bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual Inhibition of Salmonella enterica and Clostridium perfringens by New Probiotic Candidates Isolated from Chicken Intestinal Mucosa
Authors: Lone Ayesha , Mottawea Walid , Ait Chait Yasmina , Hammami Riadh
Published: January 2021

The poultry industry is the fastest-growing agricultural sector globally. With poultry meat being economical and in high demand, the end product’s safety is of importance. Globally, governments are coming together to ban the use of antibiotics as prophylaxis and for growth promotion in poultry. Salmonella and Clostridium perfringens are two leading pathogens that cause foodborne illnesses and are linked explicitly to poultry products. Furthermore, numerous outbreaks occur every year. A substitute for antibiotics is required by the industry to maintain the same productivity level and, hence, profits. We aimed to isolate and identify potential probiotic strains from the ceca mucosa of the chicken intestinal tract with bacteriocinogenic properties. We were able to isolate multiple and diverse strains, including a new uncultured bacterium, with inhibitory activity against Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028, Salmonella Abony NCTC 6017, Salmonella Choleraesuis ATCC 10708, Clostridium perfringens ATCC 13124, and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. The five most potent strains were further characterized for their probiotic potential (i.e., sensitivity to antibiotics and tolerance to gastrointestinal physicochemical conditions). Our analyzed lactobacilli strains exhibited some interesting probiotic features while being inhibitory against targeted pathogens.
Animal Fat as a Substrate for Production of n-6 Fatty Acids by Fungal Solid-State Fermentation
Authors: Slaný Ondrej , Klempová Tatiana , Shapaval Volha , Zimmermann Boris , Kohler Achim , Čertík Milan
Published: January 2021

The method of solid-state fermentation (SSF) represents a powerful technology for the fortification of animal-based by-products. Oleaginous Zygomycetes fungi are efficient microbial cell factories used in SSF to valorize a wide range of waste and rest cereal materials. The application of this fermentation technique for utilization and biotransformation of animal-based materials represents a distinguished step in their treatment. In this study, for the first time, the strain Umbelopsis isabellina CCF2412 was used for the bioconversion of animal fat by-products to the fermented bioproducts enriched with n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly γ-linolenic acid (GLA). Bioconversion of both cereals and the animal fat by-product resulted in the production of fermented bioproducts enriched with not just GLA (maximal yield was 6.4 mg GLA/g of fermented bioproduct), but also with high yields of glucosamine. Moreover, the fermentation on the cornmeal matrix led to obtaining bioproduct enriched with β-carotene. An increased amount of β-carotene content improved the antioxidant stability of obtained fermented bioproducts. Furthermore, the application of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy for rapid analysis and characterization of the biochemical profile of obtained SSF bioproducts was also studied.
Nanomaterial Fabrication through the Modification of Sol–Gel Derived Coatings
Authors: Tan Wai Kian , Muto Hiroyuki , Kawamura Go , Lockman Zainovia , Matsuda Atsunori
Published: January 2021

In materials processing, the sol–gel method is one of the techniques that has enabled large-scale production at low cost in the past few decades. The versatility of the method has been proven as the fabrication of various materials ranging from metallic, inorganic, organic, and hybrid has been reported. In this review, a brief introduction of the sol–gel technique is provided and followed by a discussion of the significance of this method for materials processing and development leading to the creation of novel materials through sol–gel derived coatings. The controlled modification of sol–gel derived coatings and their respective applications are also described. Finally, current development and the outlook of the sol–gel method for the design and fabrication of nanomaterials in various fields are described. The emphasis is on the significant potential of the sol–gel method for the development of new, emerging technologies.
Supercurrent Induced by Chiral Coupling in Multiferroic/Superconductor Nanostructures
Authors: Niedzielski Bjoern , Jia Chenglong , Berakdar Jamal
Published: January 2021

We study the transport and the superconducting dynamics in a layer of type II superconductor (SC) with a normal top layer that hosts a helical magnetic ordering that gives rise to spin-current-driven ferroelectric polarization. Proximity effects akin to this heterostructure result in an anisotropic supercurrent transport and modify the dynamic properties of vortices in the SC. The vortices can be acted upon and controlled by electric gating or other means that couple to the spin ordering in the top layer, which, in turn, alter the superconducting/helical magnet coupling characteristics. We demonstrate, using the time dependent Ginzburg–Landau approach, how the spin helicity of the top layer can be utilized for pinning and guiding the vortices in the superconducting layer.
Non-Isothermal Decomposition as Efficient and Simple Synthesis Method of NiO/C Nanoparticles for Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Chernysheva Daria , Pudova Ludmila , Popov Yuri , Smirnova Nina , Maslova Olga , Allix Mathieu , Rakhmatullin Aydar , Leontyev Nikolay , Nikolaev Andrey , Leontyev Igor
Published: January 2021

