Coming to grips with reality: Real grasps, but not pantomimed grasps, resist a simultaneous tilt illusion

Investigations of grasping real, 3D objects subjected to illusory effects from a pictorial background often choose in-flight grasp aperture as the primary variable to test the hypothesis that the visuomotor system resists the illusion. Here we test an equally important feature of grasps that has received less attention: in-flight grasp orientation. The current study tested a variant of the simultaneous tilt illusion using a mirror-apparatus to manipulate the availability of haptic feedback. Participants performed grasps with haptic feedback (real grasps) and without it (pantomime grasps), reaching for the reflection of a real, 3D bar atop a background grating that induced a 1.1° bias in the perceived orientation of the bar in a separate sample of participants. Analysis of the hand's in-flight grasp orientation at early, late, and end stages of the reach showed that at no point were the real grasps biased by the illusion. In contrast, pantomimed grasps were affected by the illusion at the late and end stages of the reach. At each stage, the effect on the real grasps was significantly weaker than the effect of the illusion as measured by the mean point of subjective equality (PSE) in a two-alternative forced-choice task. In contrast, the effect on the pantomime grasps was statistically indistinguishable from the mean PSE at all three stages of the reach. These findings reinforce the idea that in-flight grasp orientation, like grasp aperture to pictorial illusions of target size, is refractory to pictorial backgrounds that bias perceived orientation.

Thermal and flow performance analysis of a concentrated linear Fresnel solar collector with transverse ribs

This article deals with the impact of including transverse ribs within the absorber tube of the concentrated linear Fresnel collector (CLFRC) system with a secondary compound parabolic collector (CPC) on thermal and flow performance coefficients. The enhancement rates of heat transfer due to varying governing parameters were compared and analyzed parametrically at Reynolds numbers in the range 5,000-13,000, employing water as the heat transfer fluid. Simulations were performed to solve the governing equations using the finite volume method (FVM) under various boundary conditions. For all Reynolds numbers, the average Nusselt number in the circular tube in the CLFRC system with ribs was found to be larger than that of the plain absorber tube. Also, the inclusion of transverse ribs inside the absorber tube increases the average Nusselt number by approximately 115% at Re = 5,000 and 175% at Re = 13,000. For all Reynolds numbers, the skin friction coefficient of the circular tube with ribs in the CLFRC system is larger than that of the plain absorber tube. The coefficient of surface friction reduces as the Reynolds number increases. The performance assessment criterion was found to vary between 1.8 and 1.9 as the Reynolds number increases.

Outdoor Performance Analysis of a Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) Collector with Jet Impingement and Compound Parabolic Concentrator (CPC)

This paper discusses the effect of jet impingement of water on a photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collector and compound parabolic concentrators (CPC) on electrical efficiency, thermal efficiency and power production of a PVT system. A prototype of a PVT solar water collector installed with a jet impingement and CPC has been designed, fabricated and experimentally investigated. The efficiency of the system can be improved by using jet impingement of water to decrease the temperature of the solar cells. The electrical efficiency and power output are directly correlated with the mass flow rate. The results show that electrical efficiency was improved by 7% when using CPC and jet impingement cooling in a PVT solar collector at 1:00 p.m. (solar irradiance of 1050 W/m² and an ambient temperature of 33.5 °C). It can also be seen that the power output improved by 36% when using jet impingement cooling with CPC, and 20% without CPC in the photovoltaic (PV) module at 1:30 p.m. The short-circuit current I_SC of the PV module experienced an improvement of ~28% when using jet impingement cooling with CPC, and 11.7% without CPC. The output of the PV module was enhanced by 31% when using jet impingement cooling with CPC, and 16% without CPC.

Electrocoagulation by solar energy feed for textile wastewater treatment including mechanism and hydrogen production using a novel reactor design with a rotating anode

This paper describes the treatment of textile wastewater using a unique design of an electrocoagulation (EC) reactor with a rotating anode.

