bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bladder Cancer and Probiotics: What Do We Know So Far?
Authors: Sánchez-Pellicer Pedro , Boix-Rodríguez Claudia , Hernández-Belmonte Adriana , Encarnación-Castellano Cristina de la , Mendiola-López Alberto , Núñez-Delegido Eva , Navarro-Moratalla Laura , Agüera-Santos Juan , Navarro-López Vicente , Galán-Llopis Juan Antonio
Published: November 2023

Bladder cancer is around the 10th most diagnosed cancer, although has a considerable mortality. Recent research and new methodologies have discarded the historical dogma that the bladder (and urine) was sterile under normal conditions. Specifically, only a few studies have reported a detailed analysis of the urinary microbiota in patients with bladder cancer, thus exhibiting a remarkable variability due to the low biomass of the urinary microbiota and the influence of many factors. Nevertheless, this research shows us signals that urinary microbiota is a factor to be considered in the pathophysiology of bladder cancer. More importantly, probiotics could be useful as an adjuvant therapy to reduce the recurrence rate or increase the disease-free period after surgery. In vitro studies and animal assays have shown promising results, but the research in this context has also been scarce, and only a few studies have been conducted in humans. In summary, there is little evidence of the possible beneficial effect of probiotics in controlling the overgrowth of genera that could be involved in the carcinogenesis of bladder cancer. This narrative review aims to compile all the evidence to date on the therapeutic potential of probiotics injected directly into the bladder or orally administered.
Sex and Age Impact CD4+ T Cell Susceptibility to HIV In Vitro through Cell Activation Dynamics
Authors: Brandt Ludivine , Angelino Paolo , Martinez Raquel , Cristinelli Sara , Ciuffi Angela
Published: November 2023

Cellular composition and the responsiveness of the immune system evolve upon aging and are influenced by biological sex. CD4+ T cells from women living with HIV exhibit a decreased viral replication ex vivo compared to men’s. We, thus, hypothesized that these findings could be recapitulated in vitro and infected primary CD4+ T cells with HIV-based vectors pseudotyped with VSV-G or HIV envelopes. We used cells isolated from twenty donors to interrogate the effect of sex and age on permissiveness over a six-day activation kinetics. Our data identified an increased permissiveness to HIV between 24 and 72 h post-stimulation. Sex- and age-based analyses at these time points showed an increased susceptibility to HIV of the cells isolated from males and from donors over 50 years of age, respectively. A parallel assessment of surface markers’ expression revealed higher frequencies of activation marker CD69 and of immune checkpoint inhibitors (PD-1 and CTLA-4) in the cells from highly permissive donors. Furthermore, positive correlations were identified between the expression kinetics of CD69, PD-1 and CTLA-4 and HIV expression kinetics. The cell population heterogeneity was assessed using a single-cell RNA-Seq analysis and no cell subtype enrichment was identified according to sex. Finally, transcriptomic analyses further highlighted the role of activation in those differences with enriched activation and cell cycle gene sets in male and older female cells. Altogether, this study brought further evidence about the individual features affecting HIV replication at the cellular level and should be considered in latency reactivation studies for an HIV cure.
Right Ventricle and Epigenetics: A Systematic Review
Authors: Toro Victoria , Jutras-Beaudoin Naomie , Boucherat Olivier , Bonnet Sebastien , Provencher Steeve , Potus François
Published: November 2023

There is an increasing recognition of the crucial role of the right ventricle (RV) in determining the functional status and prognosis in multiple conditions. In the past decade, the epigenetic regulation (DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNAs) of gene expression has been raised as a critical determinant of RV development, RV physiological function, and RV pathological dysfunction. We thus aimed to perform an up-to-date review of the literature, gathering knowledge on the epigenetic modifications associated with RV function/dysfunction. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of studies assessing the contribution of epigenetic modifications to RV development and/or the progression of RV dysfunction regardless of the causal pathology. English literature published on PubMed, between the inception of the study and 1 January 2023, was evaluated. Two authors independently evaluated whether studies met eligibility criteria before study results were extracted. Amongst the 817 studies screened, 109 studies were included in this review, including 69 that used human samples (e.g., RV myocardium, blood). While 37 proposed an epigenetic-based therapeutic intervention to improve RV function, none involved a clinical trial and 70 are descriptive. Surprisingly, we observed a substantial discrepancy between studies investigating the expression (up or down) and/or the contribution of the same epigenetic modifications on RV function or development. This exhaustive review of the literature summarizes the relevant epigenetic studies focusing on RV in human or preclinical setting.
Innovative Methodologies for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage against Biodeterioration: A Review
Authors: Cirone Martina , Figoli Alberto , Galiano Francesco , La Russa Mauro Francesco , Macchia Andrea , Mancuso Raffaella , Ricca Michela , Rovella Natalia , Taverniti Maria , Ruffolo Silvestro Antonio
Published: November 2023

The use of traditional biocidal products in cultural heritage has suffered a slowdown due to the risks related to human health and the environment. Thus, many studies have been carried out with the aim of testing innovative and environmentally friendly alternatives. In this framework, this review attempts to provide an overview of some novel potential products with biocidal action, tested to counteract the process of degradation of paper and stone materials due to microbial activity, keeping in mind the sustainability criteria. In particular, we have focused our attention on the testing of nanotechnologies, essential oils, DES (deep eutectic solvents) with low toxicity, and colloidal substances for conservation purposes.
Calcium Hydroxyapatite Coatings: Low-Temperature Synthesis and Investigation of Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Lukaviciute Laura , Karciauskaite Justina , Grigoraviciute Inga , Vasiliauskiene Dovile , Sokol Denis , Kareiva Aivaras
Published: November 2023

In the present work, the low-temperature synthesis of substituted calcium hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, HAP) with copper and zinc ions on titanium substrates was performed. Initially, CaCO3 coatings were synthesised on titanium substrate using the sol-gel method at 550 °C in a CO2 atmosphere. Crystalline calcium hydroxyapatite was then synthesised from these CaCO3 coatings through the dissolution-precipitation method at low temperature (80 °C). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, FTIR and Raman spectroscopies, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to evaluate the phase composition, surface functional groups, crystallinity, and morphology of the coatings. The results showed the formation of hexagonal HAP particles with a size of 20 nm at low temperature, exhibiting high homogeneity in particle size distribution. In the calcium hydroxyapatite, some of the Ca2+ ions were replaced by Cu2+ ions. Heating the mixture of Ca(NO3)2 and Cu(NO3)2 solutions at 550 °C in a CO2 atmosphere led to the formation of copper hydroxide carbonate (malachite, Cu2(OH)2CO3) along with CaCO3. The reaction between the sol-gel precursor obtained and Na2HPO4 resulted in the formation of copper-substituted hydroxyapatite (Cu-HAP). Different synthesis methods were tested with Zn2+ ions, and on the surface of the coating, Zn(OH)(NO3)(H2O), Zn3(OH)4(NO3)2, and unreacted CaCO3 were formed. Antibacterial properties of the coatings were tested using the inhibition zone method. No inhibition zones were observed for HAP. However, in the Cu and Zn containing coatings, inhibition zones were observed in the presence of a colony of B. subtilis bacteria. However, no inhibition zones were detected in the presence of E. coli bacteria.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Palladium–Selenide Coatings
Authors: Świdniak Monika , Jędraczka Anna , Stępień Michał , Kutyła Dawid , Kowalik Remigiusz
Published: November 2023

This research explores the electrochemical synthesis of Pd-Se coatings from acidic chloride solutions using cyclic voltammetry to understand the reaction mechanism. The study examines how the applied potential and electrolyte composition affect the coatings’ properties. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used for elemental and phase analyses, respectively, while a scanning-electron microscope assessed the surface morphology. The findings indicate that the deposition potential significantly affected the coatings’ properties, altering the selenium-deposition reaction’s mechanism and the coatings’ elemental and phase composition and morphology. As the potential decreases, the mechanism transforms, influencing the elemental and phase compositions and the coatings’ morphology. The feasibility of co-depositing palladium with selenium in varying stoichiometric ratios and diverse phase compositions was confirmed. The post-heat-treatment-phase analysis highlighted a mix of intermetallic phases, with Pd17Se15 being predominant in the solutions with 1:2 and 1:1 palladium-to-selenium ratios. Electrolysis at lower potentials and from electrolytes with higher palladium-to-selenium ratios results in pure palladium coatings.
Neutral and Ionic Form of (Benzylthio)Acetic Acid in Novel Aminopyrimidine Based Multi-Component Crystalline Phases
Authors: Sienkiewicz-Gromiuk Justyna , Drzewiecka-Antonik Aleksandra
Published: November 2023

(benzylthio)acetic acid (HBTA) and some aminopyrimidines, namely 2-aminopyrimidine (2-AP), 5-aminopyrimidine (5-AP), 2-amino-4,6-dimethylpyrimidine (2-A-4,6-DMP), and 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine (2,4,6-TAP), were successfully embodied as structural units into the construction of a total of four novel supramolecular organic frameworks. The received crystalline solids were inspected by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC XRD) in order to obtain insight into the structural and supramolecular facets. The SOFs deriving from 2-AP, 5-AP, and 2-A-4,6-DMP crystallize in the form of co-crystals (1–3), while the one originating from 2,4,6-TAP crystallizes as a salt solvate (4). The SC XRD results indicated the different contents of structural residues present in the asymmetric units of the crystals 1–4 despite using the same molar ratio of molecular co-former components in each case. The molecular structures of co-crystals 1–3 consist of either one neutral residue of each starting component (1 and 3) or one nonionized residue of the aminopyrimidine ingredient and two neutral residues of the acidic component (2). The asymmetric unit of salt solvate 4 is composed of two ionized residues of each co-former (two 2,4,6-TAP+ cations and two BTA− anions) and one MeOH solvent molecule. The most extensive H-bonding network is observed in the crystal structure of salt solvate 4. The relevant molecular ingredients in co-crystals 1–3 are mainly held together by the neutral Ocarboxylic–H···Npyrimidine and Namine–H···Ocarboxylic H-bonds. In the case of aggregate 4, the corresponding ionic residues are predominantly sustained by the charged-assisted Npyrimidinium–H···Ocarboxylate and Namine–H···Ocarboxylate hydrogen interactions. The MeOH solvent, incorporated into the crystal lattice of adduct 4, is also involved in H-bonding by simultaneously serving as the single donor in OMeOH–H···S and the single acceptor in Namine–H···OMeOH H-bonds, which afforded the structural diversity within the 2,4,6-TAP+ cations and BTA− anions. Other weaker sets of additional non-covalent contacts existing in the crystal structures of analyzed conglomerates are involved in the self-assembly, stabilization, and expansion of total supramolecular organic frameworks. The fact of the formation of non-covalent bonded supramolecular organic frameworks in question is also reflected in corresponding results obtained through elemental analysis (EA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR), and thermal analysis (TG/DSC).
Impact of Complex Oceanographic Features on Seasonal Phytoplankton Community and Biodiversity from 2018 to 2020 in the Vicinity of Dokdo (Island), Offshore Korea
Authors: Baek Seung Ho , Lee Minji , Lee Chung Hyeon , Park Chan Hong , Kim Yun-Bae , Kang Jung Hoon , Lim Young Kyun
Published: November 2023

Dokdo, a volcanic island located in offshore waters, is significantly influenced by various currents and the island effect resulting from upwelling events. Despite these factors, there is a limited understanding of the seasonal changes in phytoplankton populations and their relationship with the environmental factors in the waters around Dokdo, even during dramatic shifts in phytoplankton dynamics. We focused on seasonal oceanographic features over three years (2018, 2019, and 2020) to understand the phytoplankton community structure and seasonal species succession. Winter, characterized by thorough mixing, results in high nutrient levels, leading to increased phytoplankton biomass. The dominance of the large-sized diatom Chaetoceros spp. contributes to relatively low diversity (H’: 1.14 ± 0.31). In contrast to the typical coastal waters, spring exhibits dominance by the small nano-flagellates and Cryptomonas spp. associated with a lack of surface nutrients due to increased water temperature. Summer, characterized by strong stratification, shows low phytoplankton biomass but high Chl. a concentrations, possibly influenced by picoplankton and the emergence of dinoflagellates, such as Gyrodinium sp. and Katodinium sp., which increases diversity (H’: 2.18 ± 0.28). In autumn, there is typically a phytoplankton bloom, but in 2019, an unusually low biomass occurred. This was likely due to the intrusion of deep, cold water from the bottom and low-salinity Changjiang diluted water (CDW) from the surface, increasing the water’s stability. This, in turn, led to nutrient depletion, contributing to a rise in diversity (H’: 1.14 ± 0.31). These environmentally complex waters around Dokdo result in a distinct pattern of biodiversity indices, with the highest in summer and the lowest in winter, differing from typical temperate waters. In conclusion, this research highlights the substantial influence of distinctive oceanographic features and nutrient dynamics on the phytoplankton biomass and biodiversity in the Ulleung Basin and Dokdo region. Understanding these patterns is vital for the effective management of marine ecosystems and fisheries resources, emphasizing the necessity for continued long-term monitoring in the vicinity of the Dokdo area.
Allergy Test Dosage of Fluorescein Detects Diabetic Retinopathy Changes in Fundus Fluorescein Angiography
Authors: Yang Jian-Feng , Wang Yun , Zhou Lingling , Tan Shaoying , Hu Zhanchi , Ng Tsz Kin , Cen Ling-Ping
Published: November 2023

Background: The aims of this study were to evaluate the feasibility of allergy test dosage of fluorescein sodium (1%) for Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) detection in Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA) examination as compared to the regular dosage (20%). Methods: Totally 77 eyes from 42 DR patients were included in this prospective study. Capillary non-perfusion area, neovascularization, diabetic macular edema and microaneurysms were measured by FFA and compared at 1, 5 and 15 min after intravenous injection of 1% or 20% fluorescein sodium. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the proportions of capillary non-perfusion area and diabetic macular edema as well as the amount of neovascularization between the 1% and 20% fluorescein sodium groups. Yet, the 1% group had a significantly a smaller number of microaneurysms than the 20% group at 1 min (p < 0.001) and a smaller number of eyes with diabetic macular edema than the 20% group at 5 (p = 0.032) and 15 min (p = 0.015). The images from patients with clear vitreous had better quality than the images from patients with vitreous opacity (all p < 0.05, except comparison on neovascularization at 5 min: p > 0.999). All examined indexes showed high correlations between the 1% and 20% groups (r > 0.8, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that 1% fluorescein sodium could detect the changes of DR comparably to the regular dosage.
Entropy Production in a Fractal System with Diffusive Dynamics
Authors: Zola Rafael S. , Lenzi Ervin K. , da Silva Luciano R. , Lenzi Marcelo K.
Published: November 2023

We study the entropy production in a fractal system composed of two subsystems, each of which is subjected to an external force. This is achieved by using the H-theorem on the nonlinear Fokker–Planck equations (NFEs) characterizing the diffusing dynamics of each subsystem. In particular, we write a general NFE in terms of Hausdorff derivatives to take into account the metric of each system. We have also investigated some solutions from the analytical and numerical point of view. We demonstrate that each subsystem affects the total entropy and how the diffusive process is anomalous when the fractal nature of the system is considered.
A Case Study of Effective Classroom Assessment Adjustments for a Student with Disability: The Role of Teacher Pedagogical Mobility in Assessment Adjustments
Authors: Razmjoee Maryam , Cumming Joy , Wyatt-Smith Claire
Published: November 2023

This study investigated how teachers’ pedagogical mobility influences classroom assessment adjustments to support mathematics achievement for a student with disability. Structured and semi-structured surveys and artefacts associated with the student’s mathematics assessment tasks for two Terms were used. Data were analyzed using qualitative inductive analysis. A scribe, a different place for the examination, and extra time were the adjustments provided for two mathematics assessment tasks. The results showed that in Term 1, the scribe’s lack of familiarity with discipline knowledge in terms of mathematics terminology resulted in a low mathematics outcome. However, in Term 2, when the student had access to an appropriately knowledgeable scribe, mathematics achievement improved. The implications of these findings for future research and practice are discussed.
A New DSGRU-Based Intrusion Detection Method for the Internet of Things
Authors: Liu Yueling , Lan Yingcong , Yang Changsong , Ding Yong , Li Chunhai
Published: November 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT), a rapidly developing technology, connects entities to the Internet through information sensing devices and networks. Recently, IoT has gained widespread application in daily life and work due to its high efficiency and convenience. However, with the rapid development of IoT, the systems are intruded upon by malicious users and hackers more and more frequently. As a result, intrusion detection has attracted significant attention, and numerous schemes have been proposed that can precisely identify malicious intrusion operations. However, the existing schemes suffer from several severe challenges, such as low accuracy, high computational overhead, and poor real-time performance, in processing large-scale, high-dimensional, and temporally correlated IoT network traffic data. To address these challenges, we propose a new intrusion detection scheme for IoT in this paper. Specifically, we first improve the traditional Gate Recurrent Unit (GRU) and design a novel neural network model, namely, the Deep Supplement Gate Recurrent Unit (DSGRU). This model comprises an Original Gate Recurrent Unit (OGRU), a Decode Gate Recurrent Unit (DGRU), and a Softmax activation function. Compared with the traditional GRU, our proposed DSGRU can more efficiently extract features from IoT network traffic data and reduce the loss of features caused by nonlinear transformations during the learning process. Subsequently, we adopt DSGRU to design a novel intrusion detection scheme for IoT. We also analyze the theoretical computational complexity of the proposed scheme. Finally, we implement our proposed intrusion detection scheme and evaluate its performance based on the UNSW-NB15 and NSL-KDD datasets. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed DSGRU-based intrusion detection scheme achieves better performance, including in terms of Accuracy, Precision, Recall, F1_score, loss value, and efficiency.
Span-Prototype Graph Based on Graph Attention Network for Nested Named Entity Recognition
Authors: Mu Jichong , Ouyang Jihong , Yao Yachen , Ren Zongxiao
Published: November 2023

Named entity recognition, a fundamental task in natural language processing, faces challenges related to the sequence labeling framework widely used when dealing with nested entities. The span-based method transforms nested named entity recognition into span classification tasks, which makes it an efficient way to deal with overlapping entities. However, too much overlap among spans may confuse the model, leading to inaccurate classification performance. Moreover, the entity mentioned in the training dataset contains rich information about entities, which are not fully utilized. So, in this paper, a span-prototype graph is constructed to improve span representation and increase its distinction. In detail, we utilize the entity mentions in the training dataset to create a prototype for each entity category and add prototype loss to adapt the span to its similar prototype. Then, we feed prototypes and span into a graph attention network (GAT), enabling span to automatically learn from different prototypes, which integrate the information about entities into the span representation. Experiments on three common nested named entity recognition datasets, including ACE2004, ACE2005, and GENIA, show that the proposed method achieves 87.28%, 85.97%, and 79.74% F1 scores on ACE2004, ACE2005, and GENIA, respectively, performing better than baselines.
Pursuit Path Planning for Multiple Unmanned Ground Vehicles Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Guo Hongda , Xu Youchun , Ma Yulin , Xu Shucai , Li Zhixiong
Published: November 2023

Path planning plays a crucial role in the execution of pursuit tasks for multiple unmanned ground vehicles (multi-UGVs). Although existing popular path-planning methods can achieve the pursuit goals, they suffer from some drawbacks such as long computation time and excessive path inflection points. To address these issues, this paper combines gradient descent and deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to solve the problem of excessive path inflection points from a path-smoothing perspective. In addition, the prioritized experience replay (PER) method is incorporated to enhance the learning efficiency of DRL. By doing so, the proposed model integrates PER, gradient descent, and a multiple-agent double deep Q-learning network (PER-GDMADDQN) to enable the path planning and obstacle avoidance capabilities of multi-UGVs. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed PER-GDMADDQN yields superior performance in the pursuit problem of multi-UGVs, where the training speed and smoothness of the proposed method outperform other popular algorithms. As a result, the proposed method enables satisfactory path planning for multi-UGVs.
An Active Power Dynamic Oscillation Damping Method for the Grid-Forming Virtual Synchronous Generator Based on Energy Reshaping Mechanism
Authors: Shi Rongliang , Lan Caihua , Dong Zheng , Yang Guihua
Published: November 2023

