bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing Exhaust Emissions of Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles in Poland
Authors: Pielecha Jacek , Gis Wojciech
Published: December 2024

The article addresses the usage patterns of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) under Polish conditions. The conventional approach to operating such vehicles assumes that they are used with a fully charged battery at the start. However, the economic circumstances of Polish users often do not allow for daily charging of vehicles from the domestic power grid. As a result, these vehicles are used not only in a mode powered solely by the internal combustion engine but also in a mode where the internal combustion engine is primarily utilized to charge the battery. An analysis was conducted on various ways of operating plug-in vehicles, evaluating not only harmful emissions but also fuel consumption (for battery states of charge: SOC = 100%, SOC = 50%, SOC = 0%, and SOC = 0 → 100%—forced charging mode). The study focused on the most characteristic vehicle segment in Poland, SUVs, and employed a methodology for determining exhaust emissions under real-world driving conditions. Results indicate that forced charging of such a vehicle’s battery leads to over a 25-fold increase in carbon dioxide emissions (fuel consumption) in urban areas compared to operating the vehicle with a fully charged battery (CO—25× increase, NOx—12× increase, PN—11× increase). Operating a plug-in SUV without charging it from the power grid results in a 13-fold increase in fuel consumption compared to using the vehicle with a fully charged battery (CO—10× increase, NOx—6× increase, PN—4× increase). The emission results were used to evaluate Poland’s charging infrastructure in the context of PHEV usage. The current state of the infrastructure and its development plans for 2030 and 2040 were analyzed. It was found that significant reductions in fuel consumption (by approximately 30%) and CO2 emissions are achievable by 2040. Emissions of CO, NOx, and PN are expected to decrease by about 10%, primarily due to the internal combustion engine operating at high load conditions in non-urban or highway scenarios.
A Study of the Spatiotemporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of Forest Ecological Product Value in Guangxi, China
Authors: Pang Jie , Lu Guangchang , Yin Juan , Tan Mi , Mo Lisha , Hou Xinyu
Published: December 2024

Guangxi is a typical ecological resource-rich and economically underdeveloped region in China, facing the issues of uncoordinated ecological and economic development. In order to achieve a synergistic enhancement of ecological background protection and ecological value transformation, as well as to promote sustainable economic and social development, it is particularly important to clarify the spatiotemporal evolution and intrinsic influencing mechanisms of the forest ecological product value (FEPV) in Guangxi, as well as to understand their characteristics and developmental advantages. For this study, the FEPV in Guangxi was calculated based on multi-source data, its spatiotemporal evolution characteristics were analyzed, the main influencing factors of FEPV were identified using geographic detectors, and the spatial heterogeneity of the influencing factors was explored using the Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression (GTWR) model. The results showed the following: (1) From 2010 to 2020, the total amount of FEPV in Guangxi exhibited an upward trend, with an average annual growth rate of 9.45%. Regarding the composition of the total FEPV, regulating service value contributed the most, while the supply and cultural service value had great growth potential. The spatial pattern of FEPV was “high in the north and low in the south”, with Guilin being the extreme area and Hechi and Baise being high-value areas. (2) From the single-factor detection results, the dominant factors affecting the spatial evolution of FEPV were the elevation, forestry primary output value, and annual average temperature, while the explanatory power of social factors was relatively weak. From the bivariate factor interaction detection results, the dominant combination factors were annual precipitation ∩ forest coverage, annual precipitation ∩ forestry primary output value, elevation ∩ forestry primary output value, and annual precipitation ∩ forestry primary output value, with explanatory degrees (qs) of 0.89, 0.90, 0.87, and 0.89, respectively. (3) Annual precipitation and forest coverage were positively correlated with FEPV, and the influence intensity generally increased from south to north. Population density was negatively correlated with FEPV in general, and the influence intensity showed a negative trend from the periphery to the center. The research results provide a reference for the realization of ecological product value and the green and low-carbon transformation of related industries in similar regions.
Machine Learning Prediction of Foaming in Anaerobic Co-Digestion from Six Key Process Parameters
Authors: Daly Sarah E. , Ni Ji-Qin
Published: December 2024

Foaming in co-digested anaerobic digesters can reduce biogas production, leading to economic loss. However, the underlying causes of foaming are not completely understood. This study investigated a field-scale mesophilic digester system that experienced intermittent foaming, employing experimental and modeling methods over a 16-month period. Samples were collected during both foaming and non-foaming events and were thoroughly characterized for methane (CH4) yields and different physical and chemical concentrations, including volatile solids (VS), metals, total phosphorus (TP), total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD), total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs), and total alkalinity (TALK). Machine learning techniques were applied to predict foaming events with several algorithms tested to optimize prediction accuracy. The results showed that digester liquid and effluent samples collected from foaming events had significantly lower (p < 0.05) average CH4 yields (77 and 45 mL CH4 g VS−1) than during non-foaming events (150 and 83 mL CH4 g VS−1). Recursive feature modeling identified six key parameters (1. Fe(II):S; 2. Fe(II):TP; 3. TCOD; 4. Fe; 5. TVFA:TALK; and 6. Cu) associated with digester foaming. Among the tested machine learning models, the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm achieved the highest recognition accuracy of 87%. This study demonstrates that the interactions of multiple chemical and physical process parameters are an important consideration for predicting anaerobic digester foaming.
Persistent Homology Analysis of AI-Generated Fractal Patterns: A Mathematical Framework for Evaluating Geometric Authenticity
Authors: Lee Minhyeok , Lee Soyeon
Published: December 2024

We present a mathematical framework for analyzing fractal patterns in AI-generated images using persistent homology. Given a text-to-image mapping M:T→I, we demonstrate that the persistent homology groups Hk(t) of sublevel set filtrations {f−1((−∞,t])}t∈R characterize multi-scale geometric structures, where f:M(p)→R is the grayscale intensity function of a generated image. The primary challenge lies in quantifying self-similarity in scales, which we address by analyzing birth–death pairs (bi,di) in the persistence diagram PD(M(p)). Our contribution extends beyond applying the stability theorem to AI-generated fractals; we establish how the self-similarity inherent in fractal patterns manifests in the persistence diagrams of generated images. We validate our approach using the Stable Diffusion 3.5 model for four fractal categories: ferns, trees, spirals, and crystals. An analysis of guidance scale effects γ∈[4.0,8.0] reveals monotonic relationships between model parameters and topological features. Stability testing confirms robustness under noise perturbations η≤0.2, with feature count variations Δμf<0.5. Our framework provides a foundation for enhancing generative models and evaluating their geometric fidelity in fractal pattern synthesis.
Lecturers’ Perceptions on the Integration of Artificial Intelligence Tools into Teaching Practice
Authors: Mutanga Murimo Bethel , Jugoo Vikash , Adefemi Kuburat Oyeranti
Published: December 2024

Higher education has witnessed a massive transformation due to the advent of generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies such as ChatGPT. In essence, AI has transformed various aspects of society as a whole. Despite the growing interest in applying AI tools such as ChatGPT in higher education, there is limited understanding of lecturers’ perceptions regarding their use in teaching and learning contexts. Studies reported in the literature have not comprehensively explored lecturers’ attitudes towards AI adoption, particularly in terms of its impact on classroom activities, assessment, and feedback. This study aims to fill this gap by qualitatively studying lecturers’ perspectives. The findings reveal that the advent of AI was met with mixed feelings among lecturers. Some lecturers embraced AI technologies and developed mechanisms for utilizing them in the classroom, while others resisted the change. This research is significant, as it can inform best practices and guide future implementation strategies of technologies in education.
A Novel Damage Inspection Method Using Fluorescence Imaging Combined with Machine Learning Algorithms Applied to Green Bell Pepper
Authors: Fatchurrahman Danial , Castillejo Noelia , Hilaili Maulidia , Russo Lucia , Fathi-Najafabadi Ayoub , Rahman Anisur
Published: December 2024

Fluorescence imaging has emerged as a powerful tool for detecting surface damage in fruits, yet its application to vegetables such as green bell peppers remains underexplored. This study investigates the fluorescent characteristics of minor mechanical damage, specifically 5 × 5 mm cuts in the exocarp of green bell peppers, which conventional digital imaging techniques fail to classify accurately. Chlorophyll fluorescence imaging was combined with machine learning algorithms—including logistic regression (LR), artificial neural networks (ANN), random forests (RF), k-nearest neighbors (kNN), and the support vector machine (SVM) to classify damaged and sound fruit. The machine learning models demonstrated a high classification accuracy, with calibration and prediction accuracies exceeding 0.86 and 0.96, respectively, across all algorithms. These results underscore the potential of fluorescence imaging as a non-invasive, rapid, and cheaper method for assessing mechanical damage in green bell peppers, offering valuable applications in quality control and postharvest management.
Technical Considerations in the Preliminary Design of the Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH)
Authors: Tian Haoyong , Ren Zaimin , Yao Chenchen , Wang Chao , Li Meirong , Xia Chunchen
Published: December 2024

The development of renewable energy is an effective avenue for achieving net zero goals. It requires many energy storage systems (ESSs) for adjusting the unstable power generated by renewable energy. To date, PSH is the most technically mature, economically reasonable, and reliable ESS. Currently, various countries have developed PSH. As of 2022, the global installed capacity of PSH has reached 175,060 MW, with an annual increase of 10,300 MW. This paper addresses several technical considerations in the preliminary design of PSH systems, drawing on extensive design experience. Key factors such as the selection of dam sites, installed capacity, and characteristic water levels are thoroughly discussed. These design choices are influenced by a range of factors, including geological and topographical conditions, hydrological parameters, environmental impacts, sedimentation, submersion areas, and resettlement issues. PSH is highly effective in meeting power demands, regulating frequency and phase, serving as an emergency power reserve, and improving the power factor of electrical networks. It enhances the quality of renewable energy sources such as wind, photovoltaic, and tidal power, which are characterized by intermittent supply. Beyond its technical advantages, PSH also contributes to local employment and tourism and supports pollutant reduction efforts. Compared to other energy storage systems, PSH has a more significant environmental impact and requires a longer construction period. Thus, exploring new forms of PSH is crucial. Innovative approaches such as utilizing constructed reservoirs, lakes, seas, and abandoned pits can reduce both investment and construction time while minimizing the environmental impact. This paper aims to provide some technical references and feasible plans to governments, owners, and engineers during the planning and preliminary design stages of a PSH project.
Air Pollution’s Hidden Toll: Links Between Ozone, Particulate Matter, and Adolescent Depression
Authors: Waxman Megan , Manczak Erika
Published: December 2024

