bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Usable Analytical Expressions for Temperature Distribution Induced by Ultrafast Laser Pulses in Dielectric Solids
Authors: Que Ruyue , Lancry Matthieu , Poumellec Bertrand
Published: January 2024

This paper focuses on the critical role of temperature in ultrafast direct laser writing processes, where temperature changes can trigger or exclusively drive certain transformations, such as phase transitions. It is important to consider both the temporal dynamics and spatial temperature distribution for the effective control of material modifications. We present analytical expressions for temperature variations induced by multi-pulse absorption, applicable to pulse durations significantly shorter than nanoseconds within a spherical energy source. The objective is to provide easy-to-use expressions to facilitate engineering tasks. Specifically, the expressions are shown to depend on just two parameters: the initial temperature at the center denoted as T00 and a factor Rτ representing the ratio of the pulse period τp to the diffusion time τd. We show that temperature, oscillating between Tmax and Tmin, reaches a steady state and we calculate the least number of pulses required to reach the steady state. The paper defines the occurrence of heat accumulation precisely and elucidates that a temperature increase does not accompany systematically heat accumulation but depends on a set of laser parameters. It also highlights the temporal differences in temperature at the focus compared to areas outside the focus. Furthermore, the study suggests circumstances under which averaging the temperature over the pulse period can provide an even simpler approach. This work is instrumental in comprehending the diverse temperature effects observed in various experiments and in preparing for experimental setup. It also aids in determining whether temperature plays a role in the processes of direct laser writing. Toward the end of the paper, several application examples are provided.
Novel Technique to Increase the Effective Workspace of a Soft Robot
Authors: Pérez-Soto Gerardo I. , Camarillo-Gómez Karla A. , Rodríguez-Reséndiz Juvenal , Manríquez-Padilla Carlos G.
Published: January 2024

This article presents a novel technique for a class 2 tensegrity robot, also classified as a soft robot, to increase workspace by increasing the number of geometric equilibrium configurations of the robot. The proposed modification, unlike the strategies reported in the literature, consists of increasing the number of points where the flexible and rigid elements that make up the robot come into contact without the need to increase the number of actuators, the number of flexible elements, or modify the geometry of the rigid elements. The form-finding methodology combines the basic principles of statics with the direct and inverse kinematic position analysis to determine the number of equilibrium positions of the modified robot. In addition, numerical experiments were carried out using the commercial software ANSYS®, R18.2 based on the finite element theory, to corroborate the results obtained with them. With the proposed modification, an increase of 23.369% in the number of geometric equilibrium configurations is achieved, which integrates the workspace of the modified class 2 tensegrity robot. The novel technique applied to tensegrity robots and the tools developed to increase their workspace apply perfectly to scale the robots presented in this paper.
Polarization-Dependent Anisotropy of LIPSSs’ Morphology Evolution on a Single-Crystal Silicon Surface
Authors: Liu Mengting , Lu Baole , Lv Jing , Wang Jiang , Li Chen , Zhang Guodong , Bai Jintao , Stoian Razvan , Cheng Guanghua
Published: January 2024

Utilizing the principle of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSSs), this research delves into the morphological evolution of single-crystal silicon surfaces irradiated by a near-infrared picosecond laser through a scanning mode. With the increase in laser energy density, the nanostructure morphology on single-crystal silicon surfaces induced by incident lasers with different polarization directions sequentially produces high spatial-frequency LIPSSs (HSFLs) with a period of 220 nm ± 10 nm parallel to the laser polarization, low spatial-frequency LIPSSs (LSFLs) with a period of 770 nm ± 85 nm perpendicular to the direction of the polarization, and groove structures. Furthermore, by varying the angle between the laser polarization and the scanning direction, the study examined the combined anisotropic effects of the laser polarization scanning direction angle and the laser polarization crystal orientation angle on the genesis of LIPSSs on single-crystal silicon (100) surfaces. The experiments revealed polarization-related anisotropic characteristics in the morphology of HSFLs. It was found that when the polarization angle approached 45°, the regularity of the LSFLs deteriorated, the modification width decreased, and the periodicity increased. This is critical for the precise control of the LSFLs’ morphology.
MARSBot: A Bristle-Bot Microrobot with Augmented Reality Steering Control for Wireless Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Fath Alireza , Liu Yi , Xia Tian , Huston Dryver
Published: January 2024

Microrobots are effective for monitoring infrastructure in narrow spaces. However, they have limited computing power, and most of them are not wireless and stable enough for accessing infrastructure in difficult-to-reach areas. In this paper, we describe the fabrication of a microrobot with bristle-bot locomotion using a novel centrifugal yaw-steering control scheme. The microrobot operates in a network consisting of an augmented reality headset and an access point to monitor infrastructures using augmented reality (AR) haptic controllers for human–robot collaboration. For the development of the microrobot, the dynamics of bristle-bots in several conditions were studied, and multiple additive manufacturing processes were investigated to develop the most suitable prototype for structural health monitoring. Using the proposed network, visual data are sent in real time to a hub connected to an AR headset upon request, which can be utilized by the operator to monitor and make decisions in the field. This allows the operators wearing an AR headset to inspect the exterior of a structure with their eyes, while controlling the surveying robot to monitor the interior side of the structure.
Extracellular Vesicles from Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum Contribute in Stimulating Immune Response and Immunosuppression in Hosts with Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Carneiro Francieli Marinho , da Cruz Allecineia Bispo , Maia Marta Marques , Taniwaki Noemi Nosomi , Pereira Ingrid de Siqueira , Namiyama Gislene Mitsue , Gava Ricardo , Hiramoto Roberto Mitsuyoshi , Vicente Bruno , Midlej Victor , Mariante Rafael Meyer , Pereira-Chioccola Vera Lucia
Published: January 2024

