Continuous Feeding Research Articles

Comparison of Protocol-Based Continuous and Intermittent Tube Feeding in Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Children – An Open Label Randomized Controlled Trial

Comparison of Protocol-Based Continuous and Intermittent Tube Feeding in Mechanically Ventilated Critically Ill Children – An Open Label Randomized Controlled Trial

Efficient reactivation of anammox sludge after prolonged storage using a combination of batch and continuous reactors.

Due to the slow growth rate of anammox bacteria, enriched sludge is required for the rapid start-up of anammox-based reactors. However, it is still unclear if long-term stored anammox sludge (SAS) is an effective source of inoculum to accelerate reactor start-up. This study explored the reactivation of long-term SAS and developed an efficient protocol to reduce the start-up period of an anammox reactor. Although stored for 13months, a low level of the specific anammox activity of 28mg N/g VSS/d was still detected. Experimental Phase 1 involved the direct application of SAS to an upflow sludge bed reactor (USB) operated for 90 d under varying conditions of hydraulic retention time and nitrogen concentrations. In Phase 2, batch runs were executed prior to the continuous operation of the USB reactor. The biomass reactivation in the continuous flow reactor was unsuccessful. However, the SAS was effectively reactivated through a combination of batch runs and continuous flow feed. Within 75days, the anammox process achieved a stable rate of nitrogen removal of 1.3g N/L/day and a high nitrogen removal efficiency of 84.1 ± 0.2%. Anammox bacteria (Ca. Brocadia) abundance was 37.8% after reactivation. These overall results indicate that SAS is a feasible seed sludge for faster start-up of high-rate mainstream anammox reactors.

Expression of recombinant human insulin precursor by Pichia pastoris in a 10 liter bioreactor

Recombinant insulin is a vital medicine for diabetic patients. This hormone is produced by microbes such as Pichia pastoris that carry the recombinant gene of a human insulin precursor (HIP). Large-scale protein production involves a bioreactor to promote the optimal condition for the yeast to express the protein target. In order to obtain a large amount of insulin, the cultivation of recombinant P.pastoris/pD902-IP carrying human insulin precursor gene in a bioreactor 10 Liter was developed. The isolate was cultivated in a half concentration of basal salt media for 124.5 hours. Induction of the protein was done by continual methanol feeding. The fermentation condition was set to have a temperature at 28°C, agitation at 300 rpm, aeration at 2 L/min and a pH value of around 5. Dry cell weight (DCW) was measured, and HPLC quantified the content of HIP, glycerol and methanol. This work’s DCW and HIP concentrations were 46.5 g/L and 928 mg/L, respectively. The results can be higher by increasing the number of cells in the culture or extending the cultivation time so that the HIP concentration may exceed 1 g/L.

Recurrent Hypoglycemia Following Asparaginase Therapy for Pediatric Lymphoid Malignancies

