bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiation of Adipose Tissue Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Endothelial Cells Depends on Fat Depot Conditions: Regulation by miRNA
Authors: Arderiu Gemma , Civit-Urgell Anna , Díez-Caballero Alberto , Moscatiello Fabrizio , Ballesta Carlos , Badimon Lina
Published: March 2024

The development of obesity is associated with substantial modulation of adipose tissue (AT) structure. The plasticity of the AT is reflected by its remarkable ability to expand or reduce in size throughout the adult lifespan, which is linked to the development of its vasculature. This increase in AT vasculature could be mediated by the differentiation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) into endothelial cells (ECs) and form new microvasculature. We have already shown that microRNA (miRNA)-145 regulates the differentiation of ASCs into EC-like (ECL) cells. Here, we investigated whether ASCs-differentiation into ECs is governed by a miRNAs signature that depends on fat depot location and /or the metabolic condition produced by obesity. Human ASCs, which were obtained from white AT by surgical procedures from lean and obese patients, were induced to differentiate into ECL cells. We have identified that miRNA-29b-3p in both subcutaneous (s)ASCs and visceral ASCs and miRNA-424-5p and miRNA-378a-3p in subcutaneous (s)ASCs are involved in differentiation into EC-like cells. These miRNAs modulate their pro-angiogenic effects on ASCs by targeting FGFR1, NRP2, MAPK1, and TGF-β2, and the MAPK signaling pathway. We show for the first time that miRNA-29b-3p upregulation contributes to ASCs’ differentiation into ECL cells by directly targeting TGFB2 in both sASCs and visceral ASCs. Moreover, our results reveal that, independent of sASCs’ origin (obese/lean), the upregulation of miRNA-378a-3p and the downregulation of miRNA-424-5p inhibit MAPK1 and overexpress FGFR1 and NRP2, respectively. In summary, both the adipose depot location and obesity affect the differentiation of resident ASCs through the expression of specific miRNAs.
Diverse Prophage Elements of Salmonella enterica Serovars Show Potential Roles in Bacterial Pathogenicity
Authors: Andrews Kirstie , Landeryou Toby , Sicheritz-Pontén Thomas , Nale Janet Yakubu
Published: March 2024

Nontyphoidal salmonellosis is an important foodborne and zoonotic infection that causes significant global public health concern. Diverse serovars are multidrug-resistant and encode several virulence indicators; however, little is known on the role prophages play in driving these traits. Here, we extracted prophages from seventy-five Salmonella genomes which represent the fifteen important serovars in the United Kingdom. We analyzed the intact prophages for the presence of virulence genes and established their genomic relationships. We identified 615 prophages from the Salmonella strains, from which 195 prophages are intact, 332 are incomplete, while 88 are questionable. The average prophage carriage was found to be ‘extreme’ in S. Heidelberg, S. Inverness, and S. Newport (10.2–11.6 prophages/strain), ‘high’ in S. Infantis, S. Stanley, S. Typhimurium, and S. Virchow (8.2–9.0 prophages/strain), ‘moderate’ in S. Agona, S. Braenderup, S. Bovismorbificans, S. Choleraesuis, S. Dublin, and S. Java (6.0–7.8 prophages/strain), and ‘low’ in S. Javiana and S. Enteritidis (5.8 prophages/strain). Cumulatively, 61 virulence genes (1500 gene copies) were detected from representative intact prophages and linked to Salmonella delivery/secretion system (42.62%), adherence (32.7%), magnesium uptake (3.88%), regulation (5%), stress/survival (1.6%), toxins (10%), and antivirulence (1.6%). Diverse clusters were formed among the intact prophages and with bacteriophages of other enterobacteria, suggesting different lineages and associations. Our work provides a strong body of data to support the contributions diverse prophages make to the pathogenicity of Salmonella, including thirteen previously unexplored serovars.
The Roles of Fibrinolytic Factors in Bone Destruction Caused by Inflammation
Authors: Kanno Yosuke
Published: March 2024

Chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Crohn’s disease, periodontitis, and carcinoma metastasis frequently result in bone destruction. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and IL-17 are known to influence bone loss by promoting the differentiation and activation of osteoclasts. Fibrinolytic factors, such as plasminogen (Plg), plasmin, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), its receptor (uPAR), tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), α2-antiplasmin (α2AP), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) are expressed in osteoclasts and osteoblasts and are considered essential in maintaining bone homeostasis by regulating the functions of both osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Additionally, fibrinolytic factors are associated with the regulation of inflammation and the immune system. This review explores the roles of fibrinolytic factors in bone destruction caused by inflammation.
Repurposing Drugs for Senotherapeutic Effect: Potential Senomorphic Effects of Female Synthetic Hormones
Authors: Bramwell Laura R. , Frankum Ryan , Harries Lorna W.
Published: March 2024

