bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Release of multiple virus and bruchid resistant Mesoamerican bean germplasm lines PR1303‐129 and PR1743‐44
Authors: Beaver James S. , González Abiezer , Mateo Bernardo , Lutz Graciela Godoy , Miranda Angela , Rosas Juan Carlos , Porch Timothy G.
Published: December 2023

PR1303‐129 (Reg. no. GP‐317, PI 702998) and PR1743‐44 (Reg. no. GP‐318, PI 702999) are multiple virus‐ and bruchid‐resistant common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) germplasm lines developed and released cooperatively by the University of Puerto Rico Agricultural Experiment Station, the USDA‐ARS, the Instituto Dominicano de Investigaciones Agropecuarias y Forestales, the Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Agrícola, and Zamorano University. The black bean PR1303‐129 and small dark red bean PR1743‐44 combine resistance to Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV), Bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV), Bean golden yellow mosaic virus (BGYMV) and the common bean weevil [Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say)] with partial resistance to the Mexican bean weevil [Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boheman)]. Marker‐assisted selection was used to identify the presence of the bgm‐1 gene and the SW12 quantitative trait locus (QTL) for BGYMV resistance and the I and bc‐3 genes for resistance to BCMV and BCMNV. The parents of PR1303‐129 and PR1743‐44 were reported to possess the I gene for resistance to BCMV. Greenhouse inoculations were used to confirm the presence of the bc‐3 gene. Lines were screened in the laboratory and field for resistance to bruchids. Mean seed yields of PR1303‐129 and PR1743‐44 in six trials conducted in Puerto Rico were comparable to the check cultivar ‘Verano’. The release of these germplasm lines should contribute to the development of Mesoamerican cultivars for Central America and the Caribbean with enhanced levels of resistance to viral diseases and pests.
Integration of single‐cell proteomic datasets through distinctive proteins in cell clusters
Authors: Koca Mehmet Burak , Sevilgen Fatih Erdoğan
Published: December 2023

The use of mass spectrometry and antibody‐based sequencing technologies at the single‐cell level has led to an increase in single‐cell proteomic datasets. Integrating these datasets is crucial to eliminate the batch effect that often arises due to their limited sequencing molecules. Although methods for horizontally integrating high‐dimensional single‐cell transcriptomic datasets can also be applied to single‐cell proteomic datasets, a specialized approach explicitly tailored for low‐dimensional proteomic datasets may enhance the integration process. Here, we introduce SCPRO‐HI, an algorithm for the horizontal integration of antibody‐based single‐cell proteomic datasets. It utilizes a hierarchical cell anchoring technique to match cells based on the similarity of distinctive proteins for constituting cell clusters. A novel variational auto‐encoder model is employed for correcting batch effects on the protein abundances, eliminating the need for mapping them into a new domain. Moreover, we propose a technique for extending the algorithm to high‐dimensional datasets. The performance of the SCPRO‐HI algorithm is evaluated using simulated and real‐world single‐cell proteomic datasets. The findings demonstrate our algorithm outperforms state‐of‐the‐art methods, achieving a 75% higher silhouette score while preserving HVPs 13% better. Furthermore, the algorithm shows competitive performance in transcriptomic datasets, suggesting potential for integrating high‐dimensional mass‐spectrometry‐based proteomic datasets.
Antimicrobial mechanisms of g‐C3N4@ZnO against oomycetes Phytophthora capsici: from its metabolism, membrane structures and growth
Authors: Cai Lin , Huang Xunliang , Feng Hui , Fan Guangjin , Sun Xianchao
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Phytophthora capsici, a refractory and model oomycete plant pathogen, especially threatens multiple vegetable crops. A limited number of chemical pesticides play a vital role in controlling oomycete plant diseases. However, this approach often leads to excessive use of chemical agent, exacerbates environmental issues and more and more drug‐resistant strains of oomycete. Therefore, it is imperative to devise innovative solutions that can effectively address the infection of oomycete while maintaining high levels of environmental sustainability and low toxicity.

RESULTS

In this study, g‐C3N4@ZnO heterostructure was synthesized and characterized. The g‐C3N4@ZnO showed higher toxicity on Phytophthora capsici than graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) nanosheets and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo. Except the hyphal growth of Phytophthora capsici, their germination rate of spores, sporangium formation and number of spores were all suppressed by g‐C3N4@ZnO heterostructure. Furthermore, we found that this g‐C3N4@ZnO heterostructure has higher photocatalytic activity under visible light, which potentially enhanced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) mediated stress on Phytophthora capsici. Ultrastructural morphology, global changes of gene expression and weighted gene co‐expression network analysis all supported that the anti‐oomycete activity of g‐C3N4@ZnO was manifested in the destruction of membrane system and inhibition of multiple metabolisms of Phytophthora capsici under visible irradiation, which also could be attributed to the ROS and zinc ion (Zn2+) mediated stress.

CONCLUSION

This works offers a novel oomycete disease management strategy by using g‐C3N4@ZnO, which were attributed to the ROS stress, destruction of membrane system and inhibition of multiple metabolisms. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Stabilization and destabilization of impulsive Markovian switching systems via periodic stochastic controls and impulsive controls
Authors: Liu Xin , Cheng Pei , Cui Yao
Published: December 2023

Given an unstable (or stable) impulsive Markovian switching system (IMSS), can it be stabilized (or destabilized) by noise? This problem has not been studied. In view of this question, this article will establish the noise stabilization and destabilization strategies of IMSS, and also study the impulsive control realized by adjusting the impulse intensity. It is worth noting that the impulse jump is the random impulse whose jump value depends on the mode, and the noise stabilization and destabilization are realized by periodic stochastic control based on Lévy noise. In order to establish these new results, we use the time‐inhomogeneous property of coefficients of the controlled system and the ergodicity of discrete‐time Markov chains based on impulse trigger time. In addition, the periodic stochastic control on diffusion and jump terms can be applied to design intermittent stochastic control.
Adaptive event‐triggered control for strict‐feedback systems With time‐varying parameters
Authors: Tan Yan , Wu Liucang , Liu Wenqi
Published: December 2023

In this article, we develop a new adaptive event‐triggered asymptotic control scheme for strict‐feedback systems with fast time‐varying parameters. To deal with time‐varying parameters with unknown variation boundaries in the feedback path and the input path, we construct three adaptive laws for parameter estimation, two for the uncertain parameters in the feedback path and one for the uncertain parameters in the input path. In particular, two sets of tuning functions are introduced to avoid over‐parametrization. Additionally, an event‐triggering mechanism is embedded in this adaptive control framework to reduce the data transmission from the controller to the actuator. We also introduce a soft sign function to handle the perturbations caused by sampling errors to achieve asymptotic stability and avoid the so‐called parameter drift. The stability analysis shows that the closed‐loop system is globally uniformly asymptotically stable and the Zeno behavior can be excluded. Simulation results verify the effectiveness and performance of the proposed adaptive scheme.
The differential impact of COVID‐19 on the psychological stress of post‐9/11 veterans: Gender, race, and ethnicity
Authors: Aronson Keith R. , Morgan Nicole R. , Rudi Jessie H. , McCarthy Kimberly J. , Perkins Daniel F.
Published: December 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic has led to economic turndowns, social restrictions, and family life alterations. The stress induced by the public health crisis and its consequences are beginning to be explored. This study examined stress experiences since the pandemic'sonset in work, financial, social, and health domainsamong a large sample of post‐9/11, United States military veterans. The sample, who separated from active‐duty service or deactivated from active status in a reserve component in 2016, completed an online survey (n = 3180) in 2020. Participants were 70% White non‐Hispanic, 81% male, and had an average age of 38 years. Frequencies and descriptive statistics were calculated. Female veterans and veterans of colour reported significantly higher levels of stress across most life domains. The results suggest White, male, post‐9/11 veterans may be somewhat protected from COVID‐19 stress, but that the pandemic is exacerbatinghealth and social disparities experienced by post‐9/11 veterans of colour and female veterans. Supports and comprehensive care, particularly targeted towardsat‐risk populations, are likely needed to provide sufficient resources for resiliency during and after the pandemic.
Cycling Reconstructed Hierarchical Nanoporous High‐Entropy Oxides with Continuously Increasing Capacity for Li Storage
Authors: Ci Naixuan , Hu Yixuan , Li Qingqing , Cheng Jun , Zhang Hongqiang , Li Deping , Li Kaikai , Reddy Kolan Madhav , Ci Lijie , Xie Guoqiang , Liu Xingjun , Qiu Hua‐Jun
Published: December 2023

High‐entropy oxides (HEOs) have been showing great promise in a wide range of applications. There remains a lack of clarity regarding the influence of nanostructure and composition on their Li storage performance. Herein, a dealloying technique to synthesize hierarchical nanoporous HEOs with tunable compositions is employed. Building upon the extensively studied quinary AlFeNiCrMnOx, an additional element (Co, V, Ti, or Cu) is introduced to create senary HEOs, allowing for investigation of the impact of the added component on Li storage performance. With higher specific surface areas and oxygen vacancy concentrations, all their HEOs exhibit high Li storage performances. Remarkably, the senary HEO with the addition of V (AlNiFeCrMnVOx) achieves an impressive capacity of 730.2 mAh g−1 at 2.0 A g−1, which surpasses all reported performance of HEOs. This result demonstrates the synergistic interaction of the six elements in one HEO nanostructure. Additionally, the battery cycling‐induced reconstruction and cation diffusion in the HEOs is uncovered, which results in an initial capacity decrease followed by a subsequent continuous capacity increase and enhanced Li ion diffusion. The results highlight the crucial roles played by both nanoporous structure design and composition optimization in enhancing Li storage of HEOs.
Porous Calcium‐Silicate‐Hydrate as a Low‐Cost Nano‐Platform for Ultra‐High CO2 Capture and Storage
Authors: Liu Min , Cai Yuxi , Liu Qi , Jin Xue‐Ting , Xue Cheng , Zhang Shu‐Xin , Feng Pan , Luo Yang‐Hui
Published: December 2023

CO2 capture and storage have been regarded as promising concepts to reduce anthropogenic CO2 emissions. However, the high cost, inferior adsorption capacity, and higher effective activation temperature of traditional sorbents limit their practical application in efficient CO2 capture. Here, a C‐S‐H@ZIF‐8 (C‐S‐Z) sorbent is fabricated by in situ growth of the ZIF‐8 shell on the C‐S‐H (calcium‐silicate‐hydrate) surface for ultra‐high CO2 adsorption and storage. Among the C‐S‐Z, the outer ZIF‐8 shell acts as a transport channel that promotes CO2 absorption toward the underlying C‐S‐H substrate for accelerated carbonation while preventing nitrogen and water from reaching the interior C‐S‐H. As a consequence, C‐S‐Z possesses the merits of ample pyrrolic nitrogen, porous structure, and ultra‐high surface area (577.18 m2 g−1), that contribute to an ultra‐high CO2 capture capacity, reaching 293.6 mg g−1. DFT calculations show a high CO2 adsorption energy and the mineral carbonation is dominant by the adsorption process. In particular, the advantages of the outstanding adsorption capacity, low cost, and high CO2 selectivity make this C‐S‐H‐based sorbent hold great potential in the practical application for direct air CO2 capture and storage.
Potent Anti‐HIV Activity of Alkyl‐Modified DiPPro‐Nucleotides
Authors: Jia Xiao , Schols Dominique , Meier Chris
Published: December 2023

Two convergent approaches for synthesizing a new class of nucleoside diphosphate prodrugs bearing different nucleoside analogs are reported herein. The DiPPro‐nucleotides comprise an acyloxybenzyl group in combination with a lipophilic alkyl residue at the β‐phosphate or β‐phosphonate group, respectively. They are selectively cleaved to form their corresponding β‐alkylated nucleoside diphosphate derivatives in chemical and biological hydrolysis studies. In contrast, there is a selective but slow cleavage observed in the hydrolysis of the DiPPro‐compounds bearing two different, nonbioreversible alkyl moieties in human CD4+ T‐lymphocyte CEM/0 cell extracts. In these studies, the delivery of nucleoside monophosphates rather than nucleoside diphosphates is being observed, most likely due to a pure chemical phosphoranhydride cleavage of the β‐phosph(on)ate moiety. The antiviral evaluation of these two types of prodrugs reveals that these compounds exhibit marked anti‐HIV efficacy in HIV‐2‐infected thymidine kinase‐deficient CD4+ CEM T‐cells (CEM/TK−), with significantly better activities (up to 6700‐fold) against HIV‐2 replication than the parent nucleosides. Primer extension assays demonstrate that the β‐dialkylphosphate‐modified nucleoside derivatives, β‐monoalkylated‐diphosphates, and nucleoside diphosphates serve as substrates for HIV reverse transcriptase for the viral DNA elongation.
A review on the performance of concrete filled tubular columns under axial compression: Emphasis on geometrical parameters and various concrete infills and encasings
Authors: Rohilla Isha , Gupta Surinder
Published: December 2023

This paper summarizes the literature available on the behavior of concrete‐filled steel tubular (CFST) columns to evaluate the effect of geometrical properties such as shape of cross‐section, diameter‐to‐thickness ratio, and length‐to‐diameter ratio of CFST columns under axial loading. Then, the impact of different material composition for core concrete and encasing material is concluded for columns under axial loading. The performance of CFST is evaluated in terms of failure modes, ductility, stiffness, and axial compressive strength. For encasing tube, carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum are studied while for core, various concretes such as Normal (NSC) and high strength concrete (HSC), light weight concrete (LWC), recycled aggregate concrete (RAC), expansive concrete (EC), rubber crumb concrete(RuCC), and steel slag concrete (SSC) are covered for review in this paper. Material limitations as provided by various codes for design of composite structures is also mentioned for both tube and core concrete. Failure modes of concrete‐filled tubular(CFT) columns are most affected by geometric properties columns while materials used for concrete and encasing tube do not cause much difference. Though, ductility, axial compressive strength, and stiffness are affected by both geometric and material properties.
A Risk Evaluation Method of Unstable Slopes Using Multipoint Tilting Sensors
Authors: Fukuhara Makoto , Wang Lin , Tao Shangning , Tang Zhijun , Tang Wenjian , Dong Linyao , Fan Zhongjie
Published: December 2023

