Search Results (158)

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR), with its unique imaging principle and technical characteristics, has significant advantages in surface observation and thus has been widely applied in tasks such as object detection and target classification. However, limited by the lack of labeled SAR image datasets, the accuracy and generalization ability of the existing models in practical applications still need to be improved. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes a spaceborne SAR image simulation technology and innovatively introduces the concept of bounce number map (BNM), establishing a high-resolution, parameterized simulated data support system for target recognition and classification tasks. In addition, an electromagnetic scattering characteristic-enhanced dual-branch network with simulated image guidance for SAR ship classification (SeDSG) was designed in this paper. It adopts a multi-source data utilization strategy, taking SAR images as the main branch input to capture the global features of real scenes, and using simulated data as the auxiliary branch input to excavate the electromagnetic scattering characteristics and detailed structural features. Through feature fusion, the advantages of the two branches are integrated to improve the adaptability and stability of the model to complex scenes. Experimental results show that the classification accuracy of the proposed network is improved on the OpenSARShip and FUSAR-Ship datasets. Meanwhile, the transfer learning classification results based on the SRSDD dataset verify the enhanced generalization and adaptive capabilities of the network, providing a new approach for data classification tasks with an insufficient number of samples. Full article

Lion-head goose is a large-sized breed native to Guangdong Province, China, exhibits remarkable capacity for fatty liver production under overfeeding conditions and is highly valued by local farmers and consumers. However, the molecular mechanisms driving fatty liver development in this breed are still unknown. In this study, we evaluated liver weight differences between normally fed and overfed Lion-head geese and further examined sex-specific differences following overfeeding. Overfeeding significantly increased liver weight more than 340%, and males possess a stronger capacity for lipid deposition under the same feeding regimen compared with females. RNA-Seq analysis identified 1476 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) shared by both sexes, which were mainly enriched in lipid and energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial pathways. In addition, 627 male-specific and 420 female-specific DEGs revealed sex-dependent differences, with males showing stronger transcriptional regulation and females exhibiting enhanced antioxidant and detoxification responses. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed 320 co-hub genes enriched in lipid and energy metabolism in overfeeding-induced fatty liver, along with 9 co-hub genes related to sex differences. Alternative splicing (AS) analysis detected 131 differentially spliced genes (DSGs). Integration of both approaches identified 7 overlapping genes, HYCC2 (Hyccin PI4KA lipid kinase complex subunit 2), AGL (Amylo-Alpha-1,6-Glucosidase and 4-Alpha-Glucanotransferase), CCDC62 (Coiled-coil domain containing 62), IGSF5 (Immunoglobulin superfamily member 5), MGARP (Mitochondria-localized glutamic acid-rich protein), CD80 (Cluster of Differentiation 80), and FPGS (Folylpolyglutamate synthase), as potential key regulators. These findings provide new insights into transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of overfeeding-induced fatty liver in geese. Full article

Mulberry leaf glutelin (MG), a nutrient-rich protein fraction from mulberry leaves, remains underutilized due to limited studies on its physicochemical functional properties and biological activities. In this study, seven varieties of MG (TSG, DSG, 109G, C1G, C2G, C3G, C4G) were evaluated for amino acid composition, secondary structure (FTIR), solubility, water-holding capacity (WHC), oil absorption capacity (OAC), foaming capacity (FC), foam stability (FS), emulsifying activity index (EAI), emulsion stability index (ESI), in vitro digestibility, and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity (PLI). The results showed that MG contains four secondary structures and 17 amino acids, being rich in glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and leucine. C3G exhibited superior solubility (96.32%) at pH 10, while C4G showed optimal WHC (9.27 g/g), FC (73.75%), and FS (92.80%). TSG exhibited the highest OAC (9.58 g/g) and EAI (15.79 m²/g), and DSG demonstrated an excellent ESI (117.25 min), digestibility (88.17%), and PLI (70.54%). These findings provide valuable insights for the application of MG in food processing and innovation, enhancing its potential value for the food industry and human health. Full article

We propose a LiDAR point-based docking spot generation system for autonomous docking using point clouds from a low-density LiDAR sensor in berthing environments. The system consists of four key stages: scan matching, 3D object detection, long-term object perception, and docking spot generation. Scan matching estimates the unmanned surface vehicle’s position within the global coordinate system using scan-to-map matching. In the 3D object detection stage, high-quality point clouds are generated from low-density LiDAR data to enhance detection performance, and detected object information is transformed into the global coordinate system. In the long-term object perception stage, object information beyond the LiDAR’s field of view is stored on the map for continuous environmental perception. Finally, the docking spot generation stage employs an algorithm to generate valid docking spots. Experimental validation in real-world environments demonstrates that the proposed system achieves an average 3D mAP improvement of 23.38 percentage points across multiple detection architectures. Notably, for small object detection, the average 3D AP improvement reaches 38.12 percentage points, demonstrating significant effectiveness in challenging scenarios. These improvements enhance long-term perception, object management, and docking spot generation stability. Full article

Desmosomal junctions provide structural stability supporting concerted cardiomyocyte contractility. Previously, we demonstrated that a deficiency in the desmosomal transmembrane cadherin desmoglein 2 (Dsg2) reduces desmosome formation and disrupts cardiac morphogenesis, leading to excessive endothelial-to-hematopoietic cell transformation and embryonic lethality. It remained unclear whether this phenotype was specifically driven by Dsg2-deficiency or was a broader consequence of impaired desmosome adhesion. To address this question, we generated Pkp2^mt/mt mouse embryos lacking the desmosomal plaque protein Pkp2, which resulted in loss of desmosome formation. Despite the absence of cardiac wall rupture, Pkp2^mt/mt and some Pkp2^wt/mt presented accumulations of Ter-119⁺ blood cells and RUNX1⁺/CD44⁺ hematopoietic stem cells in the pericardial space. Remarkably, in Pkp2^mt/mt hearts, the epicardium was detached from the myocardium, contained rounded cells expressing the hematopoietic stem cell marker RUNX1, and showed altered intermediate filament expression. These findings suggest a potential trans-differentiation of the epicardial cells into hematopoietic cells. In conclusion, deficiencies in both Dsg2 and Pkp2 promote hematopoiesis in the developing murine heart but target different cell types, i.e., endothelial cells, which lack desmosomes, or desmosome-containing epicardial cells. Our results provide evidence for the involvement of Pkp2 in epicardial morphogenesis and remodeling. Full article

Following the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, there has been an increased focus on risk assessment and the practical application of its findings to safety enhancement. In particular, dynamic probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) used in conjunction with plant dynamics analysis is being considered for accident management (AM) and operational support. Determining countermeasure priorities in AM can be challenging due to the diversity of accident scenarios. In multi-unit operations, the complexity of scenarios increases in cases of simultaneous disasters, which makes establishing response operations priorities more difficult. Dynamic PRA methods can efficiently generate and assess complex scenarios by incorporating changes in plant state. This paper introduces the continuous Markov chain Monte Carlo (CMMC) method, a dynamic PRA approach, as a tool for prioritizing countermeasures to support nuclear power plant operations. The proposed method involves three steps: (1) generating exhaustive scenarios that include events, operator actions, and system responses; (2) classifying scenarios according to countermeasure patterns; and (3) assigning priority based on risk data for each pattern. An evaluation was conducted using a simple plant model to analyze event countermeasure patterns for addressing steam generator tube rupture during single-unit operation. The generated scenario patterns included depressurization by opening a pressurizer relief valve (DP), depressurization via heat removal through the steam generator (DSG), and both operations combined (DP + DSG). The timing of the response operations varied randomly, resulting in multiple scenarios. The assessment, based on reactor pressure vessel water level and the potential for core damage, showed that the time margin to core damage depended on the countermeasure pattern. The findings indicate that the effectiveness of each countermeasure can be evaluated and that it is feasible to identify which countermeasure should be prioritized. Full article

This study evaluates potential routes for electric bicycles (E-Bikes) in Valparaíso, Chile, using street audits performed by both humans and artificial intelligence (AI). Audit methods were compared to identify routes connecting the Puerto metro station with Avenida Alemania (a strategic city avenue), prioritizing criteria such as street infrastructure, habitability, and street coexistence. The results show that the human audit gives higher scores in subjective variables, such as the perception of security and urban dynamism, while AI penalizes infrastructure deficiencies more severely, especially in areas with steep slopes and low tree cover. Despite these differences, both methods highlight the inadequacy of current infrastructure to promote the use of E-Bikes in the city. This work provides a novel perspective by evaluating human and AI-assisted methodologies, suggesting that an integration between the two could improve accuracy and reduce subjectivity in urban audits. In addition, the results underline the need for public policies that prioritize accessibility, safety, and equity in urban mobility, especially in vulnerable areas. Future research should explore training AI algorithms with human audit data to strengthen AI’s ability to interpret contextual variables and dynamics in complex urban environments. Full article

Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by non-scarring hair loss, with subtypes ranging from patchy alopecia (AAP) to alopecia totalis and universalis (AT/AU). The aim of this research is to investigate molecular features across AA severity by performing an integrated analysis of scalp transcriptomic datasets (GSE148346, GSE68801, GSE45512, GSE111061) and matched serum proteomic data from GSE148346. Differential expression analysis indicated that, relative to normal scalp, non-lesional AA tissue shows early immune activation—including Type 1 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9 (CXCL9), CXCL10, CD8a molecule (CD8A), C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5)) and Type 2 (CCL13, CCL18) signatures—together with reduced expression of hair-follicle structural genes (keratin 32(KRT32)–35, homeobox C13 (HOXC13)) (FDR < 0.05, |fold change| > 1.5). Lesional AAP and AT/AU scalp showed stronger pro-inflammatory upregulation and greater loss of keratins and keratin-associated proteins (KRT81, KRT83, desmoglein 4 (DSG4), KRTAP12/15) compared with non-lesional scalp (FDR < 0.05, |fold change| > 1.5). Ferroptosis-associated genes (cAMP responsive element binding protein 5 (CREB5), solute carrier family 40 member 1 (SLC40A1), (lipocalin 2) LCN2, SLC7A11) and IRS (inner root sheath) differentiation genes (KRT25, KRT27, KRT28, KRT71–KRT75, KRT81, KRT83, KRT85–86, trichohyalin (TCHH)) were consistently repressed across subtypes, with the strongest reductions in AT/AU lesions versus AAP lesions, suggesting that oxidative-stress pathways and follicular structural integrity may contribute to subtype-specific pathology. Pathway analysis of lesional versus non-lesional scalp highlighted enrichment of IFN-α/γ, cytotoxic, and IL-15 signaling. Serum proteomic profiling, contrasting AA vs. healthy controls, corroborated scalp findings, revealing parallel alterations in immune-related proteins (CXCL9–CXCL10, CD163, interleukin-16 (IL16)) and structural markers (angiopoietin 1 (ANGPT1), decorin (DCN), chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1)) across AA subtypes. Together, these data offer an integrated view of immune, oxidative, and structural changes in AA and found ferroptosis-related and IRS genes, along with immune signatures, as potential molecular indicators to support future studies on disease subtypes and therapeutic strategies. Full article

Image-assisted digital shade guides are increasingly popular for shade matching; however, research on their accuracy remains limited. This study aimed to compare the accuracy and reliability of color coordination in image-assisted digital shade guides constructed using calibrated images of their shade tabs captured by a mirrorless camera (Canon, Tokyo, Japan) (MC-DSG) and a smartphone camera (Samsung, Seoul, Korea) (SC-DSG), using a spectrophotometer as the reference standard. Twenty-nine VITA Linearguide 3D-Master shade tabs were photographed under controlled settings with both cameras equipped with cross-polarizing filters. Images were calibrated using Adobe Photoshop (Adobe Inc., San Jose, CA, USA). The L* (lightness), a* (red-green chromaticity), and b* (yellow-blue chromaticity) values, which represent the color attributes in the CIELAB color space, were computed at the middle third of each shade tab using Adobe Photoshop. Specifically, L* indicates the brightness of a color (ranging from black [0] to white [100]), a* denotes the position between red (+a*) and green (–a*), and b* represents the position between yellow (+b*) and blue (–b*). These values were used to quantify tooth shade and compare them to reference measurements obtained from a spectrophotometer (VITA Easyshade V, VITA Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany). Mean color differences (∆E₀₀) between MC-DSG and SC-DSG, relative to the spectrophotometer, were compared using a independent t-test. The ∆E₀₀ values were also evaluated against perceptibility (PT = 0.8) and acceptability (AT = 1.8) thresholds. Reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and group differences were analyzed via one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests (α = 0.05). SC-DSG showed significantly lower ΔE₀₀ deviations than MC-DSG (p < 0.001), falling within acceptable clinical AT. The L* values from MC-DSG were significantly higher than SC-DSG (p = 0.024). All methods showed excellent reliability (ICC > 0.9). The findings support the potential of smartphone image-assisted digital shade guides for accurate and reliable tooth shade assessment. Full article

Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a chronic autoimmune disease with potential overlap with Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV), particularly in erosive forms. Desmoglein 1 and 3 are transmembrane glycoproteins of desmosomes, typically involved in PV. This scoping review aims to evaluate the presence and potential pathogenetic role of anti-desmoglein 1 (Dsg1) and anti-desmoglein 3 (Dsg3) antibodies in OLP. A literature search was conducted on MEDLINE/PubMed, Ovid, and Scopus up to April 2025. Human studies reporting OLP patients with anti-Dsg1 and/or anti-Dsg3 antibodies were included. Data from 11 studies were analyzed by diagnosis, age/sex, oral site involvement, immunofluorescence, and ELISA testing. Erosive OLP was most frequently associated with anti-Dsg1/Dsg3 positivity, mainly in women aged 40–60. Immunofluorescence was positive in some cases, while the ELISA test almost consistently detected anti-Dsg1 and Dsg3 antibodies. However, in many instances, antibody titers did not reach the threshold value, despite the presence being detectable. This finding suggests that anti-Dsg1/Dsg3 antibodies may represent epiphenomena of chronic inflammation in erosive OLP, indicating an immune-serological overlap with PV but lacking direct pathogenicity. Furthermore, the role of Dsg3 in oral squamous cell carcinoma, by promoting enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix and enhance tumor invasiveness, highlights the complex functions of desmogleins beyond autoimmunity. Full article

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a heterogeneous group of epithelial malignancies with varied morphologies and clinical behaviors. While histopathology is the diagnostic gold standard, it can be limited in distinguishing SCC from morphologic mimics. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) has therefore become a critical adjunct, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and providing prognostic insights. Objective: This narrative review aims to evaluate the diagnostic, differential, and prognostic roles of commonly used IHC markers in SCC, with particular emphasis on their utility in distinguishing SCC from histologic mimickers across different anatomical sites. Methods: One hundred and five peer-reviewed articles were analyzed for their relevance to the immunohistochemical characterization of SCC. Markers were categorized based on their diagnostic function, role in differential diagnosis, and prognostic value. Results: Key markers such as p40, p63, CK5/6, and DSG3 consistently demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for SCC, reinforcing their value in confirming squamous differentiation. Conversely, exclusion markers like Ber-EP4, CK7, TTF-1, S100, and SOX10 were essential in ruling out basal cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and melanoma. Additionally, markers such as Ki-67, p16, and CD44 offered prognostic information regarding tumor aggressiveness, HPV status, and therapy response. These findings confirm the critical role of IHC not only in diagnosing SCC but also in resolving complex differential diagnoses. Conclusions: IHC markers serve as indispensable tools in the diagnostic workup of SCC, particularly in distinguishing it from other neoplasms with overlapping histologic features. The clear correlation between marker expression and diagnostic categories supports the systematic use of IHC to improve diagnostic precision and inform prognosis. Future integration with molecular diagnostics may further refine personalized treatment approaches in SCC. Full article

Pemphigus-associated interstitial lung disease (P-ILD) is a severe complication observed in pemphigus patients that is characterized by pulmonary interstitial inflammation and fibrosis. This study investigated the role of anti-desmoglein (Dsg) 1/3 antibodies in P-ILD pathogenesis and evaluated the therapeutic potential of molecular hydrogen (H₂). Using a BALB/cJGpt mouse model, we demonstrated that anti-Dsg 1 antibodies, but not anti-Dsg 3 antibodies, induced interstitial inflammation and fibrosis. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed IgG deposition in the alveolar epithelium, suggesting immune complex formation and epithelial damage. Gene expression analysis revealed elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-13) and upregulated pro-fibrotic markers (α-SMA, S100A4, TGF-β, and collagen genes) in P-ILD progression. Elevated oxidative stress and impaired ROS metabolism further implied the role of oxidative damage in disease pathogenesis. To assess H₂’s therapeutic potential, hydrogen-rich water was administered to P-ILD mice. H₂ treatment significantly reduced oxidative stress, attenuated interstitial inflammation, and prevented pulmonary fibrosis. These protective effects were attributed to H₂’s antioxidant properties, which restored the pro-oxidant–antioxidant balance. Our findings underscore the critical role of anti-Dsg 1 antibodies and oxidative stress in P-ILD and highlight H₂ as a promising therapeutic agent for mitigating anti-Dsg 1 antibody-induced lung injury. Full article

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic disease which clinically presents with symptoms related to esophageal dysfunction, while pathologically it is characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of esophageal epithelium. Most patients with EoE present with food and/or inhalant allergy symptoms. The results of animal model studies and genetic studies, as well as the efficacy of elimination diets in managing the symptoms, suggest an atopic background of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of EoE in a group of patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms and food and/or inhalant allergies and to assess the influence of drugs used in type I allergies on the results of endoscopic, histopathological, and immunohistochemical tests. Methods: This was a prospective observational study. Patients with inhalant/food allergies and upper esophageal symptoms constituted the study group while patients without allergies who were diagnosed with dyspepsia or irritable bowel syndrome constituted the control group. All study group subjects underwent allergy testing, including prick testing and blood tests. All participants underwent a gastroscopy with specimen collection. Esophageal specimens were stained for eotaxin-1 and desmoglein-1. Results: Based on histopathology results, eosinophilic esophagitis was found in 9 of the 73 patients from the study group. All patients with EoE presented with multimorbidity and were diagnosed with at least one allergic disease in addition to EoE. Positive staining for CCL-11 was found in 56 (78%) patients in the study group, including all patients with EoE while only 3 (17%) individuals from the control group showed positive staining. The presence of DSG-1 in esophageal specimens was detected in 6 (7%) subjects from the study group in contrast to 14 (78%) subjects from the control group. DSG-1 was not found in any of the specimens of patients diagnosed with EoE. Conclusions: EoE is a rare disease, usually accompanied by allergic multimorbidity. Positive staining for eotaxin-1 and negative staining for desmoglein-1 in patients with esophageal symptoms and allergies but who did not meet EoE diagnostic criteria could be indicative of subclinical course of the disease or a masking effect of corticosteroids. It is now vitally important for both researchers and practicing clinicians to recognize that eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is not a homogeneous disease but rather consists of multiple subtypes (phenotypes). The so-called “classic” form of EoE—defined by current diagnostic criteria as the presence of more than 15 eosinophils per high power field on histopathological examination—appears to represent only the tip of the iceberg. There is an urgent need for further research in order to refine endoscopic techniques, expand the scope of histopathological assessments, and identify novel biomarkers to better define the distinct phenotypes of eosinophilic esophagitis. Full article

High-melting point 1,3-diacylglycerols not only provide health benefits, but are also suitable for manufacture of foods containing various specialty fats. It is difficult to prepare such high-melting point diacylglycerols, as the activities of specific enzymes will severely reduce at their melting points. In the present study, a combined technique was developed to prepare 1,3-dipalmitoylglycerol (1,3-DPG) and 1,3-distearoylglycerol (1,3-DSG) using selective esterification, molecular distillation, and solvent fractionation. Lipozyme TL IM was suitable for use as the optimal enzyme to maintain relatively high activity levels at esterification temperatures of 73–75 °C. 1,3-DAG/(DAG + TAG) was selected as the most important index to monitor the esterification and to evaluate the synthesized fats. The obtained 1,3-DPG and 1,3-DSG showed high purities, at more than 83%, and possessed hard attributes at room temperature. Both 1,3-DPG and 1,3-DSG exhibited fat crystals with β′ and β crystals. Needle-like and rod-like crystals were observed at 5–25 °C for 1,3-DPG, and closely packed feather-like crystals were found at 5–20 °C for 1,3-DSG, indicating their multiple abilities in modifying the crystallization stabilization of the fat matrix during food processing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Evaluation of stem cell, keratin, retinoic acid metabolism markers and non-coding micro-RNAs (miRNAs) in conjunctival and corneal samples of patients with epithelial basal membrane dystrophy (EBMD), Salzmann nodular degeneration (SND), pterygium and congenital aniridia (CA), to detect similarities and differences in their pathogenesis. Methods: Impression cytology (IC) samples and corneal epithelial samples (CEs) of patients with EBMD, SND, pterygium, congenital aniridia, and healthy control subjects have been analyzed. The IC samples were subjected to qPCR, and the epithelial samples were subjected to qPCR and WB. Limbal epithelial stem cell markers, keratins, retinoic acid metabolism markers, and miRNAs were analyzed. Results: In conjunctival IC samples, PAX6 mRNA expression was significantly lower in EBMD, SND, pterygium, and CA compared to healthy controls (p ≤ 0.02). KRT13 mRNA expression was significantly higher in EBMD, SND, and pterygium (p ≤ 0.018), and FABP5 was increased in pterygium samples (p = 0.007). MiRNA-138-5p was significantly higher in aniridia samples than in normal controls (p = 0.037). In corneal epithelial samples, PAX6 protein, DSG1 mRNA and protein, miRNA-138-5p, and miR-204-5p expression were significantly lower in EBMD, SND, and pterygium samples than in controls (p ≤ 0.02). ALDHA1 mRNA expression was significantly lower (p < 0.0001), and FABP5 mRNA expression was significantly higher (p = 0.014) in pterygium samples than in controls. Conclusions: PAX6, DSG1, miR-138-5p, and miR-204-5p expression is decreased in the corneal epithelium of epithelial basal membrane dystrophy, Salzmann nodular degeneration, and pterygium subjects. In addition, there is a dysregulation of markers of the retinoic acid signaling pathway, such as ADH1A1 and FABP5, in the corneal epithelium of pterygium subjects. These changes may offer therapeutic targets in the treatment of these ocular surface diseases. Full article