bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Estrogen-Responsive Proteins in Mouse Seminal Vesicles Through Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics
Authors: Kapic Ammar , Zaman Khadiza , Nguyen Vien , Prokai-Tatrai Katalin , Prokai Laszlo
Published: November 2024

Background: Although estrogenic compounds promise therapeutic potential in treating various conditions, concerns regarding their endocrine-disrupting effects have been raised. Current methodologies for screening estrogenicity in rodent models are limited to the female-specific uterotrophic bioassay. Studies have reported enlargement of the seminal vesicles in orchiectomized males treated with estrogens. However, identifying estrogenicity strictly through changes in wet weights is uninformative regarding the molecular mechanisms of these agents. Therefore, protein-based biomarkers can complement and improve the sensitivity of weight-based assessments. To this end, we present a discovery-driven proteomic analysis of 17β-estradiol’s effects on the seminal vesicles. Methods: We treated orchidectomized mice with the hormone for five days and used the vehicle-treated group as a control. Seminal vesicles were analyzed by shotgun approach using data-dependent nanoflow liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and label-free quantification. Proteins found to be differentially expressed between the two groups were processed through a bioinformatics pipeline focusing on pathway analyses and assembly of protein interaction networks. Results: Out of 668 identified proteins that passed rigorous validation criteria, 133 were regulated significantly by 17β-estradiol. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis® linked them to several hormone-affected pathways, including those associated with immune function such as neutrophil degranulation. The altered protein interaction networks were also related to functions including endocrine disruption, abnormal metabolism, and therapeutic effects. Conclusions: We identified several potential biomarkers for estrogenicity in mouse seminal vesicles, many of them not previously linked with exogenous 17β-estradiol exposure.
Berberine Mediates Exosomes Regulating the Lipid Metabolism Pathways to Promote Apoptosis of RA-FLS Cells
Authors: Guo Si-Fan , Wang Zhi-Bo , Xie Dan-Dan , Cai Ying , Wang Yan , Wang Xian , Yang Qiang , Zhang Ai-Hua , Qiu Shi
Published: November 2024

Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint damage and commonly linked to symptoms such as inflammation, swelling, and pain. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers complementary and integrative approaches in the management of rheumatoid arthritis, potentially providing additional options that may help address treatment challenges and enhance overall patient care. This paper explores the mechanism of action of berberine from the perspective of cellular exosomes by mediating exosomal contents and thus treating RA. Methods: With the help of flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscope, it was determined that berberine promotes apoptosis in RA-FLS cells, and then lipid metabolomics technology was applied to screen and characterize the exosomes of RA-FLS cells to identify lipid core biomarkers closely related to RA, which were then projected into various databases for comprehensive analysis. Results: The data analysis showed that berberine could call back 11 lipid core biomarkers closely associated with RA, and interactive visualization of the database revealed that these markers were mainly focused on lipid metabolism aspects such as fatty acid elongation, degradation, and biosynthesis, as well as the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids or PPARA activation of gene expression, PPARα‘s role in lipid metabolism regulation, glycerophospholipid metabolism, mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation disorders, and organelle biogenesis and maintenance. Conclusions: Berberine exerts its therapeutic effect on RA by mediating exosomal contents and thus regulating multiple lipid-related biological pathways, affecting the PPARγ-NF-κB complex binding rate, CREB and EGR-1 expression, cellular phagocytosis, and other aspects needed to inhibit proliferation and inflammatory responses in RA-FLS. This study offers a research foundation for exploring the mechanism of action of berberine in the treatment of RA.
Novel Approaches to Allergen Immunotherapy for Respiratory Allergies
Authors: Lao-Araya Mongkol
Published: November 2024

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) remains the cornerstone for managing respiratory allergies, offering long-term symptom relief, disease modification, and prevention of disease progression. While novel approaches like intralymphatic and epicutaneous immunotherapy and the combination of allergens with adjuvants show promise, traditional methods remain effective and safe. Hypoallergenic T-cell peptide vaccines and recombinant allergens require further research to confirm their clinical benefits. Passive immunotherapy, while demonstrating effectiveness in specific cases, needs exploration of its long-term efficacy and broader applicability. Combining AIT with biologics may enhance safety and treatment outcomes. Despite emerging innovations, allergen-specific immunotherapy with natural allergen extracts remains the primary disease-modifying treatment, offering long-term symptom relief and prevention of disease progression. Continued research is essential to refine and optimize allergen immunotherapy strategies, providing patients with more effective and personalized treatment options.
Adverse Reactions to the Orphan Drug Cerliponase Alfa in the Treatment of Neurolipofuscinosis Type 2 (CLN2)
Authors: Ammendolia Ilaria , Sframeli Maria , Esposito Emanuela , Cardia Luigi , Noto Alberto , Currò Mariaconcetta , Calapai Gioacchino , De Pasquale Maria , Mannucci Carmen , Calapai Fabrizio
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis type 2 is a rare pathology affecting mainly the central nervous system (CNS) and retina, and is caused by variants in the gene encoding the lysosomal enzyme tripeptidyl peptidase 1. Therapy with enzyme replacement through the brain infusion of the orphan drug cerliponase alfa, a recombinant human tripeptidyl peptidase 1 enzyme replacement therapy delivered via intracerebroventricular infusion, has been approved for Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis type 2 disease. The safety profile of cerliponase alfa has been established based on pre-authorization studies; currently, no post-marketing investigation has been performed to confirm it. Here, a descriptive analysis of real-world spontaneous reporting data of suspected adverse reactions (SARs) to cerliponase alfa in the EudraVigilance database was performed to compile clear information on the safety profile. Methods: Suspected adverse reactions to cerliponase alfa reported in the data system EudraVigilance were analyzed for age, sex of the patient, adverse reactions, and the indication for use. Results: Cases with suspected adverse reactions to cerliponase alfa were found to be more frequent in female patients (58.1%) and in children aged 3–11 years. The most common adverse reactions were, in decreasing order, fever/pyrexia, device-related infection, vomiting, seizures/convulsions, pleocytosis, irritability, ventriculitis, and respiratory disorders. Conclusions: The results confirm the safety profile of cerliponase alfa established with pre-registration clinical studies but suggest the need for further studies to investigate the occurrence of adverse reactions, as possible predictive prognostic markers, in more depth.
Fabrication of an In Situ pH-Responsive Raloxifene-Loaded Invasome Hydrogel for Breast Cancer Management: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation
Authors: Farouk Hanan O. , Nagib Marwa M. , Fouad Amr Gamal , Naguib Demiana M. , Khalil Sherif Faysal Abdelfattah , Belal Amany , Miski Samar F. , Albezrah Nisreen Khalid Aref , Al-Ziyadi Shatha Hallal , Kim Gi-Hui , Hassan Ahmed H. E. , Lee Kyung-Tae , Hamad Doaa S.
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Raloxifene (RLF) is a therapeutic option for invasive breast cancer because it blocks estrogen receptors selectively. Low solubility, limited targeting, first-pass action, and poor absorption are some of the challenges that make RLF in oral form less effective. This study aimed to create an intra-tumoral in situ pH-responsive formulation of RLF–invasome (IPHRLI) for breast cancer treatment, with the goals of sustaining RLF release, minimizing adverse effects, and enhancing solubility, bioavailability, targeting, and effectiveness. Methods: Numerous RLF–invasome formulations were optimized using design expert software (version 12.0.6.0, StatEase Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA). Integrating an optimal formulation with an amalgam of chitosan and glyceryl monooleate resulted in the IPHRLI formulation. In vivo testing of the IPHRLI formulation was conducted utilizing the Ehrlich cancer model. Results: Requirements for an optimum RLF–invasome formulation were met by a mixture of phospholipids (2.46%), ethanol (2.84%), and cineole (0.5%). The IPHRLI formulation substantially sustained its release by 75.41% after 8 h relative to free RLF. The bioavailability of intra-tumoral IPHRLI was substantially raised by 4.07-fold compared to oral free RLF. Histopathological and tumor volume analyses of intra-tumoral IPHRLI confirmed its efficacy and targeting effect. Conclusions: the intra-tumoral administration of the IPHRLI formulation may provide a potential strategy for breast cancer management.
Lipid Nanoparticle-Mediated Liver-Specific Gene Therapy for Hemophilia B
Authors: Lohchania Brijesh , Arjunan Porkizhi , Mahalingam Gokulnath , Dandapani Abinaya , Taneja Pankaj , Marepally Srujan
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Hemophilia B is a hereditary bleeding disorder due to the production of liver malfunctional factor IX (FIX). Gene therapy with viral vectors offers a cure. However, applications are limited due to pre-existing antibodies, eligibility for children under 12 years of age, hepatotoxicity, and excessive costs. Lipid nanoparticles are a potential alternative owing to their biocompatibility, scalability, and non-immunogenicity. However, their therapeutic applications are still elusive due to the poor transfection efficiencies in delivering plasmid DNA into primary cells and target organs in vivo. To develop efficient liver-targeted lipid nanoparticles, we explored galactosylated lipids to target asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGPRs) abundantly expressed on hepatocytes. Methods: We developed 12 novel liposomal formulations varying the galactose lipid Gal-LNC 5, cationic lipid MeOH16, DOPE, and cholesterol. We evaluated their physicochemical properties, toxicity profiles, and transfection efficiencies in hepatic cell lines. Among the formulations, Gal-LNC 5 could efficiently transfect the reporter plasmid eGFP in hepatic cell lines and specifically distribute into the liver in vivo. Toward developing functional factor IX, we cloned Padua mutant FIX-L in a CpG-free backbone to enhance the expression and duration. Results: We demonstrated superior expression of FIX with our galactosylated lipid nanoparticle system. Conclusions: The current research presents a specialized lipid nanoparticle system viz. Gal-LNC which is a specialized lipid nanoparticle system for liver-targeted gene therapy in hemophilia B patients that has potential for clinical use. The Gal-LNC successfully delivers a CpG-free Padua FIX gene to liver cells, producing therapeutically relevant levels of FIX protein. Among its benefits are the ideal qualities of stability, targeting the liver specifically, and maximizing efficiency of transfection. Optimization of liver-targeting lipid nanoparticle systems and function FIX plasmids will pave the way for novel lipid nanoparticle-based gene therapy products for hemophilia B and other monogenic liver disorders.
Conditioned Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Dedifferentiated Fat Cells Promote Bone Regeneration by Altering MicroRNAs
Authors: Shen Yingyi , Xu Zihang , Zhang Xinyu , Zhai Zidi , Wu Yaqin , Qu Fang , Xu Chun
Published: November 2024

Background: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from stem cells demonstrate significant potential in bone regeneration. Adipose tissue is regarded as a stem cell reservoir with abundant reserves and easy accessibility. Compared to adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), dedifferentiated fat cells (DFATs) possess similar stem cell characteristics but exhibit greater proliferative capacity, higher homogeneity, and an enhanced osteogenic differentiation potential. This study is the first to examine the effect of DFATs-derived EVs on bone regeneration and elucidate their potential mechanisms of action. Methods: Primary DFATs were cultured using the “ceiling culture” method and EVs were isolated by ultracentrifugation and characterized. Experiments were performed to assess the impact of the EVs on the proliferation, migration, and osteogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Subsequently, high-throughput miRNA sequencing was conducted on the EVs derived from DFATs that had undergone 0 days (0d-EVs) and 14 days (14d-EVs) of osteogenic differentiation. Results: The results indicated that the EVs derived from DFATs which experienced 14 days of osteogenic induction significantly promoted the proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. High-throughput sequencing results revealed that up-regulated miRNAs in the 14d-EVs were primarily involved in biological processes such as the Notch signaling pathway and the positive regulation of cell movement and migration. The target genes of these differently expressed miRNAs were enriched in osteogenesis-related signaling pathways. Conclusion: This study innovatively demonstrated that conditioned EVs (14d-EVs) derived from DFATs promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs via miRNAs, offering a promising cell-free therapeutic option for bone defect.
Intratracheal Administration of Itraconazole-Loaded Hyaluronated Glycerosomes as a Promising Nanoplatform for the Treatment of Lung Cancer: Formulation, Physiochemical, and In Vivo Distribution
Authors: Aati Sultan , Farouk Hanan O. , Elkarmalawy Marwa H. , Aati Hanan Y. , Tolba Nahla Sameh , Hassan Hossam M. , Rateb Mostafa E. , Hamad Doaa S.
Published: November 2024

Background: Itraconazole (ITZ) is an antiangiogenic agent recognized as a potent suppressor of endothelial cell growth that suppresses angiogenesis. Nevertheless, its exploitation is significantly restricted by its low bioavailability and systematic side effects. The objective of this study was to utilize glycerosomes (GLY), glycerol-developed vesicles, as innovative nanovesicles for successful ITZ pulmonary drug delivery. Methods: The glycerosomes were functionalized with hyaluronic acid (HA-GLY) to potentiate the anticancer efficacy of ITZ and extend its local bio-fate. ITZ-HA-GLY were fabricated using soybean phosphatidylcholine, tween 80, HA, and sonication time via a thin-film hydration approach according to a 24 full factorial design. The impact of formulation parameters on ITZ-HA-GLY physicochemical properties, as well as the optimal formulation option, was evaluated using Design-Expert®. Sulphorhodamine-B (SRB) colorimetric cytotoxicity assay of the optimized ITZ-HA-GLY versus ITZ suspension was explored in the human A549 cell line. The in vivo pharmacokinetics and bio-distribution examined subsequent to intratracheal administrations of ITZ suspension, and ITZ-HA-GLY were scrutinized in rats. Results: The optimized ITZ-HA-GLY unveiled vesicles of size 210.23 ± 6.43 nm, zeta potential of 41.06 ± 2.62 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 73.65 ± 1.76%. Additionally, ITZ-HA-GLY manifested a far lower IC50 of 13.03 ± 0.2 µg/mL on the A549 cell line than that of ITZ suspension (28.14 ± 1.6 µg/mL). Additionally, the biodistribution analysis revealed a higher concentration of ITZ-HA-GLY within the lung tissues by 3.64-fold as compared to ITZ suspension. Furthermore, the mean resistance time of ITZ-HA-GLY declined more slowly with 14 h as compared to ITZ suspension, confirming the accumulation of ITZ inside the lungs and their promising usage as a target for the treatment of lung disease. Conclusions: These data indicate that the improved ITZ-HA-GLY demonstrates significant promise and represents an exciting prospect in intratracheal delivery systems for lung cancer treatment, meriting further investigation.
A Comprehensive Evaluation of a Coumarin Derivative and Its Corresponding Palladium Complex as Potential Therapeutic Agents in the Treatment of Gynecological Cancers: Synthesis, Characterization, and Cytotoxicity
Authors: Jevtić Mirela , Pirković Marijana Stanojević , Komazec Teodora , Mojić Marija , Mijatović Sanja , Maksimović-Ivanić Danijela , Dimić Dušan , Marković Zoran , Simijonović Dušica , Milenković Dejan , Avdović Edina
Published: November 2024

