Search Results (128)

Large soil pores critically influence water and solute transport in soils. The presence of preferential flow paths created by soil macropores can profoundly impact water quality, underscoring the necessity of accurately assessing the characteristics of these macropores. However, it remains unclear whether variations in macropore structure exist between different altitudes and positions of terraced paddy fields. The primary objective of this research was to utilize X-ray computed tomography (CT) and image analysis techniques to characterize the soil pore structure at both the inner field and ridge positions across different altitude levels (high, medium, and low altitude) within terraced paddy fields. The results indicate that there are significant differences in the distribution of large soil pores at different altitudes, with large pores concentrated in the surface layer (0–10 cm) in low-altitude areas, while in high-altitude areas, the distribution of large pores is more uniform. Additionally, as altitude increases, the porosity of large pores shows an increasing trend. The three-dimensional equivalent diameter and large pore volume are primarily characterized by large pores ranging from 1 to 2 mm and 0 to 5 mm³, respectively, with their morphology predominantly appearing spherical or ellipsoidal. The connectivity of large pores in the surface layer of paddy soil is stronger than that in the bunds. However, this connectivity gradually weakens with increasing soil depth. The findings from this study provide valuable quantitative insights into the unique characteristics of soil macropores that vary according to the altitude and position in terraced paddy fields. Moreover, this study emphasizes the necessity for future research that encompasses a broader range of soil types, altitudes, and terraced paddy locations to validate and further explore the identified relationships between altitude and macropore characteristics. Full article

Background/Objectives: Leishmaniasis is a prevailing infectious disease transmitted via infected phlebotomine sandflies. The lack of an efficient vaccine with respect to immunogenic antigens and adjuvanted delivery systems impedes its control. Following the induction of immune responses in mice vaccinated with multi-epitope Leishmania peptides (LeishPts) encapsulated in doubly adjuvanted self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (ST-SNEDDSs), this study aims to assess ST-SNEDDS-based nanoemulsions as vehicles for the delivery of antigenic proteins. Methods: Model antigens (e.g., BSA-FITC, OVA) were encapsulated in ST-SNEDDS after being complexed with the cationic phospholipid dimyristoyl phosphatidylglycerol (DMPG) via hydrophobic ion pairing. The nanoemulsions were characterized with respect to droplet diameter, zeta potential, stability, protein loading, protein release from the nanodroplets in different release media and cell uptake. Results: Both model antigens exhibited high encapsulation efficiency (>95%) and their release from the nanodroplets was shown to be strongly affected by the type of release medium (e.g., PBS, FBS 10% v/v) and the ratio of its volume to that of the oily phase, in agreement with predictions of protein release. Protein-loaded nanoemulsion droplets labeled with Cy-5 were found to be efficiently taken up by macrophages (J774A.1) in vitro. However, no colocalization of the labeled nanodroplets and BSA-FITC could be observed. Conclusions: It was revealed that in contrast with LeishPts, whole protein molecules may not be appropriate antigenic cargo for ST-SNEDDS formulations due to the rapid protein release from the nanodroplets in release media simulating in vitro culture and in vivo conditions such as FBS 10% v/v. Full article

Grapevine root distribution and density influence mineral and water absorption and are affected by soil management and the use of cover crops. This study, conducted in a ten-year-old commercial Mediterranean vineyard with desiccant-managed inter-rows, compares the effects of three different soil management practices—minimum tillage (MT), spontaneous natural covering (NC), and a commercial grass mixture (GM)—on root development in Montepulciano vines grafted onto Kober 5BB rootstocks. Root length, diameter, and weight across different soil layers were analyzed by digging trenches. The results show that thin roots, primarily responsible for water and nutrient absorption, ensure greater soil volume exploration, while medium-to-large roots contribute mainly to root biomass. The presence of cover crops reduces root development in the upper soil layers due to competition with herbaceous species; however, this promotes deeper root exploration and increases the total root length per plant. In the deeper soil layers, root growth is limited by higher soil compaction. Tillage enhances the development of medium-to-large roots and increases the total root biomass per plant. In conclusion, soil management influences vine root development, and competition from cover crops stimulates the growth of absorbing roots in deeper soil layers. Full article

Nitrogen (N) management and planting density critically influence rice (Oryza sativa L.) N use efficiency (NUE) and yield stability, though excessive inputs risk ecological and productivity constraints. This study investigated molecular adaptations in japonica rice Hongyang 5 under three N density regimens: high N/low density (HNLD), medium N/medium density (MNMD), and low N/high density (LNHD). Our previous studies found that the N absorption efficiency, antioxidant enzyme activity, and energy metabolism-related phenotypes of rice roots showed significant differences under different treatments. In this study, we found that root morphology, such as root length, root surface area, root volume, and average root diameter, also showed significant differences among different treatments. Based on this, we further integrated transcriptome and co-expression network analysis, revealing 40,218 expressed genes with differential expression patterns across treatments. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified 13 modules, with the Turquoise and Blue modules notably demonstrating strong associations with N assimilation, antioxidant activity, and ATP metabolism. Ten hub genes emerged through intramodular connectivity analysis, including LOC_Os02g53130 (N metabolism), LOC_Os06g48240 (peroxidase activity), and LOC_Os01g48420 (energy transduction), with RT-qPCR validation confirming transcriptome-derived expression profiles. Functional characterization revealed synergistic coordination between Turquoise module N metabolic pathways and Blue module redox homeostasis, suggesting an integrated regulatory mechanism for root adaptation to N density interactions. These findings establish a gene-network framework that reveals the molecular regulatory network of crop responses to N nutrition and planting density and provides important theoretical support for N fertilizer management, population quality optimization, and variety breeding in precision agriculture. Full article

Submerged macrophytes play a crucial role in the ecological restoration of aquatic environments, and enclosed plot planting technology is one of the economical and effective methods to establish submerged macrophyte communities in high-turbidity water bodies. This study focused on Vallisneria spinulosa Yan (V. spinulosa), examining the impact mechanism of planting density on the water restoration effectiveness of V. spinulosa growth systems constructed within enclosed plots, based on its growth and physiological characteristics as well as the water purification effects of its growth system. The research results indicate that low to medium planting densities (50–100 plants/m²) favor leaf elongation and expansion, as well as the growth of root diameter, surface area, and volume, while high densities (150–200 plants/m²) inhibit leaf and root growth. The content of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids) in V. spinulosa increased with planting density. At high densities, significant increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in V. spinulosa suggest enhanced antioxidant activity. High protein content at low densities indicates stronger metabolic activity. Medium planting density (100 plants/m²) had significant effects on increasing dissolved oxygen (DO), regulating pH, and reducing electrical conductivity (EC), and exhibited the optimum removal loadings for total phosphorus (TP), phosphate (PO₄³⁻-P), total nitrogen (TN), and nitrate (NO₃⁻), achieving the average value of 0.44, 0.42, 6.94, 0.83 mg m⁻² d⁻¹. The findings of this study can provide a theoretical basis and technical support for practical ecological restoration projects involving submerged macrophytes in aquatic environments. Full article

In this study, we explore the use of C. kluyveri in synthetic biofilms for the production of 1-butyrate and 1-hexanoate, investigating the impact of inoculation temperature during biofilm formation and the presence of yeast extract. Therefore, a novel synthetic biofilm reactor has been designed and constructed. Prior to investigating synthetic biofilms in this reactor, we carried out preliminary batch experiments in anaerobic flasks containing an inoculated agar hydrogel fixed at the bottom and overlaid medium. For the operation of the novel synthetic biofilm reactor, specific volumes of inoculated agar hydrogel were dispensed into a cylindrical mold with a diameter of 102 mm, forming the synthetic biofilm with a height of 4 mm, which was then transferred into the biofilm reaction chamber onto the support grid. The biofilm support grid separates the gas phase (CO₂, N₂) above the synthetic biofilm from the aqueous phase (medium) below. Our results show that C. kluyveri remains metabolically active at biofilm preparation temperatures of up to 45 °C, with extended lag phases observed at 70 °C. The synthetic biofilm demonstrated efficient chain elongation in batch processes, converting ethanol and acetate into 1-butyrate and 1-hexanoate, with final concentrations of 2.7 g L⁻¹ and 10.1 g L⁻¹, respectively, with yeast extract in the circulating liquid medium of the synthetic biofilm reactor setup. The maximum estimated space-time yields for 1-butyrate and 1-hexanoate, referenced to the biofilm volume, were 1.331 g L⁻¹ h⁻¹ and 4.947 g L⁻¹ h⁻¹, respectively. Experiments without yeast extract lead to final concentrations of 2.0 g L⁻¹ 1-butyrate, and 7.3 g L⁻¹ 1-hexanoate and maximum estimated space-time yields, referenced to the biofilm volume, were 0.332 g L⁻¹ h⁻¹ and 1.123 g L⁻¹ h⁻¹, respectively. The use of synthetic biofilms, even without yeast extract, eliminates the need for significant cell growth during chain elongation. However, product concentrations were lower without yeast extract. Full article

Tree growth potential is crucial for maintaining forest health and sustainable development. Traditional expert-based assessments of growth potential are inherently subjective. To address this subjectivity and improve accuracy, this study proposed a method of using Backpropagation Neural network (BPNN) to classify tree growth potential. 60 Pinus tabulaeformis (Carr.) and 60 Platycladus orientalis (Linn.) were selected as experimental trees in the Miyun Reservoir Water Conservation Forest Demonstration Zone in Beijing, and 95 Pinus massoniana (Lamb.) and 60 Cunninghamia lanceolate (Linn.) were selected as experimental trees in the Jigongshan Nature Reserve. The average annual ring width of the outermost 2 cm xylem of the experimental trees were measured by discs or increment cores, and the wood volume increment of each experimental trees in recent years were calculated. According to wood volume increment, the growth potential of experimental trees was divided into three levels: strong, medium, and weak. Using tree height, breast height diameter, average crown width as input variables, using growth potential level as output variables, four sub models for each tree species were established; Using tree species, tree height, breast height diameter, average crown width as input variables, using growth potential level as output variables, a generalized model was established for these four tree species. The test results showed that the accuracy of the sub models for Pinus tabulaeformis, Platycladus orientalis, Pinus massoniana, and Cunninghamia lanceolate were 68.42%, 77.78%, 86.21%, and 78.95%, respectively, and the accuracy of the generalized model was 71.19%. These findings suggested that employing BPNN is a viable approach for accurately estimating tree growth potential. Full article

The cement-based materials widely used in infrastructure construction, such as bridges and ports, are subjected to seawater erosion and medium erosion during their service life, and their durability has always been a concern. The diffusion coefficient of chloride ions is an important indicator in the research of cement-based materials’ durability, and the pore structure is one of the most fundamental reasons affecting the diffusion behavior of chloride ions. In this paper, Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and Nitrogen adsorption method (NAD) were used to analyze the pore structures of mortars with different volume fractions of sands. The relationship between mortar pore structure and chloride ion diffusion coefficient was established to predict its chloride ion diffusion coefficient. It may provide a new idea for studying the durability of cement-based materials. Results indicated that similar to cement paste, the pore structure of mortar satisfied the fractal characteristics of solid phase within a certain range of pores. The most probable gel pore diameter of mortars with different sand volume fractions was about 4 nm, while the most probable capillary pore diameter was approximately 46 nm, and the critical pore diameter was ranging from 50 to 60 nm. MIP results indicated that with the increase in sand volume fraction (ϕ_agg), the total porosity (f_mip) of the mortar decreased, satisfying the relationship of f_mip = 0.1859 − 0.0789ϕ_agg. However, the porosity of the matrix (f_base) increased with the increase in sand volume fraction, which was due to the introduction of more interfaces by the addition of aggregates. The effective chloride ion diffusion coefficient (D_cp,base) of the matrix can be obtained by fitting. Based on this, the interface transition zone (ITZ) and the cement matrix were comprehensively considered as a whole fractal phase. The predicted value of the chloride ion diffusion coefficient obtained by the Mori–Tanaka homogenization method was in good agreement with the results obtained from rapid chloride migration (RCM) experiments, and the maximum error between the simulated and experimental values did not exceed 11%. This finding can provide new ideas for accurately predicting the chloride ion diffusion coefficient of mortar and even concrete. Full article

The role of a plant root system in resource acquisition is relevant to confront drought events caused by climate change. Accordingly, nursery practices like phosphorous (P) fertilization and root pruning have been shown to modify root architecture; however, their combined benefits require further investigation in Mediterranean species. We evaluated the effect of applied P concentrations (0, 15, 60, and 120 mg L⁻¹ P) with or without chemical (copper) root pruning (WCu, WoCu, respectively) in Aristotelia chilensis and Quillaja saponaria on morpho-physiological and root architecture traits. Higher P concentration increased nutrient content in both species concurrent with higher growth. In A. chilensis, higher P concentrations only increased the length and volume of medium roots. In Q. saponaria, P additions increased root length and diameter and the length and volume of fine and medium roots. The root-to-shoot ratio declined with WCu in A. chilensis (23.1%) and Q. saponaria (15.7%). Unlike our hypothesis, fine root architecture remained unaffected with root pruning in A. chilensis, while fine root length and volume decreased with increasing P concentrations in Q. saponaria. Thus, P fertilization enhances root development more consistently than root pruning, highlighting the need for further testing under water deficit conditions to optimize nursery practices. Full article

Nanoparticles exhibit diverse effects when added as additives to oily medium, enhancing tribological properties and surface characteristics. Studies have shown that many oxide ceramic nanoparticles improve friction and wear, while mixtures also demonstrate favorable tribological properties. This study explores the tribological effect of an yttria–silica (Y₂O₃, SiO₂) nanoparticle mixture in a Group III base oil medium. The results reveal that the yttria–silica mixture significantly reduces friction (−8–17%), mean wear scar diameter (−32%), and wear volume (−94%), while increasing load-bearing capacity (+114%) by creating a durable boundary layer. Observations from scanning electron microscopy revealed the original surface is protected. EDX analyses highlight the boundary layer’s elemental composition, which is high in yttrium, silicon, and oxygen and found in higher areas. XRD analysis could not detect the yttria nanoparticle additive within the boundary layer, suggesting that it fragmented due to sliding stress, resulting in an amorphous structure for the new boundary layer. TEM imaging confirmed that the boundary layer thickness is 40–45 nm. These findings demonstrate significant potential for industrial applications in developing advanced, high-performance lubricants for demanding mechanical systems. Full article

