bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Freezing tolerance of bread winter wheat and its relation with morphological features
Authors: Pirych A. , Yurchenko T. , Koliadenko S.
Published: January 2021

In recent years there have been significant changes in weather conditions during wheat growth and development. The aim of the study was to establish the relationship between the level of freezing tolerance of bread winter wheat varieties and their morphological features. The study was conducted during 2016–2019 at the V.M. Remeslo Myronivka Institute of Wheat. 19 bread winter wheat varieties bred at Myronivka were studied. Freezing tolerance of plants was determined according to DSTU 4749:2007 which based on freezing wheat plants in chambers at -18 ºC and -20 ºC with pre-hardening in the open field. The high-frost-tolerant wheat variety Myronivska 808 was used as standard of freezing tolerance. Statistical data processing was performed according to Fisher’s test. Morphological condition of plants was estimated in autumn after vegetation dormancy onset and in spring after its restoration according to the F.M. Kuperman method. The research years were characterized by contrasting weather conditions. It was found that the most bread winter wheat varieties bred at Myronivka have high and medium level of freezing tolerance. Over the years of the research, the elongation of apical cone in the standard variety Myronivska 808 varied from 0.01 to 0.42 mm. In the varieties studied, the elongation of apical cone ranged within 0–0.10 mm (2016– 17), 0.35–0.68 (2017–18) and 0.03–0.32 mm (2018–19). According to the assessment of freezing tolerance, there have been identified valuable bread winter wheat varieties with percent of viable plants over the years of the research exceeding standard variety Myronivska 808 or being at the same level. The varieties MIP Kniazhna, Trudivnytsia myronivska, Lehenda Myronivska, Estafeta myronivska, Vezha myronivska, MIP Dniprianka, MIP Assol were high frost tolerant ones. On average, over the years of the research the varieties MIP Kniazhna, Trudivnytsia myronivska, Lehenda Myronivska, Estafeta myronivska, Vezha myronivska, MIP Dniprianka, and MIP Assol had elongation of apical cone at the level of the Myronivska 808 variety. The variation of the strength and direction of connections between the level of frost resistance and morphological indicators (plant height, length of the growth cone) determined at the time of termination and restoration of winter wheat vegetation was established.
Key words: winter wheat, varieties, freezing tolerance, growth, development, apical cone.
The yield and the quality of crushed cereals from the polba wheat grain
Authors: Lubich V. , Leshchenko I. , Storozhyk L. , Voitovska V.
Published: January 2021

The article presents the results of research on the yield of crushed cereals, its culinary quality depending on the index of grain peeling of different varieties of spelled wheat. Holikovska wheat grain and LP 1152 line were used as raw materials for cereal production. A significant (p≤0.05) effect on the total yield of crushed cereals of different grain peeling duration was established. A decrease in the total yield of cereals was accompanied by an increase in the yield of flour. The use of larger grains (line LP 1152) provides a significant increase in the total yield of crushed cereals. Peeling of grain helped to reduce the total yield of cereals and crushed cereals № 1 and № 2. At the same time, there was an increase in the yield of fine fraction of cereals № 3. The use of grain with a higher content of shells provides a higher yield of larger grains. The total yield of wheat spelled from line LP 1152 varied from 83.6 to 86.0 % depending on the grain husking index. When using grain, the yield of cereals № 1 was 9.3±0.3 %, cereals №2 – 54.5±0.6, cereals № 3 – 22.2±0.9 %. The use of husking of spelled wheat grain reduced the yield of cereals №1 to 6.0±0.3 %, cereals № 2 – to 50.4±0.4 %. The grain yield №3 increased to 27.2±0.7 % in the variant with the highest peeling index. The lowest amount of flour (9.0 %) was obtained using unhulled grain. Peeling causes an increase in yield to 11.5 % with the use of hulled grain (peeling index 11 %). No association has been established between mechanical losses, category I, II wastes, and the use of grain husking. The total yield of Holikovska spelled wheat groats varied from 77.5 to 76.0 % depending on the grain-husking index. The yield of cereals by numbers varied like a line of spelled wheat. The main importance in changing the duration of cooking, boiling ratio and organoleptic characteristics is the coefficient of grain peeling. Varietal features did not have a significant impact and had similar meanings. The reduction in cooking time was observed with an increase in the index of grain peeling, as well as with the use of cereals of a smaller fraction. The main factor that influenced the improvement of the overall culinary quality of cereals is the improvement of color and consistency during chewing because of increasing the peeling index. With a grain-peeling index of 3–6 %, the culinary quality was at a high level. Very high culinary quality of cereals is ensured by the use of grain husking for 120–160 s (peeling index 9–11 %). When producing crushed groats from spelled wheat grain, it is optimal to use LP 1152 grain with a peeling index of 3–6 %. This ensures a high total yield of cereals (85.0–84.6 %) and high culinary quality of porridge.
Key words: spelled wheat, grain, peeling, crushed groats, culinary evaluation.
Overview of Body Mass Index and Blood Pressure of Medical Science Faculty Student in Prima Indonesia University, 2017
Authors: Wienaldi  , Fautia Ristina
Published: January 2021

The aims of this study discussed overview of body mass index and blood pleasure in Medical Science Faculty Student. This research is a descriptive study with a cross-sectional study design, namely how to approach, observe or collect data at the same time 10. Based on the research results, it was found that the majority of BMI students from the Faculty of Medicine UNPRI Medan class 2017 were normal, namely 64 people (64.6%), then followed by students with an overweight BMI of 29 people (29.3%), underweight and obese respectively. only 3 people (3.0%). Based on the results of the study, it was found that the majority of the blood pressure of the 2017 UNPRI Medan Faculty of Medicine students was completely normal (100%).
Fibonacci Elliptic Biquaternions
Authors: ÖZEN Kahraman Esen , TOSUN Murat
Published: January 2021

A. F. Horadam defined the complex Fibonacci numbers and Fibonacci quaternions in the middle of the 20th century. Half a century later, S. Hal{\i}c{\i} introduced the complex Fibonacci quaternions by inspiring from these definitions and discussed some properties of them. Recently, the elliptic biquaternions, which are  generalized form of the complex and real quaternions, have been presented. In this study, we introduce the set of Fibonacci elliptic biquaternions that includes the set of complex Fibonacci quaternions as a special case and investigate some properties of Fibonacci elliptic biquaternions. Furthermore, we give the Binet formula and Cassini's identity in terms of Fibonacci elliptic biquaternions. Finally, we give elliptic and real matrix representations of Fibonacci elliptic biquaternions.
Application of Plasmonic Metal Nanoparticles in TiO2-SiO2 Composite as an Efficient Solar-Activated Photocatalyst: A Review Paper
Authors: Joseph Collin G. , Taufiq-Yap Yun Hin , Musta Baba , Sarjadi Mohd Sani , Elilarasi L.
Published: January 2021

Over the last decade, interest in the utilization of solar energy for photocatalysis treatment processes has taken centre-stage. Researchers had focused on doping TiO2 with SiO2 to obtain an efficient degradation rate of various types of target pollutants both under UV and visible-light irradiation. In order to further improve this degradation effect, some researchers resorted to incorporate plasmonic metal nanoparticles such as silver and gold into the combined TiO2-SiO2 to fully optimize the TiO2-SiO2’s potential in the visible-light region. This article focuses on the challenges in utilizing TiO2 in the visible-light region, the contribution of SiO2 in enhancing photocatalytic activities of the TiO2-SiO2 photocatalyst, and the ability of plasmonic metal nanoparticles (Ag and Au) to edge the TiO2-SiO2 photocatalyst toward an efficient solar photocatalyst.
Copper(II)-Dioxygen Facilitated Activation of Nitromethane: Nitrogen Donors for the Synthesis of Substituted 2-Hydroxyimino-2-phenylacetonitriles and Phthalimides
Authors: Xiang Shiqun , Li Yinghua , Fan Weibin , Jin Jiang , Zhang Wei , Huang Deguang
Published: January 2021

A simple and efficient method is explored for the synthesis of 2-hydroxyimino-2-phenylacetonitriles (2) and phthalimides (4), by using nitromethane as nitrogen donors. Both reactions are promoted by Cu(II) system with the participation of dioxygen as an oxidant. The scope of the method has been successfully demonstrated with a total of 51 examples. The flexible and diversified characteristics of reactions are introduced in terms of electronic effect, steric effect, position of substituted groups, and intramolecular charge transfer. Experimental studies suggest that the methyl nitrite could be a precursor in the path to the final products. A possible reaction mechanism is proposed, including the Cu(II)/O2-facilitated transformation of nitromethane to methyl nitrite, the base-induced formation of 2-hydroxyimino-2-phenylacetonitriles, and the base-dioxygen-promoted formation of phthalimides.
Modeling Relapsing Malaria: Emerging Technologies to Study Parasite-Host Interactions in the Liver
Authors: Voorberg-van der Wel Annemarie , Kocken Clemens H. M. , Zeeman Anne-Marie
Published: January 2021

Recent studies of liver stage malaria parasite-host interactions have provided exciting new insights on the cross-talk between parasite and its mammalian (predominantly rodent) host. We review the latest state of the art and and zoom in on new technologies that will provide the tools necessary to investigate host-parasite interactions of relapsing parasites. Interactions between hypnozoites and hepatocytes are particularly interesting because the parasite can remain in a quiescent state for prolonged periods of time and triggers for reactivation have not been irrefutably identified. If we learn more about the cross-talk between hypnozoite and host we may be able to identify factors that encourage waking up these dormant parasite reservoirs and help to achieve the total eradication of malaria.
Toward a Conversational Agent to Support the Self-Management of Adults and Young Adults With Sickle Cell Disease: Usability and Usefulness Study
Authors: Issom David-Zacharie , Hardy-Dessources Marie-Dominique , Romana Marc , Hartvigsen Gunnar , Lovis Christian
Published: January 2021

