bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural Network Iterative Learning for SISO Non-Affine Control Systems
Authors: Vlachos Christos , Tolis Fotios , Karras George C. , Bechlioulis Charalampos P.
Published: April 2024

This work introduces an identification scheme capable of obtaining the unknown dynamics of a nonlinear plant process. The proposed method employs an iterative algorithm that prevents confinement to a sole trajectory by fitting a neural network over a series of trajectories that span the desired subset of the state space. At the core of our contributions lie the applicability of our method to open-loop unstable systems and a novel way of generating the system’s reference trajectories, which aim at sufficiently stimulating the underlying dynamics. Following this, the prescribed performance control (PPC) technique is utilized to ensure accurate tracking of the aforementioned trajectories. The effectiveness of our approach is showcased through successful identification of the dynamics of a two-degree of freedom (DOF) robotic manipulator in both a simulation study and a real-life experiment.
The Human Head Skull Role as Our First Thermoregulatory Natural Shield to Excessive Electromagnetic Fields at 1800 MHz
Authors: García-Fernández Miguel Á. , Sánchez-Hernández David A.
Published: April 2024

In this article, we provide concluding evidence that the human head skull acts as a first dynamic barrier to excessive electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and temperature flow at 1800 MHz. This natural barrier is designed to effectively and dynamically protect brain tissue against safety-defined threshold temperature increases due to external EMF induction. A half-wavelength dipole antenna has been employed as the EMF source. The human head is modeled by several coronal planes extracted from the Visible Human Project and combined to the exposure of a 0.45λ-apart dipole and to heat transfer equations to accommodate for the human thermoregulatory response. The results described in this study are of great importance regarding whether thermal effects should be directly used to derive basic restrictions to EM field safety limits for human exposure. Since this study is limited to conditions under vasomotor adjustment, very excessive EMF induction may break this first natural barrier and produce excessive thermal stress, making the barrier incapable of maintaining thermal conditions on the human brain under control. This study is also limited to using a frequency of 1800 MHz.
Optimized Dual-Layer Distributed Energy Storage Configuration for Voltage Over-Limit Zoning Governance in Distribution Networks
Authors: Hao Meimei , Lan Jinchen , Wang Lianhui , Lin Yan , Wang Jiang , Qin Liang
Published: April 2024

In this study, an optimized dual-layer configuration model is proposed to address voltages that exceed their limits following substantial integration of photovoltaic systems into distribution networks. Initially, the model involved segmenting the distribution network’s voltage zones based on distributed photovoltaic governance resources, thereby elucidating the characteristics and governance requisites for voltages across distinct regions. Subsequently, a governance model for voltage limit exceedances, grounded in optimizing energy storage configurations, was formulated to mitigate photovoltaic power fluctuations by deploying energy storage systems. This model coordinates the reactive power output of photovoltaic installations with the active power consumption of energy storage systems, thereby augmenting voltage autonomy in the power grid. This study leveraged Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) conditions and the Big-M method to transform the dual-layer model into a single-layer linear model, thereby enhancing solution efficiency and precision. Finally, a simulation was carried out to demonstrate that the strategy proposed from this research not only achieves commendable economic efficiency, but also significantly improves the regional voltage effect by 28.7% compared to the optical storage capacity optimization model.
Construction and Application of the Double Game Model for Direct Purchase of Electricity by Large Consumers under Consideration of Risk Factors
Authors: Yu Wanting , Zhang Xin , Cui Mingli , Feng Tiantian
Published: April 2024

With the development of global clean energy and the implementation of carbon emission reduction policies, the direct purchase of electricity by large consumers has been increasingly promoted as a special form of electricity trading. Therefore, on the basis of the completion of low-carbon emission reduction targets in each country, how to rationalize the electricity purchase by large consumers in the electricity market so as to reduce their electricity purchase costs has become the main target of attention in each country. Currently, there are fewer studies in existing research on the direct electricity purchase strategy of large consumers under the consideration of the weight of consumption responsibility and risk. Based on this, this paper constructs a dual-game model for direct electricity purchase by large consumers based on the Stackelberg game and non-cooperative game theory. The concept of value at risk is further introduced, and the optimal strategy of direct electricity purchase by large consumers is proposed. The results of this study show that when market players make decisions on the purchase and sale of electricity, power suppliers will increase their biddings to obtain the highest returns, and large consumers can reduce the transaction costs by combining the medium- and long-term market with the spot market to purchase electricity. In the choice of electricity purchase market, with the increasing risk factor, large consumers shift from the risky spot market to the less risky medium- and long-term market and option market. This paper provides a reference for the issues of power suppliers’ contract bidding and large consumers’ electricity purchase strategy in the medium- and long-term contract transactions.
Modelling CO2 Emissions from Vehicles Fuelled with Compressed Natural Gas Based on On-Road and Chassis Dynamometer Tests
Authors: Mądziel Maksymilian
Published: April 2024