Rising rates of depression among youth present a growing mental health crisis. Despite growing concerns regarding the risks of air pollution exposure on youth mental and physical health, associations between ambient air pollutants and depression have been largely overlooked in youth. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated associations between ozone, particulate matter, and depressive symptoms in adolescents across 224 Colorado census tracts (average age of 14.45 years, 48.8% female, 48.9% of minority race/ethnicity). Students in participating schools reported depressive symptoms and demographic information, and school addresses were used to compute ozone and particulate matter levels per census tract. Possible confounding variables, including sociodemographic and geographic characteristics, were also addressed. Exploratory analyses examined demographic moderators of these associations. Census tracts with higher ozone concentrations had a higher percentage of adolescents experiencing depressive symptoms. Particulate matter did not emerge as a significant predictor of adolescent depressive symptoms. Secondary analyses demonstrated that associations with ozone were moderated by racial/ethnic and gender compositions of census tracts, with stronger effects in census tracts with higher percentages of individuals with marginalized racial/ethnic and gender identities. Ultimately, this project strengthens our understanding of the interplay between air pollution exposures and mental health during adolescence.
Promoting Healthy Aging for Older People Living with Chronic Disease by Implementing Community Health Programs: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Study
Authors: Hill Anne-Marie , Starling Trish , Xin Wei , Naseri Chiara , Xu Dan , O’Brien Geraldine , Etherton-Beer Christopher , Flicker Leon , Bulsara Max , Morris Meg E. , Vaz Sharmila
Published: December 2024

The rising prevalence of chronic diseases could be mitigated by expanding community programs. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of delivering a community wellness program for older adults living with chronic disease. A two-group randomized controlled study, with blinded assessments, enrolling adults (≥50 years) with chronic disease, was conducted at a Western Australian community hub. Participants randomly allocated to the intervention participated in exercise groups and a wellness activity twice a week. Both the intervention and control groups received a Fitbit™ and workbook. The primary outcomes were recruitment, retention, acceptability, and suitability. The secondary outcomes measured at baseline and 12 weeks included physical function and physical activity (step count). There were 126 older adults approached, of whom 22 (17.5%) were recruited. Eighteen participants (mean age = 70.8 ± 8.1, n = 8 intervention, n = 10 control) completed 12 weeks. Two intervention participants (25% adherence) completed over 70% of sessions and eight participants (44.4% retention) accepted an ongoing 3-month program. Health problems (30.2%) were barriers to both recruitment and adherence. There were no significant between-group differences in physical function. Physical activity was significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (p = 0.01). Tailored programs with ongoing support may be required to improve the health of older adults living with chronic disease.
Imaging-Based Molecular Interaction Between Src and Lamin A/C Mechanosensitive Proteins in the Nucleus of Laminopathic Cells
Authors: Petrini Stefania , Bagnato Giulia , Piccione Michela , D’Oria Valentina , Apollonio Valentina , Cappa Marco , Castiglioni Claudia , Santorelli Filippo Maria , Rizza Teresa , Carrozzo Rosalba , Bertini Enrico Silvio , Peruzzi Barbara
Published: December 2024

Laminopathies represent a wide range of genetic disorders caused by mutations in gene-encoding proteins of the nuclear lamina. Altered nuclear mechanics have been associated with laminopathies, given the key role of nuclear lamins as mechanosensitive proteins involved in the mechanotransduction process. To shed light on the nuclear partners cooperating with altered lamins, we focused on Src tyrosine kinase, known to phosphorylate proteins of the nuclear lamina. Here, we demonstrated a tight relationship between lamin A/C and Src in skin fibroblasts from two laminopathic patients, assessed by advanced imaging-based microscopy techniques. With confocal laser scanning and Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy, a statistically significant higher co-distribution between the two proteins was observed in patients’ fibroblasts. Furthermore, the time-domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, combined with Förster resonance energy transfer detection, demonstrated a decreased lifetime value of Src (as donor fluorophore) in the presence of lamin A/C (as acceptor dye) in double-stained fibroblast nuclei in both healthy cells and patients’ cells, thereby indicating a molecular interaction that resulted significantly higher in laminopathic cells. All these results demonstrate a molecular interaction between Src and lamin A/C in healthy fibroblasts and their aberrant interaction in laminopathic nuclei, thus creating the possibilities of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for patients.
Effects of Cover Crops on Nematode Communities in Spinach Production
Authors: Aubry Elyse , Akanwari Jerry , Liang Ping , Ellouze Walid , Gaiero Jonathan , Sultana Tahera
Published: December 2024

Agricultural soil environments contain different types of nematodes in all trophic levels that aid in balancing the soil food web. Beneficial free-living nematodes (FLNs) consist of bacterivores, fungivores, predators, and omnivores that help in the mineralization of the soil and the top-down control of harmful plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs). Annually, USD 125 billion in worldwide crop losses are caused by PPNs, making them a plant pathogen of great concern for growers. Farmers have started to implement the use of cover crops in agricultural systems for the protection and enrichment of soil but research on how different cover crops affect nematode populations is lacking and in demand. This study aims to determine the effects of legume and grass cover crops, Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum), as well as their mixture on the abundance and diversity of FLN and PPN populations. Soil samples were collected at the time of cover crop maturity and spinach harvest to analyze nematode communities using both morphological and DNA metabarcoding analysis. The results showed that the application of Cowpea and Pearl Millet as well as their mixture in a spinach agricultural system led to the control of PPNs and proliferation of FLN communities, with each cover crop treatment demonstrating different advantages for the various nematode feeding groups. Soil property analysis did not show a significant difference except for magnesium and total nitrogen levels, which were significantly correlated with nematode community composition. The overall findings of our study indicate that the choice of cover crop implementation by growers for spinach cultivation should be based on specific soil health conditions, which in turn promote soil fertility and a healthy nematode community.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Lincosamides in the Presence of Commercial Pigments: Kinetics, Intermediates, and Predicted Ecotoxicity
Authors: Masternak Ewa , Baran Wojciech , Adamek Ewa
Published: December 2024

Lincomycin belongs to the antibiotics commonly used in veterinary medicine. Its residues are easily spread in the environment because of its physicochemical properties, including resistance to biodegradation and good solubility in water. One of the effective methods for the removal of lincomycin from wastewater is the photocatalytic process, but it is not widely used due to the price of photocatalysts. The aim of this work was to compare the photocatalytic efficiency and the mechanism of lincomycin degradation initiated by UVa radiation in the presence of TiO2-P25 and ZnO, as well as in the presence of industrial pigments commonly used in construction and containing TiO2. Lincomycin was found to undergo efficient photocatalytic degradation in the presence of a commercial TiO2-P25 photocatalyst, industrial pigments containing only anatase, and in the presence of ZnO. On the contrary, industrial pigments containing only rutile or a mixture of rutile and anatase practically did not show any photocatalytic activity. The composition of the solutions after the degradation of lincomycin in the presence of TiO2-P25 and ZnO differed significantly. Most of the identified organic degradation products contained conserved pharmacophores, and some of them could have been highly ecotoxic.
Transcription Factors ClrB and XlnR and Their Effect on the Transcription of Cellulase Genes in the Filamentous Fungus Penicillium verruculosum
Authors: Chulkin Andrey , Kislitsin Valeriy , Sinelnikov Igor , Sinitsyn Arkady , Zorov Ivan , Volkov Pavel , Rozhkova Aleksandra
Published: December 2024

The filamentous fungus Penicillium verruculosum (anamorph Talaromyces verruculosus) has been shown to be an efficient producer of secreted cellulases, used in biorefinery processes. Understanding the mechanisms of regulation of cellulase gene expression in the fungus P. verruculosum is a current task in industrial biotechnology, since it allows for targeted changes in the composition of the complex secreted by the fungus. Expression of cellulase genes in fungi is regulated mainly at the level of transcription via pathway-specific transcription factors (TF), the majority of which belong to the Zn(II)2Cys6 family of zinc binuclear cluster proteins. Transcriptional regulation of cellulase genes may have a species-specific pattern and involves several transcription factors. In this study, we used a qPCR method and transcriptome analysis to investigate the effect of knockouts and constitutive expression of genes encoding homologues of the regulatory factors XlnR and ClrB from P. verruculosum on the transcription of cbh1, egl2, and bgl1 genes, encoding three key cellulases, cellobiohydrolase, endoglucanase, and β-glucosidase, in the presence of various inducers. We have shown that the transcription factor XlnR of the filamentous fungus P. verruculosum is strictly responsible for the transcription of the main cellulolytic genes (cbh1, egl2, and bgl1) in the presence of xylose and xylobiose, but not in the presence of cellobiose. ClrB/Clr-2, a homologue from P. verruculosum, does not represent the main transcription factor regulating transcription of cellulolytic genes in the presence of selected inducers, unlike in the cases of Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium oxalicum; apparently, it has a different function in fungi from the genus Talaromyces. We have also shown that constitutive expression of the transcription factor XlnR resulted in 3.5- and 2-fold increases in the activity of xylanase and β-glucosidase in a B1-XlnR enzyme preparation, respectively. In a practical sense, the obtained result can be used for the production of enzyme preparations based on the P. verruculosum B1-XlnR strain used for the bioconversion of renewable cellulose-containing raw materials into technical sugars.
The Molecular Mechanism Regulating Flavonoid Production in Rhododendron chrysanthum Pall. Against UV-B Damage Is Mediated by RcTRP5
Authors: Gong Fushuai , Meng Jinhao , Xu Hongwei , Zhou Xiaofu
Published: December 2024

Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are caused by ultraviolet B radiation (UV-B) stress. In response, plants strengthen their cell membranes, impeding photosynthesis. Additionally, UV-B stress initiates oxidative stress within the antioxidant defense system and alters secondary metabolism, particularly by increasing the quantity of UV-absorbing compounds such as flavonoids. The v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog (MYB) transcription factor (TF) may participate in a plant’s response to UV-B damage through its regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis. In this study, we discovered that the photosynthetic activity of Rhododendron chrysanthum Pall. (R. chrysanthum) decreased when assessing parameters of chlorophyll (PSII) fluorescence parameters under UV-B stress. Concurrently, antioxidant system enzyme expression increased under UV-B exposure. A multi-omics data analysis revealed that acetylation at the K68 site of the RcTRP5 (telomeric repeat binding protein of Rhododendron chrysanthum Pall.) transcription factor was upregulated. This acetylation modification of RcTRP5 activates the antioxidant enzyme system, leading to elevated expression levels of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Upregulation is also observed at the K95 site of the chalcone isomerase (CHI) enzyme and the K178 site of the anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) enzyme. We hypothesize that RcTRP5 influences acetylation modifications of CHI and ANS in flavonoid biosynthesis, thereby indirectly regulating flavonoid production. This study demonstrates that R. chrysanthum can be protected from UV-B stress by accumulating flavonoids. This could serve as a useful strategy for enhancing the plant’s flavonoid content and provide a valuable reference for research on the metabolic regulation mechanisms of other secondary substances.
Metabolic Fluxes Using Deep Learning Based on Enzyme Variations: Application to Glycolysis in Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Oulia Freddy , Charton Philippe , Lo-Thong-Viramoutou Ophélie , Acevedo-Rocha Carlos G. , Liu Wei , Huynh Du , Damour Cédric , Wang Jingbo , Cadet Frederic
Published: December 2024

Metabolic pathway modeling, essential for understanding organism metabolism, is pivotal in predicting genetic mutation effects, drug design, and biofuel development. Enhancing these modeling techniques is crucial for achieving greater prediction accuracy and reliability. However, the limited experimental data or the complexity of the pathway makes it challenging for researchers to predict phenotypes. Deep learning (DL) is known to perform better than other Machine Learning (ML) approaches if the right conditions are met (i.e., a large database and good choice of parameters). Here, we use a knowledge-based model to massively generate synthetic data and extend a small initial dataset of experimental values. The main objective is to assess if DL can perform at least as well as other ML approaches in flux prediction, using 68,950 instances. Two processing methods are used to generate DL models: cross-validation and repeated holdout evaluation. DL models predict the metabolic fluxes with high precision and slightly outperform the best-known ML approach (the Cubist model) with a lower RMSE (≤0.01) in both cases. They also outperform the PLS model (RMSE ≥ 30). This study is the first to use DL to predict the overall flux of a metabolic pathway only from variations of enzyme concentrations.
How Tumors Affect Hemodynamics: A Diffusion Study on the Zebrafish Transplantable Model of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma by Selective Plane Illumination Microscopy
Authors: Carra Silvia , Gaudenzi Germano , Franceschetti Giorgia , Collini Maddalena , Sironi Laura , Bouzin Margaux , Persani Luca , Chirico Giuseppe , Vitale Giovanni , D’Alfonso Laura
Published: December 2024

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a rare neuroendocrine tumor comprising 3–5% of thyroid cancers, arises from calcitonin-producing parafollicular C cells. Despite aggressive behavior, surgery remains the primary curative treatment, with limited efficacy reported for radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Recent efforts have explored the pathogenetic mechanisms of MTC, identifying it as a highly vascularized neoplasm overexpressing pro-angiogenic factors. Building on the established benefits of zebrafish embryos, we previously created an in vivo MTC xenograft platform that allows real-time observation of tumor-induced angiogenesis and evaluation of the anti-angiogenic effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In this study, we present a method using selective plane illumination microscopy (SPIM) to characterize vascular permeability in these xenografted embryos. Taking advantage of dextran injections into the blood flow of zebrafish embryos, we found that the diffusion coefficient in embryos grafted with MTC cells was about tenfold lower compared with the same parameter in controls. The results demonstrate the potential of our approach to estimate diffusion parameters, providing valuable insights into vascular permeability changes in MTC-implanted zebrafish embryos compared with controls. Our study sheds light on the intricate vascular biology of MTC, offering a promising tool for future investigations into tumor-induced angiogenesis and therapeutic strategies in diverse neoplasms.
The Drosophila toothrin Gene Related to the d4 Family Genes: An Evolutionary View on Origin and Function
Authors: Kuvaeva Elena E. , Cherezov Roman O. , Kulikova Dina A. , Mertsalov Ilya B.
Published: December 2024

D. melanogaster has two paralogs, tth and dd4, related to the evolutionarily conserved d4 family genes. In mammals, the family consists of Dpf1-3, encoding transcription co-factors involved in the regulation of development and cell fate determination. The function of tth and dd4 in Drosophila remains unclear. The typical domain structure of the proteins encoded by the d4 family consists of an N-terminal 2/3 domain (Requiem_N), a central Kruppel-type zinc finger, and a C-terminal D4 domain of paired PHD zinc fingers (DPFs). In Drosophila, both paralogs lack the Kruppel-type ZF, and tth encodes a protein that contains only Requiem_N. In contrast, vertebrate Dpf1-3 paralogs encode all the domains, but some paralogs have specific splice isoforms. For example, the DPF3a isoform lacks the D4 domain necessary for histone reading. The occurrence of proteins without the D4 domain in mammals and flies implies functional significance and analogous roles across animal taxa. In this study, we reconstructed the evolutionary events that led to the emergence of Drosophila tth by analyzing the divergence of d4 paralogs across different evolutionary lineages. Our genomic and transcriptomic data analysis revealed duplications and gene copy loss events. Among insects, gene duplication was only observed in Diptera. In other lineages, we found the specialization of paralogs for producing isoforms and further specialization for coding proteins with specific domain organizations. We hypothesize that this pathway is a common mechanism for the emergence of paralogues lacking the D4 domain across different evolutionary lineages. We, thus, postulate that TTH may function as a splice isoform of the ancestral single-copy gene, possibly a DPF3a-like isoform characteristic of related insect species. Our analysis provides insights into the possible impact of paralogue divergence, emphasizing the functional significance of the 2/3 domain and the potential roles of isoforms lacking the D4 domain.
Molecular Analysis of the Differential Activity of Sox8 and Sox10 in Oligodendroglial Cells
Authors: Dehm Verena , Aberle Tim , Bladé Laura Guerrero , Aprato Jessica , Weider Matthias , Sticht Heinrich , Sock Elisabeth , Wegner Michael
Published: December 2024

Oligodendroglial cells generate myelin sheaths in the vertebrate central nervous system to render rapid saltatory conduction possible and express the highly related Sox8, Sox9 and Sox10 transcription factors. While Sox9 and Sox10 fulfill crucial regulatory roles, Sox8 has only a limited impact on oligodendroglial development and myelination. By replacing Sox10 with Sox8 or Sox9 in the oligodendroglial Oln93 cell line, and comparing the expression profiles, we show here that Sox8 regulates the same processes as Sox10 and Sox9, but exhibits a substantially lower transcriptional activity under standard culture conditions. Sox8 influences fewer genes in their expression and changes their expression level less drastically, despite comparable binding to relevant regulatory regions in oligodendroglial cells. Therefore, it is likely that Sox8 and Sox10 vary in their transcriptional activity because of differences in their interactions with partner proteins. Intriguingly, it is the aminoterminal one third of the Sox protein that is responsible for the differential activities of Sox8 and Sox10, rather than the carboxyterminal two thirds that contain the known transactivation domains. Our study aims to provide an understanding of the relationship of Sox8 and Sox10 as paralogous transcription factors and their degree of functional redundancy in oligodendroglial cells, along with implications for health and disease.
Insight into Rice Resistance to the Brown Planthopper: Gene Cloning, Functional Analysis, and Breeding Applications
Authors: Ye Yangdong , Xiong Shangye , Guan Xin , Tang Tianxin , Zhu Zhihong , Zhu Xiao , Hu Jie , Wu Jianguo , Zhang Shuai
Published: December 2024

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of rice resistance to the brown planthopper (BPH), a major pest that poses significant threats to rice production through direct feeding damage and by transmitting viruses such as Rice grassy stunt virus (RGSV) and Rice ragged stunt virus (RRSV). We highlight the emergence of various BPH biotypes that have overcome specific resistance genes in rice. Advances in genetic mapping and cloning have identified 17 BPH resistance genes, classified into typical R genes encoding nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat (NLR) proteins and atypical R genes such as lectin receptor kinases and proteins affecting cell wall composition. The molecular mechanisms of these genes involve the activation of plant defense pathways mediated by phytohormones like jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), and ethylene, as well as the production of defensive metabolites. We also examine the complex interactions between BPH salivary proteins and rice defense responses, noting how salivary effectors can both suppress and trigger plant immunity. The development and improvement of BPH-resistant rice varieties through conventional breeding and molecular marker-assisted selection are discussed, including strategies like gene pyramiding to enhance resistance durability. Finally, we outline the challenges and future directions in breeding for durable BPH resistance, emphasizing the need for continued research on resistance mechanisms and the development of rice varieties with broad-spectrum and long-lasting resistance.
Molecular Basis of Na, K–ATPase Regulation of Diseases: Hormone and FXYD2 Interactions
Authors: Cordeiro Bárbara Martins , Leite Fontes Carlos Frederico , Meyer-Fernandes José Roberto
Published: December 2024

The Na, K–ATPase generates an asymmetric ion gradient that supports multiple cellular functions, including the control of cellular volume, neuronal excitability, secondary ionic transport, and the movement of molecules like amino acids and glucose. The intracellular and extracellular levels of Na+ and K+ ions are the classical local regulators of the enzyme’s activity. Additionally, the regulation of Na, K–ATPase is a complex process that occurs at multiple levels, encompassing its total cellular content, subcellular distribution, and intrinsic activity. In this context, the enzyme serves as a regulatory target for hormones, either through direct actions or via signaling cascades triggered by hormone receptors. Notably, FXYDs small transmembrane proteins regulators of Na, K–ATPase serve as intermediaries linking hormonal signaling to enzymatic regulation at various levels. Specifically, members of the FXYD family, particularly FXYD1 and FXYD2, are that undergo phosphorylation by kinases activated through hormone receptor signaling, which subsequently influences their modulation of Na, K–ATPase activity. This review describes the effects of FXYD2, cardiotonic steroid signaling, and hormones such as angiotensin II, dopamine, insulin, and catecholamines on the regulation of Na, K–ATPase. Furthermore, this review highlights the implications of Na, K–ATPase in diseases such as hypertension, renal hypomagnesemia, and cancer.
Comparative Genomics and Pathogenicity Analysis of Three Fungal Isolates Causing Barnyard Grass Blast
Authors: Zhang Na , Li Xinyang , Ming Liangping , Sun Wenda , Xie Xiaofang , Zhi Cailing , Zhou Xiaofan , Wen Yanhua , Liang Zhibin , Deng Yizhen
Published: December 2024

Barnyard grass is one of the most serious rice weeds, often growing near paddy fields and therefore potentially serving as a bridging host for the rice blast fungus. In this study, we isolated three fungal strains from diseased barnyard grass leaves in a rice field. Using a pathogenicity assay, we confirmed that they were capable of causing blast symptoms on barnyard grass and rice leaves to various extents. Based on morphology characterization and genome sequence analyses, we confirmed that these three strains were Epicoccum sorghinum (SCAU-1), Pyricularia grisea (SCAU-2), and Exserohilum rostratum (SCAU-6). The established Avirulence (Avr) genes Avr-Pia, Avr-Pita2, and ACE1 were detected by PCR amplification in SCAU-2, but not in SCAU-1 or SCAU-6. Furthermore, the whole-genome sequence analysis helped to reveal the genetic variations and potential virulence factors relating to the host specificity of these three fungal pathogens. Based on the evolutionary analysis of single-copy orthologous proteins, we found that the genes encoding glycoside hydrolases, carbohydrate esterases, oxidoreductase, and multidrug transporters in SCAU-1 and SCAU-6 were expanded, while expansion in SCAU-2 was mainly related to carbohydrate esterases. In summary, our study provides clues to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of fungal isolates from barnyard grass with the potential to cause rice blast.
Forecasting Forex Market Volatility Using Deep Learning Models and Complexity Measures
Authors: Zitis Pavlos I. , Potirakis Stelios M. , Alexandridis Alex
Published: December 2024

In this article, we examine whether incorporating complexity measures as features in deep learning (DL) algorithms enhances their accuracy in predicting forex market volatility. Our approach involved the gradual integration of complexity measures alongside traditional features to determine whether their inclusion would provide additional information that improved the model’s predictive accuracy. For our analyses, we employed recurrent neural networks (RNNs), long short-term memory (LSTM), and gated recurrent units (GRUs) as DL model architectures, while using the Hurst exponent and fuzzy entropy as complexity measures. All analyses were conducted on intraday data from four highly liquid currency pairs, with volatility estimated using the Range-Based estimator. Our findings indicated that the inclusion of complexity measures as features significantly enhanced the accuracy of DL models in predicting volatility. In achieving this, we contribute to a relatively unexplored area of research, as this is the first instance of such an approach being applied to the prediction of forex market volatility. Additionally, we conducted a comparative analysis of the three models’ performance, revealing that the LSTM and GRU models consistently demonstrated a superior accuracy. Finally, our findings also have practical implications, as they may assist risk managers and policymakers in forecasting volatility in the forex market.
Establishment and Application of an Elastic–Plastic Damage Constitutive Model for Ceramic Fiber Insulation Tiles
Authors: Wang Yiming , Zhong Yesheng , Huang Yining , Ma Xiaoliang , Shi Liping , He Xiaodong
Published: December 2024

A thermal protection system is critical for ensuring the safe take-off and return of various aircraft. A key heat-resistant material within this system is the ceramic fiber insulation tile (CFIT), which is a porous three-dimensional network material with density ranges from 0.3 to 0.4 g/cm3 that exhibits complex mechanical behaviors. Due to the complexity of the service environment, experimental methods cannot accurately capture the mechanical behavior of a CFIT. Although simulation-based methods can provide insights, an accurate constitutive model for CFITs has yet to be established. To predict its complex mechanical behavior, an elastic–plastic damage constitutive model was established for CFITs. Based on the Hashin criteria and four fundamental assumptions, a yield rule was modified by introducing a damage factor in the TTT direction. The model was encoded into a user–material subroutine (UAMT) integrated within ABAQUS to capture the mechanical responses under four typical working conditions. The change trend of the simulation curve closely aligned with that of the experiment curve, better characterizing the stress–strain relationship of the CFIT under different working conditions such as compression, tension, and shear and the error was less than 18%. The proposed approach was validated by designing a millimeter-level indentation experiment. The results in this paper demonstrate that the maximum loading depths of the simulation and experiment were consistent, and the relative errors were within 12%, respectively. The research provides a reliable elastic–plastic damage constitutive model to predict the mechanical behavior of CFITs under complex working conditions.
Construction of a Molecular Dynamics Model of N-A-S-H Geopolymer Based on XRD Analysis
Authors: Wang Qing , Li Hewei , Ding Zhaoyang , Shan Rui , Zhao Mingyu
Published: December 2024

