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Recent Articles  

16 pages, 843 KiB  
Review
The Role of A20 in Cancer: Friend or Foe?
by Jinju Lee and Heesun Cheong
Cells 2025, 14(7), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells14070544 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
A20 is a ubiquitin-editing enzyme that has emerged as a key regulator of inflammatory signaling with paradoxical roles in cancer. Acting as both an oncogene and a tumor suppressor gene depending on the cellular context, A20 modulates important cell pathways, such as NF-κB [...] Read more.
A20 is a ubiquitin-editing enzyme that has emerged as a key regulator of inflammatory signaling with paradoxical roles in cancer. Acting as both an oncogene and a tumor suppressor gene depending on the cellular context, A20 modulates important cell pathways, such as NF-κB signaling and autophagy. In this review, we summarize the dual roles of A20 in tumorigenesis, highlighting its ability to promote tumor progression in cancers, such as breast and melanoma, while functioning as a tumor suppressor in lymphomas and hepatocellular carcinoma. We discuss the interplay of A20 with autophagy, a process that is important for maintaining cellular homeostasis and influencing tumor dynamics. By integrating recent findings, we provide insight into how dysregulation of A20 and its associated pathways can either suppress or drive cancer development, which may lead to improved therapeutic intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellular Mechanisms of Anti-Cancer Therapies)
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12 pages, 2827 KiB  
Article
Compelling Increase in Parvovirus B19 Infections: Analysis of Molecular Diagnostic Trends (2019–2024)
by Flora Marzia Liotti, Simona Marchetti, Sara D’Onghia, Lucio Romano, Rosalba Ricci, Maurizio Sanguinetti, Rosaria Santangelo and Brunella Posteraro
Viruses 2025, 17(4), 523; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17040523 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) follows a well-documented cyclical epidemiology, with peaks occurring every 3–4 years. However, recent reports indicate an unusual resurgence in B19V infections across multiple countries, prompting increased surveillance. This study analyzed molecular diagnostic assay results from 826 unique-patient samples tested [...] Read more.
Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) follows a well-documented cyclical epidemiology, with peaks occurring every 3–4 years. However, recent reports indicate an unusual resurgence in B19V infections across multiple countries, prompting increased surveillance. This study analyzed molecular diagnostic assay results from 826 unique-patient samples tested for B19V DNA between 2019 and 2024 at a large Italian tertiary-care hospital, covering pre-, during, and post-COVID-19 years. Overall, 80 of 826 patients (9.7%) tested positive for B19V DNA. A significant increase in positivity was observed in 2024 (23.4%), with a peak in May, representing an eightfold rise compared to 2019–2020. Despite this surge, the distribution of positive cases across population categories remained consistent with previous years, with 32 of 80 (40.0%) positive samples from pregnant women and 27 of 80 (33.8%) from hematology/oncology patients. Among 66 B19V DNA-positive patients with available serology, 4 of 66 (6.1%)—all immunocompromised—lacked detectable IgM/IgG despite high B19V DNA levels (7.8 log10 IU/mL). These findings highlight the importance of integrating molecular and serological diagnostics, particularly in high-risk populations. Given the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on B19V circulation, continued surveillance is essential to determine whether this resurgence represents a temporary fluctuation or a sustained epidemiological shift. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Parvoviridae)
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14 pages, 16149 KiB  
Article
Modeling and Optimization of Structural Tuning in Bandgap-Engineered Tunneling Oxide for 3D NAND Flash Application
by Zhihong Xu, Shibo Xie, Zhijun Ying, Wenlong Zhang and Liming Gao
Electronics 2025, 14(7), 1461; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14071461 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
The bandgap-engineered tunneling oxide (BE-TOX) structure has been proposed to address the incompatibility between erase efficiency and retention performance in NAND flash memory. Previous studies have primarily focused on single flash memory cells, whose architecture significantly differs from that of 3D NAND flash [...] Read more.
The bandgap-engineered tunneling oxide (BE-TOX) structure has been proposed to address the incompatibility between erase efficiency and retention performance in NAND flash memory. Previous studies have primarily focused on single flash memory cells, whose architecture significantly differs from that of 3D NAND flash memory. Thus, the BE-TOX structure requires further research and optimization to improve device performance. In this study, the impact of varying proportions of the SiO2/SiOxNy/SiO2 (O1/N/O2) structure on performance is investigated using Technology Computer-Aided Design (TCAD) simulations. The results indicate that as the thickness of the N layer increases, the program/erase (P/E) speed improves, but reliability deteriorates. By adjusting the ratio of the O1 and O2 layers, the P/E speed can be optimized, and an optimal thickness can be identified. The simulation results demonstrate that the phenomenon is attributed to the combined effects of different barrier heights for charge tunneling and variations in band bending across the material layers. This study paves the way for further designing BE-TOX structures with balanced P/E performance and reliability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Electronic Materials, Devices and Applications)
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12 pages, 6258 KiB  
Article
A Comparative Study Between Copy Number Alterations and PRAME Immunohistochemical Pilot Study in Challenging Melanocytic Lesions
by Jeana Chun, Ashley R. Scholl, Jennifer Crimmins, Michelle M. Schneider, M. Angelica Selim and Rami N. Al-Rohil
Cancers 2025, 17(7), 1218; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17071218 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Introduction: Diagnostic uncertainty for ambiguous lesions that fall on the spectrum between nevi and melanoma remains a significant challenge and can have consequences for patient management. Methods: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic utility of preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) immunohistochemistry [...] Read more.
