Mechanism Of Modification Research Articles

Design Modification of the Retort Burner for Phytomass in a Small Heat Source

AbstractPhytomass, a renewable energy source, faces the challenge of ash agglomeration due to its low ash fusion temperature. To address this, chemical modification (adding additives) and co-combustion with other fuels are explored. This study focuses on combustion of phytomass with wood biomass and mechanical modifications to the combustion chamber. The goal is to maintain the chamber temperature below the ash fusion point. Modifications included a modulated burner and water cooling. Combustion of phytomass with wood biomass in the ratio of 60/40, 40/60 and 20/80 had a beneficial effect on increasing the heat source output by 5% and reducing SOX emissions from 61 to 21 mg−3 by adding the wood to hay. The modification of the burner resulted in a reduction of particulate matter from the range 110–140 mg m−3 without cooling to the range 90–110 mg m−3 with cooling depending on the phyto/wood ratio and a reduction in the formation of deposits. By cooling the burner, the temperature at the exit from the combustion chamber was reduced from approx. 560 to 460 °C and at the height above the reaction zone of the flame from 500 to 320 °C. The co-combustion and additional cooling were not such effective, two other modifications were suggested for breaking up or sliding the resulting agglomerates from the surface of the retort. The proposed devices could have potential, as the investment in such a device is more cost-effective than the purchase of a special boiler for burning alternative pellets.

Neuroeffects of Microwave EMF Range of Non-Thermal Intensity and Short Exposure

The article presents a generalization and analysis of the results of many years of research by the author of the neuroeffects of weak electromagnetic effects in order to answer the questions: do they exist, what are their phenomenology, neurophysiological mechanism, ways of modification? Using electrophysiological and behavioral research methods, the line of effects of weak EMF from the neuron to the brain, the central nervous system (as a system) and the body is shown. In animal experiments and studies with the participation of volunteer testers, their phenomenology, dependence on parameters, modulation mode, and EMF organization are statistically substantiated. As a result, it is concluded that this is a common stimulus of the central nervous system, which in its influence on the body obeys the laws of physiology about the biological significance of the response, ways of its modification and adaptation mechanisms, which is advisable to take into account.

Emerging Role of NAT10 as ac4C Writer in Inflammatory Diseases: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Applications.

The incidence of inflammatory diseases, including infections, autoimmune disorders, and tumors, is consistently increasing year by year, posing a significant and growing threat to human health on a global scale. Recent research has indicated that RNA acetylation modification, a specific type of post-transcriptional modification, may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Among the various mechanisms of RNA modification, N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) has been identified as the sole cytidine acetyltransferase in eukaryotes. NAT10 is responsible for acetylating mRNA cytosine, which leads to the formation of N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C), a modification that subsequently influences mRNA stability and translation efficiency. Despite these insights, the specific roles and underlying mechanisms by which RNA acetylation contributes to the onset and progression of inflammatory diseases remain largely unclear. This review aimed to elucidate the alterations in NAT10 expression, the modifications it induces in target genes, and its overall contribution to the pathogenesis of various inflammatory conditions. It has been observed that NAT10 expression tends to increase in most inflammatory conditions, thereby affecting the expression and function of target genes through the formation of ac4C. Furthermore, inhibitors targeting NAT10 present promising therapeutic avenues for treating inflammatory diseases by selectively blocking NAT10 activity, thereby preventing the modification of target genes and suppressing immune cell activation and inflammatory responses. This potential for therapeutic intervention underscores the critical importance of further research on NAT10's role in inflammatory disease pathogenesis, as understanding these mechanisms could lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies, potentially transforming the therapeutic landscape for these conditions.

Co-Translational Deposition of N6-Acetyl-L-Lysine in Nascent Proteins Contributes to the Acetylome in Mammalian Cells.

N6-acetyl-L-lysine residue is abundant in dietary protein but little is known about its potential influences on the diet-consumers. Herein, it is reported that Lysyl-tRNA synthetase (KARS) mediates co-translational deposition of diet-derived N6-acetyl-L-lysine (AcK) in nascent proteins to contribute to the acetylome in cells. Acetylated dietary protein is a direct source of AcK that can widely and substantially regulate the acetylome in multiple organs of mice. By analyzing the mechanisms underlying AcK contributing to the acetylome in mammalian cells, it is found that KARS can utilize AcK as an alternative substrate to produce N6-acetyl-l-lysyl-tRNA. The crystal structure of KARS in complex with AcK at 2.26 Å resolution shows that AcK shares the same substrate-binding pocket as L-lysine, allowed by a sidechain flip of Tyr499. The generated N6-acetyl-L-lysyl-tRNA introduces AcK into growing nascent polypeptide and results in protein acetylation, including the regions buried inside folded proteins that are post-translational modification (PTM)-inaccessible and functionally important. This undocumented protein modification mechanism is inherently different from PTM and termed as co-translational modification (coTM). It is expected to extend the repertoire of acetylome and improve the understanding of protein modification mechanisms in cells.

037 Role and mechanism of palmitoylation modification of keratin 6 in the abnormal proliferation and activation of keratinocytes in psoriasis

037 Role and mechanism of palmitoylation modification of keratin 6 in the abnormal proliferation and activation of keratinocytes in psoriasis

The role and mechanism of NAT10-mediated ac4C modification in tumor development and progression.

RNA modification has emerged as a crucial area of research in epigenetics, significantly influencing tumor biology by regulating RNA metabolism. N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10)-mediated N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification, the sole known acetylation in eukaryotic RNA, influences cancer pathogenesis and progression. NAT10 is the only writer of ac4C and catalyzes acetyl transfer on targeted RNA, and ac4C helps to improve the stability and translational efficiency of ac4C-modified RNA. NAT10 is highly expressed and associated with poor prognosis in pan-cancers. Based on its molecular mechanism and biological functions, ac4C is a central factor in tumorigenesis, tumor progression, drug resistance, and tumor immune escape. Despite the increasing focus on ac4C, the specific regulatory mechanisms of ac4C in cancer remain elusive. The present review thoroughly analyzes the current knowledge on NAT10-mediated ac4C modification in cancer, highlighting its broad regulatory influence on targeted gene expression and tumor biology. This review also summarizes the limitations and perspectives of current research on NAT10 and ac4C in cancer, to identify new therapeutic targets and advance cancer treatment strategies.

Mechanism of Iron-rich Compound Modification and Purification in Recycled AlSi10MgFe Alloy with Manganese

Mechanism of Iron-rich Compound Modification and Purification in Recycled AlSi10MgFe Alloy with Manganese

Ultraviolet (UV) assisted fabrication and characterization of lignin containing cellulose nanofibrils (LCNFs) from wood residues.

This study aimed to explore the synergistic mechanism of lignin chromophore modifications via UV treatment and to analyze the effects of mechanical treatments on LCNF properties for future uses. The procedure involved two steps: first, lignin's chromophore modification via UV illumination, and then the ball milling process was proceeded for 1 h, followed by high-intensity ultrasonic for 15-135 min. Characterization included preserved lignin content percentage, FTIR, UV-vis NMR, and color analysis for UV-modified samples, and to access the influence of mechanical treatment on LCNF samples further yield, zeta potential analysis, XRD, thermogravimetric analysis, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were performed. LCNFs S-120 demonstrated a zeta potential of -21.7 mV, indicating enhanced stability compared to the S-135 sample (-10.95 mV). The S-120 sample also showed the highest yield (74.02 %) and TGA at 391 °C. In XRD analysis, the S-120 sample demonstrated the highest CrI 64.3 %, than the S-15 sample (48.2 %). Preserved lignin in the LCNFs led to a slight reduction in crystallinity across all samples but improved thermal stability for all the prepared LCNFs samples. The UV and ultrasonication improved the homogeneity and durability of the LCNF samples, enabling a process that may be used to industries.

Study on physical and chemical structure modification law and mechanism of coal based on organic acidification

Deep coal seams in China have the characteristics of low permeability, low porosity, and poor gas permeability, which makes the extraction of coalbed methane very difficult. To study the modification effect of acidic solutions on coal pore structure and mineral components, this study used three different concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%) of organic acids (HCOOH and CH3COOH) to treat coal. Through industrial/elemental analysis, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption experiments, and x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy detection experiments, the pore size distribution, mineral elements, and oxides of the acidified coal were analyzed. The strength of the acid solution's modification effect on coal was analyzed, as well as the relationship between different mineral elements and changes in pore structure. The results show that the two acids have a pore expanding effect on coal, with an increase in average pore size; the pore size distribution is between 2 and 50 nm, belonging to mesopores; acetic acid has a stronger overall dissolution efficiency on inorganic minerals, while formic acid has a better effect on the removal of Ca and P elements, but none of them can effectively remove silicoaluminates; the content of Ca element in coal is positively correlated with the specific surface area provided by mesopores; and iron dolomite is not sensitive to the reaction with acetic acid, resulting in an opposite trend in Fe content and mesoporous specific surface area. Organic acid solution changes the pore and fracture distribution structure of coal through chemical dissolution by dissolving the mineral components inside the coal, thereby affecting its internal structural characteristics.

Natural materials modified mud mortar for rubble stone masonry: An experimental and numerical study

Rubble stone masonry is a long-standing construction. However, its binding material and mud mortar exhibit shortcomings, including low tensile and shear strength and poor water resistance. To overcome these limitations, researchers have initiated investigations into modifying mud mortar, specifically focusing on the influence of natural materials on their performance. This study used straw (0-1wt%) and starch (0-7wt%) as modifiers for mud mortar. The modified mortar underwent compression, straight shear, split tensile, water immersion, and abrasion tests to investigate its mechanical properties and water resistance. Additionally, electron microscope scanning was employed to reveal the modification mechanism of mud mortar at the microstructural level. The study results showed that 0.5wt% straw/ 5wt% starch was the optimal blended mortar. In contrast, for compressive strength, tensile strength, cohesion, and water absorption capacity, starch was better than straw, and for internal friction angle and abrasion resistance, straw was better than starch. The modification mechanisms of both were bridging and gelling effects, respectively. Lastly, finite element numerical simulations were employed in this study to analyze how modified mud mortar influences the shear performance of rubble stone masonry walls. The results demonstrated that adding both straw and starch substantially enhanced the shear strength and ductility of the walls. Specifically, the additions of 0.5wt% straw and 5wt% starch increased the shear strength by 18.12% and 9.1% and the ductility by 8.48% and 0.83%, respectively. This study significantly advances low-carbon, green buildings, and sustainable development.

Nanosilica-enhanced geopolymer cementitious materials: Mechanistic insights from experimental and computational simulations

To mitigate the pollution associated with municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSW-IFA), solidification/stabilization (S/S) techniques have garnered considerable attention. This study systematically investigates the modification effects of nanosilica (NS) on the properties of geopolymer functional cementitious materials (GFCM) derived from waste fly ash. By integrating experimental data with simulation-based calculations, the influence of NS on the macroscopic properties and microstructure of GFCM, including mechanical performance, heavy metal immobilization mechanisms, and hydration processes, was examined. The results indicate that NS enhances mineral phase and pore structure through pozzolanic and filling effects, promoting additional C-S-H gel formation and pore filling, which significantly accelerates the hydration process and improves mechanical properties. Furthermore, NS increases the proportion of heavy metals in a stable state, thereby reducing their leaching potential. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further revealed that NS's modification effects primarily occur via filling, nucleation, and pozzolanic activity, which supported the construction of a geopolymer reaction network. This study offers a validated approach for advancing the understanding of NS modification mechanisms, the development of geopolymer reaction networks, and the mechanisms governing heavy metal S/S.

Rewriting Viral Fate: Epigenetic and Transcriptional Dynamics in KSHV Infection

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), a γ-herpesvirus, is predominantly associated with Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) as well as two lymphoproliferative disorders: primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and multicentric Castleman disease (MCD). Like other herpesviruses, KSHV employs two distinct life cycles: latency and lytic replication. To establish a lifelong persistent infection, KSHV has evolved various strategies to manipulate the epigenetic machinery of the host. In latently infected cells, most viral genes are epigenetically silenced by components of cellular chromatin, DNA methylation and histone post-translational modifications. However, some specific latent genes are preserved and actively expressed to maintain the virus’s latent state within the host cell. Latency is not a dead end, but the virus has the ability to reactivate. This reactivation is a complex process that involves the removal of repressive chromatin modifications and increased accessibility for both viral and cellular factors, allowing the activation of the full transcriptional program necessary for the subsequent lytic replication. This review will introduce the roles of epigenetic modifications in KSHV latent and lytic life cycles, including DNA methylation, histone methylation and acetylation modifications, chromatin remodeling, genome conformation, and non-coding RNA expression. Additionally, we will also review the transcriptional regulation of viral genes and host factors in KSHV infection. This review aims to enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of epigenetic modifications and transcriptional regulation in the KSHV life cycle, providing insights for future research.

The analysis of recombinant insulin production technologies

Aim. To analyze current trends in insulin production and expression systems used to obtain recombinant proteins. Materials and methods. The specified goal was achieved using the methods of content analysis, comparative, logical, analytical and generalization of information. The research materials were publications in scientific periodicals, official websites of manufacturing companies. Results. It has been found that the following expression systems are traditionally used for the commercial production of recombinant human insulins: bacterial – Escherichia coli, and yeast – Saccharomyces cerevisiae. But to meet the global need for insulin, it is necessary to develop new effective expression systems. Therefore, the use of other eukaryotic insulin expression systems that would be suitable for large-scale production is currently being studied. Among such systems, transgenic plants, which are characterized by the absence of potential human pathogens and the presence of post-translational protein modification mechanisms similar to human ones, are promising for introduction into insulin production. Currently, studies using Arabidopsis thaliana, tobacco, lettuce and strawberry plants are successful. Stem cells – embryonic, mesenchymal and induced pluripotent are also considered promising. The methods used in the large-scale production of recombinant insulin based on the synthesis of proinsulin and the two-chain method have been characterized. The technological flowcharts of both technologies have been drawn up, the advantages and disadvantages of each are given. Conclusions. The analysis of data from the scientific literature has shown that the main methods of producing insulin preparations since the 1980s remain pro-insulin and two-chain methods, which are based on recombinant DNA technologies. The pro-insulin method is considered more efficient and cost-effective compared to the two-chain method since this technology consists of working with a single recombinant strain. The choice between these two methods depends on the specific needs of the manufacturer: for some cases a fast method with proinsulin synthesis is rational, for others – a more accurate and controlled two-chain method. The bacteria – Escherichia coli and yeast – Saccharomyces cerevisiae remain the expression systems used in the existing large-scale production technologies. But using E. coli, insulin precursors are produced in inclusion bodies, and fully functional polypeptides are obtained by solubilization and refolding steps. The yeast-based system yields a soluble insulin precursor that is secreted into the culture fluid, but requires prior humanization due to the risks of an immune response in humans. Thus, current production technologies cannot meet the growing demand for available insulin due to limited production capacity and high production costs, so research is being conducted to find new efficient expression systems, such as plant and mammalian cells, including Arabidopsis thaliana, tobacco, lettuce, strawberry, stem cells.

Mechanisms of METTL14-Mediated m6A Modification in Promoting Iron Overload-Induced Lipid Peroxidative Damage in Vascular Endothelial Cells to Aggravate Atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic multifactorial disease with damage to vascular endothelial cells (VECs). This study sought to delve into the mechanism of methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14) in iron overload-induced lipid peroxidative damage in AS. AS mouse model and cell model were established. Levels of METTL14/circRNA coded by the Arhgap12 (circARHGAP12)/Aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH) were determined. AS plaque area/lipid deposition/lipid metabolism in AS mice and iron overload in VECs were evaluated. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) level and METTL14 enrichment and human antigen R (HuR) in circARHGAP12 or ASPH were measured. The mRNA stability of circARHGAP12 or ASPH was analyzed. We observed that METTL14 was upregulated in AS mice. METTL14 downregulation reduced plaque area/lipid deposition/iron overload/peroxidative damage in AS mice. In cell models, METTL14 downregulation could VEC injury/iron overload/lipid peroxidative damage. Mechanically, METTL14 increased the stability and expression of circARHGAP12 through m6A modification, further stabilized ASPH mRNA, and promoted ASPH transcription by binding to HuR. Overexpression of circARHGAP12 or inhibition of ASPH averted the protective role of METTL14 downregulation against iron overload-induced peroxidative damage in AS. In conclusion, METTL14-mediated m6A modification upregulated circARHGAP12 and ASPH to aggravate overload-induced lipid peroxidative damage and facilitate AS progression.

Solvent-modified carbon nitride integrated with SiO2 for enhanced photocatalytic activity: Microstructural modification and catalytic mechanisms

The photocatalytic activity of carbon nitride (CN) materials is primarily limited by low photogenerated carrier separation and mobility. The solvothermal method can regulate the molecular structure of materials to enhance charge separation and transport. In this study, we used ethanol (EtOH), DMF, and deionized water (H2O) as solvents to customize the microstructure of CN through a one-step solvothermal method and loaded SiO2 onto CN, ultimately synthesizing SiO2/CN composites (SiCNX, where X = E, D, H) with significantly improved photocatalytic efficiency. The modification with these three solvents led to noticeable changes in the basic structure of CN, reflected in the number of carbon vacancies, the integrity of the tri-s-triazine ring framework, the degree of polymerization, and the presence of C–C/CC bonds. The SiCNE composite, synthesized with ethanol modification, stood out by demonstrating exceptional photocatalytic degradation ability for Rhodamine B (RhB), achieving 99 % decolorization of a high-concentration RhB solution (300 mg/L) in 35 min. Additionally, the performance of SiCNE is 6.24 times that of CN and 224 times that of SiO2. This study not only exhibits the potential of solvent-modified SiCNX in constructing efficient electron transfer pathways but also highlights its capability in remarkably improving photocatalytic performance, providing a promising avenue for the development of future photocatalytic materials.

Ultrasonic peening-water jet combined surface modification mechanism and surface integrity study of 7075 aluminum alloy

This study employs an orthogonal experimental framework to investigate the effects of ultrasonic peening and solid projectile with water jet (UIT-SPEWJ) as a hybrid surface enhancement method on the surface integrity of 7075-T6 aluminum alloy. The research delves into the impact of various processing parameters on the alloy’s surface characteristics, encompassing surface finish, microhardness, residual stresses, and microstructural alterations. Our findings reveal a variation in surface roughness post-treatment, ranging from 0.852 to 2.411 μm; When the jet pressure was 25 MPa, the jet target distance was 7.5 mm, and the ultrasonic amplitude was 5 μm (referred to as UIT-SPEWJ-6), the surface roughness was the lowest at 0.852 μm. In contrast, when the jet pressure was 20 MPa, the jet target distance was 12.5 mm, and the ultrasonic amplitude was 20 μm (referred to as UIT-SPEWJ-4), the surface roughness was the highest at 2.411 μm. Surface textures displayed notable features such as crater-like indentations, adhered debris, and microporosity. The microhardness values on the treated surfaces were measured between 180 and 240 HV, marking an enhancement of 2.2–36.3 % over the untreated samples. Among the specimens, UIT-SPEWJ-6 exhibited the deepest hardening effect with a layer reaching 240 μm, whereas UIT-SPEWJ-4 showed the shallowest at approximately 210 μm. Residual compressive stresses were observed to lie between 277 and 530 MPa, which denotes a substantial increase of 394.6–846.4 % over the baseline stress of 56 MPa in untreated samples. Morphologically, UIT-SPEWJ-4 displayed continuous precipitate-free zones (PFZs) measuring 11–23 nm and abundant precipitates within 42–61 nm accompanied by pronounced dislocation activity. In contrast, UIT-SPEWJ-6 revealed discontinuous PFZs ranging from 7 to 16 nm, smaller precipitates between 22 and 36 nm, refined grain structures, and a higher dislocation density.