A geopolymer is a low-carbon cementitious material, and its condensation process is akin to the formation of inorganic polymers. The crystal phase of synthesized geopolymers was identified using XRD; the scattering peaks of amorphous phases were analyzed, and the zeolite minerals akin to different n(Si)/n(Al) geopolymers were determined. Based on this, a model structure of N-A-S-H geopolymers was established. The molecular dynamics structure of the model was simulated, and the density, energy, and bulk modulus of the model were calculated using three different force fields. According to the calculation results, the most suitable force field for N-A-S-H calculation is COMPASS III. In this study, all calculations were performed using MaterialsStudio 7.0. The research process introduces a new modeling method for geopolymers, similar to building C-S-H based on Tobermorite, which aids in advancing the molecular dynamics simulation of geopolymers.
Improvement of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell Performance via Addition of Azopyridine Derivative in Polymer Gel Electrolytes
Authors: Amin Muhammad Faisal , Gnida Paweł , Konieczkowska Jolanta , Szubka Magdalena , Schab-Balcerzak Ewa
Published: December 2024

In this study, a polymer gel electrolyte based on polyacrylonitrile was synthesized with varying polymer-to-liquid-electrolyte ratios. DSSCs incorporating a 1:3 ratio showed optimum PV parameters. Choosing this proportion, the effect of incorporating the photoresponsive AZO dye into this polymer electrolyte was studied. When irradiated with a UV light of 365 nm, the AZO dye underwent photoisomerization, which allowed the gel electrolyte to absorb heat from the UV irradiation and increase its ionic conductivity. It was found that by the addition of azopyridine into the polymer electrolyte, there was an improvement in the photovoltaic parameters of cells. By increasing the dye content from 1% to 10% by weight in the electrolyte, an 11% growth in short current density was observed, resulting in about a 10% rise in cell efficiency.
Lichenase and Cellobiohydrolase Activities of a Novel Bi-Functional β-Glucanase from the Marine Bacterium Streptomyces sp. J103
Authors: Lee Youngdeuk , Jo Eunyoung , Lee Yeon-Ju , Kim Min Jin , Gajanayaka Navindu Dinara , De Zoysa Mahanama , Park Gun-Hoo , Oh Chulhong
Published: December 2024

In this study, we report the molecular and enzymatic characterisation of Spg103, a novel bifunctional β-glucanase from the marine bacterium Streptomyces sp. J103. Recombinant Spg103 (rSpg103) functioned optimally at 60 °C and pH 6. Notably, Spg103 exhibited distinct stability properties, with increased activity in the presence of Na+ and EDTA. Spg103 displays both lichenase and cellobiohydrolase activity. Despite possessing a GH5 cellulase domain, FN3 and CBM3 domains characteristic of cellulases and CBHs, biochemical assays showed that rSpg103 exhibited higher activity towards mixed β-1,3-1,4-glucan such as barley β-glucan and lichenan than towards beta-1,4-linkages. The endolytic activity of the enzyme was confirmed by TLC and UPLC-MS analyses, which identified cellotriose as the main hydrolysis product. In addition, Spg103 exhibited an exo-type activity, selectively releasing cellobiose units from cellooligosaccharides, which is characteristic of cellobiohydrolases. These results demonstrate the potential of Spg103 for a variety of biotechnological applications, particularly those requiring tailor-made enzymatic degradation of mixed-linked β-glucans. This study provides a basis for further structural and functional investigations of the bifunctional enzyme and highlights Spg103 as a promising candidate for industrial applications.
The Role of Duplex Ultrasound and Flow/Pressure Ratio in Predicting Invasive Treatment for High Venous Pressure in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Leong Foong-Fah , Lee Wen-Chin , Ng Hwee-Yeong , Kuo Po-Yen , Lee Chien-Te , Fu Chung-Ming
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives: Vascular access complications, particularly high venous pressure, pose significant challenges for hemodialysis patients undergoing hemodialysis. Limited research has focused on identifying predictive factors for invasive treatment. This study aimed to identify patients who might benefit from frequent monitoring and conservative management based on duplex ultrasound (DUS) evaluation. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 72 hemodialysis patients with high venous pressure who underwent DUS. Patients were divided into conservative (n = 26) and invasive treatment groups (n = 46). Key factors such as flow/pressure ratio, blood flow, and venous pressure were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for invasive treatment, while receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to establish the optimal cutoff for the flow/pressure ratio. Results: Three months after the DUS, 3.85% of the conservative group experienced access failure, compared to 71.7% in the invasive group. The flow/pressure ratio was significantly lower in the invasive group (1.28 ± 0.26 vs. 1.47 ± 0.23, p < 0.05). A higher flow/pressure ratio (OR: 0.063, 95% CI: 0.004–0.932, p = 0.044) and the presence of tortuous veins (OR: 0.080, 95% CI: 0.007–0.897, p = 0.0405) were associated with a lower risk of invasive treatment. ROC analysis showed a flow/pressure ratio cutoff of 1.38 (AUC: 0.706, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Duplex ultrasound plays a crucial role in evaluating arterio-venous access in patients with high venous pressure. It provides a non-invasive assessment of vascular complications, helping avoid unnecessary invasive procedures. The flow/pressure ratio is significantly associated with the risk of invasive treatment, providing a valuable threshold for assessing risk and guiding clinical decision-making to optimize treatment strategies.