bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Decomposition Dynamics and Substrate Component Potential of Biomass from the Seagrass Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile
Authors: Amoroso Giandomenico , Cozzolino Alessia , Idbella Mohamed , Iacomino Giuseppina , Motti Riccardo , Bonanomi Giuliano
Published: January 2024

Posidonia oceanica, a Mediterranean Sea seagrass, generates significant litter debris in coastal regions, adversely affecting tourism. To manage this debris, we explored two strategies: (i) promoting in situ decomposition by introducing ligninolytic microbes from forest microbiomes and (ii) utilizing P. oceanica debris as a substrate for ornamental and horticultural species. To achieve this goal, we conducted a one-year experiment using litter bags in mesocosms that simulate in situ conditions, evaluating the second strategy with different application rates (10%, 30%, 50%, and 100%) of fresh and decomposed P. oceanica debris mixed with peat or soil, with or without mineral fertilizer. The results revealed the resistance of P. oceanica necromass to decomposition; in fact, the introduction of forest microbiomes led to a major decomposition rate, albeit with constrained practical applicability. Utilizing P. oceanica debris as a substrate without fertilizer resulted in a modest growth response relative to the application rate, particularly accentuated in horticultural species compared to ornamental ones. Mineral fertilizer alleviated adverse effects at lower application rates; however, a notable decline in growth was observed at the 100% application rate. At application rates of 10% and 30%, certain crops demonstrated improved growth compared to the control. In summary, our study suggests the potential use of raw P. oceanica debris as a growth substrate within the 10% to 50% dosage range.
Improving Crossing Efficiency by Exploiting the Genetic Potential of Allotetraploid Cooking Bananas
Authors: Dzoyem Camille Ulrich Dzokouo , Touko Guy Blaise Noumbissié , Youmbi Emmanuel , Bakry Frédéric
Published: January 2024

Conventional breeding involves considerable genetic recombination. To maximize breeding efforts, it is necessary to increase seed yield. This study proposes to improve seed yield by using tetraploid bananas as part of a genetic improvement programme for cooking varieties. To this end, the female fertility (seeding rate and embryo sac maturity) of tetraploid banana plants was characterised. The pollen potential of tetraploids was then assessed at anthesis and at the end of meiosis, as well as during crosses with seminiferous diploids, leading to a phenotypic characterisation of the value of an offspring. This study highlighted the low seed production rate of tetraploid genitors. At best, 7% of seeds are produced per fruit, but 57% of the ovules per fruit have mature embryo sacs. The use of tetraploids as male parents, free from any source of sterility associated with the domestication process, did not generally improve the seed rate, except in the case of FHIA 21 (2930 seeds). Its pollen potential was used in a cross with Banksii 0623 (♀). This resulted in progeny with interesting vigour and phenotypic characteristics. This latter combination has the potential to transfer its “cooking” genetic structure.
Correction: McKay et al. Parent Education for Responding to and Supporting Youth with Suicidal Thoughts (PERSYST): An Evaluation of an Online Gatekeeper Training Program with Australian Parents. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 5025
Authors: McKay Samuel , Byrne Sadhbh J. , Clarke Alison , Lamblin Michelle , Veresova Maria , Robinson Jo
Published: January 2024

There was an error in the original publication [...]
Improving Three-Dimensional Building Segmentation on Three-Dimensional City Models through Simulated Data and Contextual Analysis for Building Extraction
Authors: Leroux Frédéric , Germain Mickaël , Clabaut Étienne , Bouroubi Yacine , St-Pierre Tony
Published: January 2024

Digital twins are increasingly gaining popularity as a method for simulating intricate natural and urban environments, with the precise segmentation of 3D objects playing an important role. This study focuses on developing a methodology for extracting buildings from textured 3D meshes, employing the PicassoNet-II semantic segmentation architecture. Additionally, we integrate Markov field-based contextual analysis for post-segmentation assessment and cluster analysis algorithms for building instantiation. Training a model to adapt to diverse datasets necessitates a substantial volume of annotated data, encompassing both real data from Quebec City, Canada, and simulated data from Evermotion and Unreal Engine. The experimental results indicate that incorporating simulated data improves segmentation accuracy, especially for under-represented features, and the DBSCAN algorithm proves effective in extracting isolated buildings. We further show that the model is highly sensible for the method of creating 3D meshes.
Use of Multiple Machine Learning Approaches for Selecting Urothelial Cancer-Specific DNA Methylation Biomarkers in Urine
Authors: Köhler Christina U. , Schork Karin , Turewicz Michael , Eisenacher Martin , Roghmann Florian , Noldus Joachim , Marcus Katrin , Brüning Thomas , Käfferlein Heiko U.
Published: January 2024

