bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Female Human Capital and Economic Growth in Sudan: Empirical Evidence for Women’s Empowerment
Authors: Mohamed Elwasila S. E.
Published: August 2022

Human capital in general spurs economic growth. Female human capital in terms of education and health in particular is important for economic growth in countries where poverty and gender inequalities are pervasive, such as Sudan. This study aimed to investigate the role of female human capital in economic growth in Sudan, together with female labor force participation and women’s participation in the national parliament. The study applied a basic autoregressive distributed lag model ARDL and a nonlinear (NARDL) accounting for structural breaks to time-series data over the period 1975–2021. The bounds tests revealed that female human capital variables and economic growth have a long-run equilibrium relationship. The empirical results revealed that female human capital has a negative effect on gross national income per capita (GNIP). However, female labor participation was found to have a significant positive effect on economic growth in both models. Prevalence of HIV/AIDS among women of age 14–25 has a significant negative effect on economic growth, which is likely also reflecting the negative effect of female human capital. Results also showed that women’s participation in the parliament has positive and significant effect on economic growth in the short run only. The study argues for enhancing female human capital via female enrollment in education and through the promotion of women’s health, including combatting HIV/AIDS. Effective female labor participation can be enhanced through reductions in women’s vulnerability in employment and increasing their work in waged formal sectors. Women’s political empowerment could foster long-term growth, but its quality aspects must be ascertained.
Untargeted Metabolomics Reveals the Function of GPRC6A in Amino Acid and Lipid Metabolism in Mice
Authors: He Yumin , Su Jingyun , Gao Hongrui , Li Jianzhong , Feng Zemeng , Yin Yulong
Published: August 2022

GPRC6A is an amino acid sensor in the cytomembrane. Despite substantial evidence for the role of GPRC6A in metabolism, the specific effects and mechanism by which this gene acts on metabolic processes are still unresolved. In this study, serum biochemical parameters related to liver and kidney function and serum amino acid levels were determined in GPRC6A wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice. An untargeted serum metabolomics analysis was also conducted for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, to decipher the function of GPRC6A in metabolic processes. GPRC6A was involved in lipid and amino acid metabolism, mainly by affecting liver function. A loss of GPRC6A function may perturb bile acid metabolism, thus leading to abnormal unsaturated fatty acid metabolism. GPRC6A KO may lead to excessive protein breakdown under starvation, and the loss of GPRC6A had a significant effect on phenylalanine metabolism-related pathways. Our metabolomics data provide a novel basis for further functional studies of GPRC6A.
A Simple Technique for the Precise Establishment of the Working Gap in an Electrochemical Discharge Machining Process and Some Experimental Results Thereof
Authors: Sambathkumar Saranya , Arunagirinathan Ravi Sankar
Published: August 2022

The working gap (Wg) between a tooltip and a substrate surface is a critical process parameter affecting the quality metrics and precision of microstructures fabricated using an electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) process. Despite the extensive investigation carried out on ECDM processes for the last several years, only a few researchers have explicitly explained the technique used to establish the Wg. In the present work, the authors propose a simple, cost-effective technique using a commercially available metallic feeler gauge and a multimeter to precisely establish a Wg in an ECDM process. A systematic experimental investigation was carried out using the proposed method to study the influence of Wg on the quality metrics such as the depth, width, edge linearity, heat-affected zone, and surface finish of fabricated microstructures on a glass substrate. Experimental results revealed that even a 2 µm difference in Wg significantly influenced the quality and quantity metrics of an ECDM process. It was observed that no machining occurred beyond a Wg of 25 µm even when a TTR as low as 0.5 mm/min and an applied voltage greater than 44 V were used. A micro-channel with improved quality metrics was obtained using a tool travel rate (TTR) of 1 mm/min with an applied voltage of 33 V and a Wg of 2 µm while using 30% NaOH as an electrolyte. The proposed method would be helpful for researchers to fabricate precise micro-channels on glass substrates using ECDM processes.
Real-Time Micro-Monitoring of Surface Temperature and Strain of Magnesium Hydrogen Tank through Self-Made Two-In-One Flexible High-Temperature Micro-Sensor
Authors: Lee Chi-Yuan , Shen Chia-Chieh , Chiu Chun-Wei , Hsieh Hsiao-Te
Published: August 2022

The adsorption and desorption of hydrogen in the magnesium powder hydrogen tank should take place in an environment with a temperature higher than 250 °C. High temperature and high strain will lead to reactive hydrogen leakage from the magnesium hydrogen tank due to tank rupture. Therefore, it is very important to monitor in real time the volume expansion, temperature change, and strain change on the surface of the magnesium hydrogen tank. In this study, the micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology was used to innovatively integrate the micro-temperature sensor and the micro-strain sensor into a two-in-one flexible high-temperature micro-sensor with a small size and high sensitivity. It can be placed on the surface of the magnesium hydrogen tank for real-time micro-monitoring of the effect of hydrogen pressure and powder hydrogen absorption expansion on the strain of the hydrogen storage tank.
Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of New Mesenchymal–Epithelial Transition Factor (c-Met) Kinase Inhibitors with Dual Chiral Centers
Authors: Yao Han , Ren Yuanyuan , Yan Jun , Liu Jiadai , Hu Jinhui , Yan Ming , Li Xingshu
Published: August 2022

