bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Mathematical Exploration of the Effects of Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury After a Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Lafci Büyükkahraman Mehtap , Chen Houjia , Chen-Charpentier Benito M. , Liao Jun , Kojouharov Hristo V.
Published: February 2025

Introduction: After myocardial infarction (MI), the heart undergoes necrosis, inflammation, scar formation, and remodeling. While restoring blood flow is crucial, it can cause ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, driven by reactive oxygen species (ROSs), which exacerbate cell death and tissue damage. This study introduces a mathematical model capturing key post-MI dynamics, including inflammatory responses, IR injury, cardiac remodeling, and stem cell therapy. The model uses nonlinear ordinary differential equations to simulate these processes under varying conditions, offering a predictive tool to understand MI pathophysiology better and optimize treatments. Methods: After myocardial infarction (MI), left ventricular remodeling progresses through three distinct yet interconnected phases. The first phase captures the immediate dynamics following MI, prior to any medical intervention. This stage is mathematically modeled using the system of ordinary differential equations: The second and third stages of the remodeling process account for the system dynamics of medical treatments, including oxygen restoration and subsequent stem cell injection at the injury site. Results: We simulate heart tissue and immune cell dynamics over 30 days for mild and severe MI using the novel mathematical model under medical treatment. The treatment involves no intervention until 2 h post-MI, followed by oxygen restoration and stem cell injection at day 7, which is shown experimentallyand numerically to be optimal. The simulation incorporates a baseline ROS threshold (Rc) where subcritical ROS levels do not cause cell damage. Conclusion: This study presents a novel mathematical model that extends a previously published framework by incorporating three clinically relevant parameters: oxygen restoration rate (ω), patient risk factors (γ), and neutrophil recruitment profile (δ). The model accounts for post-MI inflammatory dynamics, ROS-mediated ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, cardiac remodeling, and stem cell therapy. The model’s sensitivity highlights critical clinical insights: while oxygen restoration is vital, excessive rates may exacerbate ROS-driven IR injury. Additionally, heightened patient risk factors (e.g., smoking, obesity) and immunodeficiency significantly impact tissue damage and recovery. This predictive tool offers valuable insights into MI pathology and aids in optimizing treatment strategies to mitigate IR injury and improve post-MI outcomes.
Targeting Inflammation and Iron Deficiency in Heart Failure: A Focus on Older Adults
Authors: Maidana Daniela , Arroyo-Álvarez Andrea , Barreres-Martín Guillermo , Arenas-Loriente Andrea , Cepas-Guillen Pedro , Brigolin Garofo Raphaela Tereza , Caravaca-Pérez Pedro , Bonanad Clara
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a higher prevalence among older adults. Iron deficiency (ID), affecting up to 50% of HF patients, is closely linked to chronic inflammation, exacerbating HF outcomes. This review aims to explore the interplay between inflammation, ID, and HF, focusing on older patients, and to identify therapeutic gaps and emerging treatment strategies. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted, emphasizing the pathophysiological mechanisms of inflammation and ID in HF, the challenges of current diagnostic criteria, and the limitations of available treatments. Emerging pharmacological and diagnostic approaches were analyzed. Results: Chronic inflammation in HF, particularly in older adults, promotes functional ID through elevated hepcidin levels, impairing iron availability and worsening anemia. Current diagnostic criteria, relying heavily on ferritin, often misclassify ID due to inflammation. Intravenous (IV) iron therapy shows clinical benefits in patients with <50% left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), but the evidence is limited in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Emerging therapies, such as Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors like Roxadustat, offer promising avenues to improve iron metabolism and outcomes. Conclusions: ID and inflammation significantly impact HF progression, particularly inolder adults. Refining diagnostic criteria and exploring innovative therapies are critical to addressing these challenges. Future research should prioritize personalized approaches targeting inflammation and ID, especially in underrepresented populations, such as HFpEF and elderly patients.
Development of a Mass-Producible Microfluidic Device for Single and Bulk Mycobacteria Investigations
Authors: Teo Adrian J. T. , Gu Jianhui , Govyadinov Alexander , Kornilovitch Pavel , Wang Peiyun , Goh Serene , Tung Nguyen Truong , Peng Zhen , Koh Keith , Li King Ho Holden
Published: February 2025

We developed a mass-producible microfluidic device capable of long-term observations of single bacilli and bulk bacteria culture interactions for subsequent antimicrobial resistance (AMR) studies. The device provides high consistency across separate devices due to its standardized manufacturing process unlike conventional microfluidic devices. Mycobacteria bovis BCG and M. smegmatis are trapped within the microfluidic device using minimal equipment and capillary-based techniques, acting as a surrogate model for the highly pathogenic bacteria M. tuberculosis. Individual bacilli and bulk bacteria aggregates were observed across a span of ten growth cycles, revealing bacteria growth morphologies alike those in past research. We accordingly propose that this chip would be appropriate for observations of AMR trials involving M. tuberculosis.
Examining the Double-Edged Sword Effect of AI Usage on Work Engagement: The Moderating Role of Core Task Characteristics Substitution
Authors: Liu Xuan , Li Yuxuan
Published: February 2025

