bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective Effects of Fingolimod in a Cellular Model of Optic Neuritis
Authors: Candadai Amritha A. , Liu Fang , Verma Arti , Adil Mir S. , Alfarhan Moaddey , Fagan Susan C. , Somanath Payaningal R. , Narayanan S. Priya
Published: October 2021

Visual dysfunction resulting from optic neuritis (ON) is one of the most common clinical manifestations of multiple sclerosis (MS), characterized by loss of retinal ganglion cells, thinning of the nerve fiber layer, and inflammation to the optic nerve. Current treatments available for ON or MS are only partially effective, specifically target the inflammatory phase, and have limited effects on long-term disability. Fingolimod (FTY) is an FDA-approved immunomodulatory agent for MS therapy. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the neuroprotective properties of FTY in the cellular model of ON-associated neuronal damage. R28 retinal neuronal cell damage was induced through treatment with tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα). In our cell viability analysis, FTY treatment showed significantly reduced TNFα-induced neuronal death. Treatment with FTY attenuated the TNFα-induced changes in cell survival and cell stress signaling molecules. Furthermore, immunofluorescence studies performed using various markers indicated that FTY treatment protects the R28 cells against the TNFα-induced neurodegenerative changes by suppressing reactive oxygen species generation and promoting the expression of neuronal markers. In conclusion, our study suggests neuroprotective effects of FTY in an in vitro model of optic neuritis.
A Case of Disseminated Herpes Zoster Presenting as Vesicles Limited to Skin Lesions with Lymphoma Cutis Involvement
Authors: Lee Joo Yup , Kang Hyun Mi , Kim Seong Koo , Lee Jae Wook , Chung Nack-Gyun , Jeong Dae Chul , Cho Bin
Published: October 2021

After primary infection, varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes prolonged latent infections that may reactivate, depending on the immunologic status of the host. We present a case of VZV reactivation in a 10-year-old male patient that underwent unrelated peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (uPBSCT) for T-lymphoblastic lymphoma with lymphoma cutis lesions. This patient had a history of herpes zoster involving the right L2-5 dermatome and trigeminal V1 dermatome prior to uPBSCT. Three months post-uPBSCT, the patient’s underlying disease relapsed, and the patient presented with lymphoma cutis lesions. A few days after a skin biopsy was performed to pathologically confirm skin relapse, vesicles appeared only involving the skin areas with lymphoma cutis. This case illustrates how decreased areas of epidermal immune mechanisms may cause atypical presentations of varicella infection.
Preference of Dental Practitioners toward the Use of Local and Topical Anesthetics for Pediatric Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Alanazi Fahad Shulaywih , Alhazzaa Mohammed Fahad , Alosaimi Yazeed Mohammed , Alajaji Faisal Abdullah , Alanazi Atallah Shulaywih , Alassaf Abdullah , Almulhim Basim , Alghamdi Sara Ayid , Mallineni Sreekanth Kumar
Published: October 2021

Background: Local anesthesia administration techniques are slightly challenging to perform and master on the basis of experience. It is always delicate to adjust to the first patient injection, especially in children. This study investigated dental practitioners’ preferences toward topical and local anesthetics for children in Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods: A questionnaire was sent through google forms to the participants, including sociodemographic characteristics, as well as perceptions of local anesthesia and topical anesthesia. The details for each demographic variable were based the gender, occupation, and experience years. Descriptive statistics were carried out using SPSS (version 24.0), where a p-value of 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval was considered significant. Result: A total of 274 responses were received from Saudi Arabian dental practitioners, whereby 92.3% preferred lidocaine, and, while choosing local anesthesia, most participants (57.7%) considered precise bodyweight. The majority of the participants selected 27 gauge needles for infiltrations (46.3%) and blocks (63.9%). Short needles were preferred by the majority (93.4%) of the dental practitioners for infiltration, while long needles (83.9%) were chosen for nerve blocks. Benzocaine (68.2%) was preferred by the majority of the dental practitioners for topical anesthesia, and 55.8% of them were not aware of the brand of the topical anesthesia. The majority of dental practitioners felt that topical anesthesia was effective prior to administration of local anesthesia, and 83.6% of the Arabian dental practitioners expressed that patients complained regarding the taste of topical anesthesia. There were mixed opinions observed among the genders and occupations of dental practitioners regarding anesthetics used. Conclusion: The dental practitioners’ perceptions and preferences demonstrate that the most commonly preferred type of local anesthetic was lidocaine, whereas the most preferred type of topical anesthetic was benzocaine in gel form. Moreover, the most widely used factor in deciding the dosage of local anesthesia was precise body weight among Saudi dentists. The majority of participants preferred short needles for infiltrations and long needles for nerve blocks. The 27 gauge needle was chosen by the majority of the participants for both infiltration and nerve blocks.
Expression of the Self-Sharpening Mechanism of a Roller Cone Bit during Wear Due to the Influence of the Erosion Protection Carbide Coating
Authors: Šporin Jurij , Mrvar Primož , Janc Blaž , Vukelić Željko
Published: October 2021

Roller cone drill bits are used in drilling larger diameter wells. The drilling efficiency of the roller cone drill bit depends on the wear rate of the materials that forms bit teeth, which crushes the rock at the bottom of the well. To prevent excessive wear, research has largely focused on the study and determination of abrasion-resistant materials. In our work, we investigated the wear mechanism of a roller cone drill bit whose wear-resistant teeth are protected by a hard metal coating welded onto the teeth. The difference between material properties of erosion-protective carbide coating and the tooth steel leads to uneven wear of bit teeth. In order to determine the material changes, we carried out detailed studies of the rock through which drilling was carried out, the drilling parameters and the materials of which the roller cone bit is made. The principle of wear of the tooth materials and their carbide coating, determined by our research, indicated the guidelines which could be basis for the development of abrasion-resistant materials could be carried out, as well as the problem of applying an erosion protection to the teeth of the studied type of roller cone bits.
Free and Forced Convective Flow in Pleural Fluid with Effect of Injection between Different Permeable Regions
Authors: Thiyagarajan Padmavathi , Sathiamoorthy Senthamilselvi , Santra Shyam Sundar , Ali Rifaqat , Govindan Vediyappan , Noeiaghdam Samad , Nieto Juan J.
Published: October 2021

Pleural effusion is an interruption of a pleural cavity in the lung wall. The lung and chest wall reversal process leads to pleural fluid aggregation in the pleural space. The parietal lymphatic expansion occurs because of increased pleural fluid. This model has been developed to obtain new results of respiratory tract infections, and also investigated the reaction of injection on an unstable free and forced convection flow of visceral pleural fluid transports in two different vertical porous regions. Finally, the model gives an impact of COVID-19 in the human respiratory tract, as it helps to anticipate early summary of establishing current pandemic infection. Results are computed analytically and plotted graphically for various physical parameters. The main highlights of this paper are mixed convection has been investigated mathematically in porous media, the effect of temperature and velocity field of pleural fluid was analyzed based on human lung mechanism, heat exchange associates with mucus layer and pleural fluid layer corresponding to thermal radiation and heat absorption, contribution of injection parameter over the region’s mucus and pleural phase, it has shown high sensitivity flow in diagnosis of COVID-19 due to pleural effusion.
Adsorption Features of Loess Calcareous Nodules to Heavy-Metal Ions in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Li Qi , Li Yanan
Published: October 2021

This paper explores the use of calcareous tuberculosis as an adsorbent and heavy-metal ions (Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+) as adsorbates, and the influence of varying levels of particle size, adsorption time, pH, adsorbent dosage, and initial concentration of heavy metals is studied through an experiment of single heavy-metal adsorption. In addition, the impact of the temperature and other factors on the adsorption of heavy-metal ions by calcareous nodules is analyzed to identify the optimal conditions for the adsorption of heavy-metal ions by calcareous nodules. As shown by the research findings, the adsorption rates of Cu2+, Zn2+, and Pb2+ gradually declined with the increase in particle size, with no evident effect on Cd2+. In the meantime, with further increases in factors such as the adsorption time, adsorbent dosage, and temperature, the adsorption rates of Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+ experienced gradual increases. The adsorption rates of Cu2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+ gradually declined with the increase in initial concentration of heavy-metal ions, whereas the adsorption rate of Pb2+ experience increased first and then declined. As the pH increased, the adsorption rate of Cd2+ experience increased first and then declined at a slow pace. The adsorption rates of Cu2+, Zn2+, and Pb2+ increased first and then decreased. The adsorption capacity of calcareous nodules toward the four heavy-metal ions was in the order of Pb2+ > Zn2+ > Cu2+ > Cd2+. When the particle size was set to 0.25 mm, the adsorption time was set to 120 min, and the dosage was set to 0.6 g, the calcareous nodules included Pb2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+. Moreover, Cd2+ was able to achieve stronger adsorption capacity, with the adsorption rate able to reach 83.33%, 77.78%, 73.81%, and 81.93% of its maximum level. Therefore, as the particle size of the heavy-metal ions decreased, the adsorption capacity generally became stronger. As the adsorption time increased, the temperature and the amount of adsorbent also increased. The optimal pH value for the adsorption of calcareous nodules toward Pb2+, Zn2+, Cu2+, and Cd2+ was found to be 7, 6, 5, and 8, respectively, and the optimal temperature was 50 °C. In summary, calcareous nodules are a natural, low-cost, and effective adsorbent.
Brain Tumor Segmentation of MRI Images Using Processed Image Driven U-Net Architecture
Authors: Arora Anuja , Jayal Ambikesh , Gupta Mayank , Mittal Prakhar , Satapathy Suresh Chandra
Published: October 2021

Brain tumor segmentation seeks to separate healthy tissue from tumorous regions. This is an essential step in diagnosis and treatment planning to maximize the likelihood of successful treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides detailed information about brain tumor anatomy, making it an important tool for effective diagnosis which is requisite to replace the existing manual detection system where patients rely on the skills and expertise of a human. In order to solve this problem, a brain tumor segmentation & detection system is proposed where experiments are tested on the collected BraTS 2018 dataset. This dataset contains four different MRI modalities for each patient as T1, T2, T1Gd, and FLAIR, and as an outcome, a segmented image and ground truth of tumor segmentation, i.e., class label, is provided. A fully automatic methodology to handle the task of segmentation of gliomas in pre-operative MRI scans is developed using a U-Net-based deep learning model. The first step is to transform input image data, which is further processed through various techniques—subset division, narrow object region, category brain slicing, watershed algorithm, and feature scaling was done. All these steps are implied before entering data into the U-Net Deep learning model. The U-Net Deep learning model is used to perform pixel label segmentation on the segment tumor region. The algorithm reached high-performance accuracy on the BraTS 2018 training, validation, as well as testing dataset. The proposed model achieved a dice coefficient of 0.9815, 0.9844, 0.9804, and 0.9954 on the testing dataset for sets HGG-1, HGG-2, HGG-3, and LGG-1, respectively.
Review and Recalculation of Growth and Nucleation Kinetics for Calcite, Vaterite and Amorphous Calcium Carbonate
Authors: Bergwerff Luke , van Paassen Leon A.
Published: October 2021

The precipitation of calcium carbonate is well studied in many fields of research and industry. Despite the fact that, or perhaps because of the fact that, it is well studied in many fields, different approaches have been used to describe the kinetics of the precipitation process. The aim of this study was to collect and compare the data available in the literature and find a consistent method to describe the kinetics of growth and nucleation of the various polymorphs of calcium carbonate. Inventory of the available data showed that a significant number of the literature sources were incomplete in providing the required information to recalculate the kinetic constants. Using a unified method, we obtained a unique set of parameters to describe the kinetics for growth for calcite, vaterite and amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) and nucleation for vaterite and ACC. Recalculation of the kinetic constants demonstrated that calcite confirmed there are two growth mechanisms within one polymorph, namely pure spiral growth and spiral growth mixed with surface nucleation. The spiral growth does not show second-order growth, which is typically attributed to it. Re-evaluation of the available nucleation data confirmed the suggested existence of a second pure ACC polymorph with a solubility product between 10−5.87 and 10−5.51 mol2 kgw−2.
Modelling Green VTOL Concept Designs for Reliability and Efficiency
Authors: Booker Julian , Patel Caius , Mellor Phillip
Published: October 2021

All-electric and hybrid-electric aircraft are a future transport goal and a possible ‘green’ solution to increasing climate-related pressures for aviation. Ensuring the safety of passengers is of high importance, informed through appropriate reliability predictions to satisfy emerging flight certification requirements. This paper introduces another important consideration related to redundancy offered by multiplex electric motors, a maturing technology which could help electric aircraft manufacturers meet the high reliability targets being set. A concept design methodology is overviewed involving a symbolic representation of aircraft and block modelling of two important figures of merit, reliability, and efficiency, supported by data. This leads to a comparative study of green aircraft configurations indicating which have the most potential now, and in the future. Two main case studies are then presented: an electric tail rotor retrofitted to an existing turbine powered helicopter (hybrid) and an eVTOL aircraft (all-electric), demonstrating the impact of multiplex level and number of propulsion channels on meeting target reliabilities. The paper closes with a summary of the important contribution to be made by multiplex electric machines, well as the advancements necessary for green VTOL aircraft sub-systems, e.g., power control unit and batteries, to improve reliability predictions and safety further.
Measuring HCC Tumor Size in MRI—The Sequence Matters!
Authors: Armbruster Marco , Guba Markus , Andrassy Joachim , Rentsch Markus , Schwarze Vincent , Rübenthaler Johannes , Knösel Thomas , Ricke Jens , Kramer Harald
Published: October 2021

Background: The aim of this paper was to assess and compare the accuracy of common magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pulse sequences in measuring the lesion sizes of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) with respect to the Milan criteria and histopathology as a standard of reference. Methods: We included 45 patients with known HCC who underwent contrast-enhanced MRI of the liver prior to liver transplantation or tumor resection. Tumor size was assessed pathologically for all patients. The MRI protocol contained axial T2-weighted images as well as T1-weighted imaging sequences before and after application of Gd-EOB-DTPA. Tumor diameters, the sharpness of lesions, and the presence of artifacts were evaluated visually on all available MRI sequences. MRI measurements and pathologically assessed tumor dimensions were correlated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman plots. The rate of misclassifications following Milan criteria was assessed. Results: The mean absolute error (in cm) of MRI size measurements in comparison to pathology was the smallest for the hepatobiliary phase T1-weighted acquisition (0.71 ± 0.70 cm, r = 0.96) and largest for the T2w turbo-spin-echo (TSE) sequence (0.85 ± 0.78 cm, r = 0.94). The misclassification rate regarding tumor size under the Milan criteria was lowest for the T2w half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo sequence and the hepatobiliary phase T1w acquisition (each 8.6%). The highest rate of misclassification occurred in the portal venous phase T1w acquisition and T2w TSE sequence (each 14.3%). Conclusions: The hepatobiliary phase T1-weighted acquisition seems to be most accurate among commonly used MRI sequences for measuring HCC tumor size, resulting in low rates of misclassification with respect to the Milan criteria.
Role of C-Reactive Protein in Discrimination between Transudative and Exudative Pleural Effusions
Authors: Kogan Yana , Sabo Edmond , Odeh Majed
Published: October 2021

Background: There is still no wide agreement regarding the efficacy of the serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRPs), pleural fluid levels of CRP (CRPpf), and their ratio (CRPr) in the discrimination between transudative (Tr) and exudative (Ex) pleural effusions (PEs). Most of the previous studies were conducted on small cohorts, and the role of CRPs in the CRPpf gradient (CRPg) in this discrimination has not been previously reported. The present study aims to assess the diagnostic efficacy of CRPs, CRPpf, CRPg, and CRPr in the discrimination between TrPE and ExPE in a relatively large cohort of patients with PE. Methods: The study population included 492 patients with PE, 210 of them with TrPE and 282 with ExPE. The levels of CRPs and CRPpf were measured, and the CRPg and CRPr were calculated. The values are presented as mean ± SD. Results: The mean levels of CRPs, CRPpf, CRPg, and CRPr of the TrPEs were 11.3 ± 5.7 mg/L, 4.6 ± 2.8 mg/L, 6.7 ± 3.9 mg/L, and 0.40 ± 0.14, respectively, and for the ExPEs, they were 140.5 ± 112.8 mg/L, 52.8 ± 53.2 mg/L, 87.2 ± 72.4 mg/L, and 0.37 ± 0.15, respectively. The levels of CRPs, CRPpf, and CRPg were significantly higher in the ExPEs than in the TrPEs (p < 0.0001). No significant difference was found between the two groups for the levels of CRPr (p = 0.15). The best cut-off value calculated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for discriminating TrPE from ExPE was for CRPs, 20.5 mg/L with area under the curve (AUC) = 97% and p < 0.0001; for CRPpf, 9.9 mg/L with AUC = 95% and p < 0.0001; and for CRPg, 13.6 mg/L with AUC = 96% and p < 0.0001. Conclusion: CRPs, CRPpf, and CRPg are strong markers for discrimination between TrPE and ExPE, while CRPr has no role in this discrimination.
A Scalable Bayesian Sampling Method Based on Stochastic Gradient Descent Isotropization
Authors: Franzese Giulio , Milios Dimitrios , Filippone Maurizio , Michiardi Pietro
Published: October 2021

Stochastic gradient sg-based algorithms for Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling (sgmcmc) tackle large-scale Bayesian modeling problems by operating on mini-batches and injecting noise on sgsteps. The sampling properties of these algorithms are determined by user choices, such as the covariance of the injected noise and the learning rate, and by problem-specific factors, such as assumptions on the loss landscape and the covariance of sg noise. However, current sgmcmc algorithms applied to popular complex models such as Deep Nets cannot simultaneously satisfy the assumptions on loss landscapes and on the behavior of the covariance of the sg noise, while operating with the practical requirement of non-vanishing learning rates. In this work we propose a novel practical method, which makes the sg noise isotropic, using a fixed learning rate that we determine analytically. Extensive experimental validations indicate that our proposal is competitive with the state of the art on sgmcmc.
Repowering Feasibility Study of a Current Hybrid Renewable System. Case Study, Galapagos Islands
Authors: Arévalo Paul , Tostado-Véliz Marcos , Jurado Francisco
Published: October 2021

Renewable sources on islands seem to be the most attractive option to decarbonize and lower the price of electricity; currently, most islands do so by replacing their diesel generators with wind or solar sources, along with energy storage. The Galapagos Islands are no exception. This study presents a techno-economic analysis of hybrid renewable systems in the Galapagos Islands, considering the repowering of its renewable sources and reduction in the penetration of diesel generators. This study uses EnergyPlan software, where the best option is chosen based on technical, economic, and environmental indicators. Finally, several sensitivity analyses are done. The results show that by increasing the capacity of current wind and photovoltaic systems, the total annual cost reduces by 20% and 10.31%, respectively; this is a specific result of this study. Moreover, there is a reduction in CO2 emissions produced by diesel generators, up to 38.96%.
Combining Real-Time Extraction and Prediction of Musical Chord Progressions for Creative Applications
Authors: Carsault Tristan , Nika Jérôme , Esling Philippe , Assayag Gérard
Published: October 2021

Recently, the field of musical co-creativity has gained some momentum. In this context, our goal is twofold: to develop an intelligent listening and predictive module of chord sequences, and to propose an adapted evaluation of the associated Music Information Retrieval (MIR) tasks that are the real-time extraction of musical chord labels from a live audio stream and the prediction of a possible continuation of the extracted symbolic sequence. Indeed, this application case invites us to raise questions about the evaluation processes and methodology that are currently applied to chord-based MIR models. In this paper, we focus on musical chords since these mid-level features are frequently used to describe harmonic progressions in Western music. In the case of chords, there exists some strong inherent hierarchical and functional relationships. However, most of the research in the field of MIR focuses mainly on the performance of chord-based statistical models, without considering music-based evaluation or learning. Indeed, usual evaluations are based on a binary qualification of the classification outputs (right chord predicted versus wrong chord predicted). Therefore, we present a specifically-tailored chord analyser to measure the performances of chord-based models in terms of functional qualification of the classification outputs (by taking into account the harmonic function of the chords). Then, in order to introduce musical knowledge into the learning process for the automatic chord extraction task, we propose a specific musical distance for comparing predicted and labeled chords. Finally, we conduct investigations into the impact of including high-level metadata in chord sequence prediction learning (such as information on key or downbeat position). We show that a model can obtain better performances in terms of accuracy or perplexity, but output biased results. At the same time, a model with a lower accuracy score can output errors with more musical meaning. Therefore, performing a goal-oriented evaluation allows a better understanding of the results and a more adapted design of MIR models.
Design and Implementation of Programmable Data Plane Supporting Multiple Data Types
Authors: Jing Linan , Chen Xiao , Wang Jinlin
Published: October 2021

Software-defined networking (SDN) separates the control plane and the data plane, which provides network applications with global network topology and the flexibility to customize packet forwarding rules. SDN has a wide range of innovative applications in 5G, Internet of Things, and information center networks. However, the match-action programming model represented by OpenFlow/Protocol Oblivious Forwarding (POF) in SDN can only process limited types of data such as packets and metadata, making it hard to fulfill future network applications. In this paper, data type and data location are added in the matching fields and actions to make the match-action table (MAT) compatible with multiple types of data, hence improving the data plane’s programmability. Data type helps the MAT to perceive multiple types of data, allowing them to be processed by a single MAT. Data location allows MAT to be decoupled from data meaning, quickly locating specific data in the switch. Based on Intel’s Data Plane Development Kit (DPDK), we design and implement a pipeline that is compatible with multiple types of data processing. Protocol and data type oblivious match-action tables and atomic instructions are included in the pipeline. Experiments show that representing data with data type and data location makes the pipeline compatible with multiple types of data without sacrificing forwarding performance, fulfilling the needs of network applications to handle a variety of types of data while avoiding repeating hardware design.
Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis in Hindi Language by Ensembling Pre-Trained mBERT Models
Authors: Pathak Abhilash , Kumar Sudhanshu , Roy Partha , Kim Byung-Gyu
Published: October 2021

Sentiment Analysis is becoming an essential task for academics, as well as for commercial companies. However, most current approaches only identify the overall polarity of a sentence, instead of the polarity of each aspect mentioned in the sentence. Aspect-Based Sentiment Analysis (ABSA) identifies the aspects within the given sentence, and the sentiment that was expressed for each aspect. Recently, the use of pre-trained models such as BERT has achieved state-of-the-art results in the field of natural language processing. In this paper, we propose two ensemble models based on multilingual-BERT, namely, mBERT-E-MV and mBERT-E-AS. Using different methods, we construct an auxiliary sentence from this aspect and convert the ABSA problem to a sentence-pair classification task. We then fine-tune different pre-trained BERT models and ensemble them for a final prediction based on the proposed model; we achieve new, state-of-the-art results for datasets belonging to different domains in the Hindi language.
Modeling Climatic Influences on Three Parasitoids of Low-Density Spruce Budworm Populations. Part 3: Actia interrupta (Diptera: Tachinidae)
Authors: Régnière Jacques , Thireau Jean-Claude , Saint-Amant Rémi , Martel Véronique
Published: October 2021

This article is the third and last of a series of models developed to investigate the impact of climate on the spatiotemporal biology of parasitoids. After two earlier papers investigating Tranosema rostrale and Meteorus trachynotus, this last article concerns the tachinid fly Actia interrupta (Diptera: Tachinidae). An individual-based model of the seasonal biology of A. interrupta was developed to determine the impact of climate on its interactions with two of its hosts, the spruce budworm Choristoneura fumiferana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and the obliquebanded leafroller C. rosaceana in eastern North America. The model is based on the developmental responses of ‘the parasitoid’s successive life stages and the ovipositional response of adult females to temperature. It was found that the number of generations this parasitoid undergoes each year varies geographically from two to four, and that its potential growth rate, as dictated by synchrony with larvae of its overwintering host C. rosaceana, is highly patterned geographically and topographically as a result of phenological matching with larvae of obliquebanded leafroller entering diapause in late summer.
Environment Status Estimation of the Forest Communities Based on Floristic Surveys in the Mordovia State Nature Reserve, Russia
Authors: Khapugin Anatoliy A.
Published: October 2021

Environmental scales include species responsive to changes in environmental conditions. The present paper aims to apply floristic survey data to reveal environmental conditions in habitats studied in the Mordovia State Nature Reserve, European Russia. In total, 161 square plots were established within a selected forest area. In each plot, all species were registered to conduct a further analysis. Then, average values of six environmental factors were calculated based on the Tsyganov environmental scale. Contour maps were created for four factors to demonstrate spatial changes through the study area. All study pots were assigned to seven habitat types during the field surveys. To test the correctness of the determined classification, a principal component analysis was performed based on Tsyganov’s environmental factors. Additionally, PERMANOVA was used to test the correctness of the habitat distinguishing. The results demonstrate that differences in environmental conditions among the majority (mires, coniferous forests, broadleaved forests, mixed forests) of the distinguished habitats are statistically significant, except for water bodies, forest gaps and roads, which have no significant differences in environmental factors compared with other habitats. We assume that this is caused by the very small sampling size for these habitat types. To obtain correct results, each habitat group should be represented by at least 3–4% samples of the whole sampling set. The main conclusion represents a simple way to assess the habitat environmental status based on floristic data. Based on Tsyganov’s environmental factors, the spatial distribution of only plant specialists can be recognised well. The allocation of plant generalists is impossible based on the proposed approach. Finally, the correctness of habitat classification based on dominated plants is well-testable using environmental conditions found on these sites. We also recommend the use of the here applied approach in plant ecology studies in the subzone of coniferous–deciduous forests of Eastern Europe.
Defoliation, Recovery and Increasing Mortality in Italian Forests: Levels, Patterns and Possible Consequences for Forest Multifunctionality
Authors: Bussotti Filippo , Papitto Giancarlo , Di Martino Domenico , Cocciufa Cristiana , Cindolo Claudia , Cenni Enrico , Bettini Davide , Iacopetti Giovanni , Pollastrini Martina
Published: October 2021

Forest health and multifunctionality are threatened by global challenges such as climate change. Forest health is currently assessed within the pan-European ICP Forests (International Co-operative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests) programme through the evaluation of tree crown conditions (defoliation). This paper analyses the results of a 24-year assessment carried out in Italy on 253 permanent plots distributed across the whole forested area. The results evidenced a substantial stability of crown conditions at the national level, according to the usual defoliation thresholds Defoliation > 25% and Defoliation > 60%, albeit with species-specific patterns. Within this apparent temporal stability, an increased fraction of extremely defoliated and dead trees was observed. Extreme defoliation mostly occurred in years with severe summer drought, whereas mortality was higher in the years after the drought. The results for singular species evidenced critical conditions for Castanea sativa Mill. and Pinus species, whereas Quercus species showed a progressive decrease in defoliation. Deciduous species, such as Fagus sylvatica L., Ostrya carpinifolia Scop. and Quercus pubescens Willd. suffer the loss of leaves in dry years as a strategy to limit water loss by transpiration but recover their crown in the following years. The recurrence of extreme heat waves and drought from the beginning of the XXI century may increase the vulnerability of forests, and increased tree mortality can be expected in the future.
Decreased Soil Organic Carbon under Litter Input in Three Subalpine Forests
Authors: Chen Zihao , Shen Ya , Tan Bo , Li Han , You Chengming , Xu Zhenfeng , Wei Xinyu , Ni Xiangyin , Yang Yulian , Zhang Li
Published: October 2021

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is the largest terrestrial organic carbon pool. Plant litter is an important source of SOC, but the knowledge gap between SOC fractions and plant litter input remains inconsistent. Here, a litter input control experiment was conducted at three subalpine forest types (coniferous forest, mixed forest, and broadleaved forest). We assessed the variations of total organic C, active organic C (easily oxidizable C, labile organic C), recalcitrant organic C, and microbial biomass C under litter input or removal. The results showed that soil total organic C decreased greatly under litter input. It was mainly caused by the change of easily oxidizable C and labile C, while the influence of recalcitrant C was small. At the same time, this effect varied among different forest types. Among them, the effect of litter input on SOC was weak and slow in the coniferous forest with low-quality litter input, while a quick effect was observed in the mixed and broadleaved forests with high-quality litter input. Microbial biomass C declined under litter input in most cases, and its variation was strongly controlled by soil temperature and freeze-thaw events. Overall, our results provide new evidence that forest type would strongly control SOC dynamics, in concert with litter quality shifts, with potential consequences for long-term C sequestration. We highlighted that litter input could reduce microbial biomass carbon which might limit the native SOC decomposition, but the loss of active C ultimately changed the SOC in the subalpine forests. It suggested that the interaction of multiple mechanisms should be considered in the study of SOC in this region.
Effects of Stand Structure and Topography on Forest Vegetation Carbon Density in Jiangxi Province
Authors: Zhang Changshun , Deng Qinghua , Liu Aibing , Liu Chunlan , Xie Gaodi
Published: October 2021

Stand structure and topography are important factors affecting forest vegetation carbon density (FVCD). Revealing the interaction mechanisms between stand structure and topography on FVCD is of great significance for enhancing forest vegetation carbon storage and achieving regional carbon neutrality. Based on stratified sampling, systematic distribution and forest continuous inventory sample plots in Jiangxi province, the variation characteristics of FVCD and its correlations with stand structure and topographic factors were studied. The results are as follows: (1) The average FVCD in Jiangxi province was 44.23 Mg/ha, which was dominated by the carbon density of the arbor layer, accounting for about 81.39% of the total forest—far lower than the average level of global FVCD, which proved that the forest in Jiangxi province was dominated by middle-age and young forests with low carbon density, and also showed that the potential for forest vegetation carbon storage in Jiangxi province was huge. (2) Except for vegetation carbon densities of shrub and herb layers, the vegetation carbon densities of other forest layers in Jiangxi province were significantly different among different forest types. Volume per unit area was the most important factor affecting the vegetation carbon densities of arbor and total forest, and vegetation carbon density–volume models of the main forests were built for vegetation carbon density calculation in Jiangxi province. (3) The vegetation carbon densities of arbor layer, snag and log layer, and total forest increased significantly with increases in elevation and slope. Except for the shrub layer and herb layer, the vegetation carbon densities of the other layers and the total forest had extremely significant or significant differences between slope position gradients—indicating that the effect of topography on FVCD in Jiangxi province was significant, mainly through influencing of forest distribution and human disturbance intensity.
Cyclic Response of Bolted and Hybrid Pultruded FRP Beam-Column Joints between I-Shaped Sections
Authors: Qureshi Jawed , Nadir Yashida , John Shaise K.
Published: October 2021

This paper presents cyclic behaviour of bolted and hybrid–combined bolted and bonded fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) beam-to-column joints between I-shaped members using steel and FRP cleats. Five full-scale cyclic tests are carried out to study moment-rotation behaviour, cyclic response, and failure patterns. The test parameters include position of cleat (flange or combined web and flange), fastening method (bolting or hybrid–combining bolting and bonding) and cleat material (steel or FRP). First two tests had bolted and hybrid joints with steel flange and web double angles. Next two tests had the same joint detailing but with no web cleats. Last test used bolted joint only with FRP web and flange cleats. Three failure modes were observed: shear-out failure of the beam’s bolted zone, adhesive debonding with shear-out failure and delamination cracking. Cyclic performance of the joints was assessed by hysteresis moment-rotation curves and accumulated dissipated energy. Hybrid joints showed the best overall cyclic performance with accumulated dissipated energy about 75% higher than the bolted joints. Bolted joints with FRP cleats exhibited the worst cyclic performance. Flange cleated joints showed similar performance to web and flange cleated joints.
The Effect of Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF) Combined with Temperature and Natural Preservatives on the Quality and Microbiological Shelf-Life of Cantaloupe Juice
Authors: Li Li , Yang Ruijin , Zhao Wei
Published: October 2021

Pulsed electric field (PEF) is an innovative, non-thermal technology for food preservation with many superiorities. However, the sub-lethally injured microorganisms caused by PEF and their recovery provide serious food safety problems. Our study examined the effects of pH, temperature and natural preservatives (tea polyphenols and natamycin) on the recovery of PEF-induced, sub-lethally injured Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells, and further explored the bactericidal effects of the combined treatments of PEF with the pivotal factors in cantaloupe juice. We first found that low pH (pH 4.0), low temperature (4 °C), tea polyphenols and natamycin inhibited the recovery of injured S. cerevisiae cells. Then, the synergistic effects of PEF, combined with cold-temperature storage (4 °C), a mild treatment temperature (50 and 55 °C), tea polyphenols or natamycin, on the inactivation of S. cerevisiae in cantaloupe juice were evaluated. Our results showed that the combination of PEF and heat treatment, tea polyphenols or natamycin enhanced the inactivation of S. cerevisiae and reduced the level of sub-lethally injured cells. Moreover, PEF combined with 55 °C heat treatment or tea polyphenols was applied for cantaloupe juice. In the practical application, the two combined PEF methods displayed a comparable inactivation heat pasteurization ability, prolonged the shelf life of juice compared with PEF treatment alone, and better preserved the physicochemical properties and vitamin C levels of cantaloupe juice. These results provide valuable information to inhibit the recovery of PEF-injured microbial cells and shed light on the combination of PEF with other factors to inactivate microorganisms for better food preservation.
Combined Effect of High-Pressure Processing with Spice Extracts on Quality of Low-Salt Sausage during Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Xiao Qing , Xu Mei , Xu Baocai , Chen Conggui , Deng Jieying , Li Peijun
Published: October 2021

The study evaluated the combined effect of high-pressure processing (HPP) and spice extracts on low-salt sausages during refrigerated storage. Physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of the sausages were determined. HPP treatment increased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value and the carbonyl content of the samples (p < 0.05), which meant lipid and protein oxidation was accelerated. Adding clove and cinnamon extracts can retard the oxidation caused by HPP (p < 0.05). The pH of the sausages treated with both the spice extracts and HPP maintained a higher pH value during the storage (p > 0.05). Compared with the samples treated with HPP or with the spice extracts alone, the combined treatment observably inhibited the growth of spoilage bacteria (p < 0.05) and improved the microbial community. The results demonstrated that the use of clove and cinnamon extracts in conjunction with HPP improved the storage quality and prolonged the shelf-life of the low-salt sausages. Thus, the combined use of spice extracts and HPP can be developed as a promising way to preserve low-salt meat products.
Changes of Metabolites and Gene Expression under Different Feeding Systems Associated with Lipid Metabolism in Lamb Meat
Authors: Wang Bo , Zhao Xingang , Li Zhen , Luo Hailing , Zhang Hao , Guo Yanping , Zhang Can , Ma Qing
Published: October 2021

The effects of the different feeding systems, graze feeding (GSF), time-limited graze feeding (GF), and stall-feeding (SF)) on the fatty acid content, metabolites, and genes expression of the longissimus dorsi (LD) in Tan lambs were investigated in the present study. Thirty-nine 4-month-old male Tan lambs with similar body weight (24.91 ± 1.74 kg) were selected and divided into the three feeding systems (n = 13) randomly. Lambs were slaughtered after 83 days of the feeding trails, and LD muscle samples were collected for further analysis. The results indicated that different feeding systems have no significant effect on short-chain fatty acids in Tan lambs (p > 0.05). However, the total saturated fatty acids (∑SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (∑MUFA) in the GSF and GF groups were lower than those in the SF group (p < 0.001). The total polyunsaturated fatty acids (∑PUFA) in the GSF group were higher than those in the GF and SF groups (p < 0.001). Moreover, in the comparison of both GF vs GSF groups and SF vs GSF groups, metabolomic analysis showed that metabolites such as cis-(6,9,12)-linolenic acid, arachidic acid, acetylcarnitine, and L-carnitine with lower concentration were significantly enriched in the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid pathway (p < 0.05), but metabolites such as phosphorylcholine, glycerophosphocholine, cytidine 5’-diphosphocholine, and glycerol-3-phosphate with higher concentrations were enriched in the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway. KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) analysis of the results indicated that in the comparison of the GSF group with the SF group, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) such as LIPC, ERFE, FABP3, PLA2R1, LDLR, and SLC10A6, were enriched in the steroid biosynthesis and cholesterol metabolism pathways. In addition, differential metabolites and genes showed a significant correlation with the content of ∑SFA, ∑MUFA, and ∑PUFA in lamb meat (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrated that the feeding system was an important factor in regulating fatty acid content by affecting lipid-metabolism-related metabolites and gene expression in muscle, and graze-feeding system provided lamb meat with higher ∑PUFA content than time-limited-grazing and stall-feeding systems.
Inhibition of Biofilm Formation of Foodborne Staphylococcus aureus by the Citrus Flavonoid Naringenin
Authors: Wen Qing-Hui , Wang Rui , Zhao Si-Qi , Chen Bo-Ru , Zeng Xin-An
Published: October 2021

Taking into consideration the importance of biofilms in food deterioration and the potential risks of antiseptic compounds, antimicrobial agents that naturally occurring are a more acceptable choice for preventing biofilm formation and in attempts to improve antibacterial effects and efficacy. Citrus flavonoids possess a variety of biological activities, including antimicrobial properties. Therefore, the anti-biofilm formation properties of the citrus flavonoid naringenin on the Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 (S. aureus) were investigated using subminimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) of 5~60 mg/L. The results were confirmed using laser and scanning electron microscopy techniques, which revealed that the thick coating of S. aureus biofilms became thinner and finally separated into individual colonies when exposed to naringenin. The decreased biofilm formation of S. aureus cells may be due to a decrease in cell surface hydrophobicity and exopolysaccharide production, which is involved in the adherence or maturation of biofilms. Moreover, transcriptional results show that there was a downregulation in the expression of biofilm-related genes and alternative sigma factor sigB induced by naringenin. This work provides insight into the anti-biofilm mechanism of naringenin in S. aureus and suggests the possibility of naringenin being used in the industrial food industry for the prevention of biofilm formation.
Evaluating the Presence and Contents of Phytochemicals in Honey Samples: Phenolic Compounds as Indicators to Identify Their Botanical Origin
Authors: Vazquez Lua , Armada Daniel , Celeiro Maria , Dagnac Thierry , Llompart Maria
Published: October 2021

Honey is a natural product well known for its beneficial properties. It contains phytochemicals, a wide class of nutraceuticals found in plants, including compounds with highly demonstrated antimicrobial and antioxidant capacities as phenolic compounds and flavonoids. The main goal of this work is the development of a miniaturized and environmentally friendly methodology to obtain the phenolic profile of Galician honeys (Northwest Spain) from different varieties such as honeydew, chestnut, eucalyptus, heather, blackberry and multi-floral. The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) were also evaluated. As regards sample preparation, miniaturized vortex (VE) and ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) employing aqueous-based solvents were performed. Individual quantification of 41 target phenolic compounds was carried out by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results revealed the presence of 25 phenolic compounds in the 91 analyzed samples, reaching concentrations up to 252 µg g−1. Statistical tools such as analysis of variance (ANOVA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were employed to obtain models that allowed classifying the different honeys according to their botanical origin. Obtained results, based on TPC, AA and ∑phenolic compounds showed that significant differences appeared depending on the honey variety, being several of the identified phenol compounds being responsible of the main differentiation.
Somewhere in between: Tracing the Radio Emission from Galaxy Groups (or Why Does the Future of Observing Galaxy Groups with Radio Telescopes Look Promising?)
Authors: Nikiel-Wroczyński Błażej
Published: October 2021

Galaxy groups constitute the most common class of galaxy systems in the known Universe, unique in terms of environmental properties. However, despite recent advances in optical and infrared observations as well as in theoretical research, little is known about magnetic fields and the associated continuum radio emission. Studies on this issue have only been conducted in recent years, and many questions have yet to be resolved. This article aims to put the study of group magnetism in a broader context, to present recent advances in the field (mainly achieved with low-frequency radio interferometers), and to list the issues that need to be addressed in future observations. To make it easier for the Readers to get acquainted with the concepts presented in the manuscript, radio observations of two sample groups of galaxies are also presented.