bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Mechanism of Exogenous Selenium Affecting the Nutritional Quality, Species and Content of Organic Selenium in Mustard
Authors: Li Linling , Wu Shuai , Wang Shiyan , Shi Xinyu , Cheng Shuiyuan , Cheng Hua
Published: May 2023

It is an essential method for healthy Selenium (Se) supplementation to convert exogenous Se into organic Se via crops. Brassica juncea (L.) Czern (leaf mustard) was employed as plant material in this investigation and was treated with sodium selenite (Na2SeO3). Its physiological indicators, nutritional quality, antioxidant enzyme activity, total Se content, and Se morphology were all evaluated. The absorption, transportation, and transformation mechanisms of Se in mustard were studied using transcriptome data. The results revealed that low concentration of Se treatment promoted the growth of mustard, while high concentration Se treatment inhibited it. The concentration of 10 mg/L Na2SeO3 treatment had the best growth parameters for mustard. Compared to the control group, the content of vitamin C (Vc) and anthocyanins in the treatment group increased to varying degrees, while the content of flavonoids, total phenols, soluble sugar, and soluble protein increased first and then decreased. Five Se forms, Se (IV), Se (VI), selenocystine(SeCys2), selenomethionine (SeMet), and methylselenocysteine (MeSeCys), were detected in the Na2SeO3 treatment group, with organic Se accounting for over 95%. Na2SeO3 treatment can significantly reduce the accumulation of ROS in mustard plants and enhance their stress resistance. Transcriptome data and metabolite association analysis showed that PHO1-H8 promoted the absorption of Na2SeO3 by mustard roots, while SULTR3;3 and SULTR4;1 promoted the transport of Se from roots to the aboveground portion and chloroplasts. Se in mustard was transformed into SeMet, SeCys, MeSeCys, and selenoprotein through the action of genes such as APS, APR, and SEP1, and stored in plant leaves.
Sustainable Use of Biochar, Poultry and Cattle Manure for the Production of Organic Granular Fertilizers
Authors: Gaudutis Aloyzas , Jotautienė Eglė , Mieldažys Ramūnas , Bivainis Vaidas , Jasinskas Algirdas
Published: May 2023

In agricultural activities, there is an increasing need for organic fertilizers to use nature-friendly materials used to fertilize the soil. Farmers have been using granular organic fertilizers made from composted or dried manure of cattle, poultry, pigs, ash, bone meal, and other materials for some time, but the quantities of these organic fertilizers are not large. Biochar is also being intensively studied as a material to improve soil quality and plant growth and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from soil. The suitability of cattle manure compost, poultry manure, biochar, and their combinations for granular fertilizers was analyzed in this work. The preparation of biochar for granulation may have differences compared to other organic materials due to the moisture content, fractional composition, bulk density, and other parameters of the granulated material, so this work examines the physical–mechanical and chemical properties of cattle and poultry manure and biochar raw material and the final granulated product. Research has found that the fractional composition of raw materials under investigation manure and biochar was up to 2 mm. The moisture content of the studied raw material varied from 8.97% in the case of poultry manure to 25.11% in the case of cattle manure compost. The lowest moisture content was obtained due to additional drying. The addition of biochar reduces the granule density in investigated cases. Poultry manure granules were the most mechanically stable, with a semi-static stability of 382.6 ± 78.08 N. After the addition of biochar, weaker binding properties were determined in the experimental granules. Analysis of the composition of elements shows that these granules can be used for fertilization or soil improvement. High concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were detected in the granules. The obtained results showed that it is appropriate to enrich the manure granules with biochar.
Spider Plant (Cleome gynandra L.): An Emerging Weed in the Sweet Corn–Brassica Cropping System
Authors: Saifullah Khaled , Williams Alwyn , Adkins Steve
Published: May 2023

Spider plant (Cleome gynandra L.) is an emerging noxious weed, affecting cultivated vegetables in Queensland, Australia. It is a prolific seed producer, forming large seedbanks with variable seedling emergence. A study was carried out to investigate the seed biology of spider plant, focusing on its seed germination ecology, viz., influence of temperatures, illumination conditions, medium salinity, pH, substrate moisture, burial depth, and after-ripening. Freshly harvested seeds were negatively photoblastic and had combinational dormancy. Improved germination was obtained by physical scarification followed by soaking for 16 h, by dry storage for over 6 months, and by the imbibition of gibberellic acid. Maximum germination percentages of 70 to 80% were recorded under constant darkness at alternating day/night temperatures of 20/30 °C, or with 18 to 27 °C constant temperatures. Spider plant showed a broad tolerance to pH but only moderate salt and moisture stress tolerance, since only 42 and 26% germination were observed with 60 mM NaCl and at −0.40 MPa, respectively. Seeds placed on the soil surface did not germinate, however, at a burial depth of 1.0 to 1.5 cm, which resulted in ca. 80% seedling emergence. These findings will assist land managers to predict seasonal emergence and will aid in deploying management approaches to control this weed.
Comparison between the Behavior of Low-Yield Holstein-Friesian and Brown Swiss Cows under Barn and Pasture Feeding Conditions
Authors: Grodkowski Grzegorz , Gołębiewski Marcin , Slósarz Jan , Sakowski Tomasz , Puppel Kamila
Published: May 2023

