bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repugnance and institutions: an introductory essay
Authors: Daou Marie , Marciano Alain
Published: July 2023

This symposium is based on a workshop organized (online) on 24–25 February 2021 and sponsored by World Interdisciplinary Network for Institutional Research (WINIR). In this introduction, we stress the institutional dimension of repugnance, and show how it is dealt with in the papers gathered in the symposium. Kimberly Krawiec analyses repugnance in connection with externalities, and shows that contrary to what the ‘corruption theorists’ say, creating repugnant markets does not undermine social values. Peter Cserne shows that, in order to ensure a fully efficient regulation of repugnant behaviours, a transversal view combining the economic and legal approach to repugnance is necessary. The last two papers focus on entrepreneurship. Erwin Dekker and Julien Gradoz analyse the management of repugnance: how two firms, producing goods considered repugnant, adopt strategic behaviour to offset the costs generated by repugnance. Darcy W. E. Allen, Chris Berg and Sinclair Davidson take the analysis one step further and examine how ‘evasive entrepreneurs’ use repugnance as profit opportunity. Their innovations challenge social norms and the boundaries of what is viewed as repugnant in the society at large.
Comparing Drivers of Spatial Variability in U.S. Lake and Stream Phosphorus Concentrations
Authors: Sabo Robert D. , Pickard Brian , Lin Jiajia , Washington Ben , Clark Christopher M. , Compton Jana E. , Pennino Michael , Bierwagen Britta , LeDuc Stephen D. , Carleton James N. , Weber Marc , Fry Meridith , Hill Ryan , Paulsen Steve , Herlihy Alan , Stoddard John L.
Published: July 2023

Decision makers need to know the drivers of surface water phosphorus (P) concentrations, the environmental factors that mediate P loading in freshwater systems, and where pollution sources and mediating factors are co‐located to inform water quality restoration efforts. To provide this information, publicly available spatial data sets of P pollution sources and relevant environmental variables, like temperature, precipitation, and agricultural soil erodibility, were matched with >7,000 stream and lake total P observations throughout the conterminous United States. Using three statistical approaches, consisting of (a) correlation, (b) regression, and (c) machine learning techniques, we identified likely drivers of P concentrations. Surface water concentrations in streams were more strongly correlated and effectively predicted by annual fertilizer and manure input rates and agricultural legacy sources compared to that of lakes. This observation suggests that streams may be more immediately responsive to improvements in agricultural nutrient management. In contrast, lake concentrations, though still positively associated with agricultural input and surplus variables, may be more influenced by historic erosional inputs, internal lake recycling, and other environmental factors. Thus, lake TP concentrations may not be as immediately responsive as streams to improvements in phosphorus management. Both stream and lake P concentrations will potentially increase because of warming temperatures and forest recovering from past acidification, putting even further pressure on existing water quality restoration efforts to meet nutrient loading reduction targets. The identified spatial data sets and relationships elucidated in this effort can inform the placement and development of watershed restoration strategies to reduce excess P in aquatic systems.
Essential Ingredient for Life Found on Enceladus
Authors: Francis Matthew
Published: July 2023

Icy plumes from Saturn’s moon Enceladus contain phosphorus, part of the biochemistry of life—the first time the element has been found in a liquid environment beyond Earth.
Is the Madden‐Julian Oscillation a Moisture Mode?
Authors: Mayta Víctor C. , Adames Corraliza Ángel F.
Published: July 2023

The governing thermodynamics of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) is examined using sounding and reanalysis data. On the basis of four objective criteria, results suggest that the MJO behaves like a moisture mode–a system whose thermodynamics is governed by moisture–only over the Indian Ocean. Over this basin, the MJO shows a slow convective adjustment timescale, its zonal scale is smaller, and it exhibits slow propagation, allowing moisture modes to exist. Elsewhere, the faster‐propagating wavenumber 1–2 components are more prominent preventing weak temperature gradient (WTG) balance to be established. As a result, temperature and moisture play similar roles in the MJO's thermodynamics outside the Indian Ocean.
Turbulence, Particle Acceleration, and Heating Due To the Lower Hybrid Mode Near Magnetic Reconnection Regions in Magnetopause
Authors: Upadhyay Manoj K. , Uma R. , Sharma R. P.
Published: July 2023

MMS mission by NASA has observed lower hybrid waves (LHWs) and associated turbulence near the reconnection regions at Earth's magnetopause. The presented work studies LHWs (electromagnetic mode) and turbulence in the presence of magnetic islands (at the reconnection sites) in magnetopause. A nonlinear model representing electromagnetic 3D LHW has been developed. We have considered that nonlinear effects are due to the ponderomotive force. The dynamical equation, thus obtained, is solved using numerical methods and computer simulation. For spatial integration, we have used the pseudo‐spectral method and the finite difference method is used to study temporal evolution. The simulation results show the spatiotemporal development of the LHW localized structures and current sheets and confirm the presence of turbulence. Using a semi‐analytic model, we have determined the scale size of current sheets and localized structures and shown that these scale sizes depend upon the lower hybrid power. The turbulent power spectra have also been studied. The power scaling of k−2.8 (approximately) and k−2.1 (approximately) are observed along perpendicular and parallel directions, respectively. The power law scaling of turbulence generation has been used to study the formation of the thermal tail of energetic electrons. The fractional diffusion method has also been exploited to determine electron acceleration and plasma heating. We anticipate LHW may be responsible for the acceleration of the energetic electrons and anomalous heating in magnetopause.
Optofluidic transport and assembly of nanoparticles using an all-dielectric quasi-BIC metasurface
Authors: Yang Sen , Ndukaife Justus C.
Published: July 2023

