bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small-Molecule Inhibitors and Degraders Targeting KRAS-Driven Cancers
Authors: Hyun Soonsil , Shin Dongyun
Published: November 2021

Drug resistance continues to be a major problem associated with cancer treatment. One of the primary causes of anticancer drug resistance is the frequently mutated RAS gene. In particular, considerable efforts have been made to treat KRAS-induced cancers by directly and indirectly controlling the activity of KRAS. However, the RAS protein is still one of the most prominent targets for drugs in cancer treatment. Recently, novel targeted protein degradation (TPD) strategies, such as proteolysis-targeting chimeras, have been developed to render “undruggable” targets druggable and overcome drug resistance and mutation problems. In this study, we discuss small-molecule inhibitors, TPD-based small-molecule chemicals for targeting RAS pathway proteins, and their potential applications for treating KRAS-mutant cancers. Novel TPD strategies are expected to serve as promising therapeutic methods for treating tumor patients with KRAS mutations.
Twist1 Influences the Expression of Leading Members of the IL-17 Signaling Pathway in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Pires Bruno R. B. , Binato Renata , Ferreira Gerson M. , Corrêa Stephany , Du Rocher Bárbara , Bulzico Daniel , Crocamo Susanne , dos Santos Everton Cruz , Lima Luize G. , Abdelhay Eliana
Published: November 2021

Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease composed of multiple subtypes with different molecular characteristics and clinical outcomes. The metastatic process in BC depends on the transcription factors (TFs) related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), including the master regulator Twist1. However, its role beyond EMT in BC subtypes remains unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the role of Twist1, beyond EMT, in the molecular subtypes of BC. In patients, we observed the overexpression of TWIST1 in the HER2+ group. The silencing of TWIST1 in HER2+ BC cells resulted in the upregulation of 138 genes and the downregulation of 174 genes compared to control cells in a microarray assay. In silico analysis revealed correlations between Twist1 and important biological processes such as the Th17-mediated immune response, suggesting that Twist1 could be relevant for IL-17 signaling in HER2+ BC. IL-17 signaling was then examined, and it was shown that TWIST1 knockdown caused the downregulation of leading members of IL-17 signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings suggest that Twist1 plays a role on IL-17 signaling in HER2+ BC.
Immune Tolerance in the Oral Mucosa
Authors: Pelaez-Prestel Hector F. , Sanchez-Trincado Jose L. , Lafuente Esther M. , Reche Pedro A.
Published: November 2021

The oral mucosa is a site of intense immune activity, where a large variety of immune cells meet to provide a first line of defense against pathogenic organisms. Interestingly, the oral mucosa is exposed to a plethora of antigens from food and commensal bacteria that must be tolerated. The mechanisms that enable this tolerance are not yet fully defined. Many works have focused on active immune mechanisms involving dendritic and regulatory T cells. However, epithelial cells also make a major contribution to tolerance by influencing both innate and adaptive immunity. Therefore, the tolerogenic mechanisms concurring in the oral mucosa are intertwined. Here, we review them systematically, paying special attention to the role of oral epithelial cells.
Synthesis of Porous Polydimethylsiloxane Gold Nanoparticles Composites by a Single Step Laser Ablation Process
Authors: Cutroneo Mariapompea , Havranek Vladimir , Mackova Anna , Malinsky Petr , Silipigni Letteria , Slepicka Petr , Fajstavr Dominik , Torrisi Lorenzo
Published: November 2021

Typically, polymeric composites containing nanoparticles are realized by incorporating pre-made nanoparticles into a polymer matrix by using blending solvent or by the reduction of metal salt dispersed in the polymeric matrix. Generally, the production of pre-made Au NPs occurs in liquids with two-step processes: producing the gold nanoparticles first and then adding them to the liquid polymer. A reproducible method to synthetize Au nanoparticles (NPs) into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) without any external reducing or stabilizing agent is a challenge. In this paper, a single-step method is proposed to synthetize nanoparticles (NPs) and at the same time to realize reproducible porous and bulk composites using laser ablation in liquid. With this single-step process, the gold nanoparticles are therefore produced directly in the liquid polymer. The optical properties of the suspensions of AuNPs in distilled water and in the curing agent have been analyzed by the UV-VIS spectroscopy, employed in the transmission mode, and compared with those of the pure curing agent. The electrical dc conductivity of the porous PDMS/Au NPs nanocomposites has been evaluated by the I–V characteristics. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis have monitored the composition and morphology of the so-obtained composites and the size of the fabricated Au nanoparticles. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been used to determine the roughness of the bulk PDMS and its Au NP composites.
Molecular Mechanisms and Cellular Contribution from Lung Fibrosis to Lung Cancer Development
Authors: Samarelli Anna Valeria , Masciale Valentina , Aramini Beatrice , Coló Georgina Pamela , Tonelli Roberto , Marchioni Alessandro , Bruzzi Giulia , Gozzi Filippo , Andrisani Dario , Castaniere Ivana , Manicardi Linda , Moretti Antonio , Tabbì Luca , Guaitoli Giorgia , Cerri Stefania , Dominici Massimo , Clini Enrico
Published: November 2021

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD) of unknown aetiology, with a median survival of 2–4 years from the time of diagnosis. Although IPF has unknown aetiology by definition, there have been identified several risks factors increasing the probability of the onset and progression of the disease in IPF patients such as cigarette smoking and environmental risk factors associated with domestic and occupational exposure. Among them, cigarette smoking together with concomitant emphysema might predispose IPF patients to lung cancer (LC), mostly to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), increasing the risk of lung cancer development. To this purpose, IPF and LC share several cellular and molecular processes driving the progression of both pathologies such as fibroblast transition proliferation and activation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, and many genetic and epigenetic markers that predispose IPF patients to LC development. Nintedanib, a tyrosine–kinase inhibitor, was firstly developed as an anticancer drug and then recognized as an anti-fibrotic agent based on the common target molecular pathway. In this review our aim is to describe the updated studies on common cellular and molecular mechanisms between IPF and lung cancer, knowledge of which might help to find novel therapeutic targets for this disease combination.
Therapeutic Potential of Cancer Vaccine Based on MHC Class I Cryptic Peptides Derived from Non-Coding Regions
Authors: Tokita Serina , Kanaseki Takayuki , Torigoe Toshihiko
Published: November 2021

MHC class I molecules display intracellular peptides on cell surfaces to enable immune surveillance under pathological conditions. The source of MHC class I antigens responsible for cancer protection is not fully understood. Here, we explored the MHC class I peptidome in mouse colon cancer cells using a proteogenomic approach. We showed that cryptic peptides derived from unconventional short open reading frames accounted for part of the MHC class I peptidome. Moreover, cancer growth was significantly prevented in mice immunized with a cocktail of synthesized cryptic peptides. Together, our data showed that the source of cancer antigens was not limited to fragments of consensus proteins. Cryptic antigens were displayed by MHC molecules and mediated anti-cancer effects, suggesting their therapeutic potential for cancer prevention.
Ocular Sporotrichosis
Authors: Ramírez-Soto Max Carlos , Tirado-Sánchez Andrés , Bonifaz Alexandro
Published: November 2021

Sporotrichosis is a subacute or chronic mycosis predominant in tropical and subtropical regions. It is an infection of subcutaneous tissue caused by Sporothrix fungus species, but occasionally resulting in an extracutaneous condition, including osteoarticular, pulmonary, nervous central system, and ocular disease. Cases of ocular sporotrichosis are rare, but reports have been increasing in recent decades. Ocular infections usually occur in hyperendemic areas of sporotrichosis. For its classification, anatomic criteria are used. The clinical presentation is the infection in the ocular adnexal and intraocular infection. Ocular adnexa infections include palpebral, conjunctivitis, and infections of the lacrimal sac. Intraocular infection includes exogenous or endogenous endophthalmitis. Most infections in the ocular adnexal have been reported in Brazil, China and Peru, and intraocular infections are limited to the USA and Brazil. Diagnosis is performed from Sporothrix isolation in the mycological examination from ocular or skin samples. Both sporotrichosis in the ocular adnexa and intraocular infection can mimic several infectious and non-infectious medical conditions. Ocular adnexa infections are treated with potassium iodide and itraconazole. The intraocular infection is treated with amphotericin B. This review describes the clinical findings and epidemiological, diagnosis, and treatment of ocular sporotrichosis.
Trichoderma harzianum-Mediated ZnO Nanoparticles: A Green Tool for Controlling Soil-Borne Pathogens in Cotton
Authors: Zaki Shimaa A. , Ouf Salama A. , Albarakaty Fawziah M. , Habeb Marian M. , Aly Aly A. , Abd-Elsalam Kamel A.
Published: November 2021

ZnO-based nanomaterials have high antifungal effects, such as inhibition of growth and reproduction of some pathogenic fungi, such as Fusarium sp., Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina. Therefore, we report the extracellular synthesis of ZnONPs using a potential fungal antagonist (Trichoderma harzianum). ZnONPs were then characterized for their size, shape, charge and composition by visual analysis, UV–visible spectrometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The TEM test confirmed that the size of the produced ZnONPs was 8–23 nm. The green synthesized ZnONPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies to reveal the functional group attributed to the formation of ZnONPs. For the first time, trichogenic ZnONPs were shown to have fungicidal action against three soil–cotton pathogenic fungi in the laboratory and greenhouse. An antifungal examination was used to evaluate the bioactivity of the mycogenic ZnONPs in addition to two chemical fungicides (Moncut and Maxim XL) against three soil-borne pathogens, including Fusarium sp., Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina. The findings of this study show a novel fungicidal activity in in vitro assay for complete inhibition of fungal growth of tested plant pathogenic fungi, as well as a considerable reduction in cotton seedling disease symptoms under greenhouse conditions. The formulation of a trichogenic ZnONPs form was found to increase its antifungal effect significantly. Finally, the utilization of biocontrol agents, such as T. harzianum, could be a safe strategy for the synthesis of a medium-scale of ZnONPs and employ it for fungal disease control in cotton.
Facile Synthesis of Carbon Nanospheres with High Capability to Inhale Selenium Powder for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Khan Mustafa , Ding Xuli , Zhao Hongda , Ma Xinrong , Wang Yuxin
Published: November 2021