Cow pasturing poses many logistical and nutritional problems. Animals have more difficulty accessing pasture feed and require more time to consume the equivalent amount of dry matter compared to total mixed ration (TMR) feed from a feed table. The study was conducted during August 2016–October 2017 on 64 Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows and 54 Brown Swiss (BS) cows. All animals were equipped with CowManager sensor devices, and the cows’ behaviors were recorded: time spent on feed intake, rumination, physical activity, and rest. In winter, cows were mainly fed hay, while in summer, they took forage from the pasture or freshly cut forage provided in the barn. The study showed that the time of day had a significant (p < 0.001) effect on the cows’ feeding behaviors. The study also showed behavioral differences between HF and BS breeds. HF cows, regardless of the location and type of feed provided, spent more time on feed intake and chewed less compared to the BS breed. These differences were observable in all studied lactation groups. Animals were most willing to take forage two hours before sunrise and two hours before sunset and showed an increased willingness to take feed immediately after leaving the milking parlor.
“Oops…a Beaver Again!” Eurasian Beaver Castor fiber Recorded by Citizen-Science in New Areas of Central and Southern Italy
Authors: Capobianco Giovanni , Viviano Andrea , Mazza Giuseppe , Cimorelli Gianmarco , Casciano Angelo , Lagrotteria Alessandro , Fusillo Romina , Marcelli Manlio , Mori Emiliano
Published: May 2023

The Eurasian beaver Castor fiber was once present in the Palearctic, ranging from the western Iberian Peninsula to northwestern China. In the Middle Ages, this rodent underwent a severe decline in population due to habitat loss, hunting for fur and meat, and the demand for castoreum. At the beginning of 1900, the range of the Eurasian beaver was limited to scattered refugia in Eurasia. Since 1920, legal protection, reintroduction events, and natural spread triggered the recovery of the species in most of its original range. In March 2021, the presence of the Eurasian beaver in Central Italy (Tuscany and Umbria regions) was confirmed through camera trapping after the detection of unequivocal signs of presence (i.e., gnawed trunks). Recordings are located about 550 km south of the known range of this species, thus suggesting that the presence of beavers in Tuscany and Umbria might be due to a local unauthorised reintroduction. In this work, we also reported the presence of beavers in the Abruzzi region and in Southern Italy (Molise-Campania regions), over 380 km in a straight line south to the southernmost record of beaver presence in Central Italy.
Foraging and Food Selection in a Desert Rodent: Diet Shifts of the Sandy Inland Mouse between Population Booms and Busts
Authors: Yip Stephanie J. S. , Dickman Christopher R.
Published: May 2023

Seeds are commonly viewed as the mainstay of the diet of desert rodents. We describe the diet of a common Australian desert rodent, the sandy inland mouse Pseudomys hermannsburgensis, using direct observations of free-living animals and analysis of the stomach contents of preserved specimens. Direct observations showed that animals forage mostly on the ground surface and eat seeds from a wide range of plant species, as well as invertebrates and occasional green plant material. Stomach content analysis revealed no differences in the presence or absence of these three major food groups between seasons or the sexes. However, invertebrates were more prominent in the diet of mice during prolonged, dry, population ‘bust’ periods compared with post-rain population ‘boom’ periods, with this dietary shift probably reflecting a scarcity of seeds during the busts. The results confirm that seed is an important component of the diet of P. hermannsburgensis, with 92% of stomachs containing seed. The results also support the classification of the species as omnivorous rather than granivorous, with 70% of stomachs containing invertebrates and over half the specimens analysed containing both seeds and invertebrates. We suggest that dietary flexibility is important for rodent persistence in Australia’s climatically unpredictable arid regions.
Effects of Melatonin and Silymarin on Reactive Oxygen Species, Nitric Oxide Production, and Sperm Viability and Motility during Sperm Freezing in Pigs
Authors: Lee Sang-Hee , Lee Seunghyung
Published: May 2023

Sperm during the freezing and thawing process is damaged by oxidative stress. Thus, its antioxidant scavenger is essential for sperm survival and death in frozen–thawed semen. We used melatonin and silymarin in experiments after the dose-dependent experiment. Our study aimed to identify the effect of melatonin and silymarin on the motility and viability of sperm, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitric oxide (NO) production in frozen–thawed boar semen. Melatonin and silymarin were treated alone and cotreated in the fresh boar semen. Boar semen was collected using the gloved-hand method from ten crossbred pigs, and samples were used in the experiments. We evaluated sperm viability using SYBR-14 and PI kit, and ROS and NO production were detected by DCF-DA and DAF-2, respectively. The sperm motility was not significantly different between non-treatment and treatment. ROS and NO production in frozen–thawed sperm were decreased by melatonin and silymarin. Moreover, silymarin significantly reduced NO production more than melatonin. Melatonin and silymarin enhanced the viability of sperm. We suggest that melatonin and silymarin are essential antioxidants in semen cryopreservation for protecting sperm damage and maintaining sperm viability. Melatonin and silymarin may be useful antioxidants in freezing boar sperm.
Clinical Equivalence between Generic Versus Branded Antibiotics: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cotia André , Oliveira Junior Haliton Alves , Matuoka Jessica Y. , Boszczowski Ícaro
Published: May 2023

Regulatory authorities authorize the clinical use of generic drugs (GD) based on bioequivalence studies, which consist of the evaluation of pharmacokinetics after a single dose in vitro or in healthy individuals. There are few data on clinical equivalence between generic and branded antibiotics. Our aim was to synthesize and analyze the available evidence on the clinical efficacy and safety of generic antibiotics compared to their original formulations. A systematic review was performed on Medline (PubMed) and Embase and validated through Epistemonikos and Google Scholar. The last search was conducted on 30 June 2022. Meta-analyses of clinical cure and mortality outcomes were performed. One randomized clinical trial (RCT) and 10 non-randomized intervention studies were included. No differences in clinical cure were observed between groups in the meta-analysis (OR = 0.89, 95% CI [0.61–1.28]; I2 = 70%, p = 0.005). No difference was observed between groups when considering the use of carbapenems for overall mortality (OR = 0.99, 95% CI [0.63–1.55]; I2 = 78%) or death associated with infections (OR = 0.79, 95% CI [0.48–1.29], I2 = 67%). Most of the studies were observational, and the duration of follow-up, the characteristics of the participants, and the sites of infections were heterogeneous. Due to the uncertainty of the evidence, it is not possible to contraindicate the use of generics, which is an important strategy to expand access.
Ion Exchange MIEX® GOLD Resin as a Promising Sorbent for the Removal of PFAS Compounds
Authors: Tamanna Tasnuva , Mahon Peter J. , Hockings Rosalie K. , Alam Husna , Raymond Matt , Smith Craig , Clarke Craig , Yu Aimin
Published: May 2023

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are synthetic compounds, which have been widely produced, used, and recently identified as extremely toxic chemicals, and are responsible for serious environmental and human health risks. In this study, the removal efficiency of MIEX® GOLD resin was tested against six PFAS compounds including perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). The removal of PFASs and the regeneration of resin (NaCl-saturated methanol) were achieved via adsorption and desorption mechanisms. In all cases, the removal efficiency was greater than 99% where the volume ratio of 1 ppm PFAS to resin was maintained at 50-bed volume. Furthermore, the adsorption capacity of MIEX® GOLD resin was studied for PFOA and PFHxS and achieved 1.05 ± 0.01 g PFOA adsorption and 1.01 ± 0.04 g PFHxS adsorption per gram of resin. In addition, a detailed study on the interference of natural organic matter (NOM) and inorganic matter was carried out against PFHxA, PFOA, and PFOS. The presence of 10 ppm NOM (5 ppm tannic acid + 5 ppm humic acid) and 25 ppm inorganic matter (5 ppm nitrate + 20 ppm sulfate) showed no noticeable interference in the removal of selected PFAS compounds. Compared to sulfonic acid-containing PFASs, the interference of organic and inorganic matter on carboxylic acid-containing PFASs was slightly higher. The regeneration of PFAS-adsorbed resin was studied using a mixed solution containing 70% methanol and saturated NaCl. Desorption of PFHxS, PFOS, and PFOA was found to be 98.3, 100, and 43.3%, respectively. The results again indicate that the resin regeneration is strongly affected by the functional group of PFASs; i.e., resin with sulfonic acid-containing PFAS is much easier to regenerate than carboxylic acid-containing PFAS compounds. All the PFAS analyses were performed by using mass spectroscopy and liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy. In conclusion, this study confirms the remarkable efficiency of MIEX® GOLD resin in removing PFAS compounds, even in the presence of a high concentration of organic and inorganic interferences, and its capacity to be regenerated for repeated usage. These advantages make MIEX® GOLD a promising product for the remediation of PFAS-contaminated water. This study in the broader sense proves that MIEX® GOLD is a promising adsorbent and provides the ground for future study to treat contaminated groundwater.
Assembly Line Optimization Using MTM Time Standard and Simulation Modeling—A Case Study
Authors: Breznik Matic , Buchmeister Borut , Vujica Herzog Nataša
Published: May 2023

This study presents an approach to solving the assembly line balancing problem (ALBP) using the Methods-Time Measurement (MTM) time standard and simulation software. ALBP is a common problem in manufacturing where a set of tasks with fixed times must be assigned to a series of sequential workstations in order to minimize the total idle time and reduce the assembly cost per product. This study uses MTM, a widely used production process scheduling method, to create a new time analysis of an assembly process that was previously balanced using the Work-Factor method and time study. This literature review shows that there are a lack of combinations of updated time analyses with newer simulation approaches in the current literature, and this was the motivation for the present work. An assembly line simulation was performed using Simio software to evaluate different design options and operating scenarios. The results show that the use of MTM and simulation can help minimize idle time and improve assembly line performance, thereby reducing costs and increasing efficiency. This study shows that the approach of using MTM and simulation is effective in solving ALBP and is a useful tool for manufacturing companies to improve the performance of their assembly lines and reduce costs.
FLARE: A Framework for the Finite Element Simulation of Electromagnetic Interference on Buried Metallic Pipelines
Authors: Popoli Arturo , Pierotti Giacomo , Ragazzi Fabio , Sandrolini Leonardo , Cristofolini Andrea
Published: May 2023

The functionality of buried metallic pipelines can be compromised by the electrical lines that share the same right-of-way. Given the considerable size of shared corridors, computer simulation is an important tool for performing risk assessment and mitigation design. In this work, we introduce an open-source computational framework for the analysis of electromagnetic interference on large earth-return structures. The developed framework is based on FLARE—an efficient finite element solver developed by the authors in MATLAB®. FLARE includes solvers for problems involving static electric and magnetic fields, and DC and time-harmonic AC currents. Quasi-magnetostatic transient problems can be studied through time-marching or—for linear problems—with an efficient inverse-Laplace approach. In this work, we succinctly describe the optimization of time-critical operations in FLARE, as well as the implementation of a transient solver with automatic time-stepping. We validate the numerical results obtained with FLARE via a comparison with the commercial software COMSOL Multiphysics®. We then use the validated time-marching analysis results to test the accuracy and efficiency of three numerical inverse-Laplace algorithms. The test problem considered is the assessment of the inductive coupling between a 500 kV transmission line and a metallic pipeline buried in the soil.
Day and Night: Locating the General Practitioner’s Panel after Hours
Authors: Campbell John Charles , Taghavi Majid , VanBerkel Peter T.
Published: May 2023

Location science is used to determine the optimal geographical placement of primary care resources with operations research models. In determining the optimal placement, we account for the objectives of both patients and physicians. These objectives and the methods used to address them differ between daytime and after-hours settings. These time settings are treated separately since primary care services are typically limited during after-hours operations. Three solution approaches are considered to address both time settings: independent, sequential, and simultaneous. The independent approach is based on the p-Median problem, and the other two approaches use modified forms of the p-Median. Three case studies are examined by applying these models to census data from Nova Scotia. Solving the daytime and after-hours problem simultaneously consistently yields the best results while considering facility-sharing constraints.
Parameter Calibration and Optimization of a Discrete Element Model of Plug Seedling Pots Based on a Collision Impact Force
Authors: Cui Ji , Li Xuying , Zeng Fandi , Bai Hongbin , Zhang Yongzhi
Published: May 2023

To improve the accuracy of simulation parameters used in discrete element simulation tests for the transplanting operation of the transplanting machine and to facilitate further optimization of crucial components of the transplanting machine, in this paper, the discrete element model of 50-hole plug seedling pots was calibrated and optimized based on the collision impact force between the plug seedling pot and the steel plate measured by a flexible film network tactile pressure sensor. Basic tests determined the contact parameters of the pot, and the initial parameters were screened for significance using the Plackett–Burman test. The pot-steel static friction coefficient, the pot-pot collision restitution coefficient, and the bond radius significantly affected the simulated collision impact force between the pot and the steel plate. According to the relative error value of the impact force between the pot and the steel plate as the evaluation index, the steepest climbing test was carried out on three significant parameters to optimize their value range. Based on the Box–Behnken test, a second-order regression model of the impact force and significant parameters regulating the interaction between the pot and the steel plate was established, where the target impact force between the pot and the steel plate was 11.78 N. The optimal parameter combination is obtained by optimizing the significance parameters: the static friction coefficient between the pot and steel is 0.790, the collision restitution coefficient between the pot and the pot is 0.325, and the bond radius is 1.542 mm. The test results show that the relative error between the actual and simulation tests is only 0.084%. The calibrated parameters of the discrete element model of plug seedling pots are accurate and reliable. The research results presented here can provide a reference for the subsequent transplanting operation simulation of the transplanter.
Parameterized Site Selection Approach of Park Entrance Based on Crowd Simulation and Design Requirement
Authors: Wu Jun , Wang Xi , Huang Limin , Wang Ziyu , Wan Da , Li Pengbo
Published: May 2023

