bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of Yeast One-Hybrid Library of Alternaria oxytropis and Screening of Transcription Factors Regulating swnK Gene Expression
Authors: Xue Jiaqi , Zhang Haodong , Zhao Qingmei , Cui Shengwei , Yu Kun , Sun Ruohan , Yu Yongtao
Published: August 2023

The indolizidine alkaloid-swainsonine (SW) is the main toxic component of locoweeds and the main cause of locoweed poisoning in grazing animals. The endophytic fungi, Alternaria Section Undifilum spp., are responsible for the biosynthesis of SW in locoweeds. The swnK gene is a multifunctional complex enzyme encoding gene in fungal SW biosynthesis, and its encoding product plays a key role in the multistep catalytic synthesis of SW by fungi using pipecolic acid as a precursor. However, the transcriptional regulation mechanism of the swnK gene is still unclear. To identify the transcriptional regulators involved in the swnK gene in endophytic fungi of locoweeds, we first analyzed the upstream non-coding region of the swnK gene in the A. oxytropis UA003 strain and predicted its high transcriptional activity region combined with dual-luciferase reporter assay. Then, a yeast one-hybrid library of A. oxytropis UA003 strain was constructed, and the transcriptional regulatory factors that may bind to the high-transcriptional activity region of the upstream non-coding region of the swnK gene were screened by this system. The results showed that the high transcriptional activity region was located at −656 bp and −392 bp of the upstream regulatory region of the swnK gene. A total of nine candidate transcriptional regulator molecules, including a C2H2 type transcription factor, seven annotated proteins, and an unannotated protein, were screened out through the Y1H system, which were bound to the upstream high transcriptional activity region of the swnK gene. This study provides new insight into the transcriptional regulation of the swnK gene and lays the foundation for further exploration of the regulatory mechanisms of SW biosynthesis in fungal endophytic locoweeds.
Transcriptome Analysis Revealed That Hydrogen Peroxide-Regulated Oxidative Phosphorylation Plays an Important Role in the Formation of Pleurotus ostreatus Cap Color
Authors: Hou Ludan , Yan Kexing , Dong Shuai , Guo Lifeng , Liu Jingyu , Wang Shurong , Chang Mingchang , Meng Junlong
Published: August 2023

Pleurotus ostreatus is widely cultivated in China. H2O2, as a signaling molecule, can regulate the formation of cap color, but its regulatory pathway is still unclear, severely inhibiting the breeding of dark-colored strains. In this study, 614 DEGs specifically regulated by H2O2 were identified by RNA-seq analysis. GO-enrichment analysis shows that DEGs can be significantly enriched in multiple pathways related to ATP synthesis, mainly including proton-transporting ATP synthesis complex, coupling factor F(o), ATP biosynthetic process, nucleoside triphosphate metabolic processes, ATP metabolic process, purine nucleoside triphosphate biosynthetic and metabolic processes, and purine ribonuclease triphosphate biosynthetic metabolic processes. Further KEGG analysis revealed that 23 DEGs were involved in cap color formation through the oxidative phosphorylation pathway. They were enriched in Complexes I, III, IV, and V in the respiratory chain. Further addition of exogenous uncoupling agents and ATP synthase inhibitors clarifies the important role of ATP synthesis in color formation. In summary, H2O2 may upregulate the expression of complex-encoding genes in the respiratory chain and promote ATP synthesis, thereby affecting the formation of cap color. The results of this study lay the foundation for the breeding of dark-colored strains of P. ostreatus and provide a basis for the color-formation mechanism of edible fungi.
Entomopathogenic Fungi in Biological Plant Protection: The Machinery of Multicomponent System Interactions
Authors: Dubovskiy Ivan M. , Butt Tariq
Published: August 2023

Plant protection faces a growing number of challenges, partly stemming from intensification of plant cultivation to ensure food security for a rapidly growing global population [...]
The Utilization of Body Composition to Predict Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Determine Association with CKD Stage in Individuals with Mid-Spectrum CKD: A Pilot Study
Authors: Forsse Jeffrey S. , Richardson Kathleen A. , Chapman-Lopez Tomas J. , Torres Ricardo , Heileson Jeffery L. , Ismaeel Ahmed , Funderburk LesLee , Gallucci Andrew R. , Allison Dale C. , Koutakis Panagiotis
Published: August 2023

Body composition (BC), a measure of body fat mass (FM), lean body mass (LBM), and bone mineral content (BMC), can be used as a predictor of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). Prior studies have established a relationship between BC and VO2max in healthy individuals over 35 years of age. However, this relationship is poorly understood in chronic disease populations. The focus of the study was to assess the relationship between BC, cardiorespiratory fitness, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 24 (9 males and 15 females) individuals diagnosed with mid-spectrum CKD (stages G2–G3b) who completed a health screening, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, and underwent a VO2max exercise test. Normality tests, descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlations, t-tests, and ANOVAs were conducted in SAS v.9.4. The average percent body fat (%BF) was 36.28 ± 8.47%, LBM was 109.4 ± 29.1 lb, BMC was 2308.7 ± 735.1 g, and VO2max was 20.13 ± 5.04 mL/kg/min−1. BC was able to predict CRF via VO2max (R2 = 0.721, p < 0.001) and CKD stage (R2 = 0.390, p < 0.017). Positive correlations were observed in LBM (r = 0.750, p < 0.0018) and BMC (r = 0.647, p < 0.001), and negative correlations were observed with FM (r = −0.384, p < 0.032) and %BF (r = −0.802, p < 0.0001). BC was able to predict both CRF and CKD stages, with significant associations observed between BC, VO2max, and CKD stage. The progression of the CKD stage was associated with lower LBM, BMC, and VO2max values, indicating a graded effect of BC on CRF and CKD stage.
Exploring the Role of Phonological Environment in Evaluating Social Meaning: The Case of /s/ Aspiration in Puerto Rican Spanish
Authors: García Christina , Walker Abby , Beaton Mary
Published: August 2023