Diagnosing urothelial cancer (UCa) via invasive cystoscopy is painful, specifically in men, and can cause infection and bleeding. Because the UCa risk is higher for male patients, urinary non-invasive UCa biomarkers are highly desired to stratify men for invasive cystoscopy. We previously identified multiple DNA methylation sites in urine samples that detect UCa with a high sensitivity and specificity in men. Here, we identified the most relevant markers by employing multiple statistical approaches and machine learning (random forest, boosted trees, LASSO) using a dataset of 251 male UCa patients and 111 controls. Three CpG sites located in ALOX5, TRPS1 and an intergenic region on chromosome 16 have been concordantly selected by all approaches, and their combination in a single decision matrix for clinical use was tested based on their respective thresholds of the individual CpGs. The combination of ALOX5 and TRPS1 yielded the best overall sensitivity (61%) at a pre-set specificity of 95%. This combination exceeded both the diagnostic performance of the most sensitive bioinformatic approach and that of the best single CpG. In summary, we showed that overlap analysis of multiple statistical approaches identifies the most reliable biomarkers for UCa in a male collective. The results may assist in stratifying men for cystoscopy.
Evaluating the State of Glomerular Disease by Analyzing Urinary Sediments: mRNA Levels and Immunofluorescence Staining for Various Markers
Authors: Yamamoto Kojiro , Oda Takashi , Uchida Takahiro , Takechi Hanako , Oshima Naoki , Kumagai Hiroo
Published: January 2024

Renal biopsy is the gold standard for making the final diagnosis and for predicting the progression of renal disease, but monitoring disease status by performing biopsies repeatedly is impossible because it is an invasive procedure. Urine tests are non-invasive and may reflect the general condition of the whole kidney better than renal biopsy results. We therefore investigated the diagnostic value of extensive urinary sediment analysis by immunofluorescence staining for markers expressed on kidney-derived cells (cytokeratin: marker for tubular epithelial cells, synaptopodin: marker for podocytes, claudin1: marker for parietal epithelial cells, CD68: marker for macrophages (MΦ), neutrophil elastase: marker for neutrophils). We further examined the expression levels of the mRNAs for these markers by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We also examined the levels of mRNAs associated with the M1 (iNOS, IL-6) and M2 (CD163, CD204, CD206, IL-10) MΦ phenotypes. Evaluated markers were compared with clinical and histological findings for the assessment of renal diseases. Claudin1- and CD68-positive cell counts in urinary sediments were higher in patients with glomerular crescents (especially cellular crescents) than in patients without crescents. The relative levels of mRNA for CD68 and the M2 MΦ markers (CD163, CD204, CD206, and IL-10) in urinary sediments were also higher in patients with glomerular crescents. These data suggest that immunofluorescence staining for claudin1 and CD68 in urinary sediments and the relative levels of mRNA for CD68 and M2 MΦ markers in urinary sediments are useful for evaluating the state of glomerular diseases.
Potato Microbiome: Relationship with Environmental Factors and Approaches for Microbiome Modulation
Authors: Petrushin Ivan S. , Filinova Nadezhda V. , Gutnik Daria I.
Published: January 2024

Every land plant exists in a close relationship with microbial communities of several niches: rhizosphere, endosphere, phyllosphere, etc. The growth and yield of potato—a critical food crop worldwide—highly depend on the diversity and structure of the bacterial and fungal communities with which the potato plant coexists. The potato plant has a specific part, tubers, and the soil near the tubers as a sub-compartment is usually called the “geocaulosphere”, which is associated with the storage process and tare soil microbiome. Specific microbes can help the plant to adapt to particular environmental conditions and resist pathogens. There are a number of approaches to modulate the microbiome that provide organisms with desired features during inoculation. The mechanisms of plant–bacterial communication remain understudied, and for further engineering of microbiomes with particular features, the knowledge on the potato microbiome should be summarized. The most recent approaches to microbiome engineering include the construction of a synthetic microbial community or management of the plant microbiome using genome engineering. In this review, the various factors that determine the microbiome of potato and approaches that allow us to mitigate the negative impact of drought and pathogens are surveyed.
Effects of Melatonin, GM-CSF, IGF-1, and LIF in Culture Media on Embryonic Development: Potential Benefits of Individualization
Authors: Choi Jung-Won , Kim Sung-Woo , Kim Hee-Sun , Kang Moon-Joo , Kim Sung-Ah , Han Ji-Yeon , Kim Hoon , Ku Seung-Yup
Published: January 2024

The implantation of good-quality embryos to the receptive endometrium is essential for successful live birth through in vitro fertilization (IVF). The higher the quality of embryos, the higher the live birth rate per cycle, and so efforts have been made to obtain as many high-quality embryos as possible after fertilization. In addition to an effective controlled ovarian stimulation process to obtain high-quality embryos, the composition of the embryo culture medium in direct contact with embryos in vitro is also important. During embryonic development, under the control of female sex hormones, the fallopian tubes and endometrium create a microenvironment that supplies the nutrients and substances necessary for embryos at each stage. During this process, the development of the embryo is finely regulated by signaling molecules, such as growth factors and cytokines secreted from the epithelial cells of the fallopian tube and uterine endometrium. The development of embryo culture media has continued since the first successful human birth through IVF in 1978. However, there are still limitations to mimicking a microenvironment similar to the reproductive organs of women suitable for embryo development in vitro. Efforts have been made to overcome the harsh in vitro culture environment and obtain high-quality embryos by adding various supplements, such as antioxidants and growth factors, to the embryo culture medium. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of studies on the effect of supplementation in different clinical situations such as old age, recurrent implantation failure (RIF), and unexplained infertility; in addition, anticipation of the potential benefits from individuation is rising. This article reviews the effects of representative supplements in culture media on embryo development.
Recent Advances in Studying the Regulation of Fruit Ripening in Tomato Using Genetic Engineering Approaches
Authors: Baranov Denis , Timerbaev Vadim
Published: January 2024

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most commercially essential vegetable crops cultivated worldwide. In addition to the nutritional value, tomato is an excellent model for studying climacteric fruits’ ripening processes. Despite this, the available natural pool of genes that allows expanding phenotypic diversity is limited, and the difficulties of crossing using classical selection methods when stacking traits increase proportionally with each additional feature. Modern methods of the genetic engineering of tomatoes have extensive potential applications, such as enhancing the expression of existing gene(s), integrating artificial and heterologous gene(s), pointing changes in target gene sequences while keeping allelic combinations characteristic of successful commercial varieties, and many others. However, it is necessary to understand the fundamental principles of the gene molecular regulation involved in tomato fruit ripening for its successful use in creating new varieties. Although the candidate genes mediate ripening have been identified, a complete picture of their relationship has yet to be formed. This review summarizes the latest (2017–2023) achievements related to studying the ripening processes of tomato fruits. This work attempts to systematize the results of various research articles and display the interaction pattern of genes regulating the process of tomato fruit ripening.
6-Amino-4-aryl-7-phenyl-3-(phenylimino)-4,7-dihydro-3H-[1,2]dithiolo[3,4-b]pyridine-5-carboxamides: Synthesis, Biological Activity, Quantum Chemical Studies and In Silico Docking Studies
Authors: Dotsenko Victor V. , Bespalov Alexander V. , Sinotsko Anna E. , Temerdashev Azamat Z. , Vasilin Vladimir K. , Varzieva Ekaterina A. , Strelkov Vladimir D. , Aksenov Nicolai A. , Aksenova Inna V.
Published: January 2024

New [1,2]dithiolo[3,4-b]pyridine-5-carboxamides were synthesized through the reaction of dithiomalondianilide (N,N′-diphenyldithiomalondiamide) with 3-aryl-2-cyanoacrylamides or via a three-component reaction involving aromatic aldehydes, cyanoacetamide and dithiomalondianilide in the presence of morpholine. The structure of 6-amino-4-(2,4-dichloro- phenyl)-7-phenyl-3-(phenylimino)-4,7-dihydro-3H-[1,2]dithiolo[3,4-b]pyridine-5-carboxamide was confirmed using X-ray crystallography. To understand the reaction mechanism in detail, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed with a Grimme B97-3c composite computational scheme. The results revealed that the rate-limiting step is a cyclization process leading to the closure of the 1,4-dihydropyridine ring, with an activation barrier of 28.8 kcal/mol. Some of the dithiolo[3,4-b]pyridines exhibited moderate herbicide safening effects against 2,4-D. Additionally, ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, Toxicity) parameters were calculated and molecular docking studies were performed to identify potential protein targets.
The Multifaceted S100B Protein: A Role in Obesity and Diabetes?
Authors: Michetti Fabrizio , Di Sante Gabriele , Clementi Maria Elisabetta , Valeriani Federica , Mandarano Martina , Ria Francesco , Di Liddo Rosa , Rende Mario , Romano Spica Vincenzo
Published: January 2024

The S100B protein is abundant in the nervous system, mainly in astrocytes, and is also present in other districts. Among these, the adipose tissue is a site of concentration for the protein. In the light of consistent research showing some associations between S100B and adipose tissue in the context of obesity, metabolic disorders, and diabetes, this review tunes the possible role of S100B in the pathogenic processes of these disorders, which are known to involve the adipose tissue. The reported data suggest a role for adipose S100B in obesity/diabetes processes, thus putatively re-proposing the role played by astrocytic S100B in neuroinflammatory/neurodegenerative processes.
Human Sterols Are Overproduced, Stored and Excreted in Yeasts
Authors: Radkohl Astrid , Schusterbauer Veronika , Bernauer Lukas , Rechberger Gerald N. , Wolinski Heimo , Schittmayer Matthias , Birner-Gruenberger Ruth , Thallinger Gerhard G. , Leitner Erich , Baeck Melanie , Pichler Harald , Emmerstorfer-Augustin Anita
Published: January 2024

