bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Loss of Control to Social Exclusion: ERP Effects of Preexposure to a Social Threat in the Cyberball Paradigm
Authors: Fang Xu , Yang Yu-Fang , Kerschreiter Rudolf , Niedeggen Michael
Published: September 2022

Previous studies indicated that the onsets of different social threats, such as threats to ”belonging” and “control”, are inconsistent with the subjective beliefs of social participation and require readjustment of expectations. Because a common cognitive system is assumed to be involved, the adjustment triggered by the experience of a single social threat should affect the processing of subsequent social interactions. We examined how preexposure to a loss of control affected social exclusion processing by using the Cyberball paradigm. An event-related brain component (P3) served as a probe for the state of the expectancy system, and self-reports reflected the subjective evaluations of the social threats. In the control group (n = 23), the transition to exclusion elicited a significant P3 effect and a high threat to belonging in the self-reports. Both effects were significantly reduced when the exclusion was preceded by preexposure to a loss of control (EG1disc, n = 23). These effects, however, depend on the offset of the preexposure. In case of a continuation (EG2cont, n = 24), the P3 effect was further reduced, but the threat to belonging was restored. We conclude that the P3 data are consistent with predictions of a common expectancy violation account, whereas self-reports are supposed to be affected by additional processes.
Resilience, Stress, and Burnout Syndrome According to Study Hours in Spanish Public Education School Teacher Applicants: An Explanatory Model as a Function of Weekly Physical Activity Practice Time
Authors: Melguizo-Ibáñez Eduardo , González-Valero Gabriel , Ubago-Jiménez José Luis , Puertas-Molero Pilar
Published: September 2022

The selection process for the teaching profession in public elementary education is difficult, which can lead to the appearance of disruptive states in applicants. For this reason, the present study aimed to establish the relationship between study hours and the levels of stress, burnout, and resilience in applicants to the Spanish public teaching profession. Accordingly, this objective was achieved by (a) developing an explanatory model of study hours according to levels of stress, burnout, and resilience, and (b) contrasting this model through a multigroup analysis according to whether students performed more than 3 h of physical activity per week. A descriptive, comparative, cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 4117 applicants (31.03 ± 6.800), using an ad hoc socio-demographic questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale for data collection. The results revealed that participants who practiced more than 3 h of physical activity per week showed lower levels of stress and burnout syndrome, manifesting higher levels of resilience. Furthermore, better associations between resilience and the other constructs were also observed for people who practiced more than 3 h of physical activity per week. In conclusion, the practice of physical activity can help to decrease stress and develop key elements for the selective exam of the Spanish public teaching corps.
The Unsustainable Direction of Green Building Codes: A Critical Look at the Future of Green Architecture
Authors: Capeluto Isaac Guedi
Published: September 2022

Buildings are a major contributor to global energy consumption and energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. In light of the climate crisis, changes in the way we design, construct and use buildings are needed to reduce their environmental impact. Green Building Codes (GBCs) and rating systems have been developed around the world as a basis for green building practices. However, several studies raised doubts about the actual performance of certified buildings. Moreover, they use a per unit area approach to assess the use of resources rather than per capita, penalizing small buildings or those with high occupancy, ignoring the concepts of equity and shared common effort which are central to sustainable design. In this paper we propose adjustments to GBCs to encourage new ways of designing and evaluating green buildings. We introduce the Occupancy Correction Factor (OCF) which prioritizes smaller and more densely occupied buildings reducing land use, total operational energy consumption and embodied energy. Results show changes in their energy ratings of one to three levels both up and down, compared to their original ratings. In addition, we propose the prioritization of high-efficiency Low-Energy and Nearly Zero-Energy buildings over Net Zero Energy buildings, encouraging innovative urban design to enhance solar access and electricity production potential on-site or nearby.
The Mechanical and Environmental Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Polymers in Concrete Structures: Opportunities, Challenges and Future Directions
Authors: Sbahieh Sami , Rabie Mohamed , Ebead Usama , Al-Ghamdi Sami G.
Published: September 2022

The construction sector is well known for its critical environmental impact resulting from the consumed amounts of raw materials and the tremendous emissions of greenhouse gases. Therefore, scientists need to promote and study the environmental implications of using alternative solutions such as fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) throughout their service life. FRPs have gained increasing popularity in the last few years due to their durability, high corrosion resistance, light weight and high strength. Life cycle assessment is considered one of the most important methods to investigate the environmental impacts of the FRP. The aim of this paper is to present an overview of fiber-reinforced polymer composites in concrete structures with an investigation focusing on their environmental and mechanical properties in civil engineering structures. The main focus is set on the properties of fiber-reinforced polymers, their use as a strengthening technique in concrete structural members and their environmental impact using the life cycle assessment method. The reported results from the literature reveal that utilizing FRP composites in structural members instead of traditional materials improves their strength and stiffness and reduces environmental impacts.
The Use of Callovo-Oxfordian Argillite as a Raw Material for Portland Cement Clinker Production
Authors: Kleib Joelle , Amar Mouhamadou , Aouad Georges , Bourbon Xavier , Benzerzour Mahfoud , Abriak Nor-Edine
Published: September 2022

Excavated soils and rocks are materials obtained in construction works that could represent an ecological issue if a durable and efficient reuse process is not set. The radioactive waste disposal planned by the French National Radioactive Waste Management Agency will generate large quantities of excavated soil (mainly as Callovo-Oxfordian argillite). The re-use of excavated soils is a recent question. There is a lack in the literature concerning the recycling of such materials. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the possibility of using Callovo-Oxfordian argillite (COx argillite from the French URL) as a raw material for Portland cement clinker production. COx argillite was first characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) then a Portland cement clinker was synthesized at laboratory scale. The produced clinker was characterized to verify the chemical and mineralogical composition. After adding gypsum, the reactivity of the resulting cement was assessed by setting time and isothermal calorimetry measurements. The compressive strength was assessed on standard mortar prisms at 1, 14 and 28 days. The results show that a Portland cement clinker containing 64% C3S, 14% C2S, 10% C4AF, 7% C3A and 1% CaO can be produced when 22.24% of raw meal was substituted by the COx argillite. The setting time and isothermal calorimetry results show that the produced cement shows an equivalent reactivity to conventional ordinary Portland cement. The compressive strength at 28 days is 56 MPa, showing that the produced cement can be considered as CEM I 52.5 N Portland cement.
Optimized Wayfinding Signage Positioning in Hospital Built Environment through Medical Data and Flows Simulations
Authors: Guo Weihong , He Yiwei
Published: September 2022

This study argues that medical data should be better utilized and attention should be paid to the patient’s visual experience during their journey to the emergency department (ED). Wayfinding in medical settings remains a challenge for patients. One reason is that decision makers do not adequately understand what the patients have seen and been through during their journey in the ED built environment, which leads to inaccurate selection and misplacement of signage. This study claims that there is still room to optimize existing wayfinding design methods. This study selected a representative large-scale general hospital in China, collected the annual healthcare information system (HIS) data of ED patients in 2021, and reproduced the clinical process of ED patients in the form of a probability treemap through categorical analysis. Furthermore, Massmotion was used to simulate the patient’s journey and obtain their vision focus area (VFA). With the VFA and field observation record, the research targeted 17 wall surfaces in the ED built environment. On the basis of the comparative analysis, we found the misplacement of the current signage system and the direction of future optimization. This method can provide a reference for designers during their decision-making process to aim for an efficient wayfinding system.
Study on Deformation Characteristics and Damage Model of NMK Concrete under Cold Environment
Authors: Zhang Shiyi , Fan Yingfang , Shah Surendra P.
Published: September 2022

To improve the ability of concrete structures to resist freeze-thaw damage in cold environments, explore the effect and mechanism of nano-metakaolin (NMK) on frost resistance of concrete. And make up for the deficiencies in the mechanical properties and deformation process of na-no-metakaolin concrete in freeze-thaw environments. Rapid freeze-thaw cycle experiment was car-ried out to detect the deterioration law of concrete. Physical and mechanical properties under freeze-thaw environment was measured. The modification mechanism of nano-metakaolin on con-crete frost resistance from micro and meso scales was analyzed. The effect of freeze-thaw damage on nano-metakaolin concrete was characterized. The influence law of stress strain is established, and the meso-statistical damage constitutive model of nano-metakaolin concrete under freeze-thaw action is established. The results show that: Compared with other nano-clays, adding 5% nano-metakaolin can effectively slow down concrete’s freeze-thaw cracking and crack propagation. After 125 freeze-thaw cycles, the surface crack width of concrete mixed with 5% nano-metakaolin is only 0.1mm. Without freeze-thaw cycles, the compressive strength of concrete mixed with 3% nano-metakaolin is the highest, which is 28.75% higher than that of ordinary concrete; after 125 freeze-thaw cycles, the loss rate of compressive strength of concrete mixed with 5% nano-metakaolin was 12.07%. After 125 freeze-thaw cycles, the peak strain is 0.45 times that of concrete without NMK, and the peak stress is 3 times that of concrete without NMK.
The Long and the Short of It: NEAT1 and Cancer Cell Metabolism
Authors: Smith Nadine E. , Spencer-Merris Phaedra , Fox Archa Hannah , Petersen Janni , Michael Michael Z.
Published: September 2022

The long noncoding RNA NEAT1 is known to be heavily dysregulated in many cancers. A single exon gene produces two isoforms, NEAT1_1 and NEAT1_2, through alternative 3′-end processing. As the longer isoform, NEAT1_2 is an essential scaffold for nuclear paraspeckle formation. It was previously thought that the short NEAT1_1 isoform only exists to keep the NEAT1 locus active for rapid paraspeckle formation. However, a recent glycolysis-enhancing function for NEAT1_1, contributing to cancer cell proliferation and the Warburg effect, has been demonstrated. Previous studies have mainly focused on quantifying total NEAT1 and NEAT1_2 expression levels. However, in light of the NEAT1_1 role in cancer cell metabolism, the contribution from specific NEAT1 isoforms is no longer clear. Here, the roles of NEAT1_1 and NEAT1_2 in metabolism and cancer progression are discussed.
Systematic Review of the Role of Alpha-Protein Kinase 1 in Cancer and Cancer-Related Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Ko Albert Min-Shan , Tu Hung-Pin , Ko Ying-Chin
Published: September 2022

Background: Deregulation of conventional protein kinases is associated with the growth and development of cancer cells. Alpha-kinase 1 (ALPK1) belongs to a newly discovered family of serine/threonine protein kinases with no sequence homology to conventional protein kinases, and its function in cancer is poorly understood. Methods: In this systematic review, we searched for and analyzed studies linking ALPK1 to cancer development and progression. Results: Based on the current evidence obtained using human, animal, cellular, and tissue models, ALPK1 is located upstream and triggers cancer cell development and metastasis by regulating the inflammatory response through phosphorylation. Its mRNA and protein levels were found to correlate with advanced tumor size and lymph node metastasis, which occur from the cellular cytoplasm into the nucleus. ALPK1 is also strongly associated with gout, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes, which are considered as inflammatory diseases and associated with cancer. Conclusion: ALPK1 is an oncogene involved in carcinogenesis. Chronic inflammation is the common regulatory mechanism between cancer and these diseases. Future research should focus on identifying inhibitors of serine/threonine and ALPK1 at their phosphorylation sites, which would block various signal transductions and potentially offer kinase-targeted therapeutic agents for patients with cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Single Shot vs. Cocktail: A Comparison of Mono- and Combinative Application of miRNA-Targeted Mesyl Oligonucleotides for Efficient Antitumor Therapy
Authors: Gaponova Svetlana , Patutina Olga , Sen’kova Aleksandra , Burakova Ekaterina , Savin Innokenty , Markov Andrey , Shmendel Elena , Maslov Mikhail , Stetsenko Dmitry , Vlassov Valentin , Zenkova Marina
Published: September 2022

Rational combinations of sequence-specific inhibitors of pro-oncogenic miRNAs can efficiently interfere with specific tumor survival pathways, offering great promise for targeted therapy of oncological diseases. Herein, we uncovered the potential of multicomponent therapy by double or triple combinations of highly potent mesyl phosphoramidate (µ) antisense oligodeoxynucleotides targeted to three proven pro-oncogenic microRNAs—miR-17, miR-21, and miR-155. A strong synergism in the inhibition of proliferation and migration of B16 melanoma cells was demonstrated in vitro for pairs of µ-oligonucleotides, which resulted in vivo in profound inhibition (up to 85%) of lung metastases development after intravenous injection of µ-oligonucleotide-transfected B16 cells in mice. A clear benefit of µ-21-ON/µ-17-ON and µ-17-ON/µ-155-ON/µ-21-ON combination antitumor therapy was shown for the lymphosarcoma RLS40 solid tumor model. In vivo administration of the µ-17-ON/µ-155-ON/µ-21-ON cocktail into RLS40-bearing mice elicited fourfold delay of tumor growth as a result of strong inhibition of tumor mitotic activity. It was discovered that the cocktail of µ-21-ON/µ-17-ON/µ-155-ON led to a twofold decrease in total destructive changes in murine liver, which indicates both the reduction in toxic tumor burden and the absence of specific toxicity of the proposed therapy.
Antigens Expressed by Breast Cancer Cells Undergoing EMT Stimulate Cytotoxic CD8+ T Cell Immunity
Authors: Camp Faye A. , Brunetti Tonya M. , Williams Michelle M. , Christenson Jessica L. , Sreekanth Varsha , Costello James C. , Hay Zachary L. Z. , Kedl Ross M. , Richer Jennifer K. , Slansky Jill E.
Published: September 2022

Antigenic differences formed by alterations in gene expression and alternative splicing are predicted in breast cancer cells undergoing epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the reverse plasticity known as MET. How these antigenic differences impact immune interactions and the degree to which they can be exploited to enhance immune responses against mesenchymal cells is not fully understood. We utilized a master microRNA regulator of EMT to alter mesenchymal-like EO771 mammary carcinoma cells to a more epithelial phenotype. A computational approach was used to identify neoantigens derived from the resultant differentially expressed somatic variants (SNV) and alternative splicing events (neojunctions). Using whole cell vaccines and peptide-based vaccines, we find superior cytotoxicity against the more-epithelial cells and explore the potential of neojunction-derived antigens to elicit T cell responses through experiments designed to validate the computationally predicted neoantigens. Overall, results identify EMT-associated splicing factors common to both mouse and human breast cancer cells as well as immunogenic SNV- and neojunction-derived neoantigens in mammary carcinoma cells.
From HDAC to Voltage-Gated Ion Channels: What’s Next? The Long Road of Antiepileptic Drugs Repositioning in Cancer
Authors: Pellegrino Michele , Ricci Elena , Ceraldi Rosangela , Nigro Alessandra , Bonofiglio Daniela , Lanzino Marilena , Morelli Catia
Published: September 2022

Cancer is a major health burden worldwide. Although the plethora of molecular targets identified in the last decades and the deriving developed treatments, which significantly improved patients’ outcome, the occurrence of resistance to therapies remains the major cause of relapse and mortality. Thus, efforts in identifying new markers to be exploited as molecular targets in cancer therapy are needed. This review will first give a glance on the diagnostic and therapeutic significance of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and voltage gated ion channels (VGICs) in cancer. Nevertheless, HDAC and VGICs have also been reported as molecular targets through which antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) seem to exert their anticancer activity. This should be claimed as a great advantage. Indeed, due to the slowness of drug approval procedures, the attempt to turn to off-label use of already approved medicines would be highly preferable. Therefore, an updated and accurate overview of both preclinical and clinical data of commonly prescribed AEDs (mainly valproic acid, lamotrigine, carbamazepine, phenytoin and gabapentin) in breast, prostate, brain and other cancers will follow. Finally, a glance at the emerging attempt to administer AEDs by means of opportunely designed drug delivery systems (DDSs), so to limit toxicity and improve bioavailability, is also given.
Characterizing Circulating Tumor Cells and Tumor-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Metastatic Castration-Naive and Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Isebia Khrystany T. , Dathathri Eshwari , Verschoor Noortje , Nanou Afroditi , De Jong Anouk C. , Coumans Frank A. W. , Terstappen Leon W. M. M. , Kraan Jaco , Martens John W. M. , Bansal Ruchi , Lolkema Martijn P.
Published: September 2022

Circulating tumor cell (CTC)- and/or tumor-derived extracellular vesicle (tdEV) loads in the blood of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients are associated with worse overall survival and can be used as predictive markers of treatment response. In this study, we investigated the quantity/quality of CTCs and tdEVs in metastatic castration-naive prostate cancer (CNPC) and CRPC patients, and whether androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) affects CTCs and tdEVs. We included 104 CNPC patients before ADT initiation and 66 CRPC patients. Blood samples from 31/104 CNPC patients were obtained 6 months after ADT. CTCs and tdEVs were identified using ACCEPT software. Based on the morphology, CTCs of metastatic CNPC and CRPC patients were subdivided by manual reviewing into six subclasses. The numbers of CTCs and tdEVs were correlated in both CNPC and CRPC patients, and both CTCs (p = 0.013) and tdEVs (p = 0.005) were significantly lower in CNPC compared to CRPC patients. Qualitative differences in CTCs were observed: CTC clusters (p = 0.006) and heterogeneously CK expressing CTCs (p = 0.041) were significantly lower in CNPC patients. CTC/tdEV numbers declined 6 months after ADT. Our study showed that next to CTC-load, qualitative CTC analysis and tdEV-load may be useful in CNPC patients.
Emerging Role of Noncoding RNAs in EGFR TKI-Resistant Lung Cancer
Authors: Li Jingwei , Li Peiyi , Shao Jun , Liang Shufan , Wan Yuntian , Zhang Qiran , Li Changshu , Li Yalun , Wang Chengdi
Published: September 2022

Lung cancer accounts for the majority of malignancy-related mortalities worldwide. The introduction of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has revolutionized the treatment and significantly improved the overall survival (OS) of lung cancer. Nevertheless, almost all EGFR-mutant patients invariably acquire TKI resistance. Accumulating evidence has indicated that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), have a central role in the tumorigenesis and progression of lung cancer by regulating crucial signaling pathways, providing a new approach for exploring the underlying mechanisms of EGFR-TKI resistance. Therefore, this review comprehensively describes the dysregulation of ncRNAs in EGFR TKI-resistant lung cancer and its underlying mechanisms. We also underscore the clinical application of ncRNAs as prognostic, predictive and therapeutic biomarkers for EGFR TKI-resistant lung cancer. Furthermore, the barriers that need to be overcome to translate the basic findings of ncRNAs into clinical practice are discussed.
Tailoring Lignin-Based Spherical Particles as a Support for Lipase Immobilization
Authors: Stanisz Małgorzata , Bachosz Karolina , Siwińska-Ciesielczyk Katarzyna , Klapiszewski Łukasz , Zdarta Jakub , Jesionowski Teofil
Published: September 2022

Lignin-based spherical particles have recently gained popularity due to their characteristic and the usage of biopolymeric material. In this study, lignin-based spherical particles were prepared using choline chloride at different pH values, ranging from 2 to 10. Their dispersive, microstructural, and physicochemical properties were studied by a variety of techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and zeta potential analysis. The best results were obtained for the particles prepared at pH 5 and 7, which had a spherical shape without a tendency to form aggregates and agglomerates. The lignin-based spherical particles were used for the immobilization of lipase, a model enzyme capable of catalyzing a wide range of transformations. It was shown that the highest relative activity of immobilized lipase was obtained after 24 h of immobilization at 30 °C and pH 7, using 100 mg of the support. Moreover, the immobilized lipase exhibited enhanced stability under harsh process conditions, and demonstrated high reusability, up to 87% after 10 cycles, depending on the support used. In the future, the described approach to enzyme immobilization based on lignin spheres may play a significant role in the catalytic synthesis of organic and fine chemicals, with high utility value.
Triple-Click Chemistry of Selenium Dihalides: Catalytic Regioselective and Highly Efficient Synthesis of Bis-1,2,3-Triazole Derivatives of 9-Selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane
Authors: Potapov Vladimir A. , Musalov Maxim V.
Published: September 2022

The catalytic regioselective and highly efficient synthesis of bis-1,2,3-triazole derivatives of 9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane was developed. The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of 2,6-diazido-9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane with a variety of terminal acetylenes catalyzed by a copper acetate/sodium ascorbate system proceeded in a regioselective fashion, affording 2,6-bis(4-organyl-1,2,3-triazole)-9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonanes in high yields (93–98%). The reaction of 2,6-diazido-9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane with dimethyl and diethyl acetylenedicarboxylates was carried out as thermal 1,3-dipolar Huisgen cycloaddition giving the corresponding 4,5-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole derivatives of 9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane in high yields. The obtained products are potentially bioactive compounds and first representatives of selenium heterocycles combined with two 1,2,3-triazole moieties. 2.6-Diazido-9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane was obtained in quantitative yield via the reaction of sodium azide with 2,6-dibromo-9-selenabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane at room temperature. The latter compound was synthesized by stereoselective transannular addition of selenium dibromide to cis, cis-1,5-cyclooctadiene.
Towards the Sustainable Production of Ultra-Low-Sulfur Fuels through Photocatalytic Oxidation
Authors: Belousov Artem S. , Shafiq Iqrash
Published: September 2022

Nowadays, the sulfur-containing compounds are removed from motor fuels through the traditional hydrodesulfurization technology, which takes place under harsh reaction conditions (temperature of 350–450 °C and pressure of 30–60 atm) in the presence of catalysts based on alumina with impregnated cobalt and molybdenum. According to the principles of green chemistry, energy requirements should be recognized for their environmental and economic impacts and should be minimized, i.e., the chemical processes should be carried out at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. This approach could be implemented using photocatalysts that are sensitive to visible light. The creation of highly active photocatalytic systems for the deep purification of fuels from sulfur compounds becomes an important task of modern catalysis science. The present critical review reports recent progress over the last 5 years in heterogeneous photocatalytic desulfurization under visible light irradiation. Specific attention is paid to the methods for boosting the photocatalytic activity of materials, with a focus on the creation of heterojunctions as the most promising approach. This review also discusses the influence of operating parameters (nature of oxidant, molar ratio of oxidant/sulfur-containing compounds, photocatalyst loading, etc.) on the reaction efficiency. Some perspectives and future research directions on photocatalytic desulfurization are also provided.
Bioinformatic Analyses of Broad H3K79me2 Domains in Different Leukemia Cell Line Data Sets
Authors: Sharma Prerna , Sattarifard Hedieh , Fatemiyan Narges , Lakowski Ted M. , Davie James R.
Published: September 2022

A subset of expressed genes is associated with a broad H3K4me3 (histone H3 trimethylated at lysine 4) domain that extends throughout the gene body. Genes marked in this way in normal cells are involved in cell-identity and tumor-suppressor activities, whereas in cancer cells, genes driving the cancer phenotype (oncogenes) have this feature. Other histone modifications associated with expressed genes that display a broad domain have been less studied. Here, we identified genes with the broadest H3K79me2 (histone H3 dimethylated at lysine 79) domain in human leukemic cell lines representing different forms of leukemia. Taking a bioinformatic approach, we provide evidence that genes with the broadest H3K79me2 domain have known roles in leukemia (e.g., JMJD1C). In the mixed-lineage leukemia cell line MOLM-13, the HOXA9 gene is in a 100 kb broad H3K79me2 domain with other HOXA protein-coding and oncogenic long non-coding RNA genes. The genes in this domain contribute to leukemia. This broad H3K79me2 domain has an unstable chromatin structure, as was evident by enhanced chromatin accessibility throughout. Together, we provide evidence that identification of genes with the broadest H3K79me2 domain will aid in generating a panel of genes in the diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of leukemia in the future.
Depletion of VGLL4 Causes Perinatal Lethality without Affecting Myocardial Development
Authors: Sheldon Caroline , Farley Aaron , Ma Qing , Pu William T. , Lin Zhiqiang
Published: September 2022

Congenital heart disease is one of the leading causes of pediatric morbidity and mortality, thus highlighting the importance of deciphering the molecular mechanisms that control heart development. As the terminal transcriptional effectors of the Hippo–YAP pathway, YAP and TEAD1 form a transcriptional complex that regulates the target gene expression and depletes either of these two genes in cardiomyocytes, thus resulting in cardiac hypoplasia. Vestigial-like 4 (VGLL4) is a transcriptional co-factor that interacts with TEAD and suppresses the YAP/TEAD complex by competing against YAP for TEAD binding. To understand the VGLL4 function in the heart, we generated two VGLL4 loss-of-function mouse lines: a germline Vgll4 depletion allele and a cardiomyocyte-specific Vgll4 depletion allele. The whole-body deletion of Vgll4 caused defective embryo development and perinatal lethality. The analysis of the embryos at day 16.5 revealed that Vgll4 knockout embryos had reduced body size, malformed tricuspid valves, and normal myocardium. Few whole-body Vgll4 knockout pups could survive up to 10 days, and none of them showed body weight gain. In contrast to the whole-body Vgll4 knockout mutants, cardiomyocyte-specific Vgll4 knockout mice had no noticeable heart growth defects and had normal heart function. In summary, our data suggest that VGLL4 is required for embryo development but dispensable for myocardial growth.
Enteric Neural Network Assembly Was Promoted by Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor and Vitamin A but Inhibited by Epidermal Growth Factor
Authors: Chen Jeng-Chang , Yang Wendy , Tseng Li-Yun , Chang Hsueh-Ling
Published: September 2022

Extending well beyond the original use of propagating neural precursors from the central nervous system and dorsal root ganglia, neurosphere medium (NSM) and self-renewal medium (SRM) are two distinct formulas with widespread popularity in enteric neural stem cell (ENSC) applications. However, it remains unknown what growth factors or nutrients are crucial to ENSC development, let alone whether the discrepancy in their components may affect the outcomes of ENSC culture. Dispersed enterocytes from murine fetal gut were nurtured in NSM, SRM or their modifications by selective component elimination or addition to assess their effects on ENSC development. NSM generated neuriteless neurospheres, whereas SRM, even deprived of chicken embryo extract, might wire ganglia together to assemble neural networks. The distinct outcomes came from epidermal growth factor, which inhibited enteric neuronal wiring in NSM. In contrast, basic fibroblast growth factor promoted enteric neurogenesis, gangliogenesis, and neuronal wiring. Moreover, vitamin A derivatives might facilitate neuronal maturation evidenced by p75 downregulation during ENSC differentiation toward enteric neurons to promote gangliogenesis and network assembly. Our results might help to better manipulate ENSC propagation and differentiation in vitro, and open a new avenue for the study of enteric neuronal neuritogenesis and synaptogenesis.
Macrophages Upregulate Estrogen Receptor Expression in the Model of Obesity-Associated Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Nahmias Blank Daniela , Hermano Esther , Sonnenblick Amir , Maimon Ofra , Rubinstein Ariel M. , Drai Emmy , Maly Bella , Vlodavsky Israel , Popovtzer Aron , Peretz Tamar , Meirovitz Amichay , Elkin Michael
Published: September 2022

Breast cancer (BC) and obesity are two heterogeneous conditions with a tremendous impact on health. BC is the most commonly diagnosed neoplasm and the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women, and the prevalence of obesity in women worldwide reaches pandemic proportions. Obesity is a significant risk factor for both incidence and worse prognosis in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) BC. Yet, the mechanisms underlying the association between excess adiposity and increased risk/therapy resistance/poorer outcome of ER+, but not ER−negative (ER−), BC are not fully understood. Tumor-promoting action of obesity, predominantly in ER + BC patients, is often attributed to the augmented production of estrogen in ‘obese’ adipose tissue. However, in addition to the estrogen production, expression levels of ER represent a key determinant in hormone-driven breast tumorigenesis and therapy response. Here, utilizing in vitro and in vivo models of BC, we show that macrophages, whose adverse activation by obesogenic substances is fueled by heparanase (extracellular matrix-degrading enzyme), are capable of upregulating ER expression in tumor cells, in the setting of obesity-associated BC. These findings underscore a previously unknown mechanism through which interplay between cellular/extracellular elements of obesity-associated BC microenvironment influences estrogen sensitivity—a critical component in hormone-related cancer progression and resistance to therapy.
Theoretical Evaluation of the Interactions between Metal-Phthalocyanines and Various Fullerenes as Delivery Systems
Authors: Pop Oana-Raluca , Van Staden Jacobus (Koos) Frederick
Published: September 2022

The photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents a non-invasive method with good results in the treatment of superficial tumors. PDT is based on a combination of two factors, namely, a non-toxic photosensitizing molecule and a light source; the photosensitizer absorbs a photon of radiation, leading to a series of reactions that cause irreversible damage to the affected tissue. The present paper investigates the photosensitization properties of nine substituted metal-phthalocyanines (the central metals being iron, nickel, and zinc). In addition, the interactions between the aforementioned compounds and four fullerenes are investigated by means of molecular docking studies in order to verify their potential as delivery systems for phthalocyanines. Our results outline that the properties of metal-phthalocyanines are mainly influenced by the type of substituent and to a lesser extent by the nature of the metal. The binding energies of the metal-phthalocyanines towards the fullerenes suggest a slight increased affinity for the fullerene C52 as compared to the three nitrogen- and phosphorus-doped C46N3P3 fullerenes.
Perceived Psychological Impact on Children and Parents of Experiencing COVID-19 Infection in One or More Family Members
Authors: Costenaro Paola , Di Chiara Costanza , Boscolo Valentina , Barbieri Alessia , Tomasello Alice , Cantarutti Anna , Cozzani Sandra , Liberati Cecilia , Oletto Serenella , Giaquinto Carlo , Donà Daniele
Published: September 2022

SARS-CoV-2 infection may impair behavior and mental health; we explored the psychological impact on parents and children who experienced COVID-19 within their families. A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted on families attending the COVID-19 Follow-up Clinic at the Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, Padua (Italy). From April 2020 to August 2021, 75 surveys were collected from 66 families (97 parents and 129 children); almost 70% of participants had COVID-19, mostly asymptomatic/mildly symptomatic, and the median time from infection to survey compilation was 164.7 days (SD 56). Most parents (>87%) reported positive relationships with family members either before, during, or after COVID-19. More than one-third of children and adolescents were unable to adapt to isolation. Among 31 pre-school children with a median age of 3 (SD 1.7), a change of one or more functions was reported for 74.2% of cases irrespective of COVID-19 status, particularly a change in circadian rhythm (25%), in relationship with parents (42.8%), and poor emotional control (36%). Among 74 children with a median age of 10.9 years (SD 2.7), 8.1% had a score indicating a disease; however, significant impairment in attention was reported for 16.7%, along with anxiety/depression and problems with conduct in 5.6% and 6.5% of cases, respectively.
A Review of the Multi-Systemic Complications of a Ketogenic Diet in Children and Infants with Epilepsy
Authors: Newmaster Kyra , Zhu Zahra , Bolt Elizabeth , Chang Ryan J. , Day Christopher , Mhanna Asmaa , Paudel Sita , Farooq Osman , Swaminathan Arun , Acharya Prakrati , Cheungpasitporn Wisit , Gupta Siddharth , Samanta Debopam , Mahfooz Naeem , Mainali Gayatra , Carney Paul R. , Naik Sunil
Published: September 2022

Ketogenic diets (KDs) are highly effective in the treatment of epilepsy. However, numerous complications have been reported. During the initiation phase of the diet, common side effects include vomiting, hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis and refusal of the diet. While on the diet, the side effects involve the following systems: gastrointestinal, hepatic, cardiovascular, renal, dermatological, hematologic and bone. Many of the common side effects can be tackled easily with careful monitoring including blood counts, liver enzymes, renal function tests, urinalysis, vitamin levels, mineral levels, lipid profiles, and serum carnitine levels. Some rare and serious side effects reported in the literature include pancreatitis, protein-losing enteropathy, prolonged QT interval, cardiomyopathy and changes in the basal ganglia. These serious complications may need more advanced work-up and immediate cessation of the diet. With appropriate monitoring and close follow-up to minimize adverse effects, KDs can be effective for patients with intractable epilepsy.
Polyphenols and Small Phenolic Acids as Cellular Metabolic Regulators
Authors: Obrenovich Mark , Li Yi , Tayahi Moncef , Reddy V. Prakash
Published: September 2022

Polyphenols and representative small phenolic acids and molecules derived from larger constituents are dietary antioxidants from fruits, vegetables and largely other plant-based sources that have ability to scavenge free radicals. What is often neglected in polyphenol metabolism is bioavailability and the role of the gut microbiota (GMB), which has an essential role in health and disease and participates in co-metabolism with the host. The composition of the gut microbiota is in constant flux and is modified by multiple intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including antibiotics. Dietary or other factors are key modulators of the host gut milieu. In this review, we explore the role of polyphenols and select phenolic compounds as metabolic or intrinsic biochemistry regulators and explore this relationship in the context of the microbiota–gut–target organ axis in health and disease.
Metabolomics as a Prospective Tool for Soybean (Glycine max) Crop Improvement
Authors: Ncube Efficient , Mohale Keletso , Nogemane Noluyolo
Published: September 2022

Global demand for soybean and its products has stimulated research into the production of novel genotypes with higher yields, greater drought and disease tolerance, and shorter growth times. Genetic research may be the most effective way to continue developing high-performing cultivars with desirable agronomic features and improved nutritional content and seed performance. Metabolomics, which predicts the metabolic marker for plant performance under stressful conditions, is rapidly gaining interest in plant breeding and has emerged as a powerful tool for driving crop improvement. The development of increasingly sensitive, automated, and high-throughput analytical technologies, paired with improved bioinformatics and other omics techniques, has paved the way for wide characterization of genetic characteristics for crop improvement. The combination of chromatography (liquid and gas-based) with mass spectrometry has also proven to be an indisputable efficient platform for metabolomic studies, notably plant metabolic fingerprinting investigations. Nevertheless, there has been significant progress in the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), capillary electrophoresis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Furthermore, utilizing multivariate analysis, principal components analysis (PCA), discriminant analysis, and projection to latent structures (PLS), it is possible to identify and differentiate various groups. The researched soybean varieties may be correctly classified by using the PCA and PLS multivariate analyses. As metabolomics is an effective method for evaluating and selecting wild specimens with desirable features for the breeding of improved new cultivars, plant breeders can benefit from the identification of metabolite biomarkers and key metabolic pathways to develop new genotypes with value-added features.
Wind Forces on Medium-Span Bridges: A Comparison of Eurocode 1 Part 4 and Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Moore Niamh , Keenahan Jennifer
Published: September 2022

Bridges often have complicated geometries in complex terrain where they can be exposed to high wind loading. Current practice in designing for wind can be conservative. The drive for more lean construction motivates the study of computational modelling as an alternative to traditional methods of determining these wind loads. This paper compares wind forces determined using Eurocode 1 Part 4 with those determined by CFD modelling for a given bridge geometry, taking variations in altitude, location, wind speed and wind direction into account. Results indicate that the exposure factors used in Eurocode 1 Part 4 inflate the net wind force values. It was also found that the directional factor is conservative for wind forces on bridge decks but ineffective for wind forces on bridge piers in the x-direction. Furthermore, the Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes equations (CFD) appear to produce smaller values of net wind force than Bernoulli’s equation (Eurocode). Bernoulli’s equation can only be applied to an ideal fluid, and Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes equations can be applied to any viscous fluid—a further concern with the current practice.
Designing Actuation Concepts for Adaptive Slabs with Integrated Fluidic Actuators Using Influence Matrices
Authors: Nitzlader Markus , Steffen Simon , Bosch Matthias J. , Binz Hansgeorg , Kreimeyer Matthias , Blandini Lucio
Published: September 2022