As the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace increases, investigating its impact on work engagement is crucial for optimizing human resource management and enhancing organizational productivity and competitiveness. Based on the Conservation of Resources theory, this study investigated whether AI usage exhibits a double-edged sword effect on work engagement and examined the moderating role of core task characteristics substitution in this relationship. A two-wave study was conducted among 279 employees from China, and Hayes’s PROCESS macro was used to test the moderated mediation model. The findings indicated that (1) AI usage enhances work engagement by increasing psychological availability and indirectly increases work engagement by suppressing work alienation; (2) core task characteristics substitution diminishes the enhancing effect of AI usage on psychological availability and the inhibiting effect of AI usage on work alienation; and (3) overall, AI usage tends to suppress work alienation, demonstrating an empowering effect. However, under conditions of high core task characteristics substitution, AI usage can increase work alienation, revealing potential negative effects. The findings enrich our understanding of the complex impact of AI usage on work engagement and offer valuable insights for managers to improve employee experiences in the AI era.
Evaluating the Impact of Insulation Materials on Energy Efficiency Using BIM-Based Simulation for Existing Building Retrofits: Case Study of an Apartment Building in Kanazawa, Japan
Authors: Teng Xiao , Shen Zhenjiang , Tutuko Dara Citra Saraswati
Published: February 2025

This research aims to facilitate informed decision-making to enhance building energy simulation, reduce costs, and minimize CO2 emissions through building insulation enhancements employing BIM-based simulation. Architectural models of an apartment, a prevalent residential structure in Japan, were developed and examined under diverse insulation scenarios utilizing ArchiCAD 28. Five insulation substances were chosen based on existing guidelines to ensure conformity with local standards and were evaluated for their thermal and environmental properties: Cellulose Fiber, Glass Wool, Urethane Foam, Phenolic Board, and Rock Wool for evaluation based on thermal and environmental properties. The simulation parameters were aligned with Japan’s energy efficiency standards and climate conditions. The factors addressed encompass energy performance evaluation, economic viability, and CO2 emissions. Simulation findings highlight Urethane Foam as the most effective and environmentally friendly building insulation material. This study provides valuable perspectives for property owners, building designers, and contractors, offering a framework for insulation enhancement choices that optimizes sustainable construction, reduces environmental impact, and enhances cost-effectiveness through the implementation of BIM-based simulation.
A Review on the Behavior of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) Under Long-Term Loads
Authors: Redžić Nermin , Grgić Nikola , Baloević Goran
Published: February 2025

This paper provides a research review regarding the creep of ultra-high-performance concrete with or without the addition of fibers. Unlike other similar studies that mainly considered influential factors and their effects on the creep behavior, this research focuses more attention on the analysis of UHPC creep models. For the creep strain assessments of these concretes, the creep models given in the latest standards cannot be used, but it is necessary to modify them to give reliable results, given the rather complex composition of UHPC. Several proposed creep models for UHPC are presented with comparative analysis. The observation is that by varying key parameters such as compressive strength, relative humidity, cross-sectional dimensions, and temperature, there may be major discrepancies between models, so additional experimental investigations are necessary to perform their calibration. In this paper, the parameters α1, α2, and γ of FIB Model Code 2010 have been modified in order to obtain a match with other proposed models in terms of the final value of the creep coefficient and the creep curve. The creep coefficient of the UHPC decreases when steel fiber content increases, but it is important to consider the excessive fiber addition because very often it causes an increase in creep strain. The application of thermal treatment at a temperature of 90 °C for 48 h significantly improves the time-dependent properties of UHPC. An analysis of the impact of the steel fiber content, fiber type, thermal treatment, and the age of the concrete under load on strains of UHPC specimens and beams under long-term loads is performed.
Impact of Internal and External Landscape Patterns on Urban Greenspace Cooling Effects: Analysis from Maximum and Accumulative Perspectives
Authors: Tang Lujia , Zhan Qingming , Liu Huimin , Fan Yuli
Published: February 2025

Urban greenspace is an effective strategy to mitigate the urban heat island (UHI) effect. While its cooling effects are well-established, uncertainties remain regarding the combined impact of internal and external landscape patterns, particularly the role of morphological spatial patterns. Taking 40 urban greenspaces in Wuhan as the sample, this study quantified cooling effects from maximum and accumulative perspectives and investigated the impacts of internal and external landscape patterns. First, using land surface temperature (LST) data, four cooling indexes—greenspace cooling area (GCA), cooling efficiency (GCE), cooling intensity (GCI), and cooling gradient (GCG)—were quantified. Then, the relationships between these indexes and landscape patterns, including scale and landscape composition, morphological spatial pattern, and surrounding environmental characteristics, were investigated by correlation analysis and multiple stepwise regression. The results showed that the cooling effects of greenspace varied across different perspectives. Both greenspace area and perimeter exerted non-linear impacts on cooling effects, and morphological spatial pattern significantly influenced cooling effects. Core proportion was positively correlated with cooling effects, with an optimal threshold of 55%, whereas bridge and branch proportions had negative impacts. External landscape patterns, particularly the proportion of impervious surfaces and building coverage, also affected cooling effects. Additionally, cluster analysis using Ward’s system clustering method revealed five cooling bundles, indicating that urban greenspaces with diverse cooling needs exhibited different cooling effects. This study offers valuable insights for optimizing urban greenspace design to enhance cooling effects and mitigate UHI.
Prime Editing: Mechanistic Insights and DNA Repair Modulation
Authors: Mentani Astrid , Maresca Marcello , Shiriaeva Anna
Published: February 2025

Prime editing is a genome editing technique that allows precise modifications of cellular DNA without relying on donor DNA templates. Recently, several different prime editor proteins have been published in the literature, relying on single- or double-strand breaks. When prime editing occurs, the DNA undergoes one of several DNA repair pathways, and these processes can be modulated with the use of inhibitors. Firstly, this review provides an overview of several DNA repair mechanisms and their modulation by known inhibitors. In addition, we summarize different published prime editors and provide a comprehensive overview of associated DNA repair mechanisms. Finally, we discuss the delivery and safety aspects of prime editing.
Artificial Intelligence Applications in Public Health
Authors: Chumachenko Dmytro , Yakovlev Sergiy
Published: February 2025

Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into public health has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping how health data are collected, analyzed, and utilized [...]
Liquid Crystalline Structures Formed by Sphere–Rod Amphiphilic Molecules in Solvents
Authors: Haputhanthrige Nilanthi P. , Zhou Yifan , Wei Jingfan , Gao Min , Liu Tianbo , Lavrentovich Oleg D.
Published: February 2025

Self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules is an important phenomenon attracting a broad range of research. In this work, we study the self-assembly of KTOF4 sphere–rod amphiphilic molecules in mixed water–dioxane solvents. The molecules are of a T-shaped geometry, comprised of a hydrophilic spherical Keggin-type cluster attached by a flexible bridge to the center of a hydrophobic rod-like oligodialkylfluorene (OF), which consists of four OF units. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) uncovers self-assembled spherical structures of KTOF4 in dilute solutions. These spheres are filled with smectic-like layers of KTOF4 separated by layers of the solution. There are two types of layer packings: (i) concentric spheres and (ii) flat layers. The concentric spheres form when the dioxane volume fraction in the solution is 35–50 vol%. The flat layers are formed when the dioxane volume fraction is either below (20 and 30 vol%.) or above (55 and 60 vol%.) the indicated range. The layered structures show no in-plane orientational order and thus resemble thermotropic smectic A liquid crystals and their lyotropic analogs. The layered packings reveal edge and screw dislocations. Evaporation of the solvent produces a bulk birefringent liquid crystal phase with textures resembling the ones of uniaxial nematic liquid crystals. These findings demonstrate that sphere–rod molecules produce a variety of self-assembled structures that are controlled by the solvent properties.
Using Behavioral Skills Training and Coaching with Preservice Teachers: An Evaluation of Impact on Implementation Fidelity
Authors: Sawyer Mary Rachel
Published: February 2025

The need for effective and efficient special education teacher training in evidence-based instructional procedures persists. In this study, behavioral skills training (BST) and coaching were used to train and support a preservice special education teacher to implement empirically supported procedures (ESPs) in the classroom. A multiple baseline across skills design was used to evaluate effects across experimental conditions. The participant identified perceived issues needing intervention; the experimenter selected ESPs with contextual fit for implementation. Intervention was phased as needed in three conditions: task analysis, BST, and coaching. Results demonstrated that task analysis alone was not effective in producing sufficient implementation fidelity, but the addition of BST brought implementation fidelity rates of 88% or higher. Coaching effectively achieved implementation rates of 90% or higher for all ESPs. Furthermore, the participant reported high levels of satisfaction with the ESPs and the training and coaching procedures used to train her to implement them. Implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
Fast Multi-View Subspace Clustering Based on Flexible Anchor Fusion
Authors: Zhu Yihao , Zhou Shibing , Jin Guoqing
Published: February 2025

Multi-view subspace clustering enhances clustering performance by optimizing and integrating structural information from multiple views. Recently, anchor-based methods have made notable progress in large-scale clustering scenarios by leveraging anchor points to capture data distribution across different views. Although these methods improve efficiency, a common limitation is that they typically select an equal number of anchor points from each view. Additionally, during the graph fusion stage, most existing frameworks use simple linear weighting to construct the final consensus graph, overlooking the inherent structural relationships between the data. To address these issues, we propose a novel and flexible anchor graph fusion framework which selects an appropriate number of anchor points for each view based on its data space, creating suitable anchor graphs. In the graph fusion stage, we introduce a regularization term which adaptively and flexibly combines anchor graphs of varying sizes. Moreover, our approach incorporates both global and local information between views, enabling a more accurate capture of the cluster structure within the data. Furthermore, our method operates with linear time complexity, making it well suited for large-scale datasets. Extensive experiments on multiple datasets demonstrate the superior performance of our proposed algorithm.
Influence of Chemical Kinetics on Tulip Flame Formation in Highly Reactive (H2/Air) and Low Reactive (CH4/Air) Mixtures
Authors: Qian Chengeng , Liberman Mikhail A.
Published: February 2025

The early stages of hydrogen–air and methane–air flame dynamics and the development and evolution of tulip flames in closed tubes of various aspect ratios and in a semi-open tube are studied by solving the fully compressible reactive Navier–Stokes equations using a high-order numerical method coupled to detailed chemical models for stoichiometric hydrogen/air and methane/air mixtures. The use of adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) provides adequate resolution of the flame reaction zone, pressure waves, and flame–pressure wave interactions. The purpose of this study is to gain a deeper insight into the influence of chemical kinetics on the combustion regimes leading to the formation of a tulip flame and its subsequent evolution. The simulations highlight the effect of the flame thickness, flame velocity, and reaction order on the intensity of the rarefaction wave generated by the flame during the deceleration phase, which is the principal physical mechanism of tulip flame formation. The obtained results explain most of the experimentally observed features of tulip flame formation, e.g., faster tulip flame formation with a deeper tulip shape for faster flames compared to slower flames.
Contemporary Challenges for Heating Historic Church Buildings from the Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries
Authors: Cichowicz Robert , Jerominko Tomasz , Grzelakowski Tomasz , Zaguła Artur
Published: February 2025

Over the past two decades, the construction and architectural industries have increasingly recognized the need to create and maintain a sustainable built environment. This approach emphasizes reducing greenhouse gas emissions and maximizing energy efficiency to minimize environmental impact. Implementing such solutions in new constructions is relatively easy. However, these buildings represent a small fraction of the overall built environment. Most of the built environment is composed of existing facilities, many of which were constructed before the enactment of current environmental regulations or even before the establishment of any standards. Historical objects present a particularly challenging category in this context. The uniqueness of these structures lies not only in their altered or original functions, but also in their vital role as custodians of history and their contributions to the evolution of architecture and art. Consequently, aligning these buildings with sustainability requirements, or even approximating them, is an intricate task. Common approaches are exempting these buildings from adhering to any standards or applying only the most basic and limited criteria. However, this can adversely affect the usability of these structures and the conservation of historically significant construction elements and artifacts. Introducing new solutions into these existing structures presents additional conservation challenges. This article examines the energy efficiency challenges facing three churches in central Poland. The churches exemplify the predominant Christian religious denominations in Middle–Eastern Europe. This study analyzes the architectural characteristics of these churches and includes energy calculations to validate the effectiveness of proposed energy-efficiency measures.
Heatmaps to Guide Siting of Solar and Wind Farms
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Silalahi David Firnando , Roberts Lucy , Nadolny Anna , Weber Timothy , Blakers Andrew , Catchpole Kylie
Published: February 2025

The decarbonization of the electricity system coupled with the electrification of transport, heat, and industry represents a practical and cost-effective approach to deep decarbonization. A key question is as follows: where to build new solar and wind farms? This study presents a cost-based approach to evaluate land parcels for solar and wind farm suitability using colour-coded heatmaps that visually depict favourable locations. An indicative cost of electricity is calculated and classified for each pixel by focusing on key factors including the resource availability, proximity to transmission infrastructure and load centres, and exclusion of sensitive areas. The proposed approach mitigates the subjectivity associated with traditional multi-criteria decision-making methods, in which both the selection of siting factors and the assignment of their associated weightings rely highly on the subjective judgements of experts. The methodology is applied to Australia, South Korea, and Indonesia, and the results show that proximity to high-voltage transmission and load centres is a key factor affecting site selection in Australia and Indonesia, while connection costs are less critical in South Korea due to its smaller land area and extensive infrastructure. The outcomes of this study, including heatmaps and detailed statistics, are made publicly available to provide both qualitative and quantitative information that allows comparisons between regions and within a region. This study aims to empower policymakers, developers, communities, and individual landholders to make informed decisions and, ultimately, to facilitate strategic renewable energy deployment and contribute to global decarbonization.
Two-Stage Dual-Level Dispatch Optimization Model for Multiple Virtual Power Plants with Electric Vehicles and Demand Response Based on a Stackelberg Game
Authors: Tang Jincheng , Li Xiaolan
Published: February 2025

With the continuous increase in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) and the rapid development of demand response (DR) technology, the power grid faces unprecedented challenges. A two-stage dual-level dispatch optimization model of multiple virtual power plants based on a Stackelberg game is proposed in this paper. In the day-ahead stage, a two-layer optimization scheduling model is established, where the EV layer optimizes its actions for maximum comprehensive user satisfaction, while the VPP layer optimizes its actions for minimal operating costs and interaction power, determining the scheduling arrangements for each distributed energy resource. In the intraday stage, a Stackelberg game model is constructed with the distribution network operator (DNO) as the leader, aiming to maximize profits, and the VPP as the follower, aiming to minimize its own operational costs, with both parties engaging in a game based on electricity prices and energy consumption strategies. In the simulation case study, the effectiveness of the constructed model was verified. The results show that the model can effectively reduce user costs, thereby increasing the comprehensive satisfaction of EV users by 20.7% and reducing VPP operating costs by 13.37%.
Study on the Combustion Behavior of Inhomogeneous Partially Premixed Mixtures in Confined Space
Authors: Li Yanfei , Zhang Xin , Chen Lichao , Liu Ying
Published: February 2025

Reasonably configuring the concentration distribution of the mixture to achieve partially premixed combustion has been proven to be an effective method for improving energy utilization efficiency. However, due to the significant influence of concentration non-uniformity and flow field disturbances, the combustion behavior and mechanisms of partially premixed combustion have not been fully understood or systematically analyzed. In this study, the partially premixed combustion characteristics of methane–hydrogen–air mixtures in a confined space were investigated, focusing on the combustion behavior and key parameter variation patterns under different equivalence ratios (0.5, 0.7, 0.9) and hydrogen contents (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%). The global equivalence ratio and degree of partial premixing of the mixture were controlled by adjusting the fuel injection pulse width and ignition timing, thereby regulating the concentration field and flow field distribution within the combustion chamber. The constant-pressure method was used to calculate the burning velocity. Results show that as the mixture formation time decreases, the degree of partial premixing increases, accelerating the heat release process, increasing burning velocity, and shortening the combustion duration. It exhibits rapid combustion characteristics, particularly during the initial combustion phase, where flame propagation speed and heat release rate increase significantly. The burning velocity demonstrates a distinct single-peak profile, with the peak burning velocity increasing and its occurrence advancing as the degree of partial premixing increases. Additionally, hydrogen’s preferential diffusion effect is enhanced with increasing mixture partial premixing, making the combustion process more efficient and concentrated. This effect is particularly pronounced under low-equivalence-ratio (lean burn) conditions, where the combustion reaction rate improves more significantly, leading to greater combustion stability. The peak of the partially premixed burning velocity occurs almost simultaneously with the peak of the second-order derivative of the combustion pressure. This phenomenon highlights the strong correlation between the combustion reaction rate and the dynamic variations in pressure.
PoreVision: A Program for Enhancing Efficiency and Accuracy in SEM Pore Analyses of Gels and Other Porous Materials
Authors: Olevsky Levi M. , Jacques Mason G. , Hixon Katherine R.
Published: February 2025

Porous gels are frequently utilized as cell scaffolds in tissue engineering. Previous studies have highlighted the significance of scaffold pore size and pore orientation in influencing cell migration and differentiation. Moreover, there exists a considerable body of research focused on optimizing pore characteristics to enhance scaffold performance. However, current methods for numerical pore characterization typically involve expensive machines or manual size measurements using image manipulation software. In this project, our objective is to develop a user-friendly, versatile, and freely accessible software tool using Python scripting. This tool aims to streamline and objectify pore characterization, thereby accelerating research efforts and providing a standardized framework for researchers working with porous gels. Our group found that first-time users of PoreVision and ImageJ take similar amounts of time to use both programs; however, PoreVision is capable of handling larger datasets with reduced variability. Further, PoreVision users exhibited lower variability in area and orientation measurements compared to ImageJ, while perimeter variability was similar between the two. PoreVision showed higher variability in average measurements, likely due to its larger sample size and broader range of pore sizes, which may be missed in ImageJ’s manual scanning approach. By facilitating quantitative analysis of pore size, shape, and orientation, our software tool will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of scaffold properties and their impact on cellular behavior. Ultimately, we aim to aid researchers in the field of tissue engineering with a user-friendly tool that enhances the reproducibility and reliability of pore characterization analyses.
The Diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) Core as a Gel-Forming Material: Current Status and Untapped Potential
Authors: Sánchez-Oliva Abelardo , Torres-Moya Iván
Published: February 2025

The diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) core is widely recognized for its applications in organic electronics and photonics due to its exceptional electronic and optical properties. Recently, DPP-based materials have shown remarkable π–π stacking interactions and tunable self-assembly, making them promising candidates for gel formation. However, the development of DPP-based gels remains in its infancy, primarily hindered by challenges such as limited gelation efficiency, poor mechanical robustness, and sensitivity to environmental conditions. Overcoming these issues is crucial for unlocking their full potential in functional soft materials. This review compiles and analyzes existing studies on DPP-containing gel systems, highlighting their structural versatility, self-assembly mechanisms, and advantages over conventional gelators. By examining these works, we identify key strategies for DPP gel formation, evaluate their physicochemical performance, and discuss innovative approaches to address current limitations. Finally, we propose future research directions to advance the field and establish DPP-based gels as a robust platform for next-generation soft materials.
Identity Negotiation and Conflict Resolution in Contemporary Multicultural Settings: The Contribution of Intercultural Mediators
Authors: Karanikola Zoe , Panagiotopoulos Georgios
Published: February 2025

Research on intercultural communication is closely related to the phenomenon of intercultural mediation, as a means of identity negotiation and conflict resolution in contemporary multicultural settings. This study focuses on the basic dimensions of the role of mediators, whereas the methodology applied was mainly based on a literature review of secondary sources (laws, official texts and material of international organizations). The data collected, as key codes and from which the thematic axes emerged, concerned, on the one hand, the mediators’ profile and specifically their mindset, skillset and fundamental principles, and on the other hand, the political and legal framing of mediation with an emphasis on laws, professional profile, training standards, accreditation and examples of good practices. Finally, intercultural mediation is recognized as a determining factor in social integration policies and is closely related to common global and fundamental values, such as equity, respect, identity protection, tolerance, active listening and engagement.
Mosaicism in Short Tandem Repeat Disorders: A Clinical Perspective
Authors: Doss Rose M. , Lopez-Ignacio Susana , Dischler Anna , Hiatt Laurel , Dashnow Harriet , Breuss Martin W. , Dias Caroline M.
Published: February 2025

Fragile X, Huntington disease, and myotonic dystrophy type 1 are prototypical examples of human disorders caused by short tandem repeat variation, repetitive nucleotide stretches that are highly mutable both in the germline and somatic tissue. As short tandem repeats are unstable, they can expand, contract, and acquire and lose epigenetic marks in somatic tissue. This means within an individual, the genotype and epigenetic state at these loci can vary considerably from cell to cell. This somatic mosaicism may play a key role in clinical pathogenesis, and yet, our understanding of mosaicism in driving clinical phenotypes in short tandem repeat disorders is only just emerging. This review focuses on these three relatively well-studied examples where, given the advent of new technologies and bioinformatic approaches, a critical role for mosaicism is coming into focus both with respect to cellular physiology and clinical phenotypes.
Shallow-Marine Late Thanetian Lockhart Limestone from the Hazara Basin, Pakistan: Insights into Foraminiferal Biostratigraphy and Microfacies Analysis
Authors: Ahmad Muneeb , Tanoli Urooba Farman , Umar Muhammad , Ahmad Tofeeq , Ahmed Alaa
Published: February 2025

The Palaeocene Lockhart Formation, a carbonate-rich succession abundant in Larger Benthic Foraminifera, represents a significant potential hydrocarbon reservoir extending throughout the Kohat, Potwar and Hazara basins of Pakistan. This study examines two stratigraphic sections of the Lockhart Formation in the Hazara Basin—Bagran and Karhaki—providing crucial insights into its biostratigraphy and microfacies analysis. The formation comprises medium- to fine-grained limestone with shale intercalations, exhibiting argillaceous to compacted textures. Biostratigraphic analysis revealed a diverse assemblage of Larger Benthic Foraminifera, with 23 species identified across 9 genera, including Miscellanea miscella, Lockhartia haimei, Lockhartia conditi and Ranikothalia sindensis. These fossils indicate deposition within Shallow Benthic Zone (SBZ) 4 during the Late Thanetian, suggesting a dynamic palaeoenvironment. Seven distinct microfacies types were identified: bioclastic mudstone, mixed bioclastic wackestone, miliolidal bioclastic wackestone, foraminiferal wackestone–packstone, foraminiferal wackestone, foraminiferal packstone and bioclastic foraminiferal packstone. These microfacies indicate varied depositional settings, from shallow subtidal and lagoonal to shallow restricted and open marine environments, spanning inner ramp to distal mid-ramp conditions. This research advances our understanding of Late Thanetian depositional environments within the Lockhart Limestone, with implications for regional sedimentology, palaeogeographic reconstruction and reservoir characterisation.
Eutrophication Conditions in Two High Mountain Lakes: The Influence of Climate Conditions and Environmental Pollution
Authors: García-Miranda Fátima Goretti , Muro Claudia , Alvarado Yolanda , Expósito-Castillo José Luis , Cabadas-Báez Héctor Víctor
Published: February 2025

