bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RESEARCH OF SOFTWARE AGING IN ANDROID SYSTEM PROCESSES AND USER APPLICATIONS
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, YAKOVYNA VITALIY , UHRYNOVSKYI BOHDAN ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: August 2021

Android operating system is vulnerable to the aging-related effects such as performance degradation and increased of aging-related failures rate due prolonged usage of a mobile device without rebooting. This paper considers software aging phenomenon in system processes and user applications of the Android operating system and means for counteracting this phenomenon. Experimental research was performed using a methodology that consists in performing stress tests on mobile applications, collecting system data on running processes, converting the collected data into time series for the relevant metrics and analyzing these data using statistical methods. Thus, the analysis of oom_adj_score for determining processes priorities in the context of software aging allowed to identify two groups of processes, namely system processes and user applications. It is also pointed out the possibility of using oom_adj_score to determine the state of system usage in the tasks of software aging predicting and performing software rejuvenation. The results of the system processes analysis showed that the indicators of aging are system_server and surfaceflinger processes, as well as com.android.phone, cameraserver in the case of active use of contacts and camera applications. The considered processes can be used to implement software rejuvenation. Research has shown that user applications are also vulnerable to aging-related effects, but the rejuvenation procedure cannot be applied to them at the system level. It is important to take steps to prevent aging-related errors, such as using appropriate data structures and algorithms for efficient memory management, minimizing the load on the main UI stream, and using effective graphics techniques to reduce the number of delayed frames. In future works it is important to investigate the considered system processes and services in tasks of software aging forecasting and performing of rejuvenation procedure. It is important for user applications to develop tools that provide developers with information about the state of software aging in the system, which would allow to decide on the feasibility of performing important and resource-intensive tasks in conditions when the system is already in a state with a high probability of aging-related failure.
FEATURES OF ECOLOGICAL STANDARDIZATION AND CERTIFICATION OF DETERGENTS
Authors:   Poltava University of Economics and Trade, KOBISCHАN АNNA , BASOVA YULIA ,   Poltava University of Economics and Trade, GUBА LYUDMILA ,   Poltava University of Economics and Trade, TKАCHENKO ALINA ,   Poltava University of Economics and Trade
Published: August 2021

The purpose of the article is a comprehensive analysis of issues related to the peculiarities of environmental standardization and certification of detergents. Particular attention is paid to the problems of eco-labeling of detergents in Ukraine. The article shows that the domestic environmental standardization and certification in comparison with the European has a number of unresolved issues. According to the results of the market analysis, significant use of uncertified detergents has been established, which accordingly has a number of negative consequences: destruction of aquatic ecosystems, waste generation, product falsification, unjustified increase in producer prices. The authors see the possibility of solving these problems by environmental certification of detergents with appropriate labeling, because it means that such products have been evaluated by competent professionals and meet the established requirements. The paper considers the normative documents and stages of environmental certification of detergents, further supervision of certified products and compliance with the rules of environmental labeling. It is shown that the result of certification is an environmental certificate, which indicates the successful completion of environmental certification and gives the right to use eco-labeling in the format of statements about environmental benefits and characteristics in combination with the eco-label. The issue of vague statements, unfounded application of concepts that indicate a general environmental advantage, examples are given. It is established that the regulatory framework of Ukraine for the regulation of product quality and safety management is not yet perfect. At the same time, a voluntary approach to the procedure of environmental standardization and certification can encourage unscrupulous producers to counterfeit products and pass them off as “eco” goods, while unreasonably raising prices.
AUTOMATION OF EMERGENCY CONTROL OF THE POWER SYSTEM ON THE BASIS OF LOGICAL-PROBABILISTIC SIMULATION OF RELIABILITY BY PRODUCTION PETRI NETS
Authors:   Kryvyi Rih National University, KOTOV IHOR
Published: August 2021

The paper presents the results of research on methods for constructing knowledge bases of decision support systems for dispatch control of power supply systems in crisis situations. Models of products based on Petri nets are proposed for assessing the parameters of reliability of power supply systems. An algorithm for calculating the reliability parameters of the electrical network using analytical matrix equations of Petri nets has been implemented. The work is devoted to the topical problem of intellectualization of power supply systems and means of automation of control of large power systems. The relevance of research in the field of building intelligent power systems is grounded. The basic requirements for the reliability of modern power supply systems are formulated. The concept of intellectualization of power systems and management of their reliability is a stable trend in the development of large energy systems and automated dispatch control systems. The solution to the problem lies in the implementation of intelligent decision support systems. The main task of the work is to model the reliability of the power supply system in order to build an effective knowledge base about the parameters of the reliability of the power supply system. For this purpose, we use a probabilistic approach to assessing reliability. This approach is based on the concepts of the probability of failure-free operation and the probability of failure, which are expressed in terms of the failure rate. On the basis of the obtained models, the construction of intelligent software systems for dispatching can be carried out taking into account the reliability indicators of the components of power supply systems. As a mechanism for formalizing failure circuits in power supply circuits, the production approach of knowledge representation is applied, which implements conjunctive-disjunctive connections of statements associated with failures. The outlined approach is invariant in relation to subject areas, which makes it possible to build effective decision support systems in the field of operational emergency control of the energy system.
THE APPLICATION OF ISOMORPHIC MATRIX REPRESENTATIONS FOR MODELING THE PROTOCOL FOR THE FORMATION OF SECRET KEYS-PERMUTATIONS OF HUGE SIZES
Authors:   Vinnytsia National Agrarian University, KRASILENKO VLADIMIR , YURCHUK NATALIYA ,   Vinnytsia National Agrarian University, NIKITOVICH DIANA ,   Vinnytsia National Technical University
Published: August 2021

A The article considers the peculiarities of the application of isomorphic matrix representations for modeling the protocol of matching secret keys-permutations of significant dimension. The situation is considered when for cryptographic transformations of blocks with a length of 256 * 256 bytes, presented in the form of a matrix of a black-and-white image, it is necessary to rearrange all bytes in accordance with the matrix keys. To generate a basic matrix key and the appearance of the components KeyA and KeyB in the format of two black and white images, a software module using engineering mathematical software Mathcad is proposed. Simulations are performed, for example, with sets of fixed matrix representations. The essence of the protocol of coordination of the main matrix of permutations by the parties is considered. Also shown are software modules in Mathcad for accelerated methods that display the procedure of iterative permutations in a permutation matrix isomorphic to the elevation of the permutation matrix to the desired degree with a certain side, corresponding to specific bits of bits or other code representations of selected random numbers. It is demonstrated that the parties receive new permutation matrices after the first step of the protocol, those sent to the other party, and the identical new permutation matrices received by the parties after the second step of the protocol, ie the secret permutation matrix. Similar qualitative cryptographic transformations have been confirmed using the proposed representations of the permutation matrix based on the results of modeling matrix affine-permutation ciphers and multi-step matrix affine-permutation ciphers for different cases when the components of affine transformations are first executed in different sequences. , and then permutation using the permutation matrix, or vice versa. The model experiments performed in the study demonstrated the adequacy of the functioning of the models proposed by the protocol and methods of generating a permutation matrix and demonstrated their advantages.
Variability and problem of species identification of sculpins of the genus Cyphocottus (Pisces: Cottidae)
Authors: Bogdanov B.E. ,   Limnological Institute, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ulan-Batorskaya Str., 3, Irkutsk, 664033, Russia
Published: August 2021

Abstract. Based on the material collected during the fieldwork seasons from 1996 to 2007 in the amount of 223 specimens, we studied phenetic relationships and taxonomic structure of the genus Cyphocottus. Two valid species, C. megalops and C. eurystomus, within the taxonomic boundaries established by D.N. Taliev (1955) were confirmed in the genus Cyphocottus. Interspecific differences in C. eurystomus are manifested in greater values of interorbital distance, the height of the head, body and caudal peduncle, as well as in smaller values of eye diameter and caudal peduncle length. Polymorphism in the definitive sizes, colour and the number of neuromasts in the lateral line is typical of C. eurystomus. At the same time, all populations have specific characters of C. eurystomus different from C. megalops. We found no intraspecific variability in C. megalops.
An applied economic analysis of the demand for pork primal cuts
Authors:   , Luke Jaime
Published: August 2021

This study estimates domestic disappearance equations for the six main pork primal cuts (belly, butt, ham, loin, picnic, and rib) to determine the own-price, cross-price, and income elasticities for each cut. These equations were utilized to develop an economic model of the pork industry that was used to determine the impacts that various trade scenarios could have on monthly disappearance, production, exports, and cutout values both for each primal cut and pork as a whole. It was found that the own-price elasticity of bellies was most inelastic and of loins was least inelastic. Of the primal cuts, decreasing exports of bellies had the most detrimental impact on the pork cutout value. Of the main pork exports markets, decreasing exports to China had the most detrimental impact on the pork cutout value.
RESISTÊNCIA À INTERMEDIAÇÃO PELOS ECRÃS/TELAS CONECTADAS
Authors: Capoano Edson
Published: August 2021

Este trabalho debaterá o peso das lógicas tecno-econômicas que organizam as relações sociotécnicas das plataformas sociais digitais. Para tanto, serão utilizados referenciais teóricos sobre economia de atenção, algoritmo e plataformas. Como estudos de caso, serão apresentados resultados de inquéritos semi estruturados não probabilísticos, sobre processos informativos, intermediados por ecrãs/telas conectadas na web, como o interesse por emigrar, a motivação para escolha de voto, a avaliação da cobertura da imprensa sobre o movimento Black Lives Matter e sobre a primeira onda/vaga de covid-19. O período de tais amostras se dá entre 2019 e 2021, e comportam o chamado período pandêmico de 2020, quando a intermediação da vida via equipamentos de comunicação e informação se acentuou, dado que grande parte da população mundial teve que cumprir isolamento e afastamento social. Como resultados, percebe-se que houve resistência por parte dos consumidores de informação em relação às notícias da imprensa, opiniões de influenciadores ou resultados de debate em grupos de redes sociais.
СУЧАСНІ ТУРИСТИЧНІ ТЕНДЕНЦІЇ В ПОСТПАНДЕМІЧНИЙ ПЕРІОД
Authors: Кіш Г.В.
Published: August 2021

Статтю присвячено аналізу розвитку туристичної галузі під час глобальної пандемії COVID-19, що кардинально вплинула на всіх гравців туристичного ринку. Очевидним є те, що туристична галузь відчула значний негативний вплив. Проте, як і будь-який процес чи явище, пандемія може принести не лише негативні наслідки, а й стимулювати позитивні зрушення в різних сферах, що остаточно переведуть туристичну сферу на новий рівень розвитку. Зокрема, у статті йдеться про питання безпеки та гігієни, підтримку сталого розвитку, а також використання новітніх інформаційних технологій у туристичній сфері. Украй важливим є відновлення туристичного сектору, при цьому із забезпеченням безпеки, справедливості й відсутності негативного впливу на клімат.
PENERAPAN MODEL DISCOVERY LEARNING UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN BERPIKIR KREATIF MATEMATIKA PESERTA DIDIK
Authors: DEA WIHELMINA ADVENSIA , RAHMAWATI TANTI DIYAH
Published: August 2021

Penelitian ini melatar belakangi masih rendahnya kemampuan berpikir kreatif peserta didik berdasarkan observasi yang ditemukan, peserta didik hanya mengandalkan kemampuan menghafal saat menyelesaikan suatu masalah, sehinggah dalam menyelesaikan soal peserta didik hanya berpatokan dengan model soal yang sudah disampaikan tanpa mengandalkan kemampuan berpikir kreatif saat menyelesaikan suatu persoalan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini ialah agar meningkatkan kemampuan berpikir kreatif peserta didik, model yang digunakan adalah model discovery learning. Penelitian ini merupakan Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK). Penelitian ini dilakukan di kelas X Jasa Boga dengan jumlah peserta didik seluruhnya 18 orang, penelitian ini dilaksanakan dalam 2 siklus, setiap siklus terdapat 4 rancangan yaitu: rancangan, perbuatan, pengamatan, dan refleksi. Instrumen yang dipakai saat penelitian adalah lembar pengamatan kreatifitas peserta didik, RPP,LKPD, soal tes keterampilan berikir kreatif peserta didik di setiap siklus dimana siklus I terdapat 3 soal dan siklus II terdapat 2 soal. Setelah dilakukan penelitian hasil yang diperoleh adalah penggunaan model discovery learning mampu meningkatkan kemampuan berpikir kreatif matematika peserta didik X Jasa Boga dengan sangat baik, dilihat dari rata-rata observasi kreatifitas peserta didik dan hasil tes kreatif peserta didik dalam setiap indikator kreatif pada setiap siklus. Dimana rata rata aspek indikator observasi kreativitas pada siklus I 35.41% tergolong dalam kategori kurang sedangkan siklus II diperoleh 73.75% tergolong dalam kategori tinggi, untuk rata rata aspek indikator hasil tes kreatifitas peserta didik di siklus I 28.41% sedangkan siklus II 58.33%.
Designing LQR Controllers for an Active Anti-roll Bar System with a Flexible Frame Model of a Single Unit Heavy Vehicle
Authors: Vu Van Tan , Tran Van Da , Pham Quoc Trung , Truong Manh Hung , Sename Oliver , Gaspar Peter
Published: August 2021

Rollover accidents of heavy vehicles often cause serious consequences both in terms of vehicle and environmental damage as well the loss or injury of drivers, passengers and ordinary civilians. Currently, the active anti-roll bar system is considered as the most effective solution in enhancing vehicle roll stability. In this paper, we firstly investigated the role of a flexible frame of a single unit heavy vehicle in the rollover process. This approach is an important step forward in the research of the active anti-roll bar system. Then, the LQR control method is applied in designing controllers for the active anti-roll bar control system with this frame model. The active torque of the anti-roll bar system is considered as the control signal. The simulation results in the frequency and time domains with a double lane change maneuver show that the vehicle’s roll stability is improved by over 30 % compared to a vehicle using a passive anti-roll bar system.
EXAMINING ADULT’S IDENTITY STATUSES: ADAPTIVE VS. MALADAPTIVE DIMENSION
Authors: Mestvirishvili Maia , Mestvirishvili Natia , Martskvishvili Khatuna , Arutinov Luiza
Published: August 2021

To achieve the status of ego identity remains the most important challenge for the adolescence period and consequently is a challenge for developmental psychologists too. The vast majority of studies focus on understanding the dynamics of ego identity development, however, factors that cause different path of development remained unclear. This study aims at tracking the paths, which differentiate ego statuses from finding psychosocial factors contributing to ego identity achievement.
For this purpose the relationships between four identity statuses - achievement, exploration, moratorium and foreclosure and number of psychosocial variables such as attachment style, self-esteem and perfectionism have been examined. 386 school teenagers aged 14-17 (M = 15.48) filled a set of questionnaires comprised of four instruments: The Ego Identity Process Questionnaire (EIPQ), The Measure of Attachment Qualities (MAQ), The Perfectionism Inventory (PI) and Adult Sources of Self-Esteem Inventory (ASSEI). Discriminant analysis revealed two basic dimensions (adaptive and maladaptive), which are capable to depict the difference between ego identity statuses. The first discriminant function of ego identity status is primarily defined by conscientious perfectionism and secured attachment; whereas, the second discriminant function consists of avoidance attachment, self-evaluative perfectionism and ambivalent attachment styles.
Key words: adolescence period, ego identity status, ego identity development, psychosocial factors.
Pengaruh Ukuran Perusahaan, Profitabilitas dan Komite Audit Terhadap Pengungkapan Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Rivandi Muhammad , Putra Ridho Juanda
Published: August 2021

Corporate Social Responsibility is one of the social programs raised by the company in order to build good techniques for the wider community, namely in the form of social activities that are very helpful for the wider community in facing the realities that occur today and provide convenience for what they need. CSR is used as a component of the company's business assessment. This study aims to determine and analyze the effect of company size, profitability and audit committee variables partially on CSR disclosure, as well as to determine which variable has the most dominant influence on CSR disclosure in food and beverage sub-sector manufacturing companies. The data processed is secondary data from the annual reports of 11 food and beverage sub-sector manufacturing companies listed on the IDX in 2015-2019 which were taken through purposive sampling. The method used in this research is panel data regression analysis method using Eviews version 8.0. The results of this study indicate that: company size has a negative effect on CSR disclosure, profitability and the audit committee does not have a significant effect on CSR disclosure.
Implementation and lessons learned from 2 online interprofessional faculty development programs for improving educational practice in the health professions in Chile and the United Kingdom from 2018 to 2021
Authors: Orsini Cesar , Rodrigues Veena , Tricio Jorge
Published: August 2021

This study presents the design, implementation, and lessons learned from 2 fit-for-purpose online interprofessional faculty development programs for educational practice improvement in the health professions in Chile and the United Kingdom from 2018 to 2021. Both programs were designed to enhance teaching and learning practices in an interprofessional environment based on 4 pillars: professional diversity, egalitarianism, blended/online learning, and active learning strategies. A multidisciplinary mix of educators participated, showing similar results. The 3 main lessons learned were that the following factors facilitated an interprofessional environment: a professions-inclusive teaching style, a flexible learning climate, and interprofessional peer work. These lessons may be transferable to other programs seeking to enhance and support interprofessionality. Faculty development initiatives preparing educators for interprofessional practice should be an integral component of health professions education, as delivering these courses within professional silos is no longer justifiable. As the relevance of interprofessional education grows, an effective way of promoting interprofessonal education is to train the trainers in formal interprofessional settings.
Sex vs Gender: An unanswered paradox.
Authors: Woodhill Bobbi , Samuels Curtis
Published: August 2021

The origins of bodily sex are well understood, but consensus on any origins for gender is absent. While gonadal sex and sexual orientation are accepted as emanating from genetic and hormonal templates, the existence of gender, when acknowledged, currently has so far originated either from strictly social origins, a nebulous ‘somewhere’ in the brain or from some combination of sources. We propose gender identity emanates from previously unrecognized universal early stable dimorphic sex differences in cognitive signalling relevant to reproduction, and removed from the behaviors widely accepted as a sex/gender mosaic. The neural networks associated with these behaviors thus provide a biological or anatomical location for gender as opposed to sex.
Plant Growth-Promoting Microbe Mediated Uptake of Essential Nutrients (Fe, P, K) for Crop Stress Management: Microbe–Soil–Plant Continuum
Authors: Pattnaik Swati , Mohapatra Balaram , Gupta Abhishek
Published: August 2021

The indiscriminate and intensive use of agrochemicals in developing nations to enhance crop productivity has posed an alarming threat to soil quality, fertility, biodiversity, food safety, agricultural sustainability, and groundwater quality, thus critically affecting planetary health and food productivity. Additionally, both abiotic and biotic stresses and developmental disorders, i.e., disease susceptibility, hormonal imbalance, and nutritional deficiency, are the major constraints on crop productivity. In this context, the use of soil–plant associated microbiomes “phytomicrobiome,” especially rhizospheric microbiota, in combination with agronomic practices (nutrient, water, and resource management, as integrated management options: INM/IPM/IWM) is the most promising alternative for managing soil health and crop productivity. The global recognition of plant/soil-associated microbiome has generated substantial investment of public and private bodies to grow microbe-based food products. However, understanding the molecular, genetic, physiological, and ecological aspects of phytomicrobiome toward sustainable agriculture would require broad attention along with associated environmental/physico-chemical control points. The underpinning mechanisms of plant–microbe interactions are of immense significance for strategizing host selection (single culture/consortia) and its field application. Taxa such asRhizobium, Pseudomonas, Alcaligenes, Burkholderia, Sphingomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Arthrobacter, Bacillus, andRhodococcushave emerged as promising plant growth-promoting (PGP) candidates with diverse beneficial traits, such as, producing phyto-hormones, volatile organics, antibiotics for disease suppression, N2-fixation, Fe uptake, and extracellular enzymes, but several physico-chemical constraints/extremities limit the field application (on-site) of such microbes. Hence, a detailed overview on genomic, physiological, metabolic, cellular, and ecological aspects is necessitated. Thorough insights into nutrient acquisition (especially limiting nutrients like Fe and P) during abiotic stress are still under-studied, so the use OMICS, robust bioinformatics pipeline/tools, might greatly revolutionize the field of PGP microbial ecology (complex plant–microbe interactions) for application in agricultural sustainability, nutritional security, and food safety. This review focusses on critical aspects of mechanisms of Fe and P transport-uptake (nutrient acquisition) by various PGP microbes, and their metabolism, genetics, and physiology relevant for managing stress and better crop production.
Artificial Transcription Factors for Tuneable Gene Expression in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Naseri Gita , Prause Kevin , Hamdo Housam Haj , Arenz Christoph
Published: August 2021

The non-conventional yeastPichia pastoris(syn.Komagataella phaffii) has become a powerful eukaryotic expression platform for biopharmaceutical and biotechnological applications on both laboratory and industrial scales. Despite the fundamental role that artificial transcription factors (ATFs) play in the orthogonal control of gene expression in synthetic biology, a limited number of ATFs are available forP. pastoris. To establish orthogonal regulators for use inP. pastoris, we characterized ATFs derived from Arabidopsis TFs. The plant-derived ATFs contain the binding domain of TFs from the plantArabidopsis thaliana, in combination with the activation domains of yeastGAL4and plantEDLLand a synthetic promoter harboring the cognatecis-regulatory motifs. Chromosomally integrated ATFs and their binding sites (ATF/BSs) resulted in a wide spectrum of inducible transcriptional outputs inP. pastoris, ranging from as low as 1- to as high as ∼63-fold induction with only small growth defects. We demonstrated the application of ATF/BSs by generatingP. pastoriscells that produce β-carotene. Notably, the productivity of β-carotene inP. pastoriswas ∼4.8-fold higher than that inS. cerevisiae, reaching ∼59% of the β-carotene productivity obtained in aS. cerevisiaestrain optimized for the production of the β–carotene precursor, farnesyl diphosphate, by rewiring the endogenous metabolic pathways using plant-derived ATF/BSs. Our data suggest that plant-derived regulators have a high degree of transferability fromS. cerevisiaetoP. pastoris. The plant-derived ATFs, together with their cognate binding sites, powerfully increase the repertoire of transcriptional regulatory modules for the tuning of protein expression levels required in metabolic engineering or synthetic biology inP. pastoris.
In situ Synthesized Monosodium Urate Crystal Enhances Endometrium Decidualization via Sterile Inflammation During Pregnancy
Authors: Zhu Yu-Yuan , Wu Yao , Chen Si-Ting , Kang Jin-Wen , Pan Ji-Min , Liu Xiao-Zheng , Li Shu-Yun , Yan Gui-Jun , Liu Ai-Xia , Huang Qi-Tao , Yang Zeng-Ming , Su Ren-Wei
Published: August 2021

High level of uric acid (UA) is the major origin of gout, and is highly associated with various pregnant complications, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. However, UA’s level and role in the very early stage of pregnancy has not been uncovered. This study aims to investigate the relevance of serum UA and decidualization, an essential process for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in women and mice during the early stage of pregnancy. In this study, we first proved that expression level of UA synthase xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) is highly increased along with decidualization of endometrial stromal cells in bothin vitroandin vivomodels. Furthermore, serum and endometrial levels of UA are higher in mice with decidualized uterin horn andin vitrodecidualized stromal cells. The existence of monosodium urate (MSU) crystal was also confirmed by immunostaining. Next, the roles of MSU on decidualization were explored by bothin vitroandin vivomodels. Our data shows MSU crystal but not UA enhances the decidualization response of endometrial stromal cells, via the upregulation of inflammatory genes suchPtgs2andIl11. inhibiting of Cox-2 activity abolishes MSU crystal induced higher expression of decidualization markerPrl8a2. At last, in women, we observed enriched expression of XDH in decidua compare to non-decidualized endometrium, the serum level of UA is significantly increased in women in very early stage of pregnancy, and drop down after elective abortion. In summary, we observed an increased serum UA level in the early stage of women’s pregnancy, and proved that the increased level of UA results from the expressed XDH in decidualizing endometrium of both human and mouse, leading to the formation of MSU crystal. MSU crystal can enhance the decidualization response via inflammatory pathways. Our study has uncovered the association between UA, MSU, and decidualization during the early stage of pregnancy.
The Nitric Oxide Donor, S-Nitrosoglutathione, Rescues Peroxisome Number and Activity Defects in PEX1G843D Mild Zellweger Syndrome Fibroblasts
Authors: Liu Yidi , Weaver Ceileigh M. , Sen Yarina , Eitzen Gary , Simmonds Andrew J. , Linchieh Lilliana , Lurette Olivier , Hebert-Chatelain Etienne , Rachubinski Richard A. , Di Cara Francesca
Published: August 2021

Peroxisome biogenesis disorders (PBDs) are a group of metabolic developmental diseases caused by mutations in one or more genes encoding peroxisomal proteins. Zellweger syndrome spectrum (PBD-ZSS) results from metabolic dysfunction caused by damaged or non-functional peroxisomes and manifests as a multi-organ syndrome with significant morbidity and mortality for which there is no current drug therapy. Mild PBD-ZSS patients can exhibit a more progressive disease course and could benefit from the identification of drugs to improve the quality of life and extend the lifespan of affected individuals. Our study used a high-throughput screen of FDA-approved compounds to identify compounds that improve peroxisome function and biogenesis in human fibroblast cells carrying the mild PBD-ZSS variant,PEX1G843D. Our screen identified the nitrogen oxide donor,S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), as a potential therapeutic for this mild form of PBD-ZSS. Further biochemical characterization showed that GSNO enhances both peroxisome number and function inPEX1G843Dmutant fibroblasts and leads to increased survival and longer lifespan in anin vivohumanizedDrosophilamodel carrying thePEX1G843Dmutation. GSNO is therefore a strong candidate to be translated to clinical trials as a potential therapeutic for mild PBD-ZSS.
Rhodium and Iridium Mediated C-H and O-H Bond Activation of Two Schiff Base Ligands: Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Properties of the Organometallic Complexes
Authors: Sengupta Poulami , Das Rituparna , Dhibar Papu , Paul Piyali , Bhattacharya Samaresh
Published: August 2021

Reaction of [Rh(PPh3)3Cl] with two Schiff base ligands, viz. N-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)furan-2-aldimine (H2L1) and N-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)thiophene-2-aldimine (H2L2), in refluxing toluene affords organorhodium complexes of type [Rh(PPh3)2(L)Cl] (L = L1 and L2). Similar reaction with [Ir(PPh3)3Cl] yields organoiridium complexes of type [Ir(PPh3)2(L) (H)] (L = L1 and L2). Crystal structures of [Rh(PPh3)2(L1)Cl] and [Ir(PPh3)2(L2) (H)] have been determined, where the imine ligands are found to bind to the metal centers as CNO-donors. Structures of [Rh(PPh3)2(L2)Cl] and [Ir(PPh3)2(L1) (H)] have been optimized by density functional theory method. Formation of the organometallic complexes is believed to proceed via C-H and O-H bond activation of the imine ligands. All four complexes show intense absorptions in the visible and ultraviolet regions. Cyclic voltammetry on the complexes shows an oxidation on the positive side of SCE and a reduction on the negative side. The organoiridium complexes are found to efficiently catalyze Suzuki-type C-C cross coupling reactions.
Recent Advances in Catalysis Based on Transition Metals Supported on Zeolites
Authors: Sánchez-López Perla , Kotolevich Yulia , Yocupicio-Gaxiola Rosario I. , Antúnez-García Joel , Chowdari Ramesh Kumar , Petranovskii Vitalii , Fuentes-Moyado Sergio
Published: August 2021

This article reviews the current state and development of thermal catalytic processes using transition metals (TM) supported on zeolites (TM/Z), as well as the contribution of theoretical studies to understand the details of the catalytic processes. Structural features inherent to zeolites, and their corresponding properties such as ion exchange capacity, stable and very regular microporosity, the ability to create additional mesoporosity, as well as the potential chemical modification of their properties by isomorphic substitution of tetrahedral atoms in the crystal framework, make them unique catalyst carriers. New methods that modify zeolites, including sequential ion exchange, multiple isomorphic substitution, and the creation of hierarchically porous structures both during synthesis and in subsequent stages of post-synthetic processing, continue to be discovered. TM/Z catalysts can be applied to new processes such as CO2 capture/conversion, methane activation/conversion, selective catalytic NOx reduction (SCR-deNOx), catalytic depolymerization, biomass conversion and H2 production/storage.
Fungal Pathogens in Grasslands
Authors: Karunarathna Anuruddha , Tibpromma Saowaluck , Jayawardena Ruvishika S. , Nanayakkara Chandrika , Asad Suhail , Xu Jianchu , Hyde Kevin D. , Karunarathna Samantha C. , Stephenson Steven L. , Lumyong Saisamorn , Kumla Jaturong
Published: August 2021

Grasslands are major primary producers and function as major components of important watersheds. Although a concise definition of grasslands cannot be given using a physiognomic or structural approach, grasslands can be described as vegetation communities experiencing periodical droughts and with canopies dominated by grasses and grass-like plants. Grasslands have a cosmopolitan distribution except for the Antarctic region. Fungal interactions with grasses can be pathogenic or symbiotic. Herbivorous mammals, insects, other grassland animals, and fungal pathogens are known to play important roles in maintaining the biomass and biodiversity of grasslands. Although most pathogenicity studies on the members of Poaceae have been focused on economically important crops, the plant-fungal pathogenic interactions involved can extend to the full range of ecological circumstances that exist in nature. Hence, it is important to delineate the fungal pathogen communities and their interactions in man-made monoculture systems and highly diverse natural ecosystems. A better understanding of the key fungal players can be achieved by combining modern techniques such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) together with studies involving classic phytopathology, taxonomy, and phylogeny. It is of utmost importance to develop experimental designs that account for the ecological complexity of the relationships between grasses and fungi, both above and below ground. In grasslands, loss in species diversity increases interactions such as herbivory, mutualism, predation or infectious disease transmission. Host species density and the presence of heterospecific host species, also affect the disease dynamics in grasslands. Many studies have shown that lower species diversity increases the severity as well as the transmission rate of fungal diseases. Moreover, communities that were once highly diverse but have experienced decreased species richness and dominancy have also shown higher pathogenicity load due to the relaxed competition, although this effect is lower in natural communities. This review addresses the taxonomy, phylogeny, and ecology of grassland fungal pathogens and their interactions in grassland ecosystems.
Systems of Communication: Aspects of Culture and Structure in Speech Surrogates
Authors: James Lucas
Published: August 2021

The practice of speech surrogacy is used for communication across many cultures. Previous work has historically engaged with the study of speech surrogates as part of anthropological or ethnomusicological inquiry; more recently, scholars have explored aspects of the formal relationship between spoken and surrogate linguistic structures. How speech surrogates function as systems of communication is not yet well understood. Based on evidence from an interdisciplinary corpus of documentation, characteristics of culture and discourse, as well as features of linguistic structure, are shown to play a role in fostering communicability in speech surrogates. Cultural constraints are linked to the development of a speech surrogate-mediated discourse within a community of practice, facilitating comprehension of the surrogate system. Moreover, specific structures including formulas, enphrasing, and framing devices are identified as common to various speech surrogate traditions, suggesting a common function as aids to communication. This analysis points to the need to investigate speech surrogates as linguistic systems within a discursive context.
Postcardiotomy Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Does the Cannulation Technique Influence the Outcome?
Authors: Kalampokas Nikolaos , Sipahi Nihat Firat , Aubin Hug , Akhyari Payam , Petrov Georgi , Albert Alexander , Westenfeld Ralf , Lichtenberg Artur , Saeed Diyar
Published: August 2021

Objectives: Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) may be cannulated using either central (cannulation of aorta) or peripheral (cannulation of femoral or axillary artery) access. The ideal cannulation approach for postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock (PCS) is still unknown. The aim of this study is to compare the outcome of patients with PCS who were supported with central vs. peripheral cannulation.

Methods: This is a single-center retrospective data analysis including all VA-ECMO implantations for PCS from January 2011 to December 2017. The central and peripheral approaches were compared in terms of patient characteristics, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, hospitalization length, adverse event rates, and overall survival.

Results: Eighty-six patients met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-eight patients (33%) were cannulated using the central approach, and 58 patients (67%) were cannulated using the peripheral approach. Forty-three patients (50%) received VA-ECMO in the operating room and 43 patients (50%) received VA-ECMO in the ICU. Central VA-ECMO group had higher EuroSCORE II (p = 0.007), longer cross-clamp time (p = 0.054), higher rate of open chest after the procedure (p < 0.001), and higher mortality rate (p = 0.02). After propensity score matching, 20 patients in each group were reanalyzed. In the matched groups, no statistically significant differences were observed in the baseline characteristics between the two groups except for a higher rate of open chests in the central ECMO group (p = 0.02). However, no significant differences were observed in the outcome and complications between the groups.

Conclusions: This study showed that in postcardiotomy patients requiring VA-ECMO support, similar complication rates and outcome were observed regardless of the cannulation strategy.
Electrophysiological and Molecular Mechanisms of Sinoatrial Node Mechanosensitivity
Authors: Turner Daniel , Kang Chen , Mesirca Pietro , Hong Juan , Mangoni Matteo E. , Glukhov Alexey V. , Sah Rajan
Published: August 2021

The understanding of the electrophysiological mechanisms that underlie mechanosensitivity of the sinoatrial node (SAN), the primary pacemaker of the heart, has been evolving over the past century. The heart is constantly exposed to a dynamic mechanical environment; as such, the SAN has numerous canonical and emerging mechanosensitive ion channels and signaling pathways that govern its ability to respond to both fast (within second or on beat-to-beat manner) and slow (minutes) timescales. This review summarizes the effects of mechanical loading on the SAN activity and reviews putative candidates, including fast mechanoactivated channels (Piezo, TREK, and BK) and slow mechanoresponsive ion channels [including volume-regulated chloride channels and transient receptor potential (TRP)], as well as the components of mechanochemical signal transduction, which may contribute to SAN mechanosensitivity. Furthermore, we examine the structural foundation for both mechano-electrical and mechanochemical signal transduction and discuss the role of specialized membrane nanodomains, namely, caveolae, in mechanical regulation of both membrane and calcium clock components of the so-called coupled-clock pacemaker system responsible for SAN automaticity. Finally, we emphasize how these mechanically activated changes contribute to the pathophysiology of SAN dysfunction and discuss controversial areas necessitating future investigations. Though the exact mechanisms of SAN mechanosensitivity are currently unknown, identification of such components, their impact into SAN pacemaking, and pathological remodeling may provide new therapeutic targets for the treatment of SAN dysfunction and associated rhythm abnormalities.
The Brain–Heart Link: A Case Report of a Critically Located Multiple Sclerosis Lesion in the Brainstem Leading to Recurrent Takotsubo Syndrome
Authors: Risseeuw Florentijn , Masrori Pegah , Baar Ingrid , Nicolay Simon , Franssen Constantijn , Willekens Barbara
Published: August 2021

Various central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including neurovascular and neuroinflammatory diseases, can lead to stress cardiomyopathy, also known as Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). We present a case of a 69-year-old woman with cardiovascular comorbidities, suffering from repeated episodes of TTS and respiratory failure due to a critical lesion in the brainstem, leading to a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Despite aggressive treatment, intractable and recurrent symptoms in our patient occurred. Repeated bouts of autonomic dysfunction and respiratory failure ultimately led to installment of palliative care and the patient passing away. TTS should raise suspicion for underlying neurological diseases. Thorough questioning of previous neurological symptoms and extensive neurological workup is warranted. MS should be considered as a trigger of TTS also in elderly patients with cardiovascular risk factors.
A New Vision at the Interface of Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke
Authors: Ronsoni Rafael M. , Saffi Marco Aurélio Lumertz , Gonçalves Marcus Vinicius Magno , Nakayama Igor Hidetsu , Luz Leiria Tiago Luiz
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Current evidence questions the linear sequence traditionally described in atrial fibrillation, blood stasis, intracavitary thrombus, and embolization to the central nervous system. Currently, new perspectives have been described based on questions from the linearly traditional chronology of events; it is within this scope that the article has its objective.

Evidences: The association of the two entities is biologically plausible and supported by different cohorts with a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation, especially in the cardioembolic form. Concepts (temporal dissociation, biological gradient, etc.) determine the existence of other factors associated with cardioembolism, not exclusively by atrial fibrillation. The entire cascade of events associated with myopathy and atrial remodeling can generate damage to the myocyte and amplify the prothrombotic status. It is important to clarify that atrial myopathy can present itself as atrial fibrillation initially or not, but should always be considered thrombogenic in all the contexts of their clinical presentation. Considering atrial heart disease as a cause of embolic stroke, it could explain that one-third of strokes are considered cryptogenic.

Conclusions: The traditional model exclusively associating the presence of atrial fibrillation in the genesis of thromboembolism is incomplete. The concept of atrial cardiopathy where cardioembolism occurs in a non-atrial fibrillation dependent manner fits better with current data. The future challenge is to effectively detect the various manifestations of atrial heart disease, generating direct implications for the identification of patients at risk of stroke and also for better management after a cardioembolic event.
Pulsed Field Ablation of Superior Vena Cava: Feasibility and Safety of Pulsed Field Ablation
Authors: Zhu Tongjian , Wang Zhen , Wang Songyun , Shi Tiancai , Zhu Xiaolin , Ma Kezhong , Wang Zhuo , Gao Jinnian , Jiang Hong
Published: August 2021

Background: Studies have shown that pulsed field ablation (PFA) has excellent effectiveness and safety in pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). However, there are few reports about the application of PFA, especially the alternating current (AC) biphase PFA, in superior vena cava (SVC) isolation, and its effectiveness and safety are still unclear.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of the AC biphase PFA for SVC isolation, and to provide evidence for the clinical use of PFA for SVC.

Methods: Eight pigs and two dogs were included in the study. PFA was delivered to these pigs and dogs. Pacing threshold and electrogram data were recorded before and after PFA. Voltage mapping of SCV was obtained before, after, and 3 weeks after PFA. At the end, all animals were euthanatized for gross pathology analysis.

Results: For eight pigs, the median pacing threshold was 1.5 (1.4, 2.75) mA before PFA, while > 6.0 mA after PFA for all animals. The average electrogram amplitude reduction was 61.33 ± 24.90% for ablations with the initial amplitude≥0.5 mv. For two dogs, pacing threshold change and electrogram amplitude reduction were also observed. No phrenic palsy or sinus node injury was observed during PFA in any animal. Furthermore, voltage mapping showed that the voltage amplitude was significantly decreased in all animals and this could be kept for more than 3 weeks. Moreover, transmural tissue damage with reserved vessel and nerve were shown, no SVC stenosis was found at 3 weeks after PFA.

Conclusion: PFA can effectively isolate SVC. Transmural tissue damage of SVC can be achieved without phrenic palsy, sinus node injury nor SVC stenosis.
Exenatide Attenuates Obesity-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction by Activating SIRT1 in Renal Tubular Cells
Authors: Wang Yao , He Wei , Wei Wei , Mei Xiaoxue , Yang Ming , Wang Ying
Published: August 2021

Saturated free fatty acid (FFA)-induced lipotoxicity plays an important role in obesity-induced kidney injury. Exenatide, a Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist(GLP-1RA), protects against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced kidney injury. The precise mechanism needs to be further explored. This study investigated whether exenatide protects against FFA-induced tubular epithelial cells (TECs) lipotoxicity and elucidated its underlying mechanisms. Here, we show that exenatide treatment reversed HFD induced TECs injuries, including TECs apoptosis and SIRT1 downregulation. The efficacy of exenatide was better than simvastatin. In palmitate (PA)-stimulated HK2 cells, exenatide treatment reversed the downregulation of SIRT1 and prevented an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial apoptosis. The renal-protective effects of exenatide on the generation of mitochondrial ROS and mitochondrial apoptosis were blocked by inhibiting SIRT1 activation. Collectively, these findings show that exenatide was superior to simvastatin in the treatment of obesity-TECs injuries, the mechanism is partially through SIRT1 restoration, which directly reverses mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis.