Salinity stress is a major challenge for global agriculture,particularly in arid and semi-arid regions,limiting plant productivity due to water and soil salinity.These conditions particularly affect countries along th...Salinity stress is a major challenge for global agriculture,particularly in arid and semi-arid regions,limiting plant productivity due to water and soil salinity.These conditions particularly affect countries along the southern Mediterranean rim,including Algeria,which primarily focuses on pastoral and forage practices.This study investigates salinity tolerance and ecotypic variability in Vicia narbonensis L.,a fodder legume species recognized for its potential to reclaim marginal soils.Morphological,physiological,and biochemical responses were assessed in three ecotypes(eco2,eco9,and eco10)exposed to different salinity levels(low,moderate,and severe).The study was conducted using a completely randomized block design with three blocks per ecotype per dose.The results from the two-way analysis of variance demonstrate significant effects across nearly all attributes studied,revealing distinct ecotypic responses.These findings underscore variations in growth parameters,osmotic regulation mechanisms,and biochemical adjustments.The substantial diversity observed among these ecotypes in their response to salinity provides valuable insights for breeders addressing both agronomic and ecological challenges.Multivariate analyses,including Principal Component Analysis(PCA),revealed key variables distinguishing between ecotypes under salinity stress.Moreover,Classification based on Salinity Tolerance Indices(STI)further differentiated ecotypic performance with more precision,and this is because of the combination of the different parameters studied.These results open up new prospects for the development of strategies to improve the salinity tolerance of forage legumes.展开更多
In Burkina Faso, recent dengue outbreaks were exacerbated by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which have developed resistance to conventional insecticides. This study investigates the potential of Metarhizium pingshaense Met...In Burkina Faso, recent dengue outbreaks were exacerbated by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which have developed resistance to conventional insecticides. This study investigates the potential of Metarhizium pingshaense Met_S26, a fungus from Burkina Faso, for controlling both endophilic and exophilic Aedes mosquitoes. Traditional interventions are less effective against mosquitoes resting outdoors, and the ability of the fungus to be sexually transmitted could enhance its efficacy. Aedes mosquitoes were reared and exposed to various concentrations of Metarhizium pingshaense to assess its virulence. The fungus showed significant efficacy, with lethal times (LT80) ranging from 8.67 to 11.83 days depending on the concentration. Furthermore, bioassays demonstrated effective sexual auto-dissemination, with substantial transmission of fungal spores between infected and uninfected mosquitoes, leading to lower survival rates in uninfected mates. This study highlights Metarhizium pingshaense Met_S26 as a promising tool for controlling both indoor and outdoor Aedes populations, complementing existing vector control strategies such as the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and Wolbachia-based approaches. Future research should explore integrating this fungus with other control methods for a comprehensive vector management strategy.展开更多
The Mediterranean region in central Chile is experiencing a significant decrease in precipitation due to climate change and the dynamics of the El Nino Southern Oscillation(ENSO).Droughts have increased in recent deca...The Mediterranean region in central Chile is experiencing a significant decrease in precipitation due to climate change and the dynamics of the El Nino Southern Oscillation(ENSO).Droughts have increased in recent decades,~with the most severe and longest drought of the last millennium occurring since 2010 in central Chile.The impact of ongoing water scarcity is leading to significant drought-related declines in tree growth and forest dieback in the Mediterranean region.A deep understanding of how tree species respond to climate is crucial to accurately predict how forests will respond to climate change.We examined the growth responses to climate of three endemic and threatened tree species of the Mediterranean forests of central Chile,Nothofagus macrocarpa,Cryptocarya alba and Persea lingue,in a protected area.We observed that the growth of all three species was highly dependent on water availability and ENSO,and that the evergreen species C.alba and P.lingue increased their sensitivity to hydroclimate more than the deciduous species N.macrocarpa.These relationships were consistent across much of southern South America,highlighting the dependence of these species on water availability at large geographic scales.We found that there is a relationship between local water availability and ENSO that has intensified temporally and expanded geographically in recent decades.The xerophyllous species C.alba showed greater resistance and increasing resilience to severe droughts,while P.lingue and N.macrocarpa showed greater growth decline during droughts,possibly due to their preference for wetter environments.Our results highlight the crucial role of ENSO-driven water availability and drought in limiting tree growth and threatening the conservation of Mediterranean forests in central Chile.展开更多
Polygala multiflora Poiret is an oleaginous plant in Burkina Faso, but most of its quality characteristics remain unexplored. This work aimed to evaluate the chemical and sensory quality of Polygala multiflora Poiret ...Polygala multiflora Poiret is an oleaginous plant in Burkina Faso, but most of its quality characteristics remain unexplored. This work aimed to evaluate the chemical and sensory quality of Polygala multiflora Poiret crude oil. Chemical parameters were determined using AOAC standards. The sensory analysis of the samples was carried out using three tests (descriptive and hedonic classification). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to establish the relationship between the panelists’ evaluation of the attributes and the type of oil extracted. The results showed that P. multiflora seed oil is mainly produced by women using a mechanical extraction process. The chemical analysis of the extracted oil showed a refractive index (1.45 ± 0.02), free fatty acids (1.97% ± 0.2% ac. oleic), acidity index (6.93 ± 0.14 mg KOH/g), saponification index (186.3 ± 9.31 mg KOH/g), iodine index (40.37 ± 0.5 gI2/100 g) and peroxide index (1.58 ± 0.05 Meq O2/kg). The descriptive sensory attributes showed that the crushed seed oil had the highest appreciation percentage value. The hedonic test showed that the highest percentage value of the attribute “like it” was associated with whole seed oil. The results of the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed the variability of the sensory quality depending on the type of oil extracted.展开更多
Malaria is a potentially lethal disease caused by parasites of the Plasmodium genus, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female mosquitoes, primarily Anopheles. To control this disease, various strategi...Malaria is a potentially lethal disease caused by parasites of the Plasmodium genus, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female mosquitoes, primarily Anopheles. To control this disease, various strategies are implemented, including biological control, which targets the vectors of the parasite. This approach uses biological agents such as entomopathogenic fungi, including Metarhizium pingshaense, a fungus capable of causing lethal infections in mosquitoes. The production of Metarhizium pingshaense is still limited in Burkina Faso, and local cultivation of this fungus could help fill this gap. A study was conducted to identify optimal local substrates that promote its growth. Indeed, after gathering information on the dietary habits of populations in Bobo-Dioulasso and Bama, three potential substrates were selected: rice, cornmeal dough (MFL), and beans. These substrates were inoculated with two strains of Metarhizium pingshaense (S10 and S26) to assess their ability to support fungal growth and their effectiveness. Experimental results showed that MFL and bean substrates favored optimal growth of Metarhizium pingshaense, with growths of 1.91 cm and 2.13 cm after 8 days, compared to 1.83 cm on a standard media (PDA). In terms of virulence, S26 strain caused 60% mosquito mortality on both the bean and PDA media, while S10 strain induced mortalities of 50% for bean and 62% for PDA.展开更多
Hypertension disrupts cerebral blood flow,leading to endothelial dysfunction,breakdown of the blood-brain barrier(BBB),and inflammatory cell infiltration.This cascade triggers glial cell activation,increases oxidative...Hypertension disrupts cerebral blood flow,leading to endothelial dysfunction,breakdown of the blood-brain barrier(BBB),and inflammatory cell infiltration.This cascade triggers glial cell activation,increases oxidative stress,and causes pro-inflammatory cytokine release,creating a neurotoxic environment.In this context,we explore the intricate connection between hypertension,neuroinflammation,and neurodegeneration,as well as how hypertension interacts with other metabolic disorders,such as obesity and diabetes,to further worsen neuroinflammation.Additionally,we discuss the role of the reninangiotensin-aldosterone system,the impact of the microbiome,and the potential contribution of chronic infections in exacerbating neuroinflammation.It is essential to emphasize the potential of nanotechnology to transform therapeutic approaches.Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems can enhance the bioavailability and selectivity of antihypertensive drugs,antioxidants,and neuroprotective compounds,enabling targeted delivery across the BBB.By combining effective blood pressure management with nanotechnology-enabled therapies that modulate inflammation,oxidative stress,and protein aggregation,we can explore new avenues for preventing and treating hypertension and metabolic disorder-associated neurodegenerative conditions.Ultimately,hypertension significantly contributes to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration by promoting neuronal cell death,primarily through impaired cerebral blood flow and disruption of the BBB.The interaction of hypertension with metabolic disorders exacerbates these effects.However,advancements in our understanding and new technologies reveal promising nanopharmacological approaches for targeted drug delivery to the brain,thereby improving treatment outcomes,enhancing adherence,and reducing side effects.展开更多
Recent experiments at the National Ignition Facility and theoretical modeling suggest that side stimulated Raman scattering(SSRS)instability could reduce laser–plasma coupling and generate considerable fluxes of supr...Recent experiments at the National Ignition Facility and theoretical modeling suggest that side stimulated Raman scattering(SSRS)instability could reduce laser–plasma coupling and generate considerable fluxes of suprathermal hot electrons under interaction conditions envisaged for direct-drive schemes for inertial confinement fusion.Nonetheless,SSRS remains to date one of the least understood parametric instabilities.Here,we report the first angularly and spectrally resolved measurements of scattered light at laser intensities relevant for the shock ignition scheme(I×10^(16)W/cm^(2)),showing significant SSRS growth in the direction perpendicular to the laser polarization.Modification of the focal spot shape and orientation,obtained by using two different random phase plates,and of the density gradient of the plasma,by utilizing exploding foil targets of different thicknesses,clearly reveals a different dependence of backward SRS(BSRS)and SSRS on experimental parameters.While convective BSRS scales with plasma density scale length,as expected by linear theory,the growth of SSRS depends on the spot extension in the direction perpendicular to laser polarization.Our analysis therefore demonstrates that under current experimental conditions,with density scale lengths L_(n)≈60–120μm and spot sizes FWHM≈40–100μm,SSRS is limited by laser beam size rather than by the density scale length of the plasma.展开更多
Aflatoxins B1(AFB1)contamination in agro-food holds great threaten to human and animal health.Conventional test strips for rapid AFB1 visualized monitoring remains challenged by improvement of sensitivity and matrix i...Aflatoxins B1(AFB1)contamination in agro-food holds great threaten to human and animal health.Conventional test strips for rapid AFB1 visualized monitoring remains challenged by improvement of sensitivity and matrix interference resistance.In this case,we developed a portable electrochemiluminescence(ECL)imaging test strip with dual-signal outputs for AFB1 quantification in corn samples.RuPEI@SiO_(2)@Au nanospheres were synthesized for bonding with anti-AFB1 antibody and then colorimetrical signal-reported on test line through the capillary flow at strips.Meanwhile,ECL imaging signal of the constructed carbon-ink-based working electrode on polyvinyl chloride substrate of strips was exported under an applied potential of 1.25 V.The whole ECL test strips not only endowed convenient colorimetric responses but guaranteed quick-witted ECL image distinguishment even at extremely low AFB1 content.The detection limit of this ECL imaging-integrated mode was 10-fold lower than that of only colorimetric mode.Furthermore,satisfactory selectivity,reliability and practicability of the as-proposed ECL test strips were demonstrated.This work offered a promising platform for on-site,accurate and sensitive detection of pollutants in foods.展开更多
Force control merged with motion control represent the fundamental low level requirements for the most complex tasks to be performed by any robot.In particular,robust motion and force controllers allow robots to deal ...Force control merged with motion control represent the fundamental low level requirements for the most complex tasks to be performed by any robot.In particular,robust motion and force controllers allow robots to deal with real-world uncertainties among other disturbances.In this paper,an admittance-based force controller using the Active Disturbance Rejection Control approach is proposed,which allows to perform robot force control without a force sensor.In addition,a theoretical synthesis of the control law including an extended state observer for the estimation of the robot–surface force interaction and their formal stability analysis is presented.The validation of the proposal is depicted by numerical simulations using the dynamical model of a two degrees of freedom robot manipulator,for both a constant and a time-varying force control tasks with an unknown curved surface,while considering joint measurement noise and force sensors noise and an external disturbance force.展开更多
Selecting which explanatory variables to include in a given score is a common difficulty, as a balance must be found between statistical fit and practical application. This article presents a methodology for construct...Selecting which explanatory variables to include in a given score is a common difficulty, as a balance must be found between statistical fit and practical application. This article presents a methodology for constructing parsimonious event risk scores combining a stepwise selection of variables with ensemble scores obtained by aggregation of several scores, using several classifiers, bootstrap samples and various modalities of random selection of variables. Selection methods based on a probabilistic model can be used to achieve a stepwise selection for a given classifier such as logistic regression, but not directly for an ensemble classifier constructed by aggregation of several classifiers. Three selection methods are proposed in this framework, two involving a backward selection of the variables based on their coefficients in an ensemble score and the third involving a forward selection of the variables maximizing the AUC. The stepwise selection allows constructing a succession of scores, with the practitioner able to choose which score best fits his needs. These three methods are compared in an application to construct parsimonious short-term event risk scores in chronic HF patients, using as event the composite endpoint of death or hospitalization for worsening HF within 180 days of a visit. Focusing on the fastest method, four scores are constructed, yielding out-of-bag AUCs ranging from 0.81 (26 variables) to 0.76 (2 variables).展开更多
Infections due to Escherichia coli and Salmonella are of the major constraints for the laying hen’s industry as they cause mortality and serious economic losses. The use of conventional antibiotics to control bacteri...Infections due to Escherichia coli and Salmonella are of the major constraints for the laying hen’s industry as they cause mortality and serious economic losses. The use of conventional antibiotics to control bacterial has shown limits because it allows multidrug-resistance. The main objective of this study was to assess the antibacterial activity of essential oil from Aeollanthus pubescens on multidrug resistant strains of Salmonella and Escherichia coli isolated from laying hens faming in the department of Atlantique in Benin. Altogether, 11 strains of Salmonella and 16 strains of Escherichia coli have been isolated from 101 samples of different organs including liver, spleen, lung, feces and yolk according to standardized methods and their biochemical profile using API 20E gallery. Test of sensitivity was carried out on 11 antibiotics of six different families on identified strains in order to determine their resistance profile. A sensitivity test was carried out on multi-drug resistant strains with Aeollanthus pubescens essential oil to determine their sensitivity with regard to this essential oil. The results showed that the majority of Salmonella strains presented resistance to Tetracyclines (72.7%) and Sulfonamides (63.6%) and all Escherichia coli strains are resistant to Sulfonamides (100%) followed by Tetracycline (93.75%) and Ampicillin (75%). Aeollanthus pubescens essential oil was active on all the multi-drug resistant strains investigated with Minimal inhibitory concentration varying from 0.41 ± 0 mg/ml to 0.83 ± 0 mg/ml for Salmonella and from 0.41 ± 0 mg/ml to 1.66 ± 0 mg/ml for Escherichia coli (P Salmonella and the multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli investigated. Those results provide alternatives to control poultry bacterial pathologies in Republic of Benin. However, disease due to Escherichia coli and Salmonella must be taken more seriously and study on their resistance to antibiotic must be deepened as well.展开更多
In this work wavelength sensitivity in mechanically induced long period fiber gratings (MLPFG) is analyzed. This analysis is first carried out both in standard single-mode fiber SMF-28 and in Er-doped fibers. The mech...In this work wavelength sensitivity in mechanically induced long period fiber gratings (MLPFG) is analyzed. This analysis is first carried out both in standard single-mode fiber SMF-28 and in Er-doped fibers. The mechanical analysis for both types of fibers under different torsion conditions is presented. In order to apply the torsion one of the fiber ends is fixed while torsion is applied on the other end. A MLPFG whose period is 503 μm is used to press the fiber after torsion is applied. This allows for micro curvatures to be formed on the fiber, which in turn generates a periodical index perturbation on it. Here, it was noted that the sensitive wavelength shift of the rejection bands is bigger for Er-doped fibers. For a torsion of 6 turns applied to 10 cm of doped fiber the wavelength peaks can be moved up to 25 nm, which is longer to what was detected on standard fibers. Therefore, by using Er-doped fibers to monitor torsion on structures will give more sensitive and accurate results than using standard fibers. These results can be employed for sensing applications, especially for small to medium size structures, which can be mechanical, civil or aeronautics.展开更多
Due to the removal of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) and consumer pressure for antibiotic-free (ABF) or no antibiotics ever (NAE) poultry production, there is a need for sustainable alternatives to prevent disease...Due to the removal of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) and consumer pressure for antibiotic-free (ABF) or no antibiotics ever (NAE) poultry production, there is a need for sustainable alternatives to prevent disease in commercial poultry operations. Without AGPs, there has been a rise in diseases that were traditionally controlled by subtherapeutic levels of antibiotics in the diet. This has impacted the health of commercial poultry and has been a significant cost to poultry producers. To mitigate this, the industry has started to investigate alternatives to antibiotics to treat these forthcoming health issues, such as necrotic enteritis (NE). NE is an enteric disease caused by an over proliferation of toxigenic Clostridium perfringens (CP) in the gastrointestinal tract. Although CP is a commensal in the avian intestinal tract, dysbiosis caused by inflammation and impaired intestinal integrity facilitates uncontrolled replication of CP. Infectious agents, such as Eimeria maxima, appear to be a predominant predisposing factor that promotes NE. However, non-infectious stressors, including dietary changes, have also been associated with NE to some degree. As a result of increased pressure to restrict the use of antibiotics, there is a need for research evaluating the efficacy of alternatives, such as plant-derived essential oils, as potential tools to mitigate NE in commercial poultry flocks. The aim of this study is to review the effects of essential oils as an alternative to antibiotics to reduce the incidence and severity of necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens.展开更多
Objective:We conducted a comprehensive physicochemical analysis of one-dimensional ZnO nanowires(1DZnO),incorporating anti-CYFRA 21-1 immobilization to promote fast optical biomarker detection up to 10 ng ml−1.Impact ...Objective:We conducted a comprehensive physicochemical analysis of one-dimensional ZnO nanowires(1DZnO),incorporating anti-CYFRA 21-1 immobilization to promote fast optical biomarker detection up to 10 ng ml−1.Impact Statement:This study highlights the effectiveness of proof-of-concept 1DZnO nanoplatforms for rapid cancer biomarker detection by examining the nanoscale integration of 1DZnO with these bioreceptors to deliver reliable photoluminescent output signals.Introduction:The urgent need for swift and accurate prognoses in healthcare settings drives the rise of sensitive biosensing nanoplatforms for cancer detection,which has benefited from biomarker identification.CYFRA 21-1 is a reliable target for the early prediction of cancer formation that can be perceptible in blood,saliva,and serum.However,1DZnO nanostructures have been barely applied for CYFRA 21-1 detection.Methods:We assessed the nanoscale interaction between 1DZnO and anti-CYFRA 21-1 antibodies to develop rapid CYFRA 21-1 detection in two distinct matrices:PhosphateBuffered Saline(PBS)buffer and artificial saliva.The chemical modifications were tracked utilizing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,while transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy confirmed antigen-antibody interplay over nanostructures.Results:Our results show high antibody immobilization efficiencies,affirming the effectiveness of 1DZnO nanoplatforms for rapid CYFRA 21-1 testing within a 5-min detection window in both PBS and artificial saliva.Photoluminescence measurements also revealed distinct optical responses across biomarker concentrations ranging from 10 to 1,000 ng ml^(−1).Conclusion:Discernible PL signal responses obtained after 5 min affirm the potential of 1DZnO nanoplatforms for further advancement in optical biomarker detection for application in early cancer prognosis.展开更多
The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is rising worldwide being currently the fifth most common cancer and third cause of cancer-related mortality.Early detection of HCC through surveillance programs have ena...The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is rising worldwide being currently the fifth most common cancer and third cause of cancer-related mortality.Early detection of HCC through surveillance programs have enabled the identification of small nodules with higher frequency,and nowadays account for 10%-15% of patients diagnosed in the West and almost 30% in Japan.Patients with small HCC can be candidates for potential curative treatments:liver transplantation,surgical resection and percutaneous ablation,depending on the presence of portal hypertension and co-morbidities.This review will analyze recent advancements in the clinical management of these individuals,focusing on issues related to the role of portal hypertension,the debate between resection and ablative therapies and the future impact of molecular technologies.展开更多
The aim of the present work is to investigate the numerical modeling of interfacial cracks that may appear at the interface between two isotropic elastic materials. The extended finite element method is employed to an...The aim of the present work is to investigate the numerical modeling of interfacial cracks that may appear at the interface between two isotropic elastic materials. The extended finite element method is employed to analyze brittle and bi-material interfacial fatigue crack growth by computing the mixed mode stress intensity factors(SIF). Three different approaches are introduced to compute the SIFs. In the first one, mixed mode SIF is deduced from the computation of the contour integral as per the classical J-integral method,whereas a displacement method is used to evaluate the SIF by using either one or two displacement jumps located along the crack path in the second and third approaches. The displacement jump method is rather classical for mono-materials,but has to our knowledge not been used up to now for a bimaterial. Hence, use of displacement jump for characterizing bi-material cracks constitutes the main contribution of the present study. Several benchmark tests including parametric studies are performed to show the effectiveness of these computational methodologies for SIF considering static and fatigue problems of bi-material structures. It is found that results based on the displacement jump methods are in a very good agreement with those of exact solutions, such as for the J-integral method, but with a larger domain of applicability and a better numerical efficiency(less time consuming and less spurious boundary effect).展开更多
The number of people registering in an online community depends on two main factors:interest in,and awareness of,the project.Registering to a project does not,however,imply contributing to it,as lacking the knowledge ...The number of people registering in an online community depends on two main factors:interest in,and awareness of,the project.Registering to a project does not,however,imply contributing to it,as lacking the knowledge and skills can be a barrier to participation.In order to identify the nature of events that might have facilitated or hindered enrollments in the OpenStreetMap(OSM)project over time,we analyzed the correlations between the number of new participants and the events that dotted its history.Four different metrics were defined to characterize participants’behaviors:the daily number of registrations,the daily number of participants that made a first contribution,the delays between contributors’registration and their first edits,and a daily contribution ratio built from the number of new contributors and the number of new registered members.Time series analyses were used to identify trends,and outstanding variations of the number of participants.An inventory of events that took place along the OSM project’s history was created and appreciable variations of the metrics have been linked to events that seemed to be meaningful.Although a correlation does not imply causality,many of the explanations these correlations suggest are supported by the results of other studies,either directly or indirectly.For instance,when considering the time participants spend as“lurker”,as well as on the nature of the contribution of early participants.In other cases,they suggest new explanations for the origin of the spam accounts that affect registration statistics,or the decline in the proportion of registered members who actually become contributors.展开更多
AIM: To describe the frequency and biophysical response of sensitive skin in Mexican subjects, using the lactic acid test.METHODS: The lactic acid stinging test was applied to 250 healthy volunteers, both sexes, 18 ye...AIM: To describe the frequency and biophysical response of sensitive skin in Mexican subjects, using the lactic acid test.METHODS: The lactic acid stinging test was applied to 250 healthy volunteers, both sexes, 18 years of age or older, without any active dermatoses on the test site. Volunteers were university students, workers of public institutions, and general population from San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Participants were not excluded based on socioeconomic status. Demographic data were obtained through a questionnaire. Skin phototype was obtained through colorimetry. Subjects were randomized to receive 10% lactic acid on one nasolabial fold and placebo on the other side. The presence and intensity of adverse sensations, such as itching, burning, or stinging, was evaluated through a 10-point VisualAnalogue Scale(VAS) prior to treatment and at 3, 5, 8 and 10 min after the intervention. Subjects with a VAS of 2 or higher were considered positive for the test. A VAS lower than 2 was considered a normal response to skin manipulation. Simultaneously, biophysical changes and barrier function were assessed by colorimetry, transepidermal water loss(TEWL), and capacitance. To decrease measurement variations by skin manipulation, the nasolabial fold was segmented in four areas of 1 cm2 for each time measurement. Descriptive analyses were made using central tendency measures. Analyses of data were performed using two-tailed c2 test, Fisher's test, t-test, logistic regression, or Mann-Whitney U test for non-parametric values between groups. RESULTS: Of the included 246 subjects, 68% were women and the mean age was 32 years. The most frequent skin phototype was Ⅴ(ranges Ⅱ-Ⅴ). Thirty-six percent of the subjects identified themselves as having sensitive skin. Fifty-two percent of the subjects were positive to the lactic acid stinging test, with a mean VAS of 4.5 at 3 min. Subjects with the self-diagnosis of sensitive skin were more likely to be positive for the test(80% vs 36%, P < 0.001). Lighter skin phototypes(types Ⅱ and Ⅲ) showed a higher response to the test compared to darker skin tones(type Ⅴ; OR = 0.88, P < 0.001). There were no statistical differences in baseline biophysical measurements. At 3 min, TEWL was significantly higher in subjects positive to the test(27.5 vs 23.7, P < 0.05). At 5 min, TEWL and capacitance showed statistical differences(26.0 vs 22.4, P < 0.05, and 239 vs 179, P < 0.05, respectively). After 5 min, values tended to return to baseline levels in both groups.CONCLUSION: Sensitive skin is frequent in our population. Darker skin phototypes have a lower prevalence of this syndrome, probably due to inherent differences in skin barrier function.展开更多
Citrus bacterial canker(CBC)results from Xanthomonas citri subsp.citri(Xcc)infection and poses a grave threat to citrus production.Class III peroxidases(CIII Prxs)are key proteins to the environmental adaptation of ci...Citrus bacterial canker(CBC)results from Xanthomonas citri subsp.citri(Xcc)infection and poses a grave threat to citrus production.Class III peroxidases(CIII Prxs)are key proteins to the environmental adaptation of citrus plants to a range of exogenous pathogens,but the role of CIII Prxs during plant resistance to CBC is poorly defined.Herein,we explored the role of CsPrx25 and its contribution to plant defenses in molecular detail.Based on the expression analysis,CsPrx25 was identified as an apoplast-localized protein that is differentially regulated by Xcc infection,salicylic acid,and methyl jasmone acid in the CBC-susceptible variety Wanjincheng(C.sinensis)and the CBC-resistant variety Calamondin(C.madurensis).Transgenic Wanjincheng plants overexpressing CsPrx25 were generated,and these transgenic plants exhibited significantly increased CBC resistance compared with the WT plants.In addition,the CsPrx25-overexpressing plants displayed altered reactive oxygen species(ROS)homeostasis accompanied by enhanced H_(2)O_(2) levels,which led to stronger hypersensitivity responses during Xcc infection.Moreover,the overexpression of CsPrx25 enhanced lignification as an apoplastic barrier for Xcc infection.Taken together,the results highlight how CsPrx25-mediated ROS homeostasis reconstruction and cell wall lignification can enhance the resistance of sweet orange to CBC.展开更多
This study deals with Peak of electron density in F2-layer sensibility scale during quiet time on solar minimum. Peaks of electron density in F2-layer (NmF2) values at the quietest days are compared to those carried o...This study deals with Peak of electron density in F2-layer sensibility scale during quiet time on solar minimum. Peaks of electron density in F2-layer (NmF2) values at the quietest days are compared to those carried out from the two nearest days (previous and following of quietest day). The study uses International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) for ionosphere modeling. The located station is Ouagadougou, in West Africa. Solar minimum of phase 22 is considered in this study. Using three core principles of ionosphere modeling under IRI running conditions, the study enables to carry out Peak of electron density in F2-layer values during the quietest days of the characteristic months for the four different seasons. These parameters are compared to those of the previous and the following of the quietest days (the day before and following each quietest selected day) at the same hour. The knowledge of NmF2 values at the quietest days and at the two nearest days enables to calculate the relative error that can be made on this parameter. This calculation highlights insignificant relative errors. This means that NmF2 values at the two nearest days of each quietest day on solar minimum can be used for simulating the quietest days’ behavior. NmF2 values obtained by running IRI model have good correlation with those carried out by Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Electrodynamics-General Circulation Model (TIEGCM).展开更多
基金Direction Generale de la Recherche Scientifique et du Developpement Technologique(DGRSDT)Algeria,and the Researchers Supporting Project No.(RSP2025R390),King Saud University,Riyadh,Saudi Arabia.
文摘Salinity stress is a major challenge for global agriculture,particularly in arid and semi-arid regions,limiting plant productivity due to water and soil salinity.These conditions particularly affect countries along the southern Mediterranean rim,including Algeria,which primarily focuses on pastoral and forage practices.This study investigates salinity tolerance and ecotypic variability in Vicia narbonensis L.,a fodder legume species recognized for its potential to reclaim marginal soils.Morphological,physiological,and biochemical responses were assessed in three ecotypes(eco2,eco9,and eco10)exposed to different salinity levels(low,moderate,and severe).The study was conducted using a completely randomized block design with three blocks per ecotype per dose.The results from the two-way analysis of variance demonstrate significant effects across nearly all attributes studied,revealing distinct ecotypic responses.These findings underscore variations in growth parameters,osmotic regulation mechanisms,and biochemical adjustments.The substantial diversity observed among these ecotypes in their response to salinity provides valuable insights for breeders addressing both agronomic and ecological challenges.Multivariate analyses,including Principal Component Analysis(PCA),revealed key variables distinguishing between ecotypes under salinity stress.Moreover,Classification based on Salinity Tolerance Indices(STI)further differentiated ecotypic performance with more precision,and this is because of the combination of the different parameters studied.These results open up new prospects for the development of strategies to improve the salinity tolerance of forage legumes.
文摘In Burkina Faso, recent dengue outbreaks were exacerbated by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which have developed resistance to conventional insecticides. This study investigates the potential of Metarhizium pingshaense Met_S26, a fungus from Burkina Faso, for controlling both endophilic and exophilic Aedes mosquitoes. Traditional interventions are less effective against mosquitoes resting outdoors, and the ability of the fungus to be sexually transmitted could enhance its efficacy. Aedes mosquitoes were reared and exposed to various concentrations of Metarhizium pingshaense to assess its virulence. The fungus showed significant efficacy, with lethal times (LT80) ranging from 8.67 to 11.83 days depending on the concentration. Furthermore, bioassays demonstrated effective sexual auto-dissemination, with substantial transmission of fungal spores between infected and uninfected mosquitoes, leading to lower survival rates in uninfected mates. This study highlights Metarhizium pingshaense Met_S26 as a promising tool for controlling both indoor and outdoor Aedes populations, complementing existing vector control strategies such as the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and Wolbachia-based approaches. Future research should explore integrating this fungus with other control methods for a comprehensive vector management strategy.
基金funded by Gobierno de Chile with the project“An atlas of droughts for Chile:1000 years of space-time changes and variations throughout the territory”(grant number FONDECYT 1181956).
文摘The Mediterranean region in central Chile is experiencing a significant decrease in precipitation due to climate change and the dynamics of the El Nino Southern Oscillation(ENSO).Droughts have increased in recent decades,~with the most severe and longest drought of the last millennium occurring since 2010 in central Chile.The impact of ongoing water scarcity is leading to significant drought-related declines in tree growth and forest dieback in the Mediterranean region.A deep understanding of how tree species respond to climate is crucial to accurately predict how forests will respond to climate change.We examined the growth responses to climate of three endemic and threatened tree species of the Mediterranean forests of central Chile,Nothofagus macrocarpa,Cryptocarya alba and Persea lingue,in a protected area.We observed that the growth of all three species was highly dependent on water availability and ENSO,and that the evergreen species C.alba and P.lingue increased their sensitivity to hydroclimate more than the deciduous species N.macrocarpa.These relationships were consistent across much of southern South America,highlighting the dependence of these species on water availability at large geographic scales.We found that there is a relationship between local water availability and ENSO that has intensified temporally and expanded geographically in recent decades.The xerophyllous species C.alba showed greater resistance and increasing resilience to severe droughts,while P.lingue and N.macrocarpa showed greater growth decline during droughts,possibly due to their preference for wetter environments.Our results highlight the crucial role of ENSO-driven water availability and drought in limiting tree growth and threatening the conservation of Mediterranean forests in central Chile.
文摘Polygala multiflora Poiret is an oleaginous plant in Burkina Faso, but most of its quality characteristics remain unexplored. This work aimed to evaluate the chemical and sensory quality of Polygala multiflora Poiret crude oil. Chemical parameters were determined using AOAC standards. The sensory analysis of the samples was carried out using three tests (descriptive and hedonic classification). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to establish the relationship between the panelists’ evaluation of the attributes and the type of oil extracted. The results showed that P. multiflora seed oil is mainly produced by women using a mechanical extraction process. The chemical analysis of the extracted oil showed a refractive index (1.45 ± 0.02), free fatty acids (1.97% ± 0.2% ac. oleic), acidity index (6.93 ± 0.14 mg KOH/g), saponification index (186.3 ± 9.31 mg KOH/g), iodine index (40.37 ± 0.5 gI2/100 g) and peroxide index (1.58 ± 0.05 Meq O2/kg). The descriptive sensory attributes showed that the crushed seed oil had the highest appreciation percentage value. The hedonic test showed that the highest percentage value of the attribute “like it” was associated with whole seed oil. The results of the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed the variability of the sensory quality depending on the type of oil extracted.
文摘Malaria is a potentially lethal disease caused by parasites of the Plasmodium genus, transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female mosquitoes, primarily Anopheles. To control this disease, various strategies are implemented, including biological control, which targets the vectors of the parasite. This approach uses biological agents such as entomopathogenic fungi, including Metarhizium pingshaense, a fungus capable of causing lethal infections in mosquitoes. The production of Metarhizium pingshaense is still limited in Burkina Faso, and local cultivation of this fungus could help fill this gap. A study was conducted to identify optimal local substrates that promote its growth. Indeed, after gathering information on the dietary habits of populations in Bobo-Dioulasso and Bama, three potential substrates were selected: rice, cornmeal dough (MFL), and beans. These substrates were inoculated with two strains of Metarhizium pingshaense (S10 and S26) to assess their ability to support fungal growth and their effectiveness. Experimental results showed that MFL and bean substrates favored optimal growth of Metarhizium pingshaense, with growths of 1.91 cm and 2.13 cm after 8 days, compared to 1.83 cm on a standard media (PDA). In terms of virulence, S26 strain caused 60% mosquito mortality on both the bean and PDA media, while S10 strain induced mortalities of 50% for bean and 62% for PDA.
基金Supported by Agencia Nacional de Promoción de la Investigación,el Desarrollo Tecnológico y la Innovación,No.PICT 2020 Serie A 4000.
文摘Hypertension disrupts cerebral blood flow,leading to endothelial dysfunction,breakdown of the blood-brain barrier(BBB),and inflammatory cell infiltration.This cascade triggers glial cell activation,increases oxidative stress,and causes pro-inflammatory cytokine release,creating a neurotoxic environment.In this context,we explore the intricate connection between hypertension,neuroinflammation,and neurodegeneration,as well as how hypertension interacts with other metabolic disorders,such as obesity and diabetes,to further worsen neuroinflammation.Additionally,we discuss the role of the reninangiotensin-aldosterone system,the impact of the microbiome,and the potential contribution of chronic infections in exacerbating neuroinflammation.It is essential to emphasize the potential of nanotechnology to transform therapeutic approaches.Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems can enhance the bioavailability and selectivity of antihypertensive drugs,antioxidants,and neuroprotective compounds,enabling targeted delivery across the BBB.By combining effective blood pressure management with nanotechnology-enabled therapies that modulate inflammation,oxidative stress,and protein aggregation,we can explore new avenues for preventing and treating hypertension and metabolic disorder-associated neurodegenerative conditions.Ultimately,hypertension significantly contributes to neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration by promoting neuronal cell death,primarily through impaired cerebral blood flow and disruption of the BBB.The interaction of hypertension with metabolic disorders exacerbates these effects.However,advancements in our understanding and new technologies reveal promising nanopharmacological approaches for targeted drug delivery to the brain,thereby improving treatment outcomes,enhancing adherence,and reducing side effects.
基金financial support from the LASERLAB-EUROPE Access to Research Infrastructure Activity (Application No. 23068)carried out within the framework of EUROfusion Enabling Research Projects AWP21-ENR-01-CEA02 and AWP24-ENR-IFE-02-CEA-02+3 种基金received funding from Euratom Research and Training Programme 2021–2025 under Grant No. 633053supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic [Project No. LM2023068 (PALS RI)]by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant Nos. XDA25030200 and XDA25010100)supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) through Action CA21128 PROBONO (PROton BOron Nuclear Fusion: from energy production to medical applicatiOns)
文摘Recent experiments at the National Ignition Facility and theoretical modeling suggest that side stimulated Raman scattering(SSRS)instability could reduce laser–plasma coupling and generate considerable fluxes of suprathermal hot electrons under interaction conditions envisaged for direct-drive schemes for inertial confinement fusion.Nonetheless,SSRS remains to date one of the least understood parametric instabilities.Here,we report the first angularly and spectrally resolved measurements of scattered light at laser intensities relevant for the shock ignition scheme(I×10^(16)W/cm^(2)),showing significant SSRS growth in the direction perpendicular to the laser polarization.Modification of the focal spot shape and orientation,obtained by using two different random phase plates,and of the density gradient of the plasma,by utilizing exploding foil targets of different thicknesses,clearly reveals a different dependence of backward SRS(BSRS)and SSRS on experimental parameters.While convective BSRS scales with plasma density scale length,as expected by linear theory,the growth of SSRS depends on the spot extension in the direction perpendicular to laser polarization.Our analysis therefore demonstrates that under current experimental conditions,with density scale lengths L_(n)≈60–120μm and spot sizes FWHM≈40–100μm,SSRS is limited by laser beam size rather than by the density scale length of the plasma.
基金financially supported by China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2022T150708)National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2023YFF1104600)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.32072305,32102089)。
文摘Aflatoxins B1(AFB1)contamination in agro-food holds great threaten to human and animal health.Conventional test strips for rapid AFB1 visualized monitoring remains challenged by improvement of sensitivity and matrix interference resistance.In this case,we developed a portable electrochemiluminescence(ECL)imaging test strip with dual-signal outputs for AFB1 quantification in corn samples.RuPEI@SiO_(2)@Au nanospheres were synthesized for bonding with anti-AFB1 antibody and then colorimetrical signal-reported on test line through the capillary flow at strips.Meanwhile,ECL imaging signal of the constructed carbon-ink-based working electrode on polyvinyl chloride substrate of strips was exported under an applied potential of 1.25 V.The whole ECL test strips not only endowed convenient colorimetric responses but guaranteed quick-witted ECL image distinguishment even at extremely low AFB1 content.The detection limit of this ECL imaging-integrated mode was 10-fold lower than that of only colorimetric mode.Furthermore,satisfactory selectivity,reliability and practicability of the as-proposed ECL test strips were demonstrated.This work offered a promising platform for on-site,accurate and sensitive detection of pollutants in foods.
基金Julio Antonio Caballero-Mora acknowledges the CONAHCYT Scholarship number 828530。
文摘Force control merged with motion control represent the fundamental low level requirements for the most complex tasks to be performed by any robot.In particular,robust motion and force controllers allow robots to deal with real-world uncertainties among other disturbances.In this paper,an admittance-based force controller using the Active Disturbance Rejection Control approach is proposed,which allows to perform robot force control without a force sensor.In addition,a theoretical synthesis of the control law including an extended state observer for the estimation of the robot–surface force interaction and their formal stability analysis is presented.The validation of the proposal is depicted by numerical simulations using the dynamical model of a two degrees of freedom robot manipulator,for both a constant and a time-varying force control tasks with an unknown curved surface,while considering joint measurement noise and force sensors noise and an external disturbance force.
文摘Selecting which explanatory variables to include in a given score is a common difficulty, as a balance must be found between statistical fit and practical application. This article presents a methodology for constructing parsimonious event risk scores combining a stepwise selection of variables with ensemble scores obtained by aggregation of several scores, using several classifiers, bootstrap samples and various modalities of random selection of variables. Selection methods based on a probabilistic model can be used to achieve a stepwise selection for a given classifier such as logistic regression, but not directly for an ensemble classifier constructed by aggregation of several classifiers. Three selection methods are proposed in this framework, two involving a backward selection of the variables based on their coefficients in an ensemble score and the third involving a forward selection of the variables maximizing the AUC. The stepwise selection allows constructing a succession of scores, with the practitioner able to choose which score best fits his needs. These three methods are compared in an application to construct parsimonious short-term event risk scores in chronic HF patients, using as event the composite endpoint of death or hospitalization for worsening HF within 180 days of a visit. Focusing on the fastest method, four scores are constructed, yielding out-of-bag AUCs ranging from 0.81 (26 variables) to 0.76 (2 variables).
文摘Infections due to Escherichia coli and Salmonella are of the major constraints for the laying hen’s industry as they cause mortality and serious economic losses. The use of conventional antibiotics to control bacterial has shown limits because it allows multidrug-resistance. The main objective of this study was to assess the antibacterial activity of essential oil from Aeollanthus pubescens on multidrug resistant strains of Salmonella and Escherichia coli isolated from laying hens faming in the department of Atlantique in Benin. Altogether, 11 strains of Salmonella and 16 strains of Escherichia coli have been isolated from 101 samples of different organs including liver, spleen, lung, feces and yolk according to standardized methods and their biochemical profile using API 20E gallery. Test of sensitivity was carried out on 11 antibiotics of six different families on identified strains in order to determine their resistance profile. A sensitivity test was carried out on multi-drug resistant strains with Aeollanthus pubescens essential oil to determine their sensitivity with regard to this essential oil. The results showed that the majority of Salmonella strains presented resistance to Tetracyclines (72.7%) and Sulfonamides (63.6%) and all Escherichia coli strains are resistant to Sulfonamides (100%) followed by Tetracycline (93.75%) and Ampicillin (75%). Aeollanthus pubescens essential oil was active on all the multi-drug resistant strains investigated with Minimal inhibitory concentration varying from 0.41 ± 0 mg/ml to 0.83 ± 0 mg/ml for Salmonella and from 0.41 ± 0 mg/ml to 1.66 ± 0 mg/ml for Escherichia coli (P Salmonella and the multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli investigated. Those results provide alternatives to control poultry bacterial pathologies in Republic of Benin. However, disease due to Escherichia coli and Salmonella must be taken more seriously and study on their resistance to antibiotic must be deepened as well.
文摘In this work wavelength sensitivity in mechanically induced long period fiber gratings (MLPFG) is analyzed. This analysis is first carried out both in standard single-mode fiber SMF-28 and in Er-doped fibers. The mechanical analysis for both types of fibers under different torsion conditions is presented. In order to apply the torsion one of the fiber ends is fixed while torsion is applied on the other end. A MLPFG whose period is 503 μm is used to press the fiber after torsion is applied. This allows for micro curvatures to be formed on the fiber, which in turn generates a periodical index perturbation on it. Here, it was noted that the sensitive wavelength shift of the rejection bands is bigger for Er-doped fibers. For a torsion of 6 turns applied to 10 cm of doped fiber the wavelength peaks can be moved up to 25 nm, which is longer to what was detected on standard fibers. Therefore, by using Er-doped fibers to monitor torsion on structures will give more sensitive and accurate results than using standard fibers. These results can be employed for sensing applications, especially for small to medium size structures, which can be mechanical, civil or aeronautics.
文摘Due to the removal of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) and consumer pressure for antibiotic-free (ABF) or no antibiotics ever (NAE) poultry production, there is a need for sustainable alternatives to prevent disease in commercial poultry operations. Without AGPs, there has been a rise in diseases that were traditionally controlled by subtherapeutic levels of antibiotics in the diet. This has impacted the health of commercial poultry and has been a significant cost to poultry producers. To mitigate this, the industry has started to investigate alternatives to antibiotics to treat these forthcoming health issues, such as necrotic enteritis (NE). NE is an enteric disease caused by an over proliferation of toxigenic Clostridium perfringens (CP) in the gastrointestinal tract. Although CP is a commensal in the avian intestinal tract, dysbiosis caused by inflammation and impaired intestinal integrity facilitates uncontrolled replication of CP. Infectious agents, such as Eimeria maxima, appear to be a predominant predisposing factor that promotes NE. However, non-infectious stressors, including dietary changes, have also been associated with NE to some degree. As a result of increased pressure to restrict the use of antibiotics, there is a need for research evaluating the efficacy of alternatives, such as plant-derived essential oils, as potential tools to mitigate NE in commercial poultry flocks. The aim of this study is to review the effects of essential oils as an alternative to antibiotics to reduce the incidence and severity of necrotic enteritis in broiler chickens.
基金R.A.S.(CVU 703153)acknowledges the DGAPA-UNAM postdoctoral grant.S.E.M.T.(CVU 703157)acknowledges the DGAPA-UNAM postdoctoral grantP.G.Z.-B.(CVU 787342)acknowledges the CONAHCyT postdoctoral grant received.A.D.+2 种基金G.S.thank the projects PAPIIT-DGAPA-UNAM IA100123 and IG100123The authors also acknowledge the UIC-UNAM joint collaborative project for the supportThis work was supported by DGAPA PAPIIT funding IA100123.
文摘Objective:We conducted a comprehensive physicochemical analysis of one-dimensional ZnO nanowires(1DZnO),incorporating anti-CYFRA 21-1 immobilization to promote fast optical biomarker detection up to 10 ng ml−1.Impact Statement:This study highlights the effectiveness of proof-of-concept 1DZnO nanoplatforms for rapid cancer biomarker detection by examining the nanoscale integration of 1DZnO with these bioreceptors to deliver reliable photoluminescent output signals.Introduction:The urgent need for swift and accurate prognoses in healthcare settings drives the rise of sensitive biosensing nanoplatforms for cancer detection,which has benefited from biomarker identification.CYFRA 21-1 is a reliable target for the early prediction of cancer formation that can be perceptible in blood,saliva,and serum.However,1DZnO nanostructures have been barely applied for CYFRA 21-1 detection.Methods:We assessed the nanoscale interaction between 1DZnO and anti-CYFRA 21-1 antibodies to develop rapid CYFRA 21-1 detection in two distinct matrices:PhosphateBuffered Saline(PBS)buffer and artificial saliva.The chemical modifications were tracked utilizing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,while transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy confirmed antigen-antibody interplay over nanostructures.Results:Our results show high antibody immobilization efficiencies,affirming the effectiveness of 1DZnO nanoplatforms for rapid CYFRA 21-1 testing within a 5-min detection window in both PBS and artificial saliva.Photoluminescence measurements also revealed distinct optical responses across biomarker concentrations ranging from 10 to 1,000 ng ml^(−1).Conclusion:Discernible PL signal responses obtained after 5 min affirm the potential of 1DZnO nanoplatforms for further advancement in optical biomarker detection for application in early cancer prognosis.
文摘The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is rising worldwide being currently the fifth most common cancer and third cause of cancer-related mortality.Early detection of HCC through surveillance programs have enabled the identification of small nodules with higher frequency,and nowadays account for 10%-15% of patients diagnosed in the West and almost 30% in Japan.Patients with small HCC can be candidates for potential curative treatments:liver transplantation,surgical resection and percutaneous ablation,depending on the presence of portal hypertension and co-morbidities.This review will analyze recent advancements in the clinical management of these individuals,focusing on issues related to the role of portal hypertension,the debate between resection and ablative therapies and the future impact of molecular technologies.
文摘The aim of the present work is to investigate the numerical modeling of interfacial cracks that may appear at the interface between two isotropic elastic materials. The extended finite element method is employed to analyze brittle and bi-material interfacial fatigue crack growth by computing the mixed mode stress intensity factors(SIF). Three different approaches are introduced to compute the SIFs. In the first one, mixed mode SIF is deduced from the computation of the contour integral as per the classical J-integral method,whereas a displacement method is used to evaluate the SIF by using either one or two displacement jumps located along the crack path in the second and third approaches. The displacement jump method is rather classical for mono-materials,but has to our knowledge not been used up to now for a bimaterial. Hence, use of displacement jump for characterizing bi-material cracks constitutes the main contribution of the present study. Several benchmark tests including parametric studies are performed to show the effectiveness of these computational methodologies for SIF considering static and fatigue problems of bi-material structures. It is found that results based on the displacement jump methods are in a very good agreement with those of exact solutions, such as for the J-integral method, but with a larger domain of applicability and a better numerical efficiency(less time consuming and less spurious boundary effect).
基金supported by a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada(NSERC)Discovery GrantMemorial University of Newfoundland.
文摘The number of people registering in an online community depends on two main factors:interest in,and awareness of,the project.Registering to a project does not,however,imply contributing to it,as lacking the knowledge and skills can be a barrier to participation.In order to identify the nature of events that might have facilitated or hindered enrollments in the OpenStreetMap(OSM)project over time,we analyzed the correlations between the number of new participants and the events that dotted its history.Four different metrics were defined to characterize participants’behaviors:the daily number of registrations,the daily number of participants that made a first contribution,the delays between contributors’registration and their first edits,and a daily contribution ratio built from the number of new contributors and the number of new registered members.Time series analyses were used to identify trends,and outstanding variations of the number of participants.An inventory of events that took place along the OSM project’s history was created and appreciable variations of the metrics have been linked to events that seemed to be meaningful.Although a correlation does not imply causality,many of the explanations these correlations suggest are supported by the results of other studies,either directly or indirectly.For instance,when considering the time participants spend as“lurker”,as well as on the nature of the contribution of early participants.In other cases,they suggest new explanations for the origin of the spam accounts that affect registration statistics,or the decline in the proportion of registered members who actually become contributors.
文摘AIM: To describe the frequency and biophysical response of sensitive skin in Mexican subjects, using the lactic acid test.METHODS: The lactic acid stinging test was applied to 250 healthy volunteers, both sexes, 18 years of age or older, without any active dermatoses on the test site. Volunteers were university students, workers of public institutions, and general population from San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Participants were not excluded based on socioeconomic status. Demographic data were obtained through a questionnaire. Skin phototype was obtained through colorimetry. Subjects were randomized to receive 10% lactic acid on one nasolabial fold and placebo on the other side. The presence and intensity of adverse sensations, such as itching, burning, or stinging, was evaluated through a 10-point VisualAnalogue Scale(VAS) prior to treatment and at 3, 5, 8 and 10 min after the intervention. Subjects with a VAS of 2 or higher were considered positive for the test. A VAS lower than 2 was considered a normal response to skin manipulation. Simultaneously, biophysical changes and barrier function were assessed by colorimetry, transepidermal water loss(TEWL), and capacitance. To decrease measurement variations by skin manipulation, the nasolabial fold was segmented in four areas of 1 cm2 for each time measurement. Descriptive analyses were made using central tendency measures. Analyses of data were performed using two-tailed c2 test, Fisher's test, t-test, logistic regression, or Mann-Whitney U test for non-parametric values between groups. RESULTS: Of the included 246 subjects, 68% were women and the mean age was 32 years. The most frequent skin phototype was Ⅴ(ranges Ⅱ-Ⅴ). Thirty-six percent of the subjects identified themselves as having sensitive skin. Fifty-two percent of the subjects were positive to the lactic acid stinging test, with a mean VAS of 4.5 at 3 min. Subjects with the self-diagnosis of sensitive skin were more likely to be positive for the test(80% vs 36%, P < 0.001). Lighter skin phototypes(types Ⅱ and Ⅲ) showed a higher response to the test compared to darker skin tones(type Ⅴ; OR = 0.88, P < 0.001). There were no statistical differences in baseline biophysical measurements. At 3 min, TEWL was significantly higher in subjects positive to the test(27.5 vs 23.7, P < 0.05). At 5 min, TEWL and capacitance showed statistical differences(26.0 vs 22.4, P < 0.05, and 239 vs 179, P < 0.05, respectively). After 5 min, values tended to return to baseline levels in both groups.CONCLUSION: Sensitive skin is frequent in our population. Darker skin phototypes have a lower prevalence of this syndrome, probably due to inherent differences in skin barrier function.
基金The National Key Research and Development Program of China(2018YFD1000306)the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing(cstc2020jcyj-msxmX1064)+2 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(SWU115025)the Earmarked Funds for the China Agriculture Research System(CARS-26)the Key Project of Guangxi Science and Technology(GuiKeAA18118046-6)funded this study.
文摘Citrus bacterial canker(CBC)results from Xanthomonas citri subsp.citri(Xcc)infection and poses a grave threat to citrus production.Class III peroxidases(CIII Prxs)are key proteins to the environmental adaptation of citrus plants to a range of exogenous pathogens,but the role of CIII Prxs during plant resistance to CBC is poorly defined.Herein,we explored the role of CsPrx25 and its contribution to plant defenses in molecular detail.Based on the expression analysis,CsPrx25 was identified as an apoplast-localized protein that is differentially regulated by Xcc infection,salicylic acid,and methyl jasmone acid in the CBC-susceptible variety Wanjincheng(C.sinensis)and the CBC-resistant variety Calamondin(C.madurensis).Transgenic Wanjincheng plants overexpressing CsPrx25 were generated,and these transgenic plants exhibited significantly increased CBC resistance compared with the WT plants.In addition,the CsPrx25-overexpressing plants displayed altered reactive oxygen species(ROS)homeostasis accompanied by enhanced H_(2)O_(2) levels,which led to stronger hypersensitivity responses during Xcc infection.Moreover,the overexpression of CsPrx25 enhanced lignification as an apoplastic barrier for Xcc infection.Taken together,the results highlight how CsPrx25-mediated ROS homeostasis reconstruction and cell wall lignification can enhance the resistance of sweet orange to CBC.
文摘This study deals with Peak of electron density in F2-layer sensibility scale during quiet time on solar minimum. Peaks of electron density in F2-layer (NmF2) values at the quietest days are compared to those carried out from the two nearest days (previous and following of quietest day). The study uses International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) for ionosphere modeling. The located station is Ouagadougou, in West Africa. Solar minimum of phase 22 is considered in this study. Using three core principles of ionosphere modeling under IRI running conditions, the study enables to carry out Peak of electron density in F2-layer values during the quietest days of the characteristic months for the four different seasons. These parameters are compared to those of the previous and the following of the quietest days (the day before and following each quietest selected day) at the same hour. The knowledge of NmF2 values at the quietest days and at the two nearest days enables to calculate the relative error that can be made on this parameter. This calculation highlights insignificant relative errors. This means that NmF2 values at the two nearest days of each quietest day on solar minimum can be used for simulating the quietest days’ behavior. NmF2 values obtained by running IRI model have good correlation with those carried out by Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Electrodynamics-General Circulation Model (TIEGCM).