A series of tepotinib derivatives with two chiral centers was designed, synthesized, and evaluated as anticancer agents. The optimal compound (R, S)-12a strongly exhibited antiproliferative activity against MHCC97H cell lines with an IC50 value of 0.002 μM, compared to tepotinib (IC50 = 0.013 μM). Mechanistic studies revealed that compound (R, S)-12a significantly inhibited c-Met activation, as well as the downstream AKT signaling pathway, and suppressed wound closure. Moreover, compound (R, S)-12a induced cellular apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase in a dose-dependent fashion.
Acacetin Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Lines
Authors: Alfwuaires Manal , Elsawy Hany , Sedky Azza
Published: August 2022

Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of death across the world. Recent evidence suggests that STAT3 regulates proliferative, survival, metastasis, and angiogenesis genes in HCC. Novel agents that suppress STAT3 activation can be used to prevent or treat HCC. We used a functional proteomics tumor pathway technology platform and multiple HCC cell lines to investigate the effects of acacetin (ACN) on STAT3 activation, protein kinases, phosphatases, products of STAT3-regulated genes, and apoptosis. ACN was found to inhibit STAT3 activation in a dose- and time-dependent manner in HCC cells. Upstream kinases c-Src, Janus-activated kinase 1, and Janus-activated kinase 2 were also inhibited. The ACN inhibition of STAT3 was abolished by vanadate treatment, suggesting the involvement of tyrosine phosphatase activity. ACN was found to suppress the protein expression of genes involved in proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis via STAT3 inhibition. ACN appears to be a novel STAT3 inhibitor and may be a promising therapeutic compound for application in the treatment of HCC and other cancers.
Visible-Light Photocatalytic Reduction of Aryl Halides as a Source of Aryl Radicals
Authors: Lan Jihong , Chen Rongxiang , Duo Fangfang , Hu Menghui , Lu Xiaoyan
Published: August 2022

Aryl- and heteroaryl units are present in a wide variety of natural products, pharmaceuticals, and functional materials. The method for reduction of aryl halides with ubiquitous distribution is highly sought after for late-stage construction of various aromatic compounds. The visible-light-driven reduction of aryl halides to aryl radicals by electron transfer provides an efficient, simple, and environmentally friendly method for the construction of aromatic compounds. This review summarizes the recent progress in the generation of aryl radicals by visible-light-driven reduction of aryl halides with metal complexes, organic compounds, semiconductors as catalysts, and alkali-assisted reaction system. The ability and mechanism of reduction of aromatic halides in various visible light induced systems are summarized, intending to illustrate a comprehensive introduction of this research topic to the readers.
GC-MS Chemical Profiling, Biological Investigation of Three Salvia Species Growing in Uzbekistan
Authors: Gad Haidy A. , Mamadalieva Rano Z. , Khalil Noha , Zengin Gokhan , Najar Basma , Khojimatov Olim K. , Al Musayeib Nawal M. , Ashour Mohamed L. , Mamadalieva Nilufar Z.
Published: August 2022

Salvia is a potentially valuable aromatic herb that has been used since ancient times. The present work studied the chemical profile of three Salvia species essential oils (EO): S. officinalis, S. virgata and S. sclarea, as well as assessing their antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities. A total of 144 compounds were detected by GC-MS analysis, representing 91.1, 84.7 and 78.1% in S. officinalis, S. virgata and S. sclarea EOs, respectively. The major constituents were cis-thujone, 2,4-hexadienal and 9-octadecenoic acid, respectively. The principal component analysis (PCA) score plot revealed significant discrimination between the three species. The antioxidant activity of the EOs was evaluated using in vitro assays. Only S. virgata EO showed antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay (26.6 ± 1.60 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/g oil). Moreover, this oil exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in 2,2-azino bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and ferric-reducing power (FRAP) assays in comparison with the other two EOs (190.1 ± 2.04 vs. 275.2 ± 8.50 and 155.9 ± 1.33 mg TE/g oil, respectively). However, S. virgata oil did not show any effect in the chelating ability assay, while in the PBD assay, S. officinalis had the best antioxidant activity (26.4 ± 0.16 mmol TE/g oil). Enzyme inhibitory effect of the EOs was assessed against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, α-glucosidase and α-amylase. AChE enzyme was more sensitive to S. officinalis EO (4.2 ± 0.01 mg galantamine equivalent (GALAE)/g oil), rather than S. virgata EO, which was ineffective. However, S. virgata had the highest BChE effect (12.1 ± 0.16 mg GALAE/g oil). All studied oils showed good tyrosinase inhibitory activity, ranging between 66.1 ± 0.61 and 128.4 ± 4.35 mg kojic acid equivalent (KAE)/g oil). Moreover, the EOs did not exhibit any glucosidase inhibition and were weak or inefficient on amylase enzyme. Partial least squares regression (PLS-R) models showed that there is an excellent correlation between the antioxidant activity and the volatile profile when being compared to that of enzyme inhibitory activity. Thus, the studied Salvia essential oils are interesting candidates that could be used in drug discovery for the management of Alzheimer’s and hyperpigmentation conditions.
Synthesis of a Chiral 3,6T22-Zn-MOF with a T-Shaped Bifunctional Pyrazole-Isophthalate Ligand Following the Principles of the Supramolecular Building Layer Approach
Authors: Woschko Dennis , Millan Simon , Ceyran Muhammed-Ali , Oestreich Robert , Janiak Christoph
Published: August 2022

