bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Binding of Bovine IgG-Containing Immune Complexes to Human Monocytes and Their Putative Role in Innate Immune Training
Authors: Porbahaie Mojtaba , Savelkoul Huub F. J. , de Haan Cornelis A. M. , Teodorowicz Malgorzata , van Neerven R. J. Joost
Published: October 2022

Bovine milk IgG (bIgG) was shown to bind to and neutralize the human respiratory synovial virus (RSV). In animal models, adding bIgG prevented experimental RSV infection and increased the number of activated T cells. This enhanced activation of RSV-specific T cells may be explained by receptor-mediated uptake and antigen presentation after binding of bIgG-RSV immune complexes (ICs) with FcγRs (primarily CD32) on human immune cells. This indirect effect of bIgG ICs on activation of RSV-specific T cells was confirmed previously in human T cell cultures. However, the direct binding of ICs to antigen-presenting cells has not been addressed. As bovine IgG can induce innate immune training, we hypothesized that this effect could be caused more efficiently by ICs. Therefore, we characterized the expression of CD16, CD32, and CD64 on (peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), determined the optimal conditions to form ICs of bIgG with the RSV preF protein, and demonstrated the direct binding of these ICs to human CD14+ monocytes. Similarly, bIgG complexed with a murine anti-bIgG mAb also bound efficiently to the monocytes. To evaluate whether the ICs could induce innate immune training more efficiently than bIgG itself, the resulted ICs, as well as bIgG, were used in an in vitro innate immune training model. Training with the ICs containing bIgG and RSV preF protein—but not the bIgG alone—induced significantly higher TNF-α production upon LPS and R848 stimulation. However, the preF protein itself nonsignificantly increased cytokine production as well. This may be explained by its tropism to the insulin-like growth factor receptor 1 (IGFR1), as IGF has been reported to induce innate immune training. Even so, these data suggest a role for IgG-containing ICs in inducing innate immune training after re-exposure to pathogens. However, as ICs of bIgG with a mouse anti-bIgG mAb did not induce this effect, further research is needed to confirm the putative role of bIgG ICs in enhancing innate immune responses in vivo.
Effects of Selenium on Chronic Kidney Disease: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Fu Shaojie , Zhang Li , Ma Fuzhe , Xue Shuai , Sun Tao , Xu Zhonggao
Published: October 2022

Background: Previous observational studies have shown that there is a controversial association between selenium levels and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our aim was to assess the causal relationship between selenium levels and CKD using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Methods: We used the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method to analyze the causal role of selenium levels on CKD risk. The variants associated with selenium levels were extracted from a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis of circulating selenium levels (n = 5477) and toenail selenium levels (n = 4162) in the European population. Outcome data were from the largest GWAS meta-analysis of European-ancestry participants for kidney function to date. Inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the main analysis and a series of sensitivity analyses were carried out to detect potential violations of MR assumptions. Results: The MR analysis results indicate that the genetically predicted selenium levels were associated with decreased estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) (effect = −0.0042, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.0053–0.0031, p = 2.186 × 10−13) and increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (effect = 0.0029, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0006–0.0052, p = 0.0136) with no pleiotropy detected. Conclusions: The MR study indicated that an increased level of selenium is a causative factor for kidney function impairment.
Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies and Risk Factor Investigation in Portuguese Veterinarians: A Matched Case–Control Study
Authors: Almeida Daniela , Santos-Silva Sérgio , Pereira Maria Aires , Santos Carla , Mega Cristina , Coelho Catarina , Nóbrega Carmen , Esteves Fernando , Cruz Rita , Vala Helena , Mesquita João R.
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread zoonotic agent that greatly impacts Public Health, being responsible for one of the most important parasitic zoonosis worldwide. T. gondii has a heteroxenous life cycle, with cats being the definitive hosts and all warm-blooded animals, including humans, being intermediate hosts. Veterinary practitioners (VP) may be at a higher risk than the general population for T. gondii infection, as they have direct and daily contact with many animal species. The aim of the present study was to ascertain if VP were more likely to be anti-T. gondii IgG seropositive than the general population, as well as to understand if age, accidents with blood-contaminated sharps (cross-blood contamination), gender, working years, and geographic regions play a role as risk factors for T. gondii infection. For this purpose, a case–control study using archived samples was performed. (2) Methods: A total of 350 veterinary practitioners were tested using a commercial semiquantitative enzyme immunoassay for anti-T. gondii IgG. From the general population, 175 anonymous volunteers (matched with cases by region, age, and gender) were studied for anti-T. gondii IgG. (3) Results: There was no statistical difference found between the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG in practitioners (26%; CI = 21.40–30.60%) and the general population (33.14%; CI = 26.17–40.12%) (p = 0.108). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that only age (older groups) was found to be associated with a higher prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG, with significant p values (p < 0.05) for both univariate and multivariate analysis. (4) Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case–control study fully focused on the prevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG in VP in Portugal, showing that there was no significant risk for T. gondii infection in veterinarians exposed daily and repeatedly to different species of animals.
Tetratrichomoniasis in the Geese Flock—Case Report
Authors: Falkowski Piotr , Gaweł Andrzej , Bobrek Kamila
Published: October 2022

