bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Regulatory Molecular “Hot Spots” for LH/PLOD Collagen Glycosyltransferase Activity
Authors: Mattoteia Daiana , Chiapparino Antonella , Fumagalli Marco , De Marco Matteo , De Giorgi Francesca , Negro Lisa , Pinnola Alberta , Faravelli Silvia , Roscioli Tony , Scietti Luigi , Forneris Federico
Published: July 2023

Hydroxylysine glycosylations are post-translational modifications (PTMs) essential for the maturation and homeostasis of fibrillar and non-fibrillar collagen molecules. The multifunctional collagen lysyl hydroxylase 3 (LH3/PLOD3) and the collagen galactosyltransferase GLT25D1 are the human enzymes that have been identified as being responsible for the glycosylation of collagen lysines, although a precise description of the contribution of each enzyme to these essential PTMs has not yet been provided in the literature. LH3/PLOD3 is thought to be capable of performing two chemically distinct collagen glycosyltransferase reactions using the same catalytic site: an inverting beta-1,O-galactosylation of hydroxylysines (Gal-T) and a retaining alpha-1,2-glucosylation of galactosyl hydroxylysines (Glc-T). In this work, we have combined indirect luminescence-based assays with direct mass spectrometry-based assays and molecular structure studies to demonstrate that LH3/PLOD3 only has Glc-T activity and that GLT25D1 only has Gal-T activity. Structure-guided mutagenesis confirmed that the Glc-T activity is defined by key residues in the first-shell environment of the glycosyltransferase catalytic site as well as by long-range contributions from residues within the same glycosyltransferase (GT) domain. By solving the molecular structures and characterizing the interactions and solving the molecular structures of human LH3/PLOD3 in complex with different UDP-sugar analogs, we show how these studies could provide insights for LH3/PLOD3 glycosyltransferase inhibitor development. Collectively, our data provide new tools for the direct investigation of collagen hydroxylysine PTMs and a comprehensive overview of the complex network of shapes, charges, and interactions that enable LH3/PLOD3 glycosyltransferase activities, expanding the molecular framework and facilitating an improved understanding and manipulation of glycosyltransferase functions in biomedical applications.
Dopamine D3 Receptor Modulates Akt/mTOR and ERK1/2 Pathways Differently during the Reinstatement of Cocaine-Seeking Behavior Induced by Psychological versus Physiological Stress
Authors: Franco-García Aurelio , Guerrero-Bautista Rocío , Hidalgo Juana María , Gómez-Murcia Victoria , Milanés María Victoria , Núñez Cristina
Published: July 2023

Stress triggers relapses in cocaine use that engage the activity of memory-related nuclei, such as the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and dentate gyrus (DG). Preclinical research suggests that D3 receptor (D3R) antagonists may be a promising means to attenuate cocaine reward and relapse. As D3R regulates the activity of the Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK1/2 pathways, we assessed the effects of SB-277011-A, a D3R antagonist, on the activity of these kinases during the reinstatement of cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) induced by psychological (restraint) and physiological (tail pinch) stress. Both stimuli reactivated an extinguished cocaine-CPP, but only restrained animals decreased their locomotor activity during reinstatement. Cocaine-seeking behavior reactivation was correlated with decreased p-Akt, p-mTOR, and p-ERK1/2 activation in both nuclei of restrained animals. While a D3R blockade prevented stress-induced CPP reinstatement and plasma corticosterone enhancement, SB-277011-A distinctly modulated Akt, mTOR, and ERK1/2 activation depending on the stressor and the dose used. Our data support the involvement of corticosterone in the SB-277011-A effects in restrained animals. Additionally, the ratios p-mTOR/mTOR and/or p-ERK1/2 /ERK1/2 in the BLA during stress-induced relapse seem to be related to the locomotor activity of animals receiving 48 mg/kg of the antagonist. Hence, our study indicates the D3R antagonist’s efficacy to prevent stress-induced relapses in drug use through distinct modulation of Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK1/2 pathways in memory-processing nuclei.
Neurodegenerative Disease Associated Pathways in the Brains of Triple Transgenic Alzheimer’s Model Mice Are Reversed Following Two Weeks of Peripheral Administration of Fasudil
Authors: Killick Richard , Elliott Christina , Ribe Elena , Broadstock Martin , Ballard Clive , Aarsland Dag , Williams Gareth
Published: July 2023

The pan Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor fasudil acts as a vasodilator and has been used as a medication for post-cerebral stroke for the past 29 years in Japan and China. More recently, based on the involvement of ROCK inhibition in synaptic function, neuronal survival, and processes associated with neuroinflammation, it has been suggested that the drug may be repurposed for neurodegenerative diseases. Indeed, fasudil has demonstrated preclinical efficacy in many neurodegenerative disease models. To facilitate an understanding of the wider biological processes at play due to ROCK inhibition in the context of neurodegeneration, we performed a global gene expression analysis on the brains of Alzheimer’s disease model mice treated with fasudil via peripheral IP injection. We then performed a comparative analysis of the fasudil-driven transcriptional profile with profiles generated from a meta-analysis of multiple neurodegenerative diseases. Our results show that fasudil tends to drive gene expression in a reverse sense to that seen in brains with post-mortem neurodegenerative disease. The results are most striking in terms of pathway enrichment analysis, where pathways perturbed in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases are overwhelmingly driven in the opposite direction by fasudil treatment. Thus, our results bolster the repurposing potential of fasudil by demonstrating an anti-neurodegenerative phenotype in a disease context and highlight the potential of in vivo transcriptional profiling of drug activity.
AB Toxins as High-Affinity Ligands for Cell Targeting in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Márquez-López Ana , Fanarraga Mónica L.
Published: July 2023

