bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Degradation Mechanism and Decomposition Kinetic Studies of Poly(Ethylene Succinate)/Hemp Fiber Composites
Authors: Chrysafi Iouliana , Ainali Nina Maria , Xanthopoulou Eleftheria , Zamboulis Alexandra , Bikiaris Dimitrios N.
Published: May 2023

The continuous depletion of natural resources coupled with plastics pollution, has prompted the scientific community to explore alternative biobased and/or biodegradable polymers. Poly(ethylene succinate) (PESu) is a promising substitute due to its high processability and controllable biodegradation rate. Meanwhile, hemp possesses interesting properties such as being lightweight, exhibiting excellent long-term mechanical stability, and having low carbon emissions, making it an ideal option for wood replacement. Thus, PESu/hemp fiber composites (with and without compatibilizer) were prepared novel sustainable materials with improved properties. The present study aims to investigate the thermal degradation of PESu/hemp fiber composites. More specifically, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py–GC/MS) were employed to examine the degradation mechanism and identify decomposition products. The isoconversional methods of Vyazovkin and Friedman, as well as the model free methods, provided comparable results. Samples without compatibilizer were characterized by a two-step Cn autocatalytic mechanism, while those with compatibilizer showed a triple Cn mechanism. The main thermal degradation pathway of the composites was the β-hydrogen scission of the polymeric backbone. In conclusion, this study provides information about the thermal behavior of PESu/hemp fiber composites useful for their application as alternative “wood plastic composites (WPCs)”.
Intelligence, Personality and Tolerance of Ambiguity
Authors: Cuppello Stephen , Treglown Luke , Furnham Adrian
Published: May 2023

In this study, 3836 adults completed a personality test (the HPTI) and a multidimensional intelligence test (GIA). Two prominent theories that link personality traits to intelligence (compensation and investment) were tested. There were more sex differences in the personality traits than in the IQ scores. Correlational and regression analyses results provided little evidence for either theory but pointed to the role of tolerance of ambiguity as a consistently significant, positive correlate of IQ at both the facet and domain levels. The role of this neglected trait is discussed. Limitations of various aspects of this study and its implications are considered.
A Review of Subsea AUV Technology
Authors: Zhou Jing , Si Yulin , Chen Ying
Published: May 2023

The observation and detection of the subsea environment urgently require large-scale and long-term observation platforms. The design and development of subsea AUVs involve three key points: the subsea-adapted main body structure, agile motion performance that adapts to complex underwater environments, and underwater acoustic communication and positioning technology. This paper discusses the development and evolution of subsea AUVs before proposing solutions to underwater acoustic communication and positioning navigation schemes. It also studies key technologies for the agile motion of subsea AUVs and finally gives an example of a solution for implementing underwater AUVs, i.e., the disk-shaped autonomous underwater helicopter (AUH). This paper will provide guidance for the design of subsea AUVs and the development of corresponding observation and detection technologies.
The Sensitivity of Fungi Colonising Buckwheat Grains to Cold Plasma Is Species Specific
Authors: Mravlje Jure , Kobal Tanja , Regvar Marjana , Starič Pia , Zaplotnik Rok , Mozetič Miran , Vogel-Mikuš Katarina
Published: May 2023

Fungi are the leading cause of plant diseases worldwide and are responsible for enormous agricultural and industrial losses on a global scale. Cold plasma (CP) is a potential tool for eliminating or inactivating fungal contaminants from biological material such as seeds and grains. This study used a low-pressure radiofrequency CP system with oxygen as the feed gas to test the decontamination efficacy of different genera and species commonly colonising buckwheat grains. Two widely accepted methods for evaluating fungal decontamination after CP treatment of seeds were compared: direct cultivation technique or contamination rate method (%) and indirect cultivation or colony-forming units (CFU) method. For most of the tested fungal taxa, an efficient decrease in contamination levels with increasing CP treatment time was observed. Fusarium graminearum was the most susceptible to CP treatment, while Fusarium fujikuroi seems to be the most resistant. The observed doses of oxygen atoms needed for 1-log reduction range from 1024–1025 m−2. Although there was some minor discrepancy between the results obtained from both tested methods (especially in the case of Fusarium spp.), the trends were similar. The results indicate that the main factors affecting decontamination efficiency are spore shape, size, and colouration.
Uncovering Phytotoxic Compounds Produced by Colletotrichum spp. Involved in Legume Diseases Using an OSMAC–Metabolomics Approach
Authors: Reveglia Pierluigi , Agudo-Jurado Francisco J. , Barilli Eleonora , Masi Marco , Evidente Antonio , Rubiales Diego
Published: May 2023

Different fungal species belonging to the Colletotrichum genus cause anthracnose disease in a range of major crops, resulting in huge economic losses worldwide. Typical symptoms include dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, or fruits. Colletotrichum spp. have synthesized, in vitro, a number of biologically active and structurally unusual metabolites that are involved in their host’s infection process. In this study, we applied a one strain many compounds (OSMAC) approach, integrated with targeted and non-targeted metabolomics profiling, to shed light on the secondary phytotoxic metabolite panels produced by pathogenic isolates of Colletotrichum truncatum and Colletotrichum trifolii. The phytotoxicity of the fungal crude extracts was also assessed on their primary hosts and related legumes, and the results correlated with the metabolite profile that arose from the different cultural conditions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the OSMAC strategy integrated with metabolomics approaches has been applied to Colletotrichum species involved in legume diseases.
(How) Does Mutual Fund Dual Ownership Affect Shareholder and Creditor Conflict of Interest? Evidence from Corporate Innovation
Authors: Gao Lei , Wang Ying , Zhao Jing
Published: May 2023

We examine the impact of mutual fund dual ownership (i.e., simultaneous holdings of stocks and bonds of the same company by mutual fund families) on corporate innovation. Our findings indicate that dual ownership is positively associated with innovation quantity, quality, generality, and originality. This effect is mainly driven by non-index funds, which are more likely to be active monitors. Consequently, both stocks and bonds held by dual owners tend to generate higher returns, particularly for more significant, groundbreaking innovations. These results suggest that mutual fund dual ownership mitigates conflicts of interest between shareholders and creditors, thereby enhancing innovation and firm value. However, the relation between dual ownership and innovation turns negative during the recent financial crisis, suggesting that shareholder-creditor conflicts culminate in extreme financial distress, exacerbating dual holders’ risk aversion, and hence, hindering corporate innovation.
Study on Shrinkage in Alkali-Activated Slag–Fly Ash Cementitious Materials
Authors: Cui Peng , Wan Yuanyuan , Shao Xuejun , Ling Xinyu , Zhao Long , Gong Yongfan , Zhu Chenhui
Published: May 2023

Traditional silicate cement materials produce a large amount of CO2 during production, making it urgent to seek alternatives. Alkali-activated slag cement is a good substitute, as its production process has low carbon emissions and energy consumption, and it can comprehensively utilize various types of industrial waste residue while possessing superior physical and chemical properties. However, the shrinkage of alkali-activated concrete can be larger than that of traditional silicate concrete. To address this issue, the present study utilized slag powder as the raw material, sodium silicate (water glass) as the alkaline activator, and incorporated fly ash and fine sand to study the dry shrinkage and autogenous shrinkage values of alkali cementitious material under different content. Furthermore, combined with the change trend of pore structure, the impact of their content on the drying shrinkage and autogenous shrinkage of alkali-activated slag cement was discussed. Based on the author’s previous research, it was found that by sacrificing a certain mechanical strength, adding fly ash and fine sand can effectively reduce the drying shrinkage and autogenous shrinkage values of alkali-activated slag cement. The higher the content, the greater the strength loss of the material and the lower the shrinkage value. When the fly ash content was 60%, the drying shrinkage and autogenous shrinkage of the alkali-activated slag cement mortar specimens decreased by about 30% and 24%, respectively. When the fine sand content was 40%, the drying shrinkage and autogenous shrinkage of the alkali-activated slag cement mortar specimens decreased by about 14% and 4%, respectively.
Durability of Plant Fiber Composites for Structural Application: A Brief Review
Authors: Jia Yunlong , Fiedler Bodo , Yang Wenkai , Feng Xinjian , Tang Jingwen , Liu Jian , Zhang Peigen
Published: May 2023

Environmental sustainability and eco-efficiency stand as imperative benchmarks for the upcoming era of materials. The use of sustainable plant fiber composites (PFCs) in structural components has garnered significant interest within industrial community. The durability of PFCs is an important consideration and needs to be well understood before their widespread application. Moisture/water aging, creep properties, and fatigue properties are the most critical aspects of the durability of PFCs. Currently, proposed approaches, such as fiber surface treatments, can alleviate the impact of water uptake on the mechanical properties of PFCs, but complete elimination seems impossible, thus limiting the application of PFCs in moist environments. Creep in PFCs has not received as much attention as water/moisture aging. Existing research has already found the significant creep deformation of PFCs due to the unique microstructure of plant fibers, and fortunately, strengthening fiber-matrix bonding has been reported to effectively improve creep resistance, although data remain limited. Regarding fatigue research in PFCs, most research focuses on tension-tension fatigue properties, but more attention is required on compression-related fatigue properties. PFCs have demonstrated a high endurance of one million cycles under a tension-tension fatigue load at 40% of their ultimate tensile strength (UTS), regardless of plant fiber type and textile architecture. These findings bolster confidence in the use of PFCs for structural applications, provided special measures are taken to alleviate creep and water absorption. This article outlines the current state of the research on the durability of PFCs in terms of the three critical factors mentioned above, and also discusses the associated improvement methods, with the hope that it can provide readers with a comprehensive overview of PFCs’ durability and highlight areas worthy of further research.
Failure Mechanism and Optimization of Metal-Supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Du Pengxuan , Wu Jun , Li Zongbao , Wang Xin , Jia Lichao
Published: May 2023

A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a clean, efficient energy conversion device with wide fuel applicability. Metal-supported solid oxide fuel cells (MS-SOFCs) exhibit better thermal shock resistance, better machinability, and faster startup than traditional SOFCs, making them more suitable for commercial applications, especially in mobile transportation. However, many challenges remain that hinder the development and application of MS-SOFCs. High temperature may accelerate these challenges. In this paper, the existing problems in MS-SOFCs, including high-temperature oxidation, cationic interdiffusion, thermal matching, and electrolyte defects, as well as lower temperature preparation technologies, including the infiltration method, spraying method, and sintering aids method, are summarized from different perspectives, and the improvement strategy of existing material structure optimization and technology integration is put forward.
Recent Advances in Phase-Engineered Photocatalysts: Classification and Diversified Applications
Authors: Yi Jianjian , Zhang Guoxiang , Wang Yunzhe , Qian Wanyue , Wang Xiaozhi
Published: May 2023