Infections caused by tetratrichomonas are commonly observed in geese. Most cases are subclinical, and the clinical form of the disease manifests itself with a greater mortality and the presence of caseous content in ceca. We describe the case of tetratrichomoniasis in a geese flock caused by Tetratrichomonas gallinarum, with the genetic analysis of the isolate being based on the fragments of 18SrRNA and ITS1-5.8rRNA-ITS2.
Epidemiology of Community-Acquired Sepsis: Data from an E-Sepsis Registry of a Tertiary Care Center in South India
Authors: Edathadathil Fabia , Alex Soumya , Prasanna Preetha , Sudhir Sangita , Balachandran Sabarish , Moni Merlin , Menon Vidya , Sathyapalan Dipu T. , Singh Sanjeev
Published: October 2022

The study aims to characterize community-acquired sepsis patients admitted to our 1300-bedded tertiary care hospital in South India from the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) guideline-compliant e-sepsis registry stratified by focus of infection. The prospective observational study recruited 1009 adult sepsis patients presenting to the emergency department at the center based on Sepsis-2 criteria for a period of three years. Of the patients, 41% were between 61 and 80 years with a mean age of 57.37 ± 13.5%. A total of 13.5% (136) was under septic shock and in-hospital mortality for the study cohort was 25%. The 3 h and 6 h bundle compliance rates observed were 37% and 49%, respectively, without significant survival benefits. Predictors of mortality among patients with bloodstream infections were septic shock (p = 0.01, OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.23–4.79) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (p = 0.008, OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.009–1.066). The presence of Acinetobacter (p = 0.005, OR 4.07, 95% CI 1.37–12.09), Candida non-albicans (p = 0.001, OR16.02, 95% CI 3.0–84.2) and septic shock (p = 0.071, OR 2.5, 95% CI 0.97–6.6) were significant predictors of mortality in patients with community-acquired pneumonia. The registry has proven to be a key data source detailing regional microbial etiology and clinical outcomes of adult sepsis patients, enabling comprehensive evaluation of regional community-acquired sepsis to tailor institutional sepsis treatment protocols.
Hemostatic Alginate/Nano-Hydroxyapatite Composite Aerogel Loaded with Tranexamic Acid for the Potential Protection against Alveolar Osteitis
Authors: El Halawany Mai , Latif Randa , AbouGhaly Mohamed H. H.
Published: October 2022

Wound control in patients on anticoagulants is challenging and often leads to poor hemostasis. They have a higher tendency to develop alveolar osteitis after tooth extraction. The application of a hemostatic dressing that has a high absorbing capacity and is loaded with an antifibrinolytic drug could help in controlling the bleeding. Alginate/nano-hydroxyapatite (SA/Nano-HA) composite aerogels loaded with tranexamic acid (TXA) were prepared. Nano-HA served as a reinforcing material for the alginate matrix and a source of calcium ions that helps in blood clotting. It influenced the porosity and the water uptake capacity. TXA release from SA/Nano-HA aerogels showed a biphasic profile for up to 4 h. Blood coagulation studies were performed on human whole blood. The TXA-loaded aerogel significantly reduced the clotting time by 69% compared to the control (p < 0.0001). Recalcification time was significantly reduced by 80% (p < 0.0001). Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the porous nature of the aerogels and the ability of the optimum aerogel to activate and adhere platelets to its porous surface. The cell migration assay showed that there was a delay in wound healing caused by the TXA aerogel compared to the control sample after treating human fibroblasts. Results suggest that the developed aerogel is a promising dressing that will help in hemostasis after tooth extraction.
Deformable Nanovesicle-Loaded Gel for Buccal Insulin Delivery
Authors: Guo Yiyue , Yang Yuqi , Xu You , Meng Yingying , Ye Jun , Xia Xuejun , Liu Yuling
Published: October 2022

Deformable nanovesicles (DNVs) have been widely used in oral mucosal delivery studies of biomolecular drugs. However, their development for oral mucosal preparations has been limited by their physical and chemical instability, the need for small oral volumes, and the complexity of the oral microenvironment. This study aimed to develop a more suitable buccal delivery system for DNVs with improved storage stability. Preliminary stability studies investigated different gel types, the effects of different hydrophilic gel matrices, and matrix temperature sensitivity using DNVs loaded with insulin-phospholipid complex (IPC-DNVs). A temperature-sensitive gel encapsulating IPC-DNVs (IPC-DNV-TSG) prepared with 2% w/v gelatin was stable at 4 °C for three months and maintained an excellent hypoglycemic effect. The delivery efficiency of IPC-DNVs and IPC-DNV-TSG was compared using a TR146 cell model, revealing that cell viability remained high. Cellular uptake was slightly lower for IPC-DNV-TSG than for IPC-DNVs, but total transport did not differ significantly between the two groups, which may have been related to the viscosity of IPC-DNV-TSG and the hydrophilicity, cell adhesion properties, and biocompatibility of gelatin. Moreover, neither IPC-DNVs nor IPC-DNV-TSG induced significant mucosal irritation in rabbit tongue tissue sections. The study findings demonstrate a promising method for possible use as oral mucosal delivery of peptide drugs.
Deep Eutectic Systems as Novel Vehicles for Assisting Drug Transdermal Delivery
Authors: Wang Jinbao , Li Mingjian , Duan Langhuan , Lin Yameng , Cui Xiuming , Yang Ye , Wang Chengxiao
Published: October 2022

