bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss of Function of the Retinoblastoma Gene Affects Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication and Cell Fate in Osteoblasts
Authors: Pendleton Elisha , Ketner Anthony , Ransick Phil , Ardekani Doug , Bodenstine Thomas , Chandar Nalini
Published: January 2024

Loss of function of the Retinoblastoma gene (RB1) due to mutations is commonly seen in human osteosarcomas. One of the Rb1 gene functions is to facilitate cell fate from mesenchymal stem cells to osteoblasts and prevent adipocyte differentiations. In this study, we demonstrate that a stable reduction of Rb1 expression (RbKD) in murine osteoblasts causes them to express higher levels of PPAR-ɣ and other adipocyte-specific transcription factors while retaining high expression of osteoblast-specific transcription factors, Runx2/Cbfa1 and SP7/Osterix. Inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in osteoblasts is another mechanism that causes osteoblasts to transdifferentiate to adipocytes. We found that preosteoblasts exposed to osteoblast differentiating media (DP media) increased GJIC. RbKD cells showed reduced GJIC along with a reduction in expression of Cx43, the protein that mediates GJIC. Other membrane associated adhesion protein Cadherin 11 (Cad11) was also decreased. Since PPAR-ɣ is increased with Rb1 loss, we wondered if the reduction of this transcription factor would reverse the changes observed. Reduction of PPAR-ɣ in control osteoblasts slightly increased bone-specific expression and reduced adipocytic expression as expected along with an increase in Cad11 and Cx43 expression. GJIC remained high and was unaffected by a reduction in PPAR-ɣ in control cells. Knockdown of PPAR-ɣ in RbKD cells reduced adipocyte gene expression, while osteoblast-specific expression showed improvement. Cx43, Cad11 and GJIC remained unaffected by PPAR-ɣ reduction. Our observations suggest that increased PPAR-ɣ that happens with Rb1 loss only affects osteoblast-adipocyte-specific gene expression but does not completely reverse Cx43 gene expression or GJIC. Therefore, these effects may represent independent events triggered by Rb1loss and/or the differentiation process.
Differential Gene Expression in Human Fibroblasts Simultaneously Exposed to Ionizing Radiation and Simulated Microgravity
Authors: Malatesta Polina , Kyriakidis Konstantinos , Hada Megumi , Ikeda Hiroko , Takahashi Akihisa , Saganti Premkumar B. , Georgakilas Alexandros G. , Michalopoulos Ioannis
Published: January 2024

During future space missions, astronauts will be exposed to cosmic radiation and microgravity (μG), which are known to be health risk factors. To examine the differentially expressed genes (DEG) and their prevalent biological processes and pathways as a response to these two risk factors simultaneously, 1BR-hTERT human fibroblast cells were cultured under 1 gravity (1G) or simulated μG for 48 h in total and collected at 0 (sham irradiated), 3 or 24 h after 1 Gy of X-ray or Carbon-ion (C-ion) irradiation. A three-dimensional clinostat was used for the simulation of μG and the simultaneous radiation exposure of the samples. The RNA-seq method was used to produce lists of differentially expressed genes between different environmental conditions. Over-representation analyses were performed and the enriched biological pathways and targeting transcription factors were identified. Comparing sham-irradiated cells under simulated μG and 1G conditions, terms related to response to oxygen levels and muscle contraction were identified. After irradiation with X-rays or C-ions under 1G, identified DEGs were found to be involved in DNA damage repair, signal transduction by p53 class mediator, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis pathways. The same enriched pathways emerged when cells were irradiated under simulated μG condition. Nevertheless, the combined effect attenuated the transcriptional response to irradiation which may pose a subtle risk in space flights.
Genetic Dissection of BDNF and TrkB Expression in Glial Cells
Authors: Niu Changran , Yue Xinpei , An Juan Ji , Bass Robert , Xu Haifei , Xu Baoji
Published: January 2024

The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its high-affinity receptor tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B (TrkB) are widely expressed in the central nervous system. It is well documented that neurons express BDNF and full-length TrkB (TrkB.FL) as well as a lower level of truncated TrkB (TrkB.T). However, there are conflicting reports regarding the expression of BDNF and TrkB in glial cells, particularly microglia. In this study, we employed a sensitive and reliable genetic method to characterize the expression of BDNF and TrkB in glial cells in the mouse brain. We utilized three Cre mouse strains in which Cre recombinase is expressed in the same cells as BDNF, TrkB.FL, or all TrkB isoforms, and crossed them to Cre-dependent reporter mice to label BDNF- or TrkB-expressing cells with soma-localized EGFP. We performed immunohistochemistry with glial cell markers to examine the expression of BDNF and TrkB in microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Surprisingly, we found no BDNF- or TrkB-expressing microglia in examined CNS regions, including the somatomotor cortex, hippocampal CA1, and spinal cord. Consistent with previous studies, most astrocytes only express TrkB.T in the hippocampus of adult brains. Moreover, there are a small number of astrocytes and oligodendrocytes that express BDNF in the hippocampus, the function of which is to be determined. We also found that oligodendrocyte precursor cells, but not mature oligodendrocytes, express both TrkB.FL and TrkB.T in the hippocampus of adult mice. These results not only clarify the expression of BDNF and TrkB in glial cells but also open opportunities to investigate previously unidentified roles of BDNF and TrkB in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.
Multipurpose Iron-Chelating Ligands Inspired by Bioavailable Molecules
Authors: Cini Elena , Crisponi Guido , Fantasia Alessandra , Cappai Rosita , Siciliano Sofia , Florio Giuseppe Di , Nurchi Valeria M. , Corsini Maddalena
Published: January 2024

Because of their capacity to bind metals, metal chelators are primarily employed for therapeutic purposes, but they can also find applications as colorimetric reagents and cleaning solutions as well as in soil remediation, electroplating, waste treatment, and so on. For instance, iron-chelation therapy, which is used to treat iron-overload disorders, involves removing excess iron from the blood through the use of particular molecules, like deferoxamine, that have the ability to chelate the metal. The creation of bioinspired and biodegradable chelating agents is a crucial objective that draws inspiration from natural products. In this context, starting from bioavailable molecules such as maltol and pyrogallol, new molecules have been synthetized and characterized by potentiometry, infrared spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Finally, the ability of these to bind iron has been investigated, and the stability constants of ferric complexes are measured using spectrophotometry. These compounds offer intriguing scaffolds for an innovative class of versatile, multipurpose chelating agents.
Structure and Function of Canine SP-C Mimic Proteins in Synthetic Surfactant Lipid Dispersions
Authors: Walther Frans J. , Waring Alan J.
Published: January 2024

Lung surfactant is a mixture of lipids and proteins and is essential for air breathing in mammals. The hydrophobic surfactant proteins B and C (SP-B and SP-C) assist in reducing surface tension in the lung alveoli by organizing the surfactant lipids. SP-B deficiency is life-threatening, and a lack of SP-C can lead to progressive interstitial lung disease. B-YL (41 amino acids) is a highly surface-active, sulfur-free peptide mimic of SP-B (79 amino acids) in which the four cysteine residues are replaced by tyrosine. Mammalian SP-C (35 amino acids) contains two cysteine-linked palmitoyl groups at positions 5 and 6 in the N-terminal region that override the β-sheet propensities of the native sequence. Canine SP-C (34 amino acids) is exceptional because it has only one palmitoylated cysteine residue at position 4 and a phenylalanine at position 5. We developed canine SP-C constructs in which the palmitoylated cysteine residue at position 4 is replaced by phenylalanine (SP-Cff) or serine (SP-Csf) and a glutamic acid-lysine ion-lock was placed at sequence positions 20–24 of the hydrophobic helical domain to enhance its alpha helical propensity. AI modeling, molecular dynamics, circular dichroism spectroscopy, Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy, and electron spin resonance studies showed that the secondary structure of canine SP-Cff ion-lock peptide was like that of native SP-C, suggesting that substitution of phenylalanine for cysteine has no apparent effect on the secondary structure of the peptide. Captive bubble surfactometry demonstrated higher surface activity for canine SP-Cff ion-lock peptide in combination with B-YL in surfactant lipids than with canine SP-Csf ion-lock peptide. These studies demonstrate the potential of canine SP-Cff ion-lock peptide to enhance the functionality of the SP-B peptide mimic B-YL in synthetic surfactant lipids.
Long-Acting Injectable Second-Generation Antipsychotics in Seriously Ill Patients with Schizophrenia: Doses, Plasma Levels, and Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Fernández-Miranda Juan José , Díaz-Fernández Silvia , Cepeda-Piorno Francisco Javier , López-Muñoz Francisco
Published: January 2024

This research studies the dose–plasma level (PL) relationship of second-generation antipsychotics, together with the treatment outcomes achieved, in seriously ill people with schizophrenia. An observational, prospective, one-year follow-up study was carried out with patients (N = 68) with severe schizophrenia treated with paliperidone three-month (PP3M) or aripiprazole one-month (ARIM). Participants were divided into standard-dose or high-dose groups. PLs were divided into “standard PL” and “high PL” (above the therapeutic reference range, TRR) groups. The dose/PL relationship, and severity, hospitalizations, tolerability, compliance, and their relationship with doses and PLs were evaluated. There was no clear linear relationship between ARIM or PP3M doses and the PLs achieved. In half of the subjects, standard doses reached PLs above the TRR. The improvements in clinical outcomes (decrease in clinical severity and relapses) were related to high PLs, without worse treatment tolerability or adherence. All participants remained in the study, regardless of dose or PL. Clinical severity and hospitalizations decreased significantly more in those patients with high PLs. Considering the non-linear dose–PL relationship of ARIM and PP3M in people with severe schizophrenia, PLs above the TRR are linked to better treatment outcomes, without worse tolerability. The need in a notable number of cases for high doses to reach those effective PLs is highlighted.
Small Bowel Dose Constraints in Radiation Therapy—Where Omics-Driven Biomarkers and Bioinformatics Can Take Us in the Future
Authors: Yariv Orly , Camphausen Kevin , Krauze Andra V.
Published: January 2024

Radiation-induced gastrointestinal (GI) dose constraints are still a matter of concern with the ongoing evolution of patient outcomes and treatment-related toxicity in the era of image-guided intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), and novel systemic agents. Small bowel (SB) dose constraints in pelvic radiotherapy (RT) are a critical aspect of treatment planning, and prospective data to support them are scarce. Previous and current guidelines are based on retrospective data and experts’ opinions. Patient-related factors, including genetic, biological, and clinical features and systemic management, modulate toxicity. Omic and microbiome alterations between patients receiving RT to the SB may aid in the identification of patients at risk and real-time identification of acute and late toxicity. Actionable biomarkers may represent a pragmatic approach to translating findings into personalized treatment with biologically optimized dose escalation, given the mitigation of the understood risk. Biomarkers grounded in the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and microbiome should undergo analysis in trials that employ, R.T. Bioinformatic templates will be needed to help advance data collection, aggregation, and analysis, and eventually, decision making with respect to dose constraints in the modern RT era.
Digital Pathology: A Comprehensive Review of Open-Source Histological Segmentation Software
Authors: Pavone Anna Maria , Giannone Antonino Giulio , Cabibi Daniela , D’Aprile Simona , Denaro Simona , Salvaggio Giuseppe , Parenti Rosalba , Yezzi Anthony , Comelli Albert
Published: January 2024

In the era of digitalization, the biomedical sector has been affected by the spread of artificial intelligence. In recent years, the possibility of using deep and machine learning methods for clinical diagnostic and therapeutic interventions has been emerging as an essential resource for biomedical imaging. Digital pathology represents innovation in a clinical world that looks for faster and better-performing diagnostic methods, without losing the accuracy of current human-guided analyses. Indeed, artificial intelligence has played a key role in a wide variety of applications that require the analysis of a massive amount of data, including segmentation processes in medical imaging. In this context, artificial intelligence enables the improvement of image segmentation methods, moving towards the development of fully automated systems of analysis able to support pathologists in decision-making procedures. The aim of this review is to aid biologists and clinicians in discovering the most common segmentation open-source tools, including ImageJ (v. 1.54), CellProfiler (v. 4.2.5), Ilastik (v. 1.3.3) and QuPath (v. 0.4.3), along with their customized implementations. Additionally, the tools’ role in the histological imaging field is explored further, suggesting potential application workflows. In conclusion, this review encompasses an examination of the most commonly segmented tissues and their analysis through open-source deep and machine learning tools.
Bioinspired Pyrano[2,3-f]chromen-8-ones: Ring C-Opened Analogues of Calanolide A: Synthesis and Anti-HIV-1 Evaluation
Authors: Khalymbadzha Igor A. , Fatykhov Ramil F. , Butorin Ilya I. , Sharapov Ainur D. , Potapova Anastasia P. , Muthipeedika Nibin Joy , Zyryanov Grigory V. , Melekhin Vsevolod V. , Tokhtueva Maria D. , Deev Sergey L. , Kukhanova Marina K. , Mochulskaya Nataliya N. , Tsurkan Mikhail V.
Published: January 2024

We have designed and synthesized a series of bioinspired pyrano[2,3-f]coumarin-based Calanolide A analogs with anti-HIV activity. The design of these new calanolide analogs involved incorporating nitrogen heterocycles or aromatic groups in lieu of ring C, effectively mimicking and preserving their bioactive properties. Three directions for the synthesis were explored: reaction of 5-hydroxy-2,2-dimethyl-10-propyl-2H,8H-pyrano[2,3-f]chromen-8-one with (i) 1,2,4-triazines, (ii) sulfonylation followed by Suzuki cross-coupling with (het)aryl boronic acids, and (iii) aminomethylation by Mannich reaction. Antiviral assay of the synthesized compounds showed that compound 4 has moderate activity against HIV-1 on enzymes and poor activity on the cell model. A molecular docking study demonstrates a good correlation between in silico and in vitro HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) activity of the compounds when docked to the nonnucleoside RT inhibitor binding site, and alternative binding modes of the considered analogs of Calanolide A were established.
Colorful 3D Reconstruction and an Extended Depth of Field for a Monocular Biological Microscope Using an Electrically Tunable Lens
Authors: Cheng Yang , Liu Mengyao , Ou Yangqi , Liu Lin , Hao Qun
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a monocular biological microscope with colorful 3D reconstruction and an extended depth of field using an electrically tunable lens. It is based on a 4f optical system with an electrically tunable lens at the confocal plane. Rapid and extensive depth scanning while maintaining consistent magnification without mechanical movement is achieved. We propose an improved Laplacian operator that considers pixels in diagonal directions to provide enhanced fusion effects and obtain more details of the object. Accurate 3D reconstruction is achieved using the shape-from-focus method by tuning the focal power of the electrically tunable lens. We validate the proposed method by performing experiments on biological samples. The 3D reconstructed images obtained from the biological samples match the actual shrimp larvae and bee antenna samples. Two standard gauge blocks are used to evaluate the 3D reconstruction performance of the proposed method. The experimental results show that the extended depth of fields are 120 µm, 240 µm, and 1440 µm for shrimp larvae, bee tentacle samples, and gauge blocks, respectively. The maximum absolute errors are −39.9 μm and −30.6 μm for the first and second gauge blocks, which indicates 3D reconstruction deviations are 0.78% and 1.52%, respectively. Since the procedure does not require any custom hardware, it can be used to transform a biological microscope into one that effectively extends the depth of field and achieves highly accurate 3D reconstruction results, as long as the requirements are met. Such a microscope presents a broad range of applications, such as biological detection and microbiological diagnosis, where colorful 3D reconstruction and an extended depth of field are critical.
From Waste to Catalyst: Transforming Mussel Shells into a Green Solution for Biodiesel Production from Jatropha curcas Oil
Authors: Alsabi Halimah A. , Shafi Manal E. , Almasoudi Suad H. , Mufti Faten A. M. , Alowaidi Safaa A. , Sharawi Somia E. , Alaswad Alaa A.
Published: January 2024

