bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydatid Disease: A Radiological Pictorial Review of a Great Neoplasms Mimicker
Authors: Alshoabi Sultan Abdulwadoud , Alkalady Abdulaziz H. , Almas Khaled M. , Magram Abdullatif O. , Algaberi Ali K. , Alareqi Amal A. , Hamid Abdullgabbar M. , Alhazmi Fahad H. , Qurashi Abdulaziz A. , Abdulaal Osamah M. , Aloufi Khalid M. , Alsharif Walaa M. , Alsultan Kamal D. , Omer Awatif M. , Gareeballah Awadia
Published: March 2023

Hydatid cyst is a common name for the larval stage of a tapeworm species of Echinococcus granulosus, which is transmitted from animals to humans via the fecal–oral route. Hydatid cysts predominantly affect the liver (75%), followed by the lung (15%), and they can affect many organs in the human body. Medical imaging modalities are the keystone for the diagnosis of hydatid cysts with high sensitivity and specificity. Ultrasound imaging with high resolution is the first choice for diagnosis, differential diagnosis, staging, establishing a role in interventional management, and follow-up, and it can differentiate Type I hydatid cysts from simple liver cysts. Unenhanced computed tomography (CT) is indicated where or when an ultrasound is unsatisfactory, such as with chest or brain hydatid cysts, when detecting calcification, and in obese patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is superior for demonstrating cyst wall defects, biliary communication, neural involvement, and differentiating hydatid cysts from simple cysts using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequences. According to the phase of growth, hydatid cysts occur in different sizes and shapes, which may mimic benign or malignant neoplasms and may create diagnostic challenges in some cases. Hydatid cysts can mimic simple cysts, choledochal cysts, Caroli’s disease, or mesenchymal hamartomas of the liver. They can mimic lung cystic lesions, mycetoma, blood clots, Rasmussen aneurysms, and even lung carcinomas. Differential diagnosis can be difficult for arachnoid cysts, porencephalic cysts, pyogenic abscesses, and even cystic tumors of the brain, and can create diagnostic dilemmas in the musculoskeletal system.
Application of UAV Digital Photogrammetry in Geological Investigation and Stability Evaluation of High-Steep Mine Rock Slope
Authors: Hao Jianning , Zhang Xiuli , Wang Chengtang , Wang Hao , Wang Haibin
Published: March 2023

For the stability analysis of rock slope, it is very critical to obtain the spatial geometric characteristics of the structural surfaces of the rock mass accurately and effectively. As for a high-steep rock slope of an iron ore mine, in order to solve the problems of inefficiency and high risk of traditional manual geological survey, the geological survey and stability evaluation of the slope was carried out by adopting unmanned aerial vehicle digital photogrammetry (UAV-DP) technology. Firstly, a large number of high-resolution images of the slope were obtained by UAV-DP. Then, the structure from motion (SFM) method was used to construct the fine 3D point cloud model of the slope, which was subjected to coplanarity detection and K-means clustering for identifying the structural surfaces. Finally, the stability and failure model of the slope cut by the structural surfaces are analyzed by using the stereo-projection and discrete element methods. The research results show that the error between UAV-DP and manual measurement is within the acceptable range, which demonstrates the reliability of UAV-DP used in the geological investigation. Furthermore, the stability state and failure model of the slope is also consistent well with the field observation.
Carrier Aircraft Flight Controller Design by Synthesizing Preview and Nonlinear Control Laws
Authors: Jia Baoxu , Sun Liguo , Liu Xiaoyu , Xu Shuting , Tan Wenqian , Jiao Junkai
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes an innovative automatic carrier landing control law for carrier-based aircraft considering complex ship motion and wind environment. Specifically, a strategy is proposed to synthesize preview control with an adaptive nonlinear control scheme. Firstly, incremental nonlinear backstepping control law is adopted in the attitude control loop to enhance the anti-disturbance capability of the aircraft. Secondly, to enhance the glide slope tracking performance under severe sea conditions, the carrier motion is predicted, and the forecasted motion is adopted in an optimal preview control guidance law to compensate influences induced by carrier motion. However, synthesizing the inner-loop and outer-loop control is not that straightforward since the preview control is naturally an optimal control law which requires a state-space model. Therefore, low-order equivalent fitting of the attitude-to-altitude high-order system model needs to be performed; furthermore, a state observer needs to be designed for the low-order equivalent system to supply required states to the landing controller. Finally, to validate the proposed methodology, an unmanned tailless aircraft model is used to perform the automatic landing tasks under variant sea conditions. Results show that the automatic carrier landing system can lead to satisfactory landing precision and success rate even under severe sea conditions.
Artificial Intelligence Techniques Used to Extract Relevant Information from Complex Social Networks
Authors: Paramés-Estévez Santiago , Carballosa Alejandro , Garcia-Selfa David , Munuzuri Alberto
Published: March 2023

