bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Precursor Information of Brittle Rock Failure through Acoustic Emission
Authors: Ren Weiguang , Wang Chaosheng , Zhao Yang , Xue Dongjie
Published: October 2023

Dynamic failure of surrounding rock often causes many casualties and financial losses. Predicting the precursory characteristics of rock failure is of great significance in preventing and controlling the dynamic failure of surrounding rock. In this paper, a triaxial test of granite is carried out, and the acoustic emission events are monitored during the test. The fractal characteristics of acoustic emission events’ energy distribution and time sequence are analyzed. The correlation dimension and the b value are used to study the size distribution and sequential characteristics. Furthermore, a rock failure prediction method is proposed. The correlation dimension is chosen as the main index and the b value is chosen as a secondary index for the precursor of granite failure. The study shows that: (1) The failure process can be divided into an initial stage, active stage, quiet stage, and failure stage. (2) The b value and correlation dimension both can describe the process of rock failure. There is a continuous decline before failure. Because of the complexity of the field, it is difficult to accurately estimate the stability of surrounding rock using a single index. (3) The combination of the b value and correlation dimension to establish a new method, which can accurately represent the stability of the surrounding rock. When the correlation dimension is increasing, the surrounding rock is stable with stress adjusting. When the correlation dimension is decreasing and the b value remains unchanged after briefly rising, the surrounding rock is stable, and stress is finished adjusting. When the correlation dimension and b value are both decreasing, the surrounding rock will be destroyed.
Cooperative Guidance Strategy for Active Spacecraft Protection from a Homing Interceptor via Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Ni Weilin , Liu Jiaqi , Li Zhi , Liu Peng , Liang Haizhao
Published: October 2023

The cooperative active defense guidance problem for a spacecraft with active defense is investigated in this paper. An engagement between a spacecraft, an active defense vehicle, and an interceptor is considered, where the target spacecraft with active defense will attempt to evade the interceptor. Prior knowledge uncertainty and observation noise are taken into account simultaneously, which are vital for traditional guidance strategies such as the differential-game-based guidance method. In this set, we propose an intelligent cooperative active defense (ICAAI) guidance strategy based on deep reinforcement learning. ICAAI effectively coordinates defender and target maneuvers to achieve successful evasion with less prior knowledge and observational noise. Furthermore, we introduce an efficient and stable convergence (ESC) training approach employing reward shaping and curriculum learning to tackle the sparse reward problem in ICAAI training. Numerical experiments are included to demonstrate ICAAI’s real-time performance, convergence, adaptiveness, and robustness through the learning process and Monte Carlo simulations. The learning process showcases improved convergence efficiency with ESC, while simulation results illustrate ICAAI’s enhanced robustness and adaptiveness compared to optimal guidance laws.
Sheep’s Head as an Anatomic Model for Basic Training in Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Stan Constantin , Ujvary Laszlo Peter , Blebea Cristina Maria , Vesa Doiniţa , Tănase Mihai Ionuţ , Tănase Mara , Pop Septimiu Sever , Rădeanu Doinel Gheorghe , Maniu Alma Aurelia , Cosgarea Marcel
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: This study aims to establish the sheep head as a viable anatomical model for training in functional endoscopic sinus surgery through comprehensive anatomical examination and training-based assessment of participants’ satisfaction. Materials and Methods: Participants were divided into three groups according to their prior experience in endoscopic sinus surgery; in total, 24 participants were included. Each participant in the study was assigned to perform the designated procedures on a single sheep’s head. Following the completion of the procedures, each participant was provided with a 14-item comprehensive satisfaction questionnaire with a scale attributed from 1 to 5. The normality of distribution was checked by applying the Shapiro-Wilk Test. The Kruskal–Wallis test was applied to compare study group sentiment of agreement towards individual procedures. Results: No significant differences were noted between the answers of the different groups. For the resident group, the average satisfaction score was 4.09 ± 0.54; junior specialist group 4.00 ± 0.55; for the senior specialist group overall satisfaction average score was 4.2 ± 0.77. Conclusions: The sheep’s head can be successfully used for learning and practicing manual skills and the use of instruments specific to functional endoscopic sinus surgery. Moreover, the sheep head model can be used for training in other diagnostic or surgical procedures in the field of otorhinolaryngology, such as endoscopy of the salivary glands, open laryngotracheal surgery, or in otologic surgery, but also in other different surgical fields such as neurosurgery, ophthalmology or plastic surgery. Despite the differences between the ovine model and human anatomy, it provides a resourceful and cost-effective model for beginners in endoscopic nasal surgery.
Urinary Free Cortisol Determination and Interferences Studies Using Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Tandem Mass Spectrometry after On-Line Solid Phase Extraction Based on TurboflowTM Chromatography
Authors: Bonnet-Serrano Fidéline , Nakib Samir , Zientek Corinne , Guignat Laurence , Guibourdenche Jean , Bertherat Jerôme , Menet Marie-Claude
Published: October 2023

(1) A 24 h urinary free cortisol (UFF) is one of the first-line exams recommended for the diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome. In a hospital hormonology department, this activity can exceed several hundred dosages per week. The UFF is generally determined via an immunoassay with an automate using a chemiluminescence or electrochemiluminescence detection system. To increase the cortisol concentration in the analyzed sample, the automated analysis is preceded by urine extraction, which does not prevent there from being some interferences due to other steroids with close structures. (2) This paper describes the development of on-line solid phase extraction coupled to liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry for the analysis of urinary free cortisol. The on-line extraction was based on the TurboflowTM chromatography coupled to the analytical column by two valves, easily available for the laboratories. (3) The choice of the Accucore Polar Premium® analytical column made it possible to avoid analytical interferences with exogenous or endogenous molecules having the same SRM transition (363 → 121) as cortisol. (4) The method was fully validated in the range of clinically relevant concentrations from the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) to 411.75 nmol·L−1.
Autothermal Reforming of Methane: A Thermodynamic Study on the Use of Air and Pure Oxygen as Oxidizing Agents in Isothermal and Adiabatic Systems
Authors: Cavalcante Matheus Henrique Silva , Maccari Zelioli Ícaro Augusto , Guimarães Filho Emílio Émerson Xavier , Júnior Julles Mitoura dos Santos , Souza Vidotti Annamaria Dória , Daltro de Freitas Antonio Carlos , Guirardello Reginaldo
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we analyze the autothermal reforming (ATR) of methane through Gibbs energy minimization and entropy maximization methods to analyze isothermic and adiabatic systems, respectively. The software GAMS® 23.9 and the CONOPT3 solver were used to conduct the simulations and thermodynamic analyses in order to determine the equilibrium compositions and equilibrium temperatures of this system. Simulations were performed covering different pressures in the range of 1 to 10 atm, temperatures between 873 and 1073 K, steam/methane ratio was varied in the range of 1.0/1.0 and 2.0/1.0 and oxygen/methane ratios in the feed stream, in the range of 0.5/1.0 to 2.0/1.0. The effect of using pure oxygen or air as oxidizer agent to perform the reaction was also studied. The simulations were carried out in order to maintain the same molar proportions of oxygen as in the simulated cases considering pure oxygen in the reactor feed. The results showed that the formation of hydrogen and synthesis gas increased with temperature, average composition of 71.9% and 56.0% using air and O2, respectively. These results are observed at low molar oxygen ratios (O2/CH4 = 0.5) in the feed. Higher pressures reduced the production of hydrogen and synthesis gas produced during ATR of methane. In general, reductions on the order of 19.7% using O2 and 14.0% using air were observed. It was also verified that the process has autothermicity in all conditions tested and the use of air in relation to pure oxygen favored the compounds of interest, mainly in conditions of higher pressure (10 atm). The mean reductions with increasing temperature in the percentage increase of H2 and syngas using air under 1.5 and 10 atm, at the different O2/CH4 ratios, were 5.3%, 13.8% and 16.5%, respectively. In the same order, these values with the increase of oxygen were 3.6%, 6.4% and 9.1%. The better conditions for the reaction include high temperatures, low pressures and low O2/CH4 ratios, a region in which there is no swelling in terms of the oxygen source used. In addition, with the introduction of air, the final temperature of the system was reduced by 5%, which can help to reduce the negative impacts of high temperatures in reactors during ATR reactions.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Rapidly Growing Nontuberculous Mycobacteria among Domestic and Wild Animals Emphasizing the Zoonotic Potential
Authors: Reil Irena , Špičić Silvio , Barbić Ljubo , Duvnjak Sanja , Kompes Gordan , Benić Miroslav , Stojević Dora , Cvetnić Željko , Arapović Jurica , Zdelar-Tuk Maja
Published: October 2023

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are opportunistic pathogens capable of causing infections in humans and animals. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the potential role of domestic and wild animals as a reservoir of multiple resistant, rapidly growing NTM strains representing a potential zoonotic threat to humans. A total of 87 animal isolates belonging to 11 rapidly growing species (visible colonies appear within three to seven days) were genotyped and tested for susceptibility to the 15 most commonly used antibiotics in the treatment of such infections in a human clinic. By determining the antimicrobial susceptibility, the most prevalent resistance was found to cephalosporins (>50%), followed by amoxicillin–clavulanate (31.0%), clarithromycin (23.0%), tobramycin (14.9%) and doxycycline (10.3%). Resistance to imipenem, ciprofloxacin, minocycline and linezolid was notably lower (<7.0%). All tested isolates were susceptible to amikacin and moxifloxacin. The most frequent resistance was proved in the most pathogenic species: M. fortuitum, M. neoaurum, M. vaccae and M. porcinum. Meanwhile, other species displayed a higher sensitivity rate. No significant resistance differences between domestic and wild animals were found. The established significant frequency of resistance highlights the significant zoonotic potential posed by circulating rapidly growing NTM strains, which could lead to challenges in the treatment of these infections.
The Biochemical, Microbiological, Antioxidant and Sensory Characterization of Fermented Skimmed Milk Drinks Supplemented with Probiotics Lacticaseibacillus casei and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus
Authors: Shabbir Iqra , Al-Asmari Fahad , Saima Hafiza , Nadeem Muhammad Tahir , Ambreen Saadia , Kasankala Ladislaus Manaku , Khalid Muhammad Zubair , Rahim Muhammad Abdul , Özogul Fatih , Bartkiene Elena , Rocha João Miguel
Published: October 2023

A variety of foods fermented with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) serve as dietary staples in many countries. The incorporation of health-promoting probiotics into fermented milk products can have profound effects on human health. Considering the health benefits of Yakult, the current study was undertaken to develop an enriched Yakult-like fermented skimmed milk drink by the addition of two probiotic strains, namely Lacticaseibacillus casei (Lc) and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (Lr). The prepared drinks were compared in terms of various parameters, including their physicochemical properties, proximate chemical composition, mineral estimation, microbial viable count, antioxidant activity, and sensory evaluation. Each strain was employed at five different concentrations, including 1% (T1), 1.5% (T2), 2% (T3), 2.5% (T4), and 3% (T5). The prepared Yakult samples were stored at 4 °C and analyzed on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 to evaluate biochemical changes. The findings revealed that the concentration of the starter culture had a significant (p ≤ 0.05) impact on the pH value and moisture and protein contents, but had no marked impact on the fat or ash content of the developed product. With the Lc strain, Yakult’s moisture content ranged from 84.25 ± 0.09 to 85.65 ± 0.13%, whereas with the Lr strain, it was from 84.24 ± 0.08 to 88.75 ± 0.13%. Protein levels reached their highest values with T5 (3% concentration). The acidity of all treatments increased significantly due to fermentation and, subsequently, pH showed a downward trend (p ≤ 0.05). The total soluble solids (TSS) content decreased during storage with Lc as compared to Lr, but the presence of carbohydrates had no appreciable impact. The drink with Lc exhibited a more uniform texture and smaller pore size than Yakult with Lr. Except for the iron values, which showed an increasing trend, the contents of other minerals decreased in increasing order of the added probiotic concentration used: 1% (T1), 1.5% (T2), 2% (T3), 2.5% (T4), and 3% (T5). The highest lactobacilli viable count of 8.69 ± 0.43 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL was observed with the T1 Lr-containing drink at the end of the storage period. Regarding the storage stability of the drink, the highest value for DPPH (88.75 ± 0.13%) was found with the T1 Lc drink on day 15, while the highest values for FRAP (4.86 ± 2.80 mmol Fe2+/L), TPC (5.97 ± 0.29 mg GAE/mL), and TFC (3.59 ± 0.17 mg GAE/mL) were found with the T5 Lr drink on day 28 of storage. However, the maximum value for ABTS (3.59 ± 0.17%) was noted with the T5 Lr drink on the first day of storage. The results of this study prove that Lc and Lr can be used in dairy-based fermented products and stored at refrigerated temperatures.
The Prediction of Cu(II) Adsorption Capacity of Modified Pomelo Peels Using the PSO-ANN Model
Authors: Jiao Mengqing , Jacquemin Johan , Zhang Ruixue , Zhao Nan , Liu Honglai
Published: October 2023

It is very well known that traditional artificial neural networks (ANNs) are prone to falling into local extremes when optimizing model parameters. Herein, to enhance the prediction performance of Cu(II) adsorption capacity, a particle swarm optimized artificial neural network (PSO-ANN) model was developed. Prior to predicting the Cu(II) adsorption capacity of modified pomelo peels (MPP), experimental data collected by our research group were used to build a consistent database. Then, a PSO-ANN model was established to enhance the model performance by optimizing the ANN’s weights and biases. Finally, the performances of the developed ANN and PSO-ANN models were deeply evaluated. The results of this investigation revealed that the proposed hybrid method did increase both the generalization ability and the accuracy of the predicted data of the Cu(II) adsorption capacity of MPPs when compared to the conventional ANN model. This PSO-ANN model thus offers an alternative methodology for optimizing the adsorption capacity prediction of heavy metals using agricultural waste biosorbents.
Review of Applications of Cyclodextrins as Taste-Masking Excipients for Pharmaceutical Purposes
Authors: Adamkiewicz Lena , Szeleszczuk Łukasz
Published: October 2023

It is widely recognized that many active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) have a disagreeable taste that affects patient acceptability, particularly in children. Consequently, developing dosage forms with a masked taste has attracted a lot of interest. The application of cyclodextrins as pharmaceutical excipients is highly appreciated and well established, including their roles as drug delivery systems, solubilizers and absorption promoters, agents that improve drug stability, or even APIs. The first work describing the application of the taste-masking properties of CDs as pharmaceutical excipients was published in 2001. Since then, numerous studies have shown that these cyclic oligosaccharides can be effectively used for such purposes. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide insight into studies in this area. To achieve this aim, a systematic evaluation was conducted, which resulted in the selection of 67 works representing both successful and unsuccessful works describing the application of CDs as taste-masking excipients. Particular attention has been given to the methods of evaluation of the taste-masking properties and the factors affecting the outcomes, such as the choice of the proper cyclodextrin or guest–host molar ratio. The conclusions of this review reveal that the application of CDs is not straightforward; nevertheless, this solution can be an effective, safe, and inexpensive method of taste masking for pharmaceutical purposes.
A Theoretical Study on the Underlying Factors of the Difference in Performance of Organic Solar Cells Based on ITIC and Its Isomers
Authors: Huang Si-Qi , Wang Li-Li , Pan Qing-Qing , Zhao Zhi-Wen , Gao Ying , Su Zhong-Min
Published: October 2023

Recently, non-fullerene-based organic solar cells (OSCs) have made great breakthroughs, and small structural differences can have dramatic impacts on the power conversion efficiency (PCE). We take ITIC and its isomers as examples to study their effects on the performance of OSCs. ITIC and NFBDT only differed in the side chain position, and they were used as models with the same donor molecule, PBDB-T, to investigate the main reasons for the difference in their performance in terms of theoretical methods. In this work, a detailed comparative analysis of the electronic structure, absorption spectra, open circuit voltage and interfacial parameters of the ITIC and NFBDT systems was performed mainly by combining the density functional theory/time-dependent density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations. The results showed that the lowest excited state of the ITIC molecule possessed a larger ∆q and more hybrid FE/CT states, and PBDB-T/ITIC had more charge separation paths as well as a larger kCS and smaller kCR. The reason for the performance difference between PBDB-T/ITIC and PBDB-T/NFBDT was elucidated, suggesting that ITIC is a superior acceptor based on a slight modulation of the side chain and providing a guiding direction for the design of superior-performing small molecule acceptor materials.
The Use of Iron-Doped Anatase TiO2 Nanofibers for Enhanced Photocatalytic Fenton-like Reaction to Degrade Tylosin
Authors: Wang Xiao , Lu Wei , Zhang Shangui , Guo Changqing , Yang Kai , Sun Yan , Shao Yashi , Li Qiyuan , Bu Mingsheng , Wu Lianfeng , Wang Bo , Yang Dongjiang
Published: October 2023

The removal of antibiotics from wastewater to prevent their environmental accumulation is significant for human health and ecosystems. Herein, iron (Fe)-atom-doped anatase TiO2 nanofibers (Fe-TNs) were manufactured for the photocatalytic Fenton-like decomposition of tylosin (TYL) under LED illumination. Compared with the pristine TiO2 nanofibers (TNs), the optimized Fe-TNs exhibited improved visible-light-driven photocatalytic Fenton-like activity with a TYL degradation efficiency of 98.5% within 4 h. The effective TYL degradation could be attributed to the expanded optical light absorption and accelerated separation and migration of photogenerated electrons and holes after the introduction of Fe. The photogenerated electrons were highly conducive to the generation of active SO4•− radicals as they facilitated Fe(III)/Fe(II) cycles, and to oxidizing TYL. Moreover, the holes could be involved in TYL degradation. Thus, a significant enhancement in TYL degradation could be achieved. This research verifies the use of iron-doped anatase nanofibers as an effective method to synthesize novel photocatalytic Fenton-like catalysts through surface engineering for wastewater remediation.
A Simple Screening and Optimization Bioprocess for Long-Chain Peptide Catalysts Applied to Asymmetric Aldol Reaction
Authors: Wang Shulin , Teng Haidong , Wang Lan , Li Pengcheng , Yuan Xinghao , Sang Xi , Wu Jianping , Yang Lirong , Xu Gang
Published: October 2023

Peptides have demonstrated their efficacy as catalysts in asymmetric aldol reactions. But the constraints inherent in chemical synthesis have imposed limitations on the viability of long-chain peptide catalysts. A noticeable dearth of tools has impeded the swift and effective screening of peptide catalysts using biological methods. To address this, we introduce a straightforward bioprocess for the screening of peptide catalysts for asymmetric aldol reactions. We synthesized several peptides through this method and obtained a 15-amino acid peptide. This peptide exhibited asymmetric aldol catalytic activity, achieving 77% ee in DMSO solvent and 63% ee with over an 80.8% yield in DMSO mixed with a pH 9.0 buffer solution. The successful application of our innovative approach not only represents an advancement but also paves the way for currently unexplored research avenues.
Research Progress of Dihydroquercetin in the Treatment of Skin Diseases
Authors: Liu Ziyang , Qiu Dengjun , Yang Tong , Su Jingxu , Liu Chengyuan , Su Xinyue , Li Anning , Sun Pingping , Li Jianguo , Yan Li , Ding Chuanbo , Zhang Shuai
Published: October 2023

Skin is a barrier to maintaining the stability of the human environment and preventing the invasion of pathogens. When skin tissue is exposed to the external environment, it will inevitably develop defects due to trauma, injury, burns, ulcers, surgery, and chronic diseases. Rapid skin repair is the key to reducing infection, relieving pain, and improving quality of life. Dihydroquercetin is a kind of flavonoid that has a wide range of pharmacological activities and can improve skin repair, skin inflammation, skin cancer, and so on. In this paper, the application of dihydroquercetin in medical dressings and the research progress in the treatment of skin-related diseases are reviewed, so as to provide reference for further developing dihydroquercetin as a drug for the treatment of skin diseases.
Effect of Chestnut (Castanea Mollissima Blume) Bur Polyphenol Extract on Shigella dysenteriae: Antibacterial Activity and the Mechanism
Authors: Peng Fei , Chen Linan , Wang Xiuping , Yu Zuoqing , Cheng Caihong , Yang Yuedong
Published: October 2023

Shigella dysenteriae is a highly pathogenic microorganism that can cause human bacillary dysentery by contaminating food and drinking water. This study investigated the antibacterial activity of chestnut bur polyphenol extract (CBPE) on S. dysenteriae and the underlying mechanism. The results showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CBPE for S. dysenteriae was 0.4 mg/mL, and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 1.6 mg/mL. CBPE treatment irreversibly disrupted cell morphology, decreased cell activity, and increased cell membrane permeability, cell membrane depolarization, and cell content leakage of S. dysenteriae, indicating that CBPE has obvious destructive effects on the cell membrane and cell wall of S. dysenteriae. Combined transcriptomic and metabolomics analysis revealed that CBPE inhibits S. dysenteriae by interfering with ABC protein transport, sulfur metabolism, purine metabolism, amino acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and some other pathways. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of S. dysenteriae infection with extract from chestnut burs.
Antidepressant-like Effects of Representative Types of Food and Their Possible Mechanisms
Authors: Piao Jingjing , Wang Yingwei , Zhang Tianqi , Zhao Jiayu , Lv Qianyu , Ruan Mengyu , Yu Qin , Li Bingjin
Published: October 2023

Depression is a mental disorder characterized by low mood, lack of motivation, negative cognitive outlook, and sleep problems. Suicide may occur in severe cases, although suicidal thoughts are not seen in all cases. Globally, an estimated 350 million individuals grapple with depression, as reported by the World Health Organization. At present, drug and psychological treatments are the main treatments, but they produce insufficient responses in many patients and fail to work at all in many others. Consequently, treating depression has long been an important topic in society. Given the escalating prevalence of depression, a comprehensive strategy for managing its symptoms and impacts has garnered significant attention. In this context, nutritional psychiatry emerges as a promising avenue. Extensive research has underscored the potential benefits of a well-rounded diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat in alleviating depressive symptoms. However, the intricate mechanisms linking dietary interventions to brain function alterations remain largely unexplored. This review delves into the intricate relationship between dietary patterns and depression, while exploring the plausible mechanisms underlying the impact of dietary interventions on depression management. As we endeavor to unveil the pathways through which nutrition influences mental well-being, a holistic perspective that encompasses multidisciplinary strategies gains prominence, potentially reshaping how we approach and address depression.
Development and Validation of a UHPLC–MS/MS Method for the Quantification of a Novel PYGB Inhibitor in Plasma: Application to Pharmacokinetic Studies
Authors: Xu Sumei , Li Shuai , Yan Zhiwei , Wang Youde , Zhang Liying
Published: October 2023

In previous studies, we reported compound 1 (5-chloro-N-(4-oxo-2,2-dipropyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[e][1,3]oxazin-6-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide) as a novel PYGB inhibitor, and found that it had better anti-ischemic brain injury activity. In this study, we established and validated a novel UHPLC–MS/MS method for the quantitative determination of compound 1 in plasma, then applied the method to study the pharmacokinetic parameters and brain tissue distribution of compound 1 in SD (Sprague—Dawley) rats after intravenous administration. The experimental results showed that the method met the validation requirements set by the US FDA in terms of linearity, accuracy, precision, and stability. The validated method was then used for pharmacokinetic studies in rat plasma, and it was found that compound 1 exhibited linear pharmacokinetic characteristics when administered in the dose range of 0.8–3.2 mg/kg. Finally, we also conducted a brief preliminary investigation of the brain tissue distribution of compound 1 in rats after injection and found that the brain tissue concentrations at 0.25 h and 2 h of administration were 440 ± 19.1 ng/kg and 111 ± 23.9 ng/kg, respectively. Additionally, the CBrain/CPlasma ratio was 0.112 ± 0.0185 and 0.112 ± 0.0292, respectively. These results indicated that compound 1 was able to cross the blood–brain barrier. This study provides important support for the application of compound 1 in ischemic brain injury diseases.
The History of Animal and Plant Sulfite Oxidase—A Personal View
Authors: Mendel Ralf R. , Schwarz Günter
Published: October 2023

Sulfite oxidase is one of five molybdenum-containing enzymes known in eukaryotes where it catalyzes the oxidation of sulfite to sulfate. This review covers the history of sulfite oxidase research starting out with the early years of its discovery as a hepatic mitochondrial enzyme in vertebrates, leading to basic biochemical and structural properties that have inspired research for decades. A personal view on sulfite oxidase in plants, that sulfates are assimilated for their de novo synthesis of cysteine, is presented by Ralf Mendel with numerous unexpected findings and unique properties of this single-cofactor sulfite oxidase localized to peroxisomes. Guenter Schwarz connects his research to sulfite oxidase via its deficiency in humans, demonstrating its unique role amongst all molybdenum enzymes in humans. In essence, in both the plant and animal kingdoms, sulfite oxidase represents an important player in redox regulation, signaling and metabolism, thereby connecting sulfur and nitrogen metabolism in multiple ways.
Allergens and Other Harmful Substances in Hydroalcoholic Gels: Compliance with Current Regulation
Authors: Castiñeira-Landeira Ana , Vazquez Lua , Dagnac Thierry , Celeiro Maria , Llompart María
Published: October 2023

Hydroalcoholic gels or hand sanitisers have become essential products to prevent and mitigate the transmission of COVID-19. Depending on their use, they can be classified as cosmetics (cleaning the skin) or biocides (with antimicrobial effects). The aim of this work was to determine sixty personal care products frequently found in cosmetic formulations, including fragrance allergens, synthetic musks, preservatives and plasticisers, in hydroalcoholic gels and evaluate their compliance with the current regulation. A simple and fast analytical methodology based on solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS/MS) was validated and applied to 67 real samples. Among the 60 target compounds, 47 of them were found in the analysed hand sanitisers, highlighting the high number of fragrance allergens (up to 23) at concentrations of up to 32,458 μg g−1. Most of the samples did not comply with the labelling requirements of the EU Regulation No 1223/2009, and some of them even contained compounds banned in cosmetic products such as plasticisers. Method sustainability was also evaluated using the metric tool AGREEPrep, demonstrating its greenness.
A Small De Novo CNV Deletion of the Paternal Copy of FOXF1, Leaving lncRNA FENDRR Intact, Provides Insight into Their Bidirectional Promoter Region
Authors: Szafranski Przemyslaw , Stankiewicz Paweł
Published: October 2023

Pathogenic single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and copy-number variant (CNV) deletions involving the FOXF1 transcription factor gene or CNV deletions of its distant lung-specific enhancer are responsible for alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins (ACDMPV), a rarely diagnosed lethal lung developmental disorder in neonates. In contrast to SNVs within FOXF1 and CNV deletions involving only the FOXF1 enhancer, larger-sized deletions involving FOXF1 and the adjacent, oppositely oriented lncRNA gene FENDRR have additionally been associated with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and single umbilical artery (SUA). Here, in an ACDMPV infant without any congenital heart defect or SUA, we identified a small 5 kb CNV deletion that removed the paternal allele of FOXF1 and its promoter, leaving FENDRR and its promoter intact. Reporter assay in the IMR-90 fetal cell line implied that the deletion may indeed not have significantly affected FENDRR expression. It also showed a polarization of the FOXF1-FENDRR inter-promoter region consisting of its ability to increase the transcription of FENDRR but not FOXF1. Interestingly, this transcription-stimulating activity was suppressed in the presence of the FOXF1 promoter. Our data shed more light on the interactions between neighboring promoters of FOXF1-FENDRR and possibly other divergently transcribed mRNA-lncRNA gene pairs.
Valley-Selective High Harmonic Generation and Polarization Induced by an Orthogonal Two-Color Laser Field
Authors: Liu Xi , Liu Dongdong , Sun Yan , Li Yujie , Zhang Cui
Published: October 2023

The valley pseudospin properties of electrons in two-dimensional hexagonal materials result in many fascinating physical phenomena, which opens up the new field of valleytronics. The valley-contrasting physics aims at distinguishing the valley degree of freedom based on valley-dependent effects. Here, we theoretically demonstrate that both of the valley-selective high harmonic generation and valley-selective electronic excitation can be achieved by using an orthogonal two-color (OTC) laser field in gapped graphene. It is shown that the asymmetry degrees of harmonic yields in the plateaus, cutoff energies of generated harmonics and electron populations from two different valleys can be precisely controlled by the relative phase of the OTC laser field. Thus, the selectivity of the dominant valley for the harmonic radiation and electronic polarization can be switched by adjusting the relative phase of the OTC laser field. Our work offers an all-optical route to produce the valley-resolved high harmonic emissions and manipulate the ultrafast valley polarization on a femtosecond timescale in condensed matter.
Harnessing Symbiotic Mixotrophic Microalgal–Bacterial Biofilms for N and P Elimination
Authors: Sedghi Mahshid , Fagan John , Sedghi Soheil , Küpper Frithjof C. , Amils Ricardo
Published: October 2023

Symbiotic microalgal–bacterial biofilms can be very attractive for potato wastewater treatment. Microalgae remove nitrogen and phosphorus and simultaneously produce the oxygen that is required for the aerobic, heterotrophic degradation of organic pollutants. In this study, symbiotic microalgal–bacterial biofilms were grown in flow cells with ammonium and phosphate, and with acetate as a simulated biodegradable organic pollutant. The symbiotic biofilms removed acetate without an external oxygen or carbon dioxide supply, but ammonium and phosphate could not be completely removed. The biofilm was shown to have a considerable heterotrophic denitrification capacity. The symbiotic relationship between microalgae and aerobic heterotrophs was proven by subsequently removing light and acetate. In both cases, this resulted in the cessation of the symbiosis and in increasing effluent concentrations of both acetate and the nutrients ammonium and phosphate.
Impact of Heat and Drought Stress on Grasspea and Its Wild Relatives
Authors: Aloui Khawla , Choukri Hasnae , El Haddad Noureddine , Gupta Priyanka , El Bouhmadi Keltoum , Emmrich Peter M. F. , Singh Akanksha , Edwards Anne , Maalouf Fouad , Bouhlal Outmane , Staples Jasmine , Kumar Shiv
Published: October 2023

Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is recognized as a highly drought-tolerant legume. However, excessive consumption of its seeds and green tissues causes neurolathyrism, a condition characterized by an irreversible paralysis of the legs induced by a neurotoxin amino acid called β-N-oxalyl-L-α, β- diaminopropionic acid (β-ODAP). The present study investigated the effects of heat, and combined heat + drought during the reproductive phase on physiological and phenological parameters, yield-related factors, ODAP content, and seed protein of 24 genotypes representing 11 Lathyrus species under controlled conditions. Analysis of variance revealed a highly significant effect (p < 0.001) of stress treatments and genotypes for all the traits. In general, heat stress individually or in combination with drought expedited phenology, reduced relative leaf water content, stimulated proline synthesis, and influenced chlorophyll concentration; the effects were more severe under the combined heat + drought stress. ODAP content in seeds ranged from 0.06 to 0.30% under no-stress conditions. However, under heat stress, there was a significant increase of 33% in ODAP content, and under combined stress (heat + drought), the increase reached 83%. Crude protein content ranged from 15.64 to 28.67% among no stress plants and decreased significantly by 23% under heat stress and by 36% under combined stress. The findings of this study also indicated substantial reductions in growth and grain yield traits under both heat stress and combined heat + drought stress. Six accessions namely IG 66026, IG 65018, IG 65687, IG 118511, IG 64931, and IG65273 were identified as having the most favorable combination of yield, protein content, and seed ODAP levels across all conditions. ODAP content in these six accessions varied from 0.07 to 0.11% under no stress and remained at moderate levels during both heat stress (0.09–0.14%) and combined stress (0.11–0.17%). IG 66026 was identified as the most stable genotype under drought and heat stress conditions with high protein content, and low ODAP content. By identifying those promising accessions, our results have established a basis for forthcoming grasspea breeding initiatives while paving the way for future research exploration into the fundamental mechanisms driving ODAP variation in the presence of both heat and drought stress conditions.
QTL Mapping of Zeaxanthin Content in Sweet Corn Using Recombinant Inbred Line Population across Different Environments
Authors: Zhang Yahui , Tang Yunqi , Jin Weicai , Liu Yu , Li Guangyu , Zhong Wenhao , Huang Jun , Wang Wenyi
Published: October 2023

Zeaxanthin is a naturally occurring xanthophyll carotenoid obtained from diet sources. Particularly, sweet corn is a major source of dietary zeaxanthin. To investigate the genetic basis of zeaxanthin content regulation in sweet corn, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population comprising 191 families was constructed using two inbred lines (K44 and F22) with contrasting zeaxanthin content in the grain. The zeaxanthin content in the dry grains of this population grown at different locations was determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Subsequently, 175 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to construct a linkage map with a total length of 4322.37 cM and with an average distance of 24.4 cM. A total of eight QTLs located on chromosomes 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10 were detected. The QTLs located in umc1632-umc1401 on chromosome 7 were detected in different environments and explained 11.28–20.25% of the phenotypic variation, implying it is the main QTL controlling zeaxanthin content in the dry grains of sweet corn. Collectively, the present study provides a genetic map and theoretical guidance for the cultivation of sweet corn varieties with a high zeaxanthin content.
Zinc and Boron Soil Applications Affect Athelia rolfsii Stress Response in Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Plants
Authors: Bhadra Tamalika , Mahapatra Chandan Kumar , Hosenuzzaman Md. , Gupta Dipali Rani , Hashem Abeer , Avila-Quezada Graciela Dolores , Abd_Allah Elsayed Fathi , Hoque Md. Anamul , Paul Swapan Kumar
Published: October 2023

Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) constitutes an initial defense approach in plants during pathogen infection. Here, the effects of the two micronutrients, namely, zinc (Zn) and boron (B), on enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant properties, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in leaves and roots challenged with Athelia rolfsii, which cause root rot disease, were investigated. The findings revealed that Zn and B application to the potting soil alleviated the adverse effect of A. rolfsii on sugar beet plants and increased the chlorophyll content in leaves. The increased enzymatic antioxidant activities such as catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and non-enzymatic antioxidants such as ascorbic acid (AsA) were observed in Zn applied plants compared to both uninoculated and inoculated control plants. A significant rise in CAT activity was noted in both leaves (335.1%) and roots (264.82%) due to the Zn2B1.5 + Ar treatment, in comparison to the inoculated control plants. On the other hand, B did not enhance the activity of any one of them except AsA. Meanwhile, A. rolfsii infection led to the increased accumulation of MDA content both in the leaves and roots of sugar beet plants. Interestingly, reduced MDA content was recorded in leaves and roots treated with both Zn and B. The results of this study demonstrate that both Zn and B played a vital role in A. rofsii tolerance in sugar beet, while Zn enhances antioxidant enzyme activities, B appeared to have a less pronounced effect on modulating the antioxidant system to alleviate the adverse effect of A. rolfsii.
Assessing the Effect of Glyphosate Toxicity on Lemna minor in Different Temperature Regimes
Authors: Eck-Varanka Bettina , Kováts Nóra , Hubai Katalin , Sainnokhoi Tsend-Ayush
Published: October 2023

Temperature-dependent chemical toxicity has become a crucial issue taking into consideration that lakes, especially shallow waterbodies, are impacted by climate change worldwide. In this study, we are looking for an answer to what extent standard ecotoxicity assays being performed under constant and relatively low temperatures are capable of predicting the chemical risk posed by pesticides. Lemna minor test plants were exposed to glyphosate in concentrations in the range of 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/L at temperatures 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C. Two peaks appeared when growth inhibition was assessed; lower concentrations elucidated higher inhibition, at 20 °C, while higher concentrations were found at a higher temperature of 30 °C. The toxic effect experienced at 20 °C indicates that reported PNEC values cannot be sufficient to protect non-target aquatic species in certain environmental scenarios. In addition to growth inhibition, phytotoxicity was also assessed based on peroxidase (POD) concentrations. In general, POD showed greater sensitivity, already showing a response at the lowest temperature tested, 10 °C. Decreased POD activity was detected in the temperature range of 10–30 °C, most probably indicating damage to cell and plasma membranes.
Proppant Migration Law Considering Complex Fractures
Authors: Kong Cuilong , Yang Liyong , Guo Xinhui , Tian Fuchun , Li Yuwei
Published: October 2023

The placement of proppant within fractures is critical to the effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing. To elucidate the migration and placement patterns of proppant within multi-branched fractures during hydraulic fracturing, we conducted simulation experiments under both single-fracture and multi-branched-fracture conditions, varying injection rates and proppant sizes. The results of the research indicate that increasing the injection rate effectively increases the magnitude of vortex formation at the leading edge of sandbars and the drag forces acting on the proppant particles, resulting in increased particle migration distances. However, effective proppant packing near the wellbore entrance is not achieved at higher injection rates, leaving the fractures susceptible to closure under in situ stress, thereby reducing overall fracture conductivity. In addition, increasing the proppant size results in higher settling velocities and weakens the vortex’s ability to entrain the proppant particles. This results in shorter proppant placement distances, and the proppant cannot effectively reach the distant branched fractures. In addition, the diversionary effect of the branched fractures gradually reduces the flow rate in the distant branches, resulting in poorer proppant placement efficiency. Based on these findings, we recommend an approach that initially increases injection rates while reducing proppant size to ensure proppant placement in distant wellbore fractures and branched fracture networks. Subsequently, larger proppants can be used to effectively fill fractures close to the wellbore.
Experimental Study of the Influences of Operating Parameters on the Performance, Energy and Exergy Characteristics of a Turbocharged Marine Low-Speed Engine
Authors: Zhang Heng , Long Wuqiang , Xiao Ge , Tian Jiangping , Li Bo , Wang Dawei , Qian Yuehua
Published: October 2023

With appropriate strategy of EVC timing and fuel injection, the engine NOx emission could be reduced with acceptable deterioration of fuel consumption. However, for the mechanism of these favorable results, few studies focus on improving the fuel economy from the perspective of energy and exergy analysis, which could be helpful for providing a deeper comprehensive to researchers. Therefore, an experimental study for the combination of EVC timing and fuel injection strategy is conducted based on a marine low-speed engine with 340 mm bore, then the energy and the exergy analysis are separately carried out according to the obtained experimental results. The experimental results show that delaying the exhaust valve closing (EVC), complemented with an appropriate injection strategy, could improve the marine low-speed diesel engine brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) with the NOx emission almost kept constant. The following energy balance analysis demonstrates that the losses from exhaust gas and heat transfer account for about 50% of total energy. However, from the perspective of exergy analysis, an opposite conclusion could be obtained; the proportion of exhaust gas and heat transfer exergy could reach about 15%, and the ratio of heat transfer could be higher relatively. The losses caused by irreversibility is the biggest source of all, and the irreversibility from combustion could takes about 70% of the total irreversibility. Finally, the reduction of total irreversibility could reach about 4% by optimizing the parameters of marine low-speed engines.
ISCSO-PTCN-BIGRU Prediction Model for Fracture Risk Grade of Gas-Containing Coal Fracture
Authors: Fu Hua , Lei Tian
Published: October 2023

A multi-strategy improved sand cat swarm algorithm with PTCN-BIGRU is proposed to solve the problem of predicting the risk level of gas-containing coal fracture. Combined with kernel entropy component analysis to downscale the gas-containing coal fracture risk level predictors, TCN is used for feature extraction by parallel convolution operation, and BiGRU is used to further obtain the contextual links of the features. A parameterized exponential linear unit based on the standard TCN is used to improve the linear unit and to enhance the generalization capability of the model. Combined with the sand cat swarm optimization algorithm to determine the optimal BIGRU network parameters, Singer chaos mapping, chaos decreasing factor, and adaptive t-distribution are used to improve the SCSO for optimal risk level prediction accuracy. The results show that the prediction accuracy of the ISCSO-PTCN-BiGRU model is 93.33%, which is better than other models, and it is proved that this paper can effectively improve the prediction accuracy of gas-containing coal fracture risk level. This research adds a theoretical support for the prevention of gas protrusion accidents and a guarantee for the safety of underground production in coal mines.
Modeling Wet Air Oxidation of Sodium Acetate in a Bubble Column
Authors: Bi Jinghao , Qin Weijun , Xie Dongjie , Xie Fan , Xu Xiao
Published: October 2023

Scale-up bubble columns for wet air oxidation (WAO) represent a novel solution to the growing problem of sodium acetate-containing waste discharge. This study used an axial dispersion model to simulate a reactor at a high temperature of 320 °C. By minimizing the structure size and gas fed into the system, the estimated optimal reactor dimensions were obtained. At the optimized reactor diameter, total height, initial oxygen partial pressure, and superficial gas velocity of 1 m, 7 m, 40 bar, and 0.07 m/s, respectively, a degradation efficiency of over 90% was obtained, at which the residual concentration of sodium acetate degraded from 700 mol/m3 to 70 mol/m3. The axial distributions of the dissolved oxygen, sodium acetate, and oxygen concentrations in the gas were nearly uniform. The bubble column reactor exhibited an intermediate state between well-mixed flow and plug flow for both liquid and gas.