bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SOFTWARE FOR RECORDING AND CAPTURE VIDEO SEQUENCES FOR POULTRY AND LAYING HENS FACILITY (BIOTERIUM)
Authors: Mollo Neto Mario , Mariana Matulovic da Silva Rodrigueiro Mariana
Published: February 2020

Behavior can sometimes be observed directly, and can also be affected by the presence of human observers. Technological devices have strongly advanced our understanding of certain aspects of animal behavior, and the small cameras borne in a straight line by study animals offer a reliable alternative to direct observation. One possible way to make animal welfare assessments easier and faster could be the application of audio and video data analysis. In this research, the main goal is to reach the requirements determination, and the construction to build a concurrent alternative to CCTV software based on new proprietary software, developed in Matlab® language, to record and capture video sequences in digital memory hardware. The proposed software stakeholders’ needs are written attending the specification in the ISO/IEC/IEEE 29148:2011 standard, and the life cycle adapted to the development was based in the standard ISO/IEC/IEEE 12207:2008.  The main user interface was generated using the Matlab® GUI (Graphical User Interface). In the results, a resumed table with the final document of Requirement Specification (StRS) was generated and the main interface is coded. The system validation took place in the animal houses (bioterium) over a period of three months and the data collection and software usability reach the attendance to all the requirements listed. Thus, in the conclusions, it was observed that its users considered the developed software a good tool to help researches in the poultry and laying hens’ facility (bioterium).
Teaching of Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone in the Light of Barthes Narrative Codes at BS English Level
Authors: Sultan Ameer , Imran Rashida , Maqbool Saira
Published: February 2020

J. K. Rowling has written seven novels in the Harry Potter series. This fiction series has also inspired the educationists and academicians and it has been introduced in different western colleges as part of their syllabi. Warner Brothers made the films based on all the novels of Harry Potter series. Harry Potter World, the studio where these movies were made, is a tourist spot in London and thousands of fans from all over the world visit it every week. The present study explores teaching of Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone in the light of Barthes Narrative Codes with emphasis on hermeneutic codes and their roles in the building blocks of narrative structure of the novel. The result of the study shows the extensive use of enigma and delays in the series to make it captivating and interesting for the readers.
中药煎药机煎煮中药汤剂的质量控制要点分析
Authors: 袁 哲
Published: February 2020

根据中药的化学性质,中药由于其有效的(化学)成分而可以治愈疾病。除了医生的辩证法本质外,还有加工因素,例如加工、煎汤和服用优质中药。其中对中药饮片的水提处理——煎煮,是最重要的因素。中医药是祖国传统文化的瑰宝。随着近年来生活节奏的加快,越来越多的中药汤剂是由药房或医院采用煎炸和真空包装机制备的,以满足便携性和便利性的要求。
重度冠心病心肌缺血治疗中加尼可地尔的效果
Authors: 王 淑丽
Published: February 2020

目的：探讨在重度冠心病心肌缺血患者的临床治疗中加入尼可地尔的临床效果。方法：选取我院从2018年2月到2019年10月,我院所接收的132例重度冠心病心肌缺血病理作为研究对象。根据所采用的治疗方法,分成采用常规治疗方案的对照组(n=66),和在常规方案治疗的基础上加入尼可地尔的观察组(n=66),比较两组的治疗效果、治疗前后的心电图变化等情况。结果：在治疗中加入尼可地尔的观察组总有效率为95.45%,明显高于未加入尼可地尔的对照组80.30%,p
Effects of Nigella sativa and amino acids on growth performance and haematological parameters of broiler
Authors: Akon M. S. U. , Amin M.R. , Hussan M. T. , Akhter R. , Mollah M. L.
Published: February 2020

Background: Recently, the use of antibiotic growth promoters has been banned in many countries due to cross-resistance among pathogens and residues in tissues, which led to search for the alternative feed additives in animal production. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of “Kalo jeera” (Nigella sativa) powder and amino acids supplementation on the growth of broiler chicks and their blood parameters.

Methods: A total of 100 day-old (Cobb® 500) chicks were randomly divided into four groups such as T0, T1, T2, T3, and each group contained 25 chicks. The group T0 was used as control and groups T1, T2 and T3 were treated group. Chicks of control group were fed with only basal diet and no supplements were supplied, and chicks of treatment group including T1, T2 and T3 were supplemented with amino acids, Nigella sativa powder and combination of Nigella sativa and amino acids, respectively. Body weight was recorded on 7th, 14th, 21th, 28th and 35th day of age. Haematological tests were performed at 15th, 25th and 35th day of age.

Results: The results showed that net weight gain and feed conversion ratio were improved in the treated groups than that of the control group. Among the treated groups, the significant level of improvement was achieved in the T3 group followed by T1 and then T2. Total erythrocyte count, packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration were significant (p<0.01) in the treated groups as compared to control.

