bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidisciplinary Approach of a Male Case of Imported Malaria, HIV Chronic Infection, and Latent Syphilis
Authors: García-Mendiola Rebeca Eunice , García-Lucas Maritza Micheli , Morales-Vázquez Jennifer , Cruz-Flores Raúl Adrián , Loyola-Cruz Miguel Ángel , Cruz-Cruz Clemente , Durán-Manuel Emilio Mariano , Vásquez-Jiménez Enzo , Castro-Escarpulli Graciela , Sánchez-Guzmán María de Jesús , Gutiérrez-Muñoz Victor Hugo , Cortés-Ortíz Iliana Alejandra , González-Ibarra Misael , Bravata-Alcántara Juan Carlos , Pineda-Migranas Jesús Alejandro , Plascencia-Nieto Estibeyesbo Said , Jiménez-Zamarripa Carlos Alberto , Gómez-Zamora Erika , Calzada-Mendoza Claudia Camelia , Bello-López Juan Manuel
Published: November 2024

Background: The current economic and social crisis in Latin America has caused migration to the USA, bringing with it Public Health challenges due to the importation of various infectious diseases. Migrants, particularly those with chronic conditions, such as HIV infection and other sexually transmitted infections (STI), are at greater risk due to pharmacological interruption and access to medical care, so the timely detection of diseases acquired during their migration, such as malaria, is crucial to avoid health complications. Objective: To outline by a multidisciplinary approach (Infectology, Parasitology, Epidemiology, molecular Biology, Venereology, and Public Health) the diagnosis and management of a male case with malaria imported to Mexican territory, HIV chronic infection, and latent syphilis. Methods: A male migrant of Venezuelan nationality attended the Clínica Especializada Condesa Iztapalapa in Mexico City for health complications. A comprehensive analysis of laboratory and molecular tests was performed to confirm HIV infection. During the STI diagnostic algorithm, latent syphilis was detected and microscopic observation of blood smears revealed parasitic forms compatible with malaria. Standard and molecular tests were applied under the operational definition for malaria cases for identification, diagnosis, and treatment. Finally, study of clinical history and migration route by questioning for the investigation of the imported case was performed. Results: The immigrant was diagnosed with HIV chronic-stage infection with interrupted antiretroviral therapy (ART), latent syphilis, and malaria by Plasmodium vivax. The ART administered was chosen based on the possible drug interaction with antimalarials and genetic barrier to the HLA-B* allele. Finally, antimicrobial therapy against syphilis was penicillin. From the analysis of the migratory route, incubation time of imported malaria, and questioning, we speculated that the migrant acquired the P. vivax infection in Panama. Conclusions: This case highlights the complex health problems faced by migrants with HIV infection, particularly when they contract additional infections such as malaria during migration and highlights the need for comprehensive access to healthcare and ART, antimalarial and antimicrobial treatments to mitigate the health risks of this vulnerable population.
Microglia-Impaired Phagocytosis Contributes to the Epileptogenesis in a Mouse Model of Dravet Syndrome
Authors: Chen I-Chun , Ho Shih-Yin , Tsai Che-Wen , Chen En-Li , Liou Horng-Huei
Published: November 2024

Dravet syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder caused by a deficit in the Nav1.1 channel, leading to drug-resistant epilepsy. The Nav1.1 channel plays a crucial role in microglial cell activation, and microglia are recognized as key mediators of seizures. In this study, we explored the role of microglia in DS-related epileptogenesis using a knock-in mouse model (Scn1aE1099X/+) that mimics a subset of DS patients. In these DS mice, we observed a significant downregulation of the Nav1.1 channel in microglia. This channel deficit led microglia to adopt a pro-inflammatory state in their quiescent phase. In the LPS-activated state, microglia predominantly exhibited an intermediate morphology rather than the expected fully activated form. The reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was detected in microglia following treatment with LPS. Notably, we found a significant decrease in the phagocytic ability of microglia in DS mice. Electrophysiological studies revealed an increased immature synaptic activity in the dentate gyrus in DS mice. The impaired microglial phagocytosis of damaged cells, combined with reduced cytokine secretion, may result in an excess of immature synaptic connections, neuronal hyperexcitation, and the formation of abnormal neural circuits in the hippocampus of Scn1aE1099X/+ mice. These changes could potentially contribute to mechanisms relevant to epileptogenesis in DS.
Genetic Insights and Molecular Breeding Approaches for Downy Mildew Resistance in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.): Current Progress and Future Prospects
Authors: Mirzwa-Mróz Ewa , Zieniuk Bartłomiej , Yin Zhimin , Pawełkowicz Magdalena
Published: November 2024

