bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Recent Modification, Optimization, and Functionalization Methods for Organic Anticorrosive Coatings
Authors: Zhang Xingjun , Feng Yuee , Zhang Xingyu , Li Gang , Ma Zhengfeng , Wang Xingwei
Published: November 2023

Corrosion problems are widespread in nature. As one of the most convenient and efficient methods for metal anticorrosion protection, anticorrosive coatings have received increasing attention. With the continuous advancement of science and technology, more novel functional anticorrosion coatings are being extensively researched. This review provides an overview of recent research progress in anticorrosion coatings and functionalized modified materials. Recent methods for performance optimization can be categorized into three main sections: modification by nanoparticles, modification by carbon-based materials, and specific functionalization (barrier effect, passivation, shielding effect, resistivity, self-repair). Through modification, the anticorrosion performance of coatings is significantly enhanced, with impedance levels improving by up to three orders of magnitude. Furthermore, modification imparts additional outstanding features to the coatings, such as high-temperature resistance, thermal conductivity, self-healing, and hydrophobicity. Finally, the future development trend of anticorrosion coatings is proposed, and several reasonable suggestions are put forward for the challenges faced.
Habitat Mapping and Spatiotemporal Overlap of the Amazon River Dolphin, Fishers, and Tourism in the Central Region of the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Fung Cadi Y. , Peter Brad G. , Simmons Cynthia S.
Published: November 2023

Over the past several decades, concern has grown over the rising mortality of the Amazon river dolphin (‘boto’) from increased human–dolphin interactions. Among these interactions are tourist attractions involving up-close feeding encounters with the botos, confrontations with fishers, and an illegal fishing practice that uses dolphin flesh as fish bait. Drawing on original data sourced from in-depth semi-structured interviews and household surveys, existing studies on boto habitat preferences and seasonal movement, and remotely-sensed data, this paper discusses the spatial and temporal overlap between humans and dolphins in a region outside of Manaus, Amazonas in the central Brazilian Amazon. Results suggest that there is considerable spatial overlap between boto habitat and spaces used for fishing and tourism activities; additionally, overall potential for conflict is greatest during the high-water season.
Incorporating Virtual Problem-Based Learning in Instrumental Chemistry during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Li Xiaoping , Guo Ying , Mwongela Simon M. , Kirberger Michael
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented substantial challenges to higher education, leading to economic loss and disruptions in STEM courses. This study addresses these issues through the successful implementation of a problem-based learning research project within the Instrumental Chemistry course at Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC). Focused on instrumental chemistry, the project spans various categories, requiring students to propose solutions to real-case scenarios using specific analytical instruments. Despite the shift to a hybrid teaching modality, students exhibited commendable preparation and investigation skills, as demonstrated by their projects. Assessment data, including a student survey and written report evaluations, underscore significant skill improvements in literature survey, instrument selection, experimental design, and data analysis. This problem-based learning approach not only mitigated the disruptions caused by the pandemic but also fostered enhanced capabilities and motivation among students. The study’s findings contribute insights into the adaptability and effectiveness of problem-based learning in analytical chemistry education within a hybrid teaching framework, offering valuable considerations for future educational strategies in STEM disciplines and beyond.
Microstructure, Dielectric Properties and Bond Characteristics of Lithium Aluminosilicate Glass-Ceramics with Various Li/Na Molar Ratio
Authors: Li Minghan , Kong Lingqi , Wang Wenzhi , Ma Yanping , Jiang Hong
Published: November 2023

The advent of 5G technology presented new challenges regarding the high-frequency characteristics of electrical signals and their impact on the cover glass properties of electronic devices. This study aimed to analyze the effect of the Li/Na molar ratio on the dielectric and mechanical properties, as well as the structural characteristics, of lithium aluminosilicate glass-ceramics. Using the melting method, we prepared lithium aluminosilicate base glasses and subsequently crystallized them by adjusting the molar ratio. XRD and TEM analyses were employed to investigate the resultant structures and crystal formation in the five base glasses. It was observed that Li2Si2O5 and LiAlSi4O10 crystals precipitated, exhibiting varying degrees of crystallinity and crystal ratios. Through a comparison of dielectric properties before and after crystallization, it was found that the dielectric constants of the glass-ceramics were consistently reduced. This decrease can be attributed to the lower dielectric constants exhibited by both crystalline phases compared to the parent lithium aluminosilicate glasses. Furthermore, the presence of glass crystals effectively immobilized the alkali metal ions within the glass phase, impeding their movement under an electric field. Consequently, the dielectric loss value of the glass-ceramics decreased with the increasing amount of precipitated crystals. By carefully adjusting the composition and optimizing the crystallization process, we successfully produced lithium aluminosilicate glass-ceramics, demonstrating excellent mechanical and optical properties, coupled with low dielectric properties.
Reconstructing the Biogeographic History of the Genus Aurelia Lamarck, 1816 (Cnidaria, Scyphozoa), and Reassessing the Nonindigenous Status of A. solida and A. coerulea in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Fernández-Alías Alfredo , Marcos Concepción , Pérez-Ruzafa Angel
Published: November 2023

