bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of A2143G, A2142C, and A2142G Point Mutations with Real-Time PCR in Stool Specimens from Children Infected with Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Gareayaghi Nesrin , Kocazeybek Bekir
Published: September 2022

Reports have indicated an increasing prevalence of clarithromycin resistance in children relative to adults. Thus, it is important to investigate primary clarithromycin resistance before therapy to avoid treatment failure. A2142G, A2143G, and A2142C point mutations in the peptidyltransferase region of the 23S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) strains isolated from children with gastrointestinal symptoms and asymptomatic children were evaluated via real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using fecal DNA samples. The presence of H. pylori was determined using a fecal H. pylori antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit from the stools of children (n = 543). A2143G, A2142C, and A2142G point mutations were detected via RT-PCR and confirmed by sequencing the 23S rDNA. Fecal H. pylori antigen testing was positive in 101 symptomatic (49) and asymptomatic (52) children. A significant difference was found between the 0–5- and 5–18-year-old groups in terms of the A2143G and A2142G point mutations (p = 0.001). The A2142C mutation was not detected. There was a significant difference in the A2143G mutation between the symptomatic and asymptomatic 5–18-year-old children (p = 0.019). Macrolides are frequently used to treat upper respiratory tract infections in children due to their selective pressure effect. We suggest that H. pylori strains carrying mutations in the 23S RNA subunit conferring clarithromycin resistance may lead to an intense inflammatory response in the gastric epithelial cells, allowing them to proliferate more rapidly and causing possible diarrhea, halitosis, or abdominal pain in children.
Schwannoma of the Hypoglossal Nerve Mimicking Carotid Body Paraganglioma
Authors: Linxweiler Maximilian , Reith Wolfgang , Wagner Mathias , Kühn Jan Philipp , Schick Bernhard
Published: September 2022

Carotid body paragangliomas (CBPs) clinically present as highly vascularized cervical masses with a pathognomonic localization at the carotid artery bifurcation. Following ultrasonography and MRI/CT imaging, surgical resection with optional preoperative embolization is considered as the treatment of choice in most cases. We herein present the case of a 60-year-old female with characteristic clinical signs and imaging findings of a right-sided CBP who finally went to surgical treatment. Intraoperatively, the tumor showed an adherent growth to the hypoglossal nerve that had to be partially resected, resulting in a postoperative nerve palsy. Histological examination of the resected tumor revealed the unexpected diagnosis of a hypoglossal nerve schwannoma. To the best of our knowledge, we herein present the third case reported in the literature of a unilateral hypoglossal schwannoma located at the carotid bifurcation mimicking clinical symptoms, imaging and intraoperative findings of a CBP.
Smoking Cessation on Periodontal and Peri-Implant Health Status: A Systematic Review
Authors: Caggiano Mario , Gasparro Roberta , D’Ambrosio Francesco , Pisano Massimo , Di Palo Maria Pia , Contaldo Maria
Published: September 2022

Since smoking is considered among the main risk factors for the onset and progression of periodontitis and peri-implantitis, the present systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of smoking cessation on clinical, radiographic, and gingival crevicular periodontal parameters around natural teeth and dental implants in ex-smokers compared to current and non-smokers. The study protocol was developed based on the PRISMA guidelines, the research question was formulated according to the PICO model, and the literature search was conducted through PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane library, and BioMed Central databases. From the 916 title/abstracts initially identified, seven articles were included in the present systematic review and assessed for quality through the ROBINS-I tool. Reported findings on clinical and crevicular periodontal parameters around natural teeth were contrasting when comparing ex-smokers to current and non-smokers; thus, individualized recommendations for previous smoker periodontal patients are currently lacking. No data on radiographic parameters were retrieved. Similarly, data on periodontal parameters around dental implants were not available, highlighting the need for focused investigations assessing the role of both smoking habit and cessation on peri-implant health status and responsiveness to treatment.
Origin of the Bunun Indigenous People of Taiwan, a Review of Published Material Using Y-Chromosome and Mitochondrial DNA Gene Systems
Authors: Trejaut Jean A.
Published: September 2022

Anthropological and linguistic studies place the first settlement of Austronesian speaking Taiwanese (AN_Tw) in the mid-Holocene era. However, geneticists have revealed exclusive diversity among the Bunun indigenous people, implying that their ancestral origin needs further study. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymorphism of the Bunun shows a homogeneous relationship with other AN_Tw. However, the Y-chromosome polymorphism shows two major haplogroups, O1a2-M50 (60.7%), also seen to a lesser extent among the Northern AN_Tw, and O1b1a1a1a1a1-M88 (37.5%), scarce among all other AN and non-AN groups in Taiwan, but prevailing in Southeast Asia (SEA) and Mainland Southeast Asia (MSEA). While the present-day mtDNA profile of the Bunun typifies the long-term demographic standard for all AN_Tw since the Neolithic era, their Y-chromosome profile suggests an arrival of male settlers in the last two to three millennia from SEA or MSEA, who mixed exclusively with the Bunun indigenous people.
Risk Transmission of Trade Price Fluctuations from a Nickel Chain Perspective: Based on Systematic Risk Entropy and Granger Causality Networks
Authors: Zhou Xuanru , Zheng Shuxian , Zhang Hua , Liu Qunyi , Xing Wanli , Li Xiaotong , Han Yawen , Zhao Pei
Published: September 2022

Nickel is a strategic mineral resource, with 65% of nickel being used in stainless steel. The situation in Ukraine starting in February 2022 has led to significant fluctuations in nickel prices, with prices of nickel products along the same chain affecting and passing through each other. Using systematic risk entropy and granger causality networks, we measure the volatility risk of trade prices of nickel products using the nickel industry chain trade data from 2000–2019 and explore the transmission patterns of different volatility risk prices from the industry chain perspective. The findings show that: (1) Nickel ore has the highest risk of import trade price volatility and a strong influence, but low risk transmission. Stainless steel has the highest trade price impact but is also subject to the strongest passive influence. (2) The Americas have a higher risk of trade price volatility but a weaker influence. The influence and sensitivity of trade prices is stronger in Asia and Europe. (3) Indonesia’s stainless steel export prices have a high rate of transmission and strong influence. Germany’s ferronickel export prices are highly susceptible to external influences and can continue to spread loudly. Russian nickel ore export prices are able to quickly spread their impact to other regions.
Effects of Soil Properties on the Distribution of Woody Plants in Communally Managed Rangelands in Ngaka Modiri Molema District, North-West Province, South Africa
Authors: Tiawoun Makuété A. P. , Malan Pieter W. , Comole Alvino A.
Published: September 2022

Soil properties are important drivers of species distribution and community structure in grassland. This study was undertaken to assess the influence of soil properties on woody plant distribution around six selected communally managed rangelands in the District. At each communal rangeland, a total of 25 plots of 20 × 20 m were surveyed to record the density, frequency, and composition of woody species. Soil samples were collected for thirteen soil variables. A Tukey HSD (Tukey’s honestly significant difference) post hoc test was used to compare soil properties and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) to relate the soil properties to the woody species distribution. The study recorded a total of 17 woody species in 9 families. Fabaceae was the most dominant family, and Senegalia mellifera was the most abundant and frequent encroaching species. Most of the species were native, whereas Prosopis velutina was the only invasive alien species recorded. Senegalia mellifera, P. velutina, and Terminalia sericea were considered the most encroaching in the study sites, with densities exceeding 2000 TE ha-1 (i.e., tree equivalent). CCA results exhibited the strong effect of soil variables on the distribution of woody plant species. CCA ordination analyses showed that K was the most influential soil variable on woody species distributions, followed by Mg, CEC, Na, pH, sand, clay and silt. In terms of woody distribution, the CCA diagram showed similarities between Disaneng, Logageng and Tshidilamolomo. This study provides baseline information on woody species diversity for future management of this ecosystem.
Lg = 50 nm Gate-All-Around In0.53Ga0.47As Nanosheet MOSFETs with Regrown In0.53Ga0.47As Contacts
Authors: Lee In-Geun , Jo Hyeon-Bhin , Baek Ji-Min , Lee Sang-Tae , Choi Su-Min , Kim Hyo-Jin , Park Wan-Soo , Yoo Ji-Hoon , Ko Dae-Hong , Kim Tae-Woo , Kim Sang-Kuk , Kim Jae-Gyu , Yun Jacob , Kim Ted , Lee Jung-Hee , Shin Chan-Soo , Lee Jae-Hak , Seo Kwang-Seok , Kim Dae-Hyun
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we report the fabrication and characterization of Lg = 50 nm Gate-All-Around (GAA) In0.53Ga0.47As nanosheet (NS) metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) with sub-20 nm nanosheet thickness that were fabricated through an S/D regrowth process. The fabricated GAA In0.53Ga0.47As NS MOSFETs feature a bi-layer high-k dielectric layer of Al2O3/HfO2, together with an ALD-grown TiN metal-gate in a cross-coupled manner. The device with Lg = 50 nm, WNS = 200 nm and tNS = 10 nm exhibited an excellent combination of subthreshold-swing behavior (S < 80 mV/dec.) and carrier transport properties (gm_max = 1.86 mS/μm and ION = 0.4 mA/μm) at VDS = 0.5 V. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of InxGa1-xAs GAA NS MOSFETs that would be directly applicable for their use in future multi-bridged channel (MBC) devices.
Implicitly Aligning Joint Distributions for Cross-Corpus Speech Emotion Recognition
Authors: Lu Cheng , Zong Yuan , Tang Chuangao , Lian Hailun , Chang Hongli , Zhu Jie , Li Sunan , Zhao Yan
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we investigate the problem of cross-corpus speech emotion recognition (SER), in which the training (source) and testing (target) speech samples belong to different corpora. This case thus leads to a feature distribution mismatch between the source and target speech samples. Hence, the performance of most existing SER methods drops sharply. To solve this problem, we propose a simple yet effective transfer subspace learning method called joint distribution implicitly aligned subspace learning (JIASL). The basic idea of JIASL is very straightforward, i.e., building an emotion discriminative and corpus invariant linear regression model under an implicit distribution alignment strategy. Following this idea, we first make use of the source speech features and emotion labels to endow such a regression model with emotion-discriminative ability. Then, a well-designed reconstruction regularization term, jointly considering the marginal and conditional distribution alignments between the speech samples in both corpora, is adopted to implicitly enable the regression model to predict the emotion labels of target speech samples. To evaluate the performance of our proposed JIASL, extensive cross-corpus SER experiments are carried out, and the results demonstrate the promising performance of the proposed JIASL in coping with the tasks of cross-corpus SER.
Synthesis of Ultra-Thin Two-Dimensional SiC Using the CVD Method
Authors: Yang Xu , Liu Rongzheng , Liu Bing , Liu Malin
Published: September 2022

