bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting mTOR Signaling by Dietary Polyphenols in Obesity Prevention
Authors: Cao Yunyun , Han Shuai , Lu Han , Luo Yi , Guo Tianyi , Wu Qi , Luo Feijun
Published: December 2022

Dietary polyphenols can be utilized to treat obesity and chronic disorders linked to it. Dietary polyphenols can inhibit pre-adipocyte proliferation, adipocyte differentiation, and triglyceride accumulation; meanwhile, polyphenols can also stimulate lipolysis and fatty acid β-oxidation, but the molecular mechanisms of anti-obesity are still unclear. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a protein kinase that regulates cell growth, survival, metabolism, and immunity. mTOR signaling is also thought to play a key role in the development of metabolic diseases such as obesity. Recent studies showed that dietary polyphenols could target mTOR to reduce obesity. In this review, we systematically summarized the research progress of polyphenols in preventing obesity through the mTOR signaling pathway. Mechanistically, polyphenols can target multiple signaling pathways and gut microbiota to regulate the mTOR signaling pathway to exert anti-obesity effects. The main mechanisms include: modulating lipid metabolism, adipogenesis, inflammation, etc. Dietary polyphenols exerting an anti-obesity effect by targeting mTOR signaling will broaden our understanding of the anti-obesity mechanisms of polyphenols and provide valuable insights for researchers in this novel field.
Health Effects of Infant Formula Supplemented with Probiotics or Synbiotics in Infants and Toddlers: Systematic Review with Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Indrio Flavia , Gutierrez Castrellon Pedro , Vandenplas Yvan , Cagri Dinleyici Ener , Francavilla Ruggiero , Mantovani Massimo Pettoello , Grillo Assunta , Beghetti Isadora , Corvaglia Luigi , Aceti Arianna
Published: December 2022

Supplementation of infant and follow-up formula with probiotics or synbiotics has become a common practice. In 2011 and 2017, the evidence regarding the impact of these interventions was analysed systematically. Recently new evidence was published. To evaluate through a systematic review with network meta-analysis the evidence on the impact of infant formula supplemented with probiotics or synbiotics for healthy infants and 36-month-old toddlers. RCTs published between 1999–2019 for infant formulas supplemented with probiotics alone or synbiotics in healthy infants and toddlers were identified. Data analysis included clinical (gastrointestinal symptoms, risk reduction of infectious diseases, use of antibiotics, weight/height gain and frequency of adverse events) and non-clinical outcomes (changes in faecal microbiota and immune parameters). A random effect model was used. Hedges’ standard mean difference (SMD) and risk ratio (RR) were calculated. Rank analysis was performed to evaluate the superiority of each intervention. Twenty-six randomised controlled trials with 35 direct comparisons involving 1957 children receiving probiotic-supplemented formula and 1898 receiving control formula were reviewed. The mean duration of intervention was 5.6 ± 2.84 months. Certain strains demonstrated a reduction in episodes of colic, number of days with fever and use of antibiotics; however, there was considerable heterogeneity which reduced the level of certainty of effect. No significant effects were observed on weight, height or changes in faecal proportions of Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus, Bacteroides or Clostridia. Although there is some evidence that may support a potential benefit of probiotic or synbiotic supplementation of infant formulas, variation in the quality of existing trials and the heterogeneity of the data preclude the establishment of robust recommendations.
Colletotrichum truncatum—A New Etiological Anthracnose Agent of Sword Bean (Canavalia gladiata) in Southwestern China
Authors: Shi Min , Xue Shi-Ming , Zhang Mei-Yan , Li Shi-Ping , Huang Bi-Zhi , Huang Qi , Liu Qiong-Bo , Liao Xiang-Long , Li Yan-Zhong
Published: December 2022

Anthracnose is a disease caused by Colletotrichum species. They are well known as major plant pathogens, and a black stem disease, specifically caused by Colletotrichum truncatum and primarily infecting sword bean (Canavalia gladiata), was observed in the Yunnan province, China. To aid disease management and to determine pathogenic characteristics, the species causing the leaf spot disease of hairy vetch was verified as C. truncatum. A sequence analysis of the ITS, ACT, GAPDH, and HIS3 genes was conducted, as well as morphological and cultural characteristics, to identify this Colletotrichum species, which has curved conidia. C. truncatum isolates from sword bean formed a distinctive group among Colletotrichum species, including those that infect other forage and field crops. Artificially inoculated sword bean seedlings showed typical symptoms of anthracnose, which were similar to field observations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of C. truncatum causing black stem disease on sword beans in China.
A Novel Tool to Assess the Risk for African Swine Fever in Hunting Environments: The Balkan Experience
Authors: Orrico Mario , Hovari Mark , Beltrán-Alcrudo Daniel
Published: December 2022

In Europe, African swine fever (ASF) can be sustained within wild boar populations, thus representing a constant source of virus and a huge challenge in the management of the disease. Hunters are the key stakeholders for the prevention, detection and control of ASF in wild boar. Their behavior and the biosecurity standards applied in infected or at-risk hunting grounds have a huge impact on disease dynamics and management. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has developed a semi-quantitative survey-based novel tool to assess the risk of ASF in hunting grounds (namely the risks of introduction and spread into and between hunting grounds, and the risk of not detecting the infection) and how such risks could be reduced if mitigation or corrective measures were applied at low, medium and high effort. The weight of risk factors was determined through an expert knowledge elicitation (EKE). The surveys for each hunting ground were filled in by their respective managers. The tool’s outputs allow users to visualize the different ASF risks of hunting grounds, whether as numerical values or color-coded maps, at sub-national, national and regional levels. These outputs can be used to guide policy makers, highlighting gaps or geographical areas to prioritize. The tool was used to assess hunting grounds in Kosovo1 (1 As per United Nations Security Council resolution 1244). Montenegro and Serbia, showing overall a high risk.
The Clinical Trial Outcomes of Cranberry, D-Mannose and NSAIDs in the Prevention or Management of Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections in Women: A Systematic Review
Authors: Konesan Jenane , Liu Lu , Mansfield Kylie J.
Published: December 2022

The use of antibiotics in the treatment of UTIs is contributing to resistance. Hence, the outcome of human clinical trials of nonantibiotic remedies for preventing or treating UTI is of significant interest. This systematic review aimed to identify, summarise and evaluate the evidence for the outcomes of different nonantibiotic options including cranberry, D-mannose and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). PubMed, Embase and Scopus were searched for manuscripts relating to nonantibiotic treatment of UTI including cranberry, mannose and NSAIDs. After title and abstract screening, data were extracted from 21 papers that were published in English and related to the treatment or prevention of uncomplicated UTI in adult women. We identified twelve papers examining the effects of cranberry, two papers examining D-mannose, two papers examining combination treatments (cranberry and D-mannose) and five manuscripts investigating the effects of NSAIDs. There is low-level evidence, from a small number of studies, supporting the use of D-mannose or combination treatments for potentially preventing UTIs in adult women without producing burdening side effects. However, larger and more randomised double-blinded trials are needed to confirm this. In comparison, the multiple studies of cranberry and NSAIDs produced conflicting evidence regarding their effectiveness.
Molecular Characterization of Leishmania Species among Patients with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Asir Province, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alraey Yasser , Alhweti Rasha , Almutairi Hatim , Abdullah Al-Qahtani Abdulrahman , Alshahrani Mohammed Ibrahim , Asiri Mohammed Hussin , Alhammas Abdulrhman Mousa , Alwagdi Saeed Jubran , Alshahrani Abdulaziz , Alouffi Abdulaziz , Madkhali Aymen M. , Al-Salem Waleed S. , Al-Qahtani Ahmed A. , Saif Ahmed , Ben Hadj Ahmed Sami , Zhioua Elyes
Published: December 2022

Anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniais (ACL) and zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) caused by Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major, respectively, are endemic vector-borne diseases in southern Saudi Arabia. In 2021, an outbreak of cutaneous leishmaniasis occurred in the province of Asir. The main objective of our investigation was to analyze the epidemiological features of CL in southern Saudi Arabia. The ministry of health recorded 194 CL patients between January and December 2021 from the Asir province. Our findings showed that the majority of CL patients (87.1%) originated from the governorates of Khamis-Mushait and Abha. Most of the patients were males (62.3%). While CL affected all age groups, those under 13 years old were the most affected (38.1%). For both genders, CL patients were mostly Saudi citizens (90.7%) compared to non-Saudi expatriates. The majority of CL patients (75.2%) suffered from a single lesion, and the majority of lesions (61.3%) were located on the face. The seasonal prevalence of CL showed two peaks, a small one in July–August and a larger one in March. Of a total of 194 Giemsa slides samples, 188 showed positive amplification of Leishmania ITS1 gene. Based on PCR-RFLP and PCR-HMR, 183 patients showed positive amplification of L. tropica and five patients showed positive amplification of L. major. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a clear distinct separation between L. major and L. tropica sequences. Our results provided strong evidence of the pre-domination of L. tropica, the main etiological agent of ACL in Asir province. We reported for the first time the presence of L. major, an etiological agent of ZCL in the study areas. The co-circulation of ACL and ZCL highlighted the complexity of the epidemiology of CL in southern Saudi Arabia, and subsequently, further studies to identify competent vectors and reservoir hosts for the establishment of control strategies are needed.
Measurement of Stress Optical Coefficient for Silicone Adhesive Based on Terahertz Time Domain Spectroscopy
Authors: Zhong Yi-Fan , Ren Jiao-Jiao , Li Li-Juan , Zhang Ji-Yang , Zhang Dan-Dan , Gu Jian , Xue Jun-Wen , Chen Qi
Published: December 2022

