Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wenxia Ma, Fasi Wu, Jie Li, Qi Zhang, Xiaoju Yang, Ji-Dong Gu, Wanfu Wang, Huyuan Feng
Summary: The Mogao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, have been affected by microbial colonization and deterioration of the wall paintings, resulting in the appearance of black spots and microbial biomasses. Next-generation sequencing and microscopy were used to identify the microbial community responsible for the biodeterioration. Rhodococcus and Ralstonia were found to be the dominant bacteria, while Aspergillus species were the predominant fungi in the black spots and microbial biomasses. Radioactive carbon-14 dating suggested that the original mural was painted during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, with repainting most likely occurring during the Song Dynasty. The outbreak of indigenous microbes on the wall paintings was likely initiated by earthen plaster preparation or heavy rainfall combined with a leaky roof.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhijian Liu, Hangyao Zhu, Minnan Wu, Yonghui Li, Hongwei Cao, Rui Rong
Summary: This study investigated the seasonal distribution characteristics and particle size distribution of fungi in the air of Dahuting Han Dynasty Tomb. Results showed that seasonal dynamics significantly affect fungal concentration, but have little effect on particle size distribution. Talaromyces spp. was found to be the dominant fungal species.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Diana S. Paiva, Luis Fernandes, Emilia Pereira, Joao Trovao, Nuno Mesquita, Igor Tiago, Antonio Portugal
Summary: In this study, the biodiversity and abundance of culturable fungi in samples from the Lemos Pantheon in Portugal were explored. The results showed a slight decrease in culturable diversity compared to previous fresh samples, with over 70% of the obtained isolates not present in the fresh samples. Potential new species were identified, and the use of a wide variety of selective culture media positively influenced the diversity of the cultivable fungi obtained. These findings highlight the importance of developing new protocols to accurately characterize the culturable fraction in a given sample and its contribution to biodeterioration.
Article
Microbiology
Yong Zhang, Min Su, Fasi Wu, Ji-Dong Gu, Jie Li, Dongpeng He, Qinglin Guo, Huiping Cui, Qi Zhang, Huyuan Feng
Summary: Microbial colonization on stone monuments can lead to biodeterioration. This study investigated the bacterial and fungal diversity and structure in different samples from Beishiku Temple. The results showed that the microbial communities varied depending on sample type and location. Fungal strains capable of biomineralization were identified, which could be used for stone heritage conservation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tafeng Hu, Peter Brimblecombe, Zhengmo Zhang, Yingpan Song, Suixin Liu, Yuqing Zhu, Jing Duan, Junji Cao, Daizhou Zhang
Summary: Microanalysis of particles collected in a Mogao cave in Dunhuang, China revealed that capillary rise of water in the earthen plasters drives the deterioration of wall paintings. Blocking the water capillary rise under the porous structures is likely the most effective route to prevent rapid deterioration of the ancient wall paintings.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhiqian Guo, Wenwu Chen, Jingke Zhang, Faguo He, Qinglin Guo, Xudong Wang
Summary: The Mogao Grottoes, located at the northwest edge of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, are threatened by earthquakes. Research showed that caves are most vulnerable during the initial time of an earthquake, with the main damage caused by shear rather than tensile failure. Significant horizontal displacement and acceleration amplification effect were observed post-earthquake.
BULLETIN OF ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Guobin Zhang, Lihai Tan, Weimin Zhang, Hongtao Zhan, Fei Qiu
Summary: This study analyzed the temporal variation of airborne dust concentrations in the Mogao Grottoes, Northwest China, and found that real-time dust concentration data for dust storms in arid regions are still limited. The study revealed a gradual decrease in dust concentrations from February to October, with extreme values occurring mainly in February, March, and April. In typical dust storms, the maximum real-time concentrations were recorded, highlighting the high dust concentrations in the Mogao Grottoes due to the dry climate, windy season, and sufficient dust sources in the surrounding environment.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Manli Sun, Jingke Zhang, Lixiang Zhang, Xudong Wang, Qinglin Guo, Qiangqiang Pei, Yanwu Wang
Summary: Designated as a world heritage site, the Mogao Grottoes are famous for their murals and painted sculptures. This study uses a multi-electrode resistivity survey to determine the moisture distribution of the cliff. The results show a correlation between resistivity profiles and water content, and potential danger areas on the cliff face are identified.
BULLETIN OF ENGINEERING GEOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Samah Mohamed Rizk, Mahmoud Magdy, Filomena De Leo, Olaf Werner, Mohamed Abdel-Salam Rashed, Rosa M. Ros, Clara Urzi
Summary: This study investigated the microbial community in two prehistoric sites in the Memphis necropolis of Egypt using DNA extraction and cultivation methods. They identified a large number of bacterial and fungal species associated with color alteration and emulsification in the stones, highlighting the need for conservation plans from a microbiological perspective.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Hongli Liu, Qiang Zhang, Zhengmo Zhang, Qinglin Guo, Wangbin Lin, Wenqiang Gao
Summary: The Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, famous for their remarkable murals and sculptures, are an important cultural heritage site along the Silk Road. The humidity changes caused by rainfall can activate salt diseases in the murals, leading to deterioration. To prevent this, environmental monitoring tests were conducted to analyze the microclimate changes during rain, and suggested measures for risk prevention. The results showed that while the temperature in the caves had minimal changes, there was a clear increase in humidity, particularly with higher rainfall grade and frequency. The research is significant for the preservation of ancient murals.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Nai Hao, Yongliang Wang, Xiaochong Wu, Yifeng Duan, Panshun Li, Manchao He
Summary: This study tested the water absorption evolution behaviors of sandstone using a self-developed experimental monitoring system. The experimental results showed that the evaporation of water during the water absorption process could be measured using this system. By plotting the actual water absorption curve, the time when the water absorption reached saturation could be accurately determined, and the curve of water absorption with time could be expressed as an exponential function.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Wenbei Bi, Zengfeng Yan, Zhengmo Zhang, Shanshan Yao, Junjie Zhang, Xudong Wang
Summary: The paper experimentally and numerically analyzed hygrothermal transfer in the cave wall of the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, China. The study found that the heat and moisture transfer process in the cave wall changes in space and time, with moisture reaching steady state more rapidly than heat.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Zhen Liu, Yi-Xuan Liu, Gui-Ai Gao, Yong Kong, Bing Wu, Jin-Xing Liang
Summary: This paper presents an improved color correction method for restoring the correct or realistic color of a cultural heritage object. The method is based on a computational model of the human visual system and takes into account the color stability of pigments to achieve illumination non-uniformity compensation and chromaticity correction. Experimental results demonstrate that the method can adaptively correct color cast images with varying lighting conditions and improve consistency and color difference.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chaolong Ma, Zilong Fang, Xinjian Li, Xiaobo Liu
Summary: Bacterial communities involved in the formation of bioweathering crusts on the limestone sculptures in the Longmen Grottoes were identified, with Cyanobacteria potentially playing a major role in crust formation. The presence of various types of biogenic organic acids in the crusts suggests organic acid corrosion. Scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed microbial penetration into the stone monuments through biomechanical attack.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lixiang Zhang, Yanwu Wang, Jingke Zhang, Shun Zhang, Qinglin Guo
Summary: In this study, the rockfall hazard of the slope of Mogao Grottoes was assessed using various methods, and it was found that the majority of slope units have low rockfall hazard. Loose debris and rainfall were identified as the most active causative factors. The F-AHP method was determined to be the most suitable, and it holds potential applications in the assessment of rockfall in other grottoes carved in conglomerate strata in Dunhuang.
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Xing-E Qi, Chen Wang, Tianjiao He, Fan Ding, Aorui Li, Xinfang Zhang, Lizhe An, Shijian Xu
Summary: This study investigated the abundance and community structure of nitrifying microorganisms in four alpine grasslands on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Different ammonia-oxidizing archaea, bacteria, and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria occupy distinct niches in response to factors such as soil pH, ammonium, and moisture, providing a theoretical basis for understanding the impact of grassland degradation on soil nitrifying communities in alpine ecosystems.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Yulong Duan, Fasi Wu, Dongpeng He, Ji-Dong Gu, Huyuan Feng, Tuo Chen, Guangxiu Liu, Wanfu Wang
Summary: The study investigated the seasonal variation and diversity of airborne fungi at Maijishan Grottoes and found Cladosporium and Penicillium to be the predominant genera. Fungal concentrations varied with seasons and sampling locations, with spatial-temporal differences attributed to factors such as height, rainfall, humidity, and temperature. The potential threat from dominant fungi to ancient artworks highlights the importance of monitoring and control for better heritage management.
Article
Microbiology
Xing-e Qi, Chen Wang, Tianjiao He, Fan Ding, Xinfang Zhang, Lizhe An, Shijian Xu
Summary: Research revealed distinct differences in soil bacterial communities in different types of alpine grasslands on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, correlating with soil properties and response to nitrogen addition. Soil moisture, pH, and total phosphorus were the main factors driving these differences in bacterial communities.
