bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accumulation of Phenolic Compounds and Glucosinolates in Sprouts of Pale Green and Purple Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) under Light and Dark Conditions
Authors: Sathasivam Ramaraj , Kim Min Cheol , Yeo Hyeon Ji , Nguyen Bao Van , Sohn Soo In , Park Sang Un , Kim Joonyup
Published: September 2021

Kohlrabi is considered an important dietary vegetable worldwide. In this study, we investigated the growth and accumulation of phenolic compounds (PCs) and glucosinolates in sprouts of pale green and purple kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) in response to light and dark conditions. Pale green kohlrabi presented high fresh weight and root length irrespective of light treatment, whereas under dark conditions, it presented higher fresh weight and shoot length than purple kohlrabi. In contrast, the root length of both kohlrabies increased markedly under light conditions compared to that under dark conditions. Thirteen PCs and eight glucosinolates were detected and quantified in 10-day-old pale green and purple kohlrabies. In both kohlrabies, the individual and total phenolic levels were much higher under the light treatment than under the dark treatment. Under light and dark conditions, the total phenolic content was 6362.13 and 5475.04 µg/g dry weight in the pale green kohlrabi, respectively, whereas in the purple kohlrabi, it was 10,115.76 and 9361.74 µg/g dry weight, respectively. Dark conditions favored higher accumulation of glucosinolates than light conditions. Progoitrin, neoglucobrassicin, glucoerucin, and 4-methoxyglucobrassicin were the predominant glucosinolates in both kohlrabies and were present in much higher amounts in the pale green kohlrabi. In pale green kohlrabi under dark conditions, the total glucosinolates content was 4.75 and 2.62 times higher than that of the purple kohlrabi under light and dark conditions, respectively. Among individual glucosinolates, in the pale green kohlrabi under the dark condition, progoitrin was found to have the highest content, which was 90.28 and 54.51 times higher than that in the purple kohlrabi under light and dark conditions, respectively. These results show that the phenolic and glucosinolates levels varied widely, and these variations between the two types of kohlrabi under both light and dark conditions were significant. Our findings suggest that light and dark conditions enhance the accumulation of PCs and glucosinolates, respectively, during the development of kohlrabi seedlings.
Evaluating the Spectral and Physiological Responses of Grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) to Heat and Water Stresses under Different Vineyard Cooling and Irrigation Strategies
Authors: Cogato Alessia , Wu Lihua , Jewan Shaikh Yassir Yousouf , Meggio Franco , Marinello Francesco , Sozzi Marco , Pagay Vinay
Published: September 2021

Heat stress (HS) and water stress (WS) pose severe threats to viticulture, and effective management solutions to counter their effects on grapevine performance must be examined. In this study, we evaluated the physiological and spectral responses of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Sauvignon blanc to individual (HS) and combined (HS + WS) stress under four different cooling and irrigation strategies. The treatments were: standard drip irrigation (SI), extra drip irrigation (SI+), extra sprinklers irrigation (SPRI), and sustained deficit irrigation (SDI; 50% of SI). Compared to the other treatments, in the early stages after the occurrence of HS, the vine water status of SPRI and SI+ improved, with high stomatal conductance (gs) (SPRI) and stem water potential (Ψstem; SPRI and SI+). All the physiological indicators measured were significantly lower after the end of HS in the SDI treatment. We also identified the spectral response of grapevine to HS and combined HS and WS (resulting from SDI). Consistent with the physiological analysis, the proximal spectral responses of leaves identified SPRI and SI+ as putative cooling strategies to minimize vine HS. The vines undergoing combined stress (SDI) showed greenness amelioration 10 days after stress, as revealed by the greenness vegetation indices (VIs), i.e., Green Index (GI), Normalized Difference Greenness Vegetation Index (NDGI), and Visible Atmospherically Resistant Index (VARI). However, their physiological recovery was not achieved within this time, as shown by the Simple Ratio Index (SRI), Transformed Chlorophyll Absorption Ratio Index (TCARI), and TCARI/Optimized Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (TCARI/OSAVI). A three-step band selection process allowed the identification of the spectral traits’ responsive to HS and combined stress, i.e., 1336–1340 nm, 1967–1971 nm, and 600–604 nm.
The Effect of Inhibin Immunization in Seminiferous Epithelium of Yangzhou Goose Ganders: A Histological Study
Authors: Akhtar Muhammad Faheem , Ahmad Ejaz , Ali Ilyas , Shafiq Muhammad , Chen Zhe
Published: September 2021

The current study investigated the effect of inhibin immunization on germ cell numbers (spermatogonia, spermatocytes, round, and elongated spermatids), seminiferous tubules (ST) diameter, Johnsen’s score, epithelial height (μm), luminal tubular diameter (μm), and number of ST per field (ST/field) of Yangzhou goose ganders. Histological evaluation showed apoptosis and regression of testes after inhibin (INH) immunization, with a concomitantly marked reduction in the round and elongated spermatids in the experiment (INH) group compared to the control group. The diameter of seminiferous tubules (ST) and epithelial height (EH) were positively correlated at 181, 200, and 227 days of age. In comparison, luminal tubular diameter (LD) was negatively correlated on day 227 to ST diameter and epithelial height. On day 227, many seminiferous tubules per field (ST/field) were negatively correlated to ST diameter, EH, and LD. INH immunization elevated ST diameter, EH, and LD, while Johnsen’s score and number of ST/field had reciprocal expression. In conclusion, the concomitant effect of INH immunization and seasonality in breeding regressed germ cells and damaged spermatogenesis in seminiferous epithelium Yangzhou ganders.
Kinetics and Kinematics of Working Trials Dogs: The Impact of Long Jump Length on Peak Vertical Landing Force and Joint Angulation
Authors: Williams Ellen , Carter Anne , Boyd Jacqueline
Published: September 2021

