bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the Injector Spray Angle on Combustion and Emissions of a 4-Stroke Natural Gas-Diesel DF Marine Engine
Authors: Pham Van Chien , Le Van Vang , Yeo Siljung , Choi Jae-Hyuk , Lee Won-Ju
Published: November 2022

This work studied the effect of the injector spray angle (SA) on the combustion and emissions of a 4-stroke port-injection natural gas-diesel dual-fuel (NG-Diesel DF) marine engine to determine the optimal SA for the fuel injector, aiming to reduce exhaust gas emissions while keeping the engine performance. Three-dimensional (3D) simulations of the combustion process and emission formations occurring in the engine cylinder in both diesel and DF modes were carried out using the AVL FIRE R2018a code. The engine’s in-cylinder temperature, pressure, and emission characteristics were analyzed. To clarify the effect of the injector SA on the combustion and emission characteristics of the engine, only the injector SA has been varied from 145 to 160°. Meanwhile, all other boundary conditions for the simulations and operating conditions of the engine have remained unchanged. The simulation results have been compared and showed a good agreement with the engine experimental results. The study has successfully investigated the effects of the injector SA on the combustion and emission characteristics of the engine. A better SA for the fuel injector, to reduce the NO emissions (145°) or soot and CO2 emissions (150°), while keeping the engine power almost unchanged, without the use of any exhaust gas post-treatment equipment, has also been suggested.
Research Developments of Aerostatic Thrust Bearings: A Review
Authors: Zhao Qi , Qiang Mingchen , Hou Yu , Chen Shuangtao , Lai Tianwei
Published: November 2022

In aerostatic thrust bearings (ATBs), a high-pressure gas film with a certain bearing capacity and stiffness is formed by passing high-pressure gas between the moving surface and the static surface. Aerostatic bearings have outstanding advantages in the following aspects: high precision, high speed, and long service life, etc. They are widely used in many fields, such as high-speed air spindles, precision machine tools, air-bearing guideways, turbine machinery, and high-speed drills. With the pursuit of higher efficiency and high-precision machining machinery, there is an increasing demand for high-performance ATBs. Much effort has been spent on the study of ATBs, such as improvements in load capacity and stiffness, and the enhancement of stability. Some significant progress has been achieved. In this paper, the research developments of ATBs are summarized from several aspects, such as theoretical models and experimental methods, static performance, dynamic performance, and applications. In addition, insights on the breakthrough and development trends of ATBs are put forward. It is hoped that this paper can provide some guidance for the design and application of ATBs.
Evaluating Secure Methodology for Photo Sharing in Online Social Networks
Authors: Alwabel Athar A. , Alsuhibany Suliman A.
Published: November 2022

Social media has now become a part of people’s lives. That is, today people interact on social media in a way that never happened before, and its important feature is to share photos and events with friends and family. However, there are risks associated with posting pictures on social media by unauthorized users. One of these risks is the privacy violation, where the published pictures can reveal more details and personal information. Since this issue has not yet investigated, this paper thus evaluates a methodology to address this issue, which is a precedent of its kind. In particular, our methodology relies on effective systems for detecting faces and recognizing faces in published images using facial recognition techniques. To evaluate the proposed idea, we developed an application using convolutional neural network (CNN) and the results showed that the proposed methodology can protect privacy and reduce its violation on online social networks.
Error Decomposition of CRA40-Land and ERA5-Land Reanalysis Precipitation Products over the Yongding River Basin in North China
Authors: Zhang Ye , Wang Yintang , Li Lingjie , Wang Leizhi , Wang Qin , Huang Yong , Li Liping
Published: November 2022

Long-term and high-resolution reanalysis precipitation datasets provide important support for research on climate change, hydrological forecasting, etc. The comprehensive evaluation of the error performances of the newly released ERA5-Land and CRA40-Land reanalysis precipitation datasets over the Yongding River Basin in North China was based on the two error decomposition schemes, namely, decomposition of the total mean square error into systematic and random errors and decomposition of the total precipitation bias into hit bias, missed precipitation, and false precipitation. Then, the error features of the two datasets and precipitation intensity and terrain effects against error features were analyzed in this study. The results indicated the following: (1) Based on the decomposition approach of systematic and random errors, the total error of ERA5-Land is generally greater than that of CRA40-Land. Additionally, the proportion of random errors was higher in summer and over mountainous areas, specifically, the ERA5-Land accounts for more than 75%, while the other was less than 70%; (2) Considering the decomposition method of hit, missed, and false bias, the total precipitation bias of ERA5-Land and CRA40-Land was consistent with the hit bias. The magnitude of missed precipitation and false precipitation was less than the hit bias. (3) When the precipitation intensity is less than 38 mm/d, the random errors of ERA5-Land and CRA40-Land are larger than the systematic error. The relationship between precipitation intensity and hit, missed, and false precipitation is complicated, for the hit bias of ERA5-L is always smaller than that of CRA40-L, and the missed precipitation and false precipitation are larger than those ofCRA40-L when the precipitation is small. The error of ERA5-Land and CRA40-Land was significantly correlated with elevation. A comprehensive understanding of the error features of the two reanalysis precipitation datasets is valuable for error correction and the construction of a multi-source fusion model with gauge-based and satellite-based precipitation datasets.
Hypercomplex Systems and Non-Gaussian Stochastic Solutions with Some Numerical Simulation of χ-Wick-Type (2 + 1)-D C-KdV Equations
Authors: Zakarya Mohammed , Abd-Rabo Mahmoud A. , AlNemer Ghada
Published: November 2022

In this article, we discuss the (2 + 1)-D coupled Korteweg–De Vries (KdV) equations whose coefficients are variables, and stochastic (2 + 1)-D C-KdV (C-KdV) equations with the χ-Wick-type product. White noise functional solutions (WNFS) are presented with the homogeneous equilibrium principle, Hermite transform (HT), and technicality via the F-expansion procedure. By means of the direct connection between the theory of hypercomplex systems (HCS) and white noise analysis (WNA), we establish non-Gaussian white noise (NGWN) by studying stochastic partial differential equations (PDEs) with NG-parameters. So, by using the F-expansion method we present multiples of exact and stochastic families from variable coefficients of travelling wave and stochastic NG-functional solutions of (2 + 1)-D C-KdV equations. These solutions are Jacobi elliptic functions (JEF), trigonometric, and hyperbolic forms, respectively.
Current Developments in European Alcohol Policy: An Analysis of Possible Impacts on the German Wine Industry
Authors: Schulz Frederik Nikolai , Richter Barbara , Hanf Jon H.
Published: November 2022

In February 2022, the European Parliament agreed on a far-reaching package of measures to regulate alcohol consumption in its vote on “Strengthening Europe in the fight against cancer”. This article therefore elaborates on the most important positions and directions of current European alcohol policy and discusses possible effects on the German wine industry based on existing literature. It can be shown that the attitudes towards alcohol consumption sometimes differ considerably within the European Union, but that there is increasing harmonization of consumption-regulating measures in the course of European integration. However, alcohol policies in the EU are limited by an unclear scientific assessment of “moderate” consumption. This is supplemented by moderate social awareness and the scientific discourse on the effectiveness of alcohol policy measures, as well as a lack of government initiative and legal barriers. Ultimately, the German wine industry finds itself confronted with new scientific findings, associated political demands and creeping changes in social attitudes towards alcoholic beverages.
Global Regulator AdpA_1075 Regulates Morphological Differentiation and Ansamitocin Production in Actinosynnema pretiosum subsp. auranticum
Authors: Guo Siyu , Leng Tingting , Sun Xueyuan , Zheng Jiawei , Li Ruihua , Chen Jun , Hu Fengxian , Liu Feng , Hua Qiang
Published: November 2022

Actinosynnema pretiosum is a well-known producer of maytansinoid antibiotic ansamitocin P-3 (AP-3). Growth of A. pretiosum in submerged culture was characterized by the formation of complex mycelial particles strongly affecting AP-3 production. However, the genetic determinants involved in mycelial morphology are poorly understood in this genus. Herein a continuum of morphological types of a morphologically stable variant was observed during submerged cultures. Expression analysis revealed that the ssgA_6663 and ftsZ_5883 genes are involved in mycelial aggregation and entanglement. Combing morphology observation and morphology engineering, ssgA_6663 was identified to be responsible for the mycelial intertwining during liquid culture. However, down-regulation of ssgA_6663 transcription was caused by inactivation of adpA_1075, gene coding for an AdpA-like protein. Additionally, the overexpression of adpA_1075 led to an 85% increase in AP-3 production. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) revealed that AdpA_1075 may bind the promoter regions of asm28 gene in asm gene cluster as well as the promoter regions of ssgA_6663. These results confirm that adpA_1075 plays a positive role in AP-3 biosynthesis and morphological differentiation.
Current Progress of EMT: A New Direction of Targeted Therapy for Colorectal Cancer with Invasion and Metastasis
Authors: Tan Zhuomin , Sun Wenyan , Li Ya , Jiao Xingmeng , Zhu Mingliang , Zhang Junfei , Qing Chen , Jia Yinnong
Published: November 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor with a high frequency of recurrence and metastasis, which are the major causes of death in patients. The prerequisite for the invasion and metastasis is the strong mobility of CRC cells to transport far away from the original site to the distant organs and tissues, where they settle down and proliferate. It was reported that the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is involved in the occurrence and development of various tumors in the entire process of tumor invasion and metastasis. Therefore, as a vital factor for the biological characteristics of tumor cells, EMT markers may serve as prognostic predictors and potential therapeutic targets in CRC. This article mainly reviews the current status of CRC with metastasis, the studies of EMT, the possible relationship of EMT with CRC, as well as the potential targeted therapy.
Foam-in-Vein: Characterisation of Blood Displacement Efficacy of Liquid Sclerosing Foams
Authors: Meghdadi Alireza , Jones Stephen A. , Patel Venisha A. , Lewis Andrew L. , Millar Timothy M. , Carugo Dario
Published: November 2022

Sclerotherapy is among the least invasive and most commonly utilised treatment options for varicose veins. Nonetheless, it does not cure varicosities permanently and recurrence rates are of up to 64%. Although sclerosing foams have been extensively characterised with respect to their bench-top properties, such as bubble size distribution and half-life, little is known about their flow behaviour within the venous environment during treatment. Additionally, current methods of foam characterisation do not recapitulate the end-point administration conditions, hindering optimisation of therapeutic efficacy. Here, a therapeutically relevant apparatus has been used to obtain a clinically relevant rheological model of sclerosing foams. This model was then correlated with a therapeutically applicable parameter—i.e., the capability of foams to displace blood within a vein. A pipe viscometry apparatus was employed to obtain a rheological model of 1% polidocanol foams across shear rates of 6 s−1 to 400 s−1. Two different foam formulation techniques (double syringe system and Tessari) and three liquid-to-gas ratios (1:3, 1:4 and 1:5) were investigated. A power-law model was employed on the rheological data to obtain the apparent viscosity of foams. In a separate experiment, a finite volume of foam was injected into a PTFE tube to displace a blood surrogate solution (0.2% w/v carboxymethyl cellulose). The displaced blood surrogate was collected, weighed, and correlated with foam’s apparent viscosity. Results showed a decreasing displacement efficacy with foam dryness and injection flowrate. Furthermore, an asymptotic model was formulated that may be used to predict the extent of blood displacement for a given foam formulation and volume. The developed model could guide clinicians in their selection of a foam formulation that exhibits the greatest blood displacement efficacy.
Cancer Metastasis and Treatment Resistance: Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Targeting of Cancer Stem Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Kilmister Ethan J. , Koh Sabrina P. , Weth Freya R. , Gray Clint , Tan Swee T.
Published: November 2022

Cancer metastasis and treatment resistance are the main causes of treatment failure and cancer-related deaths. Their underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated and have been attributed to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs)—a small population of highly tumorigenic cancer cells with pluripotency and self-renewal properties, at the apex of a cellular hierarchy. CSCs drive metastasis and treatment resistance and are sustained by a dynamic tumor microenvironment (TME). Numerous pathways mediate communication between CSCs and/or the surrounding TME. These include a paracrine renin-angiotensin system and its convergent signaling pathways, the immune system, and other signaling pathways including the Notch, Wnt/β-catenin, and Sonic Hedgehog pathways. Appreciation of the mechanisms underlying metastasis and treatment resistance, and the pathways that regulate CSCs and the TME, is essential for developing a durable treatment for cancer. Pre-clinical and clinical studies exploring single-point modulation of the pathways regulating CSCs and the surrounding TME, have yielded partial and sometimes negative results. This may be explained by the presence of uninhibited alternative signaling pathways. An effective treatment of cancer may require a multi-target strategy with multi-step inhibition of signaling pathways that regulate CSCs and the TME, in lieu of the long-standing pursuit of a ‘silver-bullet’ single-target approach.
Dual Response Site Fluorescent Probe for Highly Sensitive Detection of Cys/Hcy and GSH In Vivo through Two Different Emission Channels
Authors: Hou Huiling , Liu Qi , Liu Xiangbao , Fu Shuang , Zhang Hongguang , Li Shuang , Chen Song , Hou Peng
Published: November 2022

Much research has demonstrated that metabolic imbalances of biothiols are closely associated with the emergence of different types of disease. In view of the significant effect of biothiols, quantitative evaluation and discrimination of intracellular Cys/Hcy and GSH in complex biological environments is very important. In this study, probe CDS-NBD, synthesized by attaching 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonate (DNBS, site 1) and nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD, site 2) as the highly sensitive and selective dual response site for thiols onto the coumarin derivative 7-hydroxycoumarin-4-acetic acid, exhibited large separation of the emission wavelengths, fast response, notable fluorescence enhancement, excellent sensitivity and selectivity to Cys/Hcy and GSH over other biological species. Additionally, CDS-NBD could make a distinction between two different fluorescent signals, GSH (an obvious blue fluorescence) and Cys/Hcy (a mixed blue-green fluorescence). Further study on imaging of Cys/Hcy and GSH in vivo by employing probe CDS-NBD could also be successfully achieved.
Experiences of Middle School Programming in an Online Learning Environment
Authors: Alebaikan Reem , Alajlan Hayat , Almassaad Ahmad , Alshamri Norah , Bain Yvonne
Published: November 2022

This small-scale qualitative study aimed to explore learning programming through online experiences among middle school students in a school for girls in Saudi Arabia. The low uptake of computing by girls has been a persistent problem in schools and beyond. In Saudi Arabia, there are similar issues in encouraging learners and girls in particular to be interested in computer coding. To explore how to engage learners in coding, an informal online course on programming for learners (age 12) was designed using a community-of-inquiry approach and a gamification process enabled through the use of Thunkable™ and TalentLMS™ to engage learners. An inductive qualitative research approach was used to explore influencing factors for engaging learners in programming. The data comprised three individual interviews, one focus group, a teacher’s diary, and a content analysis of the activities recorded in the TalentLMS™ system’s student progress reports. Findings highlighted the need to consider digital learning agency in the online learning environment and that learning programming online was best facilitated through student collaboration using live tools with teacher support to develop the online community. Further, findings revealed the rationale for the girls enrolling in the online programming course, which included improving their online learning skills, planning future careers, and developing résumés. These findings may contribute to offering some insight into pedagogy that can encourage greater interest in computer programming in schools.
Properties of Mortar Containing Recycled Fine Aggregate Modified by Microbial Mineralization
Authors: Luo Mian , Dai Junjie , Ding Ziqi , Liu Ye
Published: November 2022

Microbial-induced mineralization deposition was used to improve the quality of the recycled fine aggregate (RFA) in this paper. In order to obtain a better improvement effect, the microbial mineralization conditions were first optimized. The effect of the pH value, temperature, bacterial concentration and calcium ion concentration on the mineralization ability of bacteria were investigated. The optimal microbial mineralization conditions were selected for the treatment of RFA and the microbial mineralization modification effect of RFA was evaluated based on the water absorption and crushing index. In addition, the natural fine aggregate (NFA), unmodified RFA and modified RFA were made into ordinary mortar, recycled mortar and modified recycled mortar, respectively. The workability, mechanical properties and chloride ion penetration resistance of mortars was investigated. Meanwhile, the precipitations formed by microbial mineralization were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The pore structure of mortars was analyzed using the mercury intrusion porosimeter (MIP). The results showed that the bioprecipitations were mainly calcite calcium carbonate and the quality of the RFA was improved by microbial-induced calcium carbonate deposition. The water absorption and crushing index of the modified RFA decreased by 25.7% and 4.2%, respectively. Compared with the crushing index, the water absorption of the RFA was improved more obviously. The workability, mechanical performance, chloride ion penetration resistance and pore structure of the modified recycled mortar was improved. Compared with the recycled mortar, the fluidity of the modified recycled mortar was 7.3% higher, the compressive strength of 28 d was 7.0% higher and the 6 h electric flux was 18.8% lower. The porosity of the ordinary mortar, recycled mortar and modified recycled mortar was 16.49%, 20.83% and 20.27%, respectively. The strengthening of the modified recycled mortar performance may be attributed to the improvement of the mortar microstructure due to the enhancement of the RFA quality after the biotreatment.
Experimental Study on Seismic Behavior of Coupled Steel Plate and Reinforced Concrete Composite Wall
Authors: Ma Zhenbang , Wu Yuntian , Zhang Jie , Zhang Mao
Published: November 2022

The coupled steel plate and reinforced concrete (C-SPRC) composite wall is a new type of coupled-wall system consisting of steel coupling beams (SCBs) that join two SPRC walls where the steel plate shear wall (SPSW) is embedded in the RC wall. Although the C-SPRC wall has been extensively constructed in high-rise buildings in seismic regions, research on its behavior has rarely been reported. No code provisions are available for directly guiding the preliminary design of such coupled-wall systems. In the research, three 1/3-scaled C-SPRC wall subassemblies including one-and-a-half stories of SPRC walls and a half-span of SCB were tested under simulated earthquake action, considering the fabrication method of the embedded SPSW and the shear-span ratio of the SPRC walls as two test variables. The prime concern of the research was to evaluate the influences of those popular design and construction parameters on the seismic behavior of the C-SPRC wall. Deviating from the beam tip loading method used in conventional subassembly tests, the lateral cyclic load in this research was applied at the top of the wall pier so that the behaviors of both walls and SCBs could be examined. The test results exhibited the great seismic performance of the subassemblies with the coupling mechanism fully developed. The energy dissipation capacity and inter-story deformation capacity of the subassembly with the assembled SPSW were roughly 9.4% and 13.2% greater than those with the conventional welded SPSW. Compared with the subassembly with the shear-span ratio of 2.2, the interstory-deformation capacity of the one with the shear-span ratio of 2.0 was increased by approximately 13.4%, while the energy dissipation capacity was decreased by 10.9%. The test results were further compared with the simulation results using the proven-reliable finite element analysis with respect to the hysteretic curves, skeleton curves, energy dissipation capacities and failure patterns.
Oocyte Quality Assessment in Breast Cancer: Implications for Fertility Preservation
Authors: Fabiani Cristina , Guarino Antonella , Meneghini Caterina , Licata Emanuele , Paciotti Gemma , Miriello Donatella , Schiavi Michele Carlo , Spina Vincenzo , Corno Roberta , Gallo Mariagrazia , Rago Rocco
Published: November 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of breast cancer on the ovarian response and on oocyte quality following controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). Methods: This retrospective case-control study evaluated the effects of breast cancer on the ovarian response and on the oocyte quality. Oncological patients with breast cancer undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation cycles for fertility preservation, and age- and date-matched controls undergoing COH for in vitro fertilization (IVF) for male or tubal factor infertility were included in the study. Two hundred and ninety-four women were enrolled: 105 affected by breast cancer and 189 healthy women in the control group. Both groups were comparable in terms of age, BMI, and AMH value. Maximal estradiol levels on the triggering day, duration of stimulation, total amount of gonadotropins administered, number of oocytes retrieved, rate of metaphase 2 oocyte production, and numbers of immature and dysmorphic oocytes were analyzed. Results: Considering factors influencing the oocyte quality, such as age, BMI, AMH, duration of stimulation, E2 level on the triggering day, total FSH cumulative dose, stage, histotype, BRCA status, and hormone receptors, the univariate and multivariate analyses identified breast cancer as a risk factor for the presence of dysmorphic oocytes. Conclusions: The diagnosis of breast cancer does not seem to be associated with the impairment of the ovarian reserve, but is linked to a worsening oocyte quality.
Prognosis-Related Molecular Subtypes and Immune Features Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ye Jiazhou , Lin Yan , Gao Xing , Lu Lu , Huang Xi , Huang Shilin , Bai Tao , Wu Guobin , Luo Xiaoling , Li Yongqiang , Liang Rong
Published: November 2022

Bioinformatics tools were used to identify prognosis-related molecular subtypes and biomarkers of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Differential expression analysis of four datasets identified 3330 overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the same direction in all four datasets. Those genes were involved in the cell cycle, FOXO signaling pathway, as well as complement and coagulation cascades. Based on non-negative matrix decomposition, two molecular subtypes of HCC with different prognoses were identified, with subtype C2 showing better overall survival than subtype C1. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that 217 of the overlapping DEGs were closely associated with HCC prognosis. The subset of those genes showing an area under the curve >0.80 was used to construct random survival forest and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator models, which identified seven feature genes (SORBS2, DHRS1, SLC16A2, RCL1, IGFALS, GNA14, and FANCI) that may be involved in HCC occurrence and prognosis. Based on the feature genes, risk score and recurrence models were constructed, while a univariate Cox model identified FANCI as a key gene involved mainly in the cell cycle, DNA replication, and mismatch repair. Further analysis showed that FANCI had two mutation sites and that its gene may undergo methylation. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis showed that Th2 and T helper cells are significantly upregulated in HCC patients compared to controls. Our results identify FANCI as a potential prognostic biomarker for HCC.
Biological Functions of the DNA Glycosylase NEIL3 and Its Role in Disease Progression Including Cancer
Authors: Chen Lang , Huan Xuan , Gao Xi-Dan , Yu Wu-Han , Xiao Guo-Hui , Li Teng-Fei , Wang Zhe-Yuan , Zhang You-Cheng
Published: November 2022

The accumulation of oxidative DNA base damage can severely disrupt the integrity of the genome and is strongly associated with the development of cancer. DNA glycosylase is the critical enzyme that initiates the base excision repair (BER) pathway, recognizing and excising damaged bases. The Nei endonuclease VIII-like 3 (NEIL3) is an emerging DNA glycosylase essential in maintaining genome stability. With an in-depth study of the structure and function of NEIL3, we found that it has properties related to the process of base damage repair. For example, it not only prefers the base damage of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), G-quadruplex and DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs), but also participates in the maintenance of replication fork stability and telomere integrity. In addition, NEIL3 is strongly associated with the progression of cancers and cardiovascular and neurological diseases, is incredibly significantly overexpressed in cancers, and may become an independent prognostic marker for cancer patients. Interestingly, circNEIL3, a circular RNA of exon-encoded origin by NEIL3, also promotes the development of multiple cancers. In this review, we have summarized the structure and the characteristics of NEIL3 to repair base damage. We have focused on NEIL3 and circNEIL3 in cancer development, progression and prognosis.
The Underestimated Role of the p53 Pathway in Renal Cancer
Authors: Amendolare Alessandra , Marzano Flaviana , Petruzzella Vittoria , Vacca Rosa Anna , Guerrini Luisa , Pesole Graziano , Sbisà Elisabetta , Tullo Apollonia
Published: November 2022

The TP53 tumor suppressor gene is known as the guardian of the genome, playing a pivotal role in controlling genome integrity, and its functions are lost in more than 50% of human tumors due to somatic mutations. This percentage rises to 90% if mutations and alterations in the genes that code for regulators of p53 stability and activity are taken into account. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a clear example of cancer that despite having a wild-type p53 shows poor prognosis because of the high rate of resistance to radiotherapy or chemotherapy, which leads to recurrence, metastasis and death. Remarkably, the fact that p53 is poorly mutated does not mean that it is functionally active, and increasing experimental evidences have demonstrated this. Therefore, RCC represents an extraordinary example of the importance of p53 pathway alterations in therapy resistance. The search for novel molecular biomarkers involved in the pathways that regulate altered p53 in RCC is mandatory for improving early diagnosis, evaluating the prognosis and developing novel potential therapeutic targets for better RCC treatment.
Critical Review of the Various Reaction Mechanisms for Glycerol Etherification
Authors: Palanychamy Prakas , Lim Steven , Yap Yeow Hong , Leong Loong Kong
Published: November 2022

This review provides in-depth coverage of numerous mechanisms available for the etherification process of glycerol, including alcohol solvent, olefin solvent and solvent-free routes along with products that are formed at various stages of the reaction. Mono tert-butyl glycerol ether (MTBG), di tert-butyl glycerol ether (DTBG), and tri tert-butyl glycerol ether (TTBG) are the three general ether compounds obtained through tert-butyl alcohol (TBA) etherification. Glycerol etherification with n-butanol results in the formation of glycerol ether products that are linked to the substituted butyl groups. These products include two mono-butyl glycerol ethers, two di-butyl glycerol ethers and a tri-butyl glycerol ether. Two mono-benzyl glycerol ether isomers, two di-benzyl glycerol ether isomers and tri-benzyl glycerol ether are the most reported results when benzyl alcohol is used as a solvent in the etherification reaction. The etherification of glycerol with 1-butene involves a series of equilibrium reactions to produce mono-ethers, di-ethers, and tri-ethers, whereas the etherification of glycerol with isobutene is carried out via tert-butylation of glycerol, yielding similar glycerol ether products when TBA is used as a solvent. As the by-product may be easily removed, the solvent-free glycerol etherification approach may have several advantages over the other conventional methods. Therefore, further studies on base-catalyzed glycerol etherification that employs a solvent-free reaction route may reveal a method for improving the conversion, selectivity, and yield of reaction products. This review study is crucial in improving knowledge of numerous mechanisms and how they relate to the effectiveness of the product’s catalytic process.
Visible-Light-Active Vanadium and Copper Co-Doped gCN Nanosheets with Double Direct Z-Scheme Heterojunctions for Photocatalytic Removal of Monocrotophos Pesticide in Water
Authors: Vasu Dhanapal , Keyan Arjunan Karthi , Sakthinathan Subramanian , Yu Chung-Lun , You Yu-Feng , Chiu Te-Wei , Fan Liangdong , Chen Po-Chou
Published: November 2022

In this study, both vanadium and copper elements were anchored on graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) (denoted as V/Cu/gCN) via a thermal decomposition process as a novel nanosheet photocatalyst for the removal of monocrotophos (MCP). The prepared nanosheet features were studied by utilizing XRD, UV–Visible absorption spectrometry, PL, FE-SEM, TEM, and XPS techniques. These analytical techniques revealed the successful formation of direct Z-scheme heterojunctions of V/Cu/gCN nanosheets. The dopant materials significantly enhanced the electron–hole separation and enhanced the removal rate of MCP as compared with bulk gCN. The investigation of effective operating conditions confirmed that a higher removal of MCP could be obtained at a doping concentration of 0.3 wt% and a catalytic dosage of 8 mg with 80 min of visible-light irradiation. The generation of various reactive radicals during the degradation process of the photocatalyst was observed using a scavenging treatment process. Additionally, the scavenging process confirmed that e−, OH•, h+, and O2•− played a major role in MCP degradation. The direct Z-scheme dual-heterojunction mechanism, as well as the possible pathway for the fragmentation of MCP by the V/Cu/gCN nanosheet photocatalyst, was derived in detail. This research article provides a novel perspective on the formation of excellent semiconductor photocatalysts, which exhibit enormous potential for environmental treatments.
Perovskite Catalysts for Oxygen Evolution and Reduction Reactions in Zinc-Air Batteries
Authors: Zhu Zheng , Song Qiangqiang , Xia Baokai , Jiang Lili , Duan Jingjing , Chen Sheng
Published: November 2022

The Zinc-air battery (ZAB) has become a hot research topic for nearly a decade due to its high energy densities. As an important category of catalysts for ZAB, perovskites have attracted extensive interests because of their environmentally friendly properties, cheapness, and excellent electrocatalytic performances. This review article discusses the mechanistic analyses regarding the progress of perovskites for ZAB. In addition, electrode manipulation methods of perovskites for battery device are also emphasized. Finally, perspectives are given on the limitations of the current perovskite catalysts for ZABs. We hope that this review will provide new clues for promoting perovskites as catalysts for many energy-storage and conversion applications in the future.
Etiopathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment Strategies for Lymphomatoid Papulosis with Particular Emphasis on the Role of the Immune System
Authors: Nowicka Danuta , Mertowska Paulina , Mertowski Sebastian , Hymos Anna , Forma Alicja , Michalski Adam , Morawska Izabela , Hrynkiewicz Rafał , Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej Paulina , Grywalska Ewelina
Published: November 2022

Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is a very rare disease that belongs to the group of CD30+ lymphoproliferative skin diseases. LyP is localized or generalized and usually presents as isolated or clustered red/brown-red lesions in the form of nodules and/or papules. The course of the disease is in most cases mild; however, depending on concomitant risk factors and history, it may progress to lymphoma, significantly reducing the survival rate and prognosis. Importantly, the clinical picture of the disease remains somewhat ambiguous, leading to a large number of misdiagnoses that result in inappropriate treatment, which is usually insufficient to alleviate symptoms. In addition to clinical manifestations, the histological characteristics vary widely and usually overlap with other conditions, especially those belonging to the group of lymphoproliferative disorders. Although diagnosis remains a challenge, several recommendations and guidelines have been introduced to standardize and facilitate the diagnostic process. This article reviews the available literature on the most important aspects of etiopathogenesis, clinical and histopathological features, diagnostic criteria, and possible treatment strategies for LyP, with particular emphasis on the role of the immune system.
Hyperuricemia during Pregnancy Leads to a Preeclampsia-Like Phenotype in Mice
Authors: Lüscher Benjamin P. , Schoeberlein Andreina , Surbek Daniel V. , Baumann Marc U.
Published: November 2022

Hyperuricemia is a common feature in pregnancies compromised by pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy disease characterized by hypertension and proteinuria. The role of uric acid in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia remains largely unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of elevated uric acid serum levels during pregnancy on maternal blood pressure and neonatal outcome using two different murine knockout models. Non-pregnant liver-specific GLUT9 knockout (LG9KO) mice showed elevated uric acid serum concentrations but no hypertensive blood pressure levels. During pregnancy, however, blood pressure levels of these animals increased in the second and third trimester, and circadian blood pressure dipping was severely altered when compared to non-pregnant LG9KO mice. The impact of hyperuricemia on fetal development was investigated using a systemic GLUT9 knockout (G9KO) mouse model. Fetal hyperuricemia caused distinctive renal tissue injuries and, subsequently an impaired neonatal growth pattern. These findings provide strong evidence that hyperuricemia plays a major role in the pathogenesis of hypertensive pregnancy disorders such as pre-eclampsia. These novel insights may enable the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies for hyperuricemia-related diseases.
The Therapeutic Effect of Phosphopeptide P140 Attenuates Inflammation Induced by Uric Acid Crystals in Gout Arthritis Mouse Model
Authors: Galvão Izabela , Mastrippolito Dylan , Talamini Laura , Aganetti Mariana , Rocha Victor , Verdot Cindy , Mendes Viviani , de Oliveira Vivian Louise Soares , Braga Amanda Dias , Martins Vinicius Dantas , de Faria Ana Maria Caetano , Amaral Flávio A. , Georgel Philippe , Vieira Angélica T. , Muller Sylviane
Published: November 2022

Gout is a painful form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in the joints. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of peptide P140 on the inflammatory responses in crystal-induced mouse models of gout and cell models including MSU-treated human cells. Injection of MSU crystals into the knee joint of mice induced neutrophil influx and inflammatory hypernociception. Injection of MSU crystals subcutaneously into the hind paw induced edema and increased pro-inflammatory cytokines levels. Treatment with P140 effectively reduced hypernociception, the neutrophil influx, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in these experimental models. Furthermore, P140 modulated neutrophils chemotaxis in vitro and increased apoptosis pathways through augmented caspase 3 activity and reduced NFκB phosphorylation. Moreover, P140 increased the production of the pro-resolving mediator annexin A1 and decreased the expression of the autophagy-related ATG5-ATG12 complex and HSPA8 chaperone protein. Overall, these findings suggest that P140 exerts a significant beneficial effect in a neutrophilic inflammation observed in the model of gout that can be of special interest in the design of new therapeutic strategies.
When the Gates Swing Open Only: Arrhythmia Mutations That Target the Fast Inactivation Gate of Nav1.5
Authors: Gamal El-Din Tamer M.
Published: November 2022

Nav1.5 is the main voltage-gated sodium channel found in cardiac muscle, where it facilitates the fast influx of Na+ ions across the cell membrane, resulting in the fast depolarization phase—phase 0 of the cardiac action potential. As a result, it plays a major role in determining the amplitude and the upstroke velocity of the cardiac impulse. Quantitively, cardiac sodium channel activates in less than a millisecond to trigger the cardiac action potential and inactivates within 2–3 ms to facilitate repolarization and return to the resting state in preparation for firing the next action potential. Missense mutations in the gene that encodes Nav1.5 (SCN5A), change these time constants which leads to a wide spectrum of cardiac diseases ranging from long QT syndrome type 3 (LQT3) to sudden cardiac death. In this mini-review I will focus on the missense mutations in the inactivation gate of Nav1.5 that results in arrhythmia, attempting to correlate the location of the missense mutation to their specific phenotype.
Physical Fitness Variations between Those Playing More and Those Playing Less Time in the Matches: A Case-Control Study in Youth Soccer Players
Authors: Silva Ana Filipa , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Leão César , Oliveira Rafael , Badicu Georgian , Nobari Hadi , Poli Luca , Carvutto Roberto , Greco Gianpiero , Fischetti Francesco , Cataldi Stefania
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study was (i) to compare two groups (players with more vs. less match play time) regarding body composition, vertical and horizontal jumping performance, and aerobic capacity; and (ii) to test the relationships between physical fitness and play time. This study followed a case-control design in which the outcome was playtime, and the causal attribute was physical fitness. Sixty-six youth male soccer players from under-16 (n = 21), under-17 (n = 19), under-18 (n = 12), and under-19 (n = 14) age groups were monitored for match play time during five months of observation. Inclusion criteria consisted of (1) no absence of more than a week due to injury or other conditions during the five months of observation and (2) physical assessments having been done simultaneously with those of the other players (at the beginning of the season). The exclusion criteria were (1) not participating in one week or more of training sessions, and (2) not participating in the physical fitness assessments. At the beginning of the season, players were assessed for anthropometry (height, body mass, skinfolds), countermovement jump, triple hop bilateral and unilateral jump, and aerobic capacity using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test, level 2 (YYIRT). The group that played more time had significantly greater YYIRT results (+28.2%; p = 0.009; Cohen’s d = 0.664). No other significant differences were found between those who played more and fewer minutes. Moderate and significant linear positive correlations were found between YYIRT and play time in the under-19 group (r = 0.423; p = 0.031) and overall (r = 0.401; p < 0.001). In the case of the under-17 group, moderate and significant linear positive correlations were found between TSA and play time (r = 0.473; p = 0.041). This suggests that aerobic and anaerobic capacity is related to play time while jumping performance and fat mass seem not to play an essential role in play time.
Special Issue: Surface Topography Effects on the Functional Properties of PVD Coatings
Authors: Panjan Peter , Drnovšek Aljaž
Published: November 2022

The tribological contact between the moving components of each mechanical system degrades their performance and reliability due to friction and wear [...]
Influential Factors of a Reactive Materials Projectile’s Damage Evolution Behavior
Authors: Li Xiangrong , Hou Cong , Tong Huan , Yang Lei , Chen Yongkang
Published: November 2022

To determine the mechanism of penetration of multi-layer aluminum targets (MLAT) by a reactive materials projectile (RMP), AUTODYN-3D numerical simulations and experimental tests were carried out. The Powder Burn equation of the state ignition model was introduced for the reactive core activation under different projectile–target interaction conditions, which effectively simulated the deflagration reaction damage effects behavior of the RMP and the damage evolution behavior of the MLAT. The activation rate of the reactive core increased significantly when the thickness of the steel target was 8–15 mm; a significant combined destructive effect of kinetic and chemical energy was produced on the MLAT. The initial velocity was proportional to the penetration and destruction effect of the front-layer aluminum target. For the rear-layer aluminum target, the detonation damage showed a tendency to increase and then decrease. If the head metal block was too thick, the penetration ability would be improved at the same time, and the deflagration reaction damage effects ability of the steel target would be significantly reduced. In order to achieve good battlefield damage efficacy, all of the influencing factors should be comprehensively considered.
A New Species of the Genus Niphargus Schiödte, 1849 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Niphargidae) from Groundwater Habitats of the Tarkhankut Upland, Crimean Peninsula
Authors: Marin Ivan N. , Turbanov Ilya S. , Prokopov Gregoryi A. , Palatov Dmitry M.
Published: November 2022

A new species of the genus Niphargus Schiödte, 1849 (Crustacea: Amphipoda), co-occurring with water louse Asellus cf. aquaticus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Crustacea: Isopoda) in deep wells, is described from the Tarkhankut Upland, located in the northwestern part of the Crimean Peninsula. Niphargus tarkhankuticus sp. nov. corresponds to a separate phylogenetic lineage (the “tarkhankuticus” ingroup), also including several undescribed species from the coastal habitats of the Black Sea (the Crimean Peninsula, the southern Caucasus and the northern coast of Turkey), which is related to the paraphyletic European “stygius-longicaudatus” group. The divergence of the “tarkhankuticus” ingroup from the related European species probably appeared in the Late Miocene age, about 11–10 Mya, related to the separation of the Eastern Paratethys for different basins (Euxinian, Alpine and Pannopian). At the same time, the speciation within the ingroup started in Pliocene, about 5.76–3.6 Mya, and correlated with the Black Sea leveling and the drainage of coastal marine carbonate accumulations, including the Tarkhankut Upland. Intraspecific values of COI mtDNA gene markers (p-distances) for N. tarkhankuticus sp. nov. are about 2%, showing that the division into a number of isolated subpopulations, probably associated with local tectonic movements, the active formation of the river network, and further karst processes in the Tarkhankut Upland occurred during the Pleistocene (since 2.58 Mya). Analysis of stable isotopes (δ13C/δ15N) revealed that only discovered macrocrustaceans in the studied wells of the Tarkhankut Upland have non-overlapping trophic niches, with A. cf. aquaticus possibly feeding on algae/periphyton, while the trophic position of N. tarkhankuticus sp. nov. is close to predators.
Classification of Blood Pressure Levels Based on Photoplethysmogram and Electrocardiogram Signals with a Concatenated Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Fuadah Yunendah Nur , Lim Ki Moo
Published: November 2022

Hypertension is a severe public health issue worldwide that significantly increases the risk of cardiac vascular disease, stroke, brain hemorrhage, and renal dysfunction. Early screening of blood pressure (BP) levels is essential to prevent the dangerous complication associated with hypertension as the leading cause of death. Recent studies have focused on employing photoplethysmograms (PPG) with machine learning to classify BP levels. However, several studies claimed that electrocardiograms (ECG) also strongly correlate with blood pressure. Therefore, we proposed a concatenated convolutional neural network which integrated the features extracted from PPG and ECG signals. This study used the MIMIC III dataset, which provided PPG, ECG, and arterial blood pressure (ABP) signals. A total of 14,298 signal segments were obtained from 221 patients, which were divided into 9150 signals of train data, 2288 signals of validation data, and 2860 signals of test data. In the training process, five-fold cross-validation was applied to select the best model with the highest classification performance. The proposed concatenated CNN architecture using PPG and ECG obtained the highest test accuracy of 94.56–95.15% with a 95% confidence interval in classifying BP levels into hypotension, normotension, prehypertension, hypertension stage 1, and hypertension stage 2. The result shows that the proposed method is a promising solution to categorize BP levels effectively, assisting medical personnel in making a clinical diagnosis.