bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does the Environmental Regulation Intensity and ESG Performance Have a Substitution Effect on the Impact of Enterprise Green Innovation: Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Fengyan , Sun Ziyuan
Published: July 2022

Against the background of green and sustainable development strategy, it is an effective way to carry out green innovation to cope with the increasing intensity of government environmental regulation for enterprises. Nevertheless, the regulatory role of ESG performance has been ignored. Based on panel data from Chinese listed companies from 2010 to 2019, this paper mainly studies whether the environmental regulation intensity and ESG performance have a substitution effect on the impact of green innovation by constructing a double fixed effect model. The empirical results showed that first, positive ESG performance is conducive to promoting green innovation. Second, there is a U-shaped relationship between the intensity of environmental regulation and high-quality green innovation, which reflects the effect of “offset before compensation”. With the increasing intensity of environmental regulation, high-quality green innovation tends to crowd out low-quality green innovation, which further improves the practical test of the “Porter Hypothesis”. Third, the positive ESG performance showed a negative regulatory effect between environmental regulation intensity and enterprise green innovation, which means that environmental regulation intensity and ESG performance have a substitution effect, and the effect is heterogeneous in different enterprises. This paper makes a beneficial exploration on how environmental regulation intensity and ESG performance affect enterprise green innovation, and demonstrates the regulatory role of ESG performance between environmental regulation intensity and green innovation, which reveals the impact of macro environmental policies on the green innovation behavior of micro subjects, and contributes to the further improvement of ESG concept and green innovation theory.
Effects of Variable-Resistance Training Versus Constant-Resistance Training on Maximum Strength: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lin Yiguan , Xu Yangyang , Hong Feng , Li Junbo , Ye Weibing , Korivi Mallikarjuna
Published: July 2022

Greater muscular strength is generally associated with superior sports performance, for example, in jumping, sprinting, and throwing. This meta-analysis aims to compare the effects of variable-resistance training (VRT) and constant-resistance training (CRT) on the maximum strength of trained and untrained subjects. PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were comprehensively searched to identify relevant studies published up to January 2022. Fourteen studies that met the inclusion criteria were used for the systematic review and meta-analysis. Data regarding training status, training modality, and type of outcome measure were extracted for the analyses. The Cochrane Collaboration tool was used to assess the risk of bias. The pooled outcome showed improved maximum strength with VRT, which was significantly higher than that with CRT (ES = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.42–1.19) for all the subjects. In addition, trained subjects experienced greater maximum-strength improvements with VRT than with CRT (ES = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.22–0.93). Based on subgroup analyses, maximum-strength improvement with a VRT load of ≥80% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM) was significantly higher than that with CRT (ES = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.37–1.16) in trained subjects, while no significant differences were found between VRT and CRT for maximum-strength improvement when the load was <80% (ES = 0.00; 95% CI: −0.55–0.55). The untrained subjects also achieved greater maximum strength with VRT than with CRT (ES = 1.34; 95% CI: 0.28–2.40). Interestingly, the improved maximum strength of untrained subjects with a VRT load of <80% of 1RM was significantly higher than that with CRT (ES = 2.38; 95% CI: 1.39–3.36); however, no significant differences were noted between VRT and CRT when the load was ≥80% of 1RM (ES = −0.04; 95% CI: −0.89–0.81). Our findings show that subjects with resistance training experience could use a load of ≥80% of 1RM and subjects without resistance training experience could use a load of <80% of 1RM to obtain greater VRT benefits.
Non-Obese Type 2 Diabetes with a History of Being an Extremely Preterm Small-for-Gestational-Age Infant without Early Adiposity Rebound
Authors: Nagano Nobuhiko , Kaneko Chizuka , Ohashi Shoko , Seya Megumi , Takigawa Itsuro , Masunaga Ken , Morioka Ichiro
Published: July 2022

Adiposity rebound (AR), which is defined as a situation in which the body mass index (BMI) starts to increase after infancy, is a predictive marker of future development of type 2 diabetes. The patient was a 20-year-old male. He was born at 28 gestational weeks with a birthweight of 642 g (−3.20 standard deviation, small-for-gestational age [SGA]). AR during early childhood or obesity in later childhood was not observed. At the onset of type 2 diabetes (20 years of age), his BMI, body fat percentage, and body fat mass were within normal ranges (20.4, 18.4% and 10.8 kg, respectively). However, his muscle mass was 44.7 kg, with low muscle mass of the trunk and upper limbs, which was lower than the standard reference, indicating that myogenic insulin resistance was involved in the development of non-obese type 2 diabetes. This case report describes a patient with no presentation of AR and obesity during childhood, who was born extremely preterm SGA, developed non-obese type 2 diabetes with low muscle mass. We suggest that patients born extremely preterm SGA should be carefully observed for the development of type 2 diabetes, even if they did not have AR in early childhood or had not become obese.
Evolutionary Game Analysis of Carbon Emission Reduction between Government and Enterprises under Carbon Quota Trading Policy
Authors: Yu Na , Chen Jianghua , Cheng Lei
Published: July 2022