Social networks constitute an almost endless source of social behavior information. In fact, sometimes the amount of information is so large that the task to extract meaningful information becomes impossible due to temporal constrictions. We developed an artificial-intelligence-based method that reduces the calculation time several orders of magnitude when conveniently trained. We exemplify the problem by extracting data freely available in a commonly used social network, Twitter, building up a complex network that describes the online activity patterns of society. These networks are composed of a huge number of nodes and an even larger number of connections, making extremely difficult to extract meaningful data that summarizes and/or describes behaviors. Each network is then rendered into an image and later analyzed using an AI method based on Convolutional Neural Networks to extract the structural information.
First-Order Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Control for Turbofan Engines
Authors: Jin Hui-Yu , Chen Yang
Published: March 2023

Proportional-integral (PI) control is widely used in turbofan-engine control, while first-order linear active disturbance rejection control (FOLADRC) is a possible approach to update it. This paper investigates FOLADRC. In methodology, it proposes a new block diagram of FOLADRC, which shows that FOLADRC can be viewed as a PI controller, a low-pass feedback filter, and a pre-filter. The low-pass filter helps to reject high-frequency measurement noise, while the pre-filter can attenuate overshoot in step response. In simulation, 14 published linearized model matrices of NASA’s CMAPSS-1 90k engine model are used to verify the above theory. Simulations show one FOLADRC controller can be simultaneously used for the 14 linear models and guarantee that all the 14 low-pressure turbine speed control loops have enough phase margin and no overshoot. Thus, replacing several PI controllers with one FOLADRC controller is possible, and FOLADRC can be used to simplify the control system design of turbofan engines.
Fuel Cell Products for Sustainable Transportation and Stationary Power Generation: Review on Market Perspective
Authors: Visvanathan Vijai Kaarthi , Palaniswamy Karthikeyan , Ponnaiyan Dineshkumar , Chandran Mathan , Kumaresan Thanarajan , Ramasamy Jegathishkumar , Sundaram Senthilarasu
Published: March 2023

The present day energy supply scenario is unsustainable and the transition towards a more environmentally friendly energy supply system of the future is inevitable. Hydrogen is a potential fuel that is capable of assisting with this transition. Certain technological advancements and design challenges associated with hydrogen generation and fuel cell technologies are discussed in this review. The commercialization of hydrogen-based technologies is closely associated with the development of the fuel cell industry. The evolution of fuel cell electric vehicles and fuel cell-based stationary power generation products in the market are discussed. Furthermore, the opportunities and threats associated with the market diffusion of these products, certain policy implications, and roadmaps of major economies associated with this hydrogen transition are discussed in this review.
A Study on the Acquisition Technology for Weak Seismic Signals from Deep Geothermal Reservoirs
Authors: Wang Ruizhen , Wang Jinkuan , Li Haidong , Cui Hongliang , Tang Meizhen , Zhao Jingtao
Published: March 2023

There are rich geothermal resources in China and they are widely distributed. After years of continuous exploration and production, most of the shallow geothermal resources have been explored and the current exploration mainly focuses on deep ones. Among a great many geophysical exploration methods, seismic survey is the most effective means of geothermal resource exploration and production, but its weak seismic reflection signal, low S/N ratio and poor imaging of thermal reservoirs due to the seismic geological conditions restrict the production and utilization of deep geothermal resources. It considers through the analysis of the geophysical characteristics of the thermal reservoir that the main causes for the weak seismic reflection signals from deep thermal reservoirs are (1) the shielding effect of the strong wave impedance interface between the thermal reservoir and the caprocks; (2) the small reflection coefficient inside the thermal reservoir; and (3) the serious absorption and attenuation of high-temperature fluids such as hydrothermal fluids and steam in the thermal reservoirs by seismic waves. Accordingly, a series of seismic data acquisition technologies are proposed based on the high-precision vibroseis low-frequency shooting, high-sensitivity geophones long-spread receiving and small bin size highfold technologies, and their application in the seismic acquisition of dry-hot rocks (HDR) in Gonghe Basin, Qinghai, shows a very good application effect.
Internet of Things Systems and Applications for Smart Buildings
Authors: Afonso Jose A. , Monteiro Vitor , Afonso Joao L.
Published: March 2023

Recent research advances in sensors, wireless communications, network protocols, microelectronics, cloud computing, and machine learning, among others, are driving the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) [...]
Study Method of Pitch-Angle Control on Load and the Performance of a Floating Offshore Wind Turbine by Experiments
Authors: Sang Le Quang , Li Qing’an , Maeda Takao , Kamada Yasunari , Huu Duc Nguyen , Tran Quynh T. , Sanseverino Eleonora Riva
Published: March 2023

Offshore wind energy is a renewable energy source that is developing fast. It is considered to be the most promising energy source in the next decade. Besides, the expanding trend for this technology requires the consideration of diversified seabeds. In deep seabeds, floating offshore wind technology (FOWT) is needed. For this latter technology, such as for conventional WT, we need to consider aspects related to performance, aerodynamic force, and forces during operation. In this paper, a two-bladed downwind wind turbine model is utilized to conduct experiments. The collective pitch and cyclic pitch angle are adjusted using swashplated equipment. The fluid forces and moments acting on the rotor surface are measured by a six-component balancing system. By changing the pitch angle of the wind turbine blades, attempts are made to manage the fluid forces generated on the rotor surface. Under varied uniform wind velocities of 7, 8, 9, and 10 m/s, the effect of collective pitch control and cyclic pitch control on the power coefficient and thrust coefficient of FOWT is then discussed. Furthermore, at a wind speed of 10 m/s, both the power coefficient and loads are investigated as the pitch angle and yaw angle change. Experimental results indicate that the combined moment magnitude can be controlled by changing the pitch-angle amplitude. The power coefficient is adjusted by the cyclic pitch-angle controller when the pitch-angle phase changes. In addition, the thrust coefficient fluctuated when the pitch angle changed in the oblique inflow wind condition.
Conversion of Biomass-Derived Levulinic Acid into γ-Valerolactone Using Methanesulfonic Acid: An Optimization Study Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Mthembu Lethiwe Debra , Gupta Rishi , Dziike Farai , Lokhat David , Deenadayalu Nirmala
Published: March 2023

γ-Valerolactone (GVL) is a platform chemical for the synthesis of both biofuels and biochemicals. The LA production from depithed sugarcane bagasse (DSB) resulted in a 55% LA yield, and the resulting LA was used to produce GVL. The effect of process parameters, namely, temperature (25–200 °C), time (2–10 h), and catalyst loading (0.5–5 g) were investigated for the GVL production from LA. Thereafter, the optimized conditions were used to produce GVL from LA derived from depithed sugarcane bagasse (DSB) yielded a GVL of 77.6%. The hydrogen required for the reduction of LA to GVL was formed in situ by formic acid and triethylamine in the presence of methanesulfonic acid (MsOH). Different solvents (including water and alcohols) were also tested to determine their effect on GVL yield, and water yielded the highest GVL of 78.6%. Different types of catalysts, which included mineral acids and ionic liquids, were used to determine their effect on GVL yield, and to provide a benchmark against MsOH. The GVL yield from DSB-derived LA is 1.0% lower than the GVL yield from a commercial sample of LA. LA generated from DSB has the potential to replace fossil fuel-derived LA.
Textile Fabrics as Electromagnetic Shielding Materials—A Review of Preparation and Performance
Authors: Blachowicz Tomasz , Wójcik Dariusz , Surma Maciej , Magnuski Mirosław , Ehrmann Guido , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: March 2023

Shielding of instruments and humans from electromagnetic interference (EMI) has become increasingly important during the last decades due to more and more machines and devices radiating electromagnetic waves. While several applications can use rigid shields, more flexibility is enabled by developing bendable, drapable, ideally even stretchable EMI shielding. Textile fabrics can have these properties, combined with potentially good mechanical properties, depending on the textile structure and the chosen material. On the other hand, the necessary physical properties, especially conductivity and magnetic properties, cannot be taken for granted in normal textile fabrics. These properties have to be added by conductive yarn or layer coatings, integration of conductive or magnetic fibers, producing intrinsically conductive or magnetic fibers, etc. The article gives a critical comparison of the properties of materials typically used for this purpose, such as intrinsically conductive polymers, metal-coated fabrics and metal wires, MXene coatings, MXene fibers, carbon coatings, and fibers. The review concentrates on thematically suitable papers found in the Web of Science and Google Scholar from the last five years and shows that especially MXenes are highly investigated recently due to their high conductivity and EMI shielding effectiveness, while other conductive and magnetic coatings and fibers are nevertheless still interesting for the preparation of EMI shielding textile fabrics.
Analysis of Pig Farmers’ Preference and Adoption Behavior for Food Safety Information Labels in China
Authors: Zhong Yingqi
Published: March 2023

Food labels are used to reduce the inefficiencies that arise from information asymmetry. Since food certification and traceability labels are commonly food safety information labels used in China, it is of great importance to study producer preference and adoption behavior towards these food safety information labels. This study constructs a profile of food labels that includes different levels of four safety information attributes, including place of origin, edible agricultural products conformity certificate, traceability code, and organic/green certification. Based on the primary data of pig farmers in Zhejiang Province and using Random Parameters Logit Model and Latent Class Model, this paper analyzed farmers’ willingness to supply pork with food safety information labels and discussed farmers’ adoption behaviors in the production process. Results indicate that among the four information attributes, farmers were more likely to supply pork with the place of origin and organic/green certification. They had a negative willingness to provide pork with a conformity certificate that is certificated by a third party. The preferences for food safety information labels were heterogeneous among farmers. 13.5% of the farmers belonged to the certification-inclined class, and 37.9% of the farmers were traceability preferred. However, the adoption rate by farmers of pork with traceability labels in production was only 7.69%. Therefore, governments and markets should increase incentives for farmers to participate in the traceability system and encourage farmers to issue certificates, and further strengthen the education and training of farmers.
Medical Education during the COVID-19: A Review of Guidelines and Policies Adapted during the 2020 Pandemic
Authors: Saeki Soichiro , Okada Reiko , Shane Peter Y.
Published: March 2023

