bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porphyran from Porphyra haitanensis Enhances Intestinal Barrier Function and Regulates Gut Microbiota Composition
Authors: Malairaj Sathuvan , Veeraperumal Suresh , Yao Wanzi , Subramanian Mugesh , Tan Karsoon , Zhong Saiyi , Cheong Kit-Leong
Published: April 2023

In this study, the effects of a homogenous porphyran from Porphyra haitanensis (PHP) on the intestinal barrier and gut microbiota were investigated. The results showed that oral administration of PHP resulted in a higher luminal moisture content and a lower pH environment for the growth of beneficial bacteria in the colon of mice. PHP significantly increased the production of total short-chain fatty acids during the fermentation process. PHP made the intestinal epithelial cells of mice arrange more tidily and tightly with a significant increase in mucosal thickness. PHP also increased the amount of mucin-producing goblet cells and the expression of mucin in the colon, which maintained the structure and function of the intestinal mucosal barrier. Moreover, PHP up-regulated the expression of tight junctions including ZO-1 and occludin, improving the intestinal physical barrier function. The results of 16S rRNA sequencing showed that PHP regulated the composition of gut microbiota in mice, increasing the richness and diversity of gut microbiota and the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes. This study revealed that the intake of PHP is beneficial for the gastrointestinal tract and PHP could be a potential source of prebiotics in the functional food and pharmaceutical industries.
Study of the Phase Composition, Structure and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Composites Produced by High-Temperature Vacuum Sintering of SHS-Fabricated CrNi-TiN Powders
Authors: Matveev Alexey , Promakhov Vladimir , Schulz Nikita , Bakhmat Vladislav , Babaev Artem , Vorozhtsov Alexander
Published: April 2023

This work studies the phase composition, structure and mechanical properties of composite materials obtained by high-temperature vacuum sintering of SHS-fabricated CrNi–TiN powders synthesized in semi-industrial-scale production conditions. It was found that changes in the synthesis conditions have no effect on the phase composition and structure of the final products. Additionally, a small increase in the average size of ceramic TiN particles was observed. Compacted rectangular samples were obtained by high-temperature vacuum sintering of fine-ground CrNi–TiN SHS products. A minimum sintering temperature was found at which specimens with a density of 95% of the theoretical one could be obtained. The structure of sintered composites inherits the metal-matrix structure of a part of SHS products. It was shown that CrNi–TiN composite materials are superior to NiTi–TiB2 composites in terms of hardness as well as binding strength for three-point bending at temperatures up to 550 °C.
Design and Implementation of Broadband Hybrid 3-dB Couplers with Silicon-Based IPD Technology
Authors: Xu Mengmeng , Su Jiangtao , Wang Ruijin , Lin Zhongjie , Xie Weiyu , Liu Jun
Published: April 2023

Heterogeneous integration (HI) is a rapidly developing field aimed at achieving high-density integration and miniaturization of devices for complex practical radio frequency (RF) applications. In this study, we present the design and implementation of two 3 dB directional couplers utilizing the broadside-coupling mechanism and silicon-based integrated passive device (IPD) technology. The type A coupler incorporates a defect ground structure (DGS) to enhance coupling, while type B employs wiggly-coupled lines to improve directivity. Measurement results demonstrate that type A achieves <−16.16 dB isolation and <−22.32 dB return loss with a relative bandwidth of 60.96% in the 6.5–12.2 GHz range, while type B achieves <−21.21 dB isolation and <−23.95 dB return loss in the first band at 7–13 GHz, <−22.17 dB isolation and <−19.67 dB return loss in the second band at 28–32.5 GHz, and <−12.79 dB isolation and <−17.02 dB return loss in the third band at 49.5–54.5 GHz. The proposed couplers are well suited for low cost, high performance system-on-package radio frequency front-end circuits in wireless communication systems.
Antibiotic Susceptibility Profiling of Human Pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus Strains Using Whole Genome Sequencing and Genome-Scale Annotation Approaches
Authors: Snoussi Mejdi , Noumi Emira , Bouali Nouha , Bazaid Abdulrahman S. , Alreshidi Mousa M. , Altayb Hisham N. , Chaieb Kamel
Published: April 2023

Staphylococcus species are major pathogens with increasing importance due to the rise in antibiotic resistance. Whole genome sequencing and genome-scale annotation are promising approaches to study the pathogenicity and dissemination of virulence factors in nosocomial methicillin-resistant and multidrug-resistant bacteria in intensive care units. Draft genome sequences of eight clinical S. aureus strains were assembled and annotated for the prediction of antimicrobial resistance genes, virulence factors, and phylogenetic analysis. Most of the studied S. aureus strains displayed multi-resistance toward the tested drugs, reaching more than seven drugs up to 12 in isolate S22. The mecA gene was detected in three isolates (S14, S21, and S23), mecC was identified in S8 and S9, and blaZ was commonly identified in all isolates except strain S23. Additionally, two complete mobile genomic islands coding for methicillin resistance SCCmec Iva (2B) were identified in strains S21 and S23. Numerous antimicrobial resistance genes (norA, norC, MgrA, tet(45), APH(3′)-IIIa, and AAC(6′)-APH(2″)) were identified in chromosomes of different strains. Plasmid analysis revealed the presence of blaZ, tetK, and ermC in different plasmid types, located in gene cassettes containing plasmid replicons (rep) and insertion sequences (IS). Additionally, the aminoglycoside-resistant determinants were identified in S1 (APH(3′)-IIIa), while AAC(6)-APH(2″) was detected in strains S8 and S14. The trimethoprim (dfrC) resistance gene was detected in S. aureus S21, and the fosfomycin (fosB) resistance gene was detected only in S. aureus S14. We also noted that S. aureus S1 belongs to ST1-t127, which has been reported as one of the most frequent human pathogen types. Additionally, we noted the presence of rare plasmid-mediated mecC-MRSA in some of our isolates.
Gut Microbiome and Associated Metabolites Following Bariatric Surgery and Comparison to Healthy Controls
Authors: Ahmad Adilah F. , Caparrós-Martín Jose A. , Lee Silvia , O’Gara Fergal , Yeap Bu B. , Green Daniel J. , Ballal Mohammed , Ward Natalie C. , Dwivedi Girish
Published: April 2023

