bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Grammar-Based Approach for Patients’ Symptom and Disease Diagnosis Information Dissemination to Maintain Confidentiality and Information Integrity
Authors: Nag Sanjay , Basu Nabanita , Bose Payal , Bandyopadhyay Samir Kumar
Published: December 2024

Disease prediction using computer-based methods is now an established area of research. The importance of technological intervention is necessary for the better management of disease, as well as to optimize use of limited resources. Various AI-based methods for disease prediction have been documented in the literature. Validated AI-based systems support diagnoses and decision making by doctors/medical practitioners. The resource-efficient dissemination of the symptoms identified and the diagnoses undertaken is the requirement of the present-day scenario to support paperless, yet seamless, information sharing. The representation of symptoms using grammar provides a novel way for the resource-efficient encoding of disease diagnoses. Initially, symptoms are represented as strings, and, in terms of grammar, this is called a sentence. Moreover, the conversion of the generated string containing the symptoms and the diagnostic outcome to a QR code post encryption makes it portable. The code can be stored in a mobile application, in a secure manner, and can be scanned wherever required, universally. The patient can carry the medical condition and the diagnosis in the form of the QR code for medical consultations. This research work presents a case study based on two diseases, influenza and coronavirus, to highlight the proposed methodology. Both diseases have some common and overlapping symptoms. The proposed system can be implemented for any kind of disease detection, including clinical and diagnostic imaging.
The Past, Present, and Future of Biomarkers for the Early Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Vitale Federica , Zileri Dal Verme Lorenzo , Paratore Mattia , Negri Marcantonio , Nista Enrico Celestino , Ainora Maria Elena , Esposto Giorgio , Mignini Irene , Borriello Raffaele , Galasso Linda , Alfieri Sergio , Gasbarrini Antonio , Zocco Maria Assunta , Nicoletti Alberto
Published: December 2024

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers with a very poor 5-year survival rate and reduced therapeutic options when diagnosed in an advanced stage. The dismal prognosis of pancreatic cancer has guided significant efforts to discover novel biomarkers in order to anticipate diagnosis, increasing the population of patients who can benefit from curative surgical treatment. CA 19-9 is the reference biomarker that supports the diagnosis and guides the response to treatments. However, it has significant limitations, a low specificity, and is inefficient as a screening tool. Several potential biomarkers have been discovered in the serum, urine, feces, and pancreatic juice of patients. However, most of this evidence needs further validation in larger cohorts. The advent of advanced omics sciences and liquid biopsy techniques has further enhanced this field of research. The aim of this review is to analyze the historical evolution of the research on novel biomarkers for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, focusing on the current evidence for the most promising biomarkers from different body fluids and the novel trends in research, such as omics sciences and liquid biopsy, in order to favor the application of modern personalized medicine.
Enhanced Wound Healing and Autogenesis Through Lentiviral Transfection of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Combined with Dermal Substitute
Authors: Wang Shiqi , Gao Dinghui , Li Mingyu , Wang Qian , Du Xuanyu , Yuan Siming
Published: December 2024

Background: Burns and chronic ulcers may cause severe skin loss, leading to critical health issues like shock, infection, sepsis, and multiple organ failure. Effective healing of full-thickness wounds may be challenging, with traditional methods facing limitations due to tissue shortage, infection, and lack of structural support. Methods: This study explored the combined use of gene transfection and dermal substitutes to improve wound healing. We used the DGTM (genes: DNP63A, GRHL2, TFAP2A, and MYC) factors to transfect adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), inducing their differentiation into keratinocytes. These transfected ADSCs were then incorporated into Pelnac® dermal substitutes to enhance vascularization and cellular proliferation for better healing outcomes. Results: Gene transfer using DGTM factors successfully induced keratinocyte differentiation in ADSCs. The application of these differentiated cells with Pelnac® dermal substitute to dermal wounds in mice resulted in the formation of skin tissue with a normal epidermal layer and proper collagen organization. This method alleviates the tediousness of the multiple transfection steps in previous protocols and the safety issues caused by using viral transfection reagents directly on the wound. Additionally, the inclusion of dermal substitutes addressed the lack of collagen and elastic fibers, promoting the formation of tissue resembling healthy skin rather than scar tissue. Conclusion: Integrating DGTM factor-transfected ADSCs with dermal substitutes represents a novel strategy for enhancing the healing of full-thickness wounds. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to optimize and validate this innovative approach for broader clinical applications.
Early Breast Cancer Detection Based on Deep Learning: An Ensemble Approach Applied to Mammograms
Authors: Khourdifi Youness , El Alami Alae , Zaydi Mounia , Maleh Yassine , Er-Remyly Omar
Published: December 2024

Background: Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women, making early detection through mammography crucial for improving survival rates. However, human interpretation of mammograms is often prone to diagnostic errors. This study addresses the challenge of improving the accuracy of breast cancer detection by leveraging advanced machine learning techniques. Methods: We propose an extended ensemble deep learning model that integrates three state-of-the-art convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures: VGG16, DenseNet121, and InceptionV3. The model utilizes multi-scale feature extraction to enhance the detection of both benign and malignant masses in mammograms. This ensemble approach is evaluated on two benchmark datasets: INbreast and CBIS-DDSM. Results: The proposed ensemble model achieved significant performance improvements. On the INbreast dataset, the ensemble model attained an accuracy of 90.1%, recall of 88.3%, and an F1-score of 89.1%. For the CBIS-DDSM dataset, the model reached 89.5% accuracy and 90.2% specificity. The ensemble method outperformed each individual CNN model, reducing both false positives and false negatives, thereby providing more reliable diagnostic results. Conclusions: The ensemble deep learning model demonstrated strong potential as a decision support tool for radiologists, offering more accurate and earlier detection of breast cancer. By leveraging the complementary strengths of multiple CNN architectures, this approach can improve clinical decision making and enhance the accessibility of high-quality breast cancer screening.
Research on the Impact of the Interaction Between Renewable Energy and Loads on the Voltage Characteristics of Receiving-End Grids and Control Strategies
Authors: Wang Yi , An Zeyuan , Peng Long
Published: December 2024

As large-scale renewable energy sources are integrated into the receiving-end grid, their interaction with load demands careful examination. This paper begins by analyzing the characteristics of active and reactive power fluctuations in renewable energy sources during low-voltage ride-through (LVRT). For a typical single-machine system connected to the grid, the mathematical relationship between the output power of renewable energy sources and the voltage at the point of common coupling is derived, determining the operating range without entering the LVRT state. By incorporating load models into the mathematical analysis, it is shown that the correlation between active power and voltage varies according to the load proportion. This leads to the identification of two types of “repeated LVRT” mechanisms dominated by either active or reactive power. Furthermore, considering the dynamic load model, motor slip is shown to affect the stable operating range of renewable energy sources, contributing to LVRT phenomena. Finally, from the perspective of the relationship between the operating point of renewable energy and the LVRT threshold curve, optimization strategies are proposed to address several types of new voltage stability issues caused by the interaction of various loads. The feasibility of these voltage phenomena and control strategies is validated using a simulated model.
Three-Dimensional Lithium Anode with an In Situ Generated Li2O-Rich Solid Electrolyte Interface for High-Rate and Long-Storage Lithium Battery
Authors: Li Ping , Liu Xuan , Zhou Yingke , Cheng Xiangyu , Mo Luozhi , Tian Xiaohui , Yuan Zhongzhi
Published: December 2024

The limited rate performance of Li||CFx batteries hinders their wide application, owing to the low conductivity of CFx cathode material and the undesirable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer formed on the Li anode surface. Herein, a strategy for constructing a three-dimensional lithium anode (3D-Li anode) with high specific surface area and an in situ formed favorable SEI layer is proposed to enhance the interfacial stability and uniformity of ion transport and realize a Li||CFx battery with remarkable comprehensive performance. A 3D-Li anode (Li@CuO-Cu foam) is successfully constructed by molten Li infusion of a thermal oxidation processed copper foam. The lithiophilicity of the Cu foam framework is optimized by the formed CuO. The Li@CuO-Cu foam||CFx battery exhibits a high discharge specific capacity (1149.6 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C) along with a high discharge plateau voltage (2.65 V). At a high rate of 10 C, the 3D-Li anode-based batteries still demonstrate a discharge specific capacity of 463 mAh g−1, which is about 2.5 times that of the conventional Li||CFx, and exhibit excellent storage performance (620.3 mAh g−1 after storage at 55 °C for 90 days) and a low monthly self-discharge rate (1.28%). This work demonstrates a promising strategy to construct a three-dimensional lithium metal anode and significantly improve the rate and storage performance of Li||CFx batteries.
Flowing Salt Solution Thin Film Vaporization and Heat Transfer Mechanisms: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Yuan Dayuan , Li Chao , Zhang Liuyang , Shen Shengqiang
Published: December 2024

Geothermal energy offers a sustainable way, through heating a salt solution, to generate electricity and extract salt, minimizing environmental impact while supporting clean energy needs. The thermal behavior and vaporization mechanisms of flowing salt solution thin films are investigated in this study using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The research focuses on the evaporation dynamics of NaCl solutions at various temperatures (450 K and 550 K) and under different flow conditions, providing insights into the microstructural evolution and the role of ionic interactions. The simulations reveal critical aspects of evaporation, such as the formation and behavior of ion clusters, the impact of temperature on evaporation rates, and the effects of flow on heat transfer efficiency. Key findings include the observation that higher temperatures accelerate the evaporation process and promote ion clustering, while flow conditions enhance heat and mass transfer, leading to more efficient vaporization. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of the thermal dynamics in saline solutions, with implications for industrial processes such as desalination, crystallization, and thermal management.
Layered Operation Optimization Methods for Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Technology and Multi-Energy Flow Coupling Systems
Authors: Wu Chunchao , Zhao Yonghong , Li Wulin , Fan Jianjun , Xu Haixiang , Yuan Dingkun , Ling Zhongqian
Published: December 2024

Solar energy is an abundant renewable resource; the energy reaching the Earth from sunlight in just one hour exceeds the annual energy consumption of all humankind. Concentrated solar power (CSP), as a grid-friendly clean energy utilization method, has unique development advantages. The CSP system can be equipped with relatively mature, low-cost, large-capacity thermal energy storage, ensuring stable and controllable power generation. As the low-carbon economy progresses, the coupling between electricity, heat, and gas systems is increasing. The traditional energy supply system, which uses electric heating separation and layered scheduling for distribution networks, makes it difficult to fully exploit the network resources and achieve globally optimal operation strategies. The principle and the main components of centralized solar power (CSP) generation technology are introduced, and a layered optimization method suitable for a multi-energy flow coupling system is discussed, which can realize collaboration between CSP and other renewable energy sources better and improve the operation efficiency and flexibility of the whole energy supply system.
Synchronization of an On-Board Photovoltaic Converter Under Conditions of High Dynamic Voltage Frequency Change
Authors: Binkowski Tomasz , Beňa Ľubomír , Medveď Dušan , Pijarski Paweł
Published: December 2024

The decarbonization of energy systems is forcing the development of renewable energy generation and consumption technologies. Photovoltaic systems are being used in almost every industry, including autonomous power systems used on ships, space vehicles, or flying platforms, where the voltage supplying specific equipment can change in an overridingly controlled manner. Feeding energy from a renewable source into a power system with highly dynamic frequency changes is not possible for traditional grid converter control strategies. This is caused by the synchronization system, which is designed for a fixed value of the grid voltage frequency, and by the proportional-resonant controllers used. In this paper, it is shown that frequency tracking correction causes deviations from the unit amplitude of synchronization signals, causing errors in the reference signals responsible for the active and reactive components of the converter current. To solve this problem, a new variable frequency adaptation system using a generalized second-order integrator was proposed. As a result, synchronization signals of unit amplitude were obtained. Due to the proposed method, the proportional-resonant controller was able to control the active and reactive components of the current even when the voltage frequency changes, adjusting the resonant frequency.
Cooling of Air in Outdoor Areas of Human Habitation
Authors: Barnat Ewelina , Sekret Robert , Babiarz Bożena
Published: December 2024

This paper deals with the issue of air cooling in outdoor areas of human habitation. An analysis of air parameters during the summer season was carried out to determine the thermal comfort zone for a part of the northern platform of the local station in Rzeszow (Poland). The cooling capacity required for thermal comfort was calculated using outdoor air parameters and heat gains in the vicinity of the research object. Ten potential air-cooling systems were proposed for the outdoor zones. The systems differed in terms of cooling equipment, primary energy source, cooling medium, and recipients. They were divided into three categories: compressor, adsorption, and evaporative cooling. The electricity yield of the existing photovoltaic installation at the research facility was evaluated to identify potential synergies between the cooling demand and solar energy. An analysis assessed the energy, economic, and environmental impact of each proposed option. The best option for cooling the outdoor areas was found to be an evaporative cooling system with a PV system. Solar radiation can be effectively used for cooling outdoor zones in Poland in the summer. The optimal solution for the research facility is an evaporative cooling system based on direct evaporation combined with a photovoltaic system. The subject matter covered can be used as an effective tool for the optimal selection of outdoor air-cooling systems to ensure the thermal comfort of the occupants.
A Modular Step-Up DC/DC Converter for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Darwish Ahmed
Published: December 2024

A step-up DC/DC converter is required to match the fuel cell’s stack voltage with the DC-link capacitor of the propulsion system in fuel cell-based electric vehicles (FCEVs). Typically, the nominal voltage of a single fuel cell ranges from 0.5 V to 1 V, and the DC-link voltage usually lies between 400 V and 800 V. This article proposes a new modular step-up DC/DC converter capable of providing a wide voltage-boosting range from the input to the output side using series-connected isolated boosting submodules (SMs). Modified versions of boost and Cuk converters are designed and used as the SMs to deliver a flexible output voltage, combining the voltage-boosting capability with the ability to embed a medium/high-frequency transformer, which provides both galvanic isolation and an additional degree of voltage boosting while drawing a continuous input current from the fuel cell with minimal ripple, enhancing performance. The proposed modular converter offers the advantages of improved controllability, scalability, and greater reliability, particularly during partial faults. The feasibility of the proposed converter is demonstrated through computer simulations conducted using MATLAB/SIMULINK® R2024a software where a DC link of 400 V is created from 50 V input sources. Additionally, a 1 kW small-scale prototype is designed and controlled using a TMS320F28335 digital signal processor to validate the mathematical analysis and simulation results, where the SMs are controlled to create a DC link of 100 V from four 25 V input sources with an electrical efficiency of approximately 95%.
Directly Interconnected High-Energy and High-Power Battery Packs
Authors: Schwalm Michael , Dabrowski Tatjana
Published: December 2024

Designing battery packs is a trade-off between power capability and capacity. Often, high power is only desired for short periods; otherwise, high capacities are preferred. To meet these requirements, hybrid packs comprising high-power and high-energy batteries can be used. However, a major drawback of these systems is the need for additional direct current to direct current converters, which increase the complexity, weight, and cost. By directly interconnecting high-power and high-energy battery strings in parallel, the current distribution is determined exclusively by Kirchhoff’s laws, which can lead to the overloading of individual batteries and thus to damage or dangerous failures. To overcome these problems, we developed a layout and control algorithm for directly interconnected packs that keeps them in a safe state by solely controlling the external power, which is governed by two additional requirements. These keep the discharge current of the high-energy element below the maximum charge current of the high-power element and the charge current of the high-energy element below the maximum discharge current of the high-power element while the pack is discharging or charging, respectively. As a proof of concept, a directly interconnected lithium-ion battery pack was successfully designed using the electrochemical simulation software Battery Simulation Studio 2021,which was tested and integrated into a Audi A3 cabriolet.
The Impact of Rutin on Heat Stress Response of Hybrid Fish (Carassius auratus cuvieri ♀ × Carassius auratus Red var. ♂)
Authors: Chen Shuailin , Li Die , Cui Xiaojuan , Xu Jia , Li Yujing , Sun Yuandong
Published: December 2024

Heat stress is a major environmental stressor that affects fish metabolism, growth, and death rates. This research examined the impact of dietary rutin addition (0, 100, 300, or 500 mg/kg) for 60 days on juvenile hybrid fish (Carassius auratus cuvieri, WCC, ♀ × Carassius auratus red var, RCC, ♂, WR) (27.97 ± 0.56 g) under heat stress conditions (32 ± 1 °C for 48 h). The analysis focused on blood parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers, and hepatic hsp70 and hsp90 gene expression in WR. The results demonstrated that rutin supplementation elevated blood glucose levels and the liver activities of glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and total superoxide dismutase in comparison to the control group. Additionally, rutin supplementation also significantly reduced serum cortisol and hepatic malondialdehyde levels while upregulating hepatic hsp70 and hsp90 gene expression. These findings suggest that rutin supplementation enhances antioxidant responses and alleviates the impact of heat stress on fish physiological and biochemical markers and heat shock protein gene expression.
Correction: Ariaee et al. The Degree of Inulin Polymerization Is Important for Short-Term Amelioration of High-Fat Diet (HFD)-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Rats. Foods 2024, 13, 1039
Authors: Ariaee Amin , Wardill Hannah R. , Wignall Anthony , Prestidge Clive A. , Joyce Paul
Published: December 2024

In the original publication [...]
White Tea Aqueous Extract: A Potential Anti-Aging Agent Against High-Fat Diet-Induced Senescence in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Huang Yan , He Miaoyuan , Zhang Jianming , Cheng Shilong , Cheng Xi , Chen Haoran , Wu Guangheng , Wang Fang , Zeng Shaoxiao
Published: December 2024

White tea has been scientifically proven to exhibit positive biological effects in combating chronic diseases, including cancer, metabolic syndrome, etc. Nevertheless, the anti-aging activity and mechanism of white tea on organisms exposed to a high-fat diet remain unexplored. Herein, we prepared a white tea aqueous extract (WTAE) from white peony in Fuding and assessed its in vivo antioxidant and anti-aging effects by employing a Drosophila melanogaster senescence model induced by lard, delving into the underlying molecular mechanisms through which the WTAE contributes to lifespan improvement. Notably, the WTAE significantly extended the lifespan of Drosophila fed a high-fat diet and partially restored the climbing ability of Drosophila on a high-fat diet, accompanied by increased activities of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase, manganese-superoxide dismutase, and catalase and decreased lipid hydroperoxide levels in Drosophila. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis indicated that the WTAE countered aging triggered by a high-fat diet via activating oxidative phosphorylation, neuroactive ligand–receptor interactions, and more pathways, as well as inhibiting circadian rhythm-fly, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, and more pathways. Our findings suggest that WTAE exhibits excellent inhibitory activity against high-fat diet-induced senescence and holds promising potential as an anti-aging agent that can be further developed.
Evaluation of Total Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Profiles of Calabrian Breba Figs: A Detailed Study of Pulp and Skin from 29 Ficus carica L. Accessions
Authors: De Bruno Alessandra , Mafrica Rocco , Branca Valentino , Piscopo Amalia , Poiana Marco
Published: December 2024

This work was carried out on twenty-nine fig accessions cultivated in the Calabria region (Italy). The main antioxidant parameters were determined with the aim of selecting superior genotypes and supporting the establishment of new commercial orchards specializing in breba production. The studied samples were divided into two main classes characterized by different skin fruit colors (light and dark). The total antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS), total polyphenols, and total flavonoids of the fig accessions were analyzed spectrophotometrically, while the individual phenolic components were identified and quantified by UHPLC-PDA. The phenolic profiles showed significant differences among the tested samples and between flesh and skin. The highest concentrations of bioactive components were found in the skin rather than the flesh. The total polyphenol contents varied between 15 and 50 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per 100 g of fresh weight (FW) in the pulp and between 18 and 251 mg GAE per 100 g (FW) in the skin.
Patient Experience in Older Adults with Diabetes: A Narrative Review on Interventions to Improve Patient Experience and Research Gaps
Authors: Hamasaki Hidetaka
Published: December 2024

Patient experience is a critical healthcare quality indicator, evolving from Patient Satisfaction (PS) and encompassing patients’ concrete healthcare experiences. It is increasingly vital in aging societies where collaborative efforts among patients, families, and healthcare professionals are essential. Studies suggest that enhanced patient experience leads to better adherence, outcomes, and patient safety. This paper reviews patient experience evaluations in older adults with diabetes through randomized controlled trial (RCT)-based findings. The author searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, AMED, and CINAHL. The review focused on RCTs examining interventions affecting patient experience and PS in T2D/T1D patients aged ≥65. A total of 13 RCTs were eligible for this review. This review highlights studies on diabetes management in older adults, assessing the impact of health education, diabetes management programs, treatments, mHealth, and advanced insulin delivery systems. Early studies showed that education improved self-care but had a limited impact on glycemic control. Key findings include the effectiveness of experience-based education in improving HbA1c, the benefits of insulin therapy for elderly patients, and the value of structured peer-to-peer diabetes management programs in enhancing satisfaction. Patient adherence, satisfaction, and personalized support emerged as critical factors influencing diabetes management across various interventions. More recent trials involving mHealth demonstrated improvements in glycemic control and PS through automated data sharing and app-based support. Closed-loop insulin delivery studies reported reduced mental strain, improved glycemic control, and better quality of life, despite barriers such as device cost and occasional system limitations. These interventions highlight the potential of advanced technologies to enhance diabetes care, particularly for aging populations. Previous RCTs show that education, structured management programs, effective insulin therapies, and advanced digital treatments improve patient experience, though well-designed studies focusing on patient experience as a primary outcome are lacking. Developing patient experience assessment scales for aging diabetes patients and adapting healthcare systems to maximize patient experience amid digitalization trends are essential, warranting further research.
Adaptive Reuse of Russian-Influenced Religious Architecture in Harbin: Architectural Identity and Heritage Tourism
Authors: Yan Se , Geng Shiran , Chau Hing-Wah , Wang Tian , Jamei Elmira , Vrcelj Zora
Published: December 2024

Adaptive reuse is a widely employed strategy for heritage conservation and management, especially within the context of heritage tourism. However, its application to religious architecture presents unique challenges that have not been thoroughly explored. In Harbin, a city in northeastern China known for its Russian-influenced heritage, many abandoned religious-affiliated buildings have been repurposed for other functions. Such transformations raise concerns about how the architectural features and the functionalities of these buildings have been preserved and reused. This study investigates the adaptive reuse strategies applied to Russian-influenced religious buildings in Harbin, focusing on how these strategies impact architectural preservation and sustainable heritage tourism development. It begins by documenting the distinctive architectural styles of Russian-influenced religious buildings in Harbin, followed by a detailed analysis of the selected case studies. The study evaluates the current conditions and uses of these buildings, identifying both the opportunities and constraints of adaptive reuse. The findings reveal a balance between preserving external architectural features and adapting interior spaces to accommodate various functions, particularly in sacred-to-secular transformations. This study highlights the complexities of reconciling historical authenticity with economic viability by comparing sacred-to-sacred adaptations—which retain community relevance—with sacred-to-secular conversions—which prioritise cultural utility. It further examines how historical events and the Western and Chinese conservation dichotomy shape current adaptive reuse practices and preservation priorities in Harbin, offering broader insights into balancing cultural symbolism and functionality in heritage tourism. The findings provide valuable recommendations for policymakers to optimise adaptive reuse practices in religious heritage buildings, ensuring the preservation of architectural identities while supporting sustainable heritage tourism.
Bovine Lactoferrin Enhances Toll-like Receptor 7 Response in Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells and Modulates Cellular Immunity
Authors: Yago Takumi , Tada Asuka , Kubo Shutaro , Oda Hirotsugu , Iwabuchi Sadahiro , Tanaka Miyuki , Hashimoto Shinichi
Published: December 2024

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) express Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) in the endosomes, recognize viral single-stranded RNA (ssRNA), and produce significant amounts of interferon (IFN)-α. Bovine lactoferrin (LF) enhances the response of IFN regulatory factors followed by the activation of IFN-sensitive response elements located in the promoter regions of the IFN-α gene and IFN-stimulated genes in the TLR7 reporter THP-1 cells in the presence of R-848, a TLR7 agonist. In ex vivo experiments using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, LF enhances IFN-α levels in the supernatant in the presence of R-848. Additionally, it increases the expression of IFN-α, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR, and CD86 in pDCs; HLA-DR and CD86 in myeloid dendritic cells; CD69 in CD56 dim natural killer and T killer cells; and IFN-γ in T helper type 1 and B cells in the presence of R-848. The inhibition of phagocytosis or neutralization of nucleolin, a receptor of LF, suppresses LF incorporation into pDCs. These results suggest that pDCs incorporate LF through phagocytosis or nucleolin-mediated endocytosis, and LF enhances TLR7 response in the endosome and subsequent IFN signaling pathway and activates innate and adaptive immune cells. We anticipate that LF modulates antiviral immunity against environmental ssRNA viruses and contributes to homeostasis.
Proteomic Insights into the Regulatory Mechanisms of the Freezing Response in the Alpine Subnivale Plant Chorispora bungeana
Authors: Hu Hongyin , Zhao Zhixing , Ma Dongdi , An Lizhe , Zhao Le , Yue Xiule
Published: December 2024

Freezing temperatures impose significant constraints on plant growth and productivity. While cold tolerance mechanisms have been extensively studied in model species, the molecular basis of freezing tolerance in naturally adapted plants remains underexplored. Chorispora bungeana, an alpine plant with a strong freezing tolerance, provides a valuable model for investigating these adaptive mechanisms. In this study, we used Tandem Mass Tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics to analyze C. bungeana seedlings subjected to freezing stress (−6 °C) at 6 and 30 h, identifying 302 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) compared with controls. Our findings capture the dynamic proteomic landscape of C. bungeana under freezing stress, revealing distinct early and prolonged responses. Early responses featured upregulated proteins involved in signaling and stress protection, with no clear involvement of the ICE1-CBF pathway (ICE1: Inducer of CBF Expression 1; CBF: C-repeat Binding Factor) found in cold-acclimating plants, while calcium signaling and epigenetic modifications enabled a rapid response. Extended exposure involved DEPs in RNA modification, glutamine metabolism, and biosynthesis of polysaccharides and flavonoids, highlighting metabolic adjustments crucial for long-term adaptation. By combining protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks and functional analysis, we identified 54 key proteins validated by qRT-PCR. These findings provide comprehensive insight into freezing tolerance mechanisms, identifying candidate proteins for enhancing cold resilience in crops and mitigating agricultural cold stress impacts.
Subcellular Localization Guides eNOS Function
Authors: Villadangos Leticia , Serrador Juan M.
Published: December 2024

Nitric oxide synthases (NOS) are enzymes responsible for the cellular production of nitric oxide (NO), a highly reactive signaling molecule involved in important physiological and pathological processes. Given its remarkable capacity to diffuse across membranes, NO cannot be stored inside cells and thus requires multiple controlling mechanisms to regulate its biological functions. In particular, the regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity has been shown to be crucial in vascular homeostasis, primarily affecting cardiovascular disease and other pathophysiological processes of importance for human health. Among other factors, the subcellular localization of eNOS plays an important role in regulating its enzymatic activity and the bioavailability of NO. The aim of this review is to summarize pioneering studies and more recent publications, unveiling some of the factors that influence the subcellular compartmentalization of eNOS and discussing their functional implications in health and disease.
Immobilization of Bromelain on Gold Nanoparticles for Comprehensive Detection of Their Antioxidant, Anti-Angiogenic, and Wound-Healing Potentials
Authors: Ausaj Amal Ahmed , Al-Shmgani Hanady S. , Abid Wijdan Basheer , Gadallah Abdelalim A. , Mashlawi Abadi M. , Khormi Mohsen A. , Alamri Abdullah Ali , Abada Emad
Published: December 2024

Bromelain (Br) is a proteolytic enzyme with various pharmacological properties, such as antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-angiogenic properties. However, due to its low solubility and bioavailability, its absorption is low, so a delivery mechanism is needed to achieve the desired therapeutic effects. Bromelain was chemically synthesized and loaded onto gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Different methods and techniques were used for detection and characterization, including color-change detection, UV spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, TEM, and FTIR. The in vitro antioxidant activity was detected using DPPH assays, and the wound-healing activity was investigated in mice. The current study revealed that the formulated AuNPs-Br showed effective antioxidant activity and the strongest wound-healing properties, as demonstrated by histopathological and in vivo studies, and showed anti-angiogenic effects.
Temporal Changes and Between-Competition Differences in the Activity Profile of Elite Hurling Referees
Authors: Brady Aidan J. , Scriney Michael , Roantree Mark , McCarren Andrew , Moyna Niall M.
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: This study examined the activity profile of elite hurling referees during games in the National Hurling League (NHL) and All-Ireland Championship (AIC) and across all divisions of the NHL and phases of the AIC. Temporal changes between the first and second half and across the four quarters were also examined. Methods: Data were collected from 36 referees using 10-Hz global positioning system technology during 106 NHL and 85 AIC games and analyzed for duration, total distance, very low-speed movement (<0.69 m·s−1), walking (≥0.69–1.59 m·s−1), low-speed running (≥1.60–3.08 m·s−1), moderate-speed running (≥3.09–4.62 m·s−1), high-speed running (HSR) (≥4.63–6.34 m·s−1), and very high-speed running (VHSR) (≥6.35 m·s−1) distance and peak running speed. Results: Total distance was not significantly different between games in the NHL (120.7 ± 9.4 m·min−1) and AIC (122.8 ± 9.9 m·min−1, ES = 0.04). There was also no significant difference in HSR distance between the NHL (17.1 ± 6.5 m·min−1) and AIC (18.0 ± 7.2 m·min−1, ES = 0.10). The only significant difference between the NHL and AIC was in LSR distance, which was higher in the AIC (ES = 0.24). VHSR distance was significantly higher during games in Division 3A+3B (0.7 ± 0.8 m·min−1) compared to Division 1A+1B (0.2 ± 0.3 m·min−1) and Division 2A+2B (0.1 ± 0.3 m·min−1). HSR distance was significantly lower during games in the All-Ireland Series (15.7 ± 6.7 m·min−1) compared to games in the Leinster (21.1 ± 8.5 m·min−1) and Munster (17.9 ± 5.4 m·min−1) Championships. Conclusions: The findings of this study can be used to support the development of physical conditioning programs that are specific to the demands experienced during competitive match play.
Planting the Seed of Epistemic Curiosity: The Role of the Satisfaction of the Needs for Autonomy and Competence
Authors: Puerta-Sierra Lizbeth , Puente-Díaz Rogelio
Published: December 2024

We posit that curiosity, an epistemic emotion, is an integral part of entrepreneurial education, entrepreneurial activities, and learning, which seek to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, a form of cognitive ability. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the influence of autonomy and competence satisfaction on epistemic curiosity and the influence of epistemic curiosity on epistemic satisfaction and performance on epistemic activities in entrepreneurial education. Participants completed a battery of questionnaires in three waves of data collection. Results showed a positive relationship between the satisfaction of the need for autonomy and competence in times 1 and 2. The satisfaction of the need for competence at times 1 and 2 then had a positive relationship with epistemic curiosity at times 1 and 2. Curiosity at time 2 had a positive relationship with epistemic satisfaction at time 3. Our results supported the idea that autonomy and competence satisfaction facilitated the experience of epistemic curiosity and epistemic satisfaction. The implications of developing an entrepreneurial mindset were discussed.
Research on the Lossless Data Compression System of the Argo Buoy Based on BiLSTM-MHSA-MLP
Authors: Guo Sumin , Zhang Wenqi , Zheng Yuhong , Li Hongyu , Yang Yilin , Xu Jiayi
Published: December 2024

This study addresses the issues of the limited data storage capacity of Argo buoys and satellite communication charges on the basis of data volume by proposing a block lossless data compression method that combines bidirectional long short-term memory networks and multi-head self-attention with a multilayer perceptron (BiLSTM-MHSA-MLP). We constructed an Argo buoy data compression system using the main buoy control board, Jetson nano development board, and the BeiDou-3 satellite transparent transmission module. By processing input sequences bidirectionally, BiLSTM enhances the understanding of the temporal relationships within profile data, whereas the MHSA processes the outputs of the BiLSTM layer in parallel to obtain richer representations. Building on this preliminary probability prediction model, a multilayer perceptron (MLP) and a block length parameter (block_len) are introduced to achieve block compression during training, dynamically updating the model and optimizing symbol probability distributions for more accurate predictions. Experiments conducted on multiple 4000 m single-batch profile datasets from both the PC and Jetson nano platforms demonstrate that this method achieves a lower compression ratio, shorter compression time, and greater specificity. This approach significantly reduces the communication time between Argo buoys and satellites, laying a foundation for the future integration of Jetson Nano into Argo buoys for real-time data compression.
Endophytic Entomopathogenic Fungi: Their Role in Enhancing Plant Resistance, Managing Insect Pests, and Synergy with Management Routines
Authors: Aravinthraju Krishnamoorthy , Shanthi Mookiah , Murugan Marimuthu , Srinivasan Ramasamy , Maxwell Lourena Arone , Manikanda Boopathi Narayanan , Anandham Rangasamy
Published: December 2024

The interaction between plants and microorganisms plays a major role in plant growth promotion and disease management. While most microorganisms directly influence plant health, some indirectly support growth through pest and disease suppression. Endophytic entomopathogenic fungi are diverse, easily localized, and have long-lasting effects on insect pests. When inhabiting plants, these fungi alter secondary metabolites, volatile organic compounds, and microbiomes, enhancing plant resistance to pests and diseases and sometimes improving growth. However, their persistence in plant systems may be challenged by the plant’s defense mechanisms or by human interventions such as insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and phyto-insecticides, which are common in agriculture. As effective biocontrol agents, endophytic entomopathogenic fungi can also be integrated with other pest management strategies like predators, parasitoids, and chemicals. This review will explore the impact of endophytic entomopathogens on plant systems and their compatibility with other management practices.
Land Cover and Land Use in Uruguay Using Land Cover Classification System Methodology
Authors: Alvarez Gebelin Ana , Borretti Martín , Cohn Carlos , Minutti Guillermo
Published: December 2024

Mapping land cover in Uruguay is essential to meet the growing demand for accurate data to support sustainable development policies and manage natural resources, while also addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other international conventions. In recent decades, collaboration between the FAO and the Government of Uruguay has led to the development of key products that strengthen the country’s planning processes, including a detailed, standardized national land cover database. By using the FAO’s Land Cover Classification System (LCCS), Uruguay has achieved a multitemporal national land cover database, through a legend specifically adapted to its national context and with classification accuracy improving from 85% in earlier products to 95% in the most recent ones. The use of LCCS has ensured semantic interoperability and provided reliable, up-to-date information on land cover distribution and change analysis. This progress has been supported by the enhancement of national capacities for change analysis, using international standards, remote sensing, and GIS technologies, integrated with national data. This article reviews the historical evolution and methodological advancements in the implementation of the LCCS in Uruguay, emphasizing the improvements in methodology and technology, and their impact on the sustainable management of the country’s territory.
Heterogeneous Impacts of Human Activity Intensity on Regional Ecological Security Patterns: The Case of Southwest China
Authors: Li Tao , Li Ling , Tang Mingfang , Deng Hongbing
Published: December 2024

Intense human activities have significantly altered landscape structure, affected ecosystem services, and threatened ecological security. However, the spatial coupling relationship between regional ecological security patterns (ESPs) and human activity is still unclear. Taking southwest China as the study area, this study firstly assessed ecosystem service importance (ESI) and then identified ecological sources in conjunction with nature reserves. A minimum cumulative resistance model and circuit theory were used to extract ecological corridors and nodes to construct ESPs, and we further analyzed spatial relationships between ESPs and regional human activity intensity factors. Our results showed that ESI had obvious regional differences, and considering diversity and uniqueness of ecosystem functions, it is crucial for constructing ESPs. The ESPs—195 ecological sources, 490 ecological corridors, 212 ecological pinch points, and 17 barrier points—were important priority areas for ecological protection and restoration and will effectively guide differentiated ecosystem management. Intense human activities had significantly differentiated negative impacts on regional ESPs, and balancing regional ecological protection and economic development can achieve a win–win situation. Our research not only provides a new perspective for constructing ESPs but also provides important practical guidance for maintaining ecological security and landscape sustainability.
Research Overview on Urban Heat Islands Driven by Computational Intelligence
Authors: Liu Chao , Lu Siyu , Tian Jiawei , Yin Lirong , Wang Lei , Zheng Wenfeng
Published: December 2024

In recent years, the intensification of the urban heat island (UHI) effect has become a significant concern as urbanization accelerates. This survey comprehensively explores the current status of surface UHI research, emphasizing the role of land use and land cover changes (LULC) in urban environments. We conducted a systematic review of 8260 journal articles from the Web of Science database, employing bibliometric analysis and keyword co-occurrence analysis using CiteSpace to identify research hotspots and trends. Our investigation reveals that vegetation cover and land use types are the two most critical factors influencing UHI intensity. We analyze various computational intelligence techniques, including machine learning algorithms, cellular automata, and artificial neural networks, used for simulating urban expansion and predicting UHI effects. The study also examines numerical modeling methods, including the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, while examining the application of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in urban microclimate research. Furthermore, we evaluate potential mitigation strategies, considering urban planning approaches, green infrastructure solutions, and the use of high-albedo materials. This comprehensive survey not only highlights the critical relationship between land use dynamics and UHIs but also provides a direction for future research in computational intelligence-driven urban climate studies.
Integrating Spatiotemporal and Travel-Related Information for Accurate Urban Passenger Profiling Using GANs
Authors: Duan Xiaoqi , Yang Jianbing , Yu Sha , Tian Youliang
Published: December 2024

The elaborate description of passenger travel profiles is of significant importance in urban planning, socioeconomic structural design, and individual travel preference analysis. Traditional models often lack consideration of personalized features and exhibit suboptimal performance in constructing spatiotemporal dependencies. To address these issues, this paper proposes a method that integrates spatiotemporal information with travel-related information and employs generative adversarial networks (GANs) for adversarial training. This method accurately fits the true distribution of user travel data, thereby providing detailed profiles of public transportation passengers’ travel behavior. Specifically, the proposed approach considers the complete travel chain of individuals, establishes a spatiotemporal constraint representation model, and utilizes GANs to simulate the distribution of passenger travel, obtaining more compact and high-level travel vector features. The empirical results demonstrate that the proposed method accurately captures passengers’ travel patterns in both the temporal and spatial dimensions, offering technical support for urban transportation planning.