bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EURO-CORDEX: A Multi-Model Ensemble Fit for Assessing Future Hydrological Change?
Authors: Aitken Gordon , Visser-Quinn A. , Beevers Lindsay
Published: July 2022

Human-induced changes in climatic behavior and variations in future river flows has been at the fore-front of recent academic and political discourse. Future climate projections are a vital tool in tackling climate change and supporting future adaptation, however until recently models have been viewed individually with a lack of uncertainty quantification. A multi-model ensemble (MME) with a wide range of general circulation models, regional climate models and emissions scenarios, EURO-CORDEX provides climate projections as well as flow series projections across the European domain from 1950 to 2100. This paper explores the validity of the 68 chain MME flow projections by investigating its ability to match observed flow records in the UK over the period 1975–2004. The work explores magnitude through quantile matching and seasonality matching by time-series decomposition of trends. Two statistical tests [Mann-Whitney, and Mean Average Arctangent Percentage Error (MAAPE)] were used to compare EURO-CORDEX flow projections to observed river flows recorded by the National River Flow Archive (NRFA) across 1,436 UK river catchments. Results indicate a high degree of similarity justifying the application of this dataset for assessing future hydrological changes across a regional scale. Discretizing the flow projections into regional and hydrometric areas highlights the variability in performance between neighboring domains and the strong influence local features may have on climate model performance. The validation of EURO-CORDEX flow projection data regionally enables a wide range of applications including the exploration of future changes in local and national river flows.
Sildenafil does not have a significant effect on the portal vein velocity, cross-sectional area, and congestion index in the dog
Authors: Tollefson Christopher R. , Seitz Marc A. , Natalini Claudio C. , Lee Alison M.
Published: July 2022

In veterinary medicine, sildenafil is most frequently used to treat pulmonary hypertension, but has also been investigated and used as a treatment for congenital megaesophagus and ischemic infarcts. With the increasing use, the effects of sildenafil on the portal vasculature in the dog have not been previously evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects sildenafil has on the portal vasculature, which anecdotally may have caused decreased portal vein pressure in an adult dog. The ultrasound cross-sectional area of the aorta, cross-sectional area of the portal vein, and portal vein blood flow velocity were acquired in dogs prior to administration, and 45, 90, and 120 min after oral administration of sildenafil for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Thirteen dogs were enrolled in the study. No statistically significant difference was detected between all measured values and the congestion index at all time points. A trend was identified that demonstrated progressively lower portal vein velocity with each evaluation, but this was not significant. Although this study had a small sample size, sildenafil was not shown to have a significant effect on the size or blood flow velocity of the portal vasculature. The hepatic buffer system, designed to maintain a constant blood flow to the liver, may be a contributing factor, but further studies with a larger sample size will be required for further evaluation.
Nonsurgical Rehabilitation in Dachshunds With T3-L3 Myelopathy: Prognosis and Rates of Recurrence
Authors: Sedlacek Jordan , Rychel Jessica , Giuffrida Michelle , Wright Bonnie
Published: July 2022

Dachshunds are at significant risk of experiencing thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH) during their lifetimes. Standard of care includes advanced imaging, surgical intervention, and postoperative rehabilitation. Conservative management is commonly recommended for cases where the standard of care is declined, and little is known about the prognosis of treatment with conservative management and rehabilitation (nonsurgical rehabilitation). This retrospective cohort study assessed 12-week functional outcome and recurrence of clinical signs in 40 dachshunds with T3-L3 myelopathy presumed to be due to Hansen's Type I disc herniation, treated with nonsurgical rehabilitation. The overall prognosis was good with 34 of 40 (85.0%, 95% CI 70.2–94.2) dachshunds achieving functional pet status by 12 weeks postinjury. Modified Frankel Score at presentation was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in dogs with a positive 12-week outcome compared to dogs that did not recover by 12 weeks. All 27 dogs with motor function at presentation had a positive outcome. Of the 9 dogs exhibiting paraplegia with intact deep nociception at presentation, 7 dogs (77.8%) had achieved a positive outcome by 12 weeks. None of the 4 dogs persistently lacking deep nociception had a positive outcome. Among 27 dogs with a positive outcome for whom follow-up records were available, the 1- and 2-year recurrence rates for T3-L3 myelopathy were 5 and 11%, respectively. Nonsurgical rehabilitation should be considered in dachshunds with mild to moderate T3-L3 myelopathy or in severe cases when advanced imaging and surgical intervention are not possible.
Evaluation of the Oscillation Velocity in the Neck of the Helmholtz Resonator in Nonlinear Regimes
Authors: Komkin Alexandr , Bykov Aleksei , Saulkina Olga
Published: July 2022

Methods for measuring the acoustic characteristics of orifices have been reviewed. Comparison of three methods for evaluating of oscillation velocity in the neck of the Helmholtz resonator are presented. The first method is measurements in an impedance tube with the two-microphone method, the second is based on measuring the sound pressure in the resonator chamber, and the third is based on direct measurements of bias flow with a Pitot tube. The results of measuring the oscillation velocity in the neck of the Helmholtz resonator are presented, and show that these methods are in good agreement only within linear acoustics, but they lead to different results in nonlinear regimes characterized by high sound pressure levels.
Electroelastic Coupled-Wave Scattering and Dynamic Stress Concentration of Piezoceramics Containing Regular N-Sided Holes
Authors: Lin Jiang , Zhou Chuanping , Han Xiao , Gong Yongping , Fan Jiawei , Bao Junqi , Ji Huawei , Ni Jing , Zhou Weihua
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the calculation method of dynamic stress concentration around piezoelectric ceramics containing regular n-sided holes under the action of electroelastic coupling wave was studied, and it was applied to promising barium calcium zirconate titanate material. First, electroelastic governing equations were decomposed by using the auxiliary function method, and the solution forms of the elastic wave field and electric field were obtained by using the wave function expansion method. Then, the triangular boundary was simplified to a circular boundary using the mapping function, and the corresponding modal coefficients were determined according to simplified boundary conditions. Finally, the dynamic stress-concentration factor was calculated to characterize the dynamic stress concentration. We performed numerical simulations with a correlation coefficient of (1 − x)[(Ba0.94Ca0.06) (Ti0.92Sn0.08)]-xSm2O3-0.06 mol% GeO2 (abbreviated as (1 − x)BCTS-xSm-0.06G). The numerical calculation results show that the incident wave number, piezoelectric properties, shape parameters of the hole, and deflection angle have a great influence on the dynamic stress around the defect, and some significant laws are summarized through analysis.
Looking into the Crystal Ball—How Automated Fast-Time Simulation Can Support Probabilistic Airport Management Decisions
Authors: Pohling Oliver , Schier-Morgenthal Sebastian , Lorenz Sandro
Published: July 2022

Airport management plays a key role in the air traffic system. Introducing resources at the right time can minimize the effects of disruptions, reduce delays, and save costs as well as optimize the carbon footprint of the airport. Efficient decision-making is a challenge due to the uncertainty of the upcoming events and the results of the applied countermeasures. So-called ‘what-if’ systems are under research to support the decision-makers. These systems consist of a user interface, a case management system, and a prediction engine. Within this paper, we evaluate different types of prediction engines (flow, event, and motion models) that can be used for airport management what-if systems by comparing them in terms of accuracy and calculation speed. Hence, two different operational situations are examined to evaluate the performance of the prediction engines. The comparison shows that accuracy and calculation speed are opposed. The flow model has the lowest accuracy but the shortest calculation time and the motion model has the highest accuracy but the longest calculation time. The event model lies between the other two models. The acceptable accuracy of a prediction tool is strongly dependent on the respective airport, whereas the calculation time is strongly dependent on the available decision time. Regarding airport management, this means that the selection of a prediction engine has to be made in dependence of the airport and the decision processes. The results show the advantages and disadvantages of each prediction engine and provide a first quantification by which a selection for what-if systems can happen.
A Queuing Network Model of a Multi-Airport System Based on Point-Wise Stationary Approximation
Authors: Zhao Xifan , Wang Yanjun , Li Lishuai , Delahaye Daniel
Published: July 2022

A multiple-airport system (MAS) consists of more than two airports in a metropolitan area under a large block of terminal airspace that is managed by one or two air traffic control units. When the capacity of an airport or of the terminal airspace drops, flight delays occur in the MAS system. A quick estimation and predication of traffic congestion in the MAS is important yet challenging. This paper aims to develop a queuing network model of MAS using point-wise stationary queues. The model analyzes the changes of non-stationary queues under the principle of flow conservation to capture flight delay propagation in the system. Regression analyses are performed to examine the relationship between the arrival and departure efficiencies of different airports. The model is validated with the data of Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area airports. Simulation results show that the model can effectively estimate flight delays in the MAS.
Machine Learning Identification of Saline-Alkali-Tolerant Japonica Rice Varieties Based on Raman Spectroscopy and Python Visual Analysis
Authors: Liu Rui , Tan Feng , Wang Yaxuan , Ma Bo , Yuan Ming , Wang Lianxia , Zhao Xin
Published: July 2022

The core of saline-alkali land improvement is planting suitable plants. Planting rice in saline-alkali land can not only effectively improve saline-alkali soil, but also increase grain yield. However, traditional identification methods for saline-alkali-tolerant rice varieties require tedious and time-consuming field investigations based on growth indicators by rice breeders. In this study, the visualization method of Python data processing was used to analyze the Raman spectroscopy of japonica rice in order to study a simple and efficient identification method of saline-alkali-tolerant japonica rice varieties. Three saline-alkali-tolerant japonica varieties and three saline-alkali-sensitive japonica varieties were collected from control and saline-alkali-treated fields, respectively, and the Raman spectra of 432 samples were obtained. The data preprocessing stage used filtering-difference method to process Raman spectral data to complete interference reduction and crests extraction. In the feature selection stage, scipy.signal.find_peaks (SSFP), SelectKBest (SKB) and recursive feature elimination (RFE) were used for machine feature selection of spectral data. According to the feature dimension obtained by machine feature selection, dataset partitioning by K-fold CV, the typical linear logistic regression (LR) and typical nonlinear support vector machine (SVM) models were established for classification. Experimental results showed that the typical nonlinear SVM identification model based on both RFE machine feature selection and six-fold CV dataset partitioning had the best identification rate, which was 94%. Therefore, the SVM classification model proposed in this study could provide help in the intelligent identification of saline-alkali-tolerant japonica rice varieties.
Determinants for Deployment of Climate-Smart Integrated Pest Management Practices: A Meta-Analysis Approach
Authors: Sekabira Haruna , Tepa-Yotto Ghislain T. , Djouaka Rousseau , Clottey Victor , Gaitu Christopher , Tamò Manuele , Kaweesa Yusuf , Ddungu Stanley Peter
Published: July 2022

Following the development and dissemination of new climate-smart agricultural technologies to farmers globally, there has been an increase in the number of socio-economic studies on the adoption of climate-smart integrated pests’ management (CS-IPM) technologies over the years. In this study, we review empirical evidence on adoption determinants of CS-IPM technologies and identify possible science–policy interfaces. Generally, our review shows that socioeconomic and institutional factors are influential in shaping CS-IPM adoption decisions of farmers. More specifically, income was found to positively influence the adoption of CS-IPM technologies while land size owned influences CS-IPM adoption negatively. Registered land tenure (registered secure rights) positively influences CS-IPM technologies’ adoption, implying that efficient land markets enable competitive and fair distribution and access to land, more so by the vulnerable but efficient smallholder producers that do indeed increase the adoption of CS-IPMs technologies. Social capital, achieved via farmers’ organizations is also central in fostering CS-IPM technologies’ adoption, just as market reforms that minimize market failures regarding access to credit, labor, and agricultural information, which could indirectly hinder farmers’ use of CS-IPM practices. Functional extension systems that improve farmers’ awareness of CS-IPM do also improve CS-IPM technologies’ adoption. However, the adoption of CS-IPM technologies in Ghana and Benin is slow-paced because of factors like lack of access to farm inputs that facilitate uptake of these technologies, lack of credit facilities, and limited extension services, among others. Interestingly, our review confirms that CS-IPM technologies do indeed reduce and minimize the intensity of pesticide usage and foster ecosystem (environmental and human) health. Therefore, this review unearths strategic determinants of CS-IPM adoption and makes fundamental guidance around climate-smart innovations transfer and environmental policies that should be prioritized to curb environmental pollution and ensure agricultural ecosystems’ sustainability.
Development of a Personal Mobility System with Autonomous Driving for Agricultural Work by the Physically Challenged and the Vulnerable
Authors: Ko EunByul , Han KwangHo , Lee Chul-Hee
Published: July 2022

Many issues have recently arisen as a result of the aging population and dwindling labor force. To solve these problems, including reduced convenience and productivity, research on the mobility of agricultural machinery and logistics involving autonomous driving is being conducted. However, research on improving individual mobility is scarce. Therefore, an autonomous driving personal mobility system is developed in this study for the physically challenged and other vulnerable groups with mobility difficulties. The personal mobility system can help the physically challenged and the vulnerable to overcome their limited mobility and perform agricultural work. An additional feature is a standing function that allows the performance of tasks too difficult to do while seated. In addition, the autonomous driving function guides the personal mobility system along the work route and stops near agricultural crops. In this study, the design and structural stability of the personal mobility system were analyzed through CAD modeling and structural analysis, with LiDAR applied for autonomous driving and machine learning for agricultural work. This personal mobility system is expected to improve mobility for the physically challenged and the vulnerable, allowing them to play a role and participate more fully in society.
Impact of Rice Expansion on Traditional Wetland Management in the Tropical Highlands of Ethiopia
Authors: Desta Mare Addis , Zeleke Gete , Payne William A. , Abebe Wubneh Belete
Published: July 2022

Despite the fact that rice was only recently brought to Ethiopia, the Ethiopian government has dubbed it the “millennium crop” because of its importance as a food security crop, as well as a source of revenue and job possibilities. Rice production is being practiced on wetland areas and floodplains; however, no attention has been given to the sustainability of these wetlands, or to the integration of different previous indigenous activities, such as livestock rearing and farming of different crops in the area. This study aims to investigate the impact of rice expansion on traditional wetland management in the Fogera floodplain wetlands of the Lake Tana basin. Data were generated via interviews and the application of GIS and remote sensing. The survey questionnaire was administered to 385 rice-producing farmers. The respondents (87%) confirmed that increases in the price of rice encouraged them to shift from the cultivation of conventional crops to rice farming. Subsequently, between the years 1973 and 2014, wetland areas have been reduced from 3114 ha to 1060 ha, accompanied by a high rate of expansion in rice production in the area. Major activities being pursued in the wetlands of the study area do not consider environmental impacts. As a result, the diverse ecosystem services available in the past have been compromised through time. Sense of ownership of wetland resources and their benefit shall be communicated to reduce abusive utilization. Therefore, the policies, strategies, and development activities implementation need to consider environmental issues in rice production enhancement endeavors.
Light Spectrum Effects on the Ions, and Primary and Secondary Metabolites of Red Beets (Beta vulgaris L.)
Authors: Oh Changmin , Park Jai-Eok , Son Yang-Ju , Nho Chu Won , Park Nam Il , Yoo Gyhye
Published: July 2022

Red beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is a root vegetable consumed and cultivated all around the world. It contains plenty of sugars, inorganic ions and a variety of secondary metabolites known to improve human health. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of light spectra on red beets and their components in a vertical farm (VF) compared to open field (OF). RED (red:blue-white = 4:1)-treated shoots elevated total phenolic contents (TPC) among lights. Sugar content in VF red beets was 4.2 times higher than beets from OF. Betalains in VF red beets were 2.4–2.8 times higher than OF ones, and RED-treated roots had significantly higher betalain levels compared to CON (red:blue-white = 2:1)-treated ones. VF red beets contained a higher level of inorganic nitrates and lower chloride compared to OF beets. In conclusion, the light spectrum alters the concentration of beet components to be higher than that of OF red beets, and RED light elevated TPC, sugars and betalains.
Large-Effect QTLs for Titratable Acidity and Soluble Solids Content Validated in ‘Honeycrisp’-Derived Apple Germplasm
Authors: Miller Baylee A. , Kostick Sarah A. , Luby James J.
Published: July 2022

Fruit acidity and sweetness are important fruit quality traits in the apple and are therefore targets in apple breeding programs. Multiple quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with titratable acidity (TA) and soluble solids content (SSC) have been previously detected. In this study a pedigree-based QTL analysis approach was used to validate QTLs associated with TA and SSC in a ‘Honeycrisp’-derived germplasm set. TA and SSC data collected from 2014 to 2018 and curated genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data were leveraged to validate three TA QTLs on linkage groups (LGs) 1, 8, and 16 and three SSC QTLs on LGs 1, 13, and 16. TA and SSC QTL haplotypes were characterized in six University of Minnesota apple breeding families representing eight breeding parents including ‘Honeycrisp’ and ‘Minneiska’. Six high-TA haplotypes, four low-TA haplotypes, 14 high-SSC haplotypes, and eight low-SSC haplotypes were characterized. The results of this study will enable more informed selection in apple breeding programs.
Effects of Daily Light Integral on Compact Tomato Plants Grown for Indoor Gardening
Authors: Cruz Stephanie , Gómez Celina
Published: July 2022

Our objective was to characterize the growth, physiological responses, fruit yield, and quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants grown under different daily light integrals (DLIs) and photoperiods. In experiment I, nine compact tomato cultivars were grown indoors using broadband white light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures. Plants were grown under low (10.4 mol·m−2·d−1) and high (18.4 mol·m−2·d−1) DLIs with 12 and 16 h photoperiods, respectively, and two intermediate DLIs of 13.8 mol·m−2·d−1 with either 12 or 16 h photoperiods. In experiment II, three compact tomato cultivars were grown under the same low DLI with either 8 or 12 h photoperiods, and the same high DLI with either 12 or 16 h photoperiods. Generally, higher DLIs decreased plant growth and increased the fruit yield. Changing the DLI delivery strategy by adjusting the photoperiod and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) did not have major effects on the growth, yield, and fruit quality of the compact tomato plants evaluated in this study, even though net photosynthesis increased under higher PPFDs in experiment II. Although several cultivars were affected by intumescence, only two cultivars showed treatment responses, for which the severity was generally higher in lower PPFDs using the same DLI.
Functional Analysis and Precise Location of m-1a in Rice
Authors: Dong Qing , Shen Jia , Wang Fang , Qi Yaocheng , Jiang Chaoqiang , Zu Chaolong , Li Tingchun
Published: July 2022

The T-DNA insertion technique is widely used in molecular breeding for its stable inheritance and low copy number in the plant genome. In our experiment, a transfer DNA (T-DNA) insertion grain of m-1a in rice was identified. Phenotypic analysis revealed that the grains appeared chalky and became extensive. The epidermis was shrinking. Meanwhile, the amylose contents of the seeds decreased significantly, and the expression of the most starch synthesis genes was obviously downregulated. Using the whole-genome sequencing and chromosome step method, the insertion position was uncovered and only located in Chr11 between 23266185 and 23266186 bp. These results may provide material for opening up new T-DNA insertion position points and a theoretical basis for rice molecular breeding.
Innovations in Disease Detection and Forecasting: A Digital Roadmap for Sustainable Management of Fruit and Foliar Disease
Authors: Hasanaliyeva Gultakin , Si Ammour Melissa , Yaseen Thaer , Rossi Vittorio , Caffi Tito
Published: July 2022

In a quickly growing world, there is increasing demand for a secure food supply, a reduction in the intensive use of natural resources, and the enhancement of sustainability for future long-term maintenance. In this regard, plant health, including fruit and foliar diseases, which can cause a vast amount of crop loss, potentially has a huge effect on food security. The integration of new, innovative technological tools and data management techniques into the traditional agricultural practices is a promising approach to combat future food shortages. The use of the same principles of precision agriculture to “do the right thing, at the right time, in the right place” will allow for providing detailed, real-time information that will help farmers to protect their crops and choose healthier, as well as more productive, farming methods. The presented narrative review reports on several items of innovation, including monitoring and surveillance, diagnostic, and decision-making tools, with a specific focus devoted to digital solutions that can be applied in agriculture in order to improve the quality and the speed of the decision-making process and specifically, to set up a digital collaboration that can be crucial under certain circumstances to reach sustainability goals, particularly in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) Region, where an effective and rapid solution for phytosanitary control is needed.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic, Chemical Characterizations, Anticancer Capacities against HepG-2, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Cefotaxime Metal Complexes with Ca(II), Cr(III), Zn(II), Cu(II) and Se(IV)
Authors: Al-Thubaiti Eman H. , El-Megharbel Samy M. , Albogami Bander , Hamza Reham Z.
Published: July 2022

In this study, metal cefotaxime complexes of Ca(II), Cr(III), Cu(II), Zn(II), and Se(VI) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, conductance measurements, IR, electronic spectra, magnetic measurements, 1HNMR, and XRD, as well as by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The lower values for molar conductance refer to the nonelectrolyte nature of the complexes. The FTIR and 1H-NMR spectra for the metal complexes of cefotaxime proved that the free cefotaxime antibiotic ligand acted as a monoanionic tridentate ligand through the oxygen atoms of lactam carbonyl, the carboxylate group, and the nitrogen atoms of the amino group. From the magnetic measurements and electronic spectral data, octahedral structures were proposed for the Cr(III) and Se(VI) complexes, while the Cu(II) complex had tetragonal geometry. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cefotaxime and cefotaxime metal complexes on oxidative stress using antioxidant assays including DPPH, ORAC, FARAB, and ABTS, a metal chelation assay, as well as the inhibition of the viability of cancer cells (HepG-2). Regarding the antibacterial activity, the cefotaxime metal complexes were highly effective against both Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. In conclusion, the cefotaxime metal complexes exhibited highly antioxidant activities. The cefotaxime metal complexes with Zn and Se inhibited HepG-2 cellular viability. Thus, the cefotaxime metal complexes elicited promising results as potent antioxidant and anticancer agents against HepG-2, with potent antibacterial activities at a much lower concentration.
Activation of a Bacterial Mechanosensitive Channel, MscL, Underlies the Membrane Permeabilization of Dual-Targeting Antibacterial Compounds
Authors: Wray Robin , Wang Junmei , Blount Paul , Iscla Irene
Published: July 2022

Resistance to antibiotics is a serious and worsening threat to human health worldwide, and there is an urgent need to develop new antibiotics that can avert it. One possible solution is the development of compounds that possess multiple modes of action, requiring at least two mutations to acquire resistance. Compound SCH-79797 both avoids resistance and has two mechanisms of action: one inhibiting the folate pathway, and a second described as “membrane permeabilization”; however, the mechanism by which membranes from bacterial cells, but not the host, are disrupted has remained mysterious. The opening of the bacterial mechanosensitive channel of large conductance, MscL, which ordinarily serves the physiological role of osmotic emergency release valves gated by hypoosmotic shock, has been previously demonstrated to affect bacterial membrane permeabilization. MscL allows the rapid permeabilization of both ions and solutes through the opening of the largest known gated pore, which has a diameter of 30 Å. We found that SCH-79797 and IRS-16, a more potent derivative, directly bind to the MscL channel and produce membrane permeabilization as a result of its activation. These findings suggest that possessing or adding an MscL-activating component to an antibiotic compound could help to lower toxicity and evade antibiotic resistance.
Nisin Mutant Prevention Concentration and the Role of Subinhibitory Concentrations on Resistance Development by Diabetic Foot Staphylococci
Authors: Costa Margarida , Meirinhos Cláudia , Cunha Eva , Gomes Diana , Pereira Marcelo , Dias Ricardo , Tavares Luís , Oliveira Manuela
Published: July 2022

The most prevalent microorganism in diabetic foot infections (DFI) is Staphylococcus aureus, an important multidrug-resistant pathogen. The antimicrobial peptide nisin is a promising compound for DFI treatment, being effective against S. aureus. However, to avoid the selection of resistant mutants, correct drug therapeutic doses must be established, being also important to understand if nisin subinhibitory concentrations (subMIC) can potentiate resistant genes transfer between clinical isolates or mutations in genes associated with nisin resistance. The mutant selection window (MSW) of nisin was determined for 23 DFI S. aureus isolates; a protocol aiming to prompt vanA horizontal transfer between enterococci to clinical S. aureus was performed; and nisin subMIC effect on resistance evolution was assessed through whole-genome sequencing (WGS) applied to isolates subjected to a MEGA-plate assay. MSW ranged from 5–360 μg/mL for two isolates, from 5–540 μg/mL for three isolates, and from 5–720 μg/mL for one isolate. In the presence of nisin subMIC values, no transconjugants were obtained, indicating that nisin does not seem to promote vanA transfer. Finally, WGS analysis showed that incubation in the presence of nisin subMIC did not promote the occurrence of significant mutations in genes related to nisin resistance, supporting nisin application to DFI treatment.
In Vitro Efficacy and Molecular Mechanism of Curcumin Analog in Pathological Regulation of Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3
Authors: Wu Yu-Ling , Chang Jui-Chih , Chao Yi-Chun , Chan Hardy , Hsieh Mingli , Liu Chin-San
Published: July 2022

Unlike other nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activators, the mechanism of action of curcumin analog, ASC-JM17 (JM17), in regulating oxidative homeostasis remains unknown. Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is an inherited polyglutamine neurodegenerative disease caused mainly by polyglutamine neurotoxicity and oxidative stress. Presently, we compared actions of JM17 with those of known Nrf2 activators, omaveloxolone (RTA-408) and dimethyl fumarate (DMF), using human neuroblastoma SK-N-SH cells with stable transfection of full-length ataxin-3 protein with 78 CAG repeats (MJD78) to clarify the resulting pathological mechanism by assaying mitochondrial function, mutant ataxin-3 protein toxicity, and oxidative stress. JM17, 1 μM, comprehensively restored mitochondrial function, decreased mutant protein aggregates, and attenuated intracellular/mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Although JM17 induced dose-dependent Nrf2 activation, a low dose of JM17 (less than 5 μM) still had a better antioxidant ability compared to the other Nrf2 activators and specifically increased mitochondrial superoxide dismutase 2 in an Nrf2-dependent manner as shown by knockdown experiments with siRNA. It showed that activation of Nrf2 in response to ROS generated in mitochondria could play an import role in the benefit of JM17. This study presents the diversified regulation of JM17 in a pathological process and helped develop more effective therapeutic strategies for SCA3.
Taurine Attenuates Oxidized Fish Oil-Induced Oxidative Stress and Lipid Metabolism Disorder in Mice
Authors: Guo Qiuping , Zhang Lingyu , Yin Yunju , Gong Saiming , Yang Yuhuan , Chen Sisi , Han Mengmeng , Duan Yehui
Published: July 2022

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dietary taurine on lipid metabolism and liver injury in mice fed a diet high in oxidized fish oil. The ICR mice (six weeks old) were randomly assigned to six groups and fed different diets for 10 weeks: control (CON), normal plus 15% fresh fish oil diet (FFO), normal plus 15% oxidized fish oil diet (OFO), or OFO plus 0.6% (TAU1), 0.9% (TAU2) or 1.2% (TAU3) taurine. Compared to the CON group, OFO mice showed increased liver index, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum (p < 0.05). In addition, OFO mice had increased cholesterol (CHOL)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and decreased HDL-C/low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio in serum (p < 0.05) compared with CON mice. Notably, dietary taurine ameliorated the liver index and AST and MDA levels in serum and liver in a more dose-dependent manner than OFO mice. In addition, compared to OFO mice, decreased levels of CHOL and ratio of CHOL/HDL-C and n-6 PUFA/n-3 PUFA in serum were found in TAU3-fed mice. Supplementation with TAU2 and TAU3 increased the relative mRNA expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α, adipose triglyceride lipase, lipoprotein lipase, hormone-sensitive lipase and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 in liver compared with the OFO group (p < 0.05). Moreover, impaired autophagy flux was detected in mice fed with the OFO diet, and this was prevented by taurine. These findings suggested that dietary taurine might provide a potential therapeutic choice against oxidative stress and lipid metabolism disorder.
Macrophage Polarization and Reprogramming in Acute Inflammation: A Redox Perspective
Authors: Pérez Salvador , Rius-Pérez Sergio
Published: July 2022

Macrophage polarization refers to the process by which macrophages can produce two distinct functional phenotypes: M1 or M2. The balance between both strongly affects the progression of inflammatory disorders. Here, we review how redox signals regulate macrophage polarization and reprogramming during acute inflammation. In M1, macrophages augment NADPH oxidase isoform 2 (NOX2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), synaptotagmin-binding cytoplasmic RNA interacting protein (SYNCRIP), and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 increase oxygen and nitrogen reactive species, which triggers inflammatory response, phagocytosis, and cytotoxicity. In M2, macrophages down-regulate NOX2, iNOS, SYNCRIP, and/or up-regulate arginase and superoxide dismutase type 1, counteract oxidative and nitrosative stress, and favor anti-inflammatory and tissue repair responses. M1 and M2 macrophages exhibit different metabolic profiles, which are tightly regulated by redox mechanisms. Oxidative and nitrosative stress sustain the M1 phenotype by activating glycolysis and lipid biosynthesis, but by inhibiting tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. This metabolic profile is reversed in M2 macrophages because of changes in the redox state. Therefore, new therapies based on redox mechanisms have emerged to treat acute inflammation with positive results, which highlights the relevance of redox signaling as a master regulator of macrophage reprogramming.
Hippocampal Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Hastens Motor and Cognitive Decline in Adult Male Rats Sustainedly Exposed to High-Sucrose Diet
Authors: Pinto Bruno Araújo Serra , Melo Thamys Marinho , Flister Karla Frida Torres , França Lucas Martins , Moreira Vanessa Ribeiro , Kajihara Daniela , Mendes Nelmar Oliveira , Pereira Silma Regina , Laurindo Francisco Rafael Martins , Paes Antonio Marcus Andrade
Published: July 2022

Metabolic dysfunctions, such as hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, have been associated to cognitive impairment and dementia regardless of advanced age, although the underlying mechanisms are still elusive. Thus, this study investigates the deleterious effects of metabolic syndrome (MetS) induced by long-term exposure to a high-sucrose diet on motor and cognitive functions of male adult rats and its relationship with hippocampal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Weaned Wistar male rats were fed a high-sucrose diet until adulthood (HSD; 6 months old) and compared to both age-matched (CTR; 6 months old) and middle-aged chow-fed rats (OLD; 20 months old). MetS development, serum redox profile, behavioral, motor, and cognitive functions, and hippocampal gene/protein expressions for ER stress pro-adaptive and pro-apoptotic pathways, as well as senescence markers were assessed. Prolonged exposure to HSD induced MetS hallmarked by body weight gain associated to central obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress. Furthermore, HSD rats showed motor and cognitive decline similar to that in OLD animals. Noteworthy, HSD rats presented marked hippocampal ER stress characterized by failure of pro-adaptive signaling and increased expression of Chop, p21, and Parp-1 cleavage, markers of cell death and aging. This panorama resembles that found in OLD rats. In toto, our data showed that early and sustained exposure to a high-sucrose diet induced MetS, which subsequently led to hippocampus homeostasis disruption and premature impairment of motor and cognitive functions in adult rats.
Enzymatic Biosynthesis of Simple Phenolic Glycosides as Potential Anti-Melanogenic Antioxidants
Authors: Jung Hogwuan , Oh JaeWook , Kwon Younghae , Kang Woongshin , Seo Minsuk , Seol Yurin , Park Je Won
Published: July 2022

Simple phenolics (SPs) and their glycosides have recently gained much attention as functional skin-care resources for their anti-melanogenic and antioxidant activities. Enzymatic glycosylation of SP aglycone make it feasible to create SP glycosides with updated bioactive potentials. Herein, a glycosyltransferase (GT)-encoding gene was cloned from the fosmid libraries of Streptomyces tenjimariensis ATCC 31603 using GT-specific degenerate PCR followed by in silico analyses. The recombinant StSPGT was able to flexibly catalyze the transfer of two glycosyl moieties towards two SP acceptors, (hydroxyphenyl-2-propanol [HPP2] and hydroxyphenyl-3-propanol [HPP3]), generating stereospecific α-anomeric glycosides as follows: HPP2-O-α-glucoside, HPP2-O-α-2″-deoxyglucoside, HPP3-O-α-glucoside and HPP3-O-α-2″-deoxyglucoside. This enzyme seems not only to prefer UDP-glucose and HPP2 as a favorable glycosyl donor and acceptor, respectively but also differentiates the positional difference of the hydroxyl function as acceptor catalytic sites. Paired in vitro and in vivo antioxidant assays represented SPs and their corresponding glycosides as convincing antioxidants in a time- and concentration-dependent manner by scavenging DPPH radicals and intracellular ROS. Even compared to the conventional agents, HPP2 and glycoside analogs displayed improved tyrosinase inhibitory activity in vitro and still suppressed in vivo melanogenesis. Both HPP2 glycosides are further likely to exert the best inhibitory activity against elastase, eventually highlighting these glycosides with enhanced anti-melanogenic and antioxidant activities as promising anti-wrinkle hits.
The Role of KEAP1-NRF2 System in Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis
Authors: Ogawa Tatsuya , Ishitsuka Yosuke
Published: July 2022

The Kelch-like erythroid cell-derived protein with cap‘n’collar homology-associated protein 1 (KEAP1)-nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2) system, a thiol-based sensor-effector apparatus, exerts antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects and maintains skin homeostasis. Thus, NRF2 activation appears to be a promising treatment option for various skin diseases. However, NRF2-mediated defense responses may deteriorate skin inflammation in a context-dependent manner. Atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis are two common chronic inflammatory skin diseases caused by a defective skin barrier, dysregulated immune responses, genetic predispositions, and environmental factors. This review focuses on the role of the KEAP1-NRF2 system in the pathophysiology of AD and psoriasis and the therapeutic approaches that utilize this system.
Research on IEEE 802.11 OFDM Packet Detection Algorithms for Household Wireless Sensor Communication
Authors: Huang Yimeng , Yuan Longzhi , Gong Wei
Published: July 2022

Millions of smart home devices equipped with wireless sensors have gradually entered people’s homes and improved the quality of life. Wireless communication with sensors is crucial for remote automatic control of smart devices. Packet detection is one of the key technologies in wireless communication systems and faces the challenges of detection accuracy and power consumption. In households, WiFi devices are widely deployed. Therefore, we focus on IEEE 802.11 OFDM packet detection algorithms for household wireless sensor communication. We first introduce four packet detection algorithms and verify their feasibility by simulation experiments. Then, we identify two important factors that affect detection accuracy and provide suggestions for algorithm improvement. Further, we compare and discuss the performance of the four algorithms from three dimensions in detail. The results show that each algorithm has its own advantages, and the auto-correlation algorithm has the best overall performance. Finally, we point out the open challenges and future research directions in this field.
Evaluation of a Framework for Robust Image Reversible Watermarking
Authors: Garcia-Hernandez Jose Juan , Feregrino-Uribe Claudia , Menendez-Ortiz Alejandra , Robledo-Cruz Dan Williams
Published: July 2022

In the literature, robust reversible watermarking schemes (RWSs) allow the extraction of watermarks after the images have suffered attacks; however, the modified images are compromised. On the other hand, self-recovery schemes will restore the compromised regions of the images, but no secret messages are inserted in these schemes. A framework for robust reversible watermarking with signal restoration capabilities was previously proposed in the literature. This study selects four fragile reversible watermarking techniques and two self-recovery schemes to design different framework configurations. These configurations are evaluated to test the framework’s performance and determine the structure that yields better results in terms of perceptual transparency using a well-known image database as the signal input. It was found that fragile reversible watermarking schemes hold low perceptual distortion, while self-recovery schemes produce high perceptual distortion levels. The inherent characteristics of each algorithm determine, a priori, the behavior of the framework, which is approximated by a proposed equation.
Multifactorial Model Based on DWI-Radiomics to Determine HPV Status in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Marzi Simona , Piludu Francesca , Avanzolini Ilaria , Muneroni Valerio , Sanguineti Giuseppe , Farneti Alessia , D’Urso Pasqualina , Benevolo Maria , Rollo Francesca , Covello Renato , Mazzola Francesco , Vidiri Antonello
Published: July 2022

Background: Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) has higher rates of locoregional control and a better prognosis than HPV-negative OPSCC. These differences are due to some unique biological characteristics that are also visible through advanced imaging modalities. We investigated the ability of a multifactorial model based on both clinical factors and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) to determine the HPV status in OPSCC. Methods: The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and the perfusion-free tissue diffusion coefficient D were derived from DWI, both in the primary tumor (PT) and lymph node (LN). First- and second-order radiomic features were extracted from ADC and D maps. Different families of machine learning (ML) algorithms were trained on our dataset using five-fold cross-validation. Results: A cohort of 144 patients was evaluated retrospectively, which was divided into a training set (n = 95) and a validation set (n = 49). The 50th percentile of DPT, the inverse difference moment of ADCLN, smoke habits, and tumor subsite (tonsil versus base of the tongue) were the most relevant predictors. Conclusions: DWI-based radiomics, together with patient-related parameters, allowed us to obtain good diagnostic accuracies in differentiating HPV-positive from HPV-negative patients. A substantial decrease in predictive power was observed in the validation cohort, underscoring the need for further analyses on a larger sample size.
Research on the Influence of Loading Frequency on the Dynamic Response of Concrete Sleepers
Authors: Chen Xianmai , Chen Nan , Wei Zilong , Zhang Xiangmin , Yang Fei , Zhao Hongjun , You Mingxi , Wang Weidong
Published: July 2022

The load generated during train operation is transmitted to sleepers through rails, and then from sleepers to trackbeds. As one of the important components of the track structure, sleepers are very important to the service-life and safety of railways. The running speed of the train will produce different load frequencies on the rails. To explore the response of sleepers under cyclical train loads, this research used the discrete element method to simulate rails and sleepers, and realizes the loading of sleepers by applying cyclic loads to the rails. The discrete element method was used to simulate the compression-failure test of the concrete sample to verify the reliability of parameters of the discrete element model. On this basis, the sleeper was simulated by the discrete element, and the change law of the mechanical parameters such as particle displacement, contact force, and stress of the sleeper under different loading frequencies were analyzed. The research results show that the sleeper particles under the rail had a large vertical displacement, and the maximum displacement and the maximum contact force of the particles in the sleeper increased with increasing loading frequency. The stress change trend of the sleeper under the left and right rails was the same, and both showed periodic changes with cyclic loading. The loading frequency had little effect on the stress of the sleeper. The vertical displacement, velocity, and acceleration amplitude of the rail all increased with increasing cyclic loading frequency, thereby increasing the force between the rail and the sleeper, and increasing the dynamic response of the sleeper.
Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Is Effective against P. gingivalis (HW24D-1) Mature Biofilms and Non-Genotoxic to Oral Cells
Authors: de Morais Gouvêa Lima Gabriela , Carta Celina Faig Lima , Borges Aline Chiodi , Nishime Thalita Mayumi Castaldelli , da Silva Cézar Augusto Villela , Caliari Marcelo Vidigal , Mayer Marcia Pinto Alves , Kostov Konstantin Georgiev , Koga-Ito Cristiane Yumi
Published: July 2022

The effects of helium cold atmospheric pressure plasma (He-CAPP) jet on Porphyromonas gingivalis (HW24D-1) biofilm, on human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and human gingival keratinocytes (OBA-9) were assessed. Standardized suspension of P. gingivalis was obtained, and biofilms were grown anaerobically for 48 h. After exposition to He-CAPP, the biofilm viability was evaluated by XTT assay. HGF were grown at 37 °C, in an CO2 chamber in DMEM, while OBA-9 cells were cultured in keratinocyte serum-free medium. After 24 h, plates were exposed to He-CAPP for 1 to 7 min. Plasma was generated using a commercial AC power supply with amplitude modulated signal (voltage amplitude of 20 kVp-p, frequency of 31.0 kHz and duty cycle of 22%). The corresponding discharge power was 0.6W at He flow rate of 1 L/min. DNA damage was accessed by static cytometry. Data were analyzed by GraphPad Prism (p < 0.05). Significant reductions in P. gingivalis viability in relation to non-treated groups were detected (p < 0.0001), directly proportional to exposure time. Treated groups were slightly aneuploid after 5- and 7-min treatment in HGF, and for 3 min in OBA-9 cells, with 1.2 DNA index mean. Helium cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet showed inhibitory effect on P. gingivalis mature biofilm and was not genotoxic for epithelial gingival cells and human oral fibroblasts.