Direct Induction Research Articles

Offspring production of ovarian organoids derived from spermatogonial stem cells by defined factors with chromatin reorganization

IntroductionFate determination of germline stem cells remains poorly understood at the chromatin structure level. ObjectivesOur research hopes to develop successful offspring production of ovarian organoids derived from spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) by defined factors. MethodsThe offspring production from oocytes transdifferentiated from mouse SSCs with tracking of transplanted SSCs in vivo, single cell whole exome sequencing, and in 3D cell culture reconstitution of the process of oogenesis derived from SSCs. The defined factors were screened with ovarian organoids. We uncovered extensive chromatin reorganization during SSC conversion into induced germline stem cells (iGSCs) using high throughput chromosome conformation. ResultsWe demonstrate successful production of offspring from oocytes transdifferentiated from mouse spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Furthermore, we demonstrate direct induction of germline stem cells (iGSCs) differentiated into functional oocytes by transduction of H19, Stella, and Zfp57 and inactivation of Plzf in SSCs after screening with ovarian organoids. We uncovered extensive chromatin reorganization during SSC conversion into iGSCs, which was highly similar to female germline stem cells. We observed that although topologically associating domains were stable during SSC conversion, chromatin interactions changed in a striking manner, altering 35% of inactive and active chromosomal compartments throughout the genome. ConclusionWe demonstrate successful offspring production of ovarian organoids derived from SSCs by defined factors with chromatin reorganization. These findings have important implications in various areas including mammalian gametogenesis, genetic and epigenetic reprogramming, biotechnology, and medicine.

Zinc phosphate protects tomato plants against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato

The purpose of this study was to determine whether zinc phosphate treatments of tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.) can attenuate bacterial speck disease severity through reduction of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) growth in planta and induce morphological and biochemical plant defence responses. Tomato plants were treated with 10 ppm (25.90 µM) zinc phosphate and then spray inoculated with strain DAPP-PG 215, race 0 of Pst. Disease symptoms were recorded as chlorosis and/or necrosis per leaf (%) and as numbers of necrotic spots. Soil treatments with zinc phosphate protected susceptible tomato plants against Pst, with reductions in both disease severity and pathogen growth in planta. The reduction of Pst growth in planta combined with significantly higher zinc levels in zinc-phosphate-treated plants indicated direct antimicrobial toxicity of this microelement, as also confirmed by in vitro assays. Morphological (i.e. callose apposition) and biochemical (i.e., expression of salicylic-acid-dependent pathogenesis-related protein PR1b1 gene) defence responses were induced by the zinc phosphate treatment, as demonstrated by histochemical and qPCR analyses, respectively. In conclusion, soil treatments with zinc phosphate can protect tomato plants against Pst attacks through direct antimicrobial activity and induction of morphological and biochemical plant defence responses.

Clinical and Pathological Evidence of Anti-GD2 Immunotherapy Induced Differentiation in Relapsed/Refractory High-Risk Neuroblastoma.

