Scaffolding Structure Research Articles

Central Role of the Actomyosin Ring in Coordinating Cytokinesis Steps in Budding Yeast.

Eukaryotic cells must accurately transfer their genetic material and cellular components to their daughter cells. Initially, cells duplicate their chromosomes and subsequently segregate them toward the poles. The actomyosin ring, a crucial molecular machinery normally located in the middle of the cells and underneath the plasma membrane, then physically divides the cytoplasm and all components into two daughter cells, each ready to start a new cell cycle. This process, known as cytokinesis, is conserved throughout evolution. Defects in cytokinesis can lead to the generation of genetically unstable tetraploid cells, potentially initiating uncontrolled proliferation and cancer. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms by which budding yeast cells build the actomyosin ring and the preceding steps involved in forming a scaffolding structure that supports the challenging structural changes throughout cytokinesis. Additionally, we describe how cells coordinate actomyosin ring contraction, plasma membrane ingression, and extracellular matrix deposition to successfully complete cytokinesis. Furthermore, the review discusses the regulatory roles of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase (Cdk1) and the Mitotic Exit Network (MEN) in ensuring the precise timing and execution of cytokinesis. Understanding these processes in yeast provides insights into the fundamental aspects of cell division and its implications for human health.

Advancing Scaffold-Assisted Modality for In Situ Osteochondral Regeneration: A Shift From Biodegradable to Bioadaptable.

Over the decades, the management of osteochondral lesions remains a significant yet unmet medical challenge without curative solutions to date. Owing to the complex nature of osteochondral units with multi-tissues and multicellularity, and inherently divergent cellular turnover capacities, current clinical practices often fall short of robust and satisfactory repair efficacy. Alternative strategies, particularly tissue engineering assisted with biomaterial scaffolds, achieve considerable advances, with the emerging pursuit of a more cost-effective approach of in situ osteochondral regeneration, as evolving toward cell-free modalities. By leveraging endogenous cell sources and innate regenerative potential facilitated with instructive scaffolds, promising results are anticipated and being evidenced. Accordingly, a paradigm shift is occurring in scaffold development, from biodegradable and biocompatible to bioadaptable in spatiotemporal control. Hence, this review summarizes the ongoing progress in deploying bioadaptable criteria for scaffold-based engineering in endogenous osteochondral repair, with emphases on precise control over the scaffolding material, degradation, structure and biomechanics, and surface and biointerfacial characteristics, alongside their distinguished impact on the outcomes. Future outlooks of a highlight on advanced, frontier materials, technologies, and tools tailoring precision medicine and smart healthcare are provided, which potentially paves the path toward the ultimate goal of complete osteochondral regeneration with function restoration.

Investigation of Dynamic Behavior of Piled Pier Structure

Sea transport is preferred because it is safe and economical in countries in the regions that dominate world trade. Approximately 86% of the developing and increasing trade volume is provided by sea transportation. Ports, which are an important pillar of international trade, take an active place in the transportation network for these reasons. In our country, an increase has been observed in the studies on the design of coastal port structures in the last 15 years. In the design of coastal structures, technical approaches and durability are at the forefront, while recently the continuity of the performance of the structures has been taken as a basis. They are exposed to static and dynamic loads throughout their service life. In order to encounter minimum damage due to earthquake effects, an analysis that reflects the behavior under static and dynamic loads and the parameters must be determined correctly. For this purpose, parameter changes were investigated to examine the dynamic behavior of a scaffolding structure. Piles diameters of 600, 800 and 1000 mm and placement spacing of 4D and 8D were considered variable. Analyzes were carried out with Sap 2000, a finite element program. The capacity of the building was determined with pushover analysis and its dynamic performance was evaluated with time history analysis.

Histologic and cytologic changes in normal equine joints after injection with 2.5% injectable polyacrylamide hydrogel reveal low-level macrophage-driven foreign body response.

The data presented in this paper are derived from an in vivo study performed to characterize the nature of the synovial integration process of a 2.5% synthetic cross-linked injectable polyacrylamide hydrogel (2.5 iPAAG) injected IA in horses. 10 healthy horses not suffering from OA or signs of joint disease were administered 50 or 100 mg 2.5 iPAAG in a total of 13 metacarpophalangeal or middle carpal joints. Injected joints were examined at 0, 14, 42, and/or 90 days postinjection. Parameters investigated included clinical examination, synoviocentesis, gross pathology, histology, and scanning electron microscopy. All horses remained clinically normal, with no adverse events recorded throughout the study period. Gross postmortem did not reveal any significant findings. Arthrocentesis cytology parameters remained within clinically normal levels throughout the study. Synovial histology demonstrated that cellular infiltration of macrophages, villus hyperplasia, and vascularization were significantly higher in 2.5 iPAAG-injected joints compared to controls. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the 2.5 iPAAG demonstrated an extensive tissue integration as a 3-D scaffolding structure with intact cross-linked strands. Results confirm that an IA injection of 2.5 iPAAG induces a typical foreign body response that is predominately macrophage driven with no evidence of fibrosis or mineralization. Integration of the gel is evident by 14 days, with no free gel remaining in the joint cavity at this time.

A Fine Design Method for Disk-Buckled Scaffolding Structure Based on Direct Analysis

A Fine Design Method for Disk-Buckled Scaffolding Structure Based on Direct Analysis

Structure–Property Relationships with Functionalized Subphthalocyanines: Toward Photovoltaic Devices More Stable to Photooxidative Degradation Mediated by Singlet Oxygen

AbstractIn this work, the overarching goal of improving the photooxidative stability of organic components used in photovoltaic devices is addressed, focusing on the common problem of degradation mediated by singlet molecular oxygen. Through a systematic exploration of boron subphthalocyanines (SubPcs), the influence of donor and acceptor substituents on the SubPc's redox properties has been examined, including the SubPc's ability to (1) act as a photosensitizer for singlet oxygen generation and (2) deactivate singlet oxygen are examined. How singlet oxygen formation and removal are influenced by linking together three SubPcs in a compact structure and by linking a SubPc to another molecular unit of relevance for organic photovoltaics (indenofluorene‐extended tetrathiafulvalene) is also examined. Synthetic protocols rooted in acetylenic scaffolding, experimental and computational structure–property relationships (optical and redox properties, singlet oxygen quantum yields, and removal kinetics), and characteristics of a functional photovoltaic device using a SubPc molecule are presented, demonstrating that cyano functionalization results in remarkably enhanced organic photovoltaic device stability.

한국어 초급 읽기 수업을 위한 비계설정 전략

Objectives This study suggests the strategy of scaffolding for learners who are beginners in Korean language as a foreign language and aims to use meaningful teaching and learning strategies in Korean beginner’s reading classes in the future.
 Methods To this end, many prior studies related to reading strategy and scaffolding were first considered. Based on the fact that scaffolding strategy research in Korean reading education as a foreign language was not conducted, theoretical background was considered to present scaffolding strategies which are necessary and appropriate for Korean beginner reading classes.
 Results Based on Kim (2005)'s direct scaffolding structure and strategy, this study reconstructed four scaffolding types: explaining; demonstrating; giving hints; asking questions. Newly reorganized settings and examples were also presented based upon Choi (2003).
 Conclusions The contributions of this research are presented as follows: (1) the need for scaffolding in beginner Korean reading as a foreign language was mentioned; (2) the scaffolding type in beginner Korean reading as a foreign language was newly reconstructed and presented, unlike the existing scaffolding type in reading education.

Research progress of oxazole derivatives in the discovery of agricultural chemicals

AbstractThe search for new scaffolds is one of the important goals in the discovery of new pesticides, and the oxazoles as an important five‐membered heterocyclic compound are widely used in the discovery of new pesticides. Oxazoles ring are often used as the scaffolding structure or bridging chain to connect different reactive groups. In recent years, oxazoles have made rapid progress in the discovery of new pesticides, especially in the discovery of fungicides, insecticides, and acaricides. A systematic review of the recent research progress of oxazoles in the discovery of new pesticides is of interest. Therefore, we comprehensively reviewed the application of oxazole compounds in the discovery of new pesticides from 2003 to 2023; summarized the fungicidal, antibacterial, insecticidal, acaricidal, and herbicidal activities of oxazoles; and discussed the structure–activity relationship, physiochemical and mechanism of action, with the aim of providing inspiration and ideas for the discovery of oxazoles as novel agrochemicals.

Stabilization of membrane topologies by proteinaceous remorin scaffolds

In plants, the topological organization of membranes has mainly been attributed to the cell wall and the cytoskeleton. Additionally, few proteins, such as plant-specific remorins have been shown to function as protein and lipid organizers. Root nodule symbiosis requires continuous membrane re-arrangements, with bacteria being finally released from infection threads into membrane-confined symbiosomes. We found that mutations in the symbiosis-specific SYMREM1 gene result in highly disorganized perimicrobial membranes. AlphaFold modelling and biochemical analyses reveal that SYMREM1 oligomerizes into antiparallel dimers and may form a higher-order membrane scaffolding structure. This was experimentally confirmed when expressing this and other remorins in wall-less protoplasts is sufficient where they significantly alter and stabilize de novo membrane topologies ranging from membrane blebs to long membrane tubes with a central actin filament. Reciprocally, mechanically induced membrane indentations were equally stabilized by SYMREM1. Taken together we describe a plant-specific mechanism that allows the stabilization of large-scale membrane conformations independent of the cell wall.

Symbiotic Scenes – Incessantly Interweaved

ABSTRACT Symbiotic Scenes was a work of scenography created as part of the artistic research project Scenography as Symbiosis. It was realized on an empty lot between the cultural center TOU and the fjord in the former industrial area of Stavanger East, Norway, in September 2021. The work was developed through a research process carried out over the course of one year in this public context. Symbiotic Scenes was mediated by a 4 × 5 meter LED screen held by a revealed scaffolding structure. Its context, components and experience are described in this short written essay and explored visually through photographic documentation. The work is contextualized through a description of the artistic research project Scenography as Symbiosis to further emphasize the work as embedded within a broader artistic endeavor. With one of its beginnings in the word skenographia as connected to the theatre of ancient Greece, the research project explores ways of imagining an ontology of scenography, meaning contemplating how scenography comes into being through realizing works of scenography in various diverse contexts. Embedded within this endeavor is a queering of binaries such as foreground-background, inside-outside, active-passive, and present-absent. Finally, an interpretation of symbiosis through the philosophical framework of Object-oriented Ontology is described. Embracing this understanding of symbiosis, Symbiotic Scenes is imagined as having existed as a new symbiotic object, which appeared through biographical symbiosis between interwoven gradually transforming objects already existing within the environment. A state of being incessantly interweaved appears to be the how of the being of Symbiotic Scenes.

Highly Effective Multifunctional Solar Evaporator with Scaffolding Structured Carbonized Wood and Biohydrogel.

A solar evaporator that utilizes solar radiation energy can be a renewable approach to deal with energy crisis and fresh water shortage. In this study, a solar evaporator was prepared by assembling composite carbonized wood of Melaleuca Leucadendron L. and biobased hydrogel. The multilayer MXene (Ti3C2Tx) was embedded in the scaffolding structure of the wood to form composite carbonized wood, where the loose and ordered scaffolding structure of the carbonized wood significantly improves the efficiency of water transportation with increased capillary force. The MXene adsorbed in the carbonized wood has high binding energy with water molecules, leading to reduction of vaporization enthalpy and contact angle. Moreover, the addition of MXene can improve the light absorbance, especially for the infrared and ultraviolet light bands. The hydrogel was fabricated by crosslinking konjac glucomannan and sodium alginate polysaccharides with Ca2+, and it has a lower thermal conductivity than water and improves the evaporation efficiency by regulating the temperature distribution and concentrating the heat on the surface of the evaporator. This solar evaporator has an evaporation rate of 3.71 kg·m-2·h-1 and an evaporation efficiency of 129.64% under 2 sun illumination and is available to generate an open-circuit voltage of 1.8 mV after a 20 min hydrovoltaic, demonstrating a high performance and versatility. Also, experiments and numerical simulation were carried out to understand the mechanism and design principles of this solar evaporators.

The Bacillus anthracis S-layer is an exoskeleton-like structure that imparts mechanical and osmotic stabilization to the cell wall.

Surface layers (S-layers) are 2D paracrystalline protein monolayers covering the cell envelope of many prokaryotes and archaea. Proposed functions include a role in cell support, as scaffolding structure, as molecular sieve, or as virulence factor. Bacillus anthracis holds two S-layers, composed of Sap or EA1, which interchange in early and late exponential growth phase. We previously found that acute disruption of B. anthracis Sap S-layer integrity, by means of nanobodies, results in severe morphological cell surface defects and cell collapse. Remarkably, this loss of function is due to the destruction of the Sap lattice structure rather than detachment of monomers from the cell surface. Here, we combine force nanoscopy and light microscopy observations to probe the contribution of the S-layer to the mechanical, structural, and functional properties of the cell envelope, which have been so far elusive. Our experiments reveal that cells with a compromised S-layer lattice show a decreased compressive stiffness and elastic modulus. Furthermore, we find that S-layer integrity is required to resist cell turgor under hypotonic conditions. These results present compelling experimental evidence indicating that the S-layers can serve as prokaryotic exoskeletons that support the cell wall in conferring rigidity and mechanical stability to bacterial cells.

Three-dimensional networking binders prepared in situ during wet-slurry process for all-solid-state batteries operating under low external pressure

For all-solid-state Li batteries (ASLBs), the external operating pressure offsets the detrimental electrochemo-mechanical effects. In this work, a new scalable in situ protocol to reinforce binders for sulfide-electrolyte-based ASLBs operating under low or no external pressures is reported. The vulcanization of butadiene rubber (BR) using elemental sulfur proceeds in situ during the wet-slurry fabrication process for electrodes, forming a mechanically resilient crosslinked structure. The electrochemical performance of LiNi0.70Co0.15Mn0.15O2 electrodes fabricated using pristine or vulcanized BR diverge significantly as the operating pressure is lowered from 70 MPa to a practically acceptable value of 2 MPa. Complementary analysis using cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy and operando electrochemical pressiometry measurements confirms that the vulcanization of BR suppresses the electrochemo-mechanical degradation of electrodes, which suggests that the scaffolding structure of the vulcanized BR helps maintain the microstructural integrity of the electrodes upon charge and discharge. The significantly enhanced performance of the vulcanized BR is also demonstrated for pouch-type LiNi0.70Co0.15Mn0.15O2/Li4Ti5O12 full cells operated under no external pressure (reversible capacity of 121 vs. 150 mA h g−1 at 0.2C for electrodes with pristine vs. vulcanized BR, respectively).

Cu2O nano-flowers/graphene enabled scaffolding structure catalyst layer for enhanced CO2 electrochemical reduction

Nanosized Cu2O catalysts with precisely controlled bud-to-blooming flower shapes are synthesised using modified polyol method. The evolution of the shape when the catalysts are applied to the gas diffusion electrodes improves the key factors influencing the catalyst layer, e.g. volume porosity and triple-phase boundary contact areas. Numerical and experimental studies revealed increased reactant molar concentration and improved CO2 mass transfer due to the structural changes, which influenced the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR). The fully bloomed Cu2O nanoflower catalyst, combined with the two-dimensional (2D) structured graphene sheet, formed a catalyst layer with scaffolding structure that exhibited the highest Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 93.20% towards CO at an applied potential of −1.0 V vs. RHE in 1 M KOH. These findings established the relationship between the catalyst layer properties and mass transfer, based on which we could describe the effect of the structural design of the catalyst layer on the eCO2RR performance.

Extracellular Matrix-Based Biomaterials for Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering.

Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering strategies have made remarkable progress in remodeling, replacing, and regenerating damaged cardiovascular tissues. The design of three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds with appropriate biochemical and mechanical characteristics is critical for engineering tissue-engineered replacements. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic scaffolding structure characterized by tissue-specific biochemical, biophysical, and mechanical properties that modulates cellular behavior and activates highly regulated signaling pathways. In light of technological advancements, biomaterial-based scaffolds have been developed that better mimic physiological ECM properties, provide signaling cues that modulate cellular behavior, and form functional tissues and organs. In this review, we summarize the in vitro, pre-clinical, and clinical research models that have been employed in the design of ECM-based biomaterials for cardiovascular regenerative medicine. We highlight the research advancements in the incorporation of ECM components into biomaterial-based scaffolds, the engineering of increasingly complex structures using biofabrication and spatial patterning techniques, the regulation of ECMs on vascular differentiation and function, and the translation of ECM-based scaffolds for vascular graft applications. Finally, we discuss the challenges, future perspectives, and directions in the design of next-generation ECM-based biomaterials for cardiovascular tissue engineering and clinical translation.

Convolutional neural network modeling strategy for fall-related motion recognition using acceleration features of a scaffolding structure

Falls are the leading cause (e.g., 30–35%) of work-related fatalities during construction. However, conventional sensing approaches to recognizing workers' fall-related movements may have the following limitations: (1) wearable sensors may cause physical interference and privacy issues, and (2) the commonly used algorithms may be unsuitable for classifying undefined classes. Thus, a convolutional neural network (CNN) is proposed to learn unsafe action patterns based on a scaffold's accelerations due to workers' movements, along with four modeling strategies to recognize predefined precursor signals while rejecting undefined classes. These models achieved detection and classification F1 scores of 72–78% and 93–97%, respectively, implying that a scaffold's accelerations could include sufficient information on workers' movements to recognize their actions, and the modeling strategies could seamlessly classify predefined precursors and differentiate between predefined and unseen classes. This approach could reduce fall-related incidents by constantly monitoring workers at elevated locations and providing proactive feedback.

Molecular Imprinting Strategies for Tissue Engineering Applications: A Review.

Tissue Engineering (TE) represents a promising solution to fabricate engineered constructs able to restore tissue damage after implantation. In the classic TE approach, biomaterials are used alongside growth factors to create a scaffolding structure that supports cells during the construct maturation. A current challenge in TE is the creation of engineered constructs able to mimic the complex microenvironment found in the natural tissue, so as to promote and guide cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. In this context, the introduction inside the scaffold of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs)—synthetic receptors able to reversibly bind to biomolecules—holds great promise to enhance the scaffold-cell interaction. In this review, we analyze the main strategies that have been used for MIP design and fabrication with a particular focus on biomedical research. Furthermore, to highlight the potential of MIPs for scaffold-based TE, we present recent examples on how MIPs have been used in TE to introduce biophysical cues as well as for drug delivery and sequestering.

LytR-CpsA-Psr Glycopolymer Transferases: Essential Bricks in Gram-Positive Bacterial Cell Wall Assembly.

The cell walls of Gram-positive bacteria contain a variety of glycopolymers (CWGPs), a significant proportion of which are covalently linked to the peptidoglycan (PGN) scaffolding structure. Prominent CWGPs include wall teichoic acids of Staphylococcus aureus, streptococcal capsules, mycobacterial arabinogalactan, and rhamnose-containing polysaccharides of lactic acid bacteria. CWGPs serve important roles in bacterial cellular functions, morphology, and virulence. Despite evident differences in composition, structure and underlaying biosynthesis pathways, the final ligation step of CWGPs to the PGN backbone involves a conserved class of enzymes—the LytR-CpsA-Psr (LCP) transferases. Typically, the enzymes are present in multiple copies displaying partly functional redundancy and/or preference for a distinct CWGP type. LCP enzymes require a lipid-phosphate-linked glycan precursor substrate and catalyse, with a certain degree of promiscuity, CWGP transfer to PGN of different maturation stages, according to in vitro evidence. The prototype attachment mode is that to the C6-OH of N-acetylmuramic acid residues via installation of a phosphodiester bond. In some cases, attachment proceeds to N-acetylglucosamine residues of PGN—in the case of the Streptococcus agalactiae capsule, even without involvement of a phosphate bond. A novel aspect of LCP enzymes concerns a predicted role in protein glycosylation in Actinomyces oris. Available crystal structures provide further insight into the catalytic mechanism of this biologically important class of enzymes, which are gaining attention as new targets for antibacterial drug discovery to counteract the emergence of multidrug resistant bacteria.

La National Paper and Type Co. y el negocio del panamericanismo (1900-1930)

Este trabajo aborda la historia del panamericanismo a partir del análisis de un caso particular: las actividades mercantiles y el discurso publicitario de la compañía estadounidense llamada National Paper and Type Co. Esta empresa, que estuvo activa en las primeras décadas del siglo veinte, acaparó el nicho de mercado de la exportación de maquinaria y productos para la impresión (papel y tinta) manufacturados en los Estados Unidos para distribuirlos a toda Latinoamérica. Fue la principal proveedora de los insumos con que se hicieron los periódicos más notables de la región. Al dominar este mercado, construyó el andamiaje de la estructura material de la esfera pública. Además de dominar esta importante actividad transnacional, la National fue una activa divulgadora del discurso panamericanista que aprovechó para asegurarse clientes, promover una cultura de negocios en América Latina típica de la sociedad anglosajona y cultivó una mentalidad que propiciaba el consumo. El panamericanismo que manipuló esta compañía distribuidora de manufacturas promovió una muy importante valoración de Latinoamérica y fortaleció los vínculos que proponía aquella utopía de cercanía que imaginaba una Panamérica unida. Esta intermediaria comercial y cultural construyó un puente de comunicación que abonaría al fortalecimiento de una esfera pública transnacional.

Solid-Phase Synthesis and In-Silico Analysis of Iron-Binding Catecholato Chelators.

Siderophores are iron-complexing compounds synthesized by bacteria and fungi. They are low molecular weight compounds (500-1500 Daltons) possessing high affinity for iron(III). Since 1970 a large number of siderophores have been characterized, the majority using hydroxamate or catecholate as functional groups. The biosynthesis of siderophores is typically regulated by the iron levels of the environment where the organism is located. Because of their exclusive affinity and specificity for iron(III), natural siderophores and their synthetic derivatives have been exploited in the treatment of human iron-overload diseases, as both diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Here, solid-phase approach for the preparation of hexadentate, peptide-based tricatecholato containing peptides is described. The versatility of the synthetic method allows for the design of a common scaffolding structure whereby diverse ligands can be conjugated. With so many possibilities, a computational approach has been developed which will facilitate the identification of those peptides which are capable of providing a high affinity iron(III) binding site. This study reports an integrated computational/synthetic approach towards a rational development of peptide-based siderophores.