In recent years, deep eutectic systems (DES) emerged as novel vehicles for facilitating the transdermal delivery of various drugs, including polysaccharides, proteins, insulin, vaccine, nanoparticles, and herb extracts. The objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive review of the application of DES to transdermal drug delivery, based on previous work and the reported references. Following a brief overview, the roles of DES in TDDS, the modes of action, as well as the structure–activity relationship of DES are discussed. Particularly, the skin permeation of active macromolecules and rigid nanoparticles, which are the defining characteristics of DES, are extensively discussed. The objective is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current investigation and development of DES-based transdermal delivery systems, as well as a framework for the construction of novel DES-TDDS in the future.
Artifact as a Node of Heterogeneous Relationships: A Study with Traditional Natural Packaging in Cooking and Food Preparation Practices in Antioquia, Colombia
Authors: Gutiérrez-Aguilar Carlos Mario , Giraldo Vásquez Maria Isabel , Parra Arcila Juan Pablo , Castrillón Forero Javier Ernesto , Ruiz Restrepo Mariana , Monterroza-Rios Alvaro David
Published: October 2022

This article studies natural food packaging as enabling artifacts of the traditional material culture of Antioquia in Colombia. For this purpose, we consider artifacts as objective nodes that combine design and use intentions, functions, materials, histories, artifactual lineages, and cooperative relationships that stabilize ritualized practices of a human group. We take the example of natural packaging as artifacts that enablers and stabilizers of traditional cooking and food preparation practices. Natural packaging materials are here assumed to be leaves having some favorable property to contain a food product. After providing a theoretical reflection, we analyze the data collected from fieldwork we conducted in two towns in Antioquia, Colombia (Santa Fe de Antioquia and Amagá), as well as from an interview with an expert in the field. Finally, we show that it is possible to postulate an analysis under a relational ontological description of a traditional practice with conceptual categories of the philosophy of technology.
The Interaction between Hydromulching and Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Improves Escarole Growth and Productivity by Regulating Nutrient Uptake and Hormonal Balance
Authors: Romero-Muñoz Miriam , Gálvez Amparo , Martínez-Melgarejo Purificación A. , Piñero María Carmen , del Amor Francisco M. , Albacete Alfonso , López-Marín Josefa
Published: October 2022

To improve water and nutrient use efficiencies some strategies have been proposed, such as the use of mulching techniques or arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation. To gain insights into the interaction between the use of hydromulch and AMF inoculation on plant growth and productivity, escarole plants (Cichorium endivia, L.) were inoculated with the AMF Rhizophagus irregularis and grown with non-inoculated plants under different soil cover treatments: ecological hydromulching based on the substrate of mushroom cultivation (MS), low-density black polyethylene (PE), and non-covered soil (BS). AMF inoculation or the use of mulching alone, but especially their interaction, increased the plant growth. The growth improvement observed in AMF-inoculated escarole plants grown under hydromulching conditions was mainly associated with the upgrading of nitrogen and phosphorous use efficiency through the regulation of the hormonal balance. Both hydromulching and AMF inoculation were found to increase the active gibberellins (GAs) and cytokinins (CKs), resulting in a positive correlation between these hormones and the growth-related parameters. In contrast, the ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) and abscisic acid (ABA) decreased in AMF-inoculated plants and especially in those grown with the MS treatment. This study demonstrates that there exists a positive interaction between AMF and hydromulching which enhances the growth of escarole plants by improving nutrient use efficiency and hormonal balance.
The Influence of End-of-Day Blue Light on the Growth, Photosynthetic, and Metabolic Parameters of Lettuce at Different Development Stages
Authors: Vaštakaitė-Kairienė Viktorija , Samuolienė Giedrė , Šveikauskas Vaidevutis , Laužikė Kristina , Jurkonienė Sigita
Published: October 2022

This study evaluates the effect of end-of-day blue (EOD B) light on the physiological response of lettuce (Lactuca sativa, Lobjoits Green Cos) at different phenological development stages. Plants were grown in a controlled environment growth chamber (day/night temperature 21 ± 2 °C; relative air humidity 60 ± 5%) under the light of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) consisting of 5% blue (B; 450 nm), 85% red (R; 660 nm), and 10% green (G; 530 nm) photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) at 200 µmol m−2 s−1 for 16 h d−1 (BRG, control) for 8, 15, and 25 days (BBCH 12, BBCH 14, and BBCH 18, respectively). For the EOD B treatments, lettuce plants were additionally illuminated with 100% of B light at 30 and 60 µmol m−2 s−1 PPFD for 4 h d−1 (B30 and B60, respectively). The results show that EOD B light caused the elevated shoot elongation of lettuce plants regardless of their growth stages. However, leaf width increased only in more developed lettuce plants (BBCH 18). EOD B light negatively affected the development of new leaves and fresh weight, except for seedlings (BBCH 12). Most photosynthetic and spectral leaf indices also decreased when lettuce was treated with EOD B light, especially under the PPFD level of 60 µmol m−2 s−1. Moreover, the changes in metabolic parameters such as DPPH free radical activity, free proline content, and H+-ATPase activity in lettuce showed a plant response to unfavorable conditions to EOD B light.
More than Moths: Flower Visitors of a Night-Blooming Plant in South Florida Pine Rocklands, USA
Authors: Pimienta María Cleopatra , Koptur Suzanne
Published: October 2022