The genus Aurelia is one of the most extensively studied within the class Scyphozoa. However, much of the research was historically attributed to the species Aurelia aurita (Linnaeus, 1758) before the recognition of its taxonomic complexity. Initially considered cosmopolitan and globally distributed, recent phylogenetic analysis has challenged this assumption. Consequently, the current distribution of species within the genus Aurelia and the processes that led to this distribution remain largely unexplored. After genetically confirming that the species traditionally present in the Mar Menor coastal lagoon in the southwestern Mediterranean corresponds to A. solida, we compiled data on the locations where moon jellyfish species have been genetically identified and mapped these coordinates to the geological period when the genus Aurelia diverged from other scyphozoan genera. We propose two hypotheses to explain the disjunct distribution of certain species. The first one assumes recent human-mediated introductions, while the second posits an absence of introductions. Both hypotheses, supported by fossil and historical records, suggest a Paleo-Tethys origin of the genus Aurelia. Migration from this area explains most of the genus’s current distribution without human intervention, being the Mediterranean Sea, where A. solida should be considered autochthonous, part of their natural distribution range.
Morphological and Molecular Characterization of the Unarmored Dinoflagellate Gymnodinium trapeziforme (Dinophyceae) from Jiaozhou Bay, China
Authors: Gao Menghan , Hu Zhangxi , Luo Zhaohe , Deng Yunyan , Shang Lixia , Sun Yuanyuan , Tang Yingzhong
Published: November 2023

The genus Gymnodinium contains more than 230 extant species, approximately 30% of which have not been reported since their original description. Approximately eight Gymnodinium species have been reported or described in the coastal waters of China. This work reports the presence of Gymnodinium trapeziforme from Jiaozhou Bay, China, in 2020, and its morphological and phylogenetic characterization by using light and scanning electron microscopy and systematic analysis based on partial LSU rDNA sequences. We observed the typical diagnostic features of G. trapeziforme, including a small size, biconical to ovoid shape, and a sulcal extension intruded to the epicone and connected to the horseshoe-shaped apical structure complex (ASC). Additionally, we firstly observed that the ASC consisted of three parallel series of vesicles, with the central one possessing knobs, and having more than 10 amphiesmal vesicles within the ASC. The nucleus was cucurbit-shaped, and the amphiesmal vesicles covering the cell surface, which would be peeled off for the cells in stress. While our molecular phylogeny inferred with the maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) confirmed the conspecificity of our isolate with the holotype G. trapeziforme (accession No. EF192414), we found a difference of 14 bases in the D1–D6 domains of the LSU rDNA sequences between the two entities, which indicates a detectable speciation of the two populations. Our work provides a detailed morphological and molecular characterization of G. trapeziforme that was isolated from the coastal water of China, which also broadens the geographical distribution of this species.
Optimal Parameter Configuration of a Microfluidic Chip for High-Throughput, Label-Free Circulating Tumor Cell Separation and Enrichment Based on Inertial Focusing
Authors: Sun Xiaoyi , Ma Yuqi , Lu Chunyang , Cai Ziwei , Han Jintao , Wang Zhigang , Yang Gen
Published: November 2023

To simply, quickly, and efficiently separate circulating tumor cells from blood has always been an enormous challenge. Leveraging the principle of inertial focusing, we here designed a simply structured microfluidic chip that maintained excellent CTC separation efficiency with high robustness and low velocity sensitivity across a broad velocity range. The parameter configuration of the chip was systematically examined, especially the most influential parameters such as the arc radius and arc angle. With optimal parameters, the designed chip achieved an outstanding particle separation efficiency of 99.8% and, more importantly, enabled the efficient separation and enrichment of CTCs in blood samples. This design can be readily integrated with other functional modules for further sample processing, serving as a promising tool for cancer diagnosis and therapeutics.
Radiological Study on the Evolution of the Biomaterial’s Image (Shape, Density, Vertical Dimensions) after the Lateral Sinus Lift
Authors: Epistatu Dragos , Dinca Octavian-Marius , Vladan Cristian , Padurariu Cristina , Damian Iulian , Hostiuc Sorin
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term changes of sinus lift material. Materials and methods: We included a total number of 35 patients (20 men and 15 women), between 32 and 80 years old, evaluated on a timeframe of up to 11.6 years. Diverse biomaterials were used (allograft, xenograft, alloplastic, combinations of them), with autologous bone in some cases. Results: The appearance of the top plane of the bone over time took a large dome shape (36% of cases), a linear shape (32% of cases), an irregular shape (23% of cases), or had micro domes above the implants (7%). No significant differences were found between the groups regarding age. The radiological density of the biomaterial tended to equalize that of the native bone. The final vertical dimensions seemed to be independent of the initial native bone height but seemed to be correlated with the amount of applied biomaterial. For the study group, the biomaterial contracted on average by 10% for the maximum height (H max) and 20% for the minimum height (H min), which can explain the tendency of the upper border of the biomaterial to curve. The annual H max contraction ranged from −0.09 to +0.18 with a mean value of 2.67% (SD = 0.04, CI: [0.011, 0.041]). The median value was 1.8%. The annual H min contraction ranged from −0.24 to +0.24, with a mean value of 4.33% (SD = 0.07, CI: [0.021, 0.065]). The median value was 3.59%. There were no statistically significant gender differences (Mann–Whitney U, p = 0.483, p = 0.642). The additional application of biomaterial together with the implants seemed to have a beneficial effect on the final vertical dimension of the bio-transformed material.
A Multichannel MAC Protocol without Coordination or Prior Information for Directional Flying Ad hoc Networks
Authors: Liang Shijie , Zhao Haitao , Zhang Jiao , Wang Haijun , Wei Jibo , Wang Junfang
Published: November 2023