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a chronic systemic disease. In Brazil this infection is caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by Leishmania species have different functions like the modulation of host immune systems and inflammatory responses, among others. This study evaluated the participation of EVs from L. (L.) infantum (Leish-EVs) in recognition of the humoral and cellular immune response of hosts with VL. Promastigotes were cultivated in 199 medium and, in the log phase of growth, they were centrifuged, washed, resus-pended in RPMI medium, and incubated for 2 to 24 h, at 25 °C or 37 °C to release Leish-EVs. This dynamic was evaluated using transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM) electron microscopies, as well as nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The results suggested that parasite penetration in mammal macrophages requires more Leish-EVs than those living in insect vectors, since promastigotes incubated at 37 °C released more Leish-EVs than those incubated at 25 °C. Infected THP-1 cells produced high EV concentration (THP-1 cells-EVs) when compared with those from the control group. The same results were obtained when THP-1 cells were treated with Leish-EVs or a crude Leishmania antigen. These data indicated that host–EV concentrations could be used to distinguish infected from uninfected hosts. THP-1 cells treated with Leish-EVs expressed more IL-12 than control THP-1 cells, but were unable to express IFN-γ. These same cells highly expressed IL-10, which inhibited TNF-α and IL-6. Equally, THP-1 cells treated with Leish-EVs up-expressed miR-21-5p and miR-146a-5p. In conclusion, THP-1 cells treated with Leish-EVs highly expressed miR-21-5p and miR-146a-5p and caused the dysregulation of IL-10. Indirectly, these results suggest that high expression of these miRNAs species is caused by Leish-EVs. Consequently, this molecular via can contribute to immunosuppression causing enhanced immunopathology in infected hosts.
Microbial and Monosaccharide Composition of Biofilms Developing on Sandy Loams from an Aquifer Contaminated with Liquid Radioactive Waste
Authors: Babich Tamara L. , Popova Nadezhda M. , Sokolova Diyana S. , Perepelov Andrei V. , Safonov Alexey V. , Nazina Tamara N.
Published: January 2024

The development of microbial biofilms increases the survival of microorganisms in the extreme conditions of ecosystems contaminated with components of liquid radioactive waste (LRW) and may contribute to the successful bioremediation of groundwater. The purpose of this work was to compare the composition of the microorganisms and the exopolysaccharide matrix of the biofilms formed on sandy loams collected at the aquifer from a clean zone and from a zone with nitrate and radionuclide contamination. The aquifer is polluted from the nearby surface repository for liquid radioactive waste (Russia). The phylogenetic diversity of prokaryotes forming biofilms on the sandy loams’ surface was determined during 100 days using high-throughput sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA genes. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the development of microbial biofilms on the sandy loams. The ratio of proteins and carbohydrates in the biofilms changed in the course of their development, and the diversity of monosaccharides decreased, depending on the contamination of the sites from which the rocks were selected. The presence of pollution affects biofilm formation and EPS composition along with the dominant taxa of microorganisms and their activity. Biofilms establish a concentration gradient of the pollutant and allow the microorganisms involved to effectively participate in the reduction of nitrate and sulfate; they decrease the risk of nitrite accumulation during denitrification and suppress the migration of radionuclides. These biofilms can serve as an important barrier in underground water sources, preventing the spread of pollution. Pure cultures of microorganisms capable of forming a polysaccharide matrix and reducing nitrate, chromate, uranyl, and pertechnetate ions were isolated from the biofilms, which confirmed the possibility of their participation in the bioremediation of the aquifer from nonradioactive waste components and the decrease in the radionuclides’ migration.
High-Yield Expression and Purification of Scygonadin, an Antimicrobial Peptide, Using the Small Metal-Binding Protein SmbP
Authors: Gomez-Lugo Jessica J. , Casillas-Vega Nestor G. , Gomez-Loredo Alma , Balderas-Renteria Isaias , Zarate Xristo
Published: January 2024

