bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Pilot’s Mental Workload Using a Wireless EEG Headset in Airfield Traffic Pattern Tasks
Authors: Liu Chenglin , Zhang Chenyang , Sun Luohao , Liu Kun , Liu Haiyue , Zhu Wenbing , Jiang Chaozhe
Published: July 2023

Elevated mental workload (MWL) experienced by pilots can result in increased reaction times or incorrect actions, potentially compromising flight safety. This study aims to develop a functional system to assist administrators in identifying and detecting pilots’ real-time MWL and evaluate its effectiveness using designed airfield traffic pattern tasks within a realistic flight simulator. The perceived MWL in various situations was assessed and labeled using NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) scores. Physiological features were then extracted using a fast Fourier transformation with 2-s sliding time windows. Feature selection was conducted by comparing the results of the Kruskal-Wallis (K-W) test and Sequential Forward Floating Selection (SFFS). The results proved that the optimal input was all PSD features. Moreover, the study analyzed the effects of electroencephalography (EEG) features from distinct brain regions and PSD changes across different MWL levels to further assess the proposed system’s performance. A 10-fold cross-validation was performed on six classifiers, and the optimal accuracy of 87.57% was attained using a multi-class K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) classifier for classifying different MWL levels. The findings indicate that the wireless headset-based system is reliable and feasible. Consequently, numerous wireless EEG device-based systems can be developed for application in diverse real-driving scenarios. Additionally, the current system contributes to future research on actual flight conditions.
Geometrothermodynamic Cosmology
Authors: Luongo Orlando , Quevedo Hernando
Published: July 2023

We review the main aspects of geometrothermodynamics, a formalism that uses contact geometry and Riemannian geometry to describe the properties of thermodynamic systems. We show how to handle in a geometric way the invariance of classical thermodynamics with respect to Legendre transformations, which means that the properties of the systems do not depend on the choice of the thermodynamic potential. Moreover, we show that, in geometrothermodynamics, it is possible to apply a variational principle to generate thermodynamic fundamental equations, which can be used in the context of relativistic cosmology to generate cosmological models. As a particular example, we consider a fundamental equation that relates the entropy with the internal energy and the volume of the Universe, and construct cosmological models with arbitrary parameters, which can be fixed to reproduce the main aspects of the inflationary era and the standard cosmological paradigm.
Assessing Land Use/Land Cover Changes and Urban Heat Island Intensification: A Case Study of Kamrup Metropolitan District, Northeast India (2000–2032)
Authors: Choudhury Upasana , Singh Suraj Kumar , Kumar Anand , Meraj Gowhar , Kumar Pankaj , Kanga Shruti
Published: July 2023

Amid global concerns regarding climate change and urbanization, understanding the interplay between land use/land cover (LULC) changes, the urban heat island (UHI) effect, and land surface temperatures (LST) is paramount. This study provides an in-depth exploration of these relationships in the context of the Kamrup Metropolitan District, Northeast India, over a period of 22 years (2000–2022) and forecasts the potential implications up to 2032. Employing a high-accuracy supervised machine learning algorithm for LULC analysis, significant transformations are revealed, including the considerable growth in urban built-up areas and the corresponding decline in cultivated land. Concurrently, a progressive rise in LST is observed, underlining the escalating UHI effect. This association is further substantiated through correlation studies involving the normalized difference built-up index (NDBI) and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The study further leverages the cellular automata–artificial neural network (CA-ANN) model to project the potential scenario in 2032, indicating a predicted intensification in LST, especially in regions undergoing rapid urban expansion. The findings underscore the environmental implications of unchecked urban growth, such as rising temperatures and the intensification of UHI effects. Consequently, this research stresses the critical need for sustainable land management and urban planning strategies, as well as proactive measures to mitigate adverse environmental changes. The results serve as a vital resource for policymakers, urban planners, and environmental scientists working towards harmonizing urban growth with environmental sustainability in the face of escalating global climate change.
The Effect of STEAM Activities Based on Experiential Learning on Ninth Graders’ Mental Motivation
Authors: Mater Naela , Daher Wajeeh , Mahamid Fayez
Published: July 2023

The impact of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) on pupils’ learning has been increasingly highlighted recently. This study aims to shed light on the effect of STEAM activities based on experiential learning on ninth graders’ mental motivation and learning. The present research adopted a mixed methodology (quantitative and qualitative). The study sample consisted of 90 students divided into three groups. The tools utilized in conducting the study included California Measurement Mental Motivation, and semi-structured interviews with (10) participants. The tools’ validity and reliability were verified. After data were analyzed, the findings showed statically significant differences between students’ post average scores regarding mental motivation due to teaching method, and in favor of the experimental groups (face-to-face STEAM activities, online STEAM activities). This provides tangible proof for the need to include STEAM activities in school curricula to enhance learners’ curiosity, problem-solving skills and self-confidence through learning, as well as their task accomplishment ability.
Numerical Study of Natural Convection Flow in Rectangular Cavity with Viscous Dissipation and Internal Heat Generation for Different Aspect Ratios
Authors: Begum Zobia , Saleem Muhammad , Islam Shams Ul , Saha Suvash C.
Published: July 2023

Numerical simulations have been performed to investigate the influence of constant volumetric heat generation and viscous dissipation on the unsteady natural convection flow of an incompressible Newtonian fluid contained in a rectangular cavity. The left vertical wall of the cavity is cooled, while the right vertical wall is heated, and the bottom and top walls are adiabatic. A numerical technique based on the implicit finite difference method (IFDM), along with an upwind finite difference scheme and an iterative successive over relaxation (SOR) technique, is employed to solve the governing equations numerically. The effect of physical parameters, namely the modified Rayleigh number (103≤Ra≤107), aspect ratio (1≤A≤4), Prandtl number (Pr=0.7, 1.0, 6.2, 15), volumetric internal heat generation parameter (Qλ=0, 1), and Eckert number (0≤Ec≤10−6), on the streamlines and isotherms are discussed graphically. Variations of maximum stream function, as well as average and local Nusselt number, are also discussed. The results show that the increase in Eckert number from 0 to 10−4 causes the average heat transfer to decrease, while Pr=0.71, Ra=104, and Qλ=0. Additionally, the average heat transfer decreases as the cavity width increases from 1 to 4, while Pr=0.71, Ra = 5×104, Ec=10−6 and Qλ=1. The results of the numerical model used here are in excellent accord with earlier findings.
The Risks and Challenges of Electric Vehicle Integration into Smart Cities
Authors: Apata Oluwagbenga , Bokoro Pitshou N. , Sharma Gulshan
Published: July 2023

The integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into smart cities presents a promising opportunity for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing urban sustainability. However, there are significant risks and challenges associated with the integration of EVs into smart cities, which must be carefully considered. Though there are various reviews available on the challenges of integrating EVs into smart cities, the majority of these are focused on technical challenges, thereby ignoring other important challenges that may arise from such integration. This paper therefore provides a comprehensive overview of the risks and challenges associated with the integration of EVs into smart cities in one research paper. The different challenges associated with the integration of EVs into smart cities have been identified and categorized into four groups, namely: technical, economic, social, and environmental, while also discussing the associated risks of EV integration into smart cities. The paper concludes by highlighting the need for a holistic approach to EV integration into smart cities that considers these challenges and risks. It also identifies possible future trends and outlooks to address these challenges and promote the successful integration of EVs into smart cities. Overall, this paper provides valuable insights for policymakers, city planners, and researchers working towards sustainable urban transportation systems.
Establishing a Framework of the Open Maritime Electric Energy Market
Authors: Manos Anastasios , Lyridis Dimitrios , Prousalidis John
Published: July 2023

The paper introduces a framework of operation of maritime-related enterprises like port authorities and ship-owning or operating companies along with electric energy providers in the electric energy market as a consequence of the global decarbonization effort and, in particular, due to the implementation of ship electrification at berth. Within this context, the main rules of this energy market framework will consist of a proper combination of power purchase agreements along with contracts for difference in an attempt to obtain transactions that are mutually beneficial at least on a mid-term basis. The methodology, which is fully compatible with the electric energy market rules of the European Union, is enriched by a variety of alternative scenarios on the selling prices of electricity, showing that even when monthly or annual periods are used for reference, it is highly possible that all parties engaged have benefits.
A Spatially Explicit Evaluation of the Economic Performance of a Perennial Energy Crop on the Marginal Land of the Loess Plateau and China
Authors: Liu Yanmei , Hastings Astley , Chen Shaolin , Faaij André
Published: July 2023

The Loess Plateau, with a large area of marginal land, holds the potential to produce 62–106 Tg per year of switchgrass biomass; however, the economic feasibility of producing bioenergy in the region is unclear. The farm-gate feedstock production (FGFP) cost of switchgrass was calculated in a spatially explicit way by taking the geographic variation in crop yield, soil properties, land quality, and input costs into consideration in order to evaluate the economic performance of bioenergy production. Cost–supply curves were constructed to explore the energy supply potential of switchgrass feedstock. The calculations were conducted using ArcGIS in a 1 km grid and all the evaluations were conducted under different agricultural management practice (AMP) scenarios in parallel. The FGFP costs showed significant spatial variation ranging from 95 to 7373 CNY (Chinese Yuan) per tonne−1 and that the most economically desirable areas are scattered in the south and southeast region. The weighted average FGFP costs are 710, 1125, and 1596 CNY per tonne−1 for small bale (SB), large bale (LB), and chipping (CP) harvest methods, respectively. The projected energy supply potential is 1927 PJ (Petajoules) per year−1, of which 30–93% can be supplied below the market prices of different fossil fuels according to feedstock formats. Compared to current biomass residual pricing, 50–66 Tg (Teragrams) switchgrass feedstock is competitive. The results demonstrated that the Loess Plateau holds the potential to produce bioenergy that is economically feasible. This study provides a methodological framework for spatially explicit evaluation of the economic performance of perennial energy crops. Detailed information obtained from this study can be used to select the optimal locations and AMPs to produce feedstock production at minimum cost.
Research on the Whole Lifecycle Emission Reduction Effect of Buildings with Different Structures in Severely Cold Regions—A Case Study in China
Authors: Yang Han , Kikuta Koki , Hayashi Motoya
Published: July 2023

Since the construction industry is one of China’s high carbon emission industries, to achieve China’s carbon neutrality target by 2060, CO2 emissions in cold regions must be reduced. At the same time, forests have excellent carbon sequestration abilities, so this paper takes residential buildings in severely cold regions as the object of carbon emission reduction research. A model of a two-story building in Changchun was constructed, and the life-cycle carbon emissions of reinforced concrete and wood structures were measured using the life-cycle evaluation method as the basis for calculation and simulation with DesignBuilderVer.7 software. The results show that the life-cycle carbon emission of a wood structure house is 61.46 t less than that of a reinforced concrete house, and the life-cycle carbon emission reduction rate of a wood structure house is 43.39%. Based on the data, it has been proven that wooden structures effectively reduce carbon dioxide emissions during the building life cycle while enhancing building performance, given the same structural conditions.
Chemical Characteristics and Thermal Oxidative Stability of Novel Cold-Pressed Oil Blends: GC, LF NMR, and DSC Studies
Authors: Cichocki Wojciech , Kmiecik Dominik , Baranowska Hanna Maria , Staroszczyk Hanna , Sommer Agata , Kowalczewski Przemysław Łukasz
Published: July 2023

Plant oils contain a high content of unsaturated fatty acids. Studies of food products have revealed a considerable disproportion in the ratio of ω6 to ω3. This article presents information on the healthful qualities of eight new oil blends that contain a beneficial proportion of ω6 to ω3 fatty acids (5:1), as well as their degradation during heating at 170 and 200 °C. The fatty acid profile was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC), content of polar compounds and polymers of triacylglycerols by liquid chromatography (LC), water content was measured by the Karl Fischer method, and oxidative stability was measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF NMR) methods. The results showed that during heating, the polar fraction content increased in samples heated at both analyzed temperatures compared to unheated oils. This was mainly due to the polymerization of triacylglycerols forming dimers. In some samples that were heated, particularly those heated to 200 °C, trimers were detected, however, even with the changes that were observed, the polar fraction content of the blends did not go beyond the limit. Despite the high content of unsaturated fatty acids, the analyzed blends of oils are characterized by high oxidative stability, confirmed by thermoanalytical and nuclear magnetic resonance methods. The high nutritional value as well as the oxidative stability of the developed oil blends allow them to be used in the production of food, in particular products that ensure an adequate supply of ω3 fatty acids.
Tools and Methodologies for the Analysis of Home-to-Work Shuttle Service Impacts: The ENEA “Casaccia” Case Study
Authors: Carapellucci Fabio , Conti Valentina , Lelli Maria , Liberto Carlo , Orchi Silvia , Valenti Gaetano , Valentini Maria Pia
Published: July 2023

Mobility management is a regulatory framework designed to streamline systematic mobility and mitigate energy, environmental and economic impacts. In this work, we propose a flexible methodology for evaluating the sustainability of home-to-work travel, providing a comprehensive and detailed ex post cost–benefit assessment. Specifically, we analyzed the effectiveness of the shuttle service operating in the ENEA “Casaccia” Research Centre in pre-pandemic times. Initially, we conducted an online survey to collect data with the aim of characterizing the travel behavior of the staff and reconstructing the multi-modal individual mobility patterns. Over 70% of the recipients, which amounted to about 950 individuals, completed the survey. Subsequently, we studied two alternative scenarios—with and without the shuttle service—comparing their total mileage, energy consumption, and pollutant emissions and performing an economic analysis. Our findings suggest that operating the service has a significant impact on air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions, with reductions of 97% for volatile organic compounds, 72% for particulate matter, and 60% for carbon dioxide. Moreover, the cost–benefit analysis reveals that both users and the community reaped benefits from the provision of the collective service. These benefits are estimated to be almost EUR 1.35 M per year.
Influence of Temperature Effects on CPT in Granular Soils by Discrete Element Modeling in 3D
Authors: Huang Yun , Sun Weichen , You Hongyi , Wu Kai
Published: July 2023