As one of the most efficient means of emission reduction policies, carbon quota trading has a far-reaching impact on the carbon emission reduction of enterprises. Firstly, a two-party evolutionary game model of enterprise and government and a three-party evolutionary game model of enterprise–enterprise–government are constructed based on the multi-agent driving mechanism, evolutionary game theory, scenario simulation, and other methods. Then, we conduct a series of policy simulations for carbon emission under different scenario models and various enforcement strengths. Lastly, the behavioral strategies and system evolution trajectories in enterprises and government carbon trading are comprehensively investigated. The results show that in the two-party and three-party evolutionary game models, the carbon trading behavior is affected by the joint action of the enterprise and the government. The difference in initial willingness mainly affects the speed of the subject’s convergence to the steady state. Based on this, policy suggestions are proposed, such as reducing the cost of carbon emission of enterprises, enhancing the vitality of carbon emission reduction of enterprises, and stimulating the power of government regulation and responsibility performance, which can provide suggestions for the development of the carbon market.
Different Educational Interventions on Individual Cognition of Garbage Classification Based on EEG Monitoring
Authors: Zhao Rui , Ren Xinyun , Liu Yan , Li Yujun , Long Ruyin
Published: July 2022

Improvement in an individuals’ cognition is the key to promote garbage classification. This study takes university students as the research subjects, through three educational interventions, including the self-learning, heuristic learning, and interactive learning ways, to seek the most effective intervention based upon event-related potentials (ERPs) that is beneficial to enhance cognition of garbage classification. The results show that the experimental subjects induced P300 and LPP components, representing attentional changes and cognitive conflicts in classification judgments. There are differences in the amplitudes and peak latency of the two components corresponding to different interventions, indicating that the three educational interventions are able to improve the individual’s cognition level of garbage classification within a certain period of time. The interactive-learning intervention triggers the largest amplitudes of P300 and LPP, as well as the smallest peak latency, indicating its effect is the best. Such results provide insight into the design for an appropriate strategy in garbage classification education. The study also shows that an EEG signal can be used as the endogenous neural indicator to measure the performance of garbage classification under different educational interventions.
Genome-Wide Identification of Glutathione S-Transferase and Expression Analysis in Response to Anthocyanin Transport in the Flesh of the New Teinturier Grape Germplasm ‘Zhongshan-HongYu’
Authors: Li Hui , Yang Yaxin , Li Haoran , Wang Wu , Zheng Huan , Tao Jianmin
Published: July 2022

Anthocyanins are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum and then transported to the vacuole in plants. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are thought to play a key role in anthocyanin transport. To clarify the mechanism of GST genes in the accumulation and transport of anthocyanin in the early fruit stage, we analyzed and characterized the GST family in the flesh of ‘Zhongshan-HongYu’ (ZS-HY) based on the transcriptome. In this study, the 92 GST genes identified through a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis were unevenly present in all chromosomes of grapes, except chromosomes 3, 9 and 10. Through the analysis of the chromosomal location, gene structure, conserved domains, phylogenetic relationships and cis-acting elements of GST family genes, the phylogenetic tree divided the GST genes into 9 subfamilies. Eighteen GST genes were screened and identified from grape berries via a transcriptome sequencing analysis, of which 4 belonged to the phi subfamily and 14 to the tau subfamily, and the expression levels of these GST genes were not tissue-specific. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that VvGST4 was closely related to PhAN9 and AtTT19. This study provides a foundation for the analysis of the GST gene family and insight into the roles of GSTs in grape anthocyanin transport.
CALMODULIN1 and WRKY53 Function in Plant Defense by Negatively Regulating the Jasmonic Acid Biosynthesis Pathway in Arabidopsis
Authors: Jiao Chunyang , Li Kaixiang , Zuo Yixin , Gong Junqing , Guo Zhujuan , Shen Yingbai
Published: July 2022

Jasmonic acid (JA) is an important hormone that functions in plant defense. cam1 and wrky53 mutants were more resistant to Spodoptera littoralis than in the wild-type (WT) Arabidopsis group. In addition, JA concentration in cam1 and wrky53 mutants was higher compared with the WT group. To explore how these two proteins affect the resistance of Arabidopsis plants, we used a yeast two-hybrid assay, firefly luciferase complementation imaging assay and in vitro pull-down assay confirming that calmodulin 1 (CAM1) interacted with WRKY53. However, these two proteins separate when calcium concentration increases in Arabidopsis leaf cells. Then, electrophoretic mobility shift assay and luciferase activation assay were used to verify that WRKY53 could bind to lipoxygenases 3 (LOX3) and lipoxygenases 4 (LOX4) gene promoters and negatively regulate gene expression. This study reveals that CAM1 and WRKY53 negatively regulate plant resistance to herbivory by regulating the JA biosynthesis pathway via the dissociation of CAM1-WRKY53, then the released WRKY53 binds to the LOXs promoters to negatively regulate LOXs gene expression. This study reveals WRKY53′s mechanism in insect resistance, a new light on the function of WRKY53.
Inhibition of eIF6 Activity Reduces Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth: An In Vivo and In Vitro Study
Authors: Scagliola Alessandra , Miluzio Annarita , Mori Giada , Ricciardi Sara , Oliveto Stefania , Manfrini Nicola , Biffo Stefano
Published: July 2022

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the accumulation of lipids in the liver. Given the high prevalence of NAFLD, its evolution to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is of global concern. Therapies for managing NASH-driven HCC can benefit from targeting factors that play a continuous role in NAFLD evolution to HCC. Recent work has shown that postprandial liver translation exacerbates lipid accumulation through the activity of a translation factor, eukaryotic initiation factor 6 (eIF6). Here, we test the effect of eIF6 inhibition on the progression of HCC. Mice heterozygous for eIF6 express half the level of eIF6 compared to wt mice and are resistant to the formation of HCC nodules upon exposure to a high fat/high sugar diet combined with liver damage. Histology showed that nodules in eIF6 het mice were smaller with reduced proliferation compared to wt nodules. By using an in vitro model of human HCC, we confirm that eIF6 depletion reduces the growth of HCC spheroids. We also tested three pharmacological inhibitors of eIF6 activity—eIFsixty-1, eIFsixty-4, and eIFsixty-6—and all three reduced eIF6 binding to 60S ribosomes and limited the growth of HCC spheroids. Thus, inhibition of eIF6 activity is feasible and limits HCC formation.
The Role of Neurotrophin Signaling in Age-Related Cognitive Decline and Cognitive Diseases
Authors: Numakawa Tadahiro , Odaka Haruki
Published: July 2022

Neurotrophins are a family of secreted proteins expressed in the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system that support neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its high affinity receptor TrkB are highly expressed in the cortical and hippocampal areas and play an essential role in learning and memory. The decline of cognitive function with aging is a major risk factor for cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, an alteration of BDNF/TrkB signaling with aging and/or pathological conditions has been indicated as a potential mechanism of cognitive decline. In this review, we summarize the cellular function of neurotrophin signaling and review the current evidence indicating a pathological role of neurotrophin signaling, especially of BDNF/TrkB signaling, in the cognitive decline in aging and age-related cognitive diseases. We also review the therapeutic approach for cognitive decline by the upregulation of the endogenous BDNF/TrkB-system.
Dietary Glucose Ameliorates Impaired Intestinal Development and Immune Homeostasis Disorders Induced by Chronic Cold Stress in Pig Model
Authors: Sun Guodong , Song Xin , Zou Yingbin , Teng Teng , Jiang Lin , Shi Baoming
Published: July 2022

Endotherms are easily challenged by chronic cold stress. In this study, the development and injury of the small intestine in the Min pig model and Yorkshire pig model under chronic cold stress, and the molecular mechanisms by which glucose supplementation reduces small intestinal mucosal damage were investigated. The results showed that morphological structure lesions of the jejunal mucosa and ileal mucosa were visible in Yorkshire pigs under chronic cold stress. Meanwhile, the Occludin mRNA and protein expression in jejunal mucosa of Yorkshire pigs was decreased. Chronic cold stress enhanced the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), the myeloid differentiation main response 88 (MyD88), nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat protein 3 (NLRP3), cleaved caspase-1, mature-IL-1β, and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB 1) mRNA and protein expression in jejunal mucosa of Yorkshire pigs, whereas the mRNA and protein of Bax was triggered in ileal mucosa. In Min pigs, no such deleterious consequences were observed. Dietary glucose supplementation ameliorates small intestinal mucosal injury, declined TLR4 and MyD88 expression in jejunal mucosa. In conclusion, chronic cold stress induced the small intestinal mucosa damage in Yorkshire pigs, whereas glucose supplementation mitigated the deleterious effects of chronic cold stress on the small intestine.
Trypsin-like Inhibitor Domain (TIL)-Harboring Protein Is Essential for Aedes aegypti Reproduction
Authors: Tikhe Chinmay Vijay , Cardoso-Jaime Victor , Dong Shengzhang , Rutkowski Natalie , Dimopoulos George
Published: July 2022

Cysteine-rich trypsin inhibitor-like domain (TIL)-harboring proteins are broadly distributed in nature but remain understudied in vector mosquitoes. Here we have explored the biology of a TIL domain-containing protein of the arbovirus vector Aedes aegypti, cysteine-rich venom protein 379 (CRVP379). CRVP379 was previously shown to be essential for dengue virus infection in Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. Gene expression analysis showed CRVP379 to be highly expressed in pupal stages, male testes, and female ovaries. CRVP379 expression is also increased in the ovaries at 48 h post-blood feeding. We used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to generate two mutant lines of CRVP379 with mutations inside or outside the TIL domain. Female mosquitoes from both mutant lines showed severe defects in their reproductive capability; mutant females also showed differences in their follicular cell morphology. However, the CRVP379 line with a mutation outside the TIL domain did not affect male reproductive performance, suggesting that some CRVP379 residues may have sexually dimorphic functions. In contrast to previous reports, we did not observe a noticeable difference in dengue virus infection between the wild-type and any of the mutant lines. The importance of CRVP379 in Ae. aegypti reproductive biology makes it an interesting candidate for the development of Ae. aegypti population control methods.
Coexpression of TRPML1 and TRPML2 Mucolipin Channels Affects the Survival of Glioblastoma Patients
Authors: Santoni Giorgio , Maggi Federica , Amantini Consuelo , Arcella Antonietta , Marinelli Oliviero , Nabissi Massimo , Santoni Matteo , Morelli Maria Beatrice
Published: July 2022

