Unsteady aerodynamic prediction at high angles of attack is of great importance to the design and development of advanced fighters. In this paper, a weighted feature fusion model (WFFM) that combines the state-space model and neural networks is proposed to build an unsteady aerodynamic model for the precise simulation and control of post-stall maneuvers. In the proposed model, the influences of the physical model on neural networks are considered and adjusted by introducing a standardization layer and a new weighting method. A long short-term memory (LSTM) network is used to fuse two mappings: one from flight states to aerodynamic loads, and the other from low-fidelity data to high-fidelity data. Data from wind tunnel oscillation experiments at high angles of attack using a new kind of wire-driven parallel robot and the traditional tail support are used for verifying the proposed aerodynamic model. The output of the WFFM is also compared with predictions from other models, such as the state-space model, single LSTM model, and feature fusion model not including a feature weighting layer. Results demonstrate improved accuracy of the proposed model in the interpolation and extrapolation tests. Furthermore, the WFFM is applied to the flight simulation of F-16 with different control inputs. Compared with conventional models, the WFFM shows improved accuracy and better generalization capability. Full article

Rare earth elements (REE) can be found in expressive contents in different secondary sources, such as acid mine drainage (AMD). This work evaluated separation of light and heavy rare earth elements (REE) from an acid mine drainage (AMD) generated in a former uranium mine in Brazil by using ion exchange. This AMD presents pH 3.50, total REE content of 97 mg L⁻¹ and 1.3 g L⁻¹ of sulfate and was used in the REE loading experiments. Loading experiments were carried out in columns using a commercial strong acid cation (SAC) exchange resin. Elution was performed with 0.01 mol L⁻¹ NH₄EDTA in systems with one, two and three columns. Regarding the loading step, the resin presented a total loading capacity of 0.58 mmol g⁻¹. The resin proved to be more selective for light REE with adsorption efficiency of 78% and 48% for heavy REE. Regarding elution, high efficiencies between 90 and 100% were achieved for REE. The final REE solution is approximately 10 times more concentrated in the liquor related to the acid mine water. Better fractionation results were achieved for the system with three columns. Although the complete separation of the REE into pure elements was not possible, two distinct fractions of heavy and light REE could be obtained, and La was completely separated from the other REE. In order to improve fractionation and separate the REE into individual ones, the concentrated fractions can proceed to subsequent ion exchange systems. Full article

Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex Fr.) P. Kumm mushrooms are cultivated on diverse by-products based on substrates that hold promise for mitigating antibiotic usage in the poultry industry and reducing environmental pollution. By incorporating agricultural by-products into mushroom cultivation, the functionality of the mushroom products can be increased, then the final product can be a more effective feed supplement. After mushroom cultivation, spent mushroom substrate (SMS) can be valorized, due to the presence of huge amounts of bioactive compounds like β-glucan, chitin, polyphenols, and flavonoids related to mycelia. As a prebiotic and antimicrobial feed supplement, these mushrooms positively influence gut microbiota, intestinal morphology, and thus overall poultry well-being. This article underscores the potential of solid-state fermentation (SSF) to enhance the bioactivity of oyster mushrooms and their derivatives, offering a cost-effective and efficient strategy for transforming unconventional feeding materials. Moreover, it emphasizes broader implications, including the reduction of antibiotic dependence in poultry farming, highlighting the promising integration of oyster mushrooms and their derivatives for sustainable and environmentally conscious poultry production. Full article

Background: In hemodynamically unstable patients, the passive leg raise (PLR) test is recommended for use as a self-fluid challenge for predicting preload responsiveness. However, to interpret the hemodynamic effects and reliability of the PLR, the method of performing it is of the utmost importance. Our aim was to determine the current practice of the correct application and interpretation of the PLR in intensive care patients. Methods: After ethical approval, we designed a cross-sectional online survey with a short user-friendly online questionnaire. Using a random sample of 1903 hospitals in Germany, 182 hospitals with different levels of care were invited via an email containing a link to the questionnaire. The online survey was conducted between December 2021 and January 2022. All critical care physicians from different medical disciplines were surveyed. We evaluated the correct points of concern for the PLR, including indication, contraindication, choice of initial position, how to interpret and apply the changes in cardiac output, and the limitations of the PLR. Results: A total of 292 respondents participated in the online survey, and 283/292 (97%) of the respondents completed the full survey. In addition, 132/283 (47%) were consultants and 119/283 (42%) worked at a university medical center. The question about the performance of the PLR was answered correctly by 72/283 (25%) of the participants. The limitations of the PLR, such as intra-abdominal hypertension, were correctly selected by 150/283 (53%) of the participants. The correct effect size (increase in stroke volume ≥ 10%) was correctly identified by 217/283 (77%) of the participants. Conclusions: Our results suggest a considerable disparity between the contemporary practice of the correct application and interpretation of the PLR and the practice recommendations from recently published data at German ICUs. Full article

Background/Aim: Baricitinib (BAR) is the first oral selective Janus kinase inhibitor approved in Europe for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Real-world data are still needed to clarify its long-term benefits/risk profile. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, persistence, adherence, and safety of BAR in a real-world setting. Methods: An ambispective study was conducted between October 2017 and December 2021 in RA patients starting BAR. The effectiveness was evaluated, assessing changes from the baseline of the Disease Activity Score using 28-joint counts-C reactive protein (DAS28CRP), and the achievement of low disease activity/remission. Drug persistence was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Adherence was estimated using the medication possession ratio (MPR) and the 5-item Compliance Questionnaire for Rheumatology. Safety was assessed determining global incidence proportion and adverse event adjusted incidence rates. Results: In total, 61/64 recruited patients were finally analyzed, 83.6% were female, 78.7% were seropositive, the mean age was 58.1 (15.4) years, and the disease duration was 13.9 (8.3) years. A total of 32.8% of patients were naïve to biologics and 16.4% received BAR as monotherapy. The median exposure to BAR was 12.4 (6.6–31.2) months (range 3.1–51.4). A significant change in DAS28CRP was observed after treatment (difference −1.2, p = 0.000). 70.5% and 60.7% of patients achieved low disease activity or remission, respectively, and 50.8% (31/61) remained on BAR throughout the follow-up, with a median persistence of 31.2 (9.3–53.1) months. The average MPR was 0.96 (0.08) and all patients exhibited “good adherence” according to the questionnaire. In total, 21.3% of patients discontinued baricitinib due to toxicity. Conclusions: In our real-world practice, BAR demonstrated effectiveness, large persistence, high adherence to treatment, and an acceptable safety profile. Full article

Changes in the concentration of tryptophan (Trp) indicate a serious metabolic restructuring, which is both a cause and a consequence of many diseases. This work examines the upward change in salivary Trp concentrations among patients with breast cancer. This study involved volunteers divided into three groups: breast cancer (n = 104), non-malignant breast pathologies (n = 30) and healthy controls (n = 20). In all participants, before treatment, the quantitative content of Trp in saliva was determined by capillary electrophoresis. In 20 patients with breast cancer, Trp was re-tested four weeks after surgical removal of the tumor. An increase in the Trp content in saliva in breast cancer has been shown, which statistically significantly decreases after surgical removal of the tumor. A direct correlation was found between increased Trp levels with the degree of malignancy and aggressive molecular subtypes of breast cancer, namely triple negative and luminal B-like HER2-negative. These conclusions were based on an increase in Ki-67 and an increase in Trp in HER2-negative and progesterone-negative subtypes. Factors under which an increase in Trp concentration in saliva was observed were identified: advanced stage of breast cancer, the presence of regional metastasis, low tumor differentiation, a lack of expression of HER2, estrogen and progesterone receptors and the high proliferative activity of the tumor. Thus, the determination of salivary Trp may be a valuable tool in the study of metabolic changes associated with cancer, particularly breast cancer. Full article

The use of renewable energy sources to achieve carbon neutrality is increasing. However, the uncertainty and volatility of renewable resources are causing problems in power systems. Flexible and low-carbon resources such as Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) are essential for solving the problems of power systems and achieving greenhouse gas reduction goals. However, ESSs are not being installed because of Korea’s fuel-based electricity market. To address this issue, this paper presents a method for determining the optimal investment timing of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) using the Least Squares Monte Carlo (LSMC) method. A case study is conducted considering the System Marginal Price (SMP) and Capacity Payment (CP), which are electricity rates in Korea. Revenue is calculated through the arbitrage of a 10 MW/40 MWh lithium-ion BESS, and linear programming optimization is performed for ESS scheduling to maximize revenue. The ESS revenue with uncertainty is modeled as a stochastic process using Geometric Brownian Motion (GBM), and the optimal time to invest in an ESS is determined using an LSMC simulation considering investment costs. The proposed method can be used as a decision-making tool for ESS investors to provide information on facility investments in arbitrage situations. Full article

The stability and reliability of the global Internet infrastructure heavily rely on the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), a crucial protocol that facilitates the exchange of routing information among various Autonomous Systems, ensuring seamless connectivity worldwide. However, BGP inherently possesses a susceptibility to abnormal routing behaviors, potentially leading to significant connectivity disruptions. Despite extensive efforts, accurately detecting and effectively mitigating such abnormalities persist as tough challenges. To tackle these, this article proposes a novel statistical approach employing the median absolute deviation under certain constraints to proactively detect anomalies in BGP. By applying advanced analysis techniques, this research offers a robust method for the early detection of anomalies, such as Internet worms, configuration errors, and link failures. This innovative approach has been empirically validated, achieving an accuracy rate of 90% and a precision of 95% in identifying these disruptions. This high level of precision and accuracy not only confirms the effectiveness of the statistical method employed but also marks a significant step forward for enhancing the stability and reliability of the global Internet infrastructure. Full article

The outward migration of ommin pigment granules from the bases to the tips of the photoreceptors in response to light has been reported in the retina of several (mostly coastal) squid species. Following exposure to light and then dark conditions, we collected and processed retinal tissue from juvenile specimens of a deep-sea oegopsid squid, Gonatus onyx. We aimed to determine whether the ommin pigment returns to baseline, and to investigate the presence of glutamate neurotransmitter signaling under both dark and light conditions. We confirmed the presence of ommin granules but observed variability in the return of pigment to the basal layer in dark conditions, as well as changes in glutamate distribution. These findings provide support for the migration of retinal ommin pigment granules as a mechanism for regulating incoming light. Full article

Early-onset sepsis (EOS) is a rare but profoundly serious bacterial infection. Neonates at risk of EOS are often treated with antibiotics. The start of empiric antibiotic therapy can successfully be reduced by the implementation of the EOS calculator. However, once started, antibiotic therapy is often continued despite a negative blood culture. To decrease the burden of antibiotic therapy, it is necessary to know whether the clinician’s reasons are based on objective factors. Therefore, we performed a retrospective single-centre cohort study to identify the factors associated with prolongation of antibiotic therapy in neonates with suspected EOS but a negative blood culture. Maternal, clinical, and laboratory data of neonates with a gestational age of ≥32 weeks, admitted between January 2019 and June 2021, were collected. Among neonates with a negative blood culture, we compared neonates with prolonged (≥3 days) to neonates with discontinued (<3 days) antibiotic therapy. The clinician’s reported reasons for prolonging therapy were explored. Blood cultures were positive in 4/146 (2.7%), negative in 131/146 (89.7%), and not obtained in 11/146 (7.5%) of the neonates. The incidence of EOS was 0.7 per 1000 neonates. Of the 131 neonates with a negative blood culture, 47 neonates (35.9%) received prolonged antibiotic therapy. In the prolonged group, the mean gestational age was higher (38.9 versus 36.8 weeks), and spontaneous preterm birth was less prevalent (21.3% versus 53.6%). Prolonged treatment was associated with late onset of respiratory distress, respiratory rate, hypoxia, apnoea and bradycardia, pale appearance, behavioural change, and elevated CRP levels. The most reported reasons were clinical appearance (38.3%), elevated CRP levels (36.2%), and skin colour (10.6%). Prolonging empiric antibiotic therapy despite a negative blood culture is common in suspected EOS. Clinical signs associated with prolongation are uncommon and the reported reasons for prolongation contain subjective assessments and arbitrary interpretations that are not supported by the guideline recommendations as arguments for prolonged therapy. Full article

Background: The prevalence of obesity has increased in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and latent autoimmune diabetes of the adult (LADA), limiting the use of clinical features such as the body mass index for its differentiation with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Additionally, some patients with maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) or LADA are misdiagnosed as having T2D. The evaluation of autoantibodies and genetic testing are not fully available. We aimed to evaluate the utility of a widely available and less expensive diagnostic tool such as C-peptide to differentiate between T1D, T2D, MODY, and LADA. Methods: Our study included 38 patients with T1D, 49 with T2D, 13 with MODY, and 61 with LADA. We recorded anthropometric measurements, biochemical profiles, and antidiabetic treatment and determined C-peptide, anti-GAD65, and anti-IA2 antibodies. Results: C-peptide concentration differed significantly among populations (T1D: 0.2 ng/mL; T2D: 2.4 ng/mL; MODY: 1.14 ng/mL; LADA: 1.87 ng/mL). Through a ROC curve, we observed that the C-peptide cut-off point of 0.95 ng/mL allows differentiation between T1D and T2D (sensitivity 82%, specificity 77%); 0.82 ng/mL between T1D and LADA (sensitivity 82%, specificity 77%); and 1.65 ng/mL between T2D and MODY (sensitivity 72%, specificity 72%). Conclusions: C-peptide is useful for the diagnostic differentiation of patients with type 1, type 2 diabetes, MODY, and LADA. Full article

Directive 1937/2019 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law became effective very recently. However, Directive 1937/2019 lacks sufficient guidance on the implementation or governance of whistleblowing frameworks. In addition, the existing literature lacks a definition of whistleblowing and whistleblowing frameworks that is appropriate for internal audit and fraud prevention. The purpose of this paper is to address the lack of a definition of whistleblowing and whistleblowing framework appropriate for internal auditing and to guide the roles and responsibilities within an organization to apply and maintain a robust whistleblowing framework. To this effect, the Three Lines Model is used, one of the most recognized theoretical models in effective risk governance and internal audit. Full article

Soil organic carbon (SOC) measurements are an indicator of soil health and an important parameter for the study of land-atmosphere carbon fluxes. Field sampling provides precise measurements at the sample location but entails high costs and cannot provide detailed maps unless the sampling density is very high. Remote sensing offers the possibility to quantify SOC over large areas in a cost-effective way. As a result, numerous studies have sought to quantify SOC using Earth observation data with a focus on inter-field or regional distributions. This study took a different angle and aimed to map the spatial distribution of SOC at the intra-field scale, since this distribution provides important insights into the biophysiochemical processes involved in the retention of SOC. Instead of solely using spectral measurements to quantify SOC, topographic and spectral features act as predictor variables. The necessary data on study fields in South-East England was acquired through a detailed SOC sampling campaign, including a LiDAR survey flight. Multi-spectral Sentinel-2 data of the study fields were acquired for the exact day of the sampling campaign, and for an interval of 18 months before and after this date. Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Regression (SVR) models were trained and tested on the spectral and topographical data of the fields to predict the observed SOC values. Five different sets of model predictors were assessed, by using independently and in combination, single and multidate spectral data, and topographical features for the SOC sampling points. Both, RF and SVR models performed best when trained on multi-temporal Sentinel-2 data together with topographic features, achieving validation root-mean-square errors (RMSEs) of 0.29% and 0.23% SOC, respectively. These RMSEs are competitive when compared with those found in the literature for similar models. The topographic wetness index (TWI) exhibited the highest permutation importance for virtually all models. Given that farming practices within each field are the same, this result suggests an important role of soil moisture in SOC retention. Contrary to findings in dryer climates or in studies encompassing larger areas, TWI was negatively related to SOC levels in the study fields, suggesting a different role of soil wetness in the SOC storage in climates characterized by excess rainfall and poorly drained soils. Full article

Vitamin D3 (VD3) is a steroid hormone that plays pivotal roles in pathophysiology, and 1,25(OH)2D3 is the most active form of VD3. In the current study, the crucial role of VD3 in maintaining energy homeostasis under short-term fasting conditions was investigated. Our results confirmed that glucose-depriving pathways were inhibited while glucose-producing pathways were strengthened in zebrafish after fasting for 24 or 48 h. Moreover, VD3 anabolism in zebrafish was significantly suppressed in a time-dependent manner under short-fasting conditions. After fasting for 24 or 48 h, zebrafish fed with VD3 displayed a higher gluconeogenesis level and lower glycolysis level in the liver, and the serum glucose was maintained at higher levels, compared to those fed without VD3. Additionally, VD3 augmented the expression of fatty acids (FAs) transporter cd36 and lipogenesis in the liver, while enhancing lipolysis in the dorsal muscle. Similar results were obtained in cyp2r1^−/− zebrafish, in which VD3 metabolism is obstructed. Importantly, it was observed that VD3 induced the production of gut GLP-1, which is considered to possess a potent gluconeogenic function in zebrafish. Meanwhile, the gene expression of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (pcsk1), a GLP-1 processing enzyme, was also induced in the intestine of short-term fasted zebrafish. Notably, gut microbiota and its metabolite acetate were involved in VD3-regulated pcsk1 expression and GLP-1 production under short-term fasting conditions. In summary, our study demonstrated that VD3 regulated GLP-1 production in zebrafish by influencing gut microbiota and its metabolite, contributing to energy homeostasis and ameliorating hypoglycemia under short-term fasting conditions. Full article

Cold stress significantly affects gene expression in adipocytes; studying this phenomenon can help reveal the pathogeneses of conditions such as obesity and insulin resistance. Adipocyte triglyceride lipase (ATGL); cell death-inducing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation factor subunit alpha (DFFA)-like effector (CIDEA); and uncoupling protein genes UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3 are the most studied genes in pig adipose tissues under cold stress. However, contradictory results have been observed in gene expression changes to UCP3 and UCP2 when adipose tissues under cold stress were examined. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of 32 publications in total on the effect of cold stress on the expression of ATGL, CIDEA, UCP2, and UCP3. Our results showed that cold stress affected the expression of swine adipocyte genes; specifically, it was positively correlated with the expression of UCP3 in swine adipocytes. Conversely, expression of ATGL was negatively affected under cold stress conditions. In addition, the loss of functional UCP1 in pigs likely triggered a compensatory increase in UCP3 activity. We also simulated the docking results of UCP2 and UCP3. Our results showed that UCP2 could strongly bind to adenosine triphosphate (ATP), meaning that UCP3 played a more significant role in pig adipocytes. Full article

With the increase in the number of buildings along the subway, the impact of building construction on the adjacent subway tunnels has gradually come to the forefront and become an important problem to be solved in the engineering field. In particular, the excavation and unloading process of deep foundation pits will trigger an additional deformation of the subway structure, which may pose a serious threat to the safety and stability of subway tunnels. This article is based on a foundation pit project in the sub-center of Beijing, focusing on the form of a connected double foundation pit. Using the HSS constitutive model for soil materials, this study simulates the deformation response of adjacent existing subway tunnels under three excavation sequences: sequential excavation, simultaneous excavation, and the comprehensive excavation of the connected double foundation pits. The study shows that, from the point of view of the total displacement of the whole construction process, the impact of a synchronized excavation of double pits on the existing tunnel line is relatively large in the process, and the impact of sequential excavation is relatively small in the construction cycle. The result of the similarity of the excavation sequence is the similarity of the impact trend. The volume of excavated earth determines the value of displacement change for each excavation scenario in each working condition and is also responsible for the convergence of changes. The trend of total tunnel displacement is more consistent with that of vertical displacement, which is dominated by vertical displacement, with horizontal displacement having a relatively small influence. The maximum value of the total tunnel displacement occurs at the side of the tunnel near the excavation area, and the direction is inclined to the excavation area. The application of supporting structures, especially the center plate and the bottom plate, can suppress the vertical deformation of the tunnel bulge. Full article

Pandemic-related changes, including the expansion of remote work and the closure of schools and daycare supports, posed unprecedented challenges to parents’ conceptions of their work and home routines. Drawing on interviews with 88 heterosexual partnered parents, we examine the different ways parents understand what it means to balance work and family responsibilities and how their conceptions shaped satisfaction with their balance during the COVID-19 pandemic. First, we discover that parents held three distinct conceptions of work–family balance at the outset of the pandemic: (1) individualistic (where balance is understood as an individual pursuit and regarded independently of their partner’s efforts in the work and family spheres), (2) specialized (where each partner specializes in one sphere, producing balance between spheres), and (3) egalitarian (where partners share responsibilities in both spheres). Next, among the women and men who held specialized or egalitarian conceptions of balance, most sustained their level of satisfaction. In contrast, among those with individualistic conceptions, most women (but not men) reported a change in their satisfaction. These findings provide new insights about the varied meanings people attach to the concept of “work–family balance” and how these diverse conceptions have consequences for satisfaction with gender dynamics in households. Full article

The proper coordination of directional overcurrent relays (DOCRs) is crucial in electrical power systems. The coordination of DOCRs in a multi-loop power system is expressed as an optimization problem. The aim of this study focuses on improving the protection system’s performance by minimizing the total operating time of DOCRs via effective coordination with main and backup DOCRs while keeping the coordination constraints within allowable limits. The coordination problem of DOCRs is solved by developing a new application strategy called Fractional Order Derivative Moth Flame Optimizer (FODMFO). This approach involves incorporating the ideas of fractional calculus (FC) into the mathematical model of the conventional moth flame algorithm to improve the characteristics of the optimizer. The FODMFO approach is then tested on the coordination problem of DOCRs in standard power systems, specifically the IEEE 3, 8, and 15 bus systems as well as in 11 benchmark functions including uni- and multimodal functions. The results obtained from the proposed method, as well as its comparison with other recently developed algorithms, demonstrate that the combination of FOD and MFO improves the overall efficiency of the optimizer by utilizing the individual strengths of these tools and identifying the globally optimal solution and minimize the total operating time of DOCRs up to an optimal value. The reliability, strength, and dependability of FODMFO are supported by a thorough statistics study using the box-plot, histograms, empirical cumulative distribution function demonstrations, and the minimal fitness evolution seen in each distinct simulation. Based on these data, it is evident that FODMFO outperforms other modern nature-inspired and conventional algorithms. Full article

This paper presents the results of research on the influence of the moisture content in a filament made of ABS polymer on the properties of products manufactured using FDM (fused deposition modeling). Tests were carried out on a standard printer, using the parameters recommended by the manufacturer and the literature on the subject. A special climatic chamber was used to condition the material. A negative impact of ABS filament moisture on the strength and dimensional accuracy of printed products and on the structure of their surface is demonstrated. When the range of the filament moisture is between 0.17% and 0.75%, the strength decreases by 25% and the sample thickness increases by 10%. It is also shown that this effect does not depend on the history of the polymer reaching a given moisture level, i.e., by absorbing moisture in the absorption process or releasing moisture in the desorption process. Full article

Pseudokidney sign (PKS) is a characteristic sonographic finding of an abnormal mass with a reniform appearance, and a hyperechoic central region surrounded by a hypoechoic area. It has been seldom documented in gastric cancer. A 75-year-old male patient presented with a palpable abdominal resistance in the left upper abdominal quadrant and ultrasound evaluation revealed a well-vascularized mass presenting with PKS. Regional lymphadenopathy was also found, and the working diagnosis of gastric cancer was established. The suspected diagnosis was later verified endoscopically and on pathohistological examinations as gastric adenocarcinoma. Computed tomography staging also revealed distant metastases to the lungs, liver, and adrenal glands and abdominal lymphadenopathy. The PKS often indicates gastrointestinal pathology, and it may be seen in benign and malignant conditions due to gastrointestinal wall thickening. Therefore, additional diagnostic examinations are advised for a more definite diagnosis. Full article

Epoxy resin was conjugated with halloysite nanotubes (HNT) and different types of ZnO nanoparticles (commercial ZnO and modified ZnO-ODTES) to obtain HNT-ZnO/epoxy resin composites. These ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were utilized with the intention to enhance the interfacial bonding between the epoxy resin and the reinforcing agent (HNT). The properties of resulted epoxy resin composites were characterized by various methods such as FTIR-ATR, TGA, DSC, TEM-EDX, and Nanoindentation analyses. The thermal properties of the epoxy resin composites were enhanced to a greater extent by the addition of HNT-ZnO nanofillers. DSC testing proved that the modification in the glass transition temperature can be due to the physical bonding between the epoxy resin and filler (HNT and/or ZnO). It was seen that the epoxy resin modified with HNT and ZnO-ODTES has the highest resistance to scratching by having a good elastic recovery as well as high values for surface hardness (~187.6 MPa) and reduced modulus (2980 MPa). These findings can pave the way for the developing of ZnO-based marine coatings with improved properties. Full article

The unfolded protein response is an intricate system of sensor proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that recognizes misfolded proteins and transmits information via transcription factors to either regain proteostasis or, depending on the severity, to induce apoptosis. The main transmembrane sensor is IRE1α, which contains cytoplasmic kinase and RNase domains relevant for its activation and the mRNA splicing of the transcription factor XBP1. Mast cell leukemia (MCL) is a severe form of systemic mastocytosis. The inhibition of IRE1α in the MCL cell line HMC-1.2 has anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects, motivating us to elucidate the IRE1α interactors/regulators in HMC-1.2 cells. Therefore, the TurboID proximity labeling technique combined with MS analysis was applied. Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the majority of the enriched proteins are involved in vesicle-mediated transport, protein stabilization, and ubiquitin-dependent ER-associated protein degradation pathways. In particular, the AAA ATPase VCP and the oncoprotein MTDH as IRE1α-interacting proteins caught our interest for further analyses. The pharmacological inhibition of VCP activity resulted in the increased stability of IRE1α and MTDH as well as the activation of IRE1α. The interaction of VCP with both IRE1α and MTDH was dependent on ubiquitination. Moreover, MTDH stability was reduced in IRE1α-knockout cells. Hence, pharmacological manipulation of IRE1α–MTDH–VCP complex(es) might enable the treatment of MCL. Full article