bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of Proteomic and Metabolomic Data Reveals the Lipid Metabolism Disorder in the Liver of Rats Exposed to Simulated Microgravity
Authors: Ru Mengyao , He Jun , Bai Yungang , Zhang Kun , Shi Qianqian , Gao Fang , Wang Yunying , Li Baoli , Shen Lan
Published: June 2024

Long-term exposure to microgravity is considered to cause liver lipid accumulation, thereby increasing the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among astronauts. However, the reasons for this persistence of symptoms remain insufficiently investigated. In this study, we used tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics techniques, as well as non-targeted metabolomics techniques based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), to comprehensively analyse the relative expression levels of proteins and the abundance of metabolites associated with lipid accumulation in rat liver tissues under simulated microgravity conditions. The differential analysis revealed 63 proteins and 150 metabolites between the simulated microgravity group and the control group. By integrating differentially expressed proteins and metabolites and performing pathway enrichment analysis, we revealed the dysregulation of major metabolic pathways under simulated microgravity conditions, including the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis and butanoate metabolism, indicating disrupted liver metabolism in rats due to weightlessness. Finally, we examined differentially expressed proteins associated with lipid metabolism in the liver of rats exposed to stimulated microgravity. These findings contribute to identifying the key molecules affected by microgravity and could guide the design of rational nutritional or pharmacological countermeasures for astronauts.
Leveraging Multi-Tissue, Single-Cell Atlases as Tools to Elucidate Shared Mechanisms of Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: McLean Anthony K. , Reynolds Gary , Pratt Arthur G.
Published: June 2024

The observation that certain therapeutic strategies for targeting inflammation benefit patients with distinct immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) is exemplified by the success of TNF blockade in conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and skin psoriasis, albeit only for subsets of individuals with each condition. This suggests intersecting “nodes” in inflammatory networks at a molecular and cellular level may drive and/or maintain IMIDs, being “shared” between traditionally distinct diagnoses without mapping neatly to a single clinical phenotype. In line with this proposition, integrative tumour tissue analyses in oncology have highlighted novel cell states acting across diverse cancers, with important implications for precision medicine. Drawing upon advances in the oncology field, this narrative review will first summarise learnings from the Human Cell Atlas in health as a platform for interrogating IMID tissues. It will then review cross-disease studies to date that inform this endeavour before considering future directions in the field.
The Nephroprotective Effect of Nitric Oxide during Extracorporeal Circulation: An Experimental Study
Authors: Kamenshchikov Nikolay O. , Podoksenov Yuri K. , Kozlov Boris N. , Maslov Leonid N. , Mukhomedzyanov Alexander V. , Tyo Mark A. , Boiko Alexander M. , Margolis Natalya Yu. , Boshchenko Alla A. , Serebryakova Olga N. , Dzyuman Anna N. , Shirshin Alexander S. , Buranov Sergey N. , Selemir Victor D.
Published: June 2024

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of administering 80 ppm nitric oxide in reducing kidney injury, mitochondrial dysfunction and regulated cell death in kidneys during experimental perfusion. Twenty-four sheep were randomized into four groups: two groups received 80 ppm NO conditioning with 90 min of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB + NO) or 90 min of CPB and hypothermic circulatory arrest (CPB + CA + NO), while two groups received sham protocols (CPB and CPB + CA). Kidney injury was assessed using laboratory (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, an acute kidney injury biomarker) and morphological methods (morphometric histological changes in kidney biopsy specimens). A kidney biopsy was performed 60 min after weaning from mechanical perfusion. NO did not increase the concentrations of inhaled NO2 and methemoglobin significantly. The NO-conditioning groups showed less severe kidney injury and mitochondrial dysfunction, with statistical significance in the CPB + NO group and reduced tumor necrosis factor-α expression as a trigger of apoptosis and necroptosis in renal tissue in the CPB + CA + NO group compared to the CPB + CA group. The severity of mitochondrial dysfunction in renal tissue was insignificantly lower in the NO-conditioning groups. We conclude that NO administration is safe and effective at reducing kidney injury, mitochondrial dysfunction and regulated cell death in kidneys during experimental CPB.
DREAM On, DREAM Off: A Review of the Estrogen Paradox in Luminal A Breast Cancers
Authors: Hugh Judith C. , Haddon Lacey S. J. , Githaka John Maringa
Published: June 2024

