bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Supplementation of Yeast Culture Into Pelleted Total Mixed Rations Improves the Growth Performance of Fattening Lambs
Authors: Song Baijun , Wu Tingting , You Peihua , Wang Hongze , Burke Jennifer L. , Kang Kun , Yu Wei , Wang Mengzhi , Li Bo , He Yuhua , Huo Qin , Li Changsheng , Tian Wannian , Li Rongquan , Li Jianping , Wang Chunqing , Sun Xuezhao
Published: May 2021

There is a growing interest in the use of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) culture (YC) for the enhancement of growth performance and general animal health. Grain-based pelleted total mixed rations (TMR) are emerging in intensive sheep farming systems, but it is uncertain if the process of pelleting results in YC becoming ineffective. This study aimed to examine the effects of YC supplemented to pelleted TMR at two proportions of corn in the diet on animal performance, feed digestion, blood parameters, rumen fermentation, and microbial community in fattening lambs. A 2 × 2 factorial design was adopted with two experimental factors and two levels in each factor, resulting in four treatments: (1) low proportion of corn in the diet (LC; 350 g corn/kg diet) without YC, (2) LC with YC (5 g/kg diet), (3) high proportion of corn in the diet (HC; 600 g corn/kg diet) without YC, and (4) HC with YC. Fifty-six 3-month-old male F2 hybrids of thin-tailed sheep and Northeast fine-wool sheep with a liveweight of 19.9 ± 2.7 kg were randomly assigned to the four treatment groups with an equal number of animals in each group. The results showed that live yeast cells could not survive during pelleting, and thus, any biological effects of the YC were the result of feeding dead yeast and the metabolites of yeast fermentation rather than live yeast cells. The supplementation of YC resulted in 31.1 g/day more average daily gain regardless of the proportion of corn in the diet with unchanged feed intake during the 56-day growth measurement period. The digestibility of neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre was increased, but the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein was not affected by YC. The supplementation of YC altered the rumen bacterial population and species, but the most abundant phyla Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria remained unchanged. This study indicates that YC products can be supplemented to pelleted TMR for improved lamb growth performance, although live yeast cells are inactive after pelleting. The improved performance could be attributed to improved fibre digestibility.
Nutritional Value of Jerusalem Artichoke Tubers (Helianthus tuberosus L.) Grown in Organic System under Lithuanian and Polish Conditions
Authors: Sawicka Barbara , Danilčenko Honorata , Jariene Elvyra , Skiba Dominika , Rachoń Leszek , Barbaś Piotr , Pszczółkowski Piotr
Published: May 2021

The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional value of H. tuberosus tubers grown in the organic farming system in Poland and Lithuania. The work was based on field experiments carried out in 2015–2017 in Parczew (Poland) and Akademija (Lithuania). The experiments were carried out using the randomized block method in four replications. Two cultivars of Jerusalem artichoke (JA) ‘Albik’ and ‘Rubik’ were tested. After the harvest of tubers, an assessment of their quality was carried out by standard methods. Due to the relocation of JA cultivation from Central and Eastern Europe to Northeast Europe, there were changes in the chemical composition of H. tuberosus tubers. The tubers from crops in Lithuania were characterized by a lower content of inulin, crude fiber and protein, ascorbic acid, total and endogenous amino acids than in Poland, but a higher content of true protein and macroelements. Edaphic factors determined, to a greater extent than genetic factors, the nutritional value of tubers. Assessment of the influence of varietal characteristics, meteorological conditions, and geographic location on the amount of biologically active compounds in JA will allow growers and consumers to choose the most suitable cultivars.
Spontaneous Gene Flow between Cultivated and Naturalized Vicia villosa Roth Populations Increases the Physical Dormancy Seed in a Semiarid Agroecosystem
Authors: Renzi Juan Pablo , Reinoso Omar , Quintana Matías , Smýkal Petr
Published: May 2021

Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) is the second most cultivated vetch worldwide being used as a forage and cover crop. As it is not domesticated, it displays several wild traits including seed dormancy. The physical seed dormancy (PY) variation could be useful depending on the specific context. High PY is desirable for ley farming systems, while low PY is needed to prevent weediness in subsequent crop rotations. Gene flow between cultivated and naturalized populations has important ecological and agronomic consequences. Experiments were conducted to determine the change in the level of PY in spontaneous crosses between European cultivated accessions (EU) characterized by low PY and naturalized Argentinian population (AR) with high PY. Generations G0 (initial generation) to G3 were assessed for their PY in seeds and total dry matter (DM) per plot, at plant maturity. As the result of spontaneous crosses with the AR population, an increase from G0 to G3 in PY and DM in EU accessions was observed, while AR maintained its high PY and DM values. In one mating cycle, selecting for PY lower than 14% and high DM can satisfy breeding objectives for cover crops. Isolation during breeding and seed production is necessary to avoid gene flow. This knowledge extends to other legume species with gene flow between wild and cultivated populations.
Frequency of Deoxynivalenol Concentrations above the Maximum Limit in Raw Winter Wheat Grain during a 12-Year Multi-Site Survey
Authors: Pallez-Barthel Marine , Cocco Emmanuelle , Vogelgsang Susanne , Beyer Marco
Published: May 2021

Mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON) in wheat grain pose a threat to food and feed safety. Models predicting DON levels mostly require field specific input data that in turn allow predictions for individual fields. To obtain predictions for entire regions, model results from fields commonly have to be aggregated, requiring many model runs and the integration of field specific information. Here, we present a novel approach for predicting the percentage of winter wheat samples with DON levels above the EU maximum legal limit (ML) based on freely available agricultural summary statistics and meteorological data for an entire region using case study data from Luxembourg and Switzerland. The coefficient of variation of the rainfall data recorded ±7 days around wheat anthesis and the percentage of fields with a previous crop of maize were used to predict the countrywide percentage of winter wheat grain samples with DON levels > ML. The relationships found in the present study allow for a better assessment of the risk of obtaining winter wheat samples with DON contaminations > ML for an entire region based on predictors that are freely available in agricultural summary statistics and meteorological data.
Effects of Laser Mutagenesis on Microalgae Production and Lipid Accumulation in Two Economically Important Fresh Chlorella Strains under Heterotrophic Conditions
Authors: Xing Wei , Zhang Ruihao , Shao Qun , Meng Chunxiao , Wang Xiaodong , Wei Zuoxi , Sun Fengjie , Wang Chang , Cao Kai , Zhu Bingkui , Gao Zhengquan
Published: May 2021

Microalgae produce a variety of high-value products. Enhancing product contents in microalgal cells is one of the efficient ways to decrease production costs. Improved germplasm and heterotrophic cultivation may enhance microalgae biomass and lipid content. In this study, we investigated the effect of three types of laser irradiation and heterotrophic cultivation on lipid productivity, lipid content, and biomass of two Chlorella strains (i.e., FACHB 9 and FACHB 31). Results showed that the highest biomasses of 4.81 g/L (15.03-fold) and 4.66 g/L (7.32-fold) were obtained in the third generation of FACHB 9 and FACHB 31 induced by a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser for 8 min and 12 min, respectively. The highest lipid contents were 525.6 mg/g (1.67-fold) dry weight (DW) and 780.0 mg/g DW (2.20-fold) in the third and the first generations of FACHB 9 and FACHB 31 induced by Nd:YAG for 8 min and by a helium–neon (He–Ne) laser for 4 min, respectively. The highest lipid productivities of 69.82 ± 3.29 mg/L/d (19.7-fold) and 30.71 ± 3.77 mg/L/d (3.1-fold) were obtained in FACHB 9 and FACHB 31 treated by a semiconductor (SC) laser for 4 min and by a He–Ne laser for 12 min, respectively. Our study suggested that laser mutagenesis is a potential method for screening economically important oleaginous microalgae strains.
Phenotypic and Quality Traits of Chickpea Genotypes under Rainfed Conditions in South Italy
Authors: Sellami Mohamed Houssemeddine , Lavini Antonella , Pulvento Cataldo
Published: May 2021

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important cool-season food legume crop that is mainly cultivated as a rainfed crop. This study was conducted in Italy between 2017 and 2019 to evaluate the stability of seed yield (SY), biomass (AGB) and 1000 seed weight (THS), and to assess the seed quality of 12 kabuli chickpea accessions under field conditions. The likelihood-ratio test revealed significant effects of genotype only for the SY and THS. The environment and genotype × environment interaction (GEI) effects were highly significant for all variables. We found that the environment (year) and GEI explain 55.72% and 20.87% of the total seed yield variation, respectively. Most chickpea accessions showed sensitivity to frost conditions in the third growing season. No relationship was observed between the yield and the protein content in Kabuli chickpea. Among the accessions, Ares and Reale showed the best performance under all environmental conditions, and the Reale was the most stable chickpea.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Neurokinin-A and Interleukin-8 in the Bronchial Epithelium of Horses with Severe Equine Asthma Syndrome during Asymptomatic, Exacerbation, and Remission Phase
Authors: Morini Maria , Peli Angelo , Rinnovati Riccardo , Magazzù Giuseppe , Romagnoli Noemi , Spadari Alessandro , Pietra Marco
Published: May 2021

Severe equine asthma (EA) syndrome is a chronic obstructive disease characterized by exaggerated contraction, inflammation, and structural alteration of the airways in adult horses, when exposed to airborne molds and particulate material. However, little is known about the relationship between the degree and type of inflammation on one hand, and the severity of the disease and the response to treatment on the other. Furthermore, to date, very few studies evaluate the diagnostic value of histology and immunohistochemical features of endoscopic biopsies on subjects with severe equine asthma. To investigate the expression of two inflammatory markers (NKA and IL-8) before, during, and after the exacerbation of severe EA, a histological and immunohistochemical study was carried out on a series of biopsy samples collected by bronchoscopy from six EA-affected horses subjected to process exacerbation through environmental stimuli and then to pharmacological treatment. The application of a histological biopsy scoring system revealed a significant difference between control cases and the EA-affected horses in all experimental phases (asymptomatic, early exacerbation phase, late exacerbation phase, and remission phase). For immunohistochemistry (IHC), only the intensity of NKA positivity increases significantly between control horses and the EA horses at late exacerbation and remission phases. In EA-affected horses, a difference was detected by comparing histology between asymptomatic and remission phase, meanwhile, NKA and IL-8 showed no differences between the experimental phases. Based on these results we can assert that: (1) The endoscopic biopsies generate reliable and homogeneous samples in the entire bronchial tree; (2) the clinical improvement associated with treatment is characterized by a significant worsening of the histological findings; and (3) the NKA immunopositivity seems to increase significantly rather than decrease, as one would have expected, after pharmacological treatment. Further studies are necessary both to implement the number of samples and to use other markers of inflammation to characterize the potential role of cytokines in the diagnosis and therapeutic approach of severe equine asthma.
Technologies for High-Throughput Identification of Antibiotic Mechanism of Action
Authors: da Cunha Bernardo Ribeiro , Zoio Paulo , Fonseca Luís P. , Calado Cecília R. C.
Published: May 2021

There are two main strategies for antibiotic discovery: target-based and phenotypic screening. The latter has been much more successful in delivering first-in-class antibiotics, despite the major bottleneck of delayed Mechanism-of-Action (MOA) identification. Although finding new antimicrobial compounds is a very challenging task, identifying their MOA has proven equally challenging. MOA identification is important because it is a great facilitator of lead optimization and improves the chances of commercialization. Moreover, the ability to rapidly detect MOA could enable a shift from an activity-based discovery paradigm towards a mechanism-based approach. This would allow to probe the grey chemical matter, an underexplored source of structural novelty. In this study we review techniques with throughput suitable to screen large libraries and sufficient sensitivity to distinguish MOA. In particular, the techniques used in chemical genetics (e.g., based on overexpression and knockout/knockdown collections), promoter-reporter libraries, transcriptomics (e.g., using microarrays and RNA sequencing), proteomics (e.g., either gel-based or gel-free techniques), metabolomics (e.g., resourcing to nuclear magnetic resonance or mass spectrometry techniques), bacterial cytological profiling, and vibrational spectroscopy (e.g., Fourier-transform infrared or Raman scattering spectroscopy) were discussed. Ultimately, new and reinvigorated phenotypic assays bring renewed hope in the discovery of a new generation of antibiotics.
Synbiotic Effects of Saccharomycescerevisiae, Mannan Oligosaccharides, and β-Glucan on Innate Immunity, Antioxidant Status, and Disease Resistance of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: El-Nobi Gamal , Hassanin Mohammed , Khalil Alshimaa A. , Mohammed Alaa Y. , Amer Shimaa A. , Montaser Metwally M. , El-sharnouby Mohamed E.
Published: May 2021

Synbiotic (SYN) additives were assessed as an antibiotic alternative on the effects on the nonspecific immune response and disease resistance of O. niloticus to P. aeruginosa. Healthy fish (n = 120, average initial weight 18 ± 2 g) were allotted randomly into four experimental groups (3 replicates for each); 1) a control group with no additives (CON), 2) basal diet complemented with 0.1 g kg–1 diets of norfloxacin, NFLX, 3) basal diet fortified with 1 mL kg–1 diet of SYN, and 4) basal diet complemented with a mixture of NFLX and SYN, which was carried out for eight weeks. Results showed a significant increase (p < 0.01) in the serum immune parameters (total protein, globulin and albumin, nitric oxide (NO), and lysozyme activity) in the SYN group and the NFLX+SYN group compared with the CON and NFLX groups. The serum glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides were higher in NFLX and NFLX+SYN groups than the CON and SYN groups. The catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities were significantly augmented in the NFLX+SYN group, followed by the SYN group compared with CON and NFLX groups. The cumulative mortality rate (CMR) of O. niloticus following the P. aeruginosa challenge was decreased in the SYN group compared to other groups. The results emphasize that synbiotic could be used as a norfloxacin alternative to enhance the related immunological parameters, including antioxidant activity and disease resistance against P. aeruginosa infection of O. niloticus.
Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance of Bacteria Staphylococcus chromogenes Isolated from Sheep’s Milk and Cheese
Authors: Regecová Ivana , Výrostková Jana , Zigo František , Gregová Gabriela , Kováčová Mariana
Published: May 2021

Antimicrobial and multidrug resistance is detected in nonaureus staphylococci, including Staphylococcus chromogenes, which commonly causes intramammary infections. Recent clinical studies point to the presence of methicillin-resistant S. chromogenes. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of this species in samples of sheep‘s milk and cheeses made from them. Isolates were identified by polymerase chain reaction and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–TOF). A total of 208 staphylococcal isolates were identified. Of these, 18% were identified as S. chromogenes. The antimicrobial resistance of the identified isolates was determined using the agar dilution method against penicillin, ceftaroline, teicoplanin, gentamicin, erythromycin, tetracycline, and ofloxacin. The highest resistance was found to penicillin (95%), tetracycline (86%), and oxacillin (81%). The highest sensitivity was confirmed for gentamicin (55%). The study also confirmed the presence of methicillin resistant staphylococcal isolates (30%) based on the phenotypic manifestation of antimicrobial resistance and detection of the presence of the mecA gene. The study shows that the tested isolates (62%) were multidrug resistant. Resistance to two antibiotics was most often found (39%).
Ex Vivo Antioxidant Capacities of Fruit and Vegetable Juices. Potential In Vivo Extrapolation
Authors: Matute Alexis , Tabart Jessica , Cheramy-Bien Jean-Paul , Kevers Claire , Dommes Jacques , Defraigne Jean-Olivier , Pincemail Joël
Published: May 2021

Background: In support of claims that their products have antioxidant properties, the food industry and dietary supplement manufacturers rely solely on the in vitro determination of the ORAC (oxygen radical antioxidant capacity) value, despite its acknowledged lack of any in vivo relevance. It thus appears necessary to use tests exploiting biological materials (blood, white blood cells) capable of producing physiological free radicals, in order to evaluate more adequately the antioxidant capacities of foods such as fruit and vegetable juices. Materials: Two approaches to assessing the antioxidant capacities of 21 commercial fruit and vegetable juices were compared: the ORAC assay and the “PMA–whole blood assay,” which uses whole blood stimulated by phorbol myristate acetate to produce the superoxide anion. We described in another paper the total polyphenol contents (TPCs) and individual phenolic compound contents of all the juices were investigated. Results: Ranking of the juices from highest to lowest antioxidant capacity differed considerably according to the test used, so there was no correlation (r = 0.33, p = 0.13) between the two assays when considering all juices. Although the results of the ORAC assay correlated positively with TPC (r = 0.50, p = 0.02), a much stronger correlation (r = 0.70, p = 0.004) emerged between TPC and % superoxide anion inhibition. In the PMA–whole blood assay, peonidin-3-O-glucoside, epigallocatechin gallate, catechin, and quercetin present in juices were found to inhibit superoxide anion production at concentrations below 1 µM, with a strong positive correlation. Conclusions: Associated with the determination of total and individual phenolic compounds contained in fruit and vegetable juices, the PMA–whole blood assay appears better than the ORAC assay for evaluating juice antioxidant capacity.
Vepris macrophylla Essential Oil Produces Notable Antiproliferative Activity and Morphological Alterations in Human Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Colone Marisa , Maggi Filippo , Rakotosaona Rianasoambolanoro , Stringaro Annarita
Published: May 2021

Medicinal plants contain numerous bioactive molecules that synergistically provide therapeutic benefits. We have devoted our attention to various EOs without toxicity to normal cells, studying their activities against human cancer cells. In particular, we have studied the cytotoxicity of Vepris macrophylla (Baker) I. Verd. EO. V. macrophylla is an evergreen tree of Madagascar where is much appreciated as a source of traditional remedies. Its major volatile components are citral, i.e., a mixture of neral and geranial, citronellol and myrcene. The antiproliferative activities of V. macrophylla EO were studied against human breast adenocarcinoma cell line SKBR3. Cellular metabolism was analyzed by MTT assay at different concentrations of EO and at different times of incubation (24, 48 and 72 h). Moreover, morphological and ultrastructural analyses were performed to study its antiproliferative effects against human adenocarcinoma cells, demonstrating the ability of V. macrophylla EO, stored inside numerous intracellular vesicles, to damage both plasma membranes and disorganize the cytoskeleton protein as actin filaments.
Virtual Marker Technique to Enhance User Interactions in a Marker-Based AR System
Authors: Liu Boyang , Tanaka Jiro
Published: May 2021

In marker-based augmented reality (AR) systems, markers are usually relatively independent and predefined by the system creator in advance. Users can only use these predefined markers to complete the construction of certain specified content. Such systems usually lack flexibility and cannot allow users to create content freely. In this paper, we propose a virtual marker technique to build a marker-based AR system framework, where multiple AR markers including virtual and physical markers work together. Information from multiple markers can be merged, and virtual markers are used to provide user-defined information. We conducted a pilot study to understand the multi-marker cooperation framework based on virtual markers. The pilot study shows that the virtual marker technique will not significantly increase the user’s time and operational burdens, while actively improving the user’s cognitive experience.
Level-Based Learning Algorithm Based on the Difficulty Level of the Test Problem
Authors: Hong You-Sik , Han Chang-Pyoung , Cho Seong-Soo
Published: May 2021

These days, because of the coronavirus, all countries are introducing online university systems. Online universities have the advantage of allowing students to take classes anytime, anywhere, 24 h a day, but lectures are given in a non-face-to-face manner between instructors and students. Thus, while students are taking classes on a web-based basis, the problem arises that concentration on the lectures is significantly reduced. Therefore, in order to solve these problems, in this paper, we propose a level-wise learning algorithm based on the difficulty level of the test problem, and we present the simulation results. In order to improve this problem, in this paper, we propose an automatic music recommendation algorithm based on fuzzy reasoning that can improve the level of learning and lecture concentration, and we show our results on developing a web-based, smart e-learning software. As a result of computer simulation, it was proved that the learning test method, considering by level the difficulty of the test and the incorrect answer rate, was more effective than the existing test method, judged the student’s grades fairly, and improved the risk of unfairly failing the test by 30%.
A New “Good and Bad Groups-Based Optimizer” for Solving Various Optimization Problems
Authors: Sadeghi Ali , Doumari Sajjad Amiri , Dehghani Mohammad , Montazeri Zeinab , Trojovský Pavel , Ashtiani Hamid Jafarabadi
Published: May 2021

Optimization is the science that presents a solution among the available solutions considering an optimization problem’s limitations. Optimization algorithms have been introduced as efficient tools for solving optimization problems. These algorithms are designed based on various natural phenomena, behavior, the lifestyle of living beings, physical laws, rules of games, etc. In this paper, a new optimization algorithm called the good and bad groups-based optimizer (GBGBO) is introduced to solve various optimization problems. In GBGBO, population members update under the influence of two groups named the good group and the bad group. The good group consists of a certain number of the population members with better fitness function than other members and the bad group consists of a number of the population members with worse fitness function than other members of the population. GBGBO is mathematically modeled and its performance in solving optimization problems was tested on a set of twenty-three different objective functions. In addition, for further analysis, the results obtained from the proposed algorithm were compared with eight optimization algorithms: genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), gravitational search algorithm (GSA), teaching–learning-based optimization (TLBO), gray wolf optimizer (GWO), and the whale optimization algorithm (WOA), tunicate swarm algorithm (TSA), and marine predators algorithm (MPA). The results show that the proposed GBGBO algorithm has a good ability to solve various optimization problems and is more competitive than other similar algorithms.
Production of Microalgal Biomass in Photobioreactors as Feedstock for Bioenergy and Other Uses: A Techno-Economic Study of Harvesting Stage
Authors: Valdovinos-García Esveidi Montserrat , Petriz-Prieto Moisés Abraham , Olán-Acosta María de los Ángeles , Barajas-Fernández Juan , Guzmán-López Adriana , Bravo-Sánchez Micael Gerardo
Published: May 2021

The cultivation of microalgae has become a viable option to mitigate increase in CO2 in the atmosphere generated by industrial activities since they can capture CO2 as a carbon source for growth. Besides, they produce significant amounts of oils, carbohydrates, proteins, and other compounds of economic interest. There are several investigations related to the process, however, there is still no optimal scenario, since may depend on the final use of the biomass. The objective of this work was to develop a techno-economic evaluation of various technologies in harvesting and drying stages. The techno-economic estimation of these technologies provides a variety of production scenarios. Photobioreactors were used considering 1 ha as a cultivation area and a biomass production of 22.66 g/m2/day and a CO2 capture of 148.4 tons/ha/year was estimated. The production scenarios considered in this study have high energy demand and high operating costs (12.09–12.51 kWh/kg and US $210.05–214.59/kg). These results are mainly a consequence of the use of tubular photobioreactors as a biomass culture system. However, the use of photobioreactors in the production of microalgal biomass allows it to be obtained in optimal conditions for its use in the food or pharmaceutical industry.
Serial Detection with Neural Network-Based Noise Prediction for Bit-Patterned Media Recording Systems
Authors: Nguyen Thien An , Lee Jaejin
Published: May 2021

Ultra-high density data storage has gained high significance given the increasing amounts of data; many technologies have been proposed to achieve a high density. Among them, bit-pattern media recording (BPMR) is a promising technology. In BPMR systems, data are stored on magnetic islands. Therefore, high densities can be achieved by reducing the distance between the magnetic islands. Because of the closeness between the magnetic islands, the readback signal is distorted by two-dimensional (2D) interference, which includes the intersymbol interference according to the down-track direction and the intertrack interference according to the cross-track direction. A simple and effective serial detection algorithm was recently proposed to mitigate the 2D interference. However, serial detection utilizes the hard output in inner detection, and this degrades the serial detection performance. To resolve this problem, a subsequent study used feedback to estimate the noise and used this noise signal to create a soft output for inner detection. Following up, in this paper we propose a model that utilizes a neural network for noise prediction. The proposed neural network-based model and the model with the feedback line were compared in terms of bit error rate (BER). The results show that the proposed model achieves a gain of approximately 1 dB at a BER of 10−6.
Changes in Agricultural Performance of Common Buckwheat Induced by Seed Treatment with Cold Plasma and Electromagnetic Field
Authors: Ivankov Anatolii , Naučienė Zita , Degutytė-Fomins Laima , Žūkienė Rasa , Januškaitienė Irena , Malakauskienė Asta , Jakštas Valdas , Ivanauskas Liudas , Romanovskaja Danuta , Šlepetienė Alvyra , Filatova Irina , Lyushkevich Veronika , Mildažienė Vida
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of pre-sowing seed treatment with cold plasma (CP) and an electromagnetic field (EMF) on the agricultural performance of two cultivars of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench)—‘VB Vokiai’ and ‘VB Nojai’. For this, the effects of CP and EMF on seed germination, plant growth in the field, photosynthetic efficiency, biomass production, seed yield, and the amount of secondary metabolites and minerals in the harvested seeds were estimated. Although the percentage of seedlings that emerged under field conditions decreased by 11–20%, seed treatments strongly improved buckwheat growth and yield. Irrespective of differences in the dynamics of changes in the growth and photosynthetic activity between the two cultivars, the weight of seeds collected per plant for both cultivars was significantly higher (up to 70–97%) compared to the control. The biochemical composition of the harvested seeds (Fe, Zn, quercetin content) was also altered by seed treatments. Thus, pre-sowing treatment of buckwheat seeds with CP and EMF substantially stimulated plant growth in the field, increased biomass production, seed yield and nutritional quality. The results obtained strongly support the idea that plant seed treatment with physical stressors has great potential for use in agriculture.
Influence of Hydrogen Ions on the Performance of Thin-Film Transistors with Solution-Processed AlOx Gate Dielectrics
Authors: Wu Yongbo , Lan Linfeng , He Penghui , Lin Yilong , Deng Caihao , Chen Siting , Peng Junbiao
Published: May 2021

Over the past decade, there have been many reports on solution-processed oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs) with high mobility (even >100 cm2 V−1s−1). However, the capacitance uncertainty of the solution-processed oxide gate dielectrics leads to serious overestimation of the mobility. Here, solution-processed AlOx dielectrics are investigated systematically, and the effect of mobile ions on the frequency-dependent capacitance of the solution-processed AlOx dielectrics is also studied. It was found that the capacitance of the AlOx depends on the frequency seriously when the annealing temperature is lower than 300 °C, and the water treatment causes more seriously frequency-dependent capacitance. The strong frequency-dependent capacitance of the AlOx annealed at 250 or 300 °C is attributed to relaxation polarization of the weakly bound ions in the incompletely decomposed AlOx films. The water treatment introduces a large number of protons (H+) that would migrate to the ITO/AlOx interface under a certain electric field and form an electric double layer (EDL) that has ultrahigh capacitance at low frequency.
Contemporary Indigenous Australian Art and Native Title Land Claim
Authors: Geissler Marie
Published: May 2021

This paper investigates a select number of examples in which largely non-literate First Nation peoples of Australia, like some First Nations peoples around the world, when faced with a judicial challenge to present evidence in court to support their land title claim, have drawn on their cultural materials as supporting evidence. Specifically, the text highlights the effective agency of indigenous visual expression as a communication tool within the Australian legal system. Further, it evaluates this history within an indigenous Australian art context, instancing where of visual art, including drawings and paintings, has been successfully used to support the main evidence in native title land claims. The focus is on three case studies, each differentiated by its distinct medium, commonly used in indigenous contemporary art—namely, ink/watercolours on paper, (Case study 1—the Mabo drawings of 1992), acrylics on canvas (Case study 2—the Ngurrara 11 canvas 1997) and ochre on bark, (Case study 3—The Saltwater Bark Collection 1997 (onwards)). The differentiation in the stylistic character of these visual presentations is evaluated within the context of being either a non-indigenous tradition (e.g., represented as European-like diagrams or sketches to detail areas and boundaries of the claim sites in question) or by an indigenous expressive context (e.g., the evidence of the claim is presented using traditionally inspired indigenous symbols relating to the claimant’s lands. These latter images are adaptations of the secret sacred symbols used in ceremonies and painting, but expressed in a form that complies with traditional protocols protecting secret, sacred knowledge). The following text details how such visual presentations in the aforementioned cases were used and accepted as legitimate legal instruments, on which Australian courts based their legal determinations of the native land title.
LVRT and Stability Enhancement of Grid-Tied Wind Farm Using DFIG-Based Wind Turbine
Authors: Akanto Jannatul Mawa , Hazari Md. Rifat , Mannan Mohammad Abdul
Published: May 2021

According to the grid code specifications, low voltage ride-through (LVRT) is one of the key factors for grid-tied wind farms (WFs). Since fixed-speed wind turbines with squirrel cage induction generators (FSWT-SCIGs) require an adequate quantity of reactive power throughout the transient period, conventional WF consisting of SCIG do not typically have LVRT capabilities that may cause instability in the power system. However, variable-speed wind turbines with doubly fed induction generators (VSWT-DFIGs) have an adequate amount of LVRT enhancement competency, and the active and reactive power transmitted to the grid can also be controlled. Moreover, DFIG is quite expensive because of its partial rating (AC/DC/AC) converter than SCIG. Accordingly, combined installation of both WFs could be an effective solution. Hence, this paper illustrated a new rotor-side converter (RSC) control scheme, which played a significant role in ensuring the LVRT aptitude for a wide range of hybrid WF consisting of both FSWT-SCIGs and VSWT-DFIGs. What is more, the proposed RSC controller of DFIG was configured to deliver an ample quantity of reactive power to the SCIG during the fault state to make the overall system stable. Simulation analyses were performed for both proposed and traditional controllers of RSC of the DFIG in the PSCAD/EMTDC environment to observe the proposed controller response. Overall, the presented control scheme could guarantee the LVRT aptitude of large-scale SCIG.
Intelligent Sensors for Real-Time Decision-Making
Authors: Coito Tiago , Firme Bernardo , Martins Miguel S. E. , Vieira Susana M. , Figueiredo João , Sousa João M. C.
Published: May 2021

The simultaneous integration of information from sensors with business data and how to acquire valuable information can be challenging. This paper proposes the simultaneous integration of information from sensors and business data. The proposal is supported by an industrial implementation, which integrates intelligent sensors and real-time decision-making, using a combination of PLC and PC Platforms in a three-level architecture: cloud-fog-edge. Automatic identification intelligent sensors are used to improve the decision-making of a dynamic scheduling tool. The proposed platform is applied to an industrial use-case in analytical Quality Control (QC) laboratories. The regulatory complexity, the personalized production, and traceability requirements make QC laboratories an interesting use case. We use intelligent sensors for automatic identification to improve the decision-making of a dynamic scheduling tool. Results show how the integration of intelligent sensors can improve the online scheduling of tasks. Estimations from system processing times decreased by over 30%. The proposed solution can be extended to other applications such as predictive maintenance, chemical industry, and other industries where scheduling and rescheduling are critical factors for the production.
Outstanding Contributions of LAL Technology to Pharmaceutical and Medical Science: Review of Methods, Progress, Challenges, and Future Perspectives in Early Detection and Management of Bacterial Infections and Invasive Fungal Diseases
Authors: Tamura Hiroshi , Reich Johannes , Nagaoka Isao
Published: May 2021

The blue blood of the horseshoe crab is a natural, irreplaceable, and precious resource that is highly valued by the biomedical industry. The Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) obtained from horseshoe crab blood cells functions as a surprisingly sophisticated sensing system that allows for the extremely sensitive detection of bacterial and fungal cell-wall components. Notably, LAL tests have markedly contributed to the quality control of pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices as successful alternatives to the rabbit pyrogen test. Furthermore, LAL-based endotoxin and (1→3)-β-D-glucan (β-glucan) assay techniques are expected to have optimal use as effective biomarkers, serving as adjuncts in the diagnosis of bacterial sepsis and fungal infections. The innovative β-glucan assay has substantially contributed to the early diagnosis and management of invasive fungal diseases; however, the clinical significance of the endotoxin assay remains unclear and is challenging to elucidate. Many obstacles need to be overcome to enhance the analytical sensitivity and clinical performance of the LAL assay in detecting circulating levels of endotoxin in human blood. Additionally, there are complex interactions between endotoxin molecules and blood components that are attributable to the unique physicochemical properties of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In this regard, while exploring the potential of new LPS-sensing technologies, a novel platform for the ultrasensitive detection of blood endotoxin will enable a reappraisal of the LAL assay for the highly sensitive and reliable detection of endotoxemia.
Eggmanone Effectively Overcomes Prostate Cancer Cell Chemoresistance
Authors: Xie Chen , Lin Pen-Jen , Hao Jijun
Published: May 2021

Prostate cancer chemoresistance is a major therapeutic problem, and the underlying mechanism is not well understood and effective therapies to overcome this problem are not available. Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4), a main intracellular enzyme for cAMP hydrolysis, has been previously shown to involve in the early chemo-sensitive prostate cancer cell proliferation and progression, but its role in the more-advanced chemo-resistant prostate cancer is completely unknown. Here we found that the expression of PDE4 subtype, PDE4D, is highly elevated in the chemo-resistant prostate cancer cells (DU145-TxR and PC3-TxR) in comparison to the chemo-sensitive prostate cancer cells (DU145 and PC3). Inhibition of PDE4D with a potent and selective PDED4 inhibitor, Eggmanone, effectively decreases the invasion and proliferation as well as induces cell death of the chemo-resistant prostate cancer cells (DU145-TxR and PC3-TxR). These results were confirmed by siRNA knockdown of PDE4D. We and colleagues previously reported that Eggmanone can effectively blocked sonic Hedgehog signaling via PDE4D inhibition, and here our study suggests that that Eggmanone downregulated proliferation of the chemo-resistant prostate cancer cells via sonic Hedgehog signaling. In addition, Eggmanone treatment dose-dependently increases docetaxel cytotoxicity to DU145-TxR and PC3-TxR. As cancer stem cells (CSCs) are known to be implicated in cancer chemoresistance, we further examined Eggmanone impacts on CSC-like properties in the chemo-resistant prostate cancer cells. Our study shows that Eggmanone effectively down-regulates the expression of CSCs’ marker genes Nanog and ABC sub-family G member 2 (ABCG2) and attenuates sphere formation in DU145-TxR and PC3-TxR cells. In summary, our work shows that Eggmanone effectively overcomes the chemoresistance of prostate cancer cells presumably through sonic Hedgehog signaling and targeting CSCs, suggesting that Eggmanone may serve as a novel agent for chemo-resistant prostate cancer.
SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Testing of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Individuals on the University of Arizona Campus
Authors: Harris David T. , Badowski Michael , Jernigan Brandon , Sprissler Ryan , Edwards Taylor , Cohen Randall , Paul Stephen , Merchant Nirav , Weinkauf Craig C. , Bime Christian , Erickson Heidi E. , Bixby Billie , Parthasarathy Sairam , Chaudhary Sachin , Natt Bhupinder , Cristan Elaine , El Aini Tammer , Rischard Franz , Campion Janet , Chopra Madhav , Insel Michael , Sam Afshin , Knepler James L. , Knox Kenneth , Mosier Jarrod , Spier Catherine , Dake Michael D.
Published: May 2021

SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID19, has caused a pandemic that has infected more than 80 M and killed more than 1.6 M persons worldwide. In the US as of December 2020, it has infected more than 32 M people while causing more than 570,000 deaths. As the pandemic persists, there has been a public demand to reopen schools and university campuses. To consider these demands, it is necessary to rapidly identify those individuals infected with the virus and isolate them so that disease transmission can be stopped. In the present study, we examined the sensitivity of the Quidel Rapid Antigen test for use in screening both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals at the University of Arizona from June to August 2020. A total of 885 symptomatic and 1551 asymptomatic subjects were assessed by antigen testing and real-time PCR testing. The sensitivity of the test for both symptomatic and asymptomatic persons was between 82 and 90%, with some caveats.
Excessive Intake of High-Fructose Corn Syrup Drinks Induces Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Hattori Hidemi , Hanai Yuma , Oshima Yuto , Kataoka Hiroaki , Eto Nozomu
Published: May 2021

The number of patients with diabetes was approximately 463 million worldwide in 2019, with almost 57.6% of this population concentrated in Asia. Asians often develop type 2 diabetes (T2D), even if they are underweight and consume a smaller amount of food. Soft drinks contain large amounts of sweeteners, such as high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Excessive intake of HFCS drinks is considered to be one of the causes of T2D. In the present study, we investigated the effect of excessive consumption of HFCS–water on glucose tolerance and obesity under conditions of controlled caloric intake using a mouse model. Three-week-old male ICR mice were divided into two groups and given free access to 10% HFCS–water or deionized water. The caloric intake was adjusted to be the same in both groups using a standard rodent diet. The excess HFCS–water intake did not lead to obesity, but led to impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) due to insulin-secretion defect. It affected glucose and fructose metabolism; for example, it decreased the expression of glucokinases, ketohexokinase, and glucose transporter 2 in the pancreas. These results suggest that excessive consumption of HFCS drinks, such as soft drinks, without a proper diet, induces nonobese IGT due to insulin-secretion defect.
Interactions between Autophagy, Proinflammatory Cytokines, and Apoptosis in Neuropathic Pain: Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor as a Multipotent Therapy in Rats with Chronic Constriction Injury
Authors: Liao Ming-Feng , Yeh Shin-Rung , Lu Kwok-Tung , Hsu Jung-Lung , Chao Po-Kuan , Hsu Hui-Ching , Peng Chi-Hao , Lee Yun-Lin , Hung Yu-Hui , Ro Long-Sun
Published: May 2021

Our previous studies have shown that early systemic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) treatment can attenuate neuropathic pain in rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) by modulating expression of different proinflammatory cytokines, microRNAs, and proteins. Besides the modulation of inflammatory mediators’ expression, previous studies have also reported that G-CSF can modulate autophagic and apoptotic activity. Furthermore, both autophagy and apoptosis play important roles in chronic pain modulation. In this study, we evaluated the temporal interactions of autophagy, and apoptosis in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and injured sciatic nerve after G-CSF treatment in CCI rats. We studied the behaviors of CCI rats with or without G-CSF treatment and the various levels of autophagic, proinflammatory, and apoptotic proteins in injured sciatic nerves and DRG neurons at different time points using Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical methods. The results showed that G-CSF treatment upregulated autophagic protein expression in the early phase and suppressed apoptotic protein expression in the late phase after nerve injury. Thus, medication such as G-CSF can modulate autophagy, apoptosis, and different proinflammatory proteins in the injured sciatic nerve and DRG neurons, which have the potential to treat neuropathic pain. However, autophagy-mediated regulation of neuropathic pain is a time-dependent process. An increase in autophagic activity in the early phase before proinflammatory cytokines reach the threshold level to induce neuropathic pain can effectively alleviate further neuropathic pain development.
Development of Er3+, Yb3+ Co-Doped Y2O3 NPs According to Yb3+ Concentration by LP–PLA Method: Potential Further Biosensor
Authors: Park Cheol-Woo , Park Dong-Jun
Published: May 2021

As diagnostic biosensors for analyzing fluids from the human body, the development of inorganic NPs is of increasing concern. For one, nanoceramic phosphors have been studied to meet the increasing requirements for biological, imaging, and diagnostic applications. In this study, Y2O3 NPs co-doped with trivalent rare earths (erbium and ytterbium) were obtained using a liquid phase–pulsed laser ablation (LP–PLA) method after getting high density Er, Yb:Y2O3 ceramic targets by Spark plasma sintering (SPS). Most NPs are under 50 nm in diameter and show high crystallinity of cubic Y2O3 structure, containing (222), (440), and (332) planes via HR–TEM. Excitation under a 980 nm laser to a nanoparticle solution showed 525 and 565 nm green, and 660 nm red emissions. The green emission intensity increased and decreased with increasing Yb3+ additive concentration, when the red spectrum continuously strengthened. Utilizing this study’s outcome, we suggest developing technology to mark invisible biomolecules dissolved in a solvent using UC luminescence of Er3+, Yb3+ co-doped Y2O3 NPs by LP–PLA. The LP–PLA method has a potential ability for the fabrication of UC NPs for biosensors with uniform size distribution by laser parameters.
CuO-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles Supported on SiO2 and Al2O3 for Selective Hydrogenation of 2-Methyl-3-Butyn-2-ol
Authors: Shesterkina Anastasiya A. , Strekalova Anna A. , Shuvalova Elena V. , Kapustin Gennady I. , Tkachenko Olga P. , Kustov Leonid M.
Published: May 2021

In this study, novel SiO2- and Al2O3-supported Cu-Fe catalysts are developed for selective hydrogenation of 2-methyl-3-butyne-2-ol to 2-methyl-3-butene-2-ol under mild reaction conditions. TEM, XRD, and FTIR studies of adsorbed CO and TPR-H2 are performed to characterize the morphology, nanoparticle size, and particle distribution, as well as electronic state of deposited metals in the prepared catalysts. The deposition of Fe and Cu metal particles on the aluminum oxide carrier results in the formation of a mixed oxide phase with a strong interaction between the Fe and Cu precursors during the calcination. The highly dispersed nanoparticles of Fe2O3 and partially reduced CuOx, with an average size of 3.5 nm and with strong contact interactions between the metals in 5Cu-5Fe/Al2O3 catalysts, provide a high selectivity of 93% toward 2-methyl-3-butene-2-ol at complete conversion of the unsaturated alcohol.