bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supersulfide catalysis for nitric oxide and aldehyde metabolism
Authors: Kasamatsu Shingo , Nishimura Akira , Alam Md. Morshedul , Morita Masanobu , Shimoda Kakeru , Matsunaga Tetsuro , Jung Minkyung , Ogata Seiryo , Barayeu Uladzimir , Ida Tomoaki , Nishida Motohiro , Nishimura Akiyuki , Motohashi Hozumi , Akaike Takaaki
Published: August 2023

Abundant formation of endogenous supersulfides, which include reactive persulfide species and sulfur catenated residues in thiols and proteins (supersulfidation), has been observed. We found here that supersulfides catalyze
S
-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) metabolism via glutathione-dependent electron transfer from aldehydes by exploiting alcohol dehydrogenase 5 (ADH5). ADH5 is a highly conserved bifunctional enzyme serving as GSNO reductase (GSNOR) that down-regulates NO signaling and formaldehyde dehydrogenase (FDH) that detoxifies formaldehyde in the form of glutathione hemithioacetal. C174S mutation significantly reduced the supersulfidation of ADH5 and almost abolished GSNOR activity but spared FDH activity. Notably,
Adh5
C174S/C174S
mice manifested improved cardiac functions possibly because of GSNOR elimination and consequent increased NO bioavailability. Therefore, we successfully separated dual functions (GSNOR and FDH) of ADH5 (mediated by the supersulfide catalysis) through the biochemical analysis for supersulfides in vitro and characterizing in vivo phenotypes of the GSNOR-deficient organisms that we established herein. Supersulfides in ADH5 thus constitute a substantial catalytic center for GSNO metabolism mediating electron transfer from aldehydes.
Mechanistic insights into the roles of the UFM1 E3 ligase complex in ufmylation and ribosome-associated protein quality control
Authors: Ishimura Ryosuke , Ito Sota , Mao Gaoxin , Komatsu-Hirota Satoko , Inada Toshifumi , Noda Nobuo N. , Komatsu Masaaki
Published: August 2023

Ubiquitin-fold modifier 1 (UFM1) is a ubiquitin-like protein covalently conjugated with intracellular proteins through ufmylation, similar to ubiquitylation. Ufmylation is involved in processes such as endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–associated protein degradation, ribosome-associated protein quality control (RQC) at the ER (ER-RQC), and ER-phagy. However, it remains unclear how ufmylation regulates such distinct ER-related functions. Here, we provide insights into the mechanism of the UFM1 E3 complex in not only ufmylation but also ER-RQC. The E3 complex consisting of UFL1 and UFBP1 interacted with UFC1, UFM1 E2, and, subsequently, CDK5RAP3, an adaptor for ufmylation of ribosomal subunit RPL26. Upon disome formation, the E3 complex associated with ufmylated RPL26 on the 60
S
subunit through the UFM1-interacting region of UFBP1. Loss of E3 components or disruption of the interaction between UFBP1 and ufmylated RPL26 attenuated ER-RQC. These results provide insights into not only the molecular basis of the ufmylation but also its role in proteostasis.
Ultrafast control over chiral sum-frequency generation
Authors: Vogwell Joshua , Rego Laura , Smirnova Olga , Ayuso David
Published: August 2023

We introduce an ultrafast all-optical approach for efficient chiral recognition that relies on the interference between two low-order nonlinear processes that are ubiquitous in nonlinear optics: sum-frequency generation and third-harmonic generation. In contrast to traditional sum-frequency generation, our approach encodes the medium’s handedness in the intensity of the emitted harmonic signal, rather than in its phase, and it enables full control over the enantiosensitive response. We show how, by sculpting the sub-optical-cycle oscillations of the driving laser field, we can force one molecular enantiomer to emit bright light while its mirror twin remains dark, thus reaching the ultimate efficiency limit of chiral sensitivity via low-order nonlinear light-matter interactions. Our work paves the way for ultrafast and highly efficient imaging and control of the chiral electronic clouds of chiral molecules using lasers with moderate intensities, in all states of matter: from gases to liquids to solids, with molecular specificity and on ultrafast time scales.
Apolipoprotein E genotype affects innate susceptibility to
Listeria monocytogenes
infection in aged male mice
Authors: Cho Jooyoung , Alexander Katie L. , Ferrell Jessica L. , Johnson Lance A. , Estus Steven , D’Orazio Sarah E. F.
Published: August 2023