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically changed education systems as most governments around the world closed schools to prevent outbreaks on campus. Medical education was not immune from these policies, and medical students were deprived of opportunities, particularly in clinical training. To determine how countries worldwide have responded to the pandemic, we conducted a literature review of the policies and guidelines of four countries: Japan, the United States (USA), the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia, as well as case reports of faculty and medical students up to September, 2020. Although the methods of implementation were unique to each country, the concept of “returning medical students to live education as quickly and safely as possible” was common. However, the extent to which students and faculty members became engaged in the treatment process of COVID-19 varied. While some countries endorsed students to work as members of medical staff to treat COVID-19, other countries took measures to ensure the safety of both medical students and patients. We await further reports worldwide in order to better understand the strategies employed by different nations in preparation for future possible infection outbreaks.
Modelling the Alteration of Medieval Stained Glass as a Function of Climate and Pollution: Comparison between Different Methodologies
Authors: Verney-Carron Aurélie , Sessegolo Loryelle , Lefèvre Roger-Alexandre , Brimblecombe Peter
Published: March 2023

Most stained-glass windows installed during the Middle Ages have deteriorated over time due to climate and pollution. To reconstruct their alteration history over the centuries, evaluate the current environmental risk, and predict their alteration in the future, two modelling methodologies have been used. First, based on the short-term exposure of medieval-type glass in different sites, dose–response functions (DRFs) were established. These DRFs correlate relevant environmental factors (temperature, rain quantity, rain pH, relative humidity, and SO2 concentration) with the response of the material in terms of alteration layer thickness. The second methodology consists of laboratory experiments that aim at parametrising kinetic laws as a function of specific parameters (temperature, rain pH, and relative humidity). These kinetic laws can be extrapolated over long periods, contrary to DRFs. In this study, we compared both methodologies to simulate the alteration of a model stained glass at different European sites or over different time periods. The results highlighted that the kinetic laws were able to closely represent the data, except for the polluted sites where the alteration was underestimated. This indicated that the dependence of the alteration rate on the pollutant concentrations should be included to improve the model.
Influence of Sheep’s Wool Vegetation Mats on the Plant Growth of Perennials
Authors: Herfort Susanne , Pflanz Kerstin , Larsen Marina-Sandra , Mertschun Thomas , Grüneberg Heiner
Published: March 2023

Vegetation mats for horticulture and landscaping usually consist of coconut fibre and straw. They have hardly any available nutrients and serve only as a carrier material for plant growth. Water capacity is low. By incorporating raw sheep‘s wool, nutrients, such as nitrogen, potassium, and sulphur can positively influence the nutrient content of the carrier material. Water storage and water holding capacity are increased by the wool. In this study, three different thick-layered vegetation mats with different proportions of sheep’s wool and coir fibres were developed for the pre-cultivation of perennials. The focus is on the evaluation of sheep’s wool as a carrier material compared to pure coconut fibre as well as the plant growth of the eight perennial species used (Achillea clypeolata ‘Moonshine’, Achnatherum calamagrostis ‘Algäu’, Anaphalis triplinervis, Aster dumosus ‘Prof. Anton Kippenberg’, Aster dumosus ‘Silberball’, Centranthus ruber ‘Coccineus’, Coreopsis verticillata, Salvia nemorosa ‘Rosakönigin’). The vegetation mats with sheep’s wool (V1–V3) contained 192.6, 154.0, and 283.5 g nitrogen (N)/m2 and the coir mats (V4) contained 7.5 g N/m2. The water content ranged from 16.0 to 22.1 vol% for the sheep’s wool mats and 12.6 vol% for the coir mat at pF1 (is equal to matrix potential at −10 hPa). The air content ranged from 71.9 to 77.0 vol% for the sheep’s wool mat and 79.4 vol% for the coir mat at pF1. On all vegetation mats containing sheep’s wool, the overall impression of the perennials was better than in the control. Especially good were Asters. At the end of the trial, the assessment scores of Asters on the sheep’s wool mats were two scores higher than on the coir mat. Aster dumosus ‘Prof. Anton Kippenberg’ achieved an average plant height between 35.8, 35.8, and 36.5 cm on the sheep’s wool mats and 14.4 cm on the coir mat. Aster dumosus ‘Silberball’ yielded 41.3, 42.3, and 44 cm on the sheep’s wool mats and 26.7 cm on the coir mat. No significant differences regarding plant height between the different variants of sheep’s wool mats emerged. Therefore, these mats can be used as alternative planting concepts for landscaping.
Autoantibodies against PIP4K2B and AKT3 Are Associated with Skin and Lung Fibrosis in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Geroldinger-Simić Marija , Bayati Shaghayegh , Pohjanen Emmie , Sepp Norbert , Nilsson Peter , Pin Elisa
Published: March 2023

