bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A trajetória profissional como constituinte do saber-ser e saber-fazer dos professores formadores de um curso de licenciatura em Matemática
Authors: Cellini Caroline Paula , Brostolin Marta Regina
Published: September 2024

Neste texto, recorte de uma pesquisa de doutoramento realizada em um Programa de Educação, objetivamos discutir a construção da identidade docente, os saberes necessários à profissão e à trajetória profissional como constituinte do saber-ser e saber-fazer de nove professores formadores de um curso de licenciatura em Matemática de uma universidade pública. De abordagem qualitativa, a pesquisa utilizou como instrumentos para a produção de dados a análise documental e a entrevista semiestruturada. Os resultados interpretados por meio da análise de conteúdo sob a perspectiva teórica da área de formação de professores evidenciaram que, no decorrer das trajetórias, a cada experiência vivenciada, o sujeito se constitui professor. Embora a formação docente seja uma tarefa complexa e multifacetada, que requer o envolvimento do sujeito-docente como ator/autor de sua formação, reconhecemos a identidade e os saberes envolvidos no ser-fazer docente.
A construção profissional do/da professor/professora de Matemática à luz da Psicanálise: dois mundos e uma identidade
Authors: Lima Paulo Vinícius Pereira de , Fraz Joeanne Neves , Moreira Geraldo Eustáquio
Published: September 2024

A escolha pela carreira docente, em especial na área da Matemática, pode ser fortemente influenciada pelo inconsciente, conceito inerente à Psicanálise, visto que envolve fatores intrínsecos à identidade, ao desejo e à subjetividade do indivíduo. Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar o que envolve a escolha profissional docente da/pela disciplina de Matemática sob a luz da Psicanálise. Estudo de abordagem qualitativa, caráter exploratório e natureza analítico-descritiva, cujo procedimento utilizado foi o questionário. Colaboraram com a pesquisa 54 docentes de Matemática do Distrito Federal. Observou-se que, ao utilizar a Psicanálise para compreender a necessária transformação das práticas educacionais, os docentes não se predispõem a formar um arsenal teórico-metodológico para atualizá-las e que a compreensão da dinâmica que permeia a escolha profissional pode ajudar os profissionais que nela atuam a lidar com os desafios da profissão e no desenvolvimento de estratégias eficazes para motivar e engajar os estudantes no aprendizado da Matemática.
Genotypic differentiation and evolutionary dynamics of puumala orthohantavirus (PUUV)
Authors: Dashian Mariia A. , Volkhin Ilya A. , Volchkov Pavel Yu. , Deviatkin Andrei A.
Published: September 2024

Puumala orthohantavirus (PUUV) is a causative agent of haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, mainly transmitted through rodent excretions. Classification of PUUV has traditionally been based on the geographic locations of their discovery, but this system faces challenges due to inconsistencies between the names of lineages and their actual distribution. In this study, we propose a quantitative criterion of “10% nucleotide difference” to distinguish PUUV genotypes, resulting in a subdivision of PUUV into twenty-one distinct genotypes. The application of this criterion suggested a further division of the CE, RUS, FIN and N-SCA lineages and was consistent with the current taxonomic position of the S-SCA, LAT, DAN and ALAD lineages. In addition, analysis of reassortment and recombination events showed that PUUV undergoes these processes, but they are relatively rare. Our results emphasise the importance of considering genetic distances in the classification of PUUV and provide a robust criterion for subspecies-level taxonomy.
Microbial community structure variability over the development of healthy and underperforming oyster larval hatchery broods
Authors: Cram Jacob A. , McCarty Alexandra J. , Willey Stacey M. , Alexander Stephanie T.
Published: September 2024

Hatcheries nationwide suffer from unexplained acute production failures, termed crashes. The microbiota of oysters relates to larval health with previous studies showing that some bacterial species have positive and others negative effects on oyster health. To investigate microbial correlates of crashes, we collected samples from every batch of oyster larvae (Crassostrea virginica) produced by the Horn Point Laboratory Oyster Hatchery since 2021 and analyzed the microbiota of 15 of those batches over their duration in the hatchery, from age of 3 to 5 days until either harvest or complete die off of the batch. Across events, die-offs generally became evident at or after six days of age. We found that the microbiota of oyster larvae appears to respond to die-off events with crashed batches having fundamentally different microbiota than good batches at age 7 to 9 and 9 to 12 days. Crashed batches were often taken over by microeukaryotes and bacterial taxa from the Protobacteria and Bacteroidetes phyla. However, this presumably opportunistic community differed between batches. Observed Vibrio species level groups did not appear to be oyster pathogens and appeared to respond to, rather than precede, crashes. The microbiota of 3 to 5 day old larvae were statistically related to whether a die-off occurred later in the larval batches’ life, only when the taxa were first agglomerated to family level. The detection of two microbial species not previously known to associate with oysters, along with an increased presence of Dinophyceae, predominantly the toxin-producing Gyrodinium jinhaense, in 3 to 5 day old oyster larvae was statistically linked with subsequent batch crashes. This study suggests that the health of larval oysters shapes their microbiome. Conversely, it provides hints that the microbiome of larvae, and perhaps harmful algae, may drive hatchery crashes.
Small molecule Mcl-1 inhibitor for triple negative breast cancer therapy
Authors: Dong Shengli , Alahari Suresh K.
Published: September 2024

Apoptosis is an evolutionarily conserved cell death pathway that plays a crucial role in maintaining tissue homeostasis, orchestrating organismal development, and eliminating damaged cells. Dysregulation of apoptosis can contribute to the pathogenesis of malignant tumors and neurodegenerative diseases. Anticancer drugs typically possess the capacity to induce apoptosis in tumor cells. The Bcl-2 protein family, consisting of 27 members in humans, serves as the key regulator of mitochondrial function. This family can be divided into two functional groups: anti-apoptotic proteins (e.g., Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, Mcl-1) and pro-apoptotic proteins (e.g., Bad, Bax). Mcl-1 exerts its function by binding pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins thereby preventing apoptosis induction. Overexpression of Mcl-1 not only correlates closely with tumorigenesis but also associates significantly with resistance towards targeted therapy and conventional chemotherapy. Effective induction of apoptosis can be achieved through inhibition or interference with Mcl-1. Thus, this mini review discusses existing Mcl-1 inhibitors.
YTHDF3 modulates the progression of breast cancer cells by regulating FGF2 through m6A methylation
Authors: Gong R. F. , Zhang Z. H. , Sun T. T. , Zhao Y. X. , Fang Wen
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Breast cancer (BC) is a prevailing malignancy among women, and its inconspicuous development contributes significantly to mortality. The RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification represents an emerging mechanism for gene expression regulation, with the active involvement of the YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 3 (YTHDF3) in tumor progression across multiple cancer types. Nonetheless, its precise function in breast cancer necessitates further investigation.

Methods

The expression of YTHDF3 in both cell lines and patient tissues was examined using Western blotting, reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques. Bioinformatics analysis of methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) and transcriptome RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data was employed to screen for the target genes of YTHDF3. The main focus of this study was to investigate the in vitro biological functions of YTHDF3. The specific binding of YTHDF3 to its target genes and its correlation with m6A methylation were studied through RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, and co-immunoprecipitation experiments. The protein regulatory mechanisms of downstream genes of YTHDF3 were assessed using protein stability analysis. Furthermore, the biological functions of YTHDF3 and its target genes in breast cancer cells were validated through CRISPR-Cas9 technology and rescue experiments.

Results

By constructing a risk model using the TCGA database, YTHDF3 was identified as a high-risk factor among m6A methylation factors. Subsequent investigations revealed its elevated expression in various subtypes of breast cancer, accompanied by poor prognosis. MeRIP-seq analysis further revealed fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) as a downstream gene of YTHDF3. Knockdown of YTHDF3 in breast cancer cells led to significant inhibition of cell self-renewal, migration, and invasion abilities in vitro. Mechanistically, YTHDF3 specifically recognized the methylated transcript of FGF2 within its coding sequence (CDS) region, leading to the inhibition of FGF2 protein degradation. Moreover, depletion of FGF2 markedly suppressed the biological functions of breast cancer cells, while reducing FGF2 expression in YTHDF3-overexpressing breast cancer cell lines substantially alleviated the malignant progression.

Conclusions

In summary, our study elucidates the role of YTHDF3 as an oncogene in maintaining FGF2 expression in BC cells through an m6A-dependent mechanism. Additionally, we provide a potential biomarker panel for prognostic prediction in BC.
Clinical significance of the m6A methyltransferase METTL3 in peripheral blood of patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Chang Jianshe , Shao Rui , Xu Xiangshan , Jin Yuanzhe
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study aims to explore the association of methyltransferase-like protein 3 (METTL3) expression with severity of coronary artery stenosis in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods

A total of 100 patients administrated in the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University between October 2022 and June 2023 with primary symptoms of chest pain or tightness, or cardiac discomfort, and who underwent coronary angiography for a definitive diagnosis, were included in the study. The baseline characteristics, including TG, TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, uric acid and past history were recorded. Peripheral blood samples were collected to assess the expression levels of METTL3, YT521-B homology domains 1 (YTHDF1), YT521-B homology domains 2 (YTHDF2), and YT521-B homology domains 3 (YTHDF3) using the PCR method. Relative expression levels of METTL3 protein were determined by Western blotting. Correlation analysis were conducted to evaluate the relationship between METTL3/YTHDF1 gene expression and clinical data. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed to assess the predictive value of METTL3 and YTHDF1 for CHD. Binary logistic regression was used to determine whether the expression of METTL3 and YTHDF1 in peripheral blood were risk factors for CHD.

Results

The study found no significant differences in baseline characteristics between CHD patients and controls, except for length of stay, Lymphocytes, Neutrophils, AST, HDL-C and modified Gensini score. The gene expression levels of METTL3 and YTHDF1 were significantly higher in CHD patients compared to controls (p < 0.05). Furthermore, METTL3 protein expression was also significantly elevated in the CHD group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). METTL3 gene expression correlated with HDL-C and Gensini score, while YTHDF1 gene expression correlated with Age, WBC, Neutrophils, RDW-CV, modified Gensini score. ROC curve analysis demonstrated an AUC of 0.692 for METTL3 in CHD, with a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 69.8% at a cut-off value of >0.052. The AUC for YTHDF1 in CHD was 0.623, with a sensitivity of 47.4% and a specificity of 74.4% at a cut-off value of >0.027. Binary logistic regression revealed that only increased METTL3 expression in peripheral blood was an independent risk factor for CHD (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The increased expression of METTL3 in peripheral blood may serve as a potential biomarker and predictive factor for CHD.
Predictors of low cardiac output syndrome after combined mitral and tricuspid valve surgery
Authors: Labaste François , Lavie-Badie Yoan , Bouchau Robin , Boyère Lucie , Sanchez-Verlaan Pascale , Gonzalez Hélène , Marcheix Bertrand , Botea Roxana , Vardon-Bounes Fanny , Minville Vincent
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) is a common complication in cardiac surgery, and we evaluated the incidence of its early occurrence after mitral and tricuspid combined cardiac surgery and its associated risk factors.

Material and method

Retrospective, single institution study. We included 88 consecutive adult patients with severe mitral insufficiency scheduled for elective mitral and tricuspid valve replacement surgery between January 2015 and November 2018. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of LCOS, defined as the need for inotropic support or circulatory assistance after surgery. The secondary endpoint was mortality at 30 days.

Results

LCOS occurred in 26 patients (29.5%) of the studied patients and its associated risk factors that appeared in the multivariate analysis were chronic kidney failure [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0–9.9, p = 0.05], pre-operative left ventricular heart failure (OR 5.3; 95% CI 1.3–10.9, p = 0.002), pre-operative right ventricular heart failure (OR 3.6; 95% CI 1.1–11.5, p = 0.02), and mitral valve replacement (OR 3.9; 95% CI 1.2–12.6, p = 0.03). LCOS affected the survival of patients (HR = 5.5; 95% CI 1.1–27.7 p = 0.04).

Conclusion

LCOS is a frequent complication after mitral and tricuspid combined surgery and is associated with poor prognosis.
Neanderthal exploitation of birds in north-western Europe: Avian remains from Scladina Cave (Belgium)
Authors: Goffette Quentin , Rots Veerle , Abrams Grégory , Pirson Stéphane , Di Modica Kévin , Bray Fabrice , Cnuts Dries , Bonjean Dominique , Amos Linda
Published: September 2024

For a long time, Neanderthals were considered hunters of large mammals, whereas the diversification of the exploited faunal spectrum to include smaller taxa, including birds, was assumed to be specific to anatomically modern humans. In recent decades, archeozoological analyses of faunal remains from layers associated with Middle Paleolithic lithic industries have revealed traces of human manipulation of small taxa, indicating the exploitation of a wider range of animals than previously thought. These new data have challenged the view that Neanderthals did not exploit small animals, thereby narrowing the behavioral gap with anatomically modern humans. Nevertheless, the information currently available comes almost exclusively from southern Europe and the nature of Neanderthal small fauna exploitation in northern Europe remains largely unknown. The present study aims to fill this gap by applying archeozoological methods, including detailed taphonomic and traceological analyses, to 119 bird remains recovered from layers containing Middle Paleolithic industries at Scladina Cave, Belgium. Analyses of proteomics were applied to clarify the taxonomic identity of two morphologically non-diagnostic elements. Modifications made by non-human predators or scavengers, suggest that mammalian carnivores are responsible for accumulating a considerable portion of the avian assemblage. In total, seven bird bones exhibit anthropogenic marks, and one element presents questionable marks. Various Galliformes taxa and a great cormorant were exploited likely for their meat. The talon of a likely lesser spotted eagle displays intense polishing possibly linked to human manipulation of this element, although this remains hypothetical. On the radius of a Western capercaillie, two deep incisions may indicate bone working, and intense use-wear indicates that the bone has been utilized, potentially on soft organic material. This study provides the first evidence of the exploitation of birds by Neanderthal in Belgium and constitutes the only detailed zooarchaeological analysis of Middle Paleolithic bird material in northwestern Europe. The likely modification and subsequent utilization of a bird bone is only the second example known from Neanderthal occupations in Eurasia. The novel taxa identified as Neanderthal prey highlight the plasticity of Neanderthal ecological behavior, adapting to different landscapes and climates and exploiting a large spectrum of locally available prey.
Spatio-temporal dynamic evolution characteristics and driving mechanism analysis of urban pseudo human settlements
Authors: Li Hang , Lou Lin , Wang Yadan , Tian Shenzhen , Yang Jun , Cong Xueping
Published: September 2024

Pseudo human settlements in the information age is an important part of human settlements geography, which has a comprehensive and profound impact on urban production, life and ecology in China and even the world, but the existing research on pseudo human settlements is still unclear, and cannot meet the requirements of China’s “digital-realistic fusion”, “network power” and the construction of a beautiful China. Therefore, this paper starts from the perspective of pseudo, based on the theory of the coupling system of human settlements, and applies the entropy weight method, coupling coordination model, geodetector and other methods and spatial technologies to deeply analyze the spatial and temporal evolution of the pseudo human settlements and the driving mechanism of the 14 cities in Liaoning Province from 2011 to 2020. The results show that: 1) Liaoning Province’s pseudo human settlements in the time evolution of the overall quality of the main theme of the rise, with the “Internet festival” node effect and significant stage. 2) The spatial distribution is characterized by the geographical layout of “1″-type high-quality development centers and concentric-circle spatial distribution; and the trend surface shows a low uniformity pattern of “high in the south-central part and low in the surrounding area”. 3) The degree of system coupling and the degree of coupling coordination both show a fluctuating upward trend, with the spatial heterogeneity characteristic of “high in the central part and low in the surrounding area”. 4) Tool system has become the emerging driving force, communication and social chat has become the basic driving force, and life service is the invisible driving force; communication class and community class are the important leading driving factors. The study aims to enrich the research system of human settlements, promote the development of the discipline of human settlements geography, provide a new basis for the construction of human settlements in the new era, and respond to the demand for decision-making in the strategy of network power.
Brief report: cultural adaptations for the PEERS program for Latine families
Authors: Martin Ann Marie , Blacher Jan , Veytsman Elina , Baker Elizabeth , Fodstad Jill , Meltzoff Katherine
Published: September 2024

Background

The UCLA PEERS program has been studied using predominantly White and affluent populations. As autistic teens and their parents are represented across cultures, it is vitally important that interventions are tailored to their needs–whether that be linguistically or with respect to their cultural practices. Thus, the current qualitative study explored whether culturally and linguistically diverse families (primarily Latine) participating in the PEERS program had recommendations for adaptations to improve their experience and make the program more culturally sensitive.

Method

The study utilized a sample of 13 autistic teens and their parents who completed the original 16-week PEERS program with content delivered bilingually.

Results

All parents and teens recommended the program to other families. Although the intervention was largely accepted in its current format, suggestions were put forth regarding how to adapt the program to be more accommodating of Latine cultural views on parenting.

Conclusion

The PEERS program is an evidenced based intervention with well documented positive results. This paper contributes to a growing body of literature highlighting both the importance of including underrepresented demographic groups in research and factoring in cultural adaptations to increase validity of interventions previously normed on White affluent populations.
Impact of a game-based tool on student engagement in a foreign language course: a three-term analysis
Authors: Anane Chiraz
Published: September 2024

In recent years, the use of game-based learning platforms has gained significant attention in educational settings for their potential to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. This paper examines the effectiveness of Kahoot!, a game-based student response system, in an online French as a foreign language course. The study aims to assess how students perceive Kahoot! across three academic terms. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative data from structured questionnaires with qualitative insights from open-ended questions. This provided a comprehensive view of student perceptions and experiences with Kahoot!. The findings show consistently high student enthusiasm and engagement with Kahoot! across the three terms. Most students strongly agreed that Kahoot! positively impacted their learning, with high mean scores and low standard deviations reflecting widespread consensus. However, some students showed variations in competitive motivation, and minor technical challenges were noted. Overall, the study underscores Kahoot!’s sustained effectiveness in improving student engagement and learning in online French courses. Despite variations in motivation and some technical issues, the tool was largely seen as beneficial. This research adds to the growing evidence of the value of game-based learning tools in online education, particularly for foreign language instruction.
Interprofessional education to support alcohol use screening and future team-based management of stress-related disorders in vulnerable populations
Authors: Fitzpatrick-Schmidt Taylor , Edwards Scott
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a psychiatric disease that affects approximately 10% of the population. Individuals suffer from a myriad of causes and consequences of AUD, and team-based management of patients is often required for given the chronic and complex nature of the disease. Interprofessional education (IPE) for biomedical science and health professional students that incorporates patient-centered cases focused on AUD and adjacent stress-related disorders may improve future collaboration in managing these conditions and community outcomes related to wellbeing.

Methods

This study assessed the impact of a single, 90-minute IPE exercise on improving confidence in possessing the knowledge and skills required for screening and management of patients at risk for AUD, the role of social determinants in health and stress-related diseases, and the importance of supporting the mental health of professionals to improve patient care. The exercise was provided to three groups of post-baccalaureate students (physician assistant [PA], physical therapy [PT], and biomedical sciences [BMS] graduate programs) within a human physiology course. Pre- and post-test surveys were administered via web-based platform before and after the session.

Results

We found significant improvements in responses to seven of the eight assessment questions, including improved knowledge of one’s role in biomedical research or brief interventions for alcohol misuse, increased confidence in advising patients and community members about responsible alcohol drinking, and improved understanding of the role of all three professions (PA, PT, and BMS) in managing, treating, or researching stress-related disorders.

Discussion

These findings suggest that a single focused IPE session is impactful for improving student knowledge and understanding of stress-related disorders. IPE may represent an important educational strategy to bring together future scientists and health professionals to reflect upon unique and shared knowledge bases as well as integrative care principles for both patient and professional wellbeing.
Exploring the design of clinical research studies on the efficacy mechanisms in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Guan Huifang , Zhao Shuang , Li Jiarui , Wang Ying , Niu Ping , Zhang Yuxin , Zhang Yanjiao , Fang Xinyi , Miao Runyu , Tian Jiaxing
Published: September 2024

This review examines the complexities of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), focusing on the critical role of integrating omics technologies with traditional experimental methods. It underscores the advancements in understanding the genetic diversity of T2DM and emphasizes the evolution towards personalized treatment modalities. The paper analyzes a variety of omics approaches, including genomics, methylation, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and intestinal microbiomics, delineating their substantial contributions to deciphering the multifaceted mechanisms underlying T2DM. Furthermore, the review highlights the indispensable role of non-omics experimental techniques in comprehending and managing T2DM, advocating for their integration in the development of tailored medicine and precision treatment strategies. By identifying existing research gaps and suggesting future research trajectories, the review underscores the necessity for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. This approach synergistically combines clinical insights with cutting-edge biotechnologies, aiming to refine the management and therapeutic interventions of T2DM, and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes. This synthesis of knowledge and methodologies paves the way for innovative advancements in T2DM research, fostering a deeper understanding and more effective treatment of this complex condition.
The current state of MRI-based radiomics in pituitary adenoma: promising but challenging
Authors: Zheng Baoping , Zhao Zhen , Zheng Pingping , Liu Qiang , Li Shuang , Jiang Xiaobing , Huang Xing , Ye Youfan , Wang Haijun
Published: September 2024

In the clinical diagnosis and treatment of pituitary adenomas, MRI plays a crucial role. However, traditional manual interpretations are plagued by inter-observer variability and limitations in recognizing details. Radiomics, based on MRI, facilitates quantitative analysis by extracting high-throughput data from images. This approach elucidates correlations between imaging features and pituitary tumor characteristics, thereby establishing imaging biomarkers. Recent studies have demonstrated the extensive application of radiomics in differential diagnosis, subtype identification, consistency evaluation, invasiveness assessment, and treatment response in pituitary adenomas. This review succinctly presents the general workflow of radiomics, reviews pertinent literature with a summary table, and provides a comparative analysis with traditional methods. We further elucidate the connections between radiological features and biological findings in the field of pituitary adenoma. While promising, the clinical application of radiomics still has a considerable distance to traverse, considering the issues with reproducibility of imaging features and the significant heterogeneity in pituitary adenoma patients.
Experimental study of tower noise on the basis of blade-tower interaction
Authors: Yu Hailong , Li Zhichuan , Guo Qi , Qi Lei , Li Ning , Zhu Kuixing , Wang Peng , Sun Ke
Published: September 2024

This paper investigates the relationship between unsteady flow and radiated noise in the near wake of a wind turbine tower due to the blade tower interaction (BTI) in Wind tunnel experiments. The two-dimensional hot-wire probe is used to collect the instantaneous velocity field in the BTI region, and the microphone sensor is used to collect sound field information. The effects of Reynolds stress and turbulent kinetic energy on BTI noise are further analyzed based on the instantaneous velocity field. The results show that the blade’s passing effect causes irregular velocity distribution and vortex migration and mixing in the near wake of the tower, resulting in the most significant difference in Reynolds shear stress at the 0.71R position of the blade during the blade’s transition from an azimuthal angle of 180°–210°(upward). Furthermore, a strong correlation is identified between the peak turbulent kinetic energy and the peak acoustic pressure value measured during the rotational cycle when the blade ran up to 210° azimuth angle. It is deduced that the aerodynamic noise at the rear of the tower is attributed to the increase in momentum exchange caused by fluid doping and bursting, which are driven by Reynolds shear stress. Momentum exchange induces an increase in turbulent kinetic energy, which results in fluid velocity pulsations, pressure pulsations, and, thus, noise. The reduction in fluid mixing and the reduction in pressure pulsation subsequently lead to a reduction in the noise generated by the tower. Therefore, a viable approach to reducing BTI noise involves minimizing momentum exchange.
Surrogate-assisted reliability-based design optimization of PEMFC serpentine flow channel
Authors: Abebe Misganaw , Koo Bonyong , Kim Min-Geun , Kim Hyun-Seok
Published: September 2024

In a fuel cell, flow channels are crucial components responsible for various essential functions that enable the system to operate effectively. The design of a directly coupled flow channel in a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) system, assuming deterministic parameters, has been extensively studied. However, this deterministic approach neglects the inherent uncertainties in system performance during real-life operation, resulting in potentially unreliable and suboptimal performance. To address this issue, we propose a reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) of the PEMFC’s channel structure, considering uncertainties in operating parameters. This paper presents a numerical model of the PEMFC in COMSOL, deterministic designs, reliability-based designs and a global sensitivity analysis on the PEMFC cell’s potential output and average water activity on the membrane. Although the RBDO approach shows a reduction in cell efficiency compared to the deterministic design, it significantly improves reliability, with increases from 60.92% to 95.10% for cell potential and from 79.31% to 96.85% for water activity.
Automatic detection method of polar cap arc based on YOLOX embedded with CBAM
Authors: Lu Yang , Jiang Jianan , Zhong Jia , Wang Yong , Wang Xiangyu , Zou Ziming
Published: September 2024

The aurora arc is a separate auroral structure from the aurora oval, whose location and morphology are related to various solar-terrestrial circumstances. However, because of the low occurring frequency of aurora arc and the lack of the automatic identification technique, it can only be manually distinguished from a huge number of observed images, which is very inefficient. In order to improve the identification efficiency, we propose an identification algorithm based on YOLOX network and Convolutional Block Attention Module attention mechanism. Using the aurora images observed by Special Sensor Ultraviolet Spectrographic Imager carried by the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program F16-F19 satellites from 2013 to 2019, the automatic detection models for global and local areas were trained separately. The identification outputs will be integrated by calculating the intersection. According to the test results, the event identification precision is 86% and the position identification precision is 79%, both of which are greater than the results before integration. Therefore, the proposed method is not only able to identify whether the image contains the aurora arcs, but also accurately locate them, making it a highly effective tool for the advancement of future study.
How does Central Environmental Protection Inspection drive the green transformation of China’s heavy-polluting enterprises from an ESG perspective?
Authors: Wang Wanting , Mao Chong , Liu Shenya
Published: September 2024

The green transformation of heavy-polluting enterprises under the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals needs the escort of command environmental regulation. This paper takes the first round of Central Environmental Protection Inspection as a natural experiment, reflecting the degree of green transformation through the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) level of enterprises. Taking Chinese A-share listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2010 to 2022 as the research object, a dual machine learning model is used to determine whether this system can improve the ESG level of enterprises and promote their green transformation. Using a dual machine learning model, it is found that the system can enhance the ESG level of enterprises and promote their green transformation. Mechanism analyses show that the system promotes green transformation by enhancing green innovation capability, safeguarding the rights and interests of upstream and downstream supply chain actors, and enhancing governance diligence, thus encouraging enterprises to assume environmental, social, and governance responsibilities. It is also found that at the macro-policy level, with the migration of the inspection area to the west and the strengthening of local environmental governance, and at the micro-firm level, the higher the degree of digitization and the larger the size of assets, the deeper the system effect on the green transformation of heavy-polluting enterprises. It is further found that the spillover effect of green transformation within industries strengthens the positive effect of the Central Environmental Protection Inspection on the green transformation of enterprises compared to the inter-industry.
How digital technology affects regional energy intensity from the perspective of energy economy: a case study of the Yangtze River economic belt
Authors: Gao Shaokui , Li Xintao , Duan Huayang , Liu Shuchang , Sun Xuesong
Published: September 2024

This study aims to explore the impact of digital technology innovation on energy efficiency and energy intensity, and further provide new insights for addressing emerging challenges in energy economics. Focusing on the panel data of 11 provinces and cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2010 to 2020, this study thoroughly investigates the process by which the digital economy influences regional energy intensity through the mechanism of technological spillovers, utilizing the fixed-effect model, the mediated-effect model, and the spatial Durbin model. The systematic empirical analysis clearly demonstrates that the vigorous development of the digital economy significantly reduces regional energy intensity, and this effect remains stable after tests for endogeneity and robustness. Further analysis reveals that green technology innovation is a crucial pathway through which the digital economy reduces regional energy intensity. Additionally, the digital economy positively and indirectly lowers the energy intensity of neighboring provinces through technological spillovers. However, it is noteworthy that the rapid growth of the digital economy since 2017 has also triggered the so-called “energy rebound effect,” which has led to an increase in energy consumption in neighboring regions to some extent. Therefore, to achieve a sustainable reduction in regional energy intensity and promote coordinated regional development, it is essential to continuously strengthen the development of a digital economy centered on digital technology to fully realize its technological spillover effects. These findings not only provide a scientific basis for the formulation of regional energy policies but also offer valuable insights for China in promoting green development and achieving the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.
Balancing welfare and habitat damage in pigs (Sus scrofa) under extensive farming: an ethological approach for determining the effects of group composition and environmental enrichment
Authors: Collarini Edoardo , Capponcelli Luca , Pierdomenico Andrea , Cordoni Giada , Norscia Ivan
Published: September 2024

According to the modern perspective on evaluating animal welfare, it is important to consider both negative and positive experiences. This study investigated the impact of group composition and environmental enrichments on the behaviours of free-ranging pigs, focusing on anxiety-related behaviours, aggression, affiliation, post-conflict affiliation, excavation, and non-invasive exploration activities. Data were collected on three different groups (all-female: N=10; all-male: N=13; mixed-sex: N=12) of free-ranging pigs raised in a natural woodland habitat at the ethical farm “Parva Domus” (Turin, Italy). To evaluate the impact of environmental enrichment, further data collection was carried out on the mixed-sex group under three different enrichment conditions (absence; dry leaves; straw) provided in a rotational scheme. Group composition did not affect levels of anxiety-related behaviours, aggression, and non-invasive exploration. However, it did impact other social aspects (affiliation: One-way ANOVA: p=0.003; post-conflict affiliation: Kruskal–Wallis: p=0.005). In particular, the mixed-sex and the all-male groups showed higher levels of affiliation than the all-female group and the mixed-sex group showed higher levels of post-conflict affiliation than the all-male group. Moreover, we found differences in excavation behaviour levels (Kruskal–Wallis: p=0.001), with higher levels of excavation behaviour in the mixed-sex group compared to the all-female group. Regarding the impact of enrichments, we found differences in levels of anxiety-related behaviours (One-way ANOVA: p = 0.046), affiliation (One-way ANOVA: p = 0.006), excavation (One-way ANOVA: p<0.001), and non-invasive exploration activities (One-way ANOVA: p<0.001). In enrichment conditions with straw, we found a significant decrease in anxiety-related, affiliation, and excavation behaviours levels, and a significant increase in non-invasive exploration behaviours. A trend with lower levels of aggression was observed in straw enrichment condition compared to the absence of enrichment, although the difference was not significant. Moreover, there were no differences in post-conflict affiliation frequencies. Our findings suggest that forming mixed-sex groups and providing environmental enrichments such as the straw could be suitable solutions to effectively reduce invasive excavation behaviours without preventing pigs from expressing their natural behavioural repertoire, thus maintaining high standards of animal welfare. This study highlights behavioural aspects to be considered in extensive farming, confirming the importance of ethology as a tool for assessing pig welfare.
Genomic analysis and mechanisms exploration of a stress tolerance and high-yield pullulan producing strain
Authors: Yang Jing , Sun Ning , Wang Wenru , Zhang Ruihua , Sun Siqi , Li Biqi , Shi Yue , Zeng Junfeng , Jia Shulei
Published: September 2024

Pullulan is a kind of natural polymer, which is widely used in medicine and food because of its solubility, plasticity, edible, non-toxicity and good biocompatibility. It is of great significance to improve the yield of pullulan by genetic modification of microorganisms. It was previously reported that Aureobasidium melanogenum TN3-1 isolated from honey-comb could produce high-yield of pullulan, but the molecular mechanisms of its production of pullulan had not been completely solved. In this study, the reported strains of Aureobasidium spp. were further compared and analyzed at genome level. It was found that genome duplication and genome genetic variations might be the crucial factors for the high yield of pullulan and stress resistance. This particular phenotype may be the result of adaptive evolution, which can adapt to its environment through genetic variation and adaptive selection. In addition, the TN3-1 strain has a large genome, and the special regulatory sequences of its specific genes and promoters may ensure a unique characteristics. This study is a supplement of the previous studies, and provides basic data for the research of microbial genome modification in food and healthcare applications.
CSER: a gene regulatory network construction method based on causal strength and ensemble regression
Authors: Li Yujia , Du Yang , Wang Mingmei , Ai Dongmei
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Gene regulatory networks (GRNs) reveal the intricate interactions between and among genes, and understanding these interactions is essential for revealing the molecular mechanisms of cancer. However, existing algorithms for constructing GRNs may confuse regulatory relationships and complicate the determination of network directionality.

