bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Analysis and Profile of UDP-Glycosyltransferases Family in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) under Drought Stress
Authors: Ao Bao , Han Yangyang , Wang Shengsheng , Wu Fan , Zhang Jiyu
Published: June 2022

Drought stress is one of the major constraints that decreases global crop productivity. Alfalfa, planted mainly in arid and semi-arid areas, is of crucial importance in sustaining the agricultural system. The family 1 UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGT) is indispensable because it takes part in the regulation of plant growth and stress resistance. However, a comprehensive insight into the participation of the UGT family in adaptation of alfalfa to drought environments is lacking. In the present study, a genome-wide analysis and profiling of the UGT in alfalfa were carried out. A total of 409 UGT genes in alfalfa (MsUGT) were identified and they are clustered into 13 groups. The expression pattern of MsUGT genes were analyzed by RNA-seq data in six tissues and under different stresses. The quantitative real-time PCR verification genes suggested the distinct role of the MsUGT genes under different drought stresses and abscisic acid (ABA) treatment. Furthermore, the function of MsUGT003 and MsUGT024, which were upregulated under drought stress and ABA treatment, were characterized by heterologous expression in yeast. Taken together, this study comprehensively analyzed the UGT gene family in alfalfa for the first time and provided useful information for improving drought tolerance and in molecular breeding of alfalfa.
Selective Inhibition of Murine Cytomegalovirus Viral Gene Expression by the Antiviral Peptide TAT-I24
Authors: Harant Hanna
Published: June 2022

The effect of the antiviral peptide TAT-I24 on viral gene expression in cells infected with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) was investigated. The expression of immediate-early, early and late genes was highly induced upon infection with MCMV. In the presence of the peptide, the expression of all tested genes was sustainably reduced to a similar extent, independent of whether they were immediate-early, early or late genes. In contrast, the expression of host genes, such as NF-κB inhibitor alpha (Nfkbia), interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1 (Ifit1), chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 (Cxcl10), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 7 (Ccl7) and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (Ccl5), which are induced early upon virus infection, was only transiently suppressed in peptide-treated cells. The expression of other host genes which are affected by MCMV infection and play a role in endoplasmic reticulum stress or DNA-damage repair was not inhibited by the peptide. A combination of TAT-I24 with the nucleoside analogue cidofovir showed enhancement of the antiviral effect, demonstrating that viral replication can be more efficiently inhibited with a combination of drugs acting at different stages of the viral life-cycle.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate on Melanoma Cell Line: Inhibition of Cerebral Metastases Formation by Targeting NF-kB Genes-Mediating MicroRNA-4443 and MicroRNA-3620—Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate Effect on Melanoma
Authors: Bonafé Gabriel Alves , dos Santos Jéssica Silva , Ziegler Jussara Vaz , Marson Fernando Augusto Lima , Rocha Thalita , Ortega Manoela Marques
Published: June 2022

Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), a natural compound isolated from licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), has exhibited anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects in vitro. Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate (DPG), a dipotassium salt of GA, also has shown an anti-tumor effect on glioblastoma cell lines, U87MG and T98G. The study investigated the DPG effects in the melanoma cell line (SK-MEL-28). MTT assay demonstrated that the viability of the cells was significantly decreased in a time- and dose-dependent manner after DPG (IC50 = 36 mM; 24 h). DNA fragmentation suggested that DPG (IC50) induced cellular apoptosis, which was confirmed by a significant number of TUNEL-positive cells (p-value = 0.048) and by PARP-1 [0.55 vs. 1.02 arbitrary units (AUs), p-value = 0.001], BAX (1.91 vs. 1.05 AUs, p-value = 0.09), and BCL-2 (0.51 vs. 1.07 AUs, p-value = 0.0018) mRNA compared to control cells. The proliferation and wound-healing assays showed an anti-proliferative effect on DPG-IC50-treated cells, also indicating an inhibitory effect on cell migration (p-values < 0.001). Moreover, it was observed that DPG promoted a 100% reduction in melanospheres formation (p-value = 0.008). Our previous microRNAs (miRs) global analysis has revealed that DPG might increase miR-4443 and miR-3620 expression levels. Thus, qPCR showed that after DPG treatment, SK-MEL-28 cells presented significantly high miR-4443 (1.77 vs. 1.04 AUs, p-value = 0.02) and miR-3620 (2.30 vs. 1.00 AUs, p-value = 0.01) expression compared to control cells, which are predicted to target the NF-kB, CD209 and TNC genes, respectively. Both genes are responsible for cell attachment and migration, and qPCR revealed significantly decreased CD209 (1.01 vs. 0.54 AUs, p-value = 0.018) and TNC (1.00 vs. 0.31 AUs, p-value = 2.38 × 10−6) mRNA expression levels after DPG compared to untreated cells. Furthermore, the migration of SK-MEL-28 cells stimulated by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) was attenuated by adding DPG by wound-healing assay (48 h: p-value = 0.004; 72 h: p-value = 7.0 × 10−4). In addition, the MMP-9 expression level was inhibited by DPG in melanoma cells stimulated by TPA and compared to TPA-treated cells (3.56 vs. 0.99 AUs, p-value = 0.0016) after 24 h of treatment. Our results suggested that DPG has an apoptotic, anti-proliferative, and anti-migratory effect on SK-MEL-28 cells. DPG was also able to inhibit cancer stem-like cells that may cause cerebral tumor formation.
Turning Seashell Waste into Electrically Conductive Particles
Authors: Gärtner Stefanie , Graf Angelina , Triunfo Carla , Laurenzi Davide , Schupp Stefan M. , Maoloni Gabriele , Falini Giuseppe , Cölfen Helmut
Published: June 2022

Biomaterials such as seashells are intriguing due to their remarkable properties, including their hierarchical structure from the nanometer to the micro- or even macroscopic scale. Transferring this nanostructure to generate nanostructured polymers can improve their electrical conductivity. Here, we present the synthesis of polypyrrole using waste seashell powder as a template to prepare a polypyrrole/CaCO3 composite material. Various synthesis parameters were optimized to produce a composite material with an electrical conductivity of 2.1 × 10−4 ± 3.2 × 10−5 S/cm. This work presents the transformation of waste seashells into sustainable, electronically conductive materials and their application as an antistatic agent in polymers. The requirements of an antistatic material were met for a safety shoe sole.
Methuosis Contributes to Jaspine-B-Induced Cell Death
Authors: Bielsa Núria , Casasampere Mireia , Abad Jose Luis , Enrich Carlos , Delgado Antonio , Fabriàs Gemma , Lizcano Jose M. , Casas Josefina
Published: June 2022

Methuosis is a type of programmed cell death in which the cytoplasm is occupied by fluid-filled vacuoles that originate from macropinosomes (cytoplasmic vacuolation). A few molecules have been reported to behave as methuosis inducers in cancer cell lines. Jaspine B (JB) is a natural anhydrous sphingolipid (SL) derivative reported to induce cytoplasmic vacuolation and cytotoxicity in several cancer cell lines. Here, we have investigated the mechanism and signalling pathways involved in the cytotoxicity induced by the natural sphingolipid Jaspine B (JB) in lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells, which harbor the G12S K-Ras mutant. The effect of JB on inducing cytoplasmic vacuolation and modifying cell viability was determined in A549 cells, as well as in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) lacking either the autophagy-related gene ATG5 or BAX/BAK genes. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry after annexin V/propidium iodide staining, in the presence and absence of z-VAD. Autophagy was monitored by LC3-II/GFP-LC3-II analysis, and autophagic flux experiments using protease inhibitors. Phase contrast, confocal, and transmission electron microscopy were used to monitor cytoplasmic vacuolation and the uptake of Lucifer yellow to assess macropinocyosis. We present evidence that cytoplasmic vacuolation and methuosis are involved in Jaspine B cytotoxicity over A549 cells and that activation of 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) could be involved in Jaspine-B-induced vacuolation, independently of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (PI3K/Akt/mTORC1) axis.
Comparative Genomics of Three Aspergillus Strains Reveals Insights into Endophytic Lifestyle and Endophyte-Induced Plant Growth Promotion
Authors: Jing Minyu , Xu Xihui , Peng Jing , Li Can , Zhang Hanchao , Lian Chunlan , Chen Yahua , Shen Zhenguo , Chen Chen
Published: June 2022

Aspergillus includes both plant pathogenic and beneficial fungi. Although endophytes beneficial to plants have high potential for plant growth promotion and improving stress tolerance, studies on endophytic lifestyles and endophyte-plant interactions are still limited. Here, three endophytes belonging to Aspergillus, AS31, AS33, and AS42, were isolated. They could successfully colonize rice roots and significantly improved rice growth. The genomes of strains AS31, AS33, and AS42 were sequenced and compared with other Aspergillus species covering both pathogens and endophytes. The genomes of AS31, AS33, and AS42 were 36.8, 34.8, and 35.3 Mb, respectively. The endophytic genomes had more genes encoding carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and small secreted proteins (SSPs) and secondary metabolism gene clusters involved in indole metabolism than the pathogens. In addition, these endophytes were able to improve Pi (phosphorus) accumulation and transport in rice by inducing the expression of Pi transport genes in rice. Specifically, inoculation with endophytes significantly increased Pi contents in roots at the early stage, while the Pi contents in inoculated shoots were significantly increased at the late stage. Our results not only provide important insights into endophyte-plant interactions but also provide strain and genome resources, paving the way for the agricultural application of Aspergillus endophytes.
Correction: Patil et al. Freeing Aspergillus fumigatus of Polymycovirus Infection Renders It More Resistant to Competition with Pseudomonas aeruginosa Due to Altered Iron-Acquiring Tactics. J. Fungi 2021, 7, 497
Authors: Patil Rutuja H. , Kotta-Loizou Ioly , Palyzová Andrea , Pluháček Tomáš , Coutts Robert H. A. , Stevens David A. , Havlíček Vladimír
Published: June 2022

In the original publication [...]
Health Services and Patient Satisfaction in IRAN during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Methodology Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Khansari Seyed Mohammad , Arbabi Farzin , Moazen Jamshidi Mir Hadi , Soleimani Maryam , Ebrahimi Pejman
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study is to identify and classify the most important factors affecting patient satisfaction in the COVID-19 pandemic crisis considering economic effects. This is an analytical study using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method and ANN-MLP (Artificial neural network based on multilayer perceptron model as a supervised learning algorithm) as an innovative methodology. The questionnaire was completed by 72 healthcare experts (N = 72). The inter-class correlation (ICC) coefficient value was confirmed in terms of consistency to determine sampling reliability. The findings show that interpersonal care and organizational characteristics have the greatest and least influence, respectively. Furthermore, the observations confirm that the highest and lowest effective sub-criteria, respectively, are patient safety climate and accessibility. Based on the study’s objective and general context, it can be claimed that private hospitals outperformed public hospitals in terms of patient satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Focusing on performance sensitivity analysis shows that, among the proposed criteria to achieve the study objective, the physical environment criterion had the highest difference in private and public hospitals, followed by the interpersonal care criterion. Furthermore, we used a multilayer perceptron algorithm to assess the accuracy of the model and distinguish private and public hospitals as a novelty approach. Overfitting results in finding an MLP model which is reliable, and the accuracy of the model is acceptable.
Extraction from Relative Clauses in Icelandic and Swedish: A Parallel Investigation
Authors: Lindahl Filippa
Published: June 2022

Extraction from relative clauses is generally taken to be unacceptable in Icelandic, unlike in the Mainland Scandinavian languages. Recent studies on Mainland Scandinavian show that the type of dependency as well as the embedding predicate matters for the acceptability of such extractions, and the study of spontaneously produced examples has improved our ability to create felicitous extraction contexts. The studies of Icelandic extraction predate these findings, and there is to date no study which systematically compares parallel sentences in Icelandic and Mainland Scandinavian. This article presents such a study, using two acceptability judgment experiments, one in Icelandic and one in Swedish, drawing on newly gained insights about fronting conditions in the two languages to create plausible contexts. The Icelandic participants rated extraction from relative clauses as unnatural, with a very large acceptability cost compared to in situ versions and good fillers. Extraction from að-clauses received mixed ratings, and local fronting was rated on a par with the in situ versions. In Swedish, extraction from relative clauses was rated as natural a majority of the time. There was no extraction cost in local fronting, extraction from att-clauses, or extraction from relative clauses in existential sentences, while extraction with other embedding predicates incurred some cost. No differences relating to the embedding predicate were seen in Icelandic. The study corroborates the view that extraction from relative clauses is unacceptable in Icelandic.
Effects of Different Factors on the Performance of Recycled Aggregate Permeable Pavement Concrete
Authors: Wu Ruidong , Shi Shuning , Shen Yu , Hu Chen , Luo Mengfei , Gan Zichen , Xiao Bin , Wang Zeyu
Published: June 2022

Urban construction has produced a large amount of construction waste which has caused huge environmental problems. The sponge city is the development direction of urban construction, and permeable pavement concrete is an important material for sponge city construction. To see the law influencing different factors on the performance of recycled aggregate permeable pavement concrete, different water binder ratios, recycled aggregate particle gradations, ordinary aggregate substitution rates, and fly ash and admixture contents are designed to prepare permeable concrete. The compressive strength, permeability coefficient, frost resistance, and pore structure of permeable concrete are tested. The results show that when the replacement rate of recycled aggregate is 50%, the 28-d strength of concrete with a 0.25 water binder ratio can reach 28.9 MPa, and the permeability coefficient is 13.26 mm/s. The addition of fly ash will reduce the compressive strength, and the permeability coefficient increases first and then decreases with the increase of the fly ash content. When the mass fraction of fly ash instead of cement is 12%, the 28-d strength is 94.8% of that of the cement group, and the permeability coefficient can reach 14.03 mm/s. A water-reducing agent can obviously improve the workability of permeable concrete; the best content of the water-reducing agent is 0.2% of the cement mass. A reasonable amount of fly ash and water-reducing agent can optimize the number of harmless holes and less harmful holes in the concrete to improve the frost resistance and strength after the freeze–thaw, and the frost resistance is F150. This study provides a theoretical basis and technical guarantee for the resource utilization of recycled aggregate in permeable pavement concrete.
Evaluating the Effect of Tideglusib-Loaded Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles as a Potential Dentine Regenerative Material
Authors: Rao Akhil C. , Venkatesh K. Vijay , Nandini Vidyashree , Sihivahanan Dhanasekaran , Alamoudi Ahmed , Bahammam Hammam Ahmed , Bahammam Sarah Ahmed , Zidane Bassam , Bahammam Maha A. , Chohan Hitesh , Albar Nassreen H. , Yadalam Pradeep Kumar , Patil Shankargouda
Published: June 2022

Dental pulp treatment is the least intrusive procedure currently available for preserving the vitality of the pulp. Several studies are underway to improve the bioactivity of pulp capping materials. Tideglusib isa potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and a regenerative drug developed against Alzheimer’s disease and has been shown to be effective in the treatment of dental cavities. However, its bioactive properties encapsulated within the nanoparticles as a component of pulp capping material are largely unknown. In this study, tideglusib-loaded bioactive glass nanoparticles were synthesized (tideglusib-BgNPs) and mixed at various concentrations into the calcium silicate cement to testits physiomechanical and bioactivitiescompared with biodentine (control). The calcium silicate cement with 10wgt% tideglusib-BgNPs showed comparable physiomechanical properties to that of biodentine. Additionally, the assessment of cytotoxicity and bioactivity (cell proliferation, wound healing, and cell migration assays) showed increased bioactivity in terms of better wound healing, increased proliferation, and better migration of human dental pulp stem cells than biodentine. These findings suggest new opportunities to use tideglusib-BgNPs in pulp therapy.
Assessment of TiO2 Nanoparticle Impact on Surface Morphology of Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells
Authors: Batiuskaite Danute , Bruzaite Ingrida , Snitka Valentinas , Ramanavicius Arunas
Published: June 2022

The process of nanoparticles entering the cells of living organisms is an important step in understanding the influence of nanoparticles on biological processes. The interaction of nanoparticles with the cell membrane is the first step in the penetration of nanoparticles into cells; however, the penetration mechanism is not yet fully understood. This work reported the study of the interaction between TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells using an in vitro model. The characterization of crystalline phases of TiO2 NPs was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Interaction of these TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2- NPs) with the CHO cell membrane was investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy. The XRD analysis result showed that the structure of the TiO2 particles was in the rutile phase with a crystallite size of 60 nm, while the AFM result showed that the particle size distribution had two peaks with 12.1 nm and 60.5 nm. The TEM analysis confirmed the rutile phase of TiO2 powder. Our study showed that exposure of CHO cells to TiO2-NPs caused morphological changes in the cell membranes and influenced the viability of cells. The TiO2-NPs impacted the cell membrane surface; images obtained by AFM revealed an ‘ultra structure‘ with increased roughness and pits on the surface of the membrane. The depth of the pits varied in the range of 40–80 nm. The maximal depth of the pits after the treatment with TiO2-NPs was 100% higher than the control values. It is assumed that these pits were caveolae participating in the endocytosis of TiO2-NPs. The research results suggest that the higher maximal depth of the pits after the exposure of TiO2-NPs was determined by the interaction of these TiO2-NPs with the cell’s plasma membrane. Moreover, some of pits may have been due to plasma membrane damage (hole) caused by the interaction of TiO2-NPs with membrane constituents. The analysis of AFM images demonstrated that the membrane roughness was increased with exposure time of the cells to TiO2-NPs dose. The average roughness after the treatment for 60 min with TiO2-NPs increased from 40 nm to 78 nm. The investigation of the membrane by Raman spectroscopy enabled us to conclude that TiO2-NPs interacted with cell proteins, modified their conformation, and potentially influenced the structural damage of the plasma membrane.
Rosmarinic Acid-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles Prepared by Low-Energy Nano-Emulsion Templating: Formulation, Biophysical Characterization, and In Vitro Studies
Authors: García-Melero Jessica , López-Mitjavila Joan-Josep , García-Celma María José , Rodriguez-Abreu Carlos , Grijalvo Santiago
Published: June 2022

Rosmarinic acid (RA), a caffeic acid derivative, has been loaded in polymeric nanoparticles made up of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) through a nano-emulsion templating process using the phase-inversion composition (PIC) method at room temperature. The obtained RA-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) were colloidally stable exhibiting average diameters in the range of 70–100 nm. RA was entrapped within the PLGA polymeric network with high encapsulation efficiencies and nanoparticles were able to release RA in a rate-controlled manner. A first-order equation model fitted our experimental data and confirmed the prevalence of diffusion mechanisms. Protein corona formation on the surface of NPs was assessed upon incubation with serum proteins. Protein adsorption induced an increase in the hydrodynamic diameter and a slight shift towards more negative surface charges of the NPs. The radical scavenging activity of RA-loaded NPs was also studied using the DPPH·assay and showed a dose–response relationship between the NPs concentration and DPPH inhibition. Finally, RA-loaded NPs did not affect the cellular proliferation of the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line and promoted efficient cellular uptake. These results are promising for expanding the use of O/W nano-emulsions in biomedical applications.
Strength Predictive Modelling of Soils Treated with Calcium-Based Additives Blended with Eco-Friendly Pozzolans—A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Eyo Eyo U. , Abbey Samuel J. , Booth Colin A.
Published: June 2022

The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of a stabilised soil is a major mechanical parameter in understanding and developing geomechanical models, and it can be estimated directly by either lab testing of retrieved core samples or remoulded samples. However, due to the effort, high cost and time associated with these methods, there is a need to develop a new technique for predicting UCS values in real time. An artificial intelligence paradigm of machine learning (ML) using the gradient boosting (GB) technique is applied in this study to model the unconfined compressive strength of soils stabilised by cementitious additive-enriched agro-based pozzolans. Both ML regression and multinomial classification of the UCS of the stabilised mix are investigated. Rigorous sensitivity-driven diagnostic testing is also performed to validate and provide an understanding of the intricacies of the decisions made by the algorithm. Results indicate that the well-tuned and optimised GB algorithm has a very high capacity to distinguish between positive and negative UCS categories (‘firm’, ‘very stiff’ and ‘hard’). An overall accuracy of 0.920, weighted recall rates and precision scores of 0.920 and 0.938, respectively, were produced by the GB model. Multiclass prediction in this regard shows that only 12.5% of misclassified instances was achieved. When applied to a regression problem, a coefficient of determination of approximately 0.900 and a mean error of about 0.335 were obtained, thus lending further credence to the high performance of the GB algorithm used. Finally, among the eight input features utilised as independent variables, the additives seemed to exhibit the strongest influence on the ML predictive modelling.
Effect of Leaching Behavior on the Geometric and Hydraulic Characteristics of Concrete Fracture
Authors: Wang Yuan , Tao Mengmeng , Feng Di , Jiao Yu , Niu Yulong , Wang Zhikui
Published: June 2022

The leaching of material from concrete fracture surfaces has an impact on the structural concrete in service, but the number of studies that consider the effect of the coupling of the leaching, fracture geometry and hydraulic processes on concrete fractures is insufficient. In this study, a series of experiments was conducted, and a leaching model proposed, to investigate the mechanism of leaching behavior on the geometric and hydraulic characteristics of concrete fractures. Following the leaching experiment, the evolution of fracture geometric characteristics was observed by a three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning technique, finding that the fracture produces residual leached depth and local uneven leaching, which results in a decrease in roughness. The hydraulic characteristics were then investigated by permeability tests, and it was found that the fracture hydraulic aperture and permeability increase monotonically with leaching time. A simulation of fluid flow in a numerical fracture revealed the effect of residual leached depth and a decrease in roughness on the hydraulic characteristics. Finally, based on the analysis of the chemical composition of the leaching solution, a leaching model of concrete rough fracture surface is proposed and the mechanism of leaching behavior is discussed. These new findings are useful for the understanding of the development of leaching, local to concrete fracture surfaces.
Optical Thin Films Fabrication Techniques—Towards a Low-Cost Solution for the Integrated Photonic Platform: A Review of the Current Status
Authors: Butt Muhammad A. , Tyszkiewicz Cuma , Karasiński Paweł , Zięba Magdalena , Kaźmierczak Andrzej , Zdończyk Maria , Duda Łukasz , Guzik Malgorzata , Olszewski Jacek , Martynkien Tadeusz , Bachmatiuk Alicja , Piramidowicz Ryszard
Published: June 2022

In the past few decades, several methods concerning optical thin films have been established to facilitate the development of integrated optics. This paper provides a brief depiction of different techniques for implementing optical waveguide thin films that involve chemical, physical, and refractive index modification methods. Recent advances in these fabrication methods are also been presented. Most of the methods developed for the realization of the thin-films are quite efficient, but they are expensive and require sophisticated equipment. The major interest of the scientists is to develop simple and cost-effective methods for mass production of optical thin films resulting in the effective commercialization of the waveguide technology. Our research group is focused on developing a silica-titania optical waveguide platform via the sol-gel dip-coating method and implementing active and passive optical elements via the wet etching method. We are also exploring the possibility of using nanoimprint lithography (NIL) for patterning these films so that the fabrication process is efficient and economical. The recent developments of this platform are discussed. We believe that silica-titania waveguide technology developed via the sol-gel dip-coating method is highly attractive and economical, such that it can be commercialized for applications such as sensing and optical interconnects.
A Multi-Agent Approach for Self-Healing and RES-Penetration in Smart Distribution Networks
Authors: Abdelhamid Ahmed Maged , Zakzouk Nahla E. , El Safty Samah
Published: June 2022

Smart grid technology has gained much consideration recently to make use of intelligent control in the automatic fault-detection and self-healing of electric networks. This ensures a reliable electricity supply and an efficient operation of the distribution system against disasters with minimum human interaction. In this paper, a fully decentralized multi-agent system (MAS) algorithm, for self-healing in smart distribution systems, is proposed. The novelty of the proposed algorithm, compared to related work, is its ability to combine the zone and feeder agents, specified for system self-healing, with micro-grid agents. This enables the system to successfully achieve functions of fault locating and isolation along with service-restoration using expert rules while considering both operational constraint and load priorities. Meanwhile, managing the power flow and controlling the distributed generator (DG) contribution, in the considered network, is a bonus merit for the proposed algorithm. Hence, system self-healing as well as strengthening energy security and resiliency are guaranteed. The proposed algorithm is tested on a 22 kV radial distribution system through several case-studies with/without a DG wind-energy source. The employed agents are implemented in the Java Agent Developing Framework (JADE) environment to communicate and make decisions. Power system simulation and calculations are carried out in MATLAB to validate the agents’ decisions.
Investigation on Metabolites in Structural Diversity from the Deep-Sea Sediment-Derived Bacterium Agrococcus sp. SCSIO 52902 and Their Biosynthesis
Authors: Ding Wenping , Li Yanqun , Tian Xinpeng , Chen Min , Xiao Zhihui , Chen Rouwen , Yin Hao , Zhang Si
Published: June 2022

Deep-sea sediment-derived bacterium may make full use of self-genes to produce more bioactive metabolites to adapt to extreme environment, resulting in the discovery of novel metabolites with unique structures and metabolic mechanisms. In the paper, we systematically investigated the metabolites in structurally diversity and their biosynthesis from the deep-sea sediment-derived bacterium Agrococcus sp. SCSIO 52902 based on OSMAC strategy, Molecular Networking tool, in combination with bioinformatic analysis. As a result, three new compounds and one new natural product, including 3R-OH-1,6-diene-cyclohexylacetic acid (1), linear tetradepsipeptide (2), N1,N5-di-p-(EE)-coumaroyl-N10-acetylspermidine (3) and furan fatty acid (4), together with nineteen known compounds (5–23) were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of SCSIO 52902. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Marfey’s method and chiral-phase HPLC analysis. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that compounds 1, 3, 9 and 13–22 were closely related to the shikimate pathway, and compound 5 was putatively produced by the OSB pathway instead of the PKS pathway. In addition, the result of cytotoxicity assay showed that compound 5 exhibited weak cytotoxic activity against the HL-60 cell line.
S-Assimilation Influences in Carrageenan Biosynthesis Genes during Ethylene-Induced Carposporogenesis in Red Seaweed Grateloupia imbricata
Authors: del Rosario-Santana Diana , Robaina Rafael R. , Garcia-Jimenez Pilar
Published: June 2022

The synthesis of cell-wall sulfated galactans proceeds through UDP galactose, a major nucleotide sugar in red seaweed, whilst sulfate is transported through S-transporters into algae. Moreover, synthesis of ethylene, a volatile plant growth regulator that plays an important role in red seaweed reproduction, occurs through S-adenosyl methionine. This means that sulfur metabolism is involved in reproduction events as well as sulfated galactan synthesis of red seaweed. In this work we study the effects of methionine and MgSO4 on gene expression of polygalactan synthesis through phosphoglucomutase (PGM) and galactose 1 phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) and of sulfate assimilation (S-transporter and sulfate adenylyltransferase, SAT) using treatment of ethylene for 15 min, which elicited cystocarp development in Grateloupia imbricata. Also, expressions of carbohydrate sulfotransferase and galactose-6-sulfurylase in charge of the addition and removal of sulfate groups to galactans backbone were examined. Outstanding results occurred in the presence of methionine, which provoked an increment in transcript number of genes encoding S-transporter and assimilation compared to controls regardless of the development stage of thalli. Otherwise, methionine diminished the transcript levels of PGM and GALT and expressions are associated with the fertilization stage of thalli of G. imbricata. As opposite, methionine and MgSO4 did not affect the transcript number of carbohydrate sulfotransferase and galactose-6-sulfurylase. Nonetheless, differential expression was obtained for sulfurylases according to the development stages of thalli of G. imbricata.
Development of a Cranial Suture Traction Therapy Program for Facial Asymmetry Correction Using the New Delphi Technique
Authors: Park Seong-Yeon , Hwang Hea-Ju , Park Kyu-Nam
Published: June 2022

Background and Objectives: We aimed to develop a cranial suture traction therapy program, a non-surgical therapeutic method for facial asymmetry correction. Materials and Methods: Six experts, including rehabilitation medicine specialists, oriental medical doctors, dentistry specialists, five experts, including Master’s or doctoral degree holders in skin care and cosmetology with more than 10 years of experience in the field, 4 experts including educators in the field of skin care, a total of 15 people participated in the validation of the development of the cranial suture traction therapy program in stages 1 to 3. Open questions were used in the primary survey. In the second survey, the results of the first survey were summarized and the degree of agreement regarding the questions in each category was presented. In the third survey, the degree of agreement for each item in the questionnaire was analyzed statistically. Results: Most of the questions attained a certain level of consensus by the experts (average of ≥ 4.0). The difference between the mean values was the highest for the third survey at 0.33 and was the lowest between the second and third surveys at 0.47. The results regarding the perceived degree of importance for each point of the evaluation in both the second and third stages of the cranial suture traction therapy program were verified using the content validity ratio. The ratio for the 13 evaluation points was within the range of 0.40−1.00; thus, the Delphi program for cranial suture traction therapy verified that the content was valid. Conclusions: As most questions attained a certain level of consensus by the experts, it can be concluded that these questions are suitable, relevant, and important. The commercialization of the cranial suture traction treatment program will contribute to the correction and prevention of facial dislocations or asymmetry, and the developed treatment will be referred to as cranial suture traction therapy (CSTT).
Advanced Research on Structure–Function Relationships of Membrane Proteins
Authors: Naito Akira , Kawamura Izuru
Published: June 2022

Membrane proteins embedded in biological membranes account for 30% of the proteins encoded in the human genome and play an essential role in maintaining the homeostasis of cells by functioning as transporters, for signal transaction and energy conversion, amongst other functions [...]
A Fiber-Based SPR Aptasensor for the In Vitro Detection of Inflammation Biomarkers
Authors: Hua Yu , Wang Ridong , Li Dachao
Published: June 2022

It is widely accepted that the abnormal concentrations of different inflammation biomarkers can be used for the early diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Currently, many reported strategies, which require extra report tags or bulky detection equipment, are not portable enough for onsite inflammation biomarker detection. In this work, a fiber-based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor decorated with DNA aptamers, which were specific to two typical inflammation biomarkers, C-reactive protein (CRP) and cardiac troponin I (cTn-I), was developed. By optimizing the surface concentration of the DNA aptamer, the proposed sensor could achieve a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.7 nM (0.204 μg/mL) and 2.5 nM (57.5 ng/mL) to CRP and cTn-I, respectively. Additionally, this biosensor could also be used to detect other biomarkers by immobilizing corresponding specific DNA aptamers. Integrated with a miniaturized spectral analysis device, the proposed sensor could be applied for constructing a portable instrument to provide the point of care testing (POCT) for CVD patients.
Micro and Nanoscale Structures and Corrosion Patterns in Brass: The Case Study of Ancient Roman Orichalcum Coins
Authors: Di Fazio Melania , Felici Anna Candida , Catalli Fiorenzo , Medeghini Laura , De Vito Caterina
Published: June 2022

This study investigated the micro and nanoscale structure in Cu-Zn alloy, as well as its corrosion patterns. To achieve this goal, a set of Roman orichalcum coins were analysed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray maps, high resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (HR-FESEM-EDS) and electron microprobe analyser (EMPA) techniques. The samples showed a high degree of corrosion on their external surfaces, which evolved in depth up to ~1 mm. Micro and sub-micro imaging of the inner metal highlighted the presence of “stressed areas” caused by mechanical processing work, representing the trigger zone of corrosion and causing the loss of material. These images also permitted us to follow the grain-grain interface and selective Zn-dealloying in the examined samples. X-ray maps of Cu and Zn helped us to understand the evolution of the dezincification process, from rim to core. HR-FESEM-EDS imaging investigation highlighted a heterogeneous composition within the strain line structures, confirming that the mechanically stressed areas were active zones for corrosion processes. Cracks and voids also characterised the patina. Conversely, the uncorroded cores of the samples were not affected by dealloying.
Mathematical Model of Ilmenite Separation Efficiency Using a High Gradient Plate Magnetic Separator
Authors: Ye Fangping , Jiang Weijie , Ren Xiangjun , Xu Jinyue , Guo Zhiqiang , Li Chenyu
Published: June 2022

High gradient magnetic separation is widely used in magnetic minerals upgrading, and its separation performance is significant depending on the parameters. In this investigation, the Mathematical model of the plate high gradient magnetic separator is established, the magnetic induction and the flow field distribution are investigated based on the COMSOL multi-physical simulation, and then the separation efficiency and TiO2 grade are analyzed using the plate high gradient magnetic separator. Additionally, the key factors affecting the efficiency of mineral separation are detailed in the experimental separation, the separation efficiency is demonstrated and its feasibility is verified by experiments. It is founded that the mathematical model and simulation results are basically validated by the experimental separation process, and the TiO2 grade can be effectively upgraded from 5.2% to 11.5% with the rinsing water consumption 9.5 L/min and the belt rotating speed 2 r/min. It is thus concluded that plate high gradient magnetic separator has provided an effective way in upgrading ilmenite quality.
Geochemical Fractal Characteristics of Deep-Sea REE-Rich Sediments in the Western Pacific
Authors: Zhang Yan , He Gaowen , Wang Fenlian , Yang Yong , Liu Yonggang , Zhang Li , Zhou Yongzhang
Published: June 2022

At present, the challenge for geochemical prospecting of deep-sea, rare, earth-rich sediments is the selection of exploration sites. Because of the unpredictability of offshore operations, the distribution and selection of survey line stations face great challenges. In this paper, we study the fact that the concentration distribution of geochemistry in space may be a part of a special complex process, which is called the multifractal. It requires a large number of indexes to characterize its scale characteristics. Based on the multifractal spectrum, 38 geochemical indices in the Pigafetta Basin region of the western Pacific Ocean are divided into three categories. The three indexes are distinguished by the multifractal parameters. The results of multifractals are in good agreement with those of the cluster analysis and principal component analysis. In addition, on the basis of principal component analysis, we further used the multifractal filtering method to extract element anomalies and delineate element enrichment regions. The first principal component clearly represents the potential element enrichment area. The spatial analysis technique and multifractal method proposed in the paper provide a new idea for geochemical prospecting of deep-sea, rare, earth-rich sediments.
Fluorescent Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots for Label Live Elder Blood-Stage Plasmodium falciparum through New Permeability Pathways
Authors: Xu Jiahui , Hu Fengyue , Li Shuang , Bao Jiaojiao , Yin Yi , Ren Zhenyu , Deng Ying , Tian Fang , Bao Guangyu , Liu Jian , Li Yinyue , He Xinlong , Xi Juqun , Lu Feng
Published: June 2022

