Medium Components Research Articles

Effects of medium components on cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. genotype ‘M2’) organogenesis, and assessment of transplanting techniques and vitroplant fruit quality

Effects of medium components on cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. genotype ‘M2’) organogenesis, and assessment of transplanting techniques and vitroplant fruit quality

Metabolic studies of Ogataea polymorpha using nine different corn steep liquors

BackgroundIn the fermentation industry, the demand to replace expensive complex media components is increasing for alternative nutrient sources derived from waste or side streams, such as corn steep liquor (CSL). However, the use of CSL is associated with common problems of side products, such as batch-to-batch variations and compositional inconsistencies. In this study, to detect batch-to-batch variations in CSL for Ogataea polymorpha cultivations, a “fingerprinting” system was developed by employing the Respiration Activity Monitoring System designed for shake flasks (RAMOS) and 96-well microtiter plates (µTOM).ResultsAt 2.5 g d.s./L CSL and 5 g/L glucose, a limitation by a secondary substrate, other than the carbon source, was observed. For this specific CSL medium, this limitation was caused by ammonium nitrogen and could be removed through targeted supplementation of ammonium sulphate. Under ammonium nitrogen limitation, O. polymorpha showed a change in morphology and developed a different cell size distribution. Increasing CSL storage times impaired O. polymorpha cultivation results. It was speculated that this observation is caused by micronutrient precipitation as sulfide salts. Through targeted nutrient supplementation, these limiting microelements were identified to be copper, iron and zinc.ConclusionsThis study shows the versatility of CSL as an alternative nutrient source for O. polymorpha cultivations. “Fingerprinting” of CSL batches allows for early screening. Fermentation inconsistencies can be eliminated by selecting the better performing CSL batches or by supplementing and improving an inferior CSL prior to large-scale productions.

The climate impact and land use of cultivated meat: Evaluating agricultural feedstock production.

As global demand for meat continues to rise, alternative and sustainable methods of production are being explored. Cultivated meat (CM) is one such alternative that holds potential for sustainable production with less environmental impact. This study develops an approach to evaluate CM production based on agricultural feedstock. The specific objectives are to determine the minimum land area required to produce a certain amount of cell medium-feedstock for CM production-on agricultural land and to identify potential future land use scenarios assuming that the macro components of the cell medium are solely produced from common agricultural crops in southern Germany. A linear programming model was developed to analyze four different scenarios of CM production, considering factors such as crop rotation, nutrient sourcing, and solar energy use. The results indicate that CM production using plants as raw material for the cell medium cannot improve land use efficiency substantially compared to conventional pork production. Extraction methods, crop choice, and energy sources will strongly influence future pathways for CM. We also find that there is no substantial benefit from CM in terms of climate change mitigation when feedstock is sourced solely from plants. This study provides valuable insights into the limitations of using agricultural feedstock for sustainable CM production. The findings suggest that future research should focus on optimizing the land use efficiency of CM. This includes exploring alternatives such as sourcing cell media from precision fermentation instead of relying solely on crops, and utilizing upcycling possibilities.

Environmental Impacts of Cultured Meat: A Cradle-to-Gate Life Cycle Assessment.

Interest in animal cell-based meat (ACBM) as an environmentally conscious replacement for livestock production has been increasing; however, a life cycle assessment (LCA) for the existing production methods of ACBM has not been conducted. Currently, ACBM products are being produced at a small scale, but ACBM companies are intending to scale-up production. Updated findings from recent technoeconomic assessments (TEAs) of ACBM were utilized to perform an LCA of near-term ACBM production. A scenario analysis was conducted utilizing the metabolic requirements examined in the TEAs of ACBM, and a purification factor was utilized to account for growth medium component processing. The results indicate that the environmental impact of near-term ACBM production has the potential to be significantly higher than beef if a highly refined growth medium is utilized for ACBM production. This study highlights the need to develop a sustainable animal cell growth medium that is optimized for high-density animal cell proliferation for ACBM to generate positive economic and environmental benefits.

