bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Voltage Optimization Strategy for Rotary Power Flow Controllers in Loop Closing of Distribution Networks
Authors: Xie Wenqiang , Yuan Yubo , Zheng Xian , Chen Hui , Liu Jian , Zhang Chenyu
Published: February 2025

To mitigate voltage limit issues in the operation of a novel electromagnetic voltage regulation device, this paper presents a flexible loop-closing control strategy with voltage optimization. The approach uses a two-stage path optimization: in the first stage, the voltage phase at the loop-closing point is adjusted to ensure smooth operation, while in the second stage, the voltage magnitude is optimized to prevent voltage limits and achieve seamless regulation. By integrating phase angle difference calculations with coordinated rotation angle control, the simulation results show that this strategy reduces loop-closing current by approximately 95.87% compared to direct loop closing, decreases voltage fluctuations by around 50.0% compared to traditional methods, and shortens operation time by 40.14%. This approach significantly enhances system stability and response speed, effectively addressing the issue of excessive loop-closing current caused by voltage deviations at distribution network tie switches.
Missing/Extra Via Check Algorithm for Advanced VLSI Analog Designs
Authors: Grochowska Marika , Pleskacz Witold A.
Published: February 2025

This paper presents an original algorithm and the application of a Via Check script implemented in the PVS/Pegasus Verification System Tool (Cadence). The algorithm was written in the physical verification language. Via Check is mainly looking for places in the layout where connections (vias) between metals within the same net are missing or could be reinforced. The designed tool was equipped with special user interface graphics to filter the obtained results for more convenient use. It was successfully used in many projects involving advanced submicron technologies like cmos65lp, cmos40lp, stios40nm, stios28nm, 16ff, and 12ff for almost two years. Its application supported by examples of the results from ongoing projects is also included in this publication.
Modeling of Forest Fire Risk Areas of Amazonas Department, Peru: Comparative Evaluation of Three Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Vergara Alex J. , Valqui-Reina Sivmny V. , Cieza-Tarrillo Dennis , Gómez-Santillán Ysabela , Chapa-Gonza Sandy , Ocaña-Zúñiga Candy Lisbeth , Auquiñivin-Silva Erick A. , Cayo-Colca Ilse S. , Rosa dos Santos Alexandre
Published: February 2025

Forest fires are the result of poor land management and climate change. Depending on the type of the affected eco-system, they can cause significant biodiversity losses. This study was conducted in the Amazonas department in Peru. Binary data obtained from the MODIS satellite on the occurrence of fires between 2010 and 2022 were used to build the risk models. To avoid multicollinearity, 12 variables that trigger fires were selected (Pearson ≤ 0.90) and grouped into four factors: (i) topographic, (ii) social, (iii) climatic, and (iv) biological. The program Rstudio and three types of machine learning were applied: MaxENT, Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Random Forest (RF). The results show that the RF model has the highest accuracy (AUC = 0.91), followed by MaxENT (AUC = 0.87) and SVM (AUC = 0.84). In the fire risk map elaborated with the RF model, 38.8% of the Amazonas region possesses a very low risk of fire occurrence, and 21.8% represents very high-risk level zones. This research will allow decision-makers to improve forest management in the Amazon region and to prioritize prospective management strategies such as the installation of water reservoirs in areas with a very high-risk level zone. In addition, it can support awareness-raising actions among inhabitants in the areas at greatest risk so that they will be prepared to mitigate and control risk and generate solutions in the event of forest fires occurring under different scenarios.
Paleoclimatic Events Since 25 kyr B.P. and the Regional Differences Documented by Phytoliths in the Central Songnen Plain, NE China
Authors: Li Yaran , Zhang Xinrong , Wang Jiayu , Fang Shi , Huo Yuanbo , Liu Jiakang
Published: February 2025

Identification of paleoclimate oscillation from various climate proxies across different regions is important for the mechanistic research of paleoclimate. Phytoliths from the lacustrine sediment of central NE China were extracted for paleoclimate reconstruction and abrupt event recognition. The combined phytolith assemblages; indices of Iw, Iph, D/P, Pi/P, and T/P; and the 66.4% PCA information with 95% confidence ellipse showed six global synchronously paleo-stages in the past 25,000 years: mixed coniferous broadleaf forest in a semi-humid cool climate (25,165–22,180 cal aB.P.), cold and arid steppe (22,180–18,080 cal aB.P.), semi-humid and semi-arid steppe (18,080–11,380); semi-humid cool grassland (11,380–7790 cal aB.P.), humid warm forest steppe (7790–4300 cal aB.P.), and semi-arid and cool meadow steppe (4300 cal aB.P. to the present). The global abrupt events of the 4.2-kiloyear event, 8.2-kiloyear event, Younger Dryas (YD), Heinrich1 (H1), and Heinrich2 (H2) were also captured by phytolith indices. The regional character of the reduction in humidity of the YD might have been affected by the combined influence of the Okhotsk High and the surrounding mountains. These findings not only strengthen phytolith palaeoresearch but also provide basic information for the mechanistic research of palaeoclimate in the edge area of Northeast Asia and promote global climate change research.
Response of Ochroma lagopus Swartz Growth and Nutrient Uptake to Urea and Slow-Release Fertilizer Addition
Authors: Wen Chengjing , Duan Huaijiao , Wu Junwen , Zhao Zhijuan , Liu Yuanxi , Chen Gang , Duan Guihe , Li Zhiqi , Du Guanben
Published: February 2025