Plants whose flowers open at night but remain open during the day also attract diurnal flower visitors, potentially boosting their pollination rates and providing resources that can support diverse arthropod communities. The rough-leaf velvetseed, Guettarda scabra (Rubiaceae), is an evergreen shrub that thrives only in the imperiled pine rockland habitat in south Florida. Its white, tubular, and fragrant flowers open during late afternoon, exhibiting traits strongly associated with the attraction of nocturnal hawkmoths (Sphingidae). Flowers of G. scabra remain open until the following morning, becoming available to a wider array of visitors, bringing into question the expectation that sphingophilous flowers are visited mainly by hawkmoths. To evaluate whether the flowers of G. scabra are mainly visited by nocturnal hawkmoths and understand the role of this plant in the pine rockland habitat, we characterized the arthropod fauna associated with its flowers during the morning, evening, and at night. We found that most flower visitors were diurnal insects of the orders Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera, although we observed other arthropod groups too. Visitation at night was dominated by two species of hawkmoths. Nectar was the main resource used by the arthropod community during this study. Legitimate visitation and nectar-robbing were the behaviors most frequently observed among the flower visitors. Our results suggest that flowers of the night-blooming G. scabra constitute an important food source for both diurnal and nocturnal arthropod fauna in the fire-dependent pine rocklands of southern Florida. Our study provides novel data to support efforts to conserve and protect pine rocklands and the plants and animals that inhabit them.
Dynamics of 2,4-D and Dicamba Applied to Corn Straw and Their Residual Action in Weeds
Authors: Gazola Tiago , Costa Renato Nunes , Carbonari Caio Antonio , Velini Edivaldo Domingues
Published: October 2022

2,4-D and dicamba are used in the postemergence management of eudicotyledonous weeds in different crops, most of which are grown under no-tillage systems. Due to the application methods for these products, their dynamics in straw and their residual action in soil have rarely been explored. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of 2,4-D and dicamba that have been applied to corn straw and to verify their relationship with residual control action in weeds. In the dynamics experiments, the herbicides were applied to 5 t ha−1 of straw, and rainfall simulations were performed with variable amounts and at different periods after application to evaluate herbicide movement in the straw. In the residual action experiments, the species Digitaria insularis, Conyza spp., Bidens pilosa, Amaranthus hybridus, Euphorbia heterophylla, and Eleusine indica were sown in trays, and 2,4-D and dicamba were applied directly to the soil, to the soil with the subsequent addition of the straw, and to the straw; all of these applications were followed by a simulation of 10 mm of rain. The physical effect of the straw and the efficacy of the herbicides in terms of pre-emergence control of the weed species were evaluated. The leaching of 2,4-D and dicamba from the corn straw increased with a higher volume of rainfall, and the longer the drought period was, the lower the final amount of herbicide that leached. The presence of the corn straw on the soil exerted a physical control effect on Conyza spp.; significantly reduced the infestation of D. insularis, B. pilosa, A. hybridus, and E. indica; and broadened the control spectrum of 2,4-D and dicamba, assisting in its residual action and ensuring high levels of control of the evaluated weeds. In the absence of the straw, 2,4-D effectively controlled the pre-emergence of D. insularis, Conyza spp., and A. hybridus, and dicamba effectively controlled D. insularis, Conyza spp., B. pilosa, A. hybridus, E. heterophylla, and E. indica.
Optimization of Conditions for a Freeze-Dried Restructured Strawberry Block by Adding Guar Gum, Pectin and Gelatin
Authors: Hu Jiaqi , Sun Xiyun , Xiao Hongwei , Yang Feifei , Liu Chunju , Wang Haiou , Zhang Honglin , Zhang Wei
Published: October 2022

With its high moisture content and tender texture, fresh strawberry is very susceptible to mechanical damage and microbial infection. Drying is one of the most frequently employed methods to extend its shelf life, and freeze-dried restructured strawberry block (FRSB) is an emerging popular food. Here, in order to enhance the quality of FRSB, edible gums of guar gum, pectin, and gelatin were added and the combination was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) with chewiness, hardness, and organoleptic evaluations of the dried sample as the response indicators. The results showed that the combination addition of 0.10% guar gum, 0.22% pectin, and 0.30% gelatin contributed to the highest comprehensive quality of the dried sample. Compared with the untreated sample, the optimal combination addition of the three edible gums resulted in a higher moisture content for the dried sample (increased by 0.8%), and increased the chewiness, hardness, and porosity by 82.04%, 27.09%, and 3.01%, respectively, while maintaining more original color and forming a denser porous microstructure. The findings in the current work will be useful for the application of edible gums in freeze-dried restructured fruits and vegetables.
Uncovering the Genetic of Cadmium Accumulation in the Rice 3K Panel
Authors: Syu Chien-Hui , Nieh Ting-Iun , Hsieh Meng-Ting , Lo Yu-Ching , Du Pei-Rong , Lin Yu-Wen , Wu Dong-Hong
Published: October 2022

Because Cadmium (Cd) is harmful to humans, and most non-smokers are exposed to Cd mainly through rice consumption, low-Cd rice breeding is urgently needed. It might not be possible to apply variation created using gene editing technology to breeding directly, so it is important to explore genetic variation in this trait in a natural population. In this study, variation in 4 genes was identified among 3024 accessions from the International Rice Research Institute 3000 Rice Genome Project (IRRI 3K-RGP) and 71 other important varieties, and the relationships between the variants and plant Cd accumulation were validated with hydroponic and pot experiments. Variants in OsNRAMP1, OsNRAMP5, OsLCD, and OsHMA3 were grouped into two, four, three, and two haplotypes, respectively. Fourteen combinations of these haplotypes, which were referred to as Cd-mobile types, were found in the collection. Of these, type 14 was shown to have the greatest potential for low-Cd accumulation, and functional markers for this type were designed. The results of this study provide an important resource for low-Cd rice breeding and highlight an effective strategy for pre-breeding programs.
Selection of Soybean Genotypes under Drought and Saline Stress Conditions Using Manhattan Distance and TOPSIS
Authors: de Oliveira Bruno Rodrigues , Zuffo Alan Mario , Aguilera Jorge González , Steiner Fábio , Ancca Sheda Méndez , Flores Luis Angel Paucar , Gonzales Hebert Hernán Soto
Published: October 2022

The search for soybean genotypes more adapted to abiotic stress conditions is essential to boost the development and yield of the crop in Brazil and worldwide. In this research, we propose a new approach using the concept of distance (or similarity) in a vector space that can quantify changes in the morphological traits of soybean seedlings exposed to stressful environments. Thus, this study was conducted to select soybean genotypes exposed to stressful environments (saline or drought) using similarity based on Manhattan distance and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method. TOPSIS is a multi-criteria decision method for selecting the best alternative using the concept of distance. The use of TOPSIS is essential because the genotypes are not absolutely similar in both treatments. That is, just the distance measure is not enough to select the best genotype simultaneously in the two stress environments. Drought and saline stresses were induced by exposing seeds of 70 soybean genotypes to −0.20 MPa iso-osmotic solutions with polyethylene glycol–PEG 6000 (119.6 g L−1) or NaCl (2.36 g L−1) for 14 days at 25 °C. The germination rate, seedling length, and seedling dry matter were measured. We showed here how the genotypic stability of soybean plants could be quantified by TOPSIS when comparing drought and salinity conditions to a non-stressful environment (control) and how this method can be employed under different conditions. Based on the TOPSIS method, we can select the best soybean genotypes for environments with multiple abiotic stresses. Among the 70 tested soybean genotypes, RK 6813 RR, ST 777 IPRO, RK 7214 IPRO, TMG 2165 IPRO, 5G 830 RR, 98R35 IPRO, 98R31 IPRO, RK 8317 IPRO, CG 7464 RR, and LG 60177 IPRO are the 10 most stable genotypes under drought and saline stress conditions. Owing to high stability and gains with selection verified for these genotypes under salinity and drought conditions, they can be used as genitors in breeding programs to obtain offspring with higher resistance to antibiotic stresses.
Nitrogen Allocation Tradeoffs Within-Leaf between Photosynthesis and High-Temperature Adaptation among Different Varieties of Pecan (Carya illinoinensis [Wangenh.] K. Koch)
Authors: Xu Qiwen , He Huichuan , He Binghui , Li Tianyang , Liu Yumin , Zhu Shunyao , Zhang Gaoning
Published: October 2022

Interpreting leaf nitrogen (N) allocation is essential to understanding leaf N cycling and the economy of plant adaptation to environmental fluctuations, yet the way these mechanisms shift in various varieties under high temperatures remains unclear. Here, eight varieties of pecan (Carya illinoinensis [Wangenh.] K. Koch), Mahan, YLC10, YLC12, YLC13, YLC29, YLC35, YLJ042, and YLJ5, were compared to investigate the effects of high temperatures on leaf N, photosynthesis, N allocation, osmolytes, and lipid peroxidation and their interrelations. Results showed that YLC35 had a higher maximum net photosynthetic rate (Pmax) and photosynthetic N-use efficiency (PNUE), while YLC29 had higher N content per area (Na) and lower PNUE. YLC35, with lower malondialdehyde (MDA), had the highest proportions of N allocation in rubisco (Pr), bioenergetics (Pb), and photosynthetic apparatus (Pp), while YLC29, with the highest MDA, had the lowest Pr, Pb, and Pp, implying more leaf N allocated to the photosynthetic apparatus for boosting PNUE or to non-photosynthetic apparatus for alleviating damage. Structural equation modeling (SEM) demonstrated that N allocation was affected negatively by leaf N and positively by photosynthesis, and their combination indirectly affected lipid peroxidation through the reverse regulation of N allocation. Our results indicate that different varieties of pecan employ different resource-utilization strategies and growth–defense tradeoffs for homeostatic balance under high temperatures.
Impact of OsBadh2 Mutations on Salt Stress Response in Rice
Authors: Prodhan Zakaria H. , Islam Shah A. , Alam Mohammad S. , Li Shan , Jiang Meng , Tan Yuanyuan , Shu Qingyao
Published: October 2022