Introduction. Recently published data suggested significantly lower pacing-induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) incidence with conduction system pacing (CSP). Because most data evaluated only the impact on the left ventricle, this study aimed to assess changes in echocardiographic parameters of morphology and function for all heart chambers in patients with baseline preserved and mid-range LVEF over a medium-term follow-up period after CSP. Methods. A total of 128 consecutive patients with LVEF > 40% and successful CSP for bradyarrhythmic indication were prospectively enrolled. A complete 2D echocardiographic examination was performed at baseline and the last follow-up. Results. In total, 38 patients received His bundle pacing (HBP) and 90 received left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP). The mean follow-up period was 699.2 ± 177.2 days, with 23 patients lost during this period. The ventricular pacing burden for the entire group was 97.2 ± 4.2%. Only three patients (2.9%) met the criteria for PICM. CSP led to a significant increase in LVEF (from 54.2 ± 7.9 to 56.7 ± 7.8%, p = 0.01) and a significant decrease in LV diastolic (from 107.2 ± 41.8 to 91.3 ± 41.8 mL, p < 0.001) and systolic (from 49.7 ± 21.4 to 39.5 ± 18.2 mL, p < 0.001) volumes. There were no significant changes in E/e′, mitral regurgitation, atrial volumes, and right ventricle (RV) diameter. There was a significant improvement in RV function. Tricuspid regurgitation was the only parameter that worsened. There were no differences in evolution for each echocardiographic parameter between the HBP and the LBBAP groups. Conclusions. HBP and LBBAP are equally protective for harmful changes in both atria and ventricles. The prevalence of PICM, defined as a decrease in LVEF, is very low with CSP. Full article

A new instrument for label-free measurements based on optical Low-Q Whispering Gallery Modes (WGMs) for various applications is used for a detailed study of the deposition and release of Layer-by-Layer polymer coatings. The two selected coating pairs interact either via hydrogen bonding or electrostatic interactions. Their assembly was followed by common Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) technology and the Low-Q WGMs. In contrast to planar QCM sensor chips of 1 cm, the WGM sensors are fluorescent spherical beads with diameters of 10.2 µm, enabling the detection of analyte quantities in the femtogram range in tiny volumes. The beads, with a very smooth surface and high refractive index, act as resonators for circular light waves that can revolve up to 10,000 times within the bead. The WGM frequencies are highly sensitive to changes in particle diameter and the refractive index of the surrounding medium. Hence, the adsorption of molecules shifts the resonance frequency, which is detected by a robust instrument with a high-resolution spectrometer. The results demonstrate the high potential of the new photonic measurement and its advantages over QCM technology, such as cheap sensors (billions in one Eppendorf tube), simple pre-functionalization, much higher statistic safety by hundreds of sensors for one measurement, 5–10 times faster analysis, and that approx. 25, 000 fewer analyte molecules are needed for one sensor. In addition, the deposited molecule amount is not superposed by hydrated water as for QCM. A connection between sensors and instruments does not exist, enabling application in any transparent environment, like microfluidics, drop-on slides, Petri dishes, well plates, cell culture vasculature, etc. Full article

Mixed stands of tree species with complementary traits can modulate stand growth and timber quality. At the Fengshushan Forest Farm, mixtures of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) with Liquidambar formosana Hance, Schima superba Gardner & Champ., Elaeocarpus sylvestris (Lour.) Poir., Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl, and Chinese fir monoculture were established. Differences in stand growth and timber quality among these mixtures were assessed and a test was conducted to evaluate the factors influencing the mixture effects. The average diameter at breast height, tree height, stand volume, and individual tree annual increment of mixtures generally exceeded those of Chinese fir monocultures but not necessarily those of broad-leaved monocultures. When the net interaction between species was complementary, overyielding in mixtures occurred (RP_fir,bl > 0), which was influenced significantly by stand density, soil properties, and timber quality. The timber quality and wood production of Chinese fir were enhanced by mixture with some broad-leaved species, with reduced slenderness and knottiness in mixtures, and notable increases in medium- (average outturn rates of 56.13%) and large-diameter (11.71%) timber in C. lanceolata/C. camphora mixture. The growth and timber quality of Chinese fir are largely promoted when grown mixed with broad-leaved species. Overyielding at the stand level occurs where Chinese fir compensates for the underperformance of broad-leaved trees. Full article

Time-lapse ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys, combined with automated infiltration experiments, provide a non-invasive approach for investigating the distribution of infiltrated water within the soil medium and creating three-dimensional images of the wetting bulb. This study developed and validated an experimental protocol aimed at quantifying and visualizing water distribution fluxes in layered soils under both unsaturated and saturated conditions. The 3D images of the wetting bulb significantly enhanced the interpretation of infiltration data, enabling a detailed analysis of water movement through the layered system. We used the infiltrometer data and the Beerkan Estimation of Soil Transfer parameters (BEST) method to determine soil capacitive indicators and evaluate the physical quality of the upper soil layer. The field survey involved conducting time-lapse GPR surveys alongside infiltration experiments between GPR repetitions. These experiments included both tension and ponding tests, designed to sequentially activate the soil matrix and the full pore network. The results showed that the soil under study exhibited significant soil aeration and macroporosity (represented by AC and p_MAC), while indicators related to microporosity (such as PAWC and RFC) were notably low. The RFC value of 0.55 m³ m⁻³ indicated the soil’s limited capacity to retain water relative to its total pore volume. The PAWC value of 0.10 m³ m⁻³ indicated a scarcity of micropores ranging from 0.2 to 30 μm in diameter, which typically hold water accessible to plant roots within the total porosity. The saturated soil hydraulic conductivity, K_s, values ranged from 192.2 to 1031.0 mm h⁻¹, with a mean of 424.4 mm h⁻¹, which was 7.9 times higher than the corresponding unsaturated hydraulic conductivity measured at a pressure head of h = −30 mm (K₋₃₀). The results indicated that the upper soil layer supports root proliferation and effectively drains excess water to the underlying limestone layer. However, this layer has limited capacity to store and supply water to plant roots and acts as a restrictive barrier, promoting non-uniform downward water movement, as revealed by the 3D GPR images. The observed difference in hydraulic conductivity between the two layers suggests that surface ponding and overland flow are generated through a saturation excess mechanism. Water percolating through the soil can accumulate above the limestone layer, creating a shallow perched water table. During extreme rainfall events, this water table may rise, leading to the complete saturation of the soil profile. Full article

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes distinctive inflammatory symptoms and affects over 21 million people worldwide. RA is characterized by severe discomfort, swelling, and degradation of the bone and cartilage, further impairing joint function. The current study investigates the antiarthritic effect of a methanolic extract of Artemisia pallens (methanolic extract of A. pallens, MEAP), an aromatic herb. Artemisinin content (% per dry weight of the plant) was estimated using a UV Vis spectrophotometer. In the present study, animals were divided into six groups (n = 6). The control group (group I) was injected with 0.25% of carboxymethyl cellulose. The arthritic control group (group II) was treated with Freund’s complete adjuvant (by injecting 0.1 mL). Prednisolone (10 mg/kg), a lower dose of MEAP (100 mg/kg), a medium dose of MEAP (200 mg/kg), and a higher dose of MEAP (400 mg/kg) were orally delivered to groups III, IV, V, and VI, respectively. Freund’s complete adjuvant was administered into the sub-plantar portion of the left-hind paw in all the groups except vehicle control to induce rheumatoid arthritis. Weight variation; joint diameter; paw volume; thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia; hematological, biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters; radiology; and a histopathological assessment of the synovial joint were observed in order to evaluate the antiarthritic effect of the methanolic extract of A. pallens. In this study, the estimated content of artemisinin was found to be 0.28% (per dry weight of the plant), which was in good agreement with the reported value. MEAP (200 and 400 mg/kg) caused a significant reduction in increased paw volume and joint diameter in arthritic rats while significantly increasing body weight and the mechanical threshold of thermal algesia. Moreover, complete blood counts and serum enzyme levels improved significantly. Radiological analysis showed a reduction in soft tissue swelling and small erosions. A histopathological examination of the cells revealed reduced cell infiltration and the erosion of joint cartilage in MEAP-administered arthritic rats. The present research suggests that the antiarthritic activity of the methanolic extract of A. pallens wall is promising, as evidenced by the findings explored in our rat model. Full article