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune systemic disease that leads to decreased survival and quality of life due to fibrosis, inflammation, and vascular damage in the skin and/or vital organs. Early diagnosis is crucial for clinical benefit in SSc patients. Our study aimed to identify autoantibodies in the plasma of SSc patients that are associated with fibrosis in SSc. Initially, we performed a proteome-wide screening on sample pools from SSc patients by untargeted autoantibody screening on a planar antigen array (including 42,000 antigens representing 18,000 unique proteins). The selection was complemented with proteins reported in the literature in the context of SSc. A targeted antigen bead array was then generated with protein fragments representing the selected proteins and used to screen 55 SSc plasma samples and 52 matched controls. We found eleven autoantibodies with a higher prevalence in SSc patients than in controls, eight of which bound to proteins associated with fibrosis. Combining these autoantibodies in a panel could lead to the subgrouping of SSc patients with fibrosis. Anti-Phosphatidylinositol-5-phosphate 4-kinase type 2 beta (PIP4K2B)- and anti-AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase 3 (AKT3)-antibodies should be further explored to confirm their association with skin and lung fibrosis in SSc patients.
Effect of Gold Nanoparticles on the Physical Properties of an Epoxy Resin
Authors: Fraga-López F. , Carrillo Lisbeth Jiménez , Vázquez-Tato María Pilar , Seijas Julio A. , Meijide Francisco , Vázquez Tato José , Jover Aida
Published: March 2023

The effect of doping the bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA)/m-xylylenediamine (mXDA) system with gold nanoparticles (AuNP) has been studied with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and dielectric analysis (DEA). The evolved heat (ΔHt), the glass transition temperature (Tg), and the associated activation energies of this relaxation process have been determined. Below a certain concentration of AuNPs (=8.5%, in mg AuNP/g epoxy matrix), Tg decreases linearly with the concentration of AuNPs, but above it, Tg is not affected. The degree of conversion α of this epoxy system was analyzed by the semiempirical Kamal’s model, evidencing that diffusion correction is required at high values of α. Activation energy values suggest that AuNPs can cause some impediments at the beginning of the crosslinking process (n-order mechanism). The slight difference between the initial decomposition temperature, as well as the temperature for which the degradation rate is at a maximum, for both systems can be accepted to be within experimental error. Mechanical properties (tension, compression, and bending tests) are not affected by the presence of AuNPs. Dielectric measurements show the existence of a second Tg at high temperatures, which was analyzed using the Tsagarapoulos and Eisenberg model of the mobility restrictions of network chains bound to the filler.
Special Issue “Sugar Transport, Metabolism and Signaling in Plants”
Authors: Sakr Soulaiman
Published: March 2023

Sucrose and its derivative hexoses are key metabolites of the plant metabolism, structural units of cell walls and stored reserves (e [...]
Zebrafish as a Model of Cardiac Pathology and Toxicity: Spotlight on Uremic Toxins
Authors: Coppola Annapaola , Lombari Patrizia , Mazzella Elvira , Capolongo Giovanna , Simeoni Mariadelina , Perna Alessandra F. , Ingrosso Diego , Borriello Margherita
Published: March 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasing health care problem. About 10% of the general population is affected by CKD, representing the sixth cause of death in the world. Cardiovascular events are the main mortality cause in CKD, with a cardiovascular risk 10 times higher in these patients than the rate observed in healthy subjects. The gradual decline of the kidney leads to the accumulation of uremic solutes with a negative effect on every organ, especially on the cardiovascular system. Mammalian models, sharing structural and functional similarities with humans, have been widely used to study cardiovascular disease mechanisms and test new therapies, but many of them are rather expensive and difficult to manipulate. Over the last few decades, zebrafish has become a powerful non-mammalian model to study alterations associated with human disease. The high conservation of gene function, low cost, small size, rapid growth, and easiness of genetic manipulation are just some of the features of this experimental model. More specifically, embryonic cardiac development and physiological responses to exposure to numerous toxin substances are similar to those observed in mammals, making zebrafish an ideal model to study cardiac development, toxicity, and cardiovascular disease.
BCL-XL Overexpression Protects Pancreatic β-Cells against Cytokine- and Palmitate-Induced Apoptosis
Authors: Perez-Serna Atenea A. , Dos Santos Reinaldo S. , Ripoll Cristina , Nadal Angel , Eizirik Decio L. , Marroqui Laura
Published: March 2023

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects glucose metabolism, either by autoimmune-driven β-cell loss or by the progressive loss of β-cell function, due to continued metabolic stresses. Although both α- and β-cells are exposed to the same stressors, such as proinflammatory cytokines and saturated free fatty acids (e.g., palmitate), only α-cells survive. We previously reported that the abundant expression of BCL-XL, an anti-apoptotic member of the BCL-2 family of proteins, is part of the α-cell defense mechanism against palmitate-induced cell death. Here, we investigated whether BCL-XL overexpression could protect β-cells against the apoptosis induced by proinflammatory and metabolic insults. For this purpose, BCL-XL was overexpressed in two β-cell lines—namely, rat insulinoma-derived INS-1E and human insulin-producing EndoC-βH1 cells—using adenoviral vectors. We observed that the BCL-XL overexpression in INS-1E cells was slightly reduced in intracellular Ca2+ responses and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, whereas these effects were not observed in the human EndoC-βH1 cells. In INS-1E cells, BCL-XL overexpression partially decreased cytokine- and palmitate-induced β-cell apoptosis (around 40% protection). On the other hand, the overexpression of BCL-XL markedly protected EndoC-βH1 cells against the apoptosis triggered by these insults (>80% protection). Analysis of the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers suggests that resistance to the cytokine and palmitate conferred by BCL-XL overexpression might be, at least in part, due to the alleviation of ER stress. Altogether, our data indicate that BCL-XL plays a dual role in β-cells, participating both in cellular processes related to β-cell physiology and in fostering survival against pro-apoptotic insults.
Targeting ER Stress with Saikosaponin A to Overcome Resistance under Radiation in Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Kim Tae Woo
Published: March 2023

Saikosaponin A is a triterpene saponin and a potentially bioactive compound derived from Bupleurum falcatum L. However, the molecular mechanisms and effects of saikosaponin A in gastric cancer remain unknown. In the present study, I evaluated the effects of saikosaponin A on cell death and endoplasmic reticulum stress via calcium and reactive oxygen species release. Targeting reactive oxygen species with diphenyleneiodonium and N-acetylcysteine inhibited cell death and protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase signaling pathway by down-regulating Nox4 and inducing glucose-regulated protein 78 exosomes. Furthermore, saikosaponin A caused a synergistic inhibitory effect of the epithelial mesenchymal transition phenomenon, indicating the reversible phenotype modulation by epithelial cells under radiation exposure in radiation-resistant gastric cancer cells. These results suggest that saikosaponin A-mediated calcium and reactive oxygen species-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress overcome radio-resistance and induce cell death under radiation in gastric cancer cells. Therefore, saikosaponin A in combination with radiation may be a potential strategy for gastric cancer therapy.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Bovine Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) Gene and Its Expression during Adipocyte Differentiation
Authors: Sheng Hui , Zhang Junxing , Li Fen , Pan Cuili , Yang Mengli , Liu Yuan , Cai Bei , Zhang Lingkai , Ma Yun
Published: March 2023

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family genes are a class of polypeptide factors with similar structures that play an important role in regulating cell proliferation and differentiation, nutritional metabolism, and neural activity. In previous studies, the FGF gene has been widely studied and analyzed in many species. However, the systematic study of the FGF gene in cattle has not been reported. In this study, 22 FGF genes distributed on 15 chromosomes were identified in the Bos taurus genome and clustered into seven subfamilies according to phylogenetic analysis and conservative domains. Collinear analysis showed that the bovine FGF gene family was homologous to Bos grunniens, Bos indicus, Hybrid-Bos taurus, Bubalus bubalis, and Hybrid-Bos indicus, and tandem replication and fragment replication were the key driving forces for the expansion of the gene family. Tissue expression profiling showed that bovine FGF genes were commonly expressed in different tissues, with FGF1, FGF5, FGF10, FGF12, FGF16, FGF17, and FGF20 being highly expressed in adipose tissue. In addition, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) detection showed that some FGF genes were differentially expressed before and after adipocyte differentiation, indicating their diverse role in the formation of lipid droplets. This study made a comprehensive exploration of the bovine FGF family and laid a foundation for further study on the potential function in the regulation of bovine adipogenic differentiation.
Molecular Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein-Induced Endothelial Cell Permeability and vWF Secretion
Authors: Guo Yuexi , Kanamarlapudi Venkateswarlu
Published: March 2023

Coronavirus disease COVID-19, which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has become a worldwide pandemic in recent years. In addition to being a respiratory disease, COVID-19 is a ‘vascular disease’ since it causes a leaky vascular barrier and increases blood clotting by elevating von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels in the blood. In this study, we analyzed in vitro how the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1 induces endothelial cell (EC) permeability and its vWF secretion, and the underlying molecular mechanism for it. We showed that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1 receptor-binding domain (RBD) is sufficient to induce endothelial permeability and vWF-secretion through the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)2 in an ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF)6 activation-dependent manner. However, the mutants, including those in South African and South Californian variants of SARS-CoV-2, in the spike protein did not affect its induced EC permeability and vWF secretion. In addition, we have identified a signaling cascade downstream of ACE2 for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-induced EC permeability and its vWF secretion by using pharmacological inhibitors. The knowledge gained from this study could be useful in developing novel drugs or repurposing existing drugs for treating infections of SARS-CoV-2, particularly those strains that respond poorly to the existing vaccines.
Functional and Phenotypic Characterisations of Common Syngeneic Tumour Cell Lines as Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer Models
Authors: Lambouras Maria , Roelofs Charlotte , Pereira Melrine , Gruber Emily , Vieusseux Jessica L. , Lanteri Patrick , Johnstone Cameron N. , Muntz Fenella , O’Toole Sandra , Ooms Lisa M. , Mitchell Christina A. , Anderson Robin L. , Britt Kara L.
Published: March 2023

Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers (ER+ BCas) are the most common form of BCa and are increasing in incidence, largely due to changes in reproductive practices in recent decades. Tamoxifen is prescribed as a component of standard-of-care endocrine therapy for the treatment and prevention of ER+ BCa. However, it is poorly tolerated, leading to low uptake of the drug in the preventative setting. Alternative therapies and preventatives for ER+ BCa are needed but development is hampered due to a paucity of syngeneic ER+ preclinical mouse models that allow pre-clinical experimentation in immunocompetent mice. Two ER-positive models, J110 and SSM3, have been reported in addition to other tumour models occasionally shown to express ER (for example 4T1.2, 67NR, EO771, D2.0R and D2A1). Here, we have assessed ER expression and protein levels in seven mouse mammary tumour cell lines and their corresponding tumours, in addition to their cellular composition, tamoxifen sensitivity and molecular phenotype. By immunohistochemical assessment, SSM3 and, to a lesser extent, 67NR cells are ER+. Using flow cytometry and transcript expression we show that SSM3 cells are luminal in nature, whilst D2.0R and J110 cells are stromal/basal. The remainder are also stromal/basal in nature; displaying a stromal or basal Epcam/CD49f FACS phenotype and stromal and basal gene expression signatures are overrepresented in their transcript profile. Consistent with a luminal identity for SSM3 cells, they also show sensitivity to tamoxifen in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, the data indicate that the SSM3 syngeneic cell line is the only definitively ER+ mouse mammary tumour cell line widely available for pre-clinical research.
The Mechanism of the Channel Opening in Channelrhodopsin-2: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Xin Qi , Zhang Wenying , Yuan Shuai
Published: March 2023

Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) has been one of the most important objects in the study of optogenetics. The retinal chromophore molecule absorbs photons and undergoes an isomerization reaction, which triggers the photocycle, resulting in a series of conformational changes. In this study, a series of intermediate structures (including D470, P500, P390-early, P390-late, and P520 states) of ChR2 in the photocycle were modeled, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to elucidate the mechanism of ion channel opening of ChR2. The maximum absorption wavelength of these intermediates calculated by time-dependent density function theory (TD-DFT) is in general agreement with the experimental values, the distribution of water density gradually increases in the process of photocycle, and the radius of the ion channel is larger than 6 Å. All these results indicate that our structural models of the intermediates are reasonable. The evolution of protonation state of E90 during the photocycle is explained. E90 will deprotonate when the P390-early transforms into P390-late, in which the two conformations of P390-early and P390-late obtained from the simulations are consistent with the experimental descriptions. To validate the conductive P520 state, the potential mean force (PMF) of Na+ ions passing through the P520 intermediate was calculated by using steered molecular dynamics (SMD) simulation combined with umbrella sampling. The result shows that the Na+ ions passing through the channel with a very low energy barrier, especially in the central gate, is almost barrierless. This indicates that the channel is open in the P520 state.
The Influence of Prenatal Exposure to Methamphetamine on the Development of Dopaminergic Neurons in the Ventral Midbrain
Authors: Alsanie Walaa F. , Abdelrahman Sherin , Felimban Raed I. , Alkhatabi Heba A. , Gaber Ahmed , Alosimi Ebtisam Abdulah , Alhomrani Majid , Habeeballah Hamza , Hauser Charlotte A. E. , S. Alamri Abdulhakeem , Althobaiti Aiysha , Alsharif Abdulaziz , Alzahrani Ahmed S. , Al-Ghamdi Mohammad S. , Raafat Bassem M. , Alswat Khaled A. , Althobaiti Yusuf S. , Asiri Yousif A.
Published: March 2023

Methamphetamine, a highly addictive central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, is used worldwide as an anorexiant and attention enhancer. Methamphetamine use during pregnancy, even at therapeutic doses, may harm fetal development. Here, we examined whether exposure to methamphetamine affects the morphogenesis and diversity of ventral midbrain dopaminergic neurons (VMDNs). The effects of methamphetamine on morphogenesis, viability, the release of mediator chemicals (such as ATP), and the expression of genes involved in neurogenesis were evaluated using VMDNs isolated from the embryos of timed-mated mice on embryonic day 12.5. We demonstrated that methamphetamine (10 µM; equivalent to its therapeutic dose) did not affect the viability and morphogenesis of VMDNs, but it reduced the ATP release negligibly. It significantly downregulated Lmx1a, En1, Pitx3, Th, Chl1, Dat, and Drd1 but did not affect Nurr1 or Bdnf expression. Our results illustrate that methamphetamine could impair VMDN differentiation by altering the expression of important neurogenesis-related genes. Overall, this study suggests that methamphetamine use may impair VMDNs in the fetus if taken during pregnancy. Therefore, it is essential to exercise strict caution for its use in expectant mothers.
Actin Depolymerization Factor ADF1 Regulated by MYB30 Plays an Important Role in Plant Thermal Adaptation
Authors: Wang Lu , Cheng Jianing , Bi Shuangtian , Wang Jinshu , Cheng Xin , Liu Shihang , Gao Yue , Lan Qingkuo , Shi Xiaowei , Wang Yong , Zhao Xin , Qi Xin , Xu Shiyong , Wang Che
Published: March 2023