With the extensive application of data analysis in various parts of the landscape design process, Building Information Modeling (BIM), City Information Modeling (CIM), and Landscape Information Modeling (LIM) all aim to achieve key data sharing and collaboration in the whole cycle and promote the development of smart cities. Landscape element indicators are complex, diverse, and difficult to quantify, which is one of the reasons for the slow development of LIM. However, with the development requirements of LIM, quantifying landscape elements and transforming landscapes into digital landscape information has become a hot spot in the landscape design industry. Landscape parametric design aims to transform the design elements into quantifiable parameters, obtain the design scheme by changing the value of the parameters, and form the design results based on digital information. It is one of the foundations of LIM. Based on the Rhino + Grasshopper (R+G) platform, this study takes Shuixizhuang Park as an example and establishes the parametric design approach for the park entrance. The approach involves several steps: (1) Confirming the boundary and key points of the park to prepare the basic data for parametric design. (2) Utilizing the Physarealm Algorithm Method (PAM) to simulate crowd paths, the Site Slope Algorithm Model (SSAM) to analyze terrain slope, the Road Intersection Algorithm Model (RIAM) to determine the scope of the park entrance area based on the national and local design codes, and the Crowd Density Algorithm Model (CDAM) and Crowd Convenience Algorithm Model (CCAM) to analyze the density and convenience of the crowd to preliminarily confirm the park entrance. (3) Meeting the basic requirements of the crowd and vehicle gathering and spread by using the Square Area Review Algorithm Model (SARAM) and Parking Lot Review Algorithm Model (PLRAM) to recheck the site area of the park entrance square and park lot to optimize the park entrance. This approach constructs several site analysis models based on the R+G platform and introduces PAM to analyze crowd activity paths, proposing a landscape parametric design method that integrates crowd activity and landscape design requirements. Compared with the classical design, the landscape parametric design derived from the comprehensive data analysis reduces human interference, is more scientific and practical, and better meets the requirements of people entering the park. The approach also provides ideas for other landscape parametric site selections. By adjusting the values of element parameters, the approach can also be applied to the site selection and design of other landscapes.
Method for Parameter Tuning of Hybrid Optimization Algorithms for Problems with High Computational Costs of Objective Function Evaluations
Authors: Sebastjan Przemysław , Kuś Wacław
Published: May 2023

In this paper, the authors focus on presenting the methodology for tuning optimization algorithm parameters, with a special focus on evolutionary algorithm applications. The problem considered concerns the phenomenon of nonlinear buckling of the automotive shock absorber, which itself is solved using a commercial application of the finite element method (FEM) simulation. These analyses are usually time-consuming; therefore, the authors decided to use a surrogate model, which mimics the behavior of the actual nonlinear FEM simulation. Surrogate modeling (metamodeling) is utilized to drastically shorten the simulation time, and thus study numerous algorithm parameter combinations, allowing for tuning them and providing a robust and efficient tool for optimization. The example shown in this paper is related to the minimization of the shock absorber weight, taking into account the stability of the system. The presented method can be used in any optimization problem where the high computational cost of objective function evaluations prevents tuning of the algorithm parameters.
An Event Extraction Approach Based on a Multi-Round Q&A Framework
Authors: He Li , Zhao Xiya , Zhao Liang , Zhang Qing
Published: May 2023

Event extraction aims to present unstructured text containing event information in a structured form to help people quickly mine the target information. Most of the traditional event extraction methods focus on the design of complex neural network models, which rely on a large amount of annotated data to train the models. In recent years, some researchers have proposed the use of machine reading comprehension models for event extraction; however, the existing methods are limited to the single-round question-and-answer model, ignoring the dependency relation between the elements of event arguments. In addition, the existing methods do not fully utilize knowledge such as a priori information. To address these shortcomings, a multi-round Q&A framework is proposed for event extraction, which extends the existing methods in two aspects: first, by constructing a multi-round extraction problem framework, the model can effectively exploit the hierarchical dependencies among the argument elements; second, the question-and-answer framework is populated with historical answer information encoding slots, which are integrated into the multi-round Q&A process to assist in inference. Finally, experimental results on a publicly available dataset show that the proposed model achieves superior results compared to existing methods.
Consistency of the Estimator for the Common Mean in Fixed-Effect Meta-Analyses
Authors: Taketomi Nanami , Emura Takeshi
Published: May 2023

Fixed-effect meta-analyses aim to estimate the common mean parameter by the best linear unbiased estimator. Besides unbiasedness, consistency is one of the most fundamental requirements for the common mean estimator to be valid. However, conditions for the consistency of the common mean estimator have not been discussed in the literature. This article fills this gap by clarifying conditions for making the common mean estimator consistent in fixed-effect meta-analyses. In this article, five theorems are devised, which state regularity conditions for the common mean estimator to be consistent. These theorems are novel applications of the classical large sample theory to meta-analyses. Numerical illustrations are also given to help understand the needs of the regularity conditions. Three real datasets illustrate the practical consequences of the devised theorems. This article concludes that the inconsistency of the common mean estimator occurs under some conditions in real meta-analyses.
Characterization and Homology Modeling of Catalytically Active Recombinant PhaCAp Protein from Arthrospira platensis
Authors: Duangsri Chanchanok , Salminen Tiina A. , Alix Marion , Kaewmongkol Sarawan , Akrimajirachoote Nattaphong , Khetkorn Wanthanee , Jittapalapong Sathaporn , Mäenpää Pirkko , Incharoensakdi Aran , Raksajit Wuttinun
Published: May 2023

