bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Shifts in Soil Fungal Functional Group Characteristics across Distinct Vegetation Types during Ecological Restoration in Degraded Red Soil Regions
Authors: Hou Xiaolong , Yu Junbao , Han Xuejie , Zhai Lin , Farooq Taimoor Hassan , Li Qiyan , Liu Linghua
Published: January 2024

The red soil region in southern China has become the second-largest soil erosion area after the Loess Plateau. The evolutionary trajectory of soil fungi during vegetation restoration in acidic red soil regions remains a subject of inquiry. The investigation focused on the restoration process of an ecosystem facing intense degradation in the southern regions of China by studying four distinctive vegetation types: barren land (BL), pure Pinus massoniana forest (CF), mixed coniferous (CBF), and broad-leaved forest (BF). The outcomes revealed considerable enhancements in soil properties’ attributes, evident through a gradual reduction in the bulk density of soil (SBD) and a corresponding increment in soil moisture content (MC), total nitrogen (TN), total carbon (TC), total potassium (TK), soil organic matter (SOM), and available potassium (AK) as vegetation restoration advanced. An intriguing trend emerged where the relative abundance of Ascomycota fungi displayed a declining trajectory, whereas Basidiomycota fungi exhibited an ascending trend with the progression of vegetation restoration. Specifically, broad-leaved forests exhibited a significantly greater relative abundance of Penicillium fungi compared to other stages of vegetation restoration. The diversity of soil fungal communities increased in tandem with vegetation restoration. A redundancy analysis illuminated a strong and positive relationship between the abundance of major soil fungi and soil pH, TN, and TC (key influencers of acidic red soil fungal populations). This study provided additional evidence of an elevation in ectomycorrhizal and saprophytic trophic fungi, signifying a transition that enhances the vegetation’s ability to capture water and nutrients. This, in turn, contributes to the overall enrichment and diversity of vegetation communities during the progression of restoration.
A Universal Strategy for the Efficient Expression of Nanobodies in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Zheng Yiheng , Li Bingkun , Zhao Shida , Liu Jiawei , Li Ding
Published: January 2024

In recent years, nanobodies have played an increasingly crucial role in virus neutralization, ELISA detection, and medical imaging. This study aimed to explore a universal expression strategy in Pichia pastoris using three nanobodies, denoted Va, Vb, and Vc, as model proteins. Initially, plasmids pLD-AOXα and pLD-AOX were engineered to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance gene drift. Optimization of promoters and signal peptides resulted in a 1.38-fold and 1.89-fold increase in Va production. Further optimization of gene dosage led to an additional 1.39-fold enhancement in Va yield. Subsequently, 25 molecular chaperones were co-expressed with Va under the control of the wild-type AOX1 promoter, with HAC1 further increasing Va yield by 1.5-fold. By fine-tuning the promoter strength for HAC1, Va production was increased by 2.41-fold under the control of the 55p promoter. Finally, through high-density fermentation, the Va yield reached 2.13 g/L, representing a 49.8-fold increase compared to the initial strain 1-AOXα-Va in shake-flask culture. Integration of pLD-55p-HAC1 into the GS115 genome resulted in the H55 host, and the transformation of multicopy plasmids into this host led to a 1.98-fold increase in Vb yield and a 2.34-fold increase in Vc yield, respectively. The engineering of antibiotic-free parental plasmids, modification of expression components, gene dosage optimization, and the H55 host are regarded as a composite strategy which will pave the way for efficient expression of nanobodies in the future.
Transcription Factor SATB2 Regulates Skeletal Muscle Cell Proliferation and Migration via HDAC4 in Pigs
Authors: Li Fanqinyu , Yan Chao , Yao Yilong , Yang Yalan , Liu Yanwen , Fan Danyang , Zhao Junxing , Tang Zhonglin
Published: January 2024

Skeletal muscle development remarkably affects meat production and growth rate, regulated by complex regulatory mechanisms in pigs. Specific AT sequence-binding protein 2 (SATB2) is a classic transcription factor and chromatin organizer, which holds a profound effect in the regulation of chromatin remodeling. However, the regulation role of SATB2 concerning skeletal muscle cell fate through chromatin remodeling in pigs remains largely unknown. Here, we observed that SATB2 was expressed higher in the lean-type compared to the obese-type pigs, which also enriched the pathways of skeletal muscle development, chromatin organization, and histone modification. Functionally, knockdown SATB2 led to decreases in the proliferation and migration markers at the mRNA and protein expression levels, respectively, while overexpression SATB2 had the opposite effects. Further, we found histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) was a key downstream target gene of SATB2 related to chromatin remodeling. The binding relationship between SATB2 and HDAC4 was confirmed by a dual-luciferase reporter system and ChIP-qPCR analysis. Besides, we revealed that HDAC4 promoted the skeletal muscle cell proliferation and migration at the mRNA and protein expression levels, respectively. In conclusion, our study indicates that transcription factor SATB2 binding to HDAC4 positively contributes to skeletal muscle cell proliferation and migration, which might mediate the chromatin remodeling to influence myogenesis in pigs. This study develops a novel insight into understanding the molecular regulatory mechanism of myogenesis, and provides a promising gene for genetic breeding in pigs.
In Vitro Regeneration, Micropropagation and Germplasm Conservation of Horticultural Plants
Authors: Bettoni Jean Carlos , Wang Min-Rui , Wang Qiao-Chun
Published: January 2024

