bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Virtual Network Slicing and Orchestration for Selective MEC Services over Wide-Area SDN
Authors: Kim Dongkyun , Kim Yong-Hwan
Published: September 2020

Multi-access edge computing (MEC) has become an essential technology for collecting, analyzing, and processing data generated by widely distributed user equipment (UE), wireless end-hosts, Internet of things (IoT) sensors, etc., providing real-time and high-quality networking services with ultralow end-to-end latency guaranteed between various user devices and edge cloud computing nodes. However, the cloud resources at the MEC on-site (access point) and edge site are restricted and insufficient mainly because of the operation and management constraints (e.g., limited space and capacity), particularly in the case of on-demand and dynamic service resource deployment. In this regard, we propose a selective MEC resource allocation scheme adopting a multitier architecture over a wide-area software-defined network (SDN) on the basis of our recent research work on virtual network slicing and resource orchestration. The proposed scheme provides an optimized MEC selection model considering end-to-end latency and efficient service resource utilization on the basis of the hierarchical MEC service architecture.
Validation of the Lattice Boltzmann Method for Simulation of Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics in a Centrifugal Fan
Authors: Schäfer Rebecca , Böhle Martin
Published: September 2020

Due to the fact that legal and market requirements are becoming stricter, fan noise reduction, in addition to energy efficiency, represent a challenge for fan product designers. Most experimental studies are associated with trial-and-error approaches. Therefore, numerical methods are mostly preferable. However, the quantitative prediction of the noise emitted by radial fans via numerical simulations remains challenging. The Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is a relatively new approach that promises a direct calculation of the aerodynamics coupled with the aeroacoustics. This article presents an LBM simulation of a centrifugal fan using the commercial Lattice Boltzmann Code SIMULIA PowerFLOW of Dassault Systèmes. The simulation model includes both the fan impeller and the spiral housing. In accordance with the experimental setup, the fan was mounted in a test bench to analyze four different operating points. The results of the LBM simulation were validated by experimental measurements. Flow information in terms of pressure rise and efficiency of the centrifugal fan as a function of the flow rate are in a good agreement. Considering the acoustic spectra and the blade passing frequency, the simulation was able to precisely predict the noise of the centrifugal fan. The simulation results are also used to visualize the flow and acoustic field inside of the fan to detect noise-generating flow features. By evaluating the filtered pressure fluctuation in the fluid volume and on the wall, four main noise sources of the centrifugal fan can be identified.
Advanced Computational Methods for Agriculture Machinery Movement Optimization with Applications in Sugarcane Production
Authors: Filip Martin , Zoubek Tomas , Bumbalek Roman , Cerny Pavel , Batista Carlos E. , Olsan Pavel , Bartos Petr , Kriz Pavel , Xiao Maohua , Dolan Antonin , Findura Pavol
Published: September 2020

This paper considers the evolution of processes applied in agriculture for field operations developed from non-organized handmade activities into very specialized and organized production processes. A set of new approaches based on the application of metaheuristic optimization methods and smart automatization known as Agriculture 4.0 has enabled a rapid increase in in-field operations’ productivity and offered unprecedented economic benefits. The aim of this paper is to review modern approaches to agriculture machinery movement optimization with applications in sugarcane production. Approaches based on algorithms for the division of spatial configuration, route planning or path planning, as well as approaches using cost parameters, e.g., energy, fuel and time consumption, are presented. The combination of algorithmic and economic methodologies including evaluation of the savings and investments and their cost/benefit relation is discussed.
Machine Learning for Plant Breeding and Biotechnology
Authors: Niazian Mohsen , Niedbała Gniewko
Published: September 2020

Classical univariate and multivariate statistics are the most common methods used for data analysis in plant breeding and biotechnology studies. Evaluation of genetic diversity, classification of plant genotypes, analysis of yield components, yield stability analysis, assessment of biotic and abiotic stresses, prediction of parental combinations in hybrid breeding programs, and analysis of in vitro-based biotechnological experiments are mainly performed by classical statistical methods. Despite successful applications, these classical statistical methods have low efficiency in analyzing data obtained from plant studies, as the genotype, environment, and their interaction (G × E) result in nondeterministic and nonlinear nature of plant characteristics. Large-scale data flow, including phenomics, metabolomics, genomics, and big data, must be analyzed for efficient interpretation of results affected by G × E. Nonlinear nonparametric machine learning techniques are more efficient than classical statistical models in handling large amounts of complex and nondeterministic information with “multiple-independent variables versus multiple-dependent variables” nature. Neural networks, partial least square regression, random forest, and support vector machines are some of the most fascinating machine learning models that have been widely applied to analyze nonlinear and complex data in both classical plant breeding and in vitro-based biotechnological studies. High interpretive power of machine learning algorithms has made them popular in the analysis of plant complex multifactorial characteristics. The classification of different plant genotypes with morphological and molecular markers, modeling and predicting important quantitative characteristics of plants, the interpretation of complex and nonlinear relationships of plant characteristics, and predicting and optimizing of in vitro breeding methods are the examples of applications of machine learning in conventional plant breeding and in vitro-based biotechnological studies. Precision agriculture is possible through accurate measurement of plant characteristics using imaging techniques and then efficient analysis of reliable extracted data using machine learning algorithms. Perfect interpretation of high-throughput phenotyping data is applicable through coupled machine learning-image processing. Some applied and potentially applicable capabilities of machine learning techniques in conventional and in vitro-based plant breeding studies have been discussed in this overview. Discussions are of great value for future studies and could inspire researchers to apply machine learning in new layers of plant breeding.
How Does Climate Change Affect Rice Yield in China?
Authors: He Wenjian , Liu Yiyang , Sun Huaping , Taghizadeh-Hesary Farhad
Published: September 2020

The global warming phenomenon has undoubtedly brought unprecedented challenges to rice production, vital for food security in Southeast Asian countries and China. Most studies on this topic have focused narrowly on the direct effect of climate change on rice yield, neglecting the indirect effect. Using panel data from 30 provinces in China from 1990 to 2016, in this paper, we propose and test a mediational effect model to examine the mechanisms of how climate change affects rice yield. We find that climate change leads to changes in functional irrigation areas, farmers’ fertilizing behavior, and agricultural labor supply, and it is these mediating factors that effectively transmit the impact of climate change to China’s rice production. The positive indirect impact of climate change on the factors of production often partially or overly compensates for the adverse direct effect of climate change on rice yield, leading to a surprising observation of the association of climate change with increased rice yield, at least in the short run. We also provide some preliminary policy advice based on the analysis.
End-Of-Day LED Lightings Influence the Leaf Color, Growth and Phytochemicals in Two Cultivars of Lettuce
Authors: Li Yamin , Shi Rui , Jiang Haozhao , Wu Linyuan , Zhang Yiting , Song Shiwei , Su Wei , Liu Houcheng
Published: September 2020

Four light treatments (W: white light; EOD-B: end-of-day enhanced blue light; EOD-FR: end-of-day supplementary far-red light; EOD-UV: end-of-day supplementary ultraviolet-A light) were designed to explore the effects of end-of-day (EOD) lightings (30 min before dark period) on leaf color, biomass and phytochemicals accumulation in two lettuce cultivars (Lactuca sativa cv. ‘Red butter’ and ‘Green butter’) in artificial light plant factory. EOD-FR stimulated the plant and shoot biomass of two cultivars, and EOD-B suppressed the growth of ‘Red butter’ but induced higher biomass in ‘Green butter’. EOD lightings generated brighter, greener and yellower leaf in ‘Red butter’ at harvest, but the highest lightness and the deepest redness of ‘Green butter’ leaf were observed in the middle growth stage. ‘Red butter’ had prominent higher contents of chlorophylls and carotenoids, while these pigments showed less sensitivity to the interaction of cultivars and EOD lightings. EOD lightings impeded the accumulation of anthocyanin in two cultivars, except EOD-UV slightly increased the anthocyanin contents in ‘Green butter’. EOD-UV strengthened the antioxidant capability of ‘Green butter’, but EOD lightings had different effects on the antioxidant and nutritional compound contents in two lettuce cultivars.
Recovery from Grapevine Flavescence Dorée in Areas of High Infection Pressure
Authors: Ripamonti Matteo , Pacifico Davide , Roggia Chiara , Palmano Sabrina , Rossi Marika , Bodino Nicola , Marzachì Cristina , Bosco Domenico , Galetto Luciana
Published: September 2020

Flavescence dorée (FD) is a quarantine grapevine disease caused by a phytoplasma transmitted by the leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus Ball. FD management relies on compulsory insecticide treatments, roguing of infected plants, and substitution with certified material. Some grapevine cultivars show a spontaneous remission of symptoms (recovery). To determine if recovery is a suitable strategy to co-exist with disease in areas of strong infestation, the qualitative aspects of grapes, musts, and wines obtained from recovered Barbera and Chardonnay grapevines were investigated in two productive vineyards. Following field observations, about 1500 plants in each vineyard were divided into healthy (asymptomatic and negative in phytoplasma molecular diagnosis) and recovered (asymptomatic the year of observation but infected the year before). Maturation curves and microvinification tests followed by oenological and sensory analyses showed that maturation trends of recovered grapes were in line with those from healthy plants and the final qualities of wines were comparable. The spread of FD has strongly increased in Piedmont (Italy) in recent decades. Management strategies to cope with the disease are necessary to preserve traditional wine production. Despite the yield from recovered grapevines is quantitatively lower than that from healthy ones, we showed here that the wine quality is, however, preserved.
Testing a Bovine Blood-Derived Compound as Iron Supply on Cucumis sativus L.
Authors: Di Foggia Michele , Yunta-Mezquita Felipe , Tugnoli Vitaliano , Rombolà Adamo Domenico , Lucena Juan José
Published: September 2020