This study employs a 3D discrete element method (DEM) to simulate cone penetration tests (CPTs) in granular soils, taking into account the effect of temperature. A coupled thermal mechanical model is developed to allow for heat transfer and storage in the granular materials. The CPT simulations are conducted on granular samples prepared at various temperatures, with the specific heat and velocity of thermal conductivity being identified as two critical factors that influence sample heating time. Additionally, the thermal expansion coefficient is a crucial parameter that is closely related to the porosity of the sample. As the sample temperature increases, the particles expand, resulting in an increase in cone resistance.
Community Forums as Amplifiers of Communities’ Voices: Isolated Communities in Puerto Rico
Authors: Sánchez Colón Yashira M. , Acosta Pérez Edna , Roubert Rivera Mayra L. , Sánchez Cesáreo Marizaida , Miranda Diaz Christine , Ortiz Glenda L. , Meléndez González Jean C. , Schleier Albino Valeria M. , Mora Lemus Laura
Published: July 2023

Social determinants of health contribute to health disparities and inequities. We conducted a community forum on the topic of isolation with the objectives of (1) identifying and prioritizing key health-related issues needing attention in isolated communities in Puerto Rico; (2) developing strategies in terms of Policies, Programs, and Practices to address the community priorities we identified. We used the triangulation method for qualitative data, integrating the Colorado State University’s Tri-ethnic Center Model and the Delphi Technique for a better understanding of community health needs and priorities. The five community health-related priorities identified in the community forum were: (1) access to health services (physical and mental); (2) older adults; (3) access to basic services; (4) preparedness for future disasters/emergencies; and (5) COVID-19 and access to vaccination. The Alliance Leaders and Advisory Boards understand that we will work with the priorities of preparedness for future natural disasters/emergencies and COVID-19 and access to vaccination. Fifteen strategies were developed for these priorities and were grouped into five areas that require more attention in order to reduce health disparities. Isolated communities in Puerto Rico present an intersectionality of factors that affect a wide range of health-related risks and outcomes.
Promoting Health for Adolescents: An Editorial
Authors: Kozlakidis Zisis
Published: July 2023

The research area of adolescent health corresponds to the summary of a wide range of scientific interests and investigations, focusing on the first years of life of an individual [...]
Seasonal Forest Changes of Color and Temperature: Effects on the Mood and Physiological State of University Students
Authors: Kim Eunjin , Lee Hwayong
Published: July 2023

In this study, we attempted to analyze the effect of color and temperature changes in the forest environment over time on the mood and physiological state of university students. The survey was conducted four times considering forest changes such as new leaf appearance and growth, autumn leaf changes, and fallen leaves. The participants’ moods and physiological states were first evaluated in an indoor environment; a second evaluation was conducted after contact with the forest. The color visual information of the forest environment was analyzed through color extraction from photographs taken each survey day. The participants’ moods and physiological states were measured using the Korean Profile of Mood States-Brief and a heart rate variability measuring device, respectively. Changes in the forest experience according to the season had an effect on university students’ mood states. In particular, the effects of the spring forest experience included the relaxation of tension and the activation of vigor. This result is considered to be influenced by factors such as the season’s temperature and the green color, which is predominant in the spring forest. However, no physiological changes were found in the participants according to each season. The results of this study can lead to greater consideration of the role of color in urban forest planning for universities and other public spaces.
Exploring Response Inhibition, the Behavioral Inhibition System and Possible Sex Differences in Athletes and Non-Athletes
Authors: Eriksson Lina J. K. , Sundin Örjan , Jansson Billy
Published: July 2023

Background: The objective of this study was to revisit the question concerning whether athletes are better than non-athletes at fundamental cognitive abilities, such as inhibitory control, in addition to also focusing on motivational dispositions and possible sex differences. Adding the latter could be crucial since both inhibitory control and motivational dispositions, such as approach and avoidance, are central to goal-directed behavior. Methods: This study’s sample was composed of 93 participants (40 males): 29 biathletes; 30 alpine skiers; and 34 non-athletes. A non-sport-specific stop-signal task was used for the assessment of inhibitory control in terms of response inhibition, and the motivational dispositions were assessed with the BIS/BAS scales. Results: The results showed that there were no differences between the two different sports or non-athletes with regard to response inhibition. However, females showed significantly slower response inhibition than males (p = 0.018) and scored significantly higher on the trait variable BIS (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results from this study suggest that it might be meaningful to explore the contribution of sex differences and motivational dispositions on response inhibition in conjunction with different types of sports.
Building Trust in Fintech: An Analysis of Ethical and Privacy Considerations in the Intersection of Big Data, AI, and Customer Trust
Authors: Aldboush Hassan H. H. , Ferdous Marah
Published: July 2023

This research paper explores the ethical considerations in using financial technology (fintech), focusing on big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and privacy. Using a systematic literature-review methodology, the study identifies ethical and privacy issues related to fintech, including bias, discrimination, privacy, transparency, justice, ownership, and control. The findings emphasize the importance of safeguarding customer data, complying with data protection laws, and promoting corporate digital responsibility. The study provides practical suggestions for companies, including the use of encryption techniques, transparency regarding data collection and usage, the provision of customer opt-out options, and the training of staff on data-protection policies. However, the study is limited by its exclusion of non-English-language studies and the need for additional resources to deepen the findings. To overcome these limitations, future research could expand existing knowledge and collect more comprehensive data to better understand the complex issues examined.
Depression among Patients with an Implanted Left Ventricular Assist Device: Uncovering Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Implications for Patient Care
Authors: Alnsasra Hilmi , Khalil Fouad , Kanneganti Perue Radha , Azab Abed N.
Published: July 2023

Depression is a common and devastating mental illness associated with increased morbidity and mortality, partially due to elevated rates of suicidal attempts and death. Select patients with end-stage heart failure on a waiting-list for a donor heart undergo left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. The LVAD provides a circulatory flow of oxygenated blood to the body, mimicking heart functionality by operating on a mechanical technique. LVAD improves functional capacity and survivability among patients with end-stage heart failure. However, accumulating data suggests that LVAD recipients suffer from an increased incidence of depression and suicide attempts. There is scarce knowledge regarding the pathological mechanism and appropriate treatment approach for depressed LVAD patients. This article summarizes the current evidence on the association between LVAD implantation and occurrence of depression, suggesting possible pathological mechanisms underlying the device-associated depression and reviewing the current treatment strategies. The summarized data underscores the need for a rigorous pre-(LVAD)-implantation psychiatric evaluation, continued post-implantation mental health assessment, and administration of antidepressant treatment as necessary.
Role of Oxidative Stress and Carcinoembryonic Antigen-Related Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Memaj Plator , Ouzerara Zayd , Jornayvaz François R.
Published: July 2023

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a widely studied subject due to its increasing prevalence and links to diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. It has severe complications, including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and portal hypertension that can lead to liver transplantation in some cases. To better prevent and treat this pathology, it is important to understand its underlying physiology. Here, we identify two main factors that play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of NAFLD: oxidative stress and the key role of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1). We discuss the pathophysiology linking these factors to NAFLD pathophysiology.
A Modified 1H-NMR Quantification Method of Ephedrine Alkaloids in Ephedrae Herba Samples
Authors: Li Yue-Chiun , Wu Chia-Hung , Le Thi Ha , Yuan Qingjun , Huang Luqi , Chen Guo-Fen , Yang Mei-Lin , Lam Sio-Hong , Hung Hsin-Yi , Sun Handong , Wu Yi-Hung , Kuo Ping-Chung , Wu Tian-Shung
Published: July 2023

A previous 1H-NMR method allowed the quantification of ephedrine alkaloids; however, there were some disadvantages. The cyclized derivatives resulted from the impurities of diethyl ether were identified and benzene was selected as the better extraction solvent. The locations of ephedrine alkaloids were confirmed with 2D NMR. Therefore, a specific 1H-NMR method has been modified for the quantification of ephedrine alkaloids. Accordingly, twenty Ephedrae Herba samples could be classified into three classes: (I) E. sinica-like species; (II) E. intermedia-like species; (III) others (lower alkaloid contents). The results indicated that ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are the major alkaloids in Ephedra plants, but the concentrations vary greatly determined by the plant species and the collection locations.
Antifungal Mechanism of Phenazine-1-Carboxylic Acid against Pestalotiopsis kenyana
Authors: Xun Weizhi , Gong Bing , Liu Xingxin , Yang Xiuju , Zhou Xia , Jin Linhong
Published: July 2023

Pestalotiopsis sp. is an important class of plant pathogenic fungi that can infect a variety of crops. We have proved the pathogenicity of P. kenyana on bayberry leaves and caused bayberry blight. Phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA) has the characteristics of high efficiency, low toxicity, and environmental friendliness, which can prevent fungal diseases on a variety of crops. In this study, the effect of PCA on the morphological, physiological, and molecular characteristics of P. kenyana has been investigated, and the potential antifungal mechanism of PCA against P. kenyana was also explored. We applied PCA on P. kenyana in vitro and in vivo to determine its inhibitory effect on PCA. It was found that PCA was highly efficient against P. kenyana, with EC50 around 2.32 μg/mL, and the in vivo effect was 57% at 14 μg/mL. The mechanism of PCA was preliminarily explored by transcriptomics technology. The results showed that after the treatment of PCA, 3613 differential genes were found, focusing on redox processes and various metabolic pathways. In addition, it can also cause mycelial development malformation, damage cell membranes, reduce mitochondrial membrane potential, and increase ROS levels. This result expanded the potential agricultural application of PCA and revealed the possible mechanism against P. kenyana.
Targeting Protein Aggregates with Natural Products: An Optional Strategy for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Xiang Lingzhi , Wang Yanan , Liu Shenkui , Liu Beidong , Jin Xuejiao , Cao Xiuling
Published: July 2023

Protein aggregation is one of the hallmarks of aging and aging-related diseases, especially for the neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and others. In these diseases, many pathogenic proteins, such as amyloid-β, tau, α-Syn, Htt, and FUS, form aggregates that disrupt the normal physiological function of cells and lead to associated neuronal lesions. Protein aggregates in NDs are widely recognized as one of the important targets for the treatment of these diseases. Natural products, with their diverse biological activities and rich medical history, represent a great treasure trove for the development of therapeutic strategies to combat disease. A number of in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that natural products, by virtue of their complex molecular scaffolds that specifically bind to pathogenic proteins and their aggregates, can inhibit the formation of aggregates, disrupt the structure of aggregates and destabilize them, thereby alleviating conditions associated with NDs. Here, we systematically reviewed studies using natural products to improve disease-related symptoms by reducing or inhibiting the formation of five pathogenic protein aggregates associated with NDs. This information should provide valuable insights into new directions and ideas for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Are the Olfactory Receptors Present at the Sperm Membrane Involved in Reproduction?
Authors: Galibert Francis , Azzouzi Naoual
Published: July 2023

Olfactory receptors (ORs), key components in ensuring the detection of myriad odorants, are expressed not only on the surface of olfactory neurons but also in many other tissues. In the case of ORs expressed at the sperm membrane, in vitro experiments with human and mouse spermatozoids have shown that they move toward the regions with the highest concentration of bourgeonal and lyral, respectively. However, to date, no in vivo experiment has shown any biological function of these ORs. To demonstrate a possible role in vivo of ORs in sperm chemotaxis, we overloaded the vaginal space of female mice from the prolific Swiss CD1 strain with lyral to induce competition with the supposed natural ligand and to prevent its detection. As shown, the mice that received lyral had much fewer newborns than the control mice treated with PBS, showing that lyral has a strong negative impact on procreation. This indicates that the ORs at the sperm surface are biologically active and make an important contribution to reproduction. Control experiments performed with hexanal, which does not alter sperm movement in vitro, indicate that the inhibition of reproduction observed was specific to lyral. In addition, we show that males are attracted to the smell of lyral, which acts as a pheromone, and prefer to copulate with mice marked on their back with lyral rather than with those that have not been marked. These results suggest an explanation for some cases of human infertility, which could result from an absence of recognition between the natural ligand and the ORs, either due to a mutation or a lack of expression from one of the two partners, allowing for the development of a diagnostic tests. These results might also lead to the development of a novel contraception strategy based on the use of vaginal tablets delivering an odorant or a drug that competes with the natural ligand.
MsNRAMP2 Enhances Tolerance to Iron Excess Stress in Nicotiana tabacum and MsMYB Binds to Its Promoter
Authors: Li Run-Tian , Yang Yun-Jiao , Liu Wen-Jun , Liang Wen-Wei , Zhang Miao , Dong Shi-Chen , Shu Yong-Jun , Guo Dong-Lin , Guo Chang-Hong , Bi Ying-Dong
Published: July 2023

Iron(Fe) is a trace metal element necessary for plant growth, but excess iron is harmful to plants. Natural resistance-associated macrophage proteins (NRAMPs) are important for divalent metal transport in plants. In this study, we isolated the MsNRAMP2 (MN_547960) gene from alfalfa, the perennial legume forage. The expression of MsNRAMP2 is specifically induced by iron excess. Overexpression of MsNRAMP2 conferred transgenic tobacco tolerance to iron excess, while it conferred yeast sensitivity to excess iron. Together with the MsNRAMP2 gene, MsMYB (MN_547959) expression is induced by excess iron. Y1H indicated that the MsMYB protein could bind to the “CTGTTG” cis element of the MsNRAMP2 promoter. The results indicated that MsNRAMP2 has a function in iron transport and its expression might be regulated by MsMYB. The excess iron tolerance ability enhancement of MsNRAMP2 may be involved in iron transport, sequestration, or redistribution.
Overview of the Special Issue “Protein-Based Infection, Inheritance, and Memory”
Authors: Chernoff Yury O. , Nizhnikov Anton A.
Published: July 2023

The Special Issue “Protein-Based Infection, Inheritance, and Memory” includes a set of experimental and review papers covering different aspects of protein memory, infection, and inheritance [...]
Folate Receptor Targeted Photodynamic Therapy: A Novel Way to Stimulate Anti-Tumor Immune Response in Intraperitoneal Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Baydoun Martha , Boidin Léa , Leroux Bertrand , Vignion-Dewalle Anne-Sophie , Quilbe Alexandre , Grolez Guillaume Paul , Azaïs Henri , Frochot Céline , Moralès Olivier , Delhem Nadira
Published: July 2023

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown improvements in cancer treatment and in the induction of a proper anti-tumor immune response. However, current photosensitizers (PS) lack tumor specificity, resulting in reduced efficacy and side effects in patients with intraperitoneal ovarian cancer (OC). In order to target peritoneal metastases of OC, which overexpress folate receptor (FRα) in 80% of cases, we proposed a targeted PDT using a PS coupled with folic acid. Herein, we applied this targeted PDT in an in vivo mouse model of peritoneal ovarian carcinomatosis. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated in mice without and with human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) reconstitution. When mice were reconstituted, using a fractionized PDT protocol led to a significantly higher decrease in the tumor growth than that obtained in the non-reconstituted mice (p = 0.0469). Simultaneously, an immune response was reflected by an increase in NK cells, and both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were activated. A promotion in cytokines IFNγ and TNFα and an inhibition in cytokines TGFβ, IL-8, and IL-10 was also noticed. Our work showed that a fractionized FRα-targeted PDT protocol is effective for the treatment of OC and goes beyond local induction of tumor cell death, with the promotion of a subsequent anti-tumor response.
Structure-Based Discovery of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κB Ligand (RANKL)-Induced Osteoclastogenesis Inhibitors
Authors: Rinotas Vagelis , Liepouri Fotini , Ouzouni Maria-Dimitra , Chalkidi Niki , Papaneophytou Christos , Lampropoulou Mariza , Vidali Veroniki P. , Kontopidis George , Couladouros Elias , Eliopoulos Elias , Papakyriakou Athanasios , Douni Eleni
Published: July 2023

Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) has been actively pursued as a therapeutic target for osteoporosis, given that RANKL is the master mediator of bone resorption as it promotes osteoclast differentiation, activity and survival. We employed a structure-based virtual screening approach comprising two stages of experimental evaluation and identified 11 commercially available compounds that displayed dose-dependent inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. Their inhibitory effects were quantified through TRAP activity at the low micromolar range (IC50 < 5 μΜ), but more importantly, 3 compounds displayed very low toxicity (LC50 > 100 μΜ). We also assessed the potential of an N-(1-aryl-1H-indol-5-yl)aryl-sulfonamide scaffold that was based on the structure of a hit compound, through synthesis of 30 derivatives. Their evaluation revealed 4 additional hits that inhibited osteoclastogenesis at low micromolar concentrations; however, cellular toxicity concerns preclude their further development. Taken together with the structure–activity relationships provided by the hit compounds, our study revealed potent inhibitors of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis of high therapeutic index, which bear diverse scaffolds that can be employed in hit-to-lead optimization for the development of therapeutics against osteolytic diseases.
Hyperuricaemia Does Not Interfere with Aortopathy in a Murine Model of Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Rodríguez-Rovira Isaac , López-Sainz Angela , Palomo-Buitrago Maria Encarnación , Pérez Belen , Jiménez-Altayó Francesc , Campuzano Victoria , Egea Gustavo
Published: July 2023

Redox stress is involved in the aortic aneurysm pathogenesis in Marfan syndrome (MFS). We recently reported that allopurinol, a xanthine oxidoreductase inhibitor, blocked aortopathy in a MFS mouse model acting as an antioxidant without altering uric acid (UA) plasma levels. Hyperuricaemia is ambiguously associated with cardiovascular injuries as UA, having antioxidant or pro-oxidant properties depending on the concentration and accumulation site. We aimed to evaluate whether hyperuricaemia causes harm or relief in MFS aortopathy pathogenesis. Two-month-old male wild-type (WT) and MFS mice (Fbn1C1041G/+) were injected intraperitoneally for several weeks with potassium oxonate (PO), an inhibitor of uricase (an enzyme that catabolises UA to allantoin). Plasma UA and allantoin levels were measured via several techniques, aortic root diameter and cardiac parameters by ultrasonography, aortic wall structure by histopathology, and pNRF2 and 3-NT levels by immunofluorescence. PO induced a significant increase in UA in blood plasma both in WT and MFS mice, reaching a peak at three and four months of age but decaying at six months. Hyperuricaemic MFS mice showed no change in the characteristic aortic aneurysm progression or aortic wall disarray evidenced by large elastic laminae ruptures. There were no changes in cardiac parameters or the redox stress-induced nuclear translocation of pNRF2 in the aortic tunica media. Altogether, the results suggest that hyperuricaemia interferes neither with aortopathy nor cardiopathy in MFS mice.
Endothelin-1 in Health and Disease
Authors: Banecki Katherine M. R. M. , Dora Kim A.
Published: July 2023

Discovered almost 40 years ago, the potent vasoconstrictor peptide endothelin-1 (ET-1) has a wide range of roles both physiologically and pathologically. In recent years, there has been a focus on the contribution of ET-1 to disease. This has led to the development of various ET receptor antagonists, some of which are approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, while clinical trials for other diseases have been numerous yet, for the most part, unsuccessful. However, given the vast physiological impact of ET-1, it is both surprising and disappointing that therapeutics targeting the ET-1 pathway remain limited. Strategies aimed at the pathways influencing the synthesis and release of ET-1 could provide new therapeutic avenues, yet research using cultured cells in vitro has had little follow up in intact ex vivo and in vivo preparations. This article summarises what is currently known about the synthesis, storage and release of ET-1 as well as the role of ET-1 in several diseases including cardiovascular diseases, COVID-19 and chronic pain. Unravelling the ET-1 pathway and identifying therapeutic targets has the potential to treat many diseases whether through disease prevention, slowing disease progression or reversing pathology.
Bootstrap Exploratory Graph Analysis of the WISC–V with a Clinical Sample
Authors: Watkins Marley W. , Dombrowski Stefan C. , McGill Ryan J. , Canivez Gary L. , Pritchard Alison E. , Jacobson Lisa A.
Published: July 2023