Phase engineering is an emerging strategy for tuning the electronic states and catalytic functions of nanomaterials. Great interest has recently been captured by phase-engineered photocatalysts, including the unconventional phase, amorphous phase, and heterophase. Phase engineering of photocatalytic materials (including semiconductors and cocatalysts) can effectively affect the light absorption range, charge separation efficiency, or surface redox reactivity, resulting in different catalytic behavior. The applications for phase-engineered photocatalysts are widely reported, for example, hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution, CO2 reduction, and organic pollutant removal. This review will firstly provide a critical insight into the classification of phase engineering for photocatalysis. Then, the state-of-the-art development of phase engineering toward photocatalytic reactions will be presented, focusing on the synthesis and characterization methodologies for unique phase structure and the correlation between phase structure and photocatalytic performance. Finally, personal understanding of the current opportunities and challenges of phase engineering for photocatalysis will also be provided.
Vibro-Acoustic Performance of a Fluid-Loaded Periodic Locally Resonant Plate
Authors: Guo Zhiwei , Sheng Meiping , Zeng Hao , Wang Minqing , Li Qiaojiao
Published: May 2023

The vibro-acoustic performance of a fluid-loaded periodic locally resonant (LR) plate was examined in this research, with a specific focus on the effect of water fluid on the vibration and sound radiation of the LR structure. The analytical models of the fluid-loaded LR plate’s band gap, vibration, and acoustic radiation were theoretically derived with closed-form solutions, which can be used to predict the general vibro-acoustic rules of underwater LR structure. The results show that the LR band-gap width and Bragg frequency are significantly reduced when water fluid is considered. Besides, the frequency range that can be tuned to control the vibration and sound radiation for the LR plate with fluid is much narrower than that without fluid. The reason for inducing the above effects was also given in this research, which can be physically explained by the attached mass caused by the water fluid. In addition, the reason for the enhanced radiation efficiency close above the band gap was also discussed, which is caused by the change of radiation mode from corner or edge radiation to monopole radiation. Furthermore, adding small damping into the resonator could reduce the vibration and sound radiation in the frequency range above or close below the band gap, inducing the attenuation zone to be significantly broadened. Thus, designing the periodic resonators with proper damping could be an efficient method to make the LR plate more beneficial for vibration and noise reduction in water-surrounding applications.
An Excess Entropy Approach to Classify Long-Term and Short-Term Memory Stationary Time Series
Authors: Xiang Xuyan , Zhou Jieming
Published: May 2023

Long-term memory behavior is one of the most important phenomena that has appeared in the time series analysis. Different from most definitions of second-order properties, an excess entropy approach is developed for stationary time series to classify long-term and short-term memory. A stationary sequence with finite block entropy is long-term memory if its excess entropy is infinite. The simulation results are graphically demonstrated after some theoretical results are simply presented by various stochastic sequences. Such an approach has advantages over the traditional ways that the excess entropy of stationary sequence with finite block entropy is invariant under instantaneous one-to-one transformation, and that it only requires very weak moment conditions rather than second-order moment conditions and thus can be applied to distinguish the LTM behavior of stationary sequences with unbounded second moment (e.g., heavy tail distribution). Finally, several applications on real data are exhibited.
Optimisation of Cycling Trends in Hamiltonian Systems of Economic Growth Models
Authors: Tarasyev Alexander Mikhailovich , Usova Anastasia Alexandrovna , Tarasyev Alexander Alexandrovich
Published: May 2023

The paper analyses dynamical growth models predicting the cyclic development of investigated economic factors. The provided research deals with an optimal control problem based on the economic growth model with the production function of Cobb–Douglas type. Following the Pontryagin maximum principle, we derived the Hamiltonian system and conducted its qualitative analysis, which reveals conditions for the cyclic behaviour of the optimal solutions around the isolate steady state. Numerical experiments visually illustrated the obtained results by demonstrating a phase portrait corresponding to a steady state of the focal type.
Maximal (v, k, 2, 1) Optical Orthogonal Codes with k = 6 and 7 and Small Lengths
Authors: Baicheva Tsonka , Topalova Svetlana
Published: May 2023