Among brain cancers, glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant glioma with an extremely poor prognosis. It is characterized by high cell heterogeneity, which can be linked to its high malignancy. We have previously demonstrated that TRPML1 channels affect the OS of GBM patients. Herein, by RT-PCR, FACS and Western blot, we demonstrated that TRPML1 and TRPML2 channels are differently expressed in GBM patients and cell lines. Moreover, these channels partially colocalized in ER and lysosomal compartments in GBM cell lines, as evaluated by confocal analysis. Interestingly, the silencing of TRPML1 or TRPML2 by RNA interference results in the decrease in the other receptor at protein level. Moreover, the double knockdown of TRPML1 and TRPML2 leads to increased GBM cell survival with respect to single-channel-silenced cells, and improves migration and invasion ability of U251 cells. Finally, the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis demonstrated that patients with high TRPML2 expression in absence of TRPML1 expression strongly correlates with short OS, whereas high TRPML1 associated with low TRPML2 mRNA expression correlates with longer OS in GBM patients. The worst OS in GBM patients is associated with the loss of both TRPML1 and TRPML2 channels.
Evaluation of the Structural Modification of Ibuprofen on the Penetration Release of Ibuprofen from a Drug-in-Adhesive Matrix Type Transdermal Patch
Authors: Ossowicz-Rupniewska Paula , Bednarczyk Paulina , Nowak Małgorzata , Nowak Anna , Duchnik Wiktoria , Kucharski Łukasz , Klebeko Joanna , Świątek Ewelina , Bilska Karolina , Rokicka Joanna , Janus Ewa , Klimowicz Adam , Czech Zbigniew
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chemical modifications of the structure of active compounds on the skin permeation and accumulation of ibuprofen [IBU] from the acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive used as a drug-in-adhesives matrix type transdermal patch. The active substances tested were ibuprofen salts obtained by pairing the ibuprofen anion with organic cations, such as amino acid isopropyl esters. The structural modification of ibuprofen tested were Ibuprofen sodium salt, [GlyOiPr][IBU], [AlaOiPr][IBU], [ValOiPr][IBU], [SerOiPr][IBU], [ThrOiPr][IBU], [(AspOiPr)2][IBU], [LysOiPr][IBU], [LysOiPr][IBU]2, [PheOiPr][IBU], and [ProOiPr][IBU]. For comparison, the penetration of unmodified ibuprofen and commercially available patches was also investigated. Thus, twelve transdermal patches with new drug modifications have been developed whose adhesive carrier is an acrylate copolymer. The obtained patches were characterized for their adhesive properties and tested for permeability of the active substance. Our results show that the obtained ibuprofen patches demonstrate similar permeability to commercial patches compared to those with structural modifications of ibuprofen. However, these modified patches show an increased drug permeability of 2.3 to even 6.4 times greater than unmodified ibuprofen. Increasing the permeability of the active substance and properties such as adhesion, cohesion, and tack make the obtained patches an excellent alternative to commercial patches containing ibuprofen.
Effect of Fiber Orientation on the Tribological Performance of Abaca-Reinforced Epoxy Composite under Dry Contact Conditions
Authors: Milosevic Marko , Dzunic Dragan , Valasek Petr , Mitrovic Slobodan , Ruggiero Alessandro
Published: July 2022

This paper presents tribological research of an abaca fiber-reinforced epoxy composite material, analyzing fiber orientation and its effect on the tribological performances of the composite. The extremely low viscosity epoxy resin reinforced with NaOH-treated long abaca fibers is investigated under the different operating conditions. The unidirectional abaca fibers reinforced the epoxy resin and formed composite specimens with fibers in three directions, parallel (P-O), anti-parallel (AP-O) and normal (N-O), while keeping the sliding direction. The specimens were fabricated using fiber volume fractions of 10 vol%, 20 vol% and 30 vol% using the vacuum infusion technique. The block-on-disc (BOD) apparatus has been used to exhibit the tribological tests. Normal loads of 35 N and 45 N have been used for testing purposes. The experimental results indicated that the presence of abaca fiber significantly improved the wear characteristics of the matrix. An increased coefficient of friction was observed in samples with anti-parallel-oriented fibers at an applied load of 35 N. The conducted research shows that the use of abaca fibers as fillers could improve the tribological characteristics of the epoxy resin-based composite material.
Bryozoan Diversity Dynamics at the Devonian–Carboniferous Transition: Evidence from Transcaucasia
Authors: Tolokonnikova Zoya A. , Ruban Dmitry A.
Published: July 2022