A series of NiO/C nanocomposites with NiO concentrations ranging from 10 to 90 wt% was synthesized using a simple and efficient two-step method based on non-isothermal decomposition of Nickel(II) bis(acetylacetonate). X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements of these NiO/C nanocomposites demonstrate the presence of β-NiO. NiO/C nanocomposites are composed of spherical particles distributed over the carbon support surface. The average diameter of nickel oxide spheres increases with the NiO content and are estimated as 36, 50 and 205 nm for nanocomposites with 10, 50 and 80 wt% NiO concentrations, respectively. In turn, each NiO sphere contains several nickel oxide nanoparticles, whose average sizes are 7–8 nm. According to the tests performed using a three-electrode cell, specific capacitance (SC) of NiO/C nanocomposites increases from 200 to 400 F/g as the NiO content achieves a maximum of 60 wt% concentration, after which the SC decreases. The study of the NiO/C composite showing the highest SC in three- and two-electrode cells reveals that its SC remains almost unchanged while increasing the current density, and the sample demonstrates excellent cycling stability properties. Finally, NiO/C (60% NiO) composites are shown to be promising materials for charging quartz clocks with a power rating of 1.5 V (30 min).
Friedel Oscillations Induced by Magnetic Skyrmions: From Scattering Properties to All-Electrical Detection
Authors: Bouhassoune Mohammed , Lounis Samir
Published: January 2021

Magnetic skyrmions are spin swirling solitonic defects that can play a major role in information technology. Their future in applications and devices hinges on their efficient manipulation and detection. Here, we explore from ab-initio their nature as magnetic inhomongeities in an otherwise unperturbed magnetic material, Fe layer covered by a thin Pd film and deposited on top of Ir(111) surface. The presence of skyrmions triggers scattering processes, from which Friedel oscillations emerge. The latter mediate interactions among skyrmions or between skyrmions and other potential surrounding defects. In contrast to their wavelengths, the amplitude of the oscillations depends strongly on the size of the skyrmion. The analogy with the scattering-off atomic defects enables the assignment of an effective scattering potential and a phase shift to the skyrmionic particles, which can be useful to predict their behavior on the basis of simple scattering frameworks. The induced charge ripples can be utilized for a noninvasive all-electrical detection of skyrmions located on a surface or even if buried a few nanometers away from the detecting electrode.
Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized with Angiogenin for Wound Care Application
Authors: Cucci Lorena Maria , Trapani Giuseppe , Hansson Örjan , La Mendola Diego , Satriano Cristina
Published: January 2021

In this work, we aimed to develop a hybrid theranostic nano-formulation based on gold nanoparticles (AuNP)—having a known anti-angiogenic character—and the angiogenin (ANG), in order to tune the angiogenesis-related phases involved in the multifaceted process of the wound healing. To this purpose, spherical were surface “decorated” with three variants of the protein, namely, the recombinant (rANG), the wild-type, physiologically present in the human plasma (wtANG) and a new mutant with a cysteine substitution of the serine at the residue 28 (S28CANG). The hybrid biointerface between AuNP and ANG was scrutinized by a multi-technique approach based on dynamic light scattering, spectroscopic (UV-visible, circular dichroism) and microscopic (atomic force and laser scanning confocal) techniques. The analyses of optical features of plasmonic gold nanoparticles allowed for discrimination of different adsorption modes—i.e.; predominant physisorption and/or chemisorption—triggered by the ANG primary sequence. Biophysical experiments with supported lipid bilayers (SLB), an artificial model of cell membrane, were performed by means of quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring acoustic sensing technique. Cellular experiments on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), in the absence or presence of copper—another co-player of angiogenesis—were carried out to assay the nanotoxicity of the hybrid protein-gold nanoassemblies as well as their effect on cell migration and tubulogenesis. Results pointed to the promising potential of these nanoplatforms, especially the new hybrid Au-S28CANG obtained with the covalent grafting of the mutant on the gold surface, for the modulation of angiogenesis processes in wound care.
Antibacterial Activity of Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Areca catechu Extract against Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Choi Jeong , Jung Hyon , Baek Yeon , Kim Bo , Lee Min , Kim Hyeong , Kim Suhng
Published: January 2021

In this work, the antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using Areca catechu extracts against three species of antibiotic-susceptible and three species of resistant bacteria was investigated. The effects of this plant were more promising when compared with other medicinal plants tested. The hydrothermal extract of Areca catechu was mixed with silver nitrate to synthesize AgNPs. The synthesized particle characteristics were analyzed by UV–Vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration tests were conducted to confirm antibacterial activity and the results showed that AgNPs synthesized using Areca catechu extracts effectively inhibited the growth of bacterial species. Moreover, the SEM images of the bacterial species treated with AgNPs synthesized with Areca catechu extracts showed that clusters of AgNPs were attached to the surface of the bacterial cell wall, which could induce destruction of the cell membranes. The results suggest that AgNPs synthesized with Areca catechu extracts have the potential to treat antibiotic-resistant bacteria known as the major cause of nosocomial infections.
Mg2+ Transporters in Digestive Cancers
Authors: Auwercx Julie , Rybarczyk Pierre , Kischel Philippe , Dhennin-Duthille Isabelle , Chatelain Denis , Sevestre Henri , Van Seuningen Isabelle , Ouadid-Ahidouch Halima , Jonckheere Nicolas , Gautier Mathieu
Published: January 2021

Despite magnesium (Mg2+) representing the second most abundant cation in the cell, its role in cellular physiology and pathology is far from being elucidated. Mg2+ homeostasis is regulated by Mg2+ transporters including Mitochondrial RNA Splicing Protein 2 (MRS2), Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily M, Member 6/7 (TRPM6/7), Magnesium Transporter 1 (MAGT1), Solute Carrier Family 41 Member 1 (SCL41A1), and Cyclin and CBS Domain Divalent Metal Cation Transport Mediator (CNNM) proteins. Recent data show that Mg2+ transporters may regulate several cancer cell hallmarks. In this review, we describe the expression of Mg2+ transporters in digestive cancers, the most common and deadliest malignancies worldwide. Moreover, Mg2+ transporters’ expression, correlation and impact on patient overall and disease-free survival is analyzed using Genotype Tissue Expression (GTEx) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. Finally, we discuss the role of these Mg2+ transporters in the regulation of cancer cell fates and oncogenic signaling pathways.
The Feasibility of the “Omega Kid” Study Protocol: A Double-Blind, Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial Investigating the Effect of Omega-3 Supplementation on Self-Regulation in Preschool-Aged Children
Authors: Roach Lauren A. , Byrne Mitchell K. , Howard Steven J. , Johnstone Stuart J. , Batterham Marijka , Wright Ian M. R. , Okely Anthony D. , de Groot Renate H. M. , van der Wurff Inge S. M. , Jones Alison , Meyer Barbara J.
Published: January 2021

Self-regulation, the regulation of behaviour in early childhood, impacts children’s success at school and is a predictor of health, wealth, and criminal outcomes in adulthood. Self-regulation may be optimised by dietary supplementation of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs). The aim of the “Omega Kid” study is to investigate the feasibility of a protocol to investigate whether n-3 LCPUFA supplementation enhances self-regulation in preschool-aged children. The protocol assessed involved a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial of 12 weeks duration, with an intervention of 1.6 g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per day (0.3 g EPA and 1.3 g DHA) in a microencapsulated powder compared to placebo. Children (n = 78; 40 boys and 38 girls) aged 3–5 years old were recruited and randomly allocated to the treatment (n = 39) or placebo group (n = 39). The HS–Omega-3 Index® served as a manipulation check on the delivery of either active (n-3 LCPUFAs) or placebo powders. Fifty-eight children (76%) completed the intervention (28–30 per group). Compliance to the study protocol was high, with 92% of children providing a finger-prick blood sample at baseline and high reported-adherence to the study intervention (88%). Results indicate that the protocol is feasible and may be employed in an adequately powered clinical trial to test the hypothesis that n-3 LCPUFA supplementation will improve the self-regulation of preschool-aged children.
The Habitual Diet of Dutch Adult Patients with Eosinophilic Esophagitis Has Pro-Inflammatory Properties and Low Diet Quality Scores
Authors: de Kroon Marlou , Eussen Simone , Holmes Bridget , Harthoorn Lucien , Warners Marijn , Bredenoord Albert , van Rhijn Bram , van Doorn Mylene , Vlieg-Boerstra Berber
Published: January 2021

We determined the nutritional adequacy and overall quality of the diets of adult patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Dietary intakes stratified by sex and age were compared to Dietary Reference Values (DRV). Overall diet quality was assessed by two independent Diet-Quality-Indices scores, the PANDiet and DHD-index, and compared to age- and gender-matched subjects from the general population. Lastly, food and nutrient intakes of EoE patients were compared to intakes of the general population. Saturated fat intake was significantly higher and dietary fiber intake significantly lower than the DRV in both males and females. In males, the DRV were not reached for potassium, magnesium, selenium, and vitamins A and D. In females, the DRV were not reached for iron, sodium, potassium, selenium, and vitamins A, B2, C and D. EoE patients had a significantly lower PANDiet and DHD-index compared to the general population, although the relative intake (per 1000 kcal) of vegetables/fruits/olives was significantly higher (yet still up to 65% below the recommended daily amounts) and alcohol intake was significantly lower compared to the general Dutch population. In conclusion, the composition of the habitual diet of adult EoE patients has several pro-inflammatory and thus unfavorable immunomodulatory properties, just as the general Dutch population, and EoE patients had lower overall diet quality scores than the general population. Due to the observational character of this study, further research is needed to explore whether this contributes to the development and progression of EoE.
Clostridium tyrobutyricum Protects against LPS-Induced Colonic Inflammation via IL-22 Signaling in Mice
Authors: Xiao Zhiping , Liu Lujie , Jin Yuyue , Pei Xun , Sun Wanjing , Wang Minqi
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Clostridium tyrobutyricum (C. tyrobutyricum) on colonic immunity and the role of IL-22 in the protective function of C. tyrobutyricum. Mice were supplemented with 108 CFU/mL C. tyrobutyricum daily for 20 days, followed by injecting with LPS for 24 h. In vivo interference of IL-22 via injecting with an adeno-associated virus was conducted to elucidate the role of IL-22 in C. tyrobutyricum attenuating colonic inflammation. The results showed that C. tyrobutyricum decreased the mRNA expression of IL-6 and IL-1β. C. tyrobutyricum enhanced the mRNA expression of IL-22 and the expression of MUC2 in the colon. The in vivo interference results showed that C. tyrobutyricum enhanced the mRNA expression of IL-6 and IL-1β while decreased the expression of MUC2 after knocking down IL-22. The flow cytometric analysis showed that C. tyrobutyricum decreased the proportions of macrophages, DCs, and mast cells and effectively regulated the proportion of Th17 cells, indicating that C. tyrobutyricum may stimulate the expression of IL-22 via regulating Th17 cells. Our study concluded that C. tyrobutyricum protected against LPS-induced colonic barrier dysfunction and inflammation via IL-22 signaling, suggesting that C. tyrobutyricum could be a potential probiotic in regulating colonic health.
Targeting Loss of Heterozygosity: A Novel Paradigm for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhang Xiaonan , Sjöblom Tobias
Published: January 2021

Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) is a common genetic event in the development of cancer. In certain tumor types, LOH can affect more than 20% of the genome, entailing loss of allelic variation in thousands of genes. This reduction of heterozygosity creates genetic differences between tumor and normal cells, providing opportunities for development of novel cancer therapies. Here, we review and summarize (1) mutations associated with LOH on chromosomes which have been shown to be promising biomarkers of cancer risk or the prediction of clinical outcomes in certain types of tumors; (2) loci undergoing LOH that can be targeted for development of novel anticancer drugs as well as (3) LOH in tumors provides up-and-coming possibilities to understand the underlying mechanisms of cancer evolution and to discover novel cancer vulnerabilities which are worth a further investigation in the near future.
pH-Dependent Molecular Gate Mesoporous Microparticles for Biological Control of Giardia intestinalis
Authors: González-Alvarez Isabel , Vivancos Verónica , Coll Carmen , Sánchez-Dengra Bárbara , Aznar Elena , Ruiz-Picazo Alejandro , Bermejo Marival , Sancenón Félix , Dea-Ayuela María Auxiliadora , Gonzalez-Alvarez Marta , Martínez-Máñez Ramón
Published: January 2021

Giardiasis is a parasitism produced by the protozoa Giardia intestinalis that lives as trophozoite in the small intestine (mainly in the duodenum) attached to the intestinal villus by means of billed discs. The first line treatment is metronidazole, a drug with high bioavailability, which is why to obtain therapeutic concentrations in duodenum, it is necessary to administer high doses of drug to patients with the consequent occurrence of side effects. It is necessary to developed new therapeutical approaches to achieve a local delivery of the drug. In this sense, we have developed gated mesoporous silica microparticles loaded with metronidazole and with a molecular gate pH dependent. In vitro assays demonstrated that the metronidazole release is practically insignificant at acidic pHs, but in duodenum conditions, the metronidazole delivery from the microparticles is effective enough to produce an important parasite destruction. In vivo assays indicate that this microparticulate system allows to increase the concentration of the drug in duodenum and reduce the concentration in plasma avoiding systemic effects. This system could be useful for other intestinal local treatments in order to reduce doses and increase drug availability in target tissues.
Impact of DOTA Conjugation on Pharmacokinetics and Immunoreactivity of [177Lu]Lu-1C1m-Fc, an Anti TEM-1 Fusion Protein Antibody in a TEM-1 Positive Tumor Mouse Model
Authors: Delage Judith Anna , Faivre-Chauvet Alain , Barbet Jacques , Fierle Julie Katrin , Schaefer Niklaus , Coukos George , Viertl David , Dunn Steven Mark , Gnesin Silvano , Prior John O.
Published: January 2021

1C1m-Fc, an anti-tumor endothelial marker 1 (TEM-1) scFv-Fc fusion protein antibody, was previously successfully radiolabeled with 177Lu. TEM-1 specific tumor uptake was observed together with a non-saturation dependent liver uptake that could be related to the number of dodecane tetraacetic acid (DOTA) chelator per 1C1m-Fc. The objective of this study was to verify this hypothesis and to find the best DOTA per 1C1m-Fc ratio for theranostic applications. 1C1m-Fc was conjugated with six concentrations of DOTA. High-pressure liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, immunoreactivity assessment, and biodistribution studies in mice bearing TEM-1 positive tumors were performed. A multi-compartment pharmacokinetic model was used to fit the data and a global pharmacokinetic model was developed to illustrate the effect of liver capture and immunoreactivity loss. Organ absorbed doses in mice were calculated from biodistribution results. A loss of immunoreactivity was observed with the highest DOTA per 1C1m-Fc ratio. Except for the spleen and bone, an increase of DOTA per 1C1m-Fc ratio resulted in an increase of liver uptake and absorbed dose and a decrease of uptake in tumor and other tissues. Pharmacokinetic models correlated these results. The number of DOTA per antibody played a determining role in tumor targeting. One DOTA per 1C1m-Fc gave the best pharmacokinetic behavior for a future translation of [177Lu]Lu-1C1m-Fc in patients.
Enhanced the Thermal Conductivity of Polydimethylsiloxane via a Three-Dimensional Hybrid Boron Nitride@Silver Nanowires Thermal Network Filler
Authors: Huang Zhengqiang , Wu Wei , Drummer Dietmar , Liu Chao , Wang Yi , Wang Zhengyi
Published: January 2021

In this work, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based composites with high thermal conductivity were fabricated via a three-dimensional hybrid boron nitride@silver nanowires (BN@AgNWs) filler thermal network, and their thermal conductivity was investigated. A new thermal conductive BN@AgNWs hybrid filler was prepared by an in situ growth method. Silver ions with the different concentrations were reduced, and AgNWs crystallized and grew on the surface of BN sheets. PDMS-based composites were fabricated by the BN@AgNWs hybrid filler added. SEM, XPS, and XRD were used to characterize the structure and morphology of BN@AgNWs hybrid fillers. The thermal conductivity performances of PDMS-based composites with different silver concentrates were investigated. The results showed that the thermal conductivity of PDMS-based composite filled with 20 vol% BN@15AgNWs hybrid filler is 0.914 W/(m·K), which is 5.05 times that of pure PDMS and 23% higher than the thermal conductivity of 20 vol% PDMS-based composite with BN filled. The enhanced thermal conductivity mechanism was provided based on the hybrid filler structure. This work offers a new way to design and fabricate the high thermal conductive hybrid filler for thermal management materials.
QbD Enabled Azacitidine Loaded Liposomal Nanoformulation and Its In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Kesharwani Prashant , Md Shadab , Alhakamy Nabil A. , Hosny Khaled M. , Haque Anzarul
Published: January 2021

Azacitidine (AZA), an inhibitor of DNA methyltransferase, is a commonly recognized drug used in clinical treatment for myelodysplastic syndrome and breast cancer. Due to higher aqueous solubility and negative log P of AZA causes poor cancer cell permeation and controlled release. The objective of the present study was to formulate and optimize AZA-loaded liposome (AZA-LIPO) for breast cancer chemotherapy by using Box Behnken design (BBD) and in vitro evaluation using MCF-7 cells. AZA-LIPO were prepared using a thin film hydration technique and characterization study was performed by using FTIR and DSC. The prepared formulations were optimized using BBD and the optimized formulation was further subjected for particle size, surface charges, polydispersity index (PDI), drug loading, entrapment efficiency, TEM, XRD, in-vitro drug release and hemolytic toxicity. The mean particle size of optimized AZA-LIPO was 127 nm. Entrapment efficiency and drug loading of AZA-LIPO was found to be 85.2% ± 0.5 and 6.82 ± 1.6%, respectively. Further, in vitro drug release study showed preliminary burst release in 2 h followed by a sustained release for 36 h in phosphate buffer at different pH (4.0, 5.5, and 7.4) as compared to free drug. Drug release was found to be pH dependent, as the pH was increased, the drug release rate was found to be low. Time-dependent cell viability assay exhibited significant higher cell viability and higher internalization than free AZA in MCF-7 cells. AZA-LIPO were more effective than the free AZA in reducing Bcl2 expression, while increasing pro-apoptotic Bax and caspase-3 activity. The result showed that the formulated biocompatible AZA-LIPO nano-formulations may be used as an efficient anti-cancer drug delivery system for the treatment of breast cancer after establishing preclinical and clinical studies.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs): Biopolymers for Biofuel and Biorefineries
Authors: Riaz Shahina , Rhee Kyong Yop , Park Soo Jin
Published: January 2021

Fossil fuels are energy recourses that fulfill most of the world’s energy requirements. However, their production and use cause severe health and environmental problems including global warming and pollution. Consequently, plant and animal-based fuels (also termed as biofuels), such as biogas, biodiesel, and many others, have been introduced as alternatives to fossil fuels. Despite the advantages of biofuels, such as being renewable, environmentally friendly, easy to source, and reducing the dependency on foreign oil, there are several drawbacks of using biofuels including high cost, and other factors discussed in the fuel vs. food debate. Therefore, it is imperative to produce novel biofuels while also developing suitable manufacturing processes that ease the aforementioned problems. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are structurally diverse microbial polyesters synthesized by numerous bacteria. Moreover, this structural diversity allows PHAs to readily undergo methyl esterification and to be used as biofuels, which further extends the application value of PHAs. PHA-based biofuels are similar to biodiesel except for having a high oxygen content and no nitrogen or sulfur. In this article, we review the microbial production of PHAs, biofuel production from PHAs, parameters affecting the production of fuel from PHAs, and PHAs biorefineries. In addition, future work on the production of biofuels from PHAs is also discussed.
Measurement Technologies for Upstream and Downstream Bioprocessing
Authors: Mandenius Carl-Fredrik
Published: January 2021

This special issue is devoted to new developments in measurement technologies for upstream and downstream bioprocessing [...]
Waste Wood Fly Ash Treatment in Switzerland: Effects of Co-Processing with Fly Ash from Municipal Solid Waste on Cr(VI) Reduction and Heavy Metal Recovery
Authors: Wolffers Mirjam , Weibel Gisela , Eggenberger Urs
Published: January 2021

In Switzerland, waste wood fly ash (WWFA) must be treated before deposition on landfills due to its high pollutant load (Cr(VI) and heavy metals). Acid fly ash leaching, the process used for heavy metal recovery from municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWIFA), represents a possible treatment for heavy metal depletion and Cr(VI) reduction in WWFA. The co-processing of WWFA with MSWIFA during acid fly ash leaching was investigated in laboratory- and industrial-scale experiments with different setups. Of interest were the effects on heavy metal recovery efficiency, the successful outcome of Cr(VI) reduction and consumption of neutralizing chemicals (HCl, H2O2). Detailed chemical and mineralogical characterization of two WWFA types and MSWIFA showed that MSWIFA has higher concentrations in potentially harmful elements than WWFA. However, both WWFA types showed high concentrations in Pb and Cr(VI), and therefore need treatment prior to deposition. Depending on the waste wood proportion and quality, WWFA showed chemical and mineralogical differences that affect leaching behavior. In all experimental setups, successful Cr(VI) reduction was achieved. However, WWFA showed higher consumption of HCl and H2O2, the latter resulting in a particularly negative effect on the recovery of Pb and Cu. Thus, co-processing of smaller WWFA portions could be expedient in order to diminish the negative effects of Pb and Cu recovery.
Default Agnosticism
Authors: Jonbäck Francis
Published: January 2021

Agnosticism has always had its fair amount of criticism. Religious believers often described the first agnostics as infidels and it is not uncommon to see them described as somewhat dull fence-sitters. Moreover, the undecided agnostic stance on belief in gods is often compared with being unsure about such obviously false statements as the existence of orbiting teapots, invisible dragons or even Santa Claus. In this paper, I maintain that agnosticism can properly be endorsed as a default stance. More precisely, I use a strategy presented by Alvin Plantinga and argue that it is rationally acceptable to be agnostic about the existence of God. I also anticipate and answer a number of objections. Finally, I offer my conclusion.
Relating Hyperspectral Vegetation Indices with Soil Salinity at Different Depths for the Diagnosis of Winter Wheat Salt Stress
Authors: Zhu Kangying , Sun Zhigang , Zhao Fenghua , Yang Ting , Tian Zhenrong , Lai Jianbin , Zhu Wanxue , Long Buju
Published: January 2021

Abundant shallow underground brackish water resources could help in alleviating the shortage of fresh water resources and the crisis concerning agricultural water resources in the North China Plain. Improper brackish water irrigation will increase soil salinity and decrease the final yield due to salt stress affecting the crops. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a practical and low-cost method to monitor the soil salinity of brackish irrigation systems. Remotely sensed spectral vegetation indices (SVIs) of crops are promising proxies for indicating the salinity of the surface soil layer. However, there is still a challenge concerning quantitatively correlating SVIs with the salinity of deeper soil layers, in which crop roots are mainly distributed. In this study, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the relationship between SVIs and salinity measurements at four soil depths within six winter wheat plots irrigated using three salinity levels at the Yucheng Comprehensive Experimental Station of the Chinese Academy of Sciences during 2017–2019. The hyperspectral reflectance was measured during the grain-filling stage of winter wheat, since it is more sensitive to soil salinity during this period. The SVIs derived from the observed hyperspectral data of winter wheat were compared with the salinity at four soil depths. The results showed that the optimized SVIs, involving soil salt-sensitive blue, red-edge, and near-infrared wavebands, performed better when retrieving the soil salinity (R2 ≥ 0.58, root mean square error (RMSE) ≤ 0.62 g/L), especially at the 30-cm depth (R2 = 0.81, RMSE = 0.36 g/L). For practical applications, linear or quadratic models based on the screened SVIs in the form of normalized differential vegetation indices (NDVIs) could be used to retrieve soil salinity (R2 ≥ 0.63, RMSE ≤ 0.62 g/L) at all soil depths and then diagnose salt stress in winter wheat. This could provide a practical technique for evaluating regional brackish water irrigation systems.
A New Urban Functional Zone-Based Climate Zoning System for Urban Temperature Study
Authors: Yu Zhaowu , Jing Yongcai , Yang Gaoyuan , Sun Ranhao
Published: January 2021

The urban heat island (UHI) effect has been recognized as one of the most significant terrestrial surface climate-related consequences of urbanization. However, the traditional definition of the urban–rural (UR) division and the newly established local climate zone (LCZ) classification for UHI and urban climate studies do not adequately express the pattern and intensity of UHI. Moreover, these definitions of UHI find it hard to capture the human activity-induced anthropogenic heat that is highly correlated with urban functional zones (UFZ). Therefore, in this study, with a comparison (theory, technology, and application) of the previous definition (UR and LCZ) of UHI and integration of computer programming technology, social sensing, and remote sensing, we develop a new urban functional zone-based urban temperature zoning system (UFZC). The UFZC system is generally a social-based, planning-oriented, and data-driven classification system associated with the urban function and temperature; it can also be effectively used in city management (e.g., urban planning and energy saving). Moreover, in the Beijing case, we tested the UFZC system and preliminarily analyzed the land surface temperature (LST) difference patterns and causes of the 11 UFZC types. We found that, compared to other UFZCs, the PGZ (perseveration green zone)-UFZC has the lowest LST, while the CBZ (center business district zone)-UFZC and GCZ (general commercial zone)-UFZC contribute the most and stable heat sources. This implies that reducing the heat generated by the function of commercial (and industrial) activities is an effective measure to reduce the UHI effect. We also proposed that multi-source temperature datasets with a high spatiotemporal resolution are needed to obtain more accurate results; thus providing more accurate recommendations for mitigating UHI effects. In short, as a new and finer urban temperature zoning system, although UFZC is not intended to supplant the UR and LCZ classifications, it can facilitate more detailed and coupled urban climate studies.
Leveraging TLS as a Calibration and Validation Tool for MLS and ULS Mapping of Savanna Structure and Biomass at Landscape-Scales
Authors: Levick Shaun R. , Whiteside Tim , Loewensteiner David A. , Rudge Mitchel , Bartolo Renee
Published: January 2021

Savanna ecosystems are challenging to map and monitor as their vegetation is highly dynamic in space and time. Understanding the structural diversity and biomass distribution of savanna vegetation requires high-resolution measurements over large areas and at regular time intervals. These requirements cannot currently be met through field-based inventories nor spaceborne satellite remote sensing alone. UAV-based remote sensing offers potential as an intermediate scaling tool, providing acquisition flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Yet despite the increased availability of lightweight LiDAR payloads, the suitability of UAV-based LiDAR for mapping and monitoring savanna 3D vegetation structure is not well established. We mapped a 1 ha savanna plot with terrestrial-, mobile- and UAV-based laser scanning (TLS, MLS, and ULS), in conjunction with a traditional field-based inventory (n = 572 stems > 0.03 m). We treated the TLS dataset as the gold standard against which we evaluated the degree of complementarity and divergence of structural metrics from MLS and ULS. Sensitivity analysis showed that MLS and ULS canopy height models (CHMs) did not differ significantly from TLS-derived models at spatial resolutions greater than 2 m and 4 m respectively. Statistical comparison of the resulting point clouds showed minor over- and under-estimation of woody canopy cover by MLS and ULS, respectively. Individual stem locations and DBH measurements from the field inventory were well replicated by the TLS survey (R2 = 0.89, RMSE = 0.024 m), which estimated above-ground woody biomass to be 7% greater than field-inventory estimates (44.21 Mg ha−1 vs 41.08 Mg ha−1). Stem DBH could not be reliably estimated directly from the MLS or ULS, nor indirectly through allometric scaling with crown attributes (R2 = 0.36, RMSE = 0.075 m). MLS and ULS show strong potential for providing rapid and larger area capture of savanna vegetation structure at resolutions suitable for many ecological investigations; however, our results underscore the necessity of nesting TLS sampling within these surveys to quantify uncertainty. Complementing large area MLS and ULS surveys with TLS sampling will expand our options for the calibration and validation of multiple spaceborne LiDAR, SAR, and optical missions.
Effects of the COVID-19 Lockdown on Urban Light Emissions: Ground and Satellite Comparison
Authors: Bustamante-Calabria Máximo , Sánchez de Miguel Alejandro , Martín-Ruiz Susana , Ortiz Jose-Luis , Vílchez José M. , Pelegrina Alicia , García Antonio , Zamorano Jaime , Bennie Jonathan , Gaston Kevin J.
Published: January 2021

‘Lockdown’ periods in response to COVID-19 have provided a unique opportunity to study the impacts of economic activity on environmental pollution (e.g., NO2, aerosols, noise, light). The effects on NO2 and aerosols have been very noticeable and readily demonstrated, but that on light pollution has proven challenging to determine. The main reason for this difficulty is that the primary source of nighttime satellite imagery of the earth is the SNPP-VIIRS/DNB instrument, which acquires data late at night after most human nocturnal activity has already occurred and much associated lighting has been turned off. Here, to analyze the effect of lockdown on urban light emissions, we use ground and satellite data for Granada, Spain, during the COVID-19 induced confinement of the city’s population from 14 March until 31 May 2020. We find a clear decrease in light pollution due both to a decrease in light emissions from the city and to a decrease in anthropogenic aerosol content in the atmosphere which resulted in less light being scattered. A clear correlation between the abundance of PM10 particles and sky brightness is observed, such that the more polluted the atmosphere the brighter the urban night sky. An empirical expression is determined that relates PM10 particle abundance and sky brightness at three different wavelength bands.
Individual Sick Fir Tree (Abies mariesii) Identification in Insect Infested Forests by Means of UAV Images and Deep Learning
Authors: Nguyen Ha Trang , Lopez Caceres Maximo Larry , Moritake Koma , Kentsch Sarah , Shu Hase , Diez Yago
Published: January 2021

Insect outbreaks are a recurrent natural phenomenon in forest ecosystems expected to increase due to climate change. Recent advances in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Deep Learning (DL) Networks provide us with tools to monitor them. In this study we used nine orthomosaics and normalized Digital Surface Models (nDSM) to detect and classify healthy and sick Maries fir trees as well as deciduous trees. This study aims at automatically classifying treetops by means of a novel computer vision treetops detection algorithm and the adaptation of existing DL architectures. Considering detection alone, the accuracy results showed 85.70% success. In terms of detection and classification, we were able to detect/classify correctly 78.59% of all tree classes (39.64% for sick fir). However, with data augmentation, detection/classification percentage of the sick fir class rose to 73.01% at the cost of the result accuracy of all tree classes that dropped 63.57%. The implementation of UAV, computer vision and DL techniques contribute to the development of a new approach to evaluate the impact of insect outbreaks in forest.
Regional Modeling of Forest Fuels and Structural Attributes Using Airborne Laser Scanning Data in Oregon
Authors: Mauro Francisco , Hudak Andrew T. , Fekety Patrick A. , Frank Bryce , Temesgen Hailemariam , Bell David M. , Gregory Matthew J. , McCarley T. Ryan
Published: January 2021

Airborne laser scanning (ALS) acquisitions provide piecemeal coverage across the western US, as collections are organized by local managers of individual project areas. In this study, we analyze different factors that can contribute to developing a regional strategy to use information from completed ALS data acquisitions and develop maps of multiple forest attributes in new ALS project areas in a rapid manner. This study is located in Oregon, USA, and analyzes six forest structural attributes for differences between: (1) synthetic (i.e., not-calibrated), and calibrated predictions, (2) parametric linear and semiparametric models, and (3) models developed with predictors computed for point clouds enclosed in the areas where field measurements were taken, i.e., “point-cloud predictors”, and models developed using predictors extracted from pre-rasterized layers, i.e., “rasterized predictors”. Forest structural attributes under consideration are aboveground biomass, downed woody biomass, canopy bulk density, canopy height, canopy base height, and canopy fuel load. Results from our study indicate that semiparametric models perform better than parametric models if no calibration is performed. However, the effect of the calibration is substantial in reducing the bias of parametric models but minimal for the semiparametric models and, once calibrations are performed, differences between parametric and semiparametric models become negligible for all responses. In addition, minimal differences between models using point-cloud predictors and models using rasterized predictors were found. We conclude that the approach that applies semiparametric models and rasterized predictors, which represents the easiest workflow and leads to the most rapid results, is justified with little loss in accuracy or precision even if no calibration is performed.
A Convolutional Neural Network-Based Method for Corn Stand Counting in the Field
Authors: Wang Le , Xiang Lirong , Tang Lie , Jiang Huanyu
Published: January 2021

Accurate corn stand count in the field at early season is of great interest to corn breeders and plant geneticists. However, the commonly used manual counting method is time consuming, laborious, and prone to error. Nowadays, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) tend to be a popular base for plant-image-collecting platforms. However, detecting corn stands in the field is a challenging task, primarily because of camera motion, leaf fluttering caused by wind, shadows of plants caused by direct sunlight, and the complex soil background. As for the UAV system, there are mainly two limitations for early seedling detection and counting. First, flying height cannot ensure a high resolution for small objects. It is especially difficult to detect early corn seedlings at around one week after planting, because the plants are small and difficult to differentiate from the background. Second, the battery life and payload of UAV systems cannot support long-duration online counting work. In this research project, we developed an automated, robust, and high-throughput method for corn stand counting based on color images extracted from video clips. A pipeline developed based on the YoloV3 network and Kalman filter was used to count corn seedlings online. The results demonstrate that our method is accurate and reliable for stand counting, achieving an accuracy of over 98% at growth stages V2 and V3 (vegetative stages with two and three visible collars) with an average frame rate of 47 frames per second (FPS). This pipeline can also be mounted easily on manned cart, tractor, or field robotic systems for online corn counting.
Sensors in the Autoclave-Modelling and Implementation of the IoT Steam Sterilization Procedure Counter
Authors: Boehler Lukas , Daniol Mateusz , Sroka Ryszard , Osinski Dominik , Keller Anton
Published: January 2021

Surgical procedures involve major risks, as pathogens can enter the body unhindered. To prevent this, most surgical instruments and implants are sterilized. However, ensuring that this process is carried out safely and according to the normative requirements is not a trivial task. This study aims to develop a sensor system that can automatically detect successful steam sterilization on the basis of the measured temperature profiles. This can be achieved only when the relationship between the temperature on the surface of the tool and the temperature at the measurement point inside the tool is known. To find this relationship, the thermodynamic model of the system has been developed. Simulated results of thermal simulations were compared with the acquired temperature profiles to verify the correctness of the model. Simulated temperature profiles are in accordance with the measured temperature profiles, thus the developed model can be used in the process of further development of the system as well as for the development of algorithms for automated evaluation of the sterilization process. Although the developed sensor system proved that the detection of sterilization cycles can be automated, further studies that address the possibility of optimization of the system in terms of geometrical dimensions, used materials, and processing algorithms will be of significant importance for the potential commercialization of the presented solution.
Deep-Learning Based Label-Free Classification of Activated and Inactivated Neutrophils for Rapid Immune State Monitoring
Authors: Huang Xiwei , Jeon Hyungkook , Liu Jixuan , Yao Jiangfan , Wei Maoyu , Han Wentao , Chen Jin , Sun Lingling , Han Jongyoon
Published: January 2021

The differential count of white blood cells (WBCs) is one widely used approach to assess the status of a patient’s immune system. Currently, the main methods of differential WBC counting are manual counting and automatic instrument analysis with labeling preprocessing. But these two methods are complicated to operate and may interfere with the physiological states of cells. Therefore, we propose a deep learning-based method to perform label-free classification of three types of WBCs based on their morphologies to judge the activated or inactivated neutrophils. Over 90% accuracy was finally achieved by a pre-trained fine-tuning Resnet-50 network. This deep learning-based method for label-free WBC classification can tackle the problem of complex instrumental operation and interference of fluorescent labeling to the physiological states of the cells, which is promising for future point-of-care applications.