A new powder formulation obtained from bovine blood (Fe-heme) was tested on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) to investigate its effectiveness as iron supply in comparison with two synthetic iron-chelates fertilizers: ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA/Fe3+) and ethylenediamine-N’N’-bis(2-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid) (o,oEDDHA/Fe3+). Green stressed cucumber plants were evaluated in their recovery (SPAD index and weight variations) and to test the iron reduction capacity of the roots at pH 7.5 and 6.0 using each iron treatment as iron supply. The blood-derived product showed similar effects on decreasing iron-deficiency symptoms: SPAD increments and the weights of plants were similar. Noteworthy, the average of Fe3+ reduction capacity in roots was higher for EDTA/Fe3+, while it was similar for o,oEDDHA/Fe3+, and Fe-heme at pH 7.5. Fe-heme showed a complex behavior due to aggregation and low solubility at pH 6 and showed an unexpectedly high contribution of root exudates to iron reduction.
Maternal Supplementation with Dietary Betaine during Gestation to Improve Twin Lamb Survival
Authors: Brougham Billie-Jaye , Weaver Alice C. , Swinbourne Alyce M.F. , Lewis Baida Bobbie E. , Kelly Jennifer M. , Walker Simon K. , Kleemann David O. , van Wettere William H.E.J.
Published: September 2020

Betaine increases the synthesis of creatine, an energy-rich amino acid that increases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and has neuroprotective properties which may improve post-natal lamb survival. This study determined whether maternal betaine supplementation during gestation would improve body weight, thermoregulation, time to stand and suck, colostrum intake and survival to weaning of twin lambs. Twin-bearing Merino ewes received dietary betaine at either 0 g/day (Control, CTL), 2 g/day from ram introduction to parturition (Early betaine, EB) or 4 g/day from Day 80 of gestation to parturition (Late betaine, LB). Ewes were housed individually during parturition and measures were collected at 4, 24 and 72 h and Day 7 post-partum, and at marking (53.2 ± 0.2 days of age) and weaning (99.3 ± 0.2 days of age). The EB treatment resulted in heavier lambs at weaning compared with CTL and LB lambs (p < 0.05). Time to stand and suck from birth was longer in EB lambs (p < 0.05), whereas, the interval from birth to first suck was shorter for LB lambs (p < 0.05). Lamb survival rate was the highest for LB lambs at 72 h and Day 7 (p < 0.05), and lowest for EB lambs on Day 7 (p < 0.05). These data indicated that betaine supplementation at 4 g/day during the second half of pregnancy improved twin lamb survival to Day 7 and shortened the interval from birth to first suck; whereas feeding ewes 2 g/day of betaine for the duration of pregnancy increased twin lamb body weight at weaning, but increased both the time to attain behavioural milestones and mortalities before Day 7.
Evaluation of the Accuracy of Horse Body Weight Estimation Methods
Authors: Górniak Wanda , Wieliczko Martyna , Soroko Maria , Korczyński Mariusz
Published: September 2020

Methods of estimating horse body weight using mathematical formulae have better accuracy than methods of reading body weight from measuring tape. The aim of the study was to evaluate established formulae for estimating horse body weight from data gathered using measurement tape. The research was conducted in a group of 299 adult horses and ponies of selected breeds: ponies (n = 58), Polish Noble Half Breed (n = 150), Silesian Breed (n = 23), Wielkopolski Breed (n = 52), and Thoroughbred (n = 16). Body measurements were performed on each horse using a measuring stick and tape. The actual body weight of the horses was measured with electronic scale. Statistical analysis was carried out separately for individual breeds of horses. In each of the research groups formulae were selected, the results of which were closest to the actual horse body weight readings. The use of formulae for body weight estimation can be useful in determining feed dosages and additives, medicines or deworming agents. Regular weight measurement is important for maintaining a healthy horse.
Antimicrobial Use in Broilers Reared at Different Stocking Densities: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Tarakdjian Jacopo , Capello Katia , Pasqualin Dario , Cunial Giovanni , Lorenzetto Monica , Gavazzi Luigi , Manca Grazia , Di Martino Guido
Published: September 2020

According to the Directive 2007/43/EC, broiler farms can house animals up to 39 kg/m2, provided that specific environmental requirements are met. However, limited information is available about the effects of stocking density (SD) on broiler health and welfare, including the need for antimicrobial use. In this study, annual data on mortality, feed conversion rate, and antimicrobial use (AMU) are compared between broiler farms with stocking densities of 39 kg/m2 (N = 257) and 33 kg/m2 (N = 87). These farms were distributed throughout Italy and belonged to the same integrated poultry company. Antimicrobial use data were obtained from each farm and production cycle; AMU was expressed using the defined daily doses (DDD) method proposed by EMA. The annual AMU per farm was calculated as the median AMU over all cycles. Stratified analysis by sex and geographical area (Italy vs Northern Italy) showed no significant effect of stocking density on broiler mortality, feed conversion rate, and AMU. However, a higher AMU variability among farms with 39 kg/m2 stocking density vs. those with 33 kg/m2 was found. This study indicates that AMU does not apparently vary between animals reared at different stocking densities in intensive farms.
Exploratory Survey on European Consumer and Stakeholder Attitudes towards Alternatives for Surgical Castration of Piglets
Authors: Aluwé Marijke , Heyrman Evert , Almeida João , Babol Jakub , Battacone Gianni , Čítek Jaroslav , Font i Furnols Maria , Getya Andriy , Karolyi Danijel , Kostyra Eliza , Kress Kevin , Kušec Goran , Mörlein Daniel , Semenova Anastasia , Škrlep Martin , Stoyanchev Todor , Tomašević Igor , Tudoreanu Liliana , Van Son Maren , Żakowska-Biemans Sylwia , Zamaratskaia Galia , Van den Broeke Alice , Egea Macarena
Published: September 2020

Surgical castration of piglets without pain relief is still common practice in many countries. Possible alternatives for surgical castration are application of pain relief or anaesthesia or production of boars (entire males) and immunocastrates. Each of these alternatives faces advantages and disadvantages which may result in different citizen attitudes and consumers acceptability. Understanding which practice is acceptable to whom and why may further stimulate implementation. Consumer (n = 3251) and stakeholder (n = 1027) attitudes towards surgical castration without pain relief, surgical castration with anaesthesia, immunocastration, and production of boars were surveyed from April to June 2020 via an online questionnaire in 16 countries (>175 respondents per country). Surgical castration without pain relief was separated from each of the alternatives due to animal welfare and showed the lowest acceptability (32%). Within the alternatives, a further partitioning between the alternatives was based on perceived quality and food safety, with an acceptance of 85% for applying anaesthesia, 71% for immunocastration, and 49% for boar production. Differences depending on professional involvement and familiarity with agriculture could be observed, mainly for the acceptance of surgical castration without anaesthesia, immunocastration, and boars. Castration with anaesthesia was highly accepted by all types of respondents.
Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP) in the Intestinal Mucosal Nerve Fibers in Dogs with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Rychlik Andrzej , Gonkowski Sławomir , Całka Jarosław , Makowska Krystyna
Published: September 2020

Canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of enteropathies with nonspecific chronic symptoms and poorly understood etiology. Many aspects connected with IBD are not understood. One of them is the participation of the intestinal nervous system in the development of pathological processes. Thus, this study aimed to demonstrate changes in the density of intramucosal nerve fibers containing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)—one of the most important intestinal nervous factors caused by the various stages of IBD development. Mucosal biopsy specimens collected from the duodenum, jejunum and descending colon of healthy dogs and dogs with varied severity of IBD were included in the experiment. The density of VIP-like immunoreactive (VIP-LI) nerves was determined by a single immunofluorescence technique and a semi-quantitative method consisting in VIP-LI fiber counts in the field of view (0.1 mm2). The obtained results indicate that IBD induces changes in the density of mucosal VIP-LI nerve fibers in the canine gastrointestinal tract. The initial decrease is followed by an increase in VIP-like immunoreactivity in successive stages of the disease. These observations show that VIP is a neuronal factor that participates in the pathological processes connected with canine IBD. The observed changes probably result from the neuroprotective and/or adaptive properties of VIP. Protective and adaptive reactions induced by inflammation aim to protect the GI tract against damage by proinflammatory factors and ensure the homeostasis in the enteric nervous system (ENS) under the conditions changed by the disease process.
Developing and Evaluating Poultry Preening Behavior Detectors via Mask Region-Based Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Li Guoming , Hui Xue , Lin Fei , Zhao Yang
Published: September 2020

There is a lack of precision tools for automated poultry preening monitoring. The objective of this study was to develop poultry preening behavior detectors using mask R-CNN. Thirty 38-week brown hens were kept in an experimental pen. A surveillance system was installed above the pen to record images for developing the behavior detectors. The results show that the mask R-CNN had 87.2 ± 1.0% MIOU, 85.1 ± 2.8% precision, 88.1 ± 3.1% recall, 95.8 ± 1.0% specificity, 94.2 ± 0.6% accuracy, 86.5 ± 1.3% F1 score, 84.3 ± 2.8% average precision and 380.1 ± 13.6 ms·image−1 processing speed. The six ResNets (ResNet18-ResNet1000) had disadvantages and advantages in different aspects of detection performance. Training parts of the complex network and transferring some pre-trained weights from the detectors pre-trained in other datasets can save training time but did not compromise detection performance and various datasets can result in different transfer learning efficiencies. Resizing and padding input images to different sizes did not affect detection performance of the detectors. The detectors performed similarly within 100–500 region proposals. Temporal and spatial preening behaviors of individual hens were characterized using the trained detector. In sum, the mask R-CNN preening behavior detector could be a useful tool to automatically identify preening behaviors of individual hens in group settings.
A Review on Revolutionary Natural Biopolymer-Based Aerogels for Antibacterial Delivery
Authors: Yahya Esam Bashir , Jummaat Fauziah , Amirul A. A. , Adnan A. S. , Olaiya N. G. , Abdullah C. K. , Rizal Samsul , Mohamad Haafiz M. K. , Khalil H. P. S. Abdul
Published: September 2020

A biopolymer-based aerogel has been developed to become one of the most potentially utilized materials in different biomedical applications. The biopolymer-based aerogel has unique physical, chemical, and mechanical properties and these properties are used in tissue engineering, biosensing, diagnostic, medical implant and drug delivery applications. Biocompatible and non-toxic biopolymers such as chitosan, cellulose and alginates have been used to deliver antibiotics, plants extract, essential oils and metallic nanoparticles. Antibacterial aerogels have been used in superficial and chronic wound healing as dressing sheets. This review critically analyses the utilization of biopolymer-based aerogels in antibacterial delivery. The analysis shows the relationship between their properties and their applications in the wound healing process. Furthermore, highlights of the potentials, challenges and proposition of the application of biopolymer-based aerogels is explored.
•BMPO-OOH Spin-Adduct as a Model for Study of Decomposition of Organic Hydroperoxides and the Effects of Sulfide/Selenite Derivatives. An EPR Spin-Trapping Approach
Authors: Misak Anton , Brezova Vlasta , Grman Marian , Tomasova Lenka , Chovanec Miroslav , Ondrias Karol
Published: September 2020

Lipid hydroperoxides play an important role in various pathophysiological processes. Therefore, a simple model for organic hydroperoxides could be helpful to monitor the biologic effects of endogenous and exogenous compounds. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin-trapping technique is a useful method to study superoxide (O2•−) and hydroxyl radicals. The aim of our work was to use EPR with the spin trap 5-tert-butoxycarbonyl-5-methyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (BMPO), which, by trapping O2•− produces relatively stable •BMPO-OOH spin-adduct, a valuable model for organic hydroperoxides. We used this experimental setup to investigate the effects of selected sulfur/selenium compounds on •BMPO-OOH and to evaluate the antioxidant potential of these compounds. Second, using the simulation of time-dependent individual BMPO adducts in the experimental EPR spectra, the ratio of •BMPO-OH/•BMPO-OOH—which is proportional to the transformation/decomposition of •BMPO-OOH—was evaluated. The order of potency of the studied compounds to alter •BMPO-OOH concentration estimated from the time-dependent •BMPO-OH/•BMPO-OOH ratio was as follows: Na2S4 > Na2S4/SeO32− > H2S/SeO32− > Na2S2 ~Na2S2/SeO32− ~H2S > SeO32− ~SeO42− ~control. In conclusion, the presented approach of the EPR measurement of the time-dependent ratio of •BMPO-OH/•BMPO-OOH could be useful to study the impact of compounds to influence the transformation of •BMPO-OOH.
Role of the Encapsulation in Bioavailability of Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Grgić Josipa , Šelo Gordana , Planinić Mirela , Tišma Marina , Bucić-Kojić Ana
Published: September 2020

Plant-derived phenolic compounds have multiple positive health effects for humans attributed to their antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties, etc. These effects strongly depend on their bioavailability in the organism. Bioaccessibility, and consequently bioavailability of phenolic compounds significantly depend on the structure and form in which they are introduced into the organism, e.g., through a complex food matrix or as purified isolates. Furthermore, phenolic compounds interact with other macromolecules (proteins, lipids, dietary fibers, polysaccharides) in food or during digestion, which significantly influences their bioaccessibility in the organism, but due to the complexity of the mechanisms through which phenolic compounds act in the organism this area has still not been examined sufficiently. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion is one of the commonly used in vitro test for the assessment of phenolic compounds bioaccessibility. Encapsulation is a method that can positively affect bioaccessibility and bioavailability as it ensures the coating of the active component and its targeted delivery to a specific part of the digestive tract and controlled release. This comprehensive review aims to present the role of encapsulation in bioavailability of phenolic compounds as well as recent advances in coating materials used in encapsulation processes. The review is based on 258 recent literature references.
Involvement of HO-1 and Autophagy in the Protective Effect of Magnolol in Hepatic Steatosis-Induced NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Kuo Ni-Chun , Huang Shieh-Yang , Yang Chien-Yi , Shen Hsin-Hsueh , Lee Yen-Mei
Published: September 2020

Magnolol (MG) is the main active compound of Magnolia officinalis and exerts a wide range of biological activities. In this study, we investigated the effects of MG using tyloxapol (Tylo)-induced (200 mg/kg, i.p.) hyperlipidemia in rats and palmitic acid (PA)-stimulated (0.3 mM) HepG2 cells. Our results showed that Tylo injection significantly increased plasma levels of triglyceride and cholesterol as well as superoxide anion in the livers, whereas MG pretreatment reversed these changes. MG reduced hepatic lipogenesis by attenuating sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) proteins and Srebp-1, Fas, Acc, and Cd36 mRNA expression as well as upregulated the lipolysis-associated genes Hsl, Mgl, and Atgl. Furthermore, MG reduced plasma interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and protein expression of NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), and caspase 1 as well as upregulated nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in hepatocytes of Tylo-treated rats. Enhanced autophagic flux by elevation of autophagy related protein 5-12 (ATG5-12), ATG7, Beclin1, and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 B II (LC3BII)/LC3BI ratio, and reduction of sequestosome-1 (SQSTM1/p62) and phosphorylation of mTOR was observed by MG administration. However, autophagy inhibition with 3-methyladenine (3-MA) in HepG2 cells drastically abrogated the MG-mediated suppression of inflammation and lipid metabolism. In conclusion, MG inhibited hepatic steatosis-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation through the restoration of autophagy to promote HO-1 signaling capable of ameliorating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.
Oxidative Stress Markers in Chronic Kidney Disease with Emphasis on Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Vodošek Hojs Nina , Bevc Sebastjan , Ekart Robert , Hojs Radovan
Published: September 2020

Diabetes prevalence is increasing worldwide, especially through the increase of type 2 diabetes. Diabetic nephropathy occurs in up to 40% of diabetic patients and is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Various factors affect the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy. Hyperglycaemia increases free radical production, resulting in oxidative stress, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Free radicals have a short half-life and are difficult to measure. In contrast, oxidation products, including lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and nucleic acid oxidation, have longer lifetimes and are used to evaluate oxidative stress. In recent years, different oxidative stress biomarkers associated with diabetic nephropathy have been found. This review summarises current evidence of oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Although some of them are promising, they cannot replace currently used clinical biomarkers (eGFR, proteinuria) in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy.
Characterization of the Age-Dependent Changes in Antioxidant Defenses and Protein’s Sulfhydryl/Carbonyl Stress in Human Follicular Fluid
Authors: Luddi Alice , Governini Laura , Capaldo Angela , Campanella Giovanna , De Leo Vincenzo , Piomboni Paola , Morgante Giuseppe
Published: September 2020

The oxidative stress, characterized by the imbalance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants molecules, seems to be involved in the pathogenesis of female subfertility. In particular, the presence of different markers of oxidative stress has been reported in human follicular fluid (FF) surrounding oocytes. Based on its distinctive composition and on the close proximity to the oocyte, FF creates a unique microenvironment having a direct impact on oocyte quality, implantation, and early embryo development. An imbalance in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in ovarian follicular fluid may have a negative effect on these processes and, as a consequence, on female fertility. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the redox state of the FF through various methodological approaches. By means of 2D-electrophoresis we demonstrated that the main structural changes occurring in the proteins of the follicular fluid of normovulatory women were correlated to the age of the patients and to the antioxidant defenses present in the FF. Measurement of these parameters could have clinical relevance, since the assessment of the oxidative stress rate may be helpful in evaluating in vitro fertilization potential.
Environmental Enrichment Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Alters Detoxifying Enzymes in an A53T α-Synuclein Transgenic Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Seo Jung Hwa , Kang Seong-Woong , Kim Kyungri , Wi Soohyun , Lee Jang Woo , Cho Sung-Rae
Published: September 2020

Although environmental enrichment (EE) is known to reduce oxidative stress in Parkinson’s disease (PD), the metabolic alternations for detoxifying endogenous and xenobiotic compounds according to various brain regions are not fully elucidated yet. This study aimed to further understand the role of EE on detoxifying enzymes, especially those participating in phase I of metabolism, by investigating the levels of enzymes in various brain regions such as the olfactory bulb, brain stem, frontal cortex, and striatum. Eight-month-old transgenic PD mice with the overexpression of human A53T α-synuclein and wild-type mice were randomly allocated to either standard cage condition or EE for 2 months. At 10 months of age, the expression of detoxifying enzymes was evaluated and compared with wild-type of the same age raised in standard cages. EE improved neurobehavioral outcomes such as olfactory and motor function in PD mice. EE-treated mice showed that oxidative stress was attenuated in the olfactory bulb, brain stem, and frontal cortex. EE also reduced apoptosis and induced cell proliferation in the subventricular zone of PD mice. The overexpression of detoxifying enzymes was observed in the olfactory bulb and brain stem of PD mice, which was ameliorated by EE. These findings were not apparent in the other experimental regions. These results suggest the stage of PD pathogenesis may differ according to brain region, and that EE has a protective effect on the PD pathogenesis by decreasing oxidative stress.
Microvesicle Formation Induced by Oxidative Stress in Human Erythrocytes
Authors: Sudnitsyna Julia , Skverchinskaya Elisaveta , Dobrylko Irina , Nikitina Elena , Gambaryan Stepan , Mindukshev Igor
Published: September 2020

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by different cell types play an important role in many physiological and pathophysiological processes. In physiological conditions, red blood cell (RBC)-derived EVs compose 4–8% of all circulating EVs, and oxidative stress (OS) as a consequence of different pathophysiological conditions significantly increases the amount of circulated RBC-derived EVs. However, the mechanisms of EV formation are not yet fully defined. To analyze OS-induced EV formation and RBC transformations, we used flow cytometry to evaluate cell esterase activity, caspase-3 activity, and band 3 clustering. Band 3 clustering was additionally analyzed by confocal microscopy. Two original laser diffraction-based approaches were used for the analysis of cell deformability and band 3 activity. Hemoglobin species were characterized spectrophotometrically. We showed that cell viability in tert-Butyl hydroperoxide-induced OS directly correlated with oxidant concentration to cell count ratio, and that RBC-derived EVs contained hemoglobin oxidized to hemichrome (HbChr). OS induced caspase-3 activation and band 3 clustering in cells and EVs. Importantly, we showed that OS-induced EV formation is independent of calcium. The presented data indicated that during OS, RBCs eliminated HbChr by vesiculation in order to sacrifice the cell itself, thereby prolonging lifespan and delaying the untimely clearance of in all other respects healthy RBCs.
Presence of Cyanotoxins in a Mexican Subtropical Monomictic Crater Lake
Authors: Bustillos-Guzmán José Jesús , Turner Andrew , Hernández-Almeida Oscar Ubisha , Band-Schmidt Christine Johanna , Romero-Bañuelos Carlos Alberto , Hernández-Sandoval Francisco Eduardo , Núñez-Vázquez Erick Julián , Palomino-Hermosillo Yolotzin Apatzingan
Published: September 2020

