bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide characterization of lncRNAs and mRNAs in muscles with differential intramuscular fat contents
Authors: Sun Yuanlu , Lin Xu , Zhang Qian , Pang Yu , Zhang Xiaohan , Zhao Xuelian , Liu Di , Yang Xiuqin
Published: August 2022

Meat quality is one of the most important traits in pig production. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been involved in diverse biological processes such as muscle development through regulating gene expression. However, studies on lncRNAs lag behind and a comparatively small number of lncRNAs have been identified in pigs. Also, the effects of lncRNAs on meat quality remain to be characterized. Here, we analyzed lncRNAs in longissimus thoracis (LT) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles, being different in meat quality, with RNA-sequencing technology. A total of 500 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) and 2,094 protein-coding genes (DEGs) were identified. Through KEGG analysis on DELs, we first made clear that fat deposition might be the main reason resulting in the differential phenotype of LT and ST, for which cGMP–PKG and VEGF signaling pathways were the most important ones. In total, forty-one key DELs and 50 DEGs involved in the differential fat deposition were then characterized. One of the key genes, cAMP-response element binding protein 1, was selected to confirm its role in porcine adipogenesis with molecular biology methods and found that it promotes the differentiation of porcine preadipocytes, consistent with its higher expression level and intramuscular fat contents in LT than that in ST muscle. Furthermore, through integrated analysis of DELs and DEGs, transcription factors important for differential fat deposition were characterized among which BCL6 has the most target DEGs while MEF2A was targeted by the most DELs. The results provide candidate genes crucial for meat quality, which will contribute to improving meat quality with molecular-breeding strategies.
A Computational Geometric Parameter Optimization of the Thermomechanical Deicing Concept
Authors: Tamer Ozan , Walter Fabian , Sinapius Michael , Böl Markus
Published: August 2022

Ice formation on aerodynamic surfaces is a safety-related issue in aviation. Thermal, mechanical, or hybrid systems are used to prevent or eliminate ice formation. To increase energy efficiency, new methods are being researched and tested, using new materials. This article aims to investigate in detail the geometrical parameters of a novel thermomechanical deicing concept based on the shape memory effect. The thermomechanical behavior of a shape memory alloy wire embedded in an elastomer can be described, using the transformation expansion coefficient. The approach includes the nonlinear phase transformation and the linear expansion of the alloy. Simulation results using the above approach are compared with experimental results. In addition, a parameter study of the geometric quantities is presented, where the individual effects of these quantities are investigated assuming that there is a block-like ice layer on the surface. The results for the behavior of the SMA show promising results in terms of describing the thermomechanical behavior of the wire. However, deviations are still observed in the thermal behavior of the embedding matrix.
Resonant Adaptive MEMS Mirror
Authors: Kamel Amr , Kocer Samed , Mukhangaliyeva Lyazzat , Saritas Resul , Gulsaran Ahmet , Elhady Alaa , Basha Mohamed , Hajireza Parsin , Yavuz Mustafa , Abdel-Rahman Eihab
Published: August 2022

A novel MEMS continuous deformable mirror (DM) is presented. The mirror can be integrated into optical systems to compensate for monochromatic and chromatic aberrations. It is comprised of a 1.6 mm circular plate supported by eight evenly spaced flexural springs. Unlike traditional bias actuated DMs, it uses resonant electrostatic actuation (REA) to realize low- and high-order Zernike modes with a single drive signal. Instead of the hundreds or thousands of electrodes deployed by traditional DMs, the proposed DM employs only 49 electrodes and eliminates the need for spatial control algorithms and associated hardware, thereby providing a compact low-cost alternative. It also exploits dynamic amplification to reduce power requirements and increase the stroke by driving the DM at resonance. The DM was fabricated using a commercial silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MEMS process. Experimental modal analysis was carried out using laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) to identify mode shapes of the DM and their natural frequencies. We are able to observe all of the lowest eight Zernike modes.
Eight-DOF Dynamic Modeling of EMA Mechanical Transmission and Spalling Fault Characteristic Analysis
Authors: Yin Zhengyang , Yang Yi , Shen Guoji , Chen Ling , Hu Niaoqing
Published: August 2022

Electromechanical actuators (EMAs), as the critical actuator system of next-generation aircraft, have attracted the attention of many institutions and enterprises around the world. However, due to harsh working conditions, their reliability cannot satisfy the requirements of widespread application in aircraft. Therefore, in order to conduct fault diagnosis on EMAs, in this paper, we establish a comprehensive dynamic model under numerous assumptions to study the fault characteristics that may occur in the displacement and acceleration responses of EMA systems. First, an eight-DOF dynamic model containing typical mechanical components of an EMA is established. Then, by obtaining the impact forces between balls and the spalling fault and the nonlinear relationship between the total elastic restoring forces and the change of ball deformation when the fault occurs, a faulty dynamic model is established. Comparison of the simulation results between the normal and faulty model reveals that the acceleration amplitude at the third harmonic of the ball passage frequency increases when fault occurs. Based on this phenomenon, a numerical calculation method of fault characteristics is proposed. Finally, the effectiveness of the established models and the identified phenomenon are verified by experiments conducted on an EMA test rig in a laboratory environment.
Modular Self-Reconfigurable Satellite Inverse Kinematic Solution Method Based on Improved Differential Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Hu Gangxuan , Zhang Guohui , Li Yanyan , Wang Xun , An Jiping , Zhang Zhibin , Li Xinhong
Published: August 2022

The modular self-reconfigurable satellites (MSRSs) are a new type of satellite that can transform configuration in orbit autonomously. The inverse kinematics of MSRS is difficult to solve by conventional methods due to the hyper-redundant degrees of freedom. In this paper, the kinematic model of the MSRS is established, and the inverse kinematic of the MSRS is transformed into an optimal solution problem with minimum pose error and minimum energy consumption. In order to find the inverse kinematic exact solution, the refractive opposition-based learning and Cauchy mutation perturbation improved differential evolutionary algorithm (RCDE) is proposed. The performance of the algorithm was examined using benchmark functions, and it was demonstrated that the accuracy and convergence speed of the algorithm were significantly improved. Three typical cases are designed, and the results demonstrate that the optimization method is effective in solving the MSRS inverse kinematics problem.
Effects of Irrigation Method and Water Flow Rate on Irrigation Performance, Soil Salinity, Yield, and Water Productivity of Cauliflower
Authors: Okasha Abdelaziz M. , Deraz Nehad , Elmetwalli Adel H. , Elsayed Salah , Falah Mayadah W. , Farooque Aitazaz Ahsan , Yaseen Zaher Mundher
Published: August 2022

Water scarcity is a major constraint for food production, particularly in arid and semi-arid environments. In this regard, selecting the best irrigation technique is crucial to overcome water scarcity and enhance water productivity (WP) with no significant yield loss. This study aimed to assess the impact of irrigation techniques of every furrow irrigation (EFI), alternate furrow irrigation (AFI), and drip irrigation (DI), as well as the flow rate, on irrigation system performance parameters, yield, water productivity of cauliflower crop and soil salinity during the two successive growing seasons of 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 under field conditions. The treatments comprised three different irrigation inflow rates: Q1 = 0.47 L/s, Q2 = 0.95 L/s, and Q3 = 1.43 L/s. For both investigated seasons, the AFI + Q3 treatment produced the best water distribution uniformity (DU) and water application efficiency (AE) of 85.10% and 72.73%, respectively, of the surface irrigation, and DI methods across the two growing seasons produced the highest DU of 95%. DI produced the highest cauliflower curd yield (18.12 Mg/fed), followed by EFI + Q3 (12.285 Mg/fed) and AFI + Q3 (11.905 Mg/fed). The maximum mean WP value of 10.6 kg/m3 was recorded with DI, followed by AFI + Q3 (6.24 kg/m3), across the two growing seasons. DI, AFI + Q3, AFI + Q2, AFI + Q1, EFI + Q3, and EFI + Q2 saved irrigation water by 32.63, 28.71, 21.22, 18.04, 10.48, and 3.18%, respectively, compared with EFI + Q1 across the two growing seasons. During both seasons, the average value using the drip irrigation system was 3.60 dS/m. Considering the annual leaching requirements of soil, climate change conditions, and fixed costs, we recommend the use of a drip irrigation system in clayey soil to produce cauliflower, followed by the use of the alternative furrow irrigation method to enable the aeration of the same soil for a lower cost.
Combination of Sentinel-2 Satellite Images and Meteorological Data for Crop Water Requirements Estimation in Intensive Agriculture
Authors: El Hachimi Jaouad , El Harti Abderrazak , Lhissou Rachid , Ouzemou Jamal-Eddine , Chakouri Mohcine , Jellouli Amine
Published: August 2022

In arid and semi-arid regions, agriculture is an important element of the national economy, but this sector is a large consumer of water. In a context of high pressure on water resources, appropriate management is required. In semi-arid, intensive agricultural systems, such as the Tadla irrigated perimeter in central Morocco, a large amount of water is lost by evapotranspiration (ET), and farmers need an effective decision support system for good irrigation management. The main objective of this study was to combine a high spatial resolution Sentinel-2 satellite and meteorological data for estimating crop water requirements in the irrigated perimeter of Tadla and qualifying its irrigation strategy. The dual approach of the FAO-56 (Food and Agriculture Organization) model, based on the modulation of evaporative demand, was used for the estimation of crop water requirements. Sentinel-2A temporal images were used for crop type mapping and deriving the basal crop coefficient (Kcb) based on NDVI data. Meteorological data were also used in crop water requirement simulation, using SAMIR (satellite monitoring of irrigation) software. The results allowed for the spatialization of crop water requirements on a large area of irrigated crops during the 2016–2017 agricultural season. In general, the crops’ requirement for water is at its maximum during the months of March and April, and the critical period starts from February for most crops. Maps of water requirements were developed. They showed the variability over time of crop development and their estimated water requirements. The results obtained constitute an important indicator of how water should be distributed over the area in order to improve the efficiency of the irrigation scheduling strategy.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4, Fatty Acid Synthase and Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase Genes Influence Carcass Characteristics of Tropical Crossbred Beef Steers
Authors: Mwangi Felista W. , Pewan Shedrach B. , Otto John R. , Adegboye Oyelola A. , Charmley Edward , Gardiner Christopher P. , Malau-Aduli Bunmi S. , Kinobe Robert T. , Malau-Aduli Aduli E. O.
Published: August 2022

This study explored the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), and fatty acid synthase (FASN) genes that may influence the carcass traits of tropical crossbred beef cattle. The hypothesis tested was that SNP in the FABP4, SCD, and FASN genes are associated with chiller-assessed carcass traits of tropically adapted northern Australian crossbred beef cattle. Fifty Bos indicus and Bos taurus crossbred steers were backgrounded on either buffel grass only, or buffel grass and desmanthus mixed pastures for 147 days and finished in a commercial feedlot for 110 days. Steers were slaughtered within 48 h of leaving the feedlot within a lairage period not exceeding 12 h and carcasses graded 12 h after slaughter. Next-generation sequencing of the FASN, FABP4, and SCD genes identified multiple SNP loci that were correlated and significantly associated with carcass traits. The FABP4 g.44677205A>G locus was significantly associated with hump height and correlated with loin eye muscle area (EMA; p < 0.05). Polymorphism in the SCD gene g.21275851C>A locus was associated with subcutaneous fat depth and marbling score (p < 0.05). The CC genotype had a higher subcutaneous fat depth and marbling score (p < 0.05) than the AA genotype. Significant correlations were observed between carcass marbling score and subcutaneous fat depth within the FASN SNP locus (p < 0.05). Therefore, the hypothesis that SNP in the FABP4, SCD, and FASN genes are associated with chiller-assessed carcass traits of tropically adapted northern Australian crossbred beef cattle was accepted. These findings suggest that SNP in the FABP4, SCD, and FASN genes may be used in carcass grading and meat quality improvement through marker-assisted selection of northern Australian crossbred beef cattle.
Modest Ag-Extension and Access to Seeds of Aromatic Rice Can Boost Returns of Smallholder Farmers in Uganda, A Case Study
Authors: Alibu Simon , Obura Morish , Ekebu James , Nampamya Doreen , Lamo Jimmy , Asea Godfrey , Park Tae-Seon
Published: August 2022

Limited farmer access to quality seeds of improved varieties and knowledge gaps in good agronomic practices are the major factors limiting rice productivity among smallholder farmers in Uganda. Promoting high yielding aromatic rice varieties alongside good agronomic practices can unlock commercial opportunities for smallholder farmers in rice cultivation, given that 80% of rice consumers in Uganda prefer aromatic rice, which is in short supply. This case study highlights a project’s achievements to accelerate the adoption of improved aromatic rice varieties among smallholder farmers in Uganda. This project supported a few selected farmers with the seed of a new aromatic rice variety, NARORICE-1, and equipped them with agronomic skills to raise their yields from an average of 3.1 to 4.1 t/ha. Line transplanting was identified as a crucial technology to increase rice yields among smallholders. Costly and inaccessible crop-enhancing inputs such as seeds and fertilizers, and an unfair distribution of irrigation water were the two main obstacles farmers face in rice production. Farmers valued NARORICE-1 for its aroma, high yield, and early maturity. The project’s training of a community seed producer improved farmers’ access to NARORICE-1 seeds, increasing its adoption by 20% in two years. NARORICE-1 is much more in demand than any other variety and attracts a better price, making it an ideal innovation for increasing productivity and farmer’s incomes. An effective seed system and continuous farmer training are vital for accelerating impact.
Research on Wet Clutch Switching Quality in the Shifting Stage of an Agricultural Tractor Transmission System
Authors: Chen Yuting , Cheng Zhun , Qian Yu
Published: August 2022

In order to improve the working quality of wet clutch switching in an agricultural tractor, in this paper, we took a power shift system composed of multiple wet clutches as the research object for full-factorial performance measurement, multi-factor analysis of the degree of influence, establishment of a single evaluation index model, formation of a comprehensive evaluation index, and formulation of adjustable factor control strategies. We studied the simulation test platform of an agricultural tractor power transmission system based on the SimulationX software and obtained 225 sets of sample data under a full-use condition. Partial least squares and range analysis were applied to comprehensively analyze the influence of multiple factors on the working quality of wet clutches. In this paper, we proposed a modeling method for a single evaluation index of the wet clutch (combined with polynomial regression and tentative method, the goal is determined in the form of a model with the maximum coefficient of determination) and two control strategy optimization methods for the wet clutch adjustable factors, i.e., Method 1 (integrated optimization) and Method 2 (step-by-step optimization), both methods were based on an improved genetic algorithm. The results showed that oil pressure, flow rate, and load had significant effects on the dynamic load characteristics (the degrees were 0.38, −0.44, and −0.63, respectively, with a negative sign representing an inverse correlation); rate of flow and load had significant effects on speed drop characteristics (the degrees were −0.56 and 0.73, respectively). A multivariate first-order linear model accurately described the dynamic load characteristics (R2 = 0.9371). The accuracy of the dynamic load characteristic model was improved by 5.5037% after adding the second-order term and interaction term of oil pressure. The polynomial model containing the first-order oil pressure, first-order flow rate, second-order flow rate, and interaction terms could explain the speed drop characteristics, with an R2 of 0.9927. If agricultural tractors operate under medium and large loads, the oil pressure and flow rate in their definitional domains should be small and large values, respectively; if operating under small loads, both oil pressure and flow rate should be high. When the wet clutch dynamic load and speed drop characteristics were improved, the sliding friction energy loss also decreased synchronously (the reduction could reach 70.19%).
A Multi-Flexible-Fingered Roller Pineapple Harvesting Mechanism
Authors: Liu Tianhu , Liu Wei , Zeng Tingjun , Cheng Yifeng , Zheng Yan , Qiu Jian
Published: August 2022

Research on the mechanical harvesting of pineapples is currently in its early stages. The purpose of this study is to provide a design and configure a method for multi-flexible-fingered roller pineapple harvester. Depending on the physical and mechanical characteristics of pineapples, the evaluation function for the critical damage condition of the fruit was established. Our experimental results revealed the optimal parameters for pineapple harvesting were as follows: the rollers of the harvesting mechanism should be inclined at 35°, the left flexible fingers should be 120 mm long, the gap between each of the left flexible fingers should be 30 mm, the length of the right flexible fingers should be 150 mm long, and the gap between each of the right flexible fingers should be 10 mm. The harvesting rate was 85% and the damage rate was 5% in the laboratory; in the natural environment, harvesting rate and damage rate were 78% and 8% respectively, and the harvesting speed was about 1 s per fruit, which demonstrated the harvesting machinery could sufficiently meet the usage demand of pineapple harvesting. In the cases of unsuccessful harvesting, failure resulted from mismatched flexible finger length, fruit size, and harvesting posture and position.
Using Computational Fluid Dynamics to Evaluate High Tunnel Roof Vent Designs
Authors: Lewus David C. , Both Arend Jan
Published: August 2022

Freestanding high tunnels are cost-effective, plastic film-covered growing structures that use very little to no modern environmental control technology. Natural ventilation is used to control temperature and humidity. Typically, ventilation openings are created along the sides by manually rolling up a section of the plastic film cover. While common on greenhouses, roof vents are not typically part of high tunnel designs used in the United States. This paper focuses on high tunnel ventilation during the summer, when maximizing the air exchange rate results in a low differential between inside and outside air temperatures. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were used to evaluate the effects of several roof vent designs on the air flow rate through the high tunnel and the inside air temperature. The CFD models were developed and validated using environmental data collected at the Pennsylvania State University High Tunnel Research and Education Facility (Rock Springs, PA, USA). Five ventilation designs were simulated using a commercial CFD software package that was augmented with a radiation and crop architecture model. A root mean square error of 0.87 °C was found between the measured and simulated high tunnel temperatures (n = 144). The designs with roof vents were found to increase mass-based ventilation rates through the high tunnel by 20% to 78%. However, they did not lower inside air temperature more than 0.1 °C compared to the traditional design with roll-up side vents only. Additional research is needed to evaluate whether the control of other environmental parameters and weather conditions warrants the use of high tunnel roof vents, especially for humidity control and the combination of high temperature with low wind speed conditions.
Evaluating Chemical Suppression Treatments to Alter the Red: Far-Red Ratio in Perennial Groundcovers for Maize Production
Authors: Bartel Cynthia A. , Moore Kenneth J. , Fei Shui-zhang , Lenssen Andrew W. , Hintz Roger L. , Kling Samantha M.
Published: August 2022

Perennial groundcover (PGC) has great potential to deliver ecosystem service benefits and control weeds in annual row crop systems. Inadequately suppressed PGC, however, acts as an early-season weed, causing a shade avoidance response (SAR) in maize (Zea mays L.) before the critical period for weed control (CPWC) even with resource abundance. The SAR results from a low red to far-red light shift, impairing early season plant growth and decreasing yield. A field study was conducted in Ames, IA, USA to assess application timing of groundcover suppression chemicals on maize growth and development. Two suppression chemical treatments (paraquat or paraquat + glufosinate) were each applied to “Midnight” Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) PGC once on the day of maize planting (DOP) or consecutive maize stages from VE to V6 in a randomized complete block design with unsuppressed groundcover control. Response variables included maize plant height, maize phenological development stage, reflected red:far-red (R:FR) ratio above the PGC canopy, early vegetative and final maize plant density, maize yield and components, and weed communities. Suppression increased reflected R:FR ratio from the groundcover immediately after application. Where suppression was applied at later stages, low R:FR ratio during early vegetative growth stages triggered a maize SAR and maize plant etiolation. Final maize plant height and yield were greater in PGC suppressed at earlier maize stages, although no suppression treatment provided adequate suppression duration. Paraquat + glufosinate more effectively suppressed groundcover overall and limited groundcover competition, producing 8% greater maize grain yield than paraquat alone in year 1, and 13% greater stover and 8% greater total aboveground biomass (TAB) in year 2. Weather conditions influenced chemical suppression efficacy in year 2, emphasizing the importance of identifying reliable chemical suppression to support grain yield from the day of maize planting.
Gibberellin Increased Yield of Sesbania pea Grown under Saline Soils by Improving Antioxidant Enzyme Activities and Photosynthesis
Authors: Guo Xiaoqian , Wu Qidi , Zhu Guanglong , Hussien Ibrahim Muhi Eldeen , Zhou Guisheng
Published: August 2022

Crop yield is the ultimate manifestation of all physiological changes of crops and external environmental influence. A controlled study was conducted to investigate the effects of exogenous gibberellin on the morphological and physiological characteristics and yield formation of sesbania pea grown in saline soils. Seeds were presoaked with four levels of Gibberellin (GA3) solutions (0, 202.1, 404.2 and 606.3 µM) for 6 h, and then manually direct-sown with a seeding rate of 45 kg ha−1. The morphological parameters (plant height, root length, dry weight), photosynthesis (chlorophyll a and b content), the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD); peroxidase (POD); catalase (CAT)), the contents of soluble protein and NSC (non-structural carbohydrates), and seed yield increased with the application of exogenous gibberellin, especially at the level of 404.2 µM GA3. But GA3 had no significant effects on 1000-seed weight. Our study suggested that the appropriate application of exogenous gibberellin could improve the yield of sesbania pea grown in saline soils by increasing photosynthesis and antioxidative defense.
Cytokinins and Gibberellins Stimulate the Flowering and Post-Harvest Longevity of Flowers and Leaves of Calla Lilies (Zantedeschia Spreng.) with Colourful Inflorescence Spathes
Authors: Janowska Beata , Andrzejak Roman
Published: August 2022

Since the 1990s, the world has seen an increased interest in Zantedeschia with colourful inflorescence spathes. In Poland, its cultivation began much later. The reasons for this phenomenon can be traced to the high price of rhizomes reproduced in the United States of America, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Kenya. The area of reproductive plantations is increasing every year, but this does not affect the decrease in the price of rhizomes, which is the main reason that only a few producers are cultivating Zantedeschia cultivars in Poland. Producers offer rhizomes in various sizes, with flowering expected only from the largest ones. However, the yield of cut flowers that can be obtained from them is often not very satisfactory and is not compensated by the price that can be obtained from the sale of the flowers. It is the low yield of cut flowers that is the main problem in the cultivation of Zantedeschia cultivars, hence research conducted worldwide focuses on the use of growth regulators from the group of cytokinins (CKs) and gibberellins (GAs) in the cultivation of Zantedeschia with colourful inflorescence spathes. The post-harvest life of flowers and leaves of cultivated Zantedeschia cultivars is also an important problem. This review presents the results of research conducted over the years to improve the flowering and post-harvest life of the flowers and leaves of Zantedeschia with colourful inflorescence spathes.
Exogenously Applied Salicylic Acid Boosts Morpho-Physiological Traits, Yield, and Water Productivity of Lowland Rice under Normal and Deficit Irrigation
Authors: El Sherbiny Heba Abdelhamid , El-Hashash Essam F. , Abou El-Enin Moamen M. , Nofal Randa Samir , Abd El-Mageed Taia A. , Bleih Eman Mohamed , El-Saadony Mohamed T. , El-Tarabily Khaled A. , Shaaban Ahmed
Published: August 2022

The main constraint on rice cultivation in the Mediterranean area is the limited irrigation and its large water consumption. In addition, rice is very sensitive to drought conditions because of drought stress on morpho-physiological traits and yield reduction. The application of salicylic acid (SA) has been noticed to be very effective in alleviating the adverse effects of drought stress on rice. The current investigation was conducted as a split-split arrangement under a randomized complete block design with two lowland rice cultivars (Giza177 and Giza179) and SA as a foliar application at four concentrations (0, 400, 700, and 1000 µM) under normal and drought conditions. The results showed that plant growth, leaf photosynthetic pigments, yields, and the most studied traits were significantly affected by irrigation (I), cultivar (C), and SA concentration (p ≤ 0.05 or 0.01). The interaction effect of I × C × SA was only significant on the carotenoids content (p ≤ 0.05). The reduction in grain yield and most studied traits was more pronounced under drought conditions. The Giza179 proved to be a drought-tolerant cultivar under all SA concentrations under drought conditions, while Giza177 was a drought-sensitive cultivar. The application of 700 µM SA gave the best grain yield in both rice cultivars under drought conditions compared to other SA concentrations. Grain yield for normal irrigation (Yp) and drought stress (Ys) conditions were highly positively correlated with indices of the mean productivity (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP), stress tolerance index (STI), yield index (YI), yield stability index (YSI), drought resistance index (DI), harmonic mean (HM), and golden mean (GOL). While they are highly negatively correlated with the indices of the stress susceptibility index (SSI), tolerance index (TOL), yield reduction ratio (YR), stress susceptibility percentage index (SSPI), and abiotic tolerance index (ATI). It could be concluded that SA, as a growth regulator, could be used to alleviate the harmful effect of inadequate water availability in soil on rice cultivars as well as to improve the growth, water productivity, and grain yield.
The Effect of Mulch Materials on Selected Soil Properties, Yield and Grape Quality in Vineyards under Central European Conditions
Authors: Burg Patrik , Čížková Alice , Mašán Vladimír , Sedlar Aleksandar , Matwijczuk Arkadiusz , Souček Jiří
Published: August 2022

The results of this study provide overall information on the verification of the effect of applying two different mulching materials of an organic origin to the soil surface in the area between rows of grape vines in vineyards on selected physical and chemical properties of the soil and, at the same time, on the yield and quality parameters of the grape vines (Vitis vinifera L.). During the period under study, 2018–2020, the effect of shredded cereal straw (CS) and compost from garden waste (CO) was investigated. The control variant (CWC) was left without any cover and was regularly cultivated with a coulter cultivator to a depth of 60 mm. During the experiments, meteorological data were monitored and recorded along with soil temperature and soil moisture for each variant. The results show that the lowest temperature was measured for the straw cover variant (11.10–11.87 °C), while the highest soil temperature was measured for compost (11.93–13.16 °C). Under the straw, the moisture level in the soil was higher compared to the other variants, and there was a gradual increase (of 3%) in soil bulk density values compared to the baseline. By contrast, the compost variant showed a decrease (of 1%) in bulk density values. The differences in nutrient content were slight among the variants. The only statistically significant difference was identified for the compost variant with respect to the content of total nitrogen and phosphorus. Further results demonstrated a positive effect of both mulch material variants on grape yield, which was 6–19% higher in the variants with a cover layer. In addition, the use of mulch also had a positive effect on grape quality. For example, the sugar content—one of the main quality parameters—increased by 1–7% due to the mulch layer. Based on these results, the use of mulching materials can be recommended for areas with low total rainfall during the growing season, as well as when growing varieties with irregular yields and uneven grape quality.
Assessing the Social Cohesion of a Translocated Pride of White Lions Integrated with Wild Tawny Lions in South Africa, Using Social Network Analysis
Authors: Turner Jason A. , de Iongh Hans , Dunston-Clarke Emma J.
Published: August 2022

In South Africa, lions are protected in national parks and smaller fenced reserves. Translocating lions between fenced reserves, whilst necessary to maintain genetic diversity, is disruptive and can impact survivorship and pride cohesion. Critical to translocation success is pride cohesion. White lions are a natural colour variant occurring in the Greater Kruger Park Region, where anthropogenic threats eliminated this population until reintroduction in 2006. Through social network analysis (SNA), the sociality of a released pride of captive-origin white and wild tawny lions was compared to two captive-origin and wild prides of tawny lions. Social interactions and pride dynamics were recorded for each pride. For all prides, cubs and subadults were central to the play network, while adults received the most social interactions. White and wild tawny adult males initiated more social interactions than captive-origin tawny males, whilst a keystone adult female was identified in each pride. For the constructed pride, social interactions were more evenly distributed, suggesting a high level of connectedness and cohesion. This is the first study to demonstrate that captive-origin white and wild tawny lions can form a socially functional pride, suggesting that white lions would survive in the wild in the absence of anthropogenic threats.
Female Cuckoo Calls Deceive Their Hosts by Evoking Nest-Leaving Behavior: Variation under Different Levels of Parasitism
Authors: Wang Jiaojiao , Ma Laikun , Chen Xiangyang , Yang Canchao
Published: August 2022

The common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) is an obligate brood parasite that has evolved a series of strategies to trick its hosts. The female cuckoo has been hypothesized to mimic the appearance and sounds of several raptors to deceive the hosts into exhibiting anti-predator behavior. Such behavior would relax the protection of the host nest and thus allow the female cuckoo to approach the host nest unopposed. Many anti-parasite strategies have been found to vary among geographical populations due to different parasitic pressures from cuckoos. However, the effect of female cuckoo calls related to different levels of parasitic pressure has not been examined. Here, we studied the effect of female cuckoo calls on the oriental reed warbler (Acrocephalus orientalis), one of the major hosts of the common cuckoo, in two geographical populations experiencing different levels of parasite pressure. Four kinds of sounds were played back to the hosts: the calls from female common cuckoos, male common cuckoos, sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus), and oriental turtle doves (Streptopelia orientalis). The results showed that the female cuckoo calls induced the hosts to leave their nests more frequently than the male cuckoo or dove calls in both populations, and two populations of the hosts reacted similarly to the female cuckoo calls, implying that the function of female cuckoo calls would not be affected by the difference in parasitism rate. This study indicates that female cuckoo calls function to distract the hosts’ attention from protecting their nests. However, we propose that such a deception by the female cuckoo call may not be due to the mimicry of sparrowhawk calls, but rather that the rapid cadence of the call that causes a sense of anxiety in the hosts.
Association of Herd Size with Stillbirth and Dystocia Rates in Japanese Black Cattle
Authors: Misaka Moe , Uematsu Mizuho , Kitahara Go , Osawa Takeshi , Sasaki Yosuke
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of herd size on stillbirth and dystocia rates; the relationships between herd size, calving season, parity, and gestation length in Japanese Black cattle were also explored. Data were collected for 41,184 calvings from 15,512 animals on 905 farms between 2006 and 2010. In this study, herds were classified into three groups based on size: small (1–10 cows), medium (11–50 cows), and large (≥51 cows). Herd size had an effect on the dystocia rate (p < 0.05) but not the stillbirth rate. Additionally, interactions between herd size and gestation length were associated with the dystocia rate (p < 0.05), and the dystocia rate was the highest in small herds, followed by medium and large herds for cows with a gestation length of 281–300 days, which is considered a pregnancy of normal duration. In summary, in Japanese Black cattle, there were different effects of herd size on the stillbirth rate and dystocia rates, as herd size was associated with the dystocia rate but not with the stillbirth rate.
Andrographolide and Deoxyandrographolide Inhibit Protease and IFN-Antagonist Activities of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus 3Cpro
Authors: Theerawatanasirikul Sirin , Lueangaramkul Varanya , Thangthamniyom Nattarat , Chankeeree Penpitcha , Semkum Ploypailin , Lekcharoensuk Porntippa
Published: August 2022

Foot-and mouth-disease (FMD) caused by the FMD virus (FMDV) is highly contagious and negatively affects livestock worldwide. The control of the disease requires a combination of measures, including vaccination; however, there is no specific treatment available. Several studies have shown that plant-derived products with antiviral properties were effective on viral diseases. Herein, antiviral activities of andrographolide (AGL), deoxyandrographolide (DAG), and neoandrographolide (NEO) against FMDV serotype A were investigated using an in vitro cell-based assay. The results showed that AGL and DAG inhibited FMDV in BHK-21 cells. The inhibitory effects of AGL and DAG were evaluated by RT-qPCR and exhibited EC50 values of 52.18 ± 0.01 µM (SI = 2.23) and 36.47 ± 0.07 µM (SI = 9.22), respectively. The intracellular protease assay revealed that AGL and DAG inhibited FMDV 3Cpro with IC50 of 67.43 ± 0.81 and 25.58 ± 1.41 µM, respectively. Additionally, AGL and DAG significantly interfered with interferon (IFN) antagonist activity of the 3Cpro by derepressing interferon-stimulating gene (ISGs) expression. The molecular docking confirmed that the andrographolides preferentially interacted with the 3Cpro active site. However, NEO had no antiviral effect in any of the assays. Conclusively, AGL and DAG inhibited FMDV serotype A by interacting with the 3Cpro and hindered its protease and IFN antagonist activities.
Antimicrobial Resistance Trends of Escherichia coli Isolates: A Three-Year Prospective Study of Poultry Production in Spain
Authors: Sevilla-Navarro Sandra , Catalá-Gregori Pablo , Torres-Boncompte Jan , Orenga Maria Teresa , Garcia-Llorens Josep , Cortés Verónica
Published: August 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a major threat to health worldwide. Poultry products are one of the main threats, due to the transmission of antimicrobial resistance genes throughout the food chain. Escherichia coli is the main cause of mortality in the poultry industry, mainly mitigated with antibiotics, but due to the high genetic strain variability, recurrent outbreaks of multidrug resistant E. coli take place. The major challenge to tackling AMR is understanding the burden of resistance. For this reason, one of the main strategies is monitoring AMR by phenotypic characterisation. Our study aimed to monitor the resistance of E. coli strains isolated from the poultry sector over a period of three years (2019–2021) to provide information on the resistance magnitude and trends. Promising results have been found concerning the low frequency of resistance to cephalosporins, polymyxin, and fluoroquinolones. However, levels of resistance found to antimicrobials such as erythromycin (100%), tylosin (98%), or penicillin (97%) suggest the need to continue working on the limitation of use of antimicrobials in poultry to achieve the demise of MDR.
Transcriptional Regulator DasR Represses Daptomycin Production through Both Direct and Cascade Mechanisms in Streptomyces roseosporus
Authors: Chen Qiong , Zhu Jianya , Li Xingwang , Wen Ying
Published: August 2022

Daptomycin, produced by Streptomyces roseosporus, is a clinically important cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic used for the treatment of human infections caused by drug-resistant Gram-positive pathogens. In contrast to most Streptomyces antibiotic biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), daptomycin BGC has no cluster-situated regulator (CSR) genes. DasR, a GntR-family transcriptional regulator (TR) widely present in the genus, was shown to regulate antibiotic production in model species S. coelicolor by binding to promoter regions of CSR genes. New findings reported here reveal that DasR pleiotropically regulates production of daptomycin and reddish pigment, and morphological development in S. roseosporus. dasR deletion enhanced daptomycin production and morphological development, but reduced pigment production. DasR inhibited daptomycin production by directly repressing dpt structural genes and global regulatory gene adpA (whose product AdpA protein activates daptomycin production and morphological development). DasR-protected regions on dptEp and adpAp contained a 16 nt sequence similar to the consensus DasR-binding site dre in S. coelicolor. AdpA was shown to target dpt structural genes and dptR2 (which encodes a DeoR-family TR required for daptomycin production). A 10 nt sequence similar to the consensus AdpA-binding site was found on target promoter regions dptAp and dptR2p. This is the first demonstration that DasR regulates antibiotic production both directly and through a cascade mechanism. The findings expand our limited knowledge of the regulatory network underlying daptomycin production, and will facilitate methods for construction of daptomycin overproducers.
The Effect of Different Colistin Dosing Regimens on Nephrotoxicity: A Cohort Study
Authors: Samarkos Michael , Papanikolaou Konstantinos , Sourdi Athena , Paisios Nikolaos , Mainas Efstratios , Paramythiotou Elisabeth , Antoniadou Anastasia , Sambatakou Helen , Gargalianos-Kakolyris Panayiotis , Skoutelis Athanasios , Daikos George L.
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: It is not known whether different daily dosing schemes have different effects on colistin nephrotoxicity. We examined the effect of once- versus twice- or thrice-daily doses of colistin on renal function. (2) Methods: We performed a multicenter retrospective cohort study of hospitalized patients with a baseline glomerular filtration rate ≥ 50 mL/min who received intravenously the same colistin dose once (regimen A), twice (regimen B) or thrice daily (regimen C). The primary endpoint was acute kidney injury (AKI), defined as fulfilment of any of the RIFLE (Risk-Injury-Failure-Loss-End stage renal disease) criteria. (3) Results: We included 306 patients; 132 (43.1%) received regimen A, 151 (49.3%) regimen B, and 23 (7.5%) regimen C. Ninety-nine (32.4%) patients developed AKI; there was no difference between regimen A vs. B and C [45 (34.1%) vs. 54 (31.0%), p = 0.57]. In a propensity score–matched cohort, AKI was similar in patients receiving Regimen A, Regimen B, and Regimen C (31.6% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.78). On logistic regression analysis, diabetes was an independent predictor of AKI (OR = 4.59, 95% CI 2.03–10.39, p = 0.001) while eGFR > 80 mL/min (OR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.25–0.99, p = 0.048) was inversely associated with AKI. (4) Conclusions: Colistin once daily is not more nephrotoxic than the standard colistin regimens. The only independent predictor of nephrotoxicity was diabetes mellitus, while eGFR > 80 mL/min had a protective effect.
Fecal Carriage of Escherichia coli Harboring the tet(X4)-IncX1 Plasmid from a Tertiary Class-A Hospital in Beijing, China
Authors: Zhai Weishuai , Tian Yingxin , Shao Dongyan , Zhang Muchen , Li Jiyun , Song Huangwei , Sun Chengtao , Wang Yang , Liu Dejun , Zhang Ying
Published: August 2022

The emergence of the mobile tigecycline-resistance gene, tet(X4), poses a significant threat to public health. To investigate the prevalence and genetic characteristics of the tet(X4)-positive Escherichia coli in humans, 1101 human stool samples were collected from a tertiary class-A hospital in Beijing, China, in 2019. Eight E. coli isolates that were positive for tet(X4) were identified from clinical departments of oncology (n = 3), hepatology (n = 2), nephrology (n = 1), urology (n = 1), and general surgery (n = 1). They exhibited resistance to multiple antibiotics, including tigecycline, but remained susceptible to meropenem and polymyxin B. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that the clonal spread of four tet(X4)-positive E. coli from different periods of time or departments existed in this hospital, and three isolates were phylogenetically close to the tet(X4)-positive E. coli from animals and the environment. All tet(X4)-positive E. coli isolates contained the IncX1-plasmid replicon. Three isolates successfully transferred their tigecycline resistance to the recipient strain, C600, demonstrating that the plasmid-mediated horizontal gene transfer constitutes another critical mechanism for transmitting tet(X4). Notably, all tet(X4)-bearing plasmids identified in this study had a high similarity to several plasmids recovered from animal-derived strains. Our findings revealed the importance of both the clonal spread and horizontal gene transfer in the spread of tet(X4) within human clinics and between different sources.
Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Producing Enterobacterales in Healthy Community Dogs in Israel
Authors: Shnaiderman-Torban Anat , Navon-Venezia Shiri , Baron Hadar , Abu-Ahmad Wiessam , Arielly Haya , Zizelski Valenci Gal , Nissan Israel , Paitan Yossi , Steinman Amir
Published: August 2022

Background: antimicrobial resistance is a global problem in human and veterinary medicine. We aimed to investigate the extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE) gut colonization in healthy community dogs in Israel. Methods: Rectal swabs were sampled from 145 healthy dogs, enriched, plated on selective plates, sub-cultured to obtain pure cultures, and ESBL production was confirmed. Bacterial species and antibiotic susceptibility profiles were identified. WGS was performed on all of the ESBL-PE isolates and their resistomes were identified in silico. Owners’ questionnaires were collected for risk factor analysis. Results: ESBL-PE gut colonization rate was 6.2% (n = 9/145, 95% CI 2.9–11.5). Overall, ten isolates were detected (one dog had two isolates); the main species was Escherichia coli (eight isolates), belonging to diverse phylogenetic groups—B1, A and C. Two isolates were identified as Citrobacter braakii, and C. portucalensis. A phylogenetic analysis indicated that all of the isolates were genetically unrelated and sporadic. The isolates possessed diverse ESBL genes and antibiotic-resistance gene content, suggesting independent ESBL spread. In a multivariable risk factor analysis, coprophagia was identified as a risk factor for ESBL-PE gut colonization (p = 0.048, aOR = 4.408, 95% CI 1.014–19.169). Conclusions: healthy community dogs may be colonized with ESBL-PE MDR strains, some of which were previously reported in humans, that carry wide and diverse resistomes and may serve as a possible source for AMR.
Oxo-Carotenoids as Efficient Superoxide Radical Scavengers
Authors: Shi Gaosheng , Kim Hyein , Koo Sangho
Published: August 2022

Oxo-carotenoids containing conjugated carbonyl groups in their chains were designed to be more efficient superoxide radical scavengers than natural carotenoids, β-carotene and canthaxanthin. A practical chain-extension method for polyene dials (e.g., crocetin dial) was also proposed based on Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons olefination. Double aldol condensation between polyene dials and acetophenones with ring substituents produced oxo-carotenoids with substituted benzene rings. The antioxidant activity of oxo-carotenoids was measured using DPPH (radical) and ABTS (cationic radical) scavenging assays and compared with the analysis with the superoxide (anionic radical) probe. An effective conjugation length by carbon–carbon double bonds is important to provide superior antioxidant activity for oxo-carotenoids, regardless of the type of radical probe used in the assay. Increasing electron density is favorable to strong antioxidant activity in DPPH, and the phenol group is favored in ABTS, whereas electron deficient oxo-carotenoids are very potent in the superoxide radical assay. All oxo-carotenoids exhibited 105~151% better superoxide radical scavenging activity compared to beta-carotene (100%), whereas 38~155% in DPPH and 16~96% in ABTS radical scavenging activities were observed.