Search Results (1,217)

Background: Physical inactivity is a major contributor to cardiometabolic disease and mortality. Although mitochondrial dysfunction characterizes overt pathology, whether sedentarism constitutes a distinct and measurable bioenergetic disease state, rather than simply reduced fitness, has not been established. Methods: Nine sedentary (SED) and ten physically active (AC) healthy males (42 ± 14 yr) were studied. Skeletal muscle bioenergetics were assessed using high-resolution respirometry, fluxomics, metabolomics, and protein expression analyses. Whole-body physiology was evaluated using cardiopulmonary exercise and lactate testing (CPELT). Results: At rest, SED exhibited marked reductions in mitochondrial capacity, including Complex I (−36%), Complex II (−28%), electron transport system capacity (−34%), and ATP-synthase-coupled respiration (−30%, all p < 0.01). The most pronounced alteration was a 49% reduction in mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC1) expression, which closely correlated with reduced pyruvate oxidation (−37%, p = 0.006) and lower TCA intermediates. SED also showed reduced MCT1 abundance, impaired fatty-acid oxidation capacity (−32% to −35%), decreased CPT1 activity (−51%), altered cardiolipin composition, and elevated ROS/O₂ flux ratios. During exercise, SED demonstrated lower VO₂max (−38%), reduced fat oxidation (−35%), and higher blood lactate accumulation (>60%, p < 0.001). Mitochondrial function was strongly associated with exercise performance (r = 0.57–0.78, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Healthy sedentary adults displayed a coordinated reduction in tissue-level mitochondrial oxidative capacity, substrate-handling markers, cardiolipin abundance, and metabolic flexibility. These findings should be interpreted as an integrated per-mg skeletal-muscle bioenergetic phenotype in which lower mitochondrial density may account for much of the observed reduction. Within this phenotype, the 49% reduction in MPC1 alongside preserved GLUT4, LDHA, and LDHB abundance represents an outstanding differential observation that future studies with direct mitochondrial-content normalization should test. CPELT-derived fat oxidation and blood lactate responses reflected this tissue-level bioenergetic phenotype, providing candidate noninvasive physiological markers for future longitudinal and interventional studies. Full article

Egon Steinmann’s industrial architecture represents a significant yet insufficiently researched contribution to the development of post-war industrial architecture in Croatia. This paper examines his industrial projects designed between 1947 and 1965 within the context of post-war industrialization and modernization in socialist Yugoslavia. Based on archival documents, historical photographs, field observations, and comparative analysis, the paper first identifies Steinmann’s broader industrial work and then examines six selected industrial complexes in Zagreb. The case studies are compared in terms of their urban context, spatial organization, structural systems, production logistics, daylighting strategies, and architectural expression, highlighting differences between heavy industrial facilities and food-processing plants. A comparison of historical and contemporary orthophotos is further used to evaluate the long-term spatial transformation and adaptability of these industrial sites. The findings demonstrate that Steinmann’s designs were characterized by rational planning, large-span and flexible structures, integration of technological and transport requirements, and the capacity for phased expansion. The continued industrial use and preservation of many of these complexes confirm the lasting value of his architectural and planning concepts, contributing to a broader understanding of Croatian industrial architecture and socialist industrial modernism of the 1950s and 1960s. Full article

High-throughput technologies such as RNA-seq and single-cell transcriptomics generate increasingly large and high-dimensional gene expression datasets in which nonlinear dependence structures are common. Because classical methods primarily capture linear associations, they may fail to characterize many biologically relevant patterns of dependence. To address this limitation, diverse nonlinear dependence measures—including information-theoretic, rank-based, kernel-based, distance-based, copula-based, and clustering-based approaches—have been developed. However, the field remains fragmented, and comparative evaluations are often inconsistent. This review organizes nonlinear methods into major methodological families and critically compares their statistical behavior, strengths, limitations, and characteristic modes of failure. We emphasize that method selection depends on matching inferential objectives to estimator assumptions, analytical constraints, and characteristic failure modes. By identifying recurring trade-offs among flexibility, robustness, interpretability, and computational scalability, we provide scenario-based guidance for method selection in transcriptomics, network inference, and functional genomics. In doing so, we aim to align inferential objectives with analytical requirements, supporting principled and application-specific use of nonlinear dependence methods in modern omics research. Full article

Plant cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs) are valuable biocatalysts for the regioselective hydroxylation of aromatic compounds. However, their expression in bacterial hosts is hampered by poor solubility, membrane anchoring and the requirement for redox partners. In this work, we report the design and characterization of modular expression systems that enable the functional production of SbCYP82D1.1 from Scutellaria baicalensis (SbF6H) in Escherichia coli. Both independent expression and synthetic fusion systems were evaluated by combining a CYP with a compatible reductase (ATR2_tr from Arabidopsis thaliana) to catalyze the conversion of chrysin into baicalein. A combinatorial library of N-terminal variants, host strains, media, and induction strategies was constructed and screened. Among the tested host, E. coli DH 10-beta provided the highest product titers, particularly when cultures were supplemented with 5-aminolevulinic acid. Truncation of the native transmembrane anchor significantly improved catalytic performance, whereas the addition of the heterologous MALLLAVF tag decreased activity. Fusion systems outperformed separate expression formats, showing approximately two-fold higher activity, with the flexible glycine–serine linker (L_GS) supporting the highest hydroxylation product formation. The corresponding fusion construct showed an apparent conversion of 0.1 mM chrysin to baicalein of up to 90% under the applied whole-cell reaction and analytical conditions, although this value should be interpreted with caution due to the concurrent instability of baicalein observed in all reactions and culture conditions. This result nevertheless indicates a marked improvement in whole-cell baicalein formation compared with previously reported bacterial systems. Together, these results demonstrate that rational N-terminal engineering combined with fusion protein design can enable efficient bacterial expression of plant CYPs, representing a promising step toward scalable production of hydroxylated flavonoids. Full article

This study examines punctuation as a paralinguistic resource in digital political discourse, focusing on its role in encoding stance in a corpus of tweets produced by Donald Trump. Drawing on a dataset of 1000 tweets, the analysis combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to identify patterns in the use of exclamatory, interrogative, and mixed punctuation forms. The findings suggest that punctuation functions systematically as a mechanism of textual amplification, shaping the expression of evaluation, emotional intensity, and interactional meaning. Repeated exclamation marks are closely associated with heightened stance and emphasis, while interrogative forms frequently function rhetorically to signal doubt and challenge rather than to request information. Mixed forms further demonstrate the flexibility of punctuation in encoding multiple layers of meaning within a single utterance. The analysis also shows that punctuation operates in close interaction with lexical intensifiers and capitalization, forming clusters of meaning that reinforce communicative force. By foregrounding punctuation as a meaningful semiotic resource, the study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of how written discourse adapts to the constraints of digitally mediated communication. It argues that punctuation should be treated as an integral component of pragmatic and discourse-analytic inquiry and highlights its role in the construction of stance in contemporary digital political discourse. Full article

Tomatoes are globally significant crops worldwide. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying their growth, development, and stress responses is crucial to enhance crop productivity and resilience. The WUSCHEL-related homeobox (WOX) gene family is implicated in developmental processes and stress responses, yet its regulatory complexity in tomato remains underexplored. This study presents an integrative genome-wide analysis approach to characterize the WOX family in tomato. Ten SlWOX genes were identified and phylogenetically classified into three clades, WUS, intermediate and ancient, underscoring their evolutionary relationships. Structural analysis revealed significant variability in gene structure even within the same clade, indicating potential diversity in functional roles. Conserved domains’ screening enables the detection of conserved motifs, including the homeodomain and WUS box. Cis-element analysis showed diverse regulatory elements across the SlWOXs, with a strong emphasis on elements involved in growth and development and stress response. Expression profiling across different organs and growth conditions including abiotic and biotic stresses revealed variability in SlWOXs’ expression patterns. Furthermore, several miRNAs were predicted to target the SlWOXs, emphasizing the existence of post-transcriptional regulation. Functional annotation and interactome analysis further revealed the key role of some SlWOXs, mainly SlWUS, SlWOX4 and SlWOX13, as central regulatory hubs. Collectively, these findings uncover the structural diversity, regulatory mechanisms and functional flexibility of the SlWOX gene family. It also highlights potential targets for improving tomato crop resilience and productivity, making it a significant contribution to plant biology and agriculture. Full article