Mutations in the Betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (OsBadh2) gene resulted in aroma, which is a highly preferred grain quality attribute in rice. However, research on naturally occurring aromatic rice has revealed ambiguity and controversy regarding aroma emission, stress tolerance, and response to salinity. In this study, mutant lines of two non-aromatic varieties, Huaidao#5 (WT_HD) and Jiahua#1 (WT_JH), were generated by targeted mutagenesis of OsBadh2 using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The mutant lines of both varieties became aromatic; however, WT_HD mutants exhibited an improved tolerance, while those of WT_JH showed a reduced tolerance to salt stress. To gain insight into the molecular mechanism leading to the opposite effects, comparative analyses of the physiological activities and expressions of aroma- and salinity-related genes were investigated. The WT_HD mutants had a lower mean increment rate of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutamate, and proline content, with a higher mean increment rate of γ-aminobutyric acid, hydrogen peroxide, and catalase than the WT_JH mutants. Fluctuations were also detected in the salinity-related gene expression. Thus, the response mechanism of OsBadh2 mutants is complicated where the genetic makeup of the rice variety and interactions of several genes are involved, which requires more in-depth research to explore the possibility of producing highly tolerant aromatic rice genotypes.
Copper Nanoparticles Decorated Alginate/Cobalt-Doped Cerium Oxide Composite Beads for Catalytic Reduction and Photodegradation of Organic Dyes
Authors: Alshaikhi Hamed A. , Asiri Abdullah M. , Alamry Khalid A. , Marwani Hadi M. , Alfifi Soliman Y. , Khan Sher Bahadar
Published: October 2022

Cobalt-doped cerium oxide (Co–CeO2) was synthesized and wrapped inside alginate (Alg) hydrogel beads (Alg/Co–CeO2). Further, copper nanoparticles (Cu) were grown on Alg/Co–CeO2 beads. Cu decorated Alg/Co–CeO2 composite beads (Cu@Alg/Co–CeO2) were tested as a catalyst for the solar-assisted photodegradation and NaBH4-assisted reduction of organic pollutants. Among different dyes, Cu@Alg/Co–CeO2 was found to be the best catalyst for the photodegradation of acridine orange (ArO) under solar light and efficient in reducing methyl orange (MO) with the aid of NaBH4. Cu@Alg/Co–CeO2 decolorized ArO up to 75% in 5 h under solar light, while 97% of MO was reduced in 11 min. The decolorization efficiency of Cu@Alg/Co–CeO2 was further optimized by varying different parameters. Thus, the designed catalyst provides a promising way for efficient oxidation and reduction of pollutants from industrial effluents.
Facile Conversion of Polystyrene Waste into an Efficient Sorbent for Water Purification
Authors: Ye Cuizhu , Pan Ziyan , Shen Yi
Published: October 2022

In this work, we convert a plastic waste, i.e., polystyrene (PS), into a sorbent by a simple sulfonation process. The sulfonation time was optimized and the structures of the resulting sulfonated polystyrene (SPS) was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray and contact angle tests. The results showed that the sulfonation time of 7 h can introduce abundant sulfonic groups and preserve the self-standing structure. Additionally, the SPS has a three-dimensional porous structure and hydrophilic surface because of the presence of numerous sulfonic groups, which could serve as effective binding sites for immobilizing varying pollutants. Furthermore, as a proof-of-concept, the adsorption performance of the SPS foams was evaluated using three pollutants, namely Pb2+, lysozyme and methylene blue. The adsorption isotherms were fitted by the Langmuir and Freundlich models, while the kinetics of the adsorption processes were analyzed using the pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion equations. It was found that the adsorption isotherms of Pb2+ and lysozyme can be better described by the Langmuir model, leading to maximum equilibrium adsorption uptakes of 10.5 and 15.7 mg g−1 for the adsorption of Pb2+ and lysozyme, respectively. Importantly, the pollutant-saturated SPS is readily regenerated by acid washing, and the recovered sorbents exhibit outstanding cyclic performance. The abundant availability of feedstock, facile preparation and regeneration processes render the SPS foams a promising sorbent for practical applications.
Mechanical Characterization and Structural Analysis of Latex-Containing and Latex-Free Intermaxillary Orthodontic Elastics
Authors: Gurdán Zsuzsanna , Turzó Kinga , Lőrinc Laura , Szabó Péter , Karádi Kristóf , Lukács András , Told Roland , Kardos Kinga , Maróti Péter
Published: October 2022

Class II malocclusion is one of the most common dental anomalies and the use of intermaxillary elastomers is the standard method in its treatment. However, orthodontic elastics cannot exert continuous force over a period of time due to force degradation. Our goal was to mechanically characterize the different types of elastomers during static and cyclic loads, based on uniform methodology and examine the morphological changes after loading. Ten types of latex-containing and four latex-free intermaxillary elastics were examined from six different manufacturers. To determine the mechanical characteristics of the elastomers, tensile tests, cyclical tensile fatigue tests and 24 h relaxation tests were performed, and the elastics were also subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. Regardless of the manufacturer, the latex-containing elastomers did not show significant differences in the percentage of elongation at break during the tensile test. Only one type of latex-containing elastomer did not tear during the 24 h cyclical fatigue test. Fatigue was confirmed by electron microscopy images, and the pulling force reduced significantly. During the force relaxation test, only one latex-free ligature was torn; the force degradation was between 7.8% and 20.3% for latex ligatures and between 29.6% and 40.1% for latex-free elastomers. The results showed that dynamic loading was more damaging to ligatures than static loading, latex-containing elastomers were more resistant than latex-free elastics, and which observation could have clinical consequences or a potential effect on patient outcome.
Finite Element Analysis of Strengthening Mechanism of Ultrastrong and Tough Cellulosic Materials
Authors: Han Xiaoshuai , Wang Jingwen , Wang Xiaoyi , Tian Wei , Dong Yanyan , Jiang Shaohua
Published: October 2022

