Experimental Assessment Research Articles

Acid sphingomyelinase downregulation alleviates diabetic myocardial fibrosis in mice.

Increased activity of acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) has been linked to diabetes and organ fibrosis. Nevertheless, the precise influence of ASMase on diabetic myocardial fibrosis and the corresponding molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we aim to elucidate whether ASMase contributes to diabetic myocardial fibrosis through the phosphorylation mediated by MAPK, thereby culminating in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). In vitro experiments utilized cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) isolated from wild-type mice (WT). For in vivo studies, ASMase knockout mice were generated through TALEN gene editing technology. Additionally, a diabetes mellitus model was established by intraperitoneal injection of Streptozotocin (STZ), involving both ASMase knockdown mice (ASMase+/--STZ) and WT mice. CFs were subjected to incubation with amitriptyline (AMP) (2.5μM), advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and small interfering RNA (siRNA) over a duration of 24h. Experimental assessments encompassed EdU incorporation, transwell assays, and fluorescence staining, aimed at elucidating the functional characteristics of cardiac fibroblasts. The quantification of collagen I, phosphorylated MAPK levels within both cellular and murine cardiac contexts was accomplished through Western blot analysis. In the ASMase±-STZ group, mice exhibited attenuated myocardial fibrosis and ameliorated cardiac diastolic function in comparison to the WT-STZ group. Furthermore, treatment of CFs with AMP and siRNA demonstrated a suppressive effect on the proliferation and fibrotic expression induced by AGEs in CFs. Our investigation unveiled that ASMase modulates myocardial fibrosis through the TGF-β-Smad3 and MAPK pathways, elucidating the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying the observed effects. Our findings indicate that ASMase plays a vital role in myocardial fibrosis in DCM, providing a foundation for developing new therapeutic strategies for the prevention and control of DCM.

Unraveling the Role of Functional Groups of Terephthalate in Enhancing the Electrochemical Oxygen Evolution Reaction of Nickel-Organic Framework Nanoarrays.

The platelike nickel-terephthalate-type metal-organic framework nanoarrays (Ni-BDC NAs) on carbon cloth are obtained by employing agaric-like Ni(OH)2 NAs as sacrificial templates. The microenvironment of Ni-BDC NAs is modulated by various neighboring functional groups (-NH2, -NO2, and -Br) on the carboxylate ligand, exerting minimal destructive effects on the structure and morphology of Ni-BDC NAs. The electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) of Ni-BDC-NH2 NAs, Ni-BDC-NO2 NAs, and Ni-BDC-Br NAs exhibited a significant enhancement compared to that of Ni-BDC NAs alone, as evidenced by both experimental and theoretical assessments. The presence of neighboring groups exerts a positive influence on the electronic coupling between Ni and O atoms, thereby facilitating the thermodynamically favorable formation of *O intermediates on Ni sites and accelerating the kinetics of the OER. The findings presented here provide valuable insights for the design and utilization of carboxylic acid molecules with functional group effects, enhancing the activity of the OER across diverse Ni centers.

Radiofrequency evoked potentials: A new window into the nociceptive system.

To describe the cortical evoked potentials in response to radiofrequency stimulation (RFEPs) in human volunteers. Seventeen healthy volunteers participated in an experimental session in which radiofrequency (RF) and electrical (ES) stimulation were applied to the dorsum of the hands and feet. EEG was recorded to evaluate evoked responses for each stimulus modality and stimulation site. Electrophysiological results showed highly synchronous responses compatible with activation of heat-sensitive nociceptors. Latencies of the N2 and P2 peaks in the RFEPs were longer compared to EPs evoked by ES. Furthermore, the latency of the P2 peak was also longer after stimulation of the feet compared to the hand. RF stimulation is capable of selective activation of nociceptive fibres by means of rapid skin heating. RFEPs showed the highest degree of synchronicity achieved to date for evoked cortical responses to thermal stimulation. RF stimulation represents a viable alternative in the experimental and clinical assessment of the nociceptive system.

Experimental Assessments of a Coherent DSCM and SOA-based WDM Metro-access Network Architecture with Enhanced Flexibility and Capacity

Experimental Assessments of a Coherent DSCM and SOA-based WDM Metro-access Network Architecture with Enhanced Flexibility and Capacity

Chloride Removal from Stormwater and Lakes Impacted by Road Salt Application: Experimental Assessment of Friedel’s Salt Reactions

Chloride Removal from Stormwater and Lakes Impacted by Road Salt Application: Experimental Assessment of Friedel’s Salt Reactions

Performance enhancement of single slope solar still with sensible heat storage system: An experimental investigation under climatic conditions of Northeast India

Abstract This study conducts an experimental assessment to investigate the influence of black gravel and cylindrical cement fins as thermal heat storage materials in a single slope solar still in this current study. The trials are performed under the meteorological conditions of North-East, Silchar (24.76° N, 92.80° E), India. The performance of each modification was evaluated experimentally and compared to a conventional solar still (CSS) at three different water depths in the basin: 2 cm, 4 cm, and 6 cm. The study assessed the cumulative distillate output, along with a 4E analysis (energy, exergy, economic and ecological analysis) of the solar stills. The outcomes show that at a 2 cm water depth, the daily yield and efficiency of the solar still with black gravel (SSBG) are 27% and 18% higher, respectively, when compared to the CSS. Additionally, the solar still with cylindrical cement fins (SSCCF) achieved the highest daily production of 4462.4 mL/m2 with an efficiency of 41.5%. The cost assessment disclosed that the cost per liter of distillate water produced by SSBG and SSCCF is 18% and 23% lower, respectively than the CSS at a water level of 2 cm. Moreover, the SSCCF improved carbon credits by 26% and enhanced carbon emission mitigation by 110.87% compared to the CSS at the same water depth. Solar stills equipped with energy storage provide a cost-effective solution for tackling water scarcity.

Thermal plasma technology applied to the inertization process of the inorganic fraction of sewage sludge generated from municipal wastewater treatment plant

Abstract This study investigates the thermal plasma pyrolysis process for inertizing the inorganic fraction of sewage sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants. The aim is to assess its effectiveness in waste inertization. Lab-scale experiments were conducted to process the sludge thermally. Elemental composition analysis was done using x-ray fluorescence (XRF), thermogravimetry coupled with mass spectrometry (TGA-MS) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRF analysis showed an initial composition of Si, Al, Fe, and Ca, corresponding to 86.8% of the inorganic matter of the sludge. TGA-MS analysis showed a significant mass loss between 200 and 650°C, corresponding to organic matter volatilization, methane conversion, and dehydrogenation of polymorphic silicon. XRD analysis revealed a dried sludge crystalline structure composed mainly by SiO2, CaCO3, and AlPO4, and after plasma treatment, the remaining composition of the slag was primarily SiO2 amorphous. Mass and energy balances, considering thermodynamic equilibrium and chemical reactions, are performed. The mass balance calculations identified the most probable composition of the sludge, and energy balance calculations determined a net energy requirement of 399 kWh for plasma inertization, with an additional 300 kWh to account for furnace losses. Solubility and leaching tests confirm the inert nature of the residue. Power requirements are estimated at 700 kW for processing 350 kg h−1 of decarbonized sludge. These findings are crucial for optimizing plasma inertization processes in wastewater treatment plants. This work presents a novel approach by combining a computational prediction for an industrial-scale plant with a direct experimental assessment of the plasma treatment process.

Experimental Assessment of the Turbulent Flow Field Due to Emergent Vegetation at a Sharply Curved Open Channel

Emergent vegetation in river corridors influences both the flow structure and subsequent fluvial processes. This investigation aimed to analyze the impact of the bending and vegetation components in a sharply curved open channel on the flow field. Experiments were undertaken in a meandering flume (0.9 m wide, wavelength of 3.2 m, and a sinuosity of 1.05) with a 90-degree bend at the end of it, with and without vegetation, to achieve this goal. The individual vegetation elements arranged across the 90-degree bend of the flow channel were physically modelled using rigid plastic stems (of 5 mm and 10 mm diameters). Analysis of the findings from the flow velocimetry, taken at five cross-sections oriented at angles of 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90°, along the 90-degree bend indicates that as the plant density increases, the effect of centrifugal force from the channel’s bend on the cross-sectional flow patterns decreases. At the same time, the restricting influence of vegetation on lateral momentum transfer becomes more pronounced. Specifically, for increasing vegetation density: (a) higher transverse and vertical velocities are observed (increased by 4.35% and 9.68% for 5 mm and 10 mm reed vegetation, respectively, compared to the non-vegetated case); (b) greater turbulence intensity is seen in the transverse flow direction, along with increased turbulent kinetic energy (TKE); and (c) reduced near-bed Reynolds stresses are found. The average transverse flow velocity for the non-vegetated case is 18.19% of the longitudinal flow velocity and the average vertical velocity for the non-vegetated case and 5 mm and 10 mm reed vegetation is 3.24%, 3.6%, and 5.44% of the longitudinal flow velocity, respectively.

A new configuration of DC-DC converter with increased voltage gain for photovoltaic application

ABSTRACT The output voltage in photovoltaic solar panels is usually low. Therefore, DC-DC step-up converters are employed in these systems to increase the voltage level. A new topology with interleaved non-isolated high gain is suggested for photovoltaic application in the present paper where a combination of two voltage multipliers was used to increase the voltage gain. Employing the interleaved technique reduced the input current ripple. The voltage stress is significantly reduced across the semiconductor components, making it possible for the converter to use high-performance components, and therefore reducing conduction losses. Analysis was performed, and comparisons are presented among the proposed converter and seven similar converters. A 170-watt laboratory prototype with 12.5 V input and 170 V output voltages was fabricated for experimental assessment of the converter’s performance. Finally, experimental results were analysed and compared with analytical results.

Targeting the Hippo and Rap1 signaling pathways: the anti-proliferative effects of curcumin in colorectal cancer cell lines.

CRC has the third-highest cancer incidence and death. Many human cancers, including colorectal cancer, are connected to abnormal signaling pathway gene expression. Many human malignancies include Hippo and Rap1 signaling. This research examined curcumin's therapeutic effects on colorectal cancer cell lines' Hippo and Rap1 signaling pathway genes. The role of the above signaling pathways is considered in colorectal cancer development. No research has examined curcumin's influence on key genes in these pathways; thus, this work ismeant to uncover its more precise mechanism. First, the gene expression omnibus database is queried to discover GSE8671, a dataset that contains differentially expressed genes associated in CRC formation. DAVID was used to discover the corporation of these genes and signaling pathways (Hippo and Rap1), and the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database was utilized to select genes and assess their expression and biomarker potential. MTT, apoptosis, and quantitative PCR were used to assess whether curcumin is therapeutic for colorectal cancer cell lines. An in-silico analysis identified the dysregulation of several critical genes AXIN2, MYC, TEAD4, MET, LPAR1, and ADCY9 in colorectal cancer, highlighting their involvement in the Hippo and Rap1 signaling pathways. Experimental assessments, including MTT assays, apoptosis assays, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis, demonstrated that the targeted modulation of these genes effectively inhibits cancer cell proliferation. Specifically, treatment with curcumin resulted in a significant reduction in cell viability in HT-29 and HCT-116 colorectal cancer cell lines, thereby facilitating apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, curcumin administration was associated with the upregulation of LPAR1 and ADCY9 gene expression, while concurrently downregulating AXIN2, MYC, TEAD4, and MET in both cell lines. This study reveals compelling evidence of curcumin's potent anticancer properties, highlighting its transformative influence on the Hippo and Rap1 signaling pathways within colorectal cancer cells. These findings not only underscore curcumin's potential as a therapeutic agent but also pave the way for innovative strategies in the fight against colorectal cancer.

Tissue Paper Softness: A Comparison Between Different Experimental Assessment Approaches.

In this work, four different experimental assessment approaches, namely, the Tissue Softness Analyzer (TSA), a Subjective Evaluation (SUB), the Kawabata Evaluation System (KES), and an Optical System (OPT), were used for the evaluation of softness on a set of 29 different tissue paper products. After processing and the interpretation of the results given by each one of the used methods, a procedure was implemented in the current work to make a comparison between them. The procedure consists in tracking the position of the tissue paper products on a ranking table, regardless of what values were obtained through each one of the four used methods independently. This comparison revealed to be very useful in determining the differences verified between methods allowing to conclude which ones were the least and the most concordant, and, at the same time, enabling us to identify interesting cases of tissue paper products on the set that caught our attention for their distinctive characteristics.

Receptor-binding proteins from animal viruses are broadly compatible with human cell entry factors

Abstract Cross-species transmission of animal viruses poses a threat to human health. However, systematic experimental assessments of these risks remain scarce. A critical step in viral infection is cellular internalization mediated by viral receptor-binding proteins (RBPs). Here we constructed viral pseudotypes bearing the RBPs of 102 enveloped RNA viruses and assayed their infectivity across 5,202 RBP–cell combinations. This showed that most of the tested viruses have the potential to enter human cells. Pseudotype infectivity varied widely among the 14 viral families examined and was influenced by RBP characteristics, host of origin and target cell type. Cellular gene expression data revealed that the availability of specific cell-surface receptors is not necessarily the main factor limiting viral entry and that additional host factors must be considered. Altogether, these results suggest weak interspecies barriers in the early stages of infection and advance our understanding of the molecular interactions driving viral zoonosis.

Combined influence of modified recycled concrete aggregate and metakaolin on high-strength concrete production: Experimental assessment and machine learning quantifications with advanced SHAP and PDP analyses

Combined influence of modified recycled concrete aggregate and metakaolin on high-strength concrete production: Experimental assessment and machine learning quantifications with advanced SHAP and PDP analyses

Can darker window tints reduce interior light impacts to hatchling sea turtles on developed coastlines? An experimental assessment

Can darker window tints reduce interior light impacts to hatchling sea turtles on developed coastlines? An experimental assessment

Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants using a novel bimetallic Ag-Cu doped biphenyl linked covalent triazine framework: Experimental, theoretical and toxicological assessments

Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of organic contaminants using a novel bimetallic Ag-Cu doped biphenyl linked covalent triazine framework: Experimental, theoretical and toxicological assessments

An experimental and numerical assessment of tidal stream turbine behavior under seabed bathymetry proximity and blockage ratio effect

An experimental and numerical assessment of tidal stream turbine behavior under seabed bathymetry proximity and blockage ratio effect

Synthesis, Characterization, and Molecular Modeling Studies of Novel Indenopyridazine-thiazole Molecular Hybrids

Background: Previous studies have reported various biological activities of indeno-pyridazine and thiazole derivatives, including antiviral activity and CoV-19 inhibition. In this paper, the authors aimed to design, synthesize, and characterize a novel series of indenopyridazinethiazoles, starting with 2-(4-cyano-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-9H-indeno[2,1-c]pyridazin-9-ylidene)-hydrazine-1-car-bothioamide and available laboratory reagents. Methods: The strategy involved the synthesis of indeno[2,1-c]pyridazincarbothioamide, followed by its reaction with various hydrazonoyl chlorides and α-halocompounds (phenacyl bromides and α-chloroketones) to obtain the desired indenopyridazinethiazole derivatives. The synthesized structures were confirmed using IR, NMR, mass spectra, elemental analysis, and alternative synthesis when possible. Docking scores and poses of thirteen synthesized compounds were examined using Auto-Dock4.2.6 software against multiple targets of SARS-CoV-2, including 3C-like protease (3CLpro), helicase, receptor binding domain (RBD), papain-like protease (PLpro), neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and human angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Results: Docking predictions revealed that compound 13d exhibited high potency against 3CLpro and helicase, with docking scores of -10.9 and -10.5 kcal/mol, respectively. Compound 10c showed su-perior docking scores against RBD and ACE2, with values of -8.7 and -11.8 kcal/mol, respectively. Compounds 10a, 13c, and 7b demonstrated excellent docking scores against RdRp, PLpro, and NRP-1, with values of -10.3, -10.4, and -8.6 kcal/mol, respectively. Conclusion: The authors recommend further experimental assessments of compounds 13d, 10c, 10a, 13c, and 7b against SARS-CoV-2 multi-targets, considering their promising docking scores.

Experimental assessment of different compact flow channel geometries on pressurised gas solar receivers

Experimental assessment of different compact flow channel geometries on pressurised gas solar receivers

A novel adaptive FOCV algorithm with robust IMRAC control for sustainable and high-efficiency MPPT in standalone PV systems: experimental validation and performance assessment

A novel adaptive FOCV algorithm with robust IMRAC control for sustainable and high-efficiency MPPT in standalone PV systems: experimental validation and performance assessment

Experimental assessment of Acanthopagrus schlegelii biomass based on environmental DNA technology

The Environmental DNA (eDNA) technology has attracted significant attention due to its convenience and high sensitivity. However, the variations of eDNA across diverse environments and biological species remain complex. Therefore, a detailed exploration of the release patterns of eDNA for specific species under different environments is crucial for the scientific utilization of eDNA detection techniques. This study conducted an experiment involving the aquaculture of Acanthopagrus schlegelii to explore the release and degradation mechanisms of eDNA. It also analyzed the influence of salinity and biomass on the concentration of eDNA in water. Through model simulations, the variation patterns of A. schlegelii eDNA were revealed. The study achieved three key findings: (1) The research on the release and degradation mechanisms of A. schlegelii eDNA indicated that the Generalized Additive Model (GAM) effectively fits the variation patterns of eDNA concentration. The peak concentration of eDNA released by A. schlegelii was observed at 42 h, and the degradation process exhibited two stages: rapid and slow degradation, with a negative correlation between eDNA concentration and time. (2) By investigating the relationship between the concentration of A. schlegelii eDNA and biomass, it was demonstrated that Linear Models (LM) effectively captured this relationship, indicating a correlation between eDNA concentration and biomass. (3) The detection of A. schlegelii eDNA concentration under different salinity conditions revealed that the GAM model better reflected the relationship between eDNA and salinity, exhibiting a negative correlation. As salinity increased, the concentration of eDNA decreased. This study lays a foundation for future assessments of the A. schlegelii biomass in natural waters using eDNA quantitative detection techniques, and provides relevant references for quantitative eDNA detection techniques in other marine fish species.