bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Effects of Deficit Irrigation Strategy on Water Use Efficiency and Yield in Cotton under Different Irrigation Systems
Authors: Shukr Hanan H. , Pembleton Keith G. , Zull Andrew F. , Cockfield Geoff J.
Published: January 2021

Irrigated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) growers in the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) of Australia, are challenged by limited water availability. This modelling-study aimed to determine if deficit irrigation (DI) practices can potentially improve water use efficiency (WUE) for furrow irrigation (FI), overhead sprinkler irrigation (OSI) and subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) systems. We validated the Agricultural Production System sIMulator (APSIM) against observed cotton lint yield and crop biomass accumulation for different management practices. The model achieved concordance correlation coefficients of 0.93 and 0.82 against observed cotton crop biomass accumulation and lint yields, respectively. The model was then applied to evaluate the impacts of different levels of DI on lint yield, WUE across cotton growing locations in the MDB (Goondiwindi, Moree, Narrabri, and Warren), during the period from 1977 to 2017. The different levels of DI for the FI system were no irrigation, full irrigation (TF) and irrigated one out of four, one out of three, one out of two, two out of three and two out of four TF events. For the OSI and SDI systems, DI levels were no irrigation, TF, 20% of TF, 40% of TF, 60% of TF and 80% of TF. Lint yield was maximised under the OSI and SDI systems for most locations by applying 80% of TF. However; modelling identified that WUE was maximised at 60% of full irrigation for OSI and SDI systems. These results suggest there are significant gains in agronomic performance to be gained through the application of DI practices with these systems. For FI, DI had no benefit in terms of increasing yield, while DI showed marginal gains in terms of WUE in some situations. This result is due to the greater exposure to periodic water deficit stress that occurred when DI practices were applied by an FI system. The results suggest that in the northern MDB, water savings could be realised for cotton production under both OSI and SDI systems if DI were adopted to a limited extent, depending on location and irrigation system.
Investigation of the Effect of Slurry, Combined with Inorganic N Rate and Timing, on the Yield of Spring Barley Post Cover Crop of Stubble Turnips
Authors: Cottney Paul , Williams Paul N. , White Ethel , Black Lisa
Published: January 2021

Integration of cover crops into arable rotations over winter results in difficulty in determining the nitrogen (N) requirement for the following commercial crop. The region of Northern Ireland (NI) has had no previous field research on cover crops and how they may affect N supply to the following commercial crop. Stubble turnips (Brassica rapa oleifera L.) were sown as a cover crop, after the harvest of winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and retained over winter. Prior to planting the stubble turnips, pig slurry was applied to maximise cover crop growth. The stubble turnips accumulated 111 and 150 kg N/ha in their biomass. This equates to 79 and 107% of the N requirement of a 5 t/ha spring barley crop, if this N is released sufficiently. In this experiment, the cover crop of stubble turnips was over-sown with spring barley and supplemented with different rates of organic manures (either applied at 50 m3/ha of pig slurry or not applied), and inorganic N fertiliser (0, 70 and 140 kg N/ha), at two different timings (early or late). In the two experimental years, additional N supplied in the form of inorganic N or organic manures, did not significantly enhance spring barley yields. No control area of fallow was included in this trial. However, this study demonstrates that in this region there may be a greater rate of N release from the cover crop of stubble turnips than estimated due to agronomic management practices applied and conducive climatic conditions. This means that in this study location, a reduced N rate programme supplemented to the spring barley is possible, which lead to considerable financial savings.
Genome-Wide Association Mapping of Freezing Tolerance Loci in Canola (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Chao Wun S. , Horvath David P. , Stamm Michael J. , Anderson James V.
Published: January 2021

Winter canola generally produces greater yields than spring canola. However, its range is limited due to its inability to withstand the harsh winter conditions that occur in many northern regions of the U.S.A. To identify loci associated with freezing tolerance in canola, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using a genotyped diversity panel containing 399 accessions consisting primarily of winter canola. One-month-old greenhouse grown plants were subsequently cold-acclimated for two months in an environmental growth chamber prior to phenotyping for freezing survival using a visual damage scale and chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fo). There was reasonable correlation observed between visual damage and chlorophyll fluorescence ratings among the top associated loci; the results indicated that some loci contributed to both freezing damage/tolerance and photosynthetic efficiency. The resulting numerical values for phenotypes were used for association analyses with the identified SNPs. Thirteen significant markers were identified on nine chromosomes for the phenotypes scored, with several showing significance for multiple phenotypes. Twenty-five candidate genes were identified as previously associated with freezing tolerance, photosynthesis, or cold-responsive in canola or Arabidopsis.
The Effects of Potassium Fertilization and Irrigation on the Yield and Health Status of Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.)
Authors: Bogucka Bożena , Pszczółkowska Agnieszka , Okorski Adam , Jankowski Krzysztof
Published: January 2021

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of potassium fertilization (applied to soil at 150, 250, and 350 kg K2O ha−1) and irrigation on the yield (fresh matter yield and dry matter yield of above-ground biomass and tubers) and the health status of tubers and leaves of three Jerusalem artichoke—JA (Helianthus tuberosus L.) cultivars (Topstar, Violette de Rennes, Waldspindel). The Topstar cultivar was characterized by the highest total tuber yield (60.53 Mg FM ha−1) and the highest above-ground biomass yield (65.74 Mg FM ha−1). An increase in the rate of potassium fertilizer to 350 kg K2O ha−1 did not affect total tuber yields. The greatest increase in above-ground biomass yields was observed in response to the potassium fertilizer rate of 150 kg K2O ha −1 (64.40 Mg FM ha−1). Irrigation increased tuber yields by 59% and above-ground biomass yields by 42% on average. Phytopathological analyses revealed that JA leaves were most frequently colonized by fungi of the genera Alternaria, Fusarium, and Epicoccum. Alternaria and Fusarium fungi were more prevalent in non-irrigated than in irrigated plots. A higher number of fungal pathogens was isolated from the leaves of cv. Violette de Rennes grown in a non-irrigated plot fertilized with 250 kg K2O ha−1. Tubers were most heavily colonized by fungi of the genera Penicillium, Fusarium, Alternaria, Botrytis, and Rhizopus. Fungal species of the genus Fusarium were isolated from tubers in all irrigated treatments, and they were less frequently identified in non-irrigated plots. Only the tubers of cv. Topstar grown in non-irrigated plots and supplied with 150 kg K2O ha−1 were free of Fusarium fungi. The number of cultures of pathogenic species isolated from Jerusalem artichoke tubers had a minor negative impact on fresh and dry matter yield.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Animals in 2020
Authors:   Animals Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Animals maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Lactation Associated Genes Revealed in Holstein Dairy Cows by Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA)
Authors: Fan Yongliang , Arbab Abdelaziz Adam Idriss , Zhang Huimin , Yang Yi , Nazar Mudasir , Han Ziyin , Yang Zhangping
Published: January 2021

Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) is a novel approach that can quickly analyze the relationships between genes and traits. In this study, the milk yield, lactose, fat, and protein of Holstein dairy cows were detected in a lactation cycle. Meanwhile, a total of 18 gene expression profiles were detected using mammary glands from six lactation stages (day 7 to calving, −7 d; day 30 post-calving, 30 d; day 90 post-calving, 90 d; day 180 post-calving, 180 d; day 270 post-calving, 270 d; day 315 post-calving, 315 d). On the basis of the 18 profiles, WGCNA identified for the first time 10 significant modules that may be related to lactation stage, milk yield, and the main milk composition content. Genes in the 10 significant modules were examined with gene ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. The results revealed that the galactose metabolism pathway was a potential candidate for milk yield and milk lactose synthesis. In −7 d, ion transportation was more frequent and cell proliferation related terms became active. In late lactation, the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) might play a role in apoptosis. The sphingolipid signaling pathway was a potential candidate for milk fat synthesis. Dairy cows at 315 d were in a period of cell proliferation. Another notable phenomenon was that nonlactating dairy cows had a more regular circadian rhythm after a cycle of lactation. The results provide an important theoretical basis for the further molecular breeding of dairy cows.
Double-Outlet Right Ventricle in a Chianina Calf
Authors: Caivano Domenico , Marchesi Maria Chiara , Boni Piero , Venanzi Noemi , Angeli Giovanni , Porciello Francesco , Lepri Elvio
Published: January 2021

Congenital heart defects have been occasionally reported in cattle and ventricular septal defect represents the most frequently encountered anomaly. The double-outlet right ventricle is a rare congenital ventriculoarterial malformation reported only in certain cattle breeds. We describe this rare and complex congenital cardiac malformation observed in a 10-day-old male Chianina calf. Clinical examination showed tachycardia, tachypnea, jugular pulses, cyanotic mucous membranes and a right apical systolic murmur. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe dilation of the right-sided cardiac chambers with a markedly hypoplastic left ventricle. Both aorta and pulmonary artery leaving the right ventricle in parallel alignment with the tricuspid valve were suggestive of a dual-outlet right ventricle. Interventricular and interatrial septal defects were also visualized. Post-mortem examination confirmed the echocardiographic findings. To the authors’ knowledge, a similar complex congenital cardiac malformation has not been reported in calves of the Chianina breed to date.
Plant Extracts Obtained with Green Solvents as Natural Antioxidants in Fresh Meat Products
Authors: Pateiro Mirian , Gómez-Salazar Julián Andrés , Jaime-Patlán Mariana , Sosa-Morales María Elena , Lorenzo José M.
Published: January 2021

Plants are rich in bioactive compounds (BACs), mainly polyphenols, which are valuable choices to replace synthetic antioxidants in meat products. These natural antioxidants from plants, in the form of extracts and essential oils (EOs), have been obtained from different sources such as fruits (dragon fruit, guarana, pomegranate), vegetables, (cabbage, onion), herbs, and spices (epazote, ginger, rosemary, sage, thyme, turmeric, winter savory) by several extraction processes. However, in the context of current directives there is a notable incentive for “green” solvents to replace organic ones and conventional techniques, in order to avoid harm to the environment, operator, and consumer health. In addition, the recycling of co-products from the processing of these plant materials allow us to obtain valuable BACs from under-exploited materials, contributing to the revalorization of these wastes. The resulting extracts allow us to maintain the quality of meat products, exhibiting similar or better antioxidant properties compared to those shown by synthetic ones. Their incorporation in fresh meat products would maintain the oxidative stability, stabilizing colour parameters, decreasing the formation of metmyoglobin, lipid, and protein oxidation and the generation of lipid-derived volatile compounds, without affecting sensory attributes. In addition, these novel ingredients contribute to improve both technological and functional characteristics, thus diversifying the offer of so-called “wellness foods”. In this review, the application of plant extracts as natural antioxidants in several fresh meat products is presented, showing their efficacy as scavenging radicals and imparting additional health benefits.
Phytogenic Fabrication of Ag–Fe Bimetallic Nanoparticles for Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis Signaling Pathways in Candida auris by Generating Oxidative Stress
Authors: Kamli Majid Rasool , Srivastava Vartika , Hajrah Nahid H. , Sabir Jamal S. M. , Ali Arif , Malik Maqsood Ahmad , Ahmad Aijaz
Published: January 2021

Novel green synthetic nanomedicines have been recognized as alternative therapies with the potential to be antifungal agents. Apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest and activation of the antioxidant defense system in fungal cells have also gained attention as emerging drug targets. In this study, a facile and biodegradable synthetic route was developed to prepare Ag–Fe bimetallic nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Beta vulgaris L. Surface plasmon resonance of Beta vulgaris-assisted AgNPs nanoparticles was not observed in the UV-visible region of Ag–Fe bimetallic NPs, which confirms the formation of Ag–Fe nanoparticles. Beta vulgaris-assisted Ag–Fe NPs were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and TGA-DTG analysis for their structural and morphological properties. The as-prepared Ag–Fe NPs were well dispersed and spherical with the average particle size of 15 nm. The antifungal activity of these Ag–Fe NPs against clinical isolates of Candida auris was determined by broth microdilution and cell viability assays. For insights into mechanisms, induction of apoptosis and triggering cell cycle arrest were studied following standard protocols. Furthermore, analysis of antioxidant defense enzymes was determined spectrophotometrically. Antifungal susceptibility results revealed high antifungal activity with MIC values ranging from 0.19 to 0.39 µg/mL. Further studies showed that Ag–Fe NPs were able to induce apoptosis, cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase and disturbances in primary and secondary antioxidant enzymes. This study presents the potential of Ag–Fe NPs to inhibit and potentially eradicate C. auris by inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and increased levels of oxidative stress.
Comparative Analysis of the Polyphenols, Caffeine, and Antioxidant Activities of Green Tea, White Tea, and Flowers from Azorean Camellia sinensis Varieties Affected by Different Harvested and Processing Conditions
Authors: Paiva Lisete , Rego Clara , Lima Elisabete , Marcone Massimo , Baptista José
Published: January 2021

This study evaluates the polyphenol profiles as well as caffeine (dry weight basis), and antioxidant activities of green tea (GTs), white tea (WTs), and flowers (Fl) samples from Azorean Camellia sinensis varieties affected by different harvested and processing conditions. Epicatechins derivatives, determined by RP-HPLC/PDAD, presented higher values in GTs with respect to WTs, decreasing as follows: epigallocatechin-3-gallate > epicatechin-3-gallate ≫ epicatechin ≫ epigallocatechin, and higher values in summer and early autumn than in spring. This was also accompanied by an in consistent withering time pattern. Esterified catechins were higher in all samples (100.8–312.3 mg/g) with respect to non-esterified catechins (15.1–37.7 mg/g). Caffeine (6.2–27.7 mg/g) decreased as follows: WTs > GTs ≫ Fl, and inconsistent seasonal and withering patterns were observed among the WTs. Total phenolics (125.9–295.4 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dried extract) and total flavonoids (35.2–69.7 mg rutin equivalents/g dried extract), determined by Folin–Ciocalteu and colorimetric methodologies, were higher in GTs than in WTs and Fl. Concerning the antioxidant patterns, the free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) presented EC50 values ranges from 3.6 to 17.3 µg/mL and 4.8 to 16.5 µg/mL, respectively, and ferrous ion-chelating (FIC) activity ranged from 47.1 to 82.8%, highlighting that FRSA was better than butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Tea leaves exhibited, in general, higher activities with respect to tea Fl, and the WT sample plucked in summer and withered for 23 h showed the highest FRAP and FIC activity. In conclusion, this study shows the characteristic variation of GTs, WTs, and Fl of two tea varieties and may support crop quality improvement and promote the valorization of tea Fl.
Creation of Auditory Augmented Reality Using a Position-Dynamic Binaural Synthesis System—Technical Components, Psychoacoustic Needs, and Perceptual Evaluation
Authors: Werner Stephan , Klein Florian , Neidhardt Annika , Sloma Ulrike , Schneiderwind Christian , Brandenburg Karlheinz
Published: January 2021

For a spatial audio reproduction in the context of augmented reality, a position-dynamic binaural synthesis system can be used to synthesize the ear signals for a moving listener. The goal is the fusion of the auditory perception of the virtual audio objects with the real listening environment. Such a system has several components, each of which help to enable a plausible auditory simulation. For each possible position of the listener in the room, a set of binaural room impulse responses (BRIRs) congruent with the expected auditory environment is required to avoid room divergence effects. Adequate and efficient approaches are methods to synthesize new BRIRs using very few measurements of the listening room. The required spatial resolution of the BRIR positions can be estimated by spatial auditory perception thresholds. Retrieving and processing the tracking data of the listener’s head-pose and position as well as convolving BRIRs with an audio signal needs to be done in real-time. This contribution presents work done by the authors including several technical components of such a system in detail. It shows how the single components are affected by psychoacoustics. Furthermore, the paper also discusses the perceptive effect by means of listening tests demonstrating the appropriateness of the approaches.
Evaluation of Jatropha curcas and Pistachio Shell Particles as Modifier for Asphalt Binder
Authors: Venegas-Martínez Abraham , Salazar-Cruz Beatriz Adriana , Rivera-Armenta José Luis , Ramos-Galván Claudia Esmeralda , Chávez-Cinco María Yolanda
Published: January 2021

In recent years, the use of waste materials from agricultural sources has attracted interest as a research field. Several kinds of waste particles have been studied as additives for asphalt modification, and good results in terms of rheological and physical properties have been discussed in recent literature. In the present work, two types of seed shell particles were evaluated as asphalt modifiers. The shells of Jatropha curcas and pistachio are considered waste materials with no further industrial applications; therefore, in this study, they were incorporated into asphalt at different concentrations in order to evaluate their effect on the binder’s properties. Modified asphalt mixtures were prepared through the hot mix method, and the physical, rheological, and thermal properties of the modified samples were measured and compared to those of the unmodified binder. According to the results of softening point, viscosity, and rheological characterization, the particles obtained from Jatropha curcas and pistachio shells can be used as efficient additives for asphalt modification. Pistachio shell particles act as an asphalt modifier, while Jatropha curcas behaves more like a filler agent since using it at high concentrations causes an inverse effect on the modified performance and properties of the asphalt. Finally, the results obtained showed that both shell particles were useful for improving the binder’s resistance to rutting and permanent deformations, compared to the pure asphalt’s original behavior.
Basic Bioelement Contents in Anaerobic Intestinal Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria
Authors: Kushkevych Ivan , Abdulina Daryna , Dordević Dani , Rozehnalová Monika , Vítězová Monika , Černý Martin , Svoboda Pavel , Rittmann Simon K.-M. R.
Published: January 2021

The monitoring of trace metals in microbial cells is relevant for diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) represent an important factor in the IBD development. The content of trace metals in bacterial cells may reflect the functioning of the enzyme systems and the environmental impact on the occurrence of SRB. The aim of our research was to compare the content of trace elements in the cells of SRB cultures isolated from fecal samples of patients with IBD and healthy people. The contents of 11 chemical elements in the bacterial cells of SRB were analyzed by the inductively coupled plasma-mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. Significant changes in the content of calcium, zinc, magnesium, potassium, and iron were observed in patients with IBD compared to healthy individuals. Through a principal component analysis (PCA), a total variability of 67.3% in the difference between the samples was explained. The main factors influencing the total variability in the bacterial cells of SRB isolated from patients suffering from IBD were the content of the micro- and trace elements, such as manganese (with power 0.87), magnesium and cobalt (0.86), calcium (0.84), molybdenum (0.81), and iron (0.78). Such changes in the elemental composition of SRB under different conditions of existence in the host may indicate adaptive responses of the microorganisms, including the inclusion of oxidative stress systems, which can lead to changes in SRB metabolism and the manifestation of parameters of IBD in humans. The use of PCA might make it possible in the future to predict the development and ratio of SRB in patients with various diseases.
Design and Implementation of a Real Time Control System for a 2DOF Robot Based on Recurrent High Order Neural Network Using a Hardware in the Loop Architecture
Authors: Davalos-Guzman Ulises , Castañeda Carlos E. , Aguilar-Lobo Lina Maria , Ochoa-Ruiz Gilberto
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a real-time implementation of a sliding-mode control (SMC) in a hardware-in-loop architecture is presented for a robot with two degrees of freedom (2DOF). It is based on a discrete-time recurrent neural identification method, as well as the high performance obtained from the advantages of this architecture. The identification process uses a discrete-time recurrent high-order neural network (RHONN) trained with a modified extended Kalman filter (EKF) algorithm. This is a method for calculating the covariance matrices in the EKF algorithm, using a dynamic model with the associated and measurement noises, and it increases the performance of the proposed methodology. On the other hand, the decentralized discrete-time SMC technique is used to minimize the motion error. A Virtex 7 field programmable gate array (FPGA) is configured based on a hardware-in-loop real-time implementation to validate the proposed controller. A series of several experiments demonstrates the robustness of the algorithm, as well as its immunity to noise and the inherent robustness to external perturbation, as are typically found in the input reference signals of a 2DOF manipulator robot.
Life Cycle Assessment of an NMC Battery for Application to Electric Light-Duty Commercial Vehicles and Comparison with a Sodium-Nickel-Chloride Battery
Authors: Accardo Antonella , Dotelli Giovanni , Musa Marco Luigi , Spessa Ezio
Published: January 2021

This paper presents the results of an environmental assessment of a Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) Lithium-ion traction battery for Battery Electric Light-Duty Commercial Vehicles (BEV-LDCV) used for urban and regional freight haulage. A cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) of NMC111 is provided, operation and end-of-life stages are included, and insight is also given into a Life Cycle Assessment of different NMC chemistries. The environmental impacts of the manufacturing stages of the NMC111 battery are then compared with those of a Sodium-Nickel-Chloride (ZEBRA) battery. In the second part of the work, two electric-battery LDCVs (powered with NMC111 and ZEBRA batteries, respectively) and a diesel urban LDCV are analysed, considering a wide set of environmental impact categories. The results show that the NMC111 battery has the highest impacts from production in most of the impact categories. Active cathode material, Aluminium, Copper, and energy use for battery production are the main contributors to the environmental impact. However, when vehicle application is investigated, NMC111-BEV shows lower environmental impacts, in all the impact categories, than ZEBRA-BEV. This is mainly due to the greater efficiency of the NMC111 battery during vehicle operation. Finally, when comparing BEVs to a diesel LDCV, the electric powertrains show advantages over the diesel one as far as global warming, abiotic depletion potential-fossil fuels, photochemical oxidation, and ozone layer depletion are concerned. However, the diesel LDCV performs better in almost all the other investigated impact categories.
Ca-Alginate-PEGMA Hydrogels for In Situ Delivery of TGF-β Neutralizing Antibodies in a Mouse Model of Wound Healing
Authors: Gasperin-Bulbarela Jahaziel , Castro-Ceseña Ana B. , Camacho-Villegas Tanya , Lugo-Fabres Pavel H. , Díaz-Martínez Nestor Emmanuel , Padilla-Camberos Eduardo , Echavarría Raquel , Licea-Navarro Alexei F.
Published: January 2021

Hydrogels provide effective alternatives for drug delivery when therapeutics cannot be applied directly to a wound, or if adverse effects are associated with systemic administration. However, drug delivery vehicles need to be biocompatible and biodegradable and exhibit sufficient mechanical strength to withstand handling and different physiological conditions, such as those encountered during topical administration of a therapeutic. Wound healing can be divided into three phases stimulated by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and, subsequently, targeted therapeutics have been developed to inhibit this cytokine for the treatment of chronic wounds and to prevent scarring. In this study, the capacity of calcium alginate hydrogels plasticized with poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) to deliver anti-TGF-β antibodies (1D11.16.8) to a wound was investigated in situ. Three levels of antibodies, 10, 50, and 100 μg, were loaded into calcium-alginate-PEGMA hydrogels and evaluated in an excisional wound model in mice. Hydrogels containing 50 and 100 μg 1D11.16.8 produced less inflammation, accompanied by a marked reduction in collagen deposition and cell infiltration. These findings demonstrate the capacity of calcium-alginate-PEGMA hydrogels to deliver larger proteins, such as antibodies, to the site of a wound.
A Fluid–Solid–Heat Coupling Analysis for Water-Lubricated Rubber Stern Bearing Considering the Deflection of Propeller Shaft
Authors: Han Yanfeng , Tang Ting , Xiang Guo , Jia Hang
Published: January 2021

The novelty of the present study is that it investigates the effect of propeller shaft deflection, caused by the propeller self-weight and interfacial mixed forces, on the fluid–solid–heat (FSH) coupling performance of water lubricated rubber stern bearing (WLRSB). In the FSH coupling model, the generalized average Reynolds equation and the Kogut–Etsion asperity contact model are used to determine the hydrodynamic and the elastic–plastic contact behaviors of WLRSB. In the thermal analysis, the journal, water film, and rubber bushing are considered as an integrated system (JWR system) using the Euler method. To prove the correctness of the developed model, the predicted results are verified by comparisons with the experimental results given in the literature. In addition, to assess the effect of the force-driven deflection during FSH simulation, comparisons of the FSH predictions between the aligned journal case and the deflected journal case are carried out. The results indicate that, especially under a heavy load condition, the deflection of the stern shaft should be incorporated into the lubrication gap between the journal–rubber interface during the analysis of FSH performance of the JWR system.
Prediction of Effective Thermal Conductivities of Four-Directional Carbon/Carbon Composites by Unit Cells with Different Sizes
Authors: Xu Chang , Sun Zhihong , Shao Guowei
Published: January 2021

Two-unit cells developed to predict the effective thermal conductivities of four-directional carbon/carbon composites with the finite element method are proposed in this paper. The smaller-size unit cell is formulated from the larger-size unit cell by two 180° rotational transformations. The temperature boundary conditions corresponding to the two-unit cells are derived, and the validity is verified by the temperature and heat flux distributions at specific positions of the larger-size unit cell and the smaller-size unit cell. The thermal conductivities of the carbon fiber bundles and carbon fiber rods are measured firstly. Then, combined with the properties of the matrix, the effective thermal conductivities of the four-directional carbon/carbon composites are numerically predicted. The results in transverse direction predicted by the larger-size unit cell and the smaller-size unit cell are both higher than experimental values, which are 5.8 to 6.2% and 7.3 to 8.2%, respectively. In longitudinal direction, the calculated thermal conductivities of the larger-size unit cell and the smaller-size unit cell are 6.8% and 6.2% higher than the experimental results, respectively. In addition, carbon fiber rods with different diameters are set to clarify the influence on the effective thermal conductivities of the four-directional carbon/carbon composites.
Novel Lipid-Oligonucleotide Conjugates Containing Long-Chain Sulfonyl Phosphoramidate Groups: Synthesis and Biological Properties
Authors: Derzhalova Alina , Markov Oleg , Fokina Alesya , Shiohama Yasuo , Zatsepin Timofei , Fujii Masayuki , Zenkova Marina , Stetsenko Dmitry
Published: January 2021

New lipid conjugates of DNA and RNA incorporating one to four [(4-dodecylphenyl)sulfonyl]phosphoramidate or (hexadecylsulfonyl)phosphoramidate groups at internucleotidic positions near the 3′ or 5′-end were synthesized and characterized. Low cytotoxicity of the conjugates and their ability to be taken up into cells without transfection agents were demonstrated. Lipid-conjugated siRNAs targeting repulsive guidance molecules a (RGMa) have shown a comparable gene silencing activity in PK-59 cells to unmodified control siRNA when delivered into the cells via Lipofectamine mediated transfection.
A Hybrid Machine-Learning-Based Method for Analytic Representation of the Vocal Fold Edges during Connected Speech
Authors: Yousef Ahmed M. , Deliyski Dimitar D. , Zacharias Stephanie R. C. , de Alarcon Alessandro , Orlikoff Robert F. , Naghibolhosseini Maryam
Published: January 2021

Investigating the phonatory processes in connected speech from high-speed videoendoscopy (HSV) demands the accurate detection of the vocal fold edges during vibration. The present paper proposes a new spatio-temporal technique to automatically segment vocal fold edges in HSV data during running speech. The HSV data were recorded from a vocally normal adult during a reading of the “Rainbow Passage.” The introduced technique was based on an unsupervised machine-learning (ML) approach combined with an active contour modeling (ACM) technique (also known as a hybrid approach). The hybrid method was implemented to capture the edges of vocal folds on different HSV kymograms, extracted at various cross-sections of vocal folds during vibration. The k-means clustering method, an ML approach, was first applied to cluster the kymograms to identify the clustered glottal area and consequently provided an initialized contour for the ACM. The ACM algorithm was then used to precisely detect the glottal edges of the vibrating vocal folds. The developed algorithm was able to accurately track the vocal fold edges across frames with low computational cost and high robustness against image noise. This algorithm offers a fully automated tool for analyzing the vibratory features of vocal folds in connected speech.
Correlation between Buoyancy Flux, Dissipation and Potential Vorticity in Rotating Stratified Turbulence
Authors: Rosenberg Duane , Pouquet Annick , Marino Raffaele
Published: January 2021

We study in this paper the correlation between the buoyancy flux, the efficiency of energy dissipation and the linear and nonlinear components of potential vorticity, PV, a point-wise invariant of the Boussinesq equations, contrasting the three identified regimes of rotating stratified turbulence, namely wave-dominated, wave–eddy interactions and eddy-dominated. After recalling some of the main novel features of these flows compared to homogeneous isotropic turbulence, we specifically analyze three direct numerical simulations in the absence of forcing and performed on grids of 10243 points, one in each of these physical regimes. We focus in particular on the link between the point-wise buoyancy flux and the amount of kinetic energy dissipation and of linear and nonlinear PV. For flows dominated by waves, we find that the highest joint probability is for minimal kinetic energy dissipation (compared to the buoyancy flux), low dissipation efficiency and low nonlinear PV, whereas for flows dominated by nonlinear eddies, the highest correlation between dissipation and buoyancy flux occurs for weak flux and high localized nonlinear PV. We also show that the nonlinear potential vorticity is strongly correlated with high dissipation efficiency in the turbulent regime, corresponding to intermittent events, as observed in the atmosphere and oceans.
The Influence of Environments on the Intensity Change of Typhoon Soudelor
Authors: Oey Leo , Lin Yuchen
Published: January 2021

Previous studies have shown that background oceanic and atmospheric environments can influence not only the formation but also the intensity of tropical cyclones. Typhoon Soudelor in August 2015 is notable in that it underwent two rapid intensifications as the storm passed over the Philippine Sea where the 26 °C isotherm (Z26) was deeper than 100 m and warm eddies abounded. At the same time, prior to the storm’s arrival, an anomalous upper-level anticyclone developed south of Japan and created a weakened vertical wind shear (Vs) environment that extended into the Philippine Sea. This study examines how the rapid intensification of Typhoon Soudelor may be related to the observed variations of Z26, Vs and other environmental fields as the storm crossed over them. A regression analysis indicates that the contribution to Soudelor’s intensity variation from Vs is the largest (62%), followed by Z26 (27%) and others. Further analyses using composites then indicate that the weak vertical wind shear produced by the aforementioned anomalous anticyclone is a robust feature in the western North Pacific during the developing summer of strong El Ninos with Oceanic Nino Index (ONI) > 1.5.
Latitudinal Dependence of the Ionospheric Slab Thickness for Estimation of Ionospheric Response to Geomagnetic Storms
Authors: Sergeeva Maria A. , Maltseva Olga A. , Caraballo Ramon , Gonzalez-Esparza Juan Americo , Corona-Romero Pedro
Published: January 2021

The changes in the ionosphere during geomagnetic disturbances is one of the prominent Space Weather effects on the near-Earth environment. The character of these changes can differ significantly at different regions on the Earth. We studied ionospheric response to five geomagnetic storms of March 2012, using data of Total Electron Content (TEC) and F2-layer critical frequency (foF2) along the meridian of 70° W in the Northern Hemisphere. There are few ionosondes along this longitudinal sector: in Thule, Sondrestrom, Millstone Hill and Puerto Rico. The lacking foF2 values between the ionosondes were determined by using the experimental latitudinal dependences of the equivalent ionospheric slab thickness and TEC values. During geomagnetic storms, the following features were characteristic: (a) two-hours (or longer in one case) delay of the ionospheric response to disturbances, (b) the more prominent mid-latitude trough and (c) the sharper border of the EIA northern crest. During four storms of 7–17 March, the general tendency was the transition from negative disturbances at high latitudes to intense positive disturbances at low latitudes. During the fifth storm, the negative ionospheric disturbance controlled by O/N2 change was masked by the overall prolonged electron density increase during 21–31 March. The multiple correlation analysis revealed the latitudinal dependence of dominant Space Weather parameters’ impacts on foF2.
A Model Construction of Starvation Induces Hepatic Steatosis and Transcriptome Analysis in Zebrafish Larvae
Authors: Xu Hao , Jiang Yu , Miao Xiao-Min , Tao Yi-Xi , Xie Lang , Li Yun
Published: January 2021

Hepatic steatosis caused by starvation, resulting in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has been a research topic of human clinical and animal experiments. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the triggering of abnormal liver metabolism by starvation, thus inducing hepatic lipid accumulation, we used zebrafish larvae to establish a starvation-induced hepatic steatosis model and conducted comparative transcriptome analysis by RNA-seq. We demonstrated that the incidence of larvae steatosis is positively correlated with starvation time. Under starvation conditions, the fatty acid transporter (slc27a2a and slc27a6-like) and fatty acid translocase (cd36) were up-regulated significantly to promote extrahepatic fatty acid uptake. Meanwhile, starvation inhibits the hepatic fatty acid metabolism pathway but activates the de novo lipogenesis pathway to a certain extent. More importantly, we detected that the expression of numerous apolipoprotein genes was downregulated and the secretion of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) was inhibited significantly. These data suggest that starvation induces hepatic steatosis by promoting extrahepatic fatty acid uptake and lipogenesis, and inhibits hepatic fatty acid metabolism and lipid transport. Furthermore, we found that starvation-induced hepatic steatosis in zebrafish larvae can be rescued by targeting the knockout cd36 gene. In summary, these findings will help us understand the pathogenesis of starvation-induced NAFLD and provide important theoretical evidence that cd36 could serve as a potential target for the treatment of NAFLD.
Promising Extracellular Vesicle-Based Vaccines against Viruses, Including SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Sabanovic Berina , Piva Francesco , Cecati Monia , Giulietti Matteo
Published: January 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted from almost all human cells and mediate intercellular communication by transferring heterogeneous molecules (i.e., DNA, RNAs, proteins, and lipids). In this way, EVs participate in various biological processes, including immune responses. Viruses can hijack EV biogenesis systems for their dissemination, while EVs from infected cells can transfer viral proteins to uninfected cells and to immune cells in order to mask the infection or to trigger a response. Several studies have highlighted the role of native or engineered EVs in the induction of B cell and CD8(+) T cell reactions against viral proteins, strongly suggesting these antigen-presenting EVs as a novel strategy for vaccine design, including the emerging COVID-19. EV-based vaccines overcome some limitations of conventional vaccines and introduce novel unique characteristics useful in vaccine design, including higher bio-safety and efficiency as antigen-presenting systems and as adjuvants. Here, we review the state-of-the-art for antiviral EV-based vaccines, including the ongoing projects of some biotech companies in the development of EV-based vaccines for SARS-CoV-2. Finally, we discuss the limits for further development of this promising class of therapeutic agents.
Nanobody-Based Indirect Competitive ELISA for Sensitive Detection of 19-Nortestosterone in Animal Urine
Authors: Yang Yuan-yuan , Wang Yu , Zhang Yi-feng , Wang Feng , Liang Yi-fan , Yang Jin-yi , Xu Zhen-lin , Shen Yu-dong , Wang Hong
Published: January 2021

Nanobody (Nb), a new type of biorecognition element generally from Camelidae, has the characteristics of small molecular weight, high stability, great solubility and high expression level in E. coli. In this study, with 19-nortestosterone (19-NT), an anabolic androgenic steroid as target drug, three specific Nbs against 19-NT were selected from camel immune library by phage display technology. The obtained Nbs showed excellent thermostability and organic solvent tolerance. The nanobody Nb2F7 with the best performance was used to develop a sensitive indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA) for 19-NT detection. Under optimized conditions, the standard curve of ic-ELISA was fitted with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 1.03 ng/mL and a detection limit (LOD) of 0.10 ng/mL for 19-NT. Meanwhile, the developed assay had low cross- reactivity with analogs and the recoveries of 19-NT ranged from 82.61% to 99.24% in spiked samples. The correlation coefficient between ic-ELISA and the ultra-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was 0.9975, which indicated that the nanobody-based ic-ELISA could be a useful tool for a rapid analysis of 19-NT in animal urine samples.
Effects of Nicorandil on Inflammation, Apoptosis and Atherosclerotic Plaque Progression
Authors: Lenz Max , Kaun Christoph , Krychtiuk Konstantin A. , Haider Patrick , Brekalo Mira , Maier Nadine , Goederle Laura , Binder Christoph J. , Huber Kurt , Hengstenberg Christian , Wojta Johann , Hohensinner Philipp J. , Speidl Walter S.
Published: January 2021

Nicorandil, a balanced vasodilator, is used in the second-line therapy of angina pectoris. In this study, we aimed to illuminate the effects of nicorandil on inflammation, apoptosis, and atherosclerotic plaque progression. Twenty-five LDL-R -/- mice were fed a high-fat diet for 14 weeks. After 6 weeks mice were randomly allocated to treatment with nicorandil (10 mg/kg/day) or tap water. Nicorandil treatment led to a more stable plaque phenotype, displaying an increased thickness of the fibrous cap (p = 0.014), a significant reduction in cholesterol clefts (p = 0.045), and enhanced smooth muscle cell content (p = 0.009). In endothelial cells nicorandil did not reduce the induction of adhesion molecules or proinflammatory cytokines. In H2O2 challenged endothelial cells, pretreatment with nicorandil significantly reduced the percentage of late apoptotic/necrotic cells (p = 0.016) and the ratio of apoptotic to living cells (p = 0.036). Atherosclerotic lesions of animals treated with nicorandil exhibited a significantly decreased content of cleaved caspase-3 (p = 0.034), lower numbers of apoptotic nuclei (p = 0.040), and reduced 8-oxogunanine staining (p = 0.039), demonstrating a stabilizing effect of nicorandil in established atherosclerotic lesions. We suggest that nicorandil has a positive effect on atherosclerotic plaque stabilization by reducing apoptosis.
High-Sensitivity High-Throughput Detection of Nucleic Acid Targets on Metasurface Fluorescence Biosensors
Authors: Iwanaga Masanobu
Published: January 2021

Worldwide infection disease due to SARS-CoV-2 is tremendously affecting our daily lives. High-throughput detection methods for nucleic acids are emergently desired. Here, we show high-sensitivity and high-throughput metasurface fluorescence biosensors that are applicable for nucleic acid targets. The all-dielectric metasurface biosensors comprise silicon-on-insulator nanorod array and have prominent electromagnetic resonances enhancing fluorescence emission. For proof-of-concept experiment on the metasurface biosensors, we have conducted fluorescence detection of single-strand oligoDNAs, which model the partial sequences of SARS-CoV-2 RNA indicated by national infection institutes, and succeeded in the high-throughput detection at low concentrations on the order of 100 amol/mL without any amplification technique. As a direct detection method, the metasurface fluorescence biosensors exhibit high performance.
Stabilization and Carbonization of PAN Nanofiber Mats Electrospun on Metal Substrates
Authors: Storck Jan Lukas , Brockhagen Bennet , Grothe Timo , Sabantina Lilia , Kaltschmidt Bernhard , Tuvshinbayar Khorolsuren , Braun Laura , Tanzli Ewin , Hütten Andreas , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: January 2021

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber mats are typical precursors for carbon nanofibers. They can be fixed or even elongated during stabilization and subsequent carbonization to gain straight, mechanically robust carbon nanofibers. These processes necessitate additional equipment or are—if the nanofiber mats are just fixed at the edges—prone to resulting in the specimens breaking, due to an uneven force distribution. Hence, we showed in a previous study that electrospinning PAN on aluminum foils and stabilizing them fixed on these substrates, is a suitable solution to keep the desired morphology after stabilization and incipient carbonization. Here, we report on the influence of different metallic and semiconductor substrates on the physical and chemical properties of the nanofiber mats after stabilization and carbonization at temperatures up to 1200 °C. For stabilization on a metal substrate, an optimum stabilization temperature of slightly above 240 °C was found, approached with a heating rate of 0.25 K/min. Independent from the substrate material, SEM images revealed less defect fibers in the nanofiber mats stabilized and incipiently carbonized on a metal foil. Finally, high-temperature carbonization on different substrates is shown to allow for producing metal/carbon nano-composites.
Therapeutic Strategies for Targeting IL-1 in Cancer
Authors: Gottschlich Adrian , Endres Stefan , Kobold Sebastian
Published: January 2021

Since its discovery, interleukin-1 has been extensively studied in a wide range of medical fields. Besides carrying out vital physiological functions, it has been implicated with a pivotal role in the progression and spreading of different cancer entities. During the last years, several clinical trials have been conducted, shedding light on the role of IL-1 blocking agents for the treatment of cancer. Additionally, recent developments in the field of immuno-oncology have implicated IL-1-induced signaling cascades as a major driver of severe chimeric antigen receptor T cell-associated toxicities such as cytokine release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity. In this review, we summarize current clinical trials investigating the role of IL-1 blockade in cancer treatment and elaborate the proposed mechanism of these innovative treatment approaches. Additionally, we highlight cutting-edge developments utilizing IL-1 blocking agents to enhance the safety and efficacy of adoptive T cell therapy.