The Devonian–Carboniferous transition was marked by a series of perturbations in the geological and biological evolution. The palaeontological data from Transcaucasia allowed the bryozoan diversity dynamics on the northern Gondwanan margin (southern periphery of the Palaeo-Tethys Ocean) to be documented at this transition. Taxonomic ranges of 43 species, 26 genera, 19 families, and 4 orders were analysed to reveal changes in the total diversity, the number of appearances, the number of disappearances, and the turnover rates per substages. It is established that the bryozoan diversity was rather high in the beginning and the end of the Famennian, as well as in the Late Tournaisian. It declined significantly in the Middle–Late Famennian and the Early Tournaisian due to the combination of the high number of disappearances and the low number of appearances. The turnovers remained strong, and they peaked in the mid-Famennian. These regionally documented diversity changes match the patterns recorded globally and in Southern Siberia. Hypothetically, the Middle–Late Famennian and Early Tournaisian crises established in Transcaucasia were related to the global events (anoxia and mass extinctions), a series of which weakened the bryozoans’ resistivity to negative external influences.
Neutronics Analyses of the Radiation Field at the Accelerator-Based Neutron Source of Nagoya University for the BNCT Study
Authors: Nishitani Takeo , Yoshihashi Sachiko , Tanagami Yuuki , Tsuchida Kazuki , Honda Shogo , Yamazaki Atsushi , Watanabe Kenichi , Kiyanagi Yoshiaki , Uritani Akira
Published: July 2022

The Nagoya University Accelerator-driven Neutron Source (NUANS) is an accelerator-based neutron source by 7Li(p,n)7Be reaction with a 2.8 MeV proton beam up to 15 mA. The fast neutrons are moderated and shaped to beam with a Beam Shaping Assembly (BSA). NUANS is aiming at the basic study of the Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) such as an in vitro cell-based irradiation experiment using a water phantom. Moreover, the BSA is developed as a prototype of one for human treatment. We have evaluated the radiation field of NUANS by a Monte Carlo code PHITS. It is confirmed that the radiation characteristics at the BNCT outlet meet the requirement of IAEA TECDOC-1223. Additionally, the radiation field in the water phantom located just in front of the BSA outlet is calculated. In the in vitro irradiation experiment, the boron dose of 30 Gy-eq, which is the dose to kill tumor cells, is expected for 20 min of irradiation at the beam current of 15 mA.
Effect of Preheat Temperature and Welding Sequence on the Temperature Distribution and Residual Stress in the Weld Overlay Repair of Hydroturbine Runner
Authors: He Jimiao , Wei Min , Zhang Lixin , Ren Changrong , Wang Jin , Wang Yuqi , Qi Wenkai
Published: July 2022

The hydroturbine runner is the core of the whole hydroelectric generating unit, which is employed to transform water energy into mechanical energy. In the process of service, the runner frequently suffers from abrasion due to erosion and cavitation. Defects are usually repaired by welding. To acquire suitable weld cladding repair process parameters, a combination of experimental and numerical simulation was applied to investigate the temperature and weld residual stress distribution in the repair zone under the different welding repair approaches. The results illustrate that the temperature and welding residual stress distribution of the blade and the shroud are out of symmetry, the temperature conduction rate is faster on the blade side, and the high-stress zone is predominantly concentrated in the weld and its adjacent area. When the preheating temperature is up to 150 °C, the peak value of welding residual stress reaches a minimum of 796.29 MPa. The welding sequence can adjust the distribution trend of welding residual stresses. The welding sequence of three-stage welding can effectively reduce the welding residual stresses near the shroud at the water outlet side of the blade. The results of the study will provide theoretical guidance for the welding repair of hydraulic turbine runners.
Effect of Dolomite Addition on the Structure and Properties of Multicomponent Amphibolite Glasses
Authors: Nowak Adrian , Lubas Malgorzata , Jasinski Jaroslaw Jan , Szumera Magdalena , Caban Renata , Iwaszko Jozef , Koza Kamila
Published: July 2022

The structure and properties of the glass can be modified by introducing appropriate additives. Dolomite is one of the primary raw materials modifying the properties of glass, in which the essential component is calcium-magnesium double carbonate CaCO3∙MgCO3. The paper presents the research results on glasses obtained by smelting pure amphibolite and amphibolite modified with 10 and 20% dolomite additives. The raw material used was mined in the Poland region of Lower Silesia. The glass melting process was carried out in an electric furnace at 1450 °C for 2 h. The structure and properties of the glasses and crystallization products were determined by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy—Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Viscosity and Vickers microhardness were also measured. It was found that the modification of amphibolite glass by adding dolomite affects the glasses’ properties and structure. The research results determined the effect of dolomite addition on the properties of alumino-silicate glasses in terms of the mineral fibre products used in the construction industry.
Mechanical Properties of Cubene Crystals
Authors: Galiakhmetova Leysan Kh. , Pavlov Igor S. , Bayazitov Ayrat M. , Kosarev Igor V. , Dmitriev Sergey V.
Published: July 2022

The fullerene family, whose most popular members are the spherical C60 and C70 molecules, has recently added a new member, the cube-shaped carbon molecule C8 called a cubene. A molecular crystal based on fullerenes is called fullerite. In this work, based on relaxational molecular dynamics, two fullerites based on cubenes are described for the first time, one of which belongs to the cubic system, and the other to the triclinic system. Potential energy per atom, elastic constants, and mechanical stress components are calculated as functions of lattice strain. It has been established that the cubic cubene crystal is metastable, while the triclinic crystal is presumably the crystalline phase in the ground state (the potential energies per atom for these two structures are −0.0452 and −0.0480 eV, respectively).The cubic phase has a lower density than the monoclinic one (volumes per cubene are 101 and 97.7 Å3). The elastic constants for the monoclinic phase are approximately 4% higher than those for the cubic phase. The presented results are the first step in studying the physical and mechanical properties of C8 fullerite, which may have potential for hydrogen storage and other applications. In the future, the influence of temperature on the properties of cubenes will be analyzed.
Selection of Durable, Environmentally Friendly, and Cost-Effective Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Coleri Erdem , Obaid Ihsan , Belc Anda Ligia , Sutherland Alex James
Published: July 2022