Research in sociophonetic perception has suggested that linguistic factors influence the social meaning of a particular variant, such that the strength of social meaning appears to be mediated by factors like grammatical category or phonological environment. Here, we further investigate the impact of linguistic factors on the perception of sociolinguistic variables by examining evaluations of /s/ aspiration in the speech of four male Puerto Rican Spanish speakers. We look at how evaluations of this variable pattern based on the phonological context (preconsonantal vs. prevocalic), the proportion of a given variant ([s] or [h]) in the stimuli, and the listener residence (Puerto Rico vs. mainland US). Our results replicate earlier work showing that /s/ realization contributes to status and masculinity ratings. However, we do not find evidence of an effect of incremental changes in the proportions of [s]:[h] variants in an utterance or an effect of listener residence. Critically, we do find that phonological context influences the evaluations of listeners: [s] is rated as less masculine than [h] in preconsonantal environments, but in prevocalic environments, there is no effect of variant. Given that [s] is rarely found in preconsonantal contexts in Puerto Rican Spanish, and even less so in male speech, this result is consistent with studies arguing that social meaning is stronger in marked contexts. Expected patterns for gender, phonological context, and dialect interact to make an [s] realization of preconsonantal /s/ particularly rare in male speech of this variety, which opens the door for more robust socioindexical meaning.
Dysfunctions of Circulating Adaptive Immune Cells in End-Stage Liver Disease
Authors: Liu Tong , Chouik Yasmina , Lebossé Fanny , Khamri Wafa
Published: August 2023

End-stage liver disease (ESLD) from acute liver failure to compensated advanced chronic liver disease and decompensated cirrhosis at different stages (chronic decompensation, acute decompensation with or without acute-on-chronic liver failure) has high disease severity and poor patient outcome. Infection is a common complication in patients with ESLD and it is associated with a high mortality rate. Multiple mechanisms are involved in this marked susceptibility to infections, noticeably the inadequate immune response known as immune paresis, as part of cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction (CAID). Specifically in the adaptive immune arm, lymphocyte impairments—including inadequate activation, reduced ability to secrete effector molecules and enhanced immune suppressive phenotypes—result in compromised systemic immune responses and increased risk of infections. This review summarises current knowledge of alterations in adaptive immune responsiveness and their underlying mechanisms in ESLD. Understanding these mechanisms is of crucial importance in the identification of potential therapeutic targets and applications of targeted treatments beyond antimicrobials, such as immunotherapy.
A Two-Stage Stochastic Linear Programming Model for Tactical Planning in the Soybean Supply Chain
Authors: Reis Silvia Araújo dos , Leal José Eugenio , Thomé Antônio Márcio Tavares
Published: August 2023

Background: The soybean market is representative of the world. Brazil is the largest producer and exporter of this crop and has low production costs but high logistical costs, which are influenced mainly by transport costs. Added to these characteristics, the disputed grain supply, the possibility of crop failure, and the randomness of some parameters that influence the soybean supply chain make decisions even more challenging. Methods: To mathematically model this problem, we carried out an analysis of the scientific production related to grain supply chain and the models used to address the problem, as well as a document analysis and a case study. Results: This paper proposes a new two-stage stochastic linear programming model with fixed recourse for tactical planning in the soybean supply chain from the perspective of the shipper under take or pay contracts over a one-year time horizon. The first-stage variables are the grain purchasing decisions and the volumes of rail and road transportation hired in advance. The model addresses 243 scenarios derived from four uncertainty sources: the purchase and sale prices of raw agricultural products on the spot market, the probability of crop failure, and the external demand. Conclusions: The model is successfully applied to a soybean trade firm in Brazil with expected gain of US$4,299,720 when using the stochastic model instead of the deterministic model. The stochastic model protected the firm from take or pay fines and crop failures, contracting a smaller volume of rail transport than what the company does.
Application of Metal Shielding Materials to Protect Buildings Occupants from Exposure to the Electromagnetic Fields
Authors: Lumnitzer Ervin , Jurgovska Elena Lukac , Andrejiova Miriam , Kralikova Ruzena
Published: August 2023

