Processing Site Research Articles

High-resolution imaging reveals compartmentalization of mitochondrial protein synthesis in cultured human cells

Human mitochondria contain their own genome, mitochondrial DNA, that is expressed in the mitochondrial matrix. This genome encodes 13 vital polypeptides that are components of the multisubunit complexes that couple oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). The inner mitochondrial membrane that houses these complexes comprises the inner boundary membrane that runs parallel to the outer membrane, infoldings that form the cristae membranes, and the cristae junctions that separate the two. It is in these cristae membranes that the OXPHOS complexes have been shown to reside in various species. The majority of the OXPHOS subunits are nuclear-encoded and must therefore be imported from the cytosol through the outer membrane at contact sites with the inner boundary membrane. As the mitochondrially encoded components are also integral members of these complexes, where does protein synthesis occur? As transcription, mRNA processing, maturation, and at least part of the mitoribosome assembly process occur at the nucleoid and the spatially juxtaposed mitochondrial RNA granules, is protein synthesis also performed at the RNA granules close to these entities, or does it occur distal to these sites? We have adapted a click chemistry-based method coupled with stimulated emission depletion nanoscopy to address these questions. We report that, in human cells in culture, within the limits of our methodology, the majority of mitochondrial protein synthesis is detected at the cristae membranes and is spatially separated from the sites of RNA processing and maturation.

Analysis of proteolytic processing sites in potyvirus polyproteins revealed differential amino acid preferences of NIa-Pro protease in each of seven cleavage sites.

Potyviruses encode a large polyprotein that undergoes proteolytic processing, producing 10 mature proteins: P1, HC-Pro, P3, 6K1, CI, 6K2, VPg, NIa-Pro, NIb-RdRp, and CP. While P1/HC-Pro and HC-Pro/P3 junctions are cleaved by P1 and HC-Pro, respectively, the remaining seven are processed by NIa-Pro. In this study, we analyzed 135 polyprotein sequences from approved potyvirus species and deduced the consensus amino acid residues at five positions (from −4 to +1, where a protease cleaves between −1 and +1) in each of nine cleavage sites. In general, the newly deduced consensus sequences were consistent with the previous ones. However, seven NIa-Pro cleavage sites showed distinct amino acid preferences despite being processed by the same protease. At position −2, histidine was the dominant amino acid residue in most cleavage sites (57.8–60.7% of analyzed sequences), except for the NIa-Pro/NIb-RdRp junction where it was absent. At position −1, glutamine was highly dominant in most sites (88.2–97.8%), except for the VPg/NIa-Pro junction where glutamic acid was found in all the analyzed proteins (100%). At position +1, serine was the most abundant residue (47.4–86.7%) in five out of seven sites, while alanine (52.6%) and glycine (82.2%) were the most abundant in the P3/6K1 and 6K2/VPg junctions, respectively. These findings suggest that each NIa-Pro cleavage site is finely tuned for differential characteristics of proteolytic reactions. The newly deduced consensus sequences may be useful resources for the development of models and methods to accurately predict potyvirus polyprotein processing sites.

Binocular Suppression in the Macaque Lateral Geniculate Nucleus Reveals Early Competitive Interactions between the Eyes.

The lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of the dorsal thalamus is the primary recipient of the two eyes’ outputs. Most LGN neurons are monocular in that they are activated by visual stimulation through only one (dominant) eye. However, there are both intrinsic connections and inputs from binocular structures to the LGN that could provide these neurons with signals originating from the other (non-dominant) eye. Indeed, previous work introducing luminance differences across the eyes or using a single-contrast stimulus showed binocular modulation for single unit activity in anesthetized macaques and multiunit activity in awake macaques. Here, we sought to determine the influence of contrast viewed by both the non-dominant and dominant eyes on LGN single-unit responses in awake macaques. To do this, we adjusted each eye’s signal strength by independently varying the contrast of stimuli presented to the two eyes. Specifically, we recorded LGN single unit spiking activity in two awake macaques while they viewed drifting gratings of varying contrast. We found that LGN neurons of all types [parvocellular (P), magnocellular (M), and koniocellular (K)] were significantly suppressed when stimuli were presented at low contrast to the dominant eye and at high contrast to the non-dominant eye. Further, the inputs of the two eyes showed antagonistic interaction, whereby the magnitude of binocular suppression diminished with high contrast in the dominant eye, or low contrast in the non-dominant eye. These results suggest that the LGN represents a site of precortical binocular processing involved in resolving discrepant contrast differences between the eyes.