Methods

We propose a new method to construct GRNs based on causal strength and ensemble regression (CSER) to overcome these issues. CSER uses conditional mutual inclusive information to quantify the causal associations between genes, eliminating indirect regulation and marginal genes. It considers linear and nonlinear features and uses ensemble regression to infer the direction and interaction (activation or regression) from regulatory to target genes.

Results

Compared to traditional algorithms, CSER can construct directed networks and infer the type of regulation, thus demonstrating higher accuracy on simulated datasets. Here, using real gene expression data, we applied CSER to construct a colorectal cancer GRN and successfully identified several key regulatory genes closely related to colorectal cancer (CRC), including ADAMDEC1, CLDN8, and GNA11.

Discussion

Importantly, by integrating immune cell and microbial data, we revealed the complex interactions between the CRC gene regulatory network and the tumor microenvironment, providing additional new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the early diagnosis and prognosis of CRC
Case report: Treatment of parkinsonism secondary to ciltacabtagene autoleucel using a combination dopaminergic regimen
Authors: Aliakbar Raya , Manouvakhova Olga , Wong Cindy , Htut Myo , Pulst-Korenberg Johannes , Janakiram Murali , Rosenzweig Michael , Goldsmith Scott R. , Mason Xenos L.
Published: September 2024

We report on a patient with ciltacabtagene autoleucel-induced movement and neurocognitive toxicity, which was refractory to immunosuppression but responsive to combination dopaminergic therapy (carbidopa/levodopa, ropinirole, amantadine). Response was seen upon both initial treatment and rechallenge after unintended withdrawal. This is the first report of a successful symptomatic treatment of this well-described neurotoxic syndrome.
Metabolic mechanisms orchestrated by Sirtuin family to modulate inflammatory responses
Authors: Li Xiaoqing , Li Yunjia , Hao Quan , Jin Jing , Wang Yi
Published: September 2024

Maintaining metabolic homeostasis is crucial for cellular and organismal health throughout their lifespans. The intricate link between metabolism and inflammation through immunometabolism is pivotal in maintaining overall health and disease progression. The multifactorial nature of metabolic and inflammatory processes makes study of the relationship between them challenging. Homologs of Saccharomyces cerevisiae silent information regulator 2 protein, known as Sirtuins (SIRTs), have been demonstrated to promote longevity in various organisms. As nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent deacetylases, members of the Sirtuin family (SIRT1–7) regulate energy metabolism and inflammation. In this review, we provide an extensive analysis of SIRTs involved in regulating key metabolic pathways, including glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism. Furthermore, we systematically describe how the SIRTs influence inflammatory responses by modulating metabolic pathways, as well as inflammatory cells, mediators, and pathways. Current research findings on the preferential roles of different SIRTs in metabolic disorders and inflammation underscore the potential of SIRTs as viable pharmacological and therapeutic targets. Future research should focus on the development of promising compounds that target SIRTs, with the aim of enhancing their anti-inflammatory activity by influencing metabolic pathways within inflammatory cells.
Stochastic surplus production and length-based assessment models to compare Maximum Sustainable Yield advice for the Moroccan Atlantic chub mackerel
Authors: Derhy Ghoufrane , Elkalay Khalid , Rincón Margarita María , Khalil Karima
Published: September 2024

Fisheries management needs to ensure that resources are exploited sustainably and the risk of depletion is at an acceptable level. In developing countries, multi-gear, multispecies fisheries often lack data, making conventional stock assessment approaches unsuitable. Data-limited methods have been developed to compare quantitative measures of fishery and stock status with management and biological reference points. In Morocco, despite its large productive ecosystems, most of the fishing stocks remain unassessed. We selected a stock of chub mackerel, considering the availability of survey data, and the fact that it occupies an important place in small pelagic resources. Although this is an important stock, there is a lack of new information on migration and possible exchange between the two stocks of chub mackerel (central and southern). This study presents the first attempt at a combined assessment to provide Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) estimates and related indicators of the Moroccan chub mackerel (center and south) by using two of the most used data-limited approaches, the Stochastic Surplus Production model in Continuous Time (SPiCT) and the Length Based Spawning Potential Ratio estimation (LBSPR). These two approaches were applied to analyze the chub mackerel stock state and estimate how far away it was from the estimated harvest relative to MSY using all available time series data. The findings provide valuable information on MSY advice for this stock while remarking the advantages and limitations of two data-limited approaches for the assessment of chub mackerel. The SPiCT results show that the current harvest level closely aligns with the estimated MSY, and that the estimated biomass (B) is below BMSY, and the estimated fishing mortality (F) exceeds FMSY. For LBSPR, most SPR values are lower than the reference point of 40%, which serves as a proxy for BMSY, indicating also a biomass below BMSY. Both models suggest full to overexploited stock status mainly for the period (2016-2020), and this is a different perception to the one provided only by analyzing survey indices fluctuations that indicate critical status over a longer period. Then, this exercise is also pointing out the importance of having different data sources for a better stock status estimation.