Two-dimensional materials have shown great potential for applications in many research areas because of their unique structures, and many 2D materials have been investigated since graphene was discovered. Ultra-thin SiC layers with thicknesses of 8–10 nm and multi-layer SiC films were designed and fabricated in this study. First, the multi-layer SiC films were obtained by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method with the addition of boron elements. We found that boron additives showed novel effects in the CVD process. Boron can promote the formation and crystallization of SiC films at low temperatures (1100 °C), resulting in the separation of SiC films into multi-layers with thicknesses of several nanometers. In addition, a formation mechanism for the 2D SiC layers is proposed. The boron mostly aggregated spontaneously between the thin SiC layers. Photoluminescence spectroscopy results showed that the SiC films with multi-layer structures had different bandgaps to normal SiC films. The present work proposes a potential method for fabricating 2D SiC materials with convenient experimental parameters and shows the potential of 2D SiC materials for use in electronics.
A Review of Thermochemical Conversion of Waste Biomass to Biofuels
Authors: Jha Shivangi , Nanda Sonil , Acharya Bishnu , Dalai Ajay K.
Published: September 2022

Biofuels are sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels because of their renewable and low-cost raw materials, environmentally friendly conversion technologies and low emissions upon combustion. In addition, biofuels can also be upgraded to enhance their fuel properties for wide applicability in power infrastructures. Biofuels can be produced from a wide variety of biomasses through thermochemical and biological conversion processes. This article provides insights into the fundamental and applied concepts of thermochemical conversion methods such as torrefaction, pyrolysis, liquefaction, gasification and transesterification. It is important to understand the physicochemical attributes of biomass resources to ascertain their potential for biofuel production. Hence, the composition and properties of different biomass resources such as lignocellulosic feedstocks, oilseed crops, municipal solid waste, food waste and animal manure have been discussed. The properties of different biofuels such as biochar, bio-oil, bio-crude oil, syngas and biodiesel have been described. The article concludes with an analysis of the strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the thermochemical conversion technologies to understand their scale-up applications and commercialization.
Water-in-Oil Emulsions Separation Using a Controlled Multi-Frequency Acoustic Field at an Operating Facility
Authors: Dengaev Alexey , Verbitsky Vladimir , Eremenko Olga , Novikova Anna , Getalov Andrey , Sargin Boris
Published: September 2022

Separation of water-in-oil emulsion is a significant part of the cost of oil production due to the use of expensive demulsifiers and additional heating of the emulsion by burning associated petroleum gas. The article discusses an acoustic method that enables the increasing of the rate of separation of the emulsion. In field conditions, tests were carried out in which the efficiency of separation in the acoustic field was determined depending on the temperature of the product, the concentration of the demulsifier, and the frequency and time of exposure to the emitter. The results obtained allow us to talk about a significant reduction in the consumption of demulsifiers, a decrease in the influence of temperature on the phase separation process and an increase in the efficiency of oil treatment at existing facilities.
Solid-Rotor Induction Motor Modeling Based on Circuit Model Utilizing Fractional-Order Derivatives
Authors: Staszak Jan
Published: September 2022

This paper presents the Park model of a solid-rotor induction motor. In this model, the dynamic state of the motor is described by integer and noninteger order differential equations. The skin effect in the solid rotor was represented by resistance and inductance with lumped constants, and the fractional inductance was dependent on the frequency of the eddy current induced in the rotor. The parameters of the equivalent circuit were determined by the standstill frequency response test with the stationary machine on the basis of the finite element method analysis of the electromagnetic field. A simulation of the dynamic states of the induction motor with a solid rotor was carried out based on the calculated parameters. The simulation was carried out using a program written in the Matlab environment. The simulations show that the electromagnetic moment during the motor start-up is about 2 times greater than the initial torque in the steady state. On the other hand, the maximum value of the stator current during the start-up is about 1.5 times greater than the effective value of the inrush current in the steady state. A good agreement was obtained between the results calculated from the distribution of the magnetic field by the finite element method and the results obtained on the basis of the equivalent circuit and, in the case of the electromagnetic torque, with the results obtained from the transient state during motor reversal.
Centralized and Decentralized Distributed Energy Resource Access Control Implementation Considerations
Authors: Fragkos Georgios , Johnson Jay , Tsiropoulou Eirini Eleni
Published: September 2022

A global transition to power grids with high penetrations of renewable energy generation is being driven in part by rapid installations of distributed energy resources (DER). New DER equipment includes standardized IEEE 1547-2018 communication interfaces and proprietary communications capabilities. Interoperable DER provides new monitoring and control capabilities. The existence of multiple entities with different roles and responsibilities within the DER ecosystem makes the Access Control (AC) mechanism necessary. In this paper, we introduce and compare two novel architectures, which provide a Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) service to the DER ecosystem’s entities. Selecting an appropriate RBAC technology is important for the RBAC administrator and users who request DER access authorization. The first architecture is centralized, based on the OpenLDAP, an open source implementation of the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP). The second approach is decentralized, based on a private Ethereum blockchain test network, where the RBAC model is stored and efficiently retrieved via the utilization of a single Smart Contract. We have implemented two end-to-end Proofs-of-Concept (PoC), respectively, to offer the RBAC service to the DER entities as web applications. Finally, an evaluation of the two approaches is presented, highlighting the key speed, cost, usability, and security features.
Geothermal Systems—An Overview
Authors: Sowiżdżał Anna
Published: September 2022

This editorial aims to summarize 10 articles (7 scientific papers and 3 review papers) that contributed to the Special Issue “Geothermal Systems—An Overview”. This Special Issue contains information on both shallow and deep geothermal systems, and analyzes geothermal resources (low and high temperature) in various locations around the world.
Modelling Soil Organic Carbon as a Function of Topography and Stand Variables
Authors: Malla Rajesh , Neupane Prem Raj , Köhl Michael
Published: September 2022

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a crucial role in global carbon cycling. The amount of SOC is influenced by many factors (climate, topography, forest type, forest disturbance, etc.). To investigate this potential effect, we performed a multiple regression model using six different predictor variables in the third national-level forest resource assessment data of Nepal. We found a significant correlation between the SOC and altitude (r = 0.76) followed by crown cover and slope. The altitude alone explains r2 = 58 percent of the variability of the SOC and shows an increasing rate of change of SOC with the increase of altitude. Altitude was identified as a suitable predictor of SOC for large areas with high altitudinal variation followed by crown cover and slope. Increasing amounts of SOC with increasing altitude shows the significance of high-altitude forests in the perspective of climate change mitigation. Altitude, a proxy of temperature, provides insights into the influence of changing temperature patterns on SOC due to future climate change. Further study on forest types and SOC along the altitudinal gradient in Nepal is recommended to deal with the climate change problem in the future.
Fuel and Time Consumption in Alpine Cable Yarder Operations
Authors: Spinelli Raffaele , Magagnotti Natascia , Cosola Giulio , Engler Benjamin , Leitner Stefan , Vidoni Renato
Published: September 2022

A survey was conducted on 12 cable yarding operations in northern Italy, with the purpose of determining fuel consumption and time use. The observation unit was the individual operation, intended as all the activities needed to complete the harvesting of a sale (mean = 500 m3 of timber). All teams were equipped with a tower yarder, an excavator-based loader or processor and a truck or a tractor with trailer, if intermediate transportation to a larger roadside landing (two-staging) was required. The crew size was 3 or 4 operators. Time and fuel use were recorded separately for the following tasks: relocation; set up & dismantle; commuting; yarding; processing and/or loading; major delay events. Fuel consumption averaged 5.1 L m−3, of which 2.2 L m−3 was incurred by two-staging. In general, the yarder accounted for less than half the total fuel consumption of the operation: the processor was indeed the main consumer. Relocation had a very small incidence on time and fuel use. Set up and dismantle did not incur significant fuel consumption but occupied a meaningful share of total time (mean = 22%). Commuting also incurred unexpectedly large (and generally neglected) fuel and time use—with means at 13% and 7%, respectively. Technology developments aimed at reducing fuel consumption should target both main consumers: the yarder as well as the excavator-based processor. Significant benefits would also be achieved through improved planning and infrastructure development, aimed at minimizing the need for intermediate transportation (i.e. two-staging).
Commercial Eucalyptus Plantations with Taungya System: Analysis of Tree Root Biomass
Authors: Edberg Simon , Tigabu Mulualem , Odén Per Christer
Published: September 2022

The increasing demand for wood, fiber, and pulp, coupled with efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, has placed immense importance on the development of forest plantations. The rapidly growing human population faces shortages of food, particularly in the developing world where agricultural productivity is generally low. The taungya system, an age-old agroforestry practice involving the intercropping of crops with trees on the same unit of land, is opined as a win-win strategy to meet the need for wood products and food at the same time. In recent years, the taungya system has gained increasing attention from large forest companies as a tool and an opportunity to contribute to the social well-being of the local community. However, the effects of intercropping on the tree component are largely unexplored. Thus, this study was conducted to examine whether intercropping after 2 and 7 years has an effect on the root system of trees, thereby generating knowledge that supports evidence-based plantation management decisions involving the taungya system. To characterize the root system architecture, trenches were made on six young trees in both a pure Eucalyptus camaldulensis monoculture and intercropped stands (1111 trees/ha in both stands). To quantitatively estimate root biomass, a total of 324 soil cores (6 stands × 6 trees × 3 distances × 3 soil depths) were collected, and roots were sorted and dried to constant mass in an oven at 60 °C for 48 h. The root dry mass data were subjected to analysis of variance to examine the significant effects of intercropping, spacing, and stand age. The results show that the root system of E. camaldulensis was mainly confined to shallow depth but well elongated horizontally in both pure and intercropped stands with 4–6 thick lateral roots. The intercropping of rice/cassava with eucalypt had no effect on the total root dry mass of the tree component (p > 0.05) irrespective of the plantation spacing (5 m × 2 m or 9 m × 1 m); however, root biomass decreased with increasing horizontal distance from the tree base and in deeper soil layers, particularly for trees in young stands. The effects of spacing between trees, wide (5 m × 2 m) versus narrow (9 m × 1 m), on root dry mass were dependent on the horizontal and vertical distribution of the root system, and root biomass appeared to be higher at 40 cm soil depth for the stand with wide spacing between trees than for stands with narrow spacing. Root biomass was larger for older rather than younger trees in both monoculture and intercropped stands, suggesting the lack of a carry-over effect of intercropping on root biomass. In conclusion, this study provides evidence in support of intercropping as a win-win strategy to meet the short-term needs of food production while producing wood in the end. As root biomass varies with horizontal distribution, further research is recommended to test buffer zones between trees and crops other than 1m, which is currently used.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Plywood Produced with Thermally Treated Pinus taeda Veneers
Authors: Ferreira Bruno Santos , Arroyo Felipe Nascimento , Kondo Marcel Yuzo , Santos Herisson Ferreira dos , Barreto Rogério Lima , Dias Alfredo Manuel Pereira Geraldes , Lahr Francisco Antônio Rocco , Christoforo André Luis , Campos Cristiane Inácio de
Published: September 2022

Plywood is a structural composite mainly applied in construction. For this purpose, some sort of preservative treatment is recommended to increase its durability. One option of the available treatments is heat treatment, which promotes the modification of the wood properties. This treatment is carried out on the final product (plywood), because it can reduce strength if applied to the veneers. However, no study has proven such a reduction. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate three different temperatures (160 °C, 180 °C and 200 °C) of the heat treatment on the veneer surface and on the physical properties (specific gravity, moisture content and swelling in thickness) and mechanical properties (MOE and MOR in static bending) of Pinus taeda plywood. A reduction was observed in the roughness of the veneer’s surfaces and the total extractives content changed, with a minimum value reached in the 160 °C treatment. The plywood specific gravity initially increased with the heat treatment and did not change at higher temperatures, moisture content reduced, and thickness swelling was not affected. There was no change in the mechanical properties of the plywood, evidencing that the veneer heat treatment does not prejudice mechanically the final product.
Trends in Vegetation Ordinances across the Southern United States
Authors: Neupane Kripa , Grebner Donald L. , Gordon Jason S. , Jacobson Michael G.
Published: September 2022

Vegetation regulations or ordinances are the local laws that govern the policies surrounding urban trees and landscape management. The complexity of urban areas, within the mosaic of private and public vegetation, necessitates regulation to manage the numerous benefits of urban vegetation. As urban populations continue to increase, regulations governing vegetation become increasingly common. This article presents an analysis of the language and provisions of vegetation regulations within communities across the southern United States by using data from the Municode, a public database of ordinances, and employing a content analysis. Findings demonstrate both similarities and variations in ordinance language and content while identifying limitations such as unclear ordinance provisions, lack of essential ordinance provisions, duplications, and section contradictions. Overall, findings suggest a need to improve ordinance design, content, and language clarity therein, so they can have a more positive impact on community green infrastructure. Findings are useful for urban foresters, arborists, planners, and elected officials in efforts to develop or revise codes.
Timing of Increment Formation in Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) Otoliths
Authors: Rodriguez-Marin Enrique , Busawon Dheeraj , Luque Patricia L. , Castillo Isabel , Stewart Nathan , Krusic-Golub Kyne , Parejo Aida , Hanke Alex
Published: September 2022

Controversies remain regarding the periodicity, or seasonality, of otolith growth band formation, which directly influences a correct age determination of Atlantic bluefin tuna using this structure. The aim of this work was to apply marginal increment analysis and marginal edge analysis to determine the timing of band deposition. The index of completion was analyzed using general additive models to evaluate the importance of variables, such as month, age/size, and reader. Results indicate that the opaque band formation begins in June and is completed by the end of November. From the end of the year to the beginning of the following year, there is minimal marginal edge growth as the translucent band begins to form. The translucent zone then reaches a maximum development in May. The results obtained in this study provide evidence that the annulus formation in the otoliths of Atlantic bluefin tuna are completed later in the calendar year than previously thought. This would mean it is necessary to delay the date of the current July 1st adjustment criterion to November 30.
Novel SNPs in the 3′UTR Region of GHRb Gene Associated with Growth Traits in Striped Catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus), a Valuable Aquaculture Species
Authors: Jiang Liang-Sen , Ruan Zhuo-Hao , Lu Zhi-Qiang , Li Yi-Fu , Luo Yuan-Yuan , Zhang Xi-Quan , Liu Wen-Sheng
Published: September 2022

The striped catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus is an important freshwater aquaculture species in Southeast Asian countries due to its rapid growth. The growth hormone receptor (GHR) is a significant regulatory factor for the growth axis and has great potential applications in animal genetic breeding. This study aims to characterize the GHRb cDNA of the striped catfish and analyze the distribution of its mRNA. Screening of single nucleotide polymorphisms’ (SNPs) loci and diplotypes was performed to provide basic information for the assisted selection of molecular markers in genetic breeding. The results showed that the GHRb cDNA of striped catfish had 2791 bp, which encoded for 569 amino acids. In a phylogenyic study, the ghrb of the striped catfish was clustered with those of other catfish and they were highly homologous. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) experiments showed that GHRb mRNA was expressed in ten different organs of the striped catfish, with the highest expression level in the liver. Five SNP and a haplotype block were identified in the 3′UTR of the GHRb gene using the direct sequencing of 307 individuals. Three haplotypes were found and four diplotypes were constructed. The association analysis revealed that these polymorphisms were significantly associated with growth traits in the striped catfish (p < 0.05). These polymorphisms will provide a valuable reference for future molecular genetic marker-assisted breeding of striped catfish.
Velocity Distribution in Channels with Submerged Vegetation
Authors: Mavrommatis Aristotelis , Christodoulou George
Published: September 2022

An experimental study is presented for investigating the effect of vegetation element geometry on the velocity distribution within and above the canopy. Three types of artificial submerged vegetation elements with common parts and different foliage are used, with two density patterns each. Detailed velocity profiles are obtained and compared at nine locations in the vegetation array. The velocity distribution above the canopy is found to closely follow a logarithmic law and its parameters, namely the shear velocity u*, zero-plane displacement height d and roughness height z0 are determined. These depend on the vegetation density and type of element, but also on the particular position in the array. A unified velocity distribution over the water column is found appropriate for the case of stems with no foliage and also for the cases of compound elements at certain positions in the vegetation array but not at those where locally minimum velocity values occur at the foliage level. Moreover, the logarithmic profile obtained for the upper layer is seen to also fit well the measured velocities to a certain extent below the top of the canopy.
Effect of Genotype and Environment on Food-Related Traits of Organic Winter Naked Barleys
Authors: Bunting Jordyn S. , Ross Andrew S. , Meints Brigid M. , Hayes Patrick M. , Kunze Karl , Sorrells Mark E.
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to understand how genetics and environment influence organic winter naked barley composition and functionality, and to identify traits that might effectively categorize basic physicochemical functionality of food barley. Across three years, two locations, and 15 genotypes, genotype significantly influenced all 10 food-related traits and was the dominant influence for three. Location significantly influenced eight traits and was dominant for three. Year significantly influenced all traits but was dominant only for one. Of the interactions location * year was the most influential and was the dominant effect for two traits. For all interaction terms where genotype was a component, the effect sizes were either small or non-significant suggesting that even with low leverage traits there is the potential for genetic gain by observing trait rankings across environments. Principal component analysis identified six traits that could serve to categorize basic physicochemical functionality of food barley. These were grain protein content, beta-glucan content, flour-water batter flow, water solvent retention capacity, time to peak viscosity of cooked flour, and hardness of cooked intact grains.
Olive Oil-Based Oleogel as Fat Replacer in a Sponge Cake: A Comparative Study and Optimization
Authors: Malvano Francesca , Laudisio Mariachiara , Albanese Donatella , d’Amore Matteo , Marra Francesco
Published: September 2022

Oleogels (defined as structured solid-like materials with a high amount of oil entrapped within a three-dimensional network of gelator molecules) represent a healthy alternative to fats that are rich in saturated and trans fatty acids. Given its fatty acids composition (oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids), olive oil is an excellent candidate for the use of oleogels in the food industry. In this study, a D-optimal mixture design was employed to optimize the replacement of butter with olive oil-based oleogel in a type of sponge cake formulation: the plum cake. In addition, emulsifiers and whey proteins were used as recipe ingredients to extend the product’s shelf life by delaying staling phenomena and mold growth. In the experimental design, oleogel, emulsifier, and whey protein variables were set as the ingredients that change in specific ranges, while hardness, porosity, water activity, and moistness were used to characterize the obtained formulations. The experimental data of each response were fitted through polynomial regression models with the aim of identifying the best plum cake formulation. The results revealed that the best mixture was the formulation containing 76.98% olive oil-based oleogel, 7.28% emulsifier E471, and 15.73% whey protein. We stored the optimized plum cake for 3 months at room temperature and then checked for any hardness and moistness changes or mold spoilage.
Polysaccharides from Bamboo Shoot (Leleba oldhami Nakal) Byproducts Alleviate Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea in Mice through Their Interactions with Gut Microbiota
Authors: Chen Canhui , Guan Xuefang , Liu Xiaoyan , Zhuang Weijing , Xiao Yiqian , Zheng Yafeng , Wang Qi
Published: September 2022

A water-soluble polysaccharide BSP was extracted from the basal part of bamboo shoot, a main by-product of bamboo shoot processing. BSP is composed of glucose (72.8%), xylose (19.43%) and a small amount of galactose, arabinose, glucuronic acid and mannose. The effects of BSP on mice with antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) were investigated. The mice fed with BSP exhibited significant higher bodyweight gain, lower pH value and higher concentrations of SCFAs in the feces compared with those fed with saline. BSP administration reduced the inflammatory cells in the small intestine and colon in the AAD mice, and Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in the gut was decreased from 0.56 to 0.19. Moreover, BSP administration affected the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota in the AAD mice, particularly on the improvement of beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroides, Lactobacillus and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group. Our results suggest that the polysaccharides from bamboo shoot by-products could be an attractive natural component for gut health and AAD treatment.
C-Terminal Modification on the Immunomodulatory Activity, Antioxidant Activity, and Structure–Activity Relationship of Pulsed Electric Field (PEF)-Treated Pine Nut Peptide
Authors: Zhang Shuyu , Dong Liu , Bao Zhijie , Lin Songyi
Published: September 2022

In this study, a novel peptide VNAVL was synthesized by removing the C-terminal histidine on the basis of a bioactive peptide VNAVLH obtained from pine nut (Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc) protein. The effects of removing histidine on antioxidant activity, immunomodulatory activity, and secondary structure of the PEF-treated peptide were discussed. Compared with VNAVLH, VNAVL only exhibited lower antioxidant activity, but no immunomodulatory activity to release TNF-α, IL-6, and NO by activating RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, both antioxidant and immune activities of VNAVLH were significantly more sensitive to treatment with 40 kV/cm than other field intensities, whereas VNAVL was not sensitive to field strength changes. CD spectra and DSSP analysis verified that both peptides consisted of a β structure and random coil, but the ability of VNAVL to transform the random coil via PEF treatment is weaker than that of VNAVLH. Therefore, PEF treatment might expose the key active site located on the C-terminal histidine by altering the secondary structure of the peptide.
A Rapid Fluorescence Sensor for the Direct Quantification of Rongalite in Foodstuffs
Authors: Li Hongfang , Chen Jie , Huang Baowei , Kong Lingwei , Sun Feifei , Li Lin , Peng Chuanyi , Cai Huimei , Hou Ruyan
Published: September 2022

Rongalite was reported illegally used as a food additive for bleaching purposes and improving the tenderness of foodstuffs, which may endanger public health. At present, rongalite was mostly detected by indirect methods via derivatization or determining its decomposition products. In this study, we developed a new fluorescence sensor for the direct quantification of rongalite based on the principles: (1) dopamine reacts with resorcinol and generates strong fluorophore (azamonardine); (2) rongalite could inhibit the production of fluorophores and then result in lower fluorescence intensity. Hence, the rongalite concentration was inversely proportional to fluorescence intensity of fluorophore. Several crucial reaction conditions of fluorescence sensor were further optimized, such as dopamine and resorcinol concentration, pH values, and reaction time. Under the optimal conditions, the limit of detection of fluorescence sensor was 0.28–0.38 μg/g in vermicelli, wheat and rice powder samples, exhibiting almost 3.5-fold improvement compared to that of lateral flow immunoassay. Moreover, the detection time was substantially decreased to 20 min. The recoveries in spiked samples were 80.7–102.1% with a coefficient of variation of less than 12.6%. In summary, we developed a direct, high throughput, selective and accurate fluorescence sensor that poses a promising application for the rapid detection of rongalite in foodstuffs.
Effects of Multiscale Mechanical Pulverization on the Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Black Tea
Authors: Zhang Yang , Xiao Weihua , Han Lujia
Published: September 2022

Black tea leaves were pulverized at an organ-scale (~mm), tissue-scale (500–100 μm) and cell-scale (<50–10 μm) to investigate their physicochemical and functional properties. The results showed that cell-scale powders exhibited a bright brown color compared with organ- or tissue-scale powders with the highest total color difference (∆E) of 39.63 and an L value of 55.78. There was no obvious difference in the oil-holding capacity (OHC) of the organ- and tissue-scale powders (3.71–3.74 g/g), while the OHC increased significantly to 4.08 g/g in cell-scale powders. The soluble dietary fiber (SDF) content of cell-scale powders increased remarkably to 10.41%, indicating a potential application as a high-SDF food. Further, cell-scale pulverization of black tea enhanced its DPPH scavenging activity and ferric-ion-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). However, the polyphenol content (13.18–13.88%) and the protein content (27.63–28.09%), as well as the Pb2+ adsorption capacity (1.97–1.99 mg/g) were not affected by multiscale pulverizations. The mean particle size (D50) correlated linearly with tap density (TD), color parameters of L and b, SDF content, DPPH scavenging activity and FRAP. The results indicate that black tea powders pulverized at a cell-scale can be used as a soluble fiber-rich functional food additive with a bright color, enhanced OHC and antioxidant capacity.
Quantitative Detection of Viable but Nonculturable Cronobacter sakazakii Using Photosensitive Nucleic Acid Dye PMA Combined with Isothermal Amplification LAMP in Raw Milk
Authors: Hu Lianxia , Zhang Shufei , Xue Yuling , Zhang Yaoguang , Zhang Wei , Wang Shijie
Published: September 2022

An accurate method that rapidly detects the number of viable but nonculturable (VBNC) Cronobacter sakazakii was developed by combining propidium bromide with quantitative LAMP (PMA-QLAMP). The gyrB gene was the target for primers design. The optimal PMA treatment conditions were determined to eliminate the DNA amplification of 108 CFU/mL of dead C. sakazakii without affecting any viable C. sakazakii DNA amplification. Compared with the DNA of 24 strains of common non-C. sakazakii strains found in raw milk and dairy products, the DNA of only six C. sakazakii strains from different sources was amplified using PMA-QLAMP. The ability of PMA-QLAMP to quantitatively detect non-dead C. sakazakii in a 10% powdered infant formula (PIF) solution was limited to 4.3 × 102 CFU/mL and above concentrations. Pasteurizing 106 CFU/mL viable C. sakazakii yielded the maximum ratio of the VBNC C. sakazakii. PMA-QLAMP-based detection indicated that, although approximately 13% of 60 samples were positive for viable C. sakazakii, the C. sakazakii titers in these positive samples were low, and none entered the VBNC state under pasteurization. PMA-QLAMP showed potential as a specific and reliable method for detecting VBNC-C. sakazakii in pasteurized raw milk, thereby providing an early warning system that indicates potential contamination of PIF.
A New Alpine Metallogenic Model for the Pb-Ag Orogenic Deposits of Macôt-la Plagne and Peisey-Nancroix (Western Alps, France)
Authors: Bertauts Maxime , Janots Emilie , Rossi Magali , Duhamel-Achin Isabelle , Boiron Marie-Christine , Airaghi Laura , Lanari Pierre , Lach Philippe , Peiffert Chantal , Magnin Valérie
Published: September 2022

Understanding mass transfer associated with fluids circulation and deformation in the Alpine orogeny is often complex due to common multistage crystallization. For example, in two emblematic and historic Pb-Ag deposits of the French Alps, Macôt-la Plagne (MP) and Peisey-Nancroix (PN), a sedimentary or orogenic origin is still debated. To discriminate between the metallogenic models of the two deposits, an integrative methodology combining field, microstructural, mineralogical, thermobarometrical, and geochronological data was here applied for establishing detailed Pressure–Temperature–Time–Deformation (P-T-t-d) mineralization conditions. Both deposits are located in Permo-Triassic quartzite of the External Briançonnais domain along the Internal Briançonnais Front (Internal Western Alps). The ore mainly occurs as veins and disseminated textures containing galena, pyrite, and variable content of tetrahedrite–tennantite and chalcopyrite. Quartz porphyroclasts and sulfide microstructures indicate a dynamic recrystallization of the quartzite during the main fluid mineralization episode. Chlorites and K-white micas (phengite) chemical analysis and thermodynamic modeling from compositional maps indicate an onset of the mineralization at 280 °C, with a main precipitation stage at 315 ± 35 °C and 6.25 ± 0.75 kbar. In situ U-Pb dating on monazite, cogenetic with sulfides, gives ages around 35 Ma for both deposits. The integrative dataset converges for a cogenetic MP-PN Alpine Pb-Ag mineralization during deformation in relation to the thrusting of the “Nappe des Gypses” and the Internal Briançonnais at the metamorphic peak.
Probabilistic Seismic Risk Analysis of Buried Pipelines Due to Permanent Ground Deformation for Victoria, BC
Authors: Dey Sandip , Tesfamariam Solomon
Published: September 2022

Buried continuous pipelines are prone to failure due to permanent ground deformation as a result of fault rupture. Since the failure mode is dependent on a number of factors, a probabilistic approach is necessary to correctly compute the seismic risk. In this study, a novel method to estimate regional seismic risk to buried continuous pipelines is presented. The seismic risk assessment method is thereafter illustrated for buried gas pipelines in the City of Victoria, British Columbia. The illustrated example considers seismic hazard from the Leech River Valley Fault Zone (LRVFZ). The risk assessment approach considers uncertainties of earthquake rupture, soil properties at the site concerned, geometric properties of pipes and operating conditions. Major improvements in this method over existing comparable studies include the use of stochastic earthquake source modeling and analytical Okada solutions to generate regional ground deformation, probabilistically. Previous studies used regression equations to define probabilistic ground deformations along a fault. Secondly, in the current study, experimentally evaluated 3D shell and continuum pipe–soil finite element models were used to compute pipeline responses. Earlier investigations used simple soil spring–beam element pipe models to evaluate the pipeline response. Finally, the current approach uses the multi-fidelity Gaussian process surrogate model to ensure efficiency and limit required computational resources. The developed multi-fidelity Gaussian process surrogate model was successfully cross-validated with high coefficients of determination of 0.92 and 0.96. A fragility curve was generated based on failure criteria from ALA strain limits. The seismic risks of pipeline failure due to compressive buckling and tensile rupture at the given site considered were computed to be 1.5 percent and 0.6 percent in 50 years, respectively.