Full disc [CII] mapping of nearby star-forming galaxies. SOFIA FIFI/LS observations of NGC 3627, NGC 4321, and NGC 6946

As a major cooling line of interstellar gas, the far-infrared 158 line from singly ionised carbon is an important tracer of various components of the interstellar medium in galaxies across all spatial and morphological scales. Yet, there is still not a strong constraint on the origins of emission. In this work, we derive the resolved star formation rate relation and aim to unravel the complexity of the origin of CII. We used the Field-Imaging Far-Infrared Line Spectrometer on board the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy to map in three nearby star-forming galaxies at sub-kiloparsec scales, namely, NGC,3627, NGC,4321, and NGC,6946, and we compared these observations to the galactic properties derived from complementary data from the literature. We find that the relationship between the fine structure line and star formation rate shows variations between the galaxies as well as between different environments within each galaxy. Our results show that the use of as a tracer for star formation is much more tangled than has previously been suggested within the extragalactic literature, which typically focuses on small regions of galaxies and/or uses large-aperture sampling of many different physical environments. As found within resolved observations of the Milky Way, the picture obtained from observations is complicated by its local interstellar medium conditions. Future studies will require a larger sample and additional observational tracers, obtained on spatial scales within galaxies, in order to accurately disentangle the origin of and calibrate its use as a star formation tracer.

Air distribution to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions in the furnace of a boiler with tangential combustion scheme

Relevance. Determined by the importance of analyzing the combustion characteristics and factors affecting the emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the furnace chamber of pulverized coal-fired power boiler unit when installing tertiary air nozzles and changing the air flow rate through them, to ensure the reduction of negative anthropogenic impact on the environment. It should be noted that the use of tertiary nozzles is the most cost-effective technology of the internal furnace measures of NOx emission reduction. Aim. To analyze the effect of oxidant redistribution between secondary air and tertiary blast in the range of 40% on the burnout and NOx emission in the furnace chamber of a boiler unit with tangential burner arrangement. Objects. Power pulverized coal-fired boiler unit with natural circulation. Straight-flow burner devices are arranged according to the tangential scheme, tertiary blast nozzles are installed above the burners. Methods. Computational fluid dynamics modeling methods. For the simulation study of furnace processes the tested software FIRE-3D was used. The averaged equations of conservation of mass, momentum and enthalpy were solved to predict the velocity, temperature and concentration of components of the furnace medium in the furnace volume. The turbulent flow was modeled by the standard k-ε model. Coal particle transport was modeled using a discrete-phase model. The P-1 model was used for radiant heat transfer. Results. The authors have carried out the analysis of O₂, CO, and NOₓ concentrations, as well as velocity fields and temperature to examine the effects of varying the ratio of secondary and tertiary air in the furnace volume of a boiler unit with tangentially arranged burners and tertiary blast nozzles. Numerical modeling results revealed that with tertiary blast nozzles, the active combustion zone shifts upward. However, at higher proportions of tertiary blast, NOₓ reduction is not achieved due to increased temperatures at the furnace outlet. Taking into account NOx emissions and completeness of fuel burnout, the most optimal for modernization of the investigated boiler is the value of tertiary blast fraction equal to 0.2.

Annual Research Review: Adolescent social media use is not a monolith: toward the study of specific social media components and individual differences.