The gut microbiome plays a significant role in regulating the host’s ability to store fat, which impacts the development of obesity. This observational cohort study recruited obese adult men and women scheduled to undergo sleeve gastrectomy and followed up with them 6 months post-surgery to analyse their microbial taxonomic profiles and associated metabolites in comparison to a healthy control group. There were no significant differences in the gut bacterial diversity between the bariatric patients at baseline and at follow-up or between the bariatric patients and the cohort of healthy controls. However, there were differential abundances in specific bacterial groups between the two cohorts. The bariatric patients were observed to have significant enrichment in Granulicatella at baseline and Streptococcus and Actinomyces at follow-up compared to the healthy controls. Several operational taxonomic units assigned to commensal Clostridia were significantly reduced in the stool of bariatric patients both at baseline and follow-up. When compared to a healthy cohort, the plasma levels of the short chain fatty acid acetate were significantly higher in the bariatric surgery group at baseline. This remained significant when adjusted for age and sex (p = 0.013). The levels of soluble CD14 and CD163 were significantly higher (p = 0.0432 and p = 0.0067, respectively) in the bariatric surgery patients compared to the healthy controls at baseline. The present study demonstrated that there are alterations in the abundance of certain bacterial groups in the gut microbiome of obese patients prior to bariatric surgery compared to healthy individuals, which persist post-sleeve gastrectomy.
Antimicrobial Stewardship on Patients with Neutropenia: A Narrative Review Commissioned by Microorganisms
Authors: Alves Joana , Abreu Betânia , Palma Pedro , Alp Emine , Vieceli Tarsila , Rello Jordi
Published: April 2023

The emergence of antibiotic resistance poses a global health threat. High-risk patients such as those with neutropenia are particularly vulnerable to opportunistic infections, sepsis, and multidrug-resistant infections, and clinical outcomes remain the primary concern. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs should mainly focus on optimizing antibiotic use, decreasing adverse effects, and improving patient outcomes. There is a limited number of published studies assessing the impact of AMS programs on patients with neutropenia, where early appropriate antibiotic choice can be the difference between life and death. This narrative review updates the current advances in strategies of AMS for bacterial infections among high-risk patients with neutropenia. Diagnosis, drug, dose, duration, and de-escalation (5D) are the core variables among AMS strategies. Altered volumes of distribution can make standard dose regimens inadequate, and developing skills towards a personalized approach represents a major advance in therapy. Intensivists should partner antibiotic stewardship programs to improve patient care. Assembling multidisciplinary teams with trained and dedicated professionals for AMS is a priority.
Building Community Resiliency through Immersive Communal Extended Reality (CXR)
Authors: Yavo-Ayalon Sharon , Joshi Swapna , Zhang Yuzhen (Adam) , Han Ruixiang (Albert) , Mahyar Narges , Ju Wendy
Published: April 2023

Situated and shared experiences can motivate community members to plan shared action, promoting community engagement. We deployed and evaluated a communal extended-reality (CXR) bus tour that depicts the possible impacts of flooding and climate change. This paper describes the results of seven community engagement sessions with a total of N = 74 members of the Roosevelt Island community. We conducted pre- and post-bus tour focus groups to understand how the tour affected these community members’ awareness and motivation to take action. We found that the unique qualities of immersive, situated, and geo-located virtual reality (VR) on a bus made climate change feel real, brought the consequences of climate change closer to home, and highlighted existing community resources to address the issue. Our results showed that the CXR experience helped to simulate a physical emergency state, which empowered the community to translate feelings of hopelessness into creative and actionable ideas. Our finding exemplifies that geo-located VR on a bus can be a powerful tool to motivate innovations and collective action. Our work is a first-of-its-kind empirical contribution showing that CXR experiences can inspire action. It offers a proof-of-concept of a large-scale community engagement process featuring simulated communal experiences, leading to creative ideas for a bottom-up community resiliency plan.
Broadband Optical Properties of Bi2Se3
Authors: Ermolaev Georgy A. , Vyslanko Ivan S. , Tselin Andrey P. , El-Sayed Marwa A. , Tatmyshevskiy Mikhail K. , Slavich Aleksandr S. , Yakubovsky Dmitry I. , Mironov Mikhail S. , Mazitov Arslan B. , Eghbali Amir , Panova Daria A. , Romanov Roman I. , Markeev Andrey M. , Kruglov Ivan A. , Novikov Sergey M. , Vyshnevyy Andrey A. , Arsenin Aleksey V. , Volkov Valentyn S.
Published: April 2023