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common genetic blood disorder in the world and affects millions of people. With aging, patients encounter an increasing number of comorbidities that can be acute, chronic, and potentially lethal (e.g., pain, multiple organ damages, lung disease). Comprehensive and preventive care for adults with SCD faces disparities (e.g., shortage of well-trained providers). Consequently, many patients do not receive adequate treatment, as outlined by evidence-based guidelines, and suffer from mistrust, stigmatization or neglect. Thus, adult patients often avoid necessary care, seek treatment only as a last resort, and rely on self-management to maintain control over the course of the disease. Hopefully, self-management positively impacts health outcomes. However, few patients possess the required skills (e.g., disease-specific knowledge, self-efficacy), and many lack motivation for effective self-care. Health coaching has emerged as a new approach to enhance patients' self-management and support health behavior changes. Recent studies have demonstrated that conversational agents (chatbots) could effectively support chronic patients' self-management needs, improve self-efficacy, encourage behavior changes, and reduce disease-severity. To date, the use of chatbots to support SCD self-management remains largely under-researched. Consequently, we developed a high-fidelity prototype of a fully automated health coaching chatbot, following patient-important requirements and preferences collected during our previous work. We recruited a small convenience sample of adults with SCD to examine the usability and perceived usefulness of the system. Participants completed a post-test survey using the System Usability Scale and the Usefulness Scale for Patient Information Material questionnaire. Thirty-three patients participated. The majority (64%) was affected by the most clinically severe SCD genotypes (Hb SS, HbSβ0). Most participants (94%) rated the chatbots as easy and fun to use, while 88% perceived it as useful support for patient empowerment. In the qualitative phase, 72% of participants expressed their enthusiasm using the chatbot, and 82% emphasized its ability to improve their knowledge about self-management. Findings suggest that chatbots could be used to promote the acquisition of recommended health behaviors and self-care practices related to the prevention of the main symptoms of SCD. Further work is needed to refine the system, and to assess clinical validity.
Radiocarbon Dating for the Reconstruction of the 1717 CE Triolet Rock Avalanche in the Mont Blanc Massif, Italy
Authors: Hajdas Irka , Sojc Ursula , Ivy-Ochs Susan , Akçar Naki , Deline Philip
Published: January 2021

The Arp Nouva peat bog located in the upper Ferret Valley in the Mont Blanc massif was critically evaluated since published radiocarbon dates have led to controversial conclusions on the formation of this swamp. Radiocarbon dating of woody fragments from three pits of up to 1 m depth was used to discuss the question of whether the historically documented rock avalanche occurring in 1717 CE overran the peat bog or settled prior to its formation. For the deepest samples in the pits, calibrated radiocarbon ages between 1,652 and 1950 CE (95.4%; confidence level) were obtained, which fit very well into the time frame of the historical documented 1717 CE rock avalanche event. It can, therefore, be concluded that the Arp Nouva peat bog was formed by blockage of the Bella Combe torrent by the rock avalanche deposits. Furthermore, careful sample preparation with consequent separation of woody fragments from the bulk peat sample has shown that the problem of too old14C ages can be circumvented. This work demonstrates that a combined geomorphological and geochronological approach is the most reliable way to reconstruct landscape evolution. The key to successful14C dating is careful sample selection and the identification of the material that might not be ideal for chronological reconstructions.
Modeling Hydrocarbon Generation of Deeply Buried Type Ⅲ Kerogen: A Study on Gas and Oil Potential of Lishui Sag, East China Sea Shelf Basin
Authors: Zhang Jinliang , Li Yang , Liu Jinshui , Yan Xue , Li Lianjie , Shen Wenlong
Published: January 2021

The hydrocarbon generation model and hydrocarbon potential are investigated in the Lishui Sag, based on gold-tube pyrolysis experiments of deeply buried type Ⅲ kerogen. From this, we discuss the classification of kerogen types of source rocks with mixed organic matter sources. The hydrocarbon generated from the source rocks of the Lingfeng Formation and Yueguifeng Formation is dominated by natural gases with little oil in the West subsag, and the hydrocarbon generation model of the Lingfeng Formation is similar to that of Yueguifeng Formation, but the gas potential of Lingfeng Formation is higher than that of Yueguifeng Formation. The hydrocarbon potential of the Yueguifeng Formation in the East subsag is much higher than the West subsag, and it has considerable oil potential. Macerals diversity of source rocks is responsible for the difference of hydrocarbon generation characteristics for type Ⅲ kerogen in the Lishui Sag. It is not rigorous to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of kerogen only based on pyrolysis parameters. Application of kerogen type index (KTI) can improve the accuracy of the classification of kerogen types with mixed organic matter sources. According to the classical kerogen classification template, the selected samples belong to type III kerogen. In this article, the selected samples were further subdivided into type III and type II/III based on the KTI value. Type III kerogen (0.5 ≤ KTI < 1.5) mainly produces gas, and type II/III kerogen (1.5 ≤ KTI < 5) mainly produces gas, but its oil potential is higher than that of type III.
TLR9 in MAFLD and NASH: At the Intersection of Inflammation and Metabolism
Authors: Shepard Christopher R.
Published: January 2021

Toll-Like Receptor 9 (TLR9) is an ancient receptor integral to the primordial functions of inflammation and metabolism. TLR9 functions to regulate homeostasis in a healthy system under acute stress. The literature supports that overactivation of TLR9 under the chronic stress of obesity is a critical driver of the pathogenesis of NASH and NASH-associated fibrosis. Research has focused on the core contributions of the parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells in the liver, adipose, and gut compartments. TLR9 is activated by endogenous circulating mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Chronically elevated circulating levels of mtDNA, caused by the stress of overnutrition, are observed in obesity, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and NASH. Clinical evidence is supportive of TLR9 overactivation as a driver of disease. The role of TLR9 in metabolism and energy regulation may have an underappreciated contribution in the pathogenesis of NASH. Antagonism of TLR9 in NASH and NASH-associated fibrosis could be an effective therapeutic strategy to target both the inflammatory and metabolic components of such a complex disease.
Na0.44MnO2/Polyimide Aqueous Na-ion Batteries for Large Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Maddukuri Satyanarayana , Nimkar Amey , Chae Munseok S. , Penki Tirupathi Rao , Luski Shalom , Aurbach Doron
Published: January 2021

