bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Analysis of Venous Sinus Diameters: Unveiling Vascular Alterations in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Tunç Abdulkadir , Danisan Gurkan , Taydas Onur , Kara Ahmet Burak , Öncel Samet , Özdemir Mustafa
Published: August 2024

Background: Alterations in the cerebral venous system have been increasingly recognized as a significant component of the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). This study aimed to explore the relationship between venous sinus diameter and MS to understand potential vascular alterations in MS patients compared with controls. We sought to determine whether these alterations were correlated with disease characteristics such as duration, lesion type, and disability score. Methods: This study included 79 MS patients diagnosed according to the 2017 McDonald criteria and 67 healthy individuals. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans via a 1.5 Tesla system provided measurements of the superior sagittal sinus, right and left transverse sinus, sinus rectus, and venous structures. Statistical analysis was conducted via SPSS, employing independent sample t tests, ANOVA, chi-square tests, and Pearson correlation analysis, with the significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: This study revealed significant differences in venous sinus diameter between MS patients and controls, with MS patients exhibiting larger diameters. Specifically, patients with brainstem and spinal lesions had larger diameters in certain sinus regions. No significant correlations were found between venous sinus diameter and demographic factors, expanded disability status scale scores, or lesion counts. However, a significant increase in perivenular lesions was noted in patients with longer disease durations. Conclusions: The findings indicate notable vascular alterations in MS patients, particularly in venous sinus diameters, suggesting a potential vascular component in MS pathology. The lack of correlation with conventional clinical and MRI metrics highlights the complexity of MS pathology. These insights underscore the need for further research, particularly longitudinal studies, to elucidate the role of venous changes in MS progression and their potential as therapeutic targets.
ELOVL2, PRKG2, and EDARADD DNA Methylation Strongly Estimate Indonesian Adolescents
Authors: Soedarsono Nurtami , Hanafi Muhammad Garry Syahrizal , Hartomo Bambang Tri , Auerkari Elza Ibrahim
Published: August 2024

Recently, there has been a growing interest in using DNA methylation analysis for age estimation. Despite this growing interest, there is a scarcity of research on the potential of DNA methylation as a biomarker for age estimation in Indonesia. This study aims to investigate the applicability of ELOVL2, PRKG2, and EDARADD genes for forensic identification in the 11–20 age group among Indonesians. This research utilizes 43 archived blood samples from healthy individuals who underwent blood tests at the Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital (RSPAD) in Central Jakarta, Indonesia. The methylation-specific PCR (MSP) technique assessed the DNA methylation level. The key findings of this study include (1) a strong positive correlation between methylation levels in the ELOVL2 gene and age; (2) a strong negative correlation between methylation levels in PRKG2 and EDARADD genes with age; (3) the development of three linear regression formulas for age prediction; and (4) mean absolute error (MAE) values derived from this research, which are ±0.48 for ELOVL2 gene regression formula, ±0.58 for PRKG2 gene regression formula, and ±0.72 for EDARADD gene regression formula. In summary, this study explores the potential of DNA methylation analysis for age estimation in Indonesia, focusing on ELOVL2, PRKG2, and EDARADD genes in the 11–20 age group. The findings underscore the applicability of DNA methylation analysis in forensic identification and age estimation, paving the way for future research in this field.
Tear Film Conditions and Depression Symptoms in Persons with Obesity
Authors: Sanchez-Sanchez Anabel , Leon-Verdin MaGuadalupe , Chavez-Cerda Sabino , Martinez-Cordero Claudia
Published: August 2024

Most persons with obesity who have undergone gastric bypass surgery present depressive symptoms. Depression and anxiety have been associated with tear film disorders. This study aimed to investigate whether there is a correlation between tear film conditions and depression symptoms in patients subjected to bariatric surgery. The participants completed a Patient Health Questionnaire to detect depression symptoms. The break-up time and Schirmer test were subsequently applied; the measurements were performed three times, and the average time was subsequently recorded. The results revealed that the Schirmer test score and PH-9 score were negatively correlated, but this was not the case for the break-up time test. Depression symptoms may correlate with lower tear production from the principal tear gland, but they may not have the same effect on meibomian gland production in adults undergoing bariatric surgery. In addition to routine control, bariatric surgery patients should be periodically evaluated by an ophthalmologist and/or psychologist who is aware of potential comorbidities. Furthermore, the observed association between depression symptoms and tear deficiencies highlights the importance of further investigations to gain a better understanding of these mechanisms.
Cross-Modality Person Re-Identification Method with Joint-Modality Generation and Feature Enhancement
Authors: Bi Yihan , Wang Rong , Zhou Qianli , Zeng Zhaolong , Lin Ronghui , Wang Mingjie
Published: August 2024