Ecological risk assessment of heavy metal-contaminated soils of selected villages in Zamfara State, Nigeria

The incidence of heavy metal contamination in Zamfara State, northern Nigeria, due to artisanal mining in some villages has resulted in the pollution of a vast area of land and water. This study evaluated the extent of environmental risks caused by heavy metals. It involved five (5) villages (Bagega, Dareta, Sunke, Tunga, and Abare) where mining activities were taking place and Anka town with no record of mining activities served as control. In each of the five villages, three sites (3) were identified as a mining site, processing site, and village making a total of sixteen (16) sites. Bulked soil samples were collected in triplicate and analyzed for iron, lead, cadmium, chromium, zinc, and nickel using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Measured concentrations of the heavy metals in soils were then used to calculate the pollution and ecological risk pose by heavy metals. Their concentrations were in the order Fe > Pb > Cr > Zn > Cd > Ni, with Pb and Cd having a concentration higher than permissible levels for soils and accounted for 98.64% of the total potential ecological risk. Also, all the different pollution indices examined showed that all the sites were polluted with Cd, and all the processing sites were polluted with Pb. This reveals that processing sites pose more risk to heavy metal contamination. Correlation analysis showed a highly significant (p < 0.001) positive correlation between Pb and Zn, Cr and Ni, and a significant (p < 0.01) positive correlation between Fe and Pb, Zn and Cr. The principal component analysis suggested that Pb, Zn, Cr, and Ni likely originated from the same source, i.e., mining activities, and Fe and Cd originated from the abundant parent material in the study area.

HERC2 inactivation abrogates nucleolar localization of RecQ helicases BLM and WRN

The nucleolus is a nuclear structure composed of ribosomal DNA (rDNA), and functions as a site for rRNA synthesis and processing. The rDNA is guanine-rich and prone to form G-quadruplex (G4), a secondary structure of DNA. We have recently found that HERC2, an HECT ubiquitin ligase, promotes BLM and WRN RecQ DNA helicases to resolve the G4 structure. Here, we report the role of HERC2 in the regulation of nucleolar localization of the helicases. Furthermore, HERC2 inactivation enhances the effects of CX-5461, an inhibitor of RNA polymerase I (Pol I)-mediated transcription of rRNA with an intrinsic G4-stabilizing activity. HERC2 depletion or homozygous deletion of the C-terminal HECT domain of HERC2 prevented the nucleolar localization of BLM and WRN, and inhibited relocalization of BLM to replication stress-induced nuclear RPA foci. HERC2 colocalized with fibrillarin and Pol I subunit RPA194, both of which are required for rRNA transcription. The HERC2 dysfunction enhanced the suppression of pre-rRNA transcription by CX-5461. These results suggest the effect of HERC2 status on the functions of BLM and WRN on rRNA transcription in the nucleolus. Since HERC2 is downregulated in numerous cancers, this effect may be clinically relevant considering the beneficial effects of CX-5461 in cancer treatments.