In recent decades, the background level of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) has increased extremely. One of the decisive factors influencing this increase is the increase in the quality, volume, and speed of voice and data services of mobile operators. This paper deals with the protection of the internal environment from the negative effects of EMFs through elements made of metal materials that absorb this radiation. For the purposes of this research, a series of measurements were carried out on individual days of the week and hours during the day. The results of the measurements were evaluated by the ANOVA method. The aim was to obtain a summary overview of the effects of electromagnetic fields and propose measures for their elimination in the interior. Therefore, measurements of electromagnetic fields were also carried out using shielding elements made of various metal materials, and a comparison of their shielding efficiency was subsequently made. Applications of shading blinds with the highest shading efficiency were recommended to increase safety, protect people’s health from its effects, and prevent electromagnetic fields.
Deformation and Force Chain of Two-Dimensional Granular Systems under Continuous Loading
Authors: Chen Fanxiu , Liu Yuxin , Wang Yuan , Gu Yanji , Yu Yang , Sun Jie
Published: August 2023

A continuous loading experiment of a two-dimensional granular system was carried out and the experimental data were obtained by digital image correlation (DIC). The deformation field of the granular system and the changing laws of the deflection angle and coordination number of the granules on force chains with time were obtained. Based on the granule element method, the quantitative calculation of contact force was realized, and the internal force chains of the granular system were identified. The effects of contact force between granules and mechanical parameters on the evolution of force chains in a two-dimensional granular system under line loads were analyzed. The formation, evolution, and reconstruction of force chains in a granular system during loading, as well as the influence of the force chain network evolution on the macroscopic mechanical properties of granules were discussed. The experimental results indicated that the evolution of force chains was directly related to the number, geometric properties, and permutation distribution of granules in direct contact with the external load.
Performance of a New Grouting Material under the Coupling Effects of Freeze–Thaw and Sulfate Erosion
Authors: Ma Qinyong , Li Biao
Published: August 2023

In order to study the performance of a new cement-based grouting material under the coupling of freeze–thaw cycle and sulfate erosion, tests related to the performance of the new grouting material were designed and carried out to analyze the damage mechanism of the material under the coupling of freezing and thawing and Na2SO4 solution by testing the mass change, relative dynamic elastic modulus, compressive strength loss and mineralogical and microstructural properties of the new grouting material. The test results show that with the increase in the number of freeze–thaw cycles, the mass loss and compressive strength loss of the specimens in 15% Na2SO4 solution gradually increased, and the relative dynamic elastic modulus showed a decreasing trend. When the freeze–thaw cycle number was 30, the mass loss rate, compressive strength loss rate and relative dynamic elastic modulus of the specimens in Na2SO4 solution were 4.17%, 24.59% and 84.3%, respectively, which showed better erosion and frost durability. Mineralogical and microstructural analysis showed that SO42− in solution led to the decomposition of the C-S-H gel and the formation of CaSO4•2H2O inside the specimen, and the internal deterioration was exacerbated by the widening of the crack width being aggravated, suggesting that the rate of material deterioration under the coupling of the two factors increased.
Fusion of Ni Plating on CP-Titanium by Electron Beam Single-Track Scanning: Toward a New Approach for Fabricating TiNi Self-Healing Shape Memory Coating
Authors: Wang Lei , Okugawa Masayuki , Konishi Hirokazu , Liu Yuheng , Koizumi Yuichiro , Nakano Takayoshi
Published: August 2023

The limited wear resistance of commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) hinders its use in abrasive and erosive environments, despite its good strength–weight ratio and corrosion resistance. This paper reports the first study proposing a novel method for wear-resistant TiNi coating through Ni plating and electron beam (EB) irradiation in an in situ synthetic approach. Single-track melting experiments were conducted using the EB to investigate the feasibility of forming a TiNi phase by fusing the Ni plate with the CP-Ti substrate. Varying beam powers were employed at a fixed scanning speed to determine the optimal conditions for TiNi phase formation. The concentration of the melt region was found to be approximate as estimated from the ratio of the Ni-plate thickness to the depth of the melt region, and the region with Ni-48.7 at.% Ti was successfully formed by EB irradiation. The study suggests that the mixing of Ti atoms and Ni atoms was facilitated by fluid flow induced by Marangoni and thermal convections. It is proposed that a more uniform TiNi layer can be achieved through multi-track melting under appropriate conditions. This research demonstrates the feasibility of utilizing EB additive manufacturing as a coating method and the potential for developing TiNi coatings with shape memory effects and pseudoelasticity.
Characterization and Bioactivity of Piper chaudocanum L. Extract-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles Biosynthesized by Co-Precipitation Method
Authors: Truong Thi Thao , Khieu Thi Tam , Luu Huu Nguyen , Truong Hai Bang , Nguyen Van Khien , Vuong Truong Xuan , Tran Thi Kim Ngan
Published: August 2023