In recent years, due to the advent of several additives and innovations, asphalt mix design has become more complex. The mixes meeting the volumetric mix design requirements may still fail prematurely in the field. Thus, a transition from a simplistic volumetric-based mix design to a performance-based mix design is required, which was also envisioned in the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) and Superpave mix design. In addition to performance verification, asphalt mix designs should also be evaluated for the life-cycle costs and environmental impact to encourage durable as well as sustainable and cost-effective alternatives. In this study, three asphalt mixtures with different reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) contents and additives were evaluated for cracking and rutting performance by using different performance thresholds for asphalt mixtures that are generally used in the construction of high-volume roads in Oregon. A balanced mix design process was followed to determine the required binder content for the three mixtures. Based on the life cycle cost and environmental impact analyses, the mixture with warm mix additive (WMA) was selected as the most economically and environmentally viable asphalt mixture to be used for construction in Oregon.
Study on Mechanical Properties of Multi-Cavity Steel-Concrete Composite Beam
Authors: Li Chunbao , Cao Hui , Guan Di , Li Shen , Wang Xukai , Soloveva Valentina Y. , Dalerjon Hojiboev , Fan Zhiguang , Qin Pengju , Liu Xiaohui
Published: July 2022

This paper proposes a new form of composite beam: a multi-cavity steel-concrete composite beam. This composite beam uses internal perforated steel plate to connect the concrete with the steel structure, and shear connectors are no longer required, which is more suitable for industrial production. The mechanical properties of a multi-cavity steel-concrete composite beam in industrial applications are studied to avoid failures. In this paper, two multi-cavity steel-concrete composite beams with a size of 2500 mm × 200 mm × 300 mm were prepared, in which the angle of internal porous steel plate was set as 60° and 75°, respectively. A full-scale static load test was conducted on the beams to research its deformation and failure modes. The finite element software ANSYS was used to perform finite element modeling of multi-cavity steel-concrete composite beams and to analyze the influence of concrete strength, steel strength, porosity, and the angle of internal porous steel plate on the mechanical properties of composite beams. The results are as follows: before the composite beam reaches its serviceability limit state, its deformation basically shows a linear change; with the increase of load, the plastic deformation is gradually obvious, which can still provide a certain bearing capacity in the failure stage; the bearing capacity of the composite beam is positively correlated with the strength of concrete and steel, while negatively correlated with the porosity and the angle of internal porous steel plate; composite beams have large bearing capacity, good ductility and integrity.
Electron–Phonon Coupling and Nonthermal Effects in Gold Nano-Objects at High Electronic Temperatures
Authors: Medvedev Nikita , Milov Igor
Published: July 2022

Laser irradiation of metals is widely used in research and applications. In this work, we study how the material geometry affects electron–phonon coupling in nano-sized gold samples: an ultrathin layer, nano-rod, and two types of gold nanoparticles (cubic and octahedral). We use the combined tight-binding molecular dynamics Boltzmann collision integral method implemented within XTANT-3 code to evaluate the coupling parameter in irradiation targets at high electronic temperatures (up to Te~20,000 K). Our results show that the electron–phonon coupling in all objects with the same fcc atomic structure (bulk, layer, rod, cubic and octahedral nanoparticles) is nearly identical at electronic temperatures above Te~7000 K, independently of geometry and dimensionality. At low electronic temperatures, reducing dimensionality reduces the coupling parameter. Additionally, nano-objects under ultrafast energy deposition experience nonthermal damage due to expansion caused by electronic pressure, in contrast to bulk metal. Nano-object ultrafast expansion leads to the ablation/emission of atoms and disorders the inside of the remaining parts. These nonthermal atomic expansion and melting are significantly faster than electron–phonon coupling, forming a dominant effect in nano-sized gold.
Dynamic Viscosity of the NaF-KF-NdF3 Molten System
Authors: Rudenko Alexei , Kataev Alexander , Tkacheva Olga
Published: July 2022

The dynamic viscosity (η) of the molten system (NaF-KF)eut-NdF3 containing NdF3 in an amount from 0 to 15 mol.% was studied by rotational viscometry using a high-temperature rheometer, FRS 1600. Viscosity measurements were carried out in the temperature range from liquidus to 1153 K. The measurement procedure was tested on the (LiF-NaF-KF)eut melt. The choice of the parameter shear rate was carried out according to the viscosity and flow curves. Viscosity does not depend on shear rate, and therefore the investigated melts behave like Newtonian fluids, in the range of 9–19 s−1. The experimentally obtained viscosity values for (NaF-KF)eut-NdF3 melts in a wide temperature range are described by an exponential equation. In the coordinates ln(η) = f(1/T), they are straight lines; however, their temperature coefficients are noticeably different, which indicates significant impacts of composition and temperature.
Biodegradable Films from Kefiran-Based Cryogel Systems
Authors: Exarhopoulos Stylianos , Goulas Athanasios , Dimitreli Georgia
Published: July 2022

