bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single-Photon Detectors for Quantum Integrated Photonics
Authors: Dao Thu Ha , Amanti Francesco , Andrini Greta , Armani Fabrizio , Barbato Fabrizio , Bellani Vittorio , Bonaiuto Vincenzo , Cammarata Simone , Campostrini Matteo , Cornia Samuele , De Matteis Fabio , Demontis Valeria , Di Giuseppe Giovanni , Ditalia Tchernij Sviatoslav , Donati Simone , Fontana Andrea , Forneris Jacopo , Francini Roberto , Frontini Luca , Gazzadi Gian Carlo , Gunnella Roberto , Kaplan Ali Emre , Lacava Cosimo , Liberali Valentino , Martini Leonardo , Marzioni Francesco , Menozzi Claudia , Nieto Hernández Elena , Pedreschi Elena , Piergentili Paolo , Prosposito Paolo , Rigato Valentino , Roncolato Carlo , Rossella Francesco , Salvato Matteo , Sargeni Fausto , Shojaii Jafar , Spinella Franco , Stabile Alberto , Toncelli Alessandra , Trucco Gabriella , Vitali Valerio
Published: December 2024

Single-photon detectors have gained significant attention recently, driven by advancements in quantum information technology. Applications such as quantum key distribution, quantum cryptography, and quantum computation demand the ability to detect individual quanta of light and distinguish between single-photon states and multi-photon states, particularly when operating within waveguide systems. Although single-photon detector fabrication has been established for some time, integrating detectors with waveguides using new materials with suitable structural and electronic properties, especially at telecommunication wavelengths, creates more compact source-line-detector systems. This review explores the state of the art of single-photon detector research and examines the potential breakthroughs offered by novel low-dimensional materials in this field.
Model Calculation of Enhanced Light Absorption Efficiency in Two-Dimensional Photonic Crystal Phosphor Films
Authors: Kim Taehun , Lee Sanghoon , Min Kyungtaek
Published: December 2024

When a phosphor film based on a photonic crystal (PhC) is excited at the photonic band-edge wavelength, the absorption of excitation light increases, which can potentially enhance the color-conversion efficiency. In this study, we modeled a two-dimensional (2D) PhC quantum dot (QD) film with a square-lattice structure using the finite-difference time-domain method to theoretically investigate its optical properties. The embedment of a thin-film layer with a high refractive index on the surface of the QD film enables an effective localization of excitation light within the phosphor. A numerical estimation shows that the optimized 2D PhC QD film can enhance the light absorption by up to 4.2 times with a monochromatic source and by up to 1.8 times with a broadband (FWHM~30 nm) source compared to a flat-type reference QD film.
Preliminary Evidence of a Horizontal Transfer of Paramutation Phenomenon at the pl1 Gene in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Pilu Roberto , Ghidoli Martina , Follador Alessia , Passera Alessandro , Casati Paola , Dinzeu Ervane Laure Cheyep , Cassani Elena , Landoni Michela
Published: December 2024

Paramutation, a specific epigenetic phenomenon first identified in Zea mays by Alexander Brink in the 1950s, has since been observed in different plant and animal species. What sets paramutation apart from other gene silencing processes is its ability for one silenced allele (referred to as paramutagenic) to silence another allele (paramutable) in trans. The resultant silenced allele (paramutated) remains stable across generations, even after separating from the paramutagenic allele, and acquires paramutagenic properties itself. This hereditary behavior facilitates the rapid dissemination of specific gene expression patterns or phenotypes within populations, disrupting the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium even without other evolutionary pressures. Despite extensive research, the molecular mechanisms underlying paramutation are still not fully understood, although numerous studies suggest the involvement of RNA-mediated changes in DNA methylation and in the chromatin structure of silenced genes. In this paper, we report preliminary evidence regarding horizontal paramutation transfer at the pl1 (purple plant1) regulatory gene involved in the accumulation of anthocyanin in several plant tissues such as tassel, kernel, and cob. A paramutated pl1′ allele arose spontaneously in a pl1 population, and in this study, we found evidence of silencing events spatially associated in the field, suggesting a possible horizontal transfer of silencing among nearby plants.
Imaging Plant Lipids with Fluorescent Reporters
Authors: Li Yong-Kang , Dai Guang-Yi , Zhang Yu-Meng , Yao Nan
Published: December 2024

In plants, lipids function as structural elements and signaling molecules. Understanding lipid composition and dynamics is essential for unraveling their biological functions and metabolism. Mapping the spatiotemporal distribution of lipids in plants holds great potential for elucidating lipid biosynthetic pathways and gaining insights to guide crop genetic engineering. Recent progress in fluorescence microscopy and imaging has opened new opportunities for researchers to visualize plant lipids in vivo at high spatiotemporal resolution. In this review, we provide an up-to-date overview of the methods used to image plant lipids with fluorescence microscopy. We highlight caveats and potential limitations of these approaches and provide suggestions for optimizing their utilization. This review synthesizes current knowledge and highlights the potential of these methods to provide new insights into lipid biology.
Improving Soybean Germination and Nodule Development with Nitric Oxide-Releasing Polymeric Nanoparticles
Authors: Preisler Ana Cristina , do Carmo Giovanna Camargo , da Silva Rafael Caetano , Simões Ana Luisa de Oliveira , Izidoro Juliana de Carvalho , Pieretti Joana Claudio , dos Reis Roberta Albino , Jacob André Luiz Floriano , Seabra Amedea Barozzi , Oliveira Halley Caixeta
Published: December 2024