Microcystins (MCs) produced by cyanobacteria are a ubiquitous worldwide problem because some MCs can cause tumor formation and are hepatotoxic. In the Santa María del Oro crater lake, Mexico, plankton scums are recurrent during most of the year and are associated with cyanobacteria of the genera Microcystis spp. and Lyngbya spp. As some of these species are associated with the production of MCs and paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs), samples from these scums and particulate matter were collected and analyzed for the main bloom species and toxins by a ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) and high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD). Results showed that the main bloom-forming species were Limnoraphis robusta and Microcystis aeruginosa, the presence of at least seven MC congeners and the absence of PSTs in the algae scums. The MCs identified were MC-WR, MC-LR, MC-LA, MC-HilR, MC-LF, MC-YR, and MC-LY. On a dry mass weight basis, MC concentrations were low and ranged between 0.15 and 6.84 μg/kg. Toxin profiles were dominated by MC-WR, MC-LR, and MC-LA, representing 94.5% of the total sample, with each analog contributing 39.8%, 38.1% and 16.5% by relative concentration, respectively. Two of the more hazardous congeners, MC-LR and MC-LA, represented 54.6% of the total MC concentration. MCs in particulate matter along the depth profile were not detected. The MC profile is linked to M. aeruginosa, and it represents the first quantitative MC congener description for this species from a Mexican water ecosystem. Since these mats are recurrent yearly, their effects on humans and wild fauna, and the possible role of anthropogenic activities that favor their presence and proliferation, need to be evaluated.
Oral Manifestations in Patients with Glycogen Storage Disease: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Romano Antonio , Russo Diana , Contaldo Maria , Lauritano Dorina , Vella Fedora della , Serpico Rosario , Lucchese Alberta , Stasio Dario Di
Published: September 2020

(1) Background: Glycogen storage disease (GSD) represents a group of twenty-three types of metabolic disorders which damage the capacity of body to store glucose classified basing on the enzyme deficiency involved. Affected patients could present some oro-facial alterations: the purpose of this review is to catalog and characterize oral manifestations in these patients. (2) Methods: a systematic review of the literature among different search engines using PICOS criteria has been performed. The studies were included with the following criteria: tissues and anatomical structures of the oral cavity in humans, published in English, and available full text. Review articles and paper published before 1990 were excluded. (3) Results: 757 articles were identified in the initial search. In the end, 45 articles that met the selection criteria has been analyzed. The information extracted from the articles was classified according to the type of GSD (Ia; Ib; II; III; V; XIV). Oral manifestations range from dental caries to severe periodontitis in paediatric patients, from diffuses and recurrent oral ulcers in the cleft lip and palate. (4) Conclusions: Although considered a rare disease, GSD can present a varied number of oral manifestations. Therefore, it is of great importance for the oral medicine specialist to know and classify them.
Magnetic Abrasive Finishing of Beta-Titanium Wire Using Multiple Transfer Movement Method
Authors: Nam Sung Sik , Kim Jeong Su , Mun Sang Don
Published: September 2020

Titanium is often used in various important applications in transportation and the healthcare industry. The goal of this study was to determine the optimum processing of magnetic abrasives in beta-titanium wire, which is often used in frames for eyeglasses because of its excellent elasticity among titanium alloys. To check the performance of the magnetic abrasive finishing process, the surface roughness (Ra) was measured when the specimen was machined at various rotational speeds (700, 1500, and 2000 rpm) in the presence of diamond paste of various particle sizes (0.5, 1, and 3 μm). We concluded that the surface roughness (Ra) was the best at 2000 rpm, 1 μm particle size, and 300 s processing time, and the surface roughness of β-titanium improved from 0.32 to 0.05 μm. In addition, the optimal conditions were used to test the influence of the finishing gap, and it was found that the processing power was superior at a gap of 3 mm than at 5 mm when processing was conducted for 300 s.
Role of Surface-Treated Silica Nanoparticles on the Thermo-Mechanical Behavior of Poly(Lactide)
Authors: Fambri Luca , Dorigato Andrea , Pegoretti Alessandro
Published: September 2020

Surface-treated fumed silica nanoparticles were added at various concentrations (from 1 to 24 vol%) to a commercial poly(lactide) or poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix specifically designed for packaging applications. Thermo-mechanical behavior of the resulting nanocomposites was investigated. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) micrographs revealed how a homogeneous nanofiller dispersion was obtained even at elevated filler amounts, with a positive influence of the thermal degradation stability of the materials. Modelization of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) curves through the Avrami–Ozawa model demonstrated that fumed silica nanoparticles did not substantially affect the crystallization behavior of the material. On the other hand, nanosilica addition was responsible for significant improvements of the storage modulus (E′) above the glass transition temperature and of the Vicat grade. Multifrequency DMTA tests showed that the stabilizing effect due to nanosilica introduction could be effective over the whole range of testing frequencies. Sumita model was used to evaluate the level of filler dispersion. The obtained results demonstrated the potential of functionalized silica nanoparticles in improving the thermo-mechanical stability of biodegradable matrices for packaging applications, especially at elevated service temperatures.
VB-Net: Voxel-Based Broad Learning Network for 3D Object Classification
Authors: Liu Zishu , Song Wei , Tian Yifei , Ji Sumi , Sung Yunsick , Wen Long , Zhang Tao , Song Liangliang , Gozho Amanda
Published: September 2020

Point clouds have been widely used in three-dimensional (3D) object classification tasks, i.e., people recognition in unmanned ground vehicles. However, the irregular data format of point clouds and the large number of parameters in deep learning networks affect the performance of object classification. This paper develops a 3D object classification system using a broad learning system (BLS) with a feature extractor called VB-Net. First, raw point clouds are voxelized into voxels. Through this step, irregular point clouds are converted into regular voxels which are easily processed by the feature extractor. Then, a pre-trained VoxNet is employed as a feature extractor to extract features from voxels. Finally, those features are used for object classification by the applied BLS. The proposed system is tested on the ModelNet40 dataset and ModelNet10 dataset. The average recognition accuracy was 83.99% and 90.08%, respectively. Compared to deep learning networks, the time consumption of the proposed system is significantly decreased.
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Is a Potential Food Supplement with the Capacity to Outperform Chlorella and Spirulina
Authors: Darwish Randa , Gedi Mohamed A. , Akepach Patchaniya , Assaye Hirut , Zaky Abdelrahman S. , Gray David A.
Published: September 2020

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a green microalgae used as a model organism associated with biotechnological applications, yet its nutritional value has not been assessed. This study investigates the nutritional capacity of C. reinhardtii as an additional value for this species beyond its known potential in biofuels and bio-products production. The composition of key nutrients in C. reinhardtii was compared with Chlorella and Spirulina, the species widely regarded as a superfood. The results revealed that the protein content of C. reinhardtii (46.9%) was comparable with that of Chlorella (45.3) and Spirulina (50.4%) on a dry weight basis. C. reinhardtii contained all the essential amino acids with good scores based on FAO/WHO values (0.9–1.9) as in Chlorella and Spirulina. Unsaturated fatty acids predominated the total fatty acids profile of C. reinhardtii were ~74 of which ~48% are n-3 fatty acids. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) content in C. reinhardtii (42.4%) was significantly higher than that of Chlorella (23.4) and Spirulina (0.12%). For minerals, Spirulina was rich in iron (3.73 mg/g DW) followed by Chlorella (1.34 mg/g DW) and C. reinhardtii (0.96 mg/g DW). C. reinhardtii, unlike the other two species, consisted of selenium (10 µg/g DW), and had a remarkably lower heavy metal load. Moreover, C. reinhardtii contained relatively high concentrations of chlorophyll (a + b) and total carotenoids (28.6 mg/g DW and 6.9 mg/g DW, respectively) compared with Chlorella (12.0 mg/g DW and 1.8 mg/g DW, respectively) and Spirulina (8.6 mg/g DW and 0.8 mg/g DW, respectively). This study confirms that, based on its nutrient credentials, C. reinhardtii has great potential as a new superfood or ingredient for a food supplement.
Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamic Approach to Ca2+-Fluxes in Cancer
Authors: Lucia Umberto , Grisolia Giulia
Published: September 2020

Living systems waste heat in their environment. This is the measurable effect of the irreversibility of the biophysical and biochemical processes fundamental to their life. Non-equilibrium thermodynamics allows us to analyse the ion fluxes through the cell membrane, and to relate them to the membrane electric potential, in order to link this to the biochemical and biophysical behaviour of the living cells. This is particularly interesting in relation to cancer, because it could represent a new viewpoint, in order to develop new possible anticancer therapies, based on the thermoelectric behaviour of cancer itself. Here, we use a new approach, recently introduced in thermodynamics, in order to develop the analysis of the ion fluxes, and to point out consequences related to the membrane electric potential, from a thermodynamic viewpoint. We show how any increase in the cell temperature could generate a decrease in the membrane electric potential, with a direct relation between cancer and inflammation. Moreover, a thermal threshold, for the cell membrane electric potential gradient, has been obtained, and related to the mitotic activity. Finally, we obtained the external surface growth of the cancer results related (i) to the Ca2+-fluxes, (ii) to the temperature difference between the the system and its environment, and (iii) to the chemical potential of the ion species.
A Review on MAS-Based Sentiment and Stress Analysis User-Guiding and Risk-Prevention Systems in Social Network Analysis
Authors: Aguado Guillem , Julián Vicente , García-Fornes Ana , Espinosa Agustín
Published: September 2020

In the current world we live immersed in online applications, being one of the most present of them Social Network Sites (SNSs), and different issues arise from this interaction. Therefore, there is a need for research that addresses the potential issues born from the increasing user interaction when navigating. For this reason, in this survey we explore works in the line of prevention of risks that can arise from social interaction in online environments, focusing on works using Multi-Agent System (MAS) technologies. For being able to assess what techniques are available for prevention, works in the detection of sentiment polarity and stress levels of users in SNSs will be reviewed. We review with special attention works using MAS technologies for user recommendation and guiding. Through the analysis of previous approaches on detection of the user state and risk prevention in SNSs we elaborate potential future lines of work that might lead to future applications where users can navigate and interact between each other in a more safe way.