Green synthesis and nanomaterials have been the current trends in biomedical materials. In this study, Piper chaudocanum L. leaf extract-doped ZnO nanoparticles (PLE-doped ZnO NPs), a novel nanomaterial, were studied including the synthesis process, and the biomedical activity was evaluated. PLE-doped ZnO NPs were synthesized by the co-precipitation method, with differences in the synthesis procedures and dosages of the extract. The X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectrum analysis results showed that the biosynthesized PLE-doped ZnO NPs were pure and in a hexagonal wurtzite phase. The PLE-doped NPs were synthesized by adding the extract to the zinc acetate solution before adjusting the pH and exhibited the smallest size (ZPS50 was 22 nm), the richest in the surface organic functional groups and the best optical activity. The highest antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus was observed at 100 µg/mL of ZPS50 NPs, and the inhibition zone reached 42 and 39 nm, respectively. Moreover, ZPS50 NPs showed a moderate effectiveness against KB cancer cells with an IC50 value of 43.53 ± 2.98 µg/mL. This present study’s results suggested that ZPS50 NPs could be a promising nanomaterial in developing drugs for treating human epithelial carcinoma cells and infectious illnesses.
Research on Thermal Insulation Performance and Impact on Indoor Air Quality of Cellulose-Based Thermal Insulation Materials
Authors: Petcu Cristian , Hegyi Andreea , Stoian Vlad , Dragomir Claudiu Sorin , Ciobanu Adrian Alexandru , Lăzărescu Adrian-Victor , Florean Carmen
Published: August 2023

Worldwide, the need for thermal insulation materials used to increase the energy performance of buildings and ensure indoor thermal comfort is constantly growing. There are several traditional, well-known and frequently used thermal insulation materials on the building materials market, but there is a growing trend towards innovative materials based on agro-industrial waste. This paper analyses the performance of 10 such innovative thermal insulation materials obtained by recycling cellulosic and/or animal waste, using standardised testing methods. More precisely, thermal insulation materials based on the following raw materials were analysed: cellulose acetate, cigarette filter manufacturing waste; cellulose acetate, cigarette filter manufacturing waste and cigarette paper waste; cellulose acetate, waste from cigarette filter manufacturing, waste cigarette paper and waste aluminised paper; cellulose from waste paper (two types made by two independent manufacturers); wood fibres; cellulose from cardboard waste; cellulose from waste cardboard, poor processing, inhomogeneous product; rice husk waste and composite based on sheep wool, recycled PET fibres and cellulosic fibres for the textile industry. The analysis followed the performance in terms of thermal insulating quality, evidenced by the thermal conductivity coefficient (used as a measurable indicator) determined for both dry and conditioned material at 50% RH, in several density variants, simulating the subsidence under its own weight or under various possible stresses arising in use. The results showed in most cases that an increase in material density has beneficial effects by reducing the coefficient of thermal conductivity, but exceptions were also reported. In conjunction with this parameter, the analysis of the 10 types of materials also looked at their moisture sorption/desorption capacity (using as a measurable indicator the amount of water stored by the material), concluding that, although they have a capacity to regulate the humidity of the indoor air, under low RH conditions the water loss is not complete, leaving a residual quantity of material that could favour the development of mould. Therefore, the impact on indoor air quality was also analysed by assessing the risk of mould growth (using as a measurable indicator the class and performance category of the material in terms of nutrient content conducive to the growth of microorganisms) under high humidity conditions but also the resistance to the action of two commonly encountered moulds, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium notatum. The results showed a relative resistance to the action of microbiological factors, indicating however the need for intensified biocidal treatment.
Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation Using TiO2-Co3O4 p–n Heterostructures Derived from in Situ-Loaded ZIF-67
Authors: Thanh Thu Chau Thi , Jo Hyo Jeong , Koyyada Ganesh , Kim Dae-Hwan , Kim Jae Hong
Published: August 2023

Exposing catalytically active metal sites in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) while maintaining porosity is beneficial for increasing electron transport to achieve better electrochemical energy conversion performance. Herein, we propose an in situ method for MOF formation and loading onto TiO2 nanorods (NR) using a simple solution-processable method followed by annealing to obtain TiO2-Co3O4. The as-prepared TiO2-ZIF-67 based photoanodes were annealed at 350, 450, and 550 °C to study the effect of carbonization on photo-electrochemical water oxidation. The successful loading of ZIF-67 on TiO2 and the formation of TiO2-Co3O4 heterojunction were confirmed by XRD, XPS, FE-SEM, and HRTEM analyses. TiO2-Co3O4-450 (the sample annealed at 450 °C) showed an enhanced photocurrent of 2.4 mA/cm2, which was 2.6 times larger than that of pristine TiO2. The improved photocurrent might be ascribed to the prepared p–n heterostructures (Co3O4 and TiO2), which promote electron–hole separation and charge transfer within the system and improve the photoelectrochemical performance. Moreover, the preparation of Co3O4 from the MOF carbonization process improved the electrical conductivity and significantly increased the number of exposed active sites and enhanced the photoresponse performance. The as-prepared ZIF-67 derived TiO2-Co3O4 based photoanodes demonstrate high PEC water oxidation, and the controlled carbonization method paves the way toward the synthesis of low-cost and efficient electrocatalysts.
Study of the Mineralogical Composition of an Alumina–Silica Binder System Formed by the Sol–Gel Method
Authors: Nevřivová Lenka , Zemánek David
Published: August 2023