One important aspect of construct validity is structural validity. Structural validity refers to the degree to which scores of a psychological test are a reflection of the dimensionality of the construct being measured. A factor analysis, which assumes that unobserved latent variables are responsible for the covariation among observed test scores, has traditionally been employed to provide structural validity evidence. Factor analytic studies have variously suggested either four or five dimensions for the WISC–V and it is unlikely that any new factor analytic study will resolve this dimensional dilemma. Unlike a factor analysis, an exploratory graph analysis (EGA) does not assume a common latent cause of covariances between test scores. Rather, an EGA identifies dimensions by locating strongly connected sets of scores that form coherent sub-networks within the overall network. Accordingly, the present study employed a bootstrap EGA technique to investigate the structure of the 10 WISC–V primary subtests using a large clinical sample (N = 7149) with a mean age of 10.7 years and a standard deviation of 2.8 years. The resulting structure was composed of four sub-networks that paralleled the first-order factor structure reported in many studies where the fluid reasoning and visual–spatial dimensions merged into a single dimension. These results suggest that discrepant construct and scoring structures exist for the WISC–V that potentially raise serious concerns about the test interpretations of psychologists who employ the test structure preferred by the publisher.
Numerical Investigation on Cavitation Jet in Circular Arc Curve Chamber Self-Excited Oscillation Nozzle
Authors: Dong Jingming , Meng Rongxuan , Chen Jing , Liu Mushan , Zhong Xiao , Pan Xinxiang
Published: July 2023

In order to improve the cavitation performance of the self-excited oscillation nozzle (SEON), a novel SEON with a circular arc curve chamber was designed by changing the chamber wall profile of the SEON. The performance of the circular arc curve chamber SEON was studied numerically. Taking the vapor volume distribution and the vapor volume fraction as the evaluation indexes, the influences of the chamber wall profile on the cavitation performance of the circular arc curve chamber SEON were analyzed. In addition, it was compared with the broken-line chamber SEON. The numerical results show that the cavitation performance of the circular arc curve chamber SEON is first enhanced and then weakened by increasing the circular arc radius. The circular arc curve chamber structure can form a larger central cavitation volume in the nozzle, which improves the cavitation performance of the SEON. When the circular arc radius is 2 mm, the cavitation area and the turbulent kinetic energy of the circular arc curve chamber SEON increase by 122.5% and 16.9%.
Recent Progress of Machine Learning Algorithms for the Oil and Lubricant Industry
Authors: Rahman Md Hafizur , Shahriar Sadat , Menezes Pradeep L.
Published: July 2023

Machine learning (ML) algorithms have brought about a revolution in many industries where otherwise operation time, cost, and safety would have been compromised. Likewise, in lubrication research, ML has been utilized on many occasions. This review provides an in-depth understanding of seven ML algorithms from a tribological perspective. More specifically, it presents a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in ML applied to lubrication research, organized into four distinct categories. The first category, experimental parameter prediction, highlights the significant contributions of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in accurately forecasting operating conditions related to friction and wear. These predictions offer valuable insights that aid in forensic preparation. Discriminant analysis, Bayesian modeling, and transfer learning approaches have also been used to predict experimental parameters. Second, to predict the lubrication film thickness and identify the lubrication regime, algorithms such as logistic regression and ANN were useful. Such predictions provide up to 99.25% accuracy. Third, to predict the friction and wear for a given experimental condition, support vector machine (SVM), polynomial regression, and ANN offered an accuracy above 93%. Finally, for condition monitoring for bearings, gearboxes, gear trains, and similar critical situations where regular in-person inspection is difficult, Naïve Bayes, SVM, decision trees, and ANN were utilized to predict the safe life of lubricants. This review highlighted these four aspects with state-of-the-art examples and discussed the current situation and projected future possibilities of lubricant design facilitated by ML techniques.
2-Benzyl-7-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-morpholino-6-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-one
Authors: Islas-Jácome Perla , García-Falcón Cecilia , Castañón-Alonso Sandra L. , Calderón-Jaimes Ernesto , Canseco-González Daniel , Islas-Jácome Alejandro , González-Zamora Eduardo
Published: July 2023

The new polyheterocyclic compound, 2-benzyl-7-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-morpholino-6-((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-one, was synthesized by a sequential combination of 4-chlorobenzaldehyde, (1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methanamine, 2-isocyano-1-morpholino-3-phenylpropan-1-one, and maleic anhydride under a microwave-assisted one-pot process [Ugi-Zhu/aza Diels-Alder cycloaddition/N-acylation/decarboxylation/dehydration] with a 28% overall yield. The synthesized compound was fully characterized by 1D (1H, 13C) and 2D (COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) NMR, FT-IR, and HRMS.