Carbon–selenium composite positive electrode (CSs@Se) is engineered in this project using a melt diffusion approach with glucose as a precursor, and it demonstrates good electrochemical performance for lithium–selenium batteries. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with EDS analysis are used to characterize the newly designed CSs@Se electrode. To complete the evaluation, electrochemical characterization such as charge–discharge (rate performance and cycle stability), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests are done. The findings show that selenium particles are distributed uniformly in mono-sized carbon spheres with enormous surface areas. Furthermore, the charge–discharge test demonstrates that the CSs@Se cathode has a rate performance of 104 mA h g−1 even at current density of 2500 mA g−1 and can sustain stable cycling for 70 cycles with a specific capacity of 270 mA h g−1 at current density of 25 mA g−1. The homogeneous diffusion of selenium particles in the produced spheres is credited with an improved electrochemical performance.
Effect of pH on the Corrosion and Repassivation Behavior of TA2 in Simulated Seawater
Authors: Zhang Yingxiao , Yan Tingting , Fan Lin , Liu Zhiyong , Song Longfei , Li Xiaogang
Published: November 2021

The effect of pH on the corrosion and repassivation behavior of TA2 in simulated seawater was studied using electrochemical tests, immersion experiments, and surface morphology topology analysis. The results show that Ecorr and Rf increased while ipass and weight loss rate decreased as the pH of simulated seawater increased. The TA2 passive film was determined to be mainly composed of a large amount of TiO2 and a small amount of TiO. The repassivation function of TA2 can be expressed as E = −0.1375 + 0.0532ln(t − 1.241) for a simulated seawater pH of 8.2. The parameter b, which represents the slope of the potential–time curve during the friction electrode test, was used to evaluate the repassivation behavior of TA2. The increase in pH value was observed to promote the repassivation speed of the passive film, which is beneficial to the corrosion resistance of TA2.
Rheological Analysis of the Synthesis of High-Molecular-Weight Epoxy Resins from Modified Soybean Oil and Bisphenol A or BPA-Based Epoxy Resins
Authors: Sienkiewicz Anna , Czub Piotr
Published: November 2021

The research undertaken in this work is one of the examples of the engineering of modern polymer materials. This manuscript presents studies on the gelation process which might occur during the synthesis of epoxy resin using the modified vegetable oil via the epoxy fusion process conducted in bulk. Based on obtained results we determined rheological parameters related to the properties of reacting mixture during the polyaddition process, especially before and after occurring the phenomenon of gelation (via (1) theoretical determination of the gel point using the degree of conversion of reactants before occurring the gelation process of reacting mixture and (2) experimentally—the dynamic mechanical properties such as storage modulus, G′; loss modulus, G″; and loss tangent, tg δ). Theoretical investigations show that for both systems: epoxidized soybean oil and bisphenol A (ESBO_BPA), as well as the hydroxylated soybean oil and low molecular weight epoxy resin (SMEG_EPR), theoretical values of the degree of conversion at the gel point are characterized by similar values (ESBO_BPA: xgel-theoretical = 0.620, xgel-theoretical = 0.620 and SMEG_EPR: xgel-theoretical = 0.614, xgel-experiment = 0.630, respectively), while the one determined based on the initial assumptions are greater than the above-mentioned (ESBO_BPA: xgel-assumed = 0.696 and SMEG_EPR: xgel-assumed = 0.667). Moreover, experimental studies in the viscoelastic fluid stage showed that the SMEG_EPR system is characterized by lower values of G′ and G″, which indicates lower elasticity and lower viscosity than the epoxidized derivative. It was found that alike during the conventional polyaddition reaction, both systems initially are homogeneous liquids of increasing viscosity. Wherein gradual increase in viscosity of the reaction mixture is related to the fusion of oligomer molecules and the formation of higher molecular weight products. In the critical stage of the process, known as the gelation point, the reaction mixture converts into the solid form, containing an insoluble cross-linked polymer.
Green Synthesis of Hexagonal Hematite (α-Fe2O3) Flakes Using Pluronic F127-Gelatin Template for Adsorption and Photodegradation of Ibuprofen
Authors: Ulfa Maria , Prasetyoko Didik , Bahruji Hasliza , Nugraha Reva Edra
Published: November 2021

Hematite (α-Fe2O3) with uniform hexagonal flake morphology has been successfully synthesized using a combination of gelatin as natural template with F127 via hydrothermal method. The resulting hematite was investigated as adsorbent and photocatalyst for removal of ibuprofen as pharmaceutical waste. Hexagonal flake-like hematite was obtained following calcination at 500 °C with the average size was measured at 1–3 µm. Increasing the calcination temperature to 700 °C transformed the uniform hexagonal structure into cubic shape morphology. Hematite also showed high thermal stability with increasing the calcination temperatures; however, the surface area was reduced from 47 m2/g to 9 m2/g. FTIR analysis further confirmed the formation Fe-O-Fe bonds, and the main constituent elements of Fe and O were observed in EDX analysis for all samples. α-Fe2O3 samples have an average adsorption capacity of 55–25.5 mg/g at 12–22% of removal efficiency when used as adsorbent for ibuprofen. The adsorption capacity was reduced as the calcination temperatures increased due to the reduction of available surface area of the hexagonal flakes after transforming into cubes. Photocatalytic degradation of ibuprofen using hematite flakes achieved 50% removal efficiency; meanwhile, combination of adsorption and photocatalytic degradation further removed 80% of ibuprofen in water/hexane mixtures.
Ti(C,N) and WC-Based Cermets: A Review of Synthesis, Properties and Applications in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Heydari Lida , Lietor Pablo F. , Corpas-Iglesias Francisco A. , Laguna Oscar H.
Published: November 2021

In recent years, the use of cermets has shown significant growth in the industry due to their interesting features that combine properties of metals and ceramics, and there are different possible types of cermets, depending on their composition. This review focuses on cemented tungsten carbides (WC), and tungsten carbonitrides (WCN), and it is intended to analyze the relationship between chemical composition and processing techniques of these materials, which results in their particular microstructural and mechanical properties. Moreover, the use of cermets as a printing material in additive manufacturing or 3D printing processes has recently emerged as one of the scenarios with the greatest projection, considering that they manufacture parts with greater versatility, lower manufacturing costs, lower raw material expenditure and with advanced designs. Therefore, this review compiled and analyzed scientific papers devoted to the synthesis, properties and uses of cermets of TiC and WC in additive manufacturing processes reported thus far.
Structure Characteristics, Biochemical Properties, and Pharmaceutical Applications of Alginate Lyases
Authors: Gao Shu-Kun , Yin Rui , Wang Xiao-Chen , Jiang Hui-Ning , Liu Xiao-Xiao , Lv Wei , Ma Yu , Zhou Yan-Xia
Published: November 2021

Alginate, the most abundant polysaccharides of brown algae, consists of various proportions of uronic acid epimers α-L-guluronic acid (G) and β-D-mannuronic acid (M). Alginate oligosaccharides (AOs), the degradation products of alginates, exhibit excellent bioactivities and a great potential for broad applications in pharmaceutical fields. Alginate lyases can degrade alginate to functional AOs with unsaturated bonds or monosaccharides, which can facilitate the biorefinery of brown algae. On account of the increasing applications of AOs and biorefinery of brown algae, there is a scientific need to explore the important aspects of alginate lyase, such as catalytic mechanism, structure, and property. This review covers fundamental aspects and recent developments in basic information, structural characteristics, the structure–substrate specificity or catalytic efficiency relationship, property, molecular modification, and applications. To meet the needs of biorefinery systems of a broad array of biochemical products, alginate lyases with special properties, such as salt-activated, wide pH adaptation range, and cold adaptation are outlined. Withal, various challenges in alginate lyase research are traced out, and future directions, specifically on the molecular biology part of alginate lyases, are delineated to further widen the horizon of these exceptional alginate lyases.
Limb Salvage after Lower-Leg Fracture and Popliteal Artery Transection—The Role of Vessel-First Strategy and Bone Fixation Using the Ilizarov External Fixator Device: A Case Report
Authors: Giordano Vincenzo , Souza Felipe Serrão , Belangero William Dias , Pires Robinson Esteves
Published: November 2021

Open traumatic lesion of the popliteal artery is relatively rare. Ischemia time longer than 6 h and severity of limb ischemia have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of limb loss. Severe local infection is critical in the presence of major soft tissue trauma or open fractures. We report the case of a young female who suffered a traumatic transection of the popliteal artery associated with an open fracture of the distal tibia and fibula managed by direct vessel reconstruction with an end-to-end repair and skeletal stabilization initially with half-pin external fixation, then replaced by an Ilizarov circular frame. The patient had a very satisfactory outcome, but the fracture healed malunited, later corrected by open reduction and internal fixation with lag-screwing and a neutralization plate.
Influence of Hyponatremia on Spinal Bone Quality and Fractures Due to Low-Energy Trauma
Authors: Jäckle Katharina , Klockner Friederike , Hoffmann Daniel Bernd , Roch Paul Jonathan , Reinhold Maximilian , Lehmann Wolfgang , Weiser Lukas
Published: November 2021

Background and Objectives: Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder in elderly and associated with increased risk of falls. Clinical studies as well as small animal experiments suggested an association between chronic hyponatremia and osteoporosis. Furthermore, it has been assumed that subtle hyponatremia may be an independent fracture risk in the elderly. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the possible influence of chronic hyponatremia on osteoporosis and low-energy fractures of the spine. Materials and Methods: 144 patients with a vertebral body fracture (mean age: 69.15 ± 16.08; 73 females and 71 males) due to low-energy trauma were treated in a level one trauma center within one year and were included in the study. Chronic hyponatremia was defined as serum sodium < 135 mmol/L at admission. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine was measured using quantitative computed tomography in each patient. Results: Overall, 19.44% (n = 28) of patients in the low-energy trauma group had hyponatremia. In the group with fractures caused by low-energy trauma, the proportion of hyponatremia of patients older than 65 years was significantly increased as compared to younger patients (p** = 0.0016). Furthermore, there was no significant gender difference in the hyponatremia group. Of 28 patients with chronic hyponatremia, all patients had decreased bone quality. Four patients showed osteopenia and the other 24 patients even showed osteoporosis. In the low-energy trauma group, the BMD correlated significantly with serum sodium (r = 0.396; p*** < 0.001). Conclusions: The results suggest that chronic hyponatremia affects bone quality. Patients with chronic hyponatremia have an increased prevalence of fractures after low-energy trauma due to a decreased bone quality. Therefore, physicians from different specialties should focus on the treatment of chronic hyponatremia to reduce the fracture rate after low-energy trauma, particularly with elderly patients.
Highly Permeable Mixed Matrix Hollow Fiber Membrane as a Latent Route for Hydrogen Purification from Hydrocarbons/Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Lin Yu-Ting , Wey Ming-Yen , Tseng Hui-Hsin
Published: November 2021