Colloidal bonds are realized by sol–gel technology. The binder system of the refractory castable belongs to the Al2O3–SiO2 binary diagram. Mullite is the most thermally stable mineral in this system. This work was motivated by an attempt to maximize the mullite content in the NCC binder system, because a high content of mullite is a guarantee of the long service life of refractories. Initially, the mineralogical composition of the pure gel was tested after drying and firing at temperatures between 1000 °C and 1600 °C. The behavior of the gel during drying was described. Subsequently, a method of minimizing gel shrinkage during drying was sought. To this aim, fine fillers (microfillers) of alumina and silica were tested. In particular, the reactivity of the microfillers, the ability of the microfillers to react with the sol to form mullite, and the drying shrinkage of the microfiller-doped gel were evaluated. The study showed that the least suitable source of Al2O3 in terms of its reactivity is tabular corundum, which produces the lowest amount of mullite. The internal structure of the prepared binder system when using different microfillers was described. Based on the results from the second stage of the work, several complete matrixes of the binder system were designed and the degree of their mullitization at different firing temperatures was studied. During this stage, it was shown that the degree of mullitization of the binder system depends mainly on the microsilica content. In the binder system, the maximum mullite content recorded was 76%. The effect of amorphous SiO2 on the bulk density and internal structure of the binder system was also described.
Experimental Study on the Dynamic Fracture Characteristics of Mortar–Rock Interface Zones with Different Interface Inclinations and Shapes
Authors: Li Zhaoqi , Dong Jie , Jiang Tao , Feng Kai , Cheng Siwu , Liu Yuqian , Zhang Guoxiang , Tian Xuewei
Published: August 2023

There has been little research on the impact resistance of mortar–rock slope protection structures. To ensure that the mortar–rock interface has good adhesion properties under the action of impact loading, in this paper, based on fracture mechanics theory, a theoretical impact model was established for mortar–rock binary material. Dynamic fracture tests were carried out on mortar–rock interfaces using the split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) system. The Brazilian disc (CSTBD) specimen was prepared with one half in granite and the other half in mortar. The specimen used for the dynamic impact test was 48 mm in diameter and 25 mm thick. The effects caused by the change in interface inclination and interface shape on the dynamic fracture mode were discussed. The dynamic model parameters were obtained for different inclination angles and interfaces. The results show that both the interface inclination and interface shape have significant effects on the dynamic mechanical properties of the mortar–rock binary material. The fracture modes of the mortar–rock specimens can be classified into three types. When the interface inclination is 0°, the specimen shows shear damage with an interface fracture; when the interface inclination is in the range of 0–90°, the dynamic splitting strength of the mortar–rock material increases with increasing interface inclination, and the interface undergoes composite fracture; and when the interface inclination is 90°, the dynamic splitting strength of the specimen reaches its peak, and the interface undergoes tensile fracture. The mortar–rock interface damage follows the M-C criterion. The roughness of the interface shape has a large influence on the dynamic splitting strength of the specimens. The rougher the interface shape, the higher the interface cleavage strength and the higher the peak load that causes the material to damage. The results of this study can provide a reference for the design of mortar–rubble structures to meet the demand for impact resistance and have strong engineering application value.
Integrated Value Engineering and Risk Assessment Performance Measurement Framework in Ship-Manufacturing Industry towards Net Zero Emissions Using Fuzzy DEMATEL-AHP
Authors: Baihaqi Imam , Lazakis Iraklis , Supomo Heri
Published: August 2023

This paper aims to apply the novel integrated Value Engineering and Risk Assessment (VENRA) framework for measuring shipyard performance based on the combination of fuzzy Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) tools. These are used to assess the criteria cause-effect and weight ranking analysis, considering the causal and affected groups while prioritising the criteria and sub-criteria ranking. A shipyard case study was used to apply the proposed framework, showing that the shipyard with a high personnel’s safety group is majorly more important than the environmental impact. The combination of hybrid MCDM tools has enhanced the process of determining the criteria analysis. Waste management has become the most impacting attribute amongst the criteria group, while the HSE department is the most critical criterion. However, the green energy used is still a minor factor as it is still not fully exploited within the existing shipyard and has not been fully supported by existing regulations yet.
Chiral Excitation of Exchange Spin Waves Using Gold Nanowire Grating
Authors: Temdie Loic , Castel Vincent , Reimann Timmy , Lindner Morris , Dubs Carsten , Pradhan Gyandeep , Solano Jose , Bernard Romain , Majjad Hicham , Henry Yves , Bailleul Matthieu , Vlaminck Vincent
Published: August 2023

We propose an experimental method for the unidirectional excitation of spin waves. By structuring Au nanowire arrays within a coplanar waveguide onto a thin yttrium iron garnet (YIG) film, we observe a chiral coupling between the excitation field geometry of the nanowire grating and several well-resolved propagating magnon modes. We report a propagating spin wave spectroscopy study with unprecedented spectral definition, wavelengths down to 130 nm and attenuation lengths well above 100 μm over the 20 GHz frequency band. The proposed experiment paves the way for future non-reciprocal magnonic devices.
A Contrastive Model with Local Factor Clustering for Semi-Supervised Few-Shot Learning
Authors: Lin Hexiu , Liu Yukun , Shi Daming , Cheng Xiaochun
Published: August 2023