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer that has the potential to replace fossil-derived polymers. The enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of PHB are β-ketothiolase (PhaA), acetoacetyl-CoA reductase (PhaB), and PHA synthase (PhaC). PhaC in Arthrospira platensis is the key enzyme for PHB production. In this study, the recombinant E. cloni ®10G cells harboring A. platensis phaC (rPhaCAp) was constructed. The overexpressed and purified rPhaCAp with a predicted molecular mass of 69 kDa exhibited Vmax, Km, and kcat values of 24.5 ± 2 μmol/min/mg, 31.3 ± 2 µM and 412.7 ± 2 1/s, respectively. The catalytically active rPhaCAp was a homodimer. The three-dimensional structural model for the asymmetric PhaCAp homodimer was constructed based on Chromobacterium sp. USM2 PhaC (PhaCCs). The obtained model of PhaCAp revealed that the overall fold of one monomer was in the closed, catalytically inactive conformation whereas the other monomer was in the catalytically active, open conformation. In the active conformation, the catalytic triad residues (Cys151-Asp310-His339) were involved in the binding of substrate 3HB-CoA and the CAP domain of PhaCAp involved in the dimerization.
Selection of a Novel DNA Aptamer Specific for 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Using Capture-SELEX
Authors: Liu Xixia , Hou Yingyu , Qin Yanlin , Cheng Jiaxin , Hou Jianjun , Wu Qin , Liu Zhenmin
Published: May 2023

A capture systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (Capture-SELEX) was described to discover novel aptamers specific for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), and a biosensor based on molecular beacon was constructed to detect 5-HMF. The ssDNA library was immobilized to streptavidin (SA) resin to select the specific aptamer. The selection progress was monitored using real-time quantitative PCR (Q-PCR), and the enriched library was sequenced by high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Candidate and mutant aptamers were selected and identified by Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC). The FAM-aptamer and BHQ1-cDNA were designed as the quenching biosensor to detect 5-HMF in milk matrix. After the 18th round selection, the Ct value decreased from 9.09 to 8.79, indicating that the library was enriched. The HTS results indicated that the total sequence numbers for 9th, 13th, 16th, and 18th were 417054, 407987, 307666, and 259867, but the number of sequences for the top 300 sequences was gradually increased from 9th to 18th, and the ClustalX2 analysis showed that there were four families with high homology rate. ITC results indicated that the Kd values of H1 and its mutants H1-8, H1-12, H1-14, and H1-21 were 2.5 μM, 1.8 μM, 1.2 μM, 6.5 μM, and 4.7 μM. The linear range of the quenching biosensor was from 0 μM to 75 μM, and it had a similar linear range in the 0.1% milk matrix. This is the first report to select a novel aptamer specific for 5-HMF and develop quenching biosensor for the rapid detection of 5-HMF in milk matrix.
Reconsidering Dogmas about the Growth of Bacterial Populations
Authors: Ughy Bettina , Nagyapati Sarolta , Lajko Dezi B. , Letoha Tamas , Prohaszka Adam , Deeb Dima , Der Andras , Pettko-Szandtner Aladar , Szilak Laszlo
Published: May 2023

The growth of bacterial populations has been described as a dynamic process of continuous reproduction and cell death. However, this is far from the reality. In a well fed, growing bacterial population, the stationary phase inevitably occurs, and it is not due to accumulated toxins or cell death. A population spends the most time in the stationary phase, where the phenotype of the cells alters from the proliferating ones, and only the colony forming unit (CFU) decreases after a while, not the total cell concentration. A bacterial population can be considered as a virtual tissue as a result of a specific differentiation process, in which the exponential-phase cells develop to stationary-phase cells and eventually reach the unculturable form. The richness of the nutrient had no effect on growth rate or on stationary cell density. The generation time seems not to be a constant value, but it depended on the concentration of the starter cultures. Inoculations with serial dilutions of stationary populations reveal a so-called minimal stationary cell concentration (MSCC) point, up to which the cell concentrations remain constant upon dilutions; that seems to be universal among unicellular organisms.
Genome-Wide Analysis of MYB Transcription Factors in the Wheat Genome and Their Roles in Salt Stress Response
Authors: Sukumaran Selvakumar , Lethin Johanna , Liu Xin , Pelc Justyna , Zeng Peng , Hassan Sameer , Aronsson Henrik
Published: May 2023

Large and rapidly increasing areas of salt-affected soils are posing major challenges for the agricultural sector. Most fields used for the important food crop Triticum aestivum (wheat) are expected to be salt-affected within 50 years. To counter the associated problems, it is essential to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in salt stress responses and tolerance, thereby enabling their exploitation in the development of salt-tolerant varieties. The myeloblastosis (MYB) family of transcription factors are key regulators of responses to both biotic and abiotic stress, including salt stress. Thus, we used the Chinese spring wheat genome assembled by the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium to identify putative MYB proteins (719 in total). Protein families (PFAM) analysis of the MYB sequences identified 28 combinations of 16 domains in the encoded proteins. The most common consisted of MYB_DNA-binding and MYB-DNA-bind_6 domains, and five highly conserved tryptophans were located in the aligned MYB protein sequence. Interestingly, we found and characterized a novel 5R-MYB group in the wheat genome. In silico studies showed that MYB transcription factors MYB3, MYB4, MYB13 and MYB59 are involved in salt stress responses. qPCR analysis confirmed upregulation of the expression of all these MYBs in both roots and shoots of the wheat variety BARI Gom-25 (except MYB4, which was downregulated in roots) under salt stress. Moreover, we identified nine target genes involved in salt stress that are regulated by the four MYB proteins, most of which have cellular locations and are involved in catalytic and binding activities associated with various cellular and metabolic processes.
Pharmacological Cardioprotection against Ischemia Reperfusion Injury—The Search for a Clinical Effective Therapy
Authors: Wang Qian , Zuurbier Coert J. , Huhn Ragnar , Torregroza Carolin , Hollmann Markus W. , Preckel Benedikt , van den Brom Charissa E. , Weber Nina C.
Published: May 2023

Pharmacological conditioning aims to protect the heart from myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Despite extensive research in this area, today, a significant gap remains between experimental findings and clinical practice. This review provides an update on recent developments in pharmacological conditioning in the experimental setting and summarizes the clinical evidence of these cardioprotective strategies in the perioperative setting. We start describing the crucial cellular processes during ischemia and reperfusion that drive acute IRI through changes in critical compounds (∆GATP, Na+, Ca2+, pH, glycogen, succinate, glucose-6-phosphate, mitoHKII, acylcarnitines, BH4, and NAD+). These compounds all precipitate common end-effector mechanisms of IRI, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, Ca2+ overload, and mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening (mPTP). We further discuss novel promising interventions targeting these processes, with emphasis on cardiomyocytes and the endothelium. The limited translatability from basic research to clinical practice is likely due to the lack of comorbidities, comedications, and peri-operative treatments in preclinical animal models, employing only monotherapy/monointervention, and the use of no-flow (always in preclinical models) versus low-flow ischemia (often in humans). Future research should focus on improved matching between preclinical models and clinical reality, and on aligning multitarget therapy with optimized dosing and timing towards the human condition.
Characterization of the Zebrafish Elastin a (elnasa12235) Mutant: A New Model of Elastinopathy Leading to Heart Valve Defects
Authors: Hoareau Marie , El Kholti Naïma , Debret Romain , Lambert Elise
Published: May 2023

Elastic fibers are extracellular macromolecules that provide resilience and elastic recoil to elastic tissues and organs in vertebrates. They are composed of an elastin core surrounded by a mantle of fibrillin-rich microfibrils and are essentially produced during a relatively short period around birth in mammals. Thus, elastic fibers have to resist many physical, chemical, and enzymatic constraints occurring throughout their lives, and their high stability can be attributed to the elastin protein. Various pathologies, called elastinopathies, are linked to an elastin deficiency, such as non-syndromic supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS), Williams–Beuren syndrome (WBS), and autosomal dominant cutis laxa (ADCL). To understand these diseases, as well as the aging process related to elastic fiber degradation, and to test potential therapeutic molecules in order to compensate for elastin impairments, different animal models have been proposed. Considering the many advantages of using zebrafish, we here characterize a zebrafish mutant for the elastin a paralog (elnasa12235) with a specific focus on the cardiovascular system and highlight premature heart valve defects at the adult stage.
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lac16 Attenuates Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 Infection by Inhibiting Virulence Traits and Improving Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Function
Authors: Wang Baikui , Zhou Yuanhao , Wang Qi , Xu Shujie , Wang Fei , Yue Min , Zeng Zhonghua , Li Weifen
Published: May 2023

Large-scale use of antimicrobials in agriculture and medicine contributes to antibiotic residues in raw foods, the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and drug pollution, which seriously threatens human health and imposes significant economic burdens on society, suggesting the need for novel therapeutic options that prevent or control zoonoses. In this study, four probiotics were selected to assess their capability to alleviate pathogen-induced damage. Results showed that a simulated gastrointestinal juice and bile tolerated L. plantarum Lac16 with high lactic acid secretion can significantly inhibit the growth of multiple zoonotic pathogens. Lac16 also significantly inhibited the biofilm formation and mRNA expression of virulence traits (genes related to virulence, toxins, flagella biogenesis and motility, antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation and AI-2 quorum sensing) of enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7 (EHEC). Furthermore, Lac16 and Lac26 significantly protected C. elegans against zoonotic pathogen-induced (EHEC, S. typhimurium, C. perfringens) deaths. Moreover, Lac16 significantly promoted epithelial repair and ameliorated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal epithelial apoptosis and barrier dysfunction by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and markedly reduced LPS-induced inflammatory responses by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway. The present results indicate that Lac16 attenuates enterohemorrhagic E. coli infection-induced damage by inhibiting key virulence traits of E. coli, promoting epithelial repair and improving intestinal epithelial barrier function, which may be mediated by the activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and the inhibited TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway of the intestinal epithelium.
Effect of Photobiomodulation on Protein Kinase Cδ, Cytochrome C, and Mitochondria in U87 MG Cells
Authors: Pevná Viktória , Wagnières Georges , Jancura Daniel , Huntošová Veronika
Published: May 2023

Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy is a relatively new modality for the combined treatment of cancer. Pre-treatment of certain types of cancer cells with PBM potentiates the treatment efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT). The mechanism of action of this synergetic effect is not yet fully understood. In the present study, we focused on protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) as a proapoptotic agent that is highly expressed in U87MG cells. The distribution of PKCδ in the cytoplasm was changed and its concentration was increased by PBM using radiation at 808 nm (15 mW/cm2, 120 s). This process was accompanied by the organelle specific phosphorylation of PKCδ amino acids (serine/tyrosine). Enhanced phosphorylation of serine 645 in the catalytic domain of PKCδ was found in the cytoplasm, whereas the phosphorylation of tyrosine 311 was mainly localized in the mitochondria. Despite a local increase in the level of oxidative stress, only a small amount of cytochrome c was released from the mitochondria to cytosol. Although a partial inhibition of mitochondrial metabolic activity was induced in PBM-exposed cells, apoptosis was not observed. We hypothesized that PBM-induced photodamage of organelles was neutralized by autophagy maintained in these cells. However, photodynamic therapy may effectively exploit this behaviour to generate apoptosis in cancer treatment, which may increase the treatment efficacy and open up prospects for further applications.
Joining Technologies for Aluminium Castings—A Review
Authors: Li Dezhi , Slater Carl , Cai Huisheng , Hou Xiaonan , Li Yongbing , Wang Qudong
Published: May 2023

Aluminium castings have been widely used in many industries, including automotive, aerospace, telecommunication, construction, consumer products, etc., due to their lightweight, good electric and thermal conductivity, and electromagnetic interference/radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI) shielding properties. The main applications of aluminium castings are in automotive industry. For lighweighting purposes, more and more aluminium castings are used in the automotive vehicle structures to reduce weight, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, due to the features of cast aluminium, such as porosity, poor surface quality, a tendency toward hot cracking, and low ductility, joining these materials is problematic. In this paper, the joining technologies for aluminium castings and the related issues, mainly cracking and porosity, are reviewed. The current state-of-the-art of joining technologies is summarized, and areas for future research are recommended.
Aluminium-Based Dissimilar Alloys Surface Composites Reinforced with Functional Microparticles Produced by Upward Friction Stir Processing
Authors: Moreira Filipe , Ferreira Pedro M. , Silva Rui J. C. , Santos Telmo G. , Vidal Catarina
Published: May 2023

Surface metal matrix composites offer an excellent solution for applications where surface properties play a crucial role in components’ performance and durability, such as greater corrosion resistance, better wear resistance, and high formability. Solid-state processing techniques, such as friction surfacing and friction stir welding/processing, offer several advantages over conventional liquid-phase processing methods. This research investigated the feasibility of producing surface composites of aluminium-based dissimilar alloys reinforced with functional microparticles through experimental validation, determined the process parameters that resulted in a more homogeneous distribution of the particles in the surface composites, and enhanced the understanding of Upward Friction Stir Processing (UFSP) technology. The production of aluminium-based dissimilar alloys (AA 7075-T651 and AA 6082-T651) surface composites reinforced with SiC particles was studied, and it was concluded that the macrography and micrography analyses, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, microhardness measurements, and eddy currents technique reveal an extensive and homogeneous incorporation of SiC particles. In the stirred zone, a decrease of approximately 20 HV 0.5 in hardness was observed compared to the base material. This reduction is attributed to the weakening effect caused by low-temperature annealing during UFSP, which reduces the strengthening effect of the T651 heat treatment. Additionally, the presence of particles did not affect the surface composite hardness in the stirred zone. Furthermore, despite the presence of significant internal defects, SEM analyses revealed evidence of the lower alloy merging with the upper zone, indicating that the lower plate had a role beyond being merely sacrificial. Therefore, the production of bimetallic composites through UFSP may offer advantages over composites produced from a monometallic matrix. The results of the eddy currents testing and microhardness measurements support this finding and are consistent with the SEM/EDS analyses.
Influence of Silver-Coated Tool Electrode on Electrochemical Micromachining of Incoloy 825
Authors: Thangamani Geethapriyan , Thangaraj Muthuramalingam , Anand Palani Iyamperumal , Jayakumar Mani , Karkalos Nikolaos E. , Papazoglou Emmanouil L. , Karmiris-Obratański Panagiotis
Published: May 2023

Incoloy 825 alloy is often used in calorifiers, propeller shafts, and tank vehicles owing to the improved resistance to aqueous corrosion. The electrochemical micromachining process can be utilized to machine such an engineering material owing to higher precision and lower tool wear. In the present study, an investigation was performed to enhance the process of creating micro-holes using silver-coated copper tool electrodes. The sodium nitrate electrolyte was used under different levels of input parameters such as voltage, electrolyte concentration, frequency, and duty cycle with a view to improving material removal rate, conicity, overcut, and circularity. It was found that silver-coated copper tool electrode had a high material removal rate (MRR), better overcut, conicity, and circularity compared to uncoated copper tools in most cases, due to its high corrosive resistance and electrical conductivity. From SEM and EDS analysis, it was observed that better surface topography of the micro-holes is obtained with silver-coated copper tool electrode while machining Incoloy 825 alloy in the micromachining process.