Materials with high optical constants are of paramount importance for efficient light manipulation in nanophotonics applications. Recent advances in materials science have revealed that van der Waals (vdW) materials have large optical responses owing to strong in-plane covalent bonding and weak out-of-plane vdW interactions. However, the optical constants of vdW materials depend on numerous factors, e.g., synthesis and transfer method. Here, we demonstrate that in a broad spectral range (290–3300 nm) the refractive index n and the extinction coefficient k of Bi2Se3 are almost independent of synthesis technology, with only a ~10% difference in n and k between synthesis approaches, unlike other vdW materials, such as MoS2, which has a ~60% difference between synthesis approaches. As a practical demonstration, we showed, using the examples of biosensors and therapeutic nanoparticles, that this slight difference in optical constants results in reproducible efficiency in Bi2Se3-based photonic devices.
Editorial for the Special Issue: “Hydrothermal Synthesis of Nanoparticles”
Authors: Rendón-Angeles Juan Carlos , Seong Gimyeong
Published: April 2023

Research and development in materials science has improved tremendously over the past few decades, resulting in benefits to the quality of life of people worldwide [...]
Viricidal Activity of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Materials with Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Díaz-Puertas Rocío , Rodríguez-Cañas Enrique , Bello-Perez Melissa , Fernández-Oliver Marta , Mallavia Ricardo , Falco Alberto
Published: April 2023

The use of diverse Ag-based nanoparticulated forms has shown promising results in controlling viral propagation. In this study, a commercial nanomaterial consisting of ceramic-coated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was incorporated into thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) plates using an industrial protocol, and the surface composition, ion-release dynamics and viricidal properties were studied. The surface characterization by FESEM-EDX revealed that the molar composition of the ceramic material was 5.5 P:3.3 Mg:Al and facilitated the identification of the embedded AgNPs (54.4 ± 24.9 nm). As determined by ICPMS, the release rates from the AgNP–TPU into aqueous solvents were 4 ppm/h for Ag and Al, and 28.4 ppm/h for Mg ions. Regarding the biological assays, the AgNP–TPU material did not induce significant cytotoxicity in the cell lines employed. Its viricidal activity was characterized, based on ISO 21702:2019, using the Spring viraemia of carp virus (SVCV), and then tested against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The results demonstrated that AgNP–TPU materials exhibited significant (75%) and direct antiviral activity against SVCV virions in a time- and temperature-dependent manner. Similar inhibition levels were found against SARS-CoV-2. These findings show the potential of AgNP–TPU-based materials as a supporting strategy to control viral spread.
Clindamycin-Loaded Nanosized Calcium Phosphates Powders as a Carrier of Active Substances
Authors: Słota Dagmara , Piętak Karina , Florkiewicz Wioletta , Jampilek Josef , Tomala Agnieszka , Urbaniak Mateusz M. , Tomaszewska Agata , Rudnicka Karolina , Sobczak-Kupiec Agnieszka
Published: April 2023

Bioactive calcium phosphate ceramics (CaPs) are one of the building components of the inorganic part of bones. Synthetic CaPs are frequently used as materials for filling bone defects in the form of pastes or composites; however, their porous structure allows modification with active substances and, thus, subsequent use as a drug carrier for the controlled release of active substances. In this study, four different ceramic powders were compared: commercial hydroxyapatite (HA), TCP, brushite, as well as HA obtained by wet precipitation methods. The ceramic powders were subjected to physicochemical analysis, including FTIR, XRD, and determination of Ca/P molar ratio or porosity. These techniques confirmed that the materials were phase-pure, and the molar ratios of calcium and phosphorus elements were in accordance with the literature. This confirmed the validity of the selected synthesis methods. CaPs were then modified with the antibiotic clindamycin. Drug release was determined on HPLC, and antimicrobial properties were tested against Staphylococcus aureus. The specific surface area of the ceramic has been demonstrated to be a factor in drug release efficiency.
Enhanced Spectral Response of ZnO-Nanorod-Array-Based Ultraviolet Photodetectors by Alloying Non-Isovalent Cu–O with CuAlO2 P-Type Layer
Authors: Long Yuchen , Zhang Ziling , Yang Xiutao , Liu Yang , Luo Guangcan , Zhang Jingquan , Li Wei
Published: April 2023

CuAlO2 was synthesized by a hydrothermal method, in which the Cu–O dimers were incorporated by simply altering the ratio of the reactants and the temperature. The incorporation process increases the grain size in CuAlO2, and modulates the work function and binding energies for CuAlO2 due to the partial substitution of Cu+ 3d10 with Cu2+ 3d9 orbitals in the valence band maximum by alloying non-isovalent Cu–O with a CuAlO2 host. Based on the ZnO nanorod arrays (NRs) ultraviolet photodetector, CuAlO2/Cu–O fabricated by the low-cost drop-coating method was used as the p-type hole transport layer. The incorporation of the Cu–O clusters into CuAlO2 lattice to enhance the conductivity of CuAlO2 is an effective way for improving ZnO NRs/CuAlO2 device performance. The photodetectors exhibit significant diode behavior, with a rectification ratio approaching 30 at ±1 V, and a dark saturation current density 0.81 mA cm−2. The responsivity of the ZnO-NRs-based UV photodetector increases from 13.2 to 91.3 mA/W at 0 V bias, with an increase in the detectivity from 2.35 × 1010 to 1.71 × 1011 Jones. Furthermore, the ZnO NRs/[CuAlO2/Cu–O] photodetector exhibits a maximum responsivity of 5002 mA/W at 1.5 V bias under 375 nm UV illumination.
Voluntary Hydration with Skimmed Lactose-Free Milk during Exercise in the Heat: Exploring Effectiveness and Tolerance
Authors: Aragón-Vargas Luis F. , Garzón-Mosquera Julián Camilo , Montoya-Arroyo Johnny A.
Published: April 2023

Replacement of fluid losses (dehydration) during sports activities in the heat has been investigated with different beverages. Bovine milk has been recommended for post-exercise rehydration, but its use during exercise may provoke gastrointestinal disorders. This study compared voluntary fluid intake, hydration, and incidence and severity of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders during exercise in the heat under three conditions: no drink (ND), water (W), and skimmed lactose-free milk (SM). Sixteen physically active university students exercised at 32 °C and 70% RH for 90 min at 60–75% HRmax while drinking W or SM ad libitum, or ND assigned at random. A questionnaire explored possible GI disorders. Ad libitum intake was higher (p < 0.05) for water (1206.2 mL) than milk (918.8 mL). Dehydration showed significant differences for SM versus W and ND (W = 0.28% BM; SM = −0.07% BM; ND = 1.38% BM, p < 0.05). Urine volume was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the W condition (W = 220.4 mL; SM = 81.3 mL; ND = 86.1 mL). Thick saliva, belching, and abdominal pain were higher for SM, but scores were low. Skimmed lactose-free milk is a suitable, effective alternative to be consumed as a hydration beverage during moderate-intensity cycling in the heat for 90 min.
Longitudinal Associations of Dietary Sugars and Glycaemic Index with Indices of Glucose Metabolism and Body Fatness during 3-Year Weight Loss Maintenance: A PREVIEW Sub-Study
Authors: Della Corte Karen , Jalo Elli , Kaartinen Niina E. , Simpson Liz , Taylor Moira A. , Muirhead Roslyn , Raben Anne , Macdonald Ian A. , Fogelholm Mikael , Brand-Miller Jennie
Published: April 2023

Background: Dietary sugars are often linked to the development of overweight and type 2 diabetes (T2D) but inconsistencies remain. Objective: We investigated associations of added, free, and total sugars, and glycaemic index (GI) with indices of glucose metabolism (IGM) and indices of body fatness (IBF) during a 3-year weight loss maintenance intervention. Design: The PREVIEW (PREVention of diabetes through lifestyle Intervention and population studies in Europe and around the World) study was a randomised controlled trial designed to test the effects of four diet and physical activity interventions, after an 8-week weight-loss period, on the incidence of T2D. This secondary observational analysis included pooled data assessed at baseline (8), 26, 52, 104 and 156 weeks from 514 participants with overweight/obesity (age 25–70 year; BMI ≥ 25 kg⋅m−2) and with/without prediabetes in centres that provided data on added sugars (Sydney and Helsinki) or free sugars (Nottingham). Linear mixed models with repeated measures were applied for IBF (total body fat, BMI, waist circumference) and for IGM (fasting insulin, HbA1c, fasting glucose, C-peptide). Model A was adjusted for age and intervention centre and Model B additionally adjusted for energy, protein, fibre, and saturated fat. Results: Total sugars were inversely associated with fasting insulin and C-peptide in all centres, and free sugars were inversely associated with fasting glucose and HbA1c (Model B: all p < 0.05). Positive associations were observed between GI and IGM (Model B: fasting insulin, HbA1c, and C-peptide: (all p < 0.01), but not for added sugars. Added sugar was positively associated with body fat percentage and BMI, and GI was associated with waist circumference (Model B: all p < 0.01), while free sugars showed no associations (Model B: p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that added sugars and GI were independently associated with 3-y weight regain, but only GI was associated with 3-y changes in glucose metabolism in individuals at high risk of T2D.
Phenotypic Characterization and Phylogeny of Godronia myrtilli (Anamorph: Topospora myrtilli)—Causal Agent of Godronia Canker on Highbush Blueberry
Authors: Mirzwa-Mróz Ewa , Szyndel Marek Stefan , Wdowiak Mateusz , Wit Marcin , Paduch-Cichal Elżbieta , Wilkos Anna , Felczak-Konarska Karolina , Wakuliński Wojciech
Published: April 2023

Godronia canker caused by Godronia myrtilli (Feltgen) J.K. Stone is considered one of the most dangerous diseases of blueberry crops. The purpose of the study was the phenotypic characterization and phylogenetic analysis of this fungus. Infected stems were collected from blueberry crops in the Mazovian, Lublin, and West Pomeranian Voivodships in 2016–2020. Twenty-four Godronia isolates were identified and tested. The isolates were identified on the basis of their morphology and molecular characteristics (PCR). The average conidia size was 9.36 ± 0.81 × 2.45 ± 0.37 µm. The conidia were hyaline, ellipsoid or straight, two-celled, rounded, or terminally pointed. The pathogen growth dynamics were tested on six media: PDA, CMA, MEA, SNA, PCA, and Czapek. The fastest daily growth of fungal isolates was observed on SNA and PCA, and the slowest on CMA and MEA. Pathogen rDNA amplification was performed with ITS1F and ITS4A primers. The obtained DNA sequence of the fungus showed 100% nucleotide similarity to the reference sequence deposited in the GenBank. Molecular characterization of G. myrtilli isolates was performed for the first time in this study.
Effective Generation of Functional Pancreatic β Cells from Human-Derived Dental Stem Cells of Apical Papilla and Bone-Marrow-Derived Stem Cells: A Comparative Study
Authors: Abuarqoub Duaa , Adwan Sofia , Zaza Rand , Wehaibi Suha , Aslam Nazneen , Jafar Hanan , Qinnah Nidal , Awidi Abdalla
Published: April 2023

Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 is an autoimmune disease that occurs due to the destruction of insulin-producing cells (β cells), resulting in hyperglycemia. Therefore, diabetic patients depend on insulin treatment for the rest of their lives. Stem cells are considered a promising cellular therapy to replace the nonfunctional beta cells with functional and mature beta cells. Hence, in this study, we aimed to examine the potential of dental stem cells of apical papilla (SCAP) to differentiate into functional islet cell aggregates (ICAs), compared to the ICA generated from bone-marrow-derived stem cells (BM-MSCs). Our strategy was to induce the differentiation of SCAP and BM-MSCs into a definitive endoderm. The success of endodermal differentiation was determined by measuring the expression of definitive endodermal markers, FOXA2 and SOX-17, by flow cytometry. Next, the maturity and functionality of the differentiated cells were evaluated by measuring the amount of insulin and C-peptide secreted by the derived ICAs using ELISA. Additionally, the expression of mature beta cell markers—insulin, C-peptide, glucagon and PDX-1—was detected through confocal microscopy, while the staining of the mature islet-like clusters was detected by using diphenythiocarbazone (DTZ). Our results have shown that both SCAP and BM-MSCs were sequentially committed to a definitive pancreatic endoderm and β-cell-like cells by upregulating the expression of FOXA2 and SOX17 significantly (**** p < 0.0000 and *** p = 0.0001), respectively. Moreover, the identity of ICAs was confirmed by DTZ-positive staining, as well as by the expression of C-peptide, Pdx-1, insulin and glucagon at day 14. It was noted that at day 14, differentiated ICAs released insulin and C-peptides in a significant manner (* p < 0.01, *** p = 0.0001), respectively, exhibiting in vitro functionality. Our results demonstrated for the first time that SCAP could be differentiated into pancreatic cell lineage in a similar manner to BM-MSCs, suggesting a new unambiguous and nonconventional source of stem cells that could be used for stem cell therapy to treat diabetes.
Fiber Laser Sensor Configurations for Refractive Index, Temperature and Strain: A Review
Authors: Jauregui-Vazquez D. , Alvarez-Chavez J. A. , Lozano-Hernandez T. , Estudillo-Ayala J. M. , Sierra-Hernandez J. M. , Offerhaus H. L.
Published: April 2023

Fiber laser sensors have been present for almost four decades as versatile sensing devices with a simple demodulation process, high sensitivity, and competitive resolution. This work discusses the most representative fiber laser sensor configurations employed for detecting critical parameters such as temperature, refractive index, and strain. However, essential information about other interesting parameters that have been measured is considered in this manuscript. Concurrently, the sensing elements and principle operation are described. Furthermore, these configurations are analyzed in terms of their principle of operation, sensitivity, gain medium, and wavelength operation range. According to the literature reviewed, fiber laser sensors offer the possibility of new interrogation techniques and simultaneous, independent detection. Considering interferometric fiber sensors, the fiber laser sensors offer high brightness, good output power, and high resolution. As a result, it is demonstrated that fiber laser sensors are a robust alternative for multiple sensing applications.
Mie Scattering Nanointerferometry for the Reconstruction of Tightly Focused Vector Fields by Polarization Decomposition
Authors: Yang Dong , Hu Haifeng , Gao Han , Chen Jian , Zhan Qiwen
Published: April 2023

Tightly focused vector fields, which can be generated by focusing a light beam through a high-numerical-aperture objective, play an important role in nano-optics research. How to fully characterize this kind of field in the subwavelength scale is a challenging but important task. The Mie scattering nanointerferometry technique has been proposed to reconstruct the tightly focused vector field accurately. In this work, we theoretically demonstrate that the technique can be realized by collecting the transmitted light with two orthogonal polarization states simultaneously. Therefore, when nanoparticles are employed to scan the fields to be measured, more information of the scattering field can be acquired in the far field. This is helpful for solving the linear inverse scattering problem by reducing the number of scanning points, thus making the measurement more efficient.
Epipactis bucegensis—A Separate Autogamous Species within the E. helleborine Alliance
Authors: Anghelescu Nora E. , Balogh Mihaela , Balogh Lori , Kigyossy Nicoleta , Georgescu Mihaela I. , Petra Sorina A. , Toma Florin , Peticilă Adrian G.
Published: April 2023

A new species of Epipactis from Bucegi Natural Park ROSCI0013, Southern Carpathians, Central Romania is described. Three medium-sized populations of Epipactis bucegensis (65–70 individuals in total) were discovered in the south-eastern, subalpine area of the park. To properly describe and distinguish the newly found taxon from other Romanian Epipactis, 37 morphological characters were measured directly from living plants and flowers. Moreover, a detailed taxonomic treatment and description with corresponding colour photos and line drawings illustrations of the holotype are also included. Epipactis bucegensis is an obligate autogamous species that partially resembles Epipactis muelleri, from which it differs in the basal distribution of leaves on the stem (vs. median distribution); near-erect leaf posture (vs. horizontally spread, arched downwards); lanceolate–acuminate, yellowish-green leaves (vs. oval–elongate, vivid-green leaves); bipartite labellum lacking the mesochile (vs. tripartite labellum); crimson-red, wide, ovoid–elongated, flattened hypochile (vs. dark-brown to black roundish hypochile); triangular, white epichile with a sharply tapering apex (vs. heart-shaped, greenish-yellow epichile with obtuse, roundish apex); and two wide-apart, purple, pyramidal calli (vs. two closely placed, attenuated, mildly wrinkled, greenish-yellow calli). Epipactis bucegensis is easily distinguished from all other European Epipactis taxa by the bipartite, wide labellum that lacks the mesochile. In addition, information regarding its distribution (maps), habitat, ecology, phenology and IUCN conservation assessments are provided.
Detection, Diagnosis, and Preventive Management of the Bacterial Plant Pathogen Pseudomonas syringae
Authors: Yang Piao , Zhao Lijing , Gao Yu Gary , Xia Ye
Published: April 2023

Plant diseases caused by the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae are serious problems for various plant species worldwide. Accurate detection and diagnosis of P. syringae infections are critical for the effective management of these plant diseases. In this review, we summarize the current methods for the detection and diagnosis of P. syringae, including traditional techniques such as culture isolation and microscopy, and relatively newer techniques such as PCR and ELISA. It should be noted that each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of each method depends on the specific requirements, resources of each laboratory, and field settings. We also discuss the future trends in this field, such as the need for more sensitive and specific methods to detect the pathogens at low concentrations and the methods that can be used to diagnose P. syringae infections that are co-existing with other pathogens. Modern technologies such as genomics and proteomics could lead to the development of new methods of highly accurate detection and diagnosis based on the analysis of genetic and protein markers of the pathogens. Furthermore, using machine learning algorithms to analyze large data sets could yield new insights into the biology of P. syringae and novel diagnostic strategies. This review could enhance our understanding of P. syringae and help foster the development of more effective management techniques of the diseases caused by related pathogens.
Identification of Potential QTLs Related to Grain Size in Rice
Authors: Park Jae-Ryoung , Seo Jeonghwan , Park Songhee , Jin Mina , Jeong O-Young , Park Hyun-Su
Published: April 2023

Rice is a major crop, providing calories and food for most of the world’s population. Currently, the global population is rapidly increasing, and securing a yield of rice that can satisfy everyone is an ongoing challenge. The yield of rice can be increased by controlling 1000-grain weight as one of the important determining factors. Grain length, grain width, grain thickness, and 1000-grain weight, which determine grain size, are controlled by QTLs. To identify QTLs related to grain size, we screened and then mapped 88 RIL individuals derived from a cross between JJ625LG, which has a long grain size, long spindle-shaped grains, and low 1000-grain weight, and Namchan, which has short grains with round shape and heavy 1000-grain weight. In 2021 and 2022, 511 SNP markers were used to map QTLs related to grain size to a physical map. The QTLs found to be related to grain size are evenly distributed on chromosomes 2, 3, 5, 10, and 11. The mapping results also show that the QTLs qGl3-2, qRlw3, and qRlw3-2 of chromosome 3, and qGt5 and qRlw5 of chromosome 5 are, respectively, associated with GS3 and qSW5, which are the major genes previously cloned and found to be related to grain size. In addition, qGw10 and qGw10-1, which were additionally detected in this study, were found to be associated with Os10g0525200 (OsCPq10), a potential candidate gene involved in controlling grain size. This gene codes for a cytochrome P450 family protein and is reported to have a positive effect on grain size by interacting with proteins related to mechanisms determining grain size. In particular, OsCPq10 was screened in the same identified QTL region for 2 consecutive years, which is expected to have a positive effect on grain size. These results will be helpful for breeding elite rice cultivars with high yields through additional fine mapping related to grain size.
Development of In Vitro Anther Culture for Doubled Haploid Plant Production in Indica Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes
Authors: Lantos Csaba , Jancsó Mihály , Székely Árpád , Szalóki Tímea , Venkatanagappa Shoba , Pauk János
Published: April 2023

Anther culture is an efficient biotechnological tool in modern plant breeding programs to produce new varieties and parental lines in hybrid seed productions. However, some bottlenecks—low induction rate, genotype dependency, albinism—restrict the widespread utilization of in vitro anther culture in rice breeding, especially in Oryza sativa ssp. indica (indica) genotypes, while an improved efficient protocol can shorten the process of breeding. Three different induction media (N6NDK, N6NDZ, Ali-1) and four plant regeneration media (mMSNBK1, MSNBK3, MSNBKZ1, MSNBKZ2) were tested with five indica rice genotypes to increase the efficiency of in vitro androgenesis (number of calli and regenerated green plantlets). The production of calli was more efficient on the N6NDK medium with an average 88.26 calli/100 anthers and N6NDZ medium with an average of 103.88 calli/100 anthers as compared to Ali-1 with an average of 6.96 calli/100 anthers. The production of green plantlets was greater when calli was produced on N6NDK medium (2.15 green plantlets/100 anthers) compared when produced on to N6NDZ medium (1.18 green plantlets/100 anthers). Highest green plantlets production (4.7 green plantlets/100 anthers) was achieved when mMSNBK1 plant regeneration medium was used on calli produced utilizing N6NDK induction medium. In the best overall treatment (N6NDK induction medium and mMSNBK1 plant regeneration medium), four tested genotypes produced green plantlets. However, the genotype influenced the efficiency, and the green plantlets production ranged from 0.4 green plantlets/100 anthers to 8.4 green plantlets/100 anthers. The ploidy level of 106 acclimatized indica rice plantlets were characterized with flow cytometric analyses to calculate the percentage of spontaneous chromosome doubling. Altogether, 48 haploid-, 55 diploid-, 2 tetraploid- and 1 mixoploid plantlets were identified among the regenerant plantlets, and the spontaneous chromosome doubling percentage was 51.89%. Utilization of DH plants have been integrated as a routine method in the Hungarian rice breeding program. The tetraploid lines can be explored for their potential to offer new scopes for rice research and breeding directions in the future.
Mechano-Chemistry across Phase Transitions in Heated Albumin Protein Solutions
Authors: Kharmyssov Chingis , Sekerbayev Kairolla , Nurekeyev Zhangatay , Gaipov Abduzhappar , Utegulov Zhandos N.
Published: April 2023

The presence of certain proteins in biofluids such as synovial fluid, blood plasma, and saliva gives these fluids non-Newtonian viscoelastic properties. The amount of these protein macromolecules in biofluids is an important biomarker for the diagnosis of various health conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disorders, and joint quality. However, existing technologies for measuring the behavior of macromolecules in biofluids have limitations, such as long turnaround times, complex protocols, and insufficient sensitivity. To address these issues, we propose non-contact, optical Brillouin and Raman spectroscopy to assess the viscoelasticity and chemistry of non-Newtonian solutions, respectively, at different temperatures in several minutes. In this work, bovine and human serum albumin solution-based biopolymers were studied to obtain both their collective dynamics and molecular chemical evolution across heat-driven phase transitions at various protein concentrations. The observed phase transitions at elevated temperatures could be fully delayed in heated biopolymers by appropriately raising the level of protein concentration. The non-contact optical monitoring of viscoelastic and chemical property evolution could represent novel potential mechano-chemical biomarkers for disease diagnosis and subsequent treatment applications, including hyperthermia.
Assessing the Biodegradability of PHB-Based Materials with Different Surface Areas: A Comparative Study on Soil Exposure of Films and Electrospun Materials
Authors: Gasparyan Kristina G. , Tyubaeva Polina M. , Varyan Ivetta A. , Vetcher Alexandre A. , Popov Anatoly A.
Published: April 2023

Due to the current environmental situation, biopolymers are replacing the usual synthetic polymers, and special attention is being paid to poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), which is a biodegradable polymer of natural origin. In this paper, the rate of biodegradation of films and fibers based on PHB was compared. The influence of exposure to soil on the structure and properties of materials was evaluated using methods of mechanical analysis, the DSC method and FTIR spectroscopy. The results showed rapid decomposition of the fibrous material and also showed how the surface of the material affects the rate of biodegradation and the mechanical properties of the material. It was found that maximum strength decreased by 91% in the fibrous material and by 49% in the film. Additionally, the DSC method showed that the crystallinity of the fiber after exposure to the soil decreased. It was established that the rate of degradation is influenced by different factors, including the surface area of the material and its susceptibility to soil microorganisms. The results obtained are of great importance for planning the structure of features in the manufacture of biopolymer consumer products in areas such as medicine, packaging, filters, protective layers and coatings, etc. Therefore, an understanding of the biodegradation mechanisms of PHB could lead to the development of effective medical devices, packaging materials and different objects with a short working lifespan.
Numerical Simulation of Fatigue Life of Rubber Concrete on the Mesoscale
Authors: Pei Xianfeng , Huang Xiaoyu , Li Houmin , Cao Zhou , Yang Zijiang , Hao Dingyi , Min Kai , Li Wenchao , Liu Cai , Wang Shuai , Wu Keyang
Published: April 2023

Rubber concrete (RC) exhibits high durability due to the rubber admixture. It is widely used in a large number of fatigue-resistant structures. Mesoscale studies are used to study the composition of polymers, but there is no method for fatigue simulation of RC. Therefore, this paper presents a finite element modeling approach to study the fatigue problem of RC on the mesoscale, which includes the random generation of the main components of the RC mesoscale structure. We also model the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) of aggregate mortar and the ITZ of rubber mortar. This paper combines the theory of concrete damage to plastic with the method of zero-thickness cohesive elements in the ITZ, and it is a new numerical approach. The results show that the model can simulate reasonably well the random damage pattern after RC beam load damage. The damage occurred in the middle of the beam span and tended to follow the ITZ. The model can predict the fatigue life of RC under various loads.
Correction: March et al. Protein Unfolding and Aggregation near a Hydrophobic Interface. Polymers 2021, 13, 156
Authors: March David , Bianco Valentino , Franzese Giancarlo
Published: April 2023

In the original publication [...]
Efficiencies of Super-Plasticizer on Rheology Properties of Fly Ash-Based Alkali-Activated Materials with Different Ms Waterglass Activators
Authors: Zhang Dawang , Sun Xuemei
Published: April 2023

This study investigates the effects of five different super-plasticizers (SPs): melamine sulfonate (M), naphthalene-based (N), lignosulfonate (L), polyether-type (P-I), and polyester-type polycarboxylate super-plasticizers (P-II), on fly ash through fluidity, viscoelasticity, inter-microstructure, and mechanism of action (adsorption and zeta) experiments. Additionally, the stability of SPs on AAs was investigated in the ATR-FTIR experiment. The results show that most SPs were effective admixtures under high Ms (2.25) of waterglass (WG) alkali activators (AAs), while P-I SPs performed better under low Ms (1.0) of WG AAs in FA-AAM fly ash pastes. Meanwhile, the higher adsorption and zeta values of samples with P-I SPs were useful for the increase of mesh size of inter-particles and consequently promoted the rheology of FA-AAMs fresh pastes. The more stable structure (ether bond) and the formation of small functional groups (carboxylic acid groups) of P-I SPs in the AAs environment may be the main reasons for this.
The Time-Varying Effects of Oil Shocks on the Trade Balance of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Helmi Mohamad Husam , Eleyan Mohammed I. Abu , Çatık Abdurrahman Nazif , Ballı Esra
Published: April 2023