Phytotoxicity of pathogenic fungi and their mycotoxins to cereal seedling viability

Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria alternata and Fusarium oxysporum were found to be the pathogenic fungi mostly reducing cereal (barley, sorghum and wheat) seedlings. The pathogens have the ability to produce aflatoxin B1 and G1, diacetoxyscirpenol, kojic acid and tenuazonic acid that reduced seedling viability. The inhibition dose for 50% reduction (LD50) was recorded by aflatoxins at 0.83 mg L-1 for barley, 1.74 mg L-1 for wheat and 2.75 mg L-1 for sorghum. Diacetoxyscirpenol produced its inhibition at 1.26 mg L-1 for barley, 3.98 mg L-1 for wheat and 10 mg L-1 for sorghum. Kojic acid induced 50% inhibition at 63 mg L-1 for barley, 105 mg L-1 for wheat and 251 mg L-1 for sorghum. However, tenuazonic acid was less toxic where, the toxicity was ranged between 79-550 mg L-1. The inhibition in germination was more pronounced in barley followed by wheat and negligible in sorghum to all tested mycotoxins. This inhibition attributed to the reduction in seedling amylase activity. Amylase was also reduced in the same trend: barley > wheat > sorghum. Grain treatment with carboxin-captan and thiophanatemethyl-thiram at 1 g kg-1 grain increased seedlings vigour of wheat in sterilized soil by 45 and 22%, barley by 24 and 33% and sorghum by 15 and 30%, respectively. These fungicides have also a positive effect on cereal when soil was inoculated with A. flavus, A. alternata and F. oxysporum.

Role of pencycuron in aflatoxin production and cotton seed protection

The research is conducted on the effect of pencycuron and pencycuron-c on cotton seed mycoflora, aflatoxin production and viability. At 8% seed moisture content (mc), pencycuron and pencycuron-c promoted Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, and Penicillium corylophilum growth count at 1 g/kg, but exerted inhibitory effect at 3 and 5 g/kg. At 15% mc, pencycuron enhanced seed-borne fungi at all three doses after most treatment periods (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 months), whereas pencycuron-c induced inhibition effect. The A. niger utilized pencycuron as nitrogen source more than pencycuron-c. Seeds with 15% mc lost their viability faster than that at 8%, and this was more evident as storage time increased. Such loss occurred faster when seed was treated with pencycuron, whereas pencycuron-c exerted significant activation in the viability compared to the control. The fungal species have high biodegradation activity and produce aflatoxin in different parts of cotton boll (fiber, valves, and seeds). Pencycuron and pencycuron-c inhibited aflatoxin B1 and B2 production in seeds, but did not affect aflatoxin G1 and G2.

Immunohistochemical study of P53, PCNA and AFP in hepatocellular carcinoma, a comparison between Indonesian and Japanese cases

Mutations of p53 as a tumor suppressor gene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been reported to occur with varying frequency in different geographic regions, which might be different etiology for HCC. Overexpressions of p53 (well known for its implications in mutations of the p53 gene), PCNA and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) have been reported to be associated with carcinogenesis and/or tumor progression and poor prognosis in various types of cancer. To estimate the geographical difference of the p53 gene, PCNA and AFP in HCC, we examined 14 Japanese HCC cases, 8 Indonesian HCC cases, and 27 Indonesian chronic active hepatitis (CAH) or liver cirrhosis cases, using immunohistochemical approaches. Overexpression of p53 was identified in 37.5% of Japanese HCC, in 62.5% of Indonesian HCC and none in CAH. The mean PCNA Labeling Index of Japanese HCC, Indonesian HCC and CAH was detected in 48.6%, 30.4%, and 43.5%, respectively. AFP was detected in 35.7% of Japanese and 25% of Indonesian HCC. The rate of p53 overexpression in Indonesian HCC was as high as in HCC of southern part of China, which might share the similar etiology in both regions.

Phytotoxicity of pathogenic fungi and their mycotoxins to cereal seedling viability

Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria alternata and Fusarium oxysporum were the pathogenic fungi most reduced cereal (barley, sorghum and wheat) seedlings. The pathogens have the ability to produce aflatoxin B1 and G1, diacetoxyscirpenol, kojic acid and tenuazonic acid that reduced seedling viability. The inhibition dose for 50% reduction (LD50) was recorded by aflatoxins at 0.83 mg L-1 for barley, 1.74 mg L-1 for wheat and 2.75 mg L-1 for sorghum. Diacetoxyscirpenol produced its inhibition at 1.26 mg L-1 for barley, 3.98 mg L-1 for wheat and 10 mg L-1 for sorghum. Kojic acid induced 50% inhibition at 63 mg L-1 for barley, 105 mg L-1 for wheat and 251 mg L-1 for sorghum. However, tenuazonic acid was less toxic where the toxicity ranged between 79-550 mg L-1. The germination inhibition was more pronounced in barley followed by wheat and was negligible in sorghum for all tested mycotoxins. This inhibition was attributed to the reduction in the seedling amylase activity, where amylase was also reduced in the same trend: barley > wheat > sorghum. Grain treated with carboxin-captan and thiophanatemethyl-thiram at 1 g kg-1 grain increased the seedlings vigour of wheat in sterilized soil by 45 and 22%, barley by 24 and 33% and sorghum by 15 and 30%, respectively. These fungicides also had a positive effect on cereal when the soil was inoculated with A. flavus, A. alternata and F. oxysporum, but the improvement was still below normal.

Mode of action of pesticides on aflatoxin biosynthesis and oxidase system activity

The effects of nine pesticides on the biosynthesis of aflatoxin and oxidase activity in wild-type Aspergillus flavus and mutant strains of A. parasiticus avr-1 (w 49) and A. parasiticus ver-1 (wh 1) were investigated. In A. parasiticus, phosphonic acid derivative (lancer) reduced the formation of aflatoxin B2 but B1, G1 and G2 and anthraquinones (versicolorin A, versiconal hemiacetal acetat and averufin) accumulated. Phosphorothioic acid derivatives (pirimiphos-methyl and pyrazophos) reduced the formation of aflatoxin B2 and G2 but B1 and G1 and anthraquinones accumulated. Phosphorodithioic acid derivatives (dimethoate and malathion) blocked aflatoxin B2, reduced B1 and G2 but G1 and anthraquinones accumulated. Phosphoric acid derivative (profenfos) inhibited the formation of all aflatoxins, versicolorin A and versiconal hemiacetal acetate but averufin accumulated. The phenylurea derivatives (linuron and pencycuron) at concentrations of 500 and 1000 ppm inhibited all aflatoxin but anthraquinones accumulated. On the other hand, the dicarboximide derivative (iprodione) inhibited the whole pathway in the mutant strains of A. parasiticus. The oxidase system in wild-type A. flavus was active in the conversion of averufin and versicolorin A into aflatoxin B1. Most organophosphate and phenylurea derivatives may competitively increase or decrease the oxidase enzymes, however, profenfos and iprodione blocked the enzymes between averufin and versicolorin A.

Fungal utilization of organophosphate pesticides and their degradation by Aspergillus flavus and A. sydowii in soil

Fungal species were isolated which utilize organophosphate pesticides, viz. phosphorothioic (pirimiphos-methyl and pyrazophos), phosphorodithioic (dimethoate and malathion), phosphonic (lancer) and phosphoric (profenfos) acid derivatives. Pesticide degradation was studied in vitro and in vivo (soil). Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. sydowii, A. terreus, Emericella nidulans, Fusarium oxysporum and Penicillium chrysogenum were isolated from pesticide-treated wheat straw. The number of A. sydowii colonies was significantly promoted by 1 mmol/L pirimiphos-methyl, pyrazophos, lancer, dimethoate and malathion when used as phosphorus sources and by pirimiphos-methyl and pyrazophos when used as carbon sources. The number of A. flavus colonies increased with 0.5 mmol/L lancer and malathion used as the only carbon sources. A. sydowii, A. niger, A. flavus, E. nidulans and F. oxysporum grew on, and utilized, 5 pesticides as phosphorus source and showed more than 50% mass growth. A. sydowii, A. flavus and F. oxysporum phosphatase hydrolyzed the pesticides suggesting that these species are important pesticide degraders. A. sydowii produced higher amounts of the phosphatase than A. flavus and F. oxysporum. The enzyme was highly active against pyrazophos, lancer and malathion used as the only sources of organic phosphate. A. flavus and A. sydowii phosphatases efficiently hydrolyzed pesticides at 300 ppm in soil, the degradation at 1000 ppm was lower. Mineralization of 1000 ppm pesticides in soil amended with wheat straw was higher than in nonamended soil. All added pesticides except profenfos were degraded within 3 weeks. Lyophilized adapted biomass of A. flavus and A. sydowii could thus be used for field biodegradation of these pesticides.

Studies on toxigenic fungi in roasted foodstuff (salted seed) and halotolerant activity of emodin-producing Aspergillus wentii

Commercial roasted salted peanuts (3% NaCl), popcorn (1% NaCl), summer-squash (9% NaCl), sunflower (3% NaCl) and wild-melon (3% NaCl) seeds are polluted with fungi, mostly Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, P. corylophilum and Rhizopus stolonifer. Contamination of popcorn with the fungi is about 10 times higher than in the other foods. These fungi, common also on unsalted seeds, are significantly inhibited in seeds (30% moisture content) treated with 9-21% NaCl. The halotolerant A. wentii represents the main fungus recovered from seeds treated by 15-21% NaCl. 9% NaCl stimulated emodin production by A. wentii on peanut and citrinin production by P. chrysogenum on popcorn and sunflower. Aflatoxin, citrinin and emodin production on popcorn persisted up to 15% NaCl. Popcorn is thus strongly susceptible to fungal invasion and toxin pollution. The halotolerance of A. wentii was confirmed by its strong permanent growth in liquid medium at up to 15% NaCl. At 3% NaCl the mycelial growth and nitrogen content increased while the level of emodin and lipid production decreased. CO2 evolution strongly increased at 9-15% NaCl as a characteristic of A. wentii salt tolerance. Emodin inhibited seed viability and the inhibition dose for 50% reduction (LD50) was 65 mg/L for popcorn and 45 mg/L for sunflower.

Action of carbamate biocides on sterols, gibberellin and aflatoxin formation

An interrelationship between primary and secondary metabolites of a toxigenic mould (Aspergillus parasiticus var. globosus IMI 120920) was obtained in liquid broth containing various concentrations of dithane Z-78 and propoxur. The results show that a stimulatory response was recorded in gibberellin, protein, sterol and aflatoxin yield in cultures treated with 15, 30, 50 and 100 ppm a.i. of dithane Z-78. On the other hand, propoxur reduced the yield of gibberellin, amino acids, protein, sterol and aflatoxin. In comparison to its effect on the mycelial growth, gibberellin and aflatoxin activity is inhibited more severely than dry weight increase, thus leading to the assumption that there is a specific effect of the inhibitor on both gibberellin and aflatoxin synthesis.

Inhibitory effect of spice oils on lipase and mycotoxin production

Five spice oils were tested for their inhibitory activity towards the growth, respiration, lipase and mycotoxin productions by Aspergillus parasiticus var. globosus IMI 120920 and A. fumigatus. Cumin, onion, garlic and clove oils completely inhibited sterigmatocystin production. Cumin, onion and clove oils significantly suppressed aflatoxin production. Most of tested oils exhibited considerable inhibition on mycelial growth. Incorporation of these oils in basal medium suppressed lipase production with variable degrees. Onion oil was the most effective one. All spice oils significantly reduced or completely suppressed CO2 evolution of A. fumigatus, whereas CO2 evolution of A. parasiticus was slightly enhanced by these oils except with cumin and clove. Our results suggest that the use of spice oils may offer some advantage in the prevention of mycotoxin production.

Influences of chemical fertilizers (in vitro) on aflatoxin and citrinin synthesis by two strains of aspergilli

The selective effect of various levels of phosphate and nitrate (as fertilizers) on biosynthesis of aflatoxin by Aspergillus parasiticus var. globosus, and citrinin by A. terreus var. aureus was studied in defined culture medium. Phosphate at 35-175 mmol per 50 mL decreased aflatoxin production, but increased citrinin synthesis. Nitrate at 73-365 mmol per 50 mL stimulated the synthesis of aflatoxin but depressed that of citrinin. A rise in the levels of nitrate and phosphate led to a decrease in aflatoxin production, an increase in citrinin production and an accumulation of mycelial phosphate and nitrate contents.

Effect of four pesticides on aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus IMI 89717

The effect of three fungicides (Vitavax-Captan, Rizolex-T and Sumisclex) and one insecticide (Actellic), when incorporated into liquid medium or applied to corn grains and sunflower seeds, on the production of aflatoxin by A. flavus IMI 89717 was tested. In liquid medium, aflatoxin production was inhibited by 27%, 82%, 100% and 100% when Vitavax-Captan was added at 10, 25, 50 and 100 ppm, respectively. Sumisclex reduced to some extent the production of total aflatoxin, while Rizolex-T and Actellic did not affect quantitatively the mycotoxin production. Rizolex-T proved to be the most effective pesticides tested on aflatoxin production on both corn-grains and sunflower seeds, while Vitavax-Captan was the second most effective pesticide. Both Sumisclex and Actellic did not inhibit aflatoxin production on either corn grains or sunflower seeds at the levels tested.

Fungicide inhibition of aflatoxins, diacetoxyscirpenol and zearalenone production

The effect of fungicides on the production of aflatoxin by Aspergillus flavus IMI 89717, diacetoxyscirpenol and zearalenone by Fusarium graminearum was studied. In a yeast extract-sucrose medium, dicloran, iprodione and vinclozolin fungicides significantly inhibited mycelial growth of A. flavus at 250 ppm and significantly decreased aflatoxin production at 100, 250 and 500 ppm, respectively. In potato-dextrose broth, these fungicides diminished the mycelial growth of F. graminearum and production of diacetoxyscirpenol and zearalenone at 100 ppm. Sensitivity of toxigenic mycelia to fungicides increased approximately five-fold in a yeast extract-starch medium with an appreciable reduction in sugar uptake and alpha-amylase activity.

Mycetoma: comparison of MR imaging with CT

Magnetic resonance (MR) images obtained in 18 patients with pathologically confirmed mycetoma in the body (n = 4) or lower extremity (n = 14) were retrospectively reviewed and compared with computed tomographic (CT) scans in 15 patients and surgical findings in 10. T1-weighted images showed an infiltrating mass (same signal intensity as muscle) involving skin, subcutaneous fat, muscles, tendons, and other tissues. On T2-weighted images, the mass and affected structures showed moderately increased signal intensity. Bone marrow involvement was detected in seven patients and was best visualized on T1-weighted images. CT showed moderate enhancement of the infiltrative process in all patients. Bone changes, seen in nine, included coarse trabeculation, periosteal reaction, endosteal proliferation, and patchy destruction. MR imaging and CT were comparable and correlated well with surgery in showing the extent of soft-tissue involvement. Early bone changes (important for therapy planning for pedal mycetoma) were seen only at CT. The study showed that MR imaging is sensitive for assessing the extent of mycetoma in the soft tissues. CT should be the method of choice for staging pedal lesions because it can be used to detect early bone involvement.