Repurposing previously approved drugs may fast track the route to the clinic for potential senotherapeutics and improves the inefficiency of the clinical drug development pipeline. We performed a repurposing screen of 240 clinically approved molecules in human primary dermal fibroblasts for their effects on CDKN2A expression. Molecules demonstrating effects on CDKN2A expression underwent secondary screening for senescence-associated beta galactosidase (SAB) activity, based on effect size, direction, and/or molecule identity. Selected molecules then underwent a more detailed assessment of senescence phenotypes including proliferation, apoptosis, DNA damage, senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) expression, and regulators of alternative splicing. A selection of the molecules demonstrating effects on senescence were then used in a new bioinformatic structure–function screen to identify common structural motifs. In total, 90 molecules displayed altered CDKN2A expression at one or other dose, of which 15 also displayed effects on SAB positivity in primary human dermal fibroblasts. Of these, 3 were associated with increased SAB activity, and 11 with reduced activity. The female synthetic sex hormones—diethylstilboestrol, ethynyl estradiol and levonorgestrel—were all associated with a reduction in aspects of the senescence phenotype in male cells, with no effects visible in female cells. Finally, we identified that the 30 compounds that decreased CDKN2A activity the most had a common substructure linked to this function. Our results suggest that several drugs licensed for other indications may warrant exploration as future senotherapies, but that different donors and potentially different sexes may respond differently to senotherapeutic compounds. This underlines the importance of considering donor-related characteristics when designing drug screening platforms.
Formulation and Characterization of Double Emulsions W/O/W Stabilized by Two Natural Polymers with Two Manufacturing Processes (Comparative Study)
Authors: Boudoukhani Meriem , Yahoum Madiha Melha , Ezzroug Kaouther , Toumi Selma , Lefnaoui Sonia , Moulai-Mostefa Nadji , Sid Asma Nour El Houda , Tahraoui Hichem , Kebir Mohammed , Amrane Abdeltif , Jaouadi Bassem , Zhang Jie
Published: March 2024

Four distinct types of multiple emulsions were synthesized using xanthan gum and pectin through two distinct manufacturing processes. The assessment encompassed the examination of morphology, stability, and rheological properties for the resulting water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double emulsions. Formulations were meticulously crafted with emulsifiers that were compatible with varying compositions. Remarkably stable multiple emulsions were achieved with a 0.5 wt% xanthan concentration, demonstrating resilience for nearly two months across diverse storage temperatures. In contrast, multiple emulsions formulated with a higher pectin concentration (2.75 wt%) exhibited instability within a mere three days. All multiple emulsions displayed shear-thinning behavior, characterized by a decline in apparent viscosity with escalating shear rates. Comparatively, multiple emulsions incorporating xanthan gum showcased elevated viscosity at low shear rates in contrast to those formulated with pectin. These results underscore the pivotal role of the stepwise process over the direct approach and emphasize the direct correlation between biopolymer concentration and emulsion stability. This present investigation demonstrated the potential use of pectin and xanthan gum as stabilizers of multiple emulsions with potential application in the pharmaceutical industry for the formulation of topical dosage forms.
Experiment and Numerical Simulation on Thermal Cycling Performance of YSZ-Based Sealing Coatings with “Brick-Mud” Layered Structure
Authors: Cheng Taotao , Dong Yuelu , Ma Liang , Wu Zhibing , Wang Jun , Ma Xiang , Wang Zhiping , Dai Shijie
Published: March 2024

The failure of premature thermal cycling spalling off is the bottleneck problem currently faced by yttrium oxide partially stabilized zirconia (YSZ) ceramic-based sealing coatings. Studies on the thermal cycling performance of coatings with “brick-mud” structures were carried out by experimental and simulation methods in this paper. The results showed that, as the thickness of “mud” layer increased, the bonding strength of the “brick-mud” structure coatings gradually decreased. When the thickness of the “mud” layer was about 3 μm and 10 μm, the thermal cycling lives of the T1 and T2 coatings were improved by 90.0% and 135.7%, respectively, compared with conventional coating (T0 coating), while that of the T3 coating (containing thick “mud” layers of about 20 μm) was decreased by 81.4%. The stress field of M2 “mud” layers with different thicknesses was subjected to a comprehensive effect by thermal mismatch stress and pores in “brick” layer. Compared with the medium and thick “mud” layers, the thin “mud” layer sustained obvious larger σ22 max and σ12 max, indicating its potential for the preferential initiation of transverse microcracks. In addition, the thin “mud” layer withstood the largest σ11 max and had the strongest potential for longitudinal crack growth. Both transverse and longitudinal cracking could consume energy during thermal cycling and reduce the stress concentration at the top coating/bond coating interface. These were the main reasons for the improvements in the thermal cycling performances of the T1 and T2 coatings. The degree of crack deflection and the capacity of energy dissipation in the “mud” layer increased significantly with its thickness. However, the propagation length of transverse cracks also gradually increased in the meantime. Especially when the “mud” layer was 20 μm, the length of the transverse cracks increased rapidly. Thus, early interlayer delamination failure occurred in the T3 coating during thermal cycling.
Hepatic Artery Delineation on Ultrasound Volumes Comparing B-Flow and Color Doppler for Postoperative Monitoring of Pediatric Liver Transplants
Authors: Dammann Elena , Steinmeister Leonhard , Groth Michael , Herden Uta , Fischer Lutz , Brinkert Florian , Beime Jan , Tozakidou Magdalini , Bannas Peter , Herrmann Jochen
Published: March 2024