Cucurbit downy mildew, caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis, is a devastating disease in cucumbers that leads to significant yield losses in many cucurbit-growing regions worldwide. Developing resistant cucumber varieties is a sustainable approach to managing this disease, especially given the limitations of chemical control and the evolving nature of pathogens. This article reviews the genetic basis of downy mildew resistance in cucumbers, emphasizing key resistance (R) genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that have been mapped. Recent advances in molecular breeding tools, including marker-assisted selection (MAS), genomic selection (GS), and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, have accelerated the development of resistant cultivars. This review also explores the role of transcriptomics, genomics, and other ‘omics’ technologies in unraveling the molecular mechanisms behind resistance and offers insights into the future of breeding strategies aimed at long-term disease management. Management strategies for cucurbit downy mildew are discussed, along with the potential impacts of climate change on the occurrence and severity of downy mildew, highlighting how changing environmental conditions may influence disease dynamics. Integrating these advanced genetic approaches with traditional breeding promises to accelerate the development of downy mildew-resistant cucumber varieties, contributing to the sustainability and resilience of cucumber production.
Base Excision Repair in Mitotic Cells and the Role of Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endonuclease 1 (APE1) in Post-Mitotic Transcriptional Reactivation of Genes
Authors: Pramanik Suravi , Chen Yingling , Bhakat Kishor K.
Published: November 2024

Endogenous DNA damage occurs throughout the cell cycle, with cells responding differently at various stages. The base excision repair (BER) pathway predominantly repairs damaged bases in the genome. While extensively studied in interphase cells, it is unknown if BER operates in mitosis and how apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites, intermediates in the BER pathway that inhibit transcriptional elongation, are processed for post-mitotic gene reactivation. In this study, using an alkaline comet assay, we demonstrate that BER is inefficient in mitosis and that AP endonuclease 1 (APE1), a key BER enzyme, is required for the repair of damage post-mitosis. We previously demonstrated that APE1 is acetylated (AcAPE1) in the chromatin. Using high-resolution microscopy, we show that AcAPE1 remains associated with specific regions in the condensed chromatin in each of the phases of mitosis. This association presumably occurs via the binding of APE1 to the G-quadruplex structure, a non-canonical DNA structure predominantly present in the transcribed gene regions. Additionally, using a nascent RNA detection strategy, we demonstrate that the knockdown of APE1 delayed the rapid post-mitotic transcriptional reactivation of genes. Our findings highlight the functional importance of APE1 in the mitotic chromosomes to facilitate faster repair of endogenous damage and rapid post-mitotic gene reactivation in daughter cells.
SIGRN: Inferring Gene Regulatory Network with Soft Introspective Variational Autoencoders
Authors: Li Rongyuan , Wu Jingli , Li Gaoshi , Liu Jiafei , Liu Jinlu , Xuan Junbo , Deng Zheng
Published: November 2024

Gene regulatory networks (GRNs) exhibit the complex regulatory relationships among genes, which are essential for understanding developmental biology and uncovering the fundamental aspects of various biological phenomena. It is an effective and economical way to infer GRNs from single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) with computational methods. Recent researches have been done on the problem by using variational autoencoder (VAE) and structural equation model (SEM). Due to the shortcoming of VAE generating poor-quality data, in this paper, a soft introspective adversarial gene regulatory network unsupervised inference model, called SIGRN, is proposed by introducing adversarial mechanism in building a variational autoencoder model. SIGRN applies “soft” introspective adversarial mode to avoid training additional neural networks and adding additional training parameters. It demonstrates superior inference accuracy across most benchmark datasets when compared to nine leading-edge methods. In addition, method SIGRN also achieves better performance on representing cells and generating scRNA-seq data in most datasets. All of which have been verified via substantial experiments. The SIGRN method shows promise for generating scRNA-seq data and inferring GRNs.
Methoprene-Tolerant (Met) Acts as Methyl Farnesoate Receptor to Regulate Larva Metamorphosis in Mud Crab, Scylla paramamosain
Authors: Zhao Ming , Wang Wei , Jin Xin , Liu Zhiqiang , Luo Minghao , Fu Yin , Zhan Tianyong , Ma Keyi , Zhang Fengying , Ma Lingbo
Published: November 2024

The conserved role of juvenile hormone (JH) signals in preventing larvae from precocious metamorphosis has been confirmed in insects. Crustaceans have different metamorphosis types from insects; we previously proved that methyl farnesoate (MF) can prohibit larvae metamorphosis in mud crabs, but the molecular signal of this process still needs to be elucidated. In this study, methoprene-tolerant (Met) of Scylla paramamosain was obtained and characterized, which we named Sp-Met. Sp-Met contains a 3360 bp ORF that encodes 1119 amino acids; the predicted protein sequences of Sp-Met include one bHLH, two PAS domains, one PAC domain, and several long unusual Gln repeats at the C-terminal. AlphaFold2 was used to predict the 3D structure of Sp-Met and the JH binding domain of Met. Furthermore, the binding properties between Sp-Met and MF were analyzed using CD-DOCK2, revealing a putative high affinity between the receptor and ligand. In silico site-directed mutagenesis suggested that insect Mets may have evolved to exhibit a higher affinity for both MF or JH III compared to the Mets of crustaceans. In addition, we found that the expression of Sp-Met was significantly higher in female reproductive tissues than in males but lower in most of the other examined tissues. During larval development, the expression variation in Sp-Met and Sp-Kr-h1 was consistent with the immersion effect of MF. The most interesting finding is that knockdown of Sp-Met blocked the inhibitory effect of MF on metamorphosis in the fifth zoea stage and induced pre-metamorphosis phenotypes in the fourth zoea stage. The knockdown of Sp-Met significantly reduced the expression of Sp-Kr-h1 and two ecdysone signaling genes, Sp-EcR and Sp-E93. However, only the reduction in Sp-Kr-h1 could be rescued by MF treatment. In summary, this study provides the first evidence that MF inhibits crustacean larval metamorphosis through Met and that the MF-Met→Kr-h1 signal pathway is conserved in mud crabs. Additionally, the crosstalk between MF and ecdysteroid signaling may have evolved differently in mud crabs compared to insects.
Overexpression of the Potato StPYL20 Gene Enhances Drought Resistance and Root Development in Transgenic Plants
Authors: Yao Panfeng , Cui Junmei , Zhang Chunli , Wei Jia , Su Xinglong , Sun Chao , Bi Zhenzhen , Liu Zhen , Bai Jiangping , Liu Yuhui
Published: November 2024