Learning novel classes with a few samples per class is a very challenging task in deep learning. To mitigate this issue, previous studies have utilized an additional dataset with extensively labeled samples to realize transfer learning. Alternatively, many studies have used unlabeled samples that originated from the novel dataset to achieve few-shot learning, i.e., semi-supervised few-shot learning. In this paper, an easy but efficient semi-supervised few-shot learning model is proposed to address the embeddings mismatch problem that results from inconsistent data distributions between the novel and base datasets, where samples with the same label approach each other while samples with different labels separate from each other in the feature space. This model emphasizes pseudo-labeling guided contrastive learning. We also develop a novel local factor clustering module to improve the ability to obtain pseudo-labels from unlabeled samples, and this module fuses the local feature information of labeled and unlabeled samples. We report our experimental results on the mini-ImageNet and tiered-ImageNet datasets for both five-way one-shot and five-way five-shot settings and achieve better performance than previous models. In particular, the classification accuracy of our model is improved by approximately 11.53% and 14.87% compared to the most advanced semi-supervised few-shot learning model we know in the five-way one-shot scenario. Moreover, ablation experiments in this paper show that our proposed clustering strategy demonstrates accuracy improvements of about 4.00% in the five-way one-shot and five-way five-shot scenarios compared to two popular clustering methods.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Genetic Foundations, Outcomes, Interconnections, and Their Modifiers
Authors: Glavaški Mila , Velicki Lazar , Vučinić Nataša
Published: August 2023

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most prevalent heritable cardiomyopathy. HCM is considered to be caused by mutations in cardiac sarcomeric protein genes. Recent research suggests that the genetic foundation of HCM is much more complex than originally postulated. The clinical presentations of HCM are very variable. Some mutation carriers remain asymptomatic, while others develop severe HCM, terminal heart failure, or sudden cardiac death. Heterogeneity regarding both genetic mutations and the clinical course of HCM hinders the establishment of universal genotype–phenotype correlations. However, some trends have been identified. The presence of a mutation in some genes encoding sarcomeric proteins is associated with earlier HCM onset, more severe left ventricular hypertrophy, and worse clinical outcomes. There is a diversity in the mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of HCM. They may be classified into groups, but they are interrelated. The lack of known supplementary elements that control the progression of HCM indicates that molecular mechanisms that exist between genotype and clinical presentations may be crucial. Secondary molecular changes in pathways implicated in HCM pathogenesis, post-translational protein modifications, and epigenetic factors affect HCM phenotypes. Cardiac loading conditions, exercise, hypertension, diet, alcohol consumption, microbial infection, obstructive sleep apnea, obesity, and environmental factors are non-molecular aspects that change the HCM phenotype. Many mechanisms are implicated in the course of HCM. They are mostly interconnected and contribute to some extent to final outcomes.
Heparin-Immobilized Polyethersulfone for Hemocompatibility Enhancement of Dialysis Membrane: In Situ Synchrotron Imaging, Experimental, and Ex Vivo Studies
Authors: Kalugin Denis , Bahig Jumanah , Shoker Ahmed , Abdelrasoul Amira
Published: August 2023

The goal of the current study is to enhance the hemocompatibility of polyethersulfone (PES) membranes using heparin immobilization. Heparin was immobilized covalently and via electrostatic interaction with the positively charged PES surface (pseudo-zwitterionic (pZW) complex) to investigate the influence of each method on the membrane hemocompatibility. In situ synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography (SR-µCT) imaging, available at the Canadian Light Source (CLS), was used to critically assess the fibrinogen adsorption to the newly synthesized membranes qualitatively and quantitatively using an innovative synchrotron-based X-ray tomography technique. The surface roughness of the synthesized membranes was tested using atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis. The membrane hemocompatibility was examined through the ex vivo clinical interaction of the membranes with patients’ blood to investigate the released inflammatory biomarkers (C5a, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, vWF, and C5b-9). The presence and quantitative analysis of a stable hydration layer were assessed with DSC analysis. Surface modification resulted in reduced surface roughness of the heparin-PES membrane. Both types of heparin immobilization on the PES membrane surface resulted in a decrease in the absolute membrane surface charge from −60 mV (unmodified PES) to −13 mV for the pZW complex and −9.16 mV for the covalently attached heparin, respectively. The loss of human serum fibrinogen (FB) was investigated using UV analysis. The PES membrane modified with the heparin pseudo-ZW complex showed increased FB retention (90.5%), while the unmodified PES membrane and the heparin covalently attached PES membrane exhibited approximately the same level of FB retention (81.3% and 79.8%, respectively). A DSC analysis revealed an improvement in the content of the hydration layer (32% of non-freezable water) for the heparin-coated membranes compared to the unmodified PES membrane (2.84%). An SR-µCT analysis showed that the method of heparin immobilization significantly affects FB adsorption distribution across the membrane thickness. A quantitative analysis using SR-µCT showed that when heparin is attached covalently, FB tends to be deposited inside the membrane pores at the top (layer index 0–40) membrane regions, although its content peak distribution shifted to the membrane surface, whereas the unmodified PES membrane holds 90% of FB in the middle (layer index 40–60) of the membrane. The ex vivo hemocompatibility study indicates an improvement in reducing the von Willebrand factor (vWF) for the heparin pseudo-ZW PES membrane compared to the covalently attached heparin and the untreated PES.
Potentiality of Actinomycetia Prevalent in Selected Forest Ecosystems in Assam, India to Combat Multi-Drug-Resistant Microbial Pathogens
Authors: Mazumdar Rajkumari , Saikia Kangkon , Thakur Debajit
Published: August 2023

Actinomycetia are known for their ability to produce a wide range of bioactive secondary metabolites having significant therapeutic importance. This study aimed to explore the potential of actinomycetia as a source of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties against multi-drug-resistant (MDR) clinical pathogens. A total of 65 actinomycetia were isolated from two unexplored forest ecosystems, namely the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (PWS) and the Deepor Beel Wildlife Sanctuary (DBWS), located in the Indo-Burma mega-biodiversity hotspots of northeast India, out of which 19 isolates exhibited significant antimicrobial activity. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used for the identification and phylogenetic analysis of the 19 potent actinomycetia isolates. The results reveal that the most dominant genus among the isolates was Streptomyces (84.21%), followed by rare actinomycetia genera such as Nocardia, Actinomadura, and Nonomuraea. Furthermore, seventeen of the isolates tested positive for at least one antibiotic biosynthetic gene, specifically type II polyketide synthase (PKS-II) and nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs). These genes are associated with the production of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties. Among the isolated strains, three actinomycetia strains, namely Streptomyces sp. PBR1, Streptomyces sp. PBR36, and Streptomyces sp. DBR11, demonstrated the most potent antimicrobial activity against seven test pathogens. This was determined through in vitro antimicrobial bioassays and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of ethyl acetate extracts. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GS-MS) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of the three strains revealed a diverse group of bioactive compounds and secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters (smBGCs), respectively, indicating their high therapeutic potential. These findings highlight the potential of these microorganisms to serve as a valuable resource for the discovery and development of novel antibiotics and other therapeutics with high therapeutic potential.
Analysis of the Thermally Induced Packaging Effects on the Frequency Drift of Micro-Electromechanical System Resonant Accelerometer
Authors: Bie Xiaorui , Xiong Xingyin , Wang Zheng , Yang Wuhao , Li Zhitian , Zou Xudong
Published: August 2023

Due to the working principle of MEMS resonant accelerometers, their thermally induced frequency drift is an inevitable practical issue for their extensive application. This paper is focused on reducing the thermally induced packaging effects on the frequency drift. A leadless ceramic chip carrier package with a stress-buffering layer was proposed for a MEMS resonant accelerometer, and the influences of packaging structure parameters on the frequency drift were investigated through finite element simulations and verified experimentally. Because of the thermal mismatch between dissimilar materials, the thermo-mechanical stress within the resonant beam leads to a change in the effective stiffness and causes the frequency drift to decrease linearly with increasing temperature. Furthermore, our investigations reveal that increasing the stress-buffering layer thickness and reducing the solder layer thickness can significantly minimize the thermo-mechanical stress within the resonant beam. As the neutral plane approaches the horizontal symmetry plane of the resonant beam when optimizing the packaging structure, the effects of the compressive and tensile stresses on the effective stiffness of the resonant beam will cancel each other out, which can dramatically reduce the frequency drift. These findings provide guidelines for packaging design through which to improve the temperature stability of MEMS resonant accelerometers.
Remdesivir: Effectiveness and Safety in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 (ReEs-COVID-19)—Analysis of Data from Daily Practice
Authors: Pantazis Nikos , Pechlivanidou Evmorfia , Antoniadou Anastasia , Akinosoglou Karolina , Kalomenidis Ioannis , Poulakou Garyfallia , Milionis Haralampos , Panagopoulos Periklis , Marangos Markos , Katsarolis Ioannis , Kazakou Pinelopi , Dimakopoulou Vasiliki , Chaliasou Anna-Louiza , Rapti Vasiliki , Christaki Eirini , Liontos Angelos , Petrakis Vasileios , Schinas Georgios , Biros Dimitrios , Rimpa Maria-Christina , Touloumi Giota
Published: August 2023

Remdesivir was the first antiviral approved for treating COVID-19. We investigated its patterns of use, effectiveness and safety in clinical practice in Greece. This is a retrospective observational study of hospitalized adults who received remdesivir for COVID-19 in September 2020–February 2021. The main endpoints were the time to recovery (hospital discharge within 30 days from admission) and safety. The “early” (remdesivir initiation within 24 h since hospitalization) and “deferred” (remdesivir initiation later on) groups were compared. One thousand and four patients (60.6% male, mean age 61 years, 74.3% with severe disease, 70.9% with ≥1 comorbidities) were included, and 75.9% of them were on a 5-day regimen, and 86.8% were in the early group. Among those with a baseline mild/moderate disease, the median (95% CI) time to recovery was 8 (7–9) and 12 (11–14) days for the early and deferred groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The corresponding estimates for those with a severe disease were 10 (9–10) and 13 (11–15) days, respectively (p = 0.028). After remdesivir initiation, increased serum transaminases and an acute kidney injury were observed in 6.9% and 2.1%, respectively. Nine (0.9%) patients discontinued the treatment due to adverse events. The effectiveness of remdesivir was increased when it was taken within 24 h since admission regardless of the disease severity. Remdesivir’s safety profile is similar to that described in clinical trials and other real-world cohorts.
Communication between Plants and Rhizosphere Microbiome: Exploring the Root Microbiome for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Enagbonma Ben Jesuorsemwen , Fadiji Ayomide Emmanuel , Ayangbenro Ayansina Segun , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti
Published: August 2023

Plant roots host numerous microorganisms around and inside their roots, forming a community known as the root microbiome. An increasing bulk of research is underlining the influences root-associated microbial communities can have on plant health and development. However, knowledge on how plant roots and their associated microbes interact to bring about crop growth and yield is limited. Here, we presented (i) the communication strategies between plant roots and root-associated microbes and (ii) the applications of plant root-associated microbes in enhancing plant growth and yield. This review has been divided into three main sections: communications between root microbiome and plant root; the mechanism employed by root-associated microbes; and the chemical communication mechanisms between plants and microbes and their application in plant growth and yield. Understanding how plant root and root-associated microbes communicate is vital in designing ecofriendly strategies for targeted disease suppression and improved plant growth that will help in sustainable agriculture. Ensuring that plants become healthy and productive entails keeping plants under surveillance around the roots to recognize disease-causing microbes and similarly exploit the services of beneficial microorganisms in nutrient acquisition, stress mitigation, and growth promotion.
High-Resolution Laser Interference Ablation and Amorphization of Silicon
Authors: Blumenstein Andreas , Simon Peter , Ihlemann Jürgen
Published: August 2023

The laser interference patterning of a silicon surface via UV femtosecond pulse irradiation, resulting in 350 nm periodic structures, is demonstrated. The structuring process was performed using a laser with a 450 fs pulse duration at a wavelength of 248 nm in combination with a mask projection setup. Depending on the laser fluence, single-pulse irradiation leads to amorphization, structure formation via lateral melt flow or the formation of voids via peculiar melt coalescence. Through multipulse irradiation, combined patterns of interference structures and laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) are observed.
Quantifying the Structure and Properties of Nanomagnetic Iron Oxide Particles for Enhanced Functionality through Chemical Synthesis
Authors: Abdullah Johar Amin Ahmed , Díaz-García Álvaro , Law Jia Yan , Romero Alberto , Franco Victorino , Guerrero Antonio
Published: August 2023

This comprehensive study investigates the properties of chemical nanomagnetic iron oxide particles (CNMIOPs) synthesized through a chemical method. The primary objective is to examine how pH levels and washing solvents affect the magnetism properties of these nanoparticles. Three different pH levels (1.2, 7.5, and 12.5) using NaOH and two washing solvents (ethanol and water) are employed. The characterization techniques include FTIR, SEM, TEM, XRD, ZSP, and VSM. Furthermore, the study incorporates two specific pH- and solvent-dependent CNMIOPs into PCL electrospun materials to analyze their performance in a targeted application. The results show that pH and the washing process significantly affect the CNMIOPs’ properties. Higher pH levels result in smaller particles with higher crystallinity and reduce crystalline anisotropy. SEM and TEM analysis confirm different morphologies, including cubic, spherical, and elongated shapes. Ethanol-washed CNMIOPs exhibit superior magnetic behavior, with the highest magnetization saturation at pH 12.5 (Ms = 58.3 emu/g). The stability of the CNMIOPs ranges from −14.7 to −23.8 mV, and higher pH levels exhibit promising antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the study explores the effects of pH and washing solvents on CNMIOP-infused nanofiber membranes, with better dispersion observed with ethanol washing. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the properties and behavior of CNMIOPs under varying pH and washing conditions.
Liquid-Phase Partial Hydrogenation of Phenylacetylene at Ambient Conditions Catalyzed by Pd-Fe-O Nanoparticles Supported on Silica
Authors: Shesterkina Anastasiya A. , Kirichenko Olga A. , Tkachenko Olga P. , Kustov Alexander L. , Kustov Leonid M.
Published: August 2023

Catalysts with no hazardous or toxic components are required for the selective hydrogenation of acetylenic bonds in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, vitamins, nutraceuticals, and fragrances. The present work demonstrates that a high selectivity to alkene can be reached over a Pd-Fe-O/SiO2 system prepared by the co-impregnation of a silica support with a solution of the metal precursors (NH4)3[Fe(C2O4)3] and [Pd(NH3)4]Cl2 followed by thermal treatment in hydrogen or in air at 400 °C. A DRIFT spectroscopic study of CO adsorption revealed large shifts in the position of the Pdn+-CO bands for this system, indicating the strong effect of Fen+ on the Pd electronic state, resulting in a decreased rate of double C=C bond hydrogenation and an increased selectivity of alkyne hydrogenation to alkene. The prepared catalysts consisted of mono- and bimetallic nanoparticles on an SiO2 carrier and exhibited a selectivity as high as that of the commonly used Lindlar catalyst (which contains such hazardous components as lead and barium), while the activity of the Fe-Pd-O/SiO2 catalyst was an order of magnitude higher. The hydrogenation of a triple bond over the proposed Pd-Fe catalyst opens the way to selective hydrogenation over nontoxic catalysts with a high yield and productivity. Taking into account a simple procedure of catalyst preparation, this direction provides a rationale for the large-scale implementation of these catalysts.