Slope monitoring and early warning systems (EWS) are a promising approach toward mitigating landslide-induced disasters. Many large-scale sediment disasters result in the destruction of infrastructure and loss of human life. The mitigation of vulnerability to slope and landslide hazards will benefit significantly from early warning alerts. The authors have been developing monitoring technology that uses a Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) tilt sensor array that detects the precursory movement of vulnerable slopes and informs the issuance of emergency caution and warning alerts. In this regard, the determination of alarm thresholds is very important. Although previous studies have investigated the recording of threshold values by an extensometer which installation at appropriate sites is rather difficult. The authors prefer tilt sensors and have proposed a novel threshold for the tilt angle, which was validated in this study. This threshold has an interesting similarity to the previously reported values using viscous models. Additionally, multi-point monitoring has recently emerged and allows for many sensors to be deployed at vulnerable slopes without disregarding the slope’s precursory local behavior. With this new technology, the detailed spatial and temporal variation of the behavior of vulnerable slopes can be determined as the displacement proceeds toward failure.
Gravitational partial-wave absorption from scattering amplitudes
Authors: Aoude Rafael , Ochirov Alexander
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We study gravitational absorption effects using effective on-shell scattering amplitudes. We develop an in-in probability-based framework involving plane- and partial-wave coherent states for the incoming wave to describe the interaction of the wave with a black hole or another compact object. We connect this framework to a simplified single-quantum analysis. The basic ingredients are mass-changing three-point amplitudes, which model the leading absorption effects and a spectral-density function of the black hole. As an application, we consider a non-spinning black hole that may start spinning as a consequence of the dynamics. The corresponding amplitudes are found to correspond to covariant spin-weighted spherical harmonics, the properties of which we formulate and make use of. We perform a matching calculation to general-relativity results at the cross-section level and derive the effective absorptive three-point couplings. They are found to behave as $$ \mathcal{O}\left({G}_{\textrm{Newton}}^{s+1}\right) $$
O

G
Newton

s
+
1

, where s is the spin of the outgoing massive state.
Factorial growth at low orders in perturbative QCD: control over truncation uncertainties
Authors: Kronfeld Andreas S.
Published: December 2023

Abstract

A method, known as “minimal renormalon subtraction” [Phys. Rev. D97 (2018) 034503, JHEP08 (2017) 62], relates the factorial growth of a perturbative series (in QCD) to the power p of a power correction Λp/Qp. (Λ is the QCD scale, Q some hard scale.) Here, the derivation is simplified and generalized to any p, more than one such correction, and cases with anomalous dimensions. Strikingly, the well-known factorial growth is seen to emerge already at low or medium orders, as a consequence of constraints on the Q dependence from the renormalization group. The effectiveness of the method is studied with the gluonic energy between a static quark and static antiquark (the “static energy”). Truncation uncertainties are found to be under control after next-to-leading order, despite the small exponent of the power correction (p = 1) and associated rapid growth seen in the first four coefficients of the perturbative series.
Massless and partially massless limits in Quadratic Gravity
Authors: Buoninfante Luca
Published: December 2023

Abstract

In the context of perturbative quantum field theory, the addition of quadratic-curvature invariants to the Einstein-Hilbert action makes it possible to achieve strict renormalizability in four dimensions. The additional terms R2 and CμνρσCμνρσ are multiplied by dimensionless coefficients that are related to the masses of the extra gravitational degrees of freedom and to the interaction couplings. The aim of this paper is to study the limit of the theory in which the Weyl-squared coefficient tends to infinity. Remarkably, the result of this limit turns out to be sensitive to the presence of a cosmological constant: when the latter is zero we have a massless limit for the spin-2 ghost, while when the cosmological constant is different from zero we obtain a partially massless limit. We show that the renormalizability property and the ghost-like nature of the massive spin-2 field ensure that the two limits do not hit strong couplings, unlike standard ghost-free theories of massive gravity. In particular, in the partially massless limit the interactions mediated by the spin-2 sector vanish. We argue that our results can be useful for understanding the high-energy limit of Quadratic Gravity.
Operator growth and Krylov complexity in Bose-Hubbard model
Authors: Bhattacharyya Arpan , Ghosh Debodirna , Nandi Poulami
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We study Krylov complexity of a one-dimensional Bosonic system, the celebrated Bose-Hubbard Model. The Bose-Hubbard Hamiltonian consists of interacting bosons on a lattice, describing ultra-cold atoms. Apart from showing superfluid-Mott insulator phase transition, the model also exhibits both chaotic and integrable (mixed) dynamics depending on the value of the interaction parameter. We focus on the three-site Bose Hubbard Model (with different particle numbers), which is known to be highly mixed. We use the Lanczos algorithm to find the Lanczos coefficients and the Krylov basis. The orthonormal Krylov basis captures the operator growth for a system with a given Hamiltonian. However, the Lanczos algorithm needs to be modified for our case due to the instabilities instilled by the piling up of computational errors. Next, we compute the Krylov complexity and its early and late-time behaviour. Our results capture the chaotic and integrable nature of the system. Our paper takes the first step to use the Lanczos algorithm non-perturbatively for a discrete quartic bosonic Hamiltonian without depending on the auto-correlation method.
Holography of information in de Sitter space
Authors: Chakraborty Tuneer , Chakravarty Joydeep , Godet Victor , Paul Priyadarshi , Raju Suvrat
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We study the natural norm on the space of solutions to the Wheeler-DeWitt equation in an asymptotically de Sitter spacetime. We propose that the norm is obtained by integrating the squared wavefunctional over field configurations and dividing by the volume of the diff-and-Weyl group. We impose appropriate gauge conditions to fix the diff- and-Weyl redundancy and obtain a finite expression for the norm using the Faddeev-Popov procedure. This leads to a ghost action that has zero modes corresponding to a residual conformal subgroup of the diff-and-Weyl group. By keeping track of these zero modes, we show that Higuchi’s norm for group-averaged states emerges from our prescription in the nongravitational limit. We apply our formalism to cosmological correlators and propose that they should be understood as gauge-fixed observables. We identify the symmetries of these observables. In a nongravitational theory, it is necessary to specify such correlators everywhere on a Cauchy slice to identify a state in the Hilbert space. In a theory of quantum gravity, we demonstrate a version of the principle of holography of information: cosmological correlators in an arbitrarily small region suffice to completely specify the state.
Identification of a novel SNP in the miR172 binding site of Q homoeolog AP2L-D5 is associated with spike compactness and agronomic traits in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Zeng Victoria , Uauy Cristobal , Chen Yi
Published: December 2023

Key message

This study found that the compact spike locus of ANK-15 is on chromosome 5D instead of 2B. We have identified a new allele of AP2L-D5 as the candidate causal polymorphism.

Spike architecture is a key determinant of wheat yield, a crop which supports much of the human diet but whose yield gains are stagnating. Spike architecture mutants offer opportunities to identify genetic factors contributing to inflorescence development. Here, we investigate the locus underlying the compact spike phenotype of mutant line ANK-15 by conducting mRNA-sequencing and genetic mapping using ANK-15 and its non-compact spike near-isogenic line Novosibirskaya 67 (N67). Previous literature has placed the compact spike locus of ANK-15 to chromosome 2B. However, based on the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified using mRNA-seq data, we were unable to detect polymorphisms between N67 and ANK-15 in the putative chromosome 2B region. We performed differential expression analysis of developing rachis and found that AP2L-D5, the D homoeolog of the domestication Q gene, is upregulated in ANK-15 in comparison to N67. ANK-15 carries a SNP in the microRNA172 binding site of AP2L-D5, which is predicted to lead to higher expression of AP2L-D5 due to decreased miRNA172-mediated degradation. Furthermore, we performed genetic mapping using an ANK-15 × N67 F2 population and found a single quantitative trait locus on chromosome 5D coinciding with the position of AP2L-D5. This result suggests that AP2L-D5 is likely the underlying causal gene for the compact spike phenotype in ANK-15. We performed a field trial to investigate the effect of the AP2L-D5 allele on agronomic traits and found that the AP2L-D5 allele from ANK-15 is associated with a significant reduction in height, increased thousand grain weight (TGW), and increased grain width.
Persistent Organic Pollutants in Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) Skin Biopsies from Bahía de Los Ángeles, Mexico
Authors: Villagómez-Vélez Stephanie Itzel , Noreña-Barroso Elsa , Galván-Magaña Felipe , González-Armas Rogelio , Rodríguez-Fuentes Gabriela , Marmolejo-Rodríguez Ana Judith
Published: December 2023

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is a filter-feeding organism that can be considered a sentinel species, and Bahía de los Ángeles (BLA) in the Gulf of California is an important sighting site for these elasmobranchs. This filter-feeding organism can be considered a pollutant sampler from the marine environment. Persistent organic pollutants are toxic compounds with high mobility and environmental persistence, bioaccumulation and trophic transfer. Among these are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). The present work aimed to determine concentrations of PAHs and OCPs in whale shark skin biopsies, collected in 2021 at BLA. Mean detected levels of PAHs and OCPs were 279.4 ng/g dw (dry weight) and 1478.1 ng/g dw, respectively. Analysis of similarities between the ordered sizes (4.2–7.6 m) and the concentrations of PAHs and OCPs indicated no significant differences. Individual PAHs detected indicate pyrogenic and petrogenic sources; the presence of pesticides at levels higher than those of hydrocarbons may be related to agricultural activity in the areas surrounding the Baja California peninsula. This study is the first report of PAH levels in R. typus for the Gulf of California and Mexico.
Contribution to ecological environmental factors and the occurrence of haemosporidians in birds in Zhongar Alatau National Park, Kazakhstan
Authors: Haas Martina , Ploščicová Lenka
Published: December 2023

In addition to the presence of a suitable host and vector, the prevalence of haemosporidians is influenced by several important factors, including the environmental conditions of the habitat, which depend on broader geographic characteristics. The aim of this study is to perform a preliminarily assessment of the distribution of blood parasites in birds from the mountainous area of Zhongar Alatau NP and to find potential new sites for research on their ecology in Kazakhstan. The results of this research constitute the first report on the occurrence of blood parasites from this area. A total of 58 birds, from the order Passeriformes and one individual from the order Caprimulgiformes, were examined during the study. The overall prevalence of infections caused by haemosporidian parasites (Haemoproteus, Leucocytozoon) was 18.6%. Neither the genus Plasmodium nor the presence of trypanosomes and microfilariae was detected in the birds examined. Three birds (5.1% prevalence) were infected with parasites of the genus Haemoproteus, in all eleven positive birds the analyses showed the presence of parasites of the genus Leucocytozoon (18.6% prevalence). The presence of parasites genus Haemoproteus was detected only in birds that were also infected with Leucocytozoon parasites. More infections with parasites of the genus Leucocytozoon are predicted due to the higher altitude and ecological factors at the capture sites, which are more favourable for the development of vectors of this genus. The species Haemoproteus majoris was detected in the host Emberiza cioides and species Haemoproteus minutus in host Turdus merula. Other species of this genus in the hosts Cyanistes cyanus and Turdus atrogularis were not determined. The species Leucocytozoon fringilinarum was detected in the hosts Cyanistes cyanus and Parus major, Leucocytozoon dubreuili was detected in Turdus atrogularis and Turdus merula. In the other host species Aegithalos caudatus, Emberiza cioides and Periparus aterus, it was not possible to dermine the species of the genus Leucocytozoon.
Optimizing the use of low-frequency ultrasound for bacterial detachment of in vivo biofilms in dental research—a methodological study
Authors: Rux Cassandra , Wittmer Annette , Stork Anja , Vach Kirstin , Hellwig Elmar , Cieplik Fabian , Al-Ahmad Ali
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Low-frequency, low-intensity ultrasound is commonly utilized in various dental research fields to remove biofilms from surfaces, but no clear recommendation exists in dental studies so far. Therefore, this study aims to optimize the sonication procedure for the dental field to efficiently detach bacteria while preserving viability.