In order to minimize the disparity between visible and infrared modalities and enhance pedestrian feature representation, a cross-modality person re-identification method is proposed, which integrates modality generation and feature enhancement. Specifically, a lightweight network is used for dimension reduction and augmentation of visible images, and intermediate modalities are generated to bridge the gap between visible images and infrared images. The Convolutional Block Attention Module is embedded into the ResNet50 backbone network to selectively emphasize key features sequentially from both channel and spatial dimensions. Additionally, the Gradient Centralization algorithm is introduced into the Stochastic Gradient Descent optimizer to accelerate convergence speed and improve generalization capability of the network model. Experimental results on SYSU-MM01 and RegDB datasets demonstrate that our improved network model achieves significant performance gains, with an increase in Rank-1 accuracy of 7.12% and 6.34%, as well as an improvement in mAP of 4.00% and 6.05%, respectively.
Domain-Agnostic Representation of Side-Channels
Authors: Spence Aaron , Bangay Shaun
Published: August 2024

Side channels are unintended pathways within target systems that leak internal target information. Side-channel sensing (SCS) is the process of exploiting side channels to extract embedded target information. SCS is well established within the cybersecurity (CYB) domain, and has recently been proposed for medical diagnostics and monitoring (MDM). Remaining unrecognised is its applicability to human–computer interaction (HCI), among other domains (Misc). This article analyses literature demonstrating SCS examples across the MDM, HCI, Misc, and CYB domains. Despite their diversity, established fields of advanced sensing and signal processing underlie each example, enabling the unification of these currently otherwise isolated domains. Identified themes are collating under a proposed domain-agnostic SCS framework. This SCS framework enables a formalised and systematic approach to studying, detecting, and exploiting of side channels both within and between domains. Opportunities exist for modelling SCS as data structures, allowing for computation irrespective of domain. Future methodologies can take such data structures to enable cross- and intra-domain transferability of extraction techniques, perform side-channel leakage detection, and discover new side channels within target systems.
Dynamic Injection and Permutation Coding for Enhanced Data Transmission
Authors: Ogunyanda Kehinde , Ogunyanda Opeyemi O. , Shongwe Thokozani
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we propose a novel approach to enhance spectral efficiency in communication systems by dynamically adjusting the mapping between cyclic permutation coding (CPC) and its injected form. By monitoring channel conditions such as interference levels and impulsive noise strength, the system optimises the coding scheme to maximise data transmission reliability and efficiency. The CPC method employed in this work maps information bits onto non-binary symbols in a cyclic manner, aiming to improve the Hamming distance between mapped symbols. To address challenges such as low data rates inherent in permutation coding, injection techniques are introduced by removing δ column(s) from the CPC codebook. Comparative analyses demonstrate that the proposed dynamic adaptation scheme outperforms conventional permutation coding and injection schemes. Additionally, we present a generalised mathematical expression to describe the relationship between the spectral efficiencies of both coding schemes. This dynamic approach ensures efficient and reliable communication in environments with varying levels of interference and impulsive noise, highlighting its potential applicability to systems like power line communications.
Dose Finding in Oncology Trials Guided by Ordinal Toxicity Grades Using Continuous Dose Levels
Authors: Tighiouart Mourad , Rogatko André
Published: August 2024

We present a Bayesian adaptive design for dose finding in oncology trials with application to a first-in-human trial. The design is based on the escalation with overdose control principle and uses an intermediate grade 2 toxicity in addition to the traditional binary indicator of dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) to guide the dose escalation and de-escalation. We model the dose–toxicity relationship using the proportional odds model. This assumption satisfies an important ethical concern when a potentially toxic drug is first introduced in the clinic; if a patient experiences grade 2 toxicity at the most, then the amount of dose escalation is lower relative to that wherein if this patient experienced a maximum of grade 1 toxicity. This results in a more careful dose escalation. The performance of the design was assessed by deriving the operating characteristics under several scenarios for the true MTD and expected proportions of grade 2 toxicities. In general, the trial design is safe and achieves acceptable efficiency of the estimated MTD for a planned sample size of twenty patients. At the time of writing this manuscript, twelve patients have been enrolled to the trial.
Project-Based Learning in Interdisciplinary Spaces: A Case Study in Norway and the United States
Authors: Bolick Margaret Ann , Thomassen Malena , Apland Jennifer , Spencer Olivia , Nicole Fantasi , Tran Sonja Kim Ngan , Voigt Matthew , Lazar Kelly Best
Published: August 2024

The research described in this case study features a cohort of five exchange students from post-secondary institutions in Norway and the United States who collaboratively engaged in a project-based learning experience infused with aspects of place-based education, lesson study, and the pedagogical technique “students as partners”. The students were tasked with crafting an interdisciplinary lesson combining mathematics and environmental science to address a localized problem in the Southeastern United States. This study reflects on how the students participated in project-based learning as well as the instructional practices that supported student engagement. Students identified an increase in understanding of interdisciplinary and multicultural Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, a broader understanding of instructional practices, and exposure to educational research. Data were collected throughout the study using a variety of techniques, including discussion posts, collaborative documents, and reflections to gauge student experience and project progress. The results provide evidence to support the use of project-based learning in postsecondary STEM classrooms and emphasize the benefits of engaging students in curriculum development.
Designing for Critical Science Agency in a Community-Based Science Curriculum
Authors: Gyles Symone A.
Published: August 2024

Much of the literature that examines critical science agency (CSA) focuses on how students enact their CSA to support knowledge construction and agentic action. Few studies, however, address how science curricula can be specifically designed to support students in exercising their CSA. In this study, I examine features of a community-based science (CBS) curricular design that engages students in justice-oriented science learning to advance their CSA. More specifically, I analyze the design and structure of an environmental science elective course to investigate features of CBS curricular design that support students in exercising their CSA, including: (1) leveraging learning goals to create community change, (2) developing students’ toolkits, (3) cultivating spaces for advocacy and critical hope, and (4) critical and ongoing reflection. The findings suggest that science curriculum can be purposefully designed to assist students in exercising their CSA through generative learning experiences that empower them as community change agents. As we move toward more equity and justice-centered science learning, I recommend that future science curricula take community-based science approaches to design, structuring learning around students’ CSA by attending to how formal science learning can be used as an avenue to support community change.
Multi-Scale Encoding Method with Spectral Shape Information for Hyperspectral Images
Authors: Zhao Dong , Zhang Gong
Published: August 2024

Spectral encoding is an important way of describing spectral features and patterns. Traditional methods focused on encoding the spectral amplitude information (SAI). Abundant spectral shape information (SSI) was wasted. In addition, traditional statistical encoding methods might only gain local adaptability since different objects should have their own best encoding scales. In order to obtain differential signals from hyperspectral images (HSI) for detecting ground objects correctly, a multi-scale encoding (MSE) method with SSI and two optimization strategies were proposed in this research. The proposed method concentrated on describing the SAI and SSI of the spectral reflectance signals. Four widely used open data sets were adopted to validate the performance of the proposed method. Experimental results indicated that the MSE method with SSI could describe the details of spectral signals accurately. It could obtain excellent performance for detecting similar objects with a small number of samples. In addition, the optimization strategies contributed to obtaining the best result from dynamic encoding scales.
An Enhanced Six-Turn Multilayer Planar Inductor Interleaved Winding Design for LLC Resonant Converters with Low Current Ringing
Authors: Liu Qichen , Zhang Zhengquan
Published: August 2024

Planar magnetic components have been widely used in high-density power converters and are suitable for various topologies. The application of planar inductors in LLC resonant converters can lead to parasitic capacitance, which causes current ringing and results in EMI issues. To mitigate the impact of current ringing, the parasitic capacitance of the planar inductor needs to be reduced. This paper proposes a new six-turn interleaved winding design. Compared to the previous four-turn interleaved winding design, it maintains low parasitic capacitance while positioning both the input and output terminals of the inductor on the outer turn, further enhancing the integration of high-density power converters. The parasitic capacitance was calculated using theoretical methods and verified through finite element simulations. Experimental validation was conducted using an LLC resonant converter test platform. Compared to the previous four-turn interleaved winding design, the new six-turn interleaved winding design satisfies both the input and output terminals, using an outer turn configuration. Additionally, the new design exhibits reduced parasitic capacitance and is suitable for use in LLC resonant converters, where it also minimizes current ringing.
Numerical Computation of Multi-Parameter Stability Boundaries for Vienna Rectifiers
Authors: Sun Zhang , Jin Weidong , Wu Fan , Liao Yong , Le Shuyu , Wu Yunpu
Published: August 2024

To address the challenges in establishing the state transfer matrix and the complexity of eigenvalue calculation in determining the multi-parameter stability boundaries of high-order nonlinear Vienna rectifiers, a novel numerical computation method is proposed in this paper. This method leverages a numerical stability criterion and a grid variable step search to efficiently calculate these stability boundaries. The small-signal model of the Vienna rectifier is derived by constructing the time-varying state transfer matrix using the periodic solution of the harmonic balance method. Eigenvalues are rapidly calculated via the periodic numerical solution of the state transfer matrix. The proposed parameter sensitivity-based grid variable step search method ensures a fast and accurate determination of stability boundaries. A hardware experimental setup is established to validate the stability boundaries of the Vienna rectifier under various parameter variations, including load, component, and control changes. The experimental results closely match the simulations, confirming the correctness and superiority of the proposed method.
Optimizing Romanian Managerial Accounting Practices through Digital Technologies: A Resource-Based and Technology-Deterministic Approach to Sustainable Accounting
Authors: Pantea Mioara Florina , Cilan Teodor Florin , Cuc Lavinia Denisia , Rad Dana , Bâtcă-Dumitru Graziella Corina , Șendroiu Cleopatra , Almași Robert Cristian , Feher Andrea , Gomoi Bogdan Cosmin
Published: August 2024

The rapid advancement of Big Data and artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed management accounting practices, necessitating a reevaluation of job profiles and skill-sets required for professionals in this field. This study explores managerial accounting practices in Romanian contexts, examining how digital technology aligns with competitive strategy, managerial efficiency, human resources constraints, and limited resources constraints. Grounded in technology determinism and the resource-based view theory, this research identifies factors influencing the successful implementation of and challenges associated with managerial accounting practices. A sequential mediation analysis investigates pathways wherein investments in human resources and constraints related to limited resources influence managerial advancement through digital technology and competitive strategy. This study emphasizes digital technologies’ role in optimizing costs, enhancing operational processes, and facilitating strategic decision-making. This study’s conclusions show that, even in situations with limited resources, digital transformation projects greatly improve managerial effectiveness and competitive strategy. The participants included 406 professional accountants from the Romanian accounting community. Practical implications for companies include the necessity for strategic planning in digital implementations to mitigate constraints and capitalize on opportunities for sustainable growth and competitive advantage. This report provides a path to optimize the potential of digital technology and gives practical recommendations for researchers and business leaders.
Educational Workshop on STM32 Digital Control in Buck Converters: Design, Development, and Online Resources
Authors: Corti Fabio , Meshram VipinKumar Shriram , Casaucao Inmaculada , Triviño-Cabrera Alicia , Reatti Alberto , López-Alcolea Francisco Javier
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive guide for the design and development of a power electronic converter, specifically focusing on the Buck converter. The guide aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, providing engineering students with a hands-on experience in digital control using the STM32 microcontroller. The workshop experience described covers all necessary steps, from the initial design and simulation using tools like MATLAB-Simulink and Plecs to the final implementation and testing of the converter. The educational value of this approach is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of practical engagement in understanding complex concepts related to power electronics.
A Fast Algorithm for 3D Focusing Inversion of Magnetic Data and Its Application in Geothermal Exploration
Authors: Dai Weiming , Jia Hongfa , Jiang Niande , Liu Yanhong , Zhou Weihui , Zhu Zhiying , Zhou Shuai
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a fast focusing inversion algorithm of magnetic data based on the conjugate gradient method, which can be used to describe the underground target geologic body efficiently and clearly. The proposed method realizes an effect similar to matrix compression by changing the computation order, calculating the inner product of vectors and equivalent expansion of expressions. Model tests show that this strategy successfully reduces the computation time of a single iteration of the conjugate gradient method, so the three-dimensional magnetic data inversion is realized under a certain number of iterations. In this paper, the detailed calculation steps of the proposed inversion method are given, and the effectiveness and high efficiency of the proposed fast focusing inversion method are verified by three theoretical model tests and a set of measured data. Finally, the fast focus inversion algorithm is applied to the magnetic data of Gonghe Basin, Qinghai Province, to describe the spatial distribution range of deep hot dry rock, which provides a direction for the continuous exploration of geothermal resources in this area.
The Quality of Jerusalem Artichoke Biomass Harvested Twice during the Growing Season in North-Eastern Poland
Authors: Bogucka Bożena , Dubis Bogdan
Published: August 2024

Jerusalem artichoke (JA) (Helianthus tuberosus L., family Asteraceae) is an important feedstock for biofuel production due to its high biomass yield per unit area and the low costs associated with plantation establishment and cultivation technology. The chemical composition of the aerial biomass of JA grown in a perennial cycle and harvested once or twice during the growing season was determined, to assess the potential of JA for energy production. The experiment was conducted in 2018–2020 in north-eastern Poland. The study demonstrated that the crude ash (CA) content of the biomass was significantly (by 24.1%) higher when JA was harvested twice rather than once during the growing season, making it less suitable for energy purposes. However, double cutting induced an increase in the content of crude fiber (CFR), cellulose, and hemicellulose (by 87%, 41%, and 52%, respectively) in JA biomass compared with single cutting. In addition, twice-harvested JA biomass was also characterized by higher concentrations of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) (by 40.7%, 38.9%, and 30.3%, respectively), and a lower (by 29.3%) concentration of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC). These results indicate that the chemical composition of a JA biomass can be modified by selecting the appropriate harvest strategy, which is an important consideration for end users.
Dynamic Linkages among Carbon Emissions, Artificial Intelligence, Economic Policy Uncertainty, and Renewable Energy Consumption: Evidence from East Asia and Pacific Countries
Authors: Shah Salman Ali , Ye Xingyi , Wang Bo , Wu Xiangjun
Published: August 2024

A growing number of countries are concerned about the reliability of environmental indicators; as a result, there is a pressing need to find ways to improve ecological welfare on a global scale. This study investigates the dynamic linkages among CO2 emissions, AI, economic policy uncertainty (EPU), and renewable energy consumption. To analyze these relationships empirically, this study used panel data for East Asian and Pacific countries from 2000 to 2023. This study used fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLSs), dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLSs), Hausman fixed effects (FEs) and random effects (REs), the generalized method of moments (GMM), and variance decomposition tests. This study’s results show that AI has a positive relationship with CO2 emissions in terms of the benchmark regression, while it shows minimal impact on CO2 emissions according to the variance decomposition test. Similarly, economic policy uncertainty shows a strong positive relationship with CO2 emissions through benchmark regression FEs and REs, GMM, and the variance decomposition test. An increase in EPU will positively affect CO2 emissions. Renewable energy consumption has a strong negative impact on CO2 emissions in East Asian and Pacific countries. These findings reveal that a unit increase in renewable energy consumption will decrease CO2 emissions. Based on the results of this study, it is suggested that policy certainty and an upsurge in renewable energy consumption are essential for environmental upgrading. In contrast, adopting AI has no robust effect on ecological degradation (CO2 emissions). East Asian and Pacific countries need to focus on the adoption of renewables, as well as the control of economic policy uncertainty. While AI in East Asian and Pacific countries is still in the initial stage of adoption, policy formation is essential to overcome the possible carbon footprint of AI in the short term.
Enhancement of Low Voltage Ride Through (LVRT) Capability of DFIG-Based Wind Turbines with Enhanced Demagnetization Control Model
Authors: Döşoğlu M. Kenan , Doğan Muhsin Uğur
Published: August 2024

Since the stator of DFIG-based wind turbines is directly connected to the grid, it is dramatically affected by transient situations that may occur on the grid side. In order to meet grid code requirements, reactive power support must be provided to keep the DFIG connected to the grid during the transient state. To achieve this, Low Voltage Ride Through (LVRT) capability needs to be implemented in the grid-connected DFIG. Depending on the grid code requirements, different control models are used to provide LVRT capability. In this study, the demagnetization control model was developed in DFIG. In addition, the stator dynamic model has also been developed in order to decrease the disturbances that occur due to the stator being directly connected to the machine and to increase the calculation performance within the machine. While natural and forced flux models based on rotor electromotive force were developed in the demagnetization control model in DFIG, the stator electromotive force model was developed to ensure stator dynamics. In the study, it was seen that the demagnetization control model developed for transient situations such as balanced and unbalanced faults gave better results than the traditionally used model. The results obtained were evaluated in detail in terms of stability and oscillations.
A Hydrogen-Integrated Aggregator Model for Managing the Point of Common Coupling Congestion in Green Multi-Microgrids
Authors: Khavari Farshad , Liu Jay
Published: August 2024

The rapid expansion of energy storage integration has not provided sufficient time to strengthen and expand the transmission and distribution network. This issue can lead to PCC congestion in green multi-microgrid (MMG) systems. In these systems, microgrids operate independently and connect to the grid at a point of common coupling (PCC) without sharing operational data with neighboring microgrids. To address this issue, this paper proposes a bi-level optimization model designed to reschedule hydrogen storage systems. The first level allows each microgrid to optimize its energy transactions with the grid and communicates any unbalanced energy to the second level, where a hydrogen management system (HMS) is introduced. The HMS optimizes virtual hydrogen prices to address the PCC congestion and maximize the MMG’s profit. These virtual prices are then sent to the first level, allowing the microgrids to reschedule the hydrogen storage systems based on these virtual prices. Finally, the MMG’s profit is fairly allocated among the microgrids using the Shapley value method. The proposed method’s effectiveness is demonstrated using simulations, which show a six percent increase in MMG profit compared to scenarios that only share PCC capacity while maintaining the data privacy of all the involved microgrids.
Revealing the Nonlinear Impact of Human Activities and Climate Change on Ecosystem Services in the Karst Region of Southeastern Yunnan Using the XGBoost–SHAP Model
Authors: Zhou Bao , Chen Guoping , Yu Haoran , Zhao Junsan , Yin Ying
Published: August 2024

