bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SIRPG promotes lung squamous cell carcinoma pathogenesis via M1 macrophages: a multi-omics study integrating data and Mendelian randomization
Authors: Mao Guocai , Li Jing , Wang Nan , Yu Hongbin , Han Shiyu , Xiang Mengqi , Zhang Huachuan , Zeng Daxiong , Jiang Junhong , Ma Haitao
Published: June 2024

Background

Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung (LUSC) is a severe and highly lethal malignant tumor of the respiratory system, and its molecular mechanisms at the molecular level remain unc\lear.

Methods

We acquired RNA-seq data from 8 surgical samples obtained from early-stage LUSC and adjacent non-cancerous tissues from 3 different centers. Utilizing Deseq2, we identified 1088 differentially expressed genes with |LogFC| > 1 and a p-value < 0.05 threshold. Furthermore, through MR analysis of Exposure Data for 26,153 Genes and 63,053 LUSC Patients, incorporating 7,838,805 SNPs as endpoints, we identified 213 genes as potential exposure factors.

Results

After intersecting the results, we identified 5 differentially expressed genes, including GYPE, PODXL2, RNF182, SIRPG, and WNT7A. PODXL2 (OR 95% CI, 1.169 (1.040 to 1.313)) was identified as an exposed risk factor, with p-values less than 0.01 under the inverse variance weighted model. GO and KEGG analyses revealed enhanced ubiquitin-protein transferase activity and activation of pathways such as the mTOR signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway. Immune infiltration analysis showed downregulation of Plasma cells, T cells regulatory (Tregs), and Dendritic cells activated by the identified gene set, while an enhancement was observed in Macrophages M1. Furthermore, we externally validated the expression levels of these five genes using RNA-seq data from TCGA database and 11 GEO datasets of LUSC, and the results showed SIRPG could induce LUSC.

Conclusion

SIRPG emerged as a noteworthy exposure risk factor for LUSC. Immune infiltration analysis highlighted Macrophages M1 and mTOR signaling pathway play an important role in LUSC.
Traditional Chinese medicine for acute myelocytic leukemia therapy: exploiting epigenetic targets
Authors: Gao Xinlong , Zuo Xu , Min Tianjiao , Wan Yu , He Ying , Jiang Beier
Published: June 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematological malignancy with historically high mortality rates. The treatment strategies for AML is still internationally based on anthracyclines and cytarabine, which remained unchanged for decades. With the rapid advance on sequencing technology, molecular targets of leukemogenesis and disease progression related to epigenetics are constantly being discovered, which are important for the prognosis and treatment of AML. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is characterized by novel pharmacological mechanisms, low toxicity and limited side effects. Several biologically active ingredients of TCM are effective against AML. This review focuses on bioactive compounds in TCM targeting epigenetic mechanisms to address the complexities and heterogeneity of AML.
Intelligent Bayesian regularization backpropagation neuro computing paradigm for state features estimation of underwater passive object
Authors: Ali Wasiq , Bilal Muhammad , Alharbi Ayman , Jaffar Amar , Miyajan Abdulaziz , Hassnain Mohsan Syed Agha
Published: June 2024

In underwater environments, the accurate estimation of state features for passive object is a critical aspect of various applications, including underwater robotics, surveillance, and environmental monitoring. This study presents an innovative neuro computing approach for instantaneous state features reckoning of passive marine object following dynamic Markov chains. This paper introduces the potential of intelligent Bayesian regularization backpropagation neuro computing (IBRBNC) for the precise estimation of state features of underwater passive object. The proposed paradigm combines the power of artificial neural network with Bayesian regularization technique to address the challenges associated with noisy and limited underwater sensor data. The IBRBNC paradigm leverages deep neural networks with a focus on backpropagation to model complex relationships in the underwater environment. Furthermore, Bayesian regularization is introduced to incorporate prior knowledge and mitigate overfitting, enhancing the model’s robustness and generalization capabilities. This dual approach results in a highly adaptive and intelligent system capable of accurately estimating the state features of passive object in real-time. To evaluate the efficacy of this intelligent computing approach, a controlled supervised maneuvering trajectory for underwater passive object is constructed. Real-time estimations of location, velocity, and turn rate for dynamic target are scrutinized across five distinct scenarios by varying the Gaussian observed noise’s standard deviation, aiming to minimize mean square errors (MSEs) between real and estimated values. The effectiveness of the proposed IBRBNC paradigm is demonstrated through extensive simulations and experimental trials. Results showcase its superiority over traditional nonlinear filtering methods like interacting multiple model extended Kalman filter (IMMEKF) and interacting multiple model unscented Kalman filter (IMMUKF), especially in the presence of noise, incomplete measurements and sparse data.
A first report of Streptococcus iniae infection of the spotted sea bass (Lateolabrax maculates)
Authors: Deng Yiqin , Lin Ziyang , Xu Liwen , Jiang Jianjun , Cheng Changhong , Ma Hongling , Feng Juan
Published: June 2024