Conventional targeted therapies for the treatment of cancer have limitations, including the development of acquired resistance. However, novel alternatives have emerged in the form of targeted therapies based on AB toxins. These biotoxins are a diverse group of highly poisonous molecules that show a nanomolar affinity for their target cell receptors, making them an invaluable source of ligands for biomedical applications. Bacterial AB toxins, in particular, are modular proteins that can be genetically engineered to develop high-affinity therapeutic compounds. These toxins consist of two distinct domains: a catalytically active domain and an innocuous domain that acts as a ligand, directing the catalytic domain to the target cells. Interestingly, many tumor cells show receptors on the surface that are recognized by AB toxins, making these high-affinity proteins promising tools for developing new methods for targeting anticancer therapies. Here we describe the structure and mechanisms of action of Diphtheria (Dtx), Anthrax (Atx), Shiga (Stx), and Cholera (Ctx) toxins, and review the potential uses of AB toxins in cancer therapy. We also discuss the main advances in this field, some successful results, and, finally, the possible development of innovative and precise applications in oncology based on engineered recombinant AB toxins.
Stem/Progenitor Cells and Related Therapy in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Marega Manuela , El-Merhie Natalia , Gökyildirim Mira Y. , Orth Valerie , Bellusci Saverio , Chao Cho-Ming
Published: July 2023

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease commonly seen in preterm infants, and is triggered by infection, mechanical ventilation, and oxygen toxicity. Among other problems, lifelong limitations in lung function and impaired psychomotor development may result. Despite major advances in understanding the disease pathologies, successful interventions are still limited to only a few drug therapies with a restricted therapeutic benefit, and which sometimes have significant side effects. As a more promising therapeutic option, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been in focus for several years due to their anti-inflammatory effects and their secretion of growth and development promoting factors. Preclinical studies provide evidence in that MSCs have the potential to contribute to the repair of lung injuries. This review provides an overview of MSCs, and other stem/progenitor cells present in the lung, their identifying characteristics, and their differentiation potential, including cytokine/growth factor involvement. Furthermore, animal studies and clinical trials using stem cells or their secretome are reviewed. To bring MSC-based therapeutic options further to clinical use, standardized protocols are needed, and upcoming side effects must be critically evaluated. To fill these gaps of knowledge, the MSCs’ behavior and the effects of their secretome have to be examined in more (pre-) clinical studies, from which only few have been designed to date.
The Role of SOX9 in IGF-II-Mediated Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Waldrep Kristy M. , Rodgers Jessalyn I. , Garrett Sara M. , Wolf Bethany J. , Feghali-Bostwick Carol A.
Published: July 2023

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc) results in significant morbidity and mortality. We previously reported that insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) is overexpressed in lung tissues and fibroblasts from SSc patients, and IGF-II fosters fibrosis by upregulating collagen type I, fibronectin, and TGFβ. We now show that IGF-II augments mRNA levels of profibrotic signaling molecules TGFβ2 (p ≤ 0.01) and TGFβ3 (p ≤ 0.05), collagen type III (p ≤ 0.01), and the collagen posttranslational modification enzymes P4HA2 (p ≤ 0.05), P3H2 (p ≤ 0.05), LOX (p = 0.065), LOXL2 (p ≤ 0.05), LOXL4 (p ≤ 0.05) in primary human lung fibroblasts. IGF-II increases protein levels of TGFβ2 (p ≤ 0.01), as well as COL3A1, P4HA2, P4Hβ, and LOXL4 (p ≤ 0.05). In contrast, IGF-II decreases mRNA levels of the collagen degradation enzymes cathepsin (CTS) K, CTSB, and CTSL and protein levels of CTSK (p ≤ 0.05). The SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9) is overexpressed in SSc lung tissues at the mRNA (p ≤ 0.05) and protein (p ≤ 0.01) levels compared to healthy controls. IGF-II induces SOX9 in lung fibroblasts (p ≤ 0.05) via the IGF1R/IR hybrid receptor, and SOX9 regulates TGFβ2 (p ≤ 0.05), TGFβ3 (p ≤ 0.05), COL3A1 (p ≤ 0.01), and P4HA2 (p ≤ 0.001) downstream of IGF-II. Our results identify a novel IGF-II signaling axis and downstream targets that are regulated in a SOX9-dependent and -independent manner. Our findings provide novel insights on the role of IGF-II in promoting pulmonary fibrosis.
Glycine: The Smallest Anti-Inflammatory Micronutrient
Authors: Aguayo-Cerón Karla Aidee , Sánchez-Muñoz Fausto , Gutierrez-Rojas Rocío Alejandra , Acevedo-Villavicencio Lourdes Nallely , Flores-Zarate Aurora Vanessa , Huang Fengyang , Giacoman-Martinez Abraham , Villafaña Santiago , Romero-Nava Rodrigo
Published: July 2023