Working trials is a competitive canine discipline based on work undertaken by military and police dogs. A 9 ft long jump is a key component of the discipline. Research into landing forces and joint angulation in other canine disciplines has highlighted the potential for the occurrence of soft tissue injuries, predominantly in the front limbs. There is a paucity of work into the impact of spread/long jumps on joint angulation and peak vertical force (PVF) on landing, and limited research on working trials dogs generally. This study aimed to determine whether altering the length of the long jump impacted PVF and apparent joint angulation upon landing. 21 dogs regularly competing in working trials cleared the long jump at three lengths: 9 ft (full length), 8 ft, and 7 ft. The impact of altered long jump length on the PVF, apparent shoulder and carpus angulation, and duration of landing, were analysed using general linear mixed models. There was no significant relationship between the length of the long jump and PVF or joint angulation on landing (p > 0.05). Greatest joint compression was observed on landing after clearing 9 ft. Individual variability in landing joint angulation, PVF and force distribution of the left and right front limbs on landing was observed across all three experimental lengths. We recommend further research is undertaken to examine individual variability and the effect of training and experience in working trials participants, to provide evidence-based recommendations for training people and competing dogs in this discipline.
The Recent Trend in the Use of Multistrain Probiotics in Livestock Production: An Overview
Authors: Lambo Modinat Tolani , Chang Xiaofeng , Liu Dasen
Published: September 2021

It has been established that introducing feed additives to livestock, either nutritional or non-nutritional, is beneficial in manipulating the microbial ecosystem to maintain a balance in the gut microbes and thereby improving nutrient utilization, productivity, and health status of animals. Probiotic use has gained popularity in the livestock industry, especially since antimicrobial growth promoter’s use has been restricted due to the challenge of antibiotic resistance in both animals and consumers of animal products. Their usage has been linked to intestinal microbial balance and improved performance in administered animals. Even though monostrain probiotics could be beneficial, multistrain probiotics containing two or more species or strains have gained considerable attention. Combining different strains has presumably achieved several health benefits over single strains due to individual isolates’ addition and positive synergistic adhesion effects on animal health and performance. However, there has been inconsistency in the effects of the probiotic complexes in literature. This review discusses multistrain probiotics, summarizes selected literature on their effects on ruminants, poultry, and swine productivity and the various modes by which they function.
First Report of Haemoproteus (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae) Megalomeronts in the Brain of an Avian Host, with Description of Megalomerogony of Haemoproteus Pastoris, the Blood Parasite of the Common Starling
Authors: Duc Mélanie , Ilgūnas Mikas , Kubiliūnaitė Monika , Valkiūnas Gediminas
Published: September 2021

Species of Haemoproteus (Haemoproteidae, Haemosporida) are common bird pathogens. Recent molecular studies combined with histopathology research have reported development of megalomeronts of these parasites in various organs, sometimes resulting in the death of the avian host. Five Common starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were found naturally infected with Haemoproteus pastoris lineage hLAMPUR01. The parasite was identified using microscopic examination of blood films and DNA sequences. Infected bird organs were investigated histologically for (i) the presence of exo-erythrocytic stages and (ii) the patterns of development (morphology and localization) in different host individuals. For the first time, megalomeronts of Haemoproteus parasites were seen developing in the brain, while numerous others at different stages of maturation were found in the intestine, pancreas, kidneys, lungs, esophagus, spleen, gizzard, and trachea. Megalomeronts were predominantly roundish or oval, up to 800 μm, they were surrounded by a capsular-like wall and developed asynchronously in the same bird individual. After megalomeront maturation and rupture, a massive infiltration of blood cells occurred, indicating the hemorrhagic processes. Review of available data showed that different Haemoproteus species produce markedly different megalomeronts, morphology of which can probably be predicted using phylogenetic analysis based on partial sequences of cytochrome b gene.
How Accurate Are Veterinary Clinicians Employing Flexicult Vet for Identification and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Urinary Bacteria?
Authors: Cugmas Blaž , Avberšek Miha , Rosa Teja , Godec Leonida , Štruc Eva , Golob Majda , Zdovc Irena
Published: September 2021