It is generally assumed that all estrogen-receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers proliferate in response to estrogen and, therefore, examples of the estrogen-induced regression of ER+ cancers are paradoxical. This review re-examines the estrogen regression paradox for the Luminal A subtype of ER+ breast cancers. The proliferative response to estrogen is shown to depend on the level of ER. Mechanistically, a window of opportunity study of pre-operative estradiol suggested that with higher levels of ER, estradiol could activate the DREAM-MMB (Dimerization partner, Retinoblastoma-like proteins, E2F4, and MuvB–MYB-MuvB) pathway to decrease proliferation. The response of breast epithelium and the incidence of breast cancers during hormonal variations that occur during the menstrual cycle and at the menopausal transition, respectively, suggest that a single hormone, either estrogen, progesterone or androgen, could activate the DREAM pathway, leading to reversible cell cycle arrest. Conversely, the presence of two hormones could switch the DREAM-MMB complex to a pro-proliferative pathway. Using publicly available data, we examine the gene expression changes after aromatase inhibitors and ICI 182,780 to provide support for the hypothesis. This review suggests that it might be possible to integrate all current hormonal therapies for Luminal A tumors within a single theoretical schema.
COVID-19 Infection in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: Progression of Kidney Disease
Authors: Lai Silvia , Tinti Francesca , Perrotta Adolfo Marco , Salomone Luca , Cianci Rosario , Izzo Paolo , Izzo Sara , Izzo Luciano , De Intinis Claudia , Pellicano Chiara , Gigante Antonietta
Published: June 2024

Introduction: the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the intricate interplay between viral infections and preexisting health conditions. In the field of kidney diseases, patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) face unique challenges when exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This study aims to evaluate whether SARS-CoV-2 virus infection impacts renal function differently in patients suffering from ADPKD and CKD when compared to patients suffering only from CKD. Materials and methods: clinical data from 103 patients were collected and retrospectively analyzed. We compared the renal function of ADPKD and CKD patients at two distinct time points: before COVID-19 infection (T0) and 1 year after the infection (T1). We studied also a subpopulation of 37 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min and affected by ADPKD and CKD. Results: clinical data were obtained from 59 (57.3%) ADPKD patients and 44 (42.7%) CKD patients. At T1, ADPKD patients had significantly higher serum creatinine levels compared to CKD patients, and a significantly lower eGFR was observed only in ADPKD patients with eGFR < 60 mL/min compared to CKD patients (p < 0.01, p < 0.05; respectively). Following COVID-19 infection, ADPKD–CKD patients exhibited significantly higher variation in both median serum creatinine (p < 0.001) and median eGFR (p < 0.001) compared to CKD patients. Conclusion: the interplay between COVID-19 and kidney disease is complex. In CKD patients, the relationship between COVID-19 and kidney disease progression is more established, while limited studies exist on the specific impact of COVID-19 on ADPKD patients. Current evidence does not suggest that ADPKD patients are at a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection; however, in our study we showed a significant worsening of the renal function among ADPKD patients, particularly those with an eGFR < 60 mL/min, in comparison to patients with only CKD after a one-year follow-up from COVID-19 infection.
Liver Transplantation for Hepatocarcinoma: Results over Two Decades of a Transplantation Programme and Analysis of Factors Associated with Recurrence
Authors: Martínez Burgos María , González Grande Rocío , López Ortega Susana , Santaella Leiva Inmaculada , de la Cruz Lombardo Jesús , Santoyo Santoyo Julio , Jiménez Pérez Miguel
Published: June 2024

Background: In recent years, many studies have attempted to develop models to predict the recurrence of hepatocarcinoma after liver transplantation. Method: A single-centre, retrospective cohort study analysed patients receiving transplants due to hepatocarcinoma during the 20 years of the transplant programme. We analysed patient survival, hepatocarcinoma recurrence and the influence of the different factors described in the literature as related to hepatocarcinoma recurrence. We compared the results of previous items between the first and second decades of the transplantation programme (1995–2010 and 2010–2020). Results: Of 265 patients, the patient survival rate was 68% at 5 years, 58% at 10 years, 45% at 15 years and 34% at 20 years. The overall recurrence rate of hepatocarcinoma was 14.5%, without differences between periods. Of these, 54% of recurrences occurred early, in the first two years after transplantation. Of the parameters analysed, an alpha-fetoprotein level of >16 ng/mL, the type of immunosuppression used and the characteristics of the pathological anatomy of the explant were significant. A trend towards statistical significance was identified for the number of nodules and the size of the largest nodule. Logistic regression analysis was used to develop a model with a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 35.7% to predict recurrences in our cohort. Regarding the comparison between periods, the survival and recurrence rates of hepatocarcinoma were similar. The impact of the factors analysed in both decades was similar. Conclusions: Most recurrences occur during the first two years post-transplantation, so closer follow-ups should be performed during this period, especially in those patients where the model predicts a high risk of recurrence. The detection of patients at higher risk of recurrence allows for closer follow-up and may, in the future, make them candidates for adjuvant or neoadjuvant systemic therapies to transplantation.
Ictal Fear or Panic Attack, This Is the Question—A Video–EEG Study
Authors: Castellana Francesco , D’Onofrio Grazia , Ciccone Filomena , Di Claudio Maria Teresa , Pugliatti Maura , Popolizio Teresa , d’Orsi Giuseppe
Published: June 2024

