bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reynolds-Number Effects on the Acoustic Disturbance Environment in a Mach 6 Nozzle
Authors: Hildebrand Nathaniel , Choudhari Meelan M. , Duan Lian
Published: September 2023

To understand the impact of the Reynolds number on the disturbance field inside a high-speed wind tunnel, we use direct numerical simulations to model turbulent boundary layers along the walls of a quasi-two-dimensional nozzle configuration. These simulations are performed at four different unit Reynolds numbers, ranging from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]. The predominantly hydrodynamic fluctuations inside the boundary layer are nearly unaffected by the freestream forcing of the impinging acoustic radiation from the opposite wall. Within the nozzle-core region, the disturbance environment is found to be spatially uniform and solely acoustic in character. Comparisons with tunnel noise measurements are made using the numerical data. For the first time, comparisons of fluctuations in the same physical quantity (the streamwise mass flux) have been published, as opposed to earlier comparisons involving static-pressure fluctuations based on the simulations and pitot-pressure fluctuations recorded in the wind tunnel. The NASA 20 in. Mach 6 wind tunnel observations corroborate the predicted trend of decreased root-mean-square variations in pressure and mass flux as the Reynolds number rises. Additional details of the acoustic radiation field are quantified and should be useful toward a digital synthesis of the tunnel disturbance environment that would enable realistic simulations of the natural transition process.
Nonlinear Manifold Learning and Model Reduction for Transonic Flows
Authors: Zheng Boda , Yao Weigang , Xu Min
Published: September 2023

It is aspirational to construct a nonlinear reduced-order model (ROM) with the ability to predict computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solutions accurately and efficiently. One major challenge is that the nonlinearity cannot be captured adequately by interpolation algorithm in low-dimensional space. To preserve the nonlinearity of CFD solutions for transonic flows, a new ROM is presented by integrating manifold learning into a constrained optimization, whereby a neighborhood preserving mapping is constructed by locally linear embedding (LLE) algorithm. Reconstruction errors are minimized in LLE by solving a least square problem subject to weight constraints. A loss function is proposed in the constrained optimization to preserve the geometric properties between high-dimensional space and low-dimensional manifolds. The proposed ROM is validated to predict nonlinear transonic flows over RAE 2822 airfoil and undeflected NASA Common Research Model with aspect ratio 9, in which nonlinearities are induced by shock waves. All results confirm that the ROM replicates CFD solutions accurately at fraction of the cost of CFD calculation or the full-order modeling.
Flow Topology of a Slanted Cylinder with Rounded-Edges Under Compressible Conditions
Authors: Huss Rhylan A. , Zigunov Fernando , Alvi Farrukh
Published: September 2023

In this study, the slanted afterbody was modified to more closely represent cargo aircraft afterbodies through the addition of a basal edge fillet. Two slant angles ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) were explored over two Mach numbers ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) and two Reynolds numbers ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) using oil flow visualization and pressure-sensitive paint to identify surface flow phenomena, while the spanwise shadowgraph enabled the observation of mean wake phenomena. The [Formula: see text] rounded-edge afterbody surface measurements displayed a centerline-separated vortex state with flow features and regions of suction qualitatively similar to those of the baseline sharp-edge case, with some notable differences. For example, a separation bubble at the slant leading edge is nearly twice the size of the baseline sharp-edge model. This is accompanied by the presence of a “source point,” indicated by a region of high pressure where the flow reattaches, and a tighter counter-rotating vortex pair in comparison to the baseline. The rounded-edge prevented the previously seen compressible transition to a fully separated wake state within the Mach number range studied while showing an increase in separation bubble size with increasing Mach number. Also noteworthy was the existence of a new vortex state for the [Formula: see text] model, where the flow remains attached at the model centerline. This is in contrast to the previously observed flow topology of the centerline-separated vortex state in the sharp-edge model, which formed a separation bubble at the model centerline. The transition between the new centerline-attached vortex state and the traditional centerline-separated vortex state was shown to be dependent on both Mach number and Reynolds number, revealing the importance of boundary-layer development on the rounded afterbody flowfield. Overall, these observations indicate that the rounded afterbody produces flowfields with distinct features that vary from the previously described sharp-edge afterbody wake field under certain conditions.
An Instance of Utilising Numismatology in Dating Biblical Texts: Leviticus 27:25 as a Test Case
Authors: Hattingh Arend
Published: September 2023

The date of the Pentateuch and its constituent parts is an ongoing debate in Old Testament studies. This article offers another way of dating a text. In Leviticus 27, which is widely regarded as an addendum to Leviticus, there is a reference to a specific currency. The study of coins, numismatology, is an expanding field, especially over the last 40 years. This article utilises numismatology to date Lev 27. The article touches on the debate of the mint in Jerusalem and the impact of the successful rebellion of Egypt on the Persian Empire. The coins found to date in Persian Yehud are discussed to identify the currency mentioned in the text of Lev 27. The article concludes that the date of Leviticus ascertained using redaction criticism is similar to the date determined for Lev 27 using numismatics.
Experimental results of a waste-heat powered thermoacoustic refrigeration system for ships
Authors: Thiaucourt Jonas , Merino Laso Pedro , Eon Bruno
Published: September 2023

Greenhouse gas emissions are a major concern for maritime transport. TheInternational Maritime Organization (IMO)presents Waste Heat Recovery Systems (WHRS) from engine exhaust gas as a viable solution to improve energy utilization and reduce greenhouse gas emissions for marine power plants. In this paper, we present an original thermoacoustic WHRS and its associated experimental setup for validation. This WHRS aims to transport heat from a lower to a higher temperature reservoir (heat pump) and maintain a fridge at 0 °C. For the experimental setup, exhaust gases from a 4-stroke marine diesel engine are used to generate pressure waves (work) in thermoacoustic engines. The main result is the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of the system, around 0.3, assessed for various cold loads. The first results estimate that the system could substitute part of the chiller cold production onboard. Also, a preliminary economic analysis suggests that this system could perform 2% fuel savings that allow for a payback time below one year.
Systemic immunomodulatory therapy in the management of atopic dermatitis: the value of Tralokinumab
Authors:   Departamento de Investigaciones, Fundación para la Investigación en Dermatología (FUNINDERMA), Bogotá, Colombia., Muñoz Ordóñez Sara , Layos Jessika A. , García Lozano María P. , Picón Jaimes Yelson A. ,   Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga, Bucaramanga, Colombia.,   Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.,   Fac Ciències Salut Blanquerna, Univ Ramon Llul, Barcelona, España
Published: September 2023

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that substantially impacts the quality of life and functional capacity of those who suffer from it. In the midst of describing the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of this condition, the aberrant activity of interleukins (ILs) stands out, mainly IL-13 type 2. Currently, there is no definitive and safe treatment to address this disease. Traditionally, antibiotic therapy and corticosteroids have been indicated, but given the adverse effects commonly reported with these drugs, it is not reproducible or safe to continue with these regimens. Over the last few years, some agents with immunomodulatory potential have been proposed, which could change the course of atopic dermatitis. Within the global health objectives stipulated for the year 2030, there is the need to develop drugs that allow control of the burden of diseases that generate pathological entities that considerably affect both the quality of life and the catastrophic expense of the global population. with main emphasis on low- and middle-income countries, where difficulties prevail for timely and effective access to health services and targeted treatments. Therefore, the effort to find an agent that regulates chronicity or solves this disease is a priority both for dermatology and for global health.
Can vitamin D be the ray of sunshine that lights up the treatment of gastric cancer?
Authors:   Instituto de Investigaciones en ciencias biomédicas, Universidad Ricardo Palma. Lima- Perú, Campos Perez Alfredo W. , Barrios Healey Sacha , Vela Ruiz José M. ,   Universidad de Medicina Tradicional China. Nanjing, China,   Unidad de oncología y prevención, Hospital San Juan de Lurigancho, Lima-Perú
Published: September 2023

Gastric cancer, a malignant neoplasm that originates in the cells of the stomach lining, represents a significant burden in terms of mortality worldwide. According to data from the American Cancer Society, the estimated mortality rate is 4.9 per 100,000 people in 2021. In South America, mortality rates from gastric cancer continue to be of concern, with countries such as Chile and Peru reporting mortality rates of 18.7 and 13.6 per 100,000 persons respectively in 2021.
Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa: genotype-phenotype correlations
Authors: Kubanov Alexey  A. , Chikin Vadim  V. , Karamova Arfenya E.
Published: September 2023

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is caused by mutations in the COL7A1 gene. The disease characterized by clinical heterogeneity. To date, scientific findings allow to evaluate correlations between the severity of clinical manifestations and genetic defects underlying in the development of the disease. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed and RSCI, and keywords including dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, collagen VII, COL7A1. The review includes description of clinical findings of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. The types and localization of pathogenic mutations of the COL7A1 gene, their influence on the protein synthesis, structure and functioning are characterized. The correlation between severe course of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa and mutations resulting in premature termination codons generation which associate with the absence of type VII collagen at the dermo-epidermal junction has been described. Nevertheless, genotype-phenotype correlations should be analyzed carefully due to mechanisms which enable to restore protein expression as well as the possibility of the formation of premature termination codons associated with a more severe course of the disease, when replacing nucleotides in case of their influence on splicing.
Asymptomatic implant removal after fracture union based on request to remove. Is it worth considering, an Indian perspective?
Authors: Gupta Tej , Bawaskar Akshay Ashok , Kamboj Parul , Gurav Pratik Pandurang , Rai Sanjay
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Hardware removals are among the commonly performed surgical procedures in orthopedics, but they sometimes prove quite difficult. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the risk, benefit and drawbacks of asymptomatic implant removal based on patients’ desire.

Material and Methods

A total of 105 patients who had been previously treated for a fracture and voluntarily wanted its removal and who did not report clinical indications or occasional regional pain were included in the study cohort.

Results

For the 105 patients surveyed, implant removals were performed in the leg (41 patients; 39%), the ankle joint (32 patients; 30%), the thigh (19 patients; 18%) and the forearm and the wrist (15 patients; 14%). The most common indication for removal was patients’ request in 66 (62.8%) cases. Altogether, 98 (93%) patients were satisfied because of the fulfillment of their desire, despite the instances of complication being frequent (32.8%).

Conclusion

In our study, we reported a surprisingly high rate of satisfied patients after surgical hardware removal once their requests for hardware removal were taken into consideration. However, it was closely associated with multiple risks. Therefore, judicious selection of actually eligible patients is highly recommended instead of the unqualified fulfilment of their requests for removal.
THE ROLE OF RIBONUCLEASES IN THE IMMUNOPATHOGENESIS OF EXPERIMENTAL ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME
Authors:   Belarusian State Medical University, Minsk, Belarus, Matlakova M. A.
Published: September 2023

Background. An adequate assessment of the pathogenesis and course of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), as well as the search for new methods of treating this pathology, are urgent tasks of modern medicine. The aim of the study was to reveal the influence of ribonuclease enzymes (RNases) on the pathological process of ARDS. Material and methods. Lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia Coli and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, thromboplastincalcium mixture solution, and recombinant human RNASE2 protein were used to simulate ARDS in laboratory Wistar rats. Results. The resulting models of ARDS were characterized by persistent significant hemostasis disorders and an increase in the level of cytokines; a fragment of human ribonuclease had an impact on the change in the levels of thrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and interleukin-6 in the studied models. Conclusions. The changes observed in experimental animals indicate the influence of ribonucleases on the course of the pathological process in ARDS, and the presented models allow us to evaluate the relationship of the selected factors with various outcomes.
RESULTS OF SURGERY OF CHRONIC FINGER FLEXOR TENDONS INJURIES IN FIBRO-OSSEOUS CANALS
Authors:   Gomel Regional Clinical Hospital, Gomel, Belarus, Zenchenko A. V. , Cherniakova Yu. M. ,   Gomel State Medical University, Gomel, Belarus
Published: September 2023

Background. Restoration of finger flexor tendons in fibro-osseous canals in the long term after injury is a difficult task due to scarring blockage and the impossibility of early active rehabilitation. Therefore, it is important to develop methods for durable tendon reconstruction that can provide early rehabilitation of patients without the risk of rupture of the suture zone. Aim. To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of surgeries on the flexor tendons of fingers in case of chronic injuries in fibro-osseous canals with the creation of strong connections in the sutured zone. Material and methods. The study included 66 patients with chronic injuries of 104 flexor tendons in fibro-osseous canals of the fingers. The main group consisted of 29 patients who underwent restoration of 47 tendons using new methods within 3 to 11 weeks after injury: subgroup A included 23 cases of reconstruction of the deep flexor tendon with a hidden transosseous suture in zone I; subgroup B included 24 sutures with isolation with dissected polymeric tube in zone II. Control group included 37 patients with tendon injuries on 49 fingers within fibro-osseous canals with injury term from 3 weeks to 30 years who underwent classical surgeries: secondary flexor digitorum profundus suture on 31 fingers, 2-stage tendoplasty – on 13, distal phalanx tenodesis – on 4 and reinsertion by Bunnell – on 1 finger. Also, as a control, 8 fingers were evaluated in 7 patients of the main group on which 4 secondary sutures, 2 tendoplasties and 2 tenodeses were performed. Finger function was determined by J.W. Strickland before 3, 6 months and 1 year after surgery, qualitative parameters were analyzed using two-tailed Fisher's exact test. Hand function was evaluated using the DASH questionnaire before surgery and 1 year later, the significance of differences was checked using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Results. The use of durable tendon reconstruction methods in patients of the main group enables to obtain results on average in 3 months similar to the results of 2-stage tendoplasty 10-12 months after the start of treatment in the control group. The results of reinsertion with a hidden transosseous suture and suture with temporary isolation with dissected polymer tubes did not differ significantly in terms of the degree of range of motion recovery and hand function assessment by patients. Conclusions. The developed methods showed better results in restoring the function of the fingers in comparison with classical surgeries. A strong tendon connection combined with an early start of movement increases the number of good and excellent functional outcomes and ensures patients’ satisfaction with treatment results.
GAIT PARAMETERS OF RATS WITH PERIPHERAL NEUROPATY AFTER MESENCHYMAL STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION AND PHARMACOLOGICAL STIMULATION OF TYPE II CANNABINOID RECEPTORS
Authors:   Institute of Physiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk, Belarus, Yerofeyeva A.-M. V.
Published: September 2023

Background. The study of the role of cannabinoid CB2 receptors in the effectiveness of adipose-derived (AD) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in preventing motor activity disorders in the affected limb will deepen understanding of the mechanisms of MSCs effects when administered locally. Aim. To evaluate the effect of pharmacological stimulation of cannabinoid CB2 receptors during transplantation of AD MSCs on changes in gait parameters in rats in a model of peripheral neuropathy. Material and methods. In 40 male Wistar rats peripheral neuropathic pain was modeled by sciatic nerve transection. On the 7th day after NP modeling, AD MSCs transplantation was performed without additional interventions upon the pharmacological stimulation of CB2 receptors in the area of sciatic nerve transection, as well as after stimulation of CB2 receptors on the AD MSCs membranes during pretreatment. Within 90 days a detailed analysis of the gait was carried out using the CatWalk XT 10.6. Results. Transplantation of AD MSCs accelerated the recovery of dynamic gait parameters, as well as sciatic functional index, and abolished the development of static gait disturbances in rats after sciatic nerve transection. Significant differences in the analyzed gait parameters in the study groups with AD MSCs transplantation were not found. Conclusion. Pharmacological stimulation of CB2 receptors did not enhance or suppress the effect of AD MSCs on the rate of recovery of gait parameters in experimental animals.
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF MENINGOCOCCAL INFECTION IN THE GRODNO REGION IN 2018-2022
Authors:   Grodno State Medical University, Grodno, Belarus, Hryntsevich L. V. , Liopo T. V. ,   Grodno State Medical University, Grodno, Belarus, Sokolova T. N. ,   Grodno State Medical University, Grodno, Belarus
Published: September 2023

The article presents an analysis of the epidemiological situation of meningococcal infection in the Grodno region over the past five years. Aim. Analysis of the dynamics of morbidity and factors affecting the frequency of meningococcal infection in the Grodno region. Material and methods. A retrospective comparative analysis of the morbidity of the population of the Grodno region was carried out using statistical reporting forms of the database of the Grodno Regional Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health, as well as an analysis of the medical histories of the Grodno Regional Infectious Clinical Hospital and the Grodno Regional Children's Clinical Hospital. Results. An analysis of the epidemiological situation in the Grodno region over the past five years has revealed fluctuations in morbidity rates, the replacement of leading strains of meningococci, concomitant diseases in patients, the "maturation" of meningococcal infection: children account for about 61.5% of cases of generalized forms of meningococcal infection which is less than the usual 75-80%. Conclusions: Over the past five years, there has been a decrease in the incidence of meningococcal infection in the Grodno region. The epidemic situation in general for meningococcal infection in the Grodno region for the period 2018–2022 is characterized by signs of an interepidemic period, i.e. sporadic morbidity persists. The leading serotypes in patients are meningococci of serogroup B and C. In the structure of patients with generalized forms of meningococcal infection, a group of homeschooled children prevails. Concomitant chronic diseases were registered in most patients.
SWYER-JAMES-MCLEOD SYNDROME: POSTINFLAMMATORY STENOSIS OF THE LEFT UPPER LOBE BRONCHUS, EMPHYSEMA OF THE UPPER LOBE OF THE LEFT LUNG (CLINICAL CASE)
Authors:   Grodno State Medical University, Grodno, Belarus, Hlutkina N. V. , Matveychik A. I. ,   Grodno State Medical University, Grodno, Belarus, Kareva L. V. ,   Grodno State Medical University, Grodno, Belarus, Kulaga E. Ya. ,   Grodno University Clinic, Grodno, Belarus, Guzaevskaya O. I. ,   Grodno University Clinic, Grodno, Belarus, Dobrovolskaya T. V. ,   Grodno University Clinic, Grodno, Belarus, Myatleva I. A. ,   Grodno University Clinic, Grodno, Belarus, Yaroshenko A. N. ,   Grodno Clinical Hospital No. 2, Grodno, Belarus
Published: September 2023

A clinical case of observation of a patient with a rare case of the Swyer-James-McLeod syndrome: postinflammatory stenosis of the left upper lobe bronchus, emphysema of the upper lobe of the left lung is presented. The difficulties of making a diagnosis of this nosological form with the analysis of the X-ray archive are analyzed. Based on the given example of a clinical case the need for timely diagnosis of the Swyer-James-McLeod syndrome is demonstrated.
GAME TECHNOLOGIES AS A MEANS OF TEACHING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE TO STUDENTS IN A NON-LINGUISTIC UNIVERSITY
Authors: Щекочихина Е.В.
Published: September 2023

В статье рассматривается роль игровых технологий в обучении иностранному языку студентов неязыковых вузов. Внимание уделяется вопросу о том, как игра может помочь преподавателю заинтересовать учащихся, повысить их мотивацию к изучению иностранного языка, создать благоприятную атмосферу на занятии, развить у студентов языковые навыки, необходимые для овладения иностранным языком.

The article deals with the role of game technologies in teaching a foreign language to students of non-linguistic universities. Special attention is paid to the question of how the game can help the teacher to interest students, increase their motivation to learn a foreign language, create a favorable atmosphere in the classroom, develop students ’ language skills necessary for mastering a foreign language.

game, motivation, foreign language communication, language skills, communicative competence.
A Joint Semi-Supervised Variational Autoencoder and Transfer Learning Model for Designing Molecular Transition Metal Complexes
Authors: Lee Zhi-Hang , Chen Yu-Ting , Chang Hao-Ting , Yang Tzuhsiung
Published: September 2023

Deep generative models (DGMs) have shown great promise in the generation of organic molecules and inorganic materials with chemical sensible structures and optimized properties. However, there is a lack of their applications in transition metal (TM) complexes due to their flexible coordination environment, multiple accessible oxidation and spin states, despite the importance of these complexes in fine chemical synthesis, commodity production, and optical applications. Herein, we propose a joint semi-supervised junction-tree variational autoencoder (SSVAE) and artificial neural network (ANN) classifier model, coined as LiveTransForM (Ligand variational auto-encoder and Transfer learning For transition Metal complexes), for the design of octahedral TM complexes. LiveTransForM allows the design of ligands that build up TM complexes and the prediction of the spin states of the assembled complexes. We show that the accuracy of the classifier is improved when the latent variables from the SSVAE are used as input for the ANN model compared to those from the unsupervised VAE. Input augmentation using the three molecular axes also improves the accuracy of the classifier. 58 complexes with predicted spin states are then generated by LiveTransForM and the accuracy of their spin state labels are validated by density functional theory methods. Two design strategies, single mutation and seeded generation, are also introduced to allow the directed evolution of a parent complex towards a desirable spin state and local modification of seed complexes with similar spin states, respectively.
Implementation of FAIR Practices in Computational Metabolomics Workflows - A Case Study
Authors: Zulfiqar Mahnoor , Crusoe Michael R. , König-Ries Birgitta , Steinbeck Christoph , Peters Kristian , Gadelha Luiz
Published: September 2023

Scientific workflows facilitate the automation of different data analysis tasks by integrating various software and tools executed in a particular order. To enable transparency, accessibility, and reusability in workflows, it is essential to implement the 17 FAIR principles as much as possible. To do so, the research data management community has suggested specific guidelines and practices. Here, we describe our experiences implementing the FAIR principles for metabolomics workflows using our Metabolome Annotation Workflow (MAW) as a case study. MAW is specified using the Common Workflow Language (CWL), a standardised and interoperable workflow specification language, allowing for the subsequent execution of the workflow on different workflow engines. The CWL description for MAW and the source code for the Python and R scripts are available on GitHub (https://github.com/zmahnoor14/MAW), and the environments are stored as docker images (https://hub.docker.com/repository/docker/zmahnoor/maw-r/general, https://hub.docker.com/repository/docker/zmahnoor/maw-metfrag_2.5.0/general, and https://hub.docker.com/repository/docker/zmahnoor/maw-py/general). These workflow elements set the baseline for the FAIRification process and enable interoperability. MAW is registered using the CWL description on WorkflowHub with the DOI https://doi.org/10.48546/WORKFLOWHUB.WORKFLOW.510.2. During the submission process on WorkflowHub, a CWL description is used for packaging MAW using the Workflow RO-Crate profile, which includes metadata in Bioschemas to facilitate Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability. Researchers can use the instructions presented in this snapshot as a base template to adopt FAIR practices for their bioinformatics or cheminformatics workflows while incorporating necessary amendments specific to their research area.
DockOpt: A Tool for Automatic Optimization of Docking Models
Authors: Knight Ian , Tang Khanh , Mailhot Olivier , Irwin John
Published: September 2023

Molecular docking is a widely used technique for leveraging protein structure in ligand discovery, but as a method, it remains difficult to utilize due to limitations that have not been adequately addressed. Despite some progress towards automation, docking still requires expert guidance, hindering its adoption by a broader range of investigators. To make docking more accessible, we have developed a new utility called DockOpt, which automates the creation, evaluation, and optimization of docking models prior to their deployment in large-scale prospective screens. DockOpt outperforms our previous automated pipeline across all 43 targets in the DUDE-Z benchmark dataset, and the generated models for ~84% of targets demonstrate sufficient enrichment to warrant their use in prospective screens, with normalized LogAUC values of at least 15%. DockOpt is available as part of the Python package Pydock3 included in the UCSF DOCK 3.8 distribution, which is available for free to academic researchers at https://dock.compbio.ucsf.edu and free for everyone upon registration at https://tldr.docking.org.
Solution-driven processing of calcium sulfate: the mechanism of the reversible transformation of gypsum to bassanite in brines
Authors: Stawski Tomasz , Karafiludis Stephanos , Pimentel Carlos , Montes Hernandez German , Kochovski Zdravko , Bienert Ralf , Weimann Karin , Emmerling Franziska , Scoppola Ernesto , Van Driessche Alexander
Published: September 2023

Here, we show that calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum) can be directly, rapidly and reversibly converted to calcium sulfate hemihydrate (bassanite) in high salinity solutions (brines). The optimum conditions for the efficient production of bassanite in a short time (< 5 min) involve the use of brines with [NaCl] > 4 M and maintaining a temperature, T > 80 °C. When the solution containing bassanite crystals is cooled down to around room temperature, eventually gypsum is formed. When the temperature is raised again to T > 80 °C, bassanite is rapidly re-precipitated. This contrasts with the typical behaviour of the bassanite phase in low salt environments. Traditionally, hemihydrate is obtained from gypsum through a solid state thermal treatment at 150 °C < T < 200 °C, to remove some of the structural water. This is because, bassanite is considered to be metastable with respect to gypsum and anhydrite in aqueous solutions, and therefore gypsum-to-bassanite conversion should not occur in water. Interestingly, the high-salinity transformation of gypsum-to-bassanite has been reported by many authors and used in practice for several decades, although its very occurrence actually contradicts numerical thermodynamic predictions regarding solubility of calcium sulfate phases. By following the evolution of crystalline phases with in situ and time-resolved X-ray diffraction/scattering and Raman spectroscopy, we demonstrated that the phase stability in brines at elevated temperatures is inaccurately represented in the thermodynamic databases. Most notably for [NaCl] > 4 M, and T > 80 °C gypsum becomes readily more soluble than bassanite, which induces the direct precipitation of the latter from gypsum. The fact that these transformations are controlled by the solution provides extensive opportunities for precise manipulation of crystal formation. Our experiments confirmed that bassanite remained the sole crystalline structure for many hours before reverting into gypsum. This property is extremely advantageous for practical processing and efficient crystal extraction in industrial scenarios.
Cheminformatics Microservice: unifying access to open cheminformatics toolkits
Authors: Chandrasekhar Venkata , Sharma Nisha , Schaub Jonas , Steinbeck Christoph , Rajan Kohulan
Published: September 2023

In recent years, cheminformatics has experienced significant advancements through the development of new open-source software tools based on various cheminformatics programming toolkits. However, adopting these toolkits presents challenges, including proper installation, setup, deployment, and compatibility management. In this work, we present the Cheminformatics Microservice. This open-source solution provides a unified interface for accessing commonly used functionalities of multiple cheminformatics toolkits, namely RDKit, Chemistry Development Kit (CDK), and Open Babel. In addition, more advanced functionalities like structure generation and Optical Chemical Structure Recognition (OCSR) are made available through the Cheminformatics Microservice based on pre-existing tools. The software service also enables developers to extend the functionalities easily and to seamlessly integrate them with existing workflows and applications. It is built on FastAPI and containerized using Docker, making it highly scalable. An instance of the microservice is publicly available at https://api.naturalproducts.net. The source code is publicly accessible on GitHub, accompanied by comprehensive documentation, version control, and continuous integration and deployment workflows. All resources can be found at the following link: https://github.com/Steinbeck-Lab/cheminformatics-microservice.
Spy1-activated Cyclin Dependent Kinase 2 Shows Reduced Affinity for Current Synthetic Small Molecule Inhibitors of the CDK2-Cyclin Complex
Authors: Meister Daniel , Hayward John , Fifield Bre-Anne , Porter Lisa , Trant John
Published: September 2023

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) play a key role in activating essential cell biology processes including cellular proliferation. Inappropriate regulation of CDKs has been implicated in driving several different forms of cancer. One of the regulatory factors is the need to bind to Cyclin-partners before they can be activated and advance the cell cycle. Cyclins are overexpressed in several different cancers, hence activating their relevant CDK. Hyperactive CDK2 in particular is implicated in many cancers, and while many drugs have shown preclinical promise, none have successfully passed through clinical development. Among the complications of targeting CDK2 is the fact that non-classical cyclin partners from the Speedy/RINGO family of proteins can alter the conformation of the kinase. Using computational approaches, we provide data supporting that the active site of CDK2 differs when bound to Spy1 as compared to classical cyclins. Furthermore, combining computational models with experimental techniques we provide data that many small molecule inhibitors have reduced activity against Spy1-bound CDKs. This work supports the need to develop new inhibitors capable of inhibiting the Spy1-CDK2 complex, and suggests that computational tools can be beneficial toward accomplishing this goal.
Ligand-Enforced Geometries and Associated Reactivity in P-Block Compounds
Authors: Hannah Tyler , Chitnis Saurabh
Published: September 2023

The geometry at an element centre can generally be predicted based on the number of bonding and non-bonding electron pairs it possesses. Strategies to distort p-block compounds away from these predicted geometries have gained considerable interest due to the unique structural, spectroscopic or reactivity geometric deformation engenders. Relevant geometrically constrained compounds from groups 13-16 are presented herein with a discussion of the strategies employed to access them. The reactivity of these compounds in both stoichiometric and catalytic reactions are also presented, highlighting valuable and challenging bond activations. This review presents an up-to-date summary of this exciting and rapidly growing field with a focus on understanding how the ligand employed unlocks structural features and their associated reactivity.
Controversial Aspects of the Claim of Colonialism as the Main Factor in Western European Civilization
Authors:   V. B. Sochava Institute of Geography SB RAS, Popov P. L. , Cherenev A. A. ,   V. B. Sochava Institute of Geography SB RAS, Saraev V. G. ,   V. B. Sochava Institute of Geography SB RAS, Gales D. A. ,   V. B. Sochava Institute of Geography SB RAS
Published: September 2023

The article deals with the assertion, characteristic of modern culturological and political Russian discourse, according to which the main source of prosperity for Western European civilization (Western countries) is the exploitation of non-European countries conquered in the colonial era. Weaknesses of this statement are revealed. World scientific leadership, especially in the field of methodology and establishing a connection between theory and practice, was achieved by the West even before the start of colonial expansion. Non-European and peripheral European empires (Spanish, Portuguese, Ottoman, Chinese) did not independently switch to the scientific and technological development of the modern type. In a number of countries of Western Europe in the Middle Ages, a historically stable system for the preservation and dissemination of knowledge was formed: universities and previous structures – monastic schools, libraries, scriptoriums, which had no analogues in other regions of the world. The possibility of colonial expansion required certain preconditions; the position is substantiated, according to which such prerequisites were in the military-technological sphere and military thought, but not in the field of psychology. It is noted that the lessons of the history of the systemic success of the West are especially relevant in the current political and economic conditions and lie in the need to emphasize education, science, and a technological economy as factors in the development of society.
Nenets Sanctuaries of Vaigach Island: Real and Unreal Facets
Authors:   Saint Tikhon's Orthodox University of Humanities, Gipp K. S.
Published: September 2023

In the article, the author shares the results of field religious studies conducted in the Nenets Autonomous Okrug in 2013–2022. If the survey data gives a picture of a fairly secular worldview of the indigenous population of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug (Nenets), then deep semistructured interviews reveal a layer of current beliefs associated with the traditional religion of the Nenets. First of all, this concerns the veneration of sacred places. The author also refers to the factors that influenced the religiosity of the Nenets in the 19th and 20th centuries (Christianization and Soviet secularization), refers to the topic of the process of national revival of the Nenets that began in the 90s. Separately, it is said about the sacred Nenets center – Vaigach Island and the history of its research. In 1986, a unique Seven-faced idol was discovered there by a Marine Arctic complex expedition. The veneration of this idol can be traced throughout the twentieth century. The modern history of its removal from the island and return to its place is connected with this idol, which fully corresponds to the well-known folklore narrative of the “punishment of the blasphemer”. General conclusions are drawn about the importance of using qualitative research methods in religious studies to compile a three-dimensional picture of the modern religiosity of the Northern peoples. The veneration of their sacred places by the modern Nenets population of the NAO is part of the living religious tradition of this ethnic group, which still exists today despite the action of all destructive historical processes.
Typology of Religions in the Scientific Heritage of the Indian Philosopher Bhaktivinoda Thakura (1838–1914)
Authors:   Karaganda Medical University, Aitzhanova A. K. , Subotyalov M. A. ,   Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University,   Novosibirsk State University
Published: September 2023

The typology of religions is one of the most important topics in religious studies, since it allows classifying and analyzing spiritual currents based on their basic characteristics. The article is devoted to the little-studied topic of scientific typology of religions in the legacy of the Indian philosopher of the 19th-20th centuries Bhaktivinoda Thakur. In his works, a five-term classification is formed, which goes back to the teachings of the Taittiriya Upanishad. This ancient monument of Vedic literature offers the concept of five levels of consciousness, corresponding to certain levels of development. Based on this approach, Bhaktivinoda Thakur classifies the religions known to him. The five-step concept he proposed includes atheism, morality, outward religiosity, the search for liberation, and the mysticism of divine love. Its axiological basis makes it possible to cover teachings that are distant from each other in time and space and build them into a single system, and therefore may be of interest for further historical-philosophical and comparative studies. Bhaktivinoda's typology makes it possible to fill a certain gap in modern religious comparative studies by providing philosophical value criteria for the classification of religions.
To the Question of the Theme of Poverty and Prosperity in Late Medieval Sufism (According to the Hagiographic Works “Lamahat min Nafahat al-quds” (“Reflections from the Breath of Holiness”)
Authors:   Institute of International Relations, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Ismoilov L. E.
Published: September 2023

t. The theme “the Muslim mystic and material wealth” is the most discussed in late medieval Maverannahr hagiographies of Muslim saints (manakib). From the first centuries of the emergence of Sufism, this theme, due to the spread of the excessive practice of asceticism among Muslim mystics, acquires a special sounding. In the initial period of Sufism's history, the cult of asceticism and disdain for material prosperity and family well-being acquired a special dimension among Sufis. However, throughout the Middle Ages, for various reasons and circumstances, Sufism gradually loses its inner spiritual charge, and such above-mentioned “spiritual feats” also lose their former significance. Although, in the late medieval period under our study Muslim mysticism to some extent still retained its original impulses (not only in theory, but also in practice), but in general its former spiritual and intellectual potential was already lost. This new phenomenon is revealed in particular in Sufism's attitude to the question of “poverty and material wealth,” where some Sufi sheikhs possessed enormous material wealth and had ways of passing it on to their descendants and cronies. In parallel, during this period, another part of Sufis strictly observing the fundamental canons of Sufism practiced austere methods of ascetic life. The sourcebook of this study is a Muslim hagiographic work “Lamahat min nafahat al-kuds” (“Reflections from the Blow of Sanctity”). The author of the work is Muhammad Alim as-Siddiqi al-Alawi, otherwise known as Alim Sheikh Azizan. He was born in Tashkent District in 1564 and died in Samarqand in 1632. Alim Sheikh Azizan was a follower of a particular branch of the Naqshbandiyya order called Jahriya-sultaniyya, the founder of which is considered to be Ahmad Yasevi. The work was written in Samarqand in 1622 and is dedicated to the biography of sheikhs of the Jahriyya brotherhood such as Sheikh Jamal ad-Din, Sheikh Khudoydad, Sheikh Vali, and others. This work consists of two parts: the first is devoted to the essence of the Jahriyah brotherhood; the second covers the biographies of Mawerannahr sheikhs from the 12th-16th centuries. The manuscript from the collection of the National Library of Tajikistan (Inventory No. 1629) is used in this work. The list is full and consists of 231 folios. Another copy of this work (Inventory no. 571) is stored in the same library and is dated 1623. The same library keeps another copy of this work (Inventory No. 571) dated 1673. The subject of the present study is the question of the relation between faqr (poverty in the economic dimension) and material wealth in Sufi perception and in Sufi practice.
Military Conflicts of the 20th and 21st Centuries in the Interpretation of Jehovah's Witnesses
Authors:   Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Golovnev G. A.
Published: September 2023

In this article, the author explores the philosophical interpretation of the theme of war in the religious convictions of Jehovah's Witnesses. The ideologists of this organization use the theme of war to form an antisocial and anti-state worldview. The purpose of the article is to identify the main contexts of the topic of war in the literature of Jehovah's Witnesses. The author studies how Jehovah's Witnesses interpret the essence of war and real military conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries. In addition, the author explores the role of Russia in the context of the theme of war.
Features of Protest Activity in Cities with Millions of People on the Example of the City of Yekaterinburg
Authors:   Ural Federal University named after the First President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Lugovcov M. M.
Published: September 2023

The article attempts to use the example of a large Russian city (Yekaterinburg) to reveal two components of protest: “real” and electoral. The features of large cities that cause protest activity are analyzed. It is estimated how the political history of Yekaterinburg influenced the formation of the political culture of the city's residents and the format of their political activity. The analysis of protest activity of Yekaterinburg residents over the past two years is carried out, as a result of which protest activity is classified into four categories: urban planning protest; protest against restrictive measures imposed in the region in connection with the spread of COVID-19; protest against the increase in tariffs for housing and communal services, and other protest topics. Based on electoral statistics, including the presidential elections of the Russian Federation (2018), the All-Russian vote on the approval of amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation (2020), the elections of deputies of the State Duma of the Russian Federation (2021), the elections of deputies of the Legislative Assembly of the Sverdlovsk region (2021), the elections of the Governor of the Sverdlovsk region (2022) are made conclusions about the peculiarities of electoral behavior of Yekaterinburg residents. The strategies and forms of electoral protest are determined. As a result, the proven methodological approach can be used to analyze the specifics of the electoral protest of individual territories and regions of the Russian Federation.
Features of the Formation of the National Cybersecurity System of the State of Kuwait
Authors:   Ural Federal University named after the First President of Russia B. N. Yeltsin, Tsukanov L. V.
Published: September 2023

The article is devoted to the analysis of the state of the national cybersecurity system of the State of Kuwait. Based on the cybersecurity standards of the International Telecommunication Union (a specialized UN agency responsible for coordinating international efforts to develop the digital sector) the author reveals the main specific features of the formation of the Kuwaiti cyber system, and also determines the level of the country's participation in the development of the international digital security system. The author comes to the conclusion that the digital system of Kuwait is formed with imbalances, and many decisions are aimed at "selective" relief of digital threats. In addition, the author draws attention to the existence of contradictions in the Kuwaiti model of international cooperation on cybersecurity issues: on the one hand, the country advocates more active participation in international processes, and, on the other hand, does not actively participate in the work of key international platforms. In addition, the sharp anti-Israeli position of the country has a certain negative impact on the Kuwaiti model of digital protection. The author notes that Kuwait is currently aimed at harmonizing the national cyber system and developing a more effective approach to international cooperation. However, to make these efforts more effective, some aspects of the existing approach need to be revisited, such as developing a model for interacting with digital companies that do business with Israel.