As a fast-growing tree species, Ochroma lagopus Swartz has a greater demand for nutrients, and urea and slow-release fertilizer addition can promote the growth and development of O. lagopus. This experiment explored the effects of urea and slow-release fertilizer on the growth and nutrient uptake of O. lagopus plantation forests. The results of the study can provide a theoretical basis for the cultivation and management of O. lagopus plantation forests. At the end of June 2023, a two-year-old O. lagopus was used as the study’s object at Mengwing Farm, Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. Fertilizer is applied through root outer ring application. Seven treatments of no N control (CK) and urea and slow-release fertilizers 300 g/plant (N1, H1), 450 g/plant (N2, H2), and 600 g/plant (N3, H3) were set up to determine the breast height, diameter at breast height, as well as the nutrient contents of leaves, branches, roots, and soils of the trees. The DBH and tree height were higher under N addition than in the CK, and both were highest in H3 at 90 d after fertilization, with 16.92% and 14.64% higher than CK, respectively. The overall change in C content of each organ was not obvious, N content increased with the increase in fertilizer application, and the change pattern of P content was not consistent. Soil N content showed a significant increase with the increase in N application, while P and K content showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing, and soil N content of slow-release fertilizer treatments was higher than that of urea treatments under the same amount of N application. The soil N content was higher in the slow-release fertilizer treatment than in the urea treatment regardless of the amount of N applied. The soil N content was highly significantly positively correlated with the N content of leaves, branches, and roots. There was a highly significant allometric growth relationship among the C, N, and P content of each organ. The N addition had a significant effect on the growth and the nutrient content of each organ and soil. O. lagopus mainly adapted to changes in the soil N content by adjusting the N and P content of each organ, and the optimal effect was observed in H3. In the future, an appropriate amount of P fertilizer should be applied to complement N fertilizer, urea and slow-release fertilizer can also be applied.
The Manufacturing Process of Lotus (Nelumbo Nucifera) Leaf Black Tea and Its Microbial Diversity Analysis
Authors: Gao Xiaojing , Kan Xuhui , Du Fengfeng , Sun Linhe , Li Xixi , Liu Jixiang , Liu Xiaojing , Yao Dongrui
Published: February 2025

Lotus leaves combine both edible and medicinal properties and are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds. In this study, the lotus leaf tea was prepared using a black tea fermentation process, and the functional components and microbial changes during fermentation were investigated. The results indicated that the activity of polyphenol oxidase showed an initial rise followed by a decline as fermentation progressed, peaked at 3 h with 1.07 enzyme activity units during fermentation. The lotus leaf fermented tea has high levels of soluble sugars (20.92 ± 0.53 mg/g), total flavonoids (1.59 ± 0.05 mg GAE/g), and total polyphenols (41.34 ± 0.87 mg RE/g). Its antioxidant activity was evaluated using ABTS, DPPH, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays, with results of 18.90 ± 1.02 mg Vc/g, 47.62 ± 0.51 mg Vc/g, and 17.58 ± 1.06 mg Vc/g, respectively. The microbial community also shifted during fermentation. Fusarium played a significant role during the fermentation process. This study demonstrated that the black tea fermentation process improved the functional components and biological activity of lotus leaf tea by optimizing the synergistic effect of enzymatic oxidation and microbial fermentation. The findings not only realized the comprehensive utilization of lotus leaf resources but also provided a foundation for developing innovative functional beverages with enhanced bioactive properties.
The Preparation of Black Goji Berry Enzyme and Its Therapeutic Effect on Alcoholic Liver Injury in Mice
Authors: Wang Keshan , Zhang Zhishan , Xu Wenge , Yang Shuyuan , Zhao Jing , Wu Zeyu , Zhang Wencheng
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to prepare a black goji berry enzyme (BGBE) using high acyl gellan gum as a substitute for aqueous slurry, followed by fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) for 48 h, pasteurization, and subsequent fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum (SC) for 48 h to obtain the optimal BGBE sample. The anthocyanin content and in vitro antioxidant activity were significantly enhanced. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the potential therapeutic effect of BGBE on alcoholic liver injury (ALD) in mice. An animal model of alcoholic liver injury was established, and the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) in the serum and liver were analyzed. Furthermore, histopathological examination was performed using hematoxylin–eosin staining. The results indicated that BGBE significantly improved the liver histopathological condition in mice, markedly reducing the serum levels of ALT, AST, TG, TC, and the hepatic MDA levels (p < 0.05), while significantly increasing the levels of SOD, ADH, and ALDH (p < 0.05). The therapeutic effect of BGBE on alcoholic liver injury appears to be associated with its antioxidant properties.
In Slico Screening and In Vitro Identification of Hyperuricemia-Inhibiting Peptides from Trachurus japonicus
Authors: Xu Zexuan , Gan Miaoyu , Guan Weiliang , Tian Fang , Wang Yuxi , Zhang Jinjie , Cai Luyun
Published: February 2025