Nitric oxide (NO) is a multifunctional signaling molecule in plants, playing key roles in germination, microbial symbiosis, and nodule formation. However, its instability requires innovative approaches, such as using nanoencapsulated NO donors, to prolong its effects. This study evaluated the impact of treating soybean (Glycine max) seeds with the NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), encapsulated in polymeric nanoparticles, on the germination, nodulation, and plant growth. Seeds were treated with free GSNO, chitosan nanoparticles with/without NO (NP CS-GSNO/NP CS-GSH, where GSH is glutathione, the NO donor precursor), and alginate nanoparticles with/without NO (NP Al-GSNO/NP Al-GSH). Chitosan nanoparticles (positive zeta potential) were smaller and released NO faster compared with alginate nanoparticles (negative zeta potential). The seed treatment with NP CS-GSNO (1 mM, related to GSNO concentration) significantly improved germination percentage, root length, number of secondary roots, and dry root mass of soybean compared with the control. Conversely, NP CS-GSH resulted in decreased root and shoot length. NP Al-GSNO enhanced shoot dry mass and increased the number of secondary roots by approximately threefold at the highest concentrations. NP CS-GSNO, NP Al-GSNO, and NP Al-GSH increased S-nitrosothiol levels in the roots by approximately fourfold compared with the control. However, NP CS-GSNO was the only treatment that increased the nodule dry mass of soybean plants. Therefore, our results indicate the potential of chitosan nanoparticles to improve the application of NO donors in soybean seeds.
Evaluating Photosynthetic Light Response Models for Leaf Photosynthetic Traits in Paddy Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Under Field Conditions
Authors: Yao Xinfeng , Sun Huifeng , Zhou Sheng , Li Linyi
Published: December 2024

Accurate photosynthetic parameters obtained from photosynthetic light-response curves (LRCs) are crucial for enhancing our comprehension of plant photosynthesis. However, the task of fitting LRCs is still demanding due to diverse variations in LRCs under different environmental conditions, as previous models were evaluated based on a limited number of leaf traits and a small number of LRCs. This study aimed to compare the performance of nine LRC models in fitting a set of 108 LRCs measured from paddy rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown in field across 3 years under different leaf positions, leaf ages, nitrogen levels, irrigation levels, and varieties. The shape of 108 LRCs varies significantly under a range of leaf traits, which can be typed into three leaf light-acclimation types—high-light leaves (HL-1 and HL-2), and low-light leaves (LL). The accuracy of these models was evaluated by (1) LRCs from three acclimation types: HL-1 and HL-2, and LL; and (2) LRCs across three irradiance stages: light-limited, light-saturated, and photoinhibition. Results indicate that the Ye model emerged as the top performance among the nine models, particularly in the photoinhibition stage of LL leaves, with median values of R2, SSE, and AIC of 0.99, 2.39, and −14.03, respectively. Furthermore, the Ye model produced the most accurate predictions of key photosynthetic parameters, including dark respiration (RD), light-compensation point (Icomp), maximum net photosynthetic rate (PNmax), and light-saturation point (Isat). Results also suggest that PNImax and Imax were the most appropriate parameters to describe photosynthetic activity at the light-saturation point. These findings have significant implications for improving the accuracy of fitting LRCs, and thus robust predictions of photosynthetic parameters in rice under different environmental conditions.
Cytogenetic Identification and Molecular Marker Analysis of Two Wheat–Thinopyrum ponticum Translocations with Stripe Rust Resistance
Authors: Yang Guotang , Han Yi , Yin Huihui , Li Xingfeng , Wang Honggang , Bao Yinguang
Published: December 2024

Stripe rust, induced by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most destructive fungal diseases of wheat worldwide. Thinopyrum ponticum, a significant wild relative for wheat improvement, exhibits innate immunity to this disease. To transfer the stripe rust resistance gene from Th. ponticum to wheat, two translocation lines, SN21171 and SN52684, were produced through distant hybridization techniques. Disease evaluation results showed that these two lines were immune to Pst species CYR32 at the adult plant stage. Molecular cytogenetic analyses and specific intron-targeting markers amplification results revealed that SN21171 and SN52684 harbor several T3Eb-3DS·3DL and T1Eb-1BS·1BL translocation chromosomes. Furthermore, the comparison of the chromosome karyotype from two translocation lines and their recurrent parent YN15, revealed that structural variation occurred in chromosomes 2A, 5A, 2B, 4B, 5B, and 6B in SN21171 and chromosomes 5A, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B, and 7B in SN52684. Agronomic trait assessments uncovered advantageous properties in both lines, with SN21171 matching the recurrent parent and SN52684 exhibiting elevated higher grain number per main spike and increased thousand grain weight. These two translocation lines and specific markers may apply to wheat stripe rust-resistance breeding.
Comparative Transcriptome Analyses Reveal the Mechanisms Underlying Waterlogging Tolerance in Barley
Authors: Zhu Juan , Yin Haoxin , Cao Cong , Sun Chengqun , Zhang Mengna , Hong Yi , Zhang Yuhang , Lv Chao , Guo Baojian , Wang Feifei , Xu Rugen
Published: December 2024

Waterlogging is becoming a global issue, affecting crop growth and yield in low-lying rainfed areas. A DH line, TamF169, showing superior waterlogging tolerance, and its waterlogging-sensitive parent, Franklin, were used to conduct transcriptome analyses. The results showed that 2209 and 2578 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Franklin and 1997 and 1709 DEGs in TamF169 were detected by comparing gene expression levels under control and waterlogging after 4 and 8 days, respectively, with 392 and 257 DEGs being specific to TamF169 after 4 and 8 days under waterlogging, respectively. KEGG analysis showed that glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, the MAPK signaling pathway, plant hormone signaling, and galactose metabolism pathways were significantly enriched in the waterlogging-tolerant genotype TamF169 four days after waterlogging. The qPCR results were consistent with the transcriptome data, suggesting the reliability of the transcriptome sequencing. A total of 13 genes in the mapping region of a QTL for root cortical aerenchyma (RCA) showed different expression levels in Franklin or TamF169, and the potential candidate genes for RCA−QTL are discussed. This study offers valuable information on the mechanism of tolerance to waterlogging stress in the DH line TamF169 and provides the candidate genes for RCA−QTL.
Exogenous Melatonin Boosts Heat Tolerance in Rosa hybrida via RhCOMT1 Modulation
Authors: Li Chenyang , Ding Zhiyin , Cai Zipeng , Ruan Yongying , Lü Peitao , Liu Yang
Published: December 2024

Rosa hybrida is one the most commonly cultivated ornamental plant of economic importance and faces major challenges under heat stress. Melatonin has been widely shown to regulate plant stress response; however, the exact mechanism involved in heat stress in R. hybrida has yet to be determined. Here, we observed that R. hybrida in vitro plantlets supplemented with melatonin in the culture medium exhibited higher chlorophyll content, relative ion leakage, and fresh weight after 12 d of high-temperature treatment; the optimal concentration was established at 5 mg/L. Using molecular and biochemical techniques, we explored the roles of a melatonin synthase gene RhCOMT1, which expression was influenced by heat stress and melatonin. RhCOMT1 was located in the nuclear-cytoplasmic under ambient conditions, while heat stress translocated the distribution of RhCOMT1 to chloroplasts. Overexpression of RhCOMT1 in rose petal enhanced thermotolerance, and silencing of RhCOMT1 reduced thermotolerance via affect H2O2 content and relative ion leakage. These findings collectively emphasize the pivotal role of melatonin in enhancing thermotolerance to R. hybrida by alleviation of oxidative stress, through modulation of RhCOMT1 expression and location.
The White Clover Single-Copy Nuclear Gene TrNAC002 Promotes Growth and Confers Drought Resistance in Plants Through Flavonoid Synthesis
Authors: Zhang Youzhi , Fu Wei , Pu Qi , He Zhirui , Li Zhou , Liu Lin , Ma Xiao , Peng Yan
Published: December 2024

White clover (Trifolium repens) is vulnerable to drought stress. In response to abiotic stress, plants are regulated by NAC transcription factors. The NAC in white clover has not been thoroughly documented until recently. We have identified one white clover NAC transcription factor called TrNAC002. TrNAC002’s coding sequence is localized to specific regions on the 3P and 5O chromosomes of white clover and is part of a single-copy nuclear gene. Subcellular localization demonstrates that TrNAC002 is located in the nucleus, while the transcriptional activity assay indicates its transcriptional activity. Arabidopsis plants overexpressing TrNAC002 (OE) exhibit enlarged leaves and increased lateral root growth compared to the wild type (WT). Additionally, the expression levels of the shoot apical meristem (SAM), WUSCHEL (WUS), DNA-binding protein (DBP), and auxin-induced in root cultures3 (AIR3) genes are significantly higher in OE as compared to WT. These findings imply that TrNAC002 could promote vegetative growth by increasing the expression of these genes. Under natural drought stress, OE can survive in dry soil for a longer period of time than WT. Furthermore, OE exhibits a lower level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and a higher content of flavonoids than WT. This is also positively correlated with an increased flavonoid content. In white clover, the expression of TrNAC002, chalcone synthase (CHS), and chalcone isomerase (CHI) in leaves demonstrates significant upregulation after drought stress and ABA treatment, as does the flavonoid content. However, the pTRV-VIGS experiment suggests that pTRV2-TrNAC002 white clover shrinks compared to the Mock and Water controls. Additionally, pTRV2-TrNAC002 white clover displays a statistically higher malondialdehyde (MDA) content than the Mock and Water controls, and a significantly lower level of total antioxidant activities, flavonoid content, CHS and CHI relative expression than that of the Mock and Water controls. These findings indicate that TrNAC002 responds to drought and modulates flavonoid biosynthesis in white clover. This study is the first to suggest that TrNAC002 likely responds to drought via ABA and enhances plant drought resistance by synthesizing flavonoids.
Determination and Removal of Potentially Toxic Elements by Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. (Poaceae) in the Valles River, San Luis Potosí (Central Mexico)
Authors: Montes-Rocha José Angel , Diaz-Torres Rocío del Carmen , Alonso-Castro Angel Josabad , Ilizaliturri-Hernández César Arturo , Carrizales-Yáñez Leticia , Carranza-Álvarez Candy
Published: December 2024

The contamination of rivers by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is a problem of global importance. The Valles River is Ciudad Valles’ (Central Mexico) main source of drinking water. During the four seasons of the year, water samples (n = 6), sediment samples (n = 6), and Phragmites australis plants (n = 10) were taken from three study sites selected based on the presence of anthropogenic activities in the Valles River. A graphite atomic absorption spectrophotometer estimated elements in the water, and an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer quantified elements in sediments and plant samples. Phragmites australis accumulated metal(loid)s mainly in the roots during all seasons of the year. Water samples from all sites recorded PTEs (As, Pb, Cd, and Hg), with primary sources identified as the sugar industry, urban and industrial wastewater, and the combustion of fossil fuels. Sediment samples showed concentrations of Hg, Mn, Ni, Zn, Pb, V, Cu, Cr, and Cd, attributed to agricultural practices, industrial activity, and urbanization. P. australis is an alternative for in situ phytoremediation because this macrophyte can bioaccumulate different elements in its roots, such as Mn, Rb, V, Sr, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, and As.
Multi-Trait Index-Based Selection of Drought Tolerant Wheat: Physiological and Biochemical Profiling
Authors: Mohi-Ud-Din Mohammed , Hossain Md. Alamgir , Rohman Md. Motiar , Uddin Md. Nesar , Haque Md. Sabibul , Tahery Mahmudul Hasan , Hasanuzzaman Mirza
Published: December 2024

Drought is a detrimental abiotic stress that severely limits wheat growth and productivity worldwide by altering several physiological processes. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of drought tolerance is essential for the selection of drought-resilient features and drought-tolerant cultivars for wheat breeding programs. This exploratory study evaluated 14 wheat genotypes (13 relatively tolerant, one susceptible) for drought endurance based on flag leaf physiological and biochemical traits during the critical grain-filling stage in the field conditions. Measurements included six physiological, seven gas exchange, six photosystem II, six stomatal, three reactive species, seven metabolomic solutes, and two biomass traits. All parameters were significantly influenced by drought, with varying genotypic responses. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) categorized genotypes into three drought tolerance groups based on trait performance. Seven genotypes in Cluster 2 (BARI Gom 26, BARI Gom 33, BD-631, BD-600, BD-9910, BD-9889, BD-637) exhibited superior drought tolerance, characterized by minimal changes in physiological traits and biomass accumulation, reduced oxidative stress markers, and increased accumulation of osmoprotectants. The innovative multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI) further ranked wheat genotypes in regard to drought tolerance, identifying BARI Gom 33, BARI Gom 26, BD-9889, and BD-600 as top performers. Notably, all these top-ranking genotypes belonged to Cluster 2, previously identified as the highest-performing group in the HCA. The identified genotypes with superior drought tolerance offer valuable genetic resources for enhancing wheat productivity in water-limiting environments. Traits related to photosynthetic activity, biomass gain, leaf conductance, water stress, and osmoprotection showed high selection differentials and heritability in MGIDI analysis, indicating their potential as selection targets for drought-tolerant wheat. Overall, the strategic approaches have yielded novel insights into genotype screening that can be directly applied to deepen our understanding of drought tolerance mechanisms in wheat.
Integrated Analysis of Metatranscriptome and Amplicon Sequencing to Reveal Distinctive Rhizospheric Microorganisms of Salt-Tolerant Rice
Authors: Meng Wenna , Zhou Zhenling , Tan Mingpu , Liu Anqi , Liu Shuai , Wang Jiaxue , Sun Zhiguang , Tan Yiluo , Liu Yan , Wang Baoxiang , Deng Yanming
Published: December 2024

Salt stress poses a significant constraint on rice production, so further exploration is imperative to elucidate the intricate molecular mechanisms governing salt tolerance in rice. By manipulating the rhizosphere microbial communities or targeting specific microbial functions, it is possible to enhance salt tolerance in crops, improving crop yields and food security in saline environments. In this study, we conducted rice rhizospheric microbial amplicon sequencing and metatranscriptome analysis, revealing substantial microbiomic differences between the salt-tolerant rice cultivar TLJIAN and the salt-sensitive HUAJING. Fungal taxa including Hormiactis, Emericellopsis, Ceriosporopsis, Dirkmeia, and Moesziomyces predominated in the rhizosphere of salt-tolerant rice, while bacterial genera such as Desulfoprunum and Hydrogenophaga exhibited notable differences. Metatranscriptomic analysis identified 7192 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the two rice varieties, with 3934 genes being upregulated and 3258 genes being downregulated. Enrichment analyses in KEGG and GO pathways highlighted the majority of DEGs were associated with the “two-component system”, “sulfur metabolism”, and “microbial metabolism in diverse environments”. The interaction network of DEGs and microbial taxa revealed upregulation of transporters, transcriptional factors, and chaperones, such as ABC transporters and chaperonin GroEL, in the rhizosphere microbiomes of salt-tolerant varieties. Our multi-omics network analysis unveiled that fungi like Ceriosporopsis and Dirkmeria, along with bacteria such as Desulfoprunum, Rippkaea, and Bellilinea, showed a positive correlation with flavonoid synthesis in salt-tolerant rice. This study provides an in-depth exploration of the distinctive microbial communities associated with the rhizosphere of salt-tolerant rice varieties, shedding light on the complex interactions between these microbial consortia and their host plants under stress conditions.
Fruit Vinegars as Natural and Bioactive Chitosan Solvents in the Production of Chitosan-Based Films
Authors: Stefanowska Karolina , Woźniak Magdalena , Dobrucka Renata , Sip Anna , Mrówczyńska Lucyna , Waśkiewicz Agnieszka , Ratajczak Izabela
Published: December 2024

Natural fruit vinegars, derived from various fruits, enhance culinary experience and offer potential health benefits due to their bioactive compounds. In this study, fruit vinegars (apple, blackcurrant, and cherry) were used as natural solvents for producing chitosan films, introducing an environmentally friendly approach. Fruit vinegars and chitosan-based solutions were examined for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In turn, the obtained chitosan films were characterized by their antimicrobial, mechanical, and structural properties. Both fruit vinegars and film-forming chitosan solutions showed antioxidant activity, and chitosan–cherry vinegar solutions exhibited the highest antiradical and ferrous ion-chelating effect. All solvents and chitosan-based solutions were characterized by antimicrobial properties, especially against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (inhibition zone > 28 mm). Antimicrobial activity was also preserved in the case of chitosan-based film, especially when produced with cherry vinegar, which showed activity against the broadest spectrum of bacteria. The largest zone of inhibition for all samples was observed for P. aeruginosa in the range of 19 mm from the inhibition zone to >28 mm, depending on the type of vinegar used as a solvent. The conducted tests showed that the type of vinegar used also affects the mechanical parameters of the films obtained, such as elongation at break, for which values were recorded from 3.97 to 4.93 MPa, or tensile strength, for which the values were recorded from 48.48 to 70.58 MPa. The results obtained demonstrate that natural fruit vinegars, serving as chitosan solvents, can be an alternative to traditionally used acidic solvents, yielding films with favorable properties.
Covalent Grafting of Quaternary Ammonium Salt-Containing Polyurethane onto Silicone Substrates to Enhance Bacterial Contact-Killing Ability
Authors: Pan Zihong , Liu Zixu , Yang Sijia , Shen Zhanyu , Wu Yuchen , Liu Yanyu , Li Jingfan , Wang Liang
Published: December 2024

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) induced by rapid bacterial colonization and biofilm formation on urinary catheters is a key issue that urgently needs to be addressed. To prevent CAUTI, many contact-killing, non-leaching coatings have been developed for the surfaces of silicone catheters. However, due to the chemical inertness of the silicone substrate, most current coatings lack adhesion and are unstable under external forces. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a surface coating that has both good antibacterial ability and a high affinity toward silicone substrates. To achieve high affinity, a pre-coating layer with abundant surface vinyl groups, named SI-vinyl, was prepared on the silicone substrate by moisture curing using a mixture of α,ω-dihydroxy polydimethylsiloxane and vinyltrimethoxysilane as the painting agent. To endow the surface with contact-killing ability, a series of polyurethanes with different contents of quaternary ammonium salt groups in their main chain and two vinyl end groups were synthesized and covalently grafted onto the surface of SI-vinyl, resulting in corresponding bactericidal coatings with different surface contents of quaternary ammonium salt groups (SI-QAS). Of these bactericidal coatings, SI-QAS-2, with a surface QAS content of 2.1 × 1016 N+ cm−2, was selected as the best coating based on the consideration of stability, compatibility, and antibacterial ability. The SI-QAS-2 coating demonstrated high contact-killing performance, rapidly inactivating 72.8%, 99.9%, and 98.9% of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa within 30 min. Furthermore, even after being exposed to a high concentration of bacteria (106 CFU/mL) for 4 days, the SI-QAS-2 coating still maintained a high bactericidal ratio of over 80%. In summary, we developed a novel contact-killing coating that reduces the risk of bacterial infections caused by catheter implantation, demonstrating that it has high affinity toward silicone substrates, excellent contact-killing efficiency, a facile preparation method, and potential for further application.
Liquid–Gas Phase Transition Actuator: Rejuvenation Procedure Extended and Open-Air Performance
Authors: Bezsudnov Igor , Khmelnitskaia Alina , Kalinina Aleksandra , Monakhova Kristina , Ponomarenko Sergey
Published: December 2024

To achieve the actuation of silicone-based foamed composites, a liquid–gas phase transition of the liquid captured in its pores is employed. The uncertainty of key parameters for a single or sequential open-air performance of such soft actuators limits their application. To define the main characteristics of the composites, in this work, two functions of the liquid there were separated: the pore-forming agent (FPA) and working liquid (WL). It was demonstrated that the composites can be fabricated using either ethanol or methanol as the PFA, while any of the C1-C4 alcohols can be used as the WL. The results of the sequential actuation tests of the composites revealed that pore formation depends on the composite viscosity during curation, while their expansion in single heat experiments can be approximated by a unified linear relation. Based on a Mendeleev–Clapeyron equation, the qualitative model for predicting the actuator strain is proposed. It was found that the composites with C3–C4 alcohols as the WL outperform ethanol-containing composites on the number of cycles survived under open-air conditions. These findings pave the way to control the operation of soft actuators by manipulating WL variation and PFA content during the composite cure to set the operation temperature and degree of expansion of pre-formed actuators.
Interface Enhancement and Tribological Properties of Cattle Manure-Derived Corn Stalk Fibers for Friction Materials: The Role of Silane Treatment Concentration
Authors: Wu Siyang , Ren Lixing , Qiu Xiaochun , Qi Qiance , Li Bo , Xu Peijie , Guo Mingzhuo , Zhao Jiale
Published: December 2024

Corn stalk fibers extracted from cattle manure (CSFCM) represent a unique class of natural fibers that undergo biological pre-treatment during ruminant digestion. This study systematically investigates the optimization of CSFCM-reinforced friction materials through controlled silane treatment (2–10 wt.%). The biological pre-treatment through ruminant digestion creates distinctive fiber properties that influence subsequent chemical modification. Physical characterization revealed that optimized interface modification at 6 wt.% silane treatment (CSFCM-3) effectively enhanced the fiber–matrix compatibility while achieving a 34.2% reduction in water absorption and decreased apparent porosity from 9.03% to 7.85%. Tribological evaluation demonstrated superior performance stability, with CSFCM-3 maintaining friction coefficients of 0.35–0.45 across 100–350 °C and exhibiting enhanced thermal stability through a fade ratio of 14.48% and recovery ratio of 95%. The total wear rate showed significant improvement, reducing by 26.26% to 3.433 × 10−7 cm3 (N·m)−1 compared to untreated specimens. Microscopic analysis confirmed that the optimized silane modification promoted the formation of stable secondary plateaus and uniform wear patterns, contributing to enhanced tribological performance. This investigation establishes an effective approach for developing high-performance friction materials through precise control of silane treatment parameters. The findings demonstrate the potential for developing sustainable friction materials with enhanced performance characteristics, offering new pathways for eco-friendly material design that effectively utilizes agricultural waste resources.
Applications and Advantages of Cellulose–Chitosan Biocomposites: Sustainable Alternatives for Reducing Plastic Dependency
Authors: Darmenbayeva Akmaral , Zhussipnazarova Gaziza , Rajasekharan Reshmy , Massalimova Bakytgul , Zharlykapova Roza , Nurlybayeva Aisha , Mukazhanova Zhazira , Aubakirova Gulsim , Begenova Bahyt , Manapova Saltanat , Bulekbayeva Kamila , Shinibekova Assem
Published: December 2024

This review presents a comprehensive review of cellulose–chitosan-based biocomposites that have high potential as sustainable alternatives to synthetic polymers. These biocomposites, due to biocompatibility, biodegradability, and antimicrobial properties, attract attention for wide application in various industries. This review includes modern methods for producing cellulose–chitosan composites aimed at improving their mechanical and chemical properties, such as strength, flexibility, and water resistance. Particular attention is paid to the use of composites in packaging materials, where they provide protection and durability of products, and help reduce the environmental footprint. In medicine, such composites are used for drug delivery and tissue engineering, providing controlled release of active substances and tissue regeneration. In addition, their advantages in wastewater treatment are discussed, where the composites effectively remove heavy metal ions and organic pollutants due to their high sorption capacity. This study focuses on the wide potential of cellulose–chitosan biocomposites and their role in solving environmental problems.
Analysis and Joint Correlation Models on Pore Structures of Graphitized Phenolic Resin Char Under Ni-Zn-B Catalytic Effect
Authors: Ren Qiangqiang , Zhou Jing , Huang Renhua , Li Wulin , Zhou Changsong , Wu Hao , Yang Hongmin
Published: December 2024

Phenolic resin plastic is mainly composed of phenolic resin and pyrolysis is often used to perform the important task of treating it. While there are large quantities of char generating, the char can be graphitized for upgrading under Ni-Zn-B catalytic effect. Pore structure is an important index for evaluating graphitic carbon. In this study, the phenolic resin char was graphitized with Ni-Zn-B at low temperature based on orthogonal rules (graphitization temperature: 1300 °C, 1400 °C, 1500 °C; retention time: 60 min, 120 min, 180 min; catalyst additive ratio: 5%, 10%, 15%), and their pore structures were determined by N2 adsorption and desorption method. The graphitized phenolic resin chars were porous carbon materials whose specific surface areas were commonly between 110 to 160 m2/g; they also mainly consisted of wholly equivalent micropores and mesopores. The effects of the graphitization conditions on pore structures of GPRCs were analyzed; this revealed that the increase in graphitization temperature destroyed micropores to form mesopores, with a longer retention time leading to the production of small quantities of micropores and mesopores, some micropore spaces were occupied and mesopore skeletons were destroyed to from large pores with more Ni-Zn-B addition. The correlation models of the pore structures and reaction parameters were built; it was found that the multiple linear regression model showed an advantage in predicting micropore structures and the built artificial neural network model was better at predicting the total pore and mesopore.
Pseudomonas fluorescens and Listeria monocytogenes Planktonic Cells and Biofilms Are Inhibited by Surfactin from Bacillus velezensis H2O-1
Authors: de Castilho Lívia Vieira Araujo , Guimarães Carolina Reis , Seldin Lucy , Nitschke Márcia , Freire Denise Maria Guimarães
Published: December 2024

Biofilms are highly important to be controlled in food industries for two major reasons: (i) pathogenic microorganisms can impact public health causing foodborne illness outbreaks, and (ii) food-spoilage microorganisms can cause economic impacts due to the loss of organoleptic quality. Listeria monocytogenes and Pseudomonas fluorescens are ubiquitous and highly representative of both problems. The presence of these bacteria in biofilms must be controlled, and new strategies need to be implemented. Among those strategies, the use of biosurfactants is promising. The present work studied the application of a surfactin produced by Bacillus velezensis H2O-1 to inhibit corrosion, planktonic growth, microbial adhesion, and biofilm formation by two strains of L. monocytogenes and one strain of P. fluorescens. For that purpose, scanning electron microscopy, epifluorescence microscopy, and the determination of the physicochemical characteristics of different surfaces, microorganisms and biofilms were performed. Biofilm reduction on conditioned surfaces reached up to 75%. When the surfactin was added to the media, the planktonic inhibition values reached 87%, and biofilms were inhibited by up to 100%. The analyzed images suggest that this molecule has great potential to postpone steel corrosion. The results demonstrated the great potential of this biomolecule in the food industry against both microorganisms, thus enhancing food safety and shelf-life.
What Is the Process? A Metamodel of the Requirements Elicitation Process Derived from a Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Hidalgo Mauricio , Yanine Fernando , Paredes Rodrigo , Frez Jonathan , Solar Mauricio
Published: December 2024

Requirements elicitation is a fundamental process in software engineering, essential for aligning software products with user needs and project objectives. As software projects become more complex, effective elicitation methods are vital for capturing accurate and comprehensive requirements. Despite the variety of available elicitation methods, practitioners face persistent challenges such as capturing tacit knowledge, managing diverse stakeholder needs, and addressing ambiguities in requirements. Moreover, although elicitation is recognized as a core process for gathering and analyzing system objectives, there is a lack of a unified and systematic framework to guide practitioners—especially newcomers—through the activity. To address these challenges, we provide a comprehensive analysis of existing elicitation methods, aiming to contribute to better alignment between software products and project objectives, ultimately improving software engineering practices. We do so by performing a systematic literature review identifying crosscutting steps, common techniques, tools, and approaches that define the core activities of the elicitation process. We synthesize our findings into a metamodel that structures software elicitation processes. This review uncovers various elicitation methods—such as collaborative workshops, interviews, and prototyping—each demonstrating unique strengths in different project contexts. It also highlights significant limitations, including stakeholder misalignment and incomplete requirements capture, which continue to reduce the effectiveness of elicitation processes. Finally, our study seeks to contribute to understanding requirements elicitation methods by providing a comprehensive view of their current strengths and limitations through a metamodel enabling the structuring and optimization of elicitation processes.
Automated Particle Size and Shape Determination Methods: Application to Proppant Optimization
Authors: Xu Dongjin , Wang Junting , Li Zhiwen , Li Changheng , Guo Yukai , Qiao Xuyi , Wang Yong
Published: December 2024

The performance of proppants is critical to the effectiveness of reservoir hydraulic fracturing. Traditional methods such as sieving and visual inspection are commonly used in proppant production lines, at fracturing sites, and in research institutions to assess particle size and shape. However, these methods are highly subjective, inefficient, and prone to significant random errors. To address these issues, an automated particle size and shape detection method based on image processing algorithms was developed, leading to the design of a proppant parameter detection system. The system’s detection results on the Krumbein–Sloss chart closely align with standard templates, with a maximum error of only 3%. This method enables precise particle extraction and analysis from images, accurately determining particle size and shape parameters. Comparative experiments conducted on commonly used quartz sand samples in 20/40 mesh, 30/50 mesh, and 40/70 mesh specifications demonstrated that the new method can evaluate the particle size without damaging the particles; the detection process does not create proppant waste, has environmental benefits, and can reduce the cost of professional inspection personnel, with the detection efficiency improved by over 200 times compared to traditional sieving and visual inspection methods, with repeatability errors within 1.9%. This study introduces a novel approach to particle size and shape detection, providing technical references for optimizing proppant selection, enhancing material quality control for hydraulic fracturing, and reducing costs while improving efficiency.
Impact of the UV/H2O2 Process on Assimilable Organic Carbon and Trihalomethane Formation in Cyanobacteria-Contaminated Waters
Authors: Siquerolo Luciana Verissimo , Ramos Rúbia Martins Bernardes , Monteiro Pablo Inocêncio , Silveira Guilherme Ferreira , Bassetti Fatima de Jesus , Coral Lucila Adriani de Almeida
Published: December 2024

The organic material from cyanobacteria is a significant precursor to the generation of disinfection byproducts. This study’s aim was to evaluate the formation of assimilable organic carbon (AOC) in water contaminated with cyanobacteria. Furthermore, the formation of AOC was related to the generation of trihalomethanes (THMs) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The advanced oxidation process was caISOrried out by exposing Microcystis aeruginosa cells (250,000 cells mL−1) to different peroxide dosages (10 to 100 mg L−1) under ultraviolet radiation. Pseudomonas fluorescens (P-17), Spirillum sp. (NOX), and flow cytometry were used to determine the AOC concentration. The formation of AOC and THMs during the UV/H2O2 process was not directly related. The AOC concentration increased with low H2O2 doses and decreased at higher concentrations, while the levels of THMs decreased regardless of the AOC formed. After oxidation, the DOC concentration decreased, along with the concentration of THMs. Additionally, it was observed that the behavior of DOC and AOC is inversely proportional. These results suggest that the oxidation process has a complex effect on organic matter, influencing byproduct formation and AOC availability. Moreover, these findings highlight the importance of carefully monitoring and controlling the oxidation processes to better understand their impact on water treatment and byproduct formation.
Light Oil Reservoir Source and Filling Stage in the Chepaizi Uplift, Junggar Basin Evidence from Fluid Inclusions and Organic Geochemistry
Authors: Liu Hongjun , He Pengying , Zhang Zhihuan
Published: December 2024

