bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of GmERF5-Responsive Effector on Soybean Symbiotic Nodulation
Authors: Li Candong , Jin Yuxin , Tang Weinan , Li Xuemei , Liu Chunyan , Wang Jinhui , Wu Xiaoxia , Chen Qingshan , Luan Feishi , Xin Dawei
Published: June 2024

The type III secretion system (T3SS) of Rhizobium plays a crucial role during the establishment of the soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)-Rhizobium symbiosis system. Additionally, host-specific nodulation may also depend on the Nops (nodulation outer proteins) secreted by the T3SS of Rhizobium. However, there is limited understanding of the response of soybean genes to Nops. In this study, a NopC mutant, HH103ΩNopC, was constructed from Sinorhizobium fredii HH103 and then utilized to assess the impact of the NopC on nodulation. An RNA-seq analysis revealed that the GmERF5 (Glycine max Ethylene Responsive Factor 5) gene was induced by NopC, which was confirmed by qRT-PCR. Furthermore, an overexpression of the GmERF5 hair-root system was constructed to investigate the effect of GmERF5 on nodulation and its interaction with NopC. Differences in nodule number and nodule dry weight in the overexpression of the GmERF5 hair-root system supported the conclusion that GmERF5 can regulate soybean nodule phenotype via NopC. These results elucidate the genetic mechanisms that regulate nodule phenotype in soybean.
Potential Biofertilizers for Alkaline Soil: Bacteria Isolated from the Rhizosphere of Potatoes
Authors: Yu Zhongchen , Chen Caiding , Li Zhou , Song Yunjie , Yan Chunhong , Jiang Xinyu , Jia Heng , Shang Yi , Tian Mengqing
Published: June 2024

Root-associated microorganisms, which can be recruited specially by plants to cope with environmental stress under extreme conditions, are one of the major mediators of nutrient exchange between plants and the environment. To obtain more crop-beneficial microbes, rhizosphere bacteria of Désirée potatoes cultivated in poor and alkaline soil have been studied. The screening of 83 strains with incomplete identical 16S rDNA sequences showed that 47 strains produced indole acetic acid (IAA), with contents ranging from 0.2 to 42 mg/L, and seven strains were phosphorus-solubilizing, among which six strains significantly increased the growth rate of potato plants. Thirty-seven strains produced siderophore and four strains were zinc-solubilizing, among which three strains significantly alleviated the chlorosis of potato plants. In all of the isolates, the species Variovorax soli (ST98) and Cellulomonas biazotea (ST118) were first found to possess an IAA-secreting ability; the species Leifsonia aquatica (ST172) and Leifsonia naganoensis (ST177) and the genus Sutcliffiella (ST11) were first discovered to be capable of phosphorus solubilization; the species Chryseobacterium daecheongense (ST32) was the first reported to be capable of zinc solubilization; and the species V. soli (ST98), C. biazotea (ST118) and L. naganoensis (ST177) were first found to be capable of plant growth promotion. The discovery of multiple functional bacteria enriched the resources of plant growth-promoting bacteria and provided a foundation for biofertilizer production to improve soil conditions and crop production.
CPSM: A Dynamic Simulation Model for Cucumber Productivity in Solar Greenhouse Based on the Principle of Effective Accumulated Temperature
Authors: Cheng Chen , Dong Chaoyang , Guan Xilin , Chen Xianguan , Wu Lu , Zhu Yangchun , Zhang Long , Ding Fenghua , Feng Liping , Li Zhenfa
Published: June 2024

The Cucumber Productivity Simulation Model (CPSM) was developed to precisely predict the dynamic process of cucumber productivity in a solar greenhouse. This research conducted a variety of sowing experiments and collected data on cucumber productivity and meteorological conditions from 2013 to 2015 and 2018 to 2020. Employing the principles of least squares, the relationship between cucumber productivity indicators and effective accumulated temperature (EAT) was fitted, determining key crop parameters and constructing the CPSM. Validation of the model was conducted using independent experimental data, evaluating its simulation accuracy. The results indicate that (1) CPSM can dynamically and meticulously simulate the formation process of different productivity indicators in cucumber. Normalized root mean square errors (NRMSE) ranged from 0.44% to 19.64%, and mean relative errors (MRE) ranged from 0.31% to 17.23% across different productivity indicator models. The models for organ water content, maximum root length, specific leaf area, and organ fresh weight distribution index demonstrated high simulation accuracy, while others showed relatively high accuracy. (2) Simulation accuracy varied with indicators and varieties. 19 indicators (34.55%) exhibited high simulation accuracy and 30 indicators (54.55%) showed relatively high accuracy. The JY35 variety (10.44 ± 8.49%) outperformed the JS206 variety (13.44 ± 8.50%) in terms of simulation accuracy. The JY35 variety had 39 superior productivity indicators (70.91%) while the JS206 variety had sixteen (29.09%). CPSM utilizes easily accessible temperature data as its input, allowing for precise and detailed simulation of productivity indicators for cucumber production in solar greenhouses. This research lays a theoretical foundation and provides technical support for guiding intelligent production management, efficient utilization of agricultural resources, and climate change productivity assessment in solar greenhouse cucumber production.
Fast and Simple Molecular Test for Sex Determination of the Monomorphic Eudromia elegans Individuals
Authors: Majchrakova Zuzana , Bielikova Marcela , Hrckova Turnova Evelina , Gasparkova Petra , Turna Jan , Dudas Andrej
Published: June 2024

Sex determination based just on morphological traits such as plumage dichromatism, sexual size dimorphism, behavior, or vocalizations is really challenging because of the sexual monomorphism present in more than half of avian species. Currently, a lot of them can be tested through DNA-based procedures, but they do not fit all the avian species, such as Eudromia elegans. The aim of this study was to design a new molecular method suitable for routine sex determination for that species that is fast, simple, and cost- and time- effective. DNA was isolated from dry blood stain and/or chest feather samples of E. elegans species. We used two sets of sex-specific primers (ZF/ZR and WF/WR) to amplify the expected fragments localized on the highly conserved CHD1 gene to distinguish between sexes due to the W-specific DNA sequence present only in females. We confirmed the accuracy and consistency of the PCR-based method based on length differences to distinguish between the sexes of E. elegans, which amplified two fragments in females and one fragment in males.
Climate Change and Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential Impact Indicators of Cow Milk: A Comparison of Different Scenarios for a Diet Assessment
Authors: Froldi Federico , Lamastra Lucrezia , Trevisan Marco , Moschini Maurizio
Published: June 2024

An estimate of the environmental impact of dairy farms in Northern Italy producing milk for hard cheese (protected designation of origin) has been obtained through a comprehensive life cycle assessment. The estimate focused on climate change (CC) and photochemical ozone creation potential (POCP) indicators, which were evaluated according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines and interpreted with the aid of the feeds’ composition evaluated using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (Foss NIR-System 5000) as well as with a diet evaluation according to the NRC (National Research Council) or the CNCPS (Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System) nutrient requirement modeling. Herds were classified into high-, mid-, and low-performing based on the daily milk yield per cow. A lower impact on indicators was observed as herd performance increased. The high-performing herds had a lower contribution from enteric fermentation (6.30 × 10−1 kgCO2-eq), and the more milk that they produced allowed for a differentiation of CC from land use and transformation (2.39 × 10−1 kgCO2-eq), compared to low-performing herds (3.66 × 10−1 kgCO2-eq). Compared to the IPCC approach, the CC and POCP indicator estimates were reduced when addressing the feed’s quality, particularly in mid- and high-performing herds. The results could be helpful in the dairy sector as they provide an insight into how diet quality affects the environmental impact of milk.
Research on Low-Carbon-Emission Scheduling of Workshop under Uncertainty
Authors: Jin Shousong , Wang Boyu , Zhang Guo , Fan Xinyu , Jiang Suqi , Cao Mengyi , Wang Yaliang
Published: June 2024

Focusing on the problems of uncertainty and carbon emissions in the manufacturing process, this paper studies the low-carbon-emission scheduling optimization problem. Firstly, the variations in workpiece processing time and delivery date are selected as the uncertainty factors. A low-carbon-emission scheduling model for uncertain job shops is constructed with the optimization objectives of the time index, carbon emission index, and robustness index. Secondly, an improved third-generation non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-III) is proposed. Based on the original NSGA-III algorithm, this algorithm introduces the state transition algorithm to perform state transformation, neighborhood sampling, selection update, and alternate rotation operations on the parent population, generating new candidate solutions. Finally, the scheduling model and the improved algorithm are applied to a workshop example. Through case study computation and result analysis, the feasibility and effectiveness of the model and algorithm in addressing the low-carbon-emission job shop scheduling problem under uncertainty are further verified.
Retained Placenta as a Potential Source of Mastitis Pathogens in Dairy Cows
Authors: Ribeiro Diana , Astiz Susana , Fernandez-Novo Aitor , Margatho Gisele , Simões João
Published: June 2024

(1) Background: Retained placenta (RP) and mastitis are relevant diseases in dairy cows. This study mainly aimed to evaluate the contamination of uterine fluid by mastitis pathogens in dairy cows presenting RP. (2) Methods: Uterine fluids were sampled at RP diagnosis (89 ± 15 h after calving) from 5 primiparous and 10 (parity: 2–5) multiparous cows. The real-time PCR methodology was used to identify 15 mastitis and uterine pathogens. Results were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression, including the factors fever and parity. (3) Results: The prevalence of Escherichia coli was 93.3% (95% CI: 70.2–98.9%); Staphylococcus spp. (93.3%; 95% CI: 70.2–98.9%), yeasts (92.9%; 95% CI: 68.5–98.7%), Trueperella pyogenes/Peptoniphilus indolicus (80.0%; 95% CI: 54.8–93.0%), Streptococcus uberis (78.6%; 95% CI: 52.4–92.4%) and Streptococcus dysgalactiae (57.1%; 95% CI: 32.6–78.6%) comprised the largest proportions of pathogens in uterine contamination. Strep. uberis was related to the presence of fever (relative risk: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.0–2.8; p = 0.05). (4) Conclusions: Dairy cows with RP can be a relevant source of mastitis pathogens in farms. Only Strep. uberis was linked to clinical signs of infection. A high proportion of yeasts was observed in uterine fluids. Further research is needed to evaluate the real impact of RP on mastitis prevalence in dairy herds.
Anisotropic Mechanical Properties and Fracture Mechanism of Transversely Isotropic Rocks under Uniaxial Cyclic Loading
Authors: Li Kaihui , Du Guangzhen , Li Jiangteng , Han Dongya , Wang Yan
Published: June 2024

Transversely isotropic rocks, which are special anisotropic materials, are widely encountered in civil, mining, petroleum, geothermal, and radioactive waste-disposal engineering. Rock is frequently subject to cyclic loads resulting from natural and human-caused events. However, to date, the fracture mechanism of transversely isotropic rocks under cyclic loading remains poorly understood. To address this gap, uniaxial monotonic-loading and cyclic-loading tests were performed on slate specimens by the MTS815 system, during which acoustic emission (AE) signals inside the rock were monitored, and finally the fracture surfaces of the tested rock were scanned by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Through these tests, the anisotropic mechanical properties, damage evolution, AE characteristics and fracture pattern of slate as a transversely isotropic rock were studied. The results show that the peak strength of specimens varies with the loading–foliation angle under monotonic and cyclic loading, following a U-shaped trend. The deformation modulus during unloading is more capable of characterizing the damage inside the specimen than that during loading. By defining the damage degree based on dissipation energy, it is found that the damage variable is influenced by the loading–foliation angle and the cyclic stress step. The AE characteristics of specimens exhibit significant anisotropy, closely correlated to the loading condition and loading–foliation angle. Regardless of cyclic stress step, the AE counts of specimens with a loading–foliation angle of 0° are mainly distributed near the peak region, whereas those of specimens with other loading–foliation angles occur primarily in the early stage of each cyclic loading. Finally, it is revealed that the fracture mechanism of slate specimens is determined by the loading–foliation angle, loading condition, and cyclic stress step.
Floor Heave Control in Gob-Side Entry Retaining by Pillarless Coal Mining with Anti-Shear Pile Technology
Authors: Sakhno Ivan , Sakhno Svitlana , Skrzypkowski Krzysztof , Isaienkov Oleksandr , Zagórski Krzysztof , Zagórska Anna
Published: June 2024

The severe floor heave in gob-side entry retaining is the major restriction factor of the wide application of pillarless mining thin coal seams. Reinforcement and stress-relief floor heave control methods are the most promising. However, in practice, floor restoration is widely used. Therefore, floor heave control technology in gob-side entry retaining needs to be improved. This study proposes anti-shear pile technology to control floor heave in gob-side entry retaining. The research was mainly carried out by numerical simulation. It was found that the transformation of high vertical stresses in the entry floor underneath the filling wall and coal seam body into horizontal stresses starts the floor heave process. The vertical dilatancy of rocks under the roadway span and their subsequent unloading lead to the delamination of the floor strata and uplift of the entry contour. In this paper, the best pile installation scheme was found. It is a 2pile 5+2 scheme with the installation of two piles, each 2 m long. After that, it was shown that filling piles are more than 3.3 times cheaper than comparable analogs, and pile installation is less labor-intensive. The implementation of the proposed floor heave control method leads to a reduction in heaving by 2.47 times.
Optimization of Uplift Piles for a Base Plate Considering Local Anti-Floating Stability
Authors: Yang Meng , Wu Jie , Lu Qianqian , Li Pengfei
Published: June 2024

This paper focuses on the optimization of uplift piles for a base plate considering local anti-floating stability. According to the force characteristics of the base plate subjected to buoyancy, a bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) process is proposed. The optimization process takes the pile length as the design variable and the pile end displacement as the sensitive coefficient. The proposed process is conducted with FLAC3D to optimize the length of each uplift pile, including two cases with different pile diameters and spacing. The optimization process shows that the deformation degree of the base plate is significantly reduced when the piles are adopted with large diameters and sparse spacing, and oscillates at a low level when the piles are adopted with small diameters and dense spacing. Consequently, the design method of uplift piles considering the local anti-floating stability is proposed by referring to the optimization results of two cases. Finally, the proposed design method is applied to a practical project, and the original design of the uplift piles is optimized. The comparison results show that the deformation degree of the base plate of optimization designs is significantly lower than the original design.
Visual Analytics of China’s Annual CO2 Emissions: Insights, Limitations, and Future Directions
Authors: Li Shun , Hua Jie , Hua Shuyang
Published: June 2024

Growing global concern over greenhouse gas emissions has led to a demand for understanding and addressing carbon emissions, with China being one of the main contributors to global carbon emissions, committed to reach the carbon peak by 2030. As a result, much previous research has delved into the drivers of carbon emissions in China; however, few studies have included new energy factors in the extended STIRPAT model when analysing the data, employed more advanced visualisation techniques such as force-directed diagrams, and explored factors outside of the industrial and energy sectors in determining China’s ability to reach their environmental goals. In this study, we use the extended STIRPAT model to analyse a more diverse range of drivers for carbon emissions in China and discuss methods to reach peak carbon emissions through the implementation of environmental policies. Using data from China’s 14th Five-Year Plan and Vision 2035 to set up two simulation scenarios, we predict China’s carbon emissions, introducing ridge regression to ensure validity, and employing big data and visualisation techniques to aid in interpreting results. Our findings suggest that China needs to implement more stringent environmental policies to meet its commitment to reach peak carbon emissions by 2030, revealing that factors such as per capita arable land area, per capita GDP, the proportion of people living in extreme poverty, the level of tourism development, the use of fossil fuels, and new energy technologies have a significant impact on China’s carbon emissions. As such, we can recommend more stringent policies relating to the agricultural, energy, and tourism sectors to help China achieve their goal of carbon peak by 2030.
AHD-SLE: Anomalous Hyperedge Detection on Hypergraph Symmetric Line Expansion
Authors: Li Yingle , Yu Hongtao , Li Haitao , Pan Fei , Liu Shuxin
Published: June 2024

Graph anomaly detection aims to identify unusual patterns or structures in graph-structured data. Most existing research focuses on anomalous nodes in ordinary graphs with pairwise relationships. However, complex real-world systems often involve relationships that go beyond pairwise relationships, and insufficient attention is paid to hypergraph anomaly detection, especially anomalous hyperedge detection. Some existing methods for researching hypergraphs involve transforming hypergraphs into ordinary graphs for learning, which can result in poor detection performance due to the loss of high-order information. We propose a new method for Anomalous Hyperedge Detection on Symmetric Line Expansion (AHD-SLE). The SLE of a hypergraph is an ordinary graph with pairwise relationships and can be backmapped to the hypergraph, so the SLE is able to preserve the higher-order information of the hypergraph. The AHD-SLE first maps the hypergraph to the SLE; then, the information is aggregated by Graph Convolutional Networks (GCNs) in the SLE. After that, the hyperedge embedding representation is obtained through a backmapping operation. Finally, an anomaly function is designed to detect anomalous hyperedges using the hyperedge embedding representation. Experiments on five different types of real hypergraph datasets show that AHD-SLE outperforms the baseline algorithm in terms of Area Under the receiver operating characteristic Curve(AUC) and Recall metrics.
Survival Rates of Amalgam and Composite Resin Restorations from Big Data Real-Life Databases in the Era of Restricted Dental Mercury Use
Authors: Tobias Guy , Chackartchi Tali , Mann Jonathan , Haim Doron , Findler Mordechai
Published: June 2024

Tooth decay, also known as caries, is a significant medical problem that harms teeth. Treatment is based on the removal of the carious material and then filling the cavity left in the tooth, most commonly with amalgam or composite resin. The consequences of filling failure include repeating the filling or performing another treatment such as a root canal or extraction. Dental amalgam contains mercury, and there is a global effort to reduce its use. However, no consensus has been reached regarding whether amalgam or composite resin materials are more durable, and which is the best restorative material, when using randomized clinical trials. To determine which material is superior, we performed a retrospective cohort study using a large database where the members of 58 dental clinics with 440 dental units were treated. The number of failures of the amalgam compared to composite resin restorations between 2014 and 2021 were compared. Our data included information from over 650,000 patients. Between 2014–2021, 260,905 patients were treated. In total, 19,692 out of the first 113,281 amalgam restorations failed (17.49%), whereas significantly fewer composite restorations failed (11.98%) with 65,943 out of 555,671. This study indicates that composite is superior to amalgam and therefore it is reasonable to cease using mercury-containing amalgam.
TGF-β Isoforms and Local Environments Greatly Modulate Biological Nature of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells
Authors: Nishikiori Nami , Sato Tatsuya , Ogawa Toshifumi , Higashide Megumi , Umetsu Araya , Suzuki Soma , Furuhashi Masato , Ohguro Hiroshi , Watanabe Megumi
Published: June 2024

To characterize transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) isoform (TGF-β1~3)-b’s biological effects on the human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) under normoxia and hypoxia conditions, ARPE19 cells cultured by 2D (two-dimensional) and 3D (three-dimensional) conditions were subjected to various analyses, including (1) an analysis of barrier function by trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements; (2) qPCR analysis of major ECM molecules including collagen 1 (COL1), COL4, and COL6; α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA); hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α); and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator (PGC1α), a master regulator for mitochondrial respiration;, tight junction-related molecules, Zonula occludens-1 (ZO1) and E-cadherin; and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); (3) physical property measurements of 3D spheroids; and (4) cellular metabolic analysis. Diverse effects among TGF-β isoforms were observed, and those effects were also different between normoxia and hypoxia conditions: (1) TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 caused a marked increase in TEER values, and TGF-β2 caused a substantial increase in TEER values under normoxia conditions and hypoxia conditions, respectively; (2) the results of qPCR analysis supported data obtained by TEER; (3) 3D spheroid sizes were decreased by TGF-β isoforms, among which TGF-β1 had the most potent effect under both oxygen conditions; (4) 3D spheroid stiffness was increased by TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 or by TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 under normoxia conditions and hypoxia conditions, respectively; and (5) the TGF-β isoform altered mitochondrial and glycolytic functions differently under oxygen conditions and/or culture conditions. These collective findings indicate that the TGF-β-induced biological effects of 2D and 3D cultures of ARPE19 cells were substantially diverse depending on the three TGF-β isoforms and oxygen levels, suggesting that pathological conditions including epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the RPE may be exclusively modulated by both factors.
Wood Gasification: A Promising Strategy to Extend Fuel Reserves after Global Catastrophic Electricity Loss
Authors: Nelson David , Turchin Alexey , Denkenberger David
Published: June 2024

It is crucial to increase the resilience of the global food production and distribution systems against the growing concerns relating to factors that could cause global catastrophic infrastructure losses, such as nuclear war or a worldwide pandemic. Currently, such an event would result in the global loss of industry, including the ability to drill and refine crude oil. In such an event, the existing above-ground reserves of diesel and gasoline are likely to still be intact but would only be able to power the production and transportation of food between 158 days and 481 days with 80% confidence, where the mean is 195 days at current rates. This paper investigates a novel group of interventions in relation to the scenario of providing food under these conditions. It was found that by using a plausible combination of wood gasification, increasing vehicle utilisation rate, and reducing food consumption, the stockpile duration could increase to between 382 days and 1501 days with 80% confidence, where the mean is 757 days. This is an improvement in mean duration by a factor of 3.9. It was discovered that diesel is the limiting fuel in all scenarios due to wood gas only being a partial replacement for diesel fuel and also because of the prevalence of diesel engines in both the agricultural and trucking industries. A sensitivity analysis was completed identifying that reducing food consumption to minimum levels was the most effective method to prolong diesel reserves. The other factors that benefited from extending fuel reserves in terms of their effectiveness are reducing the lag time before gasification devices are installed, increasing the rate at which gasification devices are installed, and increasing the agricultural equipment utilisation rate.
Electroanalytical Platform for Rapid E. coli O157:H7 Detection in Water Samples
Authors: Mishra Kundan Kumar , Dhamu Vikram Narayanan , Jophy Chesna , Muthukumar Sriram , Prasad Shalini
Published: June 2024

There is a pressing need to enhance early detection methods of E. coli O157:H7 to mitigate the occurrence and consequences of pathogenic contamination and associated outbreaks. This study highlights the efficacy of a portable electrochemical sensing platform that operates without faradaic processes towards detecting and quantifying E. coli O157:H7. It is specifically tailored for quick identification in potable water. The assay processing time is approximately 5 min, addressing the need for swift and efficient pathogen detection. The sensing platform was constructed utilizing specific, monoclonal E. coli antibodies, based on single-capture, non-faradaic, electrochemical immunoassay principles. The E. coli sensor assay underwent testing over a wide concentration range, spanning from 10 to 105 CFU/mL, and a limit of detection (LoD) of 1 CFU/mL was demonstrated. Significantly, the sensor’s performance remained consistent across studies, with both inter- and intra-study coefficients of variation consistently below 20%. To evaluate real-world feasibility, a comparative examination was performed between laboratory-based benchtop data and data obtained from the portable device. The proposed sensing platform exhibited remarkable sensitivity and selectivity, enabling the detection of minimal E. coli concentrations in potable water. This successful advancement positions it as a promising solution for prompt on-site detection, characterized by its portability and user-friendly operation. This study presents electrochemical-based sensors as significant contributors to ensuring food safety and public health. They play a crucial role in preventing the occurrence of epidemics and enhancing the supervision of water quality.
Colorimetric Glucose Biosensor Based on Chitosan Films and Its Application for Glucose Detection in Beverages Using a Smartphone Application
Authors: Skonta Anastasia , Bellou Myrto G. , Matikas Theodore E. , Stamatis Haralambos
Published: June 2024

Nowadays, biosensors are gaining increasing interest in foods’ and beverages’ quality control, owing to their economic production, enhanced sensitivity, specificity, and faster analysis. In particular, colorimetric biosensors can be combined with color recognition applications on smartphones for the detection of analytes, rendering the whole procedure more applicable in everyday life. Herein, chitosan (CS) films were prepared with the deep eutectic solvent (DES) choline chloride/urea/glycerol (ChCl:U:Gly). Glucose oxidase (GOx), a widely utilized enzyme in quality control, was immobilized within CS films through glutaraldehyde (GA), leading to the formation of CS/GOx films. The optimized GOx concentration and DES content were determined for the films. Moreover, the effect of the pH and temperature of the glucose oxidation reaction on the enzymatic activity of GOx was studied. The structure, stability, and specificity of the CS/GOx films as well as the Km values of free and immobilized GOx were also determined. Finally, the analytical performance of the films was studied by using both a spectrophotometer and a color recognition application on a smartphone. The results demonstrated that the films were highly accurate, specific to glucose, and stable when stored at 4 °C for 4 weeks and when reused 10 times, without evident activity loss. Furthermore, the films displayed a good linear response range (0.1–0.8 mM) and a good limit of detection (LOD, 33 μM), thus being appropriate for the estimation of glucose concentration in real samples through a smartphone application.
Bird Species Knowledge and Its Antecedents in US High School Students—A Case Study from Michigan
Authors: Egger Robin , Härtel Talia , Randler Christoph
Published: June 2024

Bird identification is a necessary skill for citizen science projects, and teaching and learning about species is essential to halt the decline in biodiversity. Here, we investigated bird species knowledge in a case study of Michigan high school students using an online survey. Participants were asked to identify 21 common species, covering a wide range of orders and families. On average, high school students achieved a correct identification score of 35%. The most well-known species were the American Robin, Blue Jay, Cardinal and Turkey Vulture. We found no difference between boys and girls, but identification scores declined with increasing age. Interest was an important predictor of identification knowledge, as were activities (field trips, outings) both in and out of class. Among species traits, high knowledge of a species was positively related to the number of eBird entries (as a proxy for year-round population size), body mass (heavier species were better known) and internet presence. We suggest expanding this study to other states, and we encourage educators and teachers to improve bird knowledge through birding field trips.
A Comparative Analysis of Polynomial Regression and Artificial Neural Networks for Prediction of Lighting Consumption
Authors: Belany Pavol , Hrabovsky Peter , Sedivy Stefan , Cajova Kantova Nikola , Florkova Zuzana
Published: June 2024

This article presents a comparative analysis of two prominent machine learning techniques for predicting electricity consumption in workplace lighting systems: polynomial regression analysis and artificial neural networks. The primary objective is to assess their suitability and applicability for developing an accurate predictive model. After a brief overview of the current state of energy-saving techniques, the article examines several established models for predicting energy consumption in buildings and systems. These models include artificial neural networks, regression analysis and support vector machines. It then focuses on a practical comparison between polynomial regression analysis and an artificial neural network-based model. The article then looks at the data preparation process, outlining how the data is used within each model to establish appropriate prediction functions. Finally, it describes the methods used to evaluate the accuracy of the developed prediction functions. These functions allow the prediction of lighting consumption based on external lighting intensity. The article evaluates the accuracy of the developed prediction functions using the root mean square error, correlation coefficient and coefficient of determination values. The article compares these values obtained for both models, allowing a conclusive assessment of which model provides superior accuracy in predicting lighting consumption based on external lighting intensity.
Elevated NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation Is Associated with Motor Neuron Degeneration in ALS
Authors: Cihankaya Hilal , Bader Verian , Winklhofer Konstanze F. , Vorgerd Matthias , Matschke Johann , Stahlke Sarah , Theiss Carsten , Matschke Veronika
Published: June 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor neuron degeneration in the central nervous system. Recent research has increasingly linked the activation of nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome to ALS pathogenesis. NLRP3 activation triggers Caspase 1 (CASP 1) auto-activation, leading to the cleavage of Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and pore formation on the cellular membrane. This process facilitates cytokine secretion and ultimately results in pyroptotic cell death, highlighting the complex interplay of inflammation and neurodegeneration in ALS. This study aimed to characterize the NLRP3 inflammasome components and their colocalization with cellular markers using the wobbler mouse as an ALS animal model. Firstly, we checked the levels of miR-223-3p because of its association with NLRP3 inflammasome activity. The wobbler mice showed an increased expression of miR-223-3p in the ventral horn, spinal cord, and cerebellum tissues. Next, increased levels of NLRP3, pro-CASP 1, cleaved CASP 1 (c-CASP 1), full-length GSDMD, and cleaved GDSMD revealed NLRP3 inflammasome activation in wobbler spinal cords, but not in the cerebellum. Furthermore, we investigated the colocalization of the aforementioned proteins with neurons, microglia, and astrocyte markers in the spinal cord tissue. Evidently, the wobbler mice displayed microgliosis, astrogliosis, and motor neuron degeneration in this tissue. Additionally, we showed the upregulation of protein levels and the colocalization of NLRP3, c-CASP1, and GSDMD in neurons, as well as in microglia and astrocytes. Overall, this study demonstrated the involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptotic cell death in the spinal cord tissue of wobbler mice, which could further exacerbate the motor neuron degeneration and neuroinflammation in this ALS mouse model.
In Vitro Culture of Mammalian Embryos: Is There Room for Improvement?
Authors: Gualtieri Roberto , De Gregorio Vincenza , Candela Andrea , Travaglione Angela , Genovese Vincenzo , Barbato Vincenza , Talevi Riccardo
Published: June 2024

Preimplantation embryo culture, pivotal in assisted reproductive technology (ART), has lagged in innovation compared to embryo selection advancements. This review examines the persisting gap between in vivo and in vitro embryo development, emphasizing the need for improved culture conditions. While in humans this gap is hardly estimated, animal models, particularly bovines, reveal clear disparities in developmental competence, cryotolerance, pregnancy and live birth rates between in vitro-produced (IVP) and in vivo-derived (IVD) embryos. Molecular analyses unveil distinct differences in morphology, metabolism, and genomic stability, underscoring the need for refining culture conditions for better ART outcomes. To this end, a deeper comprehension of oviduct physiology and embryo transport is crucial for grasping embryo–maternal interactions’ mechanisms. Research on autocrine and paracrine factors, and extracellular vesicles in embryo–maternal tract interactions, elucidates vital communication networks for successful implantation and pregnancy. In vitro, confinement, and embryo density are key factors to boost embryo development. Advanced dynamic culture systems mimicking fluid mechanical stimulation in the oviduct, through vibration, tilting, and microfluidic methods, and the use of innovative softer substrates, hold promise for optimizing in vitro embryo development.
Overcoming Barriers in Glioblastoma—Advances in Drug Delivery Strategies
Authors: ter Linden Esther , Abels Erik R. , van Solinge Thomas S. , Neefjes Jacques , Broekman Marike L. D.
Published: June 2024

The world of cancer treatment is evolving rapidly and has improved the prospects of many cancer patients. Yet, there are still many cancers where treatment prospects have not (or hardly) improved. Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor, and even though it is sensitive to many chemotherapeutics when tested under laboratory conditions, its clinical prospects are still very poor. The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is considered at least partly responsible for the high failure rate of many promising treatment strategies. We describe the workings of the BBB during healthy conditions and within the glioblastoma environment. How the BBB acts as a barrier for therapeutic options is described as well as various approaches developed and tested for passing or opening the BBB, with the ultimate aim to allow access to brain tumors and improve patient perspectives.
Exploring the Role of Circular RNA in Bone Biology: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Valenti Maria Teresa , Zerlotin Roberta , Cominacini Mattia , Bolognin Silvia , Grano Maria , Dalle Carbonare Luca
Published: June 2024

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators of gene expression with diverse roles in various biological processes. In recent years, research into circRNAs’ involvement in bone biology has gained significant attention, unveiling their potential as novel regulators and biomarkers in bone-related disorders and diseases. CircRNAs, characterized by their closed-loop structure, exhibit stability and resistance to degradation, underscoring their functional significance. In bone tissue, circRNAs are involved in critical processes such as osteogenic differentiation, osteoclastogenesis, and bone remodeling through intricate molecular mechanisms including microRNA regulation. Dysregulated circRNAs are associated with various bone disorders, suggesting their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. The therapeutic targeting of these circRNAs holds promise for addressing bone-related conditions, offering new perspectives for precision medicine. Thus, circRNAs constitute integral components of bone regulatory networks, impacting both physiological bone homeostasis and pathological conditions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of circRNAs in bone biology, emphasizing their regulatory mechanisms, functional implications, and therapeutic potential.
Follow-Up Study of 17-β Estradiol, Prolactin and Progesterone with the Kinetics and Prevalence of T. gondii Infection in Pregnant Women
Authors: Luna Rojas Yithzel Guadalupe , Camarena Pulido Eva Elizabet , Rodríguez-Pérez Laura Rocío , Galván-Ramírez María de la Luz
Published: June 2024

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. One-third of the world’s population has come into contact with this parasite. In Mexico, the prevalence is between 15% and 50% in the general population and 34.9% in women with high-risk pregnancies. In pregnancy, the highest incidence of infection occurs in the third trimester and fetal damage is inversely proportional to gestational age. Maternal hormones play a fundamental role in the immune response. There are very few studies, with controversial results, on the levels of increased hormones and their relationship to the kinetics of T. gondii infections during pregnancy. The aim was to determine the serum levels of 17-β estradiol, prolactin, and progesterone, and their association with anti-T. gondii antibodies’ kinetics in pregnancy. Fifty-two pregnant patients were studied. A questionnaire with sociodemographic and clinical aspects was used. Afterward, 10 mL of venous blood was collected by venipuncture every trimester. The concentrations of 17-β estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin were measured, using the ELISA method. In addition, anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were also determined in the first, second, and third trimester. The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies was 26.92% in the first and second trimester and 32.7% in the third trimester. In seropositive women, 17-β estradiol increased in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Progesterone increased significantly p < 0.039 in the third trimester in these women, while prolactin increased in the second trimester with a statistical significance of p < 0.021. In addition, 17-β estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin are associated with T. gondii infection during pregnancy. New studies are necessary to clarify the specific mechanisms of immune response related to these hormones during pregnancy.
Homogenization of the Long Instrumental Daily-Temperature Series in Padua, Italy (1725–2023)
Authors: Stefanini Claudio , Becherini Francesca , Valle Antonio della , Camuffo Dario
Published: June 2024

The Padua temperature series is one of the longest in the world, as daily observations started in 1725 and have continued almost unbroken to the present. Previous works recovered readings from the original logs, and digitalized and corrected observations from errors due to instruments, calibrations, sampling times and exposure. However, the series underwent some changes (location, elevation, observing protocols, and different averaging methods) that affected the homogeneity between sub-series. The aim of this work is to produce a homogenized temperature series for Padua, starting from the results of previous works, and connecting all the periods available. The homogenization of the observations has been carried out with respect to the modern era. A newly released paleo-reanalysis dataset, ModE-RA, is exploited to connect the most ancient data to the recent ones. In particular, the following has been carried out: the 1774–2023 daily mean temperature has been homogenized to the modern data; for the first time, the daily values of 1765–1773 have been merged and homogenized; and the daily observations of the 1725–1764 period have been connected and homogenized to the rest of the series. Snowfall observations, extracted from the same logs from which the temperatures were retrieved, help to verify the robustness of the homogenization procedure by looking at the temperature frequency distribution on snowy days, before and after the correction. The possibility of adding new measurements with no need to apply transformations or homogenization procedures makes it very easy to update the time series and make it immediately available for climate change analysis.
Association of Postoperative Serum Lactate Levels with Acute Kidney Injury in Mexican Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Flores-Salinas Héctor-Enrique , Zambada-Gamboa Anahí de Jesús , Garcia-Garduño Texali-Candelaria , Rodríguez-Zavala Guillermo , Valle Yeminia , Chávez-Herrera Juan-Carlos , Martinez-Gutierrez Porfirio-Eduardo , Godinez-Flores Arturo , Jiménez-Limón Salvador , Padilla-Gutiérrez Jorge-Ramón
Published: June 2024