(1) Background: Producing active antimicrobial peptides with disulfide bonds in bacterial strains is challenging. The cytoplasm of Escherichia coli has a reducing environment, which is not favorable to the formation of disulfide bonds. Additionally, E. coli may express proteins as insoluble aggregates known as inclusion bodies and have proteolytic systems that can degrade recombinant peptides. Using E. coli strains like SHuffle and tagging the peptides with fusion proteins is a common strategy to overcome these difficulties. Still, the larger size of carrier proteins can affect the final yield of recombinant peptides. Therefore, a small fusion protein that can be purified using affinity chromatography may be an ideal strategy for producing antimicrobial peptides in E. coli. (2) Methods: In this study, we investigated the use of the small metal-binding protein SmbP as a fusion partner for expressing and purifying the antimicrobial peptide scygonadin in E. coli. Two constructs were designed: a monomer and a tandem repeat; both were tagged with SmbP at the N-terminus. The constructs were expressed in E. coli SHuffle T7 and purified using immobilized metal-affinity chromatography. Finally, their antimicrobial activity was determined against Staphylococcus aureus. (3) Results: SmbP is a remarkable fusion partner for purifying both scygonadin constructs, yielding around 20 mg for the monomer and 30 mg for the tandem repeat per 1 mL of IMAC column, reaching 95% purity. Both protein constructs demonstrated antimicrobial activity against S. aureus at MICs of 4 μM and 40 μM, respectively. (4) Conclusions: This study demonstrates the potential of SmbP for producing active peptides for therapeutic applications. The two scygonadin constructs in this work showed promising antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, suggesting they could be potential candidates for developing new antimicrobial drugs.
The Multiple Roles of LCCL Domain-Containing Proteins for Malaria Parasite Transmission
Authors: Bennink Sandra , Pradel Gabriele
Published: January 2024

Multi-protein complexes are crucial for various essential biological processes of the malaria parasite Plasmodium, such as protein synthesis, host cell invasion and adhesion. Especially during the sexual phase of the parasite, which takes place in the midgut of the mosquito vector, protein complexes are required for fertilization, sporulation and ultimately for the successful transmission of the parasite. Among the most noticeable protein complexes of the transmission stages are the ones formed by the LCCL domain-containing protein family that play critical roles in the generation of infective sporozoites. The six members of this protein family are characterized by numerous adhesive modules and domains typically found in secreted proteins. This review summarizes the findings of expression and functional studies on the LCCL domain-containing proteins of the human pathogenic P. falciparum and the rodent-infecting P. berghei and discusses the common features and differences of the homologous proteins.
Detection of Nucleic Acids of the Fish Pathogen Yersinia ruckeri from Planktonic and Biofilm Samples with a CRISPR/Cas13a-Based Assay
Authors: Calderón Iván L. , Barros M. José , Fernández-Navarro Nicolás , Acuña Lillian G.
Published: January 2024

Yersinia ruckeri is the cause of hemorrhagic septicemia, known as enteric redmouth disease, in salmonid fish species. This bacterial pathogen can form biofilms on abiotic surfaces of aquaculture settings or even on the surfaces of the fish themselves, contributing to their persistence in the aquatic environment. Detection methods for this and other fish pathogens can be time-consuming and lack specificity and sensitivity, limiting timely monitoring, the treatment of microbial infections, and effective control of their transmission in aquaculture settings. Rapid and sensitive detection methods for nucleic acids can be crucial for an appropriate surveillance of bacterial pathogens, and the CRISPR/Cas-based assays have emerged as a good alternative since it has been proven to be a useful tool for the rapid, specific, and sensitive detection of viruses and some bacteria. In this study, we explored the capability of the CRISPR/Cas13a system (SHERLOCK) to specifically detect both DNA and RNA (gene transcripts) from planktonic and biofilm samples of the bacterial fish pathogen Y. ruckeri. The assay was designed to detect the gyrA gene and the small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) MicA and RprA from planktonic cultures and biofilm samples prepared in marine broth. The specific crRNA designed for these gene targets included a 28 nt specific gene sequence, and a scaffold sequence necessary for Cas13-binding. For all the assays, the nucleic acids obtained from samples were previously subjected to isothermal amplification with the recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) method and the subsequent T7 transcription of the RPA amplicons. Finally, the detection of nucleic acids of Y. ruckeri was by means of a reporter signal released by the Cas13a collateral RNA cleavage triggered upon target recognition, measured by fluorescence- or lateral-flow-based readouts. This CRISPR/Cas13a-based assay was able to specifically detect both DNA and sRNAs from the Y. ruckeri samples, and the sensitivity was comparable to that obtained with qPCR analysis, highlighting the potential applicability of this CRISPR/Cas13a-based assay for fish pathogen surveillance.
Unique Changes in the Lung Microbiome following the Development of Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction
Authors: Yu Yeuni , Kim Yun Hak , Cho Woo Hyun , Kim Dohyung , So Min Wook , Son Bong Soo , Yeo Hye Ju
Published: January 2024

The importance of lung microbiome changes in developing chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) after lung transplantation is poorly understood. The lung microbiome–immune interaction may be critical in developing CLAD. In this context, examining alterations in the microbiome and immune cells of the lungs following CLAD, in comparison to the lung condition immediately after transplantation, can offer valuable insights. Four adult patients who underwent lung retransplantation between January 2019 and June 2020 were included in this study. Lung tissues were collected from the same four individuals at two different time points: at the time of the first transplant and at the time of the explantation of CLAD lungs at retransplantation due to CLAD. We analyzed whole-genome sequencing using the Kraken2 algorithm and quantified the cell fractionation from the bulk tissue gene expression profile for each lung tissue. Finally, we compared the differences in lung microbiome and immune cells between the lung tissues of these two time points. The median age of the recipients was 57 years, and most (75%) had undergone lung transplants for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. All patients were administered basiliximab for induction therapy and were maintained on three immunosuppressants. The median CLAD-free survival term was 693.5 days, and the median time to redo the lung transplant was 843.5 days. Bacterial diversity was significantly lower in the CLAD lungs than at transplantation. Bacterial diversity tended to decrease according to the severity of the CLAD. Aerococcus, Caldiericum, Croceibacter, Leptolyngbya, and Pulveribacter genera were uniquely identified in CLAD, whereas no taxa were identified in lungs at transplantation. In particular, six taxa, including Croceibacter atlanticus, Caldiserium exile, Dolichospermum compactum, Stappia sp. ES.058, Kinetoplastibacterium sorsogonicusi, and Pulveribacter suum were uniquely detected in CLAD. Among immune cells, CD8+ T cells were significantly increased, while neutrophils were decreased in the CLAD lung. In conclusion, unique changes in lung microbiome and immune cell composition were confirmed in lung tissue after CLAD compared to at transplantation.
The Effectiveness of Silver Nanoparticles Mixed with Calcium Hydroxide against Candida albicans: An Ex Vivo Analysis
Authors: Alghofaily Maha , Alfraih Jood , Alsaud Aljohara , Almazrua Norah , Sumague Terrence S. , Auda Sayed H. , Alsalleeh Fahd
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to assess the antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in combination with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) against Candida albicans (C. albicans). Methods: AgNPs was mixed with pure Ca(OH)2 powder in an aqueous base. A standard suspension (1 × 108 bacterial cells/mL) of C. albicans was prepared in a 96-well plate and incubated on shaker at 37 °C in 100% humidity to allow fungal biofilm formation in infected dentin slices (n = 98). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of AgNPs alone or with Ca(OH)2 were determined. The samples were separately placed in 24-well tissue culture plates and divided into three experimental groups (0.03, 0.04, and 0.06) and three control groups; negative (saline) and positive chlorhexidine gel and Ca(OH)2. Quantitative measurements of fungal activity by XTT colorimetric assay and qualitative measurements using confocal laser microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were performed. Results: The cell viability of C. albicans in the experimental groups was significantly reduced compared to the negative control group. The combination of (AgNPs (0.04%) and Ca(OH)2) was the most potent against C. albicans. Conclusions: The findings demonstrated that combining silver nanoparticles with Ca(OH)2 was more effective against C. albicans biofilm compared to Ca(OH)2 alone, suggesting a combing effect.
Bacteriomic Profiles of Rock-Dwelling Lichens from the Venezuelan Guiana Shield and the South African Highveld Plateau
Authors: He Zichen , Naganuma Takeshi , Melville Haemish I. A. S.
Published: January 2024

Lichens are not only fungal–algal symbiotic associations but also matrices for association with bacteria, and the bacterial diversity linked to lichens has been receiving more attention in studies. This study compares the diversity and possible metabolism of lichen-associated bacteria from saxicolous foliose and fruticose taxa Alectoria, Canoparmelia, Crocodia, Menegazzia, Usnea, and Xanthoparmelia from the Venezuelan Guiana Shield and the South African Highveld Plateau. We used DNA extractions from the lichen thalli to amplify the eukaryotic 18S rRNA gene (rDNA) and the V3–V4 region of the bacterial 16S rDNA, of which amplicons were then Sanger- and MiSeq-sequenced, respectively. The V3–V4 sequences of the associated bacteria were grouped into operational taxonomic units (OTUs) ascribed to twelve bacterial phyla previously found in the rock tripe Umbilicaria lichens. The bacterial OTUs emphasized the uniqueness of each region, while, at the species and higher ranks, the regional microbiomes were shown to be somewhat similar. Nevertheless, regional biomarker OTUs were screened to predict relevant metabolic pathways, which implicated different regional metabolic features.
Amorphous, Carbonated Calcium Phosphate and Biopolymer-Composite-Coated Si3N4/MWCNTs as Potential Novel Implant Materials
Authors: Furko Monika , Detsch Rainer , Horváth Zsolt E. , Balázsi Katalin , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Balázsi Csaba
Published: January 2024

A biodegradable amorphous carbonated calcium phosphate (caCP)-incorporated polycaprolactone (PCL) composite layer was successfully deposited by a spin coater. In this specific coating, the PCL acts as a bioadhesive, since it provides a better adherence of the coatings to the substrate compared to powder coatings. The caCP–PCL coatings were deposited and formed thin layers on the surface of a Si3N4–3 wt% MWCNT (multiwalled carbon nanotube) substrate, which is an emerging type of implant material in the biomedical field. The composite coatings were examined regarding their morphology, structure and biological performance. The biocompatibility of the samples was tested in vitro with MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells. Owing to the caCP–PCL thin layer, the cell viability values were considerably increased compared to the substrate material. The ALP and LDH tests showed numerous living cells on the investrigated coatings. The morphology of the MC3T3-E1 cells was examined by fluorescent staining (calcein and DAPI) and scanning electron microscopy, both of which revealed a well-spread, adhered and confluent monolayer of cells. All performed biocompatibility tests were positive and indicated the applicability of the deposited thin composite layers as possible candidates for orthopaedic implants for an extended period.
The History and Prediction of Prebiotics and Postbiotics: A Patent Analysis
Authors: Zang Tao , Han Lu , Lu Zhaoxiang , Tan Lulu , Liang Dunsheng , Shen Xiaofan , Liao Xiaoping , Liu Yahong , Ren Hao , Sun Jian
Published: January 2024

Prebiotics and postbiotics have gained attention as functional food additives due to their substantial influence on the gut microbiome and potential implications for human health on a broader scale. In addition, the number of patents for these additives has also increased, yet their functional classification has been problematic. In this study, we classified 2215 patents granted from 2001 to 2020 by functionality to enable predictions of future development directions. These patents encompassed subjects as diverse as feed supplementation, regulation of intestinal homeostasis, prevention of gastrointestinal ailments, targeted drug administration and augmentation of drug potency. The progression of patents issued during this time frame could be divided into three phases: occasional accounts prior to 2001, a period from 2001 to 2013 during which an average of 42 patents were issued annually, followed by a surge exceeding 140 patents annually after 2013. The latter increase has indicated that pre- and post-biotics have been recognized as biologically relevant. Patent mining therefore can enable forecasts of the future trajectory of these biologics and provide insights to evaluate their advancement. Moreover, this research is the first attempt to generalize and predict the directions of prebiotics and postbiotics using patent information and offers a comprehensive perspective for the potential utilization of prebiotics and postbiotics across a wide variety of fields.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Chestnut Honey and Cabbage Mixtures Alleviates Gastric Mucosal Damage
Authors: Kim Hyo-Jung , Jin Bo-Ram , Lee Chang-Dae , Kim Doyun , Lee Ah Young , Lee Sanghyun , An Hyo-Jin
Published: January 2024

Gastritis, one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders, damages the stomach lining as it causes a disproportion between the protective and ruinous factors of the gastric system. Cabbage (CB) is widely used to treat gastric lesions but requires the addition of natural sweeteners to counteract its distinct bitter taste. Therefore, this study sought to determine whether the combination of chestnut honey (CH)—which is known for its dark brown color and high kynurenic acid (KA) content—or KA-increased CH (KACH) with CB (CH + CB or KACH + CB) exerts synergistic effects for improving both taste and efficacy. Before confirming the gastroprotective effects in indomethacin (INDO)-induced rats, the anti-inflammatory activities of CH + CB and KACH + CB were assessed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. As a result, treatment with either CH + CB or KACH + CB downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages by regulating the translocation of nuclear factor kappa B. Furthermore, both CH + CB and KACH + CB not only enhanced the levels of antioxidant enzymes but also triggered the activation of nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2. Based on these effects, CH + CB or KACH + CB effectively protected the gastric mucosa in INDO-induced rats. Therefore, this study suggests that CH + CB and KACH + CB exert stronger gastroprotective effects when used together.
Immunization with Live-Attenuated RHΔhad2a Strain Confers Partial Protective Immunity against Acute and Chronic Infection of Toxoplasma gondii in Mice
Authors: Zhang Hai-Sheng , Cao Hui , Li Chen-Xu , Zhang Zhi-Wei , Wang Meng , Zhu Xing-Quan , Zheng Xiao-Nan
Published: January 2024

Toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonosis of human and animal health significance. Current chemical therapeutics have side effects, and no commercially available vaccine is licensed for the prevention of toxoplasmosis in humans and most animals. Developing a safe and effective vaccine with long-term protection against T. gondii infection is necessary to control toxoplasmosis. HAD2a is a key member of the haloacid dehalogenase (HAD) phosphatase family, which is essential for T. gondii daughter budding. However, the role of HAD2a in T. gondii virulence remains unknown. In this study, we successfully constructed the had2a gene knockout strain in the T. gondii-type I RH strain (RHΔhad2a) and determined its role in virulence and vaccination. These results demonstrate that HAD2a played an important role in parasite daughter budding and in vitro replication. Knockout of the had2a gene attenuated the virulence of the T. gondii-type I RH strain. Vaccination with RHΔhad2a tachyzoites induced a Th1-biased immune response, provided partial protection against acute T. gondii infection in mice by highly virulent tachyzoites of RH and PYS (ToxoDB#9, Chinese I) strains, and conferred strong protection against challenge infection by cysts and oocysts of the less virulent type II Pru strain. These results demonstrate that T. gondii had2a is important for its in vitro proliferation and virulence in mice and that RHΔhad2a may be used as a candidate strain to generate a multiple gene knockout live-attenuated strain or be collaboratively applied with other live-attenuated strains to confer more effective protection against T. gondii infection.
Pathology and Clinics of Naturally Occurring Low-Virulence Variants of African Swine Fever Emerged in Domestic Pigs in the South Caucasus
Authors: Avagyan Hranush , Hakobyan Sona , Baghdasaryan Bagrat , Arzumanyan Hranush , Poghosyan Arpine , Bayramyan Nane , Semerjyan Anna , Sargsyan Mariam , Voskanyan Henry , Vardanyan Tigranuhi , Karalyan Naira , Hakobyan Lina , Abroyan Liana , Avetisyan Aida , Karalova Elena , Semerjyan Zara , Karalyan Zaven
Published: January 2024

Shortly after the establishment of African swine fever virus (ASFV) genotype II in 2007, cases of acute fatal infection were observed. However, after several years of circulation in the Eurasian region, the clinical signs of the disease changed. Currently, this disease can occur acutely, subclinically, chronically, or asymptomatically. Cases of the complete recovery of infected pigs, and the disappearance of ASFV from their tissues and secretions have been described. This form of the disease first appeared in Armenia at the end of 2011. This virus was described and identified as the Dilijan2011IMB strain. The goal of our research was to study the main features of clinical, pathological, immunological, virological, and genetic parameters involved in the development of new forms of African swine fever (ASF). Chronic ASF was characterized with low titers of the virus and a decrease in the intensity of hemadsorption. Additionally, a reduced intensity in clinical symptoms and pathoanatomical results was noted. The absolute, but not the relative number of immune cells changes; the neutropenia (in bone marrow and spleen), lymphopenia (in bone marrow), lymphocytosis (only in spleen), lymphoid cell depletion (in bone marrow), and pancytopenia (in bone marrow) observed in the chronic form of ASF were less pronounced compared to in the acute form. When comparing the late stage of chronic ASF to the acute form, the key cytological indicators in the spleen, lymph nodes, and blood were less severe in the chronic stage. Bone marrow failure in the chronic form, expressed in a pronounced decrease in all cell types, generally coincided with the data in the acute form of ASF. The same data were obtained after assessing serum TNF-alpha levels. Thus, we can conclude that the chronic form of ASF occurs due to a less pronounced immune response, as well as a decrease in virus titers in the blood and tissues of infected pigs.
Mechanistic Insight in Permeability through Different Membranes in the Presence of Pharmaceutical Excipients: A Case of Model Hydrophobic Carbamazepine
Authors: Volkova Tatyana , Simonova Olga , Perlovich German
Published: January 2024

The present study reports the effects of two pharmaceutical excipients of differing natures—non-ionic surfactant pluronic F127 (F127) and anionic sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD)—on the permeation of the model compound, carbamazepine (CBZ). The permeability coefficients of CBZ at three concentrations of the excipients were measured through two different artificial barriers: hydrophilic cellulose membrane (RC) and lipophilic polydimethylsiloxane–polycarbonate membrane (PDS). The equilibrium solubility of CBZ in F127 and SBE-β-CD solutions was determined. The micellization, complexation, and aggregation tendencies were investigated. Systemically increasing the solubility and the reduction of permeation upon the excipients’ concentration growth was revealed. The quantitative evaluation of the permeability tendencies was carried out using a Pratio parameter, a quasi-equilibrium mathematical mass transport model, and a correction of permeability coefficients for the free drug concentration (“true” permeability values). The results revealed the mutual influence of the excipient properties and the membrane nature on the permeability variations.
A Chromatic Dispersion-Tolerant Frequency Offset Estimation Algorithm Based on Pilot Tone for Digital Subcarrier Multiplexing Systems
Authors: Zhang Yuchen , Chen Xue , Yang Tao , You Jialin , Sun Guiqing , Ji Zhiyuan , Zhao Yan
Published: January 2024

A digital subcarrier multiplexing (DSCM) system has been proposed as a possible solution for large capacity and long-distance coherent optical transmissions due to its high tolerances for chromatic dispersion (CD), equalization-enhanced phase noise (EEPN) and fiber nonlinearity. In a DSCM receiver, for subcarrier-demultiplex to occur properly, frequency offset estimation (FOE) must be implemented before demultiplexing. It is beneficial to decrease complexity and EEPN by compensating CD on each subcarrier. Therefore, a high CD tolerance is indispensable for the FOE algorithm in a DSCM receiver. However, the mainstream blind FOE algorithms for single-carrier systems, such as the 4th power fast Fourier transform algorithm, could not work for DSCM systems. To deal with this challenge, a pilot tone-based FOE algorithm with high CD tolerance is proposed and verified using simulations and offline experiments. The final estimation accuracy of about 10 MHz of the proposed two-stage FOE is achieved at low computational complexity. Simulations and offline experiments show that DSCM systems with the proposed algorithm have a 0.5~1 dB Q-factor improvement over Nyquist single-carrier systems.
Wavefront Reconstruction Using Two-Frame Random Interferometry Based on Swin-Unet
Authors: Shu Xindong , Li Baopeng , Ma Zhen
Published: January 2024

Due to its high precision, phase-shifting interferometry (PSI) is a commonly used optical component detection method in interferometers. However, traditional PSI, which is susceptible to environmental factors, is costly, with piezoelectric ceramic transducer (PZT) being a major contributor to the high cost of interferometers. In contrast, two-frame random interferometry does not require precise multiple phase shifts, which only needs one random phase shift, reducing control costs and time requirements, as well as mitigating the impact of environmental factors (mechanical vibrations and air turbulence) when acquiring multiple interferograms. A novel method for wavefront reconstruction using two-frame random interferometry based on Swin-Unet is proposed. Besides, improvements have been made on the basis of the established algorithm to develop a new wavefront reconstruction method named Phase U-Net plus (PUN+). According to training the Swin-Unet and PUN+ with a large amount of simulated data generated by physical models, both of the methods accurately compute the wrapped phase from two frames of interferograms with an unknown phase step (except for multiples of π). The superior performance of both methods is effectively showcased by reconstructing phases from both simulated and real interferograms, in comprehensive comparisons with several classical algorithms. The proposed Swin-Unet outperforms PUN+ in reconstructing the wrapped phase and unwrapped phase.
Numerical Analysis and Verification of Off-Axis Double Vortex Beams
Authors: Ye Jianqiang , Zhou Yuxia , Aierken Palidan , Yang Xining , Li Zhaoxue , Yusufu Taximaiti
Published: January 2024

Vortex beams are unique in that they have annular spatial profiles and carry orbital angular momentum. This has led to their use in applications including laser processing, microparticle manipulation and signal transmission. Off-axis vortex beams, which may be considered a subset of vortex beams, display a broader spectrum of physical characteristics in comparison with their conventional (integer-order) counterparts. In this work, we derive the equations which describe the intensity distribution of off-axis vortex beams and use these to theoretically model their spatial profile. These models are supported by experimental generation of both integer and off-axis vortex beams, and the presence of orbital angular momentum is investigated through the use of the cylindrical lens transformation method.
Fabrication of a 4 m SiC Aspheric Mirror Using an Optimized Strategy of Dividing an Error Map
Authors: Liu Zhenyu , Li Longxiang , Qi Erhui , Hu Haixiang , Luo Xiao
Published: January 2024

This paper introduces an optimization strategy for fabricating large aspheric mirrors. We polished a large SiC aspheric mirror, 4 m in diameter, achieving a surface error of 1/40λ RMS. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first instance of such a result for a mirror of this material and size combination. Due to the various performance settings of different tools, achieving optimal polishing results with a single setting is challenging. We evaluated the performance of various tool settings and developed an optimization strategy, dividing error maps to enhance efficiency in large-aperture aspheric mirror fabrication. We established the relationship between tool size and its error control capability. The residual error map of the mirror was divided into two parts using Zernike polynomial expansion based on the frequency order of the error map. Here, we used the first 36 terms of the Zernike polynomial fit to define a low-order error map, and the residual error was used to define a high-order error map. Large tools were used to correct the low-order frequency error map, whereas small tools were used to correct the high-order frequency error map. Therefore, the original residual error map could be corrected with significantly high efficiency. By employing this strategy, we fabricated a 4 m SiC aspheric mirror in 18 months, achieving a final surface error better than 0.024λ RMS.
Flowering and Runnering of Seasonal Strawberry under Different Photoperiods Are Affected by Intensity of Supplemental or Night-Interrupting Blue Light
Authors: Yang Jingli , Song Jinnan , Jeong Byoung Ryong
Published: January 2024

The strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) “Sulhyang” is a typical seasonal flowering (SF) strawberry that produces flower buds in day lengths shorter than a critical limit (variable, but often defined as <12 h). There is a trade-off between photoperiod-controlled flowering and gibberellin (GA) signaling pathway-mediated runnering. Some related genes (such as CO, FT1, SOC1, and TFL1) participating in light signaling and circadian rhythm in plants are altered under blue light (BL). Sugars for flowering and runnering are mainly produced by photosynthetic carbon assimilation. The intensity of light could affect photosynthesis, thereby regulating flowering and runnering. Here, we investigated the effect of the intensity of supplemental blue light (S-BL) or night-interrupting blue light (NI-BL) in photoperiodic flowering and runnering regulation by applying 4 h of S-BL or NI-BL with either 0, 10, 20, 30, or 40 μmol·m−2·s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) in a 10 h short-day (SD10) (SD10 + S-BL4 or + NI-BL4 (0, 10, 20, 30, or 40)) or 14 h long-day (LD14) conditions (LD14 + S-BL4 or + NI-BL4 (0, 10, 20, 30, or 40)). Approximately 45 days after the photoperiodic light treatment, generally, whether S-BL or NI-BL, BL (20) was the most promotive in runnering, leading to more runners in both the LD and SD conditions. For flowering, except the treatment LD14 + S-BL, BL (20) was still the key light, either from BL (20) or BL (40), promoting flowering, especially when BL acted as the night-interrupting light, regardless of the photoperiod. At the harvest stage, larger numbers of inflorescences and runners were observed in the LD14 + NI-BL4 treatment, and the most were observed in the LD14 + NI-BL (20). Moreover, the SD10 + NI-BL4 was slightly inferior to the LD14 + NI-BL4 in increasing the numbers of inflorescences and runners, but it caused earlier flowering. Additionally, the circadian rhythm expression of flowering-related genes was affected differently by the S-BL and NI-BL. After the application of BL in LD conditions, the expression of an LD-specific floral activator FaFT1 was stimulated, while that of a flowering suppressor FaTFL1 was inhibited, resetting the balance of expression between these two opposite flowering regulators. The SD runnering was caused by BL in non-runnering SD conditions associated with the stimulation of two key genes that regulate runner formation in the GA pathway, FaGRAS32 and FaGA20ox4. In addition, the positive effects of BL on enhancing photosynthesis and carbohydrate production also provided an abundant energy supply for the flowering and runnering processes.
Unraveling the Mechanism of Cork Spot-like Physiological Disorders in ‘Kurenainoyume’ Apples Based on Occurrence Location
Authors: Imura Eichi , Nakagomi Mitsuho , Hayashida Taishi , Fujita Tomomichi , Sato Saki , Matsumoto Kazuhiro
Published: January 2024

Cork spot-like physiological disorder (CSPD) is a newly identified issue in ‘Kurenainoyume’ apples, yet its mechanism remains unclear. To investigate CSPD, we conducted morphological observations on ‘Kurenainoyume’ apples with and without pre-harvest fruit-bagging treatment using light-impermeable paper bags. Non-bagged fruit developed CSPD in mid-August, while no CSPD symptoms were observed in bagged fruit. The bagging treatment significantly reduced the proportion of opened lenticels, with only 17.9% in bagged fruit compared to 52.0% in non-bagged fruits. In non-bagged fruit, CSPD spots tended to increase from the lenticels, growing in size during fruit development. The cuticular thickness and cross-sectional area of fresh cells in CSPD spots were approximately 16 µm and 1600 µm², respectively. Healthy non-bagged fruit reached these values around 100 to 115 days after full bloom from mid- to late August. Microscopic and computerized tomography scanning observations revealed that many CSPD spots developed at the tips of vascular bundles. Therefore, CSPD initiation between opened lenticels and vascular bundle tips may be influenced by water stress, which is potentially caused by water loss, leading to cell death and the formation of CSPD spots.
Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant, Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, Hemagglutinin and Hemolytic Activities of Chemically Characterized Extracts from Origanum grosii (L.) and Thymus pallidus (L.)
Authors: Zejli Hind , Metouekel Amira , Zouirech Otmane , Maliki Imane , El Moussaoui Abdelfattah , Lfitat Aziza , Bousseraf Fatima Zahra , Almaary Khalid S. , Nafidi Hiba-Allah , Khallouki Farid , Bourhia Mohammed , Taleb Mustapha , Abdellaoui Abdelfattah
Published: January 2024

Origanum grosii (L.) and Thymus pallidus (L.) are medicinal plants recognized for their uses in traditional medicine. In this context, the aim of this article is to highlight the results of a phytochemical analysis (HPLC), with particular emphasis on the antioxidant (DPPH, TAC, and FRAP), analgesic, anti-inflammatory, haemagglutinin-test-related, and hemolytic activities of the total extracts of these plants. Phytochemical analysis via HPLC revealed that licoflavone C (30%) is the main compound in Origanum grosii, while hesperidin (43%) is found in T. pallidus. Evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of Origanum grosii and Thymus pallidus using the DPPH, TAC, and FRAP methods revealed an IC50 of the order of 0.085 mg/mL and 0.146 mg/mL, an EC50 of the order of 0.167 mg/mL and 0.185 mg/mL, and a total antioxidant capacity of between 750 mg EQ/g and 900 mg EQ/g, respectively. Analgesic evaluations revealed writhes inhibition of the order of 97.83% for O. grosii and 90% for T. pallidus. In addition, both plant extracts showed limited hemolytic activity, not exceeding 30% at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory potential showed edema inhibition of the order of 94% (800 mg/kg) for O. grosii and 86% (800 mg/kg) for T. pallidus. These results highlight the potential applications of these extracts in pharmacological research.
Hydrogen Peroxide Alleviates Salt Stress Effects on Gas Exchange, Growth, and Production of Naturally Colored Cotton
Authors: Nóbrega Jackson Silva , Gomes Valéria Ribeiro , Soares Lauriane Almeida dos Anjos , Lima Geovani Soares de , Silva André Alisson Rodrigues da , Gheyi Hans Raj , Torres Rafaela Aparecida Frazão , Silva Fellype Jonathar Lemos da , Silva Toshik Iarley da , Costa Franciscleudo Bezerra da , Dantas Maila Vieira , Bruno Riselane de Lucena Alcântara , Nobre Reginaldo Gomes , Sá Francisco Vanies da Silva
Published: January 2024

Cotton is one of the most exploited crops in the world, being one of the most important for the Brazilian Northeast. In this region, the use of irrigation is often necessary to meet the water demand of the crop. Water is often used from underground wells that have a large amount of salt in their constitution, which can compromise the development of crops, so it is vital to adopt strategies that reduce salt stress effects on plants, such as the foliar application of hydrogen peroxide. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of foliar application of hydrogen peroxide on the gas exchange, growth, and production of naturally colored cotton under salt stress in the semi-arid region of Paraíba, Brazil. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design in a 5 × 5 factorial scheme, with five salinity levels of irrigation water—ECw (0.3, 2.0, 3.7, 5.4 and 7.1 dS m−1)—and five concentrations of hydrogen peroxide—H2O2 (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 μM), and with three replicates. The naturally colored cotton ‘BRS Jade’ had its gas exchange, growth, biomass production, and production reduced due to the effects of salt stress, but the plants were able to produce up to the ECw of 3.97 dS m−1. Foliar application of hydrogen peroxide at the estimated concentrations of 56.25 and 37.5 μM reduced the effects of salt stress on the stomatal conductance and CO2 assimilation rate of cotton plants under the estimated ECw levels of 0.73 and 1.58 dS m−1, respectively. In turn, the concentration of 12.5 μM increased water-use efficiency in plants subjected to salinity of 2.43 dS m−1. Absolute and relative growth rates in leaf area increased with foliar application of 100 μM of hydrogen peroxide under ECw of 0.73 and 0.3 dS m−1, respectively. Under conditions of low water salinity (0.3 dS m−1), foliar application of hydrogen peroxide stimulated the biomass formation and production components of cotton.