Simple SummaryThe anti-tumor activity of anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been demonstrated by the capacity to mediate immunological cytotoxicity but also through direct cell death induction. Recently, studies with anti-GD2 mAbs for high-risk (HR)-neuroblastoma (NB) patients with measurable disease, with or without chemotherapy, have reported significant objective responses. In this subgroup of patients, we observed that, while being treated with the mAb naxitamab, some chemorefractory lesions showed long periods of stable disease. Here, we report a comprehensive imaging evaluation of those lesions correlating with histopathological demonstration of naxitamab-induced tissue differentiation. Our results suggest an undescribed mechanism of action for anti-GD2 mAbs.Background: Neuroblastic tumors (NBTs) originate from a block in the process of differentiation. Histologically, NBTs are classified in neuroblastoma (NB), ganglioneuroblastoma (GNB), and ganglioneuroma (GN). Current therapy for high-risk (HR) NB includes chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Anti-GD2 mAbs induce immunological cytoxicity but also direct cell death. Methods: We report on patients treated with naxitamab for chemorefractory NB showing lesions with long periods of stable disease. Target lesions with persisting 123I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) uptake after 4 cycles of immunotherapy were further evaluated by functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and/or Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET). MIBG avid lesions that became non-restrictive on MRI (apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) > 1) and/or FDG-PET negative (SUV < 2) were biopsied. Results: Twenty-seven relapse/refractory (R/R) HR-NB patients were enrolled on protocol Ymabs 201. Two (7.5%) of the 27 showed persistent bone lesions on MIBG, ADC high, and/or FDG-PET negative. Forty-four R/R HR-NB patients received chemo-immunotherapy. Twelve (27%) of the 44 developed persistent MIBG+ but FDG-PET- and/or high ADC lesions. Twelve (86%) of the 14 cases identified were successfully biopsied producing 16 evaluable samples. Histology showed ganglioneuroma maturing subtype in 6 (37.5%); ganglioneuroma mature subtype with no neuroblastic component in 4 (25%); differentiating NB with no Schwannian stroma in 5 (31%); and undifferentiated NB without Schwannian stroma in one (6%). Overall, 10 (62.5%) of the 16 specimens were histopathologically fully mature NBTs. Conclusions: Our results disclose an undescribed mechanism of action for naxitamab and highlight the limitations of conventional imaging in the evaluation of anti-GD2 immunotherapy clinical efficacy for HR-NB.

Epigenetic variation in animal populations: Sources, extent, phenotypic implications, and ecological and evolutionary relevance

Laboratory experiments and fieldwork with asexually reproducing invertebrates and vertebrates clearly revealed that animal populations can produce substantial phenotypic variation despite genetic identity. This epigenetically caused phenotypic variation comes from two different sources, namely directional environmental induction and bed-hedging developmental stochasticity. Both occur together and are mediated by molecular epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNAs. These epigenetic mechanisms are also involved in insect polyphenism, phenotypic changes in early domestication, and gene expression change and chromatin rearrangement during speciation. Epigenetic variation is particularly important for asexual populations helping them to stay in the game of life when the environmental conditions change. However, it is also relevant for sexually reproducing populations, as shown for genetically impoverished invasive groups, cave animals and sessile taxa that cannot evade unfavourable environmental conditions. Experiments revealed that epigenetic marks can be transgenerationally inherited and persist for several generations. First evidence suggests that inherited epimutations with phenotypic effects may end-up in phenotype-fixing genetic mutations by accelerated mutation of methylated nucleotides. Refined concepts, suitable animal models, fast and affordable new omics techniques that require only small tissue samples, and appropriate data interpretation tools are now available enabling future investigations in ecological and evolutionary epigenetics with high accuracy.

Pomegranate Peel Extracts as Safe Natural Treatments to Control Plant Diseases and Increase the Shelf-Life and Safety of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.

Although the Green Revolution was a milestone in agriculture, it was accompanied by intensive use of synthetic pesticides, which has raised serious concerns due to their impact on human and environmental health. This is increasingly stimulating the search for safer and more eco-friendly alternative means to control plant diseases and prevent food spoilage. Among the proposed alternatives, pomegranate peel extracts (PPEs) are very promising because of their high efficacy. In the present review, we discuss the complex mechanisms of action that include direct antimicrobial activity and induction of resistance in treated plant tissues and highlight the importance of PPE composition in determining their activity. The broad spectrum of activity, wide range of application and high efficiency of PPEs against bacterial, fungal and viral plant pathogens suggest a potential market not only restricted to organic production but also integrated farming systems. Considering that PPEs are non-chemical by-products of the pomegranate industry, they are perceived as safe by the public and may be integrated in circular economy strategies. This will likely encourage agro-pharmaceutical industries to develop commercial formulations and speed up the costly process of registration.

Influence of Electrical Conductivity on Heating Power of Metal Billets in HTS DC Induction Heater

A novel high-temperature superconducting (HTS) direct current induction heater exhibits great advantages such as high efficiency and superior heating quality for non-magnetic metal billet heating process in industrial applications. An HTS induction heater of 1 MW is used in the Al press industry. The HTS induction heater injects high resistive heating power through the driving motor. The higher the resistive heating power, the shorter the heating time. The heating power is a significant parameter used to analyze the heating time and improve the production efficiency. In this study, three types of non-magnetic metal billets were analyzed, including Al, TC4 (Ti-6AL-4V), and Cu, which are widely used in the heating process in industrial applications. The experimental results of the heating of TC4 and Al billets (Φ = 220 mm × L = 1,250 mm) using an HTS induction heater were obtained. The changing trend of the heating power during heating was different. The heating power of TC4 was different from those of Al and Cu. The heating power of TC4 was much lower than those of Al and Cu. A numerical 3-D finite element method model was built to analyze the heating power. The results of the simulation and experiments were consistent with each other. The electrical conductivity of the billet is a significant material property affecting the heating power. Finally, the influence of the billet diameter on heating behavior was analyzed for the three different metal billets. Understanding the effect of electrical conductivity of important industrial metals such as Al, Ti, and Cu alloys on heating power is useful for improving metal processing technologies.

МНОГОФАКТОРНЫЙ ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ ПРОЦЕССА СУШКИ ЗЕРНА ПОСРЕДСТВОМ ИНДУКЦИОННЫХ НАГРЕВАТЕЛЕЙ

This is a method of drying grain related to agriculture and can be used as a grain dryer on an elevator. Increasing the efficiency of the process of heating the grain material and reducing energy costs is due to the fact that there is a uniform distribution of moisture in the dried product. The induction drying method has the advantage that it does not have heat transfer from the heater. Ensuring the quality of the heat treatment process, in compliance with operational and technological requirements with minimal energy costs, an idealized contact type installation for heat treatment of grain should include the following main elements in its structural composition. For the study, the entire design of the grain dryer with direct induction heaters was assembled. The installation of a cylindrical shape with a helical surface auger includes all the above elements – this is the supply of grain to the hopper, the method of heat supply, the determination of the distance. Inside this cylinder is a fixed helical surface, on which the grain from the hopper is filled from the top. Due to the gravitational forces, the grain moves down the helical surface. There is one feature here – the helical surface must have a variable pitch, decreasing from the top to the bottom. This is due to the fact that as the grain dries, the coefficient of friction of the grain on the material of the helical surface decreases. High-frequency grain dryers have been designed, tested, and even put into practice. The grain dried in such installations meets all technological requirements, and in some cases surpassed the grain dried in the traditional, convective way in quality. Economic changes in our country have revealed the demand for miniaturization of plants, mini grain dryers have been created, mobile grain dryers with relatively low power consumption, highly economical, easy to use and maintain, and most importantly-quite cheap.

Novel bone repairing scaffold consisting of bone morphogenetic Protein-2 and human Beta Defensin-3

BackgroundSynthetic biomaterials assist in modulating the vascular response in an injured bone by serving as delivery vehicles of pro-angiogenic molecules to the site of injury or by serving as mimetic platforms which offer support to cell growth and proliferation.MethodsThis study applied natural phospholipid modified protein technologies together with low temperature three-dimensional printing technology to develop a new model of three-dimensional artificial bone scaffold for potential use in repairing body injuries. The focus was to create a porous structure (PS) scaffold of two components, Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 and Human Beta Defensin-3 (BMP2 and hBD3), which can synchronously realize directional bone induction, angiogenesis and postoperative antibacterial effects. BMP2 induces osteogenesis, whereas hBD3 is antibacterial.ResultsOur data showed that in the BMP2-hBD3-PS or hBD3-PS scaffolds, BMP2 had a slow-release rate of about 40% in 30 days, ensuring that BMP2 could penetrate into stem cells for osteogenic differentiation for a long time. The scaffolds promoted cell growth when in combination with BMP2, thus showing its importance in promoting cell growth. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) staining showed that the ALP content of BMP2-hBD3-PS and BMP2-PS had a significant increase in samples that contained BMP2, thus showing that these scaffolds promoted osteogenic differentiation. In all the constructs that had hBD3, they displayed antibacterial properties with hBD3, having a slow release of about 35% in 30 days, thus ensuring they provided protection.ConclusionBased on this study, the 3D printed BMP2 scaffolds show a great potential for the development of biodegradable bone implants.Level of evidenceLevel II, experimental comparative design.

ELOVL5 Is a Critical and Targetable Fatty Acid Elongase in Prostate Cancer.