The metal–organic framework (MOF) [Zn(Isa-az-tmpz)]·~1–1.5 DMF with the novel T-shaped bifunctional linker 5-(2-(1,3,5-trimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)azo)isophthalate (Isa-az-tmpz) was obtained as a conglomerate of crystals with varying degrees of enantiomeric excess in the chiral tetragonal space groups P43212 or P41212. A topological analysis of the compound resulted in the rare 3,6T22-topology, deviating from the expected rtl-topology, which has been found before in pyrazolate-isophthalate-functionalized MOFs using the supramolecular building layer (SBL) approach. 3,6T22-[Zn(Isa-az-tmpz)]·~1–1.5 DMF is a potentially porous, three-dimensional structure with DMF molecules included in the corrugated channels along the a and b-axis of the as synthesized material. The small trigonal cross-section of about 6 × 4 Å (considering the van der Waals surface) prevents the access of N2 and Ar under cryogenic conditions. After activation, only smaller H2 (at 87 K) and CO2 (at 195 K) are allowed for gas uptakes of 2 mmol g–1 and 5.4 mmol g–1, respectively, in the ultramicroporous material, for which a BET surface area of 496 m2·g–1 was calculated from CO2 adsorption. Thermogravimetric analysis of the compound shows a thermal stability of up to 400 °C.
Light-Controlled Direction of Distributed Feedback Laser Emission by Photo-Mobile Polymer Films
Authors: Lucchetta Daniele , Di Donato Andrea , Francescangeli Oriano , Singh Gautam , Castagna Riccardo
Published: August 2022

We report on the realization of Distributed Feedback (DFB) lasing by a high-resolution reflection grating integrated in a Photomobile Polymer (PMP) film. The grating is recorded in a recently developed holographic mixture basically containing halolakanes/acrylates and a fluorescent dye molecule (Rhodamine 6G). The PMP-mixture is placed around the grating spot and a subsequent curing/photo-polymerization process is promoted by UV-irradiation. Such a process brings to the simultaneous formation of the PMP-film and the covalent link of the PMP-film to the DFB-grating area (PMP-DFB system). The PMP-DFB allows lasing action when optically pumped with a nano-pulsed green laser source. Moreover, under a low-power light-irradiation the PMP-DFB bends inducing a spatial readdressing of the DFB-laser emission. This device is the first example of a light-controlled direction of a DFB laser emission. It could represent a novel disruptive optical technology in many fields of Science, making feasible the approach to free standing and light-controllable lasers.
Controlled p-Type Doping of MoS2 Monolayer by Copper Chloride
Authors: Pak Sangyeon
Published: August 2022

Electronic devices based on two-dimensional (2D) MoS2 show great promise as future building blocks in electronic circuits due to their outstanding electrical, optical, and mechanical properties. Despite the high importance of doping of these 2D materials for designing field-effect transistors (FETs) and logic circuits, a simple and controllable doping methodology still needs to be developed in order to tailor their device properties. Here, we found a simple and effective chemical doping strategy for MoS2 monolayers using CuCl2 solution. The CuCl2 solution was simply spin-coated on MoS2 with different concentrations under ambient conditions for effectively p-doping the MoS2 monolayers. This was systematically analyzed using various spectroscopic measurements using Raman, photoluminescence, and X-ray photoelectron and electrical measurements by observing the change in transfer and output characteristics of MoS2 FETs before and after CuCl2 doping, showing effective p-type doping behaviors as observed through the shift of threshold voltages (Vth) and reducing the ON and OFF current level. Our results open the possibility of providing effective and simple doping strategies for 2D materials and other nanomaterials without causing any detrimental damage.
Effects of Phytogenically Synthesized Bimetallic Ag/ZnO Nanomaterials and Nitrogen-Based Fertilizers on Biochemical and Yield Attributes of Two Wheat Varieties
Authors: Ehsan Maria , Raja Naveed Iqbal , Mashwani Zia Ur Rehman , Zohra Efat , Abasi Fozia , Ikram Muhammad , Mustafa Nilofar , Wattoo Feroza Hamid , Proćków Jarosław , Pérez de la Lastra José Manuel
Published: August 2022

