bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization of Quasi-Zenith Satellite System for Navigation of a Robot Combine Harvester
Authors: Udompant Kannapat , Ospina Ricardo , Kim Yong-Joo , Noguchi Noboru
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of a robot combine harvester by comparing the Centimeter Level Augmentation Service (CLAS) and the Multi-Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Advanced Demonstration tool for Orbit and Clock Analysis (MADOCA) from the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) by using the Real Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning technique as a reference. The first section of this study evaluates the availability and the precision under static conditions by measuring the activation time, the reconnection time, and obtaining a Twice Distance Root Mean Square (2DRMS) of 0.04 m and 0.10 m, a Circular Error Probability (CEP) of 0.03 m and 0.08 m, and a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.57 m and 0.54 m for the CLAS and MADOCA, respectively. The second section evaluates the accuracy under dynamic conditions by using a GNSS navigation-based combine harvester running in an experimental field. The results show that the RMSE of the lateral deviation is between 0.04 m and 0.69 m for MADOCA and between 0.03 m and 0.31 m for CLAS; which suggest that the CLAS positioning augmentation system can be utilized for the robot combine harvester if the user considers these accuracy and dynamic characteristics.
Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics in Semi-Arid Irrigated Cropping Systems
Authors: Bierer Andrew M. , Leytem April B. , Dungan Robert S. , Moore Amber D. , Bjorneberg David L.
Published: March 2021

Insufficient characterization of soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics in semi-arid climates contributes uncertainty to SOC sequestration estimates. This study estimated changes in SOC (0–30 cm depth) due to variations in manure management, tillage regime, winter cover crop, and crop rotation in southern Idaho (USA). Empirical data were used to drive the Denitrification Decomposition (DNDC) model in a “default” and calibrated capacity and forecast SOC levels until 2050. Empirical data indicates: (i) no effect (p = 0.51) of winter triticale on SOC after 3 years; (ii) SOC accumulation (0.6 ± 0.5 Mg ha–1 year–1) under a rotation of corn-barley-alfalfax3 and no change (p = 0.905) in a rotation of wheat-potato-barley-sugarbeet; (iii) manure applied annually at rate 1X is not significantly different (p = 0.75) from biennial application at rate 2X; and (iv) no significant effect of manure application timing (p = 0.41, fall vs. spring). The DNDC model simulated empirical SOC and biomass C measurements adequately in a default capacity, yet specific issues were encountered. By 2050, model forecasting suggested: (i) triticale cover resulted in SOC accrual (0.05–0.27 Mg ha–1 year–1); (ii) when manure is applied, conventional tillage regimes are favored; and (iii) manure applied treatments accrue SOC suggesting a quadratic relationship (all R2 > 0.85 and all p < 0.0001), yet saturation behavior was not realized when extending the simulation to 2100. It is possible that under very large C inputs that C sequestration is favored by DNDC which may influence “NetZero” C initiatives.
Effects of Mechanically Transplanting Methods and Planting Densities on Yield and Quality of Nanjing 2728 under Rice-Crayfish Continuous Production System
Authors: Dou Zhi , Li Yangyang , Guo Halun , Chen Linrong , Jiang Junliang , Zhou Yicheng , Xu Qiang , Xing Zhipeng , Gao Hui , Zhang Hongcheng
Published: March 2021

Rice–crayfish continuous production system offers high economic and ecology benefits, which developed rapidly in China. To investigate the effects of different mechanical transplanting methods and planting densities on rice yield and quality, Nanjing 2728 was used to determine rice growth performance under mechanically transplanted carpet seedling (MTCS) with equal row spacing (30 cm) at five spacings and mechanically transplanted pot seedling (MTPS) with wide and narrow rows (23 + 33 cm) at five spacings. The results showed that MTPS presented significantly higher rice yields than MTCS as more spikelets per panicle. Rice yields of both mechanical transplanting methods first increased and then reduced with decreasing planting density, and its highest value was obtained at 77.9 × 104 seedlings ha−1. Compared with MTCS at the same stage, rice tiller dynamics of MTPS first increased and then decreased. Additionally, its dry matter accumulation per stem at jointing, heading, and maturity stages, leaf area index, photosynthetic potential, crop growth rate, and net assimilation rate were all significantly higher relative to MTCS. For each mechanical transplanting method, dry matter accumulation per panicle, leaf area index, photosynthetic potential, crop growth rate, and net assimilation rate from the sowing to jointing stages declined with decreasing planting density, while dry matter accumulation per stem and net assimilation rate from the heading to maturity stages increased. Compared with MTCS, MTPS significantly improved rice milling and appearance quality, decreasing density was also beneficial to rice milling and appearance quality, while grain content of amylose and protein were not sensitive to both transplanting method and planting density. Consequently, MTPS with 13.8 cm plant spacing is a suitable mechanical transplanting method for Nanjing 2728 to obtain better yield and quality under rice–crayfish continuous production system.
Hermetia illucens and Poultry by-Product Meals as Alternatives to Plant Protein Sources in Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata) Diet: A Multidisciplinary Study on Fish Gut Status
Authors: Randazzo Basilio , Zarantoniello Matteo , Cardinaletti Gloriana , Cerri Roberto , Giorgini Elisabetta , Belloni Alessia , Contò Michela , Tibaldi Emilio , Olivotto Ike
Published: March 2021