Glycine is a non-essential amino acid with many functions and effects. Glycine can bind to specific receptors and transporters that are expressed in many types of cells throughout an organism to exert its effects. There have been many studies focused on the anti-inflammatory effects of glycine, including its abilities to decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines and the concentration of free fatty acids, to improve the insulin response, and to mediate other changes. However, the mechanism through which glycine acts is not clear. In this review, we emphasize that glycine exerts its anti-inflammatory effects throughout the modulation of the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in many cells. Although glycine is a non-essential amino acid, we highlight how dietary glycine supplementation is important in avoiding the development of chronic inflammation.
Enhanced Production of Nitrogenated Metabolites with Anticancer Potential in Aristolochia manshuriensis Hairy Root Cultures
Authors: Shkryl Yury N. , Tchernoded Galina K. , Yugay Yulia A. , Grigorchuk Valeria P. , Sorokina Maria R. , Gorpenchenko Tatiana Y. , Kudinova Olesya D. , Degtyarenko Anton I. , Onishchenko Maria S. , Shved Nikita A. , Kumeiko Vadim V. , Bulgakov Victor P.
Published: July 2023

Aristolochia manshuriensis is a relic liana, which is widely used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine and is endemic to the Manchurian floristic region. Since this plant is rare and slow-growing, alternative sources of its valuable compounds could be explored. Herein, we established hairy root cultures of A. manshuriensis transformed with Agrobacterium rhizogenes root oncogenic loci (rol)B and rolC genes. The accumulation of nitrogenous secondary metabolites significantly improved in transgenic cell cultures. Specifically, the production of magnoflorine reached up to 5.72 mg/g of dry weight, which is 5.8 times higher than the control calli and 1.7 times higher than in wild-growing liana. Simultaneously, the amounts of aristolochic acids I and II, responsible for the toxicity of Aristolochia species, decreased by more than 10 fold. Consequently, the hairy root extracts demonstrated pronounced cytotoxicity against human glioblastoma cells (U-87 MG), cervical cancer cells (HeLa CCL-2), and colon carcinoma (RKO) cells. However, they did not exhibit significant activity against triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). Our findings suggest that hairy root cultures of A. manshuriensis could be considered for the rational production of valuable A. manshuriensis compounds by the modification of secondary metabolism.
Complexation of Bromelain, Ficin, and Papain with the Graft Copolymer of Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium Salt and N-Vinylimidazole Enhances Enzyme Proteolytic Activity
Authors: Sorokin Andrey V. , Goncharova Svetlana S. , Lavlinskaya Maria S. , Holyavka Marina G. , Faizullin Dzhigangir A. , Zuev Yuriy F. , Kondratyev Maxim S. , Artyukhov Valeriy G.
Published: July 2023

This study investigates the features of interactions between cysteine proteases (bromelain, ficin, and papain) and a graft copolymer of carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt with N-vinylimidazole. The objective is to understand the influence of this interactions on the proteolytic activity and stability of the enzymes. The enzymes were immobilized through complexation with the carrier. The interaction mechanism was examined using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and flexible molecular docking simulations. The findings reveal that the enzymes interact with the functional groups of the carrier via amino acid residues, resulting in the formation of secondary structure elements and enzyme’s active sites. These interactions induce modulation of active site of the enzymes, leading to an enhancement in their proteolytic activity. Furthermore, the immobilized enzymes demonstrate superior stability compared to their native counterparts. Notably, during a 21-day incubation period, no protein release from the conjugates was observed. These results suggest that the complexation of the enzymes with the graft copolymer has the potential to improve their performance as biocatalysts, with applications in various fields such as biomedicine, pharmaceutics, and biotechnology.
Preparation and Characterization of a Photo-Crosslinked Methacryloyl-Collagen Composite Film to Promote Corneal Nerve Regeneration via Surface Grafting of Taurine Molecules
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Chuanlei , Kong Yanhui , Liu Huiyu , Chen Cheng , Gao Wenyu , Xi Xiaowei , Yang Hui , Deng Linhong
Published: July 2023

Blindness is frequently caused by corneal abnormalities, and corneal transplantation is the most effective treatment method. It is extremely important to develop high-quality artificial corneas because there are not enough donor corneas accessible for cornea transplantation. One of the most-often utilized materials is collagen, which is the primary component of natural cornea. Collagen-based corneal repair materials have good physicochemical properties and excellent biocompatibility, but how to promote the regeneration of the corneal nerve after keratoplasty is still a big challenge. In this research, in order to promote the growth of nerve cells on a collagen (Col) substrate, a novel collagen-based material was synthesized starting from the functionalization of collagen with unsaturated methacryloyl groups that three-dimensionally photopolymerize to a 3D network of chemically crosslinked collagen (ColMA), onto which taurine molecules were eventually grafted (ColMA-Tr). The physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of the Col, ColMA and ColMA-Tr films were evaluated. By analyzing the results, we found that all the three samples had good moisture retention and aq high covalent attachment of methacryloyl groups followed by their photopolymerization improved the mechanical properties of the ColMA and ColMA-Tr. Most importantly, compared with ColMA, the taurine-modified collagen-MA film significantly promoted the growth of nerve cells and corneal epithelial cells on its surface. Our preliminary results suggest that this novel ColMA-Tr film may have potential use in cornea tissue engineering in the future.
Antiproliferative, Antioxidant, Chemopreventive and Antiangiogenic Potential of Chromatographic Fractions from Anemonia sulcata with and without Its Symbiont Symbiodinium in Colorectal Cancer Therapy
Authors: Peña Mercedes , Mesas Cristina , Perazzoli Gloria , Martínez Rosario , Porres Jesús M. , Doello Kevin , Prados Jose , Melguizo Consolación , Cabeza Laura
Published: July 2023

Anemonia sulcata may be a source of marine natural products (MNPs) due to the antioxidant and antitumor activity of its crude homogenates shown in vitro in colon cancer cells. A bioguided chromatographic fractionation assay of crude Anemonia sulcata homogenates with and without its symbiont Symbiodinium was performed to characterize their bioactive composition and further determine their biological potential for the management of colorectal cancer (CRC). The 20% fractions retained the in vitro antioxidant activity previously reported for homogenates. As such, activation of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes was also evaluated. The 40% fractions showed the greatest antiproliferative activity in T84 cells, synergistic effects with 5-fluoruracil and oxaliplatin, overexpression of apoptosis-related proteins, cytotoxicity on tumorspheres, and antiangiogenic activity. The predominantly polar lipids and toxins tentatively identified in the 20% and 40% fractions could be related to their biological activity in colon cancer cells although further characterizations of the active fractions are necessary to isolate and purify the bioactive compounds.
No Association of Multiple Sclerosis with C9orf72 Hexanucleotide Repeat Size in an Austrian Cohort
Authors: König Theresa , Leutmezer Fritz , Berger Thomas , Zimprich Alexander , Schmied Christiane , Stögmann Elisabeth , Zrzavy Tobias
Published: July 2023

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a common immune-mediated disorder of the central nervous system that affects young adults and is characterized by demyelination and neurodegeneration. Recent studies have associated C9orf72 intermediate repeat expansions with MS. The objective of this study was to investigate whether C9orf72 repeat length is associated with MS or with a specific disease course in a monocentric Austrian MS cohort. Genotyping of 382 MS patients and 643 non-neurological controls for C9orf72 repeat expansions was performed. The study did not find a difference in the distribution of repeat numbers between controls and MS cases (median repeat units = 2; p = 0.39). Additionally, sub-analysis did not establish a link between intermediate repeats and MS (p = 0.23) and none of the patients with progressive disease course carried an intermediate allele (20–30 repeat units). Exploratory analysis for different cut-offs (of ≥7, ≥17, and ≥24) did not reveal any significant differences in allele frequencies between MS and controls. However, the study did identify a progressive MS patient with a pathogenic C9orf72 expansion and probable co-existing behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) in a retrospective chart review. In conclusion, this study did not find evidence supporting an association between C9orf72 repeat length and MS or a specific disease course in the Austrian MS cohort. However, the identification of a progressive MS patient with a pathogenic C9orf72 expansion and probable co-existing with FTD highlights the complexity and challenges involved in recognizing distinct neurodegenerative diseases that may co-occur in MS patients.
Immune Reactions in Major Types of Oncological Treatment
Authors: Kozubek Patrycja , Wołoszczak Julia , Gomułka Krzysztof
Published: July 2023

In recent years, there has been a noticeable development in oncological treatment, including chemotherapy and biological treatment. Despite their significant effectiveness, they are not free from side effects, such as allergic and dermatological reactions. These reactions can vary in severity and outcome, including potential death. Examples, among others, are type I-IV hypersensitivity reactions of various origins and skin reactions including rashes, itching and redness, but also severe cutaneous syndromes. Due to the therapy used, these may include Stevens–Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. In some cases, it is necessary to interrupt therapy, which may result in a poorer outcome and shorten the patient’s survival. This paper reviews various types of research documents published since 2016. It aims to systematize the latest knowledge and highlight the need for further research into ways to avoid adverse reactions.
RNAseq Analysis of Novel 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Chalcogen Analogues Reveals Anti-Tubulin Properties on Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Zoroddu Stefano , Sanna Luca , Bordoni Valentina , Lyu Weidong , Murineddu Gabriele , Pinna Gerard A. , Forcales Sonia Vanina , Sala Arturo , Kelvin David J. , Bagella Luigi
Published: July 2023

1,3,4-Oxadiazole derivatives are among the most studied anticancer drugs. Previous studies have analyzed the action of different 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives and their effects on cancer cells. This study investigated the characterization of two new compounds named 6 and 14 on HeLa and PC-3 cancer cell lines. Based on the previously obtained IC50, cell cycle effects were monitored by flow cytometry. RNA sequencing (RNAseq) was performed to identify differentially expressed genes, followed by functional annotation using gene ontology (GO), KEGG signaling pathway enrichment, and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analyses. The tubulin polymerization assay was used to analyze the interaction of both compounds with tubulin. The results showed that 6 and 14 strongly inhibited the proliferation of cancer cells by arresting them in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Transcriptome analysis showed that exposure of HeLa and PC-3 cells to the compounds caused a marked reprograming of gene expression. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched throughout the cell cycle and cancer-related biological processes. Furthermore, PPI network, hub gene, and CMap analyses revealed that compounds 14 and 6 shared target genes with established microtubule inhibitors, indicating points of similarity between the two molecules and microtubule inhibitors in terms of the mechanism of action. They were also able to influence the polymerization process of tubulin, suggesting the potential of these new compounds to be used as efficient chemotherapeutic agents.
Intelligent Fault Diagnosis of Variable-Condition Motors Using a Dual-Mode Fusion Attention Residual
Authors: Xie Fengyun , Li Gang , Hu Wang , Fan Qiuyang , Zhou Shengtong
Published: July 2023

Electric motors play a crucial role in ship systems. Detecting potential issues with electric motors is a critical aspect of ship fault diagnosis. Fault diagnosis in motors is often challenging due to limited and noisy vibration signals. Existing deep learning methods struggle to extract the underlying correlation between samples while being susceptible to noise interference during the feature extraction process. To overcome these issues, this study proposes an intelligent bimodal fusion attention residual model. Firstly, the vibration signal to be encoded undergoes demodulation and is divided into high and low frequencies using the IEEMD (Improved Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition) composed of the EEMD (Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition) and the MASM (the Mean of the Standardized Accumulated Modes). Subsequently, the high-frequency component is effectively denoised using the wavelet packet threshold method. Secondly, current data and vibration signals are transformed into two-dimensional images using the Gramian Angular Summation Field (GASF) and aggregated into a bimodal Gramian Angle Field diagram. Finally, the proposed model incorporates the Self-Attention Squeeze-and-Excitation Networks (SE) mechanism with the Swish activation function and utilizes the ResNeXt architecture with a Dropout layer to identify and diagnose faults in the multi-mode fusion dataset of motors under various working conditions. Based on the experimental results, a comprehensive discussion and analysis were conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed intelligent bimodal fusion attention residual model. The results demonstrated that, in comparison to traditional methods and other deep learning models, the proposed model effectively utilized multimodal data, thereby enhancing the accuracy and robustness of fault diagnosis. The introduction of attention mechanisms and residual learning enable the model to focus more effectively on crucial modal data and learn the correlations between modalities, thus improving the overall performance of fault diagnosis.
Effects of Codend Mesh-Shape and Size on the Size Selectivity of Demersal Trawl Targeting Banded Scad (Alepes djedaba) in the Beibu Gulf, South China Sea
Authors: Yang Bingzhong , Herrmann Bent , Wan Rong
Published: July 2023

In order to optimize the size selectivity of demersal trawl targeting Banded Scad, Alepes djedaba, in the South China Sea (SCS), we tested and compared the selective properties of four experimental codends. These codends included two diamond-mesh codends (T0 codends) with different mesh openings (30 and 35 mm), and two T90 codends (the netting was turned by 90 degrees) with the relatively same mesh opening. The results demonstrated that the T0_30 codend (diamond-mesh codend with 30-mm mesh opening) presented the best size selectivity and is a potential choice to harvest Banded Scad in the studied area among the codends tested. Although applying the T0_35 or T90_30 codend might obtain a little improvement in size selectivity, the loss of marketable-size individuals could be a compromise. Considering the results in our study and those of previous studies, we recommend that the T0_30 codend should be mandated in the fisheries management regulation of trawl fisheries targeting Banded Scad in the SCS.
Correction: Serrano, J.J.; Esparcia, J. Diagnosis of Rural Development Processes Based on the Stock of Social Capital and Social Networks: Approach from E-I Index. Land 2023, 12, 850
Authors: Serrano J. Javier , Esparcia Javier
Published: July 2023

In the original publication [...]
Spatial Distribution Pattern and Influencing Factors of Above-Ground Biomass and Species Diversity of Grassland in the Altay Forest Area
Authors: Pan Xiaoting , Ye Mao , He Qingzhi , Zhang Kaili
Published: July 2023

Grasslands in the Altay Mountains are the main part of the grassland ecosystem in Xinjiang, and the spatial distribution patterns of grassland species diversity and biomass have changed significantly due to the combined effects of climate change and anthropogenic disturbances. To clarify the effects of point factors on species diversity and biomass, this study investigated the vegetation status of 41 sample plots in the grasslands of the Altay forest area. The Margalef richness index, Simpson dominance index, Shannon–Wiener diversity index, and Alatalo evenness index in the α-diversity measure were used to analyze the changing characteristics of species diversity and to explore the changing patterns of the spatial distribution of species diversity and above-ground biomass. The results show the following: (1) The above-ground biomass of grasslands in the Altay forest area shows a clear spatial pattern, with the above-ground biomass gradually decreasing from northeast to southwest; the altitude gradient shows a “single-peak” pattern of decrease followed by an increase, with the largest biomass at an altitude of 1400–1800 m. (2) There was a significant “bimodal” pattern of variation between above-ground biomass and grassland cover, which was significantly correlated with elevation (p < 0.05) but not with latitude and longitude. (3) Except for the Alatalo evenness index, the trend of the species diversity indexes showed a high trend in the northeast and a low trend in the southwest, with the highest overall species diversity index on average in the Qiaoati sample site. (4) Except for the Alatalo evenness index, all species diversity indexes were significantly correlated with latitude, altitude, longitude, and cover (p < 0.05); the species diversity indexes showed an upward spiral trend with altitude, and with increasing longitude and cover, the species diversity indexes showed an “S” pattern. Elevation, cover, latitude, and longitude were the main environmental factors affecting the spatial patterns of above-ground biomass and species diversity in the grasslands of Altay. The results of the study provide data support for grassland management and maintenance in the Altay forest area, as well as for grassland ecological security in the northwest arid zone of China.
Bis(μ2-2,2′-((2-(hydroxy)propane-1,3-diyl)bis((nitrilo)eth-1-yl-1-ylidene))diphenolato)-dicobalt(III)
Authors: Bartyzel Agata , Cristóvão Beata , Osypiuk Dariusz
Published: July 2023

A new cobalt(III) complex with a pentadentate Schiff base was synthesized using a reaction of 2,2′-{(2-hydroxypropane-1,3-diyl)bis(nitriloeth-1-yl-1-ylidene)}diphenol (H3L) and cobalt(II) acetate in a methanolic solution. This synthesis resulted in the isolation of dinuclear compound [CoIII2L2] (1), which was characterized using elemental analyses and XRF, FTIR, and TG/DSC techniques. The molecular structure of the complex was confirmed using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure of 1 consists of a centrosymmetric dimer in which two crystallographically equivalent cobalt(III) ions are bridged by two alkoxido oxygen atoms. In addition, each metal center is coordinated by two Schiff bases.
Dynamic Characteristic Analysis of a Toothed Electromagnetic Spring Based on the Improved Bouc—Wen Model
Authors: Zheng Xiaoyuan , Zhang Cheng , Lou Yifang , Xue Guangming , Bai Hongbai
Published: July 2023

Electromagnetic spring active isolators have attracted extensive attention in recent years. The standard Bouc–Wen model is widely used to describe hysteretic behavior but cannot accurately describe asymmetric behavior. The standard Bouc–Wen model is improved to better describe the dynamic characteristic of a toothed electromagnetic spring. The hysteresis model of toothed electromagnetic spring is established by adding mass, damping, and asymmetric correction terms with direction. Subsequently, the particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to identify the parameters of the established model, and the results are compared with those obtained from the experiment. The results show that the current has a significant impact on the dynamic curve. When the current increases from 0.5 A to 2.0 A, the electromagnetic force sharply increases from 49 N to 534 N. Under different excitations and currents, the residual points predicted by the model proposed in this work fall basically in the horizontal band region of −20–20 N (for an applied current of 1.0 A) and −40–80 N (for an application of 4.5 mm/s). Furthermore, the maximum relative error of the model is 12.75%. The R2 of the model is higher than 0.98 and the highest value is 0.9993, proving the accuracy of the established model.
Bio-Producing Bacterial Cellulose Filaments through Co-Designing with Biological Characteristics
Authors: Morrow Roberta , Ribul Miriam , Eastmond Heather , Lanot Alexandra , Baurley Sharon
Published: July 2023

The need for circular textiles has led to an interest in the production of biologically derived materials, generating new research into the bioproduction of textiles through design and interdisciplinary approaches. Bacterial cellulose has been produced directly from fermentation into sheets but not yet investigated in terms of producing filaments directly from fermentation. This leaves a wealth of material qualities unexplored. Further, by growing the material directly into filaments, production such as wet spinning are made redundant, thus reducing textile manufacturing steps. The aim of this study was to grow the bio-material, namely bacterial cellulose directly into a filament. This was achieved using a method of co-designing with the characteristics of biological materials. The method combines approaches of material-driven textile design and human-centred co-design to investigate co-designing with the characteristics of living materials for biological material production. The project is part of a wider exploration of bio-manufacturing textiles from waste. The practice-based approach brought together biological sciences and material design through a series of iterative experiments. This, in turn, resulted in designing with the inherent characteristics of bacterial cellulose, and by doing so filaments were designed to be fabricated directly from fermentation. In this investigation, creative exploration was encouraged within a biological laboratory space, showing how interdisciplinary collaboration can offer innovative alternative bioproduction routes for textile filament production.
Corrosion Behavior of CrFeCoNiV0.5 and CrFeCoNiV Alloys in 0.5 M and 1 M Sodium Chloride Solutions
Authors: Tsau Chun-Huei , Hsiao Hui-Ping , Chien Tien-Yu
Published: July 2023

The effects of the concentration of NaCl solutions on the corrosion resistance of granular CoCrFeNiV0.5 and dendritic CrFeCoNiV high-entropy alloys were studied. The polarization behavior of CoCrFeNiV0.5 and CrFeCoNiV alloys in deaerated 0.5 M and 1 M sodium chloride solution at different temperatures was measured by a constant galvanostatic/potentiometric. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to examine CoCrFeNiV0.5 CrFeCoNiV alloys in 0.5 M and 1 M NaCl solutions. The results indicated that the CoCrFeNiV0.5 alloy showed a better corrosion resistance than that of CrFeCoNiV alloy because the dendritic structure of CrFeCoNiV had too many σ/FCC interfaces. The critical pitting temperatures (CPTs) of the alloys under different applied potentials were also analyzed. All of the results proved that CrFeCoNiV0.5 alloy had better corrosion resistance in 0.5 M and 1 M NaCl solutions.
Negative Capacitance in Nanocomposite Based on High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) with Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs)
Authors: Mouecoucou Raymonde , Bonnaud Leïla , Dubois Philippe
Published: July 2023

Negative capacitance (NC), already observed in conducting polymer-based nanocomposites, was recently reported and evidenced at low frequencies (<10 kHz) in non-conducting polymer-based nanocomposites containing conductive particles. In this contribution, we demonstrate that it is possible to produce economic high-density polyethylene (HDPE) nanocomposites exhibiting an NC effect at low frequencies via a convenient and environmentally friendly extrusion-like process by only adjusting the duration of melt-mixing. Nanocomposite materials are produced by confining a limited quantity, i.e., 4.6 wt.%, of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) within semi-crystalline HDPE to reach the percolation threshold. With increasing melt processing time, crystallites of HDPE developing at the surface of CNTs become bigger and perturbate the connections between CNTs leading to a dramatic change in the electrical behavior of the systems. More specifically, the link between NC and current oscillations is stressed while the dependence of NC with the size of polymer crystallites is evidenced. NC tends to appear when space charge effects take place in HDPE/MWCNT interfaces, in structures with convenient crystallite sizes corresponding to 10 min of melt-mixing.
Preheating Influence on the Precipitation Microstructure, Mechanical and Corrosive Properties of Additively Built Al–Cu–Li Alloy Contrasted with Conventional (T83) Alloy
Authors: Adjei-Kyeremeh Frank , Pratesa Yudha , Shen Xiao , Song Wenwen , Raffeis Iris , Vroomen Uwe , Zander Daniela , Bührig-Polaczek Andreas
Published: July 2023

In this paper, the high strength and lightweight Al–Cu–Li alloy (AA2099) is considered in as-built and preheated conditions (440 °C, 460 °C, 480 °C, 500 °C, and 520 °C). The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) in situ preheating on precipitation microstructure, mechanical and corrosive properties of LPBF-printed AA2099 alloy compared to the conventionally processed and heat-treated (T83) alloy. It is shown that precipitations evolve with increasing preheating temperatures from predominantly globular Cu-rich phases at lower temperatures (as-built, 440 °C) to more plate and rod-like precipitates (460 °C, 480 °C, 500 °C and 520 °C). Attendant increase with increasing preheating temperatures are the amount of low melting Cu-rich phases and precipitation-free zones (PFZ). Hardness of preheated LPBF samples peaks at 480 °C (93.6 HV0.1), and declines afterwards, although inferior to the T83 alloy (168.6 HV0.1). Preheated sample (500 °C) shows superior elongation (14.1%) compared to the T83 (11.3%) but falls short in tensile and yield strength properties. Potentiodynamic polarization results also show that increasing preheating temperature increases the corrosion current density (Icorr) and corrosion rate. Indicated by the lower oxide resistance (Rox), the Cu-rich phases compromise the integrity of the oxide layer.
Homoconjugation Mediated Spin-Spin Coupling in Triptycene Nitronyl Nitroxide Diradicals
Authors: Shi Chengfang , Gao Laiwei , Baumgarten Martin , Wei Dongdong , Xu Zhipeng , Wang Wenping , Wang Di
Published: July 2023

In contrast to diradical linked by π-conjugation, there have been only a limited number of studies reported for those linked by homoconjugation systems. Bis(nitronyl nitroxide) diradicals and monoradical connected by a core non-rigid triptycene unit were synthesized. EPR spectroscopy and SQUID were employed to investigate the magnetic exchange interactions. The results demonstrate that the values of ΔEST are 0.19 kcal/mol (J = 34.4 cm−1) for 2,6-TP-NN and −0.21 kcal/mol (J = −36.9 cm−1) for 2,7-TP-NN, indicating ferromagnetic interaction and antiferromagnetic interaction, respectively. The spin polarization rule is not a precise predictor of the behavior of triptycene diradicals, and therefore, we improve the model. The experimental findings indicate that homoconjugation can function directly as a coupling pathway between the two spin centers, which is in qualitative agreement with the DFT theoretical calculations and the Borden rule. This research has found a special means of achieving spin coupling in non-rigid aromatics by means of homoconjugation.
A Remote Quantum Error-Correcting Code Preparation Protocol on Cluster States
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Mao Haokun , Qiao Yucheng , El-Latif Ahmed A. Abd , Li Qiong
Published: July 2023

The blind quantum computation (BQC) protocol allows for privacy-preserving remote quantum computations. In this paper, we introduce a remote quantum error correction code preparation protocol for BQC using a cluster state and analyze its blindness in the measurement-based quantum computation model. Our protocol requires fewer quantum resources than previous methods, as it only needs weak coherent pulses, eliminating the need for quantum memory and limited quantum computing. The results of our theoretical analysis and simulations show that our protocol requires fewer quantum resources compared to non-coding methods with the same qubit error rate.
Blockchain Security Mechanism Design Based on Chinese Cryptosystem SM2 Algorithm
Authors: Meng Lu , Liu Zeyao
Published: July 2023

The cryptographic system is the foundation of blockchain security mechanisms. This paper constructs a blockchain security mechanism based on the Chinese national cryptographic SM2 algorithm, involving the generation of public–private key pairs and the signing of block information using key pairs. However, the original SM2 algorithm has a high computational complexity, which cannot meet the requirements of low on-chain delay in blockchain applications. To solve this problem, this paper optimizes the SM2 digital signature algorithm. The scalar multiplication operation in the digital signature algorithm has a large computational complexity, which affects the efficiency of a digital signature. To reduce its computational complexity, this paper improves the traditional window non-adjacent form (w-NAF) algorithm for the scalar multiplication operation and proposes a low computational complexity Fw-NAF algorithm based on the prime number precomputation window, which greatly reduces its computational complexity.
Aspiration-Based Learning in k-Hop Best-Shot Binary Networked Public Goods Games
Authors: Chen Ziyi , Dai Kaiyan , Jin Xing , Hu Liqin , Wang Yongheng
Published: July 2023