Hyperuricemia arises from imbalanced uric acid metabolism, contributing to gout and related chronic diseases. When traditional drugs are used to treat hyperuricemia, side effects are inevitable, which promotes the exploration of new bioactive compounds. Protein hydrolysates and peptides are gradually showing potential in the treatment of hyperuricemia. This study investigated the uric acid inhibitory activity of peptides extracted from Trachurus japonicus using in silico and in vitro methods. We employed in silico virtual enzymolysis and experimental validation to identify bioactive peptides from Trachurus japonicus proteins. Four peptides (DF, AGF, QPSF, and AGDDAPR) were comprehensively screened by molecular docking and database analysis. After solid-phase synthesis, the inhibitory effects of these peptides on hyperuricemia were further verified in vitro and at the cellular level. The results showed that all four peptides have good hyperuricemia-inhibiting activities. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics revealed that peptides DF and AGDDAPR affect the production of uric acid by binding to the active sites of urate transporter 1 (URAT1), glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9), and xanthine oxidase (XOD), while peptides QPSF and AGF mainly influence the XOD active site, confirming that it is feasible to rapidly screen hyperuricemia-inhibiting peptides by molecular docking.
The Antibacterial Activity and Mechanisms of a Mixed Bio-Preservative on the Bacillus Stains in Crab Roe Sauce
Authors: Yu Rongrong , Sun Rongxue , Jiang Ning , Zhang Bin , Wang Cheng , Liu Qianyuan , Li Zhiqiang , Wang Xingna
Published: February 2025

Crab roe sauce (CRS) is prone to spoilage due to microbial contamination. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of a mixed bio-preservative (0.025% ε-polylysine hydrochloride (ε-PL) + 0.01% nisin (NS) + 0.01% tea polyphenols (TPs)) on the specific spoilage bacteria (SSB) in CRS. First, the SSB in CRS were isolated and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. Two isolates were selected as representative strains based on their enzymatic spoilage potential and spoilage capability in CRS. By comparing the inhibition zones, ε-PL, NS, and TPs were selected from five conventional bio-preservatives (ε-PL, NS, TPs, grape seed extract (GSE), and rosemary extract (RE)) to prepare the mixed bio-preservative. The results showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the mixed bio-preservative against Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus subtilis was 56.3 µg/mL. The growth curves and cell viability tests revealed that the mixed bio-preservative reduced the viability of both strains. The conductivity, alkaline phosphatase activity, and nucleic acid and soluble protein leakage indicated that the mixed bio-preservative disrupted the integrity of the cell walls and membranes of the two isolates in a concentration-dependent manner. Scanning electron microscopy further confirmed the damage to the cell membranes of the two isolates by the mixed bio-preservative. Overall, the mixed bio-preservative exhibited excellently inhibitory effects on the SSB and could be a promising method for the preservation of CRS.
Identification of a TonB-Dependent Siderophore Receptor as a Novel Anti-Biofilm Target and Virtual Screening for Its Inhibitor in Pseudomonas fluorescens PF08
Authors: Shen Taizhi , Cao Changrong , Zhu Ruiyu , Chen Jian , Wang Feifei , Wang Yanbo
Published: February 2025

Pseudomonas fluorescens is a vital food spoilage bacterium that commonly spoils foods in the biofilm state. Uncovering the targets responsible for biofilm formation and disrupting their function is a promising way to control bacterial biofilms and food spoilage. In this work, using the combination of qRT-PCR and construction of the gene deletion strain, Δtdsr, TonB-dependent siderophore receptor D7M10_RS23410 was, for the first time, proven to play an essential part in the biofilm development of P. fluorescens. By utilizing structure-based virtual screening technology, a natural compound, adenosine monophosphate (AMP), with the highest binding activity to D7M10_RS23410, was obtained as an effective biofilm inhibitor. AMP significantly decreased the cell autoaggregation and biofilm biomass at sub-MIC concentrations (2.5, 1.25, and 0.625 mg/mL), mainly through inhibiting the generation of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in the biofilm matrix and promoting the cell motility. Furthermore, AMP was found to form hydrogen bonds with specific amino acid residues and stretched the protein structure of D7M10_RS23410, and this structural alteration undoubtedly interfered with the functionality of the D7M10_RS23410 protein.
Exploring Genetic Influences on Equine Meat Quality: A Bioinformatics Approach
Authors: Šimon Martin , Bogićević Sanja , Kaić Ana , Luštrek Barbara , Potočnik Klemen
Published: February 2025

