , Heber U. , Husser T.-O. , Kamman S. , Dreizler S. , Brinchmann J.
Published: July 2023

Aims.We want to study the population of blue horizontal branch (HB) stars in the centres of globular clusters (GC) for the first time by exploiting the unique combination of MUSE spectroscopy and HST photometry. In this work, we characterize their properties in the GCsωCen and NGC 6752.

Methods.We use dedicated model atmospheres and grids of synthetic spectra computed using a hybrid LTE/NLTE modeling approach to fit the MUSE spectra of HB stars hotter than 8000 K in both clusters. The spectral fits provide estimates of the effective temperature (Teff), surface gravity (logɡ), and helium abundance of the stars. The model grids are further used to fit the HST magnitudes of the stars, that is, their spectral energy distributions (SEDs). From the SED fits, we derive the average reddening, radius, luminosity, and mass of the stars in our sample.

Results.The atmospheric and stellar properties that we derive for the stars in our sample are in good agreement with theoretical expectations. In particular, the stars cooler than ~15 000 K closely follow the theoretical predictions on radius, logɡ, and luminosity for helium-normal (Y= 0.25) models. InωCen, we show that the majority of these cooler HB stars cannot originate from a helium-enriched population withY> 0.35. The properties of the hotter stars (radii and luminosities) are still in reasonable agreement with theoretical expectations, but the individual measurements show a large scatter. For these hot stars, we find a mismatch between the effective temperatures indicated from the MUSE spectral fits and the photometric fits, with the latter returningTefflower by ~3000 K. We use three different diagnostics, namely the position of the G-jump and changes in metallicity and helium abundances, to place the onset of diffusion in the stellar atmospheres atTeffbetween 11 000 and 11 500 K. Our sample includes two stars known as photometric variables; we confirm one to be a bona fide extreme HB object but the other is a blue straggler star. Finally, unlike what has been reported in the literature, we do not find significant differences between the properties (e.g., logɡ, radius, and luminosity) of the stars in the two clusters.

Conclusions.We show that our analysis method – combining MUSE spectra and HST photometry of HB stars in GCs – is a powerful tool for characterising their stellar properties. With the availability of MUSE and HST observations of additional GCs, we have a unique opportunity to combine homogeneous spectroscopic and photometric data to study and compare the properties of blue HB stars in different GCs.
Faut-il former plus souvent à distance ?
Authors: Tardif Jacques , Moussa Ahmed
Published: July 2023

Contexte et problématique :Les décisions de confinement lors de la pandémie de Covid-19, prises dans la plupart des pays quasiment d’un jour à l’autre, ont dans un premier temps imposé des mesures adaptatives d’urgence, qui répondaient aux nécessités de ce qui a été aussitôt désigné comme relevant de la continuité pédagogique, sans que toutes les exigences d’une telle notion aient pour autant été forcément analysées. La question se pose désormais de la légitimité et de la pertinence qu’il y aurait à pérenniser les dispositifs de formation à distance qu’avait imposés la nécessité de pallier les contraintes du confinement.Objectifs :Chacun des deux auteurs argumente respectivement contre ou en faveur d’une telle perspective, au regard à la fois de principes pédagogiques applicables à la problématique de la formation des professionnels de la santé et des leçons qui peuvent être tirées de retours d’expériences rapportés dans la littérature.
A new lower bound for the independent domination number of a tree
Authors: Cabrera-Martinez Abel
Published: July 2023

A set D of vertices in a graph G is an independent dominating set of G if D is an independent set and every vertex not in D is adjacent to a vertex in D. The independent domination number of G, denoted by i(G), is the minimum cardinality among all independent dominating sets of G. In this paper we show that if T is a nontrivial tree, then i(T) ≥ n(T)+γ(T)−l(T)+2/4, where n(T), γ(T) and l(T) represent the order, the domination number and the number of leaves of T, respectively. In addition, we characterize the trees achieving this new lower bound.
The Use of Modern Innovative Technologies
Authors: Shemileva M. S-A. , Alikhadzhiev S. Kh. , Budnikov D. A.
Published: July 2023

This article explores the use of modern, innovative educational technology in educational settings. It examines the potential benefits of using digital tools and virtual environments in the classroom, such as increased engagement, improved understanding of science concepts, and increased collaboration among students. It also addresses the challenges associated with implementing these technologies, such as cost considerations and lack of teacher training. Finally, it presents recommendations for successful implementation and use of these technologies in institutions in education.
Strategies for higher education in the global green economy
Authors: Arsakhanova Gaina Abdullovna
Published: July 2023

Education for Sustainable Development (SRF), given the global lack of resources and The Associated distribution challenges, should promote peaceful, coexistence in freedom and prosperity, and a supportive environment for present and future generations. Critical reflection of one’s own reality of life, social conditions, current models of thoughts and value judgments, is aimed at the responsibility and maturity of the individual. People of all ages, genders, and cultures should be supported in developing alternative ideas about a sustainable future and working creatively with others to realize these visions. SRF not only raises awareness of the complexity of problems, but also promotes the communication of sustainable development and its concrete implementation. The goal is to develop the ability for critical reflection and systematic and future-oriented thinking, as well as practices that promote sustainability. Education is a necessary condition and an integral part of sustainable development. Education for sustainable development should be perceived as a common problem and regulatory idea throughout the education system. Inter-school educational references are essential for the overall thinking of the environmental, economic, and social dimensions required as a standard. Education can be based on important foundations, experiences, and initiatives. Education is one of the key prerequisites for the implementation of the entire “program 2030”, so education plays a key role in the vision of a just, peaceful and sustainable global society. The international community has set its own goal: “to ensure inclusive, fair and high-quality learning and promote all lifelong learning opportunities.”
The Role of the “Carbon Footprint” in the Development of the National Economy
Authors: Rakhimova Bella , Aslakhanova Seda
Published: July 2023

The problem of ensuring the safety of the environment has been particularly acute in recent years, due to the increasing anthropogenic influence of man on nature. Measures aimed at preventing environmental disasters are being taken to reduce the impact on the environment. One of these measures was the Paris Agreement, adopted on December 12, 2015, which is aimed at taking global measures in the face of climate change. As such measures, it is planned to limit the temperature rise to 1.50 C and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The scientific novelty of this study lies in the development of proposals to reduce the “carbon footprint”. The working hypothesis of the study is that the emission of greenhouse gases leads to irreversible climate changes and the need to take prompt measures to reduce the “carbon footprint” for climate balance. According to the results of the study, the authors came to the conclusion that global climate change, on the one hand, opens up new opportunities for development, on the other hand, it is fraught with environmental disasters. Among the measures that need to be taken to reduce the carbon footprint, we note such measures as plastic recycling, the transition to environmentally friendly modes of transport and the provision of state support to enterprises, innovative technologies to reduce emissions into the atmosphere.
Trends and Prospects of Development in the Modern System of International Competition Regulation
Authors: Khasanova S. S. , Maksharipova E. A. , Mezhiyeva Kh. A.
Published: July 2023

International regulation of competition seems necessary in the context of globalization and internationalization of economic relations and, as a result, the emergence of transnational corporations (TNCs) that go to the supranational level. Due to the imperfection of national legislation in countries that have only recently embarked on the path of a market economic system, the creation of an effective international competition regulation system should contribute to the implementation of the principles and norms of competitive relations that are mandatory or recommendatory. The purpose of the study is to identify the main problems in the modern international system of competition regulation, as well as to identify problems and ways to improve the system of regulation of competitive relations in Russia.
Modern Business Writing Etiquette
Authors: Arsakaeva Kh. S.
Published: July 2023

This article attempts to consider the etiquette of a business letter. The importance of observing the norms and rules of speech etiquette is emphasized. It also talks about the structure of an e-mail, the observance of which is the key to a successful letter and respect for the addressee. The topic of business etiquette remains relevant and useful in our time. One of the most important factors determining the success of business communication is the ability to maintain business documentation, compliance with ethical standards and rules. Possession of the culture of business communication, knowledge of etiquette rules is considered one of the most important professional qualities of a business person. The relevance of this topic is due to the fact that modern society is constantly developing new forms of communication, the network Internet penetrates into all areas of business communication.