The increasing demand for higher power in rocket launchers is driving the development of higher power nozzles, achieved essentially by increasing the expansion ratio. However, this can lead to flow separation and resulting unsteady, asymmetrical forces, called side loads, which can limit the life of both the nozzle itself and other engine components. If this problem can be overcome, engine performance can be significantly increased. Therefore, various separation control methods have been proposed, but none have been fully implemented to date due to the uncertainties associated with modeling and predicting the flow phenomena. A numerical study of high area ratio rocket engine is presented to analyze the aeroelastic performance of the structure under the condition of flow separation. The finite volume method, the 2nd order upwind scheme and the extended wall function are used to analyze the flow inside the rocket nozzle and the transition of the Free Shock Separation (FSS) to Restricted Shock Separation (RSS) separation pattern ) to be discussed in detail. Since the location of the flow separation point depends heavily on the flow.

The chemical graph theory is a subfield of mathematical chemistry which applies classic graph theory to chemical entities and phenomena. Chemical graphs are main data structures to represent chemical structures in cheminformatics. Computable properties of graphs lay the foundation for (quantitative) structure activity and structure property predictions - a core discipline of cheminformatics. It has a historic relevance for natural sciences, such as chemistry, biochemistry and biology, and is in the heart of modern disciplines, such as cheminformatics and bioinformatics. This review first covers the history of chemical graph theory, then provides an overview of its various techniques and applications for CASE, and finally summarises modern tools using chemical graph theory for CASE.

Three new cembranoids (1–3) and a new casbanoid (4), along with three known analogues (5–7), have been isolated from the soft coral Sinularia nanolobata collected off Ximao Island. The structures including the absolute configurations of new compounds were established by extensive spectro-scopic data analysis, time-dependent density functional theory/electronic circular dichroism (TDDFT-ECD) calculations and the comparison with spectroscopic data of known compounds. In in vitro bioassay, compounds 1 and 5 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities against human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells line with IC50 values of 37.1 and 42.4 uM, respectively.

Heme proteins serve diverse and pivotal biological functions. Therefore, clarifying the mechanisms of these diverse functions of heme is a crucial scientific topic. Distortion of heme porphyrin is one of the key factors regulating the chemical properties of heme. Here, we constructed convolutional neural network models for predicting heme distortion from the tertiary structure of the heme-binding pocket to examine their correlation. For saddling, ruffling, doming, and waving distortions, the experimental structure and predicted values were closely correlated. Furthermore, we assessed the correlation between the cavity shape and molecular structure of heme and demonstrated that hemes in protein pockets with similar structures exhibit near-identical structures, indicating the regulation of heme distortion through the protein environment. These findings indicate that the tertiary structure of the heme-binding pocket regulates the distortion of heme porphyrin, thereby controlling the chemical properties of heme relevant to the protein function; this implies a structure–function correlation in heme proteins.

In contemporary construction, the prevalence of vibration serviceability issues in lightweight and slender structures has become increasingly common, owing to advancements in building materials and construction methods. While these structures often meet the criteria for ultimate limit states, they can still elicit complaints due to excessive vibrations induced by human activity. To address this challenge, the Integral Resonant Control (IRC) technique has emerged as a favored approach for actively damping vibrations in various systems. This study introduces a fresh perspective on implementing a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) IRC scheme for active vibration control (AVC) specifically tailored for pedestrian structures utilizing inertial mass actuators. Building upon a common framework and design methodology outlined in previous research, this work presents a novel application of MIMO IRC for AVC. The designed controller is rigorously tested and implemented on a laboratory floor structure to validate its efficacy.

By using the particle swarm optimization algorithm for crystal structure prediction, we reveal a newly orthorhombic Cmcm structure of HfB4, which is more energetically superior to the previously proposed YB4-, ReP4-, FeB4-, CrB4-, and MnB4-type structures in the considered pressure range. The phonon dispersion and elastic constants calculations confirm that the new phase is dynamically and mechanically stable. The calculated large shear modulus (240 GPa) and high hardness (45.7 GPa) imply that the predicted Cmcm-HfB4 is a potential superhard material. Meanwhile, the directional dependences of the Young's modulus, bulk modulus, and shear modulus for HfB4 are systematically investigated. Further analyses of the density of states and electronic localization function indicate that the strong B-B and B-Hf covalent bonds greatly contribute to its high hardness and stability.

Novel Cellular Immunotherapy with engineered T cells has improved cancer treatment and established therapeutic promises to prevent tumor formation in clinical studies. Due to certain restrictions and difficulties, CAR and TCR T cells therapies were inadequate at points. CRISPR Cas9 genome-editing tool has a significant potential for these two cell-based therapies. As a specialized gene-editing technique, CRISPR Cas9 is used to repair genetic alternation with minimum damage. It is used as an adjunct to Immunotherapy to stimulate a more robust immune response. CRISPR has long outpaced other target-specific genome editing methods such as ZFNs and TALEN due to its high efficiency, competence in targeting, and stable operating condition. CRISPR can overcome the two major drawbacks of universal CAR T cells: allorejection and graft-vs-host disease. TCR-based T cell treatment can reduce inappropriate binding between endogenous and transgenic TCR, resulting in a reduction of severe toxicity. The CAR and TCR T based cell therapies uphold an excellent future for tumor malignancies This article has elucidated the administration of CRISPR Cas9 in Novel Cellular Immunotherapy, CAR, and TCR T cell therapy. However, this article did not fail to observe this technology's ethical concerns, limitations, and challenges. Furthermore, the article compares CRISPR-mediated allogeneic CAR T cell to TCR-T cell therapy.

In this paper, a new axial-type magnetic gear with auxiliary flux-enhancing structure (AFS-AMG) is proposed. Compared to conventional AFS-AMG, it has the higher torque density and higher permanent magnet (PM) utilization factor. Firstly, the design rules and operating principles of proposed AFS-AMG are elaborated. Then, the mapping relation between the radial-type magnetic gears (RMGs) and AMGs are elucidated. Compared to its counterpart in RMGs, AFS-AMGs achieve small size. Then, the geometrical parameters of AFS-AMGs are optimized to obtain the better electromagnetic performances, where the torque density per volume and per PM volume is adopted as the evaluation standard. Finally, three different AMG topologies are constructed in finite element analysis (FEA) software for comparison. It is proven that the AFS-AMG has the largest torque density per volume and per PM volume.

The SK model proposed by Sherrington and Kirkpatrick is an important mean field model for spin glasses. The dependence structure of Hamiltonians of the SK model is considered in this paper. We have investigated the covariance matrix of Hamiltonians of the SK model, and establish a relationship between the rank of the corresponding covariance matrix and the dimension of the space spanned by the Hamiltonians. Finally, we also give an upper bound for the rank of the covariance matrix, which might be the best.

This study extends the CGAN-based MODIS cloud vertical-profile (64×64-scene, about 70km width×15km height) retrieval technique developed by Leinonen et al. (2019) [1] to construct seamless 3D cloud fields for the MODIS granules [2]. Firstly, the accuracy and spatial continuity of the Leinonen et al. [1] retrievals are statistically evaluated. Then, according to the characteristics of the retrieval error, a spatially overlapping-scene ensemble generation method and a bi-directional Ensemble Binning Probability Fusion (CGAN-BEBPF) technique are developed, which improves the CGAN retrieval accuracy and support to construct seamless 3D clouds. The CGAN-BEBPF technique involves three steps: cloud masking, intensity scaling, and optimal value selection. It ensures adequate coverage of the low reflectivity areas while preserving the high reflectivity cloud cores. The technique is applied to retrieve the 3D cloud fields of Typhoon Chaba and a multi-cell convective system. The cloud structures of the CGAN-BEBPF results are highly consistent with the ground-based radar observations. It can retrieve weak clouds at the top levels of convective storms and hurricanes that were missed by ground-based radars and fill the gaps of the ground-based radar lower-level PPI scan. Overall, CGAN-BEBPF can be automated to retrieve the rich informative 3D structures of typhoons and severe convective systems over the oceans along the MODIS swath, which certainly presents great value for improving maritime and near-shore typhoons and convection prediction and other cloud-sensitive applications.

The attitude dynamics and orbit dynamics of large rigid space structures are coupled with each other under gravity gradient, which may affect the stability of the large rigid space structures. In this paper, the gravity gradient stability of a large rigid space structure is studied under both small and large disturbances. Based on the rigid body dynamics and orbit dynamics, an accurate dynamic model without any linearization of the large rigid space structure is established via the natural coordinate formulation (NCF), which is able to describe the large overall motions of the structures. By using the generalized-α algorithm, the gravity gradient stability of the large rigid space structure is simulated and analyzed via various examples, including the influence of large disturbance angles, the positions at the stabilization and unstabilization regions. Finally, the relationship between spinning stability and gravity gradient stability is also investigated via a large spinning space structure.

Aims/Hypothesis): Type 1 diabetes is an immune-mediated disease with destruction of the pancreatic β-cells, a process that is conditioned by multiple genes and other factors. HLA counts as the major susceptibility gene. Significant variations in HLA genetic susceptibility to type 1 diabetes between Caucasians, African and Asian and other ethnic groups may have led to the variation in incidence of type 1 diabetes globally. Type 1 diabetes is characterized upon HLA identification. In this chapter we discuss global variations in genetic susceptibility of HLA with regard to type 1 diabetes globally with a particular attention to Arab population. Methods): Haplotype configuration of HLA class I A, B, C and Class II –DR/DQ/DP were studied in Caucasians, African and Asian and in Arab population to see if that is responsible for the exponential rise in the rate of type 1 diabetes. Results): Although Arabs have one of the highest global incidence and prevalence rates of type 1 diabetes, unfortunately, there is a dearth amount of information regarding HLA genetic susceptibility to type 1 diabetes in the Arab world. HLA haplotype configurations contribute to its risk value. However, out of an insufficient present study there are examples of misjudgment of HLA risk according to HLA alleles rather than haplotypes. Conclusion): To date HLA outlooks for the characterization of type 1 diabetes. There is an ethnicity difference in HLA characteristics which is responsible for variation in type 1 diabetes. Although Arab population have contributed heavily in the rise of burden of type 1 diabetes, however, there is significantly a dearth amount of studies on HLA in Arab population. Obviously, any future prediction, prevention or cure of the disease will be based on the HLA genetics. There is a dire need for a systematic screening of HLA for Arab population with type 1 diabetes, identification of Arab HLA-risk values and identify those who are prone to get the disease.

Floral nectar is a key reward in Leguminosae despite the exceptional diversity of flowers in this family. The paper aims to summarize the available data on structure, ontogeny, regulation, and possible evolution of the leguminous floral nectaries. To date, detailed characterization of ultrastructure and mode of secretion is available only for a few representative of the family whereas the majority remains understudied from this perspective. In most cases, regardless of flower symmetry, nectaries are localized between stamens and a carpel. The nectar is usually exuded from modified stomata although the exact mode of secretion by specialized parenchyma may differ between taxa. The leguminous floral nectaries often have certain features of monosymmetry with preferentially abaxial development. Nectaries were independently lost in several lineages, and equally recurrent is the emergence of substitutive, i.e. evolutionary innovative, nectar-producing structures. Floral nectaries possess a certain degree of evolutionary inertia, i.e. they remain stable even in lineages in which flower morphology underwent significant changes compared with an ancestral plan, such as shifts in merism, symmetry, organ number and alike. Due to their evolutionary stability, floral nectaries are rarely used in taxonomy of Leguminosae.

The present work investigates primarily the morphology evolution of the body-centered-cubic (BCC)/B2 phases in AlxNiCoFeCr high-entropy alloys (HEAs) with increasing Al content, which has been neglected so far. There exist two types of microscopic morphologies of BCC and B2 phases in this HEA series: one is the weave-like morphology induced by the spinodal decomposition, and the other is the microstructure of a spherical disordered BCC precipitation on the ordered B2 matrix that appears in HEAs with a much higher Al content. The shape of coherent precipitates is found to be closely related to the lattice misfit between BCC and B2 phases, which is sensitive to Al. The mechanical properties, including the compressive yielding strength and microhardness of the AlxNiCoFeCr HEAs, are also discussed in light of the concept of the valence electron concentration (VEC).

Lignin is insoluble in water, limiting its use in the synthesis of adhesives. Therefore, in order to increase the amount of lignin raw materials used in the synthesis of adhesives, a kind of aminated lignin compounds was prepared through lignin amination reaction, and conducting structural analysis in this paper. The particle size of the amino lignin is about 100 nm, with the weight average molecular weight of 57,627 g/mol and a water solubility of 0.45g/100ml. The reaction mechanisms were proposed that the phenolic hydroxyl groups of lignin react with ammonia molecules, and thereby successfully introducing amino groups to generate the aminated lignin compounds. Therefore, this article enriches the scientific theory of lignin reactions and provides reference for the widespread application of lignin raw materials in the field of adhesives.

The advancement in science and technology has led to luffa sponge (LS) being widely used as a natural material in industrial application as its polyporous structure and light texture. In order to enhance the utility of LS fibers as the reinforcement of lightweight composite materials, this study investigate its water absorption, mechanical properties, anatomical characteristic and thermal performance. Hence, moisture regain, tensile properties of LS fiber bundles were measured in accordance with standards and the structural characteristics were investigated via microscopic observation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the surface morphology and fracture surface of fiber bundles. Test results shows that the special structure where the phloem tissues degenerate to cavities had a significant influence on the mechanical properties of LS fiber bundles. Additionally, the transverse sectional area occupied by fibers in a fiber bundle (SF), wall thickness and ratio of wall to lumen of fiber cell, and crystallinity of cellulose had an impact on the mechanical properties of LS fiber bundles. Furthermore, the fiber bundles density of LS varies range of 385.46-468.70 kg/m³, much less than that of jute (1360.40 kg/m³) and Arenga engleri (950.20 kg/m³) while LS fiber bundles has superior specific modulus.

In this study we have investigated the effect of the addition of Nb2O5 (up to 5 mol%) on the structure and luminescent properties of ZnO-B2O3 glass doped with 0.5 mol % Eu2O3 by using of infrared (IR), Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Physical properties as molar volume, oxygen packing density and glass transition temperature were determined using the results of differential thermal analyisis (DTA) and Archimedes principle for density. IR and Raman spectra revealed that niobium ions incorporate into the base zinc borate glass as NbO4 trtraherda and NbO6 octahedra. A strong red emission from the 5D0 level of Eu3+ ions was registered under near UV (392 nm) excitation using the sharp 7F0 - 5L6 transition of Eu3+. The integrated fluorescence intensity ratio R (5D0 → 7F2/5D0 → 7F1) was calculated to estimate the degree of asymmetry around the active ion, suggesting a location of Eu3+ in non-centrosymmetric sites. The higher Еu3+ luminescence emission observed in zinc borate glasses containing 1÷5 mol% Nb2O5 compared to the Nb2O5-free zinc borate glass evidences that Nb2O5 is suitable component for modification of host glass structure and improving the emission intensity.

In recent decades, the requirements for implantable medical devices increased, but the risks of implant rejection still exist. These issues are primarily associated with poor osseointegration, leading to biofilm formation on the implant surface. This study focuses on addressing these issues by developing a biomaterial for implant coatings. 45S5 Bioglass has been widely used in tissue engineering due to its ability to form a hydroxyapatite layer, ensuring a strong bond between the hard tissue and the bioglass. In this context, 45S5 bioglasses, modified by the incorporation of different amounts of copper oxide, from 0 to 8 mol%, were synthesized by the melt-quenching technique. The incorporation of Cu ions does not show a significant change in the glass structure. Since the bioglass exhibited the capacity of being polarized, and therefore promoting the osseointegration effectiveness, the electrical properties of the prepared samples were studied using the impedance spectroscopy method, in the frequency range of 102-106 Hz and temperature range of 200-400 K. The effects of CuO on charge transport mobility were investigated. Additionally, the bioactivity of the modified bioglasses was evaluated through immersion tests in simulated body fluid. The results revealed the initiation of a Ca-P-rich layer formation on the surface within 24 h, indicating the potential of the bioglasses to enhance the bone regeneration process.

Ecosystem physical structure, defined by the quantity and spatial distribution of biomass, influences a range of ecosystem functions. Remote sensing tools permit the non-destructive characterization of canopy and root features, potentially providing opportunities to link above- and belowground structure at fine spatial resolution in functionally meaningful ways. To test this possibility, we employed ground-based portable canopy lidar (PCL) and ground penetrating radar (GPR) along co-located transects in forested sites spanning multiple stages of ecosystem development and, consequently, of structural complexity. We examined canopy and root structural data for coherence at multiple spatial scales ≤ 10 m within each site using wavelet analysis. Forest sites varied substantially in vertical canopy and root structure, with leaf area index and root mass more evenly distributed by height and depth, respectively, as forests aged. In all sites, above- and belowground structure, characterized as mean maximum canopy height and root mass, exhibited significant coherence at a scale of 3.5-4 meters, and results suggest that the scale of coherence may increase with stand age. Our findings demonstrate that canopy and root structure are linked at characteristic spatial scales, which provides the basis to optimize scales of observation. Our study highlights the potential, and limitations, for fusing lidar and radar technologies to quantitatively couple above- and belowground ecosystem structure.

Citrus essential oils (EOs) have various bioactivities like antioxidants, with many applications. Antioxidant activities depend on the chemical compositions of the EOs, which are affected by climate, soil, and geographical region. Thus, investigations on chemical compositions and antioxidant activities of Citrus EOs in different countries are valuable. In this study, we distilled EOs from peels of Indonesian-grown Citrus, including C. nobilis, C. limon, C. aurantifolia, C. amblycarpa, and Citrus spp.Chemical compositions of EOs were analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS), whereas the antioxidant activities were determined by employing 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to elucidate the main contributing compounds for antioxidant activity. The results show that all EOs possess unique chemical characteristics, with limonene as the majority constituent. For antioxidant activities, C. limon and C. amblycarpa EOs are the two strongest, IC50 values below 7.00 μL/mL. PCA approach suggests that -terpinene mainly contributes to the high antioxidant activities of C. limon and C. amblycarpa. Moreover, o-cymene, thymol, p-cymene, and α-pharnesene may also be responsible for the antioxidant activity of C. limon EO. These results are valuable information for the applications of Citrus EOs as antioxidant sources.

Knowledge is not merely the characteristic of certain pieces of information being deemed true and justifiable, but rather a process. Within an axiomatic system, the set of information that reaches the status of knowledge forms a universe that provides an interpretation of the reality one aims to describe. Language exchanges information through communication and the process of justification (exchange of information), if it consistently justifies a particular piece of information, it elevates it to knowledge. In this paper, we provide a framework for knowledge within an axiomatic model where we define the fundamental elements of communication and grammar. As a result, the structure dictates that knowledge, to be considered as such, must be investigateable by anyone who utilizes it in its entirety, both in form and content. Ultimately, the development of knowledge processing, referred to as \emph{knowmatics}, represents a clear evolution of the computer science that processes information (subset of knowledge).

The relationship between the structure characteristics and performances of coal based hydrogenation isomeric base oil (CTL) and metallocene catalyzed coal based polyalphaolefin (mPAO) base oil was clarified here. CTL and mPAO were compared with typical petroleum based and natural gas based commercial API Class III and IV base oils. Pressurized differential scanning calorimetry (PDSC), Rotary Bomb Oxidation Test (RBOT) and four-balls friction tester were used to evaluate the oxidation stability and lubrication performance of base oils under different working conditions. The sensitivity of different base oils to typical antioxidants and extreme pressure antiwear agents was compared. Specially, the composition and structure of CTL base oil are obviously different from GTL and mineral base oil. The coal-based CTL and mPAO base oils exhibit commendable viscosity-temperature properties, characteristics, coupled with low-temperature fluidity, fire safety, and minimal evaporation loss. The lubricating properties, oxidation stability and the sensitivity to extreme pressure antiwear agents of CTL are close to those of similar base oils. But the sensitivity of CTL to typical antioxidants is relatively poor. Besides, compared with commercial PAO base oil, mPAO has lower isomerization degree and fewer isomerization types. The oxidation stability and sensitivity to typical antioxidants of mPAO base oil are comparable with those of commercial PAO base oil, while its lubrication performance and sensitivity to typical extreme pressure antiwear agents are significantly better than those of commercial PAO base oil.

In this paper, the synthesis of two novel luminescent Eu3+ ion complexes [Eu(TFT)3(phen) (1) and Eu(TFT)3(bpy)•Hex (2)] based on the combination of 2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-1-tetralone (TFT), containing n-donor ligands (1,10-phenanthroline or 2,2'-Bipyridine) and Eu3+ ion is reported herein, and their structural features are discussed on the basis of X-ray crystallographic and thermal analyses. We observed that the ligands transfer energy effectively to the metal center by fluorescence, IR and UV spectrograms studies. The structures and properties of complexes 1-2 were optimized by the DFT theoretical calculation, and the calculation results were consistent with the experimental X-ray structure data and spectral analysis.

This article introduces a novel payload structure, which has been experimentally proven to have smaller impact force while the carried internal electronics remains intact. The study describes in details how materials and geometric structures were chosen based on information analysis. It is clarified how possible geometric structures and materials can be chosen to yield optimal efficiency. Finite element method simulations were carried out to investigate the mechanical properties of several geometric structures, which has led to the dodecahedron form. For the frame, Polylactic Acid were chosen as an optimal material. A low air pressure test for parts of the structure, and also the whole structure were carried out with successful results. Drop tests, with force measuring sensors and high speed videos, were carried out for measuring and comparing the maximal impact force of classical payloads and the novel one. Laboratory and real life tests demonstrated that the developed new structure is safer and it is applicable.

As the most active plateau on the Earth, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has a complex crust-mantle structure. Knowledge of the distribution of such a structure provides information for understanding the underlying geodynamic processes. We obtains a three-dimensional density model of crustal and upper mantle beneath Qinghai-Tibet plateau and its surrounding areas from the residual geoid anomalies using the Earth Gravitational Model (EGM) 2008. We estimate a refined density model by iterations, using an initial density contrast model. We confirm that the EGM2008 mission products can be used to constrain the crust-mantle density structures. Our major findings are: (1). At 300-400 km depth, high-D anomalies terminate around Jinsha River Suture (JRS) in the central TP, suggesting that the Indian plate has been reached over the Bangong Nujiang Suture (BNS) and almost reach to the JRS. (2). On the eastern TP, low-D anomalies at the depth of 0-300 km together with high-D anomalies at 400-670 km further verified the current eastward subduction of Indian plate. The ongoing subduction provides forces to the occurrences of frequent earthquakes and volcano. (3). At 600 km depth, low-D anomalies inside the TP illustrate the existence of hot weak material beneath there, contributing to the external material inward-thrusting.

Gemcitabine (2',2'-difluoro-2'-deoxycytidine), a widely used anticancer drug, is considered as a gold standard in treating aggressive pancreatic cancers. Gamma-proteobacteria that colonize the pancreatic tumors contribute to chemoresistance against gemcitabine by metabolizing the drug to a less active, deaminated, form. The gemcitabine transporters of these bacteria are unknown to date. Furthermore, there is no complete knowledge on the gemcitabine transporters in Escherichia coli or any other related proteobacteria. In this study, we investigate the complement of gemcitabine transporters in E. coli K-12 and two common chemoresistance-related bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter freundii). We find that E. coli K-12 has two high-affinity gemcitabine transporters with distinct specificity properties, namely NupC and NupG, whereas the gemcitabine transporters of C. freundii and K. pneumoniae include the NupC and NupG orthologs, indistinguishable functionally from their counterparts, and, in K. pneumoniae, one additional NupC variant, designated KpNupC2. All these bacterial transporters have higher affinity for gemcitabine than their human counterparts. The highest affinity (KM 2.5-3.0 μΜ) is exhibited by NupGs of the Bacteria-specific Nucleoside-H+ Symporter (NHS) family followed by NupCs (KM 10-13 μΜ) of the Concentrative Nucleoside Transporter (CNT) family, 15-100 times higher than the affinities reported for the human gemcitabine transporter hENT1/SLC29A1 which is primarily associated with gemcitabine uptake in the pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. Our results offer a basis for further insight into the role of specific bacteria in drug availability within tumors and understanding the structure-function differences of bacterial and human drug transporters.

Few studies have examined the dietary protein intake and sources in combination with the longitudinal changes in brain structure markers. Our study aimed to examine the association between dietary protein intake and different sources of dietary protein with the longitudinal rate of change in brain structural markers. A total of 2723 and 2679 participants from the UK Biobank were included in the analysis. The relative and absolute amounts of dietary protein intake were calculated through a 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire. The longitudinal change rates of brain structural biomarkers were computed using two waves of brain imaging data. We utilized multiple linear regression to examine the association between dietary protein and different sources and the longitudinal changes in brain structural biomarkers. Restrictive cubic splines were used to explore nonlinear relationships, and stratified and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Increasing the proportion of animal protein in dietary protein intake is associated with a slower reduction in the total hippocampus volume (THV, β: -0.02524, P<0.05), left hippocampus volume (LHV, β: -0.02435, P<0.01) and right hippocampus volume (RHV, β: -0.02544, P<0.05).Higher intake of animal protein relative to plant protein is linked to a lower atrophy rate in THV (β: -0.01249, P<0.05) and LHV (β: -0.01173, P<0.05) and RHV (β: -0.01193, P<0.05). Individuals with higher intake of seafood exhibit lower longitudinal rate of change in HV compared to those with no consume (THV, β: -0.004514; P<0.05; RHV, β: -0.005527, P<0.05). In subgroup and sensitivity analyses, there was not a significantly alteration. A moderate increase in the intake and proportion of animal protein in the diet, especially from seafood, is associated with a lower longitudinal change rate in hippocampus volume.

Capital structure decision plays an imperative role in firm’s performance. Recognizing the importance, there has been many studies inspected the rapport of capital structure with performance of firms and findings of those studies are inconclusive. In addition, there is relative deficiency of empirical studies examining the link of capital structure with performance of banks in Bangladesh. This paper attempted to fill this gap. Using panel data of 22 banks for the period of 2005-2014, this study empirically examined the impacts of capital structure on the performance of Bangladeshi banks assessed by return on equity, return on assets and earnings per share. Results from pooled ordinary least square analysis show that there are inverse impacts of capital structure on bank’s performance. Empirical findings of this study is of greater significance for the developing countries like Bangladesh because it will call upon concentration of the bank management and policy makers to pursue such policies to reduce reliance on debt and to accomplish optimal level capital structure. This research also contributes to empirical literatures by reconfirming (or otherwise) findings of previous studies.

The natural product Salvinorin A (SalA) was the first nitrogen-lacking agonist discovered for the opioid receptors and exhibits high selectivity for the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) turning SalA into a promising analgesic to overcome the current opioid crisis. Since SalA’s suffers from poor pharmacokinetic properties, particularly the absence of gastrointestinal bioavailability, fast metabolic inactivation and subsequent short duration of action, the rational design of new tailored analogs with improved clinical usability is highly desired. Despite being known for decades, the binding mode of SalA within the KOR remains elusive as several conflicting binding modes of SalA were proposed hindering the rational design of new analgesics. In this study, we rationally determined the binding mode of SalA to the active state KOR by in silico experiments (docking, molecular dynamics simulations, dynophores) in the context of all available mutagenesis studies and structure-activity relationship (SAR) data. To the best of our knowledge this is the first comprehensive evaluation of SalA’s binding mode since the determination of the active state KOR crystal structure. SalA binds above the morphinan binding site with its furan pointing towards the intracellular core while the C2-acetoxy group is oriented towards the extracellular loop 2 (ECL2). SalA is solely stabilized within the binding pocket by hydrogen bonds (C210ECL2, Y3127.35, Y3137.36) and hydrophobic contacts (V1182.63, I1393.33, I2946.55, I3167.39). With the disruption of this interaction pattern or the establishment of additional interactions within the binding site we were able to rationalize the experimental data for selected analogs. We surmise the C2-substituent interactions as important for SalA and its analogs to be experimentally active, albeit moderate frequency within MD simulations of SalA. We further identified the non-conserved residues 2.63, 7.35, and 7.36 responsible for the KOR subtype selectivity of SalA. We are confident that the elucidation of the SalA binding mode will promote the understanding of KOR activation and the facilitate the development of novel analgesics that are urgently needed.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a key role as both structural scaffold and regulator of cell signal transduction in tissues. In times of ECM assembly and turnover, cells upregulate assembly of the ECM protein, fibronectin (FN). FN is assembled by cells into viscoelastic fibrils that can bind upward of 40 distinct growth factors and cytokines. These fibrils play a key role in assembling a provisional ECM during embryonic development and wound healing. Fibril assembly is also often upregulated during disease states, including cancer and fibrotic diseases. FN fibrils have unique mechanical properties, which allow them to alter mechanotransduction signals sensed and relayed by cells. Binding of soluble growth factors to FN fibrils alters signal transduction from these proteins, while binding of other ECM proteins, including collagens, elastins, and proteoglycans, to FN fibrils facilitates the maturation and tissue specificity of the ECM. In this review, we will discuss the assembly of FN fibrils from individual FN molecules; the composition, structure, and mechanics of FN fibrils; the interaction of FN fibrils with other ECM proteins and growth factors; the role of FN in transmitting mechanobiology signaling events; and approaches for studying the mechanics of FN fibrils.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Candida albicans on subgingival biofilm formation on dental implant surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were used to compare biofilm structure and microbial biomass in the presence and absence of the fungus after periods of 24, 48, and 72 h. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to quantify the number of viable and total micro-organisms for each of the biofilm-forming strains. A general linear model was applied to compare CLSM and qPCR results between control and test conditions. The biofilm developed with C. albicans at 72 h had a higher bacterial biomass, with a significantly higher cell viability (p < 0.05). After both 48 and 72 h of incubation, in the presence of C. albicans, there was a significant increase in counts of Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis and in the cell viability of Streptococcus oralis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, F. nucleatum, and P. gingivalis. Using a dynamic in vitro multispecies biofilm model, C. albicans exacerbated the development of the biofilm grown on dental implant surfaces, significantly increasing the number and cell viability of periodontal bacteria.

This paper investigates the impact of debt financing on dividend payments when they face the agency costs of free cash flow. Focusing on a sample of 120 firms listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange during the period 2011-2021. The study found a negative association between agency cost of free cash flow and dividend payment. More importantly, our research highlights the significant role of long-term debt in making more prudent use of free cash flow. The obligation to meet interest and principal payments acts as an incentive for them to steer clear of unprofitable expenses and risky investments. Concurrently, long-term debt imposes restrictive clauses in debt contracts, such as minimum dividend distribution requirements, which further encourage higher dividend payments. Since interest and debt repayments are fixed obligations, using free cash flow for dividend disbursement is considered a more profitable and beneficial approach for shareholders in the context of Saudi Arabia.

Bio-inspired gyroid triply periodic minimum surface (TPMS) lattice structures have been the focus of research in automotive engineering because they can absorb a lot of energy and have wider plateau ranges. The main challenge is determining the optimal energy absorption capacity and accurately capturing plastic plateau areas using finite element analysis (FEA). Using nTop's Boolean subtraction method, this study combined walled TPMS gyroid structures with normal TPMS gyroid lattice. This made a composite TPMS-gyroid lattice with relative densities ranging from 14% to 54%. Using the ideaMaker software and the fused deposition modeling (FDM) Raise3D Pro 2 3D printer to print polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastics in 1.75 mm filament made it possible to slice computer aided design (CAD) models and fabricate 36 lattices samples precisely layer by layer technique. Shimadzu 100kN testing equipment was utilized for the mechanical compression experiments. And the validation using finite element analysis (FEA). Further, CTG was examined using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) before and after compression testing. The composite TPMS gyroid lattice showed potential as shock absorbers for vehicles with relative densities of 33%, 38%, and 54%. The Gibson-Ashby model showed that the composite TPMS gyroid lattice deformed mainly by bending, and the size effect was seen when the relative densities were less than 15%. The lattice's relative density had a significant impact on its ability to absorb energy. The research also explored the use of these innovative foam-like composite TPMS-gyroid lattices in high-speed crash box scenarios, potentially enhancing vehicle safety and performance.

We studied the effect of annealing and the applied magnetic field from 50 Oe to 20 kOe on the magneto-structural behavior of Ni2FeSi-based Heusler microwires fabricated by using Taylor-Ulitovsky technique. Using the XRD analysis, a strong effect of annealing, manifested as the development of the crystallization process, was observed. The average grain size and crystalline phase content of annealed sample increase from 21.3 nm and 34 % to 32.8 nm and 79%, respectively, as-compared to the as-prepared one. In addition, upon annealing phase transforms into a monoclinic martensitic structure with modulation 10M were observed, which cannot be found in the as-prepared sample. Concerning the magnetic properties, both samples show ferromagnetic behavior below and above the room temperature, where the Curie temperature of Ni2FeSi is higher than room temperature. The induced secondary phases have a noticeable effect on the magnetic behavior of the annealed sample, where a high normalized saturation magnetization (NMs) and low normalized reduced remenance (Mr = M/M5K), compared to the as- prepared have been detected. Additionally, the coercivity of annealed sample shows one flipping point at 155 K where it behavior with temperature is changed. Meanwhile, the as-prepared sample show two flipped point at 205 K and 55 K. A mismatch between field cooling (FC) and field heating (FH) magnetization curves with temperature has been detected for annealed sample at low applied magnetic field. In addition the FC and FH curves shows different slopes with variation the temperature and the magnetic field. By increasing the external magnetic field higher than 200 Oe and up to 20 kOe a gradual changing in the magnetic behavior has been detected, where the mismatch and different slopes disappeared at applying magnetic field about 20 kOe. The difference in magnetic and structure behavior of Ni2FeSi microwires sample is discussed considering the effect of induced internal stresses by the presence of a glass coating and the recrystallization and stresses relaxation upon annealing.

The paper discusses the mechanism of montmorillonite structure alteration and bentonites properties modification (on the example of samples from clay deposit Taganka, Kazakhstan) due to the thermochemical treatment (treatment with inorganic acid solutions at different temperatures, concentrations and reaction times). With the use of the suit of methods certain processes were distinguished: transformation of montmorillonite structure, which appears in the leaching of interlayer and octahedral cations, protonation of the interlayer and OH groups at octahedral sheets. Changes in the structure of the 2:1 layer of montmorillonite and its interlayer result in significant changes in the properties – reduction of cation exchange capacity and an increase of specific surface area. The results of the work showed that bentonite clays retain a significant portion of its adsorption properties even after the long term and intense thermochemical treatment (6M HNO3, 60°C, 108 hours)

Acidic ostreolysin A/pleurotolysin B (OlyA/PlyB, formerly known as ostreolysin (Oly), and basic 20 kDa equinatoxins (EqTs) are cytolytic proteins isolated from the edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus and the sea anemone Actinia equina, respectively. Both toxins, although from different sources, share many similar biological activities: (i) colloid-osmotic shock by forming pores in cellular and artificial membranes enriched in cholesterol and sphingomyelin; (ii) increased vascular endothelial wall permeability in vivo and perivascular oedema; (iii) dose-dependent contraction of coronary vessels; (iv) haemolysis with pronounced hyperkalaemia in vivo; (v) bradycardia, myocardial ischemia and ventricular extrasystoles accompanied by progressive fall of arterial blood pressure and respiratory arrest in rodents. Both types of toxins are haemolytic within nanomolar range concentrations, and it seems that hyperkalaemia plays an important role in toxin cardiotoxicity. However, it was observed that the haemolytically more active EqT III is less toxic than EqT I, the most toxic and least haemolytic EqT. In mice, EqT II is more than 30 times more toxic than OlyA/PlyB when applied intravenously. These observations imply that haemolysis with hyperkalaemia is not the sole cause of the lethal activity of both toxins. Additional mechanisms responsible for lethal action of the two toxins are direct effects on heart, coronary vasoconstriction and related myocardial hypoxia. In this review, we appraise the pathophysiological mechanisms related to the chemical structure of OlyA/PlyB and EqTs, as well as their toxicity.

Depressions containing partially molten rocks were investigated in Quaternary pebbly sedi-ments in Alpine foreland in Bavaria, Germany. Ruins of limekilns from 18-19th centuries are abundant around Seeshaupt. They are usually associated with earthworks for fuel feeding and protection from wind. Depressions contain partially molten stones from furnace walls, with lime and burnt loam remnants. On the surface of pebbles (typically gneisses), green glass formed with chemical composition possibly affected by moderately volatile components of wood biomass, mainly K and Cu. Thermoplastic deformation of pebbles is limited and the sur-face melt deformation points to slow flow. At Emmerting, on the other hand, two walled circu-lar depressions which lack additional earthworks have been identified as possible impact cra-ters. Thermally affected pebbles show much more intense deformation. Colorless to greenish glass, also K and Cu enriched, usually forms only thin surface coatings, in places covered by younger melt extruded from pebble interior. Burnt loam is missing. At Grabenstätt-Kaltenbach, a depression of unclear origin was investigated. Morphologically, it matches craters rather than limekilns, but anthropogenic contamination (brick-like material) is probable. The rare molten samples do not display extreme deformation features. The thermally affected stones, mainly those from Emmerting, have elevated magnetic susceptibility.

Esterquats constitute a unique group of quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) that contain an ester bond in the structure of the cation. Despite the numerous advantages of this class of compounds, only two mini-reviews discuss the subject of esterquats: the first one (2007) briefly summarizes their types, synthesis, and structural elements required for a beneficial environmental profile and only briefly covers their applications whereas the second one only reviews the stability of selected betaine-type esterquats in aqueous solutions. The rationale for writing this review is to critically reevaluate the relevant literature and provide others with a “state-of-the-art” snapshot of choline-type esterquats and betaine-type esterquats. Hence, the first part of this survey thoroughly summarizes the most important scientific reports demonstrating effective synthesis routes leading to the formation of both types of esterquats. In the second section, the susceptibility of esterquats to hydrolysis is explained, and the influence of various factors, such as the pH, the degree of salinity or the temperature of the solution, was subjected to thorough analysis that includes quantitative components. The next two sections refer to various aspects associated with the ecotoxicity of esterquats. Consequently, their biodegradation and toxic effects on microorganisms are extensively analyzed as crucial factors that can affect their commercialization. Then, the reported applications of esterquats are briefly discussed, including functionalization of macromolecules, such as cotton fabric as well as their successful utilization on a commercial scale. The last section demonstrates the most essential conclusions and reported drawbacks that allow us to elucidate future recommendations regarding the development of these promising chemicals.

To estimate the progressive collapse resistance capacity of a multi-column frame tube structure with the assembled truss beam composite floor (ATBCF), the pushdown analysis, and the nonlinear dynamic analysis as well, are conducted for such a structure by using the alternate load path (ALP) method. The bearing capacities of the remaining structures at three different work conditions, which are the side middle column failure, the edge middle column failure, and the corner column failure, are individually studied, and the collapse mechanism for the remaining structures is analyzed from the aspects of the internal force redistribution and the failure mode of the second defense line. Simultaneously, the influence of the column failure time on the dynamic response of the remaining structure and the dynamic amplification coefficient are discussed. The results show that the residual bearing capacity of the remaining structure with the bottom corner column failure is higher than that of the one with the side or edge middle column failure, while the latter has a stronger plastic deformation capacity. When the ALP method is adopted to operate the progressive collapse analysis, it is reasonable to take the column failure time as 0.1 times of the first-order vertical vibration period of the remaining structure, and it is suitable to set the dynamic amplification coefficient as of 2.0, which is the ratio of the maximum dynamic displacement to the static displacement of the remaining structure under the transient loading condition.

The recently emerged severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a major outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and instigated a widespread fear and has threatened global health security. Although phenomenal efforts are in progress to effectively combat this COVID-19 outbreak. Still, no licensed antiviral drugs or vaccines are available, and treatment is limited to supportive care and few repurposed drugs. In this urgency situation, computational drug discovery methods provide both an alternative and a supplement to tiresome high-throughput screening, particularly in the hit-to-lead-optimization stage. Identification of small molecules that specifically target viral replication apparatus has shown the most successful strategy in antiviral drug discovery. The present study deals with the identification of potential compounds that specifically interact with SARS-CoV-2 vital proteins, including main protease (Mpro), Nsp12 RNA-dependent-RNA-polymerase (RdRp) and Nsp13 helicase. A constructive and integrated virtual screening efforts together with molecular dynamics simulations identified potential binding modes and favourable molecular interaction profile of corresponding compounds. Moreover, structurally important binding site residues in conserved motifs located inside the active site are elucidated, which displayed relative importance in ligand binding based on residual energy decomposition analysis. Although the current study lacks experimental validation, the structural information obtained from this computational study paved the way to identify and design specific targeted inhibitors to combat COVID-19 outbreak.

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the type strain of Ideonella azotifigens DSMZ21438^T (formally 1a22^T = JCM15503^T). Ideonella azotifigens DSMZ21438T a novel betaproteobacterial non-symbiotic nitrogen-fixing grass rhizosphere dwelling microbe. The 891,561 paired-end shotgun reads were quality filtered and decontaminated with the ATLAS pipeline, then assembled with Unicycler. The genome size is 6,257,981 bp, an N50 size of 7,849 bp, with a G+C content of 66.71%, and with 5,882 predicted protein-coding genes. I. azotifigens DSMZ21438^T represents the first member of the genus isolated from rhizosphere soil, providing a framework for further study into non-alphaproteobacterial nitrogen fixation and synthetic biology applications.

The role played by non extensive thermodynamics in physical systems has been under intense debate for the last decades. With many applications in several areas, the Tsallis statistics has been discussed in details in many works and triggered an interesting discussion on the most deep meaning of entropy and its role in complex systems. Some possible mechanisms that could give rise to non extensive statistics have been formulated along the last several years, in particular a fractal structure in thermodynamics functions was recently proposed as a possible origin for non extensive statistics in physical systems. In the present work we investigate the properties of such fractal thermodynamical system and propose a diagrammatic method for calculations of relevant quantities related to such system. It is shown that a system with the fractal structure described here presents temperature fluctuation following an Euler Gamma Function, in accordance with previous works that evidenced the connections between those fluctuations and Tsallis statistics. Finally, the fractal scale invariance is discussed in terms of the Callan-Symanzik Equation.

Small molecule modulators of neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1), a class A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), has been emerging as promising therapeutics for psychiatric disorders and cancer. Interestingly, a chemical group substitution of NTSR1 modulators can launch different downstream regulation, highlighting the significance of deciphering the internal fine-tuning mechanism. Here, we conducted synergistic application of Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics simulation, conventional molecular dynamics simulation, and Markov state models (MSM) to investigate the underpinning mechanism of ‘driver chemical groups’ of modulators triggering inverse signaling. The result indicated that the flexibility of leucine moiety in NTSR1 agonists contributes to the inward displacement of TM7 through a loosely coupled allosteric pathway, while the rigidity of adamantane moiety in NTSR1 antagonists leads to unfavorable downward transduction of agonistic signaling. Furthermore, we found that R3226.54, Y3196.51, F3537.42, R1483.32, S3567.45 and S3577.46 may play a key role in inducing the activation of NTSR1. Together, our findings not only highlight the ingenious signal transduction within class A GPCRs, but also lay a foundation for the development of targeted drugs harboring different regulatory function of NTSR1.

Savannas and adjacent vegetation types like gallery forests are highly valuable ecosystems contributing to several ecosystem services including carbon budgeting. Financial mechanisms such as REDD+ have provided an opportunity for developing countries to alleviate poverty through conservation of its forestry resources. For availing this opportunity carbon stock assessments are essential. Therefore, a research study at two protected areas i.e. Nazinga Game Ranch and Bontioli Nature Reserve, in Burkina Faso was conducted with the objective of assessing carbon Mg C ha-1 in aboveground biomass (AGB)dry of trees in different formations of the south-sudanian savanna in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Similarly analysis of various vegetation parameters was also conducted to understand the overall vegetation structure of these two protected areas. For estimating AGBdry, existing allometric equation for dry tropical woody vegetation types was used. The Importance Value Index (IVI) and Family Importance Value (FIV) were estimated through standard procedures. Various linear and non-linear regression analyses were conducted to test the relationships between carbon and other parameters such as DBH, height and basal area (BA). The results showed that both sites collectively contain mean carbon of 3.41 ± 4.98 Mg C ha-1. Amongst different vegetation types, gallery forests recorded the highest mean carbon of 9.38 ± 6.90 Mg C ha-1. The highest IVI of 115.56 at Nazinga Game Ranch was recorded for Anogeissus leiocarpa. Similarly, highest IVI of 98.59 was recorded for Mitragyna inermis at Bontioli Nature Reserve. The highest FIV was recorded for Combretaceae for both of the sites. To our knowledge, this was the first study conducted to assess the carbon stocks at the two protected areas in southern Burkina Faso. The study therefore was an attempt for addressing the knowledge gap particularly on carbon stocks of protected savannas. It could serve as a baseline for carbon stocks for future initiatives such as payment for environmental services and REDD+ at these areas.

Many studies discuss carbon-based materials because of the versatility of its element. They include different opinions for scientific problems and discuss fairly at convincing and compelling levels within the scope and application. A gas-state carbon atom converts into various states depending on its conditions of processing. The electron transfer mechanism in the gas-state carbon atom is responsible to convert it into various states, namely, graphite, nanotube, fullerene, diamond, lonsdaleite and graphene. The shape of ‘energy trajectory’ enables transferring electrons from the left- and right-sides of an atom is like a parabola. That ‘energy trajectory’ is linked to states (filled state and suitable nearby unfilled state) where force-exertion along the poles of transferring electrons is remained balance. So, the mechanism of originating different states of a gas-state carbon atom is under the involvement of energy first. This is not the case for atoms executing confined inter-state electron-dynamics as the force is involved first. Graphite-, nanotube- and fullerene-state atoms ‘partially evolve partially develop’ (form) their structures. These possess one-dimensional, two-dimensional and four-dimensional ordering of atoms, respectively. Their structural formation also comprises ‘energy curve’ having a shape-like parabola. Transferring suitable filled state electron to suitable nearby unfilled state is under a balance force exerting along the poles. The graphite structure under only attained-dynamics of atoms can also be formed but in two-dimension. Here, binding energy between graphite-state carbon atoms is for a small difference of exerting forces along their opposite poles. Structural formation in diamond, lonsdaleite and graphene atoms involve energy to gain required infinitesimal displacements of electrons through which they maintain orientationally-controlled exerting forces along dedicated poles. In this study, the growth of diamond is found to be south to east-west (ground) where atoms bound ground to south. Thus, diamond atoms merge for a tetra-electron ground to south topological structure. Lonsdaleite atoms merge for a bi-electron ground to just-south topological structure. The growth of graphene is found to be north to ground where atoms bound ground to north. Thus, graphene atoms merge for a tetra-electron ground to north topological structure. Glassy carbon exhibits layered-topological structure where, tri-layers of gas-, graphite- and lonsdaleite-state atoms successively bind in repetitive order. Nanoscale hardness is also sketched based on different force-energy behaviors of different state carbon atoms. Here, structure evolution in each carbon state atom explores its own science.

Planck's constant plays an important role in quantum mechanics but has little physical meaning apart from its contribution to the formulas. Evaluating each of the constant's unit dimensions gives a more granular account of the physical phenomena described by the equations. These formulas show how classical and quantum mechanical equations are related, and they give consistent descriptions of phenomena like momentum and energy in classical and quantum systems.

G-quadruplexes are noncanonical nucleic acid structures formed from stacked guanine tetrads. They are frequently used as building blocks and functional elements in fields such as synthetic biology and also thought to play widespread biological roles. G-quadruplexes are often studied as monomers but can also form a variety of higher-order structures. This increases the structural and functional diversity of G-quadruplexes, and recent evidence suggests that it could also be biologically important. In this review we describe the types of multimeric topologies adopted by G-quadruplexes and highlight what is known about their sequence requirements. We also summarize the limited information available about potential biological roles of multimeric G-quadruplexes and suggest new approaches that could facilitate future studies of these structures.

This paper studies a model of dynamic compensation and capital structure with managerial traits. We show that Optimistic manager perceives equity as more undervalued than debt, while, confident manager perceives debt as more undervalued than equity. Managerial risk aversion mitigates manager’s bias. The risk aversion of the optimistic manager has a convex effect on the optimal coupon. There exists the level of risk aversion eliminating the bias on the leverage. The managerial optimist has an ambiguous effect on the owner’s bankruptcy level. The risk aversion has a convex effect on the owner’s bankruptcy level. The optimistic/confident manager underestimates the credit spread. The risk aversion has convex effect on the credit spread. In contrast to rational manager, the optimistic/confident manger has higher level of effort. The risk aversion has a negative effect on the effort.

Often, in biology, we are faced with the problem of exploring relevant unknown biological hypotheses in the form of myriads of combination of factors that might be affecting the pathway under certain conditions. Currently, a major persisting problem is to cherry pick the combinations based on expert advice, literature survey or guesses for investigation. This entails investment in time, energy and expenses at various levels of research. To address these issues, a search engine design was recently been developed, which showed promise by revealing existing confirmatory published wet lab results. Additionally and of import, the engine mined up a range of unexplored/untested/unknown combinations of genetic factors in the Wnt pathway that were affected by ETC-1922159 enantiomer, a PORCN-WNT inhibitor, after the colorectal cancer cells were treated with the inhibitor drug. As an example, MYC is known to upregulate PRC2 complex. PRC2 complex contains EZH2, which suppresses tumor suppressor genes via epigenetic modifications. MYC and HOXB8 are up regulated in colorectal cancer, however, the dual working mechanism of the same is not known. The in silico engine showed positioning which correctly approximates and assigns to this 3rd order combination of MYC-HOXB8-EZH2, pointing to the in vitro/in vivo down regulation by ETC-1922159. If the protein interaction of MYC-HOXB8 can be established and a study be done apropos EZH2, it will establish at in vitro/in vivo level, the in silico ranking also. The potential of this engine is immense given the problem faced in biology and other fields. Here we elucidate the R code to understand the mechanics of the search engine in a fluid manner for systems biologists. Though the search engine is in the developmental stage, we share the detailed mechanism of the working principles of the same as it can be generalized to problems in other fields.

Tyrosine kinase fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), which is aberrant in various cancer types, is a promising target for cancer therapy. Here we reported the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a new series of 6-(2,6-dichloro-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-substituted-1H-indazoles derivatives as potent FGFR inhibitors. Compound 10a was first identified as a potent FGFR1 inhibitor, with good enzymatic inhibition. Further structure-based optimization revealed that compound 13a is the most potent FGFR1 inhibitor in this series with the enzyme inhibitory activity about 30.2 nM of IC50 value.

It is commonly recognized that a ship’s ability to maintain stability is dependent upon the way its loads are distributed. This means making sure the center of gravity is sufficiently low and evenly distributed. Yet when a ship encounters turbulent water with extremely large wave amplitudes, load distribution is a critical factor in determining how stressed the ship becomes. In particular, this article examines several methods for increasing the ship's longitudinal strength to prevent ship structural damage during hogging and sagging. This research presents a number of proposed techniques to enhance the longitudinal strength of cargo ships in order to guarantee minimal stress and deformation during sagging and hogging. The first method is the stern-to-bow use of curved support structures to increase the longitudinal strength of a cargo ship. And another way to stiffen the lateral plate is the proposed use of different designs of the side plate, such as wavy curves, stars, etc. To further boost the strength, the lateral plate upper part is suggested to curve upward. A numerical simulation using ANSYS of the stiffened plate when subjected to uniform load distribution and fixed support on either end shows that there is a decrease in deformation of the plate when we use wavy curved plates compared with those of the other plate stiffening methods used, and furthermore, curving the plate on top increases its strength during sagging as well as hogging. Finally, the use of a curved support structure further enhanced the overall longitudinal strength of the vessel.

A review is given of the experimental values of the magnetic hyperfine structure and the Bohr-Weisskopf effect in muonic atoms. The need for more measurements and systematic calculations is discussed in the light of distinguishing between different models of the Bohr-Weisskopf effect in nuclei.

ZnO has many technological applications which largely depend on its properties that can be tuned by controlled synthesis. Ideally, the most convenient ZnO synthesis is carried out at room temperature in aqueous solvent. However, the correct temperature values are often loosely defined. In the current paper we performed synthesis of ZnO in aqueous solvent, by varying reaction and drying temperature by 10°C steps and monitored the synthesis products primarily by XRD. We found out that a simple direct synthesis of ZnO, without additional surfactant, pumping of freezing, required both a reaction (TP) and a drying (TD) temperature of 40°C. Higher temperatures also afford ZnO, but lowering any of the TP or TD below the threshold value results either in the achievement of Zn(OH)2 or in a mixture of Zn(OH)2/ZnO. A more detailed Rietveld analysis of the ZnO samples reveals a density variation with the synthesis temperature and an increase of the nanoparticles average size also verified by SEM images. The optical properties of ZnO obtained by UV-Vis reflectance spectroscopy indicate a red shift of the band gap by ~0.1 eV.

Design and advancement of the durable urban train infrastructures are of utmost importance for reliable mobility in the smart cities of the future. Given the importance of urban train lines, tunnels, and subway stations, these structures should be meticulously analyzed. In this research, two-dimensional modeling and analysis of the soil-structure mass of the Alan Dasht station of Mashhad Urban Train are studied. The two-dimensional modeling was conducted using Hashash’s method and displacement interaction. After calculating the free-field resonance and side distortion of the soil mass, this resonance was entered into PLAXIS finite element program, and finally, stress and displacement contours together with the bending moment, shear force and axial force curves of the structure were obtained.

1) Background: Traditionally, complex biological products such as vaccines presented unique challenges to implementation of even rudimentary characterization packages; thus, the product was defined almost exclusively by its manufacturing process. The advances in technology and analytical tools allowed the application of more comprehensive characterization packages for products such as adsorbed combination vaccines, which contain several antigens in a single formulation to protect against more than one disease, and may contain adjuvants and excipients. Aluminum phosphate (AlPO4) is a well-established adjuvant for enhancing the uptake of vaccines and to induce robust immunity against pathogens. During manufacturing, adjuvant is mixed with protein antigens which may in turn impact their higher order structure and stability. 2) Methods: To study the structural changes of protein antigens after adsorption several analytical tools including DLS, FTIR, Fluorescence, LD, and SEM were used. 3) Results: the AlPO4 adjuvant suspension consists of small submicron particles that form a continuous porous surface. Secondary structure alpha-helix and beta-sheet content of DT and TT increased after adsorption to AlPO4 adjuvant, whereas no significant changes were noted for other protein antigens. Interactions were noted between AlPO4 adjuvant and DT, TT, and FHA. 4) Conclusions: here we report for the first time the use of SEM for the visualization of adsorbed multivalent vaccine components. A unique signature profile detected for each multivalent vaccine by FTIR can be used as a lean in-process test to verify vaccine product composition and identity prior to filling.

A fully relativistic description of an atomic clock is achieved by applying the equivalence principle directly to the space-time coordinates of electron transitions. The resulting differential equation of motion is then reformulated by means of Hamilton's principle to obtain an equivalent integral equation. Generalized coordinates describe the electron in a configuration space consisting of three coordinates that define the origin, or nucleus, and three coordinates that define the manifold on which the electron is constrained to move (the electron shells). Following Dirac the particle model is transformed to a field model by describing energy quantization as the four-dimensional localization of radial and transverse electromagnetic fields. It can then be compared to the emission energy of galaxies in terms of the radial baryonic fields and transverse gravitomagnetic fields that emanate from black holes. The symmetry exhibited by these diverse forms of energy demonstrates that the properties of energy, when described four-dimensionally with time, are independent of the material system which supports them.

Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning have revolutionized the field of protein engineering, particularly in the area of de novo protein design. This review article explores the impact of AI-driven approaches on protein design, with a specific focus on the role of structure prediction neural networks, such as AlphaFold and RoseTTAFold. The article discusses the paradigm shift brought about by these networks, which have enabled the design of proteins with unique structures and functions that are not found in nature. The review covers various aspects of AI-driven protein design, including the use of protein language models to harness evolutionary information, the development of de novo protein design workflows utilizing deep learning, and the application of generative models like RFdiffusion and RoseTTAFold All-Atom. The article also highlights the successes and applications of AI-driven protein design across diverse domains, such as enzyme engineering, antibody design, and vaccine development. Additionally, the review identifies current challenges and future directions in the field, emphasizing the need to address limitations in modeling conformational dynamics and designing proteins for in vivo functionality. The article concludes by underscoring the potential of AI-driven protein design to transform various aspects of science and technology, while also acknowledging the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the development of robust pipelines for the validation and optimization of designed proteins. Overall, this comprehensive review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners interested in understanding the current state and future prospects of AI-driven protein design.

This paper introduces an innovative approach to numerically model Structure-Soil-Structure Interaction (SSSI) by integrating the Boundary Element Method (BEM) and the Finite Element Method (FEM) in a coupled manner. To assess the accuracy of the proposed method, a comparative study is undertaken, comparing its outcomes with those generated by the conventional FEM technique. Alongside accuracy, the computational efficiency aspect is crucial for the analysis of large-scale SSSI problems. Hence, the computational performance of the coupled BEM-FEM method undergoes a thorough examination and is compared with that of the standalone FEM method. The results from these comparisons illustrate the superior capabilities of the proposed method in comparison to the FEM method. The novel approach provides more reliable results compared to traditional FEM methods, serving as a valuable tool for engineers and researchers involved in structural analysis and design.

Abstract—In this paper, decidability of the structures of real, rational, integer and natural numbers will be studied in different languages. Decidability or undecidability of mathematical structures is one of the fundamental and sometimes very difficult problems of mathematical logic, where several examples of problems in this field are still open and unresolved even after decades. One of the goals of Mathematical Logic is the axiomatization of mathematical theoriesTarski has proved the decidability of the theory of real and complex numbers in the language of addition and multiplication, and it is proved that theories of natural, integer, and rational numbers, in the language of addition and multiplication, are undecidable (Theorems of Gödel and Robinson). We will review The following problemes: The Main Problem 1: ⟨Q; ⊑⟩ is decidable? Problem 2: an explicit axiomatization for ⟨Z; \times⟩? and we will study boolean algebras. Boolean algebras are famous mathematical structures.Tarski showed the decidability of the elementary theory of Boolean algebras.In this paper, we study the different kinds of Boolean algebras and their properties. And we present for the first-order theory of atomic Boolean algebras a quantifier elimination algorithm. The subset relation is a partial order and indeed a lattice order,And I will prove that the theory of atomic Boolean lattice orders is decidable, and furthermore admits elimination of quantifiers. So the theory of the subset relation is decidable. And we will study decidability of atomlss boolean algebra.

We discuss three key points: defining mathematically the notions of phase, symmetry breaking, topological defects and their stability in a formal language of homotopy theory and fiber bundle formalism; postulating and proving two theorems for successive symmetry breaking scenarios in condensed matter physics and cosmology, and demonstrating application of theorems to superfluid Helium 3 and Kibble-Lazarides-Shafi (KLS) walls, supporting and mathematically justifying the results of [Volovik, 2020].

The solid-state technique was utilized to make a single phase of delafossite CuAlO2, along with 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% silver doped CuAlO2 samples in this study. The content of the samples was investigated using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) equipped with a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The polycrystalline nature of all of the analyzed cases was confirmed by structural analyses utilizing an X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern with a simple typical peak of CAO rhombohedral phase. Raman, FT-IR and UV–Vis spectroscopy were used to study the structural, and optical energy band gap (Eg) of Ag doped CuAlO2 nanoparticles. The Kubelka–Munk function was used to calculate the optical band gap of ACAO alloys using diffuse reflectance spectra, and it altered as the Ag ion concentration increased. A. c. impedance spectroscopy was used to investigate the dielectric characteristics of Ag doped CuAlO2 nanoparticles.

SETMAR is a protein lysine methyltransferase that is involved in several DNA processes, including DNA repair via the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway, regulation of gene expression, illegitimate DNA integration, and DNA decatenation. However, SETMAR is an atypical protein lysine methyltransferase since in anthropoid primates, the SET domain is fused to an inactive DNA transposase. The presence of the DNA transposase domain confers to SETMAR a DNA binding activity towards the remnants of its transposable element, which has resulted in the emergence of a gene regulatory function. Both the SET and the DNA transposase domains are involved in the different cellular roles of SETMAR, indicating the presence of novel and specific functions in anthropoid primates. In addition, SETMAR is dysregulated in different types of cancer, indicating a potential pathological role. While some light has been shed on SETMAR functions, more research and new tools are needed to better understand the cellular activities of SETMAR and to investigate the therapeutic potential of SETMAR.

Biomolecular structure drives function, and computational capabilities have progressed such that the prediction and computational design of biomolecular structures is increasingly feasible. Because computational biophysics attracts students from many different backgrounds and with different levels of resources, teaching the subject can be challenging. One strategy to teach diverse learners is with interactive multimedia material that promotes self-paced, active learning. We have created a hands-on education strategy with a set of fifteen modules that teach topics in biomolecular structure and design, from fundamentals of conformational sampling and energy evaluation to applications like protein docking, antibody design, and RNA structure prediction. Our modules are based on PyRosetta, a Python library that encapsulates all computational modules and methods in the Rosetta software package. The workshop-style modules are implemented as Jupyter Notebooks that can be executed in the Google Colaboratory, allowing learners access with just a web browser. The digital format of Jupyter Notebooks allows us to embed images, molecular visualization movies, and interactive coding exercises. This multimodal approach may better reach students from different disciplines and experience levels as well as attract more researchers from smaller labs and cognate backgrounds to leverage PyRosetta in their science and engineering research. All materials are freely available at https://github.com/RosettaCommons/PyRosetta.notebooks.

In the work, the nuclei structure was modeled by a system of shells consisting of combinations of spherical and annular vortices. Having connected the spin and the magnetic moments of the nuclei with the dynamics of the outer shell of the nucleus, we determined its type and carried out a semiempirical calculation of the parameters of its structure for stable and unstable nuclear isotopes in the sequence of the order number Z from 1 to 37. Comparison of the obtained nuclear sizes with the radii of the electron shells of atoms made it possible to reveal a definite correlation. On the basis of it, it was concluded that the periodic law of Mendeleyev can determine the patterns in the change in the structure of the atomic nucleus.

This paper utilizes dynamic panel threshold technology to conduct a nonlinear test on the direct effect between environmental regulation and economic fluctuations and the effect of industrial structure upgrading by taking 35 industrial sectors in China from 2003 to 2016 . The research has found that there is an inverted "U" relationship between environmental regulation and economic fluctuations, with the enhancement of environmental regulations, the economic fluctuation increases first and then decreases. The cross-terms of environmental regulation and industrial structure rationalization or industrial structure upgrading are significantly negative, which indicates that the enhancement of environmental regulation is conducive to promoting industrial structure upgrading and reducing the economic fluctuations. While the rationalization factors of industrial structure and advanced industrial structure are significantly negative, indicating that both forms of industrial structure upgrading are conducive to reducing the economic fluctuations. Environmental regulation has technical innovation thresholds for industrial structure upgrading and economic fluctuations, but there are no human capital or FDI thresholds. In the rationalization model of industrial structure, there is a nonlinear "U" relationship between environmental regulation and economic fluctuations when the proportion of scientific research expenditure is more than 1.35%. With the enhancement of environmental regulation, the economic fluctuation reduces first and then increases, and the corresponding inflection point value is 2.398% of the environmental regulation level. At the same time, the environmental regulation can indirectly reduce economic fluctuations by pushing down the industrial structure upgrades. In the advanced model of industrial structure, there is a “U” relationship between environmental regulation and economic fluctuation when the proportion of scientific research expenditure is greater than 1.26%. With continuous enhancement of environmental regulation, the economic fluctuation reduces first and then increases. The corresponding inflection point value is 1.78% of the environmental regulation level, and environmental regulation can indirectly reduce economic fluctuations by promoting the industrial structure at the same time.

Most non-infectious diseases are associated with dysfunction of proteins or protein complexes. Аssociation between sequence and structure is analyzed since a long time, and analysis of sequence organization in domains and motifs is actual research area. A mathematical method is proposed here to identify the hierarchical organization of protein sequences. The method is based on pentapeptide as a unit of protein sequences. This method was applied on a non-homologous dataset of protein sequences. The analysis revealed 11 hierarchical levels of protein sequence organization, showing the relationship of these multiple fragments of sequences. Using different examples, we illustrated how the fragments of the spatial structure of protein correspond to the elements of the hierarchical structure of the protein sequence. A hierarchical structure is observed in the protein sequence. This methodology is an interesting basis for mathematically based classification of elements of spatial organization of proteins. Elements of the hierarchical structure of different levels of the hierarchy can be used for biotechnological and medical problems.

Understanding the flow in urban environments is an increasingly relevant problem due to its significant impact on air quality and thermal effects in cities worldwide. In this review we provide an overview of efforts based on experiments and simulations to gain insight into this complex physical phenomenon. We highlight the relevance of coherent structures in urban flows, which are responsible for the pollutant-dispersion and thermal fields in the city. We also suggest a more widespread use of data-driven methods to characterize flow structures as a way to further understand the dynamics of urban flows, with the aim of tackling the important sustainability challenges associated to them.

The contribution deals with the joining of various types of materials by technology of thermal drilling. In various branches of industries, also in the automotive industry must be joining operations, service, repairing, substitution or protection workpieces, components with various types of materials. Equally, the important role as joint, is also used material, and a product preparation by assembly and disassembly operations. By utilization of new friction hybrid joining technologies we can shortage the production time, provide automation in operations, increase the quality of joints, spare of economical expenses and also we can protect the environment. In this paper authors have investigated the effect of friction drilling on the tested material, aluminium alloy AlMgSi, which was used for material testing. The created joints were evaluated visually and by microscopy methods. The errors of tested joining were documented and described, too. This contribution was made with cooperation of Technical University of Kosice and with U. S. Steel Kosice, s.r.o.

A systematic study has been conducted on barbiturate complexes of all five alkali metals Li–Cs prepared from the metal carbonates or hydroxide in aqueous solution without other potential ligands present, varying the stoichiometric ratio of metal ion to barbituric acid (BAH). Eight polymeric compounds (two each for Na, K, and Rb and one each for Li and Cs) have been characterised by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All contain some combination of barbiturate anion BA− (necessarily in a 1:1 ratio with the metal cation M+), barbituric acid, and water. All organic species and water molecules are coordinated to the metal centres via oxygen atoms as either terminal or bridging ligands. Coordination numbers range from 4 (for the Li complex) to 8 (for the Cs complex). Extensive hydrogen bonding plays a significant role in all the crystal structures, almost all of which include pairs of N–H…O hydrogen bonds linking BA− and/or BAH components into ribbons extending in one dimension. Factors influencing the structure adopted by each compound include cation size and reaction stoichiometry as well as hydrogen bonding.

The Internet's core network, crucial for key services, lacks a clear definition, hindering Internet development and security research. This study analyzes important Autonomous Systems (ASes) and proposes a rule-filtering, top-down method to infer the Internet's core network. It identifies two core memberships: Tier-1 ASes and Regional Tier-1 ASes. Despite a gap, Regional Tier-1 ASes show potential to join the core. Our proposed core structure, unlike traditional methods that randomly select TOP-K nodes, offers improved rationality and interpretability. Historical data analysis reveals the Internet's core structure as a tightly interconnected network of large provider ASes. Despite some changes, this structure shows remarkable stability and growing influence, potentially encouraging other ASes to establish direct connections with the core ASes, accelerating the trend towards a flattened Internet structure. Furthermore, the core structure may be evolving from a majority to a more minority-centric structure.

Complex-structured polymeric microparticles hold significant promise as advance in next-generation medicine mostly due to demand from developing targeted drug delivery. However, the conventional methods for producing these microparticles of defined size, shape and sophisticated composition often face challenges in scalability, reliance on specialized components such as micro-patterned templates, or have limited control over particle size distribution and cargo release kinetics. In this study, we introduce a novel and reliably scalable approach for manufacturing microparticles of defined structures and sizes with variable parameters. The concept behind this method involves the deposition of a specific number of polymer layers on a substrate with low surface energy. Each layer can serve as either the carrier for cargo or a programmable shell-former with predefined permeability. Subsequently, this layered structure is precisely cut into desired-sized blanks using a laser. The manufacturing process is completed by applying of heat to the substrate what results on sealing the edges of the blanks. The combination of the high surface tension of the molten polymer and the low surface energy of the substrate enables the formation of discrete particles, each possessing semi-spherical or other designed geometries determined by their internal composition. Such anisotropic microparticles are envisaged versatile applications.

Single crystals of quaternary adamantine type Cu•GaGeS4 were grown by chemical vapor transport technique using iodine as transport agent. Dark red transparent crystals grew in a temperature gradient of dT = 900–750 °C. Chemical characterization by X-ray fluorescence showed an off-stoichiometric composition of the Cu•GaGeS4 crystals, in particular a slight Ge-deficit. By X-ray diffraction, Cu•GaGeS4 was found to adopt the chalcopyrite-type structure with the space group I-42d. The cation distribution in this structure was analyzed by multiple energy anomalous synchrotron X-ray diffraction and it was found that Cu and vacancies occupy the 4a site, whereas Ga and Ge occupy the 4b site. The band gap energies of several off-stoichiometric Cu•GaGeS4 crystals were determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy and are in the range of 2.1 to 2.4 eV. A non-linear correlation of the band gap energy with the Ge-content of the compound follows the usual bowing behaviour of semiconductor alloys with a bowing parameter of b = 1.45(0.08).

The composition, structure and functionalities of prolamins from highland barley was investigated. These parameters of was compared with the widely applied prolamins (zein). There are more charged and hydrophilic amino acids in prolamins from highland barley than zein. The molecu-lar weight of prolamins from highland barley were between 30 to 63 kDa, which was larger than zein (20 to 24 kDa). β-turn helices is the main secondary structure in prolamins from highland barley, while α-helical structure is the main secondary structure in zein. The water holding capacity, thermal stability, emulsifying capacity and stability of prolamins from highland barley is quite lager than zein, while opposite results can be observed for oil absorption capacity. The diameter of fibers prepared with prolamins from highland barley was almost 6 times that of zein, while ribbon structures rather than fibers were formed by prolamins from highland barley. The results would provide the guidance for application of prolamins from highland barley.

The Lokpaukwu Uru Quarry was examined geologically, geophysically, and core-wise. The location is between 5056.149'N and 5056.193'N and 7028.312'E and 7028.356'E. The study location may include the Asu River Group and the Eze-Aku Formation. This area has five rock units. In the eastern research region, siltstone forms a "CAP" on the shale. Shale underlies half of the study area. The west has calcareous sandstone. The eastern part of the area is dolerite, the main rock that spans siltstone and shale. The region's geological matter contains iron. Two geological sections were analysed and interpreted to identify the five rock units and their outcrops in the study area. electroresistivity in geophysical research Schlumberger found that the western, northwesterly, and central sections of the research region had a thick sedimentary sequence, whereas the eastern half has an igneous body, the project's main component. Sandstone, siltstone, and shale follow the high-resistivity rock in this location. The rock unit in the region was found in eleven core samples from the east half of the study area. Nine rock-unit core samples were found near Obichioke. The Lokpaukwu area's core data shows the rocks' positions, kinds, minerals, and strengths. Geologic mapping shows that a major fault separates the viable Uru end from the unviable Obichioke lot. Recrystallization dominates the fault track (alcitic matter). Thus, prior to quarrying igneous (basic) units, comparable investigations are advised.

In this study, Acısu Basin, which is upper side of one of the most important basins (Gediz) in Türkiye, was modelled using three types of hydrological models and three different calibration algorithms. Lumped (GR4J), semi-distributed (SWAT+), and fully distributed (mHM) hydrological models were built and integrated with Parameter Estimation Tool (PEST) which is a model independent calibration tool including various algorithms. Levenberg Marquardt (L-M), Shuffled Complex Evolution (SCE), and Covariance Matrix Adoption Evolution Strategy (CMA-ES) were selected as calibration algorithms. Calibration period was 1991-2000, and validation results were obtained for 2002-2005. The effect of model structure and calibration algorithm selection on discharge simulation was evaluated via comparison of 9 different model-algorithm combinations. Results have shown that mHM and CMA-ES combination showed the best discharge simulation performance according to NSE values (calibration: 0.67, validation: 0.60). Although statistically the model results were classified as acceptable, the pattern comparison of discharge value shows that all of the models miss the peak values in significant amounts. This problem may be related to the interventions made in 2000-2001 years interval and possible to overcome by changing the calibration and validation periods, increasing the number of iterations or using the naturalized gauge data.

Egg white lysozyme was modified by chemical methods using organic acids. Caffeic acid and p-coumaric acid in organic acids were used as modifiers, and 1-Ethyl-3- (3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride and N-hydroxy succinimide were used as dehydration condensation agents during modification. A certain degree of modified lysozyme was obtained through appropriate modification conditions. The antibacterial properties and structure of the obtained two organic acid modified lysozymes were compared with natural enzymes. The results showed that compared with the natural enzyme, the activity of modified lysozyme decreased, but the inhibitory effect on Gram-negative bacteria was enhanced. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of caffeic acid modified enzyme and p-coumaric acid modified enzyme on Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were 0.5 mg/mL and 0.75 mg/mL, respectively. However, the antibacterial ability of modified lysozyme to Gram-positive bacteria was lower than that of natural enzyme. The minimum inhibitory concentration of caffeic acid modified enzyme and p-coumaric acid modified enzyme to Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis was 1.25 mg/mL. The peak fitting results of the amide-I band (1600 cm-1-1700 cm-1) absorption peak in the infrared spectroscopy showed that the content of the secondary structure of the two modified enzymes obtained after modification was different from that of natural enzymes.

Surface temperature influences human health directly and alters the biodiversity and productivity of the environment. While previous research has identified that the composition of urban landscapes influences the physical properties of the environment such as surface temperature, a generalizable and flexible framework is needed that can be used to compare cities across time and space. This study employs the Structure of Urban Landscapes (STURLA) classification combined with remote sensing of New York City’s (NYC) surface temperature. These are then linked using machine learning and statistical modeling to identify how greenspace and the built environment influence urban surface temperature. It was observed that areas with urban units composed of largely the built environment hosted the hottest temperatures while those with vegetation and water were coolest. Likewise, this is reinforced by borough-level spatial differences in both urban structure and heat. Comparison of these relationships over the period between2008 and 2017 identified changes in surface temperature that are likely due to the changes in prevalence in water, lowrise buildings, and pavement across the city. This research reinforces how human alteration of the environment changes ecosystem function and offers units of analysis that can be used for research and urban planning.

Although the presence of dark energy is well established from various observations, its true nature is still not well understood. The cosmological constant term seems to be the preferred candidate. In earlier work we had a constant cosmological constant term to limit the sizes of large-scale structures at lower redshifts. In this work, we extend this to large scale structures at higher redshifts. Here we invoke a time varying cosmological constant to set constraints on sizes of galaxies at high redshifts and see that they are consistent with their observed sizes. The time-varying cosmological constant also provides a possible solution to the puzzle of structure formation of large disk galaxies (like the Wolfe disk) observed at very early stages of the Universe. Future observations of galaxies at even higher redshifts could support our approach.

Entamoeba histolytica, like other Organismes, is characterized by diversity and heterogeneity in its genetic content, which is one of the most important reasons for survival, and the increase in susceptibility to infection.Non-condensation of chromosomes during the process of cell division and the ambiguity of the chromosomal ploidy makes predicting the exact chromosomal number difficult. Genes distributed across 14 chromosomes as well as many extra-chromosome elements. Most Genes composed of one axon only, with Introns in 25% of Genes. This genome is characterized by the presence of Polymorphic internal repeat regions, and several gene families, one of these large families encoding Transmembrane kinas, Cysteine protease (CP), SREHP protein, and others.

One method of creating a brass coating is through electrodeposition, which is most often completed in cyanide galvanic baths. Because of the toxicity of cyanides, many are working on the development of cyanide-free baths, which are promising but not satisfactory to replace the classic methods. The purpose of the study was to explore a new generation of non-aqueous cyanide-free baths based on 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ionic liquids. The study involved the formation of copper, zinc, and brass coatings. The influence of the bath composition, cathodic current density, and temperature was determined. The obtained coatings were characterized by their morphology, chemical composition, roughness, and corrosion resistance. It was found that the structure of the obtained coatings is strongly dependent on the process parameters. The three main structures observed were fine-grained, porous, and olive-like. To the best knowledge of the authors, it is the first time the olive-like structure was observed in the case of an electrodeposited coating. The Cu-Zn coatings consisted of 19–96 at.% copper and exhibited relatively strong corrosion resistance. High improvement of corrosion properties was found in the case of copper and brass coatings with an olive-like structure.

This article presents description of social structures such as, for example, states, in the context of their consideration as systems. Moreover, it seeks to develop K. Marx’s model in terms of systematic approach, as well as to justify the application of the Fibonacci sequence to systems in general and, in particular, to social systems. The description covers a wide range of issues, ranging from the assertion of the basic principle of living systems as patterns in resources flows to description of functions of various aspects of states and their economics in terms of objective needs of such structures. In addition, this article justifies synergetic effect based on proposed model, and the way this effect is applied to state systems. Moreover, it includes the description of main changes of socio-economic formations throughout the history as a natural development of social systems, including possible modern stages. The fundamental tool of this description is description of essence of the mechanism of property rights and its formation options. The differences of two extreme directions of such development are also described on the basis of the objective factor of resource provision. Special attention is given to the concept of surplus value as a feature of social production systems.

Individual plant cells are the building blocks for all plantae and artificially constructed plant biomaterials, like biocomposites. Secondary cell walls (SCWs) are a key component for mediating mechanical strength and stiffness in both living vascular plants and biocomposite materials. In this paper, we study the structure and biomechanics of cultured plant cells during the cellular developmental stages associated with SCW formation. We use a model culture system that induces transdifferentiation of Arabidopsis thaliana cells to xylem vessel elements, upon treatment with dexamethasone (DEX). We group the transdifferentiation process into three distinct stages, based on morphological observations of the cell walls. The first stage includes cells with only a primary cell wall (PCW), the second covers cells that have formed a SCW, and the third stage includes cells with a ruptured tonoplast and partially or fully degraded PCW. We adopt a multi-scale approach to study the mechanical properties of cells in these three stages. We perform large-scale indentations with a micro-compression system and nanoscale indentations through atomic force microscopy (AFM), in three different osmotic conditions. We introduce a spring-based model to deconvolve the competing stiffness contributions from turgor pressure, PCW, SCW and cytoplasm in the stiffness of differentiating cells. Prior to triggering differentiation, cells in hypotonic pressure conditions are significantly stiffer than cells in isotonic or hypertonic conditions, highlighting the dominant role of turgor pressure. Plasmolyzed cells with a SCW reach similar levels of stiffness as cells with maximum turgor pressure. The stiffness of the PCW in all of these conditions is lower than the stiffness of the fully-formed SCW. Our results provide the first experimental characterization of the mechanics of SCW formation at single cell level.

The structure of turbulent flow over non-flat surfaces is a topic of major interest in practical applications in both engineering and geophysical settings. A lot of work has been done in the fully rough regime at high Reynolds numbers where the effect on the outer layer turbulence structure and the resulting friction drag is well documented. It turns out that surface topology plays a significant role on the flow drag especially in the transitional roughness regime and therefore, hard to characterize. Survey of literature shows that roughness function depends on the interaction of roughness height, flow Reynolds number and topology shape. In addition, if the surface topology contains large enough scales then it can impact the outer layer dynamics and in turn modulate the total frictional force. Therefore, it is important to understand the mechanisms underlying drag increase from systematically varied surface undulations in order to better interpret quantifications based on mean statistics such as roughness function. In this study, we explore the mechanisms that modulate the turbulence structure over a two-dimensional (2D) sinusoidal wavy surface with a fixed amplitude, but varying slope. To accomplish this, we model the turbulent flow between two infinitely wide 2D wavy plates at a friction Reynolds number, $Re_{\tau}=180$. We pursue two different but related flavors of analysis. The first one adopts a roughness characterization flavor of such wavy surfaces. The second one focuses on understanding the non-equilibrium near surface turbulence structure and their impact on roughness characterization. Analysis of the different statistical quantifications show strong dependence on wave slope for the roughness function indicating drag increase due to enhanced turbulent stresses resulting from increased production of vertical velocity variance from the surface undulations.

Micro elastofluidics is a transformative branch of microfluidics, leveraging fluid-structure interaction (FSI) at the microscale to enhance the functionality and efficiency of various microdevices. This review paper elucidates the critical role of advanced computational FSI methods in the field of micro elastofluidics. By focusing on the interplay between fluid mechanics and structural responses, these computational methods facilitate the intricate design and optimisation of microdevices such as microvalves, micropumps, and micromixers, which rely on the precise control of fluidic and structural dynamics. In addition, these computational tools extend to the development of biomedical devices, enabling precise particle manipulation and enhancing therapeutic outcomes in cardiovascular applications. Furthermore, this paper addresses the current challenges in computational FSI and highlights the necessity for further development of tools to tackle complex, time-dependent models under microfluidic environments and varying conditions. Our review highlights the expanding potential of FSI in micro elastofluidics, offering a roadmap for future research and development in this promising area.

Every subset S of a Cartesian spaces Rd, endowed with differen- tial structure C∞(S) generated by restrictions to S of functions in C∞(Rd), has a canonical partition M(S) by manifolds, which are or- bits of the family X(S) of all derivations of C∞(S) that generate local one-parameter groups of local diffeomorphisms of S. This partition satisfies the frontier condition, Whitney’s conditions A and B. If M(S) is locally finite, then it satisfies all definitions of stratification of S. This result extends to Hausdorff locally Euclidean differential spaces.

Herpesviridae is a family of enveloped double-stranded DNA viruses that cause a wide range of diseases in hosts. Among the various components of herpesvirus particles, tegument proteins residing between the envelop and nucleocapsid play crucial roles in viral replication, immune evasion, and modulation of host cellular pathways. Understanding the three-dimensional structure of herpesvirus tegument proteins help to reveal the molecular mechanism underlying the crosstalk with other viral and cellular components, and thus is crucial for the investigation of their biological and pathological functions. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the structural features of herpesvirus tegument proteins, highlighting the structure-based functional implications, including the potential as targets for antiviral drug development.

A modern binary executable is a composition of various networks. Control flow graphs are commonly used to represent an executable program in labeled datasets used for classification tasks. Control flow and term representations are widely adopted, but provide only a partial view of program semantics. This study is an empirical analysis of the networks composing malicious binaries in order to provide a complete representation of the structural properties of a program. This is accomplished by the measurement of structural properties of program networks in a malicious binary executable dataset. We demonstrate the presence of Scale-Free properties of network structure for program data dependency and control flow graphs, and show that data dependency graphs also have Small-World structural properties. We show that program data dependency graphs have a degree correlation that is structurally disassortative, and that control flow graphs have a neutral degree assortativity, indicating the use of random graphs to model the structural properties of program control flow graphs would show increased accuracy. By providing an increase in feature resolution within labeled datasets of executable programs we provide a quantitative basis to interpret the results of classifiers trained on CFG graph features. An increase in feature resolution allows for the structural properties of program classes to be analyzed for patterns as well as their component parts. By capturing a complete picture of program graphs we can enable theoretical solutions for the mapping a program's operational semantics to its structure.

Nuclear lamins are type V intermediate filament proteins that form a filamentous meshwork beneath the inner nuclear membrane. Additionally, a sub-population of A-type and B-type lamins is localized in the nuclear interior. The nuclear lamina protects the nucleus from mechanical stress and mediates nucleo-cytoskeletal coupling. Lamins form a scaffold that partially tethers chromatin at the nuclear envelope. The nuclear lamina also stabilizes protein-protein interactions involved in gene regulation and DNA repair. The lamin-based protein sub-complexes are implicated in both nuclear and cytoskeletal organization, the mechanical stability of the nucleus, genome organization, transcriptional regulation, genome stability, and cellular differentiation. Here we review recent research in the field of nuclear lamins and their role in modulating various nuclear processes and their impact on cell function.

Two ferrocene derivatives, namely, 1,2-(tetramethylene)-ferrocene and 1,2,1’,2’-bis(tetramethylene)-ferrocene, were synthesized in a four-step reaction sequence starting from ferrocene. Friedel-Craft acylation of ferrocene with succinic anhydride gave mono- or bis(3-carboxypropinoyl)ferrocene depending on the stoichiometry of succinic anhydride. The reduction of the keto groups to methylene, followed by ring-closing using trifluoroacetic anhydride gave 1,2-(α-ketotetramethylene)-ferrocene or 1,2,1’,2’-bis(α-ketotetramethylene)ferrocene. The diastereomeric mixture of the latter diketones was separated by column chromatography, characterized by single-crystal X-ray analysis, and assigned their stereochemistry. Reduction of the keto groups to methylene under Clemmensen conditions gave homoannular mono- or bis(tetramethylene) ferrocene derivatives. The molecular structure of 1,2-(tetramethylene)-ferrocene revealed that the ipso carbon atoms of the cyclopentadienyl group are 0.023(3) Å farther away from Fe(II) compared to the remaining three carbon atoms. Both complexes exhibit lower half-wave oxidation potentials than ferrocene, possibly due to the electron-releasing effects of the tetramethylene bridges.

After brings about a brief review of the theoretical explanations and researches on the reasons for being a victim, this article is organized into two sections. The first presents a comparative analysis of the data for 1999 and 2016 in terms of perceptions, profiles and most significant sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables. The second one shows an explanatory analysis based on a multivariate logistical regression model using as an independent variable lifestyle of the population and socioeconomic variables, and as dependent variables individual’s susceptibility to becoming a victim of certain crimes. The results points towards an explanatory model of victimization in which sociodemographic variables play an increasingly less important role while variables related to lifestyle and subjective perceptions make a significant contribution to greater understanding of the nature of being the victim of a crime.

In this review paper, the latest literature on the functional properties of phospholipids in relation to inflammation and inflammation-related disorders has been critically appraised and evaluated. The paper is divided into three sections: Section one addresses the relationship between the anti-inflammatory bioactivities of different phospholipids in relation to their structures and compositions. Sections two and three are dedicated to the structures, functions and anti-inflammatory properties of dietary phospholipids from animal and marine sources. Most of the dietary phospholipids of animal origin come from meat, egg and dairy products. To date, there is very limited work published on meat phospholipids, undoubtedly due to the negative perception that meat consumption is an unhealthy option due to its putative associations with several chronic diseases. These assumptions are addressed with respect to the phospholipid composition of meat products. Recent research trends indicate that dairy phospholipids possess anti-inflammatory properties, which has led to an increased interest into their molecular structures and reputed health benefits. Finally, the structural composition of phospholipids of marine origin is discussed. Extensive research has been published in relation to ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and inflammation, however this research has recently come under scrutiny and has proved to be unreliable and controversial in terms of the therapeutic effects of ω-3 PUFA, which are generally in the form of triglycerides and esters. Therefore, this review focuses on recent publications concerning marine phospholipids and their structural composition and related health benefits. Finally, the strong nutritional value of dietary phospholipids are highlighted with respect to marine and animal origin and avenues for future research are discussed.

This review explores the unique structural and functional characteristics of natural products featuring highly oxygenated cyclobutane rings, with a specific focus on oxetane and 1,2-dioxetane motifs. It presents the structures and biological activities of compounds containing these rings, highlighting their contribution to molecular stability and pharmacological potency. Through detailed case studies and recent research findings, it has been demonstrated that these oxygen-rich rings enhance the molecular diversity and biological efficacy of natural products, potentially offering new avenues for drug development. Notably, these compounds are predominantly synthesized by microorganisms and can also be found in extracts from fungi, plants, and certain marine invertebrates. Compounds with oxetane and 1,2-dioxetane rings are primarily noted for their strong antineoplastic properties, among other biological activities. In contrast, most 1,2-dioxetanes exhibit potent antiprotozoal effects. It is important to note that 1,2-dioxetanes often serve as intermediate products in oxidation reactions, characterized by their instability and propensity to decompose into new compounds.

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between corneal nerve structure and function in a veteran population. Methods: 83 veterans (mean age: 55 ± 5 years) seen at the Miami Veterans Affairs (VA) eye clinic were included in the study. Each individual filled out questionnaires to evaluate ocular symptoms (5-Item Dry Eye Questionnaire, DEQ5, Ocular Surface Disease Index, OSDI) and ocular pain (Numerical Rating Scale, NRS, Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory modified for the Eye, NPSI-Eye). Individuals also underwent an ocular surface examination that captured functional nerve tests including corneal sensation, corneal staining, and Schirmer test for tear production. Corneal sub-basal nerve analysis was conducted using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) images with corneal nerve density, length, area, width, and fractal dimension captured. IVCM and functional corneal metrics from the right eye were examined using correlational and linear regression analysis. Results: Most corneal structural metrics were not related to functional metrics, except for weak correlations between various IVCM metrics and tear production. In addition, corneal nerve fiber area was positively related to corneal sensation (r = 0.3, p = 0.01). On linear regression analyses, only corneal fractal dimension remained significantly related to tear production (β = -0.26, p = 0.02) and only corneal nerve fiber area remained significantly related to corneal sensation (β = 0.3, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Most corneal nerve structural metrics did not relate to functional metrics in our veteran population, apart from a few weak correlations between structural metrics and tear production. This highlights caution in using corneal nerve anatomy to predict corneal function.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major medical health burden and leading cause of chronic liver disease and cancer worldwide. More than 58 million people are chronically infected with HCV, with 1.5 million new infections occurring each year. An effective HCV vaccine is a major public health and medical need as recognized by the World Health Organization. However, due to the high variability of the virus and its ability to escape the immune response, HCV rapidly accumulates mutations making a vaccine a formidable challenge. An effective vaccine must elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) in a consistent fashion. After decades of studies from basic research through clinical development, the antigen of choice is considered to be the E1E2 envelope glycoprotein due to conserved, broadly neutralizing antigenic domains located in the constituent subunits of E1, E2, and the E1E2 heterodimeric complex itself. The challenge has been elicitation of robust humoral and cellular responses leading to broad virus neutralization due to the relatively low immunogenicity of this antigen. In view of this challenge, structure-based vaccine design approaches to stabilize key antigenic domains have been hampered due to the lack of E1E2 atomic-level resolution structures to guide them. Another challenge has been development of a delivery platform in which a multivalent form of the antigen can be presented in order to elicit a more robust anti-HCV immune response. Recent nanoparticle vaccines are gaining prominence in the field due to their ability to facilitate a controlled multivalent presentation and trafficking to lymph nodes, where they can interact with both the cellular and humoral components of the immune system. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding the E1E2 heterodimeric structure to facilitate a rational design approach and the potential for development of a multivalent nanoparticle-based HCV E1E2 vaccine. Both aspects are considered important in the development of an effective HCV vaccine that can effectively address viral diversity and escape.

Abstract: Community forests are being promoted in Togo as an alternative to the degradation of protected areas and as a means of restoring forest landscapes. The present study is carried out within Kouampante Community Forest (KCF) in Ogaro (Togo, West Africa). It intends to contribute to the sustainable management of KCF. Specially, it aims at: (i) mapping forest ecosystems and analysing their dynamic and (ii) characterising the floristic diversity of the KCF. Forest ecosytems are mapped and their dynamic evaluated based on Google Earth images of 2010 and 2020. The floristic and silvicultural analyses are based on inventories carried out in 13 plots of 1,000 m² each. The KCF is made up mainly by tree/shrub savannahs (58.73%) and croplands/fallow (41.27%) in 2010. These two land use types have undergone changes over the period. In 2020, the KCF had two land use types: tree/shrub savannahs (84.30%) and croplands/fallows (15.70%). The flora census consisted of 59 species grouped in 6 families. The most important plant species are Detarium microcarpum and Vitellaria paradoxa. The Fabaceae were the most abundant and diversified families, followed by the Combretaceae. The demographic structure showed a high abundance of individuals with small diameter and height. This indicates the possibility of a rapid restoration of the native vegetation. Protecting the forest from anthropogenic threats could be crucial for achieving the desired objective.

Nereis as a mudflat organism has a variety of uses, in the history of China as a Chinese herbal record, because of its body contains rich amino acids, fatty acids and other nutrients, it can be used for therapeutic treatment and treatment can also be used as health care products. acids, fatty acids and other nutrients, it can be used for therapeutic treatment and treatment can also be used as health care products. In modern times, more and more researchers have studied the protease extract of Nereis as a mudflat organism. In modern times, more and more researchers have studied the protease extracted from the body of nereis and found that there are a variety of functional proteins in nereis, including superoxide dismutase, superoxide dismutase, superoxide dismutase and superoxide dismutase. More and more researchers have studied the proteases extracted from the body of nereis and found that there are a variety of functional proteins in nereis, including superoxide dismutase, adenylate cyclase, glycosidase, and plasminase. In this paper, the functional proteases in the extracts of nereis were summarized, and the functions and characteristics of proteases in nereis were discussed from the perspective of molecular structure.

Ontological premises have profound theoretical implications. This analysis posits a single, universal structure composed of two ontic entities: discrete, quantized units of space ("Planck Spheres") and a State of Absolute Nothingness (the "SOAN"). Planck Spheres and the SOAN form a physical, ultra-high (3 x N) dimensional space ("Planck Space") and a discrete 3D space (or "4D spacetime"). Together, Planck Space and 4D spacetime form a tightly integrated ((3 x N) + 3) hyperspace (the "Dual Ontology"). Critically, a one-to-one mapping and identity exists between the Planck Spheres comprising 4D spacetime and Planck Space. The Dual Ontology conjecture supports radically simplified physical explanations for three distinct areas of theoretical physics: First, the conjecture reconciles fundamental issues in Special Relativity and quantum mechanics by explaining why single and N-body quantum states (a) dynamically evolve in 4D spacetime subject to the speed of light and (b) instantaneously collapse in a physical Planck Space that is not subject to Special Relativity. Second, the temporal and physical asymmetry between the dynamic evolution of quantum states in 4D spacetime subject to Special Relativity and the instantaneous collapse of quantum states in a Planck Space where Special Relativity is inapplicable explains quantum path irreversibility and the arrow of time. Third, at or near the heat death of 4D spacetime, the instantaneous collapse of the energy content of Planck Space and the simultaneous transition of 4D spacetime's extremely widely dispersed energy content to a non-singular, generally localized volume at t = 0 explains 4D spacetime's isotropy, homogeneity, extremely high energy, pressure, and temperature, flatness, and low gravitational entropy. It also explains the horizon and fine-tuning problems.

‘Inner mitochondrial membrane peptidase 2 like’ (IMMP2L) is a nuclear encoded mitochondrial peptidase that has been conserved through evolutionary history as has its target enzyme ‘mitochondrial glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase 2’ (GPD2). IMMP2L is known to cleave the mitochondrial transit peptide from GPD2 and another nuclear encoded mitochondrial respiratory related protein cytochrome C1 (CYC1). However, it is not known whether IMMP2L peptidase activates or alters the activity or respiratory related functions of GPD2 or CYC1. Previous investigations found compelling evidence of behavioural change in the Immp2lKD-/- KO mouse and in this study EchoMRI analysis found that many organs of the Immp2lKD-/- KO mouse were smaller and that the KO mouse had significantly less lean mass and overall body weight compared with wildtype littermates (p<0.05). Moreover, all of the organs analysed from the Immp2lKD-/- KO had lower relative levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mitoROS). The kidneys of the Immp2lKD-/- KO mouse displayed the greatest decrease in mitoROS levels that were over 50% less compared with wildtype litter mates. Mitochondrial respiration was also lower in the kidney of the Immp2lKD-/- KO mouse compared with other tissues when using succinate as the respiratory substrate, whereas respiration was similar to wildtype when glutamate was used as substrate. When glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P) was used as the substrate for Gpd2 we observed ~20% and ~7% respective decreases in respiration in female and male Immp2lKD-/- KO mice over time. Together these findings suggest that the respiratory related functions of mGpd2 and Cyc1 have been compromised to different degrees in different tissues in the Immp2lKD-/- KO mouse. Structural analyses using AlphaFold2-Multimer further predicted that the interaction between Cyc1 and mitochondrial encoded cytochrome b (Cyb) in Complex III had been altered as had the homodimeric structure of the mGpd2 enzyme within the inner mitochondrial membrane of the Immp2lKD-/- KO mouse. mGpd2 functions as an integral component of the glycerol phosphate shuttle (GPS) which positively regulates both mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis. Interestingly, we found that nonmitochondrial respiration (NMR) was also dramatically lowered in the Immp2lKD-/- KO mouse. Primary mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cell lines derived from the Immp2lKD-/- KO mouse displayed a ~27% decrease in total respiration comprised of a ~50% decrease in NMR and a ~12% decrease in total mitochondrial respiration where the latter was consistent with the decreases in substrate specific mitochondrial respiration reported here. This study is the first to report the role of Immp2l in enhancing Gpd2 structure and function, mitochondrial respiration, nonmitochondrial respiration, organ size and homeostasis.

A population dynamics epidemic model is developed that incorporates age of infection and age of vaccination. The model analyzes pre-symptomatic and symptomatic periods of an infected individual in terms of infection age. The model analyzes the efficacy of vaccination in terms of vaccination age. The model is applied to the 2003 SARS epidemic in Taiwan and the current COVID-19 epidemic in New York State.

That birds are maniraptoran theropod dinosaurs is now considered an evolutionary consensus. An “open” (i.e., completely, or substantially perforate) acetabulum is considered an important synapomorphy verifying the bird-dinosaur nexus. Here I present anatomical evidence from morphological aspects of the acetabulum and its important appurtenances, the supracetabular crest and the antitrochanter, that the hip anatomy differs substantially between dinosaurs and birds and for the current hypothesis of origins to be correct unlikely anatomical reversals would have been required. Given the thin bone of the acetabular walls and the varied tissue, both hard and soft, in the acetabular region and especially the lower part of the basin, it is apparent that many avian skeletons exhibit some anatomical loss of soft tissue and thin bone, some perhaps related to changes in gait, but also in part related to the dramatic trend in bone reduction associated with flight, especially in more advanced crown taxa. Many basal birds and early diverging neornithines tend to have a nearly closed or various levels of partially closed acetabula, thus rendering the current terms “open” or “closed” acetabula inaccurate; they should be modified or replaced.