A recent generalized Bilal (G-Bilal) model demonstrates remarkable flexibility in capturing a wide spectrum of failure behaviors, including monotonic and non-monotonic (upside-down bathtub-shaped) hazard patterns, outperforming several existing models such as the Weibull, gamma, and exponential families. This paper develops several inferential frameworks for different G-Bilal parameters of life using samples gathered by improved Type-II adaptive progressive censoring. This enhanced design ensures optimal control of test duration while maintaining high inferential precision. Expressions for the model parameters, reliability, and hazard rate functions are derived, followed by the development of maximum likelihood (ML) and maximum product of spacing (MPS) estimators with their asymptotic confidence intervals using the observed Fisher information with the delta approach. Furthermore, Bayesian estimators and two associated credible intervals are proposed under independent gamma priors and computed through Markov iterations, with both ML and MPS posteriors considered. Extensive Monte Carlo experiments confirm the consistency, robustness, and precision of the proposed estimators, with Bayesian spacing-based methods exhibiting superior accuracy and coverage. The model’s practical potential is further verified through two real applications: one involving mechanical system lifetimes and another analyzing health insurance premium data, representing physical and actuarial domains, respectively. Using the introduced censoring, the proposed G-Bilal model outperforms all competing models in terms of goodness-of-fit and reliability estimates in both cases. The results underscore the G-Bilal model’s adaptability, computational stability, and empirical superiority, establishing it as a powerful tool for modern reliability and actuarial risk assessments. Full article

Even before the discovery of DNA, Claude Shannon developed a mathematical model of Mendelian inheritance. Unlike the widely recognized Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, Shannon’s genetic algebra has received little scholarly attention. Here, we revisit Shannon’s algebra and develop two complementary extensions for modern population genetics. First, we formulate a finite population version of Shannon’s framework, moving beyond the idealized infinite population setting to propagate allelic and genotypic frequencies under realistic sampling conditions. Second, we combine Shannon’s algebra with an analytical genotype–phenotype mapping framework to characterize genotypic configurations compatible with observed phenotypic frequencies, using auxiliary variables to express the inherent degeneracy of the genotype–phenotype relationship. Together, these extensions provide a unified framework in which phenotypic observations constrain the underlying genetic structure, and these constraints are propagated through inheritance via Shannon’s algebra. The resulting analytical expressions for offspring phenotypic distributions apply to both complete and incomplete penetrance and extend naturally to multilocus systems. This work highlights Shannon’s algebra as a flexible analytical tool for two complementary problems: (i) forward propagation of genetic information in finite populations, and (ii) analytical description of phenotypic inheritance from inferred genotypic information. Full article

The Gompertz distribution is a well-known lifetime model in survival and reliability analysis, but its hazard rate is restricted to monotone increasing behavior, which limits its applicability to more complex data structures. In this study, we investigate the New Extended Gompertz (NEG) distribution, which is obtained by applying the existing NE-X generator framework to the classical Gompertz baseline distribution. Thus, the NEG model is a special case within an already established generator family rather than an entirely new family of distributions. The main contribution of this paper is not the introduction of a new generator, but rather a comprehensive and systematic investigation of this particular Gompertz-based extension, including its statistical properties, estimation procedures, and practical applications. The proposed model introduces an additional shape parameter that provides increased flexibility in modeling skewness, tail behavior, and hazard-rate structures, allowing for increasing, decreasing, bathtub-shaped, and unimodal hazard patterns under different parameter configurations. Several mathematical properties of the NEG distribution are derived, including explicit expressions for the density, distribution, survival, and hazard-rate functions, as well as moments, entropy measures, and series representations. Parameter estimation is performed using both maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches, with numerical optimization and Metropolis–Hastings MCMC procedures employed due to the absence of closed-form estimators. The finite-sample behavior of the estimators is investigated through extensive Monte Carlo simulation studies under three different parameter settings. The practical usefulness of the NEG distribution is illustrated using two real datasets on carbon-fiber tensile strength. Comparative results with several competing Gompertz-type models indicate that the NEG distribution provides competitive performance. However, all comparisons should be interpreted within the context of the considered datasets and parameter settings, rather than as claims of universal superiority. The findings suggest that the NEG distribution offers a flexible and practical extension of the Gompertz model for lifetime data analysis. Full article