In vivo nuclear RNA structurome reveals RNA-structure regulation of mRNA processing in plants

BackgroundmRNA processing is critical for gene expression. A challenge in regulating mRNA processing is how to recognize the actual mRNA processing sites, such as splice and polyadenylation sites, when the sequence content is insufficient for this purpose. Previous studies suggested that RNA structure affects mRNA processing. However, the regulatory role of RNA structure in mRNA processing remains unclear.ResultsHere, we perform in vivo selective 2′-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension (SHAPE) chemical profiling on Arabidopsis and generate the in vivo nuclear RNA structure landscape. We find that nuclear mRNAs fold differently from cytosolic mRNAs across translation start and stop sites. Notably, we discover a two-nucleotide single-stranded RNA structure feature upstream of 5′ splice sites that is strongly associated with splicing and the selection of alternative 5′ splice sites. The regulatory role of this RNA structure feature is further confirmed by experimental validation. Moreover, we find the single-strandedness of branch sites is also associated with 3′ splice site recognition. We also identify an RNA structure feature comprising two close-by single-stranded regions that is specifically associated with both polyadenylation and alternative polyadenylation events.ConclusionsWe successfully identify pre-mRNA structure features associated with splicing and polyadenylation at whole-genome scale and validate an RNA structure feature which can regulate splicing. Our study unveils a new RNA structure regulatory mechanism for mRNA processing.

Stability of fire barriers in tank farms in case of destruction of vertical tanks

The issue of raising the level of safety of people, lands and property from potential threats in emergency situations in oil and gas storage and processing sites is particular concern to all levels of authority in countries, whether they are legal or executive authority. Study of the statistical data of incidents and fires at these equipment showed that the most negative effects for the damage to the company’s personnel, the population and the environment occurred during the quasi-instantaneous destruction of the vertical steel tank. The distinguishing features of such an accident are the complete loss of the integrity of the vertical oil tank hull and the release of all the liquid stored in the tank in the form of a powerful flow (breakout wave), which has a great destructive power, to the adjacent territory within a short term of time. The most important measures to reduce oil and petroleum products leakage in tank farms are reinforced earth dams and closed walls made of materials that are vulnerable to heat (important in the case of fire), Which led to many unsolvable cases. Recently, vertical steel tank with double walls of the “glass in a glass “type have been used in some oil tanks, in practice, they have not found wide application, which is due, first of all, it needs to allocate a significant territory for their arrangement, and its high cost.

Modeling the distribution of rock mass and native copper output by size classes during crushing

The article considers the features of the distribution of technological indicators (product output, content and extraction of copper) by size classes, the main factors influencing the crushing process are identified and regression dependences of productivity on influencing factors are received. The parabolic nature of the dependences of the output of crushed rock on the size class is established. The high adequacy of the obtained models was confirmed and the most promising classes of rock size for copper extraction were determined. The obtained results and models will allow to develop a generalized model of the process of native copper mining and to implement this process with rational and optimal parameters. Also, the received models will allow to carry out an estimation of productivity of a research site of processing of raw materials of basalt quarries.

The effectiveness of the non-free plastic bag policy to reduce plastic waste in the community of Padang

The waste generation of Padang City at the Final Processing Site (TPA) is 495.50 tons/day, and the amount of unmanaged waste is 62.42 tons/day, of which 40% is plastic waste. Efforts to reduce the use of plastic bags have begun in Padang, referring to Perwaliko number 36 of 2018. Shopping centers and modern stores must use plastic shopping bags that meet SNI no later than December 31, 2020, especially in various retail and contemporary shopping centers. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the effectiveness of plastic use policies and the decrease in the use of plastic bags in people who shop at modern retailers in Padang City. This type of research is quantitative with a cross-sectional design. The number of samples is 116 respondents who shop at modern shopping centers, namely Matahari Dept. Store, Food Mart Padang, Ramayana Padang and SPAR Padang. Data analysis used univariate and bivariate analysis. The results showed that 46.6% of respondents stated that the plastic bag policy was not adequate, and 46.6% of respondents stated that there was no reduction in plastic bags. There is a significant relationship between the effectiveness of the plastic bag policy and the decrease in the use of plastic bags in the people of Padang City (p=0,029). With this paid plastic bag policy, government, retailers, and the public will be more concerned with the environment.

DDNN based data allocation method for IIoT

Abstract With the complete application of artificial intelligence in the field of industrial production and manufacturing and the rapid development of edge computing, industrial processing sites often need to deploy machine learning tasks at edges and terminals. We propose a data allocation method based on Distributed Deep Neural Networks (DDNN) framework, which allocates data to edge servers or stays locally for processing. DDNN divides deep learning tasks and deploys pre-trained shallow neural networks and deep neural networks at local or edges, respectively. However, all data is processed locally, and the failure is sent to the edge server or the cloud. It will lead to excessive pressure on local terminal equipment and long-term idle edge servers, which cannot meet industrial production’s real-time requirements on user privacy and time-sensitive tasks. In this paper, the complexity and inference error rate of machine learning model, the data processing speed of local equipment and edge server, and the transmission time are comprehensively considered to establish the system model. A joint optimization problem is proposed to minimize the total data processing delay. The optimal solution is derived analytically, and the optimal data allocation methhod is given. Simulation experiments are designed to verify the method’s effectiveness and study the influence of key parameters on the allocation method.

Gold mining in the Eastern Desert of Egypt, from the New Kingom to medieval times: new insight from the Samut district

Gold was plentiful in Egypt and had been used by the Pharaohs from earliest times as a means of asserting their power. But the history and archaeology of the mining and production of the Egyptian gold is a lot less known than the splendour of the country’s kings. Between 2013 and 2016, the French Eastern desert mission aimed to fill in these gaps in our knowledge through the excavation of the gold mining district of Samut, located between Edfu and Marsa Alam. It hosts one of the largest Ptolemaic mineral processing site of the region, Samut north. The excellent preservation of the remains made possible, for the first time, a comparison between archaeological remains and the well-known treatise of Agatharchides of Cnidus exposing the awful conditions of living in the gold mines of the Ptolemies. Besides, three other sites were explored: the impressive village of Samut el-Beda, dated to the New Kingdom, and two small villages of medieval times. In all the sites structures and artifacts related to the gold processing were unearthed, that held crucial data on the technological and organizational evolution of the gold exploitation over more than two millennia in the Eastern desert.

Analisis Sistem Informasi Geografis untuk Penentuan Lokasi Tempat Pemrosesan Akhir Sampah di Kabupaten Lombok Timur

The increase of population in East Lombok Regency has an effect on the increase in the volume of waste, while the existing Waste Final Processing Sites (WFPS) are no longer able to accommodate the increasing volume of waste. The government also has not yet received a suitable location recommendation for the construction of a new WFPS, therefore it is very important to carry out a suitability analysis for the establishment of a new WFPS in East Lombok Regency to overcome the high volume of waste in the old WFPS. This study aims to determine a suitable location for WFPS development. This research is a quantitative descriptive study based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Determination of parameters for the analysis of the suitability of WFPS locations using the Indonesian National Standard (INS) Number 03-3241-1994. Data analysis technique uses overlay several maps using ArcGIS version 10.1 application. The analysis process is divided into three stages, namely: 1) the regional stage, which is the initial selection stage to determine the land suitability class; 2) the elimination stage, at this stage the elimination is carried out from the results in the first stage by using the values and weights of general parameters and physical parameters; 3) the appropriate location recommendation phase. Based on the results of data analysis, it is known that the suitable location to become WFPS in East Lombok Regency is Pringgabaya District with 164 score. Keywords: GIS analysis, WFPS,Lombok Timur

Medieval silver mining area Havírna near Štěpánov nad Svratkou: Documentation in 2017–2019 and the issue of its interpretation

The thirteenth and fourteenth-century silver mining and processing site in the forest of Havírna is located 2.1 kilometres north-east of Štěpánov nad Svratkou in the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands and is among the best-preserved medieval mining sites in the Czech lands. The archaeological part of the current research project focuses on the precision surveying of the site using land-based laser terrain scanning. The outputs – a plan with the basic contour interval of 20 cm and a spatial visualisation – enable further characterisation of the whole complex of stopes. The ore accumulations were mined in three core shaft zones, within which the 13th/14th-century mine workings occupied a total area of 20.5 ha. The mine workings were accompanied by large contemporary mining settlements in several parts of the site and technical and administrative facilities and features were also detected. A parallel detector survey evidenced a rich, specific culture of the mining milieu as well as advanced technologies used for the exploitation and processing of ores. The remains of satellite and exploration mining activities in the wider area are also documented. The current study highlights the major potential of this site for research into medieval precious metal mining in a wider European context.

Effect of Pullulanase Debranching and Retrogradation on Resistant Starch Yield and Glycemic Index of Garri

Aims: This research is aimed at developing a method of processing to increase the quantity of resistant starch in garri and reduce its glycemic index using pullulanase-producing Bacillus subtilis organism.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of applied microbiology and brewing, Nnnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka between January, 2018 and February, 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: The organism was isolated from different cassava processing sites in Anambra metropolis, Nigeria. It was then identified based on phenotypic, biochemical and molecular characteristics After which the pullulanase assay, the fermentation studies, resistant starch analysis and glycemic index was analysed.&#x0D; Results: Pullulanase assay result showed Bacillus subtilis as a very good pullulanase producing organism with a pullulanase quantity of. The resistant starch content was found to be higher for the samples fermented with the choice organism and retrograded at 10oC at 14.29%, than the control garri sample fermented without any organism and not retrograded at 4.73%. The glycemic index was relatively high in all the garri samples, however, the lowest glycemic index, 62% was observed in the garri sample produced with the choice organism.&#x0D; Conclusion: This research has been able to show that pullulanase enzyme from Bacillus subtilis is a very useful industrial raw material in production of functional foods with low glycemic index.

Bioefficiency of Clarias gariepinus Liver Rhodanese and Physicochemical Parameters of Soil from Cassava Effluent Contaminated Odo-Oba River, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria

Cyanide contamination of Soil and aquatic environment has become a great concern in Nigeria because of increase in the number of cassava processing milling plants. The sample collection and the conduct of this experiment took place between September and October when the country is experiencing late rainfall. The levels of physicochemical parameters in soil and plant samples were obtained using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Soil and plant samples of Amaranthus spinosus were obtained from cassava processing site (site X) and other samples 100m to the cassava mills (site Y) as control. The concentration of metals in soil samples in mg/kg at site ‘X’ recorded were Cr(39.0mg/kg), Mn(3.5mg/kg), Cu(33.0mg/kg), Fe(4.3mg/kg), Pb(2.5mg/kg), and Zn(52.5mg/kg) while that of site ‘Y’ were Cr(16.5mg/kg), Mn(1.3mg/kg), Cu(13.0mg/kg), Fe(1.9mg/kg), Pb(0.3mg/kg), and Zn(17.0mg/kg). The concentration values for AS, Cd and Nickel in the environment were below detection limit for all soil and plant samples. The concentrations of metals in A. spinosus root and shoot in mg/kg from sites ‘X’ were Cr(6.00mg/kg - 8.50mg/kg), Fe(0.55mg/kg - 0.80mg/kg), Cu(4.00mg/kg - 5.50mg/kg), Pb(0.05mg/kg - 0.08mg/kg), Zn(6.00mg/kg - 8.00mg/kg), Mn(0.35mg/kg - 0.5mg/kg) while that of site ‘Y’ were Cr(5.50mg/kg - 8.00mg/kg), Fe(0.545mg/kg - 1.00mg/kg), Cu(4.00mg/kg - 6.50mg/kg), Pb(0.03mg/kg - 0.08mg/kg), Zn(7.50mg/kg - 9.50mg/kg), Mn(0.30mg/kg - 0.60mg/kg). The values of some metals analyzed were above the recommended values by WHO and FEPA. The analysis of effluents and surface water samples resulted in higher figures for most of the parameters and acidic pH in cassava effluent than the surface water sample. The mode of phytoremediation was also investigated. Data obtained suggested the plants could be used for phyto-extraction of these metals. Rhodanese, enzyme that detoxify cyanide was extracted and characterized from the liver of Clarias gariepinus of cassava effluents contaminated Odo-Oba River. The results show specific activities of 0.0526RUmg-1. The optimal temperature and pH of 30˚C and 7.0 were recorded for the enzyme respectively. The Vmax of 9.62RU/Ml and 6.33RU/Ml were obtained for the KCN and Na2S2O3 substrates while for the Km, higher figures of 49.4mM and 28.5mM were recorded respectively. However, the Km values of the fish liver Rhodanese of Clarias gariepinus indicated higher affinity for thiosulphate (Na2S2O3) than for potassium cyanide (KCN) as a substrate, although maximum activity was observed for KCN substrate. Inhibition studies on the enzyme with a number of chloride salts showed that the activity of the enzyme was not affected by Mg2+,, Mn2+,Ca2+ while Ba2+,Hg2+ and Cu2+ inhibited the enzyme considerably.

The fate of heavy metals and salts during the wet treatment of municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash

Bottom ash contains unfavorable contaminants that could leach into the circulating water used for wet treatment, and its improper disposal of bottom ash could cause ecological pollution. This study was to discuss the partition of heavy metals and salts of bottom ash into circulating water and ash stockpile runoff in wet treatment plants in southern China. The leachability of bottom ash before and after the wet treatment was also investigated. The checked heavy metals Pb, Cu, and Ni and dissolved salts Cl− and SO42− show lower available fractions in leachate from the treated bottom ash than that in raw bottom ash. Circulating water is contaminated by target heavy metals, which the contents of Cu and Pb is higher than its limit for urban wastewater discharge. The circulating water owned the highest concentration of Cl− and SO42−, above10000 mg/L, and 1100 mg/L, which is far higher than the limits. The detected heavy metals, Cl− and SO42− in runoff also exceed the limits for urban wastewater discharge. Locations for bottom ash processing and storage sites should be selected to control and prevent any leaching and runoff impacts. Any runoff and circulation water should be discharged to the lined landfill’s leachate collection system or suitable industrial wastewater treatment facilities.

Isolation, Screening and Time Course Study of Amylase-producing Fungi from Garri Processing Environment

Amylases (E.C.3.2.1.1) are enzymes which catalyze the breakdown of -1,4 glycosidic linkages of starch to simple sugars and different monomeric products. Microbial amylases are essential enzymes compared with animals and plants amylases in industrial applications. Thus, in southern Nigeria, garri processing waste-water from mills poses a serious environmental challenge and this situation could be exploited by utilizing microorganisms colonizing the area to manufacture microbial products. This present study was aimed at evaluating the potential of fungi isolated from garri processing environment for amylase secretion and conduct a time course study of the enzyme production. Fungi were isolated from the soil and waste water from garri processing sites using Standard Microbiological Procedures. The five fungi isolated from garri processing environmental samples were screened using Lugols iodine. Three fungal isolates were then selected on the hydrolysis of starch in qualitative zonation agar plates but one isolate named B among them was better in starch hydrolysis related to highest clear zone plates. After qualitative screening, the three hyper production amylase extracted fungi were identified according to the morphological characteristics. The hyper producing amylase isolate B was then identified as Aspergillus flavus (RCBBR_AEAFUN2) and recorded as a novel strain in southern Nigeria according to molecular characteristics, which was selected for further studies. The current results of time course study showed that the maximum growth (2.453 g) occurred after 24 h of incubation at pH 4.5 while maximum enzyme production (2.3 U/ml/min) was obtained after 96 h of incubation at pH 3.5. Therefore, the hyper producing amylase from garri processing sites, Aspergillus flavus (RCBBR_AEAFUN2) novel strain has great prospects for future biotechnological and industrial applications and help in ameliorating the environmental pollution posed by the waste-water.

Efficacy of Slow Sand Filtration System Embedded with Activated Carbon for Agro-Industrial Wastewater Treatment

Indiscriminate disposal of untreated cassava wastewater is a major environmental challenge faced by communities hosting indigenous cassava processorsin Nigeria. This study is therefore aimed at assessing theeffectiveness of a simple slow sand filtration system embedded with activated carbon layer for cassava wastewater treatment. The filters were loaded in layers with graded sand, gravel, and varying thickness of activated carbon bed. Cassava wastewater was obtained from a processing site at Ibogun, Ogun State,Nigeria. The filters were filled and left for about two weeks for “schmutzdecke” to form on the top surface of the sand bed and then operated at room temperature (28-34 °C) at hydraulic retention times of 6, 12, and 24 h. The result showed thatcollected wastewater hada mean value of 1357NTU, 385, 31.87, and 716mg/L ofturbidity, biochemical oxygen demand(BOD), hydrogen cyanide (HCN)content, and chemical oxygen demand (COD), respectively. These values wereabove the permissible limit set by the local and international regulatory agencies. The filters with activated carbon showeda drastic reduction in the pollutants load (BOD: 38%-57%, COD: 26%-46%, HCN: 79%, and NTU: 96.5%-98%). This is corroborated by P-values &lt;0.05 of 2.84 x 10-32and 1.69x10-29 for COD and BOD,respectively. The obtained result alsodisclosedthat some parameters did not conform to the acceptable limitbut there was a reduction in key pollutants of cassava wastewater. Therefore,the filter can be used as a low-cost treatment mechanism for cassava wastewater prior to disposal.

Quality grading of jujubes using composite convolutional neural networks in combination with RGB color space segmentation and deep convolutional generative adversarial networks

AbstractAs an important link in the processing of jujube products, the qualities classification of jujubes have an important impact on improving the value of commodities. In this study, jujube target was extracted based on the RGB color space characteristics and then put into a black background through a mask. The data augmentation method combined deep convolutional generative adversarial networks and rigid transformation (RT) was used to improve the data richness of defective jujubes, effectively solve the imbalance problem between different types of jujube data. A composite convolutional neural network (CNN) method based on residual networks was designed to effectively solve the problem of misjudgment between jujubes with subtle defects and healthy jujubes. The overall results illustrated that the defect detection accuracy of the proposed scheme was 99.2%, which was superior to the widely used support vector machine and CNN methods. This work could be applied to the actual processing site and greatly improved the quality classification effect of jujubes.Practical ApplicationsCracks, peeling, wrinkles, and other defects have seriously affected the quality and value of jujubes, and the quality classification of jujubes is imperative. This paper proposes a set of deep learning schemes from three aspects of improving data quality, enhancing data richness, and designing more accurate and effective classification models. Experimental results show that this scheme can significantly improve the accuracy of jujube quality grading.

A relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide identified from the starfish Astropecten scoparius.

A relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP) in starfish was the first identified invertebrate gonadotropin responsible for final gamete maturation. An RGP ortholog was newly identified from Astropecten scoparius of the order Paxillosida. The A. scoparius RGP (AscRGP) precursor is encoded by a 354 base pair open reading frame and is a 118 amino acid (aa) protein consisting of a signal peptide (26 aa), B-chain (21 aa), C-peptide (47 aa), and A-chain (24 aa). There are three putative processing sites (Lys-Arg) between the B-chain and C-peptide, between the C-peptide and A-chain, and within the C-peptide. This structural organization revealed that the mature AscRGP is composed of A- and B-chains with two interchain disulfide bonds and one intrachain disulfide bond. The C-terminal residues of the B-chain are Gln-Gly-Arg, which is a potential substrate for formation of an amidated C-terminal Gln residue. Non-amidated (AscRGP-GR) and amidated (AscRGP-NH2 ) peptides were chemically synthesized and their effect on gamete shedding activity was examined using A. scoparius ovaries. Both AscRGP-GR and AscRGP-NH2 induced oocyte maturation and ovulation in similar dose-dependent manners. This is the first report on a C-terminally amidated functional RGP. Collectively, these results suggest that AscRGP-GR and AscRGP-NH2 act as a natural gonadotropic hormone in A. scoparius.