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yulong Duan, Fasi Wu, Dongpeng He, Ji-Dong Gu, Huyuan Feng, Tuo Chen, Guangxiu Liu, Wanfu Wang
Summary: The study investigated microbial biofilm communities on sandstone in the Maijishan Grottoes and Tiantishan Grottoes using next-generation sequencing, finding high bacterial diversity and relatively low eukaryota diversity. It was determined that high bioreceptivity of the sandstone and locally available water were two important factors that promoted microbial colonization, proliferation, and biofilm formation.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Dongpeng He, Fasi Wu, Wenxia Ma, Yong Zhang, Ji-Dong Gu, Yulong Duan, Ruihong Xu, Huyuan Feng, Wanfu Wang, Shi-Weng Li
Summary: The Maijishan Grottoes, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site on the ancient Silk Road in West China, experienced a severe microbe outbreak on the wall paintings in 2018. Analysis revealed significant changes in bacterial and fungal communities between normal wall samples and those with microbial plaques, with Actinobacteria and Trichocomaceae being dominant in normal samples and Actinobacteria and unclassified Eurotiomycetes dominating samples with plaques. Excessive air humidity was identified as a primary factor contributing to the microbe outbreak, highlighting the importance of air humidity management in preserving the ancient wall paintings.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yulong Duan, Xuyang Wang, Lilong Wang, Jie Lian, Wanfu Wang, Fasi Wu, Yulin Li, Yuqiang Li
Summary: The study investigated the geographic diversity patterns of soil microorganisms in the deserts of northern China's Hexi Corridor. The results showed that bacteria and eukaryotic diversity increased with longitude and altitude, but decreased with latitude. The archaeal diversity showed little change along these gradients. The composition of the soil microbial community was influenced by both geographic distance and environmental variables.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gang Yang, Bi-Xia Chen, Tao Chen, Jia-Hui Chen, Xiang-Yu Lin, Xiu-Le Yue, Li-Zhe An, Hua Zhang
Summary: B1L regulates lateral root initiation in Arabidopsis by mediating PIN recycling via exocytic vesicle trafficking. The b1l mutants exhibited increased lateral root primordium initiation, resulting in a higher number of lateral roots. The auxin signal was also stronger in the stage I lateral root primordia of b1l mutants. B1L interacts with the exocyst and is involved in regulating PIN exocytosis, thereby affecting polar auxin transport and lateral root development.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Youyan Guo, Lizhe An, Hongyuan Yu, Miaomiao Yang
Summary: In this study, the hormone content, specific value, and carbohydrate and protein metabolism in buds and leaves of L. ruthenicum at different stages were investigated. The results showed that the hormone content and specific value exhibited different trends in buds and leaves. Higher levels of soluble sugar and sucrose in buds and leaves were beneficial to bud differentiation. Carbohydrate metabolism increased while nitrogen metabolism decreased from the open stage to the senescent stage.
Article
Forestry
Chun Han, Yage Li, Xiaoxue Dong, Changming Zhao, Lizhe An
Summary: Afforestation can significantly increase carbon sinks in terrestrial ecosystems and slow down global warming. This study used eddy correlation method to measure carbon and water fluxes and environmental factors in two artificial forests in the dryland of Northwest China. Results showed that the Larix principis-rupprechtii forest ecosystem had higher water use efficiency, light use efficiency, gross primary productivity, and ecosystem respiration compared to the Pinus tabulaeformis forest ecosystem. However, the P. tabulaeformis forest ecosystem had higher carbon sequestration efficiency. The CO2 and H2O fluxes in the L. principis-rupprechtii forest ecosystem were more sensitive to environmental factors, and the RECO was more sensitive to temperature changes.
Article
Agronomy
Dong Deng, Suli Sun, Wenqi Wu, Xuxiao Zong, Xiaoming Yang, Xiaoyan Zhang, Yuhua He, Canxing Duan, Zhendong Zhu
Summary: This study identified different strains of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi and established a detailed strategy for evaluating resistance. The evaluation was conducted on a collection of pea germplasm from China and abroad, resulting in the identification of highly resistant and resistant accessions. These findings are important for controlling Fusarium wilt and improving resistance in pea cultivars.
Article
Agronomy
Xiaoming Yang, Zhiwen Gou, Zhendong Zhu, Chang Wang, Lijuan Zhang, Gengmei Min
Summary: The study selected and evaluated the Longwan No. 6 pea cultivar, finding that it exhibited lodging resistance and moderate powdery mildew resistance. It also showed high yield and adaptability in different ecological zones.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shaoping Du, Zhongming Ma, Juan Chen, Liang Xue, Chaonan Tang, Tawheed M. E. Shareef, Kadambot H. M. Siddique
Summary: The application of organic fertilizer can improve soil fertility, increase soil organic carbon content and water use efficiency, and enhance the yield of watermelon in gravel and sand-mulched fields in arid northwestern China.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Xiaoming Yang, Jingyi Yang, Yuhua He, Xuxiao Zong, Gengmei Min, Rongfang Lian, Zhenxing Liu, Chao Xiang, Ling Li, Baolong Xing, Lijuan Zhang, Zhiwen Gou
Summary: Field pea is an important pulse crop and widely grown in North China. This study evaluated the grain yield and agronomic traits of 14 pea cultivars in irrigated and rainfed environments across seven locations. The results showed that genotype, environment, and genotype x environment interaction had significant effects on yield. GGE biplot analysis identified superior genotypes and productive environments. Among the tested genotypes, the semi-leafless pea variety Longwan 10 had the highest yield, and Yondeng, Qitai, Liaoyang, Dingxi, and Tangshan were the most productive regions.