Innovative application of coffee grounds oil as an asphalt modifier: Extraction, preparation, and rheological properties

This study innovatively utilized coffee grounds oil (CGO) extracted from waste coffee grounds to modify base asphalt, aiming to promote sustainable reuse of coffee waste. The effects of modifier dosage, type, and aging conditions on the rheological properties of asphalt were investigated. After determining the extraction protocol, coffee grounds oil-modified asphalt (CGOA) and waste cooking oil-modified asphalt (WCOA) were prepared and subjected to short-term aging. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyzed the modification mechanism, while temperature sweep, frequency sweep, bending beam rheometer, and multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) tests assessed the rheological properties at high and low temperatures. Results showed that before aging, CGO improved thermal stability at medium to high temperatures and enhanced deformation and stress relaxation at low temperatures, though it reduced rutting resistance at high temperatures. After aging, CGOA with a dosage limited to 4 % exhibited rheological properties approaching base asphalt and improved the viscoelasticity of aged asphalt. In comparison, WCOA demonstrated significantly weaker performance, particularly after aging. This study provides practical insights into the novel application of CGO in pavement engineering.

Investigation of rheological properties and modification mechanism of bio-oil/crumb rubber modified asphalt reinforced by fiber

The synergistic effects of crumb rubber (CR), epoxy soybean oil (ESO) and polyester fiber (PF) on rheological and comprehensive properties of asphalt and the modification mechanism were studied. The main objective is to address the challenges of high viscosity and incompatibility associated with single rubber modified asphalt, as well as oil volatilization and decomposition at high temperatures, and decreased high temperature performance of oil /CR modified asphalt. The response surface method was used to optimize the ratio of PF, ESO and CR, and the ideal mixing ratio of 0.294 % PF, 6.0 % ESO and 21.464 % CR was determined by analyzing the interaction characteristics of each pairwise of the three components to obtain the best rheological properties. The rheological results showed that PF improved the rheological properties at high temperature and ESO improved the rheological properties at low temperature. Compared with the traditional SBS modified asphalt, the three-component composite modified asphalt exhibited excellent low temperature rheological properties and enhanced fatigue resistance, which was due to the synergistic effect between PF, ESO and CR. Microscopic analysis showed that ESO effectively enhances the compatibility and phase structure of the composites, while PF promoted structural stability by limiting the flow of asphalt. In this study, the comprehensive effects of single-component modified asphalt and multi-component modified asphalt were analyzed and compared by radar map, and the advantages of three-component modified asphalt were obviously highlighted. This study provides valuable insights and scientific guidance for the technical progress of similar asphalt modification engineering.

Mechanism of N6-Methyladenosine Modification in the Pathogenesis of Depression

Mechanism of N6-Methyladenosine Modification in the Pathogenesis of Depression

Modification of Tartary buckwheat flour via steam explosion and the quality characteristics of corresponding gluten-free whole-grain cookies

Steam explosion (SE, at 0.3–0.7 MPa for 3–7 min) was employed to modify the physicochemical properties of Tartary buckwheat (TB) flour, and the eating quality and starch digestibility of corresponding gluten-free whole-grain TB cookies was assessed. The results illustrated that SE enhanced the water-extractable arabinoxylans content in TB flour by 24%–152%. SE increased the random coil content while decreasing the α-helix content, and starch of SE flours had lower relative crystallinity and degree of short-range order. The water-holding capacity significantly increased with SE at moderate conditions. Additionally, SE flours enhanced the spread ratio of the cookies. Compared to cookies made with native TB flour, the digestibility of starch in cookies made with SE flour was significantly lower, and their resistant starch content was higher. The sensory evaluation attributes of SE cookies were superior to those of native cookie in terms of texture, smell, and form attributes. This study elucidates the action mechanism of SE modification on the properties of TB flours and cookies, offering a reference for the application of SE treatment on whole grain processing.