Sterols exert a profound influence on numerous cellular processes, playing a crucial role in both health and disease. However, comprehending the effects of sterol dysfunction on cellular physiology is challenging. Consequently, numerous processes affected by impaired sterol biosynthesis still elude our complete understanding. In this study, we made use of yeast strains that produce cholesterol instead of ergosterol and investigated the cellular response mechanisms on the transcriptome as well as the lipid level. The exchange of ergosterol for cholesterol caused the downregulation of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine and upregulation of phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis. Additionally, a shift towards polyunsaturated fatty acids was observed. While the sphingolipid levels dropped, the total amounts of sterols and triacylglycerol increased, which resulted in 1.7-fold enlarged lipid droplets in cholesterol-producing yeast cells. In addition to internal storage, cholesterol and its precursors were excreted into the culture supernatant, most likely by the action of ABC transporters Snq2, Pdr12 and Pdr15. Overall, our results demonstrate that, similarly to mammalian cells, the production of non-native sterols and sterol precursors causes lipotoxicity in K. phaffii, mainly due to upregulated sterol biosynthesis, and they highlight the different survival and stress response mechanisms on multiple, integrative levels.
Therapeutic Effects of Aβ-Specific Regulatory T Cells in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Study in 5xFAD Mice
Authors: Park Seon-Young , Yang Juwon , Yang Hyejin , Cho Inhee , Kim Jae Yoon , Bae Hyunsu
Published: January 2024

The aging global population is placing an increasing burden on healthcare systems, and the social impact of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is on the rise. However, the availability of safe and effective treatments for AD remains limited. Adoptive Treg therapy has been explored for treating neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. To facilitate the clinical application of Treg therapy, we developed a Treg preparation protocol and highlighted the therapeutic effects of Tregs in 5xFAD mice. CD4+CD25+ Tregs, isolated after Aβ stimulation and expanded using a G-rex plate with a gas-permeable membrane, were adoptively transferred into 5xFAD mice. Behavioral analysis was conducted using Y-maze and passive avoidance tests. Additionally, we measured levels of Aβ, phosphorylated tau (pTAU), and nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) in the hippocampus. Real-time RT-PCR was employed to assess the mRNA levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers. Our findings indicate that Aβ-specific Tregs not only improved cognitive function but also reduced Aβ and pTAU accumulation in the hippocampus of 5xFAD mice. They also inhibited microglial neuroinflammation. These effects were observed at doses as low as 1.5 × 103 cells/head. Collectively, our results demonstrate that Aβ-specific Tregs can mitigate AD pathology in 5xFAD mice.
Special Issue IJMS—Molecular Mechanisms of Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Petrica Ligia
Published: January 2024

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), as a major microvascular complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), accounts for over 40% of patients that reach end-stage renal disease and are referred to renal replacement therapies [...]
Exploring the Use of Intracellular Chelation and Non-Iron Metals to Program Ferroptosis for Anticancer Application
Authors: Claudio-Ares Oscar , Luciano-Rodríguez Jeileen , Del Valle-González Yolmarie L. , Schiavone-Chamorro Selene L. , Pastor Alex J. , Rivera-Reyes Javier O. , Metzler Carmen L. , Domínguez-Orona Lizandra M. , Vargas-Pérez Brenda Lee , Skouta Rachid , Tinoco Arthur D.
Published: January 2024

The discovery of regulated cell death (RCD) revolutionized chemotherapy. With caspase-dependent apoptosis initially being thought to be the only form of RCD, many drug development strategies aimed to synthesize compounds that turn on this kind of cell death. While yielding a variety of drugs, this approach is limited, given the acquired resistance of cancers to these drugs and the lack of specificity of the drugs for targeting cancer cells alone. The discovery of non-apoptotic forms of RCD is leading to new avenues for drug design. Evidence shows that ferroptosis, a relatively recently discovered iron-based cell death pathway, has therapeutic potential for anticancer application. Recent studies point to the interrelationship between iron and other essential metals, copper and zinc, and the disturbance of their respective homeostasis as critical to the onset of ferroptosis. Other studies reveal that several coordination complexes of non-iron metals have the capacity to induce ferroptosis. This collective knowledge will be assessed to determine how chelation approaches and coordination chemistry can be engineered to program ferroptosis in chemotherapy.
Monarch Butterflies in Western North America: A Holistic Review of Population Trends, Ecology, Stressors, Resilience and Adaptation
Authors: James David G.
Published: January 2024

Monarch butterfly populations in western North America suffered a substantial decline, from millions of butterflies overwintering in California in the 1980s to less than 400,000 at the beginning of the 21st century. The introduction of neonicotinoid insecticides in the mid–1990s and their subsequent widespread use appears to be the most likely major factor behind this sudden decline. Habitat loss and unfavorable climates (high temperatures, aridity, and winter storms) have also played important and ongoing roles. These factors kept overwintering populations stable but below 300,000 during 2001–2017. Late winter storm mortality and consequent poor spring reproduction drove winter populations to less than 30,000 butterflies during 2018–2019. Record high temperatures in California during the fall of 2020 appeared to prematurely terminate monarch migration, resulting in the lowest overwintering population (1899) ever recorded. Many migrants formed winter-breeding populations in urban areas. Normal seasonal temperatures in the autumns of 2021 and 2022 enabled overwintering populations to return to around the 300,000 level, characteristic of the previous two decades. Natural enemies (predators, parasitoids, parasites, and pathogens) may be important regional or local drivers at times but they are a consistent and fundamental part of monarch ecology. Human interference (capture, rearing) likely has the least impact on monarch populations. The rearing of monarch caterpillars, particularly by children, is an important human link to nature that has positive ramifications for insect conservation beyond monarch butterflies and should be encouraged.
Thermomechanical Analysis of Thermoplastic Mono-Material Sandwich Structures with Honeycomb Core
Authors: Latsuzbaya Temuri , Middendorf Peter , Voelkle Dietmar , Weber Christoph
Published: January 2024