Antibiotics are frequently used for treating urinary tract infections (UTI) in dogs and cats. UTI often requires time-consuming and expensive antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). Alternatively, clinicians can employ Flexicult Vet, an affordable chromogenic agar with added antibiotics for in-clinic AST. We investigated how well veterinary microbiologists and clinicians, without any prior experience, employ Flexicult Vet for the identification and AST of the most common canine and feline urinary pathogenic bacteria. We prepared 47 monoculture plates containing 10 bacterial species. The test’s mean accuracy was 75.1% for bacteria identification (84.6% and 68.7% for microbiologists and clinicians, respectively) and 79.2% for AST (80.7% and 78.2%). All evaluators employed Flexicult Vet with the accuracies over 90% for the distinctively colored bacteria like Escherichia coli (red), Enterococcus faecalis (turquoise), and Proteus spp. (pale brown). However, the evaluators’ experience proved important in recognizing lightly colored bacteria like Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (accuracies of 82.6% and 40.3%). Misidentifications of E. faecium additionally worsened AST performance since bacterial intrinsic resistance could not be considered. Finally, only 33.3% (3/9) of methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) were correctly detected. To conclude, Flexicult Vet proved reliable for certain urinary pathogens. In contrast, light-colored bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus), often misidentified, require a standard AST.
Live Biosensors for Ultrahigh-Throughput Screening of Antimicrobial Activity against Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Baranova Margarita N. , Babikova Polina A. , Kudzhaev Arsen M. , Mokrushina Yuliana A. , Belozerova Olga A. , Yunin Maxim A. , Kovalchuk Sergey , Gabibov Alexander G. , Smirnov Ivan V. , Terekhov Stanislav S.
Published: September 2021

Gram-negative pathogens represent an urgent threat due to their intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance. Many recent drug candidates display prominent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria being inefficient against Gram-negative pathogens. Ultrahigh-throughput, microfluidics-based screening techniques represent a new paradigm for deep profiling of antibacterial activity and antibiotic discovery. A key stage of this technology is based on single-cell cocultivation of microbiome biodiversity together with reporter fluorescent pathogen in emulsion, followed by the selection of reporter-free droplets using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Here, a panel of reporter strains of Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli was developed to provide live biosensors for precise monitoring of antimicrobial activity. We optimized cell morphology, fluorescent protein, and selected the most efficient promoters for stable, homogeneous, high-level production of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in E. coli. Two alternative strategies based on highly efficient constitutive promoter pJ23119 or T7 promoter leakage enabled sensitive fluorescent detection of bacterial growth and killing. The developed live biosensors were applied for isolating potent E. coli-killing Paenibacillus polymyxa P4 strain by the ultrahigh-throughput screening of soil microbiome. The multi-omics approach revealed antibiotic colistin (polymyxin E) and its biosynthetic gene cluster, mediating antibiotic activity. Live biosensors may be efficiently implemented for antibiotic/probiotic discovery, environmental monitoring, and synthetic biology.
Bacterial Infection Diagnosis and Antibiotic Prescription in 3 h as an Answer to Antibiotic Resistance: The Case of Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Nicolai Eleonora , Pieri Massimo , Gratton Enrico , Motolese Guido , Bernardini Sergio
Published: September 2021

Current methods for the diagnosis of urinary tract infections with antimicrobial susceptibility testing take 2–3 days and require a clinical laboratory. The lack of a rapid, point-of-care antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) has contributed to the misuse of antibiotics when treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) and consequently to the rise of multi-drug-resistant organisms. The current clinical approach has led to reduced treatment options and increased costs of diagnosis and therapy. To address this issue, novel diagnostics are needed for the timely determination of antimicrobial susceptibility. We present a rapid, point-of-care, phenotypic AST device that can report the antibiotic susceptibility/resistance of a uropathogen to a panel of antibiotics in as few as 3 h by utilizing fluorescent-labelling chemistry and a highly sensitive particle-counting instrument. We analysed 744 urine samples from the outpatients and inpatients of two Italian hospitals. The 130 UTI-positive patient urine samples we found were measured using a panel of six common UTI antibiotics plus a growth control. By comparing our results to hospital laboratory urine cultures, we obtained an overall sensitivity = 81%, a specificity = 83%, an SPV (sensitivity predicted value) = 95%, and an RPV (resistance predicted value) = 54%. According to our preliminary data, the sensitivity predicted value for a single antibiotic agent was 95%, thus allowing (in the vast majority of cases) an early (within 3 h) recognition of an effective agent for a single patient.
Characterization of Mutations Associated with Streptomycin Resistance in Multidrug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Zambia
Authors: Bwalya Precious , Yamaguchi Tomoyuki , Solo Eddie Samuneti , Chizimu Joseph Yamweka , Mbulo Grace , Nakajima Chie , Suzuki Yasuhiko
Published: September 2021

Streptomycin (STR) is recommended for the management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Streptomycin resistance-conferring mutation types and frequency are shown to be influenced by genotypes of circulating strains in a population. This study aimed to characterize the mutations in MDR-TB isolates and examine their relationship with the genotypes in Zambia. A total of 138 MDR-TB isolates stored at the University Teaching Hospital Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory in Zambia were analyzed using spoligotyping and sequencing of STR resistance-associated genes. Streptomycin resistance was observed in 65.9% (91/138) of MDR-TB isolates. Mutations in rpsL, rrs, and gidB accounted for 33%, 12.1%, and 49.5%, respectively. Amino acid substitution K43R in rpsL was strongly associated with the CAS1_Kili genotype (p < 0.0001). The combination of three genes could predict 91.2% of STR resistance. Clustering of isolates based on resistance-conferring mutations and spoligotyping was observed. The clustering of isolates suggests that the increase in STR-resistant MDR-TB in Zambia is largely due to the spread of resistant strains from inadequate treatment. Therefore, rapid detection of STR resistance genetically is recommended before its use in MDR-TB treatment in Zambia.
An Overview of Physical Exercise and Antioxidant Supplementation Influences on Skeletal Muscle Oxidative Stress
Authors: Taherkhani Shima , Valaei Kosar , Arazi Hamid , Suzuki Katsuhiko
Published: September 2021

One of the essential injuries caused by moderate to high-intensity and short-duration physical activities is the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), damaging various body tissues such as skeletal muscle (SM). However, ROS is easily controlled by antioxidant defense systems during low to moderate intensity and long-term exercises. In stressful situations, antioxidant supplements are recommended to prevent ROS damage. We examined the response of SM to ROS generation during exercise using an antioxidant supplement treatment strategy in this study. The findings of this review research are paradoxical due to variances in antioxidant supplements dose and duration, intensity, length, frequency, types of exercise activities, and, in general, the lack of a regular exercise and nutrition strategy. As such, further research in this area is still being felt.
Correlation Study of Antioxidant Activity with Phenolic and Flavonoid Compounds in 12 Indonesian Indigenous Herbs
Authors: Muflihah Yeni Maulidah , Gollavelli Ganesh , Ling Yong-Chien
Published: September 2021

The antioxidant activity (AA), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) of selected Indonesian Zingiberaceae herbs were determined. An optimization extraction procedure was conducted by using Taguchi L16 orthogonal array. Four chemical assays were applied, including 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity assay, H2O2 scavenging activity assay, Folin–Ciocalteau (F–C) assay, and NaNO2-AlCl3-NaOH assay, which revealed remarkable differences in AA, TPC, and TFC. The result indicated the diversity of AA composition among the herbs, and C. longa exhibited the highest AA. HPLC-PAD analysis revealed that curcumin was present in five high antioxidant herbs, and the highest amount was in C. longa. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the identified TPC and TFC were significant contributors to AA, and curcumin was likely the main contributing antioxidant compound. Our approach concluded that C. longa is the greatest source of natural antioxidants among 12 Indonesian indigenous Zingiberaceae herbs. The use of a mixed-method approach to augment the findings of solitary methods might facilitate future researchers to uncover deeper and hidden meanings.
Fresh State, Rheological and Microstructural Characteristics of Alkali-Activated Mortars Developed Using Novel Dry Mixing Technique under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Sood Dhruv , Hossain Khandaker M. A.
Published: September 2021

Ambient cured alkali-activated mortars (AAMs) are developed through the activation of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) by powder form reagents with silica sand using a novel dry-mixing method. The fresh state, rheological, compressive strength and microstructural characteristics of eight AAM mixes are comprehensively investigated. The effects of binary/ternary combinations/proportions of SCMs, different combinations/dosages of powder form reagents and the fundamental chemical ratios (SiO2/Al2O3, Na2O/SiO2, CaO/SiO2 and Na2O/Al2O3) present in the precursors and the reagents are investigated. The AAM mixes obtained compressive strengths ranging from 34 to 42.6 MPa with initial and final setting times between 122 and 458 min and 215 and 483 min, respectively. The yield stress and viscosity of the mixes decreased with the increase in the slump flow spread. All the mixes demonstrated pseudoplastic behavior. The microstructural analysis revealed the formation of more longer polymeric chains comprising Si-Al linkages in N-C-A-S-H/N-A-S-H gels for reagent one (calcium hydroxide:sodium metasilicate = 1:2.5) mixes, which resulted in a lower slump flow, higher yield stress, higher plastic viscosity and quicker setting times compared to their reagent two (calcium hydroxide:sodium sulfate = 2.5:1) counterparts.
A Novel Multi-Objective Harmony Search Algorithm with Pitch Adjustment by Genotype
Authors: Molina-Pérez Daniel , Portilla-Flores Edgar Alfredo , Vega-Alvarado Eduardo , Calva-Yañez Maria Bárbara , Sepúlveda-Cervantes Gabriel
Published: September 2021

In this work, a new version of the Harmony Search algorithm for solving multi-objective optimization problems is proposed, MOHSg, with pitch adjustment using genotype. The main contribution consists of adjusting the pitch using the crowding distance by genotype; that is, the distancing in the search space. This adjustment automatically regulates the exploration–exploitation balance of the algorithm, based on the distribution of the harmonies in the search space during the formation of Pareto fronts. Therefore, MOHSg only requires the presetting of the harmony memory accepting rate and pitch adjustment rate for its operation, avoiding the use of a static bandwidth or dynamic parameters. MOHSg was tested through the execution of diverse test functions, and it was able to produce results similar or better than those generated by algorithms that constitute search variants of harmonies, representative of the state-of-the-art in multi-objective optimization with HS.
Collapse Analysis of a Two-Span Reinforced Concrete Bridge Model
Authors: Li Yale , Zong Zhouhong , Yang Bingwen , Xia Zhanghua , Lin Yuanzheng , Lin Jin
Published: September 2021

The continuous girder bridge is the main type of small- and medium-sized bridges; however, it has poor collapse resistance and suffers frequent earthquake damage. In order to grasp its collapse mechanism and clarify the internal and external factors affecting its collapse resistance, a 1:3-scaled, two-span bridge model subjected to shaking table test research was taken as the research object. The factors such as seismic characteristics, multi-directional seismic coupling, span, pier height, and structural system type were analyzed to determine the influences on the collapse mode of the bridge. The numerical results showed that different ground motion characteristics led to different collapse modes. Vertical ground motion had little effect on the structural response of the bridge. The change of span and pier height significantly changed the collapse resistance. A seismic isolation design could improve the anti-collapse performance, but the collapse mode varied with the system. The final anti-collapse design suggestions could provide reference for the seismic reinforcement of existing continuous girder bridges and the seismic design of continuous girder bridges that will be constructed.
Influence of Groove Structure Parameters Based on Optimal Mass Transfer Coefficient on Vaporization Characteristics and Sealing Performance of Liquid Film Mechanical Seals
Authors: Xu Xiaodong , Ma Chenbo , Zhang Yuyan , Sun Jianjun , Yu Qiuping
Published: September 2021

In this study, a spiral groove liquid film vaporization model based on the viscosity–temperature equation, fluid internal friction, saturation temperature, and pressure relationship equation was established. Using a multiphase flow model based on the finite volume method, the influence of the change in the mass transfer coefficient on the vaporization of the liquid film was studied. Moreover, the influence law of structural parameter changes in liquid film vaporization characteristics and sealing performance was analyzed. The results indicate that, with an increase in the mass transfer coefficient, the average vapor phase volume fraction first increases and then gradually stabilizes. When calculating the average vapor phase volume fraction, it is necessary to consider the influence of the mass transfer coefficient, whereas its effect on the opening force and leakage can usually be neglected. Under the optimal mass transfer coefficient conditions, the average vapor phase volume fraction increases with an increase in the helix angle, groove-weir ratio, and groove depth. By comparison, with an increase in the groove-diameter ratio, the average vapor phase volume fraction first increases and then decreases. The opening force decreases with an increase in the helix angle, groove-to-weir ratio, and groove depth. On the other hand, it first decreases and then increases with an increase in the groove-diameter ratio. The leakage rate increases first and then stabilizes with an increase in the helix angle. Moreover, it increases continuously with an increase in the groove-diameter ratio, groove-weir ratio, and groove depth.
Towards an Efficient Chipless RFID System for Modern Applications in IoT Networks
Authors: Abdulkawi Wazie M. , Nizam-Uddin N. , Sheta Abdel Fattah A. , Elshafiey Ibrahim , Al-Shaalan Abdullah M.
Published: September 2021

In this article, we present the design and validation of an efficient chipless RFID system. A multi-resonator chipless tag is designed and tested for high bit coding capacity. A high gain, ultra-wideband step-shape rectangular patch (USRP) antenna is proposed to validate the specificity of the tag in terms of its operation. The devised antenna is evaluated for various performance parameters, which recommend its suitability for testing and validation of high-capacity tags that can be deployed in modern applications, particularly in the Internet of Things (IoT) networks. A measurement setup is established to achieve performance validation of the tag over a significant range of 40 cm. There is close agreement between the measured and simulated results, which suggests that the proposed antenna system can be adopted in a similar measurement setup to test and validate the performance of any chipless RFID tag operating in the same bandwidth meant for IoT networks.
Evolution of Fusarium Head Blight Management in Wheat: Scientific Perspectives on Biological Control Agents and Crop Genotypes Protocooperation
Authors: Powell Antonia J. , Vujanovic Vladimir
Published: September 2021

Over the past century, the economically devastating Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) disease has persistently ravished small grain cereal crops worldwide. Annually, losses globally are in the billions of United States dollars (USD), with common bread wheat and durum wheat accounting for a major portion of these losses. Since the unforgettable FHB epidemics of the 1990s and early 2000s in North America, different management strategies have been employed to treat this disease. However, even with some of the best practices including chemical fungicides and innovative breeding technological advances that have given rise to a spectrum of moderately resistant cultivars, FHB still remains an obstinate problem in cereal farms globally. This is in part due to several constraints such as the Fusarium complex of species and the struggle to develop and employ methods that can effectively combat more than one pathogenic line or species simultaneously. This review highlights the last 100 years of major FHB epidemics in the US and Canada, as well as the evolution of different management strategies, and recent progress in resistance and cultivar development. It also takes a look at protocooperation between specific biocontrol agents and cereal genotypes as a promising tool for combatting FHB.
Adaptive Volt–Var Control in Smart PV Inverter for Mitigating Voltage Unbalance at PCC Using Multiagent Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Jung Yoongun , Han Changhee , Lee Dongwon , Song Sungyoon , Jang Gilsoo
Published: September 2021

Modern distribution networks face an increasing number of challenges in maintaining balanced grid voltages because of the rapid increase in single-phase distributed generators. Because of the proliferation of inverter-based resources, such as photovoltaic (PV) resources, in distribution networks, a novel method is proposed for mitigating voltage unbalance at the point of common coupling by tuning the volt–var curve of each PV inverter through a day-ahead deep reinforcement learning training platform with forecast data in a digital twin grid. The proposed strategy uses proximal policy optimization, which can effectively search for a global optimal solution. Deep reinforcement learning has a major advantage in that the calculation time required to derive an optimal action in the smart inverter can be significantly reduced. In the proposed framework, multiple agents with multiple inverters require information on the load consumption and active power output of each PV inverter. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy on the modified IEEE 13 standard bus systems with time-varying load and PV profiles. A comparison of the effect on voltage unbalance mitigation shows that the proposed inverter can address voltage unbalance issues more efficiently than a fixed droop inverter.
A Novel Application Based on a Heuristic Approach for Planning Itineraries of One-Day Tourist
Authors: Mangini Agostino Marcello , Roccotelli Michele , Rinaldi Alessandro
Published: September 2021

