Search Results (24,227)

Plants express many types of defenses in response to herbivory damage. These defenses can be displayed as a sequence or they can overlap, increasing efficiency in protection. However, leaf defense shifts during leaf development, including extrafloral nectaries (EFNs), are neglected in natural tropical systems. To address this gap, our study evaluates the shifts in defense strategies of Eriotheca gracilipes, focusing on extrafloral nectaries and leaf toughness across leaf development stages. We also simulate herbivory by cutting the leaves to address the role of visiting ants against herbivores. We observed that E. gracilipes exhibits a defense turnover, shifting from indirect defenses (e.g., EFNs) in young leaves to physical defenses in adult leaves. Simulated herbivory led to heightened ant visitation, which correlated with decreased herbivory rates, indicating that ant recruitment acts as an effective deterrent. We observed a peak of EFN activity in young leaves, increased foliar toughness in adult leaves, and reduced herbivory on ant-patrolled young leaves. Additionally, E. gracilipes demonstrated tolerance to up to 10% foliar loss with no significant impact on leaf asymmetry, although 50% foliar loss increased asymmetry in newly flushed leaves. These results highlight E. gracilipes’ adaptive flexibility by attracting protective ants when vulnerable and enhancing structural defenses as leaves develops, E. gracilipes minimizes herbivory impact. This study provides valuable insight into the adaptive roles of EFNs and tolerance in E. gracilipes, contributing to a broader understanding of plant defense strategies. Full article

This work presents the design of a novel fully canonical triple-mode filter with source–load coupling for 5G applications, exploiting its very compact size for the FR1 band. The design is carried out using circular waveguide technology to attain power handling and low insertion losses. The fully canonical topology allows for increasing the selectivity of the filter since the number of finite transmission zeros is equal to the order of the filter. Given that this topology needs a source–load coupling level that is not possible to achieve with the classical iris ports, coaxial probes are used as input–output ports. A systematic procedure is developed to obtain the initial geometry before the full-wave optimization. The proof of concept is verified by a manufactured prototype at 3.7 GHz with 1.1% relative bandwidth for high coverage of 5G base stations. The results show an excellent agreement between the simulation and the measurement, validating the triple-mode filter and its underlying design process. Full article

Tunnel fires often lead to vehicles being trapped inside, causing the “blocking effect”. In this work, fire plume behavior and the maximum ceiling temperature rise in a curved tunnel with blocked vehicles under longitudinal ventilation conditions are studied numerically. The results show that, in curved tunnels, the fire plume in the quasi-stable state exhibits dynamic deflections between the concave and convex walls of the tunnel, so the location of high-temperature zones varies accordingly. The flow field structure in the near field of the blockage and the fire source is complex but can be decoupled into four characteristic sub-structures, i.e., the free shear layer, recirculation I above the vehicle blockage, recirculation II behind the downstream of the blockage, and recirculation III at the top of the tunnel. Recirculation I and II pull the fire plume upstream, while free shear layer and recirculation III pull the flame downstream. The final plume deflection direction depends on the relative strengths of these two pulling forces. As the longitudinal air velocity increases, the plume deflection direction changes from downstream to upstream of the fire source, forming the “downstream tilt—touch the ceiling above the fire source—upstream tilt” mode, resulting in the maximum ceiling temperature rise fluctuating in a decreasing-increasing-decreasing trend. Moreover, the higher the blocking ratio, the lower the critical air velocity required to induce the transition of the plume deflection directions, e.g., a critical wind speed of 3 m/s for a blockage ratio of 0.46 and a critical wind speed of 1 m/s for a blockage ratio of 0.62. Finally, a semi-empirical equation of the maximum ceiling temperature rise in curved tunnels, considering both longitudinal wind and the vehicle blocking ratio, is proposed and validated. This work highlights the multi-dimensional and non-stable plume behavior pattern in a complex tunnel fire scenario, thus providing a deeper understanding to improve the classical tunnel fire dynamic system. Full article

The engineering of pore structures has great significance in the development of high-performance carbon-based supercapacitor electrode materials. Herein, we have successfully transformed jujube pits into hierarchical porous carbon (HJPC-4) with excellent capacitive properties via a unique hydrothermal–carbonization–activation strategy. Hydrothermal pretreatment is essential to regulate the supermesoporous and macroporous structure of samples and their superior electrochemical performances. Owing to the large ion-accessible, remarkable supermesoporous and macroporous pore volume, HJPC-4 exhibited ultra-high specific capacitance (6 M KOH: 316 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹; EMIMBF₄: 204 F g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹), excellent rate performance (6 M KOH: 231 F g⁻¹ at 100 A g⁻¹; EMIMBF₄: 154 F g⁻¹ at 30 A g⁻¹), outstanding cycling stability (6 M KOH: the retention rate is 92.11% after 60,000 cycles at 10 A g⁻¹; EMIMBF₄: the retention rate is 80% after 10,000 cycles at 5 A g⁻¹), and ultimate energy/power density up to 91.09 Wh kg⁻¹/24.25 kW kg⁻¹ in EMIMBF₄ two-electrode systems. This work presents unique insights into the effect of the pore structure of carbon-based materials on their capacitive energy storage. Full article

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are increasingly recognized for their potential in robotic applications due to their ability to undergo significant deformation when subjected to an electric field. However, they are often limited by their low output power, which can make their integration into dynamic systems like hopping robots particularly challenging. This research optimizes the performance by introducing a cone DEA with a novel type of semi-diamond preload mechanism. This type of preload mechanism can meet the requirements of a negative-stiffness preload and a light weight. According to the experiments, the DEA can provide 3.62 mW power and its mass is only about 17.5 g. In order to drive hopping robots based on a cone DEA, this research introduces an energy accumulation mechanism coupled with a constant-torque cam for a hopping robot. The hopping robot weighs approximately 30.3 g and stands 10 cm tall in its upright position. Its energy accumulation mechanism involves a gear and cam transmission system, which is the key to store and release energy efficiently. The primary components of this mechanism include a torsion spring that stores mechanical energy when twisted, a constant-torque actuation cam that ensures the consistent application of torque during the energy storage phase, and a conical DEA that acts as an actuator. When the conical DEA is activated, it pushes a one-way clutch to the rocker, rotating the gear and cam mechanism and subsequently twisting the torsion spring to store energy. Upon release, the stored energy in the torsion spring is rapidly converted into kinetic energy, propelling the robot into the air. The experiments reveal that the designed DEA can drive the hopping robot by using the energy storage mechanism. Its hopping height is related to the pre-compression angle of the torsion spring. The DEA can drive the rigid hopping mechanism, and the maximum hopping height of the robot is up to 2.5 times its height. DEA hopping robots have obvious advantages, such as easy control, quietness and safety. Full article

Prime editing (PE) is a CRISPR-based tool for genome engineering that can be applied to generate human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-based disease models. PE technology safely introduces point mutations, small insertions, and deletions (indels) into the genome. It uses a Cas9-nickase (nCas9) fused to a reverse transcriptase (RT) as an editor and a PE guide RNA (pegRNA), which introduces the desired edit with great precision without creating double-strand breaks (DSBs). PE leads to minimal off-targets or indels when introducing single-strand breaks (SSB) in the DNA. Low efficiency can be an obstacle to its use in hiPSCs, especially when the genetic context precludes the screening of multiple pegRNAs, and other strategies must be employed to achieve the desired edit. We developed a PE platform to efficiently generate isogenic models of Mendelian disorders. We introduced the c.25G>A (p.V9M) mutation in the NMNAT1 gene with over 25% efficiency by optimizing the PE workflow. Using our optimized system, we generated other isogenic models of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), including the c.1481C>T (p.T494M) mutation in PRPF3 and the c.6926A>C (p.H2309P) mutation in PRPF8. We modified several determinants of the hiPSC PE procedure, such as plasmid concentrations, PE component ratios, and delivery method settings, showing that our improved workflow increased the hiPSC editing efficiency. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Neuroendocrine expressing goblet cell adenocarcinomas (GCAs) are uncommon clinically aggressive tumours of the digestive system, originating almost exclusively in the ileocecal appendix. GCA’s singularity comes from its amphicrine nature, expressing both neuroendocrine and exocrine characteristics. The case report’s objective is to raise awareness of this neoplasia’s possible extra-appendiceal localisation by showcasing a GCA involving the cecum with no detectable appendiceal tumour. Case Presentation: The authors present a case of GCA with neuroendocrine expression in an 82-year-old male patient with severe anaemia and comorbidities who underwent a right colectomy and had no histopathological evidence of appendiceal tumour involvement. Immunohistochemical testing was performed using synaptophysin, chromogranin A, neuronal specific enolase, CD56, CDX-2, CK20, CEA, MUC2 and Ki67, thus establishing the final diagnosis of high-grade extra-appendiceal goblet-cell adenocarcinoma of the cecum, G3. The patient died on postoperative day 26 due to pneumonia and acute renal failure in a chronic renal disease context. Conclusions: Extremely few cases of extra-appendiceal GCA have been reported. Appendiceal evaluation with the exclusion of this possible origin should be mandatory in such cases for a correct classification. These tumours do not benefit from any official management protocols concerning clinical evaluation, and their treatment is commonly based on the tumour’s stage, as in classical adenocarcinoma. Full article

Global Quality Management System (G-QMS) in System of Systems (SoS) is a pioneering field of research essential for SoS G-organizations, which are characterized by their vast and complex technological systems and multi-organizational structures. Consequently, presenting significant challenges in implementing effective QMS for their operations. This manuscript completes the development of a novel conceptual model for G-QMSs in Sectors of SoS, drawing from extensive field research conducted within real SoS G-organizations employing the Grounded Theory methodology. This proposed model encompasses two foundational supra-entities, with this manuscript primarily dedicated to the second supra-entity, named “G-QMS in SoS”, which essentially represents Quality Management for SoS projects. The G-QMS in SoS model image is conceived through a description of its structural principles, entities architecture and interrelationships, alongside its complementary elements. Furthermore, the interrelationships between the two segment models that constitute G-QMS in Sectors of SoS are elucidated, offering a comprehensive view of the overarching model. Establishing a model for G-QMS in Sectors of SoS that describes the various structures of SoS projects and the G-organizations realizing them, as well as understanding the recommended G-QMS model, is vital as it directly impacts the success level of SoS projects and the effectiveness of the tailored G-QMS in these organizations. Full article

Thirty-seven steroid drugs of different types were investigated in silico for their environmental and pharmacokinetic properties (partition between soil and water, bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms, ability to be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and to cross biological barriers—skin, blood–brain barrier and placenta) using on-line tools and novel QSAR models. The same drugs were studied by Molecular Docking in the context of their ability to interact with two enzymes—glutathione S-transferase (GST) and human N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2), which are involved in the placenta’s protective system against harmful xenobiotics. Steroid drugs are released to the environment from households, hospitals, manufacturing plants and farms (e.g., with natural fertilizers) and they can affect the aquatic life (reproduction and development of aquatic organisms), even at sub-ng/L concentrations. It was established that the majority of studied drugs are mobile in soil, so they may reach surface waters far from point of discharge, e.g., from farming; however, only a few of them are likely to bioaccumulate. All of them can be absorbed orally or through skin, and they are also expected to cross the placenta. Over 30% of studied compounds are likely to pass through the blood–brain barrier (although five compounds in this group are likely P-gp substrates, which may reduce their activity in the central nervous systems); they have also very high affinity for both studied enzymes. Full article

Soil in the karst region usually features high geogenic cadmium (Cd) and limited available phosphorus (P). Appropriate phosphate amendment is crucial for alleviating Cd accumulation in food crops and reducing health risks. However, the interaction of Cd and P in geogenic Cd-rich soil-plant systems is poorly understood. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted to investigate the translocation of Cd in the soil-pepper system under different amendment rates of Ca(H₂PO₄)₂. The results showed that the biomass of pepper was not affected by the application rates of Ca(H₂PO₄)_2, even up to 0.45 g/kg, but was affected by the application of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers. High contents of total Cd (6.19 mg/kg) and bioavailable Cd (2.72 mg/kg, 44%) in the studied soils resulted in elevated Cd content in pepper, and it decreased in the order of root (8.18 mg/kg) > stem (4.89 mg/kg) > fruit (3.88 mg/kg). This indicates that pepper planted in the studied soils may present potential health risks. Furthermore, phosphate amendment neither influences the bioavailable Cd in rhizosphere soil nor Cd uptake and transport in pepper plants. The findings of this study highlight that monocalcium phosphate is not a suitable choice for reducing the accumulation of Cd in pepper fruits in the studied soil and that other remediation strategies are needed. Full article

Background: This research aims to enhance the genomic database of Klebsiella oxytoca by identifying virulence genes through the whole genome sequencing and comparative analysis of a goat-derived K. oxytoca (KOHN1) strain, while clarifying the relationship between its genetic evolution and virulence, ultimately providing a theoretical foundation for clinical prevention and diagnosis. Methods: Third-generation Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing and second-generation Illumina sequencing were used to sequence the strain and analyze the database annotations. Screening for 10 virulence genes was conducted using PCR. Comparative genomic analyses of the strain KOHN1 with four human-derived K. oxytoca model strains were performed using collinearity analysis, taxonomy classification through ANI analysis, and gene function family analysis. Results: The genome size of the KOHN1 strain was 5,817,806 bp, and the GC content was 55.14%. It contained 5227 predicted coding genes, including 25 rRNA genes, 85 tRNA genes, and 53 sRNA genes. A total of 14 type VI secretion system effector proteins and 146 virulence factor-related genes were annotated. Additionally, eight virulence genes—fimA, fimH, entB, mrkD, clpV, rmpA, vgrG, and hcp—were detected through PCR identification. The strain has 448 drug resistance genes, mainly against β-lactams and fosfomycins. Comparative genomic analysis indicated that its closest relation is the human isolate ASM338647. Conclusions: In this study, the whole genome sequence of a goat-derived K. oxytoca (KOHN1) strain was obtained, revealing its evolutionary relationship with domestic and foreign isolates and providing a reference for future studies on the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and the pathogenicity of K. oxytoca. Full article

In this paper, the need for a quantum computing approach is analyzed for IoT applications using the 5G resource spectrum. Most of the IoT devices are connected for data transmission to end users with remote monitoring units, but there are no sufficient data storage units, and more data cannot be processed at minimized time periods. Hence, in the proposed method, quantum information processing protocols and quantum algorithms are integrated where data transmissions are maximized. Further, the system model is designed in such a way for checking the external influence factors that prevent the IoT device from transmitting data to end users. Therefore, with corresponding signal and noise power, it is essential to process the transmissions, thereby increasing data proportions at end connectivity. Once quantum computations are performed, then it is crucial to normalize IoT data units, thus establishing control over entire connected nodes that create a gateway for achieving maximum throughput. The combined system model is tested under four cases where the comparative outcomes prove that with reduced queue reductions of 12%, it is possible to achieve a maximum throughput of 99%. Full article

Background: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common valvular disorder linked to high morbidity and mortality. For patients unsuitable for surgery, transcatheter mitral edge-to-edge repair (TEER) with the MitraClip^® G4 system offers an alternative. This study aims to evaluate procedural, echocardiographic, functional, and quality of life (QoL) outcomes in patients who underwent TEER with the MitraClip^® G4 system, along with possible predictors of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I at 30 days and at 1 year. Methods: Patients with moderate-to-severe (3+) or severe (4+) degenerative MR (DMR) or functional MR (FMR), classified as NYHA class III or IV, and who underwent TEER with the MitraClip^® G4 system at our center between January 2021 and December 2023 were included. Results: A total of 83 patients [71% FMR, 66% male, median (IQR) age 70 (11) years] underwent TEER, with 100% procedural success. MR ≤ 2+ was achieved in 100% and 98% of patients at 30 days and 1 year, respectively. NYHA class I or II was achieved in 100% and 96.8% of patients at 30 days and 1 year, respectively. The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) score improved from 51 ± 20 at baseline to 69 ± 15 at 30 days (p < 0.001) and 70.5 ± 15 at 1 year (p < 0.001). Lower baseline N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) predicted achieving NYHA class I at 30 days (HR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.41–0.95, p = 0.030), while lower European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II (EuroSCORE II) and NT-proBNP predicted it at 1 year [(HR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.28–0.89, p = 0.019), (HR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.44–0.99, p = 0.049), respectively]. Conclusions: The MitraClip^® G4 system provides significant improvements in MR severity, functional class, and QoL. Lower NT-proBNP and EuroSCORE II were strong predictors of achieving optimal functional status (NYHA class I). Full article

Anthocyanins are responsible for grape (Vitis vinifera L.) skin color. To obtain a more detailed understanding of the anthocyanin regulatory networks across’ the summer and winter seasons in grapes under a double-cropping viticulture system, the transcriptomes of ‘Summer Black’ grapes were analyzed using RNA sequencing. The average daily temperature during the harvest stage in the summer crop, ranging from 26.18 °C to 32.98 °C, was higher than that in the winter crop, ranging from 11.03 °C to 23.90 °C. Grapes from the winter crop accumulated a greater content of anthocyanins than those from the summer crop, peaking in the harvest stage (E-L38) with 207.51 mg·100 g⁻¹. Among them, malvidin-3-O-glucoside (Mv-3-G) had the highest monomer content, accounting for 32%. The content of Cy-3-G during winter increased by 55% compared to summer. KEGG analysis indicated that the flavonoid biosynthesis and circadian rhythm—plant pathways are involved in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis during fruit development. Pearson’s coefficient showed significant positive correlations between anthocyanin content and the VvDFR, VvUFGT, VvOMT, VvMYB, and VvbHLH genes in the winter crop; at full veraison stage, their expressions were 1.34, 1.98, 1.28, 1.17, and 1.34 times greater than in summer, respectively. The higher expression of VvUFGT and VvOMT led to higher contents of Cy-3-G and Mv-3-G in the winter berries, respectively. Full article

Retinoic acid (RA) plays a critical role in initiating meiosis in primordial germ cells (PGC), yet the specific mechanisms of its interaction with PGC remain unclear. In this study, we used an in vitro feeder-free culture system with chicken PGC as a model to explore the mechanisms by which RA induces the entry of PGC into meiosis. Results demonstrated that exogenous RA treatment altered the cell cycle distribution of PGC, significantly increasing the proportion of cells in the G1 phase and decreasing those in the G2 phase, suggesting that RA may promote the transition of PGC from proliferation to differentiation. Giemsa staining further revealed that chromosomes in a subset of RA-treated PGC exhibited meiotic characteristics. Through combined RNA-seq and ATAC-seq analyses, we identified that CYP26A1, a gene involved in RA degradation, was significantly upregulated in the RA-treated group, with enhanced accessibility in its chromatin regions. This finding suggests a robust mechanism for self-regulation of RA levels within PGC, indicating that CYP26A1 may play a pivotal role in the degradation of exogenous RA in chicken PGC. This study elucidated the effects of RA on chicken PGC and provided new insights into the role of RA in germ cell differentiation. Full article