bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel deep-learning based weighted feature fusion architecture for precise classification of pressure injury
Authors: Wang Dongfang , Guo Lirui , Zhong Juan , Yu Huodan , Tang Yadi , Peng Li , Cai Qiuni , Qi Yangzhi , Zhang Dong , Lin Puxuan
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Precise classification has an important role in treatment of pressure injury (PI), while current machine-learning or deeplearning based methods of PI classification remain low accuracy.

Methods: In this study, we developed a deeplearning based weighted feature fusion architecture for fine-grained classification, which combines a top-down and bottom-up pathway to fuse high-level semantic information and low-level detail representation. We validated it in our established database that consist of 1,519 images from multi-center clinical cohorts. ResNeXt was set as the backbone network.

Results: We increased the accuracy of stage 3 PI from 60.3% to 76.2% by adding weighted feature pyramid network (wFPN). The accuracy for stage 1, 2, 4 PI were 0.870, 0.788, and 0.845 respectively. We found the overall accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score of our network were 0.815, 0.808, 0.816, and 0.811 respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.940.

Conclusions: Compared with current reported study, our network significantly increased the overall accuracy from 75% to 81.5% and showed great performance in predicting each stage. Upon further validation, our study will pave the path to the clinical application of our network in PI management.
Hair follicle stem cells promote epidermal regeneration under expanded condition
Authors: Zhang Yu , Cui Jiangbo , Cang Zhengqiang , Pei Jiaomiao , Zhang Xi , Song Baoqiang , Fan Xing , Ma Xianjie , Li Yang
Published: February 2024

Skin soft tissue expansion is the process of obtaining excess skin mixed with skin development, wound healing, and mechanical stretching. Previous studies have reported that tissue expansion significantly induces epidermal proliferation throughout the skin. However, the mechanisms underlying epidermal regeneration during skin soft tissue expansion are yet to be clarified. Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) have been recognized as a promising approach for epidermal regeneration. This study examines HFSC-related epidermal regeneration mechanisms under expanded condition and proposes a potential method for its cellular and molecular regulation.
Endothelial cells signaling and patterning under hypoxia: a mechanistic integrative computational model including the Notch-Dll4 pathway
Authors: Oliveira Rebeca Hannah de Melo , Annex Brian H. , Popel Aleksander S.
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Several signaling pathways are activated during hypoxia to promote angiogenesis, leading to endothelial cell patterning, interaction, and downstream signaling. Understanding the mechanistic signaling differences between endothelial cells under normoxia and hypoxia and their response to different stimuli can guide therapies to modulate angiogenesis. We present a novel mechanistic model of interacting endothelial cells, including the main pathways involved in angiogenesis.

Methods: We calibrate and fit the model parameters based on well-established modeling techniques that include structural and practical parameter identifiability, uncertainty quantification, and global sensitivity.

Results: Our results indicate that the main pathways involved in patterning tip and stalk endothelial cells under hypoxia differ, and the time under hypoxia interferes with how different stimuli affect patterning. Additionally, our simulations indicate that Notch signaling might regulate vascular permeability and establish different Nitric Oxide release patterns for tip/stalk cells. Following simulations with various stimuli, our model suggests that factors such as time under hypoxia and oxygen availability must be considered for EC pattern control.

Discussion: This project provides insights into the signaling and patterning of endothelial cells under various oxygen levels and stimulation by VEGFA and is our first integrative approach toward achieving EC control as a method for improving angiogenesis. Overall, our model provides a computational framework that can be built on to test angiogenesis-related therapies by modulation of different pathways, such as the Notch pathway.
Verification of a virtual lunar regolith simulant
Authors: Louca Joe , Vrublevskis John , Eder Kerstin , Tzemanaki Antonia
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Physical regolith simulants are valuable tools for developing In-Situ Resource Utilisation hardware. However, using virtual models of regolith instead can reduce costs, limit exposure to hazardous materials, and offer a practical method of testing the effects of reduced gravity.

Methods: We verify a virtual model of regolith as macroparticles against physical tests. Using space partitioning techniques to identify neighbouring particles, we present a scalable model of regolith, in which the computation time increases roughly proportionally with the number of particles. We evaluated the performance of this virtual simulant vs. a physical simulant (Exolith LMS-1) by comparing the flow rate through funnels of various diameters, and the resultant angle of repose of material on both large (500 g) and small (16 g) scale tests.

Results: For large scale tests, the flow rates were within the predicted range for macroparticles with radii 3–7 mm, with the greatest accuracy achieved for radii 4–5 mm. However, the macroparticles blocked the simulated funnels more easily than in the physical trials, due to their high cohesion. The angle of repose was not accurately represented by this model for either of the tests.

Discussion: The high efficiency of this model makes it best suited for applications which require large scale approximations of regolith with real-time execution, such as virtual training for robot operators or providing visual and haptic feedback in model-mediated teleoperation systems. The results of this model in reduced gravity could be further verified against data from upcoming lunar missions in future work.
Behavioral Patterns of Drivers under Signalized and Unsignalized Urban Intersections
Authors: Qu Sirou , Guo Fengxiang
Published: February 2024

Under the general trend of mixed traffic flow, an in-depth understanding of the driving behaviors of traditional vehicles is of great significance for the design of autonomous vehicles and the improvement in the safety and acceptance of autonomous vehicles. This study first obtained microdata on the behaviors of drivers through driving simulation experiments and conducted research in stages. Then, generalized linear mixed-effects models were constructed to study the main effects and interaction effects of driver attributes and traffic conditions on driving behaviors. The data analysis shows that the overall speed of drivers passing through intersections follows a “deceleration acceleration” mode, but the fluctuations are more pronounced at signalized intersections, and the signal control significantly changes the position of the lowest speed when turning left. According to the different signal control and driving tasks, there are significant differences in a driver’s acceleration patterns between the entry and exit stages. A driver’s heart rate fluctuates greatly during the exit phase, especially during straight tasks. Compared with other indicators, the change in the gaze duration is not significant. In addition, interaction effects were observed between driver attributes and traffic conditions, with participants exhibiting different behavioral patterns based on their different attributes. The research results can provide a basis for the design of driving assistance systems and further improve the interactions between autonomous vehicles and traditional vehicles at intersections.
Comparative Analysis of Different Heavy Rainstorm Periods Lasting for Two Consecutive Days in the Qinba Region under the Influence of the Southwest Vortex
Authors: Xiao Yiqing , Liu Ruifang , Ma Yongyong , Zhang Xidi , Lou Panxing , Gao Meng
Published: February 2024

In recent years, heavy rainfall events have occurred frequently in the Qinba region. Forecasting and predicting heavy rainfall in the Qinba region is difficult due to the unique underlying terrain and complicated mechanisms involved. One significant weather system that might bring significant rainfall to the region is the southwest vortex (SWV); however, its different positions, intensities, and interaction with other weather systems might result in precipitation with different intensities and distributions. In this study, ERA-5 reanalysis data, FY-4A satellite data, and conventional observation data were used to examine heavy rainstorms that occurred in the Qinba region in the periods of 3–4 September 2021 (referred to as Stage I) and 4–5 September 2021 (referred to as Stage II), while the SWV was in effect. During Stage I, the northwest vortex (NWV) and SWV generated a mesoscale shear line and mesoscale convective complex (MCC) in the Qinba region. This led to a considerable area of heavy rainfall, with a maximum hourly precipitation of 129 mm and heavy precipitation at 15 stations. During Stage II, a mesoscale convective system (MCS) influenced by the SWV was initiated by a low-level jet, resulting in a localized heavy downpour with a maximum hourly precipitation of 72 mm. Significant topography-forced uplift was found in both Stages I and II in the high-altitude Qinba region. Furthermore, the rainfall was stronger during Stage I due to the secondary circulation that developed in the middle and lower levels. These findings will improve our capability to predict rainstorms and prevent disasters in the Qinba region.
Geochemistry and Provenance of Loess on the Miaodao Islands, China
Authors: Zhang Yunfeng , Wang Kuifeng , Song Jianchao , Liu Paul , Xia Chuanbo , Risha Muhammad , Qiu Xiaohua , Xu Yan , Lv Minghui , Gao Kuifeng , Wang Lin
Published: February 2024

Loess deposits are widely distributed across the globe and provide detailed records of climatic changes since the Quaternary period. Their geochemical element characteristics are important indicators of paleoenvironmental evolution and provenance. Therefore, four typical loess sections from four different islands of the Miaodao Islands were selected for systematically geochemical analysis of major and trace elements. The geochemical data of major and trace elements are very similar, indicating that the loess of all islands on the Miaodao have a common provenance. The geochemical test results show that t SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3 and CaO are the major chemical components of loess, with an average total content of 85–90%. The average Eu/Eu*, ΣLREE/ΣHREE, LaN/YbN, GdN/YbN values of the Miaodao Islands loess range from 0.65 to 0.69, 7.84 to 8.31, 8.02 to 9.99, 1.40 to 1.76. These data are similar to and different from those of the Chinese Loess Plateau, indicating the diversity of Miaodao Islands Loess provenance. The CIA (Chemical Index of Alteration) (50–65) and Na/K results suggest that the loess here had experienced incipient chemical weathering. The A-CN-K (Al2O3-CaO* + Na2O-K2O) diagram indicates that the weathering trend of the loess sections is consistent with that of continental weathering. The local loess data points are close and parallel to the A-CN line, suggesting that the loess dust material on the Miaodao Islands originated from the extensive upper continental crust, and was highly mixed in the process of wind transport and deposition. The relationships of Log[(CaO + Na2O)/K2O] versus Log(SiO2/Al2O3), Na2O/Al2O3 versus K2O/Al2O3, LaN/YbN versus Eu/Eu*, Sc-Th-La and Zr-Sc-Th plots of major and trace elements reveal that the loess sources for the Miaodao Islands are similar to those of the Loess Plateau, which were derived from alluvial fan deposits flanking the Qilian Shan in China, the Gobi Altay and Hangayn Mountains in Mongolia. However, the loess of the Miaodao Islands is coarser in average grain size and contains abundant marine fossils, with gravel layers, indicating it is allochthous and near-source, which suggests it mainly originated from the adjacent exposed sea floor sediments of the Bohai Sea during glacial periods. Finally, we conclude that the loess of the Miaodao Islands is the result of a gradual accumulation process, in which the relative amount of distant-source material decreased and the near-source material increased in response to changes in sea level and paleoclimate. Our findings support that the loess of the Miaodao Islands was formed by mixing material from distant and proximal sources.
Evaluating the Effects of Raindrop Motion on the Accuracy of the Precipitation Inversion Algorithm by X-SAR
Authors: Yu Xueying , Xie Yanan , Wang Rui
Published: February 2024

Precipitation has a profound impact on both human life and the natural environment. X-band synthetic aperture radar (X-SAR) utilizes high-resolution microwave remote-sensing technology, providing opportunities for global precipitation measurements. The current precipitation inversion algorithms from X-SAR measurements assume that precipitation particles remain relatively stationary with the ground. However, the motion of raindrops could potentially reduce the accuracy of these algorithms. In this study, we first established a functional relationship between raindrop motion and SAR echoes based on the standard deviation of the raindrop Doppler velocity spectrum. Secondly, an exploratory algorithm was proposed to retrieve rainfall distribution under the raindrop motion error model (RMM) and quantitatively calculate the precipitation inversion error caused by raindrop motion. In comparison to conditions where the atmosphere is stationary, when the standard deviation of the Doppler velocity spectrum of raindrops is 1.1 m/s, the relative error of the retrieved surface rain rate increases from 2.1% to 35.8%. Numerical simulations show that SAR echoes are sensitive to changes in the standard deviation of the Doppler velocity spectrum, and the impact of raindrop motion on the accuracy of X-SAR precipitation measurements cannot be neglected.
Fast and Stable Responses during Decision Making Require Strong Inhibitory Processes in Soccer Players
Authors: Matsutake Takahiro , Nakata Hiroki , Matsuo Genta , Natsuhara Takayuki , Zippo Kisho , Watanabe Kouki , Sugo Takayuki
Published: February 2024

Quick decision making is a vital factor for a successful pass in soccer games. Many previous studies of decision making in soccer focused on motor execution, but inhibitory processing has remained unclear. This study aimed to clarify the differences in motor execution and inhibitory among Japanese collegiate soccer players with different skill levels. We evaluated the behavioral data and event-related potentials in the high-skilled, low-skilled, and novice groups during the Go/No-go and pass choice reaction tasks. The reaction time (RT) was significantly shorter in the high group than in the novice group, and RT variability was small in the high group. The amplitude of the N2 component was significantly larger in the high group than in the low and novice groups, and the latency of the P3 component was significantly shorter in the high and low groups than in the novice group during the pass choice reaction task. The subtracted No-go N2 amplitude was also significantly larger in the high and low groups than in the novice group, and correlations existed between the RT, RT variability, and the subtracted No-go N2 amplitude during these tasks. These data indicate that soccer players’ behavioral responses and inhibition processing decision-making activities are associated with skill levels.
Neuromodulation of Eating Disorders: A Review of Underlying Neural Network Activity and Neuromodulatory Treatments
Authors: Wu Kevin , Lo Yu Tung , Cavaleri Jonathon , Bergosh Matthew , Ipe Jennifer , Briggs Robert G. , Jann Kay B. , Murray Stuart B. , Mason Xenos L. , Liu Charles Y. , Lee Darrin J.
Published: February 2024

Eating disorders are a group of psychiatric conditions that involve pathological relationships between patients and food. The most prolific of these disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. The current standard of care involves psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and the management of comorbid conditions, with nutritional rehabilitation reserved for severe cases of anorexia nervosa. Unfortunately, many patients often fail to respond, leaving a concerning treatment gap between the current and requisite treatments for eating disorders. To better understand the neurobiology underlying these eating disorders, investigations have been undertaken to characterize the activity of various neural networks, primarily those activated during tasks of executive inhibition, reward processing, and self-reference. Various neuromodulatory techniques have been proposed to stimulate these networks with the goal of improving patients’ BMI and mental health. The aim of this review is to compile a comprehensive summarization of the current literature regarding the underlying neural connectivity of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder as well as the numerous neuromodulatory modalities that have been investigated. Importantly, we aimed to summarize the most significant clinical trials to date as well as to provide an updated assessment of the role of deep brain stimulation, summarizing numerous recently published clinical studies that have greatly contributed to the literature. In this review, we found therapeutic evidence for transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation in treating individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. We also found significant evidence for the role of deep brain stimulation, particularly as an escalatory therapy option for the those who failed standard therapy. Finally, we hope to provide promising directions for future clinical investigations.
Proguanil Suppresses Breast Tumor Growth In Vitro and In Vivo by Inducing Apoptosis via Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Authors: Gupta Nehal , Curcic Marina , Srivastava Sanjay K.
Published: February 2024

Breast cancer, ranking as the second leading cause of female cancer-related deaths in the U.S., demands the exploration of innovative treatments. Repurposing FDA-approved drugs emerges as an expedited and cost-effective strategy. Our study centered on proguanil, an antimalarial drug, reveals notable anti-proliferative effects on diverse breast cancer cell lines, including those derived from patients. Proguanil-induced apoptosis was associated with a substantial increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, leading to reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, respiration, and ATP production. Proguanil treatment upregulated apoptotic markers (Bax, p-H2AX, cleaved-caspase 3, 9, cleaved PARP) and downregulated anti-apoptotic proteins (bcl-2, survivin) in breast cancer cell lines. In female Balb/c mice implanted with 4T1 breast tumors, daily oral administration of 20 mg/kg proguanil suppressed tumor enlargement by 55%. Western blot analyses of proguanil-treated tumors supported the in vitro findings, demonstrating increased levels of p-H2AX, Bax, c-PARP, and c-caspase3 as compared to controls. Our results collectively highlight proguanil’s anticancer efficacy in vitro and in vivo in breast cancer, prompting further consideration for clinical investigations.
Feasible Parameters of Ohmic Areas of YBaCuO Thin Films Switched via Moving Unstable Border between Superconducting and Normal States
Authors: Ardaravičius Linas , Kiprijanovič Oleg
Published: February 2024

A system of two equations based on one of the classical electricity laws was used to determine the sizes and temperatures of ohmic areas formed under action of overcritical nanosecond electrical pulses. Calculations were performed at five points for three experimentally obtained voltage–current (V-I) dependences for samples with the same geometry but different critical current density values. The system included two additional conditions to satisfy the known descriptive model of transition from superconducting (SC) to a normal (N) state—S-N switching—and to obtain physically acceptable solutions over the entire current range of V-I dependence. The solution for each point takes the form of a function, since the initial temperature increase of the primary channel across the film is entered as a parameter. Two modes of concentrated energy release in the channel were disclosed. Their random appearance leads to an unexpected degradation of the sample. As such, the obtained results correspond to the situations occurring during the experiments. The validity of applying additional conditions to the system is discussed. In the discussion, it is also explained at which moments the moving S-N border acquires the velocity of the order of ~106 m/s, comparable to the Fermi velocity. Consideration to describe the moving unstable S-N border as being constantly in a state of Richtmyer–Meshkov instability is presented.
LaZn1−xBi2 as a Candidate for Dirac Nodal-Line Intermetallic Systems
Authors: Ruszała Piotr , Winiarski Maciej J. , Samsel-Czekała Małgorzata
Published: February 2024

The complex theoretical analysis of the density of states, band structures, and Fermi surfaces, based on predictions of the density functional theory methods, unveils the unique electronic properties of the LaZn1−xBi2 system. In this paper, the Zn vacancies (for x=0.5) were modeled using a modified unit cell of lower symmetry than that for a fully stoichiometric one (for x=0). The existence of several Dirac-like features in the electronic band structures was found. Some of them were found to be intimately associated with the nonsymmorphic symmetry of the system, and these were investigated in detail. The calculated Fermi surface shapes, as well as the Fermi velocity values (up to ∼1.2 ×106 m/s), are in good agreement with other analogous square-net Dirac semimetals. The combination of charge-carrier uncompensation, relatively small band splitting, and the tolerance factor for square-net semimetals t≤0.95 for LaZn0.5Bi2, constitutes a very promising indicator of the topological features of this system, warranting further experimental studies.
Theories of Relativistic Dissipative Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Rocha Gabriel S. , Wagner David , Denicol Gabriel S. , Noronha Jorge , Rischke Dirk H.
Published: February 2024

Relativistic dissipative fluid dynamics finds widespread applications in high-energy nuclear physics and astrophysics. However, formulating a causal and stable theory of relativistic dissipative fluid dynamics is far from trivial; efforts to accomplish this reach back more than 50 years. In this review, we give an overview of the field and attempt a comparative assessment of (at least most of) the theories for relativistic dissipative fluid dynamics proposed until today and used in applications.
Critical Thinking in Reading Comprehension: Fine Tuning the Simple View of Reading
Authors: Paige David , Rupley William H. , Ziglari Leily
Published: February 2024

Critical thinking has been identified as an essential skill for the 21st century, yet little research has investigated its role in reading comprehension. Executive functions (EF) and critical thinking overlap, where the latter often rely on the proficient operation of EF and vice versa. Extending the simple view of reading, the active view of reading considers the contribution of language comprehension and decoding to reading comprehension by including the role of EF. In the present study, we assess 360 seventh-grade English language learners attending schools in three states in India. We gathered measures of reading comprehension, critical thinking and listening comprehension, reading fluency, academic vocabulary, and encoding. Using multiple regression to fit a linear model, the best-fit model explained 59.3% of the total variance in reading comprehension. Two indicators of critical thinking, induction and deduction, were significant predictors of reading comprehension, along with listening comprehension, encoding, and academic vocabulary. Also of interest was the result showing reading fluency to be a non-significant predictor of reading comprehension. Results of this study add empirical support for the role of critical thinking in reading comprehension.
An Experimental and Numerical Study on the Cavitation and Spray Characteristics of Micro-Orifice Injectors under Low-Pressure Conditions
Authors: Chen Tzeng-Yuan , Yang Chih-Cheng , Ouyang Kwan
Published: February 2024

A fuel injector plays a crucial role in an internal combustion engine, and the occurrence of cavitation inside the injector may affect the engine’s spray, atomization, and combustion efficiency. In this study, a micro-turbojet engine equipped with a micro-orifice fuel injector was developed that operated under low injection pressure (Pinj), that is, at a low Reynolds number (Re). Given the paucity of cavitation studies conducted under such conditions, the current study experimentally and numerically investigated the cavitation and spray characteristics of water and kerosene in a micro-orifice injector with a diameter of 0.3 mm. The results indicated that the water and kerosene exhibited no cavitation, cavitation, supercavitation, and hydraulic flip. However, the discharged jet was unaffected by internal flows, and the jet angles remained nearly constant, indicating that the cavitation in micro-orifice injectors at a low Re is less important than that at a high Re. Because cavitation in micro-orifice injectors under a low Re has no positive effects on the atomization and spray, determining the geometry of a micro-injector is essential. The injector with a length-to-diameter (L/D) ratio of 3 exhibited an approximately 25% higher discharge coefficient (Cd) than those of injectors with L/D ratios of 6 and 8 and, thus, is recommended for injectors in micro-turbojet engines.
Involvement of Lophodermella sulcigena in Endemic Disease of Pinus mugo Needles in the Polish Tatra Mountains
Authors: Kowalski Tadeusz , Bartnik Czesław , Bilański Piotr
Published: February 2024

Pinus mugo plays a significant ecological role in the natural environment at high altitudes in the mountains including the Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians, and Balkans. In such severe conditions, it is subjected to the harmful effects of various abiotic and biotic factors. In one of the areas of its natural occurrence in Tatra Mts. (southern Poland), for the last few years, a significant intensification of needle disease has been observed. Symptoms similar to those recorded in Tatra Mts. also occur on other Pinus species in Europe and North America, where they are caused by fungi belonging to the genus Elytroderma, Lophodermella, Lophophacidium or Ploioderma (Rhytismataceae). The current paper presents the results of research which was mainly aimed at characterization of disease symptoms observed for the first time in Poland on P. mugo needles, and identification of the main causal agent with use of the morphological and molecular technique. Based on the analyses performed at different times of the year (2015–2020), it was found that dieback symptoms initially appeared only on first-year needles, a few weeks after their development. Symptoms occur on one or both needles in the bundle. The distal parts of the needles died, while the basal parts remained green. In the following year, mainly in June and July, on the previous year’s needles attached to the shoots, mature ascomata can be seen. The fungus Lophodermella sulcigena has been identified as the cause of these symptoms. So far, the related species L. conjuncta has not been found. The morphological features of the pathogen microstructure produced on P. mugo needles are presented. Attention was drawn to certain features that may make its identification difficult, especially in terms of shapes and sizes of ascospores. The phylogenetic position of the identified causal agent in relation to closely related other species was determined. The current results confirmed that L. sulcigena shows great phylogenetic similarity to L. montivaga, which is found in North America. Nine rDNA barcode sequences of L. sulcigena obtained in this work will enrich the NCBI GenBank database. The obtained results, indicating the presence of other fungi in L. sulcigena ascomata, which may limit the spread of its ascospores, were also discussed.
The Future of Healthcare with Industry 5.0: Preliminary Interview-Based Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Basulo-Ribeiro Juliana , Teixeira Leonor
Published: February 2024

With the advent of Industry 5.0 (I5.0), healthcare is undergoing a profound transformation, integrating human capabilities with advanced technologies to promote a patient-centered, efficient, and empathetic healthcare ecosystem. This study aims to examine the effects of Industry 5.0 on healthcare, emphasizing the synergy between human experience and technology. To this end, 6 specific objectives were found, which were answered in the results through an empirical study based on interviews with 11 healthcare professionals. This article thus outlines strategic and policy guidelines for the integration of I5.0 in healthcare, advocating policy-driven change, and contributes to the literature by offering a solid theoretical basis on I5.0 and its impact on the healthcare sector.
An Ontology-Based Cybersecurity Framework for AI-Enabled Systems and Applications
Authors: Preuveneers Davy , Joosen Wouter
Published: February 2024

Ontologies have the potential to play an important role in the cybersecurity landscape as they are able to provide a structured and standardized way to semantically represent and organize knowledge about a domain of interest. They help in unambiguously modeling the complex relationships between various cybersecurity concepts and properties. Leveraging this knowledge, they provide a foundation for designing more intelligent and adaptive cybersecurity systems. In this work, we propose an ontology-based cybersecurity framework that extends well-known cybersecurity ontologies to specifically model and manage threats imposed on applications, systems, and services that rely on artificial intelligence (AI). More specifically, our efforts focus on documenting prevalent machine learning (ML) threats and countermeasures, including the mechanisms by which emerging attacks circumvent existing defenses as well as the arms race between them. In the ever-expanding AI threat landscape, the goal of this work is to systematically formalize a body of knowledge intended to complement existing taxonomies and threat-modeling approaches of applications empowered by AI and to facilitate their automated assessment by leveraging enhanced reasoning capabilities.
Identification of Clubroot (Plasmodiophora brassicae) Resistance Loci in Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) with Recessive Character
Authors: Zhang Hui , Liu Xitong , Zhou Jinyan , Strelkov Stephen E. , Fredua-Agyeman Rudolph , Zhang Shifan , Li Fei , Li Guoliang , Wu Jian , Sun Rifei , Hwang Sheau-Fang , Zhang Shujiang
Published: February 2024

The soil-borne pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae is the causal agent of clubroot, a major disease in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis). The host’s resistance genes often confer immunity to only specific pathotypes and may be rapidly overcome. Identification of novel clubroot resistance (CR) from germplasm sources is necessary. In this study, Bap246 was tested by being crossed with different highly susceptible B. rapa materials and showed recessive resistance to clubroot. An F2 population derived from Bap246 × Bac1344 was used to locate the resistance Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) by Bulk Segregant Analysis Sequencing (BSA-Seq) and QTL mapping methods. Two QTL on chromosomes A01 (4.67–6.06 Mb) and A08 (10.42–11.43 Mb) were found and named Cr4Ba1.1 and Cr4Ba8.1, respectively. Fifteen and eleven SNP/InDel markers were used to narrow the target regions in the larger F2 population to 4.67–5.17 Mb (A01) and 10.70–10.84 Mb (A08), with 85 and 19 candidate genes, respectively. The phenotypic variation explained (PVE) of the two QTL were 30.97% and 8.65%, respectively. Combined with gene annotation, mutation site analysis, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis, one candidate gene in A08 was identified, namely Bra020861. And an insertion and deletion (InDel) marker (co-segregated) named Crr1-196 was developed based on the gene sequence. Bra013275, Bra013299, Bra013336, Bra013339, Bra013341, and Bra013357 in A01 were the candidate genes that may confer clubroot resistance in Chinese cabbage. The resistance resource and the developed marker will be helpful in Brassica breeding programs.
Morphology, Palynology and Phytochemicals of Medicinal Plants
Authors: Zaman Wajid
Published: February 2024

The study of plant morphology and palynology not only enhances our understanding of plant biology, but also provides insights into the evolutionary adaptations and ecological dynamics that contribute to the medicinal properties of plants [...]
Knowledge and Attitudes of Medical and Nursing Students in a Greek University Regarding Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Authors: Lagadinou Maria , Spiliopoulou Katerina , Paraskevas Themistoklis , Gkentzi Despoina , Assimakopoulos Stelios , Katsakiori Paraskevi , Leonidou Leonidia , Marangos Markos
Published: February 2024

Aims and Objectives: the present study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of medical and nursing students at the University of Patras, western Greece, regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sexual behavior and STI prevention measures, as well as the level of future healthcare professionals’ education. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 231 medical and nursing students (n = 106 medical, and n = 125 nursing) completed and returned the pre-tested study questionnaire. Results: Most participants (77.5%) were females and46.1% were in the age group of 18–21 years. Syphilis, HIV/AIDS, and Hepatitis B were regarded as STIs by 65.8% of them. Medical students could predominantly list the widely known STIs compared to nursing students (p = 0.004). Regarding HIV/AIDS, 72.7% of the respondents reported that it is transmitted sexually and through blood transfusion. However, medical students were better informed than nursing students (p = 0.001). Medical students as well as students in the final year of their studies were found to be better informed about the vaccines available to prevent STIs. Regarding the question about what constitutes a risky sexual behavior, 71.4% answered sexual intercourse without the use of condom and 18.6% indicated having sex with an unknown partner. Most participants (69.7%) were satisfied with the education provided by their institution and no statistically significant difference was observed between medical and nursing students. Almost all students (97.8%) agreed that the course/subject of sex education must be included in school programs. Conclusions: A comprehensive analysis of knowledge and attitudes of Greek medical and nursing students regarding STIs, prevention measures and education level was conducted. The results of the present study could assist in the development of targeted training courses that can improve healthcare professionals’ knowledge and ability to manage STIs.
Spatial and Temporal Changes in Social Vulnerability to Natural Hazards in Mexico
Authors: León-Cruz José Francisco , Romero David , Rodríguez-García Hugo Ignacio
Published: February 2024

The spatial and temporal changes in social vulnerability to natural hazards in Mexico are analyzed. To this end, using census data from 2000, 2010, and 2020, and a statistical method, different indices were computed, and with a GIS-based approach, patterns of social vulnerability are examined. In addition, a risk assessment test for severe weather (thunderstorms, hailstorms, and tornadoes) is made out. The results show different common social vulnerability driving factors in the 3 analyzed years, with root causes that have not been addressed since the beginning of the century. Likewise, a wider gap between Mexico’s most and least vulnerable populations is identified. The changes in spatial patterns respond to different historical situations, such as migration, urbanization, and increased population. Also, poverty, ethnicity, and marginalization factors located in very particular regions in Mexico have remained relatively the same in the last 20 twenty years. These situations have strongly influenced the spatial–temporal distribution of vulnerability in the country. The role of social vulnerability in the disaster risk to extreme events such as thunderstorms, hailstorms, and tornadoes in Mexico is fundamental to understanding changes in disaster distribution at the national level, and it is the first step to generating improvements in integrated risk management.
Remarkable Phenotypic Virulence Factors of Microsporum canis and Their Associated Genes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vite-Garín Tania , Estrada-Cruz Norma Angélica , Hernández-Castro Rigoberto , Fuentes-Venado Claudia Erika , Zarate-Segura Paola Berenice , Frías-De-León María Guadalupe , Martínez-Castillo Macario , Martínez-Herrera Erick , Pinto-Almazán Rodolfo
Published: February 2024

Microsporum canis is a widely distributed dermatophyte, which is among the main etiological agents of dermatophytosis in humans and domestic animals. This fungus invades, colonizes and nourishes itself on the keratinized tissues of the host through various virulence factors. This review will bring together the known information about the mechanisms, enzymes and their associated genes relevant to the pathogenesis processes of the fungus and will provide an overview of those virulence factors that should be better studied to establish effective methods of prevention and control of the disease. Public databases using the MeSH terms “Microsporum canis”, “virulence factors” and each individual virulence factor were reviewed to enlist a series of articles, from where only original works in English and Spanish that included relevant information on the subject were selected. Out of the 147 articles obtained in the review, 46 were selected that reported virulence factors for M. canis in a period between 1988 and 2023. The rest of the articles were discarded because they did not contain information on the topic (67), some were written in different languages (3), and others were repeated in two or more databases (24) or were not original articles (7). The main virulence factors in M. canis are keratinases, fungilisins and subtilisins. However, less commonly reported are biofilms or dipeptidylpeptidases, among others, which have been little researched because they vary in expression or activity between strains and are not considered essential for the infection and survival of the fungus. Although it is known that they are truly involved in resistance, infection and metabolism, we recognize that their study could strengthen the knowledge of the pathogenesis of M. canis with the aim of achieving effective treatments, as well as the prevention and control of infection.
Evidence of the Role of Inflammation and the Hormonal Environment in the Pathogenesis of Adrenal Myelolipomas in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Kolli Vipula , Frucci Emily , da Cunha Isabela Werneck , Iben James R. , Kim Sun A. , Mallappa Ashwini , Li Tianwei , Faucz Fabio Rueda , Kebebew Electron , Nilubol Naris , Quezado Martha M. , Merke Deborah P.
Published: February 2024

Adrenal myelolipomas (AML) are composed of mature adipose and hematopoietic components. They represent approximately 3 percent of adrenal tumors and are commonly found in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). CAH provides a unique environment to explore AML pathogenesis. We aimed to evaluate the role of the immune system and hormones that accumulate in poorly controlled CAH in the development of AML. When compared to normal adrenal tissue, CAH-affected adrenal tissue and myelolipomas showed an increased expression of inflammatory cells (CD68, IL2Rbeta), stem cells (CD117) B cells (IRF4), and adipogenic markers (aP2/FABP4, AdipoQ, PPARγ, Leptin, CideA), and immunostaining showed nodular lymphocytic accumulation. Immunohistochemistry staining revealed a higher density of inflammatory cells (CD20, CD3, CD68) in CAH compared to non-CAH myelolipomas. In vitro RNA-sequencing studies using NCI-H295R adrenocortical cells with exogenous exposure to ACTH, testosterone, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone hormones, showed the differential expression of genes involved in cell cycle progression, phosphorylation, and tumorigenesis. Migration of B-lymphocytes was initiated after the hormonal treatment of adrenocortical cells using the Boyden chamber chemotaxis assay, indicating a possible hormonal influence on triggering inflammation and the development of myelolipomas. These findings demonstrate the important role of inflammation and the hormonal milieu in the development of AML in CAH.
Dihydropashanone Isolated from Lindera erythrocarpa, a Potential Natural Product for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Liu Zhiming , Yoon Chi-Su , Lee Hwan , Lee Hyeong-Kyu , Lee Dong-Sung
Published: February 2024

Lindera erythrocarpa, a flowering plant native to eastern Asia, has been reported to have neuroprotective activity. However, reports on the specific bioactive compounds in L. erythrocarpa are finite. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective effects of the compounds isolated from L. erythrocarpa. Dihydropashanone, a compound isolated from L. erythrocarpa extract, was found to have protected mouse hippocampus HT22 cells from glutamate-induced cell death. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of dihydropashanone in mouse microglial BV2 and HT22 cells were explored in this study. The results reveal that dihydropashanone inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory response and suppresses the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB in BV2 cells. In addition, dihydropashanone reduced the buildup of reactive oxygen species in HT22 cells and induced activation of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase (HO)-1 signaling pathway in BV2 and HT22 cells. Our results suggest that dihydropashanone reduces neuroinflammation by decreasing NF-κB activation in microglia cells and protects neurons from oxidative stress via the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Thus, our data suggest that dihydropashanone offers a broad range of applications in the treatment of neurodegenerative illnesses.
Could MMP3 and MMP9 Serve as Biomarkers in EBV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Polz Anna , Morshed Kamal , Drop Bartłomiej , Polz-Dacewicz Małgorzata
Published: February 2024

The high incidence of, and mortality from, head and neck cancers (HNCs), including those related to Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), constitute a major challenge for modern medicine, both in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, many researchers have made efforts to identify diagnostic and prognostic factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP 3) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP 9) in EBV positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) patients. For this purpose, the level of these MMPs in the serum of patients with EBV-positive OPSCC was analyzed in relation to the degree of histological differentiation and TNM classification. Our research team’s results indicate that the level of both MMPs is much higher in the EBV positive OPSCC patients compared to the EBV negative and control groups. Moreover, their levels were higher in more advanced clinical stages. Considering the possible correlation between the level of MMP 3, MMP 9 and anti-EBV antibodies, and also viral load, after statistical analysis using multiple linear regression, their high correlation was demonstrated. The obtained results confirm the diagnostic accuracy for MMP 3 and MMP 9. Both MMPs may be useful in the diagnosis of EBV positive OPSCC patients.
PCR-Based Equine Gene Doping Test for the Australian Horseracing Industry
Authors: Wilkin Tessa , Hamilton Natasha A. , Cawley Adam T. , Bhat Somanath , Baoutina Anna
Published: February 2024

The term ‘gene doping’ is used to describe the use of any unauthorized gene therapy techniques. We developed a test for five likely candidate genes for equine gene doping: EPO, FST, GH1, IGF1, and ILRN1. The test is based on real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and includes separate screening and confirmation assays that detect different unique targets in each transgene. For doping material, we used nonviral (plasmid) and viral (recombinant adeno-associated virus) vectors carrying complementary DNA for the targeted genes; the vectors were accurately quantified by digital PCR. To reduce non-specific amplification from genomic DNA observed in some assays, a restriction digest step was introduced in the PCR protocol prior to cycling to cut the amplifiable targets within the endogenous genes. We made the screening stage of the test simpler and faster by multiplexing PCR assays for four transgenes (EPO, FST, IGF1, and ILRN1), while the GH1 assay is performed in simplex. Both stages of the test reliably detect at least 20 copies of each transgene in a background of genomic DNA equivalent to what is extracted from two milliliters of equine blood. The test protocol was documented and tested with equine blood samples provided by an official doping control authority. The developed tests will form the basis for screening official horseracing samples in Australia.
The Function, Regulation, and Mechanism of Protein Turnover in Circadian Systems in Neurospora and Other Species
Authors: Zhang Haoran , Zhou Zengxuan , Guo Jinhu
Published: February 2024

Circadian clocks drive a large array of physiological and behavioral activities. At the molecular level, circadian clocks are composed of positive and negative elements that form core oscillators generating the basic circadian rhythms. Over the course of the circadian period, circadian negative proteins undergo progressive hyperphosphorylation and eventually degrade, and their stability is finely controlled by complex post-translational pathways, including protein modifications, genetic codon preference, protein–protein interactions, chaperon-dependent conformation maintenance, degradation, etc. The effects of phosphorylation on the stability of circadian clock proteins are crucial for precisely determining protein function and turnover, and it has been proposed that the phosphorylation of core circadian clock proteins is tightly correlated with the circadian period. Nonetheless, recent studies have challenged this view. In this review, we summarize the research progress regarding the function, regulation, and mechanism of protein stability in the circadian clock systems of multiple model organisms, with an emphasis on Neurospora crassa, in which circadian mechanisms have been extensively investigated. Elucidation of the highly complex and dynamic regulation of protein stability in circadian clock networks would greatly benefit the integrated understanding of the function, regulation, and mechanism of protein stability in a wide spectrum of other biological processes.