bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Perioperative Paradigm of Cranioplasty With Polyetheretherketone: Comprehensive Management for Preventing Postoperative Complications
Authors: He Zhenghui , Ma Yuxiao , Yang Chun , Hui Jiyuan , Mao Qing , Gao Guoyi , Jiang Jiyao , Feng Junfeng
Published: March 2022

Introduction

At present, lots of studies have discussed the effects and outcomes of cranioplasty using polyetheretherketone (PEEK). However, interventions or management for PEEK cranioplasty got less attention. This article presented a perioperative paradigm for preventing postoperative complications.

Materials and Methods

Modified PEEK plates with certified safety were implanted in patients who received evolving perioperative paradigm. Serial perioperative managements were developed as a comprehensive paradigm to prevent correlated risk factors of postoperative complications, which mainly included managements of epidural collections and wound healing. The preparation of the surgical area and systemic state were essential before surgery. During the operation, the blood supply of the incision and the handling of dura and temporalis were highlighted in our paradigm. After cranioplasty, management of subcutaneous drainage and wound healing were stressed. Patients received conventional management from February 2017 to August 2018 in our center. After the evolving paradigm developed, patients received comprehensive perioperative management from September 2018 to August 2020.

Results

A total of 104 patients who underwent PEEK cranioplasty were consecutively enrolled; 38 (36.5%) received conventional perioperative management, and 66 (63.5%) received evolving perioperative paradigm. The general information of the two groups was comparable. Notably, patients who received the evolving paradigm presented a significantly decreased incidence of postoperative complications from 47.4 to 18.2% (P < 0.01), among which the incidences of subcutaneous effusion, epidural hematoma, and subcutaneous infection decreased significantly.

Conclusion

The evolving perioperative paradigm could effectively prevent risk factors and reduce related complications. It was valuable to promote these comprehensive managements and inspire more clinical practice on improving patients' outcomes after PEEK cranioplasty.
Donor Autonomy and Self-Sacrifice in Living Organ Donation: An Ethical Legal and Psychological Aspects of Transplantation (ELPAT) View
Authors: Mamode Nizam , Van Assche Kristof , Burnapp Lisa , Courtney Aisling , van Dellen David , Houthoff Mireille , Maple Hannah , Moorlock Greg , Dor Frank J. M. F. , Lennerling Annette
Published: March 2022

Clinical teams understandably wish to minimise risks to living kidney donors undergoing surgery, but are often faced with uncertainty about the extent of risk, or donors who wish to proceed despite those risks. Here we explore how these difficult decisions may be approached and consider the conflicts between autonomy and paternalism, the place of self-sacrifice and consideration of risks and benefits. Donor autonomy should be considered as in the context of the depth and strength of feeling, understanding risk and competing influences. Discussion of risks could be improved by using absolute risk, supra-regional MDMs and including the risks to the clinical team as well as the donor. The psychological effects on the donor of poor outcomes for the untransplanted recipient should also be taken into account. There is a lack of detailed data on the risks to the donor who has significant co-morbidities.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Shockwave Affected STMV Virus to Measure the Frequencies of the Oscillatory Response
Authors: Burkhartsmeyer Jeffrey , Wong Kam Sing
Published: March 2022

Acoustic shockwaves are of interest as a possible means of the selective inactivation of viruses. It has been proposed that such inactivation may be enhanced by driving the virus particles at frequencies matching the characteristic frequency corresponding to acoustic modes of the viral structures, setting up a resonant response. Characteristic frequencies of viruses have been previously studied through opto-mechanical techniques. In contrast to optical excitation, shockwaves may be able to probe acoustic modes without the limitation of optical selection rules. This work explores molecular dynamics simulations of shockwaves interacting with a single STMV virus structure, in full atomistic detail, in order to measure the frequency of the response of the overall structure. Shockwaves of varying energy were set up in a water box containing the STMV structure by assigning water molecules at the edge of the box with an elevated velocity inward—in the direction of the virus. It was found that the structure compressed and stretched in a periodic oscillation of frequency 65 ± 6.5 GHz. This measured frequency did not show strong dependency on the energy of the shockwave perturbing the structure, suggesting the frequency is a characteristic of the structure. The measured frequency is also consistent with values predicted from elastic theory. Additionally, it was found that subjecting the virus to repeated shockwaves led to further deformation of the structure and the magnitude of the overall deformation could be altered by varying the time delay between repeated shockwave pulses.
Insights on Value Co-Creation, Living Labs and Innovation in the Public Sector
Authors: Rubalcaba Luis , Strokosch Kirsty , Hansen Anne Vorre , Røhnebæk Maria , Liefooghe Christine
Published: March 2022

Citizen participation in the planning, design, and delivery of public services has been of central interest for public administration and management scholars since the 1970s at least (Osborne and Strokosch 2021, 2022) [...]
Weight Categories among Male Adolescents Linked to Risky Behaviors: High or Low BMI, Which Is Worse?
Authors: Denoth Francesca , Biagioni Silvia , Baldini Federica , Baroni Marina , Franchini Michela , Molinaro Sabrina
Published: March 2022

The literature about the relationship between extreme BMI and at-risk behaviors is quite inconsistent, and few articles focus on the underweight male population. This study aimed to analyze BMI level and its association with risky behavior, such as psychoactive substances use, gaming, and gambling, in a representative sample of the male adolescent population. Psychosocial variables were considered to better describe the possible at-risk profiles. This study used data from the 2018 ESPAD®Italia cross-sectional study, a survey using a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. For the purpose of the paper, males only were included in the analysis, with a total sample of 6938 students aged 15–19 years. Multinomial logistic regression showed that being overweight is positively associated with the gambler profile, the perception of a low financial family situation, and dissatisfaction with health conditions. Furthermore, being underweight was positively associated with gaming. Both extremes of BMI were associated with a frequent alcohol consumption and a sedentary lifestyle. This study provides important information regarding both extremes of BMI conditions, underling the presence of at-risk behavior and self-related perceptions with shared factors between underweight and overweight.
Numerical Study on the Non-Oscillatory Unstarted Flow in a Scramjet Inlet-Isolator Model
Authors: Lee Jaewon , Lee Sang Gon , Kang Sang Hun , Namkoung Hyuck-Joon
Published: March 2022

For successful scramjet engine operations, it is important to understand the mechanism of the inlet unstart phenomenon. Among various unstarted flow patterns in hypersonic inlets, the mechanism of low-amplitude oscillatory unstarted flow is still unclear. Therefore, in the present study, the flow characteristics of non-oscillatory unstarted flow in a scramjet inlet-isolator model are studied by using numerical analysis with the RANS-based OpenFOAM solver. In the numerical results, the amplitude of pressure oscillation and the average pressure near the model outlet are in good agreement with experimental results. In the detailed analysis of the results, it is found that the incoming flow within the boundary layers repeatedly changes direction due to the flow blockage at the end of the model. In these direction-changing processes, recirculation zones near the walls irregularly influence the choked flow zones at the rear part of the model. These irregular behaviors result in non-oscillatory unstarted flow. Additionally, the main differences between the high-amplitude oscillatory unstarted flow and non-oscillatory unstarted flow are addressed.
A Machine Learning Approach for Global Steering Control Moment Gyroscope Clusters
Authors: Papakonstantinou Charalampos , Daramouskas Ioannis , Lappas Vaios , Moulianitis Vassilis C. , Kostopoulos Vassilis
Published: March 2022

This paper addresses the problem of singularity avoidance for a 4-Control Moment Gyroscope (CMG) pyramid cluster, as used for the attitude control of a satellite using machine learning (ML) techniques. A data-set, generated using a heuristic algorithm, relates the initial gimbal configuration and the desired maneuver—inputs—to a number of null space motions the gimbals have to execute—output. Two ML techniques—Deep Neural Network (DNN) and Random Forest Classifier (RFC)—are utilized to predict the required null motion for trajectories that are not included in the training set. The principal advantage of this approach is the exploitation of global information gathered from the whole maneuver compared to conventional steering laws that consider only some local information, near the current gimbal configuration for optimization and are prone to local extrema. The data-set generation and the predictions of the ML systems can be made offline, so no further calculations are needed on board, providing the possibility to inspect the way the system responds to any commanded maneuver before its execution. The RFC technique demonstrates enhanced accuracy for the test data compared to the DNN, validating that it is possible to correctly predict the null motion even for maneuvers that are not included in the training data.
Modular Clustering of UAV Launch System Architecture Based on HDDSM
Authors: Gan Lu , Fang Xingbo , Zhang Zhao , Chen Hu , Wei Xiaohui
Published: March 2022

Rapid launch is one of the key indicators of UAV swarm operations, and one of the key decisions that determines the ultimate success of launch system development is the choice of its product architecture. The high-definition design structure matrix (HDDSM) method is introduced to model the product architecture of a UAV launch system, which reduces the workload of creating binary DSMs and improves the repeatability of product architecture design matrix (PADSM) creation. On this basis, this paper presents the classification of row (column) elements based on PADSM to correct the clustering objective function, and introduces the network structure clustering algorithm (SCAN). Combined with matrix block processing, a better UAV launch system architecture modular configuration scheme is obtained.
The Impact of Sensor Errors on Flight Stability
Authors: Welcer Michal , Szczepański Cezary , Krawczyk Mariusz
Published: March 2022

Sensors play a significant role in flight control systems. The accuracy of the measurements of state variables affects the quality and effectiveness of flight stabilization. When designing closed-loop systems, it is desirable to use sensors of the highest class and reliability, the signals of which will be as error-free as possible. False indications lead to malfunctioning of the stabilization system, and its operation does not meet the requirements set for it. There are many types of errors—bias, white noise, hysteresis, or bias drift—which affect the measurement signals from the sensors. One of the significant problems is assessing what maximum level of sensor errors stabilization system will still operate as required. In this paper, the impact of different sensor errors on flight stabilization was presented. The research was carried out using the example of an automatic flight stabilization system using aircraft trimming surfaces in a longitudinal control channel in Hardware-in-the-Loop simulations. The model simulates various types of sensor errors during flight, while the stabilization system is implemented in hardware interfaced with a real-time computer. The results of the simulations are presented and analyzed. Their comparison indicated which sensor errors affects the flight stability the most and how the effectiveness of the stabilization system changes as error increases. The presented results show changes in flight parameters due to added sensor errors. Depending on the accuracy class of the IMU, the errors more or less disrupt the operation of the system.
Effects of Freezing Temperature and Salinity on the Adhesion Shear Strength of Amphibious Aircraft Tires under Static Icing
Authors: Zhang Yongjie , Zhang Yunhui , Luo Guisen , Cui Bo
Published: March 2022

This research investigates the effects of freezing temperature and salinity on the adhesion shear strength of amphibious aircraft tires under static icing. It found that the lower the freezing temperature, the greater the ice adhesion shear strength, and the higher the salinity of the water sample, the lower the ice adhesion shear strength. This is related to the thickness of the brine layer at the ice-tire substrate interface; the temperature decreased, the brine layer became thinner, and, accordingly, the adhesion shear strength increased. This paper analyzes the problem of brine precipitation during seawater freezing and its influencing mechanism on the ice adhesion shear strength. In addition, it also found that the lower the temperature, the greater the growth rate of the ice adhesion shear strength. When the salinity in different ranges changed, its influence on the adhesion shear strength was different. When the salinity of the water sample is close to 0%, a small change in the salinity will cause a large change in the ice adhesion shear strength. When the salinity is large, the change of salinity has a weaker influence on the ice adhesion shear strength. This research provides a strong reference for the design and study of amphibious aircraft tires.
Modeling of Border Irrigation in Soils with the Presence of a Shallow Water Table. I: The Advance Phase
Authors: Fuentes Sebastián , Chávez Carlos
Published: March 2022

The overelevation of the water table in surface irrigation plots is one of the main factors affecting salinization in agricultural soils. Therefore, it is necessary to develop simulation models that consider the effect of a shallow water table in the process of advance-infiltration of the water in an irrigation event. This paper, the first in a series of three, develops a simple mathematical model for the advance phase of border irrigation in soils with the presence of a shallow water table. In this study, the hydrodynamic model of the Barré de Saint-Venant equations is used for the water surface flow, and the equations are solved using a Lagrangian finite-differences scheme, while in the subsurface flow, an analytical solution for infiltration in soils with a shallow water table is found using the bisection method to search for roots. In addition, a hydraulic resistance law is used that eliminates the numerical instabilities presented by the Manning–Strickler law. The model results for difference irrigation tests show adjustments with an R2 > 0.98 for the cases presented. It is also revealed that, when increasing the time step, the precision is maintained, and it is possible to reduce the computation time by up to 99.45%. Finally, the model proposed here is recommended for studying the advance process during surface irrigation in soils with shallow water tables.
Immunological Response during Pregnancy in Humans and Mares
Authors: Figarska Aleksandra , Witkowska-Piłaszewicz Olga
Published: March 2022

The immunology of pregnancy deals with the immune responses of a mother and her fetus to each other. More knowledge has been acquired over the last decade to give insight into the complicated immunological processes that help the developing fetus to survive in most circumstances. During this unusual state, the mother’s immune system must remain tolerant to paternal major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens while retaining normal immunological competence for pathogen defense, which is a difficult act. In the last decade, numerous processes have been revealed that may explain why the mother does not reject the foreign fetus. To understand how these processes work, the need to look at both fetal and maternal aspects, including trophoblast cell characteristics, local maternal factors, and changed MHC class I expression, is required. Horses, because of their unique anatomy and physiology, are a very useful animal model in pregnancy immunology research. In pregnant mares, chorionic girdle cells generate cytotoxic antibodies to paternal MHC class I antigens, enabling a more in-depth study of these invasive trophoblasts and their effect on the mother’s immune system. Therefore, this review will concentrate on the immune response during pregnancy in both humans and horses.
Comparison of Soil Organic Carbon Stocks Evolution in Two Olive Orchards with Different Planting Systems in Southern Spain
Authors: Gómez José A. , Reyna-Bowen Lizardo , Rebollo Pilar Fernández , Soriano María-Auxiliadora
Published: March 2022

This study presents an evaluation of soil organic carbon (SOC) and stock (SOCstock) for the whole rooting depth (60 cm), spaced 55 months in two adjacent olive orchards with similar conditions but different tree densities: (i) intensive, planted in 1996 at 310 tree ha−1; (ii) superintensive, planted in 2000 at 1850 tree ha−1. This was carried out to test the hypothesis that olive orchards at different plant densities will have different rates of accumulation of SOC in the whole soil rooting depth. SOC increased significantly in the superintensive orchard during the 55-month period, from 1.1 to 1.6% in the lane area, and from 1.2 to 1.7% in the tree area (average 0–60 cm), with a significant increase in SOCstock from 4.7 to 6.1 kg m−2. In the intensive orchard, there was not a significant increase in SOCstock in 0–60 cm, average of 4.06 and 4.16 kg m−2 in 2013 and 2018, respectively. Results indicate a potential for a significant increase in SOC and SOCstock in olive orchards at higher tree densities when combined with temporary cover crops and mulch of chopped pruning residues. The increase is associated with an increase in SOC, mainly at a 0–15 cm depth. Results also point to the need for improve our monitoring capabilities to detect moderate increases in SOC.
Single- and Multiple-Adulterants Determinations of Goat Milk Powder by NIR Spectroscopy Combined with Chemometric Algorithms
Authors: Zhao Xin , Wang Yunpeng , Liu Xin , Jiang Hongzhe , Zhao Zhilei , Niu Xiaoying , Li Chunhua , Pang Bin , Li Yanlei
Published: March 2022

In this work, we quantified goat milk powder adulteration by adding urea, melamine, and starch individually and simultaneously, with the utilization of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics. For single-adulterant samples, the successive projections algorithm (SPA) selected three, three, and four optimal wavelengths for urea, melamine, and starch, respectively. Models were built based on partial least squares regression (PLS) and the selected wavelengths, exhibiting good predictive ability with an Rp2 above 0.987 and an RMSEP below 0.403%. For multiple-adulterants samples, PLS2 and multivariate curve resolution alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) were adopted to build the models to quantify the three adulterants simultaneously. The PLS2 results showed adequate precision and results better than those of MCR-ALS. Except for urea, MCR-ALS models presented good predictive results for milk, melamine, and starch concentrations. MCR-ALS allowed detection of adulteration with new and unknown substitutes as well as the development of models without the need for the usage of a large data set.
Rhizobium Symbiosis Leads to Increased Drought Tolerance in Chinese Milk Vetch (Astragalus sinicus L.)
Authors: Liu Yajie , Guo Zhenfei , Shi Haifan
Published: March 2022

Chinese milk vetch (Astragalus sinicus L.) is an important leguminous green manure that frequently suffers from seasonal drought. To improve its drought tolerance, the effects of rhizobia inoculation on drought tolerance and the underlying physiological mechanism were investigated. Drought tolerance in combination with nitrogen assimilation, free amino acids, and polyamines was investigated in milk vetch with active nodules (AN), with inactive nodules (LN), or without nodules (NN). AN plants had increased drought tolerance compared to LN and NN plants. Glutamine synthetase (GS), glutamine 2-oxoglutarate amino transferase (GOGAT), and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activities were decreased after drought, with higher levels in AN plants than in LN and NN plants under both control and drought stress conditions. Higher levels of proline (Pro), arginine (Ala), alanine (Ala), and glutamate (Glu) were observed in AN plants compared with LN and NN plants. Putrescine (Put), spermidine (Spd), and spermine (Spm) levels were increased in response to drought, and higher levels of Put and Spd were maintained in AN plants. It is suggested that active nodulation leads to increased drought tolerance in milk vetch, which is associated with improved nitrogen fixation and ammonium assimilation, which in turn lead to the promotion of free amino-acid and polyamine synthesis.
Effect of Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria Azospirillum brasilense on the Physiology of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) under Waterlogging Stress
Authors: Salazar-Garcia Gisselle , Balaguera-Lopez Helber Enrique , Hernandez Juan Pablo
Published: March 2022

Stress due to waterlogging is considered an abiotic factor that negatively affects crop production, which, together with the excessive fertilization of crops, reduces cost-effectiveness and generates the need to create sustainable alternatives economically and environmentally. The effect of inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense on the physiology of the Raphanus sativus var. Crimson Giant subjected to waterlogging, was evaluated. Stomatal conductance, chlorophyll concentration and chlorophyll a fluorescence were analyzed to establish this effect, corroborating the beneficial effect of inoculation with A. brasilense in radish under waterlogging stress. The stomatal conductance of inoculated and waterlogged treatments presented the same values as the control plants, and photosystem II efficiency was favored in inoculated and waterlogged treatments (0.6 Fv/Fm) compared to non-inoculated and waterlogged treatments (0.3 Fv/Fm). The results suggested that this increased efficiency was due to the preservation of photosynthetic pigments in the tissues, allowing the preservation of stomatal conductance and a reduction in the amount of energy dissipated in the form of heat (fluorescence) due to inoculation with A. brasilense. Therefore, plant growth-promoting bacteria are responsible for activating and improving some physiological mechanisms of the plant.
Host and Tissue Affiliations of Culturable Endophytic Fungi Associated with Xerophytic Plants in the Desert Region of Northwest China
Authors: Zuo Yiling , Hu Qiannan , Zhang Kaixun , He Xueli
Published: March 2022

Endophytic fungi isolated from plants under drought stress have been evidenced to confer hosts adaptive benefits to withstand drought. In this study, endophytic fungi associated with five typical desert shrubs in different tissue from extremely arid desert in Northwest China were investigated based on ITS sequence analysis. A total of 158 endophytic fungal stains were isolated from 1088 tissue segments of 12 samples, and 28 taxa represented by 25 species and 15 genera were identified as Ascomycetes. Alternaria sp. was the dominant genus with generic abundance ranging from 20% to 65%. The colonization rate of root was significantly lower, but the root-endophytic fungi (19 species) conversely presented a higher diversity than stem and leaf (11 and 7 species, respectively). Endophytic fungi had pronounced relative host and tissue preferences, while tissue explained more endophytic fungal variation than plant species. Additionally, soil pH, organic carbon, and phosphatase elicited significant responses from fungal species, which significantly affected the species richness of Fusarium redolens, Alternaria chlamydospore, Didymella glomerata, and Xylariales sp. This research provides a basis for the further understanding of the ecological distribution of endophytic fungi associated with xerophytic plants and their potential application for vegetative restoration and agricultural cultivation in drylands.
Phenology and Population Differentiation in Reproductive Plasticity in Feathertop Rhodes Grass (Chloris virgata Sw.)
Authors: Asaduzzaman Md , Wu Hanwen , Koetz Eric , Hopwood Michael , Shepherd Adam
Published: March 2022

An understanding of phenology and reproductive plasticity of a weed species can provide valuable information to manage it precisely. This study evaluated the phenotypic plasticity of feathertop Rhodes grass (Chloris virgata Sw.) where cohorts of four different populations (two from cropping and two from roadside situations) were initiated in early spring (4 September), late spring (4 November), mid-summer (4 January), and early autumn (4 March) in southern New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The team grew individual plants in the absence of competition under natural conditions. Life-history and fitness-related traits of both phenology and morphology were measured, and dry biomass of vegetative and reproductive parts were determined at physiological maturity. Among the four sowing times, the late-spring sowing treatment took the longest time from emergence to the first seed head emergence (70–110 days), while it had the shortest seed maturity period (8–16 days). Length of reproductive and total life period of the four populations differed across the four sowing-time treatments. The plants that emerged in mid-summer had the longest reproductive period (30 days) whereas the early-autumn emerging plants died before the reproductive stage because of the cold temperatures during winter. The mid-summer cohort required slightly longer time (63–85 days) to achieve seed head formation and less time (19–24 days) for seed maturity than those plants that emerged in early or late spring. All the reproductive features were varied by sowing times and population. The number of seed heads (12–15 per plant) and spikelets (12–13 per seed head), as well as the seed head biomass, re-productive biomass allocation pattern, and seed production, generally increased in the mid-summer-emerged cohort. Seed production in the mid-summer (9942 seeds/plant) cohort was 10% and 70% higher than the late spring (8000 seeds/plant) and early spring (3240 seeds/plant) cohorts, respectively. The ratio of reproductive biomass to vegetative biomass increased in the mid-summer sowing times in all populations, and this species displayed true plasticity in reproductive allocation. Additionally, the four populations of feathertop Rhodes grass differed significantly in phenological, vegetative, and reproductive traits, depending on the sowing time. The reproductive fitness of the four populations varied, with the two roadside populations (FELT 04/20 and STURT/16–17) appearing to be better adapted than the two cropping populations (PARK 01/20 and GLEN 03/18). The results from our study could help construct a basic framework for a variety of weed-management tactics to achieve successful control.
The Effect of Various Foliar Treatments and Nitrogen Nutrition Levels on the Yield and Physicochemical Parameters of Flowering Chinese Cabbage
Authors: Liu Wenping , Muzolf-Panek Małgorzata , Kleiber Tomasz
Published: March 2022

Flowering Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis var. utilis Tsen et Lee) is an original leafy vegetable from China, and it is a valuable source of bioactive compounds. In the literature, there are no practical recommendations for the cultivation and fertilization of this species. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of nitrogen nutrition levels (70 and 90 mg N per dm3) and various foliar treatments (Se, Si, Li, V, and SA—salicylic acid) on the quantity of the yield and the quality of flowering Chinese cabbage grown in two varied soilless cultivation systems: under pot cultivation (mixture of peat and sand) and hydroponic culture. In conducted studies, we have confirmed the hypothesis that the intensity of nitrogen nutrition and the application of foliar spraying modify the yield of plants, both the quantity and the quality aspects. The factors under analysis had a diversified and multidirectional influence on the yield, growth, and quality of the plants. The results varied between the two cultivation systems. This was proved by the PCA (principal component analysis). Generally, the plants grown in the hydroponic system were characterized by higher yields than those grown in pot cultivation. This was found to be a stimulating effect of N nutrition on the content of that nutrient in the aerial parts of the plants. Plants sprayed with Si and Se were characterized by a high content of Chl a, Chl b, carotenoids, and relatively high antioxidant activity. Finally, the samples subjected to different foliar spray treatments could be classified into appropriate groups based on the quality parameters.
Yields and Nitrogen Dynamics in Ley-Arable Systems—Comparing Different Approaches in the APSIM Model
Authors: Alderkamp Lianne M. , Vogeler Iris , Poyda Arne , Manevski Kiril , van Middelaar Corina E. , Taube Friedhelm
Published: March 2022

Nitrogen (N) dynamics in ley-arable cropping systems require better understanding in order to assess the potential of such systems to contribute to improved productivity and reduced nutrient losses in crop production. Large inputs of organic matter after termination of the ley phase result in increased mineralization and N availability to subsequent crops. The description and quantification of this residual N effect in ley-arable systems remains a major scientific challenge due to its variability and many influencing factors. Simulation modeling could contribute to improved understanding of N dynamics in ley-arable systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the robustness of the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) to predict biomass yield, N yield, and N leaching of different forage maize systems in northwest Europe, while using two different approaches to predict the residual N effect. The evaluation was based on three field experiments covering plant phenology, biomass, N yield, and N leaching over several years. Model adjustments were necessary to describe mineralization of organic matter and release of N after ploughing of the grass leys. For this purpose, three scenarios were investigated by accounting for either (1) aboveground grass residues; (2) above- and belowground grass residues, both with the generic turnover approach in the model; or (3) N release depending on the carbon-to-N ratio of the residue compiled in a simple mineralization model (SMM). The results showed that APSIM-simulated biomass and N yield of maize were reasonable to poor across the different systems and sites, regardless of using the residue-related approach. The SMM performed more accurately compared to the generic turnover approach in predicting N leaching in a maize following a grass-clover ley. However, for all scenarios, APSIM had difficulties to predict a delay of N leaching observed in the experimental data after a pure ryegrass ley. In conclusion, the process description in APSIM related to organic matter mineralization in ley-arable systems under northwest European pedo-climatic conditions needs improved accounting of belowground grass residues, while the SMM is of added value to improve N mineralization patterns and leaching after a ley phase.
Responses of N2O Production and Abundances of Associated Microorganisms to Soil Profiles and Water Regime in Two Paddy Soils
Authors: Zuo Jichao , Hu Hongqing , Fu Qingling , Zhu Jun , Zheng Heng , Mo Minghao , Tu Anguo
Published: March 2022

Soil moisture is one of the critical factors affecting N2O emissions. The water regime affects the physical and chemical properties of paddy soil in different soil layers, which, in turn, affects N2O emissions and microbial growth. However, there are few reports on the effects of different soil layers and soil moisture conditions on N2O emission characteristics and microbial mechanisms. A 21-day microcosm experiment was performed to research the effects of soil moisture levels (60%, 100%, and 200% water holding capacity, WHC) and different soil layers (0–10, 10–20, and 20–40 cm) on N2O emissions in hydromorphic and gleyed paddy soils. Function microbes involved in nitrification and denitrification were determined by quantitative PCR. Moreover, the abiotic variables pH, Eh, and exchangeable Fe2+, Fe3+, NH4+-N, and NO3−-N were also analyzed. Results showed that N2O emissions of gleyed paddy soil were significantly higher than that of hydromorphic paddy soil, which was consistent with the result of the abundance of nitrifier and denitrifier in the two paddy soils. Soil depth, water content, and their interaction significantly affected N2O emission (p < 0.05). Cumulative emissions of N2O from each layer of the two paddy soils at 100% and 200% WHC were significantly higher than that under 60% WHC (p < 0.05). N2O emissions decreased significantly with the increase of soil depth (p < 0.05), which was consistent with the change in the abundance of soil nitrifier (AOB and AOA) and denitrifier (nirK and nosZ) function genes with soil depth. The abundance of AOB, AOA, and nirK and nosZ genes decreased significantly with soil depth (p < 0.05), but did not respond significantly to the water regime. Based on the results of redundancy analysis, the contents of Fe2+ and Fe3+ were positively correlated with N2O emissions and the abundance of AOB, AOA, and nirK and nosZ genes. These results indicate that N2O emissions and the abundance of associated microbes are selectively affected by soil moisture and soil layers in the two paddy soils.
Subsurface Drip Irrigation with Emitters Placed at Suitable Depth Can Mitigate N2O Emissions and Enhance Chinese Cabbage Yield under Greenhouse Cultivation
Authors: Hamad Amar Ali Adam , Wei Qi , Wan Lijun , Xu Junzeng , Hamoud Yousef Alhaj , Li Yawei , Shaghaleh Hiba
Published: March 2022

Agricultural practices, such as applying excessive water and nitrogen fertilizer to increase the crop yield, can be a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). Therefore, techniques and proper management are needed to mitigate these emissions without yield reduction. The experiment used three subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) depths with emitters buried at 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 m below the soil surface, along with two nitrogen fertilizer (Urea, N > 46.2%) application levels of 300 kg N ha−1 (N300) and 240 kg N ha−1 (N240) to investigate the effect of vertical and horizontal water and fertilizer distribution on N2O emissions under different SDI techniques in greenhouse conditions. The results indicated that soil N2O emissions from SDI10 and SDI15 decreased by 7.06% and 10.69%, respectively, compared to SDI5. N2O, WFPS, NH4+-N, and NO3−-N were significantly reduced with the increased radial distance from the emitter. N2O was positively correlated to WFPS and NH4+-N while negatively correlated to NO3−-N. The NH4+-N and NO3−-N concentrations decreased with depth and increased with fertilization events. Furthermore, N2O, WFPS, NH4+-N, and NO3−-N were increased under N300 compared to N240 (p > 0.05). The findings demonstrated that the Chinese cabbage yield was significantly enhanced under SDI15 compared to SDI5 and SDI10. Furthermore, N300 can increase the cabbage yield more than N240 among all treatments.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Genetic Factors Related to Callus Induction in Barley
Authors: Xu Zhengyuan , Wang Fengyue , Tu Yishan , Xu Yunfeng , Shen Qiufang , Zhang Guoping
Published: March 2022

Barley is an important cereal crop worldwide. Its genetic transformation is now limited to very few cultivars because of the high genotype dependence of embryogenic callus. To reveal the key genes or factors controlling the callus induction and plantlet regeneration in barley, we compared the transcriptomic profiles of immature embryos of Golden Promise and ZU9, which differed dramatically in the efficiency of the genetic transformation. The samples were taken at 0, 5, 10 and 20 days of the culture, respectively. In total, 5386 up-regulated and 6257 down-regulated genes were identified in Golden Promise. Several genes, identified exclusively in GP callus, were selected for further investigation. These genes were mainly involved in protein metabolism, energy metabolism, stress response, detoxification and ubiquitin–proteasome. Four YUCCA flavin monooxygenases, one PIN-FORMED, one tryptophan aminotransferase related, three small auxin up RNA, three indole-3-acetic acid and one adenylate isopentenyl transferase, seven cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase, three Arabidopsis histidine kinase, three Arabidopsis histidine phosphotransfer protein, and one Arabidopsis response regulator were differentially expressed in the calli of the two barley genotypes, suggesting that biosynthesis, response and transport of auxin and cytokinin might be associated with cell reprogramming during callus induction. The current results provide insights into molecular mechanisms of callus induction at an early developmental stage and are helpful for optimizing the tissue culture system in barley.
The ‘Pick-Your-Own’ Model of Production and Marketing of Ethnic Crops in Central New Jersey, USA
Authors: Specca David , Specca Stephen , Ayeni Albert O.
Published: March 2022

Specca Farms Pick Your Own (SFPYO) operates a 125-acre (50 ha) farm in Bordentown, Central New Jersey, USA, which attends to customers from many different ethnic regions such as Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Mediterranean region, Eastern Europe, and the Caribbean. The company produces more than 100 ethnic crops that require unique agronomic and management practices tailored to central New Jersey’s ecosystem and the unique quality of produce demanded by various ethnic nationalities. This paper reviews the ethnic crop classifications at the farm, the agronomic and crop protection practices applied to different crop groups, and the factors that guide produce marketing to meet the unique quality demanded by different ethnic nationalities.
Rare Earth Elements Determination by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry after Alkaline Fusion Preparation
Authors: Mnculwane Hlengiwe Thandekile
Published: March 2022

There is an increasing worldwide demand for rare earth elements (REEs) in new technological applications—such as electronics, superconductors, space applications, etc. The determination of low concentration REEs in geological samples is extremely important since they are the source materials for all REE products. In order to improve the accuracy and precision of REE measurements by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS); complete digestion of refractory phases and minerals in the samples, low procedural blanks, separation of interfering matrix, and elimination of interference on the mass of the analytes of interest must be fulfilled. Conventional methods that use a hotplate and a mixture of four acids are effective but can take time to achieve complete dissolution of samples that contain highly refractory phases, which is unacceptable in the mining and metallurgical industry. Such difficult samples necessitate high-temperature alkaline flux fusion as it offers a faster and more efficient alternative to acid digestion. This paper presents an accurate, precise, rapid, and reliable method for rare earth element analysis by ICP-MS with low detection limits, which involves no sample pre-concentration, and is therefore able to deliver data rapidly. The analytical performance of the developed method was tested successfully on various REE rock-type certified reference materials and evaluated statistically. The results obtained were in reasonable agreement with published certificate values.
Relationship of mRNA Expression of Selected Genes in Peripheral Blood and Synovial Fluid in Cranial Cruciate Ligament Deficient Stifles of Dogs
Authors: Ševčík Karol , Karaffová Viera , Hluchý Marián , Ševčíková Marieta , Ševčíková Zuzana , Ledecký Valent
Published: March 2022

The cranial cruciate ligament rupture (CrCLR) is characterized by chronic inflammation and osteoarthritis (OA) of the stifle joint and extracellular matrix (ECM) degeneration of the ligament itself in dogs. Generally, OA may arise from chronic low-grade systemic inflammation. We assessed the possible relationship of inflammatory markers in the peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) of affected stifle joints in comparison to a control. Moreover, no study has shown the possible association between PB and SF levels of inflammatory markers in CrCLR stifles of dogs in veterinary medicine yet. We also evaluated components of ECM of CrCLR and finally compared the tibial plateau angle (TPA) and the anatomical-mechanical angle (AMA) between groups. Samples from PB and SF were examined for mRNA expression of interleukins, TNF-α and INF-γ. ECM components—collagen 1A1 and 3A1 and elastin—were examined for mRNA expression from SF. The level of relative expression for IL-1β, IL-8 and IFN-γ was significantly increased in both PB and SF in CrCLR stifles as compared with the control. Collagens were also significantly increased in CrCLR stifles. TPA was not significantly different; however, the AMA angle significantly increased in the CrCLR group. Our results suggest a possible relationship between PB and SF levels of inflammatory markers in CrCLR stifles of dogs.
eDNA Metabarcoding Benchmarked towards Conventional Survey Methods in Amphibian Monitoring
Authors: Svenningsen Anne Katrine Nørgaard , Pertoldi Cino , Bruhn Dan
Published: March 2022

A keystone in protection work is accurate and thorough the monitoring of amphibian species, and the currently applied conventional survey methods are invasive, time-consuming, and dependent on expert knowledge. Research suggests that eDNA metabarcoding is a precise and cost-efficient method that could supplement the currently applied methods. The present study assessed the efficiency of conventional survey methods and eDNA metabarcoding in terms of species richness, the average number of detected species per site, the relative frequency of species occurrence, and the similarity of applied methods. The study found eDNA metabarcoding surveys to detect Lissotriton vulgaris (smooth newt), Triturus cristatus (great crested newt), Rana arvalis (moor frog), Rana temporaria (common frog), and Bufo bufo (common toad), as well as an average of 0.9 species per site, reflecting the species composition at the time of sampling in mid-July 2020. In addition to the species mentioned above, the conventional survey detected Epidalea calamita (natterjack toad) and an average of 1.7 species per site, reflecting the species composition at the time of sampling in early June 2020. The similarity between the methods applied in the present study was 27%, thus indicating a large number of unique observations of both eDNA metabarcoding and conventional surveys. The differences in detection can most likely be explained by the time of sampling, which was conducted a month apart. eDNA metabarcoding was efficient in detecting multiple amphibian species and produced unique observations that were not detected using conventional survey methods. Applying eDNA techniques as a supplement will most likely produce important knowledge on species distribution and presence, as well as enable more frequent monitoring due to cost efficiency and disturbance.
Growth Performance and Hematological Changes in Growing Sika Deers Fed with Spent Mushroom Substrate of Pleurotus ostreatus
Authors: Yuan Chongshan , Wu Min , Chen Xinyuan , Li Changze , Zhang Aiwu , Lu Wenfa
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this experiment is to expand the feed of growing sika deer and to explore the effects on growing sika deer of the spent mushroom substrate of Pleurotus ostreatus (SMS-MP). Twelve immature female growing sika deer were randomly assigned to four groups. The ratios of SMS-MP to replace concentration supplements were 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%, respectively, and the growth performance, feed intake and apparent digestibility, serum biochemical indexes, blood physiological indexes, serum immune globulin and plasma amino acid of growing sika deer were measured. The results of the current study confirmed the applicability of SMS-MP as a feed ingredient in growing sika deer diets. There was no significant change in growth performance and hematology of growing sika deer when the concentrate supplement was replaced with 10–20% SMS-MP. However, replacing 30% of concentrate supplements with SMS-MP in the growing sika deer diet resulted in significantly decreased Hb and HCT levels. It can be concluded that, as a waste resource, adding a small amount of SMS-MP has no significant effect on the growth of sika deer, and at the same time can reduce the consumption of concentrate supplements, thereby improving the economic benefits of sika deer breeding.
Hepatic Lipid Accumulation and Dysregulation Associate with Enhanced Reactive Oxygen Species and Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine in Low-Birth-Weight Goats
Authors: Liu Tingting , Li Rui , Luo Nanjian , Lou Peng , Limesand Sean W. , Yang You , Zhao Yongju , Chen Xiaochuan
Published: March 2022

Occurrence of low birth weight (LBW) is a major concern in livestock production, resulting in poor postnatal growth, lowered efficiency of feed utilization, and impaired metabolic health in adult life. In the southwest region of China, birth weight of indigenous strains of goats varies seasonally with lower weights in summer and winter, but the metabolic regulation of the LBW offspring is still unknown. In this study, by comparing LBW goats to normal birth weight group, we examined hepatic lipid content in association with regulatory mechanisms. Histological studies showed higher microvesicular morphology in the liver of LBW goats in accompany with a significantly higher level of hepatic free fatty acids, total triglycerides, and cholesterols. Lipid metabolism impairment, increased oxidative stress, and inflammation were observed by transcriptome analysis. Meanwhile, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotation further demonstrated lipid peroxidation, antioxidant pathway, and pro-inflammatory response involved in the hepatic lipid dysregulation from LBW group. Therefore, dysregulations of hepatic lipid metabolism, including fatty acid biosynthesis and degradation, lipid transportation, and oxidative stress, played important roles to contribute the lipid accumulation in LBW goats. Moreover, due to impaired antioxidant capacity, the oxidative damage could interact with persisting pro-inflammatory responses, leading to a higher risk of liver injury and metabolic syndromes in their adult life.