bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gothic Doubling and Fractured Identity in Shōjo Manga: Yuki Kaori’s Angel Sanctuary
Authors: Taylor Tosha R.
Published: November 2023

Despite enjoying a global fandom in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Yuki Kaori’s manga series Angel Sanctuary (1994–2000) has received little consideration in studies of the Gothic. Yet the manga presents Gothic scholars with rich opportunities for locating manga, and particularly shōjo (young girls’) manga, within its own Gothic tradition. Steeped in global religious imagery, Angel Sanctuary uses incest, genderbending, and fractured identities to explore trauma and to critique the cross-cultural hegemonies that produce it. This essay considers the relationship between the Gothic and gendered identity in Japanese girls’ comics and investigates its manifestations in the manga’s depictions of incest, twins, and traumatic formations of the doppelgänger. In doing so, the essay locates Yuki’s work alongside the Female Gothic and argues for the increased inclusion of manga in Gothic scholarship.
My Friend the Devil: Gothic Comics, the Whimsical Macabre and Rewriting William Blake in Vehlmann and Kerascoët’s Satania
Authors: Spooner Catherine
Published: November 2023

This article develops the concept of the ‘whimsical macabre’, introduced in my book Post-millennial Gothic: Comedy, Romance and the Rise of Happy Gothic (2017) to refer to texts which deliberately fuse the comic and cute with the sinister, monstrous or grotesque. I propose that Fabien Vehlmann and Kerascoët’s graphic novel Satania (2016) extends the whimsical macabre in new directions, by drawing on the work of Romantic poet and artist William Blake, whose illustrated books are often cited as forerunners of modern comics. By rewriting Blake’s visionary account of a journey into the infernal regions in The Marriage of Heaven and Hell (1793) and alluding to Songs of Innocence and of Experience (1789/1794), Satania reveals the serious ethical dimensions that underlie the whimsical macabre. In doing so, it interrogates and complicates the maturational narrative associated with children’s and young adult literature. The article concludes by suggesting that Satania’s heroine Charlie’s relationship with her demon draws on a Blakeian model of friendship in opposition, pointing towards a ‘reparative’ form of Gothic in which otherness is neither erased nor expelled, but embraced and cherished.
On Freedom: The Dialogue
Authors: Downing Lisa , Nelson Maggie
Published: November 2023

This is a transcript of a dialogue between Lisa Downing and Maggie Nelson about Nelson’s recent book, On Freedom: Four Songs of Care and Constraint (2021). The interlocutors discuss the rise of cultural authoritarianism, the role of care in shaping and delimiting freedom, the ways in which freedom and care signify differently according to the sex of the ‘free’ subject, and the vexed question of what freedom will mean in an uncertain future foreshadowed by the spectre of climate change — and potential apocalypse.
SWOT analysis of national nature parks
Authors: Shershun M. , Mykytyn T. , Іvashinyuta S. , Dіkovytskyi V.
Published: November 2023

In Ukraine 56 national nature parks (NNP) have been created, which are powerful centers for the preservation of natural complexes, recreation, conducting scientific nature conservation research and ecological educational work. The work of the NPP is regulated by the park territory organization project. It is based on a 10-year development strategy of the environmental protection institution. A comprehensive analysis of the organization’s work is the basis for developing a strategy for its development. Today, various tools are used to conduct such an analysis, including SWOT analysis. We have proposed approaches to conducting such an analysis in national natural parks. The factors affecting the formation of the strengths and weaknesses of the NNP work, its opportunities for development and threats have been determined. It is proposed to conduct a SWOT/TOWS analysis of the work of national nature parks in order to determine the strategic goals of the nature protection institution. For this, it is proposed to consider the interrelationships of factors in the sectors of comparative advantages, challenges and risks. Based on the proposed approach, an analysis of the work of the Nobel National Natural Park was carried out, which made it possible to determine the park’s development prospects.
Formation of lawn grasses on the basis of soil conservation in the park zone of VNAU
Authors: Honcharuk I. , Pantsyreva H. , Bronnicova L.
Published: November 2023

The conducted research is devoted to biodiversity, namely soil conservation. The very use of lawn grasses as an integral aesthetic decorative element of landscape design is at the same time an ecological and ameliorating factor of influence on the surrounding natural environment, which is quite widely used not only in Ukraine, but also abroad. It has been established that a feature of improving the condition of lawn cultural phytocenoses is the use of low-lying perennial grasses and their varieties, which are maximally adapted to the edapho-climatic conditions of the Podillia zone. Dense lawn coverings trap dust, increase air humidity, improve the microclimate of the environment due to the phytoncides released by them, thereby improving the air, preventing erosion and improving the agrophysical properties of the soil. Based on the records and observations made in the conditions of the park zone of the Vinnytsia National Agrarian University, the composition of lawn grass mixtures, quality condition and density of the lawn were established. The economic and ecobiological structure of lawns is displayed. The peculiarities of the formation of lawn cultural phytocenoses based on the analysis of the qualitative state of the existing grass stand are given. The percentage ratio of the quality composition of lawn grasses has been established. The agrotechnical measures for the care of lawn cultural phytocenoses at the research site are scientifically substantiated. A summarized balance of lawn areas by quality condition is given, which makes it possible to reasonably approach the planning of agrotechnical measures.
Environmental aspects of using some means human personal hygiene
Authors: Hrabko N. , Vovkodav H.
Published: November 2023

Every individual widely uses modern means of personal hygiene, in particular toilet soap. Most of us have encountered the information that this hygiene product can contain components that have a harmful effect on the body. Therefore, it should be taken into consideration that soap contains substances dangerous for our health. When choosing hygiene products, people quite often focus on the price, which can be a mistake. On the other hand, modern day consumers do not want to waste their money and want to buy a product with the best consumer properties. The result of our work is a recommended list specific names of toilet soap, which takes into account all the mentioned aspects. Consumers who care about their health might be interested in this list. The purpose of this research work is the selection of the safest groups of toilet soaps from the point of view of their content composition of substances dangerous for the human body. The object of the work is toilet soap (20 items). The subject of the study is the description of the safest groups of toilet soap for the consumer, considering its price and subjective evaluation of consumers. The list of ingredients on the product packaging of each toilet soap indicated by the manufacturer served as a source for the conducting this research work. Comparativelydescriptive, graphic, and statistical (K-means method of cluster analysis) methods of processing and providing information were used to perform this research paper. The results of the work have immediate practical value, as they represent a recommendation for consumers, which consists in the necessity to choose toilet soap among the offered list of the safest samples with the lowest price tag and the best consumer properties.
Ecological and economic mechanism of balanced development of national nature parks
Authors: Drebot O. , Kupriyanchyk I.
Published: November 2023

Ecological and economic mechanisms of development and management of national natural parks are considered. The role of the ecological-economic mechanism in the management system and the system of two blocks of indicators for evaluating the effectiveness of the ecological-economic mechanism are determined: the economic block is the level of involvement of natural parks in economic activity, and the ecological block is characterized by the level of its ecological sustainability. Taking into account the ecological and socio-economic danger for our state, in connection with the military actions on the territory of Ukraine, there is an urgent issue of developing new and improving existing mechanisms and tools for environmental monitoring in national natural parks. The directions for improvement of the ecological and economic mechanism of development and management of national natural parks are substantiated. The prerequisites for the formation of the legislative framework in the field of environmental policy and financial mechanisms in the development of national natural parks are shown. The directions for improving the financial component of the economic mechanism of the development of national natural parks are substantiated.
Artificial intelligence-based analysis of time-lapse images of sphere formation and process of plate adhesion and spread of pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Shichi Yuuki , Gomi Fujiya , Hasegawa Yasuko , Nonaka Keisuke , Shinji Seiichi , Takahashi Kimimasa , Ishiwata Toshiyuki
Published: November 2023

Background: Most pancreatic cancers are pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC). Spherical morphology formed in three-dimensional (3D) cultures and the effects of anticancer drugs differ between epithelial and mesenchymal PDAC cell lines. In the human pancreas, cancer cells form 3D tumors, migrate to adjacent tissues, and metastasize to other organs. However, no effective methods exist to examine the ability of the tumor mass to migrate to surrounding tissues in vitro. We used spheres formed in 3D culture to investigate whether the migratory ability of tumors of PDAC cell lines, including epithelial and mesenchymal cell lines, varies.

Methods: Sphere formation and adhesion and spread on culture plates were examined by artificial intelligence-based analysis of time-lapse imaging using five epithelial and three mesenchymal PDAC cell lines. Fused and non-fused areas of the sphere surface during sphere formation on low-attachment plates, the adhesion area to normal culture plates, and the sphere area maintaining its original form during adhesion to plates were measured.

Results: Immunocytochemical staining confirmed that E-cadherin was highly expressed in epithelial PDAC spheres, as was vimentin in mesenchymal PDAC spheres, in 2D culture. When forming spheres using low-attachment plates, most epithelial PDAC cell lines initially showed decreased sphere area, and then the covering cells fused to form a smooth surface on the sphere. Mesenchymal PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cells showed little reduction in sphere area and few areas of sphere surface fusion. When formed PDAC spheres were seeded onto normal culture plates, spheres of epithelial PK-8 cells—which have the highest E-cadherin expression, form numerous cysts, and have smooth sphere surfaces—did not adhere to normal plates even after 60 h, and epithelial PK45-P and T3M-4 spheres hardly adhered. Conversely, the area of adhesion and spread of mesenchymal PANC-1 and KP4 cell spheres on normal plates markedly increased from early on, forming large areas of attachment to plates.

Conclusion: Seeding spheres formed in 3D culture onto culture plates can clarify differences in tumor migration potential to surrounding areas. The masses formed by each PDAC cell line varied in migratory ability, with mesenchymal PDAC masses being more migratory than epithelial PDAC masses.
Potency and durability of T and B cell immune responses after homologous and heterologous vector delivery of a trimer-stabilized, membrane-displayed HIV-1 clade ConC Env protein
Authors: Perdiguero Beatriz , Hauser Alexandra , Gómez Carmen Elena , Peterhoff David , Sideris Elefthéria , Sorzano Carlos Óscar S. , Wilmschen Sarah , Schaber Marion , Stengel Laura , Asbach Benedikt , Ding Song , Von Laer Dorothee , Levy Yves , Pantaleo Giuseppe , Kimpel Janine , Esteban Mariano , Wagner Ralf
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The generation of an HIV-1 vaccine able to induce long-lasting protective immunity remains a main challenge. Here, we aimed to modify next-generation soluble, prefusion-stabilized, close-to-native, glycan-engineered clade C gp140 envelope (Env) trimers (sC23v4 KIKO and ConCv5 KIKO) for optimal display on the cell surface following homologous or heterologous vector delivery.

Methods

A combination of the following modifications scored best regarding the preservation of closed, native-like Env trimer conformation and antigenicity when using a panel of selected broadly neutralizing (bnAb) and non-neutralizing (nnAb) monoclonal antibodies for flow cytometry: i) replacing the natural cleavage site with a native flexible linker and introducing a single amino acid substitution to prevent CD4 binding (*), ii) fusing a heterologous VSV-G-derived transmembrane moiety to the gp140 C-terminus, and iii) deleting six residues proximal to the membrane.

Results

When delivering membrane-tethered sC23v4 KIKO* and ConCv5 KIKO* via DNA, VSV-GP, and NYVAC vectors, the two native-like Env trimers provide differential antigenicity profiles. Whereas such patterns were largely consistent among the different vectors for either Env trimer, the membrane-tethered ConCv5 KIKO* trimer adopted a more closed and native-like structure than sC23v4 KIKO*. In immunized mice, VSV-GP and NYVAC vectors expressing the membrane-tethered ConCv5 KIKO* administered in prime/boost combination were the most effective regimens for the priming of Env-specific CD4 T cells among all tested combinations. The subsequent booster administration of trimeric ConCv5 KIKO* Env protein preserved the T cell activation levels between groups. The evaluation of the HIV-1-specific humoral responses induced in the different immunization groups after protein boosts showed that the various prime/boost protocols elicited broad and potent antibody responses, preferentially of a Th1-associated IgG2a subclass, and that the obtained antibody levels remained high at the memory phase.

Discussion

In summary, we provide a feasible strategy to display multiple copies of native-like Env trimers on the cell surface, which translates into efficient priming of sustained CD4+ T cell responses after vector delivery as well as broad, potent, and sustained antibody responses following booster immunizations with the homologous, prefusion-stabilized, close-to-native ConCv5 KIKO* gp140 Env trimer.
Case Report: CD19 and CD20 monoclonal antibodies with sequential chemotherapy for refractory acute B-lymphocytic leukemia in children
Authors: Li Jia-Nan , Li Yu , Lin Ji-Xun , Wang Li-Na , Zhang Xiao-Li , Ouyang Juan , Chen Du-Bo , Chen Shao-Qian , Li Jun-Xun , Luo Xue-Qun , Tang Yan-Lai , Huang Li-Bin
Published: November 2023

Objective

This paper observes the efficacy of chemotherapy combined with CD19 and CD20 monoclonal antibodies in clearing minimal residual disease (MRD) and bridging transplantation for refractory acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) in children and reviews the literature.

Methods

A 4-year-old boy diagnosed with B-ALL in our hospital was treated with the SCCLG-ALL-2016 protocol. MRD and gene quantification decreased after induction but remained persistently positive, with poor efficacy. After this patient received three cycles of consolidation chemotherapy combined with blinatumomab and rituximab, MRD and fusion gene quantification became negative, and he received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT).

Results

During the use of monoclonal antibodies, neurotoxicity, CRS, or other side effects did not occur. Before transplantation, MRD became negative, and the bone marrow had been in complete remission since transplantation (13 months).

Conclusion

Chemotherapy combined with blinatumomab for refractory B-ALL in children can bring a better remission rate for patients and is a means of bridging transplantation. Nevertheless, sequential CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy is the first report , and no adverse effects were observed in our case. It is well tolerated and can be used as one of the treatments for refractory B-ALL.
Deep learning-based estimation of axial length using macular optical coherence tomography images
Authors: Liu Jing , Li Hui , Zhou You , Zhang Yue , Song Shuang , Gu Xiaoya , Xu Jingjing , Yu Xiaobing
Published: November 2023

Background

This study aimed to develop deep learning models using macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) images to estimate axial lengths (ALs) in eyes without maculopathy.

Methods

A total of 2,664 macular OCT images from 444 patients’ eyes without maculopathy, who visited Beijing Hospital between March 2019 and October 2021, were included. The dataset was divided into training, validation, and testing sets with a ratio of 6:2:2. Three pre-trained models (ResNet 18, ResNet 50, and ViT) were developed for binary classification (AL ≥ 26 mm) and regression task. Ten-fold cross-validation was performed, and Grad-CAM analysis was employed to visualize AL-related macular features. Additionally, retinal thickness measurements were used to predict AL by linear and logistic regression models.

Results

ResNet 50 achieved an accuracy of 0.872 (95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.840–0.899), with high sensitivity of 0.804 (95% CI, 0.728–0.867) and specificity of 0.895 (95% CI, 0.861–0.923). The mean absolute error for AL prediction was 0.83 mm (95% CI, 0.72–0.95 mm). The best AUC, and accuracy of AL estimation using macular OCT images (0.929, 87.2%) was superior to using retinal thickness measurements alone (0.747, 77.8%). AL-related macular features were on the fovea and adjacent regions.

Conclusion

OCT images can be effectively utilized for estimating AL with good performance via deep learning. The AL-related macular features exhibit a localized pattern in the macula, rather than continuous alterations throughout the entire region. These findings can lay the foundation for future research in the pathogenesis of AL-related maculopathy.
Sinonasal symptoms in migraine without aura: results from the cross-sectional ‘Migraine in Poland’ study
Authors: Straburzynski Marcin , Nowaczewska Magdalena , Czapinska-Ciepiela Ewa K. , Gryglas-Dworak Anna , Budrewicz Slawomir , Waliszewska-Prosół Marta
Published: November 2023

Background

Migraine without aura (MwoA) is often mistaken for rhinosinusitis. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of sinonasal symptoms, sinusitis-targeting medication use and burden of migraine in a large group of people with MwoA attacks accompanied by rhinologic symptoms.

Methods

Data was collected in a cross-sectional online survey based on an adapted population-based study questionnaire. The analysis included the prevalence of rhinorrhea, mucopurulent nasal discharge, nasal congestion, facial pressure and tenderness to palpation, hyposmia/anosmia and osmophobia.

Results

1,679 (52.73%) MwoA people were identified among 3,225 respondents (women n = 2,809, 87.10%) aged 13–80 years (median age 39; standard deviation 10.4). 1004/1679 (59.8%) migraine patients reported one or more rhinologic symptoms and 341/1679 (20.3%) MwoA respondents had symptoms that met rhinosinusitis clinical diagnostic criteria during their headache attacks. In migraine patients, osmophobia was associated with hyposmia [n = 141 (12.7%) vs. n = 41 (7.2%); p = 0.001] and a sensation of unpleasant smells [n = 216 (19.4%) vs. n = 45 (8.5%); p = 0.001], while facial tenderness to palpation was associated with facial allodynia [n = 532 (50.4%) vs. n = 211 (33.9%); p < 0.001]. People with migraine accompanied by rhinosinusitis-like symptoms experienced more disease burden and used ‘sinus medications’ more often.

Conclusion

MwoA patients with rhinosinusitis-like symptoms during migraine attacks require cautious assessment, especially that some symptoms seem to have little value in distinguishing between these disorders (i.e., facial tenderness, hyposmia), while many of these patients have a greater disease burden and therefore often choose medications targeting rhinologic instead of neurologic mechanisms.
Ultrasonographic measurements of the inferior vena cava diameter in newborns: is it a useful tool for choosing an umbilical venous catheter?
Authors: Galdo Francesca , Trappan Antonella , Cossovel Francesca , Rodriguez-Perez Carmen , Ronfani Luca , Montaldo Paolo , Bibalo Cristina , Travan Laura , Risso Francesco Maria
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The primary outcomes of this study were to evaluate the diameters of the inferior vena cava (IVC) in a cohort of newborns and the correlation between newborn weight and IVC diameter. The secondary outcome was to evaluate the concordance between the measurements performed by the two investigators.

Methods

Two blind examiners performed an ultrasonographic (US) evaluation of the IVC diameter in neonates with a weight ranging from 2 to 4 kg. The exclusion criteria included hemodynamic instability, known vascular malformations, and major congenital malformations.

Results

A total of 143 neonates were enrolled between June 2019 and January 2021. All the US examinations were performed in the first 3 days of life. After dividing the patients into two groups according to their weight at the time of examination (2.0–2.99 kg and 3.0–4.0 kg), the median IVC diameters measured by examiner 1 were 3.1 mm (interquartile range 2.8–3.4) and 3.4 mm (interquartile range 2.9–3.8) (p = 0.003) for the two groups, respectively. The median IVC diameters measured by examiner 2 were 3.1 mm (interquartile range 2.6–3.3) and 3.3 mm (interquartile range 2.8–3.8) (p = 0.004) for the two groups, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.90–0.95).

Conclusion

The IVC diameter values varied widely from 1.2 to 5.2 mm in newborns weighing 2–4 kg, and a low correlation between newborn weight and IVC diameter was found, so measuring IVC diameter may be a recommended step prior to inserting a umbilical venous catheter (UVC). The concordance between operators was good. We contemplated that the IVC diameter could be a potentially useful tool to identify the most appropriate UVC, thus reducing the risk of catheter-related thrombosis.
A novel homozygous splice donor variant in the LRPPRC gene causing Leigh syndrome with epilepsy, a French-Canadian disorder in a Saudi family: case report
Authors: Muthaffar Osama Y. , Abdulkareem Angham Abdulrhman , Ashi Abrar , Naseer Muhammad Imran
Published: November 2023

Background

The mitochondria are a cellular power house. Tissues are involved in frequent energy consumption, and any failure or irregularity in the continuous energy production could lead to abnormalities. The leucine-rich pentatricopeptide repeat (LRPPRC) gene is one of the mitochondrial-related functions genes; variations in these genes are responsible for complex phenotypes that affect many organs such as the brain, liver, and muscles.

Materials and methods

This study enrolled a family with Leigh syndrome-like phenotype. The molecular diagnosis was conducted by first performing whole exome sequencing (WES), followed by Sanger sequencing.

Results

A novel splice-site variant (c.469 + 2T > A) at the exon–intron boundary in the LRPPRC gene was identified using the WES data analysis. Sanger validation confirmed the autosomal recessive inheritance of the identified variant. Based on the ACMG criteria for variant classification, PVS1 and PM2 suggest that the identified variant in the LRPPRC gene is likely to be pathogenic.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, there have been no previous reports of this variant in the LRPPRC gene. Our research not only identifies a novel variant in the LRPPRC gene, but also confirms the unresolved molecular diagnosis of the family. WES can be used as a first-line diagnostic tool in familial cases, particularly in those cases when detailed clinical phenotyping is not possible. Once the molecular diagnosis is confirmed in a family, it is necessary to conduct a thorough re-evaluation of the patients’ specific clinical phenotypes in order to establish a clear genotype–phenotype correlation.
Discovery of the first unconventional myosin: Acanthamoeba myosin-I
Authors: Pollard Thomas D. , Korn Edward D.
Published: November 2023

Having characterized actin from Acanthamoeba castellanii (Weihing and Korn, Biochemistry, 1971, 10, 590–600) and knowing that myosin had been isolated from the slime mold Physarum (Hatano and Tazawa, Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 1968, 154, 507–519; Adelman and Taylor, Biochemistry, 1969, 8, 4976–4988), we set out in 1969 to find myosin in Acanthamoeba. We used K-EDTA-ATPase activity to assay myosin, because it is a unique feature of muscle myosins. After slightly less than 3 years, we purified a K-EDTA ATPase that interacted with actin. Actin filaments stimulated the Mg-ATPase activity of the crude enzyme, but this was lost with further purification. Recombining fractions from the column where this activity was lost revealed a “cofactor” that allowed actin filaments to stimulate the Mg-ATPase of the purified enzyme. The small size of the heavy chain and physical properties of the purified myosin were unprecedented, so many were skeptical, assuming that our myosin was a proteolytic fragment of a larger myosin similar to muscle or Physarum myosin. Subsequently our laboratories confirmed that Acanthamoeba myosin-I is a novel unconventional myosin that interacts with membrane lipids (Adams and Pollard, Nature, 1989, 340 (6234), 565–568) and that the cofactor is a myosin heavy chain kinase (Maruta and Korn, J. Biol. Chem., 1977, 252, 8329–8332). Phylogenetic analysis (Odronitz and Kollmar, Genome Biology, 2007, 8, R196) later established that class I myosin was the first myosin to appear during the evolution of eukaryotes.
Simulation and prediction of changes in tree species composition in subtropical forests of China using a nonlinear difference equation system model
Authors: Ji Biyong , Yu Kunyong , Wang Fan , Ge Hongli , Liu Jian
Published: November 2023

Changes in tree species composition are one of the key aspects of forest succession. In recent decades, significant changes have occurred in the tree species composition of subtropical forests in China, with a decrease in coniferous trees and an increase in broad-leaved trees. This study focuses on Zhejiang Province, located in the subtropical region of China, and utilizes seven inventories from the National Continuous Forest Inventory (NCFI) System spanning 30 years (1989-2019) for modeling and analysis. We categorized tree species into three groups: pine, fir, and broadleaf. We used the proportion of biomass in a sample plot as a measure of the relative abundance of each tree species group. A novel nonlinear difference equation system (NDES) model was proposed. A NDES model was established based on two consecutive survey datasets. A total of six models were established in this study. The results indicated that during the first two re-examination periods (1989-1994, 1994-1999), there was significant fluctuation in the trend of tree species abundance, with no consistent pattern of change. During the latter four re-examination periods (1999-2004, 2004-2009, 2009-2014, 2014-2019), a consistent trend was observed, whereby the abundance of the pine group and the fir group decreased while the abundance of the broad-leaved group increased. Moreover, over time, this pattern became increasingly stable. Although the abundances of the pine group and the fir group have been steadily declining, neither group is expected to become extinct. The NDES model not only facilitates short-term, medium-term, and even long-term predictions but also employs limit analysis to reveal currently obscure changing trends in tree species composition.
High-capacity boronate affinity-based template-immobilized surface imprinted silica nanoparticles for rapid, selective, and efficient extraction and determination of lincomycin in milk and chicken
Authors: Zhang Yansong , Ding Yihan , Ma Yidan , Zhang Zixin , Wang Yipei , Li Daojin , Wang Shuangshou
Published: November 2023

Background

Lincomycin, a natural antibiotic, is widely used by animal and fishery husbandries to prevent infections and treat diseases. It endangers people’s health when they eat foods containing lincomycin residue, especially the frequent consumption of milk and chicken products containing lincomycin. Hence, it is extremely important to evaluate the content of lincomycin in food samples. However, a direct analysis of lincomycin in milk and chicken is quite difficult because of its very low concentration level and the presence of undesirable matrix effects. Therefore, selective and efficient extraction of lincomycin from complex food samples prior to its quantification is required.

Results

In this study, lincomycin-imprinted silica nanoparticles were prepared according to boronate affinity-based template-immobilized surface imprinting. Silica nanoparticles and boronic acid ligands 3-fluoro-4-formylphenylboronic acid were used as supporting materials and functional monomers, respectively. The prepared lincomycin-imprinted silica nanoparticles exhibited several significant results, such as good specificity, high binding capacity (19.45 mg/g), fast kinetics (6 min), and low binding pH (pH 5.0) toward lincomycin. The reproducibility of lincomycin-imprinted silica nanoparticles was satisfactory. The lincomycin-imprinted silica nanoparticles could still be reused after seven adsorption–desorption cycles, which indicated high chemical stability. In addition, the recoveries of the proposed method for lincomycin at three spiked levels of analysis in milk and chicken were 93.3–103.3% and 90.0–100.0%, respectively.

Conclusion

The prepared lincomycin-imprinted silica nanoparticles are feasible for the recognition of target lincomycin with low concentrations in real food samples such as milk and chicken. Our approach makes sample pre-preparation simple, fast, selective, and efficient.
Multiplexing Quadrupole and Ion Trap Operation Modes on a “Brick” Miniature Mass Spectrometer
Authors: Feng Chaohong , Liu Siyu , Jiang Ting , Xu Wei
Published: November 2023

Although a quadruple mass analyzer and an ion trap mass analyzer have complementary analytical features, they usually have different geometries, operational modes, and electronic control systems. As a continuous effort to extend its coverage, both quadrupole and ion trap operation modes were realized on a “brick” miniature mass spectrometer with a single mass analyzer. In the quadrupole operation mode, low-mass ions ranging from 31 to 502 Th can be analyzed. On the other hand, the ion trap mode can be utilized to cover ions with higher mass to charge ratios (up to 922 Th), as well as performing tandem mass spectrometry. To realize the multiplexing of both operation modes, a printed circuit board (PCB)-based multi-electrode quadrupole–ion trap mass analyzer was designed and integrated in the system. To cover both volatile and non-volatile molecules, two ionization sources were also implemented, including a nano electrospray ionization source and an in-vacuum plasma ionization source. Performances of the instrument operated in these two modes were characterized, such as mass resolution, sensitivity, and mass range. Results demonstrate that the combination of the quadrupole and ion trap operation modes can provide new capabilities when solving analytical problems.
Second-Generation Polyamidoamine Dendrimer Conjugated with Oligopeptides Can Enhance Plasmid DNA Delivery In Vitro
Authors: Kim Seongyeon , Thuy Le Thi , Lee Jeil , Choi Joon Sig
Published: November 2023

Poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers have attracted considerable attention in the field of gene therapy due to their flexibility in introducing different functional moieties and reduced toxicity at low generations. However, their transfection efficiency remains a limitation. Therefore, an essential approach for improving their transfection efficiency as gene carriers involves modifying the structure of PAMAM by conjugating functional groups around their surface. In this study, we successfully conjugated an RRHRH oligopeptide to the surface of PAMAM generation 2 (PAMAM G2) to create RRHRH-PAMAM G2. This construction aims to condense plasmid DNA (pDNA) and facilitate its penetration into cell membranes, leading to its promising potential for gene therapy. RRHRH-PAMAM G2/pDNA complexes were smaller than 100 nm and positively charged. Nano-polyplexes can enter the cell and show a high transfection efficiency after 24 h of transfection. The RRHRH-PAMAM G2 was non-toxic to HeLa, NIH3T3, A549, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. These results strongly suggest that RRHRH-PAMAM G2 holds promise as a gene carrier for gene therapy owing to its biocompatibility and ability to deliver genes to the cell.
An Adaptive Intrusion Detection System in the Internet of Medical Things Using Fuzzy-Based Learning
Authors: Alalhareth Mousa , Hong Sung-Chul
Published: November 2023

The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is a growing trend within the rapidly expanding Internet of Things, enhancing healthcare operations and remote patient monitoring. However, these devices are vulnerable to cyber-attacks, posing risks to healthcare operations and patient safety. To detect and counteract attacks on the IoMT, methods such as intrusion detection systems, log monitoring, and threat intelligence are utilized. However, as attackers refine their methods, there is an increasing shift toward using machine learning and deep learning for more accurate and predictive attack detection. In this paper, we propose a fuzzy-based self-tuning Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) intrusion detection system (IDS) for the IoMT. Our approach dynamically adjusts the number of epochs and utilizes early stopping to prevent overfitting and underfitting. We conducted extensive experiments to evaluate the performance of our proposed model, comparing it with existing IDS models for the IoMT. The results show that our model achieves high accuracy, low false positive rates, and high detection rates, indicating its effectiveness in identifying intrusions. We also discuss the challenges of using static epochs and batch sizes in deep learning models and highlight the importance of dynamic adjustment. The findings of this study contribute to the development of more efficient and accurate IDS models for IoMT scenarios.
Spatiotemporal Variability in Municipal Solid Waste Production and the Determinants in Hefei’s Core Urban Districts
Authors: Chen Fangke , Zhang Shiwen , Liang Yuwei , Yin Aojie
Published: November 2023

Precision in discerning the spatiotemporal dynamics of municipal solid waste (MSW) production and its drivers is pivotal for informing the seasonal management and recycling of urban waste streams. This investigation zeroed in on Hefei’s central urban zone, deploying a nuanced principal component analysis and geographically and temporally weighted regression (PCA-GTWR) to quantify the sway of the environmental, economic, and living standard variables on the MSW generation patterns. The methodology unfolded across four main phases: (1) leveraging nocturnal light data to approximate the MSW output; (2) employing spatial autocorrelation to probe the variable trends and spatial interdependencies of the waste generation; (3) harnessing principal component analysis to pinpoint critical determinants and preprocess these as inputs for the GTWR model; (4) mapping the GTWR outcomes to elucidate the differential impacts of various factors on the waste production patterns. Key findings reveal a distinctively polycentric MSW distribution, with high-density areas anchored in the urban core and diminishing intensities beyond the secondary periphery. The trio of socioeconomic variables, residents’ living standard variables, and natural variables emerge as pivotal, with the PCA-GTWR offering a vivid spatial delineation of their effects. Notably, socioeconomic growth exerts a pronounced positive influence in more affluent quarters, residential standards bear greater relevance in burgeoning urban sections than in the established core, and environmental influences wield the least sway, ebbing and flowing with the seasons. These insights demystify the undercurrents shaping the MSW production in urban China, serving as a strategic compass for waste minimization initiatives and policy formulation.
Exploring Service Design as a Commoning Approach: The Engaging Strategy of the Service Master Planning
Authors: Selloni Daniela , Meroni Anna
Published: November 2023

This paper explores the concept of design for urban commons and its role in placemaking strategies that cater to community needs and aspirations. Placemaking is viewed as a collaborative process that involves early engagement with stakeholders to create shared visions. Design, particularly through co-design methodologies, scenario building and service design, can play a role in shaping public spaces for communal value and sustainability. This paper presents and discusses three case studies from Italy to introduce the concept of Service Master Planning, a methodology that combines co-design and service-centred scenarios to facilitate top-down actions that encourage bottom-up activation. It aims to co-create a vision for the future of a place involving the various actors of complex service ecosystems. Unlike traditional urban planning, which focuses mainly on the physical infrastructure, Service Master Planning emphasises services and social ecosystems. The methodology results in a strategic document, the Service Master Plan, outlining future scenarios based on contextual needs and aspirations. The successful adoption of Service Master Plan relies on inspiring spatial design and attracting community interest for co-producing the envisioned services. The challenge lies in transitioning scenarios into concrete actions, involving architectural and urban designers, and facilitating stakeholder consultations for service provision.
Chamber and vocal work by Yuliy Meitus: genre-style and performance aspects
Authors: Makliuk Dmytro
Published: November 2023

Statement of the problem. Ukraine’s gaining of independence was an extremely important event for the country’s artistic life. Hundreds of artists who did not have the opportunity to freely express their own opinion gained the opportunity to work in any musical styles and genres. Th e independent status of the country made it possible to find and bring back to life a whole layer of various works of art, which has both significant artistic and historical value. This statement also applies to music. An important part of the mentioned cu ltural layer is the work of Yuliy Meitus. In particular, we are talking about the composer’s chamber vocal work, which is a significant part of his creative heritage distinguished by its volume and genre diversity. And although during the time of independe nt Ukraine, the artist’s work is gaining more and more relevance in performing and musicological circles, currently this process cannot be called complete. The importance of the revival of Meitus’s creative output also lies in the fact that the artist was a representative of the Kharkiv school of composers, which makes it possible to more fully illuminate its history and development milestones. Objectives, methods and novelty of the research. The purpose of the study is to determine the genre, style and performance features of Yu. Meytus’ solo vocal lyrics. The insufficient study of the composer’s chamber vocal work determines the scientific novelty of the r esearch. The article presents a musicological, comparative, image semantic analysis of selected sam ples of Yu. Meitus’ solo sings, namely, the composer’s works based on verses by poets of various styles and historical periods (“Green wind, grass smells...” to the text of V. Sosiura, “Little Ballad” to the poem by R. Burns, “Seven strings I touch” to the words of Lesia Ukrainka). Conclusion The conclusion refers to the formation of features of a new stage of the evolution of Ukrainian chamber vocal art in Yu. Meitus’ solo songs, which organically combines the genre stylistic signs of the classical romantic and modern musical art. In particular, we are talking about the harmonic component of musical works, in which the elements of the classical romantic major minor system are organically combined with the heritage of music of the 20 th centu ry, for example, with chains of fourth chords or various polytonal complexes. Creating thematic material, the composer, however, relies on the intonation dictionary of Romantic art, which gives his style even greater originality.
Multidimensional piano in George Crumb’s chamber music (on the example of “Makrokosmos I”)
Authors: Zyma Liudmyla
Published: November 2023