Background: The aim of this research is the synthesis and characterization of coumarin-palladium complex and the investigation of the cytotoxicity of both the ligand and the complex. Methods: The palladium( II) complex (CC) was obtained in the reaction between (E)-3-(1-((4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)amino)ethylidene)-2,4-dioxochroman-7-yl-acetate (CL) and potassium-tetrachloropalladate(II) and characterized using IR and NMR spectra, experimentally and theoretically. Cytotoxicity of CL and CC were determined for human cervical carcinoma HeLa, ovarian cancer A2780, hormone dependent breast cancer MCF7, and colorectal cancer HCT116 lines. The interaction of investigated compounds with HSA was followed by spectrofluorimetric method. The binding mechanism in the active pocket was assessed via molecular docking simulations. Results: A low mean absolute error between experimental and theoretical data proved that the optimized structure corresponded to the experimental one. Both compounds showed a satisfactory selectivity index towards neoplastic cells. The binding affinity of tested compounds to the HSA were confirmed. The molecular docking showed a much lower change in the Gibbs free energy of binding for CC compared to CL. Conclusions: The obtained results revealed that CL and CC exhibit significant effects on several cancer cell lines and good binding properties to HSA, while molecular docking discovered that CC has the most pronounced activity against alpha-fetoprotein.
Integrating Nitrogen, Water, and Other Management Practices to Improve Grain and Ratoon Forage Yields in Perennial Rice
Authors: Xu Fuxian , Wang Dingbing , Zhou Xingbing , Zhang Lin , Guo Xiaoyi , Liu Mao , Zhu Yongchuan , Xiong Hong , Guo Changchun , Jiang Peng
Published: November 2024

Perennial rice has recently garnered global attention due to its potential to save on seeds and labor costs and its high production efficiency. The “mid-season rice–ratoon forage” mode is a new planting system that has emerged in recent years. However, detailed information is still lacking on the regenerative characteristics, grain and ratoon forage yields, and forage nutrient content of perennial rice under different planting densities, nitrogen (N) rates, stubble heights, and water management practices. Four experiments with perennial rice were conducted in Sichuan Province, Southwest China, from 2017 to 2022. The results show that the rice grain and ratoon forage yields were significantly affected by year, planting density, and N. The grain yield was 28.18% and 60.81% lower in 2018F and 2019F, respectively, than in 2017F; similarly, the ratoon forage yield was 29.01% and 52.74% lower in 2018S and 2019S, respectively, than in 2017S. The low grain yield was mainly associated with lower numbers of spikelets per panicle and panicles per m2, which resulted from a lower regrowth rate, and the low ratoon forage yield was mainly attributed to the lower regrowth rate. The rice grain and ratoon forage yields increased with an increase in the N rate and planting density. The ratoon forage was found to be rich in crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrients. Moreover, the content of these nutrients increased significantly with an increase in the N rate. The regrowth rate and maximum tillers showed trends of first increasing and then decreasing with an increase in the stubble height under dry and wet alternation irrigation during the winter season. When the relative soil moisture decreased to below 80% during the winter season, the regrowth rate and seedling development index could reach more than 99% and 84%, respectively. Our results suggest that integrating N, water, and other management practices (including the combination of a 150 kg ha−1 N rate, 18.0 hills per m2, 10–20 cm rice stubble height, and alternating dry and wet irrigation during the winter season) is a feasible approach for achieving high grain and ratoon forage yields in perennial rice systems.
Thermal Condensation of Dehydrogenation Polymer (DHP) with Xylose
Authors: Wang Peng , Xie Jiaju , Peng Wenyao , Xie Junxian , An Junjian , Zhang Guangyan , Chen Junjun
Published: November 2024

Conventional adhesives used in wood-based panels typically contain volatile organic compounds, including formaldehyde, which can potentially lower indoor air quality and damage human health. Lignin, a natural adhesive present in wood, offers significant advantages over other materials due to its ready availability, renewable nature, rich aromatic rings, and aliphatic and aromatic hydroxyl groups, as well as quinone groups. However, when modified as an adhesive for wood-based panels, lignin suffers from poor water resistance and formaldehyde release. Dehydrogenation polymer (DHP), as a lignin model compound, possesses a structure similar to lignin and excellent water resistance, making it a potential substitute for lignin as a formaldehyde-free adhesive. A DHP-xylose complex was obtained from a condensation reaction between DHP and xylose in hemicellulose in a simulated hot-pressing environment. The feasibility of DHP bonding with hemicellulose components was verified using FT-IR and NMR spectroscopic methods. In addition, the structure of the adduct and condensation process were also studied. DHP and xylose underwent condensation under simulated hot-pressing conditions. Xylose and DHP may be linked by C-C bonds. The thermal condensation of DHP with xylose was investigated. This may contribute to a better understanding of the adhesive bonding process for xylose during hot-pressing and offer support for practical applications.
Investigation of Combined Aging and Mullins Stress Softening of Rubber Nanocomposites
Authors: Bakar Mohamed , Sola-Wdowska Marta , Przybyłek Małgorzata , Białkowska Anita , Zarzyka Iwona , Hanulikova Barbora , Masař Milan
Published: November 2024

The present study investigated the effects of thermal aging, ultraviolet radiation (UV), and stress softening on the performance properties of rubber modified with Cloisite Na+ or Cloisite 20A. Tensile strength (TS), strain at break (SB), modulus, and the retention coefficient were measured before and after aging. Results showed that TS and SB decreased by about 50% after 7 days of aging for all tested samples due to the breakage of the chemical bonds between rubber and nanoparticles. The modulus at 300% elongation increased by 20%, 15%, and 7% after thermal aging for the unmodified sample, nanocomposites with Cloisite Na+, and Cloisite 20A, respectively. The shape retention coefficient of all samples was not affected by heat, except for the virgin rubber sample, which exhibited a decrease of about 15% under thermal aging. The virgin matrix and nanocomposites showed different values of aging coefficient during thermal aging and UV radiation. The dissipated energy of samples that were aged after stretching was slightly higher than that of samples that were aged after stretching due to the breakdown of the bonds within the nanocomposites. Loading-reloading energy results showed that the level of stress softening was lower when Mullins was applied after the aging of the samples. Differential scanning calorimetry results indicated a slight decrease in Tg1 in the aged and stretched samples and an increase in the temperature of the first endothermic peak due to the addition of nanofillers in the stretched and aged samples. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that all tested samples exhibited similar thermograms, regardless of their state of stretching or aging. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the fracture surface of the virgin unaged sample was rough with some holes, while it was flatter and less rough after aging.
The Pyrolysis Characteristics of Bagasse Were Studied by TG-MS-FTIR
Authors: Zhang Songsong , Gao Yue , Tong Haichuan , Dong Yong , Qi Guoli , Wang Peng
Published: November 2024

Sugarcane bagasse is rich in cellulose and lignin, and the recycling of bagasse has become an important research field with the increasing global concern for sustainable development and environmental protection. In this paper, TG-MS-FTIR equipment was used to analyze the pyrolysis characteristics of bagasse from Guangxi under different heating rates and different atmospheres, which is conducive to the reuse of bagasse from the waste gas produced in the sugar plant. The results showed that the pyrolysis rate of sugarcane bagasse in the air atmosphere was faster than that in the nitrogen atmosphere and showed a double-peak trend, and the Coats–Redfern computational model could more accurately simulate the process of pyrolysis. The lower heating rate could overcome the heat transfer hysteresis phenomenon in the process of pyrolysis. In the air atmosphere, the contact time between oxygen and volatile products was shorter due to the high heating rate, and more and more complex species were precipitated at 10 °C/min than at 20 °C/min. In the nitrogen atmosphere, it was favorable to produce more kinds and quantities of gas products, because it did not react with oxygen. FTIR detected CH4, CO, H2O, CO2, C-O-C, and C=O during pyrolysis in nitrogen, and some of C-O-C and C=O were cracked into small molecule compounds at high temperature.
Exiles, Not Enemies: Petrine Self-Determination in the Face of Empire
Authors: King Fergus J.
Published: November 2024

Exile was part of the juridical system of the late Republican and early Imperial Rome. 1 Pet 2.11 adopts the language of exile to identify its audience’s place within the world. Subsequent verses indicate a disparity between their own place and the world, or wider community, but fall short of rejecting wholesale the apparatus of the Roman state and its socio-political conventions. The apparent self-identification of the community as exiles is a potential claim for autonomy, self-determination, and high status. Claims for exile in the context of the Diaspora (1 Pet 1.1) might also embrace a claim to be considered Jewish, members of an ancient tradition protected by long precedent, and so protected from some legal threats.
Subtask-Based Usability Evaluation of Control Interfaces for Teleoperated Excavation Tasks
Authors: Nagate Takumi , Nagano Hikaru , Tazaki Yuichi , Yokokohji Yasuyoshi
Published: November 2024

This study aims to experimentally determine the most suitable control interface for different subtasks in the teleoperation of construction robots in a simulation environment. We compare a conventional lever-based rate control interface (“Rate-lever”) with two alternative methods: rate control (“Rate-3D”) and position control (“Position-3D”), both using a 3D positional input device. In the experiments, participants operated a construction machine in a virtual environment and evaluated the control interfaces across three tasks: sagittal plane excavation, turning, and continuous operation. The results revealed that “Position-3D” outperformed others for sagittal excavation, while both “Rate-lever” and “Rate-3D” were more effective for turning. Notably, “Position-3D” and “Rate-3D” can be implemented on the same input device and are easily integrated. This feature offers the possibility of a hybrid-type interface suitable for operators to obtain optimized performance in sagittal and horizontal tasks.
Unveiling Illumination Variations During a Lunar Eclipse: Multi-Wavelength Spaceborne Observations of the January 21, 2019 Event
Authors: Shu Min , Xu Tianyi , Cai Wei , Wen Shibo , Jiao Hengyue , Wu Yunzhao
Published: November 2024

Space-based observations of the total lunar eclipse on 21 January 2019 were conducted using the geostationary Earth-orbiting satellite Gaofen-4 (GF-4). This study represents a pioneering effort to address the observational gap in full-disk lunar eclipse photometry from space. With its high resolution and ability to capture the entire lunar disk, GF-4 enabled both quantitative and qualitative analyses of the variations in lunar brightness, as well as spectra and color changes, across two spatial dimensions, from the whole lunar disk to resolved regions. Our results indicate that before the totality phase of the lunar eclipse, the irradiance of the Moon diminishes to below approximately 0.19% of that of the uneclipsed Moon. Additionally, we observed an increase in lunar brightness at the initial entry into the penumbra. This phenomenon is attributed to the opposition effect, providing scientific evidence for this unexpected behavior. To investigate detailed spectral variations, specific calibration sites, including the Chang’E-3 landing site, MS-2 in Mare Serenitatis, and the Apollo 16 highlands, were analyzed. Notably, the red-to-blue ratio dropped below 1 near the umbra, contradicting the common perception that the Moon appears red during lunar eclipses. The red/blue ratio images reveal that as the Moon enters Earth’s umbra, it does not simply turn red; instead, a blue-banded ring appears at the boundary due to ozone absorption and the lunar surface composition. These findings significantly enhance our understanding of atmospheric effects on lunar eclipses and provide crucial reference information for the future modeling of lunar eclipse radiation, promoting the integration of remote sensing science with astronomy.
Description and In-Flight Assessment of the POSEIDON-3C Altimeter of the SWOT Mission
Authors: Guérin Alexandre , Piras Fanny , Cuvillon Nicolas , Homerin Alexandre , Le Gac Sophie , Maraldi Claire , Bignalet-Cazalet François , Alves Marta , Rey Laurent
Published: November 2024

The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission was launched on 16 December 2022 to measure water levels over both open ocean and inland waters. To achieve these objectives, the SWOT Payload contains an innovative Ka-band radar interferometer, called KaRIn, completed with a nadir altimeter called POSEIDON-3C that was switched on a month after launch and a few days before KaRIn. POSEIDON-3C measurements provide a link between large-scale phenomena and high resolution. The POSEIDON-3C design is based on POSEIDON-3B, its predecessor on board JASON-3. It is also a dual-frequency radar altimeter operating in C- and Ku-bands, but with some improvements to enhance its performance. Even though it is a Low Resolution Mode altimeter, its performance over open ocean, inland waters and coastal zones are indeed excellent. This paper first describes the POSEIDON-3C design and its modes with a focus on its new features and the Digital Elevation Model that drives its open-loop tracking mode. Then, we assess the in-flight performances of the altimeter from an instrumental point of view. For that purpose, special and routine calibrations have been realized. They show the good performance and stability of the radar. In-flight assessments thus provide confidence when it comes to ensuring excellent altimeter measurement stability throughout the mission duration.
Early Modeling of the Upcoming Landsat Next Constellation for Soybean Yield Prediction Under Varying Levels of Water Availability
Authors: Crusiol Luís Guilherme Teixeira , Nanni Marcos Rafael , Sibaldelli Rubson Natal Ribeiro , Sun Liang , Furlanetto Renato Herrig , Gonçalves Sergio Luiz , Neumaier Norman , Farias José Renato Bouças
Published: November 2024

The upcoming Landsat Next will provide more frequent land surface observations at higher spatial and spectral resolutions that will greatly benefit the agricultural sector. Early modeling of the upcoming Landsat Next products for soybean yield prediction is essential for long-term satellite monitoring strategies. In this context, this article evaluates the contribution of Landsat Next’s improved spectral resolution for soybean yield prediction under varying levels of water availability. Ground-based hyperspectral data collected over five cropping seasons at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation were resampled to Landsat Next spectral resolution. The spectral dataset (n = 384) was divided into calibration and external validation datasets and investigated using three strategies for soybean yield prediction: (1) using the reflectance from each spectral band; (2) using existing and new vegetation indices developed based on three general equations: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI-like), Band Ratio Vegetation Index (RVI-like), and Band Difference Vegetation Index (DVI-like), replacing the traditional spectral bands by all possible combinations between two bands for index calculation; and (3) using a partial least squares regression (PLSR) model composed of all Landsat Next spectral bands, in comparison to PLSR models using Landsat OLI and Sentienel-2 MSI bands. The results show the distribution of the new spectral bands over the most prominent changes in leaf reflectance due to water deficit, particularly in the visible and shortwave infrared spectrum. (1) Band 18 (centered at 1610 nm) had the highest correlation with yield (R2 = 0.34). (2) A new vegetation index, called Normalized Difference Shortwave Vegetation Index (NDSWVI), is proposed and calculated from bands 19 and 20 (centered at 2028 and 2108 nm). NDSWVI showed the best performance (R2 = 0.37) compared to traditional existing and new vegetation indices. (3) The PLSR model gave the best results (R2 = 0.65), outperforming the Landsat OLI and Sentinel-2 MSI sensors. The improved spectral resolution of Landsat Next is expected to contribute to improved crop monitoring, especially for soybean crops in Brazil, increasing the sustainability of the production systems and strengthening food security in Brazil and globally.
The Impact of Firework Ban Relaxation on Variations in SO2 Emissions in China During the 2023 Chinese New Year
Authors: He Xinyu , Hu Yiwen , Li Yi , Zang Zengliang , You Wei , Liu Lang
Published: November 2024

During the 2023 Chinese New Year (CNY), many city governments temporarily relaxed firework restrictions, leading to increased sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from the combustion of sulfur-containing fireworks. This study employed the four-dimensional variational (4DVar) assimilation system to examine variations in SO2 emissions in China by assimilating hourly ground-based observations. Two experiments were conducted during CNY in 2022 and 2023 to quantify the variations in SO2 emissions. On CNY’s Eve in 2023, following the relaxation of the firework ban, SO2 emissions surged by 8.22 Gg nationwide compared to the previous day with significant increases in the Energy Golden Triangle (2.037 Gg), the North China Plain (1.709 Gg), and northeast China (0.945 Gg). Emissions peaked on CNY’s Eve and rapidly declined in the following two days but remained elevated compared to the pre-CNY period, indicating lingering effects of firework burning. Compared to the forecasts using the prior emissions, the optimized emissions markedly improved the model forecasts of SO2 during the 2023 CNY period, with an increase in the correlation coefficient (R) from 0.13 to 0.64 and a reduction in the root mean square error (RMSE) by 49.2%, demonstrating the effectiveness of the optimized emissions. These findings will be useful for local governments in formulating strategies for firework burning during CNY.
Divergent Drying Mechanisms in Humid and Non-Humid Regions Across China
Authors: Feng Yao , Mou Xuejie
Published: November 2024

Understanding the drying mechanism is critical for formulating targeted mitigation strategies to combat drought impacts. This study aimed to reveal divergent drying mechanisms in humid and non-humid regions across China from the multidimensional perspectives of climate, vegetation, and energy balance. During the period 1982–2012, the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) revealed non-significant drying trends across China. Simultaneously, temperature and precipitation indicated a warming and drying pattern in the humid regions, contrasted with a warming and moistening pattern in the non-humid areas. The coupling effects of declined precipitation, increased vegetation coverage, and elevated temperature exacerbated dryness in the humid regions, while pronounced warming dominantly caused dryness in the non-humid regions. The inverse correlations between the actual evapotranspiration (ET) with precipitation and potential ET (PET) highlighted the principal role of moisture availability in divergent drying mechanisms over humid and non-humid regions. Random Forest models recognized precipitation and PET as the primary factors influencing SPEI in the humid and non-humid regions, respectively. Ongoing warming from 2013 to 2022 mitigated dryness in the humid regions due to the increased latent heat at the expense of sensible heat. Conversely, warming, amplified by the heightened sensible heat, exacerbated drought in the non-humid regions. By identifying the contrasting responses of humid and non-humid regions to warming and moisture availability, this study provides crucial insights for policymakers to mitigate drought impacts and enhance resilience in vulnerable non-humid areas.
SSFAN: A Compact and Efficient Spectral-Spatial Feature Extraction and Attention-Based Neural Network for Hyperspectral Image Classification
Authors: Wang Chunyang , Zhan Chao , Lu Bibo , Yang Wei , Zhang Yingjie , Wang Gaige , Zhao Zongze
Published: November 2024

Hyperspectral image (HSI) classification is a crucial technique that assigns each pixel in an image to a specific land cover category by leveraging both spectral and spatial information. In recent years, HSI classification methods based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and Transformers have significantly improved performance due to their strong feature extraction capabilities. However, these improvements often come with increased model complexity, leading to higher computational costs. To address this, we propose a compact and efficient spectral-spatial feature extraction and attention-based neural network (SSFAN) for HSI classification. The SSFAN model consists of three core modules: the Parallel Spectral-Spatial Feature Extraction Block (PSSB), the Scan Block, and the Squeeze-and-Excitation MLP Block (SEMB). After preprocessing the HSI data, it is fed into the PSSB module, which contains two parallel streams, each comprising a 3D convolutional layer and a 2D convolutional layer. The 3D convolutional layer extracts spectral and spatial features from the input hyperspectral data, while the 2D convolutional layer further enhances the spatial feature representation. Next, the Scan Block module employs a layered scanning strategy to extract spatial information at different scales from the central pixel outward, enabling the model to capture both local and global spatial relationships. The SEMB module combines the Spectral-Spatial Recurrent Block (SSRB) and the MLP Block. The SSRB, with its adaptive weight assignment mechanism in the SToken Module, flexibly handles time steps and feature dimensions, performing deep spectral and spatial feature extraction through multiple state updates. Finally, the MLP Block processes the input features through a series of linear transformations, GELU activation functions, and Dropout layers, capturing complex patterns and relationships within the data, and concludes with an argmax layer for classification. Experimental results show that the proposed SSFAN model delivers superior classification performance, outperforming the second-best method by 1.72%, 5.19%, and 1.94% in OA, AA, and Kappa coefficient, respectively, on the Indian Pines dataset. Additionally, it requires less training and testing time compared to other state-of-the-art deep learning methods.
FE-SKViT: A Feature-Enhanced ViT Model with Skip Attention for Automatic Modulation Recognition
Authors: Zheng Guangyao , Zang Bo , Yang Penghui , Zhang Wenbo , Li Bin
Published: November 2024

Automatic modulation recognition (AMR) is widely employed in communication systems. However, under conditions of low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), recent studies reveal limitations in achieving high AMR accuracy. In this work, we introduce a novel network architecture that leverages a transformer-inspired approach tailored for AMR, called Feature-Enhanced Transformer with skip-attention (FE-SKViT). This innovative design adeptly harnesses the advantages of translation variant convolution and the Transformer framework, handling intra-signal variance and small cross-signal variance to achieve enhanced recognition accuracy. Experimental results on RadioML2016.10a, RadioML2016.10b, and RML22 datasets demonstrate that the Feature-Enhanced Transformer with skip-attention (FE-SKViT) excels over other methods, particularly under low SNR conditions ranging from −4 to 6 dB.
Perceived Parents’ Stigma and Personal Stigma Toward COVID-19 Survivors: A Study Among Emerging Adults in India
Authors: Shukla Shanu , Mishra Sushanta Kumar , Pandey Ranu
Published: November 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced widespread stigma toward individuals who contracted the virus, impacting social interactions and perceptions within communities. This study aimed to understand personal and perceived parental stigma toward COVID-19 survivors among Indian college students, examining how this stigma varies based on the relationship closeness to the survivor (peer vs. best friend) and whether gender differences influence personal stigma levels. A sample of 650 Indian college students (mean age = 20.01 years, SD = 1.43; 501 males) participated in the study. We assessed both personal stigma and perceived parental stigma toward COVID-19 survivors, with additional comparisons made based on the survivor’s relationship to the student (peer vs. best friend) and participant gender. Findings indicated that personal and perceived parental stigma were significantly higher toward peers than toward best friends who had recovered from COVID-19. Additionally, among perceived parental stigmas, stigma attributed to mothers was highest, followed by that attributed to fathers, with participants’ personal stigma being lowest. Notably, no significant gender differences were found in personal stigma among participants. The results highlight nuanced perceptions of stigma toward COVID-19 survivors, with stigma levels varying by relational closeness and perceived parental attitudes, particularly mothers. These findings underscore the importance of targeting stigma reduction efforts, considering family influence and relational factors. Policymakers and mental health professionals could develop age-specific interventions to mitigate stigma toward COVID-19 survivors, potentially enhancing social support systems within college communities.
Drawing a Long Shadow: Analyzing Spatial Segregation of Afghan Immigrants in Tehran
Authors: Farash Noureddin , Sadeghi Rasoul , Rabiei-Dastjerdi Hamidreza
Published: November 2024

Although recent dramatic political changes in Afghanistan have brought that country to global attention, migration from Afghanistan to Iran has a long history. Nearly three quarters of Afghan immigrants in Iran are located in cities, particularly in Tehran’s metropolitan area. However, despite the long-term presence of Afghan immigrants in Iran, research on patterns and drivers of spatial segregation of immigrants has been very limited. The research method involves a secondary analysis of census data. Therefore, this article utilizes 2006 Iran census tract data to examine patterns of spatial segregation of Afghan immigrants in the Tehran metropolis. The required data for two-group segregation indices, Getis–Ord statistics, and Geographically Weighted Regression, were analyzed as a map using ArcMap and Geo-Segregation Analyzer. The results reveal that the spatial segregation of Afghans is high and that most live in lower-SES census tracts. Multivariable analyses indicate that the extent of segregation can be explained by education, job class, and generation status. It can be concluded that generational transition and access to human capital have reduced various indicators of spatial segregation of Afghan immigrants in Tehran.
Identification of Boundary Conditions in a Spherical Heat Conduction Transmission Problem
Authors: Koleva Miglena N. , Vulkov Lubin G.
Published: November 2024

Although numerous analytical and numerical methods have been developed for inverse heat conduction problems in single-layer materials, few methods address such problems in composite materials. The following paper studies inverse interface problems with unknown boundary conditions by using interior point observations for heat equations with spherical symmetry. The zero degeneracy at the left interval 0<r<R1 leads to solution difficulties in the one-dimensional interface problem. So, we first investigate the well-posedness of the direct (forward) problem in special weighted Sobolev spaces. Then, we formulate three groups of unknown boundary conditions and inverse problems upon internal point measurements for the heat equation with spherical symmetry. Second-order finite difference scheme approaches for direct and inverse problems are developed. Computational test examples illustrate the theoretical statements proposed.
A Novel P-III Metalloproteinase from Bothrops barnetti Venom Degrades Extracellular Matrix Proteins, Inhibits Platelet Aggregation, and Disrupts Endothelial Cell Adhesion via α5β1 Integrin Receptors to Arginine–Glycine–Aspartic Acid (RGD)-Containing Molecules
Authors: Schluga Pedro Henrique de Caires , Larangote Debora , de Melo Ana Maria , Lobermayer Guilherme Kamienski , Torrejón Daniel , de Oliveira Luciana Souza , Alvarenga Valeria Gonçalves , Vivas-Ruiz Dan Erick , Veiga Silvio Sanches , Sanchez Eladio Flores , Gremski Luiza Helena
Published: November 2024

Viperid snake venoms are notably abundant in metalloproteinases (proteins) (SVMPs), which are primarily responsible for inducing hemorrhage and disrupting the hemostatic process and tissue integrity in envenomed victims. In this study, barnettlysin-III (Bar-III), a hemorrhagic P-III SVMP, was purified from the venom of the Peruvian snake Bothrops barnetti. Bar-III has a molecular mass of approximately 50 kDa and is a glycosylation-dependent functional metalloproteinase. Some biochemical properties of Bar-III, including the full amino acid sequence deduced from its cDNA, are reported. Its enzymatic activity is increased by Ca2+ ions and inhibited by an excess of Zn2+. Synthetic metalloproteinase inhibitors and EDTA also inhibit its proteolytic action. Bar-III degrades several plasma and ECM proteins, including fibrin(ogen), fibronectin, laminin, and nidogen. Platelets play a key role in hemostasis and thrombosis and in other biological process, such as inflammation and immunity, and platelet activation is driven by the platelet signaling receptors, glycoprotein (GP)Ib-IX-V, which binds vWF, and GPVI, which binds collagen. Moreover, Bar-III inhibits vWF- and convulxin-induced platelet aggregation in human washed platelets by cleaving the recombinant A1 domain of vWF and GPVI into a soluble ectodomain fraction of ~55 kDa (sGPVI). Bar-III does not reduce the viability of cultured endothelial cells; however, it interferes with the adhesion of these cells to fibronectin, vitronectin, and RGD peptides, as well as their migration profile. Bar-III binds specifically to the surface of these cells, and part of this interaction involves α5β1 integrin receptors. These results contribute to a better comprehension of the pathophysiology of snakebite accidents/incidents and could be used as a tool to explore novel and safer anti-venom therapeutics.