In response to increasingly stringent global environmental policies, this study addresses the pressing need for accurate prediction models of CO2 emissions from vehicles powered by alternative fuels, such as compressed natural gas (CNG). Through experimentation and modelling, one of the pioneering CO2 emission models specifically designed for CNG-powered vehicles is presented. Using data from chassis dynamometer tests and road assessments conducted with a portable emission measurement system (PEMS), the study employs the XGBoost technique within the Optuna Python programming language framework. The validation of the models produced impressive results, with R2 values of 0.9 and 0.7 and RMSE values of 0.49 and 0.71 for chassis dynamometer and road test data, respectively. The robustness and precision of these models offer invaluable information to transportation decision-makers engaged in environmental analyses and policymaking for urban areas, facilitating informed strategies to mitigate vehicular emissions and foster sustainable transportation practices.
Polling Mechanisms for Industrial IoT Applications in Long-Range Wide-Area Networks
Authors: Todoli-Ferrandis David , Silvestre-Blanes Javier , Sempere-Payá Víctor , Santonja-Climent Salvador
Published: April 2024

LoRaWAN is a low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technology that is well suited for industrial IoT (IIoT) applications. One of the challenges of using LoRaWAN for IIoT is the need to collect data from a large number of devices. Polling is a common way to collect data from devices, but it can be inefficient for LoRaWANs, which are designed for low data rates and long battery life. LoRaWAN devices operating in two specific modes can receive messages from a gateway even when they are not sending data themselves. This allows the gateway to send commands to devices at any time, without having to wait for them to check for messages. This paper proposes various polling mechanisms for industrial IoT applications in LoRaWANs and presents specific considerations for designing efficient polling mechanisms in the context of industrial IoT applications leveraging LoRaWAN technology.
Building a Vision Transformer-Based Damage Severity Classifier with Ground-Level Imagery of Homes Affected by California Wildfires
Authors: Luo Kevin , Lian Ie-bin
Published: April 2024

The increase in both the frequency and magnitude of natural disasters, coupled with recent advancements in artificial intelligence, has introduced prospects for investigating the potential of new technologies to facilitate disaster response processes. Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA), a labor-intensive procedure necessitating manual examination of residential structures to ascertain post-disaster damage severity, stands to significantly benefit from the integration of computer vision-based classification algorithms, promising efficiency gains and heightened accuracy. Our paper proposes a Vision Transformer (ViT)-based model for classifying damage severity, achieving an accuracy rate of 95%. Notably, our model, trained on a repository of over 18,000 ground-level images of homes with damage severity annotated by damage assessment professionals during the 2020–2022 California wildfires, represents a novel application of ViT technology within this domain. Furthermore, we have open sourced this dataset—the first of its kind and scale—to be used by the research community. Additionally, we have developed a publicly accessible web application prototype built on this classification algorithm, which we have demonstrated to disaster management practitioners and received feedback on. Hence, our contribution to the literature encompasses the provision of a novel imagery dataset, an applied framework from field professionals, and a damage severity classification model with high accuracy.
The Influence of the Heat Transfer Mode on the Stability of Foam Extinguishing Agents
Authors: Zhou Xia , An Zhihao , Liu Ziheng , Ha Hongjie , Li Yixuan , Pan Renming
Published: April 2024

The mass loss mechanisms of an aqueous film-forming foam (AF foam), an AR/AFFF water-soluble film-forming foam extinguishing agent (AR foam), and a Class A foam extinguishing agent (A foam) at different levels of thermal radiation, thermal convection, and heat conduction intensity were studied. At a relatively low thermal radiation intensity, the liquid separation rate of the AF, AR, and A foams is related to the properties of the foam itself, such as viscosity and surface/interface tension, which are relatively independent of the external radiation heat flux of the foam. At low radiation intensity (15 kW/m2 and 25 kW/m2), the liquid separation rate of the AF and A foams is relatively stable. When the heat flux intensity is 35 kW/m2, the liquid separation rate of the AF and A foams increases notably, which may be mainly due to the rapid decrease in foam viscosity. And the mass loss behavior is dominated by liquid separation in the AF, AR, and A foams under the influence of thermal radiation and thermal convection. Under the same experimental conditions, the liquid separation rate of AF is the fastest. There is no significant difference in the evaporation rates of the three kinds of foam in the same heat conduction condition. In addition, the AR and A foams usually have a 25% longer liquid separation time (t) under thermal radiation and thermal convection, and the thermal stability is better than AF foam. The temperature reached by the AF foam layer under thermal convection was lower than that of the AR and A foams, and the time for the foam layer to reach the highest temperature under heat conduction was longer than that of the AR and A foams.
Effects of the Taste Substances and Metal Cations in Green Tea Infusion on the Turbidity of EGCG–Mucin Mixtures
Authors: Xu Longjie , Ye Qingqing , Cao Qingqing , Liu Yuyi , Li Xinghui , Liu Zhengquan , Gong Yushun , Zhang Sheng , Yin Junfeng , Xu Yongquan
Published: April 2024

Astringency has an important impact on the taste quality of tea infusion, a process which occurs when polyphenols complex with salivary proteins to form an impermeable membrane. (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the main astringent compound found in green tea and mucin is the main protein present in saliva. Determining the turbidity of EGCG–mucin mixtures is an effective method to quantify the astringency intensity of EGCG solutions. In this study, the effects of taste-related, substances present during green tea infusion, on the turbidity of EGCG–mucin mixtures was investigated under the reacting conditions of a pH value of 5.0, at 37 °C, and for 30 min. The results showed that epicatechins, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and gallic acid reduced the turbidity of EGCG–mucin mixtures, while rutin increased turbidity. Metal ions increased the turbidity of EGCG–mucin mixtures. These can be arranged by effectiveness as Al3+ > K+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+. Caffeine, theanine, and sodium glutamate all decreased the turbidity values of EGCG–mucin mixtures, but sucrose had a weak effect. Further experiments confirmed that the turbidity of green tea infusion–mucin mixture indicated the astringent intensity of green tea infusion, and that the turbidity was significantly correlated with the contents of tea polyphenols and EGCG.
Fungal Mycobiome of Mature Strawberry Fruits (Fragaria x ananassa Variety ‘Monterey’) Suggests a Potential Market Site Contamination with Harmful Yeasts
Authors: Tenea Gabriela N. , Reyes Pamela , Molina Diana
Published: April 2024

An amplicon metagenomic approach based on the ITS2 region of fungal rDNA was used to investigate the diversity of fungi associated with mature strawberries collected from a volcanic orchard and open-air market stands. Based on the Kruskal–Wallis test, no statistically significant differences were observed in both non-phylogenetic and phylogenetic alpha diversity indices. According to beta diversity analyses, significant differences in fungal communities were found between groups (orchard vs. market). Taxonomic assignment of amplicon sequence variables (ASVs) revealed 7 phyla and 31 classes. The prevalent fungal phyla were Basidiomycota (29.59–84.58%), Ascomycota (15.33–70.40%), and Fungi-phy-Insertae-sedis (0.45–2.89%). The most predominant classes among the groups were Saccharomycetes in the market group, and Microbotryomycetes and Tremellomycetes in the orchard group. Based on the analysis of microbiome composition (ANCOM), we found that the most differentially fungal genera were Hanseniaspora, Kurtzmaniella, and Phyllozyma. Endophytic yeasts Curvibasidium cygneicollum were prevalent in both groups, while Candida railenensis was detected in fruits originating only from the market. In addition, Rhodotorula graminis (relative abundance varying from 1.7% to 21.18%) and Papiliotrema flavescens (relative abundance varying from 1.58% to 16.55%) were detected in all samples regardless of origin, while Debaryomyces prosopidis was detected in samples from the market only, their relative abundance varying with the sample (from 0.80% to 19.23%). Their role in fruit quality and safety has not been yet documented. Moreover, several clinically related yeasts, such as Meyerozyma guilliermondii and Candida parapsilosis, were detected in samples only from the market. Understanding the variety and makeup of the mycobiome in ripe fruits during the transition from the orchard to the market is crucial for fruit safety after harvest.
Designing Heuristic-Based Tuners for Fractional-Order PID Controllers in Automatic Voltage Regulator Systems Using a Hyper-Heuristic Approach
Authors: Zambrano-Gutierrez Daniel Fernando , Valencia-Rivera Gerardo Humberto , Avina-Cervantes Juan Gabriel , Amaya Ivan , Cruz-Duarte Jorge Mario
Published: April 2024

This work introduces an alternative approach for developing a customized Metaheuristic (MH) tailored for tuning a Fractional-Order Proportional-Integral-Derivative (FOPID) controller within an Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) system. Leveraging an Automated Algorithm Design (AAD) methodology, our strategy generates MHs by utilizing a population-based Search Operator (SO) domain, thus minimizing human-induced bias. This approach eliminates the need for manual coding or the daunting task of selecting an optimal algorithm from a vast collection of the current literature. The devised MH consists of two distinct SOs: a dynamic swarm perturbator succeeded by a Metropolis-type selector and a genetic crossover perturbator, followed by another Metropolis-type selector. This MH fine-tunes the FOPID controller’s parameters, aiming to enhance control performance by reducing overshoot, rise time, and settling time. Our research includes a comparative analysis with similar studies, revealing that our tailored MH significantly improves the FOPID controller’s speed by 1.69 times while virtually eliminating overshoot. Plus, we assess the tuned FOPID controller’s resilience against internal disturbances within AVR subsystems. The study also explores two facets of control performance: the impact of fractional orders on conventional PID controller efficiency and the delineating of a confidence region for stable and satisfactory AVR operation. This work’s main contributions are introducing an innovative method for deriving efficient MHs in electrical engineering and control systems and demonstrating the substantial benefits of precise controller tuning, as evidenced by the superior performance of our customized MH compared to existing solutions.
Statistical and Clustering-Based Assessment of Variable Speed Limits Effects on Motorway Performance from Real-World Observations
Authors: Isaenko Natalia , Colombaroni Chiara , Fusco Gaetano , Lahijanian Zahra
Published: April 2024

Variable Speed Limit (VSL) systems aimed at reducing congestion and improving safety performance have been implemented around the world in previous years. However, field studies have shown controversial results regarding traffic performance improvement. This study integrates statistical testing methods and clustering techniques for assessing the effect of a non-mandatory VSL system on traffic flow performances on a 14-km portion of the Padua–Mestre motorway in Italy. Statistical analysis is conducted on the observed speeds, collected for almost one year, to identify any significant differences provided by VSL activation. The changes in global motorway performances induced by the VSL in typical traffic patterns under recurring congestion are assessed using both statistical tests and two specific clustering algorithms, namely K-means and DBSCAN. The results indicate that the VSL system effectively affects the observed speeds and alleviates congested conditions: the observed reduction in mean travel time ranges is around 4% with the VSL system active across various lanes; the standard deviation of vehicular speeds witnessed a decrease of 12% to 20% in the most congested segments, while no notable distinction is observed in traffic flows.
Exploring Adiponectin in Autosomal Dominant Kidney Disease: Insight and Implications
Authors: Nigro Ersilia , Mallardo Marta , Amicone Maria , D’Arco Daniela , Riccio Eleonora , Marra Maurizio , Pasanisi Fabrizio , Pisani Antonio , Daniele Aurora
Published: April 2024

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is a common monogenic disorder characterized by renal cysts and progressive renal failure. In kidney diseases, adipose tissue undergoes functional changes that have been associated with increased inflammation and insulin resistance mediated by release of adipokines. Adiponectin is involved in various cellular processes, such as energy and inflammatory and oxidative processes. However, it remains to be determined whether adiponectin is involved in the concomitant metabolic dysfunctions present in PKD. In this scenario, we aimed to analyze: (a) PPARγ, ADIPOQ, ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2 gene variations in 92 ADPKD patients through PCR-Sanger sequencing; and (b) adiponectin levels and its oligomerization state by ELISA and Western Blot. Our results indicated that: (a) 14 patients carried the PPARγ SNP, 29 patients carried the ADIPOQ SNP rs1501299, and 25 patients carried the analyzed ADIPOR1 SNPs. Finally, 82 patients carried ADIPOR2 SNPs; and (b) Adiponectin is statistically lower in ADPKD patients compared to controls, and further statistically lower in ESRD than in non-ESRD patients. An inverse relationship between adiponectin and albumin and between adiponectin and creatinine and a direct relationship between adiponectin and eGFR were found. Interestingly, significantly lower levels of adiponectin were found in patients bearing the ADIPOQ rs1501299 SNP and associated with low levels of eGFR. In conclusion, adiponectin levels and the presence of ADIPOQ rs1501299 genotype are significantly associated with a worse ADPKD phenotype, indicating that both could potentially provide important insights into the disease. Further studies are warranted to understand the pathophysiological role of adiponectin in ADPKD patients.
Combined Analysis of Untargeted Metabolomics and Transcriptomics Revealed Seed Germination and Seedling Establishment in Zelkova schneideriana
Authors: Yan Fengxia , Wei Tangmei , Yang Chao , Yang Yanbing , Luo Zaiqi , Jiang Yunli
Published: April 2024

Zelkova schneideriana Hand.-Mazz is a valuable ornamental tree and timber source, whose seedling breeding and large-scale cultivation are restricted by low seed germination and seedling rates. The regulatory mechanisms underlying seed germination and seedling establishment in Z. schneideriana remain unknown. This study conducted metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of seed germination and seedling establishment in Z. schneideriana. Regular expression of genes and metabolite levels has been observed in plant hormone signal transduction, starch and sucrose metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. The reduction in abscisic acid during seed germination may lead to seed release from dormancy. After the seed is released from dormancy, the metabolic levels of auxin, cytokinins, brassinolide, and various sugars are elevated, and they are consumed in large quantities during the seedling establishment stage. Linoleic acid metabolism is gradually activated during seedling establishment. Transcriptome analysis showed that a large number of genes in different metabolic pathways are upregulated during plant establishment, and material metabolism may be accelerated during seedling establishment. Genes regulating carbohydrate metabolism are altered during seed germination and seedling establishment, which may have altered the efficiency of carbohydrate utilization. In addition, the syntheses of lignin monomers and cellulose have different characteristics at different stages. These results provide new insights into the complex mechanisms underlying seed germination and seedling establishment in Z. schneideriana and other woody plants.
Influence of Clinical and Psychosocial Factors on the Adherence to Topical Treatment in Psoriasis
Authors: Teixeira Ana , Teixeira Maribel , Gaio Rita , Torres Tiago , Magina Sofia , Dinis Maria Alzira Pimenta , Sousa-Lobo José , Almeida Isabel , Peixoto Miguel , Almeida Vera
Published: April 2024

(1) Background: Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease with different manifestations, affecting the quality of life at social, emotional, and professional dimensions and requiring long-term treatment. This study aimed to investigate the effect of psychosocial and clinical factors on adherence to topical treatment in psoriasis. (2) Methods: Self-reported measures and weighing the medicines were used to assess adherence. Psychopathological symptoms were measured using the Brief Symptoms Inventory (BSI). Social and clinical factors were assessed by a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire. Adherence to treatment with topical medication was assessed using a sample of 102 psoriasis patients. (3) Results: The explanatory models of adherence to topical treatment in psoriasis translated into positive associations between adherence and the education level (higher education) (p = 0.03; φ = 0.23), the single-family household (p = 0.01; φ = 0.44), active employment status (p = 0.05; φ = −0.19), familiar history of psoriasis (p = 0.04; φ = −0.21), and the presence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (p = 0.01; d = 0.29). (4) Conclusions: In patients who present the characteristics identified that influence non-adherence, instructions should be reinforced to increase adherence. The experimental mortality (39.6%) reduced the sample size, representing a limitation of the study.
Re-Sequencing the Mitochondrial Genome Unveils a Novel Isomeric Form of NWB CMS Line in Radish and Functional Verification of Its Candidate Sterile Gene
Authors: Li Xiaomei , Liang Le , Ran Jianzhao , Yang Feng , Ran Maolin , Yong Xiaoping , Kong Chuibao , Tang Yi , Li Huanxiu
Published: April 2024

Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is a globally significant vegetable and relies on cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) lines for hybrid seed production. The NWB CMS type is favored over Ogura CMS for its ease in maintainer screening. Despite its varied mitochondrial configurations and unvalidated sterile gene, we re-sequenced the mitochondrial genome of NWB CMS Tibet A and verified the function of the sterility gene via genetic transformation of Arabidopsis thaliana. The mitochondrial genomes of Tibet A could be assembled into circular DNA molecules, with a mitochondrial genome size of 239,184 bp. Our analysis indicated that the specific orf463a was the CMS-associated gene in Tibet A, sharing sequence consistency with the CMS gene in DCGMS and NWB CMS YB-A. Collinearity analysis showed that the mitochondrial genomes of NWB CMS Tibet A, DCGMS, and NWB CMS YB-A share the same mitotype, with structural variations due to recombination via a 9731 bp long repeat sequence and a 508 bp short repeat sequence. Driven by the Ap3 promoter, transgenic Arabidopsis with orf463a exhibited male sterility, confirming the gene’s potential role in CMS. In this study, we assembled a new isomeric form of NWB CMS mitochondrial genome and proved the function of the candidate sterile gene.
The First Study on Cultivating Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All.) for Its Flower and Essential Oil in Southeast Serbia
Authors: Filipović Vladimir , Marković Tatjana , Dimitrijević Snežana , Song Aiping , Prijić Željana , Mikić Sara , Čutović Natalija , Ugrenović Vladan
Published: April 2024

Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All.) is a perennial herbaceous medicinal plant species that has not yet been thoroughly researched in terms of the influence of growing conditions on its morphological characteristics, flower yield, and the content and quality of its essential oil (EO). The plant material was harvested in the subsequent two production years at three localities in Southeast Serbia, differing in soil type (Alluvial soil, Rendzina, and Calcomelanosol). Based on two-year average values, the best results were obtained from plants grown on Rendzina, including the yield of fresh flowers (1850.2 g/m2), the highest plant height (49.3 cm), the number of branches (4.1), leaves (11.6), and flower heads (3.6), the flower diameter (1.6 cm), and the essential oil content (1.6%). The major EO constituent obtained from the plants growing on Rendzina and Calcomelanosol was 3-methyl pentyl angelate (20.8% and 15.2%, respectively). In the EO obtained from the plants growing on Alluvial soil, the major EO constituent was isobutyl angelate (13.0%), while the content of 3-methyl pentyl angelate was close to it (12.2%). The outcomes of this study provide guidelines for further research related to the cultivation of a Roman chamomile genotype on various soil types in a hilly region of Southeast Serbia, where most cultivated plants cannot be grown.
Map Reading and Analysis with GPT-4V(ision)
Authors: Xu Jinwen , Tao Ran
Published: April 2024

In late 2023, the image-reading capability added to a Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) framework provided the opportunity to potentially revolutionize the way we view and understand geographic maps, the core component of cartography, geography, and spatial data science. In this study, we explore reading and analyzing maps with the latest version of GPT-4-vision-preview (GPT-4V), to fully evaluate its advantages and disadvantages in comparison with human eye-based visual inspections. We found that GPT-4V is able to properly retrieve information from various types of maps in different scales and spatiotemporal resolutions. GPT-4V can also perform basic map analysis, such as identifying visual changes before and after a natural disaster. It has the potential to replace human efforts by examining batches of maps, accurately extracting information from maps, and linking observed patterns with its pre-trained large dataset. However, it is encumbered by limitations such as diminished accuracy in visual content extraction and a lack of validation. This paper sets an example of effectively using GPT-4V for map reading and analytical tasks, which is a promising application for large multimodal models, large language models, and artificial intelligence.
Identification of Plasma Lipid Alterations Associated with Melanoma Metastasis
Authors: Szász István , Koroknai Viktória , Várvölgyi Tünde , Pál László , Szűcs Sándor , Pikó Péter , Emri Gabriella , Janka Eszter , Szabó Imre Lőrinc , Ádány Róza , Balázs Margit
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study was to apply a state-of-the-art quantitative lipidomic profiling platform to uncover lipid alterations predictive of melanoma progression. Our study included 151 melanoma patients; of these, 83 were without metastasis and 68 with metastases. Plasma samples were analyzed using a targeted Lipidyzer™ platform, covering 13 lipid classes and over 1100 lipid species. Following quality control filters, 802 lipid species were included in the subsequent analyses. Total plasma lipid contents were significantly reduced in patients with metastasis. Specifically, levels of two out of the thirteen lipid classes (free fatty acids (FFAs) and lactosylceramides (LCERs)) were significantly decreased in patients with metastasis. Three lipids (CE(12:0), FFA(24:1), and TAG47:2-FA16:1) were identified as more effective predictors of melanoma metastasis than the well-known markers LDH and S100B. Furthermore, the predictive value substantially improved upon combining the lipid markers. We observed an increase in the cumulative levels of five lysophosphatidylcholines (LPC(16:0); LPC(18:0); LPC(18:1); LPC(18:2); LPC(20:4)), each individually associated with an elevated risk of lymph node metastasis but not cutaneous or distant metastasis. Additionally, seventeen lipid molecules were linked to patient survival, four of which (CE(12:0), CE(14:0), CE(15:0), SM(14:0)) overlapped with the lipid panel predicting metastasis. This study represents the first comprehensive investigation of the plasma lipidome of melanoma patients to date. Our findings suggest that plasma lipid profiles may serve as important biomarkers for predicting clinical outcomes of melanoma patients, including the presence of metastasis, and may also serve as indicators of patient survival.
Exploring the Role of Gut Microbiota in Patients with Alopecia Areata
Authors: Lee Ji Hae , Shin Ji Hae , Kim Ji Yoon , Ju Hyun Jeong , Kim Gyong Moon
Published: April 2024

Imbalances in gut microbiota reportedly contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases, but the association between the etiopathogenesis of alopecia areata (AA) and gut microbial dysbiosis remains unclear. This cross-sectional study was conducted to identify and compare the composition of the gut microbiome in patients affected by AA and those in a healthy control (HC) group, and to investigate possible bacterial biomarkers for the disease. Fecal samples were collected from 19 AA patients and 20 HCs to analyze the relationship with fecal bacteria. The three major genera constituting the gut microbiome of AA patients were Bacteroides, Blautia, and Faecalibacterium. The alpha diversity of the AA group was not statistically significant different from that of the HC group. However, bacterial community composition in the AA group was significantly different from that of HC group according to Jensen–Shannon dissimilarities. In patients with AA, we found an enriched presence of the genera Blautia and Eubacterium_g5 compared to the HC group (p < 0.05), whereas Bacteroides were less prevalent (p < 0.05). The gut microbiota of AA patients was distinct from those of the HC group. Our findings suggest a possible involvement of gut microbiota in in the as-yet-undefined pathogenesis of AA.
Genome-Wide Identification of Glutathione S-Transferase Genes in Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Reveals Their Potential Role in Anthocyanin Accumulation on the Fruit Peel
Authors: Obel Hesbon Ochieng , Zhou Xiaohui , Liu Songyu , Yang Yan , Liu Jun , Zhuang Yong
Published: April 2024

Anthocyanins are ubiquitous pigments derived from the phenylpropanoid compound conferring red, purple and blue pigmentations to various organs of horticultural crops. The metabolism of flavonoids in the cytoplasm leads to the biosynthesis of anthocyanin, which is then conveyed to the vacuoles for storage by plant glutathione S-transferases (GST). Although GST is important for transporting anthocyanin in plants, its identification and characterization in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) remains obscure. In this study, a total of 40 GST genes were obtained in the eggplant genome and classified into seven distinct chief groups based on the evolutionary relationship with Arabidopsis thaliana GST genes. The seven subgroups of eggplant GST genes (SmGST) comprise: dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), elongation factor 1Bγ (EF1Bγ), Zeta (Z), Theta(T), Phi(F), Tau(U) and tetra-chlorohydroquinone dehalogenase TCHQD. The 40 GST genes were unevenly distributed throughout the 10 eggplant chromosomes and were predominantly located in the cytoplasm. Structural gene analysis showed similarity in exons and introns within a GST subgroup. Six pairs of both tandem and segmental duplications have been identified, making them the primary factors contributing to the evolution of the SmGST. Light-related cis-regulatory elements were dominant, followed by stress-related and hormone-responsive elements. The syntenic analysis of orthologous genes indicated that eggplant, Arabidopsis and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) counterpart genes seemed to be derived from a common ancestry. RNA-seq data analyses showed high expression of 13 SmGST genes with SmGSTF1 being glaringly upregulated on the peel of purple eggplant but showed no or low expression on eggplant varieties with green or white peel. Subsequently, SmGSTF1 had a strong positive correlation with anthocyanin content and with anthocyanin structural genes like SmUFGT (r = 0.9), SmANS (r = 0.85), SmF3H (r = 0.82) and SmCHI2 (r = 0.7). The suppression of SmGSTF1 through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGs) resulted in a decrease in anthocyanin on the infiltrated fruit surface. In a nutshell, results from this study established that SmGSTF1 has the potential of anthocyanin accumulation in eggplant peel and offers viable candidate genes for the improvement of purple eggplant. The comprehensive studies of the SmGST family genes provide the foundation for deciphering molecular investigations into the functional analysis of SmGST genes in eggplant.
Exploring Localized Provoked Vulvodynia: Insights from Animal Model Research
Authors: Nakhleh-Francis Yara , Awad-Igbaria Yaseen , Sakas Reem , Bang Sarina , Abu-Ata Saher , Palzur Eilam , Lowenstein Lior , Bornstein Jacob
Published: April 2024

Provoked vulvodynia represents a challenging chronic pain condition, characterized by its multifactorial origins. The inherent complexities of human-based studies have necessitated the use of animal models to enrich our understanding of vulvodynia’s pathophysiology. This review aims to provide an exhaustive examination of the various animal models employed in this research domain. A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, utilizing keywords such as “vulvodynia”, “chronic vulvar pain”, “vulvodynia induction”, and “animal models of vulvodynia” to identify pertinent studies. The search yielded three primary animal models for vulvodynia: inflammation-induced, allergy-induced, and hormone-induced. Additionally, six agents capable of triggering the condition through diverse pathways were identified, including factors contributing to hyperinnervation, mast cell proliferation, involvement of other immune cells, inflammatory cytokines, and neurotransmitters. This review systematically outlines the various animal models developed to study the pathogenesis of provoked vulvodynia. Understanding these models is crucial for the exploration of preventative measures, the development of novel treatments, and the overall advancement of research within the field.
Link Protein 1 Is Involved in the Activity-Dependent Modulation of Perineuronal Nets in the Spinal Cord
Authors: Sánchez-Ventura Judith , Lago Natalia , Penas Clara , Navarro Xavier , Udina Esther
Published: April 2024

One of the challenges of the mature nervous system is to maintain the stability of neural networks while providing a degree of plasticity to generate experience-dependent modifications. This plasticity–stability dynamism is regulated by perineuronal nets (PNNs) and is crucial for the proper functioning of the system. Previously, we found a relation between spinal PNNs reduction and maladaptive plasticity after spinal cord injury (SCI), which was attenuated by maintaining PNNs with activity-dependent therapies. Moreover, transgenic mice lacking the cartilage link protein 1 (Crtl1 KO mice) showed aberrant spinal PNNs and increased spinal plasticity. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the role of link protein 1 in the activity-dependent modulation of spinal PNNs surrounding motoneurons and its impact on the maladaptive plasticity observed following SCI. We first studied the activity-dependent modulation of spinal PNNs using a voluntary wheel-running protocol. This training protocol increased spinal PNNs in WT mice but did not modify PNN components in Crtl1 KO mice, suggesting that link protein 1 mediates the activity-dependent modulation of PNNs. Secondly, a thoracic SCI was performed, and functional outcomes were evaluated for 35 days. Interestingly, hyperreflexia and hyperalgesia found at the end of the experiment in WT-injured mice were already present at basal levels in Crtl1 KO mice and remained unchanged after the injury. These findings demonstrated that link protein 1 plays a dual role in the correct formation and in activity-dependent modulation of PNNs, turning it into an essential element for the proper function of PNN in spinal circuits.
The Effects of Artificial Diets on the Expression of Molecular Marker Genes Related to Honey Bee Health
Authors: Frunze Olga , Kim Hyunjee , Lee Jeong-Hyeon , Kwon Hyung-Wook
Published: April 2024

Honey bees are commonly used to study metabolic processes, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying nutrient transformation, particularly proteins and their effects on development, health, and diseases, still evoke varying opinions among researchers. To address this gap, we investigated the digestibility and transformation of water-soluble proteins from four artificial diets in long-lived honey bee populations (Apis mellifera ligustica), alongside their impact on metabolism and DWV relative expression ratio, using transcriptomic and protein quantification methods. Diet 2, characterized by its high protein content and digestibility, was selected for further analysis from the other studied diets. Subsequently, machine learning was employed to identify six diet-related molecular markers: SOD1, Trxr1, defensin2, JHAMT, TOR1, and vg. The expression levels of these markers were found to resemble those of honey bees who were fed with Diet 2 and bee bread, renowned as the best natural food. Notably, honey bees exhibiting chalkbrood symptoms (Control-N) responded differently to the diet, underscoring the unique nutritional effects on health-deficient bees. Additionally, we proposed a molecular model to elucidate the transition of long-lived honey bees from diapause to development, induced by nutrition. These findings carry implications for nutritional research and beekeeping, underscoring the vital role of honey bees in agriculture.
NRPS-like ATRR in Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Involved in Glycine Betaine Metabolism to Promote Parasitism
Authors: Zhang Hongxia , Li Yanlin , Ling Jian , Zhao Jianlong , Li Yan , Mao Zhenchuan , Cheng Xinyue , Xie Bingyan
Published: April 2024

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are among the most serious phytopathogens and cause widespread and serious damage in major crops. In this study, using a genome mining method, we identified nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS)-like enzymes in genomes of plant-parasitic nematodes, which are conserved with two consecutive reducing domains at the N-terminus (A-T-R1-R2) and homologous to fungal NRPS-like ATRR. We experimentally investigated the roles of the NRPS-like enzyme (MiATRR) in nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) parasitism. Heterologous expression of Miatrr in Saccharomyces cerevisiae can overcome the growth inhibition caused by high concentrations of glycine betaine. RT-qPCR detection shows that Miatrr is significantly upregulated at the early parasitic life stage (J2s in plants) of M. incognita. Host-derived Miatrr RNA interference (RNAi) in Arabidopsis thaliana can significantly decrease the number of galls and egg masses of M. incognita, as well as retard development and reduce the body size of the nematode. Although exogenous glycine betaine and choline have no obvious impact on the survival of free-living M. incognita J2s (pre-parasitic J2s), they impact the performance of the nematode in planta, especially in Miatrr-RNAi plants. Following application of exogenous glycine betaine and choline in the rhizosphere soil of A. thaliana, the numbers of galls and egg masses were obviously reduced by glycine betaine but increased by choline. Based on the knowledge about the function of fungal NRPS-like ATRR and the roles of glycine betaine in host plants and nematodes, we suggest that MiATRR is involved in nematode–plant interaction by acting as a glycine betaine reductase, converting glycine betaine to choline. This may be a universal strategy in plant-parasitic nematodes utilizing NRPS-like ATRR to promote their parasitism on host plants.
Aptamers: Functional-Structural Studies and Biomedical Applications 2.0
Authors: Troisi Romualdo , Sica Filomena
Published: April 2024

As a follow-up to the previous Special Issue “Aptamers: Functional-Structural Studies and Biomedical Applications” [...]
Ensemble-Based Mutational Profiling and Network Analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Omicron XBB Lineages for Interactions with the ACE2 Receptor and Antibodies: Cooperation of Binding Hotspots in Mediating Epistatic Couplings Underlies Binding Mechanism and Immune Escape
Authors: Raisinghani Nishank , Alshahrani Mohammed , Gupta Grace , Verkhivker Gennady
Published: April 2024

In this study, we performed a computational study of binding mechanisms for the SARS-CoV-2 spike Omicron XBB lineages with the host cell receptor ACE2 and a panel of diverse class one antibodies. The central objective of this investigation was to examine the molecular factors underlying epistatic couplings among convergent evolution hotspots that enable optimal balancing of ACE2 binding and antibody evasion for Omicron variants BA.1, BA2, BA.3, BA.4/BA.5, BQ.1.1, XBB.1, XBB.1.5, and XBB.1.5 + L455F/F456L. By combining evolutionary analysis, molecular dynamics simulations, and ensemble-based mutational scanning of spike protein residues in complexes with ACE2, we identified structural stability and binding affinity hotspots that are consistent with the results of biochemical studies. In agreement with the results of deep mutational scanning experiments, our quantitative analysis correctly reproduced strong and variant-specific epistatic effects in the XBB.1.5 and BA.2 variants. It was shown that Y453W and F456L mutations can enhance ACE2 binding when coupled with Q493 in XBB.1.5, while these mutations become destabilized when coupled with the R493 position in the BA.2 variant. The results provided a molecular rationale of the epistatic mechanism in Omicron variants, showing a central role of the Q493/R493 hotspot in modulating epistatic couplings between convergent mutational sites L455F and F456L in XBB lineages. The results of mutational scanning and binding analysis of the Omicron XBB spike variants with ACE2 receptors and a panel of class one antibodies provide a quantitative rationale for the experimental evidence that epistatic interactions of the physically proximal binding hotspots Y501, R498, Q493, L455F, and F456L can determine strong ACE2 binding, while convergent mutational sites F456L and F486P are instrumental in mediating broad antibody resistance. The study supports a mechanism in which the impact on ACE2 binding affinity is mediated through a small group of universal binding hotspots, while the effect of immune evasion could be more variant-dependent and modulated by convergent mutational sites in the conformationally adaptable spike regions.
Peritoneal Inflammation in PD-Related Peritonitis Induces Systemic Eryptosis: In Vitro and In Vivo Assessments
Authors: Virzì Grazia Maria , Morisi Niccolò , Marturano Davide , Milan Manani Sabrina , Tantillo Ilaria , Ronco Claudio , Zanella Monica
Published: April 2024

Erythrocytes (RBCs) have a highly specialized and organized membrane structure and undergo programmed cell death, known as eryptosis. Our preliminary data show a significant increase in the eryptosis during peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis. The objectives of the present study were assessment of the incrementation of eryptosis in PD patients with peritonitis, evaluation of the relationship between systemic eryptosis in peritonitis and specific peritonitis biomarkers in PD effluent (PDE), and confirmation of the induction of eryptosis by peritonitis in a vitro setting. We enrolled 22 PD patients with peritonitis and 17 healthy subjects (control group, CTR). For the in vivo study, eryptosis was measured in freshly isolated RBCs. For the in vitro study, healthy RBCs were exposed to the plasma of 22 PD patients with peritonitis and the plasma of the CTR group for 2, 4, and 24 h. Eryptosis was evaluated by flow cytometric analyses in vivo and in vitro. PDE samples were collected for biomarkers analysis.The percentage of eryptotic RBCs was significantly higher in PD patients with peritonitis than in CTR (PD patients with peritonitis: 7.7; IQR 4.3–14.2, versus CTR: 0.8; IQR 0.7–1.3; p < 0.001). We confirmed these in vivo results by in vitro experiments: healthy RBCs incubated with plasma from PD patients with peritonitis demonstrated a significant increase in eryptosis compared to healthy RBCs exposed to plasma from the control group at all times. Furthermore, significant positive correlations were observed between eryptosis level and all analyzed peritoneal biomarkers of peritonitis. We investigated a potential connection between systemic eryptosis and peritoneal biomarkers of peritonitis. Up-regulation of inflammatory markers could explain the increased rate of systemic eryptosis during PD-related peritonitis.