bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 Lysate Stimulation Impairs the Release of Platelet-like Particles and Megakaryopoiesis in the MEG-01 Cell Line
Authors: Lopardo Valentina , Montella Francesco , Esposito Roberta Maria , Zannella Carla , Aliberti Silvana Mirella , Capunzo Mario , Franci Gianluigi , Puca Annibale Alessandro , Ciaglia Elena
Published: March 2023

SARS-CoV-2 infection causes a considerable inflammatory response coupled with impaired platelet reactivity, which can lead to platelet disorders recognized as negative prognostic factors in COVID-19 patients. The virus may cause thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis during the different disease stages by destroying or activating platelets and influencing platelet production. While it is known that several viruses can impair megakaryopoiesis by generating an improper production and activation of platelets, the potential involvement of SARS-CoV-2 in affecting megakaryopoiesis is poorly understood. To this purpose, we explored, in vitro, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 stimulation in the MEG-01 cell line, a human megakaryoblastic leukemia cell line, considering its spontaneous capacity of releasing platelet-like particles (PLPs). We interrogated the effect of heat-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 lysate in the release of PLPs and activation from MEG-01, the signaling pathway influenced by SARS-CoV-2, and the functional effect on macrophagic skewing. The results highlight the potential influence of SARS-CoV-2 in the early stages of megakaryopoiesis by enhancing the production and activation of platelets, very likely due to the impairment of STATs signaling and AMPK activity. Overall, these findings provide new insight into the role of SARS-CoV-2 in affecting megakaryocyte–platelet compartment, possibly unlocking another avenue by which SARS-CoV-2 moves.
Multi-Omics Profiling of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Reveals Altered Mechanisms in Mitochondrial Dynamics and Excitation–Contraction Coupling
Authors: Moore Jarrod , Ewoldt Jourdan , Venturini Gabriela , Pereira Alexandre C. , Padilha Kallyandra , Lawton Matthew , Lin Weiwei , Goel Raghuveera , Luptak Ivan , Perissi Valentina , Seidman Christine E. , Seidman Jonathan , Chin Michael T. , Chen Christopher , Emili Andrew
Published: March 2023

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is one of the most common inherited cardiomyopathies and a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young adults. Despite profound insights into the genetics, there is imperfect correlation between mutation and clinical prognosis, suggesting complex molecular cascades driving pathogenesis. To investigate this, we performed an integrated quantitative multi-omics (proteomic, phosphoproteomic, and metabolomic) analysis to illuminate the early and direct consequences of mutations in myosin heavy chain in engineered human induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes relative to late-stage disease using patient myectomies. We captured hundreds of differential features, which map to distinct molecular mechanisms modulating mitochondrial homeostasis at the earliest stages of pathobiology, as well as stage-specific metabolic and excitation-coupling maladaptation. Collectively, this study fills in gaps from previous studies by expanding knowledge of the initial responses to mutations that protect cells against the early stress prior to contractile dysfunction and overt disease.
Essentiality of the Escherichia coli YgfZ Protein for the In Vivo Thiomethylation of Ribosomal Protein S12 by the RimO Enzyme
Authors: Lund Torben , Kulkova Maria Yohanna , Jersie-Christensen Rosa , Atlung Tove
Published: March 2023

Enzymes carrying Iron-Sulfur (Fe-S) clusters perform many important cellular functions and their biogenesis require complex protein machinery. In mitochondria, the IBA57 protein is essential and promotes assembly of [4Fe-4S] clusters and their insertion into acceptor proteins. YgfZ is the bacterial homologue of IBA57 but its precise role in Fe-S cluster metabolism is uncharacterized. YgfZ is needed for activity of the radical S-adenosyl methionine [4Fe-4S] cluster enzyme MiaB which thiomethylates some tRNAs. The growth of cells lacking YgfZ is compromised especially at low temperature. The RimO enzyme is homologous to MiaB and thiomethylates a conserved aspartic acid in ribosomal protein S12. To quantitate thiomethylation by RimO, we developed a bottom-up LC-MS2 analysis of total cell extracts. We show here that the in vivo activity of RimO is very low in the absence of YgfZ and independent of growth temperature. We discuss these results in relation to the hypotheses relating to the role of the auxiliary 4Fe-4S cluster in the Radical SAM enzymes that make Carbon-Sulfur bonds.
Promising Role of the Scutellaria baicalensis Root Hydroxyflavone–Baicalein in the Prevention and Treatment of Human Diseases
Authors: Chmiel Marcelina , Stompor-Gorący Monika
Published: March 2023