Horsemeat, known for its high nutritional value and lower environmental impact compared to beef, faces cultural and ethical challenges. Despite its potential, genetic research on horsemeat quality remains limited and no Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) have been identified. The aim of this study was to identify and prioritize Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers on the GeneSeek® GenomicProfiler™ Equine chip for traits related to meat quality. Genes associated with meat quality were identified through a PubMEd search. These were analyzed for SNPs with potential regulatory or functional effects based on Genomic Evolutionary Rate Profiling (GERP) scores, constrained element locations, orthologous regulatory regions in mice and humans, and effects on polyadenylation, miRNA, and transcription factor binding. Further prioritization focused on genes whose orthologs are within QTLs for meat quality traits in other species. Including SNPs in linkage disequilibrium with chip markers from the Animal-SNPAtlas, we identified 27 SNP markers associated with 19 genes. Notable candidates include ALDOA, CS, GOT1, PLIN1, PYGM, and SDHB, linked to metabolic pathways, and MYL11, MYOM1, PDLIM5, RYR3, and TNNT3, associated with muscle structure and development. This research provides genetic insights to improve horsemeat quality and help breeders and smallholder farmers. Integrating these results with larger datasets can improve breeding value predictions and support effective breeding programs.
Modeling Determinants of Autonomous Vehicle Utilization in Private and Shared Ownership Models
Authors: Lane Bradley W. , Kelley Scott B.
Published: February 2025

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) and shared mobility constitute two of the “Three Revolutions” that portend major changes to surface transportation. AVs promise to reduce accidents, expand accessibility, and decrease congestion, while shared mobility provides the benefits of automotive transportation without requiring the purchase of a vehicle or the ability to drive it. Despite great promise to alleviate the negative externalities imposed by transportation, there remains much to be understood about the combined diffusion and impact of AVs and shared mobility. There is little demonstrated experience and application of AVs to the public, and how and where people would use automated shared mobility relative to their current travel is largely unknown. This study advances our understanding by utilizing an intercept survey of 232 respondents in Ann Arbor, Michigan who had made a discretionary trip to one of two central and two suburban locations. The novel approach of using intercept surveys allows us to gather more valid data about the willingness of respondents to replace the mode they just used for either a privately owned or a shared AV and do so for the trip purpose most conducive to using such a vehicle. We incorporate descriptive and spatial analyses and then utilize multinomial logit models to predict the factors influencing the encouragement or discouragement of substituting a private and a shared AV for their previous trip. We found that active mobility and transit trips work in competition with private AVs, while youth encourages interest. Meanwhile, active mobility, increasing age, and one of our measures of density discourage interest, while female respondents and the same measure of density increase interest. The results suggest that future efforts to facilitate the adoption of shared AVs target areas of the city that are relatively dense and residents in these areas where a shared AV would enhance individuals’ mobility.
Band-Gap Engineering of High-Entropy Fluorite Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Facilitated by Pr3+ Incorporation by Gel Combustion Synthesis
Authors: Anandkumar Mariappan , Kesavan Kannan Pidugu , Sudarsan Shanmugavel , Zaitseva Olga Vladimirovna , Ostovari Moghaddam Ahmad , Iarushina Daria Valerevna , Trofimov Evgeny Alekseevich
Published: February 2025

Tailoring the bandgap of a material is necessary for improving its optical properties. Here, the optical bandgap of high-entropy oxide Ce0.2Gd0.2Sm0.2Y0.2Zr0.2O2-δ (HEO) nanoparticles was modified using Pr3+. Various concentrations of Pr3+ (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, 0.15) were incorporated into the host high-entropy oxide using a gel combustion synthesis. After the gel combustion step, the powders were heat-treated at various temperatures (650 °C, 800 °C, 950 °C) for 2 h. The obtained Pr3+-incorporated HEO powders were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and UV–visible spectroscopy. The results indicate that, when the samples are calcined at 950 °C, a single-phase cubic fluorite structure is obtained without any phase separation or impurity. The optical absorbance red-shifts to higher wavelengths when the concentration of Pr3+ is increased. This reduces the bandgap of the material from 3.15 eV to 1.87 eV for Pr3+ concentrations of x = 0 (HEO-0) and x = 0.15 (HEO-6), respectively. The obtained HEOs can be suitable candidates for photocatalytic applications due to their absorbance in the visible region.
Genome-Wide In Silico Analysis of Leucine-Rich Repeat R-Genes in Perilla citriodora: Classification and Expression Insights
Authors: Bae Seon-Hwa , Zoclanclounon Yedomon Ange Bovys , Park Gyu-Hwang , Lee Jun-Dae , Kim Tae-Ho
Published: February 2025

Background: Resistance (R) genes are crucial for defending Perilla against pathogens like anthracnose, downy mildew, and phytophthora blight. Nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) genes, the largest R-gene family, play a central role in immunity. This study aimed to identify and characterize NBS-LRR genes in P. citriodora ‘Jeju17’. Methods: Previously conducted genome-wide data for ‘Jeju17’ were analyzed in silico to identify NBS-LRR genes. Results: A total of 535 NBS-LRR genes were identified, with clusters on chromosomes 2, 4, and 10. A unique RPW8-type R-gene was located on chromosome 7. Conclusions: This study provides insights into the NBS-LRR gene family in ‘Je-ju17’, highlighting its role in disease resistance and evolutionary dynamics. By identifying can-didate R-genes, this research supports breeding programs to develop disease-resistant cultivars and improves our understanding of plant immunity.
Using the 3-30-300 Indicator to Evaluate Green Space Accessibility and Inequalities: A Case Study of Montreal, Canada
Authors: Robitaille Éric , Douyon Cherlie
Published: February 2025