The Karst region is a critical ecological barrier and functional zone in China. Understanding the spatiotemporal evolution of its ecosystem services and its relationship with human activities and climate change is of importance for achieving regional ecological protection and high-quality development. In this study, we used the InVEST model and CASA model to evaluate the spatiotemporal evolution pattern of ecosystem services in the study area from 2000 to 2020. The XGBoost–SHAP model was used to reveal the key indicators and thresholds of changes in major ecosystem services in the study area due to climate change and human activities. The results showed significant land use changes in the study area from 2000 to 2020, particularly the conversion of cropland to construction land, which was more intense in economically developed areas. The areas of forest and grassland increased initially but later decreased due to the impact of human activities and natural factors. Habitat quality (HQ) showed an overall declining trend, while soil retention (SR) and water yield (WY) services exhibited significant interannual variations due to climate change. The changes in rainfall had a particularly notable impact on these services; in years with excessive rainfall, soil erosion intensified, leading to a decline in SR services, whereas in years with moderate rainfall, SR and WY services improved. Carbon fixation (CF) services were enhanced with the expansion of forest areas. The XGBoost–SHAP model further revealed that the effects of rainfall and sunshine duration on ecosystem services were nonlinear, while population density and the proportion of construction land had a significant negative impact on habitat quality and soil retention. The expansion of construction land had the most significant negative impact on habitat quality, whereas the increase in forest land significantly improved carbon fixation and the soil retention capacity. By revealing the mechanisms of the impact of climate change and human activities on ecosystem services, we aimed to provide support for the promotion of ecological conservation and sustainable development strategies in the study area, as well as to provide an important reference for areas with geographic similarities to the study area.
DNA Methylation of Postnatal Liver Development in Pigs
Authors: Wang Yuhao , Jin Hongling , Tong Xingyan , Yu Huan , Li Xuewei , Zeng Bo
Published: August 2024

DNA methylation plays an important role in the development and tissue differentiation of eukaryotes. In this study, bisulfite sequencing (BS-seq) technology was used to analyze the DNA methylation profiles of liver tissues taken from Rongchang pigs at three postnatal feeding stages, including newborn, suckling, and adult. The DNA methylation pattern across the genomes or genic region showed little difference between the three stages. We observed 419 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in promoters, corresponding to 323 genes between newborn and suckling stages, in addition to 288 DMRs, corresponding to 134 genes, between suckling and adult stages and 351 DMRs, corresponding to 293 genes, between newborn and adult stages. These genes with DMRs were mainly enriched in metabolic, immune-related functional processes. Correlation analysis showed that the methylation level of gene promoters was significantly negatively correlated with gene expression. Further, we found that genes related to nutritional metabolism, e.g., carbohydrate metabolism (FAHD1 and GUSB) or fatty acid metabolism (LPIN1 and ACOX2), lost DNA methylation in their promoter, with mRNA expression increased in newborn pigs compared with those in the suckling stage. A few fatty acid metabolism-related genes (SLC27A5, ACOX2) were hypomethylated and highly expressed in the newborn stage, which might satisfy the nutritional requirements of Rongchang pigs with high neonatal birth rates. In the adult stage, HMGCS2—which is related to fatty acid β-oxidation—was hypomethylated and highly expressed, which explains that the characteristics of high energy utilization in adult Rongchang pigs and their immune-related genes (CD68, STAT2) may be related to the establishment of liver immunity. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in pig liver postnatal development and growth. Our findings will serve as a valuable resource in hepatic metabolic studies and the agricultural food industry.
Study on the Polymorphic Loci of Explosive Strength-Related Genes in Elite Wrestlers
Authors: Qi Shuo , Yu Jinglun , Meng Fanbo , Wei Zhen , Liang Zhiqiang
Published: August 2024

This investigation aimed to explore the relationship between Chinese elite wrestlers and the polymorphic loci of explosive strength genes, and to further explore the feasibility of its application to athlete selection. The snapshot technique was used to resolve the polymorphic loci of explosive power genes in the wrestler group (59 elite wrestlers) and the control group (180 ordinary college students), and to analyze the genotype frequencies and allele frequencies of each group. A chi-square test was performed on the genotype and allele distribution data of each group to analyze the loci of explosive power genes that were associated with elite wrestlers. The loci that had an association with elite wrestlers were combined with the genotyping data, and the dominance ratios of the genotypes were calculated using the chi-square test to determine the dominant genotypes associated with elite wrestlers. The VDR gene rs2228570 locus exhibited statistically significant differences in genotype and allele distributions between elite wrestlers and the general population (p < 0.01). At the rs2228570 locus of the VDR gene, the difference between the CC genotype and other genotypes was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The rs2228570 locus of the VDR gene was identified as the locus associated with Chinese elite wrestlers. The polymorphism of the VDR gene can be used as a biomarker for Chinese wrestlers, and the CC genotype can be used as a molecular marker for the selection of Chinese elite athletes in this sport. However, expanding the sample size of elite athletes is necessary to further validate the scientific validity and feasibility of these findings.
Returning to Work after Breast Cancer: A One-Year Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Magnavita Nicola , Meraglia Igor , Terribile Daniela Andreina
Published: August 2024

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common invasive neoplasm and affects many women of working age. The return to work (RTW) of female survivors (BCSs) is associated with a better quality of life and longer survival. A tailored intervention to promote RTW was launched in 2022. A year later, the women were contacted to find out if RTW had occurred regularly and what their health conditions were compared to the baseline. BCSs reported excessive fatigue, poor sleep quality, anxiety, depression and reduced work ability; these parameters had not improved significantly compared to the baseline. Thematic analysis of the interviews confirmed the presence of personal, company, and societal factors that could hinder or favor RTW. The interviews demonstrated that, even in an economically developed country that has provided numerous benefits for BCSs, protection is not always effective. Personalized intervention seems necessary to complete the process of reintegrating BCSs into their future working careers.
Chi-Squared Automatic Interaction Detection Decision Tree Analysis of Social Determinants for Low Birth Weight in Virginia
Authors: Pattath Priyadarshini , Maynor Meagan Robinson , Anson-Dwamena Rexford
Published: August 2024

This study provides additional context to the literature regarding the social inequities that impact birth outcomes in Virginia using a decision tree analysis. Chi-squared automatic interaction detection data analysis (CHAID) was performed using data from the Virginia birth registry for the years 2015–2019. Birth weight was the outcome variable, while sociodemographic factors and maternity care deserts were the explanatory variables. The prevalence of low birth weight in Virginia was of 8.1%. The CHAID decision tree model demonstrated multilevel interaction among risk factors with three levels, with a total of 34 nodes. All the variables reached significance in the model, with race/ethnicity being the first major predictor variable, each category of race and ethnicity having different significant predictors, followed by prenatal care and maternal education in the next levels. These findings signify modifiable risk factors for low birth weight, in prioritizing efforts such as programs and policies. CHAID decision tree analysis provides an effective approach to detect target populations for further intervention as pathways derived from this decision tree shed light on the different predictors of high-risk population in each of the race/ethnicity demographic categories in Virginia.
Correction: Agriesti et al. Assignment of a Synthetic Population for Activity-Based Modeling Employing Publicly Available Data. ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2022, 11, 148
Authors: Agriesti Serio , Roncoli Claudio , Nahmias-Biran Bat-hen
Published: August 2024

In the original publication [...]
The Influence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on the Development of Selected Neurological Diseases
Authors: Kryńska Klaudia , Kuliś Katarzyna , Mazurek Wiktoria , Gudowska-Sawczuk Monika , Zajkowska Monika , Mroczko Barbara
Published: August 2024

In 2024, over 775 million cases of COVID-19 were recorded, including approximately 7 million deaths, indicating its widespread and dangerous nature. The disease is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which can manifest a wide spectrum of symptoms, from mild infection to respiratory failure and even death. Neurological symptoms, such as headaches, confusion, and impaired consciousness, have also been reported in some COVID-19 patients. These observations suggest the potential of SARS-CoV-2 to invade the central nervous system and induce neuroinflammation during infection. This review specifically explores the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and selected neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), ischemic stroke (IS), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It has been observed that the SARS-CoV-2 virus increases the production of cytokines whose action can cause the destruction of the myelin sheaths of nerve cells. Subsequently, the body may synthesize autoantibodies that attack nerve cells, resulting in damage to the brain’s anatomical elements, potentially contributing to the onset of multiple sclerosis. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 exacerbates inflammation, worsening the clinical condition in individuals already suffering from MS. Moreover, the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines may lead to an escalation in blood clot formation, which can result in thrombosis, obstructing blood flow to the brain and precipitating an ischemic stroke. AD is characterized by intense inflammation and heightened oxidative stress, both of which are exacerbated during SARS-CoV-2 infection. It has been observed that the SARS-CoV-2 demonstrates enhanced cell entry in the presence of both the ACE2 receptor, which is already elevated in AD and the ApoE ε4 allele. Consequently, the condition worsens and progresses more rapidly, increasing the mortality rate among AD patients. The above information underscores the numerous connections between SARS-CoV-2 infection and neurological diseases.
SOX2, JAGGED1, β-Catenin, and Vitamin D Receptor Expression Patterns during Early Development and Innervation of the Human Inner Ear
Authors: Mikulić Petra , Ogorevc Marin , Petričević Marin , Kaličanin Dean , Tafra Robert , Saraga-Babić Mirna , Mardešić Snježana
Published: August 2024

Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by lesions to the inner ear during development. Understanding the events and signaling pathways that drive inner ear formation is crucial for determining the possible causes of congenital hearing loss. We have analyzed the innervation and expression of SOX2, JAGGED1, β-catenin (CTNNB1), and vitamin D receptor (VDR) in the inner ears of human conceptuses aged 5 to 10 weeks after fertilization (W) using immunohistochemistry. The prosensory domains of the human inner ear displayed SOX2 and JAGGED1 expression throughout the analyzed period, with SOX2 expression being more extensive in all the analyzed timepoints. Innervation of vestibular prosensory domains was present at 6 W and extensive at 10 W, while nerve fibers reached the base of the cochlear prosensory domain at 7–8 W. CTNNB1 and VDR expression was mostly membranous and present during all analyzed timepoints in the inner ear, being the strongest in the non-sensory epithelium. Their expression was stronger in the vestibular region compared to the cochlear duct. CTNNB1 and VDR expression displayed opposite expression trends during the analyzed period, but additional studies are needed to elucidate whether they interact during inner ear development.
Xanthoxylin Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Lung Injury through Modulation of Akt/HIF-1α/NF-κB and Nrf2 Pathways
Authors: Liu Fu-Chao , Yang Yuan-Han , Liao Chia-Chih , Lee Hung-Chen
Published: August 2024

Xanthoxylin, a bioactive phenolic compound extracted from the traditional herbal medicine Penthorum Chinense Pursh, is renowned for its anti-inflammatory effects. While previous studies have highlighted the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Xanthoxylin, its precise mechanisms, particularly concerning immune response and organ protection, remain underexplored. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of Xanthoxylin on inflammation and associated signaling pathways in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI). ALI was induced via intratracheal administration of LPS, followed by intraperitoneal injections of Xanthoxylin at doses of 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, administered 30 min post-LPS exposure. Lung tissues were harvested for analysis 6 h after LPS challenge. Xanthoxylin treatment significantly mitigated lung tissue damage, pathological alterations, immune cell infiltration, and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Additionally, Xanthoxylin modulated the expression of key proteins in the protein kinase B (Akt)/hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, as well as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and oxidative markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the context of LPS-induced injury. This study demonstrates that Xanthoxylin exerts protective and anti-inflammatory effects by down-regulating and inhibiting the Akt/HIF-1α/NF-κB pathways, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of ALI or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Effects of Human Neural Stem Cells Overexpressing Neuroligin and Neurexin in a Spinal Cord Injury Model
Authors: Jeong Jiwon , Choi Yunseo , Kim Narae , Lee Haneul , Yoon Eun-Jung , Park Dongsun
Published: August 2024

Recent studies have highlighted the therapeutic potential of stem cells for various diseases. However, unlike other tissues, brain tissue has a specific structure, consisting of synapses. These synapses not only transmit but also process and refine information. Therefore, synaptic regeneration plays a key role in therapy of neurodegenerative disorders. Neurexins (NRXNs) and neuroligins (NLGNs) are synaptic cell adhesion molecules that connect pre- and postsynaptic neurons at synapses, mediate trans-synaptic signaling, and shape neural network properties by specifying synaptic functions. In this study, we investigated the synaptic regeneration effect of human neural stem cells (NSCs) overexpressing NRXNs (F3.NRXN) and NLGNs (F3.NLGN) in a spinal cord injury model. Overexpression of NRXNs and NLGNs in the neural stem cells upregulated the expression of synaptophysin, PSD95, VAMP2, and synapsin, which are synaptic markers. The BMS scores indicated that the transplantation of F3.NRXN and F3.NLGN enhanced the recovery of locomotor function in adult rodents following spinal cord injury. Transplanted F3.NRXN and F3.NLGN differentiated into neurons and formed a synapse with the host cells in the spinal cord injury mouse model. In addition, F3.NRXN and F3.NLGN cells restored growth factors (GFs) and neurotrophic factors (NFs) and induced the proliferation of host cells. This study suggested that NSCs overexpressing NRXNs and NLGNs could be candidates for cell therapy in spinal cord injuries by facilitating synaptic regeneration.
Investigating the Regulation of Ribosomal Protein S6 Kinase 1 by CoAlation
Authors: Malanchuk Oksana , Bdzhola Anna , Palchevskyi Sergii , Bdzhola Volodymyr , Chai Peng , Pardo Olivier E. , Seckl Michael J. , Banerjee Adrija , Peak-Chew Sew Yeu , Skehel Mark , Guruprasad Lalitha , Zhyvoloup Alexander , Gout Ivan , Filonenko Valeriy
Published: August 2024

Ribosomal protein S6 kinases belong to a family of highly conserved enzymes in eukaryotes that regulate cell growth, proliferation, survival, and the stress response. It is well established that the activation and downstream signalling of p70S6Ks involve multiple phosphorylation events by key regulators of cell growth, survival, and energy metabolism. Here, we report for the first time the covalent modification of p70S6K1 by coenzyme A (CoA) in response to oxidative stress, which regulates its kinase activity. The site of CoA binding (CoAlation) was mapped by mass spectrometry to cysteine 217 (Cys217), located in the kinase activation loop and only one amino acid away from the tripeptide DFG motif, which facilitates ATP-binding. The CoAlation of recombinant p70S6K1 was demonstrated in vitro and was shown to inhibit its kinase activity. Our molecular docking and dynamics analysis revealed the most likely mode for CoA binding to p70S6K1. This mechanism involves the non-covalent binding of the CoA ADP moiety to the p70S6K1 nucleotide-binding pocket, positioning the CoA thiol group in close proximity to form a covalent bond with the surface-exposed Cys217 residue. These findings support a “dual anchor” mechanism for protein kinase inhibition by CoAlation in cellular response to oxidative stress. Furthermore, the inhibition of S6K1 by CoAlation may open new avenues for developing novel inhibitors.