Actin filaments are essential for plant adaptation to high temperatures. However, the molecular mechanisms of actin filaments in plant thermal adaptation remain unclear. Here, we found that the expression of Arabidopsis actin depolymerization factor 1 (AtADF1) was repressed by high temperatures. Compared with wild-type seedlings (WT), the mutation of AtADF1 and the overexpression of AtADF1 led to promoted and inhibited plant growth under high temperature conditions, respectively. Further, high temperatures induced the stability of actin filaments in plants. Compared with WT, Atadf1-1 mutant seedlings showed more stability of actin filaments under normal and high temperature conditions, while the AtADF1 overexpression seedlings showed the opposite results. Additionally, AtMYB30 directly bound to the promoter of AtADF1 at a known AtMYB30 binding site, AACAAAC, and promoted the transcription of AtADF1 under high temperature treatments. Genetic analysis further indicated that AtMYB30 regulated AtADF1 under high temperature treatments. Chinese cabbage ADF1 (BrADF1) was highly homologous with AtADF1. The expression of BrADF1 was inhibited by high temperatures. BrADF1 overexpression inhibited plant growth and reduced the percentage of actin cable and the average length of actin filaments in Arabidopsis, which were similar to those of AtADF1 overexpression seedlings. AtADF1 and BrADF1 also affected the expression of some key heat response genes. In conclusion, our results indicate that ADF1 plays an important role in plant thermal adaptation by blocking the high-temperature-induced stability of actin filaments and is directly regulated by MYB30.
Antibacterial Activity of Solvothermal Obtained ZnO Nanoparticles with Different Morphology and Photocatalytic Activity against a Dye Mixture: Methylene Blue, Rhodamine B and Methyl Orange
Authors: Motelica Ludmila , Oprea Ovidiu-Cristian , Vasile Bogdan-Stefan , Ficai Anton , Ficai Denisa , Andronescu Ecaterina , Holban Alina Maria
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we report the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) by forced solvolysis of Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O in alcohols with a different number of –OH groups. We study the influence of alcohol type (n-butanol, ethylene glycol and glycerin) on the size, morphology, and properties of the obtained ZnO NPs. The smallest polyhedral ZnO NPs (<30 nm) were obtained in n-butanol, while in ethylene glycol the NPs measured on average 44 nm and were rounded. Polycrystalline particles of 120 nm were obtained in glycerin only after water refluxing. In addition, here, we report the photocatalytic activity, against a dye mixture, of three model pollutants: methyl orange (MO), methylene blue (MB), and rhodamine B (RhB), a model closer to real situations where water is polluted with many chemicals. All samples exhibited good photocatalytic activity against the dye mixture, with degradation efficiency reaching 99.99%. The sample with smallest nanoparticles maintained a high efficiency >90%, over five catalytic cycles. Antibacterial tests were conducted against Gram-negative strains Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, and Gram-positive strains Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus. The ZnO samples presented strong inhibition of planktonic growth for all tested strains, indicating that they can be used for antibacterial applications, such as water purification.
Colorectal Cancer Bioengineered Microtissues as a Model to Replicate Tumor-ECM Crosstalk and Assess Drug Delivery Systems In Vitro
Authors: La Rocca Alessia , De Gregorio Vincenza , Lagreca Elena , Vecchione Raffaele , Netti Paolo Antonio , Imparato Giorgia
Published: March 2023

Current 3D cancer models (in vitro) fail to reproduce complex cancer cell extracellular matrices (ECMs) and the interrelationships occurring (in vivo) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we propose 3D in vitro colorectal cancer microtissues (3D CRC μTs), which reproduce the TME more faithfully in vitro. Normal human fibroblasts were seeded onto porous biodegradable gelatin microbeads (GPMs) and were continuously induced to synthesize and assemble their own ECMs (3D Stroma μTs) in a spinner flask bioreactor. Then, human colon cancer cells were dynamically seeded onto the 3D Stroma μTs to achieve the 3D CRC μTs. Morphological characterization of the 3D CRC μTs was performed to assess the presence of different complex macromolecular components that feature in vivo in the ECM. The results showed the 3D CRC μTs recapitulated the TME in terms of ECM remodeling, cell growth, and the activation of normal fibroblasts toward an activated phenotype. Then, the microtissues were assessed as a drug screening platform by evaluating the effect of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), curcumin-loaded nanoemulsions (CT-NE-Curc), and the combination of the two. When taken together, the results showed that our microtissues are promising in that they can help clarify complex cancer–ECM interactions and evaluate the efficacy of therapies. Moreover, they may be combined with tissue-on-chip technologies aimed at addressing further studies in cancer progression and drug discovery.
Organometallic Iridium Complexes with Glucose Based Phosphite Ligands
Authors: Gonchar Maria R. , Ninin Fedor S. , Mazur Dmitrii M. , Lyssenko Konstantin A. , Milaeva Elena R. , Nazarov Alexey A.
Published: March 2023

New organometallic iridium compounds with phosphorus modified glucose ligands containing isopropylidene protection group or bearing uracil, thymine, and 5-fluorouracil (3,5,6-bicyclophosphite-1,2-O-isopropylidene-α-d-glucofuranoside, 3,5,6-bicyclophosphite-1-β-D-glucofuranosyluracil, 3,5,6-bicyclophosphite-1-β-D-glucofuranosylthymine, 3,5,6-bicyclophosphite-1-β-D-glucofuranosyl-5-flurouracil) were prepared. The structure of the new complexes was confirmed by the spectroscopic technique (1H, 31P{1H} NMR) and mass spectrometry, and purity by elemental analysis. The molecular structure of the complex with the isopropylidene protection group was established by the X-ray analysis. The antiproliferative activity of the new iridium compounds was evaluated against several cancer cell lines of human origin, and all compounds showed low toxicity independent of the pyrimidine base nature, attached to the sugar unit.