In vitro tissue culture technologies provide novel tools for improving plant production [...]
Preliminary Analysis, Combined with Omics of Chilling Injury Mechanism of Peach Fruits with Different Cold Sensitivities during Postharvest Cold Storage
Authors: Zhan Wenduo , Wang Yan , Duan Wenyi , Li Ang , Miao Yule , Wang Hongmei , Meng Junren , Liu Hui , Niu Liang , Pan Lei , Sun Shihang , Cui Guochao , Wang Zhiqiang , Zeng Wenfang
Published: January 2024

The storage of peach fruits at 4–5 °C can easily lead to chilling injury and greatly reduce the quality and commercial value of peach fruits. In this study, two kinds of peach fruits (CX and CM) were selected to analyze the mechanisms of chilling injury in fruits with different chilling sensitivity by means of their lipidomic, transcriptome, and dynamic changes in plant hormones. We found that the ethylene, abscisic acid (ABA), and lipid contents changed differently between CX and CM. The ABA and dilactosyl diacylglycerol (DGDG) contents significantly increased after refrigeration in CM fruit, leading to strong cold resistance. However, low temperatures induced a greater accumulation of ethylene, phospholipids, and ABA-GE in CX fruit than in CM fruit, eventually leading to more severe CI symptoms in CX fruit. Additionally, a transcriptional regulatory network for CM and CX fruits during cold storage was constructed, providing a new theoretical reference for the cultivation of cold-resistant peach cultivars and the development of postharvest preservation technology.
Polyploid Induction and Identification of Begonia × benariensis
Authors: Xie Ninghao , Zhao Yi , Huang Min , Chen Caixia , Cao Chuanqu , Wang Jisheng , Shi Zhihua , Gao Junshan
Published: January 2024

Begonia × benariensis series varieties have high ornamental and economic value and are excellent varieties for large-area group planting in gardens and green areas. At present, the B. × benariensis series varieties grown in China rely on foreign imports, and the price of imported germplasm resources is expensive, which greatly increases the cost of flower enterprises. In view of this, B. × benariensis (2n = 2x = 34) was used as the material, the callus was treated with colchicine to induce polyploid plants, and the polyploid plants were subjected to morphology, DNA content identification, and stomatal identification, as well as comparisons of the morphophysiological indexes of the plants. The results showed that the polyploid was better induced with the treatment of 0.05% colchicine for 4 h, and the induction rate was 46.67%. Among the mutagenized plants, there were 42 triploids (2n = 3x = 51) and 98 tetraploids (2n = 4x = 68). The stomatal density of diploid leaves was about 1.09 times that of the triploid and 1.67 times that of the tetraploid, the defense cells of the leaves increased gradually, and the stomatal density decreased; with the increase in ploidy, the height of the plants increased, while the crown width decreased; the maximum length and width of the leaves decreased, the color of the leaves became darker, and the chlorophyll content increased. This study provides abundant variation materials and technical support for the selection and breeding of new varieties of B. × benariensis in the future.
Breg-Mediated Immunoregulation in the Skin
Authors: Zheremyan Elina A. , Ustiugova Alina S. , Karamushka Nina M. , Uvarova Aksinya N. , Stasevich Ekaterina M. , Bogolyubova Apollinariya V. , Kuprash Dmitry V. , Korneev Kirill V.
Published: January 2024

Wound healing is a complex process involving a coordinated series of events aimed at restoring tissue integrity and function. Regulatory B cells (Bregs) are a subset of B lymphocytes that play an essential role in fine-tuning immune responses and maintaining immune homeostasis. Recent studies have suggested that Bregs are important players in cutaneous immunity. This review summarizes the current understanding of the role of Bregs in skin immunity in health and pathology, such as diabetes, psoriasis, systemic sclerosis, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, cutaneous hypersensitivity, pemphigus, and dermatomyositis. We discuss the mechanisms by which Bregs maintain tissue homeostasis in the wound microenvironment through the promotion of angiogenesis, suppression of effector cells, and induction of regulatory immune cells. We also mention the potential clinical applications of Bregs in promoting wound healing, such as the use of adoptive Breg transfer.
Single-Cell Transcriptome Sequence Profiling on the Morphogenesis of Secondary Hair Follicles in Ordos Fine-Wool Sheep
Authors: Li Chenglan , He Xue , Wu Yi , Li Jianye , Zhang Rui , An Xuejiao , Yue Yaojing
Published: January 2024

The Ordos fine-wool sheep is a high-quality breed in China that produces superior natural textiles and raw materials such as wool and lamb meat. However, compared to the Australian Merino sheep, there is still a gap in terms of the wool fiber fineness and wool yield. The hair follicle is the main organ that controls the type of wool fiber, and the morphological changes in the secondary hair follicle are crucial in determining wool quality. However, the process and molecular mechanisms of hair follicle morphogenesis in Ordos fine-wool sheep are not yet clear. Therefore, analyzing the molecular mechanisms underlying the process of follicle formation is of great significance for improving the fiber diameter and wool production of Ordos fine-wool sheep. The differential expressed genes, APOD, POSTN, KRT5, and KRT15, which related to primary hair follicles and secondary hair follicles, were extracted from the dermal papillae. Based on pseudo-time analysis, the differentiation trajectories of dermal lineage cells and epidermal lineage cells in the Ordos fine-wool sheep were successfully constructed, providing a theoretical basis for breeding research in Ordos fine-wool sheep.
Effects of Waterpipe Smoke Exposure on Experimentally Induced Chronic Kidney Disease in Mice
Authors: Beegam Sumaya , Al-Salam Suhail , Zaaba Nur Elena , Elzaki Ozaz , Ali Badreldin H. , Nemmar Abderrahim
Published: January 2024

Tobacco smoking is an independent risk factor in the onset of kidney disease. To date, there have been no reports on the influence of waterpipe smoke (WPS) in experimentally induced chronic kidney disease (CKD) models. We studied the effects and mechanisms of actions of WPS on a mouse model of adenine-induced CKD. Mice fed either a normal diet, or an adenine-added diet and were exposed to either air or WPS (30 min/day and 5 days/week) for four consecutive weeks. Plasma creatinine, urea and indoxyl sulfate increased and creatinine clearance decreased in adenine + WPS versus either WPS or adenine + saline groups. The urinary concentrations of kidney injury molecule-1 and adiponectin and the activities of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase were augmented in adenine + WPS compared with either adenine + air or WPS groups. In the kidney tissue, several markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were higher in adenine + WPS than in either adenine + air or WPS groups. Compared with the controls, WPS inhalation in mice with CKD increased DNA damage, and urinary concentration of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine. Furthermore, the expressions of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) (ERK and p38) were elevated in the kidneys of adenine + WPS group, compared with the controls. Likewise, the kidneys of adenine + WPS group revealed more marked histological tubular injury, chronic inflammation and interstitial fibrosis. In conclusion, WPS inhalation aggravates kidney injury, oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage and fibrosis in mice with adenine-induced CKD, indicating that WPS exposure intensifies CKD. These effects were associated with a mechanism involving NF-κB, ERK and p38 activations.
The RING-Type Domain-Containing Protein GNL44 Is Essential for Grain Size and Quality in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: He Lei , Chen Tao , Liang Wenhua , Zhao Chunfang , Zhao Ling , Yao Shu , Zhou Lihui , Zhu Zhen , Zhao Qingyong , Lu Kai , Wang Cailin , Zhu Li , Zhang Yadong
Published: January 2024

Grain size in rice (Oryza sativa L.) shapes yield and quality, but the underlying molecular mechanism is not fully understood. We functionally characterized GRAIN NUMBER AND LARGE GRAIN SIZE 44 (GNL44), encoding a RING-type protein that localizes to the cytoplasm. The gnl44 mutant has fewer but enlarged grains compared to the wild type. GNL44 is mainly expressed in panicles and developing grains. Grain chalkiness was higher in the gnl44 mutant than in the wild type, short-chain amylopectin content was lower, middle-chain amylopectin content was higher, and appearance quality was worse. The amylose content and gel consistency of gnl44 were lower, and protein content was higher compared to the wild type. Rapid Visco Analyzer results showed that the texture of cooked gnl44 rice changed, and that the taste value of gnl44 was lower, making the eating and cooking quality of gnl44 worse than that of the wild type. We used gnl44, qgl3, and gs3 monogenic and two-gene near-isogenic lines to study the effects of different combinations of genes affecting grain size on rice quality-related traits. Our results revealed additive effects for these three genes on grain quality. These findings enrich the genetic resources available for rice breeders.
AtRAC7/ROP9 Small GTPase Regulates A. thaliana Immune Systems in Response to B. cinerea Infection
Authors: García-Soto Ivette , Formey Damien , Mora-Toledo Angélica , Cárdenas Luis , Aragón Wendy , Tromas Alexandre , Duque-Ortiz Arianna , Jiménez-Bremont Juan Francisco , Serrano Mario
Published: January 2024

Botrytis cinerea is a necrotrophic fungus that can cause gray mold in over 1400 plant species. Once it is detected by Arabidopsis thaliana, several defense responses are activated against this fungus. The proper activation of these defenses determines plant susceptibility or resistance. It has been proposed that the RAC/ROP small GTPases might serve as a molecular link in this process. In this study, we investigate the potential role of the Arabidopsis RAC7 gene during infection with B. cinerea. For that, we evaluated A. thaliana RAC7-OX lines, characterized by the overexpression of the RAC7 gene. Our results reveal that these RAC7-OX lines displayed increased susceptibility to B. cinerea infection, with enhanced fungal colonization and earlier lesion development. Additionally, they exhibited heightened sensitivity to bacterial infections caused by Pseudomonas syringae and Pectobacterium brasiliense. By characterizing plant canonical defense mechanisms and performing transcriptomic profiling, we determined that RAC7-OX lines impaired the plant transcriptomic response before and during B. cinerea infection. Global pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes suggested that RAC7 influences pathogen perception, cell wall homeostasis, signal transduction, and biosynthesis and response to hormones and antimicrobial compounds through actin filament modulation. Herein, we pointed out, for first time, the negative role of RAC7 small GTPase during A. thaliana–B. cinerea interaction.
Integrated Analysis of DNA Methylation and Gene Expression Profiles in a Rat Model of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Chun Jin Mi , Kim Joong-Sun , Kim Chul
Published: January 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is common and affected by several factors, such as age, weight, sex, and genetics. The pathogenesis of OA remains unclear. Therefore, using a rat model of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA, we examined genomic-wide DNA methylation using methyl-seq and characterized the transcriptome using RNA-seq in the articular cartilage tissue from a negative control (NC) and MIA-induced rats. We identified 170 genes (100 hypomethylated and upregulated genes and 70 hypermethylated and downregulated genes) regulated by DNA methylation in OA. DNA methylation-regulated genes were enriched in functions related to focal adhesion, extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction and the PI3K-Akt and Hippo signaling pathways. Functions related to extracellular matrix organization, extracellular matrix proteoglycans, and collagen formation were involved in OA. A molecular and protein-protein network was constructed using methylated expression-correlated genes. Erk1/2 was a downstream target of OA-induced changes in DNA methylation and RNA expression. We found that the integrin subunit alpha 2 (ITGA2) gene is important in focal adhesion, alpha6-beta4 integrin signaling, and the inflammatory response pathway in OA. Overall, gene expression changes because DNA methylation influences OA pathogenesis. ITGA2, whose gene expression changes are regulated by DNA methylation during OA onset, is a candidate gene. Our findings provide insights into the epigenetic targets of OA processes in rats.
Toward an Enterprise Gamification System to Motivate Human Resources in IT Companies
Authors: Ribeiro Carolina , Fernandes Igor , Portela Filipe
Published: January 2024

In the age of Industry 4.0, competition between companies is becoming increasingly intense, and companies are turning to trends that aim to improve overall performance. Accordingly, the company ITEK decided to create a global gamification mechanism focused on motivating employees and encouraging them to perform their tasks in order to obtain incentives. For the construction and development of this mechanism, design science research and the 6D approach to gamification were used as methodologies, including tools from the aforementioned company that can be adapted to cloud tools in future applications. With this in mind, as a result, a base artifact with potential for future implementation can be shown, having interoperability and integrity for possible changes in companies with similar needs, an architecture related to the matter, and a proof of concept, proving that is possible to implement the solution in a real-world context. This article serves as a beacon to bring practical examples to the scientific and business community that can enrich and give light to new applications related to the themes of gamification, cloud, and human resources. As such, it can be expected that the next steps will include the application of the gamification model in the company ITEK, the documentation of its application, its results for employees, and the overall performance of the company. As a result and as proof of concept, an architecture was developed that allows for the integration of eight tools and 12 rules created for the gamification model.
A Study and Application Analysis Exploring Pythagorean Fuzzy Set Distance Metrics in Decision Making
Authors: Thakur Palvinder , Paradowski Bartosz , Gandotra Neeraj , Thakur Parul , Saini Namita , Sałabun Wojciech
Published: January 2024

The ever-increasing demand for high-quality solutions drives research toward more sophisticated decision-making solutions. In the field of decision making, the ability to solve complex real-world problems is of paramount importance. To this end, fuzzy sets are used, which offer the possibility of incorporating uncertainty into the values describing decision options. This study focuses on Pythagorean fuzzy sets, an extension of classical fuzzy sets, providing even more tools for modeling real-world problems by presenting a distance measure for these specific sets. A verification of the characteristics of the proposed distance measure has been carried out, proving its validity. The proposed measure is characterized by a more straightforward formula and thus simplifies the calculations. Furthermore, to confirm its usability, a multi-criteria decision-making methodology is presented, the results of which are compared with two multi-criteria decision-making methods, namely, PF-TOPSIS and PF-VIKOR, and another distance measure previously presented in the literature. The comparative analysis highlights lower variability in terms of preference values calculated using the proposed distance measure, which confirms the stability and reliability of the newly proposed distance measure while maintaining low computational complexity. Moreover, a high correlation with rankings calculated using PF-TOPSIS ensures its utility in terms of decision making.
Editorial for the Special Issue “Information Technologies in Education, Research, and Innovation”
Authors: Cheng Eric C. K. , Wang Tianchong
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the integration of education and technology, ushering in a new era where digital tools and innovative approaches take center stage across higher education and beyond [...]
IoT-Assisted Automatic Driver Drowsiness Detection through Facial Movement Analysis Using Deep Learning and a U-Net-Based Architecture
Authors: Das Shiplu , Pratihar Sanjoy , Pradhan Buddhadeb , Jhaveri Rutvij H. , Benedetto Francesco
Published: January 2024

The main purpose of a detection system is to ascertain the state of an individual’s eyes, whether they are open and alert or closed, and then alert them to their level of fatigue. As a result of this, they will refrain from approaching an accident site. In addition, it would be advantageous for people to be promptly alerted in real time before the occurrence of any calamitous events affecting multiple people. The implementation of Internet-of-Things (IoT) technology in driver action recognition has become imperative due to the ongoing advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deep learning (DL) within Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which are significantly transforming the driving encounter. This work presents a deep learning model that utilizes a CNN–Long Short-Term Memory network to detect driver sleepiness. We employ different algorithms on datasets such as EM-CNN, VGG-16, GoogLeNet, AlexNet, ResNet50, and CNN-LSTM. The aforementioned algorithms are used for classification, and it is evident that the CNN-LSTM algorithm exhibits superior accuracy compared to alternative deep learning algorithms. The model is provided with video clips of a certain period, and it distinguishes the clip by analyzing the sequence of motions exhibited by the driver in the video. The key objective of this work is to promote road safety by notifying drivers when they exhibit signs of drowsiness, minimizing the probability of accidents caused by fatigue-related disorders. It would help in developing an ADAS that is capable of detecting and addressing driver tiredness proactively. This work intends to limit the potential dangers associated with drowsy driving, hence promoting enhanced road safety and a decrease in accidents caused by fatigue-related variables. This work aims to achieve high efficacy while maintaining a non-intrusive nature. This work endeavors to offer a non-intrusive solution that may be seamlessly integrated into current automobiles, hence enhancing accessibility to a broader spectrum of drivers through the utilization of facial movement analysis employing CNN-LSTM and a U-Net-based architecture.
Activity of Platinum-Based Cathode Electrocatalysts in Oxygen Redaction for Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: Influence of the Ionomer Content
Authors: Alekseenko Anastasia , Belenov Sergey , Mauer Dmitriy , Moguchikh Elizaveta , Falina Irina , Bayan Julia , Pankov Ilya , Alekseenko Danil , Guterman Vladimir
Published: January 2024

Studying the ORR activity of platinum-based electrocatalysts is an urgent task in the development of materials for proton-exchange membrane fuel cells. The catalytic ink composition and the formation technique of a thin layer at the RDE play a significant role in studying ORR activity. The use of a polymer ionomer in the catalytic ink provides viscosity as well as proton conductivity. Nafion is widely used as an ionomer for research both at the RDE and in the MEA. The search for ionomers is a priority task in the development of the MEA components to replace Nafion. The study also considers the possibility of using the LF4-SK polymer as an alternative ionomer. The comparative results on the composition and techniques of applying the catalytic layer using LF4-SK and Nafion ionomers are presented, and the influence of the catalytic ink composition on the electrochemical characteristics of commercial platinum–carbon catalysts and a highly efficient platinum catalyst based on an N-doped carbon support is assessed.
Ethyl Formate Fumigation against Pineapple Mealybug, Dysmicoccus brevipes, a Quarantine Insect Pest of Pineapples
Authors: Kwon Tae Hyung , Kim Dong-Bin , Kim Bongsu , Bloese Joanna , Lee Byung-Ho , Cha Dong H.
Published: January 2024

Pineapple mealybug, Dysmicoccus brevipes (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is a significant pest in pineapple production and a key trade barrier. We explored the potential use of ethyl formate (EF) as a methyl bromide alternative for the postharvest fumigation of D. brevipes in imported pineapples. When treated at 8 °C for 4 h, EF fumigation was effective against D. brevipes with LCt99, the lethal concentration × time product of EF necessary to achieve 99% mortality of D. brevipes nymphs and adults at 64.2 and 134.8 g h/m3, respectively. Sorption trials conducted with 70 g/m3 EF for 4 h at 8 °C using 7.5, 15 and 30% pineapple loading ratios (w/v) indicated that loading ratio lower than 30% is necessary to achieve the LCt99 values required to control D. brevipes. In a scaled up trial using 1 m3 chamber, EF fumigation with 70 g/m3 for 4 h at 8 °C with 20% pineapple loading ratio (w/v) resulted in a complete control of D. brevipes treated. There were no significant differences in hue values, sugar contents, firmness, and weight loss between EF-treated and untreated pineapples. Our results suggest that EF is a promising alternative to methyl bromide fumigation for the postharvest phytosanitary disinfection of D. brevipes in pineapples.
Field Control Effect of Telenomus remus Nixon and Trichogramma chilonis Ishii Compound Parasitoid Balls against Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith)
Authors: Yuan Xi , Guo Yi , Li Dunsong
Published: January 2024

Although the release of egg parasitoids has proven to be an effective strategy for the control of the fall armyworm (FAW), a single egg parasitoid, however, has exposed some deficiencies in practice, and it is worthwhile to explore whether the combination of multiple parasitoid species released can be used to control FAW by adopting an inter- or intra-specific relationship. In this study, we released compound parasitoid balls of Te. remus and Tr. chilonis in maize fields to explore the effects of combinations in different proportions of these two egg parasitoids on the control of the FAW. The results showed that the release of compound parasitoid balls improved the control effect on the FAW compared to the release of only Te. Remus (100%) and only Tr. Chilonis (100%). The treatments released with compound parasitoid balls significantly increased the egg parasitism rate against the FAW, reduced its populations, and alleviated its damage to maize as compared to the treatment with only Tr. chilonis (100%) released, whereas there was no significant difference in the egg parasitism rate and FAW populations between the treatments with the release of only Te. remus (100%) and that of compound parasitoid balls. Among the compound parasitoid balls with different proportions of egg parasitoids, the treatment with 80% Te. remus and 20% Tr. chilonis and that with 20% Te. remus and 80% Tr. chilonis could still retain more than 50% of the control effect against the FAW after 15 days of release and given the higher cost of production of Te. Remus, our results suggested that the combination of 20% Te. Remus and 80% Tr. Chilonis is a more cost-efficient ratio for the control of the FAW. Our findings may provide a new perspective for the sustainable control of the FAW.
Numerical Study of the Influence of the Type of Gas on Drag Reduction by Microbubble Injection
Authors: An Hai , Yang Po , Zhang Hanyu , Liu Xinquan
Published: January 2024

In this work, a novel numerical method for studying the influence of gas types on drag reduction by microbubble injection is presented. Aimed at the microbubble drag reduction (MBDR) process for different types of gases, the mass transfer velocity of different types of gases in the gas–liquid phase is defined by writing a user-defined function (UDF), which reflected the influence of gas solubility on the drag reduction rate. An Eulerian multiphase flow model and the Realizable k−ε turbulence model are used for numerical calculation. The population balance model is used to describe the coalescence and breakup phenomena of the microbubble groups. Henry’s theorem is used to calculate the equilibrium concentration of the microbubble mixed flow. The interphase mass transfer rate of the microbubble injection process for different types of gases is studied by using permeation theory. The local mass fraction of the mixed flow is solved by the component transport equation. It is found that the larger the solubility of the gas, the lower the efficiency of MBDR. When the volume flow rate of the same type of gas is the same but the injection speed is different, the larger the solubility of the gas is, the greater the difference in the drag reduction ratio.
3-(4-Bromophenyl)-1-carbamothioyl-5-(2-carbamothioylhydrazinyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxylic Acid
Authors: Andreeva Anastasia A. , Dmitriev Maksim V. , Maslivets Andrey N.
Published: January 2024

The reaction of 4-(4-bromophenyl)-2,4-dioxobutanoic acid with thiosemicarbazide, in a ratio of 1:2, when boiled in ethanol gives 3-(4-bromophenyl)-1-carbamothioyl-5-(2-carbamothioylhydrazinyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxylic acid with a good yield. This compound was fully characterized.
The Excellent Mechanical Performance of Polymer-Coated Ceramsite Particles for Efficient Fracturing: An Explanation from a Surface, Tribological Perspective
Authors: He Mengqi , Wang Jiangkuan , Wang Bin , Wu Yuxi , Wang Ling , Guo Yanbao
Published: January 2024

Hydraulic fracturing using micro-particles is an effective technology in the petroleum industry since the particles facilitate crack propagation of the shale layer, creating pathways for oil and gas. A new kind of polymer-coated ceramsite particles (PCP) was generated. The friction and wear properties of the particles under different loads and speeds were also studied. The tribological relationship between the newly fabricated polymer-coated ceramsite particles and the fracturing fluid was studied through tribological experiments under the condition of fracturing fluid lubrication. The results show that, in contrast, the wear of the new-generation particles is relatively stable, indicating that it has good adjustable friction properties. In addition, under the lubrication condition of fracturing fluid, the new-generation particles have better hydrophobicity, high-pressure resistance, and low reflux rate, which have an important value as a practical engineering application for improving shale gas production efficiency and production.
Valorisation of “La Palma” Volcanic Ash for Making Portland-Blended, Alkaline and Hybrid Portland–Alkaline Cements
Authors: Martín-Rodríguez Pablo , Fernández-Jiménez Ana , Alonso María del Mar , Palomo Angel , García-Lodeiro Inés
Published: January 2024

The present work evaluates the feasibility of using volcanic fly ash (VFA) generated by the eruption of the Tajogaite volcano on the island of La Palma (Spain) in 2021, as a precursor in the preparation of cementitious materials with different Portland cement (PC) replacement levels (0%, 30%, 70% and 100%), in the absence (Blended Cement, BC) and presence of an alkaline activator (Hybrid Alkaline Cement, HAC, and Alkaline Cements, AC). Hydration kinetics (isothermal conduction calorimetry), paste mechanical strengths and reaction products were characterised by XRD, FTIR, TG/DTG and BSEM/EDX. The results obtained indicate that the strengths developed by the hybrid alkaline cements (HAC) are higher than those of the blended cements (BC), especially at the age of 2 days, where 25 MPa were obtained with the replacement of 70% PC by VFA. Alkaline cements (AC, 100% VFA) that were prepared with 8 M NaOH solution as the activator reached 40 MPa after 2 days. It was observed that in all the binders, depending on the initial composition of the binder mixture and the percentage of replacement and/or activator, VFA reacts to form cementitious gels, C-A-S-H and N-A-S-H type, which supports its use as a mineral addition to blended cement or as a precursor in the preparation of alkaline and hybrid alkaline cements.
Exact Results for the Distribution of Randomly Weighted Sums
Authors: Hitchen Thomas , Nadarajah Saralees
Published: January 2024

Dependent random variables play a crucial role in various fields, from finance and statistics to engineering and environmental sciences. Often, interest lies in understanding the aggregate sum of a collection of dependent variables with random weights. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive study of the distribution of the aggregate sum with random weights. Expressions derived include those for the cumulative distribution function, probability density function, conditional expectation, moment generating function, characteristic function, cumulant generating function, moments, variance, skewness, kurtosis, cumulants, value at risk and the expected shortfall. Real data applications are discussed.
The Synchronisation Problem of Chaotic Neural Networks Based on Saturation Impulsive Control and Intermittent Control
Authors: Cao Zhengran , Li Chuandong , Leung Man-Fai
Published: January 2024

This paper primarily focuses on the chaos synchronisation analysis of neural networks (NNs) under a hybrid controller. Firstly, we design a suitable hybrid controller with saturated impulse control, combined with time-dependent intermittent control. Both controls are low-energy consumption and discrete, aligning well with industrial development needs. Secondly, the saturation function in the chaotic neural network is addressed using the polyhedral representation method and the sector nonlinearity method, respectively. By integrating the Lyapunov stability theory, Jensen’s inequality, the mathematical induction method, and the inequality reduction technique, we establish suitable time-dependent Lyapunov generalised equations. This leads to the estimation of the domain of attraction and the derivation of local exponential stability conditions for the error system. The validity of the achieved theoretical criteria is eventually demonstrated through numerical experiment simulations.
Dissecting the Genetic Basis of the Technological, Functional, and Safety Characteristics of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei SRX10
Authors: Kamarinou Christina S. , Kiousi Despoina E. , Repanas Panagiotis , Argyri Anthoula A. , Chorianopoulos Nikos G. , Galanis Alex
Published: January 2024

Nonstarter lactic acid bacteria (NSLAB) are major contributors to the unique characteristics (e.g., aroma, flavor, texture) of dairy and nondairy fermented products. Lc. paracasei SRX10 is an NSLAB strain originally isolated from a traditional Greek cheese and previously shown to exhibit favorable biotechnological characteristics. More specifically, the strain showed tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal conditions, exopolysaccharide (EPS) biosynthetic capacity, and lack of hemolytic activity and was used in the production of yoghurt and feta cheese with distinct organoleptic characteristics. The aim of the present study was to investigate these traits at the genome level through whole-genome sequencing (WGS), annotation, and comparative genomics. Functional annotation of the genome revealed that Lc. paracasei SRX10 can utilize different carbon sources, leading to the generation of flavor compounds, including lactic acid, acetate, ethanol, and acetoin. Similarly, full clusters for fatty acid biosynthesis, protein and peptide degradation, as well as genes related to survival under extreme temperatures, osmotic shock, and oxidative stress were annotated. Importantly, no transferable antibiotic resistance genes or virulence factors were identified. Finally, strain-specific primers based on genome-wide polymorphisms were designed for the efficient and rapid identification of Lc. paracasei SRX10 via multiplex PCR in fermented products.
Distribution and Genesis of the Deep Buried, Fractured and Vuggy Dolostone Reservoir in the Lower Ordovician Succession, North Tarim Basin, Northwestern China
Authors: Gao Lijun , Li Jie , Li Guorong , Fu Liyun , Liu Yongli
Published: January 2024

Recently, a series of prolific fracture-vug reservoirs have been discovered in the lower Ordovician dolostone successions of the northern Tarim Basin. However, the genesis of these reservoirs remains unclear. In this study, observations on drilling cores and thin sections identify the pore space characterized by dissolved fractures, fissures, and vugs. Petrology, cathodoluminescence, and homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions aid in establishing the diagenetic paragenetic sequence. Dissolving enlargement occurred after chemical compaction of overlying limestone and before the Permian volcanic activity. Breccia pores containing unique fillings of terrestrial materials (quartz sand and allogenic kaolinite) and calcite cements with negative δ18OPDB values (−18.4‰) along with 87Sr/86Sr ratios (up to 0.71026) indicate that the dissolving fluid originated from meteoric freshwater at the surface. The δ18OSMOW values of the calcite precipitating fluid (−2.1‰ to −8.7‰) further suggest freshwater as the source of the dissolving fluid, buffered by the Ordovician wall rocks or formation water. As the distance from the unconformity surface increases, both the homogenization temperature and δ18OPDB values of the breccia pore-filling calcite in the southern study area gradually elevate and deplete, respectively, indicating a rise in temperature during the infiltration of meteoric freshwater with increasing subsurface temperatures. The abnormal reflection bodies identified as reservoirs in seismic profiles along deep-seated strike-slip faults delineate these faults as the channel for the infiltration of meteoric freshwater. The penetrating strata of these faults and the high 87Sr/86Sr values of breccia pore-filling calcite suggest that karstification occurred during the Devonian period. Accordingly, we establish a deep karst model in which the Devonian meteoric freshwater penetrated along the strike-slip faults and dissolved the Ordovician dolostones, resulting in the development of deep buried karstic fault reservoirs in the southern region of the northern Tarim Basin.
Moving towards an Understanding of the Role of the Inferior Fronto-Occipital Fasciculus in Language Processing
Authors: Eze Princess , Omorotionmwan Efrem , Cummine Jacqueline
Published: January 2024

Evidence has been provided for a clear structural distinction between the dorsal and ventral portions of the inferior frontal occipital fasciculus (IFOF). As such, there is reason to propose that there might also be a functional differentiation of the dorsal and ventral components of the IFOF. Here, we explored three main hypotheses/schools of thought with regards to the functional frameworks of the dorsal and ventral components of the IFOF: (1) the phonological vs. semantic processing hypothesis, (2) the difficult vs. non-difficult task processing hypothesis and (3) the automatic vs. non-automatic processing hypothesis. Methods: Participants (N = 32) completed a series of behavioral tasks that aligned with each of the main hypotheses. Using a regression-based approach, we assessed the unique contribution of behavioral performance to dorsal and ventral IFOF white matter indicators (i.e., fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity). Results: We found significant relationships between ventral IFOF indices and orthographic awareness (p = 0.018) and accuracy (p = 0.009). Overall, our results provide converging evidence that the IFOF primarily operates as a ventral language tract in adults. Thus, the structural distinction between dorsal and ventral IFOF does not manifest as a parallel functional distinction.
Dietary Milk or Isolated Legume Proteins Modulate Intestinal Microbiota Composition in Rats
Authors: Rubio Luis A.
Published: January 2024

