bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Culturable Endophyte Fungi of the Well-Conserved Coastal Dune Vegetation Located on the East Coast of the Korean Peninsula
Authors: Park Jong Myong , You Young-Hyun
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to determine the diversity and distribution of endophytic fungi in coastal dune vegetation. Endophytic fungi promote plant growth and protect host plants from environmental stress and pathogens. Plants that have flourished as a result are critical for protecting coastal sand dunes from erosion. A total of 361 root-colonizing fungal endophytes were purely isolated from 24 halophyte species comprising all dune plant communities indigenous to a well-conserved coastal area based on morphological differences. Molecular identification and phylogeny using amplified ribosomal RNA sequences and internal transcribed spacer regions identified that the fungal isolates belong to seven classes and 39 genera. Penicillium (43.21%) was the most dominant genera, followed by Talaromyces (16.90%) and Aspergillus (11.91%). Furthermore, these genera present a wide host range. However, 16 other genera exhibited strong host specificity. When compared to other herbaceous or shrub host plant species, Talaromyces predominated as endophytes of the roots of the canopy-forming coastal windbreak tree Pinus thunbergii. Based on Margalef’s, Menhinick’s, Shannon’s, and Simpson’s diversity indices, the root-colonizing endophytes of P. thunbergii had higher morphological diversity. The endophyte fungi associated with five of the coastal plants studied are heretofore unreported. In fact, of all fungal genera characterized here, 13 genera (30%) have not been previously reported as marine fungal endophytes or coastal fungi. The foregoing results suggest that future coastal sand dune conservation studies should examine the biological resources of entire bioclusters and not merely the dominant plants or their endosymbionts.
HOG1 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway–Related Autophagy Induced by H2O2 in Lentinula edodes Mycelia
Authors: Yan Dong , Fan Yangyang , Song Shuang , Guo Yuan , Liu Yu , Xu Xiaoling , Liu Fang , Gao Qi , Wang Shouxian
Published: March 2023

Mycelial ageing is associated with ROS and autophagy in Lentinula edodes. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms between ROS and autophagy remain obscure. This study induced autophagy in L. edodes mycelia through exogenous H2O2 treatment. Results showed that 100 μM H2O2 treatment for 24 h significantly inhibited mycelial growth. H2O2 caused the depolarisation of MMP and accumulation of TUNEL-positive nuclei, which was similar to the ageing phenotype of L. edodes mycelia. Transcriptome analysis showed that differentially expressed genes were enriched in the mitophagic, autophagic, and MAPK pathways. LeAtg8 and LeHog1 were selected as hub genes. RNA and protein levels of LeATG8 increased in the H2O2-treated mycelia. Using fluorescent labelling, we observed for the first time the classic ring structure of autophagosomes in a mushroom, while 3D imaging suggested that these autophagosomes surrounded the nuclei to degrade them at specific growth stages. Phospho-LeHOG1 protein can translocate from the cytoplasm to the nucleus to regulate mycelial cells, resisting ROS-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, LeATG8 expression was suppressed when LeHOG1 phosphorylation was inhibited. These results suggest that the LeATG8-dependent autophagy in L. edodes mycelial is closely associated with the activity or even phosphorylation of LeHOG1.
Identification of Urban and Wildlife Terrestrial Corridor Intersections for Planning of Wildlife-Vehicle Collision Mitigation Measures
Authors: Kučas Andrius , Balčiauskas Linas , Lavalle Carlo
Published: March 2023

Roadkill and other impacts of roads on wildlife create pressures on society and the environment, requiring the implementation of mitigation measures in response. Due to various natural and anthropogenic causes, the locations of wildlife–vehicle collisions are not stable in time and space. The identification of urban and wildlife corridor intersections can help anchor collision locations along high-risk road sections. Urban and wildlife corridors and their intersections were identified in a case study of Lithuania using a landscape connectivity identification method based on circuit theory. A strong relationship was found between the numbers of urban–wildlife corridor intersections and the numbers of wildlife–vehicle collisions. Short road sections were characterised by the number of urban–wildlife corridor intersections, mammal–vehicle collisions, and the presence of fencing. Multi-criteria analyses identified the road sections where wildlife fencing is, simultaneously, the longest, and the number of mammal–vehicle collisions and the number of urban–wildlife corridor intersections are highest. The results show that identifying wildlife and urban corridor intersections can reinforce locations for permanent roadkill mitigation measures. The identification of crossing structure type and location within shortlisted road sections and evaluation of their efficiencies remain the challenges for field research.
Bioactive Compounds and Signaling Pathways of Wolfiporia extensa in Suppressing Inflammatory Response by Network Pharmacology
Authors: Jin Juri , Chowdhury Md. Helal Uddin , Hafizur Rahman Md. , Choi Ki-Young , Adnan Md.
Published: March 2023

Wolfiporia extensa (WE) is a medicinal mushroom and an excellent source of naturally occurring anti-inflammatory substances. However, the particular bioactive compound(s) and mechanism(s) of action against inflammation have yet to be determined. Here, we studied anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds and their molecular mechanisms through network pharmacology. Methanol (ME) extract of WE (MEWE) was used for GC-MS analysis to identify the bioactives, which were screened by following Lipinski’s rules. Public databases were used to extract selected bioactives and inflammation-related targets, and Venn diagrams exposed the common targets. Then, STRING and Cytoscape tools were used to construct protein-protein (PPI) network and mushroom-bioactives-target (M-C-T) networks. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analysis were performed by accessing the DAVID database and molecular docking was conducted to validate the findings. The chemical reactivity of key compounds and standard drugs was explored by the computational quantum mechanical modelling method (DFT study). Results from GC-MS revealed 27 bioactives, and all obeyed Lipinski’s rules. The public databases uncovered 284 compound-related targets and 7283 inflammation targets. A Venn diagram pointed to 42 common targets which were manifested in the PPI and M-C-T networks. KEGG analysis pointed to the HIF-1 signaling pathway and, hence, the suggested strategy for preventing the onset of inflammatory response was inhibition of downstream NFKB, MAPK, mTOR, and PI3K-Akt signaling cascades. Molecular docking revealed the strongest binding affinity for “N-(3-chlorophenyl) naphthyl carboxamide” on five target proteins associated with the HIF-1 signaling pathway. Compared to the standard drug utilized in the DFT (Density Functional Theory) analysis, the proposed bioactive showed a good electron donor component and a reduced chemical hardness energy. Our research pinpoints the therapeutic efficiency of MEWE and this work suggests a key bioactive compound and its action mechanism against inflammation.
Progress and Perspective of Glass-Ceramic Solid-State Electrolytes for Lithium Batteries
Authors: Lin Liyang , Guo Wei , Li Mengjun , Qing Juan , Cai Chuang , Yi Ping , Deng Qibo , Chen Wei
Published: March 2023

The all-solid-state lithium battery (ASSLIB) is one of the key points of future lithium battery technology development. Because solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) have higher safety performance than liquid electrolytes, and they can promote the application of Li-metal anodes to endow batteries with higher energy density. Glass-ceramic SSEs with excellent ionic conductivity and mechanical strength are one of the main focuses of SSE research. In this review paper, we discuss recent advances in the synthesis and characterization of glass-ceramic SSEs. Additionally, some discussions on the interface problems commonly found in glass-ceramic SSEs and their solutions are provided. At the end of this review, some drawbacks of glass-ceramic SSEs are summarized, and future development directions are prospected. We hope that this review paper can help the development of glass-ceramic solid-state electrolytes.
Theory, Method and Practice of Metal Deformation Instability: A Review
Authors: Wan Miaomiao , Li Fuguo , Yao Kenan , Song Guizeng , Fan Xiaoguang
Published: March 2023

Deformation instability is a macroscopic and microscopic phenomenon of non-uniformity and unstable deformation of materials under stress loading conditions, and it is affected by the intrinsic characteristics of materials, the structural geometry of materials, stress state and environmental conditions. Whether deformation instability is positive and constructive or negative and destructive, it objectively affects daily life at all times and the deformation instability based on metal-bearing analysis in engineering design has always been the focus of attention. Currently, the literature on deformation instability in review papers mainly focuses on the theoretical analysis of deformation instability (instability criteria). However, there are a limited number of papers that comprehensively classify and review the subject from the perspectives of material characteristic response, geometric structure response, analysis method and engineering application. Therefore, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the existing literature on metal deformation instability, covering its fundamental principles, analytical methods, and engineering practices. The phenomenon and definition of deformation instability, the principle and viewpoint of deformation instability, the theoretical analysis, experimental research and simulation calculation of deformation instability, and the engineering application and prospect of deformation instability are described. This will provide a reference for metal bearing analysis and deformation instability design according to material deformation instability, structural deformation instability and localization conditions of deformation instability, etc. From the perspective of practical engineering applications, regarding the key problems in researching deformation instability, using reverse thinking to deduce and analyze the characteristics of deformation instability is the main trend of future research.
Impact of Titanium Addition on Microstructure, Corrosion Resistance, and Hardness of As-Cast Al+6%Li Alloy
Authors: Adamiak Marcin , Appiah Augustine Nana Sekyi , Woźniak Anna , Nuckowski Paweł M. , Nazarov Shuhratjon Abdugulomovich , Ganiev Izatullo Navruzovich
Published: March 2023

Aluminum–lithium alloys have the potential for use in aerospace applications, and improving their physical, mechanical, and operational characteristics through alloying is a pressing task. Lithium, with a density of 0.54 g/cm3, enhances the elastic modulus of aluminum while reducing the weight of the resulting alloys, making them increasingly attractive. Adding transition metal additives to aluminum alloys enhances their strength, heat resistance, and corrosion resistance, due to their modifying effect and grain refinement. The study aimed to investigate the impact of titanium content on the microstructure, corrosion resistance, and hardness of Al-Li alloys. Four alloys were prepared with varying amounts of titanium at 0.05 wt%, 0.1 wt%, 0.5 wt%, and 1.0 wt%. The results showed that the microstructure of the alloy was modified after adding Ti, resulting in a decrease in average grain size to about 60% with the best refinement at 0.05 wt% Ti content. SEM and EDS analysis revealed an irregular net-shaped interdendritic microstructure with an observed microsegregation of Al3Li compounds and other trace elements at the grain boundaries. The samples showed casting defects due to the high content of Li in the alloy, which absorbed air during casting, resulting in casting defects such as shrinkage holes. The corrosion resistance test results were low for the samples with casting defects, with the least resistance recorded for a sample containing 0.1 wt% Ti content, with more casting defects. The addition of Ti increased the microhardness of the alloy to an average of 91.8 ± 2.8 HV.
Bonding Mechanical Properties between SMA Fiber and ECC Matrix under Direct Pullout Loads
Authors: Yang Zhao , Gong Xiaojun , Wu Qing , Fan Lin
Published: March 2023

SMAF-ECC material composed of shape memory alloy fiber (SMAF) and engineered cementitious composite (ECC) has good bending and tensile properties, as well as good crack self-healing ability, energy consumption, and self-centering ability. The bond behavior between fiber and matrix is crucial to the effective utilization of the superelasticity of SMAF. The experimental study considered three variables: SMA fiber diameter, fiber end shape, and bond length. The pullout stress–strain curve of SMAF was obtained, and the maximum pullout stress, maximum bond stress, and fiber utilization rate were analyzed. Compared with the straight end and the hook end, the maximum pullout stress of the specimen using the knotted end SMAF is above 900 MPa, the fiber undergoes martensitic transformation, and the fiber utilization rate is above 80%, indicating that the setting of the knotted end can give full play to the superelasticity of the SMAF. Within the effective bond length range, increasing the bond length can increase the maximum anchorage force of the knotted end SMAF. Increasing the fiber diameter can increase the maximum pullout stress and maximum anchoring force of the knotted end SMAF but reduce the utilization rate of SMA fiber. This study provides a reliable theoretical basis for the bonding properties between SMAF and ECC.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cast Al-Si-Cu-Mg-Ni-Cr Alloys: Effects of Time and Temperature on Two-Stage Solution Treatment and Ageing
Authors: Xiao Lairong , Yu Huali , Qin Yiwei , Liu Guanqun , Peng Zhenwu , Tu Xiaoxuan , Su Heng , Xiao Yuxiang , Zhong Qi , Wang Sen , Cai Zhenyang , Zhao Xiaojun
Published: March 2023

Ameliorating the high-temperature performance of cast Al-Si alloys used as engine components is essential. The effects of different T6 heat-treatment processes on the microstructure and mechanical properties of cast Al-Si-Cu-Mg-Ni-Cr alloys were investigated in the present study. The results demonstrate that, under the optimal solution treatment conditions of 500 °C for 2 h and 540 °C for 4 h, the T-Al9FeNi phase was present in the alloy, and the roundness of primary Si and the aspect ratio of eutectic Si in the alloy reached valley values of 1.46 and 2.56, respectively. With increasing ageing time at 180 °C, the tensile strength significantly improved, while the microhardness first increased and then decreased. When the ageing time was 4 h, microhardness reached a peak value of 155.82 HV. The fracture characteristics changed from quasi-cleavage to the coexistence of quasi-cleavage and dimples. After heat treatment, the high-temperature tensile properties of the alloy improved, which is a significant advantage compared to the as-cast alloy. The stable Al3Ni and Al9FeNi phases inhibited the cracking of the alloy at 350 °C.
Optical Band Gap Tuning, DFT Understandings, and Photocatalysis Performance of ZnO Nanoparticle-Doped Fe Compounds
Authors: Alharshan Gharam A. , Aboraia Abdelaziz Mohamed , Uosif Mohamed A. M. , Sharaf Ibrahim M. , Shaaban Essam R. , Saad Mohamed , ALMohiy Hussain , Elsenety Mohamed M.
Published: March 2023

Iron-doped Zinc oxide nanoparticles were produced by the sol-gel combustion method. This study aims to see how iron doping affects the structural, optical, and photocatalytic characteristics of ZnO composites. XRD examined all samples to detect the structural properties and proved that all active materials are a single hexagonal phase. The morphology and particle size were investigated by TEM. Computational Density functional theory (DFT) calculation of the band structure, density of state, and charge distributions for ZnO were investigated in comparison with ZnO dope iron. We reported the application results of ZnO doped Fe for Methylene blue dye removal under photocatalytic degradation effect. The iron concentrations affect the active material’s band gap, producing higher photocatalytic performance. The acquired results could be employed to enhance the photocatalytic properties of ZnO.
Development and Testing of a Self-Propelled Machine for Combined Potato Harvesting and Residual Plastic Film Retrieval
Authors: Ju Yuanjin , Sun Wei , Zhao Zhiwei , Wang Hucun , Liu Xiaolong , Zhang Hua , Li Hui , Simionescu Petru Aurelian
Published: March 2023

A self-propelled machine for combined potato harvesting and residual plastic film retrieval is presented in this paper. The machine was designed collaboratively and built at the College of Mechano-Electronic Engineering of Gansu Agricultural University. It is intended for slow slope and horizontal terraces in hilly and mountainous areas of Northwest China, where regular-size harvesters cannot operate. The machine can realize the combined operations of potato digging, potato separation from soil and plastic film, potato collection and bagging, and residual plastic film retrieval. Through engineering analyses, the main systems of the machine were calculated, and their operating parameters were estimated. These include the digging and lifting device, the potato–plastic-film separation device, and the residual plastic film retrieval device. Field tests were performed at a 0.5 m/s driving speed of the machine, while the linear speed of the lifting chain of the digging and lifting device was 1.5 m/s, the tilting angle of the conveying chain of the potato and plastic film separation device was 50°, its linear speed was 0.6 m/s, and the linear speed of the lifting screen of the circulating lifting device was 0.7 m/s. With these settings, the average productivity of the machine was 0.12 ha/h. The loss rate, damage rate, and potato bruising rate were 1.8%, 1.4%, and 2.8%, respectively; the potato impurity rate was 3.6%; and the residual plastic film retrieval rate was 83%—all above industry standards. This research provides a solution to the problem of mechanized potato harvesting and plastic mulch retrieval on small, slopped plots of land in Northwest China and in other parts of the world where similar conditions exist.
Chitosan Nanoparticles-Based Cancer Drug Delivery: Application and Challenges
Authors: Sachdeva Bhuvi , Sachdeva Punya , Negi Arvind , Ghosh Shampa , Han Sungsoo , Dewanjee Saikat , Jha Saurabh Kumar , Bhaskar Rakesh , Sinha Jitendra Kumar , Paiva-Santos Ana Cláudia , Jha Niraj Kumar , Kesari Kavindra Kumar
Published: March 2023

Chitin is the second most abundant biopolymer consisting of N-acetylglucosamine units and is primarily derived from the shells of marine crustaceans and the cell walls of organisms (such as bacteria, fungi, and algae). Being a biopolymer, its materialistic properties, such as biodegradability, and biocompatibility, make it a suitable choice for biomedical applications. Similarly, its deacetylated derivative, chitosan, exhibits similar biocompatibility and biodegradability properties, making it a suitable support material for biomedical applications. Furthermore, it has intrinsic material properties such as antioxidant, antibacterial, and antitumor. Population studies have projected nearly 12 million cancer patients across the globe, where most will be suffering from solid tumors. One of the shortcomings of potent anticancer drugs is finding a suitable cellular delivery material or system. Therefore, identifying new drug carriers to achieve effective anticancer therapy is becoming essential. This paper focuses on the strategies implemented using chitin and chitosan biopolymers in drug delivery for cancer treatment.
Optimization of R-Phycoerythrin Extraction by Ultrasound-Assisted Enzymatic Hydrolysis: A Comprehensive Study on the Wet Seaweed Grateloupia turuturu
Authors: Le Guillard Cécile , Bergé Jean-Pascal , Donnay-Moreno Claire , Cornet Josiane , Ragon Jean-Yves , Fleurence Joël , Dumay Justine
Published: March 2023

Enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) are both recognized as sustainable processes, but little has been done on the combined process known as ultrasound-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis (UAEH), and even less on seaweed. The present study aimed to optimize the UAEH of the red seaweed Grateloupia turuturu for the extraction of R-phycoerythrin (R-PE) directly from the wet biomass by applying a response surface methodology based on a central composite design. Three parameters were studied: the power of ultrasound, the temperature and the flow rate in the experimental system. Data analysis demonstrated that only the temperature had a significant and negative effect on the R-PE extraction yield. Under the optimized conditions, the R-PE kinetic yield reached a plateau between 90 and 210 min, with a yield of 4.28 ± 0.09 mg·g−1 dry weight (dw) at 180 min, corresponding to a yield 2.3 times higher than with the conventional phosphate buffer extraction on freeze-dried G. turuturu. Furthermore, the increased release of R-PE, carbohydrates, carbon and nitrogen can be associated with the degradation of G. turuturu constitutive polysaccharides, as their average molecular weights had been divided by 2.2 in 210 min. Our results thus demonstrated that an optimized UAEH is an efficient method to extract R-PE from wet G. turuturu without the need for expensive pre-treatment steps found in the conventional extraction. UAEH represents a promising and sustainable approach that should be investigated on biomasses where the recovery of added-value compounds needs to be improved.
Gastroduodenal Perforation in Cancer Patients: Association with Chemotherapy and Prognosis
Authors: Mazepa Melissa Mello , Pereira Marina Alessandra , Arabi Arthur Youssif Mota , Dias André Roncon , Ribeiro Ulysses , Zilberstein Bruno , D’Albuquerque Luiz Augusto Carneiro , Ramos Marcus Fernando Kodama Pertille
Published: March 2023

Background: Gastroduodenal perforation stands out as one of the complications in cancer patients. Despite its high mortality, its characteristics are still poorly described. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of cancer patients who had gastroduodenal perforation, and the influence of chemotherapy (CMT) in these cases. Method: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent emergency surgery with an intraoperative finding of gastroduodenal perforation. Patients who performed CMT within 60 days before perforation were considered as the CMT group. Results: Among 45 patients included, 16 (35.5%) were classified as the CMT group and the remaining 29 (64.5%) patients as the non-CMT group. There was no difference between the groups regarding sex, age, BMI, comorbidity, and laboratory exams. ECOG 2-3 was significantly more frequent in the CMT group (68.8% vs. 34.5% p = 0.027). Major postoperative complications were similar between both groups (75% vs. 58.6%, p = 0.272). The sepsis of abdominal focus was the main postoperative complication. The 30-day mortality was 55.6%, with no difference between non-CMT and CMT groups (62.5% vs. 51.7%, respectively; p = 0.486). A multivariate analysis of risk factors showed that only an age of ≥65 years was related to 30-day mortality. Conclusions: Patients with gastroduodenal perforation and oncologic treatment present high mortality, regardless of receiving recent CMT.
Global Situation of Bioremediation of Leachate-Contaminated Soils by Treatment with Microorganisms: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mendoza-Burguete Yesenia , de la Luz Pérez-Rea María , Ledesma-García J. , Campos-Guillén Juan , Ramos-López M. A. , Guzmán C. , Rodríguez-Morales J. A.
Published: March 2023

This systematic review presents the current state of research in the last five years on contaminants in soils, especially in leachates from solid waste landfills, with emphasis on biological remediation. In this work, the pollutants that can be treated by microorganisms and the results obtained worldwide were studied. All the data obtained were compiled, integrated, and analyzed by soil type, pollutant type, bacterial type, and the countries where these studies were carried out. This review provides reliable data on the contamination of soils worldwide, especially soils contaminated by leachate from municipal landfills. The extent of contamination, treatment objectives, site characteristics, cost, type of microorganisms to be used, and time must be considered when selecting a viable remediation strategy. The results of this study can help develop innovative and applicable methods for evaluating the overall contamination of soil with different contaminants and soil types. These findings can help develop innovative, applicable, and economically feasible methods for the sustainable management of contaminated soils, whether from landfill leachate or other soil types, to reduce or eliminate risk to the environment and human health, and to achieve greater greenery and functionality on the planet.
Bacterial Infection in the Sickle Cell Population: Development and Enabling Factors
Authors: Délicat-Loembet Lucrèce M. , Baraïka Mohamed Ag , Bougoudogo Flabou , Diallo Dapa A.
Published: March 2023

The high frequency of bacterial infections represents a major threat to public health. In developing countries, they are still responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in pediatric populations with sickle cell disease, particularly in children under 5 years of age. Indeed, they have an increased susceptibility to bacterial infections due to their immune deficiency. This susceptibility is even greater for pneumococcal and salmonella infections. In addition, the underdevelopment of some countries and socio-economic factors increases this condition. This review examines the common and specific factors leading to infections in people with sickle cell disease in different types of developed and undeveloped countries. The threat of bacterial infections, particularly those caused by S. pneumoniae and Salmonella, is of increasing concern due to the rise in bacterial resistance to antibiotics. In light of this disturbing data, new strategies to control and prevent these infections are needed. Solutions could be systematic penicillin therapy, vaccinations, and probabilistic antibiotic therapy protocols.
Mineral-Solubilizing Bacteria-Mediated Enzymatic Regulation and Nutrient Acquisition Benefit Cotton’s (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Vegetative and Reproductive Growth
Authors: Ahmad Iqra , Ahmad Maqshoof , Bushra  , Hussain Azhar , Mumtaz Muhammad Zahid , Najm-ul-Seher  , Abbasi Ghulam Hassan , Nazli Farheen , Pataczek Lisa , Ali Hayssam M.
Published: March 2023

Many farmers’ incomes in developing countries depend on the cultivation of major crops grown in arid and semi-arid regions. The agricultural productivity of arid and semi-arid areas primarily relies on chemical fertilizers. The effectiveness of chemical fertilizers needs to improve by integration with other sources of nutrients. Plant growth-promoting bacteria can solubilize nutrients, increase plant nutrient uptake, and supplement chemical fertilizers. A pot experiment evaluated the promising plant growth-promoting bacterial strain’s effectiveness in promoting cotton growth, antioxidant enzymes, yield, and nutrient uptake. Two phosphate solubilizing bacterial strains (Bacillus subtilis IA6 and Paenibacillus polymyxa IA7) and two zinc solubilizing bacterial strains (Bacillus sp. IA7 and Bacillus aryabhattai IA20) were coated on cotton seeds in a single as well as co-inoculation treatments. These treatments were compared with uninoculated controls in the presence and absence of recommended chemical fertilizer doses. The results showed the co-inoculation combination of Paenibacillus polymyxa IA7 and Bacillus aryabhattai IA20 significantly increased the number of bolls, seed cotton yield, lint yield, and antioxidants activities, including superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase, catalase, and peroxidase. Co-inoculation combination of Bacillus subtilis IA6 and Bacillus sp. IA16 promoted growth attributes, including shoot length, root length, shoot fresh weight, and root fresh weight. This co-inoculation combination also increased soil nutrient content. At the same time, Paenibacillus polymyxa IA7 + Bacillus aryabhattai IA20 increased nutrient uptake by plant shoots and roots compared.
Understanding Habitats and Environmental Conditions of White-Tailed Deer Population Density and Public Health Data to Aid in Assessing Human Tick-Borne Disease Risk
Authors: Maxwell Sarah P. , Brooks Chris , Kim Pyung , Kim Dohyeong , McNeely Connie L. , Thomas Kevin
Published: March 2023

The extent of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in the United States is largely unknown and underreported. Equitable diagnostic and treatment options may vary by geographic location. Triangulating multi-modal data sources informed by a One Health approach provides robust proxies for human TBD risk. Using data from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources collected from hunters during the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) hunting season and other sources, we employ a mixed-methods approach based on thematic mapping and mixed effects modelling to determine if deer population density aligns with official disease data at the county level from (1) positive canine serological reports for, anaplasmosis, and Lyme Disease (LD); (2) positive human cases of ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, LD, and Spotted Fever rickettsioses; and (3) tick infectivity. We propose the need for multimodal data analysis using a variety of potential proxies to better estimate disease risk and inform public health policy and practice. We find similar spatial distributions between deer population density and human and canine TBDs in northeastern and southern Indiana, which are rural and mixed geographic areas. Overall, LD is more prevalent in the northwest, central-western, and southeastern counties, while ehrlichiosis is more common in the southern counties. These findings hold true across humans, canines, and deer.
Regulation of Gut Microbiota through Breast Milk Feeding Benefits Language and Cognitive Development of Preterm Toddlers
Authors: Guo Shan , Huang Kaikun , Liu Ruixia , Sun Jing , Yin Chenghong
Published: March 2023

Feeding practice is essential to growth and development of preterm toddlers. However, the relationship of feeding mode with gut microbiota and neurodevelopment outcomes of preterm toddlers has not been characterized fully. We conducted this cohort study to assess neurodevelopment outcomes and gut microbiota community structures of preterm toddlers who received either breast milk, formula or mixed feeding. Fifty-five preterm toddlers born <37 weeks and 24 term toddlers were recruited in the study. Bayley III mental and physical index scores were measured among preterm toddlers at 12 ± 2 and 18 ± 2 months corrected age (CA). Gut microbiome composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing in fecal samples collected from all participants at 12 months, 16 months and 20 months after birth. We found exclusive breast milk feeding for over three months in the first six months after birth was associated with significant increase in language composite score at 12 months CA (86 (79,97) vs. 77 (71.75,79), p = 0.008) and both language (106.05 ± 14.68 vs. 90.58 ± 12.25, p = 0.000) and cognitive composite score at 18 months CA (107.17 ± 10.85 vs. 99.00 ± 9.24, p = 0.007). The alpha diversity, beta diversity and composition of gut microbiota from those breastfed preterm toddlers not only resembled healthy term toddlers but also followed similar structure of preterm toddlers with enhanced language and cognitive performance. Our results suggest exclusive breast milk feeding for over three months in preterm toddlers leads to optimal cognitive and language development and well-balanced microbiota.
Controllable Synthesis of N2-Intercalated WO3 Nanorod Photoanode Harvesting a Wide Range of Visible Light for Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Li Dong , Lan Boyang , Shen Hongfang , Gao Caiyun , Tian Siyu , Han Fei , Chen Zhanlin
Published: March 2023

A highly efficient visible-light-driven photoanode, N2-intercalated tungsten trioxide (WO3) nanorod, has been controllably synthesized by using the dual role of hydrazine (N2H4), which functioned simultaneously as a structure directing agent and as a nitrogen source for N2 intercalation. The SEM results indicated that the controllable formation of WO3 nanorod by changing the amount of N2H4. The β values of lattice parameters of the monoclinic phase and the lattice volume changed significantly with the nW: nN2H4 ratio. This is consistent with the addition of N2H4 dependence of the N content, clarifying the intercalation of N2 in the WO3 lattice. The UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) of N2-intercalated exhibited a significant redshift in the absorption edge with new shoulders appearing at 470–600 nm, which became more intense as the nW:nN2H4 ratio increased from 1:1.2 and then decreased up to 1:5 through the maximum at 1:2.5. This addition of N2H4 dependence is consistent with the case of the N contents. This suggests that N2 intercalating into the WO3 lattice is responsible for the considerable red shift in the absorption edge, with a new shoulder appearing at 470−600 nm owing to formation of an intra-bandgap above the VB edges and a dopant energy level below the CB of WO3. The N2 intercalated WO3 photoanode generated a photoanodic current under visible light irradiation below 530 nm due to the photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation, compared with pure WO3 doing so below 470 nm. The high incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) of the WO3-2.5 photoanode is due to efficient electron transport through the WO3 nanorod film.
Tea: From Historical Documents to Modern Technology
Authors: Zhang Liang , Xu Yongquan , Liu Zhonghua
Published: March 2023

Tea is among the most important beverages globally. The spread of tea from the East to West has not only affected lifestyles, but also promoted the exchange of exchange between the East and West. Tea processing, which is critical for the development of tea flavor, includes multiple steps, such as withering, deactivation, rolling, fermentation (enzymatic oxidation) and post-fermentation. With the development of mechanical processing, tea has now become widely produced, both by hand-crafting and mechanical processing. Multiple components of tea, such as tea polyphenols, theanine, tea pigments and caffeine, have also been acquired by modern separation techniques. In traditional Chinese medicine, tea has long been documented as beneficial to health. Modern medical and nutritional studies have demonstrated that tea has many health benefits, acting to lower blood lipids, blood sugars, anti-inflammation, and anti-oxidation. To some extent, the activities of tea verified by modern medicine are consistent with the recordings in traditional medicine. Interdisciplinary theories, methods and techniques will contribute bridging knowledge contained within historical documents on tea and modern technology and science.
Influence of the Solvent on the Stability of Aminopurine Tautomers and Properties of the Amino Group
Authors: Jezuita Anna , Wieczorkiewicz Paweł A. , Krygowski Tadeusz M. , Szatylowicz Halina
Published: March 2023

Amino derivatives of purine (2-, 6-, 8-, and N-NH2) have found many applications in biochemistry. This paper presents the results of a systematic computational study of the substituent and solvent effects in these systems. The issues considered are the electron-donating properties of NH2, its geometry, π-electron delocalization in purine rings and tautomeric stability. Calculations were performed in ten environments, with 1 < ε < 109, using the polarizable continuum model of solvation. Electron-donating properties were quantitatively described by cSAR (charge of the substituent active region) parameter and π-electron delocalization by using the HOMA (harmonic oscillator model of aromaticity) index. In aminopurines, NH2 proximity interactions depend on its position and the tautomer. The results show that they are the main factor determining how solvation affects the electron-donating strength and geometry of NH2. Proximity with the NH∙∙∙HN repulsive interaction between the NH2 and endocyclic NH group results in stronger solvent effects than the proximity with two attractive NH∙∙∙N interactions. The effect of amino and nitro (previously studied) substitution on aromaticity was compared; these two groups have, in most cases, the opposite effect, with the largest being in N1H and N3H purine tautomers. The amino group has a smaller effect on the tautomeric preferences of purine than the nitro group. Only in 8-aminopurine do tautomeric preferences change: N7H is more stable than N9H in H2O.
Pt2CeO2 Heterojunction Supported on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes for Robust Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Methanol
Authors: Yang Pingping , Wei Xuejiao , Zhang Li , Dong Shiming , Cao Wenting , Ma Dong , Ouyang Yuejun
Published: March 2023

Herein, we prepared Pt2CeO2 heterojunction nanocluster (HJNS) on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in deep eutectic solvents (DESs) which is a special class of ionic liquids. The catalyst was then heat-treated at 400 °C in N2 (refer to Pt2CeO2/CNTs-400). The Pt2CeO2/CNTs-400 catalyst showed remarkably improved electrocatalytic performance towards methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) (839.1 mA mgPt−1) compared to Pt2CeO2/CNTs-500 (620.3 mA mgPt−1), Pt2CeO2/CNTs-300 (459.2 mA mgPt−1), Pt2CeO2/CNTs (641.6 mAmg−1) (the catalyst which has not been heat-treated) and commercial Pt/C (229.9 mAmg−1). Additionally, the Pt2CeO2/CNTs-400 catalyst also showed better CO poisoning resistance (onset potential: 0.47 V) compared to Pt2CeO2/CNTs (0.56 V) and commercial Pt/C (0.58 V). The improved performance of Pt2CeO2/CNTs-400 catalyst is attributed to the addition of appropriate CeO2, which changed the electronic state around the Pt atoms, lowered the d-band of Pt atoms, formed more Ce-O-Pt bonds acting as new active sites, affected the adsorption of toxic intermediates and weakened the dissolution of Pt; on the other hand, with the assistance of thermal treatment at 400 °C, the obtained Pt2CeO2 HJNS expose more new active sites at the interface between Pt and CeO2 to enhance the electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) and the dehydrogenation process of MOR. Thirdly, DES is beneficial to the increase of the effective component Pt(0) in the carbonization process. The study shows a new way to construct high-performance Pt-CeO2 catalyst for the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC).
Chitosan and Chitosan Nanoparticles: Parameters Enhancing Antifungal Activity
Authors: Poznanski Pawel , Hameed Amir , Orczyk Waclaw
Published: March 2023

Chitosan (CS), a biopolymer derived from chitin, is known for strong antifungal activity while being biodegradable, biocompatible, and non-toxic. Because of its characteristic it has been widely used in control of fungal pathogens. Antifungal activity of chitosan can be further enhanced by obtaining chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs). However, most of the experiments using CS and CSNPs as antifungal agents were performed under various conditions and using diverse CS batches of different characteristics and obtained from different sources. Therefore, it is essential to systematize the available information. This work contains a current review on how the CS parameters: molecular weight, degree of deacetylation, acetylation pattern and dispersity of these features shape its antifungal activity. It also considers how concentration and protonation (pH) of CS water solutions define final biological effect. Review explains in detail how CS parameters affect characteristics of CSNPs, particle size, zeta potential, and dispersities of both and determine antifungal activity. In addition to the parameters of CS and CSNPs, the review also discusses the possible characteristics of fungal cells that determine their susceptibility to the substances. The response of fungi to CS and CSNPs varies according to different fungal species and their stages of development. The precise knowledge of how CS and CSNP parameters affect specific fungal pathogens will help design and optimize environmentally friendly plant protection strategies against fungi.
Fermentation Characteristics and Aromatic Profiles of Plum Wines Produced with Hanseniaspora thailandica Zal1 and Common Wine Yeasts
Authors: Niyomvong Nanthavut , Trakunjae Chanaporn , Boondaeng Antika
Published: March 2023

Plum has long been cultivated in northern Thailand and evolved into products having long shelf lives. In this study, plum processing was analyzed by comparing the production of plum wine using three types of yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. burgundy, Hanseniaspora thailandica Zal1, and S. cerevisiae Lalvin EC1118. EC1118 exhibited the highest alcohol content (9.31%), similar to that of burgundy (9.21%), and H. thailandica Zal1 had the lowest alcohol content (8.07%) after 14 days of fermentation. Plum wine fermented by S. cerevisiae var. burgundy had the highest total phenolic (TP) content and antioxidant activity of 469.84 ± 6.95 mg GAE/L and 304.36 ± 6.24 µg TE/g, respectively, similar to that fermented by EC1118 (418.27 ± 3.40 mg GAE/L 288.2 ± 7.9 µg TE/g). H. thailandica Zal1 exhibited the least amount of TP content and antioxidant activity; however, the volatility produced by H. thailandica Zal1 resulted in a plum wine with a distinct aroma.
Rapid, Highly-Efficient and Selective Removal of Anionic and Cationic Dyes from Wastewater Using Hollow Polyelectrolyte Microcapsules
Authors: Zhao Zhiqi , Zhou Hongbing , Han Xu , Han Lun , Xu Zhenzhen , Wang Peng
Published: March 2023

Herein, poly (allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH)/ poly (styrene sulfonic acid) sodium salt (PSS) microcapsules of (PAH/PSS)2PAH (P2P MCs) and (PAH/PSS)2 (P2 MCs) were obtained by a layer-by-layer method. The P2 MCs show high adsorption capacity for Rhodamine B (642.26 mg/g) and methylene blue (909.25 mg/g), with an extremely low equilibrium adsorption time (~20 min). The P2P MCs exhibited high adsorption capacities of reactive orange K-G (ROKG) and direct yellow 5G (DY5G) which were 404.79 and 451.56 mg/g. Adsorption processes of all dyes onto microcapsules were best described by the Langmuir isotherm model and a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. In addition, the P2P MCs loaded with reactive dyes (P2P–ROKG), could further adsorb rhodamine B (RhB) dye, and P2 MCs that had adsorbed cationic MB dyes could also be used for secondary adsorption treatment of direct dye waste-water, respectively. The present work confirmed that P2P and P2 MCs were expected to become an excellent adsorbent in the water treatment industry.
Enhancing Heat Transfer Behaviour of Ethylene Glycol by the Introduction of Silicon Carbide Nanoparticles: An Experimental and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Hou Xianjun , Chu Chen , Jiang Hua , Ali Mohamed Kamal Ahmed , Dearn Karl D.
Published: March 2023

As the critical component of automotive engine coolant, ethylene glycol (E.G.) significantly matters in heat dissipation. In this study, the key aim is to investigate the heat transfer behaviour of E.G. as nano-additives base fluid. The heat transfer capability of E.G./SiC nanofluid (N.F.) was experimentally and theoretically evaluated via transient hot wire methods and equilibrium molecular dynamics (EMD) simulation, respectively. M.D. simulation exhibited a great ability to accurately forecast the thermal conductivity of N.F. compared with the experiment results. The results confirmed that the thermal stability of N.F. is relatively greater than that of E.G. base fluids. An improvement mechanism of thermal conductivity and thermal stability under an atomic scale via the analysis of mean square displacement (MSD) and radial distribution function (RDF) calculation was elaborately presented. Ultimately, the results indicated that the diffusion effect and the increasing transition rate of liquid atoms are responsible for thermal conductivity enhancement.
Influence of Stress Jump Condition at the Interface Region of a Two-Layer Nanofluid Flow in a Microchannel with EDL Effects
Authors: Raees ul Haq Muhammad , Raees Ammarah , Xu Hang , Xiao Shaozhang
Published: March 2023

The influence of stress jump conditions on a steady, fully developed two-layer magnetohydrodynamic electro-osmotic nanofluid in the microchannel, is investigated numerically. A nanofluid is partially filled into the microchannel, while a porous medium, saturated with nanofluid, is immersed into the other half of the microchannel. The Brinkmann-extended Darcy equation is used to effectively explain the nanofluid flow in the porous region. In both regions, electric double layers are examined, whereas at the interface, Ochoa-Tapia and Whitaker’s stress jump condition is considered. The non-dimensional velocity, temperature, and volume fraction of the nanoparticle profiles are examined, by varying physical parameters. Additionally, the Darcy number, as well as the coefficient in the stress jump condition, are investigated for their profound effect on skin friction and Nusselt number. It is concluded that, taking into account the change in shear stress at the interface has a significant impact on fluid flow problems.
The Morphospace of Consciousness: Three Kinds of Complexity for Minds and Machines
Authors: Arsiwalla Xerxes D. , Solé Ricard , Moulin-Frier Clément , Herreros Ivan , Sánchez-Fibla Martí , Verschure Paul
Published: March 2023

In this perspective article, we show that a morphospace, based on information-theoretic measures, can be a useful construct for comparing biological agents with artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The axes of this space label three kinds of complexity: (i) autonomic, (ii) computational and (iii) social complexity. On this space, we map biological agents such as bacteria, bees, C. elegans, primates and humans; as well as AI technologies such as deep neural networks, multi-agent bots, social robots, Siri and Watson. A complexity-based conceptualization provides a useful framework for identifying defining features and classes of conscious and intelligent systems. Starting with cognitive and clinical metrics of consciousness that assess awareness and wakefulness, we ask how AI and synthetically engineered life-forms would measure on homologous metrics. We argue that awareness and wakefulness stem from computational and autonomic complexity. Furthermore, tapping insights from cognitive robotics, we examine the functional role of consciousness in the context of evolutionary games. This points to a third kind of complexity for describing consciousness, namely, social complexity. Based on these metrics, our morphospace suggests the possibility of additional types of consciousness other than biological; namely, synthetic, group-based and simulated. This space provides a common conceptual framework for comparing traits and highlighting design principles of minds and machines.