bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Analysis of the Multi-Lingual S2IR Rumor Propagation Model Under Stochastic Disturbances
Authors: Wang Jinling , Liao Jing , Lu Jun-Guo , Li Jiarong , Liu Mei
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes a multi-lingual S2IR rumor propagation model with white noise disturbances, aiming to study its dynamics and stochastic optimal control strategies. Firstly, a deterministic model is developed within a multi-lingual environment to identify rumor-free and rumor-spreading equilibria and calculate the basic reproduction number R0. Secondly, a stochastic model incorporating white noise perturbation is developed, and the uniqueness of its global positive solution is examined. Meanwhile, the asymptotic behaviors of the model’s global solution near the steady states are discussed. Thirdly, the stochastic optimal control is designed to suppress the spread of rumors. Finally, the correctness and validity of the theoretical results are verified through numerical simulation.
On the Numerical Integration of the Fokker–Planck Equation Driven by a Mechanical Force and the Bismut–Elworthy–Li Formula
Authors: Sanders Julia , Muratore-Ginanneschi Paolo
Published: February 2025

Optimal control theory aims to find an optimal protocol to steer a system between assigned boundary conditions while minimizing a given cost functional in finite time. Equations arising from these types of problems are often non-linear and difficult to solve numerically. In this article, we describe numerical methods of integration for two partial differential equations that commonly arise in optimal control theory: the Fokker–Planck equation driven by a mechanical potential for which we use the Girsanov theorem; and the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman, or dynamic programming, equation for which we find the gradient of its solution using the Bismut–Elworthy–Li formula. The computation of the gradient is necessary to specify the optimal protocol. Finally, we give an example application of the numerical techniques to solving an optimal control problem without spacial discretization using machine learning.
Formalization and Verification of PaxosStore from Process Algebra Perspective
Authors: Xie Wanling , Yuan Yang , Zhu Chenyang
Published: February 2025

PaxosStore is a high-availability storage system developed to support the comprehensive business of WeChat. With the widespread application of WeChat, it is particularly important to verify the safety of PaxosStore. This work proposes a formal model for the storage system PaxosStore using the process algebra Communicating Sequential Processes (CSP) to clearly reflect the interactions of the components in PaxosStore. More importantly, we utilize the model checker Process Analysis Toolkit (PAT) to simulate and verify the constructed CSP model. We specifically verify the validity of six properties: deadlock-freeness, divergence-freeness, robustness, consistency, nontriviality and liveness. Through the verification results, we demonstrate that our formalization model successfully satisfies these properties, confirming the correctness and effectiveness of the framework in ensuring secure interactions among the PaxosStore storage system components.
Fostering Inclusion: A Virtual Reality Experience to Raise Awareness of Dyslexia-Related Barriers in University Settings
Authors: Alcalde-Llergo José Manuel , Aparicio-Martínez Pilar , Zingoni Andrea , Pinzi Sara , Yeguas-Bolívar Enrique
Published: February 2025

This work introduces the design, implementation, and validation of a virtual reality (VR) experience aimed at promoting the inclusion of individuals with dyslexia in university settings. Unlike traditional awareness methods, this immersive approach offers a novel way to foster empathy by allowing participants to experience firsthand the challenges faced by students with dyslexia. Specifically, the experience raises awareness by exposing non-dyslexic individuals to the difficulties commonly encountered by dyslexic students. In the virtual environment, participants explore a virtual campus with multiple buildings, navigating between them while completing tasks and simultaneously encountering barriers that simulate some of the challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia. These barriers include reading signs with shifting letters, following directional arrows that may point incorrectly, and dealing with a lack of assistance. The campus is a comprehensive model featuring both indoor and outdoor spaces and supporting various modes of locomotion. To validate the experience, more than 30 non-dyslexic participants from the university environment, mainly professors and students, evaluated it through ad hoc satisfaction surveys. The results indicated heightened awareness of the barriers encountered by students with dyslexia, with participants deeming the experience a valuable tool for increasing visibility and fostering understanding of dyslexic students.
The Synergy Potential of Energy and Agriculture—The Main Directions of Development
Authors: Svazas Mantas , Navickas Valentinas
Published: February 2025

The development of renewable energy is increasingly blurring the line between the energy and agricultural sectors. Decarbonizing agriculture is essential for the development of sustainable development principles. This can be achieved in essentially the two following ways: by reducing fuel consumption and by making the livestock sector more efficient. This review sets out options for contributing to these two elements. The review sets the stage for a smoother synergy process, whereby waste generated in agriculture is fully utilized to strengthen farms. In conducting the review, the methods of scientific induction and deduction were used. One of the key elements is the recycling of the waste generated into biomethane. This biomethane in turn is used as a fuel for tractors and as a means of providing energy for farms. The production of biomethane or biogas can lead to decentralization of the energy system, with farms becoming less or completely independent from external energy supplies. At the same time, synergies with other forms of energy are being created. These make it possible to increase the income of farms by adding a new activity of supplying energy to other consumers.
Dynamics of Soil N2O and CO2 Emissions in Response to Freeze–Thaw Intensity and Moisture Variations: A Laboratory Experiment
Authors: Kong Yuhua , Gong Shanshan , Zhu Longfei , Wu Haohao , Duan Keji , Cheng Weiguo , Khoroshaev Dmitriy , Lai Yong , Xu Xingkai
Published: February 2025

Climate warming has led to more frequent soil freeze–thaw (FT) events in high-latitude and high-altitude regions, leading to significant pulse releases of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) such as nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. These pulse emissions exhibit unpredictable spatiotemporal variability, which are influenced by soil type, soil moisture and FT temperature. This study employed controlled laboratory experiments to investigate the effects of varying FT intensities (−10 °C/10 °C, −5 °C/5 °C, and a control at 0 °C/0 °C) and soil moisture levels (30%, 60%, and 90% water-filled pore space, WFPS) on the dynamics of soil N2O and CO2 emissions (measured daily), and the availability of carbon and nitrogen, microbial biomass, and enzyme activities (measured weekly) in the soils collected from two forest stands in the Changbai mountains of northeast China, a broadleaf and Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc.) mixed forest (BKPF) and an adjacent secondary white birch (Betula platyphylla Suk.) forest (WBF), where FT events frequently occur. Our findings reveal that a high FT intensity (−10 °C/10 °C) significantly increased N2O and CO2 emissions from BKPF and WBF soils. With increasing soil moisture, soil CO2 emissions peaked at 60% WFPS, while soil N2O emissions were the highest at 90% WFPS. Notably, pulse emissions of N2O were particularly intense under a high FT intensity and high moisture (i.e., 90% WFPS) in WBF soils, persisting for nearly 8 days during FT cycles. The emissions of N2O and CO2 under varying FT and moisture conditions are intricately regulated by soil substrate dynamics, including dissolved organic carbon, nitrogen mineralization, and nitrate concentrations. The results improve the understanding of the high variability of soil GHG emissions during the FT process and its underlying mechanisms, which are inadequately considered in current ecological and land surface process models. Consequently, it would contribute valuable insights into the interaction between soil GHG emissions and climate change in high-latitude and high-altitude zones.
Automatic Extraction of Discolored Tree Crowns Based on an Improved Faster-RCNN Algorithm
Authors: Ma Haoyang , Yang Banghui , Wang Ruirui , Yu Qiang , Yang Yaoyao , Wei Jiahao
Published: February 2025

The precise prevention and control of forest pests and diseases has always been a research hotspot in ecological environmental protection. With the continuous advancement of sensor technology, the fine-grained identification of discolored tree crowns based on UAV technology has become increasingly important in forest monitoring. Existing deep learning models face challenges such as prolonged training time and low recognition accuracy when identifying discolored tree crowns caused by pests or diseases from airborne images. To address these issues, this study improves the Faster-RCNN model by using Inception-ResNet-V2 as the feature extractor, replacing the traditional VGG16 feature extractor, aiming to enhance the accuracy of discolored tree crown recognition. Experiments and analyses were conducted using UAV aerial imagery data from Jilin Changbai Mountain. The improved model effectively identified discolored tree crowns caused by pine wood nematodes, achieving a precision of 90.22%, a mean average precision (mAP) of 83.63%, and a recall rate of 92.33%. Compared to the original RCNN model, the mAP of the improved model increased by 4.68%, precision improved by 10.11%, and recall improved by 5.23%, significantly enhancing the recognition performance of discolored tree crowns. This method provides crucial technical support and scientific basis for the prevention and control of forest pests and diseases, facilitating early detection and precise management of forest pest outbreaks.
Lightweight Deep Learning Model for Fire Classification in Tunnels
Authors: Muksimova Shakhnoza , Umirzakova Sabina , Baltayev Jushkin , Cho Young-Im
Published: February 2025

Tunnel fires pose a severe threat to human safety and infrastructure, necessitating the development of advanced and efficient fire detection systems. This paper presents a novel lightweight deep learning (DL) model specifically designed for real-time fire classification in tunnel environments. This model integrates MobileNetV3 for spatial feature extraction, Temporal Convolutional Networks (TCNs) for temporal sequence analysis, and advanced attention mechanisms, including Convolutional Block Attention Modules (CBAMs) and Squeeze-and-Excitation (SE) blocks, to prioritize critical features such as flames and smoke patterns while suppressing irrelevant noise. The model is trained on a custom dataset containing real tunnel fire incidents generated using a newly prepared dataset. This approach enhances the model generalization capabilities, enabling it to handle diverse fire scenarios, including those with low visibility, high smoke density, and variable ventilation conditions. Deployment optimizations, such as quantization and layer fusion, ensure computational efficiency, achieving an average inference time of 12ms/frame, making it suitable for resource-constrained environments like IoT and edge devices. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model achieves an accuracy of 96.5%, a precision of 95.7%, and a recall of 97.2%, significantly outperforming state-of-the-art (SOTA) models such as ResNet50 and YOLOv5 in both accuracy and real-time performance. Robustness tests under challenging conditions validate model reliability and adaptability, marking it as a critical advancement in tunnel fire detection systems. This study provides valuable insights into the design and deployment of efficient fire classification systems for safety-critical applications. The proposed model offers a scalable, high-performance solution for tunnel fire monitoring and establishes a benchmark for future research in real-time video-based classification under complex environmental conditions.
Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis Reveals the Impact of Autophagy Regulation on Purine Content in Mutton
Authors: Han Xu , Chen Yang , Tan Dandan , Lai Cuiyu , Han Xuewen , Chen Jinlin , Fu Yu , Shan Xuesong , Jiang Huaizhi
Published: February 2025