Plant roots, due to a high content of natural antioxidants for many years, have been used in herbal medicine. It has been documented that the extract of Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) has hepatoprotective, calming, antiallergic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoid compounds found in the extract, including baicalein, have strong antiradical activity, which improves overall health and increases feelings of well-being. Plant-derived bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity have for a long time been used as an alternative source of medicines to treat oxidative stress-related diseases. In this review, we summarized the latest reports on one of the most important aglycones with respect to the pharmacological activity and high content in Baikal skullcap, which is 5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone (baicalein).
Apelin Enhances the Effects of Fusobacterium nucleatum on Periodontal Ligament Cells In Vitro
Authors: Cores Ziskoven Pablo , Nogueira Andressa V. B. , Gutierrez Lorena S. , Weusmann Jens , Eick Sigrun , Buduneli Nurcan , Deschner James
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to explore effects of Fusobacterium nucleatum with or without apelin on periodontal ligament (PDL) cells to better understand pathomechanistic links between periodontitis and obesity. First, the actions of F. nucleatum on COX2, CCL2, and MMP1 expressions were assessed. Subsequently, PDL cells were incubated with F. nucleatum in the presence and absence of apelin to study the modulatory effects of this adipokine on molecules related to inflammation and hard and soft tissue turnover. Regulation of apelin and its receptor (APJ) by F. nucleatum was also studied. F. nucleatum resulted in elevated COX2, CCL2, and MMP1 expressions in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Combination of F. nucleatum and apelin led to the highest (p < 0.05) expression levels of COX2, CCL2, CXCL8, TNF-α, and MMP1 at 48 h. The effects of F. nucleatum and/or apelin on CCL2 and MMP1 were MEK1/2- and partially NF-κB-dependent. The combined effects of F. nucleatum and apelin on CCL2 and MMP1 were also observed at protein level. Moreover, F. nucleatum downregulated (p < 0.05) the apelin and APJ expressions. In conclusion, obesity could contribute to periodontitis through apelin. The local production of apelin/APJ in PDL cells also suggests a role of these molecules in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.
FibH Gene Complete Sequences (FibHome) Revealed Silkworm Pedigree
Authors: Lu Wei , Zhang Tong , Zhang Quan , Zhang Na , Jia Ling , Ma Sanyuan , Xia Qingyou
Published: March 2023

The highly repetitive and variable fibroin heavy chain (FibH) gene can be used as a silkworm identification; however, only a few complete FibH sequences are known. In this study, we extracted and examined 264 FibH gene complete sequences (FibHome) from a high-resolution silkworm pan-genome. The average FibH lengths of the wild silkworm, local, and improved strains were 19,698 bp, 16,427 bp, and 15,795 bp, respectively. All FibH sequences had a conserved 5′ and 3′ terminal non-repetitive (5′ and 3′ TNR, 99.74% and 99.99% identity, respectively) sequence and a variable repetitive core (RC). The RCs differed greatly, but they all shared the same motif. During domestication or breeding, the FibH gene mutated with hexanucleotide (GGTGCT) as the core unit. Numerous variations existed that were not unique to wild and domesticated silkworms. However, the transcriptional factor binding sites, such as fibroin modulator-binding protein, were highly conserved and had 100% identity in the FibH gene’s intron and upstream sequences. The local and improved strains with the same FibH gene were divided into four families using this gene as a marker. Family I contained a maximum of 62 strains with the optional FibH (Opti-FibH, 15,960 bp) gene. This study provides new insights into FibH variations and silkworm breeding.
Sericin Ser3 Ectopic Expressed in Posterior Silk Gland Affects Hemolymph Immune Melanization Response via Reducing Melanin Synthesis in Silkworm
Authors: Wang Yongfeng , Shi Meijuan , Yang Jiameng , Ma Lu , Chen Xuedong , Xu Meng , Peng Ruji , Wang Guang , Pan Zhonghua , Sima Yanghu , Xu Shiqing
Published: March 2023

The transgenesis of silkworms is an important way to innovate genetic resources and silk function. However, the silk-gland (SG) of transgenic silkworms, which is the most concerned target tissue of sericulture, often suffers from low vitality, stunting and other problems, and the reasons are still unknown. This study trans engineered recombinant Ser3, a middle silk gland (MSG) specific expression gene, in the posterior silk gland (PSG) of the silkworm, and studied hemolymph immune melanization response changes in mutant pure line SER (Ser3+/+). The results showed that although the mutant had normal vitality, the melanin content and phenoloxidase (PO) activity in hemolymph related to humoral immunity were significantly reduced, and caused significantly slower blood melanization and weaker sterilization ability. The mechanism investigation showed that the mRNA levels and enzymatic activities of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine decarboxylase (DDC) in the melanin synthesis pathway in mutant hemolymph, as well as the transcription levels of the PPAE, SP21 and serpins genes in the serine protease cascade were significantly affected. Moreover, the total antioxidant capacity, superoxide anion inhibition capacity and catalase (CAT) level related to the redox metabolic capacity of hemolymph were significantly increased, while the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR), as well as the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and glutathione (GSH), were significantly decreased. In conclusion, the anabolism of melanin in the hemolymph of PSG transgenic silkworm SER was inhibited, while the basic response level of oxidative stress was increased, and the hemolymph immune melanization response was decreased. The results will significantly improve the safe assessment and development of genetically modified organisms.
Approximate Solutions for Undamped Nonlinear Oscillations Using He’s Formulation
Authors: Kontomaris Stylianos Vasileios , Chliveros Georgios , Malamou Anna
Published: March 2023

Solving nonlinear oscillations is a challenging task due to the mathematical complexity of the related differential equations. In many cases, determining the oscillation’s period requires the solution of complicated integrals using numerical methods. To avoid the complexity, there are many empirical equations in the literature that can be used instead of rigorous mathematical analysis to provide an acceptable approximation. In this paper, a recently developed method, He’s formulation, is applied to find the period in many different cases of nonlinear oscillators. The cases are those of the Duffing equation, the Helmholtz nonlinear oscillator, the simple pendulum and the case of a vertical oscillation under the influence of a nonlinear elastic force. The results of the method are accurate; thus, He’s formulation is a strong tool for solving nonlinear oscillations.
2-Year Change in Revised Hammersmith Scale Scores in a Large Cohort of Untreated Paediatric Type 2 and 3 SMA Participants
Authors: Stimpson Georgia , Ramsey Danielle , Wolfe Amy , Mayhew Anna , Scoto Mariacristina , Baranello Giovanni , Muni Lofra Robert , Main Marion , Milev Evelin , Coratti Giorgia , Pane Marika , Sansone Valeria , D’Amico Adele , Bertini Enrico , Messina Sonia , Bruno Claudio , Albamonte Emilio , Mazzone Elena Stacy , Montes Jacqueline , Glanzman Allan M. , Zolkipli-Cunningham Zarazuela , Pasternak Amy , Duong Tina , Dunaway Young Sally , Civitello Matthew , Marini-Bettolo Chiara , Day John W. , Darras Basil T. , De Vivo Darryl C. , Finkel Richard S. , Mercuri Eugenio , Muntoni Francesco
Published: March 2023

The Revised Hammersmith Scale (RHS) is a 36-item ordinal scale developed using clinical expertise and sound psychometrics to investigate motor function in participants with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). In this study, we investigate median change in the RHS score up to two years in paediatric SMA 2 and 3 participants and contextualise it to the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale–Expanded (HFMSE). These change scores were considered by SMA type, motor function, and baseline RHS score. We consider a new transitional group, spanning crawlers, standers, and walkers-with-assistance, and analyse that alongside non-sitters, sitters, and walkers. The transitional group exhibit the most definitive change score trend, with an average 1-year decline of 3 points. In the weakest patients, we are most able to detect positive change in the RHS in the under-5 age group, whereas in the stronger patients, we are most able to detect decline in the RHS in the 8–13 age group. The RHS has a reduced floor effect compared to the HFMSE, although we show that the RHS should be used in conjunction with the RULM for participants scoring less than 20 points on the RHS. The timed items in the RHS have high between-participant variability, so participants with the same RHS total can be differentiated by their timed test items.
Improving Adherence to a Home Rehabilitation Plan for Chronic Neck Pain through Immersive Virtual Reality: A Case Report
Authors: Cioeta Matteo , Pournajaf Sanaz , Goffredo Michela , Giovannico Giuseppe , Franceschini Marco
Published: March 2023

Idiopathic chronic neck pain is a highly disabling musculoskeletal condition. Immersive virtual reality shows a promising efficacy in the treatment of chronic cervical pain through the mechanism of distraction from the pain. This case report describes the management of C.F., a fifty-seven-year-old woman, who suffered from neck pain for fifteen months. She had already undergone a cycle of physiotherapy treatments including education, manual therapy, and exercises, following international guidelines. The patient’s poor compliance did not allow adherence to the exercise’s prescription. Home exercise training through virtual reality was therefore proposed to the patient to improve her adherence to the treatment plan. The personalization of the treatment allowed the patient to resolve in a short time period her problem and return to live with her family peacefully.
Chyloperitoneum in Peritoneal Dialysis Secondary to Calcium Channel Blocker Use: Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Piscitani Luca , Reboldi Gianpaolo , Venanzi Angelo , Timio Francesca , D’Ostilio Annamaria , Sirolli Vittorio , Bonomini Mario
Published: March 2023

Chyloperitoneum (chylous ascites) is a rare complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Its causes may be traumatic and nontraumatic, associated with neoplastic disease, autoimmune disease, retroperitoneal fibrosis, or rarely calcium antagonist use. We describe six cases of chyloperitoneum occurring in patients on PD as a sequel to calcium channel blocker use. The dialysis modality was automated PD (two patients) and continuous ambulatory PD (the rest of the patients). The duration of PD ranged from a few days to 8 years. All patients had a cloudy peritoneal dialysate, characterized by a negative leukocyte count and sterile culture tests for common germs and fungi. Except for in one case, the cloudy peritoneal dialysate appeared shortly after the initiation of calcium channel blockers (manidipine, n = 2; lercanidipine, n = 4), and cleared up within 24–72 h after withdrawal of the drug. In one case in which treatment with manidipine was resumed, peritoneal dialysate clouding reappeared. Though turbidity of PD effluent is due in most cases to infectious peritonitis, there are other differential causes including chyloperitoneum. Although uncommon, chyloperitoneum in these patients may be secondary to the use of calcium channel blockers. Being aware of this association can lead to prompt resolution by suspension of the potentially offending drug, avoiding stressful situations for the patient such as hospitalization and invasive diagnostic procedures.
Associations of Tinnitus Incidence with Use of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Inhibitors among Patients with Autoimmune Conditions
Authors: Natarajan Nirvikalpa , Batts Shelley , Gombar Saurabh , Manickam Raj , Sagi Varun , Curhan Sharon G. , Stankovic Konstantina M.
Published: March 2023

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) may promote neuroinflammation prompting tinnitus. This retrospective cohort study evaluated whether anti-TNFα therapy influences incident tinnitus risk among adults with autoimmune disorders and no baseline tinnitus selected from a US electronic health records database (Eversana; 1 January 2010–27 January 2022). Patients with anti-TNFα had ≥90-day history pre-index (first autoimmune disorder diagnosis) and ≥180-day follow-up post-index. Random samples (n = 25,000) of autoimmune patients without anti-TNFα were selected for comparisons. Tinnitus incidence was compared among patients with or without anti-TNFα therapy, overall and among at-risk age groups or by anti-TNFα category. High-dimensionality propensity score (hdPS) matching was used to adjust for baseline confounders. Compared with patients with no anti-TNFα, anti-TNFα was not associated with tinnitus risk overall (hdPS-matched HR [95% CI]: 1.06 [0.85, 1.33]), or between groups stratified by age (30–50 years: 1 [0.68, 1.48]; 51–70 years: 1.18 [0.89, 1.56]) or anti-TNFα category (monoclonal antibody vs. fusion protein: 0.91 [0.59, 1.41]). Anti-TNFα was not associated with tinnitus risk among those treated for ≥6 months (hdPS-matched HR [95% CI]: 0.96 [0.69, 1.32]) or ≥12 (1.03 [0.71, 1.5]), or those with RA (1.16 [0.88, 1.53]). Thus, in this US cohort study, anti-TNFα therapy was not associated with tinnitus incidence among patients with autoimmune disorders.
A Closer Look at EGFR Inhibitor Resistance in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer through the Lens of Precision Medicine
Authors: Sattler Martin , Mambetsariev Isa , Fricke Jeremy , Tan Tingting , Liu Sariah , Vaidehi Nagarajan , Pisick Evan , Mirzapoiazova Tamara , Rock Adam G. , Merla Amartej , Sharma Sunil , Salgia Ravi
Published: March 2023

The development of EGFR small-molecule inhibitors has provided significant benefit for the affected patient population. Unfortunately, current inhibitors are no curative therapy, and their development has been driven by on-target mutations that interfere with binding and thus inhibitory activity. Genomic studies have revealed that, in addition to these on-target mutations, there are also multiple off-target mechanisms of EGFR inhibitor resistance and novel therapeutics that can overcome these challenges are sought. Resistance to competitive 1st-generation and covalent 2nd- and 3rd-generation EGFR inhibitors is overall more complex than initially thought, and novel 4th-generation allosteric inhibitors are expected to suffer from a similar fate. Additional nongenetic mechanisms of resistance are significant and can include up to 50% of the escape pathways. These potential targets have gained recent interest and are usually not part of cancer panels that look for alterations in resistant patient specimen. We discuss the duality between genetic and nongenetic EGFR inhibitor drug resistance and summarize current team medicine approaches, wherein clinical developments, hand in hand with drug development research, drive potential opportunities for combination therapy.
Spatiotemporal Companion Pattern (STCP) Mining of Ships Based on Trajectory Features
Authors: Zhou Chunhui , Liu Guangya , Huang Liang , Wen Yuanqiao
Published: March 2023

Spatiotemporal companion pattern (STCP) mining is one of the means to identify and detect group behavioral activities. To detect the spatiotemporal traveling pattern of ships from massive spatiotemporal trajectory data and to understand the movement law of group ships, this article proposes a feature-driven approach for STCP mining that consists of (1) generating the grid index via the rasterizing of geospace and characterizing trajectory points via the spatiotemporal trajectory grid sequences (STTGSs) of ships; (2) designing filtering rules with the constraints of range, time and distance to construct a candidate set for ship STCP mining; and (3) measuring the STTGS similarity of the associated ships and setting the confidence threshold to realize spatiotemporal companion mining. The effectiveness of the proposed method is practically validated on a real trajectory dataset which is collected from the Taiwan Strait waters. The experimental results are as follows: 825 pairs of associated ships and 225 pairs of accompanying ships are mined when the grid size is 0.05° and the confidence is 0.5. Larger grid sizes can increase the inclusiveness of the associated ship trajectory similarity measurement, which can result in an increase in confidence of pattern. A large number of pseudo-accompaniment ships are extracted to the result set, resulting in a more dispersed distribution of pattern confidence. By verifying the proposed method, accompanying behavioral activities such as ship cooperative operation, companion navigation method, and so on, can be detected. These results can provide a reference for the research of ship group behavior identification and have an important application value for water transportation management.
Seasonal Variability in Ocean Heat Content and Heat Flux in the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Alsayed Afnan Y. , Alsaafani Mohammed A. , Al-Subhi Abdullah M. , Alraddadi Turki M. , Taqi Ahmed M.
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the seasonal variability in surface heat content in the Arabian Gulf (AG) based on hydrographic data. The ocean heat content (OHC) was initially estimated from surface to maximum depth (75 m) to show the seasonal variability, where the seasonal temperature reaches to that depth. Then OHC was re-estimated from the surface to a depth of 35 m, which represents the average depth of AG, to obtain accurate horizontal distributions. Results showed that during winter, the northern part of AG experiences the lowest OHC compared to the southeastern part. The monthly spatial average implies that the highest OHC of AG water was in September and October, while the lowest heat content was found in February and March. However, the OHC horizontal distributions were almost the same for the entire gulf during summer. In general, there was increasing in the OHC in the southeast region of the gulf. OHC anomalies are concentrated in the northern region of the AG, while the southeastern part near the Strait of Hormuz has the lowest values. Regarding heat flux, the highest heat gains were during spring, while the highest loss was in autumn. The water exchange between the AG and the Indian Ocean through the Strait of Hormuz may play a major role in the seasonal variability in OHC.
Concept of Contamination Control Door for DEMO and Proof of Principle Design
Authors: Wang Yan , Oellerich Jan , Baars Carsten , Mittwollen Martin
Published: March 2023

During the maintenance period of a future fusion reactor power plant, called DEMOnstration Power Plant (DEMO), remotely handled casks are required to confine and handle DEMO in-vessel components during their transportation between the reactor and the active maintenance facility. In order to limit the dispersion of activated dust, a Contamination Control Door (CCD) is designed to be placed at an interface between separable containments (e.g., vacuum vessels and casks) to inhibit the release of contamination at the interface between them. The remotely operated CCD—technically, a double lidded door system—consists of two separable doors (the cask door and port door) and three different locking mechanisms: (i) between the cask door and cask, (ii) between the cask door and port door and (iii) between the port door and port. The locking mechanisms are selected and assessed according to different criteria, and the structure of the CCD is optimized using an Abaqus Topology Optimization Module. Due to the elastic properties of the CCD, deflections will occur during the lifting procedure, which may lead to malfunctions of the CCD. A test rig is developed to investigate the performance of high-risk components in the CCD in the case of deflections and also malpositioning. Misalignment can be induced along three axes and three angles intentionally to test the single components and items. The aim is to identify a possible range of operating in the case of misalignments. It is expected that the proposed CCD design should be able to operate appropriately in the case of ±3 mm translational misalignments and ±1° rotational misalignments.
A Saprophytic Fungus Tubeufia rubra Produces Novel Rubracin D and E Reversing Multidrug Resistance in Cancer Cells
Authors: Qian Shengyan , Zeng Xuebo , Qian Yixin , Lu Yongzhong , He Zhangjiang , Kang Jichuan
Published: March 2023

Two new (1, 2 viz Rubracin D and E) and sixteen known Glyceroglycolipids (3–18) in the saprophytic fungus Tubeufia rubra (PF02-2) from decaying wood in freshwater habitat were isolated and identified. Their chemical structures were elucidated via means of the extensive spectroscopic analyses of NMR, HR-ESI-MS and UV spectra, as well as comparison with literature data. The new compounds were assayed for the reversal activity of multidrug resistance (MDR) on MCF-7/ADM, K562/ADM and A549/ADM cell lines, and both compounds 1 and 2 reversed MDR in the three resistant cancer cell lines with concentration dependence. In the assay on K562/ADM, both new compounds had been proved to have remarkable MDR reversal effects, which were higher than those of the positive control viz Verapamil (Vrp). Meanwhile, in the assay on A549/ADM, compound 1 displayed significant MDR reversal effects, which were also higher than those of Vrp at certain concentrations. Furthermore, the Western blot assay proved that both new compounds reversed the MDR in the resistant cancer cell line viz MCF-7/ADM by inhibiting the overexpression of P-glycoprotein. This is the first report that the Glyceroglycolipids isolated firstly from the fungal genus Tubeufia reversed MDR in resistant cancer cells.
Facile Synthesis and Characterization of Cupric Oxide Loaded 2D Structure Graphitic Carbon Nitride (g-C3N4) Nanocomposite: In Vitro Anti-Bacterial and Fungal Interaction Studies
Authors: Priya Rajendran Lakshmi , Kariyanna Bheeranna , Karthi Sengodan , Sudhakaran Raja , Babu Sundaram Ganesh , Vidya Radhakrishnan
Published: March 2023

The active and inexpensive catalyst cupric oxide (CuO) loaded foliar fertilizer of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is investigated for biological applications due to its low cost and easy synthesis. The synthesized CuO NPs, bulk g-C3N4, exfoliated g-C3N4, and different weight percentages of 30 wt%, 40 wt%, 50 wt%, 60 wt%, and 70 wt% CuO-loaded g-C3N4 are characterized using different analytical techniques, including powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The nanocomposite of CuO NPs loaded g-C3N4 exhibits antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The 20 μg/mL of 70 wt% CuO/g-C3N4 nanocomposite showed an efficiency of 98% for Gram-positive bacteria, 80% for E. Coli, and 85% for P. aeruginosa. In the same way, since the 70 wt% CuO/g-C3N4 nanocomposite showed the best results for antibacterial activity, the same compound was evaluated for anti-fungal activity. For this purpose, the fungi Fusarium oxysporum and Trichoderma viride were used. The anti-fungal activity experiments were not conducted in the presence of sunlight, and no appreciable fungal inhibition was observed. As per the literature, the presence of the catalyst g-C3N4, without an external light source, reduces the fungal inhibition performance. Hence, in the future, some modifications in the experimental conditions should be considered to improve the anti-fungal activity.
Contribution of the Tyrosinase (MoTyr) to Melanin Synthesis, Conidiogenesis, Appressorium Development, and Pathogenicity in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Fan Xiaoning , Zhang Penghui , Batool Wajjiha , Liu Chang , Hu Yan , Wei Yi , He Zhengquan , Zhang Shi-Hong
Published: March 2023

Dihydroxynapthalene-(DHN) and L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) are two types of dominant melanin in fungi. Fungal melanins with versatile functions are frequently associated with pathogenicity and stress tolerance. In rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae, DHN melanin is essential to maintain the integrity of the infectious structure, appressoria; but the role of the tyrosinase-derived L-DOPA melanin is still unknown. Here, we have genetically and biologically characterized a tyrosinase gene (MoTyr) in M. oryzae. MoTyr encodes a protein of 719 amino acids that contains the typical CuA and CuB domains of tyrosinase. The deletion mutant of MoTyr (ΔMoTyr) was obtained by using a homologous recombination approach. Phenotypic analysis showed that conidiophore stalks and conidia formation was significantly reduced in ΔMoTyr. Under different concentrations of glycerol and PEG, more appressoria collapsed in the mutant strains than in the wild type, suggesting MoTyr is associated with the integrity of the appressorium wall. Melanin measurement confirmed that MoTyr loss resulted in a significant decrease in melanin synthesis. Accordingly, the loss of MoTyr stunted the conidia germination under stress conditions. Importantly, the MoTyr deletion affected both infection and pathogenesis stages. These results suggest that MoTyr, like DHN pigment synthase, plays a key role in conidiophore stalks formation, appressorium integrity, and pathogenesis of M. oryzae, revealing a potential drug target for blast disease control.
The Split-Screen Approach for Project Appraisal (Part II: Spreadsheet Modeling)
Authors: Baschieri Davide , Magni Carlo Alberto
Published: March 2023

This paper employs the newly conceived accounting-and-finance engineering system (AFES) described in a previous paper (Magni 2023, “The Split-Screen Approach for Project Appraisal (Part I: The Theory)”), addressed to the analysis of capital asset investments. In this second part, we show how to implement this theoretical framework onto a spreadsheet software. We guide the analyst step by step, cell by cell, to the creation of the Split-Screen Matrices describing the project film. Because the AFES is based on two arithmetic relations (law of motion and law of conservation), we can use a minimal approach to modeling, with a frugal use of the most common spreadsheet functions (essentially INDEX and MATCH) and no use of the traditional financial functions, yet fulfilling the requisite of clearness, transparency, consistency, and ease of use. Starting from the informal description of the project, we build the model by breaking it down to 7 modules. The spreadsheet model is available online (see link provided in the paper).
Responses to the Impact of Drought on Carbon and Water Use Efficiency in Inner Mongolia
Authors: Cheng Geer , Liu Tiejun , Wang Sinan , Wu Yingjie , Zhang Cunhou
Published: March 2023

The dynamics of plants’ carbon and water use efficiency and their responses to drought are crucial to the sustainable development of arid and semi-arid environments. This study used trend analysis and partial correlation analysis to examine the carbon use efficiency (CUE) and water use efficiency (WUE) of Inner Mongolia’s vegetation from 2001 to 2020. MODIS data for gross primary productivity (GPP), net primary productivity (NPP), potential evapotranspiration (PET), evapotranspiration (ET), drought severity index (DSI), and plant type were used. Altered trends were observed for drought during 2001–2020 in the study area. The results revealed that 98.17% of the research area’s drought trend was from dry to wet and 1.83% was from wet to dry, and the regions with decreased drought regions were broadly dispersed. In 2001–2020, CUE in Inner Mongolia declined by 0.1%·year−1, whereas WUE reduced by 0.008 g C·mm−1·m−2·year−1, but the total change was not significant. CUE decreased from west to east, whereas WUE increased from southwest to northeast. DSI and CUE had the highest negative connection, accounting for 97.96% of the watershed area, and 71.6% passed the significance test. The correlation coefficients of DSI and WUE were spatially opposite to those of CUE and DSI. In total, 54.21% of the vegetation cover exhibited a negative connection with DSI. The CUE and WUE of different vegetation types in Inner Mongolia were negatively correlated with the DSI index except for grasslands (GRA). Drought in Inner Mongolia mostly influenced the CUE of different plant types, which had a higher negative correlation than WUE. The study’s findings can inform climate change research on Inner Mongolia’s carbon and water cycles.
Gender and Water-Energy-Food Nexus in the Rural Highlands of Ethiopia: Where Are the Trade-Offs?
Authors: Villamor Grace B.
Published: March 2023

The introduction of modern bioenergy alternatives is promoted to address water–energy–food (WEF) security in the rural highlands of Ethiopia. While the role of women in WEF security is an essential component of these challenges, gender dimensions remain invisible in the nexus debate. This study explores the impact of gender-specific roles between female- and male-headed households on the nexus resources in the rural highlands of Ethiopia using an agent-based modeling approach. This includes capturing the gender-specific responses to modern bioenergy interventions to address current energy crises that may reduce or enhance synergies among nexus resources and whether the introduction of modern bioenergy technology would improve the quality of life for both men and women. Using the participatory gendered mental model of the food–energy–land nexus, a base ABM was developed to simulate the predicted effects under scenarios of population growth and labor reallocation. Initial simulation results show that there is low adoption of alternative bioenergy (i.e., biogas digesters), and the majority remain dependent on traditional energy sources (e.g., fuel wood and animal dung), suggesting further land degradation. Female-headed households that adopt biogas increase their burden of collecting water needed for the operation. Reallocation of labor from crop production to fuelwood collection would result in the reduction of crop yields. It is expected that male-headed households have better crop yields than female counterparts due to gender-specific roles. However, by shifting 10% of labor allocated from energy collection to crop production, yields (i.e., teff and wheat) produced by female-headed households would be comparable to their male counterparts, enhancing their food security. However, the reduced workloads for women resulting from the adoption of biogas digesters will not necessarily enhance their quality of life. This study suggests that trade-offs may arise between efficiency (in resource use) and social equity, which deserve to be further analyzed.
An Explicit Spatial Approach to the Value of Local Social Amenities in Metro and Non-Metro Counties in the U.S.: Implications for Comprehensive Wealth Measurement
Authors: Kim Jinhyoung , Johnson Thomas G. , Soon Byung Min
Published: March 2023

This study extends and reinterprets Roback’s general spatial equilibrium model by casting it within the comprehensive wealth framework. Considering the explicit spatial effects among regions, the analysis refines estimates of the contribution of natural, built, social, cultural, and human capital to residents’ wealth. We develop an empirical model and apply it to secondary data from 3109 counties in the United States. Our analysis provides a means of partitioning the sources of wealth in traditionally measured financial wealth and various types of amenities, while avoiding double counting the values of natural and publicly provided assets. Our findings indicate that rising property values are not simply an outcome of limited supply but are often an indicator of rising demand for improving amenities, suggesting different strategies for property and income taxation policy. There are apparently differences between the value of amenities in metro and non-metro counties. Our model explicitly estimates the spatial spillover and feedback effects of policy changes on local land values and wages. It also measures the differences in determinants of asset values and wages in metro from non-metro counties in the U.S.
Cultural Values of Landscapes in the Practical Work of Biosphere Reserves
Authors: Eliasson Ingegärd , Fredholm Susanne , Knez Igor , Gustavsson Eva , Weller Jon
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of the landscape’s cultural values in the practical work of biosphere reserves and to identify what opportunities there are to increase awareness and knowledge about these values. The paper draws upon data collected in a Swedish biosphere reserve, including a survey of residents, interviews with public officials involved in cultural heritage management, and an analysis of documents produced by the Biosphere Reserve Association. Residents showed a broad knowledge about the landscape’s cultural values, and they linked immaterial heritage to material objects. The residents’ strong identity and pride in relation to the landscape were confirmed by the officials, who argued that it is the deep layers of history and the cultural diversity of the landscape that make the biosphere reserve attractive. However, concepts related to the landscape’s cultural values were barely touched upon in the documents analysed; the landscape’s cultural values were presented as a background—as an abstract value. The findings reveal several unexplored opportunities and practical implications to increase awareness and knowledge of the landscape’s cultural values. Suggested actions include definition of goals, articulation and use of concepts, inventories of actors, increased collaboration, and use of residents’ knowledge. Cultural values of landscapes are often neglected in the practical work of biosphere reserves, despite the social and cultural dimensions of sustainable development being an important component of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme. This research indicates several ways of bridging this gap between theory and practice.
Particle and Phase Analysis of Combusted Iron Particles for Energy Storage and Release
Authors: Buchheiser Simon , Deutschmann Max Philipp , Rhein Frank , Allmang Amanda , Fedoryk Michal , Stelzner Björn , Harth Stefan , Trimis Dimosthenis , Nirschl Hermann
Published: March 2023

The combustion of metal fuels as energy carriers in a closed-cycle carbon-free process is a promising approach for reducing CO2 emissions in the energy sector. For a possible large-scale implementation, the influence of process conditions on particle properties and vice versa has to be well understood. In this study, the influence of different fuel–air equivalence ratios on particle morphology, size and degree of oxidation in an iron–air model burner is investigated by means of small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering, laser diffraction analysis and electron microscopy. The results show a decrease in median particle size and an increase in the degree of oxidation for leaner combustion conditions. The difference of 1.94 μm in median particle size between lean and rich conditions is twentyfold greater than the expected amount and can be connected to an increased intensity of microexplosions and nanoparticle formation for oxygen-rich atmospheres. Furthermore, the influence of the process conditions on the fuel usage efficiency is investigated, yielding efficiencies of up to 0.93. Furthermore, by choosing a suitable particle size range of 1 to 10 μm, the amount of residual iron content can be minimized. The results emphasize that particle size plays a key role in optimizing this process for the future.
Constitutive Correlations for Mass Transport in Fibrous Media Based on Asymptotic Homogenization
Authors: Maier Lukas , Kufferath-Sieberin Lars , Pauly Leon , Hopp-Hirschler Manuel , Gresser Götz T. , Nieken Ulrich
Published: March 2023

Mass transport in textiles is crucial. Knowledge of effective mass transport properties of textiles can be used to improve processes and applications where textiles are used. Mass transfer in knitted and woven fabrics strongly depends on the yarn used. In particular, the permeability and effective diffusion coefficient of yarns are of interest. Correlations are often used to estimate the mass transfer properties of yarns. These correlations commonly assume an ordered distribution, but here we demonstrate that an ordered distribution leads to an overestimation of mass transfer properties. We therefore address the impact of random ordering on the effective diffusivity and permeability of yarns and show that it is important to account for the random arrangement of fibers in order to predict mass transfer. To do this, Representative Volume Elements are randomly generated to represent the structure of yarns made from continuous filaments of synthetic materials. Furthermore, parallel, randomly arranged fibers with a circular cross-section are assumed. By solving the so-called cell problems on the Representative Volume Elements, transport coefficients can be calculated for given porosities. These transport coefficients, which are based on a digital reconstruction of the yarn and asymptotic homogenization, are then used to derive an improved correlation for the effective diffusivity and permeability as a function of porosity and fiber diameter. At porosities below 0.7, the predicted transport is significantly lower under the assumption of random ordering. The approach is not limited to circular fibers and may be extended to arbitrary fiber geometries.
Photopolymerization of Coating Materials for Protection against Carbon Steel Corrosion
Authors: Li Bo , Yang Huibing , He Jinhang , Yu Siwu , Xiao Rengui , Luo Huanhu , Wen Yi , Peng Shengyan , Liao Xia , Yang Daning
Published: March 2023

This work demonstrated a workable approach for the synthesis of a re-healing polyaniline-modified epoxy resin coating material via photopolymerization. The prepared coating material exhibited low water absorption, allowing it to be used as an anti-corrosion protective layer for carbon steel. First, graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized through the modified Hummers’ method. It was then mixed with TiO2 to extend its light response range. The structural features of the coating material were identified using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT IR). The corrosion behavior of the coatings and the pure resin layer were tested by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the potentiodynamic polarization curve (Tafel). The presence of TiO2 reduced the corrosion potential (Ecorr) toward lower values in 3.5% NaCl at room temperature, which was due to the photocathode of titanium dioxide. The experimental results indicated that GO was successfully compounded with TiO2 and that GO effectively improved the light utilization capacity of TiO2. The experiments showed that the presence of local impurities or defects can reduce the band gap energy, resulting in a lower Eg for the 2GO:1TiO2 composite (2.95 eV) compared to that of TiO2 alone (3.37 eV). After applying visible light to the coating surface, the change in the Ecorr value of the V-composite coating was 993 mV and the value of Icorr decreased to 1.993 × 10−6 A/cm2. The calculated results showed that the protection efficiency of the D-composite and V-composite coatings on composite substrates was approximately 73.5 and 83.3%, respectively. More analyses revealed that under visible light, the coating had better corrosion resistance. This coating material is expected to be a candidate for carbon steel corrosion protection.
Direct Imaging of the Kinetic Crystallization Pathway: Simulation and Liquid-Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy Observations
Authors: Xu Zhangying , Ou Zihao
Published: March 2023

The crystallization of materials from a suspension determines the structure and function of the final product, and numerous pieces of evidence have pointed out that the classical crystallization pathway may not capture the whole picture of the crystallization pathways. However, visualizing the initial nucleation and further growth of a crystal at the nanoscale has been challenging due to the difficulties of imaging individual atoms or nanoparticles during the crystallization process in solution. Recent progress in nanoscale microscopy had tackled this problem by monitoring the dynamic structural evolution of crystallization in a liquid environment. In this review, we summarized several crystallization pathways captured by the liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy technique and compared the observations with computer simulation. Apart from the classical nucleation pathway, we highlight three nonclassical pathways that are both observed in experiments and computer simulations: formation of an amorphous cluster below the critical nucleus size, nucleation of the crystalline phase from an amorphous intermediate, and transition between multiple crystalline structures before achieving the final product. Among these pathways, we also highlight the similarities and differences between the experimental results of the crystallization of single nanocrystals from atoms and the assembly of a colloidal superlattice from a large number of colloidal nanoparticles. By comparing the experimental results with computer simulations, we point out the importance of theory and simulation in developing a mechanistic approach to facilitate the understanding of the crystallization pathway in experimental systems. We also discuss the challenges and future perspectives for investigating the crystallization pathways at the nanoscale with the development of in situ nanoscale imaging techniques and potential applications to the understanding of biomineralization and protein self-assembly.