The application of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic mono-material sandwich panels has many advantages, such as recyclability, reduction in processing cycle times, integration of additional elements by means of welding, and a great potential for in-line production. The most efficient way to produce a curved thermoplastic sandwich panel is thermoforming, which has several challenges. One of them is to achieve a higher thermal gradient in the panel. On the one hand, the temperature at the skin–core interface must exceed the softening point of the polymer to reach a sufficient bonding degree. On the other hand, the core should not be overheated and overloaded to avoid its collapse. Furthermore, several fiber distortions, such as wrinkles or buckles, can be developed during thermoforming. All these flaws have a negative impact on the mechanical performance of the sandwich structure. The objective of this study is the development of a simulation tool for the thermoforming process, which can replace the time-consuming trial-and-error-based method. Therefore, a coupled thermomechanical model was developed for a novel thermoplastic sandwich structure, which is able to predict the temperature distribution and its influence on the mechanical properties of the panel. Experimental trials were conducted to validate the thermomechanical forming model, which demonstrated a good agreement with numerical results.
Advancements and Challenges in Handwritten Text Recognition: A Comprehensive Survey
Authors: AlKendi Wissam , Gechter Franck , Heyberger Laurent , Guyeux Christophe
Published: January 2024

Handwritten Text Recognition (HTR) is essential for digitizing historical documents in different kinds of archives. In this study, we introduce a hybrid form archive written in French: the Belfort civil registers of births. The digitization of these historical documents is challenging due to their unique characteristics such as writing style variations, overlapped characters and words, and marginal annotations. The objective of this survey paper is to summarize research on handwritten text documents and provide research directions toward effectively transcribing this French dataset. To achieve this goal, we presented a brief survey of several modern and historical HTR offline systems of different international languages, and the top state-of-the-art contributions reported of the French language specifically. The survey classifies the HTR systems based on techniques employed, datasets used, publication years, and the level of recognition. Furthermore, an analysis of the systems’ accuracies is presented, highlighting the best-performing approach. We have also showcased the performance of some HTR commercial systems. In addition, this paper presents a summarization of the HTR datasets that publicly available, especially those identified as benchmark datasets in the International Conference on Document Analysis and Recognition (ICDAR) and the International Conference on Frontiers in Handwriting Recognition (ICFHR) competitions. This paper, therefore, presents updated state-of-the-art research in HTR and highlights new directions in the research field.
Assessing the Feasibility of Fabricating Thermoplastic Laminates from Unidirectional Tapes in Open Mold Environments
Authors: Ali Basit , Kadri Khaled , Alkhader Maen , Abuzaid Wael , Jaradat Mohammad A. , Mustafa Mohammed , Hassanien Mohamed
Published: January 2024

The automation of the manufacturing processes of thermoplastic composite laminates has become dependent on open mold processes such as automated tape placement (ATP), which couples tape layering with in situ consolidation. The manufacturing parameters of ATP open mold processes, which comprise processing time, consolidation pressure and temperature, affect the bond strength between the plies and the quality of the laminates produced. Therefore, the effect of the manufacturing parameters should be characterized. This work experimentally evaluates the feasibility of fabricating thermoplastic laminates using an open mold process that reasonably models that of ATP. Glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene laminates are fabricated from unidirectional tapes under different consolidation periods, pressures, and temperatures. The bond quality in the produced laminates is assessed by measuring their interlaminar shear strength, which is measured using a short beam standardized shear test in conjunction with digital image correlation. Results show that consolidation can occur at temperatures slightly below the composite tapes’ complete melting temperature, and consolidation times between 7 and 13 min can result in acceptable bond strengths. The results confirmed the feasibility of the process and highlighted its limitations. Analysis of variance and machine learning showed that the effect of process parameters on interlaminar shear strength is nonlinear.
A New Approach to Characterize Siderophore-Type Ligands in Seawater by Solid Phase Synthesis and SPE-HPLC-ESI-MS/MS Analysis
Authors: Rivaro Paola , Vivado Davide , Ianni Carmela , Salis Annalisa , Parodi Alice , Millo Enrico
Published: January 2024

Siderophores are organic ligands involved in dissolved iron (dFe) speciation in the oceans. Their study is crucial for a better understanding of the biogeochemical cycle of Fe in the marine environment, particularly in certain areas, such as the Southern Ocean, where Fe deficiency limits marine productivity. In this study, an analytical method is proposed for the extraction and pre-concentration of siderophores from seawater samples by solid phase extraction (SPE) and subsequent analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography—electrospray ionization—mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). Two siderophores were used as standards: Ferrioxamine E, a commercially available hydroxamate siderophore, and a staphyloferrin A-like compound with two citric acid units, synthesized in our laboratories by solid-phase peptide synthesis. A central composite design, considering different pH (2, 3.5, and 5) and sample loading volume (50, 125 and 200 mL) as variables, was used to optimize the extraction yield with SPE C18 cartridges. Tests were conducted on samples of artificial seawater spiked with siderophore standards. Ferrioxamine E showed high extraction yields in all tests carried out. On the contrary, the extraction of staphyloferrin A-like compound was significantly affected by both pH and loading volume.
Model for Wastage Allowance and Strength Properties of Pipe Piles Exposed to Marine Corrosion
Authors: Xia Ruilin , Garbatov Yordan , Liu Changyong , Sun Mingyang
Published: January 2024

The study’s objective is to analyze the mechanical properties of steel pipe piles as a part of a trestle bridge subjected to five years of natural marine corrosion degradation. Sixteen tensile specimens are extracted from the steel pipe piles in the splash, tidal, and immersion zones. The experimental tensile test results are used to establish regression equations defining the elastic modulus, yield strength, strain hardening index, and strength coefficient for the true stress–strain curves of the three regions. A non-linear time-dependent mathematical model is exploited to identify the corrosion degradation, using the data from one single corrosion degradation measurement campaign. The analysis indicates that the splash zone is experiencing the most severe corrosion degradation, and there are progressive losses in the mechanical properties of each zone as the corrosion degradation progresses. The established relationships of the mechanical properties, as a function of the ratio of corroded plate thickness to the as-built one, can be used as a fast-engineering approach to identify the mechanical properties of severely corroded piles. The corrosion degradation allowance is also defined using the first-order reliability method, accounting for existing uncertainties covered by the partial safety factors. By examining the impact of marine corrosion on the mechanical properties of marine structures and developing predictive models to assess the corrosion’s effect on material strength and corrosion allowance, the study aims to improve offshore structures’ safety, design, and maintenance.
The Influence of Seamounts on the Enrichment of Rare Earth Elements in Sediments—A Case Study of the Marcus-Wake Seamounts in the Western Pacific Ocean
Authors: Xiao Tinglu , Xu Dong , Deng Tao , Lin Junyu , Ye Liming , Ge Qian , Han Xibin , Dong Yanhui , Chu Fengyou
Published: January 2024

Deep-sea sediments enriched in rare earth elements and yttrium (REY-rich sediments) are widely distributed on the deep-sea floor, and their formation mechanism remains elusive. Although studies have recognized the link between seamounts and REY-rich sediments, in-depth analysis of the specific roles and effects of seamounts in the formation of REY-rich sediments is lacking. In this study, we analyzed surface sediments from the Marcus-Wake Seamounts for grain size, geochemistry, and mineral composition and classified the samples into three types: samples with moderate REY content and dominated by terrestrial detritus; samples with high REY and authigenic mineral content; and samples rich in CaCO3 but poor in REY. The REY in the sediments of the study area partly originate from Asian dust input and partly from seawater and/or pore water, and are mainly enriched in REY carrier particles including bioapatite fossils and micronodules. The amount of REY carrier particles influences the REY content in the sediments. The current field, primary productivity, weathering process, and depositional environment around seamounts are different from those of abyssal plains, which are conducive to the formation of REY-rich sediments. Strong bottom currents may exist in the southeastern direction of some large seamounts (e.g., Niulang Guyot), leading to the selective accumulation of REY-rich bioapatite fossils and micronodules, resulting in the formation of REY-rich sediments.
Static Acoustic Monitoring of Harbour (Phoca vitulina) and Grey Seals (Halichoerus grypus) in the Malin Sea: A Revolutionary Approach in Pinniped Conservation
Authors: Pozo Galván Yaiza Pilar , Pérez Tadeo María , Pommier Morgane , O’Brien Joanne
Published: January 2024

Harbour and grey seals rely on acoustic signals to mate, socialise and defend their territory. Previous studies have focused on their behaviour, movements and communication from the coast, leaving a knowledge gap in the offshore environments, and therefore being unable to determine the proper use they give to those areas and the risks they face around them. Acoustic data collected with a SoundTrap were analysed to assess the detectability of both species in the Malin Sea. Vocalisations were classified based on aural and visual features, as well as using non-parametric classification trees. Differences in the vocalisation rate of grey seals per diel, season and tidal state were also assessed through Generalised Linear Mixed Models, obtaining significant results, and finding similarities in the vocalisations of grey seals with the Scottish and Irish populations. A small sample of adult and pup harbour seals was detected, and differences in call type and number of detections per type were found across the seasons. These results show the importance of the area for both species, and lay the foundations for future studies, which will help to implement proper conservation measures such as Marine Protected Areas.
Aspergillus Outbreak in an Intensive Care Unit: Source Analysis with Whole Genome Sequencing and Short Tandem Repeats
Authors: Hiel Stephan J. P. , Hendriks Amber C. A. , Eijkenboom Jos J. A. , Bosch Thijs , Coolen Jordy P. M. , Melchers Willem J. G. , Anröchte Paul , Camps Simone M. T. , Verweij Paul E. , Zhang Jianhua , Dommelen Laura van
Published: January 2024

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is widely used for outbreak analysis of bacteriology and virology but is scarcely used in mycology. Here, we used WGS for genotyping Aspergillus fumigatus isolates from a potential Aspergillus outbreak in an intensive care unit (ICU) during construction work. After detecting the outbreak, fungal cultures were performed on all surveillance and/or patient respiratory samples. Environmental samples were obtained throughout the ICU. WGS was performed on 30 isolates, of which six patient samples and four environmental samples were related to the outbreak, and twenty samples were unrelated, using the Illumina NextSeq 550. A SNP-based phylogenetic tree was created from outbreak samples and unrelated samples. Comparative analysis (WGS and short tandem repeats (STRs), microsatellite loci analysis) showed that none of the strains were related to each other. The lack of genetic similarity suggests the accumulation of Aspergillus spores in the hospital environment, rather than a single source that supported growth and reproduction of Aspergillus fumigatus. This supports the hypothesis that the Aspergillus outbreak was likely caused by release of Aspergillus fumigatus spores during construction work. Indeed, no new Aspergillus cases were observed in the ICU after cessation of construction. This study demonstrates that WGS is a suitable technique for examining inter-strain relatedness of Aspergillus fumigatus in the setting of an outbreak investigation.
Induction of Extracellular Hydroxyl Radicals Production in the White-Rot Fungus Pleurotus eryngii for Dyes Degradation: An Advanced Bio-oxidation Process
Authors: García-Martín Ana Belén , Rodríguez Juana , Molina-Guijarro José Manuel , Fajardo Carmen , Domínguez Gabriela , Hernández Manuel , Guillén Francisco
Published: January 2024

Among pollution remediation technologies, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are genuinely efficient since they are based on the production of strong, non-selective oxidants, mainly hydroxyl radicals (·OH), by a set of physicochemical methods. The biological counterparts of AOPs, which may be referred to as advanced bio-oxidation processes (ABOPs), have begun to be investigated since the mechanisms of induction of ·OH production in fungi are known. To contribute to the development of ABOPs, advanced oxidation of a wide number of dyes by the white-rot fungus Pleurotus eryngii, via a quinone redox cycling (QRC) process based on Fenton’s reagent formation, has been described for the first time. The fungus was incubated with 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DBQ) and Fe3+-oxalate, with and without Mn2+, leading to different ·OH production rates, around twice higher with Mn2+. Thanks to this process, the degradative capacity of the fungus increased, not only oxidising dyes it was not otherwise able to, but also increasing the decolorization rate of 20 dyes by more than 7 times in Mn2+ incubations. In terms of process efficacy, it is noteworthy that with Mn2+ the degradation of the dyes reached values of 90–100% in 2–4 h, which are like those described in some AOPs based on the Fenton reaction.
Hyperpolarisation of Mitochondrial Membranes Is a Critical Component of the Antifungal Mechanism of the Plant Defensin, Ppdef1
Authors: Parisi Kathy , McKenna James A. , Lowe Rohan , Harris Karen S. , Shafee Thomas , Guarino Rosemary , Lee Eunice , van der Weerden Nicole L. , Bleackley Mark R. , Anderson Marilyn A.
Published: January 2024

Plant defensins are a large family of small cationic proteins with diverse functions and mechanisms of action, most of which assert antifungal activity against a broad spectrum of fungi. The partial mechanism of action has been resolved for a small number of members of plant defensins, and studies have revealed that many act by more than one mechanism. The plant defensin Ppdef1 has a unique sequence and long loop 5 with fungicidal activity against a range of human fungal pathogens, but little is known about its mechanism of action. We screened the S. cerevisiae non-essential gene deletion library and identified the involvement of the mitochondria in the mechanism of action of Ppdef1. Further analysis revealed that the hyperpolarisation of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) activates ROS production, vacuolar fusion and cell death and is an important step in the mechanism of action of Ppdef1, and it is likely that a similar mechanism acts in Trichophyton rubrum.
Phylogenetic and Taxonomic Analyses Reveal Three New Wood-Inhabiting Fungi (Polyporales, Basidiomycota) in China
Authors: Yang Yang , Li Rong , Jiang Qianquan , Zhou Hongmin , Muhammad Akmal , Wang Hongjuan , Zhao Changlin
Published: January 2024

Three new wood-inhabiting fungal species, Cerioporus yunnanensis, Perenniporiopsis sinensis, and Sarcoporia yunnanensis, are proposed based on a combination of the morphological features and molecular evidence. Cerioporus yunnanensis is characterized by the pileate basidiomata having a fawn brown to black pileal surface, a dimitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae, and the presence of the fusoid cystidioles and cylindrical basidiospores (9–12.5 × 3.5–5 µm). Perenniporiopsis sinensis is distinct from the osseous pileus with verrucose, an orange-yellow to dark reddish-brown pileal surface with a cream margin, a trimitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae, and the presence of the fusiform cystidioles and ellipsoid basidiospores (9–11 × 5.5–6.5 µm). Sarcoporia yunnanensis is typical of the pileate basidiomata with a salmon to reddish-brown pileal surface, a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae, and the presence of the ellipsoid basidiospores (4–5.5 × 2.5–4 µm). Sequences of ITS + nLSU + mt-SSU + TEF1 + RPB1 + RPB2 genes were used for the phylogenetic analyses using maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods. The multiple genes with six loci analysis showed that the three new species nested within the order Polyporales, in which C. yunnanensis and P. sinensis nested into the family Polyporaceae, and S. yunnanensis grouped into the family Sarcoporiaceae.
An Evaluation of Different Landscape Design Scenarios to Improve Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Shenzhen
Authors: Zheng Ying , Han Qiyao , Keeffe Greg
Published: January 2024

The pivotal role of urban greening in landscape design for mitigating climate change and enhancing the thermal environment is widely known. However, numerous evaluations of outdoor thermal comfort are seldom applied within the realm of landscape design scenarios. This study explores the relationship between street design and urban microclimate, aiming to propose a range of design strategies that can significantly improve thermal comfort within the street environment in Shenzhen, China. These design strategies hold immense potential for urban greening implementation and provide valuable insights to enhance the overall thermal quality of streetscapes in subtropical cities. The study employs landscape design and environmental simulation methods to evaluate the different design scenarios for the streetscape. The landscape design encompasses three scenarios with revised interventions: 1. the incorporation of building greening and enhanced pavement material albedo; 2. the introduction of trees and grass at the ground level; and 3. a combination of scenarios 1 and 2. Environmental simulations are utilized to assess the effectiveness of each design scenario. The findings reveal that increasing urban vegetation leads to a reduction in urban heat and significantly improves outdoor thermal comfort. Moreover, the incorporation of shade-providing trees proves to be more efficacious than employing vertical greening in alleviating outdoor thermal discomfort.
Cohesive Properties of Bimaterial Interfaces in Semiconductors: Experimental Study and Numerical Simulation Using an Inverse Cohesive Contact Approach
Authors: Adler Caio , Morais Pedro , Akhavan-Safar Alireza , Carbas Ricardo J. C. , Marques Eduardo A. S. , Karunamurthy Bala , da Silva Lucas F. M.
Published: January 2024

Examining crack propagation at the interface of bimaterial components under various conditions is essential for improving the reliability of semiconductor designs. However, the fracture behavior of bimaterial interfaces has been relatively underexplored in the literature, particularly in terms of numerical predictions. Numerical simulations offer vital insights into the evolution of interfacial damage and stress distribution in wafers, showcasing their dependence on material properties. The lack of knowledge about specific interfaces poses a significant obstacle to the development of new products and necessitates active remediation for further progress. The objective of this paper is twofold: firstly, to experimentally investigate the behavior of bimaterial interfaces commonly found in semiconductors under quasi-static loading conditions, and secondly, to determine their respective interfacial cohesive properties using an inverse cohesive zone modeling approach. For this purpose, double cantilever beam specimens were manufactured that allow Mode I static fracture analysis of the interfaces. A compliance-based method was used to obtain the crack size during the tests and the Mode I energy release rate (GIc). Experimental results were utilized to simulate the behavior of different interfaces under specific test conditions in Abaqus. The simulation aimed to extract the interfacial cohesive contact properties of the studied bimaterial interfaces. These properties enable designers to predict the strength of the interfaces, particularly under Mode I loading conditions. To this extent, the cohesive zone modeling (CZM) assisted in defining the behavior of the damage propagation through the bimaterial interfaces. As a result, for the silicon–epoxy molding compound (EMC) interface, the results for maximum strength and GIc are, respectively, 26 MPa and 0.05 N/mm. The second interface tested consisted of polyimide and silicon oxide between the silicon and EMC layers, and the results obtained are 21.5 MPa for the maximum tensile strength and 0.02 N/mm for GIc. This study’s findings aid in predicting and mitigating failure modes in the studied chip packaging. The insights offer directions for future research, focusing on enhancing material properties and exploring the impact of manufacturing parameters and temperature conditions on delamination in multilayer semiconductors.
Failure Analyses on a Flexible Anode Cathodic Protection System in a Station
Authors: Liu Wenhui , Chang Runyao , Li Xian , Du Yanxia , Liu Jianhua
Published: January 2024

Flexible anodes are a common form of anode ground bed for the cathodic protection of buried pipes in station areas, especially in new stations. In most cases, flexible anode ground beds could obtain uniform potential distribution and good protection. However, in the process of operation, there are also failure conditions such as anode body or cable breakage, electronic shorting between anode and pipes and other situations, resulting in poor protection. How to troubleshoot failures has become a difficult problem restricting the application of flexible anodes in actual production. In this paper, the failures of a flexible anode cathodic protection system in a station were assessed and analyzed in detail. The main reasons for the failures were the electronic shorting between the flexible anode and buried pipe in local area and the breaking of a partial flexible anode. The troubleshooting methods for two kinds of failures were explored. By measuring the potentials of both the flexible anode and pipes in different areas and the excavation test, the location of electronic shoring was determined. And through measuring the grounding resistance of the flexible anode and excavation test, the breaking location of the flexible anode was found. By repairing the failure sites, the failed system was restored to normal, which could provide guidance for the failure analyses of the flexible anode cathodic protection system.