This study marks the first occasion that Streptococcus iniae has been isolated, identified, and characterized as the causative pathogen in spotted sea bass (Lateolabrax maculates). Infected fish exhibited a range of external symptoms, including scale loss, bleeding from the jaw, anus, and tail, among other signs, as well as internal manifestations such as congested liver, splenomegaly, branchial anemia, yellow fat syndrome, and intestinal edema. Notably, exophthalmia and meningoencephalitis—typical symptoms associated with previous S. iniae infections—were not observed. A predominant bacterial isolate (designated 10S01) was recovered from the pure culture of spleen of a diseased spotted sea bass in Zhuhai, China. The strain was then subjected to Gram staining, biochemical profiling, and molecular confirmation through 16S rRNA and gyrB gene, corroborating its identity as S. iniae. Pathogenicity was assessed by intraperitoneal injection challenge in spotted sea bass weighing approximately 13 g/fish, revealing a LD50 of 74 cfu/g-fish. The 10S01 strain demonstrated the ability to colonize various organs, including the spleen, liver, kidney, and brain, with a relatively higher affinity for the spleen. Furthermore, antimicrobial susceptibility testing indicated that the 10S01 strain was sensitive to 14 tested antibiotics, particularly chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, florfenicol, ofloxacin, rifampicin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, highlighting these as preferred treatments for S. iniae infections in spotted sea bass. These findings contribute significantly to our understanding of S. iniae pathogenesis and inform the prompt and appropriate antibiotic treatment of S. iniae infections.
Impact of High-Resolution Land Cover on Simulation of a Warm-Sector Torrential Rainfall Event in Guangzhou
Authors: Wang Ning , Liu Yanan , Ping Fan , Mao Jiahua
Published: June 2024

This study on the warm-sector heavy rainfall event in Guangzhou on 7 May 2017, examined the effects and mechanisms of incorporating 30 m high-resolution land surface data into its numerical simulation. The updated 1km numerical model, integrating 30 m high-resolution land surface data, successfully captured the initiation, back-building, and organized development of warm-sector convections in Huadu and Zengcheng District. The analysis revealed that the high spatial resolution of the surface data led to a reduced urban area footprint (urban −6.31%), increased vegetation cover (forest 11.63%, croplands 1%), and enhanced surface runoff (water 2.77%) compared with a model’s default land cover (900 m). These changes mitigated the urban heat island (UHI) effect within the metropolitan area and decreased the surface sensible heat flux. This reduction contributed to a pronounced temperature gradient between Huadu Mountain and the urban area. Additionally, a stronger high-pressure recirculation and sea–land breezes facilitated the transport of warm and moist air from the sea inland, creating a humid corridor along the sea–land interface. The consistent influx of warm and moist air near the mountain front, where strong temperature gradients were present, forcibly triggered warm-sector convection, intensifying its organization. This study highlighted the critical role of high-resolution land surface data in the accurate numerical simulation of warm-sector heavy rainfall.
Analyzing Trends in Digital Transformation Korean Social Media Data: A Semantic Network Analysis
Authors: Song Jong-Hwi , Seo Byung-Suk
Published: June 2024

This study explores the impact of digital transformation on Korean society by analyzing Korean social media data, focusing on the societal and economic effects triggered by advancements in digital technology. Utilizing text mining techniques and semantic network analysis, we extracted key terms and their relationships from online news and blogs, identifying major themes related to digital transformation. Our analysis, based on data collected from major Korean portals using various related search terms, provides deep insights into how digital evolution influences individuals, businesses, and government sectors. The findings offer a comprehensive view of the technological and social trends emerging from digital transformation, including its policy, economic, and educational implications. This research not only sheds light on the understanding and strategic approaches to digital transformation in Korea but also demonstrates the potential of social media data in analyzing the societal impact of technological advancements, offering valuable resources for future research in effectively navigating the era of digital change.
Does Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components Have Prognostic Significance for Renal and Cardiovascular Outcomes in IgA Nephropathy?
Authors: Sági Balázs , Vas Tibor , Csiky Botond , Nagy Judit , Kovács Tibor József
Published: June 2024

Background: Patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN), a chronic kidney disease (CKD), are significantly more likely to have cardiovascular (CV) mortality and morbidity than the general population. The occurrence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and metabolic risk factors are independent risk factors for CV disease and renal progression. The purpose of this study was to determine how metabolic characteristics in a homogeneous population of CKD patients relate to prognosis. Methods: A total of 145 patients with CKD stages 1–4 diagnosed with IgA nephropathy (92 men and 53 women, aged 54.7 ± 13 years) were examined and monitored for a median of 190 months. All-cause mortality and any CV event, such as stroke, myocardial infarction, revascularization (CV), end-stage renal disease, and renal replacement therapy (renal), have been included in the composite endpoints (CV and renal). Results: Patients with MetS had significantly more primary endpoint events (23/65 patients vs. 15/60 patients, p < 0.001) compared to the non-MetS group. The MetS group had a statistically significant increase in both primary renal and CV endpoints (18/65 vs. 10/60, p = 0.001), and in CV endpoint events (7/65 vs. 6/60, p = 0.029) among the secondary endpoints (CV and renal separately). Based on Cox regression analysis, the main endpoint independent predictors of survival were dyslipidemia, eGFR, hemoglobin, urine albuminuria, and diabetes mellitus. Independent predictors of secondary renal endpoints were dyslipidemia, hemoglobin, urine albumin, and eGFR. Predictors of secondary cardiovascular endpoints were gender, BMI, and diabetes. When Kaplan–Meier curves were analyzed at the combined endpoints (CV and renal) or each endpoint independently, significant differences were seen between MetS and non-MetS. With more MetS components, the primary endpoint rate increased significantly (MetS comp. 0 vs. MetS comp. 2+, primary endpoints, p = 0.012). Conclusions: Our results show that the metabolic profile has a prognostic role not only for renal endpoints but also for CV endpoints in IgAN. BMI, hyperuricemia, hypertension, and diabetes have a predictive value for the prognosis of IgA nephropathy.
Mitochondrial Role on Cellular Apoptosis, Autophagy, and Senescence during Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis
Authors: Dalmao-Fernández Andrea , Hermida-Gómez Tamara , Nogueira-Recalde Uxia , Rego-Pérez Ignacio , Blanco-Garcia Francisco J. , Fernández-Moreno Mercedes
Published: June 2024

Authors have demonstrated that apoptosis activation is a pathway related to cartilage degradation characteristics of the OA process. Autophagy is an adaptive response to protect cells from various environmental changes, and defects in autophagy are linked to cell death. In this sense, decreased autophagy of chondrocytes has been observed in OA articular cartilage. The aim of this work was to study the role of OA mitochondria in apoptosis, autophagy, and senescence, using OA and Normal (N) transmitochondrial cybrids. Results: OA cybrids incubated with menadione showed a higher percentage of late apoptosis and necrosis than N cybrids. Stimulation of cybrids with staurosporine and IL-1β showed that OA cybrids were more susceptible to undergoing apoptosis than N cybrids. An analysis of the antioxidant response using menadione on gene expression revealed a lower expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 and superoxide dismutase 2 in OA than N cybrids. Activation of microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 was reduced in OA compared to N cybrids. However, the percentage of senescent cells was higher in OA than N cybrids. Conclusion: This work suggests that mitochondria from OA patients could be involved in the apoptosis, autophagy, and senescence of chondrocytes described in OA cartilage.
Towards the Development of a Cream with Antiviral Properties Targeting Both the Influenza A Virus and SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Mangeot Philippe , Lazou Kristell , Blin Aurelia , Gorzelanczyk Valerie , Jeanneton Olivier , Kurfurst Chantal , Pays Karl , Bavouzet Bruno , Nizard Carine , Ohlmann Theophile , Bulteau Anne-Laure
Published: June 2024

Objective: Many severe acute respiratory infections are caused by viral pathogens, and viruses are responsible for a large number of deaths worldwide. Among the most common respiratory viruses are the influenza A virus (IAV) and, more recently, the SARS-CoV-2 that emerged in 2019 and caused the most significant human pandemic of the beginning of the 21st century. Both IAV and SARS-CoV-2 share clinical features and a common transmission route through the emission of viral particles via aerosols and droplets. These penetrate the host after entry from the nose and mouth or an indirect mode of transmission via contact contamination of different media. These facts prompted us to investigate the possibility of designing a soft cream with a virucidal activity targeted against IAV and SARS-CoV-2. Methods: We first investigated the action of chemical compounds known to have antiviral properties such as cyclodextrin, or algae extracts containing sulfated polysaccharides, on cultured cells infected with lentiviral viral particles pseudotyped (VP) with either proteins HA (hemagglutinin) and NA (neuraminidase) from IAV or the G protein from the vesicular stomatitis virus or spike-bearing particles in order to select molecules with antiviral activities in human embryonic kidney (HEK293T) cells. Results: Our results show that some cyclodextrin-containing creams can significantly reduce the stability of HANA- and spike-bearing particles when they are applied prior to challenge with a viral inoculum on skin. Conclusions: We observed some specificities of these creams towards either IAV or SARS-CoV-2, indicating that the neutralization of viral activity is correlated with the mechanism of receptor interaction and entry of these two pathogens.
The Security Evaluation of an Efficient Lightweight AES Accelerator
Authors: Aljuffri Abdullah , Huang Ruoyu , Muntenaar Laura , Gaydadjiev Georgi , Ma Kezheng , Hamdioui Said , Taouil Mottaqiallah
Published: June 2024

The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is widely recognized as a robust cryptographic algorithm utilized to protect data integrity and confidentiality. When it comes to lightweight implementations of the algorithm, the literature mainly emphasizes area and power optimization, often overlooking considerations related to performance and security. This paper evaluates two of our previously proposed lightweight AES implementations using both profiled and non-profiled attacks. One is an unprotected implementation, and the other one is a protected version using Domain-Oriented Masking (DOM). The findings of this study indicate that the inclusion of DOM in the design enhances its resistance to attacks at the cost of doubling the area.
Personalized Decisional Algorithms for Soft Tissue Defect Reconstruction after Abdominoperineal Resection for Low-Lying Rectal Cancers
Authors: Moraru Dan Cristian , Pertea Mihaela , Luca Stefana , Bejan Valentin , Panuta Andrian , Tatar Raluca , Enescu Dan Mircea , Scripcariu Dragos Viorel , Scripcariu Viorel
Published: June 2024

Background: Abdominoperineal resection (APR)—the standard surgical procedure for low-lying rectal cancer (LRC)—leads to significant perineal defects, posing considerable reconstruction challenges that, in selected cases, necessitate the use of plastic surgery techniques (flaps). Purpose: To develop valuable decision algorithms for choosing the appropriate surgical plan for the reconstruction of perineal defects. Methods: Our study included 245 LRC cases treated using APR. Guided by the few available publications in the field, we have designed several personalized decisional algorithms for managing perineal defects considering the following factors: preoperative radiotherapy, intraoperative position, surgical technique, perineal defect volume, and quality of tissues and perforators. The algorithms have been improved continuously during the entire period of our study based on the immediate and remote outcomes. Results: In 239 patients following APR, the direct closing procedure was performed versus 6 cases in which we used various types of flaps for perineal reconstruction. Perineal incisional hernia occurred in 12 patients (5.02%) with direct perineal wound closure versus in none of those reconstructed using flaps. Conclusion: The reduced rate of postoperative complications suggests the efficiency of the proposed decisional algorithms; however, more extended studies are required to categorize them as evidence-based management guide tools.
Insulator Extraction from UAV LiDAR Point Cloud Based on Multi-Type and Multi-Scale Feature Histogram
Authors: Chen Maolin , Li Jiyang , Pan Jianping , Ji Cuicui , Ma Wei
Published: June 2024

Insulators are key components to ensure the normal operation of power facilities in transmission corridors. Existing insulator identification methods mainly use image data and lack the acquisition of three-dimensional information. This paper proposes an efficient insulator extraction method based on UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) LiDAR (light detection and ranging) point cloud, using five histogram features: horizontal density (HD), horizontal void (HV), horizontal width (HW), vertical width (VW) and vertical void (VV). Firstly, a voxel-based method is employed to roughly extract power lines and pylons from the original point cloud. Secondly, the VV histogram is used to categorize the pylons into suspension and tension types, and the HD histogram is used to locate the tower crossarm and further refine the roughly extracted powerlines. Then, for the suspension tower, insulators are segmented based on the HV histogram and HD difference histogram. For the tension tower, the HW histogram is used to recognize the jumper conductor (JC) and transmission conductor (TC) from the power line. The HW histogram and VW histogram are used to extract the tension insulator in the TC and suspension insulator in the JC, respectively. Finally, considering the problem of setting a suitable grid width when constructing the feature histogram, an adaptive method of multi-scale histograms is proposed to refine the extraction result. Two 220 kV long transmission lines are used for the validation, and the overall object-based accuracy for suspension and tension towers are 100% and 97.3%, respectively. Compared with the point feature-based method, the mean F1 score of the proposed method improved by 0.3, and the runtime for each tower is within 2 s.
Greece’s Economic Odyssey: Persistent Challenges and Pathways Forward
Authors: Makantasi Evmorfia (Fay) , Valentis Helias
Published: June 2024

Two years after the COVID-19 pandemic, the Greek economy seems to have overcome the turmoil of the pandemic crisis as well as that of the following energy crisis. Nevertheless, it would be wrong to assume that the Greek economy has returned to a sound state, since this was not really the case even before the pandemic. Furthermore, the anemic growth rates of the pre-pandemic period were followed by an equally weak average growth rate (including the impact of the pandemic), as some of the significant fundamental weaknesses of the Greek economy, which had accumulated over time and constituted the real origin of the Greek crisis, have not been properly addressed yet. This paper attempts a complete mapping of the current state of the Greek economy, offering an insight into the external and internal determinants affecting it.
Investigation of Hydrothermal Carbonization of Exhausted Chestnut from Tannin Extraction: Impact of Process Water Recirculation for Sustainable Fuel Production
Authors: Cardarelli Alessandro , Cordelli Cristian , Romagnoli Manuela , Pizzo Francesco , Barbanera Marco
Published: June 2024

This study explores the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) process applied to the exhausted chestnut produced by the tannin extraction industry, utilizing process water recirculation to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the conversion process. Tannin extraction from wood typically involves hot water treatment, leaving behind residual wood biomass known as exhausted wood. These by-products maintain their renewable properties because they have only been exposed to hot water under a high pressure, which is unlikely to cause major alterations in their structural components. Hydrothermal treatment was carried out at temperatures of 220 °C and 270 °C for 1 h, with process water being recirculated four times. This investigation focused on analyzing the effects of recirculation on the yield and fuel properties of hydrochar, as well as characterizing the combustion behavior of the obtained hydrochar. The results indicated that recirculation of process water led to improvements in both the mass and energy yields of hydrochar. The mass yield of the hydrochar samples increased by 5–6%, and the ERE of the hydrochar samples increased by 5–8% compared to the HTC reference sample. However, alterations in the combustion characteristics were observed, including decreases in ignition temperature and combustion reactivity. The results indicate that, with PW recirculations, the combustion index decreased by about 14% and 18% for 220 °C and 270 °C, respectively. Overall, this research demonstrates the potential of utilizing HTC on chestnut tannin residue with process water recirculation to produce stable solid fuel and provides insights into the combustion behavior of the resulting hydrochar.
Optimal Scheduling of a Cascade Hydropower Energy Storage System for Solar and Wind Energy Accommodation
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Zhang Hao , Guo Pengcheng , Li Chenxi , Wu Shuai
Published: June 2024