Manipulating fluids by light at the micro/nanoscale has been a long-sought-after goal for lab-on-a-chip applications. Plasmonic heating has been demonstrated to control microfluidic dynamics due to the enhanced and confined light absorption from the intrinsic losses of metals. Dielectrics, the counterpart of metals, has been used to avoid undesired thermal effects due to its negligible light absorption. Here, we report an innovative optofluidic system that leverages a quasi-BIC-driven all-dielectric metasurface to achieve subwavelength scale control of temperature and fluid motion. Our experiments show that suspended particles down to 200 nanometers can be rapidly aggregated to the center of the illuminated metasurface with a velocity of tens of micrometers per second, and up to millimeter-scale particle transport is demonstrated. The strong electromagnetic field enhancement of the quasi-BIC resonance increases the flow velocity up to three times compared with the off-resonant situation by tuning the wavelength within several nanometers range. We also experimentally investigate the dynamics of particle aggregation with respect to laser wavelength and power. A physical model is presented and simulated to elucidate the phenomena and surfactants are added to the nanoparticle colloid to validate the model. Our study demonstrates the application of the recently emerged all-dielectric thermonanophotonics in dealing with functional liquids and opens new frontiers in harnessing non-plasmonic nanophotonics to manipulate microfluidic dynamics. Moreover, the synergistic effects of optofluidics and high-Q all-dielectric nanostructures hold enormous potential in high-sensitivity biosensing applications.
A universal null-distribution for topological data analysis
Authors: Bobrowski Omer , Skraba Primoz
Published: July 2023

One of the most elusive challenges within the area of topological data analysis is understanding the distribution of persistence diagrams arising from data. Despite much effort and its many successful applications, this is largely an open problem. We present a surprising discovery: normalized properly, persistence diagrams arising from random point-clouds obey a universal probability law. Our statements are based on extensive experimentation on both simulated and real data, covering point-clouds with vastly different geometry, topology, and probability distributions. Our results also include an explicit well-known distribution as a candidate for the universal law. We demonstrate the power of these new discoveries by proposing a new hypothesis testing framework for computing significance values for individual topological features within persistence diagrams, providing a new quantitative way to assess the significance of structure in data.
A weak-labelling and deep learning approach for in-focus object segmentation in 3D widefield microscopy
Authors: Li Rui , Kudryashev Mikhail , Yakimovich Artur
Published: July 2023

Three-dimensional information is crucial to our understanding of biological phenomena. The vast majority of biological microscopy specimens are inherently three-dimensional. However, conventional light microscopy is largely geared towards 2D images, while 3D microscopy and image reconstruction remain feasible only with specialised equipment and techniques. Inspired by the working principles of one such technique—confocal microscopy, we propose a novel approach to 3D widefield microscopy reconstruction through semantic segmentation of in-focus and out-of-focus pixels. For this, we explore a number of rule-based algorithms commonly used for software-based autofocusing and apply them to a dataset of widefield focal stacks. We propose a computation scheme allowing the calculation of lateral focus score maps of the slices of each stack using these algorithms. Furthermore, we identify algorithms preferable for obtaining such maps. Finally, to ensure the practicality of our approach, we propose a surrogate model based on a deep neural network, capable of segmenting in-focus pixels from the out-of-focus background in a fast and reliable fashion. The deep-neural-network-based approach allows a major speedup for data processing making it usable for online data processing.
Genome analysis of a coral-associated bacterial consortium highlights complementary hydrocarbon degradation ability and other beneficial mechanisms for the host
Authors: Villela Helena , Modolon Flúvio , Schultz Júnia , Delgadillo-Ordoñez Nathalia , Carvalho Susana , Soriano Adriana Ururahy , Peixoto Raquel Silva
Published: July 2023

Here we report the oil degradation genetic potential of six oil-degrading bacteria (ODB), previously used as a bioremediation consortium, isolated from the hydrocoral Millepora alcicornis and seawater. The strains were identified as Halomonas sp. (LC_1), Cobetia sp. (LC_6), Pseudoalteromonas shioyasakiensis (LC_2), Halopseudomonas aestusnigri (LC_3), Shewanella algae (LC_4), and Brucella intermedia (LC_5). The taxonomic identification differed from that of the original paper when we used whole genome gene markers instead of just 16S rRNA gene. Genes responsible for the degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons and n-alkanes were found in all genomes, although different (and complementary) steps of the metabolic pathways were unique to each strain. Genes for naphthalene and toluene degradation were found in various strains. We annotated quinate degradation genes in LC_6, while LC_3 and LC_5 presented genes for biosurfactant and rhamnolipid biosynthesis. We also annotated genes related to beneficial mechanisms for corals, such as genes involved in nitrogen and DMSP metabolism, cobalamin biosynthesis and antimicrobial compounds production. Our findings reinforce the importance of using bacterial consortia for bioremediation approaches instead of single strains, due to their complementary genomic arsenals. We also propose a genome-based framework to select complementary ODB that can provide additional benefits to coral health.
Water management for Power-to-X offshore platforms: an underestimated item
Authors: Morales Yair , Samanta Prantik , Tantish Fadi , Horn Harald , Saravia Florencia
Published: July 2023

Increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in the atmosphere is considered one of the most important challenges today. Therefore, capturing CO2 and producing alternative energy sources through Power-to-X (PtX) approaches have become relevant scientific topics in recent years. However, there is a significant research gap regarding water management in PtX processes, particularly in offshore operations. The present study evaluates relevant aspects and possible challenges with respect to water management as well as mass and energy balances in conceptual offshore methane and methanol production platforms. The results show that 1600 m3 of seawater must be desalinated to supply the electrolyzer and reach a daily 50-Megagram (Mg) hydrogen production. Around 1100 m3 of brine coming out of the desalination plant may be discharged to the sea as long as prior environmental impact assessments are conducted. Additionally, 273 Mg and 364 Mg CO2 need to be generated daily by direct air capture to produce 99 Mg day−1 methane and 265 Mg day−1 methanol, respectively. The daily produced methane and methanol wastewater is estimated to be 223 and 149 m3, respectively. Based on the scant literature on methanol wastewater, this is expected to contain toxic substances. Zero liquid discharge (ZLD) is proposed as wastewater method. The corresponding energy demand for the water management facilities is projected to be negligible compared to the other PtX processes. The presented management of water streams in PtX platforms would not only help recover some of the resources (water, hydrogen and methanol), but also substantially contribute to the production cycle itself while leading toward a more sustainable approach.
BMX: Biological modelling and interface exchange
Authors: Palmer Bruce J. , Almgren Ann S. , Johnson Connah G. M. , Myers Andrew T. , Cannon William R.
Published: July 2023

High performance computing has a great potential to provide a range of significant benefits for investigating biological systems. These systems often present large modelling problems with many coupled subsystems, such as when studying colonies of bacteria cells. The aim to understand cell colonies has generated substantial interest as they can have strong economic and societal impacts through their roles in in industrial bioreactors and complex community structures, called biofilms, found in clinical settings. Investigating these communities through realistic models can rapidly exceed the capabilities of current serial software. Here, we introduce BMX, a software system developed for the high performance modelling of large cell communities by utilising GPU acceleration. BMX builds upon the AMRex adaptive mesh refinement package to efficiently model cell colony formation under realistic laboratory conditions. Using simple test scenarios with varying nutrient availability, we show that BMX is capable of correctly reproducing observed behavior of bacterial colonies on realistic time scales demonstrating a potential application of high performance computing to colony modelling. The open source software is available from the zenodo repository https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8084270 under the BSD-2-Clause licence.
Retrospective evaluation of percutaneous 3D-navigated screw fixation for fragility fractures of the sacrum: technical notes and four-year experience
Authors: Kramer Andreas , Naisan Martin , Kindel Stefan , Richter Marcus , Ringel Florian , Hartung Philipp
Published: July 2023

The incidence of fragility fractures of the sacrum is increasing due to demographic changes. In this study, we introduce the 3D-navigated monoportal percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation (PSS) as a technical advancement for treating fragility fractures of the sacrum. We included all patients who underwent the 3D-navigated monoportal PSS for fragility fractures of the sacrum. The fractures were classified using the Fragility Fractures of the Pelvis score (FFP). We provide a step-by-step illustration of the surgical technique. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of the investigated technique. Forty-six patients (36 female, 10 male) with a median age of 81.5 years were included in the study. The fracture classification revealed 23 FFP2 (50%), 5 FFP3 (11%), and 18 FFP4 (39%) fractures. In 35 cases (76%), only transsacral screws were implanted in S1 and S2, with an average incision-to-suture time of 52.6 min. The remaining eleven patients underwent additional anterior pelvic ring fixation, lumbar instrumentation, or kyphoplasty. There were no instances of nerve root, vascular, or pelvic organ injuries. The median postoperative in-hospital stay was six days. Out of the 36 patients who were followed up, four patients required revision surgery due to screw loosening. No significant risk factor for screw loosening was identified in the multiple regression analysis. The presented monoportal PSS technique for fragility fractures of the sacrum is a promising minimally invasive approach with a low complication rate and excellent short-term outcomes.
Unveiling the functional epitopes of cobra venom cytotoxin by immunoinformatics and epitope-omic analyses
Authors: Hiu Jia Jin , Fung Jared Kah Yin , Tan Hock Siew , Yap Michelle Khai Khun
Published: July 2023

Approximate 70% of cobra venom is composed of cytotoxin (CTX), which is responsible for the dermonecrotic symptoms of cobra envenomation. However, CTX is generally low in immunogenicity, and the antivenom is ineffective in attenuating its in vivo toxicity. Furthermore, little is known about its epitope properties for empirical antivenom therapy. This study aimed to determine the epitope sequences of CTX using the immunoinformatic analyses and epitope-omics profiling. A conserved CTX was used in this study to determine its T-cell and B-cell epitope sequences using immunoinformatic tools and molecular docking simulation with different Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLAs). The potential T-cell and B-cell epitopes were 'KLVPLFY,' 'CPAGKNLCY,' 'MFMVSTPTK,' and 'DVCPKNSLL.' Molecular docking simulations disclosed that the HLA-B62 supertype exhibited the greatest binding affinity towards cobra venom cytotoxin. The namely L7, G18, K19, N20, M25, K33, V43, C44, K46, N47, and S48 of CTX exhibited prominent intermolecular interactions with HLA-B62. The multi-enzymatic-limited-digestion/liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (MELD/LC–MS) also revealed three potential epitope sequences as 'LVPLFYK,' 'MFMVS,' and ‘TVPVKR’. From different epitope mapping approaches, we concluded four potential epitope sites of CTX as ‘KLVPLFYK’, ‘AGKNL’, ‘MFMVSTPKVPV’ and ‘DVCPKNSLL’. Site-directed mutagenesis of these epitopes confirmed their locations at the functional loops of CTX. These epitope sequences are crucial to CTX’s structural folding and cytotoxicity. The results concluded the epitopes that resided within the functional loops constituted potential targets to fabricate synthetic epitopes for CTX-targeted antivenom production.
Rejuvenating effects of young extracellular vesicles in aged rats and in cellular models of human senescence
Authors: Grigorian Shamagian Lilian , Rogers Russell G. , Luther Kristin , Angert David , Echavez Antonio , Liu Weixin , Middleton Ryan , Antes Travis , Valle Jackelyn , Fourier Mario , Sanchez Liz , Jaghatspanyan Eva , Mariscal Javier , Zhang Rui , Marbán Eduardo
Published: July 2023

Rejuvenation of an old organism was achieved in heterochronic parabiosis experiments, implicating different soluble factors in this effect. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are the secretory effectors of many cells, including cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) with demonstrated anti-senescent effect. 1. To determine the role of EVs (versus other blood fractions) on the rejuvenating effect of the young blood. 2. To evaluate the anti-aging properties of therapeutically administered EVs secreted by young-CDCs in an old organism. Neonatal blood fractioned in 4 components (whole blood, serum, EV-depleted serum and purified EVs) was used to treat old human cardiac stromal cells (CSPCs). CDCs were generated from neonatal rat hearts and the secreted CDC-EVs were purified. CDC-EVs were then tested in naturally-aged rats, using monthly injections over 4-months period. For validation in human samples, pediatric CDC-EVs were tested in aged human CSPCs and progeric fibroblasts. While the purified EVs reproduced the rejuvenating effects of the whole blood, CSPCs treated with EV-depleted serum exhibited the highest degree of senescence. Treatment with young CDC-EVs induce structural and functional improvements in the heart, lungs, skeletal muscle, and kidneys of old rats, while favorably modulating glucose metabolism and anti-senescence pathways. Lifespan was prolonged. EVs secreted by young CDCs exert broad-ranging anti-aging effects in aged rodents and in cellular models of human senescence. Our work not only identifies CDC-EVs as possible therapeutic candidates for a wide range of age-related pathologies, but also raises the question of whether EVs function as endogenous modulators of senescence.
Simulation analysis of visual perception model based on pulse coupled neural network
Authors: Li Mingdong
Published: July 2023

Pulse-coupled neural networks perform well in many fields such as information retrieval, depth estimation and object detection. Based on pulse coupled neural network (PCNN) theory, this paper constructs a visual perception model framework and builds a real image reproduction platform. The model firstly analyzes the structure and generalization ability of neural network multi-class classifier, uses the minimax criterion of feature space as the splitting criterion of visual perception decision node, which solves the generalization problem of neural network learning algorithm. In the simulation process, the initial threshold is optimized by the two-dimensional maximum inter-class variance method, and in order to improve the real-time performance of the algorithm, the fast recurrence formula of neural network is derived and given. The PCNN image segmentation method based on genetic algorithm is analyzed. The genetic algorithm improves the loop termination condition and the adaptive setting of model parameters of PCNN image segmentation algorithm, but the PCNN image segmentation algorithm still has the problem of complexity. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposed an IGA-PCNN image segmentation method combining the improved algorithm and PCNN model. Firstly, it used the improved immune genetic algorithm to adaptively obtain the optimal threshold, and then replaced the dynamic threshold in PCNN model with the optimal threshold, and finally used the pulse coupling characteristics of PCNN model to complete the image segmentation. From the coupling characteristics of PCNN, junction close space of image and gray level characteristics, it determined the local gray mean square error of image connection strength coefficient. The feature extraction and object segmentation properties of PCNN come from the spike frequency of neurons, and the number of neurons in PCNN is equal to the number of pixels in the input image. In addition, the spatial and gray value differences of pixels should be considered comprehensively to determine their connection matrix. Digital experiments show that the multi-scale multi-task pulse coupled neural network model can shorten the total training time by 17 h, improve the comprehensive accuracy of the task test data set by 1.04%, and shorten the detection time of each image by 4.8 s compared with the series network model of multiple single tasks. Compared with the traditional PCNN algorithm, it has the advantages of fast visual perception and clear target contour segmentation, and effectively improves the anti-interference performance of the model.
Safety risk assessment of loess tunnel construction under complex environment based on game theory-cloud model
Authors: Han Bing , Jia Wei , Feng Weixing , Liu Liu , Zhang Zhe , Guo Yinhu , Niu Mingjie
Published: July 2023

Due to the impact of the surrounding environment, the safety impact factors encountered during the construction of loess tunnels are complex and numerous, which causes frequent accidents, and there is a lack of safety risk assessment methods applicable to the construction of loess tunnels under complex environment. Based on the Luochuan tunnel project of the Xi’an–Yan’an High-Speed Railway, this paper analyzes the impact factors of loess tunnel construction risks, and 15 main impact factors involving subjective and objective factors are selected to establish the safety risk assessment system of loess tunnel construction under complex environment. To determine the weight of the impact factors, this paper introduces the combination weighting method based on game theory for the first time. Then, the risk assessment model of loess tunnel construction safety is established by using the conventional cloud model theory. Finally, the model is applied to the supporting project for verification. The results show that support and lining have the largest impact on tunnel construction safety, followed by construction management, surrounding rock grade, harmful engineering ground, monitoring measurement, forepoling, and construction method. The assessment result is consistent with the actual construction risk degree, which proves that the assessment result of the model is accurate and reliable, and the model has guiding significance for the safety risk assessment of loess tunnel construction under complex environment.
Feeding in predator naïve crayfish is influenced by cues from a fish predator
Authors: Musil Martin , Let Marek , Roje Sara , Drozd Bořek , Kouba Antonín
Published: July 2023

In this study, we experimentally evaluated how the feeding behaviour of marbled crayfish Procambarus virginalis is influenced by cues from conspecifics and the round goby Neogobius melanostomus, a fish predator, in tanks that permitted chemical communication but not visual recognition. We used four experimental groups with different combinations in two sub-tanks. The first sub-tank always contained a crayfish and prey (40 individuals of the water louse Asellus aquaticus). The other sub-tanks were set up as follows: (i) empty, serving as a control (C); (ii) with a conspecific crayfish (Cr); (iii) with a round goby (G) to simulate predator-only odour; and (iv) a round goby and three small conspecific crayfish (G + Cr) to simulate the presence of a predator and/or the alarm odour. Two sub-treatments were defined for the fourth group, categorised as ‘injured’ or ‘not injured’ depending on whether prey crayfish were visibly injured or not, respectively. We observed a significant decline in the consumption of water lice in the G and G + Cr treatments compared to the C and Cr treatments (up to 47% on average). There were no significant differences in consumption between the G and G + Cr treatments, or C and Cr treatments. No significant differences in food consumption parameters were detected between sub-treatments with ‘injured’ and ‘not injured’ conspecific crayfish. Knowledge of modifications in the feeding behaviour of marbled crayfish in the presence of round goby (and fish predators in general) is essential for ecologists attempting to understand the changes and impacts occurring in invaded freshwater ecosystems.
In vivo impact of tubulin polymerization promoting protein (Tppp) knockout to the airway inflammatory response
Authors: Endres Tori , Duesler Lori , Corey Deborah A. , Kelley Thomas J.
Published: July 2023

Microtubule dysfunction has been implicated as a mediator of inflammation in multiple diseases such as disorders of the cardiovascular and neurologic systems. Tubulin polymerization promoting protein (Tppp) facilitates microtubule elongation and regulates tubulin acetylation through inhibition of cytosolic deacetylase enzymes. Pathologic alterations in microtubule structure and dynamics have been described in cystic fibrosis (CF) and associated with inflammation, however the causality and mechanism remain unclear. Likewise, Tppp has been identified as a potential modifier of CF airway disease severity. Here we directly assess the impact of microtubule dysfunction on infection and inflammation by interrogating wild type and a Tppp knockout mouse model (Tppp − / −). Mice are challenged with a clinical isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa-laden agarose beads and assessed for bacterial clearance and inflammatory markers. Tppp − / − mouse model demonstrate impaired bacterial clearance and an elevated inflammatory response compared to control mice. These data are consistent with the hypothesis microtubule dysregulation is sufficient to lead to CF-like airway responses in mice.
The effects of daptomycin on cell wall biosynthesis in Enterococcal faecalis
Authors: Rimal Binayak , Chang James , Liu Chengyin , Rashid Raiyan , Singh Manmilan , Kim Sung Joon
Published: July 2023

Daptomycin is a cyclic lipodepsipeptide antibiotic reserved for the treatment of serious infections by multidrug-resistant Gram-positive pathogens. Its mode of action is considered to be multifaceted, encompassing the targeting and depolarization of bacterial cell membranes, alongside the inhibition of cell wall biosynthesis. To characterize the daptomycin mode of action, 15N cross-polarization at magic-angle spinning NMR measurements were performed on intact whole cells of Staphylococcus aureus grown in the presence of a sub-inhibitory concentration of daptomycin in a chemically defined media containing l-[ϵ-15N]Lys. Daptomycin-treated cells showed a reduction in the lysyl-ε-amide intensity that was consistent with cell wall thinning. However, the reduced lysyl-ε-amine intensity at 10 ppm indicated that the daptomycin-treated cells did not accumulate in Park’s nucleotide, the cytoplasmic peptidoglycan (PG) precursor. Consequently, daptomycin did not inhibit the transglycosylation step of PG biosynthesis. To further elucidate the daptomycin mode of action, the PG composition of daptomycin-susceptible Enterococcus faecalis grown in the presence of daptomycin was analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Sixty-nine muropeptide ions correspond to PG with varying degrees of modifications including crosslinking, acetylation, alanylation, and 1,6-anhydrous ring formation at MurNAc were quantified. Analysis showed that the cell walls of daptomycin-treated E. faecalis had a significant reduction in PG crosslinking which was accompanied by an increase in lytic transglycosylase activities and a decrease in PG-stem modifications by the carboxypeptidases. The changes in PG composition suggest that daptomycin inhibits cell wall biosynthesis by impeding the incorporation of nascent PG into the cell walls by transpeptidases and maturation by carboxypeptidases. As a result, the newly formed cell walls become highly susceptible to degradation by the autolysins, resulting in thinning of the cell wall.
Enhanced adsorption capacity of ZIF-8 for chemical warfare agent simulants caused by its morphology and surface charge
Authors: Oh Sojin , Lee Sujeong , Lee Gihyun , Oh Moonhyun
Published: July 2023

The effective separation of toxic chemicals, including chemical warfare agents (CWAs), from the environment via adsorption is of great importance because such chemicals pose a significant threat to humans and ecosystems. To this end, the development of effective porous adsorbents for CWA removal has received significant attention. Understanding the specific interactions between adsorbents and CWAs must precede for the development of effective adsorbents. Herein, we report the relationship between the adsorption capacity of porous ZIF-8 and its morphological and surface characteristics. Four types of ZIF-8, which have different morphologies (such as cubic, rhombic dodecahedron, and leaf- and plate-shaped samples), were selectively prepared. The four types of ZIF-8 were found to have different surface charges owing to dissimilarly exposed components on the surfaces and additionally incorporated components. The specific surface charges of ZIF-8 were found to be closely related to their adsorption capacities for CWA simulants such as 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) and dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP). Cubic ZIF-8, with the most positive surface charge among four ZIF-8 samples, exhibited the highest adsorption capacity for CEES and DMMP via the effective polar interaction. Moreover, ZIF-8 exhibited excellent recyclability without losing its adsorption capacity and without critical morphological or structural changes.
Capybara density and climatic factors as modulators of Ehrlichia prevalence in questing ticks in the Iberá wetlands, Argentina
Authors: Eberhardt Ayelen T. , Manzoli Darío E. , Fernandez Camilo , Zurvera Daniel , Monje Lucas D.
Published: July 2023

We evaluated the presence of Ehrlichia spp. in unfed capybara ticks, Amblyomma dubitatum, and explored its association with capybaras density, ticks density and environmental variables. We observed that in the Iberá wetlands ecoregion A. dubitatum is infected by "Candidatus Ehrlichia hydrochoerus” and in a lesser extent with an Ehrlichia species closely related to Ehrlichia chaffeensis. The frequency of "Ca. Ehrlichia hydrochoerus" presence in A. dubitatum was not associated with vector abundance, but the probability of finding "Ca. Ehrlichia hydrochoerus"-infected ticks increased when the density of capybaras was low two months before. We hypothesize that when the density of capybaras decreases, A. dubitatum immature stages may seek out alternative hosts one of which could exhibit high realized reservoir competence for "Ca. Ehrlichia hydrochoerus", leading to an increased prevalence of this ehrlichiae in questing A. dubitatum. High minimum temperatures and high cumulative rainfall in the time period previous to tick collection (15 to 60 days) were positively correlated with the prevalence of "Ca. Ehrlichia hydrochoerus" infection in A. dubitatum. Our results suggest that a combination of factors (both biological and abiotic) could raise the risk of human exposure to tick-borne Ehrlichia in the Iberá wetlands ecoregion.
Impact of medium-pore zeolite topology on para-xylene production from toluene alkylation with methanol
Authors: Parmar Deependra , Cha Seung Hyeok , Huang Chenfeng , Chiang Hsu , Washburn Seth , Grabow Lars C. , Rimer Jeffrey D.
Published: July 2023

This study compares seven different medium-pore zeolites as catalysts for toluene alkylation with methanol, revealing the superior performance of MCM-22 at high pressure is attributed to coke accumulation, contrary to conventional expectations.
Spatiotemporal patterns in differences between the 137Cs concentrations of forest and stream litters: effect of leaching
Authors: Sakai Masaru , Ohira Mitsuru , Gomi Takashi
Published: July 2023

The 137Cs concentrations in both forest and stream litters decreased with time, but the absolute differences in 137Cs concentrations between the litters were greater in more contaminated sites both 3.24 and 11.24 years after the Fukushima accident.
Transformations, interactions, and acute biological responses of nanoplastics on mixotrophic microalgae Poterioochromonas malhamensis
Authors: Meng Zijiao , Stoll Serge , Liu Wei
Published: July 2023

Biological responses of nanoplastics (NPLs) to microalgae P. malhamensis were concentration, size and medium-dependent. The aggregation behavior is the most influential factor controlling the biological effects of NPLs in culture medium and environmental natural waters.
Stapled ligand for synthesis of highly emissive and stable CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals in polar organic solvent
Authors: Chen Tianju , Yang Qi , Zhang Peng , Chen Ruihao , Lin Yuke , Zhou Weifang , Sui Laizhi , Zheng Xuan , Chen Guoliang , Li Feiming
Published: July 2023

A perfluoroglutaric acid stapled ligand for synthesis of highly emissive CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals in polar organic solvent.
Co-doped long persistent luminescence materials LiSr3SiO4Cl3:Eu2+,Ln3+ (Ln = Dy, Ho, Er): construction and verification of VRBE and HRBE scheme and their multifunctional applications
Authors: Lin Yuanying , Ming Chengzhuo , Wang Zhenbin , Yu Bin , Yang Yuzhu , Liu Weisheng
Published: July 2023

The construction and verification of the VRBE and HRBE scheme and the applications of novel long persistent luminescence materials LiSr3SiO4Cl3:Eu2+,Ln3+ (Ln = Dy, Ho, Er).
Porous framework materials for stable Zn anodes in aqueous zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Lei Liling , Dong Jiahao , Ke Siwen , Wu Shishan , Yuan Shuai
Published: July 2023

This review summarizes the recent research efforts on MOFs/COFs employed in Zn anodes of zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) and analyzes the structure-property relationship to guide the rational design of MOFs/COFs for future ZIB applications.
Photothermal theranostics with glutathione depletion and enhanced reactive oxygen species generation for efficient antibacterial treatment
Authors: Wu Yuelan , Liu Xiaoxue , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhang Shuping , Niu Panhong , Gao Hua
Published: July 2023

Photothermal enhanced chemodynamics synergetic antibacterial therapy with glutathione depletion and ROS increase of PDA-FDM-23.
Chemoselective Nozaki–Hiyama–Takai–Kishi and Grignard reaction: short synthesis of some carbahexopyranoses
Authors: Vinaykumar Allam , Surender Banothu , Rao Batchu Venkateswara
Published: July 2023

Stereoselective and short approach for synthesis of some carbahexopyranoses namely, MK7607, (−)-gabosine A, (−)-conduritol E, (−)-conduritol F, 6a-carba-β-d-fructopyranose and other carbasugars using chemoselective Grignard or NHTK reactions and RCM.
Redox active pyridine-3,5-di-carboxylate- and 1,2,3,4-cyclopentane tetra-carboxylate-based cobalt metal–organic frameworks for hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Zahir , Shaheen Misbah , Khizar Asma , Aftab Sikandar , Ahmad Zubair , Tawfeek Ahmed M. , Sharif Shahzad
Published: July 2023

In the pursuit of developing superior energy storage devices, an integrated approach has been advocated to harness the desirable features of both batteries and supercapacitors, particularly their high energy density and high-power density.
Synthesis of lithium oxy-thiophosphate solid electrolytes with Li10GeP2S12 structure by a liquid phase process using 2-propanol
Authors: Shiba Shunichiro , Miura Akira , Fujii Yuta , Tadanaga Kiyoharu , Terai Kota , Utsuno Futoshi , Higuchi Hiroyuki
Published: July 2023

Crystal structure model of lithium oxy-thiophosphates (LPSO) prepared in the present study (a) and Li10GeP2S12 (b). Purple spheres indicate P, yellow spheres indicate S, red spheres indicate O, and green spheres indicate Ge.
An in situ formed inorganic conductive network enables high stability and rate capability of single-crystalline nickel-rich cathodes
Authors: Chen Xi , Tang Yu , Zhang Zhibo , Ahmad Muhammad , Hussain Iftikhar , Li Tianyi , Lan Si , Zhang Kaili , Liu Qi
Published: July 2023

In situ formed Li3PO4 coating layer enables high stability and rate capability of single-crystalline NCM cathode.
A robust and thickness-insensitive hybrid cathode interlayer for high-efficiency and stable inverted organic solar cells
Authors: Cai Ping , Song Can , Lei Shiyun , Yu Kanglin , Ding Ling , Wang Dianhui , Chen Guiting , Peng Hongliang , Li Bin , Wang Xunchang , Xiao Biao , Yang Renqiang
Published: July 2023

A robust and thickness-insensitive cathode interlayer (PFOPy-N) consisting of a cross-linkable interfacial polymer (PFOPy) and n-type self-doped interfacial molecule (PDINN) is developed for high-efficiency and stable inverted organic solar cells.
Application of textured wheat flour in bakery technology
Authors: Martirosyan Vladimir , Tyurina Olga , Karabinskaya Yulia , Borisova Alla , Peshkina Irina
Published: July 2023

The paper presents the study results on the effect of textured wheat flour on organoleptic, physical and chemical, and microbiological quality indicators, and storage stability of bakery products. The study objects were samples of bakery products made by the sponge and dough method with and without prior dough fermentation and those made by the quick sponge method. The addition of the studied flour in the amount of 40% by flour weight did not significantly affect the organoleptic quality indicators, as well as the moisture and acidity of bakery products made by different methods. The protein content in the test samples was 7.0–7.5 g per 100 g of the product. The lowest degree of staleness 72 h after baking could be observed in bakery products made by the sponge and dough method with prior dough fermentation. Products made by the sponge and dough method with and without prior dough fermentation showed the first signs of mold on storage day 15. The first signs of rope spoilage were found after 144 h of storage under provoking conditions in bakery products made by the sponge and dough method with prior dough fermentation. The study results yielded bakery products made from wheat flour and supplemented with textured wheat flour in the amount of 40% by flour weight. In accordance with TR TS 022/2011 ‘Food products in terms of their labeling’, bakery products supplemented with 40% textured wheat flour made by the sponge and dough method with and without prior dough fermentation are regarded as a source of dietary fiber. A draft technical documentation has been developed for bakery products made from wheat flour supplemented with textured wheat flour.
Effect of inclusion of fish protein hydrolysate in diet for european whitefish (coregonus lavaretus linnaeus, 1758) juveniles on their hematological parameters
Authors: Shakhova Eugenia , Mezenova Olga , Romanenko Natalia , Agafonova Svetlana , Volkov Vladimir , Kalinina Natalia , Pyanov Dmitry
Published: July 2023

Prior studies have measured the effects on the Growth and Survival of supplementing fish diets with fish protein hydrolysate (FPH) as an alternative protein source. Initial results have suggested a positive impact on fish health and this study aimed to investigate specifically the impact of a 5% substitution of FPH on European Whitefish juveniles hematological parameters. A 56-day manual feeding trial was conducted on two triplicate groups of 500 fish, consulting of a control diet group and 5% FPH diet group. A feeding rate of 3% of total biomass was applied with feeding being carried out three times a day. The higher concentration of hemoglobin (60.73±3.55 g/L vs. 51.47±2.52 g/L), color index (1.62±0.15 vs. 1.23±0,07) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (56.64±3.49 g/L vs. 45.75±2.11 g/L), as well as the lower level of oxyphilic normoblasts (1.33±0.26 % vs. 2.08±0.32 %) in the blood of fish in the experimental group, indicate active metabolic processes occurring in their bodies and better oxygen supply to their tissues. The significantly higher concentration of total protein in the blood serum (48.29±1.48 g/L vs. 35.35±1.43 g/L) of this group of fish suggests better food assimilation in their organism. The hematological data obtained during the study indicate the positive influence of the fish protein hydrolysate on the fish organism.
Phytase influence on soymilk protein colloid stability studied with thermographic method
Authors: Rynk Vitaliy , Osintsev Alexey , Kuzchutkumov Mstislav
Published: July 2023

Coagulation of soymilk is well studied from a technological point of view. However, physicochemical features of the process of soymilk protein colloidal stability destruction may be of interest both from a purely scientific point of view and for improving production processes. In this study, an attempt was made to analyze the role of phytinates in formation of the colloidal stability of soymilk proteins. A possible role of the dissociation of phosphate groups of phytic acid in the rise of an electric charge stabilizing soy protein micelles in water solution has been suggested. The ability of phytase to cut off the phosphate groups of phytic acid was used to substantiate our assumption. To study the kinetics of coagulation of soymilk proteins, a thermographic method was used. The results of the experiments show that the addition of phytase to soymilk can significantly accelerate its acid coagulation, which is an indirect confirmation of the above assumption.
Rheological structure assessment of the plant alternative to yoghurt
Authors: Alshevskaya Marina , Anistratova Oksana , Kochina Anastasia , Ustich Vladimir , Alshevskiy Dmitriy
Published: July 2023

The growth in the number of people suffering from milk components intolerance implies the creation of their plant alternatives, corresponding in organoleptic characteristics, nutritional and biological values, but not having milk allergens. Therefore, development and study of the rheological properties of plant analogues of dairy products is relevant. The article discusses the structural and mechanical parameters of fermented plant products, from oatmeal powder, sunflower protein and with the use of starter cultures Streptococcus salivarius subsp. termophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus, depending on the mass fraction of pectin structurant and its shelf life. It is shown that, by the nature of the flow, the curves obtained refer to pseudoplastic liquids. It has been established that the destruction of the structure of the fermented plant product, and hence the decrease in effective viscosity, occurs in two stages: avalanche-like - at a shear rate of 5 to 24 s-1; from 24 s-1 and further - with a damping speed relative to the beginning of destruction. The regression dependence of the effective viscosity change on the shear rate and pectin concentration has been calculated. It has been found that with an increase in the storage time of the samples, their hardness increases up to the seventh day. After that this indicator decreases, which characterizes gradual destruction of their structure. The hardness work, the adhesiveness, the adhesive force and the resilience of prototypes have been determined. The obtained research results correlate with the studies conducted in the field of rheological characteristics of fermented milk products.
Study of quality indicators of processed cheese enriched with caviar and milt of Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras) during storage
Authors: Lutova Ekaterina , Kliuchko Natalia
Published: July 2023

To study the hydrolytic and oxidative processes occurring in the lipids of the gonads (caviar and milt) of herring when stored in the freezer at a temperature of -18 °C, the dynamics of changes in acid, peroxide and thiobarbitur numbers were determined. The shelf life of frozen caviar and milt is 3 months. The technology of processed cheese with the addition of herring gonads (Baltic herring) is proposed. In order to make processed cheese with the addition of caviar and milt ideal, mathematical planning of the experiment was used, namely, an orthogonal central compositional plan of the second order for two factors: the content of caviar and the content of milt. The optimization parameters of the mathematical model are an aggregate dimensionless characteristic consisting of five particular responses: organoleptic evaluation, dynamic viscosity, yield strength and mass fraction of moisture. The technology of processed cheese enriched with caviar and herring milt is proposed. To analyze the main quality indicators, as well as to establish the shelf life of the developed processed cheese, the dynamics of changes in organoleptic, hydrolytic and oxidative processes occurring in the lipids of the salaki gonads, as well as in enriched processed cheese, were studied. The assessment was carried out by acid (KCH), peroxide (IF) and thiobarbitur (TBH) numbers.