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A solar heat pump based on the photovoltaic photothermal (PV/T) module is a new technology that can improve the photovoltaic efficiency and recovery of waste heat in photovoltaic conversion. The comprehensive efficiency of a system can thus be greatly improved. At present, there is little research on the simulation of a solar heat pump based on the Simulink 2018 software. In this paper, PV/T modules are modeled and simulated using the Simulink software based on the typical meteorological parameters in Beijing city during summer and winter conditions. Considering the system characteristics of a simultaneous operation, the models of all components such as the compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion valve, and heat storage tanks contained in a system are established based on the system's working principle, energy conservation equations, and some empirical formulas and then simulated. As PV/T modules are the key influencing factor for system performance, the model and simulation process are introduced in detail in this paper. The results show that the surface temperature of PV/T modules under different operating conditions are all significantly lower than that of ordinary photovoltaic panels. The average temperature of PV/T modules is only 15.2 °C, which is 20.2 °C lower than that of ordinary panels under summer conditions, and the average temperature of PV/T modules is only 0.5 °C, 17.8 °C lower than that of ordinary panels under winter conditions. The average photoelectric efficiency can be improved by 15.4% and 8.9%. And, the temperature change amplitude of PV/T modules is lower, which weakens the temperature fluctuation of the modules. The photovoltaic efficiency is therefore further increased. As a result, the power generation and photovoltaic efficiency are both improved significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bacterial strain AP-MA-4T isolated from the marine dinoflagellate Alexandrium pacificum (KCTC AG60911), was subjected to a taxonomic analysis. Cells of strain AP-MA-4T were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, optimum growth at 20 °C, pH 7.0, in the presence of 5% (w/v) NaCl. Strain AP-MA-4T shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Pseudosulfitobacter pseudonitzschiae DSM 26824T (98.5%), followed by Ascidiaceihabitans donghaensis RSS1-M3T (96.3%), Pseudoseohaeicola caenipelagi BS-W13T (95.7%), and Sulfitobacter pontiacus CHLG 10T (95.3%). Based on 16S rRNA phylogeny, strain AP-MA-4T is phylogenetically closely related to Pseudosulfitobacter pseudonitzschiae (type species of Pseudosulfitobacter) and could be distinguished from the type species based on their phenotypic properties. The genome length of strain AP-MA-4T was 3.48 Mbp with a 62.9% G + C content. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between strain AP-MA-4 T and its closely related type strains were 72.2–83.3 and 18.2–27.6%, respectively. Summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c) was identified the major fatty acids (> 10%). Phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and phospholipid (PL) were demonstrated as the major polar lipids. The major respiratory quinone is ubiquinone-10 (Q-10). Based on genotypic and phenotypic features, strain AP-MA-4T (= KCTC 92289T = GDMCC 1.3585T) represents a new Pseudosulfitobacter species, in which the name Pseudosulfitobacter koreense sp. nov. is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RGBT Salient Object Detection (SOD) focuses on common salient regions of a pair of visible and thermal infrared images. Existing methods perform on the well-aligned RGBT image pairs, but the captured image pairs are always unaligned and aligning them requires much labor cost. To handle this problem, we propose a novel deep correlation network (DCNet), which explores the correlations across RGB and thermal modalities, for weakly alignment-free RGBT SOD. In particular, DCNet includes a modality alignment module based on the spatial affine transformation, the feature-wise affine transformation and the dynamic convolution to model the strong correlation of two modalities. Moreover, we propose a novel bi-directional decoder model, which combines the coarse-to-fine and fine-to-coarse processes for better feature enhancement. In particular, we design a modality correlation ConvLSTM by adding the first two components of modality alignment module and a global context reinforcement module into ConvLSTM, which is used to decode hierarchical features in both top-down and button-up manners. Extensive experiments on three public benchmark datasets show the remarkable performance of our method against state-of-the-art methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Gram-stain-negative, anaerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated as BGYT1T, was isolated from the feces of a cow in Andong, Republic of Korea. It was studied using a polyphasic method to determine its taxonomic position. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain BGYT1T formed a lineage within the genus Olsenella and was most closely related to O. umbonate KCTC 15140T (98.2%). The complete genome sequence of strain BGYT1T was 2,476,083 bp long with a G + C content of 66.9 mol% and contained 1835 genes and 8 contigs. The N50 value was 604,117 bp. There were 50 tRNAs, 6 rRNAs (5S, 16S, 23S), 1778 CDSs and 2 BGCs and 1 tmRNA. The values for ANI (76.8%), AAI (67.3%), and dDDH (22.2%) compared to the closest related species were all below the threshold for bacterial species delineation. In addition, genes encoding the cell wall degrading enzymes such as chitinases, β-1,3 glucanases, and proteases were also detected. The strain was able to grow at pH 6.0–8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0), in the presence of 0.5–1.5% NaCl (optimum, 0.5%, w/v) and at the temperature range of 35–40 °C (optimum, 35 °C). The predominant fatty acids were C16:0 DMA (20.2%), C16:0 (20.2%), C18:0 (10.5%) and C18:1 cis 9 (17.0%). The polar lipids consisted of an unidentified phospholipid, four unidentified glycolipids and three unidentified lipids. Based on its phenotypic analyses, phylogenetic and physiological characteristics, strain BGYT1T represented a novel species within the genus Olsenella, for which the name Olsenella intestinalis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BGYT1T (= KCTC 25379T = GDMCC 1.3011T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we evaluated the effects of different environments on the filtering rate (FR), mortality, and biodeposition (BD) of the freshwater mussel Unio douglasiae in bloom waters containing the toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa. The mean FR of 19 selected individuals (shell length, 5.0–9.8 cm) was 0.30 ± 0.03 L g − 1 h − 1 (range = 0.24 – 0.35 L g − 1 h − 1 ). Shell length was strongly correlated with both net and gross BD of mussels (P < 0.0001). The mean FR was higher in river water (0.405 ± 0.052 L g − 1 h − 1 ) than in lake water (0.304 ± 0.051 L g − 1 h − 1 ). In contrast, the BD of mussels was higher in RW (0.671 ± 0.609 mg g − 1 h − 1 ) than in LW (0.275 ± 0.027 mg g − 1 h − 1 ). For algal species, the FR of mussels ranged from 0.114 ± 0.024 to 0.553 ± 0.019 L g − 1 h − 1 . The FR of U. douglasiae was higher in river water (mainly diatoms), whereas BD was higher in lake water (mainly Microcystis). U. douglasiae did not prefer toxic M. aeruginosa, which was significantly accumulated in pseudofaeces and faeces. The maximum FR of U. douglasiae in algal bloom water was recorded at a water temperature of 25°C and water depth of 50 cm. Moreover, the in situ mortality of U. douglasiae was strongly affected by water temperature and nitrogen concentration. Overall, U. douglasiae can enhance water quality in eutrophic areas by removing dominant cyanobacteria, although its removal efficiency depends on environmental parameters and site of introduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 dominated the year 2020 and has an unprecedented impact on global air transport. This paper tries to make an overall review on the interaction of air transport and the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the confirmed cases were first reported in China, the origin of the pandemic remains uncertain. China was the first country to control the COVID-19 pandemic, and domestic air traffic recovers at a fast pace. Compared to 2019 level, world scheduled capacity, passengers carried, and revenues for 2020 were reduced by 50%, 60%, and $371 billion, respectively. Compared with domestic passenger traffic, international passenger traffic reduces more seats, passengers, and revenues. Because air transport contributes to economic growth, many countries or regions provide aviation bailout. The US provides most direct aid, while China mostly provides policy measures. In the post-COVID-19 period, IATA suggests that accepting vaccinated passengers is the best practice to reopen borders. Air cargo will play an important role in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Meanwhile, air transport should be more digitalized, sustainable, and responsible in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RGB-thermal salient object detection (SOD) aims to segment the common prominent regions of visible image and corresponding thermal infrared image that we call it RGBT SOD. Existing methods don’t fully explore and exploit the potentials of complementarity of different modalities and multi-type cues of image contents, which play a vital role in achieving accurate results. In this paper, we propose a multi-interactive dual-decoder to mine and model the multi-type interactions for accurate RGBT SOD. In specific, we first encode two modalities into multi-level multi-modal feature representations. Then, we design a novel dual-decoder to conduct the interactions of multi-level features, two modalities and global contexts. With these interactions, our method works well in diversely challenging scenarios even in the presence of invalid modality. Finally, we carry out extensive experiments on public RGBT and RGBD SOD datasets, and the results show that the proposed method achieves the outstanding performance against state-of-the-art algorithms. The source code has been released at: https://github.com/lz118/Multi-interactive-Dual-decoder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The objective of this paper is to investigate numerically the buckling behavior of submersible composite cylinders. Design/methodology/approach: By means of FEM and golden section method, the search of hoop winding layers, longitudinal winding layers and helical winding layers are studied to optimize the buckling pressure. Considering the mid-strengthening cylinder, the size and distribution of stiffeners are studied systematically. Findings: The results show that laying the hoop winding layers in the two outer sidewalls and the longitudinal winding layers in the middle of the shell is helpful to increase the buckling pressure, and the optimal helical winding angle changes with slenderness ratio. Originality/value: For mid-strengthening cylinder, the effect of helical winding angle of stiffener on buckling pressure becomes weak gradually with the increase of stiffener thickness. With the increasing of the spacing between stiffeners, the buckling pressure increases first and decreases later. What is more, the mid-strengthening cylinder is less sensitive to the initial geometric imperfections than unstiffened shells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The compound FST was synthesized by esterification and amidation reaction. • FST had good activity against the tested G + and G- bacteria in vitro, and FST was non-toxic to mammalian cells (line Caco-2, HepG2 and RAW264.7) at a concentration of ≤ 128 μmol/L. • FST exhibited improved anti-inflammatory effects than did the florfenicol or sulfathiazole alone or florfenicol combined with sulfathiazole. • FST protected mice from lethal E. coli infection, reduced clinical signs of inflammation, reduced weight loss, alleviated intestinal structural damage. • FST inhibited expression of TLR4 and MyD88 and decrease the inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels by blocking the activation of the p65 and p38 inflammatory pathways in vivo. • FST improved the intestinal barrier function and increased the expression of the tight junction proteins ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1. Pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) can cause intestinal diseases in humans and livestock, damage the intestinal barrier, increase systemic inflammation, and seriously threaten human health and the development of animal husbandry. In this study, we designed and synthesized a novel conjugate florfenicol sulfathiazole (FST) based on drug combination principles, and investigated its antibacterial activity in vitro and its protective effect on inflammatory response and intestinal barrier function in E. coli O78-infected mice in vivo. The results showed that FST had superior antibacterial properties and minimal cytotoxicity compared with its prodrugs as florfenicol and sulfathiazole. FST protected mice from lethal E. coli infection, reduced clinical signs of inflammation, reduced weight loss, alleviated intestinal structural damage. FST decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and increased the expression of claudin-1, Occludin, and ZO-1 in the jejunum, improved the intestinal barrier function, and promoted the absorption of nutrients. FST also inhibited the expression of TLR4, MyD88, p-p65, and p-p38 in the jejunum. The study may lay the foundation for the development of FST as new drugs for intestinal inflammation and injury in enteric pathogen infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Centrodinium punctatum prefers warm waters and an oceanic habitat for its growth. • Toxin contents of Centrodinium punctatum do not change significantly with temperature. • A salinity of 40 can decrease the toxin contents of Centrodinium punctatum. To understand environmental effects affecting paralytic shellfish toxin production of Centrodinium punctatum, this study examined the growth responses, and toxin contents and profiles of a C. punctatum culture exposed to drastic changes of temperature (5-30 °C) and salinity (15–40). C. punctatum grew over a temperature range of 15–25 °C, with an optimum of 20 °C., and over a salinity range of 25–40, with optimum salinities of 30–35. This suggests that C. punctatum prefers relatively warm waters and an oceanic habitat for its growth and can adapt to significant changes of salinity levels. When C. punctatum was cultivated at different temperature and salinity levels, the PST profile included four major analogs (STX, neoSTX, GTX1 and GTX4, constituted >80 % of the profile), while low amounts of doSTX and traces of dc-STX and dc-GTX2 were also observed. Interestingly, though overall toxin contents did not change significantly with temperature, increases in the proportion of STX, and decreases in proportions in GTX1 and GTX4 were observed with higher temperatures. Salinity did not affect either toxin contents or profile from 25 to 35. However, the total toxin content dropped to approximately half at salinity 40, suggesting this salinity may induce metabolic changes in C. punctatum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nonlinear stability analysis of a structure with initial geometric imperfections is very complex, difficult, and unsolved yet in designing. At present, there are no unified design guidelines for imperfection sensitive metal shells (spherical, cylindrical, conical, and so forth), and the study about composite shell structures is often for a specific ply parameter and therefore less adaptable. In this paper, the imperfection sensitivity analysis of orthotropic conical shells with and without cutouts under compression is investigated numerically. The eigenmode-shape imperfections and dimple-shape imperfections are introduced to conical shells with different cutout sizes. In order to find the worst imperfections that can reduce the buckling load as far as possible, an optimization framework based on the multiple perturbation load approach is developed by the present authors to search the possible positions of dimple-shape imperfections; the effectiveness of the algorithm has been proved by comparing with other conventional approaches.Mid-surface imperfections, a type of realistic imperfection, transferred from a cylinder are considered for a conical shell with a cutout at last. This work can provide a reference value for conical shell design for practical engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Gymnodinium-like dinoflagellate, Kirithra sigma sp. nov., was isolated from Jiaozhou Bay, China, and the southern coast of Korea, and examined by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Pigment composition and nuclear-encoded partial large subunit ribosomal RNA (LSU rRNA) gene were determined. Cells were oval-shaped (26.4‒36.4 μm long and 17.7‒27.2 μm wide), with a conical epicone and hemispherical hypocone. Its cingulum and sulcus were deep and wide. The cingulum encircled the cell completely, its ends slightly overlapping and displaced one to two cingular widths; the sulcus and sulcal extension formed a sigmoid curve. The anterior sulcal extension contacted the apical structure complex (ASC). The ASC formed a complete circle, consisting of three parallel series of vesicles, and the amphiesmal vesicles within ASC were arranged with one central vesicle (sometimes two) encircled by approximately three rows of polygonal amphiesmal vesicles. Polygonal amphiesmal vesicles of different sizes covered the whole cell surface. The subspherical nucleus was located in the hypocone. Pigment analysis showed that peridinin was the main accessory pigment. The present species is morphologically similar to Kirithra asteri but differs in numbers and rows of amphiesmal vesicles within the ASC, absence of ventral pore, and a sigmoid curve formed by the sulcus and sulcal extension. The partial LSU rRNA gene sequence (c. 1400 bases) of K. sigma differed by c. 5.3% from that of K. asteri. Molecular phylogeny revealed that K. sigma formed an independent sister clade to K. asteri, indicating they are congeneric but different species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the life cycle of Margalefidinium polykrikoides, formerly called Cochlodinium polykrikoides, has been described previously, the descriptions on asexual and sexual phases of this species collected from Korean coastal waters are strange and still unclear. We collected the resting cysts of M. polykrikoides from surface sediments and re-examined the germination process, and asexual and sexual life stages, and the mating behavior of the vegetative cells using a microscope equipped with high-resolution time-lapse digital camera. The resting cyst of M. polykrikoides had a distinct germination process; before germination, a mature cell in shape was visible within the resting cyst body, and the cell quickly emerged from the resting cyst. The asexual reproduction and cell chain formation of M. polykrikoides were generated in a slightly oblique direction at the epicone of cell and the chain-forming cells of M. polykrikoides could form the chain-forming temporary cysts without asexual or sexual reproduction. The planozygote produced by gamete fusion of M. polykrikoides may not necessarily develop to resting cysts but instead may divide into vegetative cells occasionally. In this phase, the armored cell, which was previously recorded by Kim et al. (2007), was not observed. The sexuality of M. polykrikoides had a homothallic mating behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

was initially described as Amylax diacantha from Belgian coastal waters a century ago but its detailed morphology needed restudy. Here, we established nine strains of G. verior by germinating cysts or isolating cells from localities from the European Atlantic to the Caspian Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Both cyst and thecal morphology were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. SSU, LSU and/or ITS-5.8S rRNA gene sequences were obtained from all strains. Cells of G. verior have a plate formula of Po, 4′, 2a, 6-7′′, 6C, 6S, 6′′′, 1p, 1′′′′ with an L-type ventral organisation, characterised by two either straight or curved antapical horns of variable length. Cysts of G. verior are oval, smooth and contain one or two yellow accumulation bodies. The maximum-likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses based on SSU and LSU rRNA gene sequences revealed two clades of G. verior, referred to as ribotypes A and B. Genetic distances based on ITS-5.8S rRNA gene sequences within the same ribotype were less than 0.06, but greater than 0.32 between ribotypes. G. verior is reclassified as Sourniaea diacantha gen. et comb. nov., which is attributed to Lingulodiniaceae together with Pyxidinopsis, Lingulodinium and Amylax. Our results suggest that Lingulodiniaceae can be separated from Protoceratiaceae and Gonyaulacaceae based on ventral organisation, apical complex, ventral pore and number of anterior intercalary plates. One strain of S. diacantha was examined for yessotoxin production by LC-MS/MS but did not produce toxin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Cochlodinium-like species was isolated from the Korean coast and examined by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The species was characterised by cellular torsion, cingulum with 1.25 turns and sulcus with 0.25 turn, and a hemispherical hypocone. The nucleus was curved, and sausage-shaped, and there were small, dark grains distributed at the cell periphery, which were also reported in the original description of Gyrodinium flavescens by Kofoid & Swezy (1921). SEM observations revealed that the apical structure complex of the species formed a complete circle surrounding the cell apex, consisting of three parallel rows of vesicles; and that the outer rows, composed of small vesicles, were visible along the sides of cingulum. These morphological features were identical to those of Torquentidium convolutum. Phylogeny-based on small subunit and large subunit rDNA sequences, confirmed that the species was closely related to T. convolutum within the family Ceratoperidiniaceae. However, the species was distinct from T. convolutum by differences in cingulum and sulcus turn numbers, shape of hypocone in dorsal view and size. Based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses, we propose Torquentidium flavescens comb. nov. nested within the family Ceratoperidiniaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the genus Pseliodinium within the family Ceratoperidiniaceae includes Ceratoperidinium falcatum, Cochlodinium cf. convolutum, C. cf. helix and unidentified Cochlodinium species, it is in need of reclassification because of the morphological differences and lack of morphological details of the species within the genus. A Cochlodinium-like species was isolated from a Korean coastal area and examined by light and scanning electron microscopy, as well as by the analysis of nuclear-encoded small subunit (SSU) and large subunit (LSU) rDNA. The Korean isolate was morphologically characterized by cellular torsion, and outer rows consisting of small rectangular and polygonal vesicles were visible along the sides of the cingulum. The apical structure complex (ASC) formed a complete circle surrounding the cell apex, consisting of three parallel rows of vesicles. In the ASC, the upper row was sometimes hidden and very small knobs were present on the central row. Morphological characteristics separated the Korean isolate from Ce. margalefii, Pseliodinium fusus(=Ce. falcatum), Kirithra asteri and Gymnodinium species (Gymnodinium sp. 1 and sp. 2) within the family Ceratoperidiniaceae. However, the morphological characteristics coincided with those of the previously recorded C. convolutum, C. cf. helix and other Cochlodinium species within the same family. Phylogeny based on SSU and LSU rDNA sequences revealed that the Korean isolate forms a clade independent from P. fusus, although they have high sequence similarity. Based on the morphological and phylogenetic analyses, we propose the new genus Torquentidium gen. nov. and a new combination for C. cf. helix and the Korean isolate Torquentidium convolutum erected within the family Ceratoperidiniaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) exhibits the ability to form biofilms as a means of adapting to its adverse surroundings. K. pneumoniae in this biofilm state demonstrates remarkable resistance, evades immune system attacks, and poses challenges for complete eradication, thereby complicating clinical anti-infection efforts. Moreover, the precise mechanisms governing biofilm formation and disruption remain elusive. Recent studies have discovered that fingolimod (FLD) exhibits biofilm properties against Gram-positive bacteria. Therefore, the antibiofilm properties of FLD were evaluated against multidrug-resistant (MDR) K. pneumoniae in this study. The antibiofilm activity of FLD against K. pneumoniae was assessed utilizing the Alamar Blue assay along with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and crystal violet (CV) staining. The results showed that FLD effectively reduced biofilm formation, exopolysaccharide (EPS), motility, and bacterial abundance within K. pneumoniae biofilms without impeding its growth and metabolic activity. Furthermore, the inhibitory impact of FLD on the production of autoinducer-2 (AI-2) signaling molecules was identified, thereby demonstrating its notable anti-quorum sensing (QS) properties. The results of qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that FLD significantly decreased the expression of genes associated with the efflux pump gene (AcrB, kexD, ketM, kdeA, and kpnE), outer membrane (OM) porin proteins (OmpK35, OmpK36), the quorum-sensing (QS) system (luxS), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) production (wzm), and EPS production (pgaA). Simultaneously, FLD exhibited evident antibacterial synergism, leading to an increased survival rate of G. mellonella infected with MDR K. pneumoniae. These findings suggested that FLD has substantial antibiofilm properties and synergistic antibacterial potential for colistin in treating K. pneumoniae infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the life cycle, morphology and molecular phylogenetic position of Fragilidium mexicanum, based on vegetative cells established by incubation of resting cysts isolated from sediment trap samples collected at Jinhae–Masan Bay, Korea. Resting cysts of F. mexicanum were spherical and surrounded by transparent mucilage, similar to other Fragilidium species. Germinated vegetative cells were identified as F. mexicanum based on thecal morphology and tabulation; the plate formula was Po, Pc, 4ʹ, 8″, 10c, 6s, 7ʹʹʹ, 1p, 2ʹʹʹʹ. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of sequence data for small and large subunits of ribosomal DNA genes revealed that Fragilidium species were monophyletic with high supports and that F. mexicanum formed a separate clade with Fragilidium sp. (JQ317599). Time-lapse photography was used to clarify the life history. Isolated resting cysts germinated into an unarmoured planomeiocyte and directly formed the pellicle cyst, with an armoured planomeiocyte emerging from the pellicle cyst. The armoured planomeiocyte underwent ecdysis and formed a coccoid meiocyte, with a two-celled chain emerging from the coccoid meiocyte. Like the armoured planomeicyte, vegetative cells also underwent ecdysis and then divided into two daughter cells that eventually emerged as motile vegetative cells. The life cycle of F. mexicanum has nonmotile life history stages that regularly alternate with motile stages. The nonmotile stage consists of five forms: resting cyst, pellicle cyst, asexual coccoid stage, coccoid meiocyte, and zygote. The motile stage also has five forms: unarmoured and armoured planomeiocyte, planozygote, gamete and vegetative cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract To investigate dinoflagellate cyst production and seasonality in relation to major environmental factors, such as water temperature, salinity, chlorophyll- a (chl- a) and dissolved nutrients, and to propose dinoflagellate cysts as possible biological indicators for the reconstruction of past environmental conditions, a sediment trap study was conducted for one year, from March 2011 to February 2012, in Jinhae-Masan Bay, Korea. Marked increases in dinoflagellate cyst production were documented in Jinhae-Masna Bay during two distinct seasons (summer and late autumn) characterized by different environmental conditions. Summer (July and August) was characterized by relatively high water temperature, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), and chl- a concentrations and low salinity, whereas late autumn (November and December) exhibited high dissolved inorganic phosphorus, low water temperature and high salinity, compared to those of the summer. Fourteen dinoflagellate cyst taxa were identified. These assemblages were dominated by Brigantedinium species (round brown cyst), cysts of Scrippsiella species, Spiniferites species and cysts of Alexandrium species (ellipsoidal cyst). The total flux of dinoflagellate cysts ranged from 781 cysts m −2 day −1 to 5602 cysts m −2 day −1, and the production of autotrophic dinoflagellate cysts was mainly restricted to the warmest months (July–September) and autumn. Multivariable analysis revealed that the production of major dinoflagellate cysts, excluding those of Brigantedinium species, can be enhanced by environmental conditions during summer in Jinhae-Masan Bay. In particular, the increased production of cysts of Scrippsiella species was related to increased water temperature, and the increased production of Spiniferites species was associated with lower salinity. Two peaks in cyst production of Alexandrium species in August and November corresponded with significant increases in DIN and DIP; however, no significant relationship was found between the production of Brigantedinium species and environmental factors in Jinhae-Masan Bay. These results suggest that the cysts of Scrippsiella species, Spiniferites species and cysts of Alexandrium species present in sediment samples from Jinhae-Masan Bay can be used as biological indicators to reconstruct past environmental conditions involving relatively high water temperature, low salinity and enhanced nutrient level. Highlights • Sediment trap study provides reliable information for dinoflagellate cyst production related to environmental conditions. • Cysts of Scrippsiella species, Spiniferites species and cysts of Alexandrium species are most abundant in the warmest months. • Cysts of Scrippsiella species, Spiniferites species and cysts of Alexandrium species can be used as biological indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY An unarmored dinoflagellate, Karlodinium jejuense sp. nov., was isolated from the northern East China Sea. The species was characterized by light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy of laboratory cultures, as well as SSU rDNA, ITS region (ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2) and LSU rDNA gene sequences. Cells were ellipsoid to oval, small‐sized, 9.9–16.0 μm in length and 6.2–12.7 μm in width. The chloroplasts were 7–10 in number and yellow‐green in color. The central nucleus was large, located in the center of the cell. The linear apical groove with outward thick rolled margins was very short, and there was no ventral pore. Small pores were irregularly distributed on the cell surface. The amphiesmal vesicles were hexagonal and pentagonal. Karlodinium jejuense was morphologically similar to K. ballantinum but differed in cell surface characteristics and swimming pattern. The partial LSU sequence of K. jejuense differed by 3.7–4.1% from that of K. ballantinum. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of multi‐gene sequences revealed that K. jejuense was an independent species nested within the Karlodinium clade. Phylogenetic analysis based on partial LSU rDNA gene sequences indicated that K. jejuense was most closely related to K. gentienii and K. ballantinum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new transversal heat transfer channel structure was first proposed here. • The structure can quickly transfer heat accumulated in asphalt pavement to road shoulders. • Transverse thermal conductivity of asphalt mixtures is significantly improved. • The structure provides a new method for active cooling of asphalt pavement. On the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, intense solar irradiation will cause serious heat accumulation in asphalt pavement. Downward heat transfer will disturb the permafrost under subgrade, thus leading to a series of subgrade and pavement diseases. This makes construction of asphalt pavement in the permafrost regions of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau a world-class challenge. This paper proposes for the first time a transversal heat transfer channel in asphalt pavement, which can quickly transfer heat accumulated in pavement to road shoulders. Finite element software ABAQUS was used to simulate the rutting plate with high axial thermal conductivity carbon fibers inserted transversely. Under the constant heat load of 500 W / m 2 , the heat flux near the carbon fibers showed the characteristic of convergence. The maximum transverse heat flux in the carbon fibers reached 4.97 × 10 7 W / m 2 , which was 14 times that in the asphalt mixture. Meanwhile, the maximum vertical heat flux in the carbon fibers reduced to 2.62 × 10 6 W / m 2 , which was 12 % less than the asphalt mixture. The effective thermal conductivity of composite specimens with different carbon fiber parameters was studied through control experiments. When the axial thermal conductivity, volume fraction and number of carbon fiber bundles increased to 100 W / m · ° C , 10.72 % and 4 bundles respectively, the transverse ETC of composite specimens increased to 4.05 W / m · ° C , 7.09 W / m · ° C and 16.18 W / m · ° C respectively. They were 3.12 times, 5.45 times and 12.45 times of the control group. The radial thermal conductivity of carbon fibers has a significant effect on the vertical ETC. When it decreased to 0.2 W / m · ° C , the vertical ETC decreased by 6.15 % compared with the control group. The temperature variation trend of specimens were measured by a laboratory irradiation experiment. The maximum temperature difference between the control group and the experimental group at 0 mm was 5.81 °C, and the average temperature difference within 2 h was 5.14 °C. The maximum temperature difference at 50 mm was 3.84 °C and the average temperature difference within 2 h was 3.24 °C. The results showed that the transverse heat transfer channel can reduce downward heat transfer. The application of the channels will enhance transverse heat release and relieve heat accumulation of asphalt pavement. This can create a low temperature state for pavement structure and has a positive effect on maintaining the stability of the permafrost regions on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a chronic skin inflammation characterized by dysregulated crosstalk between immune cells and keratinocytes. Here we show that the cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase (cGAS)‐stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is a key regulator of psoriatic inflammation in a mouse model. Platinum‐doped positively charged carbon dots (Pt‐CDs) were designed to inhibit the cGAS‐STING pathway. By inhibiting the cGAS‐STING pathway with Pt‐CDs, the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in macrophages was reduced, and the proinflammatory cytokines‐induced breakdown of immunological tolerance and overexpression of chemokines in keratinocytes was restored, which reversed the homeostatic imbalance through breaking these cytokines‐mediated intercellular positive feedback loop. Topical Pt‐CDs treatment exhibited therapeutic effects in imiquimod‐induced psoriasis mice without noticeable toxicity. The reversal of elevated expression of STING, phosphorylated STING, and downstream genes within psoriatic lesions indicates that Pt‐CDs effectively inhibit the cGAS‐STING pathway. This work suggests a promising strategy for psoriasis treatment by targeting the cGAS‐STING pathway with Pt‐CDs nanoinhibitor to restore skin homeostatic balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psoriasis is a chronic skin inflammation characterized by dysregulated crosstalk between immune cells and keratinocytes. Here we show that the cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase (cGAS)‐stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is a key regulator of psoriatic inflammation in a mouse model. Platinum‐doped positively charged carbon dots (Pt‐CDs) were designed to inhibit the cGAS‐STING pathway. By inhibiting the cGAS‐STING pathway with Pt‐CDs, the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in macrophages was reduced, and the proinflammatory cytokines‐induced breakdown of immunological tolerance and overexpression of chemokines in keratinocytes was restored, which reversed the homeostatic imbalance through breaking these cytokines‐mediated intercellular positive feedback loop. Topical Pt‐CDs treatment exhibited therapeutic effects in imiquimod‐induced psoriasis mice without noticeable toxicity. The reversal of elevated expression of STING, phosphorylated STING, and downstream genes within psoriatic lesions indicates that Pt‐CDs effectively inhibit the cGAS‐STING pathway. This work suggests a promising strategy for psoriasis treatment by targeting the cGAS‐STING pathway with Pt‐CDs nanoinhibitor to restore skin homeostatic balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few studies have compared endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) and surgery in the treatment of duodenal stricture in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). We performed a retrospective study to compare the efficacy and safety among patients with CD-associated duodenal stricture treated with EBD or surgery from October 2013 to December 2021. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with recurrence-free or surgery-free survival. A total of 48 eligible patients were included, including 30 patients treated with EBD only and 18 patients treated with surgery. Patients treated with surgery experienced more symptomatic improvement (100% vs. 63.33%, p = 0.003) and significantly longer recurrence-free survival (6.31 [IQR: 3.00–8.39] years vs. 2.96 [IQR: 1.06–5.42] years, p = 0.01) but suffered more postprocedural adverse events (16.67% vs. 0.74% per procedure, p = 0.001). In patients initially treated with EBD (n = 41), a total of 11 (26.83%) required subsequent surgical intervention. Younger age at CD diagnosis (HR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.81–1.00, p = 0.04) was associated with a higher risk for subsequent surgery. Surgery for CD-associated duodenal strictures was associated with a longer recurrence-free survival. EBD was safe and effective with minimal postprocedural adverse events but led to a high frequency of recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the importance of understanding the bloom mechanisms that influence cyanobacterial toxin production, the dynamics of toxic Microcystis subpopulations are largely unknown. Here, we quantified both toxic and entire (i.e., toxic and non-toxic) Microcystis populations based on the microcystin synthetase E ( mcyE) and 16S ribosomal RNA genes. Samples were collected from pelagic water and sediments twice per week from October to December 2011, and we investigated the effects of physicochemical factors (pH, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, etc.) and biological factors (ciliates and zooplankton) on the abundance of toxic and non-toxic Microcystis. During the study period, Microcystis blooms were composed of toxic and non-toxic subpopulations. Resting stage Microcystis in sediment may be closely linked to Microcystis populations in pelagic water and may contribute to the toxic subpopulation composition in surface Microcystis blooms. In pelagic water, the toxic and entire Microcystis population had a significant positive correlation with the pH and water temperature ( p < 0.05). However, their responses to changes in environmental factors were thought to be distinct. The ratio of the toxic to non-toxic Microcystis subpopulations was significantly ( p < 0.05) enhanced by a lower pH and water temperature and an increase in protozoan grazers, reflecting environmental stresses. These results suggest that the toxic and non-toxic subpopulations of Microcystis have distinct tolerance levels against these stressors. The intracellular microcystin (MC) concentration was positively associated with the abundance of the mcyE-positive Microcystis. By comparison, the MC concentration in pelagic water body (extracellular) increased when Microcystis was lysed due to environmental stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A versatile porous adsorbent of sulfonated polystyrene/ferrosoferric oxide/diazoresin (SPS/Fe 3 O 4 /DR) nanocomposite microspheres with magnetic property and acidic/basic groups was prepared and applied for removal of different dyes from water. The adsorbent showed good adsorption performance due to its functional groups and strong adsorption forces. The selective removal of methylene blue (MB) from MB/methyl orange (MO) mixture can be realized using this adsorbent. The adsorption uptake capacity of the adsorbents was 223.71 mg/g and the removal efficiency was more than 90% even after five adsorption-desorption cycles. This adsorbent could be readily separated from solution within 2 min using a magnet. Furthermore, adsorption kinetics for SPS/Fe 3 O 4 /DR followed by the pseudo-second order model. Isothermal equilibrium data were fitted with Langmuir model, which indicated the adsorption process is the monolayer adsorption. This novel, low cost and high effective adsorbent possesses great potential in environmental pollution cleanup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocrystalline soft magnetic materials are widely used in power electronic applications due to their high permeability, magnetization and low core loss. In this paper, Fe 73.5 Cu 1 Nb 3 Si 15.5 B 7 (at%) nanocrystalline alloy ribbons, with ultra-thin thickness of 14 µm, and also 18 and 22 µm, were prepared by a planar flow casting method with a single roller device. Soft magnetic properties of these ribbons were analyzed after nanocrystallization annealing. The experiments were conducted on toroidal samples using IWATSU B-H Analyzer over a frequency range of 10–100 kHz, at induction amplitudes of 100–500 mT, at room temperature. It was found that the excess eddy current loss P ex was the dominant factor in the overall core loss above 10 kHz. The toroidal samples made of the 14 µm thickness ribbon exhibit very low total core loss of 48 W/kg at a frequency of 100 kHz and magnetic flux density of 300 mT. The ratio of the P ex was up to 89% at 100 kHz. The ribbon with lower thickness exhibits lower P ex and therefore lower total core loss. The domain structure evidences were found. It indicates that the ribbons with small thickness are preferable for application in high frequency condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) caused the deaths of four people in coastal area of Korea, mainly Jinhae-Masan Bay and adjacent areas, in April 1986 and in 1996. The PSP outbreaks were caused by the consumption of mussels, Mytilus edulis . The organism that caused PSP was identified, from morphological data only, as Alexandrium tamarense which is recently renamed as A. catenella , however recent studies have shown that the morphological diagnostic characteristics used to identify Alexandrium species have uncertainties and molecular tools and other criteria should be considered as well. The organism that caused past PSP outbreaks and incidents in Korea therefore need to be carefully reconsidered. The aim of this study was to re-evaluate the species really responsible for past outbreaks of PSP in Jinhae-Masan Bay, Korea. The temporal production and fluxes of the resting cysts of Alexandrium species were investigated for one year (from March 2011 to February 2012) using a sediment trap, and the morphology and phylogeny of vegetative cells germinated from the resting cysts were analysed. The production of Alexandrium species peaked in August and November, when temporal discrepancies were found in the water temperature (22.4 and 22.7 °C in August, 19.1 and 19.6 °C in November) and salinity (29.5 and 26.1 psu in August, 30.5 and 31.8 psu in November). The morphological data revealed that Alexandrium species germinated from resting cysts collected in August have a ventral pore on the 1′ plate, whereas the 1′ plate in Alexandrium species germinated from resting cysts collected in November lacks a ventral pore. Molecular phylogenetic data for the vegetative cells from the germination experiments allowed the August and November peaks to be assigned to Alexandrium catenella (Group I) and A. pacificum (Group IV), respectively. This indicates that the production of resting cysts of A. catenella can be enhanced by relatively high water temperature. This result is not consistent with those of previous studies that A. catenella responsible for PSP outbreaks was found at relatively low water temperature. In addition, large subunit ribosomal sequences data revealed that A. pacificum isolates from Korea were closely related to those from Australia, Japan and New Zealand where the PSP toxicity of shellfish and blooms occurred in the 1990s, indicating that the introduction of toxic dinoflagellates were related to ballast water from bulk-cargo shipping. Based on these results, we concluded that past PSP outbreaks in Jinhae-Masan Bay of Korea could have been caused by A. pacificum rather than by A. catenella . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The naphthoquinone derivative, NQ 40, has been confirmed to be an effective algicide for controlling freshwater Microcystis blooms at the microcosm and mesocosm scales. Thus, in order to determine whether this algicide can control cyanobacterial blooms in the field, larger-scale mesocosms (50 t) and test beds (3,000 t) were tested. In the mesocosm and test-bed experiments, NQ 40 was effective and selective for algicidal activity against the target cyanobacteria (Microcystis spp.). In addition, the algicidal activity of NQ 40 gradually increased until days 8 and 30, while the algal biomass decreased by 96.7 and 100%, respectively. Ecosystem health improved due to the algicidal effect of NQ 40. In the test-bed experiment, the Shannon–Wiener diversity index of phytoplankton was significantly enhanced and the unbalanced ecological pyramid caused by cyanobacterial blooms was restored in the NQ 40 treatment. Although a few factors (pH, dissolved oxygen, and phosphate) associated with phytoplankton abundance exhibited different patterns between the control and treatments, the dynamics of abiotic factors in the treatments generally showed similar trends to the control. Therefore, NQ 40 could be a promising eco-friendly algicidal substance for restoring freshwater ecosystems damaged by cyanobacterial blooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new phototrophic dinoflagellate, Grammatodinium tongyeonginum gen. & sp. nov., was established by incubating resting cysts collected from surface sediment samples from Tongyeong coastal area, Korea. The resting cysts were ovoid with a large reddish pigment body and surrounded with a thick mucous layer that incorporated attached detritus particles. The vegetative cells were 24.6-40.9 μm long and 16.4-27.3 μm wide. The cell surface was covered with prominent longitudinal equidistant furrows. The cingulum was narrow and descended two to eight times its width. The nucleus was located at the central part of the epicone. The peripheral chloroplasts were usually granular and yellow-green in culture and were distributed along the rim of the cingulum. The horseshoe-shaped apical groove ran from the end of the sulcal extension anticlockwise around the apex. The distal end of the apical groove was located next to the extension of the sulcus and more to the ventral side than the proximal end. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) gene sequences revealed that G. tongyeonginum was allied with the Cucumeridinium species. Large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU rDNA) sequences revealed that G. tongyeonginum formed a clade distantly related to the other genera of Gymnodiniales. The combination of morphological characteristics with molecular phylogenies distinguished the present species from other genera within Gymnodiniales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the initiation and development of dense bloom of Cochlodinium polykrikoides have been shown to be related to some environmental factors, little is known about the ecological role of the formation and germination of temporary cysts, nor of their significance for the rapid expansion of dense regional-scale blooms. This study examined the factors affecting the formation and germination of temporary cysts of C. polykrikoides , and provides details about the germination process. In the laboratory experiments, C. polykrikoides produced the chain-forming temporary cysts that are immobile and surrounded by a hyaline membrane. The encystment experiment indicated that darkness induces the formation of chain-forming temporary cysts, consistent with field observation of morphology and fluxes of temporary cysts. Germination occurred twice from a single four-celled temporary cysts within 24 h after exposure to light, and the germlings appeared as two-celled chain-forming vegetative cells. The germination behavior of temporary cysts of C. polykrikoides differs from that of other dinoflagellates, and this may be a survival strategy for the maintenance of population size during dense blooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new isomers containing pyridine ring diamine monomers, 2,2′-bis[4-(5-amino-2-pyridinoxy)phenyl] propane (1b) and 2,2′-bis[4-(6-amino-3-pyridinoxy)phenyl] propane (2b), were prepared via a simple nucleophilic reaction of 2-chloro-5-nitropyridine and 5-bromo-2-nitropyridine with bisphenol A in the presence of potassium carbonate, respectively. A series of polyimides (PIs) were obtained from the heterocyclic diamine with various commercially available aromatic dianhydrides via the conventional two-step method. These obtained PIs were investigated in aspects of their solubility, thermal, mechanical, and optical properties for studying the effects of the heteroaromatic rings into the main chain. At the same time, the impact of the two isomers introduced into the PI was discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The buckling problems of composite shells with initial imperfections under hydrostatic pressure are studied in this paper. A novel initial imperfection model is introduced. The analytical solutions of critical buckling pressures for composite shells both with and without the initial imperfection are derived based on the Sanders-type kinematic relations, respectively. The analytical results are compared with published experimental results and finite element (FE) results and agree well. The numerical examples are presented and the effects of initial imperfection parameters and ply angle as well as stacking sequence on the critical buckling pressures of composite shells are discussed. The results show that if the initial imperfection parameters are properly controlled, the critical buckling pressure can be dramatically improved. This could be valuable for the practical design of composite pressure hulls of an underwater vehicle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents buckling solutions for composite laminated cylindrical shells in the underwater environment. Under the equilibrium governing equation of the bending stress state, two calculation formulas are proposed to predict the buckling pressure for the underwater composite cylinders with different boundary conditions. The validation of the proposed solutions in the elastic range is proved by comparison with experimental data. The influences of the geometrical imperfections generated from the process are considered by correcting the stiffness coefficients of the proposed analytical model. The results, compared with the finite element method, show that the evolution trend of the buckling pressure calculated by the developed model is close to the finite element analysis. Therefore, the proposed analytical solutions can provide a practical and efficient way for the designers to evaluate the buckling pressure of the composite shells in the design stage. • Buckling solutions for composite laminated cylindrical shells in the underwater environment are presented. • Two formulas are proposed for the buckling pressure of underwater composite cylinders with different boundary conditions. • The validation of the proposed solutions is proved by comparison with experimental data. • The influences of the geometrical imperfections generated from the process are considered. • The trend of the buckling pressure calculated by the developed model is close to the finite element analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides the first morphological features of resting cysts of Cochlodinium polykrikoides collected from Korean coastal sediments. Evidence for the existence of resting cysts of C. polykrikoides is based on the morphological and molecular phylogenetic data of the germinated cells and a resting cyst. The morphology of the resting cysts differed from that reported previously in sediments and culture experiments. The distinct feature is that the cyst body was covered by the reticulate ornaments and spines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The buckling and strength failure of composite cylindrical shells under hydrostatic pressure are studied in this paper by experimental tests and finite element method. Experimental tests were carried out for three composite cylindrical shells with different stacking sequences. In parallel, finite element models are built to predict the buckling and strength failure pressures. The finite element results agree well with the corresponding experimental tests. A parametric study is conducted and the effects of length-radius ratio, thickness-radius ratio, ply angle and stacking sequence on the critical buckling pressure and strength failure pressure are discussed. The results show that length-radius ratio has little influence on the strength failure pressure while thickness-radius ratio, ply angle and stacking sequence have significant influences on the critical buckling pressure and strength failure pressure. The boundary line formed by the intersections between the critical buckling pressure and strength failure pressure of composite shells with same configuration is nonlinear and it is a function of length-radius ratio, thickness-radius ratio, ply angle and stacking sequence. • Buckling & strength failure of composite shells are studied by tests and FE method. • Effects of geometric & ply parameters on buckling & strength failure are analyzed. • Boundary lines between the buckling and strength failure pressures are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photosynthetic organism-associated microorganisms are referred to as the photosynthetic organism microbiome. The alga-associated microorganisms are a pivotal part of the alga holobiont and have a key role in modulating algal populations in nature [[9]]. Photosynthetic organisms (e.g., algae and plants) can produce organic substances from inorganic nutrients based on energy harvested from light as the primary producers in both the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. [Extracted from the article]

• Ellipsoidal alexandrium cysts in jinhae-masan bay are produced by two species, alexandrium catenella (Group I) and A. pacificum (Group IV). • Cyst germination temperature is lower for alexandrium catenella (Group I) than for A. pacificum (Group IV). • Differences in cyst germination rates among sampling sites can be determined by the differences in distribution and abundance of the species. • Concentrations of ellipsoidal alexandrium cysts from surface sediments of jinhae-masan bay are higher in february than in august. • PST profiles of alexandrium catenella (Group I) and A. pacificum (Group IV) in jinhae-masan bay are dominated by GTX-3 and GTX-4. To better understand the outbreaks of paralytic shellfish poisoning and bloom dynamics caused by Alexandrium species in Jinhae-Masan Bay, Korea, the germination and distributions of ellipsoidal Alexandrium cysts were investigated, and paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) profiles and contents were determined using strains established from germling cells. The phylogeny and morphological observations revealed that the germinated vegetative cells from ellipsoidal cysts collected from the surface sediments in Jinhae-Masan Bay belong to Alexandrium catenella (Group I) and A. pacificum (Group IV) nested within A. tamarense species complex. Cyst germinations of A. catenella (Group I) were observed at only 10 °C, whereas cysts of A. pacificum (Group IV) could germinate at temperature ranges of 10 to 25 °C. Maximum germination success (85%) for isolated cysts occurred at 15 °C, and the germling cells were A. pacificum (Group IV). The results indicate that the variation in water temperature in Jinhae-Masan Bay can control the seasonal variations in germination of cysts of A. catenella (Group I) and A. pacificum (Group IV). The germination rates of ellipsoidal Alexandrium cysts were different among sampling sites in Jinhae-Masan Bay, probably because of differences in distribution and abundance of A. catenella (Group I) and A. pacificum (Group IV) in the sediments. The ellipsoidal Alexandrium cyst concentrations were much higher in February than in August, however the distributions were similar. Gonyautoxins 3 and 4 (GTX-3 and GTX-4) contributed a large proportion (>90%) of the toxins produced by strains A. catenella (Group I) and A. pacificum (Group IV) established from germling cells, and the total cellular contents were higher in A. catenella (Group I) than in A. pacificum (Group IV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study of the structural response of a point absorber wave energy converter structure made of composite materials under slamming loads. Glass and carbon fibre reinforced polymers combined with a polypropylene sandwich core are adopted for the structure subjected to breaking wave and bottom slamming. Design criteria from a classification society are used in the design of the structure in composite materials. According to the results, the matrix cracking and sandwich yielding criteria are particularly important in the design of the structure. This paper also highlights the importance of initial geometrical imperfections on the buckling strength which revealed a severe reduction compared to the linear buckling analysis. • The buckling strength of a wave energy converter structure made of composite materials under slamming load is assessed. • Glass and carbon fibre reinforced polymers combined with a polypropylene sandwich core make the structure. • Design criteria from a classification society are used in the design of the structure in composite materials. • The structure was considered subjected to breaking wave and bottom slamming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new toxic dinoflagellate Fukuyoa koreansis was described from Korean coastal waters. • Based on the height-to-width (H/W) and depth-to- width ratios in cell size, the apical pore H/W ratio and thecal pore size, Fukuyoa koreansis could be distinguished from other Fukuoya species. • The phylogenetic position of Fukuyoa koreansis was grouped with F. cf. yasumotoi isolated from Japan and clearly divergent from other Fukuyoa species. • The required temperatures and salinities for growth distinguished Fukuyoa koreansis from Gambierdiscus species. To clarify an unspecified toxic Gambierdiscus- like species isolated from seawaters off Jeju Island, Korea, its morphology and molecular phylogeny based on the small subunit (SSU) and partial large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene sequences were examined. Cells were narrow in ventral view and broad in lateral view with a smooth surface. The round thecal pores were evenly distributed, with an average diameter of 0.41 µm. Cell depth, width and height were 51.7 ± 4.5 μm, 43.0 ± 4.2 μm and 55.0 ± 4.7 μm, respectively, and depth-to-width (D/W) and height-to-width (H/W) ratios were 1.1 ± 0.2 μm and 1.3 ± 0.02 μm, respectively. The nucleus was located in the hypotheca. Scanning electron microscope observations revealed that the cells displayed a plate formula of Po, 4′, 6′′, 6c, 6s, 5′′′ and 2′′′, and transmission electron microscope observation demonstrated that the cells contained crystal-like particles. Morphological features indicated that the unspecified Korean isolate belonged to the genus Fukuyoa , and based on the H/W and D/W ratios, the apical pore H/W ratio and thecal pore size, it could be differentiated from other Fukuyoa species. The phylogenetic analyses based on the SSU and LSU rRNA sequences revealed that the Korean isolate was nested within the genus Fukuyoa with high support, and it grouped with F. cf. yasumotoi isolated from Japan. Based on the morpho-molecular data, a new species, Fukuyoa koreansis sp. nov. is proposed. The maximum growth rate (0.254 d−1) of F. koreansis was observed at 25°C and a salinity of 25. The required levels of temperature and salinity for growth distinguished Fukuyoa koreansis from Gambierdiscus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfonated hollow mesoporous organosilica (sHMO) was successfully prepared. SP/IL/sHMO-x (x = 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 wt%) composite membrane was synthesized by dispersing ionic liquid (IL) in sHMO, with sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK, SP) as the matrix. For comparison, unsulfonated HMO and SP/IL/HMO-x membranes were also prepared. The membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, dipping and AC impedance. FT-IR results showed no new chemical bond was formed among SPEEK, IL and organosilica, and the components were bound by intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The results of TG showed that the membranes were stable up to 240 °C. The IL loss study showed that the retention of IL increased with the increase of the content of organosilica, while sHMO composite membrane showed lower IL retention capacity than HMO composite membrane. Proton conductivity study showed that sHMO also contributed to the conductivity of the membrane. The conductivity of the SP/IL-30/sHMO-7.5membrane was 1.13 mS cm−1 at 200 °C, which is twice that of the SP/IL-30/HMO-7.5 (0.60 mS cm−1). At 200 °C, the conductivity of SPEEK/IL-50/sHMO-7.5 reached 10.5 mS cm−1. The anhydrous composite membrane could be used in PEMFCs under medium temperature condition. Image 1 •Sulfonated hollow mesoporous organosilica (sHMO) was successfully prepared. •Novel proton exchange membrane was prepared by sHMO, IL and SPEEK. •SO 3 H- of sHMO provides proton hopping sites and form continuous transfer channels. • The sHMO is beneficial to the proton conductivity of the SP/IL/sHMO membrane. •The anhydrous conductivity of SP/IL/sHMO is twice that of the SP/IL/HMO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Centrodinium punctatum is a fusiform dinoflagellate with a global marine distribution. Due to a close phylogenetic relationship of one C. punctatum strain to Alexandrium species, toxin production of this C. punctatum strain was assessed using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The paralytic shellfish toxin (PST) profile of C. punctatum was dominated by six analogs, i.e. STX (30%), GTX-1 (20%) and neoSTX (24%), followed by GTX-2 (9%), GTX-4 (9%) and GTX-3 (8%); deoxy-STX was also putatively identified while no gymnodimines, spirolides or goniodomins were detected. This is the first record of C. punctatum producing saxitoxins. The estimated cellular toxicity was rather elevated, between 91 and 212 pg cell−1 (or 259 and 601 fmol cell−1). When considering the toxicity equivalent factors, results suggest that this species can produce high cellular toxicity compared to other STX-producing dinoflagellates. Morphological details of the sulcal area and the hypotheca of Centrodinium punctatum were re-examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM); this revealed that in the sulcal area, the left posterior sulcal plate (Ssp) is larger and longer than the left posterior sulcal plate and extended into the hypotheca. Based on the morphological observation, a revised interpretation of the sulcus and hypotheca is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Bone loss is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic bone disease in patients newly diagnosed with IBD and to identify the risk factors for bone loss over time. Methods. We performed a retrospective, both cross-sectional and longitudinal, study to extract the risk factors of bone loss (including osteopenia and osteoporosis) in patients newly diagnosed with IBD, using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Results. A total of 639 patients newly diagnosed with IBD that had at least one DXA were included in the cross-sectional study. Osteopenia and osteoporosis were diagnosed in 24.6% and 5.4% of patients, respectively. Age at diagnosis, body mass index, and serum phosphorus were identified as independent factors associated with bone loss at baseline. A total of 380 of the 639 IBD patients (including 212 CD patients and 168 UC patients) with at least a second DXA scan were included in the longitudinal study. 42.6% of the patients presented a worsening of bone loss in the follow-up study. Menopause, albumin, and use of corticosteroids were identified as independent factors associated with worsening of bone loss. Conclusions. Metabolic bone disease is common in IBD patients, and there is a significant increase in prevalence of bone loss over time. Postmenopausal female, malnourished patients, and those requiring corticosteroid treatment are at risk for persistent bone loss. Therefore, BMD measurements and early intervention with supplementation of calcium and vitamin D are recommended in IBD patients with high-risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new benthic freshwater species belonging to the genus Achnanthidium were found in Korea. Achnanthidium ovale sp. nov. and A. cavitatum sp. nov. are described as new species based on light and scanning electron microscopy observations and molecular analyses. Both species are compared with the type material of morphologically similar taxa. Achnanthidiumovale differs from other species belonging to the A.pyrenaicum complex in outline, striation pattern, raphe central endings, and freestanding areolae at the apices. Achnanthidiumcavitatum differs from other species in the A.minutissimum complex in outline, broad axial central area in the raphel ess valve, and slit-like areolae near the axial central area. We assessed their molecular characteristics by analyzing nuclear small subunit (SSU) rRNA and chloroplast-encoded rbcL gene sequences. Both the morphological comparison and the SSU and rbcL sequence analyses provide strong evidence to support the recognition of A. ovale and A. cavitatum as new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Prorocentrum shikokuense Hada, P. donghaiense Lu and Prorocentrum obtusidens Schiller are conspecific. • Prorocentrum obtusidens is a senior to P. shikokuense and P. donghaiense. • Prorocentrum obtusidens is a separate species from P. dentatum sensu stricto , P. veloi and P. monacense. • The periflagellar area of Prorocentrum obtusidens consists of seven platelets bearing a wing-like structure and two platelets without a wing-like structure, one flagellar pore and one accessory pore. In Japanese, Chinese and Korean coastal waters, recurrent blooms of a small, elongate Prorocentrum species have been observed in recent years. In previous studies, this species has been respectively identified as P. shikokuense , P. donghaiense and P. dentatum , despite morphological similarity and identical rDNA sequences. To resolve the confusion, morphological features, including the architectural details of the periflagellar area, were examined and ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences were obtained from specimens collected from the East China Sea and Korean coast, and a strain established in the waters off the Canary Islands of Spain. In addition, the descriptions of the three species and allied species were reviewed. Morphological observations and a phylogeny based on the SSU, ITS region and LSU rDNA sequences revealed that the previously confused species and our studied strains are conspecific and that the morphology of strains identified as P. dentatum in the phylogenetic trees does not coincide with P. dentatum sensu stricto. The confusion can be traced back to Dodge (1975, p. 116), who considered P. veloi, P. monacense and P. obtusidens as junior heterotypic synonyms of P. dentatum. However, Dodge's P. dentatum are closer to P. obtusidens sensu stricto , rather than P. dentatum sensu stricto. P. obtusidens sensu stricto can be distinguished from P. dentatum sensu stricto by its relatively small size, parallel sides towards the anterior and a blunt anterior extension on one side. This indicates that P. obtusidens should not be considered a synonym of P. dentatum sensu stricto. In addition, a comparison of the original descriptions of P. obtusidens and allied species allowed to conclude that small, elongate Prorocentrum from Japanese, Chinese and Korean coastal waters previously identified as P. shikokuense , P. donghaiense , P. dentatum sensu Yoo and Lee (1986) and the specimens studied herein, which share identical rDNA sequences, morphologically coincide with P. obtusidens. Therefore, it is proposed that P. shikokuense and P. donghaiense should be regarded as junior synonyms of P. obtusidens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extant species of the dinoflagellate genus Gonyaulax are capable of producing resting cysts morphologically similar to different cyst-based genera, and their cyst-theca relationships are far from resolved. Here we have carried out germination experiments on several living cysts that resemble Spiniferites delicatus from the subtropical regions of China and Mexico. Both cyst and theca morphology were examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. A new species, Gonyaulax pospelovana, is described, characterized by a cingulum displacement and an overhang of twice its width, and two short antapical spines. The cysts of G. pospelovana had a granular surface and gonal processes with petaloid tips. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses based on LSU and SSU rRNA gene sequences revealed that strains identified as G. pospelovana were monophyletic, forming a sister clade to Gonyaulax ellegaardiae and several presumable strains of Gonyaulax spinifera. One Chinese strain and two Mexican strains of G. pospelovana were examined for yessotoxin production using LC-MS/MS, but were not found to produce a detectable amount of toxins. Metabarcoding targeting the 18S V4 rRNA gene was performed on monthly collected samples in Xiamen Bay, China. A ZOTU (zero-radius operational taxonomic units) was detected that was consistent with G. pospelovana. Its maximum abundance was recorded in summer. Additionally, an OTU was identified as G. pospelovana from the Tara Oceans metabarcoding data, which occurred in the Indian and Pacific oceans at temperatures ranging from 28°C to 31°C, suggesting that it is a warm water species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green microalga Dunaliella salina hyperaccumulates β‐carotene in the chloroplast, which turns its cells orange. This does not occur in the sister species Dunaliella tertiolecta. However, the molecular mechanisms of β‐carotene hyperaccumulation were still unclear. Here, we discovered the reasons for β‐carotene hyperaccumulation by comparing the morphology, physiology, genome, and transcriptome between the carotenogenic D. salina and the noncarotenogenic D. tertiolecta after transfer to high light. The differences in photosynthetic capacity, cell growth, and the concentration of stored carbon suggest that these species regulate the supply and utilization of carbon differently. The number of β‐carotene‐containing plastid lipid globules increased in both species, but much faster and to a greater extent in D. salina than in D. tertiolecta. Consistent with the accumulation of plastid lipid globules, the expression of the methyl‐erythritol‐phosphate and carotenoid biosynthetic pathways increased only in D. salina, which explains the de novo synthesis of β‐carotene. In D. salina, the concomitantly upregulated expression of the carotene globule proteins suggests that hyperaccumulation of β‐carotene also requires a simultaneous increase in its sink capacity. Based on genomic analysis, we propose that D. salina has genetic advantages for routing carbon from growth to carotenoid metabolism. Summary statement: Under high light, Dunaliella salina undergoes significant metabolic shifts, while Dunaliella tertiolecta primarily focuses on acclimation in photosynthesis. This metabolic contrast may explain the β‐carotene hyperaccumulation by redirecting carbon from growth to carotenoid metabolism shown in D. salina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Entero-urinary fistulas (EUF) are a rare complication of Crohn's disease (CD), observed in 1.6 to 7.7%. The management of EUF complicating CD is challenging. We aimed to report the outcome and surgical management of EUF in CD. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed in all CD patients with EUF who underwent surgery in our center between January 2012 and December 2021. Patient demographics, preoperative optimization, surgical management, postoperative complications, and follow-up information were collected from a prospectively maintained database. Results: A total of 74 eligible patients were identified. The median interval between CD diagnosis and EUF diagnosis was 2 (0.08–6.29) years. Patients with EUF presented with pneumaturia (75.68%), urinary tract infections (72.97%), fecaluria (66.22%), and hematuria (6.76%). Fistulae originated most commonly from the ileum (63.51%), followed by the colon (14.86%), the rectum (9.46%), the cecum (2.70%), and multiple sites (9.46%). The EUF symptoms, weight, nutritional status, laboratory results were significantly improved after preoperative optimization. The absence of EUF symptoms was observed in 42 patients after the optimization and only 9 of which required bladder repair. However, 19 of 32 patients whose symptoms did not resolve required bladder repair (P = 0.001). Only 1 patient developed a bladder leakage in the early postoperative period and 3 patients experienced recurrent bladder fistula. Conclusions: Surgical management of EUF complicating CD is effective and safe, with a low rate of postoperative complication and EUF recurrence. Preoperative optimization, which is associated with the resolution of urinary symptoms and improved surgical outcomes, should be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteroidota is a group of marine polysaccharide degraders, which play a crucial role in the carbon cycle in the marine ecosystems. In this study, three novel gliding strains, designated as SS9-22T, W9P-11T, and SW1-E11T, isolated from algae and decaying wood were proposed to represent three novel species of the genus Fulvivirga. We identified a large number of genes encoding for carbohydrate-active enzymes, which potentially participate in polysaccharide degradation, based on whole genome sequencing. The 16S rRNA sequence similarities among them were 94.4–97.2%, and against existing species in the genus Fulvivirga 93.1–99.8%. The complete genomes of strains SS9-22T, W9P-11T, and SW1-E11T comprised one circular chromosome with size of 6.98, 6.52, and 6.39 Mb, respectively; the GC contents were 41.9%, 39.0%, and 38.1%, respectively. The average nucleotide identity and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization values with members in the genus Fulvivirga including the isolates were in a range of 68.9–85.4% and 17.1–29.7%, respectively, which are low for the proposal of novel species. Genomic mining in three genomes identified hundreds of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) covering up to 93 CAZyme families and 58–70 CAZyme gene clusters, exceeding the numbers of genes present in the other species of the genus Fulvivirga. Polysaccharides of alginate, chitin, laminarin, starch, and xylan were degraded in vitro, highlighting that the three strains are rich sources of CAZymes of polysaccharide degraders for biotechnological applications. The phenotypic, biochemical, chemotaxonomic, and genomic characteristics supported the proposal of three novel species in the genus Fulvivirga, for which the names Fulvivirga ulvae sp. nov. (SS9-22T = KCTC 82072T = GDMCC 1.2804T), Fulvivirga ligni sp. nov. (W9P-11T = KCTC 72992T = GDMCC 1.2803T), and Fulvivirga maritima sp. nov. (SW1-E11T = KCTC 72832T = GDMCC 1.2802T) are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are functional molecules in all kinds of fibrosis diseases. The current study was performed for the exploration of circ_0007535 in pulmonary fibrosis. RNA levels for circ_0007535, miR-18a-5p, and transforming growth factor-β receptor 1 (TGFBR1) were assayed via a reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell growth was determined by cell counting kit-8 assay for viability and ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assay for proliferation. Cell invasion and migration were examined by transwell assay and scratch assay. Western blot was performed for the detection of different proteins. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to assess inflammatory response. The interaction analysis was conducted using dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation assay, and biotin-coupled pull-down assay. Circ_0007535 was significantly upregulated by TGF-β1 in HFL1 cells. TGF-β1-induced proliferation, motility, ECM accumulation, and inflammatory reaction in HFL1 cells were alleviated by circ_0007535 knockdown. Circ_0007535 exhibited interaction with miR-18a-5p, and miR-18a-5p inhibition reversed all influences of circ_0007535 downregulation in TGF-β1-treated HFL1 cells. Circ_0007535 acted as a miR-18a-5p sponge to regulate the expression of downstream target TGFBR1. MiR-18a-5p induced TGFBR1 level inhibition to attenuate TGF-β1-mediated cell injury in HFL1 cells. This study evidenced that circ_0007535 facilitated TGF-β1-induced pulmonary fibrosis by depending on the absorption of miR-18a-5p to upregulate TGFBR1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]