Aqueous salt batteries with high concentrations of salt or water in salt aqueous systems have received considerable attention with focus on improving working voltage range and energy density. Here, the effect of NaClO4 salt concentration on the electrochemical performance and stability of tunnel-type Na0.44MnO2 (NMO) cathodes and organic polyimide (PI) derivative anodes was studied. High capacity retention and 100% coulombic efficiency were shown for NMO/PI full cell in saturated NaClO4 electrolyte. A high, stable capacity of 115 mAh/g was achieved for the PI anode material, and the full cell showed a stable capacity of 41 mAh/g at 2C rate for 430 cycles (calculated for the weight of NMO cathode). Even at a fast 5C rate, a discharge capacity of 33 mAh/g was maintained for 2,400 prolonged cycles with nearly 100% efficiency. The full cell device can achieve an average voltage of 1 V with energy density of 24 Wh/kg. This study highlights concentrated sodium perchlorate as a promising electrolyte solution for stabilization of electrodes and enhancement of electrochemical performance in aqueous media.
The Role of PTX3 in Mineralization Processes and Aging-Related Bone Diseases
Authors: Tarantino Umberto , Greggi Chiara , Cariati Ida , Visconti Virginia Veronica , Gasparini Monica , Cateni Marco , Gasbarra Elena , Botta Annalisa , Salustri Antonietta , Scimeca Manuel
Published: January 2021

The Long Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is a multifunctional glycoprotein released by peripheral blood leukocytes and myeloid dendritic cells in response to primary pro-inflammatory stimuli, that acts as a non-redundant component of the humoral arm of innate immunity. In addition to the primary role in the acute inflammatory response, PTX3 seems to be involved in other physiological and pathological processes. Indeed, PTX3 seems to play a pivotal role in the deposition and remodeling of bone matrix during the mineralization process, promoting osteoblasts differentiation and activity. Recently, PTX3 was seen to be involved in the ectopic calcifications’ formation in breast cancer disease. In this regard, it has been observed that breast cancer tumors characterized by high expression of PTX3 and high amount of Breast Osteoblast Like Cells (BOLCs) showed several Hydroxyapatite (HA) microcalcifications, suggesting a likely role for PTX3 in differentiation and osteoblastic activity in both bone and extra-bone sites. Furthermore, given its involvement in bone metabolism, several studies agree with the definition of PTX3 as a molecule significantly involved in the pathogenesis of age-related bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, both in mice and humans. Recent results suggest that genetic and epigenetic mechanisms acting on PTX3 gene are also involved in the progression of these diseases. Based on these evidences, the aim of our systemic review was to offer an overview of the variety of biological processes in which PTX3 is involved, focusing on bone mineralization, both in a physiological and pathological context.
Effect of CNT-Based Resin Modification on the Mechanical Properties of Polymer Composites
Authors: Nayak Suhas Yeshwant , Shenoy Satish , Hameed Sultan Mohamed Thariq , Kini Chandrakant R. , Seth Aashna , Prabhu Shrinivasa , Safri Syafiqah Nur Azrie
Published: January 2021

In this study an attempt was made to explore the possibility of substituting 3D E-glass fabric with eco-friendly basalt fabric along with the modification of resin using MWCNTs, a material system about which very limited information exists. The study involved comparing the mechanical properties of two sets of composites. The first set was comprised of 3D orthogonally woven E-glass-reinforced epoxy composites, basalt-reinforced epoxy composites, and hybrid 3D E-glass orthogonally woven/basalt-reinforced epoxy composites while the second set of composites was the same as the first but prepared with resin modified with Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs). All the composites were fabricated by hand lay-up and compression molding techniques. To modify the resin for the second set of composites, MWCNTs were dispersed into the epoxy resin with acetone as a surfactant by magnetic stirring and ultra-sonification. Mechanical tests included tensile, flexural, and low velocity impact strength which were evaluated as per standards. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to study the fractured surfaces. Results showed that resin modification did not yield any positive results on the mechanical properties of the composites. The highest tensile (364.4 MPa) and flexural strength (345.3 MPa) was obtained for 3D E-glass composites followed by basalt composites and hybrid 3D E-glass/basalt composites while the highest impact strength of 198.42 kJ/m2 was exhibited by the hybrid 3D E-glass/basalt composites. SEM micrographs showed de-bonding between the modified matrix and fiber which was seen as one of the primary causes for relatively poor performance of the composites prepared with modified resin. Fiber breakage, matrix cracking, fiber pull-out, and delamination were the other modes of failure. Results suggest that hybridization with basalt fibers is a much safer, more cost effective, and eco-friendly option over resin modification.
Catalpol Protects Against Pulmonary Fibrosis Through Inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad3 and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathways
Authors: Yang Fan , Hou Zhen-feng , Zhu Hao-yue , Chen Xiao-xuan , Li Wan-yang , Cao Ren-shuang , Li Yu-xuan , Chen Ru , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2021

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal lung disease characterized by fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix remodeling; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying its occurrence and development are not yet fully understood. Despite it having a variety of beneficial pharmacological activities, the effects of catalpol (CAT), which is extracted from Rehmannia glutinosa, in IPF are not known. In this study, the differentially expressed genes, proteins, and pathways of IPF in the Gene Expression Omnibus database were analyzed, and CAT was molecularly docked with the corresponding key proteins to screen its pharmacological targets, which were then verified using an animal model. The results show that collagen metabolism imbalance, inflammatory response, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are the core processes in IPF, and the TGF-β1/Smad3 and Wnt/β-catenin pathways are the key signaling pathways for the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Our results also suggest that CAT binds to TGF-βR1, Smad3, Wnt3a, and GSK-3β through hydrogen bonds, van der Waals bonds, and other interactions to downregulate the expression and phosphorylation of Smad3, Wnt3a, GSK-3β, and β-catenin, inhibit the expression of cytokines, and reduce the degree of oxidative stress in lung tissue. Furthermore, CAT can inhibit the EMT process and collagen remodeling by downregulating fibrotic biomarkers and promoting the expression of epithelial cadherin. This study elucidates several key processes and signaling pathways involved in the development of IPF, and suggests the potential value of CAT in the treatment of IPF.
Transmission Structured Illumination Microscopy for Quantitative Phase and Scattering Imaging
Authors: Wen Kai , Ma Ying , Liu Min , Li Jianlang , Zalevsky Zeev , Zheng Juanjuan
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we demonstrate a digital micromirror device (DMD) based optical microscopic apparatus for quantitative differential phase contrast (qDIC) imaging, coherent structured illumination microscopy (SIM), and dual-modality (scattering/fluorescent) imaging. For both the qDIC imaging and the coherent SIM, two sets of fringe patterns with orthogonal orientations and five phase-shifts for each orientation, are generated by a DMD and projected on a sample. A CCD camera records the generated images in a defocusing manner for qDIC and an in-focus manner for coherent SIM. Both quantitative phase images and super-resolved scattering/fluorescence images can be reconstructed from the recorded intensity images. Moreover, fluorescent imaging modality is integrated, providing specific biochemical structures of the sample once using fluorescent labeling.
Artificial Intelligence and Telehealth may Provide Early Warning of Epidemics
Authors: Arslan Janan , Benke Kurt K.
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic produced a very sudden and serious impact on public health around the world, greatly adding to the burden of overloaded professionals and national medical systems. Recent medical research has demonstrated the value of using online systems to predict emerging spatial distributions of transmittable diseases. Concerned internet users often resort to online sources in an effort to explain their medical symptoms. This raises the prospect that incidence of COVID-19 may be tracked online by search queries and social media posts analyzed by advanced methods in data science, such as Artificial Intelligence. Online queries can provide early warning of an impending epidemic, which is valuable information needed to support planning timely interventions. Identification of the location of clusters geographically helps to support containment measures by providing information for decision-making and modeling.
Row Orientation and Canopy Position Affect Bud Differentiation, Leaf Area Index and Some Agronomical Traits of a Super High-Density Almond Orchard
Authors: Maldera Francesco , Vivaldi Gaetano Alessandro , Iglesias-Castellarnau Ignasi , Camposeo Salvatore
Published: January 2021

Super-high density (SHD) is the latest innovation in almond growing. This new cropping system needs to be studied in different climates, soils, latitudes and cultivars in order to promote more efficient and sustainable orchard management. This study shows the effects of two row orientations and different canopy positions on leaf area index (LAI), photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and biological, phenological and agronomical parameters of a SHD almond orchard. Total bud number and flower bud number were higher for N-S row orientation and more wood buds were detected in top layers. LAI was strongly influenced by layer, but not by row orientation. Row orientation did not affect blooming or ripening phenology. Fruit number per layer was higher for North–South (N-S) row orientation and in middle layers; fruit set showed the opposite trend to flower bud and fruit numbers, achieving higher values for East–West (E-W) row orientation. Hulled fruit yield was not affected by row orientation but by canopy height. N-S oriented rows showed a greater number of empty nuts than E-W, but no differences were found between layers. We concluded that in SHD almond orchards, row orientation is determinant for sustainable crop management.
New Antimicrobials Based on the Adarotene Scaffold with Activity against Multi-Drug Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus
Authors: Princiotto Salvatore , Mazzini Stefania , Musso Loana , Arena Fabio , Dallavalle Sabrina , Pisano Claudio
Published: January 2021

The global increase in infections by multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens is severely impacting our ability to successfully treat common infections. Herein, we report the antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. faecalis (including some MDR strains) of a panel of adarotene-related synthetic retinoids. In many cases, these compounds showed, together with favorable MICs, a detectable bactericidal effect. We found that the pattern of substitution on adarotene could be modulated to obtain selectivity for antibacterial over the known anticancer activity of these compounds. NMR experiments allowed us to define the interaction between adarotene and a model of microorganism membrane. Biological assessment confirmed that the scaffold of adarotene is promising for further developments of non-toxic antimicrobials active on MDR strains.
The Role of Uniform Meropenem Usage in Acinetobacter baumannii Clone Replacement
Authors: Balázs Bence , Tóth Zoltán , Nagy Fruzsina , Kovács Renátó , Tóth Hajnalka , Nagy József Bálint , Tóth Ákos , Szarka Krisztina , Majoros László , Kardos Gábor
Published: January 2021

The dominant carbapenem resistant Acinetobacter baumannii harboring blaOXA-23-like carbapenemase was replaced by blaOXA-40-like carriers in a Hungarian tertiary-care center with high meropenem but relatively low imipenem use. We hypothesized that alterations in antibiotic consumption may have contributed to this switch. Our workgroup previous study examined the relation between resistance spiral and the antibiotic consumption, and the results suggest that the antibiotic usage provoked the increasing resistance in case of A. baumannii. We aimed at measuring the activity of imipenem and meropenem to compare the selection pressure exerted by the different carbapenems in time-kill assays. Strain replacement was confirmed by whole genome sequencing, core-genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST), and resistome analysis. Based on results of the time-kill assays, we found a significant difference between two different sequence-types (STs) in case of meropenem, but not in case of imipenem susceptibility. The newly emerged ST636 and ST492 had increased resistance level against meropenem compared to the previously dominant ST2 and ST49. On the other hand, the imipenem and colistin resistance profiles were similar. These results suggest, that the uniform meropenem usage may have contributed to A. baumannii strain replacement in our setting.
Cross-Contamination of Enrofloxacin in Veterinary Medicinal and Nutritional Products in Korea
Authors: Kang JeongWoo , Hossain Md. Akil , Park Hae-chul , Jeong Ok me , Park Sung-won , Her Moon
Published: January 2021

Poultry meat and eggs are vital sources of protein for human consumption worldwide. The use of several nutritional and medicinal products, including antibiotics, is crucial for efficient and safe poultry production. Accumulation of drug residues in meat and eggs from inappropriate drug use is a major concern to public health. Recently, enrofloxacin was detected (2.4–3.8 ppb) in edible eggs produced in Jeju Island, Korea. Although the farm from which the enrofloxacin-contaminated eggs were collected did not use enrofloxacin-containing products, they reported extensive use of a nutritional product (NPJ). Accordingly, in this study, we investigated whether enrofloxacin contamination had occurred accidentally in various widely used veterinary pharmaceutical products. Enrofloxacin content (4.57–179.08 ppm) in different lots of the NPJ was confirmed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. Furthermore, 76 veterinary pharmaceutical products that are widely used in poultry farms in Korea and claim to not contain enrofloxacin were collected and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Among them, a florfenicol product and a sulfatrimethoprime product were found to contain 3.00 and 0.57 ppm enrofloxacin, respectively. These results suggest that appropriate manufacturing standards are not being followed and that strict monitoring of drug manufacturing is necessary in Korea to avoid drug contamination.
Bacteriophage-Delivering Hydrogels: Current Progress in Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacterial Infection
Authors: Kim Hyun Young , Chang Rachel Yoon Kyung , Morales Sandra , Chan Hak-Kim
Published: January 2021

Antibiotic resistance remains as an unresolved global challenge in the health care system, posing serious threats to global health. As an alternative to antibiotics, bacteriophage (phage) therapy is rising as a key to combating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. In order to deliver a phage to the site of infection, hydrogels have been formulated to incorporate phages, owing to its favorable characteristics in delivering biological molecules. This paper reviews the formulation of phage-delivering hydrogels for orthopedic implant-associated bone infection, catheter-associated urinary tract infection and trauma-associated wound infection, with a focus on the preparation methods, stability, efficacy and safety of hydrogels as phage carriers.
Evolution of Antimicrobial Consumption During the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Grau Santiago , Echeverria-Esnal Daniel , Gómez-Zorrilla Silvia , Navarrete-Rouco Maria Eugenia , Masclans Joan Ramon , Espona Merce , Gracia-Arnillas Maria Pilar , Duran Xavier , Comas Merce , Horcajada Juan Pablo , Ferrández Olivia
Published: January 2021

Background: The first wave of COVID-19 pandemic may have significantly impacted antimicrobial consumption in hospitals. The objective of this study was to assess the evolution of antimicrobial consumption during this period. Methods: A retrospective quasi-experimental before–after study was conducted in a Spanish tertiary care hospital. The study compared two periods: pre-pandemic, from January 2018 to February 2020, and during the COVID-19 pandemic from March to June 2020. Antimicrobial consumption was analyzed monthly as defined daily doses (DDD)/100 bed-days and overall hospital and ICU consumption were evaluated. Results: An increase in the hospital consumption was noticed. Although only ceftaroline achieved statistical significance (p = 0.014), a rise was observed in most of the studied antimicrobials. A clear temporal pattern was detected. While an increase in ceftriaxone and azithromycin was observed during March, an increment in the consumption of daptomycin, carbapenems, linezolid, ceftaroline, novel cephalosporin/β-lactamase inhibitors or triazoles during April–May was noticed. In the ICU, these findings were more evident, namely ceftriaxone (p = 0.029), carbapenems (p = 0.002), daptomycin (p = 0.002), azithromycin (p = 0.030), and linezolid (p = 0.011) but followed a similar temporal pattern. Conclusion: An increase in the antimicrobial consumption during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic was noticed, especially in the ICU. Availability of updated protocols and antimicrobial stewardship programs are essential to optimize these outcomes.
Evidence of Polyphenols Efficacy against Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Favero Gaia , Moretti Enrico , Krajčíková Kristína , Tomečková Vladimíra , Rezzani Rita
Published: January 2021

Dry eye disease is a multifactorial pathology compromising the quality of life of patients, resulting in significant damage of the ocular surface and discomfort. The current therapeutical strategies are not able to definitively resolve the underlying causes and stop the symptoms. Polyphenols are promising natural molecules that are receiving increasing attention for their activity/effects in counteracting the main pathologic mechanisms of dry eye disease and reducing its symptoms. In the present review, a deep literature search focusing on the main polyphenols tested against dry eye disease was conducted, analyzing related in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies to provide a comprehensive and current review on the state of the art. Polyphenols present multiple effects against dry eye diseases-related ocular surface injury. In particular, the observed beneficial effects of polyphenols on corneal cells are the reduction of the pathological processes of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis and modulation of the tear film. Due to numerous studies reporting that polyphenols are effective and safe for treating the pathological mechanisms of this ocular surface disease, we believe that future studies should confirm and extend the evidence of polyphenols efficacy in clinical practice against dry eye disease and help to develop new ophthalmic drug(s).
Oxidative Stress Modulators and Functional Foods
Authors: Taira Junsei
Published: January 2021

Many years of research have seen the investigation of natural antioxidants and dietary supplements as functional foods with the potential to prevent oxidative stress due to the scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) [...]
Cytoprotective Effects of Punicalagin on Hydrogen–Peroxide–Mediated Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells
Authors: Clementi Maria Elisabetta , Maulucci Giuseppe , Bianchetti Giada , Pizzoferrato Michela , Sampaolese Beatrice , Tringali Giuseppe
Published: January 2021

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a densely pigmented, monostratified epithelium that provides metabolic and functional support to the outer segments of photoreceptors. Endogenous or exogenous oxidative stimuli determine a switch from physiological to pathological conditions, characterized by an increase of intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Accumulating evidence has elucidated that punicalagin (PUN), the major ellagitannin in pomegranate, is a potent antioxidant in several cell types. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of PUN on mitochondrial dysfunction associated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)–induced oxidative stress. For this purpose, we used a human RPE cell line (ARPE–19) exposed to H2O2 for 24 h. The effects of PUN pre–treatment (24 h) were examined on cell viability, mitochondrial ROS levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and respiratory chain complexes, then finally on caspase–3 enzymatic activity. The results showed that supplementation with PUN: (a) significantly increased cell viability; (b) kept the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) at healthy levels and limited ROS production; (c) preserved the activity of respiratory complexes; (d) reduced caspase–3 activity. In conclusion, due to its activity in helping mitochondrial functions, reducing oxidative stress, and subsequent induction of cellular apoptosis, PUN might be considered a useful nutraceutical agent in the treatment of oxidation–associated disorders of RPE.
The Effect of Dietary Lycopene Supplementation on Drip Loss during Storage of Lamb Meat by iTRAQ Analysis
Authors: Wang Bo , Xu Chen-chen , Liu Ce , Qu Yang-hua , Zhang Hao , Luo Hai-ling
Published: January 2021

This study was designed to investigate the impact of dietary lycopene (antioxidant extracted from tomato) supplementation on postmortem antioxidant capacity, drip loss and protein expression profiles of lamb meat during storage. Thirty male Hu lambs were randomly divided into three treatment groups and housed in individual pens and received 0, 200 or 400 mg·kg−1 lycopene in their diet, respectively. All lambs were slaughtered after 3 months of fattening, and the longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle was collected for analyses. The results indicated that drip loss of LT muscle increased with storage days (P < 0.05). After storage for 7 days, significantly lower drip loss of meat was found in fed the lycopene-supplemented diet (P < 0.05). Dietary lycopene supplementation increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes (total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT)) (P < 0.05) and decreased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and carbonyl contents (P < 0.05). During the storage period (days 0, 5 and 7), a number of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs), including oxidases, metabolic enzymes, calcium channels and structural proteins, were identified based on iTRAQ data, with roles predominantly in carbon metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, cardiac muscle contraction and proteasome pathways, and which contribute to decreased drip loss of lamb meat during storage. It can be concluded that dietary lycopene supplementation increased antioxidant capacity after slaughter, and the decreased drip loss during postmortem storage might occur by changing the expression of proteins related to enzyme activity and cellular structure in lamb muscle.
Effect of Subglottic Stenosis on Vocal Fold Vibration and Voice Production Using Fluid–Structure–Acoustics Interaction Simulation
Authors: Bodaghi Dariush , Xue Qian , Zheng Xudong , Thomson Scott
Published: January 2021

An in-house 3D fluid–structure–acoustic interaction numerical solver was employed to investigate the effect of subglottic stenosis (SGS) on dynamics of glottal flow, vocal fold vibration and acoustics during voice production. The investigation focused on two SGS properties, including severity defined as the percentage of area reduction and location. The results show that SGS affects voice production only when its severity is beyond a threshold, which is at 75% for the glottal flow rate and acoustics, and at 90% for the vocal fold vibrations. Beyond the threshold, the flow rate, vocal fold vibration amplitude and vocal efficiency decrease rapidly with SGS severity, while the skewness quotient, vibration frequency, signal-to-noise ratio and vocal intensity decrease slightly, and the open quotient increases slightly. Changing the location of SGS shows no effect on the dynamics. Further analysis reveals that the effect of SGS on the dynamics is primarily due to its effect on the flow resistance in the entire airway, which is found to be related to the area ratio of glottis to SGS. Below the SGS severity of 75%, which corresponds to an area ratio of glottis to SGS of 0.1, changing the SGS severity only causes very small changes in the area ratio; therefore, its effect on the flow resistance and dynamics is very small. Beyond the SGS severity of 75%, increasing the SGS severity, leads to rapid increases of the area ratio, resulting in rapid changes in the flow resistance and dynamics.
Terahertz Rotational Spectroscopy of Greenhouse Gases Using Long Interaction Path-Lengths
Authors: Cuisset Arnaud , Hindle Francis , Mouret Gaël , Bocquet Robin , Bruckhuisen Jonas , Decker Jean , Pienkina Anastasiia , Bray Cédric , Fertein Éric , Boudon Vincent
Published: January 2021

Even if on-board mm-wave/THz heterodyne receivers have been developed to measure greenhouse gases (GHGs) atmospheric profiles, rotational spectroscopy rests under-exploited for their monitoring unlike IR rovibrational spectroscopy. The present study deals with the ability of THz spectroscopy using long interaction path-lengths for GHG laboratory investigations. High-resolution THz signatures of non-polar greenhouse molecules may be observed by probing very weak centrifugal distortion induced rotational transitions. To illustrate, new measurements on CH4 and CF4 have been carried out. For CH4, pure rotational transitions, recorded by cw-THz photomixing up to 2.6 THz in a White type cell adjusted to 20 m, have allowed to update the methane line list of atmospheric databases. Concerning CF4, Fabry-Perot THz absorption spectroscopy with a km effective pathlength was required to detect line intensities lower than 10−27 cm−1/(moleccm−2). Contrary to previous synchrotron-based FT-FIR measurements, the tetrahedral splitting of CF4 THz lines is fully resolved. Finally, quantitative measurements of N2O and O3 gas traces have been performed in an atmospheric simulation chamber using a submm-wave amplified multiplier chain coupled to a Chernin type multi-pass cell on a 200 m path-length. The THz monitoring of these two polar GHGs at tropospheric and stratospheric concentrations may be now considered.
Design of Vehicle Stability Controller Based on Fuzzy Radial Basis Neural Network Sliding Mode Theory with Sideslip Angle Estimation
Authors: Zhang Zhenzhao , Chu Liang , Zhang Jiaxu , Guo Chong , Li Jing
Published: January 2021

This study is targeted at the key state parameters of vehicle stability controllers, the controlled vehicle model, and the nonlinearity and uncertainty of external disturbance. An adaptive double-layer unscented Kalman filter (ADUKF) is used to compute the sideslip angle, and a vehicle stability control algorithm adaptive fuzzy radial basis function neural network sliding mode control (AFRBF-SMC) is proposed. Since the sideslip angle cannot be directly determined, a 7-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) nonlinear vehicle dynamic model is established and combined with ADUKF to estimate the sideslip angle. After that, a vehicle stability sliding mode controller is designed and used to trace the ideal values of the vehicle stability parameters. To handle the severe system vibration due to the large robustness coefficient in the sliding mode controller, we use a fuzzy radial basis function neural network (FRBFNN) algorithm to approximate the uncertain disturbance of the system. Then the adaptive rate of the system is solved using the Lyapunov algorithm, and the systemic stability and convergence of this algorithm are validated. Finally, the controlling algorithm is verified through joint simulation on MATLAB/Simulink-Carsim. ADUKF can estimate the sideslip angle with high precision. The AFRBF-SMC vehicle stability controller performs well with high precision and low vibration and can ensure the driving stability of vehicles.
Quantitative Set-Based Design to Inform Design Teams
Authors: Specking Eric , Shallcross Nicholas , Parnell Gregory S. , Pohl Edward
Published: January 2021

System designers, analysts, and engineers use various techniques to develop complex systems. A traditional design approach, point-based design (PBD), uses system decomposition and modeling, simulation, optimization, and analysis to find and compare discrete design alternatives. Set-based design (SBD) is a concurrent engineering technique that compares a large number of design alternatives grouped into sets. The existing SBD literature discusses the qualitative team-based characteristics of SBD, but lacks insights into how to quantitatively perform SBD in a team environment. This paper proposes a qualitative SBD conceptual framework for system design, proposes a team-based, quantitative SBD approach for early system design and analysis, and uses an unmanned aerial vehicle case study with an integrated model-based engineering framework to demonstrate the potential benefits of SBD. We found that quantitative SBD tradespace exploration can identify potential designs, assess design feasibility, inform system requirement analysis, and evaluate feasible designs. Additionally, SBD helps designers and analysts assess design decisions by providing an understanding of how each design decision affects the feasible design space. We conclude that SBD provides a more holistic tradespace exploration process since it provides an integrated examination of system requirements and design decisions.