Access to green spaces is essential for promoting public health, reducing inequalities, and fostering urban resilience. This study evaluates the 3-30-300 indicator as a tool for assessing green space accessibility in Montreal, Canada. The framework sets three goals: every resident should see three trees from their home, live in a neighborhood with at least 30% tree canopy, and have a park or green space within 300 m. Using geospatial analysis, this study examines how well these criteria are met across Montreal’s neighborhoods and investigates disparities linked to socio-economic factors. The study reveals a significant variability in the distribution of green spaces across Montreal neighborhoods, as measured by the 3-30-300 metric. Tree canopy coverage ranges from 0.8% to 84%, with a median of 25.7%, while distances to parks vary from adjacent to over 2.4 km. The number of trees around residences is highly skewed, ranging from 0 to 771, reflecting substantial heterogeneity in green space accessibility. Spatial analysis highlights pronounced inequalities, with only 19.4% of neighborhoods meeting all three criteria. Hotspots of compliance are concentrated in peri-central and well-established residential areas in the West and East, while central and peripheral neighborhoods, especially in northeast Montreal, frequently fail to meet the standards. These findings underscore strong spatial disparities in urban green infrastructure, consistent with global studies on inequitable access to green spaces.
Cultural Dimensions of Territorial Development: A Plan to Safeguard the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Guano’s Knotted Carpet Weaving Tradition, Chimborazo, Ecuador
Authors: Maldonado-Erazo Claudia Patricia , Zurita-Polo Susana Monserrat , del Río-Rama María de la Cruz , Álvarez-García José
Published: February 2025

The current research article focuses on safeguarding the knotted carpet weaving tradition in Guano, an endangered intangible cultural heritage (ICH) threatened by globalisation and a lack of intergenerational transmission. The research aims to revitalise this artisanal technique through a comprehensive safeguarding plan, using a participatory action research approach. Activities included in-depth interviews, workshops, and the documentation of seven key cultural practises related to the weaving, such as spinning, natural dyeing, and design. The study found that 86% of these practises are highly vulnerable. To address this, the research developed strategies to promote generational transmission, strengthen local collaboration, and connect the craft to territorial identity and sustainable tourism. Proposed actions include intergenerational education programmes, tourism initiatives, and local fairs to boost carpet marketing. The study contributes to the field of ICH by highlighting the role of cultural tourism in preserving at-risk artisanal techniques and community identity. It emphasizes the need for collaborative approaches to safeguard living heritage in a globalized world. The research findings underscore the importance of integrating traditional practices into modern contexts to ensure their long-term sustainability.
VE-GCN: A Geography-Aware Approach for Polyline Simplification in Cartographic Generalization
Authors: Chen Siqiong , Hu Anna , Xu Yongyang , Wang Haitao , Xie Zhong
Published: February 2025

Polyline simplification is a critical process in cartographic generalization, but the existing methods often fall short in considering the overall geographic morphology or local edge and vertex information of polylines. To enhance the graph convolutional structure for capturing crucial geographic element features and simultaneously learning vertex and edge features within map polylines, this study introduces a joint vertex–edge feature graph convolutional network (VE-GCN). The VE-GCN extends the graph convolutional operator from vertex features to edge features and integrates edge and vertex features through a feature transformation layer, enhancing the model’s capability to represent the shapes of polylines. To further improve this capability, the VE-GCN incorporates an architecture for retaining crucial geographic information. This architecture is composed of a structure for retaining local positional information and another for extracting multi-scale features. These components capture high–low dimensional and large–small scale features, contributing to polylines’ comprehensive local and global representation. The experimental results on road and coastline datasets verified the effectiveness of the proposed network in maintaining the overall shape characteristics of simplified polylines. After fusing the edge features, the differential distance between the roads before and after simplification decreased from 1.06 to 0.18. The network ensures invariant global spatial relationships, making the simplified data well suited for cartographic generalization applications, especially in simplifying vector map elements.
Editing the RR-TZF Gene Subfamily in Rice Uncovers Potential Risks of CRISPR/Cas9 for Targeted Genetic Modification
Authors: Zhou Shufen , Tian Dagang , Liu Huaqing , Lu Xiaozhuan , Zhang Di , Chen Rui , Yang Shaohua , Wu Weiren , Wang Feng
Published: February 2025