To verify the size and emergence time of new permeability pathways (NPPs) in malaria parasites, the permeability of the Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes was tested with different particle sizes of nanomaterials by flow cytometry assay. The results confirmed the permeability of the host cell membrane increases with parasite maturation for the stage-development evolution of NPPs, and especially found that a particle size of about 50 nm had higher efficiency. As a kind of the novel nanomaterials, nitrogen-doped carbon dots (NCDs) showed no toxicity, specificity binding ability to the malaria parasites, and could label live elder blood-stage P. falciparum through NPPs, indicating the potential application in cell imaging. NPPs and some nanomaterials such as NCDs deserve more attention and exploration for the elimination and prevention of malaria.
Application of Mathematical Modeling and Computational Tools in the Modern Drug Design and Development Process
Authors: Hasan Md Rifat , Alsaiari Ahad Amer , Fakhurji Burhan Zain , Molla Mohammad Habibur Rahman , Asseri Amer H. , Sumon Md Afsar Ahmed , Park Moon Nyeo , Ahammad Foysal , Kim Bonglee
Published: June 2022

The conventional drug discovery approach is an expensive and time-consuming process, but its limitations have been overcome with the help of mathematical modeling and computational drug design approaches. Previously, finding a small molecular candidate as a drug against a disease was very costly and required a long time to screen a compound against a specific target. The development of novel targets and small molecular candidates against different diseases including emerging and reemerging diseases remains a major concern and necessitates the development of novel therapeutic targets as well as drug candidates as early as possible. In this regard, computational and mathematical modeling approaches for drug development are advantageous due to their fastest predictive ability and cost-effectiveness features. Computer-aided drug design (CADD) techniques utilize different computer programs as well as mathematics formulas to comprehend the interaction of a target and drugs. Traditional methods to determine small-molecule candidates as a drug have several limitations, but CADD utilizes novel methods that require little time and accurately predict a compound against a specific disease with minimal cost. Therefore, this review aims to provide a brief insight into the mathematical modeling and computational approaches for identifying a novel target and small molecular candidates for curing a specific disease. The comprehensive review mainly focuses on biological target prediction, structure-based and ligand-based drug design methods, molecular docking, virtual screening, pharmacophore modeling, quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models, molecular dynamics simulation, and MM-GBSA/MM-PBSA approaches along with valuable database resources and tools for identifying novel targets and therapeutics against a disease. This review will help researchers in a way that may open the road for the development of effective drugs and preventative measures against a disease in the future as early as possible.
Improved Analysis of Isomeric Polyphenol Dimers Using the 4th Dimension of Trapped Ion Mobility Spectrometry—Mass Spectrometry
Authors: de Sousa Dias Aécio L. , Verbaere Arnaud , Meudec Emmanuelle , Deshaies Stacy , Saucier Cédric , Cheynier Véronique , Sommerer Nicolas
Published: June 2022

Dehydrodicatechins resulting from (epi)catechin oxidation have been investigated in different foods and natural products, but they still offer some analytical challenges. The purpose of this research is to develop a method using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with trapped ion mobility spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC−ESI−TIMS−QTOF−MS/MS) to improve the characterization of dehydrodicatechins from model solutions (oxidation dimers of (+)-catechin and/or (−)-epicatechin). Approximately 30 dehydrodicatechins were detected in the model solutions, including dehydrodicatechins B with β and ε-interflavanic configurations and dehydrodicatechins A with γ-configuration. A total of 11 dehydrodicatechins B, based on (−)-epicatechin, (+)-catechin, or both, were tentatively identified in a grape seed extract. All of them were of β-configuration, except for one compound that was of ε-configuration. TIMS allowed the mobility separation of chromatographically coeluted isomers including dehydrodicatechins and procyanidins with similar MS/MS fragmentation patterns that would hardly be distinguished by LC-MS/MS alone, which demonstrates the superiority of TIMS added to LC-MS/MS for these kinds of compounds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) was applied to the analysis of dehydrodicatechins. This method can be adapted for other natural products.
Optically Transparent Gold Nanoparticles for DSSC Counter-Electrode: An Electrochemical Characterization
Authors: Barichello Jessica , Spadaro Donatella , Gullace Sara , Sinopoli Alessandro , Calandra Pietro , Irrera Alessia , Matteocci Fabio , Calogero Giuseppe , Caramori Stefano , Bignozzi Carlo Alberto
Published: June 2022

A gold nanoparticles transparent electrode was realized by chemical reduction. This work aims to compare the transparent gold nanoparticles electrode with a more commonly utilized gold-film-coated electrode in order to investigate its potential use as counter-electrode (CE) in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). A series of DSSC devices, utilizing I−/I3− and Co(III)/(II) polypyridine redox mediators [Co(dtb)3]3+/2+; dtb = 4,4′ditert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine)], were evaluated. The investigation focused firstly on the structural characterization of the deposited gold layers and then on the electrochemical study. The novelty of the work is the realization of a gold nanoparticles CE that reached 80% of average visible transmittance. We finally examined the performance of the transparent gold nanoparticles CE in DSSC devices. A maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.56% was obtained with a commercial I−/I3−-based electrolyte, while a maximum 3.1% of PCE was obtained with the homemade Co-based electrolyte.