bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The roles of cancer stem cells and therapeutic implications in melanoma
Authors: Mu Xiaoli , Zhou Yixin , Yu Yongxin , Zhang Mingyi , Liu Jiyan
Published: November 2024

Melanoma is a highly malignant skin tumor characterized by high metastasis and poor prognosis. Recent studies have highlighted the pivotal role of melanoma stem cells (MSCs)—a subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs)—in driving tumor growth, metastasis, therapeutic resistance, and recurrence. Similar to CSCs in other cancers, MSCs possess unique characteristics, including specific surface markers, dysregulated signaling pathways, and the ability to thrive within complex tumor microenvironment (TME). This review explored the current landscape of MSC research, discussing the identification of MSC-specific surface markers, the role of key signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Hedgehog (Hh), and how interactions within the TME, including hypoxia and immune cells, contribute to MSC-mediated drug resistance and metastatic behavior. Furthermore, we also investigated the latest therapeutic strategies targeting MSCs, such as small-molecule inhibitors, immune-based approaches, and novel vaccine developments, with an emphasis on their potential to overcome melanoma progression and improve clinical outcomes. This review aims to provide valuable insights into the complex roles of MSCs in melanoma biology and offers perspectives for future research and therapeutic advances against this challenging disease.
Killer whales in the Gulf of Mexico and North Atlantic off the Southeastern United States
Authors: Barry Kevin P. , Mullin Keith D. , Maze-Foley Katherine , Wilcox Talbot Lynsey A. , Rosel Patricia E. , Soldevilla Melissa S. , Dias Laura Aichinger , Ramírez-León M. Rafael , Litz Jenny A.
Published: November 2024

Killer whales occur in the Gulf of Mexico (GoMex) and the North Atlantic, including off the southeastern United States (SEUS). Data from cetacean surveys during 1990 – 2021 and other sources were combined to assess killer whale biology, including spatial and temporal distribution, social structure, genetics, morphology, acoustics, and predatory behavior. GoMex records occurred predominantly in oceanic waters (>200 m) during spring and summer. SEUS records occurred primarily in winter and spring off the North Carolina region along the shelf-edge and deeper waters, and off the east coast of Florida. Photo-identification analysis of GoMex killer whales resulted in 49 individuals sighted up to seven times with sighting histories up to 26 years, and social analysis provided evidence of long-term relationships up to 16 years. The GoMex genetic samples revealed two mtDNA haplotypes, one of which does not match any outside the GoMex. Most GoMex whales had wide non-faint saddle patches and many had cookiecutter shark scars while no scars were noted on SEUS whales. Three groups recorded in the GoMex made few calls, but a group harassing sperm whales produced many. Cetaceans and tuna are known prey in the GoMex and SEUS, respectively. Directed studies of killer whales in the GoMex areas would be difficult to implement as this species is very rare. It is therefore important to pursue ongoing efforts to collect behavioral, acoustic and any biological samples that will contribute to improve our understanding of the biology and ecology of killer whales in tropical and subtropical regions.
The assessment of postoperative cholangitis in malignant biliary obstruction: a real-world study of nasobiliary drainage after endoscopic placement of self-expandable metal stent
Authors: Jin Hengwei , Fu Chang , Sun Xu , Fan Changqing , Chen Junhong , Zhou Hao , Liu Kai , Xu Hongji
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) with endoscopic metallic biliary endoprosthesis(EMBE) serves as a crucial palliative treatment for advanced malignant biliary obstruction(MBO). While endoscopic nasobiliary drainage(ENBD) effectively reduces post-ERCP cholangitis (PEC) incidence, its impact on PEC in MBO patients is unclear. This study evaluates ENBD’s effects on PEC in patients undergoing EMBE and identifies risk factors.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study at the First Hospital of Jilin University involved MBO patients who underwent EMBE from September 2011 to September 2022. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to minimize selection bias. Primary and secondary outcomes included the incidence and recovery rate/time of PEC, biliary drainage success, and hospitalization duration. Univariate, multivariate, and Lasso regression analyses identified independent risk factors.

Results

In this study of 1,008 patients, 730 were analyzed after PSM(365 each in the EMBE+ENBD and EMBE groups). No significant differences were observed in PEC incidence(10.7% vs 11.2%, p=0.9057) or recovery rates(48.7% vs 31.7%, p=0.1855). However, PEC recovery time was shorter in the EMBE+ENBD group(4.0 days [3.0, 6.0] vs 5.0 days [4.0, 7.5], p=0.0240), as was hospitalization duration(6.0 days [4.0, 8.0] vs 7.0 days [5.0, 10.0], p=0.0146), and a higher success rate of biliary drainage(54.0% vs 43.3%, p=0.0049). Tumor location(HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.00-1.20) and preoperative total bilirubin(HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.66-2.73) were identified as independent risk factors.

Conclusion

In this large-scale PSM study, ENBD did not reduce PEC incidence but expedited recovery and shortened hospital stays. Patients with hilar MBO of Bismuth III-IV or high preoperative bilirubin were more prone to PEC.
Potential shared gene signatures and molecular mechanisms between recurrent pregnancy loss and ovarian cancer
Authors: Wang Yan , Cai Yan , Chen Jiadong , Shen Wenzhe , Zhu Jianqing , Wang Qiming
Published: November 2024

Background

Ovarian cancer (OV) is the second most prevalent gynecological tumor. Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) refers to two or more spontaneous abortions. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying both OV and RPL remain poorly understood. This article focuses on the exploration of the common genetic characteristics of OV and RPL and their molecular mechanisms.

Methods

The 71 differentially expressed genes associated with RPL and 1427 genes associated with OV survival were analyzed, among which 7 common genes were both important in the pathogenesis of RPL and OV. Then stepAIC analysis was performed to simplify the model and decrease the number of genes, which yielded a final set of 5 prognostic genes with coefficients to construct a prognostic risk scoring system. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were conducted to verify the independent prognostic factor for OV patients. GSEA and GO analysis results showed enriched biological pathways in the high/low risk groups, thereby revealing their biological characteristics. The effect of immunotherapy is better in LR patients. There was a significantly higher enrichment score of stemness and higher tumor aneuploidy score in the HR group.

Results

A five-gene prognostic risk model provided a more accurate prognosis for OV, and this prognostic score system was validated using two external cohorts. The risk score was an independent prognostic index for OV patients. Based on levels of ICs, immune cell infiltration, and predicted response, low risk OV patients were more likely to benefit from immunotherapies.

Conclusions

The 5-gene risk model can predict the prognosis of OV patients, which can draw the attention of clinicians and help stratify patients into high and low risk groups for management.
ML meets aerospace: challenges of certifying airborne AI
Authors: Luettig Bastian , Akhiat Yassine , Daw Zamira
Published: November 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies can potentially revolutionize the aerospace industry with applications such as remote sensing data refinement, autonomous landing, and drone-based agriculture. However, safety concerns have prevented the widespread adoption of AI in commercial aviation. Currently, commercial aircraft do not incorporate AI components, even in entertainment or ground systems. This paper explores the intersection of AI and aerospace, focusing on the challenges of certifying AI for airborne use, which may require a new certification approach. We conducted a comprehensive literature review to identify common AI-enabled aerospace applications, classifying them by the criticality of the application and the complexity of the AI method. An applicability analysis was conducted to assess how existing aerospace standards - for system safety, software, and hardware - apply to machine learning technologies. In addition, we conducted a gap analysis of machine learning development methodologies to meet the stringent aspects of aviation certification. We evaluate current efforts in AI certification by applying the EASA concept paper and Overarching Properties (OPs) to a case study of an automated peripheral detection system (ADIMA). Aerospace applications are expected to use a range of methods tailored to different levels of criticality. Current aerospace standards are not directly applicable due to the manner in which the behavior is specified by the data, the uncertainty of the models, and the limitations of white box verification. From a machine learning perspective, open research questions were identified that address validation of intent and data-driven requirements, sufficiency of verification, uncertainty quantification, generalization, and mitigation of unintended behavior. For the ADIMA system, we demonstrated compliance with EASA development processes and achieved key certification objectives. However, many of the objectives are not applicable due to the human-centric design. OPs helped us to identify and uncover several defeaters in the applied ML technology. The results highlight the need for updated certification standards that take into account the unique nature of AI and its failure types. Furthermore, certification processes need to support the continuous evolution of AI technologies. Key challenges remain in ensuring the safety and reliability of AI systems, which calls for new methodologies in the machine learning community.
Acoustic analysis of a three-dimensional cylindrical shell model under electromagnetic vibration
Authors: Xu Yanming , Wang Jiachen , Yang Sen , Lei Guang , Zhao Kuanyao
Published: November 2024

This paper presents the acoustic analysis of a three-dimensional cylindrical shell model under electromagnetic vibration, a critical factor affecting the performance of electric motors in various applications such as automotive, aerospace, and industrial systems. The study provides a multidisciplinary approach that integrates electromagnetics, structural vibration, and acoustics, solved using the fast multipole boundary element method (FMBEM). The results summarize the validation of the analytical models and numerical simulations, offering insights into effective vibration reduction methods. The conclusions indicate that the 3-D numerical analysis using FMBEM aligns well with the analytical solution for the sound pressure in the exterior acoustic domain of the cylindrical shell model. The paper contributes valuable insights for the design of low-noise motors and the control of electromagnetic vibration and noise in electric motors.
Interannual hydrological changes affect plant communities across different elevation zones in plateau lakeshores: insights from Lake Erhai
Authors: Zhu Feng , Yuan Jing , Hou Zeying , Guo Xia , Liao Wanxue , Yang Shenglin , Chu Zhaosheng
Published: November 2024

The relationship between wetland water level changes and plant community has been a research hotspot. However, the gradient changes and critical influencing factors of plateau lakeshore plants and soils during wet-dry alternation remain unclear. Here, we studied the variations in plants and soils along the Erhai lakeshore across three elevation ranges (1965.0-1965.3m, 1965.3-1965.6m, and 1965.6-1966.4m) during flooding and drought years. Our research aimed to elucidate the interrelationships and mechanisms among hydrology, soil properties, and plant dynamics. The results showed that (1) In drought years, the Shannon-Wiener index of plants significantly decreased across the three elevation ranges, and other plant diversity indices, biomass, and coverage also decreased to varying degrees; (2) except for soil pH, soil water (SW) and nutrient content decreased to varying degrees in the drought year; (3) SW was the primary factor influencing plant biomass, coverage, and diversity in the 1965.0-1965.3m and 1965.3-1965.6m ranges; nitrate nitrogen, C/N ratio, total phosphorus were the primary factors in the 1965.6-1966.4m ranges. The results of structural equation modeling revealed a significant and strong correlation between SW and plant biomass, coverage, and soil pH. This suggests that changes in SW directly impacted plant biomass accumulation, subsequently affecting coverage, and also played a role in regulating soil pH. This study identified the effects of hydrological inter-annual changes on plant communities and highlighted SW as a crucial driver. The strategies proposed in the results protect and improve the diversity and stability of lake ecosystems in Lake Erhai and other similar lakes.
CRISPR/Cas9-based mutant library screening: the discovery of novel genes regulating immune responses in cotton and rice
Authors: Park Sang Ryeol , Son Seungmin
Published: November 2024

The environmental conditions play a crucial role in determining crop yield, which is essential for ensuring food and nutritional security. However, rapid climate change is exacerbating global environmental stress, leading to severe biotic pressures on crops. Therefore, enhancing crop resilience to pathogens has become one of the most pressing challenges for humanity. Large-scale mutant library screening is the most efficient strategy for identifying numerous genes associated with specific traits. The revolutionary CRISPR/Cas9 system has ushered in a new era in the construction of mutant library. However, its application in crop plants has been relatively scarce compared to mammals, largely due to challenges in accessibility. Fortunately, several research groups have recently developed CRISPR/Cas9-based mutant libraries, successfully identifying a variety of genes involved in crop immunity. In this review, we present an overview and discussion of studies that have generated significant results through the use of CRISPR/Cas9 library screening to identify novel genes associated with resistance to biotic stresses within the field of plant research.
Policy instruments for the governance of the social drivers of health data in clinical and research settings: a policy mapping brief
Authors: Levites Strekalova Yulia A. , Wang Xiangren , Midence Sara , Quarshie Alexander
Published: November 2024

This paper maps policy instrument use for the social drivers of health (SDoH) data governance in clinical and research settings. In the United States, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) advocate for standardized data capture. Yet, challenges persist, including limited adoption of CMS-issued SDoH risk codes and gaps in reporting SDoH in clinical trial literature. The mapping across clinical and research SDoH reporting emerges as a comprehensive solution that requires policy support. Specifically, the findings presented in this paper support future policy development through regulatory instruments, fiscal incentives, and knowledge exchange. Actionable recommendations for the United States and international contexts include convening interdisciplinary taskforces, developing agency guidelines for process evaluation, and establishing ethical principles for SDoH data use.
The effects of informal land markets on urban land development in rapidly growing urban areas: the case of Sululta town, Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Birhanu Girma , Dadi Birhanu Uma , Bifa Adane Obsie
Published: November 2024

The informal land market presents a significant challenge to urban land development in many developing countries, including Ethiopia. For example, in cities adjacent to Addis Ababa, rapid horizontal expansion accompanied by various land development issues is a common phenomenon. The study was conducted to examine the effects of the informal land market in Sululta town. Parameters such as the rate of urban expansion, settlement density, level of consumption of the natural environment, and land suitability were used to investigate these problems further. Geographic Information System (GIS), trend analysis models, and overlay analysis, supported by relevant literature reviews, were employed to address the research questions. The study’s findings indicate that Sululta is characterized by low-density urban expansion, significant ecological degradation, and rapid horizontal sprawl. It is recommended that the local government implement an effective land policy to meet the increasing land demand, establish a robust formal land market system, and apply predevelopment urban planning strategies.
Anterior retroperitoneal approach in constructing thymokidney organs in swine for xenotransplantation
Authors: Gunes M. Esad , Wolbrom Daniel H. , Fujiwara Sho , Qudus Susan , Cadelina Alexander , Nowak Greg
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Thymokidneys (TK) have been constructed to transplant life-supporting kidney grafts containing donor thymic tissue to induce transplant tolerance. Historically, TKs were constructed by inserting pieces of thymus tissue under the kidney capsule using an intra-abdominal or posterior retroperitoneal (lateral/flank) approach. The intra-abdominal approach is technically easier but causes intra-abdominal adhesions and makes kidney procurement more challenging. The posterior retroperitoneal approach causes fewer complications, but thymus tissue implantation is technically demanding due to limited visibility and exposure of the kidney. We herein describe the anterior retroperitoneal approach that overcomes these challenges.

Methods

8-week-old GalTKO-swine (n = 2) were sedated, intubated, and draped. Cervical thymus lobes were isolated and excised. Via a small midline abdominal incision, the peritoneum was dissected bilaterally from the abdominal muscles, identifying both kidneys without entering the peritoneal cavity. Multiple thymus pieces were inserted under the kidney capsule. After 8 weeks, TKs were recovered for flow cytometric and histopathological analysis.

Results

In all kidneys, we successfully constructed TKs with functional thymus tissue under the kidney capsule, verified by histopathology and flow cytometry. No surgical complications were observed, and no adhesions were observed intra-abdominally nor around the kidney, as the peritoneum covered the implanted tissue.

Conclusion

The anterior retroperitoneal approach to constructing thymokidneys is easy to perform, offers excellent kidney exposure, allows a larger volume of thymus tissue to be implanted, and decreases the risk of intra-abdominal adhesions. Such constructed TKs are easy to procure with minimal risk of injury to the vascularized thymus as the prerenal peritoneum covers it.
Diagnostic Capacity for Fungal Infections in Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria and Ghana - An Onsite Baseline Audit of 9 Sites
Authors: Akinlawon Damilola , Osaigbovo Iriagbonse , Yahaya Mohammed , Makanjuola Olufunmilola , Udoh Ubong A. , Nwajiobi-Princewill Philip , Nwafia Ifeyinwa , Peter Jonah , Asamoah Isabella , Peters Folake , Okafor Obiora , Okwor Tochi , Osibogun Akin , Ogunsola Folashade , Jordan Alexander , Chiller Tom , Oladele Rita
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To assess diagnostic mycology capacity and available fungal diagnostic services of microbiology laboratories in eight tertiary hospitals in Nigeria and one in Ghana.

Methods

On-site audits were performed in the microbiology laboratories of nine tertiary hospitals using a structured observation checklist.

Results

A total of nine tertiary hospitals' laboratories in Nigeria and Ghana were assessed between June 2022 and December 2023. The majority of audited laboratories lacked basic infrastructure and materials needed for fungal diagnostic testing, with less than half of the labs having a dedicated mycology bench, space or room, 3/9 (33.3%), appropriate bench workflow 1/9 (11.1%), functional biosafety cabinet type two 2/9 (22.2%), dedicated incubators 3/9 (33.3%), standard operating procedures 1/9 (11.1%), mycology atlases 2/9 (22.2%). Trained laboratory personnel for mycology were also lacking with only one of the laboratories 1/9 (11.1%) observed to have a designated trained personnel for the mycology bench.

Conclusion

The audit revealed deficits in basic infrastructure, material resources, dedicated human resources, and laboratory capacity to detect serious fungal infections.
Genome-Wide Analysis and Genomic Prediction of Chilling Tolerance of Maize During Germination Stage Using Genotyping-by-Sequencing SNPs
Authors: Cao Shiliang , Yu Tao , Yang Gengbin , Li Wenyue , Ma Xuena , Zhang Jianguo
Published: November 2024

Chilling injury during the germination stage (CIGS) of maize significantly hinders production, particularly in middle- and high-latitude regions, leading to slow germination, seed decay, and increased susceptibility to pathogens. This study dissects the genetic architecture of CIGS resistance expressed in terms of the relative germination rate (RGR) in maize through association mapping using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A natural panel of 287 maize inbred lines was evaluated across multiple environments. The results revealed a broad-sense heritability of 0.68 for chilling tolerance, with 12 significant QTLs identified on chromosomes 1, 3, 5, 6, and 10. A genomic prediction analysis demonstrated that the rr-BLUP model outperformed other models in accuracy, achieving a moderate prediction accuracy of 0.44. This study highlights the potential of genomic selection (GS) to enhance chilling tolerance in maize, emphasizing the importance of training population size, marker density, and significant markers on prediction accuracy. These findings provide valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at improving chilling tolerance in maize.
Study on the Extraction of Maize Phenological Stages Based on Multiple Spectral Index Time-Series Curves
Authors: Qin Minghao , Li Ruren , Ye Huichun , Nie Chaojia , Zhang Yue
Published: November 2024

The advent of precision agriculture has highlighted the necessity for the careful determination of crop phenology at increasingly smaller scales. Although remote sensing technology is extensively employed for the monitoring of crop growth, the acquisition of high-precision phenological data continues to present a significant challenge. This study, conducted in Youyi County, Shuangyashan City, Heilongjiang Province, China, employed time-series spectral index data derived from Sentinel-2 remote sensing images to investigate methodologies for the extraction of pivotal phenological phases during the primary growth stages of maize. The data were subjected to Savitzky–Golay (S-G) filtering and cubic spline interpolation in order to denoise and smooth them. The combination of dynamic thresholding with slope characteristic node recognition enabled the successful extraction of the jointing and tasseling stages of maize. Furthermore, a comparison of the extraction of phenophases based on the time-series curves of the NDVI, EVI, GNDVI, OSAVI, and MSR was conducted. The results showed that maize exhibited different sensitivities to the spectral indices during the jointing and tasseling stages: the OSAVI demonstrated the highest accuracy for the jointing stage, with a mean absolute error of 3.91 days, representing a 24.8% improvement over the commonly used NDVI. For the tasseling stage, the MSR was the most accurate, achieving an absolute error of 4.87 days, with an 8.6% improvement compared to the NDVI. In this study, further analysis was conducted based on maize cultivation data from Youyi County (2021–2023). The results showed that the maize phenology in Youyi County in 2021 was more advanced compared to 2022 and 2023, primarily due to the higher average temperatures in 2021. This study provides valuable support for the development of precision agriculture and maize phenology monitoring and also provides a useful data reference for future agricultural management.
Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Insight into the Roles of α-Lipoic Acid in the Antioxidant Mechanisms of Sheep
Authors: Yao Zhaohui , Li Gaiying , Yang Xinlu , Zhang Liyang , Su Chuanyou , Fu Tong , Wang Linfeng , Lian Hongxia , Gao Tengyun , Liu Kaizhen
Published: November 2024

Alpha lipoic acid (α-LA) is a powerful antioxidant, which can reduce oxidative damage and inflammation in the host. In previous research, we found that 600 mg/kg α-LA supplemented in the diet could improve the activity of antioxidant enzymes and regulate the secretion of inflammatory factors in rumen of sheep. However, the mechanism of α-LA driving the antioxidant capacity in rumen of sheep remains unknown. The aim of this current research was to investigate the role of α-LA in antioxidant and inflammatory processes in the rumen of sheep. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed to assess the variation of genes and metabolites of rumen epithelial tissue in sheep induced in the LA (600 mg/kg α-LA) group compared with the CTL (0 mg/kg α-LA) group. The results showed that some discovered core genes in the rumen epithelial tissue were negatively correlated with antioxidant activity. G6PD and HK2, the downregulated and upregulated core genes in the comparison of LA/CTL, were enriched in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and the pathways of mannose and oligosaccharide metabolism, respectively. The PPP is a metabolic pathway within cells, primarily functioning to produce nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and ribose-5-phosphate. The differential metabolites were enriched in the pathway of 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism, which improves the antioxidant capacity of the rumen epithelium by increasing enzymatic activities of SOD. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that α-LA improved antioxidant activity by regulating PPP and 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism. This study will provide a theoretical basis for the application of α-LA in the raising of sheep.
Micro-Incubator Protocol for Testing a CO2 Sensor for Early Warning of Spontaneous Combustion
Authors: Pelletier Mathew G. , McIntyre Joseph S. , Holt Greg A. , Butts Chris L. , Lamb Marshall C.
Published: November 2024

A protocol for detecting the potential occurrence of spontaneous combustion (SC) in stored cottonseeds and peanuts using a micro-incubator is described. The protocol indicates how to quantify CO2 production rates and final CO2 levels in wet versus dry cottonseed and peanut samples, which can provide crucial data for the early detection of SC risk in storage facilities. The experimental design utilizes a micro-incubator to simulate conditions found in large bulk crop storage. Parameters monitored include CO2 concentration, temperature, and relative humidity. The protocol includes preparation methods, experimental procedures for both control (dry) and wet seed tests, and test termination criteria that allow for safe experimentation of likely pathogenic fungi. The protocol has three replicates for wet and dry conditions. The protocol is intended to facilitate future experimental studies and ultimately contribute to the development of a consistently reliable early warning fire detection system for SC in cottonseed and peanut warehouse facilities. A consistently reliable fire detection system would address a critical need in the cotton and peanut industry for improved fire risk management and insurability of storage facilities.
Chemical Synthesis of Monolignols: Traditional Methods, Recent Advances, and Future Challenges in Sustainable Processes
Authors: Tiz Davide Benedetto , Tofani Giorgio , Vicente Filipa A. , Likozar Blaž
Published: November 2024

Monolignols represent pivotal alcohol-based constituents in lignin synthesis, playing indispensable roles in plant growth and development with profound implications for industries reliant on wood and paper. Monolignols and their derivates have multiple applications in several industries. Monolignols exhibit antioxidant activity due to their ability to donate hydrogen atoms or electrons to neutralize free radicals, thus preventing oxidative stress and damage to cells. Characterized by their alcohol functionalities, monolignols present three main forms: p-coumaryl alcohol, coniferyl alcohol, and sinapyl alcohol. In nature, particularly in plants, monolignols with geometry (E) predominate over their Z counterparts. The methods for obtaining the three canonical monolignols, two less-common monolignols, and a monolignol analogue are addressed to present an overview of these phenol-based compounds, particularly from a synthetic standpoint. A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis is used to explain the advantages and disadvantages of synthesizing monolignols, key alcohol-containing raw materials with enormous significance in both plant biology and industrial applications, using bench chemical methods. The uniqueness of this work is that it provides an overview of the synthetic pathways of monolignols to assist researchers in pharmaceutical and biological fields in selecting an appropriate procedure for the preparation of their lignin models. Moreover, we aim to inspire scientists, particularly chemists, to develop more sustainable synthetic protocols for monolignols.
Bioactivity of Grape Pomace Extract and Sodium Selenite, Key Components of the OenoGrape Advanced Complex, on Target Human Cells: Intracellular ROS Scavenging and Nrf2/ARE Induction Following In Vitro Intestinal Absorption
Authors: Dufour Cécile , Gironde Camille , Rigal Mylène , Furger Christophe , Le Roux Erwan
Published: November 2024

Oenobiol Sun Expert, a food formulation designed to enhance skin health prior to sun exposure, has been optimized by incorporating the OenoGrape Advanced Complex, which includes grape pomace extract, increased selenium content and 10% lycopene-rich tomato extract, with these constituents exhibiting high antioxidant potential. To evaluate the effects of these individual ingredients and the overall formulation at the cellular level, the AOP1 cell antioxidant efficacy assay was employed to measure the intracellular free radical scavenging activity, while the Cell Antioxidant Assay (CAA or DCFH-DA) assay was used to assess peroxidation scavenging at the plasma membrane level. The indirect antioxidant activity was examined using stably transfected cell lines containing a luciferase reporter gene controlled by the Antioxidant Response Element (ARE), which activates the endogenous antioxidant system via the Nrf2/Keap1-ARE pathway. Our results indicate that among the individual components, grape pomace extract and sodium selenite possess high and complementary antioxidant properties. Grape pomace extract was particularly effective in inhibiting free radicals (AOP1 EC50 = 6.80 μg/mL) and activating the ARE pathway (ARE EC50 = 231.1 μg/mL), whereas sodium selenite exerted its effects through potent ARE activation at sub-microgram levels (EC50 = 0.367 μg/mL). In contrast, the lycopene-rich tomato extract did not show a notable contribution to the antioxidant effects. The antiradical activity of the OenoGrape Advanced Complex, comprising these three ingredients, was very efficient and consistent with the results obtained for the individual components (AOP1 EC50 = 15.78 µg/mL and ARE EC50 of 707.7 μg/mL). Similarly, the free radical scavenging activity still persisted in the Oenobiol Sun Expert formulation (AOP1 EC50 = 36.63 µg/mL). Next, in vitro intestinal transepithelial transfer experiments were performed. The basolateral compartments of cells exposed to the ingredients were collected and assessed using the same antioxidant cell assays. The direct and indirect antioxidant activities were measured on both hepatocytes and keratinocytes, demonstrating the bioavailability and bioactivity of grape pomace extract and sodium selenite. These finding suggest that the ingredients of this food supplement contribute to enhanced cytoprotection following ingestion.
The Effect of Flipped Classroom Integrated with the POEWSQ Learning Model on Programming Learning
Authors: Kuo Yu-Chen , Zhuo Mei-Jun
Published: November 2024

Flipped classrooms are student-centered and encourage students to engage in self-directed learning actively. The WSQ (Watch–Summary–Question) is an effective learning model for guiding students’ self-directed learning. However, for students who do not know how to take notes or have low self-efficacy, the WSQ learning model may become a mere formality, leading to passive learning. The POE (Prediction–Observation–Explanation) is an inquiry-based learning model that inspires students to learn through active inquiry. By integrating the WSQ with the POE, this study proposes the POEWSQ learning model. Through POE activities, students make predictions about the content before learning, actively explore it, and then engage in WSQ activities to deepen their understanding. This study develops a multimedia learning system for the POEWSQ learning model to guide students in learning programming. Students predict the content, draw a flowchart (Prediction), then watch the instructional video (Watch/Observation), and complete guided notes (Summary). Next, students explain the differences between the flowcharts (Explanation), complete the unit test (Assessment), and, finally, ask a question (Question). The results showed that learners using the flipped classroom integrated with the POEWSQ learning model have significantly higher learning effectiveness, motivation, self-efficacy, reflective ability, and attitudes toward programmed learning than those with the WSQ learning model.
Experimental Study on Miscible Phase and Imbibition Displacement of Crude Oil Injected with CO2 in Shale Oil Reservoir
Authors: He Haibo , Ma Xinfang , Wang Bo , Zhang Yuzhi , Mou Jianye , Wu Jiarui
Published: November 2024

Jimsar shale oil in China has undergone a rapid decline in formation energy and has a low recovery rate, with poor reservoir permeability. CO2 injection has become the main method for improving oil recovery. Pre-fracturing with CO2 energy storage in Jimsar shale oil has been performed, yielding a noticeable increase in oil recovery. However, the CO2 injection mechanism still requires a deeper understanding. Focusing on Jimsar shale oil in China, this paper studies the effect of CO2 on crude oil viscosity reduction, miscible phase testing, and the law of imbibition displacement. The results show that CO2 has a significant viscosity reduction effect on Jimsar shale oil, with a minimum miscible pressure between CO2 and Jimsar shale oil of 25.51 MPa, which can allow for miscibility under formation conditions. A rise in pressure increased the displacement capacity of supercritical CO2, as well as the displacement volume of crude oil. However, the rate of increase gradually declined. This research provides a theoretical basis for CO2 injection fracturing in Jimsar shale oil, which is helpful for improving the development effects of Jimsar shale oil.
The Agreement Between Bushnell and Stalker Radar Guns for Measuring Ball Speed in Throwing and Kicking
Authors: Makar Piotr , Silva Ana Filipa , Silva Rui Miguel , Janusiak Marcin , Smoter Małgorzata , Clemente Filipe Manuel
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to compare the agreement of ball speed in throwing and kicking between the Bushnell and the Stalker radar guns. Sixty-four healthy young adults (21.8 ± 3.5 years) performed a total of 320 throws and 320 kicks during the study. Ball speed was measured using both the Bushnell and the Stalker radar guns for each trial. The mean difference in throwing speeds was found to be 1.39 km/h (95% CI: 1.20; 1.59), while the mean difference in kicking speeds was 1.38 km/h (95% CI: 1.20; 1.56). The agreement, assessed through intraclass correlation tests, revealed an excellent level of consistency for both ball speeds in throwing (ICC: 0.989 [95% CI: 0.986; 0.991]) and kicking (ICC: 0.986 [95% CI: 0.983; 0.989]). An analysis of variance showed significant differences for both throwing (p < 0.001; d = 0.799) and kicking (p < 0.001; d = 0.851), accompanied by a percentage difference of 2.17% in throwing and 1.91% in kicking. In conclusion, this study suggests that the correlation between both radar guns is excellent. However, Bushnell consistently underestimates the ball speeds of throws and kicks, with differences that are statistically significant and practically relevant. Despite this, the high correlation between the devices indicates that practitioners can use either device, provided they adjust normative values accordingly.
Three-Dimensional Upper Airway Analysis of Different Craniofacial Skeletal Patterns in Vietnamese Adults
Authors: Vu Trang Thi Thu , Bayome Mohamed , Vu Anh Dinh Viet , Nguyen Phuong Thi Thu
Published: November 2024

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate differences in the three-dimensional (3D) upper airway dimensions in Vietnamese participants. Methods: This study included 341 Vietnamese participants grouped based on the vertical growth pattern (ANB angle) (skeletal Class I, 123; Class II, 124; Class III, 94). The patients were categorized into subgroups based on the horizontal growth pattern according to the Frankfort mandibular angle (hypodivergent, 35; normodivergent, 175; hyperdivergent, 131) to compare the frequency distribution of the three growth patterns in each skeletal class. The airway dimensions of the three skeletal classes were divided into four volumes using 3D virtual software (In VivoDental Software 6.0). The height, width, and cross-sectional area (CSA) of each part, as well as the total volume and minimum CSA, were measured and analyzed. Results: The airway space was reduced in hyperdivergent Class II individuals, underscoring an important connection between upper airway dimensions and vertical skeletal patterns, which suggests that vertical growth patterns contribute to pharyngeal narrowing and subsequent upper airway obstruction. Significant differences (p < 0.001) in the minimum CSAs and volumes of the middle and inferior pharyngeal airways were observed based on Angle’s skeletal classification. Conclusions: Our insights are valuable for orthodontics, especially in diverse populations, such as the Vietnamese, due to differences in the influence of genetic and environmental factors on skeletal and airway characteristics.
Collaborative Caching for Implementing a Location-Privacy Aware LBS on a MANET
Authors: Fuster Rudyard , Galdames Patricio , Gutierréz-Soto Claudio
Published: November 2024

This paper addresses the challenge of preserving user privacy in location-based services (LBSs) by proposing a novel, complementary approach to existing privacy-preserving techniques such as k-anonymity and l-diversity. Our approach implements collaborative caching strategies within a mobile ad hoc network (MANET), exploiting the geographic of location-based queries (LBQs) to reduce data exposure to untrusted LBS servers. Unlike existing approaches that rely on centralized servers or stationary infrastructure, our solution facilitates direct data exchange between users’ devices, providing an additional layer of privacy protection. We introduce a new privacy entropy-based metric called accumulated privacy loss (APL) to quantify the privacy loss incurred when accessing either the LBS or our proposed system. Our approach implements a two-tier caching strategy: local caching maintained by each user and neighbor caching based on proximity. This strategy not only reduces the number of queries to the LBS server but also significantly enhances user privacy by minimizing the exposure of location data to centralized entities. Empirical results demonstrate that while our collaborative caching system incurs some communication costs, it significantly mitigates redundant data among user caches and reduces the need to access potentially privacy-compromising LBS servers. Our findings show a 40% reduction in LBS queries, a 64% decrease in data redundancy within cells, and a 31% reduction in accumulated privacy loss compared to baseline methods. In addition, we analyze the impact of data obsolescence on cache performance and privacy loss, proposing mechanisms for maintaining the relevance and accuracy of cached data. This work contributes to the field of privacy-preserving LBSs by providing a decentralized, user-centric approach that improves both cache redundancy and privacy protection, particularly in scenarios where central infrastructure is unreachable or untrusted.
Comparative Study Between Active AMD and ABS Devices by Using μ-Synthesis Robust Control
Authors: Chaker Karima , Sbartai Badreddine , Abdel Raheem Shehata E.
Published: November 2024

The field of civil engineering has witnessed significant development since the emergence of innovative control strategies that enhanced the construction of structures, imparting valuable resistance against dynamic loads like wind or earthquakes. Despite numerous articles highlighting the potential of various control approaches to reduce vibration, their effectiveness in mitigating the dynamic effects on structures under real-world conditions appears limited once implemented. A variety of factors, including practical constraints, the choice of the control system device, the shape of the structure, and the amount of control energy deployed, contribute to this lack of efficiency. Within this context, the literature primarily addressed the discrepancy between the mathematical model and the actual structure model, commonly referred to as parameter uncertainties, in the controller design process. In other words, logical continuity in this field involves the application of a more adapted control approach, which enhances performance by incorporating more practical aspects in the controller synthesis procedure. These aspects include the dynamics of the control device, high-frequency neglected modes, and the inherent limitations or constraints of the control equipment. Thus, this study treats two main active control systems, ABS and AMD. While applying an approach known as μ-synthesis, the robust control was retained because of its ability to include all these considerations when they act simultaneously. We used this control to make sure that a three-degree-of-freedom structure responds as little as possible to seismic requests, which are shown by an uncertain model. We then conducted a comparative study between these two systems, focusing on displacement reduction and control force, while exploring a classic AMD control system at the top of the structure and an ABS control system at the bottom. This approach proved to be a powerful way to deal with the uncertainties affecting the structure and achieve the stability design objectives, given the satisfying simulation results.
Early Detection of Surface Mildew in Maize Kernels Using Machine Vision Coupled with Improved YOLOv5 Deep Learning Model
Authors: Xia Yu , Shen Ao , Che Tianci , Liu Wenbo , Kang Jie , Tang Wei
Published: November 2024

Mildew in maize kernels is typically caused by various fungi, necessitating prompt detection and treatment to minimize losses during harvest and storage. In this study, a deep learning YOLOv5s algorithm based on machine vision technology was employed to develop a maize seed surface mildew detection model and to enhance its portability for deployment on additional mobile devices. To guarantee the fruitful progression of this research, an initial experiment was conducted on maize seeds to obtain a sufficient number of images of mildewed maize kernels, which were classified into three grades (sound, mild, and severe). Subsequently, a maize seed image was extracted to create an image of a single maize seed, which was then divided to establish the data set. An enhanced YOLOv5s–ShuffleNet–CBAM model was ultimately developed. The results demonstrated that the model achieved with an mAP50 value of 0.955 and a model size of 2.4 MB. This resulted in a notable reduction in the model parameters and calculation amount while simultaneously enhancing model precision. Furthermore, K-fold cross-validation demonstrated the model stability, and Grad-CAM validated the model effectiveness. In the future, the proposed lightweight model in this study can be applied to other crops in the context of portable or online inspection systems, thus advancing effective and high-quality agricultural applications.
A Spatial 4-DOF Laser Collimation Measurement System
Authors: Jiang Han , Zhang Ke , Ji Lufeng , Zhang Ruiyu , Han Changpei
Published: November 2024

A compact and miniaturized laser collimation system was proposed to measure the four-degrees-of-freedom of an optical payload in high-altitude space. Compared with other systems, this system has a simple structure and low cost, high measurement accuracy, and a large measurement range. The optical structure of the system was designed, the measurement principle of the four-degree-of-freedom was described in detail, the interference between the distance measurement and the angle measurement in the optical path was analyzed, and the installation error was analyzed. The error was minimized under different temperature conditions to improve the robustness of the system. An engineering prototype was built based on the system design scheme and an experiment was conducted to measure a target with a measured distance of 500 mm. The current indicators reached the requirements for the ground testing of optical payloads. The application of the system can be used to measure six degrees of freedom simultaneously by installing two systems in different coordinate systems. The system can also be used in industry; for example, by measuring the machine tool error in real time and compensating for it, the system can improve the positioning and motion accuracy. It can also be used for feedback control of the robot’s motion by measuring and controlling it.