bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Species Delimitation of Argonauta Paralarvae Reveals an Extensive Morphological Variability in the Northern Humboldt Current System
Authors: Orosco Ximena , Ayón Patricia , Sotil Giovanna , Ramirez Jorge L.
Published: May 2024

Argonauts or paper nautiluses are pelagic octopod cephalopods with a cosmopolitan distribution in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. Unlike other species of octopus, these are characterized by the fact that the female has a shell that serves as the breeding chamber for the eggs. Over time, this structure has been used as a taxonomic diagnostic character, causing problems in the systematics of this genus, with around 50 synonymies reported. Only two species, Argonauta argo and A. nouryi, have been reported in the Northern Humboldt Current System; however, there is taxonomic uncertainty regarding these species, which is reflected in the paralarvae (the first stage of life after hatching). In the paralarvae, the chromatophore patterns are considered to be conservative and reliable taxonomic characteristics. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the extensive variability in the chromatophore arrangement of Argonauta paralarvae in the Northern Humboldt Current using DNA barcoding and five species delimitation models. Our results include up to 11 different paralarvae morphotypes according to the pattern of chromatophores (number and arrangement) and 2 shell morphotypes. Species delimitation methods divided the 13 Argonauta morphotypes into two consensus molecular taxonomic units (MOTUs), A. argo and A. nouryi. Additionally, the results revealed an extensive morphological variability in the paralarvae and female shells of A. nouryi, demonstrating the importance of molecular data in studies involving species with different life stages, especially when this extensive morphological variability obscures conventional analyses.
Diagnostic Accuracy of MMP-8 and IL-6-Based Point-of-Care Testing to Detect Peritoneal Dialysis-Related Peritonitis: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Ibrahim Rania , Hijazi Mido Max , AlAli Fadwa , Hamad Abdullah , Bushra Ahlam , Mirow Lutz , Siepmann Timo
Published: May 2024

Background: Peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis (PDRP) is the most common complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), which can lead to poor outcomes if not diagnosed and treated early. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of MMP-8 and IL-6-based point-of-care tests (POCTs) in diagnosing PDRP in PD patients. Methods: This retrospective chart review study was conducted at a comprehensive kidney center in Qatar. It involved all adult PD patients who underwent PDRP from July 2018 to October 2019 and for whom MMP-8 and IL-6-based POCTs were used to diagnose presumptive peritonitis. Measures of diagnostic accuracy were computed. Peritoneal fluid effluent analysis was the reference standard. Results: We included 120 patients (68 [56.7%] females, ages 55.6 ± 15.6 years, treatment duration 39.5 ± 30.4 months [range: 5–142 months]). In this population, MMP-8 and IL-6-based POCTs yielded 100% in all dimensions of diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values). Conclusions: MMP-8 and IL-6-based POCTs might be helpful in the early detection of PDRP. This monocentric observation requires further confirmation in a prospective multicentric setting.
Evaluating Cellularity Estimation Methods: Comparing AI Counting with Pathologists’ Visual Estimates
Authors: Kiyuna Tomoharu , Cosatto Eric , Hatanaka Kanako C. , Yokose Tomoyuki , Tsuta Koji , Motoi Noriko , Makita Keishi , Shimizu Ai , Shinohara Toshiya , Suzuki Akira , Takakuwa Emi , Takakuwa Yasunari , Tsuji Takahiro , Tsujiwaki Mitsuhiro , Yanai Mitsuru , Yuzawa Sayaka , Ogura Maki , Hatanaka Yutaka
Published: May 2024

The development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has enabled the discovery of cancer-specific driver gene alternations, making precision medicine possible. However, accurate genetic testing requires a sufficient amount of tumor cells in the specimen. The evaluation of tumor content ratio (TCR) from hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained images has been found to vary between pathologists, making it an important challenge to obtain an accurate TCR. In this study, three pathologists exhaustively labeled all cells in 41 regions from 41 lung cancer cases as either tumor, non-tumor or indistinguishable, thus establishing a “gold standard” TCR. We then compared the accuracy of the TCR estimated by 13 pathologists based on visual assessment and the TCR calculated by an AI model that we have developed. It is a compact and fast model that follows a fully convolutional neural network architecture and produces cell detection maps which can be efficiently post-processed to obtain tumor and non-tumor cell counts from which TCR is calculated. Its raw cell detection accuracy is 92% while its classification accuracy is 84%. The results show that the error between the gold standard TCR and the AI calculation was significantly smaller than that between the gold standard TCR and the pathologist’s visual assessment (p<0.05). Additionally, the robustness of AI models across institutions is a key issue and we demonstrate that the variation in AI was smaller than that in the average of pathologists when evaluated by institution. These findings suggest that the accuracy of tumor cellularity assessments in clinical workflows is significantly improved by the introduction of robust AI models, leading to more efficient genetic testing and ultimately to better patient outcomes.
Developing a Novel Murine Meningococcal Meningitis Model Using a Capsule-Null Bacterial Strain
Authors: Caracoti Viorela-I. , Caracoti Costin-Ș. , Ancuța Diana L. , Ioniță Fabiola , Muntean Andrei-A. , Bhide Mangesh , Popa Gabriela L. , Popa Mircea I. , Coman Cristin
Published: May 2024

Background: Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) is a Gram-negative bacterium that colonises the nasopharynx of about 10% of the healthy human population. Under certain conditions, it spreads into the body, causing infections with high morbidity and mortality rates. Although the capsule is the key virulence factor, unencapsulated strains have proved to possess significant clinical implications as well. Meningococcal meningitis is a primarily human infection, with limited animal models that are dependent on a variety of parameters such as bacterial virulence and mouse strain. In this study, we aimed to develop a murine Neisseria meningitidis meningitis model to be used in the study of various antimicrobial compounds. Method: We used a capsule-deficient Neisseria meningitidis strain that was thoroughly analysed through various methods. The bacterial strain was incubated for 48 h in brain–heart infusion (BHI) broth before being concentrated and injected intracisternally to bypass the blood–brain barrier in CD-1 mice. This prolonged incubation time was a key factor in increasing the virulence of the bacterial strain. A total of three more differently prepared inoculums were tested to further solidify the importance of the protocol (a 24-h incubated inoculum, a diluted inoculum, and an inactivated inoculum). Antibiotic treatment groups were also established. The clinical parameters and number of deaths were recorded over a period of 5 days, and comatose mice with no chance of recovery were euthanised. Results: The bacterial strain was confirmed to have no capsule but was found to harbour a total of 56 genes coding virulence factors, and its antibiotic susceptibility was established. Meningitis was confirmed through positive tissue culture and histological evaluation, where specific lesions were observed, such as perivascular sheaths with inflammatory infiltrate. In the treatment groups, survival rates were significantly higher (up to 81.25% in one of the treatment groups compared to 18.75% in the control group). Conclusion: We managed to successfully develop a cost-efficient murine (using simple CD-1 mice instead of expensive transgenic mice) meningococcal meningitis model using an unencapsulated strain with a novel method of preparation.
ABCD2-I Score Predicts Unplanned Emergency Department Revisits within 72 Hours Due to Recurrent Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lu Wei-Zhen , Lin Hui-An , Hou Sen-Kuang , Lin Sheng-Feng
Published: May 2024

Background: the ABCD2 score is valuable for predicting early stroke recurrence after a transient ischemic attack (TIA), and Doppler ultrasound can aid in expediting stroke triage. The study aimed to investigate whether combining the ABCD2 score with carotid duplex results can enhance the identification of early acute ischemic stroke after TIA. Methods: we employed a retrospective cohort design for this study, enrolling patients diagnosed with TIA who were discharged from the emergency department (ED). The modified ABCD2-I (c50) score, which incorporates a Doppler ultrasound assessment of internal carotid artery stenosis > 50%, was used to evaluate the risk of acute ischemic stroke within 72 h. Patients were categorized into three risk groups: low risk (with ABCD2 and ABCD2-I scores = 0–4), moderate risk (ABCD2 score = 4–5 and ABCD2-I score = 5–7), and high risk (ABCD2 score = 6–7 and ABCD2-I score = 8–9). Results: between 1 January 2014, and 31 December 2019, 1124 patients with new neurological deficits were screened, with 151 TIA patients discharged from the ED and included in the analysis. Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that patients in the high-risk group, as per the ABCD2-I (c50) score, were significantly associated with revisiting the ED within 72 h due to acute ischemic stroke (HR: 3.12, 95% CI: 1.31–7.41, p = 0.0102), while the ABCD2 alone did not show significant association (HR: 1.12, 95% CI: 0.57–2.22, p = 0.7427). Conclusion: ABCD2-I (c50) scores effectively predict early acute ischemic stroke presentations to the ED within 72 h after TIA.
The Interplay between Tunneling and Parity Violation in Chiral Molecules
Authors: Martínez-Gil Daniel , Bargueño Pedro , Miret-Artés Salvador
Published: May 2024

In this review, the concepts of quantum tunneling and parity violation are introduced in the context of chiral molecules. A particle moving in a double well potential provides a good model to study the behavior of chiral molecules, where the left well and right well represent the L and R enantiomers, respectively. If the model considers the quantum behavior of matter, the concept of quantum tunneling emerges, giving place to stereomutation dynamics between left- and right-handed chiral molecules. Parity-violating interactions, like the electroweak one, can be also considered, making possible the existence of an energy difference between the L and R enantiomers, the so-called parity-violating energy difference (PVED). Here we provide a brief account of some theoretical methods usually employed to calculate this PVED, also commenting on relevant experiments devoted to experimentally detect the aforementioned PVED in chiral molecules. Finally, we comment on some ways of solving the so-called Hund’s paradox, with emphasis on mean-field theory and decoherence.
Testing the Conjecture That Quantum Processes Create Conscious Experience
Authors: Neven Hartmut , Zalcman Adam , Read Peter , Kosik Kenneth S. , van der Molen Tjitse , Bouwmeester Dirk , Bodnia Eve , Turin Luca , Koch Christof
Published: May 2024