Materials and methods

Initial biofilm was formed in vivo on bovine enamel slabs (n = 6) which were worn by four healthy participants for 4 h and 24 h. The enamel slabs covered with biofilm were then ultrasonicated ex vivo for various time periods (0, 1, 2, 4, 6 min). Colony-forming units were determined for quantification, and bacteria were identified using MALDI-TOF. Scanning electron microscopic images were taken to also examine the efficiency of ultrasonications for different time periods.

Results

Ultrasonication for 1 min resulted in the highest bacterial counts, with at least 4.5-fold number compared to the non-sonicated control (p < 0.05). Most bacteria were detached within the first 2 min of sonication, but there were still bacteria detached afterwards, although significantly fewer (p < 0.0001). The highest bacterial diversity was observed after 1 and 2 min of sonication (p < 0.03). Longer sonication periods negatively affected bacterial counts of anaerobes, Gram-negative bacteria, and bacilli. Scanning electron microscopic images demonstrated the ability of ultrasound to desorb microorganisms, as well as revealing cell damage and remaining bacteria.

Conclusions

With the use of low-frequency, low-intensity ultrasound, significantly higher bacterial counts and diversity can be reached. A shorter sonication time of 1 min shows the best results overall.

Clinical relevance

This standardization is recommended to study initial oral biofilms aged up to 24 h to maximize the outcome of experiments and lead to better comparability of studies.
Mechano-chemo-biological model of atherosclerosis formation based on the outside-in theory
Authors: Gierig Meike , Tragoudas Alexandros , Haverich Axel , Wriggers Peter
Published: December 2023

Atherosclerosis is a disease in blood vessels that often results in plaque formation and lumen narrowing. It is an inflammatory response of the tissue caused by disruptions in the vessel wall nourishment. Blood vessels are nourished by nutrients originating from the blood of the lumen. In medium-sized and larger vessels, nutrients are additionally provided from outside through a network of capillaries called vasa vasorum. It has recently been hypothesized (Haverich in Circulation 135:205–207, 2017) that the root of atherosclerotic diseases is the malfunction of the vasa vasorum. This, so-called outside-in theory, is supported by a recently developed numerical model (Soleimani et al. in Arch Comput Methods Eng 28:4263–4282, 2021) accounting for the inflammation initiation in the adventitial layer of the blood vessel. Building on the previous findings, this work proposes an extended material model for atherosclerosis formation that is based on the outside-in theory. Beside the description of growth kinematics and nutrient diffusion, the roles of monocytes, macrophages, foam cells, smooth muscle cells and collagen are accounted for in a nonlinear continuum mechanics framework. Cells are activated due to a lack of vessel wall nourishment and proliferate, migrate, differentiate and synthesize collagen, leading to the formation of a plaque. Numerical studies show that the onset of atherosclerosis can qualitatively be reproduced and back the new theory.
Exploring the Association Between EEG Microstates During Resting-State and Error-Related Activity in Young Children
Authors: Bagdasarov Armen , Roberts Kenneth , Brunet Denis , Michel Christoph M. , Gaffrey Michael S.
Published: December 2023

The error-related negativity (ERN) is a negative deflection in the electroencephalography (EEG) waveform at frontal-central scalp sites that occurs after error commission. The relationship between the ERN and broader patterns of brain activity measured across the entire scalp that support error processing during early childhood is unclear. We examined the relationship between the ERN and EEG microstates – whole-brain patterns of dynamically evolving scalp potential topographies that reflect periods of synchronized neural activity – during both a go/no-go task and resting-state in 90, 4-8-year-old children. The mean amplitude of the ERN was quantified during the -64 to 108 millisecond (ms) period of time relative to error commission, which was determined by data-driven microstate segmentation of error-related activity. We found that greater magnitude of the ERN associated with greater global explained variance (GEV; i.e., the percentage of total variance in the data explained by a given microstate) of an error-related microstate observed during the same -64 to 108 ms period (i.e., error-related microstate 3), and to greater anxiety risk as measured by parent-reported behavioral inhibition. During resting-state, six data-driven microstates were identified. Both greater magnitude of the ERN and greater GEV values of error-related microstate 3 associated with greater GEV values of resting-state microstate 4, which showed a frontal-central scalp topography. Source localization results revealed overlap between the underlying neural generators of error-related microstate 3 and resting-state microstate 4 and canonical brain networks (e.g., ventral attention) known to support the higher-order cognitive processes involved in error processing. Taken together, our results clarify how individual differences in error-related and intrinsic brain activity are related and enhance our understanding of developing brain network function and organization supporting error processing during early childhood.
An Online HIV Self-Sampling Strategy for Gay, Bisexual and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men and Trans Women in Spain
Authors: Martínez-Riveros Héctor , Díaz Yesika , Montoro-Fernandez Marcos , Moreno-Fornés Sergio , González Victoria , Muntada Esteve , Romano-deGea Pol , Muñoz Rafael , Hoyos Juan , Casabona Jordi , Agustí Cristina
Published: December 2023

We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an online self-sampling pilot intervention for HIV testing addressed to gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and trans women (TW) users of dating apps in Spain. The website https://www.testate.org/ was designed to offer self-sampling kits for HIV testing and online consultation of the results. It was advertised on gay dating apps. Participants requested the delivery of a saliva self-sampling kit by mail and a postage-paid envelope to send the sample to the reference laboratory. An anonymous acceptability survey was conducted. The cascade of care was estimated. From November 2018 to December 2021, 4623 individual users ordered self-sampling kits, 3097 returned an oral fluid sample to the reference laboratory (67.5% return rate). 87 reactive results were detected. 76 were confirmed to be HIV-positive, we estimated an HIV prevalence of 2.45% (95% CI 1.9–3.0%). 100% of those referred to specialized care are in treatment. 44.3% (44.27%) of participants took more than one test. 23 incident cases were detected among repeat testers, of which 20 were confirmed. The estimated incidence was 1.00 confirmed case per 100 individual-years of follow-up. 98.01% of participants would recommend it to a friend. The most identified advantages were convenience and privacy. We demonstrated that the online offer of oral self-sampling kits for HIV detection and reporting results online among GBMSM and TW users of dating apps is feasible. The intervention counted with a high acceptability and high efficacy (in terms of reactivity, confirmation and linkage to care rates).
Optimization of the bicinchoninic acid assay for quantifying carbohydrates of soil extracellular polymeric substances
Authors: Bublitz Tabata Aline , Oliva Rebeca Leme , Hupe Anke , Joergensen Rainer Georg
Published: December 2023

Background and aims

The bicinchoninic acid (BCA) method was not yet applied on soil extracts of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) to quantify polysaccharides, although this might be possible by introducing a cleavage step to produce monosaccharides. A pre-extraction with CaCl2 to remove interfering substances is usually performed before extracting EPS. The main objective of this study was to optimize the BCA assay for total carbohydrates quantification by applying a hydrolysis step to the EPS extracts, while also testing carbohydrate contents of CaCl2 pre-extracts.

Methods

Total carbohydrates were quantified with BCA in EPS extracts of three soils, after hydrolysis with H2SO4, using two acid concentrations (0.75 and 1.0 M), three hydrolysis temperatures (100, 120 and 130 °C), and five hydrolysis times (10, 30, 50, 70, and 90 min). EPS were extracted with the cation exchange resin (CER) method adapted to soils. Two versions of pre-extraction with CaCl2 were tested twice consecutively.

Results

More carbohydrates were measured after hydrolysis with 0.75 M H2SO4 at below 100 °C and after 10 min for all soils. Decreasing values were seen after longer reaction times and higher temperatures. CaCl2 extracted no or negligible amounts of carbohydrates from the soil.

Conclusion

The pre-extraction step can be done without in most cases. The BCA assay is free of toxicity and easily performed, while also tolerant to interferences from most compounds in EPS extracts. These characteristics highlight the potential of this method for a rapid quantification of carbohydrates in studies of extractable polymers in several areas of soil biogeochemistry.
Analysis of scientific and technological trends in the incorporation of activated carbon in advanced oxidation processes—a bibliometric study
Authors: Montenegro-Apraez Diego , Machuca-Martínez Fiderman
Published: December 2023

There is high interest in the development of water pollution remediation technologies. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are a promising alternative for the degradation of organic compounds; however, these technologies have been limited mainly by high operating costs and, in some cases, by forming byproducts, which can be more hazardous than the original pollutants. Activated carbon (AC) is a porous material that can be combined with AOP systems in various ways, given its adsorbent and catalytic characteristics. In addition, AC is a flexible, adaptable, and low-cost material. This article presents a bibliometric analysis of AOPs incorporating CA in scientific research and patents; the Scopus database was used to obtain patents and Orbit Express for patents. The most investigated AOPs incorporating AC are photocatalysis processes, Fenton processes, persulfate-based AOP, electrochemical processes, and ozonation. However, it is the persulfate-based AOP that has seen the greatest growth in scientific publications in recent years; this great interest can be related to the synergy that the process has with AC, allowing the degradation of contaminants via radical and non-radical. According to the maturity analysis of scientific publications, photocatalysis, Fenton, electrochemistry, ozonation, and persulfate technologies are in a growth stage and will reach maturity in 2034, 2042, 2040, 2034, and 2035, respectively; these technologies coupled with AC are expected to generate a greater number of patents when they reach maturity.
Nanozyme as detector and remediator to environmental pollutants: between current situation and future prospective
Authors: Elkomy Hager A. , El-Naggar Shimaa A. , Elantary Mariam A. , Gamea Sherif M. , Ragab Mahmoud A. , Basyouni Omar M. , Mouhamed Moustafa S. , Elnajjar Fares F.
Published: December 2023

The term “nanozyme” refers to a nanomaterial possessing enzymatic capabilities, and in recent years, the field of nanozymes has experienced rapid advancement. Nanozymes offer distinct advantages over natural enzymes, including ease of production, cost-effectiveness, prolonged storage capabilities, and exceptional environmental stability. In this review, we provide a concise overview of various common applications of nanozymes, encompassing the detection and removal of pollutants such as pathogens, toxic ions, pesticides, phenols, organic contaminants, air pollution, and antibiotic residues. Furthermore, our focus is directed towards the potential challenges and future developments within the realm of nanozymes. The burgeoning applications of nanozymes in bioscience and technology have kindled significant interest in research in this domain, and it is anticipated that nanozymes will soon become a topic of explosive discussion.

Graphical Abstract
Improving life cycle assessment for carbon capture and circular product systems
Authors: Pinto Ariane S. S. , McDonald Lewis J. , Galvan Jose Luis Hernandez , McManus Marcelle
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This research aims to critically assess the suitability of current ISO life cycle assessment standards and practices for the challenges of decarbonisation through the use of carbon capture and the circular economy. Currently, the handling of wastes, including carbon dioxide, in life cycle assessment varies from sector to sector. We propose several methodological innovations to improve transparency and comparability of life cycle assessments to aid in the decarbonisation transition.

Methods

Three approaches have been used to analyse the shortcomings of life cycle assessment for carbon capture and circular practices: Recent standards and practices have been assessed to determine their suitability for decarbonisation; Life cycle assessment and industry experts were consulted through a workshop held at the University of Bath in September of 2022; Case studies of industrial decarbonisation projects funded by IDRIC have been conducted to apply solutions to the shortcomings identified through the former methods. The issues identified have been categorised into three key areas: (i) guidelines and standards; (i) temporal and regional issues and (iii) data quality analysis.

Results and discussion

The methods of handling carbon capture, waste valorisation and circular practices were found to vary significantly from sector to sector. Temporal aspects are frequently aggregated in a specific point of time, leading to low resolution by neglecting emissions over the duration of the process that creates them. Regionalisation was found to be hampered by regional characterisation factors being representative of larger regions but unsuitable at county or state scale. Uncertainty and sensitivity analyses, which are key to assessing the validity of the impacts of new and emerging technologies, were found to be neglected or only partially conducted.

Conclusions and recommendations

The ISO life cycle assessment standards require updating to provide consistency in methodologies to make them suitable for use with carbon capture and circular systems and to avoid ambiguity. We recommend that the life cycle assessment community focuses on developing more consistent standards and practices between sectors to address carbon capture and circularity; improving the implementation of temporal aspects of impacts; increasing the number of studies including uncertainty and sensitivity analyses and moving towards global uncertainty in favour of local sensitivity.

Graphical Abstract
Evaluation of a Magnetic Compression Anastomosis for Jejunoileal Partial Diversion in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Evans Lauren L. , Lee William G. , Karimzada Mohammad , Patel Veeshal H. , Aribindi Vamsi K. , Kwiat Dillon , Graham James L. , Cummings David E. , Havel Peter J. , Harrison Michael R.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Metabolic surgery remains underutilized for treating type 2 diabetes, as less invasive alternative interventions with improved risk profiles are needed. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility of a novel magnetic compression device to create a patent limited caliber side-to-side jejunoileal partial diversion in a nonhuman primate model.

Materials and Methods

Using an established nonhuman primate model of diet-induced insulin resistance, a magnetic compression device was used to create a side-to-side jejunoileal anastomosis. Primary outcomes evaluated feasibility (e.g., device mating and anastomosis patency) and safety (e.g., device-related complications). Secondary outcomes evaluated the device’s ability to produce metabolic changes associated with jejunoileal partial diversion (e.g., homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR] and body weight).

Results

Device mating, spontaneous detachment, and excretion occurred in all animals (n = 5). There were no device-related adverse events. Upon completion of the study, ex vivo anastomoses were widely patent with healthy mucosa and no evidence of stricture. At 6 weeks post-device placement, HOMA-IR improved to below baseline values (p < 0.05). Total weight also decreased in a linear fashion (R2 = 0.97) with total weight loss at 6 weeks post-device placement of 14.4% (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The use of this novel magnetic compression device to create a limited caliber side-to-side jejunoileal anastomosis is safe and likely feasible in a nonhuman primate model. The observed glucoregulatory and metabolic effects of a partial jejunoileal bypass with this device warrant further investigation to validate the long-term glucometabolic impact of this approach.

Graphical Abstract