bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análise volumétrica do pólen de Attalea funifera Mart. (Arecaceae) em amostras de pólen apícola do litoral do baixo sul da Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Alves Rodolfo de França , Santos Francisco de Assis Ribeiro dos
Published: May 2019

Foi realizada a análise volumétrica do pólen de Attalea funifera Mart. (Arecaceae) em amostras de pólen apícola comercializadas no município de Nilo Peçanha, Bahia, no período de maio a novembro de 2014. As amostras foram identificadas e quantificadas, no intuito de determinar a origem botânica e a importância de A. funifera na composição do pólen apícola, sob o aspecto volumétrico. O espectro polínico foi composto por 23 tipos polínicos distribuídos em 13 famílias botânicas, tendo como as mais representativas as famílias Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae e Asteraceae. O tipo polínico mais frequente foi Mimosa pudica, porém, as análises volumétricas apontaram A. funifera como o mais importante na constituição do pólen coletado. Portanto, com base no volume (93.974,70 µm³), verifica-se o potencial do pólen de A. funifera em amostras de pólen apícola e, consequentemente, a importância de análises volumétricas em adição às análises quantitativas e de frequência.
Pemodelan Pemenuhan Kebutuhan Batubara Untuk Pembangkit Listrik Di Kalimantan Timur
Authors: Manik Nijusiho , Asmiani Nur
Published: May 2019

Provinsi Kalimantan Timur merupakan salah satu wilayah yang masih mengalami kekurangan pasokan listrik. Pembangkit tenaga listrik di Kalimantan Timur hingga tahun 2012 sebagian besar sumber energi primernya berasal dari minyak bumi yang semakin hari cadangannya semakin terbatas. Sementara dari total kapasitas pembangkit tenaga listrik di Kalimantan Timur hingga tahun 2012 baru 21,16% yang menggunakan batubara sebagai energi primernya, padahal batubara merupakan salah satu cadangan energi fosil dan tersebar di wilayah Kalimantan Timur dengan total cadangan sebesar 12.018 juta ton. Sementara itu diperkirakan pada masa mendatang, kebutuhan energi listrik akan meningkat sebagai dampak pertumbuhan ekonomi serta penduduk. Oleh karena itu diperlukan kesiapan energi alternatif seperti batubara sebagai pengganti minyak bumi dan gas bumi untuk dapat memenuhi kebutuhan listrik tersebut. Tujuan penelitian adalah menganalisis faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi tingkat kebutuhan listrik di Provinsi Kalimantan Timur agar dapat memproyeksikan kebutuhan listrik pada tahun 2020. Metodologi dalam penelitian ini adalah membuat model kebutuhan energi listrik yang dibangun berdasarkan model ekonometrik. Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu data potensi sumberdaya dan cadangan batubara, pertumbuhan ekonomi daerah, jumlah pelanggan, dan harga listrik. Hasil penelitian dengan simulasi model ekonometrik dengan asumsi pertumbuhan ekonomi sebesar 3,38% per tahun menunjukkan bahwa pada tahun 2022, kebutuhan listrik di Kalimantan Timur sebesar 4.995,37 GWh dengan laju pertumbuhan kebutuhan listrik rata-rata sebesar 7,6%.
Desulfurisasi Dan Deashing Pada Batubara Menggunakan NaOH Dan HCL Sebagai Leaching Agent
Authors: Widodo Sri , Sufriadin Sufriadin , Suhendar Erwin
Published: May 2019

Penelitian mengenai desulfurisasi dan deashing pada batubara, selain untuk meningkatkan kualitas batubara juga merupakan usaha untuk mengurangi unsur-unsur yang menjadi penyebab terjadinya pencemaran lingkungan. Sampel batubara pada penelitian ini berasal dari batubara Desa Tondongkura, Kecamatan Tondong Tallasa, Kabupaten Pangkep, Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan. Desulfurisasi dan deashing batubara Tondongkura pada penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan NaOH dan HCl sebagai leaching agent. Untuk mengetahui pengaruh dari beberapa faktor dalam proses leaching, maka percobaan dilakukan dalam beberapa variabel, yaitu waktu, suhu, ukuran partikel, konsentrasi larutan NaOH, dan konsentrasi HCl. Hasil percobaan menunjukkan kadar total sulfur awal dari 3,67% turun hingga 2,93%, atau persentase penurunan maksimum total sulfur sebesar 20,03%, sedangkan persentase maksimum penurunan kadar abu sebesar 12,29%, atau dari kadar abu awal 27,44% turun hingga 24,06%. HCl digunakan sebagai leaching agent pada leaching tahap kedua pada batubara yang sebelumnya dileaching menggunakan larutan NaOH pada kondisi optimum. Dari hasil percobaan didapatkan maksimum persentase penurunan total sulfur sebesar 42,51%, yaitu dari total sulfur awal sebesar 3,67% diturunkan hingga 2,11% dan kadar abu sampel pada awalnya sebesar 27,44% diturunkan hingga 22,04%, atau persentase maksimum penurunan kadar abu sebesar 19,67%.
PENGARUH MICRO WAVE DIATHERMY, TRANSCUTANEUS ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION, TERAPI LATIHAN DAN TERAPI MANIPULASI PADA CERVICAL SYNDROME
Authors: . Kuswardani , Abidin Zainal , Amin Akhmad Alfajri
Published: May 2019

Latar Belakang : Penelitian pada 251 responden seorang pekerja, didapatkan keluhan nyeri tengkuk menduduki peringkat ke 4 (37.5%) setelah bahu kanan 53.8%, bahu kiri 47,4% dan pinggang 45%. Dari hasil pemeriksaan didapa-kan prevalensi nyeri tengkuk sebesar 55.4% (Dina/Departemen Kesehatan, Indonesia.htm, 2004). Penelitian ini dilakukan di RSUD Sleman selama bulan Juni 2018 dengan jumlah partisipan sebanyak 8 orang dengan metode quasi eksperiment jenis pretest-posttest. Modalitas fisioterapi yang diberikan berupa Microwave Diathermy, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, Terapi Latihan dan Terapi Manipulasi.

Tujuan : untuk mengetahui pengaruh micro wave diathermy, TENS, Terapi Latihan dan Terapi Manipulasi pada cervical syndrome

Hasil : Hasil uji normalitas menunjukkan bahwa nilai sig. vas sebelum terapi sebesar 0.857dan setelah terapi sebasar 0.857; MMT sebelum terapi sebesar 0.059 dan setelah terapi sebesar 0.432; NDI sebelum terapi sebesar 0.117 dan NDI setelah terapi sebesar 0.137. Berdasarkan data tersebut, maka data pada penelitian ini distribusinya normal. Hasil uji hipotesis menunjukkan nilai sig. 2 tailed nilai VAS 0,000 berarti terjadi perubahan yang signifikan dalam penurunan derajat nyeri partisipan, nilai secara sigfinikan, sig. 2-tailed nilai MMT 0,002 yang berarti ada perubahan yang signifikan dalam peningkatan kekuatan otot ekstensor neck partisipan, nilai sig. 2-tailed skor NDI 0,000 berarti terjadi perubahan yang signifikan dalam kemampuan aktivias fungsional leher partisipan.

Kesimpulan : menggunakan modalitas fisioterapi berupa Microwave Diathermy, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, Terapi Latihan dan Terapi manipulasi efektif dalam menurunkan nyeri, meningkatkan kekuatan otot ekstensor leher dan kemampuan aktivitas fungional leher partisipan.
Apreciaciones sobre la producción de vídeos a través del trabajo colaborativo en estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Soto Ortiz José Luis , Torres Gastelú Carlos Arturo , Abrigo Córdova Irma Eufemia
Published: May 2019

En este artículo, se presenta una actividad didáctica sobre la producción de vídeos bajo el enfoque del trabajo colaborativo realizado por 16 estudiantes de la materia Redes II de la licenciatura en informática perteneciente a la Universidad Veracruzana en el periodo 2015-2016. El objetivo fue conocer las apreciaciones de los estudiantes sobre la producción de vídeos mediante el enfoque del trabajo colaborativo. Para realizar lo anterior, los estudiantes formaron cuatro grupos de cuatro integrantes cada uno, con la finalidad de repartir las consignas a realizar con base en la experiencia interpersonal en el manejo de programas de cómputo en especial el manejo de vídeos. El método empleado fue de tipo mixto, para la parte cuantitativa, se aplicó la encuesta ColabUV con índice de alfa de Cronbach de 0,870. En cuanto a los datos cualitativos se realizó una entrevista de grupo focal para conocer las percepciones de la didáctica de aprendizaje utilizada. Los resultados muestran una aceptación favorable en la producción de vídeos por medio del trabajo colaborativo como parte complementaria del proceso de su aprendizaje.
Paraboloid-Based Spouted Bed Drying of Paddy: Aerodynamics, Temperature Distribution, and Moisture Degradation
Authors: Evin Duygu
Published: May 2019

Aerodynamics, temperature variations in the annulus, and the moisture reduction of paddy in a paraboloid-based spouted bed (PBSB) dryer without draft tube and with solid and porous draft tubes were investigated. Draft tube caused a rapid decrease in the peak pressure drop and minimum spouting velocity when compared with PBSB without a draft tube. Pressure drops with draft tubes were 17 to 30% of the values for the PBSB without a draft tube. Temperature distribution along the bed height in the annular region during drying of paddy was also investigated. Heat-up in the spouted bed without draft tube was more rapid. The experiments were conducted for 70, 90, and 110 °C inlet air temperatures. The required length of drying time to dry the paddy with an initial moisture content of 0.35 db to a moisture content below 0.15 db could be reduced by 50–60% using a temperature of 110 °C instead of 70 °C. No constant rate period was observed. Drying took place in the falling rate period. Drying time decreased in the case of porous draft tube rather than the solid one. The highest drying rates were achieved by spouted bed without draft tube. Drying rates were in the range of 0.62–0.1, 0.51–0.06, and 0.37–0.06 (db.min−1) for the spouted bed without draft tube, with porous, and solid draft tubes, respectively.
Mapping the Depth-to-Soil pH Constraint, and the Relationship with Cotton and Grain Yield at the Within-Field Scale
Authors: Filippi Patrick , Jones Edward J. , Ginns Bradley J. , Whelan Brett M. , Roth Guy W. , Bishop Thomas F.A.
Published: May 2019

Subsoil alkalinity is a common issue in the alluvial cotton-growing valleys of northern New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Soil alkalinity can cause nutrient deficiencies and toxic effects, and inhibit rooting depth, which can have a detrimental impact on crop production. The depth at which a soil constraint is reached is important information for land managers, but it is difficult to measure or predict spatially. This study predicted the depth in which a pH (H2O) constraint (>9) was reached to a 1-cm vertical resolution to a 100-cm depth, on a 1070-hectare dryland cropping farm. Equal-area quadratic smoothing splines were used to resample vertical soil profile data, and a random forest (RF) model was used to produce the depth-to-soil pH constraint map. The RF model was accurate, with a Lin’s Concordance Correlation Coefficient (LCCC) of 0.63–0.66, and a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.47–0.51 when testing with leave-one-site-out cross-validation. Approximately 77% of the farm was found to be constrained by a strongly alkaline pH greater than 9 (H2O) somewhere within the top 100 cm of the soil profile. The relationship between the predicted depth-to-soil pH constraint map and cotton and grain (wheat, canola, and chickpea) yield monitor data was analyzed for individual fields. Results showed that yield increased when a soil pH constraint was deeper in the profile, with a good relationship for wheat, canola, and chickpea, and a weaker relationship for cotton. The overall results from this study suggest that the modelling approach is valuable in identifying the depth-to-soil pH constraint, and could be adopted for other important subsoil constraints, such as sodicity. The outputs are also a promising opportunity to understand crop yield variability, which could lead to improvements in management practices.
Nematode Management in the Strawberry Fields of Southern Spain
Authors: Talavera Miguel , Miranda Luis , Gómez-Mora José Antonio , Vela María Dolores , Verdejo-Lucas Soledad
Published: May 2019

(1) Background: Spain is the sixth strawberry producer in the world, with about 6500 ha producing more than 350,000 tons, and an annual commercial value about 390 million €. Stunted and dead strawberry plants are frequently associated with plant-parasitic nematodes, but nematode diseases have not been characterized to date in the country. (2) Methods: A poll on the perception of the impact of nematodes on strawberry production was carried out by face-to-face interviews with farm advisors. In addition, nematological field surveys were carried out at the end of the growing season in 2017 and 2018 to determine prevalence and abundance of plant-parasitic nematodes in strawberry crops. The host suitability to Meloidogyne hapla of seventeen strawberry cultivars and the tolerance limit to M. hapla at progressively higher initial population densities (Pi) were assessed in pot experiments in a growth chamber. Comparison of the relative efficacies of several soil disinfestation methods in controlling nematode populations (M. hapla and Pratylenchus penetrans) was carried out in experimental field trials for twelve consecutive years. (3) Results: Meloidogyne spp., Pratylenchus penetrans, and Hemicycliophora spp. were the main plant-parasitic nematodes in the strawberry fields in South Spain. Root-knot nematodes were found in 90% of the fields, being M. hapla the most prevalent species (71% of the fields). A tolerance limit of 0.2 M. hapla juveniles per g of soil was estimated for strawberry, and currently cropped strawberry cultivars did not show resistance to M. hapla. Nematode population densities were reduced by more than 70% by soil fumigation with 1,3-dichloropropene, dazomet, dimethyl-disulfide, and methyl iodide. The efficacy of metam-sodium in reducing nematode populations was about 50% and that of chloropicrin, furfural, and sodium-azide, less than 40%. Combination of solarization with organic manures (biosolarization) reduced soil nematode populations by 68–73%. (4) Conclusions: Plant-parasitic nematodes (Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, and Hemicycliophora) are widely distributed in the strawberry fields of Southern Spain. Strawberry is a poor host for M. hapla with a tolerance limit of 0.2 J2 per g of soil, and low population increases in cropping cycles of 7–8 months. Strawberry cultivars show a range of susceptibility and tolerance to M. hapla, but no resistance is found. Nematodes are effectively controlled by chemical fumigation of soils, but soil biosolarization is equally effective, and therefore, can be proposed as a sustainable alternative for pathogen control in strawberry cultivation.
Comparative Assessment of Biochar Stability Using Multiple Indicators
Authors: Jindo Keiji , Sonoki Tomonori
Published: May 2019

Biochar application is one strategy proposed to improve carbon sequestration in soil. Maintaining high carbon content in soil for a long period requires stable biochar. In this work, we assessed biochar stability by two methodologies, i.e., laboratory incubation and chemical oxidation. Biochar was produced at four different temperatures (400 °C, 500 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C) from rice (Oryza sativa L.) straw and husk, applewood branch (Malus pumila), and oak (Quercus serrata Murray) residues. Results showed that the high-temperature biochars were more stable in both abiotic and biotic incubations, whereas the low-temperature biochars had reduced longevity. In addition, we showed biochars originated from woody material have higher stable carbon than those produced from rice residues. Finally, the oxidative assessment method provided a more reliable estimation of stability than the biotic incubation method and showed a strong correlation with other stability indicators.
Assimilation of Sentinel-2 Leaf Area Index Data into a Physically-Based Crop Growth Model for Yield Estimation
Authors: Novelli Francesco , Spiegel Heide , Sandén Taru , Vuolo Francesco
Published: May 2019

Remote sensing data, crop growth models, and optimization routines constitute a toolset that can be used together to map crop yield over large areas when access to field data is limited. In this study, Leaf Area Index (LAI) data from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite were combined with the Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC) model to estimate crop yield using a re-calibration data assimilation approach. The experiment was implemented for a winter wheat crop during two growing seasons (2016 and 2017) under four different fertilization management strategies. A number of field measurements were conducted spanning from LAI to biomass and crop yields. LAI showed a good correlation between the Sentinel-2 estimates and the ground measurements using non-destructive method. A correlating fit between satellite LAI curves and EPIC modelled LAI curves was also observed. The assimilation of LAI in EPIC provided an improvement in yield estimation in both years even though in 2017 strong underestimations were observed. The diverging results obtained in the two years indicated that the assimilation framework has to be tested under different environmental conditions before being applied on a larger scale with limited field data.
Providing Effective Environmental Enrichment to Pigs: How Far Have We Come?
Authors: van de Weerd Heleen , Ison Sarah
Published: May 2019

Science has defined the characteristics of effective environmental enrichment for pigs. We provide an overview of progress towards the provision of pig enrichment in the three largest global pork producing regions. In the USA, enrichment has not yet featured on the policy agenda, nor appeared on farms, except when required by certain farm assurance schemes. China has very limited legal animal welfare provisions and public awareness of animal welfare is very low. Food safety concerns severely restrict the use of substrates (as enrichment) on farms. Providing enrichment to pigs is a legal requirement in the EU. In practice, enrichment is not present, or simple (point-source) objects are provided which have no enduring value. Other common issues are the provision of non-effective or hazardous objects, inadequate presentation, location, quantity and size or inadequate maintenance of enrichment. Improvements can be made by applying principles from the field of experimental analysis of behaviour to evaluate the effectiveness of enrichment; providing welfare knowledge transfer, including training and advisory services; highlighting the economic benefits of effective enrichment and focusing on return on investment; increasing pressure from the financial sector; using novel drivers of change, such as public business benchmarking. The poor implementation of scientific knowledge on farms suggests that the pig industry has not fully embraced the benefits of effective enrichment and is still a long way off achieving an enriched pig population.
Energy Concentration and Phosphorus Digestibility in Hatchery Byproducts Fed to Nursery Pigs
Authors: Sung Jung Yeol , Ji Sang Yun , Son Ah Reum , Kim Beob Gyun
Published: May 2019

The objective was to measure energy concentrations and standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of phosphorus (P) in hatchery byproducts. In Experiment 1, 20 nursery barrows were used to measure energy concentrations in hatchery byproducts. A basal diet based on corn and dried whey and four additional diets containing 25% of infertile eggs, unhatched eggs, culled chicks, or a mixture of the three hatchery byproducts were prepared. In Experiment 2, the STTD of P was measured using 20 nursery barrows. Four diets containing 25% of the same hatchery byproducts used in Experiment 1 as the sole source of P were prepared, and a P-free diet was prepared to measure basal endogenous losses of P. The marker-to-marker method was employed for total collection. Metabolizable energy in culled chicks was the greatest (4560 kcal/kg as-is basis; p < 0.05), whereas infertile eggs had the lowest value (2645 kcal/kg as-is basis; p < 0.05). The STTD of P in infertile eggs (81.7%) was greater than that in unhatched eggs, culled chicks, and the mixture (61.6, 53.9, and 47.4%, respectively; p < 0.05). In conclusion, culled chicks had the greatest metabolizable energy and infertile eggs had the greatest phosphorus digestibility among the test ingredients.
Molecular Characterization of Sarcocystis Species Isolated from Sheep and Goats in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Metwally Dina M. , Al-Damigh Mashael A. , Al-Turaiki Isra M. , El-Khadragy Manal F.
Published: May 2019

Sarcocystosis is induced by species of Sarcocystis, which is an intracellular protozoan parasite in the phylum Apicomplexa. The diversity and importance of Sarcocystis species in sheep and goats in Saudi Arabia are poorly understood. In this study, the tongue, esophagus, heart, diaphragm, and skeletal muscles were collected from 230 sheep and 84 goats, and the tissues were examined for the presence of Sarcocystis species by macroscopic examination and light microscopy. Microscopic Sarcocystis species cysts were found in both sheep and goats. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed S. tenella in sheep and S. capracanis in goats. Sarcocystis species were confirmed for the first time in Saudi Arabian sheep and goats by molecular testing. S. capracanis was most closely related to S. tenella, with the COX1 sequences sharing 91.7% identity. A phylogenetic analysis produced similar results and indicated that the Sarcocystis isolates were within a group of Sarcocystis species in which dogs were the final host. Finally, the Sarcocystis species cysts from sheep and goats could be grouped together, indicating that they were strongly related.
Cow Lying Behaviour and Bedding Quality Changes during Five Weeks on a Stand-Off Pad
Authors: O’Connor Cheryl , Dowling Suzanne , Cave Vanessa , Webster Jim
Published: May 2019

Bedding quality and cow lying time were measured during five weeks in a normal farm practice (NFP) off-paddock system with no bedding refreshment. Two groups of 100 non-lactating dairy cows were compared to groups of 8 cows with fresh bedding (FB). The cows were on a woodchip pad for 18 h/d at a space allowance of 5.4 m2/cow, with 6 h/d on pasture for 5 weeks. Lying times were recorded continuously for 60 cows per group using accelerometers. Bedding moisture content was measured weekly. Data for each NFP group were analysed and compared with those of their respective FB group using repeated measures. The lying time declined over five weeks from 11.6 h/day during the first week to 5.6 h/day during the fifth week (SED = 0.3; F1,25 = 351.56; p < 0.001). The moisture content of the bedding increased over the five weeks and was significantly higher for both NFP groups (NFP Group 1: F5,59 = 8.33; p < 0.001; NFP Group 2: F5,61 = 5.54; p < 0.001) than those of the respective FB groups. The percentage of total time lying when in the paddock increased for the NFP groups, reaching 15% in the last week of the trial. During five weeks on a stand-off pad, bedding quality deteriorated, and cows lay down less, to such an extent that welfare was compromised.
Extraction Optimization, Antioxidant Capacity and Phenolic Profiling of Extracts from Flesh, Peel and Whole Fruit of New Zealand Grown Feijoa Cultivars
Authors: Peng Yaoyao , Bishop Karen Suzanne , Quek Siew Young
Published: May 2019

Feijoa fruit is becoming increasingly popular, yet limited studies have focused on the antioxidant capacity and phenolic profiling of its extracts. In this research, optimization of phenolic extraction from feijoa flesh, peel, and whole fruit from four New Zealand grown cultivars was conducted using orthogonal design. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were assessed, followed by phenolic profiling by a validated liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) method. For feijoa flesh and whole fruit, the extraction was optimized using 70% ethanol, material to solvent ratio of 1:30, at extraction temperature of 50 °C for 30 min. For feijoa peel, extraction at 50 °C for 60 min using 50% ethanol with a material to solvent ratio of 1:30 were the optimized conditions. Results showed feijoa peel had higher total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activities than the flesh and whole fruit. Overall, the Unique cultivar had a relatively higher TPC and antioxidant activity than the other cultivars tested. A total of 15 phenolic compounds were identified, and seven of them were reported for the first time in feijoa fruit. This is the first systematic investigation on the extraction method, phenolic content, antioxidant activity and phenolic profile of feijoa emphasis on comparison of sample types and cultivars.
Experimental Study of the Behavior of Rectangular Excavations Supported by a Pipe Roof
Authors: Xie Xiongyao , Zhao Mingrui , Shahrour Isam
Published: May 2019

This paper presents an experimental investigation of the role of pipe-roofs in the improvement of the stability of rectangular excavations constructed using pipe-roof technology. This technology is suitable for the construction of underground passages in crowded areas subjected to high requirements concerning soil settlement and stability during excavation construction. The design of a rectangular pipe-roof excavation required an understanding of the interaction between the soil, the pipe-roof and the excavation. This interaction is complex and plays an important role in the features of the pipe roof excavation. This paper presents a series of 1g physical experimental tests conducted in dry sand soil with an advanced monitoring system, which allows tracking of the soil settlement, the pipe deformation and the soil pressure. Analysis of these tests shows the effective role of the pipe-roof in reducing both the soil settlement and the soil pressure on the excavation. It also shows the influence of pipes on the deformation mechanism of the soil and its evolution from low deformation to the instability phase.
Novel Phenotypic Elements of Type IV Collagenopathy Revealed by the Drosophila Model
Authors: Kiss András A. , Somlyai-Popovics Nikoletta , Tubak Vilmos , Boldogkői Zsolt , Csiszár Katalin , Mink Mátyás
Published: May 2019

Type IV collagen is proposed to be a key molecule in the evolvement of multicellular animals by forming the architectural unit basement membrane, a specialized form of the extracellular matrix. Functions of the basement membrane include guiding organ regeneration, tissue repair, modulation of cell differentiation, apical–basal polarity identification, cell migration and adhesion, regulation of growth factor signaling gradients, maintenance of tissue architecture and compartmentalization. Type IV collagenopathy is a devastating systemic disease affecting the circulatory, renal and visual systems and the skeletal muscles. It is observed in patients carrying mutations in the COL4A1 gene, which codes for the ubiquitous basement membrane component. Col4a1 mouse mutants display the human symptoms of type IV collagenopathy. We chose the Drosophila melanogaster model as we recorded dominant, temperature-sensitive mutations in the cognate col4a1 gene of the fruit fly and demonstrated phenotypic elements which have not yet been explored in humans or in mouse models. In this paper we show a transition of the Z-discs, normally bordering each sarcomere, to the level of M-discs significantly penetrant in the mutants, uneven distribution of fused mitochondria in the Malpighian tubules of the excretory organ and a loss of sarcomere structure in the visceral muscles in the gut of mutants. Our observations demonstrate the systemic nature of the col4a1 mutations in the fruit fly. However, these traits are elements of the type IV collagen-associated pathology and may provide insights into approaches that can alleviate symptoms of the disease.
Can Phosphorus from Recycled Fertilisers Replace Conventional Sources? An Agronomic Evaluation in Field-Scale Experiments on Temperate Luvisols
Authors: Jastrzębska Magdalena , Kostrzewska Marta K. , Saeid Agnieszka
Published: May 2019

Facing phosphate rock scarcity, growing food requirements and pollution problems with phosphorus (P)-containing waste, re-using P as fertiliser is becoming a real need. Innovative fertilisers from sewage sludge ash, animal bones and blood, activated by phosphorus solubilising microorganisms (PSM), were tested in field experiments with winter or spring wheat and compared with commercial fertilisers (superphosphate, phosphorite). Three levels of P doses were established (17.6, 26.4 and 35.2 kg/ha). This paper discusses the fertilisers’ impact on total soil P content and on the P content and P accumulation in wheat grain and straw, weeds and post-harvest residues. Recycled fertilisers maintained soil P stocks and supplied plants with P in the same way as traditional fertilisers, and ensured a comparable P pool in the post-harvest residues to traditional fertilisers. They also did not favour weeds during competitive crop-weed interactions. The PSM included in waste-fertilisers did not exert an evident effect on the soil P content or on the P content and P accumulation in plant biomass. The findings show the potential of recycled fertilisers to act as a substitute to fertilisers from primary sources. Further field research is needed to settle the question of the reasonability of PSM inclusion into fertilisers.
Demonstration of an Ultraprecise Optical Bench for the Taiji Space Gravitational Wave Detection Pathfinder Mission
Authors: Li Yupeng , Liu Heshan , Zhao Ya , Sha Wei , Wang Zhi , Luo Ziren , Jin Gang
Published: May 2019

For the Taiji space gravitational wave detection and its pathfinder mission, ultraprecise technology for optical assembly must be adopted to satisfy the high measurement sensitivities required. In this paper, we construct and evaluate an optical bench to assess its precision in optical assembly and bonding. We opted for hydroxide-catalysis bonding technology and designed a corresponding adjustment scheme to achieve an ultraprecise assembly for the optical bench. After alignment, the angular deviation between the interference beam and its ideal position in the global coordinate system is no more than 45 μrad, and positional deviation is less than 10 μm. The final experimental results indicate that the measurement precision of the evaluated board is 6 pm/√Hz, which meets the specifications required for the Taiji pathfinder.
Effect of Height and Geometry of Stepped Spillway on Inception Point Location
Authors: Wan Wuyi , Raza Awais , Chen Xiaoyi
Published: May 2019

Air entrainment in a stepped spillway is very important to protect the spillway from cavitation damage. The inception point is the location where air starts entering the non-aerated flow zone. The inception point location depends on different parameters, such as the discharge, step height, and step shape. In this paper, various stepped spillways, including flat steps, pooled steps, and round steps with different step heights were numerically simulated using the volume of fluid and realizable k-ε models. The results indicate that the inception point location moves downwards with the increase of the discharge of the stepped spillways. The length of the non-aerated flow zone increases with the discharge. The inception point location moves downwards as the step height decreases and the step number increases at the same discharge. The inception point location of the round stepped spillway model is much closer to the spillway crest than that of the flat stepped spillway with the same number of steps. The inception point location of the pooled stepped spillway is closer to the spillway crest than that of the flat stepped spillway, but more downstream than that of the round stepped spillway.
Engineering Optogenetic Control of Endogenous p53 Protein Levels
Authors: Wehler Pierre , Di Ventura Barbara
Published: May 2019

The transcription factor p53 is a stress sensor that turns specific sets of genes on to allow the cell to respond to the stress depending on its severity and type. p53 is classified as tumor suppressor because its function is to maintain genome integrity promoting cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, or senescence to avoid proliferation of cells with damaged DNA. While in many human cancers the p53 gene is itself mutated, there are some in which the dysfunction of the p53 pathway is caused by the overexpression of negative regulators of p53, such as Mdm2, that keep it at low levels at all times. Here we develop an optogenetic approach to control endogenous p53 levels with blue light. Specifically, we control the nuclear localization of the Mmd2-binding PMI peptide using the light-inducible export system LEXY. In the dark, the PMI-LEXY fusion is nuclear and binds to Mdm2, consenting to p53 to accumulate and transcribe the target gene p21. Blue light exposure leads to the export of the PMI-LEXY fusion into the cytosol, thereby Mdm2 is able to degrade p53 as in the absence of the peptide. This approach may be useful to study the effect of localized p53 activation within a tissue or organ.
Impacts of Green Vegetation Fraction Derivation Methods on Regional Climate Simulations
Authors: Jiménez-Gutiérrez Jose Manuel , Valero Francisco , Jerez Sonia , Montávez Juan Pedro
Published: May 2019

The representation of vegetation in land surface models (LSM) is crucial for modeling atmospheric processes in regional climate models (RCMs). Vegetation is characterized by the green fractional vegetation cover (FVC) and/or the leaf area index (LAI) that are obtained from nearest difference vegetation index (NDVI) data. Most regional climate models use a constant FVC for each month and grid cell. In this work, three FVC datasets have been constructed using three methods: ZENG, WETZEL and GUTMAN. These datasets have been implemented in a RCM to explore, through sensitivity experiments over the Iberian Peninsula (IP), the effects of the differences among the FVC data-sets on the near surface temperature (T2m). Firstly, we noted that the selection of the NDVI database is of crucial importance, because there are important bias in mean and variability among them. The comparison between the three methods extracted from the same NDVI database, the global inventory modeling and mapping studies (GIMMS), reveals important differences reaching up to 12% in spatial average and and 35% locally. Such differences depend on the FVC magnitude and type of biome. The methods that use the frequency distribution of NDVI (ZENG and GUTMAN) are more similar, and the differences mainly depends on the land type. The comparison of the RCM experiments exhibits a not negligible effect of the FVC uncertainty on the monthly T2m values. Differences of 30% in FVC can produce bias of 1 ∘ C in monthly T2m, although they depend on the time of the year. Therefore, the selection of a certain FVC dataset will introduce bias in T2m and will affect the annual cycle. On the other hand, fixing a FVC database, the use of synchronized FVC instead of climatological values produces differences up to 1 ∘ C, that will modify the T2m interannual variability.
Characterization and Spatial Coverage of Heat Waves in Subtropical Brazil
Authors: Cordero Simões dos Reis Nicolle , Boiaski Nathalie Tissot , Ferraz Simone Erotildes Teleginski
Published: May 2019

Given the increase in the frequency, intensity, and persistence of heat waves since the 1970s, and in view of the impacts that extreme temperatures may cause for society and the economy, this study aims to characterize heat waves in the subtropical region of Brazil and compare findings with the criterion defined by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Daily maximum temperature data was used. By using the percentile methodology, the subtropical region was divided into two regions: region 1 and region 2. We identified 54 heat waves in region 1 and 34 in region 2, which occurred more frequently in winter and spring, and less frequently in summer. A close relationship was observed between the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), both of which are able to modulate the heat waves in each of the different regions. Region 1 presented the highest number of heat waves during the warm (cold) phase of the PDO. As for ENSO, heat waves were more frequent in the neutral phase in both regions. Finally, there was shown to be an increase in the frequency and persistence of heat waves since the 1980s, especially in region 2. The methodology used in this study allows the identification and characterization of heat waves in several regions of different climates.
Study on Scale-Selective Initial Perturbation for Regional Ensemble Forecast
Authors: Xia Yu , Zhang Hanbin , Chen Jing
Published: May 2019

To improve the skills of the regional ensemble forecast system (REFS), a modified ensemble transform Kalman filter (ETKF) initial perturbation strategy was developed. First, sensitivity tests were conducted to investigate the influence of the perturbation scale on the ensemble spread growth and forecast skill. In addition, the scale characteristic of the forecast error was analyzed based on the results of these tests, and a new initial condition perturbation method was developed through scale-selection of the ETKF perturbations, namely, ETKF-SS (scale-selective ETKF). The performances of the ETKF-SS scheme and the original ETKF (hereinafter referred to as ETKF) scheme were tested and compared. The results showed that the large-scale perturbations were much easier to grow than the original ETKF perturbations. In addition, scale analysis of the forecast error showed that the large-scale errors showed significant growth at the upper levels, while the small and meso-scale errors grew fast at the lower levels. The comparison results of the ETKF-SS and the ETKF showed that the ETKF-SS perturbations had more obvious growth than the ETKF perturbations, and the ETKF-SS perturbations in the short-term forecast lead times were more precise than the ETKF perturbations. The ensemble forecast verification results showed that the ETKF-SS ensemble had a larger spread and smaller root mean square error than the ETKF at short forecast lead times, while the probabilistic scores of the ETKF-SS also outperformed those of the ETKF method. In addition, the ETKF-SS ensemble can provide a better precipitation forecast than the ETKF.
Energy Considerations of Classical Electromagnetic Zero-Point Radiation and a Specific Probability Calculation in Stochastic Electrodynamics
Authors: Cole Daniel C.
Published: May 2019

The zero-point (ZP) radiation field in stochastic electrodynamics (SED) is considered to be formally infinite, or perhaps bounded by mechanisms yet to be revealed someday. A similar situation holds in quantum electrodynamics (QED), although there the ZP field is considered to be “virtual”. The first part of this article addresses the concern by some about the related disturbing concept of “extracting energy” from this formally, enormous source of energy. The second part of this article introduces a new method for calculating probabilities of fields in SED, which can be extended to linear oscillators in SED.
The Application of a Nanomaterial Optical Fiber Biosensor Assay for Identification of Brucella Nomenspecies
Authors: McCutcheon Kelly , Bandara Aloka B. , Zuo Ziwei , Heflin James R. , Inzana Thomas J.
Published: May 2019

Bacteria in the genus Brucella are the cause of brucellosis in humans and many domestic and wild animals. A rapid and culture-free detection assay to detect Brucella in clinical samples would be highly valuable. Nanomaterial optical fiber biosensors (NOFS) are capable of recognizing DNA hybridization events or other analyte interactions with high specificity and sensitivity. Therefore, a NOFS assay was developed to detect Brucella DNA from cultures and in tissue samples from infected mice. An ionic self-assembled multilayer (ISAM) film was coupled to a long-period grating optical fiber, and a nucleotide probe complementary to the Brucella IS711 region and modified with biotin was bound to the ISAM by covalent conjugation. When the ISAM/probe duplex was exposed to lysate containing ≥100 killed cells of Brucella, or liver or spleen tissue extracts from Brucella-infected mice, substantial attenuation of light transmission occurred, whereas exposure of the complexed fiber to non-Brucella gram-negative bacteria or control tissue samples resulted in negligible attenuation of light transmission. Oligonucleotide probes specific for B. abortus, B. melitensis, and B. suis could also be used to detect and differentiate these three nomenspecies. In summary, the NOFS biosensor assay detected three nomenspecies of Brucella without the use of polymerase chain reaction within 30 min and could specifically detect low numbers of this bacterium in clinical samples.
An Alternative Medical Diagnosis Method: Biosensors for Virus Detection
Authors: Saylan Yeşeren , Erdem Özgecan , Ünal Serhat , Denizli Adil
Published: May 2019

Infectious diseases still pose an omnipresent threat to global and public health, especially in many countries and rural areas of cities. Underlying reasons of such serious maladies can be summarized as the paucity of appropriate analysis methods and subsequent treatment strategies due to the limited access of centralized and equipped health care facilities for diagnosis. Biosensors hold great impact to turn our current analytical methods into diagnostic strategies by restructuring their sensing module for the detection of biomolecules, especially nano-sized objects such as protein biomarkers and viruses. Unquestionably, current sensing platforms require continuous updates to address growing challenges in the diagnosis of viruses as viruses change quickly and spread largely from person-to-person, indicating the urgency of early diagnosis. Some of the challenges can be classified in biological barriers (specificity, low number of targets, and biological matrices) and technological limitations (detection limit, linear dynamic range, stability, and reliability), as well as economical aspects that limit their implementation into resource-scarce settings. In this review, the principle and types of biosensors and their applications in the diagnosis of distinct infectious diseases were comprehensively explained. The deployment of current biosensors into resource-scarce settings is further discussed for virus detection by elaborating the pros and cons of existing methods as a conclusion and future perspective.
Transglutaminase-2 Mediates the Biomechanical Properties of the Colorectal Cancer Tissue Microenvironment that Contribute to Disease Progression
Authors: Delaine-Smith Robin , Wright Nicola , Hanley Chris , Hanwell Rebecca , Bhome Rahul , Bullock Marc , Drifka Cole , Eliceiri Kevin , Thomas Gareth , Knight Martin , Mirnezami Alex , Peake Nicholas
Published: May 2019

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, and the fourth leading cause of malignancy-related mortality. This highlights the need to understand the processes driving this disease in order to develop new treatments and improve patient outcomes. A potential therapeutic target is the increased stiffness of the tumour microenvironment, which is linked to aggressive cancer cell behaviour by enhancing biomechanical signalling. In this study, we used an siRNA-based approach to investigate the contribution of the protein cross-linking enzyme transglutaminase-2 (TG2) to matrix remodelling and biomechanical properties of the tumour microenvironment. TG2 inhibited cancer cell growth in organotypic 3D fibroblast/SW480 co-culture models, and biomechanical analysis demonstrated that colorectal cancer cells induced fibroblast-mediated stiffness which was inhibited by silencing TG2. These biomechanical changes were associated with observed alterations to collagen fibre structure, notably fibre thickness. Our in vitro findings of collagen composition changes were also seen with imaging biopsied tissues from patients with colorectal cancer, with TG2 correlating positively with thicker collagen fibres, and associating with poor outcome as determined by disease recurrence post-surgery and overall survival. In conclusion, this study demonstrates a role for TG2 in the stromal response to invading tumour, leading to tissue stiffening and poor outcome in patients.
Influence of Chemical Surface Characteristics of Ammonium-Modified Chilean Zeolite on Oak Catalytic Pyrolysis
Authors: Alejandro-Martín Serguei , Montecinos Acaricia Adán , Cerda-Barrera Cristian , Díaz Pérez Hatier
Published: May 2019

The influence of chemical surface characteristics of Chilean natural and modified zeolites on Chilean Oak catalytic pyrolysis was investigated in this study. Chilean zeolite samples were characterised by nitrogen absorption at 77 K, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The nature and strength of zeolite acid sites were studied by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT), using pyridine as a probe molecule. Experimental pyrolysis was conducted in a quartz cylindrical reactor and bio-oils were obtained by condensation of vapours in a closed container. Chemical species in bio-oil samples were identified by a gas chromatography/mass spectrophotometry (GC/MS) analytical procedure. Results indicate that after the ionic exchange treatment, an increase of the Brønsted acid site density and strength was observed in ammonium-modified zeolites. Brønsted acids sites were associated with an increment of the composition of ketones, aldehydes, and hydrocarbons and to a decrease in the composition of the following families (esters; ethers; and acids) in obtained bio-oil samples. The Brønsted acid sites on ammonium-modified zeolite samples are responsible for the upgraded bio-oil and value-added chemicals, obtained in this research. Bio-oil chemical composition was modified when the pyrolysis-derived compounds were upgraded over a 2NHZ zeolite sample, leading to a lower quantity of oxygenated compounds and a higher composition of value-added chemicals.
Catalytic Activity of Ni1-xLi2xWO4 Particles for Carbon Dioxide Photoreduction
Authors: Shin Jongmin , Do Jeong Yeon , Kim Raeyeong , Son Namgyu , Park No-Kuk , Ryu Ho-Jung , Seo Myung Won , Chi Junhwa , Youn Young-Sang , Kang Misook
Published: May 2019

This study introduces NiWO4 as a main photocatalyst, where the Ni component promotes methanation to generate a WO3-based catalyst, as a new type of catalyst that promotes the photoreduction of carbon dioxide by slowing the recombination of electrons and holes. The bandgap of NiWO4 is 2.74 eV, which was expected to improve the initial activity for the photoreduction of carbon dioxide. However, fast recombination between the holes and electrons was also expected. To overcome this problem, attempts were made to induce structural defects by partially replacing the Ni2+ ions in NiWO4 with Li+. The resulting CO2 conversion reaction was greatly enhanced with the Ni1-xLi2xWO4 catalysts containing Li+, compared to that of the pure NiWO4 catalysts. Notably, the total amount of CO and CH4 produced with the Ni0.8Li0.4WO4 catalyst was 411.6 nmol g−1. It is believed that the insertion of Li+ ions into the NiWO4 skeleton results in lattice defects due to charge and structural imbalance, which play a role in the capture of CO2 gas or excited electrons, thereby inhibiting recombination between the electrons and holes in the Ni1-xLi2xWO4 particles.