Nitrogen (N) availability fundamentally shapes the community structure and competitive dynamics of floating macrophytes in paddy ecosystems. This study investigated the competitive interactions between Azolla and Lemna by applying a gradient of N concentrations (0–12 mg L⁻¹) across two experimental periods (November–January and March–May). Our results demonstrate a clear divergence in resource-use strategies between the two species: Azolla exhibited stronger stoichiometric homeostasis and a more conservative growth profile, retaining a competitive advantage under N-limiting conditions. Conversely, Lemna displayed a more opportunistic strategy, gaining a competitive advantage in N-rich environments through greater morphological plasticity and luxury nutrient uptake. This nitrogen-driven shift in competitive balance was associated with differences in root traits and stoichiometric flexibility. Stoichiometrically, Lemna exhibited greater flexibility in nutrient balance, including higher phosphorus accumulation under N-rich conditions, which may support rapid biomass expansion. Differences between the two experimental periods were also associated with variation in trait expression, suggesting that temporal context influenced how the two species responded to N enrichment. These findings highlight the importance of nitrogen management in steering floating-plant communities in paddy ecosystems: low-N inputs may help maintain Azolla-dominated communities with biofertilizer potential, whereas high-N conditions may favor Lemna and its rapid nutrient uptake. Full article

This paper develops a unified superelliptic quaternionic framework for the generation and differential geometric analysis of curves and surfaces in affine three-space. Classical quaternionic methods provide an effective algebraic representation of rotations; however, they do not directly incorporate the radial deformation and anisotropic geometric behavior arising from superelliptic structures. To overcome this limitation, we combine quaternion multiplication with the superelliptic metric induced by the Gielis superformula and introduce a systematic construction of space curves and surfaces through superelliptic quaternion-valued functions. The proposed approach represents direction and radius curves as superelliptic quaternions and generates geometric objects by quaternionic rotation followed by projective normalization. This construction extends classical quaternion-based curve and surface generation by allowing rotational motion and superelliptic deformation to be handled within the same algebraic setting. Beyond geometric construction, the framework also provides explicit tools for differential geometric analysis. In particular, we derive the superelliptic Frenet frame associated with a curve and obtain formulations for curvature and torsion in terms of superelliptic quaternion functions. The theory is further extended to parametrized surfaces, where Gaussian curvature and mean curvature are expressed through the corresponding superelliptic quaternionic representation. The results demonstrate that superelliptic quaternions offer a flexible and mathematically coherent structure for linking rotation, deformation, geometric generation, and invariant computation. Therefore, the proposed framework contributes to differential geometry and geometric modeling by providing a unified method for constructing and analyzing a broad class of superelliptic curves and surfaces. Full article

This study assessed the level of service quality satisfaction among customers of carpentry technicians in Cabadbaran City, with emphasis on ten service dimensions: craftsmanship, timeliness, communication, durability, price transparency, customer service, design collaboration, reputation, and after-sales service. Employing a descriptive research design, data were collected through a self-constructed questionnaire administered to customers who had previously availed of carpentry services in the city. Results indicated that overall satisfaction across all dimensions was generally positive, as reflected in customers’ agreement ratings. However, notable gaps were identified that suggest areas for improvement. Craftsmanship and timeliness emerged as the most critical concerns, with respondents citing inconsistent job quality and delays in project completion. Issues of customization and durability were also highlighted, as some customers reported limited flexibility in design options and doubts about the long-term sturdiness of products. Communication shortcomings, particularly in providing project updates and explaining processes, further affected satisfaction. Design collaboration raised concerns as several customers felt excluded from important design decisions. After-sales service received mixed evaluations, with limited follow-up once projects were completed. Price transparency was another issue, with participants expressing the need for clearer cost breakdowns and greater value for money. Reputation was considered moderately satisfactory but inconsistent due to varying customer experiences. Overall, the study emphasizes the need for carpentry technicians to strengthen critical service quality dimensions to better meet customer expectations, improve satisfaction, and enhance the sustainability of their services. Full article

The inclusion of children’s perspectives is increasingly emphasised in educational research; however, autistic children remain underrepresented as active participants, particularly in early educational contexts. This study synthesises methodological insights from two mixed-methods studies conducted in Swedish preschool and primary school settings to examine the conditions under which autistic children participate as contributors to research. A retrospective and reflexive methodological synthesis was employed, drawing on methodological documentation, video-recorded data, and researcher reflections from the original studies. The analysis examined how participation was designed, negotiated, and interpreted across contexts. The findings indicate that participation is not a binary feature of research design, but a graded, situated, and relational process shaped by accessibility, mediation, and contextual conditions. Accessibility functioned as an epistemic condition influencing what could be expressed and recognised as knowledge, while participation was continuously negotiated through interaction among children, adults, and research settings. Adult mediation both enabled and shaped participation, revealing inherent epistemic and ethical tensions. The study concludes that participation is more accurately understood as a methodological and relational accomplishment rather than an individual capacity, underscoring the need for flexible, reflexive research approaches that support diverse forms of expression while maintaining methodological quality and ethical integrity. Full article

Climate-related disasters are placing growing pressure on disaster response systems and public governance, with increasing urgency for sustainable and resilient institutional responses in line with global commitments such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals on climate action, community resilience, and health and wellbeing (SDG 3, 11, and 13). This study examines public satisfaction with Australia’s disaster response system, drawing on evidence from a sample based primarily in South Australia, and investigates how national framework and resource allocation shape perceived system performance, with particular attention to mental health-related concerns. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining survey data from 161 respondents with qualitative interviews to explore both statistical patterns and contextual explanations. The findings indicate that respondents reported mixed and generally below-neutral evaluations of the disaster response system overall, while expressing significant concerns regarding the transparency, fairness, and flexibility of resource allocation. These patterns point to important governance gaps in how disaster response systems are experienced by the public, particularly in relation to visible resource distribution and psychosocial support. Resource allocation showed a stronger association with system satisfaction than the broader national framework. The results also suggest that mental health-related concerns remain insufficiently integrated into disaster response arrangements, particularly in the context of COVID-19. These findings highlight the importance of transparent governance, equitable resource allocation, and greater attention to psychosocial wellbeing in strengthening public confidence in disaster response systems and advancing sustainable governance frameworks. These findings should be interpreted with caution and regarded as indicative rather than nationally representative, given that the empirical sample was drawn primarily from South Australia. Full article

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is characterized by impaired metabolic flexibility, oxidative stress, and disruption of the temporal coordination of hepatic processes. Obesogenic diets contribute to this dysfunction by altering redox homeostasis and autophagy, thereby promoting lipid accumulation and cellular stress. In this study, we investigated whether grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE), a polyphenol-rich compound with antioxidant properties, can modulate these alterations in a time-dependent manner. Male Fischer 344 rats were fed a standard or cafeteria diet and supplemented with GSPE (25 mg/kg) at the onset of the active phase (ZT12). Liver samples were collected across four Zeitgeber times to evaluate circadian-related proteins, autophagy markers, antioxidant responses, lipid content, and metabolomic profiles. Cafeteria feeding disrupts hepatic homeostasis, reducing BMAL1 protein levels, altering the temporal organization of autophagy markers, and impairing redox regulation. GSPE did not restore core clock protein expression but induced a pronounced, time-specific activation of the NRF2/HO-1 axis, with a marked increase in HO-1 at the onset of the active phase. This effect was associated with a metabolic shift toward amino acid-related pathways linked to redox balance. These findings indicate that GSPE enhances antioxidant defenses in a time-dependent manner, improving redox–metabolic coordination under obesogenic conditions. Full article