Introduction: Diagnostic uncertainty for ambiguous lesions that fall on the spectrum between nevi and melanoma remains a significant challenge and can have consequences for patient management. Methods: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic utility of preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) immunohistochemistry to molecular testing (FISH and SNP array) in 34 diagnostically challenging melanocytic lesions and 9 non-diagnostically challenging melanomas. Results: We conclude that while PRAME immunohistochemistry demonstrates high specificity (96.2%) in diagnostically challenging melanocytic lesions, its low sensitivity (12.5%) suggests that it should not replace histopathological evaluation in rendering the final diagnosis. Conclusions: These findings suggest that PRAME may serve as a useful adjunct in the diagnostic workup, particularly due to its high negative predictive value, but should be used in conjunction with other established diagnostic modalities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prediction of Melanoma)
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21 pages, 4880 KiB  
Article
Geographical Variations in Egg Nutrient Density: A Comparative Study of Sustainable Layer Hen Systems in Ohio and Indiana in Late Fall and Early Winter Months
by Julianna Adams, Rachel Van Duinen, Selin Sergin, Chad A. Bitler and Jenifer I. Fenton
Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 3208; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17073208 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Regenerative, pasture-raised layer hen systems create synergistic relationships between the hens, forage, soil, and weather, fostering a sustainable system. However, the influence of these factors on egg nutrient profile and quality may vary by region. This study took place over two years; samples [...] Read more.
Regenerative, pasture-raised layer hen systems create synergistic relationships between the hens, forage, soil, and weather, fostering a sustainable system. However, the influence of these factors on egg nutrient profile and quality may vary by region. This study took place over two years; samples were collected from a farm in Ohio during the first year and a farm in Indiana during the second year. Egg (n = 12) and forage (n = 3) samples were collected monthly from September to December. Fatty acids were quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, micronutrients were assessed in a commercial laboratory, and carotenoids and polyphenols were analyzed colorimetrically. Ohio eggs had significantly darker yolks (average yolk fan score: 8.5 ± 1.8 vs. 3.9 ± 2.0; p < 0.0001), a higher beta carotene and carotenoid content, and a lower n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio across the season. Indiana eggs had a lower average total phenolic content (0.07 ± 0.00 mg GAE/g vs. 0.14 ± 0.10 mg GAE/g) and lower average total cholesterol (5.35 ± 2.9 mg/g vs. 10.99 ± 1.54 mg/g). Forage composition and soil parameters varied between farms. Regional variations in forage composition, soil nutrients, and regional weather can significantly influence the nutrient density of eggs produced in sustainable, pasture-raising systems. This research highlights how local environmental factors can shape the nutritional profiles of eggs in different regions. Future studies should explore this relationship in more regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Food)
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14 pages, 11070 KiB  
Article
The Impacts of Satellite Data Quality Control and Meteorological Forcings on Snow Data Assimilation over the Sanjiangyuan Region
by Tao Yang, Xing Yuan, Peng Ji and Enda Zhu
Water 2025, 17(7), 1078; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17071078 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
The effectiveness of snow data assimilation is closely related to the satellite data quality control that affects snow cover data used for assimilation and meteorological forcings that drive land surface model to estimate snow depth, especially over headwater regions where in situ measurements [...] Read more.
The effectiveness of snow data assimilation is closely related to the satellite data quality control that affects snow cover data used for assimilation and meteorological forcings that drive land surface model to estimate snow depth, especially over headwater regions where in situ measurements are sparse and land surface simulations are challenging. This study proposes a joint quality control scheme based on precipitation constraints and cloud thresholds, uses the Ensemble Square Root Filter to assimilate the controlled data to improve snow depth estimation from the Conjunctive Surface-Subsurface Process model version 2 (CSSPv2), and explores the impacts of different forcing data on the assimilation. The correlation between the assimilated monthly snow depth data and the in situ measurements averaged over 21 stations during November–February of 2000–2015 is 0.93, and the root mean square error is 0.22 cm. Compared with CSSPv2 model simulation, the correlation increased by 5.6%, and the error decreased by 18.5%. The joint quality control scheme has led to an average accuracy improvement of 47%, while the high-quality forcing data have resulted in an average enhancement of 58%. This study suggests that satellite data quality control and meteorological forcings are important for increasing correlation and decreasing error for snow depth assimilation, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Hydrology)
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27 pages, 10003 KiB  
Article
Fault Diagnosis Method of Rolling Bearing Based on 1D Multi-Channel Improved Convolutional Neural Network in Noisy Environment
by Huijuan Guo, Dongzhi Ping, Lijun Wang, Weijie Zhang, Junfeng Wu, Xiao Ma, Qiang Xu and Zhongyu Lu
Sensors 2025, 25(7), 2286; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25072286 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
The vibration signal of mechanical equipment in operating environments is the key to describing fault characteristics, but due to thez influence of equipment density and environmental interference, the accuracy of fault diagnosis is often affected by noise. In this paper, a fault diagnosis [...] Read more.
