Prevent Water Loss Research Articles

Efficient antibacterial and dye adsorption by novel fish scale silver biochar composite gel

A silver-loaded carbon-chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol gel (C/CTS/PVA) was designed for suppressing microbial growth and dye adsorption. The antibacterial test results showed that C/CTS/PVA gel had a good antibacterial ability against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The inhibition rate in water was 100 %, and the antibacterial rate remained above 95 % within 35 days after preparation. The tight spatial structure provided by the adhesive effect of PVA and CTS effectively prevented water loss and enhanced the stability of the gel. The adsorption curves of the gel were fitted by establishing the pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order kinetic models. The adsorption curves were more consistent with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The best adsorption effect for Malachite green was 128.12 mg/g. C/CTS/PVA gel had a remarkable adsorption effect on Malachite green, Congo red, Methyl orange, and Methylene blue. In general, C/CTS/PVA gels have great potential for the treatment of sewage in the future.

Adaptations for gas exchange enabled the elongation of lepidopteran proboscises.

The extensive biodiversification of butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) is partly attributed to their unique mouthparts (proboscis [Pr]) that can span in length from less than 1mm to over 280mm in Darwin's sphinx moths. Lepidoptera, similar to other insects, are believed to inhale and exhale respiratory gases only through valve-like spiracles on their thorax and abdomen, making gas exchange through the narrow tracheae (Tr) challenging for the elongated Pr. How Lepidoptera overcome distance effects for gas transport to the Pr is an open question that is important to understanding how the Pr elongated over evolutionary time. Here, we show with scanning electron microscopy and X-ray imaging that distance effects on gas exchange are overcome by previously unreported micropores on the Pr surface and by superhydrophobic Tr that prevent water loss and entry. We find that the density of micropores decreases monotonically along the Pr length with the maxima proportional to the Pr length and that micropore diameters produce a Knudsen number at the boundary between the slip and transition flow regimes. By numerical estimation, we further show that the respiratory gas exchange for the Pr predominantly occurs via diffusion through the micropores. These adaptations are key innovations vital to Prelongation, which likely facilitated lepidopteran biodiversification and the radiation of angiosperms by coevolutionaryprocesses.

Skin Barrier Fine Tuning through Low-Temperature Lipid Chain Transition

The lipids in the mammalian stratum corneum (SC) adopt an unusually rigid arrangement to form a vital barrier preventing water loss and harmful environmental impacts. Just above the physiological temperature, a subset of barrier lipids undergoes a phase transition from a very tight orthorhombic to a looser hexagonal arrangement and vice versa. The purpose of this lipid transition in skin physiology is unknown. Permeability experiments on isolated human SC indicated that the transition affects the activation energy for a model compound that prefers lateral movement along lipid layers but not for water or a large polymer that would cross the SC through the pore pathway. The orthorhombic phase content of SC lipids, as determined by infrared spectroscopy, was also modulated by (de)hydration. Spontaneous rearrangement of human SC lipid monolayers into 10 nm higher multilamellar islets at 32-37 °C but not at room temperature was revealed by atomic force microscopy. Our findings add to our knowledge of fundamental skin physiology suggesting a fine temperature- and hydration-controlled switch from fluid lipids (required for lipid barrier assembly) to rigid and tightly packed lipids in the mature SC (necessary for the water and permeability barriers).

Transport mechanism and control technology of heavy metal ions in gangue backfill materials in short-wall block backfill mining

Short-wall block backfill mining can effectively control the movement of overlying strata, prevent water loss and utilize waste gangue materials. However, heavy metal ions (HMI) of gangue backfill materials in the mined-out area can be released and transported to the underlying aquifer, causing pollution of water resources in the mine. Accordingly, with short-wall block backfill mining technology, this study analyzed the sensitivity of gangue backfill materials to the environment. The pollution mechanism of gangue backfill materials to water resources was revealed, and the transport rules of HMI were explored. The regulation and control methods of water pollution in the mine were then concluded. The design method of backfill ratio for comprehensive protection of overlying and underlying aquifers was proposed. The results show that the release concentration of HMI, the gangue particle size, the floor lithology, the burial depth of the coal seam, and the depth of the floor fractures were the main factors that affected the transport behaviors of HMI. After long-term immersion, HMI of gangue backfill materials underwent hydrolysis and were released constantly. HMI were subjected to the coupled action of seepage, concentration, and stress and then driven by water head pressure and gravitational potential energy to transported downward along the pore and fracture channels in the floor with mine water as the carrier. Meanwhile, the transport distance of HMI increased with increasing release concentration of HMI, the permeability of the floor stratum, and the depth of floor fractures. Still, it decreased with increasing gangue particle size and the burial depth of the coal seam. On that basis, external-internal cooperative control methods were proposed to prevent the pollution of gangue backfill materials to mine water. Furthermore, the design method of the backfill ratio for comprehensive protection of overlying and underlying aquifers was proposed.

Loricrin and Cytokeratin Disorganisation in Severe Forms of Periodontitis

ObjectiveThe aim of this research was to investigate the role of the cornified epithelium, the outermost layer of the oral mucosa, engineered to prevent water loss and microorganism invasion, in severe forms of periodontitis (stage III or IV, grade C). MethodsPorphyromonas gingivalis, a major periodontal disease pathogen, can affect cornified epithelial protein expression through chronic activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (Stat6). We used a mouse model, Stat6VT, that mimics this to determine the effects of barrier defect on P gingivalis–induced inflammation, bone loss, and cornified epithelial protein expression, and compared histologic and immunohistologic findings with tissues obtained from human controls and patients with stage III and IV, grade C disease. Alveolar bone loss in mice was assessed using micro-computerised tomography, and soft tissue morphology was qualitatively and semi-quantitatively assessed by histologic examination for several proteins, including loricrin, filaggrin, cytokeratin 1, cytokeratin 14, a proliferation marker, a pan-leukocyte marker, as well as morphologic signs of inflammation. Relative cytokine levels were measured in mouse plasma by cytokine array. ResultsIn the tissues from patients with periodontal disease, there were greater signs of inflammation (rete pegs, clear cells, inflammatory infiltrates) and a decrease and broadening of expression of loricrin and cytokeratin 1. Cytokeratin 14 expression was also broader and decreased in stage IV. P gingivalis–infected Stat6VT mice showed greater alveolar bone loss in 9 out of 16 examined sites, and similar patterns of disruption to human patients in expression of loricrin and cytokeratins 1 and 14. There were also increased numbers of leukocytes, decreased proliferation, and greater signs of inflammation compared with P gingivalis–infected control mice. ConclusionsOur study provides evidence that changes in epithelial organisation can exacerbate the effects of P gingivalis infection, with similarities to the most severe forms of human periodontitis.

The role of ecdysis in repair of an attachment system: a case study using geckos.

Skin provides functions such as protection and prevention of water loss. In some taxa, the outer surface of skin has been modified to form structures that enable attachment to various surfaces. Constant interaction with surfaces is likely to cause damage to these attachment systems and reduce function. It seems logical that when skin is shed via ecdysis, its effectiveness will increase, through repair of damage or other rejuvenating mechanisms. We address two questions using three diplodactylid geckos as model species. (1) Does repeated mechanical damage affect clinging ability in geckos to the point that they cannot support their own body weight? (2) Does use without induced damage reduce effectiveness of the attachment system, and if so, does ecdysis restore clinging ability? We found that repeated damage reduced clinging ability in all three species, although at different rates. Additionally, use reduced clinging ability over time when no apparent damage was incurred. Clinging ability increased after ecdysis in all three species, both when damage was specially induced, and when it was not. After normal use without induced damage, the increase in clinging ability after ecdysis was statistically significant in two of three species. Our findings show that use decreases clinging ability, and mechanical damage also effects geckos' capacity to exert shear forces consistently. Thus, ecdysis improves clinging ability both in scenarios where damage is induced and more generally. In addition to the physiological functions provided by skin, our study highlights an important function of ecdysis in a speciose vertebrate group.