The attempt to replace marine-derived ingredients for aquafeed formulation with plant-derived ones has met some limitations due to their negative side effects on many fish species. In this context, finding new, sustainable ingredients able to promote fish welfare is currently under exploration. In the present study, poultry by-products and Hermetia illucens meal were used to replace the vegetable protein fraction in diets totally deprived of fish meal intended for gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). After a 12-week feeding trial, a multidisciplinary approach including histological, molecular, and spectroscopic techniques was adopted to investigate intestine and liver responses to the different dietary formulations. Regardless of the alternative ingredient used, the reduction in dietary vegetable proteins resulted in a lower incidence of intestine histological alterations and inflammatory responses. In addition, the dietary inclusion of insect meal positively affected the reduction in the molecular inflammatory markers analyzed. Spectroscopic analyses showed that poultry by-product meal improved lipid absorption in the intestine, while insect meal induced increased liver lipid deposition in fish. The results obtained demonstrated that both poultry by-products and H. illucens meal can successfully be used to replace plant-derived ingredients in diets for gilthead seabream, promoting healthy aquaculture.
Effects of Protein Restriction and Subsequent Realimentation on Body Composition, Gut Microbiota and Metabolite Profiles in Weaned Piglets
Authors: Hou Lei , Wang Li , Qiu Yueqin , Xiong YunXia , Xiao Hao , Yi Hongbo , Wen Xiaolu , Lin Zeling , Wang Zhikang , Yang Xuefen , Jiang Zongyong
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of protein restriction and subsequent protein realimentation on the body composition, gut microbiota and metabolite profiles of piglets. Fifty weaned piglets were randomly assigned to two treatments: a normal protein (NP) group (20% crude protein (CP)) or a low protein (LP) group (16% CP) with five animals per pen and five pens per group. Treatment diets were fed for 14 d during the protein restriction phase, and then all pigs were fed the same nursery diets with a normal CP level (19% CP) during the protein realimentation phase until they reached an average target body weight (BW) of 25 ± 0.15 kg. At day 14 and the end of the experiment, one piglet close to the average BW of each pen was slaughtered to determine body composition, microbial composition and microbial metabolites. Results showed that there was no difference (p > 0.05) in the experimental days to reach target BW between the LP and NP groups. The average daily gain (ADG) and gain:feed ratio (G:F) during the protein restriction phase as well as BW at day 14, were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the LP group compared with the NP group. However, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) during the protein realimentation phase and the overall experiment. Similarly, piglets in the LP group showed a significantly decreased body protein content (p < 0.05) at day 14, but not (p > 0.05) at the end of the experiment. The relative abundance of Parabacteroides, Butyricicoccus, Olsenella, Succinivibrio and Pseudoramibacter were significantly increased (p < 0.05), while the relative abundance of Alloprevotella and Faecalicoccus were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the LP group at day 14. At the end of the experiment, the piglets in the LP group showed a higher (p < 0.05) colonic relative abundances of Parabacteroides, unidentified Christensenellaceae and Caproiciproducens, and a lower (p < 0.05) relative abundance of unidentified Prevotellaceae, Haemophilus, Marvinbryantia, Faecalibaculum, Neisseria and Dubosiella than those in the NP group. Metabolomics analyses indicated that tryptophan metabolism and vitamin metabolism were enriched in the LP group at day 14, and glycerophospholipid metabolism and fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acid metabolism were enriched at the end of the experiment. Moreover, Spearman’s correlation analysis demonstrated that the microbial composition was highly correlated with changes in colonic metabolites. Collectively, these results indicated that protein restriction and subsequent realimentation lead to compensatory growth and compensatory protein deposition in piglets and contribute to animal intestinal health by altering the gut microbiota and its metabolites.
Effects of Outdoor Stocking Density on Growth, Feather Damage and Behavior of Slow-Growing Free-Range Broilers
Authors: Phillips Hannah N. , Heins Bradley J.
Published: March 2021

Access to pasture is a main benefit of free-range broiler housing systems, yet the level of outdoor stocking density on broiler animal welfare remains unsettled. The growth, feather damage, pasture ranging and behaviors were assessed for 150 mixed-sex, slow-growing Freedom Rangers from 5 to 11 weeks of age of with free access to either a high outdoor stocking density pasture (0.5 m2 per bird) or a low outdoor stocking density pasture (2.5 m2 per bird). The probability (mean, 95% CI) of tail feather damage was greater for the high-density (23.1%, 16.3 to 31.7%) compared to the low-density group (11.9%, 7.1 to 19.3%). The percent of observations resulting in sunbathing and aggressive attacks (i.e., pecking and fighting behaviors) were greater for the high-density (1.0%, 0.6 to 1.8% and 0.5%, 0.2 to 1.3%, respectively) compared to the low-density group (0.3%, 0.1 to 0.7% and 0.1%, 0.0 to 0.4%, respectively). Furthermore, an interaction between treatment and age indicated that birds in the high-density group displayed greater stretching (during weeks 7 to 10) and panting (during weeks 6 and 9). Results of this study suggest that additional outdoor pasture space may be positively associated with broiler welfare.
Prevalence Rate and Molecular Characteristics of Oestrus ovis L. (Diptera, Oestridae) in Sheep and Goats from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Metwally Dina M. , Albasyouni Shurug A. , Barakat Ibrahim A.H. , Al-Turaiki Isra M. , Almuhanna Amal M. , Bashir Muhammad A. , Baghdadi Hanadi B. , El-Khadragy Manal F. , Alajmi Reem A.
Published: March 2021

