bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AQSFormer: Adaptive Query Selection Transformer for Real-Time Ship Detection from Visual Images
Authors: Yang Wei , Jiang Yueqiu , Gao Hongwei , Bai Xue , Liu Bo , Xia Caifeng
Published: November 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a popular topic in both industrial and academic research. IoT devices are often equipped with rapid response capabilities to ensure seamless communication and interoperability, showing significant potential for IoT-based maritime traffic monitoring and navigation safety tasks. However, this also presents major challenges for maritime surveillance systems. The diversity of IoT devices and variability in collected data are substantial. Visual image ship detection is crucial for maritime tasks, yet it must contend with environmental challenges such as haze and waves that can obscure ship details. To address these challenges, we propose an adaptive query selection transformer (AQSFormer) that utilizes two-dimensional rotational position encoding for absolute positioning and integrates relative positions into the self-attention mechanism to overcome insensitivity to the position. Additionally, the introduced deformable attention module focuses on ship edges, enhancing the feature space resolution. The adaptive query selection module ensures a high recall rate and a high end-to-end processing efficiency. Our method improves the mean average precision to 0.779 and achieves a processing speed of 31.3 frames per second, significantly enhancing both the real-time capabilities and accuracy, proving its effectiveness in ship detection.
Combination of a Rabbit Optimization Algorithm and a Deep-Learning-Based Convolutional Neural Network–Long Short-Term Memory–Attention Model for Arc Sag Prediction of Transmission Lines
Authors: Ji Xiu , Lu Chengxiang , Xie Beimin , Guo Haiyang , Zheng Boyang
Published: November 2024

Arc droop presents significant challenges in power system management due to its inherent complexity and dynamic nature. To address these challenges in predicting arc sag for transmission lines, this paper proposes an innovative time–series prediction model, AROA-CNN-LSTM-Attention(AROA-CLA). The model aims to enhance arc sag prediction by integrating a convolutional neural network (CNN), a long short-term memory network (LSTM), and an attention mechanism, while also utilizing, for the first time, the adaptive rabbit optimization algorithm (AROA) for CLA parameter tuning. This combination improves both the prediction performance and the generalization capability of the model. By effectively leveraging historical data and exhibiting superior time–series processing capabilities, the AROA-CLA model demonstrates excellent prediction accuracy and stability across different time scales. Experimental results show that, compared to traditional and other modern optimization models, AROA-CLA achieves significant improvements in RMSE, MAE, MedAE, and R2 metrics, particularly in reducing errors, accelerating convergence, and enhancing robustness. These findings confirm the effectiveness and applicability of the AROA-CLA model in arc droop prediction, offering novel approaches for transmission line monitoring and intelligent power system management.
Optimum Pitch of Volumetric Computational Reconstruction in Integral Imaging
Authors: Kim Youngjun , Park Jiyong , Koo Jungsik , Lee Min-Chul , Cho Myungjin
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we propose a method for how to find the optimum pitch of volumetric computational reconstruction (VCR) in integral imaging. In conventional VCR, the pixel shifts between elemental images are quantized due to pixel-based processing. As a result, quantization errors may occur during three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction in integral imaging. This may cause the degradation of the visual quality and depth resolution of the reconstructed 3D image. To overcome this problem, we propose a method to find the optimum pitch for VCR in integral imaging. To minimize the quantization error in VCR, the shifting pixels are defined as a natural number. Using this characteristic, we can find the optimum pitch of VCR in integral imaging. To demonstrate the feasibility of our method, we conducted simulations and optical experiments with performance metrics such as the peak-signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity index measure (SSIM).
Intelligent Parking Service System Design Based on Digital Twin for Old Residential Areas
Authors: Chen Wanjing , Wang Xiaoxu , Wu Maoqiang
Published: November 2024

Due to the increasing number of vehicles and the limited land supply, old residential areas generally face parking difficulties. An intelligent parking service is a critical study direction to address parking difficulty since it can achieve the automatic management of parking processes and planning of parking spaces. However, the existing intelligent parking service systems have shortcomings such as low information quality, low management efficiency, and single service mode. To address the shortcomings, in this paper, we conduct a systematic study on utilizing digital twin (DT) technology to improve the intelligent parking service system. The main contributions are threefold: (1) We analyze the function requirements of the intelligent parking service for old residential areas, such as visual monitoring, refined management, and simulation optimization. (2) We design a DT-based intelligent parking service system by collecting data on physical parking space, constructing the corresponding virtual parking space, and building the user interaction platform. An old residential area in Guangzhou, China is used as a use case to show that the designed parking service system can meet the function requirements. (3) Through mathematical modeling and simulation evaluation, we utilize two typical intelligent parking services including dynamic parking planning and driving safety assessment to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system. This study provides innovative solutions for parking management in old residential areas, utilizing DT technology to not only improve information quality and management efficiency, but also provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for the intelligent transformation of urban parking services.
GLBWOA: A Global–Local Balanced Whale Optimization Algorithm for UAV Path Planning
Authors: Wu Qiwu , Tan Weicong , Zhan Renjun , Jiang Lingzhi , Zhu Li , Wu Husheng
Published: November 2024

To tackle the challenges of path planning for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in complex environments, a global–local balanced whale optimization algorithm (GLBWOA) has been developed. Initially, to prevent the population from prematurely converging, a bubble net attack enhancement strategy is incorporated, and mutation operations are introduced at different stages of the algorithm to mitigate early convergence. Additionally, a failure parameter test mutation mechanism is integrated, along with a predefined termination rule to avoid excessive computation. The algorithm’s convergence is accelerated through mutation operations, further optimizing performance. Moreover, a random gradient-assisted optimization approach is applied, where the negative gradient direction is identified during each iteration, and an appropriate step size is selected to enhance the algorithm’s exploration capability toward finding the optimal solution. The performance of GLBWOA is benchmarked against several other algorithms, including SCA, BWO, BOA, and WOA, using the IEEE CEC2017 test functions. The results indicate that the GLBWOA outperforms other algorithms. Path-planning simulations are also conducted across four benchmark scenarios of varying complexity, revealing that the proposed algorithm achieves the lowest average total cost for flight path planning and exhibits high convergence accuracy, thus validating its reliability and superiority.
Optimal Regulation Strategy of Distribution Network with Photovoltaic-Powered Charging Stations Under Multiple Uncertainties: A Bi-Level Stochastic Optimization Approach
Authors: Chen Nanxing , Du Zhaobin , Du Wei
Published: November 2024

In order to consider the impact of multiple uncertainties on the interaction between the distribution network operator (DNO) and photovoltaic powered charging stations (PVCSs), this paper proposes a regulation strategy for a distribution network with a PVCS based on bi-level stochastic optimization. First, the interaction framework between the DNO and PVCS is established to address the energy management and trading problems of different subjects in the system. Second, considering the uncertainties in the electricity price and PV output, a bi-level stochastic model is constructed with the DNO and PVCS targeting their respective interests. Furthermore, the conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) is introduced to measure the relationship between the DNO’s operational strategy and the uncertain risks. Next, the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) conditions and duality theorem are utilized to tackle the challenging bi-level problem, resulting in a mixed-integer second-order cone programming (MISCOP) model. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed regulation strategy is validated on the modified IEEE 33-bus system.
Understanding the Gut-Heart Axis in Roemheld Syndrome: Mechanisms and Clinical Insights
Authors: Mathis Bryan J. , Suzuki Ryuji , Kuroda Yukihito , Kato Hideyuki , Hiramatsu Yuji
Published: November 2024

This entry reviews the health condition known as Roemheld syndrome, or gastrocardiac syndrome in modern medicine. A pathology of gastrointestinal origin, the syndrome relies on a gut–brain–heart triad, interconnected by the vagus nerve. Pressure from the intestines pushes the stomach into the diaphragm and activates the vagus nerve, which affects the heart rate and gives the perception of cardiac issues. This distressing sensation, which usually comes after meals or with other digestive problems, causes anxiety or panic. Although events not arising from anatomic abnormalities are relatively harmless, hypersensitivity to these uncomfortable sensations may precipitate psychiatric problems (anxiety or depression) that cause repeated gastrocardiac events through sympathetic activation and the disruption of peristalsis. Treatment is usually symptomatic and may include diet, lifestyle changes, probiotics, or prescriptions that increase gut motility, but this specific set of reproducible symptoms may also be caused by hiatal hernia or side effects from medication/surgery and treated with respect to those mechanical causes. This review highlights details from the most current knowledge of the condition and offers suggestions for clinical management based on the literature.
CCE-UNet: Forest and Water Body Coverage Detection Method Based on Deep Learning: A Case Study in Australia’s Nattai National Forest
Authors: Huang Bangjun , Yi Xiaomei , Mo Lufeng , Wang Guoying , Wu Peng
Published: November 2024

Severe forest fires caused by extremely high temperatures have resulted in devastating disasters in the natural forest reserves of New South Wales, Australia. Traditional forest research methods primarily rely on manual field surveys, which have limited generalization capabilities. In order to monitor forest ecosystems more comprehensively and maintain the stability of the regional forest ecosystem, as well as to monitor post-disaster ecological restoration efforts, this study employed high-resolution remote sensing imagery and proposed a semantic segmentation architecture named CCE-UNet. This architecture focuses on the precise identification of forest coverage while simultaneously monitoring the distribution of water resources in the area. This architecture utilizes the Contextual Information Fusion Module (CIFM) and introduces the dual attention mechanism strategy to effectively filter background information and enhance image edge features. Meanwhile, it employs a multi-scale feature fusion algorithm to maximize the retention of image details and depth information, achieving precise segmentation of forests and water bodies. We have also trained seven semantic segmentation models as candidates. Experimental results show that the CCE-UNet architecture achieves the best performance, demonstrating optimal performance in forest and water body segmentation tasks, with the MIoU reaching 91.07% and the MPA reaching 95.15%. This study provides strong technical support for the detection of forest and water body coverage in the region and is conducive to the monitoring and protection of the forest ecosystem.
The bHLH Transcription Factor PubHLH66 Improves Salt Tolerance in Daqing Poplar (Populus ussuriensis)
Authors: Li Dandan , Wang Jindan , Pan Yuxin , Wang Hui , Dang Xinyao , Zhao Shihao , Wang Yucheng
Published: November 2024

Elevated salinity negatively impacts plant growth and yield, presenting substantial challenges to agricultural and forestry productivity. The bHLH transcription factor family is vital for plants to cope with various abiotic stresses. However, it remains uncertain whether bHLH transcription factors can regulate salt stress in Populus ussuriensis. In the following study, a salt-induced bHLH transcription factor PubHLH66 was identified from P. ussuriensis. PubHLH66 has a typical and conserved bHLH domain. Subcellular localization and yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assays confirmed that it is a nucleus-localized transactivator and the activation region is located at the N-terminus. PubHLH66-OE and PubHLH66-SRDX transgenic P. ussuriensis were obtained through Agrobacterium-mediated leaf disc transformation. Morphological and physiological results demonstrated that PubHLH66-OE enhanced salinity tolerance, as indicated by reduced electrolyte leakage (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA), and H2O2 levels, along with increased proline contents and activities of peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). In contrast, PuHLH66-SRDX poplar showed decreased salt tolerance. Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) confirmed that PubHLH66 enhanced salt tolerance by regulating the expression of genes such as PuSOD, PuPOD, and PuP5CS, resulting in reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and an improved osmotic potential. Thus, PubHLH66 could be a candidate gene for molecular breeding to enhance salt tolerance in plants. These results laid a foundation for exploring the mechanisms of salt tolerance in P. ussuriensis, facilitating the development of more salt-tolerant trees to combat the increasing issue of soil salinization globally.
Effects of Tall Buildings on Visually Morphological Traits of Urban Trees
Authors: Xue Yongxin , Li Jiheng , Nan Xiaofan , Xu Chengyang , Ma Bingqian
Published: November 2024

The visual morphology of trees significantly impacts urban green micro-landscape aesthetics. Proximity to tall buildings affects tree form due to competition for space and light. The study investigates the impact of tall buildings on six visually morphological traits of eight common ornamental species in urban micro-landscapes in Beijing, with the distance and direction between trees and buildings as variables. It found that as trees grow closer to buildings, most angiosperms show increased crown asymmetry degree and crown loss, and reduced crown round degree and crown stretch degree (i.e., Sophora japonica L. and Acer truncatum Bunge saw a 52.26% and 47.62% increase in crown asymmetry degree, and a 20.35% and 21.59% decrease in crown round degree, respectively). However, the pattern of crown morphological changes in gymnosperms is poor (the closer the distance, the lower the height-to-diameter ratio of Pinus tabuliformis Carr., while the height-to-diameter ratio of Juniperus chinensis Roxb. significantly increases). In terms of orientation, gymnosperms on the west side of buildings have a greater crown asymmetry degree. It suggests that planting positions relative to buildings affect tree morphology. Recommendations include planting J. chinensis closer to buildings but keeping angiosperms like Fraxinus velutina Torr., S. japonica, and A. truncatum more than 3 m away to ensure healthy crown development.
Long-Distance Finding of AOD-Related Bacteria in the Natural Environment: Risks to Quercus ilex (L.) in Italy
Authors: Carluccio Giambattista , Vergine Marzia , Vita Federico , Sabella Erika , Delle Donne Angelo , De Bellis Luigi , Luvisi Andrea
Published: November 2024

Acute Oak Decline (AOD), a bacterial disease previously known in Northern and Central Europe, has recently been reported in Salento (a Mediterranean coastal region of Southern Italy), where holm oak trees exhibiting AOD-like symptoms have tested positive for infection with AOD-related bacteria such as Brenneria goodwinii and Gibbsiella quercinecans. Sampling symptomatic trees, strains BLEC23 (B. goodwinii) and GSAC47 (G. quercinecans) were isolated and identified by partial 16S rRNA and gyrB gene sequencing. Pathogenicity tests demonstrate that these bacteria induce wood necrosis when inoculated in excised branches, providing details for the etiology of AOD in Italy. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a substantial genetic similarity between the Italian strains and those found in various European and non-European countries. These findings leave a space open to the possibility that the bacteria involved in AOD are much more widespread in Europe than the findings indicate, but that their presence is frequently hidden.
A Method for Genetic Transformation Using Embryonic Callus of Pinus koraiensis
Authors: Hou Hui , Wu Yanan , Yang Ling , Dong Hao , Zhao Wenna , Shen Hailong , Zhang Hanguo , Li Shujuan
Published: November 2024

Pinus koraiensis is classified as a second-class protected wild plant in China, recognized for its considerable economic and ecological importance. However, progress in functional research and breeding applications for this species has been hindered by the lack of an effective genetic transformation system. The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable and efficient genetic transformation system for a Pinus koraiensis embryonic callus using somatic embryogenesis technology. The Pinus koraiensis embryonic callus and β-glucuronidase (GUS) were employed as the reporter gene in an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation to investigate critical transformation factors, including antibiotic type and concentration, Agrobacterium bacterial solution concentration, infiltration, and co-cultivation times. The findings indicated that the proliferation of the Pinus koraiensis embryonic callus was substantially inhibited by 10 mg·L−1 of Hygromycin (Hyg), and a remarkable 93.42 ± 2.13% efficiency was achieved with an OD600 absorbance value of 0.6 during transformation. Two days of optimal co-cultivation yielded a transformation rate of 82.61%, with the resistant embryonic callus exhibiting a high GUS staining rate of 88.89%. Resistant somatic embryos were effectively obtained following the optimized protocol. This research contributes to the advancement of seed resource breeding and genetic enhancement for Pinus koraiensis, establishing a solid foundation for the investigation of gene functions specific to this species.
Integrating UAVs and RISs in Future Wireless Networks: A Review and Tutorial on IoTs and Vehicular Communications
Authors: Eskandari Mohsen , Savkin Andrey V.
Published: November 2024

The rapid evolution of smart cities relies heavily on advancements in wireless communication systems and extensive IoT networks. This paper offers a comprehensive review of the critical role and future potential of integrating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) to enhance Internet of Vehicles (IoV) systems within beyond-fifth-generation (B5G) and sixth-generation (6G) networks. We explore the combination of quasi-optical millimeter-wave (mmWave) signals with UAV-enabled, RIS-assisted networks and their applications in urban environments. This review covers essential areas such as channel modeling and position-aware beamforming in dynamic networks, including UAVs and IoVs. Moreover, we investigate UAV navigation and control, emphasizing the development of obstacle-free trajectory designs in dense urban areas while meeting kinodynamic and motion constraints. The emerging potential of RIS-equipped UAVs (RISeUAVs) is highlighted, along with their role in supporting IoVs and in mobile edge computing. Optimization techniques, including convex programming methods and machine learning, are explored to tackle complex challenges, with an emphasis on studying computational complexity and feasibility for real-time operations. Additionally, this review highlights the integrated localization and communication strategies to enhance UAV and autonomous ground vehicle operations. This tutorial-style overview offers insights into the technical challenges and innovative solutions of the next-generation wireless networks in smart cities, with a focus on vehicular communications. Finally, future research directions are outlined.
Nonlinear Dynamics and Machine Learning for Robotic Control Systems in IoT Applications
Authors: Knights Vesna Antoska , Petrovska Olivera , Kljusurić Jasenka Gajdoš
Published: November 2024

This paper presents a novel approach to robotic control by integrating nonlinear dynamics with machine learning (ML) in an Internet of Things (IoT) framework. This study addresses the increasing need for adaptable, real-time control systems capable of handling complex, nonlinear dynamic environments and the importance of machine learning. The proposed hybrid control system is designed for a 20 degrees of freedom (DOFs) robotic platform, combining traditional nonlinear control methods with machine learning models to predict and optimize robotic movements. The machine learning models, including neural networks, are trained using historical data and real-time sensor inputs to dynamically adjust the control parameters. Through simulations, the system demonstrated improved accuracy in trajectory tracking and adaptability, particularly in nonlinear and time-varying environments. The results show that combining traditional control strategies with machine learning significantly enhances the robot’s performance in real-world scenarios. This work offers a foundation for future research into intelligent control systems, with broader implications for industrial applications where precision and adaptability are critical.
Coaxial Electrospinning of PCL-PVA Membranes Loaded with N-Heterocyclic Gold Complex for Antitumoral Applications
Authors: Longo Raffaele , Vertuccio Luigi , Aliberti Francesca , Mariconda Annaluisa , Raimondo Marialuigia , Longo Pasquale , Guadagno Liberata
Published: November 2024

Coaxial electrospun membranes made of polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyvinylalcohol (PVA) were produced and filled with a promising synthetic gold complex (AuM1) for antitumoral applications. Coaxial nanofibers characterized by a PVA shell and PCL + AuM1 core were made to design a multi-step release in a physiological environment. The coaxial structure can sensitively limit the burst effect, allowing the release of 90% of the active substance AuM1 in about three days. By comparison, the PCL membrane loaded with AuM1 produced via uniaxial electrospinning releases 90% of the drug in about 1 h. The correlation of release kinetic data with the morphological evolution and the spectroscopic investigation highlighted how coaxial electrospinning is a promising process for designing drug delivery systems to control the release of active substances over time. The proper design of core–shell systems could be of great interest for prolonged therapies, such as antitumoral therapy.
On the Visibility of Homogeneous Cantor Sets
Authors: Cai Yi , Chen Yufei
Published: November 2024

The problems associated with the visible set have been explored by various scholars. In this paper, we investigate the Hausdorff dimension and the topological properties of the visible set in relation to the products of homogeneous Cantor sets. To address these issues and establish our results, we employ beta expansion theory, numerical calculations and several technical results from fractal geometry. Our research reveals that the case of the homogeneous Cantor set differs from those of the middle Cantor sets. Furthermore, we identify a critical number that is linked to both the Hausdorff dimension and the topological properties of the visible set.
Effect of IGF1 on Myogenic Proliferation and Differentiation of Bovine Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells Through PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Xin , Cao Yang , Liu Yu , Fang Wenwen , Xiao Cheng , Cao Yang , Zhao Yumin
Published: November 2024

Background: Cultivated meat, an alternative to conventional meat, has substantial potential for alleviating environmental and ethical concerns. This method of manufacturing meat involves the isolation of skeletal muscle satellite cells (SMSCs) from donor animals, after which they proliferate in vitro and differentiate into primitive muscle fibers. The aim of this research was to evaluate how the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) gene regulates the myogenic differentiation of bovine skeletal muscle satellite cells (bSMSCs). Methods: bSMSCs isolated from newborn calves were cultured to the third generation in vitro and differentiated into myoblasts via the serum withdrawal method. An overexpression lentivirus and siRNA targeting the IGF1 gene were constructed and transduced into bSMSCs, which were subsequently analyzed via real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(qRT–PCR) and Western blots. The mRNA and protein levels of the myogenic differentiation markers myosin heavy chain (MyHC) and myogenin (MyoG) were determined. Results: The results revealed that the lentivirus overexpressing the IGF1 gene significantly increased the expression of MyHC and MyoG, whereas the expression of both the MyHC and MyoG mRNAs and proteins was strongly reduced by si-IGF1. Conclusions: IGF1 positively regulates the myogenic differentiation of bSMSCs. This study provides a reference for further elucidating the molecular mechanism by which the IGF1 gene regulates the myogenic differentiation of bSMSCs via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and lays a foundation for establishing a regulatory network of bovine muscle growth and development.
Leveraging Bioinformatics and Machine Learning for Identifying Prognostic Biomarkers and Predicting Clinical Outcomes in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cai Kaida , Fu Wenzhi , Liu Hanwen , Yang Xiaofang , Wang Zhengyan , Zhao Xin
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: There exist significant challenges for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) due to its poor prognosis and limited treatment options, particularly in the advanced stages. It is crucial to identify genetic biomarkers for improving outcome predictions and guiding personalized therapies. Methods: In this study, we utilize a multi-step approach that combines principled sure independence screening, penalized regression methods and information gain to identify the key genetic features of the ultra-high dimensional RNA-sequencing data from LUAD patients. We then evaluate three methods of survival analysis: the Cox model, survival tree, and random survival forests (RSFs), to compare their predictive performance. Additionally, a protein–protein interaction network is used to explore the biological significance of identified genes. Results: DKK1 and TNS4 are consistently selected as significant predictors across all feature selection methods. The Kaplan–Meier method shows that high expression levels of these genes are strongly correlated with poorer survival outcomes, suggesting their potential as prognostic biomarkers. RSF outperforms Cox and survival tree methods, showing higher AUC and C-index values. The protein–protein interaction network highlights key nodes such as VEGFC and LAMA3, which play central roles in LUAD progression. Conclusions: Our findings provide valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms of LUAD. These results contribute to the development of more accurate prognostic tools and personalized treatment strategies for LUAD.
Mass Observation, Counterculture and the ‘Art of Living’
Authors: Marsden Jill , Harris Rebecca
Published: November 2024

Mass Observation was the most ambitious and controversial investigation into cultural life in Britain in the twentieth century. Buoyed by a democratic spirit yet riven by eclectic intellectual allegiances, the project, in its inception, revelled in contradictions, many of which have endured in its legacy. This paper revisits the early countercultural aspirations of Mass Observation in order to reflect on the significance of these contradictions for the fate of popular writing. It is argued that the tensions between art, philosophy and science, as articulated in the inaugural statements of Mass Observation, are illuminated by the anti-elitist agenda of the founders. Building on these insights, the paper revisits controversies in the use of Mass Observation data for research and calls upon the findings from a recent recreation of Mass Observation Diary Day (12 May 2024) to argue that Mass Observation’s ‘science of ourselves’ be reconsidered as creative cultural production and a contribution to the ‘art of living’.
Dr. Cinderella and the Bronze Artifact, Cardinal Napellus and the Copper Globe: Was Gustav Meyrink an Early Adopter of M.R. James’s Ghostly Fiction?
Authors: Voracek Martin
Published: November 2024

Hitherto unnoticed similarities between two short stories by Gustav Meyrink and two of the most renowned and widely read ghost stories of M.R. James are detailed through comparative literary analysis. Specifically, one early occult horror tale of Meyrink, The Plants of Dr. Cinderella (1905), shows no less than about 15 congruences beneath the plot level (concerning specific story requisites) with M.R. James’s ‘Oh, Whistle, and I’ll Come to You, My Lad’ (1904), as does, to the same extent, a later, widely known Meyrink tale (The Cardinal Napellus, 1914) vis-à-vis M.R. James’s Mr Humphreys and His Inheritance (1911). Although direct, conclusive evidence is unavailable, a nexus of circumstantial evidence, building on extensive biographical and bibliographical inquiries, convergently attests to these assumed literary influences on Meyrink: for both cases, the chronology is intact and thus possible; Meyrink was expertly fluent in English and well-connected to England and English literature; and, these borrowings are reminiscent of other, already known originality issues surrounding Meyrink’s work. Altogether, these new discoveries shed fresh light on idiosyncrasies of Meyrink’s creative process, imagination, and literary production; on his still under-researched literary inspirational sources; as well as on the early reception of M.R. James’s ghostly fiction beyond the anglophone sphere.
Biogenic Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Improve In Vitro Growth of Blueberries
Authors: Regni Luca , Del Buono Daniele , Micheli Maurizio , Facchin Simona Lucia , Cesarini Arianna , Priolo Dario , Proietti Primo
Published: November 2024

Nanotechnology offers promising applications in agriculture by enhancing crop growth, yield, and antioxidant defenses. This study is the first to evaluate the effect of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) on the in vitro growth of two blueberry cultivars, Brigitta and Duke. The ZnO-NPs were synthesized biogenically using an extract of Lemna minor L., which is a free-floating aquatic plant, as a capping and modulating agent, and were added to the plant’s growth media at different dosages (0, 2, 6, and 18 mg L−1). The ZnO-NPs significantly increased the shoot number, fresh biomass, and dry weight in both cultivars without affecting shoot vitality, length, or basal callus formation. Moreover, the increases in carotenoids in both cultivars, as well as chlorophyll and and soluble proteins in the ‘Brigitta’ cultivar, confirm the prompted benefits and possibly evidence genotype-specific metabolic adaptations in response to ZnO-NPs. These results demonstrate that biogenic ZnO-NPs can effectively promote the in vitro growth of blueberry explants, offering improvements in micropropagation efficiency.
Spatial Equity Disparities of Work Commuting Based on Job Accessibility in Chengdu, China
Authors: Wang Zhuoyu , Wang Tao , Zang Linlin , Wang Li , Zhang Yi
Published: November 2024

Recently, urban spatial equity has become a research hotspot, but research focuses on the equity of work commuting from different dimensions. This paper aims to determine the fairness difference of work commuting in Chengdu from three different dimensions by analyzing job accessibility in Chengdu. Firstly, population residence and employment data are obtained by using mobile phone signaling data, real-time travel data are obtained by using Amap API, and regional housing information is obtained from a real estate website. Secondly, the differences in time and cost of job accessibility in different regions are calculated under different time thresholds. Finally, the equity of job accessibility is evaluated by using the Theil index and the Gini coefficient from three new perspectives: transport mode, house price economy, and spatial region. The experimental results show that (1) when time threshold increases, public transport in Chengdu is more equitable, while car traffic is opposite; (2) regions with higher prices are generally fairer; and (3) Chengdu’s equality disparities are more between areas than within areas. In addition to proposing a new accessibility formula based on travel impedance, this study suggests a new method for analyzing equity differences in Chinese cities that can serve as a reference for future researchers. At the same time, the results provide a scientific basis for optimizing the social spatial distribution of public transport services in Chengdu.
An Assessment of the Map-Style Influence on Generalization with CycleGAN: Taking Line Features as an Example
Authors: Yu Heng , Chen Haoxuan , Zhang Ling
Published: November 2024

As the complexity of GIS data continues to increase, there is a growing demand for automated map generalization. As end-to-end generative models, GAN models offer new solutions for automated map generalization. This study explores the impact of different map symbolization configurations on generative models, specifically using CycleGAN for line feature generalization. The quality of the generated results was assessed by constructing various symbolization datasets (line width, type, and color) and evaluating CycleGAN’s performance using metrics such as the MSE, SSIM, and PSNR. The results indicate that moderate line widths (0.5–1) yield better detail preservation, and different line types (framed lines and dashed lines) can highlight feature boundaries and enhance visual perception. By contrast, high-contrast color schemes enhance feature differentiation but increase pixel-level errors. This study concludes that generative models can maintain the geometric structure and spatial distribution of line features, but it is crucial to choose more suitable line features for different scenarios to meet detail requirements, ensuring high-quality outputs under diverse configurations.
Coronavirus Disease 2019-Associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Malgaj Vrečko Marija , Aleš-Rigler Andreja , Borštnar Špela , Večerić-Haler Željka
Published: November 2024

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to various multisystem disorders, including thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). We present here eight patients with COVID-19-associated TMA who were treated at our center. Our aim was to summarize the demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients and discuss the possible role of COVID-19. One patient presented with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and seven with atypical hemolytic–uremic syndrome (aHUS.) Most patients had no obvious symptoms of COVID-19, and TMA occurred after viremia. Two patients had concomitant non-COVID-19-related triggers for TMA: exposure to tacrolimus and everolimus; first presentation of antiphospholipid syndrome. The patient with TTP was treated with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), steroids and caplacizumab, resulting in complete hematologic recovery. Six patients with aHUS were treated with TPE with or without steroids, four of whom received a C5 complement inhibitor and one an intravenous immunoglobulin. One patient with aHUS was treated with a C5 complement inhibitor and a steroid. We observed one partial and one complete recovery of renal function, while five patients experienced renal failure. There were no deaths. We believe that COVID-19 may act as a trigger for TMA in patients who have either pre-existing endothelial injury or an underlying predisposition to complement activation, and may also trigger autoimmune diseases. As a consequence of the different underlying pathophysiologies, the treatment of COVID-19-associated TMA requires a specific approach based on the subtype of the syndrome and possible concomitant triggers.
Combating Tuberculosis via Restoring the Host Immune Capacity by Targeting M. tb Kinases and Phosphatases
Authors: Alsayed Shahinda S. R. , Gunosewoyo Hendra
Published: November 2024

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) is a remarkably versatile pathogen that possesses a unique ability to counteract the host’s defence mechanisms to control the infection. Several mycobacterial protein kinases and phosphatases were found to play a key role in impeding phagosome maturation in macrophages and accordingly blocking the phagosome–lysosome fusion, therefore allowing the bacteria to survive. During phagocytosis, both M. tb and the host’s phagocytic cells develop mechanisms to fight each other, resulting in pathogen elimination or survival. In this respect, M. tb uses a phosphorylation-based signal transduction mechanism, whereby it senses extracellular signals from the host and initiates the appropriate adaptation responses. Indeed, the ability of M. tb to exist in different states in the host (persistent quiescent state or actively replicating mode) is mainly mediated through protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation signalling. The M. tb regulatory and defensive responses coordinate different aspects of the bacilli’s physiology, for instance, cell wall components, metabolic activity, virulence, and growth. Herein, we will discuss the implication of M. tb kinases and phosphatases in hijacking the host immune system, perpetuating the infection. In addition, the role of PknG, MPtpA, MPtpB, and SapM inhibitors in resetting the host immune system will be highlighted.
The Influence of the Amphiphilic Properties of Peptides on the Phosphatidylinositol Monolayer in the Presence of Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Golonka Iwona , Łukasiewicz Izabela W. , Sebastiańczyk Aleksandra , Greber Katarzyna E. , Sawicki Wiesław , Musiał Witold
Published: November 2024

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatological diseases and is strongly connected with the pathological growth of the Cutibacterium acnes. More than half of the cultures of this bacterium are resistant to antibiotics, resulting in the proposal of the use of antibacterial peptides as an alternative to traditional antibiotics. Ascorbic acid (AA) and its antioxidant properties may ally in acne therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the selected antibacterial peptides in the presence of ascorbic acid and 3-O-ethyl-ascorbic acid (EAA) on the properties of the monolayer formed by phosphatidylinositol. Studies of the properties of the phosphatidylinositol monolayer were carried out using the Langmuir–Wilhelmy balance. The recorded compression isotherms, hysteresis loops, and surface pressure values recorded at specific time intervals were evaluated to assess the influence of ascorbic acid and its derivatives in the presence of antimicrobial peptides on the stability and organization of phosphatidylinositol monolayers. The addition of AA to the subphase caused a faster phase transition at over 60 Å2/molecule and significantly reduced the plateau surface pressure by about 20% in most of the systems tested. The studied monolayers were found to be in the expanded liquid state (40.23–49.95 [mN/m]) or in the transition between the expanded and condensed liquid phase (51.47–60.98 [mN/m]). Compression and decompression isotherms indicated the highest flexibility of the systems at 20 °C and 25 °C. The surface pressure versus time dependence indicated the stability of the phosphatidylinositol monolayer with 3-O-ethyl–ascorbic acid and antimicrobial peptides up to 35 °C.
The Association of Short-Chain Fatty Acids with the Occurrence of Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Infants
Authors: Szczuko Małgorzata , Duliban Gabriela , Drozd Arleta , Sochaczewska Diana , Pokorska-Niewiada Kamila , Ziętek Maciej
Published: November 2024

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are produced by the fermentation of undigested polysaccharides; they are a group of metabolites resulting from the activity of intestinal bacteria. The main SCFAs are acetic, butyric, propionic, valeric, and caproic acid, and their levels and proportions depend on various factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the concentration of SCFAs and the occurrence of specific gastrointestinal symptoms in infants. This study was conducted using faecal samples obtained at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of age. The SCFA content was measured using gas chromatography. At 1 month, an association was found between butyric acid and flatulence. At 3 months, an association was found between butyric acid and flatulence/gas and between 3,4-methylovaleric acid and mucus in the stool. At 6 months, an association was found between butyric and valeric acids and flatulence. By 12 months, the gastrointestinal symptoms had decreased significantly. This study confirms that there is an association between SCFA levels and the presence of bloating, gas, mucus in the stool, and constipation in the gastrointestinal tract. Higher levels of butyric and valeric acids may lead to an increase in troublesome symptoms, such as flatulence and gas, in the first few months of life but are not associated with the occurrence of intestinal colic. The level of 3,4-methylovaleric acid is associated with the presence of allergies, whereas a decrease in acetic acid and an increase in isovaleric acid may exacerbate defecation problems in infants.
Validation and Optimization of a Stable Isotope-Labeled Substrate Assay for Measuring AGAT Activity
Authors: Lee Alex , Anderson Lucas , Tkachyova Ilona , Tropak Michael B. , Wang Dahai , Schulze Andreas
Published: November 2024

L-arginine: glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT) gained academic interest as the rate-limiting enzyme in creatine biosynthesis and its role in the regulation of creatine homeostasis. Of clinical relevance is the diagnosis of patients with AGAT deficiency but also the potential role of AGAT as therapeutic target for the treatment of another creatine deficiency syndrome, guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency. Applying a stable isotope-labeled substrate method, we utilized ARG 15N2 (ARG-δ2) and GLY 13C215N (GLY-δ3) to determine the rate of 1,2-13C2,15N3 guanidinoacetate (GAA-δ5) formation to assess AGAT activity in various mouse tissue samples and human-derived cells. Following modification and optimization of the assay, we analyzed AGAT activity in several mouse organs. The Km and Vmax of AGAT in mouse kidney for GLY-δ3 were 2.06 mM and 6.48 ± 0.26 pmol/min/mg kidney, and those for ARG-δ2, they were 2.67 mM and 2.17 ± 0.49 pmol/min/mg kidney, respectively. Our results showed that mouse kidneys had the highest levels of enzymatic activity, followed by brain and liver, with 4.6, 1.8, and 0.4 pmol/min/mg tissue, respectively. Both the heart and muscle had no detectable levels of AGAT activity. We noted that due to interference with arginase in the liver, performing the enzyme assay in liver homogenates required the addition of Nor-NOHA, an arginase inhibitor. In immortalized human cell lines, we found the highest levels of AGAT activity in RH30 cells, followed by HepaRG, HAP1, and HeLa cells. AGAT activity was readily detectable in lymphoblasts and leukocytes from healthy controls. In our assay, AGAT activity was not detectable in HEK293 cells, in human fibroblasts, and in the lymphoblasts of a patient with AGAT deficiency. Our results demonstrate that this enzyme assay is capable of accurately quantifying AGAT activity from both tissues and cells for diagnostic purposes and research.
Therapeutic and Diagnostic Potential of a Novel K1 Capsule Dependent Phage, JSSK01, and Its Depolymerase in Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Infections
Authors: Gattuboyena Naveen , Tsai Yu-Chuan , Lin Ling-Chun
Published: November 2024

Bacteriophages are viruses that have the potential to combat bacterial infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant bacterial strains. In this study, we investigated a novel lytic bacteriophage, vB_EcoS_JSSK01, isolated from sewage in Hualien, Taiwan, which effectively combats multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli of the K1 capsular type. K1 E. coli is a major cause of severe extraintestinal infections, such as neonatal meningitis and urinary tract infections. Phage JSSK01 was found to have a genome size of 44,509 base pairs, producing approximately 123 particles per infected cell in 35 min, and was highly stable across a range of temperatures and pH. JSSK01 infected 59.3% of the MDR strains tested, and its depolymerase (ORF40) specifically degraded the K1 capsule in these bacteria. In a zebrafish model, JSSK01 treatment after infection significantly improved survival, with survival in the treated group reaching 100%, while that in the untreated group dropped to 10% after three days. The functional activity of depolymerase was validated using zone inhibition and agglutination tests. These results indicate that JSSK01 and its substrate-specific depolymerase have promising therapeutic and diagnostic applications against K1-encapsulated MDR E. coli infections.
Endothelial Dysfunction and Impaired Wound Healing Following Radiation Combined Skin Wound Injury
Authors: Wang Li , Lin Bin , Zhai Min , Hull Lisa , Cui Wanchang , Xiao Mang
Published: November 2024

Currently, there are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medical countermeasures (MCMs) for radiation combined injury (RCI), partially due to limited understanding of its mechanisms. Our previous research suggests that endothelial dysfunction may contribute to a poor prognosis of RCI. In this study, we demonstrated an increased risk of mortality, body weight loss, and delayed skin wound healing in RCI mice compared to mice with skin wounds alone or radiation injury (RI) 30 days post-insult. Furthermore, we evaluated biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and impaired wound healing in mice at early time points after RCI. Mice were exposed to 9.0 Gy total-body irradiation (TBI) followed by skin wound. Samples were collected on days 3, 7, and 14 post-TBI. Endothelial dysfunction markers were measured by ELISA, and skin wound healing was assessed histologically. Our results show that endothelial damage and inflammation are more severe and persistent in the RCI compared to the wound-alone group. Additionally, RCI impairs granulation tissue formation, reduces myofibroblast presence, and delays collagen deposition, correlating with more severe endothelial damage. TGF signaling may play a key role in this impaired healing. These findings suggest that targeting the endothelial dysfunction and TGF-β pathways may provide potential therapeutic strategies for improving delayed wound healing in RCI, which could subsequently influence outcomes such as survival after RCI.