bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Which Expectations to Follow: The Impact of First- and Second-Order Beliefs on Strategy Choices in a Stag Hunt Game
Authors: Neumann Thomas , Bengart Paul , Vogt Bodo
Published: March 2023

Many situations require coordinated actions of individuals to achieve common goals. Such situations include organizing mass protests or adjusting behavior to new behavioral recommendations that aim to slow down the spread of a contagious disease. However, there is a risk of coordination failure in such situations that can lead to a worse outcome for those who acted in a coordinated manner than for those who chose not to. In this paper, we investigate the main determinant of individuals’ decisions in these situations to determine whether beliefs regarding the action of others (empirical expectations), beliefs regarding others’ beliefs (normative expectations), or risk attitudes are dominant determinants. To this end, we conducted an experiment analyzing the relationship between an individual’s choices in a stag hunt game, their probabilistic empirical and normative expectations (i.e., first-order and second-order beliefs, respectively), and their risk attitudes. Our central finding is that expectations, not risk attitudes, explain individuals’ strategy selection. In addition, we found evidence that normative expectations are a better predictor of strategy selection than empirical expectations. This could have implications for developing more targeted strategies intended to promote new behavioral standards and to guide individuals’ behavior toward a welfare-maximizing equilibrium.
Occupant Heating Patterns of Low-Temperature Air-to-Air Heat Pumps in Rural Areas during Different Heating Periods
Authors: Chen Xiaoyi , Li Ziqiao , Dai Longkang , Zeng Wenmao , Liu Meng
Published: March 2023

Understanding the actual heating patterns of air-to-air heat pumps (AAHP) in rural areas is crucial for energy planning and clean-heating policy optimization. To explore the influence of outdoor climate change on occupants’ heating patterns when using AAHPs in rural areas, the heating season was classified into three periods: the early heating period (EH), the mid heating period (MH), and the late heating period (LH). The investigation was conducted in rural areas of northern China, and indoor environmental parameters were measured from December 2021 to March 2022. Occupants completed household questionnaires about their heating habits before heating and phone interviews at the end of heating. This paper proposes clustering analysis to identify the AAHP heating pattern in rural areas. The results revealed four typical heating patterns of AAHP utilization. Occupant heating behaviors were dominated by the outdoor temperature fluctuation. In particular, during the mid heating period, the heating operation time periods and the heating duration were longer than that of other heating periods. Moreover, the heating patterns in living rooms were different from that in bedrooms. Room occupancy had an impact on household heating demands. These results could provide guidance for energy planning and the development of clean heating policy in the rural area.
Perceptions Governing Sustainability in the UAE Construction Sector
Authors: Abdulmaksoud Sara , Beheiry Salwa
Published: March 2023

Sustainability has a solid understanding on a broad level; however, in construction, there is no consensus about what it encompasses. Different practitioners perceive sustainability in construction from different perspectives. There are existing debates concerning the definition and scope of sustainable construction. Therefore, the aim of this research is to set a benchmark for the perceptions governing the understanding of sustainability in construction amongst practitioners working in the UAE’s construction sector. To collect the perceptions, the reviewed literature was condensed to develop an online survey that was validated by an expert panel and collected data from 129 industry professionals in 2022. The reliability of the collected data was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha. Upon confirming the validity and reliability of the collected data, the analysis of the perceptions was done using descriptive statistics and the relative importance index. The findings confirm that the economic and social pillars are not as recognized as the environmental pillar. Stakeholders are familiar with implementing sustainable practices in the design and construction phases whereas contract formation, procurement and demolition phases had the lowest RII ranking. Stakeholders are informed about the environmental benefits of sustainable construction, but efforts to familiarize them with the benefits of the economic and social pillars should be amplified. The main barriers were the necessity for additional research and the difficulty to implement sustainable construction due to the lack of understanding about what it is. Data collected aligns with the main problem statement which is the lack of understanding about what sustainable construction entails. The contribution that this research has added to the body of knowledge is that the exclusive collection and analysis of the perceptions governing sustainability in the UAE’s construction industry should draw the attention of policymakers that the true meaning of sustainability has not yet infiltrated the construction industry and immediate intervention is mandatory to increase the awareness levels of the stakeholders working in the UAE’s construction industry about what sustainable construction is.
Horizontal Distribution of Temperature Effect in Rubberized Concrete Pavement: A Case Study
Authors: Zhang Gaowang , Zhang Jiake , Yuan Jie , Ye Shijiang
Published: March 2023

Temperature distribution and the deformation behavior under temperature are important parameters in the design and evaluation of concrete pavements. In this paper, in order to study the horizontal distribution of the temperature effect on rubberized concrete pavement (RCP), the distribution differences of temperature, temperature gradient and strain at different horizontal locations were analyzed based on fiber Bragg grating test technology. The relationships between temperature and strain and between temperature gradient and strain were also investigated. The results show that within a cycle of temperature or temperature gradient change, the time of temperature increase or temperature gradient increase is only 1/4 of the whole cycle, significantly less than the time of the temperature or temperature gradient decrease. Comparing the center, edges and corner of the pavement, the horizontal distribution of temperature and temperature gradients in the RCP is uneven, and the greatest negative temperature gradient is experienced at the corner of the pavement, which is 25 °C·m−1 greater than the temperature gradient at the center. The negative temperature gradient at the corner of the concrete pavement exacerbates the bottom deformation at the center and edge of the pavement, especially in the X-axis direction at the center and in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions at the edge. The relationships between temperature and horizontal strain at the center and edge of the RCP have a significant hysteresis effect and are markedly stronger than those at the corner. Moreover, when the temperature gradient is less than −23.4 °C·m−1 or greater than 14.5 °C·m−1, the curling effect at the edge of the RCP is more obvious.
A Systematic Review of Sensing Technology in Human-Building Interaction Research
Authors: Ji Weiyu , Yang Lu , Liu Zhansheng , Feng Shuxin
Published: March 2023

Human-building interaction is an emerging field of study that investigates the interactions and reciprocal impacts of humans and building systems. In this discipline, sensing technology is critical for data collection. The application of sensing technology is divided into six categories based on the research topics: (1) occupancy status, (2) occupant physiological indicators, (3) building components, (4) building environment, (5) building consumption, and (6) fusion of multi-sensing system. By evaluating 127 relevant research articles, this study attempts to provide a systematic review of the implementation of sensing technologies in each HBI research topic. Four significant sensing technologies were investigated for the occupancy status study: camera-based sensing, infrared-based sensing, radial frequency signal-based sensing, and ultrasonic sensor. Methodologies for biosensing brain activity, muscle and skin function, and cardiac function were examined as occupant physiological indicator measurements. The magnetic reed and vibration sensors were discussed for sensing changes in building components. The air property sensor, sound sensor, and illuminance sensor were introduced to monitor the building environment. The smart meter and smart plug were examined for sensing building consumption, and the application of multi-sensor fusion was also included in this article. Furthermore, this systematic study discussed three aspects of contemporary sensing technology deployment: data concealment, sensor cost tradeoffs, and privacy concerns.
An Identification Method of the Externality of Cultural Facilities from the Perspective of Spatial Distribution of Cultural Industry: A Case Study of Ningbo, China
Authors: Zhu Baoyu , Ma Renfeng , Luo Maoyu , Wu Lingzhi , Fu Wenqing
Published: March 2023

The identification and depiction of the externality of urban facilities have always been a hot and challenging research issue in human geography and urban planning. However, most of the existing research focuses on exploring the capitalization effect of urban facilities on land prices or housing prices, while ignoring the guiding and promoting effect on related industries. Therefore, this paper proposes an identification method of the externality of cultural facilities from the perspective of cultural industrial agglomeration and industrial abundance, explores the spatial coupling between cultural facilities and cultural enterprises in the central district of Ningbo during different periods, and discusses the role mechanisms of cultural facilities in cultural industry development. Our findings reveal that the spatial pattern of cultural facilities and cultural enterprises evolved in the same way, from single-core or double-core multi-point to “triple-core multi-point,” and there is a certain similarity between the change in the agglomeration pattern of cultural facilities and the evolution of the abundance of cultural enterprises. The externality of cultural facilities is mainly manifested in the promotion of quantitative growth, such as the scale of cultural industry agglomeration and qualitative development, such as industrial structure. These outcomes are mainly realized through the creation of cultural atmosphere, the integration of cultural and commercial functions, and the improvement of cultural consumption and cultural productivity. The research results can offer new policy references for the location and layout of cultural facilities and the incentive development of the cultural industry in Ningbo.
Preliminary Reactivity Test for Precursors of Alkali-Activated Materials
Authors: França Sâmara , Sousa Leila Nóbrega , Silva Marcos Vinicio de Moura Solar , Borges Paulo Henrique Ribeiro , Bezerra Augusto Cesar da Silva
Published: March 2023

Alkali-activated materials (AAMs) result from the dissolution process and polycondensation of precursors in high pH solutions. This material is considered alternative cement with similar properties and lower environmental impact than Portland cement. However, AAMs are subjected to the same standardization applied to cement-based materials since no formal methods exist to characterize this material and/or the precursor reactivity. Therefore, this work aims to develop a method to characterize the reactivity of the main precursors used to produce AAMs. Hence, the precursors were assessed in two steps after chemical, physical, and mineralogical characterization. The first step evaluated the crystallinity change of the material after the acid attack by mixing 1 g of each material in 100 mL of 1% HF solution for 6 h at ambient temperature. The crystallinity change was evaluated by comparing the X-ray diffraction of the materials before and after the acid attack. The second step involved evaluating the formation of geopolymerization products in the pastes of studied precursors through FTIR test. The pastes were produced with Na2SiO3 and NaOH as activators. After 28 days of curing, the pastes were submitted to a FTIR test for structural analysis. This method was tested evaluating the reactivity of traditional precursors for alkali activation (i.e., silica fume (SF), blast furnace slag (BFS), and metakaolin (MK)), in addition sugarcane bagasse ash mechanically treated (SCBAM) and sugarcane bagasse ash mechanically and heat treated (SCBAMH) since SCBA is a promising precursor for alkali activation. Considering the crystallinity change of precursors (step 01), the formation of geopolymerization products (step 02), and the chemical composition of precursors (preliminary characterization), it could be concluded that: (i) surface area is not relevant to materials with small particle size (<23 µm); (ii) amorphous area is only relevant if the material exhibits the optimal chemical composition; and (iii) the chemical composition is a crucial parameter for alkali activation. In addition, the potential precursors for alkali activation should have a significant amorphous halo and a SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of 2 to 5. Also, it could be concluded that SF and SCBAMH do not exhibit adequate reactivity while BFS, MK, and SCBAM can be classified as reactive precursors.
Climate Zoning for Buildings: From Basic to Advanced Methods—A Review of the Scientific Literature
Authors: Remizov Alexey , Memon Shazim Ali , Kim Jong R.
Published: March 2023

Understanding the link between the energy-efficiency of buildings and climatic conditions can improve the design of energy-efficient housing. Due to global climate change and growing requirements for building energy-efficiency, the number of publications on climate zoning for buildings has grown over the last 20 years. This review attempted to give the reader an up-to-date assessment of the scientific literature in the field of climate mapping for buildings on a global and national scale, filling in the gaps of previous works and focusing on details that were not presented before. There were 105 scientific sources examined. The most dominant climate zoning variables were thoroughly analyzed. A clear categorization of climate zoning methods with specific criteria was shown. The most used methods were evaluated, emphasizing their similarities and differences, as well as their essential components and advantages. The main literature review was supported with bibliometric and bibliographic analysis. The existence of many climate zoning methods can be an indicator of the lack of agreement on the most effective strategy. A tendency has been established for the popularization among scientists of methods based on machine learning and building energy simulations, which are relatively easy to use and have proven to be the most reliable climate zoning methods. A transformation is emerging by shifting from a climate-based to a building performance-based climate zoning approach.
Zinc Finger Protein 90 Knockdown Promotes Cisplatin Sensitivity via Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway in Ovarian Cancer Cell
Authors: Wu Ching-Hu , Feng Chien-Wei , Wang Chiu-Lin , Wen Zhi-Hong , Long Cheng-Yu , Tang Feng-Hsiang
Published: March 2023

Our study discussed the role of Zfp90 in ovarian cancer (OC) cell lines’ sensitivity to cisplatin. We used two OC cell lines, SK-OV-3 and ES-2, to evaluate their role in cisplatin sensitization. The protein levels of p-Akt, ERK, caspase 3, Bcl-2, Bax, E-cadherin, MMP-2, MMP-9 and other drug resistance-related molecules, including Nrf2/HO-1, were discovered in the SK-OV-3 and ES-2 cells. We also used a human ovarian surface epithelial cell to compare the effect of Zfp90. Our outcomes indicated that cisplatin treatment generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that modulate apoptotic protein expression. The anti-oxidative signal was also stimulated, which could hinder cell migration. The intervention of Zfp90 could greatly improve the apoptosis pathway and block the migrative pathway to regulate the cisplatin sensitivity in the OC cells. This study implies that the loss of function of Zfp90 might promote cisplatin sensitization in OC cells via regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to enhance cell apoptosis and inhibit the migrative effect in both SK-OV-3 and ES-2 cells.
Development and Experimental Validation of a Novel Prognostic Signature for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Liu Chengcheng , Huo Yuying , Zhang Yansong , Yin Fumei , Chen Taoyu , Wang Zhenyi , Gao Juntao , Jin Peng , Li Xiangyu , Shi Minglei , Zhang Michael Q.
Published: March 2023

Background: Gastric cancer is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the accurate recognition of prognostic molecular markers is the key to improving treatment efficacy and prognosis. Methods: In this study, we developed a stable and robust signature through a series of processes using machine-learning approaches. This PRGS was further experimentally validated in clinical samples and a gastric cancer cell line. Results: The PRGS is an independent risk factor for overall survival that performs reliably and has a robust utility. Notably, PRGS proteins promote cancer cell proliferation by regulating the cell cycle. Besides, the high-risk group displayed a lower tumor purity, higher immune cell infiltration, and lower oncogenic mutation than the low-PRGS group. Conclusions: This PRGS could be a powerful and robust tool to improve clinical outcomes for individual gastric cancer patients.
HotSPOT: A Computational Tool to Design Targeted Sequencing Panels to Assess Early Photocarcinogenesis
Authors: Grant Sydney R. , Rosario Spencer R. , Patentreger Andrew D. , Shary Nico , Fitzgerald Megan E. , Singh Prashant K. , Foster Barbara A. , Huss Wendy J. , Wei Lei , Paragh Gyorgy
Published: March 2023

Mutations found in skin are acquired in specific patterns, clustering around mutation-prone genomic locations. The most mutation-prone genomic areas, mutation hotspots, first induce the growth of small cell clones in healthy skin. Mutations accumulate over time, and clones with driver mutations may give rise to skin cancer. Early mutation accumulation is a crucial first step in photocarcinogenesis. Therefore, a sufficient understanding of the process may help predict disease onset and identify avenues for skin cancer prevention. Early epidermal mutation profiles are typically established using high-depth targeted next-generation sequencing. However, there is currently a lack of tools for designing custom panels to capture mutation-enriched genomic regions efficiently. To address this issue, we created a computational algorithm that implements a pseudo-exhaustive approach to identify the best genomic areas to target. We benchmarked the current algorithm in three independent mutation datasets of human epidermal samples. Compared to the sequencing panel designs originally used in these publications, the mutation capture efficacy (number of mutations/base pairs sequenced) of our designed panel improved 9.6–12.1-fold. Mutation burden in the chronically sun-exposed and intermittently sun-exposed normal epidermis was measured within genomic regions identified by hotSPOT based on cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) mutation patterns. We found a significant increase in mutation capture efficacy and mutation burden in cSCC hotspots in chronically sun-exposed vs. intermittently sun-exposed epidermis (p < 0.0001). Our results show that our hotSPOT web application provides a publicly available resource for researchers to design custom panels, enabling efficient detection of somatic mutations in clinically normal tissues and other similar targeted sequencing studies. Moreover, hotSPOT also enables the comparison of mutation burden between normal tissues and cancer.
Routine EWS Fusion Analysis in the Oncology Clinic to Identify Cancer-Specific Peptide Sequence Patterns That Span Breakpoints in Ewing Sarcoma and DSRCT
Authors: Anderson Peter M. , Tu Zheng Jin , Kilpatrick Scott E. , Trucco Matteo , Hanna Rabi , Chan Timothy
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: EWS fusion genes are associated with Ewing sarcoma and other Ewing family tumors including desmoplastic small round tumor, DSRCT. We utilize a clinical genomics workflow to reveal real-world frequencies of EWS fusion events, cataloging events that are similar, or divergent at the EWS breakpoint. (2) Methods: EWS fusion events from our next-generation sequencing panel (NGS) samples were first sorted by breakpoint or fusion junctions to map out the frequency of breakpoints. Fusion results were illustrated as in-frame fusion peptides involving EWS and a partner gene. (3) Results: From 2471 patient pool samples for fusion analysis at the Cleveland Clinic Molecular Pathology Laboratory, we identified 182 fusion samples evolved with the EWS gene. They are clustered in several breakpoints: chr22:29683123 (65.9%), and chr22:29688595 (2.7%). About 3/4 of Ewing sarcoma and DSRCT tumors have an identical EWS breakpoint motif at Exon 7 (SQQSSSYGQQ-) fused to a specific part of FLI1 (NPSYDSVRRG or-SSLLAYNTSS), ERG (NLPYEPPRRS), FEV (NPVGDGLFKD) or WT1 (SEKPYQCDFK). Our method also worked with Caris transcriptome data, too. Our primary clinical utility is to use this information to identify neoantigens for therapeutic purposes. (4) Conclusions and future perspectives: our method allows interpretation of what peptides result from the in-frame translation of EWS fusion junctions. These sequences, coupled with HLA-peptide binding data, are used to identify potential sequences of cancer-specific immunogenic peptides for Ewing sarcoma or DSRCT patients. This information may also be useful for immune monitoring (e.g., circulating T-cells with fusion-peptide specificity) to detect vaccine candidates, responses, or residual disease.
Sex Differences in Fatty Acid Metabolism and Blood Pressure Response to Dietary Salt in Humans
Authors: Ishimwe Jeanne , Ferguson Jane , Kirabo Annet
Published: March 2023

Salt sensitivity is a trait in which high dietary sodium (Na+) intake causes an increase in blood pressure (BP). We previously demonstrated that in the gut, elevated dietary Na+ causes dysbiosis. The mechanistic interplay between excess dietary Na+-induced alteration in the gut microbiome and sex differences is less understood. The goal of this study was to identify novel metabolites in sex differences and blood pressure in response to a high dietary Na+ intake. We performed stool and plasma metabolomics analysis and measured the BP of human volunteers with salt intake above or below the American Heart Association recommendations. We also performed RNA sequencing on human monocytes treated with high salt in vitro. The relationship between BP and dietary Na+ intake was different in women and men. Network analysis revealed that fatty acids as top subnetworks differentially changed with salt intake. We found that women with high dietary Na+ intake have high levels of arachidonic acid related metabolism, suggesting a role in sex differences of the blood pressure response to Na+. The exposure of monocytes to high salt in vitro upregulates the transcription of fatty acid receptors and arachidonic acid-related genes. These findings provide potentially novel insights into metabolic changes underlying gut dysbiosis and inflammation in salt sensitivity of BP.
Determination of Activation Energy on Hydrogen Evolution Reaction for Nickel-Based Porous Electrodes during Alkaline Electrolysis
Authors: Velasco-Plascencia Melina , Vázquez-Gómez Octavio , Olmos Luis , Reyes-Calderón Francisco , Vergara-Hernández Héctor J. , Villalobos Julio C.
Published: March 2023

The aim of the present work is to evaluate the activation energy (Ea) at different cathodic overpotentials (η) by potentiodynamic tests which were carried out at different temperatures of Ni-based, NiCr-m, and NiCr-p porous electrodes, during the alkaline electrolysis processes. On the other hand, the electrochemical stability of the electrodes was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry after 1000 cycles of operation and by potentiostatic tests after 10 h at −1.5 V vs. SCE. The electrodes were sintered with a heating rate of 25 °C/min up to a temperature of 1000 °C (Ni-based and NiCr-m) and 1200 °C (NiCr-p) for 60 min. The results showed that the Ea value was lower for the Ni-based system at equilibrium; however, the NiCr-p electrode had a better performance due to higher negative apparent Ea values as a function of η (dEa/dη). The cyclic voltammetry tests suggest that the NiCr-p electrode improves its activity by about 71% in its long-term operation in comparison with Ni-based and NiCr-m. A similar behavior was observed in the potentiostatic test which showed a higher cathodic current density associated with a charge transfer process after 10 h. The higher stability of the NiCr-p is attributed to a homogeneous Cr distribution in the nickel matrix.
On the Catalytic Mechanism of 3d and 4d Transition-Metal-Based Materials on the Hydrogen Sorption Properties of Mg/MgH2
Authors: Lyu Jinzhe , Kudiiarov Viktor , Svyatkin Leonid , Lider Andrey , Dai Kejie
Published: March 2023

The slow hydrogenation/dehydrogenation kinetics and high thermodynamic stability of the Mg–H bond are the two major limitations for the large-scale utilization of MgH2. In this review, we introduce the catalytic mechanism of 3d and 4d transition metal (TM) on the hydrogen sorption properties of Mg/MgH2. The relative contribution of interatomic interactions to the thermodynamic stability of the TM-substituted MgH2 system is discussed. A synergy effect between the electronegativity and the radius of the TM element is proposed to explain the charge transfer process between TM and H in the TM-substituted MgH2 system. The catalytic mechanism of TM nearby the surface of Mg is more complicated than that in the volume of Mg, as the surface-doped TM can experience more options for doping sites, leading to the hindrance effect and causing various contributions of the d band center to the dissociation of hydrogen molecules and the diffusion of hydrogen atoms nearby the surface of Mg. In terms of the catalytic mechanism of TM for hydrogen sorption kinetics of Mg/MgH2, we particularly focused on the “hydrogen pump” effect existing in the Mg–TM–H system. Other mechanisms, such as a possible catalytic mechanism of TM for the hydrogen sorption properties of nano-sized freestanding Mg/MgH2, were also presented.
Lighting Up the Organochalcogen Synthesis: A Concise Update of Recent Photocatalyzed Approaches
Authors: Bartz Ricardo H. , Dapper Luiz H. , Kazmierczak Jean C. , Schumacher Ricardo F. , Perin Gelson , Thurow Samuel , Penteado Filipe , Lenardão Eder J.
Published: March 2023

This review describes the recent advances in photocatalyzed reactions to form new carbon–sulfur and carbon–selenium bonds. With a total of 136 references, of which 81 articles are presented, the authors introduce in five sections an updated picture of the state of the art in the light-promoted synthesis of organochalcogen compounds (from 2019 to present). The light-promoted synthesis of sulfides by direct sulfenylation of C–C π-bonds; synthesis of sulfones; the activation of Csp2–N bond in the formation of Csp2–S bonds; synthesis of thiol ester, thioether and thioacetal; and the synthesis of organoselenium compounds are discussed, with detailed reaction conditions and selected examples for each protocol.
Photoelectrochemical Degradation of Contaminants of Emerging Concern with Special Attention on the Removal of Acetaminophen in Water-Based Solutions
Authors: Sacco Nicolás Alejandro , Marchesini Fernanda Albana , Gamba Ilaria , García Gonzalo
Published: March 2023

Despite being an indispensable medium for life and the environment, the deterioration of water quality continues to be a matter of great concern for the scientific community since this problem has generated the need to develop processes for water treatment. Among the wide variety of types of contaminants, the presence of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) has become an issue of global concern, since they are present in water in low concentrations and can persist in the environment, bioaccumulate and be toxic to human health and aquatic biota. Among CECs, this review focuses on pharmaceutical removal; what favorable effects they have on human and animal health are widely recognized, but the consequences or risks associated with the constant disposal of these products to the environment, through the manufacturing process, consumption, biological excretion or inappropriate disposal, are an area under constant study. The presence of pharmaceuticals in water represents a high risk to the environment because they contain active ingredients that were designed to induce specific pharmacological effects but, when dissolved in water, reach non-target populations and cause undesirable toxicological effects. This review pays attention to the photoelectrochemical removal of paracetamol (PTM), as a model molecule, from water, employing different photoactive materials (TiO2, BiVO4, ZnO and tungsten oxides) and the main parameters affecting their performance. The main goal of the present review is to facilitate future researchers to design their experiments concerning the PEC processes for the degradation of pharmaceuticals, specially PTM, and the existing limitations of each system.
Adsorption and Photo-Degradation of Organophosphates on Sulfate-Terminated Anatase TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Svensson Fredric G. , Österlund Lars
Published: March 2023

The adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of trimethyl phosphate (TMP) and triethyl phosphate (TEP), two environmentally relevant model pollutants, have been studied on commercial anatase TiO2 and sulfate-terminated anatase TiO2 nanoparticles by means of operando diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy and 2D correlation spectroscopy (2D COS). It is concluded that both TMP and TEP adsorb dissociatively on anatase TiO2, while on the sulfate-terminated anatase TiO2, TMP and TEP adsorb associatively. Upon UV illumination, TMP and TEP are completely oxidized on sulfate-terminated anatase TiO2, as evidenced by the evolution of the IR bands characteristic for water and carbon dioxide. In contrast, on anatase TiO2, UV illumination leads to the formation of stable surface-coordinated carboxylate products, which impedes complete oxidation. 2D COS analysis suggests that parallel reaction pathways occur during oxidation under UV illumination, viz. methoxide/ethoxide (ads) → carboxylates (ads) and methoxide/ethoxide (ads) → aldehydes (ads) → carboxylates (ads). A parallel reaction occurs on sulfated TiO2 that yields CO2 and H2O by direct radical reactions with the methoxide groups with little, or no, formation of surface-coordinated intermediates. Sulfated TiO2 favor the formation of aldehyde intermediates, with reaction rates 10 times and 30 times faster for TMP and TEM, respectively, compared with commercial anatase TiO2. About 37% (33%) and 32% (24%) of TMP (TEP) were degraded on sulfated-terminated TiO2 and pure TiO2, respectively, after the first 9 min of UV illumination. We show that the sulfate-functionalization of TiO2 has two main functions. First, it prevents the formation of strongly bonded bridging carboxylates, thereby alleviating deactivation. Second, it promotes full oxidation of the organic side-chains into carbon dioxide and water. Improved electron-hole separation by the electrophilic S(VI) in combination with the blocking of bridging reaction intermediates is proposed to contribute to the improved activity. The presented results give insights into how acidic surface modifications change adsorbate surface chemistries, which can be used to increase the sustained activity of low-temperature photocatalysts.
Solvent-Free Aldol Condensation of Cyclopentanone with Natural Clay-Based Catalysts: Origin of Activity & Selectivity
Authors: Meng Xianglong , Su Hui , Song Ranran , Su Jianzheng , Bian Junjie
Published: March 2023

The conversion of biomass resources into high-value fuels and chemicals using thermochemical methods has become an attractive method of energy utilization. In this study, natural minerals were used as raw materials; the acidic sites were introduced by ball-milling modification, and the aldol condensation reaction of the biomass-based cyclopentanone molecule was carried out under solvent-free conditions. It was found that the SO3H-APG catalyst—with strong medium-based sites when the -SO3H loading was 4 mmol/g—exhibited excellent acid–base co-activation effects and a significant catalytic effect in the cyclopentanone condensation reaction. The optimization of the reaction conditions showed that the conversion of cyclopentanone reached 85.53% at the reaction temperature of 150 °C and reaction time of 4 h. The selectivity of the dimer and trimer was 69.04% and 28.41%, respectively. The investigation of the cyclopentanone condensation mechanism and kinetic analysis showed that the acid–base presence of an acid–base bifunctional catalyst was important to facilitate the condensation reaction. This research route is in line with the concept of sustainable green production and also provides a promising pathway for catalyst design and the synthesis of long-chain hydrocarbons.
Methane Activation and Coupling Pathways on Ni2P Catalyst
Authors: Almithn Abdulrahman , Alghanim Salem N. , Mohammed Abdullah A. , Alghawinim Abdullah K. , Alomaireen Mazen A. , Alhulaybi Zaid , Hossain SK Safdar
Published: March 2023

The direct catalytic conversion of methane (CH4) to higher hydrocarbons has attracted considerable attention in recent years because of the increasing supply of natural gas. Efficient and selective catalytic conversion of methane to value-added products, however, remains a major challenge. Recent studies have shown that the incorporation of phosphorus atoms in transition metals improves their selectivity and resistance to coke formation for many catalytic reactions. In this work, we report a density function theory-based investigation of methane activation and C2 product formation on Ni2P(001). Our results indicate that, despite the lower reactivity of Ni2P relative to Ni, the addition of phosphorus atoms hinders excessive dehydrogenation of methane to CH* and C* species, thus reducing carbon deposition on the surface. CH3* and CH2* moieties, instead, are more likely to be the most abundant surface intermediates once the initial C–H bond in methane is activated with a barrier of 246 kJ mol−1. The formation of ethylene from 2CH2* on Ni2P is facile with a barrier of 56 kJ mol−1, which is consistent with prior experimental studies. Collectively, these findings suggest that Ni2P may be an attractive catalyst for selective methane conversion to ethylene.
Transcriptional Response to Hypoxia: The Role of HIF-1-Associated Co-Regulators
Authors: Yfantis Angelos , Mylonis Ilias , Chachami Georgia , Nikolaidis Marios , Amoutzias Grigorios D. , Paraskeva Efrosyni , Simos George
Published: March 2023

The Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 (HIF-1) plays a major role in the cellular response to hypoxia by regulating the expression of many genes involved in adaptive processes that allow cell survival under low oxygen conditions. Adaptation to the hypoxic tumor micro-environment is also critical for cancer cell proliferation and therefore HIF-1 is also considered a valid therapeutical target. Despite the huge progress in understanding regulation of HIF-1 expression and activity by oxygen levels or oncogenic pathways, the way HIF-1 interacts with chromatin and the transcriptional machinery in order to activate its target genes is still a matter of intense investigation. Recent studies have identified several different HIF-1- and chromatin-associated co-regulators that play important roles in the general transcriptional activity of HIF-1, independent of its expression levels, as well as in the selection of binding sites, promoters and target genes, which, however, often depends on cellular context. We review here these co-regulators and examine their effect on the expression of a compilation of well-characterized HIF-1 direct target genes in order to assess the range of their involvement in the transcriptional response to hypoxia. Delineating the mode and the significance of the interaction between HIF-1 and its associated co-regulators may offer new attractive and specific targets for anticancer therapy.
Relationship between Oxidative Stress and Left Ventricle Markers in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Mongirdienė Aušra , Liuizė Agnė , Karčiauskaitė Dovilė , Mazgelytė Eglė , Liekis Arūnas , Sadauskienė Ilona
Published: March 2023

Oxidative stress is proposed in the literature as an important player in the development of CHF and correlates with left ventricle (LV) dysfunction and hypertrophy in the failing heart. In this study, we aimed to verify if the serum oxidative stress markers differ in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients’ groups depending on the LV geometry and function. Patients were stratified into two groups according to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) values: HFrEF (<40% (n = 27)) and HFpEF (≥40% (n = 33)). Additionally, patients were stratified into four groups according to LV geometry: NG–normal left ventricle geometry (n = 7), CR–concentric remodeling (n = 14), cLVH–concentric LV hypertrophy (n = 16), and eLVF–eccentric LV hypertrophy (n = 23). We measured protein (protein carbonyl (PC), nitrotyrosine (NT-Tyr), dityrosine), lipid (malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidizes (HDL) oxidation and antioxidant (catalase activity, total plasma antioxidant capacity (TAC) markers in serum. Transthoracic echocardiogram analysis and lipidogram were also performed. We found that oxidative (NT-Tyr, dityrosine, PC, MDA, oxHDL) and antioxidative (TAC, catalase) stress marker levels did not differ between the groups according to LVEF or LV geometry. NT-Tyr correlated with PC (rs = 0.482, p = 0.000098), and oxHDL (rs = 0.278, p = 0.0314). MDA correlated with total (rs = 0.337, p = 0.008), LDL (rs = 0.295, p = 0.022) and non-HDL (rs = 0.301, p = 0.019) cholesterol. NT-Tyr negatively correlated with HDL cholesterol (rs = -0.285, p = 0.027). LV parameters did not correlate with oxidative/antioxidative stress markers. Significant negative correlations were found between the end-diastolic volume of the LV and the end-systolic volume of the LV and HDL-cholesterol (rs = –0.935, p < 0.0001; rs = –0.906, p < 0.0001, respectively). Significant positive correlations between both the thickness of the interventricular septum and the thickness of the LV wall and the levels of triacylglycerol in serum (rs = 0.346, p = 0.007; rs = 0.329, p = 0.010, respectively) were found. In conclusions, we did not find a difference in serum concentrations of both oxidant (NT-Tyr, PC, MDA) and antioxidant (TAC and catalase) concentrations in CHF patients’ groups according to LV function and geometry was found. The geometry of the LV could be related to lipid metabolism in CHF patients, and no correlation between oxidative/antioxidant and LV markers in CHF patients was found.
LIM Kinases, LIMK1 and LIMK2, Are Crucial Node Actors of the Cell Fate: Molecular to Pathological Features
Authors: Villalonga Elodie , Mosrin Christine , Normand Thierry , Girardin Caroline , Serrano Amandine , Žunar Bojan , Doudeau Michel , Godin Fabienne , Bénédetti Hélène , Vallée Béatrice
Published: March 2023

LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1) and LIM kinase 2 (LIMK2) are serine/threonine and tyrosine kinases and the only two members of the LIM kinase family. They play a crucial role in the regulation of cytoskeleton dynamics by controlling actin filaments and microtubule turnover, especially through the phosphorylation of cofilin, an actin depolymerising factor. Thus, they are involved in many biological processes, such as cell cycle, cell migration, and neuronal differentiation. Consequently, they are also part of numerous pathological mechanisms, especially in cancer, where their involvement has been reported for a few years and has led to the development of a wide range of inhibitors. LIMK1 and LIMK2 are known to be part of the Rho family GTPase signal transduction pathways, but many more partners have been discovered over the decades, and both LIMKs are suspected to be part of an extended and various range of regulation pathways. In this review, we propose to consider the different molecular mechanisms involving LIM kinases and their associated signalling pathways, and to offer a better understanding of their variety of actions within the physiology and physiopathology of the cell.
Phosphorylation of LKB1 by PDK1 Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Organ Growth by Decreased Activation of AMPK
Authors: Borkowsky Sarah , Gass Maximilian , Alavizargar Azadeh , Hanewinkel Johannes , Hallstein Ina , Nedvetsky Pavel , Heuer Andreas , Krahn Michael P.
Published: March 2023

The master kinase LKB1 is a key regulator of se veral cellular processes, including cell proliferation, cell polarity and cellular metabolism. It phosphorylates and activates several downstream kinases, including AMP-dependent kinase, AMPK. Activation of AMPK by low energy supply and phosphorylation of LKB1 results in an inhibition of mTOR, thus decreasing energy-consuming processes, in particular translation and, thus, cell growth. LKB1 itself is a constitutively active kinase, which is regulated by posttranslational modifications and direct binding to phospholipids of the plasma membrane. Here, we report that LKB1 binds to Phosphoinositide-dependent kinase (PDK1) by a conserved binding motif. Furthermore, a PDK1-consensus motif is located within the kinase domain of LKB1 and LKB1 gets phosphorylated by PDK1 in vitro. In Drosophila, knockin of phosphorylation-deficient LKB1 results in normal survival of the flies, but an increased activation of LKB1, whereas a phospho-mimetic LKB1 variant displays decreased AMPK activation. As a functional consequence, cell growth as well as organism size is decreased in phosphorylation-deficient LKB1. Molecular dynamics simulations of PDK1-mediated LKB1 phosphorylation revealed changes in the ATP binding pocket, suggesting a conformational change upon phosphorylation, which in turn can alter LKB1’s kinase activity. Thus, phosphorylation of LKB1 by PDK1 results in an inhibition of LKB1, decreased activation of AMPK and enhanced cell growth.
17⍺-Estradiol Protects against HIV-1 Tat-Induced Endolysosome Dysfunction and Dendritic Impairments in Neurons
Authors: Datta Gaurav , Miller Nicole M. , Chen Xuesong
Published: March 2023

HIV-1 Tat continues to play an important role in the development of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), which persist in 15–55% of people living with HIV even with virological control. In the brain, Tat is present on neurons, where Tat exerts direct neuronal damaging effects by, at least in part, disrupting endolysosome functions, a pathological feature present in HAND. In this study, we determined the protective effects of 17α-estradiol (17αE2), the predominant form of estrogen in the brain, against Tat-induced endolysosome dysfunction and dendritic impairment in primary cultured hippocampal neurons. We demonstrated that pre-treatment with 17αE2 protected against Tat-induced endolysosome dysfunction and reduction in dendritic spine density. Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) knockdown impairs the ability of 17αE2 to protect against Tat-induced endolysosome dysfunction and reduction in dendritic spine density. Furthermore, over-expressing an ERα mutant that fails to localize on endolysosomes impairs 17αE2′s protective effects against Tat-induced endolysosome dysfunction and reduction in dendritic spine density. Our findings demonstrate that 17αE2 protects against Tat-induced neuronal injury via a novel ERα-mediated and endolysosome-dependent pathway, and such a finding might lead to the development of novel adjunct therapeutics against HAND.
Large-Scale Multi-Omic Approaches and Atlas-Based Profiling for Cellular, Molecular, and Functional Specificity, Heterogeneity, and Diversity in the Endocannabinoid System
Authors: Aoki Jun , Isokawa Masako
Published: March 2023

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a widely-recognized lipid messenger system involved in many aspects of our our lives in health and diseases [...]
The Role of Preservation Solutions upon Saphenous Vein Endothelial Integrity and Function: Systematic Review and UK Practice Survey
Authors: Layton Georgia R. , Ladak Shameem S. , Abbasciano Riccardo , McQueen Liam W. , George Sarah J. , Murphy Gavin J. , Zakkar Mustafa
Published: March 2023

The long saphenous vein is the most used conduit in cardiac surgery, but its long-term patency is limited by vein graft disease (VGD). Endothelial dysfunction is a key driver of VGD; its aetiology is multi-factorial. However emerging evidence identifies vein conduit harvest technique and preservation fluids as causal in their onset and propagation. This study aims to comprehensively review published data on the relationship between preservation solutions, endothelial cell integrity and function, and VGD in human saphenous veins harvested for CABG. The review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022358828). Electronic searches of Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases were undertaken from inception until August 2022. Papers were evaluated in line with registered inclusion and exclusion criteria. Searches identified 13 prospective, controlled studies for inclusion in the analysis. All studies used saline as a control solution. Intervention solutions included heparinised whole blood and saline, DuraGraft, TiProtec, EuroCollins, University of Wisconsin (UoW), buffered, cardioplegic and Pyruvate solutions. Most studies demonstrated that normal saline appears to have negative effects on venous endothelium and the most effective preservation solutions identified in this review were TiProtec and DuraGraft. The most used preservation solutions in the UK are heparinised saline or autologous whole blood. There is substantial heterogeneity both in practice and reporting of trials evaluating vein graft preservation solutions, and the quality of existing evidence is low. There is an unmet need for high quality trials evaluating the potential for these interventions to improve long-term patency in venous bypass grafts.