Hybrid Water Pumping Control System for Irrigation using Arduino

Abstract: There are many water pumping system such as diesel powered, solar photovoltaic, mechanical windmill exists. Few combine solar and wind energy sources to provide better performance and reliability to the existing system. In this paper wind turbine and solar photovoltaic (PV) water pumping array are analyzed separately and are combined as a hybrid system. Large amount of water pumped from the water resources are not effectively used. So a suitable control methodology was also proposed to operate the pump automatically depending on the water availability and the water requirement for crops .The main objective is to provide 1.Advantage of hybrid system over WT or solar PV array separately.2.suitable methodology to prevent water loss. Additionally MPPT system Can be used to improve the efficiency of PV array

The Cuticular Hydrocarbons of Dasineura Oleae Show Differences Between Sex, Adult Age and Mating Status

In insects, cuticular lipids prevent water loss and act as semiochemicals. Because of their ecological function, the profile change across the insects’ sex and development offers insight into insect biology and possible tools for pest management. Here, the first work on cecidomyiid cuticular extracts is proposed considering Dasineura oleae (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) males and females at different adult ages (0–12 h, 12–24 h, 24–36 h) and distinct sexual conditions (virgin and mated). A set of 49 compounds were recorded (12 alkanes, 1 monomethyl alkane, 11 fatty acids, 4 esters, 1 aldehyde, 1 allylbenzene, 1 amine, 1 flavonoid, 1 ketone, 1 phenol, 1 steradiene, 1 sterol, 1 terpene, 1 triterpene and 11 unknown compounds), and 18 of them showed significant differences between groups. Among alkanes, hexacosane (nC26) exhibited a decreasing trend from the youngest to the oldest females, while pentacosane (nC25) and nonacosane (nC29) showed a decreasing trend from 0 to 12 h to 12–24 h virgin females. In addition, nonadecane (nC19) was significantly more abundant in the youngest males compared to older males and females. The alkanes nC25, nC26 and nC29 have been reported to be age-related also in other dipterans, while nC19 has been described as gender-specific chemical cue for platygastrid parasitoids. Further behavioural trials and analyses are required to assign the specific ecological roles to the characterized compounds. Our results may contribute to develop new low-impact control strategies relying on the manipulation of D. oleae’s chemical communication (e.g. disruption of mating or species recognition).Highlights• Cuticular hydrocarbons are often involved in dipteran intraspecific communication.• We explored the cuticular profile of D. oleae at different age, sex, mating condition.• Five alkanes and one mono-methyl alkane showed differences among groups.• Linoleic acid is the most abundant compound in virgins, absent in mated insects.• Eleven compounds disappear in mated insects, but were present in all virgins.Graphical

Waste Clay Brick as a Part Binder for Pavement Grade Geopolymer Concrete

Geopolymer concrete (GPC) was developed using one-part binders made from a mixture of waste clay brick (WCB) powder, fly ash, and slag in the precursor. Its suitability for use in rigid pavement construction was evaluated based on fresh properties, hardened properties, and durability characteristics. The effects of sealed and unsealed ambient curing and the size of the WCB particles on the strength of the GPC were also examined. Sealed ambient curing significantly increased the strength of the GPC, with longer sealing periods resulting in even stronger concrete. Sealing prevented water loss from the samples and reduced carbonation, protecting the concrete from microcracks caused by dehydration. The GPC created in this study met the basic strength requirements for use in rigid pavement applications, with 28-day compressive strengths above 40 MPa and flexural strengths above 4.5 MPa. All GPC samples had a water absorption of more than 5%, with a maximum of 7.4%. The apparent volume of permeable voids was less than 14%, which is the maximum allowable value for a 40 MPa pavement-grade concrete. The GPC was resistant to abrasion and cyclic wetting and drying, and experienced only a slight reduction in compressive strength after being subjected to these cycles. There were no significant differences in the wearing depth of the top and bottom surfaces of the slabs, indicating better compaction and homogeneity of the mix.

Sodium in the Skin: A summary of the physiology and scoping review of disease associations.