Technological innovations have revolutionized the lifestyle of the society and led to the development of advanced and intelligent cities. Smart city has recently become synonymous of a city characterized by an intelligent and extensive use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) in order to allow efficient use of information. In this context, this paper proposes a new approach to optimize the planning of itineraries for one-day tourist. More in detail, an optimization approach based on Graph theory and multi-algorithms is provided to determine the optimal tourist itinerary. The aim is to minimize the travel times taking into account the tourist preferences. An Integer Linear Programming (ILP) problem is introduced to find the optimal outward and return paths of the touristic itinerary and a multi-algorithms strategy is used to maximize the number of attractions (PoIs) to be visited in the paths. Finally, a case study focusing on cruise tourist in the city of Bari, demonstrates the efficiency of the approach and the user interaction in the determination of the itinerary.
A Deep Learning-Based Course Recommender System for Sustainable Development in Education
Authors: Li Qinglong , Kim Jaekyeong
Published: September 2021

Recently, the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increasing demand for online education platforms. However, it is challenging to correctly choose course content from among many online education resources due to the differences in users’ knowledge structures. Therefore, a course recommender system has the essential role of improving the learning efficiency of users. At present, many online education platforms have built diverse recommender systems that utilize traditional data mining methods, such as Collaborative Filtering (CF). Despite the development and contributions of many recommender systems based on CF, diverse deep learning models for personalized recommendation are being studied because of problems such as sparsity and scalability. Therefore, to solve traditional recommendation problems, this study proposes a novel deep learning-based course recommender system (DECOR), which elaborately captures high-level user behaviors and course attribute features. The DECOR model can reduce information overload, solve high-dimensional data sparsity problems, and achieve high feature information extraction performance. We perform several experiments utilizing real-world datasets to evaluate the DECOR model’s performance compared with that of traditional recommendation approaches. The experimental results indicate that the DECOR model offers better and more robust recommendation performance than the traditional methods.
Upgrade of a Highly Sensitive Monitor for Atmospheric Radon Measurement
Authors: Zhang Lei , Mao Yucai , Wang Hao , Guo Qiuju
Published: September 2021

Atmospheric radon is an ideal tracer that is widely used in atmospheric science. To meet the need fora continuous online measurement of atmospheric radon concentration, an upgraded radon monitor based on an electrostatic collection method was developed following Iida’s measurement system. Two major improvements have been realized. First, an 18 mm × 18 mm Si-PIN detector and a multi-channel analysis system were used to distinguish different alpha particles. Second, the P2O5 desiccant was replaced by a new membrane drying system, and the influence of humidity was corrected by a humidity correction coefficient. Calibration and comparison experiments were carried out in detail, and a one-year continuous measurement was also performed. Results showed that the measurement sensitivity was evaluated to be 24.3 cph/(Bq·m−3), and the lower level detection limit was 0.2 Bq·m−3 for a 1-h cycle at the absolute humidity of 0.34 g·m−3. The annual average radon concentration of Beijing was 11.1 ± 4.0 Bq·m−3, which changed from 2.8 Bq·m−3 to 30.3 Bq·m−3 between 15 October 2018 and 1 October 2019. The upgraded monitor’s high data acquisition rate and good performance indicate that it is suitable for long-term observation on atmospheric radon.
The Enduring Controversy of Cervicogenic Vertigo, and Its Place among Positional Vertigo Syndromes
Authors: Cherchi Marcello , DiLiberto Frank E. , Yacovino Darío A. , Das Sunit
Published: September 2021

The idea of cervicogenic vertigo (CV) was proposed nearly a century ago, yet despite considerable scrutiny and research, little progress has been made in clarifying the underlying mechanism of the disease, developing a confirmatory diagnostic test, or devising an appropriately targeted treatment. Given the history of this idea, we offer a review geared towards understanding why so many attempts at clarifying it have failed, with specific comments regarding how CV fits into the broader landscape of positional vertigo syndromes, what a successful diagnostic test might require, and some practical advice on how to approach this in the absence of a diagnostic test.
Recent Advancements in 3D Printing and Bioprinting Methods for Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering
Authors: Kozaniti Foteini K. , Metsiou Despoina Nektaria , Manara Aikaterini E. , Athanassiou George , Deligianni Despina D.
Published: September 2021

Recent decades have seen a plethora of regenerating new tissues in order to treat a multitude of cardiovascular diseases. Autografts, xenografts and bioengineered extracellular matrices have been employed in this endeavor. However, current limitations of xenografts and exogenous scaffolds to acquire sustainable cell viability, anti-inflammatory and non-cytotoxic effects with anti-thrombogenic properties underline the requirement for alternative bioengineered scaffolds. Herein, we sought to encompass the methods of biofabricated scaffolds via 3D printing and bioprinting, the biomaterials and bioinks recruited to create biomimicked tissues of cardiac valves and vascular networks. Experimental and computational designing approaches have also been included. Moreover, the in vivo applications of the latest studies on the treatment of cardiovascular diseases have been compiled and rigorously discussed.
Assessment of Albumin ECM Accumulation and Inflammation as Novel In Vivo Diagnostic Targets for Multi-Target MR Imaging
Authors: Möckel Jana , Brangsch Julia , Reimann Carolin , Kaufmann Jan O. , Sack Ingolf , Mangarova Dilyana B. , Kader Avan , Taupitz Matthias , Adams Lisa C. , Keller Sarah , Ludwig Antje , Hamm Bernd , Botnar Rene M. , Makowski Marcus R.
Published: September 2021

Atherosclerosis is a progressive inflammatory vascular disease characterized by endothelial dysfunction and plaque burden. Extracellular matrix (ECM)-associated plasma proteins play an important role in disease development. Our magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study investigates the feasibility of using two different molecular MRI probes for the simultaneous assessment of ECM-associated intraplaque albumin deposits caused by endothelial damage and progressive inflammation in atherosclerosis. Male apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE-/-)-mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 2 or 4 months. Another ApoE-/--group was treated with pravastatin and received a HFD for 4 months. T1- and T2*-weighted MRI was performed before and after albumin-specific MRI probe (gadofosveset) administration and a macrophage-specific contrast agent (ferumoxytol). Thereafter, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and histology were performed. With advancing atherosclerosis, albumin-based MRI signal enhancement and ferumoxytol-induced signal loss areas in T2*-weighted MRI increased. Significant correlations between contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR) post-gadofosveset and albumin stain (R2 = 0.78, p < 0.05), and signal loss areas in T2*-weighted MRI with Perls’ Prussian blue stain (R2 = 0.83, p < 0.05) were observed. No interference of ferumoxytol with gadofosveset enhancement was detectable. Pravastatin led to decreased inflammation and intraplaque albumin. Multi-target MRI combining ferumoxytol and gadofosveset is a promising method to improve diagnosis and treatment monitoring in atherosclerosis.
The Tardigrade Damage Suppressor Protein Modulates Transcription Factor and DNA Repair Genes in Human Cells Treated with Hydroxyl Radicals and UV-C
Authors: Ricci Claudia , Riolo Giulia , Marzocchi Carlotta , Brunetti Jlenia , Pini Alessandro , Cantara Silvia
Published: September 2021

The Ramazzottius varieornatus tardigrade is an extremotolerant terrestrial invertebrate with a length of 0.1–1.0 mm. These small animals show an extraordinary tolerance to extreme conditions such as high pressure, irradiation, chemicals and dehydration. These abilities are linked to a recently discovered damage suppressor protein (Dsup). Dsup is a nucleosome-binding protein that avoids DNA damage after X-ray and oxidative stress exposure without impairing cell life in Dsup-transfected animal and plant cells. The exact “protective” role of this protein is still under study. In human cells, we confirmed that Dsup confers resistance to UV-C and H2O2 exposure compared to untransfected cells. A different transcription factor activation was also observed. In addition, a different expression of endogenous genes involved in apoptosis, cell survival and DNA repair was found in Dsup+ cells after H2O2 and UV-C. In UV-C exposed cells, Dsup efficiently upregulates DNA damage repair genes, while H2O2 treatment only marginally involves the activation of pathways responsible for DNA repair in Dsup+ cells. These data are in agreement with the idea of a direct protective effect of the protein on DNA after oxidative stress. In conclusion, our data may help to outline the different mechanisms by which the Dsup protein works in response to different insults.
Amazing Discoveries of Benthic Fauna from the Abyssal Zone of Lake Baikal
Authors: Kondratov Ilya G. , Sitnikova Tatiana Ya. , Kaygorodova Irina A. , Denikina Natalia N. , Annenkov Vadim V. , Khanaev Igor V. , Kirilchik Sergei V. , Nebesnykh Ivan A. , Dzyuba Elena V.
Published: September 2021

Lake Baikal is a natural laboratory for the study of species diversity and evolution, as a unique freshwater ecosystem meeting the all of the main criteria of the World Heritage Convention. However, despite many years of research, the true biodiversity of the lake is clearly insufficiently studied, especially that of deep-water benthic sessile organisms. For the first time, plastic waste was raised from depths of 110 to 190 m of Lake Baikal. The aim of this study was to examine the biological community inhabiting the plastic substrate using morphological and molecular genetic analysis. Fragments of plastic packaging materials were densely populated: bryozoans, leeches and their cocoons, capsules of gastropod eggs, and turbellaria cocoons were found. All the data obtained as a result of an analysis of the nucleotide sequences of the standard bar-coding fragment of the mitochondrial genome turned out to be unique. Our results demonstrate the prospects for conducting comprehensive studies of artificial substrates to determine the true biodiversity of benthos in the abyssal zone of Lake Baikal.
Feeling the Heat: The Campylobacter jejuni HrcA Transcriptional Repressor Is an Intrinsic Protein Thermosensor
Authors: Versace Giovanni , Palombo Marta , Menon Anna , Scarlato Vincenzo , Roncarati Davide
Published: September 2021

The heat-shock response, a universal protective mechanism consisting of a transcriptional reprogramming of the cellular transcriptome, results in the accumulation of proteins which counteract the deleterious effects of heat-stress on cellular polypeptides. To quickly respond to thermal stress and trigger the heat-shock response, bacteria rely on different mechanisms to detect temperature variations, which can involve nearly all classes of biological molecules. In Campylobacter jejuni the response to heat-shock is transcriptionally controlled by a regulatory circuit involving two repressors, HspR and HrcA. In the present work we show that the heat-shock repressor HrcA acts as an intrinsic protein thermometer. We report that a temperature upshift up to 42 °C negatively affects HrcA DNA-binding activity to a target promoter, a condition required for de-repression of regulated genes. Furthermore, we show that this impairment of HrcA binding at 42 °C is irreversible in vitro, as DNA-binding was still not restored by reversing the incubation temperature to 37 °C. On the other hand, we demonstrate that the DNA-binding activity of HspR, which controls, in combination with HrcA, the transcription of chaperones’ genes, is unaffected by heat-stress up to 45 °C, portraying this master repressor as a rather stable protein. Additionally, we show that HrcA binding activity is enhanced by the chaperonin GroE, upon direct protein–protein interaction. In conclusion, the results presented in this work establish HrcA as a novel example of intrinsic heat-sensing transcriptional regulator, whose DNA-binding activity is positively modulated by the GroE chaperonin.
Liquid Biopsies in Sarcoma Clinical Practice: Where Do We Stand?
Authors: van der Laan Pia , van Houdt Winan J. , van den Broek Daan , Steeghs Neeltje , van der Graaf Winette T. A.
Published: September 2021

Sarcomas are rare tumors of bone and soft tissue with a mesenchymal origin. This uncommon type of cancer is marked by a high heterogeneity, consisting of over 70 subtypes. Because of this broad spectrum, their treatment requires a subtype-specific therapeutic approach. Tissue biopsy is currently the golden standard for sarcoma diagnosis, but it has its limitations. Over the recent years, methods to detect, characterize, and monitor cancer through liquid biopsy have evolved rapidly. The analysis of circulating biomarkers in peripheral blood, such as circulating tumor cells (CTC) or circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), could provide real-time information on tumor genetics, disease state, and resistance mechanisms. Furthermore, it traces tumor evolution and can assess tumor heterogeneity. Although the first results in sarcomas are encouraging, there are technical challenges that need to be addressed for implementation in clinical practice. Here, we summarize current knowledge about liquid biopsies in sarcomas and elaborate on different strategies to integrate liquid biopsy into sarcoma clinical care.
Cadherin Expression and EMT: A Focus on Gliomas
Authors: Noronha Carolina , Ribeiro Ana Sofia , Taipa Ricardo , Castro Diogo S. , Reis Joaquim , Faria Cláudia , Paredes Joana
Published: September 2021

Cadherins are calcium-binding proteins with a pivotal role in cell adhesion and tissue homeostasis. The cadherin-dependent mechanisms of cell adhesion and migration are exploited by cancer cells, contributing to tumor invasiveness and dissemination. In particular, cadherin switch is a hallmark of epithelial to mesenchymal transition, a complex development process vastly described in the progression of most epithelial cancers. This is characterized by drastic changes in cell polarity, adhesion, and motility, which lead from an E-cadherin positive differentiated epithelial state into a dedifferentiated mesenchymal-like state, prone to metastization and defined by N-cadherin expression. Although vastly explored in epithelial cancers, how these mechanisms contribute to the pathogenesis of other non-epithelial tumor types is poorly understood. Herein, the current knowledge on cadherin expression in normal development in parallel to tumor pathogenesis is reviewed, focusing on epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Emphasis is taken in the unascertained cadherin expression in CNS tumors, particularly in gliomas, where the potential contribution of an epithelial-to-mesenchymal-like process to glioma genesis and how this may be associated with changes in cadherin expression is discussed.
Profiles of Cytokines Secreted by ARPE-19 Cells Exposed to Light and Incubated with Anti-VEGF Antibody
Authors: Sato Tomohito , Takeuchi Masaru , Karasawa Yoko , Ito Masataka
Published: September 2021

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is the major source of cytokines in the retina regulating the intraocular immune environment, and a primary target of photodamage. Here, we examined 27 types of cytokines secreted by ARPE-19 cells exposed to visible light and incubated with aflibercept or ranibizumab, which are two anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibodies. The cells were cultured for 24 h in the dark or under 2000 lux irradiation from a daylight-colored fluorescent lamp, and cytokine levels in the culture supernatant were measured. In the light-irradiated culture, the levels of IL-9, IL-17A and bFGF were higher, and the levels of IL-6, IL-7, IL-8 and MCP-1 were lower than those in the dark culture, while there was no significant difference with the VEGF-A level. In subgroup analyses of the light-irradiated culture, the bFGF level under 250 to 2000 lux irradiation was elevated in a light intensity-dependent manner. In culture exposed to blue, green or red light, the bFGF level was elevated by blue light and was high compared to that by green or red light. In culture with aflibercept or ranibizumab in the dark, the levels of IL-6, IL-8, bFGF and MCP-1 were increased, and the IL-12 level decreased synchronously with a reduction in the VEGF-A level. Our findings indicate that continuous irradiation of visible light and VEGF suppression may be an influential factor in expression patterns of inflammatory cytokines secreted by human RPE cells.