The lakes known as El Sol and La Luna are high mountain water deposits located in Mexico within an inactive volcanic system. These lakes are of ecological importance because they are unique in Mexico. However, currently, the lakes have experienced changes in their shape and an increase in algae blooms, coupled with the degradation of the basin, which has alerted government entities to the need to address the lakes’ problems. To address the environmental status of El Sol and La Luna, a trophic study was conducted during the period of 2021–2023, including an analysis of the influence of climatic variables, lake water quality, and eutrophication conditions. The trophic state was established based on the eutrophication index. The Pearson correlations defined the eutrophication interrelation between the distinct factors influencing the lakes’ status. El Sol registered higher eutrophication conditions than La Luna. El Sol was identified as seasonal eutrophic and La Luna as transitioning from oligotrophic to mesotrophic, showing high levels of chlorophyll, total phosphorus, and total nitrogen and low water transparency. The principal factors altering the eutrophic conditions were water pollution and climatic variables (precipitation and ambient temperature). Eutrophication was the prime factor impacting perimeter loss at El Sol, whereas at La Luna, it was due to a decline in precipitation.
The Retinoic-Acid-Related Orphan Receptor Alpha May Be Highly Involved in the Regulation of Seasonal Hair Molting
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhao Xuefei , Li Shuqi , Bai Suying , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2025

Seasonal molting in mammals is a crucial survival strategy, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully characterized. Melatonin, serving as a bridge for the transmission of photoperiod signals, plays a significant regulatory role in animals’ seasonal molting, and the physiological regulatory effects of melatonin signaling are highly dependent on the retinoic-acid-related orphan receptor alpha (Rorα). Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are the most essential cell type in the process of hair follicle regeneration and seasonal replacement. Therefore, this study aims to discuss the regulatory effects of melatonin and its nuclear receptor RORA on HFSCs. This research found that RORA can downregulate cellular proliferation levels by inhibiting the cell cycle of HFSCs, while simultaneously promoting apoptosis in HFSCs and affecting the expression of some genes involved in ferroptosis. RORA can directly bind to the promoter regions of the cyclin genes Ccna2 and Ccne1 to regulate their transcription. Melatonin may enhance the viability of HFSCs by downregulating RORA levels. In this study, the impact of melatonin and its nuclear receptor RORA on the viability of HFSCs, along with some of the underlying molecular mechanisms, is characterized. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for research on the regulation of animal hair follicle development.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of gh/prl/sl Family in Cynoglossus semilaevis
Authors: Zhang Min , Shi Yuhong , Wang Zhe , Chen Zhangfan , Li Xihong , Xu Wenteng , Wang Na
Published: February 2025

The Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) is a marine flatfish of significant economic value, characterized by pronounced female-biased sexual size dimorphism (SSD). Sexual differences of cell number and gene expression within the PIT-1 lineage of the pituitary gland may be crucial for interpreting the female-biased SSD of C. semilaevis. Among hormones secreted by PIT-1 cell lineage, growth hormone (gh), prolactin (prl), prolactin 2 (prl2), and somatolactin (sl) comprise a gene family within the extensive superfamily of class-1 helical cytokines. To better understand the function of the gh/prl/sl in teleost SSD, we firstly identified five genes of the gh/prl/sl family (gh, sl, prl, prl2a, and prl2b) and their receptors (ghra, ghrb, prlra, prlrb, and prlr-like) from C. semilaevis at the genome-wide level. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the gh/prl/sl family and their receptors were each clustered into five distinct groups. More microsatellites were revealed in the intron 2 of gh gene of female rather than the male and pseudo-male individuals, which is positively correlated with its sexual expression pattern. Interaction network prediction indicated that gh, prl, and sl may collectively contribute to individual growth and development. A FRET experiment showed that ghra can act as a receptor for sl. Additionally, the transcripts of the gh/prl/sl family and their receptors exhibited varying abundances in the pituitary, brain, gonad, and liver of both female and male C. semilaevis, with most ligands showing the highest abundance in the female pituitary. Furthermore, gh and sl were found to be maternally expressed. The knock-down of gh, prl, and sl in the pituitary cells could lead to the expression change of igf1, c-fos, and sos2. This study provided a foundation for further functional characterization of the gh/prl/sl gene family, contributing to a deeper understanding of the growth and reproductive mechanisms in C. semilaevis.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the Aspartate Aminotransferase Family in Brassica rapa and the Role of BraASP1 in Response to Nitrogen Starvation
Authors: Liu Yan , Gao Zihan , Liang Chuang , Wei Yuting , Li Yuge , Zhang Yan , Zhang Yaowei
Published: February 2025

Nitrogen (N) is the most important fertilizer for increasing crop production, as it is absorbed by various N transporters and metabolized by a series of enzymes. Aspartate aminotransferase (ASP) facilitates the conversion of Glu to Asp for N storage. Chinese cabbage is a typical leafy vegetable that requires a large amount of N for growth. To investigate the functions of BraASPs, 10 members of the ASP gene family in Brassica rapa (B. rapa) were identified. Phylogenetic analysis and collinearity comparisons of ASP members among B. rapa, Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana), Oryza sativa (O. sativa), Brassica napus (B. napus), and Brassica oleracea (B. oleracea) were conducted to examine evolutionary associations and genome duplication events across species. Multiple cis-acting elements associated with stress responses were identified in the promoters of BraASPs, suggesting their diverse roles. Members of BraASPs were expressed in roots, stems, flowers, siliques, and leaves, with the highest expression in leaves. Their expression levels increased rapidly at 3 h under low N conditions, peaked at 6 h, and returned to low levels at 24 h. Based on transcriptomic data, BraASP1b was identified as a candidate gene in B. rapa under low N stress, localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm. Overexpression of BraASP1b in A. thaliana resulted in a higher biomass than Col-0 under low N conditions.
The Potential Role of Microbiota in Age-Related Cognitive Decline: A Narrative Review of the Underlying Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Olejnik Piotr , Golenia Aleksandra , Małyszko Jolanta
Published: February 2025

As the world’s population continues to age, social patterns are changing, making aging a notable public health challenge. With aging as the major risk factor for cognitive decline, the global prevalence of dementia is projected to triple in the next 25 years. In light of the growing body of evidence of the involvement of microbiota in health and pathology, its role in age-related cognitive decline should be explored. Therefore, the aim of this narrative review is to thoroughly analyze the ways in which microbiota might affect the aging process and age-related cognitive decline. Overall, aging is a complex phenomenon manifested at systemic, cellular and molecular levels. According to recent studies, gut microbiota composition may influence age-related changes through the gut-brain axis. One mechanism involves dysbiosis-related chronic systemic inflammation, leading to the blood-brain barrier disruption and subsequent neuroinflammatory processes. In addition to inflammaging, gut microbiota may induce oxidative stress, which is another key factor in brain aging. Finally, not only gut microbiota, but also microbiota colonizing the oral cavity may be associated with age-related neurodegenerative diseases.
Characterization of Boron-Modified Activated Carbons
Authors: Orhan Ayhan , Çek Nurettin , Sezer Selman , Demir Ismail
Published: February 2025

Although there are various boron production methods for modified activated carbons used in sulfur removal, catalyst synthesis, and hydrogen capture/storage processes, the modification of activated carbon with borax solutions has attracted attention as the easiest synthesis method. However, structural characterization analyses in previous studies contradict each other and, therefore, more detailed characterization is needed. In this study, 0.25 M and 0.5 M borax solutions are prepared in distilled water; then, 2 g of commercial activated carbon is added to each one, mixed at 60 °C, filtered, and dried. Thus, two different boron-modified activated carbon materials are obtained. Structural characterization tests of these materials are performed and analyzed by comparing with the literature. As a result, two different boron-modified activated carbon structural analyzes are compared and it is confirmed that commercially activated carbon material induced phase composition and chemical bond modification as a result of modification with borax. It is revealed that the induction of phase composition and chemical bond modification is more dominant with increasing borax concentration. The produced boron-modified activated carbon materials have great promise for the development of new technologies in the fields of the environment, energy, lightweight compressible materials, thermal insulation, and composite materials.
Comprehensive Management of a Giant Left Frontal AVM Coexisting with a Bilobed PComA Aneurysm: A Case Report Highlighting Multidisciplinary Strategies and Advanced Neurosurgical Techniques
Authors: Toader Corneliu , Serban Matei , Covache-Busuioc Razvan-Adrian , Radoi Mugurel Petrinel , Ciurea Alexandru Vlad , Dobrin Nicolaie
Published: February 2025

Background: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are high-risk cerebrovascular anomalies that can lead to devastating complications, especially when associated with intracranial aneurysms. Their coexistence poses unique challenges in diagnosis and management due to heightened hemodynamic stress and rupture risks. This case presents a 35-year-old woman with a giant unruptured left frontal AVM and a bilobed posterior communicating artery (PComA) aneurysm, highlighting the critical role of advanced imaging, meticulous surgical planning, and individualized care in addressing complex cerebrovascular conditions. Methods: The patient presented with a generalized tonic–clonic seizure, her first-ever neurological event. Advanced imaging, including digital subtraction angiography and 3D rotational imaging, revealed a 3–4 cm AVM supplied by the left middle and anterior cerebral arteries, with venous drainage into the superior sagittal sinus. Additionally, an unruptured bilobed PComA aneurysm was identified. Given the AVM’s large size, high-flow dynamics, and significant rupture risk, surgical resection was prioritized. The aneurysm, being stable and anatomically distinct, was managed conservatively. Microsurgical techniques were employed to ensure complete AVM resection while preserving critical vascular and neurological structures. Results: Postoperative angiography confirmed the complete removal of the AVM without residual nidus or abnormal vascular connections. The patient recovered without complications, achieving seizure freedom and preserved neurological function. At the three-month follow-up, imaging showed a stable resection cavity and a hemodynamically stable aneurysm. Conclusions: This case demonstrates the power of multidisciplinary care and advanced neurosurgical techniques in achieving curative outcomes for complex cerebrovascular anomalies. It underscores the importance of risk-prioritized strategies and highlights emerging directions for the field, including AI-integrated imaging, hybrid treatment approaches, and long-term studies on hemodynamic stability post-resection. This case contributes valuable insights into optimizing outcomes for patients with coexisting AVMs and aneurysms, offering hope for those facing similarly challenging diagnoses.