This work reported on the fabrication and investigation of a mixed matrix hollow fiber membrane (MMHFM) by incorporating commercially available alumina particles into a polyetherimide (PEI) polymer matrix. These MMHFMs were prepared by the dry-wet spinning technique. Accordingly, optimizing the spinning parameters, including the air gap distance and flow rate ratio, is key to determining the gas separation performance. However, there are few studies regarding the effect of the filler dimensions. Consequently, three sizes of alumina particles, 20 nm, 30 nm, and 1000 nm, were respectively added into the PEI phase to examine the influence of filler size on gas permeation property. Moreover, the permeation properties of lower hydrocarbons (i.e., ethane and propane) were also measured to evaluate potential for emerging applications. The results indicated the as-synthesized membrane exhibited a remarkable hydrogen permeance of 1065.24 GPU, and relatively high separation factors of 4.53, 5.77, and 5.39 for H2/CO2, H2/C2H6, and H2/C3H8, respectively. This resulted from good compatibility between the larger fillers and the PEI polymer, as well as a reduction in the finger-like voids. Overall, the MMHFM in this work was deemed to be a promising candidate to separate hydrogen from gas streams, based on the comparison of the separation performance against other reported studies.
Three-Dimensional Transfer Functions of Interference Microscopes
Authors: Lehmann Peter , Hagemeier Sebastian , Pahl Tobias
Published: November 2021

Three-dimensional transfer functions (3D TFs) are generally assumed to fully describe the transfer behavior of optical topography measuring instruments such as coherence scanning interferometers in the spatial frequency domain. Therefore, 3D TFs are supposed to be independent of the surface under investigation resulting in a clear separation of surface properties and transfer characteristics. In this paper, we show that the 3D TF of an interference microscope differs depending on whether the object is specularly reflecting or consists of point scatterers. In addition to the 3D TF of a point scatterer, we will derive an analytical expression for the 3D TF corresponding to specular surfaces and demonstrate this as being most relevant in practical applications of coherence scanning interferometry (CSI). We additionally study the effects of temporal coherence and disclose that in conventional CSI temporal coherence effects dominate. However, narrowband light sources are advantageous if high spatial frequency components of weak phase objects are to be resolved, whereas, for low-frequency phase objects of higher amplitude, the temporal coherence is less affecting. Finally, we present an approach that explains the different transfer characteristics of coherence peak and phase detection in CSI signal analysis.
Effect of Microstructure on Micro-Mechanical Properties of Composite Solid Propellant
Authors: Li Tianpeng , Xu Jinsheng , Han Junli , He Yong
Published: November 2021

This study was aimed at determining the effect of microstructure on the macro-mechanical behavior of a composite solid propellant. The microstructure model of a composite solid propellant was generated using molecular dynamics algorithm. The correlation of how microstructural mechanical properties and the effect of initial interface defects in propellant act on the macro-mechanics were studied. Results of this study showed that the mechanical properties of propellant rely heavily on its mesoscopic structure. The grain filling volume fraction mainly influences the propellant initial modulus, the higher the volume fraction, the higher initial modulus. Additionally, it was found that the ratio of particles influences the tensile strength and breaking elongation rate of the propellant. The big particles could also improve the initial modulus of a propellant, but decrease its tensile strength and breaking elongation rate. Furthermore, the initial defects lowered the uniaxial tensile modulus, tensile strength, and the relaxation modulus of propellant, but did not affect the relaxation behavior of the propellant.
Thermal Maturity of the Grajcarek Unit (Pieniny Klippen Belt): Insights for the Burial History of a Major Tectonic Boundary of the Western Carpathians
Authors: Zielińska Magdalena
Published: November 2021

The Grajcarek Unit of the Pieniny Klippen Belt (PKB), at the boundary between the Central (Inner) and Outer Carpathians, resulted from the convergence of the ALCAPA (the Alps–Carpathians–Pannonia) block and European plate. The strongly deformed slices of the Grajcarek Unit consist of Jurassic–Cretaceous sedimentary rocks associated with Late Cretaceous–Middle Palaeocene synorogenic wild-flysch, and sedimentary breccias with olistoliths. Maximum burial temperatures and burial depths were estimated based on vitrinite reflectance data. The vitrinite reflectance values were wide scattered through the Grajcarek sedimentary succession, especially in the flysch formations. This is attributed mainly to the depositional effects that affected the vitrinite evolution. The determined maximum burial temperatures were interpreted due to the regional compression controlled by tectonic burial coeval with thrusting and strike-slip faulting. The regional vitrinite reflectance variations might estimate cumulative displacement around the NNW–SSE and oriented the strike-slip Dunajec fault, which is a continuation of the deep fracture Kraków–Myszków fault zone.
Intermittent Beginning to the Formation of Hydrogenous Ferromanganese Nodules in the Vast Field: Insights from Multi-Element Chemostratigraphy Using Microfocus X-ray Fluorescence
Authors: Machida Shiki , Shimomura Ryo , Nakamura Kentaro , Kogiso Tetsu , Kato Yasuhiro
Published: November 2021

Vast ferromanganese nodule fields have been found on the deep-sea floor of all oceans worldwide. They have received attention because they potentially provide high-grade metal resources to develop future high- and green-technology. However, how these vast nodule fields were formed and developed owing to their widespread nature or tendency to be denser with an increasing number of nodules has not yet been established. In this study, the fine-scale inner structure of nodules of various sizes was analyzed on the basis of chemical mapping using microfocus X-ray fluorescence. We found that nodules distributed in the vast field around Minamitorishima (Marcus) Island have several types of innermost layers, which correspond to different chemostratigraphic layers of nodules that have been previously reported by us in this region. As nodules grow in order from the center to the outside, the different types in the innermost layer indicate a difference in the timing of the beginning of their growth. Moreover, because the differences in the chemical features of each layer reflect differences in the composition of the original deep-sea water, our results imply that the beginning of nodule formation occurred intermittently at each time of a water mass replacement due to new deep-sea currents flowing into this region. We recognized that the northern part of the study area was dominated by large nodules that started to grow in relatively earlier times, while the southern part tended to have many nodules that grew in relatively later times. Based on these observations, we hypothesize that the intermittent beginning of nodule formation is governed by the northward inflow of the deep-sea current that originated from the Lower Circumpolar Deep Water for an extended time to form the vast nodule field. Because patterns in the timing of nodule formation were different in the eastern and western regions, we thus further propose that the topographic framework, i.e., the arrangement of individual large seamounts and the cluster of small knolls and petit-spot volcanoes, strongly regulates the flow path of the deep-sea current, even if the position of the entire seamount changes owing to plate motion. The deep-sea current might supply some materials to be nuclei, resulting in the nodule formation at the beginning of the process.
Remarks on the Boundary Conditions for a Serre-Type Model Extended to Intermediate-Waters
Authors: Antunes Do Carmo José Simão
Published: November 2021

Numerical models are useful tools for studying complex wave–wave and wave–current interactions in coastal areas. They are also very useful for assessing the potential risks of flooding, hydrodynamic actions on coastal protection structures, bathymetric changes along the coast, and scour phenomena on structures’ foundations. In the coastal zone, there are shallow-water conditions where several nonlinear processes occur. These processes change the flow patterns and interact with the moving bottom. Only fully nonlinear models with the addition of dispersive terms have the potential to reproduce all phenomena with sufficient accuracy. The Boussinesq and Serre models have such characteristics. However, both standard versions of these models are weakly dispersive, being restricted to shallow-water conditions. The need to extend them to deeper waters has given rise to several works that, essentially, add more or fewer terms of dispersive origin. This approach is followed here, giving rise to a set of extended Serre equations up to kh ≈ π. Based on the wavemaker theory, it is also shown that for kh > π/10, the input boundary condition obtained for shallow-waters within the Airy wave theory for 2D waves is not valid. A better estimate for the input wave that satisfies a desired value of kh can be obtained considering a geometrical modification of the conventional shape of the classic piston wavemaker by a limited depth θh, with θ≤ 1.0.
Thymus algeriensis and Artemisia herba-alba Essential Oils: Chemical Analysis, Antioxidant Potential and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic Activities, and Acute Toxicity
Authors: El Ouahdani Khadija , Es-safi Imane , Mechchate Hamza , Al-zahrani Mohammed , Qurtam Ashraf Ahmed , Aleissa Mohammed , Bari Amina , Bousta Dalila
Published: November 2021

The study of bioactive molecules of natural origin is a focus of current research. Thymus algeriensis and Artemisia herba-alba are two medicinal plants widely used by the Moroccan population in the traditional treatment of several pathologies linked to inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the single and combined antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the essential oils extracted from these two medicinal plants, and also their potential toxicity. Essential oils were extracted using hydro-distillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by two methods: the scavenging of the free radical DPPH, and the reduction in iron. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by evaluating the edema development induced by carrageenan injecting, while the analgesic power was evaluated according to the number of abdominal contortions induced by the intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid (0.7%). The acute oral toxicity was performed to assess the potential toxicity of the studied EOs, followed by an analysis of the blood biochemical parameters. The results of the two antioxidant tests indicated that our extract mixture exhibits good iron reduction capacity and very interesting DPPH free radical scavenging power, with an IC50 of around 4.38 ± 0.98 μg/mL higher than that of the benchmark antioxidant, BHT. The anti-inflammatory test demonstrated that the mixture administered orally at a dose of 150 mg/kg has a better activity, exceeding that of 1% Diclofenac, with a percentage of maximum inhibition of the edema of 89.99 ± 4.08. The number of cramps in the mice treated with the mixture at a dose of 150 mg/kg is significantly lower (29.80 ± 1.92) than those of the group treated with Tramadol (42.00 ± 2.70), respectively. The toxicity results show no signs of toxicity with an LD50 greater than 150 mg/Kg. These interesting results show that the two plants’ EOs had an important anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant activity, and also a powerful synergistic effect, which encourages further in-depth investigations on their pharmacological proprieties.
Self-Assembling Drug Formulations with Tunable Permeability and Biodegradability
Authors: Gaynanova Gulnara , Vasileva Leysan , Kashapov Ruslan , Kuznetsova Darya , Kushnazarova Rushana , Tyryshkina Anna , Vasilieva Elmira , Petrov Konstantin , Zakharova Lucia , Sinyashin Oleg
Published: November 2021

This review focuses on key topics in the field of drug delivery related to the design of nanocarriers answering the biomedicine criteria, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, and the ability to overcome biological barriers. For these reasons, much attention is paid to the amphiphile-based carriers composed of natural building blocks, lipids, and their structural analogues and synthetic surfactants that are capable of self-assembly with the formation of a variety of supramolecular aggregates. The latter are dynamic structures that can be used as nanocontainers for hydrophobic drugs to increase their solubility and bioavailability. In this section, biodegradable cationic surfactants bearing cleavable fragments are discussed, with ester- and carbamate-containing analogs, as well as amino acid derivatives received special attention. Drug delivery through the biological barriers is a challenging task, which is highlighted by the example of transdermal method of drug administration. In this paper, nonionic surfactants are primarily discussed, including their application for the fabrication of nanocarriers, their surfactant-skin interactions, the mechanisms of modulating their permeability, and the factors controlling drug encapsulation, release, and targeted delivery. Different types of nanocarriers are covered, including niosomes, transfersomes, invasomes and chitosomes, with their morphological specificity, beneficial characteristics and limitations discussed.
Discovery of New Ginsenol-Like Compounds with High Antiviral Activity
Authors: Volobueva Aleksandrina S. , Yarovaya Olga I. , Kireeva Marina V. , Borisevich Sophia S. , Kovaleva Kseniya S. , Mainagashev Iliya Ya. , Gatilov Yuri V. , Ilyina Margarita G. , Zarubaev Vladimir V. , Salakhutdinov Nariman F.
Published: November 2021

A number of framework amides with a ginsenol backbone have been synthesized using the Ritter reaction. We named the acetamide as Ginsamide. A method was developed for the synthesis of the corresponding amine and thioacetamide. The new compounds revealed a high activity against H1N1 influenza, which was confirmed using an animal model. Biological experiments were performed to determine the mechanism of action of the new agents, a ginsamide-resistant strain of influenza virus was obtained, and the pathogenicity of the resistant strain and the control strain was studied. It was shown that the emergence of resistance to Ginsamide was accompanied by a reduction in the pathogenicity of the influenza virus.
Influence of the Filler Particles’ Surface Morphology on the Polyurethane Matrix’s Structure Formation in the Composite
Authors: Shalygina Taisiya A. , Rudenko Mikhail S. , Nemtsev Ivan V. , Parfenov Vladimir A. , Voronina Svetlana Y. , Simonov-Emelyanov Igor D. , Borisova Polina E.
Published: November 2021

This article presents the surface morphology effect of silicon carbide (SiC) particles on the polyurethane binder’s structure formation in a dispersed-filled composite. The difference in the morphology and surface relief of filler particles was ensured by the implementation of plasma chemical modification. As a result of this modification, the filler consisted of core-shell particles characterized by a SiC core and a carbon shell (SiC@C), as well as a carbon shell decorated with silicon nanoparticles (SiC@C/SiNP) or nanos (SiC@C/SiNW). The study of the relaxation properties of polyurethane composites has shown that the strongest limiting effect on the molecular mobility of boundary layer’s chain segments is exerted by a highly developed surface with a complex relief of SiC@C/SiNP and SiC@C/SiNW particles. An empirical method was proposed to find the polymer fractions spent on the formation of the boundary, transition and bulk layers of the polymer matrix in the composite. It was shown that the morphology of the filler particles’ surface does not affect the dependence of the boundary layer thickness on the filler’s volume fraction. However, with an increase in the degree of surface development, the boundary layer thickness decreases.
Comparative Study of Crystallization, Mechanical Properties, and In Vitro Cytotoxicity of Nanocomposites at Low Filler Loadings of Hydroxyapatite for Bone-Tissue Engineering Based on Poly(l-lactic acid)/Cyclo Olefin Copolymer
Authors: Nazir Farzana , Iqbal Mudassir
Published: November 2021