Optical orthogonal codes (OOCs) are used in optical code division multiple access systems to allow a large number of users to communicate simultaneously with a low error probability. The number of simultaneous users is at most as big as the number of codewords of such a code. We consider (v,k,2,1)-OOCs, namely OOCs with length v, weight k, auto-correlation 2, and cross-correlation 1. An upper bound B0(v,k,2,1) on the maximal number of codewords of such an OOC was derived in 1995. The number of codes that meet this bound, however, is very small. For k≤5, the (v,k,2,1)-OOCs have already been thoroughly studied by many authors, and new upper bounds were derived for (v,4,2,1) in 2011, and for (v,5,2,1) in 2012. In the present paper, we determine constructively the maximal size of (v,6,2,1)- and (v,7,2,1)-OOCs for v≤165 and v≤153, respectively. Using the types of the possible codewords, we calculate an upper bound B1(v,k,2,1)≤B0(v,k,2,1) on the code size of (v,6,2,1)- and (v,7,2,1)-OOCs for each length v≤720 and v≤340, respectively.
Maternal Serum Amyloid A as a Marker of Preterm Birth/PROM: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chiriac Ioana-Evelina , Vilceanu Narcis , Maghiar Adrian , Andrei Csep , Hanganu Bianca , Daina Lucia Georgeta , Dunarintu Simona , Buhas Liana-Camelia
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives: Preterm birth, one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality, occurs in between 5 and 18% of births. Premature birth can be induced by a variety of triggers, including infection or inflammation. Serum amyloid A, a family of apolipoproteins, increases significantly and rapidly at the onset of inflammation. This study aims to systematically review the results of studies in the literature that have examined the correlation between SAA and PTB/PROM. Materials and Methods: To examine the correlation between serum amyloid A levels in women who gave birth prematurely, a systematic analysis was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies were retrieved by searching the electronic databases PubMed and Google Scholar. The primary outcome measure was the standardized mean difference in serum amyloid A level comparing the preterm birth or premature rupture of membranes groups and the term birth group. Results: Based on the inclusion criteria, a total of 5 manuscripts adequately addressed the desired outcome and were thus included in the analysis. All included studies showed a statistically significant difference in serum SAA levels between the preterm birth or preterm rupture of membranes groups and the term birth group. The pooled effect, according to the random effects model, is SMD = 2.70. However, the effect is not significant (p = 0.097). In addition, the analysis reveals an increased heterogeneity with an I2 = 96%. Further, the analysis of the influence on heterogeneity found a study that has a significant influence on heterogeneity. However, even after outline exclusion, heterogeneity remained high I2 = 90.7%. Conclusions: There is an association between increased levels of SAA and preterm birth/PROM, but studies have shown great heterogeneity.
Untargeted Plant Metabolomics: Evaluation of Lyophilization as a Sample Preparation Technique
Authors: Maisl Christina , Doppler Maria , Seidl Bernhard , Bueschl Christoph , Schuhmacher Rainer
Published: May 2023

Lyophilization is a common method used for stabilizing biological samples prior to storage or to concentrate extracts. However, it is possible that this process may alter the metabolic composition or lead to the loss of metabolites. In this study, the performance of lyophilization is investigated in the example of wheat roots. To this end, native and 13C-labelled, fresh or already lyophilized root samples, and (diluted) extracts with dilution factors up to 32 and authentic reference standards were investigated. All samples were analyzed using RP-LC-HRMS. Results show that using lyophilization for the stabilization of plant material altered the metabolic sample composition. Overall, 7% of all wheat metabolites detected in non-lyophilized samples were not detected in dried samples anymore, and up to 43% of the remaining metabolites exhibited significantly increased or decreased abundances. With respect to extract concentration, less than 5% of the expected metabolites were completely lost by lyophilization and the recovery rates of the remaining metabolites were slightly reduced with increasing concentration factors to an average of 85% at an enrichment factor of 32. Compound annotation did not indicate specific classes of wheat metabolites to be affected.
Elaboration and Characterization of Pereskia aculeate Miller Extracts Obtained from Multiple Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Conditions
Authors: Macedo Maria Clara Coutinho , Silva Viviane Dias Medeiros , Serafim Mateus Sá Magalhães , da Veiga Correia Vinícius Tadeu , Pereira Débora Tamires Vitor , Amante Patrícia Regina , da Silva Antônio Soares Júnior , de Oliveira Prata Mendonça Henrique , Augusti Rodinei , de Paula Ana Cardoso Clemente Filha Ferreira , Melo Júlio Onésio Ferreira , Pires Christiano Vieira , Fante Camila Argenta
Published: May 2023

Pereskia aculeata Miller, is an unconventional food plant native to South America. This study aimed to investigate the influence of different ultrasonic extraction times (10, 20, 30, and 40 min) on the phytochemical profile, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of ethanolic extracts obtained from lyophilized Pereskia aculeate Miller (ora-pro-nobis) leaves, an under-researched plant. Morphological structure and chemical group evaluations were also conducted for the lyophilized P. aculeate leaves. The different extraction times resulted in distinct phenolic content and Antioxidant Activity (ATT) values. Different extraction time conditions resulted in phenolic compound contents ranging from 2.07 to 2.60 mg EAG.g−1 of extract and different ATT values. The ATT evaluated by DPPH was significantly higher (from 61.20 to 70.20 μM of TE.g−1 of extract) in extraction times of 30 and 40 min, respectively. For ABTS, it varied between 6.38 and 10.24 μM of TE.g−1 of extract and 24.34 and 32.12 μM ferrous sulp.g−1 of extract. All of the obtained extracts inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, particularly the treatment employing 20 min of extraction at the highest dilution (1.56 mg.mL−1). Although liquid chromatography analyses showed that chlorogenic acid was the primary compound detected for all extracts, Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry (PS-MS) suggested the extracts contained 53 substances, such as organic, fatty, and phenolic acids, sugars, flavonoids, terpenes, phytosterols, and other components. The PS-MS proved to be a valuable technique to obtain the P. aculeate leaves extract chemical profile. It was observed that the freeze-drying process enhanced the conservation of morphological structures of P. aculeate leaves, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) identified carboxyl functional groups and proteins between the 1000 and 1500 cm−1 bands in the P. aculeate leaves, thus favoring water interaction and contributing to gel formation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate different times (10, 20, 30 and 40 min) for ultrasound extraction of P. aculeate leaves. The polyphenols improved extraction, and high antioxidant activity demonstrates the potential for applying P. aculeate leaves and their extract as functional ingredients or additives in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
A New Hybrid Stepper Motor, Compliant Piezoelectric Micro-Tweezer for Extended Stroke
Authors: Ivan Ioan Alexandru , Noveanu Dan Cristian , Gurgu Valentin Ion , Despa Veronica , Noveanu Simona
Published: May 2023