A large and growing body of research suggests that the skin plays an important role in regulating total body sodium, challenging traditional models of sodium homeostasis that focused exclusively on blood pressure and the kidney. In addition, skin sodium may help to prevent water loss and facilitate macrophage-driven antimicrobial host defense, but may also trigger immune dysregulation via upregulation of pro-inflammatory markers and downregulation of anti-inflammatory processes. We performed a systematic search of PubMed for published literature on skin sodium and disease outcomes and found that skin sodium concentration is increased in patients with cardiometabolic conditions including hypertension, diabetes, and end-stage renal disease; autoimmune conditions including multiple sclerosis and systemic sclerosis; and dermatologic conditions including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and lipedema. Several patient characteristics are associated with increased skin sodium concentration including older age and male sex. While animal evidence suggests that increased salt intake results in higher skin sodium levels, there are conflicting results from small trials in humans. Additionally, limited data suggest that pharmaceuticals such as diuretics and SGLT-2 inhibitors approved for diabetes, as well as hemodialysis may reduce skin sodium levels. In summary, emerging research supports an important role for skin sodium in physiologic processes related to osmoregulation and immunity. With the advent of new non-invasive MRI measurement techniques and continued research on skin sodium, it may emerge as a marker of immune-mediated disease activity or a potential therapeutic target.

A Review of Road Design for Wind Farms in China

Complex terrain conditions of wind farms, the large weight and the long size of wind turbine equipment, the high economic requirements of transportation on roads, and a shortage of relevant standards and codes lead to difficulty in road design and route selection of wind farms. In addition, frequent excavations and landfills in wind farm construction have seriously destroyed vegetation cover and soil structure on the primary surface, resulting in a large amount of water and soil loss and ecological damage to the wind farm. In view of the above problems, this paper reviews the relevant research status of the wind farm road route selection method, circular curve, longitudinal section design index, and water and soil loss problems, and summarizes them. Several calculation models for circular curve widening, the recommendation of a minimum radius under different restrictions, calculation models for longitudinal slope and vertical curve, and recommended values are listed. The causes of water and soil losses in wind farms are discussed and the characteristics of the diversity of erosion and the uneven distribution of time and space are put forward. Prediction models of wind farm water and soil loss and comprehensive prevention measures are given. The existing problems in the road design field of wind farms are put forward and the future development direction in this field is forecasted.

The regulation of plant cell wall organisation under salt stress.

Plant cell wall biosynthesis is a complex and tightly regulated process. The composition and the structure of the cell wall should have a certain level of plasticity to ensure dynamic changes upon encountering environmental stresses or to fulfil the demand of the rapidly growing cells. The status of the cell wall is constantly monitored to facilitate optimal growth through the activation of appropriate stress response mechanisms. Salt stress can severely damage plant cell walls and disrupt the normal growth and development of plants, greatly reducing productivity and yield. Plants respond to salt stress and cope with the resulting damage by altering the synthesis and deposition of the main cell wall components to prevent water loss and decrease the transport of surplus ions into the plant. Such cell wall modifications affect biosynthesis and deposition of the main cell wall components: cellulose, pectins, hemicelluloses, lignin, and suberin. In this review, we highlight the roles of cell wall components in salt stress tolerance and the regulatory mechanisms underlying their maintenance under salt stress conditions.

Aggregative movement of C4 mesophyll chloroplasts is promoted by low CO2 under high intensity blue light.

C4 plants supply concentrated CO2 to bundle sheath (BS) cells, improving photosynthetic efficiency by suppressing photorespiration. Mesophyll chloroplasts in C4 plants are redistributed toward the sides of the BS cells (aggregative movement) in response to environmental stresses under light. Although this chloroplast movement is common in C4 plants, the significance and mechanisms underlying the aggregative movement remain unknown. Under environmental stresses, such as drought and salt, CO2 uptake from the atmosphere is suppressed by closing stomata to prevent water loss. We hypothesized that CO2 limitation may induce the chloroplast aggregative movement. In this study, the mesophyll chloroplast arrangement in a leaf of finger millet, an NAD-malic enzyme type C4 plant, was examined under different CO2 concentrations and light conditions. CO2 limitation around the leaves promoted the aggregative movement, but the aggregative movement was not suppressed, even at the higher CO2 concentration than in the atmosphere, under high intensity blue light. In addition, mesophyll chloroplasts did not change their arrangement under darkness or red light. From these results, it can be concluded that CO2 limitation is not a direct inducer of the aggregative movement but would be a promoting factor of the movement under high intensity blue light.

Sodium alginate reinforced polyacrylamide/xanthan gum double network ionic hydrogels for stress sensing and self-powered wearable device applications

Strong and ductile sodium alginate (SA) reinforced polyacrylamide (PAM)/xanthan gum (XG) double network ionic hydrogels were constructed for stress sensing and self-powered wearable device applications. In the designed network of PXS-Mn+/LiCl (short for PAM/XG/SA-Mn+/LiCl, where Mn+ stands for Fe3+, Cu2+ or Zn2+), PAM acts as a flexible hydrophilic skeleton, and XG functions as a ductile second network. The macromolecule SA interacts with metal ion Mn+ to form a unique complex structure, significantly improving the mechanical strength of the hydrogel. The addition of inorganic salt LiCl endows the hydrogel with high electrical conductivity, and meanwhile reduces the freezing point and prevents water loss of the hydrogel. PXS-Mn+/LiCl exhibits excellent mechanical properties and ultra-high ductility (a fracture tensile strength up to 0.65 MPa and a fracture strain up to 1800%), and high stress-sensing performance (a high GF up to 4.56 and pressure sensitivity of 0.122). Moreover, a self-powered device with a dual-power-supply mode, i.e., PXS-Mn+/LiCl-based primary battery and TENG, and a capacitor as the energy storage component was constructed, which shows promising prospects for self-powered wearable electronics.

Hydrotropism: Understanding the Impact of Water on Plant Movement and Adaptation

Hydrotropism is the movement or growth of a plant towards water. It is a type of tropism, or directional growth response, that is triggered by water. Plants are able to detect water through various stimuli, including changes in moisture levels and changes in water potential. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of how root movement towards water and plant water uptake are stabilized. The impact of hydrotropism on plants can be significant. It can help plants to survive in environments where water is scarce, and it can also help them to grow more efficiently by directing their roots towards the most nutrient-rich soil. To make sure that plant growth and water uptake are stabilized, plants must sense water. Flowing down the roots, being absorbed by roots, and evaporating from the leaves are all processes that are governed by plant physiology and soil science. Soil texture and moisture affect water uptake. Hydraulic resistances can impede plants’ water absorption, while loss of water and water movement can change plants’ water potential gradients. Growth causes water potential gradients. Plants respond to gradient changes. Stomata and aquaporins govern water flow and loss. When water is scarce, stomatal closure and hydraulic conductance adjustments prevent water loss. Plants adapt to water stream changes by expanding their roots towards water and refining the architecture of their roots. Our study indicates that water availability, or gradients, are impacted by systemic and local changes in water availability. The amount of water available is reflected in plant turgor. There is still a lot of work to be done regarding the study of how the loss and availability of water affect plant cells, as well as how biophysical signals are transformed in a certain way during their transmission into chemical signals so that pathways such as abscisic acid response or organ development can be fed with information.

Variations in OsSPL10 confer drought tolerance by directly regulating OsNAC2 expression and ROS production in rice.

Drought is a major factor restricting the production of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The identification of natural variants for drought stress-related genes is an important step toward developing genetically improved rice varieties. Here, we characterized a member of the SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) family, OsSPL10, as a transcription factor involved in the regulation of drought tolerance in rice. OsSPL10 appears to play a vital role in drought tolerance by controlling reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and stomatal movements. Haplotype and allele frequency analyses of OsSPL10 indicated that most upland rice and improved lowland rice varieties harbor the OsSPL10Hap1 allele, whereas the OsSPL10Hap2 allele was mainly present in lowland and landrace rice varieties. Importantly, we demonstrated that the varieties with the OsSPL10Hap1 allele showed low expression levels of OsSPL10 and its downstream gene, OsNAC2, which decreases the expression of OsAP37 and increases the expression of OsCOX11, thus preventing ROS accumulation and programmed cell death (PCD). Furthermore, the knockdown or knockout of OsSPL10 induced fast stomatal closure and prevented water loss, thereby improving drought tolerance in rice. Based on these observations, we propose that OsSPL10 confers drought tolerance by regulating OsNAC2 expression and that OsSPL10Hap1 could be a valuable haplotype for the genetic improvement of drought tolerance in rice.

Ways of Preventing Water Losses in Real Water Installations

Ways of Preventing Water Losses in Real Water Installations

A dataset of topographic factors with 12.5 m spatial resolution in the Yellow River Basin

The Yellow River Basin is a key area of soil and water conservation and ecological protection in China, due to its complex topography and great variation in climate. The study on changes of topographical factors is of great significance for the prevention and control of soil and water loss as well as vegetation restoration in this area. This dataset consists of 11 topographic factors, namely slope gradient, slope aspect, comprehensive curvature, plane curvature, sectional curvature, aspect variability, slope variability, topographic relief, surface roughness, surface cutting depth and the coefficient of variation of elevation. The data were sourced from ALOS DEMs with a resolution of 12.5m, which were then processed through four steps: preprocessing, framing, projection and topographic index calculation. Verified by GLA14 altimetry data, the ALOS 12.5 m DEM data, with a high absolute vertical accuracy, are much better in expressing terrain characteristics than data of GDEM with 30 m resolution and STRM DEM data with 90 m resolution. This dataset can provide data support for scientific research in the Yellow River Basin, such as vegetation restoration, quantitative evaluation of soil erosion, and land hydrological analysis.

Genome-wide identification of the CER1 gene family in apple and response of MdCER1-1 to drought stress.

Plant cuticular wax was a major consideration affecting the growth and quality of plants through protecting the plant from drought and other diseases. According to existing studies, CER1, as the core enzyme encoding the synthesis of alkanes, the main component of wax, can directly affect the response of plants to stress. However, there were few studies on the related functions of CER1 in apple. In this study, three MdCER1 genes in Malus domestica were identified and named MdCER1-1, MdCER1-2, and MdCER1-3 according to their distribution on chromosomes. Then, their physicochemical properties, sequence characteristics, and expression patterns were analyzed. MdCER1-1, with the highest expression level among the three members, was screened for cloning and functional verification. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis also showed that drought stress could increase the expression level of MdCER1-1. The experiment of water loss showed that overexpression of MdCER1-1 could effectively prevent water loss in apple calli, and the effect was more significant under drought stress. Meanwhile, MdYPB5, MdCER3, and MdKCS1 were significantly up-regulated, which would be bound up with waxy metabolism. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer assay of wax fraction makes known that overexpression of MdCER1-1 apparently scaled up capacity of alkanes. The enzyme activities (SOD, POD) of overexpressed apple calli increased significantly, while the contents of proline increased compared with wild-type calli. In conclusion, MdCER1-1 can resist drought stress by reducing water loss in apple calli epidermis, increasing alkanes component content, stimulating the expression of waxy related genes (MdYPB5, MdCER3, and MdKCS1), and increasing antioxidant enzyme activity, which also provided a theoretical basis for exploring the role of waxy in other stresses.

Research progress and challenges of bioprinting in wound dressing and healing: Bibliometrics-based analysis and perspectives.

As the body's largest organ, the skin has important roles in barrier function, immune response, prevention of water loss and excretion of waste. Patients with extensive and severe skin lesions would die due to insufficient graftable skin. Commonly used treatments include autologous skin grafts, allogeneic/allogeneic skin grafts, cytoactive factors, cell therapy, and dermal substitutes. However, traditional treatment methods are still inadequate regarding skin repair time, treatment costs, and treatment results. In recent years, the rapid development of bioprinting technology has provided new ideas to solve the above-mentioned challenges. This review describes the principles of bioprinting technology and research advances in wound dressing and healing. This review features a data mining and statistical analysis of this topic through bibliometrics. The annual publications on this topic, participating countries, and institutions were used to understand the development history. Keyword analysis was used to understand the focus of investigation and challenges in this topic. According to bibliometric analysis, bioprinting in wound dressing and healing is in an explosive phase, and future research should focus on discovering new cell sources, innovative bioink development, and developing large-scale printing technology processes.