Achieving neighbor discovery for a directional flying ad hoc network (FANET) with multiple channels poses challenges for media access control (MAC) protocol design, as it requires simultaneous main lobe and channel rendezvous while dealing with the high UAV mobility. In order to achieve fast neighbor discovery for initial access without coordination or prior information, we first establish the theoretical supremum for the directional main lobe. Then, to achieve the supremum, we introduce the BR-DA and BR-DA-FANET algorithms to respectively establish the supremum on rendezvous between a pair of UAVs’ main lobes and rendezvous of main lobes for all UAVs in the FANET. To further accelerate the neighbor discovery process, we propose the neighbor discovery with location prediction protocol (ND-LP) and the avoiding communication interruption with location prediction (ACI-LP) protocol. ND-LP enables quick main lobe rendezvous and channel rendezvous, while ACI-LP enables beam tracking and channel rendezvous together with the avoidance of communication interruptions. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed protocols outperform the state-of-the-art works in terms of neighbor discovery delay.
The Relation between Cognitive and Emotional Processes in Children and Adolescents with Neurodevelopmental Disorders—A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Costescu Cristina , Roșan Adrian , David Carmen , Cozma Lia , Calota Andrada
Published: November 2023

Background: Up to 80% of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have mental health issues—either emotional or behavioral problems. The underlying mechanisms are still unknown, even if emotional regulation (ER) is considered to play a major role in child and adolescent psychopathology. Several studies link the ability to regulate the intensity and quality of emotions with executive functioning. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between executive functions (EFs) and ER and affective problems in children with ASD. Methods: This meta-analysis is based on a literature search of peer-reviewed journals from the following databases: Scopus, ProQuest, Ebsco, Science Direct, Springer Link and Clarivate. We analyzed 15 studies that investigated the link between EF, ER or affective problems (APs) in children and adolescents with ASD aged between 2 and 18 y with ASD. To assess the effect size of the relationship between EF and ER, and EF and AP, 15 studies comprising 54 effect sizes were analyzed. Results: Our findings revealed a small effect size regarding the association between EF and ER, r = 0.331, p = 0.034, and a small effect size regarding the association between EF and AP, r = −0.213, p = 0.024. No significant moderators were found. The results are presented in regard to the two analyses developed, as well as a short review of the studies included in the meta-analysis. Conclusion: Even if there are several limitations of this study, especially considering the small number of studies included, the results suggest that it is worth considering EF as an underlying mechanism for the appearance of emotional or behavioral problems in children with ASD. These findings have important implications for the development of ASD intervention plans, as well as for increasing awareness among specialists about the importance of executive functions in school adjustment and social functioning.
A Basic Design Tool for Grid-Connected AC–DC Converters Using Silcon Carbide MOSFETs
Authors: Kim Myoungho , Yun Hyeok-Jin
Published: November 2023

The design and optimization of power converters is a key factor in the growth and development of the power electronics field. However, the process of designing a power converter is not straightforward, and engineers often rely on experience and intuition, sometimes requiring time-consuming computer simulations. This paper presents a tool for the basic design of grid-connected AC–DC converters. The design tool takes specifications and operating conditions for two-level and three-level NPC converter topologies and derives a draft design. The tool calculates the input filter’s electrical parameters, the converter’s losses, the temperature rise of the power semiconductor devices, and the ripple current and voltage of the DC-link capacitor. In order to validate the proposed design tool, four AC–DC converters using SiC MOSFETs were designed. Based on the design results, simulation models and prototypes were fabricated to verify the performance and confirm that the proposed design tool can be used in the basic design process of converters.
Human Motion Prediction Based on a Multi-Scale Hypergraph for Intangible Cultural Heritage Dance Videos
Authors: Cai Xingquan , Cheng Pengyan , Liu Shike , Zhang Haoyu , Sun Haiyan
Published: November 2023

Compared to traditional dance, intangible cultural heritage dance often involves the isotropic extension of choreographic actions, utilizing both upper and lower limbs. This characteristic choreography style makes the remote joints lack interaction, consequently reducing accuracy in existing human motion prediction methods. Therefore, we propose a human motion prediction method based on the multi-scale hypergraph convolutional network of the intangible cultural heritage dance video. Firstly, this method inputs the 3D human posture sequence from intangible cultural heritage dance videos. The hypergraph is designed according to the synergistic relationship of the human joints in the intangible cultural heritage dance video, which is used to represent the spatial correlation of the 3D human posture. Then, a multi-scale hypergraph convolutional network is constructed, utilizing multi-scale transformation operators to segment the human skeleton into different scales. This network adopts a graph structure to represent the 3D human posture at different scales, which is then used by the single-scalar fusion operator to spatial features in the 3D human posture sequence are extracted by fusing the feature information of the hypergraph and the multi-scale graph. Finally, the Temporal Graph Transformer network is introduced to capture the temporal dependence among adjacent frames within the time domain. This facilitates the extraction of temporal features from the 3D human posture sequence, ultimately enabling the prediction of future 3D human posture sequences. Experiments show that we achieve the best performance in both short-term and long-term human motion prediction when compared to Motion-Mixer and Motion-Attention algorithms on Human3.6M and 3DPW datasets. In addition, ablation experiments show that our method can predict more precise 3D human pose sequences, even in the presence of isotropic extensions of upper and lower limbs in intangible cultural heritage dance videos. This approach effectively addresses the issue of missing segments in intangible cultural heritage dance videos.
Evaluation of Wood Anatomical Properties from 18 Tree Species in the Subtropical Region of China
Authors: Wang Yunpeng , Wang Yiping , Shen Le , Wu Zhaoxiang , Li Huihu , Hu Miao , Liu Qiaoli , Chen Caihui , Hu Xiaokang , Zhong Yongda
Published: November 2023

The subtropical region of China possesses abundant broad-leaf tree species resources; however, the anatomical properties and microstructure of the wood are still unclear, which restricts the processing and utilization of wood. In this study, 14 broad-leaf trees and four coniferous trees were selected. Wood anatomical indices and wood microanatomy were used to evaluate the wood properties using a comprehensive index method. The results have shown that Dalbergia assamica exhibited the highest wood basic density among the 14 broad-leaved tree species, accompanied by a significant fiber proportion and vessel lumen diameter but a small vessel proportion and a high number of wood rays. Conversely, Parakmeria lotungensis and Michelia chapensis had relatively low wood basic densities, rendering them less suitable as valuable broad-leaved wood sources. Altingia chinensis, Castanopsis kawakamii, and the remaining 11 tree species exhibited medium-level wood basic densities. The 14 broad-leaved tree species had medium-length fibers. Phoebe bournei, Dalbergia assamica, and Castanopsis kawakamii demonstrated relatively high fiber proportion. Altingia chinensis, Dalbergia assamica, and Castanopsis kawakamii exhibited a large number of wood rays, making their wood more susceptible to cracking, whereas other broad-leaved tree species possessed fewer wood rays. The findings have provided a scientific basis for the exploration of precious broad-leaved tree resources and wood use.
Effects of Short-Term Intermittent Fasting on Growth Performance, Fatty Acids Profile, Glycolysis and Cholesterol Synthesis Gene Expression in European Seabass Dicentrarchus labrax
Authors: Ntantali Olga , Malandrakis Emmanouil E. , Abbink Wout , Bastiaansen John , Chatzoglou Evanthia , Karapanagiotidis Ioannis T. , Golomazou Eleni , Panagiotaki Panagiota
Published: November 2023

The present study was applied to evaluate the effects of alternate feeding and feed restriction on gene expression, growth, proximate composition and biochemical indices in European seabass, Dicentrarchus labrax. Fish were randomly divided into six indoor tanks with 90 fish per tank in a recirculating aquaculture system. Two feeding strategies were applied, in which the first group was fed daily to satiation and the second was intermittently fed (8 days feeding to satiation–2 days starvation) for 40 days. At the end of the experiment, outlier fish were sorted as fast growers (FG) and slow growers (SG) according to their final body weight. The differential gene expression tested was related to glycolysis (pk, ldha, hk, g3pdh, eno1 and alda), fatty acid metabolism (lpl and acc) and cholesterol synthesis (7dhcr and sqle). In addition, muscle ldha and gpi expressions were positively correlated with fish weight. The concentrations of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were not affected by the dietary treatments. Glucose and NEFA differed significantly between SG and FG fed groups. Overall, the physiological responses of glucose and fatty acid metabolism in fish, as recorded by gene expression assays, were triggered by minor interventions in feeding rather than the different growth rates. Expression of specific genes and biochemical parameters could be used as potential biomarkers to improve aquaculture practices and benefit fish husbandry through selective breeding, feeding strategies and farm management. The study provides new insights on the impact of intermittent feeding of European seabass, with gene markers and their potential effects, for European seabass aquaculture.
Genetic Connectivity of Roundjaw Bonefish Albula glossodonta (Elopomorpha, Albulidae) in the Central Pacific Ocean Resolved through ddRAD-Based Population Genomics
Authors: Kamikawa Keith , Bowen Brian W. , Kobayashi Donald , Peyton Kimberly , Wallace Elizabeth
Published: November 2023

Bonefishes are a nearshore species targeted by non-commercial anglers and subsistence fishers in the Central and South Pacific islands. Among the bonefish species in the Indo-Pacific region, Albula glossodonta are known to have one of the widest geographic ranges, from the Red Sea to the Central Pacific, but it is unknown how dispersive A. glossodonta are between geographically isolated islands. Volunteer anglers collected A. glossodonta fin clips from the main Hawaiian Islands in the North Pacific, Anaa Atoll in the South Pacific, and intermediate Kiritimati Island (Line Islands) to assess the scale of dispersal and population structure within the Pacific Ocean. Population genomics was conducted based on 208 individuals and 7225 SNPs. Although adult A. glossodonta exhibit strong site fidelity, genomic results show no population differentiation between Oahu and Maui in Hawai‘i. Bonefishes exhibit significant population structure between Anaa and Hawai‘i (FST = 0.096), with intermediate Kiritimati comprising admixed fishes. A lengthy larval duration likely promotes connectivity between Pacific islands. Regional management regimes may be most appropriate for a species with this level of dispersal.
A Case Report of SYNE1 Deficiency-Mimicking Mitochondrial Disease and the Value of Pangenomic Investigations
Authors: Serag Mounir , Plutino Morgane , Charles Perrine , Azulay Jean-Philippe , Chaussenot Annabelle , Paquis-Flucklinger Véronique , Ait-El-Mkadem Saadi Samira , Rouzier Cécile
Published: November 2023

Mitochondrial disorders are characterized by a huge clinical, biochemical, and genetic heterogeneity, which poses significant diagnostic challenges. Several studies report that more than 50% of patients with suspected mitochondrial disease could have a non-mitochondrial disorder. Thus, only the identification of the causative pathogenic variant can confirm the diagnosis. Herein, we describe the diagnostic journey of a family suspected of having a mitochondrial disorder who were referred to our Genetics Department. The proband presented with the association of cerebellar ataxia, COX-negative fibers on muscle histology, and mtDNA deletions. Whole exome sequencing (WES), supplemented by a high-resolution array, comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH), allowed us to identify two pathogenic variants in the non-mitochondrial SYNE1 gene. The proband and her affected sister were found to be compound heterozygous for a known nonsense variant (c.13258C>T, p.(Arg4420Ter)), and a large intragenic deletion that was predicted to result in a loss of function. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a large intragenic deletion of SYNE1 in patients with cerebellar ataxia (ARCA1). This report highlights the interest in a pangenomic approach to identify the genetic basis in heterogeneous neuromuscular patients with the possible cause of mitochondrial disease. Moreover, even rare copy number variations should be considered in patients with a phenotype suggestive of SYNE1 deficiency.
Constructing an Interactive and Integrated Analysis and Identification Platform for Pathogenic Microorganisms to Support Surveillance Capacity
Authors: Song Yang , Zhong Songchao , Li Yixiao , Jiang Mengnan , Wei Qiang
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Whole genome sequencing (WGS) holds significant promise for epidemiological inquiries, as it enables the identification and tracking of pathogenic origins and dissemination through comprehensive genome analysis. This method is widely preferred for investigating outbreaks and monitoring pathogen activity. However, the effective utilization of microbiome sequencing data remains a challenge for clinical and public health experts. Through the National Pathogen Resource Center, we have constructed a dynamic and interactive online analysis platform to facilitate the in-depth analysis and use of pathogen genomic data, by public health and associated professionals, to support infectious disease surveillance framework building and capacity warnings. Method: The platform was implemented using the Java programming language, and the front-end pages were developed using the VUE framework, following the MVC (Model–View–Controller) pattern to enable interactive service functionalities for front-end data collection and back-end data computation. Cloud computing services were employed to integrate biological information analysis tools for conducting fundamental analysis on sequencing data. Result: The platform achieved the goal of non-programming analysis, providing an interactive visual interface that allows users to visually obtain results by setting parameters in web pages. Moreover, the platform allows users to export results in various formats to further support their research. Discussion: We have established a dynamic and interactive online platform for bioinformatics analysis. By encapsulating the complex background experiments and analysis processes in a cloud-based service platform, the complex background experiments and analysis processes are presented to the end-user in a simple and interactive manner. It facilitates real-time data mining and analysis by allowing users to independently select parameters and generate analysis results at the click of a button, based on their needs, without the need for a programming foundation.
Reply to Fry, L.E.; MacLaren, R.E. Comment on “Di Giosaffatte et al. A Novel Hypothesis on Choroideremia-Manifesting Female Carriers: Could CHM In-Frame Variants Exert a Dominant Negative Effect? A Case Report. Genes 2022, 13, 1268”
Authors: Di Giosaffatte Niccolò , Grammatico Paola , Bottillo Irene
Published: November 2023

We express our gratitude to Dr. Fry and Prof. McLaren [...]
Nutrient Solution from Aqueous Extracts as an Alternative to Fertigation in Hydroponic
Authors: Salas-Sanjuán María Carmen , Ruíz-Zubiate José Luis , Valenzuela Juan Luis , Campos Antonio Xavier
Published: November 2023

The reintegration of agro-waste into the same agriculture site fulfils the objective of the European Bio-Economy Strategy: to reduce transport costs, waste volume, and the need for mineral fertilizers. One of the fundamental principles in sustainable agriculture is the recycling of crop residues through composting or vermicomposting. From this process, it is possible to obtain organic matter for the production of aqueous extracts (tea) that can be used as a source of nutrients in fertigation as an alternative to mineral fertilizers. The objective of this research was to evaluate the use of an aerated or non-aerated aqueous extract as a recirculating nutrient solution in a hydroponic culture (NFT) of lettuce. For this, the test method was compared to hydroponic cultivation with a conventional nutrient solution. The conventional nutrient solution contained minerals or synthetic fertilizers and the aqueous extracts of vermicompost from vegetal residues of horticultural crops. The evolution of the chemical composition of the nutrient solutions during cultivation was analyzed, obtaining adequate concentrations of NO3−, K+, and Ca2+ and taking possible imbalances in nutrients such as P-H2PO4− into consideration. Plants fertigated with an organic and aerated nutrient solution obtained good yields and improvements in quality by having six times less N-NO3− in edible leaves compared to plants exposed to the mineral treatment. The preparation of aqueous extracts as a source of nutrients opens the door to circular agriculture to make processes in intensive production systems more efficient.
Stream-Aquifer Systems in Semi-Arid Regions: Hydrologic, Legal, and Management Issues
Authors: Grigg Neil S. , Bailey Ryan T. , Smith Ryan G.
Published: November 2023

Integrated solutions to groundwater management problems require effective analysis of stream-aquifer connections, especially in irrigated semi-arid regions where groundwater pumping affects return flows and causes streamflow depletion. Scientific research can explain technical issues, but legal and management solutions are difficult due to the complexities of hydrogeology, the expense of data collection and model studies, and the inclination of water users not to trust experts, regulatory authorities, and in some cases, their management organizations. The technical, legal, and management issues are reviewed, and experiences with integrated management of stream-aquifer systems are used to illustrate how governance authorities can approach engineering, legal, regulatory, and management challenges incrementally. The situations in three basins of the State of Colorado with over-appropriated water resources are explained to identify modeling and control issues confronting regulators and managers of water rights. Water rights administration in the state follows the strict appropriation method and a workable technical-legal approach to establishing regulatory and management strategies has been developed. The explanations show how models and data management are improving, but the complexities of hydrogeology and institutional systems must be confronted on a case-by-case basis. Stream-aquifer systems will require more attention in the future, better data will be needed, model developers must prove superiority over simpler methods, and organizational arrangements will be needed to facilitate successful collective action amidst inevitable legal challenges. Continued joint research between technical, legal, and management communities will also be needed.
A Head/Tail Breaks-Based Approach to Characterizing Space-Time Risks of COVID-19 Epidemic in China’s Cities
Authors: Wu Tingting , Hu Bisong , Luo Jin , Qi Shuhua
Published: November 2023

The novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) pandemic has caused enormous impacts around the world. Characterizing the risk dynamics for urgent epidemics such as COVID-19 is of great benefit to epidemic control and emergency management. This article presents a novel approach to characterizing the space-time risks of the COVID-19 epidemic. We analyzed the heavy-tailed distribution and spatial hierarchy of confirmed COVID-19 cases in 367 cities from 20 January to 12 April 2020, and population density data for 2019, and modelled two parameters, COVID-19 confirmed cases and population density, to measure the risk value of each city and assess the epidemic from the perspective of spatial and temporal changes. The evolution pattern of high-risk areas was assessed from a spatial and temporal perspective. The number of high-risk cities decreased from 57 in week 1 to 6 in week 12. The results show that the risk measurement model based on the head/tail breaks approach can describe the spatial and temporal evolution characteristics of the risk of COVID-19, and can better predict the risk trend of future epidemics in each city and identify the risk of future epidemics even during low incidence periods. Compared with the traditional risk assessment method model, it pays more attention to the differences in the spatial level of each city and provides a new perspective for the assessment of the risk level of epidemic transmission. It has generality and flexibility and provides a certain reference for the prevention of infectious diseases as well as a theoretical basis for government implementation strategies.
Role of Conformational Dynamics of Sulfotransferases SULT1A1 and SULT1A3 in Substrate Specificity
Authors: Toth Daniel , Dudas Balint , Miteva Maria A. , Balog Erika
Published: November 2023

Sulfotransferases (SULTs) are phase II metabolizing enzymes catalyzing the sulfoconjugation from the co-factor 3′-Phosphoadenosine 5′-Phosphosulfate (PAPS) to a wide variety of endogenous compounds, drugs and natural products. Although SULT1A1 and SULT1A3 share 93% identity, SULT1A1, the most abundant SULT isoform in humans, exhibits a broad substrate range with specificity for small phenolic compounds, while SULT1A3 displays a high affinity toward monoamine neurotransmitters like dopamine. To elucidate the factors determining the substrate specificity of the SULT1 isoenzymes, we studied the dynamic behavior and structural specificities of SULT1A1 and SULT1A3 by using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and ensemble docking of common and specific substrates of the two isoforms. Our results demonstrated that while SULT1A1 exhibits a relatively rigid structure by showing lower conformational flexibility except for the lip (loop L1), the loop L2 and the cap (L3) of SULT1A3 are extremely flexible. We identified protein residues strongly involved in the recognition of different substrates for the two isoforms. Our analyses indicated that being more specific and highly flexible, the structure of SULT1A3 has particularities in the binding site, which are crucial for its substrate selectivity.
Multi-Omics Analysis Reveals Intricate Gene Networks Involved in Female Development in Melon
Authors: Wang Zhongyuan , Yadav Vivek , Chen Xiaoyao , Zhang Siyu , Yuan Xinhao , Li Hao , Ma Jianxiang , Zhang Yong , Yang Jianqiang , Zhang Xian , Wei Chunhua
Published: November 2023

Sexual differentiation is an important developmental phenomenon in cucurbits that directly affects fruit yield. The natural existence of multiple flower types in melon offers an inclusive structure for studying the molecular basis of sexual differentiation. The current study aimed to identify and characterize the molecular network involved in sex determination and female development in melon. Male and female pools separated by the F2 segregated generation were used for sequencing. The comparative multi-omics data revealed 551 DAPs and 594 DEGs involved in multiple pathways of melon growth and development, and based on functional annotation and enrichment analysis, we summarized four biological process modules, including ethylene biosynthesis, flower organ development, plant hormone signaling, and ubiquitinated protein metabolism, that are related to female development. Furthermore, the detailed analysis of the female developmental regulatory pathway model of ethylene biosynthesis, signal transduction, and target gene regulation identified some important candidates that might have a crucial role in female development. Two CMTs ((cytosine-5)-methyltransferase), one AdoHS (adenosylhomocysteinase), four ACSs (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid synthase), three ACOs (ACC oxidase), two ARFs (auxin response factor), four ARPs (auxin-responsive protein), and six ERFs (Ethylene responsive factor) were identified based on various female developmental regulatory models. Our data offer new and valuable insights into female development and hold the potential to offer a deeper comprehension of sex differentiation mechanisms in melon.
Comparison of the Therapeutic Effects of Adipose- and Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Renal Fibrosis
Authors: Yoshida Maria , Nakashima Ayumu , Ishiuchi Naoki , Miyasako Kisho , Morimoto Keisuke , Tanaka Yoshiki , Sasaki Kensuke , Maeda Satoshi , Masaki Takao
Published: November 2023

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have attracted a great deal of interest as a therapeutic tool for renal fibrosis. Although both adipose-derived and bone marrow-derived MSCs (ADSCs and BMSCs, respectively) suppress renal fibrosis, which of these two has a stronger therapeutic effect remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the antifibrotic effects of ADSCs and BMSCs extracted from adipose tissue and bone marrow derived from the same rats. When cultured in serum-containing medium, ADSCs had a more potent inhibitory effect than BMSCs on renal fibrosis induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. ADSCs and BMSCs cultured in serum-free medium were equally effective in suppressing renal fibrosis. Mice infused with ADSCs (serum-containing or serum-free cultivation) had a higher death rate from pulmonary embolism than those infused with BMSCs. In vitro, mRNA levels of tissue factor, tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein 6 and prostaglandin E synthase were higher in ADSCs than in BMSCs, while that of vascular endothelial growth factor was higher in BMSCs than in ADSCs. Although ADSCs had a stronger antifibrotic effect, these findings support the consideration of thromboembolism risk in clinical applications. Our results emphasize the importance of deciding between ADSCs and BMSCs based upon the target disease and culture method.
The Haptoglobin Response after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Soham , Garland Patrick , Gaastra Ben , Zolnourian Ardalan , Bulters Diederik , Galea Ian
Published: November 2023

Haptoglobin is the body’s first line of defence against the toxicity of extracellular haemoglobin released following a subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). We investigated the haptoglobin response after SAH in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum. Paired CSF and serum samples from 19 controls and 92 SAH patients were assayed as follows: ultra-performance liquid chromatography for CSF haemoglobin and haptoglobin, immunoassay for serum haptoglobin and multiplexed CSF cytokines, and colorimetry for albumin. There was marked CSF haptoglobin deficiency: 99% of extracellular haemoglobin was unbound. The quotients for both CSF/serum albumin (qAlb) and haptoglobin (qHp) were used to compute the CSF haptoglobin index (qHp/qAlb). CSF from SAH patients had a significantly lower haptoglobin index compared to controls, especially in Haptoglobin-1 allele carriers. Serum haptoglobin levels increased after SAH and were correlated with CSF cytokine levels. Haptoglobin variables were not associated with long-term clinical outcomes post-SAH. We conclude that: (1) intrathecal haptoglobin consumption occurs after SAH, more so in haptoglobin-1 allele carriers; (2) serum haptoglobin is upregulated after SAH, in keeping with the liver acute phase response to central inflammation; (3) haptoglobin in the CSF is so low that any variation is too small for this to affect long-term outcomes, emphasising the potential for therapeutic haptoglobin supplementation.
Molecular Analysis of Dihydropteroate Synthase Gene Mutations in Pneumocystis jirovecii Isolates among Bulgarian Patients with Pneumocystis Pneumonia
Authors: Tsvetkova Nina , Harizanov Rumen , Rainova Iskra , Ivanova Aleksandra , Yancheva-Petrova Nina
Published: November 2023

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised people. The widespread use of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) for the treatment and prophylaxis of opportunistic infections (including PCP) has led to an increased selection of TMP-SMZ-resistant microorganisms. Sulfa/sulfone resistance has been demonstrated to result from specific point mutations in the DHPS gene. This study aims to investigate the presence of DHPS gene mutations among P. jirovecii isolates from Bulgarian patients with PCP. A total of 326 patients were examined via real-time PCR targeting the P. jirovecii mitochondrial large subunit rRNA gene and further at the DHPS locus. P. jirovecii DNA was detected in 50 (15.34%) specimens. A 370 bp DHPS locus fragment was successfully amplified in 21 samples from 19 PCP-positive patients, which was then purified, sequenced, and used for phylogenetic analysis. Based on the sequencing analysis, all (n = 21) P. jirovecii isolates showed DHPS genotype 1 (the wild type, with the nucleotide sequence ACA CGG CCT at codons 55, 56, and 57, respectively). In conclusion, infections caused by P. jirovecii mutants potentially resistant to sulfonamides are still rare events in Bulgaria. DHPS genotype 1 at codons 55 and 57 is the predominant P. jirovecii strain in the country.
Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Activity of ZnO/Au and ZnO/Ag Nanocomposites
Authors: Busila Mariana , Musat Viorica , Alexandru Petrica , Romanitan Cosmin , Brincoveanu Oana , Tucureanu Vasilica , Mihalache Iuliana , Iancu Alina-Viorica , Dediu Violeta
Published: November 2023

The use of a combination of nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents can be one strategy to overcome the tendency of microbes to become resistant to antibiotic action. Also, the optimization of nano-photocatalysts to efficiently remove persistent pollutants from wastewater is a hot topic. In this study, two composites ZnO/Au (1% wt.) and ZnO/Ag (1% wt.) were synthesized by simple aqueous solution methods. The structure and morphology of the r nanocomposites were analyzed by structural and optical characterization methods. The formation of AuNPs and AgNPs in these experiments was also discussed. The antimicrobial properties of ZnO, ZnO/Au, and ZnO/Ag nanomaterials were investigated against Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). The results showed an increase of 80% in the antimicrobial activity of ZnO/Au against Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared with 30% in the case of ZnO/Ag. Similarly, in the case of the S. aureus strain tests, ZnO/Au increased the antimicrobial activity by 55% and ZnO/Ag by 33%. The photocatalytic tests indicated an improvement in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV irradiation using ZnO/Au and ZnO/Ag nanocomposites compared to bare ZnO. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of ZnO after 60 min of UV irradiation was ∼83%, while the addition of AuNPs enhanced the degradation rate to ∼95% (ZP2), and AgNP presence enhanced the efficiency to ∼98%. The introduction of noble metallic nanoparticles into the ZnO matrix proved to be an effective strategy to increase their antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, and their photocatalytic activity was evaluated through the degradation of MB dye. Comparing the enhancing effects of Au and Ag, it was found that ZnO/Au was a better antimicrobial agent while ZnO/Ag was a more effective photocatalyst under UV irradiation.
Identifying Explainable Machine Learning Models and a Novel SFRP2+ Fibroblast Signature as Predictors for Precision Medicine in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Yang Ziyi , Zhou Dandan , Huang Jun
Published: November 2023

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a type of malignant tumor with a consistently high mortality rate. The diagnosis of early-stage OC and identification of functional subsets in the tumor microenvironment are essential to the development of patient management strategies. However, the development of robust models remains unsatisfactory. We aimed to utilize artificial intelligence and single-cell analysis to address this issue. Two independent datasets were screened from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and processed to obtain overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in stage II–IV vs. stage I diseases. Three explainable machine learning algorithms were integrated to construct models that could determine the tumor stage and extract important characteristic genes as diagnostic biomarkers. Correlations between cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) infiltration and characteristic gene expression were analyzed using TIMER2.0 and their relationship with survival rates was comprehensively explored via the Kaplan–Meier plotter (KM-plotter) online database. The specific expression of characteristic genes in fibroblast subsets was investigated through single-cell analysis. A novel fibroblast subset signature was explored to predict immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) response and oncogene mutation through Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) and artificial neural network algorithms, respectively. We found that Support Vector Machine–Shapley Additive Explanations (SVM-SHAP), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Random Forest (RF) successfully diagnosed early-stage OC (stage I). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of these models exceeded 0.990. Their overlapping characteristic gene, secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (SFRP2), was a risk factor that affected the overall survival of OC patients with stage II–IV disease (log-rank test: p < 0.01) and was specifically expressed in a fibroblast subset. Finally, the SFRP2+ fibroblast signature served as a novel predictor in evaluating ICI response and exploring pan-cancer tumor protein P53 (TP53) mutation (AUC = 0.853, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.829–0.877). In conclusion, the models based on SVM-SHAP, XGBoost, and RF enabled the early detection of OC for clinical decision making, and SFRP2+ fibroblast signature used in diagnostic models can inform OC treatment selection and offer pan-cancer TP53 mutation detection.