The revolutionary economic potential of micro and nanotechnology is already recognized. Micro and nano-scale technologies that use electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, and thermal phenomena separately or in combination are either already in the industrial phase or approaching it. The products of micro and nanotechnology are made of small quantities of material but have high functionality and added value. This paper presents such a product: a system with micro-tweezers for biomedical applications—a micromanipulator with optimized constructive characteristics, including optimal centering, consumption, and minimum size, for handling micro-particles and constructive micro components. The advantage of the proposed structure consists mainly in obtaining a large working area combined with a good working resolution due to the double actuation principle: electromagnetic and piezoelectric.
Study of Rotation Speed Curve Optimization under the Three-Body Coupling Grinding Mode
Authors: Yu Wei , Lyu Binghai , Deng Qianfa , Wang Chengwu
Published: May 2023

The three-body coupling grinding mode of a ball ensures the batch diameter variation and batch consistency of precision ball machining based on the principle of ball forming, resulting in a structure that is simply and feasibly controllable. The change in the rotation angle can be jointly determined using the fixed load of the upper grinding disc and the rotation speed coordination of the inner and outer discs of the lower grinding disc. Related to this, the rotation speed is an important index to guarantee grinding uniformity. To ensure the quality of three-body coupling grinding, this study aims to establish the best mathematical control model of the rotation speed curve of the inner and outer discs in the lower grinding disc. Specifically, it includes two aspects. First, the optimization of the rotation speed curve was mainly studied, and the machining process was simulated with three speed curve combinations: 1, 2, and 3. By analyzing the evaluation index of ball grinding uniformity, the results revealed that the third speed curve combination had the best grinding uniformity, and the three speed curve combinations were optimized on the basis of the traditional triangular wave speed curve. Furthermore, the obtained double trapezoidal speed curve combination not only achieved the traditionally verified stability performance but also overcame the shortcomings of the other speed curves. The mathematical model established in this way was equipped with a grinding control system, which improved the fine control ability of the rotation angle state of the ball blank under the three-body coupling grinding mode. It also obtained the best grinding uniformity and sphericity and laid a theoretical foundation for achieving a grinding effect that was close to the ideal circumstance during mass production. Second, via theoretical comparison and analysis, it was determined that the ball shape and sphericity deviation (SPD) were more accurate than the standard deviation (STD) of the two-dimensional trajectory point distribution. The SPD evaluation method was also investigated via the optimization analysis of the rotation speed curve by means of the ADAMAS simulation. The obtained results coincided with the STD evaluation trend, thus laying a preliminary foundation for subsequent applications.
Ecological Responses of Soil Microbial Communities to Heavy Metal Stress in a Coal-Based Industrial Region in China
Authors: Su Chao , Xie Rong , Liu Di , Liu Yong , Liang Ruoyu
Published: May 2023

Soil microorganisms play vital roles in ecosystem functions, and soil microbial communities might be affected by heavy metal contamination caused by the anthropogenic activities associated with the coal-based industry. This study explored the effects of heavy metal contamination on soil bacterial and fungal communities surrounding different coal-based industrial fields (the coal mining industry, coal preparation industry, coal-based chemical industry, and coal-fired power industry) in Shanxi province, North China. Moreover, soil samples from farmland and parks away from all the industrial plants were collected as references. The results showed that the concentrations of most heavy metals were greater than the local background values, particularly for arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg). There were significant differences in soil cellulase and alkaline phosphatase activities among sampling fields. The composition, diversity, and abundance of soil microbial communities among all sampling fields were significantly different, particularly for the fungal community. Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Acidobacteria were the predominant bacterial phyla, while Ascomycota, Mortierellomycota, and Basidiomycota dominated the studied fungal community in this coal-based industrially intensive region. A redundancy analysis, variance partitioning analysis, and Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the soil microbial community structure was significantly affected by Cd, total carbon, total nitrogen, and alkaline phosphatase activity. This study profiles the basic features of the soil physicochemical properties, the multiple heavy metal concentrations, and the microbial communities in a coal-based industrial region in North China.
GAPDH Released from Lactobacillus johnsonii MG Enhances Barrier Function by Upregulating Genes Associated with Tight Junctions
Authors: Lyu Mengying , Bai Yuying , Orihara Kanami , Miyanaga Kazuhiko , Yamamoto Naoyuki
Published: May 2023