(1) Background: Accurate hepatic artery (HA) depiction following pediatric liver transplantation (LT) is essential for graft surveillance but challenging on ultrasound (US). This study assesses if improved HA delineation can be achieved by recording two-dimensional US volumes in Color Doppler (CD) and B-flow technique. (2) Methods: Of 42 consecutive LT, 37 cases were included, and HA delineation was retrospectively rated using a four-point score (0 = HA not detectable, 3 = HA fully detectable, separable from portal vein) within 48 h post-LT (U1) and before discharge (U2). (3) Results: Adding B-flow compared with CD alone showed superior results at neohilar (U1: 2.2 ± 1.0 vs. 1.1 ± 0.8, p < 0.0001; U2: 2.5 ± 0.8 vs. 1.5 ± 0.9, p < 0.0001) and segmental levels (U1: 2.8 ± 0.6 vs. 0.6 ± 0.8, p < 0.0001; U2: 2.8 ± 0.6 vs. 0.7 ± 0.5, p < 0.0001). (4) Conclusions: Standardized US volume recordings combining B-flow and CD can effectively delineate the HA along its vascular course in pediatric LT. The technique should be further evaluated as a standard monitoring instrument to rule out vascular complications after LT.
Design of Pseudo-Command Restricted Controller for Tailless Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Based on Attainable Moment Set
Authors: Han Linxiao , Hu Jianbo , Wang Yingyang , Cong Jiping , Zhang Peng
Published: March 2024

This work investigates the pseudo-command restricted problem for tailless unmanned aerial vehicles with snake-shaped maneuver flight missions. The main challenge of designing such a pseudo-command restricted controller lies in the fact that the necessity of control allocation means it will be difficult to provide a precise envelope of pseudo-command to the flight controller; designing a compensation system to deal with insufficient capabilities beyond this envelope is another challenge. The envelope of pseudo-command can be expressed by attainable moment sets, which leave some open problems, such as how to obtain the attainable moment sets online and how to reduce the computational complexity of the algorithm, as well as how to ensure independent control allocation and the convexity of attainable moments sets. In this article, an innovative algorithm is proposed for the calculation of attainable moment sets, which can be implemented by fitting wind tunnel data into a function to solve the problems presented above. Furthermore, the algorithm is independent of control allocation and can be obtained online. Moreover, based on the above attainable moment sets algorithm, a flight performance assurance system is designed, which not only guarantees that the command is constrained within the envelope so that its behavior is more predictable, but also supports adaptive compensation for the pseudo-command restricted controller. Finally, the effectiveness of the AMS algorithm and the advantages of the pseudo-command restricted control system are validated through two sets of independent simulations.
Shaping Educational Strategies: A Literature Review on Uncertainty and the Unexpected
Authors: Capolla Lorenza Maria
Published: March 2024

A key feature of contemporary times is the high degree of complexity that impacts all spheres and aspects of today’s society, particularly within education. This complexity, deriving from a postdigital world in a polycrisis, causes continuous eventualities and results in these conditions of uncertainty. This contribution reviews the present literature on the issues of the unexpected and uncertainty. From the 13 articles included in the review, an attempt is made to define the terms “uncertainty” and “unexpected” in order to scan the management strategies proposed by various authors in diverse fields, highlighting the correlation between uncertainty, the unexpected, and anxiety. Although this review revealed a lack of a universal definition of the “unexpected” and “uncertainty”, the analysis seems to have revealed some common and essential features in various articles and perspectives on the topic. Suggestions drawn from the analysis prove particularly useful in investigating the implications that uncertainty and the unexpected have in education, especially in training future teachers.
Inclusion and Inclusive Education in Russia: Analysis of Legislative and Strategic Documents at the State Level between 2012–2014
Authors: Hanssen Natallia Bahdanovich , Alekseeva Aleksandra A.
Published: March 2024

Inclusive education is an important foundation of many societies, including the post-Soviet countries. It has been more than ten years since the official implementation of inclusion in Russia. However, the inclusive education system has not developed enough to be equally supported everywhere throughout the country, and is marked by controversial views on legal regulation and inclusive strategies. The purpose of this article is to examine inclusion and inclusive education, mainly for students with special educational needs, as understood in the educational policy. The data consist of legislative and strategic documents on the state level between 2012 to 2014. The data analysis was based on a qualitative content analysis. The analysis indicated two main themes: the subtle expression and lack of a definition for inclusion, and an inconsistent expression and definition of inclusive education. The results point to the necessity of encouraging discussions as well as reflections with respect to articulating and defining what inclusion is and how Russia can create an effective strategy for the further development of inclusive education.
Enabling Efficient On-Edge Spiking Neural Network Acceleration with Highly Flexible FPGA Architectures
Authors: López-Asunción Samuel , Ituero Pablo
Published: March 2024

Spiking neural networks (SNNs) promise to perform tasks currently performed by classical artificial neural networks (ANNs) faster, in smaller footprints, and using less energy. Neuromorphic processors are set out to revolutionize computing at a large scale, but the move to edge-computing applications calls for finely-tuned custom implementations to keep pushing towards more efficient systems. To that end, we examined the architectural design space for executing spiking neuron models on FPGA platforms, focusing on achieving ultra-low area and power consumption. This work presents an efficient clock-driven spiking neuron architecture used for the implementation of both fully-connected cores and 2D convolutional cores, which rely on deep pipelines for synaptic processing and distributed memory for weight and neuron states. With them, we developed an accelerator for an SNN version of the LeNet-5 network trained on the MNIST dataset. At around 5.5 slices/neuron and only 348 mW, it is able to use 33% less area and four times less power per neuron as current state-of-the-art implementations while keeping low simulation step times.
A Hierarchical Trajectory Planning Algorithm for Automated Guided Vehicles in Construction Sites
Authors: Bai Yu , Li Pengpeng , Cui Zhipeng , Yang Peng , Li Weihua
Published: March 2024

Herein, to address the challenges faced by Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) in construction site environments, including heavy vehicle loads, extensive road search areas, and randomly distributed obstacles, this paper presents a hierarchical trajectory planning algorithm that combines coarse planning and precise planning. In the first-level coarse planning, lateral and longitudinal sampling is performed based on road environment constraints. A multi-criteria cost function is designed, taking into account factors such as deviation from the road centerline, shortest path cost, and obstacle collision safety cost. An efficient dynamic programming algorithm is used to obtain the optimal path. Considering nonholonomic constraints of vehicles, eliminating inflection points using improved B-Spline path fitting, and a quadratic programming algorithm is proposed to enhance path smoothness, completing the coarse planning algorithm. In the second-level precise planning, the coarse planning path is used as a reference line, and small-range sampling is conducted based on AGV motion constraints, including lateral displacement and longitudinal velocity. Lateral and longitudinal polynomials are constructed. To address the impact of randomly appearing obstacles on vehicle stability and safety, an evaluation function is designed, considering factors such as jerk and acceleration. The optimal trajectory is determined through collision detection, ensuring both safe obstacle avoidance and AGV smoothness. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of this method in solving the path planning challenges faced by AGVs in construction site environments characterized by heavy vehicle loads, extensive road search areas, and randomly distributed obstacles.
Renewable Energy Real-Time Carrying Capacity Assessment Method and Response Strategy under Typhoon Weather
Authors: Li Dahu , Liu Zimin , He Jun , He Lixun , Ye Zeli , Liu Zong
Published: March 2024

Currently, the integration of distributed power supply into the power grid is steadily increasing. The grid’s carrying capacity serves as a crucial metric for evaluating the grid’s resilience following the widespread integration of distributed power supply. During typhoon conditions, if the power grid experiences line breakage and load loss faults, the grid’s framework is altered, rendering the conventional carrying capacity assessment method obsolete. This study introduces a method for assessing the risk of line carrying capacity and an index for line overload probability under typhoon conditions, integrating line and transformer capacity constraints to evaluate the grid’s carrying capacity risk. The probability of line failure is modeled during typhoon events, and a modified IEEE39 node example is employed to simulate a high-penetration grid in a typhoon scenario. Addressing the issue of inadequate intraday dispatch capability under insufficient carrying capacity, we propose a multi-timescale dispatch method and derive the optimal grid dispatch strategy using the viscous bacteria algorithm. The efficacy of the multi-timescale dispatch strategy in addressing the grid’s carrying capacity risk is validated through simulation, while the economic cost of mitigating the grid’s carrying capacity risk and the line overload probability is assessed across varying parameter values.
Interspecific Sharing of Closely Related Chloroplast Genome Haplotypes among Sclerophyllous Oaks in the Hot-Dry Valley of the Jinsha River, Southwestern China
Authors: Li Yao , Tan Chao , Zhang Wenxu , Wang Lu , Yang Zhi , Fang Yanming , Yang Yong , Mao Lingfeng
Published: March 2024

Evergreen sclerophyllous oak forests (ESOFs) in southwestern China are a special vegetation type developed in response to the expansion of arid habitats after the uplift of the Himalayas. Here, we used chloroplast (cp) DNA and nuclear ribosomal (nr) DNA to investigate the fine-scale genetic variation patterns of six sympatric oaks (Quercus, Fagaceae) in the hot-dry valley ESOFs of the Jinsha River, southwestern China. Three cp genomes were assembled for each species. Nine cp genome haplotypes and 16 nrDNA haplotypes were identified based on single-nucleotide variants and indels. Our results demonstrated that discordance existed between the cpDNA and nrDNA phylogenies of the sclerophyllous oaks in section Ilex. The nrDNA phylogeny was consistent with species boundaries, while the cpDNA phylogeny was decoupled from taxonomy. Interspecific sharing of closely related cp genome haplotypes was detected between Quercus cocciferoides and the other two sclerophyllous oaks, Q. longispica and Q. franchetii. Specifically, Q. cocciferoides and Q. longispica sampled in a mixed stand exhibited two haplotypes that differed by a 9 bp indel. The local distribution of the two highly similar haplotypes suggested that they may have arisen from ancient introgression. Given that the two species have diverged for a long time, it is possible that the ancestral cp genome of one species was captured by another species through asymmetric introgression in early times, and an indel event occurred subsequently. Phylogenetic analyses using more previously published cp genome sequences indicated that Q. cocciferoides and Q. franchetii shared multiple cpDNA lineages of Ilex oaks, which may be caused by shared ancestral polymorphism and/or ancient introgression. Our study showed that at least three highly variable regions (ψycf1, ndhF-rpl32, and trnKUUU-rps16 or rpl32-trnLUAG) can distinguish the nine haplotypes identified by whole-cp genome sequences. These markers are useful for the evolutionary studies of the maternal lineages of oaks in hot-dry valley ESOFs.
Growth, Physiological, and Transcriptome Analyses Reveal Mongolian Oak Seedling Responses to Shading
Authors: Li Xinman , Jiang Min , Ren Yachao , Pang Jiushuai , Ren Junjie , Li Guifen , Yuan Yangchen , Xing Xueding , Zhou Miaomiao , Wang Jinmao , Yang Minsheng
Published: March 2024

Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica) is a common building material and landscaping tree species in northern China, with significant economic and ecological value. Its seedling growth is inhibited by high light intensity, but the mechanism by which light stress affects the growth and development of its seedlings remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the phenotypes, physiological processes, and molecular responses of 3-year-old Mongolian oak seedlings under different light treatments: full light (Sck), light shading (S1; 40% light), moderate shading (S2; 20% light), and severe shading (S3; 3% light). Compared to Sck, the S1 and S2 treatments resulted in higher leaf area, photosynthetic pigment content, photosynthesis rates, soluble sugar contents, and soluble protein contents in Mongolian oak seedlings. The S1 and S2 treatments also promoted seedling height and diameter growth and resulted in lower degrees of membrane lipid peroxidation, cell membrane permeability, and antioxidant enzyme activity. In contrast, severe shading (S3) significantly inhibited seedling height and diameter growth due to the lower net photosynthetic rate, and exhibiting higher degrees of membrane lipid peroxidation and cell membrane permeability. Shading treatments (S1 and S2) alleviated the negative effects of strong light on the growth and development of Mongolian oak seedlings, with the S2 treatment having the greatest effect. However, severe shading (S3) inhibited growth and development. A total of 3726 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in leaves under different shading treatments in RNA sequencing analysis. Among these, 1691, 3150, and 824 DEGs were detected in the Sck-S1, Sck-S2, and S1-S2 comparison groups, respectively. The different shading treatments determined common expression regulation pathways, including carotenoid biosynthesis, photosynthetic antenna proteins, and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction. Shading induced increases in gene expression levels in light harvesting complexes, which are related to changes in gene expression in the photosynthetic system, leading to changes in photosynthetic physiology. The expression levels of genes related to reactive oxygen species signal perception and activation enzymes were upregulated in Sck. Together, these findings revealed the response mechanisms of Mongolian oak seedlings to different shading levels at the physiological and molecular levels, providing a scientific basis and technical support for the cultivation and large-scale production of Mongolian oak seedlings.
Impact of Forest Management on Wood Production under Climate Change in the Bonis Catchment
Authors: Feki Mouna , Ravazzani Giovanni , Pellicone Gaetano , Caloiero Tommaso
Published: March 2024

The concept of integrated forest management offers a framework for understanding how forest ecosystem services interact with efforts to conserve natural resources. Forests face various disturbances stemming from human activities, management approaches, and shifts in climate patterns. This study aims to explore how forested watersheds respond to diverse silvicultural practices amidst changing climate conditions. The research is centered in the Bonis catchment, situated in the mountainous region of Sila Greca (latitude 39°25′15″ N, longitude 16°12′38″ W) within Southern Italy’s Calabria region. Nearly 93% of the catchment area is cloaked in a forest dominated by approximately 50-year-old Pinus laricio Poiret stands. To model the catchment’s response to various climate and management scenarios, the FEST-FOREST eco-hydrological model, which is distributed and based on physical principles, has been employed. This model accounts for the dynamic interactions between vegetation and the watershed’s hydrological processes. The monitoring of the basin has been ongoing since 1986, with runoff measurements collected at the catchment outlet using dedicated gauging structures. These data have been utilized to calibrate and validate the model, ensuring its accuracy in simulating future scenarios. These simulation results offer stakeholders some qualitative and scientifically based recommendations for the sustainable management of the catchment. In fact, thinning intensity affects hydrological processes, with a 50% stand density reduction identified as a threshold for significant impact on processes like rainfall partitioning and evapotranspiration. Under heavy thinning scenarios, runoff can change by over 60%, and the impact decreases with larger thinning intervals. Furthermore, different climate scenarios influence stem yield levels, with higher production under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 compared to the base climate scenario. In particular, the RCP 8.5 scenario produces the highest yield due to better forest growth under different climate scenarios. This implies the idea that in regions with a Mediterranean climate and coniferous forests, amidst climate change, meticulous forest management involving precisely calibrated thinning schedules and intensities, tailored to unique biotic and abiotic factors, could potentially enhance carbon sequestration while positively influencing runoff rates.
Influence of BRDF Models and Solar Zenith Angles on Forest Above-Ground Biomass Derived from MODIS Multi-Angular Indices
Authors: Cui Lei , Zhang Jiaying , Dai Yiqun , Xie Rui , Zhu Zhongzheng , Sun Mei , Zhang Xiaoning , He Long , Zhang Hu , Dong Yadong , Zhao Kaiguang
Published: March 2024

Multi-angular remote sensing observation contains crucial information on forest structure parameters. Here, our goal is to examine the ability of multi-angular indices, which are constructed by the typical-angular reflectances in red and NIR bands from MODIS observations, for the retrieval of forest biomass based on the field-measured above-ground biomass (AGB) data. Specifically, we employed the updated version of the MCD43A1 BRDF parameter product as an input for BRDF models to reconstruct the MODIS typical-angular reflectances. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of different configurations of BRDF models and solar zenith angles (SZA) on forest AGB estimation using our developed multi-angular indices. The semivariogram analysis strategy combined with Landsat ground-surface reflectance data was employed to determine the MODIS pixel heterogeneity; the survey data from field sites of homogeneous pixels was used in our analysis and validation. The results show that our developed multi-angular indices based on a hot-revised BRDF model, under a SZA of 45°, when combined with forest cover information, can account for up to 72% of the variation forest AGB, with an RMSE = 45 Mg/ha. We also found that different kernels for the BRDF models influenced the weight parameters of the biomass inversion equation but did not significantly affect the estimated AGB. In conclusion, our method can enable the better usage of MODIS multi-angular observations for forest AGB estimation.
Effects of an Invasive Bark Beetle Polygraphus proximus Blandf. Outbreak on Carbon Pool Dynamics in West Siberian Dark Coniferous Forests
Authors: Kerchev Ivan A. , Bisirova Elvina M. , Smirnov Nikita A. , Grachev Igor G. , Nikiforov Artem N. , Kalashnikova Daria A.
Published: March 2024

Invasions of dendrophagous insects pose major threats to forest ecosystems and to the timber industry. The alien species bark beetle Polygraphus proximus Blandf. of Far Eastern origin has caused Siberian fir dieback in vast areas within several regions of Russia. Rapid spread of the pest and its outbreaks raise the issue of preserving the most important functions, including carbon sequestration, by the damaged forests. In this study, monitoring of carbon pool dynamics was carried out during 2012–2023 on four sample plots showing various degrees of damage in the southern taiga zone of Western Siberia in the Larinsky Landscape Reserve. Dynamics of the forest stands’ vitality were reflected in a rapid decline of the number of viable trees and an increase in amounts of deadwood, debris, and soil composition, resulting in a transformation of the natural biological carbon cycle in the native dark coniferous ecosystems.
The Economic Value of Forest Bathing: An Example Case of the Italian Alps
Authors: Paletto Alessandro , Notaro Sandra , Sergiacomi Carlotta , Di Mascio Francesca
Published: March 2024

In the mid-1980s, forest bathing was established in Japan to improve citizens’ physical and mental health. In the literature, many studies have investigated the role of forest bathing in decreasing people’s stress and anxiety as well as in reducing hypertension and coronary artery disease. Forest bathing is also a practice with important social and economic implications at a local level. This study investigated the economic value of forest bathing in a case study in northern Italy (i.e., the Parco del Respiro, in Trentino-Alto Adige) using the Zonal Travel Cost Method. To achieve this aim, 243 forest bathers in the study area were interviewed in the summer of 2022. The findings highlighted that an actively managed forest with an average–low amount of deadwood and clean open areas is the scenario preferred by participants. In addition, the results of the Zonal Travel Cost Method showed a relevant annual consumer surplus of EUR 8700 for the forest bathing activity in the study area, corresponding to EUR 35.80 per visit per person.
Retting of Bast Fiber Crops Like Hemp and Flax—A Review for Classification of Procedures
Authors: Angulu Morris , Gusovius Hans-Jörg
Published: March 2024

The interest and thus the number of publications on the supply chains of bast fiber plants has steadily increased in recent years. A number of specific technical terms related to methods and their use for individual areas of the supply chain are often interpreted and used in very different ways. Therefore, the aim of this publication is to increase the clarity of the description of the operations and to improve the understanding of the sequence and the purpose of the process steps. This is based on a selected review of the relevant literature as well as on suggestions for their classification
Research on the Optimal Spacing of Multiple Roof Smoke Blocking Structures in a Long Corridor
Authors: Wu Zeqi , Wang Kun , Shao Lin , Song Huaitao , Liu Kunpeng
Published: March 2024

In a long and narrow corridor, the installation of roof smoke blocking structures is a measure to slow down the spread of fire smoke. When employing multiple smoke blocking structures, the spacing between these structures is a critical parameter that needs to be considered for optimal effectiveness. This paper analyzes the smoke blocking performance of double structures at different spacing and measures the smoke flow velocity both upstream and downstream of the double structures. According to the analysis of the smoke velocity vector obtained from numerical simulation, the smoke can be divided into three zones based on the flow state of the smoke after passing through the front smoke screen structure, namely the vortex zone, surge wave zone, and steady flow zone. When the rear smoke screen is located in the surge zone, the smoke blocking effect is optimal. Analysis of the morphology of the smoke layer indicates that the length of the vortex region is directly proportional to the upstream smoke flow velocity. The numerical and experimental results both indicate that an excessively large or small spacing between the structures fails to achieve optimal smoke control effectiveness. When the spacing is within an optimal range, the smoke velocity is the lowest. Finally, using a real architectural corridor as a case background, this paper presents a design example of roof smoke blocking structures. In order to arrange as many smoke blocking structures as possible, an appropriate spacing between the structures should be slightly larger than the vortex region. The smoke control effectiveness of multiple roof structures was validated through numerical simulation. As a result, the time required for smoke to pass through the corridor increases by 110 s.
Degradation Mechanism of Aflatoxin M1 by Recombinant Catalase from Bacillus pumilusE-1-1-1: Food Applications in Milk and Beer
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Zhao Fangkun , Wang Xianghong , Peng Kaige , Kang Chunyu , Sang Yaxin
Published: March 2024

A bacteria capable of degrading aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) was isolated from African elephant manure. It was identified as Bacillus pumilus by 16s rDNA sequencing and named B. pumilusE-1-1-1. Compared with physical and chemical methods, biological methods have attracted much attention due to their advantages, such as thorough detoxification, high specificity, and environmental friendliness. This work aimed to study the effects of a recombinant catalase (rCAT) from B. pumilusE-1-1-1 on the degradation of AFM1 in pattern solution. The degradation mechanism was further explored and applied to milk and beer. Kinetic Momentum and Virtual Machine Maximum values for rCAT toward AFM1 were 4.1 μg/mL and 2.5 μg/mL/min, respectively. The rCAT-mediated AFM1 degradation product was identified as C15H14O3. Molecular docking simulations suggested that hydrogen and pi bonds played major roles in the steadiness of AFM1–rCAT. In other work, compared with identical density of AFM1, survival rates of Hep-G2 cells incubated with catalase-produced AFM1 degradation products increased by about 3 times. In addition, degradation rates in lager beer and milk were 31.3% and 47.2%, respectively. Therefore, CAT may be a prospective substitute to decrease AFM1 contamination in pattern solution, milk, and beer, thereby minimizing its influence on human health.
Ultrasound-Assisted Multi-Enzyme Extraction for Highly Efficient Extraction of Polysaccharides from Ulva lactuca
Authors: Wang Wenqian , Li Jinbi , Lu Fuping , Liu Fufeng
Published: March 2024

Ulva polysaccharides present several physiological activities including antiviral, antitumor and anti-plasmodial effects. However, current processing usually results in low yields and high prices, thus lacking commercialization potential. The aim of this study was to develop an efficient method for the extraction of Ulva polysaccharides with high biological activity. The effect of cell wall-degrading enzymes including cellulase, hemicellulase, pectinase and protease on Ulva polysaccharide extraction was studied by statistical mixing design. Using the most effective enzyme preparations as the basic components, the optimal proportions of the enzyme mixture were determined as follows: cellulase 35.3%, pectinase 34.5%, alkaline protease 30.2%, which increased the polysaccharide yield from 6.43% in the absence of enzymes to 26.68%. Subsequently, through response surface analysis, the optimal conditions were determined: enzyme concentration of 1.5%, enzymatic time of 1.1 h, ultrasonic time of 90 min and enzymatic temperature of 60 °C. Under the optimal extraction conditions, the extraction yield of Ulva polysaccharides could be increased to 30.14%. Moreover, extracted polysaccharides exhibit strong antioxidant properties in DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl radical, superoxide radical and H2O2-induced cellular damage models. This study laid a solid foundation for the use and development of Ulva polysaccharides.
Mechanical Damage Caused by Compression and Its Effects on Storage Quality of Mandarin
Authors: Tian Haoyu , Chen Hong , Li Xiaoxian
Published: March 2024

Mandarin is vulnerable to a range of external loads during processing and shipping, which can cause interior mechanical damage that can happen right away or over time and cause serious rotting when kept in storage. In this study, mandarin was treated to a certain quantity of compression load that did not result in a noticeable rupture of the peel. The interior pulp structure of mandarin was examined for damage prior to peel damage using CT scanning and image reconstruction. An image segmentation method based on mask processing was then used to calculate the pulp damage rate. We examined the variations in physiological activities and internal components between the test group that underwent compression load and the control group that did not undergo this type of stress during storage. The aim was to investigate the factors that contributed to the faster decay of mandarin following mechanical damage. Regression analysis was also used to establish a quantifiable relationship between the amount of compression deformation and the rates of damage and decay of mandarin during storage. The findings demonstrated that mandarin pulp exhibited visible mechanical damage when compression deformation exceeded 8 mm. This led to the disruption of physiological processes like respiration and polysaccharide breakdown, which in turn decreased the hardness of the fruit and sped up its rotting. This study identifies the critical range of compression deformation that leads to the beginning of pulp damage in mandarins. Additionally, it clarifies the quality deterioration mechanism of mandarins that have been subjected to compression damage during the storage period. Therefore, in practical production, various methods of picking, sorting, and collecting mandarins can be optimized to control the amount of compression deformation within a suitable range. This will reduce the probability of pulp damage. According to the study’s conclusions, storage conditions can be optimized to regulate the physiological activities of mandarins in a targeted manner. This can minimize the probability of fruit decay and reduce economic losses.
Optimization and Characterization of Protein Extraction from Asparagus Leafy By-Products
Authors: dos Santos-Silva Aline Cristini , Saraiva Bianka Rocha , Lazzari Anderson , dos Santos Henrique , de Oliveira Évelin Lemos , Sato Francielle , Meurer Eduardo César , Matumoto-Pintro Paula Toshimi
Published: March 2024

Asparagus production generates significant amounts of by-products during the summer and post-harvest growth period. By-products can be good sources of nutrients and phytochemicals. The interest in increasing the availability of proteins for human consumption has led to the use of new plant sources rich in proteins. The objective of this study was to use response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the aqueous extraction process of proteins from asparagus leafy by-products, for the production of new protein ingredients. The optimum extraction condition was at pH 9, with 40 min of extraction at 50 °C, and the concentration was fixed at 5 g·L−1. The isolate obtained presented 90.48% protein with 43.47% protein yield. Amino acids such as alanine, proline, valine, leucine/isoleucine, asparagine, and phenylalanine were identified, and the antioxidant activity for 2,2 AZINO BIS (3-ethylbenzo thiazoline 6 sulfonic acid diammonium salt) was 145.76 equivalent to Trolox μmol.100g−1 and for DPPH 65.21 equivalent to Trolox μmol.100g−1. The product presented favorable technological properties (water absorption capacity 4.49 g·g−1 and oil absorption capacity 3.47 g·g−1) and the color tended towards dark green (L* 31.91, a* −1.01, b* −2.11). The protein isolate obtained through the extraction optimization process showed high potential to be used as a protein ingredient.
The Potential Role of Vitamin E and the Mechanism in the Prevention and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Wu Qi , Luo Yi , Lu Han , Xie Tiantian , Hu Zuomin , Chu Zhongxing , Luo Feijun
Published: March 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, and it is a multifactorial disease of the intestinal mucosa. Oxidative stress damage and inflammation are major risk factors for IBD. Vitamin E has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Our previous work and other investigations have shown that vitamin E has a positive effect on the prevention and treatment of IBD. In this paper, the source and structure of vitamin E and the potential mechanism of vitamin E’s role in IBD were summarized, and we also analyzed the status of vitamin E deficiency in patients with IBD and the effect of vitamin E supplementation on IBD. The potential mechanisms by which vitamin E plays a role in the prevention and treatment of IBD include improvement of oxidative damage, enhancement of immunity, maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity, and suppression of inflammatory cytokines, modulating the gut microbiota and other relevant factors. The review will improve our understanding of the complex mechanism by which vitamin E inhibits IBD, and it also provides references for doctors in clinical practice and researchers in this field.
Study on the Fermented Grain Characteristics and Volatile Flavor Substances during the Tuqu Fermentation of Hunan Light-Flavor Baijiu
Authors: Xu Jie , Zhang Ting , Chen Huitai , Dai Yijie , Li Zongjun , He Jia , Ju Rongfang , Hou Aixiang
Published: March 2024

The present study employed Hunan local Tuqu for fermentation and investigated the physicochemical properties, microbial community composition, and volatile flavor compounds of the fermented grains, as well as the correlation between the physicochemical indicators and the microbial community. The findings reveal that the activities of α-amylase and glucoamylase were highest during the initial stages of the fermentation process. The acid protease activity increased to 30.6 U/g on the second day and then decreased. Cellulose and lipase activities both showed an increasing trend. The moisture content increased sharply to 73.41% and then remained relatively stable. The acidity was highest on the eighth day. Fifty genera of bacteria and twenty-two genera of fungi were detected. Lactobacillus was dominant among bacteria, and Saccharomyces was dominant among fungi. A correlation analysis showed that there were positive correlations between moisture, acidity, cellulose, lipase activities and Lactobacillus, and there were positive correlations between moisture content, acidity, cellulase activity, acidic protease activity and Saccharomyces. A total of 46 volatile flavor compounds were detected, of which 6 alcohols and 14 esters constituted the major portion, and 9 key flavor compounds with an ROAV > 1 were identified throughout the fermentation process. Isoamyl acetate had the highest ROAV and made the greatest contribution to the flavor.
Identification of the Dynamic Trade Relationship between China and the United States Using the Quantile Grey Lotka–Volterra Model
Authors: Wang Zheng-Xin , Li Yue-Ting , Gao Ling-Fei
Published: March 2024

The quantile regression technique is introduced into the Lotka–Volterra ecosystem analysis framework. The quantile grey Lotka–Volterra model is established to reveal the dynamic trade relationship between China and the United States. An optimisation model is constructed to solve optimum quantile parameters. The empirical results show that the quantile grey Lotka–Volterra model shows higher fitting accuracy and reveals the trade relationships at different quantiles based on quarterly data on China–US trade from 1999 to 2019. The long-term China–US trade relationship presents a prominent predator–prey relationship because exports from China to the US inhibited China’s imports from the United States. Moreover, we divide samples into five stages according to four key events, China’s accession to the WTO, the 2008 global financial crisis, the weak global economic recovery in 2015, and the 2018 China–US trade war, recognising various characteristics at different stages.