Drought is a primary limiting factor for potato growth. PYR/PYL/RCAR (referred to hereafter as PYL) proteins, as receptors for abscisic acid (ABA), play a crucial role in the plant response to drought stress. However, the underlying mechanisms of this control remain largely elusive in potatoes. In this study, a potato StPYL20 gene was identified through genome-wide investigation and transcriptome analysis under drought stress. Molecular feature analysis revealed that the StPYL20 gene exhibits the highest expression level in tubers, and is significantly up-regulated under ABA and drought stress conditions. The StPYL20 protein harbors a conserved domain exclusive to the PYL family. Further functional analysis showed that both transient and stable expressions of StPYL20 in tobacco enhanced the drought resistance of transgenic plants, resulting in increased plant height, leaf number, and fresh weight, and an improved root system. Compared to wild-type plants under drought conditions, transgenic tobacco with the StPYL20 gene exhibited lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), higher proline (Pro) accumulation, and increased antioxidant enzyme activity. Moreover, overexpression of the StPYL20 gene heightened the sensitivity of transgenic plants to ABA. Furthermore, StPYL20 up-regulated the expression of stress response and development-related genes in transgenic plants under drought stress. In conclusion, our findings indicated that StPYL20 enhances drought resistance and root development in transgenic plants, and plays a positive regulatory role in the potato’s response to drought stress.
Exploring the Shared Pathogenesis Mechanisms of Endometriosis and Cancer: Stemness and Targeted Treatments of Its Molecular Pathways—A Narrative Review
Authors: Mitranovici Melinda-Ildiko , Costachescu Dan , Voidazan Septimiu , Munteanu Mihai , Buicu Corneliu-Florin , Oală Ioan Emilian , Ivan Viviana , Apostol Adrian , Melinte Ioana M. , Crisan Andrada , Pușcașiu Lucian , Micu Romeo
Published: November 2024

Endometriosis is a benign disease but with malignant behavior, sharing numerous features with cancers. Endometriosis is the development of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, with the presence of both glands and stroma. Approximately 10% of women of reproductive age suffer from endometriosis; it involves high social costs and affects the patient’s quality of life. In this review, we attempt to capture the pathogenesis mechanisms that are common to endometriosis and cancer based on molecular biology, focusing more on the principle of immunological changes and stemness. Clinical applicability will consist of targeted treatments that represent future directions in these diseases, which impose a burden on the healthcare system. Unlike endometriosis, cancer is a disease with fatal evolution, with conventional treatment based on chemo/radiotherapy. Here, we focus on the niche of personalized treatments that target molecular pathways. Our findings show that, in both pathologies, the resistance to treatments is due to the stemness of the stem cells, which might play a role in the appearance and evolution of both diseases. More research is needed before we can draw firm conclusions.
Paraoxonase-1 Is a Pivotal Regulator Responsible for Suppressing Allergic Airway Inflammation Through Adipose Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Jung Jae Hoon , Kang Shin Ae , Park Ji-Hwan , Kim Sung-Dong , Yu Hak Sun , Mun Sue Jean , Cho Kyu-Sup
Published: November 2024

Although adipose stem cell (ASC)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are as effective as ASCs in the suppression of Th2 cell-mediated eosinophilic inflammation, the role of identified pulmonary genes has not been well documented. Thus, we assessed the immunomodulatory effects of paraoxonase-1 (PON1) on allergic airway inflammation in a mouse model of asthma. Five-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) by intraperitoneal injection and challenged intranasally with OVA. To evaluate the effect of PON1 on allergic airway inflammation, the intranasal and intraperitoneal injections of recombinant mouse serum PON1 (5 μg/50 μL) were performed before the OVA challenge. We evaluated airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), total inflammatory cells, and eosinophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), lung histology, serum immunoglobulin (Ig), cytokine profiles of BALF and lung draining lymph nodes (LLNs), the expression of interleukin (IL)-25 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in mouse lung epithelial cell (MLE-12 cell), and dendritic cell (DC) differentiation. The intraperitoneal and intranasal administration of PON1 significantly decreased AHR, total inflammatory cells and eosinophils in BALF, eosinophilic airway inflammation, serum total, and OVA-specific IgE. PON1 treatment, which marked reduced IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in the BALF and LLN but significantly increased interferon-γ and TGF-β. Furthermore, PON1 treatment significantly decreased the expression of IL-25 and increased TGF-β in MLE-12 cells. The expressions of CD40, CD80, and CD86 in immature DCs were significantly increased by PON1 treatment. The administration of PON1 ameliorated allergic airway inflammation and improved AHR through the downregulation of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 and upregulation of TGF-β in asthmatic mice. Furthermore, PON1 treatment decreased Th2-mediated inflammation induced by Aspergillus protease antigen by decreasing IL-25 and increasing TGF-β.
Pancreastatin Inhibition Alters the Colonic Epithelial Cells Profile in a Sex-Dependent Manner
Authors: Tshikudi Diane M. , Hutchison Hannah , Ghia Jean-Eric
Published: November 2024

