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BACKGROUND: Cold storage has been widely used to maintain the quality of vegetables, but whether eating cold‐stored vegetables affects health remains unknown. RESULTS: This study used silkworms as an animal model to evaluate the effects of nutrient changes in cold‐stored mulberry leaves (CSML) on health. Compared with fresh mulberry leaves (FML), CSML contained lower vitamin C, soluble sugars and proteins, and higher H2O2, suggesting decreased antioxidant ability and nutrition. The CSML did not obviously affect larval survival rate, body weight or dry matter rate, cocoon shape, weight and size, or final rates of cluster and cocooning relative to the FML, suggesting CSML did not alter overall growth and development. However, the CSML increased the initial rates of cluster and cocooning and upregulated BmRpd3, suggesting CSML shortened larval lifespan and enhanced senescence. CSML upregulated BmNOX4, downregulated BmCAT, BmSOD and BmGSH‐Px and increased H2O2 in silkworms, suggesting CSML caused oxidative stress. CSML upregulated ecdysone biosynthesis and inactivation genes and elevated ecdysone concentration in silkworms, suggesting that CSML affected hormone homeostasis. CSML upregulated apoptosis‐related genes, downregulated sericin and silk fibroin genes and decreased sericin content rate in silkworms, suggesting oxidative stress and protein deficiency. CONCLUSION: Cold storage reduced nutrition and antioxidant capability of mulberry leaves. CSML did not influence growth and development of silkworm larva, but affected health by causing oxidative stress and reducing protein synthesis. The findings show that the ingredient changes in CSML had negative effects on health of silkworms. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autologous cell-based therapeutics have gained increasing attention in recent years because of their efficacy at treating diseases with limited therapeutic options. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has demonstrated clinical success in hematologic oncology indications, providing critically ill patients with a potentially curative therapy. Although engineered cell therapies such as CAR T cells provide new options for patients with unmet needs, the high cost and complexity of manufacturing may hinder clinical and commercial translation. The Cocoon Platform (Lonza, Basel, Switzerland) addresses many challenges, such as high labor demand, process consistency, contamination risks and scalability, by enabling efficient, functionally closed and automated production, whether at clinical or commercial scale. This platform is customizable and easy to use and requires minimal operator interaction, thereby decreasing process variability. We present two processes that demonstrate the Cocoon Platform's capabilities. We employed different T-cell activation methods—OKT3 and CD3/CD28 Dynabeads (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA)—to generate final cellular products that meet the critical quality attributes of a clinical autologous CAR T-cell product. This study demonstrates a manufacturing solution for addressing challenges with manual methods of production and facilitating the scale-up of autologous cell therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitin from crustaceans is used in food, pharmaceutical, medical, agricultural and environmental sectors. Edible insects' chitin is an untapped resource since edible insects have a high biodiversity and considerable amounts of chitin. Therefore, this study aimed at characterizing the functional properties and microstructure of chitin extracted from House cricket (Acheta domesticus), field cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus) and black soldier fly cocoons (Hermetica illucens) and compared with shrimp chitin (commercial). Chitin was chemically extracted and the functional groups were determined by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Solubility, emulsion capacity, Water Holding Capacity, Fat Binding Capacity, degree of deacetylation and purity of the extracted chitin were also determined. Based on the FTIR spectra the extracted chitin showed the characteristic functional groups i.e. O–H stretch, C=O stretch, N–H bend, CH2 ending and CH3 deformation, C–N stretch and C–O–C stretch. Chitin extracted from Gryllus bimaculatus recorded the highest values in fat absorption capacity (780.14%), emulsion capacity (65.67%) and emulsion stability (65.67%). Chitin extracted from, Acheta domesticus was more soluble in water as compared to the commercial chitin. The highest level of deacetylation was reported in Hermetia illucens chitin (66.2%) while Acheta domesticus chitin had the least value (47.1%). The commercial chitin and Gryllus bimaculatus had the highest values for purity followed by Hermetia illucens. The microstructure images showed presence of pores and fibers in all the chitin samples. In conclusion, the insect chitin had characteristics similar to commercial chitin and are thus a suitable alternative in industrial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the brightest Galactic γ-ray sources, the Cygnus Cocoon superbubble has been observed by many detectors, such as Fermi -LAT, ARGO, HAWC, and LHAASO. However, the origin of γ-ray emission for the Cygnus Cocoon and the possible contribution to PeV cosmic rays are still under debate. The recent ultrahigh-energy γ-ray observations by LHAASO up to 1.4 PeV towards the direction of the Cygnus Cocoon, as well as the neutrino event report of IceCube-201120A coming from the same direction, suggest that the Cygnus Cocoon may be one of the sources of high-energy cosmic rays in the Galaxy. In this work, we propose a dual-zone diffusion model for the Cygnus Cocoon: the cocoon region and surrounding interstellar medium (ISM). This scenario can account for the γ-ray data from GeV to ∼50 TeV and agree with the one sub-PeV neutrino event result from IceCube so far. Moreover, it predicts a non-negligible contribution γ-ray emission at hundreds TeV from the ISM surrounding the Cygnus Cocoon. This possible diffuse TeV–PeV gamma-ray features can be resolved by the future LHAASO observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Octolasion tyrtaeum (Savigny, 1826), a cosmopolite earthworm species widespread around the world, is known to consist of two morphologically distinct forms, small (4-8 cm long) and large (10-14 cm) ones that sometimes are found in sympatry. The earthworm O. tyrtaeum plays a significant ecological role in soil nutrient cycling and ecosystem health. Understanding their cocoons' incubation and hatching patterns is essential for gaining insights into their reproductive biology and population dynamics. During the study, laboratory observations were made to investigate the incubation process and hatching pattern of O. tyrtaeum cocoons. Three hundred seventy-two cocoons were collected from orchards and agroecosystem sites of tehsil Dhari District Nainital. Cocoons of O. tyrtaeum were incubated under controlled laboratory conditions. Out of 372 cocoons, 131 were collected from orchard waste, followed by mixed habitat soil 127 and agriculture waste 114, respectively. The incubation period was monitored at an interval of 4 hrs regularly. Hatching was recorded for better understanding, and the number of hatchlings per cocoon was recorded, during the present study, the incubation period of O. tyrtaeum cocoons ranged from 30 to 45 days. During incubation, cocoons displayed distinct color changes, transitioning from a pale yellowish hue to a dark brown colour. The observed variation in incubation duration and the number of hatchlings per cocoon suggest the presence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence the reproductive success of this earthworm species. This study highlights the importance of knowing the life cycle and reproductive traits of one possible key species in soil management due to its vast distribution and ease of culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Genetic creation of transgenic silkworm which can produce silk containing trypsinogen. • This genetic-engineered silk can self-degummed in water or under mild condition. • The self-degummed silk can obtain silk fibroin fiber with cleaner, larger equivalent radius and better mechanical properties. • The self-degummed sericin is easier to recover and has the biological function of promoting cell proliferation. • Providing an eco-friendly, energy-saving and sustainable development strategy for reducing the environmental burden brought by the silk industry. Conventional hot-alkaline cocoon degumming techniques greatly weaken the physicochemical and mechanical properties of silk fibroin fiber, thus affecting the quality of silk fabric. Moreover, it causes massive energy waste and serious environmental pollution. This study aims to establish a novel cocoon self-degumming method by genetic modification of silkworm varieties and silk fibers. The self-degummed cocoon material was generated by specifically overexpressing trypsinogen protein in the sericin layer of silk thread; the effect of cocoon self-degumming method was evaluated by the degumming rate of sericin protein, the cleanliness and equivalent diameter of silk fibroin fiber; the basic characteristics of silk fibroin fiber degummed by cocoon self-degumming method and conventional hot-alkaline degumming technique were determined by electron microscopy, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and tensile tests; the composition and biological activity of degummed sericin protein was respectively analyzed by liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometry and cytological experiments. The genetically engineered self-degumming cocoon containing trypsinogen protein was successfully created, and the content of trypsinogen protein in silk was 47.14 ± 0.90 mg/g. The sericin protein in the self-degumming cocoon was removed out in water or 1 mM Tris-HCl buffer (pH = 8.0). Compared to alkaline-degummed silk fibroin, self-degummed silk fibroin had better cleanliness, thicker equivalent diameter, more complete silk structure and better mechanical property. In addition, sericin protein degummed from self-degumming cocoons significantly promoted cell proliferation and caused no obvious cytotoxicity. Compared to conventional hot-alkaline degumming technique, the cocoon self-degumming method by genetically overexpressing trypsinogen protein in sericin layer of silk thread can self-degummed in a mild degumming condition, and gain silk fiber with better quality and more biologically active sericin protein products. This strategy can not only reduce the environmental impact, but also generate greater economic value, which will accelerate its application in the silk and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is potential for using silkworm cocoon waste such as broken, damaged, discarded and uncoiled cocoons as well as the caterpillars that remain inside. Cocoon waste is estimated to account for up to 11% of raw cocoon input in the textile industry. The aim of the present work is to use cocoon waste as the natural fiber reinforcement in an epoxy resin matrix composite. Cocoon waste with different weight fractions of 0 wt%, 25 wt%, 42 wt%, 58 wt%, and 75 wt% were used as reinforcement with an epoxy resin matrix to fabricate the composite material by hand lay-up technique. Subsequently, tensile testing and scanning electron microscopy observations were employed to evaluate the performance of the proposed composite materials. Experimental results demonstrated that the tensile strength continuously increased as cocoon waste fiber increased from 25 wt% to 58 wt%, reaching a maximum tensile strength of 61.04 MPa. Elastic modulus showed a slight difference of 25 wt% to 58 wt%, a maximum of 762.91 MPa. However, at 75 wt%, the tensile strength and elastic modulus declined by 57.07 MPa and 515.69 MPa, respectively. The 58 wt% of cocoon waste was presented as the optimum ratio for reinforcement with an epoxy resin matrix. The SEM image revealed the dispersion of cocoon waste in an epoxy resin matrix, presenting the close-packed interfacial bonding between cocoon waste fiber and matrix. This research is useful for the development of cocoon waste-based composites with improved mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We critically re-examine 17 records of fossils currently assigned to the lepidopteran superfamily Bombycoidea, which includes the silk moths, emperor moths and hawk moths. These records include subfossils, compression and impression fossils, permineralizations and ichnofossils. We assess whether observable morphological features warrant their confident assignment to the superfamily. None of the examined fossils displays characters that allow unequivocal identification as Sphingidae, but three fossils and a subfossil (Mioclanis shanwangiana Zhang, Sun and Zhang, 1994, two fossil larvae, and a proboscis in asphaltum) have combinations of diagnostic features that support placement in the family. The identification of a fossil pupa as Bunaeini (Saturniidae) is well supported. The other fossils that we evaluate lack definitive bombycoid and, in several cases, even lepidopteran characters. Some of these dubious fossils have been used as calibration points in earlier studies casting doubt on the resulting age estimates. All fossil specimens reliably assigned to Bombycoidea are relatively young, the earliest fossil evidence of the superfamily dating to the middle Miocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fortification of cassava leaves by adding nutrition is a recent technique in the ericulture study. Glycine is one of the amino acids necessary for the growth of silkworms. This study aimed to analyse the effect of glycine fortification of cassava leaves on the growth and development of eri silkworms. The parameters of this study were cocoon parameters, the wingspan of imago, development time and mortality, and egg parameters of Samia cynthia ricini D. This study had four treatments: control group, P1 group (adding glycine 0.5% on cassava leaves), P2 group (adding glycine 1% on cassava leaves), and P3 (adding glycine 1.5% on cassava leaves). The early instar of Eri silkworm larvae was fed on castor leaves, and glycine fortification was fed on the late instar of Eri silkworm larvae (fourth and fifth instars). Based on the results, all parameters showed significant differences from the control group. Glycine fortification increased cocoon weight (2.03 ± 0.62 g), extended the wingspan of the imago (12.15 ± 1.12 cm), shortened the development time (44.03 ± 0.84 days), had no mortality, and increased the fecundity of eggs (134.80 ± 28.78 eggs). The most effective concentration of glycine fortification on cassava leaves was 1.5%. Conclusively, cassava leaves with glycine fortification affect the growth and development of eri silkworm.

In the gravitational wave event GW170817, there was a ∼10 h gap before electromagnetic (EM) observations, without detection of the cocoon. The cocoon is heated by a short gamma-ray burst (s GRB) jet propagating through the ejecta of a neutron star (NS) merger, and a part of the cocoon escapes the ejecta with an opening angle of 20°–30°. Here, we model the cocoon and calculate its EM emission. Our 2D hydrodynamic simulations suggest that the density and energy distributions, after entering homologous expansion, are well-fitted with power-law functions, in each of the relativistic and non-relativistic parts of the escaped cocoon. Modelling these features, we calculate the cooling emission analytically. We find that the cocoon outshines the r-process kilonova/macronova at early times (10–103 s), peaking at UV bands. The relativistic velocity of the cocoon's photosphere is measurable with instruments such as Swift ,  ULTRASAT , and LSST. We also imply that energetic cocoons, including failed jets, might be detected as X-ray flashes. Our model clarifies the physics and parameter dependence, covering a wide variety of central engines and ejecta of NS mergers and s GRBs in the multimessenger era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some strains of silkworms produce green cocoons of varying intensities. This results from quantitative and qualitative differences in flavonoid pigments, which are influenced by the environment and genetic background. We discovered that the appearance of a faint green cocoon is regulated by a gene (G27) located on chromosome 27. Through mating experiments, we found that G27 is identical to an essential flavonoid cocoon gene, Ga. This locus has not been previously described. Furthermore, we narrowed down the Ga region to 438 kbp using molecular markers. Within this region, several predicted genes for sugar transporters form a cluster structure, suggesting that Ga is among them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the flexible application of existential-humanistic (E-H) and relational approaches to supervision when working with adolescents with life-threatening illness. Powerful therapeutic work can occur through the balance of utilizing practical therapeutic interventions─including open-ended questions regarding existential anxieties, use of countertransference and somatic reactions, reflecting on values and priorities, dream interpretation, learning from each emotion, creativity, and what is psychological health─and understanding how an illness is processed through the patient's unique cultural, family, medical, and relational history. The relational approach provides a balance to the E-H therapy emphasis on individuality in its focus on the complexity and adhesiveness of how early relational patterns and expectations are repeated throughout life. The E-H approach, on the other hand, provides a richness and depth to adolescents' anxieties and desire for freedom and choice. The language of agency, uncertainty, groundlessness, and responsibility can be particularly relevant to the turbulence of this developmental stage. The ultimate goal of supervision is that the supervisor becomes part of the supervisee's "internal chorus" along with other teachers, therapists, and mentors when dealing with future clinical challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Animal Production & Processing Technology / JurnalIlmu Produksi dan Teknologi Hasil Peternakan is the property of IPB University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Sericulture is a growing business for rural development since it integrates well with farming practices and has the ability to produce lucrative income all year round. It boasts affordable startup costs and offers jobs all year round. Sericulture, a cottage and small-scale industry, is a labor-intensive, economically appealing, and environmentally friendly form of agriculture. Per square meter of land, sericulture produces a lot of work and cash. Sericulture offers many opportunities for improving human resource employability and can successfully slow down population migration to cities. When compared to other crop operations in terms of generating money, sericulture is the most lucrative. The cultivation of mulberries, the generation of silkworm seeds, the rearing of silkworms, the reeling and weaving of silk, the collecting of byproducts, and their processing are all aspects of the sericulture industry that generate a significant amount of work and, consequently, a source of income for rural and tribal people. Sericulture is recognized as a thriving rural sector primarily because it offers families and labor year-round, remunerative employment, and also guarantees periodic income even with tiny land holdings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Establishing relationship between fluorescence type and percentage content of good-quality cocoons from silkworm Bombyx mori L. was the aim of this paper. The study was conducted during 2016-2020 at the training experimental station of the sub-department "Special branches (Sericulture)", department "Animal husbandry - Non-ruminant animals and special branches", Faculty of Agriculture, Trakia University - Stara Zagora. In fulfillment of the purpose and tasks, biological material from 8 breeds, 16 dihybrids and 10 tetrahybrids reared with mulberry leaf was used. The type of fluorescence of the silk sheaths was established when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays with a wavelength in the range 254-365 nm. The analysis of the obtained data shows that the type of fluorescence of the silk sheath, as well as the breed (hybrid), have a highly reliable influence (p = 0.001) on the variation of the percentage of good-quality cocoons (an-ras). Of the three fluorescent groups, that of the yellow-fluorescent cocoons was characterized by the highest mean percentage of good-quality cocoons in both dihybrid (94.75%) and tetrahybrid (95.34%) forms of the mulberry silkworm. This gives reason to consider that the results obtained by us confirm the established in the scientific literature relationship between ultraviolet fluorescence and the technological qualities of cocoons. This relationship can be used to increase the quality of the obtained production by applying the methods selection and breeding by type of the fluorescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protocols for hirudiculture have not been fully established; many issues need to be investigated. The present study aimed to determine the effects of the cocoon incubation angle (CIA) on hatching success in hirudiculture, using leech species of Hirudo verbana. Cocoons were individually incubated in jars at three different angles, horizontally (0°), angled (45°), and vertically (90°) for one month. The rot in cocoons, which was 17.5% in cocoons incubated horizontally, decreased gradually as the CIA increased, was 2.5% in cocoons incubated vertically. The average number of offspring obtained from cocoons increased as the CIA increased. The optimum CIA was determined to be 78.73° and 60.63° for the lowest rot in cocoons and the highest number of offspring, respectively. The present study revealed that although not statistically significant the CIA is a variable affecting the hatching success of medicinal leeches during the incubation period. This result is thought to be because the air ventilation inside the cocoons is more efficient in cocoons positioned at an angle or in a vertical position compared to cocoons incubated in a horizontal position. For profitable hirudiculture, we recommend that cocoons be positioned at an angle close to vertically, more than 60° during incubation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eighteen (18) F1 hybrid combinations were tested to identify potential combinations adaptable to type 1 climatic conditions in the Philippines. The six (6) bivoltine purelines (DMMMSU 108, DMMMSU 109, DMMMSU 110, DMMMSU 111, DMMMSU 113, and DMMMSU 119); and three (3) multivoltine purelines (DMMMSU 1000, DMMMSU 1007, and DMMMSU 1014), were crossed (multivoltine x bivoltine) in a mating plan. These were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), replicated three times, and analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). A test of significance was done using ANOVA across years and Tukey's Honest Significant Difference Test (HSD). The multiple trait evaluation index (EI) method was also used in the identification of potential F1 hybrids. Three major phases were done: (1) parental rearing of multivoltine and bivoltine pure lines for breed multiplication; (2) hybridization process; and (3) evaluation of F1 hybrids. Rearing evaluations were conducted for three consecutive years. Based from the three evaluations, 10 potential crosses were identified: DMMMSU MV-12, DMMMSU MV-11, DMMMSU MV-13, DMMMSU MV-16, DMMMSU MV-07, DMMMSU MV-14, DMMMSU MV-05, DMMMSU MV-09, DMMMSU MV-03, and DMMSU MV-10. The topmost combinations with the best economic and commercial characters and are consistently adaptable during two (2) cropping seasons were DMMMSU MV-07, DMMMSU MV-12, DMMMSU MV-05, DMMMSU MV-09 and DMMMSU MV-11. These newly-identified F1 hybrids are considered potential breeds that could improve cocoon production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early stage of an organism - embryonic stage, architects all the post embryonic developments which are governed by genetic and environmental conditions, but the effect of hot events during that stage remain obscure in the silkworm Bombyx mori L. Thus, APM1; a multivoltine parental breed of a ruling CB and APHO1 silkworm breed developed through induction of thermotolerance, and APHO1 breed to examine the impact of heat shock (HS) on the embryo and resultant larvae. Different developmental stages of embryo were exposed to varied HS temperatures for 2 h followed by a 2 h recovery period. After HS the eggs and the resultant larvae were reared under normal environmental conditions. Interestingly, 450C although determined as lethal temperature yielded vibrant larvae. Whereas APM1 and APHO1 eggs heat shocked at 350C exhibited increased hatching (91.66 and 69.33%), larval weight (1.72 and 3.33 g), effective rate of rearing (72.39 and 81.93%), cocoon weight (1.01 and1.6 g), shell weight (0.12 and 0.29 g), shell ratio (13.11 and 20.52%) and pupal weights (0.87 and1.29g) when compared to control APM1 and APHO1. Besides increased total protein content, expression of 205 kDa, 90 kDa and 70 kDa heat shock proteins and the glycogen content was found more on day - 3 compared to day - 2 in the embryos of APM1 and APHO1 which eventually declined as the embryonic development proceeded to hatching. This work shows that APM1 and APHO1 eggs had shown profound response to HS temperatures exhibiting varied acquired thermotolerance to overcome fluctuating environmental condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An account is provided, with images, of the larva, pupa and cocoon of Zelleria hepariella Stainton, 1849. These are compared to descriptions and illustrations provided by previous authors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raw silk has made up of two constituents, filamentous (fibroin) and non-filamentous (sericin) proteins. The degumming process has been implemented to extract the fibroin by eliminating the glue-like protein sericin from the fibroin. Based on sericin elimination by the degumming process, the silk fibroin quality improves. In this investigation, natural surfactant saponin from Sapindus laurifolia Vahl. or soapnut or ritha is utilized for the muga silk cocoons degumming purpose. The two types of extraction processes (aqueous and chemical extract) of saponin from Sapindus laurifolia Vahl. or soapnut or ritha is associated with silk fibroin extraction through the degumming process. This present degumming investigation results in 22 to 23% sericin extraction within 25 min at a temperature range from 110 to 130 °C. The efficacy of extracted fibroin has been conducted with crucial parameters such as saponin concentration, degumming period, and temperature. It concludes that this novel greener process efficiently removes sericin from the fibroin fiber in its tidy state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat utilization is a major component of animal behavior and ecology, yet nighttime habitat utilization by diurnal animals remains understudied for many taxa. Sheltered sleeping sites are considered particularly important for parrotfishes (Labridae: Scarini) inhabiting coral reefs, where predation risk is most prominent at night. Parrotfishes are also known to sleep in mucus cocoons, which allegedly function as a means of predator and/or ectoparasite avoidance. In this study, we present the first systematic characterization of nocturnal habitat utilization and cocoon formation in parrotfishes, in their natural environment. We performed a total of 153 surveys and sampled 225 individual parrotfishes (of 11 species) and characterized their sleeping sites. We found that several species utilized sleeping sites with distinct characteristics, such as exposed sites that provided little to no coverage or sleeping sites well above the reef floor. However, most species exhibited substantial overlap in site characteristics and exposure. We found that the utilization of sheltered sleeping sites did not correlate with body size or life stage, suggesting that sleeping-site selection in parrotfish is unlikely to be driven by competitive exclusion. We also found that while some species either never or rarely formed cocoons, many species exhibited facultative cocoon formation that was not clearly associated with exposure or habitat. While we expected cocoons to be more frequent in exposed sites to avoid predators, or on soft substrates to avoid ectoparasites, we found no effect of either predictor. As many species exhibited a wide range of sleeping sites and behaviors, nocturnal habitat utilization does not appear to be a major axis for niche differentiation in this guild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive application of algorithm recommendation technology not only meets the information needs of network users but also leads to the emergence of "information cocoons". On the basis of summarizing three generating mechanisms, namely, the theory of technological innovation, the theory of interest-driven, and the theory of emotional identity, this paper constructs a game model of bilateral evolution between information platforms and network users and simulates the influence path of key factors on the evolution of both parties' main strategies. The research shows that algorithm recommendation technology is the root of "information cocoons" in the algorithm era. As the algorithm technology matures day by day, the cost of using algorithm recommendations on information platforms and the loss cost of accepting algorithm recommendations by network users are constantly decreasing, which causes the information platforms and network users' strategy choice for algorithm recommendation to evolve from {give up and conflict} to {use and accept}, and finally leads to the long-term existence of "information cocoons". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article argues that through her songs and music videos Pagan Poetry, Cocoon and Hidden Place, versatile artist Björk is able to carve out a space for erotic tenderness. This erotic tenderness will be unearthed as a queer or minor sexuality, in the sense that it goes against a phallic and genital majoritarian account of sexuality. Tender sexuality might not be obviously queer, yet a detour through the early work of Freud will show how our hegemonic account of sexuality is built upon a repression of such a tender sexuality. Freud's psychoanalysis is only able to regard this sexual tenderness in a negative vein as a pathological symptom. Supported primarily by the works of Deleuze, Guattari and Muñoz, this article will propose that Björk's artistry is able to produce a line of flight outside of this tender-less sexuality, liberating an otherwise repressed minor tender sexuality through a visually and sonically becoming-woman, becoming-child, becoming-BwO and becoming-molecular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, five different nonwoven silk fabrics were fabricated with silk fibers from different cocoon layers, and the effect of the cocoon layer on the structural characteristics and properties of the nonwoven silk fabric was examined. The diameter of the silk fiber and thickness of the nonwoven silk fabric decreased from the outer to the inner cocoon layer. More amino acids with higher hydrophilicity (serine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid) and lower hydrophilicity (glycine and alanine) were observed in the outer layers. From the outer to the inner layer, the overall crystallinity and contact angle of the nonwoven silk fabric increased, whereas its yellowness index, moisture retention, and mechanical properties decreased. Regardless of the cocoon layer at which the fiber was sourced, the thermal stability of fibroin and sericin and good cell viability remained unchanged. The results of this study indicate that the properties of nonwoven silk fabric can be controlled by choosing silk fibers from the appropriate cocoon layers. Moreover, the findings in this study will increase the applicability of nonwoven silk fabric in the biomedical and cosmetic fields, which require specific properties for industrialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infestations of Arge scita (Mocsáry, 1880) were recorded for the first time in Italy in summer 2022. Almond trees showing severe leaf damages, caused by the sawfly larvae feeding on the leaf lamina were recorded in the Salento peninsula of the Apulia region (southern Italy). Severely infested trees had a defoliated looking-appearance, with the lamina of the whole foliage completely consumed, with only the thick middle vein and petioles remaining attached to the trees. The occurrence of A. scita on the infested trees was confirmed by molecular and morphological characterization of specimens of larvae at different stages and adults. The simultaneous presence on the infested trees of eggs, larvae of different ages, cocoons and adults suggests that most likely this sawfly in our environmental conditions behave as a multivoltine species. Further investigations and surveys are needed to assess the live cycle and the host range, as well as to understand whether this phytophagous could represent a serious threat in areas where almond trees are cultivated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sericin, a fascinating natural biomaterial derived from silkworms, has received increasing interest in recent years for its unique bioactivity and high compatibility. Silkworms can be divided into wild-type or silk fibroin-deficient mutants according to whether they synthesize and secrete silk fibroin. Silk fibroin-deficient mutant silkworms and their cocoons are convenient for us to obtain diverse and high-quality sericin, which has been applicated in various fields such as cell culture, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and cosmetics. Here, we present an overview of our silkworm varieties resources, especially silk fibroin-deficient mutant silkworms. We optimized various extraction methods of sericin and summarized the characteristics and advantages of sericin. Finally, we developed and discussed a series of sericin-based biomaterials for promising applications for a diverse set of needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sericulture