bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cash provision for military servicemen in the conditions of reforming the public finance management system
Authors:   SESE “The Academy of Financial Management”, HUDENKO Bohdan , HUDENKO Oleksandr ,   SESE “The Academy of Financial Management”
Published: December 2023

The invasion of Russian troops into Ukraine created new challenges for Ukraine, its society and government. In the article, a systematic analysis was conducted to study the effectiveness of the government's measures to manage state finances in the conditions of martial law and to ensure the performance of the main functions of the state, in particular in the field of social protection of military personnel. It was investigated that the following measures were implemented to stabilize the financial system and the smooth functioning of the country's economy: military refinancing to maintain the liquidity of the banking system, a fixed exchange rate and restrictions on the foreign exchange market, which were aimed at avoiding rapid devaluation of the national currency, as well as sequestration of public expenditures from with the aim of reducing inefficient or unnecessary budget expenditures and their redistribution, in particular, for the needs of military servicemen. Some of these measures include the introduction of military bonds of the Government of Ukraine, the transfer of profits to the state budget, the development of international financial relations with organizations and governments of other countries. It was determined that over the past two years, the financing of defense expenditures has increased significantly, and the system of monetary support for military personnel is being constantly modernized. This requires stable filling of the revenue part of the budget to support economic security and sovereignty of the country.
MEADOW TIMOTHY GRASS (Phleum pratense L.): BIOLOGICAL FEATURES, ECONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE, FEATURES OF THE VARIETY VIK 911, TECHNOLOGICAL METHODS OF SEED PRODUCTION
Authors: Trukhan Olga , Zolotarev Vladimir
Published: December 2023

Meadow timothy grass (Phleum pratense L.) is an excellent traditional crop for creating hayfields and pasture of long-term use. This is a long-term riding grain, characterized by such irreplaceable qualities as durability, high yield of hay and green mass, high leafiness, good feed quality indicators, make it indispensable when creating hayfields and other types of forage lands not only in Russia, but also abroad. Timothy grass is one of the main components of grass mixtures for haymaking, especially with the participation of meadow clover, alfalfa, and it is also an excellent phytomeliorative culture that restores soil fertility. The most important issues of seed production of meadow timothy grass are such technological techniques as doses and timing of nitrogen fertilizers, seeding rates and methods of sowing seeds, as well as harvesting in accordance with the biological characteristics of the new variety of timothy grass VIK 911. As our research has shown, meadow timothy grass of the new variety VIK 911 should be sown in an ordinary way, with a seeding rate of 5–7 kg/ha, while nitrogen fertilizers should be applied better in spring at a dose of 45–60 kg/ha, or in two terms: in early autumn, in early September, at a dose of 30–45 kg/ha and in spring at a dose of 45 kg/ha. Meadow timothy grass has a good range of possible seed harvesting (6–8 days) due to the resistance to seed shedding.
NOC1 is a direct MYC target, and its protein interactome dissects its activity in controlling nucleolar function
Authors: Manara Valeria , Radoani Marco , Belli Romina , Peroni Daniele , Destefanis Francesca , Angheben Luca , Tome Gabriele , Tebaldi Toma , Bellosta Paola
Published: December 2023

The nucleolus is a subnuclear compartment critical in ribosome biogenesis and cellular stress responses. These mechanisms are governed by a complex interplay of proteins, including NOC1, a member of the NOC family of nucleolar proteins responsible for controlling rRNA processing and ribosomal maturation. This study reveals a novel relationship between NOC1 and MYC transcription factor, known for its crucial role in controlling ribosomal biogenesis, cell growth, and proliferation. Here, we demonstrate that NOC1 functions as a direct target of MYC, as it is transcriptionally induced through a functional MYC-binding E-box sequence in the NOC1 promoter region. Furthermore, protein interactome analysis reveals that NOC1-complex includes the nucleolar proteins NOC2 and NOC3 and other nucleolar components such as Nucleostemin1 Ns1 transporters of ribosomal subunits and components involved in rRNA processing and maturation. In response to MYC, NOC1 expression and localization within the nucleolus significantly increase, suggesting a direct functional link between MYC activity and NOC1 function. Notably, NOC1 over-expression leads to the formation of large nuclear granules and enlarged nucleoli, which co-localize with nucleolar fibrillarin and Ns1. Additionally, we demonstrate that NOC1 expression is necessary for Ns1 nucleolar localization, suggesting a role for NOC1 in maintaining nucleolar structure. Finally, the co-expression of NOC1 and MYC enhances nucleolus size and maintains their co-localization, outlining another aspect of the cooperation between NOC1 and MYC in nucleolar dynamics. This study also reveals an enrichment with NOC1 with few proteins involved in RNA processing, modification, and splicing. Moreover, proteins such as Ythdc1, Flacc, and splenito are known to mediate N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation of mRNAs in nuclear export, revealing NOC1’s potential involvement in coordinating RNA splicing and nuclear mRNA export. In summary, we uncovered novel roles for NOC1 in nucleolar homeostasis and established its direct connection with MYC in the network governing nucleolar structure and function. These findings also highlight NOC1’s interaction with proteins relevant to specific RNA functions, suggesting a broader role in addition to its control of nucleolar homeostasis and providing new insight that can be further investigated.
Study on the bearing characteristics of overrun hydraulic support under impact loading
Authors: Cao Lianmin , Yan Ping , Xi Wenxian , Zhang Xiaowei , Jin Xin , Yang Hongjuan
Published: December 2023

