bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Ribonuclease Activity in the Testa of Common Bean Seedlings during Germination: Implication and Characterization of the Ribonuclease T2 PvRNS3
Authors: Diaz-Baena Mercedes , Galvez-Valdivieso Gregorio , Delgado-Garcia Elena , Piedras Pedro
Published: October 2023

T2 ribonucleases are endoribonucleases that are found in every organism and that carry out important biological functions. In plants, T2 ribonucleases are organized into multi-gene families, and each member is thought to have a specific function. In this study, the ribonuclease activity has been analyzed in common bean seedlings during germination and it was found that the activity was very high in the testa during this process. This high activity correlated with a high level of expression of the S-like ribonuclease T2 PvRNS3. The protein encoded by this gene was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and characterized. The purified protein showed ribonuclease activity with RNA and not with DNA, confirming that PvRNS3 encodes a ribonuclease. PvRNS3 is an acidic ribonuclease with remarkable heat stability, of which activity is inhibited by Cu and Zn, as well as by ditiotreitol (DTT). PvRNS3 expression was also selectively induced in some stress situations, such as salt stress in radicles and wounded leaves. The high level of expression in the testa and high ribonuclease activity suggest an additional role for the testa in common bean germination, apart from being a protective barrier for embryos in seeds. The putative role of this ribonuclease in the extracellular space after seed hydration and release to the surrounding space to improve seedling fitness is discussed.
Technologies and Equipment of Mechanized Blossom Thinning in Orchards: A Review
Authors: Lei Xiaohui , Yuan Quanchun , Xyu Tao , Qi Yannan , Zeng Jin , Huang Kai , Sun Yuanhao , Herbst Andreas , Lyu Xiaolan
Published: October 2023

Orchard thinning can avoid biennial bearing and improve fruit quality, which is a necessary agronomic section in orchard management. The existing methods of artificial fruit thinning and chemical spraying are no longer suitable for the development of modern agriculture. With the continuous acceleration of the construction process of modern orchards, blossom thinning mechanization has become an inevitable trend in the development of the orchard flower and fruit management. Based on relevant reports in the past 20 years, the paper discusses the current level of development of mechanized blossom thinning technologies and equipment in orchards from three aspects: mechanism research, machine development, and intelligent upgrading. Firstly, for thinning mechanism research, three directions were investigated: the rope flexible hitting force, thinning agronomic requirements, and the fruit tree growth model between thinning and fruit yields. Secondly, for marketable machine developments, two types of machines were investigated: the hand-held thinner and tractor-mounted thinner. The hand-held thinner is mainly suitable for traditional old orchards with a messy canopy structure, especially in the interior and top of the canopy. The tractor-mounted thinner is mainly suitable for orchards with the same crown structure, such as the hedge type, trunk type, and V-type. Thirdly, for equipment intelligent upgrading, the research of the intelligent detection algorithm for inflorescence on the fruit tree was investigated, for species including the apple, pear, citrus, grape, litchi, mango, and apricot. Finally, combining the advantages and disadvantages of the research, the authors propose thoughts and prospects, which can provide a reference for the design and applications of orchard mechanized blossom thinning.
Comparative Analysis of Microsatellite and SNP Markers for Genetic Management of Red Deer
Authors: Pérez-González Javier , Carranza Juan , Anaya Gabriel , Broggini Camilla , Vedel Giovanni , de la Peña Eva , Membrillo Alberto
Published: October 2023

The analysis of population genetic structure and individual multilocus heterozygosity are crucial for wildlife management and conservation. Microsatellite markers have traditionally been used to assess these genetic parameters. However, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are becoming increasingly popular. Our goal here was to determine to what extent SNPs can provide better insights than microsatellites into the overall genetic status and population genetic processes in the species. To this end, we genotyped 210 red deer (Cervus elaphus) in the Spanish wild population with both 11 microsatellites and 31,712 SNPs. We compared parameters related to population genetic structure and individual multilocus heterozygosity obtained with both types of markers. Our results showed correlations between parameters measured using both microsatellites and SNPs, particularly those related to the level of genetic diversity and genetic differentiation. However, we found notably lower precision of microsatellites in measuring the distribution of genetic diversity among individuals. We conclude that microsatellites can be used to monitor the overall genetic status and detect broad patterns in red deer populations. Nevertheless, the greater precision of SNPs in inferring genetic structure and multilocus heterozygosity leads us to encourage scientists and wildlife managers to prioritize their use whenever possible.
Live Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii) Supplementation in a European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Diet: Effects on the Growth and Immune Response Parameters
Authors: Perdichizzi Anna , Meola Martina , Caccamo Letteria , Caruso Gabriella , Gai Francesco , Maricchiolo Giulia
Published: October 2023

The present study has been aimed at evaluating the effects of the dietary inclusion of the live yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii (LSB) administered at increasing concentrations (0, 100, and 300 mg kg−1 of feed, here referred to as LSB 0, 100, 300) for 90 days, on the health conditions of European sea bass. The main zootechnical parameters, histological and morphological analyses, innate immunity response parameters (intestinal cytokine expression, lysozyme content, spontaneous hemolytic and hemagglutinating activities, antibacterial activities, and peroxidase activity) were measured as fish welfare parameters. LSB did not impair either growth parameters or the morphometric indexes. LSB down-regulated interleukin-1β transcription in the distal gut of fish treated with 5.4 × 105 CFU g−1 (LSB100) for 21 days. The interleukin-6 mRNA level decreased significantly in the proximal gut for both doses of yeast, after 21 days of feeding; the gene expression of interleukin-6 was significantly lower in the sea bass fed 10.81 × 105 CFU g−1 (LSB300) probiotic. The levels of TNF-α mRNA were not influenced by probiotic supplementation. Increases, although not significant, in the hematological and immunological parameters were also recorded. The data collected in the present study suggests that an LSB-supplemented diet acts on the gut immune system of sea bass by modulating the expression of the key inflammatory genes.
Preliminary Study to Assess the Impact of Dietary Rutin on Growth, Antioxidant Capacity, and Intestinal Health of Yellow Catfish, Pelteobagrus fulvidraco
Authors: Liu Apeng , Lu Xing , Ji Zhehui , Dong Lixue , Jiang Jiayuan , Tian Juan , Wen Hua , Xu Zhen , Xu Guohuan , Jiang Ming
Published: October 2023

This research aimed to examine the effects of dietary rutin supplementation on growth, body composition, serum biochemical indexes, liver enzyme activities and antioxidant-related genes expression, intestinal morphology, and microbiota composition of juvenile yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). Rutin was added to the basal diets at doses of 0 (control), 100 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg. Each diet was fed randomly into three tanks, each tank containing 30 fish with an initial body mass of (10.27 ± 0.62) g. The feeding trial was conducted in an indoor recirculating aquiculture system at 28 °C for 56 days. According to the findings, the inclusion of 100 mg/kg rutin significantly improved the growth performance of yellow catfish and reduced the feed conversion ratio; however, the growth promotion effect was diminished when the diet was supplemented with 500 mg/kg of rutin. The inclusion of 500 mg/kg rutin in the diet significantly reduced the level of crude lipid and protein of the whole fish. Serum activities of alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and total protein were all significantly increased when fish were fed the diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg rutin, while serum glucose was significantly lower compared to the control group. Meanwhile, dietary rutin at a concentration of 500 mg/kg significantly induced the hepatic mRNA expressions of antioxidant-related genes (including Cu/Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD, CAT, GPx) and inflammatory-associated genes (including TNFα, IL-10, LYZ). Incorporating rutin at doses of 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg into the diets resulted in a notable increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, while simultaneously reducing malondiadehyde (MDA) content in the liver and intestine. Intestinal villus height, villus width, muscular thickness, and lumen diameter were significantly increased with the administration of 500 mg/kg of dietary rutin. Gut microbial diversity analysis indicated that supplementing diets with 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg rutin significantly enhanced the abundance of Cetobacterium while decreasing Plesiomonas richness. In conclusion, dietary rutin levels at 100 mg/kg could enhance the growth, antioxidant capability, and intestinal health of yellow catfish under present experimental conditions.
Technical and Economic Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Schinus terebinthifolius Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: de Souza Ana , Santos Gustavo , Bispo Artur , Hodel Katharine , Machado Bruna , Chaves Douglas , Mendes Marisa , Pessoa Fernando
Published: October 2023

This study evaluated the technical and economic feasibility of using supercritical CO2 extraction for the production of bioactive compounds from Schinus terebinthifolius. Supercritical fluid extraction techniques employing carbon dioxide were employed to extract valuable compounds from S. terebinthifolius. The extraction was performed under different operating conditions, showing an increase in yield with higher pressures and temperatures. The bioactive compounds in the extract demonstrated significant potential in terms of their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, making them valuable for applications in food preservation. The economic evaluation revealed a positive net present value (NPV) and favorable return on investment (ROI) within a two-year timeframe. The break-even point was determined to be below 25% production capacity, supporting the economic feasibility of the process. Overall, the utilization of supercritical CO2 extraction for bioactive compounds from S. terebinthifolius offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly extraction method while ensuring the extract’s integrity and quality. Although the operational costs and extractor contributions require consideration, the findings support the economic viability and commercial potential of this technique. Further research and development can enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness, making it an attractive option for various commercial applications.
Monitoring Salivary Sialic Acid and Sialidase Activity to Assess Oral Health Status: Results of a Single Site Double-Blind Study
Authors: Sreenivasan Prem K. , Nandlal Bhojraj , Aruna Ganganna , Madhunapantula SubbaRao V.
Published: October 2023