The massive grid integration of renewable energy necessitates frequent and rapid response of hydropower output, which has brought enormous challenges to the hydropower operation and new opportunities for hydropower development. To investigate feasible solutions for complementary systems to cope with the energy transition in the context of the constantly changing role of the hydropower plant and the rapid evolution of wind and solar power, the short-term coordinated scheduling model is developed for the wind–solar–hydro hybrid pumped storage (WSHPS) system with peak shaving operation. The effects of different reservoir inflow conditions, different wind and solar power forecast output, and installed capacity of pumping station on the performance of WSHPS system are analyzed. The results show that compared with the wind–solar–hydro hybrid (WSH) system, the total power generation of the WSHPS system in the dry, normal, and wet year increased by 10.69%, 11.40%, and 11.27% respectively. The solar curtailment decreased by 68.97%, 61.61%, and 48.43%, respectively, and the wind curtailment decreased by 76.14%, 58.48%, and 50.91%, respectively. The high proportion of wind and solar energy connected to the grid in summer leads to large net load fluctuations and serious energy curtailment. The increase in the installed capacity of the pumping station will promote the consumption of wind and solar energy in the WSHPS system. The model proposed in this paper can improve the operational flexibility of hydropower station and promote the consumption of wind and solar energy, which provides a reference for the research of cascade hydropower energy storage system.
Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Electric and Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles
Authors: Kurkin Andrey , Kryukov Evgeny , Masleeva Olga , Petukhov Yaroslav , Gusev Daniil
Published: June 2024

This article is devoted to the ecological comparison of electric and internal combustion engine vehicles throughout their entire life cycle, from mining to recycling. A scientifically based approach to a comprehensive environmental assessment of the impact of vehicles on the environment has been developed. To analyze the impact on the environmental situation, aspects such as the consumption of natural resources, waste generation, electricity consumption, emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions are taken into consideration. As a result of comparing the environmental impacts of vehicles, it was found that natural resources consumption and production of industrial waste from electric vehicles (EV) is 6 times higher than from internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEV). Harmful substance emissions and greenhouse gas emissions from EV production are 1.65 and 1.5 times higher, respectively. The EV total electricity consumption is 1.4 times higher than that of ICEVs. At the same time, it was revealed that during operation, EVs have higher energy consumption and emit more harmful substances into the atmosphere, but EVs produce less greenhouse gas emissions. It means that at different life cycle stages, EVs have a much higher negative impact on the environment compared to gasoline engine vehicles.
Torque Ripple Suppression in the 6/4 Variable Flux Reluctance Machine with Open Winding Configuration by Using Harmonic Injection
Authors: Liu Xu , Aouiche El Moundher , Aouiche Abdelaziz , Cao Yang , Aguida Mohammed Echarif
Published: June 2024

High torque ripple can be observed with a 6/4 variable flux reluctance machine (VFRM). In order to minimize the torque ripple in VFRMs, this paper presents a harmonic injection method for 6/4 VFRMs with an open-winding configuration. By analyzing the impact of harmonics on VFRMs, the method involves detecting the third harmonic using a first-order low-pass filter (FLPF). Subsequently, the extracted harmonics are controlled and shifted to counteract the voltage harmonics in both inverters without inducing phase imbalance or overvoltage. With the proposed method, the torque ripple can be significantly reduced by about 50% under load conditions. The effectiveness of the harmonic injection method is validated through a prototype VFRM.
Evaluation of Productivity and Cost Analysis on a Combined Logging System
Authors: Papandrea Salvatore F. , Stoilov Stanimir , Cataldo Maria Francesca , Petkov Krasimir , Angelov Georgi , Zumbo Antonio , Proto Andrea R.
Published: June 2024

The efficient planning and control of timber harvesting operations is crucial to growth productivity and reducing costs, and different systems or methods are applied to obtain elevated performance. In particular, cable yarding is a highly appreciated and very efficient wood extraction method in areas that are difficult to access with ground-based extraction machines. Combined logging systems are not diffuse and not often implemented. For this reason, the use and the application of innovative methods are limited. However, some combinations have recently been observed in forest operations. This study, conducted in a deciduous stand in Bulgaria, paid attention to the combination of a tractor-mounted tower yarder (Valentini V400) with a clambunk skidder (Timberjack 1010D), aiming to examine the viability and develop the operational efficiency of the two-stage extraction system and to define the time, log volume extracted per unit by the yarder and the clambunk, and the yarding and skidding costs. The researchers carried out a time-motion study and performed a regression analysis to identify those variables that are most likely to affect the duration of work elements and productivity. For cost analysis, the COST model was used. The mean productivity of the tower yarder was 10.34 m3/PMH and 8.11 m3/SMH, while for the clambunk skidder, the productivity was 6.23 m3/PMH and 4.93 m3/SMH. The net costs for the combined logging system were calculated as 120.87 €/PMH and 14.93 €/m3. This study adds new data about the correct use of both machines, supporting their application in beech forests.
“Is What We See Always Real?” A Comparative Study of Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Urban Green Spaces: The Case of Shenzhen’s Central District
Authors: Jing Xiang , Li Zheng , Chen Hongsheng , Zhang Chuan
Published: June 2024

