bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic overexpression approach reveals native targets to increase squalene production in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Germann Anna T. , Nakielski Andreas , Dietsch Maximilian , Petzel Tim , Moser Daniel , Triesch Sebastian , Westhoff Philipp , Axmann Ilka M.
Published: May 2023

Cyanobacteria are a promising platform for the production of the triterpene squalene (C30), a precursor for all plant and animal sterols, and a highly attractive intermediate towards triterpenoids, a large group of secondary plant metabolites. Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 natively produces squalene from CO2 through the MEP pathway. Based on the predictions of a constraint-based metabolic model, we took a systematic overexpression approach to quantify native Synechocystis gene’s impact on squalene production in a squalene-hopene cyclase gene knock-out strain (Δshc). Our in silico analysis revealed an increased flux through the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle in the Δshc mutant compared to the wildtype, including the pentose phosphate pathway, as well as lower glycolysis, while the tricarboxylic acid cycle predicted to be downregulated. Further, all enzymes of the MEP pathway and terpenoid synthesis, as well as enzymes from the central carbon metabolism, Gap2, Tpi and PyrK, were predicted to positively contribute to squalene production upon their overexpression. Each identified target gene was integrated into the genome of Synechocystis Δshc under the control of the rhamnose-inducible promoter Prha. Squalene production was increased in an inducer concentration dependent manner through the overexpression of most predicted genes, which are genes of the MEP pathway, ispH, ispE, and idi, leading to the greatest improvements. Moreover, we were able to overexpress the native squalene synthase gene (sqs) in Synechocystis Δshc, which reached the highest production titer of 13.72 mg l-1 reported for squalene in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 so far, thereby providing a promising and sustainable platform for triterpene production.
Inactivation of tomato WAT1 leads to reduced susceptibility to Clavibacter michiganensis through downregulation of bacterial virulence factors
Authors: Koseoglou Eleni , Hanika Katharina , Mohd Nadzir Mas M. , Kohlen Wouter , van der Wolf Jan M. , Visser Richard G. F. , Bai Yuling
Published: May 2023

Tomato bacterial canker caused by Clavibacter michiganensis (Cm) is considered to be one of the most destructive bacterial diseases of tomato. To date, no resistance to the pathogen has been identified. While several molecular studies have identified (Cm) bacterial factors involved in disease development, the plant genes and mechanisms associated with susceptibility of tomato to the bacterium remain largely unknown. Here, we show for the first time that tomato gene SlWAT1 is a susceptibility gene to Cm. We inactivated the gene SlWAT1 through RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 to study changes in tomato susceptibility to Cm. Furthermore, we analysed the role of the gene in the molecular interaction with the pathogen. Our findings demonstrate that SlWAT1 functions as an S gene to genetically diverse Cm strains. Inactivation of SlWAT1 reduced free auxin contents and ethylene synthesis in tomato stems and suppressed the expression of specific bacterial virulence factors. However, CRISPR/Cas9 slwat1 mutants exhibited severe growth defects. The observed reduced susceptibility is possibly a result of downregulation of bacterial virulence factors and reduced auxin contents in transgenic plants. This shows that inactivation of an S gene may affect the expression of bacterial virulence factors.
Genome wide association studies and candidate gene mining for understanding the genetic basis of straw silica content in a set of Oryza nivara (Sharma et Shastry) accessions
Authors: Gowda Rakshith S. R. , Sharma Sandeep , Gill Ranvir Singh , Mangat Gurjit Singh , Bhatia Dharminder
Published: May 2023

Rice is a high-silica (SiO2·nH2O) accumulator. Silicon (Si) is designated as a beneficial element associated with multiple positive effects on crops. However, the presence of high silica content is detrimental to rice straw management, hampering its use as animal feed and as raw material in multiple industries. Rice straw management is a serious concern in north-western India, and it is eventually burned in situ by farmers, contributing to air pollution. A practical solution could lie in reducing the silica content in rice while also attaining sound plant growth. A set of 258 Oryza nivara accessions along with 25 cultivated varieties of Oryza sativa was used to assess the variation in straw silica content using the molybdenum blue colorimetry method. A large continuous variation was observed for straw silica content in O. nivara accessions, ranging from 5.08% to 16%, while it varied from 6.18% to 15.81% in the cultivated varieties. The O. nivara accessions containing 43%–54% lower straw silica content than the currently prominent cultivated varieties in the region were identified. A set of 22,528 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among 258 O. nivara accessions was used for estimating population structure and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). A weak population structure with 59% admixtures was identified among O. nivara accessions. Further, multi-locus GWAS revealed the presence of 14 marker-trait associations (MTAs) for straw silica content, with six of them co-localizing with previously reported quantitative trait loci (QTL). Twelve out of 14 MTAs showed statistically significant allelic differences. Thorough candidate gene analyses revealed the presence of promising candidate genes, including those encoding the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter, Casparian thickening, multi-drug and toxin extrusion (MATE) protein, F-box, and MYB-transcription factors. Besides, ortho-QTLs among rice and maize genomes were identified, which could open ways for further genetic analysis of this trait. The findings of the study could aid in further understanding and characterizing genes for Si transport and regulation in the plant body. The donors carrying the alleles for lower straw silica content can be used in further marker-assisted breeding programs to develop rice varieties with lower silica content and higher yield potential.
Field performance of switchgrass plants engineered for reduced recalcitrance
Authors: Eudes Aymerick , Lin Chien-Yuan , De Ben Christopher , Ortega Jasmine , Lee Mi Yeon , Chen Yi-Chun , Li Guotian , Putnam Daniel H. , Mortimer Jenny C. , Ronald Pamela C. , Scown Corinne D. , Scheller Henrik V.
Published: May 2023

