Search Results (10,693)

To promote the large-scale utilization of construction and industrial solid waste in engineering, this study focuses on developing accurate prediction and optimization methods for the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of composite recycled mortar. Innovatively incorporating three types of recycled powder (RP)—recycled clay brick powder (RCBS), recycled concrete powder (RCBP), and recycled gypsum powder (RCGP)—we systematically investigated the effects of RP type, replacement rate, and curing period on mortar UCS. The core objective and novelty lie in establishing and comparing three artificial intelligence models for high-precision UCS prediction. Furthermore, leveraging GA-BP’s functional extremum optimization theory, we determined the optimal UCS alongside its corresponding mix proportion and curing scheme, with experimental validation of the solution reliability. Key findings include the following: (1) Increasing total RP content significantly reduces mortar UCS; the maximum UCS is achieved with a 1:1 blend ratio of RCBP:RCGP, while a 20% RCBS replacement rate and extended curing periods markedly enhance strength. (2) Among the prediction models, GA-BP demonstrates superior performance, significantly outperforming BP models with both single and double hidden layer. (3) The functional extremum optimization results exhibit high consistency with experimental validation, showing a relative error below 10%, confirming the method’s effectiveness and engineering applicability. Full article

TasA gene, encoding a functional amyloid protein critical for biofilm formation and antimicrobial activity, was cloned from the endophytic strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BS-3, isolated from rubber tree roots. This study identified the shortest functional TasA variant (483 bp, 160 aa) reported to date, featuring unique amino acid substitutions in conserved domains. Bioinformatics analysis predicted a signal peptide (1–27 aa) and transmembrane domain (7–29 aa), which were truncated to optimize heterologous expression. Two prokaryotic vectors (pET28a and pCZN1) were constructed, with pCZN1-TasA expressed solubly in Escherichia coli Arctic Express at 15 °C, while pET28a-TasA formed inclusion bodies at 37 °C. Purified recombinant TasA exhibited potent antifungal activity, achieving 98.6% ± 1.09 inhibition against Colletotrichum acutatum, 64.77% ± 1.34 against Alternaria heveae. Notably, TasA completely suppressed spore germination in C. acutatum and Oidium heveae Steinmannat 60 μg/mL. Structural analysis via AlphaFold3 revealed that truncation enhanced protein stability. These findings highlight BS-3-derived TasA as a promising biocontrol agent, providing molecular insights for developing protein-based biopesticides against rubber tree pathogens. Full article

We investigate serval models for two scalar fields in one space dimension with topologically stable solitons that are constructed from BPS equations. The asymptotic behavior of these solitons fully determines their classical energies. A particular feature of the considered models is that there are several translationally invariant ground states that we call primary and secondary vacua. The former are those that are asymptotically assumed by the solitons. Solitons that occupy a secondary vacuum in finite but eventually large portions of space are classically degenerate. Thus the quantum contributions to the energies are decisive for the energetically favored soliton. While some of these solitons were constructed previously, we, for the first time, compute the leading (one-loop) quantum contribution their energies. In all cases considered we find that this contribution is not bounded from below and that it is the more negative the larger the region is in which the soliton approaches a secondary vacuum. This corroborates the conjecture, earlier inferred from the Shifman-Voloshin soliton, that the availability of secondary vacua destabilizes these solitons on the quantum level. Full article

Telomeres are terminal regions of chromosomes that protect and stabilize chromosome structures. Telomeres are usually composed of specific DNA repeats (motifs) that are maintained by telomerase and a complex of specific proteins. Telomeric DNA sequences are generally highly conserved throughout the evolution of different groups of eukaryotes. The most common motif in insects is TTAGG, but it is not universal, including in the large order Hemiptera. In particular, several derived telomeric motifs were identified in this order by analyzing chromosome-level genome assemblies or by FISH screening the chromosomes of target species. Here, we analyzed chromosome-level genome assemblies of 16 species from three hemipteran suborders, including Sternorrhyncha (Coccoidea: Planococcus citri, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae, and Trionymus diminutus; Aphidoidea: Tuberolachnus salignus, Metopolophium dirhodum, Rhopalosiphum padi, and Schizaphis graminum), Auhenorrhyncha (Cicadomorpha: Allygus modestus, Arthaldeus pascuellus, Aphrophora alni, Cicadella viridis, Empoasca decipiens, and Ribautiana ulmi), and Heteroptera (Gerromorpha: Gerris lacustris; Pentatomomorpha: Aradus depressus and A. truncatus). In addition, scaffold-level genome assemblies of three more species of Heteroptera (Gerromorpha: Gerris buenoi, Microvelia longipes, and Hermatobates lingyangjiaoensis) were examined. The presumably ancestral insect motif TTAGG was found at the ends of chromosomes of all species studied using chromosome-level genome assembly analysis, with four exceptions. In Aphrophora alni, we detected sequences of 4 bp repeats of TGAC, which were tentatively identified as a telomeric motif. In Gerris lacustris, from the basal true bug infraorder Gerromorpha, we found a 10 bp motif TTAGAGGTGG, previously unknown not only in Heteroptera or Hemiptera but also in Arthropoda in general. Blast screening of the scaffold-level assemblies showed that TTAGAGGTGG is also likely to be a telomeric motif in G. buenoi and Microvelia. longipes, while the results obtained for H. lingyangjiaoensis were inconclusive. In A. depressus and A. truncatus from the basal for Pentatomomorpha family Aradidae, we found a 10 bp motif TTAGGGATGG. While the available data allowed us to present two alternative hypotheses about the evolution of telomeric motifs in Heteroptera, further data are needed to verify them, especially for the yet unstudied basal infraorders Enicocephalomorpha, Dipsocoromorpha, and Leptopodomorpha. Full article

Bladder cancer pathogenesis is closely linked to epigenetic alterations, particularly DNA methylation and demethylation processes. Environmental carcinogens and persistent inflammatory stimuli—such as recurrent urinary tract infections—can induce aberrant DNA methylation, altering gene expression profiles and contributing to malignant transformation. This review synthesizes current evidence on the role of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1, DNMT3a, DNMT3b) and the hypermethylation of key tumour suppressor genes, including A2BP1, NPTX2, SOX11, PENK, NKX6-2, DBC1, MYO3A, and CA10, in bladder cancer. It also evaluates the therapeutic application of DNA-demethylating agents such as 5-azacytidine and highlights the impact of chronic inflammation on epigenetic regulation. Promoter hypermethylation of tumour suppressor genes leads to transcriptional silencing and unchecked cell proliferation. Urine-based DNA methylation assays provide a sensitive and specific method for non-invasive early detection, with single-target approaches offering high diagnostic precision. Animal models are increasingly employed to validate these findings, allowing the study of methylation dynamics and gene–environment interactions in vivo. DNA methylation represents a key epigenetic mechanism in bladder cancer, with significant diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications. Integration of human and experimental data supports the use of methylation-based biomarkers for early detection and targeted treatment, paving the way for personalized approaches in bladder cancer management. Full article

The matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family includes several membrane-bound enzymes. Membrane-type 5 matrix metalloproteinase (MT5-MMP) is unique amongst the MMP family in being primarily expressed in the brain and during development. It is proposed to contribute to synaptic plasticity and is implicated in several pathologies, including multiple cancers and Alzheimer’s disease. In cancer, MT5-MMP expression has been correlated to cancer progression, but a distinct mechanistic role has yet to be uncovered. In Alzheimer’s disease, MT5-MMP exhibits pro-amyloidogenic activity, functioning as an η-secretase that cleaves amyloid precursor protein (APP), ultimately generating two synaptotoxic fragments, Aη-α and Aη-β. Several intracellular binding partners for MT5-MMP have been identified, and of these, N4BP2L1, EIG121, BIN1, or TMX3 binding to MT5-MMP results in a significant increase in MT5-MMP η-secretase activity. Beyond direct effects on APP, MT5-MMP may also facilitate APP trafficking to endosomal/lysosomal compartments and enhance proinflammatory responses. Overall, the substrate profile of MT5-MMP has not been well defined, and selective inhibitors of MT5-MMP have not been described. These advances will be needed for further consideration of MT5-MMP as a therapeutic target in Alzheimer’s disease and other pathologies. Full article

Complete mitochondrial DNA genome annotation of an ecologically and commercially important fish species Cirrhinus cirrhosus was executed with next-generation sequencing (NGS) for nucleotide and phylogenetic analyses. The findings of this study showed that the Cirrhinus cirrhosus mitochondrial genome contained 16,593 bp, including 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and a D-loop region. The overall base composition was 32% adenine, 25% thiamine, 16% guanine, and 27% cytosine. This mitochondrial DNA exhibits an AT biasness, with 56% AT content in its genome. Significant fluctuations were identified in the AT and GC skew values of the ND6 gene, indicating that the selection and mutation forces acting on this gene might be different from those acting on other genes. The Ka/Ks ratios of most protein-coding genes were less than 1, indicating very strong natural selection pressure. Phylogenetic analysis of Cirrhinus cirrhosus with Cirrhinus mrigala and Bangana tungting suggested a closer evolutionary relationship among these species, which might have shared a more recent common ancestor. It has been also found that the genera Labeo and Cirrhinus are not monophyletic. Full article

The barbel chub (Squaliobarbus curriculus) exhibits remarkable resistance to grass carp reovirus (GCRV), a devastating pathogen in aquaculture. To reveal the molecular basis of this resistance, we investigated complement factor D (DF)—a rate-limiting serine protease governing alternative complement pathway activation. Molecular cloning revealed that the barbel chub DF (ScDF) gene encodes a 1251-bp cDNA sequence translating into a 250-amino acid protein. Crucially, bioinformatic characterization identified a unique N-glycosylation site at Asn¹³⁹ in ScDF, representing a structural divergence absent in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) DF (CiDF). While retaining a conserved Tryp_SPc domain harboring the catalytic triad (His⁶¹, Asp¹⁰⁹, and Ser²⁰⁴) and substrate-binding residues (Asp¹⁹⁸, Ser²¹⁹, and Gly²²¹), sequence and phylogenetic analyses confirmed ScDF’s evolutionary conservation, displaying 94.4% amino acid identity with CiDF and clustering within the Cyprinidae. Expression profiling revealed constitutive ScDF dominance in the liver, and secondary prominence was observed in the heart. Upon GCRV challenge in S. curriculus kidney (SCK) cells, ScDF transcription surged to a 438-fold increase versus uninfected controls at 6 h post-infection (hpi; p < 0.001)—significantly preceding the 168-hpi response peak documented for CiDF in grass carp. Functional validation showed that ScDF overexpression suppressed key viral capsid genes (VP2, VP5, and VP7) and upregulated the interferon regulator IRF9. Moreover, recombinant ScDF protein incubation induced interferon pathway genes and complement C3 expression. Collectively, ScDF’s rapid early induction (peaking at 6 hpi) and multi-pathway coordination may contribute to barbel chub’s GCRV resistance. These findings may provide molecular insights into the barbel chub’s high GCRV resistance compared to grass carp and novel perspectives for anti-GCRV breeding strategies in fish. Full article

The growth of urban and industrial areas is accompanied by an increase in vehicle traffic, resulting in rising concentrations of various air pollutants. This is a global issue that causes environmental damage and risks to human health. The dataset presented in this research contains records with measurements of the air pollutants ozone (O₃) and carbon monoxide (CO), as well as meteorological parameters such as temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), and barometric pressure (BP). This dataset was collected using a set of low-cost sensors over a four-month study period (March to June) in 2024. The monitoring of air pollutants and meteorological parameters was conducted in a city with high industrial activity, heavy traffic, and close proximity to a petrochemical refinery plant. The data were subjected to a series of statistical analyses for visualization using plots that allow for the identification of their behavior. Finally, the dataset can be utilized for air quality studies, public health research, and the development of prediction models based on mathematical approaches or artificial intelligence algorithms. Full article

Given the environmental significance of the textile industry, especially the accumulation of nondegradable materials, there is extensive development of greener approaches to fabric waste management. Here, we investigated the biodegradation potential of three Streptomyces strains in model compost on polyamide (PA) and polyamide-elastane (PA-EA) as synthetic, and on cotton (CO) as natural textile materials. Weight change of the materials was followed, while Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze surface changes of the materials upon biodegradation. The bioluminescence-based toxicity test employing Aliivibrio fischeri confirmed the ecological safety of the tested textiles. After 12 months, the increase of 10 and 16% weight loss, of PA-EA and PA, respectively, was observed in compost augmented with Streptomyces sp. BPS43. Additionally, a 14% increase in cotton degradation was recorded after 2 months in compost augmented with Streptomyces sp. NP10. Genome exploration of the strains was carried out for potential plastic-degrading enzymes. It highlighted BPS43 as the most versatile strain with specific amidases that show sequence identity to UMG-SP-1, UMG-SP-2, and UMG-SP-3 (polyurethane degrading enzymes identified from compost metagenome). Our results showcase the behavior of Streptomyces sp. BPS43 in the degradation of PA and PA-EA textiles in composting conditions, with enzymatic potential that could be further characterized and optimized for increased synthetic textile degradation. Full article

Plant mitochondrial genomes are characterized by their complex compositions and structures, large genomes, rapid recombination and evolution rates, and frequent intracellular gene transfer events. Centipedegrass, known as “Chinese turfgrass”, is a warm-season turfgrass that exhibits excellent tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. The chloroplast genome, with 139,107 bp, and the mitochondrial genome, with 564,432 bp, were both assembled into a single circular structure. We identified 44 gene transfer events between the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes. The mitochondrial gene cox1 could serve as a marker for distinguishing accessions found at different altitudes. The unique features of the centipedegrass mitochondrial genome, coupled with the comparative genomic analysis of both chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes, have the potential to enrich the Poaceae database and provide crucial perspectives on plant evolution, energy metabolism, and responses to environmental conditions. The markers developed could facilitate the analysis of the genetic diversity of centipedegrass. Full article

Background/Objectives: Anti-p200 pemphigoid is a rare and likely underdiagnosed autoimmune blistering disorder. Laminin γ1 and laminin β4 have been implicated as potential target antigens in its pathogenesis. Recently, a novel indirect immunofluorescence assay targeting anti-laminin β4 antibodies has been developed, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity, and offering a valuable tool for improved diagnosis. Methods: Of the 451 patients, 21 were selected for further laboratory analysis based on medical records. Sera from 10 patients, which showed a positive direct immunofluorescence (DIF) result and negative results in multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and/or mosaic six-parameter indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) for various autoimmune bullous diseases, were tested for the presence of anti-laminin β4 antibodies. Additionally, sera from 11 patients with positive DIF and positive ELISA for antibodies against BP180 and/or BP230 were analyzed. Results: Among the 10 patients with positive DIF and negative ELISA and/or mosaic six-parameter IIF, 6 sera were positive for anti-laminin β4 antibodies. These patients presented with atypical clinical features. In contrast, all 11 sera from patients with both positive DIF and positive ELISA for BP180 and/or BP230 were negative for anti-laminin β4 antibodies. Conclusions: In patients with a positive DIF result but negative ELISA and/or mosaic six-parameter IIF findings, testing for anti-laminin β4 antibodies should be considered. Furthermore, in cases presenting with atypical clinical features—such as acral distribution of lesions, intense pruritus, or erythematous–edematous plaques—the possibility of anti-p200 pemphigoid should be included in the differential diagnosis. Full article

The red plant phenotype of R1 cotton is a genetic marker produced by light-induced anthocyanin accumulation. GhPAP1D controls this trait. There are two 228 bp tandem repeats upstream of GhPAP1D in R1 cotton. In this study, GUS staining assays in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. demonstrated that tandem repeats in the GhPAP1D promoter-enhanced transcriptional activity. GhPAP1D is a homolog of A. thaliana AtPAP1. AtPAP1’s expression is regulated by photomorphogenesis-related transcription factors such as AtHY5 and AtBBXs. We identified the homologs of A. thaliana AtHY5, AtBBX21, and AtBBX24 in R1 cotton, designated as GhHY5, GhBBX21, and GhBBX24, respectively. Y1H assays confirmed that GhHY5, GhBBX21, and GhBBX24 each bound to the GhPAP1D promoter. Dual-luciferase reporter assays revealed that GhHY5 weakly activated the promoter activity of GhPAP1D. Heterologous expression assays in A. thaliana indicated that GhBBX21 promoted anthocyanin accumulation, whereas GhBBX24 had the opposite effect. Dual-luciferase assays showed GhBBX21 activated GhPAP1D transcription, while GhBBX24 repressed it. Further study indicated that GhHY5 did not enhance GhBBX21-mediated transcriptional activation of GhPAP1D but alleviates GhBBX24-induced repression. Together, our results demonstrate that GhBBX21 and GhBBX24 antagonistically regulate anthocyanin accumulation in R1 cotton under GhHY5 mediation, providing insights into light-responsive anthocyanin biosynthesis in cotton. Full article

Molecular chaperones, especially heat shock proteins (HSPs) have vital functions in cells’ responses to stress. Here, we cloned and sequenced the complete complementary DNA encoding HSP90 (MjHSP90) from the shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus. The MjHSP90 cDNA comprised 3162 bp, including a 2172 bp coding region encoding a 724 amino acid-protein (predicted molecular mass = 83.12 kDa). Homology and phylogenetic analyses showed that MjHSP90 was highly conserved and most homologous to Litopenaeus vannamei HSP90. MjHSP90 is expressed in all tested tissues, with high expression in gill tissue and the hepatopancreas. Cold stress significantly upregulated MjHSP90 expression in the gill and hepatopancreas (p < 0.05). Following RNA interference knockdown of MjHSP90, the cold stress-related death rate of the shrimp increased significantly, accompanied by significantly upregulated expression of apoptosis-related genes Mjcaspase-3 and Mjbcl-2 (p < 0.05) and an increase in the number of apoptotic cells. The results indicated that MjHSP90 might play a pivotal role in the shrimp’s immune response to cold stress. Full article

Oil and gas development is characterized by high technical complexity, strong interdisciplinarity, long investment cycles, and significant uncertainty. To meet the need for quick evaluation of overseas oilfield projects with limited data and experience, this study develops an analogy indicator system and tests multiple machine-learning algorithms on two analogy tasks to identify the optimal method. Using an initial set of basic indicators and a database of 1436 oilfield samples, a combined subjective–objective weighting strategy that integrates statistical methods with expert judgment is used to select, classify, and assign weights to the indicators. This process results in 26 key indicators for practical analogy analysis. Single-indicator and whole-asset analogy experiments are then performed with five standard machine-learning algorithms—support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), backpropagation neural network (BP), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), and decision tree (DT). Results show that SVM achieves classification accuracies of 86% and 95% in medium-high permeability sandstone oilfields, respectively, greatly surpassing other methods. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed indicator system and methodology, providing efficient and objective technical support for evaluating and making decisions on overseas oilfield development projects. Full article