Background: Excessive purine intake increases the risk of hyperuricemia and gout. This study investigates the relationship between purine content in mutton and meat quality traits and explores the regulatory mechanism of purine metabolism through transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. Methods: Thirty-six-month-old hybrid sheep (Australian White × Small-tail Han) were selected. Purine content and meat quality traits, including inosine monophosphate (IMP), intramuscular fat (IMF), shear force, pH, cooking loss, and meat color, were measured. Transcriptomic sequencing and metabolomic analysis were performed on muscle samples with high (3895.70 ± 107.03 mg/kg) and low (2751.72 ± 175.29 mg/kg) purine contents (n = 6 per group). Differentially expressed genes were validated by quantitative PCR and Western blot. In vivo autophagy regulation experiments were performed on mice using rapamycin (activator) and chloroquine (inhibitor). Results: No significant correlation was found between purine content and meat quality traits, suggesting that reducing purine content does not negatively affect mutton quality. An autophagy-related gene, LAPTM5 (lysosomal-associated protein transmembrane 5), was identified as a key gene negatively regulating purine content. In vivo autophagy regulation experiments demonstrated that autophagy affects purine metabolism by modulating key enzymes such as xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase 1 (HPRT). Conclusions: This study reveals the role of autophagy in regulating purine metabolism through the key enzymes XDH and HPRT, providing new insights for improving mutton quality in the future.
Major and Minor Causes of Geophagy–Lithophagy in Animals and Humans
Authors: Panichev Alexander M. , Golokhvast Kirill S.
Published: February 2025

The analyzed data set on the problem of geophagy–lithophagy shows that the instinctive desire, preserved in many groups of animals and humans, to eat mineral–crystalline substances—products of hypergenic transformation of various rocks in the most general form—is a manifestation of an evolutionarily conditioned universal way of regulating the material composition of the internal environment, as well as of many biological and physiological processes in the body. The effect of minerals on the organism can be divided into their main and secondary functions. The main cause of geophagy–lithophagy in animals and humans all over the world is the regulation of concentration and the ratio of rare earth elements in the neuroimmunoendocrine system, which controls metabolic processes and provides immune defense of the body. More than ten secondary causes of consumption of rare earth elements have been identified. In this review, we have attempted to summarize the data that we have collected on the causes of the phenomenon of the consumption of earth substance that we have identified in humans and various animal groups.
A Photomixotrophic System to Improve the Growth of In Vitro-Cultured Seedlings of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)
Authors: Mu Zhihua , Li Zhiying , Nulu Naga Prafulla Chandrika , Kalaipandian Sundaravelpandian , Biddle Julianne M. , Bazrafshan Amirhossein , Kong Eveline , Adkins Steve W.
Published: February 2025

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is an important tropical palm globally, but due to declining production, it is failing to meet the rapidly increasing market demand. In vitro technologies, including embryo culture, cryopreservation, and clonal propagation, are being explored to increase productivity and to conserve unique varieties. Despite the development of these technologies, there is still a need to improve the acclimatization process used to produce the large numbers of high-quality coconut seedlings needed for planting. Enhancing seedling growth and development during acclimatization, using an elevated concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), and applying appropriate modifications to the light environment were the objectives of this study. A series of four semi-automated acclimatization chambers, which could control atmospheric CO2 concentration, relative humidity and temperature, and light intensity, quality, and photoperiod, were designed to undertake this study. An initial experiment demonstrated that a concentration of 1600 μmol mol−1 CO2 in combination with an elevated light intensity of 600 μmol m−2 s−1 could significantly enhance the growth and development of seedlings as compared to ambient CO2 concentrations and standard illumination conditions. Further experimentation demonstrated that continuous illumination with a combination of red and blue light (7:3) gave superior growth and development. This study found that the 6-month-old age is the ideal age for accelerating the acclimatization process using CO2. Overall, the maximum effectiveness of the photomixotrophic growth system was seen when CO2 (1600 μmol mol−1) was applied to 6- to 7-month-old seedlings under a constant (24/0 h photoperiod) but elevated light intensity (600 μmol m−2 s−1) of red and blue light in the ratio of 7:3.
Yield and Fruit Weight of Six Strawberry Cultivars over Two Seasons in Subtropical Queensland, Australia
Authors: Menzel Christopher Michael
Published: February 2025

Research was conducted to examine the marketable yield and fruit weight of six strawberry cultivars (Fragaria × ananassa Duch. ‘Festival’, ‘Fortuna’, ‘Brilliance’, ‘Red Rhapsody’, ‘Sundrench’ and ‘Suzie’) over two years in subtropical Queensland, Australia. In the first year, the transplants were planted on 30 March, while in the second year, they were planted on 22 April. The average daily minimum temperature was 3 °C higher than the long-term average for the area from 1965 to 1990, while the average daily maximum temperature was 1 °C higher. Temperatures and solar radiation were similar in the two years of the study. In contrast, it was wetter in the second year (478 mm) than in the first year (332 mm). Average yield was lower in the second year (142 ± 10 g/plant) than in the first year (330 ± 9 g/plant) (p < 0.001), possibly due to a later planting. Higher rainfall in the second year may have also contributed to a higher incidence of rain damage and fruit rots. Yield was lower in ‘Sundrench’ (176 g/plant) than in the other cultivars (235 to 252 g/plant) (p = 0.003). Fruit weight was lower in the second year (18.2 g) than in the first year (23.8 g) (p < 0.001), and lower in ‘Festival’ and ‘Fortuna’ (18.2 and 19.4 g), intermediate in ‘Brilliance’, ‘Red Rhapsody’ and ‘Sundrench’ (21.0, 21.3 and 21.8 g) and higher in ‘Suzie’ (24.3 g) (p < 0.001). These results demonstrate that yield and fruit size vary in cultivars in Queensland. ‘Suzie’ had the largest fruit, favoring marketing. The low productivity of ‘Sundrench’ suggests that this cultivar is not commercially viable in Queensland. Yields are expected to decline in the future under global warming, in the absence of better-adapted cultivars and other mitigating strategies. Further evaluations of cultivars in Queensland are required under different growing practices, including earlier times of planting, higher plant densities, light shade and protected cropping.
Chr23-miR-200s and Dmrt1 Control Sexually Dimorphic Trade-Off Between Reproduction and Growth in Zebrafish
Authors: Ge Si , Liu Ying , Huang Haoran , Yu Jiawang , Li Xiaohui , Lin Qiaohong , Huang Peipei , Mei Jie
Published: February 2025

In animals, a trade-off exists between reproduction and growth, which are the most fundamental traits. Males and females exhibit profound differences in reproduction and growth in fish species. However, the precise molecular mechanism governing this phenomenon is still not clear. Here, we uncovered that chr23-miR-200s and dmrt1 knockout specifically caused an impairment in reproduction and an increase in body growth in female and male zebrafish, respectively. Chr23-miR-200s and Dmrt1 directly regulate the stat5b gene by targeting its 3′UTR and promoter. The loss of stat5b completely abolished the elevated growth performance in chr23-miR-200s-KO or dmrt1−/− zebrafish. Moreover, the dmrt1 transgenic zebrafish had significantly lower body length and body weight than the control males, accompanied by a significant reduction in stat5b expression in the liver of transgenic fish. In summary, our study proposes a regulatory model elucidating the roles of chr23-miR-200s and Dmrt1 in controlling the sexually dimorphic trade-off between reproduction and growth.
N4-Methylcytosine Supports the Growth of Escherichia coli Uracil Auxotrophs
Authors: Urbonavičius Jaunius , Čekytė Aušrinė , Tauraitė Daiva
Published: February 2025

N4-methylcytosine is a modified heterocyclic base present both in RNA and DNA. The biosynthesis and function of this derivative are widely investigated. However, how the demethylation of this base occurs is not known. Here, we have investigated the growth of an Escherichia coli uracil auxotroph strain in minimal M9 medium supplemented with N4-methylcytosine. We have found that this compound, but not the related N4,N4-dimethylcytosine, well supports growth with a generation time of the bacterium being 3 h compared to 1.5 h for media supplemented with cytosine or uracil. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), we have demonstrated that the concentration of N4-methylcytosine in the growth medium decreases by 12% after 24 h of growth. We have shown that N4-methylcytosine is not directly converted into uracil by E. coli CodA cytosine deaminase. Instead, we propose the enzymatic pathway in which N4-methylcytosine is converted into cytosine by yet unknown demethylase, whereas CodA converts the resulting cytosine to uracil, thereby supporting the growth.
Purinergic System Transcript Changes in the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Suicide and Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Sahay Smita , Lundh Anna E. , Sirole Roshan P. , McCullumsmith Robert E. , O’Donovan Sinead M.
Published: February 2025