Extracellular glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) has multiple interactions with various gut epithelial components. For instance, GAPDH in Lactobacillus johnsonii MG cells interacts with junctional adhesion molecule-2 (JAM-2) in Caco-2 cells and enhances tight junctions. However, the specificity of GAPDH toward JAM-2 and its role in the tight junctions in Caco-2 cells remain unclear. In the present study, we assessed the effect of GAPDH on tight junction regeneration and explored the GAPDH peptide fragments required for interaction with JAM-2. GAPDH was specifically bound to JAM-2 and rescued H2O2-damaged tight junctions in Caco-2 cells, with various genes being upregulated in the tight junctions. To understand the specific amino acid sequence of GAPDH that interacts with JAM-2, peptides interacting with JAM-2 and L. johnsonii MG cells were purified using HPLC and predicted using TOF–MS analysis. Two peptides, namely 11GRIGRLAF18 at the N-terminus and 323SFTCQMVRTLLKFATL338 at the C-terminus, displayed good interactions and docking with JAM-2. In contrast, the long peptide 52DSTHGTFNHEVSATDDSIVVDGKKYRVYAEPQAQNIPW89 was predicted to bind to the bacterial cell surface. Overall, we revealed a novel role of GAPDH purified from L. johnsonii MG in promoting the regeneration of damaged tight junctions and identified the specific sequences of GAPDH involved in JAM-2 binding and MG cell interaction.
Shifts of Leaf Litter-Induced Plant-Soil Feedback from Negative to Positive Driven by Ectomycorrhizal Symbiosis between Quercus ilex and Pisolithus arrhizus
Authors: Zotti Maurizio , Bonanomi Giuliano , Saulino Luigi , Allevato Emilia , Saracino Antonio , Mazzoleni Stefano , Idbella Mohamed
Published: May 2023

Ectomycorrhizas (ECM) are a common symbiotic association between fungi and various plant species in forest ecosystems, affecting community assemblages at the landscape level. ECMs benefit host plants by increasing the surface area for nutrient uptake, defending against pathogens, and decomposing organic matter in the soil. ECM-symbiotic seedlings are also known to perform better in conspecific soils than other species unable to carry the symbiosis, in a process referred to as plant-soil feedback (PSF). In this study, we tested the effects of different leaf litter amendments on ECM and non-ECM seedlings of Quercus ilex inoculated with Pisolithus arrhizus and how they altered the litter-induced PSF. Our experiment showed that the ECM symbiont induced a shift from negative PSF to positive PSF in Q. ilex seedlings by analysing plant and root growth parameters. However, non-ECM seedlings performed better than ECM seedlings in a no-litter condition, indicating an autotoxic effect when litter is present without ECM symbionts. Conversely, ECM seedlings with litter performed better at different decomposition stages, suggesting a possible role of the symbiosis of P. arrhizus and Q. ilex in recycling autotoxic compounds released from conspecific litter, transforming them into nutrients that are transferred to the plant host.
Quorum Sensing as a Trigger That Improves Characteristics of Microbial Biocatalysts
Authors: Efremenko Elena , Senko Olga , Stepanov Nikolay , Aslanli Aysel , Maslova Olga , Lyagin Ilya
Published: May 2023

Quorum sensing (QS) of various microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, microalgae) today attracts the attention of researchers mainly from the point of view of clarifying the biochemical basics of this general biological phenomenon, establishing chemical compounds that regulate it, and studying the mechanisms of its realization. Such information is primarily aimed at its use in solving environmental problems and the development of effective antimicrobial agents. This review is oriented on other aspects of the application of such knowledge; in particular, it discusses the role of QS in the elaboration of various prospective biocatalytic systems for different biotechnological processes carried out under aerobic and anaerobic conditions (synthesis of enzymes, polysaccharides, organic acids, etc.). Particular attention is paid to the biotechnological aspects of QS application and the use of biocatalysts, which have a heterogeneous microbial composition. The priorities of how to trigger a quorum response in immobilized cells to maintain their long-term productive and stable metabolic functioning are also discussed. There are several approaches that can be realized: increase in cell concentration, introduction of inductors for synthesis of QS-molecules, addition of QS-molecules, and provoking competition between the participants of heterogeneous biocatalysts, etc.).
Comprehensive Utilization of Pyrite Concentrate Pyrolysis Slag by Oxygen Pressure Leaching
Authors: Liu Lin-Bo , Yi Longsheng , Song Yunfeng
Published: May 2023

The preparation of high-purity sulfur and pyrrhotite by pyrolysis holds great potential to realize the high-value utilization of pyrite concentrate (FeS2), i.e., a by-product during the flotation of sulfide ore. In this study, the pyrrhotite obtained from the pyrolysis of pyrite concentrate was taken as the study object, and the effects of acid types, initial acidity, leaching time, leaching temperature, oxygen pressure, and liquid-to-solid ratio on the leaching behavior of pyrrhotite under oxygen pressure, were explored. The results show that elemental sulfur and hematite-based iron residue can be obtained by oxygen pressure leaching of pyrrhotite. It is found that the optimal experimental conditions for pyrrhotite oxygen pressure leaching are hydrochloric acid with 0.8 mol/L of initial acidity, 5 h of leaching time, 0.8 MPa of oxygen partial pressure, and 9:1 of liquid to solid ratio at 150 °C; moreover, the yield of sulfur reached 88.37%. Under optimal conditions, the leaching ratios of Fe, Pb, and Zn were 19.8%, 92.25%, and 99.11%, respectively. The sieved leaching residue was roasted at a low temperature of 500 °C, where the grade of Fe in the obtained hematite iron powder was 61.46%, and the grades of Pb, Zn, and S were 0.082%, 0.024%, and 0.1%. Clearly, the results meet well with the standard of the first grade of pyrite cinder, and this process realizes the comprehensive recovery of Fe and S resources in pyrolysis slag, which provides a superb technical route for the high-value utilization of pyrite concentrate.
Early Molecular Insights into Thanatin Analogues Binding to A. baumannii LptA
Authors: Oi Kathryn K. , Moehle Kerstin , Schuster Matthias , Zerbe Oliver
Published: May 2023

The cationic antimicrobial ß-hairpin, thanatin, was recently developed into drug-like analogues active against carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). The analogues represent new antibiotics with a novel mode of action targeting LptA in the periplasm and disrupting LPS transport. The compounds lose antimicrobial efficacy when the sequence identity to E. coli LptA falls below 70%. We wanted to test the thanatin analogues against LptA of a phylogenetic distant organism and investigate the molecular determinants of inactivity. Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is a critical Gram-negative pathogen that has gained increasing attention for its multi-drug resistance and hospital burden. A. baumannii LptA shares 28% sequence identity with E. coli LptA and displays an intrinsic resistance to thanatin and thanatin analogues (MIC values > 32 µg/mL) through a mechanism not yet described. We investigated the inactivity further and discovered that these CRE-optimized derivatives can bind to LptA of A. baumannii in vitro, despite the high MIC values. Herein, we present a high-resolution structure of A. baumannii LptAm in complex with a thanatin derivative 7 and binding affinities of selected thanatin derivatives. Together, these data offer structural insights into why thanatin derivatives are inactive against A. baumannii LptA, despite binding events in vitro.
The Nature of the (Oligo/Hetero)Arene Linker Connecting Two Triarylborane Cations Controls Fluorimetric and Circular Dichroism Sensing of Various ds-DNAs and ds-RNAs
Authors: Tumir Lidija-Marija , Pavlović Saftić Dijana Pavlović , Crnolatac Ivo , Ban Željka , Maslać Matea , Griesbeck Stefanie , Marder Todd B. , Piantanida Ivo
Published: May 2023

A series of tetracationic bis-triarylborane dyes, differing in the aromatic linker connecting two dicationic triarylborane moieties, showed very high submicromolar affinities toward ds-DNA and ds-RNA. The linker strongly influenced the emissive properties of triarylborane cations and controlled the fluorimetric response of dyes. The fluorene-analog shows the most selective fluorescence response between AT-DNA, GC-DNA, and AU-RNA, the pyrene-analog’s emission is non-selectively enhanced by all DNA/RNA, and the dithienyl-diketopyrrolopyrrole analog’s emission is strongly quenched upon DNA/RNA binding. The emission properties of the biphenyl-analog were not applicable, but the compound showed specific induced circular dichroism (ICD) signals only for AT-sequence-containing ds-DNAs, whereas the pyrene-analog ICD signals were specific for AT-DNA with respect to GC-DNA, and also recognized AU-RNA by giving a different ICD pattern from that observed upon interaction with AT-DNA. The fluorene- and dithienyl-diketopyrrolopyrrole analogs were ICD-signal silent. Thus, fine-tuning of the aromatic linker properties connecting two triarylborane dications can be used for the dual sensing (fluorimetric and CD) of various ds-DNA/RNA secondary structures, depending on the steric properties of the DNA/RNA grooves.
Bioenergy Generation and Phenol Degradation through Microbial Fuel Cells Energized by Domestic Organic Waste
Authors: Yaqoob Asim Ali , Al-Zaqri Nabil , Alamzeb Muhammad , Hussain Fida , Oh Sang-Eun , Umar Khalid
Published: May 2023

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) seem to have emerged in recent years to degrade the organic pollutants from wastewater. The current research also focused on phenol biodegradation using MFCs. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), phenol is a priority pollutant to remediate due to its potential adverse effects on human health. At the same time, the present study focused on the weakness of MFCs, which is the low generation of electrons due to the organic substrate. The present study used rotten rice as an organic substrate to empower the MFC’s functional capacity to degrade the phenol while simultaneously generating bioenergy. In 19 days of operation, the phenol degradation efficiency was 70% at a current density of 17.10 mA/m2 and a voltage of 199 mV. The electrochemical analysis showed that the internal resistance was 312.58 Ω and the maximum specific capacitance value was 0.00020 F/g on day 30, which demonstrated mature biofilm production and its stability throughout the operation. The biofilm study and bacterial identification process revealed that the presence of conductive pili species (Bacillus genus) are the most dominant on the anode electrode. However, the present study also explained well the oxidation mechanism of rotten rice with phenol degradation. The most critical challenges for future recommendations are also enclosed in a separate section for the research community with concluding remarks.
The Effect of Progestins on Cytokine Production in the Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Menopausal Women and Their Luminol-Dependent Chemiluminescence
Authors: Pavlik Tatiana I. , Shimanovsky Nikolay L. , Zemlyanaya Olga A. , Fedotcheva Tatiana A.
Published: May 2023