The androgen receptor (AR) is the key oncogenic driver of prostate cancer, and despite implementation of novel AR targeting therapies, outcomes for metastatic disease remain dismal. There is an urgent need to better understand androgen-regulated cellular processes to more effectively target the AR dependence of prostate cancer cells through new therapeutic vulnerabilities. Transcriptomic studies have consistently identified lipid metabolism as a hallmark of enhanced AR signaling in prostate cancer, yet the relationship between AR and the lipidome remains undefined. Using mass spectrometry-based lipidomics, this study reveals increased fatty acyl chain length in phospholipids from prostate cancer cells and patient-derived explants as one of the most striking androgen-regulated changes to lipid metabolism. Potent and direct AR-mediated induction of ELOVL fatty acid elongase 5 (ELOVL5), an enzyme that catalyzes fatty acid elongation, was demonstrated in prostate cancer cells, xenografts, and clinical tumors. Assessment of mRNA and protein in large-scale data sets revealed ELOVL5 as the predominant ELOVL expressed and upregulated in prostate cancer compared with nonmalignant prostate. ELOVL5 depletion markedly altered mitochondrial morphology and function, leading to excess generation of reactive oxygen species and resulting in suppression of prostate cancer cell proliferation, 3D growth, and in vivo tumor growth and metastasis. Supplementation with the monounsaturated fatty acid cis-vaccenic acid, a direct product of ELOVL5 elongation, reversed the oxidative stress and associated cell proliferation and migration effects of ELOVL5 knockdown. Collectively, these results identify lipid elongation as a protumorigenic metabolic pathway in prostate cancer that is androgen-regulated, critical for metastasis, and targetable via ELOVL5. SIGNIFICANCE: This study identifies phospholipid elongation as a new metabolic target of androgen action that is critical for prostate tumor metastasis.

C-Abl activates RIPK3 signaling in Gaucher disease

Gaucher disease (GD) is caused by homozygous mutations in the GBA1 gene, which encodes the lysosomal β-glucosidase (GBA) enzyme. GD affects several organs and tissues, including the brain in certain variants of the disease. Heterozygous GBA1 variants are a major genetic risk factor for developing Parkinson's disease. The RIPK3 kinase is relevant in GD and its deficiency improves the neurological and visceral symptoms in a murine GD model. RIPK3 mediates necroptotic-like cell death: it is unknown whether the role of RIPK3 in GD is the direct induction of necroptosis or if it has a more indirect function by mediating necrosis-independent. Also, the mechanisms that activate RIPK3 in GD are currently unknown.In this study, we show that c-Abl tyrosine kinase participates upstream of RIPK3 in GD. We found that the active, phosphorylated form of c-Abl is increased in several GD models, including patient's fibroblasts and GBA null mice. Furthermore, its pharmacological inhibition with the FDA-approved drug Imatinib decreased RIPK3 signaling. We found that c-Abl interacts with RIPK3, that RIPK3 is phosphorylated at a tyrosine site, and that this phosphorylation is reduced when c-Abl is inhibited. Genetic ablation of c-Abl in neuronal GD and GD mice models significantly reduced RIPK3 activation and MLKL downstream signaling. These results showed that c-Abl signaling is a new upstream pathway that activates RIPK3 and that its inhibition is an attractive therapeutic approach for the treatment of GD.

Review and Development of Electric Motor Systems and Electric Powertrains for New Energy Vehicles

This paper presents a review on the recent research and technical progress of electric motor systems and electric powertrains for new energy vehicles. Through the analysis and comparison of direct current motor, induction motor, and synchronous motor, it is found that permanent magnet synchronous motor has better overall performance; by comparison with converters with Si-based IGBTs, it is found converters with SiC MOSFETs show significantly higher efficiency and increase driving mileage per charge. In addition, the pros and cons of different control strategies and algorithms are demonstrated. Next, by comparing series, parallel, and power split hybrid powertrains, the series–parallel compound hybrid powertrains are found to provide better fuel economy. Different electric powertrains, hybrid powertrains, and range-extended electric systems are also detailed, and their advantages and disadvantages are described. Finally, the technology roadmap over the next 15 years is proposed regarding traction motor, power electronic converter and electric powertrain as well as the key materials and components at each time frame.

Pulse-width modulation direct torque control induction motor drive with Kalman filter

The paper deals with application of Kalman filter in induction motor drive using pulse-width modulation direct torque control (PWM-DTC). In the first part, the conventional PWM-DTC drive is described and Kalman filter is utilized to filter components of stator current vector those are assumed to be disturbed by white noise. The second part contains simulation results that are obtained in different cases of load torque, process and measurement noise covariances. The integral time absolute error (ITAE) performance index, undershoot, ripple of important quantities are used to compare the conventional drive structure and proposed drive structure with Kalman filter. The simulation results confirm the expected dynamic response of the proposed structure.

Induction of Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells for Retinal Regeneration by Using Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor in Diabetic Rats.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common cause of blindness all over the world. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been considered as a promising strategy for retinal regeneration in the treatment of DR. However, the poor viability and low levels of BMSCs engraftment limit the therapeutic potential of BMSCs. The present study aimed to examine the direct induction of BMSCs differentiation into the cell types related to retinal regeneration by using soluble cytokine ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). We observed remarkably increased expression of cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein (CRALBP) and retinoid isomerohydrolase (RPE65) in BMSCs treated with CNTF in vitro, indicating the directional differentiation of BMSCs into the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, which are crucial for retinal healing. In vivo, the diabetic rat model was established by use of streptozotocin (STZ), and animals treated with BMSCs+CNTF exhibited better viability and higher delivery efficiency of the transplanted cells than those treated with BMSCs injection alone. Similar to the in-vitro result, treatment with BMSCs and CNTF combined led to the differentiation of BMSCs into beneficial cells (RPE cells), and accelerated retinal healing characterized by the activation of rod photoreceptor cells and phagocytosis function of RPE cells. In conclusion, CNTF contributes to the differentiation of BMSCs into RPE cells, which may help overcome the current stem cell therapy limitations in the field of retinal regeneration.

Sensitivity and depth of investigation from Monte Carlo ensemble statistics

ABSTRACTFor many geophysical measurements, such as direct current or electromagnetic induction methods, information fades away with depth. This has to be taken into account when interpreting models estimated from such measurements. For that reason, a measurement sensitivity analysis and determining the depth of investigation are standard steps during geophysical data processing. In deterministic gradient‐based inversion, the most used sensitivity measure, the differential sensitivity, is readily available since these inversions require the computation of Jacobian matrices. In contrast, differential sensitivity may not be readily available in Monte Carlo inversion methods, since these methods do not necessarily include a linearization of the forward problem. Instead, a prior ensemble is used to simulate an ensemble of forward responses. Then, the prior ensemble is updated according to Bayesian inference. We propose to use the covariance between the prior ensemble and the forward response ensemble for constructing sensitivity measures. In Monte Carlo approaches, the estimation of this covariance does not require additional computations of the forward model. Normalizing this covariance by the variance of the prior ensemble, one obtains a simplified regression coefficient. We investigate differences between this simplified regression coefficient and differential sensitivity using simple forward models. For linear forward models, the simplified regression coefficient is equal to differential sensitivity, except for the influences of the sampling error and of the correlation structure of the prior distribution. In the non‐linear case, the behaviour of the simplified regression coefficient as sensitivity measure is analysed for a simple non‐linear forward model and a frequency‐domain electromagnetic forward model. Differential sensitivity and the simplified regression coefficient are similar for prior intervals on which the forward model response is approximately linear. Differences between the two sensitivity measures increase with the degree of non‐linearity in the prior range. Additionally, we investigate the correlation between prior ensemble and forward response ensemble as sensitivity measure. Correlation yields a normalized version of the simplified regression coefficient. We propose to use this correlation and the simplified regression coefficient for determining depth of investigation in Monte Carlo inversions.

