Fast Growth Research Articles

Premature deindustrialization: A cautionary note

This paper presents a simple model of structural change in an isolated economy. As the economy industrialises the employment share of manufacturing increases. It eventually peaks and thereafter decreases. Simulations with this model indicate that faster growth in manufacturing productivity implies a lower and earlier peak in this sector’s employment share. The model is extended to include a late industrialiser that acquires technology from a more advanced leader. No matter when it occurs, the decline of manufacturing in this model is never premature. It is the outcome of technical dynamism in the manufacturing sector. The model can be extended to include external trade. Manufacturing then becomes vulnerable to the Dutch disease; whereby locally produced manufactures are replaced by imports. Such effects may occur at any stage of development. The theoretical discussion is followed by a brief examination of the South American experience that illustrates the effects of the Dutch disease. The paper concludes by examining the share of manufacturing in constant price GDP. On balance, the evidence supports Rodrik’s (2016) claim that this share is now on the decline in the advanced economies.

Changes in field-based research in accounting

PurposeMerchant and Van der Stede (2006) produced a comprehensive analysis of 24 years (1981–2004) of field-based accounting research. This study aims to analyse how the publication of field research in accounting has changed since 2005. In addition, it aims to analyse contributions from specific individuals, institutions and countries, and whether the field studies have contributed to accounting research and textbooks.Design/methodology/approachThe authors identified and classified 1,115 field-based accounting articles published in 14 accounting journals from 2005 to 2022 to uncover any changes. Thereafter, bibliometric analysis was conducted using data from SciVal.FindingsThe results show several significant changes. Firstly, the growth of field studies has more than trebled as nearly all journals published at least some field studies. Secondly, field research is no longer as confined to management accounting as before. It is gaining increasing traction in auditing, financial accounting and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Thirdly, while interview-based accounting research was clearly the most popular, the fastest growth was seen in mixed-methods non-management accounting research. While public sector management control case studies and content analysis of CSR were the most popular topics of interview-based studies, audits were the most popular topic in mixed-methods research. Authors based in large universities in large English-speaking countries have been most productive, followed by authors based in Europe and Asia. Based on citation analysis, the field studies have contributed to academic research substantially more than to textbooks.Originality/valueAn analysis of changes and trends improves the understanding of what has happened in accounting research and the development over time.

Isolation and Characterization of Canine Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Considerations in Translation from Laboratory to Clinic.

In allogeneic MSC implantation, the cells are isolated from a donor different from the recipient. When tested, allogeneic MSCs have several advantages over autologous ones: faster cell growth, sufficient cell concentration, and readily available cells for clinics. To ensure the safe and efficient use of allogeneic MSCs in clinics, the MSCs need to be first tested in vitro. With this study, we paved the way by addressing the in vitro aspects of canine adipose-derived MSCs, considering the limited studies on the clinical use of canine cells. We isolated cAD-MSCs from canine falciform ligament fat and evaluated their viability and proliferation using an MTS assay. Then, we characterized the MSC-specific antigens using immunophenotyping and immunofluorescence and demonstrated their potential for in vitro differentiation. Moreover, we established shipping and cryobanking procedures to lead the study to become an off-the-shelf therapy. During expansion, the cells demonstrated a linear increase in cell numbers, confirming their proliferation quantitatively. The cells showed viability before and after cryopreservation, demonstrating that cell viability can be preserved. From a clinical perspective, the established shipping conditions demonstrated that the cells retain their viability for up to 48 h. This study lays the groundwork for the potential use of allogeneic cAD-MSCs in clinical applications.