The question of what generates conscious experience has mesmerized thinkers since the dawn of humanity, yet its origins remain a mystery. The topic of consciousness has gained traction in recent years, thanks to the development of large language models that now arguably pass the Turing test, an operational test for intelligence. However, intelligence and consciousness are not related in obvious ways, as anyone who suffers from a bad toothache can attest—pain generates intense feelings and absorbs all our conscious awareness, yet nothing particularly intelligent is going on. In the hard sciences, this topic is frequently met with skepticism because, to date, no protocol to measure the content or intensity of conscious experiences in an observer-independent manner has been agreed upon. Here, we present a novel proposal: Conscious experience arises whenever a quantum mechanical superposition forms. Our proposal has several implications: First, it suggests that the structure of the superposition determines the qualia of the experience. Second, quantum entanglement naturally solves the binding problem, ensuring the unity of phenomenal experience. Finally, a moment of agency may coincide with the formation of a superposition state. We outline a research program to experimentally test our conjecture via a sequence of quantum biology experiments. Applying these ideas opens up the possibility of expanding human conscious experience through brain–quantum computer interfaces.
Facilitators of Success for Teacher Professional Development in Literacy Teaching Using a Micro-Credential Model of Delivery
Authors: Scott Amy , Gath Megan E. , Gillon Gail , McNeill Brigid , Ghosh Dorian
Published: May 2024

Teachers play a critical role in supporting the early literacy development of students; however, keeping up with evidence-based practice while performing a busy teaching role can be challenging. Micro-credentials are one potential route for keeping teachers up to date with the best practices for literacy teaching due to their ability to provide targeted and flexible professional development opportunities. The current study used a mixed-methods design to evaluate two micro-credential courses being offered through the Better Start Literacy Approach. The Better Start Literacy Approach (BSLA) is an evidence-based, structured literacy approach, targeted at 5–7-year-old children in New Zealand. An online survey was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 263 teachers and literacy specialists regarding their experience of completing the BSLA micro-credential training. Overall, respondents reported positive experiences, describing how the micro-credential changed their teaching practice, built their knowledge of effective literacy instruction and led to measurable progress in students’ literacy skills. Several design features were highlighted as useful, including the ability to revisit videos and resources multiple times, the organization into modules and the ‘24/7’ nature of access. Findings from the current research demonstrate the importance of utilizing key course design decisions to ensure accessibility and the potential for the positive impact of micro-credentials in the education sector.
Structural Impediments Impacting Early-Career Women of Color STEM Faculty Careers
Authors: Woods Johnny C. , Lane Tonisha B. , Huggins Natali , Leggett Watson Allyson , Jan Faika Tahir , Johnson Austin Saundra , Thomas Sylvia
Published: May 2024

Women of Color faculty continue to experience many challenges in their careers, especially in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. As such, more research is needed that considers structural issues inhibiting their success. Using structuration theory and critical race feminism as a conceptual framework, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 faculty and administrators in STEM departments at higher education institutions to investigate their perceptions of structural impediments impacting early-career Women of Color STEM faculty careers. Our findings revealed the need to establish policies that are clear, documented, and transparent. Additionally, incremental approaches to tenure and promotion evaluations should be reconsidered, especially when this approach may position Women of Color faculty to appear as if they are underperforming, when the opposite may be true. Furthermore, as higher education institutions endeavor to diversify the professoriate, this study is significant in enabling institutions and STEM departments to be aware of systemic issues confronting them to make significant inroads in retaining and advancing Women of Color faculty in these disciplines.
Advantages and Pitfalls of Dataset Condensation: An Approach to Keyword Spotting with Time-Frequency Representations
Authors: Pereira Pedro Henrique , Beccaro Wesley , Arjona Ramírez Miguel
Published: May 2024

With the exponential growth of data, the need for efficient techniques to extract relevant information from datasets becomes increasingly imperative. Reducing the training data can be useful for applications wherein storage space or computational resources are limited. In this work, we explore the concept of data condensation (DC) in the context of keyword spotting systems (KWS). Using deep learning architectures and time-frequency speech representations, we have obtained condensed speech signal representations using gradient matching with Efficient Synthetic-Data Parameterization. From a series of classification experiments, we analyze the models and condensed data performances in terms of accuracy and number of data per class. We also present results using cross-model techniques, wherein models are trained with condensed data obtained from a different architecture. Our findings demonstrate the potential of data condensation in the context of the speech domain for reducing the size of datasets while retaining their most important information and maintaining high accuracy for the model trained with the condensed dataset. We have obtained an accuracy of 80.75% with 30 condensed speech representations per class with ConvNet, representing an addition of 24.9% in absolute terms when compared to 30 random samples from the original training dataset. However, we demonstrate the limitations of this approach in the cross-model tests. We also highlight the challenges and opportunities for further improving the accuracy of condensed data obtained and trained with different neural network architectures.
Studying the Optimal Frequency Control Condition for Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Stations as a Dynamic Load Using Reinforcement Learning Algorithms in Different Photovoltaic Penetration Levels
Authors: Altarjami Ibrahim , Alhazmi Yassir
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the impact of renewable energy penetration on system stability and validates the performance of the (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) PID-(reinforcement learning) RL control technique. Three scenarios were examined: no photovoltaic (PV), 25% PV, and 50% PV, to evaluate the impact of PV penetration on system stability. The results demonstrate that while the absence of renewable energy yields a more stable frequency response, a higher PV penetration (50%) enhances stability in tie-line active power flow between interconnected systems. This shows that an increased PV penetration improves frequency balance and active power flow stability. Additionally, the study evaluates three control scenarios: no control input, PID-(Particle Swarm Optimization) PSO, and PID-RL, to validate the performance of the PID-RL control technique. The findings show that the EV system with PID-RL outperforms the other scenarios in terms of frequency response, tie-line active power response, and frequency difference response. The PID-RL controller significantly enhances the damping of the dominant oscillation mode and restores the stability within the first 4 s—after the disturbance in first second. This leads to an improved stability compared to the EV system with PID-PSO (within 21 s) and without any control input (oscillating more than 30 s). Overall, this research provides the improvement in terms of frequency response, tie-line active power response, and frequency difference response with high renewable energy penetration levels and the research validates the effectiveness of the PID-RL control technique in stabilizing the EV system. These findings can contribute to the development of strategies for integrating renewable energy sources and optimizing control systems, ensuring a more stable and sustainable power grid.
Numerical and Thermodynamic Analysis of the Effect of Operating Temperature in Methane-Fueled SOFC
Authors: Kumuk Berre , Atak Nisa Nur , Dogan Battal , Ozer Salih , Demircioglu Pinar , Bogrekci Ismail
Published: May 2024

This study examines the thermodynamic and numerical analyses of a methane-fed solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) over a temperature range varying between 873 K and 1273 K. These analyses were conducted to investigate and compare the performance of the SOFC under various operating conditions in detail. As part of the thermodynamic analysis, important parameters such as cell voltage, power density, exergy destruction, entropy generation, thermal efficiency, and exergy efficiency were calculated. These calculations were used to conduct energy and exergy analyses of the cell. According to the findings, an increase in operating temperature led to a significant improvement in performance. At the initial conditions where the SOFC operated at a temperature of 1073 K and a current density of 9000 A/m2, it was observed that when the temperature increased by 200 K while keeping the current density constant, the power density increased by a factor of 1.90 compared to the initial state, and the thermal efficiency increased by a factor of 1.45. Under a constant current density, the voltage and power density values were 1.0081 V, 1.0543 V, 2337.13 W/m2, and 2554.72 W/m2 at operating temperatures of 1073 K and 1273 K, respectively. Under a current density of 4500 A/m2, the entropy generation in the cell was determined to be 29.48 kW/K at 973 K and 23.68 kW/K at 1173 K operating temperatures. The maximum exergy efficiency of the SOFC was calculated to be 41.67% at a working temperature of 1273 K and a current density of 1500 A/m2. This study is anticipated to be highly significant, as it examines the impact of temperature variation on exergy analysis in SOFC, validating both numerical and theoretical results, thus providing a crucial roadmap for determining optimized operating conditions.
Comparisons of Different Representative Species Selection Schemes for Reduced-Order Modeling and Chemistry Acceleration of Complex Hydrocarbon Fuels
Authors: Gitushi Kevin M. , Echekki Tarek
Published: May 2024

The simulation of engine combustion processes, such as autoignition, an important process in the co-optimization of fuel-engine design, can be computationally expensive due to the large number of thermo-chemical scalars needed to describe the full chemical system. Yet, the inherent correlations between the different chemical species during oxidation can significantly reduce the complexity of representing this system. One strategy is to select a subset of representative species that accurately captures the combustion process at a fraction of the computational cost of the full system. In this study, we compare the performance of four different techniques to select these species. They include the two-step principal component analysis (PCA) approach, directed relation graphs (DRGs), the global pathway selection (GPS) approach, and the manifold-informed species selection method. A parametric study of the representative species selection is carried out on data from the simulation of homogeneous and perfectly stirred reactors by investigating seven cumulative variances and 47 different cut-off percentages for the two-step PCA, and 65 and 51 thresholds for the DRGs and GPS, respectively. Results show that these selection methods capture key important species that can accurately describe the chemical system and track each stage of oxidation. The two-step PCA is sensitive to the cumulative variance, and DRGs and GPS are sensitive to the choice of target variables. By selecting key representative species and reducing the number of thermo-chemical scalars, these three methods can be used to develop computationally efficient hybrid chemistry schemes.
Novel Hierarchical Energy Management System for Enhanced Black Start Capabilities at Distribution and Transmission Networks
Authors: Colak Ayse , Abouyehia Mohamed , Ahmed Khaled
Published: May 2024

A novel energy management system featuring a unique framework involving multiple hierarchical controllers at the distribution and transmission network levels is proposed. The unique objective function of this energy management system is designed to enhance system inertia during black start and optimise load shedding. The objective function further aims to increase reliance on renewable energy sources, prioritising solar power along with battery and fuel cell technologies. This work delves deeply into the dynamics of multi-area power networks, where some areas possess black start capabilities (BSAs) while others do not (NBSAs). The proposed energy management system specifically explores the complex interplay between these black start capabilities and the hierarchical load restoration order. During grid blackouts, the systems located in BSA areas are tasked with first restoring essential loads in their own regions before extending aid to the adjacent NBSA areas, taking into account factors such as their available reserved power and geographical proximity. This work is extended to analyse complex multi-area power network architectures. This extended analysis provides invaluable insights for enhancing power restoration processes and facilitating the large-scale integration of sustainable energy solutions in complex systems. The proposed energy management system is validated using the IEEE 39-Bus network, which consists of ten distinct areas, each differing in their black start capabilities. The results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed system.
Predictive Model for EV Charging Load Incorporating Multimodal Travel Behavior and Microscopic Traffic Simulation
Authors: Bian Haihong , Ren Quance , Guo Zhengyang , Zhou Chengang , Zhang Zhiyuan , Wang Ximeng
Published: May 2024

A predictive model for the spatiotemporal distribution of electric vehicle (EV) charging load is proposed in this paper, considering multimodal travel behavior and microscopic traffic simulation. Firstly, the characteristic variables of travel time are fitted using advanced techniques such as Gaussian mixture distribution. Simultaneously, the user’s multimodal travel behavior is delineated by introducing travel purpose transfer probabilities, thus establishing a comprehensive travel spatiotemporal model. Secondly, the improved Floyd algorithm is employed to select the optimal path, taking into account various factors including signal light status, vehicle speed, and the position of starting and ending sections. Moreover, the approach of multi-lane lane change following and the utilization of cellular automata theory are introduced. To establish a microscopic traffic simulation model, a real-time energy consumption model is integrated with the aforementioned techniques. Thirdly, the minimum regret value is leveraged in conjunction with various other factors, including driving purpose, charging station electricity price, parking cost, and more, to simulate the decision-making process of users regarding charging stations. Subsequently, an EV charging load predictive framework is proposed based on the approach driven by electricity prices and real-time interaction of coupled network information. Finally, this paper conducts large-scale simulations to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of EV charging load using a regional transportation network in East China and a typical power distribution network as case studies, thereby validating the feasibility of the proposed method.
Performance Analysis and Optimization of Compressed Air Energy Storage Integrated with Latent Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Yu Xiaoli , Dou Wenbo , Zhang Zhiping , Hong Yan , Qian Gao , Li Zhi
Published: May 2024

Recovering compression waste heat using latent thermal energy storage (LTES) is a promising method to enhance the round-trip efficiency of compressed air energy storage (CAES) systems. In this study, a systematic thermodynamic model coupled with a concentric diffusion heat transfer model of the cylindrical packed-bed LTES is established for a CAES system, and the numerical simulation model is validated by experimental data in the reference. Based on the numerical model, the charging–discharging performance of LTES and CAES systems is evaluated under different layouts of phase change materials (PCMs) in LTES, and the optimal layout of PCM is specified as a three-stage layout, since the exergy efficiency of LTES and round-trip efficiency are improved by 8.2% and 6.9% compared with a one-stage layout. Then, the proportion of three PCMs is optimized using response surface methods. The optimization results indicate that the exergy efficiency of LTES and round-trip efficiency of the CAES system are expected to be 80.9% and 73.3% under the PCM proportion of 0.48:0.3:0.22 for three stages, which are 7.0% and 13.1% higher than the original three-stage PCMs with equal proportions.
Utilization of the Dicarbonyl Compounds 3-Deoxyglucosone and 3-Deoxymaltosone during Beer Fermentation by Saccharomyces Yeasts
Authors: Kertsch Anna-Lena , Brysch-Herzberg Michael , Ostermann Kai , Henle Thomas
Published: May 2024

In beer production, 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds such as 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG) and 3-deoxymaltosone (3-DM) are formed via Maillard reaction or caramelization especially during malt kilning or wort boiling, resulting in substantial concentrations in wort. Consequences of dicarbonyl compounds for yeast metabolism are widely unknown. In the present study, the handling of 3-DG and 3-DM by Saccharomyces strains from different habitats in wort and during beer fermentation was investigated. We show that beer yeast strains induced a faster 3-DG degradation in Pilsner wort and were additionally more stress-resistant to 3-DG compared to yeasts isolated from natural habitats. In fermentation experiments comparing a light wort and a dark wort prepared from malt extracts, it could be shown that high levels of 3-DM in dark wort influence the utilization of 3-DG by yeasts, and thus higher levels of 3-DG remain in the wort. Beer yeast strains showed an increased formation of 3-deoxyfructose (3-DF) with up to 220 µM, which is possibly due to a preferred metabolization of 3-DM, as indicated by the low degradation rate of 3-DG. In contrast, yeasts isolated from natural habitats produced significantly lower amounts of 3-DF. This suggests an adaptation of technologically used yeasts to metabolization of dicarbonyl compounds, possibly as a result of beer yeast domestication.
Characteristics of Isolated Lactic Acid Bacteria and Their Application in High-Moisture Broccoli Waste Silage
Authors: Dong Chenfei , Yuan Jie
Published: May 2024

Four lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains isolated from naturally ensiled broccoli waste were characterized, and their effects on the fermentation quality of high-moisture broccoli waste silage were studied. The four isolated strains were assessed using the morphological, physiological and biochemical tests. The four strains were added to broccoli waste at three moisture contents (90%, W0; 87%, W1; 80%, W2) and ensiled for 60 days. All strains (CB89, CB94, CB112, and CB120) grew at 15–45 °C, pH 3.0–7.0, and in 3.0–6.5% NaCl and were identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum by 16S rDNA sequencing. Inoculation of CB120 significantly (p < 0.05) increased lactic acid, starch, and non-structural carbohydrate content, and significantly (p < 0.05) decreased pH values and aerobic bacteria count compared with control (CK) at all three moisture contents. In conclusion, CB120 improved the fermentation quality and nutritional value of broccoli waste silage at three moisture contents and could be applied as a promising additive for high-moisture material.
Determination of Luteolin and Apigenin in Herbal Teas by Online In-Tube Solid-Phase Microextraction Coupled with LC–MS/MS
Authors: Ishizaki Atsushi , Miura Akiko , Kataoka Hiroyuki
Published: May 2024

Herbal teas have attracted attention as functional beverages containing luteolin and apigenin, which exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study was to develop a sensitive online automated method to determine these flavones’ contents in herbal teas using in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME) coupled with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). These compounds were extracted and concentrated by IT-SPME using a Supel Q PLOT capillary column and then separated and detected within 6 min using a CAPCELL PAK C18 MG III analytical column and a negative electrospray ionization-mode multiple-reaction monitoring system by LC–MS/MS. The detection limits (S/N = 3) for luteolin and apigenin were 0.4 and 0.8 pg mL−1, respectively, and the calibration curves were linear in the range of 2–2000 pg mL−1 with correlation coefficients above 0.9995, and intra-day and inter-day precisions with relative standard deviations below 2.9 and 3.6% (n = 6), respectively. The luteolin and apigenin in herbal tea were quantified using IT-SPME/LC-MS/MS following the acid hydrolysis of their glycosides. Among the 10 herbal teas tested, luteolin was detected in peppermint and sage at concentrations of 375 and 99 µg mL−1, respectively, while apigenin was detected in German chamomile at 110 µg mL−1, which were higher than in the other herbal teas. The method is expected to be a useful method for evaluating the efficacy of luteolin and apigenin in herbal teas as functional beverages.
Enhancing Gluten-Free Bread Production: Impact of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Psyllium Husk Fiber, and Xanthan Gum on Dough Characteristics and Bread Quality
Authors: Torres-Pérez Ramón , Martínez-García Elena , Siguero-Tudela Marta Maravilla , García-Segovia Purificación , Martínez-Monzó Javier , Igual Marta
Published: May 2024

The demand for gluten-free products has increased due to improved diagnoses and awareness of gluten-related issues. This study investigated the effect of HPMC, psyllium, and xanthan gum in gluten-free bread formulations. Three tests were conducted, varying the amount of these ingredients: in the first formulation, the amount of HPMC was increased to 4.4 g/100 g of flour and starch; in the second, psyllium husk fiber was increased to 13.2 g/100 g of flour and starch; and in the third formulation, xanthan gum was removed. Differences were observed among the formulations: increasing HPMC reduced extrusion force without affecting bread quality; adding psyllium increased dough elasticity but also crumb gumminess and crust hardness. Eliminating xanthan gum altered dough rheology, resulting in a softer and less gummy crumb, and a less reddish color in the final bread.
Biosynthesis and Biotechnological Synthesis of Hydroxytyrosol
Authors: Tang Jiali , Wang Jiaying , Gong Pengfei , Zhang Haijing , Zhang Mengyao , Qi Chenchen , Chen Guohui , Wang Chengtao , Chen Wei
Published: May 2024

Hydroxytyrosol (HT), a plant-derived phenolic compound, is recognized for its potent antioxidant capabilities alongside a spectrum of pharmacological benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties. These attributes have propelled HT into the spotlight as a premier nutraceutical and food additive, heralding a new era in health and wellness applications. Traditional methods for HT production, encompassing physico-chemical techniques and plant extraction, are increasingly being supplanted by biotechnological approaches. These modern methodologies offer several advantages, notably environmental sustainability, safety, and cost-effectiveness, which align with current demands for green and efficient production processes. This review delves into the biosynthetic pathways of HT, highlighting the enzymatic steps involved and the pivotal role of genetic and metabolic engineering in enhancing HT yield. It also surveys the latest progress in the biotechnological synthesis of HT, examining innovative strategies that leverage both genetically modified and non-modified organisms. Furthermore, this review explores the burgeoning potential of HT as a nutraceutical, underscoring its diverse applications and the implications for human health. Through a detailed examination of both the biosynthesis and biotechnological advances in HT production, this review contributes valuable insights to the field, charting a course towards the sustainable and scalable production of this multifaceted compound.
The Ameliorative Effect of Litsea martabanica (Kurz) Hook. f. Leaf Water Extract on Chlorpyrifos-Induced Toxicity in Rats and Its Antioxidant Potentials
Authors: Taychaworaditsakul Weerakit , Sawong Suphunwadee , Intatham Supaporn , Chansakaow Sunee , Kunnaja Phraepakaporn , Chewonarin Teera , Jaijoy Kanjana , Wittayapraparat Absorn , Yusuk Pedcharada , Sireeratawong Seewaboon
Published: May 2024

Litsea martabanica root’s antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity showed promise as a pesticide detoxification agent in our previous study. In addition to its root, leaves can help alleviate pesticide exposure, although there is limited scientific evidence supporting their efficacy. However, the use of roots in several countries, such as Thailand, could contribute to environmental degradation, as highland communities traditionally used leaves instead of roots. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant activity and anti-pesticide potential of water extract from L. martabanica leaves through in vitro and in vivo investigations. In the in vitro study, L. martabanica water extract and its fractions demonstrated antioxidant activity and induced apoptosis in hepatic satellite cells. In the in vivo study, treatment with the leaf extract led to increased AChE activity, decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, and reduced glutathione in chlorpyrifos-exposed rats. Histopathological examination revealed that chlorpyrifos-treated rats exhibited liver cell damage, while treatment with the water extract of L. martabanica exhibited a protective effect on the liver. In conclusion, L. martabanica water extract exhibited antioxidant activity, enhanced AChE activity, and improved histopathological abnormalities in the liver.
Dynamic Nondestructive Detection Models of Apple Quality in Critical Harvest Period Based on Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Intelligent Algorithms
Authors: Guo Zhiming , Chen Xuan , Zhang Yiyin , Sun Chanjun , Jayan Heera , Majeed Usman , Watson Nicholas J. , Zou Xiaobo
Published: May 2024

Apples are usually bagged during the growing process, which can effectively improve the quality. Establishing an in situ nondestructive testing model for in-tree apples is very important for fruit companies in selecting raw apple materials for valuation. Low-maturity apples and high-maturity apples were acquired separately by a handheld tester for the internal quality assessment of apples developed by our group, and the effects of the two maturity levels on the soluble solids content (SSC) detection of apples were compared. Four feature selection algorithms, like ant colony optimization (ACO), were used to reduce the spectral complexity and improve the apple SSC detection accuracy. The comparison showed that the diffuse reflectance spectra of high-maturity apples better reflected the internal SSC information of the apples. The diffuse reflectance spectra of the high-maturity apples combined with the ACO algorithm achieved the best results for SSC prediction, with a prediction correlation coefficient (Rp) of 0.88, a root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.5678 °Brix, and a residual prediction deviation (RPD) value of 2.466. Additionally, the fruit maturity was predicted using PLS-LDA based on color data, achieveing accuracies of 99.03% and 99.35% for low- and high-maturity fruits, respectively. These results suggest that in-tree apple in situ detection has great potential to enable improved robustness and accuracy in modeling apple quality.
Enhancing Load-Bearing Capacity of Calcareous Sands through Gel Stabilization: A Mechanical and Material Characterization Study
Authors: Gu Jianxiao , Lyu Haibo , Li Bo , Wang Yong , Chen Hui , Gao Xinyi , Xu Xiaojiang
Published: May 2024

Calcareous sands often display wide ring grain configurations, high intragranular porosity, a complex structure, and low grain hardness. These attributes typically do not meet the strength criteria necessary to sustain overlying infrastructure in civil engineering applications. This study investigates gel stabilization techniques, blending gel material with calcareous sand at concentrations ranging from 5% to 22%, followed by curing periods of 3 to 28 days to evaluate the load-bearing capacity. Subsequently, an unconfined compressive test is performed to determine the gel material content in stabilized specimens and investigate the influence of gel material types. The gel material-to-sand ratios employed are set at 5%, 10%, and 16% for Portland cement and 13%, 16%, and 22% for gypsum. After that, a triaxial consolidated undrained test is conducted to assess mechanical behavior, pore water pressure, and mechanical properties. The findings reveal increased dilation, stress–strain hardening, and softening post-yield, regardless of gel material type. Principal stress ratios, secant modulus, and cohesion show a positive correlation with maintenance duration and binder content, with implications for improved load-bearing capacity. The study also elucidates the qualitative relationship between secant modulus E50 and confining pressure.
Expression of Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT) Candidate Genes EDA2R, PCDH9, and TRAF7 in Normal Human Kidney Development and CAKUT
Authors: Kelam Jelena , Kelam Nela , Filipović Natalija , Komić Luka , Racetin Anita , Komić Dora , Kostić Sandra , Kuzmić Prusac Ivana , Vukojević Katarina
Published: May 2024

Approximately half of the cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in childhood are caused by congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). Specific genes were identified as having significant importance in regard to the underlying genetic factors responsible for the CAKUT phenotype, and in our research, we focused on analyzing and comparing the expression levels of ectodysplasin A2 receptor (EDA2R), protocadherin9 (PCDH9), and TNF receptor-associated factor 7 (TRAF7) proteins in the cortex and medulla of healthy control kidneys during developmental phases 2, 3, and 4. We also performed an analysis of the area percentages of the mentioned proteins in the cortical and medullary sections of healthy embryonic and fetal kidneys compared to those affected by CAKUT, including duplex kidneys (DK), horseshoe kidneys (HK), hypoplastic kidneys (HYP), and dysplastic kidneys (DYS). We found that the CAKUT candidate gene proteins EDA2R, PCDH9, and TRAF7 are all expressed during normal human kidney development stages. In DYS, the expression of EDA2R was higher than in normal kidneys, likely due to EDA2R’s role in apoptosis, which was upregulated in specific cases and could possibly contribute to the formation of DYS. The expression of PCDH9 was lower in HK, which can be attributed to the possible role of PCDH9 in cell migration suppression. Decreased PCDH9 expression is linked to increased cell migration, potentially contributing to the development of HK. The level of TRAF7 expression was reduced in all examined kidney disorders compared to normal kidneys, suggesting that this reduction might be attributed to the crucial role of TRAF7 in the formation of endothelium and ciliogenesis, both of which are essential for normal kidney development. Further research is required to ascertain the function of these proteins in both the typical development of the kidney and in CAKUT.
Placental Transcriptome Analysis in Connection with Low Litter Birth Weight Phenotype (LBWP) Sows
Authors: Linck Moroni Julia , Tsoi Stephen , Wenger Irene I. , Plastow Graham S. , Dyck Michael K.
Published: May 2024

It is possible to identify sub-populations of sows in every pig herd that consistently give birth to low birth weight (BW) piglets, irrespective of the litter size. A previous study from our group demonstrated that placental development is a main factor affecting the litter birth weight phenotype (LBWP) in sows, thereby impacting the BW of entire litters, but the biological and molecular pathways behind this phenomenon are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the differential gene expression in placental tissues at day 30 of gestation between low LBWP (LLBWP) vs. high LBWP (HLBWP) sows from a purebred Large White maternal line. Using mRNA sequencing, we found 45 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in placental tissues of LLBWP and HLBWP sows. Furthermore, (GO) enrichment of upregulated DEGs predicted that there were two biological processes significantly related to cornification and regulation of cell population proliferation. To better understand the molecular interaction between cell proliferation and cornification, we conducted transcriptional factor binding site (TFBS) prediction analysis. The results indicated that a highly significant TFBS was located at the 5′ upstream of all four upregulated genes (CDSN, DSG3, KLK14, KRT17), recognized by transcription factors EGR4 and FOSL1. Our findings provide novel insight into how transcriptional regulation of two different biological processes interact in placental tissues of LLBWP sows.
FANCM Gene Variants in a Male Diagnosed with Sertoli Cell-Only Syndrome and Diffuse Astrocytoma
Authors: Klarić Monika Logara , Marić Tihana , Žunić Lucija , Trgovec-Greif Lovro , Rokić Filip , Fiolić Ana , Šorgić Ana Merkler , Ježek Davor , Vugrek Oliver , Jakovčević Antonia , Barbalić Maja , Belužić Robert , Katušić Bojanac Ana
Published: May 2024

Azoospermia is a form of male infertility characterized by a complete lack of spermatozoa in the ejaculate. Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) is the most severe form of azoospermia, where no germ cells are found in the tubules. Recently, FANCM gene variants were reported as novel genetic causes of spermatogenic failure. At the same time, FANCM variants are known to be associated with cancer predisposition. We performed whole-exome sequencing on a male patient diagnosed with SCOS and a healthy father. Two compound heterozygous missense mutations in the FANCM gene were found in the patient, both being inherited from his parents. After the infertility assessment, the patient was diagnosed with diffuse astrocytoma. Immunohistochemical analyses in the testicular and tumor tissues of the patient and adequate controls showed, for the first time, not only the existence of a cytoplasmic and not nuclear pattern of FANCM in astrocytoma but also in non-mitotic neurons. In the testicular tissue of the SCOS patient, cytoplasmic anti-FANCM staining intensity appeared lower than in the control. Our case report raises a novel possibility that the infertile carriers of FANCM gene missense variants could also be prone to cancer development.