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a promising perennial bioenergy crop that achieves high yields with relatively low nutrient and energy inputs. Modification of cell wall composition for reduced recalcitrance can lower the costs of deconstructing biomass to fermentable sugars and other intermediates. We have engineered overexpression of OsAT10, encoding a rice BAHD acyltransferase and QsuB, encoding dehydroshikimate dehydratase from Corynebacterium glutamicum, to enhance saccharification efficiency in switchgrass. These engineering strategies demonstrated low lignin content, low ferulic acid esters, and increased saccharification yield during greenhouse studies in switchgrass and other plant species. In this work, transgenic switchgrass plants overexpressing either OsAT10 or QsuB were tested in the field in Davis, California, USA for three growing seasons. No significant differences in the content of lignin and cell wall-bound p-coumaric acid or ferulic acid were detected in transgenic OsAT10 lines compared with the untransformed Alamo control variety. However, the transgenic overexpressing QsuB lines had increased biomass yield and slightly increased biomass saccharification properties compared to the control plants. This work demonstrates good performance of engineered plants in the field, and also shows that the cell wall changes in the greenhouse were not replicated in the field, emphasizing the need to validate engineered plants under relevant field conditions.
Integrated metabolome and transcriptome analyses provide insight into the effect of red and blue LEDs on the quality of sweet potato leaves
Authors: Tadda Shehu A. , Li Chengyue , Ding Jintao , Li Jian’an , Wang Jingjing , Huang Huaxing , Fan Quan , Chen Lifang , He Pengfei , Ahiakpa John K. , Karikari Benjamin , Chen Xuanyang , Qiu Dongliang
Published: May 2023

Red and blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) affect the quality of sweet potato leaves and their nutritional profile. Vines cultivated under blue LEDs had higher soluble protein contents, total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and total antioxidant activity. Conversely, chlorophyll, soluble sugar, protein, and vitamin C contents were higher in leaves grown under red LEDs. Red and blue light increased the accumulation of 77 and 18 metabolites, respectively. Alpha-linoleic and linolenic acid metabolism were the most significantly enriched pathways based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. A total of 615 genes were differentially expressed between sweet potato leaves exposed to red and blue LEDs. Among these, 510 differentially expressed genes were upregulated in leaves grown under blue light compared with those grown under red light, while the remaining 105 genes were expressed at higher levels in the latter than in the former. Among the KEGG enrichment pathways, blue light significantly induced anthocyanin and carotenoid biosynthesis structural genes. This study provides a scientific reference basis for using light to alter metabolites to improve the quality of edible sweet potato leaves.
Cadmium exposure is associated with increased transcript abundance of multiple heavy metal associated transporter genes in roots of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)
Authors: Marabesi Amanda O. , Nambeesan Savithri U. , van Iersel Marc W. , Lessl Jason T. , Coolong Timothy W.
Published: May 2023

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has demonstrated promise for phytoremediation due to an extensive root system, large biomass, and ability to survive under relatively high levels of heavy metals. However, little research has been conducted to determine the impact of heavy metal uptake in hemp grown for medicinal use. This study evaluated the potential for cadmium (Cd) uptake and its impact on growth, physiological responses, and transcript expression of metal transporter genes in a hemp variety grown for flower production. The cultivar ‘Purple Tiger’ was exposed to 0, 2.5, 10, and 25 mg·L-1 Cd in a greenhouse hydroponic study in two independent experiments. Plants exposed to 25 mg·L-1 Cd displayed stunted plant growth characteristics, reduced photochemical efficiency, and premature senescence suggesting Cd toxicity. At the two lower concentrations of Cd (2.5 and 10 mg·L-1 Cd), plant height, biomass, and photochemical efficiency were not affected, with chlorophyll content index (CCI) being slightly lower at 10 mg·L-1 Cd, compared to 2.5 mg·L-1 Cd. There were no consistent differences between the two experiments in total cannabidiol (CDB) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations in flower tissues at 2.5 and 10 mg·L-1 Cd, compared to the control treatment. Root tissue accumulated the highest amount of Cd compared to other tissues for all the Cd treatments, suggesting preferential root sequestration of this heavy metal in hemp. Transcript abundance analysis of heavy metal-associated (HMA) transporter genes suggested that all seven members of this gene family are expressed in hemp, albeit with higher expression in the roots than in the leaves. In roots, CsHMA3 was up-regulated at 45 and 68 d after treatment (DAT), and CsHMA1, CsHMA4, and CsHMA5 were upregulated only under long term Cd stress at 68 DAT, at 10 mg·L-1 Cd. Results suggest that expression of multiple HMA transporter genes in the root tissue may be upregulated in hemp exposed to 10 mg·L-1 Cd in a nutrient solution. These transporters could be involved in Cd uptake in the roots via regulating its transport and sequestration, and xylem loading for long distance transport of Cd to shoot, leaf, and flower tissues.
Genome-wide investigation and expression profiling of LOR gene family in rapeseed under salinity and ABA stress
Authors: Yang Su , Chen Jialuo , Ding Yonghe , Huang Qian , Chen Guangna , Ulhassan Zaid , Wei Ji’an , Wang Jian
Published: May 2023

The Brassica napus (B. napus) LOR (Lurp-One-Related) gene family is a little-known gene family characterized by a conserved LOR domain in the proteins. Limited research in Arabidopsis showed that LOR family members played important roles in Hyaloperonospora parasitica (Hpa) defense. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of research investigating the role of the LOR gene family towards their responses to abiotic stresses and hormone treatments. This study encompassed a comprehensive survey of 56 LOR genes in B. napus, which is a prominent oilseed crop that holds substantial economic significance in China, Europe, and North America. Additionally, the study evaluated the expression profiles of these genes in response to salinity and ABA stress. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 56 BnLORs could be divided into 3 subgroups (8 clades) with uneven distribution on 19 chromosomes. 37 out of 56 BnLOR members have experienced segmental duplication and 5 of them have undergone tandem repeats events with strong evidence of purifying selection. Cis-regulatory elements (CREs) analysis indicated that BnLORs involved in process such as light response, hormone response, low temperature response, heat stress response, and dehydration response. The expression pattern of BnLOR family members revealed tissue specificity. RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR were used to validate BnLOR gene expression under temperature, salinity and ABA stress, revealing that most BnLORs showed inducibility. This study enhanced our comprehension of the B. napus LOR gene family and could provide valuable information for identifying and selecting genes for stress resistant breeding.
Self-efficacy, organizational commitment, workload as predictors of life satisfaction in elementary school teachers: the mediating role of job satisfaction
Authors: Cayupe Juan C. , Bernedo-Moreira David Hugo , Morales-García Wilter C. , Alcaraz Fátima López , Peña Karla Berenice Carrazco , Saintila Jacksaint , Flores-Paredes Alcides
Published: May 2023

Background

Life satisfaction as well as job satisfaction of teachers has a significant impact on educational outcomes.

Objective

To evaluate a model of factors predicting life satisfaction through the mediating role of job satisfaction.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study, with a sample of 300 primary school teachers of both sexes (68% female, 32% male) and with a mean age of 42.52 years (SD = 10.04). They were administered the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Workload Scale (ECT), the Generic Job Satisfaction Scale, and the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used for data analysis.

Results

The SEM analysis found significant goodness-of-fit indices: (χ2 = 13.739; df = 5; p = <0.001; CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.98, RMSEA = 0.05, SRMR = 0.04). Specifically, self-efficacy and organizational commitment were positive predictors of job satisfaction, while workload was a negative predictor of job satisfaction. The mediating effect of job satisfaction between self-efficacy, life satisfaction, workload, and overall life satisfaction was confirmed.

Conclusion

The results confirm the importance of self-efficacy, organizational commitment, and workload in job satisfaction and overall life satisfaction of elementary education teachers. Job satisfaction acts as a mediator in this relationship. It is important to reduce workload and promote self-efficacy and organizational commitment to improve the well-being and satisfaction of teachers.
Relationship between child-to-parent violence and cumulative childhood adversity: the mediating role of parental attachment, resilience, and emotional intelligence
Authors: Navas-Martínez María J. , Cano-Lozano M. Carmen
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Recent research on aggressor profiles in child-to-parent violence (CPV) seems to provide promising results. However, this phenomenon has been poorly addressed in the adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) framework. This study aimed to explore the frequency of different types of ACEs and cumulative ACEs in adolescents who exert CPV, to analyze the differences between aggressors with different levels of cumulative ACEs in parental attachment, resilience, and emotional intelligence, and to evaluate the associations between these variables, as well as a possible mediational model.

Methods

A total of 3,142 Spanish adolescents (50.7% girls) aged between 12 and 18 years from educational centers participated.

Results

Adolescents who exerted CPV presented higher rates of ACEs both independently and cumulatively than those without CPV. Aggressors with cumulative ACEs (88%) in general presented more insecure parental attachment, lower resilience, and lower emotional intelligence than those without cumulative ACEs, and, in turn, aggressors with high levels of cumulative ACEs than those with low levels of cumulative ACEs. Significant associations were identified between CPV, ACEs, insecure parental attachment, resilience, and emotional intelligence. The mediation model suggested that ACEs are related to CPV through preoccupied and traumatized parental attachment and also through low levels of emotional intelligence.

Discussion

The findings provide a better understanding of CPV from the perspective of ACEs, especially of those cases that involve an accumulation of adverse experiences during childhood, and suggest greater professional attention to these cases with the design of specialized CPV intervention programs.
Vision-based particle filtering for quad-copter attitude estimation using multirate delayed measurements
Authors: Sadeghzadeh-Nokhodberiz Nargess , Iranshahi Mohammad , Montazeri Allahyar
Published: May 2023

In this paper, the problem of attitude estimation of a quad-copter system equipped with a multi-rate camera and gyroscope sensors is addressed through extension of a sampling importance re-sampling (SIR) particle filter (PF). Attitude measurement sensors, such as cameras, usually suffer from a slow sampling rate and processing time delay compared to inertial sensors, such as gyroscopes. A discretized attitude kinematics in Euler angles is employed where the gyroscope noisy measurements are considered the model input, leading to a stochastic uncertain system model. Then, a multi-rate delayed PF is proposed so that when no camera measurement is available, the sampling part is performed only. In this case, the delayed camera measurements are used for weight computation and re-sampling. Finally, the efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated through both numerical simulation and experimental work on the DJI Tello quad-copter system. The images captured by the camera are processed using the ORB feature extraction method and the homography method in Python-OpenCV, which is used to calculate the rotation matrix from the Tello’s image frames.
Clinical profiling of specific diagnostic subgroups of women with chronic pelvic pain
Authors: Demetriou Lysia , Krassowski Michal , Abreu Mendes Pedro , Garbutt Kurtis , Vitonis Allison F. , Wilkins Elizabeth , Coxon Lydia , Arendt-Nielsen Lars , Aziz Qasim , Birch Judy , Horne Andrew W. , Hoffman Anja , Hummelshoj Lone , Lunde Claire E. , Meijlink Jane , Perro Danielle , Rahmioglu Nilufer , Terry Kathryn L. , Pogatzki-Zahn Esther , Sieberg Christine B. , Treede Rolf-Detlef , Becker Christian M. , Cruz Francisco , Missmer Stacey A. , Zondervan Krina T. , Nagel Jens , Vincent Katy
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common condition affecting up to 26.6% of women, with many suffering for several years before diagnosis and/or treatment. Its clinical presentation is varied and there are frequently comorbid conditions both within and outside the pelvis. We aim to explore whether specific subgroups of women with CPP report different clinical symptoms and differing impact of pain on their quality of life (QoL).

Methods

The study is part of the Translational Research in Pelvic Pain (TRiPP) project which is a cross-sectional observational cohort study. The study includes 769 female participants of reproductive age who completed an extensive set of questions derived from standardised WERF EPHect questionnaires. Within this population we defined a control group (reporting no pelvic pain, no bladder pain syndrome, and no endometriosis diagnosis, N = 230) and four pain groups: endometriosis-associated pain (EAP, N = 237), interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (BPS, N = 72), comorbid endometriosis-associated pain and BPS (EABP, N = 120), and pelvic pain only (PP, N = 127).

Results

Clinical profiles of women with CPP (13–50 years old) show variability of clinical symptoms. The EAP and EABP groups scored higher than the PP group (p < 0.001) on the pain intensity scales for non-cyclical pelvic pain and higher than both the BPS and PP groups (p < 0.001) on the dysmenorrhoea scale. The EABP group also had significantly higher scores for dyspareunia (p < 0.001), even though more than 50% of sexually active participants in each pain group reported interrupting and/or avoiding sexual intercourse due to pain in the last 12 months. Scores for the QoL questionnaire (SF-36) reveal that CPP patients had significantly lower QoL across all SF-36 subscales (p < 0.001). Significant effects were also observed between the pain groups for pain interference with their work (p < 0.001) and daily lives (p < 0.001), with the EABP suffering more compared to the EAP and PP groups (p < 0.001).

Discussion

Our results demonstrate the negative impact that chronic pain has on CPP patients' QoL and reveal an increased negative impact of pain on the comorbid EABP group. Furthermore, it demonstrates the importance of dyspareunia in women with CPP. Overall, our results demonstrate the need for further exploration of interventions targeting QoL more broadly and suggest that novel approaches to classifying women with CPP are needed.
Synthesis of end-user research to inform future multipurpose prevention technologies in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review
Authors: Bhushan Nivedita L. , Ridgeway Kathleen , Luecke Ellen H. , Palanee-Phillips Thesla , Montgomery Elizabeth T. , Minnis Alexandra M.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) experience disproportionately high rates of HIV infection and unintended pregnancy compared to their age-matched counterparts in other regions of the world. Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) that offer protection against HIV and unintended pregnancy in a single product stand to address these dual sexual and reproductive health needs simultaneously. The aim of this scoping review is to identify factors that are important for optimizing the likelihood of MPT adoption by end users in SSA.

Methods

Study inclusion criteria included MPT research (HIV and pregnancy prevention dual indication) published or presented in English from 2000 to 2022 and conducted in SSA amongst end-users (women aged 15–44), male partners, health care providers, and community stakeholders. References were identified by searching peer reviewed literature, grey literature, conference presentations (2015–2022), grant databases, and outreach to MPT subject matter experts. Of 115 references identified, 37 references met inclusion criteria and were extracted for analysis. A narrative synthesis approach was used to summarize findings within and across MPT products.

Results

Studies were identified from six countries in SSA and a substantial proportion included a South African (n = 27) and/or Kenyan (n = 16) study site. Most studies utilized a qualitative study design (n = 22) and evaluated MPT acceptability and preferences by presenting hypothetical products through images or a list of product attributes (n = 21). The vaginal ring (n = 20), oral tablet (n = 20), and injection (n = 15) were examined most frequently. Across studies, there was high acceptability and demand for an HIV and pregnancy prevention MPT. End users valued choice in prevention product type as well as discreetness and long-acting options. Provider counseling and community sensitization were reported as essential for future introduction of novel MPT delivery forms.

Conclusion

Recognizing the heterogeneity of women's preferences and changing reproductive and sexual health needs over the life course, choice is important in the delivery of pregnancy and HIV prevention products as well as amongst MPT products with distinct product profiles. End user research with active MPTs, vs. hypothetical or placebo MPTs, is necessary to advance understanding of end-user preferences and acceptability of future products.
“At the end of the day, you need to do something”: discourses on prioritization of stormwater solutions
Authors: Low Robinson R. , Swayne Darby P. , Magel Caitlin L. , Israel Jessie , Levin Phillip S.
Published: May 2023

As urbanization continues to expand in the Puget Sound, Washington, USA region, stormwater management has wide ranging impacts to human and ecosystem health and is therefore fundamental to creating equitable and sustainable cities. This paper brings forward dominant discourses among stormwater experts in regard to which solutions should be implemented in the Puget Sound region and what outcomes would be most beneficial to this ecosystem. We used Q-methodology to investigate differences in prioritization of stormwater solutions currently being considered in the region and explore how emergent perspectives may affect decisions for stormwater management. We chose 29 stormwater solutions falling into three categories: source control, green infrastructure, and gray infrastructure, each leading to different co-benefits and environmental outcomes. The purpose of this study is to better understand which solutions lead to the most efficient and beneficial recovery of the Puget Sound ecosystem. Through centroid extraction analysis, we discovered three discourses that capture different themes, values, and beliefs held by stormwater experts. Within our 21 participants, each shared common stormwater goals: reducing the delivery of toxics to receiving waterways and reducing stormwater quantity. Even with these shared end goals, our participants disagreed on the prioritization and overall outcomes of solution types. Our findings are important to spark discussion between municipalities with differing worldviews and outcomes associated with stormwater management and to highlight multiple benefits associated with solutions and how they can be utilized to support environmental justice.
Energy production from municipal solid waste in low to middle income countries: a case study of how to build a circular economy in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Dickson Emmanuel Mela , Hastings Astley , Smith Jo
Published: May 2023

The volume of municipal solid waste produced in many cities in low to middle income countries exceeds the capacity of handling facilities causing environmental and health risks. This study provides the most comprehensive analysis to date of municipal solid waste to energy options for Abuja, Nigeria. We use most recently available data on waste generation from Abuja municipal authorities, integrated with secondary data from the literature. This is combined with standard relationships between waste composition and energy production to compare the potential for thermochemical conversion and anaerobic digestion to meet the energy requirement of Abuja. In addition, we use assumptions about digestate production and nitrogen release to estimate the potential production of organic fertilizer from digestate. The organic fraction of municipal solid waste from Abuja [7.1 × 107(±4 × 106) kg y−1] has potential to produce 3.6 × 106(±2 × 105) m3y−1biogas. This could provide 7.8 × 103(±4 × 102) MWh y−1electricity, equivalent to 8% of annual electricity requirement in Abuja, 4.0 × 107(±2 × 106) MJ y−1heat, and 5.3 × 105(±3 × 104) kg y−1digestate use as bio-fertilizer from organic fraction only. Potential power generation by thermochemical conversion for combined heat and electricity is much greater, 7.73 × 104(±4 × 103) MWh y−1, equivalent to 83% of power requirement in Abuja, but does not produce bio-fertilizer. Using the organic fraction for anaerobic digestion and the remaining waste for thermochemical conversion provides combined heat and energy that is 91.5% of Abuja power requirements, while also producing digestate. Barriers to implementation include informal waste recyclers with poor collection and handling procedures, absence of public education, weak environmental policies and lack of funding. There is a need for periodic review of policies and waste legislation to create a circular economy in Abuja.
How to Catch an Atom: Tales on Time-Telling and Future Applications
Authors: Segev Noa , Wineland David
Published: May 2023

This article is based on an interview between the two authors.

Small particles, such as single photons, electrons, atoms or charged atoms (called ions), can experience a very different world from that which we usually perceive. While in our daily life, things seem to be reasonably predictable, continuous, and well-defined, in the “quantum” world of single or small numbers of particles, there are surprises and many unexpected “non-classical” behaviors. In addition to its complexity, the world of small particles opens up some very interesting possibilities for applications to practical problems. To take advantage of the amazing properties of small particles, scientists and other researchers have developed various techniques for holding and isolating photons, electrons, atoms, and ions and manipulating their behavior. In this article, we will try to give you a glance into the fascinating lives of small particles, tell you about techniques for working with them, and mention exciting new potential applications that take advantage of their unique behaviors.
A synthetic model simulator for intracranial aneurysm clipping: validation of the UpSurgeOn AneurysmBox
Authors: Ahmed Razna , Muirhead William , Williams Simon C. , Bagchi Biswajoy , Datta Priyankan , Gupta Priya , Salvadores Fernandez Carmen , Funnell Jonathan P. , Hanrahan John G. , Davids Joseph D. , Grover Patrick , Tiwari Manish K. , Murphy Mary , Marcus Hani J.
Published: May 2023

Background and objectives

In recent decades, the rise of endovascular management of aneurysms has led to a significant decline in operative training for surgical aneurysm clipping. Simulation has the potential to bridge this gap and benchtop synthetic simulators aim to combine the best of both anatomical realism and haptic feedback. The aim of this study was to validate a synthetic benchtop simulator for aneurysm clipping (AneurysmBox, UpSurgeOn).

Methods

Expert and novice surgeons from multiple neurosurgical centres were asked to clip a terminal internal carotid artery aneurysm using the AneurysmBox. Face and content validity were evaluated using Likert scales by asking experts to complete a post-task questionnaire. Construct validity was evaluated by comparing expert and novice performance using the modified Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (mOSATS), developing a curriculum-derived assessment of Specific Technical Skills (STS), and measuring the forces exerted using a force-sensitive glove.

Results

Ten experts and eighteen novices completed the task. Most experts agreed that the brain looked realistic (8/10), but far fewer agreed that the brain felt realistic (2/10). Half the expert participants (5/10) agreed that the aneurysm clip application task was realistic. When compared to novices, experts had a significantly higher median mOSATS (27 vs. 14.5; p < 0.01) and STS score (18 vs. 9; p < 0.01); the STS score was strongly correlated with the previously validated mOSATS score (p < 0.01). Overall, there was a trend towards experts exerting a lower median force than novices, however, these differences were not statistically significant (3.8 N vs. 4.0 N; p = 0.77). Suggested improvements for the model included reduced stiffness and the addition of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and arachnoid mater.

Conclusion

At present, the AneurysmBox has equivocal face and content validity, and future versions may benefit from materials that allow for improved haptic feedback. Nonetheless, it has good construct validity, suggesting it is a promising adjunct to training.
The porcine piRNA transcriptome response to Senecavirus a infection
Authors: Wang Chen , Chen Yanxi , Yang Xiwang , Du Yunsha , Xu Zhiwen , Zhou Yuancheng , Yang Xu , Wang Xuetao , Zhang Chuanming , Li Shuwei , Yang Yijun , Li Wenting , Liu Xiao
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Senecavirus A (SVA) belongs to the genus Senecavirus in the family Picornaviridae. PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a class of small Ribonucleic Acids (RNAs) that have been found in mammalian cells in recent years. However, the expression profile of piRNAs in the host during SVA infection and their roles are poorly understood.

Methods

Here, we found the significant differential expression of 173 piRNAs in SVA-infected porcine kidney (PK-15) cells using RNA-seq and 10 significant differentially expressed (DE) piRNAs were further verified by qRT-PCR.

Results

GO annotation analysis showed that metabolism, proliferation, and differentiation were significantly activated after SVA infection. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that significant DE piRNAs were mainly enriched in AMPK pathway, Rap1 pathway, circadian rhythm and VEGF pathway. It was suggested that piRNAs may regulated antiviral immunity, intracellular homeostasis, and tumor activities during SVA infection. In addition, we found that the expression levels of the major piRNA-generating genes BMAL1 and CRY1 were significantly downregulated after SVA infection.

Discussion

This suggests that SVA may affect circadian rhythm and promote apoptosis by inhibiting the major piRNA-generating genes BMAL1 and CRY1. The piRNA transcriptome in PK-15 cells has never been reported before, and this study will further the understanding of the piRNA regulatory mechanisms underlying SVA infections.
Serological screening of SARS-CoV-2 infection in companion animals of Buenos Aires suburbs
Authors: Cardoso Nancy Patricia , Rivero Carla , Castillo Mariangeles , Mansilla Florencia Celeste , Pastorino Florencia , Piccirilli Guadalupe , Alonso Laura , Martínez Gustavo , Lullo David Di , Bentancor Leticia Veronica , Capozzo Alejandra Victoria
Published: May 2023

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a zoonotic disease caused by the pandemic virus SARS-CoV-2. Domestic and wild animals are susceptible to infection and are potential reservoirs for virus variants. To date, there is no information about the exposure of companion animals in Buenos Aires Suburbs, the area with the largest population in Argentina where the highest number of COVID-19 human cases occurred during the first infection wave. Here we developed a multi-species indirect ELISA to measure antibodies reactive to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) from several vertebrates constituting the class Mammalia, making it a valuable tool for field serosurveillance. The ELISA cut-off value was estimated by sera from dogs, cats, cattle, and pigs sampled before 2019 (n = 170), considering a 98% percentile and a grey zone to completely exclude any false positive result. Specificity was confirmed by measuring levels of neutralizing antibodies against canine coronavirus, the avidity of specific antibodies, and their capacity to impede the binding of a recombinant RBD protein to VERO cells in an In-Cell ELISA. Sera from 464 cats and dogs sampled in 2020 and 2021 (“pandemic” samples) were assessed using the RBD-ELISA. Information on COVID-19 disease in the household and the animals’ lifestyles was collected. In Buenos Aires Suburbs cats were infected at a higher proportion than dogs, seroprevalence was 7.1 and 1.68%, respectively. Confirmed COVID-19 in the caregivers and outdoor lifestyle were statistically associated with seropositivity in cats. The risk of cats getting infected living indoors in COVID-19-negative households was null. The susceptibility of mammals to SARS-CoV-2, the possibility of transmission between animals themselves and humans, together with the free-roaming lifestyle typical of Buenos Aires suburban companion animals, urge pursuing responsible animal care and avoiding human interaction with animals during the disease course. The multi-species RBD-ELISA we developed can be used as a tool for serosurveillance of SARS-CoV-2 infection in mammalians (domestic and wild), guiding further targeted virological analyses to encounter susceptible species, interspecies transmission, and potential virus reservoirs in our region.
Nakagami-m Fading Channel Identification Using Adaptive Continuous Wavelet Transform and Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Baldini Gianmarco , Bonavitacola Fausto
Published: May 2023

Channel identification is a useful function to support wireless telecommunication operations because the knowledge of the radio frequency propagation channel characteristics can improve communication efficiency and robustness. In recent times, the application of machine learning (ML) algorithms to the problem of channel identification has been proposed in the literature. In particular, Deep Learning (DL) has demonstrated superior performance to ’shallow’ machine learning algorithms for many wireless communication functions. Inspired by the success of DL in literature, the authors in this paper apply Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) to the problem of channel identification, which is still an emerging research area. CNN is a deep learning algorithm that has demonstrated superior performance to ML algorithms, in particular for image processing tasks. Because the digitized RF signal is a one-dimensional time series, different algorithms are applied to convert the time series to images using various Time Frequency Transform (TFT) including the CWTs, spectrogram, and Wigner Ville distribution. The images are then provided as input to the CNN. The approach is applied to a data set based on weather radar pulse signals generated in the laboratory of the author’s facilities on which different fading models are applied. These models are inspired by the tap-delay-line 3GPP configurations defined in the standards, but they have been customized with Nakagami-m fading distribution (3GPP-like fading models). The results show the superior performance of time–frequency CNN in comparison to 1D CNN for different values of Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) in dB. In particular, the study shows that the Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) has the optimal performance in this data set, but the choice of the mother wavelet remains a problem to be solved (this is a well-known problem in the research literature). Then, this study also proposes an adaptive technique for the choice of the optimal mother wavelet, which is evaluated on the mentioned data set. The results show that the adaptive proposed approach is able to obtain the optimal performance for most of the SNR conditions.
Study on the Drying Process and the Influencing Factors of Desiccation Cracking of Cohesive Soda Saline-Alkali Soil in the Songnen Plain, China
Authors: Zhang Zhuopeng , Li Xiaojie , Ren Jianhua , Zhou Shuang
Published: May 2023

The surface of cohesive soda saline-alkali soil in the Songnen Plain of China exhibits obvious desiccation cracking phenomenon during water evaporation. Quantitative research on the process and influencing factors of desiccation cracking are significant for determining the mechanical properties of salt-affected soil, improving the salinization status and the local ecological environment. This study aims to conduct laboratory-controlled cracking experiments on soda saline-alkali soils, and to regularly measure the soil moisture and the cracking status of 40 soil samples. After processing the crack images uniformly, crack characteristics including crack length, crack area, contrast texture feature, and box-counting fractal dimension are extracted. The results indicate that the decrease in soil moisture can be divided into three stages such as fast evaporation stage, slow evaporation stage and stable evaporation stage, and that the evaporation rate shows a linear negative correlation with soil salinity. The measurements also indicate that crack length rapidly increases and reaches stability with a decrease in water content compared with the crack area. The high correlation between different crack characteristics and the soil total salinity (correlation coefficient from 0.44 to 0.95) shows that salt content is the dominant factor affecting the desiccation cracking of soda saline-alkali soil. A multiple linear regression prediction model was finally established based on crack characteristics for different salinity parameters with high prediction accuracy for Na+, EC and total salinity (R2 > 0.91 and RPD > 2.5) and also certain prediction accuracy for Cl− and CO32− (R2 > 0.66 and RPD > 1.5).
Self-Excited-Resonance of Soil-Engaging Surface Spectrum: A New Method of Soil Cutting Resistance Reduction
Authors: Guo Zhijun , Qiu Yiqing , Yan Xianghai , Wang Jiajia , Zhang Yin , Zhang Pangang , Zhang Fu
Published: May 2023

