bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Characterization of Rural Organic Aerosol in the North China Plain Using Ultrahigh-Resolution Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Yun , Gao Xu , Hou Xingang , Liu Mingyuan , Han Jiajun , Zhang Hongyan
Published: October 2023

Atmospheric organic aerosol (OA) affects air quality and human health. However, compared with urban areas, the chemical composition and temporal distribution of OA in rural regions are still not well understood. In this study, one-year atmospheric particles with an aerodynamic equivalent diameter of ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) were collected at a rural site in Quzhou County, the North China Plain (NCP), from August 2020 to July 2021. OA in PM2.5 samples were analyzed with an ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatograph (UHPLC) coupled to an ultrahigh-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometer in negative mode (ESI−). The results show that the chemical composition and properties of OA varied in different seasons. According to the hierarchical cluster analysis, the molecular formulas of winter OA were close to those in spring, whereas the chemical composition of OA in summer and autumn was similar. The O/C ratio of summer OA was the highest at 1.21, followed by that in autumn (0.92) and spring (0.87), while the winter OA had the lowest O/C ratio of 0.64. It indicates that, compared to the other three seasons, OA underwent more intense oxidation processes in the summer. Moreover, winter OA contained more aromatic compounds with a relative peak abundance fraction of 40%, which may be related to anthropogenic sources (e.g., coal burning) in the winter in the NCP. In addition, biomass burning is considered an important source of OA in the rural region of Quzhou County, the NCP, in all seasons.
Ozone Sensitivity Analysis and Ozone Formation Regimes Division in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region Based on Satellite Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Song Hanyang , Zhao Wenji , Yang Xingchuan , Hou Wenxing , Chen Linhan , Ma Pengfei
Published: October 2023

In recent years, the concentration of surface ozone (O3) has increased in China. The formation regime of ozone is closely related to the ratio of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to nitrogen oxides (NOx). To explain this increase in ozone, we determined the sensitivity of ozone generation by determining the regional threshold of the ratio of formaldehyde to nitrogen dioxide (HCHO/NO2) in the satellite troposphere. The different FNR(HCHO/NO2) ratio ranges indicate three formation regimes: VOC limited, transitional, and NOx limited. Polynomial fitting models were used to determine the threshold range for the transitional regime in the BTH region (2.0, 3.1). The ozone formation regime in the BTH (Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei) region mainly exhibited a transitional and NOx-limited regime. VOC-limited regimes are mainly distributed in urban agglomeration areas, transitional regimes are mainly concentrated in urban expansion areas, and non-urban areas are mainly controlled by NOx. The concentrations of HCHO and NO2 in the BTH region showed a trend of urban agglomeration areas > urban expansion areas > non-urban areas in different land types from 2019 to 2022, whereas the FNR showed an opposite trend.
Arcing in Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Ledinski Theo , Golubkov Andrey W. , Schweighofer Oskar , Erker Simon
Published: October 2023

Lithium-Ion battery cells and automotive battery systems are constantly improving as a result of the rising popularity of electric vehicles. With higher energy densities of the cells, the risks in case of failure rise as well. In the worst case, a fast exothermic reaction known as thermal runaway can occur. During thermal runaway, the cell can emit around 66% of its mass as gas and particles. An experimental setup was designed and showed that the gas-particle-vent of a cell going through thermal runaway can cause electric breakthroughs. These breakthroughs could start electric arcing in the battery system, which could lead to additional damages such as burning through the casing or igniting the vent gas, making the damage more severe and difficult to control. Uncontrollable battery fires must be prevented. The emitted gas was analyzed and the ejected particles were examined to discuss the potential causes of the breakthroughs.
Study on the Influence of Aggregate Roundness of Reclaimed Asphalt Mixture on Its Road Performance
Authors: Yi Qigui , Ru Nan , Liu Zhaoting
Published: October 2023

The utilization of reclaimed asphalt mixture, which combines old asphalt reclaimed material (RAP) with new aggregate, holds significant environmental benefits. However, the road performance of this mixture can decline due to the degradation of the old asphalt components. In this study, the shape characteristics of both old and new aggregates were analyzed using IPP6.0 software. Notably, the roundness of old aggregates within the 9.5–16 mm range exhibited the most substantial wear. Consequently, an investigation was conducted on the road performance implications of incorporating 30% RAP and its associated impact on aggregate roundness. The research findings indicated that there was minimal disparity in roundness between new and old aggregates within the particle size range of 4.75 mm to 9.5 mm. Nevertheless, as the proportion of old aggregates exceeding 9.5 mm increased, the recycled asphalt mixture exhibited reduced low-temperature and high-temperature performance, as well as diminished water stability.
Study on the Modification Effect and Mechanism of a Compound Mineral Additive and Basalt Fiber on Coal Gangue Concrete
Authors: Qiu Jisheng , Huo Yong , Feng Zeping , Li Le , Wang Jianwei , Zhang Yuqing , Guan Xiao
Published: October 2023