Article
Agronomy
Xiaoming Yang, Jingyi Yang, Gengmei Min, Zhendong Zhu, Rongfang Lian, Lijuan Zhang, Xin Chen
Summary: Longwan 5 is a high-yielding, disease-resistant garden pea variety that is adaptable to various climates and cultivation conditions, making it of significant economic and practical importance for pea production.
Article
Microbiology
Yidan Zhao, Fasi Wu, Yang Liu, Minghui Wu, Shengjie Wang, Henry J. Sun, Guangxiu Liu, Yiyang Zhang, Xiaowen Cui, Wei Zhang, Tuo Chen, Gaosen Zhang
Summary: This study investigates the distribution and structure of hypolithic microbial communities in the Helan Mountains ecosystem, northwestern China. The results show that environmental heterogeneity influences the structure and function of the hypolithic microbial community, especially total nitrogen and soil organic carbon. The relative abundances of bacterial phyla vary between sampling sites, and soil physicochemical properties are correlated with changes in community diversity.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shaofeng Zhou, Wenwen An, Cuifen Gan, Meiying Xu
Summary: Bacteria generate and release extracellular reactive oxygen species (eROS), which significantly contribute to the natural ROS pool and play a crucial role in metabolic interactions of bacteria with their environment. Understanding the behavior of eROS-generating bacteria and its environmental implications is of great importance in the cycling of biogeochemical elements, transformation of organic matter, and regulation of antibiotic resistance genes.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ji-Dong Gu, Tim Ford, Bryce Mitton, Ralph Mitchell
Summary: Plastics and microplastics are widely present and accumulating in the environment, leading to increasing public attention. In addition to packaging plastics, materials from industries such as electronics, space and aviation are also accumulating, but receiving less attention. The production of degradable and biodegradable plastics is seen as a way to reduce environmental impacts, but enhancing the non-degradability of functional polymers is also a feasible option. Microbial colonization and deterioration pose significant challenges to these materials.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Justyna Bohacz, Michal Mozejko
Summary: This study evaluated the keratinolytic activity of 37 strains of Trichophyton ajelloi and found that pigmented strains isolated from loamy soil were more efficient in degrading native feather keratin, while non-pigmented strains isolated from chernozem showed better abilities. The keratinolytic activity increased over time, as evidenced by the increase in extracellular keratinase activity and release of soluble proteins and peptides. Protease activity peaked in the first 7 days and again on day 28 of culture. The release of ammonium and sulfate ions, associated with an increase in pH, reached its maximum on day 21. Three pigment-producing strains were among the most active in releasing large amounts of ammonium and sulfate ions. The biodegradation of feather waste by Trichophyton ajelloi strains can be used to produce fertilizers suitable for plants with high sulfur requirements.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joseph M. Suflita, Brenda J. Little
Summary: This article reviews the major achievements of the International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation Society (IBBS) on its 50th anniversary and provides recommendations for addressing new challenges and developments based on personal experiences.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhenyan Lin, Tuo Jin, Xin Xu, Xiao Yin, Dan Zhang, Mengjiao Geng, Chunyu Pang, Gongwen Luo, Lizhi Xiong, Jianwei Peng, Jiangchi Fei
Summary: The incomplete recycle of residual mulch film (RMF) in recent years has led to an increase in plastic fragments in soil, posing a serious threat to the soil ecological environment. In this study, seven potential plastic-degrading microorganisms were screened and identified from film-mulched vegetable fields. The degradation ability experiments showed that both single strains and mixed strains demonstrated varying levels of degradation of RMF.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tiina Belt, Michael Altgen, Muhammad Awais, Martin Nopens, Lauri Rautkari
Summary: This study investigated the degradation of heat-treated wood by brown rot fungi and found that the decay increased the hygroscopicity of wood in the decaying state. Furthermore, it was observed that heat-treated samples were more susceptible to fungal decay compared to untreated samples, which may be related to the increase in moisture content.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marta Cicardi, Davide Bernasconi, Luca Martire, Linda Pastero, Giulia Caneva, Sergio E. Favero-Longo
Summary: This study investigated the phenomenon of Centimetric circular areas Uncolonized by Microbial Biofilms (CUMBs) on natural and heritage stone surfaces. The analysis revealed a compatibility in distribution and size between CUMBs and lichen thalli, suggesting a lichen origin for some CUMBs. Microscopic analysis also showed similar modifications in marble layers beneath CUMBs and lichens, indicating a possible alteration of stone properties by lichens.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