A poly(l-lactic acid)/nanohydroxyapatite (PLLA/nHA) scaffold works as a bioactive, osteoconductive scaffold for bone-tissue engineering, but its low degradation rate limits embedded HA in PLLA to efficiently interact with body fluids. In this work, nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) was added in lower filler loadings (1, 5, 10, and 20 wt%) in a poly(l-lactic acid)/cyclo olefin copolymer10 wt% (PLLA/COC10) blend to obtain novel poly(l-lactic acid)/cyclo olefin copolymer/nanohydroxyapatite (PLLA/COC10-nHA) scaffolds for bone-tissue regeneration and repair. Furthermore, the structure-activity relationship of PLLA/COC10-nHA (ternary system) nanocomposites in comparison with PLLA/nHA (binary system) nanocomposites was systematically studied. Nanocomposites were evaluated for structural (morphology, crystallization), thermomechanical properties, antibacterial potential, and cytocompatibility for bone-tissue engineering applications. Scanning electron microscope images revealed that PLLA/COC10-nHA had uniform morphology and dispersion of nanoparticles up to 10% of HA, and the overall nHA dispersion in matrix was better in PLLA/COC10-nHA as compared to PLLA/nHA. Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies confirmed miscibility and transformation of the α-crystal form of PLLA to the ά-crystal form by the addition of nHA in all nanocomposites. The degree of crystallinity (%) in the case of PLLA/COC10-nHA 10 wt% was 114% higher than pure PLLA/COC10 and 128% higher than pristine PLLA, indicating COC and nHA are acting as nucleating agents in the PLLA/COC10-nHA nanocomposites, causing an increase in the degree of crystallinity (%). Moreover, PLLA/COC10-nHA exhibited 140 to 240% (1–20 wt% HA) enhanced mechanical properties in terms of ductility as compared to PLLA/nHA. Antibacterial activity results showed that 10 wt% HA in PLLA/COC10-nHA showed substantial activity against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and L. monocytogenes. In vitro cytocompatibility of PLLA/COC10 and PLLA nanocomposites with nHA osteoprogenitor cells (MC3T3-E1) and bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) was evaluated. Both cell lines showed two- to three-fold enhancement in cell viability and 10- to 30-fold in proliferation upon culture on PLLA/COC10-nHA as compared to PLLA/nHA composites. It was observed that the ternary system PLLA/COC10-nHA had good dispersion and interfacial interaction resulting in improved thermomechanical and enhanced osteoconductive properties as compared to PLLA/nHA.
“Breonna Taylor Could Have Been Me”: Bearing Witness to Faith in Black (Feminist) Futurity at the Speed Art Museum’s Promise, Witness, Remembrance Exhibit
Authors: McCormack Michael Brandon
Published: November 2021

This article explores the Speed Art Museum’s exhibit, Promise, Witness, Remembrance, as a site of meaning-making in the wake of the state-sponsored killing of Breonna Taylor. The article focuses on how the curators engaged the felt sense of vulnerability to premature death among Black viewers identified with Taylor in ways that held in tension a crisis of faith in, and an insistence upon, Black futurity.
DTN Trustworthiness for Permafrost Telemetry IoT Network
Authors: Mallorquí Adrià , Zaballos Agustín , Briones Alan
Published: November 2021

The SHETLAND-NET research project aims to build an Internet of Things (IoT) telemetry service in Antarctica to automatize the data collection of permafrost research studies on interconnecting remote wireless sensor networks (WSNs) through near vertical incidence skywave (NVIS) long fat networks (LFN). The proposed architecture presents some properties from challenging networks that require the use of delay tolerant networking (DTN) opportunistic techniques that send the collected data during the night as a bulk data transfer whenever a link comes available. This process might result in network congestion and packet loss. This is a complex architecture that demands a thorough assessment of the solution’s viability and an analysis of the transport protocols in order to find the option which best suits the use case to achieve superior trustworthiness in network congestion situations. A heterogeneous layer-based model is used to measure and improve the trustworthiness of the service. The scenario and different transport protocols are modeled to be compared, and the system’s trustworthiness is assessed through simulations.
Monitoring and Quantitative Human Risk Assessment of Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Using Integrated Satellite–UAV–Ground Survey Approach
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Lv Yunhong , Yang Haiben , Han Yingyue , Peng Jingyu , Lan Jiwu , Zhan Liangtong , Chen Yunmin , Bate Bate
Published: November 2021

Landfills are the dominant method of municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal in many developing countries, which are extremely susceptible to failure under circumstances of high pore water pressure and insufficient compaction. Catastrophic landfill failures have occurred worldwide, causing large numbers of fatalities. Tianziling landfill, one of the largest engineered sanitary landfills in China, has experienced massive deformation since January 2020, making early identification and monitoring of great significance for the purpose of risk management. The human risk posed by potential landfill failures also needs to be quantitatively evaluated. The interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) technique, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry, and ground measurements were combined to obtain landfill deformation data in this study. The integrated satellite–UAV–ground survey (ISUGS) approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of landfill deformation and evolution. The deformation characteristics obtained using the InSAR technique and UAV photogrammetry were analyzed and compared. A close relationship between the most severe mobility events, precipitation episodes, and was observed. Based on early hazard identification using ISUGS, a quantitative risk assessment (QRA) method and F-N curves were proposed, which can be applied to landfills. The comparison showed that ISUGS allowed a better understanding of the spatial and temporal evolution of the landfill and more accurate QRA results, which could be as references for local governments to take effective precautions.