Superior strong and tough structural materials are highly desirable in engineering applications. However, it remains a big challenge to combine these two mutually exclusive mechanical properties into one body. In the work, an ultrastrong and tough cellulosic material was fabricated by a two-step process of delignification and water molecule-induced hydrogen bonding under compression. The strong and tough cellulosic material showed enhanced tensile strength (352 MPa vs. 56 MPa for natural wood) and toughness (4.1 MJ m−3 vs. 0.42 MJ m−3 for natural wood). The mechanical behaviors of ultrastrong and tough bulk material in a tensile state were simulated by finite element analysis (FEA) using mechanical parameters measured in the experiment. FEA results showed that the tensile strength and toughness gradually simultaneously improved with the increase in moisture content, demonstrating that water molecules played an active role in fabricating strong and tough materials, by plasticizing and forming hydrogen bonding among cellulose nanofibrils.
Efficient Extraction of Methylene Blue from Aqueous Solution Using Phosphine-Based Deep Eutectic Solvents with Carboxylic Acid
Authors: Hassan Muhammad Faheem , Khan Amir Sada , Akbar Noor , Ibrahim Taleb Hassan , Khamis Mustafa I. , Jumean Fawwaz H. , Siddiqui Ruqaiyyah , Khan Naveed Ahmed , Yasir Nihal
Published: October 2022

Methylene blue (MB), an organic thiazine dye, has numerous industrial and medical applications. However, MB is a wastewater contaminant that is harmful to humans and aquatic life. Hence, its removal from water bodies is essential. In this work, five novel deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were synthesized using different precursors, screened, and studied for the extraction of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution using liquid–liquid extraction. The first, TOP-SA, was synthesized using trioctylphosphine (TOP) as a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and 2-hydroxy benzoic acid as a hydrogen bond donor (HBD). Among these, TOP-SA had the highest MB removal efficiency. The effects of pH, contact time, initial MB concentration, volumetric ratio, temperature, and ionic strength were studied and optimized. A 99.3% removal was achieved in 5 min for a 200 mg dm−3 MB solution mixed in a 1:10 ratio with TOP-SA at 25.0 °C. The structural properties of TOP-SA and its interactions with MB were investigated using FTIR. TOP-SA’s toxicity was investigated using human cells in vitro. TOP-SA was found to be comparatively less toxic and is a more efficient MB remover than other literature reported ionic liquids (ILs).
Use of Asset Administration Shell Coupled with ISO 15926 to Facilitate the Exchange of Equipment Condition and Health Status Data of a Process Plant
Authors: Kim Bongcheol , Kim Seyun , Teijgeler Hans , Lee Jaehyeon , Lee Ju Yeon , Lim Dongyun , Suh Hyo-Won , Mun Duhwan
Published: October 2022

The digital twin has emerged as a crucial technology for smart production. The Asset Administration Shell (AAS) is a standard tool that can support the digital representation of a process plant. We present a method to use AAS coupled with ISO 15926 to facilitate the exchange of maintenance data in process plants. To accomplish this, the operation and maintenance (O&M) system framework employed in process plants is defined. Information requirements are derived based on this framework, and a maintenance data structure is designed. Along with this, reference data are applied to identify the types of equipment and properties of each equipment type using ISO 15926. According to the pre-designed data structure, a neutral format based on AAS is developed to exchange maintenance data among software systems in O&M. The neutral format is verified through a test case of exchanging maintenance data (equipment condition and health status data) in terms of applicability to O&M systems in the field and compliance with the AAS meta-data model.
Separation of Molar Weight-Distributed Polyethylene Glycols by Reversed-Phase Chromatography—Analysis and Modeling Based on Isocratic Analytical-Scale Investigations
Authors: Supper Malvina , Heller Kathleen , Söllner Jakob , Sainio Tuomo , Kaspereit Malte
Published: October 2022

The separation of polyethylene glycols (PEGs) into single homologs by reversed-phase chromatography is investigated experimentally and theoretically. The used core–shell column is shown to achieve the baseline separation of PEG homologs up to molar weights of at least 5000 g/mol. A detailed study is performed elucidating the role of the operating conditions, including the temperature, eluent composition, and degree of polymerization of the polymer. Applying Martin’s rule yields a simple model for retention times that holds for a wide range of conditions. In combination with relations for column efficiency, the role of the operating conditions is discussed, and separations are predicted for analytical-scale chromatography. Finally, the approach is included in an efficient process model based on discrete convolution, which is demonstrated to predict with high accuracy also advanced operating modes with arbitrary injection profiles.
Integration of Maintenance Management System Functions with Industry 4.0 Technologies and Features—A Review
Authors: Shaheen Basheer Wasef , Németh István
Published: October 2022

Industry 4.0 is the latest technological age, in which recent technological developments are being integrated within industrial systems. Consequently, maintenance management of current industrial manufacturing systems is affected by the emergence of the technologies and features of Industry 4.0. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive literature review to understand how Industry 4.0 technologies and features affect the various functions of maintenance management systems. The reviewing process was initiated by examining the most recent related literature in three different databases. In total, 54 articles were classified into three research categories. Then, the integration of the main functions and components of the adopted maintenance management model and the Industry 4.0 features and technologies were aligned, focusing on the driving force of predictive maintenance. The analysis focused mainly on the technical aspects of the integration process, including integration concepts and integration-assisting tools, identifying the main applications and highlighting the challenges identified in the analysed literature. The key findings were that the main functions of maintenance management systems are significantly influenced by different Industry 4.0 technologies, mainly artificial intelligence–machine learning, CPS, IoT, big data, augmented reality, and cloud computing, in terms of successful integration. Consequently, the overall system implied tangible improvements through the involvement of different Industry 4.0 features which promote real-time condition monitoring, enable data management and curation, increase coordination between various maintenance tasks, facilitate supervision through remote maintenance applications, and, overall, improve operations and productivity, reduce unplanned shutdowns and, as a result, reduce the associated costs. To provide research directions, examples, and methodologies for integrating the various maintenance management system functions with the cutting-edge Industry 4.0 technologies and features based on real and practical cases present in the reviewed literature, the review’s findings are comprehensively categorised and summarised.
Logical Argument from Evil and Theism
Authors: Aguti Andrea
Published: October 2022

The article argues that the logical argument from evil is dead, and the new version presented by James Sterba cannot resurrect it. In the first part, I say that the logical argument from evil is dead either because, in the version given by Mackie, it was successfully refuted by Plantinga and other theists or because, by inviting a reformulation of theistic doctrines, it was nevertheless superseded by contemporary versions of theism, such as open theism. In the second part, I argue that the two significant moves made by Sterba to resurrect the logical argument from evil fail in their intent either because the premise they start does not necessarily give rise to an atheistic conclusion or because the premise is unacceptable for the theist.
Modeling Under-Reporting in Cyber Incidents
Authors: Sangari Seema , Dallal Eric , Whitman Michael
Published: October 2022

Under-reporting in cyber incidents is a well-established problem. Due to reputational risk and the consequent financial impact, a large proportion of incidents are never disclosed to the public, especially if they do not involve a breach of protected data. Generally, the problem of under-reporting is solved through a proportion-based approach, where the level of under-reporting in a data set is determined by comparison to data that is fully reported. In this work, cyber insurance claims data is used as the complete data set. Unlike most other work, however, our goal is to quantify under-reporting with respect to multiple dimensions: company revenue, industry, and incident categorization. The research shows that there is a dramatic difference in under-reporting—a factor of 100—as a function of these variables. Overall, it is estimated that only approximately 3% of all cyber incidents are accounted for in databases of publicly reported events. The output of this work is an under-reporting model that can be used to correct incident frequencies derived from data sets of publicly reported incidents. This diminishes the “barrier to entry” in the development of cyber risk models, making it accessible to researchers who may not have the resources to acquire closely guarded cyber insurance claims data.
Bivariate Copulas Based on Counter-Monotonic Shock Method
Authors: El Ktaibi Farid El , Bentoumi Rachid , Sottocornola Nicola , Mesfioui Mhamed
Published: October 2022

This paper explores the properties of a family of bivariate copulas based on a new approach using the counter-monotonic shock method. The resulting copula covers the full range of negative dependence induced by one parameter. Expressions for the copula and density are derived and many theoretical properties are examined thoroughly, including explicit expressions for prominent measures of dependence, namely Spearman’s rho, Kendall’s tau and Blomqvist’s beta. The convexity properties of this copula are presented, together with explicit expressions of the mixed moments. Estimation of the dependence parameter using the method of moments is considered, then a simulation study is carried out to evaluate the performance of the suggested estimator. Finally, an application of the proposed copula is illustrated by means of a real data set on air quality in New York City.
Downscaling SMAP Brightness Temperatures to 3 km Using CYGNSS Reflectivity Observations: Factors That Affect Spatial Heterogeneity
Authors: Wernicke Liza J. , Chew Clara C. , Small Eric E. , Das Narendra N.
Published: October 2022

NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) mission only retrieved ~2.5 months of 3 km near surface soil moisture (NSSM) before its radar transmitter malfunctioned. NSSM remains an important area of study, and multiple applications would benefit from 3 km NSSM data. With the goal of creating a 3 km NSSM product, we developed an algorithm to downscale SMAP brightness temperatures (TBs) using Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) reflectivity data. The purpose of downscaling SMAP TB is to represent the spatial heterogeneity of TB at a finer scale than possible via passive microwave data alone. Our SMAP/CYGNSS TB downscaling algorithm uses β as a scaling factor that adjusts TB based on variations in CYGNSS reflectivity. β is the spatially varying slope of the negative linear relationship between SMAP emissivity (TB divided by surface temperature) and CYGNSS reflectivity. In this paper, we describe the SMAP/CYGNSS TB downscaling algorithm and its uncertainties and we analyze the factors that affect the spatial patterns of SMAP/CYGNSS β. 3 km SMAP/CYGNSS TBs are more spatially heterogeneous than 9 km SMAP enhanced TBs. The median root mean square difference (RMSD) between 3 km SMAP/CYGNSS TBs and 9 km SMAP TBs is 3.03 K. Additionally, 3 km SMAP/CYGNSS TBs capture expected NSSM patterns on the landscape. Lower (more negative) β values yield greater spatial heterogeneity in SMAP/CYGNSS TBs and are generally found in areas with low topographic roughness (<350 m), moderate NSSM variance (~0.01–0.0325), low-to-moderate mean annual precipitation (~0.25–1.5 m), and moderate mean Normalized Difference Vegetation Indices (~0.2–0.6). β values are lowest in croplands and grasslands and highest in forested and barren lands.