In public goods games, it is common for agents to learn strategies from those who possess the highest utility. However, in reality, because of the lack of information, strategies and utilities from others cannot be obtained or predicted during learning and updating. To address this issue, we introduce a learning update mechanism based on aspirations. To make this model more universal, we study goods that can be shared with k-hop neighbors. Additionally, when a free rider accesses an investor, it is required to pay an access cost to him. We investigate the influence of aspiration, shared scope k, and access cost on the social invest level and utility. It is shown that large shared scope k, moderate aspiration, and moderate access cost are conducive to the maximum utilization of social benefits. However, with low aspiration, the utilities of investors are very close and limited, while both the high aspiration and high access cost could disrupt the social stability.
Valorisation of the Invasive Macroalgae Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar for the Green Synthesis of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles with Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Potential
Authors: González-Ballesteros Noelia , Fernandes Mário , Machado Raúl , Sampaio Paula , Gomes Andreia C. , Cavazza Antonella , Bigi Franca , Rodríguez-Argüelles Maria Carmen
Published: July 2023

Bacterial and fungal infections are a challenging global problem due to the reported increasing resistance of pathogenic microorganisms to conventional antimicrobials. Nanomaterials are a promising strategy to fight infections caused by multidrug-resistant microbes. In this work, gold (Au@UP) and silver (Ag@UP) nanoparticles were produced for the first time by green synthesis using an aqueous extract of the invasive macroalgae Undaria pinnatifida (UP). The nanoparticles were characterized by a wide range of physicochemical techniques. Au@UP and Ag@UP demonstrated to be spherical and crystalline with an average size of 6.8 ± 1.0 nm and 14.1 ± 2.8 nm, respectively. Carbohydrates and proteins of the UP extract may participate in the synthesis and capping of the nanoparticles. The UP extract, Ag@UP, and Au@UP were assessed for their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Candida auris. Ag@UP showed the highest antimicrobial activity with very low MIC and MBC values for all the tested bacteria, and Au@UP demonstrated to be very effective against biofilm-producing bacteria. The antifungal properties of both Ag@UP and Au@UP were remarkable, inhibiting hyphae formation. This study points towards a very promising biomedical exploitation of this invasive brown algae.
Processes for the 3D Printing of Hydrodynamic Flow-Focusing Devices
Authors: Awate Diwakar M. , Holton Seth , Meyer Katherine , Juárez Jaime J.
Published: July 2023

Flow focusing is an important hydrodynamic technique for cytometric analysis, enabling the rapid study of cellular samples to identify a variety of biological processes. To date, the majority of flow-focusing devices are fabricated using conventional photolithography or flame processing of glass capillaries. This article presents a suite of low-cost, millifluidic, flow-focusing devices that were fabricated using a desktop sterolithgraphy (SLA) 3D printer. The suite of SLA printing strategies consists of a monolithic SLA method and a hybrid molding process. In the monolithic SLA approach, 1.3 mm square millifluidic channels were printed as a single piece. The printed device does not require any post processing, such as bonding or surface polishing for optical access. The hybrid molding approach consists of printing a mold using the SLA 3D printer. The mold is treated to an extended UV exposure and oven baked before using PDMS as the molding material for the channel. To demonstrate the viability of these channels, we performed a series of experiments using several flow-rate ratios to show the range of focusing widths that can be achieved in these devices. The experiments are validated using a numerical model developed in ANSYS.
Gold Half-Shell-Coated Paclitaxel-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles for the Targeted Chemo-Photothermal Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Ibarra Jaime , Encinas-Basurto David , Almada Mario , Juárez Josué , Valdez Miguel Angel , Barbosa Silvia , Taboada Pablo
Published: July 2023

Conventional cancer therapies suffer from nonspecificity, drug resistance, and a poor bioavailability, which trigger severe side effects. To overcome these disadvantages, in this study, we designed and evaluated the in vitro potential of paclitaxel-loaded, PLGA-gold, half-shell nanoparticles (PTX-PLGA/Au-HS NPs) conjugated with cyclo(Arg-Gly-Asp-Phe-Lys) (cyRGDfk) as a targeted chemo-photothermal therapy system in HeLa and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. A TEM analysis confirmed the successful gold half-shell structure formation. High-performance liquid chromatography showed an encapsulation efficiency of the paclitaxel inside nanoparticles of more than 90%. In the release study, an initial burst release of about 20% in the first 24 h was observed, followed by a sustained drug release for a period as long as 10 days, reaching values of about 92% and 49% for NPs with and without near infrared laser irradiation. In in vitro cell internalization studies, targeted nanoparticles showed a higher accumulation than nontargeted nanoparticles, possibly through a specific interaction of the cyRGDfk with their homologous receptors, the ανβ3 y ανβ5 integrins on the cell surface. Compared with chemotherapy or photothermal treatment alone, the combined treatment demonstrated a synergistic effect, reducing the cell viability to 23% for the HeLa cells and 31% for the MDA-MB-231 cells. Thus, our results indicate that these multifuncional nanoparticles can be considered to be a promising targeted chemo-photothermal therapy system against cancer.