bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Ridesharing Risk, Response, and Challenges in the Emergence of Novel Coronavirus Using Interactions in Uber Drivers Forum
Authors: Mojumder Md Nizamul Hoque , Ahmed Md Ashraf , Sadri Arif Mohaimin
Published: February 2021

The outbreak and emergence of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic affected every aspect of human activity, especially the transportation sector. Many cities adopted unprecedented lockdown strategies that resulted in significant nonessential mobility restrictions; hence, transportation network companies (TNCs) have experienced major shifts in their operation. Millions of people alone in the USA have filed for unemployment in the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak, many belonging to self-employed groups such as Uber/Lyft drivers. Due to unprecedented scenarios, both drivers and passengers experienced overwhelming challenges that might elongate the recovery process. The goal of this study is to understand the risk, response, and challenges associated with ridesharing (TNCs, drivers, and passengers) during the COVID-19 pandemic situation. As such, large-scale crowdsourced data were collected from online ridesharing forums (i.e., Uber Drivers) since the emergence of COVID-19 (January 25–May 10, 2020). Word bigrams, word frequency heatmaps, and topic models are among the different natural language processing and text-mining techniques used to preprocess the data and classify risk perception, risk-taking, or risk-averting behaviors associated with ridesharing during a major disease outbreak. Results indicate higher levels of concern about economic disruption, availability of stimulus checks, new employment opportunities, hospitalization, pandemic, personal hygiene, and staying at home. In addition, unprecedented challenges due to unemployment and the risk and uncertainties in the required personal protective actions against spreading the disease due to sharing are among the major interactions. The proposed text-based data analytics of the ridesharing risk communication dynamics during this pandemic will help to identify unobserved factors inadvertently affecting the TNCs as well as the users (drivers and passengers) and identify more efficient strategies and alternatives for the forthcoming “new normal” of the current pandemic and the ones in the future. The study will also guide us toward understanding how efficiently online social interaction outlets can be designed and implemented more effectively during a major crisis and how to leverage such platforms for providing guidelines during emergencies to minimize transmission of disease due to shared travel.
Marketplace and Literature Review of Spanish Language Mental Health Apps
Authors: Muñoz Alma Oñate , Camacho Erica , Torous John
Published: February 2021

Language differences between patients and providers remains a barrier to accessing health care, especially mental health services. One potential solution to reduce inequities for patients that speak different languages and improve their access to care is through the delivery of healthcare through mobile technology. Given that the Latinx community serves as the largest ethnic minority in the United States, this two-phased review examines Spanish app development, feasibility and efficacy. Phase 1 explored the commercial marketplace for apps available in Spanish, while phase 2 involved a literature review of published research centered around the creation, functions, and usability of these apps using the PubMed and Google Scholar electronic databases. Of the apps available on the database, only 14.5% of them had Spanish operability. The literature search uncovered 629 results, of which 12 research articles that tested or described 10 apps met the inclusion criteria. Of the 10 apps studied in this literature review, only four apps were translated to Spanish. Our study reveals that despite increasing interest in Spanish-language apps to address mental health, the commercial marketplace is not currently meeting the demand.
Evaluation of Wastewater Pollution and Treatment Efficiencies in China During Urbanization Based on Dynamic Exogenous Variable Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Sun Yanan , Ren Fangrong , Liu Jiawei , Shi Naixin , Wang Haofei , You Xiaotong
Published: February 2021

Under the comprehensive reform of its household registration system, China has experienced the largest and fastest urbanization process in the world since its establishment 70 years ago, but with the deepening of urbanization, cities are facing greater environmental challenges. As the total amount of urban wastewater discharge increases, the condition of water pollution nationwide has become more severe. Thus, through the use of dynamic exogenous variable data envelopment analysis (DEA) this research selects the employment population and input cost of wastewater treatment in 31 provinces of China from 2013 to 2017 as input indicators, gross domestic product (GDP), wastewater production, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in wastewater as output indicators, fixed assets as a carry-over variable, and urbanization level as an important influencing factor to evaluate and compare wastewater treatment efficiency in the northeast, central, western, and eastern regions with and without the influence of the level of urbanization. Findings show that the total efficiency score under the influence of the level of urbanization is generally higher than that without such an influence. The level of urbanization has a significantly positive effect on wastewater output efficiency in various regions, whereas wastewater output efficiency presents a downward trend from 2013 to 2017. The overall level of chemical oxygen demand efficiency is weak. When affected by the level of urbanization, the scores of COD efficiency in the eastern, northeast, and central regions have increased significantly. Finally, there is a large inter-provincial gap in the level of urbanization in the western region, while the level of urbanization has no significant impact on COD efficiency.
Ethical Issues with Using Internet of Things Devices in Citizen Science Research: A Scoping Review
Authors: Scheibner James , Jobin Anna , Vayena Effy
Published: February 2021

Digital innovation is ever more present and increasingly integrated into citizen science research. However, smartphones and other connected devices come with specific features and characteristics and, in consequence, raise particular ethical issues. This article addresses this important intersection of citizen science and the Internet of Things by focusing on how such ethical issues are communicated in scholarly literature. To answer this research question, this article presents a scoping review of published scientific studies or case studies of scientific studies that utilize both citizen scientists and Internet of Things devices. Specifically, this scoping review protocol retrieved studies where the authors had included at least a short discussion of the ethical issues encountered during the research process. A full text analysis of relevant articles conducted inductively and deductively identified three main categories of ethical issues being communicated: autonomy and data privacy, data quality, and intellectual property. Based on these categories, this review offers an overview of the legal and social innovation implications raised. This review also provides recommendations for researchers who wish to innovatively integrate citizen scientists and Internet of Things devices into their research based on the strategies researchers took to resolve these ethical issues.
Identification of Differently Expressed mRNAs in Atherosclerosis Reveals CDK6 Is Regulated by circHIPK3/miR-637 Axis and Promotes Cell Growth in Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Kang Le , Jia Hao , Huang Ben , Lu Shuyang , Chen Zhenhang , Shen Jinqiang , Zou Yunzeng , Wang Chunsheng , Sun Yongxin
Published: February 2021

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of heart disease and stroke, and one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. The phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) plays an important role in the pathological process of atherosclerosis. The present study aimed to identify differently expressed mRNAs in atherosclerosis by analyzing GSE6088 database. Our results revealed there were totally 467 increased and 490 decreased differential expressed genes (DEGs) in atherosclerosis. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that the DEGs substantially existed in pathways, including Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, Tyrosine metabolism, Tryptophan metabolism, Beta-Alanine metabolism, Fatty acid biosynthesis and Starch and sucrose metabolism. Next, we constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network to identify hub genes in atherosclerosis. Also, we identified CDK6 as a key regulator of atherosclerosis. In this study, we found that CDK6 knockdown suppressed HASMC and HUASMC cell proliferation. Circular RNA (CircRNA) is a non-coding RNA which is reported to have an unusual influence on tumorigenesis process and other aspects in the last few years. Previous studies showed circRNAs could act as miRNAs sponging in multiple biological processes. Bioinformatics prediction and luciferase analysis showed that CDK6 were targeted and regulated by circHIPK3/miR-637. Moreover, silencing circHIPK3 could also significantly induce the arrest and apoptosis of cell cycle. In conclusion, this study discovered the important regulatory role of circHIPK3 in the proliferation and apoptosis of VSMCs by influencing the miR-637/CDK6 axis.
Rapid and Low Cost Manufacturing of Cuff Electrodes
Authors: Flavin Matthew T. , Paul Marek A. , Lim Alexander S. , Abdulhamed Senan , Lissandrello Charles A. , Ajemian Robert , Lin Samuel J. , Han Jongyoon
Published: February 2021

For many peripheral neuro-modulation applications, the cuff electrode has become a preferred technology for delivering electrical current into targeted volumes of tissue. While basic cuffs with low spatial selectivity, having longitudinally arranged contacts, can be produced from relatively straightforward processes, the fabrication of more complex electrode configurations typically requires iterative design and clean-room fabrication with skilled technicians. Although facile methods for fabricating cuff electrodes exist, their inconsistent products have limited their adoption for rapid manufacturing. In this article, we report a fast, low-cost fabrication process for patterning of electrode contacts in an implantable peripheral nerve cuff. Using a laser cutter as we have prescribed, the designer can render precise contact geometries that are consistent between batches. This method is enabled by the use of silicone/carbon black (CB) composite electrodes, which integrate with the patterned surface of its substrate—tubular silicone insulation. The size and features of its products can be adapted to fit a wide range of nerve diameters and applications. In this study, we specifically documented the manufacturing and evaluation of circumpolar cuffs with radial arrays of three contacts for acute implantation on the rat sciatic nerve. As part of this method, we also detail protocols for verification—electrochemical characterization—and validation—electrophysiological evaluation—of implantable cuff electrodes. Applied to our circumpolar cuff electrode, we report favorable electrical characteristics. In addition, we report that it reproduces expected electrophysiological behaviors described in prior literature. No specialized equipment or fabrication experience was required in our production, and we encountered negligible costs relative to commercially available solutions. Since, as we demonstrate, this process generates consistent and precise electrode geometries, we propose that it has strong merits for use in rapid manufacturing.
The Effects of Avocado Waste and Its Functional Compounds in Animal Models on Dyslipidemia Parameters
Authors: Pineda-Lozano Jessica Elizabeth , Martínez-Moreno Alma Gabriela , Virgen-Carrillo Carmen Alejandrina
Published: February 2021

Ischemic heart disease and stroke are two main causes of death that have prevailed for more than 15 years. Dyslipidemia and its parameters like hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, increase in low-density cholesterol, and a reduction of high-density cholesterol have been related with heart disease and risk of stroke. Approaches to improve the health and specifically reduce the risk of heart disease, such as medications and dietary interventions have been effective, but there are other potential sources of biological compounds that could have an effect due to their antioxidant properties. Avocado is a commonly consumed fruit especially its pulp, while the peel, seed, and leaf are usually discarded as waste. Some researchers have reported antioxidant, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, lipid-lowering, and hypoglycemic effects in these wastes. In this review article, we have summarized the current evidence on the effect of biological compounds from avocado waste on dyslipidemia parameters in preclinical models. Also, we have included the compound extracted and the extraction method from the selected articles.
Circulating Tumor DNA Analyses as a Potential Marker of Recurrence and Effectiveness of Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Resected Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Kuang Peng-Peng , Li Ning , Liu Zui , Sun Tian-Yu , Wang Shu-Quan , Hu Jia , Ou Wei , Wang Si-Yu
Published: February 2021

Background

Although adjuvant chemotherapy is established for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the long-term survival remains to be improved. Postsurgical circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis of resectable NSCLC may identify patients at high risk of recurrence after adjuvant chemotherapy and facilitate personalized therapy.

Methods

This analysis included 38 patients who underwent curative-intent resection and received adjuvant chemotherapy for NSCLC. ctDNA analyses of tumor tissue, and pre- and post-operative plasma samples were performed with next-generation sequencing targeting 425 cancer-relevant genes. We define a ctDNA positive event as at least one shared mutation identified simultaneously in the plasma and tumor specimens. The primary endpoint was recurrence-free survival (RFS).

Results

At least one somatic mutation was identified in the tumor tissue of all 38 patients. Tumor tissue-specific mutated ctDNA was detected in the preoperative plasma samples of 19 (50%) patients. ctDNA in preoperative plasma was in good accordance with that in tissue. ctDNA was detectable in the first post-operative pre-chemotherapy samples of 8 of 35 (22.9%) patients and was associated with inferior RFS (HR, 3.69; P = 0.033). ctDNA was detected in the first post-chemotherapy samples of 8 of 36 (22.2%) patients and was also associated with inferior RFS (HR, 8.76; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Postoperative and post-chemotherapy ctDNA is a promising prognostic marker for resected NSCLC. ctDNA analyses may define a subgroup that remains at high risk of relapse despite standard adjuvant chemotherapy, and may help to inform intensified therapeutic strategies.
Comparative Proteome Identifies Complement Component 3-Mediated Immune Response as Key Difference of Colon Adenocarcinoma and Rectal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liang Jun-Ze , Liang Xiao-Ling , Zhong Li-Ye , Wu Chu-Tian , Zhang Jing , Wang Yang
Published: February 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most lethal diseases with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Clinically, tumors located in colon and rectum have diverse prognosis and therapeutic outcome. Here, we performed data mining derived from 20 CRC patient samples to compare proteomic difference between colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) and rectal adenocarcinoma (READ). We found that differential expressed proteins (DEPs) upregulated in COAD were mainly enriched in immune response, moreover, higher immune scores were found in COAD than READ, as calculated by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data. To identify the core protein of DEPs with high prognostic value for COAD, we performed topological overlap matrix (TOM) to investigate the hub proteins using 77 immune-relevant DEPs, and identified complement component 3 (C3) as the core protein in the immune-relevant DEPs matrix between the COAD and READ. Moreover, we found that C3 was up-regulated in COAD, and its expression was negatively associated with overall survival of COAD patients but not READ. In conclusion, we identified C3-mediated immune response as key feature to distinguish COAD and READ, and highlighted C3 as potential biomarker with high prognostic value for clinical application, which provided new clue for precise treatment of COAD.
The Role of Postoperative Radiotherapy and Prognostic Model in Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Parotid Gland
Authors: Qiu Wenlong , Yang Yong , Sun Shiran , Zhou Fengge , Xu Yi , Luo Xi , Wang Zekun , He Meilin , Liu Yang , Yi Junlin
Published: February 2021

Background

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of parotid gland (parotid SCC) is a high malignant histologic subtype of parotid cancers with aggressive clinical presentation. However, the clinical features and survival benefit of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) for primary parotid SCC are not well known.

Methods

A retrospective population-based study was performed to identify the role of PORT in parotid SCC patients diagnosed between 1975 and 2016 from SEER database. A prognostic risk model was established based on patient clinical features, including age, tumor stage, and node involvement status. Patients were stratified into high, intermediate, and low risk according to this model. The survival benefit of radiotherapy was compared in the whole cohort and different risk groups.

Results

Nine hundred thirty-one parotid SCC patients were extracted from SEER database, 634 (68.1%) in the RT group and 286 (30.7%) in the non-RT group. Overall, 503 (54.0%) deaths occurred, with a median follow-up of 84 months, the 5-year OS was 43.6% in the whole cohort, 47.7 vs 35.9% in patients with/without PORT (P = 0.005), and 58.9 vs. 38.8 vs. 27.1% in low-, intermediate-, and high-risk group (P < 0.001). Compared with surgery alone, PORT significantly improved the OS of patients with medium risk (47.5 vs. 20.6, P < 0.001), whereas not in the low risk (61 vs. 54%, P = 0.710) and high (25.6 vs. 28.7%, P = 0.524).

Conclusion

This prognostic model can separate the patients with parotid squamous cell carcinoma into different risk. PORT significantly improved the OS of patients with intermediate risk, whereas high-risk group may need more intensive treatment strategies.
Mentoring in Pediatric Thoracoscopy: From Theory to Practice
Authors: Macchini Francesco , Leva Ernesto , Gentilino Valerio , Morandi Anna , Rothenberg Steven Scot
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Thoracoscopy represents the most challenging area of pediatric minimally invasive surgery due to its technical difficulty. A standardized training program would be advisable. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of our surgical training.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective, single-center, cohort study was performed. The following four-step program was tested: (1) theoretical part; (2) experimental training; (3) training in centers of reference; (4) personal operative experience. Particular attention was focused on the choice of mentor. Times and modality of adherence to the program were evaluated. The effectiveness and safety of the training were evaluated according to the surgical results of esophageal atresia (EA/TEF) repair and resection of congenital lung malformations (CLM). The study was conducted from January 2014 to May 2020. Attending surgeons with previous experience in neonatal and pediatric laparoscopy were selected for the training program after being evaluated by the head of Department.

Results: The training program was fully completed in 2 years. Twenty-four lobectomies, 9 sequestrectomies, 2 bronchogenic cyst resections and 20 EA/TEF repair were performed. Thoracoscopy was always feasible and effective, with no conversion. The operative times progressively decreased. Only three minor complications were recorded, all treated conservatively.

Conclusions: A standardized training program is highly desirable to learn how to safely perform advanced pediatric thoracoscopy. The 4-steps design seems a valid educational option. The choice of the mentor is crucial. An experience-based profile for pediatric surgeons who may teach thoracoscopy is advisable.
The Effects of L1 English Constraints on the Acquisition of the L2 Spanish Alveopalatal Nasal
Authors: Stefanich Sara , Cabrelli Jennifer
Published: February 2021

This study examines whether L1 English/L2 Spanish learners at different proficiency levels acquire a novel L2 phoneme, the Spanish palatal nasal /ɲ/. While alveolar /n/ is part of the Spanish and English inventories, /ɲ/, which consists of a tautosyllabic palatal nasal+glide element, is not. This crosslinguistic disparity presents potential difficulty for L1 English speakers due to L1 segmental and phonotactic constraints; the closest English approximation is the heterosyllabic sequence /nj/ (e.g., “canyon” /kænjn/ ['khæn.jn], cf. Spanish cañón “canyon” /kaɲon/ [ka.'ɲon]). With these crosslinguistic differences in mind, we ask: (1a) Do L1 English learners of L2 Spanish produce acoustically distinct Spanish /n/ and /ɲ/ and (1b) Does the distinction of /n/ and /ɲ/ vary by proficiency? In the case that learners distinguish /n/ and /ɲ/, the second question investigates the acoustic quality of /ɲ/ to determine (2a) if learners' L2 representation patterns with that of an L1 Spanish representation or if learners rely on an L1 representation (here, English /nj/) and (2b) if the acoustic quality of L2 Spanish /ɲ/ varies as a function of proficiency. Beginner (n = 9) and advanced (n = 8) L1 English/L2 Spanish speakers and a comparison group of 10 L1 Spanish/L2 English speakers completed delayed repetition tasks in which disyllabic nonce words were produced in a carrier phrase. English critical items contained an intervocalic heterosyllabic /nj/ sequence (e.g., ['phan.jə]); Spanish critical items consisted of items with either intervocalic onset /ɲ/ (e.g., ['xa.ɲa]) or /n/ ['xa.na]. We measured duration and formant contours of the following vocalic portion as acoustic indices of the /n/~/ɲ/ and /ɲ/ ~/nj/ distinctions. Results show that, while L2 Spanish learners produce an acoustically distinct /n/ ~ /ɲ/ contrast even at a low level of proficiency, the beginners produce an intermediate /ɲ/ that falls acoustically between their English /nj/ and the L1 Spanish /ɲ/ while the advanced learners' Spanish /ɲ/ and English /nj/ appear to be in the process of equivalence classification. We discuss these outcomes as they relate to the robustness of L1 phonological constraints in late L2 acquisition coupled with the role of perceptual cues, functional load, and questions of intelligibility.
RECLAIM: Toward a New Era of Refurbishment and Remanufacturing of Industrial Equipment
Authors: Zacharaki Angeliki , Vafeiadis Thanasis , Kolokas Nikolaos , Vaxevani Aikaterini , Xu Yuchun , Peschl Michael , Ioannidis Dimosthenis , Tzovaras Dimitrios
Published: February 2021

Refurbishment and remanufacturing are the industrial processes whereby used products or parts that constitute the product are restored. Remanufacturing is the process of restoring the functionality of the product or a part of it to “as-new” quality, whereas refurbishment is the process of restoring the product itself or part of it to “like-new” quality, without being as thorough as remanufacturing. Within this context, the EU-funded project RECLAIM presents a new idea on refurbishment and remanufacturing based on big data analytics, machine learning, predictive analytics, and optimization models using deep learning techniques and digital twin models with the aim of enabling the stakeholders to make informed decisions about whether to remanufacture, upgrade, or repair heavy machinery that is toward its end-of-life. The RECLAIM project additionally provides novel strategies and technologies that enable the reuse of industrial equipment in old, renewed, and new factories, with the goal of saving valuable resources by recycling equipment and using them in a different application, instead of discarding them after use. For instance, RECLAIM provides a simulation engine using digital twin in order to predict maintenance needs and potential faults of large industrial equipment. This simulation engine keeps the virtual twins available to store all available information during the lifetime of a machine, such as maintenance operations, and this information can be used to perform an economic estimation of the machine's refurbishment costs. The RECLAIM project envisages developing new technologies and strategies aligned with the circular economy and in support of a new model for the management of large industrial equipment that approaches the end of its design life. This model aims to reduce substantially the opportunity cost of retaining strategies (both moneywise and resourcewise) by allowing relatively old equipment that faces the prospect of decommissioning to reclaim its functionalities and role in the overall production system.
The Agave Bat and Its Stinky Back Patch
Authors: Gaona Osiris , Neri Barrios Carla Ximena
Published: February 2021

Have you ever wondered how bats choose their mates? It turns out that some male and female bats meet in dark caves, with thousands of bats around them. Despite their good eyesight, it can be challenging to find “Mr. Right” in these conditions! Female bats have resorted to using their noses and, surprisingly, they prefer the stinkiest of males. Male long-nosed bats develop a stinky patch between their shoulder blades that they use to attract females, with the aid of bacteria.
Attempting to Estimate the Unseen—Correction for Occluded Fruit in Tree Fruit Load Estimation by Machine Vision with Deep Learning
Authors: Koirala Anand , Walsh Kerry B. , Wang Zhenglin
Published: February 2021

Machine vision from ground vehicles is being used for estimation of fruit load on trees, but a correction is required for occlusion by foliage or other fruits. This requires a manually estimated factor (the reference method). It was hypothesised that canopy images could hold information related to the number of occluded fruits. Several image features, such as the proportion of fruit that were partly occluded, were used in training Random forest and multi-layered perceptron (MLP) models for estimation of a correction factor per tree. In another approach, deep learning convolutional neural networks (CNNs) were directly trained against harvest count of fruit per tree. A R2 of 0.98 (n = 98 trees) was achieved for the correlation of fruit count predicted by a Random forest model and the ground truth fruit count, compared to a R2 of 0.68 for the reference method. Error on prediction of whole orchard (880 trees) fruit load compared to packhouse count was 1.6% for the MLP model and 13.6% for the reference method. However, the performance of these models on data of another season was at best equivalent and generally poorer than the reference method. This result indicates that training on one season of data was insufficient for the development of a robust model.
Factors Affecting Sugar Accumulation and Fluxes in Warm- and Cool-Season Forages Grown in a Silvopastoral System
Authors: Niyigena Valens , Ashworth Amanda J. , Nieman Christine , Acharya Mohan , Coffey Kenneth P. , Philipp Dirk , Meadors Lillian , Sauer Thomas J.
Published: February 2021

Forage management and environmental conditions affect water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) storage, and, in turn, influence ruminant forage utilization in silvopastoral systems. The objective was to determine effects of four dependent variables: forage species [(non-native, C3 (orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.)) and native C4 mix (8:1:1 big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium Michx. Nash) and indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans L.))]; fertility (poultry litter and an unfertilized control); forage sampling date (mid-May, late-May, early-June, mid-June, and late-June); and hour of day (0800, 1100, 1400, and 1700 h) on WSC accumulation in a silvopasture. Concentrations of WSC (g kg DM−1) were greater (p ≤ 0.05) for C3 forages, with poultry litter not impacting WSC accumulation. Overall, WSC was greatest in mid-June, with the lowest WSC concentration observed at 0800 compared to 1100, 1400, and 1700 h (p ≤ 0.05). Therefore, harvesting forages later in the day resulted in greater WSC. A stepwise regression model indicated acid detergent fiber, ash, and forage P concentration were the best predictors (R2 = 0.85, p ≤ 0.05) of forage WSC. These results may be useful in future studies aimed at explaining diurnal cattle grazing preference and optimum forage harvest timing in silvopastoral systems.
Enhanced Virulence of Aeromonas hydrophila Is Induced by Stress and Serial Passaging in Mice
Authors: Kim Kyoo-Tae , Lee Seung-Hun , Lee Kyoung-Ki , Han Jee Eun , Kwak Dongmi
Published: February 2021

Aeromonas hydrophila was isolated from an African black-footed penguin (Spheniscus demersus) that died while in zoo captivity. At necropsy, the virulence of A. hydrophila appeared to be enhanced by stress, so was assessed in the presence of in vitro and in vivo stressors and serial passaging in mice. Virulence genes from the isolate were amplified by PCR. In vitro assays were conducted to test the hemolytic activity, cytotoxicity, and effect of stress hormones on A. hydrophila virulence. In vivo assays were conducted to test the stress effect on mortality of A. hydrophila-infected mice and virulence in mice. Two virulence genes coding for hemolysin (ahh1) and aerolysin (aerA) were detected, and the cytotoxic potential of the isolate was demonstrated in baby hamster kidney and Vero cells. Some or all mice inoculated with A. hydrophila and exposed to stress hormones (epinephrine and norepinephrine) or low temperature died, while mice inoculated with A. hydrophila and exposed to fasting or agitation stressors or no stressors survived. We concluded that stress can be fatal in mice experimentally infected with A. hydrophila and that serial passaging in mice dramatically enhances the virulence of A. hydrophila.
Clostridioides difficile in Calves in Central Italy: Prevalence, Molecular Typing, Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Association with Antibiotic Administration
Authors: Blasi Francesca , Lovito Carmela , Albini Elisa , Bano Luca , Dalmonte Gastone , Drigo Ilenia , Maresca Carmen , Massacci Francesca Romana , Orsini Serenella , Primavilla Sara , Scoccia Eleonora , Tofani Silvia , Forte Claudio , Magistrali Chiara Francesca
Published: February 2021

The emergence of Clostridioides difficile as the main agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea has raised concerns about its potential zoonotic role in different animal species. The use of antimicrobials is a major risk factor for C. difficile infection. Here, we provide data on C. difficile infection in dairy and beef calves in Umbria, a region in central Italy. This cross-sectional study focuses on prevalence, risk factors, ribotypes, toxinotypes and antimicrobial resistance profiles of circulating ribotypes. A prevalence of 19.8% (CI95%, 12–27.6%) positive farms was estimated, and the prescription of penicillins on the farms was associated with C. difficile detection (OR = 5.58). Eleven different ribotypes were found, including the ST11 sublineages RT-126 and -078, which are also commonly reported in humans. Thirteen isolates out of 17 showed resistance to at least one of clindamycin, moxifloxacin, linezolid and vancomycin. Among them, multiple-drug resistance was observed in two isolates, belonging to RT-126. Furthermore, RT-126 isolates were positive for tetracycline resistance determinants, confirming that tetracycline resistance is widespread among ST11 isolates from cattle. The administration of penicillins increased the risk of C. difficile in calves: this, together with the recovery of multi-resistant strains, strongly suggests the need for minimising antibiotic misuse on cattle farms.
Hot Air and Microwave Combined Drying of Potato Monitored by Infrared Thermography
Authors: Tomas-Egea Juan Angel , Traffano-Schiffo Maria Victoria , Castro-Giraldez Marta , Fito Pedro J.
Published: February 2021

Hot air drying (HAD) at temperatures below the spontaneous evaporation temperature could be combined with microwave (MW) radiation as a thermal energy source in order to reduce the drying time. A photon flux in the microwave range interacts with dipolar molecules (water) through orientation and induction, producing electrical energy storage and thermal energy accumulation and generating an increase in the internal energy of food. The different mechanisms involved in water transport could change when the microwave penetration depth exceeds the sample characteristic dimension of mass transport. The aim of this paper is to determine the effect of MW in the combined HAD-MW drying of raw potato in order to obtain the real driving forces and mechanisms involved in the water transport, with the purpose of optimizing the MW power used. For this purpose, combined drying was carried out on potato samples (0, 4 and 6 W/g). The sample surface temperature was monitored by infrared thermography, and the sample mass was measured continuously through a precision balance. In parallel with continuous drying, another drying treatment was performed at different times (20, 40, 60, 90, 120, 180, 420 min) and conditions (0, 4 and 6 W/g) to analyze the dielectric properties, mass, moisture, volume and water activity. The results show that it is possible to monitor combined drying by infrared thermography, and it can be concluded that the convection heating is mostly transformed into surface water evaporation, with negligible thermal conduction from the surface, and microwave radiation is mostly transformed into an increase in the potato’s internal energy.
Comparative Analysis of Cell-Free miR-205-5p, let-7f-5p, and miR-483-5p Expression in Ovarian Cell Cultures and Plasma Samples of Patients with Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Márton Éva , Varga Alexandra , Soltész Beáta , Penyige András , Lukács János , Póka Róbert , Nagy Bálint , Szilágyi Melinda
Published: February 2021

The term liquid biopsy reveals a non-invasive diagnostic method that might be based on the quantification of cell-free microRNAs in body fluids. However, the identification of candidates for liquid biopsy is challenging. Our aim was to compare the cell-free expression of miR-483-5p, miR-205-5p, and let-7f-5p in ovarian cell cultures and plasma samples of patients with ovarian cancer. Both the intracellular and cell-free expression of miR-205-5p and let-7f-5p proved to be higher in the Estrogen Receptor α (ERα) expressing PEO1 cell-line than in the estrogen non-sensitive A2780. Moreover, the expression of let-7f-5p was up-regulated in response to estradiol exposure that was diminished after the addition of an ERα selective antagonist. MiR-483-5p had lower intracellular and cell-free expression in PEO1. All these miRNAs had detectable expression level in plasma samples, among which miR-205-5p proved to be overexpressed in the plasma samples of patients with ovarian tumors compared to healthy controls and possessed an acceptable diagnostic potential with ROC-AUC 0.683 (95% CI 0.57–0.795). Functional annotation clustering of the target genes of miR-205-5p revealed several clusters involved in cancer development. We suggest that miR-205-5p might be a promising biomarker candidate in ovarian cancer that should be further analyzed in larger sample size.
Multimodal Interaction Systems Based on Internet of Things and Augmented Reality: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Kim Joo Chan , Laine Teemu H. , Åhlund Christer
Published: February 2021