This study introduces an innovative approach to sustainable biodiesel production using mussel shell-derived calcium oxide (CaO) as a catalyst for converting Jatropha curcas oil into biodiesel. By repurposing waste mussel shells, the research aims to provide an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for environmentally responsible biodiesel production, aligning with global standards. The study involves characterizing the catalyst, optimizing reaction conditions, and achieving a remarkable 99.36% Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) yield, marking a significant step toward cleaner and more economically viable energy sources. Biodiesel, recognized for its lower emissions, is produced through transesterification using mussel shell-derived CaO as a sustainable catalyst. This research contributes to cleaner and economically viable energy sources, emphasizing the importance of sustainable energy solutions and responsible catalytic processes. This research bridges the gap between waste management, catalyst development, and sustainable energy production, contributing to the ongoing global shift towards cleaner and more economically viable energy sources.
Investigating Terrestrial and Extraterrestrial Bioremediation through Microbial Action Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Keaney Daniel , Yallapragada Venkata V. B. , O’Faolain Liam , Devarapu Ganga Chinna Rao , Finn Karen , Lucey Brigid
Published: January 2024

Sodium perchlorate is a toxic salt-based compound found both terrestrially, (due to pollution) and extraterrestrially on the surface of Mars. Perchlorate pollution poses a risk to agricultural-based activities as once it enters soils/waterways it can be passed through the food chain via bioaccumulation. The purpose of the current study was to observe the perchlorate reduction potential of putative candidate bioremediation strains; Escherichia coli 25922 and E. coli 9079, Paraburkholderia fungorum, Deinococcus radiodurans and Dechloromonas aromatica both independently and in co-cultures, when exposed to 3000 mg/L (0.3%) sodium perchlorate. This was carried out in both a minimal medium environment and within an environment void of nutrients, using Raman spectroscopy to assess their potential for the bioremediation of Martian soils. The perchlorate reducing potential of all strains was 16% higher in reverse osmosis deionised water than in minimal medium, the former having a total absence of Nitrate. It was found that E. coli 25922 is a perchlorate reducer, which has not been previously described. Additionally, co-culturing of bacterial strains was found to have a higher bioremediation potential than individual strains. These findings suggest that not only could perchlorate pollution be remediated, but that the perchlorate composition of the Martian surface may support bioremediation microbial life, aiding in future colonisation.
Special Issue “Functional Biomolecule-Based Composites and Nanostructures: Current Developments and Applications—A Themed Issue in Honor of Prof. Dr. Itamar Willner”
Authors: Li Di
Published: January 2024

This Special Issue of Chemistry is a themed issue of “Functional Biomolecule-Based Composites and Nanostructures: Current Developments and Applications” in honor of Itamar Willner to celebrate his innovative research career [...]
A Comparative Study of Commit Representations for JIT Vulnerability Prediction
Authors: Aladics Tamás , Hegedűs Péter , Ferenc Rudolf
Published: January 2024

With the evolution of software systems, their size and complexity are rising rapidly. Identifying vulnerabilities as early as possible is crucial for ensuring high software quality and security. Just-in-time (JIT) vulnerability prediction, which aims to find vulnerabilities at the time of commit, has increasingly become a focus of attention. In our work, we present a comparative study to provide insights into the current state of JIT vulnerability prediction by examining three candidate models: CC2Vec, DeepJIT, and Code Change Tree. These unique approaches aptly represent the various techniques used in the field, allowing us to offer a thorough description of the current limitations and strengths of JIT vulnerability prediction. Our focus was on the predictive power of the models, their usability in terms of false positive (FP) rates, and the granularity of the source code analysis they are capable of handling. For training and evaluation, we used two recently published datasets containing vulnerability-inducing commits: ProjectKB and Defectors. Our results highlight the trade-offs between predictive accuracy and operational flexibility and also provide guidance on the use of ML-based automation for developers, especially considering false positive rates in commit-based vulnerability prediction. These findings can serve as crucial insights for future research and practical applications in software security.
The Impact of Short-Range (Gaussian) Disorder Correlations on Superconducting Characteristics
Authors: Neverov Vyacheslav D. , Lukyanov Alexander E. , Krasavin Andrey V. , Vagov Alexei , Croitoru Mihail D.
Published: January 2024

The pursuit of enhanced superconducting device performance has historically focused on minimizing disorder in materials. Recent research, however, challenges this conventional wisdom by exploring the unique characteristics of disordered materials. Following the studies, disorder is currently viewed as a design parameter that can be tuned. This shift in the paradigm has sparked an upsurge in research efforts, which demonstrates that disorder can significantly augment the superconductivity figures of merit. While almost all previous studies attended to the effects related to disorder strength, this article focuses on the impact of short-range disorder correlations that in real materials takes place, for example, due to lattice defects. The study shows that the degree of such correlations can strongly influence the superconducting characteristics.
Larval Fish Assemblages in Coastal Waters of Bangladesh: Spatial and Seasonal Dynamics
Authors: Nahid Sk. Ahmad Al , Rana Saifuddin , Sultana Nargis , Mawa Jannatul , Souhardya Sazeed Mehrab , Kabir Ilias Ebne , Shimul Shahida Arfine , Billah Md Masum , Bhuiyan Md Khurshid Alam , Dipty Afsana Kabir , Ahmed Sk Istiaque , Rahman Md Jalilur , Iqbal Md Mehedi
Published: January 2024

The distribution of fish larvae in estuaries is crucial for comprehending the functioning of these ecosystems and their role as nursery grounds for marine fish species. Data regarding larval fish assemblages in the coastal waters of Bangladesh are currently scarce. This study examines the spatial and seasonal dynamics of larval fish communities in these waters using a two-year sampling effort with a bongo net. This study investigates the diversity, abundance, and distribution of larval fishes at four sites (Bakkhali River Estuary, Moheshkhalipara, Naf River Estuary, and Rezu Khal Estuary) on the southeastern coast of Bangladesh. A total of 10,387 fish larvae representing 25 families were identified. Clupeidae (42.9%), Engraulidae (35.5%), Ambassidae (10.1%), Myctophidae (2.1%), and Gobiidae (1.9%) were the five most dominant families based on the larval catch composition. Marked seasonal differences in the larval fish abundance were observed. However, these differences were not observed when comparing the four sampled sites. Additionally, the correlation between environmental variables and the larval abundance indicated that salinity negatively influences (p < 0.001) the larval fish abundance. This is the first comprehensive investigation of larval fish assemblages in the coastal waters of Bangladesh. The findings of this study enhance our understanding of the nursery habitat requirements for the early development stages of both migratory and resident species in subtropical coastal waters, providing valuable information for potential applications in management and conservation efforts.
Patterns of Mentally Active versus Passive Sedentary Behavior in Adults: Post-COVID-19 Insights
Authors: Alobaid Daliya S. , Alansare Abdullah B.
Published: January 2024

Background: Although sedentary behavior (SB) before and during COVID-19 has been studied, mental activity-based SB patterns have been overlooked. This secondary analysis investigated the patterns of mentally active vs. passive SB in adults post-COVID-19 pandemic and examined sex differences. Methods: Adults (n = 1255; 45% males; 50% aged between 20 and 29 years old) self-reported general characteristics, anthropometric and socioeconomic variables, and mentally active and passive SB (weekdays and weekend days) using a structured web-based survey. Adjusted ANCOVA on Ranks tests assessed differences between mentally active and mentally passive SB during the day, on weekdays, and weekend days. Adjusted Quade Nonparametric ANCOVA tests evaluated these differences in males vs. females. Results: Adults significantly spent greater time in mentally active vs. passive SB (5.61 ± 4.57 vs. 2.50 ± 3.25; p < 0.001). Mentally active SB was more prevalent on weekdays than on weekends (6.00 ± 5.00 vs. 5.00 ± 5.00; p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed for mentally passive SB (p > 0.05). Males significantly accumulated more mentally active SB compared to females (p < 0.001 for all). Females significantly spent more time in mentally passive SB on weekdays than males (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results highlight the need for individualized SB reduction strategies based on mental activity to obtain the most benefits of SB reduction interventions and promoting overall health post-COVID-19 pandemic.
Cheese and Yogurt By-Products as Valuable Ingredients for the Production of Prebiotic Oligosaccharides
Authors: Limnaios Athanasios , Tsevdou Maria , Zafeiri Eirini , Topakas Evangelos , Taoukis Petros
Published: January 2024

The growing global market of dairy products has led to the need for alternative approaches regarding whey valorization, which is the primary by-product of cheese and strained yogurt production. In this context, prebiotic galactooligosaccharides can be produced enzymatically from whey using commercially available β-galactosidases. A comparative study was conducted to assess the production of galactooligosaccharides from sweet and acid whey, thereby employing two commercial β-galactosidases from Aspergillus oryzae and Kluyveromyces lactis. The study considered the initial lactose content and enzyme load as variables. The maximum yields of galactooligosaccharides in concentrated sweet whey (15% w/v initial lactose) and raw acid whey (3.1% w/v initial lactose) reached 34.4 and 14.7% with lactase from Kluyveromyces lactis (0.13 U/mL), respectively. The corresponding galactooligosaccharide yields for lactase from Aspergillus oryzae were equal to 27.4 and 24.8% in the most concentrated sweet and acid whey, respectively, using enzyme loads of 2 U/mL in sweet whey and 1 U/mL in acid whey. Concerning the profile of the produced galactooligosaccharides, the Kluyveromyces lactis lactase hydrolyzed lactose more rapidly and resulted in higher levels of allolactose and lower levels of 6-galactosyl-lactose, compared to the lactase from Aspergillus oryzae, and achieved in both cases a polymerization degree of up to six.
Extracting Micro-Doppler Features from Multi-Rotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Using Time-Frequency Rotation Domain Concentration
Authors: Hong Tao , Li Yi , Fang Chaoqun , Dong Wei , Chen Zhihua
Published: January 2024

This study addresses the growing concern over the impact of small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), particularly rotor UAVs, on air traffic order and public safety. We propose a novel method for micro-Doppler feature extraction in multi-rotor UAVs within the time-frequency transform domain. Utilizing competitive learning particle swarm optimization (CLPSO), our approach divides population dynamics into three subgroups, each employing unique optimization mechanisms to enhance local search capabilities. This method overcomes limitations in traditional Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithms, specifically in achieving global optimal solutions. Our simulation and experimental results demonstrate the method’s efficiency and accuracy in extracting micro-Doppler features of rotary-wing UAVs. This advancement not only facilitates UAV detection and identification but also significantly contributes to the fields of UAV monitoring and airspace security.
Increasing Self-Concept and Decreasing Gender Stereotypes in STEM through Professional Development for Early Childhood Educators
Authors: Feierabend Sarah , Hasenhütl Sabine , Paechter Manuela , Luttenberger Silke , Eglmaier Marina W. T. , Eichen Lars
Published: January 2024

Starting early in life, children, especially girls, experience obstacles when it comes to developing an interest in STEM. Although early childhood (EC) educators face an important task in promoting girls (and boys) in STEM, they often face challenges in doing so. Therefore, it is crucial for EC educators to cultivate positive attitudes, self-concepts, and STEM skills. To address these identified issues, a three-month professional development program was created for EC educators. This professional development program was evaluated using a pre–post design with a focus on the self-concept and gender stereotypes of EC educators. The program involved 30 female EC educators in evaluating these aspects. The statistical analyses show positive results in enhancing educators’ self-concepts and reducing gender stereotypes over the course of this professional development program. The results suggest the potential of the blended learning design in this professional development program and indicate that this program could serve as a promising model for future interventions.
Solar-Powered Smart Buildings: Integrated Energy Management Solution for IoT-Enabled Sustainability
Authors: Muñiz Rubén , del Coso Raúl , Nuño Fernando , Villegas Pedro J. , Álvarez Daniel , Martínez Juan A.
Published: January 2024

The increasing demand for energy-efficient and sustainable solutions in the building sector has driven the need for innovative approaches that integrate renewable energy sources and advanced control systems. This paper presents an integrated energy management solution for solar-powered smart buildings, combining a multifaceted physical system with advanced IoT- and cloud-based control systems. The physical system includes a heat pump, photovoltaics, solar thermal panels, and an innovative low-enthalpy radiant wall and ceiling, providing self-sufficient heating and cooling. The control system makes use of advanced IoT and communication engineering technologies, using Modbus, HTTP, and MQTT protocols for seamless interconnectivity, monitoring, and remote management. The successful implementation of this solution in an average-sized model house in Paris and a deep energy retrofit of a semidetached single-family house in Oviedo, northern Spain, demonstrates increased energy efficiency, improved thermal comfort, and reduced environmental impact compared with conventional alternatives. This study illustrates the potential of integrating solar energy, IoT, and communication technologies into smart buildings, contributing to the global effort to reduce the environmental impact of the building sector.
Comparison of a Hybrid Firefly–Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm with Six Hybrid Firefly–Differential Evolution Algorithms and an Effective Cost-Saving Allocation Method for Ridesharing Recommendation Systems
Authors: Hsieh Fu-Shiung
Published: January 2024

The optimization and allocation of transport cost savings among stakeholders are two important issues that influence the satisfaction of information providers, drivers and passengers in ridesharing recommendation systems. For optimization issues, finding optimal solutions for nonconvex constrained discrete ridesharing optimization problems poses a challenge due to computational complexity. For the allocation of transport cost savings issues, the development of an effective method to allocate cost savings in ridesharing recommendation systems is an urgent need to improve the acceptability of ridesharing. The hybridization of different metaheuristic approaches has demonstrated its advantages in tackling the complexity of optimization problems. The principle of the hybridization of metaheuristic approaches is similar to a marriage of two people with the goal of having a happy ending. However, the effectiveness of hybrid metaheuristic algorithms is unknown a priori and depends on the problem to be solved. This is similar to a situation where no one knows whether a marriage will have a happy ending a priori. Whether the hybridization of the Firefly Algorithm (FA) with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) or Differential Evolution (DE) can work effectively in solving ridesharing optimization problems needs further study. Motivated by deficiencies in existing studies, this paper focuses on the effectiveness of hybrid metaheuristic algorithms for solving ridesharing problems based on the hybridization of FA with PSO or the hybridization of FA with DE. Another focus of this paper is to propose and study the effectiveness of a new method to allocate ridesharing cost savings to the stakeholders in ridesharing systems. The developed hybrid metaheuristic algorithms and the allocation method have been compared with examples of several application scenarios to illustrate their effectiveness. The results indicate that hybridizing FA with PSO creates a more efficient algorithm, whereas hybridizing FA with DE does not lead to a more efficient algorithm for the ridesharing recommendation problem. An interesting finding of this study is very similar to what happens in the real world: “Not all marriages have happy endings”.
Amazon Natural Fibers for Application in Engineering Composites and Sustainable Actions: A Review
Authors: da Silveira Pedro Henrique Poubel Mendonça , Cardoso Bruno Figueira de Abreu Ferreira , Marchi Belayne Zanini , Monteiro Sergio Neves
Published: January 2024

The Amazon rainforest, spanning multiple countries in South America, is the world’s largest equatorial expanse, housing a vast array of relatively unknown plant and animal species. Encompassing the planet’s greatest flora, the Amazon offers a tremendous variety of plants from which natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLFs) can be extracted. In this century, NLFs, which have long been utilized by indigenous populations of the Amazon, have garnered interest as potential reinforcements for composites, whether polymer- or cement-based, in various technical applications such as packaging, construction, automotive products, and ballistic armor. A comparison with synthetic materials like glass, carbon, and aramid fibers, as well as other established NLFs, highlights the cost and specific property advantages of Amazon natural fibers (ANFs). Notably, the sustainable cultivation and extraction of ANFs, as alternatives to deforestation and livestock pasture, contribute to the preservation of the Amazon rainforest. This review article provides a comprehensive examination of recent studies directly related to ANF-reinforced polymer matrix composites. The specific advantages, proposed applications, and reported challenges are highlighted, shedding light on the potential of these unique natural fibers.
A Novel Approach for Simultaneous Localization and Dense Mapping Based on Binocular Vision in Forest Ecological Environment
Authors: Liu Lina , Liu Yaqiu , Lv Yunlei , Li Xiang
Published: January 2024

The three-dimensional reconstruction of forest ecological environment by low-altitude remote sensing photography from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) provides a powerful basis for the fine surveying of forest resources and forest management. A stereo vision system, D-SLAM, is proposed to realize simultaneous localization and dense mapping for UAVs in complex forest ecological environments. The system takes binocular images as input and 3D dense maps as target outputs, while the 3D sparse maps and the camera poses can be obtained. The tracking thread utilizes temporal clue to match sparse map points for zero-drift localization. The relative motion amount and data association between frames are used as constraints for new keyframes selection, and the binocular image spatial clue compensation strategy is proposed to increase the robustness of the algorithm tracking. The dense mapping thread uses Linear Attention Network (LANet) to predict reliable disparity maps in ill-posed regions, which are transformed to depth maps for constructing dense point cloud maps. Evaluations of three datasets, EuRoC, KITTI and Forest, show that the proposed system can run at 30 ordinary frames and 3 keyframes per second with Forest, with a high localization accuracy of several centimeters for Root Mean Squared Absolute Trajectory Error (RMS ATE) on EuRoC and a Relative Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) with two average values of 0.64 and 0.2 for trel and Rrel with KITTI, outperforming most mainstream models in terms of tracking accuracy and robustness. Moreover, the advantage of dense mapping compensates for the shortcomings of sparse mapping in most Smultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) systems and the proposed system meets the requirements of real-time localization and dense mapping in the complex ecological environment of forests.
Does Size Matter? Small and Large Larvae of Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) in a Comparative Gene Expression Analysis
Authors: Tönißen Katrin , Franz George Philipp , Rebl Alexander , Lutze Philipp , Grunow Bianka
Published: January 2024

Size differences are common in the aquaculture of fishes. In the larviculture of cannibalistic species such as pikeperch, they majorly influence mortality rates and consequently provoke losses in the aquaculture industry. With this study, we aim to reveal molecular differences between small and large pikeperch of the same age using a set of 20 genes associated with essential developmental processes. Hereby, we applied a general study design to early and late larval pikeperch before the onset of piscivory to explore the causes of growth differences in these developmental groups. The analysis of the expression levels showed developmental but not size-related differences in PGC1A, TGFB1, MYOD1, MRF4, and the collagens COL1A1 and COL1A2. Furthermore, increased head lengths were found in larger late larvae compared to their smaller conspecifics. While no uniquely size-related expression differences were found, the expression patterns of PGC1A in combination with TGFB1 as regulators of the citric acid cycle indicate a possible influence of mitochondrial energy metabolism. Furthermore, expression differences of MYOD1 and MRF4 point out possible temporal advantages of myogenetic processes in the larger late larval group and hypothesise growth advantages of the larger late larvae resulting from various influences, which provide a promising target for future research.
Assessment of Beeswax Adulteration by Paraffin and Stearic Acid Using ATR-IR Spectroscopy and Multivariate Statistics—An Analytical Method to Detect Fraud
Authors: Chatzipanagis Konstantinos , Omar Jone , Sanfeliu Ana Boix
Published: January 2024

