bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assisted phytoextraction as a nature-based solution for the sustainable remediation of metal(loid)-contaminated soils
Authors: Balint Ramona , Boajă Iustina Popescu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Soil contamination is a significant environmental issue that poses a threat to human health and the ecosystems. Conventional remediation techniques, such as excavation and landfilling, are often expensive, disruptive, and unsustainable. As a result, there has been growing interest in developing sustainable remediation strategies that are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and socially acceptable. One such solution is phytoextraction: a nature-based approach that uses the abilities of hyperaccumulator plants to uptake and accumulate metals and metalloids (potentially toxic elements [PTE]) without signs of toxicity. Once harvested, plant biomass can be treated to reduce its volume and weight by combustion, thus obtaining bioenergy, and the ashes can be used for the recovery of metals or in the construction industry. However, phytoextraction has shown variable effectiveness due to soil conditions and plant species specificity, which has led researchers to develop additional approaches known as assisted phytoextraction to enhance its success. Assisted phytoextraction is a remediation strategy based on modifying certain plant traits or using different materials to increase metal uptake or bioavailability. This review article provides a practical and up-to-date overview of established strategies and the latest scientific advancements in assisted phytoextraction. Our focus is on improving plant performance and optimizing the uptake, tolerance, and accumulation of PTE, as well as the accessibility of these contaminants. While we highlight the advantages of using hyperaccumulator plants for assisted phytoextraction, we also address the challenges and limitations associated with this approach. Factors such as soil pH, nutrient availability, and the presence of other contaminants can affect its efficiency. Furthermore, the real-world challenges of implementing phytoextraction on a large scale are discussed and strategies to modify plant traits for successful phytoremediation are presented. By exploring established strategies and the latest scientific developments in assisted phytoextraction, this review provides valuable guidance for optimizing a sustainable, nature-based technology. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:2003–2022. © 2024 SETAC
Key Points
Assisted phytoextraction is a promising technique for the remediation of soils contaminated with potentially toxic elements. Improving plant performance and promoting the solubility of potentially toxic elements are two critical steps for increasing the efficiency of phytoextraction. To be considered a nature-based solution, assisted phytoextraction should be integrated into a phytomanagement strategy, to ensure not only environmental but also economic and social benefits. There is a need for further insights into the key factors that control plant–bacteria and plant–fungi symbiosis involving native species to enhance phytoextraction.
Sustainability: A Complex System Governance Perspective
Authors: Keating Charles B. , Katina Polinpapilinho F. , Bradley Joseph M. , Hodge Richard , Pyne James C. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper explores the sustainability field from a complex system governance (CSG) perspective. In general, sustainability suggests maintenance at a specific rate or level. It is also frequently held as maintaining ecological balance to negate the depletion of natural resources. CSG offers sustainability a theoretically grounded, model based, and methodologically sound approach to better inform sustainability design, execution, and development for complex systems. CSG examines sustainability as an outcome‐based product resulting from effective governance of an underlying system which produces sustainability. Thus, sustainability is proposed as a ‘systems engineered product’, whose design, execution, and development will be favored by CSG systems engineering. Following an introduction, two primary objectives are pursued. First, systems theory is used to provide an alternative view of sustainability. Second, a perspective of sustainability is developed through the paradigm of the emerging CSG field. The paper closes with the contributions, opportunities, and challenges for deployment of CSG for enhanced development, transition, and maintenance of sustainable systems.
A Geo‐Spatial Method for Calculating BEV Charging Inconvenience using Publicly Available Data
Authors: Rabinowitz Aaron I. , Smart John G. , Coburn Timothy C. , Bradley Thomas H. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTAs governments and the automotive industry push towards electrification, it becomes increasingly critical to address the factors which influence individual car buying decisions. Evidence suggests that operational inconvenience or the perception thereof plays a large role in consumer decisions concerning battery electric vehicles (BEVs). BEV ownership inconvenience and its causal factors have been relatively understudied, rendering efforts to mitigate the issues insufficiently informed. This paper presents a method of producing an empirical equation which relates operational inconvenience to a small number of housing and local electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) infrastructure factors. The paper then further provides a method of applying the equation in a geo‐spatial context allowing for the evaluation of the effects of policies in a geographical manner. this method enables future quantitative analyses concerning investment in EVSE infrastructure to be directly sensitive to BEV operational inconvenience due to charging.
Bias in economic evaluation of variable rate application based on geographically weighted regression models with misspecified functional form
Authors: Mieno Taro , Li Xiaofei , Bullock David S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGeographically weighted regression (GWR) has been presented as a valuable tool for estimating site‐specific yield response functions to derive recommendations of variable rate input. This study employs Monte Carlo simulations to illustrate that if GWR assumes a quadratic yield response functional form while the actual yield‐input relationship is quadratic‐plateau, it can significantly overestimate the economic value of variable rate application compared to its true value. Practitioners in precision agriculture should exercise caution when utilizing GWR for site‐specific input recommendations. Statistical community is also encouraged to develop tools in software packages providing GWR that allow more flexibility in functional form assumptions.
Pressure change at ankle joint in supramalleolar osteotomy with or without fibular osteotomy according to different types of varus ankle
Authors: Lee Jung‐Min , Lee Sung‐Jae , Park Chul Hyun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe need for additional fibular osteotomy (FO) when performing supramalleolar osteotomy (SMO) in the varus ankle arthritis (VAA) is controversial. Some cadaveric studies have been performed to prove this; however, it is difficult to implement deformities including talar tilting and translation in cadavers. In this study, we created a model of VAA with the tilting and translation using three‐dimensional (3‐D) finite element (FE) analysis and analyzed the results of SMO with or without FO depending on the types of VAA. The validated normal foot and ankle 3‐D FE model was constructed including the ankle cartilages of the talar dome and tibia plafond. The VAA models were determined and reconstructed by following the classification of VAA, VAA with medial translation for stage 3a, VAA with varus tilting (7.5°) for stage 3b. The postoperative SMO models (SMO with and without FO) were reconstructed by corresponding to each VAA models. The FE analysis conditions were commonly applied. The boundary condition of ankle joint was defined as “sliding condition” and applied 0.002 friction coefficient to realize lubricative property. Loading condition was assumed as a two‐leg standing position and half of the subject body weight (325 N) was loaded on center of ground to vertical direction. Contact pressure changes were predicted at the medial ankle cartilage. As a result, in VAA with medial translation, isolated SMO may provide sufficient pressure reduction at the medial ankle joint. However, in VAA with varus tilting, SMO combined with FO could appropriately relieve concentrated pressure at the medial ankle joint.
Proteomics analysis of enzyme systems and pathway changes during the moromi fermentation of soy sauce mash
Authors: He Wen‐Bin , Hou Sha , Zeng Long‐Ying , Tang Hong‐Biao , Tong Xing , Wu Chang‐Zheng , Liu Xiang , Tan Ge , Guo Li‐Qiong , Lin Jun‐Fang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDDuring the brewing of soy sauce, the conversion of multiple substances is driven by various microorganisms and their secreted enzyme systems. Soy sauce mash is an important source of enzyme systems during moromi fermentation, but the changes of enzyme systems in soy sauce mash during moromi fermentation are poorly understood. In order to explore the predominant enzyme systems existing during moromi fermentation and to explain the characteristics of the enzyme system changes, an enzymatic activities assay and 4D‐label‐free proteomics analysis were conducted on soy sauce mash at different stages of fermentation.RESULTSThe activities of hydrolytic enzymes in soy sauce mash decreased continuously throughout the fermentation process, while most of the characteristic physicochemical substances in soy sauce mash supernatant had already accumulated at the early stage of fermentation. Four hydrolytic enzymes were found to be positively correlated with important physicochemical indexes by principal component analysis and Pearson correlation analysis. The proteomics analysis revealed three highly upregulated enzymes and two enzymes that were present in important metabolic pathways throughout the fermentation process. Furthermore, it was found that Aspergillus oryzae was able to accumulate various nutrients in the soy sauce mash by downregulating most of its metabolic pathways.CONCLUSIONEnzymes present with excellent properties during the moromi fermentation period could be obtained from these results. Meanwhile, the characterization of the metabolic pathways of microorganisms during the moromi fermentation period was revealed. The results provide a basis for more scientific and purposeful improvement of moromi fermentation in the future. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Tectoridin inhibits the growth of bladder cancer by regulating PI3K/MAPK pathway through RAB27B
Authors: Zhang Qianjin , Wang Leiyu , Yu Lei , Yu Quansheng , Xue Liuqing , Shen Zhiyong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBladder cancer (BC) is a common and malignant tumor of the urinary tract, and its treatment options are limited. Tectoridin (TEC) has antitumor activity against prostate and colon cancer, but its effects on BC are poorly understood. BC cells were treated with increasing concentrations of TEC, and its effects on cell proliferation, migration, invasiveness, and apoptosis were assessed. Xenograft mouse model was used to evaluate the influences of TEC on BC tumor growth. Western blot analysis was conducted to explore the downstream pathways affected by TEC. TEC treatment decreased BC cell viability in a dose‐dependent manner (IC50 ≈ 25 μM), and inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasiveness while promoting apoptosis. Clinical analysis revealed high expression of RAB27B in BC tumor tissues, particularly in advanced stages, correlating with an unfavorable prognosis. In vitro experiments demonstrated that TEC suppressed the PI3K/MAPK pathway by targeting RAB27B, and overexpression of RAB27B counteracted the antitumor effects of TEC. In xenograft models, TEC administration suppressed tumor growth, reduced tumor volume, inhibited cell proliferation, and suppressed the PI3K/MAPK pathway, highlighting its potential as an inhibitor of tumor growth. TEC suppresses BC tumor growth by targeting RAB27B and inactivating the PI3K/MAPK signaling and may provide a promising therapeutic target for BC treatment.
Live-bait industry as a pathway for movement of nonnative and invasive species: Implications for conservation of native Texas fishes
Authors: Shepta Erin , Perkin Joshuah , Mayes Kevin B. , McGarrity Monica E. , Schalk Christopher M. , Montaña Carmen G. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective
Live-bait species are widely used in recreational fishing throughout the United States. However, the use of invasive fish species as live bait has been identified as a common pathway for their introduction into aquatic ecosystems. We assessed the role that the live-bait industry has in facilitating the introduction of nonnative and invasive species into Texas rivers. We focused on two invasive cyprinodontid species, the Sheepshead Minnow Cyprinodon variegatus and Gulf Killifish Fundulus grandis, which are believed to have been introduced into inland Texas rivers via bait-bucket releases by anglers.

Methods
We conducted telephone and in-person surveys of live-bait shops in Texas on a seasonal basis (summer, fall, winter, spring) for 1 year. Locally owned bait shops and regional aquaculture facilities and hatcheries were included in the surveys.

Result
Surveys did not reveal the presence of these invasive cyprinodontids in inland bait shops but did reveal the sale of nonnative Goldfish Carassius auratus and their black color morph, the black salty goldfish. Surveys conducted among inland and coastal live bait shops confirmed the sale of only one nonnative bait fish and six bait items native only to certain regions of Texas. Telephone surveys with aquaculture industry experts revealed that the aquaculture industry was also facilitating the movement of nonnative game and nongame fish species throughout the state.

Conclusion
Given the potential for nonnative and invasive species to negatively affect recipient aquatic ecosystems, the continued distribution of such species within the aquaculture industry represents a potential threat in Texas. Our findings highlight the need for close monitoring of the live-bait industry in the state to prevent further introductions into inland waters and reduce potential ecological risks to native fish populations and overall ecosystem functions and services.
Developing a store brand or collecting a commission: Amazon's choice and quality decision
Authors: Xiong Hui , Chen Ying‐Ju , Hsiao Lu 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAmazon, as one of the dominant online retailers (platforms), cooperates with manufacturers under wholesale contract to develop its store brands. Simultaneously, Amazon offers manufacturers with a marketplace and serves manufacturers in the agency selling. In this paper, we build a model to investigate the platform's and the manufacturer's choices on the cooperation modes (i.e., wholesale contract or agency selling) and their quality decisions when they serve consumers with heterogeneous willingness to pay for quality and the platform can dictate the quality under the wholesale contract. We find that the platform and the manufacturer are more likely to align their preferences on selling modes when consumers are homogenous enough. Moreover, when the commission rate is relatively low, both of them may prefer the agency selling. In this case, the manufacturer is willing to offer high quality in the agency selling. In contrast, when the commission rate is sufficiently high, they can only align their preferences on selling modes by choosing the wholesale contract. The product quality under the wholesale contract is higher than that in the agency selling. Finally, we provide three extensions: the platform decides the commission rate, the platform decides the wholesale price and competition between manufacturers.
Buckling characteristics of nano‐silica doped carbon fiber reinforced composites having cutouts
Authors: Özdemir Hüseyin , Özbek Özkan , Bozkurt Ömer Yavuz , Erkliğ Ahmet 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe current study presents an experimental investigation devoted to the nano‐silica and cutout effects on the axial and lateral buckling responses of carbon/epoxy fiber‐reinforced composite laminates. To this end, specimens manufactured by vacuum bagging after hand layup technique were prepared at various amounts of nano‐silica (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, and 3.0% by weight) incorporated into epoxy resin. Furthermore, semi‐circular and circular cutouts were opened on specimens to understand cutout effect on buckling characteristics of specimens. The results demonstrated that nano‐silica had a significant effect on buckling behaviors of the carbon fiber‐reinforced composites. Regardless of cutout presences, maximum critical axial (393.33 N, 361.67 N, 320 N for W, C and S) and lateral buckling loads (34.67 N, 33 N, 32.33 N for W, C and S), were achieved from the samples having 1.5 wt. % nano‐silica. In specimens having no cutout, maximum improvements of 72.26% in axial and 48.6% in lateral directions were achieved from the specimens having 1.5 wt. % nano‐silica content. A further amount of nano‐silica addition decreased the resistance to buckling of the specimens. Also, the presence of cutouts on the specimens led to decreases in critical loads. The decreases of 1.5 wt. % nano‐silica doped specimens without cutout in the axial and lateral critical buckling loads, respectively, were seen as 22.9% and 7.24% for circular cutout, 8.75% and 5.06% for semi‐circular cutout. It was concluded that cutout processing and nano‐silica additions should be taken into consideration in a material that may be exposed the buckling failures.Highlights
Nano‐silica impact on buckling behaviors of carbon fiber‐reinforced composites
Cutout effects on buckling properties of carbon fiber‐reinforced composites
Failure modes of carbon fiber‐reinforced composites with nano‐silica particles
Findings showed that 1.5 wt. % nano‐silica inclusion exhibited the best values for buckling.
Large‐area MoOx/c‐Si heterojunction solar cells with a ICO/Ag back reflector
Authors: Wang Xu , Ding Bowen , Zhou Yurong , Zhao Dongming , Meng Fanying , Yan Hui , Life Rui , Huang Haiwei , Hao Zhidan , Zhou Yuqin , Liu Fengzhen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCompound/silicon heterojunction (SCH) solar cells have been widely studied because of the low parasitic absorption of the window layer, high short‐circuit current, and simple preparation process. So far, most reported SCH solar cells are small‐area devices. By depositing MoOx hole transport layer using hot‐wire oxidation–sublimation deposition technique and employing a front‐contact back‐junction cell architecture, the large‐area SCH solar cells are successfully fabricated on M6 (166 mm) n‐type silicon wafers. Indium cerium oxide (ICO) film with the optimal thickness of about 110 nm is inserted between MoOx and Ag. The ICO/Ag stack functions well as a back reflector and is beneficial for increasing the short‐circuit current density, reducing the contact resistance, and improving the device stability. A power conversion efficiency of 21.59% is achieved on the champion SCH solar cell with the device area of 274.15 cm2.
Measurement of lung oxygenation by near‐infrared spectroscopy in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Dani Carlo , Miselli Francesca , Zini Tommaso , Scarponi Davide , Luzzati Michele , Sarcina Davide , Fusco Monica , Dianori Francesco , Berardi Alberto 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionIt has recently been reported that it is possible to monitor lung oxygenation (rSO2L) by near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Thus, our aim was to assess the possibility of monitoring rSO2L in infants with evolving and established bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and to evaluate if rSO2L correlates with BPD severity and other oxygenation indices.MethodsWe studied 40 preterm infants with gestational age ≤30 weeks at risk for BPD. Patients were continuously studied for 2 h by NIRS at 28 ± 7 days of life and 36 weeks ± 7 days of postmenstrual age.ResultsrSO2L was similar at the first and second NIRS recordings (71.8 ± 7.2 vs. 71.4 ± 4.2%) in the overall population, but it was higher in infants with mild than in those with moderate‐to‐severe BPD at both the first (73.3 ± 3.1 vs. 71.2 ± 3.2%, p = .042) and second (72.3 ± 2.8 vs. 70.5 ± 2.8, p = .049) NIRS recording. A rSO2L cutoff value of 71.6% in the first recording was associated with a risk for moderate‐to‐severe BPD with a sensitivity of 66% and a specificity of 60%. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a significant positive relationship between rSO2L and SpO2/FiO2 ratio (p = .013) and a/APO2 (p = .004).ConclusionsMonitoring of rSO2L by NIRS in preterm infants with evolving and established BPD is feasible and safe. rSO2L was found to be higher in infants with mild BPD, and predicts the risk for developing moderate‐to‐severe BPD and correlates with other indices of oxygenation.
A simple graphene oxide‐based DNA purification strategy for plant pathogen detection
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wang Xiaochang , Ao Ningjing , Zou Huayan , Li Jingwei , Shao Huijuan , Kageyama Koji , Feng Wenzhuo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe on‐site molecular detection of plant pathogens is particularly important for the development of sustainable agriculture. Extracting DNA from plant tissues, microbes or coexisting environments is complex, labor‐intensive and time‐consuming. To facilitate this process, we propose a DNA purification strategy based on graphene oxide (GO).RESULTSThe excellent adsorption ability of GO was verified by visualizing changes in its microscopic surface and macroscopic mixture. To further optimize the DNA purification, we determined the optimal GO concentration and treatment time at 95 °C (2 mg mL−1 and 2 min, respectively). We confirmed that our strategy is effective on plant tissues and various microorganisms, and that the obtained DNA can be directly used for polymerase chain reaction amplification. Combining the proposed GO‐based DNA purification method with the loop‐mediated isothermal amplification method is superior, in terms of the required steps, time, cost and detection effect, to the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide method and a commercial kit for detecting plant pathogens.CONCLUSIONWe present a feasible, rapid, simple and low‐cost DNA purification method with high practical value for scientific applications in plant pathogen detection. This strategy can also provide important technical support for future research on plant–microbial microenvironments. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
A Synthetic Multivalent Lipopeptide Derived from Pam3CSK4 with Irreversible Influenza Inhibition and Immuno‐Stimulating Effects
Authors: Zhu Yong , Wei Lixia , Zwygart Arnaud Charles‐Antoine , Gaínza Pablo , Khac Quy Ong , Olgiati Francesca , Kurum Armand , Tang Li , Correia Bruno , Tapparel Caroline , Stellacci Francesco 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe activation of the host adaptive immune system is crucial for eliminating viruses. However, influenza infection often suppresses the innate immune response that precedes adaptive immunity, and the adaptive immune responses are typically delayed. Dendritic cells, serving as professional antigen‐presenting cells, have a vital role in initiating the adaptive immune response. In this study, an immuno‐stimulating antiviral system (ISAS) is introduced, which is composed of the immuno‐stimulating adjuvant lipopeptide Pam3CSK4 that acts as a scaffold onto which it is covalently bound 3 to 4 influenza‐inhibiting peptides. The multivalent display of peptides on the scaffold leads to a potent inhibition against H1N1 (EC50 = 20 nM). Importantly, the resulting lipopeptide, Pam3FDA, shows an irreversible inhibition mechanism. The chemical modification of peptides on the scaffold maintains Pam3CSK4's ability to stimulate dendritic cell maturation, thereby rendering Pam3FDA a unique antiviral. This is attributed to its immune activation capability, which also acts in synergy to expedite viral elimination.