Panic disorder (PD) and focal epilepsy, in particular, temporal lobe epilepsy, often present diagnostic challenges due to overlapping clinical manifestations. This article describes the case of a 25-year-old female, misdiagnosed with PD for 15 years, whose recurring episodes of sudden fear, palpitations, and nausea were later identified as manifestations of focal epilepsy. Initially unresponsive to conventional anti-anxiety medications, the patient’s correct diagnosis was only established through comprehensive electro-clinical, neuropsychological, and neuroimaging evaluations during her admission to our research hospital. Long-term video–EEG monitoring (LTVEM) played a pivotal role in identifying the epileptic nature of her episodes, which were characterized by paroxysmal activity in the right temporal and zygomatic regions, consistent with the location of a dysplastic lesion in the right amygdala, as revealed by high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. These findings underline the importance of considering focal epilepsy in the differential diagnosis of PD, especially in cases refractory to standard psychiatric treatments. The misdiagnosis of epilepsy as PD can lead to significant delays in appropriate treatment, potentially exacerbating the patient’s condition and affecting their quality of life. This case emphasizes the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach and the utilization of advanced diagnostic tools like LTVEM in elucidating the underlying causes of paroxysmal psychiatric symptoms.
Optimizing Method for Photovoltaic Water-Pumping Systems under Partial Shading and Changing Pump Head
Authors: Sevilla-Camacho Perla Yazmín , Robles-Ocampo José Billerman , De la Cruz-Arreola Sergio , Zúñiga-Reyes Marco Antonio , López-López Andrés , Rodríguez-Reséndiz Juvenal , Avilés Marcos , Solís-Cisneros Horacio Irán
Published: June 2024

Photovoltaic systems for pumping water, based on direct current powered motor pumps, have great application in small rural regions without electrical networks. In addition, these systems provide environmental benefits by replacing fossil fuels. However, these systems reduce their performance due to partial shading, which is magnified by the internal mismatch of the PV modules. This work proposes an intelligent, low-cost, and automatic method to mitigate these effects through the electrical reconfiguration of the PV array. Unlike other reported techniques, this method considers the pump head variations. For that, the global voltage and current supplied by the PV array to the motor pump subsystem are introduced to an artificial neural network and to a third-order equation, which locates the shaded PV module and detects the pump head, respectively. A connection control implements the optimal electrical rearrangement. The selection is based on the identified partial shading pattern and pump head. Finally, the switching matrix modifies the electrical connections between the PV modules on the PV array without changing the interconnection scheme, PV array dimension, or physical location of the PVMs. The proposed approach was implemented in a real PV water pumping system. Low-cost and commercial electronic devices were used. The experimental results show that the output power of the PV array increased by 8.43%, which maintains a more stable level of water extraction and, therefore, a constant flow level.
Efficiency of Orthopaedic Audits in a Level-1 Trauma Centre Using a Modified Clavien–Dindo Complications Classification
Authors: Talia Adrian J. , Furness Nicholas , Liew Susan M.
Published: June 2024

Background: Complications are an inevitable part of orthopaedic surgery, and how one defines complications can have an impact on the ability to learn from them. There have been issues with a commonly used classification system first outlined by Clavien and Dindo. Our aim was to evaluate a modification of this classification system developed for use in our department, with our hypothesis being that this could make our audit presentations more efficient. Methods: A modified Clavien–Dindo Classification was prospectively applied to all complications recorded in the orthopaedic departmental audits at our institution for a 12-month period. The audit discussion was recorded and analysed and compared with the complication audits for the preceding 12-month period. Results: We analysed eight audit presentations before and eight audit presentations after the introduction of a modified Clavien–Dindo classification to our orthopaedic complications over a 2-year period. The number of PowerPoint™ slides (103 vs. 84, p = 0.03) and the time spent on each presentation (88 vs. 71 min, p = 0.02) decreased significantly with the introduction of the modified classification. The novel system was found to have high inter-observer reliability. Conclusions: The modified Clavien–Dindo classification system is a reproducible classification system for orthopaedic complications. It made our audit presentations more efficient.
The Thyrohyoid Syndrome: Promoting Awareness with a Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Jeker Raphael , März Linda , Horvath Lukas
Published: June 2024

Objective: Neck pain is commonly referred to an ENT specialist and can be caused by the little-known inflammatory condition of the lateral thyrohyoid ligament. The pathophysiology of this condition is believed to be inflammation subsequent to over-exertion or cervical trauma. Typically, patients present with chronic unilateral neck pain. Elicitation of localized tenderness over the axis of the lateral thyrohyoid ligament on palpation is a key finding for its diagnosis. We present an unusual case with an acute course and subcutaneous inflammation and discuss its management in an effort to raise awareness for this often-misdiagnosed syndrome. Methods: A systematic literature research on PubMed was performed selecting patients with a definitive diagnosis of thyrohyoid syndrome or lateral thyrohyoid ligament syndrome. Results: We collected 54 cases from three studies. This condition is an important differential diagnosis for acute or chronic antero-lateral or unilateral neck pain. Conclusion: No specific radiological findings are defined and a CT scan is therefore not necessary for its diagnosis, but ultrasound is a useful tool to primarily assess any neck lesion. Once the diagnosis is made, a local infiltration of steroids is the most sustainable treatment option and relapse prevention.
Performance Comparison of Convolutional Neural Network-Based Hearing Loss Classification Model Using Auditory Brainstem Response Data
Authors: Ma Jun , Choi Seong Jun , Kim Sungyeup , Hong Min
Published: June 2024

This study evaluates the efficacy of several Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models for the classification of hearing loss in patients using preprocessed auditory brainstem response (ABR) image data. Specifically, we employed six CNN architectures—VGG16, VGG19, DenseNet121, DenseNet-201, AlexNet, and InceptionV3—to differentiate between patients with hearing loss and those with normal hearing. A dataset comprising 7990 preprocessed ABR images was utilized to assess the performance and accuracy of these models. Each model was systematically tested to determine its capability to accurately classify hearing loss. A comparative analysis of the models focused on metrics of accuracy and computational efficiency. The results indicated that the AlexNet model exhibited superior performance, achieving an accuracy of 95.93%. The findings from this research suggest that deep learning models, particularly AlexNet in this instance, hold significant potential for automating the diagnosis of hearing loss using ABR graph data. Future work will aim to refine these models to enhance their diagnostic accuracy and efficiency, fostering their practical application in clinical settings.
Correction: Nistor et al. Primary Cardiac Intimal Sarcoma: Multi-Layered Strategy and Core Role of MDM2 Amplification/Co-Amplification and MDM2 Immunostaining. Diagnostics 2024, 14, 919
Authors: Nistor Claudiu , Stanciu Gavan Camelia , Birceanu Adelina , Betianu Cezar , Carsote Mara , Cucu Anca-Pati , Stanciu Mihaela , Popa Florina Ligia , Ciuche Adrian , Ciobica Mihai-Lucian
Published: June 2024

Camelia Stanciu Gavan, Adelina Birceanu, and Cezar Betianu were not included as authors in the original publication [...]
Colorectal Polyp Detection Model by Using Super-Resolution Reconstruction and YOLO
Authors: Wang Shaofang , Xie Jun , Cui Yanrong , Chen Zhongju
Published: June 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Colonoscopy is the primary method to prevent CRC. However, traditional polyp detection methods face problems such as low image resolution and the possibility of missing polyps. In recent years, deep learning techniques have been extensively employed in the detection of colorectal polyps. However, these algorithms have not yet addressed the issue of detection in low-resolution images. In this study, we propose a novel YOLO-SRPD model by integrating SRGAN and YOLO to address the issue of low-resolution colonoscopy images. Firstly, the SRGAN with integrated ACmix is used to convert low-resolution images to high-resolution images. The generated high-resolution images are then used as the training set for polyp detection. Then, the C3_Res2Net is integrated into the YOLOv5 backbone to enhance multiscale feature extraction. Finally, CBAM modules are added before the prediction head to enhance attention to polyp information. The experimental results indicate that YOLO-SRPD achieves a mean average precision (mAP) of 94.2% and a precision of 95.2%. Compared to the original model (YOLOv5), the average accuracy increased by 1.8% and the recall rate increased by 5.6%. These experimental results confirm that YOLO-SRPD can address the low-resolution problem during colorectal polyp detection and exhibit exceptional robustness.
Revealing GLCM Metric Variations across a Plant Disease Dataset: A Comprehensive Examination and Future Prospects for Enhanced Deep Learning Applications
Authors: Kabir Masud , Unal Fatih , Akinci Tahir Cetin , Martinez-Morales Alfredo A. , Ekici Sami
Published: June 2024

This study highlights the intricate relationship between Gray-Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM) metrics and machine learning model performance in the context of plant disease identification. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous dataset evaluation and selection protocols to ensure reliable and generalizable classification outcomes. Through a comprehensive examination of publicly available plant disease datasets, focusing on their performance as measured by GLCM metrics, this research identified dataset_2 (D2), a database of leaf images, as the top performer across all GLCM analyses. These datasets were then utilized to train the DarkNet19 deep learning model, with D2 exhibiting superior performance in both GLCM analysis and DarkNet19 training (achieving about 91% testing accuracy) according to performance metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. The datasets other than dataset_1 and 2 exhibited significantly low classification performance, particularly in supporting GLCM analysis. The findings underscore the need for transparency and rigor in dataset selection, particularly given the abundance of similar datasets in the literature and the growing trend of utilizing deep learning methods in future scientific research.
Long-Term Forecasting: A MAED Application for Sierra Leone’s Electricity Demand (2023–2050)
Authors: Fields Neve , Collier William , Kiley Fynn , Caulker David , Blyth William , Howells Mark , Brown Ed
Published: June 2024

Sierra Leone is an electricity-poor country with one of the lowest electricity consumption per capita rates across sub-Saharan Africa. Yet, with ambitious targets to transform and stimulate its economy in the coming decades, energy demand forecasting becomes an integral component of successful energy planning. Through applying the MAED-D (version 2.0.0) demand software, this research study aims to generate Sierra Leone’s electricity demand forecasts from 2023 to 2050. Three novel scenarios (baseline-, high-, and low-demand) are developed based on socio-economic and technical parameters. The baseline scenario considers the current electricity sector as business-as-usual; the high-demand scenario examines an ambitious development future with increased economic diversification and mechanisation, and the low-demand scenario examines more reserved future development. The modelled scenario results project an increase in electricity demand ranging from 7.32 PJ and 12.23 PJ to 5.53 PJ for the baseline-, high-, and low-demand scenarios, respectively, by 2050. This paper provides a base set of best-available data needed to produce an electricity demand model for Sierra Leone which can be used as a capacity-building tool for in-country energy planning alongside further integration into data modelling pipelines.
Correction: Kim et al. Zero-Sequence Voltage Injection Method for DC Capacitor Voltage Balancing of Wye-Connected CHB Converter under Unbalanced Grid and Load Conditions. Energies 2021, 14, 1019
Authors: Kim Jae-Myeong , Song Geum-Seop , Jung Jae-Jung
Published: June 2024

Error in Figure [...]
Recent Advances in Resource Utilization of Huangshui from Baijiu Production
Authors: Zhang Xiaoying , Zhang Huiwen , Zhang Zhengyi , Wang Ruixi , Zhang Jishi
Published: June 2024

Huangshui is a typical organic wastewater in Chinese Baijiu production, with high pollution and valuable ingredients. Conventional wastewater treatment leads to resource-wasting and environmental pollution. It is urgent that the demand for effective Huangshui treatment with the development of the Baijiu-making industry. This review systematically summarizes recent studies, revealing the main characteristics and application of Huangshui, focusing on the application of the rich microbial resources and flavor substances, which provides a practical approach to cascade and full use of Huangshui in medicine, cosmetic, functional food, fertilizer, and wastewater treatment fields. Further research suggested that Huangshui can also be used as an external carbon source for the denitrification system or as an organic liquid water-soluble fertilizer for more fruits and grains. The applications favor improving production efficiency and lowering pollutant emissions and introduce novel concepts for the sustainable development of related industries. Thus, Chinese Baijiu plants can achieve the near-zero emissions of wastewater and cleaner production.
The Preparation, Functional Properties, and Application of Food-Derived Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory Agents
Authors: Kim Jong-Sang
Published: June 2024

This Special Issue of Foods titled, “The Preparation, Functional Properties, and Application of Food-Derived Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory Agents,” has unveiled a fascinating panorama of the multifaceted ways food can contribute to our well-being [...]
Machine Learning-Enhanced Pairs Trading
Authors: Hadad Eli , Hodarkar Sohail , Lemeneh Beakal , Shasha Dennis
Published: June 2024

Forecasting returns in financial markets is notoriously challenging due to the resemblance of price changes to white noise. In this paper, we propose novel methods to address this challenge. Employing high-frequency Brazilian stock market data at one-minute granularity over a full year, we apply various statistical and machine learning algorithms, including Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) with attention, Transformers, N-BEATS, N-HiTS, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), and Temporal Convolutional Networks (TCNs) to predict changes in the price ratio of closely related stock pairs. Our findings indicate that a combination of reversion and machine learning-based forecasting methods yields the highest profit-per-trade. Additionally, by allowing the model to abstain from trading when the predicted magnitude of change is small, profits per trade can be further increased. Our proposed forecasting approach, utilizing a blend of methods, demonstrates superior accuracy compared to individual methods for high-frequency data.
A Novel Contact Stiffness Model for Grinding Joint Surface Based on the Generalized Ubiquitiformal Sierpinski Carpet Theory
Authors: An Qi , Liu Yue , Huang Min , Suo Shuangfu
Published: June 2024

A novel analytical model based on the generalized ubiquitiformal Sierpinski carpet is proposed which can more accurately obtain the normal contact stiffness of the grinding joint surface. Firstly, the profile and the distribution of asperities on the grinding surface are characterized. Then, based on the generalized ubiquitiformal Sierpinski carpet, the contact characterization of the grinding joint surface is realized. Secondly, a contact mechanics analysis of the asperities on the grinding surface is carried out. The analytical expressions for contact stiffness in various deformation stages are derived, culminating in the establishment of a comprehensive analytical model for the grinding joint surface. Subsequently, a comparative analysis is conducted between the outcomes of the presented model, the KE model, and experimental data. The findings reveal that, under identical contact pressure conditions, the results obtained from the presented model exhibit a closer alignment with experimental observations compared to the KE model. With an increase in contact pressure, the relative error of the presented model shows a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, while the KE model has a trend of increasing. For the relative error values of the four surfaces under different contact pressures, the maximum relative error of the presented model is 5.44%, while the KE model is 22.99%. The presented model can lay a solid theoretical foundation for the optimization design of high-precision machine tools and provide a scientific theoretical basis for the performance analysis of machine tool systems.
Effect of Depositional Environment and Climate on Organic Matter Enrichment in Sediments of the Upper Miocene—Pliocene Kampungbaru Formation, Lower Kutai Basin, Indonesia
Authors: Jamaluddin  , Schöpfer Kateřina , Wagreich Michael , Maria  , Gier Susanne , Fathy Douaa
Published: June 2024

The Upper Miocene–Pliocene Kampungbaru Formation crops out in the easternmost part of the Lower Kutai Basin, Indonesia. The sedimentological analysis of seven outcrops was carried out, and a total of twenty-five samples from these outcrops was analyzed for bulk geochemistry, organic petrography, and bulk and clay mineralogy to assess the effect of the climate and depositional environment on organic matter enrichment. The Kampungbaru Formation consists of interbedded sandstone, siltstone, claystone, and thick coal beds, which were classified into eleven lithofacies. Subsequently, seven facies associations were identified, namely the fluvial-dominated distributary channel, sheet-like sandstone, tide-influenced distributary channel, mouth bar, crevasse splay, delta plain, and delta front. The coal facies generally have a high amount of total organic carbon (TOC, 5.1–16.9; avg. 10.11 wt.%), and non-coal layers range from 0.03 to 4.22 wt.% (avg. 1.54 wt.%). The dominant maceral is vitrinite, while liptinite occurs only rarely in the samples. Organic matter is inferred to have originated from terrestrial plants growing in mangrove swamps. Identified clay minerals include varying proportions of kaolinite, illite, chlorite, and mixed layer illite/smectite (I/S). Kaolinite, which commonly constitutes up to 30% of the clay volume, indicates intensive chemical weathering during a warm and humid climate. In accordance with the Köppen climate classification, the paleoclimate during the deposition of the Kampungbaru Formation is classified as type Af, which is a tropical rainforest. Tropical climate was favorable for the growth of higher plants and deposition of organic matter under anoxic conditions and led to higher amounts of TOC in the Kampungbaru Formation.
Finer Measurement Scales for Induced Hydrophobicity Using the Water Droplet Penetration Test
Authors: Veneris Max , Farid Arvin
Published: June 2024

The Water Droplet Penetration Test (WDPT) is commonly used in most soil water repellency (SWR) research and is particularly prominent in field studies after wildfire events. Suppose a water droplet does not infiltrate the soil within the first five seconds. This soil is considered to contain some degree of water repellency, classified by the overall penetration time. Our results show an inflection point in the plot of the height of a droplet vs. droplet penetration time during a WDPT trial. This inflection point is indicative of a combination of two possible flow patterns influencing droplet penetration, one governing and the other—caused by particle lift—drastically impeding the infiltration rate. The reorganization of the intrinsic particle lift at the air–water interface leads to contact angles hindering the expected penetration, delaying the expected infiltration rate to degrees larger than a continuously flat porous hydrophobic surface would. The particle lift creates an instability that can create two competing regimes, leading to two sets of water droplet penetration times. The similarity among sorptivity values for coarse grains at higher hydrophobicity levels, medium grains at intermediate hydrophobicity levels, and fine grains at lower hydrophobicity levels suggests that interpretation of the WDPT needs to be adjusted based on grain size.
Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization, and Expression of the HAK/KUP/KT Potassium Transporter Gene Family in Poncirus trifoliata and Functional Analysis of PtKUP10 under Salt Stress
Authors: Jin Longfei , Yin Xinxing , Wen Mingxia , Huang Bei , Liu Feng , Li Xinguo , Wang Peng
Published: June 2024

Potassium is an essential mineral nutrient for citrus growth and stress response. In this study, the HAK/KUP/KT gene family was identified from the genome of trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata). The physical and chemical properties, chromosomal location, gene structure, evolutionary relationship, conserved motifs, and tissue expression characteristics were analyzed. The expression characteristics under low potassium and salt stress were analyzed by fluorescence quantitative PCR. The function of PtKUP10 was investigated by heterologous expression in Arabidopsis thaliana. The results showed that at least 18 PtKUPs were distributed in seven chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that four PtKUPs clustered in clade I, which mediated the high-affinity potassium absorption. Gene expression analysis showed that four PtKUPs were highly expressed in root, seven PtKUPs were up-regulated by low potassium stress, and nine PtKUPs were up-regulated by salt stress. The cis-acting elements on the promoter of PtKUPs were predominantly involved in stress and hormone responses. Overexpression of PtKUP10 in Arabidopsis thaliana could enhance salt tolerance by accumulating more potassium in the shoot and reducing sodium content in the shoots and roots. These results indicated that PtKUPs play important roles in potassium absorption and salt stress response, and PtKUP10 might enhance salt tolerance by maintaining potassium and sodium homeostasis.
Prioritization of Hydrological Restoration Areas Using AHP and GIS in Dulcepamba River Basin in Bolivar–Ecuador
Authors: Sanchez Eddy , Alvarez Cesar
Published: June 2024

In this study, we performed a preliminary soil analysis and collected environmental data for the Dulcepamba River Basin in Bolivar–Ecuador, before carrying out its hydrological restoration (HR). A geographic information system (GIS) and the multicriterion Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) decision-making method were used. The comprehensive evaluation included morphological aspects, soil properties, climatic conditions, vegetation, and land use. The terrain conditions were investigated using indicators such as the flow capacity, topographic moisture, soil resistance, sediment transport, current density, curve number, NDVI, precipitation, and distance to rivers. The results and analysis are presented in a series of maps, which establish a starting point for the HR of the Dulcepamba watershed. The key factors for assessing soil degradation in the watershed include land use, vegetation cover, sedimentation, humidity, and precipitation. Of the studied territory, 10.7 do not require HR, while 20.28% demand HR in the long term. In addition, 30.67% require HR in the short term, and 33.35% require HR immediately. Based on the findings, it is suggested that authorities consider the environmental remediation of the watershed and propose various HR measures. This analytical approach could prove valuable as a tool for the environmental restoration of watersheds in Ecuador.
The Role of Street Medicine and Mobile Clinics for Persons Experiencing Homelessness: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kaufman Rebekah A. , Mallick Mahwish , Louis Jarvis Thanex , Williams Mollie , Oriol Nancy
Published: June 2024

Introduction: An estimated 5800 to 46,500 lives are lost due to homelessness each year. Experiencing homelessness and poor health are cyclically related, with one reinforcing the other. Mobile programs, which include vehicles that travel to deliver care, and street medicine, the act of bringing care to spaces where PEH live, may play a role in alleviating this burden by providing trusted, affordable, and accessible care to this community. Methods: We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed literature on the role of mobile clinics and street medicine in providing care for PEH by searching PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science on 10 August 2023. Articles from 2013 to 2023 specific to programs in the United States were included. The protocol was developed following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The primary outcome was the role of mobile programs for persons experiencing homelessness. Results: A total of 15 articles were included in this review. The descriptive findings emphasized that street medicine and mobile clinics provide primary care, behavioral health, and social services. The utilization findings indicate that street medicine programs positively impact the health system through their ability to defer emergency department and hospital visits, providing financial benefits. The comparative findings between mobile programs and office-based programs indicate current successes and areas for improvement. Discussion: Mobile clinics and street medicine programs that serve PEH provide a wide range of services. While more significant structural change is needed to address healthcare costs and housing policies in the United States, mobile clinics and street medicine teams can improve healthcare access and the healthcare system.
The Protective Role of Magnoliae Flos in Preventing Ovotoxicity and Managing Ovarian Function: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study
Authors: Kim Mi Ra , Kim Dong-Il , Park Sung Yun , Kang Hyo Jin , Park Sun-Dong , Lee Ju-Hee
Published: June 2024

Magnoliae Flos (MF) is a medicinal herb widely employed in traditional medicine for relieving sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, headaches, and toothaches. Here, we investigated the potential preventive effects of MF extract (MFE) against 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD)-induced ovotoxicity in ovarian cells and a mouse model of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). The cytoprotective effects of MFE were assessed using CHO-K1 or COV434 cells. In vivo, B6C3F1 female mice were intraperitoneally injected with VCD for two weeks to induce POI, while MFE was orally administered for four weeks, beginning one week before VCD administration. VCD led to a significant decline in the viabilities of CHO-K1 and COV434 cells and triggered excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis specifically in CHO-K1 cells. However, pretreatment with MFE effectively prevented VCD-induced cell death and ROS generation, while also activating the Akt signaling pathway. In vivo, MFE increased relative ovary weights, follicle numbers, and serum estradiol and anti-Müllerian hormone levels versus controls under conditions of ovary failure. Collectively, our results demonstrate that MFE has a preventive effect on VCD-induced ovotoxicity through Akt activation. These results suggest that MFE may have the potential to prevent and manage conditions such as POI and diminished ovarian reserve.
Rare Filaggrin Variants Are Associated with Pustular Skin Diseases in Asians
Authors: Lo Piccolo Luca , Wongkummool Wasinee , Jantaree Phatcharida , Daroontum Teerada , Chaowattanapanit Suteeraporn , Choonhakarn Charoen , Amornpinyo Warayuwadee , Chaiwarith Romanee , Kiratikanon Salin , Rujiwetpongstorn Rujira , Tovanabutra Napatra , Chiewchanvit Siri , Ngamphiw Chumpol , Intachai Worrachet , Kantaputra Piranit , Chuamanochan Mati
Published: June 2024

Reactive pustular eruptions (RPEs) can manifest in a variety of conditions, including pustular psoriasis (PP) and adult-onset immunodeficiency syndrome due to anti-interferon-γ autoantibody (AOID). These RPEs can be attributed to different causes, one of which is genetic factors. However, the genetic basis for pustular skin diseases remains poorly understood. In our study, we conducted whole-exome sequencing on a cohort of 17 AOID patients with pustular reactions (AOID-PR) and 24 PP patients. We found that 76% and 58% of the AOID-PR and PP patients, respectively, carried rare genetic variations within the filaggrin (FLG) gene family. A total of 12 out of 21 SNPs on FLG had previously received clinical classifications, with only p.Ser2706Ter classified as pathogenic. In contrast, none of the FLG3 SNPs identified in this study had prior clinical classifications. Overall, these variations had not been previously documented in cases of pustular disorders, and two of them were entirely novel discoveries. Immunohistochemical analysis of skin biopsies revealed that FLG variants like p.Ser860Trp, p.Gly3903Ter, p.Gly2440Glu, and p.Glu2133Asp caused reductions in FLG levels similar to the pathogenic FLG p.Ser2706Ter. These results highlight rare FLG variants as potential novel genetic risk factors contributing to pustule formation in both AOID and PP.
Neutrophil Depletion Changes the N-Glycosylation Pattern of IgG in Experimental Murine Sepsis
Authors: Yaykasli Kursat O. , van Schie Karin A. , Toes René E. M. , Wuhrer Manfred , Koeleman Carolien A. M. , Bila Galyna , Negrych Nazar , Schett Georg , Knopf Jasmin , Herrmann Martin , Bilyy Rostyslav
Published: June 2024

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition with a rising disease burden worldwide. It is a multifactorial disease and is defined as a dysregulated host response to infection. Neutrophils have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis by exacerbating inflammation. However, the exact effector mechanism of action still remains a mystery. Changes in the glycosylation pattern of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) Fc region are described for several diseases including meningococcal sepsis. In this study, we investigated the possible contribution of neutrophils and neutrophil implication, potentially related to degranulation or neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation in changing the IgG Fc N-glycosylation pattern in a murine sepsis model. We have measured the serum level of cytokines/chemokines and immunoglobulins, the serum activity of neutrophil elastase (NE), and analyzed the IgG Fc glycosylation pattern by Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) and Lectin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We observed an increased activity of NE- and neutrophil-associated cytokines such as keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC) with the development of sepsis. Regarding the IgG Fc N-glycosylation, we observed an increase in fucosylation and α1,3-galactosylation and a decrease for sialyation. Interestingly, these changes were not uniform for all IgG subclasses. After depletion of neutrophils, we saw a change in the exposure of fucose and α2,6-linked sialic acid during the time course of our experimental sepsis model. In conclusion, neutrophils can influence changes in the IgG glycosylation pattern in experimental sepsis.
Performance Improvement of a Straight-Bladed Darrieus Hydrokinetic Turbine through Enhanced Winglet Designs
Authors: López Omar D. , Botero Nicolás , Nunez Emerson Escobar , Laín Santiago
Published: June 2024

The global climate and energy crisis have underscored the importance of sustainability in energy systems and their efficiency. In the case of vertical axis turbines (VATs) for hydrokinetic applications, the increment in efficiency is a topic of interest. Using winglets as passive flow control devices has the potential to improve the power coefficient of straight-bladed (SB) Darrieus turbines highly due to their impact in the dynamics of the flow close to the tip blade and the general impact in the hydrodynamic performance of each blade. The aim of the present work is to study the influence of the geometric parameters of a symmetric winglet in the performance of an SB-VAT for hydrokinetic applications via numerical simulations based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Several simulations were performed in Star CCM+ v2206 varying the cant and sweep angles of the designed winglet. Numerical results show that a cant angle of 45° in combination with a sweep angle of 60° achieved the highest power coefficient with an increment around 20% with respect to the model without winglets. Furthermore, the vortical flow structures that form around straight and winglet blades are examined. This involves assessing the distribution of pressure and skin friction coefficients at different blade azimuthal positions during a turbine revolution. In general, the predicted increment in performance is related to the influence of the winglets in the strength of the tip vortices and in the delay in the flow separation.
Node Load and Location-Based Clustering Protocol for Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks
Authors: Mei Haodi , Wang Haiyan , Shen Xiaohong , Jiang Zhe , Yan Yongsheng , Sun Lin , Xie Weiliang
Published: June 2024

Clustering protocols for underwater acoustic sensor networks (UASNs) have gained widespread attention due to their importance in reducing network complexity. Congestion occurs when the intra-cluster load is greater than the upper limit of the intra-cluster information transmission capacity, which leads to a dramatic deterioration of network performance despite the reduction of network complexity. To avoid congestion, we propose a node load and location-based clustering protocol for UASNs (LLCP). First, a node load and location-based optimization mechanism is proposed. The number of cluster members is optimized based on node load and location to maximize the number of cluster members while avoiding congestion. Then, a node degree and location-based cluster member selection mechanism is proposed to select the optimal cluster members. Finally, a priority-based clustering mechanism is proposed. The node clustering order is adjusted based on the clustering priority to maximize the reduction of network complexity by increasing the average number of cluster members. Simulation results show that our proposed LLCP minimizes the network complexity while avoiding congestion.