Kefiran, which was isolated from kefir grains, was used for the fabrication of cryogel-films in the presence of plasticizers, such as glycerol and sorbitol. Varying concentration ratios of the exopolysaccharide/plasticizer system were employed in the process of the cryogel-film formulation and their effect on the physical (film thickness, moisture content, and solubility) and the mechanical (tensile strength and elongation at break) properties of the films was monitored. Kefiran-film vapor adsorption isotherms were calculated, and a thermal analysis of the samples was also performed. The structural characteristics of the cryogel-films were observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The cryo-treatment, alongside the plasticizer addition, affected the physical and mechanical properties of the kefiran films, as well as their morphology. Increasing kefiran concentration resulted in increasing the film thickness, the moisture content, and the tensile strength, while decreased their solubility and their elongation at break. Kefiran-film adsorption isotherms were affected by the cryo-treatment, the kefiran concentration, and the plasticizer use and concentration. The thermal analysis of the kefiran films showed thermal stability. The presence of the plasticizers and their increment concentration resulted in decreasing the glass transition and the melting temperatures. The cryo-treatment and the presence of plasticizers resulted in the films appearing smoother. Glycerol proved to affect more than the sorbitol–water vapor adsorption and the morphology of kefiran films.
3D-Printed Microneedles for Point-of-Care Biosensing Applications
Authors: Rezapour Sarabi Misagh , Nakhjavani Sattar Akbari , Tasoglu Savas
Published: July 2022

Microneedles (MNs) are an emerging technology for user-friendly and minimally invasive injection, offering less pain and lower tissue damage in comparison to conventional needles. With their ability to extract body fluids, MNs are among the convenient candidates for developing biosensing setups, where target molecules/biomarkers are detected by the biosensor using the sample collected with the MNs. Herein, we discuss the 3D printing of microneedle arrays (MNAs) toward enabling point-of-care (POC) biosensing applications.
The Application of Carbon Nanomaterials in Sensing, Imaging, Drug Delivery and Therapy for Gynecologic Cancers: An Overview
Authors: Xiao Changji , Li Changming , Hu Jun , Zhu Lirong
Published: July 2022

Gynecologic cancers are one of the main health concerns of women throughout the world, and the early diagnosis and effective therapy of gynecologic cancers will be particularly important for the survival of female patients. As a current hotspot, carbon nanomaterials have attracted tremendous interest in tumor theranostics, and their application in gynecologic cancers has also been developed rapidly with great achievements in recent years. This Overview Article summarizes the latest progress in the application of diverse carbon nanomaterials (e.g., graphenes, carbon nanotubes, mesoporous carbon, carbon dots, etc.) and their derivatives in the sensing, imaging, drug delivery, and therapy of different gynecologic cancers. Important research contributions are highlighted in terms of the relationships among the fabrication strategies, architectural features, and action mechanisms for the diagnosis and therapy of gynecologic cancers. The current challenges and future strategies are discussed from the viewpoint of the real clinical application of carbon-based nanomedicines in gynecologic cancers. It is anticipated that this review will attract more attention toward the development and application of carbon nanomaterials for the theranostics of gynecologic cancers.
Preparation of the 1-Methylimidazole Borane/Tetrazole System for Hypergolic Fuels
Authors: Li Xue , Wu Jun , Fang Fan , Li Hongping , Wang Lei , Wan Hui , Guan Guofeng
Published: July 2022

Based on the acid–base neutralization, the (1-methylimidazolium)(tetrazol-1-yl)borane was successfully synthesized by taking advantage of the acidity of the tetrazole and the basicity of the 1-methylimidazole borane complex. Through HRMS, NMR, and FT−IR, the structure of synthetic compounds was characterized in detail. Concerning about the (1-methylimidazolium)(tetrazol-1-yl)borane, it had an ignition−delay time of about 25 ms and a density specific impulse over 351 s·g/cm3, making it a suitable candidate for green hypergolic fuels. Moreover, it also demonstrated that introducing tetrazole into the borane could be an appropriate strategy to adjust the performance of the energy of those borane compounds.
Endophytes, a Potential Source of Bioactive Compounds to Curtail the Formation–Accumulation of Advanced Glycation End Products: A Review
Authors: Rochín-Hernández Lory Sthephany , Rochín-Hernández Lory Jhenifer , Flores-Cotera Luis Bernardo
Published: July 2022

Endophytes, microorganisms that live in the internal tissues and organs of the plants, are known to produce numerous bioactive compounds, including, at times, some phytochemicals of their host plant. For such reason, endophytes have been quoted as a potential source for discovering bioactive compounds, particularly, of medical interest. Currently, many non-communicable diseases are threatening global human health, noticeably: diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and other ailment related to chronic inflammation and ageing. Intriguingly, the pathogenesis and development of these diseases have been linked to an excessive formation and accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs are a heterogeneous group of compounds that can alter the conformation, function, and lifetime of proteins. Therefore, compounds that prevent the formation and consequent accumulation of AGEs (AntiAGEs compounds) could be useful to delay the progress of some chronic diseases, and/or harmful effects of undue AGEs accumulation. Despite the remarkable ability of endophytes to produce bioactive compounds, most of the natural antiAGEs compounds reported in the literature are derived from plants. Accordingly, this work covers 26 plant antiAGEs compounds and some derivatives that have been reported as endophytic metabolites, and discusses the importance, possible advantages, and challenges of using endophytes as a potential source of antiAGEs compounds.
Putative Biosynthesis of Talarodioxadione & Talarooxime from Talaromyces stipitatus
Authors: al Fahad Ahmed J.
Published: July 2022

Polyesters containing 2,4-dihydroxy-6-(2-hydroxypropyl)benzoate and 3-hydroxybutyrate moieties have been isolated from many fungal species. Talaromyces stipitatus was previously reported to produce a similar polyester, talapolyester G. The complete genome sequence and the development of bioinformatics tools have enabled the discovery of the biosynthetic potential of this microorganism. Here, a putative biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) of the polyesters encoding a highly reducing polyketide synthase (HR-PKS) and nonreducing polyketide synthase (NR-PKS), a cytochrome P450 and a regulator, was identified. Although talapolyester G does not require an oxidative step for its biosynthesis, further investigation into the secondary metabolite production of T. stipitatus resulted in isolating two new metabolites called talarodioxadione and talarooxime, in addition to three known compounds, namely 6-hydroxymellein, 15G256α and transtorine that have never been reported from this organism. Interestingly, the biosynthesis of the cyclic polyester 15G256α requires hydroxylation of an inactive methyl group and thus could be a product of the identified gene cluster. The two compounds, talarooxime and transtorine, are probably the catabolic metabolites of tryptophan through the kynurenine pathway. Tryptophan metabolism exists in almost all organisms and has been of interest to many researchers. The biosynthesis of the new oxime is proposed to involve two subsequent N-hydroxylation of 2-aminoacetophenone.
The Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Tulbaghia, Allium, Crinum and Cyrtanthus: ‘Talented’ Taxa from the Amaryllidaceae
Authors: Danquah Cynthia Amaning , Minkah Prince Amankwah Baffour , Agana Theresa A. , Moyo Phanankosi , Ofori Michael , Doe Peace , Rali Sibusiso , Osei Duah Junior Isaiah , Amankwah Kofi Bonsu , Somuah Samuel Owusu , Nugbemado Isaac Newton , Maharaj Vinesh J. , Bhakta Sanjib , Gibbons Simon
Published: July 2022

Amaryllidaceae is a significant source of bioactive phytochemicals with a strong propensity to develop new drugs. The genera Allium, Tulbaghia, Cyrtanthus and Crinum biosynthesize novel alkaloids and other phytochemicals with traditional and pharmacological uses. Amaryllidaceae biomolecules exhibit multiple pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects. Traditionally, natural products from Amaryllidaceae are utilized to treat non-communicable and infectious human diseases. Galanthamine, a drug from this family, is clinically relevant in treating the neurocognitive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, which underscores the importance of the Amaryllidaceae alkaloids. Although Amaryllidaceae provide a plethora of biologically active compounds, there is tardiness in their development into clinically pliable medicines. Other genera, including Cyrtanthus and Tulbaghia, have received little attention as potential sources of promising drug candidates. Given the reciprocal relationship of the increasing burden of human diseases and limited availability of medicinal therapies, more rapid drug discovery and development are desirable. To expedite clinically relevant drug development, we present here evidence on bioactive compounds from the genera Allium, Tulgbaghia, Cyrtanthus and Crinum and describe their traditional and pharmacological applications.
A Comprehensive Review of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees and Its Constituents as Potential Lead Compounds for COVID-19 Drug Discovery
Authors: Intharuksa Aekkhaluck , Arunotayanun Warunya , Yooin Wipawadee , Sirisa-ard Panee
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensively disrupted global health, economics, and well-being. Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees has been used as a complementary treatment for COVID-19 in several Asian countries. This review aimed to summarize the information available regarding A. paniculata and its constituents, to provide critical points relating to its pharmacological properties, safety, and efficacy, revealing its potential to serve as a source of lead compounds for COVID-19 drug discovery. A. paniculata and its active compounds possess favorable antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antipyretic activities that could be beneficial for COVID-19 treatment. Interestingly, recent in silico and in vitro studies have revealed that the active ingredients in A. paniculata showed promising activities against 3CLpro and its virus-specific target protein, human hACE2 protein; they also inhibit infectious virion production. Moreover, existing publications regarding randomized controlled trials demonstrated that the use of A. paniculata alone or in combination was superior to the placebo in reducing the severity of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) manifestations, especially as part of early treatment, without serious side effects. Taken together, its chemical and biological properties, especially its antiviral activities against SARS-CoV-2, clinical trials on URTI, and the safety of A. paniculata, as discussed in this review, support the argument that A. paniculata is a promising natural source for drug discovery regarding COVID-19 post-infectious treatment, rather than prophylaxis.