The light oil wells within the Neogene Shawan Formation have been extensively drilled in the Chepaizi Uplift, reflecting an increase that provides new targets for unconventional resources in the Junggar Basin of northwestern China. However, the original sources of light oil remain controversial, as several source rocks could potentially generate the oil. For this study, we collected light oils and sandstone cores for biomarker detection using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Additionally, fluid inclusions were observed and described, and the homogenization temperatures of saltwater inclusions were measured to confirm the oil charging history in conjunction with well burial and thermal history analysis. Based on these geochemical characteristics and carbon isotopic analysis, the results indicate that light oil in the Chepaizi Uplift zone primarily originates from Jurassic hydrocarbon source rocks in the Sikeshu depression, with some contribution from Cretaceous hydrocarbon source rocks. Jurassic hydrocarbon source rocks reached a peak of hydrocarbon generation in the middle to late Neogene. The resulting crude oil predominantly migrated along unconformities or faults to accumulate at the bottom of the Cretaceous or Tertiary Shawan Formation, forming anticlinal or lithologic oil reservoirs. Some oil reservoirs contain mixtures of Cretaceous immature crude oil. During the Neogene light oil accumulation process, the burial rate of reservoirs was high, and the efficiency of charging and hydrocarbon supply was relatively high as well. Minimal loss occurred during the migration of light oil, which significantly contributed to its rapid accumulation.
Research on Safety Evaluation of CO2 Enhanced Oil and Gas Recovery (CO2-EOR) Project: A Case Study of Dagang Oilfield
Authors: Li Qian , Hao Yue-Rui , Wang Peng-Tao , Wang Fei-Yin , Xu Mao , Bai Li-Mei , Wang Xiao-Yan , Zhang Yang
Published: December 2024

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology plays a crucial role in China’s journey toward achieving “carbon neutrality”. To ensure the optimal efficiency and risk mitigation of CO2-EOR projects, it is imperative to enhance the safety system. This study develops a comprehensive safety evaluation system for the CO2-EOR project at Dagang Oilfield, employing a combination of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and expert scoring. The AHP method is used to analyze the relative importance of various safety factors, while expert scoring is employed to determine the weight of each factor. The system establishes four primary evaluation indexes and 17 secondary evaluation indexes. This score indicates the relative safety of the blocks, with a lower score reflecting higher safety. A safety assessment is conducted on the Ye 21 and Ye 22 blocks using this system, which results in an assessment score of 1.2721 (less risky), indicating a relatively low overall risk. The study aims to provide a practical framework for the safety evaluation of CO2-EOR projects, and the proposed method can be applied to other CCUS projects globally to enhance safety and risk management.
Myth and Immortality in Russian Folktales
Authors: Santos Marinas Enrique
Published: December 2024

As Russian folklorist Vladimir Propp already set out in his monograph Theory and History of Folklore (1984), folktales, and in particular fairy tales, could preserve the remnants of myths and rites from very ancient stages of human civilisation, dating back to Prehistoric times themselves. The great Indoeuropeanist Georges Dumézil managed to confirm that the Slavic cultures are perhaps those which have best preserved the ancient rites to this day. As José Manuel Losada pointed out, the encounter with transcendence is one of the essential dimensions of myth that defines it and distinguishes it from other manifestations of human creativity. In this article, we will study the idea of immortality that can be found in Russian folktales as published by Aleksandr Afanasyev in his compilation (1855–1863) and trace back the remnants of the Indo-European religion and mythology that they can conceal.
De-Mystifying Mysticism: A Critical Realist Perspective on Ambivalences in the Study of Mysticism
Authors: Qadir Ali , Tiaynen-Qadir Tatiana
Published: December 2024

The study of mysticism has been at an impasse for many years, wavering between naïve realism around a common core hypothesis and critical questioning of the category of mysticism and its imposition. In this article, we review key 20th century developments in the study of mysticism to understand why the term was largely abandoned and unpack the contours of this impasse. Specifically, we probe the literature to ask (i) how has mysticism been defined and (ii) who counts as a mystic? Our primary data are key pieces of scholarly literature on mysticism, including interdisciplinary studies and disciplinary literature from religious studies, history, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, and psychology. This review draws on a metatheoretic perspective of critical realism and is not meant to be comprehensive but rather analytical, seeking to identify patterns in scholarship. We find that each question is answered by studies along an axis, wavering between two ideal–typical poles. On the first question, we find scholarship ranging along an axis of essence between extreme poles of a reified vs. relativized substance of mysticism. On the second question, we find studies on an axis of access, varying between a rarified concept of mystical elites and a laified concept of mystical knowledge open to all. Putting studies along these axes yields a definitional space of mysticism that is compatible with critical realism and allows for the general study of mysticism to continue in a more nuanced, post-critique way. We also find that the category of experience lies at the origin or intersection point of both axes, and is a source of many problems in the general study of mysticism.