Objective: Sialic acid [SA] represents a critical mucosal membrane component maintaining mucosal integrity. This investigation stratified adult subjects based on clinical parameters of periodontal health to examine salivary sialic acid [SA] as a health measure and develop a corresponding rapid visual chair-side assay. Methods: Adults [n = 90] were enrolled and clinically stratified into healthy [n = 30], gingivitis [n = 29] or periodontitis [n = 31] groups. Saliva from subjects was evaluated for SA using the Ninhydrin method. A novel rapid SA spot test was developed utilizing filter paper discs soaked in a sialidase substrate. Substrate-laden disks were incubated at room temperature with saliva produced a blue color with increasing color intensities due to higher sialidase activity. Subjects were recalled weekly for clinical and salivary assessments. Results: Average baseline salivary SA in healthy, gingivitis and periodontal disease groups were 64, 95 and 102 µg/mL, respectively with significant differences (<0.05). Differences in SA concentrations among control and test groups were maintained throughout the study. Similarly, the differences in the color intensities in the rapid visual chair side spot test were also observed during the entire study period. Conclusions: Increasing levels of salivary SA were observed from healthy to periodontal disease with these differences remaining consistent over the study. These results corresponded with the chair-side visual assay, which is suitable for patient education or monitoring.
Multi-UAV Cooperative Searching and Tracking for Moving Targets Based on Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Su Kai , Qian Feng
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we propose a distributed multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) method to learn cooperative searching and tracking policies for multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with limited sensing range and communication ability. Firstly, we describe the system model for multi-UAV cooperative searching and tracking for moving targets and consider average observation rate and average exploration rate as the metrics. Moreover, we propose the information update and fusion mechanisms to enhance environment perception ability of the multi-UAV system. Then, the details of our method are demonstrated, including observation and action space representation, reward function design and training framework based on multi-agent proximal policy optimization (MAPPO). The simulation results have shown that our method has well convergence performance and outperforms other baseline algorithms in terms of average observation rate and average exploration rate.
Hydration, Reactivity and Durability Performance of Low-Grade Calcined Clay-Silica Fume Hybrid Mortar
Authors: Boakye Kwabena , Khorami Morteza
Published: October 2023

Low-grade calcined clay, due to its low cost, availability and low temperature calcination, has been gaining attention in recent times as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in the manufacture of revolutionary building materials to improve the fresh and hardened properties of concrete. Silica fume, on the other hand, has been used, over the years, to improve the performance of concrete due to its reduced porosity and improved transition zone quality. In spite of the individual contribution of these two pozzolans to the strength and durability of concrete, there is a knowledge gap in the properties of ternary blended mixes utilizing calcined clay and silica fume. In this study, the synergistic effect of calcined clay and silica fume on the fresh and hardened properties of cementitious mortar have been investigated. The two pozzolans were used to partially substitute Portland cement to form a ternary blended composite binder having, at a maximum, a replacement of 30% by weight and a varying content of calcined clay and silica fume. The influence of the binary and ternary blended mixes on hydration, pozzolanic reactivity and the mechanical and durability properties of mortar was studied. From the results, partial replacement of cement with 30% calcined clay and silica fume caused significant reductions in the portlandite content of the two hydrated pastes at all curing ages. Drying shrinkage was found to be less severe in the control mortar than the blended cement mixes. Compared to the blended cement specimens, the control suffered the most weight (13.3%) and strength (10%) losses, as indicated by the sulphate resistance test.
Integrating Bioindicators and Biomarkers in Aquatic Ecotoxicology: An Overview
Authors: Calisi Antonio
Published: October 2023

Water is not only a commercial product, but also a common good and a limited resource that must be protected and used sustainably, in terms of both quality and quantity [...]
Inducing Optimality in Prescribed Performance Control for Uncertain Euler–Lagrange Systems
Authors: Vlachos Christos , Malli Ioanna , Bechlioulis Charalampos P. , Kyriakopoulos Kostas J.
Published: October 2023

The goal of this paper is to find a stabilizing and optimal control policy for a class of systems dictated by Euler–Lagrange dynamics, that also satisfies predetermined response criteria. The proposed methodology builds upon two stages. Initially, a neural network is trained online via an iterative process to capture the system dynamics, which are assumed to be unknown. Subsequently, a successive approximation algorithm is applied, employing the acquired dynamics from the previous step, to find a near-optimal control law that takes into consideration prescribed performance specifications, such as convergence speed and steady-state error. In addition, we concurrently guarantee that the system evolves exclusively within the compact set for which sufficient approximation capabilities have been acquired. Finally, we validate our claims through various simulated studies that confirm the success of both the identification process and the minimization of the cost function.
Numerical Analysis of Vibroacoustic Response of Timber Floor Panels Damped with Porous Materials
Authors: Titirla Magdalini , Larbi Walid
Published: October 2023

This research aims to investigate the impact of incorporating porous materials on reducing noise and vibration in wooden floor panels, and to analyze the vibroacoustic performance of the assembled panel under different types of excitation and boundary conditions, particularly in the lower frequency range. The study begins with an experimental investigation and numerical modeling to determine the mechanical properties of the orthotropic wood material used in the floor panels. Subsequently, a finite element formulation, based on a variational approach, is presented to study the vibroacoustic response of an elastic structure coupled with a porous material exhibiting realistic behavior. The porous material is characterized by two phases: solid and fluid, represented in the formulation through the displacement field for the solid phase and the pressure for the fluid phase. This formulation offers the advantage of reduced computation cost and simplifies the coupling between all domains. To calculate the acoustic radiation of the structure, the Rayleigh integral is employed. Utilizing the proposed numerical approach, a comprehensive study is conducted to analyze the reduction in vibration–acoustic response of the floor with the incorporated porous layer, taking into account different types of excitation and boundary conditions applied to the system.
Heart Sound Classification Using Wavelet Analysis Approaches and Ensemble of Deep Learning Models
Authors: Lee Jin-A , Kwak Keun-Chang
Published: October 2023

Analyzing the condition and function of the heart is very important because cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are responsible for high mortality rates worldwide and can lead to strokes and heart attacks; thus, early diagnosis and treatment are important. Phonocardiogram (PCG) signals can be used to analyze heart rate characteristics to detect heart health and detect heart-related diseases. In this paper, we propose a method for designing using wavelet analysis techniques and an ensemble of deep learning models from phonocardiogram (PCG) for heart sound classification. For this purpose, we use wavelet scattering transform (WST) and continuous wavelet transform (CWT) as the wavelet analysis approaches for 1D-convolutional neural network (CNN) and 2D-CNN modeling, respectively. These features are insensitive to translations of the input on an invariance scale and are continuous with respect to deformations. Furthermore, the ensemble model is combined with 1D-CNN and 2D-CNN. The proposed method consists of four stages: a preprocessing stage for dividing signals at regular intervals, a feature extraction stage through wavelet scattering transform (WST) and continuous wavelet transform (CWT), a design stage of individual 1D-CNN and 2D-CNN, and a classification stage of heart sound by the ensemble model. The datasets used for the experiment were the PhysioNet/CinC 2016 challenge dataset and the PASCAL classifying heart sounds challenge dataset. The performance evaluation is performed by precision, recall, F1-score, sensitivity, and specificity. The experimental results revealed that the proposed method showed good performance on two datasets in comparison to the previous methods. The ensemble method of the proposed deep learning model surpasses the performance of recent studies and is suitable for predicting and diagnosing heart-related diseases by classifying heart sounds through phonocardiogram (PCG) signals.
New Partially Linear Regression and Machine Learning Models Applied to Agronomic Data
Authors: Rodrigues Gabriela M. , Ortega Edwin M. M. , Cordeiro Gauss M.
Published: October 2023

Regression analysis can be appropriate to describe a nonlinear relationship between the response variable and the explanatory variables. This article describes the construction of a partially linear regression model with two systematic components based on the exponentiated odd log-logistic normal distribution. The parameters are estimated by the penalized maximum likelihood method. Simulations for some parameter settings and sample sizes empirically prove the accuracy of the estimators. The superiority of the proposed regression model over other regression models is shown by means of agronomic experimentation data. The predictive performance of the new model is compared with two machine learning techniques: decision trees and random forests. These methods achieved similar prediction performance, i.e., none stands out as a better predictor. In this sense, the objective of the research is to choose the best method. If the objective is only predictive, the decision tree can be used due to its simplicity. For inference purposes, the regression model is recommended, which can provide much more information regarding the relationship of the variables under study.
Telomere Dynamics in Livestock
Authors: Zhang Nan , Baker Emilie C. , Welsh Thomas H. , Riley David G.
Published: October 2023

Telomeres are repeated sequences of nucleotides at the end of chromosomes. They deteriorate across mitotic divisions of a cell. In Homo sapiens this process of lifetime reduction has been shown to correspond with aspects of organismal aging and exposure to stress or other insults. The early impetus to characterize telomere dynamics in livestock related to the concern that aged donor DNA would result in earlier cell senescence and overall aging in cloned animals. Telomere length investigations in dairy cows included breed effects, estimates of additive genetic control (heritability 0.12 to 0.46), and effects of external stressors on telomere degradation across animal life. Evaluation of telomeres with respect to aging has also been conducted in pigs and horses, and there are fewer reports of telomere biology in beef cattle, sheep, and goats. There were minimal associations of telomere length with animal productivity measures. Most, but not all, work in livestock has documented an inverse relationship between peripheral blood cell telomere length and age; that is, a longer telomere length was associated with younger age. Because livestock longevity affects productivity and profitability, the role of tissue-specific telomere attrition in aging may present alternative improvement strategies for genetic improvement while also providing translational biomedical knowledge.
PKN1 Exerts Neurodegenerative Effects in an In Vitro Model of Cerebellar Hypoxic–Ischemic Encephalopathy via Inhibition of AKT/GSK3β Signaling
Authors: zur Nedden Stephanie , Safari Motahareh Solina , Fresser Friedrich , Faserl Klaus , Lindner Herbert , Sarg Bettina , Baier Gottfried , Baier-Bitterlich Gabriele
Published: October 2023

We recently identified protein kinase N1 (PKN1) as a negative gatekeeper of neuronal AKT protein kinase activity during postnatal cerebellar development. The developing cerebellum is specifically vulnerable to hypoxia-ischemia (HI), as it occurs during hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, a condition typically caused by oxygen deprivation during or shortly after birth. In that context, activation of the AKT cell survival pathway has emerged as a promising new target for neuroprotective interventions. Here, we investigated the role of PKN1 in an in vitro model of HI, using postnatal cerebellar granule cells (Cgc) derived from Pkn1 wildtype and Pkn1−/− mice. Pkn1−/− Cgc showed significantly higher AKT phosphorylation, resulting in reduced caspase-3 activation and improved survival after HI. Pkn1−/− Cgc also showed enhanced axonal outgrowth on growth-inhibitory glial scar substrates, further pointing towards a protective phenotype of Pkn1 knockout after HI. The specific PKN1 phosphorylation site S374 was functionally relevant for the enhanced axonal outgrowth and AKT interaction. Additionally, PKN1pS374 shows a steep decrease during cerebellar development. In summary, we demonstrate the pathological relevance of the PKN1-AKT interaction in an in vitro HI model and establish the relevant PKN1 phosphorylation sites, contributing important information towards the development of specific PKN1 inhibitors.
Cyclic Lateral Loading Behavior of Thin-Shell Precast Concrete Wall Panels
Authors: Sevil Yaman Tugce , Lucier Gregory
Published: October 2023

Two precast concrete thin-shell wall panels were subjected to reverse-cyclic lateral loads to replicate wind fatigue over a 50-year design lifetime prior to loading to failure. The panels consisted of an outer wythe of concrete connected to light-gauge steel framing. Wire mesh was used to reinforce the concrete panel skin. Rivets provided a connection between the steel studs and the concrete panel. Two reinforced concrete (R/C) beams were integrated into the top and bottom parts of the panel, isolated from the concrete face by a thin sheet of extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam insulation. To connect these beams with the concrete face through the rigid foam insulation, a carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) grid was utilized. The aim of the experimental program was to characterize the behavior of the concrete and steel framing panel, with particular attention focused on the connections between the various structural elements of the panel. The first and second thin-shell panels survived the fatigue loading cycles and behaved elastically through failure-level lateral load cycles equivalent to 54 psf (2.6 kPa) and 66 psf (3.2 kPa) of applied uniform load, respectively. The failure mode was the separation of the top R/C beam from the concrete panel on the pull stroke of the loading cycle (when the connection between the beam and the concrete shell was in tension) for both specimens.
Mechanisms of E-Cigarette Vape-Induced Epithelial Cell Damage
Authors: Auschwitz Emily , Almeda Jasmine , Andl Claudia D.
Published: October 2023

E-cigarette use has been reported to affect cell viability, induce DNA damage, and modulate an inflammatory response resulting in negative health consequences. Most studies focus on oral and lung disease associated with e-cigarette use. However, tissue damage can be found in the cardio-vascular system and even the bladder. While the levels of carcinogenic compounds found in e-cigarette aerosols are lower than those in conventional cigarette smoke, the toxicants generated by the heat of the vaping device may include probable human carcinogens. Furthermore, nicotine, although not a carcinogen, can be metabolized to nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are known carcinogens and have been shown to be present in the saliva of e-cig users, demonstrating the health risk of e-cigarette vaping. E-cig vape can induce DNA adducts, promoting oxidative stress and DNA damage and NF-kB-driven inflammation. Together, these processes increase the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This creates a microenvironment thought to play a key role in tumorigenesis, although it is too early to know the long-term effects of vaping. This review considers different aspects of e-cigarette-induced cellular changes, including the generation of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, DNA repair, inflammation, and the possible tumorigenic effects.
Regulatory ILC2—Role of IL-10 Producing ILC2 in Asthma
Authors: Emami Fard Nahal , Xiao Maria , Sehmi Roma
Published: October 2023

Over the past two decades, a growing body of evidence observations have shown group two innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) to be critical drivers of Type 2 (T2) inflammatory responses associated with allergic inflammatory conditions such as asthma. ILC2 releases copious amounts of pro-inflammatory T2 cytokines—interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the newly discovered regulatory subtype of ILC2 described in murine and human mucosal tissue and blood. These KLRG1+ILC2 have the capacity to produce the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Papers compiled in this review were based on queries of PubMed and Google Scholar for articles published from 2000 to 2023 using keywords “IL-10” and “ILC2”. Studies with topical relevance to IL-10 production by ILC2 were included. ILC2 responds to microenvironmental cues, including retinoic acid (RA), IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-33, as well as neuropeptide mediators such as neuromedin-U (NMU), prompting a shift towards IL-10 and away from T2 cytokine production. In contrast, TGF-β attenuates IL-10 production by ILC2. Immune regulation provided by IL-10+ILC2s holds potential significance for the management of T2 inflammatory conditions. The observation of context-specific cues that alter the phenotype of ILC warrants examining characteristics of ILC subsets to determine the extent of plasticity or whether the current classification of ILCs requires refinement.
Correlation between Microstructural Properties and Electric Parameters of Micro-Arc Oxidation Coatings on 5052 Aluminum Alloys with Improving Wear and Corrosion Resistance
Authors: You Jhu-Lin , Chang Chin-Jou , Jian Shun-Yi
Published: October 2023

Aluminum (Al) alloys are lightweight and machinable and have been widely used in industrial applications, particularly the formation of complex mechanical parts. However, the 5052 Al alloy frequently encounters problems like corrosion and wear during its service life, significantly impacting the equipment’s longevity. This study investigated the effects of pulse voltage (320 to 400 V) and frequency (50 to 200 Hz) on the growth and surface morphology of 5052 Al alloy films formed through micro-arc oxidation (MAO) to improve their corrosion and wear resistance while maintaining a surface roughness of less than 1 μm. The results indicate that higher operating voltages and frequencies correlated with increased thickness in the resulting ceramic oxide films formed using MAO. In addition, as the pulse frequency increased, the distribution of the holes became more uniform across the surface. We examined the surface and cross-sectional morphology, as well as the thickness of the MAO coatings, through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The corrosion and wear resistance of the MAO coatings formed under different electrical parameters were analyzed using electrochemical corrosion tests and scratch tests. The MAO coatings produced at 400 V and 200 Hz were the thickest, at approximately 4.8 μm, and demonstrated superior corrosion and wear resistance. These coatings demonstrate significantly reduced wear width, highlighting their exceptional resistance to corrosion and wear. Hole cracking occurred only above the top layer of the coating and not beneath the mid-layer, which protected the substrate from damage due to the direct passage of Cl ions through the holes.
Advances in the Surgical Treatment of Breast Cancer
Authors: Cheifetz Rona , McKevitt Elaine
Published: October 2023

Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women and has become the most common cancer diagnosed worldwide [...]
Anti-B Cell Maturation Antigen Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy for the Treatment of AL Amyloidosis and Concurrent Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma: Preliminary Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Das Saurav , Ailawadhi Sikander , Sher Taimur , Roy Vivek , Fernandez Andre , Parrondo Ricardo D.
Published: October 2023

While immunotherapies, such as CAR T therapy and bi-specific antibodies, have revolutionized the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), patients with AL amyloidosis have been excluded from trials with these agents due to concerns of underlying autonomic, cardiac, and renal dysfunction, leading to potentially fatal toxicities from these therapies. In this communication, we described the outcomes of two patients with AL amyloidosis and concurrent MM with underlying cardiac and/or renal dysfunction who underwent anti-BCMA CAR T cell therapy with ide-cel or cilta-cel, received cytokine release syndrome prophylaxis, and tolerated therapy well with manageable toxicities and achieved a MRD-negative state. We described the preliminary efficacy and safety of CAR T in patients with AL amyloidosis and highlighted the importance of patient selection and medical optimization of cardiac and renal function prior to CAR T.
Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer: From Diagnosis to Treatment
Authors: Chen Jia-Yan , Wang Pei-Yan , Liu Ming-Zhu , Lyu Feng , Ma Ming-Wei , Ren Xue-Ying , Gao Xian-Shu
Published: October 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a widespread malignancy with global significance, which substantially affects cancer-related mortality. Its spectrum varies widely, from slow-progressing cases to aggressive or even lethal forms. Effective patient stratification into risk groups is crucial to therapeutic decisions and clinical trials. This review examines a wide range of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, several of which are integrated into clinical guidelines, such as the PHI, the 4K score, PCA3, Decipher, and Prolaris. It also explores the emergence of novel biomarkers supported by robust preclinical evidence, including urinary miRNAs and isoprostanes. Genetic alterations frequently identified in PCa, including BRCA1/BRCA2, ETS gene fusions, and AR changes, are also discussed, offering insights into risk assessment and precision treatment strategies. By evaluating the latest developments and applications of PCa biomarkers, this review contributes to an enhanced understanding of their role in disease management.
Klotho in Cancer: Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Applications
Authors: Mota Jucileide , Lima Alice Marques Moreira , Gomes Jhessica I. S. , Souza de Andrade Marcelo , Brito Haissa O. , Silva Melaine M. A. Lawall , Faustino-Rocha Ana I. , Oliveira Paula A. , Lopes Fernanda F. , Gil da Costa Rui M.
Published: October 2023

Klotho proteins, αKlotho, βKlotho, and γKlotho, exert tumor-suppressive activities via the fibroblast growth factor receptors and multiple cell-signaling pathways. There is a growing interest in Klotho proteins as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for multiple diseases. However, recent advances regarding their roles and potential applications in cancer remain disperse and require an integrated analysis. The present review analyzed research articles published between 2012 and 2022 in the Cochrane and Scopus scientific databases to study the role of Klotho in cancer and their potential as tools for diagnosing specific cancer types, predicting tumor aggressiveness and prognosis. Twenty-six articles were selected, dealing with acute myeloid leukemia and with bladder, breast, colorectal, esophageal, gastric, hepatocellular, ovarian, pancreatic, prostatic, pulmonary, renal, and thyroid cancers. αKlotho was consistently associated with improved prognosis and may be useful in estimating patient survival. A single study reported the use of soluble αKlotho levels in blood serum as a tool to aid the diagnosis of esophageal cancer. γKlotho was associated with increased aggressiveness of bladder, breast, and prostate cancer, and βKlotho showed mixed results. Further clinical development of Klotho-based assays will require careful identification of specific tumor subtypes where Klotho proteins may be most valuable as diagnostic or prognostic tools.
Updates in Diagnostic Imaging for Infectious Keratitis: A Review
Authors: Cabrera-Aguas Maria , Watson Stephanie L
Published: October 2023

Infectious keratitis (IK) is among the top five leading causes of blindness globally. Early diagnosis is needed to guide appropriate therapy to avoid complications such as vision impairment and blindness. Slit lamp microscopy and culture of corneal scrapes are key to diagnosing IK. Slit lamp photography was transformed when digital cameras and smartphones were invented. The digital camera or smartphone camera sensor’s resolution, the resolution of the slit lamp and the focal length of the smartphone camera system are key to a high-quality slit lamp image. Alternative diagnostic tools include imaging, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). OCT’s advantage is its ability to accurately determine the depth and extent of the corneal ulceration, infiltrates and haze, therefore characterizing the severity and progression of the infection. However, OCT is not a preferred choice in the diagnostic tool package for infectious keratitis. Rather, IVCM is a great aid in the diagnosis of fungal and Acanthamoeba keratitis with overall sensitivities of 66–74% and 80–100% and specificity of 78–100% and 84–100%, respectively. Recently, deep learning (DL) models have been shown to be promising aids for the diagnosis of IK via image recognition. Most of the studies that have developed DL models to diagnose the different types of IK have utilised slit lamp photographs. Some studies have used extremely efficient single convolutional neural network algorithms to train their models, and others used ensemble approaches with variable results. Limitations of DL models include the need for large image datasets to train the models, the difficulty in finding special features of the different types of IK, the imbalance of training models, the lack of image protocols and misclassification bias, which need to be overcome to apply these models into real-world settings. Newer artificial intelligence technology that generates synthetic data, such as generative adversarial networks, may assist in overcoming some of these limitations of CNN models.
Output Feedback Control of Overhead Cranes Based on Disturbance Compensation
Authors: Sun Haozhe , Lei Meizhen , Wu Xianqing
Published: October 2023

In practice, various factors such as friction, unmodeled dynamics and uncertain external disturbances often affect overhead cranes. The existing crane control methods often neglect these factors or address these factors by robust techniques. Moreover, most of them do not take input saturation into account and require full-state feedback. In this paper, taking the practical issues of uncertain disturbances, input saturation and output feedback into account, we propose an input-saturated output feedback control strategy for the underactuated two-dimensional (2-D) overhead crane systems with uncertain disturbances. Specifically, we first design a disturbance observer that can accurately estimate the external disturbance. Then, the virtual horizontal location signal is introduced and the new energy storage function is constructed. A novel composite control method for overhead crane systems is proposed based on the developed disturbance observer and the new energy storage function. The stability and convergence analysis are given through Lyapunov techniques and LaSalle’s invariance theorem. In order to verify the performance of the proposed controller, we perform a series of simulation tests and compare the proposed method with some existing control methods.
Optimal Transport-Embedded Neural Network for Fairness Transfer Problem
Authors: Xiang Muchao , Ling Zaixun , Liu Qine , Zhang Yaoxuan
Published: October 2023

Research on neuromorphic computing has gained popularity in recent years. In particular, regularized embedded neural systems have been applied in several significant real-world situations, such as recommendation systems and transfer learning. This paper deals with the fairness transfer learning problem, which has been insufficiently explored. In fairness transfer settings, the source domain has limit-tagged training samples, which may lead to performance degradation in the target domain. To solve such problems, a linear data-augmentation-based optimal transport-embedded neural network is proposed in this paper. It can augment the source samples to make the distribution of the source domain balanced and can align the source and target distributions simultaneously. Moreover, the distribution of the augmented data by mixup is limited to a certain bound that can avoid the abnormal samples generated. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been demonstrated in several transfer learning tests, including regression and classification. In 1-shot and 3-shot classification tasks on the Office dataset, our method’s accuracy is 4.8 and 3.9% better, respectively, than the second-best model. Additionally, our model’s performance is about 2–3 percentage points superior to the second-best model in the OfficeHome dataset. It is simple yet effective, making it perfect for low-power edge AI applications.
Thermodynamic Properties of a Gas–Liquid–Solid System during the CO2 Geological Storage and Utilization Process: A Review
Authors: Mutailipu Meiheriayi , Xue Qingnan , Li Tao , Yang Yande , Xue Fusheng
Published: October 2023

Emission reduction in the main greenhouse gas, CO2, can be achieved efficiently via CO2 geological storage and utilization (CCUS) methods such as the CO2 enhanced oil/water/gas recovery technique, which is considered to be an important strategic technology for the low-carbon development of China’s coal-based energy system. During the CCUS, the thermodynamic properties of the CO2–water–rock system, such as the interfacial tension (IFT) and wettability of the caprock, determine the injectability, sealing capacity, and safety of this scheme. Thus, researchers have been conducting laboratory experiments and modeling work on the interfacial tension between CO2 and the water/brine, wettability of caprocks, the solubility of gas–liquid binary systems, and the pH of CO2-saturated brine under reservoir temperature and pressure conditions. In this study, the literature related to the thermodynamic properties of the CO2–water–rock system is reviewed, and the main findings of previous studies are listed and discussed thoroughly. It is concluded that limited research is available on the pH of gas-saturated aqueous solutions under CO2 saline aquifer storage conditions, and less emphasis has been given to the wettability of the CO2–water/brine–rock system. Thus, further laboratory and modeling research on the wettability alternations of caprock in terms of molecular dynamics is required to simulate this phenomenon at the molecular level. Moreover, simplified IFT and solubility prediction models with thermodynamic significance and high integrity need to be developed. Furthermore, interaction mechanisms coupling with multi-factors associated with the gas–liquid–solid interface properties and the dissolution and acidification process need to be explored in future work.
Spatial and Temporal Evolution of the Characteristics of Spatially Aggregated Elements in an Urban Area: A Case Study of Wuhan, China
Authors: Sun Zhihao , Kang Dezhi , Jiao Hongzan , Yang Ya , Xue Wei , Wu Hao , Liu Lingbo , Su Yuwei , Peng Zhenghong
Published: October 2023

Urban spatial elements present agglomeration and dispersion geographic processes in the urban development. Identifying the characteristics of their distribution changes and accurately capturing the evolution of the urban spatial structure is of great significance to urban construction and management. This study takes Wuhan as a case study and focuses on the spatial agglomeration distribution of urban elements. Point of Interest (POI) data from 2017 to 2021 were collected, and the Block2Vec model was employed to extract the comprehensive geographic information from various elements within the traffic analysis zones (TAZs). Subsequently, identification and division were carried out to access the level of urban spatial element agglomeration. Finally, the spatial–temporal evolution characteristics of urban aggregated elements in the Wuhan metropolitan development area over five years were compared and analyzed. The results indicate the following: (1) urban elements present an obvious circle structure in their spatial agglomeration, with distinct differences observed among different element types; (2) from 2017 to 2021, the Wuhan urban development zone experienced obvious expansion in urban space; (3) increased agglomeration of spatial elements mainly occurred in the surrounding areas of the city, while some areas in the city center displayed weaker element agglomeration and a reduction in various service facilities. The results demonstrate that the method used in this study could effectively identify the spatial agglomeration distribution of urban elements, as well as accurately distinguishing regions with distinct development characteristics. This approach could provide robust support for optimizing land use and urban spatial planning.
Management of Hypertension in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Colbert Gates B. , Elrggal Mohamed E. , Gaddy Anna , Madariaga Hector M. , Lerma Edgar V.
Published: October 2023

Hypertension is a critical component of cardiovascular disease progression in patients with chronic kidney disease, and specifically diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Causation versus correlation remains up for debate, but what has been confirmed is the delay of DKD progression when hypertension is controlled or moved to guideline drive ranges. Many medications have been studied and used in real world experience for best outcomes, and we discuss below the proven winners thus far making up the renin angiotensin aldosterone system. As well, we discuss guideline changing medications including sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and newer generation mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. With the growing prevalence of diabetes and DKD in the population, newer agents are emerging in multiple drug class and will be highlighted below. Clinicians continue to search for the optimal care plans for this challenging patient population.