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13 pages, 4003 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Lampaya medicinalis Phil. (Verbenaceae) and Palmitic Acid on Insulin Signaling and Inflammatory Marker Expression in Human Adipocytes

by Gabriela Yuri, Mariana Cifuentes, Pedro Cisternas, Adrián Paredes and Paulina Ormazabal

Pharmaceuticals 2024, 17(5), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17050566 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024

Abstract

Background: Aging and obesity are associated with insulin resistance (IR) and low-grade inflammation. Molecularly, IR is characterized by a reduction in glucose uptake and insulin signaling (IRS-1/Akt/AS160 pathway), while inflammation may result from upregulated NF-κB pathway after low Tyr-IκBα phosphorylation. Upregulated phosphatase activity [...] Read more.

Background: Aging and obesity are associated with insulin resistance (IR) and low-grade inflammation. Molecularly, IR is characterized by a reduction in glucose uptake and insulin signaling (IRS-1/Akt/AS160 pathway), while inflammation may result from upregulated NF-κB pathway after low Tyr-IκBα phosphorylation. Upregulated phosphatase activity of PTP1B is associated with impaired insulin signaling and increased inflammation. Plasma levels of palmitic acid (PA) are elevated in obesity, triggering inflammation and disruption of insulin signaling. Traditional medicine in Northern Chile uses oral infusions of Lampaya medicinalis Phil. (Verbenaceae) to treat inflammatory conditions. Significant amounts of flavonoids are found in the hydroethanolic extract of Lampaya (HEL), which may account for its biological activity. The aim of this work was to study the effect of HEL and PA on insulin signaling and glucose uptake as well as inflammatory marker expression in human adipocytes. Methods: We studied HEL effects on PA-induced impairment on insulin signaling, glucose uptake and inflammatory marker content in human SW872 adipocytes. HEL cytotoxicity was assessed in adipocytes at different concentrations (0.01 to 10 g/mL). Adipocytes were incubated or not with PA (0.4 mM, 24 h) with or without HEL (2 h pre-incubation), and then stimulated with insulin (10 min, 100 mM) or a vehicle. Phospho-IRS-1, phospho-Akt, phospho-AS160, phospho-NF-κB and phospho-IκBα, as well as protein levels of PTP1B, were assessed using Western blotting, and glucose uptake was evaluated using the 2-NBDG analogue. Results: At the assessed HEL concentrations, no cytotoxic effects were observed. PA decreased insulin-stimulated phospho-Akt and glucose uptake, while co-treatment with HEL increased such markers. PA decreased phospho-IRS-1 and phospho-Tyr-IκBα. On the other hand, incubation with HEL+PA decreased phospho-AS160 and phospho-NF-κB compared with cells treated with PA alone. Conclusion: Our results suggest a beneficial effect of HEL by improving PA-induced impairment on molecular markers of insulin signaling, glucose uptake and inflammation in adipocytes. Further studies are necessary to elucidate whether lampaya may constitute a preventive strategy for people whose circulating PA levels contribute to IR and inflammation during aging and obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal Plants and Natural Compounds for Potential Use in Aging-Related Disorders)

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13 pages, 817 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Generalized Linear Driving Force Formulas for Diffusion and Reaction in Porous Catalysts

by Mirosław K. Szukiewicz and Elżbieta Chmiel-Szukiewicz

Reactions 2024, 5(2), 305-317; https://doi.org/10.3390/reactions5020015 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024

Abstract

Approximate models are a fast and most often precise tool for determining the effectiveness factor for heterogeneous catalysis processes that are realized in the real world. They are also frequently applied as robust transient models describing the work of a single catalyst pellet [...] Read more.

Approximate models are a fast and most often precise tool for determining the effectiveness factor for heterogeneous catalysis processes that are realized in the real world. They are also frequently applied as robust transient models describing the work of a single catalyst pellet or as a part of a more complex model, for example, a reactor model, where mass balances for the gas phase and solid phase are necessary. So far, approximate models for diffusion and reaction processes have been presented for processes described by a single balance equation. In the present work, approximate models without the mentioned limitation are presented and discussed. In addition, simple rules are shown for the development of other complex approximate models without tedious derivation in the complex domain. The formulas considered in this work are typical long-time approximations of the transient process. The accuracy is good, especially in the range of small and intermediate Thiele modulus values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Reactions in 2024)

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12 pages, 4118 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extraction and Isolation of Two Polysaccharides from Chloranthus japonicus Sieb. and Evaluation of Their Anti-Gastric Cancer Activities

by Ju Liu, Wenfeng Li, Lu Jin, Yingchao Wang, Xinjun Xu, Enyao Ma, Depo Yang and Zhimin Zhao

Molecules 2024, 29(9), 2043; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29092043 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024

Abstract

Two unreported heteropolysaccharides, denoted as YCJP–1 and YCJP–2, were isolated from the herbs of Chloranthus japonicus. YCJP–1 was a heteropolysaccharide composed of glucose, galactose, arabinose, mannose, rhamnose, and a minor proportion of uronic acids, with the molecular weight mainly distributed in the [...] Read more.

Two unreported heteropolysaccharides, denoted as YCJP–1 and YCJP–2, were isolated from the herbs of Chloranthus japonicus. YCJP–1 was a heteropolysaccharide composed of glucose, galactose, arabinose, mannose, rhamnose, and a minor proportion of uronic acids, with the molecular weight mainly distributed in the 74,475–228,443 Da range. YCJP–2 was mainly composed of glucose, mannose, and galactose, with the molecular weights ranging from 848 to 5810 Da. To further evaluate the anti-gastric cancer effects of C. japonicus, the inhibitory effects of the crude polysaccharide (YCJP) and the purified polysaccharides (YCJP–1 and YCJP–2) were determined using a CCK-8 assay and colon-forming assay on MGC-803 and AGS gastric cancer cell lines. Our results showed that YCJP, YCJP–1, and YCJP–2 possess prominent inhibitory effects on the proliferation of MGC-803 and AGS cells, and the AGS cell was more sensitive to YCJP, YCJP–1, and YCJP–2. Moreover, YCJP–2 demonstrated superior anti-gastric cancer effects compared to YCJP–1. This could potentially be attributed to YCJP–2’s higher glucose content and narrower molecular weight distribution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products Chemistry)

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17 pages, 1834 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pollution Characteristics and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in the Sediments of the Inflow Rivers of Dianchi Lake, China

by Liwei He, Guangye Chen, Xinze Wang, Jian Shen, Hongjiao Zhang, Yuanyuan Lin, Yang Shen, Feiyan Lang and Chenglei Gong

Toxics 2024, 12(5), 322; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics12050322 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024

Abstract

To explore the contamination status and identify the source of the heavy metals in the sediments in the major inflow rivers of Dianchi Lake in China, sediment samples were collected and analyzed. Specifically, the distribution, source, water quality, and health risk assessment of [...] Read more.

To explore the contamination status and identify the source of the heavy metals in the sediments in the major inflow rivers of Dianchi Lake in China, sediment samples were collected and analyzed. Specifically, the distribution, source, water quality, and health risk assessment of the heavy metals were analyzed using correlation analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), the heavy metal contamination factor (C_f), the pollution load index (PLI), and the potential ecological risk index (PERI). Additionally, the chemical fractions were analyzed for mobility characteristics. The results indicate that the average concentration of the heavy metals in the sediment ranked in the descending order of Zn > Cr > Cu > Pb > As > Ni > Cd > Hg, and most of the elements existed in less-mobile forms. The C_fwas in the order of Hg > Zn > Cd > As > Pb > Cr > Ni; the accumulation of Hg, Zn, Cd, and As was obvious. Although the spatial variability of the heavy metal contents was pronounced, the synthetical evaluation index of the PLI and PERI both reached a high pollution level. The PCA and CA results indicate that industrial, transportation, and agricultural emissions were the dominant factors causing heavy metal pollution. These results provide important data for improving water resource management efficiency and heavy metal pollution prevention in Dianchi Lake. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Metals and Radioactive Substances)

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35 pages, 13172 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dog Consumption at Tell Zirāʿa: Is It a “Cultural Marker” for the “Sea Peoples”?

by Katja Soennecken and Haskel J. Greenfield

Humans 2024, 4(2), 148-182; https://doi.org/10.3390/humans4020009 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024

Abstract

It has been argued that the increase in the consumption of dogs in the southern Levant during the Iron Age was due to the advent of the Philistines/“Sea Peoples” into the region. In this study, we test this proposal through the presentation of [...] Read more.

It has been argued that the increase in the consumption of dogs in the southern Levant during the Iron Age was due to the advent of the Philistines/“Sea Peoples” into the region. In this study, we test this proposal through the presentation of new information on dog consumption and its depositional context in Bronze and Iron Age strata from the archaeological site of Tell Zirāʿa (Jordan), and we compare the results to other sites in the region. Our study does not support that such behaviour is a signal of ethnic identity. Full article

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16 pages, 724 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fast Fusion Clustering via Double Random Projection

by Hongni Wang, Na Li, Yanqiu Zhou, Jingxin Yan, Bei Jiang, Linglong Kong and Xiaodong Yan

Entropy 2024, 26(5), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/e26050376 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024

Abstract

In unsupervised learning, clustering is a common starting point for data processing. The convex or concave fusion clustering method is a novel approach that is more stable and accurate than traditional methods such as k-means and hierarchical clustering. However, the optimization algorithm [...] Read more.

In unsupervised learning, clustering is a common starting point for data processing. The convex or concave fusion clustering method is a novel approach that is more stable and accurate than traditional methods such as k-means and hierarchical clustering. However, the optimization algorithm used with this method can be slowed down significantly by the complexity of the fusion penalty, which increases the computational burden. This paper introduces a random projection ADMM algorithm based on the Bernoulli distribution and develops a double random projection ADMM method for high-dimensional fusion clustering. These new approaches significantly outperform the classical ADMM algorithm due to their ability to significantly increase computational speed by reducing complexity and improving clustering accuracy by using multiple random projections under a new evaluation criterion. We also demonstrate the convergence of our new algorithm and test its performance on both simulated and real data examples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Big Data Analytics and Information Science for Business and Biomedical Applications: Third Edition)

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27 pages, 11445 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of Urban Industry in Modern China (1840–1949): A Case Study of Nanjing

by Chun Wang, Gang Chen and Yixin Liang

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2024, 13(5), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi13050144 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024

Abstract

In modern China, industrialization has formed a critical foundation for the transition to modernization. However, the spatiotemporal evolution patterns and driving mechanisms of urban industrial development in Nanjing from 1840 to 1949 remain unclear. Based on textual historical sources, this study examined the [...] Read more.

In modern China, industrialization has formed a critical foundation for the transition to modernization. However, the spatiotemporal evolution patterns and driving mechanisms of urban industrial development in Nanjing from 1840 to 1949 remain unclear. Based on textual historical sources, this study examined the spatiotemporal patterns of urban industrial development in Nanjing from 1840 to 1949 by using spatial analysis methods, GeoDetector, regression models and industrial structure indices. The results reveal the following: (1) The overall spatial distribution pattern of the industry in modern Nanjing exhibited a “one main, one secondary” dual-center “ladle-shaped” arrangement. Over time, industry has expanded from the urban center toward the east and north. (2) The modernization level of different industries was uneven, exhibiting a “center-periphery” spatial pattern. (3) At the micro level, transportation and population density were the primary influencing factors for industrial location, whereas at the macro level, government intervention mainly affected the industrialization pattern. (4) The industrial development pattern in modern Nanjing, in alignment with the “pole-axis” spatial system, serves as a microcosm of China’s urban modernization transition. This study represents the application of GIS methods in the humanities and provides valuable insights for urban planning and development. Full article

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15 pages, 3640 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Attitude Calculation Method of Drilling Tools Based on Cross-Correlation Extraction and ASRUKF

by Liansheng Qin, Wenzhuo Wang, Mingjiang Shi, Yanbing Liang and Peipei Tan

Electronics 2024, 13(9), 1707; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13091707 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024

Abstract

As a key component of the measurement while drilling technology, the accuracy of attitude calculation is directly related to the efficiency of resource exploration. To reduce the influence of vibration, rotation, and other disturbances on the attitude sensor during drilling, a method based [...] Read more.

As a key component of the measurement while drilling technology, the accuracy of attitude calculation is directly related to the efficiency of resource exploration. To reduce the influence of vibration, rotation, and other disturbances on the attitude sensor during drilling, a method based on cross-correlation extraction and the adaptive square-root unscented Kalman filter (ASRUKF) is proposed to solve the attitude of the drilling tool in this paper. Firstly, the error of the signal collected by the attitude sensor is compensated, and the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) is used for filtering. Then, the effective gravitational acceleration signal is extracted by the cross-correlation method. Finally, an experimental platform for simulating the fully rotating attitude measurement system is established, and the application effects of the UKF and ASRUKF in the attitude calculation are compared. Compared with the UKF, the root mean square error of the inclination angle calculated by the ASRUKF is reduced by 12.9%, and the variance is reduced by 27.3%; the root mean square error of the azimuth angle is reduced by 29.5%, and the variance is reduced by 39.9%. The experimental results show that the attitude calculation method proposed in this paper can stably and effectively improve the accuracy of the attitude calculation of drilling tools. Full article

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14 pages, 631 KiB

Open AccessReview

Diruthenium Paddlewheel Complexes Attacking Proteins: Axial Versus Equatorial Coordination

by Iogann Tolbatov, Paolo Umari and Alessandro Marrone

Biomolecules 2024, 14(5), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom14050530 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024

Abstract

Metallodrugs are an important group of medicinal agents used for the treatment of various diseases ranging from cancers to viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases. Their distinctive features include the availability of a metal centre, redox activity, as well as the ability to multitarget. [...] Read more.

Metallodrugs are an important group of medicinal agents used for the treatment of various diseases ranging from cancers to viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases. Their distinctive features include the availability of a metal centre, redox activity, as well as the ability to multitarget. Diruthenium paddlewheel complexes are an intensely developing group of metal scaffolds, which can securely coordinate bidentate xenobiotics and transport them to target tissues, releasing them by means of substitution reactions with biomolecular nucleophiles. It is of the utmost importance to gain a complete comprehension of which chemical reactions happen with them in physiological milieu to design novel drugs based on these bimetallic scaffolds. This review presents the data obtained in experiments and calculations, which clarify the chemistry these complexes undergo once administered in the proteic environment. This study demonstrates how diruthenium paddlewheel complexes may indeed embody a new paradigm in the design of metal-based drugs of dual-action by presenting and discussing the protein metalation by these complexes. Full article

24 pages, 3154 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tourist Tracking Techniques and Their Role in Destination Management: A Bibliometric Study, 2007–2023

by Yarlein Ivama Julio Guerrero and Francisco Teixeira Pinto Dias

Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3708; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093708 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024

Abstract

The tourism industry has recently undergone a significant evolution because of the implementation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). These changes have raised new conceptions of destinations, thus giving rise to smart destinations. In this context, digital tracking of tourists has become of [...] Read more.

The tourism industry has recently undergone a significant evolution because of the implementation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). These changes have raised new conceptions of destinations, thus giving rise to smart destinations. In this context, digital tracking of tourists has become of great interest. This article aims to analyze the research landscape on tourist tracking through a bibliometric study, which allows the evaluation of the performance of publications, recognition of the prominent SciVal topics, analysis of the evolution of the techniques, and recognition of their use as a tool that contributes to the development of smart destinations. Unlike prior studies in this area, in addition to the performance analysis of publications, this paper focuses only on empirical studies on tourist tracking, identifies the prominent SciVal topics, and analyzes the linkage thereof with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The bibliometric study was carried out based on articles on tourist tracking extracted from the Scopus database and published between 2007 and 2023. This research is mainly quantitative, based on research performance analysis (journals, authors, institutions, and countries) and science mapping (citation analysis, co-word analysis, co-authorship analysis). Results show the quality of the publications made in the 2007–2023 period and indicate that the most used techniques have been GPS devices, social media, and app-based GPS/GNSS. In addition, it was found that the evolution of the techniques occurred at the same time as the development of ICT and that the prominent SciVal topic that covers the largest number of publications is associated with destination management. It is concluded that the application of tourist tracking techniques contributes to the transformation of destinations into smart destinations, as they provide useful relevant information to tourism market stakeholders for the development of strategies that improve decision-making and allow for the sustainable management of destinations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Technologies and Sustainable Development in Hospitality and Tourism)

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16 pages, 92049 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pollination Syndrome, Florivory, and Breeding System of Satyrium nepalense var. ciliatum (Orchidaceae) in Central Yunnan, China

by Lei Tao, Kaifeng Tao, Qingqing Li, Yingduo Zhang, Xiangke Hu, Yan Luo and Lu Li

Plants 2024, 13(9), 1228; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13091228 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024

Abstract

Research on Satyrium nepalense var. ciliatum (Lindl.) Hook. f. has primarily focused on populations in Northwestern Yunnan, with limited studies on pollination syndromes and insect behavior. In addition, it is geographically limited in its breeding system studies. Therefore, this study selected S. nepalense [...] Read more.

Research on Satyrium nepalense var. ciliatum (Lindl.) Hook. f. has primarily focused on populations in Northwestern Yunnan, with limited studies on pollination syndromes and insect behavior. In addition, it is geographically limited in its breeding system studies. Therefore, this study selected S. nepalense var. ciliatum from Liangwang Mountain (Yunnan, China) to investigate its pollination syndromes, florivory, and breeding systems. Field observations, dissecting microscope, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and paraffin section techniques were employed. Results revealed the pollination syndrome was characterized by an out-crossing trend, such as bright color, a developed rostellum, nectaries in the spur, and food hairs. The color and nectar attracted flower visitors, and florivory was observed. Some flower visitors pollinated their companion species. Ants were identified as floral visitors for the first time in Satyrium, although substantial pollination was not observed. Ants might be potential pollinators. S. nepalense var. ciliatum displayed a mixed breeding system, including selfing, out-crossing, and apomixis, with apomixis being predominant in nature. It is suggested that the pollination syndrome, florivory, and pollination competition would contribute to its mixed breeding systems, particularly leading to the occurrence of apomixis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Feature Papers in Plant Ecology)

20 pages, 2282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multibeam Wideband Transmit Beamforming Using 2D Sparse FIR Trapezoidal Filters

by Nadeeshan Dissanayake, Chamira U. S. Edussooriya, Chamith Wijenayake and Arjuna Madanayake

J. Low Power Electron. Appl. 2024, 14(2), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/jlpea14020026 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024

Abstract

A low-complexity multibeam wideband transmit beamformer using a 2D sparse FIR filter design capable of multiple beams is proposed as a digital building block for fully digital beamformers. The 2D sparse FIR filter has multiple trapezoid-shaped passbands pertaining to wideband beams aimed at [...] Read more.

A low-complexity multibeam wideband transmit beamformer using a 2D sparse FIR filter design capable of multiple beams is proposed as a digital building block for fully digital beamformers. The 2D sparse FIR filter has multiple trapezoid-shaped passbands pertaining to wideband beams aimed at particular directions. The proposed multibeam digital beamformer drives a uniform linear array of wideband antenna elements to achieve the wideband multibeam transmit-mode signals desired by the communication system. The 2D sparse FIR filter is designed to be optimal in the minimax sense using convex optimization techniques. Full-wave electromagnetic simulations using real antenna models confirm that the proposed wideband transmit beamformer can achieve multibeam transmission in the 1.3–2.8 GHz frequency range, with more than 70% fractional bandwidth. Furthermore, the adoption of the wideband transmit multibeam beamformer leads to a significant reduction in digital arithmetic (computational) complexity compared with previously reported wideband transmit beamformers of similar transfer function type, without deteriorating beam directionality and causing increases in the side-lobe level. The proposed sparse 2D FIR multibeam beamformer architecture is well-suited for both sub-6 GHz (legacy) band transmit beamforming, frequency range three (FR3) beamforming up to 28 GHz, and mmWave operation for emerging 5G/6G applications. Full article

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29 pages, 8051 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation-Based Evaluation of the Impact of an Electrochromic Glazing on the Energy Use and Indoor Comfort of an Office Room

by Henriqueta Teixeira, A. Moret Rodrigues, Daniel Aelenei and M. Glória Gomes

Energies 2024, 17(9), 2110; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17092110 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024

Abstract

Electrochromic glazing alters its optical properties in the absence/presence of an electrical charge, varying from clear to dark to control daylighting and solar heat gains. This study aims to evaluate the impact of an electrochromic glazing, with indoor glare or temperature control, on [...] Read more.

Electrochromic glazing alters its optical properties in the absence/presence of an electrical charge, varying from clear to dark to control daylighting and solar heat gains. This study aims to evaluate the impact of an electrochromic glazing, with indoor glare or temperature control, on the energy performance and thermal and visual comfort of an office room under three European climates, using a calibrated simulation model. The novelty of the paper lies in its combined performance assessment, using different standards and metrics. The results showed reduced climatization energy requirements with temperature control, but significantly increased artificial lighting energy use. Glare control achieved useful illuminance levels during 74–80% of working hours. Concerning temperature control, working hours within thermal comfort increased (21–43%) under a free-float regime. Moreover, the performance of this glazing was compared to that of a clear glazing with/without a reflective film and a thermochromic glazing for different solar orientations. The electrochromic glazing with glare control showed the highest energy savings (14–36%) for a western orientation, and the lowest negative impact on daylighting for a northern orientation. The best glare reduction was achieved with the reflective film. Considering the free-float regime, the electrochromic glazing, with temperature control, showed the highest increase in working hours within thermal comfort (6–9%) for a western orientation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Energy Systems in Energy Resilient, Zero/Positive Energy Buildings, Communities and Districts)

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12 pages, 2448 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Production of Plant-Based, Film-Type Scaffolds Using Alginate and Corn Starch for the Culture of Bovine Myoblasts

by Jun-Yeong Lee, Jihad Kamel, Chandra-Jit Yadav, Usha Yadav, Sadia Afrin, Yu-Mi Son, So-Yeon Won, Sung-Soo Han and Kyung-Mee Park

Foods 2024, 13(9), 1358; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13091358 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024

Abstract

Natural scaffolds have been the cornerstone of tissue engineering for decades, providing ideal environments for cell growth within extracellular matrices. Previous studies have favored animal-derived materials, including collagen, gelatin, and laminin, owing to their superior effects in promoting cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation [...] Read more.

Natural scaffolds have been the cornerstone of tissue engineering for decades, providing ideal environments for cell growth within extracellular matrices. Previous studies have favored animal-derived materials, including collagen, gelatin, and laminin, owing to their superior effects in promoting cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation compared to non-animal scaffolds, and used immortalized cell lines. However, for cultured meat production, non-animal-derived scaffolds with edible cells are preferred. Our study represents the first research to describe plant-derived, film-type scaffolds to overcome limitations associated with previously reported thick, gel-type scaffolds completely devoid of animal-derived materials. This approach has been employed to address the difficulties of fostering bovine muscle cell survival, migration, and differentiation in three-dimensional co-cultures. Primary bovine myoblasts from Bos Taurus Coreanae were harvested and seeded on alginate (Algi) or corn-derived alginate (AlgiC) scaffolds. Scaffold functionalities, including biocompatibility and the promotion of cell proliferation and differentiation, were evaluated using cell viability assays, immunofluorescence staining, and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Our results reveal a statistically significant 71.7% decrease in production time using film-type scaffolds relative to that for gel-type scaffolds, which can be maintained for up to 7 days. Film-type scaffolds enhanced initial cell attachment owing to their flatness and thinness relative to gel-type scaffolds. Algi and AlgiC film-type scaffolds both demonstrated low cytotoxicity over seven days of cell culture. Our findings indicated that PAX7 expression increased 16.5-fold in alginate scaffolds and 22.8-fold in AlgiC from day 1 to day 3. Moreover, at the differentiation stage on day 7, MHC expression was elevated 41.8-fold (Algi) and 32.7-fold (AlgiC), providing initial confirmation of the differentiation potential of bovine muscle cells. These findings suggest that both Algi and AlgiC film scaffolds are advantageous for cultured meat production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cultured Meat Science and Technology)

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17 pages, 3712 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Discovering Links between Geospatial Data Sources in the Web of Data: The Open Geospatial Engine Approach

by Lianlian He and Ruixiang Liu

ISPRS Int. J. Geo-Inf. 2024, 13(5), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi13050143 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024

Abstract

The Web of Data has been fueled significantly by geospatial data over the last few years. In the current link discovery frameworks, there is still a lack of robust support for finding geospatial-aware links between geospatial data sources in the Web of Data. [...] Read more.

The Web of Data has been fueled significantly by geospatial data over the last few years. In the current link discovery frameworks, there is still a lack of robust support for finding geospatial-aware links between geospatial data sources in the Web of Data. They are also limited in efficient association capabilities for large-scale datasets. This paper extends the data integration capability based on the spatial metrics in the open geospatial engine OGE. These metrics include topological relationships and spatial matching between geospatial entities within multiple geospatial data sources. Thus, the tool can be employed by data publishers to set geospatial-aware links to facilitate geospatial data and knowledge discovery in the Web of Data. Several geospatial data sources are used to demonstrate the usability and effectiveness of the approach and tool implementation. Full article

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24 pages, 5902 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Does the Spatial Structure of Urban Agglomerations Affect the Spatiotemporal Evolution of Population Aging?

by Miao Fu, Lucang Wang and Qianguo Li

Sustainability 2024, 16(9), 3710; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16093710 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024

Abstract

China has fully become an aging society, and the scientific response to population aging has become a major task that the country must face in the future. Research on population aging in the Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration (CCUA) can provide a scientific basis for [...] Read more.

China has fully become an aging society, and the scientific response to population aging has become a major task that the country must face in the future. Research on population aging in the Chengdu-Chongqing urban agglomeration (CCUA) can provide a scientific basis for future population management in the CCUA. This paper applies spatial autocorrelation, geodetection, and other methods to analyze the temporal and spatial pattern of population aging and its driving factors in the CCUA from 2000 to 2020, taking districts (counties) as the basic unit and combining them with the spatial structure of the urban agglomeration. The results show that: ① in the time dimension, the population aging in CCUA has gone through the evolution process of “mild–moderate–heavy”; in the spatial dimension, the influence of the urban agglomeration’s development planning axes on the spatial differentiation of the aging population has become more and more prominent. ② The aging level has a strong spatial correlation, and with time, the spatial correlation has changed from weak to strong, and the spatial difference has increased. The dual core city shows a typical spatial pattern of a decreasing aging level in the core area and an increasing aging level in the peripheral area, and the heavily aging area is spreading along the axis. ③ The overall aging speed is high, and the aging speeds of the core cities and node cities are lower than those of other regions. There is a clearer positive correlation between the aging level and the speed of aging, showing the characteristic of “the older the faster”. ④ Endogenous factors such as the aging level and fertility level at the beginning of the period have a significant determining power on the change in the aging level, while exogenous factors such as the in-migration rate and the out-migration rate have a persistent determining power on the urban agglomerations and key areas (core cities, central cities, main axes of development, city belts, and dense urban areas). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Social Space and Sustainable Development)

10 pages, 579 KiB

Open AccessReview

Navigating HER2-Low Testing in Invasive Breast Cancer: Update Recommendations for Mexican Pathologists

by Leticia Bornstein-Quevedo, Jazmín de Anda-González, Cesar Octavio Lara-Torres, Juan Pablo Flores-Gutiérrez, Rita Dorantes-Heredia, Verónica Bautista-Piña, Perla Zaragoza-Vargas, Aldo Alcaraz-Wong, Ana Karen Soto-Sañudo, Saulo Mendoza-Ramírez, Moisés Salamanca-García, Georgina Loyola-Rodríguez, Gabriela S. Gómez-Macías, Mario Murguía-Pérez, Marcela De Luna-Sánchez, Ricardo Villalobos-Valencia, Enrique Talamantes and Claudia Arce-Salinas

J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(5), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14050467 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024

Abstract

The article discusses the importance of accurately distinguishing HER2-low from HER2-negative breast cancer, as novel ADCs have demonstrated activity in a large population of patients with HER2-low-expressing BC. While current guidelines recommend a dichotomous classification of HER2 as either positive or negative, the [...] Read more.

The article discusses the importance of accurately distinguishing HER2-low from HER2-negative breast cancer, as novel ADCs have demonstrated activity in a large population of patients with HER2-low-expressing BC. While current guidelines recommend a dichotomous classification of HER2 as either positive or negative, the emergence of the HER2-low concept calls for standardization of HER2 testing in breast cancer, using currently available assays to better discriminate HER2 levels. This review covers the evolution and latest updates of the ASCO/CAP guidelines relevant to this important biomarker in breast cancer, including still-evolving concepts such as HER2 low, HER2 heterogeneity, and HER2 evolution. Our group presents the latest Mexican recommendations for HER2 status evaluation in breast cancer, considering the ASCO/CAP guidelines and introducing the HER2-low concept. In the era of personalized medicine, accurate HER2 status assessment remains one of the most important biomarkers in breast cancer, and the commitment of Mexican pathologists to theragnostic biomarker quality is crucial for providing the most efficient care in oncology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Biomarkers: Promises and Challenges)

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23 pages, 32356 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enriching User-Visitor Experiences in Digital Museology: Combining Social and Virtual Interaction within a Metaverse Environment

by Alba Alabau, Lidia Fabra, Ana Martí-Testón, Adolfo Muñoz, J. Ernesto Solanes and Luis Gracia

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(9), 3769; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14093769 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of integrating multilayer animations and sophisticated shader technologies to enhance visitor social interactions within metaverse exhibition spaces. It is part of a broader initiative aimed at developing innovative digital museology strategies that foster social engagement through virtual reality [...] Read more.

This study investigates the potential of integrating multilayer animations and sophisticated shader technologies to enhance visitor social interactions within metaverse exhibition spaces. It is part of a broader initiative aimed at developing innovative digital museology strategies that foster social engagement through virtual reality (VR) experiences. The methodology adopted seeks to provide a more immersive and human-centric exploration of 3D digital environments by blending elements of physical spaces with the interactive dynamics common in video games. A virtual exhibition space themed around Mars was created as a testbed to facilitate social interactions among users, who navigate the environment via avatars. This digital space was developed using a specialized Unity template designed by the metaverse platform Spatial.io. Overcoming the programming constraints imposed by Spatial.io, which limits the use of external scripts for security and stability, posed a significant challenge. Nonetheless, by leveraging the ability to modify shader codes used for material creation and employing advanced animation techniques with layered effects, the authors of this work achieved dynamic material responses to lighting changes and initiated complex asset interactions beyond simple linear animations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Virtual Reality Technology: Current Applications, Challenges and Its Future)

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16 pages, 370 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Harmonious Accommodation among Coexisting Multicultural Ethical Frameworks through Confrontation

by Yuchen Liang

Religions 2024, 15(5), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel15050542 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024

Abstract

This paper interrogates the skepticism surrounding comparative ethics, particularly the question of its relevance in a world where ethical decision-making processes are primarily presumed to be dictated by one universalist culture. The paper argues that all cultures are inherently intercultural, evidenced by the [...] Read more.

This paper interrogates the skepticism surrounding comparative ethics, particularly the question of its relevance in a world where ethical decision-making processes are primarily presumed to be dictated by one universalist culture. The paper argues that all cultures are inherently intercultural, evidenced by the historical coexistence of ideas and practices. Post-comparative ethics, which emphasizes the situational application of intellectual comparison and integration, is inevitable for postcolonial, non-Western societies. Historically, societies have navigated a variety of ethical frameworks, with some, like medieval Chinese society, embracing a plurality of beliefs. This pluralism is exemplified by the harmonious accommodation (yuanrong 圓融) of Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism. Using the example of Song Dynasty Chan master Dahui Zonggao 大慧宗杲, this article illustrates that intercultural ethics can be both diverse and sincere. Dahui’s pluralistic approach demonstrates that sincere commitment to multiple ethical systems is possible in our multicultural situation. I will discuss common approaches to the multicultural situation, such as expedient synthesis, theoretical synthesis, and crude syncretism, before illustrating the advantage of Dahui’s kanhua 看話禪method as harmonious accommodation through confrontation. This underscores the importance of shifting the debate from “Why compare?” to “How to compare?” in achieving the accommodation of different ethical frameworks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Going Beyond Comparative Ethics: Post-Comparative Ethics in Philosophic and Religious Traditions)

14 pages, 1129 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Simultaneous Normal-Phase HPLC Analysis of Lignans, Tocopherols, Phytosterols, and Squalene in Sesame Oil Samples

by Jitkunya Yuenyong, Chonlada Bennett, Sudarat Jiamyangyuen, Sugunya Mahatheeranont and Phumon Sookwong

Foods 2024, 13(9), 1368; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13091368 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop a simultaneous analytical method for the determination of lignans, tocols, phytosterols, and squalene using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array and fluorescence detector (HPLC-DAD-FLD). The method employed a Vertisep^TM UPS silica HPLC [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to develop a simultaneous analytical method for the determination of lignans, tocols, phytosterols, and squalene using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array and fluorescence detector (HPLC-DAD-FLD). The method employed a Vertisep^TM UPS silica HPLC column (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 µm) with a mobile phase mixture of n-hexane/tetrahydrofuran/2-propanol. This approach enabled the simultaneous analysis of ten compounds within 22 min. The linear correlation (R²) exceeded 0.9901. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were up to 0.43 µg mL⁻¹ for lignans and tocopherols and up to 326.23 µg mL⁻¹ for phytosterol and squalene. The precision and accuracy of the intra-day and inter-day variation were less than 1.09 and 3.32% relative standard deviations (RSDs). Furthermore, the developed method was applied for the analysis of targeted compounds in twenty-eight sesame oil samples (1775–8965 µg g⁻¹ total lignans, 29.7–687.9 µg g⁻¹ total tocopherols, 2640–9500 µg g⁻¹ phytosterol, and 245–4030 µg g⁻¹ squalene). The HPLC method that has been developed was proven to be a reliable and effective tool for the determination of those functional compounds among sesame oil samples. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Chromatography in Food Analysis, Safety and Quality Control)

14 pages, 322 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intrinsic Information-Theoretic Models

by D. Bernal-Casas and J. M. Oller

Entropy 2024, 26(5), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/e26050370 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024

Abstract

With this follow-up paper, we continue developing a mathematical framework based on information geometry for representing physical objects. The long-term goal is to lay down informational foundations for physics, especially quantum physics. We assume that we can now model information sources as univariate [...] Read more.

With this follow-up paper, we continue developing a mathematical framework based on information geometry for representing physical objects. The long-term goal is to lay down informational foundations for physics, especially quantum physics. We assume that we can now model information sources as univariate normal probability distributions

N (μ, σ_{0})

, as before, but with a constant

σ_{0}

not necessarily equal to 1. Then, we also relaxed the independence condition when modeling m sources of information. Now, we model m sources with a multivariate normal probability distribution

N_{m} (μ, Σ_{0})

with a constant variance–covariance matrix

Σ_{0}

not necessarily diagonal, i.e., with covariance values different to 0, which leads to the concept of modes rather than sources. Invoking Schrödinger’s equation, we can still break the information into m quantum harmonic oscillators, one for each mode, and with energy levels independent of the values of

σ_{0}

, altogether leading to the concept of “intrinsic”. Similarly, as in our previous work with the estimator’s variance, we found that the expectation of the quadratic Mahalanobis distance to the sample mean equals the energy levels of the quantum harmonic oscillator, being the minimum quadratic Mahalanobis distance at the minimum energy level of the oscillator and reaching the “intrinsic” Cramér–Rao lower bound at the lowest energy level. Also, we demonstrate that the global probability density function of the collective mode of a set of m quantum harmonic oscillators at the lowest energy level still equals the posterior probability distribution calculated using Bayes’ theorem from the sources of information for all data values, taking as a prior the Riemannian volume of the informative metric. While these new assumptions certainly add complexity to the mathematical framework, the results proven are invariant under transformations, leading to the concept of “intrinsic” information-theoretic models, which are essential for developing physics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Foundations of Quantum Mechanics: Reversibility and Time Arrow in Quantum Theory)

21 pages, 2998 KiB

Open AccessReview

Links among Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and Osteoporosis: Bone as a Target

by Monika Martiniakova, Roman Biro, Noemi Penzes, Anna Sarocka, Veronika Kovacova, Vladimira Mondockova and Radoslav Omelka

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(9), 4827; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094827 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024

Abstract

Obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and osteoporosis are serious diseases with an ever-increasing incidence that quite often coexist, especially in the elderly. Individuals with obesity and T2DM have impaired bone quality and an elevated risk of fragility fractures, despite higher and/or unchanged [...] Read more.

Obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and osteoporosis are serious diseases with an ever-increasing incidence that quite often coexist, especially in the elderly. Individuals with obesity and T2DM have impaired bone quality and an elevated risk of fragility fractures, despite higher and/or unchanged bone mineral density (BMD). The effect of obesity on fracture risk is site-specific, with reduced risk for several fractures (e.g., hip, pelvis, and wrist) and increased risk for others (e.g., humerus, ankle, upper leg, elbow, vertebrae, and rib). Patients with T2DM have a greater risk of hip, upper leg, foot, humerus, and total fractures. A chronic pro-inflammatory state, increased risk of falls, secondary complications, and pharmacotherapy can contribute to the pathophysiology of aforementioned fractures. Bisphosphonates and denosumab significantly reduced the risk of vertebral fractures in patients with both obesity and T2DM. Teriparatide significantly lowered non-vertebral fracture risk in T2DM subjects. It is important to recognize elevated fracture risk and osteoporosis in obese and T2DM patients, as they are currently considered low risk and tend to be underdiagnosed and undertreated. The implementation of better diagnostic tools, including trabecular bone score, lumbar spine BMD/body mass index (BMI) ratio, and microRNAs to predict bone fragility, could improve fracture prevention in this patient group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Advances in Bone Metabolism and Disorders)

14 pages, 560 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Toward Maximizing Assessment Efficiency: A Synthesized Trial-Based Functional Analysis and Competing Stimulus Assessment

by Lesley A. Shawler, Gabriella Castaneda-Velazquez and Grace Lafo

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14050372 (registering DOI) - 28 Apr 2024

Abstract

Despite the success of the standard functional analysis (FA), some limitations to conducting an FA in practice include time, resources, ecological relevance, and safety, which have led to the development of procedural adaptations such as trial-based and synthesized FA formats. The purpose of [...] Read more.

Despite the success of the standard functional analysis (FA), some limitations to conducting an FA in practice include time, resources, ecological relevance, and safety, which have led to the development of procedural adaptations such as trial-based and synthesized FA formats. The purpose of this case study was to identify the function(s) of self-injurious behavior (SIB) for a 3-year-old female with developmental disabilities using a brief trial-based FA with ecologically relevant synthesized contingencies, based on caregiver input, to minimize opportunities for SIB. We identified that positive physical attention likely functioned, at least in part, as a reinforcer for SIB, in less than 42 min. Overall harm to the child as a result of the synthesized trial-based FA was minimal, and the caregiver viewed the modified conditions favorably. We then assessed the role of competing stimuli on SIB rates with the child’s mother and identified two potential items that may compete with attention as a reinforcer for SIB. Our findings highlight the utility and importance of individualized assessment as the first step in the safe treatment of severely challenging behavior. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assessment and Treatment of Challenging Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder)

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