Fundamental Functions Research Articles

Revealing the Effect of Substantial A Site Cation Multiplicity in Lead-Free Double Perovskites for Memristor-Based Synaptic Devices.

In the realm of memory storage and brain-inspired neural computing, memristors stand out as some of the most rapidly advancing electronic components. In this aspect, Halide perovskite-based two-terminal memristors have gained widespread usage in energy-efficient artificial synapses and resistive random-access memory systems. Their appeal lies in their lower operating voltage, high ON/OFF ratio, cost-effective production, and reliable photoelectric regulation performance. In this study, we have successfully harnessed a one-step chemical synthesis method to fabricate a series of lead-free double perovskite ((Cs1-xRbx)2AgBiBr6, x = 0,0.1,0.15). While the pure Cs2AgBiBr6 device lacked discernible switching characteristics, introducing Rb dopants resulted in robust resistive switching attributed to defect states from the Cs site Rb substitution. Dopant concentration is tailored to enhance device performance─durability, reproducibility, mechanical flexibility, and ON/OFF ratio. Additionally, we confirmed the valence change mechanism through temperature-dependent conductivity of the high resistive states and SET/RESET voltage analysis. Remarkably, resistance of flexible memory devices remains unaffected by bending curvature. Furthermore, our two-terminal synaptic device effectively regulates voltage pulses, mimicking biological synapses. Pulse measurements emulate fundamental synaptic functions: excitatory postsynaptic current, paired-pulse facilitation, long-term potentiation, and long-term depression under normal conditions. When applied to handwritten digit recognition simulation, these synaptic memristors achieved a high accuracy rate of 96.6%. These findings hold promise for next-gen electronics with lead-free Rb-doped double perovskite-based artificial synapses.

Multifunctional full-space origami reconfigurable metasurface for spin-decoupled wavefront manipulation

Achieving multifunctional wavefront manipulations of electromagnetic (EM) waves in a dynamic manner while maintaining low cost and high efficiency is essential for high-capacity communications and EM information processing, which nevertheless presents significant challenges. Origami metasurfaces exhibiting various structural transformations have emerged as versatile platforms for the dynamic manipulation of EM waves, offering an effective method primarily for wavefront modulation of spin light. However, most multifunctional capabilities remain restricted to locked spin states and limited operational ranges. Here, a multifunctional full-space origami metasurface with spin-decoupled wavefront control is presented by combining the geometric phase and propagation phase in a single-layered resonant structure. The planar metasurface is transformed into 3D meta-structures by a straightforward yet extremely efficient deformation technique to modify spatial patterns, thus enabling dynamic wavefront control. A proof-of-concept meta-device is experimentally demonstrated for verification, featuring full-space and spin-decoupled wavefront manipulations and showcasing distinct fundamental functions such as near-field focusing and far-field anomalous reflections and refractions. The experiment results align closely with simulation outcomes and theoretical expectations, confirming the superior quality of the proposed design, which may provide unexplored opportunities for applications such as multifunctional radar detection and reconfigurable photonics devices.

A Comprehensive Review of Hypotheses About the Biological Function of Zearalenone, and a New Hypothesis for the Function of Resorcylic and Dihydroxyphenylacetic Macrolactones in Fungi

The special metabolite of Fusarium spp. zearalenone (ZEN) exerts estrogenic effects on mammals, stimulates plant growth, stimulates sexual development in fungi, and inhibits fungal growth. These activities inspired hypotheses about the biological function of ZEN. We briefly review the discovery of ZEN and its implications. The main subject of this review is a critical assessment of the hypotheses that ZEN is a fungal hormone, a plant hormone, a virulence factor, or a fungal defense metabolite. Conceptual and technical issues related to testing these hypotheses, such as inadequate analytical methods, confusion of incidental effects with biological functions, and lack of normalization, are illuminated. Based on these considerations, gene knockout experiments, and on the effects of biotic interactions on ZEN synthesis, we argue that ZEN is a defense metabolite protecting Fusarium spp. against mycoparasites and competitors. Similar reasoning and published data suggest that the Fusarium metabolite fusaristatin A fulfils the same function. Fungi produce many macrolactones of resorcylic acid (RALs) and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DHPLs) with properties similar to ZEN. Their widespread occurrence, antifungal activity, and further considerations prompt us to hypothesize that the fundamental function of fungal RALs and DHPLs lies in defense and interference competition.

Friction coefficient behaviour between rubber wheel and hydraulic concrete under different contact conditions

Currently, some countries are implementing the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system which combines the efficiency and quality of the Metro system and offers flexibility and low cost of infrastructure. To ensure the safety of users, the study of friction in pneumatic wheels in different environmental contaminants must be prove for these vehicles, since they carry out some fundamental functions like driving transmission, traction and braking. In this study, the behaviour of the coefficient of friction between SBR rubber and hydraulic concrete MR 48 was analysed in different contact conditions. Properties of SBR rubber were obtained with a universal testing machine and a durometer shore A, while the properties of concrete MR 48 were obtained with a compression testing machine. The friction experiments were performed by using the British pendulum method. Micrographs of the rubber surface were obtained by scanning electron microscope. The results showed that high values of coefficient of friction are obtained in dry condition and even higher at high temperature. Contrary, the lowest coefficients of friction were seen in wet condition and with contaminants. However, for the wet condition the coefficient of friction can recover after applying silica sand.

Alginate-gelatin hydrogel scaffolds for establishing physiological barriers on a gut-brain-axis microchip.

Alginate-gelatin hydrogel scaffolds for establishing physiological barriers on a gut-brain-axis microchip.

The brine shrimp Artemia franciscana as a model for astrobiological studies: Physiological adaptations to Mars-like atmospheric pressure conditions.

The brine shrimp Artemia franciscana as a model for astrobiological studies: Physiological adaptations to Mars-like atmospheric pressure conditions.

Role of peroxisomes in the pathogenesis and therapy of renal fibrosis.

Role of peroxisomes in the pathogenesis and therapy of renal fibrosis.

IDH1 regulates human erythropoiesis by eliciting chromatin state reprogramming

Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) is the key enzyme that can modulate cellular metabolism, epigenetic modification, and redox homeostasis. Gain-of-function mutations and decreased expression of IDH1 have been demonstrated to be associated with pathogenesis of various myeloid malignancies characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). However, the function and mechanism of IDH1 in human erythropoiesis still remains unclear. Here, utilizing the human erythropoiesis system, we present an evidence of IDH1-mediated chromatin state reprogramming besides its well-characterized metabolism effects. We found that knockdown IDH1 induced chromatin reorganization and subsequently led to abnormalities biological events in erythroid precursors, which could not be rescued by addition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers or supplementation of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG).We further revealed that knockdown IDH1 induces genome-wide changes in distribution and intensity of multiple histone marks, among which H3K79me3 was identified as a critical factor in chromatin state reprogramming. Integrated analysis of ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, and RNA-seq recognized that SIRT1 was the key gene affected by IDH1 deficiency. Thus, our current work provided novel insights for further clarifying fundamental biological function of IDH1 which has substantial implications for an in-depth understanding of pathogenesis of diseases with IDH1 dysfunction and accordingly development of therapeutic strategies.

Osteochondrosis in horses: An overview of genetic and other factors.

Osteochondrosis (OC) is a frequent manifestation of developmental orthopaedic disease, and its severe clinical presentation is known as OC dissecans (OCD). OC is defined as a disruption of the endochondral ossification process in the epiphyseal cartilage, and this disease has been reported in different mammalian species, including humans, dogs, pigs, and horses. OCD is an important cause of lameness in sport horses and is a common cause of impaired orthopaedic potential, whose clinical signs may be of minimal magnitude or manifest as severe joint effusion or clinically noticeable lameness. The aetiology of OCD is unknown, although it has traditionally been considered to be multifactorial. In addition to genetic factors, associated factors include both non-genetic elements such as rapid growth, nutrition, trauma, anatomical conformation, and biomechanics. Since the prevalence of the disease varies greatly depending on the horse breed, from 13% in Swedish Warmblood to 53% in Lusitano breed, genetic factors have a great relevance in the appearance and development of OCD in horses. Many genetic modifications have been related, and the genes involved can be grouped into five clusters, related to fundamental functions for the correct development and regeneration of cartilage, such as collagen, laminin, cell signalling, matrix turnover, and transcriptional regulation. Changes in genes such as COL3A1, COL5A1, COL5A2, COL24A1, COL27A1 (collagen cluster), LAMB1 (laminin cluster), PTH, PHT receptors, and IHH (cell signalling), and genes encoding matrix metalloproteinases have been related to the occurrence and severity of diseases in different equine breeds. This review summarises the main factors associated with OC in horses, with particular emphasis on genetic factors.

Socio-Cultural Projecting and Component Methodologies of Social Engineering in Fine Arts Marketing

The purpose of the present article is twofold: firstly, to research the methodology for applying social engineering tools in socio-cultural projects in the field of art marketing when implementing the main functions of art, and secondly, to research the impact of these functions on consumer groups as recipients of an art product. The research methodology is founded upon the application of comparative, empirical and theoretical methods. This epistemological methodological approach the analysis of the possibility of a scientific approach to the differentiation of the capabilities of the main functions of art when implementing these functions using social engineering tools in socio-cultural art marketing projects. The scientific novelty consists in expanding the ideas of an art expert about art marketing as a plane of socio-cultural projects that have their own methodology for researching segments of consumer audiences as spheres of influence of the main functions of art when applying social engineering tools and in accordance with the technologies of positioning works of art. Conclusions. Social engineering has been identified as a highly effective marketing tool in the execution of fundamental art functions, including those related to fine art. When art functions are designed to elicit a specific response from target consumer demographics of socio-cultural projects, social engineering provides marketers with a range of instruments to significantly enhance the efficacy of their impact on these audiences. Irrespective of the level of experience of managers, artists and art historians, or the extent of their knowledge of the socio-cultural industry, all participants in the art market become subjects or objects of social engineering. It is therefore asserted that social engineering technologies are extensively employed in the art market, particularly in the domains of auctions, galleries and museums. These technologies facilitate the effective implementation of the primary functions of art and address the requirements of art market consumer.

The relationship between chronotype, sleep quality, and smartphone addiction in health sciences students in Morocco and Spain

ABSTRACT Poor sleep quality can cause various health problems. Despite this evidence, much research demonstrates significant heterogeneity in the amounts that people sleep across cultures. This suggests that despite serving fundamental biological functions, sleep is also subject to cultural influence. Variations in chronotype and problematic smartphone use influence sleep quality, and both poor sleep and smartphone addiction can result in poor health and academic performance. This study aimed to measure the associations between chronotype, sleep quality, and smartphone addiction in a population of 1210 health sciences university students in Morocco and Spain. The Horne and Ostberg Morningness−Eveningness Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Smartphone Addiction Scale were used to assess the study variables. The study found that the majority of students belonged to the “Neutral” chronotype (73.9%), that the prevalence of smartphone addiction was fairly high (46.3%), and that the prevalence of poor sleep quality was high (74.0%). Associations were found between chronotype and smartphone addiction (p < 0.001), subjective sleep quality (p = 0.006), sleep duration (p = 0.005), sleep disturbances (p = 0.013), and use of sleep medications (p = 0.003). Chronotype was also associated with gender (p = 0.009), country of study (p < 0.001), field of study (p < 0.001), and chronic health problems (p = 0.001). Associations between chronotype and field of study (p < 0.001 for the evening chronotype), sleep disturbance (p < 0.001 and p = 0.026 for both the evening and morning chronotypes), and smartphone addiction (p < 0.001 for the morning chronotype) were confirmed in the multivariate analysis. Our study highlights associations with chronotype that affect sleep quality and addictive behavior when young health sciences students use smartphones. This implies the need to teach or develop strategies to prevent or minimize the negative consequences of the chronotype on mental health and its effects on production. Educational activities on sleep hygiene strategies, the healthy use of smartphones taking into account the chronotype in health sciences students, are needed in order to benefit mental health offuture healthcare professionals.

Mental Arithmetic and Its Impact on the Development of Mathematical Abilities

This article examines the influence of mental arithmetic on the development of mathematical abilities. This domain represents a fundamental cognitive function that underpins mathematical thinking. Over the past decades, interest in this issue has significantly increased due to advancements in neuroscience, psychology, and educational technologies. However, despite extensive research, unresolved questions remain regarding the neural mechanisms underlying mental calculations, the impact of external factors on arithmetic performance, and the effectiveness of various training methods. The objective of this study is to systematize contemporary scientific perspectives on mental arithmetic and its effects on the development of mathematical abilities. A review of the literature reveals that researchers employ a wide range of approaches, from neuroimaging techniques to cognitive experiments focused on the role of auditory and visual stimuli. Nonetheless, scientific debates persist concerning the neuropsychological models of mental arithmetic, its interaction with working memory, and attentional processes. It is concluded that mental arithmetic is a complex, multifaceted process influenced by both individual characteristics and external conditions. The author’s contribution lies in proposing a conceptual framework for understanding the impact of mental arithmetic on the development of mathematical abilities. These findings will be of interest to psychologists, neuroscientists, educators, and developers of mathematical training programs.

A New Deinterleaving Approach Based On Clustering and PRI Type Recognition

In an electronic warfare environment, numerous radars operate, each designed with distinct signal waveforms tailored to fulfill specific missions. The deinterleaving of radars is a fundamental function of an electronic warfare system. Following deinterleaving, identifying the Pulse Repetition Interval (PRI) modulation type becomes essential for enhanced radar recognition and understanding of its function. In this study, a new clustering and rule-based method is proposed to deinterleave radar pulses and recognize the PRI modulations. Ordering Points to Identify Clustering Structure (OPTICS) method is employed to cluster the radar signals. Difference of Time of Arrival (DTOA)-based method is employed to find the PRIs in the clustered data. A rule-based method is used to determine the PRI type from the obtained PRI values. In the experiments, the clustering and PRI type recognition phases were analyzed separately. The performance of OPTICS was tested under different conditions: (i) high cluster counts, (ii) close proximity of clusters, (iii) different cluster densities and forms, and showed good results in clustering. The PRI type detection performance was also tested on a simulation dataset consisting of 4 different PRI types (constant, agile, stagger and dwell&amp;switch). The results indicate that the new method is effective in determining the PRI modulations.

Mechano-metabolism: Recent Findings on the Intersection of Cell Adhesion, Cell Migration, and Metabolism.

Chemical and mechanical cues within the extracellular matrix (ECM) can initiate intracellular signaling that changes an array of fundamental cell functions. In recent work, studies of cell-ECM adhesion have deepened to include the influence of the physical ECM on cell metabolism. Since many biological processes involve metabolic programs, changes to cellular metabolism in response to cues in the ECM can have marked effects on cell health. In this review, we describe molecular mechanisms associated with cell-ECM adhesion that are key players in metabolism-induced changes to cell behaviors, including migration. We first review how changes to metabolite availability in the extracellular environment or manipulation of metabolic machinery in cells impact focal adhesions. We then connect this work to recent findings regarding the reverse relationship, namely how the manipulation of focal adhesion proteins or integrins feeds back to alter cell metabolism. Finally, we consider the latest findings from studies that describe how the mechanical properties of the ECM, primarily stiffness and confinement, alter cellular metabolism. We identify key areas of future investigation that may elucidate the molecular drivers that permit cells to respond to mechanical and chemical ECM cues by reprogramming their metabolism to better inform future diagnostics and therapeutics for disease states.

The Characteristics and Functions of SSRs and SNPs Based on the Transcriptome of Tuta absoluta Exposed to Different Concentrations of Abamectin and Chlorantraniliprole

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is an important invasive pest that seriously affects the yield and quality of tomatoes. In this study, based on the previously obtained transcriptome data, a total of 25,123 SSR loci and 332,537 SNP loci were identified. The identified SSRs had occurrence and appearance frequencies of 28.62% and 40.60%, respectively. SSRs with a length equal to or greater than 12 bp constituted 58.25% of the total SSR loci. Through the analysis of GO, COG annotations, and the KEGG pathway database, it was revealed that the majority of SSR-transcripts were involved in fundamental cellular metabolic functions. In addition, the frequency of SNP occurrence was approximately one SNP locus per 175 base pairs (bp), and the transition type was the main variant type. The functional annotations of SNP-transcripts were primarily concentrated in biological synthesis pathways such as peroxisome, RNA transport, carbon metabolism, and protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum. These synthesis pathways are involved in the detoxification mechanism of T. absoluta and contribute to its enhanced survival under pesticide susceptibility. These findings provide valuable data for constructing genetic maps, assessing genetic diversity, and determining functional orientation in insects, and they also provide basic data for the molecular mechanism of T. absoluta ‘s response to pesticide susceptibility.

Emerging nano-derived therapy for the treatment of dementia: a comprehensive review.

Dementia includes a variety of neurodegenerative diseases that affect and target the brain's fundamental cognitive functions. It is undoubtedly one of the diseases that affects people globally. The ameliorating the disease is still not known; the symptoms, however, can be prevented to an extent. Dementia encompasses Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Lewy body dementia, mixed dementia, and various other diseases. The aggregation of β-amyloid protein plaques and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles have been concluded as the foremost cause for the onset of the disease. As the cases climb, new neuroprotective methods are being developed in the form of new drug delivery systems that provide targeted delivery. Herbal drugs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Cannabis have shown satisfactory results by not only treating the symptoms but have also been shown to reduce and ameliorate the formation of amyloid plaque formation. This article explores the intricate possibilities of drug delivery and the absolute use of herbal drugs to target neurodegenerative diseases. The various possibilities of nanotechnology currently available with new emerging techniques are also discussed.

Teichoic acids in the periplasm and cell envelope of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Teichoic acids (TA) are linear phospho-saccharidic polymers and important constituents of the cell envelope of Gram-positive bacteria, either bound to the peptidoglycan as wall teichoic acids (WTA) or to the membrane as lipoteichoic acids (LTA). The composition of TA varies greatly but the presence of both WTA and LTA is highly conserved, hinting at an underlying fundamental function that is distinct from their specific roles in diverse organisms. We report the observation of a periplasmic space in Streptococcus pneumoniae by cryo-electron microscopy of vitreous sections. The thickness and appearance of this region change upon deletion of genes involved in the attachment of TA, supporting their role in the maintenance of a periplasmic space in Gram-positive bacteria as a possible universal function. Consequences of these mutations were further examined by super-resolved microscopy, following metabolic labeling and fluorophore coupling by click chemistry. This novel labeling method also enabled in-gel analysis of cell fractions. With this approach, we were able to titrate the actual amount of TA per cell and to determine the ratio of WTA to LTA. In addition, we followed the change of TA length during growth phases, and discovered that a mutant devoid of LTA accumulates the membrane-bound polymerized TA precursor.

Transformations of Family Cultural Values in the Context of Globalization in Suburban Districts in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Family is a special social organization. Family is not only a cultural phenomenon but also cultural value that penetrates deeply into the emotional thoughts and life ideals of family members. The cultural value system inherent to the family serves as the foundational underpinning of familial cohesiveness, fostering sustainability, security, and contentment within family life, contributing to an increasingly better society. In the contemporary landscape of globalization, various domains are undergoing rapid transformations, encompassing fundamental shifts in the foundational values of the family. At the same time, new values are emerging in the development process. There are many transformations in cultural values in the family such as transformations in family structure, size, and type; family functions; marital relations, spousal relations, customs, and traditions... Approaching cultural change theory and functional theory, this article centers on the analysis of shifting family cultural values by examining fundamental family functions within the suburban districts of Ho Chi Minh City under the impact of urbanization and globalization which leads to conflicts between generations, between tradition and modernity, and rural and urban distinctions. Employing a comprehensive research approach, the study integrates both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Field investigations are conducted across five districts in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, utilizing survey questionnaires and purposeful in-depth interviews as principal research instruments.

Exploring the Science of Shape: How Physical Activity, Sleep, and Stress Affect Body Composition.

In the contemporary context of health challenges, the focus on physical health has become a social and individual priority. Within this framework, body composition emerges as one of the key determinants of physical health, with deviations from normal body composition being associated with numerous pathological conditions that can lead to serious health issues. Consequently, there is an urgent need to synthesize the available knowledge and increase awareness regarding healthy body composition and the factors that shape its components. This narrative review aims to summarize the knowledge regarding the main components of body composition and the key factors that influence their development. The fundamental morphological characteristics and functions of the primary components of body composition-including adipose tissue, muscle mass, and bone tissue-are addressed. Furthermore, the available methods for assessing body composition are outlined. The role of three key factors that influence body composition is outlined, including, but not limited to, physical activity, sleep quality, and stress levels. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations that determine body composition in relation to the variability of these factors are discussed. The review provides evidence-based information that will be valuable both for disease prevention related to non-communicable diseases and for the promotion of health strategies aimed at long-term physical well-being.

New method for solving fractional differential equations: HK transform

Abstract In this study, a transformation solution of high-order linear fractional differential equations is provided using Riemann-Liouville and Caputo fractional derivatives. To achieve this objective, HK transformed fundamental mathematical functions before outlining its salient characteristics were developed. Afterward, the fractional formula of HK transform was derived for both fractional calculus fractional integral and fractional derivative. Then the exact solution of an example of a fractional differential equation was found. This paper provided several numerical issues and solved them by strict stepwise solutions to illustrate the effectiveness of HK transform. The results demonstrate that the original HK Transform has been introduced offers accurate solutions for higher-order fractional differential equations while reducing computational complexity because the HK operator is very simply applied to denominators, complements, and fractions, the inverse is not complicated to obtain an exact solution without complicated algebraic equations.