During shearer operation, piston rod is susceptible to wear from invasion of pollutants, and then ruins sealing ring in hydraulic cylinder. This work attempts to conduct a systematical investigation of Cu-DLC (Cu-doped Diamond-like Carbon) film to improve the seal performance. Failure process of hydraulic cylinder was analyzed, and relevant parameters were determined. Several Cu-DLC films were deposited on the substrate of piston rod in a multi-ion beam assisted system, and their structures and combined tribological performances were investigated. As a result, dust particles attached to the piston rod may enter the cylinder, and damage the sealing ring under the radial force. Cu grains prefer to orientate (111) crystal plane with increase of Cu content, and may induce drop of hardness and internal stress for the film. Friction coefficient of the film ranges from 0.04 to 0.15, and rise of IG/ID ratio from 1.4 to 2.3 in Raman data indicates that bond transition from sp3-C to sp2-C may lower the friction coefficient. Modification mechanism of Cu-DLC film for the seal performance may come from synergistic effects of (i) contact force and friction heat induce the film graphitization, (ii) Cu doping improves toughness of the film and acts as a solid lubricant, and (iii) transfer layer plays a role of self-lubrication.

The search for materials with exceptional properties has led to significant advances in the field of non-carbon diamond-like conductive thin films (DLC-CTFs). These films, synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and other techniques, are being actively researched for their potential in high-tech applications. This literature review discusses the synthesis methods, material properties, and applications of DLC-CTFs, highlighting the role of non-carbon dopants in enhancing electrical conductivity. This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the historical development, synthesis techniques, material properties, characterization methods, and applications of DLC-CTFs, with a focus on the impact of non-carbon doping on their conductive properties. By reviewing the literature. The review also addresses the challenges faced and suggests future research directions.

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films have a promising tribological application in green precision manufacturing, but their toughness represents a serious issue in the way of their application perspective. The film thickness is on the micrometer scale and makes conventional methods unsuitable for its toughness characterization. The absence of an accepted method for characterizing the DLC toughness has hindered the related research on the development of toughening methods and understanding the mechanism. This work intends to explore a relatively simple and acceptable characterization method to measure the film toughness. Moreover, toughening mechanisms of DLC films are proposed during the characterization to reveal the toughening mechanism. The toughness can be fully characterized through combining impact toughness and scratch toughness. The impact toughness can be obtained by observing the size of the indentation and the crack state around the indentation in the impact experiment. The scratch toughness could be assessed by combining the scratch morphology and Crack Propagation Resistance (CPRS). The improvement of film toughness should be carried out from two aspects: preventing microcrack initiation and suppressing crack propagation. Appropriate doping of non-carbide metal particles can effectively improve the toughness of the film, and there are seven main factors affecting the toughening of the film. Five toughening mechanisms of non-carbide metals from film preparation to test stage are revealed during the investigation of the change patterns.

As the demand for high-frequency and high-power electronic devices has increased, gallium nitride (GaN), particularly in the context of high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs), has attracted considerable attention. However, the ‘self-heating effect' of GaN HEMTs represents a significant limitation in terms of both performance and reliability. Diamond, renowned for its exceptional thermal conductivity, represents an optimal material for the enhancement of thermal management in HEMTs. This paper puts forward a novel method for directly depositing diamond films onto N-polar GaN (NP-GaN) epitaxial layers. This eliminates the complexities of the traditional diamond growth process and the need for temporary substrate steps. Given the relative lag in N-polar material growth technologies, which are marked by surface roughness issues, and the recognition that the thermal boundary resistance (TBRGaN/diamond) represents a critical factor constraining efficient heat transfer, our study introduced a series of optimisations with the objective of enhancing the quality of the diamond nucleation layer while ensuring that the integrity of the GaN buffer layer remains intact. Moreover, chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) technology was employed to effectively reduce the surface roughness of the NP-GaN base, thereby providing a more favourable foundation for diamond growth. The optimisation trends observed in the thermal performance test results were encouraging. The integration of diamond films onto highly smooth NP-GaN epitaxial layers demonstrated a reduction in TBRGaN/Diamond compared to diamond layers deposited onto NP-GaN with higher surface roughness that had undergone no prior process treatment.

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) layers are known for their high corrosion and wear resistance, low friction, and high biocompatibility. However, it is often necessary to dope DLC layers with additional chemical elements to strengthen their adhesion to the substrate. Ti-DLC layers (doped with 0.4, 2.1, 3.7, 6.6, 12.8 at.% of Ti) were prepared by dual pulsed laser deposition, and pure DLC, glass, and polystyrene (PS) were used as controls. In vitro cell-material interactions were investigated with an emphasis on cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. We observed slightly increasing roughness and contact angle and decreasing surface free energy on Ti-DLC layers with increasing Ti content. Three-week biological experiments were performed using adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (bmM-SCs) in vitro. The cell proliferation activity was similar or slightly higher on the Ti-doped materials than on glass and PS. Osteogenic cell differentiation on all materials was proved by collagen and osteocalcin production, ALP activity, and Ca deposition. The bmMSCs exhibited greater initial proliferation potential and an earlier onset of osteogenic differentiation than the ADSCs. The ADSCs showed a slightly higher formation of focal adhesions, higher metabolic activity, and Ca deposition with increasing Ti content.

Cuboid diamonds are particularly common in the placers of the northeastern Siberian platform but their origin remains unclear. These crystals usually range in color from dark yellow to orange and more interestingly, are characterized by unusual low aggregated nitrogen impurities (non-aggregated C-center) suggesting a short residence time and/or low temperatures at which they have been stored in the mantle. In order to track possible isotopic signature that could help deciphering cuboid diamond's crystallization processes, δ¹³C values, δ¹⁵N values and nitrogen contents have been determined in-situ in three samples using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), whereas nitrogen aggregation state have been determined by FTIR spectroscopy. The samples fall out the δ¹³C vs. δ¹⁵N field of canonical mantle composition. Different scale of carbon and nitrogen fractionation may produce the observed variations. Alternatively, mixing of mantle and crustal material would obscure initial co-variations of δ¹³C values with δ¹⁵N or nitrogen content.

We present atomic structures and nonequilbrium synthesis of new class of materials, where the basic structural unit is a diamond tetrahedron. When units of one, two, and three tetrahedra are randomly packed, we create distinct phases of amorphous Q-carbon. Four tetrahedra in two adjacent layers lead to crystalline diamond lattice, which has four missing tetrahedra alternately. When these four missing tetrahedra are filled, we create subunit cell of crystalline Q-diamond. Theoretical calculations show that superconducting transition temperature (Tc) in 50 atomic % B-doped Q-diamond can reach near room temperature at ambient pressures. This is consistent with our earlier results using low-loss EELS measurements in 50 atomic % B-doped Q-carbon, which had mostly amorphous QB3 phase mixed with some crystalline Q-diamond phase. These EELS results showed that the Tc for these samples was in between 90K and 300K. Theoretical calculations of density of states, Eliashberg function, electron-phonon interaction parameter, and root-mean-square and logarithmic average of frequency in crystalline Q-diamond show Tc in the range of 268K to 300K, which is in a complete agreement with our EELS results in QB3.

Even though hard, low friction coatings such as diamond like carbon (DLC) would be beneficial for the per-formance and longevity of rubber seals, a crucial challenge – as graphically illustrated in Figure 1.a – remains. The elastic mismatch of rubber substrate and DLC coating prevents a fracture free coating application. In this work a nature inspired approach (Figure 1.b) is applied to render the stiff coating flexible and resilient to delamination at the same time by direct patterning. Rubber substrates were laser structured with tile patterns and subsequently DLC-coated. Tensile and tribology tests were performed on structured and unstructured samples. Unstructured DLC-coatings showed a crack pattern induced by the coating process, which was further fragmented by tensile stress. Coatings with tile patterns did not experience a further fragmentation under load. During continuous tribological loading, less heterogenous damage is produced for tile structured samples. The findings are ascribed to the relief of induced coating stress by the tile structure, meaning a more resilient coating.

If a lubricant contains structures capable of conducting energy, reactions involving zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) may take place both very close to and away from the solid surfaces, with this indicating that ZDDP can be a highly effective anti-wear (AW) additive. The central thesis of this article is that the tribocatalytic effect is observed only when the energy emitted by the solids is transmitted by ordered molecular structures present in the lubricant, e.g., graphene. The friction tests were carried out for 100Cr6 steel balls in a sliding contact with uncoated or a:C-H-coated HS6-5-2C steel discs in the presence of polyalphaolefin 8 (PAO 8) as the lubricant, which was enhanced with graphene and/or ZDDP. There is sufficient evidence of the interactions occurring between ZDDP and graphene and their effects on the tribological performance of the system. It was also found that the higher the concentration of zinc in the wear area, the lower the wear. This was probably due to the energy transfer resulting from the catalytic decomposition of ZDDP molecules. Graphene, playing the role of the catalyst, contributed to that energy transfer.

Existence of carcinogenic nitrite in food has attracted much attention, however, it is still a challenge to develop nitrite sensor with higher sensitivity and selectivity to enlarge its applications in daily life. Herein, one-dimensional honeycomb-like carbon nanofibers (HCNFs) were synthesized with an electrospun technology, and its specific structure enables the controlling growth and highly dispersed bismuth nanoparticles (Bi NPs) on its surface, which endows the obtained Bi/HCNFs with excellent electrocatalytic activity toward nitrite oxidation. By modifying Bi/HCNFs on screen-printed electrode, the constructed Bi/HCNFs electrode (Bi/HCNFs-SPE) can be used for nitrite detection in one drop of solution, and exhibits higher sensitivity (1269.9 μA mM-1 cm-2) in a wide range of 0.1~800 μM with lower detection limit (19 nM). Impressively, the Bi/HCNFs-SPE has been successfully used for nitrite detection in food and environment samples, the satisfactory property and recovery indicates its feasibility in further practical applications.

This research introduces a non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor utilizing flower-like nickel ox-ide/carbon (fl-NiO/C) microspheres for the precise detection of L-glutamic acid (LGA), a crucial neurotransmitter in the field of healthcare and a frequently utilized food additive and flavor en-hancer. The fl-NiO/C were synthesized with controllable microstructures using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as precursors followed by a simple calcination process. The uniformly synthe-sized fl-NiO/C microspheres were further characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spec-troscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM). The fl-NiO/C was utilized as a modi-fier on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode, and an impedimetric sensor based on Electro-chemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) was developed for the detection of LGA. The proposed sensor demonstrated excellent catalytic activity and selectivity towards LGA across a broad con-centration range of 10-800 μM with a sensitivity of 486.9 µA.mM-1.cm-2 and a detection limit of 1.28 µM (S/N=3). The sensor was also employed to identify LGA in blood plasma samples, yield-ing results that align with those obtained through HPLC. This achievement highlights the poten-tial of fl-NiO/C microspheres in advancing cutting-edge biosensing applications.

In this work, we demonstrate that cutting diamond crystals with a laser (532 nm wavelength, 0.5 mJ energy, 200 ns pulse duration at 15 kHz) produces a ≲20nm thick surface layer with magnetic order at room temperature. We have measured the magnetic moment with a SQUID magnetometer of six natural and six CVD diamond crystals of different size, nitrogen content and surface orientations. A robust ferromagnetic response at 300 K is observed only for crystals that were cut with the laser along the (100) surface orientation. The magnetic signals are much weaker for the (110) and negligible for the (111) orientations. We attribute the magnetic order to the disordered graphite layer produced by the laser at the diamond surface. The ferromagnetic signal vanished after chemical etching or after moderate temperature annealing. The obtained results indicate that laser treatment of diamond may pave the way to create ferromagnetic spots at its surface.

Carbon nanomaterials with a different character of the chemical bond – graphene (sp2) and nanodiamond (sp3) are the building bricks for a new class of all-carbon hybrid nanomaterials, where the two different carbon networks with the sp3 and sp2 hybridization coexist, interact and even transform into one another. The unique electronic, mechanical, and chemical properties of the two border nanoallotropes of carbon ensure the immense application potential and versatility of these all-carbon graphene – diamond nanomaterials. The review gives an overview of the current state of the art of graphene – diamond nanomaterials, including their composites, heterojunctions, and other hybrids for sensing, electronic, energy storage, and other applications. Also, the graphene-to-diamond and diamond-to-graphene transformations at the nanoscale, essential for innovative fabrication, and stability and chemical reactivity assessment are discussed based on extensive theoretical, computational, and experimental studies.

This comprehensive review paper provides a detailed analysis of the extraction methods employed in the dimension stone industry. Natural rock materials used in construction, have been historically extracted using primitive techniques such as thermal shock, hammer and chisel, and plug and feather. However, significant technological advancements have revolutionized the industry, leading to the widespread adoption of mechanized methods. One highly efficient technique is diamond wire cutting, which involves the utilization of diamond-engraved bits affixed to a tensioned steel wire. This method has demonstrated remarkable capabilities in minimizing waste generation and ensuring exceptional machining quality. Nonetheless, challenges such as high operating costs and wire breakage persist and require further investigation. In addition to diamond wire cutting, this review explores the utilization of circular diamond saws and frame sawing as alternative extraction methods. The geotechnical characteristics of the stone play a critical role in the selection of appropriate machinery, and researchers worldwide have conducted numerous studies to investigate the impact of each parameter on the extraction efficiency of these mechanized techniques. Moreover, controlled blasting with explosives emerges as a promising alternative for dimension stone extraction, warranting further exploration and optimization.

In the present work, diamond films have been grown on GaN-on-Sapphire substrates by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with the addition of nitrogen to the standard H2/CH4 precursor recipe. Diamond on GaN materials processing is not straight-forward, as GaN is susceptible to a quasi-pure hydrogen CVD plasma etching. 1%, 3% and 5% N2 gas was gradually added to the H2 gas with fixed 6% CH4 in the recipe to promote the growth of diamond nanocrystals. Different types of microstructures were produced, with addition of nitrogen to the precursor gas recipe. Nitrogen gas changes the diamond film microstructure from faceted to spherical grains, with signs of GaN etching. The sp3 bonded diamond film produced by nitrogen addition was found to be co-deposited along with a considerable amount of other non-diamond carbon phases (D - disordered graphite, G - crystalline graphite, TPA - trans-polyacetylene) and qualitatively all the diamond films were 50% pure (Raman peak ratio Isp3 / ID). The FWHM of the sp3 carbon Raman peak was calculated to be 6.5 cm-1, when there was no nitrogen gas in the precursor recipe, which deteriorates to a large extent after successive addition of N2. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed a strong presence of the nitrogen related defects (peak positions at 1190 and 1299 cm-1) inside the nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films grown with N2 addition. GaN layer etching from the base substrate by the CVD plasma was clearly evidenced by energy dispersive X-ray spectra (EDS) of the deposited films. Al elemental EDS peaks from the base sapphire substrate were observed for the films grown with nitrogen addition, but no Ga EDS peaks were detected. X-ray diffraction (XRD) micrographs further supported the enhanced GaN etching phenomenon. Nitrogen addition was thus found to be detrimental for growing CVD diamond films over GaN surfaces. The electrical resistivity of the uncoated GaN was initially measured to be 22.2 Ω-cm. However, the resistivity rose to 1.59×106 Ω-cm after the nitrogen assisted film deposition; due to the GaN etching - thereby exposing the underlying insulating sapphire substrate.

Diamond powders with inclusions of europium atoms were synthesized at high pressure (7.7 GPa) and temperature (1800oC) from a mixture of pentaerythritol, C(CH2OH)4, and pyrolyzate of diphthalocyanine (C64H32N16Eu) served as a special precursor. In prepared diamonds by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, we have found the concentration of Eu atoms of 51±5 ppm that is by two orders of magnitude greater than that in known natural and synthetic diamonds. X-ray diffraction, SEM, X-ray exited optical luminescence, Raman and IR spectroscopy have confirmed the formation of diamond monocrystals of high quality with em-bedded Eu atoms and a nitrogen content of ~500 ppm. Numerical simulation has allowed us de-termine the energy cost of 5.8 eV needed for the incorporation of a single Eu atom with adjacent vacancy into growing diamond crystal (528 carbons).

Thermobarometric calculations for mineral inclusions in diamonds provide a systematic comparison of PTXFO2 conditions for different cratons worldwide, using a database of 4440 mineral EPMA analyses. Beneath all cratons, the cold branch of the mantle geotherm (35-32 mWm−2) relates to the sub-Ca garnets and rarely omphacitic diamond inclusions, referring to major continental growth events in Archean. High-temperature plume-related geotherms are common in Proterozoic kimberlites such as Premier, Mesozoic – Roberts Victor etc. and are common in Slave and Siberian cratons. In mobile belts: Limpopo, Magondi, Ural Ural, Khapchan belts and in the marginal parts of cratons like Kimberly Australia pyroxenitic and eclogitic pyroxenes and garnets prevail. The pyropes in the mobile belts are more Fe- and Ca-rich, in central parts of cratons, the peridotitic associations with sub- Ca pyropes prevail. The accretionary complexes like Khapchan and Magondi belts a thick eclogite-pyroxenite lens is highly diamondiferous. Comparison by minerals shows that the PT estimates for clinopyroxenes and orthopyroxene from peridotites and eclogites are representing mainly the middle part of the sub-lithospheric mantle while garnets gives more high-pressure estimates. refer to eclogites and reflect the processes of the differentiation during migration of partial melts. This produces the trends of joint decreasing Mg’ and pressures. The PT for the chromites reflect conditions just above the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary and mainly were formed due to interaction with the hydrous plume protokimberlite melts. Archean diamond inclusions from Wawa province Canada are represented by Ca-enrich pyropes giving low-temperature conditions. Inclusions from younger kimberlites in Superior and Slave (and Siberian and East European ) cratons show complex high-temperature geotherms due to plumes influence. Peridotite garnets beneath the Amazonian craton indicate complex layering in the lithosphere base and a pyroxene layer in the middle part of SCLM. Diamond inclusions from the Kimberley craton of Australia show the greatest variations in the temperatures and composition.

Existing proofs of the 4-color theorem succeeded by establishing an unavoidable set of reducible configurations. By this device, their authors showed that a minimum counterexample cannot exist. G.D. Birkhoff proved that a minimum counterexample must satisfy a connectivity property that is referred to in modern parlance as internal 6-connectivity. We show that a minimum counterexample must also satisfy a coloring property, one that we call Kempe-locking. We define the terms Kempe-locking configuration and fundamental Kempe-locking configuration. We provide a heuristic argument that a fundamental Kempe-locking configuration must be of low order and then perform a systematic search through isomorphism classes for such configurations. We describe a methodology for analyzing whether an arbitrary planar triangulation is Kempe-locked; it involves deconstructing the triangulation into a stack of configurations with common endpoints and then creating a bipartite graph of coloring possibilities for each configuration in the stack to assess whether certain 2-color paths can be transmitted from the configuration's top boundary to its bottom boundary. All Kempe-locked triangulations we discovered have two features in common: (1) they are Kempe-locked with respect to only a single edge, say $xy$, and (2) they have a Birkhoff diamond with endpoints $x$ and $y$ as a proper subgraph. On the strength of our various investigations, we are led to a plausible conjecture that the Birkhoff diamond is the only fundamental Kempe-locking configuration. If true, this would establish that the connectivity and coloring properties of a minimum counterexample to the 4-color theorem are incompatible. It would also point to the singular importance of a particularly elegant 4-connected triangulation of order 9 that consists of a triangle enclosing a pentagon enclosing a single vertex.

For distances less 10 nm, a total energy transfer occurs from a quantum emitter to a nearby metallic surface, producing evanescent surface waves that are plasmonic in nature. When investigating a metallic nanohole supported on an optically dense substrate (such as diamond with NV-), the scattering occurred preferentially from the diamond substrate towards the air for dipole distances less 10 nm from the aperture. In addition, an enhancement to the dipole's radiative decay rate was observed when resonance of the aperture matched the emitters wavelength. The relationship between an emitter and a nearby resonant aperture is shown to be that of the resonance energy transfer where the emitter acts as a donor and the hole as an acceptor. In conjunction with the preferential scattering behavior, this has led to the proposed device that operates in transmission mode, eliminating the need for epi-illumination techniques and optically denser than air superstrates in the collection cycle, hence making the design simpler and more suitable for miniaturization. A design criterion for the surface grating is also proposed to improve the performance, where the period of the grating differs significantly from the wavelength of the surface plasmon polaritons. Response of the proposed device is further studied with respect to changes in NV's position and its dipolar orientation to identify the crystallographic planes of diamond over which the performance of the device is maximized.

All-dielectric metasurfaces offer a low-loss alternative to plasmonic metasurfaces. We proposed the configuration for high-reflectivity all-dielectric metasurfaces based on single-crystal diamond (SCD) resonators on fused silica substrate and conducted simulations to optimize and analyse such configuration via FDTD solver. We utilized GMR as design principles to select the configuration and the substrate material, and analyzed the scattering properties of a single SCD resonator by multipole decomposition. Then we have demonstrated that both the cylindrical resonators in square lattice and frustum-shaped resonators in hexagonal lattice can achieve near-unity reflectivity (> 99.99%) and ultra-low absorption (< 0.001%) at 795 nm, the typical alkali-metal laser wavelength. Additionally, we have demonstrated that such design is quite tolerant to fabrication errors and further supports its potential for realistic applications. To expand the functionality of such devices across multiple wavelengths, a dual-band high-reflectivity meta-surfaces at 744 nm and 828 nm has also been designed. Our work is quite useful for designing diamond-based highly reflective mirrors, paving the way for low-loss all-dielectric reflective metasurfaces in high-power laser applications.

To achieve n-type doping in diamond, extensive investigations employing first principles have been conducted on various models of phosphorus doping and boron-phosphorus co-doping. The primary focus of this study is to comprehensively analyze the formation energy, band structure, density of states, and ionization energy of these structures. It is observed that within a diamond structure solely composed of phosphorus atoms, the formation energy of an individual carbon atom is excessively high. However, the substitution of two carbon atoms leads to the conversion of diamond into a p-type semiconductor. Upon examining the P-B co-doping structure, it is revealed that the doped impurities exhibit a tendency to form more stable cluster configurations. As the separation between the freely doped atoms and the cluster impurity structure increases, the overall stability of the structure diminishes, consequently resulting in an elevation of the ionization energy. Analysis of the electronic density of states demonstrates that the electron orbit of the B atom makes negligible contributions to the impurity levels during P-B doping.

We previously described spherical crystals in minerals from prismatine-bearing rock from Waldheim, including ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) minerals such as stishovite and coesite, in uncommon crustal environments. To determine if this was an outlier phenomenon, we searched for equivalent inclusions in other rocks, which we indeed discovered in a Variscan tin granite sensu stricto from the Erzgebirge. The identification of more examples of this phenomenon implies a novel, very rapid transcrustal transport mechanism, which however is not unique. We demonstrate the unusual occurrence of UHP minerals (moissanite, diamond, lonsdaleite, stishovite, coesite, kumdykolite, and cristobalite-II) in topaz of granitic rocks, which reflects the direct interaction of mantle and crust via supercritical fluids or extremely volatile-rich melts. Most UHP minerals are tiny inclusions in moissanite. The trapping by this mineral prevents a fast reaction in an extraneous environment.

Two types of trenches cross-section in conventional vertical and brand new reverse-V-shape have fabricated on SCD substrate by micro-jet water-assist laser, the epitaxial lateral overgrowth technique has applied by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition system in forming multiple micrometer-size channels. Raman and SEM techniques have applied in analyze both types growth layer characterization. Optical microscope has used to test microchannels hollowness. As a result, with the brand new reverse-V-shape trench, epitaxial lateral overgrowth layer reaches higher SCD surface morphology and crystal quality.

Diamond is a material with excellent performances which attracts the attention from researchers for decades. Pt (111), owing to its catalytic activity on diamond synthesis, is regarded to be a candidate for diamond hetero-epitaxity, which can enhance nucleation density. Molten surface at diamond growth temperature can also improve mobility and aggregation capability of primitive nuclei. Generally, (100)-oriented is welcomed for the achivement of high quality and large size diamond, since the formation of defects and twins are prevented. First-principle calculations and experimental researches were carried out for the study of transformation of orientation. The transformation from {111} to {100}-oriented diamond has been observed on Pt (111) substrate, which can be promoted by the increase of carbon source concentration and substrate temperature. The process is energetic favorable, which may provides a way towards large-scale (100) diamond films.

In a bandsaw machine the blade guides provide additional stiffness and help to align the blade near the cutting region. Typically these are either in form of blocks made of carbide or ceramics or as sealed bearings. Abrasive particles, generated while cutting hard and brittle materials like natural stones, settle between the contact surfaces of the guides and the blade causing wear and premature failure. The hydrostatic guide system as presented in this work, is a contactless blade guiding method that uses force of several pressurized water jets to align the blade to the direction of the cut. For this investigation, cutting tests were performed on a marble block using a galvanic diamond coated bandsaw blade with the upper roller guides replaced by hydrostatic guides. The results show that the hydrostatic guides help to reduce the passive force while cutting to a constant near zero in contrast to the traditional guides. This also resulted in reduced surface roughness of the stone plates that were cut indicating a reduction in lateral vibration of the band. Additionally, it has also been shown that using hydrostatic guides the bandsaw blade can be tilted to counter the bandsaw drift opening opportunities for further research in active alignment control. This original research work has shown that the hydrostatic guide systems are capable of replacing and in fact perform better than state of the art bearing or block guides particularly for stone cutting applications.

A Micro holes in a diamond are presented by using a homemade femtosecond (fs) Yb:KGW laser. An fs laser source was used emitting pulse duration of 230 fs at 1030 nm wavelength, whereas the spot size amounted to 8.9 μm. Parameters like pulse energy, and pulse number were varied over a wide range in order to evaluate their influence both on the micro hole geometry like hole diameter, circularity, taper angle, and on the drilling quality. Hourglass-shaped micro holes whose diameters decrease and increase again after a certain depth have important applications. The results demonstrate the feasibility of extending the drilling of an hourglass-shaped hole in a diamond sample, which has similar diameters at the hole entrance (92 μm) and exit (95 μm), but a much smaller diameter (28 μm) at a certain waist section inside the hole.

Simple Summary: This review explores the origin of Leukemic Stem-Like Cells (LSLCs) from (Very) Small Leukemic Stem-Like Cells ((V)SLSLCs) and Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) from trans-formed Very Small Embryonic-Like Stem Cells (VSELSCs). Understanding this relation is a step toward uncovering the mechanisms behind cancer and leukemia initiation and development. We explore how these very small precursor cell stages might contribute to the initiation and progres-sion of cancer as well as leukemia with a focus on Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) as a model. Abstract: Recent experimental findings indicate that CSCs originate from transformed VSELSCs, which are early precursor stages of healthy stem cells. This discovery marks a crucial step in understanding the mechanisms that drive cancer development and initiation. Our team's follow-up studies on leukemia, lung cancer, and healthy embryonic kidney cells have, for the first time, identified stag-es resembling very small precursor stem cells in continuously growing cell lines. These findings suggest the existence of (Very) Small Cancer Stem Cells ((V)SCSCs) or (V)SLSCs within respective subpopulations of CSCs and LSCs in vivo. In this review, we explore theoretical examples of how leukemia progresses through various stages, highlighting the role of these very small precursor cells as fundament primitive stages. We also discuss the potential implications of further research into these unique cellular stages for advancing cancer and leukemia treatment and prevention strategies.

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) has classified papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) into indolent RAS-like and aggressive BRAF-like based on its distinct driver gene mutations. This study aimed to assess clinicopathology and pERK1/2 expression variations between BRAF-like and RAS-like PTCs and establish predictive models for BRAFV600E and RAS-mutated PTCs. A total of 222 PTCs underwent immunohistochemistry staining to assess pERK1/2 expression and Sanger sequencing to analyze the BRAF and RAS genes. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to develop prediction model. Independent predictors for the BRAFV600E mutation include a nuclear score of 3, the absence of capsules, an aggressive histology variant, and pERK1/2 levels exceeding 10% (X2=0.128, P&gt;0.05, AUC=0.734, P&lt;0.001). RAS mutation predictive model includes follicular histology variant and pERK1/2 expression &gt;10% (X2=0.174, P&gt;0.05, AUC=0.8, P&lt;0.001). We proposed using the prediction model concurrently with four potential combination group outcomes. PTC cases included in combination of low BRAFV600E-scoring group and high RAS-scoring group are categorized as RAS-like (adjOR=4.857, P=0.01, 95% CI=1.470-16.049). PTCs included in combination of high BRAFV600E-scoring group and low RAS-scoring group are categorized as BRAF-like PTCs (adjOR=3.091, P=0.001, 95% CI=1.594-5.995). The different prediction models indicate variations in biological behaviour between BRAF-like and RAS-like PTCs, necessitating adjustments in treatment approaches.

This study delves into the intricate social dynamics beneath South Kalimantan's traditional diamond mines, revealing a potential for conflict amidst the promise of economic uplift. Going beyond conventional economic and environmental perspectives, the research employs Galtung's Conflict Theory, examining the interplay of attitudes, behaviours, norms, values, and political influences. By adopting this nuanced approach, the study unveils hidden fault lines within these communities, providing a comprehensive understanding of how diverse factors converge to create discord. The consequences of unaddressed conflict include shattered livelihoods, environmental degradation, and fractured communities. The study employs rigorous quantitative methods to empower stakeholders in proactive conflict management, including questionnaires and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with data from 400 respondents. The findings underscore the significant roles of behaviours, attitudes, norms, and politics in fueling tension, with values demonstrating surprisingly less direct influence. This insight is a roadmap for conflict prevention and sustainable development, allowing stakeholders to tailor interventions based on specific conflict-driving factors. The study urges a shift from reactive to proactive measures, envisioning a future where prosperity continues to glimmer and communities thrive in harmony, free from conflict.

Building situated in the flow path of wind is subjected to differential velocity and pressure distribution around the building envelope. Wind effects are influenced and vary for each individual shape of the tall building. Tall building structures are considered as cantilever structures with fixed ends at the ground. Wind exponential velocity acting along the height of the building makes velocity and pressure distribution more complex as the height of the building structure increases. This study discussed the effect of wind on an irregular cross-section shape. The study was conducted numerically with a building model placed in a virtual wind tunnel using the ANSYS (CFX) software tool. Wind effects are investigated on building model situated in a terrain category - II defined in IS: 875 (Part 3): 2015 wind scale model of 1:100 and turbulence intensity is 5 % and power law index α is considered as 0.143. Validation and verification of the study were made by comparing pressure coefficients on faces of a rectangular model of similar floor area and height as taken for a C-plan diamond-shaped model under similar boundary conditions, wind environment, and solver setting of numerical setup. The values of surface pressures generated on the recessed faces of the model and wind flow patterns within the recessed cavity were studied at wind incident angles 0°, 300, 60°, 1050, 1350 & 1800. The critical suction on all the recessed faces was observed to be at a 105° angle of wind attack.

Basic mechanisms of laser interaction with synthetic diamond are reviewed. The features of the major regimes of diamond surface etching are considered. Besides well-known graphitization and ablation processes, the nanoablation and accumulative graphitization, which attracted the attention relatively recently, are described in detail. The focus is placed on femtosecond (fs) laser exposure which provides a formation of dense cold electron-hole plasma in focal zone and a minimum overheating in surrounding area. This potentially opens the way to develop unique laser-based technologies combining physical and chemical processes for precise surface treatment and functionalization. The physical limitations determining how precisely the diamond surface can be treated by short-pulsed laser radiation and possible pathways to overcome them with the end to remove ultra-thin layers of the material are discussed. Particular attention is devoted to the novel possibility to induce local formation of point active defects - nitrogen vacancy (NV) complexes in the laser-irradiated zone. Both the regimes of NV centers generation with and without graphitization of diamond lattice are reviewed. It is thus shown that intensive pulse laser radiation is a perfect tool for processing of synthetic diamonds on the micro, nano and even on an atomic level that can be well controlled and managed.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a key role in the innate immune response to numerous pathogens, including Acanthamoeba sp. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in the eyes of mice following intranasal infection with Acanthamoeba sp. Amoebae used in this study were isolated from the bronchial aspirate of a patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and atypical symptoms of pneumonia. We found statistically significant differences in the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in the eyes of immunocompetent mice at 8, 16, and 24 days post Acanthamoeba sp. infection (dpi) compared to control. Immunosuppressed mice showed significant differences in the expression of TLR2 at 16 and 24 dpi compared to uninfected animals. Our results indicate that TLR2 and TLR4 are upregulated in the eyes of mice in response to Acanthamoeba sp. We suggest that it is possible for trophozoites to migrate through the optic nerve from the brain to the eyes.

In recent years, the term quantum-like has been increasingly used in different disciplines, including neurosciences, psychological and socio-economical disciplines, claiming that some investigated phenomena show “something” in common with quantum processes and, therefore, they can be modeled using a sort of quantum formalism. Therefore, the increasing use of the term quantum-like calls for defining and sharing its meaning in order to properly adopt it and avoid possible misuse. In our opinion, the concept of quantum-like may be successfully applied to macroscopic phenomena and empirical sciences other than physics when at least two conditions are satisfied: a) the behavior of the investigated phenomena show logical analogies with quantum ones; b) it is possible to find a criterion of truth based on an experiential/scientific approach applied to a probabilistic model of description of the phenomena. This is only a first, small step in the approach to the concept of quantum-like, hopefully helpful to promote further discussion and achieve a better definition.

It is well known that the basis of diffraction analysis of matter is scattering, including scattering of ultrashort laser pulses. In the theory of scattering of ultrashort pulses the pulse duration parameter is usually not taken into account, which leads to some error. This error may be more significant than the considered effects in the scattering of the pulse on the studied structure. In this paper it is shown that the pulse duration parameter should be taken into account when scattering X-ray pulses on oriented diamonds with NV-centers. It is shown that the scattering spectra can be used to judge the orientation of NV centers in the diamond structure. The obtained results may be very different from the widely used theory of diffraction analysis, which confirms the necessity of taking into account the pulse duration parameter in the diagnosis of complex structures.

The main purpose of the work was to determine the powder composition and properties of iron-based sinters used as a matrix in metallic diamond tools. The FeCuSnNi sinters obtained from a mixture of commercial powders were used for research. The material was subjected to milling in a ball mill and sinter have been performed with the hot-pressing technique in a graphite mold. The physical and mechanical properties of the sinters were tested. The investigations of obtained sinters concerned density, porosity, hardness, oxygen content, static tensile test and analysis of microstructure. The static tensile test was carried out with the use of a universal testing machine UTS-100. The study of the microstructure of sinters was performed using the JSM-7100F scanning electron microscope. The sinters are characterized by a high coefficient of thermal expansion and good mechanical properties. The FeCuSnNi sinter revealed a complex phase structure. Spot chemical analysis revealed the presence of Fe solution, Cu solution and the presence of iron oxides oxides. Nickel atoms were present throughout the sinter volume. The obtained results indicate that the presented material can be used as a matrix of a diamond-metal composite in diamond tools for the processing of natural stones and building materials.

Inscription of embedded photoluminescent microbits inside a bulk natural diamond, LiF and CaF2 crystals was performed in sub-filamentation (geometrical focusing) regime by 525nm 0.2ps laser pulses focused by 0.65NA micro-objective as a function of pulse energy, exposure and inter-layer separation. The resulting microbits were visualized by 3Dscanning confocal Raman/photoluminescence microscopy as conglomerates of photo-induced quasi-molecular color centers and tested regarding their annealing. Minimal lateral and longitudinal microbit separations, enabling their robust read-out, were measured in LiF as 1.5 and 13 microns, respectively, to be improved regarding information storage capacity by more elaborate focusing systems. These findings pave a way to novel optical storage platforms utilizing ultrashort-pulse laser inscription of photoluminescent microbits as carriers of archival memory.

Scattering of ultrashort X-ray pulses (USP) is an important component of the diffraction analysis of matter using modern USP sources. Usually, the specific scattering of such USPs is not taken into account to determine the structure of a substance. Taking into account the specifics of scattering on complex structures will give more accurate results when deciphering complex structures. In this work, it is shown that when X-ray USPs are scattered on diamond with NV centers, it is necessary to take into account the pulse duration. The results obtained can be very different from the widely used theory of diffraction analysis, which confirms the need to take into account the specifics of USP scattering when diagnosing complex structures. It is also shown that scattering spectra are quite sensitive to the concentration of NV centres in the diamond structure and this can be used in diffraction analysis.

Melting phase relations of the diamond-forming system olivine (Ol) – jadeite (Jd) – diopside (Di) – (Mg, Fe, Ca, Na)-carbonates (Carb*) – (C-O-H-fluid) are studied in experiments at 6.0 GPa in the polythermal section Ol74Carb*18.5(C-O-H)7.5 - Omp74Carb*18.5(C-O-H)7.5, where Ol = Fo80Fa20, Omp (omphacite) = Jd62Di38 and Carb* = (MgCO3)25(FeCO3)25(CaCO3)25(Na2CO3)25. Peritectic reaction of olivine and jadeite-bearing melt with formation of garnet has been determined as a physico-chemical mechanism of ultrabasiс-basiс evolution of the diamond-forming system. In the process CO2-component of the supercritical C-O-H-fluid can react with silicate components to form additional carbonates of Mg, Fe, Ca and Na. Solidus temperature of the diamond-forming system is depressed to 1000-1020°C by joint effect of the H2O-fluid and carbonate constituents thereof. The experimentally recognized peritectic mechanism of ultrabasiс-basiс evolution of the diamond-forming system explains the origin of the associated paragenetic inclusions of peridotite and eclogite minerals in diamonds as well as the xenoliths of diamond-bearing peridotites and eclogites of the kimberlitic deposits of diamond. The diamond-forming systems have formed with the use of material of the upper mantle native peridotite rocks. In this case the capacity of the rocks to run the peritectic reaction of olivine was transmitted with silicate components to the diamond-forming systems.

A typical solid-state quantum sensor can be developed based on negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy (NV-) centers in diamond. The electron spin state of NV- can be controlled and read at room temperature. Through optical detection magnetic resonance (ODMR) technology, temperature measurement inside living cells can be achieved at the nanoscale. The key to ODMR technology is to apply microwave resonance to manipulate the electron spin state of NV-. Therefore, the microwave field characteristics formed near the NV- have a crucial impact on the sensitivity of ODMR measurement. This article mainly focuses on the temperature situation in cellular applications, and simulates the influence of structural parameters of double open loop resonant (DOLR) microwave antennas and broadband large-area (BLA) microwave antennas on the microwave field’s resonance frequency, quality factor Q, magnetic field strength, uniformity, etc. The parameters are optimized to have sufficient bandwidth, high signal-to-noise ratio, low power loss, and high magnetic field strength in the temperature range of 36 ℃ to 42.5 ℃. Finally, the ODMR spectra are used for effect comparison, and the signal-to-noise ratio and Q values of the ODMR spectra are compared when using different antennas. We have provided an optimization method for the design of microwave antennas and it is concluded that the DOLR microwave antenna is more suitable for living cell temperature measurement in our study.

As the global aging trend continues to intensify, there will inevitably be more complex and diverse aging problems in the future. There is no doubt that designers have the responsibility to explore the possibilities of the future and solve the problems that will be faced in the future. Based on the Future Cone, the Double Diamond Model and the IDEO Method Cards, this study proposes a new model to guide the design practice of future aging issues in the context of aging. With the aim of validating and refining the framework, an ageing designer workshop was held where participants were asked to imagine, explore and express ideas about future ageing issues. The workshop was used to refine the proposed model. More specifically, the model includes a future concept, a design guidance process based on the Double Diamond Model, and tools that can be applied at all stages of design, which can help designers generate ideas and solutions for future aging problems, and collectively lead society to a more desirable future. Moreover, this study also explores broader directions for the development of the model and provides a reference for continued research on this topic in the future.

The structural stability of γ-boron is investigated using Raman spectra under high pressures up to 126 GPa at ambient temperature. The pressure dependence of all the Raman-active modes of the γ-boron is reported. We also observe amusing changes within the B3g and B1g Raman-active vibrational modes, which results in the phenomenon of merging first and then separating of the Raman peaks. In addition to the Raman measurements, the changes in crystal structure and force constants are calculated to reasonably explain the discrepancy between the two Raman modes in response to pressure. The results of the continuous shifts for all Raman modes with increasing pressure indicate that γ-boron remains stable below this pressure value, with no changes in either symmetry or structure.

Anal stenosis, which develops as a result of aggressive excisional hemorrhoidectomy, especially with the stoutly use of advanced technologies (LigaSure, Ultrasonic Dissector, Laser, etc.), has become common, causing significant deterioration in the patient's quality of life. Although non-surgical treatment is effective for mild anal stenosis, surgical reconstruction is unavoidable for moderate to severe anal stenosis that causes distressing, severe anal pain, and inability to defecate. The problem in anal stenosis, unlike anal fissure, is that the skin does not stretch as a result of chronic fibrosis due to surgery. Therefore, the application of lateral internal sphincterotomy does not provide satisfactory results in the treatment of anal stenosis. Surgical treatment methods are based on the use of flaps of different shapes and sizes to reconstruct the anal caliber and flexibility. This article aims to review the functional results, postoperative care, and complications of these methods.

The akimotoite--majorite--bridgmanite (Ak--Mj--Bm) triple point in MgSiO3 has been measured in large-volume press (LVP; COMPRES 8/3 assembly) and laser-heated diamond anvil cell (LHDAC). For the LVP data, we calculated pressures from the calibration by Leinenweber (2012). For the LHDAC data, we conducted \textit{in situ} determination of pressure at high temperature using the Pt scale by Dorogokupets and Dewaele (2007) at synchrotron. The measured temperatures of the triple point are in good agreement between LVP and LHDAC at 1990-2000 K. However, the pressure for the triple point determined from the LVP is 3.9+/-0.6~GPa lower than that from the LHDAC dataset. The triple point determined through these experiments will provide an important reference point in the pressure-temperature space for future high-pressure experiments and allow mineral physicists to compare the pressure--temperature conditions measured in these two different experimental methods.

The analysis of methods of cleaning and processing of saponite-bearing technogenic waters of diamond mining enterprises of the Arkhangelsk region is carried out. The perspective of the electrochemical separation method for extracting saponite from man-caused waters, providing a targeted change in its structural-texture, physico-chemical and mechanical properties, is shown. The possible directions of realization of saponite and products of its modification in various branches of industry are considered.

After screening nearly 1000 synthetic peptides, a synthetic peptide termed JAL-AK22 (KYEGHWYPEKPYKGSGFRCIHI) derived from the BoxA domain in Tob1 protein was found to activate both unfolded and folded proMMP-7. In addition, JAL-AK22 showed auto-proteolytic activity. Interestingly, the smaller derivative of JAL-AK22 termed JAL-TA9 (YKGSGFRMI) also possessed auto-proteolytic activity and cleaved 2 fragment peptides (MMP18-33 and MMP18-40) derived from the prodomain of proMMP-7 under physiological conditions. These proteolytic activities were inhibited by AEBSF, a serine protease inhibitor. Our results demonstrate that a small synthetic peptide consisting of only 9 amino acids has serine protease-like activity and activates proMMP-7 by cleaving the prodomain region. We thus propose calling small peptides possessing with protease-like activity Catalytides (catalytic peptides). We expect that our findings will stimulate the development of novel Catalytides and related applications.

In precision grinding of hard and brittle materials, coarse-grained diamond grinding wheels are increasingly favored for their efficiency and contour accuracy. However, challenges in dressing these grinding wheels have hindered their widespread adoption. In this paper, the effects of dressing parameters on the surface profile and morphological characteristics of electroplated coarse-grained diamond were studied, thereby optimizing the dressing accuracy and dressing efficiency of the coarse-grained diamond grinding wheel. Models for the surface morphology of the large-grained diamond grinding wheel and its grinding surface were established. With a focus on optimizing dressing accuracy, we explored how the grain’s protruding height post-dressing affects the surface morphology of both the diamond grinding wheel and the grinding surface. The model’s accuracy was verified by electroplated coarse-grained diamond grinding wheel grinding experiments with different grain protrusion heights, and the causes of surface morphology formation were analyzed based on morphological characteristic parameters such as surface roughness and surface height difference. The results showed that compared with the undressed grinding wheel, the surface roughness Sa and Sq of the workpiece by the dressing wheel are reduced by 97.75%−99.77% and 97.57%−99.73%, respectively. Precision dressing enables the surface roughness of the electroplated coarse-grained diamond grinding wheel to reach nanometer levels, enhancing its feasibility and application potential.

CubeSats, known for their compact size and cost-effectiveness, have gained significant popularity. However, their limited size imposes restrictions on optical aperture and, consequently, Ground Resolution Distance in Earth Observation missions. To overcome this limitation, the concept of deployable optical payloads with segmented primary mirrors which can unfold like petals has emerged, enabling larger synthetic apertures and enhanced spatial resolution. This study explores the potential benefits of leveraging Additive Manufacturing (AM) and Topology Optimization (TO) in the realm of ultra-precision machining, specifically single point diamond machining. The goal is to reduce fixture weight while improving stiffness to minimize deformations caused by rotational and cutting forces which compromise optical performance. Through Finite Element Analysis, this research compares conventionally machined fixtures with those produced using AM and TO techniques. The results reveal that concept designs created through TO can achieve a remarkable 68% reduction in weight. This reduction makes the assembly, including the machining fixture and 12U deployable segments, manageable by a single operator without the need for specialized lifting equipment. Moreover, these innovative designs lead to substantial reductions of up to 86% and 51% in deformation induced by rotational and cutting forces, respectively.

The investigation of plasma channels induced by focused ultra-short 1030-nm laser pulses in bulk of synthetic HPHT diamond revealed strong dependence of their size and shape on the used numerical aperture of the lens (NA=0.15-0.45). It was shown that at loose focusing conditions, it is possible to significantly increase the length of the plasma channel with a slight increase in pulse power, while tight focusing allows to obtain more compact structures in the same range of used powers. Such dependence paves the way to new possibilities in 3D processing of transparent dielectrics, allowing, for example, to vary the spatial parameters of modified regions without changing the setup, but only by controlling the lens aperture, which seems very promising for industrial applications.

NiO nanoparticles have been synthetized by calcination of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) precursors prepared using dimethylamine (DMA) as a precipitating agent. The incorporation of Ce and La oxides to the structure was investigated. The samples were characterized by element chemical analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis and specific surface area analysis. Furthermore, the optical band gaps of the semiconductor samples were estimated by ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The results showed that it is possible to obtain Ni-LDHs precursor with good crystallinity and a small crystal size, which can be used as precursors of NiO nanoparticles with ≈3.7 nm of crystal size. The semiconductors obtained have good values of band gaps with rather large specific surface areas, which make them suitable for their use as photocatalysts.

Poikilodermatous plaque-like hemangioma (PPH) is a recently described clinical and pathological entity, with only 18 cases reported in the literature. Although uncommon, this benign condition presents consistent clinical and histological findings. We present a new case of PPH in an 81-year-old male and review the existing literature. The persistence over time and the need to distinguish PPH from more significant lesions underscore the importance of its clinical and pathological recognition.

The present study aimed to develop a feeding strategy for pregnant sows which involved the prenatal administration of a mixture of pancreatic-like fungal enzymes, such as lipase, amylase, and protease, at (1) 1–115 days of gestation (group D1) and (2) 80–115 days of gestation (group D2) and to carry out a comparison with groups of sows that were not receiving such supplementation (negative control [NC] and positive control [PC]). It was found that the administration of the enzyme supplement resulted in a significant shortening of gestation (P ≤ 0.01). The pancreatic enzymes administered to sows had a significant effect on the number of liveborn piglets and weaned piglets, which was higher compared to the control groups that did not receive supplementation respectively: D1-12.1±1.1 and 11.12±1.1; D2- 12.8±1.3 and 11.75±0.07 vs. control groups KN-10.7±1.0 and 9.62±0,95 and KP 10.9±1.2 and 10.15±1.0 (P<0.006). Significant changes in piglet growth were observed after weaning up to 70 days of age. During this period, the most favorable growth parameters were found in groups D2 (420±91g) and PC (407±103g), in which piglets were given a mixture of pancreatic enzymes (lipase, amylase, and protease) at 3 weeks of age, and significantly higher weight gain and feed intake were observed compared to groups NC (378±114g) and D1 (381±96g) (P ≤ 0.007). In contrast, insulin levels were significantly lower in groups D1 and D2, respectively 6,8 IU/ml and 6,7 IU/ml compared to groups NC (14,6 IU/ml) and PC (16,6 IU/ml) ( (P ≤ 0.01). Piglets in group D2 had a significantly better feed conversion ratio (FCR) 1.604±0.10 compared to the other dietary groups: KN– 1.986±0.14; KP– 1.704±0.11; D1 – 1.932±0.15 (P ≤ 0.03). Histological imaging confirmed significantly thicker intestinal epithelium and intestinal mesenteron in animals from groups D2 and PC (P ≤ 0.03). Animals from the groups KP, D1 and D2 receiving enzymes showed a highly significant increase in the surface area of pancreatic follicles and pancreatic surface area compared to the group without KN supplementation (P<0.01). Furthermore, significantly higher activity of the brush border enzyme lactase was observed in groups D1; D2 and PC compared, respectively 32.90±3.99; 30.00±6.83 and 29.60±29.60 to group NC – 21.80± 3.27 (P ≤ 0.01).

Recent researches indicated that metal nanoparticles which have the unique optical properties can be used to enhance the spectral response of the photovoltaic modules. Since most of the nanoparticles have enhancement effects in a specific wavelength range, improving the spectral response of the photovoltaic modules in a broadband range is crucial for their applications in imaging, energy harvesting, and optical communication. In this study, flower-like silver particles are applied to achieve the enhancement effects in a broadband range. The optical absorption of photovoltaic modules is improved in a broad wavelength range of 400~2000 nm by immobilizing flower-like silver particles onto an amorphous Si p-i-n structure, and the peak responsivity of the spectral response is enhanced by about 10 times. Theoretical investigation further elaborates that the enhancement originates from the near-field effects of silver particles due to the interaction of different parts of the flower-like silver particles. Through these studies, we demonstrate that, utilizing the subwavelength silver particles with roughness surface can achieve the spectral response of the photovoltaic modules enhanced in broadband range, which can improve the utilization efficiency of optical energy for the applications of sensing, imaging, optical communication, and energy harvesting.

Globally, rotavirus group A (RVA) remains a major cause of severe childhood diarrhea, despite the use of vaccines in &gt; 100 countries. RVA sequencing for local outbreaks facilitates investigation into strain composition, origins, spread, and vaccine failure. In 2018, we collected 248 stool samples from children aged &lt;13 years admitted with diarrheal illness to Kilifi County Hospital, coastal Kenya. Antigen screening detected RVA in 55 samples (22.2%). Of these, VP7 (G) and VP4 (P) segments were successfully sequenced in 48 (87.3%) and phylogenetic analysis based on the VP7 sequences identified seven genetic clusters with six different GP combinations; G3P[8], G1P[8], G2P[4], G2P[8], G9P[8] and G12P[8]. The G3P[8] strains predominated the season (n=37, 67.2%) and comprised three G3 genetic clusters that fell within Lineage I and IX (the latter also known as equine-like G3 lineage). Both two G3 lineages have been recently detected in several countries. Our study is the first to document African children infection with G3 lineage IX. These data highlight the global nature of RVA transmission and the importance of increasing global rotavirus vaccine coverage.

Globin-like superfamily constitutes a superfamily of both extracellular and intracellular proteins that are found in 3 kingdoms of life. Globins are respiratory proteins that usually bind an oxygen molecule .Earlier, phylogenetic study of globin like superfamily was based on morphological character, however, molecular basis of their functional diversity is not completely understood. The present study focuses on the phylogenetic analysis of globin at molecular level. Firstly, proteins of SCOP families of globin like superfamily were retrieved from NCBI and then similar proteins are retrieved from PSI BLAST results and then pfam was used to predict the domains and two domains: Globin and Phycobilisome were analysed. Other analysis predicted the localization in cytoplasm of most of the proteins. The nucleotide sequences of same species for protein analysis were retrieved from NCBI, and phylogenetic analysis of aligned fasta files of proteins and nucleotides by using MEGA at molecular level was performed and analysis shows the difference on taxonomic tree and phylogenetic tree.

We report herein high-resolution x-ray diffraction measurements of basal plane bending of homoepitaxial single-crystal diamond (SCD). The results reveal that growth parameters such as temperature, growth time and basal plane bending of the substrate affect the basal plane bending of SCD. First, the basal plane bending of SCD depends mainly on the substrate itself. The basal plane bending of SCD becomes more severe with increasing basal plane bending of the substrate and this type of basal plane bending cannot be recovered. The SCD growth experiments show that the basal plane bending increases at high temperature and with increasing growth time. Finally, to understand the mechanism behind basal plane bending, we investigate the substrate-surface temperature distribution as a function of basal plane bending of SCD fabricated by chemical vapour deposition (CVD). This allows us to propose a bending model and understand the origin of basal plane bending. The results indicate that an uneven temperature distribution on the substrate surface is the main cause of the CVD diamond base-plane bending.

The use of mixed-state ionic beams in collision dynamics investigations is examined. Using high resolution Auger projectile spectroscopy involving He-like ($1s^2\thinspace^1\!S, 1s2s\thinspace^{3,1}\!S$) mixed-state beams, the spectrum contributions of the $1s2s\thinspace^3\!S$ metastable beam component is effectively separated and clearly identified. This is performed with a technique that exploits two independent spectrum measurements under the same collision conditions, but with ions having quite different metastable fractions, judiciously selected by varying the ion beam charge-stripping conditions. Details of the technique are presented together with characteristic examples. In collisions of 4 MeV B$^{3+}$ with H$_2$ targets, the Auger electron spectrum of the separated $1s2s\thinspace^{3}S$ boron beam component allows for a detailed analysis of the formation of the $1s2s(^3\!S)nl \thinspace^2\!L$ states by direct $nl$ transfer. In addition, the production of hollow $2s2p\thinspace^{1,3}\!P$ doubly- and $2s2p^2\thinspace^2\!D$ triply-excited states, by direct excitation and transfer-excitation processes, respectively, can also be independently studied. In similar mixed-state beam collisions of 15 MeV C$^{4+}$ with H$_2$, He, Ne and Ar targets, the contributions of the $1s^2$, $1s2s\thinspace^{3,1}S$ beam components to the formation of the $2s2p\thinspace^{3,1}\!P$ states by double-excitation, $1s\rightarrow2p$ excitation and transfer-loss processes can be clearly identified, facilitating comparisons with theoretical calculations.

In this paper, we explore the surprising behavior of certain discrete maps, drawing inspiration from Collatz-like problems and advanced techniques in analytic number theory, dynamical systems, and differential geometry. Specifically, we investigate a driven cubic-quintic Duffing equation and predict the number of limit cycles around equilibrium points. Furthermore, we develop a novel theoretical framework for chaos suppression in damped-driven systems, leveraging sequences derived from Collatz-like problems. Our study also focuses on analyzing the density of these sequences in both Euclidean and Riemannian metric spaces, providing a comparative analysis of their distribution properties. We estimate the growth rate of sequence density analytically and numerically, highlighting the sensitivity of the density values to the choice of parameters in both metric spaces. Our results present new insights into the behavior of these sequences and their implications for number theory, chaotic dynamics, and geometric analysis.

Despite the recognized potential of nanoparticles, only a few formulations have progressed to clinical trials, and an even smaller number have been approved by the regulatory authorities and marketed. Virus-like particles (VLPs) have emerged as promising alternatives to most explored nanoparticles because of the absence of viral genetic material, their incapacity to replicate, mimicry of viral structure, and tropism conservation. Furthermore, VLPs can be surface functionalized with small molecules to improve circulation half-life and target specificity. Through the functionalization and coating of VLPs, it is possible to optimize the response properties to a given stimulus, such as heat, pH, an alternating magnetic field, or even enzymes. Surface functionalization can also modulate other properties, such as biocompatibility, stability, and specificity, deeming VLPs as potential vaccine candidates or delivery systems. In this review, we address the different types of functionalization of VLPs, their importance, and their consequent biomedical applications.

Glypicans are a family of heparan sulfate proteoglycans that are attached to the outer plasma membrane leaflet of the producing cell by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. Glypicans are involved in the regulation of many signalling pathways, including those that regulate the activities of Wnts, Hedgehog (Hh), Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) and Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs), among others. In the Hh signalling pathway, glypicans have been shown to be essential for ligand transport and the formation of Hh gradients over long distances, for the maintenance of Hh levels in the extracellular matrix and for its unimpaired reception in distant recipient cells. Recently, two mechanistic models have been proposed to explain how Hh can form the signalling gradient and how glypicans may contribute to it. In this review, we describe the structure, biochemistry and metabolism of glypicans and their interactions with different components of the Hh signalling pathway that are important for the release, transport and reception of Hh.

Cardiac hypertrophy typically follows myocardial damage, a process known to involve members of the Krüppel-Like Factors (KLFs) which have pro-hypertrophic and anti-hypertrophic roles. Our study delved into the molecular mechanisms underlying KLFs-cardiac hypertrophy interplay post myocardial infraction. We induced myocardial dam-age in rats using isoproterenol. Total RNA was extracted from the left ventricle and Quantitative Real Time RT-PCR was conducted to assess the expression of KLFs, cardiac commitment genes, inflammatory markers, and certain conduction-related genes. We devel-oped a computational approach to construct a proteomic network centered on KLFs. Initial results revealed early expression (2-3 days post-induction) of KLF3, KLF4 and KLF6, followed by the subsequent expression of KLF11 and KLF15 (5-8 days after induction). In the maturation stage, KLF12 and KLF13 regulators were found upregulated. IL-6 was gradually found to be upregulated through. Interaction analysis revealed KLF3, KLF8 and KLF12 interacted with cardiac electrical functions. RT-PCR confirmed up-regulation in cardiac genes linked to electrical function and scar maturation. Our findings underscore the central role of KLFs during the modulation of the cardiac hypertrophic response. Dysregulation of KLF expression resulted in damaged myocardium, participating in the progression of abnormal hypertrophy, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets for heart diseases.

Background: The number of people with type 2 diabetes is increasing daily, and therefore effective therapy is needed to successfully regulate glycemia and reduce the risk of associated complications. Recently, an oral formulation of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) semaglutide has become available. Therefore, the aim of our study was to compare the effectiveness of the new oral formulation and the existing injectable formulation of semaglutide in terms of glycemic and body weight control in a real-world setting. Patients and methods: This was a single-center retrospective observational study conducted at the Rijeka Clinical Hospital Centre. A total of 106 patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes (HbA1 ≥ 7%) on different oral or basal insulin supported oral therapy were recruited from the diabetes outpatient clinic, and data from electronic medical records were retrospectively collected and analyzed from May 2021 to November 2022. All subjects were GLP-1 RA naive and consequently prescribed 0.5 or 1.0 mg once weekly injectable semaglutide (IS) or 7 mg or 14 mg once daily oral semaglutide (OS) for at least 6 months. Glycated hemoglo-bin (HbA1c), body weight, and body mass index (BMI) were assessed prior to semaglutide administration and after a 6-month follow-up period. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in HbA1c, and sec-ondary endpoints were the change in body weight and the proportion of participants with a reduction in body weight of ≥ 5% and ≥ 10%, respectively, 6 months after the initiation of semaglutide treatment. Results: At 6-month follow-up, no significant difference was observed between the two formulations in terms of HbA1c reduction (IS -1.1% vs OS -1.4%, p=0.126) and weight loss (IS -6.50 kg vs OS -5.90 kg, p=0.714). Exactly the same proportion of participants in both groups achieved a weight loss of ≥ 5% (56.7%, n=30). A weight loss ≥ 10% was observed in 20.7% (n=11) of participants administered IS and 15.1% (n=8) of participants adminis-tered OS, respectively (p=0.454). Conclusion: In a real-world setting, oral semaglutide as add-on therapy to ongoing antihyperglycemic treatment in patients with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes who had not previously received GLP-1 RA demonstrated the same effectiveness as injectable semaglutide in terms of gly-cemic control and weight loss after 6 months of treatment.

Emerging evidence indicates that intracellular calcium (Ca2+) levels and their regulatory proteins play essential roles in normal stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are subpopulations of cancer cells that retain characteristics similar to stem cells and play an essential role in cancer progression. Recent studies have reported that the Orai3 calcium channel plays an oncogenic role in human cancer. However, its role in CSC remains underexplored. In this study, we explored the effects of Orai3 in the progression and stemness of oral/oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Orai3 expression was increased in a stepwise manner during the progression of OSCC. In addition, Orai3 was highly enriched in CSC populations of OSCC. Ectopic Orai3 expression in non-tumorigenic immortalized oral epithelial cells increased intracellular Ca2+ levels, acquiring malignant growth and CSC properties. Conversely, silencing of endogenous Orai3 in OSCC cells suppressed CSC phenotype, indicating a pivotal role of Orai3 in CSC regulation. Moreover, Orai3 markedly increased the expression of inhibitor of DNA binding 1 (ID1), a stemness transcription factor. Orai3 and ID1 were highly expressed in CSCs compared to non-CSCs, implying the functional importance of the Orai3/ID1 axis in CSC regulation. Furthermore, suppression of ID1 abrogated CSC phenotype in the cell with ectopic Orai3 overexpression and OSCC. Our study reveals that Orai3 is a novel functional CSC regulator in OSCC and further suggests that Orai3 plays an oncogenic role in OSCC by promoting cancer stemness via ID1 upregulation.

Venoms are a rich source of bioactive compounds, and among them is leberagin-C (Leb-C), a disintegrin-like protein derived from the venom Macrovipera lebetina transmediterrannea snakes. Leb-C has shown promising inhibitory effects on platelet aggregation. Previous studies have demonstrated that this SECD protein specifically targets α5β1, αvβ3 and αvβ6 integrins through a mimic mechanism of RGD disintegrins. In our current study, we focused on exploring the potential effects of Leb-C on metastatic breast cancer. Our findings revealed that Leb-C disrupted the adhesion, migration, and invasion capabilities of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and its highly metastatic D3H2LN sub-population. Additionally, we observed significant suppression of adhesion, migration, and invasion of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, Leb-C demonstrated a strong inhibitory effect on fibroblast growth factor 2-induced proliferation of HUVEC. We conducted in vivo experiments using nude mice and found that treatment with 2 µM of Leb-C resulted in a remarkable 73% reduction in D3H2LN xenograft tumor size. Additionally, quantification of intratumor microvessels revealed a 50 % reduction in tumor angiogenesis in xenograft after 21 days of twice-weekly treatment with 2 µM of Leb-C. Collectively, these findings suggest the potential utility of this dinsintegrin-like protein for inhibiting aggressive and resistant metastatic breast cancer.

KLFs seem to associate with congenital heart disease-linked syndromes, malformations because of autosomal diseases, mutations that relate to protein instability, and/or loss functions such as atheroprotective activities. Ischemic damage also relates to KLF dysregulation because of differentiation of cardiac myofibroblasts or a modified fatty acid oxidation, related to the formation of a dilated cardiomyopathy; myocardial infarctions, left ventricular hypertrophy and diabetic cardiomyopathies. MicroRNA have been involved in certain regulatory loops of KLFs as they may function as critical modulators of vascular smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis, in heart failure and as markers of endothelial damage in acute myocardial infarction.

Glioblastoma (GBM) still presents as one of the most aggressive tumors in the brain, which despite enormous research efforts remains incurable until today. As many theories evolve around the persistent recurrence of this malignancy the assumption of a small population of cells with a stem-like phenotype remains as a key driver of its infiltrative nature. In this article we research Chordin-like 1 (CHRDL1), a secreted protein, as a potential key regulator of the glioma stem-like cell (GSC) phenotype. It has been shown that CHRDL1 antagonizes the function of Bone Morphogenic Protein 4 (BMP4), which induces GSC differentiation and hence reduces tumorigenicity. We therefore employed two previously described GSCs spheroid cultures and depleted them of CHRDL1 using stable transduction of a CHRDL1-targeting shRNA. We show with in vitro cell based assays (MTT, limiting dilution and sphere formation assays), western blots, irradiation procedures and quantitative real-time PCR that depletion of the secreted BMP4 antagonist CHRDL1 prominently decreases functional and molecular stemness traits resulting in enhanced radiation sensitivity. As a result, we postulate CHRDL1 as an enforcer of stemness in GSCs and find additional evidence that high CHRDL1-expression might also serve as a marker protein to determine BMP4-susceptibility.

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate if there were any links between liver function biomarkers and immunoglobulins levels in serum, and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and neuropilin-1 (NRP1) in COVID-19 patients. The study also aimed to assess the accuracy—sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) by the receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis for immunoglobulins levels and TLRs expressions. Patients and Methods: This study included 150 patients (100 patients with confirmed COVID-19 and 50 healthy volunteers as a control group). Patients with COVID-19 were subdivided into two groups according to the severity of symptoms (moderate and severe, with 50 patients each). Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), albumin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), immunoglobulin (Ig) G, and IgM levels were estimated. TLRs (TLR2 and TLR4) and NRP1 gene expression in blood samples were investigated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). ROC analysis was also applied to determine the accuracy of various detected parameters in predicting the possibility of COVID-19 infection. Results: In COVID-19 patients, serum parameters related to liver function, except serum albumin, CRP, IgG, IgM, and TLR2, TLR4, and NRP1 mRNA expression levels, significantly elevated compared to controls. Severe COVID-19 patients exhibited significantly higher liver enzymes (ALT, AST and LDH), CRP, and TLR2 mRNA expression levels and lower albumin levels than the moderate group. In the moderate and severe groups, ALT, CRP, TLR2, and TLR4 had a significant positive correlation with IgM levels. ALT, AST, LDH, CRP, TLR2, and TLR4 showed a significant positive correlation with IgG levels in both groups. In both the moderate and severe groups, NRP1 expression was found to be significantly correlated with CRP, IgG, IgM, TLR2, and TLR4. In contrast, serum albumin levels exhibited a significant negative correlation with IgG and IgM levels only in the severe group, but they showed a significant negative correlation with TLR2, TLR4, and NRP1 expression in both moderate and severe groups. Serum ALT and AST activities were positively correlated with NRP1 expression in the moderate group but not in the severe group and as well as TLR2 and TLR4 expression in both the moderate and severe groups. ROC analysis indicated that AUC was higher than 0.800 for serum IgM level and TLR4 gene expression in moderate COVID-19 group. Conclusions: The increased liver function biomarkers in serum and NRP1 expression are closely correlated with sustained activations in humoral and innate immune responses during COVID-19 infection. As a result, TLR2, TLR4, and NRP1 could be targets for limiting COVID-19 infection and impairment effects on liver function. Moreover, detection of IgM level in serum and TLR4 expression in blood have a good accuracy in predicting the possibility of infection with COVID-19 in moderate cases.

Background/Aim: Uterine leiomyoma, also known as fibroids, is the most common benign neoplasm of the female genital tract. Leiomyoma, including its subtypes, is the most common uterine tumor. The subtypes account for approximately 10% of leiomyomas. Intravenous leiomyomatosis, a uterine leiomyoma subtype, is an intravascular growth of benign smooth muscle cells, occasionally with pelvic or extrapelvic extension. Uterine leiomyosarcoma, a malignant tumor, tends to metastasize hematogenously, and distant metastasis to the lungs and liver is common. Therefore, this intravenous leiomyomatosis’ oncological features resemble those of the malignant tumor uterine leiomyosarcoma. Cancer stem cells migrate to distant organs via intravascular infiltration, leading to micrometastases. Materials and Methods: We examined the oncological properties of intravenous leiomyomatosis using molecular pathological techniques on tissue excised from patients with uterine leiomyoma. Result: CD44-positive mesenchymal tumor stem-like cells were detected in both intravenous leiomyomatosis and uterine leiomyosarcoma. The oncological nature of intravenous leiomyomatosis was found to be similar to the oncological properties of uterine leiomyosarcoma. However, in intravenous leiomyomatosis, Cyclin E and Ki-67-positive cells were rare, and no pathological findings suspected to be malignant were observed. Conclusion: It is expected that establishing a treatment method targeting cancer stem cells will lead to the treatment of malignant tumors with a low risk of recurrence and metastasis.

: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and most aggressive primary brain tumor with a very high rate of recurrence and a median survival of 15 months after diagnosis. Abundant evi-dence suggests that a certain sub-population of cancer cells harbors a stem-like phenotype and is likely responsible for disease recurrence, treatment resistance and potentially even for the infil-trative growth of GBM. GBM incidence has been negatively correlated with the serum levels of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3, while the low pH within tumors has been shown to promote the ex-pression of the vitamin D3-degrading enzyme 24-hydroxylase, encoded by the CYP24A1 gene. Therefore, we hypothesized that calcitriol can specifically target stem-like glioblastoma cells and induce their differentiation. Here, we show using in vitro limiting dilution assays, quantita-tive real-time PCR and ex vivo adult organotypic brain slice transplantation cultures that thera-peutic doses of calcitriol, the hormonally active form of vitamin D3, reduces stemness to varying extent in a panel of investigated GSC lines and effectively hinders tumor growth of responding GSCs ex vivo. We further show that calcitriol synergizes with Temozolomide ex vivo to com-pletely eliminate some GSC tumors. These findings indicate that calcitriol carries potential as an adjuvant therapy for a subgroup of GBM patients and should be analyzed in more detail in fol-low-up studies.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a class of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) family that identify pathogen-associated molecular patterns derived from microbes and activate immune cell response. Following TLRs ligation, different adaptor and transcription molecules such as myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) are recruited that initiate inflammatory signaling pathways. The human Toll-like receptor 10 (hTLR10) is a novel member of the PRRs family with a regulatory function of immune responses because of unique cytoplasmic domains which lead to induction of both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies have reported the association of TLR10 polymorphisms with many inflammatory diseases and human cancer. Engagement of TLR10 on the surface of the epithelium and macrophages leads to the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, while other studies have proven an anti-inflammatory role of TLR10. Accordingly, TLR10 suppresses proinflammatory cytokine production via negative regulation of MyD88 and the Akt (protein kinase B) and MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling pathways. This review aimed to provide answers for these conflicting findings (Inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties of TLR10) to further identify distinct biological functions of TLR10.

Bufadienolides-like chemicals, which mostly composed the active ingredient of Chansu, had been widely discovered to possess anti-inflammatory, tumor-suppressing and antipain activity, but the mechanisms of action were not clearly illuminated. In this research, in order to explore the potential mechanism of bufadienolides-like chemicals on breast cancer, a serious of bioinformatics analysis, included (1) differentially expressed genes identification combined with gene set variation analysis, (2) tissue specific co-expression network construction, (3) differentially regulated sub-networks detection with disease phenome, (4) hub gene selection and it’s relation to survival probability, and (5) similar small molecule detection were performed with gene expression profiles of bufadienolides-like chemicals. Results indicated bufadienolides-like chemicals had the most same target with valproic, estradiol and etc, could disturbed the pathways in RNA splicing, apoptotic process, cell migration, extracellular matrix organization, adherens junction organization, synaptic transmission, Wnt signaling, AK-STAT signaling, BMP signaling pathway and unfolded protein response, and had the potential ability to be used as anticancer, hormones and vasoprotectives agents.

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a member of the TLR family. Members of the TLR family play an important role in innate immune responses and are induced by recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns. They are also involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis in cancer. We investigated the role of TLR4 in apoptotic cell death in gynecological cancer cells; gynecological cancer is associated with infertility and spontaneous abortion. To examine the effect of TLR4 activation on apoptotic signaling in cancer cells, cultured primary cancer cells were treated with the TLR4 agonist lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The morphology of cancer cells was compared with normal myometrial cells. Enhanced growth rate and loss of contact inhibition with cellular overlap was observed in the cancer cells. The molecular mechanism analysis revealed differential expression of tumor suppressor genes in LPS-treated cancer cells. The expression of apoptosis-related caspase-3 was increased significantly in cancer cells with TLR4 activation after exposure to LPS. Taken together, these results suggest the pro-apoptotic activity of TLR4 as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of gynecological cancers.

Astronauts at are risk of losing 1.0 – 1.5% of their bone mass for every month they spend in space despite their adherence to high impact exercise training programs designed to preserve the musculoskeletal system. This article reviews the basics of bone formation and resorption and details how exposure to microgravity or simulated microgravity affects the structure and function of osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts, and their mesenchymal and hematologic stem cell precursors. It details the critical roles that insulin-like growth facor-1 and its receptor IGFR1 play in maintaining bone homeostasis and how exposure of bone cells to microgravity affects the function of these growth factors. Lastly, it discusses the potential of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, syncytin-A, and sclerostin inhibitors and recombinant IGF-1 as a bone-saving treatment for astronauts in space and during their colonization of the Moon.

The XChem facility at Diamond Light Source offers fragment screening by X-ray crystallography as a general access user program. The main advantage of X-ray crystallography as a primary fragment screen is that it yields directly the location and pose of the fragment hits, whether within pockets of interest or merely on surface sites: this is the key information for structure-based design and for enabling synthesis of follow-up molecules. Extensive streamlining of the screening experiment at XChem has engendered a very active user programme that is generating large amounts of data: in 2017, 36 academic and industry groups generated 35,000 datasets of uniquely soaked crystals. It has also generated a large number of learnings concerning the main remaining bottleneck, namely obtaining a suitable crystal system that will support a successful fragment screen. Here we discuss the practicalities of generating screen-ready crystals that have useful electron density maps, and how to ensure they will be successfully reproduced and usable at a facility outside the home lab.

High pressure crystallization technique has been successfully used to prepare an elusive form II of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Mefenamic acid. Single crystal of form II was grown at 0.3 GPa from an 4:1 methanol/ ethanol mixture as a solvent using Diamond Anvil Cell. Comparison of crystal structures show that the efficient packing of MA molecules in Form II results from the structural flexibility of MA acid molecules. Compression studies performed on the single crystal of form I resulted in 14 % decrease of unit cell volume up to 2.5 GPa. No phase transition was observed up to this pressure. A reconstructive phase transition is required to induce conformational changes in the structure, which is confirmed by crystallization at high pressure results.

Jingmen viruses are newly described segmented flavi-like viruses that have a worldwide distribution in ticks and have been associated with febrile illnesses in humans. Computational analyses were used to predict that Jingmen flavi-like virus glycoproteins have structural features of class II viral fusion proteins, including an ectodomain consisting of beta-sheets and short alpha-helices, a fusion peptide with interfacial hydrophobicity and a three domain architecture. Jingmen flavi-like virus glycoproteins have a sequence enriched in serine, threonine and proline at the amino terminus, which is a feature of mucin-like domains. Several of the serines and threonines are predicted be modified by the addition of O-linked glycans. Some of the glycoproteins are predicted to have an additional mucin-like domain located prior to the transmembrane anchor, whereas others are predicted to have a stem consisting of two alpha-helices. The flavivirus envelope protein and Jingmen flavi-virus glycoproteins may have diverged from a common class II precursor glycoprotein with a mucin-like domain or domains acquired after divergence.

The success of composite materials is attributed to the nature of bonding at the nanoscale and the resulting structure-related properties. This study reports the interaction, electronic, and optical properties of diamond nanothread/polymers (cellulose and epoxy) and boron nitride nanotube/calcium silicate hydrate composites using density functional theory modeling. Our findings indicate that the interaction between the nanothread and polymer is due to van der Waals-type bonding. Minor modifications in the electronic structures and absorption spectra are noticed. Conversely, the boron nitride nanotube and calcium silicate hydrate composite display an electron-shared type of interaction. The electronic structure and optical absorption spectra of the diamond nanothread and boron nitride nanotube in all configurations studied in the aforementioned composite systems are well maintained. Our findings offer an electronic-level perspective into the bonding characteristics and electronic-optical properties of diamond nanothread/polymer and boron nitride nanotube/calcium silicate hydrate composites for developing next-generation materials.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a widely cultivated horticultural crop. It is a member of the Solanaceae family and is reknowned for its high concentration of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. The Mediterranean countries, including Italy, Spain, and Greece, have a diverse range of tomato landraces. Assessing the nutritional and bioactive composition of different tomato varieties and their ripening stages is crucial to determine their suitability for the market. Thus, this research was aimed to examine the effect of ripening on the nutritional composition (including carotenoids and polyphenols content) and the antioxidant activities of fruits from three specific tomato varieties grown in Spain: Josefina and Karelya, which are cherry-like tomatoes, and Muchamiel, a type of salad tomato. In addition to evaluating their characteristics and composition (including carotenoids and polyphenols content), and assessing the antioxidant activities of these varieties at three different stages of ripening were quantified. As expected, the findings revealed that as the tomatoes matured, their antioxidant capacity increased alongside higher levels of carotenoids and polyphenols. Interestingly, the cherry-like tomatoes showed greater antioxidant activity than the salad tomatoes. This investigation emphasizes the role of fruit ripening in enhancing carotenoid levels, which contribute to the antioxidant activity of three varieties of tomatoes.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone that acts on the pancreas to increase insulin and decrease glucagon secretion. Albuminuria is the pivotal marker for diabetic nephropathy, which is the leading microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus. Most of the previous studies mainly focused on the clinical trials of the therapeutic renal protective effect after administration of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), not prior to administration. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between fasting plasma GLP-1 levels and albuminuria before GLP-1 RA administration. A cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate the association between fasting plasma GLP-1 levels and albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 68 T2DM participants were analyzed from the data at Wonkwang University Hospital in Iksan, Korea. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the incidence of albuminuria between the GLP-1 low group (Group L) and the high group (Group H). The OR (95% CI) for the incidence of albuminuria comparing the Group L with the Group H of fasting plasma GLP-1 levels was 3.410 (1.160-10.023), p = 0.026 after adjustment for age, gender, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, C-peptide, the use of ACE inhibitors or ARBs, SGLT-2 inhibitors, and DPP-4 inhibitors. As a continuous variable, the OR (95% CI) for the incidence of albuminuria associated with the reduction of each 1 pmol/L in fasting plasma GLP-1 levels was 1.673 (1.173-1.870), p = 0.018, after full adjustment. This study showed the negative association between fasting plasma GLP-1 levels and the incidence of albuminuria in Korean patients with T2DM, before GLP-1 RA administration. This result suggests that endogenous GLP-1 may play a role in attenuating albuminuria.

The red fox, found on all continents except Antarctica, occupies diverse habitats. In Croatia it is an indigenous wild species with a population density of 0.7 animals per square kilometer. While tumors in wild animals from the Canidae family are scarce, the true prevalence and diversity of tumors are likely underestimated due to limited research. So far, a limited number of tumors were observed among the red fox population, either in their natural habitat or in captivity. As part of the National rabies control program, we examined 1,890 red fox carcasses over a four-year period. Our focus was on identifying abnormalities on the skin and internal organs that suggest potential neoplastic proliferation. Five red foxes, three males and two females, were found to have growths resembling potential tumors. Their age distribution spanned from 2 to 7 years. Microscopic investigation revealed two collagenous hamartomas, two Meibomian gland adenomas and one intra-abdominal teratoma within a cryptorchid testis. This retrospective study aims to provide a comprehensive description of tumor and tumor-like lesions observed in free-range red foxes from Croatia, marking the first research of its kind in Croatia.

The effect of ferromagnetic CaMnO3 (CMO) addition on structural, magnetic, dielectric, and ferroelec-tric properties of BiFeO3 are presented. X ray diffraction and Raman investigation allowed the identifi-cation of single pseudo cubic perovskite structure. The magnetic measurement showed that the pre-pared films exhibit a ferromagnetic behavior at low temperature with both coercive field and remnant magnetization increased with increasing CMO content. However, a deterioration of magnetization was observed at room temperature. Ferroelectric study revealed an antiferroelectric like behavior with a pinched P-E hysteresis loop for 5%CMO doping BFO resulting in low remnant polarization and double hysteresis loops. Whereas, high remnant polarization and coercive field with a likely square hysteresis loop are obtained for 10 % CMO addition. Furthermore, a bipolar resistive switching behavior with a threshold voltage of about 1.8V is observed for high doped film that can be linked to the ferroelectric polarization switching.

The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) are a group of increasingly multi-drug resistant opportunistic bacteria that can cause severe pulmonary infections. This resistance is driven through a combination of intrinsic factors and the carriage of a broad range of conjugative plasmids harbouring virulence determinants. Therefore, novel treatments are required to not only treat Bcc infection but also to prevent further spread of these virulence determinants. In the search for phages infective for two clinical Bcc isolates, CSP1 phage, a PRD1-like phage was isolated. CSP1 phage was found to require pilus machinery commonly encoded on conjugative plasmids to facilitate infection of multiple Gram-negative bacteria genera including Escherichia and Pseudomonas. Whole genome sequencing and characterisation of one of the clinical Burkholderia isolates revealed it to be Burkholderia contaminans. B. contaminans 5080 was found to contain a genome of over 8 Mbp encoding multiple intrinsic resistance factors, such as efflux pump systems, but more interestingly, carried three novel plasmids encoding multiple putative virulence factors for increased host fitness, including antimicrobial resistance. Even though PRD1-like phages are broad host range, their use in novel antimicrobial treatments shouldn’t be dismissed, as the dissemination potential of conjugative plasmids is extensive. Continued survey of clinical bacterial strains is

In the chronic phase of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection, excessive inflammation manifests as incapacitating joint pain and prolonged arthritis. Arthritis resulted from a large influx of infiltrating immune cells driven by pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines originating from the toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated innate antiviral response. This study investigated fisetin's ability to modulate TLR-mediated antiviral responses against CHIKV in Huh7 cells. The CHIKV inhibitory potential of fisetin was assessed by plaque-forming unit assay, virus yield reduction assay, and bright-field microscopy (cytopathic effect, immunofluorescence). Fisetin’s modulatory potential on TLR-mediated antiviral response was evaluated by immunofluorescence assay (expression of TLR proteins), qRT-PCR (mRNA level of antiviral genes), human cytokine array, and immunoblotting of key transcription factors. The present study showed fisetin induced the expression of the antiviral genes at an early time-point by promoting the phosphorylation of IRF3 and IRF7. Fisetin reduced excessive inflammatory cytokine responses in CHIKV-infected Huh7 cells by impeding the over-phosphorylation of NF-κB. Fisetin also reduced CHIKV-induced cytopathic effects in CHIKV-infected Huh7 cells. Altogether, our study suggests that fisetin modulates TLR-mediated antiviral responses by affecting the CHIKV-induced inflammatory responses.

A half-harmonic oscillator, which gets its name because the coordinate is strictly positive, has been quantized and determined that it was a physically correct quantization. This positive result was found using affine quantization (AQ). The main purpose of this paper is to compare results of this new quantization procedure with those of canonical quantization (CQ). Using Ashtekar-like classical variables and CQ, we quantize the same toy model. While these two quantizations lead to different results, they both would reduce to the same classical Hamiltonian if $\hbar\rightarrow0$. Since these two quantizations have differing results, only one of the quantizations can be physically correct. Two brief sections illustrate how AQ can correctly help quantum gravity and the quantization of most field theory problems.

The measurements of the proton electromagnetic form factors in the time-like region using the initial state radiation technique are reviewed. Recent experimental studies have shown that initial state radiation processes at high luminosity electron-positron colliders can be effectively used to probe the electromagnetic structure of hadrons. The BABAR experiment at the B-factory PEP-II in Stanford and the BESIII experiment at the $\tau$-charm factory BEPC-II in Beijing have measured the time-like form factors of the proton using the initial state radiation process $e^{+}e^{-}\to pbar{p}\gamma$. The two kinematical regions where the photon is emitted from the initial state at small and large polar angles have been investigated. In the first case the photon is in the region not covered by the detector acceptance and is not detected. The Born cross section and the proton effective form factor have been measured over a wide and continuous range of the the momentum transfer squared $q^2$ from threshold up to ~42 (GeV/c)$^2$. The ratio of electric and magnetic form factors of the proton has been also determined. In this report, the theoretical aspect and the experimental studies of the initial state radiation process $e^{+}e^{-}\to p\bar{p}\gamma$ are described. The measurements of the Born cross section and the proton form factors obtained in these analyses near the threshold region and in the relatively large $q^2$ region are examined. The experimental results are compared to the predictions from theory and models. Their impact on our understanding of the nucleon structure is discussed.

There is a relationship between systemic sarcoidosis (SS) and malignancy. Sarcoidosis results from an exaggerated immune response in genetically susceptible individuals. In oncologic pa-tients with sarcoidosis, tumoral antigens and antineoplastic treatment are considered potential triggering factors. The observation of a patient with granulomas in a parotid carcinoma that later developed SS led us to review previous tumors of patients with SS. The aim of the study is to see if granulomas were already present in the tumors that preceded sarcoidosis. We identified 196 sarcoidosis patients, 47 of which had a previous tumor. We were able to review 29 cases 12 of which showed tumor associated granulomas (TAGs)(41.4%). This ratio is much higher than that of the normal population. We analyzed five control patients without sarcoidosis for each tumor. In conclusion, we have observed TAGs in patients who later develop SS. In our series, the ratio of TAGs in patients with SS was significantly greater than in the normal population. To prove our findings, we suggest reviewing the history of patients with SS in search of previous tumors. The histology of such tumors should be reviewed in an attempt to identify granulomas.

Currently, the world is struggling with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Prion-like domains are critical for virulence and the development of therapeutic targets; however, the prion-like domains in the SARS-CoV-2 proteome have not been analyzed. In this in silico study, using the PLAAC algorithm, we identified the presence of prion-like domains in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Compared with other viruses, a striking difference was observed in the distribution of prion-like domains in the spike protein, since SARS-CoV-2 was the only coronavirus with a prion-like domain found in the receptor-binding domain of the S1 region of the spike protein. The presence and unique distribution of prion-like domains in the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domains of the spike protein is particularly interesting, since although the SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV S proteins share the same host cell receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), SARS-CoV-2 demonstrates a 10- to 20-fold higher affinity for ACE2. Finally, we identified prion-like domains in the α1 helix of the ACE2 receptor that interact with the viral receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2. Taken together, the present findings indicate that the identified PrDs in the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) and ACE2 region that interact with RBD have important functional roles in viral adhesion and entry.

The ongoing pandemic of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) raises a global health crisis, which has resulted in 75,778 confirmed cases with 2130 deaths in China and beyond. Atypical symptom renders it challenging to earlier recognize the 2019-nCoV carrier with the potential ability of equivalent transmission. Therefore, it is needed to gain full spectrum of COVID-19. Here we report clustered COVID-19 cases of person-to-person transmission. The symptoms of typical pneumonia are shared by the two familial members, namely son (Patient 1) and father (Patient 2). Unexpectedly, an influenza-like illness (ILI) is also caused in Patient 3 having close contact with Patient 1 at personal dinner party. Combined with clinical and epidemiological study, chest computed tomography (CT) and molecular diagnosis demonstrate that all the three cases tested positive for COVID-19 with distinct symptoms by human-to-human transmission. To the best of knowledge, it closes in part (if not all), a missing gap of clinical repertoires of COVID-19 outbreaks and underlines the possibility that neglection of cryptic/asymptomatic/mild cold-like syndromes gives biased screen in the earlier stage of COVID-19 cases.

Viruses are the most abundant biological entities in aquatic ecosystems and harbor an enormous genetic diversity. While their great influence on the marine ecosystems is widely acknowledged, current information about their diversity remains scarce. A viral metagenomic analysis of three water samples was conducted from sites on the South Scotia Ridge (SSR) near the Antarctic Peninsula, during the austral summer 2016. The taxonomic composition and diversity of the viral communities were investigated and a functional assessment of the sequences was determined. Phylotypic analysis showed that most viruses belonging to the order Caudovirales, especially the family Podoviridae (41.92-48.7%), similar to the viromes from the Pacific Ocean. Functional analysis revealed a relatively high frequency of phage-associated and metabolism genes. Phylogenetic analyses of phage TerL and Capsid_NCLDV (nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses) marker genes indicated that many sequences associated with Caudovirales and NCLDV were novel and distinct from known phage genomes. High Phaeocystis globosa virus virophage (Pgvv) signatures were found in SSR area and complete and partial Pgvv-like were obtained which may have an influence on host-virus interactions. Our study expands the existing knowledge of viral communities and their diversities from the Antarctic region and provides basic data for further exploring polar microbiomes.

Semiconductor materials have been shown to have better photocatalytic behavior and can be utilized for the photodegradation of organic pollutants. In this work, three-dimensional flower-like SnS₂ were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. Core-shell structured SiO₂@α-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites were then deposited on the top of the SnS₂ flowers. The as-synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The photocatalytic behavior of the SnS₂-SiO₂@α-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites was observed by observing the degradation of methylene blue (MB). The results show an effective enhancement of photocatalytic activity for the degradation of MB especially for the 15 wt. % SiO₂@α-Fe₂O₃ nanocomposites on SnS₂ flowers.

Background: Benveniste’s biology experiments suggested the existence of molecular-like effects without molecules (“memory of water”). In this article, it is proposed that these disputed experiments could have been the consequence of a previously unnoticed and non-conventional experimenter effect. Methods: A probabilistic modelling is built in order to describe an elementary laboratory experiment. A biological system is modelled with two possible states (“resting” and “activated”) and exposed to two experimental conditions labelled “control” and “test”, but both biologically inactive. The modelling takes into account not only the biological system, but also the experimenters. In addition, an outsider standpoint is adopted to describe the experimental situation. Results: A classical approach suggests that, after experiment completion, the “control” and “test” labels of biologically-inactive conditions should be both associated with “resting” state (i.e. no significant relationship between labels and system states). However, if the fluctuations of the biological system are also considered, a quantum-like relationship emerges and connects labels and system states (analogous to a biological “effect” without molecules). Conclusions: No hypotheses about water properties or other exotic explanations are needed to describe Benveniste’s experiments, including their unusual features. This modelling could be extended to other experimental situations in biology, medicine and psychology.

The involvement of the prefrontal cortical dopaminergic system in psychopathology of epilepsies and comorbid conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) still needs to be explored. We used autoradiography to study the D1-like (D1DR) and D2-like (D2DR) receptor binding density in the prefrontal cortex of normal Wistar rats and Wistar-derived strains with generalized convulsive and/or nonconvulsive epilepsies. WAG/Rij rats served as a model for non-convulsive absence epilepsy, WAG/Rij-AGS as a model of mixed convulsive/non-convulsive forms, and KM strain was a model for convulsive epilepsy comorbiding with ASD-like behavioral phenotype. Prefrontal cortex of rats with any of epileptic pathology studied, demonstrated profound decreases in binding densities to both D1DR, D2DR; the effects were localized in the primary and secondary anterior cingulate cortexi, and adjacent regions. The local decreased D1DR and D2DR binding densities were independent (not correlated) from each other. The particular group of epileptic rats with ASD-like phenotype (KM strain), displayed changes in the lateral prefrontal cortex and adjacent regions: D1DR were lowered, but those to D2DR elevated, in anterior dysgranular insular cortex and adjacent regions. Thus, epilepsy-related changes in the dopaminergic system of rat archeocortex were localized in the medial regions, whereas ASD-related candidates were seen in the lateral aspects. The findings point to putative local dopaminergic dysfunctions, associated with generalized epilepsies and/or ASD.

Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) is an electrochemical sensing technique that can be used for neurochemical sensing with high spatiotemporal resolution. Carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFMEs) are traditionally used as FSCV sensors. However, CFMEs are prone to electrochemical fouling caused by oxidative byproducts of repeated serotonin (5-HT) exposure, which makes them less suitable as a chronic 5-HT sensor. Our team is developing a boron-doped diamond microelectrode (BDDME) that has previously been shown to be relatively resistant to fouling caused by protein adsorption (biofouling). We sought to determine if the BDDME exhibits resistance to electrochemical fouling, which we explored on electrodes fabricated with either femtosecond laser cutting or physical cleaving. We recorded the oxidation current response after 25 repeated injections of 5-HT in a flow-injection-cell and compared the current drop from the first to the last injection. The 5-HT responses were compared to dopamine (DA), a neurochemical that is known to produce minimal fouling oxidative byproducts and have a stable repeated response. Physical cleaving of the BDDME yielded a reduction in fouling due to 5-HT compared to the CFME and the femtosecond laser cut BDDME. However, the femtosecond laser cut BDDME exhibited a large increase in sensitivity over the cleaved BDDME. An extended stability analysis was conducted for all device types following 5-HT fouling tests. This analysis demonstrated an improvement in the long-term stability of boron doped diamond over CFMEs, as well as a diminishing sensitivity of the laser cut BDDME over time. This work reports the electrochemical fouling performance of the BDDME when it is repeatedly exposed to DA or 5-HT, which informs the development of a chronic, diamond-based electrochemical sensor for long-term neurotransmitter measurements in vivo.

The radiation-induced optical absorption at 1.5-5.5 eV (up to the beginning of fundamental absorption) has been analyzed in CVD diamond disks exposed to 231-MeV 132Xe ions with four fluences from 1012 to 3.81013 cm-2. The 5-mm diameter samples (thickness 0.4 mm) were prepared by Diamond Materials, Freiburg (Germany), average grain size at growth site was around 80 m, the range of xenon ions was R= 11.5 m. The intensity of several bands grows with ion fluence thus confirming radiation-induced origin of the defects responsible for these bands. The recovery of radiation damage has been investigated via isochronal (stepwise) thermal annealing procedure up to 650°C, while all spectra were measured at room temperature. Based on these spectra, the annealing kinetics of several defects, in particular carbon vacancies (GR1 centers with a broad band 2 eV) and complementary C-interstitial-related defects ( 4 eV), as well as vacancies located nearby nitrogen substitutional atoms (narrow bands around 2.5 eV) have been constructed. The experimental kinetics have also been analyzed in terms of the diffusion-controlled bimolecular reactions. The migration energies of tentatively interstitial atoms (mobile components in recombination process) are obtained, their dependence on the irradiation fluences is discussed.

Self-phase modulation (SPM) broadening of laser spectra was studied in a transmission mode in natural and synthetic diamonds at variable laser wavelengths (515 and 1030 nm), pulse energies and widths (0.3 - 12 ps, positively chirped pulses), providing their filamentary propagation. Besides the monotonous SPM broadening of the laser spectra versus pulse energy, more pronounced for the (sub)picosecond pulsewiths and more doped natural diamond, periodical low-frequency modulation was observed in the spectra at the shorter laser pulsewidths, indicating dynamic Bragg filtering of the supercontinuum due to ultrafast plasma and nanoplasmonic effects. Damping of broadening and ultramodulation for the longer picosecond pulsewidths was related to thermalized electron-hole plasma regime established for the laser pulsewidths longer, than 2 ps. Unexpectedly, at higher pulse energies and corresponding longer microfilaments, the number of spectral modulation features increases, indicating dynamic variation of the periods in the longitudinal plasma Bragg gratings along the filaments due to prompt secondary laser-plasmon interactions.

Room temperature superconductivity has recently been reported for a carbonaceous sulfur hydride (CSH) under high pressure by Snider et al [1]. The paper reports sharp drops in magnetic susceptibility as a function of temperature for five different pressures, that are interpreted as signaling a superconducting transition. Here I question the validity and faithfulness of the magnetic susceptibility data presented in the paper by comparison with the measured raw data reported by two of the authors of ref. [2]. This invalidates the assertion of the paper [1] that the susceptibility measurements support the case for superconductivity in this compound.

The kidneys contribute to the overall health of the organism by maintaining systemic homeostasis. This process involves the regulation of various biological mechanisms, in which the Krüppel-like factor (KLF) transcription factors are essential for regulating development, differentiation, proliferation, and cellular apoptosis. They also play a role in the metabolic regulation of essential nutrients, such as glucose and lipids. The dysregulation of these transcription factors is associated with the development of various pathologies, which can ultimately lead to renal fibrosis, a process that severely compromises the function of these organs. In this context, the present article provides a comprehensive review of the existing literature, offering an enriching analysis of the findings related to the role of KLFs in the renal field, while also highlighting their potential therapeutic role in the treatment of renal diseases.

Ramsey approach to the vectors fields is introduced. Set of vectors defined on R^3, taken as the generators of the bi-colored complete graph, is introduced. Vectors are considered as the vertices of the graph. Following coloring procedure is suggested: vertices numbered i and j are linked with the red edge if their scalar product is non-negative; and they are linked with the green edge if their scalar product is negative. This procedure gives rise to the complete, bi-color graph. Graph generated by six vectors inevitably contains the monochromatic triangle: the Ramsey number Ring-like systems of generating vectors are addressed. Applications of the graphs emerging from the vector fields are discussed.

Hydroxytyrosol (HT) is a nutraceutic compound, mainly found in the fruit, leaves and waste from the olive oil industry, that shows one of the highest antioxidant activities among molecules of natural origin. To harness this bioactivity in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and the food industry, it is essential to modify the hydrophilicity of HT to enhance its compatibility with lipid-based mixtures. This chemical modification must be done with high selectivity to avoid compromising its radical scavenging activity. This work presents a highly efficient and selective approach to perform the biocatalytic esterification of free fatty acids (FFAs) of different alkyl chain length with HT in a reaction medium based on the SLIL [C12mim][NTf2]. By using a 1:2 (mol/mol) HT:FFA mixture of substrates, the HT monoester derivative was obtained up to 77% yield after 2 h at 80 oC. The adjusted molar ratio of substrates, combined with the ability to recover the SLIL for further reuse, significantly reduces waste accumulation compared to other reported strategies and results in a more sustainable approach as demonstrated by different green metrics. Furthermore, it was demonstrated by a DPPH test how the HT monoester products retain the same antioxidant activity as free HT, being superior to vitamin C.

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is an important legume cultivated mainly in regions with limited water availability across the African and American continents. Its productivity is significantly affected by environmental stresses. Thaumatin-like proteins (TLPs), which belong to the PR-5 (Pathogenesis-Related 5) protein family, are known to be responsive to both biotic and abiotic stresses. However, their role remains controversial, with some TLPs associated with plant defense (particularly against fungal infections) and others associated with drought response. In this study, we evaluated the structural diversity and gene expression of TLPs in cowpea (VuTLPs) under different stress conditions, including biotic [mechanical injury followed by inoculation with Cowpea Aphid-borne Mosaic Virus (CABMV) or Cowpea Severe Mosaic Virus (CPSMV)] and abiotic (root dehydration). Genomic anchoring of VuTLPs revealed 34 loci encoding these proteins. Neighbor-joining analysis clustered the VuTLPs into three distinct groups. We identified 15 segmental duplication and six tandem duplication gene pairs, with the majority of VuTLP genes found to be under purifying selection. Promoter analysis associated VuTLPs with bHLH, Dof-type, and MYB-related transcription factors, supporting their diverse roles. Diversity in VuTLP function was also observed in their expression profiles under various stress conditions. Gene expression data showed that most VuTLPs are recruited within the first minutes after stress imposition, except in the root dehydration assay, where most transcripts were induced 150 minutes post-stress, a finding also validated by qPCR. Moreover, the data suggest that VuTLPs exhibit functional specialization depending on the stress condition, highlighting their diverse roles and biotechnological potential.

This theoretical study presents a novel perspective on the potential anti-inflammatory properties of Bromelain, a natural agent extracted from pineapple stems. The investigation explores the binding capabilities of Bromelain to Apoptosis-associated speck-like containing CARD (ASC), a crucial adapter molecule known for its involvement in inflammatory processes and inflammasome formation. For the first time, these findings suggest that Bromelain exhibits a notable affinity for ASC, indicating its promising role as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. This study sheds light on the molecular interactions that may contribute to Bromelain's therapeutic potential in modulating inflammatory responses.