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a highly prevalent and a critical complication of cardiac surgery (CS). Serum lactate (sLac) levels have consistently shown an association with morbimortality after CS. We performed a cross-sectional study including 264 adult patients that had a cardiac surgery between January and December 2020. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with AKI development. We measured the postoperative levels of sLac for all participants immediately after CS (T0) and at 4 h (T4) after the surgical intervention. A linear regression model was used to identify the factors influencing both sLac metrics. We identified four risk predictors of AKI; one was preoperative (atrial fibrillation), one intraoperative (cardiopulmonary bypass time), and two were postoperative (length of hospital stay and postoperative sLac). T0 and T4 sLac levels were higher among CS-AKI patients than in Non-CS-AKI patients. Postoperative sLac levels were significant independent predictors of CSA-AKI, and sLac levels are influenced by length of hospital stay, the number of transfused packed red blood cells, and the use of furosemide in CS-AKI patients. These findings may facilitate the earlier identification of patients susceptible to AKI after CS.
Design of Debondable PU Coating for Degradation on Demand
Authors: De Smet David , Vanneste Myriam
Published: June 2024

Polyurethane (PU) coatings are applied on technical textiles for their superior properties. Up to now, PU-coated textiles are not recycled at end of life. Landfilling is still the most occurring way of processing PU waste. Next to looking to sustainable routes for processing PU waste, there is the drive towards bio-based polymers. With this regard, a bio-based trigger degradable PU coating specifically designed for textiles was developed. The PU was characterized via FT-IR, TGA, and DSC. The performance of the coating was assessed by examining the mechanical properties and the resistance to hydrostatic pressure initially and after washing. The developed bio-based PU coatings had a high tensile strength, were waterproof, and had excellent wash fastness at 40 °C. The coating could be easily debonded from the textile by immersion in a tetra-n-butylammoniumfluoride solution. FT-IR and microscopic analysis indicated that the coating was completely removed and that the polyester fabric was not degraded.
Integrating Machine Learning with Non-Fungible Tokens
Authors: Iosif Elias , Katelaris Leonidas
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we undertake a thorough comparative examination of data resources pertinent to Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) within the framework of Machine Learning (ML). The core research question of the present work is how the integration of ML techniques and NFTs manifests across various domains. Our primary contribution lies in proposing a structured perspective for this analysis, encompassing a comprehensive array of criteria that collectively span the entire spectrum of NFT-related data. To demonstrate the application of the proposed perspective, we systematically survey a selection of indicative research works, drawing insights from diverse sources. By evaluating these data resources against established criteria, we aim to provide a nuanced understanding of their respective strengths, limitations, and potential applications within the intersection of NFTs and ML.
Diagnostic Role of Multi-Detector Computed Tomography in Acute Mesenteric Ischemia
Authors: Ronza Francesco Michele , Di Gennaro Teresa Letizia , Buzzo Gianfranco , Piccolo Luciana , Della Noce Marina , Giordano Giovanni , Posillico Giuseppe , Pietrobono Luigi , Mazzei Francesco Giuseppe , Ricci Paolo , Masala Salvatore , Scaglione Mariano , Tamburrini Stefania
Published: June 2024

Mesenteric ischemia diagnosis is challenging, with an overall mortality of up to 50% of cases despite advances in treatment. The main problem that affects the outcome is delayed diagnosis because of non-specific clinical presentation. Multi-Detector CT Angiography (MDCTA) is the first-line investigation for the suspected diagnosis of vascular abdominal pathologies and the diagnostic test of choice in suspected mesenteric bowel ischemia. MDCTA can accurately detect the presence of arterial and venous thrombosis, determine the extent and the gastrointestinal tract involved, and provide detailed information determining the subtype and the stage progression of the diseases, helping clinicians and surgeons with appropriate management. CT (Computed Tomography) can differentiate forms that are still susceptible to pharmacological or interventional treatment (NOM = non-operative management) from advanced disease with transmural necrosis in which a surgical approach is required. Knowledge of CT imaging patterns and corresponding vascular pathways is mandatory in emergency settings to reach a prompt and accurate diagnosis. The aims of this paper are 1. to provide technical information about the optimal CTA (CT Angiography) protocol; 2. to explain the CTA arterial and venous supply to the gastrointestinal tract and the relevant ischemic pattern; and 3. to describe vascular, bowel, and extraintestinal CT findings for the diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia.