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Terrain services have increasingly wide applications in urban planning, 3D gaming animation, and other fields. Map websites typically provide terrain services to users in the form of terrain shaded relief tiles. Map tile technology offers a new solution for large-scale concurrent user access. Although terrain shaded relief tiles can effectively represent changes in terrain relief, users cannot adjust the visualized raster images for visualization schemes, making data analysis and applications more challenging. The emergence of Terrain-RGB technology has effectively addressed this limitation. However, currently, internet maps mostly provide multi-level map services to users in the form of web map tile service (WMTS). Terrain-RGB images produced by simple encoding tools may exhibit grid lines when rendered on tiles with a small grid spacing, affecting the usability of Terrain-RGB products. Therefore, this paper proposes a technical approach for producing global multi-level Terrain-RGB products using digital elevation model (DEM), focusing on addressing the issues of gridlines and splicing traces from different scenes DEM data, offering a new solution for map websites to release analyzable terrain services.

This article is based on the data update characteristics of the online service for National Platform for Geospatial Information Services (TIANDITU) imagery data, and it designs and implements a full-process imagery data quality inspection system specifically for imagery tile data. The development and application of this system have made the quality inspection and update process of TIANDITU imagery data more scientific and efficient, significantly enhancing the efficiency of the quality inspection and update process for TIANDITU imagery data. The article provides a detailed introduction to the system’s architecture, design, implementation, characteristics and application. It also proposes optimizations to be made in algorithm optimization, user interface, and system stability. This article provides new ideas for quality inspection and publishing based on image tile data.

As the capabilities of geographic information services increase, web geographic information services represented by internet mapping have become increasingly popular, widely used in various location-based services. It is precisely because of the surge in demand that higher requirements have been put forward for the updating and quality control of internet map data. The quality inspection of geographic vector data is relatively well-developed, with many inspection rules and automated processes, but there is a clear deficiency in the quality inspection of map tiles, which mainly relies on manual visual inspection, restricting the rapid updating and release of map tiles. To solve this problem, this paper proposes an automated map tile inspection method. First, web crawling technology is used to capture map tiles, and to avoid the problem of incomplete display of annotations across tiles, adjacent tiles are all captured and merged into one image; second, OCR technology is used for image text detection and text recognition, and finally, the newly added recognition results are stored in the database and compared and confirmed with the results in the database. The experiment proves that the method proposed in this paper is feasible and may greatly improve work efficiency, especially as the updating speed of online maps accelerates, an automated tile quality inspection method can greatly improve the updating speed.

Place names and addresses serve as essential references for locating information about people's living, production, and various activity sites. They are a crucial component of public geographic framework data and act as tools and bridges for social communication in daily production and life. This paper presents a comprehensive system for managing place names and addresses by integrating a multi-level address model, data synchronization between PostgreSQL and Elasticsearch, and advanced query capabilities to ensure efficient and accurate data management. The system implements full lifecycle management of place names and addresses, fully leveraging the advantages of relational databases and distributed search engines. It provides essential functions such as address standardization, real-time updates, maintenance management, conditional queries, and statistical analysis. It has been successfully implemented in the National platform for common geospatial information service, laying the foundation for the next steps in refining social governance based on place names and addresses, and further advancing the digital transformation of government operations.

Abstract Background RNA-seq has brought forth significant discoveries regarding aberrations in RNA processing, implicating these RNA variants in a variety of diseases. Aberrant splicing and single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in RNA have been demonstrated to alter transcript stability, localization, and function. In particular, the upregulation of ADAR, an enzyme that mediates adenosine-to-inosine editing, has been previously linked to an increase in the invasiveness of lung adenocarcinoma cells and associated with splicing regulation. Despite the functional importance of studying splicing and SNVs, the use of short-read RNA-seq has limited the community’s ability to interrogate both forms of RNA variation simultaneously. Results We employ long-read sequencing technology to obtain full-length transcript sequences, elucidating cis-effects of variants on splicing changes at a single molecule level. We develop a computational workflow that augments FLAIR, a tool that calls isoform models expressed in long-read data, to integrate RNA variant calls with the associated isoforms that bear them. We generate nanopore data with high sequence accuracy from H1975 lung adenocarcinoma cells with and without knockdown of ADAR. We apply our workflow to identify key inosine isoform associations to help clarify the prominence of ADAR in tumorigenesis. Conclusions Ultimately, we find that a long-read approach provides valuable insight toward characterizing the relationship between RNA variants and splicing patterns.

Several papers reported the experimental phenomena of single crystal orthoferrite DyFeO3 samples: the sample magnetization increases with increasing temperature, under a constant low magnetic field along the easy magnetizing direction of the samples, and then reaches a maximum value. These phenomena are better explained using magnetic domain wall pinning at low temperatures and depinning at high temperatures, which were neglected in previous papers. In this article, we argue that the magnetic domain wall motion must be taken into consideration in order to explain these experimental phenomena. Based on an O 2p itinerant electron model, we discussed the role of the magnetic domain and the characteristics of cation magnetic moments in relevant single crystal materials.

Abstract Static magnetic stimulation (SMS) is a form of non-invasive brain stimulation that alters neural activity and induces neural plasticity that outlasts the period of stimulation. This can modify corticospinal excitability or motor behaviours, suggesting that SMS may alter the intrinsic excitability of neurons. In mammalian neurons, the axon initial segment (AIS) is the site of action potential initiation and undergoes structural plasticity (changes in length and position from the soma) as a homeostatic mechanism to counteract chronic changes in neuronal activity. We investigated whether the chronic application of SMS (6 and 48 h, 0.5 T) induces structural AIS plasticity in postnatally derived primary cortical neurons. Following 6 h of SMS, we observed a shortening in mean AIS length compared to control, that persisted 24 h post stimulation. In contrast, 48 h of SMS induced an immediate distal shift that persisted 24 h post-stimulation. Pharmacological blockade of voltage gated L/T-type calcium channels during stimulation did not prevent SMS-induced AIS structural plasticity. Our findings provide the foundation to expand the use of chronic SMS as a non-invasive method to promote AIS plasticity.

Burn injuries are devastating traumas, often leading to life-long consequences that extend beyond the observable burn scar. In the context of the nervous system, burn injury patients commonly develop chronic neurological disorders and have been suggested to have impaired motor cortex function, but the long-lasting impact on neurons and glia in the brain is unknown. Using a mouse model of non-severe burn injury, excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the primary motor cortex were labelled with fluorescent proteins using adeno-associated viruses (AAVs). A total of 5 weeks following the burn injury, virus labelled excitatory and inhibitory neurons were isolated using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). In addition, microglia and astrocytes from the remaining cortical tissue caudal to the motor cortex were immunolabelled and isolated with FACS. Whole transcriptome RNA-sequencing was used to identify any long-lasting changes to gene expression in the different cell types. RNA-seq analysis showed changes to the expression of a small number of genes with known functions in excitatory neurons and microglia, but not in inhibitory neurons or astrocytes. Specifically, genes related to GABA-A receptors in excitatory neurons and several cellular functions in microglia were found to be downregulated in burn injured mice. These findings suggest that non-severe burn injuries lead to long lasting transcriptomic changes in the brain, but only in specific cell types. Our findings provide a broad overview of the long-lasting impact of burn injuries on the central nervous system which may help identify potential therapeutic targets to prevent neurological dysfunction in burn patients.

Myxofibrosarcoma (MFS), a common sarcoma in adults, typically affects the extremities. Primary orbital involvement is uncommon, and orbital metastasis is exceedingly rare. We describe a case of orbital MFS due to metastasis and provide an updated literature review. A 56-year-old woman presented with 2 months of progressive right eye proptosis. Relevant history included left palmar MFS excised 2 years prior. Examination demonstrated proptosis and restriction in abduction of her right eye without optic nerve compromise. Imaging revealed a well-circumscribed right orbital mass. Initial biopsy showed glandular tissue with chronic inflammation without an evidence of malignancy. She subsequently developed worsening proptosis, complete ophthalmoplegia, and a new afferent pupillary defect. Repeat orbital excisional biopsy with deeper dissection demonstrated high-grade MFS consistent with metastasis. She underwent chemoradiation with resolution of her lesion. Literature review identified 12 previously reported cases of MFS, only two of which involved metastasis to the orbit and were associated with worse prognosis. This report highlights a rare case of orbital metastasis of MFS with high-grade features confirmed on histopathology and provides an updated literature review. Prompt diagnosis and complete removal of MFS located both systemically and in the orbit are essential due to the metastatic potential.

Despite in vivo malignancy, ependymoma lacks cell culture models, thus limiting therapy development. Here, we used a tunable three-dimensional (3D) culture system to approximate the ependymoma microenvironment for recapitulating a patient’s tumor in vitro. Our data showed that the inclusion of VEGF in serum-free, mixed neural and endothelial cell culture media supported the in vitro growth of all four ependymoma patient samples. The growth was driven by Nestin and Ki67 double-positive cells in a putative cancer stem cell niche, which was manifested as rosette-looking clusters in 2D and spheroids in 3D. The effects of extracellular matrix (ECM) such as collagen or Matrigel superseded that of the media conditions, with Matrigel resulting in the greater enrichment of Nestin-positive cells. When mixed with endothelial cells, the 3D co-culture models developed capillary networks resembling the in vivo ependymoma vasculature. The transcriptomic analysis of two patient cases demonstrated the separation of in vitro cultures by individual patients, with one patient’s culture samples closely clustered with the primary tumor tissue. While VEGF was found to be necessary for preserving the transcriptomic features of in vitro cultures, the presence of endothelial cells shifted the gene’s expression patterns, especially genes associated with ECM remodeling. The homeobox genes were mostly affected in the 3D in vitro models compared to the primary tumor tissue and between different 3D formats. These findings provide a basis for understanding the ependymoma microenvironment and enabling the further development of patient-derived in vitro ependymoma models for personalized medicine.

Airway smooth muscle (ASM) was first described in 1804 by Franz Daniel Reisseisen (as related by Otis (1983)) [...]

Asthma is a heterogeneous lung disease with variable phenotypes (clinical presentations) and distinctive endotypes (mechanisms). Over the last decade, considerable efforts have been made to dissect the cellular and molecular mechanisms of asthma. Aberrant T helper type 2 (Th2) inflammation is the most important pathological process for asthma, which is mediated by Th2 cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-5, IL-4, and IL-13. Approximately 50% of mild-to-moderate asthma and a large portion of severe asthma is induced by Th2-dependent inflammation. Th2-low asthma can be mediated by non-Th2 cytokines, including IL-17 and tumor necrosis factor-α. There is emerging evidence to demonstrate that inflammation-independent processes also contribute to asthma pathogenesis. Protein kinases, adapter protein, microRNAs, ORMDL3, and gasdermin B are newly identified molecules that drive asthma progression, independent of inflammation. Eosinophils, IgE, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, and periostin are practical biomarkers for Th2-high asthma. Sputum neutrophils are easily used to diagnose Th2-low asthma. Despite progress, more studies are needed to delineate complex endotypes of asthma and to identify new and practical biomarkers for better diagnosis, classification, and treatment.

Airway smooth muscle cell migration plays a role in the progression of airway remodeling, a hallmark of allergic asthma. However, the mechanisms that regulate cell migration are not yet entirely understood. Nestin is a class VI intermediate filament protein that is involved in the proliferation/regeneration of neurons, cancer cells, and skeletal muscle. Its role in cell migration is not fully understood. Here, nestin knockdown (KD) inhibited the migration of human airway smooth muscle cells. Using confocal microscopy and the Imaris software, we found that nestin KD attenuated focal adhesion sizes during cell spreading. Moreover, polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) and vimentin phosphorylation at Ser-56 have been previously shown to affect focal adhesion assembly. Here, nestin KD reduced Plk1 phosphorylation at Thr-210 (an indication of Plk1 activation), vimentin phosphorylation at Ser-56, the contacts of vimentin filaments to paxillin, and the morphology of focal adhesions. Moreover, the expression of vimentin phosphorylation-mimic mutant S56D (aspartic acid substitution at Ser-56) rescued the migration, vimentin reorganization, and focal adhesion size of nestin KD cells. Together, our results suggest that nestin promotes smooth muscle cell migration. Mechanistically, nestin regulates Plk1 phosphorylation, which mediates vimenitn phosphorylation, the connection of vimentin filaments with paxillin, and focal adhesion assembly.

Airway smooth muscle cell migration plays an essential role in airway development, repair, and remodeling. Smooth muscle myosin II has been traditionally thought to localize in the cytoplasm solely and regulates cell migration by affecting stress fiber formation and focal adhesion assembly. In this study, we unexpectedly found that 20-kDa myosin light chain (MLC20) and myosin-11 (MYH11), important components of smooth muscle myosin, were present at the edge of lamellipodia. The knockdown of MLC20 or MYH11 attenuated the recruitment of c-Abl, cortactinProfilin-1 (Pfn-1), and Abi1 to the cell edge. Moreover, myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) colocalized with integrin β1 at the tip of protrusion. The inhibition of MLCK attenuated the recruitment of c-Abl, cortactin, Pfn-1, and Abi1 to the cell edge. Furthermore, MLCK localization at the leading edge was reduced by integrin β1 knockdown. Taken together, our results demonstrate that smooth muscle myosin localizes at the leading edge and orchestrates the recruitment of actin-regulatory proteins to the tip of lamellipodia. Mechanistically, integrin β1 recruits MLCK to the leading edge, which catalyzes MLC20 phosphorylation. Activated myosin regulates the recruitment of actin-regulatory proteins to the leading edge, and promotes lamellipodial formation and migration.

Resistance against infection by the fungus Aspergillus flavus Link in commercial maize (Zea mays L.) is the topic of many studies, but few studies have investigated the effects of A. flavus infection on gene expression levels in ear kernels. A crucial component of gene expression profiling by RT-qPCR is having a reliable set of reference genes that show relatively constant expression across the treatments and phenotypes under study. Currently, however, there is no published information on reference genes suitable for measuring changes in kernel gene expression levels after infection with A. flavus. Thus, in this study, six candidate reference genes (ACT1, β-Tub2, eIF4A2, TATA, EFIα, and GAPDH) were evaluated and ranked according to their expression stability. The genes were amplified from first-strand cDNA samples synthesized from kernels of two susceptible and two resistant maize lines that were either inoculated with A. flavus or water or not inoculated. Three software packages were used to calculate and rank the stability of expression for these genesgeNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper. The analysis revealed that the most stable genes to normalize expression levels from maize kernels responding to A. flavus inoculation and wounding were ACT1, EFIα, and eIF4A2.

A thorough understanding of microbial communities in the gut of lower termites is needed to develop target-specific and environmentally benign wood protection systems. In this study, the bacterial community from Reticulitermes virginicus was examined by Illumina sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) spanning the V3 and V4 regions. Prior to library preparation, the termites were subjected to five treatments over an 18-day period: three groups were fed on wood treated with 0.5% chitosan, 25% acetic acid, or water, the fourth group was taken directly from the original collection log, and the fifth group was starved. Metagenomic sequences were analyzed using QIIME 2 to understand the treatments’ effects on the dynamics of the gut bacteria. Four dominant phyla were detected: Bacteroidetes (34.4% of reads), Firmicutes (20.6%), Elusimicrobia (15.7%), and Proteobacteria (12.9%). A significant effect of chitosan treatment was observed in two phyla; Firmicutes abundance was significantly lower with chitosan treatment when compared to other groups, while Actinobacteria was lower in unexposed and starved termites. The results suggest that chitosan treatment not only affects the structure of the microbial community in the gut, but other treatments such as starving also cause shifts in termite gut communities.