is the ‘Siri’ culture, which means it generates wealth, upon silkworm rearing and silk cocoon production. Morus alba (Mulberry), the sole food source of the silkworm (Bombyx mori) was one of the first domesticated forages in the world and has great economic importance to sericulture. The probability of sericulture and cocoon quality depends on the leaf quality of mulberry as it provides 70% of the protein involved in the silk protein production of the silkworms. Mulberry is prone to attack by many insect pests which cause quantitative and qualitative damage resulting in a decrease in sericulture productivity. Several species of insect pests belonging to different orders of Arthropods like Lepidoptera, Hemiptera and Coleoptera, Diptera, Orthoptera, Hymenoptera, Thysanoptera, have been reported as insect pests on mulberry. Among them leaf defoliators and sap suckers are treated to be major insect pests as they cause more damage to the mulberry. Addressing this concern, around 26 major mulberry pests are identified and their lifecycles are reviewed in detail to understand the underlying mechanisms and to explore effective pest management strategies for biological control and quality production of Mulberry leaf which directly enhances quality cocoon production and silk generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Natura Croatica is the property of Natura Croatica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The parasitoid wasp Bathyplectes anurus (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Campopleginae) is a successful biocontrol agent against the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica. This weevil is a serious pest of beneficial fabaceous plants such as alfalfa and Chinese milk vetch. One of the possible reasons for the success of this wasp in hot climates may be the ability of its cocooned larvae to repeatedly jump and roll until they relocate themselves away from detrimental sunlight and heat. It is not yet known which wavelengths of light trigger this avoidance behavior or the microstructure of the cocoon shell that might allow light transmission. Here, the response of the cocooned larvae to different wavelengths, and the microstructure, hardness, and elemental components of the cocoon shell were studied. A population of cocooned larvae were introduced on the boundary line between illuminated and shaded areas with blue, green, red, or near-infrared light-emitting diodes. The cocoons moved away from the blue and green light. The distance from the boundary to the cocoons in the shaded area was longer under these long wavelengths, followed by the red light and shortest under the near-infrared light and nil under darkness. No difference was found in mortality between different wavelengths after three days of illumination. Scanning electron microscope observations of the surface of the cocoon shell revealed that the belt-like central ridge was porous, which likely allows ventilation and light transmission. The surface of the cocoon shell showed a uniform distribution of sulfur, potentially aiding in the capture of green wavelengths. The ridge had twice the thickness of the main body and was 1.9 times harder than the main body. These results may be applied to better understand the individual responses of this biological control agent to modifications to their environment, including light pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term "cocoon syndrome" defines a sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis (SEP) that involves a chronic fibrotic inflammatory reaction of the parietal peritoneum and of the viscera leading to a complete sclerosis. The cocoon that is formed causes an incarceration of the intestinal loops with severe complications leading to high mortality. We are presenting the case of a 15-year-old young man that underwent surgery for appendectomy and that was evaluated for having a regular abdominal state. During the post-surgery period, however, several episodes of intestinal occlusion required further surgical interventions leading to a right hemicolectomy. The presence of a fibrotic-adhesive ligneous peritonitis with blended intestinal loops, severely thickened walls, and intestinal scaring stenosis was observed during his second surgical operation. A stenosis of the colostomy led to a worsening of the vital signs of the young man with the onset of a cardiac failure and subsequent decease. Macroscopic autopsy examination and histological analysis confirmed the severe obstructive adhesive encapsulating abdominal context allowing to trace back the cause of death to a cocoon syndrome. Since no predisposing factor could be found, we hypothesized that this case could be characterized by an excessive peritoneal reactivity due to surgical appendectomy. Cocoon syndrome is a rare pathology, and its microscopic features are seldomly observed and could be underestimated. We present a directly observed case with a very substantial macroscopic and microscopic context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sericulture and the state supervision of textile production was a longstanding tradition in the Middle East during the pre-Islamic period. However, neither were known in the Iberian Peninsula. With the rise of Islam, the luxury fabrics produced by the state institution of ṭirāz became a prominent symbol of sovereignty, encouraging the Umayyads of al-Andalus (138 h./756–422 h./1031) to create their own ṭirāz workshop, which specialized in silk fabrics, after sericulture was introduced in Iberia under their rule. Little was known about this productive process, as existing studies have tended to focus exclusively on one of the multiple types of evidence available: Arabic, Latin and Hebrew textual sources; chemical, technical and decorative analysis of preserved textiles; and others. This paper uses all the evidence available to undertake a comprehensive study of the operation of the Umayyad ṭirāz workshop in al-Andalus. Beginning with the tributary and administrative factors that surrounded the institution, the process by which demand for silk in the Mediterranean markets gave private merchants the instruments to control the Andalusi textile sector is analysed. By the fifth h./eleventh century, al-Andalus had become the main supplier of silk goods in the Mediterranean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using fibroin derived from Bombyx mori silkworm cocoons multifunctional hemosorbents for the detoxification of blood and blood serum are obtained. Their physicochemical and morphological properties and sorption behavior are studied. It is shown that the resulting hemosorbents exhibit a high sorption activity. In terms of sorption activity, the hemosorbent based on fibroin treated by ultrasound and microwave irradiation ranks above the commercial hemosorbent VNIITU-1 in the Gemos®-KS hemosorption column (NPP Biotech-М). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through biogenetic engineering, the posterior silk glands of Bombyx mori larvae are degenerated, and only the middle silk glands are retained to secrete sericin to produce sericin fibers, so as to obtain sericin cocoons with high sericin content (>98.5%). For this paper, sericin cocoons were studied, and the morphological structure characteristics and properties of sericin cocoons and common Bombyx mori cocoons were compared and analyzed through such modern test techniques as SEM, FTIR, and XRD. Results show that sericin cocoons have the basic morphological structure of cocoons, but because of the brittleness and hardness of sericin, the ssericin cocoons have poor integrity with a thermal decomposition rate that is higher than that of cocoons; the two cocoons are of a similar protein structure, with both α-helix and β-sheet structures, and dominantly the β-sheet structure; and the crystallinity of sericin cocoons (10.48%) is lower than that of the common Bombyx mori cocoons (27.10%). Sericin was extracted from both cocoons to obtain a mixed sericin solution respectively, which were coated on base fabrics of polyester taffeta (210T) for coating finish and subjected to qualitative research for their anti-UV properties. The base fabrics coated with mixed sericin solutions of sericin cocoons and Bombyx mori cocoons have an anti-UV performance index (UPF) of 23.9% and 22.5% respectively, which are higher than that of the base fabric (8.9%).. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations were undertaken to determine the impact of bio-foliar formulations on growth of silkworm, Bombyx mori L. and economic traits of cocoon. Bio-foliar formulations such as panchagavya, vermiwash, Effective Micro-organisms (EM) and seriboost were sprayed on mulberry, Morus sp. on 15, 30 and 45 days after pruning (DAP). Leaves harvested on 60 DAP were fed to silkworm and its growth parameters were documented in the fifth instar. Larval weight (3.95 g), silk gland weight (773.12 mg), SGSTI (25.46), ERR (92.05%) and silk productivity (8.34 cg day-1) were statistically higher in the larvae treated with EM. Economic traits viz., cocoon weight (1.60 g), shell weight (0.379 g), shell ratio (23.78%), cocoon yield (9625.90 no.), cocoon yield (21.78 kg), filament length (1330.80 m) and filament weight (354.85 mg) were also maximum in the EM. Larval mortality, denier and renditta were reduced by 55.18, 10.66 and 9.73%, respectively over the control due to application of bio-foliar formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tachinid fly, Exorista sorbillans , is a notorious ovolarviparous endoparasitoid of the silkworm, Bombyx mori , causing severe damage to silkworm cocoon industry. Silkworm larvae show typically precocious wandering behavior after being parasitized by E. sorbillans ; however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unexplored. Herein, we investigated the changes in the levels of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile hormone (JH) titer, and they both increased in the hemolymph of parasitized silkworms. Furthermore, we verified the expression patterns of related genes, which showed an upregulation of 20E signaling and biosynthesis genes but a significant downregulation of ecdysone oxidase (EO), a 20E inactivation enzyme, in parasitized silkworms. In addition, related genes of the JH signaling were activated in parasitized silkworms, while related genes of the JH degradation pathway were suppressed, resulting in an increase in JH titer. Notably, the precocious wandering behavior of parasitized silkworms was partly recoverable by silencing the transcriptions of BmCYP302A1 or BmCYP307A1 genes. Our findings suggest that the developmental duration of silkworm post parasitism could be shortened by regulation of 20E and JH titers, which may help silkworm to resist the E. sorbillans infestation. These findings provide a basis for deeper insight into the interplay between silkworms and E. sorbillans and may serve as a reference for the development of a novel approach to control silkworm myiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Wool Textile Journal is the property of National Wool Textile Science & Technology Information Center and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Silk has been one of such luxuries we enjoy by sacrificing the insects that produce it for our benefit. As if this savagery wasn’t enough our dyeing of this silk has used up unfathomable water and caused its pollution to a considerable degree. In spite of all these inimical consequences to silk production, it still holds a place in the journey to sustainability because of its strength, durability and more of all its sentimental value to humans that discourage the use and throw frame of mind associated with clothing which has developed in the awake of this fast fashion epoch. In this context we discuss a method to make silk production more economical and less polluting and waste generating. The silkworms are fed special diets with dyes incorporated into it so that their silk glands take u these dyes and naturally spin colored cocoons. This abolishes the repercussions of toxic dye effluents generated during traditional dyeing process. Environment-friendly method to dye silk can be efficient by finding the right kind of dye that has positive partition coefficients (not very high), low isoelectric point, molecular weights less than 400 g/mol, and highly lipophilic.

The pigments play a vital role in the insect's defence, attraction, camouflage, sun protection, photoperiodism, etc. Carotenoids are isoprenoid pigments synthesized exclusively by plants and microorganisms. Notably, animals cannot synthesize carotenoids themselves, they get them only from the plants they consume and, they are transported to tissues by plasma proteins. The cocoons of naturally coloured mulberry silkworms appear yellow due to ether-soluble carotenoids. Six carotenoids found in the yellow-coloured cocoon of the mulberry were attributed to the carotenoid content present in the plant's leaves, which was transferred to the silk gland via haemolymph and deposited in the silk cocoon. All-trans β-carotene, neo-β-carotene B, all-trans lutein, neo-lutein A, tetraxanthin, and violaxanthin are reported to be deposited in the cocoons through the midgut. Biological efficacy studies revealed that the carotenoid derived from silkworm cocoons, pupae, haemolymph, etc. acted as a growth-promoting factor, a radical scavenger, an antioxidant, prevented photo aging and enhanced immune functions. An overview of the carotenoids present in silkworm, their biosynthesis, absorption, transportation, functional role, and biological activity is revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium oxalate (CaOx) is a minor constituent that is predominant in wild silk cocoons. While CaOx is abundantly accumulated in wild silkworm cocoons, domesticated silkworms have acquired and acclimated to less CaOx crystal deposition. Although CaOx is thought to be counterproductive in the cocoon, it plays a vital role in the protection, water resistance, CO2 gating, reflection, thermal insulation, etc. of the cocoon. In this review, recent advances in our understanding of CaOx function in wild silk cocoons, CaOx biosynthesis in host plants, and CaOx transport and deposition to cocoons are discussed. The constraints of CaOx in reeling wild silk cocoons are also discussed with the aspect of demineralization for commercial exploitation of wild silk fibres. This review presents a summary of reliable findings as well as potential research avenues for biologists interested in the commercialization of wild cocoons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abdominal cocoon syndrome is a rare condition that defines the total or partial encapsulation of the small bowel loops by a fibcrocollagenous membrane, primarily or secondarily, with inflammatory infiltrate that leads to acute or chronic obstruction. While this condition may become manifest in an idiopathic-primary form, it can also occur secondary to interventions such as abdominal surgery, chronic peritoneal dialysis, liver transplantation, ventriculoperitoneal shunt or medications. We aimed to present a case diagnosed with abdominal cocoon syndrome induced by peritoneal dialysis, who showed a good clinical response to steroid treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fortification of cassava leaves by adding nutrition is a recent technique in the ericulture study. Glycine is one of the amino acids necessary for the growth of silkworms. This study aimed to analyse the effect of glycine fortification of cassava leaves on the growth and development of eri silkworms. The parameters of this study were cocoon parameters, the wingspan of imago, development time and mortality, and egg parameters of Samia cynthia ricini D. This study had four treatments: control group, P1 group (adding glycine 0.5% on cassava leaves), P2 group (adding glycine 1% on cassava leaves), and P3 (adding glycine 1.5% on cassava leaves). The early instar of Eri silkworm larvae was fed on castor leaves, and glycine fortification was fed on the late instar of Eri silkworm larvae (fourth and fifth instars). Based on the results, all parameters showed significant differences from the control group. Glycine fortification increased cocoon weight (2.03 ± 0.62 g), extended the wingspan of the imago (12.15 ± 1.12 cm), shortened the development time (44.03 ± 0.84 days), had no mortality, and increased the fecundity of eggs (134.80 ± 28.78 eggs). The most effective concentration of glycine fortification on cassava leaves was 1.5%. Conclusively, cassava leaves with glycine fortification affect the growth and development of eri silkworm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Star-forming regions may play an important role in the life cycle of Galactic cosmic rays (CRs), notably as home to specific acceleration mechanisms and transport conditions. Gamma-ray observations of Cygnus X have revealed the presence of an excess of hard-spectrum gamma-ray emission, possibly related to a cocoon of freshly accelerated particles. Aims. We seek an improved description of the gamma-ray emission from the cocoon using ~13 yr of observations with the Fermi-Large Area Telescope (LAT) and use it to further constrain the processes and objects responsible for the young CR population. Methods. We developed an emission model for a large region of interest, including a description of interstellar emission from the background population of CRs and recent models for other gamma-ray sources in the field. Thus, we performed an improved spectro-morphological characterisation of the residual emission including the cocoon. Results. The best-fit model for the cocoon includes two main emission components: an extended component FCES G78.74+1.56, described by a 2D Gaussian of extension r68 = 4.4° ± 0.1°−0.1°+0.1° and a smooth broken power law spectrum with spectral indices 1.67 ± 0.05−0.01+0.02 and 2.12 ± 0.02−0.01+0.00 below and above 3.0 ± 0.6−0.2+0.0 GeV, respectively; and a central component FCES G80.00+0.50, traced by the distribution of ionised gas within the borders of the photo-dissociation regions and with a power law spectrum of index 2.19 ± 0.03−0.01+0.00 that is significantly different from the spectrum of FCES G78.74+1.56. An additional extended emission component FCES G78.83+3.57, located on the edge of the central cavities in Cygnus X and with a spectrum compatible with that of FCES G80.00+0.50, is likely related to the cocoon. For the two brightest components FCES G80.00+0.50 and FCES G78.74+1.56, spectra and radial-azimuthal profiles of the emission can be accounted for in a diffusion-loss framework involving one single population of non-thermal particles with a flat injection spectrum. Particles span the full extent of FCES G78.74+1.56 as a result of diffusion from a central source, and give rise to source FCES G80.00+0.50 by interacting with ionised gas in the innermost region. Conclusions. For this simple diffusion-loss model, viable setups can be very different in terms of energetics, transport conditions, and timescales involved, and both hadronic and leptonic scenarios are possible. The solutions range from long-lasting particle acceleration, possibly in prominent star clusters such as Cyg OB2 and NGC 6910, to a more recent and short-lived release of particles within the last 10–100 kyr, likely from a supernova remnant. The observables extracted from our analysis can be used to perform detailed comparisons with advanced models of particle acceleration and transport in star-forming regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cocoon is an inevitable product of a jet propagating through ambient matter, and takes a fair fraction of the jet energy. In short gamma-ray bursts (s GRBs), the ambient matter is the ejecta from the merger of neutron stars, expanding with a high velocity ∼0.2 c , in contrast to the static stellar envelope in collapsars. Using 2D relativistic hydrodynamic simulations with the ejecta density profile as ρ ∝  r −2, we find that the expansion makes a big difference; only 0.5–5 per cent of the cocoon mass escapes from (faster than) the ejecta, with an opening angle 20°–30°, while it is |$\sim 100{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$| and spherical in collapsars. We also analytically obtain the shares of mass and energies for the escaped and trapped cocoons. Because the mass of the escaped cocoon is small and the trapped cocoon is concealed by the ejecta and the escaped cocoon, we suggest that it is unlikely that cooling emission from the s GRB-jet heated cocoon was observed as a counterpart to the gravitational wave event GW170817. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]