This paper takes the central area of Shenzhen as an example to explore the correlation and differences between 2D and 3D green spaces on urban roads during the summer of 2023. By collecting street view image data and using convolutional neural networks for image semantic segmentation, the Green View Index (GVI) was calculated and combined with the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for analysis. The results show that the road greening levels in Nanshan District, Futian District, and Luohu District of Shenzhen are relatively high, with GVI exceeding 25%. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the 2D and 3D greening data is 0.5818, indicating a moderate correlation. By analyzing four typical greening scenarios (high NDVI and high GVI, high NDVI and low GVI, low NDVI and high GVI, and low NDVI and low GVI), the study found specific reasons for the differences in green data in different dimensions; the analysis revealed that factors such as building height, density, and elevated transportation facilities significantly affect the accuracy of NDVI in urban spaces. The study suggests that in urban greening assessments, the complementarity and differences between street view data and remote sensing data should be comprehensively considered to improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the analysis.
Hydrogen in the Natural Gas Network—Relevance for Existing Fire Precautions
Authors: Dinkov Ilian , Braun Jan H. , Schelb Dietmar
Published: June 2024

Power-to-gas technology can be used to convert excess power from renewable energies to hydrogen by means of water electrolysis. This hydrogen can serve as “chemical energy storage” and be converted back to electricity or fed into the natural gas grid. In the presented study, a leak in a household pipe in a single-family house with a 13 kW heating device was experimentally investigated. An admixture of up to 40% hydrogen was set up to produce a scenario of burning leakage. Due to the outflow and mixing conditions, a lifted, turbulent diffusion flame was formed. This led to an additional examination point and expanded the aim and novelty of the experimental investigation. In addition to the fire safety experimental simulation of a burning leakage, the resulting complex properties of the flame, namely the lift-off height, flame length, shape and thermal radiation, have also been investigated. The obtained results of this show clearly that, as a consequence of the hydrogen addition, the main properties of the flame, such as lifting height, flame temperature, thermal radiation and total heat flux densities along the flame, have been changed. To supplement the measurements with thermocouples, imaging methods based on the Sobel gradient were used to determine the lifting height and the flame length. In order to analyze the determined values, a probability density function was created.
Could ‘Isochoric Freezing’ Revolutionise Food Preservation?
Authors: Fikiin Kostadin , Akterian Stepan , Le Bail Alain , Carson James K. , Eikevik Trygve M.
Published: June 2024

The present article responds to the food engineering community’s growing interest in an emerging and lauded approach to food preservation, popularised by its developers as ‘isochoric freezing’. A strong campaign in the scientific literature and mass media has recently promoted this technique as a universal replacement for traditional food freezing and the frozen supply chain by highlighting a number of alleged advantages of ‘isochoric freezing’. Some of these claims therefore require a more neutral and critical assessment against the background of the today’s state of the art in food freezing technologies. Hence, this article spotlights several concerns regarding the plausibility, energy expenditure, resource efficiency, process rate, throughput and safety of ‘isochoric freezing’, as well as the correct use of food refrigeration terminology. The aspects considered are intended to make food scientists, technologists and engineers more aware of the real capabilities and the application perspectives of this still immature mode of refrigerated food processing.
A Nonsynonymous Substitution of Lhx3 Leads to Changes in Body Size in Dogs and Mice
Authors: Dang Wanyi , Gao Dali , Lyu Guangqi , Irwin David M. , Shang Songyang , Chen Junnan , Zhang Junpeng , Zhang Shuyi , Wang Zhe
Published: June 2024

Lhx3 is a LIM-homeodomain transcription factor that affects body size in mammals by regulating the secretion of pituitary hormones. Akita, Shiba Inu, and Mame Shiba Inu dogs are Japanese native dog breeds that have different body sizes. To determine whether Lhx3 plays a role in the differing body sizes of these three dog breeds, we sequenced the Lhx3 gene in the three breeds, which led to the identification of an SNP in codon 280 (S280N) associated with body size. The allele frequency at this SNP differed significantly between the large Akita and the two kinds of smaller Shiba dogs. To validate the function of this SNP on body size, we introduced this change into the Lhx3 gene of mice. Homozygous mutant mice (S279N+/+) were found to have significantly increased body lengths and weights compared to heterozygous mutant (S279N+/−) and wild-type (S279N−/−) mice several weeks after weaning. These results demonstrate that a nonsynonymous substitution in Lhx3 plays an important role in regulating body size in mammals.
Comparing Actual and Rounded Serum Creatinine Concentration for Assessing the Accuracy of Vancomycin Dosing in Elderly Patients: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Bukhari Rawan , Hasan Hani , Aljefri Doaa , Rambo Rawan , AlSenaini Ghusun , Alzahrani Yahya A. , Alzahrani Abdullah M.
Published: June 2024

Prescribers often face the challenge of predicting creatinine clearance (CrCl) in elderly patients who are 65 years or older and have serum creatinine (SCr) concentrations below 1 mg/dL. Studies have shown that utilizing rounded SCr would underestimate CrCl in this population, which could lead to the under-dosing of some medications like vancomycin. The current study aimed to compare the accuracy of vancomycin dosing using actual SCr versus rounded SCr to 1 mg/dL in elderly patients. A total of 245 patients were included. The therapeutic trough level (10–20 mg/L) was achieved in 138 (56.3%) patients using actual SCr. Sub-therapeutic (<10 mg/L) and supra-therapeutic (>20 mg/L) trough levels were observed in 32 (13.1%) and 75 (30.6%) patients, respectively. The predictive performance of different vancomycin doses based on actual SCr and rounded SCr compared to the targeted maintenance dose (TMD) showed a stronger correlation of dosing based on actual SCr with TMD (r = 0.55 vs. 0.31) compared to rounded SCr dosing; both doses showed similar precision, with ranges of ±552 mg/day for the dosing based on actual SCr and ±691 mg/day for the dosing based on rounded SCr. Furthermore, the dosing based on actual SCr showed a lower error percentage (69%) and a higher accuracy rate (57.6%) within ±10% of the TMD compared to the dosing based on rounded SCr, which had an error percentage of (92.3%) and an accuracy rate of (40%). The prevalence of vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity (VAN) was seen in 44 (18%) patients. Patients between 75 and 84 years of age, those who were bedridden, and those with vancomycin trough concentrations greater than 20 mg/L had a higher risk of developing VAN. In conclusion, in elderly patients, estimating vancomycin dosing based on actual SCr was more accurate compared to rounded SCr to 1 mg/dL. The efficacy of vancomycin could be negatively affected by rounding up SCr, which could underestimate CrCl and result in the under-dosing of vancomycin.
Exploring the Regulatory Landscape of Dementia: Insights from Non-Coding RNAs
Authors: Kim Jung-min , Kim Woo Ryung , Park Eun Gyung , Lee Du Hyeong , Lee Yun Ju , Shin Hae Jin , Jeong Hyeon-su , Roh Hyun-Young , Kim Heui-Soo
Published: June 2024

Dementia, a multifaceted neurological syndrome characterized by cognitive decline, poses significant challenges to daily functioning. The main causes of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Lewy body dementia (LBD), and vascular dementia (VD), have different symptoms and etiologies. Genetic regulators, specifically non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are known to play important roles in dementia pathogenesis. MiRNAs, small non-coding RNAs, regulate gene expression by binding to the 3′ untranslated regions of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), while lncRNAs and circRNAs act as molecular sponges for miRNAs, thereby regulating gene expression. The emerging concept of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) interactions, involving lncRNAs and circRNAs as competitors for miRNA binding, has gained attention as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in dementia-related disorders. This review explores the regulatory roles of ncRNAs, particularly miRNAs, and the intricate dynamics of ceRNA interactions, providing insights into dementia pathogenesis and potential therapeutic avenues.
Physicochemical and Toxicological Screening of Silver Nanoparticle Biosynthesis from Punica granatum Peel Extract
Authors: Sarău Oana Silvana , Moacă Elena-Alina , Semenescu Alexandra-Denisa , Dumitru Raluca , Jijie Alex-Robert , Poenaru Marioara , Dehelean Cristina-Adriana , Chevereşan Adelina
Published: June 2024

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were successfully synthesized via the biological route using a 1 M silver nitrate (AgNO3) aqueous solution and an ethanolic peel extract of Punica granatum (Pg), at 60 °C. The physicochemical analysis revealed the formation of green synthesized Pg-AgNPs with a semi-spherical shape, non-uniformly distributed, and a particle size distribution between 5 and 100 nm. As regards the preliminary in vitro toxicological screening, the green synthesized Pg-AgNPs did not significantly affect the neonatal BALB/c epidermal cells’ viability (JB6 Cl 41-5a) at lower concentrations and did not produce visible changes in the morphology of the JB6 Cl 41-5a cells. In contrast, at higher concentrations (>50 μg/mL), the green Pg-AgNPs exhibited an important decrease in cell viability and confluency. In addition, the impact of Pg-AgNPs on cell membrane integrity suggests a potential cytotoxic effect. Contrary to the in vitro assays, after the evaluation of the anti-irritant effect in ovo, the lower concentration of Pg-AgNPs (10 μg/mL) produced hemorrhage and lysis when applied to the chorioallantoic membrane, while at 50 μg/mL, only slight coagulation was observed. Therefore, regarding the in ovo toxicological screening, the higher concentration of the Pg-AgNPs exhibited a better safety profile compared to the lower concentration, as indicated by the irritation score.
Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy in an Infant with Atrial Flutter and Prolonged Recovery of Cardiac Function
Authors: Sakai Tomohide , Tsuboi Kaori , Takarada Shinya , Okabe Mako , Nakaoka Hideyuki , Ibuki Keijiro , Ozawa Sayaka W. , Hata Yukiko , Ichimata Shojiro , Nishida Naoki , Hirono Keiichi
Published: June 2024

Background: Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TIC) is caused by prolonged tachycardia, leading to left ventricular dilatation and systolic dysfunction with heart failure. Although TIC is more common in adults, it is rare in early infancy. Methods: Clinical testing was performed as part of medical evaluation and management. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was conducted for a patient with TIC. A literature review on TIC was also conducted. Results: The case involved a 5-month-old infant referred to the hospital due to symptoms of heart failure lasting at least two months. The infant’s heart rate was 200 beats per minute, the left ventricular ejection fraction fell below 14%, and electrocardiograms showed atrial flutter, suggesting TIC. After cardioversion, there was no recurrence of atrial flutter, and cardiac function improved 98 days after tachycardia arrest. The NGS did not identify any pathogenic variants. The literature review identified eight early infantile cases of TIC. However, no previous reports described a case with such a prolonged duration of TIC as ours. Conclusions: This is the first report of a case of prolonged TIC in a child with the documented time to recover normal cardiac function. The improvement of cardiac function depends on the duration of TIC. Early recognition and intervention in TIC are essential to improve outcomes for infantile patients, as timely treatment offers the potential for recovery.
Predictive Modeling of Future Full-Ocean Depth SSPs Utilizing Hierarchical Long Short-Term Memory Neural Networks
Authors: Lu Jiajun , Zhang Hao , Wu Pengfei , Li Sijia , Huang Wei
Published: June 2024

The spatial-temporal distribution of underwater sound speed plays a critical role in determining the propagation mode of underwater acoustic signals. Therefore, rapid estimation and prediction of sound speed distribution are imperative for facilitating underwater positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services. While sound speed profile (SSP) inversion methods offer quicker response times compared to direct measurement methods, these methods often focus on constructing spatial sound velocity fields and heavily rely on sonar observation data, thus imposing stringent requirements on data sources. To delve into the temporal distribution pattern of sound speed and achieve SSP prediction without relying on sonar observation data, we introduce the hierarchical long short-term memory (H-LSTM) neural network for SSP prediction. Our method enables the estimation of sound speed distribution without the need for on-site data measurement, significantly enhancing time efficiency. Compared to other state-of-the-art approaches, the H-LSTM model achieves a root mean square error (RMSE) of less than 1 m/s in predicting monthly average sound speed distribution. Its prediction accuracy has improved several-fold over alternative methods, which validates the robust capability of our proposed model in predicting SSP.
Examining the Retail Delivery Choice Behavior in a Technology-Aware Market
Authors: Tapia Jocelyn , Fariña Paula , Urbina Ignacio , Dujovne Diego
Published: June 2024

This study aims to provide valuable insights into consumer preferences for delivery services in online shopping in Chile. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the evolution of delivery and logistics services, leading to increased competition among online stores. Chile, with its highly digitally enabled population and a competitive landscape of online retailers, serves as an ideal reference case for Latin America. By analyzing key delivery attributes such as delivery time, order arrival time range, compensation policies for delivery delays, and delivery prices, we offer valuable insights into consumer behavior. These insights will, in turn, inform the formulation of effective strategies within the online shopping industry. We examine the following aspects: (a) The willingness of consumers to pay for the service attributes; (b) The relative importance assigned to these attributes by consumers; and (c) The relationship between consumer preferences and socioeconomic characteristics. Using Multinomial Logit Models and a database from a Discrete Choice Experiment, we have discovered that the most significant attributes of delivery service are the time until product arrival and the existence of compensation in case of delivery delays. Additionally, we found that consumers are willing to pay more for the same delivery service if the product is large, as large products generally have higher prices. Furthermore, we observed that delivery time preferences vary by gender and for small products, and price sensitivity varies according to educational level, household size, and socioeconomic status. To the best of our knowledge, no previous research of this kind has been conducted for Chile.
Improvements in Resistive and Capacitive Switching Behaviors in Ga2O3 Memristors via High-Temperature Annealing Process
Authors: Lee Hye Jin , Kim Jeong-Hyeon , Kim Hee-Jin , Lee Sung-Nam
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the effect of a high-temperature annealing process on the characteristics and performance of a memristor based on a Ag/Ga2O3/Pt structure. Through X-ray diffraction analysis, successful phase conversion from amorphous Ga2O3 to β-Ga2O3 is confirmed, attributed to an increase in grain size and recrystallization induced by annealing. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed a higher oxygen vacancy in annealed Ga2O3 thin films, which is crucial for conductive filament formation and charge transport in memristors. Films with abundant oxygen vacancies exhibit decreased set voltages and increased capacitance in a low-resistive state, enabling easy capacitance control depending on channel presence. In addition, an excellent memory device with a high on/off ratio can be implemented due to the reduction of leakage current due to recrystallization. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture a thin film suitable for a memristor by increasing the oxygen vacancy in the Ga2O3 film while improving the overall crystallinity through the annealing process. This study highlights the significance of annealing in modulating capacitance and high-resistive/low-resistive state properties of Ga2O3 memristors, contributing to optimizing device design and performance. This study underscores the significance of high-temperature annealing in improving the channel-switching characteristics of Ga2O3-based memristors, which is crucial for the development of low-power, high-efficiency memory device.