Steroid hormones are the key regulators of inflammatory and autoimmune processes. The role of steroid hormones is mostly inhibitory in these processes. The expression of IL-6, TNFα, and IL-1β, as markers of inflammation, and TGFβ, as a marker of fibrosis, could be useful tools to predict the response of an individual’s immune system to the different progestins suitable for the treatment of menopausal inflammatory disorders, including endometriosis. In this study, the progestins P4 and MPA, as well as the novel progestin gestobutanoyl (GB), which possess potent anti-inflammatory properties towards endometriosis, were studied at a fixed concentration of 10 µM. Their influence on the production of the above cytokines in PHA-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) during 24 h incubation was evaluated by ELISA. It was found that synthetic progestins stimulated the production of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα and inhibited TGFβ production, while P4 inhibited IL-6 (33% inhibition) and did not influence TGFβ production. In the MTT-viability test, P4 also decreased PHA-stimulated PBMC viability by 28% during 24 h incubation, but MPA and GB did not have any inhibitory or stimulatory effects. The luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (LDC) assay revealed the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of all the tested progestins, as well as some other steroid hormones and their antagonists: cortisol, dexamethasone, testosterone, estradiol, cyproterone, and tamoxifen. Of these, tamoxifen showed the most pronounced effect on the oxidation capacity of PBMC but not on that of dexamethasone, as was expected. Collectively, these data demonstrate that PBMCs from menopausal women respond differently to P4 and synthetic progestins, most likely due to distinct actions via various steroid receptors. It is not only the progestin affinity to nuclear progesterone receptors (PR), androgen receptors, glucocorticoid receptors, or estrogen receptors that is important for the immune response, but also the membrane PR or other nongenomic structures in immune cells.
BotCl, the First Chlorotoxin-Like Peptide Inhibiting Newcastle Disease Virus: The Emergence of a New Scorpion Venom AMPs Family
Authors: Jlassi Abir , Mekni-Toujani Marwa , Ferchichi Asma , Gharsallah Charfeddine , Malosse Christian , Chamot-Rooke Julia , ElAyeb Mohamed , Ghram Abdeljelil , Srairi-Abid Najet , Daoud Salma
Published: May 2023

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is one of the most serious contagions affecting domestic poultry and other avian species. It causes high morbidity and mortality, resulting in huge economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. Despite vaccination, NDV outbreaks increase the need for alternative prevention and control means. In this study, we have screened fractions of Buthus occitanus tunetanus (Bot) scorpion venom and isolated the first scorpion peptide inhibiting the NDV multiplication. It showed a dose dependent effect on NDV growth in vitro, with an IC50 of 0.69 µM, and a low cytotoxicity on cultured Vero cells (CC50 > 55 µM). Furthermore, tests carried out in specific pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs demonstrated that the isolated peptide has a protective effect on chicken embryos against NDV, and reduced by 73% the virus titer in allantoic fluid. The N-terminal sequence, as well as the number of cysteine residues of the isolated peptide, showed that it belongs to the scorpion venom Chlorotoxin-like peptides family, which led us to designate it “BotCl”. Interestingly, at 10 µg/mL, BotCl showed an inhibiting effect three times higher than its analogue AaCtx, from Androctonus australis (Aa) scorpion venom, on NDV development. Altogether, our results highlight the chlorotoxin-like peptides as a new scorpion venom AMPs family.
Trends in Beef Intake in the United States: Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001–2018
Authors: Lau Clara S. , Fulgoni Victor L. , Van Elswyk Mary E. , McNeill Shalene H.
Published: May 2023

Evidence-based dietary advice regarding meats (including beef), requires accurate assessment of beef and other red meat intakes across life stages. Beef intake is subject to misclassification due to the use of broad categories such as “red and processed meat”. In the current study, intake trends for total beef (i.e., any beef type) and specific beef types (fresh lean, ground, processed) among Americans participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001–2018 (n = 74,461) were characterized and usual intake was assessed using NHANES 2011–2018 (n = 30,679). The usual intake amounts of beef were compared to those of relevant protein food subgroups modeled in the Healthy U.S.-Style Dietary Pattern (HDP) reported in the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). Total per capita beef consumption declined an average of 12 g (p < 0.0001) for ages 2–18 years and 5.7 g (p = 0.0004) for ages 19–59 years per 2-yr NHANES cycle, over the 18-year timeframe, while remaining unchanged for Americans aged 60+ years. On a per capita basis, Americans aged 2 years and older consumed 42.2 g (1.5 ounces) of total beef per day. Fresh lean beef per capita consumption was 33.4 g (1.2 ounces) per day. Per capita intake was similar across all age groups and below the daily HDP modeled amount of 3.7 ounce equivalents for the “Meats, Poultry, Eggs” (MPE) subgroup, while approximately 75% of beef consumers’ intakes of total beef was within HDP modeling. Evidence from intake trends suggests beef is not overconsumed by the majority of Americans but rather within the amounts for MPE and red meat modeled in the HDP of the DGA at the 2000-calorie level.