Conclusions: The results suggest that better growth performance could be achieved in broilers supplemented with Nigella sativa and amino acids in combination and those can be used as growth promoters.
Little auks under the midnight sun: diel activity rhythm of a small diving seabird during the Arctic summer
Authors: Wojczulanis-Jakubas Katarzyna , Wąż Piotr , Jakubas Dariusz
Published: February 2020

Many animal species exhibit a diel, 24-hr pattern of activity, which is steered by timing cues, with the daily light–dark cycle considered the most powerful. This cue, however, is reduced in polar zones under continuous daylight conditions associated with the midnight sun. The rhythm of animal behaviour under such conditions is poorly understood. Here, we examine periodicity and patterns of daily activity (colony attendance and foraging) in a High-Arctic seabird, the little auk (Alle alle). We demonstrated a regular rhythm of colony attendance at the population level, with birds being the most abundant in the colony during hours of relatively low sun elevation. This pattern is likely to be associated with predation pressure that may be perceived by birds as lower during hours with low sun elevation, because of better predator detectability. Regarding rhythms at an individual level, however, we found the most common periodicity to be 23.2 hr (range from 19.9 hr to 30.8 hr) but no clear pattern of daily colony attendance of individuals. Such a flexibility in daily rhythms indicates that individuals may become arrhythmic in regard to the 24-hr environmental cycle, despite regularities observed at the population level. Finally, we compared males and females in terms of daily activity patterns but we did not find significant sex differences.
Exposure to boat noise in the field yields minimal stress response in wild reef fish
Authors: Staaterman E , Gallagher AJ , Holder PE , Reid CH , Altieri AH , Ogburn MB , Rummer JL , Cooke SJ
Published: February 2020

Aquatic anthropogenic noise is on the rise, with growing concern about its impact on species that are sensitive to low-frequency sounds (e.g. most fish and invertebrates). We investigated whether the reef fishHalichoeres bivittatusliving in both noisy and quiet areas had differing levels of baseline stress (measured as whole-body cortisol) and whether they would exhibit a physiological stress response when exposed to boat noise playbacks. While the playback experiments significantly increased cortisol levels in fish from our experiment compared to baseline levels, there were minimal pairwise differences across treatments and no difference in baseline stress for fish living in noisy vs. quiet areas. These results may be explained by low overall auditory sensitivity, habituation to a fairly noisy environment (due to biological sounds), or that boat noise simply may not represent an immediate threat to survival in this species. These findings contrast recent studies that have shown elevated stress responses in fishes when exposed to boat noise and highlights that inter-specific differences must be considered when evaluating potential impacts of anthropogenic noise on marine life.
Biogeographic variations of picophytoplankton in three contrasting seas: the Bay of Bengal, South China Sea and Western Pacific Ocean
Authors: Wei Y , Huang D , Zhang G , Zhao Y , Sun J
Published: February 2020

Marine picophytoplankton are abundant in many oligotrophic oceans, but the known geographical patterns of picophytoplankton are primarily based on small-scale cruises or time-series observations. Here, we conducted a wider survey (5 cruises) in the Bay of Bengal (BOB), South China Sea (SCS) and Western Pacific Ocean (WPO) to better understand the biogeographic variations of picophytoplankton. Prochlorococcus (Pro) were the most abundant picophytoplankton (averaging [1.9-3.6] × 104 cells ml-1) across the 3 seas, while average abundances of Synechococcus (Syn) and picoeukaryotes (PEuks) were generally 1-2 orders of magnitude lower than Pro. Average abundances of total picophytoplankton were similar between the BOB and SCS (4.7 × 104 cells ml-1), but were close to 2-fold less abundant in the WPO (2.5 × 104 cells ml-1). Pro and Syn accounted for a substantial fraction of total picophytoplankton biomass (70-83%) in the 3 contrasting seas, indicating the ecological importance of Pro and Syn as primary producers. Pro were generally abundant in oligotrophic open waters; however, the exceptional presence of Pro near the SCS coast was potentially associated with the Kuroshio intrusion. Syn and PEuk abundances were higher near freshwater-dominated areas, which was likely due to dilution waters. Water temperature and cold eddies were also major drivers responsible for the biogeographic distributions of picophytoplankton. Although Pro, Syn and PEuks showed negative correlations with nutrient concentrations, their maximal abundances in vertical distribution showed positive correlations with the nutricline depth, indicating that nutrient availability plays a 2-faceted role in regulating the biogeographic variation in picophytoplankton.
The Molecular Mechanisms of Calpains Action on Skeletal Muscle Atrophy
Authors: HUANG J. , ZHU X.
Published: February 2020

Skeletal muscle atrophy is associated with a loss of muscle protein which may result from both increased proteolysis and decreased protein synthesis. Investigations on cell signaling pathways that regulate muscle atrophy have promoted our understanding of this complicated process. Emerging evidence implicates that calpains play key roles in dysregulation of proteolysis seen in muscle atrophy. Moreover, studies have also shown that abnormally activated calpain results muscle atrophy via its downstream effects on ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) and Akt phosphorylation. This review will discuss the role of calpains in regulation of skeletal muscle atrophy mainly focusing on its collaboration with either UPP or Akt in atrophy conditions in hope to stimulate the interest in development of novel therapeutic interventions for skeletal muscle atrophy.
The Role of Cytokines TGF-β1 and FGF-1 in the Expression of Characteristic Markers of Rat Liver Myofibroblasts Cultured in Three-Dimensional Collagen Gel
Authors: PETEROVÁ E. , MRKVICOVÁ A. , PODMOLÍKOVÁ L. , ŘEZÁČOVÁ M. , KANTA J.
Published: February 2020

