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Topic Review
Operating-System-Level Virtualization
Operating-system-level virtualization, also known as containerization, refers to an operating system feature in which the kernel allows the existence of multiple isolated user-space instances. Such instances, called containers, partitions, virtual environments (VEs) or jails (FreeBSD jail or chroot jail), may look like real computers from the point of view of programs running in them. A computer program running on an ordinary operating system can see all resources (connected devices, files and folders, network shares, CPU power, quantifiable hardware capabilities) of that computer. However, programs running inside a container can only see the container's contents and devices assigned to the container. On Unix-like operating systems, this feature can be seen as an advanced implementation of the standard chroot mechanism, which changes the apparent root folder for the current running process and its children. In addition to isolation mechanisms, the kernel often provides resource-management features to limit the impact of one container's activities on other containers. System-level-virtualization is frequently implemented in remote access applications with dynamic cloud access, allowing for simultaneous two-way data streaming over closed networks.
  • 2.2K
  • 06 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Weierstrass's Elliptic Functions
In mathematics, Weierstrass's elliptic functions are elliptic functions that take a particularly simple form. They are named for Karl Weierstrass. This class of functions are also referred to as p-functions and they are usually denoted by the symbol ℘. They play an important role in theory of elliptic functions. A ℘-function together with its derivative can be used to parameterize elliptic curves and they generate the field of elliptic functions with respect to a given period lattice.
  • 2.2K
  • 01 Dec 2022
Topic Review
Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing, which is also known as 3D printing, is an emerging and growing technology. It is providing significant innovations and improvements in many areas such as engineering, production, medicine, and more. 3D food printing is an area of great promise to provide an indulgence or entertaining experience, personalized food product, or specific nutritional needs. This entry reviews the additive manufacturing methods and materials in detail as well as their advantages and disadvantages. After a full discussion of 3D food printing, the reports on edible printed materials are briefly presented and discussed. In the end, the current and future outlook of additive manufacturing in the food industry is shown.
  • 2.2K
  • 09 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Mitochondria-Targeted Drug in Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents a major threat for human health. The available preventive and treatment interventions are insufficient to revert the underlying pathological processes, which underscores the urgency of alternative approaches. Mitochondria dysfunction plays a key role in the etiopathogenesis of CVD and is regarded as an intriguing target for the development of innovative therapies. Oxidative stress, mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, and excessive fission are major noxious pathways amenable to drug therapy. Thanks to the advancements of nanotechnology research, several mitochondria-targeted drug delivery systems (DDS) have been optimized with improved pharmacokinetic and biocompatibility, and lower toxicity and antigenicity for application in the cardiovascular field.
  • 2.2K
  • 03 Dec 2020
Topic Review
Natural and Synthetic Halogenated Amino Acids
The 3D structure and surface characteristics of proteins and peptides are crucial for interactions with receptors or ligands and can be modified to some extent to modulate their biological roles and pharmacological activities. The introduction of halogen atoms on the side-chains of amino acids is a powerful tool for effecting this type of tuning, influencing both the physico-chemical and structural properties of the modified polypeptides, helping to first dissect and then rationally modify features that affect their mode of action.
  • 2.2K
  • 16 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Mitochondria and NLRP3 Inflammasome Interplay
Mitochondria are the power plants of the cell responsible not only for the generation of cellular energy required for myriad functions but also are important hubs for metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and Ca2+ homeostasis. Inflammasomes are a group of intracellular multicomplexes located in the cytosol which detect PAMPs and DAMPs and produce the activation, maturation, and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (including IL-1β and IL-18).
  • 2.2K
  • 23 May 2022
Topic Review
Simulated Reality in Fiction
Simulated reality is a common theme in science fiction. It is predated by the concept "life is a dream". It should not be confused with the theme of virtual reality.
  • 2.2K
  • 30 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Genetic Aspects of Seed Longevity
Seed longevity is the most important trait related to the management of gene banks because it governs the regeneration cycle of seeds. Thus, seed longevity is a quantitative trait. Prior to the discovery of molecular markers, classical genetic studies have been performed to identify the genetic determinants of this trait. Post-2000 saw the use of DNA-based molecular markers and modern biotechnological tools, including RNA sequence (RNA-seq) analysis, to understand the genetic factors determining seed longevity.
  • 2.2K
  • 06 May 2022
Topic Review
Tool Wear Suppression Methods of Diamond-cutting Ferrous Metals
This entry introduces some common tool wear suppression methods of diamond-cutting ferrous metals.
  • 2.2K
  • 30 Oct 2020
Topic Review
Pulse Wave Velocity
Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a simple, reproducible and non-invasive technique to assess arterial stiffness. It estimates the velocity of arterial wave propagation to travel a known distance between two anatomic sites within the arterial system [1]. PWV has been established as an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality and is consequently used for diagnosis and prognosis in patients at risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease [2]; however, PWV's significance relies on the fact that arterial stiffness, specially of muscular arteries can be modified by interventions that improve endothelial function such as exercise training, which makes PWV an important tool for cardiovascular risk management [3].
  • 2.2K
  • 24 Apr 2021
Topic Review
Microplastics in Ecosystems
Plastics are widely used due to their excellent properties, inexpensiveness and versatility leading to an exponential consumption growth during the last decades. However, most plastic does not biodegrade in any meaningful sense; it can exist for hundreds of years. Only a small percentage of plastic waste is recycled, the rest being dumped in landfills, incinerated or simply not collected. Microplastics can be generally divided in two big families: primary microplastics and secondary microplastics. Plastics with microscopic size, ca. 2–5 mm in diameter, are defined as primary microplastics. Secondary microplastics enclose tiny plastic fragments derived from the breakdown of larger plastic debris, both at sea and on land. Waste-water treatment plants can only minimize the problem by trapping plastic particles of larger size and some smaller ones remain within oxidation ponds or sewage sludge, but a large amount of microplastics still contaminate water streams and marine systems. 
  • 2.2K
  • 23 Jan 2021
Topic Review
Salvia hispanica and Salviae hispanicae semen
Salvia hispanica L. is a plant species that has been used since antiquity and is now highly valued for its unique nutritional and potential medicinal properties. Chia seeds have recently become one of the most popular food ingredients, with a number of beneficial effects on the functioning of the human body. The data presented under our review indicate that they are also a valuable health-promoting dietary supplement as well as cosmetic ingredient. Scientific studies on pharmacological activities of chia seeds proved their potential valuable role in the prevention of diseases which currently are considered a global health problem. The research confirmed the cardioprotective, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antiatherosclerotic, nephroprotective, anti-inflammatory, as well as antioxidant properties.
  • 2.2K
  • 16 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Mitochondrion Structure and Function
Mitochondria are subcellular organelles involved in essential cellular functions, including cytosolic calcium regulation, cell apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species production. They are the site of important biochemical pathways, including the tricarboxylic acid cycle, parts of the ureagenesis cycle, or haem synthesis.
  • 2.2K
  • 15 Mar 2023
Topic Review
Kinkajou
The Kinkajou (Potos flavus) is a fascinating mammal native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. Also known as the "honey bear" due to its fondness for sweet foods, the Kinkajou possesses a distinctive appearance with a prehensile tail, sharp claws, and a long, slender body. Primarily nocturnal and arboreal, the Kinkajou plays a vital role in forest ecosystems as a pollinator and seed disperser, making it an important species for conservation efforts in its native habitat.
  • 2.2K
  • 28 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Coronaviruses
There are various coronaviruses high and low pathogenicity. The first being associated with a high morbidity and mortality. The SARS-CoV-2 leading to COVID-19 has spread globally and is associated with a high mortality especially in elderly patients and with certain comorbidities (hypertension, obesity, diabetes, etc). Currently there are only limited evidence-based treatment options such as dexamethason, remdesivir, and ICU care. Multiple treatment strategies are being evaluated since the pandemic is still evolving in most countries. 
  • 2.2K
  • 10 Mar 2021
Topic Review
Protein Glycosylation
Protein glycosylation is a highly conserved post-translational modification among organisms. It plays fundamental roles in many biological processes, ranging from protein trafficking and cell adhesion to host–pathogen interactions. According to the amino acid side chain atoms to which glycans are linked, protein glycosylation can be divided into two major categories: N-glycosylation and O-glycosylation. However, there are other types of modifications such as the addition of GPI to the C-terminal end of the protein. Besides the importance of glycoproteins in biological functions, they are a major component of the fungal cell wall and plasma membrane and contribute to pathogenicity, virulence, and recognition by the host immunity. Given that this structure is absent in host mammalian cells, it stands as an attractive target for developing selective compounds for the treatment of fungal infections.
  • 2.2K
  • 27 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Academic Journals
Many academics are critical of the current publishing system, but it is difficult to create a better alternative. The perspective relates to the sciences and social sciences, and discusses the primary purpose of academic journals as providing a seal of approval for perceived quality, impact, significance, and importance. The key issues considered include the role of anonymous refereeing, continuous rather than discrete frequency of publications, avoidance of time wasting, and seeking adventure. Here we give recommendations about the organization of journal articles, the roles of associate editors and referees, measuring the time frame for refereeing submitted articles in days and weeks rather than months and years, encouraging open access internet publishing, emphasizing the continuity of publishing online, academic publishing as a continuous dynamic process, and how to improve research after publication. Citations and functions thereof, such as the journal impact factor and h-index are the benchmark for evaluating the importance and impact of academic journals and published articles. Even in the very top journals, a high proportion of published articles is never cited, not even by the authors themselves. Top journal publications do not guarantee that published articles will make significant contributions, or that they will ever be highly cited. The COVID-19 world should encourage academics worldwide not only to rethink academic teaching, but also to re-evaluate key issues associated with academic journal publishing in the future.   
  • 2.2K
  • 13 Apr 2021
Topic Review
STAT3 and STAT5
A central characteristic of many types of cancer is altered energy metabolism processes such as enhanced glucose uptake and glycolysis and decreased oxidative metabolism. The regulation of energy metabolism is an elaborate process involving regulatory proteins such as HIF (pro-metastatic protein), which reduces oxidative metabolism, and some other proteins such as tumour suppressors that promote oxidative phosphorylation. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins play a pivotal role in metabolism regulation. STAT3 and STAT5 are essential regulators of cytokine- or growth factor-induced cell survival and proliferation, as well as the crosstalk between STAT signalling and oxidative metabolism. Several reports suggest that the constitutive activation of STAT proteins promotes glycolysis through the transcriptional activation of hypoxia-inducible factors and therefore, the alteration of mitochondrial activity. It seems that STAT proteins function as an integrative centre for different growth and survival signals for energy and respiratory metabolism.
  • 2.2K
  • 16 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Refractometer
A refractometer is a laboratory or field device for the measurement of an index of refraction (refractometry). The index of refraction is calculated from the observed refraction angle using Snell's law. For mixtures, the index of refraction then allows to determine the concentration using mixing rules such as the Gladstone–Dale relation and Lorentz–Lorenz equation.
  • 2.2K
  • 20 Oct 2022
Topic Review
Fast Data Acquisition Systems
Data acquisition is the process by which physical phenomena from the real world are transformed into electrical signals that are measured and converted into a digital format for processing, analysis, and storage by a computer. In a large majority of applications, the data acquisition (DAQ) system is designed not only to acquire data but to act on it as well. In defining DAQ systems, it is, therefore, useful to extend this definition to include the control aspects of the total system. A DAQ system is comprised of a computer running specialized software and several data acquisition cards and/or instruments (from now on jointly referred to as DAQ devices). Data acquisition (DAQ) systems are intensively used in laboratory research, industrial facilities, aviation, automotive, etc. The applications include test and measurement, automation, etc.
  • 2.2K
  • 20 Oct 2023
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