Heads of sheep (n = 600) and goats (n = 800) slaughtered at Al-Aziziah Abattoir in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were inspected for the presence of O. ovis larvae (L). Heads were split along the longitudinal axes, and larvae (L1, L2, and L3) were gathered. The infestation rate was significantly higher in goats (44.5%; 356/800) than that in sheep (22.3%; 134/600). Out of the 151 collected larvae from sheep, 0% were L1, 1.3% were L2, and 98.7% were L3. Out of the total of 468 larvae from goats, 0% were L1, 1.2% were L2, and 98.8% were L3. The infestation rate was significantly higher in males than that in females. Myiasis-causing larvae collected from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were authenticated as O. ovis, according to morphological characteristics. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of a partial fragment (600 bp) of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene further confirmed the species. Phylogenetic analysis based on the partial mtCOI gene sequence demonstrated that 23 unique sequences showed high similarity based on nucleotide pairs of O. ovis accessions retrieved from GenBank.
Legal Frameworks and Controls for the Protection of Research Animals: A Focus on the Animal Welfare Body with a French Case Study
Authors: Codecasa Elisa , Pageat Patrick , Marcet-Rius Míriam , Cozzi Alessandro
Published: March 2021

In recent years, efforts have been devoted to improving the welfare of laboratory animals. Scientific progress and growing concerns over animal harm have pushed institutions to strengthen their laws to make science more humane and responsible. European Directive 2010/63/EU makes it mandatory for breeders, suppliers and users of laboratory animals to have an animal welfare body (AWB) to prioritize animal welfare and harmonize experimental standards while reassuring the public that research is being carried out appropriately. Based on application of the three Rs (refinement, reduction and replacement), these bodies provide staff with oversight and advisory functions to support compliance with the legal requirements on both animal housing and project realization. This review aims to present the legal measures protecting research animals, with a focus on European AWBs. The review explains how the mission of AWBs includes development of environmental enrichment programs and how animal training generates benefits not only for animal welfare but also for the research work environment and research quality. A French case study is conducted to provide the scientific community with an example of an AWB’s functioning and activities, share its achievements and propose some perspectives for the future.
How to Improve Meat Quality and Welfare in Entire Male Pigs by Genetics
Authors: Larzul Catherine
Published: March 2021

Giving up surgical castration is desirable to avoid pain during surgery but breeding entire males raises issues on meat quality, particularly on boar taint, and aggression. It has been known for decades that boar taint is directly related to sexual development in uncastrated male pigs. The proportion of tainted carcasses depends on many factors, including genetics. The selection of lines with a low risk of developing boar taint should be considered as the most desirable solution in the medium to long term. It has been evidenced that selection against boar taint is feasible, and has been set up in a balanced way in some pig populations to counterbalance potential unfavorable effects on reproductive performances. Selection against aggressive behaviors, though theoretically feasible, faces phenotyping challenges that compromise selection in practice. In the near future, new developments in modelization, automatic recording, and genomic data will help define breeding objectives to solve entire male meat quality and welfare issues.
Influence of Strain and Diet on Urinary pH in Laboratory Mice
Authors: Böswald Linda F. , Matzek Dana , Kienzle Ellen , Popper Bastian
Published: March 2021

Acid base homeostasis and urine pH is influenced by the dietary cation anion balance (DCAB) in many species. Here, a negative DCAB acidifies the urine, while higher DCABs alkalize the urine. The dimension of the DCAB effect can be species-specific, because of differences in urine buffer systems. The aim of the present study was to describe the response of laboratory mice to diets with different DCAB. We used 8-week-old wildtype male mice of the C57Bl/6J inbred strain and CD1 outbred stock. Three groups (n = 15 animals/group) were formed and fed standard diet A for adaptation. For the 7-week feeding trial, mice were either kept on diet A (DCAB −7 mmol/kg dry matter (DM) or switched to diet B (246 mmol/kg DM) or C (−257 mmol/kg DM). Urine pH was measured weekly from a pooled sample per cage. There was a significant difference in the basal urine pH on diet A between C57Bl6/J and CD1 mice. The shift in urine pH was also significantly different between the two groups investigated.
The Cohabitation of Humans and Urban Cats in the Anthropocene: The Clash of Welfare Concepts
Authors: Jaroš Filip
Published: March 2021

