Search Results (621)

Background: Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV) poses a significant threat to aquaculture sustainability, particularly affecting mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) and causing significant economic losses. Methods: To address this challenge, this study developed an ISKNV Δorf037l vaccine strain, where the orf037l gene was knocked out. Infection assays conducted at 28 °C showed that the knocking out the orf037l gene decreased the virulence of ISKNV and reduced lethality against mandarin fish by 26.7% compared to wild-type ISKNV. To further diminish residual virulence, the effect of low-temperature (22 °C) immersion immunization was evaluated. Results: The results indicate that low temperature significantly diminished the virulence of the Δorf037l vaccine strain, elevating the survival rate of mandarin fish to 90%. Furthermore, the vaccine strain effectively triggered the expression of crucial immune-related genes, such as IFN-h, IL-1, IκB, Mx, TNF-α, and Viperin, while inducing the production of specific neutralizing antibodies. Low-temperature immersion with Δorf037l achieved a high relative percentage of survival of 92.6% (n = 30) in mandarin fish, suggesting the potential of Δorf037l as a promising immersion vaccine candidate. Conclusions: These findings contribute to advancing fish immersion vaccine development and demonstrate the importance and broad applicability of temperature optimization strategies in vaccine development. Our work carries profound implications for both the theoretical understanding and practical application in aquaculture disease control. Full article

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) can convert organic waste into high-quality biomass. In this study, we tested the potential of sugarcane by-products as a food source for BSFL and compared larval development and nutritional value with some other organic substrates. Seven different substrates were used, including carrot pomace (C), carrot pomace and leftover bread (CB) (50/50), bagasse and vinasse (BV), bagasse and molasses (BM), bagasse, vinasse, and molasses (BVM), a mixture of all the above treatments (MX), and university canteen leftovers (UCLs). The larval weight and length were measured for two weeks from day 5 to 19. Then, the BSFL were harvested and analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, oil, ash, mineral, and fatty acid composition. Larval weight and length varied depending on the feeding substrate provided. University canteen leftovers resulted in the BSFL having at least 18% greater length (17.00 mm) and 56% greater weight (3.15 g) compared to other treatments. The highest amounts of protein (38.9%) and oil (39.06%) were observed in the UCL treatment, while the BV treatment larvae had the highest quantities of ash (28.9%) and dry matter (28.0%). The fatty acid profile of the BSFL revealed three-times-higher levels of saturated fatty acids than unsaturated fatty acids in the UCL treatment and was at least twice as high in other treatments. Overall, the BSFL had the best growth on the UCL substrate, and the combination of bagasse and vinasse (BV) was the most appropriate substrate for BSFL development among the sugarcane by-products. Full article

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), also known as MX₂, have attracted considerable attention due to their structure analogous to graphene and unique properties. With superior electronic characteristics, tunable bandgaps, and an ultra-thin two-dimensional structure, they are positioned as significant contenders in advancing electrocatalytic technologies. This article provides a comprehensive review of the research progress of two-dimensional TMDs in the field of electrocatalytic water splitting. Based on their fundamental properties and the principles of electrocatalysis, strategies to enhance their electrocatalytic performance through layer control, doping, and interface engineering are discussed in detail. Specifically, this review delves into the basic structure, properties, reaction mechanisms, and measures to improve the catalytic performance of TMDs in electrocatalytic water splitting, including the creation of more active sites, doping, phase engineering, and the construction of heterojunctions. Research in these areas can provide a deeper understanding and guidance for the application of TMDs in the field of electrocatalytic water splitting, thereby promoting the development of related technologies and contributing to the solution of energy and environmental problems. TMDs hold great potential in electrocatalytic water splitting, and future research needs to further explore their catalytic mechanisms, develop new TMD materials, and optimize the performance of catalysts to achieve more efficient and sustainable energy conversion. Additionally, it is crucial to investigate the stability and durability of TMD catalysts during long-term reactions and to develop strategies to improve their longevity. Interdisciplinary cooperation will also bring new opportunities for TMD research, integrating the advantages of different fields to achieve the transition from basic research to practical application. Full article

This paper investigates the ability of a relatively low cost, commercially available uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV), the DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral, to perform cryospheric research. The performance of this UAV, where applicable, is compared to a similar but higher cost system, the DJI Matrice 350, equipped with a Micasense RedEdge-MX Multispectral dual-camera system. The Mavic 3 Multispectral was tested at three field sites: the Lemon Creek Glacier, Juneau Icefield, AK; the Easton Glacier, Mt. Baker, WA; and Bagley Basin, Mt. Baker, WA. This UAV proved capable of mapping the spatial distribution of red snow algae on the surface of the Lemon Creek Glacier using both spectral indices and a random forest supervised classification method. The UAV was able to assess the timing of snowmelt and changes in suncup morphology on snow-covered areas within the Bagley Basin. Finally, the UAV was able to classify glacier surface features using a random forest algorithm with an overall accuracy of 68%. The major advantages of this UAV are its low weight, which allows it to be easily transported into the field, its low cost compared to other alternatives, and its ease of use. One limitation would be the omission of a blue multispectral band, which would have allowed it to more easily classify glacial ice and snow features. Full article

The effects of solid-solution and ageing treatments on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a GH4169 alloy made by wire arc additive manufacturing, micro-casting, and forging were researched. The microstructure, along with the size and type of precipitated phase, were analysed using an optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope. The strength and toughness were tested using a tensile testing machine. The results show that a polygonal austenite microstructure was obtained for the GH4169 alloy prepared through wire arc additive manufacturing, micro-casting, and forging, followed by solid-solution and double-ageing treatments at different times. There were a few twins in the austenite matrix. A large number of nano-sized γ″- and γ′-precipitated phases and a small number of Laves phases and MX phases were found in the matrix. The tensile strength and yield strength of the GH4169 alloy increased first and then decreased with the ageing time. After ageing for 16 h, the maximum yield strength was 1287 ± 22 MPa, the maximum tensile strength was 1447 ± 19 MPa, and the elongation was about 19.5%. The main strength mechanism is precipitated phase strength and solid-solution strength. The fracture exhibited obvious ductile fracture characteristics. Full article

We present the results of a self-consistent analysis of the magnetic silicon star BD+00°1659, based on its high-resolution spectra taken from the ESPaDOnS archive (R = 68,000). This narrow-lined star shows the typical high Si abundance and Si ii– iii anomaly, making it an ideal prototype for investigating the vertical distribution of Si and Fe in the stellar atmosphere. The derived abundances, ranging from helium to lanthanides, confirm the star’s classification as a silicon Bp spectral type. Silicon and iron are represented by lines of different ionisation stages (Fe i– iii, Si i– iii), indicating an ionisation imbalance interpreted as evidence of atmospheric stratification. Our stratification analysis reveals that there is a jump in iron and silicon abundances of 1.5 dex at atmospheric layers with an optical depth of logτ5000 = −0.85–−1.00. Non-LTE calculations for iron in this stratified atmosphere show minor non-LTE effects. Our results can be applied to studying the impact of stratification on the emergent flux in rapidly rotating Si stars with similar atmospheric parameters and abundance anomalies (for example, MX TrA), where direct stratification analysis is challenging due to line blending. Full article

Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is characterized by the presence of glutamate decarboxylase autoantibodies (GADA). LADA has intermediate features between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. In addition, genetic risk factors for both types of diabetes are present in LADA. Nonetheless, evidence about the genetics of LADA in non-European populations is scarce. This study aims to perform a genome-wide association study with a phenome-wide association study of LADA in a southeastern Mexican population. We included 59 patients diagnosed with LADA from a previous study and 3121 individuals without diabetes from the MxGDAR/ENCODAT database. We utilized the GENESIS package in R to perform the genome-wide association study (GWAS) of LADA and PLINK for the phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) of LADA features. Nine polymorphisms reach the nominal association level (1 × 10⁻⁵) in the GWAS. The PheWAS showed that rs7305229 is genome-wide and associated with serum GADA levels in our sample (p = 1.84 × 10⁻⁸). rs7305229 is located downstream of the FAIM2 gene; previous reports associate FAIM2 variants with childhood obesity, body mass index, body adiposity measures, lymphocyte CD8+ activity, and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies. Our findings reveal that rs7305229 affects the GADA levels in patients with LADA from southeastern Mexico. More studies are needed to determine if this risk genotype exists in other populations with LADA. Full article

A novel non-magnetic Fe-21Cr-15Ni-5Mn-2Mo austenitic stainless steel with high strength and plasticity has been developed. The microstructure and liquid helium temperature (4.2 K) tensile properties of the top and bottom samples of large-size forged flat steel after solution treatment at 1090 °C were investigated. The results showed that the average grain size of the bottom sample (48.0 ± 6.7 μm) was smaller than that of the top sample (58.8 ± 15.3 μm), and the MX precipitates and Z phases were distributed in the matrix of the samples. The 4.2 K strengths of the samples at the top and bottom were high, and large amounts of annealing twin boundaries played a certain role in strengthening. After cryogenic tensile testing, large amounts of deformation twins, stacking faults, and dislocations were generated inside the austenite grains of both samples, which helped the material to obtain higher plasticity and strength. The top and bottom samples possessed excellent synergies of strength and plasticity at 4.2 K, and the 4.2 K tensile properties of the top sample were as follows: ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 1850 MPa, yield strength (YS) of 1363 MPa, and elongation (EL) of 26%. The tested steel is thus believed to meet the requirements of combined excellent strength and plasticity within a deep cryogenic environment, and it would be a promising material candidate for manufacturing superconducting coil cases to serve in new generation fusion engineering. Full article

Microbial electrochemical cells (MxCs) offer a sustainable approach for wastewater treatment and energy recovery by harnessing the electroactive properties of microorganisms. This study explores the enrichment of Geobacter species on anode biofilms in single-(S-MxCs) and double-chambered (D-MxCs) MxCs, using domestic wastewater without an external anode potential. Stable current densities were achieved within 10 days for S-MxCs (9.52 ± 0.8 A/m²) and 14 days for D-MxCs (4.28 ± 0.9 A/m²), with S-MxCs showing a superior electrochemical performance. Hydrogen production rates were higher in D-MxCs (14.93 ± 0.66 mmol H₂/L/day) compared to S-MxCs (9.46 ± 0.8 mmol H₂/L/day), with cumulative production rates of 12.9 ± 1.3 mmol H₂/g COD and 6.48 ± 1.4 mmol H₂/g COD, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry confirmed enhanced bioelectrocatalytic activity in S-MxCs, while SEM imaging showed denser biofilms on S-MxC anodes. The novelty of this study lies in its demonstration of efficient biofilm development and microbial community resilience under non-potentialized conditions, providing insights that advance the practical application of MxCs in environmental biotechnology. Full article

Motocross is one of the most popular high-speed motorcycle races, which takes place on a naturally closed track with significant challenges. This study aimed to characterize anthropometric, circulatory, and lower and upper limb muscle properties based on laboratory and race-recorded characteristics. Male competitors (n = 3) aged 14 years (MX) were included in the study. All three boys have national and international experience. Metabolic characteristics (ventilation, oxygen consumption, and carbon dioxide production) and heart rate (HR) were measured in the laboratory while HR and speed were measured while racing. No significant difference was found between the three competitors in terms of HR during the race. In terms of number of sprints (No. sprint) and maximum speed (Speedmax), we found the most successful runner (highest finisher) to have the most sprints and maximum speed. Comparing the metabolic characteristics, it was found that racing was between the respiratory breakpoint (VT₁) and the respiratory compensation point (RCP), but, in several cases, crossed the anaerobic threshold. While motocross riders are exposed to extreme conditions and high physical demands, in motorsport, victories depend not only on the athlete’s physical abilities but also on several factors such as driving technique, mental effort, equipment efficiency and resistance, race strategy, and team competence. Full article

In this work, we demonstrate a Watt-level, high-quality Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) LG_0±1 vortex mode directly output from an end-pumped Nd:YVO₄ laser by using an axicon-based annular pump beam. A theoretical model for the annular beam end-pumped solid-state laser with an LG vortex mode output was established. Chirality control of the vortex laser was achieved by carefully tilting the output coupler. Watt-level 1064 nm lasers with pure LG_0,1/LG_0,−1 vortex mode, and the incoherent superposition mode of LG_0,1 odd and even petal modes, were achieved successively in our experiments. The intensity profile of the generated pure LG_0,1 vortex laser was measured, and it can be well fitted by using the standard expression of the LG_0,1 vortex mode. The beam quality of the pure LG_0,1 mode is M_x² = 2.01 and M_y² = 2.00 along the x-axis and y-axis, respectively. Our study demonstrates that that axicon-based annular pumping has great potential in developing high-power vortex solid-state lasers with simple and compact structures. Full article

Limb muscle is responsible for physical activities and myogenic cell migration during embryogenesis is indispensable for limb muscle formation. Maternal obesity (MO) impairs prenatal skeletal muscle development, but the effects of MO on myogenic cell migration remain to be examined. C57BL/6 mice embryos were collected at E13.5. The GeoMx DSP platform was used to customize five regions along myogenic cell migration routes (myotome, dorsal/ventral limb, limb stroma, limb tip), and data were analyzed by GeomxTools 3.6.0. A total of 2224 genes were down-regulated in the MO group. The GO enrichment analysis showed that MO inhibited migration-related biological processes. The signaling pathways guiding myogenic migration such as hepatocyte growth factor signaling, fibroblast growth factor signaling, Wnt signaling and GTPase signaling were down-regulated in the MO E13.5 limb tip. Correspondingly, the expression levels of genes involved in myogenic cell migration, such as Pax3, Gab1, Pxn, Tln2 and Arpc, were decreased in the MO group, especially in the dorsal and ventral sides of the limb. Additionally, myogenic differentiation-related genes were down-regulated in the MO limb. MO impedes myogenic cell migration and differentiation in the embryonic limb, providing an explanation for the impairment of fetal muscle development and offspring muscle function due to MO. Full article

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) seedlings are rich in vitamin C (Vc), which is beneficial for humans. Understanding the genetic variance in Vc content has practical significance for the breeding of “oil–vegetable dual-purpose” rapeseed. In this study, the joint segregation analysis of a mixed genetic model of the major gene plus polygene was conducted on the Vc content in rapeseed seedlings. Six generations, including two parents, P₁ (high Vc content) and P₂ (low Vc content), F₁, and the populations of F₂, BC₁P1, and BC₁P₂ from two crosses were investigated. Genetic analysis revealed that the genetic model MX2-A-AD was the most fitting genetic model, which indicates that Vc content is controlled by two additive major genes plus additive and dominance polygenes. In addition, the whole heritability in F₂ and BC₁P1 was higher than that in BC₁P2. The largest coefficient of variation for Vc content appeared in the F₂ generation. Therefore, for Vc content, the method of single cross recross or single backcross are suggested to transfer major genes, and the selection in F₂ would be more efficient than that in other generations. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for the quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and breeding of Vc content in rapeseed seedlings. Full article

The pathophysiological mechanisms of the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) remain unclear. Sex differences not only exist in the disease severity of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection but also in the risk of suffering from PASC. Women have a higher risk of suffering from PASC and a longer time to resolution than men. To explore the possible immune mechanisms of PASC among non-elderly females, we mined single-cell transcriptome data from peripheral blood samples of non-elderly female patients with PASC and acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, together with age- and gender-matched non-PASC and healthy controls available from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. By comparing the differences, we found that a CD14⁺ monocyte subset characterized by higher expression of signal transducers and activators of transcription 2 (STAT2) (CD14⁺STAT2^high) was notably increased in the PASC patients compared with the non-PASC individuals. The transcriptional factor (TF) activity analysis revealed that STAT2 and IRF9 were the key TFs determining the function of CD14⁺STAT2^high monocytes. STAT2 and IRF9 are TFs exclusively involving type I and III interferon (IFN) signaling pathways, resulting in uncontrolled IFN-I signaling activation and type I interferonopathy. Furthermore, increased expression of common interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) has also been identified in most monocyte subsets among the non-elderly female PASC patients, including IFI6, IFITM3, IFI44L, IFI44, EPSTI1, ISG15, and MX1. This study reveals a featured CD14⁺STAT2^high monocyte associated with uncontrolled IFN-I signaling activation, which is indicative of a possible type I interferonopathy in the non-elderly female patients with PASC. Full article

The TESS light curve of the silicon Ap star MX TrA was modeled using the observational surface distribution of silicon, iron, helium, and chromium obtained previously with the Doppler Imaging technique. The theoretical light curve was calculated using a grid of synthetic fluxes from line-by-line stellar atmosphere models with individual chemical abundances. The observational TESS light curve was fitted by a synthetic one with an accuracy better than 0.001 mag. The influence of Si and Fe abundance stratification on the amplitude of variability was estimated. Also, the wavelength dependence of the photometric amplitude and phase of the maximum light was modeled showing the typical Ap Si star behavior with increased amplitude and anti-phase variability in far ultraviolet caused by the flux redistribution. Full article