Suicide is a major public health priority, and its molecular mechanisms appear to be related to imbalanced purine metabolism in the brain. This exploratory study investigates purinergic gene expression in the postmortem dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) tissue isolated from subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD) who died by suicide (MDD-S, n = 10), MDD subjects who did not die by suicide (MDD-NS, n = 6) and non-psychiatrically ill controls (CTL, n = 9–10). Purinergic system transcripts were assayed by quantitative polymerase chain reactions (qPCR) in superficial and deep gray matter as well as white matter DLPFC cortical layers using laser microdissection (LMD). Across all subjects, regardless of sex, P2RY12 (F(2,23) = 5.40, p = 0.004) and P2RY13 (KW statistic = 11.82, p = 0.001) transcript levels were significantly greater in MDD-S compared to MDD-NS subjects. Several other perturbations were observed in the white matter tissue isolated from females: NT5E (F(2,10) = 13.37, p = 0.001) and P2RY13 (F(2,9) = 3.99, p = 0.011, controlled for age) transcript expression was significantly greater in MDD-S vs. MDD-NS female groups. ENTPD2 (F(2,10) = 5.20, p = 0.03), ENTPD3 (F(2,10) = 28.99, p < 0.0001), and NT5E (F(2,10) = 13.37, p = 0.001) were among the transcripts whose expression was significantly elevated in MDD-S vs. CTL female groups. Transcripts that exhibited significantly altered expression in the superficial and deep gray matter included ENTPD2, NT5E, PANX1, and P2RY13 (p ≤ 0.05). Our medication analysis revealed that the expression of these transcripts was not significantly altered by antidepressants. This is the first study to holistically quantify the purinergic metabolic pathway transcripts in suicide and MDD utilizing human postmortem brain tissue. Our preliminary findings support evidence implicating changes in purinergic P2 receptors in the brain in suicide and provide support for broader purinergic system dysregulation in mood disorders.
Candidate Key Proteins in Tinnitus—A Bioinformatic Study of Synaptic Transmission in the Inferior Colliculus
Authors: Gross Johann , Knipper Marlies , Mazurek Birgit
Published: February 2025

Proteins involved in synaptic transmission in normal hearing, acoustic stimulation, and tinnitus were identified using protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks. The gene list for tinnitus was compiled from the GeneCards database using the keywords “synaptic transmission” AND “inferior colliculus” AND “tinnitus” (Tin). For comparison, two gene lists were built using the keywords “auditory perception” (AP) and “acoustic stimulation” (AS). The STRING and the Cytoscape data analyzer were used to identify the top two high-degree proteins (HDPs) and the corresponding high-score interaction proteins (HSIP). The top1 key proteins of the AP and AS processes are BDNF and the receptor NTRK2; the top2 key proteins in the AP process are PVALB, together with GAD1, CALB1, and CALB2, which are important for the balance of excitation and inhibition. In the AS process, the top2 key proteins are FOS, CREB1, EGR1, and MAPK1, reflecting an activated state. The top1 key proteins of the Tin process are BDNF, NTRK3, and NTF3; these proteins are associated with the proliferation and differentiation of neurons and indicate the remodeling of synaptic transmission in IC. The top2 key proteins are GFAP and S100B, indicating a role for astrocytes in the modulation of synaptic transmission.
Decentralized Trace-Resistant Self-Sovereign Service Provisioning for Next-Generation Federated Wireless Networks
Authors: Fathalla Efat , Azab Mohamed
Published: February 2025

With the advent of NextG wireless networks, the reliance on centralized identity and service management systems poses significant challenges, including limited interoperability, increased privacy vulnerabilities, and the risk of unauthorized tracking or monitoring of user activity. To address these issues, there is a critical need for a decentralized framework that empowers users with self-sovereignty over their subscription information while maintaining trust and privacy among network entities. This article presents a novel framework to enable Self-Sovereign Federated NextG (SSFXG) wireless communication networks. The SSFXG framework separates identity management from the service management layer typically controlled by network operators to foster interoperability functionalities with enhanced privacy and trace-resistant assurances in the NextG landscape. The proposed model relies on blockchain technology as an infrastructure to enable single-authority-free service provisioning and boost mutual trust among federated network components. Further, the SSFXG framework facilitates subscribers’ self-sovereignty over their subscription information while ensuring anonymity and enhanced privacy preservation, avoiding unnecessary network activity monitoring or tracking. Preliminary evaluations demonstrated the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed framework, making it a promising solution for advancing secure and interoperable NextG wireless networks.
Multimodal Brain Growth Patterns: Insights from Canonical Correlation Analysis and Deep Canonical Correlation Analysis with Auto-Encoder
Authors: Sapkota Ram , Thapaliya Bishal , Ray Bhaskar , Suresh Pranav , Liu Jingyu
Published: February 2025

Today’s advancements in neuroimaging have been pivotal in enhancing our understanding of brain development and function using various MRI techniques. This study utilizes images from T1-weighted imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging to identify gray matter and white matter coherent growth patterns within 2 years from 9–10-year-old participants in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. The motivation behind this investigation lies in the need to comprehend the intricate processes of brain development during adolescence, a critical period characterized by significant cognitive maturation and behavioral change. While traditional methods like canonical correlation analysis (CCA) capture the linear interactions of brain regions, a deep canonical correlation analysis with an autoencoder (DCCAE) nonlinearly extracts brain patterns. The study involves a comparative analysis of changes in gray and white matter over two years, exploring their interrelation based on correlation scores, extracting significant features using both CCA and DCCAE methodologies, and finding an association between the extracted features with cognition and the Child Behavior Checklist. The results show that both CCA and DCCAE components identified similar brain regions associated with cognition and behavior, indicating that brain growth patterns over this two-year period are linear. The variance explained by CCA and DCCAE components for cognition and behavior suggests that brain growth patterns better account for cognitive maturation compared to behavioral changes. This research advances our understanding of neuroimaging analysis and provides valuable insights into the nuanced dynamics of brain development during adolescence.
Effect of Patient’s Characteristics and Surgical Technique on the Patient Outcomes and Satisfaction After Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy—A Long-Term Retrospective Study
Authors: Jamaleddine Youssef , Haj Hussein Ahmad , Afyouni Ahmad , Mayta Zaid , El Ayoubi Lemir Majed , Salameh Pascale , Moucharafieh Ramzi , Honeine Mohamad Omar , Badra Mohammad
Published: February 2025

Background: Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is a minimally invasive surgical technique for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation. Despite its growing popularity, limited research has explored the influence of patient characteristics and the choice of technique on post-operative outcomes and patient satisfaction. Objective: To investigate the impact of patient characteristics and surgical technique (interlaminar vs. transforaminal) on the surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction following PELD. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 177 patients who underwent PELD (53.1% males, age = 46.11 ± 14.2 years), including 147 patients with the interlaminar approach and 30 with the transforaminal approach. Demographic data, pre-operative clinical features, surgical technique, intra-operative and post-operative complications and complaints, patient-reported outcomes (disability, quality of life, satisfaction), and revision surgery rates were documented and analyzed. The mean follow-up duration was 5.55 years ± 2.73 years. Results: No significant differences were observed in demographics, pre-operative status, or post-operative complaints and complication rates between two surgical techniques, except that transforaminal technique showed a higher incidence for dural tear and persistent muscle weakness (p = 0.028 and p = 0.046, respectively). Both techniques led to excellent patient-reported outcomes with no significant differences. Total patient satisfaction with PELD was 93.8%, which correlated positively with the absence of complications and complaints and negatively with persistent back pain, recurrent herniation and revision surgery. Conclusions: Interlaminar and transforaminal PELD are both effective and safe minimally invasive surgical techniques for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation with a high patient satisfaction rate. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
A Focus on Personalized Care in Light of New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Pathways of Shoulder and Elbow Disease
Authors: Paolucci Teresa , Cichelli Alice , Mangone Massimiliano
Published: February 2025

The shoulder is a complex system of functionally interconnected and coordinated joints [...]
Preclinical Models to Study the Molecular Pathophysiology of Meniere’s Disease: A Pathway to Gene Therapy
Authors: Nadar-Ponniah Prathamesh T. , Lopez-Escamez Jose A.
Published: February 2025

Background: Meniere’s disease (MD) is a set of rare disorders that affects >4 million people worldwide. Individuals with MD suffer from episodes of vertigo associated with fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. Hearing loss can involve one or both ears. Over 10% of the reported cases are observed in families, suggesting its significant genetic contribution. The condition is polygenic with >20 genes, and several patterns of inheritance have been reported, including autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and digenic inheritance across multiple MD families. Preclinical research using animal models has been an indispensable tool for studying the neurophysiology of the auditory and vestibular systems and to get a better understanding of the functional role of genes that are involved in the hearing and vestibular dysfunction. While mouse models are the most used preclinical model, this review analyzes alternative animal and non-animal models that can be used to study MD genes. Methods: A literature search of the 21 genes reported for familial MD and the preclinical models used to investigate their functional role was performed. Results: Comparing the homology of proteins encoded by these genes to other model organisms revealed Drosophila and zebrafish as cost-effective models to screen multiple genes and study the pathophysiology of MD. Conclusions: Murine models are preferred for a quantitative neurophysiological assessment of hearing and vestibular functions to develop drug or gene therapy.
Anterior Versus Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion at L5-S1 in Hybrid Surgery for Adult Spinal Deformity: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis of Radiographic Results, Mechanical Complications, and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Park Se-Jun , Kang Dong-Ho , Park Jin-Sung , Kang Minwook , Lee Chong-Suh , Jung Kyunghun
Published: February 2025

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the radiographic results, mechanical complications, and clinical outcomes between anterior and posterior lumbar interbody fusion at L5–S1 (ALIF51 and PLIF51 groups, respectively) using a matched cohort of patients undergoing long fusion for adult spinal deformity (ASD). Methods: Patients who underwent hybrid surgery of ≥5-level fusion to the pelvis with a minimum follow-up duration of 2 years were included. The baseline characteristics of the groups were controlled using a propensity score matching analysis. The radiographic results, mechanical complications such as proximal junctional kyphosis/failure and metal failure, and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups. Results: In total, 79 patients were assigned to each group with comparable baseline data, except for a higher frequency of anterior column realignment procedures in the PLIF51 group than in the ALIF51 group (49.4% vs. 31.6%). At the last follow-up, L5–S1 segmental lordosis (SL) was significantly greater in the ALIF51 group than in the PLIF51 group (12.1° vs. 7.3°, p < 0.001). The final C7–sagittal vertical axis (SVA) was significantly smaller in the ALIF51 group than in the PLIF51 group (25.4 mm vs. 35.5 mm, p = 0.032). However, other global sagittal parameters were comparable between the groups. The mechanical complication rates, including metal failure at L5–S1, and the final clinical outcomes were comparable between the groups. Conclusions: ALIF51 has modest advantages over PLIF51 in terms of better restoring L5–S1 SL and C7–SVA with avoiding more invasive procedures above the L5–S1 levels. Other sagittal parameters, mechanical complication rates, and clinical outcomes did not differ between the groups.
Correction: Kang et al. (2024). The Development and Application of an Intelligent Assessment and Strategy Implementation System for Non-Intellectual Factors in Mathematics Learning Among Senior High School Students. Journal of Intelligence 12: 126
Authors: Kang Yueyuan , Wang Guangming , Liu Luxuan , Liu Jing , Gao Qianqian
Published: February 2025

In the published publication [...]
Taxonomic Revision of Solorina (Peltigeraceae, Ascomycota), Reveals a New Genus and Three New Species
Authors: Zheng Ting , Wang Lisong , Ai Min , Gan Yuxin , Fan Rong , Zhang Yingjun , Worthy Fiona Ruth , Jin Jizhen , Meng Wenping , Zhang Shengbang , Wang Xinyu
Published: February 2025

The lichen genus Solorina exhibits significant morphological and chemical variations between species. Recent molecular studies have demonstrated that Solorina is polyphyletic, underscoring the need for a comprehensive taxonomic revision. Phylogenetic analyses employing Bayesian methods and Maximum Likelihood approaches based on three molecular loci (nrITS, nrLSU, mtSSU) revealed that species of Solorina segregate into two distinct clades. The first clade includes species characterized by bright orange lower surfaces that contain secondary metabolites, notably solorinic acid. The type species, Solorina crocea, is retained in the genus Solorina. The second clade encompasses species with white or brownish lower surfaces; most species lack secondary metabolites and are now classified as a new genus, Pseudosolorina. As a result of this taxonomic revision, two species: S. crocea and S. crocoides remain in the genus Solorina. Five species with white or brownish lower surfaces were transferred to the new genus Pseudosolorina, which consists of three newly described species and five new combinations. Four species previously described as Solorina: S. embolina, S. fuegiensis, S. octospora, and S. platycarpa have morphology consistent with Pseudosolorina, but are currently retained in Solorina due to the absence of supporting DNA sequence data. A key to Solorina and Pseudosolorina is provided. The spores of S. crocea exhibit wall ornamentation featuring rounded papillae, which are distinct from those of Pseudosolorina. Molecular data and morphological characters also indicate that both Solorina and Pseudosolorina engage in symbiotic associations with photobionts cyanobacteria Nostoc and chlorophytes Coccomyxa or Asterochloris.
Investigation of the Relationship Between IL-17, IL-27, IL-2 Blood Levels in Spontaneous Abortion and Healthy Pregnant Women
Authors: Ozbey Gurkan , Tanriverdi Elif Seren , Cakir Ayberk , Yilmaz Ercan
Published: February 2025

Background: Cytokines are essential for regulating immune cell activity during pregnancy. Research shows that CD4+ T-cells exhibit specific cytokine secretion patterns, resulting in polarized immune responses. This study aims to compare the gene expression levels of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines in women with normal pregnancies versus those with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Methods: In this case-control study, 20 patients with RSA within 24 h of their last abortion were compared to 20 pregnant women with no history of abortion (Control Group). Cytokine levels of IL-2, IL-17, and IL-27 were quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: Overall cytokine levels were similar between the groups, but the cytokine levels in both groups were generally similar. However, higher IL-17 and IL-2 levels were observed in the healthy pregnancy group (p = 0.006 and p = 0.001, respectively). Elevated IL-17 and IL-27 levels were observed in healthy pregnancies, whereas lower levels were seen shortly after a miscarriage. IL-27 levels were significantly higher in women with recurrent abortions compared to those with healthy pregnancies (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Elevated IL-2 levels may be a risk factor for RSA. Consistent with recent studies, our findings emphasize the role of IL-17 and IL-27 as crucial regulatory cytokines for maintaining a successful pregnancy.
Design of a Remanufacturing Line Applying Lean Manufacturing and Supply Chain Strategies
Authors: Félix-Jácquez Rosa Hilda , Hernández-Uribe Óscar , Cárdenas-Robledo Leonor Adriana , Mora-Alvarez Zaida Antonieta
Published: February 2025

Background: Remanufacturing products for sustainability involves layout and production planning, tools and equipment, material arrangement and handling, inventory management, technology integration, and more. This study presents an empirical vision through a discrete event simulation (DES) model integrating lean manufacturing (LM) and supply chain (SC) strategies with industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies, applied to a case in a railway company. Methods: The work presents scenarios following a methodology with an incremental approach to implement strategies of lean manufacturing (LM) and supply chain (SC) in the context of I4.0 and their effects represented in DES models with applicability in remanufacturing and production line management. Five simulation scenarios were analyzed according to strategies layered incrementally. Results: Behaviors and outcomes were compared across the scenarios considering the remanufactured engines, percentage of process time, human labor occupation, and the statistical analysis of the process capability. Scenario five achieved the objective of remanufacturing 40 engines in one year with a cycle time of 214.45 h. Conclusions: The purpose was to design an engine remanufacturing line incorporating LM and SC strategies via a DES model, highlighting the importance of their gradual adoption toward I4.0 implementation. The integration of previous strategies improves flexibility and productivity in manufacturing processes.
Research on the Friction Loss of a Loading Brake Tester with Adjusted Shaft Distance
Authors: Huang Wanyou , Tan Shiwei , Chu Ruixia , Fan Guogang , Zhu Peidong , Liu Dongying , Jin Xiaoyue , Li Zhenyu , Qiu Fangyuan , Ji Shaobo
Published: February 2025

A friction loss model for a loading brake tester with adjusted shaft distance was constructed to correct the test results of the braking rate of the loading shaft, which could largely improve the accuracy of automobile braking performance tests. Specifically, the influence of tire pressure, vehicle axle load, placement angle, and vehicle speed on the friction loss was tested and analyzed on the tester. The friction loss model for the tester was constructed based on the first defined relative slip and placement angle, which was validated through actual tests on four types of vehicles. The results showed that the maximum relative error between the simulation and the measured values is 2.2%, indicating the friction loss model is valid and can provide a basis for correcting the braking force of automobile brakes. Meanwhile, the maximum braking force increased from 3982 N to 4772 N, increased by 19.8%, when the placement angle was raised from 36.9° to 47.0°, demonstrating the effectiveness of constructing a friction loss model and enhancing the accuracy of the loading brake tester with adjusted shaft distance test results. Accordingly, in order to improve the detection accuracy of the self-developed tester, the friction loss model is essential for correcting the friction loss caused by the change in the placement angle, and then the braking rate of the vehicle should be determined according to the relevant regulations stipulated in China, EU, USA, Japan, and other countries or regions, which can accurately reflect the performance of the vehicle’s braking system.
Dynamics of Inflammatory Factors in Aqueous Humor During Brolucizumab Treatment for Age-Related Macular Degenerations: A Case Series
Authors: Asakage Masaki , Noma Hidetaka , Yasuda Kanako , Goto Hiroshi , Shimura Masahiko
Published: February 2025

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment with intravitreal brolucizumab (IVBr) was launched as a novel treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but the incidence of intraocular inflammation (IOI) as a specific adverse effect of brolucizumab has been reported. We evaluated the dynamics of inflammatory factors in AMD in patients with or without IOI before and after anti-VEGF treatment with IVBr. We describe three patients who did not develop inflammation after three consecutive administrations of IVBr and three in whom inflammation occurred after the first IVBr treatment. The presence or absence of inflammation was determined by slit-lamp examination and a laser flare meter. Aqueous humor was obtained during anti-VEGF treatment with IVBr. Levels of VEGF, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AA, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, interferon-inducible 10 kDa protein (IP-10), Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligands (Flt-3L), and fractalkine were measured. Vision worsened in one patient who developed IOI after initial IVBr, so IVBr was discontinued and the patient was switched to intravitreal aflibercept with sub-tenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide. IVBr was continued in the two other patients with IOI. VEGF decreased after IVBr in all patients with and without IOI. On the other hand, at 1 month IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, IP-10, and Flt-3L were higher in the three patients with IOI compared with baseline and with the three patients without IOI. In two patients with IOI, not only flares but also IL-8, IP-10, and Flt-3L decreased from 1 to 2 months after IVBr despite continued IVBr. This case series might lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of IOI after IVBr.
Metabolomics’ Change Under β-Cypermethrin Stress and Detoxification Role of CYP5011A1 in Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Zhang Wenyong , Lei Wenliang , Bo Tao , Xu Jing , Wang Wei
Published: February 2025

Background: β-cypermethrin (β-CYP) exhibits high toxicity to aquatic organisms and poses significant risks to aquatic ecosystems. Tetrahymena thermophila, a protozoa widely distributed in aquatic environments, can tolerate high concentrations of β-cypermethrin. However, the comprehensive detoxification mechanisms remain poorly understood in Tetrahymena. Methods: Untargeted metabolomics was used to explore the detoxification mechanisms of T. thermophila under β-CYP stress. Results: Trehalose, maltose, glycerol, and D-myo-inositol were upregulated under β-CYP exposure in Tetrahymena. Furthermore, the expression level of CYP5011A1 was upregulated under β-CYP treatment. CYP5011A1 knockout mutants resulted in a decreasing proliferation rate of T. thermophila under β-CYP stress. The valine–leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis and glycine–serine and threonine metabolism were significantly affected, with significantly changed amino acids including serine, isoleucine, and valine. Conclusions: These findings confirmed that T. thermophila develops β-CYP tolerance by carbohydrate metabolism reprogramming and Cyp5011A1 improves cellular adaptations by influencing amino acid metabolisms. Understanding these mechanisms can inform practices aimed at reducing the adverse effects of agricultural chemicals on microbial and environmental health.