bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Air Quality in Two Northern Greek Cities Revealed by Their Tropospheric NO2 Levels
Authors: Koukouli Maria-Elissavet , Pseftogkas Andreas , Karagkiozidis Dimitris , Skoulidou Ioanna , Drosoglou Theano , Balis Dimitrios , Bais Alkiviadis , Melas Dimitrios , Hatzianastassiou Nikos
Published: May 2022

In this article, we aim to show the capabilities, benefits, as well as restrictions, of three different air quality-related information sources, namely the Sentinel-5Precursor TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) space-born observations, the Multi-Axis Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS) ground-based measurements and the LOng Term Ozone Simulation-EURopean Operational Smog (LOTOS-EUROS) chemical transport modelling system simulations. The tropospheric NO2 concentrations between 2018 and 2021 are discussed as air quality indicators for the Greek cities of Thessaloniki and Ioannina. Each dataset was analysed in an autonomous manner and, without disregarding their differences, the common air quality picture that they provide is revealed. All three systems report a clear seasonal pattern, with high NO2 levels during wintertime and lower NO2 levels during summertime, reflecting the importance of photochemistry in the abatement of this air pollutant. The spatial patterns of the NO2 load, obtained by both space-born observations and model simulations, show the undeniable variability of the NO2 load within the urban agglomerations. Furthermore, a clear diurnal variability is clearly identified by the ground-based measurements, as well as a Sunday minimum NO2 load effect, alongside the rest of the sources of air quality information. Within their individual strengths and limitations, the space-borne observations, the ground-based measurements, and the chemical transport modelling simulations demonstrate unequivocally their ability to report on the air quality situation in urban locations.
Evaluation of Hydrological Simulation in a Karst Basin with Different Calibration Methods and Rainfall Inputs
Authors: Mo Chongxun , Chen Xinru , Lei Xingbi , Wang Yafang , Ruan Yuli , Lai Shufeng , Xing Zhenxiang
Published: May 2022

Accurate hydrological simulation plays an important role in the research of hydrological problems; the accuracy of the watershed hydrological model is seriously affected by model-parameter uncertainty and model-input uncertainty. Thus, in this study, different calibration methods and rainfall inputs were introduced into the SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model for watershed hydrological simulation. The Chengbi River basin, a typical karst basin in Southwest China, was selected as the target basin. The indicators of the NSE (Nash efficiency coefficient), Re (relative error) and R2 (coefficient of determination) were adopted to evaluate the model performance. The results showed that: on the monthly and daily scales, the simulated runoff with the single-site method calibrated model had the lowest NSE value of 0.681 and highest NSE value of 0.900, the simulated runoff with the multi-site method calibrated model had the lowest NSE value of 0.743 and highest NSE value of 0.953, increased correspondingly, indicating that adopting the multi-site method could reduce the parameter uncertainty and improve the simulation accuracy. Moreover, the NSE values with IMERG (Integrated Multisatellite Retrievals for Global Rainfall Measurement) satellite rainfall data were the lowest, 0.660 on the monthly scale and 0.534 on the daily scale, whereas the NSE values with fusion rainfall data processed by the GWR (geographical weighted regression) method greatly increased to 0.854 and 0.717, respectively, and the NSE values with the measured rainfall data were the highest, 0.933 and 0.740, respectively, demonstrating that the latter two rainfall inputs were more suitable sources for hydrological simulation.
Umbral Methods and Harmonic Numbers
Authors: Dattoli Giuseppe , Germano Bruna , Licciardi Silvia , Martinelli Maria Renata
Published: May 2022

The theory of harmonic-based functions is discussed here within the framework of umbral operational methods. We derive a number of results based on elementary notions relying on the properties of Gaussian integrals.
Functional, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cricket Protein Concentrate (Gryllus assimilis)
Authors: Quinteros María Fernanda , Martínez Jenny , Barrionuevo Alejandra , Rojas Marcelo , Carrillo Wilman
Published: May 2022

Edible insects can represent an alternative to obtain high-quality proteins with positive biological properties for human consumption. Cricket flour (Gryllus assimilis) was used to obtain cricket protein concentrate (CPC) using pHs (10.0 and 12.0) of extraction and pHs (3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0) of isoelectric precipitation (pI). Protein content, water and oil absorption capacity, protein solubility, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities were determined. In addition, the protein profile was characterized by electrophoresis and the in vitro CPC digestibility was evaluated. Cricket flour presented 45.75% of protein content and CPC 12–5.0 presented a value of 71.16% protein content using the Dumas method. All samples were more soluble at pH 9.0 and 12.0. CPC 12–3.0 presented a percentage of water-binding capacity (WBC) of 41.25%. CPC 12–6.0 presented a percentage of oil-binding capacity (OBC) of 72.93%. All samples presented a high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. CPC 12–4.0 presented a value FRAP of 70,034 umol trolox equivalents (TE)/g CPC, CPC 12–6.0 presented a value ABTS of 124,300 umol TE/g CPC and CPC 10–3.0 presented a DPPH value of 68,009 umol TE/g CPC. CPC 10–6.0 and CPC 12–6.0 presented high anti-inflammatory activity, with values of 93.55% and 93.15% of protection, respectively. CPCs can be used as functional ingredients in the food industry for their excellent functional and biological properties.
Genomic and Phenotypic Insights into the Potential of Bacillus subtilis YB-15 Isolated from Rhizosphere to Biocontrol against Crown Rot and Promote Growth of Wheat
Authors: Xu Wen , Yang Qian , Xie Xia , Goodwin Paul H. , Deng Xiaoxu , Zhang Jie , Sun Runhong , Wang Qi , Xia Mingcong , Wu Chao , Yang Lirong
Published: May 2022

Fusarium crown rot caused by Fusarium pseudograminearum is one of the most devastating diseases of wheat worldwide causing major yield and economic losses. In this study, strain YB-15 was isolated from soil of wheat rhizosphere and classified as Bacillus subtilis by average nucleotide identity analysis. It significantly reduced Fusarium crown rot with a control efficacy of 81.50% and significantly improved the growth of wheat seedlings by increasing root and shoot fresh weight by 11.4% and 4.2%, respectively. Reduced Fusarium crown rot may have been due to direct antagonism by the production of β-1, 3-glucanase, amylase, protease and cellulase, or by the ability of B. subtilis YB-15 to induce defense-related enzyme activities of wheat seedlings, both alone and in seedlings infected with F. pseudograminearum. Improved plant growth may be related to the ability of B. subtilis YB-15 to secrete indole acetic acid and siderophores, as well as to solubilize phosphorus. In addition, the genome of strain YB-15 was determined, resulting in a complete assembled circular genome of 4,233,040 bp with GC content of 43.52% consisting of 4207 protein-encoding genes. Sequencing the B. subtilis YB-15 genome further revealed genes for encoding carbohydrate-active enzymes, biosynthesis of various secondary metabolites, nutrient acquisition, phytohormone production, chemotaxis and motility, which could explain the potential of strain YB-15 to be plant growth-promoting bacteria and biological control agent. B. subtilis YB-15 appears to be a promising biocontrol agent against Fusarium crown rot as well as for wheat growth promotion.
Molecular Characterization and Expression Analysis of Putative Class C (Glutamate Family) G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Ascidian Styela clava
Authors: Zhang Jin , Dong Bo , Yang Likun
Published: May 2022

In this study, we performed the genome-wide domain analysis and sequence alignment on the genome of Styela clava, and obtained a repertoire of 204 putative GPCRs, which exhibited a highly reduced gene number compared to vertebrates and cephalochordates. In this repertoire, six Class C GPCRs, including four metabotropic glutamate receptors (Sc-GRMs), one calcium-sensing receptor (Sc-CaSR), and one gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type B receptor 2-like (Sc-GABABR2-like) were identified, with the absence of type 1 taste and vomeronasal receptors. All the Sc-GRMs and Sc-CaSR contained the typical “Venus flytrap” and cysteine-rich domains required for ligand binding and subsequent propagation of conformational changes. In swimming larvae, Sc-grm3 and Sc-casr were mainly expressed at the junction of the sensory vesicle and tail nerve cord while the transcripts of Sc-grm4, Sc-grm7a, and Sc-grm7b appeared at the anterior trunk, which suggested their important functions in neurotransmission. The high expression of these Class C receptors at tail-regression and metamorphic juvenile stages hinted at their potential involvement in regulating metamorphosis. In adults, the transcripts were highly expressed in several peripheral tissues, raising the possibility that S. clava Class C GPCRs might function as neurotransmission modulators peripherally after metamorphosis. Our study systematically characterized the ancestral chordate Class C GPCRs to provide insights into the origin and evolution of these receptors in chordates and their roles in regulating physiological and morphogenetic changes relevant to the development and environmental adaption.
Preferential Expression of Ca2+-Stimulable Adenylyl Cyclase III in the Supraventricular Area, including Arrhythmogenic Pulmonary Vein of the Rat Heart
Authors: Okamoto Yosuke , Aung Naing Ye , Tanaka Masahiro , Takeda Yuji , Takagi Daichi , Igarashi Wataru , Ishii Kuniaki , Yamakawa Mitsunori , Ono Kyoichi
Published: May 2022

Ectopic excitability in pulmonary veins (PVs) is the major cause of atrial fibrillation. We previously reported that the inositol trisphosphate receptor in rat PV cardiomyocytes cooperates with the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger to provoke ectopic automaticity in response to norepinephrine. Here, we focused on adenylyl cyclase (AC) as another effector of norepinephrine stimulation. RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting revealed that the abundant expression of Ca2+-stimulable AC3 was restricted to the supraventricular area, including the PVs. All the other AC isotypes hardly displayed any region-specific expressions. Immunostaining of isolated cardiomyocytes showed an enriched expression of AC3 along the t-tubules in PV myocytes. The cAMP-dependent response of L-type Ca2+ currents in the PV and LA cells is strengthened by the 0.1 mM intracellular Ca2+ condition, unlike in the ventricular cells. The norepinephrine-induced automaticity of PV cardiomyocytes was reversibly suppressed by 100 µM SQ22536, an adenine-like AC inhibitor. These findings suggest that the specific expression of AC3 along t-tubules may contribute to arrhythmogenic automaticity in rat PV cardiomyocytes.
Electronic Sensor Technologies in Monitoring Quality of Tea: A Review
Authors: Gharibzahedi Seyed Mohammad Taghi , Barba Francisco J. , Zhou Jianjun , Wang Min , Altintas Zeynep
Published: May 2022

Tea, after water, is the most frequently consumed beverage in the world. The fermentation of tea leaves has a pivotal role in its quality and is usually monitored using the laboratory analytical instruments and olfactory perception of tea tasters. Developing electronic sensing platforms (ESPs), in terms of an electronic nose (e-nose), electronic tongue (e-tongue), and electronic eye (e-eye) equipped with progressive data processing algorithms, not only can accurately accelerate the consumer-based sensory quality assessment of tea, but also can define new standards for this bioactive product, to meet worldwide market demand. Using the complex data sets from electronic signals integrated with multivariate statistics can, thus, contribute to quality prediction and discrimination. The latest achievements and available solutions, to solve future problems and for easy and accurate real-time analysis of the sensory-chemical properties of tea and its products, are reviewed using bio-mimicking ESPs. These advanced sensing technologies, which measure the aroma, taste, and color profiles and input the data into mathematical classification algorithms, can discriminate different teas based on their price, geographical origins, harvest, fermentation, storage times, quality grades, and adulteration ratio. Although voltammetric and fluorescent sensor arrays are emerging for designing e-tongue systems, potentiometric electrodes are more often employed to monitor the taste profiles of tea. The use of a feature-level fusion strategy can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of prediction models, accompanied by the pattern recognition associations between the sensory properties and biochemical profiles of tea.
Testing Potential Transfer Effects in Heritage and Adult L2 Bilinguals Acquiring a Mini Grammar as an Additional Language: An ERP Approach
Authors: Pereira Soares Sergio Miguel , Kupisch Tanja , Rothman Jason
Published: May 2022

Models on L3/Ln acquisition differ with respect to how they envisage degree (holistic vs. selective transfer of the L1, L2 or both) and/or timing (initial stages vs. development) of how the influence of source languages unfolds. This study uses EEG/ERPs to examine these models, bringing together two types of bilinguals: heritage speakers (HSs) (Italian-German, n = 15) compared to adult L2 learners (L1 German, L2 English, n = 28) learning L3/Ln Latin. Participants were trained on a selected Latin lexicon over two sessions and, afterward, on two grammatical properties: case (similar between German and Latin) and adjective–noun order (similar between Italian and Latin). Neurophysiological findings show an N200/N400 deflection for the HSs in case morphology and a P600 effect for the German L2 group in adjectival position. None of the current L3/Ln models predict the observed results, which questions the appropriateness of this methodology. Nevertheless, the results are illustrative of differences in how HSs and L2 learners approach the very initial stages of additional language learning, the implications of which are discussed.
Experimental Study on the Propagation Law of Explosive Stress Wave in Cement Mortar with Weak Layers
Authors: Liu Sanfeng , Geng Hansheng , Kong Xinli , Zhou Yinzhi , Wang Peng , Jin Fengnian
Published: May 2022

The weak layer has good attenuation performance when it comes to the explosive stress wave, which can be used in protective structures. In this paper, a cement mortar specimen was designed, cast, and tested. Under inner explosion, due to the expansion of air in the explosive hole, the tensile cracks formed around the explosive hole are mainly in a damage pattern. In ordinary cement mortar, the transmittance is decreasing as the distance increases. At a distance of 8 cm to 14 cm from the explosive center, the average transmittance is 50.16%, 12 cm to 18 cm, while the average transmittance is 62.89%, increasing by 12.73%. Adding one weak layer into the cement mortar, the transmittance of one weak layer is 43.37%. The effect of increasing weak layers in short spacing is not obvious, and the transmittance of the second and third weak layer is about 80%, much less than the first layer. The softer the weak layer and the larger the wave impedance, the smaller the transmission coefficient is. The research proves that the weak layer has excellent attenuation performance when it comes to the explosive stress wave.
Simplified Calculation Model for Typical Dou-Gong Exposed to Vertical Loads
Authors: Hua Yiwei , Chun Qing , Jia Xiaohu
Published: May 2022

Early Chinese traditional timber buildings preserved until now are mainly ancient buildings built in the time of the Song and Yuan dynasties (960–1368 AD). Dou-gongs of these ancient timber buildings are complex structures. Their complexities, however, are difficult to fully consider in large-scale structural analyses. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a reliable simplified modeling of Dou-gongs, which is applicable for large-scale analyses. In this study, the features of Dou-gongs of early Chinese traditional timber buildings were firstly reviewed, referring to the historical literature and on-site investigation. Then, the mechanical behavior of typical Dou-gongs exposed to vertical loads was examined through refined finite element analyses, where the solid elements were adopted and geometric characteristics were considered. According to the results of the load transferring path, a new beam-truss model representing a simplified Dou-gong was developed, and its accuracy was numerically verified. The results showed that the gravity load of the roof above the column is transferred down through the central axis; the weight of the overhang of the roof is transferred diagonally to the bottom of the Dou-gong, passing through the front of the cantilever components; in the collapse condition, the vertical load is transferred to the two sides through horizontal beams. Compared with the results of the refined model, the new beam-truss model proposed shows an acceptable computational accuracy concerning stress, deformation and stiffness, with 90–97% reduction in the calculation time consumption, which makes it suitable for large-scale structural analyses of early Chinese traditional timber buildings.
Recent Achievements in the Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates from Olefins and CO2: The Rational Design of the Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Catalytic System
Authors: Yan Ting , Wang Zixian , Guo Li , Zhang Ran , Zhan Haijuan , Chen Jialing , Wu Xiaoqin
Published: May 2022

With the consumption of fossil fuels, the level of CO2 in the atmosphere is growing rapidly, which leads to global warming. Hence, the chemical conversion of CO2 into high value-added products is one of the most important approaches to reducing CO2 emissions. Due to being simple, inexpensive and environmentally friendly, the direct synthesis of cyclic carbonates from olefins and CO2 is a promising project for industrial application. In this review, we discuss the design of the homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic system for the synthesis of cyclic carbonates from the reaction of olefins and CO2. Usually, the catalyst contains the epoxidation active site and the cycloaddition active site, which could achieve the oxidation of oleifins and the CO2-insert, respectively. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of the direct synthesis of cyclic carbonates from olefins and CO2 catalyzed by homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. The focus mainly lies on the rational fabrication of multifunctional catalysts, and provides a new perspective for the design of catalysts.
Cobalt-Containing Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Materials Derived from Saccharides as Efficient Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Veske Kaidi , Sarapuu Ave , Käärik Maike , Kikas Arvo , Kisand Vambola , Piirsoo Helle-Mai , Treshchalov Alexey , Leis Jaan , Tamm Aile , Tammeveski Kaido
Published: May 2022

The development of non-precious metal electrocatalysts towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is crucial for the commercialisation of polymer electrolyte fuel cells. In this work, cobalt-containing nitrogen-doped porous carbon materials were prepared by a pyrolysis of mixtures of saccharides, cobalt nitrate and dicyandiamide, which acts as a precursor for reactive carbon nitride template and a nitrogen source. The rotating disk electrode (RDE) experiments in 0.1 M KOH solution showed that the glucose-derived material with optimised cobalt content had excellent ORR activity, which was comparable to that of 20 wt% Pt/C catalyst. In addition, the catalyst exhibited high tolerance to methanol, good stability in short-time potential cycling test and low peroxide yield. The materials derived from xylan, xylose and cyclodextrin displayed similar activities, indicating that various saccharides can be used as inexpensive and sustainable precursors to synthesise active catalyst materials for anion exchange membrane fuel cells.
Synthesis of 1,5-Functionalized 1,2,3-Triazoles Using Ionic Liquid/Iron(III) Chloride as an Efficient and Reusable Homogeneous Catalyst
Authors: De Nino Antonio , Merino Pedro , Algieri Vincenzo , Nardi Monica , Di Gioia Maria Luisa , Russo Beatrice , Tallarida Matteo Antonio , Maiuolo Loredana
Published: May 2022

An efficient, eco-compatible, and very cheap method for the construction of triazoles via eliminative azide–olefin cycloaddition (EAOC) reaction has been developed by a catalytic system, IL/FeCl3, offering a highly regioselective approach to structurally diverse 1,5-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles in up to 95% yield. This strategy features the reuse of a catalytic system through simple operations. Mechanistic studies indicated that an asynchronous concerted dipolar cycloaddition–elimination process might be involved.
Microfluidics for 3D Cell and Tissue Cultures: Microfabricative and Ethical Aspects Updates
Authors: Limongi Tania , Guzzi Francesco , Parrotta Elvira , Candeloro Patrizio , Scalise Stefania , Lucchino Valeria , Gentile Francesco , Tirinato Luca , Coluccio Maria Laura , Torre Bruno , Allione Marco , Marini Monica , Susa Francesca , Fabrizio Enzo Di , Cuda Giovanni , Perozziello Gerardo
Published: May 2022

The necessity to improve in vitro cell screening assays is becoming ever more important. Pharmaceutical companies, research laboratories and hospitals require technologies that help to speed up conventional screening and therapeutic procedures to produce more data in a short time in a realistic and reliable manner. The design of new solutions for test biomaterials and active molecules is one of the urgent problems of preclinical screening and the limited correlation between in vitro and in vivo data remains one of the major issues. The establishment of the most suitable in vitro model provides reduction in times, costs and, last but not least, in the number of animal experiments as recommended by the 3Rs (replace, reduce, refine) ethical guiding principles for testing involving animals. Although two-dimensional (2D) traditional cell screening assays are generally cheap and practical to manage, they have strong limitations, as cells, within the transition from the three-dimensional (3D) in vivo to the 2D in vitro growth conditions, do not properly mimic the real morphologies and physiology of their native tissues. In the study of human pathologies, especially, animal experiments provide data closer to what happens in the target organ or apparatus, but they imply slow and costly procedures and they generally do not fully accomplish the 3Rs recommendations, i.e., the amount of laboratory animals and the stress that they undergo must be minimized. Microfluidic devices seem to offer different advantages in relation to the mentioned issues. This review aims to describe the critical issues connected with the conventional cells culture and screening procedures, showing what happens in the in vivo physiological micro and nano environment also from a physical point of view. During the discussion, some microfluidic tools and their components are described to explain how these devices can circumvent the actual limitations described in the introduction.
Correction: Zakrzewicz et al. Stabilization of Keratinocyte Monolayer Integrity in the Presence of Anti-Desmoglein-3 Antibodies through FcRn Blockade with Efgartigimod: Novel Treatment Paradigm for Pemphigus? Cells 2022, 11, 942
Authors: Zakrzewicz Anna , Würth Celina , Beckert Benedikt , Feldhoff Simon , Vanderheyden Katrien , Foss Stian , Andersen Jan Terje , Haard Hans de , Verheesen Peter , Bobkov Vladimir , Tikkanen Ritva
Published: May 2022

The authors wish to make the following changes to their paper [...]
An In-Vitro Study of the Expansion and Transcriptomics of CD4+ and CD8+ Naïve and Memory T Cells Stimulated by IL-2, IL-7 and IL-15
Authors: Hopkins Brooks , Fisher Justin , Chang Meiping , Tang Xiaoyan , Du Zhimei , Kelly William J. , Huang Zuyi
Published: May 2022

The growth of T cells ex vivo for the purpose of T cell therapies is a rate-limiting step in the overall process for cancer patients to achieve remission. Growing T cells is a fiscally-, time-, and resource-intensive process. Cytokines have been shown to accelerate the growth of T cells, specifically IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15. Here a design of experiments was conducted to optimize the growth rate of different naïve and memory T cell subsets using combinations of cytokines. Mathematical models were developed to study the impact of IL-2, IL-7, and IL-15 on the growth of T cells. The results show that CD4+ and CD8+ naïve T cells grew effectively using moderate IL-2 and IL-7 in combination, and IL-7, respectively. CD4+ and CD8+ memory cells favored moderate IL-2 and IL-15 in combination and moderate IL-7 and IL-15 in combination, respectively. A statistically significant interaction was observed between IL-2 and IL-7 in the growth data of CD4+ naïve T cells, while the interaction between IL-7 and IL-15 was found for CD8+ naïve T cells. The important genes and related signaling pathways and metabolic reactions were identified from the RNA sequencing data for each of the four subsets stimulated by each of the three cytokines. This systematic investigation lays the groundwork for studying other T cell subsets.
Claude Bernard, the Founder of Modern Medicine
Authors: Habert René
Published: May 2022

Claude Bernard is the first and one of the very few French scientists to have been honored with a national funeral [...]
Unveiling the Function of the Mitochondrial Filament-Forming Protein LACTB in Lipid Metabolism and Cancer
Authors: Cascone Annunziata , Lalowski Maciej , Lindholm Dan , Eriksson Ove
Published: May 2022

LACTB is a relatively unknown mitochondrial protein structurally related to the bacterial penicillin-binding and beta-lactamase superfamily of serine proteases. LACTB has recently gained an increased interest due to its potential role in lipid metabolism and tumorigenesis. To date, around ninety studies pertaining to LACTB have been published, but the exact biochemical and cell biological function of LACTB still remain elusive. In this review, we summarise the current knowledge about LACTB with particular attention to the implications of the recently published study on the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the filamentous form of LACTB. From this and other studies, several specific properties of LACTB emerge, suggesting that the protein has distinct functions in different physiological settings. Resolving these issues by further research may ultimately lead to a unified model of LACTB’s function in cell and organismal physiology. LACTB is the only member of its protein family in higher animals and LACTB may, therefore, be of particular interest for future drug targeting initiatives.
Epigallocatechine-3-gallate Inhibits the Adipogenesis of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells via the Regulation of Protein Phosphatase-2A and Myosin Phosphatase
Authors: Bécsi Bálint , Kónya Zoltán , Boratkó Anita , Kovács Katalin , Erdődi Ferenc
Published: May 2022

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) has widespread effects on adipocyte development. However, the molecular mechanisms of EGCG are not fully understood. We investigate the adipogenic differentiation of human-derived mesenchymal stem cells, including lipid deposition and changes in the expression and phosphorylation of key transcription factors, myosin, protein phosphatase-2A (PP2A), and myosin phosphatase (MP). On day 6 of adipogenic differentiation, EGCG (1–20 µM) suppressed lipid droplet formation, which was counteracted by an EGCG-binding peptide for the 67 kDa laminin receptor (67LR), suggesting that EGCG acts via 67LR. EGCG decreased the phosphorylation of CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein beta via the activation of PP2A in a protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent manner, leading to the partial suppression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and adiponectin expression. Differentiated cells exhibited a rounded shape, cortical actin filaments, and lipid accumulation. The EGCG treatment induced cell elongation, stress fiber formation, and less lipid accumulation. These effects were accompanied by the degradation of the MP target subunit-1 and increased the phosphorylation of the 20 kDa myosin light chain. Our results suggest that EGCG acts as an agonist of 67LR to inhibit adipogenesis via the activation of PP2A and suppression of MP. These events are coupled with the decreased phosphorylation and expression levels of adipogenic transcription factors and changes in cell shape, culminating in curtailed adipogenesis.
Interleukin-6 Signaling in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells Elicits the Annexin A1/Formyl Peptide Receptor 1 Axis and Affects the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Vecchi Lara , Mota Sara Teixeira Soares , Zóia Mariana Alves Pereira , Martins Isabella Castro , de Souza Jessica Brito , Santos Tiago Góss , Beserra Adriano de Oliveira , de Andrade Victor Piana , Goulart Luiz Ricardo , Araújo Thaise Gonçalves
Published: May 2022

Annexin A1 (AnxA1) is a pleiotropic protein that exerts essential roles in breast cancer (BC) growth and aggressiveness. In our previous work, we described the autocrine signaling of AnxA1 through formyl peptide receptor 1 (FPR1) in the triple-negative (TN) BC cell line, MDA-MB-231. Here, we aimed to describe the interaction between the AnxA1/FPR1 and the Interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling pathways and their role in the tumor microenvironment (TME). First, we demonstrated that AnxA1 and IL-6 expression levels are correlated in BC tissue samples. In three TNBC cell lines, overexpression of both AnxA1 and IL-6 was also identified. Next, we inhibited FPR1, the IL-6 receptor and STAT3 in both MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-157 cells. The FPR1 inhibition led to increased levels of IL-6 and secreted AnxA1 in both cell lines. On the other side, inhibition of the IL-6 receptor or STAT3 led to the impairment of AnxA1 secretion, suggesting the essential role of the IL-6 signaling cascade in the activation of the AnxA1/FPR1 autocrine axis. Finally, we described the interaction between IL-6 and the AnxA1/FPR1 pathways and their role on the TME by analyzing the effect of supernatants derived from MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-157 cells under the inhibition of FPR1 or IL-6 signaling on fibroblast cell motility.
Out-of-School Sports Participation Is Positively Associated with Physical Literacy, but What about Physical Education? A Cross-Sectional Gender-Stratified Analysis during the COVID-19 Pandemic among High-School Adolescents
Authors: Sunda Mirela , Gilic Barbara , Sekulic Damir , Matic Radenko , Drid Patrik , Alexe Dan Iulian , Cucui Gheorghe Gabriel , Lupu Gabriel Stanica
Published: May 2022

Physical literacy (PL) is one of the main concepts related to lifelong physical activity (PA) and physical fitness (PF), but there is a lack of information on factors that might be associated with PL in adolescents from southeastern Europe. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between PF, participation and achievement in physical education (PE), out-of-school participation in sports, and PL in high school adolescents from Croatia. Participants were 298 high school students aged 14–18 years (191 females). Variables included school age, PE grade, sports participation, anthropometric indices, four PF tests, and PL (evidenced by CAPL-2-knowledge and understanding questionnaire (CAPL-2-KU) and PLAYself questionnaire). Gender-stratified analyses of differences were conducted using the t-test for independent samples or the Mann-Whitney test. Associations between variables were calculated with Pearson’s product moment correlation or Spearman’s rank order correlation. PF was positively correlated CAPL-2-KU in both genders. PE grade was significantly associated with PLAYself score (Pearson’s correlation = 0.36 and 0.38, p < 0.001 for boys and girls, respectively) but not with the CAPL-2-KU score. School age was not correlated with PL among boys, but there was a significant but negligible correlation between CAPL-2-KU and school age in girls (<2% of the common variance). Adolescents involved in sports had better PL and PF compared with adolescents not involved in sports. In conclusion, participation in out-of-school sports offers a good base for developing PL. Although this study took part over the COVID-19 pandemic period when the regular PE curriculum was significantly altered, the poor associations between school age and PL could lead to the assumption that the current PE curriculum does not allow for improvement of PL in later high school age, which warrants further investigation.
“Sometimes It Felt Great, and Sometimes It Just Went Pear-Shaped”: Experiences and Perceptions of School Nurses’ Motivational Interviewing Competence: A Convergent Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Moberg Marianna , Lindqvist Helena , Andermo Susanne , Norman Åsa
Published: May 2022

In this convergent mixed-methods study, the aim was to explore how objective and subjective quality ratings of school nurses’ motivational interviewing (MI) correlate whilst also considering the perceptions of delivering and participating in the same MI sessions. Quantitative and qualitative data were derived from seven intervention schools participating in the Healthy School Start Plus parenting support intervention. School nurses were trained in MI and conducted an MI session with parents of 6–7-year-old children to discuss children’s physical health and development. Quantitative data comprised objective ratings of school nurses’ MI competence using the Motivational Interviewing Treatment Integrity 4.2 [MITI-4] protocol, as well as parents’ and school nurses’ subjective ratings of the MI sessions. Qualitative data comprised semi-structured interviews with parents and school nurses about their perceptions of the MI sessions. First, quantitative data were analysed using Spearman’s rank correlation, and qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. Next, quantitative and qualitative findings were merged. Our findings suggest that school nurses’ MI performances were rated and perceived as valuable and family-centred by both school nurses and parents who had left the meeting feeling motivated and empowered to promote their children’s healthy behaviours. Nonetheless, school nurses were critical to their own MI technical performance, and they found that reflections were easier to deliver and to self-rate. Overall, MITI ratings were the lowest and parents’ ratings were the highest. Future studies should focus on relating clients’ subjective ratings of MI with clients’ behavioural outcomes.
Effects of W Content on Structural and Mechanical Properties of TaWN Films
Authors: Chang Li-Chun , Tzeng Chin-Han , Chen Yung-I
Published: May 2022

In this study, TaWN films were fabricated through co-sputtering. The effects of W addition on the structural variation and mechanical properties of these films were investigated. TaWN films formed face-centered cubic (fcc) solid solutions. With the increase in the W content, the fcc phase varied from TaN-dominant to W2N-dominant, which was accompanied by a decrease in the lattice constant and alterations in material characteristics, such as the chemical bonding and mechanical properties. The phase change was further correlated with the bonding characteristics of films examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The hardness increased from 21.7 GPa for a Ta54N46 film to 23.2–31.9 GPa for TaWN films, whereas the Young’s modulus increased from 277 GPa for the Ta54N46 film to 302–391 GPa for the TaWN films. The enhancement in films’ mechanical properties was attributed to the strengthening of the solid solution and the phase change. The wear behavior of the fabricated TaWN films was evaluated using the pin-on-disk test. The Ta17W55N28 and Ta36W24N40 films exhibited an abrasive wear behavior and low wear rates of 4.9–7.6 × 10−6 mm3/Nm.
Damage Characteristics of Aluminum-Coated Grating Irradiated by Nanosecond Pulsed Laser
Authors: Wang Jiamin , Zhang Kuo , Ji Yanhui , Yu Jinghua , Jirigalantu  , Zhang Wei , Li Wenhao , Zheng Changbin , Chen Fei
Published: May 2022

An aluminum-coated grating (ACG) is a core component of laser systems and spectrometers. Understanding damage to the ACG induced by nanosecond lasers is critical for future high-power laser applications. In this study, we applied finite element simulation and practical experimentation to investigate the characteristics of ACG damage. Based on a coupling model using fluid heat transfer with the level-set method, we simulated the damage caused to an ACG by a 1064 nm nanosecond single pulse laser. The theoretical modeling showed that the ridge and bottom corners of the grid will be preferentially damaged, and the simulated damage threshold will range from 0.63 J/cm2 to 0.95 J/cm2. We performed a one-on-one damage test according to the ISO21254 standard to investigate the failure condition of 1800 l/mm ACGs; the laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) was 0.63 J/cm2 (1064 nm, 6.5 ns). Microscopy images showed that the damaged area decreased with decreasing laser fluence, and scanning electron microscopy measurements showed that the main damage mechanism was thermodynamic damage, and that damage to the grid occurred first. The results of the experiments and simulations were in good agreement.
Intermetallic Compounds Formation during 316L Stainless Steel Reaction with Al-Zn-Si Coating Alloy
Authors: Khaliq Abdul , Alghamdi Abdulaziz S. , Ramadan Mohamed , Subhani Tayyab , Rajhi Wajdi , Haider Waseem , Hasan Mohammad Mehedi
Published: May 2022

Steel products are coated with Aluminum (Al) and Zinc (Zn) alloys to improve their corrosion properties. Bulk steel products are coated in batches; however, steel sheets are coated by a continuous hot-dip galvanizing process. Steel sheets are guided into and out of the molten Al-Zn-Si (AZ) bath with the help of stainless-steel rolls, known as guiding, and sink rolls. These rolls are subjected to excessive surface corrosion with molten AZ bath and, hence, are replaced frequently. The surface deterioration of the immersed rolls has been a long-standing issue in the galvanizing industry. In this study, 316L stainless-steel (SS) rods are immersed in the AZ alloy at 600 °C. The immersion time varied from 1 day to 7 days under the static melt conditions in the iron (Fe)-saturated AZ bath. Microstructural analysis of the immersed SS samples revealed two distinct intermetallic compound (IMC) layers forming between the SS substrate and AZ alloy. The IMC layer 1 (AL-1) formed between the SS substrate and IMC layer 2 (AL-2), growing in thickness from 68 µm to 120 µm within 5 days of immersion. The AL-2, which formed between AL-1 and AZ alloy after 24 h of immersion, then grew in thickness up to 150 µm with an uneven trend. The AL-1 is composed of Fe2Al5 and that of AL-2 is composed of FeAl3 that were predicted by the FactSage thermodynamic analysis. Crack development between AL-1 and AL-2 layers, and disintegration of AL-2 into the AZ bath, are key findings of this study. A drastic hardness increase was observed because the IMC layers produce a hard and brittle sink roll surface.
Surface Shape Evolution of Optical Elements during Continuous Polishing of Fused Quartz
Authors: Wang Yiren , Zhang Feihu , Li Chen
Published: May 2022

Continuous polishing is the first choice for machining optical elements with a large aperture. The lubrication in the continuous polishing is an important factor affecting the surface quality of the optical elements. In this study, the lubrication system between the optic element and polishing lap was analyzed firstly and then was verified by the measurement experiment of the friction coefficient. In addition, the numerical simulation model of the mixture lubrication was established. The polishing pressure distribution and material removal distribution can be obtained by the model. The influences of the rotating speed, optical element load, and surface roughness of the polishing lap on polishing pressure were also analyzed. Finally, the influence rules of the lubrication on the surface shape of optical elements were revealed by the polishing experiments.
The Crystal Structure of 2-Amino-4-(2,3-Dichlorophenyl)-6-Methoxy-4H-Benzo[h]chromene-3-Carbonitrile: Antitumor and Tyrosine Kinase Receptor Inhibition Mechanism Studies
Authors: El-Agrody Ahmed M. , Fouda Ahmed M. , Mohamed Hany M. , Alshahrani Mohammed Y. , Ghabbour Hazem A. , Amr Abd El-Galil E. , Okasha Rawda M. , Naglah Ahmed M. , Almehizia Abdulrahman A. , Elhenawy Ahmed A.
Published: May 2022

The target compound, 2-amino-4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-6-methoxy-4H-benzo[h]chromene -3-carbonitrile (4), was synthesized via the reaction of 4-methoxynaphthalen-1-ol (1), 2,3-dichlorobenzaldehyde (2), and malononitrile (3) in an ethanolic piperidine solution under microwave irradiation. The synthesized β-enaminonitrile derivative (4) was characterized by spectral data and X-ray diffraction. The in vitro anti-proliferative profile was conducted against five cancer cell lines and was assessed for compound 4, which revealed strong and selective cytotoxic potency. This derivative showed promising inhibition efficacy against the EGFR and VEGFR-2 kinases in comparison to Sorafenib as a reference inhibitor. Lastly, the docking analysis into the EGFR and VEGFR-2 active sites was performed to clarify our biological findings.
High-Performance Piezoelectric Characteristics of Sm Substituted Pb(Ni,Nb)O3-Pb(Zr,Ti)O3-Pb(Mg,W)O3 System Ceramics for Ultrasonic Transducer Application
Authors: Kang Sujin , Lee Jonghyeon , Yoo Juhyun , Whang Sun A. , Lee Suho , Kee Seonghoon , Im Inho , Oh Changwoo
Published: May 2022

In this paper, in order to develop composition ceramics for an acoustic emission sensor application for nondestructive testing, Pb(Ni,Nb2/3)O3-Pb(Zr,Ti)O3-Pb(Mg,W)O3 [PNN-PZT-PMW] system ceramics were manufactured by conventional mixed oxide method using Li2CO3 and CaCO3 as sintering aids. Their microstructural, dielectric and piezoelectric properties were also investigated. At x = 0.0075 Sm, the substituted specimen sintered at 980 (°C), and high values of piezoelectric properties appeared: the dielectric constant (εr) of 2824, piezoelectric coefficient d33 of 630 [pC/N], planar electromechanical coupling factor kp of 0.665, piezoelectric voltage constant g33 of 25.2 [mV.m/N], and high Curie temperature (Tc) = 270 (°C), respectively. These values were applicable for devices such as acoustic emission sensor and ultrasonic transducer.
Characteristics of a 2-2 Piezoelectric Composite Transducer Made by Magnetic Force Assembly
Authors: Kim Taeyang
Published: May 2022

A wider operational bandwidth, a higher electromechanical coupling factor, and lower acoustic impedance are important requirements for ultrasound transducers for use across many applications. Conventional 2-2 piezoelectric composite transducers have been widely researched because of their wider bandwidth and higher sensitivity over their piezoelectric ceramic counterparts. In this paper, the fabrication of a novel 2-2 piezoelectric composite using magnetic force assembly is proposed to explore the potential of the transducer and to minimize mode coupling effect compared to 1–3 composites. To determine the desired transducer performance, such as the electromechanical coupling factor, the operational bandwidth, and the acoustic impedance, the design of a 2-2 composite should be considered using the mode-coupling theory and an effective medium model. The experimental results indicate that the electromechanical coupling factor and the −6 dB fractional bandwidth of the composite achieve values of 0.58 and 65.2%, respectively, which are comparable to those of traditional 1-3 piezoceramic/epoxy composites.
Co (II) Complexes Based on the Bis-Pyrazol-S-Triazine Pincer Ligand: Synthesis, X-ray Structure Studies, and Cytotoxic Evaluation
Authors: Refaat Heba M. , Alotaibi Atallh A. M. , Dege Necmi , El-Faham Ayman , Soliman Saied M.
Published: May 2022

Four pincer-type Co (II) complexes of the 2,4-bis (3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-6-methoxy-1,3,5-triazine ligand (L) were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities against lung and breast cancer cell lines using cell viability assay. The X-ray single crystal structure of [Co(L)(H2O)2Br]Br (1) confirmed the pincer coordination behavior of the ligand L as an N-tridentate chelate. The hexa-coordination environment of Co (II) is completed by one bromide ion completing the equatorial plane of the octahedral structure and two trans water molecules at the axial positions. It crystallized in the monoclinic crystal system and P21/m space group with crystal parameters of a = 11.3170(10) Å, b = 7.4613(7) Å, c = 12.6917(12) Å and β = 95.927(3)°. Based on Hirshfeld analysis, the most dominant contacts are H…H (48.8%), Br…H (17.6%), H…C (11.2%) and O…H (10.1%), where the Br…H interactions are the most significant. The cytotoxic evaluation of the studied systems indicated that complex [Co(L)(NO3)2] (4) has the highest activity against lung (A-549) and breast (MCF-7) cell lines. In contrast, complex [Co(L)(H2O)3](ClO4)2.H2O(3) has the lowest cytotoxic activity against both cell lines.
General Roadmap and Core Steps for the Development of AI Tools in Digital Pathology
Authors: Makhlouf Yasmine , Salto-Tellez Manuel , James Jacqueline , O’Reilly Paul , Maxwell Perry
Published: May 2022

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools in the tissue diagnostic workflow will benefit the pathologist and, ultimately, the patient. The generation of such AI tools has two parallel and yet interconnected processes, namely the definition of the pathologist’s task to be delivered in silico, and the software development requirements. In this review paper, we demystify this process, from a viewpoint that joins experienced pathologists and data scientists, by proposing a general pathway and describing the core steps to build an AI digital pathology tool. In doing so, we highlight the importance of the collaboration between AI scientists and pathologists, from the initial formulation of the hypothesis to the final, ready-to-use product.
Evaluation of CD44s, CD44v6, CXCR2, CXCL1, and IL-1β in Benign and Malignant Tumors of Salivary Glands
Authors: Laohavisudhi Fonthip , Chunchai Titikorn , Ketchaikosol Natnicha , Thosaporn Wacharaporn , Chattipakorn Nipon , Chattipakorn Siriporn C.
Published: May 2022

Background: Several studies have reported an association between high expression of CD44 in different types of cancer. However, no study has reported a link among CD44 expression, other biomarkers, and the aggressiveness of salivary gland tumors. Methods: A total of 38 specimens were obtained from non-tumorous salivary glands, benign and malignant tumors in salivary glands. Immunohistochemical analyses of CD44s, CD44v6, IL-1β, CXCL1, and CXCR2 were performed, and the area of positive cells was assessed. Results: We found that both CD44s and CXCR2 expression were increased in the benign and malignant groups. CD44v6 was also increased in both groups, but it had the highest level in the malignant group. IL-1β was the only biomarker that increased significantly in the malignant group in comparison to the other two groups. Conclusions: CD44s, CD44v6, CXCR2, and IL-1β expressions were found to be higher in salivary gland tumors. However, IL-1β alone may play a crucial role in the aggressiveness of salivary gland tumors as this cytokine was expressed only in the malignant group with high expression associated with high-grade malignancy.