In this study we explored the methods and effects of spectral resistance reduction for soil-engaging surface of self-excited resonant bulldozing plates with a plane base on the basis of resonance effects. In the acquisition of the low-order vibration frequency f0 of the bin soil, centering around frequency point f0, eight spatial geometric wave frequency points ni of soil-engaging surfaces and three amplitudes were selected; by superimposing with soil-engaging surfaces of plane-based bulldozing plates, 24 spectral structures of the soil-engaging surface of bulldozing plates and model samples were combinatorically designed. Resistance reduction characteristics of each model sample were tested using an indoor soil bin test. Near the resonance point f0, the structures of the self-excited vibrating frequency spectrum of the soil-engaging surface obtain a preferable inhibitory effect on working resistance. At a 4 mm amplitude resonance point, model samples achieved the best resistance reduction effect, with a maximum relative resistance reduction rate of 22.67%, and the soil desorption effect of the relevant model sample was also good. On the other hand, away from the resonance point, whether the frequency increased or decreased, the corresponding working resistance of the model sample surfaces increased relatively. This is in good agreement with the law that the resonance point amplitude of the theoretical resonance curve is higher and the amplitude on both sides is lower. This paper provides a reference for the parameter design and related product development for various forced or self-excited vibration soil cutting tools.
V-Shaped Toothed Roller Cotton Stalk Puller: Numerical Modeling and Field-Test Validation
Authors: Wang Zhenwei , Zhao Weisong , Fu Jingjing , Xie Hu , Zhang Yinping , Chen Mingjiang
Published: May 2023

The V-shaped toothed roller cotton stalk puller has a low removal ratio and weak pulling effect. Hence, we constructed a simplified mathematical model of the V-shaped tooth roller stalk puller based on elastic collision theory and simple beam theory and conducted a mechanical analysis based on this model to explore the causes of pulling errors and fractures. Specifically, the V-shaped tooth plates of the machine were optimized in an orthogonal experiment with the rotational speed, cogging angle, and ground clearance as the influencing factors, and the removal ratio as the evaluation index. This experiment was designed to enable analysis of the physical characteristics of cotton stalks, and the forces applied during the pulling process. Additionally, a V-shaped toothed roller-type stalk-pulling test bench was constructed. The results revealed that, unlike the cogging angle, the ground clearance significantly affected the removal ratio. Furthermore, the highest removal ratio (i.e., 97%) was achieved when the ground clearance was −20 mm, the rotational speed was 300 rpm, and the cogging angle was 32.5°. An L9 (34) orthogonal field experiment was also conducted with the rotational speed, cogging angle, and ground clearance as the influencing factors to investigate their respective influences on the stalk removal ratio. The results revealed that the ground clearance most significantly influenced the ratio, followed by the rotational speed, and cogging angle. The ground clearance and rotational speed of the V-shaped toothed roller were each found to significantly influence the ratio. Furthermore, a ground clearance of −20 mm, rotational speed of 300 r/min, and cogging angle of 25° yielded an average removal ratio of 98.27%. Through this research, the mechanism of toothed roller stalk pulling is further deepened and the toothed series stalk pulling technology provides theoretical support.
Transforming Rhodotorula sp. Biomass to Active Biologic Compounds for Poultry Nutrition
Authors: Grigore Daniela-Mihaela , Ungureanu-Iuga Mădălina , Pogurschi Elena Narcisa , Băbeanu Narcisa Elena
Published: May 2023

In broiler chick-rearing, the color is usually acquired by synthetic carotenoids in addition to broiler diets (25–80 mg/kg feed), often represented by β-apo-8′-carotenal. In the past fifteen years, the demand for organic food products originating from free-range reared chicks started to grow, with a more directed awareness of the quality of meat and egg. Various investigations have been reporting microorganisms, such as the oleaginous red yeasts genus Rhodotorula sp., as fast-growing unicellular eukaryotes able to synthesize natural pigments. Rhodotorula sp. represents a perfect choice as a natural resource due to the capacity to adapt easily to the environment valuing low-cost sources of nutrients for their metabolism and growth. The biodiversity and the ecology effects establish novel boundaries regarding Rhodotorula sp. productivity enhancement and control of biological risks. It is, therefore, necessary to review the current knowledge on the carotenoid synthesis of Rhodotorula sp. In this paper, we aimed to address the pathways of obtaining valuable yeast carotenoids in different conditions, discussing yeast biosynthesis, bioengineering fermentative evaluation, carotenoid extraction, and the techno-economic implication of valuable pigment additives on poultry nutrition. Finally, the pro-existent gaps in research are highlighted, which may clear the air on future studies for bio-carotenoid engineering.