The grid-forming virtual synchronous generator (GFVSG) with large virtual inertia can provide a friendly grid-connected operational mode for power electronic converters, but it may also introduce the active power dynamic oscillation problems similar to traditional synchronous generators. In view of this, the dynamic equivalent circuit model of the GFVSG grid-tied active power-angle is established firstly, and, then, the understanding of the GFVSG active power oscillations under variable disturbances is revealed from the perspective of circuit energy flow in this paper. On this basis, an active power dynamic oscillation damping method based on an energy reshaping mechanism for the GFVSG is proposed, and a parameter design method using the second-order equivalent reduced-order control model is given. The MATLAB 2016a simulation as well as experimental test platforms of a 100 kV·A GFVSG grid-connected system are established, then, both the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed active power dynamic oscillation damping method are verified by using the simulation and experimental comparison results.
A Two-Stage Scheduling Strategy for Electric Vehicles Based on Model Predictive Control
Authors: Wang Wen , Chen Jiaqi , Pan Yi , Yang Ye , Hu Junjie
Published: November 2023

In recent years, with the rapid growth in the number of electric vehicles (EVs), the large-scale grid connection of EVs has had a profound impact on the power grid. As a flexible energy storage resource, EVs can participate in auxiliary services of the power grid via vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. Due to the uncertainty of EVs accessing the grid, it is difficult to accurately control their charging and charging behaviors at both the day-ahead and real-time stages. Aiming at this problem, this paper proposes a two-stage scheduling strategy framework for EVs. In the presented framework, according to historical driving data, a day-ahead scheduling model based on distributionally robust optimization (DRO) is first established to determine the total power plan. In the real-time scheduling stage, a real-time scheduling model based on model predictive control (MPC) is established to track the day-ahead power plan. It can reduce the impact of EVs’ uncertainties. This strategy can ensure the charging demand of users is under the control of the charging and discharging behaviors of EVs, which can improve the accuracy of controlling EVs. The case study shows that the scheduling strategy can achieve accurate and fast control of charging and discharging. At the same time, it can effectively contribute to the security and stability of grid operations.
Soil Microbial Community in Relation to Soil Organic Carbon and Labile Soil Organic Carbon Fractions under Detritus Treatments in a Subtropical Karst Region during the Rainy and Dry Seasons
Authors: Liu Peiwen , Ding Suya , Liu Ning , Mo Yanhua , Liang Yueming , Ma Jiangming
Published: November 2023

Climate and detritus influence soil organic carbon (SOC) and labile SOC fractions by affecting soil microbial communities. However, it is not clear how, or to what extent, different detritus treatments affect soil microbial communities and SOC content in karst landscapes during different seasons. Plots in a karst landscape were treated with different detritus input regimes (control, no litter, no roots, no litter or roots, and double litter), and samples were collected during the dry and rainy seasons. We used Illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA to examine shifts in the diversity and composition of the associated soil microbial communities. Additionally, labile SOC fractions, including dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and microbial biomass carbon (MBC), along with soil physicochemical properties and C-degrading enzyme activities, were analyzed. The results revealed that the responses of soil properties and labile SOC fractions to detritus treatments were more pronounced during the rainy season than during the dry season, which mainly reflected that the levels of available potassium (AK), DOC, and MBC were significantly increased during the rainy season. Moreover, SOC and total nitrogen (TN) demonstrated significant changes with the double litter (DL) treatment during the rainy season. The responses of soil microbial communities to detritus treatments varied with the season, as reflected primarily in changes in the relative abundance of Ascomycota, unclassified_K_fungi, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteriota. Climate, detritus treatments, and their interactions had significant effects on the species richness of soil bacterial communities, but did not influence fungal community diversity. Furthermore, structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that the soil bacterial composition had the largest total effects on SOC, DOC, and MBC. In addition to directly influencing SOC, DOC, and MBC, soil properties (TN, AK, and pH) indirectly affected SOC, DOC, and MBC by altering C-degrading enzyme activity and the microbial community. We conclude that detritus treatments affect the soil microbial community and labile carbon fractions during both the rainy and dry seasons. Relationships among SOC, labile SOC fractions, enzyme activities, microbial communities, and function differed between seasons and among treatment types. This research advances our knowledge of how variation in detritus treatments affects biogeochemical cycling in karst soils during the rainy and dry seasons.
Keystone Microbial Species Drive the Responses of Saline–Alkali Soil to Three-Year Amendment Measures
Authors: Ma Shilin , Liu Xiaowu , Liu Jing , Zeng Jingyi , Zhou Xiaochun , Jia Zhaohui , Li Chong , Leng Huimei , Liu Xin , Zhang Jinchi
Published: November 2023

Saline–alkali soils exhibit ionic toxicities associated with neutral salinity, as well as a high pH that hinders the exclusion of sodium ions and absorption of vital nutrients; thus, obstructing the development of coastal shelterbelts. A three-year field experiment using a high-soil-pH site was conducted for this study to investigate the influences of five prospective amendments on the soil microenvironments of different soil layers compared to a control. Firstly, the bacterial phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria were found to be the most predominant in the samples. As for the fungi phylum, Ascomycota was identified as the most abundant. Similar to Module 1’s findings, the relative abundances of Ascomycota varied across treatments. Additionally, differences in the ACE index were primarily observed in the deeper soil layers, where all five soil amendments increased the bacterial ACE index compared to the CK (no additive). Only the BA (biochar mixed with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi) and AM (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on its own) treatments significantly increased the fungal ACE index. In the 20–40 cm soil layer, the pH value of the control group was significantly higher than that of all other treatments, except for the AM treatment. However, the AM treatment induced significantly higher soil enzyme activities and available nutrients compared to the CK. Moreover, the Mantel test showed significant correlations between the Module 1 community, the generalist (microbial species that serve as module hubs and connectors, primarily for Acidobacteria) community and soil pH, electrical conductivity, enzyme activities, as well as bacterial and fungal ACE indices. Pearson’s correlation revealed a significantly positive association between enzyme activities and available nutrients. Our findings suggested that keystone microbial species have the potential to improve the availability of soil nutrients through the regulation of microbial diversity and stimulation of soil enzyme activities, to ultimately ameliorate saline–alkali soil. Furthermore, the application of AM in combination with an appropriate amount of biochar is a preferred strategy for the improvement of saline–alkali soils.
Remote Sensing Applications in Monitoring Poplars: A Review
Authors: Mapuru Morena , Xulu Sifiso , Gebreslasie Michael
Published: November 2023

Given the ability of remote sensing to detect distinctive plant traits, it has emerged in recent decades as a useful and attractive research tool for forest trees such as poplars. Although poplars have been extensively studied using remote sensing over the past thirty years, no reviews have been conducted to understand the results of multiple applications. Here, we present a review and synthesis of poplar studies in this regard. We searched the Scopus, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases and found 266 published articles, of which 148 were eligible and analyzed. Our results show a rapid increase in remote sensing-based poplar publications over the period of 1991–2022, with airborne platforms, particularly LiDAR, being predominantly used, followed by satellite and ground-based sensors. Studies are widespread in the Global North, accounting for more than two-thirds of studies. The studies took place mainly in agricultural landscapes, followed by forest areas and riparian areas, with a few in mountain and urban areas. Commonly studied biophysical parameters were mostly obtained from LiDAR data. On the other hand, spectral indicators have been widely used to monitor the health and vitality of poplar trees, integrating various machine learning algorithms. Overall, remote sensing has been widely used in poplar studies, and the increasing use of free satellite data and processing platforms is expected to pave the way for data-poor countries to monitor poplar in the Global South, where resources are mainly limited.
Testosterone Biosynthesis from 4-Androstene-3,17-Dione Catalyzed via Bifunctional Ketoreductase
Authors: Wei Yi , Mei Guangyao , Zhao Jinlin , Zhang Shaoyang , Qin Wenping , Sheng Qing , Yang Zhongyi
Published: November 2023

Testosterone (TS) is an important androgen drug and a precursor of steroid drug synthesis. Ketoreductase 2 (KR-2) (GenBank accession no. ABP64403.1) is observed to stereo-selectively catalyze the bioreduction of 4-androstene-3,17-dione (4-AD) to testosterone and contribute to the regeneration of NADH using isopropanol as a co-substrate. The Km value of KR-2 was 2.22 mmol/L with 4-AD, and the optimal pH was 6.5–7.0. The enzyme is stable and demonstrates relatively high-level enzyme activity at 40 °C. Acetone significantly inhibits this activity. This inhibition was overcome using an intermittent vacuum during the reaction process. Finally, the amount of TS reached 65.42 g/L after a 52 h reaction with 65.8 g/L 4-AD, 10% isopropanol, and 2 g/L β–NAD+ at 40 °C, with a conversion rate of 98.73%. A total of 6.15 g of TS was obtained from 6.58 g of 4-AD after the reaction and purification; the HPLC purity was 99.82%, and the overall yield was 92.81%. This enzyme provides a promising route for the green biosynthesis of testosterone for industrial applications.
Measurements and Prediction of Ash Deposition in a Cyclone-Fired Boiler Operating under Variable Load Conditions
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Gautham , Bloom Evan , Viswanathan Krishnamoorthy , Patwardhan Shuchita Sanjay , Stadem David John , Benson Steve
Published: November 2023

Measurements of ash deposition rates were made between the secondary superheater and reheater sections of a 450 MW cyclone-fired lignite boiler as the operational load varied from 33 to 100%. Significant reductions in deposition rates with a decrease in operational load were observed. To uncover the causative mechanisms behind these observations, operational data from the power plant were used to carry out computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations of the boiler. After ascertaining that the gas temperatures and velocities at various sections within the boiler were being represented adequately, decoupled simulations of the ash deposition process on the deposit probe were carried out using a finely resolved boundary layer mesh. Fly ash particle size distribution (PSD) and its concentration for the decoupled calculations were determined from stand-alone cyclone barrel simulations. The ash partitioning (mass %) between the fly ash and slag was found to be ~50:50, which was in line with previous field observations, and it did not vary significantly across different cyclone loads. The predicted PSD of the deposit ash was concentrated in the size range 10–30 microns, which was in agreement with cross-sectional images of the deposit obtained from the measurements. At lower loads, sharp variations in the deposition rates were predicted in the gas temperature range 950–1150 K. The particle kinetic energy—particle viscosity-based capture methodology utilized in this study in conjunction with appropriate ash compositions, ash viscosity models and gas temperature estimates can help estimate slagging propensities at different loads reasonably well in these systems.
The Identification of the Banana Endogenous Reference Gene MaSPS1 and the Construction of Qualitative and Quantitative PCR Detection Methods
Authors: Zhu Lili , Lin Ying , Yang Wenli , Pan Zhiwen , Chen Weiting , Yao Juan , Sheng Ou , Zhou Lingyan , Jiang Dagang
Published: November 2023

Endogenous reference genes play a crucial role in the qualitative and quantitative PCR detection of genetically modified crops. Currently, there are no systematic studies on the banana endogenous reference gene. In this study, the MaSPS1 gene was identified as a candidate gene through bioinformatics analysis. The conservation of this gene in different genotypes of banana was tested using PCR, and its specificity in various crops and fruits was also examined. Southern blot analysis showed that there is only one copy of MaSPS1 in banana. The limit of detection (LOD) test showed that the LOD of the conventional PCR method is approximately 20 copies. The real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) method also exhibited high specificity, with a LOD of approximately 10 copies. The standard curve of the qPCR method met the quantitative requirements, with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 1.14 × 10−2 ng—about 20 copies. Also, the qPCR method demonstrated good repeatability and stability. Hence, the above results indicate that the detection method established in this study has strong specificity, a low detection limit, and good stability. It provides a reliable qualitative and quantitative detection system for banana.
Identification of Genomic Regions Associated with Seedling Frost Tolerance in Sorghum
Authors: Borde Niegel La , Dweikat Ismail
Published: November 2023

Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench is the fifth most valuable cereal crop globally. Although sorghum is tolerant to drought and elevated temperatures, it is susceptible to chilling, frost, and freezing stresses. Sorghum seeds planted in April may encounter frequent frost during late April and early May. Early spring freezing temperatures adversely affect crop development and yield. This study aims to identify genomic regions associated with frost tolerance at the seedlings stage. Breeding freeze-tolerant cultivars require selection for freeze tolerance in nurseries. However, the unpredictability of environmental conditions complicates the identification of freeze-tolerant genotypes. An indoor selection protocol has been developed to investigate the genetic determinism of freeze tolerance at the seedling stages and its correlation with several developmental traits. To accomplish this, we used two populations of recombinant inbred lines (RIL) developed from crosses between cold-tolerant (CT19, ICSV700) and cold-sensitive (TX430, M81E) parents. The derived RIL populations were evaluated for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) using genotype-by-sequencing (GBS) under controlled environments for their response to freezing stress. Linkage maps were constructed with 464 and 875 SNPs for the CT19 X TX430 (C1) and ICSV700 X M81E(C2) populations. Using quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, we identified six QTLs conferring tolerance to freezing temperatures. One QTL in the C1 population and four QTLs in the C2 population, explain 17.75–98% of the phenotypic variance of traits measured. Proline leaf content was increased in response to exposing the seedlings to low temperatures. Candidate QTLs identified in this study could be further exploited to develop frost-tolerant cultivars as proxies in marker-assisted breeding, genomic selection, and genetic engineering.
Systems Theory and Intercultural Communication: Methods for Heuristic Model Design
Authors: Genest Sylvie
Published: November 2023

This article focuses on methods for designing heuristic models within the paradigm of systems theory and in the disciplinary context of intercultural communication. The main question arises from the striking observation that common language is insufficient to develop knowledge about human communication, especially when many factors of complexity (such as ambiguity, paradoxes, or uncertainty) are involved in the composition of an abstract research object. This epistemological, theoretical, and methodological problem is one of the main challenges to the scientificity of anthropological theories and concepts on culture. Moreover, these questions lie at the heart of research on intercultural communication. Authors and theorists in the complexity sciences have already stressed the need, in such cases, to think in terms of models or semiotic representations, since these tools of thought can mediate much more effectively than unformalized language between the heterogeneous set of perceptions arising from the field of experience, on the one hand, and the philosophical principles that organize speculative thought, on the other. This sets the scene for a reflection on the need to master the theory of heuristic models when it comes to developing scientific knowledge in the field of intercultural communication. In this essay, my first aim is to make explicit the conditions likely to ensure the heuristic value of a model, while my second aim is to clarify the operational function and required level of abstraction of certain terms, such as heading, concept, category, model, and system that are among the most commonly used by academics in their descriptive accounts or explanatory hypotheses. To achieve this second objective, I propose to create cognitive meta-categories to identify the three (nominal, cardinal, or ordinal) roles of words in the reference grids that we use to classify our ideas and to specify how to use these meta-categories in the construction of our heuristic models. Alongside the theoretical presentation, examples of application are provided, almost all of which are drawn from my own research into the increased cultural vigilance of the majority population in Québec since the reasonable accommodation crisis in this French-speaking province of Canada. The typology I propose will perhaps help to avoid the confusion regularly committed by authors who attribute only cosmetic functions to words that nevertheless have a highly heuristic value and who forget to consider the logical leaps of their theoretical thinking in the construction of heuristic models.
Healthy Eating as Potential Mediator of Inverse Association between Purpose in Life and Waist Circumference: Emerging Evidence from US and Chilean Cohorts
Authors: Berkowitz Loni , Mateo Camila , Salazar Cristian , Samith Bárbara , Sara Daniela , Pinto Victoria , Martínez Ximena , Calzada Mariana , von Schultzendorff Andrea , Pedrals Nuria , Bitran Marcela , Echeverría Guadalupe , Ruini Chiara , Ryff Carol , Rigotti Attilio
Published: November 2023

High sense of purpose in life, a fundamental domain of eudaimonic well-being, has been consistently associated with lower risk for various obesity-related chronic diseases. Although this psychological feature correlates with some health behaviors as potential mediators, its association with healthy eating remains less explored. In addition, studies of these psycho-behavioral and health relationships in the South American population are lacking. This research sought to assess: (1) the cross-sectional association between self-reported purpose in life and overall healthy eating patterns, and (2) healthy food intake as a potential mediator of the inverse relationship between purpose in life and waist circumference. Data collected of 2060 US adults from the MIDUS study (5 ± 12 years, 55% women, mostly white people, and 42.5% obese) and 223 Chilean adults from the CHILEMED study (46.6 ± 9 years, 58.3% women, and 71.3% obese) were used. Anthropometric and sociodemographic variables were collected. Sense of purpose was assessed using the purpose in life subscale of the Ryff’s psychological well-being questionnaire. Diet quality was evaluated using healthy eating or low-fat diet indexes, according to extant food intake data in each cohort. The relationship between these variables was estimated by bivariate and multivariate linear regressions with appropriate adjustments. To establish whether a better diet quality could mediate a link of purpose in life and improved nutritional status (assessed by waist circumference), the association between these three variables was tested by bootstrapping-based mediation analysis. Our results show significant associations of sense of purpose with healthy eating and low-fat dietary patterns in both US and Chilean cohorts, respectively, even after adjusting for sociodemographic variables. According to the mediation analysis, the relationship between sense of purpose and waist circumference, as an indicator of abdominal obesity, appears to be partially mediated by healthier food intake in both samples. In conclusion, our findings suggest a plausible mechanism underlying the favorable impact of this well-being dimension on physical health. Given its protective effects, interventions aimed at increasing purpose in life may facilitate adherence to better dietary patterns, which, in turn, will reduce the risk for obesity-related chronic diseases.
Community Water Fluoridation in Focus: A Comprehensive Look at Fluoridation Levels across America
Authors: Hung Man , Mohajeri Amir , Chiang Jody , Park Jungweon , Bautista Beatrice , Hardy Chase , Lipsky Martin S.
Published: November 2023

Objective: This study reports on the number and percentage of community water systems (CWSs) meeting fluoride concentration standards set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The study also explored changes in the population exposed to optimally fluoridated water in these systems between 2006 and 2020. Methods: This study analyzed U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data from 2006 to 2020, tabulating state-specific CWS fluoridation rates, ranking them, and calculating the percent change. Results: In 2020, 72.7% of the US population received CWS water, with 62.9% of those individuals served by a CWS system meeting DHHS fluoridation standards. This compares to 69.2% receiving CWS water in 2006 and 74.6% in 2012. The overall change in those receiving fluoridated water was 1.4%, from 61.5% in 2006 to 62.9% in 2020. State-specific percentages ranged from 8.5% in Hawaii to 100% in Washington DC in 2020 (median: 76.4%). Conclusions: Although endorsed by the American Dental Association, the percentage of individuals receiving fluoridated water did not increase substantially from 2006 to 2020, indicating that there has not been much progress toward meeting the Healthy People 2030 goal that 77.1% of Americans receive water with enough fluoride to prevent tooth decay.
Technology-Based Interventions to Reduce Sugar-Sweetened Beverages among Adolescents: A Scoping Review
Authors: Ezike Chidinma , Da Silva Keith
Published: November 2023

This scoping review investigates the effectiveness of technology-based interventions in reducing sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption among adolescents. The rise in SSB consumption among young individuals has become a global public health concern due to its association with obesity, diabetes, and various other health problems. The purpose of this scoping review is to map out and examine the various technology-based interventions used in reducing sugar-sweetened beverages among children and adolescents. A systematic search of three databases using the PRISMA guideline was followed, and 474 articles were retrieved. Seven articles met the inclusion criteria and the critical appraisal using the critical appraisal skill program (CASP). The seven articles underwent both descriptive and thematic analysis. Four technology-based interventions were identified from the selected articles, which include smartphone apps, online or web-based tools, text messages, and social marketing strategies. Our findings suggest that these interventions hold promise in improving adolescents’ eating patterns and health outcomes associated with SSB intake, highlighting their potential as useful strategies in resolving this urgent public health concern.