Wheat is the most important staple food worldwide, but wheat cultivation faces challenges from high food demand. Fertilizers are already in use to cope with the demand; however, more unconventional techniques may be required to enhance the efficiency of wheat cultivation. Nanotechnology offers one potential technique for improving plant growth and production by providing stimulating agents to the crop. In this study, plant-derived Ag/ZnO nanomaterials were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM, EDX, FTIR, and XRD methods. Various concentrations of phytogenically synthesized Ag/ZnO nanomaterials (20, 40, 60, and 80 ppm) and nitrogen-based fertilizers (urea and ammonium sulphate 50 and 100 mg/L) were applied to wheat varieties (Galaxy-13 and Pak-13). The results obtained from this research showed that application of 60 ppm Ag/ZnO nanomaterials with nitrogenous fertilizers (50 and 100 mg/L) were more effective in improving biochemistry and increasing yield of wheat plants by reducing enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants (proline content, soluble sugar content, malondialdehyde, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase); and significantly increasing the protein content, number of grains per pot, spike length, 100-grain weight, grain yield per pot, and harvest index of both wheat varieties, compared to untreated plants. These findings allow us to propose Ag/ZnO nanomaterial formulation as a promising growth- and productivity-improvement strategy for wheat cultivation.
2D Nano-Mica Sheets Assembled Membranes for High-Efficiency Oil/Water Separation
Authors: Bao Yan , Wang Bin , Du Conghui , Shi Qiuhui , Xu Wenlong , Wang Zhining
Published: August 2022

Oil-polluted water has become one of the most important environmental concerns nowadays due to the increasing industrial oily wastewater and frequent oil spill accidents. Herein, a novel two-dimensional (2D) nano-mica sheets assembled composite membrane with underwater super-oleophobic properties was developed for effective oil/water separation. A 2D nano-mica sheet was synthesized by a facile solvent-assisted ultrasonic exfoliation and then the obtained 2D nano-mica sheets were co-deposited with dopamine on polyvinylidene fluoride substrate to prepare nano-mica composite membranes (NCM). The NCM is hydrophilic in air and super-oleophobic underwater (the water contact angle in the air is 37.6°, and the oil contact angle in water is 151.4°). Furthermore, the prepared NCM provided outstanding stability in different acid–base environments (pH = 1–11). Noteworthily, the oil removal rate is higher than 99.5% as the sodium dodecyl sulfate SDS-stabilized oil (soya-bean oil, mineral oil and pump oil) -in-water emulsions. Meanwhile, the NCM showed excellent reusability, as the oil removal efficiency kept at 99.0% after ten soya-bean oil-in-water or mineral oil-in-water emulsion filtration cycles. The present work paved a new way for developing a low-cost and environmentally friendly strategy for oily wastewater treatment and developed a high-increment utilization application field for natural minerals.
The Brain’s Microvascular Response to High Glycemia and to the Inhibition of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Is Sexually Dimorphic
Authors: Nuthikattu Saivageethi , Milenkovic Dragan , Norman Jennifer E. , Rutledge John , Villablanca Amparo
Published: August 2022

Biological sex and a high glycemic diet (HGD) contribute to dementia, yet little is known about the operative molecular mechanisms. Our goal was to understand the differences between males and females in the multi-genomic response of the hippocampal microvasculature to the HGD, and whether there was vasculoprotection via the inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEHI). Adult wild type mice fed high or low glycemic diets for 12 weeks, with or without an sEHI inhibitor (t-AUCB), had hippocampal microvessels isolated by laser-capture microdissection. Differential gene expression was determined by microarray and integrated multi-omic bioinformatic analyses. The HGD induced opposite effects in males and females: the HGD-upregulated genes were involved in neurodegeneration or neuroinflammation in males, whereas in females they downregulated the same pathways, favoring neuroprotection. In males, the HGD was associated with a greater number of clinical diseases than in females, the sEHI downregulated genes involved in neurodegenerative diseases to a greater extent with the HGD and compared to females. In females, the sEHI downregulated genes involved in endothelial cell functions to a greater extent with the LGD and compared to males. Our work has potentially important implications for sex-specific therapeutic targets for vascular dementia and cardiovascular diseases in males and females.
Characterization of Nutrient Intake in Biopsy-Confirmed NAFLD Patients
Authors: Kamada Yoshihiro , Takahashi Hirokazu , Ogawa Yuji , Hyogo Hideyuki , Nakamura Kyoko , Yada Tomomi , Asada Norihiko , Bando Tomomi , Sawano Hanako , Hatanaka Mika , Tosa Takako , Ando Mika , Hikita Etsuko , Yoshida Kaori , Koseki Masahiro , Sumida Yoshio , Maeda Kazuhisa , Fujii Makoto , Aishima Shinichi , Hayakawa Mariko , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: August 2022

Objectives: Weight loss improves the liver pathophysiological status of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. However, there are few studies that investigate the accurate relationships between nutritional intake and disease progression in NAFLD patients. Methods: A total of 37 biopsy-confirmed NAFLD patients were enrolled in this study. Clinical and nutritional control data of 5074 persons were obtained from the National Institute of Health and Nutrition. Each NAFLD subject recorded dietary intake for seven consecutive days using a dietary questionnaire and photographs of each meal. A dietitian analyzed and quantified the nutritional data in each patient. We further analyzed the nutritional intake of NAFLD patients in three groups according to the following criteria: (1) liver fibrosis degree (advanced, early), (2) gender (male, female), and (3) body mass index (BMI) (high, low). Results: Excesses or deficiencies of multiple nutrients were found in NAFLD patients compared with control subjects. In addition, there were variations in nutritional intake. (1) The intake of vitamins A, B6, and E, pantothenic acid, soluble dietary fiber, and salt was lower in the advanced fibrosis group than in the early fibrosis group. (2) Fat intake was higher in male patients, and dietary fiber intake was lower in both male and female patients compared with control subjects. (3) Saturated fatty acid intake was higher, and copper and vitamin E intakes were lower in patients with high BMI than with low BMI. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that differences were found in some nutrient intake of NAFLD patients and controls and according to the severity of the conditions (liver fibrosis degree, BMI).
Probiotication of Nutritious Fruit and Vegetable Juices: An Alternative to Dairy-Based Probiotic Functional Products
Authors: Mojikon Floyd Darren , Kasimin Melisa Elsie , Molujin Arnold Marshall , Gansau Jualang Azlan , Jawan Roslina
Published: August 2022

