bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mycorrhizal Inoculation Improves Plant Growth and Yield of Micropropagated Early Globe Artichoke under Field Conditions
Authors: Pandino Gaetano , Lombardo Sara , Lo Monaco Antonino , Ruta Claudia , Mauromicale Giovanni
Published: January 2022

The micropropagation appears to be a valid alternative method for the production of large-scale, phenotypically homogeneous, and disease-free plants, particularly for spring globe artichoke genotypes. Nevertheless, micropropagated plants have some problems during the acclimatization in field environments. The inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi appeared to overcome the transplanting stress. Therefore, a comparison was drawn between the field performances of different vegetative propagation techniques (micropropagated/mycorrhized and offshoots cultivation) of early globe artichoke clones over two growing seasons. The micropropagation/mycorrhization appeared to deliver a better field performance in terms of both plant growth and productivity traits as compared with offshoots cultivated. In particular, the micropopagated/mycorrhized plants exhibited the highest vegetative growth values than the offshoots of the cultivated ones, such as the plant height and the main floral stem length. The micropopagated/mycorrhized plants were also more productive, exceeding the head yield of offshoots cultivated ones by about 63%. However, the micropopagated/mycorrhized plants accumulated almost a month late on the first harvest respect to offshoots cultivated ones. Our data also showed that the effects of the new proposed propagation method were genotype- and season-dependent. Accordingly, some plant growth and productivity traits showed significant ‘propagation method × genotype’ and ‘propagation method × growing season’ interaction. This study revealed that the micropropagation, as well as the mycorrhization, could represent an efficient and sustainable cropping system to reintroduce and increase the productivity of autochthons landraces.
Effects of Weak- and Semi-Winter Cultivars of Wheat on Grain Yield and Agronomic Traits by Breaking through Traditional Area Planting
Authors: Ding Yonggang , Tang Xiaoqing , Zhang Xinbo , Zhu Min , Li Chunyan , Zhu Xinkai , Ding Jinfeng , Guo Wenshan
Published: January 2022

Global warming has changed the suitability of areas traditionally planted with crops, raising concerns about cereal security. To investigate the possibilities and constraints of increasing yields by breaking through traditional area plantings of wheat cultivars, a two-year field experiment was conducted in southern and northern locations in the Yangtze River basin (YRB), China (separated by approximately 180 km), with seven weak-winter types and six semi-winter types, respectively, bred for the two regions. The movement of weak-winter-type cultivars to the north increased or did not change grain yield and their grain yields were not significantly higher than those of local semi-winter-type cultivars. The movement of semi-winter-type cultivars to the south significantly decreased their yields. Thus, breaking through traditional area plantings did not significantly increase grain yields compared with those of local wheat cultivars. Grain yield of wheat planted in the northern YRB was higher by 5 to 20% than that in the southern YRB because of an increase in spikes that resulted from a longer spike formation phase. In addition, the post-anthesis leaf area declined more slowly in the northern YRB because of higher main stem and tiller survival. High-yielding cultivars always had more spikes and larger photosynthetic areas after anthesis than those of low-yielding cultivars regardless of the planting locations, which led to increases in post-anthesis biomass. However, the grain yield of different cultivars was highly variable under different environmental conditions. The coefficient of variation (CV) of grain yield in different cultivars was significantly positively correlated with the CV of spike number and post-anthesis biomass, implying that flexibility spike number and post-anthesis biomass in response to environmental changes can maximize release of yield potential. Therefore, improving main stem and tiller survival can increase spike number and maintain post-anthesis photosynthetic areas and help to establish a large, highly stable, and productive population with a high level of suitability and production through effectively utilizing the resources during the late growth phase. Valuable suggestions for breeding high-yield and -stability cultivars and confirming their planting range in the future are given.
Enhancement of Agro-Industrial Waste Composting Process via the Microbial Inoculation: A Brief Review
Authors: Zainudin Mohd Huzairi Mohd , Zulkarnain Aisyah , Azmi Ain Sahira , Muniandy Shalini , Sakai Kenji , Shirai Yoshihito , Hassan Mohd Ali
Published: January 2022

Composting is an important technology used to treat and convert organic waste into value-added products. Recently, several studies have been done to investigate the effects of microbial supplementation on the composting of agro-industrial waste. According to these studies, microbial inoculation is considered to be one of the suitable methods for enhancing the biotransformation of organic materials during the composting process. This review provides up-to-date research findings on microbial inoculation strategies and their role and functions in enhancing the composting process and the improvement of compost quality. Based on this review, the addition of microorganisms could enhance the composting process such as accelerating the organic matter degradation, mineralization and microbial enzymes activities, and the quality of the end-products such as high germination index. It is important to notice in this strategy that sludge’s microbial consortium is feasible to enhance the composting process in pilot-scale and industrial-scale productions. Besides, it also reduces the cost of compost production. The findings of this review show the various positive impact of microbial inoculation on agro-industrial waste composting which in turn might be useful as a reference for selecting a suitable inoculum based on the type of waste materials.
Farmers’ Perceptions, Insight Behavior and Communication Strategies for Rice Straw and Stubble Management in Thailand
Authors: Sereenonchai Sukanya , Arunrat Noppol
Published: January 2022

The adoption of rice straw and stubble management approaches can be affected by various factors. To understand the psychological factors influencing Thai farmers’ adoption of rice straw and stubble management approaches, three integrated behavioral theories were employed: the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) and the Health Belief Model (HBM). Then, a practical communication framework was synthesized and proposed to promote rice straw utilization for social-ecological benefits to achieve more sustainable agricultural production. Through a questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews with 240 local farmers, a statistical analysis was performed employing cross-tab, stepwise multiple linear regression, one-way ANOVA and descriptive content analysis using QDA lite miner software. The key results clearly showed that perceived pro-environmental personal norms, perceived cues to rice straw utilization, perceived behavioral control, perceived severity of rice straw burning, perceived ascription of responsibility, and the perceived benefits of rice straw utilization were significantly negatively influenced by burning, and that there was a significantly negative difference to non-burning approaches. Meanwhile, cost savings as perceived benefits of the current option of burning showed a significantly positive difference when compared with incorporation and free-duck grazing options. In communication strategies to promote rice straw utilization for achieving sustainable agriculture, key messages should highlight the clear steps of rice straw utilization, as well as the costs and benefits of each option in terms of economic, health, environmental and social perspectives. Moreover, messages designed to promote action knowledge and self-efficacy at the group level, to promote perceived responsibility via self-awareness and self-commitment, and convenient channels of communication to the farmers can help to achieve more effective non-burning rice straw and stubble management.
Effects of Tylosin, a Direct-Fed Microbial and Feedlot Pen Environment on Phenotypic Resistance among Enterococci Isolated from Beef Cattle Feces
Authors: Murray Sarah A. , Holbert Ashlyn C. , Norman Keri N. , Lawhon Sara D. , Sawyer Jason E. , Scott Harvey M.
Published: January 2022

In two sequential replicates (n = 90 and n = 96 feedlot finisher cattle, respectively) we measured the impact of an Enterococcus faecium-based probiotic (DFM) and an altered feedlot pen environment on antimicrobial resistance among fecal enterococci in cattle fed (or, not fed) the macrolide tylosin. Diluted fecal samples were spiral-plated on plain and antibiotic-supplemented m-Enterococcus agar. In the first replicate, tylosin significantly (p < 0.05) increased the relative quantity of erythromycin-resistant enterococci. This effect was diminished in cattle fed the DFM in conjunction with tylosin, indicating a macrolide susceptible probiotic may help mitigate resistance. A similar observed effect was not statistically significant (p > 0.05) in the second replicate. Isolates were speciated and resistance phenotypes were obtained for E. faecium and E. hirae. Susceptible strains of bacteria fed as DFM may prove useful for mitigating the selective effects of antibiotic use; however, the longer-term sustainability of such an approach remains unclear.
Nanoparticles—Attractive Carriers of Antimicrobial Essential Oils
Authors: Nair Arya , Mallya Rashmi , Suvarna Vasanti , Khan Tabassum Asif , Momin Munira , Omri Abdelwahab
Published: January 2022

Microbial pathogens are the most prevalent cause of chronic infections and fatalities around the world. Antimicrobial agents including antibiotics have been frequently utilized in the treatment of infections due to their exceptional outcomes. However, their widespread use has resulted in the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Furthermore, due to inherent resistance to antimicrobial drugs and the host defence system, the advent of new infectious diseases, chronic infections, and the occurrence of biofilms pose a tougher challenge to the current treatment line. Essential oils (EOs) and their biologically and structurally diverse constituents provide a distinctive, inexhaustible, and novel source of antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic agents. However, due to their volatile nature, chemical susceptibility, and poor solubility, their development as antimicrobials is limited. Nanoparticles composed of biodegradable polymeric and inorganic materials have been studied extensively to overcome these limitations. Nanoparticles are being investigated as nanocarriers for antimicrobial delivery, antimicrobial coatings for food products, implantable devices, and medicinal materials in dressings and packaging materials due to their intrinsic capacity to overcome microbial resistance. Essential oil-loaded nanoparticles may offer the potential benefits of synergism in antimicrobial activity, high loading capacity, increased solubility, decreased volatility, chemical stability, and enhancement of the bioavailability and shelf life of EOs and their constituents. This review focuses on the potentiation of the antimicrobial activity of essential oils and their constituents in nanoparticulate delivery systems for a wide range of applications, such as food preservation, packaging, and alternative treatments for infectious diseases.
Age-Related Mitochondrial Impairment and Renal Injury Is Ameliorated by Sulforaphane via Activation of Transcription Factor NRF2
Authors: Mohammad Razia Sultana , Lokhandwala Mustafa F. , Banday Anees A.
Published: January 2022

Age is one of the major risk factors for the development of chronic pathologies, including kidney diseases. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction play a pathogenic role in aging kidney disease. Transcription factor NRF2, a master regulator of redox homeostasis, is altered during aging, but the exact implications of altered NRF2 signaling on age-related renal mitochondrial impairment are not yet clear. Herein, we investigated the role of sulforaphane, a well-known NRF2 activator, on age-related mitochondrial and kidney dysfunction. Young (2–4 month) and aged (20–24 month) male Fischer 344 rats were treated with sulforaphane (15 mg/kg body wt/day) in drinking water for four weeks. We observed significant impairment in renal cortical mitochondrial function along with perturbed redox homeostasis, decreased kidney function and marked impairment in NRF2 signaling in aged Fischer 344 rats. Sulforaphane significantly improved mitochondrial function and ameliorated kidney injury by increasing cortical NRF2 expression and activity and decreasing protein expression of KEAP1, an NRF2 repressor. Sulforaphane treatment did not affect the renal NRF2 expression or activity and mitochondrial function in young rats. Taken together, our results provide novel insights into the protective role of the NRF2 pathway in kidneys during aging and highlight the therapeutic potential of sulforaphane in mitigating kidney dysfunction in elders.
PEG35 and Glutathione Improve Mitochondrial Function and Reduce Oxidative Stress in Cold Fatty Liver Graft Preservation
Authors: Bardallo Raquel G. , Company-Marin Idoia , Folch-Puy Emma , Roselló-Catafau Joan , Panisello-Rosello Arnau , Carbonell Teresa
Published: January 2022

The need to meet the demand for transplants entails the use of steatotic livers, more vulnerable to ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Therefore, finding the optimal composition of static cold storage (SCS) preservation solutions is crucial. Given that ROS regulation is a therapeutic strategy for liver IR injury, we have added increasing concentrations of PEG35 and glutathione (GSH) to the preservation solutions (IGL-1 and IGL-2) and evaluated the possible protection against energy depletion and oxidative stress. Fatty livers from obese Zücker rats were isolated and randomly distributed in the control (Sham) preserved (24 h at 4 °C) in IGL-0 (without PEG35 and 3 mmol/L GSH), IGL-1 (1 g/L PEG35, and 3 mmol/L GSH), and IGL-2 (5 g/L PEG35 and 9 mmol/L GSH). Energy metabolites (ATP and succinate) and the expression of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation complexes (OXPHOS) were determined. Mitochondrial carrier uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1), nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and the inflammasome (NLRP3) expressions were analyzed. As biomarkers of oxidative stress, protein oxidation (AOPP) and carbonylation (DNP derivatives), and lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde (MDA)–thiobarbituric acid (TBA) adducts) were measured. In addition, the reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG) and enzymatic (Cu–Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), CAT, GSH S-T, GSH-Px, and GSH-R) antioxidant capacities were determined. Our results showed that the cold preservation of fatty liver graft depleted ATP, accumulated succinate and increased oxidative stress. In contrast, the preservation with IGL-2 solution maintained ATP production, decreased succinate levels and increased OXPHOS complexes I and II, UCP2, and PINK-1 expression, therefore maintaining mitochondrial integrity. IGL-2 also protected against oxidative stress by increasing Nrf2 and HO-1 expression and GSH levels. Therefore, the presence of PEG35 in storage solutions may be a valuable option as an antioxidant agent for organ preservation in clinical transplantation.
Protective Effects of Transient Glucose Exposure in Adult C. elegans
Authors: Murillo Katharina , Samigullin Azat , Humpert Per M. , Fleming Thomas , Özer Kübra , Schlotterer Andrea , Hammes Hans-Peter , Morcos Michael
Published: January 2022

C. elegans are used to study molecular pathways, linking high glucose levels (HG) to diabetic complications. Persistent exposure of C. elegans to a HG environment induces the mitochondrial formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), leading to neuronal damage and decreased lifespan. Studies suggest that transient high glucose exposure (TGE) exerts different effects than persistent exposure. Thus, the effects of TGE on ROS, AGE-formation and life span were studied in C. elegans. Four-day TGE (400 mM) as compared to controls (0mM) showed a persistent increase of ROS (4-days 286 ± 40 RLUs vs. control 187 ± 23 RLUs) without increased formation of AGEs. TGE increased body motility (1-day 0.14 ± 0.02; 4-days 0.15 ± 0.01; 6-days 0.16 ± 0.02 vs. control 0.10 ± 0.02 in mm/s), and bending angle (1-day 17.7 ± 1.55; 3-days 18.7 ± 1.39; 6-days 20.3 ± 0.61 vs. control 15.3 ± 1.63 in degree/s) as signs of neuronal damage. Lifespan was increased by 27% (21 ± 2.4 days) after one-day TGE, 34% (22 ± 1.2 days) after four-days TGE, and 26% (21 ± 1.4 days) after six-days TGE vs. control (16 ± 1.3 days). These experiments suggest that TGE in C. elegans has positive effects on life span and neuronal function, associated with mildly increased ROS-formation. From the perspective of metabolic memory, hormetic effects outweighed the detrimental effects of a HG environment.
Growth and Fabrication of GaAs Thin-Film Solar Cells on a Si Substrate via Hetero Epitaxial Lift-Off
Authors: Woo Seungwan , Ryu Geunhwan , Kim Taesoo , Hong Namgi , Han Jae-Hoon , Chu Rafael Jumar , Bae Jinho , Kim Jihyun , Lee In-Hwan , Jung Deahwan , Choi Won Jun
Published: January 2022

We demonstrate, for the first time, GaAs thin film solar cells epitaxially grown on a Si substrate using a metal wafer bonding and epitaxial lift-off process. A relatively thin 2.1 μm GaAs buffer layer was first grown on Si as a virtual substrate, and a threading dislocation density of 1.8 × 107 cm−2 was achieved via two In0.1Ga0.9As strained insertion layers and 6× thermal cycle annealing. An inverted p-on-n GaAs solar cell structure grown on the GaAs/Si virtual substrate showed homogenous photoluminescence peak intensities throughout the 2″ wafer. We show a 10.6% efficient GaAs thin film solar cell without anti-reflection coatings and compare it to nominally identical upright structure solar cells grown on GaAs and Si. This work paves the way for large-scale and low-cost wafer-bonded III-V multi-junction solar cells.
A Jug-Shaped CPW-Fed Ultra-Wideband Printed Monopole Antenna for Wireless Communications Networks
Authors: Ahmad Sarosh , Ijaz Umer , Naseer Salman , Ghaffar Adnan , Qasim Muhammad Awais , Abrar Faisal , Parchin Naser Ojaroudi , See Chan Hwang , Abd-Alhameed Raed
Published: January 2022

A type of telecommunication technology called an ultra-wideband (UWB) is used to provide a typical solution for short-range wireless communication due to large bandwidth and low power consumption in transmission and reception. Printed monopole antennas are considered as a preferred platform for implementing this technology because of its alluring characteristics such as light weight, low cost, ease of fabrication, integration capability with other systems, etc. Therefore, a compact-sized ultra-wideband (UWB) printed monopole antenna with improved gain and efficiency is presented in this article. Computer simulation technology microwave studio (CSTMWS) software is used to build and analyze the proposed antenna design technique. This broadband printed monopole antenna contains a jug-shaped radiator fed by a coplanar waveguide (CPW) technique. The designed UWB antenna is fabricated on a low-cost FR-4 substrate with relative permittivity of 4.3, loss tangent of 0.025, and a standard height of 1.6 mm, sized at 25 mm × 22 mm × 1.6 mm, suitable for wireless communication system. The designed UWB antenna works with maximum gain (peak gain of 4.1 dB) across the whole UWB spectrum of 3–11 GHz. The results are simulated, measured, and debated in detail. Different parametric studies based on numerical simulations are involved to arrive at the optimal design through monitoring the effects of adding cuts on the performance of the proposed antennas. Therefore, these parametric studies are optimized to achieve maximum antenna bandwidth with relatively best gain. The proposed patch antenna shape is like a jug with a handle that offers greater bandwidth, good gain, higher efficiency, and compact size.
Preliminary Report for the Development of a Multiparameter Protocol for the Identification of Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome including Abdominal Ultrasound before and after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Schlaweck Sebastian , Bauer Claus Juergen , Schmitz Friederike , Brossart Peter , Holderried Tobias A. W. , Schäfer Valentin Sebastian
Published: January 2022

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) is a rare complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) caused by endothelial dysfunction. Previous definitions and diagnostic criteria for the presence of SOS include bilirubinemia, hepatomegaly and weight gain, but histological evaluation is still the only way to prove the diagnosis of SOS. However, biopsy remains an invasive technique and is therefore undesirable in the alloHSCT scenario. Hence, a non-invasive diagnostic strategy is critical. Besides thorough clinical assessment and laboratory values, ultrasound examination remains part of the diagnostic workflow in clinical routine. Previous studies defined sonographic abnormalities, which are associated with the occurrence of SOS, but a standardized protocol to perform reliable abdominal ultrasound has not been finally defined. In this study, we evaluated a multi-parameter protocol including laboratory values as well as ultrasound examination pre- and post-alloHSCT. The application of this protocol was feasible in clinical practice and achieved a high inter- and intra-rater reliability. In our population, no case of SOS was identifiable and, in line with previous studies, no changes known to be associated with SOS were detected by ultrasound examination in our cohort. Additionally, we investigated subgroups of patients partly fulfilling SOS diagnostic criteria analyzing correlations between the fulfilled criteria and aberrances in ultrasound measurements pre- and post-alloHSCT. Although statistical examination may be limited by a small sample size and missing SOS cases, hyperbilirubinemia, thrombocytopenia and weight gain showed only a coincidence with selected, enlarged liver dimensions in few patients. This may underline the fact that hepatomegaly occurs as an unspecific finding after alloHSCT. Our protocol, including the ultrasound examination pre- and post-alloHSCT and laboratory parameters, may help to rule out SOS early, but validation in a greater population and different transplantation centers is required to warrant broader appliance. Nevertheless, we aim to contribute to an elaborate and standardized work-flow in peri-alloHSCT patient care.
Acute Impact of Proprioceptive Exercise on Proprioception and Balance in Athletes
Authors: Harry-Leite Pedro , Paquete Manuel , Teixeira José , Santos Miguel , Sousa José , Fraiz-Brea José António , Ribeiro Fernando
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to compare the acute effect of a proprioceptive exercise session and a non-specific exercise session on knee position sense, and the static and dynamic balance of athletes. Sixty male athletes (19.4 ± 1.2 years) participated in a within-subjects repeated-measures study. Knee position sense in closed kinetic chain, and static (BESS test) and dynamic balance (Y-balance test) were measured before and after two exercise sessions, consisting of 10 min of non-specific exercise in a cycle-ergometer or proprioceptive exercise with an unstable platform. Overall, both exercise sessions significantly improved knee position sense, BESS score, and YBT composite score, and no differences were detected between proprioceptive and non-specific sessions (knee position sense, −6.9 ± 65.2% vs. −11.5 ± 75.0%, p = 0.680; BESS, −19.3 ± 47.7% vs. −29.03 ± 23.5%, p = 0.121; YBT, 2.6 ± 2.7% vs. 2.2 ± 2.2%, p = 0.305). Twenty athletes did not improve knee position sense after the exercise session (non-responders). When analyzing only the exercise responders, both sessions improved knee position sense, but the improvement was greater after the proprioceptive exercise session (56.4 ± 25.6% vs. 43.8 ± 18.9%, p = 0.023). In conclusion, a single proprioceptive, as well as non-specific, exercise session increased knee position sense and balance. The proprioceptive exercise seems to be more effective in improving joint position sense when considering only athletes who respond to the intervention.
Sound Source Separation Mechanisms of Different Deep Networks Explained from the Perspective of Auditory Perception
Authors: Li Han , Chen Kean , Wang Lei , Liu Jianben , Wan Baoquan , Zhou Bing
Published: January 2022

Thanks to the development of deep learning, various sound source separation networks have been proposed and made significant progress. However, the study on the underlying separation mechanisms is still in its infancy. In this study, deep networks are explained from the perspective of auditory perception mechanisms. For separating two arbitrary sound sources from monaural recordings, three different networks with different parameters are trained and achieve excellent performances. The networks’ output can obtain an average scale-invariant signal-to-distortion ratio improvement (SI-SDRi) higher than 10 dB, comparable with the human performance to separate natural sources. More importantly, the most intuitive principle—proximity—is explored through simultaneous and sequential organization experiments. Results show that regardless of network structures and parameters, the proximity principle is learned spontaneously by all networks. If components are proximate in frequency or time, they are not easily separated by networks. Moreover, the frequency resolution at low frequencies is better than at high frequencies. These behavior characteristics of all three networks are highly consistent with those of the human auditory system, which implies that the learned proximity principle is not accidental, but the optimal strategy selected by networks and humans when facing the same task. The emergence of the auditory-like separation mechanisms provides the possibility to develop a universal system that can be adapted to all sources and scenes.
Quantitative Neutron Dark-Field Imaging of Milk: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Kim Youngju , Valsecchi Jacopo , Oh Ohsung , Kim Jongyul , Lee Seung Wook , Boue Francois , Lutton Evelyne , Busi Matteo , Garvey Christopher , Strobl Markus
Published: January 2022

Scattering studies of milk and milk products, which are highly relevant food products on the global market, are often utilized and reported in literature to investigate and understand the subtle microscopic structural differences between dairy samples. These structural features determine the physical properties and ultimately the texture of milk products and, thus, also influence the consumer’s experience. Small-angle neutron scattering is a prominent example, which enables observations of length scales, which convey proteins and fat globules in food-grade milk. In addition, deuteration enables contrast variations between the constituents of dairy products. In this study, we investigate the potential of probing small-angle neutron scattering from milk samples through quantitative neutron dark-field imaging using grating interferometry, to establish the feasibility of studying, in particular, fat globules and milk gel structures with this spatially resolved scattering technique.
Special Issue on Heavy Metals in the Environment—Causes and Consequences
Authors: Zgłobicki Wojciech
Published: January 2022

The modification of the chemical composition of environment components, including the concentration of heavy metals, is one of the consequences of the development of human societies [...]
Condition Monitoring to Enable Predictive Maintenance on a Six-Die Nut Manufacturing Machine through Force Data Analysis
Authors: Novelo Xux Ek’ Azucena , Chu Hsiao-Yeh
Published: January 2022

Nut fasteners are produced by machines working around the clock. Companies generally operate with a run-to-failure or planned maintenance approach. Even with a planned maintenance schedule, however, undetected damage to the dies and non-die parts occurring between maintenance periods can cause considerable downtime and pervasive damage to the machine. To address this shortcoming, force data from the fourth and sixth dies of a six-die nut manufacturing machine were analysed using correlation to the best health condition on the force profile and on the force shock response spectrum profile. Fault features such as quality adjustments and damage to both die and non-die parts were detectable prior to required maintenance or machine failure. This detection was facilitated by the determination of health thresholds, whereby the force SRS profile generated a longer warning period prior to failure. The analytical approach could benefit the industry by identifying damage that would normally go undetected by operators, thereby reducing downtime, extending die life, enabling “as needed” maintenance, and optimising machine operation.
Prevalence of Findings in Routine Abdominal Ultrasound in Patients with Systemic Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases and Their Impact on Therapeutic Decision Making
Authors: Weiß Katharina , Schmidt Wolfgang A. , Krause Andreas , Schäfer Valentin S.
Published: January 2022

Patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD) often receive abdominal ultrasound examinations to screen for organ involvement; yet, the spectrum of findings and their clinical relevance are poorly understood. We conducted a retrospective chart review of inpatients from a rheumatological referral centre with an abdominal ultrasound between 1 January2006 and 31 December 2015, examining 1092 SARD patients with a total of 1695 inpatient stays. The mean age was 55.1 years (range: 17–90 years, SD: 15.8), and the mean disease duration was 6.4 years (range: 0.0–52.8 years, SD: 9.1). A total of 87.5% of the patients were female. The most frequent ultrasound findings were hepatic steatosis (in 26.8% of all patients), splenomegaly (15.2% of all patients), pancreatic lipomatosis (14.3% of all patients) and aortic sclerosis (13.9% of all patients). Based on glucocorticoid and disease-modifying antirheumatic drug use, we identified cases where immuno-modulatory medication was escalated; there was an association between therapy escalation and the findings of hepatomegaly and pleural effusion (as tested via Fisher’s exact test). In patients with several examinations during the defined time span (n = 318), we found ultrasound findings to change, especially findings of hepatomegaly, pleural effusion and splenomegaly. When justifying decisions regarding the further treatment of a patient in the discharge letter, abdominal ultrasound results were rarely discussed. Abdominal ultrasound rarely yielded disease-specific or treatment-changing results.
Automatic Receipt Recognition System Based on Artificial Intelligence Technology
Authors: Lin Cheng-Jian , Liu Yu-Cheng , Lee Chin-Ling
Published: January 2022

In this study, an automatic receipt recognition system (ARRS) is developed. First, a receipt is scanned for conversion into a high-resolution image. Receipt characters are automatically placed into two categories according to the receipt characteristics: printed and handwritten characters. Images of receipts with these characters are preprocessed separately. For handwritten characters, template matching and the fixed features of the receipts are used for text positioning, and projection is applied for character segmentation. Finally, a convolutional neural network is used for character recognition. For printed characters, a modified You Only Look Once (version 4) model (YOLOv4-s) executes precise text positioning and character recognition. The proposed YOLOv4-s model reduces downsampling, thereby enhancing small-object recognition. Finally, the system produces recognition results in a tax declaration format, which can upload to a tax declaration system. Experimental results revealed that the recognition accuracy of the proposed system was 80.93% for handwritten characters. Moreover, the YOLOv4-s model had a 99.39% accuracy rate for printed characters; only 33 characters were misjudged. The recognition accuracy of the YOLOv4-s model was higher than that of the traditional YOLOv4 model by 20.57%. Therefore, the proposed ARRS can considerably improve the efficiency of tax declaration, reduce labor costs, and simplify operating procedures.
Research on the Indoor Thermal Environment of Attached Sunspace Passive Solar Heating System Based on Zero-State Response Control Strategy
Authors: Zhao Jing , Liu Dehan , Lu Shilei
Published: January 2022

The application of attached sunspace passive solar heating systems (ASPSHS) for farmhouses can improve building performance, reduce heating energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. In order to take better use of the attached sunspace to prevent heat transfer or promote natural ventilation, this paper presented a zero-state response control strategy for the opening and closing time of active interior window in the ASPSHS. In order to verify the application of this strategy, an attached sunspace was built in an actual farmhouse. A natural ventilation heat exchange model was built based on the farmhouse with attached sunspace. The proposed zero-state response control strategy was implemented in TRNSYS software. Field measurement in living lab was carried out to inspect the distribution of the thermal environment in the farmhouse with attached sunspace under a zero-state response control strategy in the cold region of northern China. The experimental results show that, even under −5.0–2.5 °C ambient temperature, the application of zero-state response control strategy effectively increases the internal temperature to an average of 25.45 °C higher than the outside, with 23% indoor discernible temperature differential in the sample daytime. The whole-season heating performance was evaluated by simulating the model for the heating season in 2020–2021. The simulation demonstrates that the ASPSHS under zero-state response control strategy can maintain a basic indoor temperature of 14 °C for 1094 h during the heating season, with a daytime heating guarantee rate of 73.33%, thus ensuring higher indoor heating comfort during the day. When compared to a farmhouse with an attached sunspace under the zero-state response control strategy, the energy savings rate can be enhanced by 20.88%, and carbon emissions can be reduced by 51.73%. Overall, the attached sunspace with the zero-state response control strategy can effectively increase the indoor temperature when the solar radiation is intensive and create a suitable thermal environment for the farmhouse in the cold region of northern China.
Development of a Practical Evaluation Method for Tsunami Debris and Its Accumulation
Authors: Imai Kentaro , Hashimoto Takashi , Mitobe Yuta , Masuta Tatsuo , Takahashi Narumi , Obayashi Ryoko
Published: January 2022

Tsunami-related fires may occur in the inundation area during a huge tsunami disaster, and woody debris produced by the tsunami can cause the fires to spread. To establish a practical method for evaluating tsunami-related fire predictions, we previously developed a method for evaluating the tsunami debris thickness distribution that uses tsunami computation results and static parameters for tsunami numerical analysis. We then used this evaluation method to successfully reproduce the tsunami debris accumulation trend. We then developed an empirical building fragility function that relates the production of debris not only to inundation depth but also to the topographic gradient and the proportion of robust buildings. Using these empirical evaluation models, along with conventional tsunami numerical analysis data, we carried out a practical tsunami debris prediction for Owase City, Mie Prefecture, a potential disaster area for a Nankai Trough mega-earthquake. This prediction analysis method can reveal hazards which go undetected by a conventional tsunami inundation analysis. These results indicate that it is insufficient to characterize the tsunami hazard by inundation area and inundation depth alone when predicting the hazard of a huge tsunami; moreover, more practically, it is necessary to predict the hazard based on the effect of tsunami debris.
Riemann–Liouville Fractional Sobolev and Bounded Variation Spaces
Authors: Leaci Antonio , Tomarelli Franco
Published: January 2022

We establish some properties of the bilateral Riemann–Liouville fractional derivative Ds. We set the notation, and study the associated Sobolev spaces of fractional order s, denoted by Ws,1(a,b), and the fractional bounded variation spaces of fractional order s, denoted by BVs(a,b). Examples, embeddings and compactness properties related to these spaces are addressed, aiming to set a functional framework suitable for fractional variational models for image analysis.
Enhanced Electrochemical Properties of Na0.67MnO2 Cathode for Na-Ion Batteries Prepared with Novel Tetrabutylammonium Alginate Binder
Authors: Kucinskis Gints , Kruze Beate , Korde Prasad , Sarakovskis Anatolijs , Viksna Arturs , Hodakovska Julija , Bajars Gunars
Published: January 2022

Both the binder and solid–electrolyte interface play an important role in improving the cycling stability of electrodes for Na-ion batteries. In this study, a novel tetrabutylammonium (TBA) alginate binder is used to prepare a Na0.67MnO2 electrode for sodium-ion batteries with improved electrochemical performance. The ageing of the electrodes is characterized. TBA alginate-based electrodes are compared to polyvinylidene fluoride- (PVDF) and Na alginate-based electrodes and show favorable electrochemical performance, with gravimetric capacity values of up to 164 mAh/g, which is 6% higher than measured for the electrode prepared with PVDF binder. TBA alginate-based electrodes also display good rate capability and improved cyclability. The solid–electrolyte interface of TBA alginate-based electrodes is similar to that of PVDF-based electrodes. As the only salt of alginic acid soluble in non-aqueous solvents, TBA alginate emerges as a good alternative to PVDF binder in battery applications where the water-based processing of electrode slurries is not feasible, such as the demonstrated case with Na0.67MnO2.
Functionally Antagonistic Transcription Factors IRF1 and IRF2 Regulate the Transcription of the Dopamine Receptor D2 Gene Associated with Aggressive Behavior of Weaned Pigs
Authors: Zhao Jing , Gao Siyuan , Guo Yanli , Xu Qinglei , Liu Mingzheng , Zhang Chunlei , Cheng Meng , Zhao Xianle , Schinckel Allan P. , Zhou Bo
Published: January 2022

Aggressive behavior has negative effects on animal welfare and growth performance in pigs. The dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) has a critical neuromodulator role in the dopamine signal pathway within the brain to control behavior. A functional single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs1110730503, in the promoter region of the porcine DRD2 gene was identified, which affects aggressive behavior in pigs. A chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay was used to identify the interactions between interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) and IRF2 with the DRD2 gene. The overexpression or knockdown of these two transcription factors in porcine kidney-15 (PK15) and porcine neuronal cells (PNCs) indicate that the binding of IRF1 to DRD2 promotes the transcription of the DRD2 gene, but the binding of IRF2 to the DRD2 gene inhibits its transcription. Furthermore, IRF1 and IRF2 are functionally antagonistic to each other. The downregulation of DRD2 or upregulation of IRF2 increased the apoptosis rate of porcine neuroglial cells. Taken together, we found that transcriptional factors IRF1 and IRF2 have vital roles in regulating the transcription of the DRD2 gene, and rs1110730503 (−915A/T) is a functional SNP that influences IRF2 binding to the promoter of the DRD2 gene. These findings will provide further insight towards controlling aggressive behavior in pigs.
Atoh8 in Development and Disease
Authors: Divvela Satya Srirama Karthik , Saberi Darius , Brand-Saberi Beate
Published: January 2022

Atoh8 belongs to a large superfamily of transcriptional regulators called basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins. bHLH proteins have been identified in a wide range of organisms from yeast to humans. The members of this special group of transcription factors were found to be involved not only in embryonic development but also in disease initiation and its progression. Given their importance in several fundamental processes, the translation, subcellular location and turnover of bHLH proteins is tightly regulated. Alterations in the expression of bHLH proteins have been associated with multiple diseases also in context with Atoh8 which seems to unfold its functions as both transcriptional activator and repressor. Like many other bHLH transcription factors, so far, Atoh8 has also been observed to be involved in both embryonic development and carcinogenesis where it mainly acts as tumor suppressor. This review summarizes our current understanding of Atoh8 structure, function and regulation and its complex and partially controversial involvement in development and disease.
In Vivo Accelerator-Based Boron Neutron Capture Therapy for Spontaneous Tumors in Large Animals: Case Series
Authors: Kanygin Vladimir , Kichigin Aleksandr , Zaboronok Alexander , Kasatova Anna , Petrova Elena , Tsygankova Alphiya , Zavjalov Evgenii , Mathis Bryan J. , Taskaev Sergey
Published: January 2022

(1) Background: accelerator-based neutron sources are a new frontier for BNCT but many technical issues remain. We aimed to study such issues and results in larger-animal BNCT (cats and dogs) with naturally occurring, malignant tumors in different locations as an intermediate step in translating current research into clinical practice. (2) Methods: 10 pet cats and dogs with incurable, malignant tumors that had no treatment alternatives were included in this study. A tandem accelerator with vacuum insulation was used as a neutron source. As a boron-containing agent, 10B-enriched sodium borocaptate (BSH) was used at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Animal condition as well as tumor progression/regression were monitored. (3) Results: regression of tumors in response to treatment, improvements in the overall clinical picture, and an increase in the estimated duration and quality of life were observed. Treatment-related toxicity was mild and reversible. (4) Conclusions: our study contributes to preparations for human BNCT clinical trials and suggests utility for veterinary oncology.
TERT Promoter Revertant Mutation Inhibits Melanoma Growth through Intrinsic Apoptosis
Authors: Wang Yanbing , Chen Yiwu , Li Chang , Xiao Zhiwei , Yuan Hongming , Zhang Yuanzhu , Pang Daxin , Tang Xiaochun , Li Mengjing , Ouyang Hongsheng
Published: January 2022

Human telomerase is a specialized DNA polymerase whose catalytic core includes both TERT and human telomerase RNA (hTR). Telomerase in humans, which is silent in most somatic cells, is activated to maintain the telomere length (TEL) in various types of cancer cells, including melanoma. In the vast majority of tumor cells, the TERT promoter is mutated to promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis. Here, we exploited NG-ABEmax to revert TERT -146 T to -146 C in melanoma, and successfully obtained TERT promoter revertant mutant cells. These TERT revertant mutant cells exhibited significant growth inhibition both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, A375−146C/C cells exhibited telomere shortening and the downregulation of TERT at both the transcription and protein levels, and migration and invasion were inhibited. In addition, TERT promoter revertant mutation abrogated the inhibitory effect of mutant TERT on apoptosis via B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), ultimately leading to cell death. Collectively, the results of our work demonstrate that reverting mutations in the TERT promoter is a potential therapeutic option for melanoma.
Mechanistic Link between Vitamin B12 and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Lauer Anna Andrea , Grimm Heike Sabine , Apel Birgit , Golobrodska Nataliya , Kruse Lara , Ratanski Elina , Schulten Noemi , Schwarze Laura , Slawik Thomas , Sperlich Saskia , Vohla Antonia , Grimm Marcus Otto Walter
Published: January 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in the elderly population, affecting over 55 million people worldwide. Histopathological hallmarks of this multifactorial disease are an increased plaque burden and tangles in the brains of affected individuals. Several lines of evidence indicate that B12 hypovitaminosis is linked to AD. In this review, the biochemical pathways involved in AD that are affected by vitamin B12, focusing on APP processing, Aβ fibrillization, Aβ-induced oxidative damage as well as tau hyperphosphorylation and tau aggregation, are summarized. Besides the mechanistic link, an overview of clinical studies utilizing vitamin B supplementation are given, and a potential link between diseases and medication resulting in a reduced vitamin B12 level and AD are discussed. Besides the disease-mediated B12 hypovitaminosis, the reduction in vitamin B12 levels caused by an increasing change in dietary preferences has been gaining in relevance. In particular, vegetarian and vegan diets are associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, and therefore might have potential implications for AD. In conclusion, our review emphasizes the important role of vitamin B12 in AD, which is particularly important, as even in industrialized countries a large proportion of the population might not be sufficiently supplied with vitamin B12.
Lithocholic Acid Amides as Potent Vitamin D Receptor Agonists
Authors: Yoshihara Ayana , Kawasaki Haru , Masuno Hiroyuki , Takada Koki , Numoto Nobutaka , Ito Nobutoshi , Hirata Naoya , Kanda Yasunari , Ishizawa Michiyasu , Makishima Makoto , Kagechika Hiroyuki , Tanatani Aya
Published: January 2022

1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1α,25(OH)2D3, 1] is an active form of vitamin D3 and regulates various biological phenomena, including calcium and phosphate homeostasis, bone metabolism, and immune response via binding to and activation of vitamin D receptor (VDR). Lithocholic acid (LCA, 2) was identified as a second endogenous agonist of VDR, though its potency is very low. However, the lithocholic acid derivative 3 (Dcha-20) is a more potent agonist than 1α,25(OH)2D3, (1), and its carboxyl group has similar interactions to the 1,3-dihydroxyl groups of 1 with amino acid residues in the VDR ligand-binding pocket. Here, we designed and synthesized amide derivatives of 3 in order to clarify the role of the carboxyl group. The synthesized amide derivatives showed HL-60 cell differentiation-inducing activity with potency that depended upon the substituent on the amide nitrogen atom. Among them, the N-cyanoamide 6 is more active than either 1 or 3.
Lipids of Marine Algae—Biomolecules with High Nutritional Value and Important Bioactive Properties
Authors: Domingues M. Rosário , Calado Ricardo
Published: January 2022

Marine microalgae are a multitude of taxonomically diverse unicellular organisms, ranging from diatoms to dinoflagellates and several other well-known groups, that may dwell in the water column, occur in marine sediments, or even associate symbiotically with marine animals [...]