bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic and enzymatic elucidation of cooperative degradation of red seaweed agarose by two human gut bacteria
Authors: Yun Eun Ju , Yu Sora , Park Na Jung , Cho Yoonho , Han Na Ree , Jin Yong-Su , Kim Kyoung Heon
Published: July 2021

Various health beneficial outcomes associated with red seaweeds, especially their polysaccharides, have been claimed, but the molecular pathway of how red seaweed polysaccharides are degraded and utilized by cooperative actions of human gut bacteria has not been elucidated. Here, we investigated the enzymatic and metabolic cooperation between two human gut symbionts, Bacteroides plebeius and Bifidobacterium longum ssp. infantis, with regard to the degradation of agarose, the main carbohydrate of red seaweed. More specifically, B. plebeius initially decomposed agarose into agarotriose by the actions of the enzymes belonging to glycoside hydrolase (GH) families 16 and 117 (i.e., BpGH16A and BpGH117) located in the polysaccharide utilization locus, a specific gene cluster for red seaweed carbohydrates. Then, B. infantis extracted energy from agarotriose by the actions of two agarolytic β-galactosidases (i.e., Bga42A and Bga2A) and produced neoagarobiose. B. plebeius ultimately acted on neoagarobiose by BpGH117, resulting in the production of 3,6-anhydro-l-galactose, a monomeric sugar possessing anti-inflammatory activity. Our discovery of the cooperative actions of the two human gut symbionts on agarose degradation and the identification of the related enzyme genes and metabolic intermediates generated during the metabolic processes provide a molecular basis for agarose degradation by gut bacteria.
Feature-based attention enables robust, long-lasting location transfer in human perceptual learning
Authors: Hung Shao-Chin , Carrasco Marisa
Published: July 2021

Visual perceptual learning (VPL) is typically specific to the trained location and feature. However, the degree of specificity depends upon particular training protocols. Manipulating covert spatial attention during training facilitates learning transfer to other locations. Here we investigated whether feature-based attention (FBA), which enhances the representation of particular features throughout the visual field, facilitates VPL transfer, and how long such an effect would last. To do so, we implemented a novel task in which observers discriminated a stimulus orientation relative to two reference angles presented simultaneously before each block. We found that training with FBA enabled remarkable location transfer, reminiscent of its global effect across the visual field, but preserved orientation specificity in VPL. Critically, both the perceptual improvement and location transfer persisted after 1 year. Our results reveal robust, long-lasting benefits induced by FBA in VPL, and have translational implications for improving generalization of training protocols in visual rehabilitation.
Leaf scale quantification of the effect of photosynthetic gas exchange on Δ47 of CO2
Authors: Adnew Getachew Agmuas , Hofmann Magdalena E. G. , Pons Thijs L. , Koren Gerbrand , Ziegler Martin , Lourens Lucas J. , Röckmann Thomas
Published: July 2021

The clumped isotope composition (Δ47, the anomaly of the mass 47 isotopologue relative to the abundance expected from a random isotope distribution) of CO2has been suggested as an additional tracer for gross CO2fluxes. However, the effect of photosynthetic gas exchange on Δ47has not been directly determined and two indirect/conceptual studies reported contradicting results. In this study, we quantify the effect of photosynthetic gas exchange on Δ47of CO2using leaf cuvette experiments with one C4and two C3plants. The experimental results are supported by calculations with a leaf cuvette model. Our results demonstrate the important roles of the Δ47value of CO2entering the leaf, kinetic fractionation as CO2diffuses into, and out of the leaf and CO2–H2O isotope exchange with leaf water. We experimentally confirm the previously suggested dependence of Δ47of CO2in the air surrounding a leaf on the stomatal conductance and back-diffusion flux. Gas exchange can enrich or deplete the Δ47of CO2depending on the Δ47of CO2entering the leaf and the fraction of CO2exchanged with leaf water and diffused back to the atmosphere, but under typical ambient conditions, it will lead to a decrease in Δ47.
Multi-frequency passive and active microrheology with optical tweezers
Authors: Kumar Randhir , Vitali Valerio , Wiedemann Timo , Meissner Robert , Minzioni Paolo , Denz Cornelia
Published: July 2021

Optical tweezers have attracted significant attention for microrheological applications, due to the possibility of investigating viscoelastic properties in vivo which are strongly related to the health status and development of biological specimens. In order to use optical tweezers as a microrheological tool, an exact force calibration in the complex system under investigation is required. One of the most promising techniques for optical tweezers calibration in a viscoelastic medium is the so-called active–passive calibration, which allows determining both the trap stiffness and microrheological properties of the medium with the least a-priori knowledge in comparison to the other methods. In this manuscript, we develop an optimization of the active–passive calibration technique performed with a sample stage driving, whose implementation is more straightforward with respect to standard laser driving where two different laser beams are required. We performed microrheological measurements over a broad frequency range in a few seconds implementing an accurate multi-frequency driving of the sample stage. The optical tweezers-based microrheometer was first validated by measuring water, and then exemplarily applied to more viscous medium and subsequently to a viscoelastic solution of methylcellulose in water. The described method paves the way to microrheological precision metrology in biological samples with high temporal- and spatial-resolution allowing for investigation of even short time-scale phenomena.
Enhancement of the thermoelectric properties in bilayer graphene structures induced by Fano resonances
Authors: Briones-Torres J. A. , Pérez-Álvarez R. , Molina-Valdovinos S. , Rodríguez-Vargas I.
Published: July 2021

Fano resonances of bilayer graphene could be attractive for thermoelectric devices. The special profile presented by such resonances could significantly enhance the thermoelectric properties. In this work, we study the thermoelectric properties of bilayer graphene single and double barrier structures. The barrier structures are typically supported by a substrate and encapsulated by protecting layers, reducing considerably the phonon thermal transport. So, we will focus on the electronic contribution to the thermal transport. The charge carriers are described as massive chiral particles through an effective Dirac-like Hamiltonian. The Hybrid matrix method and the Landauer–Büttiker formalism are implemented to obtain the transmission, transport and thermoelectric properties. The temperature dependence of the Seebeck coefficient, the power factor, the figure of merit and the efficiency is analyzed for gapless single and double barriers. We find that the charge neutrality point and the system resonances shape the thermoelectric response. In the case of single barriers, the low-temperature thermoelectric response is dominated by the charge neutrality point, while the high-temperature response is determined by the Fano resonances. In the case of double barriers, Breit–Wigner resonances dominate the thermoelectric properties at low temperatures, while Fano and hybrid resonances become preponderant as the temperature rises. The values for the figure of merit are close to two for single barriers and above three for double barriers. The system resonances also allows us to optimize the output power and the efficiency at low and high temperatures. By computing the density of states, we also corroborate that the improvement of the thermoelectric properties is related to the accumulation of electron states. Our findings indicate that bilayer graphene barrier structures can be used to improve the response of thermoelectric devices.
Prediction of non-responsiveness to pre-dialysis care program in patients with chronic kidney disease: a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: King Emily K. , Hsieh Ming-Han , Chang David R. , Lu Cheng-Ting , Ting I-Wen , Wang Charles C. N. , Chen Pei-Shan , Yeh Hung-Chieh , Chiang Hsiu-Yin , Kuo Chin-Chi
Published: July 2021

The responsiveness of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to nephrologists’ care is unpredictable. We defined the longitudinal stages (LSs) 1–5 of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by group-based trajectory modeling for repeated eGFR measurements of 7135 patients with CKD aged 20–90 years from a 13-year pre-end-stage renal disease (ESRD) care registry. Patients were considered nonresponsive to the pre-dialysis care if they had a more advanced eGFR LS compared with the baseline. Conversely, those with improved or stable eGFR LS were considered responsive. The proportion of patients with CKD stage progression increased with the increase in the baseline CKD stage (stages 1–2: 29.2%; stage 4: 45.8%). The adjusted times to ESRD and all-cause mortality in patients with eGFR LS-5 were 92% (95% confidence interval [CI] 86–96%) and 57% (95% CI 48–65%) shorter, respectively, than in patients with eGFR LS-3A. Among patients with baseline CKD stages 3 and 4, the adjusted times to ESRD and all-cause death in the nonresponsive patients were 39% (95% CI 33–44%) and 20% (95% CI 14–26%) shorter, respectively, than in the responsive patients. Our proposed Renal Care Responsiveness Prediction (RCRP) model performed significantly better than the conventional Kidney Failure Risk Equation in discrimination, calibration, and net benefit according to decision curve analysis. Non-responsiveness to nephrologists’ care is associated with rapid progression to ESRD and all-cause mortality. The RCRP model improves early identification of responsiveness based on variables collected during enrollment in a pre-ESRD program. Urgent attention should be given to characterize the underlying heterogeneous responsiveness to pre-dialysis care.
Inversely polarized thermo-electrochemical power generation via the reaction of an organic redox couple on a TiO2/Ti mesh electrode
Authors: Eguchi Hiroto , Kobayashi Takashi , Yamada Teppei , Rocabado David S. Rivera , Ishimoto Takayoshi , Yamauchi Miho
Published: July 2021

We demonstrate thermo-electrochemical (TEC) conversion using a biocompatible redox couple of lactic acid and pyruvic acid on earth-abundant TiO2. The TEC cell exhibited a positive Seebeck coefficient of 1.40 mV K−1. DFT calculations figured out that the adsorption of intermediate species and protons on TiO2 controls both the redox reaction and current polarity.
Association of peripheral anterior synechiae with anterior segment parameters in eyes with primary angle closure glaucoma
Authors: Loo Yunhua , Tun Tin A. , Vithana Eranga N. , Perera Shamira A. , Husain Rahat , Wong Tina T. , Aung Tin , Nongpiur Monisha E.
Published: July 2021

To investigate the association of peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) with intraocular pressure (IOP) and anterior-segment parameters in subjects with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). A total of 267 subjects with PACG were recruited and underwent gonioscopy and anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT). Customized software was used to measure ASOCT parameters, including angle opening distance (AOD750) and trabecular-iris-space-area (TISA750) at 750 µm from the scleral spur, anterior chamber depth, width, area and volume (ACD, ACW, ACA, ACV), iris thickness (IT750), iris area (IAREA), and lens vault (LV). Presenting IOP was defined as the first IOP reading before the initiation of IOP-lowering treatment. The mean age of the 267 subjects was 67.0 ± 8.9 years, 140 (52.4%) were male, and 246 (92.1%) were of Chinese ethnicity. PAS was present in 122 (45.7%) subjects, and was most frequently found in the superior quadrant (79.5%). Subjects with PAS had greater presenting IOP (28.7 ± 12.9 vs 22.4 ± 9.7 mmHg, p < 0.001), narrower AOD750 (p < 0.001), smaller TISA750 (p < 0.001), ACD (p = 0.04), ACA (p = 0.02), ACV (p = 0.01) and larger LV (p = 0.01) compared to PACG eyes without PAS. No significant differences were noted for iris parameters. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher presenting IOP (β = 0.20, p < 0.001), worse visual field mean deviation (β = − 0.20, p = 0.01) and narrower AOD750 (β = − 0.25, p = 0.03) were the only parameters that significantly correlated with the extent of PAS in clock hours. Almost one-half of the subjects with PACG demonstrated PAS; these eyes were associated with higher presenting IOP, smaller anterior segment dimensions and more severe disease.
Information capacity and robustness of encoding in the medial prefrontal cortex are modulated by the bioavailability of serotonin and the time elapsed from the cue during a reward-driven task
Authors: Pereyra A. Ezequiel , Mininni Camilo J. , Zanutto B. Silvano
Published: July 2021

Serotonin (5-HT) is a key neuromodulator of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) functions. Pharmacological manipulation of systemic 5-HT bioavailability alters the electrical activity of mPFC neurons. However, 5-HT modulation at the population level is not well characterized. In the present study, we made single neuron extracellular recordings in the mPFC of rats performing an operant conditioning task, and analyzed the effect of systemic administration of fluoxetine (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) on the information encoded in the firing activity of the neural population. Chronic (longer than 15 days), but not acute (less than 15 days), fluoxetine administration reduced the firing rate of mPFC neurons. Moreover, fluoxetine treatment enhanced pairwise entropy but diminished noise correlation and redundancy in the information encoded, thus showing how mPFC differentially encodes information as a function of 5-HT bioavailability. Information about the occurrence of the reward-predictive stimulus was maximized during reward consumption, around 3 to 4 s after the presentation of the cue, and it was higher under chronic fluoxetine treatment. However, the encoded information was less robust to noise corruption when compared to control conditions.
Characterization of functional protein complexes from Alzheimer’s disease and healthy brain by mass spectrometry-based proteome analysis
Authors: Hasan Beena , Khan Ayesha , Lenz Christof , Asif Abdul R. , Ahmed Nikhat
Published: July 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder with impaired protein activities. Proteins in the form of complexes have a ubiquitous role in diverse range of cellular functions. The key challenge is to identify novel disease associated protein complexes and their potential role in the progression of AD pathology. Protein complexes were obtained from AD brain prefrontal cortex and age matched controls by Blue Native-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis. A proteomic analysis was performed using second dimension SDS-PAGE followed by nano LC–MS/MS. Differentially expressed proteins were mapped to existing biological networks by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). A total of 13 protein complexes with their interacting proteins were resolved on SDS-PAGE. We identified 34 protein spots and found significant abundance difference between the two experimental samples. IPA analysis revealed degeneration of neurons and cell death as a major consequence of protein dysregulation. Furthermore, focused network analysis suggested an integrated regulation of the identified proteins through APP and MAPT dependent mechanisms. The interacting differentially expressed proteins in AD were found to be part of concomitant signaling cascades terminating in neuronal cell death. The identified protein networks and pathways warrant further research to study their actual contribution to AD pathology.
Transcriptomic analysis of the black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) reveals insights into immune development in their early life stages
Authors: Angthong Pacharaporn , Uengwetwanit Tanaporn , Arayamethakorn Sopacha , Rungrassamee Wanilada
Published: July 2021

With the rapid growth in the global demand, the shrimp industry needs integrated approaches for sustainable production. A high-quality shrimp larva is one of the crucial key requirements to maximize shrimp production. Survival and growth rates during larval development are often criteria to evaluate larval quality, however many aspects of gene regulation during shrimp larval development have not yet been identified. To further our understanding of biological processes in their early life, transcriptomic analysis of larval developmental stages (nauplius, zoea, mysis, and postlarva) were determined in the black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon using next-generation RNA sequencing. Gene clustering and gene enrichment analyses revealed that most of the transcripts were mainly related to metabolic processes, cell and growth development, and immune system. Interestingly, Spätzle and Toll receptors were found in nauplius stage, providing evidence that Toll pathway was a baseline immune system established in early larval stages. Genes encoding pathogen pattern-recognition proteins (LGBP, PL5-2 and c-type lectin), prophenoloxidase system (PPAE2, PPAF2 and serpin), antimicrobial peptides (crustin and antiviral protein), blood clotting system (hemolymph clottable protein) and heat shock protein (HSP70) were expressed as they developed further, suggesting that these immune defense mechanisms were established in later larval stages.
Bioengineered 3D nanocomposite based on gold nanoparticles and gelatin nanofibers for bone regeneration: in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Samadian Hadi , Khastar Hossein , Ehterami Arian , Salehi Majid
Published: July 2021

The main aim of the present study was to fabricate 3D scaffold based on poly (l-lactic acid) (PLLA)/Polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix polymer containing gelatin nanofibers (GNFs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as the scaffold for bone tissue engineering application. AuNPs were synthesized via the Turkevich method as the osteogenic factor. GNFs were fabricated by the electrospinning methods and implemented into the scaffold as the extracellular matrix mimicry structure. The prepared AuNPs and Gel nanofibers were composited by PLLA/PCL matrix polymer and converted to a 3D scaffold using thermal-induced phase separation. SEM imaging illustrated the scaffold's porous structure with a porosity range of 80–90% and a pore size range of 80 to 130 µm. The in vitro studies showed that the highest concentration of AuNPs (160 ppm) induced toxicity and 80 ppm AuNPs exhibited the highest cell proliferation. The in vivo studies showed that PCL/PLLA/Gel/80ppmAuNPs induced the highest neo-bone formation, osteocyte in lacuna woven bone formation, and angiogenesis in the defect site. In conclusion, this study showed that the prepared scaffold exhibited suitable properties for bone tissue engineering in terms of porosity, pore size, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and osteoconduction activities.
Nigella sativa callus treated with sodium azide exhibit augmented antioxidant activity and DNA damage inhibition
Authors: Iqbal Mohammed Shariq , Iqbal Zahra , Hashem Abeer , Al-Arjani Al-Bandari Fahad , Abd-Allah Elsayed Fathi , Jafri Asif , Ansari Shamim Akhtar , Ansari Mohammad Israil
Published: July 2021

Nigella sativa L. (NS) is an herbaceous plant, possessing phytochemicals of therapeutic importance. Thymoquinone is one of the active phytochemicals of NS that confers noteworthy antioxidant properties. Sodium azide, an agent of abiotic stress, can modulates antioxidant system in plants. In the present investigation, sodium azide (0, 5 µM, 10 µM, 20 µM, 50 µM, 100 µM and 200 µM) doses administered to the in vitro NS callus cultures for production/modification of secondary metabolites with augmented activity. 200 µM sodium azide treated NS callus exhibited maximum peroxidase activity (1.286 ± 0.101 nanokatal mg−1 protein) and polyphenol oxidase activity (1.590 ± 0.110 nanokatal mg−1 protein), while 100 µM sodium azide treated NS callus for optimum catalase activity (1.250 ± 0.105 nanokatal mg−1 protein). Further, 200 µM sodium azide treated NS callus obtained significantly the highest phenolics (3.666 ± 0.475 mg g−1 callus fresh weight), 20 µM sodium azide treated NS callus, the highest flavonoids (1.308 ± 0.082 mg g−1 callus fresh weight) and 100 µM sodium azide treated NS callus, the highest carotenes (1.273 ± 0.066 mg g−1 callus fresh weight). However, NS callus exhibited a decrease in thymoquinone yield/content vis-à-vis possible emergence of its analog with 5.3 min retention time and an increase in antioxidant property. Treatment with 200 µM sodium azide registered significantly the lowest percent yield of callus extract (4.6 ± 0.36 mg g−1 callus fresh weight) and thymoquinone yield (16.65 ± 2.52 µg g−1 callus fresh weight) and content (0.36 ± 0.07 mg g−1 callus dry weight) and the highest antioxidant activity (3.873 ± 0.402%), signifying a negative correlation of the former with the latter. DNA damage inhibition (24.3 ± 1.7%) was recorded significantly maximum at 200 µM sodium azide treatment. Sodium azide treated callus also recorded emergence of a new peak at 5.3 min retention time (possibly an analog of thymoquinone with augmented antioxidant activity) whose area exhibits significantly negative correlation with callus extract yield and thymoquinone yield/content and positive correlation with antioxidant activity and in vitro DNA damage inhibition. Thus, sodium azide treatment to NS callus confers possible production of secondary metabolites or thymoquinone analog (s) responsible for elevated antioxidant property and inhibition to DNA damage. The formation of potent antioxidants through sodium azide treatment to NS could be worthy for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.
Apixaban concentration variability and relation to clinical outcomes in real-life patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Mavri Alenka , Vene Nina , Božič-Mijovski Mojca , Miklič Marko , Söderblom Lisbeth , Pohanka Anton , Malmström Rickard E. , Antovic Jovan
Published: July 2021

In some clinical situations, measurements of anticoagulant effect of apixaban may be needed. We investigated the inter- and intra-individual apixaban variability in patients with atrial fibrillation and correlated these results with clinical outcome. We included 62 patients receiving either 5 mg (A5, n = 32) or 2.5 mg (A2.5, n = 30) apixaban twice-daily. We collected three trough and three peak blood samples 6–8 weeks apart. Apixaban concentration was measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass-spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and by anti-Xa. Patients on A2.5 were older, had lower creatinine clearance, higher CHA2DS2VASc (4.7 ± 1.0 vs. 3.4 ± 1.7) and lower trough (85 ± 39 vs. 117 ± 53 ng/mL) and peak (170 ± 56 vs. 256 ± 91 ng/mL) apixaban concentrations than patients on A5 (all p < 0.01). In patients on A5, LC–MS/MS showed a significant difference between through levels and between peak levels (p < 0.01). During apixaban treatment, 21 patients suffered bleeding (2 major). There was no association between bleeding and apixaban concentrations or variability. Four patients who suffered thromboembolic event had lower peak apixaban concentrations than patients without it (159 ± 13 vs. 238 ± 88 ng/mL, p = 0.05). We concluded, that there was a significant intra- and inter-individual variability in apixaban trough and peak concentrations. Neither variability nor apixaban concentrations were associated with clinical outcomes.
Identification and comparative expression analysis of odorant-binding proteins in the reproductive system and antennae of Athetis dissimilis
Authors: Song Yue-Qin , Song Zhi-Yu , Dong Jun-Feng , Lv Qi-Hui , Chen Qing-Xiao , Sun Hui-Zhong
Published: July 2021

Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are prevalent in the antennal transcriptomes of different orders of insects. Studies on OBPs have focused on their role in the insect chemosensory system, but knowledge of their functions in the insect testis is limited. We sequenced the transcriptomes of the Athetis dissimilis reproductive organs and analyzed the expression of AdisOBP genes in different tissues. We identified 23 OBPs in the testis and ovaries and 31 OBPs in antennal transcriptomes. The results of real-time quantitative PCR revealed that 23 of the 54 OBP genes were highly expressed in both female and male antennae, including three that exhibited male-biased expression and 15 that exhibited female-biased expression. A total of 24 OBPs were highly expressed in the testis of A. dissimilis, while expression of OBPs in the ovaries was very low. These findings highlight the functional diversity of OBPs in insects and can facilitate further studies on the OBPs in A. dissimilis and lepidopteran species.
Acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase-B inhibitory activities by ellagic acid derivatives isolated from Castanopsis cuspidata var. sieboldii
Authors: Oh Jong Min , Jang Hyun-Jae , Kang Myung-Gyun , Song Soobin , Kim Doo-Young , Kim Jung‑Hee , Noh Ji-In , Park Jong Eun , Park Daeui , Yee Sung-Tae , Kim Hoon
Published: July 2021

Among 276 herbal extracts, a methanol extract ofCastanopsis cuspidatavar.sieboldiistems was selected as an experimental source for novel acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. Five compounds were isolated from the extract by activity-guided screening, and their inhibitory activities against butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), monoamine oxidases (MAOs), and β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE-1) were also evaluated. Of these compounds, 4′-O-(α-l-rhamnopyranosyl)-3,3′,4-tri-O-methylellagic acid (3) and 3,3′,4-tri-O-methylellagic acid (4) effectively inhibited AChE with IC50values of 10.1 and 10.7 µM, respectively. Ellagic acid (5) inhibited AChE (IC50 = 41.7 µM) less than3and4. In addition,3effectively inhibited MAO-B (IC50 = 7.27 µM) followed by5(IC50 = 9.21 µM). All five compounds weakly inhibited BChE and BACE-1. Compounds3,4, and5reversibly and competitively inhibited AChE, and were slightly or non-toxic to MDCK cells. The binding energies of3and4(− 8.5 and − 9.2 kcal/mol, respectively) for AChE were greater than that of5(− 8.3 kcal/mol), and3and4formed a hydrogen bond with Tyr124 in AChE. These results suggest3is a dual-targeting inhibitor of AChE and MAO-B, and that these compounds should be viewed as potential therapeutics for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
An improved novel quantum image representation and its experimental test on IBM quantum experience
Authors: Su Jie , Guo Xuchao , Liu Chengqi , Lu Shuhan , Li Lin
Published: July 2021

Quantum image representation (QIR) is a necessary part of quantum image processing (QIP) and plays an important role in quantum information processing. To address the problems that NCQI cannot handle images with inconsistent horizontal and vertical position sizes and multi-channel image processing, an improved color digital image quantum representation (INCQI) model based on NCQI is proposed in this paper. The INCQI model can process color images and facilitate multi-channel quantum image transformations and transparency information processing of images using auxiliary quantum bits. In addition, the quantum image control circuit was designed based on INCQI. And quantum image preparation experiments were conducted on IBM Quantum Experience (IBMQ) to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of INCQI quantum image preparation. The prepared image information was obtained by quantum measurement in the experiment, and the visualization of quantum information was successfully realized. The research in this paper has some reference value for the research related to QIP.
Genome-wide association mapping of lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) prebiotic carbohydrates toward improved human health and crop stress tolerance
Authors: Johnson Nathan , Boatwright J. Lucas , Bridges William , Thavarajah Pushparajah , Kumar Shiv , Shipe Emerson , Thavarajah Dil
Published: July 2021

Lentil, a cool-season food legume, is rich in protein and micronutrients with a range of prebiotic carbohydrates, such as raffinose-family oligosaccharides (RFOs), fructooligosaccharides (FOSs), sugar alcohols (SAs), and resistant starch (RS), which contribute to lentil's health benefits. Beneficial microorganisms ferment prebiotic carbohydrates in the colon, which impart health benefits to the consumer. In addition, these carbohydrates are vital to lentil plant health associated with carbon transport, storage, and abiotic stress tolerance. Thus, lentil prebiotic carbohydrates are a potential nutritional breeding target for increasing crop resilience to climate change with increased global nutritional security. This study phenotyped a total of 143 accessions for prebiotic carbohydrates. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was then performed to identify associated variants and neighboring candidate genes. All carbohydrates analyzed had broad-sense heritability estimates (H2) ranging from 0.22 to 0.44, comparable to those reported in the literature. Concentration ranges corresponded to percent recommended daily allowances of 2–9% SAs, 7–31% RFOs, 51–111% RS, and 57–116% total prebiotic carbohydrates. Significant SNPs and associated genes were identified for numerous traits, including a galactosyltransferase (Lcu.2RBY.1g019390) known to aid in RFO synthesis. Further studies in multiple field locations are necessary. Yet, these findings suggest the potential for molecular-assisted breeding for prebiotic carbohydrates in lentil to support human health and crop resilience to increase global food security.
In situself-assembled peptide nanofibers for cancer theranostics
Authors: Liu Ning , Zhu Lianghan , Li Zhaoting , Liu Wenlong , Sun Minjie , Zhou Zhanwei
Published: July 2021

Nanofibers constructed by anin situself-assembly strategy hold tremendous promise for cancer theranostics with characteristic functions and biological effects in different parts of tumor tissue.
Unravelling the role of ceria in improving the stability of Mo2C- based catalysts for the steam reforming of dimethyl ether
Authors: Lian Jing-Hong , Tan Hong-Yi , Guo Chang-Qing , Shen Li-Sha , Lu Zhuo-Xin , Shi Yan , Yan Chang-Feng
Published: July 2021

Ceria changes the reaction pathway and promotes the activity and stability of Mo2C in dimethyl ether steam reforming.
Dry-heat processing at different conditions impact the nutritional composition andin vitrostarch and protein digestibility of immature rice-based products
Authors: Miraji Kulwa F. , Linnemann Anita R. , Fogliano Vincenzo , Laswai Henry S. , Capuano Edoardo
Published: July 2021

Dry heating reduces both protein and starch digestibility while improves vitamin and mineral content with respect to raw and cooked immature rice.
Flavonoids from the mung bean coat promote longevity and fitness inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Tao Mingfang , Li Rong , Xu Tingting , Zhang Zhuo , Wu Ting , Pan Siyi , Xu Xiaoyun
Published: July 2021

Mung bean coat extract improved longevity, stress-resistance and fitness by modulating the mitochondrial function, mimicking calorie restriction, and altering histone modification inCaenorhabditis elegans.
Single-side functionalized graphene as promising cathode catalysts in nonaqueous lithium–oxygen batteries
Authors: Dong Huilong , Ning Cai , Yang Gang , Ji Hongmei , Li Youyong
Published: July 2021

Single-side functionalization is considered as the practical way to promote the catalytic capability of graphene in nonaqueous Li–O2 batteries by computational studies, and the C6F exhibits the highest potential for applications.
Enhanced lattice distortion, yield strength, critical resolved shear stress, and improving mechanical properties of transition-metals doped CrCoNi medium entropy alloy
Authors: Ali Md. Lokman
Published: July 2021

The effect of transition-metals (TM) addition on the mechanical properties of CrCoNi medium entropy alloys (MEAs) was investigated.
Synthesis of vertical WO3 nanoarrays with different morphologies using the same protocol for enhanced photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic performances
Authors: Li Jingjing , Guo Chenpeng , Li Lihua , Gu Yongjun , Kim BoK.-Hee , Huang Jinliang
Published: July 2021

Hexagonal nanoflower WO3 arrays were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method without the assistance of any seed layer or structure directing agent. The nanoflower WO3 has the highest photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue.
Fe-catalyzed Fukuyama-type indole synthesis triggered by hydrogen atom transfer
Authors: Zhang Tianze , Yu Min , Huang Hanmin
Published: July 2021

A mild and efficient method has been developed to synthesize 3-substituted indoles via an Fe-catalyzed radical isonitrile–olefin coupling reaction initiated by MHAT to isonitriles.
Importance of drivetrain optimisation to maximise electrical power from wave energy converters
Authors: Sergiienko Nataliia Y. , da Silva Leandro Souza Pinheiro , Ding Boyin , Cazzolato Benjamin S.
Published: July 2021

This article demonstrates the benefits of optimising the drivetrain to improve the level and quality of electrical power output from a wave energy converter. The study considers a spherical buoy connected to a permanent magnet synchronous generator through a mechanical drive. The wave energy converter is equipped with a model predictive control system that maximises electrical power from the generator. Three different scenarios are compared: (i) when the drivetrain is not optimised, (ii) when only the gear ratio is optimised, (iii) and when both gear ratio and flywheel inertia are optimised. The performance of all three configurations is compared in terms of their effect on the generator operating range, the natural frequency of the system, the amount of generated electrical power, and control forces. The results demonstrate that the drivetrain optimisation leads to a significant increase in the electrical power output while shifting the generator's operating range to areas with the highest efficiency. Moreover, drivetrain designs that utilise a flywheel reduce the power take‐off loads and facilitate smoother power production.
Long time behavior and turnpike solutions in mildly non-monotone mean field games
Authors: Cirant Marco , Porretta Alessio
Published: July 2021

We consider mean field game systems in time-horizon (0,T), where the individual cost functional depends locally on the density distribution of the agents, and the Hamiltonian is locally uniformly convex. We show that, even if the coupling cost functions are mildly non-monotone, then the system is still well posed due to the effect of individual noise. The rate of anti-monotonicity (i.e.the aggregation rate of the cost functions) which can be afforded depends on the intensity of the diffusion and on global bounds of solutions. We give applications to either the case of globally Lipschitz Hamiltonians or the case of quadratic Hamiltonians and couplings having mild growth. Under similar conditions, we investigate the long time behavior of solutions and we give a complete description of the ergodic and long term properties of the system. In particular we prove: (i) the turnpike property of solutions in the finite (long) horizon (0,T), (ii) the convergence of the system from (0,T) towards (0,∞), (iii) the vanishing discount limit of the infinite horizon problem and the long time convergence towards the ergodic stationary solution. This way we extend previous results which were known only for the case of monotone and smoothing couplings; our approach is self-contained and does not need the use of the linearized system or of the master equation.
The Application of Building Information Modelling in Landscape Design for Ecological Protection
Authors: Cao Xilun , Zhang Ying , Luo Cheng
Published: July 2021

Over the last decade, the widely use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) has significantly improved the efficiency of architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry in China. Many studies have been dedicated to how BIM could help in construction works. However, due to lack of BIM application in landscape filed, limited researches could be found on how many excessive works could be prevented by BIM and its ecological value in protecting local environment, especially for those hillside areas with relatively vulnerable ecosystem, which covers over two thirds of the land in China. This paper aims to set up a BIM-based landscape design workflow and examine its effectiveness in reducing construction waste produced in design process. One project case of hillside residential district planning design was carried out by applying the established BIM workflow, showing that earthworks were reduced significantly, and the final net cut/fill volume was controlled at 32.45m3 after project completion. Minimizing earthworks prevents the local topsoil and vegetation from been destroyed by unnecessary constructions. Utilizing BIM in landscape design enables the architects to pursue a more ecological and integrated design solution, paying more attention to the relationship between human beings and nature.
Fuzzy multivariate forecasting of the implementation of regional development programs for the agro-industrial complex
Authors: Lomazov Vadim , Ivashchuk Olga , Lomazov Alexander , Akupiyan Olga
Published: July 2021

The article is devoted to the problems of improving digital intellectual tools for managing the implementation of socio-economic and technological programs aimed at developing the agro-industrial cluster of the regional economy. The aim of the work is to develop a procedure for forecasting the implementation of programs based on the data of the previous stages and knowledge, reflecting the specifics of agricultural production. To describe the indicators of the current and projected state of the regional agro-industrial complex, it is proposed to use the apparatus of the theory of linguistic variables, which makes it possible to use expert technologies for filling the knowledge base and allows us to take into account the high level of uncertainty characteristic of the agricultural market. The links between current and projected performance are represented by fuzzy production rules. The fuzzy inference procedure used in forecasting (based on the Mamdani algorithm) is built in the form of an interpreted fuzzy multilayer neural network. The preliminary results of using the developed procedure as part of a research prototype of an information-analytical system may indicate its effectiveness. The practical significance of the developed toolkit is due to the possibility of its use as a means of intellectual support for making scientifically grounded management decisions on the implementation (taking into account possible adjustments) of development programs for the regional agro-industrial complex.
Organizational diagnostics of the farm
Authors: Alpatova Ekaterina , Chkhutiashvili Nana , Goloshchapova Ludmila , Kovalenkova Olga
Published: July 2021

In this paper is transformation of traditional organizational diagnostics for the use organizations in the field of agribusiness. The transformation of the methodology is necessary due to the peculiarities of the functional zones of the farm, associated with a limited number of human resources in the state of such an organization, taking into account the fact that each unit of the state will have expanded professional competencies to overlap the functionality of the main organizational zones. The paper uses a methodology for developing diagnostic tables that reveal the degree of severity of the main characteristics with the development of an individual typology for the farm, which allows to identify the root problems of the activity; a diagnostic profile is built, the correlation of the identified problems is carried out using expert analysis. In the course of the work, six key functional zones were identified, the analysis of which allows us to diagnose the state of the farm at the current time and formulate the degree of problems and the presence of bottlenecks that require operational management influence. The algorithm developed in this paper is universal for conducting a comprehensive analysis and diagnosis of the state of farming.
Potato yield on dark gray soils when using microbiological preparation
Authors: Pityurina Irina , Vinogradov Dmitry
Published: July 2021

Increasing the yield and quality of potatoes is one of the most important tasks of potato industry. A promising method of increasing the productivity and quality of potatoes is to use microbiological preparations. Their action is due to the use of the properties of microorganisms that can transform the elements of soil nutrition from forms inaccessible to plants to assimilable ones. Consequently, it can be concluded that the study of potato productivity on the dark gray forest soil using the microbiological preparation Biocomposite-correct is an actual area of research. The results of the conducted research show that the used preparation Biocompositecorrect had a positive effect on the elements of the crop structure and potato yield.The optimal rate of application of the preparation Biocomposite-correct (3.0 l/ha with a working fluid flow rate of 400 l/ha), was determined in the course of the experiment. On average, the maximum increase of the mass of potato tubers from one bush was observed in the variant with the use of Biocomposite-correct in the dose 3.0 l / ha (+ 387.1 grams), which is 92.2% more compared to the control, where the maximum yield was 24.2 tons/ha.
Research of the spectral characteristics of healthy and fusarium-infected oat seeds of the variety “ZALP” with hyperspectral camera
Authors: Moskovskiy Maksim , Gerasimenko Stanislav , Boiko Andrey , Vorobev Sergey
Published: July 2021

The paper presents the research of the spectral lines of healthy and fusarium-infected oat seeds using a hyperspectral imaging system. Hyperspectral images of healthy and diseased kernels were studied using the Specim IQ hyperspectral camera and Albedo 4.0.23 program (for subsequent processing). The spectral diagrams of the horizon (800 nm - 1000 nm) have been determined. They can identify the oat seeds of the ZALP variety which infected with pathogenic microflora by fungi of the genus Fusarium. Variety harvested in the central zone of the Russian Federation.
A promising method to control ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. in urban cenoses
Authors: Esipenko Leonid , Ketsba Almaskhan
Published: July 2021

Invasions of adventive weed species are one of the leading factors in the transformation of agrobiocenoses and urban cenoses. Naturalization of new species leads to serious ecological, social and economic consequences. One of the dangerous invasive plants is ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.), which is widespread in many countries of the world, including Russia. This weed plant causes significant economic damage and harmful impact on human health, since its pollen is a strong allergen. Modern technologies of agricultural production do not always give positive results in the fight against this plant. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new ecologically low-hazard methods to control it, aimed at reducing the productivity of pollen and seeds in order to reduce allergic diseases among people and limit the expansion of its range.
Studying the Source Material for Yellow Melilot Selection
Authors: Chukhlebova Nina , Donets Inna , Golub Anna , Mukhina Olga
Published: July 2021

Creation of a system that ensures stable and complete feeding of farm animals is important for an effective development of animal husbandry in Stavropol Territory. Science established and practice confirmed that to organize healthy functioning of animals and their high productivity, it is necessary to have at least 105-110 g of digestible protein per feed unit. However, due to the current use of feed mainly consisting of cereals, there is a deficiency of protein, which is balanced by fodder grains. The lack of protein and its quality in feed has an extremely negative effect on the health of animals, reduces their productivity, impairs reproduction, disrupts metabolism and leads to overspending of feed, and, consequently, to an increase in the cost of livestock products. For the effective use of saline soils, which in the Stavropol Territory account for 24.8% of the total area, it is necessary to select field crops that give high yields of fodder rich in digestible protein, as well as to improve the structure of saline soils by enriching them with ecologically clean nitrogen that does not cause acidification. The legume crop of yellow melilot can become such a crop. Solving the problem of organic farming, it is necessary to expand the assortment of yellow melilot to create a solid fodder base, to use it as the best forecrop and break crop in grain crop rotations. Therefore, the study of some collection material of yellow melilot on leached black soils and the selection of promising samples is relevant for further selection work to create new varieties. A study of the seed material samples of yellow melilot from the VIR collection of different geographical origins was carried out according to the presence of hard seeds; samples with low and high content of them were established. The sowing qualities of yellow melilot collection samples were studied in laboratory conditions. The growth dynamics of the yellow melilot samples was studied, and decades of the maximum daily growth of yellow melilot were established. A high yield of yellow melilot samples in the first and second year of life was shown. The quantitative composition of main nutrients in the fodder mass of the yellow melilot samples of different geographical origins was established. For the conditions of the Stavropol Territory, it is necessary to select samples with economically valuable biological characteristics that can provide high rates of linear growth of green mass before the onset of summer drought.
Productivity of the main ear of winter soft wheat varieties in ontogenesis
Authors: Kazakovа V. V. , Kazakova V. S. , Repko N. V. , Dinkova V. S.
Published: July 2021

The study of the realization of the productivity potential of the main ear in winter wheat plants shows that the Pamyat variety most fully realizes the inherent genetic potential, forms a well-executed ear, but it is inferior to the experimental varieties in yield, which is explained by a lower level of productive bushiness of this variety. Varieties Kurs, Adel and Kalym, inferior to the ear of the ear, formed high yield indicators, due to a more powerful density of standing ears.