bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpretability Is in the Mind of the Beholder: A Causal Framework for Human-Interpretable Representation Learning
Authors: Marconato Emanuele , Passerini Andrea , Teso Stefano
Published: November 2023

Research on Explainable Artificial Intelligence has recently started exploring the idea of producing explanations that, rather than being expressed in terms of low-level features, are encoded in terms of interpretable concepts learned from data. How to reliably acquire such concepts is, however, still fundamentally unclear. An agreed-upon notion of concept interpretability is missing, with the result that concepts used by both post hoc explainers and concept-based neural networks are acquired through a variety of mutually incompatible strategies. Critically, most of these neglect the human side of the problem: a representation is understandable only insofar as it can be understood by the human at the receiving end. The key challenge in human-interpretable representation learning (hrl) is how to model and operationalize this human element. In this work, we propose a mathematical framework for acquiring interpretable representations suitable for both post hoc explainers and concept-based neural networks. Our formalization of hrl builds on recent advances in causal representation learning and explicitly models a human stakeholder as an external observer. This allows us derive a principled notion of alignment between the machine’s representation and the vocabulary of concepts understood by the human. In doing so, we link alignment and interpretability through a simple and intuitive name transfer game, and clarify the relationship between alignment and a well-known property of representations, namely disentanglement. We also show that alignment is linked to the issue of undesirable correlations among concepts, also known as concept leakage, and to content-style separation, all through a general information-theoretic reformulation of these properties. Our conceptualization aims to bridge the gap between the human and algorithmic sides of interpretability and establish a stepping stone for new research on human-interpretable representations.
Linear Irreversible Thermodynamics: A Glance at Thermoelectricity and the Biological Scaling Laws
Authors: Chimal-Eguia Juan Carlos , Páez-Hernández Ricardo Teodoro , Pacheco-Paez Juan Carlos , Ladino-Luna Delfino
Published: November 2023

This paper presents so-called thermoelectric generators (TEGs), which are considered thermal engines that transform heat into electricity using the Seebeck effect for this purpose. By using linear irreversible thermodynamics (LIT), it is possible to study the thermodynamic properties of TEGs for three different operating regimes: maximum power output (MPO), maximum ecological function (MEF) and maximum power efficiency (MPE). Then, by considering thermoelectricty, using the correspondence between the heat capacity of a solid and the metabolic rate, and taking the generation of energy by means of the metabolism of an organism as a process out of equilibrium, it is plausible to use linear irreversible thermodynamics (LIT) to obtain some interesting results in order to understand how metabolism is generated by a particle’s released energy, which explains the empirically studied allometric laws.
Discrete-Valued Time Series
Authors: Weiß Christian H.
Published: November 2023

Time series are sequentially observed data in which important information about the phenomenon under consideration is contained not only in the individual observations themselves, but also in the way these observations follow one another [...]
Confounding Factor Analysis for Vocal Fold Oscillations
Authors: Gençağa Deniz
Published: November 2023

This paper provides a methodology to better understand the relationships between different aspects of vocal fold motion, which are used as features in machine learning-based approaches for detecting respiratory infections from voice recordings. The relationships are derived through a joint multivariate analysis of the vocal fold oscillations of speakers. Specifically, the multivariate setting explores the displacements and velocities of the left and right vocal folds derived from recordings of five extended vowel sounds for each speaker (/aa/, /iy/, /ey/, /uw/, and /ow/). In this multivariate setting, the differences between the bivariate and conditional interactions are analyzed by information-theoretic quantities based on transfer entropy. Incorporation of the conditional quantities reveals information regarding the confounding factors that can influence the statistical interactions among other pairs of variables. This is demonstrated on a vector autoregressive process where the analytical derivations can be carried out. As a proof of concept, the methodology is applied on a clinically curated dataset of COVID-19. The findings suggest that the interaction between the vocal fold oscillations can change according to individuals and presence of any respiratory infection, such as COVID-19. The results are important in the sense that the proposed approach can be utilized to determine the selection of appropriate features as a supplementary or early detection tool in voice-based diagnostics in future studies.
A Certificateless Online/Offline Aggregate Signcryption Scheme against Collusion Attacks Based on Fog Computing
Authors: Zhang Wanju , Liu Shuanggen , Liu Yaowei , Cao Junjie , Fu Bingqi , Du Yun
Published: November 2023

The certificateless online/offline aggregate signcryption scheme combines the characteristics of the certificateless aggregate signcryption scheme and the online/offline encryption scheme, which can increase efficiency while simultaneously reducing consumption. Some schemes can meet the requirements of confidentiality and real-time transmission of the data in ad hoc networks (VANETS). However, they are unable to withstand collusion attempts. A brand-new certificateless aggregate signcryption approach is suggested to overcome this problem. First, combining fog computing with online/offline encryption (OOE) technology can increase efficiency while simultaneously reducing consumption. Second, we may achieve effective information authentication and vehicle identification using aggregation and vehicle pseudonym systems. Third, the anti-collusion component is suggested as a viable defense against collusion assaults since certain methods are unable to withstand such attacks. Additionally, it is demonstrated that the technique has unforgeability and secrecy, and can fend off collusion attacks using the random oracle model. The findings demonstrate that our system can not only ensure the confidentiality and the real-time transmission of data but also resist collusion attacks without raising computational costs.
A Control Strategy for Mechatronic Action of a Pipe Organ Using a VCM Actuator
Authors: Kowol Paweł , Nowak Paweł , Lo Sciuto Grazia
Published: November 2023

In pipe organs, the oldest and most commonly chosen system for connecting the organist operator to the source of sound (i.e., the pipes to the action) is mechanical action. This article presents a mechatronic action with a voice coil motor (VCM) actuator to reproduce the action of a mechanical action on pipe organ. The mechatronic action makes it feasible to mechanically separate the keyboard from the pipes and to determine the control strategy for the mechatronic action by utilizing sensors, an actuator and a microcontroller. The time response of the organ pipe with mechanical action and the requirements for mechatronic action were outlined. The control strategy was preceded by measurements of the mechanical action and measurements of the behavior of the VCM actuator system, which moves the pneumatic valve pallet. Two control strategies, open-loop and closed-loop, were proposed and analyzed for the mechatronic action with the VCM actuator. According to the results, the suggested control strategies successfully reproduce the mechanical action’s behavior to a good extent.
Prediction and Measurement of the Heat Transfer Coefficient in Direct, Oil-Cooled Batteries
Authors: Camilleri Robert , Meignen-Viaud Nolan
Published: November 2023

This paper presents an experimental measurement of the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) in a direct, oil-cooled lithium-ion battery at low Reynolds numbers. As demands on the electric vehicle battery pack increase, the role of thermal management to safeguard the pack becomes more important. Therefore, it is expected that various means for enhancing the HTC are sought. One way to increase the HTC is by shifting from air cooling to liquid cooling. The application of direct oil cooling in batteries has not yet been implemented. This paper explores this by developing the concept and an experimental steady-state technique to measure the HTC for direct oil cooling on a cylindrical 18650-cell battery at low Reynolds numbers. The experimental measurements are validated against known empirical correlations in the literature, showing that, despite the complex arrangement of cylindrical battery cells in packs, the classical correlations can be a useful tool to develop an oil-cooled battery thermal management system. A simplified correlation was also developed.
A Predictive Model for Hydrate Formation Conditions in Alcohol-Containing Systems Based on the Cubic-Plus-Association State Equation
Authors: Wang Yubin , Li Ziyuan , Zhi Shujie , Yang Qi , Li Changjun , Jia Wenlong
Published: November 2023

In alcohol-containing systems, the association of polar molecules significantly influences the calculation of water activity, leading to substantial deviations from ideal solution behavior. This makes it challenging for traditional hydrate formation condition models to accurately predict hydrate formation temperatures and pressures. To address this issue, we propose a novel unified thermodynamic framework based on the Parrish-Prausnitz (P-P) model and the Cubic-Plus-Association (CPA) equation of state (EoS) for calculating the hydrate formation condition in systems containing gas/water/alcohol, by using the advantages of the CPA EoS to characterize the association interaction of polar molecules. In addition, we utilize experimental data to model the molecular association in alcohol-containing systems and conduct regression analysis for binary interaction coefficients among alcohol, water, and gas. Multiple sets of experimental data on component fractions and hydrate formation conditions for methane-alcohol-water systems are used for validation. The proposed model shows an average relative error of 1.17–6.42% for predicting alcohol/methane component fractions in the liquid phase and 1.93–4.78% for predicting hydrate formation conditions in alcohol-containing systems. Compared to traditional models, this model demonstrates a significant improvement in accuracy and performs well in predicting hydrate formation conditions in alcohol-containing systems.
Experimental Study on the Improvement of Film Cooling Effectiveness of Various Modified Configurations Based on a Fan-Shaped Film Cooling Hole on an Endwall
Authors: Kim Seokmin , Lee DongEun , Kang Young Seok , Rhee Dong-Ho
Published: November 2023

Several studies have previously been conducted to improve the cooling performance of film cooling. However, most of the research has conducted experiments with film cooling holes on flat plates, and thus, the results of these studies do not encompass the influence of the complex mainstream behavior within the turbine passage on film cooling. In this study, three different film cooling hole configurations were installed on the endwall of a turbine linear cascade to measure adiabatic film cooling effectiveness and evaluate cooling performance. The film cooling holes compared in the experiment for film cooling effectiveness were a 7-7-7 fan-shaped hole (Baseline), a Baseline with a double-step structure at the hole exit (Staircase), and a Baseline with an additional expanded passage at the hole leading edge (Compound Expansion). A total of nine holes were manufactured on the turbine endwall to assess film cooling performance, as various factors, such as mainstream acceleration, secondary flow within the turbine passage, and so on, can influence film cooling. Adiabatic film cooling effectiveness was measured using the pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) technique. Mass flow ratios ranging from 0.25% to 1.25% of the mass flow rate of a single turbine passage were supplied to the plenum chamber within the test rig. As a result, all experimental results confirmed the impact of secondary flow within the turbine passage on film cooling. In the case of the Staircase, it exhibits an overall cooling trend similar to the Baseline. It shows small cooling performance degradation compared with Baseline due to lift-off, and its double-step structure laterally expanding results in better cooling performance at high mass flow ratio (MFR) conditions. For the Compound Expansion, at low MFR, the momentum of the coolant is lower compared with other configurations, leading to lower cooling performance due to the influence of secondary flow. However, at high MFR, the Compound Expansion provides wider protection compared with other hole geometries and shows high cooling performance.
Development and Verification of a Regional Residential Electricity Consumption Estimation Method
Authors: Guo Yanghui , Pandyaswargo Andante Hadi , Matsumoto Koki , Onoda Hiroshi
Published: November 2023

In pursuing Japan’s target of net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, decarbonization strategies at the regional level have been taking place nationally. Some successes have been achieved in the residential sector in achieving decarbonization at the regional level due to improvements in the advancement of energy-saving technologies. An important prerequisite to achieving further decarbonization in the residential sector is understanding household electricity consumption of power demand objects. This study constructed a method for predicting residential electricity consumption in a case study region. First, we set up six models of household composition for scenario exercises. Then, we used the residential energy estimation based on daily activities (REEDA) method to calculate the hourly electricity consumption of each household composition in the four seasons based on the duration of daily life activity. Finally, we separately explore the impact of housing performance (insulation, airtightness), air-conditioning patterns (intermittent operation method in a habitable room/continuous operation method in a habitable room/continuous operation method in all rooms), and geographical location on residential air conditional electricity consumption. The output is a regional residential energy estimate method that can consider multiple key variables. We verified the developed model by (1) comparing the estimated output with the Japan Energy Database and (2) testing the method for various residential areas in Japan. The results showed an accuracy level greater than 75% and nationwide applicability.
Towards Verifying the Imported Soybeans of China Using Stable Isotope and Elemental Analysis Coupled with Chemometrics
Authors: Zhou Xiuwen , Xiong Beibei , Ma Xiao , Jin Baohui , Xie Liqi , Rogers Karyne M. , Zhang Hui , Wu Hao
Published: November 2023

Verifying the geographical origin of soybeans (Glycine max [Linn.] Merr.) is a major challenge as there is little available information regarding non-parametric statistical origin approaches for Chinese domestic and imported soybeans. Commercially procured soybean samples from China (n = 33) and soybeans imported from Brazil (n = 90), the United States of America (n = 6), and Argentina (n = 27) were collected to characterize different producing origins using stable isotopes (δ2H, δ18O, δ15N, δ13C, and δ34S), non-metallic element content (% N, % C, and % S), and 23 mineral elements. Chemometric techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and BP–artificial neural network (BP-ANN) were applied to classify each origin profile. The feasibility of stable isotopes and elemental analysis combined with chemometrics as a discrimination tool to determine the geographical origin of soybeans was evaluated, and origin traceability models were developed. A PCA model indicated that origin discriminant separation was possible between the four soybean origins. Soybean mineral element content was found to be more indicative of origin than stable isotopes or non-metallic element contents. A comparison of two chemometric discriminant models, LDA and BP-ANN, showed both achieved an overall accuracy of 100% for testing and training sets when using a combined isotope and elemental approach. Our findings elucidate the importance of a combined approach in developing a reliable origin labeling method for domestic and imported soybeans in China.
Association of Dietary Vitamin C Consumption with Serum Klotho Concentrations
Authors: Wang Yan , Wu Mingyang , Xiang Lu , Liu Si , Luo Gang , Lin Qian , Xiao Lin
Published: November 2023

Background: Klotho is widely recognized as a protein that combats aging and possesses antioxidative characteristics, which have been implicated in the pathophysiology of numerous diseases. There is emerging evidence suggesting that the consumption of dietary nutrients, particularly those rich in antioxidants, could be associated with serum Klotho concentrations. Dietary vitamin C is one of the critical nutrients that possesses antioxidant properties. Nonetheless, the association between dietary vitamin C consumption and serum Klotho concentrations remains unclear. Objective: Aiming to evaluate the relationship between serum Klotho concentrations and dietary vitamin C consumption among Americans aged 40 to 79, we conducted a population-based study. Methods: From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2007 and 2016, a grand total of 11,282 individuals who met the criteria were selected as eligible participants for the study. Serum Klotho concentrations were measured using an ELISA kit that is commercially available. Trained interviewers evaluated the consumption of dietary vitamin C in the diet through a 24-hour dietary recall technique. A generalized linear model was used to evaluate the correlation between the consumption of dietary vitamin C in the diet and serum Klotho concentrations. Further examination was conducted using restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis to explore the non-linear correlation between dietary vitamin C consumption in the diet and serum Klotho concentrations. Results: After accounting for possible confounding factors, serum Klotho concentrations rose by 1.17% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37%, 1.99%) with every standard deviation (SD) rise in dietary vitamin C consumption. With the first quintile of dietary vitamin C consumption as a reference, the percentage change of serum Klotho concentrations in the fifth quintile of dietary vitamin C consumption was 3.66% higher (95% CI: 1.05%, 6.32%). In older, normal-weight, and male participants, the subgroup analysis revealed a stronger correlation between dietary vitamin C consumption and serum Klotho concentrations. Analysis of RCS showed a linear positive association between dietary vitamin C consumption and the levels of serum Klotho concentrations. Conclusion: The findings of this research indicate a strong and positive correlation between dietary vitamin C consumption and serum Klotho concentrations among the general adult population in the United States. Further studies are needed to validate the present findings and to explore specific mechanisms.
Biosynthesis of Quercetin-Loaded Melanin Nanoparticles for Improved Antioxidant Activity, Photothermal Antimicrobial, and NIR/pH Dual-Responsive Drug Release
Authors: Zhang Di , Chen Xianrui , Bu Nitong , Huang Liying , Lin Huanglong , Zhou Lizhen , Mu Ruojun , Wang Lin , Pang Jie
Published: November 2023

Quercetin (QCT) is a promising dose-dependent nutraceutical that usually suffers from poor water solubility and low bioavailability issues. In this work, a novel QCT-loaded nanoscale delivery system was constructed based on the oxidative self-polymerization of melanin (Q@MNPs). The FT-IR, XRD, and Zeta potential analyses confirmed that QCT was successfully absorbed on the melanin nanoparticles (MNPs) via Π−Π and hydrogen bonding interactions. The encapsulation efficiency and particle size of Q@MNPs were 43.78% and 26.68 nm, respectively. Q@MNPs improved the thermal stability of QCT and the antioxidant properties in comparison to MNPs. Meanwhile, Q@MNPs presented fantastic photothermal conversion capacity and stability triggered by the NIR laser, which significantly enhanced the antibacterial capability with a sterilization rate of more than 98% against E. coli and S. aureus. More importantly, Q@MNPs exhibited NIR/pH dual-responsive drug release behavior and good biocompatibility (at concentrations of < 100 μg/mL). Thus, Q@MNPs show promising prospects for flavonoid delivery.
Machine Learning Approach to Comparing Fatty Acid Profiles of Common Food Products Sold on Romanian Market
Authors: Covaciu Florina-Dorina , Berghian-Grosan Camelia , Hategan Ariana Raluca , Magdas Dana Alina , Dehelean Adriana , Cristea Gabriela
Published: November 2023

Food composition issues represent an increasing concern nowadays, in the context of diverse food commodity varieties. The contents and types of fatty acids are a constant preoccupation among consumers because of their reflections of nutrition and health problems. This study aims to find the best tool for the rapid and reliable identification of similarities and differences among several food items from a fatty acid profile perspective. An acknowledged GC-FID method was considered, while, for a better interpretation of the analytical results, machine learning algorithms were used. It was possible to develop a recognition model able to simultaneously differentiate, with an accuracy of 79.3%, nine product types using the bagged tree ensemble model. The low number of samples or some similarities among the classes could be responsible for the wrong assignments that occurred, especially in the biscuit, wafer and instant soup classes. Better accuracies values of 95, 86.1, and 97.8% were obtained when the products were grouped into three categories: (1) sunflower oil, mayonnaise, margarine, and cream cheese; (2) biscuits, cookies, margarine, and wafers; and (3) sunflower oil, chips, and instant soup.
Biomechanical Analysis of the Coordinated Movements of the Therapist’s Hands and Feet during Lumbopelvic Manipulation: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Lee Jejeong , Lee Yongwoo
Published: November 2023

Spinal manipulation (SM) is a common manual therapy technique; however, there is limited knowledge regarding the coordination of hand and foot forces during SM. This study investigated the biomechanics of force transmission and generation in the hands and feet of a single therapist who performed pelvic SM on 45 healthy subjects. Two force plates were used to measure the ground reaction forces (GRF) from the feet, and one controller was used to measure the contact hand forces (CHF). The results showed that foot force preceded hand force and that the foot and hand exhibited opposing patterns of force variation. The CHF peak was positively correlated with the CH preload maximum and minimum forces and negatively correlated with the GRF run-down. These findings suggested that the therapist used a coordinated strategy of avoiding weight support with the feet and supporting the weight with the hands to amplify the thrust force. This study provides new insights into the biomechanics of SM and has implications for teaching, motor learning, and safety.
Effects of Spatial Reference Frames, Map Dimensionality, and Navigation Modes on Spatial Orientation Efficiency
Authors: Guo Hongyun , Yang Nai , Wang Zhong , Fang Hao
Published: November 2023

How can the interactive mode of a map be optimized to facilitate efficient positioning and improve cognitive efficiency? This paper addresses this crucial aspect of map design. It explores the impact of spatial reference frames, map dimensionality, and navigation modes on spatial orientation efficiency, as well as their interactions, through empirical eye-movement experiments. The results demonstrate the following: (1) When using a 2D fixed map in an allocentric reference frame, participants exhibit a high correct rate, a low cognitive load, and a short reaction time. In contrast, when operating within an egocentric reference frame using a 2D rotating map, participants demonstrate a higher correct rate, a reduced cognitive load, and a quicker reaction time. (2) The simplicity of 2D maps, despite their reduced authenticity compared to 3D maps, diminishes users’ cognitive load and enhances positioning efficiency. (3) The fixed map aligns more closely with the cognitive habits of participants in the allocentric reference frame, while the rotating map corresponds better to the cognitive habits of participants in the egocentric reference frame, thereby improving their cognitive efficiency. This study offers insights that can inform the optimization design of spatial orientation efficiency.
Boosting Mitochondrial Biogenesis Diminishes Foam Cell Formation in the Post-Stroke Brain
Authors: Loppi Sanna H. , Tavera-Garcia Marco A. , Scholpa Natalie E. , Maiyo Boaz K. , Becktel Danielle A. , Morrison Helena W. , Schnellmann Rick G. , Doyle Kristian P.
Published: November 2023

Following ischemic stroke, the degradation of myelin and other cellular membranes surpasses the lipid-processing capabilities of resident microglia and infiltrating macrophages. This imbalance leads to foam cell formation in the infarct and areas of secondary neurodegeneration, instigating sustained inflammation and furthering neurological damage. Given that mitochondria are the primary sites of fatty acid metabolism, augmenting mitochondrial biogenesis (MB) may enhance lipid processing, curtailing foam cell formation and post-stroke chronic inflammation. Previous studies have shown that the pharmacological activation of the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) stimulates MB. Consequently, our study sought to discern the effects of intensified β2-AR signaling on MB, the processing of brain lipid debris, and neurological outcome using a mouse stroke model. To achieve this goal, aged mice were treated with formoterol, a long-acting β2-AR agonist, daily for two and eight weeks following stroke. Formoterol increased MB in the infarct region, modified fatty acid metabolism, and reduced foam cell formation. However, it did not reduce markers of post-stroke neurodegeneration or improve recovery. Although our findings indicate that enhancing MB in myeloid cells can aid in the processing of brain lipid debris after stroke, it is important to note that boosting MB alone may not be sufficient to significantly impact stroke recovery.
Pyruvate Kinase Differentially Alters Metabolic Signatures during Head and Neck Carcinogenesis
Authors: Huang Pei-Chun , Chang Ching-Wen , Lin Yu-Cheng , Chen Chang-Yi , Chen Tsai-Ying , Chuang Lu-Te , Liu Chung-Ji , Huang Chien-Ling , Li Wan-Chun
Published: November 2023

During glycolysis, the muscle isoform of pyruvate kinase PKM2 produces ATP in exchange for dephosphorylation of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) into pyruvate. PKM2 has been considered as a tumor-promoting factor in most cancers, whereas the regulatory role of PKM2 during head and neck carcinogenesis remained to be delineated. PKM2 mRNA and protein expression was examined in head and neck tumorous specimens. The role of PKM2 in controlling cellular malignancy was determined in shRNA-mediated PKM2-deficient head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) cells. In agreement with the results in other cancers, PKM2 expression is enriched in both mouse and human HNSC tissues. Nevertheless, PKM2 mRNA expression reversely correlated with tumor stage, and greater recurrence-free survival rates are evident in the PKM2high HNSC population, arguing that PKM2 may be tumor-suppressive. Multifaceted analyses showed a greater in vivo xenografic tumor growth and an enhanced cisplatin resistance in response to PKM2 loss, whereas PKM2 silencing led to reduced cell motility. At the molecular level, metabolic shifts towards mitochondrial metabolism and activation of oncogenic Protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signals were detected in PKM2-silencing HNSC cells. In sum, our findings demonstrated that PKM2 differentially modulated head and neck tumorigenicity via metabolic reprogramming.
Genetic Deficiency of the Long Pentraxin 3 Affects Osteogenesis and Osteoclastogenesis in Homeostatic and Inflammatory Conditions
Authors: Granata Valentina , Strina Dario , Schiavone Maria Lucia , Bottazzi Barbara , Mantovani Alberto , Inforzato Antonio , Sobacchi Cristina
Published: November 2023

The long pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a soluble glycoprotein made by immune and nonimmune cells endowed with pleiotropic functions in innate immunity, inflammation, and tissue remodeling. PTX3 has recently emerged as a mediator of bone turnover in both physiological and pathological conditions, with direct and indirect effects on osteoblasts and osteoclasts. This notwithstanding, its role in bone biology, with major regard to the osteogenic potential of osteoblasts and their interplay with osteoclasts, is at present unclear. Here, we investigated the contribution of this pentraxin to bone deposition in the osteogenic lineage by assessing collagen production, mineralization capacity, osteoblast maturation, extracellular matrix gene expression, and inflammatory mediators’ production in primary osteoblasts from the calvaria of wild-type (WT) and Ptx3-deficient (Ptx3−/−) mice. Also, we evaluated the effect of PTX3 on osteoclastogenesis in cocultures of primary osteoblasts and bone marrow-derived osteoclasts. Our investigations were carried out both in physiological and inflammatory conditions to recapitulate in vitro aspects of inflammatory diseases of the bone. We found that primary osteoblasts from WT animals constitutively expressed low levels of the protein in osteogenic noninflammatory conditions, and genetic ablation of PTX3 in these cells had no major impact on collagen and hydroxyapatite deposition. However, Ptx3−/− osteoblasts had an increased RANKL/OPG ratio and CD44 expression, which resulted in in enhanced osteoclastogenesis when cocultured with bone marrow monocytes. Inflammation (modelled through administration of tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α) boosted the expression and accumulation of PTX3 and inflammatory mediators in WT osteoblasts. In these conditions, Ptx3 genetic depletion was associated with reduced collagen deposition and immune modulators’ production. Our study shed light on the role of PTX3 in osteoblast and osteoclast biology and identified a major effect of inflammation on the bone-related properties of this pentraxin, which might be relevant for therapeutic and/or diagnostic purposes in musculoskeletal pathology.
Transcriptomics of MASLD Pathobiology in African American Patients in the Washington DC Area †
Authors: Mondal Tanmoy , Smith Coleman I. , Loffredo Christopher A. , Quartey Ruth , Moses Gemeyel , Howell Charles D. , Korba Brent , Kwabi-Addo Bernard , Nunlee-Bland Gail , R. Rucker Leanna , Johnson Jheannelle , Ghosh Somiranjan
Published: November 2023

Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is becoming the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and is of concern among African Americans (AA) in the United States. This pilot study evaluated the differential gene expressions and identified the signature genes in the disease pathways of AA individuals with MASLD. Blood samples were obtained from MASLD patients (n = 23) and non-MASLD controls (n = 24) along with their sociodemographic and medical details. Whole-blood transcriptomic analysis was carried out using Affymetrix Clarion-S Assay. A validation study was performed utilizing TaqMan Arrays coupled with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to identify the major disease pathways. Out of 21,448 genes in total, 535 genes (2.5%) were significantly (p < 0.05) and differentially expressed when we compared the cases and controls. A significant overlap in the predominant differentially expressed genes and pathways identified in previous studies using hepatic tissue was observed. Of note, TGFB1 and E2F1 genes were upregulated, and HMBS was downregulated significantly. Hepatic fibrosis signaling is the top canonical pathway, and its corresponding biofunction contributes to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The findings address the knowledge gaps regarding how signature genes and functional pathways can be detected in blood samples (‘liquid biopsy’) in AA MASLD patients, demonstrating the potential of the blood samples as an alternative non-invasive source of material for future studies.
New Carboxytriazolyl Amphiphilic Derivatives of Calix[4]arenes: Aggregation and Use in CuAAC Catalysis
Authors: Mironova Diana , Bogdanov Ilshat , Akhatova Aliya , Sultanova Elza , Garipova Ramilya , Khannanov Artur , Burilov Vladimir , Solovieva Svetlana , Antipin Igor
Published: November 2023

This work focuses on the synthesis of a new series of amphiphilic derivatives of calix[4]arenes for the copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. The aggregation properties of synthesized calix[4]arenes were studied using various techniques (fluorescence spectroscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and dynamic light scattering). Increasing the length of the alkyl substituent led to stronger hydrophobic interactions, which increased polydispersity in solution. The zwitterionic nature of the synthesized calix[4]arenes was established using different types of dyes (Eosin Y for anionic structures and Rhodamine 6G for cationic structures). The synthesized calix[4]arenes were used as organic stabilizers for CuI. The catalytic efficiency of CuI-calix[4]arene was compared with that of the phase transfer catalyst tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) and the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). For all calixarenes, the selectivity in the CuAAC reaction was higher than that observed when TBAB and SDS were estimated.
Expression Profiles of Genes Related to Development and Progression of Endometriosis and Their Association with Paraben and Benzophenone Exposure
Authors: Peinado Francisco M. , Olivas-Martínez Alicia , Lendínez Inmaculada , Iribarne-Durán Luz M. , León Josefa , Fernández Mariana F. , Sotelo Rafael , Vela-Soria Fernando , Olea Nicolás , Freire Carmen , Ocón-Hernández Olga , Artacho-Cordón Francisco
Published: November 2023

Increasing evidence has been published over recent years on the implication of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including parabens and benzophenones in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of endometriosis. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has been published on the ways in which exposure to EDCs might affect cell-signaling pathways related to endometriosis. We aimed to describe the endometriotic tissue expression profile of a panel of 23 genes related to crucial cell-signaling pathways for the development and progression of endometriosis (cell adhesion, invasion/migration, inflammation, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation/hormone stimulation) and explore its relationship with the exposure of patients to parabens (PBs) and benzophenones (BPs). This cross-sectional study included a subsample of 33 women with endometriosis from the EndEA study, measuring their endometriotic tissue expressions of 23 genes, while urinary concentrations of methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-paraben, benzophenone-1, benzophenone-3, and 4-hydroxybenzophenone were determined in 22 women. Spearman’s correlations test and linear and logistic regression analyses were performed. The expression of 52.2% of studied genes was observed in >75% of endometriotic tissue samples and the expression of 17.4% (n = 4) of them in 50–75%. Exposure to certain PB and BP congeners was positively associated with the expression of key genes for the development and proliferation of endometriosis. Genes related to the development and progression of endometriosis were expressed in most endometriotic tissue samples studied, suggesting that exposure of women to PBs and BPs may be associated with the altered expression profile of genes related to cellular pathways involved in the development of endometriosis.
Magnetostructural D-Correlations and Their Impact on Single-Molecule Magnetism
Authors: Titiš Ján , Rajnák Cyril , Boča Roman
Published: November 2023

Functional dependence of the axial zero-field splitting parameter D with respect to a properly chosen geometrical parameter (Dstr) in metal complexes is termed the magnetostructural D-correlation. In mononuclear hexacoordinate Ni(II) complexes with the ground electronic term 3B1g (3A2g in the regular octahedron), it proceeds along two intercepting straight lines, allowing for predicting the sign and magnitude of the D-parameter by knowing the X-ray structure alone; Dstr is constructed from the metal–ligand bond lengths. In hexacoordinate Co(II) complexes, it is applicable only in the segment of the compressed bipyramid where the ground electronic term 4B1g is orbitally non-degenerate so that the spin Hamiltonian formalism holds true. The D vs. Dstr correlation is strongly non-linear, and it is represented by a set of decreasing exponentials. In tetracoordinate Co(II) complexes, on the contrary, the angular distortion from the regular tetrahedron is crucial so that the appropriate structural parameter Dstr is constructed of bond angles. The most complex case is represented by pentacoordinated Co(II) systems, for which it is not yet possible to define a statistically significant correlation. All of these empirical correlations originate in the electronic structure of metal complexes that can be modelled using generalized crystal-field theory. As the barrier to spin reversal in single-molecule magnets is proportional to the D-value, for rational tuning and/or prediction of the single-molecule magnetic behaviour, knowledge/prediction of the D-parameter is beneficial. In this review, we present the statistical processing of an extensive set of structural and magnetic data on Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes, which were published over the past 15 years. Magnetostructural D-correlations defined for this data set are reviewed in detail.
Rotational Atherectomy, Orbital Atherectomy, and Intravascular Lithotripsy Comparison for Calcified Coronary Lesions
Authors: Florek Kamila , Bartoszewska Elżbieta , Biegała Szymon , Klimek Oliwia , Malcharczyk Bernadeta , Kübler Piotr
Published: November 2023

In order to improve the percutaneous treatment of coronary artery calcifications (CAC) before stent implantation, methods such as rotational atherectomy (RA), orbital atherectomy (OA), and coronary intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) were invented. These techniques use different mechanisms of action and therefore have various short- and long-term outcomes. IVL employs sonic waves to modify CAC, whereas RA and OA use a rapidly rotating burr or crown. These methods have specific advantages and limitations, regarding their cost-efficiency, the movement of the device, their usefulness given the individual anatomy of both the lesion and the vessel, and the risk of specified complications. This study reviews the key findings of peer-reviewed articles available on Google Scholar with the keywords RA, OA, and IVL. Based on the collected data, successful stent delivery was assessed as 97.7% for OA, 92.4% for IVL, and 92.5% for RA, and 30-day prevalence of MACE (Major Adverse Cardiac Events) in OA—10.4%, IVL—7.2%, and RA—5%. There were no significant differences in the 1-year MACE. Compared to RA, OA and IVL are cost-effective approaches, but this is substantially dependent on the reimbursement system of the particular country. There is no standard method of CAC modification; therefore, a tailor-made approach is required.
On-Demand ICS + FABA Combinations in 6–11-Year-Old Children
Authors: Navarrete-Rodríguez Elsy M. , Del-Rio-Navarro Blanca E. , Larenas-Linnemann Désirée , Castro-Rodriguez Jose A.
Published: November 2023

In recent years, some new concepts have been added to asthma treatment such as “anti-inflammatory reliever” (β2-agonist use associated to an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) as a reliever treatment) that combines the benefits of both therapies and provides short- and long-term benefits for treatment in asthma patients. Robust evidence has been presented in patients over 12 years, and the main changes in the international guidelines for asthma treatment were originally made in this age group. However, a few suggestions have been added to treatments in younger patients, in part because of the scarce evidence that exists in this group. We aim to analyze the information regarding the utilization of ICS + fast-acting beta-agonist (FABA) combination in children between 6 and 11 years. Although up until today only three published trials exist (two studies use beclomethasone + albuterol and one study uses budesonide + formoterol), they provide significant information on the benefits of ICS + FABA use in this population.
Open-Sea Testing of Two-Phase Marine Ramjet Propulsion
Authors: Valensi Shlomit , Gany Alon
Published: November 2023

Open-sea testing of a two-phase marine ramjet vehicle has been conducted. This experimental phase was accomplished following comprehensive theoretical research. The concept of two-phase marine ramjet propulsion consists of a submerged propulsor acquiring water through an inlet due to the vehicle’s motion. Thrust is generated by injecting and dispersing air (or gas) bubbles within the water flowing through the propulsion unit channel and expelling a jet of the two-phase flow through an exit nozzle. The bubbles injected into the internal flow transmit their expansion work to the outgoing jet, resulting in an increase in the jet velocity, hence generating thrust. The article briefly describes the thrust generation concept, then it presents the overall system and thrust units attached to the test vessel, and finally, it summarizes the open-sea experimental results. Good correspondence between the theoretical prediction and actual test data is shown, revealing the feasibility of the two-phase ramjet concept at the low to intermediate cruise velocity range and a smaller relative thrust margin over the hydrodynamic resistance at the high-speed range.
Characterization of the Cassava Mycobiome in Symptomatic Leaf Tissues Displaying Cassava Superelongation Disease
Authors: Alleyne Angela , Mason Shanice , Vallès Yvonne
Published: November 2023

Superelongation disease (SED) is a fungal disease that affects cassava in the Caribbean. The symptoms include the appearance of dry necrotic spots and lesions on the leaves, which may severely affect the plant yield. However, the primary causal pathogen is difficult to culture and isolate in the lab because of its slow growth and potential contamination from faster-growing organisms. In addition, the leaf symptoms can be confused with those caused by other pathogens that produce similar necrotic spots and scab-like lesions. There is also little or no information on the contribution of endophytes, if any, to disease symptoms in cassava, a plant where the disease is prevalent. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the fungal communities in cassava associated with SED symptoms by analyzing gross fungal morphology and performing metagenomics profiling. First, several individual pathogenic fungi were isolated and cultured from diseased cassava leaf tissues from seven locations in Barbados (BB). Both culture isolation and molecular community analyses showed the presence of several other fungi in the disease microenvironment of symptomatic cassava leaves. These included Fusarium, Colletotrichum, and Alternaria species and the suspected species Elsinoë brasiliensis synonym Sphaceloma manihoticola. Additionally, a community analysis using ITS2 amplicon sequencing of 21 symptomatic leaf tissues from BB, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), Trinidad and Tobago (TT), and Jamaica (JA) revealed that the disease symptoms of superelongation may also result from the interactions of fungal communities in the mycobiome, including Elsinoë species and other fungi such as Colletotrichum, Cercospora, Alternaria, and Fusarium. Therefore, we suggest that examining the pathobiome concept in SED in the future is necessary.
The Impact of Non-Native Language Input on Bilingual Children’s Language Skills
Authors: Buac Milijana , Kaushanskaya Margarita
Published: November 2023

We assessed the impact of non-native language input on Spanish–English bilingual preschool-age children’s language skills. Most participants (96%) had language skills within the average range. We examined whether the number of native English speakers, the number of non-native English speakers, the strength of foreign accent in English, intelligibility (percent intelligible utterances), syntax/morphology (mean length of utterance in morphemes), and grammatical errors were related to children’s overall language skills. The results revealed that the number of native English speakers and intelligibility in English positively predicted children’s language skills while the number of non-native English speakers and the strength of foreign accent in English negatively predicted children’s language skills. None of the grammatical measures predicted children’s language skills. These findings indicate that non-native input can be associated with less robust language skills, but non-native input is not in fact detrimental to language development for neurotypical preschool-age children given their within-average language scores.
Nonlinear Identification and Decoupling Sliding Mode Control of Macro-Micro Dual-Drive Motion Platform with Mechanical Backlash
Authors: Kang Shuo , Zhang Buyang , Huang Xing , Zhong Rijin , Huang Shengzhao
Published: November 2023

A macro–micro dual-drive motion platform is a class of key system utilized in ultra-precision instruments and equipment for realizing ultra-high-precision positioning, which relates to the fields of semiconductor manufacturing, ultra-precision testing and machining, etc. Aiming at the ultra-high-precision positioning control problem of macro–micro dual-drive systems containing mechanical backlash, this paper analyzes the combined effect of mechanical coupling and backlash, and proposes a macro–micro compound control strategy. Firstly, the system dynamic model, including mechanical coupling, is established, and a quasi-linear backlash model is also proposed. Secondly, based on the above model, a stepwise nonlinear identification method is proposed to obtain the backlash characteristic online, which is the basis of accurate backlash compensation. Then, for the macro–micro structure containing the backlash, a macro decoupling control method, combined with a micro adaptive integral sliding mode control method and backlash compensation, are designed coordinately to guarantee that the large-stroke macro–micro cooperative motion reaches micron-level accuracy. Moreover, the boundary of the positioning error is adjustable by tuning the controller parameters. Finally, both the simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed identification method can estimate the time-varying backlash precisely in finite time, and the system positioning accuracy can achieve an average 20 μm with long stroke and backlash influence, which is much higher than that using the traditional method and provides theoretical guidance for high-precision positioning control of a class of dual-drive motion platform.