This study aims to analyze the impact of oil shocks on the external balance of Saudi Arabia, as one of the largest net oil-exporting countries. To this end, a time-varying parameter vector autoregression model (TVP-VAR) is estimated by using quarterly data covering the period between 1991: Q1 and 2021: Q4. We find that identifying the source of shocks plays an important role in understanding the time-varying impact of shocks on its economy. Our findings indicate that the global oil production shocks excluding Saudi Arabia have a negative and significant impact on the trade balance and are greater than the impact of the Saudi oil production shocks, which is not significant for most of the period. In addition, we found that oil price shocks have more profound and much greater impacts than global and domestic oil supply shocks. This may be attributed to the fact that oil price shocks are more than oil supply shocks, and supply shocks are linked to oil price shocks. However, impulse responses show that the effects of oil shocks are volatile over time and their effects are generally more pronounced during and immediately after global shocks. Our findings have serious implications for the trade balance of Saudi Arabia, particularly in the low and volatile oil price environment.
Comparison of Topographic Roughness of Layered Deposits on Mars
Authors: Cao Wei , Xiao Zhiyong , Luo Fanglu , Ma Yizhen , Xu Rui
Published: April 2023

Impact craters with layered ejecta deposits are widespread on Mars. Prevailing views suggest that such ejecta were formed due to the involvement of target water and/or water ice in the impact excavation and/or the post-deposition movement of the impact ejecta. The long-runout landslides and lobate debris aprons that are likely formed due to the involvement of water ice are used as analogs to compare roughness at multiple scales, considering that these three landforms share some similarities in their geomorphology. Analog studies of the morphological similarities and differences of layered ejecta deposits with different emplacement mechanisms are an important approach to untangling how layered ejecta deposits might form on Mars and beyond. Earlier morphological comparisons were usually based on qualitative descriptions or one-dimensional topographic roughness characteristics at given azimuths; however, the emplacement processes of layered deposits are recorded in two-dimensional topography and at multiple scales. In this study, we designed a multiwavelet algorithm to characterize the multi-scale topographic roughness of different forms of Martian layered deposits. Our comparisons show that the inner facies of the layered ejecta deposits and long-runout landslides exhibited similar roughness characteristics, and the outer facies of the layered ejecta deposits were more similar in roughness to lobate debris aprons. This study highlights the importance of the spatial resolution of digital terrain models in characterizing fine topographic fluctuations on layered ejecta deposits, providing additional insights into the possible emplacement mechanisms of different parts of layered ejecta deposits.
Characterization and Evaluation of Thaw-Slumping Using GPR Attributes in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Wang Qing , Liu Xinyue , Shen Yupeng , Li Meng
Published: April 2023

Due to the impact of climate warming and engineering construction, thaw-slumping has developed extensively along the Qinghai–Tibet Project Corridor. These landslide disasters not only destroy the fragile ecology of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau but also threaten the security of the Qinghai–Tibet Project Corridor. Because remote-sensing images lack imaging data inside the landslide body, and the excavation of boreholes has blindness and inefficiency, the ground-penetrating radar method with high efficiency and deep imaging has been developed and applied in the detection and treatment of thaw-slumping. To more accurately divide the soil-layered structure of the thaw-slumping body and obtain the key elements of the thaw-slumping such as temperature change trend and relative water content, we propose the use of amplitude event axis tracking and amplitude energy attenuation calculation to divide the fine layering of the thaw-slumping body. In addition, based on layer division, we introduce two attribute parameters to participate in the calculation of relative water content. These two attribute parameters are the weighted average frequency attribute, which reflects the temperature change trend, and the sweetness attribute, which reflects the change in the physical properties of the underground medium. The calculated 3D profile and time slice of the relative water content comprehensively show the change characteristics and enrichment area of the internal relative water content of the thaw-slumping. These methods and results are valuable for the characterization, evaluation, and treatment of thaw-slumping.
Validation of NASA Sea Surface Temperature Satellite Products Using Saildrone Data
Authors: Koutantou Kalliopi , Brunner Philip , Vazquez-Cuervo Jorge
Published: April 2023

Sea Surface Temperature (SST) is at the core of many processes in the oceans. Various remote sensing platforms have been used to obtain SST products of different scales, but their validation remains a topic of ongoing research. One promising platform is an uncrewed surface vehicle called Saildrone. We use the data from eight Saildrone deployments of the USA West Coast 2019 campaign to validate MODIS level-2 and Multi-scale Ultra-high Resolution (MUR) level-4 satellite SST products at 1 km spatial resolution and to assess the robustness of the quality levels of MODIS level-2 products over the California Coast. Pixel-based SST comparisons between Saildrone and the satellite products were performed, as well as thermal gradient comparisons computed both at the pixel-base level and using kriging interpolation. The results generally showed better accuracies for the MUR products. The characterization of the MODIS quality level proved to be valid in areas covered by bad-quality MODIS pixels but less valid in areas covered by lower-quality pixels. The latter implies possible errors in the MODIS quality level characterization and MUR interpolation processes. We have demonstrated the ability of the Saildrones to accurately validate near-shore satellite SST products and provide important information for the quality assessment of satellite products.