bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatic Transcriptome Analysis Provides New Insight into the Lipid-Reducing Effect of Dietary Taurine in High–Fat Fed Groupers (Epinephelus coioides)
Authors: Chen Mingfan , Bai Fakai , Song Tao , Niu Xingjian , Wang Xuexi , Wang Kun , Ye Jidan
Published: July 2022

A transcriptome analysis was conducted to provide the first detailed overview of dietary taurine intervention on liver lipid accumulation caused by high–fat in groupers. After an eight-week feeding, the fish fed 15% fat diet (High–fat diet) had higher liver lipid contents vs. fish fed 10% fat diet (Control diet). 15% fat diet with 1% taurine (Taurine diet) improved weight gain and feed utilization, and decreased hepatosomatic index and liver lipid contents vs. the High–fat diet. In the comparison of the Control vs. High–fat groups, a total of 160 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, of which up- and down-regulated genes were 72 and 88, respectively. There were 49 identified DEGs with 26 and 23 of up- and down-regulated in the comparison to High–fat vs. Taurine. Several key genes, such as cysteine dioxygenase (CDO1), ADP–ribosylation factor 1/2 (ARF1_2), sodium/potassium–transporting ATPase subunit alpha (ATP1A), carnitine/acylcarnitine translocase (CACT), and calcium/calmodulin–dependent protein kinase II (CAMK) were obtained by enrichment for the above DEGs. These genes were enriched in taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, bile secretion, insulin secretion, phospholipase D signaling pathway, and thermogenesis pathways, respectively. The present study will also provide a new insight into the nutritional physiological function of taurine in farmed fish.
Role of Dissimilative Pathway of Komagataella phaffii (Pichia pastoris): Formaldehyde Toxicity and Energy Metabolism
Authors: Berrios Julio , Theron Chrispian W. , Steels Sébastien , Ponce Belén , Velastegui Edgar , Bustos Cristina , Altamirano Claudia , Fickers Patrick
Published: July 2022

Komagataella phaffii (aka Pichia pastoris) is a yeast able to grow in methanol as the sole carbon and energy source. This substrate is converted into formaldehyde, a toxic intermediary that can either be assimilated to biomass or dissimilated to CO2 through the enzymes formaldehyde dehydrogenase (FLD) and formate dehydrogenase, also producing energy in the form of NADH. The dissimilative pathway has been described as an energy producing and a detoxifying route, but conclusive evidence has not been provided for this. In order to elucidate this theory, we generated mutants lacking the FLD activity (Δfld1) and used flux analysis to evaluate the metabolic impact of this disrupted pathway. Unexpectedly, we found that the specific growth rate of the Δfld1 strain was only slightly lower (92%) than the control. In contrast, the sensitivity to formaldehyde pulses (up to 8mM) was significantly higher in the Δfld1 mutant strain and was associated with a higher maintenance energy. In addition, the intracellular flux estimation revealed a high metabolic flexibility of K. phaffii in response to the disrupted pathway. Our results suggest that the role of the dissimilative pathway is mainly to protect the cells from the harmful effect of formaldehyde, as they were able to compensate for the energy provided from this pathway when disrupted.
Ion and Particle Size Effects on the Surface Reactivity of Anatase Nanoparticle–Aqueous Electrolyte Interfaces: Experimental, Density Functional Theory, and Surface Complexation Modeling Studies
Authors: Ridley Moira , Machesky Michael , Kubicki James
Published: July 2022

At the nanoscale, particle size affects the surface reactivity of anatase–water interfaces. Here, we investigate the effect of electrolyte media and particle size on the primary charging behavior of anatase nanoparticles. Macroscopic experiments, potentiometric titrations, were used to quantitatively evaluate surface charge of a suite of monodisperse nanometer sized (4, 20, and 40 nm) anatase samples in five aqueous electrolyte solutions. The electrolyte media included alkaline chloride solutions (LiCl, NaCl, KCl, and RCl) and Na-Trifluoromethanesulfonate (NaTr). Titrations were completed at 25 °C, as a function of pH (3–11) and ionic strength (from 0.005 to 0.3 m). At the molecular scale, density functional theory (DFT) simulations were used to evaluate the most stable cation surface species on the predominant (101) anatase surface. In all electrolyte media, primary charging increased with increasing particle size. At high ionic strength, the development of negative surface charge followed reverse lyotropic behavior: charge density increased in the order RbCl < KCl < NaCl < LiCl. Positive surface charge was greater in NaCl than in NaTr media. From the DFT simulations, all cations formed inner-sphere surface species, but the most stable coordination geometry varied. The specific inner-sphere adsorption geometries are dependent on the ionic radius. The experimental data were described using surface complexation modeling (SCM), constrained by the DFT results. The SCM used the charge distribution (CD) and multisite (MUSIC) models, with a two-layer (inner- and outer-Helmholtz planes) description of the electric double layer. Subtle charging differences between the smallest and larger anatase particles were the same in each electrolyte media. These results further our understanding of solid–aqueous solution interface reactivity of nanoparticles.
The Dynamic Accumulation Rules of Chemical Components in Different Medicinal Parts of Angelica sinensis by GC-MS
Authors: Chen Yuying , Li Qian , Qiu Daiyu
Published: July 2022

The chemical components and medicinal properties of different medicinal parts of Angelica sinensis are often used as medicine after being divided into the head, body and tail of Angelica sinensis. In this study, the chemical components of different medicinal parts in different periods were analyzed by GC-MS for the first time, and the differences of the accumulation rules of chemical components in different medicinal parts of Angelica sinensis were obtained. This study demonstrated that the differences of composition accumulation in different medicinal parts of Angelica sinensis were mainly reflected in the types and relative contents of compounds. The study found that the number of compounds in different medicinal parts of Angelica sinensis in each period were different and the change rules of the same compound in different medicinal parts were also different. The number of compounds in the tail of Angelica sinensis was the least in April, and the largest in October. The content of ligustilide in the body of Angelica sinensis was higher in April and was the highest in the tail in October. The relative content of butylidenephthalide in the head was the highest in October. The relative contents of senkyunolide A and butylphthalide in the head were decreased in October, while the contents in the body and tail increased, indicating that the compounds that accumulate in the head may transfer to the body and tail in later stages of growth. This study clarified the differences in the accumulation of chemical components in different medicinal parts of Angelica sinensis, which could provide a theoretical basis for the reasons for the differences of chemical components in the different medicinal parts.
Stereoselective Processes Based on σ-Hole Interactions
Authors: Peluso Paola , Mamane Victor
Published: July 2022

The σ-hole interaction represents a noncovalent interaction between atoms with σ-hole(s) on their surface (such as halogens and chalcogens) and negative sites. Over the last decade, significant developments have emerged in applications where the σ-hole interaction was demonstrated to play a key role in the control over chirality. The aim of this review is to give a comprehensive overview of the current advancements in the use of σ-hole interactions in stereoselective processes, such as formation of chiral supramolecular assemblies, separation of enantiomers, enantioselective complexation and asymmetric catalysis.
Phenolic Profile and Fingerprint Analysis of Akebia quinata Leaves Extract with Endothelial Protective Activity
Authors: Gao Dan , Cho Chong-Woon , Kim Jin-Hyeok , Bao Haiying , Kim Hyung-Min , Li Xiwen , Kang Jong-Seong
Published: July 2022

In contrast to the stem and fruit of Akebia quinata, A. quinata leaves as a source rich in phenolic compounds with potentially beneficial pharmacological activities have been largely overlooked. To develop and use A. quinata leaves as a resource, we evaluated its potential as a cardiovascular-protective agent. Herein, we investigated the effects and potential mechanisms of A. quinata leaves extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. We found that A. quinata leaves extract pretreatment of 10 μg/mL significantly attenuated LPS-induced protein expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. Furthermore, this extract also suppressed LPS-induced phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB p65. In order to elucidate the chemical profiles of the samples, the HPLC fingerprint was established, and prominent peaks were identified via HPLC–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry. Multivariate statistical analyses, including hierarchical cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and partial least-squares discriminant analysis, were performed to evaluate the clustering of the samples. It was found that isochlorogenic acid C was a key marker for the classification of A. quinata leaves from the Gongju and Muju city in Korea. Collectively, this study not only suggested the potential of A. quinata leaves as a novel therapeutic candidate for inflammatory cardiovascular disease but also developed a quality control method for A. quinata leaves, which could help to expand the application of A. quinata.
Activation of Stimulation of Interferon Genes (STING) Signal and Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Luo Kewang , Li Ning , Ye Wei , Gao Hanchao , Luo Xinle , Cheng Baohui
Published: July 2022

Stimulator of interferon gene (STING), an intracellular receptor in the endoplasmic reticulum, could induce the production of cytokines such as type I interferon (IFN) by activating the cGAS-STING signal pathway. In recent years, activation of STING has shown great potential to enhance anti-tumor immunity and reshape the tumor microenvironment, which is expected to be used in tumor immunotherapy. A number of STING agonists have demonstrated promising biological activity and showed excellent synergistic anti-tumor effects in combination with other cancer therapies in preclinical studies and some clinical trials. The combination of STING agonists and ICI also showed a potent effect in improving anti-tumor immunity. In this review, we introduce the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and its effect in tumor immunity and discuss the recent strategies of activation of the STING signaling pathway and its research progress in tumor immunotherapy.
Synthesis, Molecular Docking Study, and Cytotoxic Activity against MCF Cells of New Thiazole–Thiophene Scaffolds
Authors: Gomha Sobhi , Riyadh Sayed , Huwaimel Bader , Zayed Mohie , Abdellattif Magda
Published: July 2022

Investigating novel compounds that may be useful in designing new, less toxic, selective, and potent breast anticancer agents is still the main challenge for medicinal chemists. Thus, in the present work, acetylthiophene was used as a building block to synthesize a novel series of thiazole-bearing thiophene derivatives. The structures of the synthesized compounds were elucidated based on elemental analysis and spectral measurements. The cytotoxic activities of the synthesized compounds were evaluated against MCF-7 tumor cells and compared to a cisplatin reference drug, and against the LLC-Mk2 normal cell line using the MTT assay, and the results revealed promising activities for compounds 4b and 13a. The active compounds were subjected to molecular modeling using MOE 2019, the pharmacokinetics were studied using SwissADME, and a toxicity radar was obtained from the biological screening data. The results obtained from the computational studies supported the results obtained from the anticancer biological studies.
Comparative Research on the Thermophysical Properties of Nano-Sized La2(Zr0.7Ce0.3)2O7 Synthesized by Different Routes
Authors: Wang Yue , Shao Bohuai , Fu Boyan , Zou Binglin , Wang Chunjie
Published: July 2022

La2(Zr0.7Ce0.3)2O7 has been regarded as an ideal candidate for the next generation of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) due to its prominent superiority. In this paper, the nano-sized La2(Zr0.7Ce0.3)2O7 was synthesized using two different synthetic routes: sol-gel and hydrothermal processes. Various techniques were utilized to assess the differences in the relevant thermophysical properties created by the different synthetic methods. According to the investigations, both samples exhibited pyrochlore structures with an excellent thermal stability. The sample synthesized via the hydrothermal method showed a more uniform particle size and morphology than that obtained through the sol-gel technique. The former also possessed a better sinter-resistance property, a more outstanding TEC (thermal expansion coefficient) and thermal conductivity, and a larger activation energy for crystal growth than the latter. The micro-strain of both samples showed an interesting change as the temperature increased, and 1200 °C was the turning point. Additionally, relative mechanisms were discussed in detail.
Formation of Nano- and Micro-Scale Surface Features Induced by Long-Range Femtosecond Filament Laser Ablation
Authors: Schille Joerg , Chirinos Jose R. , Mao Xianglei , Schneider Lutz , Horn Matthias , Loeschner Udo , Zorba Vassilia
Published: July 2022

In this work, we study the characteristics of femtosecond-filament-laser–matter interactions and laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) at a beam-propagation distance up to 55 m. The quantification of the periodicity of filament-induced self-organized surface structures was accomplished by SEM and AFM measurements combined with the use of discrete two-dimensional fast Fourier transform (2D-FFT) analysis, at different filament propagation distances. The results show that the size of the nano-scale surface features increased with ongoing laser filament processing and, further, periodic ripples started to form in the ablation-spot center after irradiation with five spatially overlapping pulses. The effective number of irradiating filament pulses per spot area affected the developing surface texture, with the period of the low spatial frequency LIPSS reducing notably at a high pulse number. The high regularity of the filament-induced ripples was verified by the demonstration of the angle-of-incidence-dependent diffraction of sunlight. This work underlines the potential of long-range femtosecond filamentation for energy delivery at remote distances, with suppressed diffraction and long depth focus, which can be used in biomimetic laser surface engineering and remote-sensing applications.
Tunable Spin and Orbital Edelstein Effect at (111) LaAlO3/SrTiO3 Interface
Authors: Trama Mattia , Cataudella Vittorio , Perroni Carmine Antonio , Romeo Francesco , Citro Roberta
Published: July 2022

Converting charge current into spin current is one of the main mechanisms exploited in spintronics. One prominent example is the Edelstein effect, namely, the generation of a magnetization in response to an external electric field, which can be realized in systems with lack of inversion symmetry. If a system has electrons with an orbital angular momentum character, an orbital magnetization can be generated by the applied electric field, giving rise to the so-called orbital Edelstein effect. Oxide heterostructures are the ideal platform for these effects due to the strong spin–orbit coupling and the lack of inversion symmetries. Beyond a gate-tunable spin Edelstein effect, we predict an orbital Edelstein effect an order of magnitude larger then the spin one at the (111) LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface for very low and high fillings. We model the material as a bilayer of t2g orbitals using a tight-binding approach, whereas transport properties are obtained in the Boltzmann approach. We give an effective model at low filling, which explains the non-trivial behaviour of the Edelstein response, showing that the hybridization between the electronic bands crucially impacts the Edelstein susceptibility.
Recent Progress in Flexible Pressure Sensor Arrays
Authors: Duan Yanhao , He Shixue , Wu Jian , Su Benlong , Wang Youshan
Published: July 2022

Flexible pressure sensors that can maintain their pressure sensing ability with arbitrary deformation play an essential role in a wide range of applications, such as aerospace, prosthetics, robotics, healthcare, human–machine interfaces, and electronic skin. Flexible pressure sensors with diverse conversion principles and structural designs have been extensively studied. At present, with the development of 5G and the Internet of Things, there is a huge demand for flexible pressure sensor arrays with high resolution and sensitivity. Herein, we present a brief description of the present flexible pressure sensor arrays with different transduction mechanisms from design to fabrication. Next, we discuss the latest progress of flexible pressure sensor arrays for applications in human–machine interfaces, healthcare, and aerospace. These arrays can monitor the spatial pressure and map the trajectory with high resolution and rapid response beyond human perception. Finally, the outlook of the future and the existing problems of pressure sensor arrays are presented.
Special Issue “Advanced Nanomaterials for Bioimaging”
Authors: Lee Gang Ho
Published: July 2022

Bioimaging currently plays a critical role in medical diagnosis [...]
The Biological Properties of the SARS-CoV-2 Cameroon Variant Spike: An Intermediate between the Alpha and Delta Variants
Authors: Pascarella Stefano , Bianchi Martina , Giovanetti Marta , Benvenuto Domenico , Borsetti Alessandra , Cauda Roberto , Cassone Antonio , Ciccozzi Massimo
Published: July 2022

An analysis of the structural effect of the mutations of the B.1.640.2 (IHU) Spike Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) and N-terminal Domain (NTD) is reported along with a comparison with the sister lineage B.1.640.1. and a selection of variants of concern. The effect of the mutations on the RBD–ACE2 interaction was also assessed. The structural analysis applied computational methods that are able to carry out in silico mutagenesis to calculate energy minimization and the folding energy variation consequent to residue mutations. Tools for electrostatic calculation were applied to quantify and display the protein surface electrostatic potential. Interactions at the RBD–ACE2 interface were scrutinized using computational tools that identify the interactions and predict the contribution of each interface residue to the stability of the complex. The comparison among the RBDs shows that the most evident differences between the variants is in the distribution of the surface electrostatic potential: that of B.1.640.1 is as that of the Alpha RBD, while B.1.640.2 appears to have an intermediate surface potential pattern with characteristics between those of the Alpha and Delta variants. Moreover, the B.1.640.2 Spike includes the mutation E484K that in other variants has been suggested to be involved in immune evasion. These properties may hint at the possibility that B.1.640.2 emerged with a potentially increased infectivity with respect to the sister B.1.640.1 variant, but significantly lower than that of the Delta and Omicron variants. However, the analysis of their NTD domains highlights deletions, destabilizing mutations and charge alterations that can limit the ability of the B.1.640.1 and B.1.640.2 variants to interact with cellular components, such as cell surface receptors.
Assessing the Association of Hispanic Ethnicity and Other Personal Characteristics with Pharmacy School Admissions
Authors: Cornelison Bernadette , Edwards Christopher , Axon David R. , Gorman Lillian , Rudin-Rush Lorin , Johnson Bruce , Alvarez Nancy A.
Published: July 2022

Access to healthcare services for underrepresented minority populations can be improved by having a diverse profession that reflects the diversity of the patient population being served. The criteria used for pharmacy school admissions may inhibit or strengthen the opportunities that URM students have to be accepted into the University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy (COP) program. It is currently unclear how personal characteristics are associated with pharmacy school admissions at the COP. This study evaluates whether Hispanic ethnicity was associated with pharmacy school admission status, and secondarily, determines other characteristics associated with admissions. This retrospective database study used admissions data from 2005 to 2018. Completed applications were included in the analysis. The outcome variable was admitted versus not admitted to the pharmacy program. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify variables associated with admission status using an a priori alpha level of 0.05. A total of 2096 applicants were included in the analysis (mean age 25.1 ± 5.2 years, 59.9% female, 13.0% Hispanic). Hispanic ethnicity was not associated with admission status. Characteristics significantly associated with admission to pharmacy school were age, gender, high school attended, previous application to the college, and Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) biology and chemistry scores. Although bias was not seen in the admissions process, this study highlights the need for intervention to ensure future cohorts better reflect the diversity of the region.
Molecular Activation Mechanism and Structural Dynamics of Orange Carotenoid Protein
Authors: Chukhutsina Volha U. , van Thor Jasper J.
Published: July 2022

Like most photosynthetic organisms, cyanobacteria are vulnerable to fluctuations in light intensity, which can damage their photosynthetic machinery. To protect against this, they use a photoprotective mechanism called non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), where excess absorbed photo-energy is dissipated as heat. In cyanobacteria, light activation of Orange Carotenoid Protein (OCP) is the critical first step in the NPQ response. OCP is also the only known photosensitive protein, which uses carotenoid for its activation. We summarize the current knowledge on the light induced reactions of OCP; the different mechanisms of activation that have been proposed; photocycle kinetics and characteristics; and the reported structural intermediates. We discuss the possible interpretations of reported experimental results, and we formulate important open questions and directions for future work, to reveal the molecular and structural basis of photosensing by OCP.
Performance Enhancement of Polymerized, Functionalized Solution Styrene–Butadiene Rubber Composites Using Oligomeric Resin towards Extremely Safe and Energy-Saving Tires
Authors: Ye Neng , Wu Zhenya , Wu Xiaohui , Lu Yonglai , Zhang Liqun
Published: July 2022

Polymerized, functionalized solution styrene–butadiene rubber (F-SSBR) is a new type of polymerized styrene–butadiene rubber solution containing specific terminal groups, which can be used in treads for high performances. However, the wet skid resistance related to safety, the rolling resistance to energy consumption, and the wear resistance to service life are often contradictory and form the performance “magic triangle”. In this work, oligomeric resins, including Coumarone resin, C9 resin, C5/C9 resin and a styrene-α-methyl styrene copolymer (SSC), were used as tire functional additives and selected to replace treated distillate aromatic extract (TDAE) to improve the performances of silica-filled F-SSBR composites. The C9 resin, C5/C9 resin and SSC could enhance the modulus at 300% and tensile strength of the F-SSBR composite. The four resins could improve the wet skid resistance and wear resistance of the composites. However, Coumarone resin caused poor silica dispersion in the F-SSBR matrix and eventually, the lower modulus, higher loss factor at 60 °C and the higher heat buildup in the composite were comparative to the composite with TDAE. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of the C5/C9 resin and SSC was found to improve the mechanical performance of the composites and it resulted in higher tensile strength and modulus, and a lower heat buildup, compared to the case when only TDAE was used. It is noted that the properties “magic triangle” was broken by the C5/C9 resin and SSC, and the C5/C910T15 increased the wet skid resistance by 21.7%, fuel-saving rate by 2.3%, and wear resistance by 8.3%, while S20T5 increased the wet skid resistance by 30.4%, fuel-saving rate by 7%, and wear resistance by 25% compared with CG.
Photovoltaic Fuzzy Logical Control MPPT Based on Adaptive Genetic Simulated Annealing Algorithm-Optimized BP Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wang Ya-Jun , Zhang Yong , Yu Tong
Published: July 2022

The P–U characteristic curve of the photovoltaic (PV) cell is a single peak curve with only one maximum power point (MPP). However, the fluctuation of the irradiance level and ambient temperature will cause the drift of MPP. In the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm of PV systems, BP neural network (BPNN) has an unstable learning rate and poor performance, while the genetic algorithm (GA) tends to fall into local optimum. Therefore, a novel PV fuzzy MPPT algorithm based on an adaptive genetic simulated annealing-optimized BP neural network (AGSA-BPNN-FLC) is proposed in this paper. First, the adaptive GA is adopted to generate the corresponding population and increase the population diversity. Second, the simulated annealing (SA) algorithm is applied to the parent and offspring with a higher fitness value to improve the convergence rate of GA, and the optimal weight threshold of BPNN are updated by GA and SA algorithm. Third, the optimized BPNN is employed to predict the MPP voltage of PV cells. Finally, the fuzzy logical control (FLC) is used to eliminate local power oscillation and improve the robustness of the PV system. The proposed algorithm is applied and compared with GA-BPNN, simulated annealing-genetic (SA-GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), grey wolf optimization (GWO) and FLC algorithm under the condition that both the irradiance and temperature change. Simulation results indicate that the proposed MPPT algorithm is superior to the above-mentioned algorithms with efficiency, steady-state oscillation rate, tracking time and stability accuracy, and they have a good universality and robustness.
Influence of Heterogeneous Caprock on the Safety of Carbon Sequestration and Carbon Displacement
Authors: Wang Xiaochen , Liao Xinwei , Dong Peng , Tang Kang , Zhao Xudong , Guo Chen
Published: July 2022

Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) is a method of burying the captured CO2 into the reservoir and displacement of crude oil from reservoirs, which considers both economy and environmental protection. At present, it is considered as an important means to deal with global climate change. To ensure the safety of the CCUS scheme, it is very important to study the invasion and migration of CO2 in different types of caprocks. In this paper, we first choose the injection-production method of fixed gas injection rate at the top of the reservoir and constant pressure oil production at the bottom. Secondly, the distribution of porosity and permeability in the caprock is designed, and four types of caprock models are established: homogeneous caprock, layered homogeneous caprock, heterogeneous caprock, and layered heterogeneous caprock. Finally, the intrusion amount and migration characteristics of CO2 in caprock of four schemes in injection-production stage and burial stage are studied, and comprehensive analysis and evaluation are made in combination with the pressure distribution of caprock. In addition, the oil recovery ratio, geological CO2 storage, and amount of CO2 intrusion in caprock under different injection-production parameters in this model are also analyzed. This study provides a scientific basis for the safe operation of CCUS and geological storage of CO2.
High-Resolution Secretome Analysis of Chemical Hypoxia Treated Cells Identifies Putative Biomarkers of Chondrosarcoma
Authors: Spanò Donatella Pia , Bonelli Simone , Calligaris Matteo , Carreca Anna Paola , Carcione Claudia , Zito Giovanni , Nicosia Aldo , Rizzo Sergio , Scilabra Simone Dario
Published: July 2022

Chondrosarcoma is the second most common bone tumor, accounting for 20% of all cases. Little is known about the pathology and molecular mechanisms involved in the development and in the metastatic process of chondrosarcoma. As a consequence, there are no approved therapies for this tumor and surgical resection is the only treatment currently available. Moreover, there are no available biomarkers for this type of tumor, and chondrosarcoma classification relies on operator-dependent histopathological assessment. Reliable biomarkers of chondrosarcoma are urgently needed, as well as greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms of its development for translational purposes. Hypoxia is a central feature of chondrosarcoma progression. The hypoxic tumor microenvironment of chondrosarcoma triggers a number of cellular events, culminating in increased invasiveness and migratory capability. Herein, we analyzed the effects of chemically-induced hypoxia on the secretome of SW 1353, a human chondrosarcoma cell line, using high-resolution quantitative proteomics. We found that hypoxia induced unconventional protein secretion and the release of proteins associated to exosomes. Among these proteins, which may be used to monitor chondrosarcoma development, we validated the increased secretion in response to hypoxia of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), a glycolytic enzyme well-known for its different functional roles in a wide range of tumors. In conclusion, by analyzing the changes induced by hypoxia in the secretome of chondrosarcoma cells, we identified molecular mechanisms that can play a role in chondrosarcoma progression and pinpointed proteins, including GAPDH, that may be developed as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and therapeutic management of chondrosarcoma.
Falsification of the Sexual Experiences Questionnaire: No Evidence of Systemic Sexual Harassment in Academic STEM
Authors: Frank Patrick
Published: July 2022

Herein, the socio-psychological narrative of sexual harassment (SH) is critically evaluated. The notion of systemic SH in university departments of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is contradicted by the overwhelming (>90%) career satisfaction among female STEM academics. The Sexual Experiences Questionnaire (SEQ), central to the study of SH, inheres the nominalistic fallacy. SEQ usage deploys subjectivist methodologies, categorical ambiguity, the post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacy, and treats respondents as cyphers. Intercorrelation of SEQ factors reduces response statistics by 42%, while phase-space vector geometry indicates the SEQ does not measure SH. Personality analysis implies that serial abusers dominate the incidence of SH. The widespread notion that 20–25% of female college students suffer violent sexual assault rests on a misreading of published work. The 2016 Campus Climate Survey permits an upper limit estimate that 3.2% of female college students suffer rape at the hands of 4.3% of male student perpetrators, largely accompanied by drugs or alcohol. The 2018 National Academy (NAS) Report on sexual harassment in STEM exhibits negligent scholarship and carelessly generalizing statistics and may itself promote violation of the EEOC legal definition of SH. Despite instances of grievous sex-based abuse, there is no evidence that female STEM academics face systemic sexual harassment. Finally, evolutionary psychology and the social significance of personality provide a scientific understanding of SH.
Stakeholder Assessment on Closing Nutrient Cycles through Co-Recycling of Biodegradable Household Kitchen Waste and Black Water between Rural and Urban Areas in South India
Authors: Fendel Veronika , Kranert Martin , Maurer Claudia , Garcés-Sánchez Gabriela , Huang Jingjing , Ramakrishna Girija
Published: July 2022

Agricultural land degradation, urban migration, increasing food demand and waste, and inadequate sanitation systems all affect farmers, local society, and the environment in South India. Joint recycling of biodegradable secondary household resources to close nutrient cycles between urban and rural regions can address all these challenges and thus several SDGs at the same time. Efforts are being made to this end, but many attempts fail. The central research question is, therefore: how can co-recycling concepts be evaluated in this context? For this purpose, composting plants, biogas fermenters, and a high-tech concept to produce plant charcoal, design fertilizer, and biopolymers are considered. The aim of this study is to evaluate the recycling concepts from the stakeholders’ perspective to avoid gaps between theory and practice. Six expert and one focus group interviews on two successful on-site case studies and 15 online expert interviews with thematic actors were qualitatively evaluated and presented in a social network analysis to identify preferences and indicators for the further evaluation of co-recycling concepts. The results show that the focus is on mature technologies such as compost and biogas. High-tech solutions are currently still in rudimentary demand but will play a more important role in the future. To evaluate such concepts, seven key indicators and their measured values were identified and clustered into the categories ecological, social, technical, economic, and connective. The results show that this methodology of close interaction with stakeholders and the evaluation of successful regional case studies minimize the gap between practice and theory, contribute to several goals of the SDGs, and thus enable such concepts to be implemented sustainably.
Social Determinants Contribute to Disparities in Test Positivity, Morbidity and Mortality: Data from a Multi-Ethnic Cohort of 1094 GU Cancer Patients Undergoing Assessment for COVID-19
Authors: Moorhead Rebecca A. , O’Brien Jonathan S. , Kelly Brian D. , Shukla Devki , Bolton Damien M. , Kyprianou Natasha , Wiklund Peter , Lantz Anna , Mohamed Nihal , Goltz Heather H. , Lundon Dara J. , Tewari Ashutosh
Published: July 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic exploits existing inequalities in the social determinants of health (SDOH) that influence disease burden and access to healthcare. The role of health behaviours and socioeconomic status in genitourinary (GU) malignancy has also been highlighted. Our aim was to evaluate predictors of patient-level and neighbourhood-level factors contributing to disparities in COVID-19 outcomes in GU cancer patients. Methods: Demographic information and co-morbidities for patients screened for COVID-19 across the Mount Sinai Health System (MSHS) up to 10 June 2020 were included. Descriptive analyses and ensemble feature selection were performed to describe the relationships between these predictors and the outcomes of positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test, COVID-19-related hospitalisation, intubation and death. Results: Out of 47,379 tested individuals, 1094 had a history of GU cancer diagnosis; of these, 192 tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Ensemble feature selection identified social determinants including zip code, race/ethnicity, age, smoking status and English as the preferred first language—being the majority of significant predictors for each of this study’s four COVID-19-related outcomes: a positive test, hospitalisation, intubation and death. Patient and neighbourhood level SDOH including zip code/ NYC borough, age, race/ethnicity, smoking status, and English as preferred language are amongst the most significant predictors of these clinically relevant outcomes for COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: Our results highlight the importance of these SDOH and the need to integrate SDOH in patient electronic medical records (EMR) with the goal to identify at-risk groups. This study’s results have implications for COVID-19 research priorities, public health goals, and policy implementations.
Modeling Spatiotemporal Patterns of Land Use/Land Cover Change in Central Malawi Using a Neural Network Model
Authors: Mungai Leah M. , Messina Joseph P. , Zulu Leo C. , Qi Jiaguo , Snapp Sieglinde
Published: July 2022

We examine Land Use Land Cover Change (LULCC) in the Dedza and Ntcheu districts of Central Malawi and model anthropogenic and environmental drivers. We present an integrative approach to understanding heterogenous landscape interactions and short- to long-term shocks and how they inform future land management and policy in Malawi. Landsat 30-m satellite imagery for 2001, 2009, and 2019 was used to identify and quantify LULCC outcomes based on eight input classes: agriculture, built-up areas, barren, water, wetlands, forest-mixed vegetation, shrub-woodland, and other. A Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) neural network was developed to examine land-cover transitions based on the drivers; elevation, slope, soil texture, population density and distance from roads and rivers. Agriculture is projected to dominate the landscape by 2050. Dedza has a higher probability of future land conversion to agriculture (0.45 to 0.70) than Ntcheu (0.30 to 0.45). These findings suggest that future land management initiatives should focus on spatiotemporal patterns in land cover and develop multidimensional policies that promote land conservation in the local context.
Towards Reliable Parameter Extraction in MEMS Final Module Testing Using Bayesian Inference
Authors: Heringhaus Monika E. , Zhang Yi , Zimmermann André , Mikelsons Lars
Published: July 2022

In micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) testing high overall precision and reliability are essential. Due to the additional requirement of runtime efficiency, machine learning methods have been investigated in recent years. However, these methods are often associated with inherent challenges concerning uncertainty quantification and guarantees of reliability. The goal of this paper is therefore to present a new machine learning approach in MEMS testing based on Bayesian inference to determine whether the estimation is trustworthy. The overall predictive performance as well as the uncertainty quantification are evaluated with four methods: Bayesian neural network, mixture density network, probabilistic Bayesian neural network and BayesFlow. They are investigated under the variation in training set size, different additive noise levels, and an out-of-distribution condition, namely the variation in the damping factor of the MEMS device. Furthermore, epistemic and aleatoric uncertainties are evaluated and discussed to encourage thorough inspection of models before deployment striving for reliable and efficient parameter estimation during final module testing of MEMS devices. BayesFlow consistently outperformed the other methods in terms of the predictive performance. As the probabilistic Bayesian neural network enables the distinction between epistemic and aleatoric uncertainty, their share of the total uncertainty has been intensively studied.
The Interaction between Basic Psychological Needs, Decision-Making and Life Goals among Emerging Adults in South Africa
Authors: Davids Eugene Lee
Published: July 2022

The interaction between emerging adult psychological well-being and decision-making, in South Africa, has not been explicitly explored in Self-Determination Theory. Life goals have been thought to play a role in the interaction between basic psychological needs and decision-making to promote psychological well-being. The current study, therefore, aimed to examine whether the decision-making styles employed, and the life goals which were deemed important, contribute to the understanding of the satisfaction or frustration of the basic psychological needs of emerging adults in South Africa. Data were collected cross-sectionally, using a secure, online survey among 1411 participants. The interaction between decision-making, life goals and basic psychological needs variables were examined using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations and hierarchical regression analyses. The results in the study suggest that adaptive (vigilant) decision-making and intrinsic life goals were significant predictors for the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs. Some forms of maladaptive decision-making and extrinsic goals were predictors of the frustration of basic psychological needs. The variance explained by the various models were between 15.6–32.6%, with the results suggesting all models were significant. The results provide a novel contribution to emerging adult well-being in South Africa and Self-Determination Theory, with the implications for society, research and practice discussed.
El desarrollo sustentable en Ecuador: estrategias desde el sector de la construcción
Authors: Samaniego Mendoza Javier Oswaldo
Published: July 2022

Es fundamental comprender que la esencia de una edificación es asegurar el bienestar humano a largo plazo, los retos de alcanzar sociedades sustentables establecen buscar un desarrollo que no afecte a la interacción individuo-ambiente, gestionando el buen uso y preservación de los recursos naturales, y explotando las tecnologías disponibles sin limitaciones, promoviendo así una productividad y actividad sustentable para la generación presente y futura. Este estudio integró un análisis exploratorio-descriptivo de los componentes que conllevan a un desarrollo sustentable en el sector de la construcción: técnico, socioeconómico y medioambiental; y evaluó la sustentabilidad en una vivienda tipo de interés social, considerando dos sistemas de evaluación para edificaciones sustentables adaptados a nuestro medio, con el objeto de analizar el cumplimiento de estrategias que promueven la práctica sustentable en edificaciones y estas sirvan para correlacionar los fundamentos del desarrollo sustentable. Los resultados de la evaluación de la vivienda tipo de interés social determinaron valoraciones aceptables en prácticas socioeconómicas y técnicas, no así en las medioambientales, motivo por el cual no pudo ser categorizada como vivienda sustentable bajo ninguno de los dos sistemas de evaluación.

 

Palabras claves— desarrollo sustentable, edificaciones sustentables, estrategias sustentables, sistemas de evaluación sustentable
Análisis del nivel de servicio en la intersección de las avenidas Manabí y América, Portoviejo, Ecuador
Authors: Vera José | , Loor José , Ortiz Hernández Eduardo , Delgado Daniel
Published: July 2022

La congestión de las intersecciones urbanas constituye uno de los principales problemas de movilidad a nivel mundial. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar el nivel de servicio dentro de la intersección semaforizada de las Avenidas América y Manabí en la ciudad de Portoviejo – Ecuador, como insumo para evaluar el índice de confort brindado a los usuarios de todos los tipos de transporte dentro de la zona de estudio. La metodología consideró el análisis de las secciones geométricas y señalización existente dentro de las vías en estudio, la aplicación de un aforo vehicular y peatonal realizado en varios días de la semana que no se vieran afectados por la ocurrencia de eventos inusuales que puedan sesgar los resultados de la investigación, la determinación del volumen de flujo, flujo de saturación y demoras por carril, puntos de aproximación e intersección en general, para posteriormente identificar el nivel de servicio en cada sección de análisis. Los resultados permitieron determinar una demora general de 33 seg/veh dentro de la intersección, clasificándola con un nivel de servicio “C” que, a pesar de ser considerado aceptable dentro de los parámetros de análisis de intersecciones, está muy próxima en alcanzar los rangos del nivel de servicio “D” (poco recomendable), demostrando la importancia de una actuación rápida y eficiente para mejorar la movilidad dentro de la zona de estudio. 

 

PALABRAS CLAVE: Tránsito vehicular, análisis de intersección, intersección semaforizada, nivel de servicio, demoras en intersecciones.
Adaptive Control-based synchronization of chaotic systems with uncertain parameters and its application
Authors: Hussain Ola , Tahir Fadhil
Published: July 2022

This paper is concerned with performance on thewidely used control technique: adaptive control forsynchronization between two identical chaotic systemsembedded in the Master and Slave. It is assumed that theparameters of slave system are unknown. The required stabilitycondition is derived to ensure the stability of error dynamics.Adaptive control laws are designed using appropriateparameters estimation law. The system parameters areasymptotically synchronized; thus the slave parameters can beidentified. As an application, the proposed scheme is applied tosecure communication system. The information signal istransmitted and recovered on the basis of identificationparameters also the system is tested under the consideration ofthe noisy channel. Finally, through Numerical simulationresults, the proposed scheme was a success in the communicationapplication.
Computerized Testing Machines to Study the Effect of Strain Rate on Mechanical Properties of CFRP
Authors: Ali Jaafar , Najim Saleh
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a universal testing machine and animpact testing apparatus have been upgraded by using a high accuracy data acquisition and control system interfaced to apersonal computer with proper sensors and actuators. Thepurpose of the upgrade is to increase the accuracy of themeasurements and to perform advanced material testingprocedures that are not possible with the old configuration.The modernization process not only permits the accurate dataacquisition and convenient operation but also the ability tostudy the effect of strain rate on the tensile properties ofmaterials. Also, an experimental study of the response of CFRP(Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) material to low andintermediate strain rates has been carried out.
A Study on Using Fluidized Bed Reactor for Treating Sanitary Sewage
Authors: Khudhair Kifah , Gatea Mudhar
Published: July 2022

Fluidized bed reactor (FBR) is an attached growththe system used mainly for biological treatment of industrialwastewater of high organic content. These wastewaters areusually resulted from refineries and milk, starch, and olive oilindustries. The objective of this study is to investigate the use offluidized bed reactor for treating sanitary sewage. The study wasaccomplished using a pilot plant of the FBR. The pilot plant wasconstructed and installed in Hamdan Sewage Treatment Plant inBasrah governorate. That was to maintain continuous source ofsettled sewage which is the influent to the FBR. The period ofplant operation was nine weeks. During, this period, the plantwas operated at three phases of different conditions (up the flowvelocity and recirculation ratio). To study the performance ofFBR, the main measured parameters were; BOD, DO, VSS, pH,and temperature. The most important conclusions of this studyare; (1) the maximum efficiency of BOD removal is 78.6% whichwas obtained for hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 24min andupflow velocity of 1.59m/min, (2) the effluent BOD values duringphases-1 and 2 of plant operation match that of stabilizationponds and trickling filters and during phase-3 matches thatactivated sludge process, (3) during all operation phases, thevalues of effluent pH are within the limits specified in nationalstandards of secondary effluents, (4) as F/M increases, theefficiency of BOD removal decreases and the maximumthe efficiency of BOD removal (78.6%) was obtained at F/M ratioequals 23.47 day-1, and (5) the HRT of fluidized bed reactor is onorder of minutes, while, the values of HRT of activated sludgesystems and stabilization ponds are on the order of hours and days,respectively.