Technology developments have expanded the diversity of interaction modalities that can be used by an agent (either a human or machine) to interact with a computer system. This expansion has created the need for more natural and user-friendly interfaces in order to achieve effective user experience and usability. More than one modality can be provided to an agent for interaction with a system to accomplish this goal, which is referred to as a multimodal interaction (MI) system. The Internet of Things (IoT) and augmented reality (AR) are popular technologies that allow interaction systems to combine the real-world context of the agent and immersive AR content. However, although MI systems have been extensively studied, there are only several studies that reviewed MI systems that used IoT and AR. Therefore, this paper presents an in-depth review of studies that proposed various MI systems utilizing IoT and AR. A total of 23 studies were identified and analyzed through a rigorous systematic literature review protocol. The results of our analysis of MI system architectures, the relationship between system components, input/output interaction modalities, and open research challenges are presented and discussed to summarize the findings and identify future research and development avenues for researchers and MI developers.
Traits versus Grades—The Incremental Predictive Power of Positive Psychological Factors over Pre-Enrollment Achievement Measures on Academic Performance
Authors: Séllei Beatrix , Stumphauser Nóra , Molontay Roland
Published: February 2021

Understanding what (and to what extent) psychological factors affect university performance has attracted a lot of research interest recently. In this paper, we use logistic regression models to study the incremental predictive power of positive psychological factors over pre-enrollment achievement measures on academic performance. The study is based on the data of 302 business and economics undergraduate students from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. Coping proved to be the most important factor that sheds light on the importance of stress management for students. We also found that using properly chosen psychological factors measuring coping, personality traits, psychological immune system, emotional intelligence, and PERMA (P—positive emotion, E—engagement, R—relationships, M—meaning, A—accomplishments) factors, together with the university entrance score and academic performance can be predicted significantly better than solely relying on pre-enrollment achievement measures.
Fundamental Principles Ensuring Successful Implementation of New-Age (Nano) Modified Emulsions (NME) for the Stabilisation of Naturally Available Materials in Pavement Engineering
Authors: Jordaan Gerrit J. , Steyn Wynand J. v. d. M.
Published: February 2021

Good transportation systems are pre-requisites to economic development. Empirically developed, archaic test methods are traditionally used for materials classification used in road construction. This system normally classifies naturally available materials subjected to chemical weathering conditions, as unsuitable for use in the load-bearing road pavement layers. Consequently, design standards normally require the use of imported materials at considerable costs, severely restricting road network development under scenarios of limited funding. The introduction of applicable nanotechnologies has been shown to enable the use of naturally available materials in all pavement layers at a substantial reduction in costs. The successful roll-out of these nanotechnology solutions depends on a sound, scientifically based approach. Aspects such as toxicity, health and safety, etc. must be addressed in a holistic approach together with material compatibility and fundamental engineering requirements. The successes achieved over the last decade, introducing material compatible New-age Modified Emulsions (NME), are based on fundamental concepts that need to be considered in a holistic test, evaluation and implementation strategy. This paper identifies fundamental concepts related to nanotechnology implementation in the context of road pavement engineering, which needs to be addressed to ensure successful implementation. Ad hoc implementation of new-age technologies without adequate scientific evaluation could prove detrimental.
Stochastic Dosimetry Assessment of the Human RF-EMF Exposure to 3D Beamforming Antennas in indoor 5G Networks
Authors: Bonato Marta , Dossi Laura , Chiaramello Emma , Fiocchi Serena , Tognola Gabriella , Parazzini Marta
Published: February 2021

The deployment of near future 5G networks will introduce modifications in the population’s exposure levels to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs). The present work aimed to face the challenge of studying the exposure variability in the presence of an access point (AP) at 3.7 GHz with 64 patch elements uniform planar array antenna and 3D beamforming capability. The novelty introduced in the methodology of the exposure’s evaluation was the combining of traditional computational methods with a new approach based on stochastic dosimetry, called polynomial chaos kriging method, in order to estimate the exposure levels for 1000 different antenna beamforming patterns with low computational efforts. The simulations were evaluated considering a child model and computing the specific absorption rate (SAR) in different tissues. The analysis of the results highlighted a high exposure variability scenario depending on the beamforming patterns of the array antenna and identified the ranges of elevation and azimuth angles of the main antenna beam that may cause the highest levels of exposure.
Large Roll Vortices Exhibited by Post-Tropical Cyclone Sandy during Landfall
Authors: Schiavone James A. , Gao Kun , Robinson David A. , Johnsen Peter J. , Gerbush Mathieu R.
Published: February 2021

Roll vortices are frequent features of a hurricane’s boundary layer, with kilometer or sub-kilometer horizontal scale. In this study, we found that large roll vortices with O (10 km) horizontal wavelength occurred over land in Post-Tropical Cyclone Sandy (2012) during landfall on New Jersey. Various characteristics of roll vortices were corroborated by analyses of Doppler radar observations, a 500 m resolution Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) simulation, and an idealized roll vortex model. The roll vortices were always linear-shaped, and their wavelengths of 5–14 km were generally larger than any previously published for a tropical cyclone over land. Based on surface wind observations and simulated WRF surface wind fields, we found that roll vortices significantly increased the probability of hazardous winds and likely caused the observed patchiness of treefall during Sandy’s landfall.
Assessing Scientific Soundness and Translational Value of Animal Studies on DPP4 Inhibitors for Treating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Franco Nuno Henrique , Miranda Sonia Batista , Kovács Nóra , Nagy Attila , Thiện Bùi Quốc , Reis Flávio , Varga Orsolya
Published: February 2021

Although there is a wide range of animal models of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) used in research; we have limited evidence on their translation value. This paper provides a) a comparison of preclinical animal and clinical results on the effect of five dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors by comparing the pharmaceutical caused glucose changes, and b) an evaluation of methodological and reporting standards in T2DM preclinical animal studies. DPP4 inhibitors play an important role in the clinical management of T2DM: if metformin alone is not sufficient enough to control the blood sugar levels, DPP4 inhibitors are often used as second-line therapy; additionally, DPP-4 inhibitors are also used in triple therapies with metformin and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors or with metformin and insulin. In our analysis of 124 preclinical studies and 47 clinical trials, (1) we found no evidence of species differences in glucose change response to DPP4 inhibitors, which may suggest that, for this drug class, studies in mice and rats may be equally predictive of how well a drug will work in humans; and (2) there is good reporting of group size, sex, age, euthanasia method and self-reported compliance with animal welfare regulations in animal studies but poor reporting of justification of group size, along with a strong bias towards the use of male animals and young animals. Instead of the common non-transparent model selection, we call for a reflective and evidenced-based assessment of predictive validity of the animal models currently available.
Psychosocial Crowding Stress-Induced Changes in Synaptic Transmission and Glutamate Receptor Expression in the Rat Frontal Cortex
Authors: Zelek-Molik Agnieszka , Bobula Bartosz , Gądek-Michalska Anna , Chorązka Katarzyna , Bielawski Adam , Kuśmierczyk Justyna , Siwiec Marcin , Wilczkowski Michał , Hess Grzegorz , Nalepa Irena
Published: February 2021

This study demonstrates how exposure to psychosocial crowding stress (CS) for 3, 7, and 14 days affects glutamate synapse functioning and signal transduction in the frontal cortex (FC) of rats. CS effects on synaptic activity were evaluated in FC slices of the primary motor cortex (M1) by measuring field potential (FP) amplitude, paired-pulse ratio (PPR), and long-term potentiation (LTP). Protein expression of GluA1, GluN2B mGluR1a/5, VGLUT1, and VGLUT2 was assessed in FC by western blot. The body’s response to CS was evaluated by measuring body weight and the plasma level of plasma corticosterone (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and interleukin 1 beta (IL1B). CS 3 14d increased FP and attenuated LTP in M1, while PPR was augmented in CS 14d. The expression of GluA1, GluN2B, and mGluR1a/5 was up-regulated in CS 3d and downregulated in CS 14d. VGLUTs expression tended to increase in CS 7d. The failure to blunt the effects of chronic CS on FP and LTP in M1 suggests the impairment of habituation mechanisms by psychosocial stressors. PPR augmented by chronic CS with increased VGLUTs level in the CS 7d indicates that prolonged CS exposure changed presynaptic signaling within the FC. The CS bidirectional profile of changes in glutamate receptors’ expression seems to be a common mechanism evoked by stress in the FC.
DNA Methylation, Mechanisms of FMR1 Inactivation and Therapeutic Perspectives for Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Nobile Veronica , Pucci Cecilia , Chiurazzi Pietro , Neri Giovanni , Tabolacci Elisabetta
Published: February 2021

Among the inherited causes of intellectual disability and autism, Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most frequent form, for which there is currently no cure. In most FXS patients, the FMR1 gene is epigenetically inactivated following the expansion over 200 triplets of a CGG repeat (FM: full mutation). FMR1 encodes the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), which binds several mRNAs, mainly in the brain. When the FM becomes methylated at 10–12 weeks of gestation, the FMR1 gene is transcriptionally silent. The molecular mechanisms involved in the epigenetic silencing are not fully elucidated. Among FXS families, there is a rare occurrence of males carrying a FM, which remains active because it is not methylated, thus ensuring enough FMRPs to allow for an intellectual development within normal range. Which mechanisms are responsible for sparing these individuals from being affected by FXS? In order to answer this critical question, which may have possible implications for FXS therapy, several potential epigenetic mechanisms have been described. Here, we focus on current knowledge about the role of DNA methylation and other epigenetic modifications in FMR1 gene silencing.