Rat liver myofibroblasts (MFB) are the key cells involved in the deposition of extracellular matrix in fibrotic liver. They were isolated by repeated passaging of non-parenchymal cell fraction and cultured in 3-dimensional (3D) collagen gel mimicking tissue. The transfer of MFB from plastic dishes to collagen resulted in the change in their shape from large and spread to slender with long extensions. The expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and of MFB markers, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and cellular fibronectin (EDA-FN), on protein level was significantly decreased in collagen gel. The gel did not change the expression of metalloproteinase MMP-2 but activated the proenzyme. The experiments with inhibitors of metabolic pathways showed that EDA-FN and α-SMA were differently regulated. The expression of EDA-FN required functional TGF-β1 receptors and was also dependent on the activity of protein kinases MEK1 and MEK2. α-SMA expression was primarily determined by the 3D environment. Fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) in combination with heparin decreased the expression of α-SMA and increased the expression of EDA-FN in the cells on plastic. The cellular environment may influence the cells per se and may modify the action of other agents.
Postnatal Expression of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins and Their Receptors in the Mouse Testis
Authors: CILLER I. M. , PALANISAMY S. K. A. , CILLER U. A. , MCFARLANE J. R.
Published: February 2020

TGF-β superfamily members including bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and their receptors (BMPR-1A, -1B and -2) have been shown to be important for reproductive function in both males and females, while information on the role of BMPs in males is limited. Functional studies on select BMPs and BMP receptors have demonstrated vital roles for these proteins in somatic and germ cell proliferation, steroidogenesis and overall fertility. In order to gain insight into the importance of these genes during postnatal reproductive development in males, our study was undertaken to specify the distribution of BMP and BMPR mRNA in male reproductive and steroidogenic tissues and quantify these genes in the testis using the mouse as our model. We screened testis at two, four, six and eight weeks of age for the expression of ten BMPs and three BMP receptors using RT-qPCR. All three BMP receptor mRNAs – Bmpr1a, Bmpr1b and Bmpr2, and ten BMP mRNAs – Bmp2, Bmp3, Bmp3b, Bmp4, Bmp5, Bmp6, Bmp7, Bmp8a, Bmp8b and Bmp15 were expressed in mouse testis at all stages screened. Testicular expression of genes varied within age groups and at specific developmental stages. Our study establishes an extensive BMP system in mouse reproductive and steroidogenic tissues.
Effect of Continuous Passive Motion Initiated After the Onset of Arthritis on Inflammation and Secondary Hyperalgesia in Rats
Authors: NAKABAYASHI K. , SAKAMOTO J. , KATAOKA H. , KONDO Y. , HAMAUE Y. , HONDA Y. , NAKANO J. , OKITA M.
Published: February 2020

This study investigated the effect of continuous passive motion (CPM) initiated after the onset of arthritis in rats. Rats were injected with 3 % kaolin/carrageenan in the knee joint and randomized to the control, immobilization (IM), or CPM group. The knee joints of the IM and CPM groups were immobilized with a cast for 56 days. In the CPM group, CPM exercise was administered for 60 min/day (6 times/week). Joint transverse diameter and pressure pain threshold (PPT) were assessed as indicators of inflammation, and paw withdrawal response (PWR) was assessed as indicator of secondary hyperalgesia. Central sensitization was analyzed by measuring calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression levels in the spinal dorsal horn. In the CPM group, the PPT was significantly increased compared with the IM group from 14 to 35 days, and PWR was significantly decreased from 14 to 56 days. Additionally, CGRP expression in the super facial layer (I-II) of the spinal dorsal horn (L4-5) in the CPM group was significantly decreased compared with the IM group. Our study found the CPM initiated after the onset of arthritis promoted the recovery of inflammation and mitigated secondary hyperalgesia
Cambios en las dinámicas de compraventa y uso de drogas. Un análisis generacional para Hermosillo, Sonora
Authors: Ospina Escobar Angélica María
Published: February 2020

The article examines generational changes in the links between organized crime and male problem drug users in Hermosillo, Sonora. To this end, biographical narratives are reconstructed that establish links between participating males’ individual life stories, the timeline of illegal drug production and trafficking in Mexico, and the social timeline of the socioeconomic changes experienced in Hermosillo between 1970 and 2016.
Mainstreaming Climate-Smart Agriculture in Small-Scale Farming Systems: A Holistic Nonparametric Applicability Assessment in South Africa
Authors: Abegunde Victor O. , Sibanda Melusi , Obi Ajuruchukwu
Published: February 2020

Current research focuses disproportionately on the characteristics of farmers to understand the factors that influence the introduction of climate-smart agriculture (CSA). As a result, there has been a failure to take a holistic view of the range of drivers and barriers to CSA implementation. Many aspects of technologies or practices that may encourage or inhibit the implementation of CSA and define its applicability are, therefore, not systematically considered in the design of interventions. The uptake of any practice should depend on both farmers’ characteristics and factors inherent in the practice itself. This paper, therefore, examines procedures for incorporating the applicability of CSA practices in a farm-level analysis based on the investigations conducted in King Cetshwayo District Municipality (KCDM) of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province of South Africa. How the farmers perceived the social, technical, economic, and environmental compatibility of the practices constituted the key goal of the inquiry. Data were collected through structured interviews using close-ended questionnaires, from a sample of 327 small-scale farmers (farmers with farm sizes of less than or equal to 5 hectares). The analysis made use of the Acceptance Level Index (ALI) and Composite Score Index (CSI). This paper establishes that, based on social compatibility, the farmers showed high acceptance for cultivation of cover crops (ALI = 574), agroforestry (ALI = 559), and diet improvement for animals (ALI = 554), based on technical compatibility, the use of organic manure (ALI = 545), rotational cropping (ALI = 529), mulching (ALI = 525) and cultivation of cover crops (ALI = 533) were highly accepted. With economic compatibility in perspective, the farmers showed high preference for mulching (ALI = 541), organic manure (ALI = 542) and rotational cropping (ALI = 515), while the use of organic manure (ALI = 524) was highly embraced based on environmental compatibility. Consequently, it is recommended that policies aimed at mainstreaming CSA technologies should pay adequate attention to their applicability in locations under consideration and emphasize the critical role of the provision of information on CSA technologies or practices.
Growth Response of Cassava to Deficit Irrigation and Potassium Fertigation during the Early Growth Phase
Authors: Wasonga Daniel O. , Kleemola Jouko , Alakukku Laura , Mäkelä Pirjo S.A.
Published: February 2020

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) experiences intermittent water deficit and suffers from potassium (K) deficiency that seriously constrains its yield in the tropics. Currently, the interaction effect between deficit irrigation and K fertigation on growth and yield of cassava is unknown, especially during the early growth phase. Therefore, pot experiments were conducted under controlled greenhouse conditions using cassava cuttings. Treatments initiated at 30 days after planting included three irrigation doses (30%, 60%, 100% pot capacity) and five K (0.01, 1, 4, 16, and 32 mM) concentrations. The plants were harvested 90 days after planting. Decreasing irrigation dose to 30% together with 16 mM K lowered the leaf water potential by 69%, leaf osmotic potential by 41%, photosynthesis by 35%, stomatal conductance by 41%, water usage by 50%, leaf area by 17%, and whole-plant dry mass by 41%, compared with full-irrigated plants. Lowering the K concentration below 16 mM reduced the values further. Notably, growth and yield were decreased the least compared with optimal, when irrigation dose was decreased to 60% together with 16 mM K. The results demonstrate that deficit irrigation strategies could be utilized to develop management practices to improve cassava productivity by means of K fertigation under low moisture conditions.
Prediction of Metabolizable Energy Concentrations of Herbage in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau Using Tibetan Sheep Digestibility Data
Authors: Guo Penghui , Gao Peng , Li Fuhou , Chang Shenghua , Wang Zhaofeng , Yan T , Hou Fujiang
Published: February 2020

Due to its extremely harsh environment, including high altitude, hypoxia, long cold season, and strong ultraviolet radiation in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP), herbage species and nutritional value of the pasture may differ considerably from elsewhere across the world. The aim of the present study was to develop biologically relevant equations for estimating the metabolizable energy (ME) value of fresh native herbages in the QTP using digestibility variables and chemical concentrations in the herbage offered to Tibetan sheep at the maintenance level. A total of 11 digestibility trials (6 sheep/trial) were performed in different grazing seasons from 2011 to 2016. The herbage was harvested daily in the morning and offered to sheep at the maintenance feeding level. Thirty-seven equations were developed for the prediction of herbage digestible energy (DE) and ME energy values. The mean prediction error for ME was the lowest when using herbage gross energy digestibility as a sole predictor. When using other digestibility variables (e.g., dry matter and organic matter) as primary predictors, addition of herbage nutrient concentration reduced the difference between predicted and actual values. When DE was used as the primary explanatory variable, mean prediction error was reduced with the addition of ash, nitrogen (N), diethyl ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) concentrations. The internal validation of the present equations showed lower prediction errors when compared with those of existing equations for prediction of DE and ME concentrations in the herbage. Equations developed in the current study may thus allow for an improved and accurate prediction of metabolizable energy concentrations of herbage in practice, which is critical for the development of sustainable grazing systems in the QTP.
Oral Exposure to Genistein during Conception and Lactation Period Affects the Testicular Development of Male Offspring Mice
Authors: Shi Zhicheng , Lv Zengpeng , Hu Chenhui , Zhang Qing , Wang Zhe , Hamdard Enayatullah , Dai Hongjian , Mustafa Sheeraz , Shi Fangxiong
Published: February 2020

Sexual hormones are essential for the process of spermatogenesis in the testis. However, the effect of maternal genistein (GEN) on the pups’ testicular development remain-unclear. Our present study evaluated the effects of supplementing GEN for parental and offspring mice on the reproductive function and growth performance of the male pups. Mothers during gestation and lactation period were assigned to a control diet (CON group), low dose GEN (LGE group) diet (control diet +40 mg/kg GEN), and high dose of GEN (HGE group) diet (control diet +800 mg/kg GEN). Their male offspring underwent the same treatment of GEN after weaning. LGE treatment (40 mg/kg GEN) significantly increased body weights (p < 0.001), testes weights (p < 0.05), diameters of seminiferous tubule (p < 0.001) and heights of seminiferous epithelium (p < 0.05) of offspring mice. LGE treatment also increased serum testosterone (T) levels and spermatogenesis scoring (p < 0.05). However, HGE treatment (800mg/kg GEN) significantly decreased body weights (p < 0.001), testes weights (p < 0.05) and testis sizes (p < 0.001). Furthermore, mRNA expressions of ESR2 (p < 0.05), CYP19A1 (p < 0.001), SOX9 (p < 0.001) and BRD7 (p < 0.001) in testis of mice were increased in the LGE group. Similarly, HGE treatment increased mRNA expressions of ESR2 (p < 0.05) and CYP19A1 (p < 0.001). However, mRNA expressions of SOX9 and BRD7 were decreased significantly in the HGE group (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, higher ratio apoptotic germ cells and abnormal sperms were detected in the HGE group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, exposure to a low dose of GEN during fetal and neonatal life could improve testicular development of offspring mice, whereas, unfavorable adverse effects were induced by a high dose of GEN.
A Study of the Effectiveness Verification of Computer-Based Dementia Assessment Contents (Co-Wis): Non-Randomized Study
Authors: Song Seung Il , Jeong Hyun Seok , Park Jung Pil , Kim Ji Yean , Bai Dai Seg , Kim Gi Hwan , Cho Dong Hoon , Koo Bon Hoon , Kim Hye Geum
Published: February 2020

