bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Plasma Combustion in Aeroengine Combustor
Authors: Ding Shibin , Wang Qingzhi , Hua Weizhuo
Published: May 2023

To explore the plasma combustion affect the performance of the aircraft engine combustor, 16 components in the aviation kerosene 25-step reaction mechanism on the basis of considering step 9 simplify the plasma reaction mechanism, set up considering plasma electron collision reaction excited state relaxation and excited states participate in the process of chemical reaction kerosene combustion reaction model, The numerical calculation of the combustion process in the combustor is carried out, and the numerical calculation results of the combustion process with or without plasma combustion are compared and analyzed. The results show that the core reaction zone of the combustion chamber fuel is relatively forward under the conventional mechanism condition, and the average temperature of the combustion chamber outlet is 1910K. The temperature and high-temperature zone of the combustor where the plasma mechanism is applied are mainly distributed in the combustor outlet, mixing hole and main combustion hole, and the average temperature is 2050K. Meanwhile, the kerosene combustion efficiency also increases from 82.4% to 90.1%, increasing by about 7.7%. The results show that the addition of a plasma mechanism can deepen the chemical reaction degree of kerosene and release more heat to improve the combustion efficiency of kerosene.
Energy considerations and flow fields over whiffling-inspired wings
Authors: Sigrest Piper , Wu Ella , Inman Daniel J
Published: May 2023

Some bird species fly inverted, or whiffle, to lose altitude. Inverted flight twists the primary flight feathers, creating gaps along the wing’s trailing edge and decreasing lift. It is speculated that feather rotation-inspired gaps could be used as control surfaces on uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs). When implemented on one semi-span of a UAV wing, the gaps produce roll due to the asymmetric lift distribution. However, the understanding of the fluid mechanics and actuation requirements of this novel gapped wing were rudimentary. Here, we use a commercial computational fluid dynamics solver to model a gapped wing, compare its analytically estimated work requirements to an aileron, and identify the impacts of key aerodynamic mechanisms. An experimental validation shows that the results agree well with previous findings. We also find that the gaps re-energize the boundary layer over the suction side of the trailing edge, delaying stall of the gapped wing. Further, the gaps produce vortices distributed along the wingspan. This vortex behavior creates a beneficial lift distribution that produces comparable roll and less yaw than the aileron. The gap vortices also inform the change in the control surface’s roll effectiveness across angle of attack. Finally, the flow within a gap recirculates and creates negative pressure coefficients on the majority of the gap face. The result is a suction force on the gap face that increases with angle of attack and requires work to hold the gaps open. Overall, the gapped wing requires higher actuation work than the aileron at low rolling moment coefficients. However, above rolling moment coefficients of 0.0182, the gapped wing requires less work and ultimately produces a higher maximum rolling moment coefficient. Despite the variable control effectiveness, the data suggest that the gapped wing could be a useful roll control surface for energy-constrained UAVs at high lift coefficients.
Development of Bio-based Polybenzoxazine Composite Post : Effect of Glass Fiber Content on Mechanical Properties and Fracture Behaviors
Authors: Mora P , Nunwong C , Rimdusit S , Srisorachatr U , Jampa-ngern S , Jubsilp C
Published: May 2023

This work aims to develop a novel composite post based on bio-based polybenzoxazine reinforced with glass fiber. The bio-based polybenzoxazine (poly(V-fa)) derived from vanillin, furfurylamine and paraformaldehyde, was prepared as polymer matrix in this study. Mechanical property and thermal property influenced by glass fiber contents were evaluated. The numerical simulation was also used to study the response to external applied load of tooth restored with glass fiber-reinforced poly(V-fa) composite posts by finite element analysis. From the results, not only the flexural properties, i.e. flexural strength and flexural modulus, were substantially improved up to 460 MPa and 25.6 GPa, respectively, but thermal properties, i.e. glass transition temperature (Tg) and degradation temperature at 5wt% loss (Td5), of the composites were also enhanced with the reinforcement of glass fiber contents. Furthermore, the restoration of the developed glass fiber-reinforced poly(V-fa) composite post in term of the maximum von Mises stress and deformation areas was predicted via ANSYS program. The experimental and numerical results revealed that the bio-based polybenzoxazine composite reinforced with glass fiber have highly potential to be used as composite posts.
Bacterial cellulose: An eco-friendly low cost biomaterial for dye removal
Authors: Sukphan S , Buapho P , Laingaumnuay N , Jaturapiree P
Published: May 2023

Bacteria cellulose (BC) is a non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and biodegradable material. Additionally, it is a cheap, easily accessible, and renewable resource. It possesses exceptional properties and is widely used in a variety of industries, including textiles, paper manufacturing, food, pharmaceutical, and waste treatment. The purpose of this study was to assess the capacity for bioadsorption of pure BC in its wet and dry forms . After 210 minutes of incubation at 37°C, 120 rpm, wet and dry BC exhibit the maximum decolorization of Crystal violet (100 mg/L) at 62.72% and 71.32%, and Congo red (100 mg/L) at 44.28% and 35.23%, respectively. Additionally, the characterization and kinetic model of BC were investigated in parallel. In summary, the findings of this work imply that the application of BC in bioadsorption of dyes may be a potential and successful method for solving the concerns of environmental pollution in a way that is low-cost, simple, and environmentally friendly.
Theoretical Analysis of High-Harmonic Generation in Silicon Nanotubes
Authors: Summueang C , Suntijitrungruang O , Boonchui S
Published: May 2023

Silicene hexagonal nanotube (Si h-NT) is a one-dimensional periodic system consisting of the rolling silicene layer, a monolayer of silicon atoms. In this research, we explore high-order harmonic generation (HHG) with a strong mid-infrared (IR) field on the single-walled nanotube. Moreover, the electronic intraband and interband dynamics are significantly and especially investigated in order to study the HHG mechanisms thoroughly. We then show and discuss the numerical results of the HHG characteristics from Si h-NT compared with single-walled carbon nanotubes and silicene sheets.
Fabrication and Properties of Gelatin/Dialdehyde Chitosan Films
Authors: Hemsri S , Junwattarunggu N , Rueangsawang W , Aramsrithum S
Published: May 2023

Non-biodegradable petroleum-based packaging film waste has led to a severe environmental pollution and human health problems. Gelatin and chitosan are attractive biopolymers for biomedical and food packaging applications due to biocompatibility, biodegradability, renewability, nontoxicity, and good gas barrier properties. However, disadvantages of the gelatin and chitosan are their low physicochemical stability and poor mechanical properties. In this study, dialdehyde chitosan was synthesized by periodate oxidation to use as a cross-linking agent for gelatin. The effect of the incorporation of the dialdehyde chitosan with 10, 15 and 20 wt% on mechanical and swelling properties as well as wettability of the gelatin films was investigated. The results reveal that the mechanical strength and swelling properties of the gelatin films were improved as an increase in the dialdehyde chitosan content, whereas the addition of the dialdehyde chitosan led to a decrease in water swelling ability in the gelatin films. Moreover, the wettability of the gelatin/dialdehyde chitosan films showed hydrophobic behaviour. Thus, the obtained gelatin/dialdehyde chitosan films as green polymeric products have a potential for food packaging fields.
Development of natural rubber foam by in-house Talalay method
Authors: Klommueang H , Smitthipong W
Published: May 2023

The benefits of natural rubber foams (NRFs), include its buoyancy, sound absorption, supportability, and low weight. Generally, there are two main techniques to produce the NRFs: Dunlop method and Talalay method. The Dunlop technique is a cheap and conventional method, while the Talalay technique is a complicated method (cool down, vacuum and heating process). The objective of this research is to study the difference properties of NRFs between Dunlop and Talalay methods. Both techniques proposed the NRFs with similar foam density values. The mechanical properties of the NRF from in-house Talalay method were lower than those obtained by NRF from Dunlop method, may due to the in-house Talalay method generating the large bubble from the vacuum system. However, the FTIR spectrum of NRFs obtained from both methods showed the same functional groups.
A review on 2,8-difluoro-5,11-bis(triethylsilylethynyl)anthradithiophene based organic thin film transistor
Authors: Ndikumana Joel , Kim Jiho , Kim Jun Young , Lee Dongjin , An Kunsik
Published: May 2023

2,8-difluoro-5,11-bis(triethylsilylethynyl)anthradithiophene (dif-TES-ADT) is a small molecule organic semiconductor that has drawn much interest as an active channel in organic thin film transistors (OTFTs). In particular, the solubility of dif-TES-ADT in numerous solvents and amorphous polymers, its chemical stability, and its ease in processing make it a supreme candidate for high performance devices. This review summarizes the progress in material crystallization and the film formation approach, including the surface treatment of Source/Drain metal electrodes with various self-assembled monolayers and the works on vertical phase segregation derived from blending dif-TES-ADT with various polymers. Electrical and environmental stabilities in dif-TES-ADT-based OTFTs and their origins are summarized. Finally, a discussion on the emerging applications of dif-TES-ADT OTFTs is explored. We believe that the individual effort summarized in this work will shed light on optimizing the electrical performance of dif-TES-ADT-based transistors and reveal their potential qualities, which will be useful to their applications in next-generation high performance organic electronics.
In silico simulation: a key enabling technology for next-generation intelligent surgical systems
Authors: Killeen Benjamin D , Cho Sue Min , Armand Mehran , Taylor Russell H , Unberath Mathias
Published: May 2023

To mitigate the challenges of operating through narrow incisions under image guidance, there is a desire to develop intelligent systems that assist decision making and spatial reasoning in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). In this context, machine learning-based systems for interventional image analysis are receiving considerable attention because of their flexibility and the opportunity to provide immediate, informative feedback to clinicians. It is further believed that learning-based image analysis may eventually form the foundation for semi- or fully automated delivery of surgical treatments. A significant bottleneck in developing such systems is the availability of annotated images with sufficient variability to train generalizable models, particularly the most recently favored deep convolutional neural networks or transformer architectures. A popular alternative to acquiring and manually annotating data from the clinical practice is the simulation of these data from human-based models. Simulation has many advantages, including the avoidance of ethical issues, precisely controlled environments, and the scalability of data collection. Here, we survey recent work that relies on in silico training of learning-based MIS systems, in which data are generated via computational simulation. For each imaging modality, we review available simulation tools in terms of compute requirements, image quality, and usability, as well as their applications for training intelligent systems. We further discuss open challenges for simulation-based development of MIS systems, such as the need for integrated imaging and physical modeling for non-optical modalities, as well as generative patient models not dependent on underlying computed tomography, MRI, or other patient data. In conclusion, as the capabilities of in silico training mature, with respect to sim-to-real transfer, computational efficiency, and degree of control, they are contributing toward the next generation of intelligent surgical systems.
Simultaneous multi-material embedded printing for 3D heterogeneous structures
Authors: Gao Ziqi , Yin Jun , Liu Peng , Li Qi , Zhang Runan , Yang Huayong , Zhou Hongzhao
Published: May 2023

In order to mimic the natural heterogeneity of native tissue and provide a better microenvironment for cell culturing, multi-material bioprinting has become a common solution to construct tissue models in vitro. With the embedded printing method, complex 3D structure can be printed using soft biomaterials with reasonable shape fidelity. However, the current sequential multi-material embedded printing method faces a major challenge, which is the inevitable trade-off between the printed structural integrity and printing precision. Here, we propose a simultaneous multi-material embedded printing method. With this method, we can easily print firmly attached and high-precision multilayer structures. With multiple individually controlled nozzles, different biomaterials can be precisely deposited into a single crevasse, minimizing uncontrolled squeezing and guarantees no contamination of embedding medium within the structure. We analyse the dynamics of the extruded bioink in the embedding medium both analytically and experimentally, and quantitatively evaluate the effects of printing parameters including printing speed and rheology of embedding medium, on the 3D morphology of the printed filament. We demonstrate the printing of double-layer thin-walled structures, each layer less than 200 μm, as well as intestine and liver models with 5% gelatin methacryloyl that are crosslinked and extracted from the embedding medium without significant impairment or delamination. The peeling test further proves that the proposed method offers better structural integrity than conventional sequential printing methods. The proposed simultaneous multi-material embedded printing method can serve as a powerful tool to support the complex heterogeneous structure fabrication and open unique prospects for personalized medicine.
Health impacts of smoke exposure in South America: increased risk for populations in the Amazonian Indigenous territories
Authors: Bonilla E X , Mickley L J , Raheja G , Eastham S D , Buonocore J J , Alencar A , Verchot L , Westervelt D M , Castro M C
Published: May 2023

Smoke particulate matter emitted by fires in the Amazon Basin poses a threat to human health. Past research on this threat has mainly focused on the health impacts on countries as a whole or has relied on hospital admission data to quantify the health response. Such analyses do not capture the impact on people living in Indigenous territories close to the fires and who often lack access to medical care and may not show up at hospitals. Here we quantify the premature mortality due to smoke exposure of people living in Indigenous territories across the Amazon Basin. We use the atmospheric chemistry transport model GEOS-Chem to simulate PM2.5 from fires and other sources, and we apply a recently updated concentration dose-response function. We estimate that smoke from fires in South America accounted for ∼12 000 premature deaths each year from 2014–2019 across the continent, with about ∼230 of these deaths occurring in Indigenous lands. Put another way, smoke exposure accounts for 2 premature deaths per 100 000 people per year across South America, but 4 premature deaths per 100 000 people in the Indigenous territories. Bolivia and Brazil represent hotspots of smoke exposure and deaths in Indigenous territories in these countries are 9 and 12 per 100 000 people, respectively. Our analysis shows that smoke PM2.5 from fires has a detrimental effect on human health across South America, with a disproportionate impact on people living in Indigenous territories.
Characterizing the distribution of alterations in mesothelioma and their correlation to morphology
Authors: Chen-Yost Heather I-Hsuan , Tjota Melissa Y , Gao Guimin , Mitchell Owen , Kindler Hedy , Segal Jeremy , Husain Aliya N , Mueller Jeffrey , Schulte Jefree J
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Mesothelioma is a lethal disease that arises from the serosal lining of organ cavities. Several recurrent alterations have been observed in pleural and peritoneal ­mesotheliomas, including in BAP1, NF2, and CDKN2A. Although specific histopathologic parameters have been correlated with prognosis, it is not as well known whether genetic alterations correlate with histologic findings.

Methods

We reviewed 131 mesotheliomas that had undergone next-generation sequencing (NGS) at our institutions after pathologic diagnosis. There were 109 epithelioid mesotheliomas, 18 biphasic mesotheliomas, and 4 sarcomatoid mesotheliomas. All our biphasic and sarcomatoid cases arose in the pleura. Of the epithelioid mesotheliomas, 73 were from the pleura and 36 were from the peritoneum. On average, patients were 66 years of age (range, 26-90 years) and predominantly male (92 men, 39 women).