Thidiazuron-induced direct organogenesis from immature inflorescence of three date palm cultivars

BackgroundInflorescence explants of date palm proved to be a promising tool for micropropagation of elite cultivars or rare males and females as organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis could be achieved. These plant materials are abundantly available every year and can be used as cheap and potent explants. Nevertheless, many difficulties could be faced in this protocol according to selection of the spathe size and age, media components, growth regulators, etc. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of various cytokinins on direct organs induction of three date palm cultivars (Selmi, Barhee, and Medjool) from immature inflorescence. An additional objective of this study was to investigate the effect of cytokinins and auxins on growth and development of Medjool cultivar. ResultsVarious combinations of cytokinins were investigated on three date palm inflorescences as N6-(2-isopentenyl) adenine (2iP), kinetin, benzyleadenine (BA), and thidiazuron (N-phenyl-N′-1,2,3-thidiazol-5-yl urea) (TDZ). TDZ alone or in combination with BA proved to be superior for direct organogenesis in all three cultivars so that another combination of TDZ with BA was conducted. Results showed that moderate concentration of BA, with TDZ, gave superior response. Medjool cultivar response surpassed other two cultivars that made the possibility to conduct some growth regulators treatments on its multiplication and regeneration. TDZ at 0.5 + BA at 1.0 mg/l without activated charcoal seemed to enhance multiplication rate. Medium containing 0.5 mg/l of both naphthaleneacetic acid and indole butyric acid in addition to 1.0 mg/l indole acetic acid appeared to be more suitable for rooting stage of Medjool shootlets. ConclusionIn this study, we created an innovation sequence of growth regulators included in nutrient media for date palm direct organogenesis from inflorescence. Organogenesis has been accelerated from immature inflorescence explants and developed to healthy plantlets which acclimatized in greenhouse.

Simple Threshold Method in Fault Diagnosis for Voltage Source Inverter in a Direct Torque Control Induction Motor Drive

Background: The need for a diagnosis today, becomes a necessity for variable speed AC drives in several industrial applications. An important research axis is oriented towards monitoring the state of the converter supplying the electric motor. Indeed, the voltage source inverter is likely to have switching faults. Therefore, an emergency stop of the motor drive must be done. Objective: After reviewing related patents and works, the objective of this paper is to identify the feasibility of fault detection and diagnosis in a three-phase inverter feeding an induction motor. Methods: The proposed approach is a simple threshold fault classification method applied to fault diagnosis of a Direct Torque Control (DTC) induction motor drive using the stator Concordia mean current vector. With a fault occurrence, a localization domain consisting of seven patterns is constructed. Results: Simulated results on 1.5-kW induction motor drive show the effectiveness of the proposed approach with a good classification performance. Conclusion: The classification performance of our simple diagnosis system is acceptable for one fault occurrence compared to other methods. Faulty switch detection and identification is completed within a few periods of current. Using intelligent technique should improve classification performances for multiple faults occurrence.

Inverse density-dependent diapause and its influence on population dynamics in Monochamus alternatus alternatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

Monochamus alternatus alternatus Hope (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is the primary vector of pine wilt disease in China and Taiwan. It has a partially bivoltine life cycle with facultative diapause at the final larval instar that is mediated by the initial larval density. To evaluate the effect of density-related induction of diapause on population fluctuation, one, two or four newly hatched larvae were inoculated on individual Pinus thunbergii bolts and the life-history traits including diapause were investigated. This experiment indicated that as initial population size/bolt (crowding) increased, the diapause incidence, larval stage survival, adult body size, development time of nondiapause individuals and pupal period of diapause individuals decreased. The analysis indicated that larval interference as well as food shortage suppressed diapause induction. Increasing larval density decreased the probability of diapausing, survival, adult body mass and other traits. Using the data obtained from this study, a simple mathematical model indicated that inverse density-dependent induction of diapause in the first generation had a destabilizing effect on the population size of overwintering generation, which was composed of diapause larvae of the first and second generations; whereas, direct density-dependent induction of diapause exerted a stabilizing effect on it.

Direct somatic embryogenesis using leaf explants and short term storage of synseeds in Spathoglottis plicata Blume

Spathoglottis plicata Blume is a vulnerable orchid species in various parts of the world, and the conventional propagation provides limited success to its cultivation and conservation. Therefore, present study deals with the direct induction of somatic embryos (SEs) from the leaf explants of S. plicata. Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) medium fortified with various types and concentrations of plant growth regulators were used to induce somatic embryogenesis and plantlet production. The highest percentage of somatic embryo formation (93.7 ± 0.56%) was achieved on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L−1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), whereas, maximum proliferation and increase in fresh weight (FW) of SEs (149.5 ± 0.24 mg/ 50 mg initial FW) was achieved on MS medium fortified with 2.0 mg L−1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) within 5 weeks of incubation. The light microscopic observation revealed that SEs emerged directly from the leaf surface. The viable synthetic seeds (SS) from SEs were prepared by encapsulating with gel matrix of 3% (w/v) sodium alginate and 100 mM calcium chloride. The SS were successfully stored for 60 days at − 4 °C with 97.4% germination frequency and shoot proliferation using MS medium with 2.0 mg L−1 BAP and 0.25 mg L−1 indole-3-acetic acid. The synergistic rooting frequency was observed on half-strength MS medium with 1.0 mg L−1 indole-3-butyric acid. The rooted shoots were acclimatized in a greenhouse with a 90% survival rate using soilrite® and vermicompost. This is an efficient short-term storage and regeneration protocol for S. plicata, which could help in reducing pressure on its wild population and could also be extended to the cryopreservation of this orchid species. The somatic embryos were induced directly from the leaf explants of Spathoglottis plicata and an efficient short-term storage protocol was developed by encapsulating these somatic embryos. The light microscopic analysis confirmed the formation of somatic embryos. The protocol could be convenient for the commercial cultivation and conservation of S. plicata.

An Effective Induction Motor Fault Diagnosis Approach Using Graph-Based Semi-Supervised Learning

Machine learning has paved its way into induction motors fault diagnosis area, where supervised learning and deep learning have been employed. However, both learning methods require a large amount of labeled data to train the model, which pose significant challenges in real life applications. To overcome this issue, in this paper, the graph-based semi-supervised learning (GSSL) is adopted to develop a fault diagnosis method for direct online induction motors due to GSSL's superior feature that only a small amount of labeled data is needed in training datasets. To evaluate its suitability, the greedy-gradient max cut (GGMC) algorithm in the GSSL family is chosen in this study, and an effective fault diagnosis approach is developed using experimental stator currents recorded in the lab for two induction motors. The developed approach can conduct binary and multiclass classifications for faults on direct online induction motors. As a critical step, curve fitting equations are developed to calculate features for untested motor loadings by using experimental data for tested motor loadings, which enables the proposed approach to remain effective under all potential motor loading conditions.

DNA double-strand breaks repair inhibitors potentiates the combined effect of VP-16 and CDDP in human colorectal adenocarcinoma (LoVo) cells.

A combination of etoposide (VP-16) and cisplatin (CDDP) is the standard treatment for certain colon cancers. These drugs promote the death of cancer cells via direct and indirect induction of the most lethal DNA lesions - DNA double-stand breaks. However, cancer cells can reverse the DNA damaging effect of anticancer drugs by triggering DNA repair processes. In eukaryotic cells, the main DNA repair pathway responsible for DNA double-stand breaks repair is non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). Inhibitors of DNA repair are of special interest in cancer research as they could break the cellular resistance to DNA-damaging agents and increase the efficiency of standard cancer treatments. In this study, we investigated the effect of two NHEJ inhibitors, SCR7 and NU7441, on the cytotoxic mechanism of VP-16/CDDP in a LoVo human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line. SCR7 blocks Ligase IV-mediated joining by interfering with its DNA binding, whereas NU7441 is a highly potent and selective DNA-PK inhibitor.II. Both inhibitors synergistically increased the cytotoxicity of CDDP and VP-16 when combined, but the effect of SCR7 was more pronounced. SCR7 and NU7441 also significantly increased VP-16; CDDP induced DNA double-stand breaks level and delayed drug-induced DSB repair, as seen on the comet assay and measured using H2AX foci. We also observed changes in cell cycle distribution and enhanced apoptosis ratio in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells treated with DNA repair inhibitors and VP-16/CDDP.III. Our data support the hypothesis that NHEJ inhibitors could be used in conjunction with standard therapy to provide effective clinical improvement and allow reduction in drug doses.