Social media have drastically changed the context of adolescent development. To date, the majority of research investigating the effects of these changes has measured time spent on social media, yielding inconclusive results-likely because this approach conceptualizes social media as a monolith. Social media experiences are complex and diverse, as are adolescents themselves. Emerging research has identified several specific components of social media that have varied associations with adolescent mental health, as well as individual difference factors that may alter these associations across adolescents. In this annual research review, we synthesize evidence regarding heterogeneity in social media effects related to (a) specific components of social media and (b) adolescents' individual differences regarding social media use and effects. We first focus on the specific social media components-content, features, and functions-that may be especially relevant for adolescent development. These include functions designed to foster relationships and social connections (e.g., social media feeds, 'friends'), hateful content, notifications, risky content, and algorithmically curated content, among others. Next, we provide an overview of for whom these effects may matter most. We review research on individual differences that may explain some heterogeneity in social media effects, including gender/sex, age, marginalized status, neurobiological and social sensitivities, and other preexisting vulnerabilities to mental health concerns. The nascent work in these areas suggests many specific constructs and considerations that could drive future research examining nuanced and precise questions that go beyond 'screen time'. We discuss avenues for researchers to leverage methodological advancements and address how specific social media experiences and individual differences shape developmental outcomes.

Media Sosial Instagram Sebagai Media Edukatif Dalam Bingkai Sosiologi Pendidikan

This research aims to discuss the social media Instagram as an educational medium through the perspective of Sociology of Education. Specifically, it aims to, first, find out the main components of Instagram social media, second, to find out the role of actors and third, analyze educational accounts from the perspective of the sociology of education. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with interviews and observations related to educational accounts. The subjects of this research are 8 owners of educational accounts on the social media Instagram, namely @kokbisa, @mudanerdaya.id, @socialkreatif, @folkative, @asumsico, @karirlab, @mamanbasyaiban, @cepatpede.academy. The research was conducted from May 2024 to October 2024. The concepts used in this research were social media, Instagram, and education using an educational sociology perspective. The result of this research is that we can find out the 4 components of Instagram social media which include context, communication, collaboration and connection. Second, optimize the role of actors as policy makers, coordinators, facilitators, implementers and accelerators. Third, analyze Instagram social media as a "facility" in individual development through an educational sociology perspective.

The Daunomycin: Biosynthesis, Actions, and the Search for New Solutions to Enhance Production.

Daunorubicin (DNR) is an anthracycline antibiotic originating from soil-dwelling actinobacteria extensively used to treat malignant tumors. Over the decades, extensive attempts were made to enhance the production of anthracyclines by introducing genetic modifications and mutations in combination with media optimization, but the target production levels remain comparatively low. Developing an appropriate culture medium to maximize the yield of DNR and preventing autotoxicity for the producing organism remains a challenge. Our prospective review sheds light on a method involving perturbation that enhances the precursors to regulate the type II PKS pathway, enhancing cells' capacity to increase secondary metabolite production. The suggested method also entails the preparation of culture media for the cultivation of Streptomyces sp. and enhanced yield of DNR, as well as making it inactive with iron or its reduced forms following efflux from the producer. The iron or iron-DNR complex is encapsulated by oleic acid or lipid micelle layers in the culture media, finally resulting in the generated inactive DNR and the DNR-iron-oil complex. This idea has the potential to protect the producer organism from autotoxicity and prevent the inhibition of metabolite production. The approach of substituting sugar with oil in culture media has a dual role wherein it promotes Streptomyces growth by utilizing lipids as an energy source and encapsulating the generated DNR-iron complex in the medium. In this review, we discussed aspects like anthracycline producers, biosynthesis pathways, and gene regulation; side effects of DNR; mechanisms for autotoxicity evasion; and culture media components for the enhancement of DNR production in Streptomyces sp. We anticipate that our work will help researchers working with secondary metabolites production and decipher a methodology that would enhance DNR yield and facilitate the extraction of the resulting DNR by lowering costs in large-scale fermentation.

Multiple Strategies Enhance 7-Dehydrocholesterol Production from Kitchen Waste by Engineered Yarrowia lipolytica.

7-Dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) is an important precursor of vitamin D3. The microbial synthesis of 7-DHC has attracted substantial attention. In this study, multiple strategies were developed to create a sustainable green route for enhancing 7-DHC yield from kitchen waste by engineered Yarrowia lipolytica. Y. lipolytica strains were engineered and combined with various Δ24-dehydrocholesterol reductases. Overexpressing all the genes in the mevalonate pathway improved the precursor pool, increasing the 7-DHC titer from 21.8 to 145.6 mg/L. Additionally, optimizing medium components using the response surface method significantly raised the 7-DHC titer to 391.0 mg/L after shake flask cultivation. The engineered strain yielded a record 7-DHC titer of 3.5 g/L in a 5-L bioreactor when kitchen waste was used as a carbon source. Overall, these results demonstrate that engineered Y. lipolytica efficiently synthesizes 7-DHC from waste lipid feedstock, offering a promising route for its bioproduction.

Optimizing separation: Utilizing Aspergillus oryzae for bioflocculation of marine Tetraselmis subcordiformis on agricultural residues

AbstractMicroalgae are a promising source of high-quality nutrients for the growing population. They contain high concentrations of protein, unsaturated fatty acids and carbohydrates, as well as vitamins and antioxidants. However, conventional separation methods are too high in cost or cause contamination in the end product. Thus, fungal bioflocculation has gained traction as a promising separation method. This is a process in which microalgae adhere to mycelial surfaces. Problematically, previous studies often investigated the bioflocculation process via inedible and possibly harmful fungal species. In this study, the safe and edible fungus Aspergillus oryzae was investigated for the bioflocculation of marine microalga Tetraselmis subcordiformis on the basis of agricultural residues. Fungal growth conditions were optimized to achieve a maximum separation of 99.5% and dry mass ratio (algal to fungal) of 0.48 g g−1. This efficacy was achieved with the fungal culture conditions of 25 °C, 75 rpm, 105 spores mL−1 and an addition of 800 mg L−1 urea. Additionally, field emission scanning electron microscopy and microscopy of thin sections of paraffin embedded biomass revealed that the mycelial structure played a critical role in microalgal separation. The nitrogen addition resulted in a denser mycelial network, aiding the capture of microalgal cells, thus enhancing bioflocculation. Overall, the above-described process was able to produce biomass suitable for human consumption while exclusively utilizing agricultural residues as media components. These findings open possibilities for scalable, cost-effective microalgae harvesting systems, which can be integrated into sustainable food production. Future research could focus on optimizing the system for other microalgal species and exploring industrial scale applications in food and feed sectors.

Synthesis and characterization of poly (β-amino ester) polyplex nanocarrier with high encapsulation and uptake efficiency: impact of extracellular conditions.

Poly (β-amino Ester) nanocarriers show promise for gene therapy, but their effectiveness can be limited by the environment within the body. This study aims to understand how common cell culture media components affect optimized PBAE nanocarrier performance in gene delivery. Optimized PBAE was synthesized based on Michael addition reaction and characterized by different assays, this study employed techniques like DLS and TEM to characterize PBAE nanocarriers, followed by cellular uptake analysis (flow cytometry and confocal imaging) and evaluation of gene expression under different polymer/DNA ratio ratios and media conditions. The nanocarriers exhibited size under 200 nm and surface positive charge, with high encapsulation efficiency (up to 95%). Cellular uptake, transfection efficiency, and cytotoxicity were evaluated. Flow cytometry analysis revealed high cellular uptake (over 77% at 1 hour and up to 95% after 3 hours) and good viability. Transfection efficiency reached up to 80% with 2 μg DNA, particularly at weight ratios of 60 and 90. The study also identified factors affecting transfection efficiency, including serum concentration and antibiotics in the culture medium, highlighting the importance of optimizing these conditions for future applications.

Characterisation and potential control of reactive species formation during cold atmospheric plasma medium activation

Abstract Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) has been studied for years in the context of cancer therapy where it presents efficient properties on inducing cell death. Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species (RONS) through oxidative stress are reported to justify treatment effect on tumor but biological mechanisms involved are not fully understood. As cold plasma is very effective on producing RONS but with very complex chemical kinetics, this study proposes to measure concentrations of some species formed in the gas and aqueous phase to offer a comprehension of chemical interactions that could lead to an increase of cold plasma cancer treatment efficiency. Anticancer effect after exposition to CAP has been demonstrated on a prostate tumor cells line for both direct and indirect treatment. To determine RONS concentrations in both gas phase and liquid phase, an experimental reactor was developed for different methods of analysis to be conducted in similar conditions and potentially simultaneously. In gas phase, ozone and nitrogen oxides have been evaluated and the influence of some physical parameters on their concentrations has been demonstrated through a design of experiments. In pure water, nitrates, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical and singlet oxygen have been produced, but in culture medium, a significant concentration has been measured only for hydrogen peroxide. Culture medium components appeared to scavenge the most reactive species. Future investigations will interest in other key species, in physical parameters influence on RONS production in liquid phase and also in adjustment of medium composition to prevent the effect of scavenging.

Isolation and Characterization of a New High-Yield Hydrogen-Producing Strain, Clostridium sulfidigenes CS3, from Anaerobic Sludge in the To Lich River

Hydrogen is a vital gas, recognized for its role as a renewable, clean energy source and its importance as a feedstock in multiple industries, leading to a significant rise in hydrogen production demand in recent years. In this context, a high-yield hydrogen-producing mesophilic bacterium, strain CS3, was isolated from sludge and identified as Clostridium sulfidigenes CS3 through 16S rRNA gene analysis and physio-biochemical testing, revealing novel characteristics of this species. This study systematically investigated various factors influencing biological hydrogen production through fermentation, including medium components (like substrates and nitrogen sources) and environmental conditions (initial pH, incubation temperature, duration, and agitation). The research also explored methods to boost hydrogen yield. The maximum yield of 2.1 mol H₂/mol glucose was obtained under optimal conditions: a medium with 10 g/L glucose, an initial pH of 7.0, incubation at 37°C for 48 hours, and agitation at 200 rpm, with supplementation of organic nitrogen sources (10 g/L peptone and 10 g/L yeast extract). The performance of C. sulfidigenes CS3 was compared with other known hydrogen-producing strains, highlighting the superior hydrogen productivity of this species. This is also considered a new discovery in the hydrogen-producing ability of this species. The findings suggest that C. sulfidigenes CS3 could be a promising candidate for biohydrogen production, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.

Research on in vitro propagation techniques of vine-tea plant (Ampelopsis cantoniensis (Hook. and Arn.) Planch)

Vine-tea plant has the scientific name Ampelopsis cantoniensis (Hook. and Arn.) Planch and is a valuable herb plant in Vietnam. This study aimed to find a method to sterilize samples and nutrient medium components in each stage of shoots regeneration, rapid shoots multiplication, complete plant creation and in vitro seedling cultivation in the nursery stage of in vitro propagation techniques of vine-tea plant. Four experiments in research room and one experiment in nursery were conducted from January to December 2023 at Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry, Vietnam. Criterias of infected, alived, clean and dead samples, rate of shoot regeneration and number of shoots/samples were measured. Research results showed that the best medium to regenerate shoots from stem section carrying dormant eyes is MS + 1.5mg BAP/l + 6.5g agar/l + 30g sucrose/l. The best medium to quickly multiply shoots is MS + 1.5 mg BAP/l + 0.2 mg IBA/l + 6.5g agar/l + 30g sucrose/l. The best complete plant-creating medium is MS + 0.5 mg α-NAA/l + 6.5g agar/l + 30g sucrose/l. In the condition that the nursery has a rain cover roof, a black net reduced the light intensity by 70% and the tissue culture nursery substrate of humus soil under the forest canopy + coconut fiber powder + smoked rice husk (1:1:1) gave the best results with survival rate reached 76.67%.

Improvement of Growth Media Quality Using Coconut Coir Dust, Coconut Ash, and Palm Kernel Shell Biochar

<p>The sustainable management of agricultural waste is vital for addressing environmental challenges while enhancing resource efficiency in agriculture. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of agricultural residues, specifically coconut and oil palm by-products, as growth media components. Growth media mixtures were formulated using coconut coir dust (CCD), coconut shell ash (CSA), and palm kernel shell biochar (PKSB), and their physicochemical properties were analyzed. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications. The results indicated that a growth media mixture consisting of 100% CSA demonstrated high pH (7.89), electrical conductivity (2.70 dS m<sup>-1</sup>), cation exchange capacity (12.57 cmolc kg<sup>-1</sup>), and significant concentrations of P (13.90 mg l<sup>-1</sup>) and K (191.70 mg l<sup>-1</sup>), which suggests its suitability as a liming agent. However, this mixture exhibited limitations in aeration and water retention due to low porosity (24.3%). Furthermore, increasing the proportions of CSA and PKSB significantly enhanced the growth media’s bulk density and particle density. These findings provide valuable insights into developing efficient growth media from agricultural by-products, thereby contributing to sustainable waste management and innovative farming practices.</p>

Modeling and optimization of culture media for recombinant Helicobacter pylori vaccine antigen HpaA.

H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) infection represents a significant global health concern, exacerbated by the emergence of drug-resistant strains resulting from conventional antibiotic treatments. Consequently, the development of vaccines with both preventive and therapeutic properties has become crucial in addressing H. pylori infections. The H. pylori adhesin protein HpaA has demonstrated strong immunogenicity across various adjuvants and dosage forms, positioning it as a key candidate antigen for recombinant subunit vaccines against H. pylori. Optimizing fermentation culture conditions is an effective strategy to enhance product yield and lower production costs. However, to date, there has been no systematic investigation into methods for improving the fermentation yield of HpaA. Enhancing the fermentation medium to increase HpaA yield holds significant potential for application and economic benefits in the prevention and detection of H. pylori infection. To achieve a stable and high-yielding H. pylori vaccine antigen HpaA, this study constructed recombinant Escherichia coli expressing HpaA. The impact of fermentation medium components on the rHpaA yield was assessed using a one-factor-at-a-time approach alongside Plackett-Burman factorial experiments. Optimal conditions were effectively identified through response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) statistical computational models. The antigenicity and immunogenicity of the purified rHpaA were validated through immunization of mice, followed by Western Blot analysis and serum IgG ELISA quantification. Glucose, yeast extract, yeast peptone, NH4Cl and CaCl2 all contributed to the production of rHpaA, with glucose, yeast extract, and NH4Cl demonstrating particularly significant effects. The artificial neural network linked genetic algorithm (ANN-GA) model exhibited superior predictive accuracy, achieving a rHpaA yield of 0.61g/L, which represents a 93.2% increase compared to the initial medium. Animal immunization experiments confirmed that rHpaA possesses good antigenicity and immunogenicity. This study pioneers the statistical optimization of culture media to enhance rHpaA production, thereby supporting its large-scale application in H. pylori vaccines. Additionally, it highlights the advantages of the ANN-GA approach in bioprocess optimization.

Downstream change of luminescence sensitivity in sedimentary quartz and the rearrangement of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) components along two large rivers

Recently, it has been proposed that the luminescence sensitivity of quartz grains, i.e. their luminescence response to unit dose, might be used for sediment fingerprinting. Sensitivity is determined both by the origin of quartz grains and the sedimentary processes they underwent. However, a more detailed understanding of the factors influencing sensitivity is essential in order to expand and specify the applicability of the parameter in sediment sourcing and geomorphological studies alike. In the present research, we examined the spatial changes of sensitivity parameters of coarse grain quartz in modern sediments of the largest rivers of the Carpathian Basin, Central Europe, to determine the role of source areas and transportation distance.Based on the luminescence analysis of 39 samples, quartz extracts with a Carpathian origin (catchment of the Tisza River have a significantly higher sensitivity, except the LM-OSL medium component, than those originating from the Alpine domain (catchment of the Danube River). No clear relationship could be identified between natural sensitisation and transportation distance. In terms of the Tisza the observed downstream increase of quartz sensitivity is due to high sensitivity quartz grains supplied by its tributaries. In the meantime, a recurring change was observed along the Danube, which can be attributed mostly to local erosional processes. Consequently, tributaries and erosion can overprint the potential downstream sensitisation of quartz grains in large rivers.Meanwhile, in terms of the Danube on sections where a significant downstream increase was detected in LM-OSL fast component sensitivity, LM-OSL medium component sensitivity systematically decreased. Additionally, during laboratory sensitization, the CW-OSL sensitivity of Danube samples increased considerably, whereas changes were more moderate in the case of Tisza samples. Moreover, in the case of Tisza-related quartz extracts, the 110°C TL sensitivity and the LM-OSL fast and medium components showed a strong correlation, indicating the stability of luminescence processes (trapping and recombination). Whereas, in the case of the Danube both LM-OSL components show a weak correlation with the 110°C TL intensity. All these indicate that Alpine-origin quartz grains are more susceptible to the rearrangement of electron traps and/or recombination centres, which can also be an indicator of sediment sources in Quaternary studies in the region.

Gentamicin Has No Significant Adverse Effect on Porcine Embryo Development In Vitro

ABSTRACTThe composition of the culture medium affects the viability and developmental competency of porcine embryos produced in vitro. Previous transcriptional profiling has identified areas of improvement in the formulation of these media. Xenobiotic metabolism‐related genes were upregulated in in vitro‐cultured porcine embryos compared to their in vivo‐derived counterparts, and the antibiotic gentamicin is a component of porcine embryo culture media. While effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, gentamicin has been observed to be toxic to rat embryos and may induce changes in gene expression in cell culture. The objective of this study was to determine if gentamicin has an adverse effect on the development of porcine embryos. After in vitro fertilization, presumptive zygotes were placed in either MU4 medium containing gentamicin or MU4 medium without gentamicin. No difference was detected in blastocyst development, total cell number, apoptotic index, or expression of 3 selected genes between embryos cultured with or without gentamicin (p > 0.05). Therefore, porcine embryos are able to tolerate the presence of 10 μg/mL gentamicin without significant impacts on blastocyst development rate, total cell number, or apoptosis.

Semisupervised Learning for Detecting Inverse Compton Emission in Galaxy Clusters

Inverse Compton (IC) emission associated with the nonthermal component of the intracluster medium (ICM) has been a long-sought phenomenon in cluster physics. Traditional spectral fitting often suffers from the degeneracy between the two-temperature thermal (2T) spectrum and the one-temperature plus IC power-law (1T+IC) spectrum. We present a semisupervised deep-learning approach to search for IC emission in galaxy clusters. We employ a conditional autoencoder (CAE), which is based on an autoencoder with latent representations trained to constrain the thermal parameters of the ICM. The algorithm is trained and tested using synthetic NuSTAR X-ray spectra with instrumental and astrophysical backgrounds included. The training data set only contains 2T spectra, which is more common than 1T+IC spectra. Anomaly detection is performed on the validation and test data sets consisting of 2T spectra as the normal set and 1T+IC spectra as anomalies. With a threshold anomaly score, chosen based on cross validation, our algorithm is able to identify spectra that contain an IC component in the test data set, with a balanced accuracy (BAcc) of 0.64, which outperforms traditional spectral fitting (BAcc = 0.55) and ordinary autoencoders (BAcc = 0.55). Traditional spectral fitting is better at identifying IC cases among true IC spectra (a better recall), while IC predictions made by CAE have a higher chance of being true IC cases (a better precision), demonstrating that they mutually complement each other.