Results

The most common alterations identified were in BAP1, CDKN2A, NF2, and TP53. Twelve mesotheliomas did not show a pathogenic alteration on NGS. For epithelioid mesotheliomas in the pleura, the presence of an alteration in BAP1 correlated with low nuclear grade (P = .04), but no correlation was found in the peritoneum (P = .62). Similarly, there was no correlation between the amount of solid architecture in epithelioid mesotheliomas and any alterations in the pleura (P = .55) or peritoneum (P = .13). For biphasic mesotheliomas, cases with either no alteration detected or with an alteration in BAP1 were more likely to be epithelioid predominant (>50% of the tumor, P = .0001), and biphasic mesotheliomas with other alterations detected and no alteration in BAP1 were more likely to be sarcomatoid predominant (>50% of the tumor, P = .0001).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a significant association between morphologic features associated with a better prognosis and an alteration in BAP1.
Concepts and methods for transcriptome-wide prediction of chemical messenger RNA modifications with machine learning
Authors: Acera Mateos Pablo , Zhou You , Zarnack Kathi , Eyras Eduardo
Published: May 2023

The expanding field of epitranscriptomics might rival the epigenome in the diversity of biological processes impacted. In recent years, the development of new high-throughput experimental and computational techniques has been a key driving force in discovering the properties of RNA modifications. Machine learning applications, such as for classification, clustering or de novo identification, have been critical in these advances. Nonetheless, various challenges remain before the full potential of machine learning for epitranscriptomics can be leveraged. In this review, we provide a comprehensive survey of machine learning methods to detect RNA modifications using diverse input data sources. We describe strategies to train and test machine learning methods and to encode and interpret features that are relevant for epitranscriptomics. Finally, we identify some of the current challenges and open questions about RNA modification analysis, including the ambiguity in predicting RNA modifications in transcript isoforms or in single nucleotides, or the lack of complete ground truth sets to test RNA modifications. We believe this review will inspire and benefit the rapidly developing field of epitranscriptomics in addressing the current limitations through the effective use of machine learning.
InferLoop: leveraging single-cell chromatin accessibility for the signal of chromatin loop
Authors: Zhang Feng , Jiao Huiyuan , Wang Yihao , Yang Chen , Li Linying , Wang Zhiming , Tong Ran , Zhou Junmei , Shen Jianfeng , Li Lingjie
Published: May 2023

Deciphering cell-type-specific 3D structures of chromatin is challenging. Here, we present InferLoop, a novel method for inferring the strength of chromatin interaction using single-cell chromatin accessibility data. The workflow of InferLoop is, first, to conduct signal enhancement by grouping nearby cells into bins, and then, for each bin, leverage accessibility signals for loop signals using a newly constructed metric that is similar to the perturbation of the Pearson correlation coefficient. In this study, we have described three application scenarios of InferLoop, including the inference of cell-type-specific loop signals, the prediction of gene expression levels and the interpretation of intergenic loci. The effectiveness and superiority of InferLoop over other methods in those three scenarios are rigorously validated by using the single-cell 3D genome structure data of human brain cortex and human blood, the single-cell multi-omics data of human blood and mouse brain cortex, and the intergenic loci in the GWAS Catalog database as well as the GTEx database, respectively. In addition, InferLoop can be applied to predict loop signals of individual spots using the spatial chromatin accessibility data of mouse embryo. InferLoop is available at https://github.com/jumphone/inferloop.
Translational informatics for human microbiota: data resources, models and applications
Authors: Shen Ke , Din Ahmad Ud , Sinha Baivab , Zhou Yi , Qian Fuliang , Shen Bairong
Published: May 2023

With the rapid development of human intestinal microbiology and diverse microbiome-related studies and investigations, a large amount of data have been generated and accumulated. Meanwhile, different computational and bioinformatics models have been developed for pattern recognition and knowledge discovery using these data. Given the heterogeneity of these resources and models, we aimed to provide a landscape of the data resources, a comparison of the computational models and a summary of the translational informatics applied to microbiota data. We first review the existing databases, knowledge bases, knowledge graphs and standardizations of microbiome data. Then, the high-throughput sequencing techniques for the microbiome and the informatics tools for their analyses are compared. Finally, translational informatics for the microbiome, including biomarker discovery, personalized treatment and smart healthcare for complex diseases, are discussed.
Diabetes, brain health, and treatment gains in post-stroke aphasia
Authors: Roth Rebecca , Busby Natalie , Wilmskoetter Janina , Schwen Blackett Deena , Gleichgerrcht Ezequiel , Johnson Lisa , Rorden Chris , Newman-Norlund Roger , Hillis Argye E , den Ouden Dirk B , Fridriksson Julius , Bonilha Leonardo
Published: May 2023

In post-stroke aphasia, language improvements following speech therapy are variable and can only be partially explained by the lesion. Brain tissue integrity beyond the lesion (brain health) may influence language recovery and can be impacted by cardiovascular risk factors, notably diabetes. We examined the impact of diabetes on structural network integrity and language recovery. Seventy-eight participants with chronic post-stroke aphasia underwent six weeks of semantic and phonological language therapy. To quantify structural network integrity, we evaluated the ratio of long-to-short-range white matter fibers within each participant’s whole brain connectome, as long-range fibers are more susceptible to vascular injury and have been linked to high level cognitive processing. We found that diabetes moderated the relationship between structural network integrity and naming improvement at 1 month post treatment. For participants without diabetes (n = 59), there was a positive relationship between structural network integrity and naming improvement (t = 2.19, p = 0.032). Among individuals with diabetes (n = 19), there were fewer treatment gains and virtually no association between structural network integrity and naming improvement. Our results indicate that structural network integrity is associated with treatment gains in aphasia for those without diabetes. These results highlight the importance of post-stroke structural white matter architectural integrity in aphasia recovery.
A Genomic Perspective on the Near-term Impact of Doxycycline Post-exposure Prophylaxis on Neisseria gonorrhoeae Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Mortimer Tatum D , Grad Yonatan H
Published: May 2023

Pre-existing tetracycline resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae limits the effectiveness of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with doxycycline against gonorrhea, and selection for tetracycline resistance may influence prevalence of multi-drug resistant strains. Using genomic and antimicrobial susceptibility data from N. gonorrhoeae, we assessed the near-term impact of doxycycline PEP on N. gonorrhoeae resistance.
Executive Function in Deaf Native Signing Children
Authors: Kotowicz Justyna , Woll Bencie , Herman Rosalind
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study is twofold: To examine if deafness is invariably associated with deficits in executive function (EF) and to investigate the relationship between sign language proficiency and EF in deaf children of deaf parents with early exposure to a sign language. It is also the first study of EF in children acquiring Polish Sign Language. Even though the mothers of the deaf children (N = 20) had lower levels of education compared with the mothers of a hearing control group, the children performed similarly to their hearing peers (N = 20) on a variety of EF task-based assessments. Only in the Go/No-go task were weaker inhibition skills observed in younger deaf children (6–9 years) compared with hearing peers, and this difference was not seen in older children (10–12 years). Hence, deafness does not necessarily impair EF; however, attentional and inhibition abilities may be acquired via a different route in deaf children. Sign language receptive skills predicted EF in deaf children. In conclusion, we highlight the importance of deaf parenting building the scaffolding for EF in deaf children.
A Kiss of Deep Homology: Partial Convergence in the Genomic Basis of Hypertrophied Lips in Cichlid Fish and Human Cleft Lip
Authors: Masonick Paul , Meyer Axel , Darrin Hulsey Christopher
Published: May 2023

The genomic loci generating both adaptive and maladaptive variation could be surprisingly predictable in deeply homologous vertebrate structures like the lips. Variation in highly conserved vertebrate traits such as the jaws and teeth in organisms as evolutionarily disparate as teleost fishes and mammals is known to be structured by the same genes. Likewise, hypertrophied lips that have evolved repeatedly in Neotropical and African cichlid fish lineages could share unexpectedly similar genetic bases themselves and even provide surprising insight into the loci underlying human craniofacial anomalies. To isolate the genomic regions underlying adaptive divergence in hypertrophied lips, we first employed genome-wide associations (GWAs) in several species of African cichlids from Lake Malawi. Then, we tested if these GWA regions were shared through hybridization with another Lake Malawi cichlid lineage that has evolved hypertrophied lips seemingly in parallel. Overall, introgression among hypertrophied lip lineages appeared limited. Among our Malawi GWA regions, one contained the gene kcnj2 that has been implicated in the convergently evolved hypertrophied lips in Central American Midas cichlids that diverged from the Malawi radiation over 50 million years ago. The Malawi hypertrophied lip GWA regions also contained several additional genes that cause human lip–associated birth defects. Cichlid fishes are becoming prominent examples of replicated genomic architecture underlying trait convergence and are increasingly providing insight into human craniofacial anomalies such as a cleft lip.
Retirement planning and types of healthy lifestyle after retirement: a Nationwide Survey in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Nuan-Ching , Kuo Pin-Han , Hsu Wan-Chen , Hu Susan C
Published: May 2023

Limited research has examined the components of retirement planning and the effects on retirees’ health behaviors. This study aims to explore whether retirement planning is associated with different types of healthy lifestyles after retirement. We conducted a nationwide Health and Retirement Survey in Taiwan and analyzed the data from 2015 to 2016. A total of 3128 retirees aged 50–74 years were included in the analysis. Twenty items on retirement planning from five categories were administered, and 20 health-related behaviors were used for measuring healthy lifestyles. Results showed that five types of healthy lifestyles were found from the 20 health behaviors by factor analysis. After controlling for all covariates, various components of retirement planning were associated with different types of lifestyles. Retirees having any item of retirement planning would significantly increase the score of ‘healthy living’. Those with 1–2 items were also associated with the total score and the type of ‘no unhealthy food’. However, those with ≥ 6 items were the only group positively related to the type of ‘regular health checkups’ but negatively to the type of ‘good medication’. In conclusion, retirement planning offers a ‘window of opportunity’ for promoting healthy lifestyles after retirement. Pre-retirement planning should be advocated in the workplace to improve health-related behaviors, especially for those upcoming retired workers. In addition, a friendly environment and continuous programs should also be incorporated for better retirement life.
CsXDH1 gene promotes caffeine catabolism induced by continuous strong light in tea plant
Authors: Tang Qianhui , Liu Keyi , Yue Chuan , Luo Liyong , Zeng Liang , Wu Zhijun
Published: May 2023

Tea plant (Camellia sinensis) is an important cash crop with extensive adaptability in the world. However, complex environmental factors force a large variation of tea quality-related components. Caffeine is essential for the formation of bitter and fresh flavors in tea, and is the main compound of tea that improves human alertness. Continuous strong light stimulation was observed to cause caffeine reduction in tea leaves, but the mechanism is not clear. In this study, the response of tea plant to light intensity was analysed mainly by multi-omics association, antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (asODN) silencing technique, and in vitro enzyme activity assay. The results revealed multiple strategies for light intensity adaptation in tea plant, among which the regulation of chloroplasts, photosynthesis, porphyrin metabolism, and resistance to oxidative stress were prominent. Caffeine catabolism was enhanced in continuous strong light, which may be a light-adapted strategy due to strict regulation by xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH). asODN silencing and enzymatic activity assays confirmed that CsXDH1 is a protein induced by light intensity to catalyze the substrate xanthine. CsXDH1 asODN silencing resulted in significant up-regulation of both caffeine and theobromine in in vitro enzyme activity assay, but not in vivo. CsXDH1 may act as a coordinator in light intensity adaptation, thus disrupting this balance of caffeine catabolism.
Conventional outcome reporting per IVF cycle/embryo transfer may systematically underestimate chances of success for women undergoing ART: relevant biases in registries, epidemiological studies, and guidelines
Authors: Griesinger Georg , Larsson Per
Published: May 2023

Pre-conception counselling and management of expectations about chance of success of IVF/ICSI treatments is an integral part of fertility care. Registry data are usually used to inform patients about expected success rates of IVF/ICSI treatment, as these data should best represent real-world populations and clinical practice. In registries, the success rate of IVF/ICSI treatments is conventionally reported per treatment cycle or per embryo transfer and estimated from data for which several treatment attempts per subject have been pooled (e.g. repetitive IVF/ICSI attempts or repetitive attempts of cryotransfer). This, however, may underestimate the true mean chance of success per treatment attempt, because treatment attempts of women with a poor prognosis will usually be over-represented in a pool of treatment cycle data compared to treatment events of women with a good prognosis. Of note, this phenomenon is also a source of potential bias when comparing outcomes between fresh transfers and cryotransfers, since women can undergo a maximum of only one fresh transfer after each IVF/ICSI treatment, but potentially several cryotransfers. Herein, we use a trial dataset from 619 women, who underwent one cycle of ovarian stimulation and ICSI, a Day 5 fresh transfer and/or subsequent cryotransfers (follow-up of all cryotransfers up to 1 year after the start of stimulation), to exemplify the underestimation of the live birth rate, when not accounting for repeated transfers in the same woman. Using mixed-effect logistic regression modelling, we show that the mean live birth rate per transfer per woman in cryocycles is underestimated by the factor 0.69 (e.g. live birth rate per cryotransfer of 36% after adjustment versus 25% unadjusted). We conclude that the average chance of success of treatment cycles of women of a given age, treated in a given centre, etc., when conventionally calculated per cycle or per embryo transfer from a pool of treatment events, do not apply to an individual woman. We suggest that patients are, especially at the outset of treatment, systematically confronted with mean estimates of success per attempt that are too low. Live birth rates per transfer from datasets encompassing multiple transfers from single individuals could be more accurately reported using statistical models accounting for the correlation between cycle outcomes within women.
178 Academic Quadrathlon as an In-Service Training Tool
Authors: Mason Katie , Fancher Malerie , Ivey Jennie L , Strickland Lew G , Rowan Troy N , Eckelkamp Elizabeth , Rhinehart Justin D , Shanks Jessica , Fisher Aaron , Tabler Tom , Zoca Saulo , Main Sawyer
Published: May 2023

The Animal Science Extension team at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture provides a yearly joint in-service training for county agents. In previous years, in-service trainings were held on a regional basis, with one one-day training in each region of the state for a total of 3 trainings. In 2021, the Animal Science team took a difference approach by offering a centrally located, conference style in-service training that lasted for 3 days. There were separate tracks for 4-H and Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) with concurrent sessions, and a few combined sessions with general program updates. A range of topics were covered in species-specific sessions, covering beef, dairy, small ruminant, equine, and poultry. On day 3, to increase agent interaction during the in-service training, the Animal Science Extension team created a mini-academic quadrathlon (AQ) to test the agents in a friendly competition. The AQ had species-specific hands-on lab sections and a quiz bowl competition. Teams were created by Specialists to ensure that each team comprised agents with varying levels of knowledge and experience. In December 2021, fifty-two agents participated in the training. An evaluation was administered at the end of the training to gauge effectiveness of each session. Of the 28 respondents, 15 were ANR agents, 7 were 4-H agents, 5 were ANR/4-H agents, and 1 was an area specialist. When asked to give an overall rating for the quiz bowl session of AQ on scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being poor and 5 being excellent, 71% of respondent responded “5: excellent.” When asked the same for hands-on lab portions of AQ, 95% of agents responded “5: excellent.” Selected comments regarding the AQ during in-service training included: “Day 3 by far was the most fun I have had at an in-service. I loved it.” and “I thought the stations and quiz bowl was a great way to tie in everything that was covered in the first two days. Fun and educational!” Specialists concluded that the AQ was a highly effective way to deliver in-service training to agents in an exciting way. Due to the success of the program, the 2022 in-service training taking place in December, will follow the same format.
183 Sow Location Within Farrowing Room Impacts Reproduction During Heat Stress
Authors: Knauer Mark , Peppmeier Zack , Leonard Suzanne M
Published: May 2023

The objective was to evaluate the impact of sow location, within farrowing room, on reproduction during periods of heat stress. Data were collected on 1,866 sows at a 3,600-sow commercial farm in eastern North Carolina from May to August 2021. In the farrowing buildings, evaporative cool cell pads cooled the air entering the hallway. Cooled air, from the hallway, then entered the farrowing rooms through inlets at the front of the room and was pulled through the room by fans in the back of the farrowing room. For data analysis, each farrowing room was divided into four zones. Zone 1 included the sows at the front of the farrowing room near the inlets letting in cooled air. Zone 4 included sows at the back of the room where air exited the building through fans embedded within the wall. Zones 2 and 3 were intermediate. Each farrowing room on the farm housed between 18 and 36 sows. After farrowing, sows had ad libitum access to the lactation diet. Traits included piglet survival (number weaned ÷ total number born) the percentage of sows conceiving by 7 days after weaning, subsequent total number born, subsequent number born alive, subsequent stillborns, sow caliper score prefarrow, sow caliper score at weaning and sow caliper lactation loss. Results are shown in Table 1. Piglet survival was greater (P < 0.05) for sows that farrowed at the front of the room near the cool air inlets. Similarly, litter weaning weight was heavier (P < 0.05) near the cool air inlets relative to the back part of the farrowing room. The percentage of sows that conceived by 7 days after weaning, and farrowed, was linearly associated (P < 0.05) with farrowing zone. Sows near the cool air inlets lost less (P < 0.05) body condition and farrowed more (P < 0.05) piglets in the subsequent litter relative to sows in the back of the farrowing room. Results showed sows that farrowed at the front of the farrowing room lost less body condition, had greater piglet survival, heavier litter weaning weights and were more likely to be rebred and conceive by 7 days after weaning relative to sows farrowing in the back of the farrowing room.
26 Effect of Monensin Inclusion on the Rumen Prokaryote Microbiome inBos Indicus andBos Taurus Steers Consuming Bermudagrass Hay
Authors: Giesey Jennifer , Brady Jeff A , Obayomi Olabiyi , Wickersham Tryon A , Mast Natasha L
Published: May 2023

Monensin is a carboxylic polyether ionophore that has the ability to alter ruminal fermentation and microbial populations in the rumen. Current research shows monensin to have beneficial effects on feed efficiency, specifically, a reduction in average daily feed intake and an increase in gain. Ten ruminally cannulated steers [5 Bos indicus (BI), 5 Bos taurus (BT); 398 kg BW] were used to measure both the effects of monensin inclusion and subspecies’ differences when provided a forage-based diet (bermudagrass hay; 13.7% CP). Subspecies were concurrently subjected to a two period, two treatment crossover design. Each 70-day period, consisted of 20-days for treatment adaptation followed by 22-days for sample collection. Treatments included 0 (CON) or 200 (MON) mg·animal-1 monensin (Rumensin 90; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) fed daily within 0.91 kg dried distiller’s grains with solubles. A withdrawal period (28 days) was allowed before the second period, to prevent carryover effects of monensin. Rumen fluid was collected via suction strainer from the dorsal and ventral sacs of the rumen at feeding on day 42, then subsequently frozen for later analysis. Upon completion of the trial, rumen fluid was thawed and analyzed for microbial populations using massively parallel sequencing. The V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced to analyze and compare rumen prokaryotic microbes within treatment groups and subspecies. Sequences were processed using QIIME 2 (q2) version 2021.2 and imported into R v4.1 for statistical analysis and graphical displays. Bray Curtis-based principle coordinate analysis (PCoA) provided visualization of microbial community clustering by monensin treatment and by subspecies, facilitating identification of microbial community shifts resulting from the treatments. There was no significant interaction between monensin and subspecies (P = 0.42); however, effects of monensin (P ≤ 0.01) and subspecies (P = 0.04) did exist. Due to possible links to feed utilization and methane production, this alteration of rumen microbial communities in cattle is of great interest.
29 Impact of Extended Feeding Duration on Trained Panel Analysis of Locally Grown Beef
Authors: Neal Elizabeth S , Cheek Robin A , Gadberry Shane , Powell Jeremy G , Setyabrata Derico , Yancey Janeal W , Kegley Elizabeth B , Vierck Kelly R
Published: May 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of increased finishing weights on trained panel analysis and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values of locally grown beef. Angus crossbred steers (n = 48) at an average weight of 340.9 kg were divided among two treatments: short-fed (SF) = 522.7 kg average final weight and long-fed (LF) = 613.6 kg average final weight to simulate a beef direct marketing operation. Cattle were split into two pens (n = 12 calves/treatment in each pen) and each pen had access to four automated feeders, which were filled as needed for ad libitum intake. Body weights were recorded at 28 d intervals throughout the finishing process to determine harvest dates and measure cattle performance. Finished steers were transported to a commercial processing facility. A strip loin was collected from the right side of each carcass approximately 48 hours following harvest. Strip loins were wet aged in the absence of light for 21 d, then cut into 2.54 cm steaks and frozen at -20° C until analysis. Sensory evaluations and WBSF were conducted as outlined by the AMSA Sensory Guidelines to evaluate the traits of juiciness, beef flavor intensity, off-flavor intensity, connective tissue amount, myofibrillar tenderness and overall tenderness. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design with the fixed effect of final cattle weight and the random effect of panel session. Peak internal temperature was included in the model as a covariate. Statistical differences were determined with α ≤ 0.05 and tendencies were observed between 0.06 to 0.09. No differences were observed between treatment groups for initial or sustained juiciness, myofibrillar tenderness, connective tissue amount or overall tenderness (P ≥ 0.140). Steaks from LF cattle produced lower WBSF scores (P < 0.05) compared with SF cattle. Additionally, steaks from LF cattle produced less off flavors (P = 0.05) than SF cattle. Long fed cattle steaks tended to have a greater beef intensity score (P = 0.08). These results indicate that while LF cattle produce more tender beef with more intense beef flavor and less off-flavors, SF cattle still provide a quality eating experience, with less feed input costs. However, if there are potential processing bottlenecks from reduced processing capacity, long fed cattle will also provide a high-quality eating experience as well.
113In Situ Digestive Kinetics of Four Bermudagrass Cultivars
Authors: Hines Abbigail R , Bergen Werner G , Mullenix Kim K , Dillard Leanne L , Callaway Todd R , Smith William B
Published: May 2023

While much effort has been devoted to both the characterization of ruminal fermentation dynamics and the evaluation of bermudagrass production, independently, there is a lack of information regarding ruminal digestive kinetics using beef cattle in southern forage systems. Thus, the objective of our study was to evaluate in situ digestive kinetics of four bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers.) cultivars in heifers consuming typical southern forages. (Coastal, Tifton 44, Tifton 85, and Russell). Ruminally fistulated heifers (n = 4) were assigned randomly to one of four bermudagrass cultivars (Coastal [COS], Russell [RUS], Tifton 44 [T44], or Tifton 85 [T85]) for four 30-d in vivo periods (21-d adaptation and 9-d collection). On d 31 of periods 2 and 3, an in-situ experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with a 3-factor factorial treatment structure. The first factor (n = 4) was diet consumed by the animal (described above). The second factor (n = 4) was the incubated forage (same cultivars as the in vivo experiment). The third factor was incubation timepoint (n = 19; 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 h). Four in situ bags were incubated in each animal at each timepoint; two were used for NDF, ADF, and ADL, and two were used for CP determination. Data were analyzed using SAS v. 9.4. There was a decreased (P < 0.05) potentially degradable fraction from COS (30.0%) compared with T85 (55.1%), T44 (48.1%), or RUS (47.1%). Similarly, COS presented the greatest (P < 0.05) undegradable fraction (37.0%) and T85 the least (15.9%), with RUS and T44 intermediate (25.0 and 21.9%, respectively). There was no effect of bermudagrass cultivar, however, on the rate constant of digestion (0.94%/h; P = 0.26) or lag time (3.2 h; P = 0.38). A visual appraisal of the degradation curve suggests that the asymptote of digestion was not reached at the measured 168 h. Results are interpreted to mean that T44 is the preferable bermudagrass cultivar, followed by T85 and RUS, while COS is the least favorable. Further, given the lack of visible asymptote, we speculate that bermudagrass likely passes the rumen before full digestion is realized.