A spectroscopic investigation of beeswax adulteration by paraffin and/or stearic acid was undertaken via Attenuated Total Reflectance Infra-Red spectroscopy (ATR-IR) combined with multivariate statistical analyses. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was successfully applied for the first time as an exploratory tool for the differentiation among pure beeswax and adulterated beeswax by paraffin and stearic acid with detection limits (LOD) of ~5% and 1%, respectively. Partial Least Square (PLS) modelling was used to build chemometric models based on beeswax/paraffin and beeswax/stearic acid calibration mixtures and subsequently used to predict concentrations of paraffin and stearic acid on a set of unknown test samples. PLS predictions demonstrated that beeswax adulteration by paraffin is much more prominent (74%) than the one by stearic acid (26%) and that commercial beeswax products (candles, pearls, blocks, etc.) are more prone to adulteration (27%) than honeycomb-type samples (12.5%).
Dynamic Evolution of Repetitive Elements and Chromatin States in Apis mellifera Subspecies
Authors: Panyushev Nick , Selitskiy Max , Melnichenko Vasilina , Lebedev Egor , Okorokova Larisa , Adonin Leonid
Published: January 2024

In this study, we elucidate the contribution of repetitive DNA sequences to the establishment of social structures in honeybees (Apis mellifera). Despite recent advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of honeybee castes, primarily associated with Notch signaling, the comprehensive identification of specific genomic cis-regulatory sequences remains elusive. Our objective is to characterize the repetitive landscape within the genomes of two honeybee subspecies, namely A. m. mellifera and A. m. ligustica. An observed recent burst of repeats in A. m. mellifera highlights a notable distinction between the two subspecies. After that, we transitioned to identifying differentially expressed DNA elements that may function as cis-regulatory elements. Nevertheless, the expression of these sequences showed minimal disparity in the transcriptome during caste differentiation, a pivotal process in honeybee eusocial organization. Despite this, chromatin segmentation, facilitated by ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq, and RNA-seq data, revealed a distinct chromatin state associated with repeats. Lastly, an analysis of sequence divergence among elements indicates successive changes in repeat states, correlating with their respective time of origin. Collectively, these findings propose a potential role of repeats in acquiring novel regulatory functions.
Food and Alcohol Disturbance in High School Adolescents: Prevalence, Characteristics and Association with Problem Drinking and Eating Disorders
Authors: Pinna Federica , Suprani Federico , Paribello Pasquale , Milia Paola , Sanna Lucia , Manchia Mirko , Boi Graziella , Pes Annadele , Lai Lorena , Deiana Valeria , Lostia di Santa Sofia Silvia , Puddu Laura , Fatteri Francesca , Ghiani Alice , Lai Alice , Carpiniello Bernardo
Published: January 2024

Food and alcohol disturbance (FAD) is characterized by the association of alcohol use with compensatory behaviors such as restricting calories, physical activity and purging. Despite not being part of the current nosography, research has grown in the past 10 years, mostly on college students’ samples. In this study, we aim to describe the prevalence, characteristics and association of FAD with problem drinking (PD) and eating disorder risk (EDR) in a sample of Italian high school students. Participants were 900 high school students (53.6% males; mean age = 16.22) that were administered standardized questionnaires. Students who screened positive for PD, EDR and both were, respectively, 17.3%, 5.9% and 1.3%. Approximately one out four students reported FAD behaviors, mostly to control weight and by restricting calories, with higher prevalence and severity among those who screened positive for PD. Purging behaviors were rare overall (15.5%), but significantly more frequent in participants who screened positive for both PD and EDR (41.7%). FAD was more strongly associated with alcohol use severity than with ED symptom severity across all subgroups. FAD behaviors appear to be common in the Italian high school population and more strongly associated with PD. Future studies should investigate FAD’s impact on adolescents’ functioning and possible early interventions.
Strong Born—A First of Its Kind National FASD Prevention Campaign in Australia Led by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) in Collaboration with the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs)
Authors: Williams Robyn , Hayton Sarah , Campbell Annabel , Kemp Holly , Badry Dorothy
Published: January 2024

The Strong Born Campaign (2022–2025) was launched by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) in 2023. Strong Born is the first of its kind national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health promotion campaign to address Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) within Australia. Strong Born was developed to address a longstanding, significant gap in health promotion and sector knowledge on FASD, a lifelong disability that can result from alcohol use during pregnancy. Utilizing a strengths-based and culturally sound approach, NACCHO worked closely with the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) to develop the campaign through co-design, as described in this paper. Since its inception, the ACCHOs have continually invested in driving change towards improvements in Aboriginal health determinants and health promotion. The Strong Born Campaign developed culturally safe health promotion tool kits designed for the community and health sector staff and also offered communities the opportunity to apply for FASD Communications and Engagement Grants to engage in local campaign promotion. The tool kits have been disseminated to 92 ACCHOs across Australia. This paper describes the development of the Strong Born Campaign and activities following its launch in February 2023 from an Indigenous context within Australia, as described by NACCHO.