Compared with ordinary concrete, coal gangue concrete (CGC) is limited by its poor mechanical properties and frost resistance, which seriously restricts its wide application in cold regions. In order to improve the resource utilization rate of coal gangue, this paper takes advantage of the ‘overlapping effect’, ‘micro-aggregate filling effect’ and ‘volcanic ash effect’ of fly ash (FA) and silica fume (SF) and the anti-cracking effect of basalt fiber (BF) to study their effects on the macro performance of CGC and the micro modification mechanism. Modified CGC was prepared by replacing cement with 20% total mineral additives and adding BF. Taking different fly ash and silica fume incorporation ratios (F/S) and the BF content as variables, the research was carried out from two scales of macro performance and microstructure. The results show that the mechanical properties and frost resistance of CGC can be significantly improved by adding mineral additives and BF, and the modification effect is better with a decrease in F/S. When F/S = 1, the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength of the specimens increased by 13.73%, 8.37% and 4.27%, respectively. After 300 freeze–thaw cycles, the specimen was still not damaged by freezing and thawing. At the same time, keeping F/S = 3 unchanged and changing the BF content, it was found that the optimal content of BF was 0.15 vol% under the combined action of BF, FA and SF. In terms of microstructure, the addition of mineral additives and BF segregates and fills the macropores in the structure, greatly reducing the harmful pores and turning them into harmless and less harmful pores. When F/S = 1, the number of multi-harmful pores decreased by 16.89%, and the number of harmless pores and less harmful pores increased by 9.19%, which greatly optimized the pore structure and pore gradation.
Finite Element Analysis and Calculation Method of Concrete-Filled Stainless Steel Tubes under Eccentric Tension
Authors: Xie Wen-Chao , Ye Yong
Published: October 2023

Concrete-filled stainless steel tubes (CFSST) could be used as structural members in corrosion-prone environments. A detailed numerical investigation of the mechanical performance and calculation method of CFSST members under eccentric tension is carried out in this paper. A finite element analysis (FEA) model that adopts three-dimensional elements is established, and related experimental results of CFSST and conventional concrete-filled carbon steel tubes (CFST) subjected to tension are used to validate the FEA model. Then, the calibrated FEA model is used to investigate the performance of CFSST eccentrically tensile members, especially the composite actions and stress distribution laws between the stainless steel tube and the concrete core, which play a key role in the load-carrying capacity of the composite member. To quantitatively determine the influence of different parameters on the load-carrying capacity of CFSST tensile members, a wide-range parametric analysis is performed. Finally, a calculation model is proposed to be used to predict the ultimate tensile strength of CFSST members subjected to eccentric tension, and the model-predicted values show good agreement with the FEA-computed results.
LRRK2 Attenuates Antioxidant Response in Familial Parkinson’s Disease Derived Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Kim Jeffrey , Daadi Etienne W. , Daadi Elyas Sebastien , Oh Thomas , Deleidi Michela , Daadi Marcel M.
Published: October 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, characterized by the loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons which leads to impaired motor and cognitive functions. PD is predominantly an idiopathic disease; however, about 5% of cases are linked to hereditary mutations. The most common mutation in both familial and sporadic PD is the G2019S mutation of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2). Currently, it is not fully understood how this mutation leads to PD pathology. In this study, we isolated self-renewable, multipotent neural stem cells (NSCs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) harboring the G2019S LRRK2 mutation and compared them with their isogenic gene corrected counterparts using single-cell RNA-sequencing. Unbiased single-cell transcriptomic analysis revealed perturbations in many canonical pathways, specifically NRF2-mediated oxidative stress response, and glutathione redox reactions. Through various functional assays, we observed that G2019S iPSCs and NSCs exhibit increased basal levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We demonstrated that mutant cells show significant increase in the expression for KEAP1 and decrease in NRF2 associated with a reduced antioxidant response. The decreased viability of mutant NSCs in the H2O2-induced oxidative stress assay was rescued by two potent antioxidant drugs, PrC-210 at concentrations of 500 µM and 1 mM and Edaravone at concentrations 50 µM and 100 µM. Our data suggest that the hyperactive LRRK2 G2019S kinase activity leads to increase in KEAP1, which binds NRF2 and leads to its degradation, reduction in the antioxidant response, increased ROS, mitochondria dysfunction and cell death observed in the PD phenotype.
Patterns of Diversity, Structure and Local Ecology of Arthropod-Pathogenic Fungi in the Amazonian Forest of Cusco and Madre de Dios Regions, Southern Peru
Authors: Huamantupa-Chuquimaco Isau , Holgado Rojas María Encarnación , Quispe Ordoñez Miguel Angel , García Roca Mishari , Medina Anatoly Cárdenas , Ancco Willians Quispe , Poccohuanca-Aguilar Roger Oswaldo , Córdova Zoila Magaly Cuba , Meza Calvo Jackeline Greta , Sanjuan Giraldo Tatiana Ibeth
Published: October 2023