The bonding structure is affected by environmental loads during use, causing internal stress in the adhesive layer, which leads to the debonding and expansion of the bonding layer. Therefore, it is important to accurately measure the stress distribution of the bonding layer to assess the life of the bonding structure. In this study, based on the transmission and reflection terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) technique, the stress optical coefficients of a silicone adhesive were measured, and the calculation models of the transmission and reflection stress optical coefficients were derived. In the reflection calculation model, the caliper THz thickness measurement method was proposed to compensate for the thickness change of the silicone adhesive, under tensile stress. Under the transmission THz-TDS stress optical coefficient calculation model, the stress optical coefficient C of the silicone adhesive is 0.1142 ± 0.0057 MPa−1, and the stress optical coefficient C of the reflective system is 0.1135 ± 0.0051 MPa−1. The test results show that the reflective THz-TDS can also be used to measure the optical stress coefficient of the material, which compensates for the shortcomings of the traditional transmission measurement method, and lays a foundation for the characterization of the internal stress of the adhesive layer of the adhesive structure.
Design of Matching Imaging on Agile Satellite with Wide-Swath Whiskbroom Payloads along the Coastal Zone
Authors: Du Jiamin , Yang Xiubin , Wu Mo , He Xi , Fu Zongqiang , Gao Suining
Published: December 2022

The non-linearly curved coastal zone is very long and wide. The traditional satellite can’t cover the whole coastal zone in a single scan. So, the method of matching imaging combining the adjustment of satellite attitude and the scanning of the swing mirror are proposed. Firstly, based on the position of feature points of the coastal zone, the attitude when the optical axis of the satellite always points to the feature points is calculated. According to the width of the sea and land on both sides of the coastline, the parameters of the swing mirror of wide-swath whiskbroom payloads are analyzed. Secondly, the velocity vector model considering time-varying satellite attitude and the dynamic scanning of the swing mirror is constructed. The schemes of matching imaging such as adjustments of yaw angle and detector are developed. Finally, the precise experiment is designed to verify the correctness of the matching imaging. The experimental results show that the resolution of the matching imaging is less than 1 pixel and its modulation transfer function (MTF) is greater than the human eye’s minimum MTF of 0.026. The method of matching imaging using the adjustment of satellite attitude and the scanning of the swing mirror can realize wide imaging along the coastline and improve the temporal resolution at the same time.
Clinical Assessment of the Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Coronally Advanced Flap Procedure in the Management of Isolated Gingival Recession
Authors: Amitha Kammam , Paramashivaiah Rashmi , Prabhuji Munivenkatappa Laxmaiah Venkatesh , Subramanya Ashwin Parakkaje , Assiry Ali A. , Peeran Syed Wali , Fageeh Hytham , Bhavikatti Shaeesta Khaleelahmed , Scardina Giuseppe Alessandro
Published: December 2022

The aim of this randomized, controlled split-mouth clinical trial was to assess the effect of LLLT on wound healing after modified coronally advanced flap (MCAF) procedure for treatment of isolated recession-type defects. Fifteen patients with isolated bilaterally symmetrical gingival recessions (Miller’s Class I or Class II, or a combination of both) were enrolled in this study. After a modified, coronally advanced flap technique was implemented, a diode laser (810 nm) with a power of 120 mW irradiated the inner surface of the flap and the outer surface of the flap (low-level laser therapy—LLLT) after suturing for 5 min. This was repeated for the following four consecutive days. Descriptive statistics, a Kruskal–Wallis test and a Mann–Whitney test were performed to analyze the data. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean recession depth decreased from 3.33 ± 0.9 mm (baseline) to 0.2 ± 0.3 mm (3 months) and 0.4 ± 0.2 mm (6 months) in the test group. The mean recession width decreased from 3.8 ± 0.7 mm (baseline) to 0.2 ± 0.3 mm (3 months) and 0.5 ± 0.3 mm (6 months) in the test group. Due to minimal pain and discomfort, patient acceptability was quite high.
Mid-Infrared Frequency Modulation Spectroscopy of NO Detection in a Hollow-Core Antiresonant Fiber
Authors: Hu Mengyuan , Ventura Andrea , Hayashi Juliano Grigoleto , Poletti Francesco , Ren Wei
Published: December 2022

Mid-infrared frequency modulation spectroscopy (FMS) in a tellurite hollow-core antiresonant fiber (HC-ARF) is investigated for gas detection. The spectroscopic system is demonstrated for nitric oxide (NO) detection by exploiting its strong absorption line at 1900.08 cm−1 with a quantum cascade laser (QCL). By modulating the injection current of the QCL at 250 MHz and measuring NO in a 35 cm long HC-ARF, we achieve a noise equivalent concentration of 67 ppb at an averaging time of 0.1 s. Compared to direct absorption spectroscopy with a low-pass filter for etalon noise reduction, the FMS technique shows an improvement factor of 22. The detection limit of FMS can be further improved to 6 ppb at a longer averaging time of 100 s, corresponding to a noise equivalent absorption coefficient of 1.0 × 10−7 cm−1.
Modelling of Plasma Temperatures and Densities in Laser Ablation Plumes of Different Metals
Authors: Hill Matthew , Wagenaars Erik
Published: December 2022

Laser ablation has many uses in industry, including laser drilling and thin-film deposition. However, the underpinning physics of laser ablation has not been fully elucidated. In particular, the differences in the behaviour of plasma plumes ablated from different materials, and which material properties are related to plume characteristics, require further study. This paper presents results from modelling the laser ablation of different photocatalytic materials using the 2D hydrodynamic laser ablation code POLLUX. The evolution of key parameters such as plasma density and temperature is investigated when the target material is changed from titanium to tantalum, zinc, copper, aluminium and gold. It was found that the atomic number of the material significantly affected the electron temperature and mass density of the subsequent plasma plume, with both parameters increasing with atomic number, whilst other parameters including the mass density, thermal conductivity and melting temperature did not affect the electron temperature or particle density of the plumes. These results provide insights for future laser ablation experiments where the aim is to change the target material, but keep the plume parameters as constant as possible.
TARDYS Quantifiers: Extracting Temporal and Reversible DYnamical Symmetries
Authors: Nguyen Nhat V. , Pattanayak Arjendu K. , Aragoneses Andrés
Published: December 2022

One of the great challenges in complex and chaotic dynamics is to reveal the details of its underlying determinism. This can be manifest in the form of temporal correlations or structured patterns in the dynamics of a measurable variable. These temporal dynamical structures are sometimes a consequence of hidden global symmetries. Here, we identify the temporal (approximate) symmetries of a semiconductor laser with external optical feedback, based on which we define the Temporal And Reversible DYnamical Symmetry (TARDYS) quantifiers to evaluate the relevance of specific temporal correlations in a time series. We show that these symmetries are also present in other complex dynamical systems, letting us extrapolate one system’s symmetries to characterize and distinguish chaotic regimes in other dynamical systems. These symmetries, natural of the dynamics of the laser with feedback, can also be used as indicators in forecasting regular-to-chaos transitions in mathematical iterative maps. We envision that this can be a useful tool in experimental data, as it can extract key features of the deterministic laws that govern the dynamics of a system despite the lack of knowledge of those specific quantitative descriptions.
DeepGOMIMO: Deep Learning-Aided Generalized Optical MIMO with CSI-Free Detection
Authors: Zhong Xin , Chen Chen , Fu Shu , Zeng Zhihong , Liu Min
Published: December 2022

Generalized optical multiple-input multiple-output (GOMIMO) techniques have been recently shown to be promising for high-speed optical wireless communication (OWC) systems. In this paper, we propose a novel deep learning-aided GOMIMO (DeepGOMIMO) framework for GOMIMO systems, wherein channel state information (CSI)-free detection can be enabled by employing a specially designed deep neural network (DNN)-based MIMO detector. The CSI-free DNN detector mainly consists of two modules: one is the preprocessing module, which is designed to address both the path loss and channel crosstalk issues caused by MIMO transmission, and the other is the feedforward DNN module, which is used for joint detection of spatial and constellation information by learning the statistics of both the input signal and the additive noise. Our simulation results clearly verify that, in a typical indoor 4 × 4 MIMO-OWC system using both generalized optical spatial modulation (GOSM) and generalized optical spatial multiplexing (GOSMP) with unipolar nonzero 4-level pulse-amplitude modulation (4-PAM) modulation, the proposed CSI-free DNN detector achieves near the same bit error rate (BER) performance as the optimal joint maximum-likelihood (ML) detector, but with much-reduced computational complexity. Moreover, because the CSI-free DNN detector does not require instantaneous channel estimation to obtain accurate CSI, it enjoys the unique advantages of improved achievable data rate and reduced communication time delay in comparison to the CSI-based zero-forcing DNN (ZF-DNN) detector.
Reduced Expression of PRX2/ATPRX1, PRX8, PRX35, and PRX73 Affects Cell Elongation, Vegetative Growth, and Vasculature Structures in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Jeong Yu Jeong , Kim Young-Cheon , Lee June Seung , Kim Dong-Gwan , Lee Jeong Hwan
Published: December 2022

Class III peroxidases (PRXs) are involved in a broad spectrum of physiological and developmental processes throughout the life cycle of plants. However, the specific function of each PRX member in the family remains largely unknown. In this study, we selected four class III peroxidase genes (PRX2/ATPRX1, PRX8, PRX35, and PRX73) from a previous genome-wide transcriptome analysis, and performed phenotypic and morphological analyses, including histochemical staining, in PRX2RNAi, PRX8RNAi, PRX35RNAi, and PRX73RNAi plants. The reduced mRNA levels of corresponding PRX genes in PRX2RNAi, PRX8RNAi, PRX35RNAi, and PRX73RNAi seedlings resulted in elongated hypocotyls and roots, and slightly faster vegetative growth. To investigate internal structural changes in the vasculature, we performed histochemical staining, which revealed alterations in cell wall structures in the main vasculature of hypocotyls, stems, and roots of each PRXRNAi plant compared to wild-type (Col-0) plants. Furthermore, we found that PRX35RNAi plants displayed the decrease in the cell wall in vascular regions, which are involved in downregulation of lignin biosynthesis and biosynthesis-regulated genes’ expression. Taken together, these results indicated that the reduced expression levels of PRX2/ATPRX1, PRX8, PRX35, and PRX73 affected hypocotyl and root elongation, vegetative growth, and the vasculature structures in hypocotyl, stem, and root tissues, suggesting that the four class III PRX genes play roles in plant developmental processes.
Candidate Genes Associated with Abiotic Stress Response in Plants as Tools to Engineer Tolerance to Drought, Salinity and Extreme Temperatures in Wheat: An Overview
Authors: Trono Daniela , Pecchioni Nicola
Published: December 2022

Wheat represents one of the most important staple food crops worldwide and its genetic improvement is fundamental to meeting the global demand of the growing population. However, the environmental stresses, worsened by climate change, and the increasing deterioration of arable land make it very difficult to fulfil this demand. In light of this, the tolerance of wheat to abiotic stresses has become a key objective of genetic improvement, as an effective strategy to ensure high yields without increasing the cultivated land. Genetic erosion related to modern agriculture, whereby elite, high-yielding wheat varieties are the product of high selection pressure, has reduced the overall genetic diversity, including the allelic diversity of genes that could be advantageous for adaptation to adverse environmental conditions. This makes traditional breeding a less effective or slower approach to generating new stress-tolerant wheat varieties. Either mining for the diversity of not-adapted large germplasm pools, or generating new diversity, are the mainstream approaches to be pursued. The advent of genetic engineering has opened the possibility to create new plant variability and its application has provided a strong complement to traditional breeding. Genetic engineering strategies such as transgenesis and genome editing have then provided the opportunity to improve environmental tolerance traits of agronomic importance in cultivated species. As for wheat, several laboratories worldwide have successfully produced transgenic wheat lines with enhanced tolerance to abiotic stresses, and, more recently, significant improvements in the CRISPR/Cas9 tools available for targeted variations within the wheat genome have been achieved. In light of this, the present review aims to provide successful examples of genetic engineering applications for the improvement of wheat adaptation to drought, salinity and extreme temperatures, which represent the most frequent and most severe events causing the greatest losses in wheat production worldwide.
A New Cryptic Species of the Genus Mychonastes (Chlorophyceae, Sphaeropleales)
Authors: Martynenko Nikita , Gusev Evgeniy , Kapustin Dmitry , Kulikovskiy Maxim
Published: December 2022

A new species of green coccoid algae, Mychonastes hindakii sp. nov., was isolated from the River Moscow (Russia, Moscow). The taxon is described using morphological and molecular methods. Mychonastes hindakii sp. nov. belongs to the group of species of the genus Mychonastes with spherical single cells joined with mucilaginous, irregularly shaped stalks. A comparison of ITS2 rDNA sequences and its secondary structures combined with the compensatory base changes approach confirms the separation between Mychonastes hindakii and other species of the genus. Mychonastes hindakii sp. nov. represents a cryptic species that can only be reliably identified using molecular data.
Genome-Wide Characterization and Expression Profiling of HD-Zip Genes in ABA-Mediated Processes in Fragaria vesca
Authors: Wang Yong , Fan Junmiao , Wu Xinjie , Guan Ling , Li Chun , Gu Tingting , Li Yi , Ding Jing
Published: December 2022

Members of homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-Zip) transcription factors can play their roles by modulating abscisic acid (ABA) signaling in Arabidopsis. So far, our knowledge of the functions of HD-Zips in woodland strawberries (Fragaria vesca), a model plant for studying ABA-mediated fruit ripening, is limited. Here, we identified a total of 31 HD-Zip genes (FveHDZ1-31) in F. vesca, and classified them into four subfamilies (I to IV). Promoter analyses show that the ABA-responsive element, ABRE, is prevalent in the promoters of subfamily I and II FveHDZs. RT-qPCR results demonstrate that 10 of the 14 investigated FveHDZs were consistently >1.5-fold up-regulated or down-regulated in expression in response to exogenous ABA, dehydration, and ABA-induced senescence in leaves. Five of the six consistently up-regulated genes are from subfamily I and II. Thereinto, FveHDZ4, and 20 also exhibited significantly enhanced expression along with increased ABA content during fruit ripening. In yeast one-hybrid assays, FveHDZ4 proteins could bind the promoter of an ABA signaling gene FvePP2C6. Collectively, our results strongly support that the FveHDZs, particularly those from subfamilies I and II, are involved in the ABA-mediated processes in F. vesca, providing a basis for further functional characterization of the HD-Zips in strawberry and other plants.
Both Adaptability and Endophytic Bacteria Are Linked to the Functional Traits in the Invasive Clonal Plant Wedelia trilobata
Authors: Mei Ying-Hao , Li Xu , Zhou Jian-Yu , Kong Fang-Li , Qi Shan-Shan , Zhu Bin , Naz Misbah , Dai Zhi-Cong , Du Dao-Lin
Published: December 2022

The role of the interactions between endophytes and host plants is unclear in invasive plants from different geographical latitudes. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between endophytic microbes and the functional traits of the invasive plant Wedelia trilobata. We explored the relationship between endophytes and the clonal growth traits of the invasive clonal plant Wedelia trilobata from different geographical latitudes using high-throughput sequencing technology and a common garden-planting experiment. We found that: (1) Different W. trilobata populations had similar endophytic fungi but different endophytic bacteria. However, no latitudinal variation pattern of the overall microbial community was found; (2) plant clonal growth performance (i.e., spacer length) was significantly correlated with endophytic bacterial diversity but not fungal diversity; and (3) the latitudinal variation pattern of the plant clonal growth performance of W. trilobata populations was found in pre-cultivated (i.e., wild) individuals but disappeared in post-cultivated W. trilobata. Our results suggest both environmental adaptability and the endophytic bacterial community are linked to the functional traits of the invasive clonal plant W. trilobata, and these functional traits tend to increase its invasiveness, which may enhance its invasion success.
Effects of Piper betle L. Extract and Allelochemical Eugenol on Rice and Associated Weeds Germination and Seedling Growth
Authors: Choopayak Chonnanit , Aranyakanon Kodchakorn , Prompakdee Nuttamon , Nangngam Pranee , Kongbangkerd Anupan , Ratanasut Kumrop
Published: December 2022

Natural herbicide is considered as a sustainable approach for weed management in agriculture. Here, allelopathic activities of Piper betle L. extract (BE) and known allelochemical eugenol (EU) were studied against rice and associated weeds in terms of germination and seedling growth. Five plant species including a rice crop (Oryza sativa L.); a dicot weed, false daisy (Eclipta prostrata (L.) L.); and three monocot weeds, barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.), swollen fingergrass (Chloris barbata Sw.), and weedy rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea Roshev.) were studied. The paper-based results demonstrated that BE and EU had inhibitory effects on seed germination and seedling growth. The IC50 values of BE and EU for seed germination were ranked from swollen fingergrass, to false daisy, barnyard grass, rice, and weedy rice, respectively. The ratio of root to shoot length of the seedlings indicated that the roots were more affected by the treatments than the shoots. In addition, the gel-based results showed the reduction of the rice seedling root system, especially on lateral root length and the numbers upon the treatments. Taken together, BE had an allelopathic activity similar to that of EU. Interestingly, the major paddy weed, barnyard grass, was more sensitive to BE than rice, underlining BE as a natural herbicide in rice agriculture.
Modelling of Web-Crippling Behavior of Pultruded GFRP I Sections at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Zhang Lingfeng , Li Qianyi , Long Ying , Cao Dafu , Guo Kai
Published: December 2022

The concentrated transverse load may lead to the web crippling of pultruded GFRP sections due to the lower transverse mechanical properties. Several investigations have been conducted on the web-crippling behavior of the GFRP sections under room temperature. However, the web-crippling behavior is not yet understood when subjected to elevated temperatures. To address this issue, a finite element model considering the temperature-dependent material properties, Hashin failure criterion and the damage evolution law are successfully developed to simulate the web-crippling behavior of the GFRP I sections under elevated temperatures. The numerical model was validated by the web-crippling experiments at room temperature with the end-two-flange (ETF) and end bearing with ground support (EG) loading configurations. The developed model can accurately predict the ultimate loads and failure modes. Moreover, it was found that the initial damage was triggered by exceeding the shear strength at the web-flange junction near the corner of the bearing plate and independent of the elevated temperatures and loading configurations. The ultimate load and stiffness decreased obviously with the increasing temperature. At 220 °C, the ultimate load of specimens under ETF and EG loading configurations significantly decreased by 57% and 62%, respectively, whereas the elastic stiffness obviously reduced by 87% and 88%, respectively.
Evaluation of Approximate Expressions to Calculate the Area of the Intersection between a Sphere and a Cylindrical Plane
Authors: Du Toit Charl Gabriël
Published: December 2022

Cylindrical packed beds of spheres are found in many industrial and practical applications where heat and mass transfer and fluid flow occur. A proper understanding of the porous structure is imperative for the analysis and design of the performance of packed beds. The porosity of the packed bed and in particular the radial variation in porosity is of interest. When the positions and sizes of the spheres in the packed bed are known, the areas of the intersections between the spheres and selected cylindrical planes can be used to obtain the radial variation in porosity. The aim of the study is to evaluate the performance of approximate expressions that had been derived to calculate the intersection areas. Firstly, the ability of the approximate expressions to calculate the intersection area is evaluated by considering several typical sphere–cylindrical plane configurations. Secondly, the application of the approximate expressions to obtain the radial variation in porosity for a selection of cylindrical packed beds is evaluated. It is concluded that the approximate expressions should only be applied to packed beds with aspect ratios larger than 6 and for radial positions larger than 1.5 sphere diameters from the centre line of the cylindrical packed bed.
Low-Temperature Joining of B4C Ceramics Using Cold-Sprayed Al-8wt%Si Alloy and Microstructure of the Vicinity of the Joint Interface
Authors: Kita Hideki , Gou Roujia , Yamashita Seiji
Published: December 2022

A series of studies were conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of low-temperature bonding by the forming and heating an Al-8wt%Si alloy thick film on a B4C surface by cold spraying. The results show that: (1) The cracks near the joining interface are closed by the Al alloy by the process studied in this study, and a joining strength of about 220 and 240 MPa is achieved by low temperature joining of 580 °C and 600 °C, respectively.; (2) The amount of weak intermetallic compounds at the joining interface is reduced; (3) It is assumed that the reduction in the amount of Al-B-C compounds is due to the formation of the β phase during the solidification process of the Al-Si alloy, which hinders the growth of the compounds.; (4) On the primary joint surface, a continuous void group is formed in the vicinity of the β phase that surrounds the α phase, causing a decrease in the joining strength.
Simultaneous Optimization of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Abilities of Moroccan Pimpinella anisum Extracts Using Mixture Design Methodology
Authors: Soussi Meriem , Fadil Mouhcine , Yaagoubi Wissal Al , Benjelloun Meryem , El Ghadraoui Lahsen
Published: December 2022

Pimpinella anisum (anise) is a dense vegetal matrix with considerable amounts of bioactive components known for its pharmacological properties. The optimization of extraction constitutes an important key to improving efficacy and avoiding wasting time. Within this framework, the present study was designed to select the most appropriate extractor solvent mixture to extract phenolic and flavonoids using Mixture Design Methodology. The concerned responses were the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant ability examined by 2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Before mixture design optimization, a screening of solvents was conducted on ten polar and nonpolar solvents to choose the best solvents that give a maximum of total phenolic compounds. This first step has shown that water, ethanol and methanol were the best-used solvents. Later, an augmented centroid design investigated the solvent system’s optimization. The results of simultaneous optimization have shown that the ternary mixture containing 44% of water, 22% of ethanol and 34% of methanol was the most appropriate for simultaneous maximization of TPC, TFC and antioxidant activity with 18.55 mg GAE/g, 7.16 mg QE/g and 0.56 mg/mL, respectively. Our results have shown that using mixture design as an optimization technique was an excellent way to choose the most suitable mixture to extract bioactive compounds, which may represent a promising method of multi-purpose extraction, especially in the pharmaceutical and food sectors.
Red Clover and the Importance of Extraction Processes—Ways in Which Extraction Techniques and Parameters Affect Trifolium pratense L. Extracts’ Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities
Authors: Gligor Octavia , Clichici Simona , Moldovan Remus , Muntean Dana , Vlase Ana-Maria , Nadăș George Cosmin , Novac Cristiana Ștefania , Filip Gabriela Adriana , Vlase Laurian , Crișan Gianina
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study was to gain an insight into the manner in which several extraction processes (both classical as well as innovative) affected bioactive compound yield, and subsequently to assess several of their biological activities. Red clover extracts were obtained using maceration, Soxhlet extraction, turbo-extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and a combination of the last two. The resulting extracts were analyzed for total phenolic and flavonoid content. The extracts presenting the best results were subjected to a phytochemical assessment by way of HPLC-MS analysis. After a final sorting based on the phytochemical profiles of the extracts, the samples were assessed for their antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammatory activity, and oxidative stress reduction potential, using animal inflammation models. The Soxhlet extraction yielded the most satisfactory results both qualitatively and quantitatively. The ultrasound-assisted extraction offered comparable yields. The extracts showed a high potential against gram-negative bacteria and induced a modest antioxidant effect on the experimental inflammation model in Wistar rats.
Visible Fenton Degradation of Bisphenol A by Boron-Doped, Graphene-Oxide-Coated Nano-Fe3O4
Authors: Liu Boxia , Zhang Xiayan , Song Zhi
Published: December 2022

Phenolic pollutants in industrial wastewater are considered to be harmful aromatic compounds. With the development of industry and pharmaceuticals, phenolic pollutants and their derivatives have gradually started to affect people’s daily lives. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly control the content of phenolic pollutants in industrial wastewater, not only for the natural environment but also for human life. The research optimized the existing treatment methods for classified pollutants, and successfully prepared a heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalyst Fe3O4@B-rGO (9.3%). The characterization results of the catalyst showed that the synthesis of the catalyst was successful, and its specific surface area was 11.28 (m2/g), and the pore volume area was 0.137 (m3/g), respectively, which were larger than those of the other two comparative catalysts. In addition, the research conclusion also showed that the catalyst prepared during the research had good catalytic activity, the treatment efficiency of Fe3O4@B-rGO (9.3%) to bisphenol A could reach 100%, and the mineralization rate could reach 67.4%. In the reaction, the main active radicals are generated, and catalyst Fe3O4@B-rGO (9.3%) can produce more active free radicals compared with Fe3O4 and Fe3O4@rGO.
Legume Protein Extracts: The Relevance of Physical Processing in the Context of Structural, Techno-Functional and Nutritional Aspects of Food Development
Authors: Neji Chaima , Semwal Jyoti , Kamani Mohammad Hassan , Máthé Endre , Sipos Péter
Published: December 2022

Legumes are sustainable protein-rich crops with numerous industrial food applications, which give them the potential of a functional food ingredient. Legume proteins have appreciable techno-functional properties (e.g., emulsification, foaming, water absorption), which could be affected along with its digestibility during processing. Extraction and isolation of legumes’ protein content makes their use more efficient; however, exposure to the conditions of further use (such as temperature and pressure) results in, and significantly increases, changes in the structural, and therefore functional and nutritional, properties. The present review focuses on the quality of legume protein concentrates and their changes under the influence of different physical processing treatments and highlights the effect of processing techniques on the structural, functional, and some of the nutritional, properties of legume proteins.
Lag Time in Diffusion-Controlled Release Formulations Containing a Drug-Free Outer Layer
Authors: Kalosakas George , Panagopoulou Eleni
Published: December 2022

Theoretical considerations along with extensive Monte Carlo simulations are used to calculate the lag time before the initiation of diffusion-controlled drug release in multilayer planar devices with an outer layer containing no drug. The presented results are also relevant in formulations coated by a drug-free membrane as well as in other reservoir systems. The diffusion of drug molecules through the outer layer towards the release medium is considered, giving rise to the observed lag time. We have determined the dependence of lag time on the thickness and the diffusion coefficient of the drug-free outer layer, as well as on the initial drug concentration and the surface area of the planar device. A simple expression, obtained through an analytical solution of diffusion equation, provides an approximate estimate for the lag time that describes the numerical results reasonably well; according to this relation, the lag time is proportional to the squared thickness of the outer layer over the corresponding diffusion coefficient and inversely proportional to the logarithm of the linear number density of the drug that is initially loaded in the inner layer.
Influence of the Drying Method on the Volatile Component Profile of Hypericum perforatum Herb: A HS-SPME-GC/MS Study
Authors: Dudek Karolina , Pietryja Marcelin Jan , Kurkiewicz Slawomir , Kurkiewicz Małgorzata , Błońska-Fajfrowska Barbara , Wilczyński Sławomir , Dzierżęga-Lęcznar Anna
Published: December 2022

Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John’s wort) is one of the most popular medicinal plants in the world. Due to its documented antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, it is used in the treatment of bacterial and viral infections as well as inflammations. It is also used to treat gastrointestinal diseases and mild to moderate depression. In recent years, there has been an increase in the popularity of herbal medicine. Many people collect their own herbs and dry them at home. A common choice for quick drying of fruits, vegetables and herbs at home are food dehydrator machines. There are not many publications in the scientific literature examining the quality of dried herbal material obtained in such dryers. We characterized St. John’s wort harvested in southern Poland and investigated the effect of specific drying methods on the volatile component profile. The herbal raw material was dried using three methods: indoors at room temperature, in an incubator at 37 °C and in a food dehydrator machine. Volatile components were analysed by HS-SPME GC/MS. The herb dried in a food dehydrator, compared to other drying methods, retained similar or slightly smaller amounts of the compounds from the mono- and sesquiterpenes group, aromatic monoterpenes, aromatic monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, aromatic sesquiterpenes and alkanes. However, monoterpenoids and compounds coming from decomposition reactions, such as alcohols, short-chain fatty acids and esters, were noticed in larger quantities. Usage of a food dehydrator at home can be a convenient alternative to drying herbs. However, due to a different profile of volatile components depending on the drying method, the amount of biologically active substances needs to be considered. By using various methods of drying, the medical effects of herbs can be enhanced or weakened; therefore, further research in this direction should be continued.
Safety-Risk Assessment for TBM Construction of Hydraulic Tunnel Based on Fuzzy Evidence Reasoning
Authors: Zhang Zhixiao , Wang Bo , Wang Xiangfeng , He Yintao , Wang Hanxu , Zhao Shunbo
Published: December 2022

Due to multiple factors influencing the construction safety of TBM hydraulic tunnels, risk assessment is a critical point of a construction management plan to avoid possible risks. In this paper, a safety-risk evaluation index system of TBM construction for hydraulic tunnels is built based on the identification and analysis of possible sources of risk in techniques, geologic, equipment, management, and accidents. Considering the influence of factors such as the experience level and the expertise of decision makers, a combination assignment method of index weights is proposed based on binary semantics. On the basis of a fuzzy normal distribution used as the subordinate function distribution of fuzzy evaluation levels, the subordinate function distribution of fuzzy evaluation levels under multi-level intersection situations is introduced, and a comprehensive evaluation model of safety risks for TBM tunnel construction is built. The validity and practicality of the evaluation model is examined with the combination of a long-distance water conveyance tunnel project. Results show that the construction safety-risk of the TBM hydraulic tunnel project belongs to the middle-high level, and the safety accident risk belongs to the low level. The study provides guidance of evaluation and control of risks for this tunneling construction being successfully completed.
Non-Woven Filters Made of PLA via Solution Blowing Process for Effective Aerosol Nanoparticles Filtration
Authors: Jackiewicz-Zagórska Anna , Mika Karol , Penconek Agata , Moskal Arkadiusz
Published: December 2022

With the development of civilization, the awareness of the impact of versatile aerosol particles on both human health and the environment is growing. New materials are needed to purify the air to control this impact The aspect of processing the produced waste is not negligible. In view of the above, this study proposes utilizing the solution blow spinning process (SBS) for manufacturing a biodegradable filtration structure that ensures high efficiency of nanoobject filtration, with a low pressure drop. Polylactic acid (PLA) was used to produce a nanofiber layer on the coconut substrate. The advantage of this method is the ability to blow fibers with diameters in the nano-scale, applying relatively simple, cost-effective, and easy to scale-up equipment. This work selected appropriate process parameters to produce good quality filters. Moreover, the process conditions influence on the morphology of the obtained structures and, thus, also the filtration properties, were examined. For tested solutions, i.e., 4% and 6%, the mean fiber diameter decreased as the concentration decreased. Therefore, the overall filtering efficiency increased as the concentration of the used solution decreased. The produced structures exhibited approximately 70% filtration efficiency for particles ranging from 0.02 to 0.2 μm with a pressure drop of less than 60 Pa. Obtained results are optimistic and are a step in producing efficient, biodegradable filters to remove nanoparticles from air.