Search

Objective. The purpose of this study was to create new pre-fabricated membrane-rod structures and non-linear methods for their calculation.Method. A stepwise method with an iterative numerical Euler-Cauchy procedure of the third order of accuracy was applied with the use of the finite element method at the step.Result. A technique for static calculation of membrane-rod structures has been developed, taking into account nonlinear factors. A calculation algorithm has been compiled and a program for calculating such structures has been written according to it. For this program, a certificate was obtained on the computer No. 2017613415 "Program for calculating membrane-pneumatic structures, taking into account non-linear factors by the iterative method of incrementing parameters."Conclusion. It is recommended to use a one-step calculation of membrane-rod systems with five iterations per step or a multi-step calculation with five steps with one iteration per step. Mixed options are also effective.

Objective. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the need to take into account the geometric and physical nonlinearities in large-span membrane-pneumatic systems.Method. The study is based on the application of the parameter variation method; method of successive loadings; the iterative method of parameter increments using the third Euler-Cauchy numerical procedure or the Runge-Kutta method of a higher order of accuracy.Result. It has been established that the geometric non-linearity can be from 5 to 10% if the structure has a small or medium span, and the load on the structure is not very large, especially when it comes to section load. If the span of the structure is 120150 meters, and the load and deflections are large enough, then the geometric nonlinearity can be 20% or more. It was revealed that the physical nonlinearity, which we took into account by the standard Euler-Cauchy procedure of the third order of accuracy, with a large span of the structure and a large load is approximately 13-21%, and the part of the physical nonlinearity of the air pumped between the hermetic membranes of the structure is determined using an improved formula Euler-Cauchy with the number of iterations 20-25, i.e. "aftereffect", according to the results of the study, ranges from 2-7%.Conclusion. A structure consisting of light metal structures can be erected within a few months on a finished pile or strip foundation. Such structures can easily withstand many types of dynamic loads, namely wind, seismic, vibration, and are one-third cheaper than buildings made from traditional materials.

Objectives. The increase of the efficiency of a separate transport mobile robot in a warehouse due to optimal regulation of the speed of its movement. It is required to control the position, speed, acceleration and direction of movement of the mobile robot at each moment of time along a known route. A method for forced control of the movement of a transport mobile robot was proposed. A control block for various motion maneuvers was developed in Simulink environment, which calculates the distance to the nearest turning point or stop and then by constructed cyclogram the corresponding speed at each moment of time is determined. The proposed control unit can be used in practice for the tasks of optimal movement of transport robots in predetermined area.Methods. The method of the theory of optimal control according to the criterion of maximum speed, the wave algorithm for finding the shortest path, the method of finite automata for relay control of the acceleration of movement are used.Results. Based on the proposed method of forced control of the movement of a transport mobile robot in the Simulink environment, a maneuver control system was developed that provides the minimum travel time for each segment of the path. Maneuvers mean the rectilinear movement of the robot, as well as its turn on the spot, in two modes: with and without reaching maximum speed. The technique is based on the assumption that the movement of the transport robot is uniformly accelerated. A side result of the developed control system is that when it is scaled to a group of robots, it becomes possible to predict the time and place of their potential collisions, in order to subsequently take into account a group of robots for effective control.Conclusion. The developed control system can be used to control a real transport mobile robot equipped with a servo drive in solving the problems of transporting goods around the warehouse.

Objective. The purpose of this study is to create a static calculation algorithm to determine the maximum bearing capacity of a lenticular membrane-pneumatic system for covering large spans under the action of external force loads.Method. A numerical study of a large-span membranepneumatic structure was carried out by the step method of incrementing parameters using the finite element method and the Euler-Cauchy numerical procedure of the third order of accuracy at the step.Result. The authors have developed a technique for computer static calculation of geometrically and physically nonlinear lenticular membrane-pneumatic systems of coatings for large span structures by the iterative method of parameter increments with the phased application of the finite element method in the form of the displacement method, the universal equation of gas state and the improved Euler-Cauchy numerical procedure of the third order of accuracy.Conclusion. Ignoring the aftereffect in the calculations means the imbalance of the system due to unbalanced pneumatic forces calculated with an error of 11.2% and affecting, as the calculations showed, in the amount of approximately 7% percent on the increment of excess air pressure in the lens.

Background and Objectives: The present study aimed to elucidate the distribution and the prognostic implications of tumor–stroma ratio (TSR) in various malignant tumors through a meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: This meta-analysis included 51 eligible studies with information for overall survival (OS) or disease-free survival (DFS), according to TSR. In addition, subgroup analysis was performed based on criteria for high TSR. Results: The estimated rate of high TSR was 0.605 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.565–0.644) in overall malignant tumors. The rates of high TSR ranged from 0.276 to 0.865. The highest rate of high TSR was found in endometrial cancer (0.865, 95% CI 0.827–0.895). The estimated high TSR rates of colorectal, esophageal, and stomach cancers were 0.622, 0.529, and 0.448, respectively. In overall cases, patients with high TSR had better OS and DFS than those with low TSR (hazard ratio (HR) 0.631, 95% CI 0.542–0.734, and HR 0.564, 95% CI 0.0.476–0.669, respectively). Significant correlations with OS were found in the breast, cervical, colorectal, esophagus, head and neck, ovary, stomach, and urinary tract cancers. In addition, there were significant correlations of DFS in breast, cervical, colorectal, esophageal, larynx, lung, and stomach cancers. In endometrial cancers, high TSR was significantly correlated with worse OS and DFS. Conclusions: The rate of high TSR was different in various malignant tumors. TSR can be useful for predicting prognosis through a routine microscopic examination of malignant tumors.

Ranunculus sceleratus (family: Ranunculaceae) is a medicinally and economically important plant; however, gaps in taxonomic and species identification limit its practical applicability. This study aimed to sequence the chloroplast genome of R. sceleratus from Republic of Korea. Chloroplast sequences were compared and analyzed among Ranunculus species. The chloroplast genome was assembled from Illumina HiSeq 2500 sequencing raw data. The genome was 156,329 bp and had a typical quadripartite structure comprising a small single-copy region, a large single-copy region, and two inverted repeats. Fifty-three simple sequence repeats were identified in the four quadrant structural regions. The region between the ndhC and trnV-UAC genes could be useful as a genetic marker to distinguish between R. sceleratus populations from Republic of Korea and China. The Ranunculus species formed a single lineage. To differentiate between Ranunculus species, we identified 16 hotspot regions and confirmed their potential using specific barcodes based on phylogenetic tree and BLAST-based analyses. The ndhE, ndhF, rpl23, atpF, rps4, and rpoA genes had a high posterior probability of codon sites in positive selection, while the amino acid site varied between Ranunculus species and other genera. Comparison of the Ranunculus genomes provides useful information regarding species identification and evolution that could guide future phylogenetic analyses.

The conversion of glycerol to high-value-added products via photoelectrochemical (PEC) oxidation has emerged as a promising approach for utilizing a sustainable and clean energy source with environmental and economic benefits. Moreover, the energy requirement for glycerol to produce hydrogen is lower than that for pure water splitting. In this study, we propose the use of WO3 nanostructures decorated with Bi-based metal–organic frameworks (Bi-MOFs) as the photoanode for glycerol oxidation with simultaneous hydrogen production. The WO3-based electrodes selectively converted glycerol to glyceraldehyde, a high-value-added product, with remarkable selectivity. The Bi-MOF-decorated WO3 nanorods enhanced the surface charge transfer and adsorption properties, thereby improving the photocurrent density and production rate (1.53 mA/cm2 and 257 mmol/m2·h at 0.8 VRHE). The photocurrent was maintained for 10 h, ensuring stable glycerol conversion. Furthermore, at 1.2 VRHE, the average production rate of glyceraldehyde reached 420 mmol/m2·h, with a selectivity of 93.6% between beneficial oxidized products over the photoelectrode. This study provides a practical approach for the conversion of glycerol to glyceraldehyde via the selective oxidation of WO3 nanostructures and demonstrates the potential of Bi-MOFs as a promising cocatalyst for PEC biomass valorization.

The metabolic profile of the Aspergillus sp. 1901NT-1.2.2 sponge-associated fungal strain was investigated using the HPLC MS technique, and more than 23 peaks in the HPLC MS chromatogram were detected. Only two minor peaks were identified as endocrocin and terpene derivative MS data from the GNPS database. The main compound was isolated and identified as known anthraquinone derivative vismione E. The absolute stereochemistry of vismione E was established for the first time using ECD and quantum chemical methods. Vismione E showed high cytotoxic activity against human breast cancer MCF-7 cells, with an IC50 of 9.0 µM, in comparison with low toxicity for normal human breast MCF-10A cells, with an IC50 of 65.3 µM. It was found that vismione E inhibits MCF-7 cell proliferation and arrests the cell cycle in the G1 phase. Moreover, the negative influence of vismione E on MCF-7 cell migration was detected. Molecular docking of vismione E suggested the IMPDH2 enzyme as one of the molecular targets for this anthraquinone derivative.

Objective: Few studies have investigated the relationship between spinal muscle fatty degeneration and vertebral compression fracture (VCF) progression. This study investigated the associations among spinal muscle fatty degeneration, functional support of the spinal muscles, and VCF progression.Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 49 consecutive elderly patients over 65 years of age who had VCFs between 2013 and 2020. Change in height loss was defined as the difference in height loss in vertebral collapse between the initial and >6-month follow-up visits. Fatty infiltration of the paraspinal and psoas muscles was measured using T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging at L3 and L4.Results: The VCF height loss change was 6.53±4.9 mm. The cross-sectional area of the paraspinal muscle was 2,418±496 mm2. The fatty infiltration rate of the paraspinal muscle was 4.46%±1.7%. Mild VCF height loss (a change o≤9 mm) was found in 36 patients (group 0), while severe height loss (a change >9 mm) was observed in 13 patients (group 1). The paraspinal-to-psoas muscle ratio was 2.51 in group 0 and 3.33 in group 1 (P

Objective. The purpose of this study is to substantiate the methodology for static calculation of light coatings for large-span structures with lenticular membrane-pneumatic lenses, including racks at individual points of the span, using the step-iterative method of parameter increments.Method. The study involves the phased application of the finite element method (FEM), the universal equation of state of gas and the improved Euler-Cauchy numerical procedure, taking into account the geometric nonlinearity of systems and the physical nonlinearity of the elastic work of air in lenses and taking into account the aftereffect of excess air pressure.Result. A comparison is made in terms of rigidity and load-bearing capacity of membrane-pneumatic lenses, reinforced with individual posts, with the corresponding flexible membrane-pneumatic lenses of the classical type.Conclusion. In the presence of racks, the effect of a significant increase in the rigidity and bearing capacity of lenticular membrane-pneumatic systems is observed for large spans. The distance between the posts along the building can be adjusted during the design and thereby regulate the effect of strengthening the system. The maximum deflections of the lenticular-shaped membrane-pneumatic system reinforced with struts are much less than the maximum deflections of the lenticular membrane-pneumatic system of the classical type under the action of the calculated snow load of the first and second limit states.

Background and objectives: This study aims to elucidate the prognostic implications of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection in gastric carcinomas (GCs) through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: In total, 57 eligible studies and 22,943 patients were included in this meta-analysis. We compared the prognoses of EBV-infected and non-infected GC patients. The subgroup analysis was performed based on the study location, molecular classification, and Lauren’s classification. This study was checked according to the PRISMA 2020. The meta-analysis was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software package. Results: EBV infection was found in 10.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.082–0.131) of GC patients. The EBV-infected GC patients had a better overall survival compared with the EBV-non-infected GC patients (hazard ratio (HR) 0.890, 95% CI 0.816–0.970). In the subgroup analysis based on molecular classification, no significant differences were found between EBV+ and microsatellite instability and microsatellite stable (MSS)/EBV− subgroups (HR 1.099, 95% CI 0.885–1.364 and HR 0.954, 95% CI 0.872–1.044, respectively). In the diffuse type of Lauren’s classification, EBV-infected GCs have a better prognosis compared with the EBV-non-infected GCs (HR 0.400, 95% CI 0.300–0.534). The prognostic impact of EBV infection was found in the Asian and American subgroups but not in the European subgroup (HR 0.880, 95% CI 0.782–0.991, HR 0.840, 95% CI 0.750–0.941, and HR 0.915, 95% CI 0.814–1.028). Conclusions: EBV infection is a favorable survival factor for GCs. However, the prognostic implications of EBV infection in the new molecular classification are not clear.

Five new β-resorcylic acid derivatives, 14-hydroxyasperentin B (1), β-resoantarctines A-C (3, 5, 6) and 8-dehydro-β-resoantarctine A (4), together with known 14-hydroxyasperentin (5′-hydroxyasperentin) (2), were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the fungus Penicillium antarcticum KMM 4685 associated with the brown alga Sargassum miyabei. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses and modified Mosher’s method, and the biogenetic pathways for compounds 3–6 were proposed. For the very first time, the relative configuration of the C-14 center of a known compound 2 was assigned via analyses of magnitudes of the vicinal coupling constants. The new metabolites 3–6 were biogenically related to resorcylic acid lactones (RALs); however, they did not possess lactonized macrolide elements in their structures. Compounds 3, 4 and 5 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activity in LNCaP, DU145 and 22Rv1 human prostate cancer cells. Moreover, these metabolites could inhibit the activity of p-glycoprotein at their noncytotoxic concentrations and consequently synergize with docetaxel in p-glycoprotein-overexpressing drug-resistant cancer cells.

Organic phototransistors exhibit great promise for use in a wide range of technological applications due to their flexibility, low cost, and low-temperature processability. However, their low transparency due to visible light absorption has hindered their adoption in next-generation transparent electronics. For this reason, the present study sought to develop a highly sensitive organic phototransistor with greater transparency and significantly higher light sensitivity in the visible and UVA regions without deterioration in its electrical properties. An organic blended thin-film transistor (TFT) fabricated from the blend of an organic semiconductor and an insulating polymer demonstrated improved electrical properties in the dark and a higher current under light irradiation even though its transmittance was higher. The device exhibited a transmittance of 87.28% and a photosensitivity of 7049.96 in the visible light region that were 4.37% and 980 times higher than those of the single-semiconductor-based device. The carrier mobility of the device blended with the insulating polymer was improved and greatly amplified under light irradiation. It is believed that the insulating polymer facilitated the crystallization of the organic semiconductor, thus promoting the flow of photogenerated excitons and improving the photocurrent. Overall, the proposed TFT offers excellent low-temperature processability and has the potential to be employed in a range of transparent electronic applications.

Objective. The purpose of this study is to create a light, sufficiently rigid bearing coating, which can be strengthened by the air-supporting effect during overloads during force majeure. These structures can be erected in a very short time, both in combat conditions and during natural disasters. Method. The study was carried out in the software package "Program for calculating membrane-pneumatic structures by the step method using the numerical Euler-Cauchy procedure" according to the method of static calculation of membrane-pneumatic systems, taking into account non-linear factors. Result. A method for calculating air-supported double-belt membrane-rod systems for covering large spans by the iterative method of parameter increments using FEM and the Euler-Cauchy numerical procedure of the third order of accuracy has been developed. Conclusion. In design practice, the effect of strengthening the coating due to the air-supporting effect can approximately be taken equal to three. The use of the air-supported effect makes it possible to save significant funds, sometimes reaching up to 25% of the estimated cost of the structure due to the use of structural elements of a smaller section.