Previous work has shown that floor slabs make up most of the material mass of building structures and are typically made of reinforced concrete. Considering the associated resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, new approaches are needed in order to reduce the built environment’s impact on the ongoing climate crisis. Various studies have demonstrated that adaptive building structures offer a potential solution for reducing material resource consumption and associated emissions. Adaptive structures have the ability to improve load-bearing performance by specifically reacting to external loads. This work applies the concept of adaptive structures to reinforced concrete slabs through the integration of fluidic actuators into the cross-section. The optimal integration of actuators in reinforced concrete slabs is a challenging interdisciplinary design problem that involves many parameters. In this work, actuation influence matrices are extended to slabs and used as an analysis and evaluation tool for deriving actuation concepts for adaptive slabs with integrated fluidic actuators. To define requirements for the actuator concept, a new procedure for the selection of actuation modes, actuator placement and the computation of actuation forces is developed. This method can also be employed to compute the required number of active elements for a given load case. The new method is highlighted in a case study of a 2 m × 2 m floor.
Advances in Salt-Storage Materials, Road and Anti-Freezing Performances of Salt-Storage Asphalt Mixture: A Review
Authors: Yang Yanhai , Chen Guanliang , Yang Ye , Yue Liang , Xu Jian
Published: September 2022

Salt storage asphalt pavement has been considered as a functional pavement that could effectively and actively melt snow on the road. Based on the previous studies, the macro melting snow and ice mechanism on the salt storage road is studied, high performance salt storage materials have been developed, as well as to analyze pavement and anti-freezing performance of salt storage asphalt mixture. Although some studies have evaluated salt storage asphalt mixtures and salt storage materials, there still remains many issues related to the slow-release effect of salt storage materials and road performance. Therefore, the article tries to review the key contents: mechanism for ice-snow melting of salt storage asphalt pavement, salt-storage materials design, salt-storage asphalt mixture-mix design. Additionally, key points concerning the road and anti-freezing performance of salt storage asphalt pavement were assessed. Finally, a series of important proposes for further investigations in this field have been presented.
Microstructure, Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Column-Free CrNx Coatings Deposited by Closed Field Unbalanced Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Wang Tao , Wang Yifan , Cheng Qi , Yu Shouming , Zhang Guojun
Published: September 2022

CrNx coatings with a low nitrogen content below 31.7 at.% were deposited using closed field unbalanced magnetron sputtering by varying the N2:Ar flow ratio. A dense and column-free CrNx coating was obtained at a nitrogen content of 14.8 at.%, whereas the other CrNx coating were all columnar structured. The column-free CrNx coating was composed of two types of structures: an N-incorporated Cr(N) solid solution matrix with a high number of point defects and a Cr(N) matrix with dispersed Cr2N nanocrystallines. The pinning effect of Cr2N nanocrystallines and point defects in Cr(N) grains are responsible for the formation of a column-free CrNx coating. The columnar-free CrNx coating exhibits a high hardness of 33.7 GPa, which is comparable to the hardness of Cr2N coating but 2.6 times larger than that of the Cr coating. It also has significantly better corrosion resistance than both Cr and Cr2N coating, with a corrosion current density of 4.1 × 1.0−9 A/cm2 that was only 1/20 than that of Cr coating.
Preparation of Mortar with Fe2O3 Nanoparticles for Radiation Shielding Application
Authors: Sayyed M. I. , Almousa Nouf , Elsafi Mohamed
Published: September 2022

The current study aims to investigate the radiation shielding properties of mortar samples with Fe2O3 nanoparticles for radiation protection applications. For the reference mortar (free Fe2O3 nanoparticles) and the mortar with different concentrations of Fe2O3 nanoparticles, we experimentally measured the transmission factor (I/I0) for four different thicknesses of the prepared mortar. The I/I0 results indicated that the transmission of the photons through the mortars decreases with increases in the mortar’s thickness. The lowest TF was found for the mortar coded as MI-25 (contains 25 wt.% of Fe2O3 nanoparticles), which gives an indication about the development in the attenuation ability of the prepared mortar samples due to the addition of Fe2O3. Similarly, the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) results showed an increasing trend with the addition of Fe2O3 nanoparticles for the four tested energies. These results confirm that increasing the ratio of Fe2O3 nanoparticles can lead to a remarkable improvement in the gamma ray shielding. We reported the half value layer (HVL) and we found that the HVL for the reference mortar at 0.06 MeV is 1.223 cm, while it changed from 1.19 to 1.074 cm for the mortar with 5 and 25 wt.% of Fe2O3 nanoparticles. The HVL results demonstrated that increasing the ratio of Fe2O3 nanoparticles can lead to a notable reduction in the HVL. The tenth value layer results proved that we can develop new mortars for radiation shielding applications by introducing more concentrations of Fe2O3 nanoparticles.
Advances in Measurement and Data Analysis of Surfaces with Functionalized Coatings
Authors: Podulka Przemysław
Published: September 2022

Coatings, taking comprehensive studies into account, cannot be considered without their functional performance [...]