Shifts toward increased proteolytic fermentation, such as, for example, in athlete and high-protein weight loss diets, may alter the relative abundance of microbial species in the gut and generate bioactive, potentially deleterious metabolic products. In the current investigation, intestinal (caecal) microbiota composition was studied in rats fed diets differing only in their constituent proteins: milk (casein (CAS), lactalbumin (LA)) or legume (Cicer arietinum, Lupinus angustifolius) protein isolates (chickpea protein isolate (CPI), lupin protein isolate (LI)). ANOSIM and Discriminant Analysis showed significant (p < 0.05) differences at both family and genus levels in both microbiota composition and functionality as a consequence of feeding the different proteins. Differences were also significant (p < 0.05) for predicted functionality parameters as determined by PICRUSt analysis. LA induced a generally healthier microbiota composition than CAS, and higher amounts of Methanobrevibacter spp. and Methanogenic_PWY were found in the LI group. LEfSe analysis of bacterial composition and functional activities revealed a number of groups/functions able to explain the different effects found with milk and legume protein isolates. In conclusion, the mostly beneficial modulation of intestinal microbiota generally found with legume-based diets is likely to be due, at least in part, to their constituent proteins.
Effects of Consuming Beverages Sweetened with Fructose, Glucose, High-Fructose Corn Syrup, Sucrose, or Aspartame on OGTT-Derived Indices of Insulin Sensitivity in Young Adults
Authors: Hieronimus Bettina , Medici Valentina , Lee Vivien , Nunez Marinelle V. , Sigala Desiree M. , Bremer Andrew A. , Cox Chad L. , Keim Nancy L. , Schwarz Jean-Marc , Pacini Giovanni , Tura Andrea , Havel Peter J. , Stanhope Kimber L.
Published: January 2024

(1) Background: Clinical results on the effects of excess sugar consumption on insulin sensitivity are conflicting, possibly due to differences in sugar type and the insulin sensitivity index (ISI) assessed. Therefore, we compared the effects of consuming four different sugars on insulin sensitivity indices derived from oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT). (2) Methods: Young adults consumed fructose-, glucose-, high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)-, sucrose-, or aspartame-sweetened beverages (SB) for 2 weeks. Participants underwent OGTT before and at the end of the intervention. Fasting glucose and insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), glucose and insulin area under the curve, Surrogate Hepatic Insulin Resistance Index, Matsuda ISI, Predicted M ISI, and Stumvoll Index were assessed. Outcomes were analyzed to determine: (1) effects of the five SB; (2) effects of the proportions of fructose and glucose in all SB. (3) Results: Fructose-SB and the fructose component in mixed sugars negatively affected outcomes that assess hepatic insulin sensitivity, while glucose did not. The effects of glucose-SB and the glucose component in mixed sugar on muscle insulin sensitivity were more negative than those of fructose. (4) Conclusion: the effects of consuming sugar-SB on insulin sensitivity varied depending on type of sugar and ISI index because outcomes assessing hepatic insulin sensitivity were negatively affected by fructose, and outcomes assessing muscle insulin sensitivity were more negatively affected by glucose.
Effect of the Combination of Clostridium butyricum and Mycelium of Phellinus igniarius on Intestinal Microbiota and Serum Metabolites in DSS-Induced Colitis
Authors: Zhao Rou , Zhang Qiaoyi , Huang Ting , Tian Yun , Guan Guiping , Lin Yuanshan
Published: January 2024

Clostridium butyricum (CB) and Phellinus igniarius (PI) have anti-inflammatory, immune regulation, anti-tumor, and other functions. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of CB and mycelium of PI (MPI) alone and in combination on colitis mice induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Mice were randomly assigned to five groups: (1) control (CTRL), (2) DSS, (3) CB, (4) MPI, and (5) CB + MPI (CON). The weight of the mice was recorded daily during the experiment, and the length of the colon was measured on the last day of the experiment. The colons were collected for hematoxylin and eosin staining, colon contents were collected for intestinal flora analysis, and serum was collected for metabolite analysis. The results showed that compared with the DSS group, CB, MPI, and CON treatments inhibited the weight loss and colon length shortening caused by DSS, significantly increased the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, and superoxide dismutase, and significantly decreased the concentrations of IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and myeloperoxidase. Gene sequence analysis of 16S rRNA showed that CB, MPI, and CON treatments changed the composition and structure of intestinal microorganisms. Metabolome results showed that CB, MPI, and CON treatments changed serum metabolites in DSS-treated mice, including dodecenoylcarnitine, L-urobilinogen, and citric acid. In conclusion, CB, MPI, and CON treatments alleviated DSS-induced colitis in mice by regulating intestinal flora and metabolites, with the CON group having the best effect.
Design of Dosage Forms with Improved Biopharmaceutical Properties
Authors: Kochkina Nataliya , Terekhova Irina
Published: January 2024

The development of a pharmaceutical product consists of giving a drug an optimal dosage form (a certain state of aggregation, consistency, structural, mechanical, physicochemical, and functional properties), which ensure stability, the possibility of accurate dosage, the required pharmacological effect, and ease of administration with minimal side effects [...]