Urban environments are inhabited by several types of feline populations, which we can differentiate as feral cats, free-roaming pets, and confined pets. Due to a shift in the cultural representation of cats from pest controllers to companion animals, cats living semi-independently of humans are perceived increasingly negatively, while the pet population has become the object of intense care. A regulative approach converges with a concern for welfare in the operation and educational campaigns of municipal shelters, which through their implementation of neutering policies have proven to be key players in the contemporary relation of urban cats and humans. The generally widespread notion of cat welfare associated with a secure life comes into tension with the fact that the psychobiological needs of feral cats are significantly different than those of pets. It becomes apparent that individual interactions between humans and cats in urban environments in the Anthropocene are increasingly influenced by the intervention of institutions that can be characterized as seeking to administer the wild.
R-Spondin 2 and WNT/CTNNB1 Signaling Pathways Are Required for Porcine Follicle Development and In Vitro Maturation
Authors: Hwang Seon-Ung , Yoon Junchul David , Kim Mirae , Cai Lian , Choi Hyerin , Oh Dongjin , Kim Eunhye , Hyun Sang-Hwan
Published: March 2021

The secretion of oocyte-derived paracrine factors, such as R-spondin2, is an essential mechanism for follicle growth by promoting the proliferation and differentiation of cumulus cells around oocytes. In the present study, we aimed to identify the effect of R-spondin2 during follicular development. First, R-spondin2-related factors (R-spondin2, CTNNB1, LGR4, and LGR5) were identified through immunofluorescence in porcine ovarian tissue. CTNNB1 was expressed in ooplasm, and CTNNB1 and LGR4 were expressed in granulosa cells. In addition, R-spondin2, LGR4, and LGR5 were expressed in the theca interna. These results imply that these proteins play a major role in porcine follicular development. In addition, the effects of R-spondin2 on the in vitro maturation process of porcine cumulus oocyte complexes and subsequent embryonic development were confirmed. A treatment of 100 ng/mL R-spondin2 in the in vitro maturation (IVM) process increased nuclear maturation and increased the expression of EGFR mRNA in cumulus cells. The EGFR-ERK signal is essential for oocyte maturation, ovulation, and luteinization. R-spondin2 treatment also increased the expression of CTNNB1 and EGFR in primary cultured cumulus cells. In conclusion, RSPO2 and WNT/CTNNB1 signaling pathways are required for porcine follicle development and are predicted to be involved in the EGFR-ERK signaling pathway.
Apomorphine Targets the Pleiotropic Bacterial Regulator Hfq
Authors: Turbant Florian , Partouche David , El Hamoui Omar , Trépout Sylvain , Legoubey Théa , Wien Frank , Arluison Véronique
Published: March 2021

Hfq is a bacterial regulator with key roles in gene expression. The protein notably regulates translation efficiency and RNA decay in Gram-negative bacteria, thanks to its binding to small regulatory noncoding RNAs. This property is of primary importance for bacterial adaptation and survival in hosts. Small RNAs and Hfq are, for instance, involved in the response to antibiotics. Previous work has shown that the E. coli Hfq C-terminal region (Hfq-CTR) self-assembles into an amyloid structure. It was also demonstrated that the green tea compound EpiGallo Catechin Gallate (EGCG) binds to Hfq-CTR amyloid fibrils and remodels them into nonamyloid structures. Thus, compounds that target the amyloid region of Hfq may be used as antibacterial agents. Here, we show that another compound that inhibits amyloid formation, apomorphine, may also serve as a new antibacterial. Our results provide an alternative in order to repurpose apomorphine, commonly used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, as an antibiotic to block bacterial adaptation to treat infections.
Amycolatomycins A and B, Cyclic Hexapeptides Isolated from an Amycolatopsis sp. 195334CR
Authors: Primahana Gian , Risdian Chandra , Mozef Tjandrawati , Wink Joachim , Surup Frank , Stadler Marc
Published: March 2021

The rare actinobacterium Amycolatopsis sp. strain 195334CR was found to produce previously undescribed cyclic hexapeptides, which we named amycolatomycin A and B (1 and 2). Their planar structures were determined by high-resolution mass spectrometry as well as extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, while the absolute stereochemistry of its amino acids were determined by Marfey’s method. Moreover, 1 and 2 differ by the incorporation of l-Ile and l-allo-Ile, respectively, whose FDVA (Nα-(2,4-Dinitro-5-fluorphenyl)-L-valinamide) derivatives were separated on a C4 column. Their hallmark in common is a unique 2,6-dichloro-tryptophan amino acid unit. Amycolatomycin A (1) exhibited weak activity against Bacillus subtilis DSM 10 (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 33.4 µg/mL).
Antimicrobial Resistance Genes and Diversity of Clones among ESBL- and Acquired AmpC-Producing Escherichia coli Isolated from Fecal Samples of Healthy and Sick Cats in Portugal
Authors: Carvalho Isabel , Safia Chenouf Nadia , Cunha Rita , Martins Carla , Pimenta Paulo , Pereira Ana Raquel , Martínez-Álvarez Sandra , Ramos Sónia , Silva Vanessa , Igrejas Gilberto , Torres Carmen , Poeta Patrícia
Published: March 2021