The vibration signal of mechanical equipment in operating environments is the key to describing fault characteristics, but due to thez influence of equipment density and environmental interference, the accuracy of fault diagnosis is often affected by noise. In this paper, a fault diagnosis method based on a 1D Multi-Channel Improved Convolutional Neural Network (1DMCICNN) is proposed. By introducing BiLSTM, an attention mechanism and a local sparse structure of a two-channel Convolutional Neural Network, the feature information of the noisy timing signal is fully extracted at different scales while reducing the computational parameters. The model is verified through experiments under different signal-to-noise ratios and loads. The results show that the accuracy of 1DMCICNN is 98.67%, 99.71%, 99.04%, and 99.71% on different load and speed datasets. Meanwhile, compared with the unoptimized two-channel Convolutional Neural Network, the training parameters are reduced by 55.58%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fault Diagnosis & Sensors)
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15 pages, 638 KiB  
Article
Insights into Molecular Profiles, Resistance Patterns, and Virulence Traits of Staphylococci from Companion Dogs in Angola
by Romay Coragem da Costa, Francisca Guerra Cunha, Raquel Abreu, Gonçalo Pereira, Catarina Geraldes, Eva Cunha, Lélia Chambel and Manuela Oliveira
Animals 2025, 15(7), 1043; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15071043 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Staphylococci are prevalent in dogs’ microbiota, with commensal strains being able to exhibit resistance and virulence traits, complicating secondary infection management. As antimicrobial resistance is a global threat, particularly in middle-income countries like Angola, surveillance of resistant bacteria is crucial. We analyzed the [...] Read more.
Staphylococci are prevalent in dogs’ microbiota, with commensal strains being able to exhibit resistance and virulence traits, complicating secondary infection management. As antimicrobial resistance is a global threat, particularly in middle-income countries like Angola, surveillance of resistant bacteria is crucial. We analyzed the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence profiles of staphylococci from dogs in Angola. Isolates were identified using VITEK® 2 Compact (bioMérieux© SA, Marcy l’Etoile, France), and their genetic diversity was assessed via PCR fingerprinting. Isolates’ susceptibility to relevant antimicrobials was determined by disk diffusion, and their virulence profiles were evaluated using plaque assays. The relationship between antibiotic resistance and animal-related factors was also assessed by statistical analysis. Isolates were identified as Mammaliicoccus sciuri (former Staphylococcus sciuri, 38%), Staphylococcus xylosus (30%), Staphylococcus equorum (13%), Mammaliicoccus vitulinus (former Staphylococcus vitulinus, 7%), Mammaliicoccus lentus (former Staphylococcus lentus, 5%), Staphylococcus aureus (2%), and Staphylococcus spp. (5%). Of these, 86% were resistant to at least one of the antimicrobials tested, and 30% were classified as multidrug-resistant, being more common in females, dogs with clinical signs of disease, and vaccinated animals. Moreover, 93% of the isolates were able to produce biofilm, 46% could produce lecithinase and gelatinase, and 23% could produce hemolysins. Companion dogs from Angola can carry resistant staphylococci able to express several virulence factors, potentially representing a One Health risk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial Resistance and Innovative Strategies in Veterinary Medicine)
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15 pages, 244 KiB  
Article
Early-Onset Inherited Metabolic Diseases: When Clinical Symptoms Precede Newborn Screening—Insights from Emilia-Romagna (Italy)
by Giulia Montanari, Egidio Candela, Federico Baronio, Vittorio Ferrari, Giacomo Biasucci, Marcello Lanari and Rita Ortolano
Children 2025, 12(4), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12040464 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Background: Expanded Newborn Screening (ENS) allows the early identification of many inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs) for which timely treatment can modify the natural history. For most IMDs, diagnosis by ENS is pre-clinical. However, clinical symptoms may emerge for certain conditions before screening results [...] Read more.
Background: Expanded Newborn Screening (ENS) allows the early identification of many inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs) for which timely treatment can modify the natural history. For most IMDs, diagnosis by ENS is pre-clinical. However, clinical symptoms may emerge for certain conditions before screening results become available. Methods: We describe six cases of patients with early-onset IMDs born between 2013 and 2023, who were admitted or transferred to Sant’Orsola University Hospital in Bologna (Italy). Results: Over the study period, 379,013 newborns underwent ENS in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna. Excluding cases of congenital hypothyroidism, pre-clinical diagnoses from ENS were 410. In addition, six cases of IMD presented with early-onset clinical symptomatology, an antecedent to the outcome of newborn screening (incidence over 11 years of 1.58 cases per 100,000 infants). Among these patients, three were diagnosed with Urea Cycle Disorders (UCDs)—two with Citrullinemia type I (CIT1) and one with Argininosuccinic Acidemia (ASA); two were diagnosed with Methylmalonic Acidemia (MMA); and one was found to have Medium-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency (MCADD). Conclusions: Our 11-year experience with ENS has shown that clinical onset can occur between the second and fourth day of life, though rare. Even if dried blood spot (DBS) collection was performed 24–48 h after birth, the time required for sample transportation and processing would still delay result availability, making early intervention unlikely. Therefore, our experience supports performing ENS at 48–72 h, as currently implemented in Italy, while also highlighting the advantages and limitations of earlier screening. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Neonatology)
27 pages, 1979 KiB  
Article
Study on Cavitation Effects in Elastic Cylinder Displacement and Bubble Morphology: Modeling, Reliability, and Behavioral Analysis
by Yuxin Gou, Dongyan Shi and Jiuqiang Wang
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3979; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073979 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
The shape of a bubble changes near an elastic boundary, and this alteration also influences the boundary itself. This study investigates bubble shape and boundary displacement near an elastic cylindrical boundary through an electric spark bubble experiment. Three parameters—dimensionless distance, elastic cylinder tension, [...] Read more.
The shape of a bubble changes near an elastic boundary, and this alteration also influences the boundary itself. This study investigates bubble shape and boundary displacement near an elastic cylindrical boundary through an electric spark bubble experiment. Three parameters—dimensionless distance, elastic cylinder tension, and dimensionless size—are discussed and analyzed in relation to bubble shape. For studying elastic cylinder boundary displacement, a displacement formula is proposed by establishing a motion model, and impulse is used for verification. Furthermore, the elastic cylinder tension employed in this study has negligible impact on boundary displacement. Understanding how bubble shape changes near an elastic boundary, along with the corresponding boundary displacement, provides valuable insights into the stability and durability of materials and structures under similar conditions. The elasticity of the cylinder and its displacement response to external forces can help predict long-term behavior, contributing to the reliability assessment of engineering systems involving elastic boundaries and fluid dynamics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Data-Enhanced Engineering Structural Integrity Assessment and Design)
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12 pages, 2679 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Propagation of Clausena lenis Drake
by Pajaree Sathuphan, Srunya Vajrodaya, Nuttha Sanevas and Narong Wongkantrakorn
Plants 2025, 14(7), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14071123 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Clausena lenis Drake, a valuable medicinal plant in the Rutaceae family, faces threats from wildlife predation, overharvesting, and climate change. In the wild, C. lenis primarily propagates through seeds; however, their rapid loss of viability poses challenges for long-term storage and germplasm conservation. [...] Read more.
Clausena lenis Drake, a valuable medicinal plant in the Rutaceae family, faces threats from wildlife predation, overharvesting, and climate change. In the wild, C. lenis primarily propagates through seeds; however, their rapid loss of viability poses challenges for long-term storage and germplasm conservation. Plant tissue culture offers a practical solution for both its conservation and large-scale production. This study examines seed sterilization, callus induction, shoot multiplication, and root induction protocols for C. lenis. Seeds attained a 100% sterilization rate using 0.2% (w/v) HgCl2 for 20 min without compromising germination. When cultured on MS medium containing 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D, seed, stem-node, and 1-week-old seedling explants produced abundant callus. A 2.0 mg/L BA treatment achieved 100% shoot induction, with stem-node explants yielding the highest shoot proliferation (3.90 ± 0.31 shoots/explant), followed by 1-week-old seedlings (2.30 ± 0.21 shoots/explant) and seed explants (1.60 ± 0.16 shoots/explant). Rooting was most effective on half-strength MS medium supplemented with 20.0 mg/L IBA, producing an average of 4.30 ± 0.83 roots per shoot in shoot-tip-deprived explants. The rooted plantlets successfully acclimatized, attaining a 100% survival rate in a 1:1:1 mixture of sterile soil, cocopeat, and vermiculite. These findings provide a robust platform for the sustainable propagation and conservation of C. lenis in response to its growing vulnerabilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Horticultural Science and Ornamental Plants)
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20 pages, 22788 KiB  
Article
Structural Deformation Style and Seismic Potential of the Maoyaba Fault, Southeastern Margin of the Tibet Plateau
by Xianbing Zhang, Ning Zhong, Xiao Yu, Guifang Yang and Haibing Li
Remote Sens. 2025, 17(7), 1288; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17071288 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
The southeastern margin of the Tibet Plateau represents one of the most seismically active zones in China and serves as a natural laboratory for investigating the uplift dynamics and lateral expansion mechanisms of the plateau. The Litang fault zone (LTFZ) lies within the [...] Read more.
The southeastern margin of the Tibet Plateau represents one of the most seismically active zones in China and serves as a natural laboratory for investigating the uplift dynamics and lateral expansion mechanisms of the plateau. The Litang fault zone (LTFZ) lies within the northwest Sichuan sub-block on the southeastern margin of the Tibet Plateau, running almost parallel to the Xianshuihe fault zone and forming a V-shaped conjugate structure system with the Batang fault zone (BTFZ). The Maoyaba fault (MYBF) is a significant component of the northwestern part of the LTFZ, exhibiting activity in the late Quaternary. It triggered the ancient Luanshibao landslide and caused the Litang earthquake in 1729 AD, demonstrating intense seismic activity. Employing high-resolution remote sensing interpretation, field surveys, UAV photogrammetry, and UAV LiDAR, this study further examines the geometric distribution and kinematic properties of the MYBF, as well as paleoearthquake events recorded by the fault scarps. Combined with the geometric distribution and kinematic properties of the Hagala fault (HGLF) and Zimeihu fault (ZMHF), this study discusses the late Quaternary structural deformation style and seismic potential of the MYBF. The MYBF could produce earthquakes of approximately Mw 6.7 ± 0.3, with an average co-seismic slip of about 0.68 m and an average recurrence interval of strong earthquakes since the late Quaternary ranging from 0.9 to 1.1 ky. The likelihood of surface rupture earthquakes occurring in the near future is low; however, the expansion of the HGLF could induce moderate to strong earthquakes in the MYB area. The variation in the local tectonic stress field, which is influenced by the Litang–Batang V-shaped structure system and lithological differences, results in the formation of an extensional horsetail structure in the northwestern segment of the LTFZ. Both the HGLF and ZMHF remain active faults. Under the influence of nearly north–south tensile stress, these faults and the Litang–Batang V-shaped structure system collectively regulate the movement of regional crustal material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Geological Hazard Characterization and Assessment: Merging Remote Sensing with Direct Surveys)
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22 pages, 3403 KiB  
Article
A Bi-Level Optimization Model for Hydrogen Station Location Considering Hydrogen Cost and Range Anxiety
by Lisha Jiang and Liang Wang
Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 3210; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17073210 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
In pursuit of sustainable development, worldwide adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) is growing to cut carbon emissions in the transportation sector. The construction of hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) is the key to popularizing HFCVs. The popularity of HRSs is hindered by [...] Read more.
In pursuit of sustainable development, worldwide adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs) is growing to cut carbon emissions in the transportation sector. The construction of hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) is the key to popularizing HFCVs. The popularity of HRSs is hindered by cost, site selection, and user expectations. Selecting mature gas stations with large passenger flow to expand HRSs can improve the accuracy of the hydrogen refueling network. Reducing the range anxiety of HFCV users to improve the path coverage of HFCVs is a favorable way to expand the hydrogen vehicle industry chain. Therefore, this study proposes a bi-level programming model, which considers hydrogen source (HS), hydrogen delivery mode (HDM), initial remaining range, range anxiety, and other factors. The upper-level model is designed to optimize economic costs, including the total chain cost of the HRS. The lower level aims to optimize the range anxiety of HFCV users and more accurately reflect their autonomy by controlling the maximum remaining range of the vehicle. Finally, the expressway in the Liaoning Province of China is taken as an example to verify that the optimization model had the advantages of low hydrogen cost and minimal range anxiety. The cost analysis of several HSs and HDMs was discussed from the perspective of the best site selected, and it was found that the Anshan HS using coal to produce hydrogen and the long tube trailer can provide lower hydrogen cost for the HRS. This method is generalizable to other regions or all types of HFCVs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Energy System: Efficiency and Cost of Renewable Energy)
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13 pages, 211 KiB  
Article
Predictive Factors for Spontaneous Resolution in Primary Obstructive Megaureter: The Impact of Hydronephrosis Severity on Clinical Outcomes
by George Vlad Isac and Nicolae Sebastian Ionescu
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(7), 2463; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14072463 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Primary obstructive megaureter (POM) is a rare congenital urological condition usually diagnosed prenatally or in early childhood. Conservative management is increasingly preferred due to a high potential for spontaneous resolution. However, reliable predictors of spontaneous resolution remain controversial, complicating clinical decision-making. This [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Primary obstructive megaureter (POM) is a rare congenital urological condition usually diagnosed prenatally or in early childhood. Conservative management is increasingly preferred due to a high potential for spontaneous resolution. However, reliable predictors of spontaneous resolution remain controversial, complicating clinical decision-making. This study aimed to identify the demographic, clinical, and imaging parameters predictive of spontaneous resolution in patients with primary obstructive megaureter. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 21 pediatric patients diagnosed with primary obstructive megaureter, who were treated conservatively at the Maria Sklodowska Curie Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children from January 2015 to December 2024. Clinical parameters, imaging findings, and renal function were evaluated. Statistical analyses included univariate comparisons and multivariate logistic regression modeling. Results: Spontaneous resolution occurred in 12 (57%) patients, at a median age of 45.75 months. The only statistically significant predictor identified was the initial hydronephrosis grade (p = 0.046). Patients with mild-to-moderate dilation (Grades I–II) had a significantly higher resolution rate (11 of 15 cases) compared with those with severe dilation (1 of 6 cases). Ureteral diameter showed a trend toward predicting outcomes, with unresolved cases having larger median diameters (15 mm vs. 10.5 mm, p ≈ 0.08). Age at diagnosis, sex, bilateral involvement, and history of urinary infections did not significantly influence resolution rates. Conclusions: The initial severity of hydronephrosis significantly predicts spontaneous resolution in primary obstructive megaureter. Conservative management is particularly justified in mild-to-moderate cases, whereas patients with severe dilation may require early intervention due to lower resolution likelihood. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nephrology & Urology)
21 pages, 2419 KiB  
Article
Can Vertical Mergers and Acquisitions of Renewable Energy Enterprises Enhance Supply Chain Resilience?—Empirical Verification Based on Multi-Period Difference-in-Differences Model
by Yiding Wu, Qing Liu and Qiming Guo
Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 3211; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17073211 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Given the global imperative for energy transition, vertical mergers and acquisitions (M&As) have become a strategic lever for renewable energy enterprises to enhance supply chain resilience. This study examines the performance of Chinese A-share listed renewable energy enterprises from 2011 to 2023. By [...] Read more.
Given the global imperative for energy transition, vertical mergers and acquisitions (M&As) have become a strategic lever for renewable energy enterprises to enhance supply chain resilience. This study examines the performance of Chinese A-share listed renewable energy enterprises from 2011 to 2023. By constructing an evaluation index system for supply chain resilience, the study employs a multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) model to examine the impact of vertical M&As on supply chain resilience and the mediating effect of supplier concentration. The results demonstrate that the supply chain resilience of vertically merged renewable energy enterprises is generally stronger than that of non-M&A counterparts, with a significant upward trend observed in M&A enterprises during the study period. However, renewable energy enterprises demonstrate lower supply chain resilience compared to manufacturing firms. Vertical M&As in renewable energy enterprises enhance supply chain resilience, a conclusion that remains valid after a series of robustness tests. Vertical M&As mitigate supplier concentration and further enhance supply chain resilience in renewable energy enterprises. Heterogeneity analyses reveal that vertical M&A has a more pronounced effect on supply chain resilience in renewable energy enterprises that have low financing constraints and high growth potential. In the solar power, lithium and hydrogen energy industries, vertical M&As had a greater promoting effect on supply chain resilience. This study provides empirical evidence and decision-making guidelines for renewable energy enterprises to adopt vertical M&A strategies for enhancing supply chain resilience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Sustainability)
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18 pages, 1048 KiB  
Article
Reliability Analysis and Numerical Simulation of Industrial Robot Drive System with Vacation
by Yanling Li, Genqi Xu and Yihui Wang
Axioms 2025, 14(4), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/axioms14040275 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
With the advancement of science and technology, industrial robots have become indispensable equipment in advanced manufacturing and a critical benchmark for assessing a nation’s manufacturing and technological capabilities. Enhancing the reliability of industrial robots is therefore a pressing priority. This paper investigates the [...] Read more.
With the advancement of science and technology, industrial robots have become indispensable equipment in advanced manufacturing and a critical benchmark for assessing a nation’s manufacturing and technological capabilities. Enhancing the reliability of industrial robots is therefore a pressing priority. This paper investigates the drive system of industrial robots, modeling it as a series system comprising multiple components (n) with a repairman who operates under a single vacation policy. The system assumes that each component’s lifespan follows an exponential distribution, while the repairman’s repair and vacation times adhere to general distributions. Notably, the repairman initiates a vacation at the system’s outset. Using the supplementary variable method, a mathematical model of the system is constructed and formulated within an appropriate Banach space, leading to the derivation of the system’s abstract development equation. Leveraging functional analysis and the C0-semigroup theory of bounded operators, the study examines the system’s adaptability, stability, and key reliability indices. Furthermore, numerical simulations are employed to analyze how system reliability indices vary with parameter values. This work contributes to the field of industrial robot reliability analysis by introducing a novel methodological framework that integrates vacation policies and general distribution assumptions, offering new insights into system behavior and reliability optimization. The findings have significant implications for improving the design and maintenance strategies of industrial robots in real-world applications. Full article
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11 pages, 432 KiB  
Article
Inclusive Neutrino and Antineutrino Scattering on the 12C Nucleus Within the Coherent Density Fluctuation Model
by Martin V. Ivanov and Anton N. Antonov
Universe 2025, 11(4), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/universe11040119 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
We investigate quasielastic (anti)neutrino scattering on the 12C nucleus utilizing a novel scaling variable, ψ*. This variable is derived from the interacting relativistic Fermi gas model, which incorporates both scalar and vector interactions, leading to a relativistic effective mass for [...] Read more.
We investigate quasielastic (anti)neutrino scattering on the 12C nucleus utilizing a novel scaling variable, ψ*. This variable is derived from the interacting relativistic Fermi gas model, which incorporates both scalar and vector interactions, leading to a relativistic effective mass for the interacting nucleons. For inclusive lepton scattering from nuclei, we develop a new scaling function, denoted as fQE(ψ*), based on the coherent density fluctuation model (CDFM). This model serves as a natural extension of the relativistic Fermi gas (RFG) model applicable to finite nuclei. In this study, we compute theoretical predictions and compare them with experimental data from Minerνa and T2K for inclusive (anti)neutrino cross-sections. The scaling function is derived within the CDFM framework, employing a relativistic effective mass of mN*=0.8mN. The findings demonstrate a high degree of consistency with experimental data across all (anti)neutrino energy ranges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neutrino Insights: Peering into the Subatomic Universe)
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17 pages, 42731 KiB  
Article
ClipQ: Clipping Optimization for the Post-Training Quantization of Convolutional Neural Network
by Yiming Chen, Hui Zhang, Chen Zhang and Yi Liu
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(7), 3980; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15073980 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
In response to the issue that post-training quantization leads to performance degradation in mobile deployment, as well as the problem that the balanced consideration of quantization deviation by Clipping optimization techniques limits the improvement of quantization accuracy, this article proposes a novel clipping [...] Read more.
In response to the issue that post-training quantization leads to performance degradation in mobile deployment, as well as the problem that the balanced consideration of quantization deviation by Clipping optimization techniques limits the improvement of quantization accuracy, this article proposes a novel clipping optimization method named ClipQ, which pays different attention to the parameters, aiming to preferentially reduce the quantization deviation of important parameters. The attention of the weight is positively related to its absolute value. Channel information entropy and principal component analysis are used to characterize the channel attention and spatial attention of activations, respectively. In addition, the particle swarm algorithm is applied in weight clipping to adjust the search step size and direction adaptively. ClipQ achieves high-precision quantization with very few calibration samples (<=50) and low time cost. Meanwhile, it does not bring extra computation, which is friendly to hardware. The experimental evaluation on image classification, semantic segmentation, and object detection shows that ClipQ outperforms other state-of-the-art clipping techniques, such as KL, ACIQ, and MSE. In 8-bit quantization, the average precision loss is 0.31% for image classification and 0.22% for object detection. More notably, it achieves almost lossless accuracy in semantic segmentation tasks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Big Data Analysis and Management Based on Deep Learning: 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 2229 KiB  
Essay
Architecture and Application of Mine Ventilation System Safety Knowledge Graph Based on Neo4j
by Keping Zhou, Xiaohui Lu, Chun Yang, Zhiqing Chen, Wei Liu and Haiwen Yan
Sustainability 2025, 17(7), 3209; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17073209 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
To improve the safety management and accident prevention capabilities of mine ventilation systems, the application of knowledge graph technology is proposed. By employing methodologies such as data analysis, entity relationship definition, and entity relationship extraction, and entity extraction using BERT + BiLSTM + [...] Read more.
To improve the safety management and accident prevention capabilities of mine ventilation systems, the application of knowledge graph technology is proposed. By employing methodologies such as data analysis, entity relationship definition, and entity relationship extraction, and entity extraction using BERT + BiLSTM + CRF model, a safety knowledge graph for the mine ventilation system is constructed. This facilitates the structured processing of historical accident-related textual data and enables the visual analysis and application of accidents based on the knowledge graph. The research results demonstrate that knowledge graph technology can effectively integrate unstructured data and present it in visual graphs or tables. By utilizing Cypher query statements, multi-dimensional accident statistics and the frequency analysis of specific information can be generated, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of accident occurrence patterns. Leveraging the node-to-node characteristics of the knowledge graph, a correlation analysis between entities is conducted, deeply exploring relationships among different types of data, thereby providing new insights to prevent accidents in mine ventilation systems. Moreover, the analysis of mine ventilation accidents and system failure characteristics offers valuable guidance for the safety management of mine ventilation systems. Full article
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12 pages, 3221 KiB  
Article
Electron Beam Irradiation-Induced Degradation of Sulfadiazine in Aqueous Solutions
by Boris Tende Kengne, Shizong Wang, Yongxia Sun, Jianlong Wang and Sylwester Bulka
Water 2025, 17(7), 1077; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17071077 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
The degradation of sulfadiazine (4-amino-N-pyrimidin-2yl-benzenesulfonamide, SDZ), a widely used sulfonamide antibiotic, in aqueous solution under electron beam irradiation was investigated to explore its potential as an Advanced Oxidation Process for environmental remediation. This study evaluated the effects of irradiation dose, initial [...] Read more.
The degradation of sulfadiazine (4-amino-N-pyrimidin-2yl-benzenesulfonamide, SDZ), a widely used sulfonamide antibiotic, in aqueous solution under electron beam irradiation was investigated to explore its potential as an Advanced Oxidation Process for environmental remediation. This study evaluated the effects of irradiation dose, initial sulfadiazine concentration, and initial pH on the degradation efficiency. It was found at 0.5 kGy that the degradation efficiency decreased with increasing initial SDZ concentration, from 83.0% at 5 mg/L to 35.0% at 30 mg/L. The kinetic results showed a pseudo-first order model. The degradation efficiencies of 30 mg/L SDZ reached 80.8%, 75.3%, 69.5% and 69.8%, respectively, at pH 3.0, 6.3, 9.0, and 11.0 at 3.0 kGy, indicating the pH dependence to SDZ degradation under electron beam. The maximum removal efficiency was around 90% after UV analysis and 99% after HPLC analysis for 10mg/L SDZ at absorbed doses of 2–3 kGy and pH 6.3. Increasing the degradation efficiency of 10 mg/L SDZ from 0.5 kGy to 3.0 kGy showed the dose dependence on SDZ removal. Reactive species generated during irradiation, including hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen radicals, and solvated electrons, were identified as primary contributors to the degradation process. The effect of reactive species on the degradation of 10 mg/L SDZ was evaluated at variable doses, revealing the following trend: •OH>•H>eaq−. Transformation products were characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS), providing insights into the degradation pathway. The results demonstrate that electron beam irradiation is an effective and sustainable method for sulfadiazine removal in water treatment systems, offering an innovative approach to mitigating antibiotic pollution in aquatic environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancement of Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) for Water and Wastewater Treatment and Water Reuse)
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11 pages, 236 KiB  
Perspective
A New Perspective on Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Potential Paradigm Shift
by John R. Ostergaard
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(7), 3370; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26073370 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Agitation is a common and difficult-to-manage neuropsychiatric syndrome in dementia. Recently, an association with the autonomous nervous system has been suggested. From the literature researched, however, only two studies investigating autonomic function concomitant to agitation situations appeared; one case series comprised two American [...] Read more.
Agitation is a common and difficult-to-manage neuropsychiatric syndrome in dementia. Recently, an association with the autonomous nervous system has been suggested. From the literature researched, however, only two studies investigating autonomic function concomitant to agitation situations appeared; one case series comprised two American veterans with vascular and Alzheimer’s dementia, respectively, and in a case series of patients with CLN3 (juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis), this was found to be the most common neurodegenerative disease leading to dementia in childhood. In both case series, the measurement of the autonomic system disclosed a parasympathetic withdrawal and sympathetic hyperactivity in the temporal context with agitated behavior. If the time-wise-related autonomic imbalance shown previously can be demonstrated in a larger cohort of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, the use of transcutaneous vagal stimulation might be a potential paradigm shift in the treatment of agitation in Alzheimer’s disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dysfunctional Neural Circuits and Impairments in Brain Function)
17 pages, 2178 KiB  
Article
Overload Risk Assessment of Transmission Lines Considering Dynamic Line Rating
by Jieling Li, Jinming Lin, Yu Han, Lingzi Zhu, Dongxu Chang and Changzheng Shao
Energies 2025, 18(7), 1822; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18071822 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Dynamic line rating (DLR) technology dynamically adjusts the current-carrying capacity of transmission lines based on real-time environmental parameters and plays a critical role in maximizing line utilization, alleviating power flow congestion, and enhancing the security and economic efficiency of power systems. However, the [...] Read more.
Dynamic line rating (DLR) technology dynamically adjusts the current-carrying capacity of transmission lines based on real-time environmental parameters and plays a critical role in maximizing line utilization, alleviating power flow congestion, and enhancing the security and economic efficiency of power systems. However, the strong coupling between the dynamic capacity and environmental conditions increases the system’s sensitivity to multiple uncertainties and causes complications in the overload risk assessment. Furthermore, conventional evaluation methods struggle to meet the minute-level risk refresh requirements in ultrashort-term forecasting scenarios. To address these challenges, in this study, an analytical overload risk assessment framework is proposed based on the second-order reliability method (SORM). By transforming multidimensional probabilistic integrals into analytical computations and establishing a multiscenario stochastic analysis model, the framework comprehensively accounts for uncertainties such as component random failures, wind power fluctuations, and load variations and enables the accurate evaluation of the overload probabilities under complex environmental conditions with DLR implementation. The results from this study provide a robust theoretical foundation for secure power system dispatch and optimization using multiscenario coupled modeling. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is validated using case studies on a constructed test system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section F: Electrical Engineering)
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19 pages, 16309 KiB  
Article
Nutrient Uptake of Two Semidomesticated Jaltomata Schltdl. Species for Their Cultivation
by Ignacio Darío Flores-Sánchez, Manuel Sandoval-Villa and Ebandro Uscanga-Mortera
Plants 2025, 14(7), 1124; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14071124 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
The nutrient uptake of a species under cultivated conditions is important for program fertilization. The Jaltomata genus has two semidomesticated species, J. procumbens and J. tlaxcala, used as food and considered with potential for their study in controlled environments. The objective of [...] Read more.
The nutrient uptake of a species under cultivated conditions is important for program fertilization. The Jaltomata genus has two semidomesticated species, J. procumbens and J. tlaxcala, used as food and considered with potential for their study in controlled environments. The objective of this research was to determine nutrient uptake curves of these species in a greenhouse and using hydroponics. The research was carried out at the Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Montecillo, Texcoco, State of Mexico, from August to November 2020. The treatments included the following: two species and three electrical conductivity levels: 1, 2, and 3 dS m−1. Nutrients in leaf and total dry matter (TDM) were determined. Variability between species and phenological stages on the nutrient concentration and accumulation of TDM was observed. For macronutrients, J. procumbens concentrated in descending order more P from the vegetative stage (4.21–2.43 g kg−1 dry matter), and Mg until fructification (4.92–3.26 g kg−1 dry matter), for K it was higher at vegetative (52.29 g kg−1 dry matter) and harvesting stages (26.05 g kg−1 dry matter), and N (23.92 g kg−1 dry matter) at flowering; J. tlaxcala concentrated more Ca from fructification (10.10–13.85 g kg−1 dry matter). For micronutrients, J. tlaxcala concentrated more Fe from the vegetative stage (157.7–207.5 mg kg−1 dry matter), B and Zn at 23.3–38.4 and 26.04–28.45 mg kg−1 dry matter, respectively, from flowering, and Mn (108.4–232.28 mg kg−1 dry matter) from fructification. The main structures of TDM accumulation by vegetative stage in J. procumbens were the leaf and root (vegetative and flowering), root and stem (fructification), and reproductive structures and root (harvesting); in J. tlaxcala, the main structures were the leaf and root (vegetative), root and leaf (flowering and fructification), and root and reproductive structures (harvesting). Due to this variability, specific fertilization programs are required for each species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrient Requirements and Fertilizer Management Strategies in Plant Cultivation)
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19 pages, 983 KiB  
Review
Oxidative Stress in Huntington’s Disease
by Félix Javier Jiménez-Jiménez, Hortensia Alonso-Navarro, Elena García-Martín, Alba Cárcamo-Fonfría, María del Mar Caballero-Muñoz and José A. G. Agúndez
Biomolecules 2025, 15(4), 527; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15040527 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
Although the pathogenesis of the neurodegenerative phenomena of Huntington’s disease (HD) is not well known, in the last 30 years, numerous data have been published that suggest a possible role of oxidative stress. The majority of studies regarding this issue were performed in [...] Read more.
Although the pathogenesis of the neurodegenerative phenomena of Huntington’s disease (HD) is not well known, in the last 30 years, numerous data have been published that suggest a possible role of oxidative stress. The majority of studies regarding this issue were performed in different experimental models of this disease (neurotoxic models such as intraperitoneal injection of 3-nitropropionic acid or intrastriatal injection of quinolinic acid, transgenic animal models for HD, and cell cultures) and, less frequently, in samples of brain tissue, plasma/serum, blood cells, and other tissues from patients with a genetic–molecular diagnosis of presymptomatic and symptomatic HD compared to healthy controls. In this narrative review, we have summarized the data from the main studies in which oxidative stress parameters have been measured both in patients with HD and in experimental models of the same disease, as well as the few studies on gene variants involved in oxidative stress in patients with HD. Most studies addressing this issue in experimental models of HD have shown an increase in markers or oxidative stress, a decrease in antioxidant substances, or both. However, the results of studies on patients with HD have not been conclusive as few studies have been published on the matter. However, a meta-analysis of blood studies on HD patients (including a pool of serum and blood cell studies) has shown an increase in lipid peroxidation markers, OH8dG concentrations, and GPx activity and a decrease in GSH levels. Future prospective and multicenter studies with a long-term follow-up period involving a large number of HD patients and healthy controls are needed to address this topic. Full article
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18 pages, 5124 KiB  
Article
Influence of Electro-Optical Characteristics on Color Boundaries
by Jingxu Li, Xifeng Zheng, Deju Huang, Fengxia Liu, Junchang Chen, Yufeng Chen, Hui Cao and Yu Chen
Electronics 2025, 14(7), 1460; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics14071460 (registering DOI) - 4 Apr 2025
Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the phenomenon of gamut boundary distortion that occurs during the gamut conversion process in LED full-color display systems. This phenomenon is influenced by the electro-optical transfer function. First, a CIE-xyY colorimetric framework specifically designed for LEDs [...] Read more.
This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the phenomenon of gamut boundary distortion that occurs during the gamut conversion process in LED full-color display systems. This phenomenon is influenced by the electro-optical transfer function. First, a CIE-xyY colorimetric framework specifically designed for LEDs is developed and established as the foundation for gamut conversion in LED applications. Next, the principles of gamut conversion based on this model are detailed. Additionally, a set of indices, including the Laplacian operator, entropy function, and magnitude of deviation of distorted color points, is integrated to form a comprehensive descriptive methodology. This methodology enables a thorough quantification of distribution patterns and effectively illustrates the outcomes of distortion. The findings of this research are significant for improving color conversion strategies and enhancing the color performance of display devices, making meaningful contributions to related fields. Full article
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