Statement of the problem. The article considers the issues of transformation of the sound image of the piano, which is extremely relevant for the last generations of pianists-performers, which in the modern era acquires new features or develops certain qualities of its own. On the example of the American composer George Crumb’s famous meta-cycle “Makrokosmos” for solo “amplified” piano, we can clearly observe an ability of the solo instrument to creation of a virtual symbolic ensemble, the participants of which very diversity new and traditional piano timbres become. Objectives, methods, and novelty of the research. Despite the attention of musicologists to the figure of G. Crumb, his chamber music as a leading genre of creativity, in particular the image of the piano as the most used instrument by the composer, in all its diversity and novelty, is not analyzed in detail. The ensemble qualities of the piano in its expanded composer’s vision, as well as the principles of pianistic performance of modern music on the new “a-classical” instrument with its enriched sonorous and spatial possibilities, remain overlooked. The purpose of this article is to use the example of the first volume of G. Crumb’s meta-cycle “Makrokosmos” to reveal in the multidimensionality of the “roles” of the solo piano a new quality of “symbolic ensemble” in the context of genre typologies of music of the XX–XXI centuries, in particular based on the idea of Professor I. Polska regarding solo performance as micro-ensemble forms. A comprehensive approach to the disclosure of the stated topic is applied, combining source studies, comparative, comparative-analytical, cultural and philological research methods. Research results and conclusion. Using the example of the analysis of “Makrokosmos I” it is demonstrated that G. Crumb is far from unification in his interpretation of the piano. His “expanded piano” emphatically appeals to timbre and figurative polyphony, i.e. a multidimensional ensemble, the participants of which, in addition to the pianist himself who involves different “territories” of the piano in the musical performance (beside a keyboard, also the open strings, pedals, and corpus), are his voice, variously organized verbal replicas and whistling. Thus, in the collection of symbolic images that appear in various combinations and sequences in the 12 pieces of “Makrokosmos I”, we count up to a dozen symbolic roles-characters that build a fantastic picture where temporal and spatial dimensions intersect and interact. The rendition of such music, in addition to the performer’s mastering of its purely “technical” novelty, requires the transformation not only of the pianist’s consciousness and skills, but also of established theoretical views in the paradigm of modern genre typologies.
Vaginal Aplasia: Diagnosis, Surgical Correction, Patient Management
Authors: Лемешевская Т.В. , Рубахова Н.Н. , Спиридонова Е.В.
Published: November 2023

В результате нарушения слияния мюллеровых протоков в процессе эмбриогенеза между собой, с мочеполовым синусом или нерассасывания перегородки при их сращении возникают врожденные пороки развития матки и влагалища. Наиболее тяжелые формы – аплазия влагалища и матки, вызывающие серьезные акушерские и сексуальные нарушения, и вагинальная обструкция, связанная с аплазией влагалища, но при функционирующей матке, что требует неотложной хирургической помощи. В статье представлены методы диагностики и лечения указанной патологии.

As a result of a violation of the fusion of the Mullerian ducts during embryogenesis process with each other, with the urogenital sinus or non-resorption of the septum during their fusion, congenital malformations of the uterus and vagina occur. The most severe forms are the vagina and uterus aplasia causing serious obstetric and sexual dysfunction, and vaginal obstruction associated with the vagina aplasia but with a functioning uterus which requires emergency surgical care. The article presents methods for diagnosing and treating this pathology.
Intelligent system in sensory and cognitive development for the pre-reading stage
Authors: FOKIN Sergei Konstantinovich , ARICEAGA-PAREDES Rafael , PÉREZ-PÉREZ Tomás
Published: November 2023

The article is dedicated to the problem of acquiring knowledge and skills for the pre-reading stage in basic education. It examines the reciprocal relationship between the development of the cognitive and sensory system of the subjects in school classroom and knowledge formation. It is shown that the notion "tonal ear" is an ability to differentiate by ear the sound complexity in the ratios of sounds by height. At the same time, "the balance" of the ear is determined as a need for the development of the listening of the educator and the student. It will be granted that the game, as one of the valuable pedagogical strategies, must be the distinctive part of the intelligent system, represented by software’s TOTEM 1.1, 1.2 and NOMOS 1.0. Objectives are to develop the tonal ear and its balance for the pre-reading stage in phonetic-phonological training through the realization, creation, and implementation of programs; to strengthen auditory knowledge of tone for the balance of the hearing system in school classroom subjects. Methodology: theoretical-experimental. Considerations: it is mentioned that the pre-reading stage is important in the development of phonetic-phonological knowledge and skills and inevitable in the communication between school classroom subjects.
Design of a smart application model for the teaching of a language in high school
Authors: ÁNGELES-HERNÁNDEZ José Alfredo , GONZÁLEZ-RAMÍREZ Claudia Teresa , ÁVILA-NOLASCO Miriam Paulina , GARNICA-PATRICIO Mariana
Published: November 2023

Access to learning in any context, inside and outside the classroom there is a great interaction of the users, breaking with the classic passive learning, allowing a substantial and effective learning in which the student becomes an active participant. The great popularity of mobile devices among young people of all ages means that educational applications have a positive influ-ence on student motivation since they have an im-portant playful component allowing learning through play. ENGLISHTEC pioneering project in the design of a mobile application for the teaching of the English language, ad hoc to Secondary Education in the East-ern Zone of Michoacán. Case study Technical Sec-ondary 49 Samuel Ramos. Initiating the insertion of mobile applications in the classroom, which is a re-source used by students in their daily lives, becoming an educational tool, enhancing their learning, in addi-tion to allowing participation and social inclusion in any context, promoting identity and culture inclusive in our Mexico society.