In order to study the effects of stress change and adaptability of the overrun hydraulic stent under impact load, the rigid–flexible coupling numerical model of the stent is established using multi-body dynamics simulation software ADAMS. In the model, the stent is flexibilized using the HyperMesh module, and the column and jack are equivalently replaced with a spring damping system. By applying impact loads to different positions above the front roof beam of the stent, the dynamic response characteristics of the column and the articulation point are obtained at different positions with different strengths. The results show that when the impact load is applied to different positions of the front roof beam, the steady-state response force of the column shows an overall “M" distribution, and along the length direction of the roof beam, the steady-state response force of the column shows an upward trend, and the maximum steady-state response force of the column is 547 kN at point (1, 6); when the impact load is applied to both sides of the front roof beam, the response at the articulation point is greater, resulting in a higher maximum simple harmonic response at that articulation point. When the impact load acts on both sides of the front roof beam, the response of the articulation point is greater, with a maximum simple harmonic response coefficient of 0.75 and a maximum excitation response coefficient of 0.28; when the impact loads of different strengths act on the whole front roof beam, the force acting on the column and pin shaft at the articulation point will produce a large impact, reducing its adaptability. To address this, we can consider changing the top plate stress conditions using methods like high-pressure injection of water and control the gradual and slow release of the top plate stresses. The results of the study provide a reference for the structural strength design and reliability analysis of the hydraulic support, which is of practical significance and value for improving the safe mining of the coal mining face.
The evolution of glacial lake and glaciers and their potential impact on glacial debris flow activity in the Palong Zangbu catchment in Southeastern Tibet
Authors: Yang Liu , Chuan Tang , Lingfeng Gong , Jiang Xiong
Published: December 2023

Due to warm and humid air currents of the Indian Ocean and the southwest monsoon, the Palong Zangbo catchment in southeastern Tibet has developed oceanic glaciers in the valley, and the activity of glacial debris flows has been gradually intensified under neotectonic activity, frequent earthquakes, climate change, and extreme rainfall. In this paper, the topographic and morphological data of the debris flow basin, the dynamic evolution characteristics of glaciers and glacial lakes were analyzed by using multisource long-term series of remote sensing images. Simultaneously, the distribution of moraines and landslide sources were extracted based on satellite image. In addition, climate change in the study area was analysed using temperature and rainfall data from the last 40 years, revealing that the average temperature in the study area from May to October presented a fluctuating tendency as a whole, especially after 2013, when the temperature gradually increased. As these temperature changes led to continuous melting of the glaciers in the study area, the glacier area decreased from 8,300 km2 in 1988–4,584 km2 in 2019, which decreased nearly 45%. However, the number and area of glacial lakes in the study area gradually increased under a power-law trend, which further led to a significant increase on the possibility of glacial lake rupture in the study area. Due to the joint effects of earthquakes, glacier melting and glacial lake collapse, the debris flows in the study area were well developed, and a total of 122 debris flows were found with varying channel lengths, areas and material sources. Importantly, the characteristics of the glaciers, glacial lakes and climate change in the study area have indicated that the glaciers have retreated, the number of glacial lakes has increased, and the risk of debris flow in this basin will increase in the future. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen monitoring and early warnings on floods due to glacial lake collapses and debris flows in the study area to improve the risk management of debris flows and floods and the prevention and mitigation of disasters.
A rapid dual-drive technology for extinguishing large high-gas coal mines fires
Authors: Mei Yong
Published: December 2023

Fires formed by the high gas protrusion in coal mines are difficult and risky to extinguish during the mine closure process due to the mine’s large closed range and underground gas stock. To achieve efficient and safe unsealing, reduce the risk of re-ignition and gas explosion, and accurately determine the fire extinguishing effect, a dual-drive rapid fire extinguishing technology is proposed. This technology involves ground precise positioning of drilling holes, rapid and large flow of liquid nitrogen injection, and curtain grouting to block fires in ultra-large high-gas mines. The practical results demonstrate that the implementation of surface injection of liquid nitrogen for fire extinguishing and cooling, and plugging effectively reduces the concentration of CO in the underground space from 230 PPm to 0 PPm, and decreases the CH4 concentration content from 90% to less than 0.75%. The fire extinguishing and cooling effect is fast and significant. A technical scheme for unsealing the fire area of the whole mine is formulated on a large scale based on the state of pumping and releasing pressure in the closed space of the mine. This scheme has important guiding significance for safety rescue and rescue operations after serious fire accidents occur in similar high-gas prominent mines.
Semantic segmentation of remote sensing imagery for road extraction via joint angle prediction: comparisons to deep learning
Authors: Xiong Shun , Ma Chao , Yang Guang , Song Yaodong , Liang Shuaizhe , Feng Jing
Published: December 2023

Accurate road network information is required to study and analyze the relationship between land usage type and land subsidence, and road extraction from remote sensing images is an important data source for updating road networks. This task has been considered a significant semantic segmentation problem, given the many road extraction methods developed for remote sensing images in recent years. Although impressive results have been achieved by classifying each pixel in the remote sensing image using a semantic segmentation network, traditional semantic segmentation methods often lack clear constraints of road features. Consequently, the geometric features of the results might deviate from actual roads, leading to issues like road fractures, rough edges, inconsistent road widths, and more, which hinder their effectiveness in road updates. This paper proposes a novel road semantic segmentation algorithm for remote sensing images based on the joint road angle prediction. By incorporating the angle prediction module and the angle feature fusion module, constraints are added to the angle features of the road. Through the angle prediction and angle feature fusion, the information contained in the remote sensing images can be better utilized. The experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms existing semantic segmentation methods in both quantitative evaluation and visual effects. Furthermore, the extracted roads were consecutive with distinct edges, making them more suitable for mapping road updates.
Antigen presentation deficiency, mesenchymal differentiation, and resistance to immunotherapy in the murine syngeneic CT2A tumor model
Authors: Iorgulescu J. Bryan , Ruthen Neil , Ahn Ryuhjin , Panagioti Eleni , Gokhale Prafulla C. , Neagu Martha , Speranza Maria C. , Eschle Benjamin K. , Soroko Kara M. , Piranlioglu Raziye , Datta Meenal , Krishnan Shanmugarajan , Yates Kathleen B. , Baker Gregory J. , Jain Rakesh K. , Suvà Mario L. , Neuberg Donna , White Forest M. , Chiocca E. Antonio , Freeman Gordon J. , Sharpe Arlene H. , Wu Catherine J. , Reardon David A.
Published: December 2023

Background

The GL261 and CT2A syngeneic tumor lines are frequently used as immunocompetent orthotopic mouse models of human glioblastoma (huGBM) but demonstrate distinct differences in their responses to immunotherapy.

Methods

To decipher the cell-intrinsic mechanisms that drive immunotherapy resistance in CT2A-luc and to define the aspects of human cancer biology that these lines can best model, we systematically compared their characteristics using whole exome and transcriptome sequencing, and protein analysis through immunohistochemistry, Western blot, flow cytometry, immunopeptidomics, and phosphopeptidomics.

Results

The transcriptional profiles of GL261-luc2 and CT2A-luc tumors resembled those of some huGBMs, despite neither line sharing the essential genetic or histologic features of huGBM. Both models exhibited striking hypermutation, with clonal hotspot mutations in RAS genes (Kras p.G12C in GL261-luc2 and Nras p.Q61L in CT2A-luc). CT2A-luc distinctly displayed mesenchymal differentiation, upregulated angiogenesis, and multiple defects in antigen presentation machinery (e.g. Tap1 p.Y488C and Psmb8 p.A275P mutations) and interferon response pathways (e.g. copy number losses of loci including IFN genes and reduced phosphorylation of JAK/STAT pathway members). The defect in MHC class I expression could be overcome in CT2A-luc by interferon-γ treatment, which may underlie the modest efficacy of some immunotherapy combinations. Additionally, CT2A-luc demonstrated substantial baseline secretion of the CCL-2, CCL-5, and CCL-22 chemokines, which play important roles as myeloid chemoattractants.

Conclusion

Although the clinical contexts that can be modeled by GL261 and CT2A for huGBM are limited, CT2A may be an informative model of immunotherapy resistance due to its deficits in antigen presentation machinery and interferon response pathways.
The diagnostic accuracy of carbon monoxide pulse oximetry in adults with suspected acute carbon monoxide poisoning: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ramponi Giacomo , Gianni Francesca , Karlafti Eleni , Piazza Isabelle , Albertoni Francesco , Colombo Giorgio , Casazza Giovanni , Garegnani Anna , Casella Rosa , Costantino Giorgio
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Acute carbon monoxide poisoning (COP) is one of the leading causes of intoxication among patients presenting to the emergency department (ED). COP symptoms are not always specific and may vary from mild to critical. In the last few years, COHb pulse oximeters have been developed and applied to the setting of suspected COP. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the diagnostic accuracy of CO pulse oximetry (SpCO) with carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels measured by blood gas analysis, used as a reference standard, in patients with suspected COP.

Methods

We developed our search strategy according to the PICOS framework, population, index/intervention, comparison, outcome, and study, considering the diagnostic accuracy of SpCO compared to COHb levels measured by blood gas analysis, used as a reference standard, in patients with suspected COP enrolled in cross-sectional studies in English. The search was performed on MEDLINE/PubMed and EMBASE in February 2022. Quality assessment was performed using the QUADAS-2 methodology. A COHb cutoff of 10% was chosen to test the sensitivity and specificity of the index test. A bivariate model was used to perform the meta-analysis. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022359144).

Results

A total of six studies (1734 patients) were included. The pooled sensitivity of the test was 0.65 (95% CI 0.44–0.81), and the pooled specificity was 0.93 (95% CI 0.83–0.98). The pooled LR+ was 9.4 (95% CI 4.4 to 20.1), and the pooled LR- was 0.38 (95% CI 0.24 to 0.62).

Conclusion

Our results show that SpCO cannot be used as a screening tool for COP in the ED due to its low sensitivity. Because of its high LR+, it would be interesting to evaluate, if SpCO could have a role in the prehospital setting as a tool to quickly identify COP patients and prioritize their transport to specialized hospitals on larger samples with a prospective design.
Headache-related clinical features in teleworkers and their association with coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Houle Mariève , Ducas Julien , Lardon Arnaud , Descarreaux Martin , Marchand Andrée-Anne , Abboud Jacques
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The objectives were (1) to describe and compare headache-related clinical features between teleworkers with migraine and those with tension-type headache (TTH) and (2) to determine the association between coping strategies and headache frequency, and intensity in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 284 teleworkers (127 with migraine and 157 with TTH). Sociodemographic data, information related to work factors, headache clinical features, coping strategies used during the COVID-19 pandemic, and headache-related clinical features were compared between headache profiles. Bivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between coping strategies and headache frequency, and intensity.

Results

Results showed that teleworkers with migraine had longer and more painful headache episodes than teleworkers with TTH (ps < 0.001). Higher migraine frequency was associated with the use of the denial coping strategy (p = 0.006) while lower migraine intensity was associated with planning (p = 0.046) and the use of positive reframing (p = 0.025). Higher TTH frequency was associated with the use of venting, self-blame, and behavioral disengagement (ps < 0.007) while higher TTH intensity was associated with substance use and behavioral disengagement (ps < 0.030). All associations remained significant after adjusting for BMI as a covariate.

Discussion/conclusion

Teleworkers with migraine had more intense and longer headache episodes than teleworkers with TTH. This could be explained by the fact that a greater proportion of individuals suffering from migraine experienced headaches prior to the beginning of the pandemic compared with teleworkers suffering from TTH. Regarding coping strategies, both primary headache profiles were associated with different types of coping strategies. Most of the coping strategies associated with headache frequency or intensity were maladaptive except for planning and positive reframing that were found to be inversely associated with migraine intensity.
Machine Learning Model for Multiomics Biomarkers Identification for Menopause Status in Breast Cancer
Authors: Alghanim Firas , Al-Hurani Ibrahim , Qattous Hazem , Al-Refai Abdullah , Batiha Osamah , Alkhateeb Abedalrhman , Ikki Salama
Published: December 2023

Identifying menopause-related breast cancer biomarkers is crucial for enhancing diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized treatment at that stage of the patient’s life. In this paper, we present a comprehensive framework for extracting multiomics biomarkers specifically related to breast cancer incidence before and after menopause. Our approach integrates DNA methylation, gene expression, and copy number alteration data using a systematic pipeline encompassing data preprocessing and handling class imbalance, dimensionality reduction, and classification. The framework starts with MutSigCV for data preprocessing and ensuring data quality. The Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) up-sampling technique is applied to address the class imbalance representation. Then, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) transforms the DNA methylation, gene expression, and copy number alteration data into a latent space. The purpose is to discard irrelevant variations and extract relevant information. Finally, a classification model is built based on the transformed multiomics data into a unified representation. The framework contributes to understanding the complex interplay between menopause and breast cancer, thereby revealing more precise diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in the future. The explainable artificial intelligence model Shapley based on the XGBoost regressor showed the power of the selected gene expressions for predicting the menopause status, and the potential biomarkers included RUNX1, PTEN, MAP3K1, and CDH1. The literature confirmed the findings.
Spoilt for Choice: User-Centric Choice of Battery Size and Chemistry for Battery-Electric Long-Haul Trucks
Authors: Schneider Jakob , Teichert Olaf , Zähringer Maximilian , Götz Korbinian , Lienkamp Markus
Published: December 2023

With growing demands to save greenhouse gases, the rapid market introduction of battery-electric trucks (BETs) will become increasingly important, with truck manufacturers announcing various models entering the market in the near future. Soon, truck operators will be faced with deciding which battery capacity and cell chemistry to choose in their next purchase. In this study, we evaluate the choice of battery capacity, regarding feasibility and cost-effectiveness, for trucks using NMC and LFP cell chemistry. Our results show that higher energy density allows larger NMC batteries to be installed, resulting in the ability to transport higher payloads at low charging powers. The LFP chemistry has to rely on higher charging powers of up to 700 kW to transport the same payloads. When asked to choose a battery capacity for the individual use case, the smallest battery size should always be selected when only charging powers up to 300 kW are available. However, the reduction in publicly charged energy can lead to cost advantages of larger battery capacities at higher charging powers. When deciding between the two cell chemistries, the LFP chemistry shows advantages in most cases. Only at high payloads and low charging powers the NMC chemistry shows cost advantages.
Application of Auxetic Tubular Structure in Flow Control of the Throttle Valve
Authors: Li Pengju , Tian Hao , Li Dawei , Wen Qingguo , Zhang Zhengkai , Hu Hong
Published: December 2023

Compressed-air energy storage and other energy storage technologies play crucial roles in the use of renewable energy sources. As a key component in energy storage technology, the throttle valve plays an important role in throttling and reducing the pressure. The proposed method incorporates a throttle valve without relative motion based on the auxetic tubular structure. The fundamental principle of the method is to exploit the elastic deformation characteristics of the auxetic tubular structure to achieve flow control. When the structure is subjected to tension or compression, its diameter changes, thereby altering the dimensions of the valve, and regulating the flow rate. To assess the efficacy of the proposed method, a geometrical analysis is conducted. A prototype of the flow control device, incorporating an auxetic tubular structure, is fabricated using 3D printing technology. Experimental tests substantiate the performance of the proposed flow control method, demonstrating excellent linearity and repeatability. The results of this study indicate the potential applications of this method in throttling, further highlighting the importance and feasibility of the utilization of elastic deformation in auxetic structures as a method to achieve predictable motion.
Characterization of Uganda’s Main Agri-Food Value Chain Wastes for Gasification
Authors: Olupot Peter Wilberforce , Mibulo Tadeo , Nayebare Jacintha Gumoteyo
Published: December 2023

Agricultural residues are a source of energy derived through various conversion processes. They are gaining attention as a solution to limited energy access in developing countries in which a majority of the population depends on agriculture for a living at a time when global population growth is outpacing the depreciation of conventional energy sources. This study characterized residues generated along the main agri-food value chains in Uganda for gasification by reviewing relevant literature and through field measurements and laboratory experiments. Maize, beans, cassava, banana, coffee, and sugarcane are the most important value chains, occupying 5.73 million hectares, and accounting for 40% of the country’s total area under cultivation. In terms of biomass residues, banana, maize, and sugarcane are the most feasible options, producing 4.18, 2.2, and 0.6 metric tons of biomass waste per ton, respectively. The bulk densities vary from 65.5 to 160 kg/m3, moisture content from 6.67 to 22.5%, and heating values from 12.6 to 16.74 MJ/kg for all residues. In terms of principal elements, oxygen has the highest proportion of 38.76–57.25% followed by carbon, 33.46–47.9%, and hydrogen 6%. The lignocellulosic composition is 23.46–41.38% hemicellulose, 9.9–55% cellulose, and 5.77–35% lignin. The three value chains have the potential to generate 172.2 PJ annually, which is enough to offset 50% of the cooking energy demands for Uganda. The main disadvantage of this is the low bulk density, which raises production costs and reduces conversion efficiency. Bulk density can be improved by densification through the compaction of residues. Given their composition and current utilization, maize stover, banana leaves, banana pseudo stems, and sugarcane tops are promising gasification feedstocks.
Determination of Changes in Flux Density of Transformer Steel Sheets
Authors: Mazgaj Witold , Sierzega Michal , Tomczyk Marcin
Published: December 2023

Magnetic fields in transformer cores are typically assumed to be one-dimensional fields, thus allowing magnetization processes to be regarded as axial magnetization. However, in the core corners or T-joint points of medium- and high-power rating transformers, the magnetic lines have different directions with respect to the rolling direction. This paper describes a method that allows changes in the flux density of transformer steel sheets to be calculated for any magnetization direction. These changes are assumed to depend only on certain limiting hysteresis loops assigned separately to the rolling and transverse directions of a tested transformer sheet, where these loops depend on the magnetization direction on the sheet plane. The selection of coefficients that define the limiting hysteresis loops for several magnetization directions is described, and the condition for the flux density saturation is considered. The resultant flux density in a specified magnetization direction is the geometric sum of the corresponding flux densities assigned to both the rolling and transverse directions. The limiting and partial hysteresis loops determined based on the proposed method for several magnetization directions are compared with analogous measured loops. Additionally, a comparison of the calculated hysteresis loops with loops showing changes in the resultant flux density for several magnetization direction is presented.
Numerical Study on Heat Generation Characteristics of Charge and Discharge Cycle of the Lithium-Ion Battery
Authors: Tan Yuxuan , Li Yue , Gu Yueqing , Liu Wenjie , Fang Juan , Pan Chongchao
Published: December 2023

Lithium-ion batteries are the backbone of novel energy vehicles and ultimately contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system. Taking a 5 Ah ternary lithium-ion battery as an example, a two-dimensional axisymmetric electrochemical–thermal coupling model is developed via COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0 in this study and then is validated with the experimental data. The proportion of different types of heat generation in a 26,650 ternary lithium-ion battery during the charge/discharge cycle is investigated numerically. Moreover, the impact of essential factors such as charge/discharge multiplier and ambient temperature on the reaction heat, ohmic heat, and polarization heat are analyzed separately. The numerical results indicate that the total heat generated by the constant discharge process is the highest in the charging and discharging cycle of a single battery. The maximum heat production per unit volume is 67,446.99 W/m3 at 2 C multiplier discharge. Furthermore, the polarization heat presents the highest percentage in the charge/discharge cycle, reaching up to 58.18% at 0 C and 1 C multiplier discharge. In a high-rate discharge, the proportion of the reaction heat decreases from 34.31% to 12.39% as the discharge rate increases from 0.5 C to 2 C. As the discharge rate rises and the ambient temperature falls, the maximum temperature increase of the single-cell battery also rises, with a more pronounced impact compared to increasing the discharge rate.
Heat Transfer Analysis for Combustion under Low-Gradient Conditions in a Small-Scale Industrial Energy Systems
Authors: Tokarski Mieszko , Buczyński Rafał
Published: December 2023

The issue of maintaining low-gradient combustion in the conditions of high heat extraction has been investigated numerically in this work. The analyses include the application of a convective boundary condition at the wall (with estimated boiling heat transfer coefficient); analysis of the Internal Recirculation Device’s impact on combustion products and heat transfer under low-gradient conditions; and comparison of both traditional and low-gradient combustion modes. It was shown that the Internal Recirculation Device material and geometry has a significant impact on the nitrogen oxide (NOx) formation mechanism, as NO2 emission becomes predominant and can rise up to several hundreds ppm. What is more, along with decrease in thermal resistance of the IRD, CO emissions also increase rapidly, even achieving over 2000 ppm. Additionally, the convective heat transfer rate decreased by about 25% after switching from traditional to low-gradient combustion, whereas the radiative mechanism increased by ≈40% compared to traditional mode. It should also be mentioned that the low-gradient combustion applied in this work achieved approximately 10% higher efficiency than conventional combustion.
Extracellular Vesicles in Atherosclerosis: State of the Art
Authors: Olejarz Wioletta , Sadowski Karol , Radoszkiewicz Klaudia
Published: December 2023

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by lipid accumulation in the arteries, leading to narrowing and thrombosis that causes mortality. Emerging evidence has confirmed that atherosclerosis affects younger people and is involved in the majority of deaths worldwide. EVs are associated with critical steps in atherosclerosis, cholesterol metabolism, immune response, endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, and remodeling. Endothelial cell-derived EVs can interact with platelets and monocytes, thereby influencing endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerotic plaque destabilization, and the formation of thrombus. EVs are potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in atherosclerosis (AS) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Importantly, EVs derived from stem/progenitor cells are essential mediators of cardiogenesis and cardioprotection and may be used in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
Contribution of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) to Bone Development and Repair
Authors: Sobah Mohamed L. , Liongue Clifford , Ward Alister C.
Published: December 2023

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor activated canonically by numerous cytokines and other factors, with significant roles in immunity, immune diseases, and cancer. It has also been implicated in several human skeletal disorders, with loss-of-function (LOF) mutations associated with aberrant skeletal development. To gain further insights, two zebrafish STAT3 lines were investigated: a complete LOF knockout (KO) mutant and a partial LOF mutant with the transactivation domain truncated (ΔTAD). Consistent with other studies, the KO mutants were smaller, with reduced length in early embryos exacerbated by a decreased growth rate from 5 days postfertilization (dpf). They displayed skeletal deformities that approached 80% incidence by 30 dpf, with a significant reduction in early bone but not cartilage formation. Further analysis additionally identified considerable abrogation of caudal fin regeneration, concomitant with a paucity of infiltrating macrophages and neutrophils, which may be responsible for this. Most of these phenotypes were also observed in the ΔTAD mutants, indicating that loss of canonical STAT3 signaling was the likely cause. However, the impacts on early bone formation and regeneration were muted in the ΔTAD mutant, suggesting the potential involvement of noncanonical functions in these processes.
Differential Synonymous Codon Selection in the B56 Gene Family of PP2A Regulatory Subunits
Authors: Corzo Gabriel , Seeling-Branscomb Claire E. , Seeling Joni M.
Published: December 2023

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) functions as a tumor suppressor and consists of a scaffolding, catalytic, and regulatory subunit. The B56 gene family of regulatory subunits impart distinct functions onto PP2A. Codon usage bias (CUB) involves the selection of synonymous codons, which can affect gene expression by modulating processes such as transcription and translation. CUB can vary along the length of a gene, and differential use of synonymous codons can be important in the divergence of gene families. The N-termini of the gene product encoded by B56α possessed high CUB, high GC content at the third codon position (GC3), and high rare codon content. In addition, differential CUB was found in the sequence encoding two B56γ N-terminal splice forms. The sequence encoding the N-termini of B56γ/γ, relative to B56δ/γ, displayed CUB, utilized more frequent codons, and had higher GC3 content. B56α mRNA had stronger than predicted secondary structure at their 5′ end, and the B56δ/γ splice variants had long regions of weaker than predicted secondary structure at their 5′ end. The data suggest that B56α is expressed at relatively low levels as compared to the other B56 isoforms and that the B56δ/γ splice variant is expressed more highly than B56γ/γ.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the MADS-Box Gene Family in Hibiscus syriacus and Their Role in Floral Organ Development
Authors: Wang Jie , Ye Heng , Li Xiaolong , Lv Xue , Lou Jiaqi , Chen Yulu , Yu Shuhan , Zhang Lu
Published: December 2023

Hibiscus syriacus belongs to the Malvaceae family, and is a plant with medicinal, edible, and greening values. MADS-box transcription factor is a large family of regulatory factors involved in a variety of biological processes in plants. Here, we performed a genome-wide characterization of MADS-box proteins in H. syriacus and investigated gene structure, phylogenetics, cis-acting elements, three-dimensional structure, gene expression, and protein interaction to identify candidate MADS-box genes that mediate petal developmental regulation in H. syriacus. A total of 163 candidate MADS-box genes were found and classified into type I (Mα, Mβ, and Mγ) and type II (MIKC and Mδ). Analysis of cis-acting elements in the promoter region showed that most elements were correlated to plant hormones. The analysis of nine HsMADS expressions of two different H. syriacus cultivars showed that they were differentially expressed between two type flowers. The analysis of protein interaction networks also indicated that MADS proteins played a crucial role in floral organ identification, inflorescence and fruit development, and flowering time. This research is the first to analyze the MADS-box family of H. syriacus and provides an important reference for further study of the biological functions of the MADS-box, especially in flower organ development.
Development and Regulation of the Extreme Biofilm Formation of Deinococcus radiodurans R1 under Extreme Environmental Conditions
Authors: Guo Qiannan , Zhan Yuhua , Zhang Wei , Wang Jin , Yan Yongliang , Wang Wenxiu , Lin Min
Published: December 2023

To grow in various harsh environments, extremophiles have developed extraordinary strategies such as biofilm formation, which is an extremely complex and progressive process. However, the genetic elements and exact mechanisms underlying extreme biofilm formation remain enigmatic. Here, we characterized the biofilm-forming ability of Deinococcus radiodurans in vitro under extreme environmental conditions and found that extremely high concentrations of NaCl or sorbitol could induce biofilm formation. Meantime, the survival ability of biofilm cells was superior to that of planktonic cells in different extreme conditions, such as hydrogen peroxide stress, sorbitol stress, and high UV radiation. Transcriptome profiles of D. radiodurans in four different biofilm development stages further revealed that only 13 matched genes, which are involved in environmental information processing, carbohydrate metabolism, or stress responses, share sequence homology with genes related to the biofilm formation of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Overall, 64% of the differentially expressed genes are functionally unknown, indicating the specificity of the regulatory network of D. radiodurans. The mutation of the drRRA gene encoding a response regulator strongly impaired biofilm formation ability, implying that DrRRA is an essential component of the biofilm formation of D. radiodurans. Furthermore, transcripts from both the wild type and the drRRA mutant were compared, showing that the expression of drBON1 (Deinococcus radioduransBON domain-containing protein 1) significantly decreased in the drRRA mutant during biofilm development. Further analysis revealed that the drBON1 mutant lacked the ability to form biofilm and DrRRA, and as a facilitator of biofilm formation, could directly stimulate the transcription of the biofilm-related gene drBON1. Overall, our work highlights a molecular mechanism mediated by the response regulator DrRRA for controlling extreme biofilm formation and thus provides guidance for future studies to investigate novel mechanisms that are used by D. radiodurans to adapt to extreme environments.
PIM Kinase Inhibition Attenuates the Malignant Progression of Metastatic Hepatoblastoma
Authors: Julson Janet R. , Quinn Colin H. , Butey Swatika , Erwin Michael H. , Marayati Raoud , Nazam Nazia , Stewart Jerry E. , Beierle Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2023

Hepatoblastoma is the most common primary pediatric liver tumor. Children with pulmonary metastases at diagnosis experience survival rates as low as 25%. We have shown PIM kinases play a role in hepatoblastoma tumorigenesis. In this study, we assessed the role of PIM kinases in metastatic hepatoblastoma. We employed the metastatic hepatoblastoma cell line, HLM_2. PIM kinase inhibition was attained using PIM3 siRNA and the pan-PIM inhibitor, AZD1208. Effects of PIM inhibition on proliferation were evaluated via growth curve. Flow cytometry determined changes in cell cycle. AlamarBlue assay assessed effects of PIM kinase inhibition and cisplatin treatment on viability. The lethal dose 50% (LD50) of each drug and combination indices (CI) were calculated and isobolograms constructed to determine synergy. PIM kinase inhibition resulted in decreased HLM_2 proliferation, likely through cell cycle arrest mediated by p21. Combination therapy with AZD1208 and cisplatin resulted in synergy, potentially through downregulation of the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase DNA damage response pathway. When assessing the combined effects of pharmacologic PIM kinase inhibition with cisplatin on HLM_2 cells, we found the agents to be synergistic, potentially through inhibition of the ATM pathway. These findings support further exploration of PIM kinase inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for metastatic hepatoblastoma.
Effect of THz Waves of Different Orientations on K+ Permeation Efficiency in the KcsA Channel
Authors: Wang Yize , Wang Hongguang , Ding Wen , Zhao Xiaofei , Li Yongdong , Liu Chunliang
Published: December 2023

Potassium (K) channels show the highest variability and most frequent alterations in expression in many tumor types, and modulation of K+ channels may represent a new window for cancer therapy. In previous work, we found that a terahertz (THz) field incident along the z-axis with a frequency of 51.87 THz increased the ion flux through K+ channels. In practice, it is difficult to ensure that the incident electromagnetic (EM) wave is strictly parallel to the direction of channel ion flow. In this paper, we found by changing the direction of the applied electric field that the EM wave of a specific frequency has the largest ion flux when the incident direction is along the ion flow, and the smallest ion flux when the incident direction is perpendicular to the ion flow, and that overall the EM wave of this frequency enhances the ion flow of the K+ channel. Changes in the direction of the applied field at a specific frequency affect the stability of the φ dihedral angle of the GLY77 residue and alter the ion permeation mechanism in the selectivity filter (SF) region, thus affecting the ion flux. Therefore, this frequency can be used to modulate K+ fluxes by THz waves to cause rapid apoptosis in potassium-overloaded tumor cells. This approach consequently represents an important tool for the treatment of cancer and is expected to be applied in practical therapy.
An Atlas of Promoter Chromatin Modifications and HiChIP Regulatory Interactions in Human Subcutaneous Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Halasz Laszlo , Divoux Adeline , Sandor Katalin , Erdos Edina , Daniel Bence , Smith Steven R. , Osborne Timothy F.
Published: December 2023

The genome of human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) from abdominal and gluteofemoral adipose tissue depots are maintained in depot-specific stable epigenetic conformations that influence cell-autonomous gene expression patterns and drive unique depot-specific functions. The traditional approach to explore tissue-specific transcriptional regulation has been to correlate differential gene expression to the nearest-neighbor linear-distance regulatory region defined by associated chromatin features including open chromatin status, histone modifications, and DNA methylation. This has provided important information; nonetheless, the approach is limited because of the known organization of eukaryotic chromatin into a topologically constrained three-dimensional network. This network positions distal regulatory elements in spatial proximity with gene promoters which are not predictable based on linear genomic distance. In this work, we capture long-range chromatin interactions using HiChIP to identify remote genomic regions that influence the differential regulation of depot-specific genes in ADSCs isolated from different adipose depots. By integrating these data with RNA-seq results and histone modifications identified by ChIP-seq, we uncovered distal regulatory elements that influence depot-specific gene expression in ADSCs. Interestingly, a subset of the HiChIP-defined chromatin loops also provide previously unknown connections between waist-to-hip ratio GWAS variants with genes that are known to significantly influence ADSC differentiation and adipocyte function.
MLLT11 Regulates Endometrial Stroma Cell Adhesion, Proliferation and Survival in Ectopic Lesions of Women with Advanced Endometriosis
Authors: Proestling Katharina , Husslein Heinrich , Hudson Quanah James , Witzmann-Stern Matthias , Widmar Barbara , Bagó-Horváth Zsuzsanna , Sandrieser Lejla , Perricos Alexandra , Wenzl René , Yotova Iveta
Published: December 2023

MLLT11 is a gene implicated in cell differentiation and the development and progression of human cancers, but whose role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis is still unknown. Using quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, we analyzed 37 women with and 33 women without endometriosis for differences in MLLT11 expression. We found that MLLT11 is reduced in the ectopic stroma cells of women with advanced stage endometriosis compared to women without endometriosis. MLLT11 knockdown in control stroma cells resulted in the downregulation of their proliferation accompanied by G1 cell arrest and an increase in the expression of p21 and p27. Furthermore, the knockdown of MLLT11 was associated with increased apoptosis resistance to camptothecin associated with changes in BCL2/BAX signaling. Finally, MLLT11 siRNA knockdown in the control primary stroma cells led to an increase in cell adhesion associated with the transcriptional activation of ACTA2 and TGFB2. We found that the cellular phenotype of MLLT11 knockdown cells resembled the phenotype of the primary endometriosis stroma cells of the lesion, where the levels of MLLT11 are significantly reduced compared to the eutopic stroma cells of women without the disease. Overall, our results indicate that MLLT11 may be a new clinically relevant player in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
The Antiproliferative and Proapoptotic Effects of Cucurbitacin B on BPH-1 Cells via the p53/MDM2 Axis
Authors: Zhou Ping , Huang Sisi , Shao Congcong , Huang Dongyan , Hu Yingyi , Su Xin , Yang Rongfu , Jiang Juan , Wu Jianhui
Published: December 2023

Cucurbitacin B (Cu B), a triterpenoid compound, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Most studies only focus on the hepatoprotective activity of Cu B, and little effort has been geared toward exploring the effect of Cu B on the prostate. Our study identified that Cu B inhibited the proliferation of the benign prostatic hyperplasia epithelial cell line (BPH-1). At the molecular level, Cu B upregulated MDM2 and thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) mRNA levels. Immunocytochemistry results revealed that the protein expressions of p53 and MDM2 were upregulated in BPH-1 cells. Furthermore, Cu B upregulated THBS1 expression and downregulated COX-2 expression in the BPH-1 cell supernatant. Altogether, Cu B may inhibit prostate cell proliferation by activating the p53/MDM2 signaling cascade and downregulating the COX-2 expression.