Search Results (4,902)

Potassium (K⁺) is a vital macronutrient for plant growth and stress resilience, with KT/HAK/KUP transporters playing a central role in its homeostasis. Although these transporters are known to influence photosynthesis, the molecular mechanisms by which fertilization promotes assimilate accumulation in peach crops remain poorly understood. In this study, 17 PpHAK genes were identified based on the peach genome and classified into four distinct clades through phylogenetic analysis, a classification further supported by conserved gene structures and motifs. Interspecific collinearity analysis revealed that transporters are highly conserved among Rosaceae species. Physiological measurements demonstrated that foliar application significantly enhanced photosynthetic capacity, as evidenced by a 33% increase in net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and improved photoelectron yield (Y(II)). At the same time, the transcript levels of the transporters PpHAK1, PpHAK5, and PpHAK9 were significantly upregulated, as confirmed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. Furthermore, the expression of genes involved in sugar metabolism and transport, particularly PpPLT5-1, was significantly induced. Collectively, these results indicate that foliar K⁺ application enhances photosynthesis and promotes assimilate accumulation by modulating the expression of both K⁺ and sugar transporters. These findings offer a theoretical basis for optimizing nutrient management to improve fruit quality in stone fruit production. Full article

Photosynthetic algae–microbial fuel cells (PAMFCs) are attractive for energy-positive wastewater treatment and carbon mitigation. However, PAMFC performance under continuous flow is often constrained by limited cathodic electron-acceptor supply and unstable photosynthetic biofilms, while the extent to which cathode interfacial engineering can stabilize diurnal power output and assimilative NH₄⁺–N removal remains unclear. In this study, the sponge-like and petal-like ZnO_0.2-NiO@rGO-modified carbon fibers (ZnO_0.2-NiO@rGO-pCFs and ZnO_0.2-NiO@rGO-pCFp) and pre-fabricated carbon felt (pCF) were used as cathode materials to construct three sets of PAMFC systems. Under light–dark cycling, the engineered cathodes reached steady operation within about 6.5 d and increased the steady-state voltage to approximately 0.35 V, compared with approximately 0.08 V for pCF. Under continuous-flow conditions, cathodic NH₄⁺–N removal exhibited a stable diurnal rhythm, with higher removal during illumination at about 43–51% than in the dark at about 29–30%, consistent with algal assimilation as the primary nitrogen sink, while cathode modification mainly improved the cathodic microenvironment and response stability. Compared with pCF, the ZnO_0.2–NiO@rGO cathode enriched a more even, Chlorophyta-dominated algal biofilm with an approximate relative abundance of 80%, indicating that its selective interfacial environment favors biofilm stabilization and sustains in situ oxygen production and cathodic electron-acceptor supply. Consequently, the composite cathode enhanced voltage output and stabilized light-enhanced, assimilative NH₄⁺–N removal under aeration-free operation, while establishing an interpretable link between electrochemical performance and 18S rDNA-derived community assembly features, thereby providing a low-cost cathode design basis for nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment. Full article

The carnauba palm trees in the Caatinga ecosystem, in Northeast Brazil, have been impacted by invasive species, particularly in areas subject to flooding. This study aimed to evaluate morphological, physiological, and nutritional responses of Copernicia prunifera (native) and Cryptostegia madagascariensis (invasive) seedlings exposed to flooding stress. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design, with a split-plot arrangement and five replicates. The treatments were formed by two species and five periods of flood stress (0, 8, 12, 16, and 20 days). Flooding significantly reduced shoot dry mass in both species; however, the reduction was more pronounced in the invasive species (27%) compared to the native palm (20%). The invasive species showed strong use of resources, with higher values for leaf mineral nutrient, net photosynthesis, growth rate, and leaf area, regardless of the water regime. Under flooding, the invasive species produced adventitious roots, and the net photosynthetic rate was less impacted, despite greater sodium accumulation in the leaves. The results indicate that the characteristics of C. prunifera, such as slow growth rate, low specific leaf area, and morphological adaptations of the root system, may ensure greater stability in net carbon assimilation in the whole plant under flooding. However, the rapid growth and high absorption of soil resources of C. madagascariensis pose a significant threat to the establishment of C. prunifera seedlings, directly jeopardizing the long-term renewal of carnauba palm groves in the Caatinga ecosystem. Full article

Enhancing rice yield under high-input systems increasingly relies on optimizing physiological processes rather than further increasing external inputs. This study aimed to clarify the physiological basis underlying the yield advantage of super hybrid rice, focusing on photosynthetic capacity and assimilate transport. We compared super hybrid rice (Yliangyou 3218 and Yliangyou 5867) with super conventional rice (Zhendao 11 and Nanjing 9108) under field conditions in 2023–2024. Super hybrid rice consistently outperformed super conventional rice, with grain yield 19.7% higher in 2023 and 23.7% higher in 2024, primarily due to an increased number of spikelets per panicle, and grain yield was also positively correlated with photosynthetic capacity (net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, maximum carboxylation rate, maximum electron transport rate and triose phosphate utilization rate). In 2024, spikelets per panicle and grain yield were also positively associated with phloem soluble sugar and vascular bundle number, indicating that enhanced assimilate transport contributed to higher spikelet formation. These results demonstrate that, compared to super conventional rice, the yield advantage of super hybrid rice is underpinned by coordinated enhancement of photosynthesis and assimilate transport, highlighting the importance of source–sink optimization for further yield improvement. Full article

Background: Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is rapidly permeating healthcare; yet, U.S. clinicians still report mixed feelings about its reliability, impact on workflow, and ethical implications. Current data on provider sentiment are needed to guide safe, patient-centered AI implementation in healthcare. Objective: This study aimed to assess U.S. healthcare providers’ perceptions of generative AI adoption, perceived usefulness, training needs, barriers, and strategies for safe integration. Methods: A nationwide, IRB-approved, cross-sectional survey was administered to healthcare professionals using Qualtrics. A convenience sample of clinicians was recruited via professional listservs and e-mail invitations. The 20-page questionnaire captured demographics, GenAI exposure, organizational adoption status, perceived usefulness (5-point scale), barriers, and mitigation strategies. SPSS v27 and Microsoft Excel were used for statistical analysis. Results: Of 130 respondents, 109 completed the core survey (completion rate 83.8%). Participants were 38.5% physicians, 16.5% nurses, 12.8% allied professionals, and 32.2% other providers; 54.2% were women, and 64.8% were ≥50 years. Overall, 86.9% agreed that GenAI is useful in current patient care, rising to 92.9% when asked about future usefulness. Only 42.4% had received formal GenAI training, and just 23.2% reported that their organization had begun adopting AI. The top perceived benefits were improved documentation/clerking (57.0%) and error reduction (49.4%). Dominant barriers included limited AI knowledge (24.7%) and fear of job loss (16.9%). Despite concerns, 72% expressed willingness to support broader GenAI adoption, favoring human oversight (67.1%) and staff training (60.8%) as key safeguards. There were statistically significant findings in perceived AI usefulness by gender (χ² = 29.2; p < 0.001); organizational adoption of AI (χ² = 31.6.2; p = 0.047) and where AI is most useful (χ² = 101.1; p < 0.001) by qualifications; and support for AI adoption by age (χ² = 18.0; p = 0.02). Conclusions: U.S. clinicians in our survey viewed GenAI as useful but reported limited training and organizational infrastructure needed for confident use while also expressing concerns regarding data privacy and ethical risk. Education programs and transparent, provider-led implementation strategies may accelerate responsible GenAI assimilation while addressing ethical and workforce concerns. Also, health administrators should use the efficiency gains to improve provider–patient relationships and clinicians’ work–life balance while reducing clinician burnout rates. Full article

Drought and elevated temperature are major abiotic stresses that limit potato growth and productivity; however, their combined effects on biomass and oxidative damage to proteins remain poorly understood. We investigated individual and interactive effects of drought and elevated temperature on growth traits, yield, protein carbonylation, 20S proteasome activity, and the leaf proteome. Results show that while an elevated temperature alone did not significantly impair vegetative biomass or yield, it markedly intensified the negative impacts of drought during simultaneous exposure. Drought and combined stress substantially reduced stem and leaf mass, as well as assimilation area. Biochemically, drought induced protein carbonylation and stimulated 20S proteasome activity. Interestingly, elevated temperature reduced carbonylation and proteasome activity, yet its presence in combined stress exacerbated oxidative damage compared to drought. Proteomic analysis revealed stress-specific carbonylation of molecular chaperones, antioxidant enzymes, and proteins involved in photosynthesis, glycolysis, and energy metabolism. These results suggest that while potato plants exhibit resilience to moderately elevated temperature, the synergistic effect of heat and drought triggers a more severe oxidative challenge. This requires enhanced proteolytic and antioxidant mechanisms to maintain growth and productivity under complex stress conditions. Full article

China’s stringent clean air policies have substantially reduced nitrogen oxides (NO_x) emissions, leading to a general decline in nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). However, surface ozone (O₃) pollution remains severe, creating a complex challenge due to the non-linear relationship between O₃ and its precursors. To disentangle the drivers behind these trends, this study quantifies the impacts of interannual variations in top-down constrained NO_x emissions on surface NO₂ and O₃ concentrations from 2014 to 2021 across mainland China and five national urban agglomerations. We employed the WRF-CMAQ model with a fixed-emission simulation approach, using an observationally optimized NO_x emission inventory derived from the assimilation of surface NO₂ measurements. Results reveal that NO₂ reductions were predominantly emission-driven (>80% post-2017), with declines most pronounced in winter. A strong linear consistency was found between interannual changes in top-down NO_x emissions and attributed NO₂ concentration variations, validating the methodology. In contrast, O₃ responses to NO_x reductions were spatially and seasonally heterogeneous, reflecting a non-linear photochemical regime. In major urban agglomerations (e.g., Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH), Yangtze River Delta (YRD), Pearl River Delta (PRD)), NO_x reductions post-2018 showed limited effectiveness in mitigating summertime O₃ and even increased O₃ in spring and autumn, indicating a prevalent VOC-sensitive regime where NO_x reduction can disinhibit O₃ formation. Conversely, certain provinces (e.g., Anhui, Shanxi, Jilin) exhibited O₃ decreases, suggesting a NO_x-sensitive regime. The area benefiting from NO_x reductions expanded steadily in summer after 2017 but not in other seasons. This study confirms the efficacy of NO_x-focused policies for reducing primary NO₂ pollution but highlights that mitigating persistent O₃ requires a strategic shift to synergistic, region-specific control of volatile organic compounds alongside NO_x, informed by local chemical sensitivity. Full article

Kelp transplantation is a nature-based strategy aimed at restoring coastal habitat integrity and marine biodiversity. However, its functional consequences for trophic integration within benthic food webs remain poorly understood. Using δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N stable isotope analyses, we evaluated how Undaria pinnatifida transplantation alters consumer trophic structures and isotopic niche characteristics in Oeyeondo, South Korea. While basal source remained isotopically uniform across sites, the introduction of U. pinnatifida triggered significant isotopic shifts in consumers, reflecting a reorganization of carbon assimilation pathways. At the transplanted site, herbivores exhibited significantly enriched δ¹³C values (−14.7 ± 2.0‰ to −13.2 ± 0.3‰) compared to the control site (−19.3 ± 1.2‰), indicating direct assimilation of kelp-derived carbon. Conversely, grazers showed depleted δ¹³C values (−20.6 ± 0.6‰) reflecting a shift toward alternative benthic resources. Isotopic niche metrics revealed a broader community-level niche width at the transplanted site, driven by increased resource diversity and niche partitioning. These findings demonstrate that kelp transplantation effectively restructures benthic food web dynamics by providing new energy pathways, offering a robust functional framework for evaluating marine forest restoration success. Full article

Nitrogen (N) availability is a critical determinant of grain yield and protein quality in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying nitrogen response associated with nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), a comparative transcriptomic analysis of high grain protein content (HP) and low grain protein content (LP) wheat lines during N resupply at the seedling stage is conducted in this study, with sampling conducted at T1 (one day after treatment) and T3 (three days after treatment). Our results reveal that the HP line exhibits an early-responsive and well-coordinated metabolic pattern, whereas the LP line shows a distinct temporal response characterized by delayed adjustments. Integrated GSEA and KEGG analyses demonstrated that the HP line prioritized protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum and diterpenoid biosynthesis, potentially associated with enhanced protein quality control and early signaling efficacy. This allows the HP line to synchronize its N assimilation machinery with the transient peak of N availability at T1 and establishes a robust foundation for protein accumulation. Conversely, the LP line redirected its metabolic resources toward glutathione metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis to mitigate N-induced oxidative instability. This metabolic shift increases the energetic usage required for antioxidant defense and subsequently deviates resources away from productive N assimilation. These divergent metabolic landscapes were orchestrated by a hierarchical network of transcription factors (TFs). In leaves, the MYB and NAC families showed a more disciplined and immediate increase in the HP line, whereas the LP line demonstrated a delayed peak at T3. In root tissues, while Dof and NAC families were rapidly induced and concluded in the HP line, the LP line exhibited a sluggish sensing-to-response mechanism with prolonged or specific late-stage activation at T3. These results indicate that the capacity for rapid metabolic synchronization and disciplined transcriptomic mobilization is a key physiological indicator of high-protein potential in wheat. This insight provides essential molecular targets for breeding programs aimed at improving NUE and grain quality. Full article

Olive tree cultivation occupies a central place in Algerian agriculture and is of considerable economic and cultural importance. Several production factors strongly influence the quality of olive oil. Among the determinants of this quality, the vegetative growth of the olive tree plays a crucial role, as it controls photosynthetic capacity, the distribution of assimilates, and fruit filling. These physiological mechanisms directly influence oil percentage, as well as fatty acid and phenolic compound compositions, and consequently, sensory characteristics such as bitterness and pungency. This study examines the quantitative relationships between vegetative growth, chemical parameters, and sensory attribute interactions that are still poorly understood using seven representative olive cultivars: local varieties (Chemlal, Bouchouk Lafayette, Blanquette de Guelma, Sigoise, and Limli) and European varieties (Frantoio and Belgentéroise). Vegetative growth was characterized by the average shoot length; fruit oil content was expressed as a percentage on a dry basis, and fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography after derivatization. The total polyphenol content was determined by spectrophotometry and expressed as concentration, and oxidative stability was measured using the Rancimat method. Sensory analysis was conducted by a trained panel in accordance with international recommendations. The results indicate substantial positive correlations between vegetative growth parameters, oil concentration, olive oil composition, and those sensory attributes related to polyphenols, for all varieties studied. This functional consistency suggests that improvement in one parameter is generally associated with improvement in others. The Algerian variety Chemlal stands out for its optimal performance profile in agronomic, chemical, and sensory aspects compared to the other varieties. These preliminary results suggest that optimizing oil characteristics is directly linked to the physiological and biochemical performance of the olive tree, thus confirming the relevance of a systems approach in the selection and management of olive varieties. Full article

Coloured and variegated leaves are common in shade-tolerant ornamentals. However, it remains unclear whether their photosynthetic performance is determined mainly by pigment abundance or by the organisation of chloroplasts and thylakoids. We tested this in three Epipremnum aureum phenotypes (‘Neon’, ‘Golden’ and ‘Jade’) that share a genetic background but contrast in leaf colour, chloroplast density and thylakoid membrane abundance. Plants were grown in a greenhouse and assessed by hyperspectral and thermal imaging, infrared gas exchange analysis, chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements, and structural, ultrastructural and biochemical analyses. Traits were integrated by principal component analysis, with the quantum yield of CO₂ assimilation per absorbed photon (αCO_2,abs) as the response variable. ‘Neon’ leaves had high specific leaf area and approximately 55% lower maximum Rubisco carboxylation (Vc_MAX) and electron transport capacity (J_MAX) than ‘Jade’, as well as reduced chloroplast and thylakoid abundance and warmer canopies, despite carotenoid enrichment. JIP-test parameters and fluorescence light–response curves showed high absorption and dissipation per PSII reaction centre, elevated excitation pressure, modest non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), low αCO_2,abs, small carbohydrate pools and low intrinsic water-use efficiency. ‘Jade’ leaves developed thick mesophyll with dense chloroplast populations, extensive thylakoid networks, highest NPQ, cool canopies and large carbohydrate reserves, whereas ‘Golden’ leaves combined thin laminae and intermediate chloroplast–thylakoid organisation with early light saturation of CO₂ assimilation and the highest intrinsic water-use efficiency. Principal component analysis revealed a structural axis of chloroplast and thylakoid organisation that better predicted αCO_2,abs, net carbon gain and canopy temperature than pigment abundance. In variegated E. aureum, ‘photon economy’ is therefore governed primarily by chloroplast and thylakoid membrane organisation and abundance rather than by carotenoid accumulation. Full article

Light availability drives Stevia rebaudiana productivity, yet how incident radiation interacts with genotype and site under tropical field conditions remains unclear. We evaluated four genotypes (L020, L102, L082, and ‘Morita II’) across three Caribbean locations in Colombia under two contrasting light levels (600 vs. 1800 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹) using a split-plot randomised complete block design with four replicates. Incident photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was logged and, at 85 days after transplanting (DAT), net CO₂ assimilation, stomatal conductance, transpiration, and intercellular CO₂ concentration were measured alongside light-adapted chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, including the effective quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII), the maximum efficiency of PSII in the light (Fv′/Fm′), photochemical quenching (qP), and electron transport rate (ETR); biomass and leaf yield were quantified at harvest. Data were analysed using factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) and complementary multivariate approaches, including Pearson correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). Radiation responses were strongly site-dependent: under 1800 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹, net CO₂ assimilation increased by 90.2% at El Carmen de Bolívar and 21.5% at Polonuevo but decreased by 36.4% at Montería. Leaf yield was highest in El Carmen de Bolívar (1951.46 ± 182.03 kg ha⁻¹), followed by Montería (1510.94 ± 173.75 kg ha⁻¹) and Polonuevo (576.31 ± 42.36 kg ha⁻¹). Genotype rankings shifted with environment and radiation, with L102 reaching 3256.25 ± 126.39 kg ha⁻¹ under direct radiation in El Carmen de Bolívar and ‘Morita II’ showing strong responsiveness in Montería. These results demonstrate that photosynthetic plasticity and leaf yield in S. rebaudiana depend on genotype × radiation × environment interactions, supporting location-tailored radiation management combined with targeted genotype deployment. Full article

The study investigates the technology of direct Cr alloying of steel in an induction furnace using Cr-containing oxide raw materials and an FeAlSiCa metallothermic reducing agent under atmospheric conditions. The experimental design included four charge variants: scrap-based, DRI-based, A-series (50% scrap/50% DRI), and B-series (75% scrap/25% DRI). For A-series and B-series, the FeAlSiCa content was varied from the baseline value to reduced levels of −10% and −20%. The results demonstrate that Cr recovery strongly depends on the metallic component of the charge. The highest Cr recovery (up to 83%) was consistently achieved for the DRI-based charge, while mixed charges showed intermediate values depending on the DRI fraction and reducer amount. Reduction in FeAlSiCa content led to a decrease in Si transfer to steel, but was accompanied by lower Cr recovery. The produced steels were characterized by a uniform distribution of alloying elements, low impurity levels (S, P < 0.03%), and the formation of a dense, non-disintegrating slag. The results confirm that direct Cr alloying in an induction furnace can be effectively implemented under atmospheric conditions without vacuum or protective gas atmosphere, while the presence of DRI plays a key role in enhancing Cr assimilation. Full article

Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most persistent pollutants in the environment. Here, we enriched a microbial consortium (PEH) and isolated a bacterial strain, Bacillus cereus PE-1, capable of degrading PE from landfill soil using PE as the sole carbon source. Scanning electron microscopy revealed significant surface erosion, while weight loss reached up to 4.57% after 30 days. TGA showed a 5.88% decrease in onset degradation temperature, and contact angle measurements indicated increased hydrophilicity. Elemental analysis confirmed oxygen incorporation into the polymer matrix. Genome sequencing revealed genes associated with biofilm formation (epsA, epsB, pgaC), oxidation (laccase, copper oxidase), hydrolysis (esterase, lipase, PHB depolymerase), and β-oxidation pathways. While these genomic findings indicate a predicted capacity for assimilation, no transcriptomic or proteomic validation was performed in this study. These findings suggest that PE-1 can colonize PE, initiate oxidative cleavage, and potentially assimilate breakdown products. This study provides new insights into the microbial degradation of polyolefins and identifies a promising bacterial candidate for plastic bioremediation. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a strategic resource for enhancing supply chain resilience in environments characterized by growing uncertainty and complexity. Building on the resource-based view (RBV) and organizational information processing theory (OIPT), this study examines how AI assimilation as a firm-level strategic capability improves supply–demand visibility and strengthens supply chain risk management (SCRM). Using survey data collected from 129 manufacturing firms in China, the proposed research framework is tested through structural equation modeling. The results show that AI assimilation significantly enhances both supply–demand visibility and SCRM, with visibility playing a partial mediating role in translating AI-enabled capabilities into more effective risk control. These findings indicate that AI contributes to resilience not merely through technological deployment but through its integration into organizational processes that support information processing and coordination. From a managerial perspective, the study suggests that firms should approach AI as an ongoing strategic capability development process rather than a one-time technological investment. By embedding AI into core supply chain functions such as production planning, inventory management, and demand forecasting, firms can improve visibility, anticipate disruptions, and shift toward more proactive and resilient risk management practices. This study advances the literature by integrating RBV and OIPT to explain the strategic mechanisms through which AI assimilation enhances visibility in SCRM, providing empirical evidence from a manufacturing context. Full article