Fruits and vegetables are widely known to be rich in nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, dietary fiber, minerals, and a bioactive molecule, making them an essential component of a balanced diet with multiple documented positive effects on human health. The probiotication of plant-based juices for the production of functional and nutraceutical food serves as a healthy alternative to dairy probiotics. They are cholesterol free, lack several dairy allergens, and also encourage ingestion for people with lactose intolerance. This review highlights valuable claims regarding the efficacy of different probiotic strains on various diseases. A comprehensive nutrition comparison and the preference of plant-based over dairy probiotic drinks is also discussed, supported with updated market trends of probiotic drinks (dairy and non-dairy based). An extensive compilation of current plant-based probiotic drinks that are available in markets around the world is listed as a reference. The fermentability of carbon sources by probiotic microorganisms is crucial in addressing the development of plant-based drinks. Therefore, the pathway involved in metabolism of sucrose, glucose, fructose, and galactose in fruit and vegetable juice was also underlined. Finally, the key factors in monitoring the quality of probiotic products such as total soluble solids, sugar consumption, titratable acidity, pH, and stability at low storage temperatures were outlined.
Chitosan Based MicroRNA Nanocarriers
Authors: Genedy Hussein H. , Delair Thierry , Montembault Alexandra
Published: August 2022

Vectorization of microRNAs has shown to be a smart approach for their potential delivery to treat many diseases (i.e., cancer, osteopathy, vascular, and infectious diseases). However, there are barriers to genetic in vivo delivery regarding stability, targeting, specificity, and internalization. Polymeric nanoparticles can be very promising candidates to overcome these challenges. One of the most suitable polymers for this purpose is chitosan. Chitosan (CS), a biodegradable biocompatible natural polysaccharide, has always been of interest for drug and gene delivery. Being cationic, chitosan can easily form particles with anionic polymers to encapsulate microRNA or even complex readily forming polyplexes. However, fine tuning of chitosan characteristics is necessary for a successful formulation. In this review, we cover all chitosan miRNA formulations investigated in the last 10 years, to the best of our knowledge, so that we can distinguish their differences in terms of materials, formulation processes, and intended applications. The factors that make some optimized systems superior to their predecessors are also discussed to reach the highest potential of chitosan microRNA nanocarriers.
Leukotrienes vs. Montelukast—Activity, Metabolism, and Toxicity Hints for Repurposing
Authors: Marques Cátia F. , Marques Maria Matilde , Justino Gonçalo C.
Published: August 2022

Increasing environmental distress is associated with a growing asthma incidence; no treatments are available but montelukast (MTK)—an antagonist of the cysteinyl leukotrienes receptor 1—is widely used in the management of symptoms among adults and children. Recently, new molecular targets have been identified and MTK has been proposed for repurposing in other therapeutic applications, with several ongoing clinical trials. The proposed applications include neuroinflammation control, which could be explored in some neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases (AD and PD). However, this drug has been associated with an increasing number of reported neuropsychiatric adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Besides, and despite being on the market since 1998, MTK metabolism is still poorly understood and the mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric ADRs remain unknown. We review the role of MTK as a modulator of leukotriene pathways and systematize the current knowledge about MTK metabolism. Known toxic effects of MTK are discussed, and repurposing applications are presented comprehensively, with a focus on AD and PD.
Overcoming the Drawbacks of Sulpiride by Means of New Crystal Forms
Authors: Birolo Rebecca , Bravetti Federica , Bordignon Simone , D’Abbrunzo Ilenia , Mazzeo Paolo P. , Perissutti Beatrice , Bacchi Alessia , Chierotti Michele R. , Gobetto Roberto
Published: August 2022

This study aims at developing new multicomponent crystal forms of sulpiride, an antipsychotic drug. The main goal was to improve its solubility since it belongs to class IV of the BCS. Nine new adducts were obtained by combining the active pharmaceutical ingredient with acid coformers: a salt cocrystal and eight molecular salts. In addition, three novel co-drugs, of which two are molecular salts and one is a cocrystal, were also achieved. All samples were characterized in the solid state by complementary techniques (i.e., infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction and solid-state NMR). For systems for which it was possible to obtain good-quality single crystals, the structure was solved by single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD). SCXRD combined with solid-state NMR were used to evaluate the ionic or neutral character of the adducts. In vitro dissolution tests of the new crystal forms were performed and all the adducts display remarkable dissolution properties with respect to pure sulpiride.
Insights into the Pharmacogenetics of Tacrolimus Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
Authors: Brunet Mercè , Pastor-Anglada Marçal
Published: August 2022

The influence of pharmacogenetics in tacrolimus pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics needs further investigation, considering its potential in assisting clinicians to predict the optimal starting dosage and the need for a personalized adjustment of the dose, as well as to identify patients at a high risk of rejection, drug-related adverse effects, or poor outcomes. In the past decade, new pharmacokinetic strategies have been developed to improve personalized tacrolimus treatment. Several studies have shown that patients with tacrolimus doses C0/D < 1 ng/mL/mg may demonstrate a greater incidence of drug-related adverse events and infections. In addition, C0 tacrolimus intrapatient variability (IPV) has been identified as a potential biomarker to predict poor outcomes related to drug over- and under-exposure. With regard to tacrolimus pharmacodynamics, inconsistent genotype-phenotype relationships have been identified. The aim of this review is to provide a concise summary of currently available data regarding the influence of pharmacogenetics on the clinical outcome of patients with high intrapatient variability and/or a fast metabolizer phenotype. Moreover, the role of membrane transporters in the interindividual variability of responses to tacrolimus is critically discussed from a transporter scientist’s perspective. Indeed, the relationship between transporter polymorphisms and intracellular tacrolimus concentrations will help to elucidate the interplay between the biological mechanisms underlying genetic variations impacting drug concentrations and clinical effects.
Preliminary Results of Noninvasive Ocular Rigidity in Diabetic Retinopathy Using Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Ma Yanhui , Ohr Matthew P. , Roberts Cynthia J.
Published: August 2022

The pathologic mechanism of diabetic retinopathy is directly related to the underlying hyperglycemia associated with diabetes. Hyperglycemia causes non-enzymatic cross-linking of collagen fibrils which contributes mechanistically to tissue stiffening. However, investigations on diabetic retinopathy-associated alteration in ocular biomechanics remain scarce, especially in living human eyes. Ocular rigidity is classically defined as a measure of the change in intraocular pressure produced by a change in ocular volume. We recently implemented an approach for the direct in-vivo non-invasive estimate of ocular rigidity using optical coherence tomography, allowing for the evaluation of the biomechanical behavior in eyes with diabetic retinopathy. Our preliminary results showed that diabetic retinopathy exhibited higher ocular rigidity and higher scleral stiffness compared to normal controls, which may possibly be attributed to hyperglycemia-induced collagen cross-linking in the ocular tissues. Knowledge of diabetic retinopathy-associated biomechanical changes will equip us with new quantitative tools to identify diagnostic markers in diabetic retinopathy.
Polymer Hybrid Nanocomposites Based on Homo and Copolymer Xlpe Containing Mineral Nanofillers with Improved Functional Properties Intended for Insulation of Submarine Cables
Authors: Resner Leszek , Lesiak Pawel , Taraghi Iman , Kochmanska Agnieszka , Figiel Pawel , Piesowicz Elzbieta , Zenker Marek , Paszkiewicz Sandra
Published: August 2022

Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) is one of the most popular insulation materials used in the production of medium and high voltage cables (MV, HV). This article presents the results of research carried out on two types of commercially used insulation materials, modified with the addition of organophilic phyllosilicate (CLOISITE C20A)and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). The influence of fillers on the mechanical properties of insulating materials is discussed as a potential mechanism for increasing their resistance to the phenomenon of water-tree. SEM and XRD analyses were performed to investigate the morphology and DSC for comparing phase transitions. Mechanical and functional properties for different concentrations of nanofillers, such as their hybrids, were also investigated.
Movement Law of Methane Drained by Large-Diameter Borehole Drilling Machine in the Goaf
Authors: Lei Yun
Published: August 2022

To study the movement law of methane in the goaf drained by a large-diameter borehole drilling machine under “U”-shaped ventilation, a simulation on a coal mine was conducted on Fluent to find the optimal spacing between large-diameter boreholes and the most appropriate distance between the borehole and the upper corner. The variation of borehole drilling and the methane concentration in the upper corner were obtained through a field test. Results show that the method of drilling large-diameter boreholes greatly reduces the methane concentration in the goaf and the upper corner, with the optimal borehole spacing being 30 m and the most appropriate distance between the borehole and the upper corner being 15 m. When the large-diameter borehole is drilled 25 m deep down into the goaf, it penetrates into the stress impact area, and the methane concentration increases rapidly, with the maximum being 3.7%. When the borehole is drilled 35 m down into the goaf, the methane concentration slightly decreases as a result of the drainage superposition effect. The methane concentration in the upper corner increases as the borehole is drilled deeper and is farther away from the upper corner. As a result of the drainage superposition effect, the methane concentration in the upper corner varies from 0.32% to 0.51% in a cyclical way.
Patriotism, Nationalism, Illiberalism in Their Relation to Religion: A Cross-Cultural Perspective
Authors: Knorre Boris , Koellner Tobias
Published: August 2022

This article is the introduction to an interdisciplinary Special Issue and serves two purposes [...]
Detecting Spatial-Temporal Changes of Urban Environment Quality by Remote Sensing-Based Ecological Indices: A Case Study in Panzhihua City, Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Shan Yunfeng , Dai Xiaoai , Li Weile , Yang Zhichong , Wang Youlin , Qu Ge , Liu Wenxin , Ren Jiashun , Li Cheng , Liang Shuneng , Zeng Binyang
Published: August 2022

Panzhihua City is a typical agricultural-forestry-pastoral and ecologically sensitive city in China. It is also an important ecological defense in the upper Yangtze River. It has abundant mineral resources, including vanadium, titanium, and water supplies. However, ecological and environmental problems emerge due to the excessive development of mining, agriculture, animal husbandry, and other non-natural urban economies. Therefore, a scientific understanding of the spatio-temporal changes of the eco-environment of Panzhihua is critical for environmental protection, city planning, and construction. To objectively evaluate the eco-environmental status of Panzhihua, the remote sensing-based ecological index (RSEI) was first applied to Panzhihua, a typical resource-based city, and its ecological environmental quality (EEQ) was quantitatively assessed from 1990 to 2020. This study explored the effects of mining activities and policies on EEQ and used change detection to reveal the spatial-temporal changes of EEQ in Panzhihua City over the past three decades. In addition, this study also verified the suitability of RSEI for evaluating EEQ in resource-based city using spatial autocorrelation, revealed the spatial heterogeneity of EEQ in Panzhihua City using optimized hot spot analysis, and showed different ecological clustering by hot spot analysis at two scales of urban and mining areas. According to the results: (1) From 1990 to 2020, the general eco-environmental condition of Panzhihua is improving, but there are still regional differences. (2) The Moran’s I value ranges from 0.436 (1990) to 0.700 (2020), indicating that there is autocorrelation in the distribution of eco-environmental quality. (3) At the mine, the mean value of RSEI dropped by 20–40%, and the EEQ decreased significantly due to mining activities. (4) A series of ecological restoration policies can buffer the negative impact of mining activities on the ecosystem, resulting in a slight improvement in the quality of the ecological environment. This study evaluates the EEQ of resource-based city and its spatial-temporal changes using RSEI constructed by the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, which can provide theoretical support for ecological and environmental conditions monitoring, development planning, and environmental protection policy-making of a resource-based city.
Performance Evaluation and Requirement Analysis for Chronometric Leveling with High-Accuracy Optical Clocks
Authors: Xiong Changliang , Liu Daoxin , Wu Lin , Bao Lifeng , Zhang Panpan
Published: August 2022

The high-precision unification of global height datum has long been a hot issue in the field of geodesy. The chronometric leveling method originates from the gravitational redshift effect of general relativity, which may provide a new solution for the unification of global height datum. The height difference between the two locations could be measured via the frequency comparison of high-precision optical clocks. We build the error model for chronometric leveling, mainly including the measurement systematic error of two optical clocks, frequency statistical error of two optical clocks, and transmission path error of optical fiber when using optical fiber as carrier. Then, we put forward the schemes to achieve chronometric leveling. The performance of the height measurement using different schemes is evaluated. Additionally, considering the requirements of geodesy, four typical height measurement accuracy factors for chronometric leveling are proposed. Meanwhile, the corresponding accuracy requirements for optical clocks and frequency transmission techniques are also given. It has important guiding significance for the unification of the global height datum and related geoscience fields using high-accuracy chronometric leveling in the future.
Are Indices of Polarimetric Purity Excellent Metrics for Object Identification in Scattering Media?
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Zhang Liping , Qi Pengfei , Zhu Zhiwei , Xu Jianuo , Liu Tiegen , Zhai Jingsheng , Hu Haofeng
Published: August 2022

Polarization characteristics are significantly crucial for tasks in various fields, including the remote sensing of oceans and atmosphere, as well as the polarization LIDAR and polarimetric imaging in scattering media. Many polarimetric metrics (such as the degree of polarization, polarization angle diattenuation, and depolarization) have been proposed to enrich the characterization and improve the task performance in scattering media; yet, their related efficacy is limited, especially in high turbidity conditions. The indices of polarimetric purity (IPPs), including three different depolarization metrics, have been successfully applied to biomedical diagnosis. However, it is still debatable whether IPPs also are excellent metrics for identifying or distinguishing objects in scattering media. In this work, we seek to provide physical insights into the application of distinguishing and identifying different objects via IPPs. Imaging experiments are devised and performed on different objects, e.g., metals and plastics, under different turbidity levels, demonstrating the superiority of IPPs as excellent metrics for object identification in scattering conditions. The experimental results show that the IPPs images can enhance image contrast and improve discriminability, as well as break the limitation of traditional intensity-model imaging techniques when further combined with dehazing or enhancing algorithms. Importantly, as the used Mueller matrix (MM) and the related IPPs can also be obtained via other types of MM polarimeters (e.g., PolSAR and MM microscopy), the proposed solution and idea have potential for such applications as biomedical imaging, photogrammetry, and remote sensing.
A Plasmid-Based Fluorescence Reporter System for Monitoring Oxidative Damage in E. coli
Authors: Dandapani Hariharan , Kankaanpää Pasi , Jones Patrik R. , Kallio Pauli
Published: August 2022

Quantitating intracellular oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) is of interest in many fields of biological research. The current systems primarily rely on supplemented oxygen-sensitive substrates that penetrate the target cells, and react with ROS to produce signals that can be monitored with spectroscopic or imaging techniques. The objective here was to design a new non-invasive analytical strategy for measuring ROS-induced damage inside living cells by taking advantage of the native redox sensor system of E. coli. The developed plasmid-based sensor relies on an oxygen-sensitive transcriptional repressor IscR that controls the expression of a fluorescent marker in vivo. The system was shown to quantitatively respond to oxidative stress induced by supplemented H2O2 and lowered cultivation temperatures. Comparative analysis with fluorescence microscopy further demonstrated that the specificity of the reporter system was equivalent to the commercial chemical probe (CellROX). The strategy introduced here is not dependent on chemical probes, but instead uses a fluorescent expression system to detect enzyme-level oxidative damage in microbial cells. This provides a cheap and simple means for analysing enzyme-level oxidative damage in a biological context in E. coli.
Monocular Depth Estimation: Lightweight Convolutional and Matrix Capsule Feature-Fusion Network
Authors: Wang Yinchu , Zhu Haijiang
Published: August 2022

This paper reports a study that aims to solve the problem of the weak adaptability to angle transformation of current monocular depth estimation algorithms. These algorithms are based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) but produce results lacking in estimation accuracy and robustness. The paper proposes a lightweight network based on convolution and capsule feature fusion (CNNapsule). First, the paper introduces a fusion block module that integrates CNN features and matrix capsule features to improve the adaptability of the network to perspective transformations. The fusion and deconvolution features are fused through skip connections to generate a depth image. In addition, the corresponding loss function is designed according to the long-tail distribution, gradient similarity, and structural similarity of the datasets. Finally, the results are compared with the methods applied to the NYU Depth V2 and KITTI datasets and show that our proposed method has better accuracy on the C1 and C2 indices and a better visual effect than traditional methods and deep learning methods without transfer learning. The number of trainable parameters required by this method is 65% lower than that required by methods presented in the literature. The generalization of this method is verified via the comparative testing of the data collected from the internet and mobile phones.
Absorption Capacity and Development of Photocatalyst Green Ceramic Products with Moderation of Green Environment for Sustainability Performance of Developing Industries
Authors: Normal I Nyoman , Setini Made
Published: August 2022

Business Sustainability is closely related to the green environment and of the products produced, photocatalyst is one of the strategies in caring for the green environment. The benefits of this product are a very important opportunity for small business actors where ceramic SMEs have never developed photocatalyst green products. This study uses SEM-PLS analysis, with SmartPLS software as a processing tool where data is obtained from 300 business actors developing green products (photocatalysts) spread across Indonesia; data collection is carried out directly using questionnaires with stratified purposive sampling method and obtained research samples totaling 200 SMEs. This research shows that the development of green products can be a perfect mediation in bridging the absorption capacity and business sustainability. The development of green products encourages the spirit of obtaining information, interpretation, internalization and facilities by SMEs so as to provide increased productivity, increase production quality, increase environmental friendliness and more dissemination to the green product market. However, the green environment cannot drive the sustainable performance of SMEs because it is not fully understood that the green environment is driving its products but rather to market needs and profit targets and existing market needs.
Emergy-Based Sustainability Evaluation of the Mulberry-Dyke and Fish-Pond System on the South Bank of Taihu Lake, China
Authors: Gu Xingguo , Wang Ying , Shi Keyi , Ke Fuyan , Ying Shanting , Lai Qixian
Published: August 2022

The Taihu Lake drainage basin is the birthplace of the Mulberry-dyke and Fish-pond System (MFS), a traditional eco-agricultural system. In 2017, the largest and best-preserved “Zhejiang Huzhou Mulberry-dyke and Fish-pond System” located by the South Bank of Taihu Lake, China was recognized as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and its value has been appreciated. As a dynamic heritage, the sustainable development of MFS is a fundamental requirement of the conservation of GIAHS. In this regard, it is necessary to figure out an approach to evaluating the status of its sustainable development. This paper analyzes and contrasts the emergy embodied in the three patterns of MFS over different periods, then constructs an index system of sustainability evaluation involving the production and consumption processes based on that. Finally, it provides the evaluation and analysis. The three patterns of MFS differ in the system structure. In the Ming and Qing Dynasties (abbreviated as Ming-Qing pattern), MFS was an integrated system compromised of mulberry cultivation, silkworm breeding, fish breeding, and sheep breeding, while other patterns exclude sheep breeding, but increase the input of fertilizer, and add the production of mulberry-leaf tea and other local specialties. The results show that the MFS in the Ming-Qing pattern has the highest integrated evaluation index of sustainable development, followed by the traditional MFS pattern and the new MFS pattern employed nowadays. This indicates that the current capability of sustainable development has decreased compared to that in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The integrated evaluation index regarding the consumption process of the new MFS pattern is higher than the traditional one, suggesting that it needs to promote sustainability in the production process, especially via the utilization rates of renewable resources and wastes.