The impaired mucosal barrier is a hallmark of ulcerative colitis (UC), an inflammatory colonic disorder with epidemiological and pathophysiology sex bias. UC Patients overexpress the colonic epithelial cells (CECs)-derived peptide pancreastatin (PST). Pancreastatin inhibitor 8 (PSTi8), an inhibitor of PST, has shown promising anti-inflammatory effects on UC. However, no data exist in the context of CEC barrier function and integrity. We investigated the impact of PSTi8 treatment on CECs in homeostatic and colitic conditions. PSTi8 (2.5 mg/mL/kg, i.r.) or PBS treatment started one day before colitis induction (5% dextran sodium sulfate for five days) in male and female C57BL/6 mice. The disease activity score was assessed daily. Epithelial-associated cytokines, markers specific to differentiation, proliferation, differentiated CECs, stem cells, CECs regulators, and the PSTi8 G-protein coupled receptor 78 (GPR78) signaling pathway, were evaluated using ELISA, immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR. PSTi8 treatment reduced the epithelial-associated cytokines and differentiated CECs while promoting CEC proliferation and self-renewal in females at a steady state through the GRP78 signaling pathway. PSTi8 treatment exacerbated colitis severity and increased CEC differentiation while reducing proliferation in colitic females. Conversely, PSTi8 treatment reduced males’ susceptibility to colitis by preserving stem cells and differentiated CECs. PST regulated colonic mucosal maintenance in a sex- and disease-dependent manner.
The Future of Bone Repair: Emerging Technologies and Biomaterials in Bone Regeneration
Authors: Łuczak Julia Weronika , Palusińska Małgorzata , Matak Damian , Pietrzak Damian , Nakielski Paweł , Lewicki Sławomir , Grodzik Marta , Szymański Łukasz
Published: November 2024

Bone defects and fractures present significant clinical challenges, particularly in orthopedic and maxillofacial applications. While minor bone defects may be capable of healing naturally, those of a critical size necessitate intervention through the use of implants or grafts. The utilization of traditional methodologies, encompassing autografts and allografts, is constrained by several factors. These include the potential for donor site morbidity, the restricted availability of suitable donors, and the possibility of immune rejection. This has prompted extensive research in the field of bone tissue engineering to develop advanced synthetic and bio-derived materials that can support bone regeneration. The optimal bone substitute must achieve a balance between biocompatibility, bioresorbability, osteoconductivity, and osteoinductivity while simultaneously providing mechanical support during the healing process. Recent innovations include the utilization of three-dimensional printing, nanotechnology, and bioactive coatings to create scaffolds that mimic the structure of natural bone and enhance cell proliferation and differentiation. Notwithstanding the advancements above, challenges remain in optimizing the controlled release of growth factors and adapting materials to various clinical contexts. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current advancements in bone substitute materials, focusing on their biological mechanisms, design considerations, and clinical applications. It explores the role of emerging technologies, such as additive manufacturing and stem cell-based therapies, in advancing the field. Future research highlights the need for multidisciplinary collaboration and rigorous testing to develop advanced bone graft substitutes, improving outcomes and quality of life for patients with complex defects.
Optimizing the Genetic Transformation of Coffea arabica Using Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors: Molina Diana , Acuña Ricardo
Published: November 2024

The genetic transformation of Coffea arabica L. is an alternative strategy for obtaining plants with agronomic traits of interest that is less time-consuming than conventional breeding methods. Given the importance of coffee cultivation in Colombia, this study evaluated the main factors interfering with the genetic transformation of C. arabica using Agrobacterium tumefaciens. An efficient and reproducible method was accordingly developed that involved propagating “early” embryogenic calli in a liquid proliferation medium supplemented with 3 mg L−1 BAP for eight months, followed by sonication for 300 s in a suspension of LBA4404 OD600 of 0.5, harboring pCambia1301, and then incubation in this same suspension for 1 h. The vector pCambia1301 contained the uidA gene under control of the 35S promoter. A micropipette was used to remove the Agrobacterium suspension from the embryogenic callus. The remaining Agrobacterium suspension was blotted off by placing the embryogenic callus on filter paper. The embryogenic callus was then co-cultured for four days in a solid differentiation medium supplemented with 100 µM acetosyringone on filter paper. Subsequently, the embryogenic callus was post-cultured for four days in liquid differentiation medium under constant shaking at 100 rpm with 300 mg L−1 Cefotaxime, followed by selection with 50 mg L−1 hygromycin at 26 °C in the dark, with subcultures at 20-day intervals until somatic embryos were formed for subsequent culturing in germination medium. Molecular analysis confirmed the presence of the uidA gene in coffee seedlings transformed with strains LBA4404 and EHA105 and vectors pCambia1301 and pCambia2301 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. This method successfully enables the stable integration of genes of interest in the coffee plant genome.
A Gap Analysis Framework for an Open Data Portal Assessment Based on Data Provision and Consumption Activities
Authors: Sripramong Sahaporn , Anutariya Chutiporn , Tumsangthong Patipat , Wutthitasarn Theerawat , Buranarach Marut
Published: November 2024

An Open Government Data (OGD) portal assessment is necessary to track and monitor the progress of the OGD initiative and to drive improvement. Although OGD benchmarks typically focus on assessing and ranking OGD portals, few have been developed specifically for internal process improvement within the portal. This paper proposes a gap analysis framework to support the Plan–Do–Check–Act (PDCA) cycle to guide OGD portal improvement. The framework adopted the Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA) to identify gaps in an OGD portal. The analysis measured the performance and importance of an OGD portal based on data provision and consumption activities. Several factors related to data provision and consumption activities are examined, including dataset creation, updates, views, searches, high-value datasets, resource formats, and user data requests. Gap analysis assessment results can help to identify the current situations of different areas on the portal and their gaps in achieving the objectives. A case study of the Data.go.th portal was conducted to exemplify and validate the framework’s adoption. The analysis results of the case study revealed existing patterns of relationships between data provision and consumption activities that can guide the improvement of similar OGD portals.
Oxidative Addition to Group 1 (K, Rb, Cs) Alumanyl Anions as a Route to o-Carboranyl (hydrido)aluminates
Authors: Liu Han-Ying , Pearce Kyle G. , Hill Michael S. , Mahon Mary F.
Published: November 2024

The kinetic stability provided by the sterically demanding {SiNDipp}2− dianion (SiNDipp = {CH2SiMe2NDipp}2; Dipp = 2,6-i-Pr2C6H3) is intrinsic to the isolation of not only the group 1 alumanyl reagents ([{SiNDipp}AlM]2; M = K, Rb, Cs) but also facilitates the completely selective oxidative addition of a C-H bond of 1,2-C2B10H12 to the aluminium centre. In each case, the resultant compounds comprise a four-coordinate o-carboranyl (hydrido)aluminate anion, [(SiNDipp)Al(H)(1,2-C2B10H11)]−, in which the carboranyl cage is bonded to aluminium by an Al-C σ bond. Although the anions further assemble as extended network structures based on Al-H∙∙∙M, B-H∙∙∙M, and C-H∙∙∙M interactions, each structure is unique due to the significant variation in M+ ionic radius as group 1 is descended. The potassium derivative crystallises as a one-dimensional polymer, its rubidium analogue is a dimer due to the polyhapto-sequestration of a molecule of benzene solvent within the alkali metal coordination sphere, and the caesium species is a two-dimensional assembly of hexameric aggregates.
Life History of Passaloecus pictus Ribaut, 1952 (Hymenoptera, Pemphredonidae)
Authors: Olszewski Piotr , Strażyński Przemysław
Published: November 2024

The nesting of Passaloecus pictus Ribaut, 1952 was observed in Kowalewo Pomorskie (northern Poland). The nests were built in trap nests that were placed on a windowsill facing southwest. The females used resin from Picea pungens Engelm., located 5 m away, to build the cell walls. The tunnel consisted of 1–7 cells. The females provided provisions for two to three cells per day. The frequency with which a female brought aphids to a nest cell varied from 1 to 7 min. No males were observed near the nest. A total of 42 cells were examined (consisting of 31 female cells and 11 male cells). On average, a female brought about 33 aphids to the female cells and 21 aphids to the male cells. The prey were Macrosiphoniella millefolii (De Geer, 1773), Dysaphis crataegi (Kaltenbach, 1843), Macrosiphoniella persequens (Walker, 1852) and Uroleucon achilleae (Koch, 1855). The nest parasites were Melittobia acasta (Walker, 1839). The occurrence of a second generation has been confirmed.
Muscle Metabolism During Multiple Muscle Stimulation Using an Affordable Equipment
Authors: Ye Samantha , Stetter Sydney , McCully Kevin K.
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Previous studies have shown that neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), while expensive, can provide some of the health benefits of exercise to people who cannot exercise their legs normally. The aim of this study was to quantify the increases in muscle metabolism in four muscles of the legs of able-bodied individuals with NMES. Methods: Healthy college-aged students were tested. NMES of four muscle groups was performed with inexpensive stimulators and reusable tin foil electrodes. The biceps femoris, vastus lateralis, medial gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior muscles on one leg were stimulated for ten minutes with twitch stimulations at the highest comfortable stimulation current. Muscle metabolism was measured using the slope of oxygen consumption measured with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during 5 s of cuff ischemia. Results: Initial studies found fold increases in muscle metabolism above rest of 8.9 ± 8.6 for the vastus lateralis, 7.9 ± 11.9 for the biceps femoris, 6.6 ± 7.8 for the medial gastrocnemius, and 4.9 ± 3.9 for the tibialis anterior. Some participants were able to obtain large increases in muscle metabolism, while other participants had lower increases. Conclusions: The ability to produce large increases in metabolism has the potential to allow NMES to replace or augment exercise to improve health in people who cannot otherwise exercise. The devices used were inexpensive and could be adapted for easy use by a wide range of individuals.
A Comparative Review of the SWEET Simulator: Theoretical Verification Against Other Simulators
Authors: Ben-Daoued Amine , Bernardin Frédéric , Duthon Pierre
Published: November 2024

Accurate luminance-based image generation is critical in physically based simulations, as even minor inaccuracies in radiative transfer calculations can introduce noise or artifacts, adversely affecting image quality. The radiative transfer simulator, SWEET, uses a backward Monte Carlo approach, and its performance is analyzed alongside other simulators to assess how Monte Carlo-induced biases vary with parameters like optical thickness and medium anisotropy. This work details the advancements made to SWEET since the previous publication, with a specific focus on a more comprehensive comparison with other simulators such as Mitsuba. The core objective is to evaluate the precision of SWEET by comparing radiometric quantities like luminance, which serves as a method for validating the simulator. This analysis is particularly important in contexts such as automotive camera imaging, where accurate scene representation is crucial to reducing noise and ensuring the reliability of image-based systems in autonomous driving. By focusing on detailed radiometric comparisons, this study underscores SWEET’s ability to minimize noise, thus providing high-quality imaging for advanced applications.
Effect of Powder Recycling on the Surface and Selected Technological Properties of M300 Maraging Steel Produced via the SLM Method
Authors: Mechali Abdesselam , Hlinka Josef , Kresta Michal , Petrovic Marin , Mesicek Jakub , Jahan Ibrahim , Hajnys Jiri , Petru Jana
Published: November 2024

This study delves into selective laser melting (SLM). By using M300 steel in virgin and recycled powder form (after 20 cycles), with the aim of reducing the cost of printing for the practical application of M300 maraging steel, a comprehensive comparison between the two types of powder was evaluated. The powder’s morphology was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and backscattered electrons (BSE). The particles were seen to have a spherical shape, with a notable number of satellites attached to their surfaces. The particle size distribution (PSD) was examined and ranged from 10 to 90 µm for both powders. In addition, the porosity exhibited an average value of 0.07% for the virgin powder and 0.10% for the recycled powder. The microstructure was examined. Additionally, the surface wettability was tested, and it was seen to display wetting behavior for both types of powder, while blackened surfaces showed a higher wetting angle than untreated surfaces (hydrophobic). The 2D roughness measurements showed that the recycled powder had no significant difference from the virgin powder (Ra = 5.33 µm, Rz = 24.17 µm) before blackening and (Ra = 5.48 µm, Rz = 24.07 µm) after blackening. Corrosion tests proved that the recycled powder did not affect the corrosion properties of the material, while blackening caused partial surface corrosion in both types of samples, regardless of the used powder.
A BP-Neural-Network-Based PID Control Algorithm of Shipborne Stewart Platform for Wave Compensation
Authors: Li Daoxi , Wang Shuqing , Song Xiancang , Zheng Zepeng , Tao Wei , Che Jvpeng
Published: November 2024

In order to carry out offshore operations smoothly in severe sea conditions, a shipborne Stewart platform for wave compensation is required. Due to the random characteristics of waves, traditional control algorithms cannot accurately compensate for the motion caused by a wave. For the electric shipborne Stewart platform, this paper proposes a backpropagation (BP)-neural-network-based proportional–integral–derivative (PID) control algorithm where the PID parameters are adaptively adjusted by a BP neural network. The control algorithm can improve the robustness and wave compensation precision of the wave compensation system. First, a numerical system model of the shipborne Stewart platform was established according to the classical kinematic model and dynamic model. Then, the BP-PID control algorithm was designed based on the joint space control. In order to reduce the network’s sensitivity to local details and quickly find the global minimum, the gradient descent method with the momentum term is used in the neural network. At last, the availability and rationality of the new method were substantiated through a simulation comparison under various sea conditions. The simulation results indicate that the proposed control method achieves a higher compensation accuracy in three directions under various sea states, compared with traditional PID control algorithm. Under the irregular wave disturbance, the new control method can reduce the position deviation by about 6.56 times compared with a traditional PID control algorithm. The new control algorithm will play an active role in the control of the shipborne Stewart platform.
Sponge Spicules in Sediments: A Proxy for Past and Present Sponge Fauna Assessment in Ha Long Bay (Vietnam)
Authors: Reboa Anna , Calcinai Barbara , Cerrano Carlo , Turvano Eleonora , Bavestrello Giorgio , Thung Do Cong , Bertolino Marco
Published: November 2024

The study of cryptic sponges can be challenging, as they are difficult to detect in the environment without the use of destructive methods. The permanence of mineral skeletal components of Porifera in sediments is therefore a tool that can provide support for a more comprehensive study of sponge fauna. In this context, sediments collected from four karst lakes in Ha Long Bay (Vietnam), plus two surrounding sea areas, were processed to extract spicules belonging to sponges with siliceous skeletons. From the morphology of the spicules, it was possible to trace the taxa of the sponges present in the area at that time or earlier. It was found that each lake had a sponge fauna composition characterized by different families and genera. Moreover, sponge taxa identified in the surrounding sea areas differed significantly from the ones inside of the neighboring lakes. In addition, it was possible to identify the presence of four sponge genera not yet recorded in the South China Sea area. Thus, the study of spicules trapped in sediments proved to be a useful tool for a comprehensive study of sponge fauna.
Experimental Parametric Study on the Primary Efficiency of a Fixed Bottom-Detached Oscillating Water Column Wave Energy Converter in Short-Fetch Sea Conditions
Authors: Crema Ilaria , Esposito Andrea , Simonetti Irene , Cappietti Lorenzo
Published: November 2024

The Oscillating Water Column (OWC) represents a highly promising approach for wave energy conversion. This study presents laboratory experiments conducted on a fixed, bottom-detached OWC device to evaluate the impact of various design parameters (specifically, turbine damping, front wall draft, and chamber length in the direction of wave propagation) on the device’s capture width ratio. Despite the extensive research over the past few decades on OWC devices, most studies and field-tested prototypes have been designed for long-fetch sea conditions. Consequently, these devices tend to be larger in size and have higher rated power outputs. In contrast, short-fetch sea conditions necessitate tuning the OWC to the shorter dominant wave frequencies, which calls for the development of smaller devices and specialized turbines, highlighting the need for focused research. This work specifically addresses short-fetch sea conditions, which are representative of moderate wave climates, such as those found in the central Mediterranean region. The study identifies a maximum capture width ratio of approximately 73%. The experimental dataset generated can serve as a benchmark for numerical models under these specific conditions and assist in the development of air turbines optimized for effective performance in short-fetch wave climates.
Resynthesis of Damaged Fe-S Cluster Proteins Protects Aspergillus fumigatus Against Oxidative Stress in the Absence of Mn-Superoxide Dismutase
Authors: Pákozdi Klaudia , Antal Károly , Pázmándi Kitti , Miskei Márton , Szabó Zsuzsa , Pócsi István , Emri Tamás
Published: November 2024

The importance of manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), an evolutionarily ancient metalloenzyme that maintains the integrity and function of mitochondria, was studied in oxidative stress-treated Aspergillus fumigatus cultures. Deletion of the Mn-SOD gene (sodB) increased both the menadione sodium bisulfite (MSB)-elicited oxidative stress and the deferiprone (DFP)-induced iron limitation stress sensitivity of the strain. Moreover, DFP treatment enhanced the MSB sensitivity of both the gene deletion mutant and the reference strain. The lack of SodB also increased the susceptibility of conidia to killing by human macrophages. Concurring with the stress sensitivity data, RNS sequencing data also demonstrated that the deletion of sodB largely altered the MSB-induced oxidative stress response. The difference between the oxidative stress responses of the two strains manifested mainly in the intensity of the response. Importantly, upregulation of “Ribosome protein”, “Iron uptake”, and “Fe-S cluster assembly” genes, alterations in the transcription of “Fe-S cluster protein” genes, and downregulation of “Heme binding protein” genes under MSB stress were characteristic only for the ΔsodB gene deletion mutant. We assume that the elevated superoxide level generated by MSB treatment may have destroyed Fe-S cluster proteins of mitochondria in the absence of SodB. This intensified the resynthesis of Fe-S cluster proteins, which was accompanied with enhanced translation and iron acquisition, leading to increased DFP sensitivity.
How Public Urban Space Enhance Restoration Benefits Through Combined Multisensory Effects: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dong Wen , Dai Donghui , Shen Pengyuan , Zhang Rui , Liu Mei
Published: November 2024

Rapid urbanization has heightened attention fatigue and physiological stress among urban residents. However, high-density urban construction, mainly covered by streets, squares/plazas, and buildings, in particular, poses a challenge to traditional restoration dominated by green infrasturcture. This research aims to conduct a systematic review of the available body of knowledge regarding the relationship between public urban spaces and restorativeness based on combined multisensory effects. First, a conceptual framework was proposed to connect spatial properties of public realms, sensorial mechanisms, and restoration benefits. As a result, detailed spatial elements and organization affecting multiple sensory modalities combined via additive, antagonistic, and synergistic effects were extracted, which essentially act on urban restoration, including attention, stress, and emotional recovery. Last, but not least, compared with previous research, restoration design strategies of public urban spaces accelerating multisensory integration were drawn to contribute new insights for future high-density urban development.
Trends in Land-Use and Land-Cover Change: Key Insights for Managing the Atlantic Forest Transition
Authors: Carvalho Costa Henrique Simões , Silva Ramon Felipe Bicudo , Da Silveira Natalia Stefanini , Vaz Bruna Albuquerque , Rocca René Rojas , de Jesus Junior Paulo Roberto Silva , Vieira Simone Aparecida
Published: November 2024

Studies on land-use and land-cover change patterns contribute to better informed management decisions for the conservation and restoration of Atlantic Forest fragments and their megabiodiversity. In recent decades, the phenomenon of forest transition has been observed in several parts of the biome, including in highly urbanized and metropolitan areas such as Campinas, in the state of São Paulo. Here, we examine land-use and land-cover change (using MapBiomas data with 30 m spatial resolution) within the Campinas Environmental Protection Area, where natural forest cover increased from 9% to 17.1% of the total area between 1985 and 2023. Exogenous socioeconomic factors, including the gradual replacement of agricultural activities by tourism development and the designation of areas through successive ecological–economic zonings, are presented as possible causes of the decrease in deforestation and the stabilization and recovery of the remaining natural forest cover. Our analysis reaffirms evidence from other studies showing that secondary succession in abandoned pastures contributed to the forest transition process identified in the region. Strongly decreasing trends were identified for pasture areas and strongly increasing trends for forest formations and urban infrastructure. Based on analysis of forest formation transitions conducted at 5-year intervals between 1985 and 2020, we observed different patterns of net change between the local, regional, and macroregional levels and the state and biome levels. Our analysis of land-use and land-cover transitions for the most recent years (2018 to 2023), including the period of validity of the EPA Management Plan, indicates that the ecological–economic zoning instrument is effective in containing potential threats; however, it has limitations, since losses of forest formation were observed in all five conservation zones. We emphasize that, although we can attest to the effectiveness of ecological–economic zoning, which in the EPA region has undergone incremental adaptations favorable to the forest transition process, this management instrument is subject to changes in its limits and regulations based on the governance system established at its different levels.
Spatio-Temporal Variation and the Associated Factor Analysis of Net Primary Productivity in Grasslands in Inner Mongolia
Authors: Qin Zilong , Guo Weiyao , Sha Zongyao
Published: November 2024

The grassland ecosystem in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IMAR) serves as a vital ecological barrier in northern China, and the vegetation productivity in the grasslands exhibits considerable temporal and spatial variations. However, few studies have examined the long-term variations in the NPP in the IMAR and quantified the effects of natural factors and human activities on the NPP. The study modeled the net primary productivity (NPP) of the IMAR’s grasslands using the Carnegie–Ames–Stanford approach (CASA) model and employed linear regression, trend analysis, and spatial statistics to analyze the spatio-temporal patterns in vegetation productivity and explore the impact on the NPP of natural and socio-economic factors over the past two decades. The results reveal that the average NPP value from 2001 to 2021 was 293.80 gC∙m−2 a−1, characterized by spatial clustering of a relatively high NPP in the east, a low NPP in the west, and an annual increase of 3.26 gC∙m−2 over the years. The NPP values varied significantly across different vegetation cover types, with meadows having the highest NPP, followed by typical steppe and desert grasslands. The spatial distribution pattern and temporal changes in the grassland productivity are the result of both natural factors and human activities, including topographical properties and socio-economic indicators such as gross domestic product, night-time light, and population. The results for the NPP in the IMAR were based solely on the CASA model and, therefore, to achieve improved data reliability, exact measurements in real field conditions will be conducted in the future. The findings from the spatial clustering and temporal trajectories of the NPP and the impacts from the factors can provide useful guidance to planning grassland vegetation protection policies for the IMAR.
Cultural Ecosystem Services in Land Use/Land Cover Change: A Literature Review and Prospects for Future Research
Authors: Pan Yu , Qu Yanbo
Published: November 2024

The land use system, which is endowed with the most crucial and fundamental natural resources for human survival and development, plays a pivotal role within the entire ecosystem. In recent years, cultural ecosystem services (CESs) have also gradually garnered widespread attention. The study of cultural ecosystem services in the land use system plays a significant role in the rational utilization of land resources and the resolution of contradictions between land resources and sustainable development. This review, framed in Land Use/Land Cover Change (LUCC), applies keyword clustering and keyword evolution analysis to comprehensively review and synthesize academic literature on cultural ecosystem services. The analysis is organized into two dimensions: the overall study of cultural ecosystem services in LUCC and the study of specific categories of cultural ecosystem services in LUCC. Relevant papers from CNKI and WOS academic databases are included. The results show that the number of papers retrieved from WOS was significantly higher than the number retrieved from CNKI, while both databases exhibited a clear upward trend in the number of papers. It is worth noting that in the literature retrieval results for different types of land research, the majority of the papers focused on water, accounting for 51% and 44% of the totals in WOS and CNKI, respectively. Among these papers, research centered on recreation and ecotourism was the richest. Through this review, it was further revealed that research on cultural ecosystem services was initiated and has gradually developed into a relatively complete knowledge system. However, research on cultural ecosystem services in LUCC still requires further exploration, particularly in terms of assessment methods. This review thus highlights the need for future research to focus more on cultural ecosystem services in the land use system and to delve deeper into evaluating their values. By employing more scientific and rational approaches, land resources can be effectively managed and utilized to address challenges related to land resources and sustainable development.
Residual Stress Measurement Using EMAT for X80 Pipeline Steel: Effects of Coating Thickness and Surface Roughness Under Low Surface Preparation Requirements
Authors: Luo Chunlang , Chen Bing , Xia Li , Xu Lintao , Liu Xuan , Zou Sunmin , Peng Dongchuan , Gou Guoqing
Published: November 2024

The residual stress significantly affects the operational safety of oil and gas pipelines. Traditional ultrasonic stress measurement methods require pipeline surface pretreatment, which reduces detection efficiency. EMAT, as a non-contact measurement method, shows promising applications for residual stress detection in oil and gas pipelines. Therefore, based on field conditions for residual stress detection in oil and gas pipelines, this study prepared X80 pipeline steel specimens with epoxy resin coatings of 0.58 mm, 1 mm, 1.58 mm, and 1.9 mm thickness to verify the influence of coating thickness on the stress measurement accuracy of EMAT. Additionally, X80 pipeline steel specimens with varying surface roughness were prepared to study the impact of surface roughness on the residual stress measurement. The results indicate that within the range of coating thickness variations, the residual stress measurement error falls in the range of 50 MPa, while the change of residual stress caused by surface roughness is less than 30 MPa. This validates the feasibility and accuracy of the EMAT method for residual stress measurement in in-service pipelines without the need for surface treatment.