bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GANAB and N-Glycans Substrates Are Relevant in Human Physiology, Polycystic Pathology and Multiple Sclerosis: A Review
Authors: De Masi Roberto , Orlando Stefania
Published: July 2022

Glycans are one of the four fundamental macromolecular components of living matter, and they are highly regulated in the cell. Their functions are metabolic, structural and modulatory. In particular, ER resident N-glycans participate with the Glc3Man9GlcNAc2 highly conserved sequence, in protein folding process, where the physiological balance between glycosylation/deglycosylation on the innermost glucose residue takes place, according GANAB/UGGT concentration ratio. However, under abnormal conditions, the cell adapts to the glucose availability by adopting an aerobic or anaerobic regimen of glycolysis, or to external stimuli through internal or external recognition patterns, so it responds to pathogenic noxa with unfolded protein response (UPR). UPR can affect Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and several neurological and metabolic diseases via the BiP stress sensor, resulting in ATF6, PERK and IRE1 activation. Furthermore, the abnormal GANAB expression has been observed in MS, systemic lupus erythematous, male germinal epithelium and predisposed highly replicating cells of the kidney tubules and bile ducts. The latter is the case of Polycystic Liver Disease (PCLD) and Polycystic Kidney Disease (PCKD), where genetically induced GANAB loss affects polycystin-1 (PC1) and polycystin-2 (PC2), resulting in altered protein quality control and cyst formation phenomenon. Our topics resume the role of glycans in cell physiology, highlighting the N-glycans one, as a substrate of GANAB, which is an emerging key molecule in MS and other human pathologies.
Alterations of Phenylpropanoid Biosynthesis Lead to the Natural Formation of Pinkish-Skinned and White-Fleshed Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa)
Authors: Jiang Leiyu , Yue Maolan , Liu Yongqiang , Ye Yuyun , Zhang Yunting , Lin Yuanxiu , Wang Xiaorong , Chen Qing , Tang Haoru
Published: July 2022

Anthocyanin content is important for both the external and internal fruit quality of cultivated strawberries, but the mechanism of its accumulation in pinkish-skinned and white-fleshed strawberries is puzzling. Here, we found that the factor determining variation in the flesh color was not the FaMYB10 but the FaC4H in the cultivated strawberry Benihoppe and its white-fleshed mutant Xiaobai. Compared with Benihoppe, there was no significant difference in the coding sequence and expression level of FaMYB10 in Xiaobai’s flesh. Instead, the transcription of FaC4H was dramatically inhibited. The combined analyses of transcriptomics and metabolomics showed that the differential genes and metabolites were significantly enriched in the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway. Furthermore, the transient overexpression of FaC4H greatly restored anthocyanins’ accumulation in Xiaobai’s flesh and did not produce additional pigment species, as in Benihoppe. The transcriptional repression of FaC4H was not directly caused by promoter methylations, lncRNAs, or microRNAs. In addition, the unexpressed FaF3′H, which resulted in the loss of cyanidin 3-O-glucoside in the flesh, was not due to methylation in promoters. Our findings suggested that the repression of FaC4H was responsible for the natural formation of pinkish-skinned and white-fleshed strawberries.
Oncogenic Signalling of Growth Factor Receptors in Cancer: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities
Authors: Dricu Anica
Published: July 2022

Cancer is a common name for several distinct diseases caused by uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation [...]
Mutation-Specific Differences in Kv7.1 (KCNQ1) and Kv11.1 (KCNH2) Channel Dysfunction and Long QT Syndrome Phenotypes
Authors: Kekenes-Huskey Peter M. , Burgess Don E. , Sun Bin , Bartos Daniel C. , Rozmus Ezekiel R. , Anderson Corey L. , January Craig T. , Eckhardt Lee L. , Delisle Brian P.
Published: July 2022

The electrocardiogram (ECG) empowered clinician scientists to measure the electrical activity of the heart noninvasively to identify arrhythmias and heart disease. Shortly after the standardization of the 12-lead ECG for the diagnosis of heart disease, several families with autosomal recessive (Jervell and Lange-Nielsen Syndrome) and dominant (Romano–Ward Syndrome) forms of long QT syndrome (LQTS) were identified. An abnormally long heart rate-corrected QT-interval was established as a biomarker for the risk of sudden cardiac death. Since then, the International LQTS Registry was established; a phenotypic scoring system to identify LQTS patients was developed; the major genes that associate with typical forms of LQTS were identified; and guidelines for the successful management of patients advanced. In this review, we discuss the molecular and cellular mechanisms for LQTS associated with missense variants in KCNQ1 (LQT1) and KCNH2 (LQT2). We move beyond the “benign” to a “pathogenic” binary classification scheme for different KCNQ1 and KCNH2 missense variants and discuss gene- and mutation-specific differences in K+ channel dysfunction, which can predispose people to distinct clinical phenotypes (e.g., concealed, pleiotropic, severe, etc.). We conclude by discussing the emerging computational structural modeling strategies that will distinguish between dysfunctional subtypes of KCNQ1 and KCNH2 variants, with the goal of realizing a layered precision medicine approach focused on individuals.
Interrelation between α-Cardiac Actin Treadmilling and Myocardin-Related Transcription Factor-A Nuclear Shuttling in Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Gorey Mark-Alexander , Mericskay Mathias , Li Zhenlin , Decaux Jean-François
Published: July 2022

Myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs) play a central role in the regulation of actin expression and cytoskeletal dynamics that are controlled by Rho GTPases. SRF is a ubiquitous transcription factor strongly expressed in muscular tissues. The depletion of SRF in the adult mouse heart leads to severe dilated cardiomyopathy associated with the down-regulation of target genes encoding sarcomeric proteins including α-cardiac actin. The regulatory triad, composed of SRF, its cofactor MRTFA and actin, plays a major role in the coordination of the nuclear transcriptional response to adapt actin filament dynamics associated with changes in cell shape, and contractile and migratory activities. Most of the knowledge on the regulation of the SRF–MRTF–Actin axis has been obtained in non-muscle cells with α-actin and smooth muscle cells with α-smooth actin. Here, we visualized for the first time by a time-lapse video, the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of MRTFA induced by serum or pro-hypertrophic agonists such as angiotensin II, phenylephrine and endothelin-1, using an MRTFA-GFP adenovirus in cultures of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. We showed that an inhibitor of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway leads to an α-cardiac actin polymerization disruption and inhibition of MRTFA nucleocytoplasmic shuttling. Moreover, inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway also prevents the entry of MRTFA into the nuclei. Our findings point out a central role of the SRF–MRTFA–actin axis in cardiac remodeling.
The Analysis of a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) of Overweight and Obesity in Psoriasis
Authors: Kisielnicka Anna , Sobalska-Kwapis Marta , Purzycka-Bohdan Dorota , Nedoszytko Bogusław , Zabłotna Monika , Seweryn Michał , Strapagiel Dominik , Nowicki Roman J. , Reich Adam , Samotij Dominik , Szczęch Justyna , Krasowska Dorota , Bartosińska Joanna , Narbutt Joanna , Lesiak Aleksandra , Barasińska Paulina , Owczarczyk-Saczonek Agnieszka , Czerwińska Joanna , Szepietowski Jacek C. , Batycka-Baran Aleksandra , Czajkowski Rafał , Górecka-Sokołowska Magdalena , Rudnicka Lidia , Czuwara Joanna , Szczerkowska-Dobosz Aneta
Published: July 2022

There is evidence that the concomitance of psoriasis and obesity may originate from the interplay between multiple genetic pathways and involve gene–gene interactions. The aim of this study was to compare the genetic background related to obesity among psoriatic patients versus healthy controls by means of a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS). A total of 972 psoriatic patients and a total of 5878 healthy donors were enrolled in this study. DNA samples were genotyped for over 500,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using Infinium CoreExome BeadChips (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). Statistical analysis identified eleven signals (p < 1 × 10−5) associated with BMI across the study groups and revealed a varying effect size in each sub-cohort. Seven of the alternative alleles (rs1558902 in the FTO gene, rs696574 in the CALCRL gene, as well as rs10968110, rs4551082, rs4609724, rs9320269, and rs2338833,) are associated with increased BMI among all psoriatic patients and four (rs1556519 in the ITLN2 gene, rs12972098 in the AC003006.7 gene, rs12676670 in the PAG1 gene, and rs1321529) are associated with lower BMI. The results of our study may lead to further insights into the understanding of the pathogenesis of obesity among psoriatic patients.
Catalytic Antibodies in Bipolar Disorder: Serum IgGs Hydrolyze Myelin Basic Protein
Authors: Kamaeva Daria A. , Smirnova Liudmila P. , Vasilieva Svetlana N. , Kazantseva Daria V. , Vasilieva Alisa R. , Ivanova Svetlana A.
Published: July 2022

The pathogenesis of bipolar affective disorder is associated with immunological imbalances, a general pro-inflammatory status, neuroinflammation, and impaired white matter integrity. Myelin basic protein (MBP) is one of the major proteins in the myelin sheath of brain oligodendrocytes. For the first time, we have shown that IgGs isolated from sera of bipolar patients can effectively hydrolyze human myelin basic protein (MBP), unlike other test proteins. Several stringent criteria were applied to assign the studied activity to serum IgG. The level of MBP-hydrolyzing activity of IgG from patients with bipolar disorder was statistically significantly 1.6-folds higher than that of healthy individuals. This article presents a detailed characterization of the catalytic properties of MBP-hydrolyzing antibodies in bipolar disorder, including the substrate specificity, inhibitory analysis, pH dependence of hydrolysis, and kinetic parameters of IgG-dependent MBP hydrolysis, providing the heterogeneity of polyclonal MBP-hydrolyzing IgGs and their difference from canonical proteases. The ability of serum IgG to hydrolyze MBP in bipolar disorder may become an additional link between the processes of myelin damage and inflammation.
Monodisperse Gold Nanoparticles: A Review on Synthesis and Their Application in Modern Medicine
Authors: Dheyab Mohammed Ali , Aziz Azlan Abdul , Moradi Khaniabadi Pegah , Jameel Mahmood S. , Oladzadabbasabadi Nazila , Mohammed Selwan Abduljabbar , Abdullah Raja Saleh , Mehrdel Baharak
Published: July 2022

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are becoming increasingly popular as drug carriers due to their unique properties such as size tenability, multivalency, low toxicity and biocompatibility. AuNPs have physical features that distinguish them from bulk materials, small molecules and other nanoscale particles. Their unique combination of characteristics is just now being fully realized in various biomedical applications. In this review, we focus on the research accomplishments and new opportunities in this field, and we describe the rising developments in the use of monodisperse AuNPs for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. This study addresses the key principles and the most recent published data, focusing on monodisperse AuNP synthesis, surface modifications, and future theranostic applications. Moving forward, we also consider the possible development of functionalized monodisperse AuNPs for theranostic applications based on these efforts. We anticipate that as research advances, flexible AuNPs will become a crucial platform for medical applications.
Engineering a 3D In Vitro Model of Human Gingival Tissue Equivalent with Genipin/Cytochalasin D
Authors: Koskinen Holm Cecilia , Qu Chengjuan
Published: July 2022

Although three-dimensional (3D) co-culture of gingival keratinocytes and fibroblasts-populated collagen gel can mimic 3D structure of in vivo tissue, the uncontrolled contraction of collagen gel restricts its application in clinical and experimental practices. We here established a stable 3D gingival tissue equivalent (GTE) using hTERT-immortalized gingival fibroblasts (hGFBs)-populated collagen gel directly crosslinked with genipin/cytochalasin D and seeding hTERT-immortalized gingival keratinocytes (TIGKs) on the upper surface for a 2-week air–liquid interface co-culture. MTT assay was used to measure the cell viability of GTEs. GTE size was monitored following culture period, and the contraction was analyzed. Immunohistochemical assay was used to analyze GTE structure. qRT-PCR was conducted to examine the mRNA expression of keratinocyte-specific genes. Fifty µM genipin (G50) or combination (G + C) of G50 and 100 nM cytochalasin D significantly inhibited GTE contraction. Additionally, a higher cell viability appeared in GTEs crosslinked with G50 or G + C. GTEs crosslinked with genipin/cytochalasin D showed a distinct multilayered stratified epithelium that expressed keratinocyte-specific genes similar to native gingiva. Collagen directly crosslinked with G50 or G + C significantly reduced GTE contraction without damaging the epithelium. In summary, the TIGKs and hGFBs can successfully form organotypic multilayered cultures, which can be a valuable tool in the research regarding periodontal disease as well as oral mucosa disease. We conclude that genipin is a promising crosslinker with the ability to reduce collagen contraction while maintaining normal cell function in collagen-based oral tissue engineering.
Genome–Wide Identification of the GRAS Family Genes in Melilotus albus and Expression Analysis under Various Tissues and Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Wang Shengsheng , Duan Zhen , Yan Qi , Wu Fan , Zhou Pei , Zhang Jiyu
Published: July 2022

The GRAS gene family is a plant–specific family of transcription factors, which play an important role in many metabolic pathways, such as plant growth and development and stress response. However, there is no report on the comprehensive study of the GRAS gene family of Melilotus albus. Here, we identified 55 MaGRAS genes, which were classified into 8 subfamilies by phylogenetic analysis, and unevenly distributed on 8 chromosomes. The structural analysis indicated that 87% of MaGRAS genes have no intron, which is highly conservative in different species. MaGRAS proteins of the same subfamily have similar protein motifs, which are the source of functional differences of different genomes. Transcriptome and qRT–PCR data were combined to determine the expression of 12 MaGRAS genes in 6 tissues, including flower, seed, leaf, stem, root and nodule, which indicated the possible roles in plant growth and development. Five and seven MaGRAS genes were upregulated under ABA, drought, and salt stress treatments in the roots and shoots, respectively, indicating that they play vital roles in the response to ABA and abiotic stresses in M. albus. Furthermore, in yeast heterologous expression, MaGRAS12, MaGRAS34 and MaGRAS33 can enhance the drought or salt tolerance of yeast cells. Taken together, these results provide basic information for understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of GRAS proteins and valuable information for further studies on the growth, development and stress responses of GRAS proteins in M. albus.
Bioactive Compounds and Their Impact on Protein Modification in Human Cells
Authors: Prasad Ankush , Rossi Claudio , Manoharan Renuka Ramalingam , Sedlářová Michaela , Cangeloni Lorenzo , Rathi Deepak , Tamasi Gabriella , Pospíšil Pavel , Consumi Marco
Published: July 2022

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) represent a group of molecules with a signaling role that are involved in regulating human cell proliferation and differentiation. Increased ROS concentrations are often associated with the local nonspecific oxidation of biological macromolecules, especially proteins and lipids. Free radicals, in general, may randomly damage protein molecules through the formation of protein-centered radicals as intermediates that, in turn, decay into several end oxidation products. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of free-radical-mediated lipid oxidation and cell membrane damage, forms adducts with proteins in a nonspecific manner, leading to the loss of their function. In our study, we utilized U-937 cells as a model system to unveil the effect of four selected bioactive compounds (chlorogenic acid, oleuropein, tomatine, and tyrosol) to reduce oxidative stress associated with adduct formation in differentiating cells. The purity of the compounds under study was confirmed by an HPLC analysis. The cellular integrity and changes in the morphology of differentiated U-937 cells were confirmed with confocal microscopy, and no significant toxicity was found in the presence of bioactive compounds. From the Western blot analysis, a reduction in the MDA adduct formation was observed in cells treated with compounds that underlaid the beneficial effects of the compounds tested.
Fenretinide in Cancer and Neurological Disease: A Two-Face Janus Molecule
Authors: Potenza Rosa Luisa , Lodeserto Pietro , Orienti Isabella
Published: July 2022

Recently, several chemotherapeutic drugs have been repositioned in neurological diseases, based on common biological backgrounds and the inverse comorbidity between cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Fenretinide (all-trans-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide, 4-HPR) is a synthetic derivative of all-trans-retinoic acid initially proposed in anticancer therapy for its antitumor effects combined with limited toxicity. Subsequently, fenretinide has been proposed for other diseases, for which it was not intentionally designed for, due to its ability to influence different biological pathways, providing a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects. Here, we review the most relevant preclinical and clinical findings from fenretinide and discuss its therapeutic role towards cancer and neurological diseases, highlighting the hormetic behavior of this pleiotropic molecule.
Transcription Factor AtOFP1 Involved in ABA-Mediated Seed Germination and Root Growth through Modulation of ROS Homeostasis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Hemeng , Zhang Dongrui , Zhou Xi’nan , Zhou Ganghua , Zong Wenbo , Chen Lingling , Chang Ying , Wu Xiaoxia
Published: July 2022

Ovate family proteins (OFPs) are valued as a family of transcription factors that are unique to plants, and they play a pluripotent regulatory role in plant growth and development, including secondary-cell-wall synthesis, DNA repair, gibberellin synthesis, and other biological processes, via their interaction with TALE family proteins. In this study, CHIP-SEQ was used to detect the potential target genes of AtOFP1 and its signal-regulation pathways. On the other hand, Y2H and BIFC were employed to prove that AtOFP1 can participate in ABA signal transduction by interacting with one of the TALE family protein called AtKNAT3. ABA response genes are not only significantly upregulated in the 35S::HAOFP1 OE line, but they also show hypersensitivity to ABA in terms of seed germination and early seedling root elongation. In addition, the AtOFP1-regulated target genes are mainly mitochondrial membranes that are involved in the oxidative–phosphorylation pathway. Further qRT-PCR results showed that the inefficient splicing of the respiratory complex I subunit genes NAD4 and NAD7 may lead to ROS accumulation in 35S::HA-AtOFP1 OE lines. In conclusion, we speculated that the overexpression of AtOFP1 may cause the ABA hypersensitivity response by increasing the intracellular ROS content generated from damage to the intima systems of mitochondria.
Effects of Dietary n-3 LCPUFA Supplementation on the Hippocampus of Aging Female Mice: Impact on Memory, Lipid Raft-Associated Glutamatergic Receptors and Neuroinflammation
Authors: Taoro-González Lucas , Pereda Daniel , Valdés-Baizabal Catalina , González-Gómez Miriam , Pérez José A. , Mesa-Herrera Fátima , Canerina-Amaro Ana , Pérez-González Herminia , Rodríguez Covadonga , Díaz Mario , Marin Raquel
Published: July 2022

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), essential molecules whose precursors must be dietary supplied, are highly represented in the brain contributing to numerous neuronal processes. Recent findings have demonstrated that LCPUFA are represented in lipid raft microstructures, where they favor molecular interactions of signaling complexes underlying neuronal functionality. During aging, the brain lipid composition changes affecting the lipid rafts’ integrity and protein signaling, which may induce memory detriment. We investigated the effect of a n-3 LCPUFA-enriched diet on the cognitive function of 6- and 15-months-old female mice. Likewise, we explored the impact of dietary n-3 LCPUFAs on hippocampal lipid rafts, and their potential correlation with aging-induced neuroinflammation. Our results demonstrate that n-3 LCPUFA supplementation improves spatial and recognition memory and restores the expression of glutamate and estrogen receptors in the hippocampal lipid rafts of aged mice to similar profiles than young ones. Additionally, the n-3 LCPUFA-enriched diet stabilized the lipid composition of the old mice’s hippocampal lipid rafts to the levels of young ones and reduced the aged-induced neuroinflammatory markers. Hence, we propose that n-3 LCPUFA supplementation leads to beneficial cognitive performance by “rejuvenating” the lipid raft microenvironment that stabilizes the integrity and interactions of memory protein players embedded in these microdomains.
Therapeutic Effects of Quetiapine and 5-HT1A Receptor Agonism on Hyperactivity in Dopamine-Deficient Mice
Authors: Ochiai Yukiko , Fujita Masayo , Hagino Yoko , Kobayashi Kazuto , Okiyama Ryoichi , Takahashi Kazushi , Ikeda Kazutaka
Published: July 2022

Some diseases that are associated with dopamine deficiency are accompanied by psychiatric symptoms, including Parkinson’s disease. However, the mechanism by which this occurs has not been clarified. Previous studies found that dopamine-deficient (DD) mice exhibited hyperactivity in a novel environment. This hyperactivity is improved by clozapine and donepezil, which are used to treat psychiatric symptoms associated with dopamine deficiency (PSDD). We considered that DD mice could be used to study PSDD. In the present study, we sought to identify the pharmacological mechanism of PSDD. We conducted locomotor activity tests by administering quetiapine and drugs that have specific actions on serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) receptors and muscarinic receptors. Changes in neuronal activity that were induced by drug administration in DD mice were evaluated by examining Fos immunoreactivity. Quetiapine suppressed hyperactivity in DD mice while the 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635 inhibited this effect. The number of Fos-positive neurons in the median raphe nucleus increased in DD mice that exhibited hyperactivity and was decreased by treatment with quetiapine and 5-HT1A receptor agonists. In conclusion, hyperactivity in DD mice was ameliorated by quetiapine, likely through 5-HT1A receptor activation. These findings suggest that 5-HT1A receptors may play a role in PSDD, and 5-HT1A receptor-targeting drugs may help improve PSDD.
An Intrusion Detection Method for Industrial Control System Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Cao Yixin , Zhang Lei , Zhao Xiaosong , Jin Kai , Chen Ziyi
Published: July 2022

The integration of communication networks and the internet of industrial control in Industrial Control System (ICS) increases their vulnerability to cyber attacks, causing devastating outcomes. Traditional Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) largely rely on predefined models and are trained mostly on specific cyber attacks, which means the traditional IDS cannot cope with unknown attacks. Additionally, most IDS do not consider the imbalanced nature of ICS datasets, thus suffering from low accuracy and high False Positive Rates when being put to use. In this paper, we propose the NCO–double-layer DIFF_RF–OPFYTHON intrusion detection method for ICS, which consists of NCO modules, double-layer DIFF_RF modules, and OPFYTHON modules. Detected traffic will be divided into three categories by the double-layer DIFF_RF module: known attacks, unknown attacks, and normal traffic. Then, the known attacks will be classified into specific attacks by the OPFYTHON module according to the feature of attack traffic. Finally, we use the NCO module to improve the model input and enhance the accuracy of the model. The results show that the proposed method outperforms traditional intrusion detection methods, such as XGboost and SVM. The detection of unknown attacks is also considerable. The accuracy of the dataset used in this paper reaches 98.13%. The detection rates for unknown attacks and known attacks reach 98.21% and 95.1%, respectively. Moreover, the method we proposed has achieved suitable results on other public datasets.
Digital Transformation Strategy in Post-COVID Era: Innovation Performance Determinants and Digital Capabilities in Driving Schools
Authors: Nousopoulou Evangelia , Kamariotou Maria , Kitsios Fotis
Published: July 2022

Businesses affected by the pandemic have realized the importance of incorporating digital transformation into their operations. However, as a result of the market lockdown, they realized that they needed to digitalize their firms immediately and make greater attempts to enhance their economic situation by integrating a greater number of technological components. While there have been numerous studies conducted on the adoption of digital transformation in small–medium enterprises, there has been no research carried out on the implementation of digital transformation in the specific industry of driving schools. This paper investigates the significance of digital transformation, as well as the potential for its application in this industry’s business setting and the ways in which it can be utilized to improve innovation capabilities and performance. The data for this study came from 300 driving instructors in Greece and Cyprus. Multivariate regression analysis was used to analyze the data. The outcomes suggest that driving schools have a generally positive reaction to and acknowledgement of the increasing speed of digital transformation. The results also give driving school owners useful information that helps them show how important digital transformation is to their businesses. Using the findings of this study, driving schools will be able to improve their operational capabilities and accelerate their development in the post-COVID era.
Magnetic Metal Oxide-Based Photocatalysts with Integrated Silver for Water Treatment
Authors: Belessiotis George V. , Falara Pinelopi P. , Ibrahim Islam , Kontos Athanassios G.
Published: July 2022

In this review, the most recent advances in the field of magnetic composite photocatalysts with integrated plasmonic silver (Ag) is presented, with an overview of their synthesis techniques, properties and photocatalytic pollutant removal applications. Magnetic attributes combined with plasmonic properties in these composites result in enhancements for light absorption, charge-pair generation-separation-transfer and photocatalytic efficiency with the additional advantage of their facile magnetic separation from water solutions after treatment, neutralizing the issue of silver’s inherent toxicity. A detailed overview of the currently utilized synthesis methods and techniques for the preparation of magnetic silver-integrated composites is presented. Furthermore, an extended critical review of the most recent pollutant removal applications of these composites via green photocatalysis technology is presented. From this survey, the potential of magnetic composites integrated with plasmonic metals is highlighted for light-induced water treatment and purification. Highlights: (1) Perspective of magnetic properties combined with plasmon metal attributes; (2) Overview of recent methods for magnetic silver-integrated composite synthesis; (3) Critical view of recent applications for photocatalytic pollutant removal.
Experimental and Simulation Study for the Influence of Thermal Pre-Deformation on Subsequent Aging Precipitation Kinetics of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Alloy
Authors: Sun Qian , Yu Sha , Wang Hong , Ma Huijuan , Li Huanhuan , Hu Zhili
Published: July 2022

Deformation and heat treatment are important means to strengthen aluminum alloys. However, the influence mechanism of pre-strain on aging precipitation kinetics and its effect on mechanical properties are still not clear. In this work, uniaxial isothermal tensile tests with different strains and artificial aging treatments for Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys have been carried out. Then, a model describing the precipitates kinetic behavior has been developed to investigate the effect of thermal pre-strain on subsequent aging precipitation kinetics and peak aging microhardness based on the microstructure characterization by TEM, SAXS and XRD tests. In addition, the role of dislocations on the aging precipitation kinetics is also explored. The experimental results show that the peak aging microhardness of the Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy reveals a tendency to decrease and increase and then the peak aging time firstly decreases and then keeps almost constant with the increase in the strain. The calculations demonstrate that the precipitate average size almost remains unchanged, while the precipitate volume fraction decreases and then increases with the increase in strain, which is consistent with the change in peak aging microhardness. It also indicates that dislocations can promote precipitate nucleation and growth, while the actual effect depends on the dislocation density, which is closely dependent on the pre-deformation condition, especially for the precipitate nucleation. In particular, when the dislocation density after thermal pre-deformation is not enough, it will slightly inhibit precipitate nucleation but promote precipitate growth, which could shorten the peak aging time, with the peak aging strength being guaranteed.
Stabilizing Metallic Na Anodes via Sodiophilicity Regulation: A Review
Authors: Yuan Chenbo , Li Rui , Zhan Xiaowen , Sprenkle Vincent L. , Li Guosheng
Published: July 2022

This review focuses on the Na wetting challenges and relevant strategies regarding stabilizing sodium-metal anodes in sodium-metal batteries (SMBs). The Na anode is the essential component of three key energy storage systems, including molten SMBs (i.e., intermediate-temperature Na-S and ZEBRA batteries), all-solid-state SMBs, and conventional SMBs using liquid electrolytes. We begin with a general description of issues encountered by different SMB systems and point out the common challenge in Na wetting. We detail the emerging strategies of improving Na wettability and stabilizing Na metal anodes for the three types of batteries, with the emphasis on discussing various types of tactics developed for SMBs using liquid electrolytes. We conclude with a discussion of the overlooked yet critical aspects (Na metal utilization, N/P ratio, critical current density, etc.) in the existing strategies for an individual battery system and propose promising areas (anolyte incorporation and catholyte modifications for lower-temperature molten SMBs, cell evaluation under practically relevant current density and areal capacity, etc.) that we believe to be the most urgent for further pursuit. Comprehensive investigations combining complementary post-mortem, in situ, and operando analyses to elucidate cell-level structure-performance relations are advocated.
Biocompatibility of ZrO2 vs. Y-TZP Alloys: Influence of Their Composition and Surface Topography
Authors: Tchinda Alex , Chézeau Laëtitia , Pierson Gaël , Kouitat-Njiwa Richard , Rihn B H , Bravetti Pierre
Published: July 2022

The osseointegration of implants is defined as the direct anatomical and functional connection between neoformed living bone and the surface of a supporting implant. The biological compatibility of implants depends on various parameters, such as the nature of the material, chemical composition, surface topography, chemistry and loading, surface treatment, and physical and mechanical properties. In this context, the objective of this study is to evaluate the biocompatibility of rough (Ra = 1 µm) and smooth (Ra = 0 µm) surface conditions of yttria–zirconia (Y-TZP) discs compared to pure zirconia (ZrO2) discs by combining a classical toxicological test, morphological observations by SEM, and a transcriptomic analysis on an in vitro model of human Saos-2 bone cells. Similar cell proliferation rates were observed between ZrO2 and Y-TZP discs and control cells, regardless of the surface topography, at up to 96 h of exposure. Dense cell matting was similarly observed on the surfaces of both materials. Interestingly, only 110 transcripts were differentially expressed across the human transcriptome, consistent with the excellent biocompatibility of Y-TZP reported in the literature. These deregulated transcripts are mainly involved in two pathways, the first being related to “mineral uptake” and the second being the “immune response”. These observations suggest that Y-TZP is an interesting candidate for application in implantology.
Biosorptive Removal of Ethacridine Lactate from Aqueous Solutions by Saccharomyces pastorianus Residual Biomass/Calcium Alginate Composite Beads: Fixed-Bed Column Study
Authors: Rusu Lăcrămioara , Grigoraș Cristina-Gabriela , Simion Andrei-Ionuț , Suceveanu Elena-Mirela , Dediu Botezatu Andreea V. , Harja Maria
Published: July 2022

In this study, ethacridine lactate removal from aqueous solution using a biosorbent material based on residual microbial biomass and natural polymers in fixed-bed continuous column was investigated. Composite beads of Saccharomyces pastorianus residual biomass and calcium alginate were obtained by immobilization technique. The prepared biosorbent was characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and analysis of point of zero charge value. Then, laboratory-scale experiments by fixed-bed column biosorption were conducted in continuous system. To this purpose, the column bed high (5 cm; 7.5 cm), initial pollutant concentration (20 mg/L; 40 mg/L), and solution flow through the column (0.6 mL/min; 1.5 mL/min) were considered the main parameters. Recorded breakthrough curves suggest that lower flow rates, greater bed heights, and a lower concentration of ethacridine lactate led to an increased biosorption of the target compound. The biosorption dynamic was investigated by nonlinear regression analysis using the Adams–Bohart, Yoon–Nelson, Clark, and Yan mathematical models. Conclusively, our research highlights, firstly, that the obtained biosorbent material has the required properties for retaining the ethacridine lactate from aqueous solution in continuous system. Secondly, it emphasizes that the modeling approach reveals an acceptable fitting with the experimental data for the Yoon–Nelson, Clark, and Yan models.
Optimization Design of Magnetic Isolation Ring Position in AC Solenoid Valves for Dynamic Response Performances
Authors: Guo Jiang , Li Linguang , Qin Pu , Wang Jinghao , Ni Chao , Zhu Xu , Lu Dingyao , Tang Jiwu
Published: July 2022

Dynamic response characteristics of solenoid valves directly determined their performances. Among numerous parameters, the influence of magnetic isolation ring (MIR) on solenoid valve performance is crucial. Previous optimization studies have not conducted a systematic exploration and analysis of MIR. In this paper, a model of an AC solenoid valve considering the position of the MIR is proposed, and the model’s accuracy was verified by simulation and experiments. The electromagnetic force, response time, and magnetic field distribution at different positions of the MIR were analyzed, and the effect of the position of MIR on dynamic response characteristics of the solenoid valve was clarified. The results show that the MIR affects the dynamic response characteristics of the solenoid valve by changing the magnetic circuit. With the positive translation of the position of the MIR along the Z-axis, the electromagnetic force first increases and then decreases, and the response time first decreases and then increases. The position range of MIR with excellent dynamic response performance was obtained from the comprehensive consideration of response time and electromagnetic force. Finally, the optimization design for the dynamic response performance of the solenoid valves is realized.
Limited Duplication-Based List Scheduling Algorithm for Heterogeneous Computing System
Authors: Guo Hong , Zhou Jiayin , Gu Haonan
Published: July 2022

Efficient scheduling algorithms have been a leading research topic for heterogeneous computing systems. Although duplication-based scheduling algorithms can significantly reduce the total completion time, they are generally accompanied by an exorbitant time complexity. In this paper, we propose a new task duplication-based heuristic scheduling algorithm, LDLS, that can reduce the total completion time and maintains a low time complexity. The scheduling procedure of LDLS is composed of three main phases: In the beginning phase, the maximum number of duplications per level and per task is calculated to prevent excessive duplications from blocking regular tasks. In the next phase, the optimistic cost table (OCT) and ranking of tasks are calculated with reference to PEFT. In the final phase, scheduling is conducted based on the ranking, and the duplication of each task is dynamically determined, enabling the duplicated tasks to effectively reduce the start execution time of its successor tasks. Experiments of algorithms on randomly generated graphs and real-world applications indicate that both the scheduling length and the number of better case occurrences of LDLS are better than others.
Li3PO4 Coated Li[Ni0.75Co0.1Mn0.15]O2 Cathode for All-Solid-State Batteries Based on Sulfide Electrolyte
Authors: Lee Joo Young , Park Yong Joon
Published: July 2022

Surface coating of cathodes is an essential process for all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) based on sulfide electrolytes as it efficiently suppresses interfacial reactions between oxide cathodes and sulfide electrolytes. Based on computational calculations, Li3PO4 has been suggested as a promising coating material because of its higher stability with sulfides and its optimal ionic conductivity. However, it has hardly been applied to the coating of ASSBs due to the absence of a suitable coating process, including the selection of source material that is compatible with ASSBs. In this study, polyphosphoric acid (PPA) and (NH4)2HPO4 were used as source materials for preparing a Li3PO4 coating for ASSBs, and the properties of the coating layer and coated cathodes were compared. The Li3PO4 layer fabricated using the (NH4)2HPO4 source was rough and inhomogeneous, which is not suitable for the protection of the cathodes. Moreover, the water-based coating solution with the (NH4)2HPO4 source can deteriorate the electrochemical performance of high-Ni cathodes that are vulnerable to water. In contrast, when an alcohol-based solvent was used, the PPA source enabled the formation of a thin and homogeneous coating layer on the cathode surface. As a consequence, the ASSBs containing the Li3PO4-coated cathode prepared by the PPA source exhibited significantly enhanced discharge and rate capabilities compared to ASSBs containing a pristine cathode or Li3PO4-coated cathode prepared by the (NH4)2HPO4 source.
Russian mechanical engineering in the mirror of statistics
Authors: Korepanov E. N.
Published: July 2022

In modern periodicals, undeservedly little attention is paid to the basic investment branches of mechanical engineering. Meanwhile, statistical analysis shows that these industries are in critical condition. After 1991 they experienced the greatest decline in comparison with other types of mechanical engineering, in many of them the decline continued until 2016, and the number of employees is still declining. The scale of production has almost not recovered, the dependence on imports has increased, and the possibilities of overcoming it have decreased. The scientific base has been largely lost, the costs of technological innovations have frozen at the level of 2010, and investments in fixed assets are declining. The low profitability of investment engineering products blocks the possibility of its recovery. The development strategies of its branches do not promise the expected breakthrough in the next 10–15 years, which is unacceptable in the current geopolitical situation.
Selection of methods and techniques for conducting research in the field of management
Authors: Morozov V. A.
Published: July 2022

This article is devoted to the choice of methods and techniques for conducting research in the field of management. Recommendations on the implementation of research procedures in practice are presented. The level of application of specific methods and techniques or their combined variants has been determined, as well as certain rules for recognizing the research process have been identified. These proposals are aimed at improving the reliability, quality and level of research. It is recommended to conduct further research aimed at verifying the accepted model and procedure for choosing methods and techniques of research in the field of management, especially in a practical way.
A Study on the Location of Entrance of the Pithouse at Songguk-ri Site, Buyeo, Korea
Authors:   The hoseo Archaeological Society, Kang Bongwon , Kim Gyongtaek
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of two holes identified in the middle of the oval-shape feature in the Korean Bronze Age pithouses at Songguk-ri, Buyeo Korea. Pithouses dated to the Bronze Age have turned out to be one of the most abundant archaeological features in Korea. Therefore, a detailed research concerning pithouses has been conducted and a number of characteristics have been known so far. Although many researchers have long been interested in the location of entrance to pithouses, it has not yet been clearly known. Oval-shape features have been exposed in the center of Songguk-ri style(roundish) pithouses. It is generally accepted that they are not hearths. Rather, they have been regarded as either a temporary storage pit or a stone tool manufacturing pit(a workshop for stone tools). Researchers have been paying a close attention to the two holes discovered in the oval-shape feature. Some researchers consider them to be either central post holes or ordinary post holes. However, we formulated a hypothesis that the oval-shape feature is the trace of people's movement and two holes are the marks generated by the legs of a ladder for entrance to the pithouse. To test this hypothesis we utilized many different Chinese historical documents and ethnographic observations in conjunction with the pithouses of the aboriginal peoples who inhabited in both Siberia and Alaska regions. It turned out that the documentary sources and observations made by European explorers and Russian researchers well correspond and provide a critical information about overall structure and the location of the entrance of pithouse. Based on the outcome of the analysis against the archaeological data from Songguk-ri site, we came to a conclusion that there was a high possibility that the two holes were the marks of the legs of a ladder for entrance and an opening/window/chimney was located on top of the roof of the pithouse.
Complicated Psoriasis: Issues of Medical Rehabilitation
Authors: Зыкова О.С. , Зыков А.В.
Published: July 2022

В статье определены показания к профессиональному взаимодействию дерматовенеролога и травматолога-ортопеда в медицинском сопровождении пациентов с псориазом.

Thearticledefines the indications for the professional interaction of a dermatovenereologist and an orthopedic traumatologist in the medical support of patients with psoriasis.
Estudio de persistencia de la infectividad en los pastos, de larvas de Haemonchus contortus susceptibles y resistentes a bencimidazoles, en el sur de la provincia de Corrientes
Authors:   , Niño Uribe Álvaro Iván
Published: July 2022

En áreas subtropicales del mundo con explotaciones ovinas el principal problema sanitario es el parasitismo gastrointestinal. El control de estas parasitosis mediante el uso intensivo de antihelmínticos ocasionó la aparición de resistencia. En Argentina, en el sur de la provincia de Corrientes, Haemonchus contortus prevalece durante todo el año debido a que el clima favorece su desarrollo y dispersión. Este nematodo es el que más perdidas produce en la región. Es necesario estudiar los tiempos de supervivencia e infectividad de las fases de vida libre, así como su potencial capacidad de adaptación. Entre el 2017 y 2019 mediante el uso de ovinos trazadores en parcelas aisladas, se realizó un análisis de supervivencia (Kaplan Meier) de dos cepas de H. contortus una autóctona y otra foránea con las condiciones climáticas de cada estación del año en la región. Se observó que los tiempos de supervivencia de las L3 difieren para cada una de las estaciones del año (p<0,05), siendo el más largo con hasta 32 semanas (7,4 meses) las sembradas en otoño y el más corto las de verano con 15 semanas (3,4 meses). Se demostró que el riesgo de morir en verano es 9,2 veces mayor que en otoño. Entre los tiempos de supervivencia de las dos poblaciones no se hallaron diferencias significativas (p=0,93). El otoño se presenta como la estación más favorable para la contaminación, desarrollo y supervivencia de las larvas, siempre y cuando las condiciones climáticas sean semejantes a las históricas de la región. El comportamiento de las dos poblaciones fue similar en las cuatro estaciones, y la capacidad de adaptación e infectividad para la población foránea fue favorable. Estos resultados sugieren que resulta viable ensayar protocolos de reemplazo de cepas, sin dejar de considerar otras herramientas estratégicas para evitar la resistencia antihelmíntica y así lograr un manejo sustentable.
Los síndromes malignos de la difteria
Authors:   , Ronconi Emérico Oscar
Published: July 2022

Nociones históricas, definición y etiología de la difteria. Historia, etiología, patogenia, anatomía patológica, síntomas, diagnóstico, profilaxis y tratamiento del Síndrome de Verdoux, el Síndrome de Marean y el Síndrome de Granety Mezard.
Enunciados sobre primitivismo na origem da Psicologia da Arte no Brasil
Authors: Mattos Ricardo Mendes , Andriolo Arley , Oliveira Richard de
Published: July 2022

Neste artigo, os autores investigam uma série de tensões notáveis pela presença do termo “primitivo” como um enunciado na origem da psicologia das artes no Brasil. A exploração dos significados relacionados a esse termo e palavras correlatas (tal como “primitivismo”) permite-nos mapear as marcas da dominação colonial, a crítica e possibilidades de superação. Nossa base histórica foram alguns textos escritos por importantes autores, os quais tornaram-se referências fundamentais para o campo acadêmico da psicologia das artes no Brasil. O estudo da conceituação então elaborada possibilita os pesquisadores compreenderem o primitivismo como um problema acadêmico e como uma sombra a cobrir as origens tanto da psicologia da arte quanto da psicologia social. A interpretação daqueles escritos permite identificar enunciados que articulam a abordagem psicológica de objetos estéticos produzidos pelas classes populares e a invenção de algumas categorias discursivas coerentes. Como resultado, esperamos evidenciar a própria genealogia da psicologia da arte brasileira, a qual foi construída a partir de fundamentos ambíguos, estes articulados à dominação colonial e seus reflexos históricos e políticos no discurso científico. Concluímos pontuando a relevância do mapeamento e reflexão acerca da presença de tais ambiguidades na abordagem científica da produção estética de diferentes grupos sociais subalternos, historicamente invisíveis e representados em termos de minorias.