bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical Excision of Intramuscular Sarcomas: Description of Three Cases in Dogs
Authors: Olimpo Matteo , Buracco Paolo , Ferraris Erica Ilaria , Piras Lisa Adele , Maniscalco Lorella , Giacobino Davide , Degiovanni Andrea , Morello Emanuela
Published: January 2023

Compartmental excision consists of the complete resection of an anatomic district in which specific structures act as a barrier to local tumour invasion. It is a well-established procedure in human medicine, while only a few reports are available in veterinary medicine. The aim of this study was to describe complete muscle resection in 3 dogs affected by different intramuscular sarcomas. The clinical outcome was also reported. Medical records were searched, including preoperative diagnostic findings, compartmental excision, histologic diagnosis, and outcome. Three dogs fit the inclusion criteria, which had a sarcoma confined to a single muscular belly (semitendinosus, biceps, and splenius capitis muscles). Complete excision of the affected muscle was performed in all cases. One dog showed moderate lameness in the immediate postoperative period, resulting from the dorsal lifting of the scapula due to serratus ventralis tenotomy performed to remove the caudal insertion of the splenius capitis muscle. All the dogs recovered fully within one month, experiencing good clinical function. Histopathology showed complete tumour removal with no neoplastic fascial disruption in all cases. Compartmental excision provides effective local tumour control, representing an alternative to limb amputation or more radical excision if adjuvant radiotherapy is not an option for owners.
Reproductive Maturation of Meagre Argyrosomus regius (Asso, 1801) Reared in Floating Cages
Authors: Zupa Rosa , Hala Edmond , Ventriglia Gianluca , Pousis Chrysovalentinos , Passantino Letizia , Quaranta Angelo , Corriero Aldo , De Virgilio Caterina
Published: January 2023

The meagre Argyrosomus regius (Asso, 1801) is a promising aquaculture species that shows reproductive dysfunctions when reared in tanks. The aim of this study was to assess the capacity of meagre, reared in cages under routine farming conditions, to mature gonads and reproduce spontaneously. Meagre adults, reared in a fish farm located in the Gulf of Taranto (Italy), were sampled from March to July 2021. The gonadosomatic index and sex steroid plasma concentrations increased from March–April to June, and then decreased in July. In March–April, most of the females showed perinucleolar or cortical alveoli oocytes as the most advanced stages in the ovaries, and most of the males had testes at early spermatogenesis stage. In June, most of the sampled females had oocytes at late vitellogenesis or early post-vitellogenesis stages, and males had seminiferous tubules filled with spermatozoa. In July, most of the females had signs of previous spawning, and males showed scarce amounts of luminal spermatozoa. The present study demonstrated the capacity of meagre, reared in sea cages under commercial conditions, to carry out gametogenesis and spontaneously release gametes. Meagre reproduction, under routine farming conditions, may represent an opportunity for the expansion of meagre aquaculture production.
Performance of Dairy Cows Offered Grass Silage Produced within Either a Three- or Four-Harvest System When Supplemented with Concentrates on a Feed-to-Yield Basis
Authors: Craig Aimee-Louise , Gordon Alan W. , Ferris Conrad P.
Published: January 2023

More frequent harvesting of grass swards provides an opportunity to improve the nutritive value of grass silage. This study investigated the effect of offering silages produced within either a three- (3H) or four-harvest (4H) system on dairy cow performance when concentrate supplements were offered according to the individual cow’s milk yield (feed-to-yield). Cows (n = 80) were allocated to either 3H or 4H at calving and remained on experiment for 25 weeks. Within both treatments, cows were offered silage from each harvest consecutively in proportion to the dry matter (DM) yield for each harvest. Silage was offered as a mixed ration with concentrate added at a rate of 8 kg/cow/day. Additional concentrates were offered on a feed-to-yield basis. Herbage yields were reduced in the 4H system, but 4H silage contained higher metabolisable energy and crude protein content compared to 3H. Cows offered the 4H silage had greater silage DM intake, milk yield and milk protein content, while milk fat content was greater in cows offered 3H silages. In conclusion, increasing harvesting frequency from three to four harvests per year can improve silage feed value, silage intakes and milk yields when concentrates are offered on a feed-to-yield basis.
Radiographic Diagnosis of Hip Laxity in Rottweilers: Interobserver Agreement at Eight- and Twelve-Months of Age
Authors: Aghapour Masoud , Bockstahler Barbara , Kneissl Sibylle , Vezzoni Aldo , Gumpenberger Michaela , Hechinger Harald , Tichy Alexander , Vidoni Britta
Published: January 2023

Hip laxity is one of the predisposing factors of canine hip dysplasia. The early diagnosis of hip laxity allows veterinarians to prevent the participation of dysplastic dogs in breeding programs, which could lower the disease’s prevalence due to its genetic background. Furthermore, it allows them to plan preventive/therapeutic procedures for mild/near-normal hips to reduce the symptoms of the disease at older ages. A reliable screening program must be repeatable and reproducible, and intra- and inter-observer studies can help us to determine the best methods. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the radiographic parameters used for the early diagnosis of hip dysplasia in Rottweilers at 8 and 12 months of age with five observers to assess the interobserver agreements. According to our findings, there were high interobserver agreements at both ages for the quantitative values, such as the center edge angle (CEA), dorsal acetabular rim slope (DARS), distraction index (DI), and Norberg angle (NA), whereas we recorded from poor to moderate agreements for the qualitative values, such as the grading of the dorsal acetabular rim (GDAR), grading of the degenerative joint disease (GDJD), location of the center of the femoral head (LCFH), and sclerosis of the cranial acetabular rim (SCAR).
Fine-Scaled Selection of Resting and Hunting Habitat by Leopard Cats (Prionailurus bengalensis) in a Rural Human-Dominated Landscape in Taiwan
Authors: van der Meer Esther , Dullemont Hans , Wang Ching-Hao , Zhang Jun-Wei , Lin Jun-Liang , Pei Kurtis Jai-Chyi , Lai Yu-Ching
Published: January 2023

Wildlife is increasingly forced to live in close proximity to humans, resulting in human-wildlife conflict and anthropogenic mortality. Carnivores persisting in human-dominated landscapes respond to anthropogenic threats through fine-scaled spatial and temporal behavioral adjustments. Although crucial for conservation, quantitative information on these adjustments is scarce. Taiwan’s endangered leopard cat occurs in rural human-dominated landscapes with a high anthropogenic mortality risk. To survive, the nocturnal leopard cat needs suitable habitats for foraging and safe refuge for resting during daytime hours when human activity peaks. In this study, we tracked seven VHF-collared leopard cats. To determine habitat selection patterns, we compared land use at nighttime locations and daytime resting sites with random points and fine-scaled vegetation characteristics at daytime resting sites with random points. Leopard cats selected natural habitats for nighttime hunting and avoided manmade and, to a lesser extent, agricultural habitats or used them according to availability. For daytime resting, leopard cats selected natural habitats and, to a lesser extent semi-natural habitats, such as unused land and abandoned orchards. Resting sites were preferentially situated in natural habitats, with little visibility (<2 m), shrubs, reed and stones, away from areas with high levels of human activity. This suggests leopard cats use a proactive strategy to avoid human encounters, which was supported by the reduced temporal overlap with humans and domestic dogs on agricultural land. Resting sites were placed ca. 1 km apart, 12.9 ± 0.3 m (mean ± SE) from the patch’s edges, in patches with a size of 1.21 ± 0.04 ha (mean ± SE). Our results will assist in identifying and preserving suitable resting habitats to support leopard cat conservation.
Antiparasitic Activities of Compounds Isolated from Aspergillus fumigatus Strain Discovered in Northcentral Nigeria
Authors: Diyaolu Oluwatofunmilayo A. , Preet Gagan , Fagbemi Adeshola A. , Annang Frederick , Pérez-Moreno Guiomar , Bosch-Navarrete Cristina , Adebisi Olusoji O. , Oluwabusola Emmanuel T. , Milne Bruce F. , Jaspars Marcel , Ebel Rainer
Published: January 2023

In this study, we explored a fungal strain UIAU-3F identified as Aspergillus fumigatus isolated from soil samples collected from the River Oyun in Kwara State, Nigeria. In order to explore its chemical diversity, the fungal strain UIAU-3F was cultured in three different fermentation media, which resulted in different chemical profiles, evidenced by LC-ESI-MS-based metabolomics and multivariate analysis. The methanolic extract afforded two known compounds, fumitremorgin C (1) and pseurotin D (2). The in vitro antiparasitic assays of 1 against Trypanosoma cruzi and Plasmodium falciparum showed moderate activity with IC50 values of 9.6 µM and 2.3 µM, respectively, while 2 displayed IC50 values > 50 µM. Molecular docking analysis was performed on major protein targets to better understand the potential mechanism of the antitrypanosomal and antiplasmodial activities of the two known compounds.
Effective Biofilm Eradication on Orthopedic Implants with Methylene Blue Based Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy In Vitro
Authors: Prinz Julia , Wink Marianne , Neuhaus Sonja , Grob Markus C. , Walt Heinrich , Bosshard Philipp P. , Achermann Yvonne
Published: January 2023

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) are difficult to treat due to biofilm formation on implant surfaces, often requiring removal or exchange of prostheses along with long-lasting antibiotic treatment. This in vitro study investigated the effect of methylene blue photodynamic therapy (MB-PDT) on PJI-causing biofilms on different implant materials. MB-PDT (664 nm LED, 15 J/cm2) was tested on different Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli and Cutibacterium acnes strains in both planktonic form and grown in early and mature biofilms on prosthetic materials (polyethylene, titanium alloys, cobalt–chrome-based alloys, and bone cement). The minimum bactericidal concentration with 100% killing (MBC100%) was determined. Chemical and topographical alterations were investigated on the prosthesis surfaces after MB-PDT. Results showed a MBC100% of 0.5–5 μg/mL for planktonic bacteria and 50–100 μg/mL for bacteria in biofilms—independent of the tested strain, the orthopedic material, or the maturity of the biofilm. Material testing showed no relevant surface modification. MB-PDT effectively eradicated common PJI pathogens on arthroplasty materials without damage to the materials, suggesting that MB-PDT could be used as a novel treatment method, replacing current, more invasive approaches and potentially shortening the antibiotic treatment in PJI. This would improve quality of life and reduce morbidity, mortality, and high health-care costs.
Effect of Post–Polyketide Synthase Modification Groups on Property and Activity of Polyene Macrolides
Authors: Qiao Liqin , Dong Yao , Zhou Hongli , Cui Hao
Published: January 2023

The biosynthesis of polyene macrolides, which are natural products produced by soil actinomycetes, have been extensively explored, and recent studies have focused on the effects of post–polyketide synthase (PKS) modifications to polyene macrolides on toxicity, water solubility, and antifungal activity. For example, there are interactions between glycosyl, carboxyl, and hydroxyl or epoxy groups generated in the post-PKS modification steps; salt bridges will be formed between carboxylate and ammonium on the mycosamine; and water bridges will be formed between hydroxy and hydroxyl on mycosamine. These interactions will affect their water solubility and substrate-recognition specificity. This review summarizes research related to these post-PKS modification groups and discusses some genetic engineering operation problems and solutions that may be encountered when modifying these post-PKS modification groups. In addition, this review provides a basis for the structural research of polyene macrolide antibiotics and contributes to comprehensive and systematic knowledge, and it may thus encourage researchers to develop novel antifungal drugs with higher therapeutic indexes and medical values.
The In Vitro Efficacy of Activated Charcoal in Fecal Ceftriaxone Adsorption among Patients Who Received Intravenous Ceftriaxone
Authors: Torvorapanit Pattama , Kawang Kornthara , Chariyavilaskul Pajaree , Kerr Stephen J , Chatsuwan Tanittha , Nilaratanakul Voraphoj
Published: January 2023

Broad-spectrum antibiotics can kill both pathogens and gut microbiota. Reducing exposure to excess intestinal antibiotics could theoretically protect gut microbiota homeostasis. Recently, engineered charcoals, gel microparticles, and resin beads have demonstrated efficacy in intestinal antibiotic adsorption in animal studies. We report the first in vitro study evaluating human fecal antibiotic adsorption efficacy of conventional activated charcoal (AC). We collected fecal samples from eight patients who received intravenous (IV) ceftriaxone after admission to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thailand, during January–March 2020. Fecal ceftriaxone was measured by indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunoassays. Three different doses of AC were mixed with fecal samples under a specified protocol. The geometric mean reduction in fecal ceftriaxone concentration when mixed with AC 30 mg/g feces was 0.53 (95% CI 0.33–0.85, p-value < 0.001), meaning 47% adsorption efficacy. Increased adsorption was found with higher doses, 71% and 87% for AC 150 and 500 mg/g feces, respectively. In conclusion, the usual food-poisoning-care dose of conventional AC, 30 mg/g feces, demonstrated dose-dependent and significant fecal ceftriaxone adsorption. Conventional oral AC might be a pragmatic and inexpensive option for the protection of gut microbiota in patients receiving IV ceftriaxone. However, in vivo studies and microbiome analysis are needed for further evidence.
Seleno-Analogs of Scaffolds Resembling Natural Products a Novel Warhead toward Dual Compounds
Authors: Astrain-Redin Nora , Talavera Irene , Moreno Esther , Ramírez María J. , Martínez-Sáez Nuria , Encío Ignacio , Sharma Arun K. , Sanmartín Carmen , Plano Daniel
Published: January 2023

Nowadays, oxidative cell damage is one of the common features of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and Se-containing molecules, such as ebselen, which has demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, have demonstrated well-established preventive effects against both diseases. In this study, a total of 39 Se-derivatives were synthesized, purified, and spectroscopically characterized by NMR. Antioxidant ability was tested using the DPPH assay, while antiproliferative activity was screened in breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancer cell lines. In addition, as a first approach to evaluate their potential anti-Alzheimer activity, the in vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibition (AChEI) was tested. Regarding antioxidant properties, compound 13a showed concentration- and time-dependent radical scavenging activity. Additionally, compounds 14a and 17a showed high activity in the melanoma and ovarian cancer cell lines, with LD50 values below 9.2 µM. Interestingly, in the AChEI test, compound 14a showed almost identical inhibitory activity to galantamine along with a 3-fold higher in vitro BBB permeation (Pe = 36.92 × 10−6 cm/s). Molecular dynamics simulations of the aspirin derivatives (14a and 14b) confirm the importance of the allylic group instead of the propargyl one. Altogether, it is concluded that some of these newly synthesized Se-derivatives, such as 14a, might become very promising candidates to treat both cancer and AD.
P2X7 Is Involved in the Mouse Retinal Degeneration via the Coordinated Actions in Different Retinal Cell Types
Authors: Sekar Ponarulselvam , Hsiao George , Chen Yuan-Shen , Lin Wan-Wan , Chan Chi-Ming
Published: January 2023

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) released from dying cells with high concentrations is sensed as a danger signal by the P2X7 receptor. Sodium iodate (NaIO3) is an oxidative toxic agent, and its retinal toxicity has been used as the model of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In this study, we used NaIO3-treated mice and cultured retinal cells, including BV-2 microglia, 661W photoreceptors, rMC1 Müller cells and ARPE-19 retinal epithelial cells, to understand the pathological action of P2X7 in retinal degeneration. We found that NaIO3 can significantly decrease the photoreceptor function by reducing a-wave and b-wave amplitudes in electroretinogram (ERG) analysis. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis revealed the degeneration of retinal epithelium and ganglion cell layers. Interestingly, P2X7−/− mice were protected from the NaIO3-induced retinopathy and inflammatory NLRP3, IL-1β and IL-6 gene expression in the retina. Hematoxylin and eosin staining indicated that the retinal epithelium was less deteriorated in P2X7−/− mice compared to the WT group. Although P2X7 was barely detected in 661W, rMC1 and ARPE-19 cells, its gene and protein levels can be increased after NaIO3 treatment, leading to a synergistic cytotoxicity of BzATP [2′(3′)-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)adenosine-5′-triphosphate tri(triethyleneammonium)salt] and NaIO3 administration in ARPE-19 cells. In conclusion, the paracrine action of the ATP/P2X7 axis via cell–cell communication is involved in NaIO3-induced retinal injury. Our results show that P2X7 antagonist might be a potential therapy in inflammation-related retinal degeneration.
NADPH Oxidase-Mediated Testicular Oxidative Imbalance Regulates the TXNIP/NLRP3 Inflammasome Axis Activation after Ischemia Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Almarzouq Duaah , Al-Maghrebi May
Published: January 2023

Oxidative stress, inflammation and germ cell death are the main characteristics of testicular ischemia reperfusion injury (tIRI), which is considered as the underlying mechanism for testicular torsion and detorsion. The study aimed to examine the effect of tIRI-activated NADPH oxidase (NOX) on the expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway components. Three groups of male Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 12 each) were studied: sham, unilateral tIRI only and tIRI treated with apocynin, a NOX-specific inhibitor. The tIRI rat model was subjected to 1 h of ischemia followed by 4 h of reperfusion. H&E staining, real time PCR, biochemical assays, and Western blot were utilized to evaluate spermatogenic damage, gene expression, oxidative stress markers, and NLRP3 pathway components, respectively. As a result of tIRI, decreased total antioxidant capacity and suppressed activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were associated with spermatogenic arrest. The components of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway (TXNIP, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, GSDMD, MMP-9) were upregulated transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally during tIRI. In parallel, tissue inflammation was demonstrated by a marked increase in the concentrations of myeloperoxidase, IL-1β, and IL-18. Apocynin treatment prevented testicular oxidative stress and inflammation. Thus, NOX inhibition by apocynin prevented ROS accumulation, proinflammatory cytokine overexpression and NLRP3 inflammasome activation during tIRI.
Vitamin B12 Ameliorates the Pathological Phenotypes of Multiple Parkinson’s Disease Models by Alleviating Oxidative Stress
Authors: Wu Yue , Zhao Zhongting , Yang Naidi , Xin Chenqi , Li Zheng , Xu Jiajia , Ma Bo , Lim Kah-Leong , Li Lin , Wu Qiong , Yu Changmin , Zhang Chengwu
Published: January 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain. The etiology of PD has yet to be elucidated, and the disease remains incurable. Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress is the key causative factor of PD. Due to their capacity to alleviate oxidative stress, antioxidants hold great potential for the treatment of PD. Vitamins are essential organic substances for maintaining the life of organisms. Vitamin deficiency is implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, such as PD. In the present study, we investigated whether administration of vitamin B12 (VB12) could ameliorate PD phenotypes in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that VB12 significantly reduced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the rotenone-induced SH-SY5Y cellular PD model. In a Parkin gene knockout C. elegans PD model, VB12 mitigated motor dysfunction. Moreover, in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse PD model, VB12 also displayed protective effects, including the rescue of mitochondrial function, dopaminergic neuron loss, and movement disorder. In summary, our results suggest that vitamin supplementation may be a novel method for the intervention of PD, which is safer and more feasible than chemical drug treatment.
Classifying Images of Two-Dimensional Fractional Brownian Motion through Deep Learning and Its Applications
Authors: Chang Yen-Ching , Jeng Jin-Tsong
Published: January 2023

Two-dimensional fractional Brownian motion (2D FBM) is an effective model for describing natural scenes and medical images. Essentially, it is characterized by the Hurst exponent (H) or its corresponding fractal dimension (D). For optimal accuracy, we can use the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) to compute the value. However, its computational cost is much higher than other low-accuracy estimators. Therefore, we propose a feasible deep-learning model and find out some promising pretrained models to classify the Hurst exponent efficiently and effectively. For evaluating the efficacy of deep learning models, two types of 2D FBM images were generated—11 classes and 21 classes of Hurst exponents. For comparison, we first used the efficient MLE to estimate the Hurst exponent of each image and then classified them through machine learning models. On the other hand, we used deep learning models to train and classify all images. Experimental results show that our proposed model and some pretrained models are much higher in accuracy than machine learning models for estimates from the efficient MLE. When applied, deep learning models take much lower computational time than the efficient MLE. Therefore, for accuracy and efficiency, we can use deep learning models to replace the role of the efficient MLE in the future.
Choosing Solution Strategies for Scheduling Automated Guided Vehicles in Production Using Machine Learning
Authors: Schweitzer Felicia , Bitsch Günter , Louw Louis
Published: January 2023

Artificial intelligence is considered to be a significant technology for driving the future evolution of smart manufacturing environments. At the same time, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) play an essential role in manufacturing systems due to their potential to improve internal logistics by increasing production flexibility. Thereby, the productivity of the entire system relies on the quality of the schedule, which can achieve production cost savings by minimizing delays and the total makespan. However, traditional scheduling algorithms often have difficulties in adapting to changing environment conditions, and the performance of a selected algorithm depends on the individual scheduling problem. Therefore, this paper aimed to analyze the scheduling problem classes of AGVs by applying design science research to develop an algorithm selection approach. The designed artifact addressed a catalogue of characteristics that used several machine learning algorithms to find the optimal solution strategy for the intended scheduling problem. The contribution of this paper is the creation of an algorithm selection method that automatically selects a scheduling algorithm, depending on the problem class and the algorithm space. In this way, production efficiency can be increased by dynamically adapting the AGV schedules. A computational study with benchmark literature instances unveiled the successful implementation of constraint programming solvers for solving JSSP and FJSSP scheduling problems and machine learning algorithms for predicting the most promising solver. The performance of the solvers strongly depended on the given problem class and the problem instance. Consequently, the overall production performance increased by selecting the algorithms per instance. A field experiment in the learning factory at Reutlingen University enabled the validation of the approach within a running production scenario.
Possible Locking Shock Time in 2–48 Hours
Authors: Chen Tao , Li Lei , Zhang Xiaoxin , Wang Chi , Jin Xiaobing , Wu Han , Ti Shuo , Wang Shihan , Song Jiajun , Li Wen , Luo Jing , Cai Chunlin , Zhang Xuemin , Che Shi , Peng Xiaodong , Hu Xiong
Published: January 2023

An hourly scale precursor of inland earthquakes (EQs) is revealed in this paper. Several EQ cases in China have been reported. As indicated by a table listing 23 inland EQs and their shock time, epicenter location, magnitude, near-epicenter weather conditions, precursor start time and precursor duration, when the weather conditions are fair near the epicenter, an anomalously negative atmospheric electrostatic signal is readily observable approximately 2–48 h before the EQ occurs. Moreover, a successful single-station alarm for nearby moderate-magnitude EQs is demonstrated, and a possible mechanism for the precursor signal is proposed. The change in the electrostatic field during an EQ process is explained as the release of radioactive gases from the subsurface into the atmosphere via large (regional-scale) preexisting microfractures in the rock at the source depth. These gases considerably ionize the atmosphere, and the separated positive and negative ions establish a special macroscopic electric field. The final critical stage of 2–48 h before an EQ may indicate a stable tectonic process.
First-Principles Prediction of Structure and Properties of the Cu2TeO6 Monolayer
Authors: Korznikova Elena A. , Bryzgalov Vladimir A. , Kistanov Andrey A.
Published: January 2023

In this work, first-principles calculations have been utilized to predict the existence of a new Cu2TeO6 monolayer. It is shown that the predicted material is dynamically and thermally stable. The Cu2TeO6 monolayer is also found to be a narrow band gap semiconductor with a band gap size of 0.20 eV. Considering the obtained properties of the Cu2TeO6 monolayer, it is proposed for applications in various nanodevices in electronics and straintronics.
Optimization of Experimental Parameters in the Solvent Extraction of Trans-Resveratrol from Pruning Waste of Vitis vinifera, Fetească Neagră Variety
Authors: Crăciun Alina Lenuța , Gutt Gheorghe
Published: January 2023

The past few decades have seen a marked expansion in market demand for food supplements with therapeutic value. Due to this demand, the recovery of vine waste for obtaining certain phytochemicals or plant synthesized compounds with health-promoting activities can be an important economic component, principally with the agreement of the European Union for resveratrol as a new food ingredient. For the sake of economic capitalization, it is necessary to determine optimum extraction parameters for maximum recovery. In this paper, we have determined the optimum parameters for the solvent extraction of trans-resveratrol from vine prunings. We tested different extraction conditions: 35 different types of solvents, 10 types of solid-to-liquid ratios, 10 extraction times, 10 types of granulosity of the ground material and 7 consecutive extractions on the same material. The optimal parameters determined were: solvent ethanol:diethyl ether 4:1 ratio, 1:35 solid liquid ratio g/mL, 4 days for extraction time, 500 µm–350 µm granulosity of powdered material and one extraction on the material. These findings are confirmed by optimization of extracting parameters according to Box–Behnken design.
Iterative Learning Control for Vibration Suppression of a Robotic Arm
Authors: Lin Jia-Liang , Huang Han-Pang , Lin Chun-Yeon
Published: January 2023

This paper presents a vibration control method for the vibration suppression of a robotic arm. To understand the causes of the vibration in the six-axis manipulator and then eliminate the vibration through an effective control method, the vibration control structure can be divided into two parts. First, variational mode decomposition (VMD) and the Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) algorithm are integrated to analyze the vibration signal and extract the vibration characteristics. Second, a smooth trajectory planning method is used to eliminate the residual vibration. Then, a feedback controller and iterative learning controller are used for controlling the vibration to stabilize the system while compensating for the torque of the elastic-joint model and repetitive errors caused by the vibration through the repeated operation of the arm. In addition, to improve the iterative learning control (ILC) performance, the integration of VMD and the HHT is used to distinguish useless information. The ILC is able to learn more quickly and compensate for the error caused by the vibration. The proposed VMD-HHT iterative learning control for the elastic joint (VH-ILC-EJ) method, along with a laboratory-developed six-axis degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) robotic arm, has been numerically and experimentally validated for vibration suppression.
Benincasa hispida Extract Prevents Ovariectomy-Induced Osteoporosis in Female ICR Mice
Authors: Choi Sun-Il , Han Xionggao , Men Xiao , Lee Se-Jeong , Oh Geon , Choi Ye-Eun , Yang Jung-Mo , Cho Ju-Hyun , Lee Ok-Hwan
Published: January 2023

With the increase in bone metabolic diseases owing to the aging of the global population, interest in functional food ingredients for improving bone health is increasing. This study aimed to determine the anti-osteoporosis effect of Benincasa hispida extract (BHE, HR1901-W) and 2-furoic acid in ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis in female ICR mice. Thirty-five female ICR mice underwent OVX or sham operation and were randomized into seven groups of five animals as follows: normal, sham, OVX, OVX with genistein (10 mg/kg), 2-furoic acid (20 mg/kg), LBHE (100 mg/kg), and HBHE (200 mg/kg). After an 8-week treatment period, femur and blood samples were collected from mice. Bone density and bone formation markers were significantly recovered in the 2-furoic acid and HBHE supplementation groups compared with those in the OVX group. In addition, bone resorption markers were increased in OVX mice, whereas they were significantly decreased in the OVX + 2-furoic acid and HBHE supplementation groups. This study suggests that BHE supplementation prevents bone resorption and promotes bone formation in OVX mice. These findings indicate that BHE could be used as a promising natural means to prevent OVX-induced osteoporosis and bone metabolic diseases.
Killing Bacteria Using Acetic Acid and Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields—An In Vivo Superficial Infection Model Study and Immune Response
Authors: Perminaitė Emilija , Zinkevičienė Auksė , Malyško-Ptašinskė Veronika , Radzevičiūtė Eivina , Novickij Jurij , Girkontaitė Irutė , Novickij Vitalij
Published: January 2023

Invasive infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria are a problem responsible for many fatal cases, especially in burn wound care centers, while bacterial resistance to antibiotics is growing dramatically worldwide. In this work, we utilize pulsed electric fields (up to 25 kV/cm × 750 ns) in combination with low-concentration (1%) acetic acid for the inactivation of P. aeruginosa. An in vivo superficial infection model is developed in BALB/C mice using a luminescent strain of P. aeruginosa. We show that an up to 25 kV/cm electric field (3 kV, 1.2 mm gap), when combined with acetic acid, induces a bacteriostatic effect, preventing further infection for up to 7 days after treatment. Additionally, we evaluate antibodies against surface and intracellular P. aeruginosa bacteria antigens following the treatment. It is shown that the levels of surface IgG and IgG1 antibodies are significantly lower in the murine serum of electric-field-treated mice compared to the bacterial-infection-bearing group of mice treated with acetic acid alone. The results of this work are useful as a proof of concept for the development of novel clinical procedures to fight drug-resistive microorganisms responsible for wound contamination and chronic wounds.
A Deep Learning Method for Lightweight and Cross-Device IoT Botnet Detection
Authors: Catillo Marta , Pecchia Antonio , Villano Umberto
Published: January 2023

Ensuring security of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in the face of threats and attacks is a primary concern. IoT plays an increasingly key role in cyber–physical systems. Many existing intrusion detection systems (IDS) proposals for the IoT leverage complex machine learning architectures, which often provide one separate model per device or per attack. These solutions are not suited to the scale and dynamism of modern IoT networks. This paper proposes a novel IoT-driven cross-device method, which allows learning a single IDS model instead of many separate models atop the traffic of different IoT devices. A semi-supervised approach is adopted due to its wider applicability for unanticipated attacks. The solution is based on an all-in-one deep autoencoder, which consists of training a single deep neural network with the normal traffic from different IoT devices. Extensive experimentation performed with a widely used benchmarking dataset indicates that the all-in-one approach achieves within 0.9994–0.9997 recall, 0.9999–1.0 precision, 0.0–0.0071 false positive rate and 0.9996–0.9998 F1 score, depending on the device. The results obtained demonstrate the validity of the proposal, which represents a lightweight and device-independent solution with considerable advantages in terms of transferability and adaptability.
Design and Testing of a New Bionic Corn-Ear-Picking Test Device
Authors: Zhang Li , Yu Jianqun , Zhang Qiang , Fang Xvwen
Published: January 2023

A new bending fracture principle is proposed for ear picking by simulating the process of manually breaking off corn cobs. Based on this, a new test device for corn ear picking was designed to obtain the relationship between the ear-picking rate and the rotational speed of the snapping rollers, as well as the feeding speed. A mechanical test was conducted on corn at two different harvesting stages. This proved that the tensile breaking force used in ear picking was considerably greater than that associated with bending fracture, regardless of whether it was silage or mature corn. Moreover, the feasibility of the working principle of the bending fracture was tentatively verified by a verification test. Then, ear picking could be achieved using the designed device with less damage occurring to the corn ears and straw, according to the test for corn ear picking. Finally, a range analysis showed that the highest ear-picking rate could be obtained by the test device at a snapping roller rate of 780 r/min and a feeding speed of 1.5 (m/s), with a 40° angle between the snapping rollers and conveyor. Thus, this study provides a reference for the further development of a corn harvester for silage.
A Location Routing Problem with Time Windows Consideration: A Metaheuristics Approach
Authors: Maghfiroh Meilinda Fitriani Nur , Yu Vincent F. , Redi Anak Agung Ngurah Perwira , Abdallah Bayu Nur
Published: January 2023

A substantial distribution system is achievable to attain through the simultaneous design of the location facility and route generation. This problem is generally called a location routing problem (LRP), where both strategic decision and operational decisions are considered during the decision initial phase. Nevertheless, for some real applications, a consideration of time restriction due to several reasons should be included in the model. Some examples include the distribution system of perishable goods, a company’s objective towards a high level of customer service, or emergency/disaster situations. Consequently, this research incorporates the location routing problem (LRP) with time window constraints, including the working hour and also time restriction in each customer. The location routing problem with time windows (LRPTW) could not be solved easily, especially for a large-sized problem and or one which is considered an NP-hard problem. In consideration with its large solution pools, this paper suggests an integration of variable neighborhood search (VNS) with path relinking (PR) to solve LRPTW. The method is first applied in the LRP benchmark to validate the effectiveness and the robustness of the proposed method. Computational results clarify that VNSPR can achieve some of the best and most competitive solutions for the LRP when compared to existing approaches. Further, we developed LRPTW instances from the best solution found in LRP datasets. The proposed VNSPR method is also able to yield nearly optimal solutions for LRPTW instances.
Bet-GAT: An Efficient Centrality-Based Graph Attention Model for Semi-Supervised Node Classification
Authors: Verma Atul Kumar , Saxena Rahul , Jadeja Mahipal , Bhateja Vikrant , Lin Jerry Chun-Wei
Published: January 2023

Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) have witnessed great advancement in the field of neural networks for processing graph datasets. Graph Convolutional Networks (GCNs) have outperformed current models/algorithms in accomplishing tasks such as semi-supervised node classification, link prediction, and graph classification. GCNs perform well even with a very small training dataset. The GCN framework has evolved to Graph Attention Model (GAT), GraphSAGE, and other hybrid frameworks. In this paper, we effectively usd the network centrality approach to select nodes from the training set (instead of a traditional random selection), which is fed into GCN (and GAT) to perform semi-supervised node classification tasks. This allows us to take advantage of the best positional nodes in the network. Based on empirical analysis, we choose the betweenness centrality measure for selecting the training nodes. We also mathematically justify why our proposed technique offers better training. This novel training technique is used to analyze the performance of GCN and GAT models on five benchmark networks—Cora, Citeseer, PubMed, Wiki-CS, and Amazon Computers. In GAT implementations, we obtain improved classification accuracy compared to the other state-of-the-art GCN-based methods. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, the results obtained for Citeseer, Wiki- CS, and Amazon Computer datasets are the best compared to all the existing node classification methods.
Study on the Median Opening Length of a Freeway Work Zone Based on a Naturalistic Driving Experiment
Authors: Ma Sen , Hu Jiangbi , Wang Ronghua , Qu Shangwen
Published: January 2023

Median openings are an effective traffic organization mode for freeway crossover work zones, and their length is one of the most important control indicators to ensure traffic safety in work zones. In this paper, a theoretical calculation model of the median opening length was established according to the lane-changing demands of vehicles crossing through the median opening of the freeway. Based on the calculation model, the influencing factors of the median opening length were analyzed, and the calculation values of the median opening length under different speed limits, median widths and cross slopes were proposed. A naturalistic driving experiment of drivers’ safety and comfort, with 48 participants at four opening lengths of 40, 70, 100 and 130 m in a typical freeway work zone, was carried out based on the calculated length values and the driving workload, expressing drivers’ safety and comfort. It was found that the median opening length of the freeway had a positive correlation with the vehicles’ running speed and the drivers’ driving workload: the shorter length reduced the running speed of the vehicles and led to uncoordinated running speeds in the work zone; the longer length caused driver tension and led to the vehicles’ running speed and speed variability being too high. The research results indicated that the median opening length of freeway work zones is an important factor affecting the vehicle running speed, driving workload and speed limit compliance rate.
Probing the Interactions of LRP1 Ectodomain-Derived Peptides with Fibrillar Tau Protein and Its Impact on Cellular Internalization
Authors: Boder E. Josephine , Goncalves Beatriz G. , Lebedenko Charlotta G. , Banerjee Ipsita A.
Published: January 2023

Cellular internalization and the spreading of misfolded tau have become increasingly important for elucidating the mechanism of Tau pathology involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The low-density lipoprotein-related receptor 1 (LRP1) has been implicated in the internalization of fibrillar tau. In this work, we utilized homology modeling to model the Cluster 2 domain of LRP1 and determined that a 23-amino-acid sequence is involved in binding to paired helical filaments (PHF) of Tau. Fourteen short peptide segments derived from this ectodomain region were then designed and docked with PHF Tau. Molecular dynamics studies of the optimal peptides bound to PHF Tau demonstrated that the peptides formed critical contacts through Lys and Gln residues with Tau. Based on the computational results, flow cytometry, AFM, SPR analysis and CD studies were conducted to examine binding and cellular internalization. The results showed that the peptide sequence TauRP (1–14) (DNSDEENCES) was not only associated with fibrillar Tau but was also able to mitigate its cellular internalization in LRP1-expressed HEK-293 cells. Preliminary docking studies with Aβ (1–42) revealed that the peptides also bound to Aβ (1–42). While this study focused on the CCR2 domain of LRP1 to design peptide sequences to mitigate Tau internalization, the work can be extended to other domains of the LRP1 receptor or other receptors to examine if the cellular internalization of fibrillar Tau can be deterred. These findings show that short peptides derived from the LRP1 receptor can alter the internalization of its ligands.
Chemical Constituents, Neuroprotective and Antioxidant Potential of Klasea centauroides Leaves
Authors: Razuvaeva Yanina G. , Markova Kristina V. , Toropova Anyuta A. , Kashchenko Nina I. , Olennikov Daniil N.
Published: January 2023

Owing to progressive aging in the population, there is an increase in patients with cognitive impairment. For the prevention of dementia, the use of plant remedies is relevant. Of particular interest is Klasea centauroides (L.) Cass. (Serratula centauroides L., Asteraceae), which has significant natural reserves, contains a wide range of biologically active substances, and is used in folk medicine to treat nervous system diseases. This study aimed to estimate the neuroprotective, energy-protective, and antioxidant effects of K. centauroides extract in cholinergic deficiency caused by long-term scopolamine administration. It has been established that K. centauroides extract accelerates passive avoidance-conditioned reflex development and ensures its preservation over a longer time period under cholinergic deficiency conditions. The K. centauroides extract increases the resistance of brain tissues to the toxic effects of scopolamine, reducing the number of neuron regressive forms in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. The K. centauroides extract enhances the predominance of aerobic glycolysis over anaerobic glycolysis and enhances the NADH-dehydrogenase and succinate-dehydrogenase complexes activity, thus promoting more intensive ATP synthesis against this background, the introduction of scopolamine. The use of K. centauroides extracts reduces the malonic dialdehyde (MDA) content in the brain structures and increases the catalase (CAT) and antioxidant system glutathione unit activities.
Electronic Nose Analysis to Detect Milk Obtained from Pasture-Raised Goats
Authors: Balivo Andrea , Cipolletta Simone , Tudisco Raffaella , Iommelli Piera , Sacchi Raffaele , Genovese Alessandro
Published: January 2023

The nutritional peculiarities of dairy products made with milk from pasture-fed ruminants would require a rapid control to be authenticated and limit the risk of fraud. In the current study, ninety milk samples from two groups of goats were analysed by electronic nose, quantitative descriptive sensory (QDA) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis with the aim of discriminating between milk produced on grazing and on a confinement feeding system. The raw milk samples were taken at five different times over a period of three months (April, May and June 2021) from eighteen individual Saanen goats divided into two groups, one of which was fed outdoors on a highly biodiverse pasture. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA), carried out on electronic nose data, was able to classify the two types of milk in terms of an animal feeding system (88% correct classification). Pasture milk scored higher for sensory descriptors such as “Grassy” and “Sweet aromatic” odours. Terpene compounds were the chemical class that qualitatively differentiates the pasture milk while volatile fatty acids were the most present quantitatively. Electronic nose has proven to be a rapid, reproducible and simple method for authenticating pasture raw milk in routine control analyses.
Trunk Borer Identification Based on Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Zhang Xing , Zhang Haiyan , Chen Zhibo , Li Juhu
Published: January 2023

The trunk borer is a great danger to forests because of its strong concealment, long lag and great destructiveness. In order to improve the early monitoring ability of trunk borers, the representative Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire was selected as the research object. The convolutional neural network named TrunkNet was designed to identify the activity sounds of Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire larvae. The activity sounds were recorded as vibration signals in audio form. The detector was used to collect the activity sounds of Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire larvae in the wood segments and some typical outdoor noise. The vibration signal pulse duration is short, random and high energy. TrunkNet was designed to train and identify vibration signals of Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire. Over the course of the experiment, the test accuracy of TrunkNet was 96.89%, while MobileNet_V2, ResNet18 and VGGish showed 84.27%, 79.37% and 70.85% accuracy, respectively. TrunkNet based on the convolutional neural network can provide technical support for the automatic monitoring and early warning of the stealthy tree trunk borers. The work of this study is limited to a single pest. The experiment will further focus on the applicability of the network to other pests in the future.