Background: Asparaginase (ASP) is critical in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoma (LLy) therapy. Hyperglycemia following ASP is described, but hypoglycemia is rarely reported. We previously reported on the risk factors, prevalence, duration, severity, recurrence, and outcomes of children at Texas Children's Hospital (TCH) developing ASP-induced hypoglycemia (defined as blood glucose [BG] <70mg/dL). Out of 723 ALL or LLy patients, there was a 7.6% prevalence of ASP-induced hypoglycemia in pediatric patients with ALL (n=50) or LLy (n=5), and occurred with both pegylated and Erwinia formulations of ASP. Given the median hypoglycemia duration was 11 days in our cohort and 76% of our cohort experience recurrent hypoglycemia with subsequent ASP doses, we here report the management details of these patients to provide guidance for other providers. Design/Method: Descriptive analysis of cohort of children with ASP-induced hypoglycemia at TCH between 6/1/2017 and 6/30/2022. Following identification of diagnosis and frequency of hypoglycemia events, we reviewed EMR to collect information on treatments utilized including evaluation with a registered dietician (RD), dietary changes recommended during hypoglycemia, and utilization of cornstarch supplementation, continuous feedings or use of continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Hypoglycemia severity was determined based on lowest recorded BG (Stages 1-2) and need for hospitalization or seizures (Stage 3). Results: 26% of patients had Stage 1 hypoglycemia (n=14), 47%% had Stage 2 hypoglycemia (n=26), and 25% had Stage 3 hypoglycemia (n=15) (Figure 1). Treatment to prevent symptomatic/severe hypoglycemia included: 1) dietary change (53%, n=29), 2) cornstarch (29%, n=16), and 3) continuous enteral feedings (13%, n=7). Dietary change included education on complex carbohydrates and a consistent carbohydrate diet. Cornstarch dosing was determined in consultation with endocrinology, and typically doses were provided prior to periods of prolonged fasting (e.g., overnight, NPO). Enteral feedings were administered through daytime bolus feedings and continuous overnight feedings, with the goal of a consistent carbohydrate infusion and maintaining BG levels >70 mg/dL. Five patients (9%) required all 3 interventions. Dietary education and subsequent follow up was completed by an RD in 54% of patients (n=30), and among patients with multiple recurrences, 67% had RD involvement (n=37). Nine patients in our cohort (16%) used CGM to closely monitor adequacy of carbohydrate intake. The primary team evaluated home BG logs weekly. Despite frequent treatment or nutritional management, only 39 (69%) of individuals had formal endocrine consultation, most commonly those with Stage 3 hypoglycemia (13 of 14; 93%). Patients with Stage 3 hypoglycemia tended to be younger (median age 2.8 years), tended to require the most intensive therapy (47% Vs 38% Vs 15% requiring medical therapy for Stages 3 ,2, and 1), and were more often to require nutritional counseling (79% Vs 46% Vs 42%). Only one patient had ASP held due primarily to hypoglycemia (Stage 3 hypoglycemia), while another patient had it held primarily for ASP-induced pancreatitis but had Stage 1 hypoglycemia. The overall survival of our cohort was 80% (85% if excluding patients receiving ASP for relapsed disease), with 3.5 years' median follow up. Conclusion: ASP-induced hypoglycemia is a fairly common, recurrent, and possibly severe potential side effect in children receiving treatment for ALL or LLy. Reassuringly, patients completed treatment without worsened survival. However, some patients required intensive therapy throughout the duration of ASP treatments and required multi-modal therapy and intensive monitoring (Figure 2). Our systematic approach was effective at reducing severe events and hospitalizations, without compromising survival after therapy completion. We recommend other centers consider close monitoring and developing treatment algorithms to detect and manage ASP-induced hypoglycemia.

Protective effects of dietary Astragalus polysaccharides on large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) against Vibrio alginolyticus infection

As one of the effective immunopotentiators, Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) are being used widely in prevention and control of fish bacteriosis. However, the understanding of the related immune protection mechanisms is still limited. In this study, the protective effects of dietary APS on large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) following Vibrio alginolyticus infection were investigated. After continuous feeding for 42 d, fish in APS group exhibited higher survival rates against V. alginolyticus infection compared to the control group, and 500 mg/kg APS produced the highest relative percent survival (RPS) of 53.33%, therefore, 500 mg/kg (0.05%) supplementation was recommended in large yellow croaker farming from a standpoint of antibacterial infection. APS could enhance antioxidant level of fish by increasing serum T-AOC capacity and SOD activity and reducing MDA content, and improve innate immune response by increasing serum AKP and ACP activities. Head kidney differential transcriptome analysis between control group and 500 mg/kg APS group before and after V. alginolyticus infection corroborated the effects of APS on activation of antioxidant capacity and innate immunity by up-regulating the antioxidant-related genes and activating CTLR pathway, respectively. Additionally, APS could also activate fish adaptive immunity by reversing V. alginolyticus-induced inhibition on T and B cell receptor signaling pathways. All these findings suggested that APS may exert the protective effects against V. alginolyticus infection by improving antioxidant ability, innate and adaptive immune responses of large yellow croaker, thus providing insights into the protection mechanisms of APS in fish and highlighting their potential application in fish aquaculture.

Enhancing nitrogen removal from wastewater in a low C/N ratio using an air-lift bio-electrochemical reactor (ALBER)

This study focuses on the development of an air-lift bio-electrochemical reactor (ALBER) with a continuous feeding regime. The objective is to enhance nitrogen removal from synthetic wastewater with a low carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total nitrogen (TN) of the influent wastewater were 500 and 200 mg/L, respectively. The effect of four independent variables, i.e., temperature, hydraulic retention time (HRT), N−NH4+/TN ratio and current density in the range of 16–32 °C, 6–12 h, 25–75%, and 2–10 A/m2, respectively, at three levels on the bio–electrochemical reactor performance were investigated during the bio–electrochemical reactor operation. The Face Center Cube (FCC) of response surface methodology (RSM) was used for design of experiments and model of obtained data. The ALBER achieved the maximum TN removal of 73% (146 mg/l) using external voltage and zeolite/plastic medium at temperature of 16 °C, HRT of 6 h, current density of 2 A/m2 and N−NH4+/TN ratio of 75%. The results indicated that shortening the HRT from 12 to 6 h, reducing the temperature from 32 °C to 24 °C, increasing the current density from 2 to 6 A/m2 and the reduction of nitrate concentration caused an increase in the TN removal. The results indicated that the performance of air-lift bio-electrochemical for nitrogen removal could be attributed to autotrophic denitrification (AD) and simultaneous nitrification/denitrification (SND). The research findings suggest that the ALBER should be further studied for potential use in treating industrial wastewater at low temperatures.

Optimization of trans-4-hydroxyproline synthesis pathway by rearrangement center carbon metabolism in Escherichia coli

Backgroundtrans-4-Hydroxyproline (T-4-HYP) is a promising intermediate in the synthesis of antibiotic drugs. However, its industrial production remains challenging due to the low production efficiency of T-4-HYP. This study focused on designing the key nodes of anabolic pathway to enhance carbon flux and minimize carbon loss, thereby maximizing the production potential of microbial cell factories.ResultsFirst, a basic strain, HYP-1, was developed by releasing feedback inhibitors and expressing heterologous genes for the production of trans-4-hydroxyproline. Subsequently, the biosynthetic pathway was strengthened while branching pathways were disrupted, resulting in increased metabolic flow of α-ketoglutarate in the Tricarboxylic acid cycle. The introduction of the NOG (non-oxidative glycolysis) pathway rearranged the central carbon metabolism, redirecting glucose towards acetyl-CoA. Furthermore, the supply of NADPH was enhanced to improve the acid production capacity of the strain. Finally, the fermentation process of T-4-HYP was optimized using a continuous feeding method. The rate of sugar supplementation controlled the dissolved oxygen concentrations during fermentation, and Fe2+ was continuously fed to supplement the reduced iron for hydroxylation. These modifications ensured an effective supply of proline hydroxylase cofactors (O2 and Fe2+), enabling efficient production of T-4-HYP in the microbial cell factory system. The strain HYP-10 produced 89.4 g/L of T-4-HYP in a 5 L fermenter, with a total yield of 0.34 g/g, the highest values reported by microbial fermentation, the yield increased by 63.1% compared with the highest existing reported yield.ConclusionThis study presents a strategy for establishing a microbial cell factory capable of producing T-4-HYP at high levels, making it suitable for large-scale industrial production. Additionally, this study provides valuable insights into regulating synthesis of other compounds with α-ketoglutaric acid as precursor.

Interaction mechanisms of agricultural waste-driven denitrification and V(V) reduction: Internal electron competition, sequential transfer and activation of vanadium

The co-contamination of NO3− and V(V) has now become an urgent environmental issue. However, current understanding of the contaminants degradation pathways, the electron competition sequence, and the stability and activation mechanisms of the products in co-pollutant system is relatively limited. In this study, vanadium was found to lead to the accumulation of NO and N2O. NO3− and NO2− were found to promote V activation, while NH4+ facilitated vanadium fixation. Additionally, it was localized that the V reduction products mainly distribute on the cell membrane using TEM-EDX method, facilitating vanadium recovery. The electron competition experiments proved the existence of the electron competition relationship under non-carbon-limiting conditions, confirming the electron competition sequence of NO3− > NO2− > V(V). Based on the continuous feeding data for 320 days, the total removal amounts of NO3− and V(V) was calculated to be 2149.27 mg and 34.80 mg, respectively. Carbon metabolism analysis identified that complete glycolysis, pentose phosphate and TCA cycle pathways provided sufficient electrons and energy for pollutants reduction. These findings provide in-depth insights into the interaction mechanisms of N, V, and C metabolism in groundwater systems and have significant implications for the bioremediation of co-contaminated groundwater by NO3− and V(V).

The metabolic effects of intermittent versus continuous feeding in critically ill patients

Intermittent (or bolus) feeding regimens in critically ill patients have been of increasing interest to clinicians and scientists. Changes in amino acid, fat and carbohydrate metabolites over time might yet deliver other benefits (e.g. modulation of the circadian rhythm and sleep, and impacts on ghrelin secretion, insulin resistance and autophagy). We set out to characterise these changes in metabolite concentration. The Intermittent versus Continuous Feeding in Critically Ill paitents study (NCT02358512) was an eight-centre single-blinded randomised controlled trial. Patients were randomised to received a continuous (control arm) or intermittent (6x/day, intervention arm) enteral feeding regimen. Blood samples were taken on trial days 1, 7 and 10 immediately before and 30 min after intermittent feeds, and at equivalent timepoints in the control arm. A pre-planned targeted metabolomic analysis was performend using Nuclear Resonance Spectroscopy. Five hundred and ninety four samples were analysed from 75 patients. A total of 24 amino acid-, 19 lipid based-, and 44 small molecule metabolite features. Across the main two axes of variation (40–60% and 6–8% of variance), no broad patterns distinguished between intermittent or continuous feeding arms, across intra-day sampling times or over the 10 days from initial ICU admission. Logfold decreases in abundance were seen in metabolites related to amino acids (Glutamine − 0.682; Alanine − 0.594), ketone body metabolism (Acetone − 0.64; 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid − 0.632; Acetonacetic Acid − 0.586), fatty acid (carnitine − 0.509) and carbohydrate metabolism ( Maltose − 0.510; Citric Acid − 0.485). 2–3 Butanediol, a by-product of sugar-fermenting microbial metabolism also decreased (− 0.489). No correlation was seen with change in quadriceps muscle mass for any of the 20 metabolites varying with time (all p > 0.05). Increasing severity of organ failure was related to increasing ketone body metabolism (3 Hydroxybutyric Acid-1 and − 3; p = 0.056 and p = 0.014), carnitine deficiency (p = 0.002) and alanine abundancy (p − 0.005). A 6-times a day intermittent feeding regimen did not alter metabolite patterns across time compared to continuous feeding in critically ill patients, either within a 24 h period or across 10 days of intervention. Future research on intermittent feeding regimens should focus on clinical process benefits, or extended gut rest and fasting.

Pilot-scale biogas and in-situ struvite production from pig slurry: A novel integrated approach

Excess ammonia produced during the decomposition of nitrogen-rich substrates inhibits the anaerobic digestion (AD) process while it increases the concentration of ammonium nitrogen (NH4+) in the digestate. Digestate is commonly applied to farmland, causing nitrogen loss via runoff and volatilization. Therefore, developing an integrated strategy to promote the overall efficiency of AD systems susceptible to ammonia toxicity events, is worthy of consideration. Herein, a step-feeding approach to combat ammonia toxicity in AD process in which, intermittent rather than continuous substrate feeding was tested. A pilot-scale, mesophilic (37 ± 1 °C), fed-batch AD reactor (working volume ∼ 6.67 m3), was operated as the biomethanation step in a novel biorefinery concept, to recover bioenergy and nutrients (struvite) from pig slurry. The results showed that methane production yield achieved was 89.7 % of the theoretical at high ammonia levels (4.44 g NH4+-N L−1), indicating an efficient AD process under strong ammonia stress. The production rate of precipitate was 4.0 kg t−1 feedstock, while X-Ray Diffraction analysis revealed that purity of struvite crystal was 98 % w/w. Orthorhombic crystals and homogeneous distribution of significant elements (O, P, N, and Mg) in the precipitate were observed through scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Recoveries of nitrogen and phosphorus were 48.5 % and 68.5 % from the digestate, respectively. Furthermore, the chemical and sanitary (i.e., Escherichia coli, Enterobacteriaceae and Salmonella) indicators of the precipitate were in line with the EU Fertilizer Regulation. Overall, the obtained results indicate that it is possible to establish an integrated efficient nutrient and energy recovery process for the simultaneous production of high-yield biogas and high-purity struvite fertilizer from pig slurry, which could yield a gross profit of 5.79 € t−1 feedstock.

238 Leucine Supplementation Enhances Protein Synthesis in Lean Tissue Through a Sestrin2-GATOR2 and Raga-mTORC1 Signaling Pathway in a Preterm Piglet Model

Abstract Extrauterine growth restriction is common in preterm infants and is associated with reduced lean growth and long-term morbidities. We previously showed that leucine (Leu) acts as a nutrient signal to stimulate protein synthesis, and that in neonatal pigs born at term intermittent parenteral Leu pulses during continuous feeding increases skeletal muscle mTORC1 signaling and protein synthesis. The objective of this study was to determine the validity of the hypothesis that leu pulsing during continuous feeding enhances mTORC1 signaling via a Sestrin-mediated pathway to increase protein synthesis in lean tissue in the preterm piglet. Pigs delivered by cesarean section at 105 d gestation were continuously fed a protein and energy balanced milk-replacer diet [195 kcal ME and 13.5 g protein (kg body weight; BW)-1·d-1)]. Pigs (n = 11-12) were randomly assigned to Leu (LEU) or Alanine (ALA, isonitrogenous control) groups and treatments were administered as a pulse (1.6 mmol·kg BW-1·h-1) for 1 h every 4 h for 21 d. Indices of amino acid signaling and mTORC1 activation were determined postprandially, 60 min after initiation of the last pulse on day 24. Final body weight was greater (P < 0.05) and longissimus muscle weight was heavier in LEU than ALA pigs (P = 0.01). Upstream of mTORC1 activation, the abundance of the Sestrin2-GATOR2 complex was less and the RagA-mTORC1 complex was greater in longissimus muscle and gastrocnemius muscle of LEU compared with ALA pigs (P < 0.05). Downstream of mTORC1, the phosphorylation of S6K1 and 4EBP1 and abundance of the eIF4E-eIF4G complex were greater in longissimus muscle and gastrocnemius muscle of LEU compared with ALA pigs (P < 0.05). Fractional rates of protein synthesis in longissimus muscle and gastrocnemius muscle were greater in LEU compared with ALA pigs (P < 0.05). These results show that leucine supplementation enhances mTORC1-activated translation initiation in skeletal muscle of the preterm piglet via a Leu-sensing pathway mediated bySestrin2 and the Rag proteins. This leucine-mediated cascade promotes skeletal muscle and body weight gain by increasing muscle protein synthesis.

213 Effect of Continuous Or Intermittent Feeding of Ergot Contaminated Grain in a Mash Or Pelleted Form on the Performance and Health Parameters of Finishing Beef Steers

Abstract This study evaluated the effect of feeding pelleted or mash ergot contaminated grain fed continuously or intermittently on the growth performance, blood serum variables, and carcass quality of finishing beef steers. Sixty black angus steers (442 ± 36.7 kg) were used in a complete randomized finishing (90% concentrate:10% barley silage DM basis) 126-d study. Steers were randomly assigned to 4 different treatments and individually housed. Treatments included: 1) control ration [CON; no added ergot alkaloids (EA)], 2) continuous ergot mash (CEM; fed continuously at 2 ppm total EA), 3) intermittent ergot mash (IEM; fed at 2 ppm EA during the first week of each 21-d period and control diet for the remaining 2 weeks), and 4) intermittent ergot pellet (IEP; fed at 2 ppm EA incorporated into a pelleted supplement during the first week of each 21-d period and control diet for the other 2 weeks). Steers were weighed every 21 d and blood samples were collected on day 0, 42, 84, and 126. Steer DMI (P < 0.01, 9.95 vs. 11.05 kg/day) and ADG (P = 0.04) decreased for all EA treatments compared with the CON. Total shrunk BW gain (P = 0.03, 202.5 vs. 225.2 kg), final BW (P = 0.03, 617.9 vs. 662.2 kg), and carcass weight (P = 0.06) decreased for all EA steers compared with the CON steers. No treatment effects (P > 0.05) were observed for carcass dressing percentage, ribeye area, marbling score, or liver abscess. The percent of carcasses graded AAA decreased for all EA steers compared CON steers (P < 0.01, 46.7 vs. 93.3%). Steers fed EA had increased rectal temperature compared with CON steers (P < 0.01, 39.8 vs. 39.4 °C). Hair cortisol concentrations were less in steers fed IEP (P = 0.05, 1.23 vs. 1.76 pg/mg) than CON. No treatment effects (P > 0.05) were observed for complete blood count, and serum prolactin, haptoglobin, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, amylase, calcium, creatine, glucose, lipase, total bilirubin, total protein, or globulin. Blood urea nitrogen was less for EA steers compared with CON (P = 0.01, 3.48 vs. 4.10 mmol/L). The IEM steers had decreased concentrations of serum gamma-glutamyl transferase compared with IEP steers (P = 0.04, 23.4 vs. 28.5 IU). Pelleting ergot contaminated grain did not reduce the impact of ergot alkaloids on any of the measured parameters. Results suggest that continuously or intermittently feeding an ergot contaminated diet (2 ppm EA) can significantly reduce intake, growth performance, and carcass weight, with minimal impact on blood serum variables in finishing steers. Pelleting was not an effective method of reducing ergot toxicity.

PSV-28 Effects of the Dietary Concentrate Level and Harvest Weight on Growth Performance of Spanish Goat Wethers and Doelings

Abstract Thirty-six Spanish goat wethers and 36 doelings with initial mean age of 4.3 ± 0.03 months and body weight (BW) of 20.6 and 18.6 kg, respectively (SEM = 0.41), were used in 2 phases to determine effects of dietary concentrate level and harvest weight on growth performance. Three animals of each type were allocated to 12 pens for a total of 6 per pen. The diet in the first phase, 13 weeks in length, had 20% concentrate and 80% forage (20C) with crude protein and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentrations of 13 and 50%, respectively. At the end of Phase 1, animals in 2 pens were harvested. In phase 2 that lasted 9 to 11 weeks, two pens per dietary treatment and animal type continued to be fed diets with different levels of concentrate (20C, 40C, 50C, 60C, and 70C) with the same crude protein concentration of 13% and NDF level of 50, 35, 33, 33, and 31%, respectively. Animals were harvested from treatments of 50C and 70C, 40C and 60C, and 20C after 9, 10, and 11 weeks, respectively. Dry matter intake in Phase 1 was 733 ± 18.1 g/day and 3.39 ± 0.070 % BW, with an average BW during the phase of 21.6 ± 0.26 kg. Average daily gain (ADG) in Phase 2 was not affected by diet or diet × animal type (P = 0.712) but was greater (P < 0.05) for wethers than for doelings (44 and 18 g, respectively; SEM = 5.4). There was a tendency (P = 0.055) for differences in ADG among treatments (4, 44, 43, 17, and 45 g for 20C, 40C, 50C, 60C, and 70C, respectively; SEM = 8.7). Dry matter intake in g/day in Phase 2 was similar among treatments (644, 750, 680, 597, and 621 g/day; SEM = 36.9) but in % BW was greatest among diets (P < 0.05) for 40C (2.73, 3.25, 2.84, 2.62, and 2.63 for 20C, 40C, 50C, 60C, and 70C, respectively; SEM = 0.062). Also, there was a tendency (P = 0.057) for ADG during the entire experiment to differ among treatments (46, 17, 27, 30, 20, and 30 for 20C (phase 1 only) 20C, 40C, 50C, 60C, and 70C (phase 1 and phase 2), respectively; SEM = 5.0). These results suggest that a low concentrate diet followed by diets higher in concentrate containing similar CP and NDF content of 31 to 35% may not influence growth performance of Spanish goat wethers and doelings, but continuous feeding of a low concentrate diet with 50% NDF limits growth rate.

24 February 2022 - for a Geocinematic Use of Found Images

Underlying the idea of precarity and the moving image, this paper describes the and theorizes about the original artwork 24TH FEBRUARY 2022 as a video-installation interconnected with the concepts of precarity in production, circulation, and participation in media culture today, this art-based research artwork tries to underpin the very nature of found material as a gateway from the public to the private, commenting on the spectacle of mass media images and also the production of “anarchival” gestures through which its possible to research a specific historic event. Included in a research project entitled FrameScapes that the authors are undergoing at this time, this research outcome relates to the war that Russia brought again to the gates of Europe when it invaded the Ukrainian territory, and also to the conflict in real-time - live action we could call it - in a way we haven’t seen since Desert Storm back in 1991. A continuous feed of videos and photographs in an era of multi-screen distraction and tiktokian dystopias, artists and creatives have the upper hand in constructing from scratch, just like the cubists would glue together a piece of old newspaper and a matchbox to paint a still-life. The precarious nature of found material to make art is present since the first vanguard movements, from Picasso to Duchamp. Through the arts, we’ve been always confronted with gestures of appropriation, quotation, found-footage, archival art, collage or the ready-made, all of these related to meager images. From Marcel Duchamp to Kurt Schwitters, from Douglas Gordon to Christian Marclay, artists have always looked into the metaphor of the precarious as a recontextualization and remediation of image and sound. The artwork 24TH FEBRUARY 2022 is an exploratory artwork about the world-as-camera-screen, responding critically and creatively to different structures of the social, economic and political contexts in today’s art research practice that deals with found materials. The phenomenon of a tele-visual structure presupposes different atopic tele-communities, built under the aegis of tele-presence and tele-objectivity – a dissolution of real space, that embraces geocinematics as a strong narrative contemporary structure, constructed with and bound by precarious images – images that are consistent with a tangible structure of the Real.

Enhancing Bacillus licheniformis sporulation with automatic nitrogen feeding based on online detection of exhaust CO2

AbstractThe Bacillus licheniformis formulation is effective in environmental remediation, gut microbiota modulation, and soil improvement. Adequate spore quantity is crucial for activity of B. licheniformis formulations. This study aimed to enhance B. licheniformis BF‐002 sporulation by optimizing nitrogen source feeding. In the initial four manual feeding strategies, continuous feeding based on exhaust CO2 resulted in the highest cell and spore quantities (1.44 × 1010 and 6.12 × 109 cfu/mL). Python‐based automatic feeding, based on online exhaust CO2 detection, was developed and implemented in 5 and 50 L cultivations. Compared to manual feeding, cell and spore quantities increased by 31.25% and 97.7%, respectively. Substituting costly peptone (fish) with NH4Cl reduced spore quantity by 8.46% and 9.25% in 5 and 50 L cultivations, while cutting nitrogen source cost by 87.08% and 91.39%. Employing exhaust CO2 concentration for automatic nitrogen supplementation effectively promotes Bacillus growth and spore formation.

284 A Meta-Regression Analysis to Evaluate the Effects of Narasin on Grow-Finish Pig Performance

Abstract Ionophores are a separate class of non-medically important antibiotics used in animal production to increase growth rate. Narasin (Skycis; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) is an ionophore labeled for increased rate of body weight gain and improved feed efficiency in growing-finishing swine. The mode of action of this ionophore is to increase energy availability by altering volatile fatty acid production in the hindgut in favor of propionate, which is the most efficient product of fermentation. Therefore, a meta-regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of narasin inclusion in growing-finishing pig diets to predict average daily gain and feed efficiency. A database was developed that contained 21 papers from 2012 to 2021 representing 308 observations including both individual period data as well as overall trial data. For statistical analysis two models were created. The individual period model considered only data with single continuous narasin feeding periods while the overall trial model considered complete data sets representing periods with and without narasin feeding. Regression model equations were developed with the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (Version 9.4, SAS institute, Cary, NC). Predictor variables were assessed with a step-wise manual forward selection for model inclusion. Predictor variables were required to provide an improvement of at least 2 Bayesian information criterion units to be included in the final model. For individual period data for G:F, the model selected included concentration of narasin in the feed, ADG and ADFI of the control group not provided narasin, and average BW of the control group categorized into greater than 105 kg or less than 105 kg (Table 1). There were 2 competing models to predict improvement in overall G:F. For model 1, significant predictors included concentration of narasin in feed and ADG of the control group. Model 2 for overall G:F included concentration of narasin in feed, ADG and ADFI of the control group. For the individual period model that predicted ADG, the predictors were concentration of narasin in the feed, ADFI, G:F of the control group and BW category for feeding period. The best fitting ADG model using the overall trial data included concentration of narasin in feed, ADFI and G:F of the control group, and feeding duration categorized as longer than 65 days or shorter than 65 days. Together, these models can be used to predict the response to narasin supplementation in finishing pigs. Based on the results, the overall response to narasin inclusion rate for ADG and G:F is quadratic in nature. Additionally, as ADG and G:F increase, the response to narasin supplementation decreases. In summary, using average values from the database for predictor variables, this meta-analysis demonstrates narasin would be expected to improve overall G:F from 0.74 to 1.13% and ADG from 1 to 3%.

Stable isotope analysis of atmospheric CO2 using a Gasbench II-Cold Trap-IRMS setting.

The measurement of the stable carbon and oxygen isotope ratio of (atmospheric) carbon dioxide (CO2 ) is a useful technique for the investigation and identification of the sources and sinks of the most abundant greenhouse gases by far. For this reason, we are presenting a measuring system here that enables a wide range of users to carry out stable isotope analysis of atmospheric CO2 using off-the-bench hardware and software. The fully automated system uses cryogenic and gas chromatographic separation to analyse CO2 from 12-mL whole air samples and consists of an autosampler, a Gasbench II (GB), a downstream cryo trap and a continuous flow gas interface feeding into a sector field mass spectrometer (GC Pal/GB/Cold Trap/ConFlo IV/DeltaV Plus). The evaluation of the system performance was based on the analysis of samples prepared from eight CO2 sources (four CO2 reference gases and four artificial air tanks). The overall measurement uncertainty (averaged single standard deviation (1σ) of measurement replicates from each CO2 source) in the determination of the carbon and oxygen isotope ratio was 0.04‰ and 0.09‰ (n = 24). Furthermore, we were able to show that the measurement data also allowed for the quantification of the CO2 mole fraction, with a precision of 1.2μmol mol-1 in the analysis range of 400-500 μmol mol-1 . Our protocol provides a detailed description of the measurement set-up and the analysis procedure, how raw data should be evaluated and gives recommendations for sample preparation and sampling to enable a fully automated whole air sample analysis. The quantification limit of CO2 mole fractions and measurement precision for carbon and oxygen isotope ratios of CO2 should meet the requirements of a wide range of users.

A holistic approach for process intensification of nicotinamide mononucleotide production via high cell density cultivation under exponential feeding strategy

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) subsists in all living organisms and has drawn tremendous attention as a nutraceutical and pharmaceutical product for several diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer, aging, and vascular dysfunction. Here, NMN was produced intracellularly in a high cell density bioreactor using an engineered Escherichiacoli strain via exponential feeding of co-substrates. Fed-batch culture via exponential feeding of co-substrate (glucose) and continuous feeding of substrate (nicotinamide) were performed using different cumulative nicotinamide concentrations. The highest concentration of 19.3 g/L NMN with a dry cell weight of 117 g/L was acquired from a cumulative nicotinamide concentration of 7.2 g/L with a conversion of 98 % from nicotinamide in 28 h. Further, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis validated the NMN production. This approach will be beneficial in achieving simultaneously low cost and ensuring high quality and quantity of NMN production.

High-fidelity simulations of the run-in process for a pebble-bed reactor

Pebble-bed reactors (PBRs) rely on a continual feed of fuel pebbles being cycled through the core. As a result, they require a “run-in” period in order to reach an equilibrium state. The run-in period for a PBR is a complex, time-dependent problem that requires the injection of new fuel, different types of fuel, and power increases. This complexity in the run-in makes it important to capture the physical processes in order to generate an accurate representation. The present work details the creation of a high-fidelity Monte Carlo methodology for analyzing the run-in and subsequent approach to equilibrium for PBRs. The methodology entails a Python module wrapped around Serpent so as to perform neutronics calculations, move pebbles, refuel the core, and discharge pebbles, thereby modeling the explicit behavior of the PBR run-in. Three run-in simulations (a constant temperature profile, a linear temperature profile, and a constant temperature profile using control rods) were examined in order to identify the key physical phenomena present in the run-in process. Utilizing kugelpy, we found the inclusion of a temperature profile to be important for accurately capturing a discharge burnup (around 141 MWd/kg), a consistent k-eff (around 1.005), and an average pebble power (around 2.5 kW/pebble) that all fall within acceptable limits.

Investigation of Jamming Phenomenon in a Direct Reduction Furnace Pellet Feed System Using the Discrete Element Method

A continuous iron ore pellet feed system for a direct reduction ironmaking furnace is reportedly jamming in a hopper above the furnace, where a counterflowing gas seals off the furnace flue gas. The conditions that result in jamming are not well understood. The system is computationally modeled utilizing the coupled discrete element method (DEM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique. The technique is computationally expensive; therefore, the pellet sizing is modified while preserving the key metrics important in jamming. The model is used to study the impact of pellet moisture, heating, and ice formation between pellets in relation to the jamming event. The results indicate that the influence of moisture alone on the bulk shear rate is unlikely to jam the system and that insufficient heat is supplied by the counterflowing gas to raise the temperature of the pellets, which suggests freezing conditions can exist within the hopper. Particle bonding is implemented to replicate wet and icy pellets freezing and breaking up. The results indicate that the system jams in winter conditions when the hopper is charged with a minimum of 15% icy pellets, or 10% icy with 5% wet pellets. These results agree with industry reports of jamming during winter operations.