bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biological Control Ability and Antifungal Activities of Bacillus velezensis Bv S3 against Fusarium oxysporum That Causes Rice Seedling Blight
Authors: Jiang Wanyi , Liu Jinxin , He Ying , Payizila Ayihumaer , Li Yonggang
Published: January 2024

Fusarium oxysporum, a primary soil-borne fungus that affects rice seedlings globally, is responsible for rice seedling blight (RSB), which reduces seedling quality and survival rates. The synthetic fungicides used to treat this disease negatively affect human health and the environment. A biocontrol bacterial isolate, Bacillus velezensis Bv S3, isolated from the rice rhizosphere, showed a strong antagonistic effect on RSB-causing F. oxysporum. The ratio of the longest to the shortest radius of F. oxysporum following Bv S3 inoculation was 2.52 (cm/cm) in a plate standoff experiment. This was different from the other biocontrol strains. Bv S3 exhibits a wide spectrum of antifungal activity against various pathogenic fungi that cause RSB. When 10% Bv S3 liquid culture filtrate was applied, it dramatically reduced F. oxysporum spore germination and mycelial growth, with inhibition rates of 66.7%, and 45.7%, respectively, and caused hyphal malformations. Furthermore, the Bv S3 suspension (1 × 108 CFU/mL) reduced RSB by 65.5% and 76.5% in pot experiments, effectively promoted the growth of rice seedlings, and improved the activities of neutral phosphatase, urease, invertase, and catalase in rice rhizosphere soil. The active substances produced by Bv S3 were sensitive to temperature and ultraviolet irradiation, and the antifungal effect significantly increased after 90 min of exposure, with antifungal effect observed at pH 7. Bv. S3 effectively reduced the incidence of RSB and showed potential as a biocontrol agent.
Protein and Carbohydrate Fractionation to Evaluate Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) Accessions
Authors: Gierus Martin , Salama Heba Sabry Attia , Lösche Marc , Herrmann Antje , Taube Friedhelm
Published: January 2024

Precise information about carbohydrates and proteins in relation to their utilization in the rumen is useful for the breeding purposes of perennial ryegrass cultivars used for animal nutrition. The objective of the current study was to evaluate 20 diploid perennial ryegrass accessions from the intermediary heading stage. The ruminal kinetics of different carbohydrate and protein fractions of grasses and legumes are important for forage breeding programs. The Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) was used to provide such information. Accession-based variation can be observed after considering dynamic degradation processes. Variation among the 20 accessions was observed. Ruminally digested (RDC) and undigested (UDC) carbohydrate and ruminally degraded (RDP) and undegraded (UDP) protein contents, total carbohydrate and total protein contents, and carbohydrate and protein fractions for the first cut and annual averages show significant differences. Although the variation was smaller for the protein fractions, the calculated usable protein content (uCP, sum of UDP and amount of synthesized microbial protein in the rumen) in the small intestine is mainly influenced by decreasing the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and increasing the sugar content among cultivars. Carbohydrate and protein fractionation is suitable for characterizing perennial grass accessions as it uses parameters relevant to ruminant nutrition, allowing a step forward in forage plant breeding for forage quality. To conclude, using parameters related to ruminal degradation kinetics should favor the selection of accessions with higher amounts of ruminally digested carbohydrates (RDC). The selection of accessions based on protein quality (proportion of UDP) is less favorable for achieving a higher usable protein content.
Identification of Signatures of Positive Selection That Have Shaped the Genomic Landscape of South African Pig Populations
Authors: Hlongwane Nompilo L. , Dzomba Edgar F. , Hadebe Khanyisile , van der Nest Magriet A. , Pierneef Rian , Muchadeyi Farai C.
Published: January 2024

South Africa boasts a diverse range of pig populations, encompassing intensively raised commercial breeds, as well as indigenous and village pigs reared under low-input production systems. The aim of this study was to investigate how natural and artificial selection have shaped the genomic landscape of South African pig populations sampled from different genetic backgrounds and production systems. For this purpose, the integrated haplotype score (iHS), as well as cross population extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH) and Lewontin and Krakauer’s extension of the Fst statistic based on haplotype information (HapFLK) were utilised. Our results revealed several population-specific signatures of selection associated with the different production systems. The importance of natural selection in village populations was highlighted, as the majority of genomic regions under selection were identified in these populations. Regions under natural and artificial selection causing the distinct genetic footprints of these populations also allow for the identification of genes and pathways that may influence production and adaptation. In the context of intensively raised commercial pig breeds (Large White, Kolbroek, and Windsnyer), the identified regions included quantitative loci (QTLs) associated with economically important traits. For example, meat and carcass QTLs were prevalent in all the populations, showing the potential of village and indigenous populations’ ability to be managed and improved for such traits. Results of this study therefore increase our understanding of the intricate interplay between selection pressures, genomic adaptations, and desirable traits within South African pig populations.
Metagenomic Identification of Novel Eukaryotic Viruses with Small DNA Genomes in Pheasants
Authors: Kaszab Eszter , Bali Krisztina , Marton Szilvia , Ursu Krisztina , Farkas Szilvia L. , Fehér Enikő , Domán Marianna , Martella Vito , Bányai Krisztián
Published: January 2024

A panel of intestinal samples collected from common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) between 2008 and 2017 was used for metagenomic investigation using an unbiased enrichment protocol and different bioinformatic pipelines. The number of sequence reads in the metagenomic analysis ranged from 1,419,265 to 17,507,704 with a viral sequence read rate ranging from 0.01% to 59%. When considering the sequence reads of eukaryotic viruses, RNA and DNA viruses were identified in the samples, including but not limited to coronaviruses, reoviruses, parvoviruses, and CRESS DNA viruses (i.e., circular Rep-encoding single-stranded DNA viruses). Partial or nearly complete genome sequences were reconstructed of at least three different parvoviruses (dependoparvovirus, aveparvovirus and chaphamaparvovirus), as well as gyroviruses and diverse CRESS DNA viruses. Generating information of virus diversity will serve as a basis for developing specific diagnostic tools and for structured epidemiological investigations, useful to assess the impact of these novel viruses on animal health.
Resveratrol Promotes Proliferation, Antioxidant Properties, and Progesterone Production in Yak (Bos grunniens) Granulosa Cells
Authors: Jiang Xudong , Ma Yao , Gong Sanni , Zi Xiangdong , Zhang Dawei
Published: January 2024

Resveratrol (RES) is a class of natural polyphenolic compounds known for its strong anti-apoptotic and antioxidant properties. Granulosa cells (GCs) are one of the important components of ovarian follicles and play crucial roles in follicular development of follicles in the ovary. Here, we explored the effects of RES on the proliferation and functions of yak GCs. Firstly, we evaluated the effect of RES dose and time in culture on the viability of GCs, and then the optimum treatment protocol (10 μM RES, 36 h) was selected to analyze the effects of RES on the proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, lipid droplet content, ATP production, and steroidogenesis of GCs, as well as the expression of related genes. The results show that RES treatment significantly (1) increased cell viability and proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis by upregulating BCL-2 and SIRT1 genes and downregulating BAX, CASP3, P53, and KU70 genes; (2) increased the proportion of GCs in the S phase and upregulated CCND1, PCNA, CDK4, and CDK5 genes; (3) reduced ROS accumulation and MDA content and increased GSH content, as well as upregulating the relative expression levels of CAT, SOD2, and GPX1 genes; (4) decreased lipid droplet content and increased ATP production; (5) promoted progesterone (P4) secretion and the expression of P4 synthesis-related genes (StAR, HSD3B1, and CYP11A1); and (6) inhibited E2 secretion and CYP19A1 expression. These findings suggest that RES at 10 μM increases the proliferation and antioxidant properties, inhibits apoptosis, and promotes ATP production, lipid droplet consumption, and P4 secretion of yak GCs.
Evaluation of Mud Worm (Polydora spp.) Infestation in Cupped (Crassostrea gigas) and Flat Oyster (Ostrea edulis) Broodstocks: Comparison between Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography
Authors: Galosi Livio , Dini Fabrizio , Meligrana Marina C. T. , Gennari Lorenzo , Tamburini Elena , Roncarati Alessandra
Published: January 2024

The Polichete worms of the genus Polydora are considered very destructive for oysters, excavating channels in their shell and inducing oysters to create mud blisters in response to the irritation, interfering with their physiology and ethology. The parasite also causes important economic damage for oyster farmers, as products with a high degree of infestation cannot be commercialized. The present study aims to evaluate whether two non-invasive advanced diagnostic techniques, computed tomography scans (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are suitable to show the alterations induced by this parasite on live Crassostrea gigas and Ostrea edulis oyster broodstocks. A CT scan is also able to identify small lesions in the shell during the first stage of infection. MRI allows for the visualization of the advanced status of the lesions when blisters occupy the inner surface of the shell and can impact the health status and the economic value of the mollusk. Both techniques resulted in satisfactory spatial resolution, and no motion artifacts were reported, thus enabling the authors to faithfully visualize in vivo the damage caused by the parasite.
An Atlas of Surra in Spain: A Tool to Support Epidemiological Investigations and Disease Control
Authors: Henríquez Adrián Melián , Tejedor-Junco María Teresa , González-Martín Margarita , Morales Doreste Manuel , Martín Martel Sergio , Paone Massimo , Cecchi Giuliano , Corbera Juan Alberto
Published: January 2024

Trypanosomosis is a global animal issue, causing significant economic losses, particularly in Africa. In Spain, only one pathogenic species, Trypanosoma evansi, has been identified so far. It was first detected in a dromedary camel in the Canary Islands in 1997. Since then, numerous cases of the disease, known as Surra, have been diagnosed, prompting various studies and efforts in control and surveillance. Given the lack of a comprehensive database that consolidates the most relevant data in this area, the development of a national atlas, with a focus on the Canary Islands, to incorporate all available information on T. evansi in Spain became a necessity. For the development of the atlas, a repository was constructed, encompassing a range of datasets and documents spanning from 1997 to 2022. Information from each source, and in particular georeferenced locations and results of blood tests on animals, were extracted and integrated into a comprehensive database. A total of 31 sources were analysed, providing a total of 99 georeferenced locations and 12,433 animal samples. Out of these samples, 601 (mostly from dromedaries) were found to be positive for T. evansi. The Card Agglutination Test for T. evansi (CATT/T. evansi), a serological test, was the most commonly used diagnostic method, and it showed a higher prevalence for all tested animal species. Positive cases were mainly concentrated in the Canary Islands, specifically in the eastern islands, with isolated cases found in the province of Alicante (Iberian Peninsula). This atlas provides an overview of the history and occurrence of Surra in Spain, and it represents a valuable tool for future control initiatives and for research. Still, the need for more studies remains, especially for further testing of potential hosts other than camelids and for the examination of their potential transmission vectors.
Temporal Distribution Patterns of Cryptic Brachionus calyciflorus (Rotifera) Species in Relation to Biogeographical Gradient Associated with Latitude
Authors: Xu Yuan , Ge Le-Le , Cheng Xin-Feng , Xiang Xian-Ling , Wen Xin-Li , Wang Yong-Jin , Fu Hao , Ge Ya-Li , Xi Yi-Long
Published: January 2024

Sympatric distribution and temporal overlap of cryptic zooplankton species pose a challenge to the framework of the niche differentiation theory and the mechanisms allowing competitor coexistence. We applied the methods of phylogenetic analysis, DNA taxonomy, and statistical analysis to study the temporal distribution patterns of the cryptic B. calyciflorus species, an excellent model, in three lakes, and to explore the putative mechanisms for their seasonal succession and temporal overlap. The results showed that in the warm-temperate Lake Yunlong, B. fernandoi and B. calyciflorus s.s. underwent a seasonal succession, which was largely attributed to their differential adaptation to water temperature. In the subtropical Lake Jinghu, B. fernandoi, B. calyciflorus s.s., and B. dorcas exhibited both seasonal succession and temporal overlap. Seasonal successions were largely attributed to their differential adaptation to temperature, and temporal overlap resulted from their differential responses to algal food concentration. In the tropical Lake Jinniu, B. calyciflorus s.s. persisted throughout the year and overlapped with B. dorcas for 5 months. The temporal overlap resulted from their differential responses to copepod predation. These results indicated that the temporal distribution pattern of the cryptic B. calyciforus species and the mechanism that allows competitor coexistence vary with different climate zones.
Multiple Tissues Transcriptome of Zig-Zag Eel (Mastacembelus armatus) with Different Growth Rates
Authors: Yang Jinlin , Lu Baoyue , Yu Zhide , Zhang Linan , Chen Yiman , Chen Zihui , Han Chong , Shu Hu
Published: January 2024

In order to explore the main regulatory genes and related pathways of growth traits, transcriptome sequencing was first performed on the brain, liver, and muscle tissues of 3-month-old M. armatus with different growth rates. By comparative transcriptome analysis of fast-growing and slow-growing groups of M. armatus, a total of 2887 DEGs were screened, of which 59 up-regulated genes and 105 down-regulated genes were detected in the brain, 146 up-regulated genes and 202 down-regulated genes were detected in the liver, and 529 up-regulated genes and 1846 down-regulated genes were detected in muscle, including insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1a (IGFBP1A), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1b (IGFBP1B), myosin, light chain 1 (MYL1), and myoglobin (MB). Through Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, we identified a total of 288 significantly enriched GO entries and 68 significantly enriched KEGG pathways related to growth, such as skeletal muscle tissue development, insulin-like growth factor binding, and the mitotic cell cycle. These key genes and signaling pathways may play a key role in regulating the growth of M. armatus. Digging into the regulatory mechanisms of these key genes will provide a theoretical basis for further exploration of the molecular mechanisms related to the growth and development of M. armatus, and help to breed new varieties of M. armatus with rapid growth.
First Report of Marek’s Disease Virus in Commercial Turkeys in Slovenia
Authors: Žlabravec Zoran , Slavec Brigita , Rožmanec Ema , Koprivec Saša , Dovč Alenka , Zorman Rojs Olga
Published: January 2024

Marek’s disease (MD), caused by Mardivirus gallidalpha 2 (GaAHV-2), also known as MD virus (MDV), is a lymphoproliferative disease that primarily affects chickens. Recently, MDV has been detected in lymphomatous tumors in turkeys in various countries. Between 2021 and 2023, three cases ranging from no to severe clinical disorders (depression, lameness, and increased mortality) occurred in commercial turkey flocks in Slovenia. In all cases, MDV was detected by PCR in DNA samples extracted from organs developing tumor infiltrations. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the meq gene revealed that the GaAHV-2 detected has molecular features of a very virulent pathotype and genetic similarity with GaAHV-2 detected in chickens in Tunisia. This is the first report of MDV in commercial turkeys in Slovenia.
Exploring Influence of Production Area and Harvest Time on Specialized Metabolite Content of Glycyrrhiza glabra Leaves and Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Properties
Authors: Docimo Teresa , Celano Rita , Lambiase Alessia , Di Sanzo Rosa , Serio Simona , Santoro Valentina , Coccetti Paola , Russo Mariateresa , Rastrelli Luca , Piccinelli Anna Lisa
Published: January 2024

Calabrian Glycyrrhiza glabra is one of the most appreciated licorice varieties worldwide, and its leaves are emerging as a valuable source of bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, this biomass is usually discarded, and its valorization could contribute to boost the economic value of the licorice production chain. In this study, the effects of production area and harvest time on the specialized metabolite content of G. glabra leaves (GGL) and also the antioxidant and anti-aging properties are evaluated to explore the potential of this untapped resource and to select the most optimal harvesting practices. GGL exhibited high levels of specialized metabolites (4–30 g/100 g of dry leaf) and the most abundant ones are pinocembrin, prenylated flavanones (licoflavanone and glabranin), and prenylated dihydrostilbenes. Their levels and antioxidant capacity in extracts are influenced by both production area and harvest time, showing a decisive role on specialized metabolites accumulation. Interestingly, GGL extracts strongly attenuate the toxicity of α-synuclein, the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, and cellular senescence on Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing human α-synuclein model, showing great potential to prevent aging and age-related disorders. These results provide insights into the phytochemical dynamics of GGL, identifying the best harvesting site and period to obtain bioactive-rich sources with potential uses in the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical sectors.
The Fecal Redox Potential in Healthy and Diarrheal Pigs and Their Correlation with Microbiota
Authors: Feng Ni , Xu Rongying , Wang Dongfang , Li Lian , Su Yong , Feng Xiaobo
Published: January 2024

The redox potential plays a critical role in sustaining the stability of gut microbiota. This study measured the fecal redox potential in healthy and diarrheal pigs using direct and dilution methods and investigated their correlation with microbiota. The results showed that the fluctuations in the redox potential of healthy pig feces were consistent using two different methods and the two methods are equivalent based on an equivalence test. The redox potential was positively correlated with the number of fungi and negatively related to the total bacteria. The relative or absolute abundances of many bacteria at the phyla and genus levels were associated with redox potential. In diarrheal pigs, the potentiometric trends of the two methods demonstrated an opposing pattern and the correlation with total bacteria was reversed. Precipitously elevated redox potential was detected post-diarrhea using dilution methods. The absolute abundance of Escherichia-Shigella and Fuurnierella was positively correlated with redox potential, while both relative and absolute abundances of Limosilactobacillus were positively correlated. These results suggest that both methods are suitable for detecting gut redox potential in healthy pigs, while the dilution method is more suitable for diarrheal pigs. The findings on the correlation of Limosilactobacillus, Prevotella, and Escherichia-Shigella with redox potential offer novel insights for targeted modulation of intestinal health.
Tuning a Kubernetes Horizontal Pod Autoscaler for Meeting Performance and Load Demands in Cloud Deployments
Authors: Augustyn Dariusz R. , Wyciślik Łukasz , Sojka Mateusz
Published: January 2024

In the context of scaling a business-critical medical service that involves electronic medical record storage deployed in Kubernetes clusters, this research addresses the need to optimize the configuration parameters of horizontal pod autoscalers for maintaining the required performance and system load constraints. The maximum entropy principle was used for calculating a load profile to satisfy workload constraints. By observing the fluctuations in the existing workload and applying a kernel estimator to smooth its trends, we propose a methodology for calculating the threshold parameter of a maximum number of pods managed by individual autoscalers. The results obtained indicate significant computing resource savings compared to autoscalers operating without predefined constraints. The proposed optimization method enables significant savings in computational resource utilization during peak loads in systems managed by Kubernetes. For the investigated case study, applying the calculated vector of maximum pod count parameter values for individual autoscalers resulted in about a 15% reduction in the number of instantiated nodes. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for efficiently scaling services while meeting performance demands, thus minimizing resource consumption when deploying to computing clouds. The results enhance our comprehension of resource optimization strategies within cloud-based microservice architectures, transcending the confines of specific domains or geographical locations.
Applications of Tungsten Pseudo-Alloys in the Energy Sector
Authors: Macháčková Adéla , Bárta Otakar , Brožová Silvie
Published: January 2024

New energy generation methods are currently being discussed with a view towards the transition from traditional primary sources to more environmentally friendly options, particularly renewables. Energy storage is also closely related to this transition. Battery storage currently dominates this area. However, flywheel energy storage system technology offers an alternative that transforms stored kinetic energy into mechanical and electrical energy using a motor generator. The flywheel energy storage system technology is thus flexible and can be applied in different industrial applications. The management of the technology of recycling tungsten multi-metallic composites (W-MMC) waste material from other products and the subsequent trial production of high-strength W-MMC material with a density of more than 17,500 kg/m3 from recycled powders allowed us to test the limits of the so-called “heavy” flywheels used in rotor production. The results achieved lead to the conclusion that the developed recycled materials of the W-MMC type with a density ≥17,500 kg/m3, with a yield strength of 1200–1700 MPa depending on the production method, can be used as a substitute for the structural steels used today without an enforced reduction in the maximum allowed rotor speed due to exceeding the maximum allowed stress.
Real-Time Motion Adaptation with Spatial Perception for an Augmented Reality Character
Authors: Kim Daehwan , Chae Hyunsic , Kim Yongwan , Choi Jinsung , Kim Ki-Hong , Jo Dongsik
Published: January 2024

Virtual characters are now widely used in games, computer-generated (CG) movies, virtual reality (VR), and communication media. The continued technological innovations in motion capture mean that a more natural representation of a three-dimensional character’s motion should be achievable. Many researchers have investigated how virtual characters interact with their surrounding environment through spatial relationships, which were introduced for adapting and preserving character motion. However, technical problems should be resolved to enable the control of characters in augmented reality (AR) environments that combine with the real world, and this can be achieved by adapting motion to environmental differences using original motion datasets. In this paper, we investigate a novel method for preserving automatic motion adaptation for a virtual character in AR environments. We used specific object (e.g., puddle) recognition and the spatial properties of the user’s surrounding space, e.g., object types and positions, and ran validation experiments to provide accurate motion to improve the AR experience. Our experimental study showed positive results in terms of smooth motion in AR configurations. We also found that the participants using AR felt a greater sense of co-presence with the character through adapted motion.
DFP-Net: A Crack Segmentation Method Based on a Feature Pyramid Network
Authors: Li Linjing , Liu Ran , Ali Rashid , Chen Bo , Lin Haitao , Li Yonglong , Zhang Hua
Published: January 2024

Timely detection of defects is essential for ensuring safe and stable operation of concrete buildings. Automatic segmentation of concrete buildings’ surfaces is challenging due to the high diversity of crack appearance, the detailed information, and the unbalanced proportion of crack pixels and background pixels. In this work, the Double Feature Pyramid Network is designed for high-precision crack segmentation. Our work reached the state-of-the-art level in crack segmentation, with key contributions outlined as follows: firstly, considering the diversity of crack shapes, the network constructs a feature pyramid containing three feature extraction backbones to extract the global feature map with three scale input images. In particular, due to the biggest challenge being too much single-pixel crack area, the targeted feature pyramid based on the high-resolution is added to extract adequate shallow semantic information. Lastly, designing a cascade feature fusion unit to aggregate the extracted multi-dimensional feature maps and obtain the final prediction. Compared with existing crack detection methods, the superior performance of this method has been verified based on extensive experiments, with Pixel Accuracy of 65.99%, Intersection over Union of 44.71%, and Recall of 62.95%, providing a reliable and efficient solution for the health monitoring and maintenance of concrete structures. This work contributes to the advancement of research and practical applications in related fields, offering robust support for the monitoring and maintenance of concrete structures.
The Temperature Field Prediction and Estimation of Ti-Al Alloy Twin-Wire Plasma Arc Additive Manufacturing Using a One-Dimensional Convolution Neural Network
Authors: Pan Nanxu , Ye Xin , Xia Peng , Zhang Guangshun
Published: January 2024

Plasma arc deposition as an additive manufacturing technology has unique advantages for producing parts with complex shapes through layer-by-layer deposition. It is critical to predict and control the temperature field during the production process due to the temperature distribution and gradients determining the properties and performance of the part. Numerical simulation approaches, such as the finite element method, which provides a large amount of data for machine learning modeling, thus reducing the overhead of experimental measurements, are widely used in machine learning. In this paper, we propose a neural network combined finite element method and process prediction workflow. A one-dimensional convolutional neural network model for predicting 2D temperature distribution is developed by training the collected data on the planar temperature field of titanium–aluminum twin-wire plasma arc additive manufacturing and the finite element method. The results show that the predicted temperature mean square error is only 0.5, with less than a 20 °C error in peak temperature and a relative error below 1%. The proposed transfer learning method achieves the same training loss and is 500 iterations faster than basic training, which improves the training speed by 25%. The current study confirms the accurate performance of the ML model and the effectiveness of the optimization method.
An Analysis of Silurian Paleo–Tethys Hydrocarbon Source Rock Characteristics in North Africa, the Middle East, and South China
Authors: Xu Enze , Wang Yaning , Zhang Shangfeng , Zhu Rui , Liang Jianhao , Han Rui , Gong Gaoyang , Xu Min , Cheng Xin
Published: January 2024

In this study, we elucidate the genesis and distribution patterns of Silurian hot shale hydrocarbon source rocks by utilizing a comparative analysis of the evolutionary characteristics of plate tectonic activity in the Paleo–Tethys Ocean and the sedimentary filling characteristics of key basins in North Africa, the Middle East, and South China. We propose an explanation for the sedimentary genesis of world-class Silurian hydrocarbon source rocks in the Paleozoic craton basin of the ancient Tethys tectonic domain. This is achieved by scrutinizing the plate tectonic activity and evolution of the ancient Tethys Ocean and combining these findings with the paleotectonic sedimentation background of North Africa, the Middle East, and South China. Additionally, we compare Silurian hydrocarbon source rocks from these regions. The deep-water stagnant environment of the land shelf favors the preservation of organic matter, thereby forming high-quality hydrocarbon source rocks. Conversely, the shallow-water body of the land shelf is more turbulent, thus resulting in the poorer preservation of organic matter and, consequently, lower-quality hydrocarbon source rocks.
Assessment of Surrogate Models for Research on Resistance and Deformation of Repairs of the Human Meniscal Roots: Porcine or Older Human Models?
Authors: Peña-Trabalon Alejandro , Perez-Blanca Ana , Moreno-Vegas Salvador , Estebanez-Campos M. Belen , Prado-Novoa Maria
Published: January 2024

Meniscal root repair is not routinely recommended for patients over 75 years old, yet surrogate age-unrestricted human or porcine models are used for its evaluation. This study assesses the suitability of older human or porcine meniscus models for in vitro testing of the sutured meniscal horn. Three groups of menisci underwent a load-to-failure test with continuous monitoring of the traction force and deformation around the suture: human < 75 years, human ≥ 75 years, and porcine. Both surrogate models were compared to the younger group. The porcine group exhibited a 172.1%-higher traction force before tearing (p < 0.001) and a 174.1%-higher ultimate force (p < 0.001), without there being differences between the human groups. At tissue level, the older group had a 28.7%-lower cut-out stress (p = 0.012) and the porcine group had a 57.2%-higher stress (p < 0.001). Regarding elasticity at the sutured area, a 48.1%-greater deformation rate was observed in the older group (p < 0.001), without difference for the porcine group. In conclusion, neither the porcine nor the older human model demonstrated a clear advantage as a surrogate model for young human sutured meniscal horns. The older human meniscus is preferable for resistance at the specimen level, while the porcine model better represents deformation in the sutured zone.
Co-Action of Ionic Liquids with Alternative Sorbents for Removal of Reactive Azo Dyes from Polluted Wastewater Streams
Authors: Kamenická Barbora , Maňásková Kateřina , Pouzar Miloslav , Weidlich Tomáš
Published: January 2024

In this study, the facile removal of the chromium-complex-based reactive azo dye C. I. Reactive Black 8 (RB8) from model wastewaters by the co-action of alternative sorbents—biochar (BC) and bentonite (BT)—with ionic liquids such as benzalkonium chloride (BAC) or Aliquat 336 (A336) was studied. The experiments using model RB8-containing wastewater proved that the co-action of BAC with BC is the most promising method of RB8 separation from wastewater containing 1 g L−1 of RB8 dye. The application of 2 g L−1 BC in co-action with 1.5 g L−1 BAC or 1 g L−1 BT in co-action with 2 g L−1 BAC enables the removal of more than 98% of contaminant RB8 after 30 min of action. Similar removal efficiency (RE) was achieved using 40 g L−1 of powdered activated carbon (PAC) after 180 min of action. To reach the same RE using real RB8-containing wastewater, a four times higher dose of BC and a four times higher dose of BAC per gram of removed RB8 were required. The proposed mechanism of RB8 removal by the co-action of alternative sorbents with BAC comprises a parallel effect of (i) sorption, (ii) the formation of less polar ion pairs accompanied by their sorption on an alternative sorbent and (iii) the separation of used alternative sorbents covered with ion pairs. The removal efficiency of organic contaminant(s) from both model and real wastewater was evaluated by VIS spectroscopy applying the Lambert–Beer law and by the determination of chemical oxidation demand (COD) and/or adsorbable organically bound halogen (AOX) parameters.
Balancing Privacy and Progress: A Review of Privacy Challenges, Systemic Oversight, and Patient Perceptions in AI-Driven Healthcare
Authors: Williamson Steven M. , Prybutok Victor
Published: January 2024

Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare represents a transformative shift with substantial potential for enhancing patient care. This paper critically examines this integration, confronting significant ethical, legal, and technological challenges, particularly in patient privacy, decision-making autonomy, and data integrity. A structured exploration of these issues focuses on Differential Privacy as a critical method for preserving patient confidentiality in AI-driven healthcare systems. We analyze the balance between privacy preservation and the practical utility of healthcare data, emphasizing the effectiveness of encryption, Differential Privacy, and mixed-model approaches. The paper navigates the complex ethical and legal frameworks essential for AI integration in healthcare. We comprehensively examine patient rights and the nuances of informed consent, along with the challenges of harmonizing advanced technologies like blockchain with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The issue of algorithmic bias in healthcare is also explored, underscoring the urgent need for effective bias detection and mitigation strategies to build patient trust. The evolving roles of decentralized data sharing, regulatory frameworks, and patient agency are discussed in depth. Advocating for an interdisciplinary, multi-stakeholder approach and responsive governance, the paper aims to align healthcare AI with ethical principles, prioritize patient-centered outcomes, and steer AI towards responsible and equitable enhancements in patient care.
The Spatio-Temporal Distribution Characteristics of Carbon Dioxide Derived from the Trajectory Mapping of Ground Observation Network Data in Shanxi Province, One of China’s Largest Emission Regions
Authors: Zhang Fengsheng , Gao Xingai , Pei Kunning , Shi Lihong , Li Ying , Yan Shiming , Zhu Lingyun , Yang Aiqin , Sun Hongping , Wang Yijuan
Published: January 2024