The ecological role and potential management of arthropod-pathogenic fungi (APF) in neotropical forests are of great importance, but they are still little studied. The present study achieves a first estimation of diversity patterns, structure and local ecology of APF in the Amazonian forests of the Cusco and Madre de Dios regions in southern Peru. We sampled 39 localities in five basins, examining 277 specimens, four families and 20 genera with 82 species (40% morphospecies). The most diverse families were Cordycipitaceae with 51 species and Ophiocordicipitaceae (22). Cusco obtained a greater diversity: four families, 18 genera and 58 morphospecies, with the Urubamba and Amarumayu basins having greater diversity (31 and 20 species); for the Madre de Dios basin, there was 28 species. In both regions, the richness values were corroborated by Fisher’s Alpha and Chao-1 indexes, the latter identifies Amarumayu and Araza with maximum values. The NMDS analysis showed a good pattern of separation of the two APF communities, although an important group was shared. Elevation was identified as the environmental variable with the strongest influence on diversity and structure. The dominance analysis identified Ophiocordyceps australis and Paraisaria amazonica as hyperdominant, due to their density and distribution. The local ecological patterns in Pongo de Qoñec show that the richness of entomopathogens is largely favored by low understory light, associated with pristine or little-impacted habitats. We conclude that this first approximation of the knowledge of the high diversity of APF in southern Peru is still insufficient, but it demonstrates the importance of their conservation and represents enormous potential for sustainable management.
Current State of Natural Populations of Paeonia anomala (Paeoniaceae) in East Kazakhstan
Authors: Kubentayev Serik A. , Khapilina Oxana N. , Ishmuratova Margarita Yu. , Sarkytbayeva Aisulu K. , Turzhanova Ainur S. , Imanbayeva Akzhunis A. , Alibekov Daniyar T. , Zhumagul Moldir Z.
Published: October 2023

Paeonia anomala L. is a valuable and sought-after medicinal plant for treating therapeutic pathologies. The natural habitat of P. anomala in the Republic of Kazakhstan is located in the mountainous areas of the East Kazakhstan region. P. anomala is listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan as a rare species with limited distribution. In this regard, we studied a strategy for preserving the biological diversity of P. anomala wild population. In particular, the ecological, phytocenotic, and floristic characteristics of five P. anomala populations in East Kazakhstan were explored. The anatomical, morphological, and genetic variability of the species in various habitats was evaluated. Overall, the condition of the P. anomala population in the study region can be considered satisfactory. The floristic composition of P. anomala plant communities recorded 130 species belonging to 35 families and 101 genera. The northern slopes of mountains and shrub-grass communities with leached chernozem with high contents of N-NO3 and P2O5 appeared to be optimal for P. anomala growth. Asteraceae (13%), Rosaceae (13%), Poaceae (10%), and Ranunculaceae (9%) are the major families of P. anomala flora and plant communities. The Eurasian (54%), Asian (24%), and Holarctic (15%) groups were recognized as dominant in the chronological spectrum. Amplification with iPBS primers resulted in the generation of 505 fragments, 257 of which were polymorphic. Our research results indicate that the genetic differentiation of the Kazakhstan populations is not quite as high and may indicate their long-term existence within one large population. A separate branch is formed by the P5 population, which is located separately from other populations, confirming its genetic isolation. The analysis of genetic diversity iPBS markers suggests the existence of a large, unified P. anomala population in Kazakhstan Altai.
Dendrometric Relationships and Biomass in Commercial Plantations of Dipteryx spp. in the Eastern Amazon
Authors: de Sousa Lopes Lucas Sérgio , Pauletto Daniela , Gomes Emeli Susane Costa , da Silva Ádria Fernandes , de Sousa Oliveira Thiago Gomes , da Silva Jéssica Aline Godinho , Baloneque Diego Damázio , Martorano Lucieta Guerreiro
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study is to characterize and compare the relationships between dendrometric variables in Dipteryx spp. stands in the Western Amazon by fitting linear regression equations for total height (ht) and crown diameter (dc). Six forest stands were evaluated in three municipalities. The variables collected included diameter at 1.3 m height (dbh), ht, and dc. Simple and multiple linear regression equations were fitted to characterize the relationships between ht and dc. The aboveground biomass and carbon stock of the stands were estimated. Most dendrometric variables were positively correlated (97.5%). The general equations presented an R2adj. greater than 0.7, and all coefficients were significant. Equations with non-significant coefficients were common in settlement adjustments (45%). The error for these equations varied between 1.1 and 23.6 m. The trees averaged 22 t ha−1 of aboveground biomass in the stands. There was a variation in carbon sequestration potential among stands, ranging from 5.12 to 88.91 t CO2 ha−1. Single-input equations using dbh as an independent variable are recommended for estimating dc and ht for individual Dipteryx spp. stands. Stands in the Western Amazon play a significant role in carbon sequestration and accumulation. Trees can sequester an average of 4.8 tons of CO2 per year.
PointDMS: An Improved Deep Learning Neural Network via Multi-Feature Aggregation for Large-Scale Point Cloud Segmentation in Smart Applications of Urban Forestry Management
Authors: Li Jiang , Liu Jinhao
Published: October 2023

Background: The development of laser measurement techniques is of great significance in forestry monitoring and park management in smart cities. It provides many conveniences for improving landscape planning efficiency and strengthening digital construction. However, capturing 3D point clouds in large-scale landscape environments is a complex task that generates massive amounts of unstructured data with characteristics such as randomness, rotational invariance, sparsity, and serious barriers. Methods: To improve the processing efficiency of intelligent devices for massive point clouds, we propose a novel deep learning neural network based on a multi-feature aggregation strategy. This network is designed to divide 3D laser point clouds in complex large-scale scenarios. Firstly, we utilize multiple terrestrial laser sensors to collect a large amount of data in open scenes such as parks, streets, and forests in urban environments. These data are integrated into a practical database called DMSdataset, which contains different information variables, densities, and dimensions. Then, an automatic block integrated with a multi-feature extractor is constructed to pre-process the unstructured point cloud data and standardize the datasets. Finally, a novel semantic segmentation framework called PointDMS is designed using 3D convolutional deep networks. PointDMS achieves a better segmentation performance of point clouds with a lightweight parameter structure. Here, “D” stands for deep network, “M” stands for multi-feature, and “S” stands for segmentation. Results: Extensive experiments on self-built datasets show that the proposed PointDMS achieves similar or better performance in point cloud segmentation compared to other methods. The overall identification accuracy of the proposed model is up to 93.5%, which is a 14% increase. Particularly for living wood objects, the average identification accuracy is up to 88.7%, which is, at least, an 8.2% increase. These results effectively prove that PointDMS is beneficial for 3D point cloud processing, division, and mining applications in urban forest environments. It demonstrates good robustness and generalization.
Biological Activities in Sapwood and Heartwood Extractives from Paulownia tomentosa
Authors: Park Hanna , Kim Byeongho , Park Kyoung-Chan , Kim Yesun , Kim Taehee , Kim Min-Seok , Choi Sun-Eun , Park Se-Yeong
Published: October 2023

Paulownia tomentosa is a representative deciduous tree in South Korea. After 10 years of growth, its wood can be used to make various products through chemical modifications, such as impregnation with a polymer, substitution with chemicals, and physical compression. However, research on the biological resistance of the sapwood and heartwood parts of P. tomentosa xylem is lacking. To ensure the complete utilisation of Paulownia wood, this study aimed to collect baseline data on the necessity of xylem extraction before chemical modification to enhance wood porosity. First, we assessed the decay and termite resistance of sapwood and heartwood blocks. Furthermore, we evaluated the anti-microbial effect of sapwood and heartwood extracts after solvent fractionation. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of the active substances of the fractions with anti-microbial activity were also conducted. The hexane and chloroform solvent fractions of sapwood and heartwood extracts showed fungal resistance against Trametes versicolor and Fomiptosis palustis. Paulownin and sesamin were the main compounds showing anti-microbial activity, and their content in the extracts varied, depending on the wood part. These results provide valuable data for advancing research on porous wood materials and the utilisation of xylem-derived active compounds from Paulownia wood.
Implementation and Evaluation of a Federated Learning Framework on Raspberry PI Platforms for IoT 6G Applications
Authors: Ridolfi Lorenzo , Naseh David , Shinde Swapnil Sadashiv , Tarchi Daniele
Published: October 2023

With the advent of 6G technology, the proliferation of interconnected devices necessitates a robust, fully connected intelligence network. Federated Learning (FL) stands as a key distributed learning technique, showing promise in recent advancements. However, the integration of novel Internet of Things (IoT) applications and virtualization technologies has introduced diverse and heterogeneous devices into wireless networks. This diversity encompasses variations in computation, communication, storage resources, training data, and communication modes among connected nodes. In this context, our study presents a pivotal contribution by analyzing and implementing FL processes tailored for 6G standards. Our work defines a practical FL platform, employing Raspberry Pi devices and virtual machines as client nodes, with a Windows PC serving as a parameter server. We tackle the image classification challenge, implementing the FL model via PyTorch, augmented by the specialized FL library, Flower. Notably, our analysis delves into the impact of computational resources, data availability, and heating issues across heterogeneous device sets. Additionally, we address knowledge transfer and employ pre-trained networks in our FL performance evaluation. This research underscores the indispensable role of artificial intelligence in IoT scenarios within the 6G landscape, providing a comprehensive framework for FL implementation across diverse and heterogeneous devices.
Distribution and Expansion of Alien Fish Species in the Karun River Basin, Iran
Authors: Shahraki Mojgan Zare , Keivany Yazdan , Dorche Eisa Ebrahimi , Blocksom Karen , Bruder Andreas , Flotemersch Joseph , Bănăduc Doru
Published: October 2023

We assessed the distribution of alien fishes in the Karun River Basin, Iran. Fish were collected from 39 sites during the November–December 2018 low-flow period. In total, 39 fish species from nine orders and 14 families were documented. Among these, 10 species were alien to the basin (986 individuals; 15.7%). Four species were the most abundant alien species and primarily in impounded, downstream reaches. Redundancy analysis (RDA) was conducted to identify the extent of changes in alien fish assemblages with environmental parameters. RDA1 and RDA2 accounted for 36.24% and 25.33% of the variation of alien species, respectively. Altitude, depth, electrical conductivity, water temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and river width were the most significant parameters affecting alien species distributions. We present a dual-pathway cause-and-effect hypothesis proposing that alien fish species presence causes declines in the ecological status of native fish communities. We then explore how human-induced aquatic ecosystem degradation creates opportunities for alien species to invade new ecosystems, further impacting native fish communities. Our study contributes insight into the cause and effect of the presence of alien fish species in the Karun River Basin and emphasizes the urgency of conservation measures to protect this critically endangered watershed.
Characteristics and Functions of MYB (v-Myb avivan myoblastsis virus oncogene homolog)-Related Genes in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wu Guofan , Cao Aohua , Wen Yuhan , Bao Wencheng , She Fawen , Wu Wangze , Zheng Sheng , Yang Ning
Published: October 2023

The MYB (v-Myb avivan myoblastsis virus oncogene homolog) transcription factor family is one of the largest families of plant transcription factors which plays a vital role in many aspects of plant growth and development. MYB-related is a subclass of the MYB family. Fifty-nine Arabidopsis thaliana MYB-related (AtMYB-related) genes have been identified. In order to understand the functions of these genes, in this review, the promoters of AtMYB-related genes were analyzed by means of bioinformatics, and the progress of research into the functions of these genes has been described. The main functions of these AtMYB-related genes are light response and circadian rhythm regulation, root hair and trichome development, telomere DNA binding, and hormone response. From an analysis of cis-acting elements, it was found that the promoters of these genes contained light-responsive elements and plant hormone response elements. Most genes contained elements related to drought, low temperature, and defense and stress responses. These analyses suggest that AtMYB-related genes may be involved in A. thaliana growth and development, and environmental adaptation through plant hormone pathways. However, the functions of many genes do not occur independently but instead interact with each other through different pathways. In the future, the study of the role of the gene in different pathways will be conducive to a comprehensive understanding of the function of the gene. Therefore, gene cloning and protein functional analyses can be subsequently used to understand the regulatory mechanisms of AtMYB-related genes in the interaction of multiple signal pathways. This review provides theoretical guidance for the follow-up study of plant MYB-related genes.
Linking New Alleles at the Oscillator Loci to Flowering and Expansion of Asian Rice
Authors: Gao Guangtong , Chen Maoxian , Mo Rong , Li Nan , Xu Yunzhang , Lu Yingqing
Published: October 2023

The central oscillator is believed to be the key mechanism by which plants adapt to new environments. However, impacts from hybridization, the natural environment, and human selection have rarely been assessed on the oscillator of a crop. Here, from clearly identified alleles at oscillator loci (OsCCA1/LHY, OsPRR95, OsPRR37, OsPRR59, and OsPRR1) in ten diverse genomes of Oryza sativa, additional accessions, and functional analysis, we show that rice’s oscillator was rebuilt primarily by new alleles from recombining parental sequences and subsequent 5′ or/and coding mutations. New alleles may exhibit altered transcript levels from that of a parental allele and are transcribed variably among genetic backgrounds and natural environments in RIL lines. Plants carrying more expressed OsCCA1_a and less transcribed OsPRR1_e flower early in the paddy field. 5′ mutations are instrumental in varied transcription, as shown by EMSA tests on one deletion at the 5′ region of highly transcribed OsPRR1_a. Compared to relatively balanced mutations at oscillator loci of Arabidopsis thaliana, 5′ mutations of OsPRR37 (and OsCCA1 to a less degree) were under negative selection while those of OsPRR1 alleles were under strong positive selection. Together, range expansion of Asian rice can be elucidated by human selection on OsPRR1 alleles via local flowering time-yield relationships.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of the WRKY Gene Family in Cucurbita maxima
Authors: Zhou Qin , Guo Ziqing , Zhou Xiaojun , Zhou Lei , Wang Duanhua , Bo Kailiang , Zhu Pu
Published: October 2023

In higher plants, WRKY transcription factors are broadly involved in a variety of life activities and play an important role in both biotic and abiotic stress responses. However, little is known about the functions of WRKY genes in the popular species, such as Cucurbita maxima (pumpkin), which is planted worldwide. In the present study, 102 CmWRKY genes were identified in the C. maxima genome. Chromosome location, multiple sequence alignment, phylogenetic analysis, and synteny analysis of the CmWRKYs were performed. Notably, we found that silencing CmWRKY22 promoted cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) infection, whereas overexpression of CmWRKY22 inhibited the CMV infection. Subsequently, an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) confirmed that CmWRKY22 was able to bind to the W-box at the promoter of CmPR1b, which is a responsive gene of the salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathway. In summary, this study has provided a foundation for the antiviral functions of WRKY transcription factors in C. maxima.
Variability of DNA Repair and Oxidative Stress Genes Associated with Worst Pain in Breast Cancer Survivors on Aromatase Inhibitors
Authors: Wagner Monica A. , Koleck Theresa A. , Conway Alex , Bender Catherine M. , Conley Yvette P.
Published: October 2023

Pain is a problem affecting women with breast cancer (HR+BrCa) receiving aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy. We investigated the relationship between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA repair and oxidative stress genes and perceived worst pain after 6 months of AI therapy. We explored 39 SNPs in genes involved in DNA repair (ERCC2, ERCC3, ERCC5, and PARP1) and oxidative stress (CAT, GPX1, SEPP1, SOD1, and SOD2) in women with HR+BrCa receiving adjuvant therapy (AI ± chemotherapy; n = 138). Pain was assessed via the Brief Pain Inventory. Hurdle regression was used to evaluate the relationship between each associated allele and (1) the probability of pain and (2) the severity of worst pain. ERCC2rs50872 and ERCC5rs11069498 were associated with the probability of pain and had a significant genetic risk score (GRS) model (p = 0.003). ERCC2rs50872, ERCC5rs11069498, ERCC5rs4771436, ERCC5rs4150360, PARP1rs3219058, and SEPP1rs230819 were associated with the severity of worst pain, with a significant GRS model (conditional mean estimate = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.29, 0.60; p < 0.001). These results suggest DNA repair and oxidative stress pathways may play a role in the probability of pain and the severity of worst pain. As healthcare delivery moves towards the model of precision healthcare, nurses may, in the future, be able to use these results to tailor patient care based on GRS.
Sustainability of Mushroom Cultivation Systems
Authors: Jasinska Agnieszka
Published: October 2023

In the European Union alone, about 700 million tons of agricultural waste is generated annually [...]
Translocation of Aminopyralid from Straw Mulch to Plants in Perennial Strawberry Plantations: Case Study
Authors: Koudela Martin , Kurhan Sebnem , Soukupová Miroslava , Klouček Pavel , Novotný Čeněk
Published: October 2023

Aminopyralid (AP)-contaminated straw mulch is frequently used in strawberry production to maintain moisture and reduce weed growth. AP may be translocated by rain and irrigation. Contamination of plant tissues with AP during the production cycle at a strawberry farm was measured by HPLC MS/MS using a newly validated extraction method. Samples were removed from a commercial plantation using straw mulch. The highest AP levels (1.2–1.3 ng.g−1) were found in strawberries; the levels in leaves and roots were two and four to ten times lower, respectively. The amounts detected in fruits were 10 times lower than the dietary tolerances given by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for wheat grain and cattle milk/meat. The effect of AP on flowering and fruiting was investigated in pot experiments closely mimicking farm conditions. The released AP negatively affected flowering and reduced the total fruit weight two times. The study showed a significant release of AP from mulch straw during commercial strawberry production and documented the risk of using herbicide-contaminated straw for mulching.
How Much Did Urban Park Use Change under the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Comparative Study of Summertime Park Use in 2019 and 2020 in Edinburgh, Scotland
Authors: Deniz Kiraz Leyla , Ward Thompson Catharine
Published: October 2023

The importance of urban parks was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, when a number of restrictions on social gatherings were in place and people’s movements were often restricted to their local neighbourhood. This study examined the changes in patterns of park use before and during COVID-19 to understand how the pandemic influenced such use. The methods involved behaviour observation and mapping, to offer a comparison of the use of parks in Edinburgh, Scotland, before and in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings show an overall increase in use of urban parks during COVID-19, as expected, with significantly higher use in social areas, sports and fitness areas, and playground areas. However, while there was an overall increase in people visiting parks with others during COVID, in woodland areas there was an increase in lone visitors. This study shows the importance of parks for socialisation, exercise and children’s play, but also for spending time alone in natural areas during COVID-19. The value of urban parks at a time of social disruption, such as the pandemic, is highlighted, and their role in supporting a variety of urban dwellers’ needs points to priorities for future park planning, design and management.
Impacts of Climate Change on Work Health and Safety in Australia: A Scoping Literature Review
Authors: Wuersch Lucia , Neher Alain , Marino Frank E. , Bamberry Larissa , Pope Rodney
Published: October 2023

This scoping review explores the extant literature on climate change impacts on Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) in Australia. It maps the coverage of climate hazards, occupations at risk, and health and socio-economic impacts with the aim of identifying climate change impacts on WHS in Australia and associated knowledge gaps. We used a scoping review approach to identify and investigate 41 scholarly works at the nexus between climate change and WHS in Australia. Thematic template analysis and the NVivo software helped us identify and structure the main themes and systematically document the analysis process. The review highlighted a research focus on the impacts on WHS of heat and extreme weather events resulting from climate change. Agriculture and construction emerged as the most examined occupations, emphasising climate-related diseases and productivity loss. Other climate-related hazards, occupations, and health and socio-economic impacts were largely overlooked in the included research literature. The analysis revealed there is scope for further research relating to climate change impacts on occupational hazards (e.g., air pollution), occupations (e.g., indoor settings at risk), worker health (e.g., injuries), and socio-economic impacts (e.g., change in social practice). Furthermore, the results highlight that the main themes (hazards, occupations, health, and productivity) are interconnected, and the impacts of climate change can be ‘cascading’, adding complexity and severity. Hence, it is important to look at WHS as a multifaceted phenomenon in a holistic way to understand the risks and support required.
DLGAP5 Regulates the Proliferation, Migration, Invasion, and Cell Cycle of Breast Cancer Cells via the JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Axis
Authors: Li Yujie , Wei Jie , Sun Yao , Zhou Wenqian , Ma Xiaoya , Guo Jinping , Zhang Huan , Jin Tianbo
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to discover new biomarkers to detect breast cancer (BC), which is an aggressive cancer with a high mortality rate. In this study, bioinformatic analyses (differential analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and machine learning) were performed to identify potential candidate genes for BC to study their molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, Quantitative Real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry assays were used to examine the protein and mRNA expression levels of a particular candidate gene (DLGAP5). And the effects of DLGAP5 on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell cycle were further assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, colony formation, Transwell, wound healing, and flow cytometry assays. Moreover, the changes in the JAK2/STAT3 signaling-pathway-related proteins were detected by Western Blot. A total of 44 overlapping genes were obtained by differential analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis, of which 25 genes were found in the most tightly connected cluster. Finally, NEK2, CKS2, UHRF1, DLGAP5, and FAM83D were considered as potential biomarkers of BC. Moreover, DLGAP5 was highly expressed in BC. The down-regulation of DLGAP5 may inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell cycle of BC cells, and the opposite was true for DLGAP5 overexpression. Correspondingly, silencing or overexpression of the DLGAP5 gene inhibited or activated the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, respectively. DLGAP5, as a potential biomarker of BC, may impact the cell proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle, and BC development by modulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Caddisflies (Trichoptera) of Protected Calcareous Fen Habitats: Assemblages, Environmental Drivers, Indicator Species, and Conservation Issues
Authors: Buczyńska Edyta , Tarkowski Adam , Sugier Piotr , Płaska Wojciech , Zawal Andrzej , Janicka Anna , Buczyński Paweł
Published: October 2023

The caddisflies (Trichoptera) of calcareous fen habitats, in contrast to those of other peatland types, have been poorly researched. We thus conducted a two-year study in south-eastern Poland encompassing four types of such habitats—drained and undrained fens and water bodies (pools and ditches) located within the fens—in order to define trichopteran reference assemblages (PCoA), indicator species (IndVal analysis), and the drivers (both natural and those associated with landscape management, including area protection) responsible for caddisfly species distribution (CCA). The most important environmental driver was habitat persistence. Distance-based RDA analysis revealed a distinct pattern in the distribution of species with or without diapause along the persistence gradient. Environmental drivers associated with plants were also crucial for both fens and water bodies. The key factor influencing the caddisfly assemblages of pools and ditches was the use and management of the surrounding land, whereas in the fens, it was the level of area protection. Physical and chemical water parameters had no statistically significant impact on the assemblages. Some factors can be modified by humans (e.g., water level regulation, vegetation, and landscape management) to maintain healthy ecosystems for aquatic insects.
Investigations of Activated Carbon from Different Natural Sources for Preparation of Binder-Free Few-Walled CNTs/Activated Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Taurbekov Azamat , Abdisattar Alisher , Atamanov Meiram , Kaidar Bayan , Yeleuov Mukhtar , Joia Reza , Amrousse Rachid , Atamanova Tolganay
Published: October 2023

In this study, we present another approach to fabricating high-performance supercapacitor electrodes by combining activated carbon particles with carbon nanotubes (AC/CNT). We synthesized activated carbon from diverse biomass sources using a carbonization process and chemical activation with KOH. By incorporating carbon nanotubes, we significantly augmented the electrode’s surface area, resulting in exceptional ion transport and a substantial increase in specific capacitance. Our investigation reveals that the optimized composition, 85:10:5 of AC, CNT, and conductive additive, achieved outstanding specific capacitance values, notably 125.6 F g−1 at 1 mV s−1 and 118 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, along with a maximum energy density of 4 Wh kg−1. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) further demonstrated the superior charge transfer capabilities of these electrodes, notably at a frequency range from 100 kHz to 10 mHz. Additionally, our research highlights the influence of different biomass precursors, such as apricot kernels, walnut shells, and rice husks, on the electrochemical behavior of these electrodes. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the development of high-performance supercapacitors, emphasizing the potential of diverse biomass sources in optimizing electrode materials.
Neuropsychiatric Manifestations of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Response to Mast-Cell-Directed Treatment: A Case Series
Authors: Weinstock Leonard B. , Nelson Renee M. , Blitshteyn Svetlana
Published: October 2023

Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is an immune disease with an estimated prevalence of 17%. Mast cell chemical mediators lead to heterogeneous multisystemic inflammatory and allergic manifestations. This syndrome is associated with various neurologic and psychiatric disorders, including headache, dysautonomia, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and many others. Although MCAS is common, it is rarely recognized, and thus, patients can suffer for decades. The syndrome is caused by aberrant mast cell reactivity due to the mutation of the controller gene. A case series is presented herein including eight patients with significant neuropsychiatric disorders that were often refractory to standard medical therapeutics. Five patients had depression, five had generalized anxiety disorder, and four had panic disorder. Other psychiatric disorders included attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias, and bipolar disorder. All eight patients were subsequently diagnosed with mast cell activation syndrome; six had comorbid autonomic disorders, the most common being postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome; and four had hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. All patients experienced significant improvements regarding neuropsychiatric and multisystemic symptoms after mast-cell-directed therapy. In neuropsychiatric patients who have systemic symptoms and syndromes, it is important to consider the presence of an underlying or comorbid MCAS.
Retinal Findings and Cardiovascular Risk: Prognostic Conditions, Novel Biomarkers, and Emerging Image Analysis Techniques
Authors: Colcombe Joseph , Mundae Rusdeep , Kaiser Alexis , Bijon Jacques , Modi Yasha
Published: October 2023

Many retinal diseases and imaging findings have pathophysiologic underpinnings in the function of the cardiovascular system. Myriad retinal conditions, new imaging biomarkers, and novel image analysis techniques have been investigated for their association with future cardiovascular risk or utility in cardiovascular risk prognostication. An intensive literature search was performed to identify relevant articles indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for a targeted narrative review. This review investigates the literature on specific retinal disease states, such as retinal arterial and venous occlusions and cotton wool spots, that portend significantly increased risk of future cardiovascular events, such as stroke or myocardial infarction, and the implications for personalized patient counseling. Furthermore, conditions diagnosed primarily through retinal bioimaging, such as paracentral acute middle maculopathy and the newly discovered entity known as a retinal ischemic perivascular lesion, may be associated with future incident cardiovascular morbidity and are also discussed. As ever-more-sophisticated imaging biomarkers and analysis techniques are developed, the review concludes with a focused analysis of optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography biomarkers under investigation for potential value in prognostication and personalized therapy in cardiovascular disease.
Twenty Years of Managed Epilepsy for a Stranded Male Guadalupe Fur Seal (Arctocephalus townsendi) Secondary to Suspect Domoic Acid Toxicosis
Authors: Schmitt Todd L. , St. Leger Judy , Inglis Ben A. , Michal Isabella , Stedman Nancy , Nollens Hendrik H. , Dennison-Gibby Sophie , Herrick Kelsey , Clarke Elsburgh O. , Mena Alexandra , Cook Peter F.
Published: October 2023

Many wild otariids (sea lions and fur seals) strand along the California coast annually with seizures following presumed exposure to harmful algal blooms (HABs). This is a long-term case study of a stranded subadult male Guadalupe fur seal (Arctocephalus townsendi) that stranded in 2001 and within days after admission began demonstrating seizure activity. The epilepsy was stabilized with antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy and advanced imaging was performed. Magnetic resonance (MR) scans showed signs of encephalopathy consistent with domoic acid (DA) toxicosis. This fur seal was deemed “non-releasable” and over the following 19 years, he received supportive veterinary care and AED treatment at a permitted facility. In the summer of 2020, the fur seal showed progressive behavioral and functional deterioration whereupon humane euthanasia was performed. Post-mortem MR and diffusion tensor images (DTI) were acquired. A volumetric comparison with historic scans showed evidence of severe progressive unilateral right hippocampal atrophy. Histopathology confirmed severe chronic right and mild left hippocampal atrophy. The progressive degenerative brain changes demonstrate how adaptive brain function can be with neuronal atrophy secondary to DA exposure. This case highlights some considerations and decision-making processes needed for the rehabilitation and placement of wild stranded otariids with acquired epilepsy secondary to DA toxicity.
SnAg2O3-Coated Adhesive Tape as a Recyclable Catalyst for Efficient Reduction of Methyl Orange
Authors: Akhtar Kalsoom , Alhaj Asma A. , Bakhsh Esraa M. , Khan Sher Bahadar , Fagieh Taghreed M.
Published: October 2023

Silver oxide-doped tin oxide (SnAg2O3) nanoparticles were synthesized and different spectroscopic techniques were used to structurally identify SnAg2O3 nanoparticles. The reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), congo red (CR), methylene blue (MB), and methyl orange (MO) was studied using SnAg2O3 as a catalyst. Only 1.0 min was required to reduce 95% MO; thus, SnAg2O3 was found to be effective with a rate constant of 3.0412 min−1. Being a powder, SnAg2O3 is difficult to recover and recycle multiple times. For this reason, SnAg2O3 was coated on adhesive tape (AT) to make it recyclable for large-scale usage. SnAg2O3@AT catalyst was assessed toward MO reduction under various conditions. The amount of SnAg2O3@AT, NaBH4, and MO was optimized for best possible reduction conditions. The catalyst had a positive effect since it speed up the reduction of MO by adding more SnAg2O3@AT and NaBH4 as well as lowering the MO concentration. SnAg2O3@AT totally reduced MO (98%) in 3.0 min with a rate constant of 1.3669 min−1. These findings confirmed that SnAg2O3@AT is an effective and useful catalyst for MO reduction that can even be utilized on a large scale for industrial purposes.
Cu and Ni Co-Doped Porous Si Nanowire Networks as High-Performance Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Mi Can , Luo Chang , Wang Zigang , Zhang Yongguang , Yang Shenbo , Wang Zhifeng
Published: October 2023

Due to its extremely high theoretical mass specific capacity, silicon is considered to be the most promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, serious volume expansion and poor conductivity limit its commercial application. Herein, dealloying treatments of spray dryed Al-Si-Cu-Ni particles are performed to obtain a Cu/Ni co-doped Si-based anode material with a porous nanowire network structure. The porous structure enables the material to adapt to the volume changes in the cycle process. Moreover, the density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the co-doping of Cu and Ni can improve the capture ability towards Li, which can accelerate the electron migration rate of the material. Based on the above advantages, the as-prepared material presents excellent electrochemical performance, delivering a reversible capacity of 1092.4 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g−1. Even after 500 cycles, it still retains 818.7 mAh g−1 at 500 mA g−1. This study is expected to provide ideas for the preparation and optimization of Si-based anodes with good electrochemical performance.