The CRISPR/Cas9 system offers a powerful tool for gene editing to enhance rice productivity. In this study, we successfully edited eight RR-TZF genes in japonica rice Nipponbare using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, achieving a high editing efficiency of 73.8%. Sequencing revealed predominantly short insertions or deletions near the PAM sequence, along with multi-base deletions often flanked by identical bases. Off-target analysis identified 5 out of 31 predicted sites, suggesting the potential for off-target effects, which can be mitigated by designing gRNAs with more than three base mismatches. Notably, new mutations emerged in the progeny of several gene-edited mutants, indicating inheritable genetic mutagenicity. Phenotypic analysis of homozygous mutants revealed varied agronomic traits, even within the same gene, highlighting the complexity of gene-editing outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of backcrossing to minimize off-target and inheritable mutagenicity effects, ensuring more accurate trait evaluation. This study offers insights into CRISPR/Cas9 mechanisms and uncertain factors and may inform future strategies for rice improvement, prompting further research into CRISPR/Cas9’s precision and long-term impacts.
Progress in 2D MoS2-Based Advanced Materials for Hydrogen Evolution and Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Raza Waseem , Ahmad Khursheed , Alvarado Flaviano Garcia , Oh Tae Hwan
Published: February 2025

The increasing energy demand for and fast depletion of fossil fuels have driven the need to explore renewable and clean energy sources. Hydrogen production via water electrocatalysis is considered a promising green fuel technology for addressing global energy and environmental challenges while supporting sustainable development. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has emerged as a potential electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) and super-capacitor (SC) applications due to its high electrochemical activity, low cost, and abundance. However, compared to noble metals like platinum (Pt), MoS2 exhibit lower HER activity in water electrocatalysis. Therefore, further modification is needed to enhance its catalytic performance. To address this, MoS2 has been effectively modified with materials such as reduced graphene oxide (rGO), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), polymers, metal oxides, and MXenes. These modifications significantly improve the electrochemical properties of MoS2, enhancing its performance in HER and SC applications. In this review article, we have compiled recent reports on the fabrication of MoS2-based hybrid materials for HER and SC applications. The challenges, advantages, and future perspectives of MoS2-based materials for HERs and SCs have been discussed. It is believed that readers may benefit from the recent updates on the fabrication of MoS2-based hybrid materials for HER and SC applications.
Structure and Ultrastructure of Three Oak Leaf Galls: Cynips quercusfolii L., Neuroterus numismalis Geoffroy and Cynips longiventris Hartig
Authors: Jankiewicz Leszek S. , Guzicka Marzenna , Marasek-Ciołakowska Agnieszka
Published: February 2025

The structural and ultrastructural characteristics of galls induced by three species of insects parasitizing on oak leaves (Quercus robur L.) were examined utilizing light and fluorescent microscopes, as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopes. The tissues of the investigated galls exhibited marked differences from those of a typical oak leaf. In the Cynips quercusfolii L. gall, the larval chamber in its final stage was formed from the remnants of dead cells that remained after larval feeding on the gall nutritive tissue. The cells of the gall nutritive tissue and the cells of the gall parenchyma exhibited diametrical differences: the former contained dense cytoplasm and had large nuclei and nucleoli, whereas the latter displayed sparse cytoplasm, prominent vacuoles, and very small nuclei. The region of coalescence between the gall stalk and leaf tissues has been described. In Neuroterus numismalis Geoffroy gall, the early developmental phases have been described in detail. The external gall tissues resembled periderm, whereas periderm does not normally occur in leaves. In the cytoplasm of Cynips longiventris Hartig gall, different bodies were found, including organized smooth endoplasmic reticulum; however, not all of the observed structures were definitively classified.
The Effect of the I-Arch on the Buccal Alveolar Crest in Comparison with the Traditional Archwire Sequence: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Nakawah Salam Mouhamad Omar , Youssef Mohamed Hasan , Rossi Ornella , Perrotti Giovanna , Testori Tiziano
Published: February 2025

Background/Objectives: The nature, diameter, and cross-section of orthodontic archwires affect tooth movement and the surrounding alveolar bone. Researchers have explored different features of archwires to optimize treatment outcomes. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the properties of the I-arch for its effects on alveolar bone height, dehiscence, fenestration, and treatment duration. Methods: Forty patients (eight males, and thirty-two females; mean age: 20.97 ± 2.41 years) with dental crowding ≤ 6 mm and Class I malocclusion were treated without extractions. They were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (EG, n = 20), treated with the I-arch, and the control group (CG, n = 20), treated with traditional archwires of the MBT technique. Two CBCT scans were taken for each patient, one before treatment (T0) and one after leveling (T2). The studied teeth were upper and lower centrals, canines, and second premolars. The treatment duration was measured across three periods: T0–T1, T1–T2, and T0–T2. Results: Alveolar bone resorption, dehiscence, and fenestration were lower in the EG. Total treatment duration (T0–T2) was similar between groups, but the first period (T0–T1) was significantly shorter in the EG (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The I-arch resulted in fewer side effects on alveolar bone height during leveling and alignment.
Chemotherapy with Alkylating Agents and Dental Anomalies in Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gallenzi Patrizia , Malatesta Angela , Staderini Edoardo , Guglielmi Federica
Published: February 2025

The aim of the systematic review is to analyze the type and the prevalence of dental side effects among cancer survivors treated with alkylating agents (AAs) during pediatric age. Moreover, the study aimed to investigate the association between the development of dental anomalies and the drug used or the tumor type. Four databases MEDLINE-PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched from January 2024 to March 2024. All articles published up to March 2024 were evaluated. After removing duplicates, data extraction and risk of bias assessment using the Newcastle–Ottawa score were made. A summary of the overall strength of evidence available was performed using the “Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation” (GRADE). Data were summarized using descriptive analysis as mean differences ± standard deviation or relative risks. Out of 2678 studies, the search identified five studies enrolled for the qualitative analysis of the data. Among 257 survivors, 155 (60.3%) reported: microdontia, agenesia, root shortening, enamel defects, and taurodontism. Microdontia occurred more frequently with other drugs compared to AAs. In conclusion, children treated with AAs showed microdontia (36.0%), root shortening (26.9%), and agenesis (23.5%). Secondly, the occurrence of dental anomalies was unaffected by drug treatment; thirdly, microdontia was the most frequent dental anomaly observed in both solid and lymphoproliferative tumors. This review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. PROSPERO registration number CRD42023494560.
Water Depth Correction-Based Classification Combination Method for Extracting Shallow Sea Reef Geomorphological Information: A Case Study of Xisha Chau and Zhaoshu Island
Authors: Lu Zhigang , Zhu Weidong , Lei Daxing , Zhu Yi , Chen Yifan , Yue Zilin , Wu Zhongqiang
Published: February 2025

Remote sensing monitoring and geomorphologic change analysis of coral reefs are of great practical significance for the ecological protection and sustainable development of coral reef area resources. A WBMD scheme is proposed to better extract coral reef information from island environments of Xisha, China. Satellite imagery, after preprocessing, is subjected to water depth correction to mitigate the influence of water depth on reflectance. A maximum likelihood classification model is then used for geomorphological classification, followed by refinement through a decision tree classification model, forming the WBMD scheme. The overall accuracy of geomorphological classification for Xisha Chau and Zhaoshu Island based on the WBMD scheme was 97.07% and 95.07%. Using this scheme to analyze the geomorphology of Xisha Chau and Zhaoshu Island from 2014 to 2018 reveals that the degradation of coral reef on Xisha Chau is mainly distributed in the lagoon slope and around the lagoon, and the lagoon area on Zhaoshu Island has been shrinking year by year, while the area of the gray sand island has increased, and the areas of other geomorphological types exhibit fluctuating changes. Previous studies on coral reefs have indicated that coral reefs are mainly distributed in the lagoon slope area, where significant coral reef degradation has also been observed, raising an alarm for coral reef conservation efforts in China.
Shallow Gas Distribution Influenced by the Interface of Sedimentary Facies in the Southwest of the Qiongdongnan Basin
Authors: Yang Taotao , Li Xiaohan , Jin Jiapeng , Chen Jianwei , Gong Zhi , Zhao Li , Wang Wenlong , Liu Bo , Hu Jinzi , Wang Wenlu , Wang Xiujuan
Published: February 2025

Shallow gas, with huge resources, has been confirmed using three dimensional (3D) seismic data and more than 20 drilling sites in the deep water of the LS36 gas field, the Qiongdongnan Basin, the South China Sea. The interface of sedimentary facies in the southern boundary of the basin controls the distribution within the basin of clastic sediments coming from the north and west of the land uplifted. In this study, seismic data and geophysical attributes were used to investigate the controlling effect of the interface of sedimentary facies on the distribution of shallow gas within the basin. Our study shows that the shallow gas is mainly distributed in the Quaternary Ledong Formation in the southwest of the Qiongdongnan Basin, which was observed from acoustic impedance, amplitude versus offset (AVO), and seismic interpretations. The channelized submarine fans that onlap the interface of the sedimentary facies are distributed in a vertically stacked manner and are the main reservoirs for the shallow gas. Therefore, these sedimentary studies show that the sand-rich sediments are distributed along the interface of the sedimentary facies from the southwest to the northeast and are limited to the shallow gas within the basin. The Central Canyon provides an important deep gas source, while the flank of the canyon, gas chimney, and normal faults related to basement uplift provide pathways for vertical and lateral gas migration to form the shallow gas. This study shows that shallow gas may be widely distributed in other marginal sea basins, and sedimentary systems should be further studied in the future.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Two Monokaryons of Auricularia heimuer Hei29
Authors: Wang Fengli , Han Chuang , Zhang Jiechi , Zhang Piqi , Zhang Xiaojia , Yue Xin , Zhao Yanshu , Dai Xiaodong
Published: February 2025

Auricularia heimuer is a valuable traditional Chinese fungus used as food and medicine. Hei29 is a strain derived from wild A. heimuer through systematic domestication and selection. It has been the primary A. heimuer variety in Northeast China for 30 years and offers the advantages of high yield, good commercial property, and stable traits. This study used protoplast nucleation on Hei29 to produce two amiable and paired monokaryons, Hei29-D1 and Hei29-D2. The genome of Hei29 was sequenced utilizing the Illumina PE150 and PacBio Sequel sequencing platforms. Hei29-D1 and Hei29-D2 had genomic sizes of 47.54 Mb and 47.49 Mb, GC contents of 56.95% and 56.99%, and an N50 of 2.37 Mb and 4.28 Mb, respectively. Hei29’s genome possessed two phytoene synthase (PSY) protein genes, one of which—PSY encoded by g894—has a transmembrane domain. The phylogenetic tree showed that Hei29 shared the closest evolutionary relationship with Auricularia subglabra TFB-10046 SS5. Collinearity analysis showed that the correlation between the two monokaryons was as high as 90.81%. Cluster analysis revealed that Hei29 contains 12,362 core genes, 223 unique genes in Hei29-D1, and 228 unique genes in Hei29-D2. This study is the first to sequence two related and paired monokaryons from A. heimuer, which is critical for fully understanding the genetic composition and information of the characteristic strain of A. heimuer in Northeast China. It establishes the data and theoretical foundation for gene mining, usage, and molecular breeding. It further promotes the genetic breeding and active substance utilization of A. heimuer.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Carbon Emissions from Construction Land and Their Decoupling Effects in the Yellow River Basin, China
Authors: Du Zhaoli , Ren Xiaoyu , Zhao Weijun , Zhang Chenfei
Published: February 2025

Carbon emissions (CE) from expanding construction land (CL), a vital territory for human production and habitation, have contributed to climate change worldwide. The Yellow River Basin (YRB), an essential economic region and energy supply base in China, is experiencing rapid urbanization, and the contradiction between economic development and ecological protection is increasingly acute. Consequently, a thorough examination of the spatial and temporal change features of carbon emissions from construction land (CECL) and its decoupling from economic growth (EG) is crucial for the maintaining development of the region. This study adopts the IPCC carbon emission coefficient approach for measuring the CECL in the YRB from 2010 to 2021. The temporal and spatial variation features of CECL in the YRB were revealed using ArcGIS software and the standard deviation ellipse (SDE) model. The decoupling effect between CECL and EG was analyzed using the Tapio decoupling model and innovatively combined with the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) method to explore the influence of five main drivers on the decoupling effect. This study found that: (1) The CECL rose from 2.463 billion tons in 2010 to 3.329 billion tons in 2021. The spatial layout of CECL is “high in the east and low in the west”. (2) The SDE of CECL is distributed in the direction of “northeast to southwest”, and the gravity center’s moving path is “northwest to northeast to northwest”; (3) weak decoupling (WD) is the main decoupling state between CECL and EG; (4) the economic output effect and the construction land (CL) scale effect are the two main factors inhibiting the decoupling of CECL, while the energy intensity effect, the population density effect, and the energy structure effect are the main elements motivating the decoupling of CECL. This study provides specific references and bases for the YRB in China and other countries and regions with similar levels of development in promoting green and ecologically friendly initiatives and achieving low-carbon utilization of regional land and sustainable development.
The Development of Machine Learning-Assisted Software for Predicting the Interaction Behaviours of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Tarlak Fatih , Correia Peres Costa Jean Carlos , Yucel Ozgun
Published: February 2025

Biopreservation technology has emerged as a promising approach to enhance food safety and extend shelf life by leveraging the antimicrobial properties of beneficial microorganisms. This study aims to develop precise predictive models to characterize the growth and interaction dynamics of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Listeria monocytogenes, which serve as bioprotective agents in food systems. Using both traditional and machine learning modelling approaches, we analyzed data from previously published growth curves in broth (BHI) and milk under isothermal conditions (4, 10, and 30 °C). The models evaluated mono-culture conditions for L. monocytogenes and LAB, as well as their competitive interactions in co-culture scenarios. The modified Gompertz model demonstrated the best performance for mono-culture simulations, while a combination of the modified Gompertz and Lotka–Volterra models effectively described co-culture interactions, achieving high adjusted R-squared values (adjusted R2 = 0.978 and 0.962) and low root mean square errors (RMSE = 0.324 and 0.507) for BHI and milk, respectively. Machine learning approaches further validated these findings, with improved statistical indices (adjusted R2 = 0.988 and 0.966, RMSE = 0.242 and 0.475 for BHI and milk, respectively), suggesting their potential as robust alternatives to traditional methods. The integration of machine learning-assisted software developed in this work into predictive microbiology demonstrates significant advancements by bypassing the conventional primary and secondary modelling steps, enabling a streamlined, precise characterization of microbial interactions in food products.
Integral Jensen–Mercer and Related Inequalities for Signed Measures with Refinements
Authors: Horváth László
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for the integral Jensen–Mercer inequality and closely related inequalities to be satisfied for finite signed measures. As applications, we obtain new special inequalities that are related to the integral Jensen–Steffensen inequality. We also provide refinements of the majorization-type inequality associated with the Jensen–Mercer inequality for finite signed measures. Using the result obtained, we extend a known refinement. The majorization-type inequalities needed for the proofs are interesting in themselves.