In this study, the trajectory mapping domain-filling technology, which can provide more reliable statistical estimates of long-lived gas concentrations in a broader geographical area based on limited station data, is used to map the CO2 concentration data of six ground observation stations to the entire Shanxi Province. The technology combines a dynamical model of the atmosphere with trace gas observations, combining forward and backward trajectories to greatly expand the information on long-lived CO2 gas concentrations over a trajectory path. The mapped results show good agreement with the observation results, which reveals the generalizability of the trajectory mapping domain-filling technology. The results show that the spatio-temporal distribution characteristics of CO2 concentration in the entire Shanxi region is significant: during the five years, the provincial average CO2 concentration exhibits an overall increasing trend. The CO2 concentration increases from the north to the south across the province. Influenced by the economic growth rate and COVID-19, there are differences in the annual variation characteristics of the CO2 concentration across the entire province, with the highest year-on-year growth in 2019 and a year-on-year decrease in 2020. The increasing rate of the CO2 concentration in the northern low-value areas is faster than that in the southern high-value areas. Overall, there is a decreasing trend in the CO2 concentration growth from the north to the south in the entire province. There are seasonal differences in the CO2 concentration distribution across the entire province. The CO2 concentration and amplitude are higher in autumn and winter than they are in spring and summer. This study can provide scientific support and methodological reference for the spatio-temporal distribution characteristics analysis of GHGs at the provincial–regional scale, as well as at the national and global scales.
Quantifying the Impact of Urban Growth on Urban Surface Heat Islands in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, Thailand
Authors: Iamtrakul Pawinee , Padon Apinya , Chayphong Sararad
Published: January 2024

The urban built environment, comprising structures, roads, and various facilities, plays a key role in the formation of urban heat islands, which inflict considerable damage upon human society. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in urban areas characterized by the rapid growth and concentration of populations, a global trend, notably exemplified in megacities such as Bangkok, Thailand. The global trend of urbanization has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent decades, with cities transforming into megametropolises that profoundly impact changes in urban temperature, specifically the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon induced by the rapid growth of urban areas. Elevated urban concentrations lead to increased city density, contributing to higher temperatures within the urban environment compared to the surrounding areas. The evolving land-use surface has assumed heightened significance due to urban development, necessitating accelerated efforts to mitigate urban heat islands. This study aims to quantify the influence of urban growth on urban surface temperature in Bangkok and its surrounding areas. The inverse relationship between urban temperature and land surface temperature (LST), coupled with urban area density, was examined using Landsat 5 and 8 satellite imagery. The analysis revealed a positive correlation between higher temperatures and levels of urban growth. Areas characterized by high-rise structures and economic activities experienced the most pronounced impact of the heat island phenomenon. The city exhibited a notable correlation between high density and high temperatures (high–high), signifying that increased density contributes to elevated temperatures due to heat dissipation (significant correlation of R2 = 0.8582). Conversely, low-temperature, low-density cities (low–low) with a dispersed layout demonstrated effective cooling of the surrounding area, resulting in a significant correlation with lower local temperatures (R2 = 0.7404). These findings provide valuable insights to assist governments and related agencies in expediting planning and policy development aimed at reducing heat in urban areas and steering sustainable urban development.
Basis Set Calculations of Heavy Atoms
Authors: Kozlov Mikhail G. , Demidov Yuriy A. , Kaygorodov Mikhail Y. , Tryapitsyna Elizaveta V.
Published: January 2024

Most modern calculations of many-electron atoms use basis sets of atomic orbitals. An accurate account for electronic correlations in heavy atoms is a very difficult computational problem, and an optimization of the basis sets can reduce computational costs and increase final accuracy. Here, we propose a simple differential ansatz to form virtual orbitals from the Dirac–Fock orbitals of the core and valence electrons. We use basis sets with such orbitals to calculate different properties in Cs including hyperfine structure constants and QED corrections to the valence energies and to the E1 transition amplitudes.
Multilevel Ordinal Logit Models: A Proportional Odds Application Using Data from Brazilian Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Freitas Souza Rafael de , Lima Fabiano Guasti , Corrêa Hamilton Luiz
Published: January 2024

This tutorial delves into the application of proportional odds-type ordinal logistic regression to assess the impact of incorporating both fixed and random effects when predicting the rankings of Brazilian universities in a well-established international academic assessment utilizing authentic data. In addition to offering valuable insights into the estimation of ordinal logistic models, this study underscores the significance of integrating random effects into the analysis and addresses the potential pitfalls associated with the inappropriate treatment of phenomena exhibiting categorical ordinal characteristics. Furthermore, we have made the R language code and dataset available as supplementary resources for the replication.
Recognition of Aedes aegypti Mosquito Saliva Protein LTRIN by the Human Receptor LTβR for Controlling the Immune Response
Authors: Loh Su Ning , Anthony Ian Russell , Gavor Edem , Lim Xin Shan , Kini R. Manjunatha , Mok Yu Keung , Sivaraman J.
Published: January 2024

Salivary proteins from mosquitoes have received significant attention lately due to their potential to develop therapeutic treatments or vaccines for mosquito-borne diseases. Here, we report the characterization of LTRIN (lymphotoxin beta receptor inhibitor), a salivary protein known to enhance the pathogenicity of ZIKV by interrupting the LTβR-initiated NF-κB signaling pathway and, therefore, diminish the immune responses. We demonstrated that the truncated C-terminal LTRIN (ΔLTRIN) is a dimeric protein with a stable alpha helix-dominant secondary structure, which possibly aids in withstanding the temperature fluctuations during blood-feeding events. ΔLTRIN possesses two Ca2+ binding EF-hand domains, with the second EF-hand motif playing a more significant role in interacting with LTβR. Additionally, we mapped the primary binding regions of ΔLTRIN on LTβR using hydrogen–deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) and identified that 91QEKAHIAEHMDVPIDTSKMSEQELQFHY118 from the N-terminal of ΔLTRIN is the major interacting region. Together, our studies provide insight into the recognition of LTRIN by LTβR. This finding may aid in a future therapeutic and transmission-blocking vaccine development against ZIKV.
Ex Vivo 13C-Metabolic Flux Analysis of Porcine Circulating Immune Cells Reveals Cell Type-Specific Metabolic Patterns and Sex Differences in the Pentose Phosphate Pathway
Authors: Hogg Melanie , Wolfschmitt Eva-Maria , Wachter Ulrich , Zink Fabian , Radermacher Peter , Vogt Josef Albert
Published: January 2024

In general, females present with stronger immune responses than males, but scarce data are available on sex-specific differences in immunometabolism. In this study, we characterized porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and granulocyte energy metabolism using a Bayesian 13C-metabolic flux analysis, which allowed precise determination of the glycolytic, pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), and tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) fluxes, together with an assessment of the superoxide anion radical (O2•−) production and mitochondrial O2 consumption. A principal component analysis allowed for identifying the cell type-specific patterns of metabolic plasticity. PBMCs displayed higher TCA cycle activity, especially glutamine-derived aspartate biosynthesis, which was directly related to mitochondrial respiratory activity and inversely related to O2•− production. In contrast, the granulocytes mainly utilized glucose via glycolysis, which was coupled to oxidative PPP utilization and O2•− production rates. The granulocytes of the males had higher oxidative PPP fluxes compared to the females, while the PBMCs of the females displayed higher non-oxidative PPP fluxes compared to the males associated with the T helper cell (CD3+CD4+) subpopulation of PBMCs. The observed sex-specific differences were not directly attributable to sex steroid plasma levels, but we detected an inverse correlation between testosterone and aldosterone plasma levels and showed that aldosterone levels were related with non-oxidative PPP fluxes of both cell types.
The Need for Novel Asexual Blood-Stage Malaria Vaccine Candidates for Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Takashima Eizo , Otsuki Hitoshi , Morita Masayuki , Ito Daisuke , Nagaoka Hikaru , Yuguchi Takaaki , Hassan Ifra , Tsuboi Takafumi
Published: January 2024

Extensive control efforts have significantly reduced malaria cases and deaths over the past two decades, but in recent years, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, success has stalled. The WHO has urged the implementation of a number of interventions, including vaccines. The modestly effective RTS,S/AS01 pre-erythrocytic vaccine has been recommended by the WHO for use in sub-Saharan Africa against Plasmodium falciparum in children residing in moderate to high malaria transmission regions. A second pre-erythrocytic vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, was also recommended by the WHO on 3 October 2023. However, the paucity and limitations of pre-erythrocytic vaccines highlight the need for asexual blood-stage malaria vaccines that prevent disease caused by blood-stage parasites. Few asexual blood-stage vaccine candidates have reached phase 2 clinical development, and the challenges in terms of their efficacy include antigen polymorphisms and low immunogenicity in humans. This review summarizes the history and progress of asexual blood-stage malaria vaccine development, highlighting the need for novel candidate vaccine antigens/molecules.
Upregulation of Anti-Angiogenic miR-106b-3p Correlates Negatively with IGF-1 and Vascular Health Parameters in a Model of Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease: Study with Metformin Therapy
Authors: Bakhashab Sherin , O’Neill Josie , Barber Rosie , Arden Catherine , Weaver Jolanta U.
Published: January 2024

Well-controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is regarded as a model of subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD), characterized by inflammation and adverse vascular health. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We investigated insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels, their correlation to miR-106b-3p expression in a subclinical CVD model, and the cardioprotective effect of metformin. A total of 20 controls and 29 well-controlled T1DM subjects were studied. Plasma IGF-1, IGFBP-3 levels, and miR-106b-3p expression in colony-forming unit-Hills were analyzed and compared with vascular markers. miR-106b-3p was upregulated in T1DM (p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with pro-angiogenic markers CD34+/100-lymphocytes (p < 0.05) and IGF-1 (p < 0.05). IGF-1 was downregulated in T1DM (p < 0.01), which was associated with increased inflammatory markers TNF-α, CRP, and IL-10 and reduced CD34+/100-lymphocytes. IGFBP-3 had no significant results. Metformin had no effect on IGF-1 but significantly reduced miR-106b-3p (p < 0.0001). An Ingenuity Pathway analysis predicted miR-106b-3p to inhibit PDGFA, PIK3CG, GDNF, and ADAMTS13, which activated CVD. Metformin was predicted to be cardioprotective by inhibiting miR-106b-3p. In conclusion: Subclinical CVD is characterized by a cardio-adverse profile of low IGF-1 and upregulated miR-106b-3p. We demonstrated that the cardioprotective effect of metformin may be via downregulation of upregulated miR-106b-3p and its effect on downstream targets.