Computer-based neuropsychological assessments have many advantages over traditional neuropsychological assessments. However, limited data are available on the validity and reliability of computer-based assessments. The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of computer-based dementia assessment contents (Co-Wis). This study recruited 113 participants from Yeungnam University Medical Center in Daegu from June 2019 to December 2019 and received ethical approval. Participants were evaluated using standard and objective dementia cognitive test tools such as the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR), and the Standardized Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery-II (SNSB-II). To verify the effectiveness of Co-Wis, the concurrent validity, test–retest reliability (Pearson’s correlation coefficients), construct validity (Factor analysis), and signal detection analysis (ROC curve) were used. In most of the Co-Wis subtests, the concurrent validity and test–retest reliability showed statistically significant correlations (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). The factor analysis showed that Co-Wis assessed the most major cognitive areas (Tucker–Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.876, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.897, RMSEA = 0.88). Thus, Co-Wis appears clinically applicable and with high reliability and validity. In the future, we should develop tests to evaluate both standard data and big data-based machine learning.
Robustness of STIRAP Shortcuts under Ornstein-Uhlenbeck Noise in the Energy Levels
Authors: Stefanatos Dionisis , Blekos Kostas , Paspalakis Emmanuel
Published: February 2020

In this article, we evaluate the efficiency of two shortcuts to adiabaticity for the STIRAP system, in the presence of Ornstein–Uhlenbeck noise in the energy levels. The shortcuts under consideration preserve the interactions of the original Hamiltonian, without adding extra counterdiabatic terms, which directly connect the initial and target states. The first shortcut is such that the mixing angle is a polynomial function of time, while the second shortcut is derived from Gaussian pulses. Extensive numerical simulations indicate that both shortcuts perform quite well and robustly even in the presence of relatively large noise amplitudes, while their performance is decreased with increasing noise correlation time. For similar pulse amplitudes and durations, the efficiency of classical STIRAP is highly degraded even in the absence of noise. When using pulses with similar areas for the two STIRAP shortcuts, the shortcut derived from Gaussian pulses appears to be more efficient. Since STIRAP is an essential tool for the implementation of emerging quantum technologies, the present work is expected to find application in this broad research field.
A Parametric Study of the Acoustic Performance of Resonant Absorbers Made of Micro-perforated Membranes and Perforated Panels
Authors: Pan Lili , Martellotta Francesco
Published: February 2020

Sound absorbing surfaces are being increasingly requested for the acoustical treatment of spaces, like offices and restaurants, where high aesthetic standards are requested. In these cases, perforated and micro-perforated panels may represent the ideal solution in terms of low maintenance, durability, and mechanical resistance. In addition, such a solution might be conveniently realized while using optically transparent panels, which might offer extra value, as they could ensure visual contact, while remaining neutral in terms of design. The paper first investigates the reliability of prediction models by comparison with measured data. Subsequently, while taking advantage of a parametric optimization algorithm, it is shown how to design an absorber covering three octave bands, from 500 Hz to 2 kHz, with an average sound absorption coefficient of about 0.8.
Investigation of Spatial Chirp Induced by Misalignments in a Parallel Grating Pair Pulse Stretcher
Authors: Zhong Zhicheng , Gong Wenqi , Jiang Hao , Gu Honggang , Chen Xiuguo , Liu Shiyuan
Published: February 2020

Spatial chirp induced by the misaligned gratings and mirrors in a parallel grating pair pulse stretcher can significantly affect the performance of the output pulses. Firstly, a detailed analysis about the spatial chirp of the stretched pulses caused by the misalignments has been carried out using the ray tracing simulation method. According to the simulation results, an adjustment procedure has been summarized to accurately calibrate these misalignments. The proposed method has been successfully applied in a home-made chirped pulse stretcher. By measuring the output pulse with an imaging spectrometer, the results show the stretched pulse has a good linear temporal chirp and little spatial chirp, which demonstrates the good adjustment of the stretcher.
Evaluation of the Efficiency of Arundo donax L. Leaves as Biomonitors for Atmospheric Element Concentrations in an Urban and Industrial Area of Central Italy
Authors: Ristorini Martina , Astolfi Maria Luisa , Frezzini Maria Agostina , Canepari Silvia , Massimi Lorenzo
Published: February 2020

Washed and unwashed Arundo donax L. (A. donax) leaves were analyzed for elements, and results were compared with element concentrations detected in river water and particulate matter (PM) Samples were collected along a river in an urban and industrial hot spot of Central Italy, where element concentrations show relevant spatial gradients both in air and river water. The aim of this study is to identify the role of the two environmental matrices on leaves composition. Element concentrations of washed and unwashed leaves were compared to differentiate between the superficial deposition and the uptake into leaf tissues of elements. Water-soluble and -insoluble element concentrations were measured in PM10 samples collected on membrane filters by using innovative high spatial resolution samplers. The comparison among leaf and atmospheric concentrations of PM10 elements showed a similar trend for Ni, Mo, Cr, Ti, and Fe, which are reliable tracers of the PM10 contribution by steel plant and vehicular traffic. Soluble species appeared to be mainly bounded into leaf tissues, while insoluble species were deposited on their surface. On the other hand, element concentrations detected in washed A. donax leaves were poorly correlated with those measured in river water samples. The obtained results proved that A. donax leaves can be used as reliable biomonitors for the evaluation of the atmospheric concentrations of some PM10 elemental components.
Assessment of Extreme and Metocean Conditions in the Swedish Exclusive Economic Zone for Wave Energy
Authors: Nilsson Erik , Wrang Linus , Rutgersson Anna , Dingwell Adam , Strömstedt Erland
Published: February 2020

Here, accessibility to near-shore and offshore marine sites is evaluated based on wave and ice conditions. High-resolution third-generation wave model results are used to examine the operation and maintenance conditions for renewable energy sources with a focus on wave energy. Special focus is given to the wave field and ice characteristics for areas within the Swedish Exclusive Economic Zone including analysis of return levels for extreme values for significant wave height, which provides guidance for dimensioning wave energy converters. It is shown that the number of weather windows and accessibility are influenced by distance from the coast and sea-ice conditions. The longest waiting periods for the closest weather window that is available for Operation and Maintenance (O&M) is in ice-free conditions shown to be strongly correlated with the fetch conditions. The sheltered Baltic Sea is shown to have very high accessibility if marine infrastructure and vessels are designed for access limits of significant wave height up to 3 m. In the northern basins, the waiting periods increase significantly, if and when the ice-conditions are found to be critical for the O&M activity considered. The ice-conditions are examined based on compiled operational sea-ice data over a climatic time period of 34 years. The results are location specific for the Swedish Exclusive Economic Zone, but the analysis methods are transferable and applicable to many other parts of the world, to facilitate assessment of the most promising areas in different regions.
Sequential i-GONAD: An Improved In Vivo Technique for CRISPR/Cas9-Based Genetic Manipulations in Mice
Authors: Sato Masahiro , Miyagasako Rico , Takabayashi Shuji , Ohtsuka Masato , Hatada Izuho , Horii Takuro
Published: February 2020

Improved genome-editing via oviductal nucleic acid delivery (i-GONAD) is a technique capable of inducing genomic changes in preimplantation embryos (zygotes) present within the oviduct of a pregnant female. i-GONAD involves intraoviductal injection of a solution containing genome-editing components via a glass micropipette under a dissecting microscope, followed by in vivo electroporation using tweezer-type electrodes. i-GONAD does not involve ex vivo handling of embryos (isolation of zygotes, microinjection or electroporation of zygotes, and egg transfer of the treated embryos to the oviducts of a recipient female), which is required for in vitro genome-editing of zygotes. i-GONAD enables the generation of indels, knock-in (KI) of ~ 1 kb sequence of interest, and large deletion at a target locus. i-GONAD is usually performed on Day 0.7 of pregnancy, which corresponds to the late zygote stage. During the initial development of this technique, we performed i-GONAD on Days 1.4–1.5 (corresponding to the 2-cell stage). Theoretically, this means that at least two GONAD steps (on Day 0.7 and Day 1.4–1.5) must be performed. If this is practically demonstrated, it provides additional options for various clustered regularly interspaced palindrome repeats (CRISPR)/Caspase 9 (Cas9)-based genetic manipulations. For example, it is usually difficult to induce two independent indels at the target sites, which are located very close to each other, by simultaneous transfection of two guide RNAs and Cas9 protein. However, the sequential induction of indels at a target site may be possible when repeated i-GONAD is performed on different days. Furthermore, simultaneous introduction of two mutated lox sites (to which Cre recombinase bind) for making a floxed allele is reported to be difficult, as it often causes deletion of a sequence between the two gRNA target sites. However, differential KI of lox sites may be possible when repeated i-GONAD is performed on different days. In this study, we performed proof-of-principle experiments to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach called “sequential i-GONAD (si-GONAD).”
CD4+FOXP3+ T Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis Bone Marrow Are Partially Impaired
Authors: Massalska Magdalena , Radzikowska Anna , Kuca-Warnawin Ewa , Plebanczyk Magdalena , Prochorec-Sobieszek Monika , Skalska Urszula , Kurowska Weronika , Maldyk Pawel , Kontny Ewa , Gober Hans-Jürgen , Maslinski Wlodzimierz
Published: February 2020

There is evolving evidence that dysregulation of immune homeostasis in the bone marrow (BM) adjacent to the inflamed joints is involved in the pathogenesis of. In this study, we are addressing the phenotype and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs) residing in the BM of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). BM and peripheral blood samples were obtained from RA and OA patients undergoing hip replacement surgery. The number and phenotype of Tregs were analyzed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. The function of Tregs was investigated ex vivo, addressing their suppressive activity on effector T cells. [3H]-Thymidine incorporation assay and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used for quantification of cell proliferation and pro-inflammatory (TNF, IFN-γ) cytokine release, respectively. Significantly lower numbers of CD4+FOXP3+ T cells were found in the BM of patients with RA compared to control patients with OA. High expression of CD127 (IL-7α receptor) and relatively low expression of CXCR4 (receptor for stromal cell-derived factor CXCL12) are characteristics of the CD4+FOXP3+ cells residing in the BM of RA patients. The BM-resident Tregs of RA patients demonstrated a limited suppressive activity on the investigated immune response. Our results indicate that the reduced number and impaired functional properties of CD4+FOXP3+ T cells present in the BM of RA patients may favor the inflammatory process, which is observed in RA BM.
Electrical Defect State Distribution in Single Crystal ZnO Schottky Barrier Diodes
Authors: Park Jinhee , Rim You Seung , Senanayake Pradeep , Wu Jiechen , Streit Dwight
Published: February 2020

The characterization of defect states in a hydrothermally grown single crystal of ZnO was performed using deep-level transient spectroscopy in the temperature range of 77–340 K. The native intrinsic defect energy level within the ZnO band gap occurred in the depletion region of ZnO Schottky barrier diodes. A major defect level was observed, with a thermal activation energy of 0.27 eV (E3) within the defect state distribution from 0.1 to 0.57 eV below the conduction band minimum. We confirmed the maximum defect concentration to be 3.66 × 1016 cm−3 at 0.27 eV (E3). As a result, we clearly confirmed the distribution of density of defect states in the ZnO band gap.
Alpine and Polar Treelines in a Changing Environment
Authors: Wieser Gerhard
Published: February 2020

Concerns have been raised with respect to the state of high-altitude and high-latitude treelines, as they are anticipated to undergo considerable modifications due to global change, especially due to climate warming [...]
Candida auris: A Decade of Understanding of an Enigmatic Pathogenic Yeast
Authors: Kean Ryan , Brown Jason , Gulmez Dolunay , Ware Alicia , Ramage Gordon
Published: February 2020

Candida auris is an enigmatic yeast that continues to stimulate interest within the mycology community due its rapid and simultaneous emergence of distinct clades. In the last decade, almost 400 manuscripts have contributed to our understanding of this pathogenic yeast. With dynamic epidemiology, elevated resistance levels and an indication of conserved and unique pathogenic traits, it is unsurprising that it continues to cause clinical concern. This mini-review aims to summarise some of the key attributes of this remarkable pathogenic yeast.
Fracture of Titanium Alloys at High Strain Rates and under Stress Triaxiality
Authors: Skripnyak Vladimir V. , Skripnyak Evgeniya G. , Skripnyak Vladimir A.
Published: February 2020

The present study investigates the effect of stress triaxiality on mechanical behavior and fracture of Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy in a practical relevant strain rate range from 0.1 to 1000 s−1. Tensile tests were carried out on flat smoothed and notched specimens using an Instron VHS 40/50-20 servo-hydraulic test machine. High-speed video registration was conducted by Phantom 711 Camera. Strain fields on the specimen gauge area were investigated by the digital image correlation method (DIC). The fracture surface relief was studied using digital microscope Keyence VHX-600D. Stress and strain fields during testing of the Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy were analyzed by the numerical simulation method. The evolution of strain fields at the investigated loading condition indicates that large plastic deformation occurs in localization bands. The alloy undergoes fracture governing by damage nucleation, growth, and coalescence in the localized plastic strain bands oriented along the maximum shear stresses. Results confirm that the fracture of near alpha titanium alloys has ductile behavior at strain rates from 0.1 to 1000 s−1, stress triaxiality parameter 0.33 < η < 0.6, and temperature close to 295 K.
Thermal Analysis, Compressibility, and Decomposition of Synthetic Bastnäsite-(La) to Lanthanum Oxyfluoride
Authors: Rowland Richard L. , Lavina Barbara , Vander Kaaden Kathleen E. , Danielson Lisa R. , Burnley Pamela C.
Published: February 2020

Understanding basic material properties of rare earth element (REE) bearing minerals such as their phase stability and equations of state can assist in understanding how economically viable deposits might form. Bastnäsite is the most commonly mined REE bearing mineral. We synthesized the lanthanum-fluoride end member, bastnäsite-(La) (LaCO3F), and investigated its thermal behavior and decomposition products from 298 K to 1173 K under ambient pressure conditions through thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, evolved gas analysis, and high temperature powder X-ray diffraction. We also investigated the compressibility of bastnäsite-(La) via single crystal X-ray diffraction in diamond anvil cells at an ambient temperature up to 11.3 GPa and from 4.9 GPa to 7.7 GPa up to 673 K. At ambient pressure, bastnäsite-(La) was stable up to 598 K in air, where it decomposed into CO2 and tetragonal γ-LaOF. Above 948 K, cubic α-LaOF is stable. High temperature X-ray diffraction data were used to fit the Fei thermal equation of state and the thermal expansion coefficient α298 for all three materials. Bastnäsite-(La) was fit from 298 K to 723 K with V0 = 439.82 Å3, α298 = 4.32 × 10−5 K−1, a0 = −1.68 × 10−5 K−1, a1 = 8.34 × 10−8 K−1, and a2 = 3.126 K−1. Tetragonal γ-LaOF was fit from 723 K to 948 K with V0 = 96.51 Å3, α298 = 2.95×10−4 K−1, a0 = −2.41×10−5 K−1, a1 = 2.42×10−7 K−1, and a2 = 41.147 K−1. Cubic α-LaOF was fit from 973 K to 1123 K with V0 = 190.71 Å3, α298 = −1.12×10−5 K−1, a0 = 2.36×10−4 K−1, a1 = −1.73 × 10−7 K−1, and a2 = −17.362 K−1. An ambient temperature third order Birch–Murnaghan equation of state was fit with V0 = 439.82 Å3, K0 = 105 GPa, and K’ = 5.58.
Effective Gold Biosorption by Electrospun and Electrosprayed Bio-Composites with Immobilized Lysinibacillus sphaericus CBAM5
Authors: Páez-Vélez Carolina , Castro-Mayorga J. , Dussán Jenny
Published: February 2020

Electro-hydrodynamic processing, comprising electrospinning and electrospraying techniques, is a novel technology used in the production of nano- and sub-micro-scale materials with specific properties suitable for environmental remediation processes. Polycaprolactone (PCL) micro-fibrous mats and alginate microcapsules were produced using electrospinning and electrospraying techniques respectively, and Lysinibacillus sphaericus CBAM5, a bacterium capable of metal removal by adsorption and accumulation inside the cell, was immobilized in these matrices. The polymeric structure was able to protect and maintain cell viability and the bio-composite materials were used to capture gold from synthetic water samples. The micro-fibrous membranes with immobilized bacteria were able to remove 93% of the gold after 120 h of inclusion in the aqueous medium. Using a filtration system, an efficiency of 64% was obtained for the removal of the precious metal after 10 cycles of filtration (2 h of exposure to the gold solution). In contrast, the microencapsulated L. sphaericus CBAM5 captured 64% of the gold after 4 h of the assay. Thus, both micro-structured matrices were suitable for the immobilization and protection of L. sphaericus CBAM5 and they showed high efficiencies of gold biosorption. Hence, these bio-composite materials could be used to concentrate gold from industrial wastewaters.
Design of Shrewd Underwater Routing Synergy Using Porous Energy Shells
Authors: Ashraf Shahzad , Ahmed Tauqeer , Raza Asif , Naeem Hamad
Published: February 2020

During the course of ubiquitous data monitoring in the underwater environment, achieving sustainable communication links among the sensor nodes with astute link quality seems an ordeal challenge. Energy utilization has a direct impact because all active devices are battery dependent and no charging or replacement actions can be made when cost- effective data packet delivery has been set as the benchmark. Hop link inspection and the selection of a Shrewd link through a resurrecting link factor have been nothing short of a bleak challenge, and only possible after meticulous research to develop a shrewd underwater routing synergy using extra porous energy shells (SURS-PES) which has never been conducted before. After broadcasting packets, the sensor node conducts a link inspection phase, thereby, if any link is found to be less than or equal to 50% shaky, the destination receiving node adds its residual energy status and returns it to the source node which adds some unusable energy porous shell to strengthen the link from 5% to a maximum of 90% and sends it only to the targeted node, therefore, an unaltered data packet delivery is anticipated. Performance evaluation was carried out using an NS2 simulator and the obtained results were compared with depth-based routing (DBR) and energy efficient DBR (EEDBR) to observe the outcomes with results that confirmed the previously mentioned direction for research in this area.
Asymmetric conjoined twins: Gnathopagus parasiticus
Authors: KABAK Yonca Betil , KABAK Murat , ÖZAK Ahmet , SÖZMEN Mahmut , İNAL Sinem , GÜVENÇ Tolga , GÜLBAHAR Mustafa Yavuz
Published: February 2020

In this study, a rare case of asymmetric conjoined twins that were connected to each other by their mandibles is described. There was an amorphous mass in between mandibles of the newborn calf. Radiological examination revealed that the amorphous mass consisted of a structure similar to the mandible and skull. According to the findings, the present anomaly was asymmetric conjoined twins connected to each other by mandibles and named as gnathopagus parasiticus. Gnathopagus parasiticus case has not been reported in the literature previously.
DAMMARANE TRITERPENE, FLAVONE GLYCOSIDES FROM THE STEMS AND LEAVES OF CHISOCHETON PANICULATUS HIERN (MELIACEAE)
Authors: Nguyen Thi Hoai , Nguyen Thi Xuan Hoa , Le Tuan Anh , Do Thi Thao , Vo Quoc Hung , Hoang Xuan Huyen Trang , Le Thi Bich Hien , Ho Viet Duc
Published: February 2020

Background: Chisocheton Blume is the second largest genus in the Meliaceae family. In Viet Nam, this genus consists of three species including C. ceramicus, C. paniculatus and C. patens. As part of the continuing studies of C. paniculatus, we report herein the isolation and structural determination of one triterpenoid and two flavonoids from the stems and leaves of this species.
Materials and method: The stems and leaves of C. paniculatus were collected from Vinh Linh district, Quang Tri province in August 2017. Compounds were islated by using various chromatographic methods. Their structures were determined by NMR spectroscopic method.
Results and Conclusion: Dammara-20,24-dien-3b-ol (1), quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (2) and kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (3) were isolated and determined from the stems and leaves of C. paniculatus. Among these, compound 1 was isolated from the Chisocheton genus for the first time.

Key words: Meliaceae, Chisocheton paniculatus, dammara-20,24-dien-3b-ol, quercetin-3-O-α-Lrhamnopyranoside, kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranoside