bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Bacterial Contamination of Some Traditional Frozen Fish in Some Local Markets in Tikrit City
Authors: Albassam Nuha hameed , Al-Doori Marwa Muzahim , shamkhi Intisar abduljabbar
Published: November 2021

This study was aimed to investigate bacterial contamination in frozen fish form samples collected from some local markets in several neighborhoods of Tikrit city. Thirty samples of frozen fish were collected for two types of fish common carp and fish fillet, laboratory bacterial isolation and diagnosis showed Staph. aurues samples constitute highest proportion of isolations which followed by Aeromonaus hydrophyla, E.coli, Psudomonas. Spp and Salmonella ( 7,6, 5 and 3) isolations. Bacterial number of isolations has been calculated where it showed a variant in number of bacterial colonies, Staph. aurues which recorded the highest rate in colonies number. Chemical analyses to estimate the amount of protein and fat showed 9.43, 7.31% of protein and 3.9, 8.66 % fat, so as to moisture was high in both carp and elephant fish 80.5, 75.72% and ash 2.31, 7% in carp and fish fillet, respectively. The results of current study shows there are an inverse relationship between both used fish in study and the moisture in the fish.
Determine The Genetic Variation of Phenotypic Groups of Quail (Different With Feathers Color ) Using The Chain Polymerase Reaction Technique (PCR)
Authors: Al-Neemy Majid A. S. , Tawfeq Esraa Mohammed , Hadi Haitham Mohammed Sabeeh
Published: November 2021

The main objective of this research was to specify the hereditary variation associated with the plumage color in three local genotypes of Japanese quail which bred in two geographical locations. The birds distributed on six treatments with five birds for each depending on the feather's color and geographical locations. DNA extraction was executed from the blood samples of each treatment and amplified by thermo cycler apparatus and the electrophoresis was done using 1.5% agarose gel for DNA bands exhibiting. Genotype influence has been shown that the black color quail B1 of the agricultural research station in the city of Mosul showed maximum genetic similarity with the Black quail B2 of Tikrit University with a value of 0.9549, the highest genetic similarity between different colors found between B1 and W2 that amounted to 0.9391 based on the similarity index (band sharing). While, the least genetic similarity observed between B2 and W1, which went down to 0.8468. Genetic difference values among studied quail groups showed that the groups B2 and W1 in the higher genetic variation, whereas the least genetic difference found between B1 and B2 groups. The average of dissimilarities for each group with all others varied between the values 0.1203 - 0.0851. The present work prove that the effectiveness of RAPD markers in knowing the similarity and specify the inherited relationship within the quail varieties.
Effect of Plant Spacing and Spraying With Zinc in The Growth and Yield of The Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare)
Authors: Al-Jubory Wesam Hamad , Al-Jubory Amer Badawy , Mohammdedi Akeel Najim AL
Published: November 2021

A field experiment was carried out during the 2020-2021 winter season, in Al-Alam district, east of Tikrit, to determine the effect of plant spacing and spraying with zinc in the growth and yield of the fennel. The experiment study of the effect of different distances are (10,15 and 20 cm) and three concentrations are (0,15 and 20 g/l). The experiment carried out within the system of testing the factorial experiment has been used according to random complete block design (R.C.B.D) with three blocks. Considered statistically analyzed the data according to the design of and experience and compared to averages of transactions based on test least significant difference (L.S.D) 5% Level of moral study results showed. The planting distance of 10 cm gave the highest rate of plant height reached 71.41 cm, and the planting distance of 20 cm showed a significant increase in the two characteristics of the number of flowers in the main flower and the number of flowering inflorescences in the plant with the increase in planting distance reached 197.75/flower and the highest rate of the number of flowering reached 16.89 inflorescences/flower. The result showed the spray treatment with a concentration of 15 g/liter was superior in the characteristic of the number of flowers in the main inflorescence and the number of flowering inflorescences in the plant, respectively.
Study of Contamination of Some Plants With Some Heavy Metals and Study The Presence of Cyanide in Plants in The City of Mosul
Authors: Mohammed Mishaal Ali
Published: November 2021

The research included a study on the presence of some heavy metals, including copper, iron and zinc in some medicinal plants circulating in the city of Mosul, as well as the study of the presence of cyanide in some other plants, when measuring the concentration of iron in saffron was less concentrated among plants of 0.797 mg/kg, followed by anise 7.3417 mg/kg, followed by mint 10.87 mg/kg. Kg and high concentrations appeared in the coriander plant, where the iron concentration was 486.6 mg/kg, ginger bread 396.49 mg/kg and corn 200.1 mg/kg and Marjoram 154.2 mg/kg, either Measuring the concentration of potters in medicinal plants in saffron plant was the lowest concentration of all plants used in the study and was 0.304 mg/kg followed by anise 7.8 mg/kg, followed by oranges 17.58 mg/kg, and high concentrations of coriander 179.2 mg/kg, ginger 111.3 mg/kg, while measuring of the concentration of copper in the medicinal plants used in the study the ratio of copper in saffron was low and amounted to 0.377 mg/kg (Dry weight), the highest concentration of copper was in the coriander plant, which was 120.922 mg/kg, ginger copper concentration was 50.78 mg/kg, and for the rest of the plants the concentration of copper ranged from (2.93 to 36.1) 22 mg/kg), while when measuring the iron ratio in the medicinal plants used in the study, and in a study The concentration of cyanide in plants (diphtheloide, apple seeds, perfalathseeds, henna seeds, castor seeds) by Spectrophotometer has been obtained different cyanide concentrations in these plants in the diphtherty the highest ratio of cyanide is 71.4 micrograms/30g (dry weight) followed by castor seeds 64.05 micrograms/30g, followed by henna seeds 31.36 mcg/30g, while in apple seeds the concentration of cyanide was 29.6 μg/30g and orange seeds 10.95 mcg/30g.
Effect of The Combined Application of Organic and Mineral Fertilizers on The Growth and Yield of Broccoli (Brassica Oleracea Var.Italica)
Authors: Al-Bayati Hussien J.M. , Allela Waleed B.A.M. , Salim Nagham Salah , Ibraheem Fathel F. R.
Published: November 2021

The experiment was carried out in the vegetable field of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape during the winter agricultural season 2019-2020. The study aimed to investigate the effects of organic fertilization (Tecamine Max) at a concentration of 4 ml.L-1 and chemical fertilization with compound fertilizer N25P5K10 at average of 400 kg.ha-1 and a mixture of the two mentioned fertilizers in different levels. In addition to examine the comparison treatment in the vegetative growth and yield of broccoli. The study included 6 treatments implemented in the field using Randomized Complete Block Design RCBD with three replications. The results showed that all fertilizing treatments achieved the significant differences compare to control treatment in all studied vegetative growth traits. In general, combination of 100 kg chemical fertilization. ha-1 + 7 ml.L-1 of organic extract (Tecamine Max) showed the best values in both of head weight and the heads yield (459.72 g.plant-1 and 28,732 t. ha-1) respectively.
Study of Foliar Application of Nutritional Solution and Seaweeds Extract on Growth of Limes (Citrus Aurantifolia)
Authors: Aja Kadhim Jawad , Al-Abbasi Ghalib Bahio Aboud
Published: November 2021

This study was conducted in a certified citrus production nursery in Karbala province, Al-Hindiya district for the season 2020, on seedlings of lime (Citrus aurantifolia) rootstock at the age of 6 months, Where it was sprayed with the nutrient solution Biumin 221 at concentrations (0, 1.5, 2, 2.5 g.L-1) and Basfoliar Kelp seaweed extracts with concentrations (0, 1.5, 3, 4.5) ml.L-1. The results showed that spraying the seedlings with single and combined study treatments led to a significant increase in the average seedling length, number of branches, number of leaves, leaf area and dry weight of the vegetative and root system, where the treatment (2.5 g. L-1 nutrient solution + 4.5 ml.L-1 seaweed extracts)was excelled and gave the highest average of most traits. Where the interaction treatment between the concentration (2.5 g.L-1 for the nutrient solution with a concentration of 3 ml. L-1 of seaweed extracts) excelled on the dry weight of the vegetative total compared to the control treatment, which recorded the lowest values.
Evaluating The Insect Growth Regulator Match and Some Plant Extracts in Some Biological Aspects of Callosobruchus Maculatus in Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Ahmed Ziyad Shihab , Al-llhiby Mohammed Atiya
Published: November 2021

The study was conducted in the laboratories of the college of agriculture/Tikrit University to study the effect of various concentrations of the insect growth regulator Match and the three plant extracts, F. foetida, A. vera, and C. myrrha, on some biological aspects of Callosobruchus maculatus. The study results showed that using 0.7 ml has affected the incubation period from 5.55 days in control treatment to 7.77 days when the seeds are dipped before the eggs were laid on them. Moreover, using 7.0 gm of A. vera led to increase the incubation period of the eggs to 7.33 days when the seeds of Vigna sativum were dipped after laying the eggs on them as compared to the control treatment that was 5.66 days. The insect growth regulator Match and other plant extracts have a significant effect in decreasing the average larval stage, it reached 12.88 days when the seeds were dipped after laying the eggs on them with the insect growth regulator Match with a concentration of 0.7 ml and 14.10 days when using the F. foetida extract with a concentration of 0.7 ml as compared to the control treatment that was 17.33 days. Furthermore, the three plant extracts and the insect growth regulator Match have significantly affected the average virgin stage that was 7.66 days longer when the seeds were dipped in the F. foetida extract with a concentration of 7.0 ml before laying the eggs as compared to the control treatment that was 6.33 days.
Effect of Seed Stimulation With Gibberellin and Use of Mineral and Nano Fertilization on Growth and Yield of Wheat Triticum aestivum L.
Authors: Yasir Al-Saidan Khudhair Joudah
Published: November 2021

A field experiment was carried out in Al-Fadhiliya city, Dhi Qar province during the winter agricultural season 2019-2020 to find out the effect of stimulation (soaking) wheat seeds with gibberellin and use of mineral and nano fertilization on some growth and yield characteristics of the Ibaa variety 99. Using RCBD Design with split plot arrangement with three replications. The first factor (main plot) included fertilization levels (F) mineral fertilizer recommendation for N, P ( F1 ), Nano fertilizer recommendation for N, P ( F2 ) and 0.5 mineral fertilizer recommendation + 0.5 Nano fertilizer recommendation ( F3 ).The second factor (sub plot) included the seed stimulation levels (drenching) with gibberellin (G) for 12 hour: 0.0 mg.G.L-1 (water only) ( G1 ), 50 mg G.L-1 (G2), 100 mg G.L-1(G3). The results showed superior the level of fertilization (F3) in traits (plant height 110.33 cm, flag leaf area 54.45 cm 2, number of tillers 389.00 tiller.m-2, number of grains per spike 67.11 grain.spike-1, grain yield 7.589 t.ha-1). While, the level of fertilization (F2) exceeding in adjective (weight 1000 grain 49.18 g). However, the level of stimulation (G2) superior in traits (plant height 106.00 cm, flag leaf area 54.267 cm - 2, number of tillers 381.44 tillers.m-2 and the total grain yield 7.344 t.ha-1). Whereas, the level of stimulation (G3) exceeding in adjectives( number of grain per spike 71.22 grain.spike-1 and weight 1000 grain g). Interaction treatment (F3G2) gave the highest average of total grain yield by 8.133 t.ha-1.
Performance of Two Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Genotypes Under SRI and Conventional Farming Methods in Three Locations in Iraq
Authors: Musa Abdulkadhim Jawad , Abbas Saddam Hussein , Hameed Khidhir Abbas
Published: November 2021

The conservation of natural resources like soil and water and reduces chemical pollution in the environment is the desired goal of the directions of improving the performance of important crops that to meet the global food demand. However System of Rice Intensification (SRI), is a rice cropping system that is consistent with Conservation Agricultural (CA) and Sustainable Agriculture (SA). The current study was aimed to investigate the effects of SRI method on grain yield and its components in two rice varieties compared with conventional practice in farmers' fields (CFM) in different environmental conditions in Iraq. Study was conducted in the fields during the rice season 2019 in three provinces in south of Iraq (Najaf, Diwaniya and Muthanna ). Anber33 and Jasmine rice varieties were grown in each location and the traits were conducted at sites having two donum of land (5,000 m2). The trial was performed as factorial expriments based on a randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) having three blocks. The results showed superior significant of SRI method compared to CFM method in traits (plant height and panicle length, number per panicle and percentage of unfilled grains). Furthermore, SRI method gave higher grain yield as percentage with both varieties in each province (25.6% in at Muthanna, 24.5% in Najaf and 13.2% in Diwaniya province) compared to CFM. However, grain yield in Jasmine variety was higher than on Anber33 approximately 50% in three locations in this study. Overall, our results suggest that SRI method is the most convenient method in Iraq conditions due to the increased grain yield in rice compared to the CFM method.
The Effect of Pyrrolidinium Bromide Salt in The Life of The Southern Cowpea Beetle Callosobruchus Maculatus (Fab) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Mohammed Nagham Abdul Ghani , Hassan Adel Ali Haidar , Mohammed Mohsin Omar
Published: November 2021

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy test of a chemical compound (pyrrolidinium bis - bromide salt) laboratory-prepared in the life of the southern cowpea beetle Callosobruchus maculatus, which is one of the most important pulses stored pest. The compound N1 was prepared and the structure was proved using1H NMR, IR technique. For treating the seeds out, three concentrations from N1, 500, 1500, 3000 ppm, were prepared. The results showed that the compound outperformed the percentage of repellent (prevention of laying eggs), with the concentration of 500 ppm registered the lowest number of eggs laid, with 96.67 eggs and an repellent rate of 53.97 %, compared to 210.00 eggs. While the results showed a significant effect when the concentration increased. This caused a 66.32 % drop in first-generation personnel from the highest rate of 95.00. The higher concentration also showed the lowest productivity compared with the rest of the concentrations, at 21.05 % compared to controlling sample 45.45%, and had no significant effect on increasing the duration of the pupal stage by 7.83 days compared to 7.50 days. Compared to 7.50 days of control, it affected the increase in the 7.50-day period of the larvae stage compared to the control of 5.50 days. The 1500 ppm concentration did not affect the vitality of the seeds after being treated as they were not significantly different from control. The results also showed that not all of the compound's concentrations had a repellent effect against the southern cowpea beetle.
Wind tunnel tests of aerodynamic interference effects on two iced vertical circular cylinders in a tandem arrangement
Authors: Li Shengli , Han Ruiqing , Guo Pan , Wang Xidong , Chu Yajie
Published: November 2021

The aerodynamic characteristics of the two iced vertical circular cylinders in a tandem arrangement, due to the shape change by icing, are complex, and lack systematical investigation. Therefore, a set of wind tunnel tests were carried out to study the aerodynamic characteristics of the leeward vertical cylinder, with ice shape, icing thickness, cylinder spacing, and icing relative position of cylinders varied in the subcritical Reynolds number range in this study. Results show that the icing thicknesses had a greater impact on the lift coefficients of D-shaped ice leeward cylinder at the same angle of attack. The aerodynamic characteristics of the iced leeward cylinder were stable when the ratio (L/D) of cylinder spacing was within the range of 4.8–6.2. The change of flow field should be considered in the stability analysis of two circular vertical cylinders. The drag coefficients of the iced leeward cylinder varied significantly due to the shielding effects, especially within the range of 9° attack angle and L< 6.2D. The results of this work can provide an experimental reference for future research on wind resistance of two circular cylindrical structures in engineering practice.
Tribological behaviour of lamb bone ash and boron carbide reinforced ZA-27 hybrid metal matrix composites under dry sliding conditions
Authors: Singh Pawandeep , Mishra R K , Singh Balbir
Published: November 2021

This study aims to investigate the tribological behaviour of lamb bone ash (LBA) and boron carbide (B4C) reinforced ZA-27 hybrid metal matrix composites fabricated using a stir casting process. The weight percentage of LBA and B4C particles in the composites were varied from 0–5 wt%. The composites have been evaluated for density, porosity and microhardness before tribological testing. Dry sliding friction and wear behaviour of composites were studied on a pin-on-disc tribometer by varying load from 10–50 N at a fixed sliding speed of 1 m s−1. Also, to investigate the effect of sliding speed on friction and wear behaviour of composites, tests were carried out at 2 m s−1 and 3 m s−1 of sliding speed. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used for examining the microstructure and worn surface morphology of composite samples. SEM micrographs revealed the presence and homogeneous distribution of reinforcement particles, and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis confirmed the presence of LBA and B4C particles in the composites. Composites density decreased, and porosity increased with the addition of reinforcement particles. The microhardness of the 5 wt% reinforced LBA composite improved by 18.38%, whereas hybrid composite containing (2.5 wt% LBA + 2.5 wt% B4C) showed an improvement of 42% compared to the base alloy. The coefficient of friction (COF) and wear loss increased with the increase in load, whereas COF decreased and wear loss increased with the increase in sliding speed. Composites showed superior wear resistance even at higher loads and sliding speeds. SEM micrographs of worn surface revealed adhesion and abrasion type of wear mechanisms. Therefore, with the improvement in wear resistance this developed composite can be used as a bearing material over monolithic ZA-27 alloy in the automotive sector.
A review of recently developed polymer composite materials for fused deposition modeling 3D printing
Authors: Dewada Surendra Singh , Telang Amit
Published: November 2021

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a rapidly evolving technology due to its numerous advantages over traditional manufacturing processes. AM processable materials are limited and have poor mechanical performance, restraining the technology’s potential for functional part manufacturing. Although FDM is the most popular and growing technique, the inferiority of the material limits its application to prototyping. Nanocomposite material improves the thermal, mechanical, and electrical performance of FDM objects. Mostly polymer nanocomposites are feasible to process and several researchers have reported enhanced performance with polymer nanocomposites. Carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoplatelets, nano clay, and carbon fiber are primary reinforcements to thermoplastics. The current state of the art relevant to advances in nanocomposites for the FDM process, as well as the influence of nanofillers on mechanical properties of the build object are reviewed in this paper.
Deep neural models for automated multi-task diagnostic scan management—quality enhancement, view classification and report generation
Authors: K Karthik , Kamath S Sowmya
Published: November 2021

The detailed physiological perspectives captured by medical imaging provides actionable insights to doctors to manage comprehensive care of patients. However, the quality of such diagnostic image modalities is often affected by mismanagement of the image capturing process by poorly trained technicians and older/poorly maintained imaging equipment. Further, a patient is often subjected to scanning at different orientations to capture the frontal, lateral and sagittal views of the affected areas. Due to the large volume of diagnostic scans performed at a modern hospital, adequate documentation of such additional perspectives is mostly overlooked, which is also an essential key element of quality diagnostic systems and predictive analytics systems. Another crucial challenge affecting effective medical image data management is that the diagnostic scans are essentially stored as unstructured data, lacking a well-defined processing methodology for enabling intelligent image data management for supporting applications like similar patient retrieval , automated disease prediction etc. One solution is to incorporate automated diagnostic image descriptions of the observation/findings by leveraging computer vision and natural language processing. In this work, we present multi-task neural models capable of addressing these critical challenges. We propose ESRGAN, an image enhancement technique for improving the quality and visualization of medical chest x-ray images, thereby substantially improving the potential for accurate diagnosis, automatic detection and region-of-interest segmentation. We also propose a CNN-based model called ViewNet for predicting the view orientation of the x-ray image and generating a medical report using Xception net, thus facilitating a robust medical image management system for intelligent diagnosis applications. Experimental results are demonstrated using standard metrics like BRISQUE, PIQE and BLEU scores, indicating that the proposed models achieved excellent performance. Further, the proposed deep learning approaches enable diagnosis in a lesser time and their hybrid architecture shows significant potential for supporting many intelligent diagnosis applications.
The influence of human hair on kenaf and Grewia fiber-based hybrid natural composite material: an experimental study
Authors: Boopathi Sampath , Balasubramani V , Kumar R Sanjeev , Singh G Robert
Published: November 2021

The demand for natural composite products to make various industrial and commercial products and protect the environment is continuously increasing. In this paper, a hybrid plant fiber composite (HPFC) is produced by a hand lay-up molding method using 64 wt% resin matrix and 36 wt% natural fibers (kenaf, Grewia and human hair). The influences of the weight of the natural fibers on tensile, flexural and impact strengths were investigated by the simplex lattice method. It was revealed that the percentage contribution of kenaf and human hair fibers to tensile strength, flexural and impact strengths is higher than that of Grewia fiber. The optimum weight percentage of fibers is 13.5 wt% kenaf, 15.3 wt% human hair and 7.2 wt% Grewia to produce a HPFC with desirable mechanical properties. The mechanical properties of the HPFC were compared with those of HPFC without human hair. The tensile, flexural, and impact strengths of the HPFC were 17.95%, 11.1% and 19.79% higher than the HPFC without human hair. The predicted optimum HPFC for making commercial products to fulfill consumer demand is recommended.
A numerical-experimental analysis of qualification assessment for mono-block plasma-facing component with flat heat sink
Authors: Lim Ji Hwan , Park Minkyu
Published: November 2021

The heat removal capacity of a flat heat sink was studied using subcooled flow boiling experiments, to address the thermal peaking problem. Based on the Bowring criteria, the boiling curve is divided into a partially developed nucleate boiling regime (PDB) and fully developed nucleate boiling regime (FDB), and the existing heat transfer correlations for each flow regime are evaluated. In the PDB regime, the Baburajan correlation exhibited the highest prediction rate with an average error rate of 10.92%; however, the FDB regime heat transfer correlations exhibited high error rates at very high heat flux conditions. Therefore, the authors developed a new FDB correlation using the artificial intelligence technique by correlating the bubble agitation effect, which is a mechanism of the FDB regime, and then, evaluated the qualification assessment on this basis. The mono-block plasma-facing component with a flat heat sink was found to meet all criteria (except #1.2, shutdown plasma ratcheting), and to succeed in the actual fabrication.
Ergodicity and steady state analysis for interference queueing networks
Authors: Banerjee Sayan , Sankararaman Abishek
Published: November 2021

We analyze an interacting queueing network on

Z

d

\mathbb {Z}^d

that was introduced in Sankararaman, Baccelli and Foss (2019) as a model for wireless networks. We show that the marginals of the minimal stationary distribution have exponential tails. This is used to furnish asymptotics for the maximum steady state queue length in growing boxes around the origin. We also establish a decay of correlations which shows that the minimal stationary distribution is strongly mixing, and hence, ergodic with respect to translations on

Z

d

\mathbb {Z}^d

.
US FDA-approved therapeutic antibodies with high-concentration formulation: summaries and perspectives
Authors: Wang Shawn Shouye , Yan Yifei (Susie) , Ho Kin
Published: November 2021

Thirty four (34) of the total US FDA approved 103 therapeutic antibody drugs, accounts for one third of the total approved mAbs, are formulated with high protein concentration (100 mg/mL or above) which are the focus of this article. The highest protein concentration of these approved mAbs is 200 mg/mL. The dominant administration route is subcutaneous (76%). Our analysis indicates that it may be rational to implement a platform formulation containing polysorbate, histidine and sucrose to accelerate high concentration formulation development for antibody drugs. Since 2015, the FDA approval numbers are significantly increased which account for 76% of the total approval numbers, i.e., 26 out of 34 highly concentrated antibodies. Thus, we believe that the high concentration formulations of antibody drugs will be the future trend of therapeutic antibody formulation development, regardless of the challenges of highly concentrated protein formulations.
The Facial Vein on Computed Tomographic Angiography: Implications for Plastic Surgery and Filler Injection
Authors: Wang Dawei , Xiong Shixuan , Zeng Ning , Wu Yiping
Published: November 2021

Background

Knowledge of the anatomy of the facial vein is essential for plastic surgery and filler injection.

Objectives

The authors sought to investigate the variation and 3-dimensional (3D) course of the facial vein utilizing computed tomographic angiography.

Methods

The computed tomographic angiography images of 300 facial veins from 150 Asian patients were included in this study. The distance between each anatomical landmark and the facial vein was measured to position the course. The depth of the facial vein beneath the skin and the height of the facial vein above the periosteum were measured at 5 anatomical planes.

Results

The facial vein showed a relatively constant course with a frequency of 7.0% variation. The vertical distance between the medial canthus, midpoint of inferior orbital rim, or external canthus and the facial vein was 10.28 ± 2.17 mm, 6.86 ± 2.02 mm, or 48.82 ± 7.26 mm, respectively. The horizontal distance between medial canthus, nasal alar, or oral commissure and the facial vein was 6.04 ± 1.44 mm, 22.34 ± 3.79 mm, or 32.21 ± 4.84 mm, respectively. The distance between the mandibular angle or oral commissure and the facial vein at the inferior of mandible was 24.99 ± 6.23 mm or 53.04 ± 6.56 mm. The depth of the facial vein beneath the skin and the height of the facial vein above the periosteum varied from the plane of the medial canthus to the plane of the mandible.

Conclusions

This study revealed the 3D course of the facial vein with reference to anatomical landmarks. Detailed findings of the facial vein will provide a valuable reference for plastic surgery and filler injection.
The Effect of Quilting Sutures on the Tension Required to Advance the Abdominal Flap in Abdominoplasty
Authors: Martins Maria Roberta Cardoso , Moraes Betina Zimmermann Fontes de , Fabri Daniel Capucci , Castro Hugo Alexandre Sócrates de , Rostom Lucas , Ferreira Lydia Masako , Nahas Fabio Xerfan
Published: November 2021

Background

Quilting sutures attaching the abdominal flap to the aponeurosis contribute to the prevention of seroma formation following abdominoplasty. The sutures distribute the tension over the subcutaneous tissue along the flap length, theoretically decreasing tension at the distal (cutaneous) end of the flap. This is expected to reduce the risks of necrosis, dehiscence, and enlarged or hypertrophic scars.

Objectives

This study sought to verify whether quilting sutures decrease the tension required to advance the dermal-fat flap in abdominoplasty.

Methods

Thirty-four women undergoing abdominoplasty with quilting sutures participated in the study. The tensile force required for flap advancement was measured with a digital force gauge before and after placement of quilting sutures and then compared. Differences in tensile force were tested for correlations with BMI, age, weight of flap tissue removed, number of previous pregnancies, and postoperative complications, including seroma formation, hematoma, necrosis, dehiscence, and enlarged or hypertrophic scars.

Results

A mean reduction in tension of 27.7% was observed at the skin suture after the placement of quilting sutures (P < 0.001). No significant correlation was found between reduced flap tension and BMI, age, weight of tissue removed, or number of births. One case of seroma formation and 2 cases of enlarged scars were observed, but no case of hematoma, necrosis, or wound dehiscence was detected.

Conclusions

The use of quilting sutures to attach the abdominal flap to the aponeurosis of the anterior abdominal wall reduced tension at the advancing edge of the flap in abdominoplasty.
ExoMol at 10
Authors: Tennyson Jonathan , Yurchenko Sergei N
Published: November 2021

For ten years, the ExoMol database of molecular line lists has provided vital spectroscopic data for the study of hot atmospheres. Jonathan Tennyson and Sergei N Yurchenko reflect on what the prject has achieved.
Acentriolar spindle assembly in mammalian female meiosis and the consequences of its perturbations on human reproduction
Authors: Blengini Cecilia S , Schindler Karen
Published: November 2021

The purpose of meiosis is to generate developmentally competent, haploid gametes with the correct number of chromosomes. For reasons not completely understood, female meiosis is more prone to chromosome segregation errors than meiosis in males, leading to an abnormal number of chromosomes, or aneuploidy, in gametes. Meiotic spindles are the cellular machinery essential for the proper segregation of chromosomes. One unique feature of spindle structures in female meiosis is spindles poles that lack centrioles. The process of building a meiotic spindle without centrioles is complex and requires precise coordination of different structural components, assembly factors, motor proteins, and signaling molecules at specific times and locations to regulate each step. In this review, we discuss the basics of spindle formation during oocyte meiotic maturation focusing on mouse and human studies. Finally, we review different factors that could alter the process of spindle formation and its stability. We conclude with a discussion of how different assisted reproductive technologies could affect spindles and the consequences these perturbations may have for subsequent embryo development.
Galectin-1 induces gene and protein expression related to maternal-conceptus immune tolerance in bovine endometrium
Authors: Chaney Heather L , Grose Lindsay F , LaBarbara Jeanna M , Sirk Adam W , Blancke Alyssa M , Sánchez Jose M , Passaro Claudia , Lonergan Patrick , Mathew Daniel J
Published: November 2021

Conceptus secretory factors include galectins, a family of carbohydrate binding proteins that elicit cell adhesion and immune suppression by interacting with intracellular and extracellular glycans. In rodents, galectin-1 (LGALS1) promotes maternal-fetal immune tolerance in the decidua through expansion of tolerogenic cluster of differentiation 11c (CD11c) positive dendritic cells, increased anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10, and activation of forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) positive regulatory T cells (Treg). This study characterized galectin expression in early ruminant conceptuses and endometrium. We also tested the effect of recombinant bovine LGALS1 (rbLGALS1) and progesterone (P4) on endometrial expression of genes and protein related to maternal-conceptus immune tolerance in cattle. Elongating bovine and ovine conceptuses expressed several galectins, particularly, LGALS1, LGALS3, and LGALS8. Within bovine endometrium, expression of LGALS3, LGALS7, and LGALS9 was greater on Day 16 of pregnancy compared to the estrous cycle. Within ovine endometrium, LGALS7 was greater during pregnancy compared to the estrous cycle and endometrium of pregnant sheep tended to have greater LGALS9 and LGALS15. Expression of endometrial LGALS4 was less during pregnancy in sheep. Treating bovine endometrium with rbLGALS1 increased endometrial expression of CD11c, IL-10, and FOXP3, within 24 h. Specifically, within caruncular endometrium, both rbLGALS1 and P4 increased FOXP3, suggesting that both ligands may promote Treg expansion. Using IHC, FOXP3+ cells with a leukocyte phenotype were localized to the bovine uterine stratum compactum near the uterine surface and increased in response to rbLGALS1. We hypothesize that galectins have important functions during establishment of pregnancy in ruminants and bovine conceptus LGALS1 and luteal P4 confer mechanisms of maternal-conceptus immune tolerance in cattle.
Post-combustion slipstream CO2-capture test facility at Jiangyou Power Plant, Sichuan, China: performance of a membrane separation module under dynamic power-plant operations
Authors: Cui Qian , Wang Baodeng , Zhao Xinglei , Zhang Guoping , He Zhendong , Long Yinhua , Sun Yongwei , Ku Anthony Y
Published: November 2021

Membrane-based separation technologies have the potential to lower the cost of post-combustion CO2 capture from power-plant flue gases through reduced energy and capital costs relative to conventional solvent approaches. Studies have shown promise under controlled conditions, but there is a need for data on performance and reliability under field conditions. Coal-fired power plants in China operate in a dynamic manner, with increases and decreases in output causing changes in flue-gas composition. In this paper, we describe the first field test of a membrane-based post-combustion CO2-capture system connected to a dynamically operating power plant in China. We report the performance of a Membrane Technology Research, Inc. (MTR) PolarisTM membrane-based capture system over a range of plant operating loads ranging from 54% to 84% and conducted an operational stability test over a 168-h period during which the power plant was operating at an average load of 55%, but ramped as high as 79% and as low as 55%. Our results confirm the ability of a membrane capture system to operate effectively over a wide range of host-plant operating conditions, but also identity several issues related to plant integration, system control and resilience in the face of host-plant upsets that require attention as membrane separation systems move towards commercial use.
Prediction model for cost data of a power transmission and transformation project based on Pearson correlation coefficient–IPSO–ELM
Authors: Xin Ju , ShangKe Liu , YanLi Xiao , Ye Wan
Published: November 2021

In view of the difficulty in predicting the cost data of power transmission and transformation projects at present, a method based on Pearson correlation coefficient–improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO)–extreme learning machine (ELM) is proposed. In this paper, the Pearson correlation coefficient is used to screen out the main influencing factors as the input-independent variables of the ELM algorithm and IPSO based on a ladder-structure coding method is used to optimize the number of hidden-layer nodes, input weights and bias values of the ELM. Therefore, the prediction model for the cost data of power transmission and transformation projects based on the Pearson correlation coefficient–IPSO–ELM algorithm is constructed. Through the analysis of calculation examples, it is proved that the prediction accuracy of the proposed method is higher than that of other algorithms, which verifies the effectiveness of the model.
Translanguaging as a political stance: implications for English language education
Authors: Wei Li
Published: November 2021

Following the multilingual trend in language education, translanguaging advocates active use of multiple languages and other meaning-making resources in a dynamic and integrated way in teaching and learning. When it comes to foreign language education, translanguaging advocates a view that the languages the learners already have should and can play a very positive role in learning additional languages. Moreover, the knowledge already acquired through the learners’ first and/or prior learned languages also plays an important role in foreign-language-medium education. This view is more than a pedagogic or theoretical perspective; it is a political stance, a decolonizing stance, that this article explores. It discusses the implications of the political naming of languages and critiques notions such as academic English.
Bipolar ablation of therapy-refractory ventricular arrhythmias: application of a dedicated approach
Authors: Kany Shinwan , Alken Fares Alexander , Schleberger Ruben , Baran Jakub , Luik Armin , Haas Annika , Ene Elena , Deneke Thomas , Dinshaw L , Rillig Andreas , Metzner Andreas , Reissmann Bruno , Makimoto Hisaki , Reents Tilko , Popa Miruna Andrea , Deisenhofer Isabel , Piotrowski Roman , Kulakowski Piotr , Kirchhof Paulus , Scherschel Katharina , Meyer Christian
Published: November 2021

Aims

Bipolar radiofrequency ablation (B-RFA) has been reported as a bail-out strategy for the treatment of therapy refractory ventricular arrhythmias (VA). Currently, existing setups have not been standardized for B-RFA, while the impact of conventional B-RFA approaches on lesion formation remains unclear.

Methods and results

(i) In a multicentre observational study, patients undergoing B-RFA for previously therapy-refractory VA using a dedicated B-RFA setup were retrospectively analysed. (ii) Additionally, in an ex vivo model lesion formation during B-RFA was evaluated using porcine hearts. In a total of 26 procedures (24 patients), acute success was achieved in all 14 ventricular tachycardia (VT) procedures and 7/12 procedures with premature ventricular contractions (PVC), with major complications occurring in 1 procedure (atrioventricular block). During a median follow-up of 211 days in 21 patients, 6/11 patients (VT) and 5/10 patients (PVC) remained arrhythmia-free. Lesion formation in the ex vivo model during energy titration from 30 to 50 W led to similar lesion volumes compared with initial high-power 50 W B-RFA. Lesion size significantly increased when combining sequential unipolar and B-RFA (1429 mm3 vs. titration 501 mm3 vs. B-RFA 50 W 423 mm3, P < 0.001), an approach used in overall 58% of procedures and more frequently applied in procedures without VA recurrence (92% vs. 36%, P = 0.009). Adipose tissue severely limited lesion formation during B-RFA.

Conclusion

Using a dedicated device for B-RFA for therapy-refractory VA appears feasible and safe. While some patients need repeat ablation, success rates were encouraging. Sequential unipolar and B-RFA may be favourable for lesion formation.
Collection Age and Seed Mass Influence Germination and Seedling Growth in Midwestern White Spruce Accessions
Authors: Connolly Brian M
Published: November 2021

Stored tree seed collections are essential resources for seedling production and conserving unique germplasm. As stored seeds age, however, seed viability and seedling vigor can decline. This study tests how age and seed mass correspond to germination dynamics and seedling vigor in four white spruce collections from the upper midwestern United States. Using two seedling growth experiments, this study demonstrates that white spruce seeds stored for >30 years have low seed viability and slower seedling growth rates compared with seeds from more recent (≤10 years) white spruce collections. Seed mass also predicted seedling growth rate regardless of collection age, suggesting larger seeds from older collections generate faster growing seedlings.
Filling the gaps in Leishmania naiffi and Leishmania guyanensis genome plasticity
Authors: Patiño Luz H , Muñoz Marina , Pavia Paula , Muskus Carlos , Shaban Maryia , Paniz-Mondolfi Alberto , Ramírez Juan David
Published: November 2021

Insufficient and irregular data reports on Leishmaniasis, issuing from the developing world, have left much to be desired in terms of understanding the molecular signatures producing distinct infectious phenotypes of the disease. Herein, we report on the complete genome sequencing of Leishmania naiffi and Leishmania guyanensis, sampled from patients in regions of Colombia and Venezuela. In this study, the isolates of cutaneous lesions from both species presented limited structural variation at the chromosomal level, low gene copy number variation, and high genetic heterogeneity. We compared these sequences to the reference genomes hitherto related from Brazil and French Guyana. Although of the same species, we note a consequential genomic disparity between the Venezuelan and French Guyanese isolates of L. guyanensis. Although less significant on the global schema of cutaneous and mucosal disease, such genomic studies of L. naiffi and L. guyanensis substantiate the gaps in understanding of the molecular architecture and multivariate clinical pictures of Leishmaniasis, on an international scale.
Genomic prediction of strawberry resistance to postharvest fruit decay caused by the fungal pathogenBotrytis cinerea
Authors: Petrasch Stefan , Mesquida-Pesci Saskia D , Pincot Dominique D A , Feldmann Mitchell J , López Cindy M , Famula Randi , Hardigan Michael A , Cole Glenn S , Knapp Steven J , Blanco-Ulate Barbara
Published: November 2021

Gray mold, a disease of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) caused by the ubiquitous necrotroph Botrytis cinerea, renders fruit unmarketable and causes economic losses in the postharvest supply chain. To explore the feasibility of selecting for increased resistance to gray mold, we undertook genetic and genomic prediction studies in strawberry populations segregating for fruit quality and shelf life traits hypothesized to pleiotropically affect susceptibility. As predicted, resistance to gray mold was heritable but quantitative and genetically complex. While every individual was susceptible, the speed of symptom progression and severity differed. Narrow-sense heritability ranged from 0.38 to 0.71 for lesion diameter (LD) and 0.39 to 0.44 for speed of emergence of external mycelium (EM). Even though significant additive genetic variation was observed for LD and EM, the phenotypic ranges were comparatively narrow and genome-wide analyses did not identify any large-effect loci. Genomic selection (GS) accuracy ranged from 0.28 to 0.59 for LD and 0.37 to 0.47 for EM. Additive genetic correlations between fruit quality and gray mold resistance traits were consistent with prevailing hypotheses: LD decreased as titratable acidity increased, whereas EM increased as soluble solid content decreased and firmness increased. We concluded that phenotypic and GS could be effective for reducing LD and increasing EM, especially in long shelf life populations, but that a significant fraction of the genetic variation for resistance to gray mold was caused by the pleiotropic effects of fruit quality traits that differ among market and shelf life classes.
Evolutionary dynamics of DIRS-like and Ngaro-like retrotransposons in Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis genomes
Authors: Gazolla Camilla Borges , Ludwig Adriana , de Moura Gama Joana , Bruschi Daniel Pacheco
Published: November 2021

Anuran genomes have a large number and diversity of transposable elements, but are little explored, mainly in relation to their molecular structure and evolutionary dynamics. Here, we investigated the retrotransposons containing tyrosine recombinase (YR) (order DIRS) in the genome of Xenopus tropicalis and Xenopus laevis. These anurans show 2n = 20 and the 2n = 36 karyotypes, respectively. They diverged about 48 million years ago (mya) and X. laevis had an allotetraploid origin (around 17–18 mya). Our investigation is based on the analysis of the molecular structure and the phylogenetic relationships of 95 DIRS families of Xenopus belonging to DIRS-like and Ngaro-like superfamilies. We were able to identify molecular signatures in the 5' and 3' noncoding terminal regions, preserved open reading frames, and conserved domains that are specific to distinguish each superfamily. We recognize two ancient amplification waves of DIRS-like elements that occurred in the ancestor of both species and a higher density of the old/degenerate copies detected in both subgenomes of X. laevis. More recent amplification waves are seen in X. tropicalis (less than 3.2 mya) and X. laevis (around 10 mya) corroborating with transcriptional activity evidence. All DIRS-like families were found in both X. laevis subgenomes, while a few were most represented in the L subgenome. Ngaro-like elements presented less diversity and quantity in X. tropicalis and X. laevis genomes, although potentially active copies were found in both species and this is consistent with a recent amplification wave seen in the evolutionary landscape. Our findings highlight a differential diversity-level and evolutionary dynamics of the YR retrotransposons in X. tropicalis and X. laevis species expanding our comprehension of the behavior of these elements in both genomes during the diversification process.