The aim of the study was to analyze the mechanisms of resistance in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)- and acquired AmpC (qAmpC)-producing Escherichia coli isolates from healthy and sick cats in Portugal. A total of 141 rectal swabs recovered from 98 sick and 43 healthy cats were processed for cefotaxime-resistant (CTXR) E. coli recovery (in MacConkey agar supplemented with 2 µg/mL cefotaxime). The matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) method was used for E. coli identification and antimicrobial susceptibility was performed by a disk diffusion test. The presence of resistance/virulence genes was tested by PCR sequencing. The phylogenetic typing and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were determined by specific PCR sequencing. CTXRE. coli isolates were detected in seven sick and six healthy cats (7.1% and 13.9%, respectively). Based on the synergy tests, 11 of 13 CTXRE. coli isolates (one/sample) were ESBL-producers (ESBL total rate: 7.8%) carrying the following ESBL genes: blaCTX-M-1 (n = 3), blaCTX-M-15 (n = 3), blaCTX-M-55 (n = 2), blaCTX-M-27 (n = 2) and blaCTX-M-9 (n = 1). Six different sequence types were identified among ESBL-producers (sequence type/associated ESBLs): ST847/CTX-M-9, CTX-M-27, CTX-M-1; ST10/CTX-M-15, CTX-M-27; ST6448/CTX-M-15, CTX-M-55; ST429/CTX-M-15; ST101/CTX-M-1 and ST40/CTX-M-1. Three of the CTXR isolates were CMY-2-producers (qAmpC rate: 2.1%); two of them were ESBL-positive and one ESBL-negative. These isolates were typed as ST429 and ST6448 and were obtained in healthy or sick cats. The phylogenetic groups A/B1/D/clade 1 were detected among ESBL- and qAmpC-producing isolates. Cats are carriers of qAmpC (CMY-2)- and ESBL-producing E. coli isolates (mostly of variants of CTX-M group 1) of diverse clonal lineages, which might represent a public health problem due to the proximity of cats with humans regarding a One Health perspective.
Impact on Antibiotic Resistance, Therapeutic Success, and Control of Side Effects in Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) of Daptomycin: A Scoping Review
Authors: Osorio Carolina , Garzón Laura , Jaimes Diego , Silva Edwin , Bustos Rosa-Helena
Published: March 2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AR) is a problem that threatens the search for adequate safe and effective antibiotic therapy against multi-resistant bacteria like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) and Clostridium difficile, among others. Daptomycin is the treatment of choice for some infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, indicated most of the time in patients with special clinical conditions where its high pharmacokinetic variability (PK) does not allow adequate plasma concentrations to be reached. The objective of this review is to describe the data available about the type of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) method used and described so far in hospitalized patients with daptomycin and to describe its impact on therapeutic success, suppression of bacterial resistance, and control of side effects. The need to create worldwide strategies for the appropriate use of antibiotics is clear, and one of these is the performance of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). TDM helps to achieve a dose adjustment and obtain a favorable clinical outcome for patients by measuring plasma concentrations of an administered drug, making a rational interpretation guided by a predefined concentration range, and, thus, adjusting dosages individually.
Potential Target Site for Inhibitors in MLSB Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Lee Hak Jin , Jhang Seong Tae , Jin Hyung Jong
Published: March 2021

Macrolide–lincosamide–streptogramin B antibiotic resistance occurs through the action of erythromycin ribosome methylation (Erm) family proteins, causing problems due to their prevalence and high minimal inhibitory concentration, and feasibilities have been sought to develop inhibitors. Erms exhibit high conservation next to the N-terminal end region (NTER) as in ErmS, 64SQNF67. Side chains of homologous S, Q and F in ErmC’ are surface-exposed, located closely together and exhibit intrinsic flexibility; these residues form a motif X. In S64 mutations, S64G, S64A and S64C exhibited 71%, 21% and 20% activity compared to the wild-type, respectively, conferring cell resistance. However, mutants harboring larger side chains did not confer resistance and retain the methylation activity in vitro. All mutants of Q65, Q65N, Q65E, Q65R, and Q65H lost their methyl group transferring activity in vivo and in vitro. At position F67, a size reduction of side-chain (F67A) or a positive charge (F67H) greatly reduced the activity to about 4% whereas F67L with a small size reduction caused a moderate loss, more than half of the activity. The increased size by F67Y and F67W reduced the activity by about 75%. In addition to stabilization of the cofactor, these amino acids could interact with substrate RNA near the methylatable adenine presumably to be catalytically well oriented with the SAM (S-adenosyl-L-methionine). These amino acids together with the NTER beside them could serve as unique potential inhibitor development sites. This region constitutes a divergent element due to the NTER which has variable length and distinct amino acids context in each Erm. The NTER or part of it plays critical roles in selective recognition of substrate RNA by Erms and this presumed target site might assume distinct local structure by induced conformational change with binding to substrate RNA and SAM, and contribute to the specific recognition of substrate RNA.
An Assessment of the Viability of Lytic Phages and Their Potency against Multidrug Resistant Escherichia coli O177 Strains under Simulated Rumen Fermentation Conditions
Authors: Montso Peter Kotsoana , Mnisi Caven Mguvane , Ateba Collins Njie , Mlambo Victor
Published: March 2021

Preslaughter starvation and subacute ruminal acidosis in cattle are known to promote ruminal proliferation of atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli strains, thereby increasing the risk of meat and milk contamination. Using bacteriophages (henceforth called phages) to control these strains in the rumen is a potentially novel strategy. Therefore, this study evaluated the viability of phages and their efficacy in reducing E. coli O177 cells in a simulated ruminal fermentation system. Fourteen phage treatments were allocated to anaerobic serum bottles containing a grass hay substrate, buffered (pH 6.6–6.8) bovine rumen fluid, and E. coli O177 cells. The serum bottles were then incubated at 39 °C for 48 h. Phage titres quadratically increased with incubation time. Phage-induced reduction of E. coli O177 cell counts reached maximum values of 61.02–62.74% and 62.35–66.92% for single phages and phage cocktails, respectively. The highest E. coli O177 cell count reduction occurred in samples treated with vB_EcoM_366B (62.31%), vB_EcoM_3A1 (62.74%), vB_EcoMC3 (66.67%), vB_EcoMC4 (66.92%), and vB_EcoMC6 (66.42%) phages. In conclusion, lytic phages effectively reduced E. coli O177 cells under artificial rumen fermentation conditions, thus could be used as a biocontrol strategy in live cattle to reduce meat and milk contamination in abattoirs and milking parlours, respectively.
Psychoactive Drugs—From Chemical Structure to Oxidative Stress Related to Dopaminergic Neurotransmission. A Review
Authors: Jîtcă George , Ősz Bianca E. , Tero-Vescan Amelia , Vari Camil E.
Published: March 2021

Nowadays, more and more young people want to experience illegal, psychoactive substances, without knowing the risks of exposure. Besides affecting social life, psychoactive substances also have an important effect on consumer health. We summarized and analyzed the published literature data with reference to the mechanism of free radical generation and the link between chemical structure and oxidative stress related to dopaminergic neurotransmission. This review presents data on the physicochemical properties, on the ability to cross the blood brain barrier, the chemical structure activity relationship (SAR), and possible mechanisms by which neuronal injuries occur due to oxidative stress as a result of drug abuse such as “bath salts”, amphetamines, or cocaine. The mechanisms of action of ingested compounds or their metabolites involve intermediate steps in which free radicals are generated. The brain is strongly affected by the consumption of such substances, facilitating the induction of neurodegenerative diseases. It can be concluded that neurotoxicity is associated with drug abuse. Dependence and oxidative stress are linked to inhibition of neurogenesis and the onset of neuronal death. Understanding the pathological mechanisms following oxidative attack can be a starting point in the development of new therapeutic targets.
Light and CO2 Modulate the Accumulation and Localization of Phenolic Compounds in Barley Leaves
Authors: Hunt Lena , Klem Karel , Lhotáková Zuzana , Vosolsobě Stanislav , Oravec Michal , Urban Otmar , Špunda Vladimír , Albrechtová Jana
Published: March 2021

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) accumulates phenolic compounds (PhCs), which play a key role in plant defense against environmental stressors as antioxidants or UV screening compounds. The influence of light and atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) on the accumulation and localization of PhCs in barley leaves was examined for two varieties with different tolerances to oxidative stress. PhC localization was visualized in vivo using fluorescence microscopy. Close relationships were found between fluorescence-determined localization of PhCs in barley leaves and PhC content estimated using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy detection. Light intensity had the strongest effect on the accumulation of PhCs, but the total PhC content was similar at elevated [CO2], minimizing the differences between high and low light. PhCs localized preferentially near the surfaces of leaves, but under low light, an increasing allocation of PhCs in deeper mesophyll layers was observed. The PhC profile was significantly different between barley varieties. The relatively tolerant variety accumulated significantly more hydroxycinnamic acids, indicating that these PhCs may play a more prominent role in oxidative stress prevention. Our research presents novel evidence that [CO2] modulates the accumulation of PhCs in barley leaves. Mesophyll cells, rather than epidermal cells, were most responsive to environmental stimuli in terms of PhC accumulation.
The 2011–2020 Trends of Data-Driven Approaches in Medical Informatics for Active Pharmacovigilance
Authors: Shin Hyunah , Cha Jaehun , Lee Chungchun , Song Hyejin , Jeong Hyuntae , Kim Jong-Yeup , Lee Suehyun
Published: March 2021

Pharmacovigilance, the scientific discipline pertaining to drug safety, has been studied extensively and is progressing continuously. In this field, medical informatics techniques and interpretation play important roles, and appropriate approaches are required. In this study, we investigated and analyzed the trends of pharmacovigilance systems, especially the data collection, detection, assessment, and monitoring processes. We used PubMed to collect papers on pharmacovigilance published over the past 10 years, and analyzed a total of 40 significant papers to determine the characteristics of the databases and data analysis methods used to identify drug safety indicators. Through systematic reviews, we identified the difficulty of standardizing data and terminology and establishing an adverse drug reactions (ADR) evaluation system in pharmacovigilance, and their corresponding implications. We found that appropriate methods and guidelines for active pharmacovigilance using medical big data are still required and should continue to be developed.
Modified Crack Detection of Sewer Conduit with Low-Resolution Images
Authors: Son Byung Jik , Cho Taejun
Published: March 2021

Imaging devices of less than 300,000 pixels are mostly used for sewage conduit exploration due to the petty nature of the survey industry in Korea. Particularly, devices of less than 100,000 pixels are still widely used, and the environment for image processing is very dim. Since the sewage conduit images covered in this study have a very low resolution (240 × 320 = 76,800 pixels), it is very difficult to detect cracks. Because most of the resolutions of the sewer conduit images are very low in Korea, this problem of low resolution was selected as the subject of this study. Cracks were detected through a total of six steps of improving the crack in Step 2, finding the optimal threshold value in Step 3, and applying an algorithm to detect cracks in Step 5. Cracks were effectively detected by the optimal parameters in Steps 2 and 3 and the user algorithm in Step 5. Despite the very low resolution, the cracked images showed a 96.4% accuracy of detection, and the non-cracked images showed 94.5% accuracy. Moreover, the analysis was excellent in quality. It is believed that the findings of this study can be effectively used for crack detection with low-resolution images.
Simulation-Based Performance Analysis for a Novel AVS/RS Technology with Movable Lifts
Authors: Jerman Boris , Ekren Banu Yetkin , Küçükyaşar Melis , Lerher Tone
Published: March 2021

This paper studies a novel autonomous vehicle-based storage and retrieval system (AVS/RS) design with movable lifts (AVS/RS/ML). In the proposed system, there are aisle-captive lifts that are able to travel along the warehouse aisle to position themselves at the target column location. Those lifts can lift up/down the autonomous vehicles to/from the target storage compartment when they are in standstill. This novel design is proposed as an alternative to existing AVS/RSs to balance the resource utilizations as well as to provide an inexpensive solution with highly utilized autonomous vehicles (i.e., AGVs). As an initial work, for this novel system, two alternative operating designs under different racking configurations are experimented. We compare those two designs by their throughput rate performance metrics under the arrival rate scenarios with highly utilized AGVs (i.e., 95%). Besides, we experiment with two warehouse capacity scenarios: 900 and 1800 storage compartments. The results show that designs with two separate I/O point locations provide a better throughput rate than designs with single I/O point location. Besides, a decreased number of columns in the system improves the system’s performance.
Recent Progress in Radio-Frequency Sensing Platforms with Graphene/Graphene Oxide for Wireless Health Care System
Authors: Lee Hee-Jo
Published: March 2021

In the past decade, graphene has been widely researched to improve or overcome the performance of conventional radio-frequency (RF) nanodevices and circuits. In recent years, novel RF bio and gas sensors based on graphene and its derivatives, graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), have emerged as new RF sensing platforms using a wireless remote system. Although the sensing schemes are still immature, this review focuses on the recent trends and advances of graphene and GO (rGO)-based RF bio and gas sensors for a real-time and continuous wireless health care system.
Comparison of Hysteresis Based PWM Schemes ΔΣ-PWM and Direct Torque Control
Authors: Klarmann Kevin , Thielmann Malte , Schumacher Walter
Published: March 2021

This paper presents the differences and similarities of ΔΣ-PWM as a hysteresis-based PWM scheme with direct torque control (DTC) using simulation models. The variable switching frequency caused by the hysteresis element is examined with regard to its instantaneous values. The comparison is based on an equal maximum switching frequency as a design criterion. With this first assumption, the variation of the instantaneous switching frequency is higher when using DTC because of the temporary prioritization of one inverter leg. Besides the lower variation, ΔΣ-PWM shows a higher average switching frequency. Because the switching frequency is related to the torque ripple, the usage of ΔΣ-PWM results in a smaller torque ripple. Due to the dependence of torque ripple on switching frequency, a second comparison is carried out based on the same average switching frequency. In this comparison the ΔΣ-PWM shows higher torque ripple than DTC.
Application of Component-Based Mechanical Models and Artificial Intelligence to Bolted Beam-to-Column Connections
Authors: Faridmehr Iman , Nikoo Mehdi , Pucinotti Raffaele , Bedon Chiara
Published: March 2021

Top and seat beam-to-column connections are commonly designed to transfer gravitational loads of simply supported steel beams. Nevertheless, the flexural resistance characteristics of these type of connections should be properly taken into account for design, when a reliable analysis of semi-rigid steel structures is desired. In this research paper, different component-based mechanical models from Eurocode 3 (EC3) and a literature proposal (by Kong and Kim, 2017) are considered to evaluate the initial stiffness (Sj,ini) and ultimate moment capacity (Mn) of top-seat angle connections with double web angles (TSACWs). An optimized artificial neural network (ANN) model based on the artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is proposed in this paper to acquire an informational model from the available literature database of experimental test measurements on TSACWs. In order to evaluate the expected effect of each input parameter (such as the thickness of top flange cleat, the bolt size, etc.) on the mechanical performance and overall moment–rotation (M–θ) response of the selected connections, a sensitivity analysis is presented. The collected comparative results prove the potential of the optimized ANN approach for TSACWs, as well as its accuracy and reliability for the prediction of the characteristic (M–θ) features of similar joints. For most of the examined configurations, higher accuracy is found from the ANN estimates, compared to Eurocode 3- or Kong et al.-based formulations.
Improving Conceptual Modeling with Object-Process Methodology Stereotypes
Authors: Kohen Hanan , Dori Dov
Published: March 2021

As system complexity is on the rise, there is a growing need for standardized building blocks to increase the likelihood of systems’ success. Conceptual modeling is the primary activity required for engineering systems to be understood, designed, and managed. Modern modeling languages enable describing the requirements and design of systems in a formal yet understandable way. These languages use stereotypes to standardize, clarify the model semantics, and extend the meaning of model elements. An Internet of things (IoT) system serves as an example to show the significant contributions of stereotypes to model construction, comprehension, error reduction, and increased productivity during design, simulation, and combined hardware–software system execution. This research emphasizes stereotype features that are unique to Object-Process Methodology (OPM) ISO 19450, differentiating it from stereotypes in other conceptual modeling languages. We present the implementation of stereotypes in OPCloud, an OPM modeling software environment, explore stereotype-related problems, propose solutions, and discuss future enhancements.
Selecting Program Material by Audio Features for Low-Frequency Perceptual Evaluation of Loudspeakers
Authors: Yu Pei , Zhang Shufeng , Feng Xuelei , Liu Ziyun , Shen Yong
Published: March 2021

The program material is of great importance for the results of the listening tests on loudspeakers, while the process of how to select the program material remains ambiguous. This paper investigates the criterion for selecting programs suitable for low-frequency perceptual evaluation based on the audio features of the program. A listening test was conducted to identify the more discriminating and revealing programs in the low-frequency range. Based on the listening test results, various characteristics of the programs, including dynamic, timbral, rhythmic, and spectral features, were extracted. Their relationships with the program’s discrimination ability are discussed. The results suggest that programs with a slow and clear rhythm and a smooth and even spectrum in the whole band are more discriminating in detecting the spectral differences in the low frequencies. By using these significant features, a discriminant analysis was performed to predict the ability of the program to reveal the spectral irregularities. The predictive accuracy of the derived discriminant function was 95% in separating the discriminating and undiscriminating programs.
Enhancement of Antimicrobial Activity of Alginate Films with a Low Amount of Carbon Nanofibers (0.1% w/w)
Authors: Sanmartín-Santos Isaías , Gandía-Llop Sofía , Salesa Beatriz , Martí Miguel , Lillelund Aachmann Finn , Serrano-Aroca Ángel
Published: March 2021

The World Health Organization has called for new effective and affordable alternative antimicrobial materials for the prevention and treatment of microbial infections. In this regard, calcium alginate has previously been shown to possess antiviral activity against the enveloped double-stranded DNA herpes simplex virus type 1. However, non-enveloped viruses are more resistant to inactivation than enveloped ones. Thus, the viral inhibition capacity of calcium alginate and the effect of adding a low amount of carbon nanofibers (0.1% w/w) were explored here against a non-enveloped double-stranded DNA virus model for the first time. The results of this study showed that neat calcium alginate films partly inactivated this type of non-enveloped virus and that including that extremely low percentage of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) significantly enhanced its antiviral activity. These calcium alginate/CNFs composite materials also showed antibacterial properties against the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacterial model and no cytotoxic effects in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells. Since alginate-based materials have also shown antiviral activity against four types of enveloped positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 in previous studies, these novel calcium alginate/carbon nanofibers composites are promising as broad-spectrum antimicrobial biomaterials for the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Model-Driven Design and Development of Flexible Automated Production Control Configurations for Industry 4.0
Authors: Gangoiti Unai , López Alejandro , Armentia Aintzane , Estévez Elisabet , Marcos Marga
Published: March 2021

The continuous changes of the market and customer demands have forced modern automation systems to provide stricter Quality of service (QoS) requirements. This work is centered in automation production system flexibility, understood as the ability to shift from one controller configuration to a different one, in the most quick and cost-effective way, without disrupting its normal operation. In the manufacturing field, this allows to deal with non-functional requirements such as assuring control system availability or workload balancing, even in the case of failure of a machine, components, network or controllers. Concretely, this work focuses on flexible applications at production level, using Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) as primary controllers. The reconfiguration of the control system is not always possible as it depends on the process state. Thus, an analysis of the system state is necessary to make a decision. In this sense, architectures based on industrial Multi Agent Systems (MAS) have been used to provide this support at runtime. Additionally, the introduction of these mechanisms makes the design and the implementation of the control system more complex. This work aims at supporting the design and development of such flexible automation production systems, through the proposed model-based framework. The framework consists of a set of tools that, based on models, automate the generation of control code extensions that add flexibility to the automation production system, according to industry 4.0 paradigm.
Effective Gap Size Index for Determination of Optimum Separation Distance Preventing Pounding between Buildings during Earthquakes
Authors: Khatami Seyed Mohammad , Naderpour Hosein , Mortezaei Alireza , Nazem Razavi Seyed Mohammad , Lasowicz Natalia , Jankowski Robert
Published: March 2021

Seismic excitations may lead to collisions between adjacent civil engineering structures, causing major damage. In this paper, an effective equation for calculating the gap size index is proposed so as to provide the optimum separation distance preventing structural pounding during different earthquakes. Evaluation of the best prediction of the required separation distance between two adjacent buildings was carried out by using the lumped mass multi-degrees of freedom models of structures. A special computer program was used to perform dynamic analyses in order to confirm the accuracy of the proposed formula. For this purpose, several different models of buildings with various properties under different earthquake excitations were analyzed. The results of the study clearly show that the proposed formula for the gap size index (based on vibration periods and damping ratios of buildings) is effective and it allows us to calculate the optimum separation between adjacent structures preventing their pounding during different earthquakes.