bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multiscale Spatiotemporal Approach for Smallholder Irrigation Detection
Authors: Conlon Terence , Small Christopher , Modi Vijay
Published: April 2022

In presenting an irrigation detection methodology that leverages multiscale satellite imagery of vegetation abundance, this paper introduces a process to supplement limited ground-collected labels and ensure classifier applicability in an area of interest. Spatiotemporal analysis of MODIS 250 m enhanced vegetation index (EVI) timeseries characterizes native vegetation phenologies at regional scale to provide the basis for a continuous phenology map that guides supplementary label collection over irrigated and non-irrigated agriculture. Subsequently, validated dry season greening and senescence cycles observed in 10 m Sentinel-2 imagery are used to train a suite of classifiers for automated detection of potential smallholder irrigation. Strategies to improve model robustness are demonstrated, including a method of data augmentation that randomly shifts training samples; and an assessment of classifier types that produce the best performance in withheld target regions. The methodology is applied to detect smallholder irrigation in two states in the Ethiopian Highlands, Tigray and Amhara, where detection of irrigated smallholder farm plots is crucial for energy infrastructure planning. Results show that a transformer-based neural network architecture allows for the most robust prediction performance in withheld regions, followed closely by a CatBoost model. Over withheld ground-collection survey labels, the transformer-based model achieves 96.7% accuracy over non-irrigated samples and 95.9% accuracy over irrigated samples. Over a larger set of samples independently collected via the introduced method of label supplementation, non-irrigated and irrigated labels are predicted with 98.3 and 95.5% accuracy, respectively. The detection model is then deployed over Tigray and Amhara, revealing crop rotation patterns and year-over-year irrigated area change. Predictions suggest that irrigated area in these two states has decreased by approximately 40% from 2020 to 2021.
Informing and Evaluating Educational Applications With the Kirkpatrick Model in Virtual Environments: Using a Virtual Human Scenario to Measure Communication Skills Behavior Change
Authors: Carnell Stephanie , Gomes De Siqueira Alexandre , Miles Anna , Lok Benjamin
Published: April 2022

Increasingly, virtual environments are being used in educational and training applications. As with other types of applications that use virtual environments, these scenarios must be evaluated in terms of user experience. However, they also should be evaluated on the efficacy of the training or learning provided, so as to ensure learning transfer. Frameworks, such as the Kirkpatrick Model, exist to evaluate training scenarios, but application of these frameworks has not been fully utilized in development of virtual environment-based education and training. To address this gap and to also share our process with other virtual environment developers, we discuss our experience applying the Kirkpatrick Model to an existing virtual human (VH) application for medical communication skills training. The Kirkpatrick Model provides different levels of evaluation for training programs that include learners’ reactions to the training, the knowledge acquired from the training, behaviors indicating the training was applied, and the degree high-level results were impacted as a result of the training. While we discuss all of the Model’s levels, our focus for this work is Level 3 Behavior. The Kirkpatrick Model currently recommends that behavioral change may only be measured while a trainee is working in a real-world context. However, given existing evidence that VH applications have been shown to elicit real-world behaviors from participants, we suggest that VH training scenarios may be a method of measuring Behavior level metrics before trainees are evaluated in situ. Initial support for this suggestion is provided by our study examining whether VHs can elicit changes in communication skills learners’ message production behavior over time. This study indicates that learners displayed changes in several metrics over the course of the semester. Based on this finding, we suggest a direction for future research: observing learner behavior in a virtual environment as a pre-cursor to behavioral measures while in a real-world scenario.
Planned Science and Scientific Discovery in Equatorial Aeronomy
Authors: Hysell D. L.
Published: April 2022

This paper discusses the relationship between planning and discovery in science using examples drawn from equatorial aeronomy in general and research at the Jicamarca Radio Observatory in particular. The examples reveal a pattern of discoveries taking place despite rather than because of careful planning.
Exercise With Low-Loads and Concurrent Partial Blood Flow Restriction Combined With Patient Education in Females Suffering From Gluteal Tendinopathy: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Høgsholt Mathias , Jørgensen Stian Langgård , Rolving Nanna , Mechlenburg Inger , Tønning Lisa Urup , Bohn Marie Bagger
Published: April 2022

Introduction

To date, there exists no gold standard conservative treatment for lateral hip pain due to tendinopathy of the gluteus medius and/or minimus tendon (GT), a condition often complicated by pain and disability. Higher loads during everyday activities and exercise seems to be contraindicated with GT. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of exercise with low-loads concurrent partial blood flow restriction (LL-BFR) and patient education for patients present GT.

Methods

Recruitment took place at three hospitals in the Central Denmark Region. The intervention consisted of daily sessions for 8 weeks with one weekly supervised session. From week three patients exercised with applied partial blood flow restriction by means of a pneumatic cuff around the proximal thigh of the affected leg. Throughout the intervention patients received patient education on their hip condition. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected at baseline. The feasibility of LL-BFR was conducted by adherence to the exercise protocol and drop-out rate. Patient reported outcome measures (The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Gluteal Questionnaire, EuroQol - 5 Dimensions-Visual Analogue Scale, Oxford Hip Score, Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score), maximal voluntary isometric hip abduction-, hip extension, and knee extension strength (Nm/kg) measured using a handheld dynamometer, and functional capacity tests (30 second chair-stand test and a stair-climb test) was conducted as secondary outcomes.

Results

Sixteen women with a median (IQR) age of 51 (46–60) years were included. Median (IQR) Body Mass Index was 26.69 (23.59–30.46) kg/m2. Adherence to the total number of training sessions and the LL-BFR was 96.4 and 94.4%, respectively. Two patients dropped out due to (i) illness before initiation of LL-BFR and (ii) pain in the affected leg related to the LL-BFR-exercise. At follow-up both pain levels and patient-reported outcome measures improved. Isometric hip abduction-, hip extension-, and knee extension strength on both legs and functional performance increased. Conclusion: LL-BFR-exercise seems feasible for treatment of GT. At follow-up, a high adherence and low drop-out rate were observed. Further, patients reported clinically relevant reductions in pain, and showed significant increases in isometric hip and knee strength.
Soybean-Nodulating Rhizobia: Ecology, Characterization, Diversity, and Growth Promoting Functions
Authors: Nakei Monica D. , Venkataramana Pavithravani B. , Ndakidemi Patrick A.
Published: April 2022

The worldwide increase in population continues to threaten the sustainability of agricultural systems since agricultural output must be optimized to meet the global rise in food demand. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is among the regions with a fast-growing population but decreasing crop productivity. Pests and diseases, as well as inadequate nitrogen (N) levels in soils, are some of the biggest restrictions to agricultural production in SSA. N is one of the most important plant-limiting elements in agricultural soils, and its deficit is usually remedied by using nitrogenous fertilizers. However, indiscriminate use of these artificial N fertilizers has been linked to environmental pollution calling for alternative N fertilization mechanisms. Soybean (Glycine max) is one of the most important legumes in the world. Several species of rhizobia from the four genera,Bardyrhizobium, Rhizobium, Mesorhizobium, andEnsifer(formerlySinorhizobium), are observed to effectively fix N with soybean as well as perform various plant-growth promoting (PGP) functions. The efficiency of the symbiosis differs with the type of rhizobia species, soybean cultivar, and biotic factors. Therefore, a complete understanding of the ecology of indigenous soybean-nodulating rhizobia concerning their genetic diversity and the environmental factors associated with their localization and dominance in the soil is important. This review aimed to understand the potential of indigenous soybean-nodulating rhizobia through a synthesis of the literature regarding their characterization using different approaches, genetic diversity, symbiotic effectiveness, as well as their functions in biological N fixation (BNF) and biocontrol of soybean soil-borne pathogens.
Serological and Molecular Detection of Bartonella henselae in Cats and Humans From Egypt: Current Status and Zoonotic Implications
Authors: Sayed Amal S. M. , Alsaadawy Reem M. , Ali Magda M. , Abd El-Hamid Rawhia F. , Baty Roua Sami , Elmahallawy Ehab Kotb
Published: April 2022

Bartonellosis is a vector-borne zoonotic disease caused by the intracellular bacterium of genusBartonella. The disease has a worldwide distribution and cats represent the major reservoir of this disease. Despite its global distribution, very limited previous studies have investigated the occurrence of bartonellosis in cats and their owners in Egypt. In an endeavor to explore this topic, we investigated the occurrence ofBartonella henselae (B. henselae) infection in 225 samples (blood, saliva, and claw) obtained from 75 healthy cats in Upper Egypt. These samples were routinely obtained during veterinary clinic visits. This study also involved an examination of 100 humans, including cat owners and people with a history of contact with cats. Attempted isolation and identification ofB. henselaein cats were also performed. Furthermore, PCR was performed for molecular identification ofB. henselaein blood samples from cats. Meanwhile, an immunofluorescent assay was performed to study the seroprevalence ofB. henselaeinfection in humans. In this study,B. henselaecould not be isolated from any of the examined blood, saliva, or claw samples from cats. Interestingly,B. henselaewas identified molecularly in 8% (6/75) of blood samples from cats. The seroprevalence ofB. henselaein humans was 46% and its occurrence was higher in females (46.6%) than in males (41.7%) (P= 0.748).B. henselaeinfection was higher among cat owners [51.4% (19/37)] than among people with a history of contact with cats [42.9% (27/63)] (P= 0.410). Infection was higher in rural regions [79.5% (31/39)] than in urban regions [24.6% (15/61)] (P< 0.001). Collectively, this data provide interesting baseline information about the occurrence ofB. henselaein cats and humans in Upper Egypt, which reflects the potential zoonotic transmission of this bacterium. Future study is mandatory to explore the occurrence ofB. henselaein major reservoirs in Egypt.
A Method for Modeling Acoustic Waves in Moving Subdomains
Authors: Brankovic Milan , Everett Mark E.
Published: April 2022

Forward modeling plays a key role in both the creation of predictive models and the study of the surrounding environment through inversion methods. Due to their competitive computational cost and modest algorithmic complexity, finite difference methods (FDM) are commonly used to model the acoustic wave equation. An algorithm has been developed to decrease the computational cost of acoustic-wave forward modeling that can be applied to most finite difference methods. An important feature of the algorithm is the calculation, at each time step, of the pressure in only a moving subdomain which contains the grid points across which waves are passing. The computation is skipped at grid points at which the waves are negligibly small or non-existent. The novelty in this work comes from flexibility of the subdomain and its ability to closely follow the developing wavefield. To demonstrate the efficacy of the algorithm, it is applied to a standard finite difference scheme and validated against 2-D modeling results. The algorithm herein can play an important role in the reduction in computation time of seismic data analysis as the volumes of seismic data increase due to developments in data acquisition technology.
Multi-Omic Approaches to Investigate Molecular Mechanisms in Peach Post-Harvest Ripening
Authors: Sirangelo Tiziana M. , Rogers Hilary J. , Spadafora Natasha D.
Published: April 2022

Peach post-harvest ripening is a complex developmental process controlled by a plethora of genetic and epigenetic factors. Specifically, it leads to protein, lipid and nucleic acid degradation, all resulting in cell death. Substantial research has been directed at investigating peach regulatory mechanisms underlying genomic, metabolomic and transcriptomic modifications occurring during this stage, and much progress has been made thanks to the advent of Next Generation Sequencing technologies. This review is focused on the latest multi-omics studies, with the aim of highlighting the most significant results and further investigating the regulation of the key genes involved in peach post-harvest processes and related physiology. By offering an exhaustive overview of peach omics profiles, it provides a comprehensive description of gene expression changes and their correlation with ripening stages, including some post-harvest treatments, as well as with volatile organic compound modifications. However, the present work highlights that, due to the complexity of the process, recent investigations do not elucidate all underlying molecular mechanisms, making further studies still necessary. For this reason, some key points for future research activities and innovative peach breeding programs are discussed, relying on trusted multi-omic approaches.
Impact of Tillage and Fertilization on CO2 Emission from Soil under Maize Cultivation
Authors: Salinas-Alcántara Liliana , Vaca Rocio , del Águila Pedro , de la Portilla-López Nadia , Yáñez-Ocampo Gustavo , Sánchez-Paz Laura A. , Lugo Jorge A.
Published: April 2022

Agriculture is in a constant state of change. Its new practices and technologies represent impacts that are difficult to predict. The transition from animal traction to tractors and the substitution of manure for synthetic fertilizers are changes that are taking place particularly in developed countries, yet they are increasing in developing ones. However, the effect of these changes on agriculture and soil CO2 emissions remains controversial. The objective of this study was to measure the effects of two tillage systems and fertilization on the CO2 emissions from the soil under maize cultivation. Therefore, it consisted of two tillage systems, namely tractor (T) and animal (A) traction, and four fertilization methods. The fertilization treatments tested were: (CH) application of N, P, K chemical fertilizer; (HM) application of horse manure; (CM) application of chicken manure; and (CT) unfertilized control. We found that the soil CO2 emission rates in the maize growing season was higher than those in the tillage before the harvest season. Soil respiration peaked in June after the second fertilizer application (9394.59–12,851.35 mg CO2 m−2 h−1 at tractor and 7091.89–12,655.86 mg CO2 m−2 h−1 at animal traction). The production of corn grain only presented differences between the treatments with and without application of fertilizers.
Current Status of Herbicide Resistance in the Iberian Peninsula: Future Trends and Challenges
Authors: Torra Joel , Montull José M. , Calha Isabel M. , Osuna María D. , Portugal Joao , de Prado Rafael
Published: April 2022

The evolution of herbicide resistance in weeds has emerged as one of the most serious threats to sustainable food production systems, which necessitates the evaluation of herbicides to determine their efficacy. The first herbicide resistance case in the Iberian Peninsula was reported about 50 years ago, wherein Panicum dichotomiflorum was found to be resistant (R) to atrazine in Spanish maize fields. Since then, herbicide resistance has evolved in 33 weed species, representing a total of 77 single-herbicide-resistance cases in this geographic area: 66 in Spain and 11 in Portugal. Changes in agricultural practices, namely the adoption of non-tillage systems and the increased use of herbicides, led to the selection of weed biotypes resistant to a wide range of herbicides. Nowadays the most important crops in Spain and Portugal (maize, winter cereals, rice, citrus, fruits, and olive orchards) are affected, with biotypes resistant to several mechanisms of action (MoAs), namely: ALS inhibitors (20 species), ACCase inhibitors (8 species), PS II inhibitors (18 species), and synthetic auxin herbicides (3 species). More recently, the fast increase in cases of resistance to the EPSPS-inhibiting herbicide glyphosate has been remarkable, with 11 species already having evolved resistance in the last 10 years in the Iberian Peninsula. The diversity of resistance mechanisms, both target-site and non-target-site, are responsible for the resistance to different MoAs, involving point mutations in the target site and enhanced rates of herbicide detoxification, respectively. More serious are the 13 cases reported with multiple-herbicide resistance, with three cases of resistance to three–four MoAs, and one case of resistance to five MoAs. Future research perspectives should further study the relationship between management strategies and the occurrence of TSR and NTSR resistance, to improve their design, develop monitoring and diagnostic tools for herbicide resistance, and deepen the study of NTSR resistance.
Optimizing Water and Nitrogen Strategies to Improve Forage Oat Yield and Quality on the Tibetan Plateau Using APSIM
Authors: Ma Qianhu , Zhang Xuemei , Wu Yuhuan , Yang Huimin , Wang Zikui
Published: April 2022

There is a great need for improving oat forage production to increase forage supply and protect grassland ecosystems on the Tibetan Plateau. We conducted two field experiments and modeling work to investigate the responses of oat (Avena sativa L.) forage yield and N uptake to water and N applications, and to optimize the water and N scheduling under rainfed and irrigated conditions. The experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018 at Jintai farm in the northeast of the Tibetan Plateau. Two N-applying rates of 120 and 60 kg ha−1 were tested in 2017, and four irrigation treatments (no irrigation—NI, irrigated 50 mm at flowering—I1, irrigated 50 mm at tillering and jointing—I2, and irrigated 50 mm at tillering, jointing, and flowering—I3) were applied under every N rate in 2018. The Agricultural Production System Simulator (APSIM) was calibrated and validated for the local oat variety. Under rainfed conditions in both years, oat yields under high and low N were 7.98–8.52 and 5.09–6.53 t ha−1, respectively; the high N rate significantly increased forage yield and N uptake compared to low N conditions by 22.2–67.4% (p < 0.01) and 42.0–162.0% (p < 0.01), respectively. In 2018, irrigation increased oat forage yield by 29.8–96.6% (p < 0.01) and increased N uptake by 19.6–50.5% (p > 0.05); N rates had no significant effect on forage yield (p > 0.05), but significantly increased N uptake by 42.6–64.7% (p < 0.01). I2 was superior to I3 in terms of increasing water use efficiency (WUE) while maintaining high forage yield and N uptake. APSIM-oat was calibrated with data under both rainfed and irrigated conditions and was confirmed to have good accuracy and lower normalized root mean square errors (NRMSEs) for phonology dates, forage yield, soil water storage, and N uptake. Scenario analysis was performed with 30-year historical weather data; five N rates were designed for rainfed conditions, and 25 scenarios comprising five N rates and five irrigation levels were designed for irrigated conditions. Simulations showed that the N rate of 90 kg ha−1 resulted in the best performance for oat under rainfed conditions. Under irrigated conditions, irrigation promoted oat nitrogen uptake. Thus, overall an N rate of 120 kg ha−1 in combination with irrigation of 120 mm applied during the vegetative growth period performed the best. This optimized strategy may provide guidance on water and N management of oat forage production in the Tibetan Plateau and similar alpine regions worldwide. The promoted strategy increases yields while reducing water and nitrogen resource wastes, thus decreasing the environmental pollution from agriculture and responding to the sustainable development of farmland ecosystems.
Effects of Parity and Stage of Lactation on Trend and Variability of Metabolic Markers in Dairy Cows
Authors: Walter Linda L. , Gärtner Tanja , Gernand Erhard , Wehrend Axel , Donat Karsten
Published: April 2022

Metabolic monitoring is a tool that is helpful with the increasing requirements regarding feeding and health management in dairy herds. This study aimed at describing the trend and variability of different biochemical parameters in blood and urine in relation to the stages of lactation and parity, in a retrospective analysis of laboratory data from clinically healthy German Holstein cows. The results were derived from metabolic monitoring in Thuringia (Germany), during 2009–2019. A total of 361,584 measured values, of 13 different metabolic variables, were assigned to parity (primiparous and multiparous) and stage of lactation (10 classes from −30 to 300 days in milk). The Kruskal–Wallis test was applied for the evaluation of differences regarding parity or the stage of lactation. Non-esterified fatty acids, beta hydroxybutyrate, and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase in serum were clearly affected by parity and lactation. Serum concentrations of cholesterol, bilirubin, and phosphorus, as well as the serum activity of glutamate dehydrogenase, were affected by the stage of lactation, while parity impacted urea concentration. The serum activity of creatine kinase, serum concentrations of calcium, and urine concentrations of net acid base excretion, potassium, and sodium were not affected by parity or lactation. In conclusion, specific reference limits, with respect to parity and the stage of lactation, are necessary.
Pluripotent Core in Bovine Embryos: A Review
Authors: Aguila Luis , Osycka-Salut Claudia , Treulen Favian , Felmer Ricardo
Published: April 2022

Early development in mammals is characterized by the ability of each cell to produce a complete organism plus the extraembryonic, or placental, cells, defined as pluripotency. During subsequent development, pluripotency is lost, and cells begin to differentiate to a particular cell fate. This review summarizes the current knowledge of pluripotency features of bovine embryos cultured in vitro, focusing on the core of pluripotency genes (OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, and CDX2), and main chemical strategies for controlling pluripotent networks during early development. Finally, we discuss the applicability of manipulating pluripotency during the morula to blastocyst transition in cattle species.
Hempseed By-Product in Diets of Italian Simmental Cull Dairy Cows and Its Effects on Animal Performance and Meat Quality
Authors: Ncogo Nchama Castro , Fabro Carla , Baldini Mario , Saccà Elena , Foletto Vinicius , Piasentier Edi , Sepulcri Angela , Corazzin Mirco
Published: April 2022

Cull dairy cows are important contributors to total beef production in the USA and in Europe. Hempseed cake is a by-product of oil production and it is rich in unsaturated fatty acids (FA). This study aimed to investigate the effect of adding hempseed cake to the diet of Italian Simmental (IS) cull dairy cows on performances and meat quality. Twenty-six cull dairy cows were divided into three dietary groups: hay-based, corn silage-based and pasture-based diets. Within each group, the animals were equally divided into two treatments according to the protein source of the concentrate: hempseed cake (HEMP) or soybeans meal (SB). The trial lasted four months. HEMP showed similar in vivo performance and carcass characteristics, such as average daily gain (p > 0.05) and dressing percentage (p > 0.05), compared with SB. Meat characteristics, such as ether extract content and Warner–Bratzler shear force, were also similar between experimental groups (p > 0.05). Considering FA composition, HEMP showed similar saturated FA and polyunsaturated FA content (p > 0.05) but lower desirable fatty acids (p < 0.05) content and a tendentially lower hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (p < 0.10) than SFA. Hempseed cake can substitute soybean in the diet of cull dairy cows without effects on performance or meat quality.
Optimizing Doses of Ceftolozane/Tazobactam as Monotherapy or in Combination with Amikacin to Treat Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Nasomsong Worapong , Nulsopapon Parnrada , Changpradub Dhitiwat , Pungcharoenkijkul Supanun , Hanyanunt Patomroek , Chatreewattanakul Tassanawan , Santimaleeworagun Wichai
Published: April 2022

Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) is a hospital-acquired pathogen with a high mortality rate and limited treatment options. We investigated the activity of ceftolozane/tazobactam (C/T) and its synergistic effects with amikacin to extend the range of optimal therapeutic choices with appropriate doses. The E-test method is used to determine in vitro activity. The optimal dosing regimens to achieve a probability of target attainment (PTA) and a cumulative fraction of response (CFR) of ≥90% were simulated using the Monte Carlo method. Of the 66 CRPA isolates, the rate of susceptibility to C/T was 86.36%, with an MIC50 and an MIC90 of 0.75 and 24 µg/mL, respectively. Synergistic and additive effects between C/T and amikacin were observed in 24 (40%) and 18 (30%) of 60 CRPA isolates, respectively. The extended infusion of C/T regimens achieved a ≥90% PTA of 75% and a 100% fT > MIC at C/T MICs of 4 and 2 µg/mL, respectively. Only the combination of either a short or prolonged C/T infusion with a loading dose of amikacin of 20–25 mg/kg, followed by 15–20 mg/kg/day amikacin dosage, achieved ≥90% CFR. The C/T infusion, combined with currently recommended amikacin dose regimens, should be considered to manage CRPA infections.
Bacterial Multidrug Efflux Pumps at the Frontline of Antimicrobial Resistance: An Overview
Authors: Huang Lulu , Wu Cuirong , Gao Haijiao , Xu Chao , Dai Menghong , Huang Lingli , Hao Haihong , Wang Xu , Cheng Guyue
Published: April 2022

Multidrug efflux pumps function at the frontline to protect bacteria against antimicrobials by decreasing the intracellular concentration of drugs. This protective barrier consists of a series of transporter proteins, which are located in the bacterial cell membrane and periplasm and remove diverse extraneous substrates, including antimicrobials, organic solvents, toxic heavy metals, etc., from bacterial cells. This review systematically and comprehensively summarizes the functions of multiple efflux pumps families and discusses their potential applications. The biological functions of efflux pumps including their promotion of multidrug resistance, biofilm formation, quorum sensing, and survival and pathogenicity of bacteria are elucidated. The potential applications of efflux pump-related genes/proteins for the detection of antibiotic residues and antimicrobial resistance are also analyzed. Last but not least, efflux pump inhibitors, especially those of plant origin, are discussed.
Verification of the Relationship between Redox Regulation of Thioredoxin Target Proteins and Their Proximity to Thylakoid Membranes
Authors: Fukushi Yuka , Yokochi Yuichi , Wakabayashi Ken-ichi , Yoshida Keisuke , Hisabori Toru
Published: April 2022

Thioredoxin (Trx) is a key protein of the redox regulation system in chloroplasts, where it modulates various enzyme activities. Upon light irradiation, Trx reduces the disulfide bonds of Trx target proteins (thereby turning on their activities) using reducing equivalents obtained from the photosynthetic electron transport chain. This reduction process involves a differential response, i.e., some Trx target proteins in the stroma respond slowly to the change in redox condition caused by light/dark changes, while the ATP synthase γ subunit (CF1-γ) located on the surface of thylakoid membrane responds with high sensitivity. The factors that determine this difference in redox kinetics are not yet known, although here, we hypothesize that it is due to each protein’s localization in the chloroplast, i.e., the reducing equivalents generated under light conditions can be transferred more efficiently to the proteins on thylakoid membrane than to stromal proteins. To explore this possibility, we anchored SBPase, one of the stromal Trx target proteins, to the thylakoid membrane in Arabidopsis thaliana. Analyses of the redox behaviors of the anchored and unanchored proteins showed no significant difference in their reduction kinetics, implying that protein sensitivity to redox regulation is determined by other factors.
P2X7 Receptor Augments LPS-Induced Nitrosative Stress by Regulating Nrf2 and GSH Levels in the Mouse Hippocampus
Authors: Lee Duk-Shin , Kim Ji-Eun
Published: April 2022

P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) regulates inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression/activity in response to various harmful insults. Since P2X7R deletion paradoxically decreases the basal glutathione (GSH) level in the mouse hippocampus, it is likely that P2X7R may increase the demand for GSH for the maintenance of the intracellular redox state or affect other antioxidant defense systems. Therefore, the present study was designed to elucidate whether P2X7R affects nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activity/expression and GSH synthesis under nitrosative stress in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation. In the present study, P2X7R deletion attenuated iNOS upregulation and Nrf2 degradation induced by LPS. Compatible with iNOS induction, P2X7R deletion decreased S-nitrosylated (SNO)-cysteine production under physiological and post-LPS treated conditions. P2X7R deletion also ameliorated the decreases in GSH, glutathione synthetase, GS and ASCT2 levels concomitant with the reduced S-nitrosylations of GS and ASCT2 following LPS treatment. Furthermore, LPS upregulated cystine:glutamate transporter (xCT) and glutaminase in P2X7R+/+ mice, which were abrogated by P2X7R deletion. LPS did not affect GCLC level in both P2X7R+/+ and P2X7R−/− mice. Therefore, our findings indicate that P2X7R may augment LPS-induced neuroinflammation by leading to Nrf2 degradation, aberrant glutamate-glutamine cycle and impaired cystine/cysteine uptake, which would inhibit GSH biosynthesis. Therefore, we suggest that the targeting of P2X7R, which would exert nitrosative stress with iNOS in a positive feedback manner, may be one of the important therapeutic strategies of nitrosative stress under pathophysiological conditions.
Sequential Indoor Use of Pesticides: Operator Exposure via Deposit Transfer from Sprayed Crops and Contaminated Application Equipment
Authors: Tsakirakis Angelos N. , Kasiotis Konstantinos M. , Glass C. Richard , Charistou Agathi N. , Anastasiadou Pelagia , Gerritsen-Ebben Rianda , Machera Kyriaki
Published: April 2022

Dermal transfer of pesticide residues to human skin due to contact with treated crops, treated surfaces, or contaminated surfaces is an important route of exposure for operators, workers and possibly for bystanders and residents. However, information on dermal transfer data is limited and mainly available for workers. The aim of the present study has been to generate both dermal exposure and transfer data related for operators involved in sequential tasks of mixing/loading and application of pesticides in a southern EU zone greenhouse. Exposure measurements were based on the principles of the whole-body dosimetry (WBD) method involving the use of cotton coveralls and gloves as dosimeters. Six field trials were conducted in three tomato greenhouses, on the island of Crete, Greece. The study results showed that the contribution of existing pesticide deposits on the treated crops, i.e., from an application conducted earlier the same day, was in the range of 8–16% for the application task and 0.9–18% for the mixing/loading task in relation to the measured total exposure to this pesticide during a short-term sequential application. The results of this study have been incorporated in the GAOEM (Greenhouse Agricultural Operator Exposure Model) included in the updated EFSA Guidance on the assessment of exposure of operators, workers, residents and bystanders in risk assessment of plant protection products. The low values of the pesticide amount penetrating the coverall (actual dermal exposure) in all cases highlight and confirm the need for the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for operator safety.
Express Construction for GANs from Latent Representation to Data Distribution
Authors: Liu Minghui , Deng Jiali , Yang Meiyi , Cheng Xuan , Xie Tianshu , Deng Pan , Wang Xiaomin , Liu Ming
Published: April 2022

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) are powerful generative models for numerous tasks and datasets. However, most of the existing models suffer from mode collapse. The most recent research indicates that the reason for it is that the optimal transportation map from random noise to the data distribution is discontinuous, but deep neural networks (DNNs) can only approximate continuous ones. Instead, the latent representation is a better raw material used to construct a transportation map point to the data distribution than random noise. Because it is a low-dimensional mapping related to the data distribution, the construction procedure seems more like expansion rather than starting all over. Besides, we can also search for more transportation maps in this way with smoother transformation. Thus, we have proposed a new training methodology for GANs in this paper to search for more transportation maps and speed the training up, named Express Construction. The key idea is to train GANs with two independent phases for successively yielding latent representation and data distribution. To this end, an Auto-Encoder is trained to map the real data into the latent space, and two couples of generators and discriminators are used to produce them. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to decompose the training procedure of GAN models into two more uncomplicated phases, thus tackling the mode collapse problem without much more computational cost. We also provide theoretical steps toward understanding the training dynamics of this procedure and prove assumptions. No extra hyper-parameters have been used in the proposed method, which indicates that Express Construction can be used to train any GAN models. Extensive experiments are conducted to verify the performance of realistic image generation and the resistance to mode collapse. The results show that the proposed method is lightweight, effective, and less prone to mode collapse.
Exploring the Strategy of Fusing Sucrose Synthase to Glycosyltransferase UGT76G1 in Enzymatic Biotransformation
Authors: Tao Yehui , Sun Ping , Cai Ruxin , Li Yan , Jia Honghua
Published: April 2022

Uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferases (UGTs) as fine catalysts of glycosylation are increasingly used in the synthesis of natural products. Sucrose synthase (SuSy) is recognized as a powerful tool for in situ regenerating sugar donors for the UGT-catalyzed reaction. It is crucial to select the appropriate SuSy for cooperation with UGT in a suitable way. In the present study, eukaryotic SuSy from Arabidopsisthaliana (AtSUS1) helped stevia glycosyltransferase UGT76G1 achieve the complete conversion of stevioside (30 g/L) into rebaudioside A (RebA). Position of the individual transcription units containing the genes encoding AtSUS1 and UGT76G1 in the expression plasmid has an effect, but less than that of the fusion order of these genes on RebA yield. Fusion of the C-terminal of AtSUS1 and the N-terminal of UGT76G1 with rigid linkers are conducive to maintaining enzyme activities. When the same fusion strategy was applied to a L637M-T640V double mutant of prokaryotic SuSy from Acidithiobacillus caldus (AcSuSym), 18.8 ± 0.6 g/L RebA (a yield of 78.2%) was accumulated in the reaction mixture catalyzed by the fusion protein Acm-R3-76G1 (the C-terminal of AcSuSym and the N-terminal of UGT76G1 were linked with (EAAAK)3). This work would hopefully reveal the potential of UGT-SuSy fusion in improving the cascade enzymatic glycosylation.
Crack Propagation on the Surface of the Bottleneck of a Pressure Vessel Considering the Initial Crack Angle
Authors: Zhou Xiuyun , He Ruijie , Zhou Ting , Liu Zhen
Published: April 2022

In order to solve the impact on the accuracy of a life prediction model when the initial crack angle of the curved surface is not 0°, the traditional stress intensity factor model is revised by the non-linear regression analysis method, and an optimized crack growth model is established. This paper takes the surface of the bottle neck of the pressure vessel as the research object, and uses the finite element method to establish a simulation model with an initial crack angle of not 0°. By analyzing the stress intensity factors of different starting angles, the relationship between the correction factor F and the pressure vessel wall thickness h, the radius of curvature R of the joint surface between the bottle neck and the bottle body, the initial crack length L and the initial angle α are calculated. The modified stress intensity factor is used to optimize the crack growth model of the pressure vessel. The experiment proves that the accuracy of the pressure vessel life prediction model is improved.
O2 Loaded Germanosilicate Optical Fibers: Experimental In Situ Investigation and Ab Initio Simulation Study of GLPC Evolution under Irradiation
Authors: Reghioua Imene , Giacomazzi Luigi , Alessi Antonino , Winkler Blaz , Martin-Samos Layla , Girard Sylvain , Di Francesca Diego , Fanetti Mattia , Richard Nicolas , Paillet Philippe , Raine Melanie , Agnello Simonpietro , Valant Matjaz , Boukenter Aziz , Ouerdane Youcef
Published: April 2022

In this work we present a combined experimental and ab initio simulation investigation concerning the Germanium Lone Pair Center (GLPC), its interaction with molecular oxygen (O2), and evolution under irradiation. First, O2 loading has been applied here to Ge-doped optical fibers to reduce the concentration of GLPC point defects. Next, by means of cathodoluminescence in situ experiments, we found evidence that the 10 keV electron irradiation of the treated optical fibers induces the generation of GLPC centers, while in nonloaded optical fibers, the irradiation causes the bleaching of the pre-existing GLPC. Ab initio calculations were performed to investigate the reaction of the GLPC with molecular oxygen. Such investigations suggested the stability of the dioxagermirane (DIOG) bulk defect, and its back conversion into GLPC with a local release of O2 under irradiation. Furthermore, it is also inferred that a remarkable portion of the O2 passivated GLPC may form Ge tetrahedra connected to peroxy bridges. Such structures may have a larger resistance to the irradiation and not be back converted into GLPC.
Automated Beehive Acoustics Monitoring: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature and Recommendations for Future Work
Authors: Abdollahi Mahsa , Giovenazzo Pierre , Falk Tiago H.
Published: April 2022

Bees play an important role in agriculture and ecology, and their pollination efficiency is essential to the economic profitability of farms. The drastic decrease in bee populations witnessed over the last decade has attracted great attention to automated remote beehive monitoring research, with beehive acoustics analysis emerging as a prominent field. In this paper, we review the existing literature on bee acoustics analysis and report on the articles published between January 2012 and December 2021. Five categories are explored in further detail, including the origin of the articles, their study goal, experimental setup, audio analysis methodology, and reproducibility. Highlights and limitations in each of these categories are presented and discussed. We conclude with a set of recommendations for future studies, with suggestions ranging from bee species characterization, to recording and testing setup descriptions, to making data and codes available to help advance this new multidisciplinary field.
From Accuracy to Reliability and Robustness in Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Image Segmentation: A Review
Authors: Galati Francesco , Ourselin Sébastien , Zuluaga Maria A.
Published: April 2022

Since the rise of deep learning (DL) in the mid-2010s, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) image segmentation has achieved state-of-the-art performance. Despite achieving inter-observer variability in terms of different accuracy performance measures, visual inspections reveal errors in most segmentation results, indicating a lack of reliability and robustness of DL segmentation models, which can be critical if a model was to be deployed into clinical practice. In this work, we aim to bring attention to reliability and robustness, two unmet needs of cardiac image segmentation methods, which are hampering their translation into practice. To this end, we first study the performance accuracy evolution of CMR segmentation, illustrate the improvements brought by DL algorithms and highlight the symptoms of performance stagnation. Afterwards, we provide formal definitions of reliability and robustness. Based on the two definitions, we identify the factors that limit the reliability and robustness of state-of-the-art deep learning CMR segmentation techniques. Finally, we give an overview of the current set of works that focus on improving the reliability and robustness of CMR segmentation, and we categorize them into two families of methods: quality control methods and model improvement techniques. The first category corresponds to simpler strategies that only aim to flag situations where a model may be incurring poor reliability or robustness. The second one, instead, directly tackles the problem by bringing improvements into different aspects of the CMR segmentation model development process. We aim to bring the attention of more researchers towards these emerging trends regarding the development of reliable and robust CMR segmentation frameworks, which can guarantee the safe use of DL in clinical routines and studies.
A New CO2-EOR Methods Screening Model Based on Interdependency Parameters
Authors: Rosiani Diyah , Permadi Asep Kurnia , Siregar Hasian Parlindungan Septoratno , Gunawan Agus Yodi , Ariadji Tutuka
Published: April 2022

The successful implementation of carbon dioxide-enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) is crucial in increasing oil production and reducing carbon emissions. For this reason, screening criteria are needed for the initial characterization of a suitable CO2-EOR reservoir. The existing screening model treats the screening parameters independently. Therefore, each parameter has its criteria limit and does not relate to the others. However, in reality, several screening parameters are interdependent, so we need a method that treats the interdependent parameters simultaneously. This research develops a new simultaneous screening model using the interdependency of the parameters. Quantitative and actual data were collected from CO2-EOR field documentation worldwide with a comprehensive analysis. A statistical approach with a correlation analysis method was used to determine the interconnected screening parameters. The results were synchronized with the expert domain to match actual physical conditions. The limit of simultaneous screening criteria was acquired by multivariate quality control (MQC) based on the principal component analysis (PCA) method. The proposed screening model was compared with 13 actual projects, and demonstrated improvements to previous models. The results match actual operations and follow the expert domain rules. If the miscible CO2-EOR is met, then the immiscible should also be appropriate but not vice versa. Nevertheless, four different immiscible projects are predicted to be slightly optimistic as miscible or immiscible.
Line-Shaped Illumination: A Promising Configuration for a Flexible Two-Photon Microscopy Setup
Authors: Parravicini Jacopo , Hasani Elton , Tartara Luca
Published: April 2022

An innovative two-photon microscope exploiting a line-shaped illumination has been recently devised and then implemented. Such configuration allows to carry out a real-time detection by means of standard CCD cameras and is able to maintain the same resolution as commonly used point-scanning devices, thus overcoming what is usually regarded as the main limitation of line-scanning microscopes. Here, we provide an overview of the applications in which this device has been tested and has proved to be a flexible and efficient tool, namely imaging of biological samples, in-depth sample reconstruction, two-photon spectra detection, and dye cross-section measurements. These results demonstrate that the considered setup is promising for future developments in many areas of research and applications.
Multi-Objective Profile Design Optimization to Minimize Wear Damage and Surface Fatigue of City Train Wheel
Authors: Song Chang-Yong , Choi Ha-Yong
Published: April 2022

Wear and fatigue of wheels have a great effect on the maintenance of railway vehicles and running safety. In the case of an urban railway where no rail lubrication system is installed, it is reported that the risk of wheel damage is high in curved sections. In the present study, we intended to present a method of designing a wheel profile of city trains that can minimize wear and fatigue in curved sections, using the multi-objective optimization method. In multi-objective optimization, we explored a wheel profile design that can reduce wear and fatigue of wheels at the same time, while also satisfying the design performance constraints, such as the safety against derailment and contact force between rails and wheels. A multi-body dynamic analysis was conducted for design performance evaluation, and the best wheel profile design was produced utilizing the analysis result. A wheel profile with minimized wear, a wheel profile with minimized surface fatigue, and a wheel profile with both minimized wear and surface fatigue that can improve the performance of city train wheels were presented respectively using a Pareto-optimal Solution, which is the result of multi-objective optimization. The running safety performances such as derailment and lateral force of the optimized wheel profiles showed improved characteristics when compared to those of the initial wheel profile.