Coastal <i>Synechococcus</i> strains can exploit low oxygen habitats

We found that PhycoErythrin-rich <i>Synechococcus</i> achieved faster growth rates (µ), across the spectral bandwidths from 405 – 730 nm, under 2.5 µM [O<sub>2</sub>], characteristic of Oxygen Minimum Zones (OMZs), than under 250 µM [O<sub>2</sub>], whereas PhycoCyanin-rich strain showed generally similar µ under 2.5 and 250 µM [O<sub>2</sub>]. For PhycoCyanin- and PhycoErythrin-rich <i>Synechococcus</i>, µ showed also positive linear responses to both Phycobiliproteins:Chlorophyll <i>a</i>, and to cumulative diel PSII electron flux, although the relations vary across strain and [O<sub>2</sub>]. Electron transport downstream of Photosystem II was generally higher for both PhycoCyanin- and PhycoErythrin-rich strains under 250 µM [O<sub>2</sub>], since cyanobacteria show strong capacity for electron flow away from PSII to O<sub>2</sub>, particularly under excess excitation. Even though electron transport was faster under 250 µM [O<sub>2</sub>], the PhycoErythrin-rich strain showed a higher growth yield of electron transport under 2.5 µM [O<sub>2</sub>]. PhycoErythrin-rich <i>Synechococcus</i> are currently typically found at greater depths, and lower light, than are PhycoCyanin-rich strains, but we suggest that the PhycoErythrin-rich strains are actually limited to lower light by an interaction between light and full air-saturated [O<sub>2</sub>]. In expanding Oxygen Minimum Zones PhycoErythrin-rich strains will likely exploit higher light niches, across a wider spectral range.

Growth and shrinkage of tissue sheets on substrates: buds, buckles, and pores

Abstract Many tissues take the form of thin sheets, being only a single cell thick, but millions of cells wide. 
These tissue sheets can bend and buckle in the third dimension. In this work, we investigated the growth and shrinkage of suspended and supported tissue sheets using particle-based simulations. We construct a minimum model, combining particle-based tissue growth and meshless membrane models, to simulate the growth of tissue sheets with mechanical feedback. Free suspended growing tissues exhibit wrinkling when growth is sufficiently fast. Conversely, tissues on a substrate form buds when the adhesion to the substrate is weak and/or when the friction with the substrate is strong. These buds undergo a membrane-mediated attraction and subsequently fuse. The complete detachment of tissues from the substrate and straight buckled bump formation are also obtained at very weak adhesion and/or fast growth rates. In the tissue shrinkage, tissue pores grow via Ostwald ripening and coalescence. The reported dynamics can also be applied in research on the detachment dynamics of different tissues with weakened adhesion.

Potential of novel Rhizobium strains as biofertilizer for improved groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivation in Eastern India

ABSTRACT Comprehensive assessments were conducted on eight fast growing, novel Rhizobium isolates, short listed from a preliminary selection of 68 isolates obtained from root nodules of groundnut plants grown in diverse agro-climatic regions of eastern India. Additionally, two conventional rhizobia strains, viz. IGR6 and GN2, (collected from the Nodule Research Center, BCKV), were utilized for comparative analysis. Cluster analysis, based on carbon utilization and biochemical parameters, grouped all the test isolates with an average similarity level of 73%. The ability of the isolates to utilize a wide range of carbon sources, including hexoses, pentoses, and disaccharides, confirms their fast-growing nature. Further analysis through 16S rDNA extraction and nucleotide sequencing revealed that the promising fresh isolates exhibited 95–99% similarity to known Rhizobium species in public databases. When evaluated in pot culture experiments using new alluvial soil from the Gangetic Plains in eastern India, the native fresh isolate NRA1(PP355674) outperformed other isolates and conventional strains in terms of nodulation efficiency, plant dry matter production, and plant nitrogen uptake. This study highlights the significant potential of native Rhizobium isolates to surpass conventionally used strains in biological nitrogen fixation, supporting the development of sustainable, environmentally-friendly, and cost-effective agricultural practices.

Profiling growth performance, insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) in rainbow trout lacking IGFBP-2b.

Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBP) regulate insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling, but IGFBP-specific functions are not well characterized in fishes. A line of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) lacking a functional IGFBP-2b was produced using gene editing and subsequent breeding to an F2 generation. This loss-of-function model (2bKO) was subjected to either continuous feeding or feed deprivation (3 wk) followed by refeeding (1 wk). During continuous feeding, the 2bKO line displayed faster specific growth rate for both body weight and fork length, higher feed intake, and reduced feed conversion ratio compared to a wild type (WT) line. However, loss of IGFBP-2b did not affect the feed deprivation or refeeding response in terms of weight loss or weight gain, respectively. Several components of the IGF/IGFBP system were affected by loss of IGFBP2b. Total serum IGF-1 in the 2bKO line was reduced to 0.5 - 0.8-fold of the WT line although the concentration of free serum IGF-1 was not affected. Gene expression differences include reduced abundance of igfbp1a1, igfbp1b2, igfbp5b2, and igfbp6b1 transcripts, and elevated igf2 and igfbp6b2 transcripts in liver of the 2bKO line. Collectively, these findings suggest that although IGFBP-2b is a carrier of circulating IGF-1 in salmonids, the presence of IGFBP-2a and compensatory responses of other IGF/IGFBP system components support an anabolic response that improved growth performance in the loss-of-function model.

Animal breeding and feeding tools may close human nutrition gaps

The last century has witnessed many innovations in agriculture and food technologies that have ensured the production of sufficient quantities of good hygienic food. Animal scientists have contributed substantially to efficient breeding and feeding practices by adapting animals for faster growth and improving feed efficiency and utilization. Breeding goals and feeding recommendations have been proposed with a primary focus on profitability to promote significant changes in the macronutrient content, i.e., animal body protein and fat reduction. However, improving the nutritional quality of meat was not included in the profit assessment. Increasing the lean meat fraction is consistent with the goal of public dietary guidelines for human nutrition proposed in 1980, emphasizing the importance of reducing the consumption of animal fat, particularly saturated fat. The application of breeding and feeding tools to modify and improve the fatty acid composition has been partly implemented in pigs and broiler chickens to supplement the dietary recommendations for humans. The health benefits of lean “red meat” have been questioned in recent years, with dietary guidelines and upper limits being introduced for human intake. Animal breeding indirectly reduces the total and heme iron (the redness generator) content in meat, due to covariation with priority breeding goals. Two micronutrients play important roles in the human diet and are derived largely from meat (selenium) and milk (iodine) if the amount provided and absorbed is sufficient and predictable. The iodine content can be highly dependent on the use of novel (more sustainable) feeds. The micronutrients discussed in this study (Fe, Se, I, and vitamin D) highlight opportunities for the utilization of breeding and feeding knowledge to adjust their levels to procure meat with a high nutrient density. The gaps in micronutrient levels in humans must be addressed by navigating within approved animal feeding levels. Animal scientists must recognize the nutritional impact of breeding and feeding and advertise them. In addition, human nutritionists must acknowledge the existing and potential changes in animal production to meet the dietary guidelines. Sustainable food production within the “One Health” concept can only be achieved through cooperation.

Long-Term Evolution of Ecologically Fragile Waterside Rural Areas and Strategies for Local Spatial Planning: An Empirical Study in Baiyangdian, China

Under the dynamics of urbanization and counterurbanization, rural areas in China face both challenges and opportunities with the government’s new-town policy. A comprehensive analysis is essential for developing effective strategies. Characterized by traditional water settlements and high ecological sensitivity, Anxin County, which encompasses 50% of Baiyangdian Lake, was selected as a case study. Anxin County was incorporated into the National New Area in 2017, and it served as an experimental site for green ecological development. This study aims to provide insights into the sustainable spatial planning of Anxin County’s settlements by examining their long-term evolution and locational differences, modeling the driving mechanisms, and proposing differentiated spatial planning strategies based on predictive outcomes. Our research findings indicate the folllowing: (1) Anxin County’s settlements have expanded significantly in the past, with a notable surge between 1975 and 1996. Initially, semi-waterside settlements experienced the fastest growth before the 1970s, followed by land settlements. (2) Natural and socio-economic factors are modeled as independent variables to explain the evolution of settlement areas. The results indicate a decreasing impact of natural factors and an increasing influence of socio-economic factors over time. Furthermore, the evolution of settlements in water areas is relatively straightforward and random, whereas land settlements are influenced by a complex array of factors. (3) Utilizing the model to predict settlement growth, the study identifies settlements requiring relocation, and it proposes the most suitable relocation targets for them. A total of 23 villages, including Bei Tianzhuang and Cai Putai, are identified for relocation, while villages such as Ma Village, Bian Village, and Liu Lizhuang have strong capacities for accepting in-migrants. The study also offers recommendations for enhancing waterfront landscapes, flexible land use, road network systems, and internal construction.

Effect of central plasma pressure on high-order harmonics of 1/1 quasi-interchange instability in a central weak magnetic shear tokamak configuration

Abstract Numerical investigations of linear and nonlinear stages of quasi-interchange instability in a cylindrical tokamak geometry with a flat q-profile in the core region are conducted using eigenvalue and initial value codes, respectively. It is found that there exists a dependent relationship between the central plasma pressure p 0 (of the initial pressure profile) and the dominant harmonic of the quasi-interchange instability. As p 0 increases, m = n > 1 mode would be dominant in the linear stage and even in the nonlinear stage, where m and n are the poloidal and toroidal mode number, respectively. In addition, with p 0 increasing, the fast growth of other harmonics is inevitable and will deeply affect the evolution of m = n dominant quasi-interchange instability.

Developing a New Method to Rapidly Map Eucalyptus Distribution in Subtropical Regions Using Sentinel-2 Imagery

Eucalyptus plantations with fast growth and short rotation play an important role in improving economic conditions for local farmers and governments. It is necessary to map and update eucalyptus distribution in a timely manner, but to date, there is a lack of suitable approaches for quickly mapping its spatial distribution in a large area. This research aims to develop a uniform procedure to map eucalyptus distribution at a regional scale using the Sentinel-2 imagery on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform. Different seasonal Senstinel-2 images were first examined, and key vegetation indices from the selected seasonal images were identified using random forest and Pearson correlation analysis. The selected key vegetation indices were then normalized and summed to produce new indices for mapping eucalyptus distribution based on the calculated best cutoff values using the ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve. The uniform procedure was tested in both experimental and test sites and then applied to the entire Fujian Province. The results indicated that the best season to distinguish eucalyptus forests from other forest types was winter. The composite indices for eucalyptus–coniferous forest separation (CIEC) and for eucalyptus–broadleaf forest separation (CIEB), which were synthesized from the enhanced vegetation index (EVI), plant senescing reflectance index (PSRI), shortwave infrared water stress index (SIWSI), and MERIS terrestrial chlorophyll index (MTCI), can effectively differentiate eucalyptus from other forest types. The proposed procedure with the best cutoff values (0.58 for CIEC and 1.29 for CIEB) achieved accuracies of above 90% in all study sites. The eucalyptus classification accuracies in Fujian Province, with a producer’s accuracy of 91%, user’s accuracy of 97%, and overall accuracy of 94%, demonstrate the strong robustness and transferability of this proposed procedure. This research provided a new insight into quickly mapping eucalyptus distribution in subtropical regions. However, more research is still needed to explore the robustness and transferability of this proposed method in tropical regions or in other subtropical regions with different environmental conditions.

The presence of a ghost infarct core is associated with fast core growth in acute ischemic stroke.

The overestimation of ischemic core volume by CT perfusion (CTP) is a critical concern in the selection of candidates for reperfusion therapy. This phenomenon is termed a ghost infarct core (GIC). Core growth rate (CGR) is an indicator of ischemic severity. We aimed to elucidate the association between GIC and CGR. Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy in our institute from March 2017 to July 2022 were enrolled. The initial ischemic core volume (IICV) was measured by pretreatment CTP, and the final infarct volume (FIV) was measured by diffusion-weighted imaging. A GIC was defined by IICV minus FIV > 10 ml. The CGR was calculated by dividing the IICV by the time from onset to CTP. Univariable analysis and a multivariable logistic regression model were used to evaluate the association between GIC-positive and CGR. Of all 91 patients, 21 (23.1%) were GIC-positive. The GIC-positive group had higher CGR (14.2 [2.6-46.7] vs 4.8 [1.6-17.1] ml/h, p = 0.02) and complete recanalization (n = 15 (71.4%) vs 29 (41.4%), p = 0.02) compared to the GIC-negative group. On receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal cutoff point of CGR to predict GIC-positive was 22 ml/h (sensitivity, 0.48; specificity, 0.85; AUC, 0.67). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that CGR ⩾ 22 ml/h (OR 6.44, 95% CI [1.59-26.10], p = 0.01) and complete recanalization (OR 3.72, 95% CI [1.14-12.08], p = 0.02) were independent predictors of GIC-positive. A GIC was associated with fast CGR in acute ischemic stroke. Overestimation of the initial ischemic core may be determined by core growth speed.

Ethanol Production Using Zymomonas mobilis and In Situ Extraction in a Capillary Microreactor

The bacterium Zymomonas mobilis is investigated as a model organism for the cultivation and separation of ethanol as a product by in situ extraction in continuous flow microreactors. The considered microreactor is the Coiled Flow Inverter (CFI), which consists of a capillary coiled onto a support structure. Like other microreactors, the CFI benefits from a high surface-to-volume ratio, which enhances mass and heat transfer. Compared to many other microreactors, the CFI offers the advantage of operating without internal structures, which are often used to ensure good mixing. The simplicity of the design makes the CFI particularly suitable for biochemical applications as cells do not get stuck or damaged by internal structures. Despite this simplicity, good mixing is achieved through flow vortices caused by Taylor and Dean vortices. The reaction system consists of two phases, in which the aqueous phase carries the bacterium and an oleyl alcohol phase is used to extract the ethanol produced. Key parameters for evaluation are bacteria growth and the amount of ethanol produced by the microorganism. The results show the suitability of the CFI for microbial production of valuable compounds. A maximum ethanol concentration of 1.26 g L−1 was achieved for the experiment in the CFI. Overall, the cultivation in the CFI led to faster growth of Z. mobilis, resulting in 25% higher ethanol production than in conducted batch experiments.

Evolutionary engineering of methylotrophic E. coli enables fast growth on methanol

As methanol can be derived from either CO2 or methane, methanol economy can play an important role in combating climate change. In this scenario, rapid utilization of methanol by an industrial microorganism is the first and crucial step for efficient utilization of the C1 feedstock chemical. Here, we report the development of a methylotrophic E. coli strain with a doubling time of 3.5 hours under optimal conditions, comparable or faster than native model methylotrophs Methylorubrum extorquens AM1 (Td~4hr) and Bacillus methanolicus at 37°C (Td~5hr). To accomplish this, we develop a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) with dynamic copy number variation (CNV) to facilitate overcoming the formaldehyde-induced DNA-protein cross-linking (DPC) problem in the evolution process. We track the genome variations of 75 cultures along the evolution process by next-generation sequencing, and identified the features of the fast-growing strain. After stabilization, the final strain (SM8) grows to 20 g/L of cell mass within 77 hrs in a bioreactor. This study illustrates the potential of dynamic CNV as an evolution tool and synthetic methylotrophs as a platform for sustainable biotechnological applications.

Analysis of green productivity in manufacturing based on different air pollution levels

China’s manufacturing industry needs to change from a high-emission model to one that is more environmentally friendly to reduce air pollution and achieve sustainable growth. Therefore, it is important to decrease manufacturing waste gas emissions by improving green productivity. This paper expands on the theories of green economic growth and sustainable development to present a framework for analysis of manufacturing green productivity at various levels of air pollution. It applies the Metafrontier Malmquist Luenberger index and SBM model to data from 30 Chinese manufacturing sectors from 2012 to 2022 to identify the obstacles to developing green productivity in the manufacturing sectors. The results show that: (1) From 2012 to 2022, the overall waste gas emission efficiency and GTFP of China’s manufacturing industry showed an increasing trend. (2) The manufacturing industry with light air pollution had the fastest growth in GTFP, followed by manufacturing with heavy air pollution, and manufacturing with moderate air pollution had the lowest. (3) The primary driver of GTFP growth is technological progress, while technical inefficiency has severely hindered GTFP growth. (4) There is a “Matthew effect” in the green productivity of China’s manufacturing industry. High waste gas emission efficiency often accompanies high levels of GTFP, and vice versa. Finally, this paper proposes policy suggestions to improve the green productivity of the manufacturing industry and reduce air pollution.

Secular variation and risk factors of preterm birth in Hainan, the Free Trade Port in China from 2010 to 2021

ObjectivesPreterm delivery rates have increased obviously worldwide over the past decade, yet reliable epidemiological studies on the incidence of preterm birth and temporal trends are not available in Hainan, The Free Trade Port in China. We aimed to describe the rate of preterm birth and trends between 2010 and 2021 and to primarily explore risk factors associated with preterm birth in Hainan, China.MethodsThis was an observational study was based on data from the Hainan Provincial Birth Certificate System (HPBCS) for live births between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2021. We included pregnancies resulting in at least one live birth, with newborns born at a gestational age of 28 weeks or greater, or with a birth weight of 1000 g or more. The outcome were preterm birth rates and their trends over time. Potential risk factors were collected, including infant gender, maternal age, paternal age, maternal ethnicity, paternal ethnicity, home address, and single or multiple pregnancies. The logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between preterm birth and potential risk factors.ResultsA total of 1,537,239 live births and 86,328 preterm births were investigated, giving a total preterm birth rate of 5.62%. The overall preterm birth rate increased from 4.47% in 2010 to 7.12% in 2021 (compound annual growth rate [CAGR] 4.32). The CAGR of late preterm birth is consistent with the overall preterm birth rate (4.32%). The fastest growth is observed in the rate of very preterm births (5.53%), while the rate of moderate preterm births exhibits the slowest growth (3.87%). Infant gender, multiple pregnancy, home address, parental age, and ethnicity had significant effects on preterm birth.ConclusionThe preterm birth rate was increasing year by year from 2010 to 2021 in Hainan, The Free Trade Port in China. Incidence of preterm births in Hainan Province in relation to multiple pregnancies, infant sex, parental age, parental race and residential address.

Is US trade policy reshaping global supply chains?

This paper examines the reshaping of supply chains using detailed US 10-digit import data between 2017 and 2022. The results show that while US-China decoupling in bilateral trade is real, supply chains remain intertwined with China. Over the period, China's share of US imports fell from 22 % to 16 % as a result of US tariffs. US imports from China are being replaced with imports from large, developing countries with revealed comparative advantage in a product. In strategic industries, countries replacing China tend to be deeply integrated in China's supply chains and are experiencing faster import growth from China. Put differently, to displace China on the export side, countries must embrace China's supply chains. There is no consistent evidence of reshoring but evidence of nearshoring to border nations. Despite the significant reshaping, China remained the top supplier of directly imported goods to the US in 2022.

Spatio-temporal evolution of social-ecological system resilience in ethnic tourism destinations in mountainous areas and trend prediction: a case study in Wuling, China

Mountainous ethnic tourism lands are important social-ecological system types. With tourism as the main disturbance factor, the theory of social-ecological system resilience provides a new way to realize the sustainable development of ethno-tourism in mountainous areas. This study divides the social-ecological system into social, economic, and ecological subsystems. It constructs an evaluation index system to assess the resilience of ethnic tourism destinations in mountainous areas, considering vulnerability and adaptability. We investigate 64 counties in the Wuling Mountain area and use set-pair analysis to assess the resilience index of the social-ecological system from 2000 to 2020 and reveal the temporal and spatial characteristics. Obstacle degree models and a genetic algorithm-back propagation neural network are utilized to determine the influencing factors and predict future development trends. The following results were obtained: (1) Temporally, the resilience index shows a steady upward trend, reaching a moderate level. The resilience of the social subsystem fluctuates and rises; the economic subsystem exhibits slow, fast, and slow growth rates with occasional abrupt changes; and the ecological subsystem demonstrates a stable, slightly increasing trend. (2) Spatially, the resilience index is high at the edges and low in the central area, exhibiting a concave distribution. Most counties have moderate or higher resilience. The social and ecological subsystems have low resilience in the south and high resilience in the north. The resilience of the economic subsystem is high at the edges and low in the central area. (3) On the distribution of major obstacle factors, the first two are similar at the county level, and the last three are significantly different. The similarity of the barrier factors is related to the degree of regional proximity of the county, and overall, the similarity is decreasing from north to south and from west to east in the distribution pattern within the area. and to a certain extent, it is affected by terrain and geomorphology. (4) The spatial distribution of the resilience index is similar in 2025 and 2030. The index decreases slightly and then increases annually, with a lower growth rate in the south than in the north. Lower values occur in the northern and southwestern parts, whereas higher values are observed around high-value areas. The region as a whole will develop in a coordinated and integrated manner in the future.

Expanded genome and proteome reallocation in a novel, robust Bacillus coagulans strain capable of utilizing pentose and hexose sugars.

Bacillus coagulans, a Gram-positive thermophilic bacterium, is recognized for its probiotic properties and recent development as a microbial cell factory. Despite its importance for biotechnological applications, the current understanding of B. coagulans' robustness is limited, especially for undomesticated strains. To fill this knowledge gap, we characterized the metabolic capability and performed functional genomics and systems analysis of a novel, robust strain, B. coagulans B-768. Genome sequencing revealed that B-768 has the largest B. coagulans genome known to date (3.94 Mbp), about 0.63 Mbp larger than the average genome of sequenced B. coagulans strains, with expanded carbohydrate metabolism and mobilome. Functional genomics identified a well-equipped genetic portfolio for utilizing a wide range of C5 (xylose, arabinose), C6 (glucose, mannose, galactose), and C12 (cellobiose) sugars present in biomass hydrolysates, which was validated experimentally. For growth on individual xylose and glucose, the dominant sugars in biomass hydrolysates, B-768 exhibited distinct phenotypes and proteome profiles. Faster growth and glucose uptake rates resulted in lactate overflow metabolism, which makes B. coagulans a lactate overproducer; however, slower growth and xylose uptake diminished overflow metabolism due to the high energy demand for sugar assimilation. Carbohydrate Transport and Metabolism (COG-G), Translation (COG-J), and Energy Conversion and Production (COG-C) made up 60%-65% of the measured proteomes but were allocated differently when growing on xylose and glucose. The trade-off in proteome reallocation, with high investment in COG-C over COG-G, explains the xylose growth phenotype with significant upregulation of xylose metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Strain B-768 tolerates and effectively utilizes inhibitory biomass hydrolysates containing mixed sugars and exhibits hierarchical sugar utilization with glucose as the preferential substrate.IMPORTANCEThe robustness of B. coagulans makes it a valuable microorganism for biotechnology applications; yet, this phenotype is not well understood at the cellular level. Through phenotypic characterization and systems analysis, this study elucidates the functional genomics and robustness of a novel, undomesticated strain, B. coagulans B-768, capable of utilizing inhibitory switchgrass biomass hydrolysates. The genome of B-768, enriched with carbohydrate metabolism genes, demonstrates high regulatory capacity. The coordination of proteome reallocation in Carbohydrate Transport and Metabolism (COG-G), Translation (COG-J), and Energy Conversion and Production (COG-C) is critical for effective cell growth, sugar utilization, and lactate production via overflow metabolism. Overall, B-768 is a novel, robust, and promising B. coagulans strain that can be harnessed as a microbial biomanufacturing platform to produce chemicals and fuels from biomass hydrolysates.

The impact of green low-carbon development on public health: a quasi-natural experimental study of low-carbon pilot cities in China.

In recent years, climate change and environmental pollution have posed significant threats to public health. As environmental policies such as low-carbon city initiatives are progressively implemented, their role in enhancing public health has become a topic of growing interest. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between green low-carbon development and public health and to analyze the underlying mechanisms. We utilized data from 271 prefecture-level cities in China spanning from 2007 to 2020, focusing on green low-carbon development, climate change, environmental pollution, and public health. Employing the quasi-natural experimental framework of China's low-carbon city pilot projects, we constructed a multi-site difference-in-differences (DID) model for empirical analysis. Various robustness checks, including parallel trend tests, placebo tests, sample selection bias checks, and adjustments to the temporal and spatial scope of the samples, were conducted to ensure the reliability of the results. Additionally, we explored the positive effects of green low-carbon development on public health through dual mediation pathways involving climate change mitigation and pollution reduction. Finally, we examined the heterogeneity of the results across different city tiers, economic growth rates, levels of technological investment, and green finance development. The findings indicate that green low-carbon development significantly enhances public health, a conclusion supported by robustness tests. Mechanism analysis reveals that the benefits of green low-carbon development on public health are realized through mitigating climate change and reducing environmental pollution. Further analysis reveals that the positive impact on public health is more pronounced in first-and second-tier cities, as well as in cities with faster economic growth, greater technological investment, and more developed green finance sectors. This study highlights the crucial role of urban green low-carbon development in improving environmental quality and public health. In addition to providing empirical evidence that supports the promotion of green low-carbon development in cities, the results point to policy recommendations for enhancing public health. Moreover, the findings contribute to the development of environmental policies and the implementation of the "Healthy China" strategy.