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a lipid transport protein that is hypothesized to suppress proinflammatory cytokine production, particularly after stimulation with Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Studies using transgenic ApoE human replacement mice (APOE) expressing one of three different allelic variants suggest that there is a hierarchy in terms of responsiveness to proinflammatory stimuli such as APOE4/E4 > APOE3/E3 > APOE2/E2. In this study, we test the hypothesis that
APOE
genotype can also predict susceptibility to infection with the facultative intracellular gram-positive bacterium
Listeria monocytogenes
. We found that bone-marrow-derived macrophages isolated from aged APOE4/E4 mice expressed elevated levels of nitric oxide synthase 2 and were highly resistant to
in vitro
infection with
L. monocytogenes
compared to APOE3/E3 and APOE2/E2 mice. However, we did not find statistically significant differences in cytokine or chemokine output from either macrophages or whole splenocytes isolated from APOE2/E2, APOE3/E3, or APOE4/E4 mice following
L. monocytogenes
infection.
In vivo
, overall susceptibility to foodborne listeriosis also did not differ by
APOE
genotype in either young (2 mo old) or aged (15 mo old) C57BL/6 mice. However, we observed a sex-dependent susceptibility to infection in aged APOE2/E2 male mice and a sex-dependent resistance to infection in aged APOE4/E4 male mice that was not present in female mice. Thus, these results suggest that
APOE
genotype does not play an important role in innate resistance to infection with
L. monocytogenes
but may be linked to sex-dependent changes that occur during immune senescence.
Coding-complete genome sequence of an isolate of papaya virus E in tomato
Authors: Abrahamian Peter , Mollov Dimitre , Hammond Rosemarie W. , Rivera Yazmin
Published: August 2023

An isolate of papaya virus E was identified in tomato fruits from Mexico. The coding-complete genome sequence was determined using high-throughput sequencing. The coding-complete genome is 13,412 nucleotides and contains 8 open reading frames.
Rapid, efficient auxin-inducible protein degradation in
Candida
pathogens
Authors: Milholland Kedric L. , Gregor Justin B. , Hoda Smriti , Píriz-Antúnez Soledad , Dueñas-Santero Encarnación , Vu Bao Gia , Patel Krishna P. , Moye-Rowley W. Scott , Vázquez de Aldana Carlos R. , Correa-Bordes Jaime , Briggs Scott D. , Hall Mark C.
Published: August 2023

A variety of inducible protein degradation (IPD) systems have been developed as powerful tools for protein functional characterization. IPD systems provide a convenient mechanism for rapid inactivation of almost any target protein of interest. Auxin-inducible degradation (AID) is one of the most common IPD systems and has been established in diverse eukaryotic research model organisms. Thus far, IPD tools have not been developed for use in pathogenic fungal species. Here, we demonstrate that the original AID and the second generation, AID2, systems work efficiently and rapidly in the human pathogenic yeasts,
Candida albicans
and
Candida glabrata
. We developed a collection of plasmids that support AID system use in laboratory strains of these pathogens. These systems can induce >95% degradation of target proteins within minutes. In the case of AID2, maximal degradation was achieved at low nanomolar concentrations of the synthetic auxin analog 5-adamantyl-indole-3-acetic acid. Auxin-induced target degradation successfully phenocopied gene deletions in both species. The system should be readily adaptable to other fungal species and to clinical pathogen strains. Our results define the AID system as a powerful and convenient functional genomics tool for protein characterization in fungal pathogens.

IMPORTANCE

Life-threatening fungal infections are an escalating human health problem, complicated by limited treatment options and the evolution of drug resistant pathogen strains. Identification of new targets for therapeutics to combat invasive fungal infections, including those caused by
Candida
species, is an urgent need. In this report, we establish and validate an inducible protein degradation methodology in
Candida albicans
and
Candida glabrata
that provides a new tool for protein functional characterization in these, and likely other, fungal pathogen species. We expect this tool will ultimately be useful for the identification and characterization of promising drug targets and factors involved in virulence and drug resistance.
Engineered phage with cell-penetrating peptides for intracellular bacterial infections
Authors: Zhao Min , Tan Xin , Liu Zi-qiang , Dou Lei , Liu Dong , Pan Yong-jun , Ma Ying-fei , Yu Jia-lin
Published: August 2023

Salmonella
infection poses a critical challenge to global public health, and the situation is exacerbated by the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance. Bacteriophages (phages) are increasingly being used as antimicrobial agents due to their ability to kill specific bacteria. However, the low cellular uptake of phages has limited their use in treating intracellular bacterial infections. Here, we present a study using engineered phages with cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) for enhancing the internalization efficiency of phages to inhibit bacterial intracellular infections. Through bioinformatic analysis, we identified a phage-encoded protein harboring an immunoglobulin-like (Ig-like) domain as the potential target for phage display. Using a CRISPR-Cas9-based method, we successfully displayed short peptides on GP94, an Ig-like domain-containing protein, of
Salmonella
phage selz. We improved phage intracellular uptake in multiple cell types by fusion of various CPPs to GP94. Notably, the phage selz
HA-TAT
showed promising results in enhancing the intracellular inhibition of
Salmonella
in different cells. Our research provides a straightforward strategy for displaying CPPs on non-model phages, offering a promising novel and effective therapeutic approach for treating intracellular and drug-resistant bacteria.

IMPORTANCE

Salmonella
infection is a significant threat to global public health, and the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance exacerbates the situation. Therefore, finding new and effective ways to combat this pathogen is essential. Phages are natural predators of bacteria and can be used as an alternative to antibiotics to kill specific bacteria, including drug-resistant strains. One significant limitation of using phages as antimicrobial agents is their low cellular uptake, which limits their effectiveness against intracellular bacterial infections. Therefore, finding ways to enhance phage uptake is crucial. Our study provides a straightforward strategy for displaying cell-penetrating peptides on non-model phages, offering a promising novel and effective therapeutic approach for treating intracellular and drug-resistant bacteria. This approach has the potential to address the global challenge of antibiotic resistance and improve public health outcomes.
La-related protein 4 is enriched in vaccinia virus factories and is required for efficient viral replication in primary human fibroblasts
Authors: Dhungel Pragyesh , Brahim Belhaouari Djamal , Yang Zhilong
Published: August 2023

In addition to the 3′-poly(A) tail, vaccinia virus mRNAs synthesized after viral DNA replication (post-replicative mRNAs) possess a 5′-poly(A) leader that confers a translational advantage in virally infected cells. These mRNAs are synthesized in viral factories, the cytoplasmic compartment where vaccinia virus DNA replication, mRNA synthesis, and translation occur. However, a previous study indicates that the poly(A)-binding protein (PABPC1)—which has a well-established role in RNA stability and translation—is absent in the viral factories. This prompts the question of whether other poly(A)-binding proteins engage vaccinia virus post-replicative mRNA in viral factories. Here, in this study, we found that La-related protein 4 (LARP4), a poly(A) binding protein, was enriched in viral factories in multiple types of cells during vaccinia virus infection. Further studies showed that LARP4 enrichment in the viral factories required viral post-replicative gene expression and functional decapping enzymes encoded by vaccinia virus. We further showed that knockdown of LARP4 expression in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) reduced vaccinia virus DNA replication, post-replicative protein levels, and viral production. Interestingly, the knockdown of LARP4 expression also reduced protein levels from transfected mRNA containing a 5′-poly(A) leader in vaccinia virus-infected and uninfected HFFs. Taken together, our results identified a poly(A)-binding protein, LARP4, being enriched in the vaccinia virus viral factories and facilitating viral replication in HFFs.

IMPORTANCE

Vaccinia virus, the prototype poxvirus, encodes over 200 open reading frames (ORFs). Over 90 of vaccinia virus ORFs are transcribed post-viral DNA replication. All these mRNAs contain a 5′-poly(A) leader, as well as a 3′-poly(A) tail. They are synthesized in viral factories, where vaccinia virus DNA replication, mRNA synthesis, and translation occur. However, surprisingly, the poly(A) binding protein, PABPC1, that is important for mRNA metabolism and translation is not present in the viral factories, suggesting other poly(A) binding protein(s) may be present in viral factories. Here, we found another poly(A)-binding protein, La-related protein 4 (LARP4), enriched in viral factories during vaccinia virus infection. We also showed that LARP4 enrichment in the viral factories depends on viral post-replicative gene expression and functional viral decapping enzymes. The knockdown of LARP4 expression in human foreskin fibroblasts reduced vaccinia virus DNA replication, post-replicative gene expression, and viral production.
In vitro
and intracellular activities of novel thiopeptide derivatives against macrolide-susceptible and macrolide-resistant
Mycobacterium avium
complex
Authors: Park Jiyun , Kim Lee-Han , Lee Ju Mi , Choi Sangwon , Son Young-Jin , Hwang Hee-Jong , Shin Sung Jae
Published: August 2023

Unsatisfactory outcomes following long-term multidrug treatment in patients with
Mycobacterium avium
complex (MAC) pulmonary disease have urged us to develop novel antibiotics. Thiopeptides, a class of peptide antibiotics derived from natural products, have potential as drug candidates that target bacterial ribosomes, but drug development has been hampered due to their extremely poor solubility. Here, we evaluated three new compounds (AJ-037, AJ-039, and AJ-206) derived from the thiopeptide micrococcin P2 with enhanced aqueous solubility; the derivatives were generated based on structure-activity relationship analysis. We conducted
in vitro
drug susceptibility and intracellular antimycobacterial activity testing of the three thiopeptide derivatives against various MAC strains, including macrolide-resistant MAC clinical isolates. These compounds showed low MICs against MAC, similar to that of clarithromycin (CLR). In particular, two compounds, AJ-037 and AJ-206, had intracellular antimycobacterial activities, along with synergistic effects with CLR, and inhibited the growth of MAC inside macrophages. Moreover, these two compounds showed
in vitro
and intracellular anti-MAC activities against macrolide-resistant MAC strains without showing cross-resistance with CLR. Taken together, the results of the current study suggest that AJ-037 and AJ-206 can be promising anti-MAC agents for the treatment of MAC infection, including for macrolide-resistant MAC strains.

IMPORTANCE

Novel antibiotics for the treatment of MAC infection are urgently needed because the treatment outcomes using the standard regimen for
Mycobacterium avium
complex (MAC) pulmonary disease remain unsatisfactory. Here, we evaluated three novel thiopeptide derivatives (AJ-037, AJ-039, and AJ-206) derived from the thiopeptide micrococcin P2, and they were confirmed to be effective against macrolide-susceptible and macrolide-resistant MAC. Our thiopeptide derivatives have enhanced aqueous solubility through structural modifications of poorly soluble thiopeptides. The thiopeptide derivatives showed minimal inhibitory concentrations against MAC that were comparable to clarithromycin (CLR). Notably, two compounds, AJ-037 and AJ-206, exhibited intracellular antimycobacterial activities and acted synergistically with CLR to hinder the growth of MAC within macrophages. Additionally, these compounds demonstrated
in vitro
and intracellular anti-MAC activities against macrolide-resistant MAC strains without showing any cross-resistance with CLR. We believe that AJ-037 and AJ-206 can be promising anti-MAC agents for the treatment of MAC infections, including macrolide-resistant MAC strains.
Detrital zircon and apatite U-Pb provenance and drainage evolution of the Newark Basin during progressive rifting and continental breakup along the Eastern North American Margin, USA
Authors: Foster-Baril Zachary S. , Stockli Daniel F.
Published: August 2023

Mesozoic rift basins of the Eastern North American Margin (ENAM) span from Florida in the United States to the Grand Banks of Canada and formed during progressive extension prior to continental breakup and the opening of the north-central Atlantic. The syn-rift strata from all the individual basins, lumped along the entire margin into the Newark Supergroup, are dominated by fluvial conglomerate and sandstone, lacustrine siltstone, mudstone, and abundant alluvial conglomerate and sandstone lithofacies. Deposition of these syn-rift sedimentary rocks was accommodated in a series of half grabens and subsidiary full grabens situated within the Permo-Carboniferous Appalachian orogen. The Mesozoic ENAM is commonly depicted as a magma-rich continental rift margin, with magmatism (Central Atlantic magmatic province [CAMP]) driving continental breakup. However, the southern portion of the ENAM shows evidence of magmatic breakup (e.g., seaward-dipping reflectors), and rifting and crustal thinning appeared to start ~30 m.y. prior to CAMP emplacement in the Jurassic. This study provides extensive new detrital zircon and apatite U-Pb provenance data to determine the provenance and reconstruct the paleodrainages of the Newark Basin during progressive rifting and magmatic breakup and the implications for the overall rift configuration and asymmetry during progressive rifting along the ENAM rift margin. Detailed new detrital zircon (N = 21; n = 3093) and apatite (N = 4; n = 559) U-Pb results from sandstone outcrop and core samples from the Newark Basin indicate a distinct provenance shift, with relatively older Carnian syn-rift strata predominately sourced from the hanging wall of the basin bounding fault in the east while relatively younger Norian strata were regionally sourced from both the hanging wall and footwall. The syn-rift strata at the Triassic-Jurassic boundary were sourced from the hanging wall before a transition to local footwall terranes. These results suggest two major provenance changes during progressive rifting—the first occurring during Carnian crustal necking and rift flank uplift as predicted by recent numerical models and the second occurring at the onset of the Jurassic due to regional and local thermal uplift during CAMP magmatism as seen along other magma-rich margins, such as the North Atlantic and the southern portion of the South Atlantic margin.
Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of neuroinflammation in covid-19
Authors: Brown Rachel L , Benjamin Laura , Lunn Michael P , Bharucha Tehmina , Zandi Michael S , Hoskote Chandrashekar , McNamara Patricia , Manji Hadi
Published: August 2023

Although neurological complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection are relatively rare, their potential long term morbidity and mortality have a significant impact, given the large numbers of infected patients. Covid-19 is now in the differential diagnosis of a number of common neurological syndromes including encephalopathy, encephalitis, acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis, stroke, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Physicians should be aware of the pathophysiology underlying these presentations to diagnose and treat patients rapidly and appropriately. Although good evidence has been found for neurovirulence, the neuroinvasive and neurotropic potential of SARS-CoV-2 is limited. The pathophysiology of most complications is immune mediated and vascular, or both. A significant proportion of patients have developed long covid, which can include neuropsychiatric presentations. The mechanisms of long covid remain unclear. The longer term consequences of infection with covid-19 on the brain, particularly in terms of neurodegeneration, will only become apparent with time and long term follow-up.
Vaccine mandates for prospective versus existing employees: reply to Smith
Authors: Paetkau Tyler
Published: August 2023

Employment-based vaccine mandates have worse consequences for existing than prospective employees. Prospective employees are not yet dependent on a particular employment arrangement, so they are better positioned to respond to such mandates. Yet despite this asymmetry in consequences, Smith argues that if vaccine mandates are justified for prospective employees, they are similarly justified for existing employees. This paper responds to Smith’s argument. First, Smith holds that bona fide occupational requirements are actions that are necessary for the safe and effective completion of one’s job. As such, they apply to existing and prospective employees alike. However, I argue that the existence of effective alternative interventions precludes vaccination from being considered a bona fide occupational requirement under current circumstances. Second, Smith holds that if a requirement is justified for prospective employees, it is justified for existing employees, despite the asymmetry in consequences. However, I argue that since vaccination is not a bona fide requirement, the asymmetry in the harms of mandates experienced by prospective versus existing employees entails an asymmetry in the justification required to mandate vaccination for each group. As such, vaccination can be considered a requirement for prospective employees while not being required for existing employees.
Digitisation of patient preferences in palliative care: mobile app prototype
Authors: Ferreira João , Ferreira Marta , Fernandes Carla Sílvia , Castro João , Campos Maria Joana
Published: August 2023

Background

Engaging in advance care planning can be emotionally challenging, but gamification and technology are suggested as a potential solution.

Objective

Present the development stages of a mobile app prototype to improve quality of life for patients in palliative care.

Design

The study started with a comprehensive literature review to establish a foundation. Subsequently, interviews were conducted to validate the proposed features of the mobile application. Following the development phase, usability tests were conducted to evaluate the overall usability of the mobile application. Furthermore, an oral questionnaire was administered to understand user satisfaction about the implemented features.

Results

A three-phase testing approach was employed based on the chosen user-centred design methodology to obtain the results. Three iterations were conducted, with improvements being made based on feedback and tested in subsequent phases. Despite the added complexity arising from the health status of patients in palliative care, the usability tests and implemented features received positive feedback from both patients and healthcare providers.

Conclusion

The research findings have demonstrated the potential of digitisation in enhancing the quality of life for patients in palliative care. This was achieved through the implementation of patient-centred design, personalised care, the inclusion of social chatrooms and facilitating end-of-life discussions.
Icing and aufeis in cold regions II: consequences and mitigation
Authors: Turcotte B. , Dubnick A. , McKillop R.
Published: August 2023

The process of icing and the resulting layered ice masses, called aufeis, are caused by the freezing of overflow originating from groundwater or surface water. Aufeis can directly impact infrastructure and property, most commonly through winter ice formation and spring flooding within, against, and on the surface of hydraulic structures and transportation infrastructure. They also represent a safety concern for drivers. This geohazard often needs to be managed proactively and efficiently to mitigate associated risks. This paper provides an overview of the consequences of aufeis in northwestern Canada. A total of 50 existing and novel icing and aufeis mitigation approaches are described and classified. The context of applicability for each approach is identified, considering the source of water, the type of infrastructure, and its role in the formation of aufeis. Finally, future research avenues to support the development or improvement of aufeis risk reduction techniques are presented.
The cosmological frame principle and cosmic acceleration
Authors: Cotsakis Spiros , Mimoso Jose P. , Miritzis John
Published: August 2023

We discuss implications of the cosmological frame principle which states that cosmological effects of modified gravity must be stable as solutions of each of the corresponding sets of dynamical equations holding in the two conformally-related frames. We show that there are such globally stable, ‘frame-independent’ solutions describing cosmic acceleration, suggesting that they may represent a physically relevant effect. This result highlights the importance of further investigation into the implications of the frame principle for cosmological properties that rely on the use of conformal frames.
Analysis of Hanoi graph by using topological indices
Authors: Asmat Farwa , Asmat Humaira , Ijaz Khan Muhammad , Song Yingqi
Published: August 2023

One of the main challenges in molecular science is to model a chemical complex and predict its thermochemical properties. Various researchers have developed a number of hypothetical techniques in this regard, and one of them is focused on the topological indices. A topological index is a number associated with a molecule’s structural graph that is considered to be capable of predicting certain chemical and physical properties of molecules. Degree-based topological indices are one of the groups of topological indices that are crucial in chemical graph theory. Shannon’s entropy is a fundamental factor of a subclass of topological indices that measures the structural information of the graphs. In this study, we examine the entropy based on topological indices such as the first and second Zagreb indices, the general Randić index, the harmonic and sum-connectivity index of Hanoi graph. Moreover, we determine a number of multiplicative invariants, and different polynomials for Hanoi graphs with graphical illustrations.
Influence of molar concentration on structural, morphological, optical and luminescence of polyvinyl alcohol-capped nanostructured ZnS films
Authors: Mochahari P. K.
Published: August 2023

Nanostructured ZnS films of various molar concentrations have been deposited using chemical bath deposition (CBD) method on glass substrates in the matrix of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Structural analysis of the samples with the help of X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows that the films are of cubic phase structure and diffraction peaks shift toward higher diffraction angle with the increase of molar concentration. Crystallite size is obtained using Scherrer’s formula, Williamson–Hall (WH) plot as well as size–strain plot (SSP), and reveals decrease in size with increasing molar concentration. Surface morphology and surface texture of the samples are observed with the help of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and high-resolution transmission electron microcopy (HRTEM) which exhibit the roughly spherical shape of the particles as well as formation of cluster by a large number of ZnS nanoparticles. Observation from selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern also confirms the cubic phase of nanostructured ZnS samples. Surface topographic study using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) also shows particle agglomeration forming nanoclusters and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy observation reveals that the films are composed of zinc and sulfur. With the increase of molar concentration, the optical bandgap energy increases whereas the refractive index as well as dielectric constant decrease, and in comparison to ZnS bulk counterpart, the samples are found to be blue-shifted. Samples exhibit blue emission photoluminescence (PL) band and second-order Raman scattering. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) technique is utilized to detect the presence of stabilizing agent.
Imidazole-functionalized plasma-treated ZnO and α-Fe2O3 composites for catalytic degradation of dye
Authors: Wareppam Boris , Singh N. Joseph , Singh K. Priyananda , Aomoa N. , Singh L. Herojit
Published: August 2023

In this work, efficient catalyst is prepared using ZnO and [Formula: see text]-Fe2O3 along with a surface modification using 2-methylimidazole. Surface modified feature of the catalyst is confirmed by the shifting of vibrational frequency to higher wavenumber. Photocatalytic properties of the as-synthesized and surface modified composites are investigated by measuring the degradation of Methylene Blue (cationic) dye under sunlight irradiation. Both the samples exhibited a similar photocatalytic efficiency of 78% under 300 min. The effect of surface modification shows no significant enhancement on the cationic dye removal. Further, the samples are tested for the degradation of Methyl Blue (anionic) dye in dark condition to validate the effect of functionalization. Surface functionalized sample exhibits 96% efficiency compared to 86% for the pristine sample. Thus, surface modification has extended to be one of the promising techniques for enhancing the catalytic properties of composites.
Blockchain-Based Secure Stock Market Price Prediction Using Next Generation Optimized LSTM Model
Authors: Dhaygude Amol Dattatray , Khan Ihtiram Raza , Singh Pavitar Parkash , Soni Mukesh , AlQahtani Salman A. , Zhang Yudong
Published: August 2023

Stock forecasting has long drawn people’s attention because the stock market is a crucial source of financing for publicly traded corporations and a sizable investment market. To fully use the evidence from dissimilar typical prices and recover the stock forecasting effect, a Blockchain-based secure stock value forecasting model TL-EMD-LSTM-MA (TELM) is projected. Other methods are selected for prediction according to the oscillation frequencies of the details, and the high-frequency components use the depth of the transfer learning method to train the stacked LSTM. Deep transferable learning-trained stacked LSTMs incorporate data from several equities and have a deeper understanding of the marketplace or commerce, which can significantly lower forecasting mistakes. Furthermore, it is possible to more accurately estimate the low-frequency components and the overall trend of the stock by employing the average movement approach. 500 stocks in the stock market are shown, as well as indices such as the Stock Exchange Index and Stock Exchange Component Index, the outcomes demonstrate that compared with other models, TELM has the least prediction error and the highest goodness of fit. Finally, simulate the stock trading process based on the stock closing price predicted by TELM, and the results show that TELM investment has low risk and high returns.
Decomposition of quandle rings of Takasaki quandles
Authors: Kaur Dilpreet , Singh Pushpendra
Published: August 2023

Let [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] denote the Takasaki quandle of order [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we provide decomposition of quandle ring [Formula: see text] as direct sum of right simple ideals. This decomposition is equivalent to decomposition of regular representation [M. Elhamdadi and E. M. Moutuou, Finitely stable racks and rack representations, Comm. Algebra 46(11) (2018) 4787–4802] of Takasaki quandles.
Finite groups in which every self-centralizing subgroup is a TI-subgroup or subnormal or has p′-order
Authors: Shi Jiangtao
Published: August 2023

We first give complete characterizations of the structure of finite group [Formula: see text] in which every subgroup (or every non-nilpotent subgroup, or every non-abelian subgroup) is a TI-subgroup or subnormal or has [Formula: see text]-order for a fixed prime divisor [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we prove that every self-centralizing subgroup (or every self-centralizing non-nilpotent subgroup, or every self-centralizing non-abelian subgroup) of [Formula: see text] is a TI-subgroup or subnormal or has [Formula: see text]-order for a fixed prime divisor [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] if and only if every subgroup (or every non-nilpotent subgroup, or every non-abelian subgroup) of [Formula: see text] is a TI-subgroup or subnormal or has [Formula: see text]-order. Based on these results, we obtain the structure of finite group [Formula: see text] in which every self-centralizing subgroup (or every self-centralizing non-nilpotent subgroup, or every self-centralizing non-abelian subgroup) is a TI-subgroup or subnormal or has [Formula: see text]-order for a fixed prime divisor [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text].
Some Lie algebras and groups associated to representations of Leibniz algebras
Authors: Tang Rong , Tan Youjun , Xu Senrong
Published: August 2023

Given a representation [Formula: see text] of a Leibniz algebra [Formula: see text], let [Formula: see text] (respectively,[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]) be the Lie algebra (respectively, [Formula: see text]the group) of diagonal derivations (respectively, automorphisms) of the semidirect product [Formula: see text]. We show that both [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] have a representation on the cohomology group [Formula: see text]. In the case that [Formula: see text] arises from an abelian extension of [Formula: see text] by [Formula: see text], such representations are applied to construct exact sequences of Wells type for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] respectively.
Projectivity of some Banach modules over semiprime Banach algebras
Authors: Hamidi Dastjerdi Fereshteh , Soltani Renani Sima
Published: August 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a semiprime Banach algebra and let [Formula: see text] be a nonzero character on [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we discuss the projectivity of certain left Banach [Formula: see text]-modules in terms of left [Formula: see text]-contractibility of Banach algebras. We also apply our results for the category of quantum group algebras and eventually, we present illustrative examples of the projective left Banach modules over the group algebra [Formula: see text] and the Fourier algebra [Formula: see text] of a locally compact group [Formula: see text].
A Review on Anti-viral Potential of Silver Nanoparticles Specially on SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Samadi Azam , Viesy Soghra , Pouladi Iman , Kalyani Fateme Najafi
Published: August 2023

The potent antiviral action of metal silver (Ag) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against viral infections has been demonstrated. The anti-viral activities of AgNP on Respiratory syncytial virus, Influenza virus, Norovirus, Hepatitis B virus, Human immunodeficiency virus and recently SARS-CoV-2 have been studied. Here, in this mini review, we summarize the anti-viral activity of AgNPs and further highlight their potential against SARS-CoV-2, which is expected to contribute to the control of COVID-19 epidemic.
Characterization of Graphene Oxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide/Metal Oxide Nanocomposite Thin Films
Authors: Mohi Linda I. , Abdulameer Ameer F.
Published: August 2023

The rGO/TiO2 nanocomposite was synthesized using graphene oxide and butyl titanate as raw materials in a hydrothermal process. Various samples were produced by varying the duration of the hydrothermal treatment. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were used to examine the nucleation and growth processes of anatase in the hydrothermal process from the thermodynamics and kinetics perspectives. The structural evolution of titanium dioxide/reduced graphene oxide with hydrothermal time was analyzed. The crystallite size as well as the particle size of the TiO2, rGO and TiO2/rGO decreases with increase in the hydrothermal reaction time.
DESIGNING A FRAMEWORK OF INFLUENCING VARIABLES ON OPEN INNOVATION IN STARTUP COMPANIES
Authors: SALIMI SABA , SHAHRIARI MOHSEN , SHIRANI BEHROOZ ARBAB
Published: August 2023

Purpose — The goal of this research is to create a model of influencing factors of open innovation (OI) in startups. This research has also looked into how OI affects gaining a competitive advantage by taking into account the moderator role of environment dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach — Possible factors influencing OI in startups, determined through research background studies and interviews with experts in the startup fields, then along with the factors of competitive advantage and environmental dynamics, were evaluated in a sample of 120 managers of Iranian start-up companies. Using structural equation modelling, we analysed data collected from startup managers pertaining to variables of OI, competitive advantage, and environmental dynamics. Structural equation modelling is a multivariate analysis method that enables the examination of relationships among multiple variables within a model. A two-stage partial least squares structural equation modelling method was employed in this study. In the first stage, the construct validity and reliability of the measurement models were evaluated, and in the second stage, the conceptual model and research hypotheses were put to the test.

Findings — Results showed that organisational entrepreneurship, open business model, knowledge management capabilities, absorption capacity, organisational readiness, and participatory capability are important influences on OI in startups. Furthermore, the study found that applying OI techniques can help startups succeed more often in gaining a competitive edge. Additionally, the study found that environmental dynamics have a positive moderating effect on this relationship.

Practical implications — Considering the vital role of startups in economic development programs, the results of this research can lead the managers of start-up companies and growth centers to use the OI approach to overcome the limitations of being new and small. Also to survive startups and increase productivity and competitive advantage, startup managers by focusing on these factors can take steps to create the necessary internal foundations in the organisation and negotiate with large companies in line with better policies.

Originality/value — The study’s significant contribution is believed to be the development of a model that identifies the factors that influence OI in startups. Moreover, the study verified the influence of OI on achieving competitive advantage, as per the established model, while also considering the moderating effect of environmental dynamics on this association.
Assessing the role of active case detection on visceral leishmaniasis control: A case study
Authors: Biswas Santanu
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we formulate and analyze a compartmental model of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). We validate our model by calibrating it to the yearly VL incidence data for India and Bangladesh. The proposed model’s basic reproduction number ([Formula: see text]) has been derived and estimated. We have proved the existence of backward bifurcation in our system. The phenomenon of backward bifurcation has public health implications because the classical requirement of [Formula: see text], while necessary, is no longer sufficient for effective disease control (or elimination). In such a (backward bifurcation) situation, the initial sizes of the model’s subpopulations (state variables) would determine the effectiveness of disease control or elimination. As a result, it is the first attempt to represent and study VL disease dynamics using active case detection (ACD) as a control strategy, although a few experimental studies have been conducted to evaluate ACD in disease transmission. We use sensitivity analysis to investigate the effects of the model’s controllable parameters for the basic reproduction number. We found that [Formula: see text] (monitoring rate to infected individuals) have negative impacts on [Formula: see text]. The numerical result suggests that the ACD strategy can be useful for the VL elimination program. Due to a small increment in the monitoring rate, the dynamic behavior of infected individuals dramatically decreased. Successful employment of ACD strategy may reduce more than 60–80% symptomatic and post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) individuals. We found that healthcare organizations should prioritize ACD in symptomatic and PKDL individuals over asymptomatic individuals. We also observed that the use of only culling effect to the reservoirs is not beneficial to society in the control of VL, but spraying of insecticides and the use of treated bednets can be effective control strategies to curtail the outbreak of the disease.
Bifurcations and steady states of a predator–prey model with strong Allee and fear effects
Authors: Chen Mengxin , Li Xuezhi , Wu Ranchao
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the predator–prey model with strong Allee and fear effects is considered. The existence of the equilibria and their stability are established. Especially it is found that there is an interesting degenerate point, which is a cusp point with codimension 2 or higher codimension, or an attracting (repelling)-type saddle-node, subject to different conditions. Then the Hopf bifurcation and its direction, the saddle-node bifurcation and the Bogdanov–Tankens bifurcation are further explored. Afterwards, with the help of the energy estimates and the Leray–Schauder degree, the nonexistence and existence of the nonconstant steady states of the model are presented. From the obtained results, we find that strong Allee effect will cause the per capita growth rate of prey species from negative to positive; both the fear and Allee effects could affect the existence of equilibria and bifurcations; meanwhile, the diffusion rates will affect the existence of the nonconstant steady states.
Projective synchronization of a nonautonomous delayed neural networks with Caputo derivative
Authors: Wang Changyou , Lei Zongxin , Jia Lili , Du Yuanhua , Zhang Qiuyan , Liu Jun
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the projective synchronization problem of nonautonomous neural networks with time delay and Caputo derivative is researched. First, by introducing time delay and variable coefficient into the known neural network model, the neural network that can more accurately describe the interaction between neurons is given. Second, based on the improved neural network model, two global synchronization schemes are achieved, respectively. Finally, by constructing two novel Lyapunov functions and utilizing the properties of delay fractional-order differential inequalities, the asymptotic stability of the zero equilibrium point of the error system obtained from the master–slave systems is proved by some new developing analysis methods, respectively, and some criteria for global projective synchronization of delayed nonautonomous neural networks with Caputo derivatives are obtained, respectively, under two new synchronous controllers. In addition, the correctness of the theoretical results obtained in this paper is verified by some numerical simulation.
New quantum codes from constacyclic codes over a general non-chain ring
Authors: Bhardwaj Swati , Goyal Mokshi , Raka Madhu
Published: August 2023

Let [Formula: see text] be a prime power and let [Formula: see text] be a finite non-chain ring, where [Formula: see text], are polynomials, not all linear, which split into distinct linear factors over [Formula: see text]. We characterize constacyclic codes over the ring [Formula: see text] and study quantum codes from these. As an application, some new and better quantum codes, as compared to the best known codes, are obtained. We also prove that the choice of the polynomials [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], is irrelevant while constructing quantum codes from constacyclic codes over [Formula: see text], it depends only on their degrees.
Nanotherapeutic Approaches for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Sharma Ayushi , Goel Anjana
Published: August 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been known as an autoimmune disease that affects the joint tissues leading to the development of stern inflammatory microenvironments. Patients suffering from RA are often recommended to take disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs known as DMARDs by health-care professionals. But, utilizing DMARDs for a prolonged time has been found to cause toxicity in several organs of the patient including the gastrointestinal tract, skin and kidneys. Along with affecting these organs, prolonged usage of these drugs also leads to immunosuppression that causes varied infections. In recent years, nanomedicine has emerged as one of the most potent therapeutic techniques in treating RA. This is because of its efficacy in localizing medicines precisely in inflamed joints. Therefore, the topic of nanomedicine, which has the potential to be utilized in the delivery of therapeutic drugs specifically to the joints that are damaged and inflammatory, will be the primary focus of this review. This will also contribute to the development of an understanding of nanomedicine, which assists in regulating the progression of the disease RA by emphasizing immune regulation, controlled medication release, and targeted delivery.
Data-Driven Cooperative Multi-Task Assignment in Heterogeneous Multi-Agent Pursuit-Evade Game
Authors: Lu Wei , Liu Hao , Gao Qing
Published: August 2023

In this paper, a task assignment method is proposed to deal with the multi-agent pursuit-evade game for heterogeneous unnamed aerial vehicles via reinforcement learning. The mathematical model based on the local position error dynamics is established to describe the interactions among the vehicles in the pursuit-evade game, subject to high nonlinearities and parameter uncertainties involved in the vehicle model. The execution costs and the corresponding optimal control policies of the agent pursuing each target are calculated, and the policy with minimum execution cost is determined as the objective of the multi-agent pursuit-evade game. Min-Max strategy is introduced to estimate and counteract the interaction effects in the mathematical model, and the reinforcement learning-based algorithm is proposed to obtain the optimal solution to the assignment problem based on the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation without the interaction effects. Simulation results are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed task assignment method.