bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Training with optic flow stimuli promotes recovery in cortical blindness
Authors: Awada Asmara , Bakhtiari Shahab , Legault Catherine , Odier Celine , Pack Christopher C.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Cortical blindness is a form of severe vision loss that is caused by damage to the primary visual cortex (V1) or its afferents. This condition has devastating effects on quality of life and independence. While there are few treatments currently available, accumulating evidence shows that certain visual functions can be restored with appropriate perceptual training: Stimulus sensitivity can be increased within portions of the blind visual field. However, this increased sensitivity often remains highly specific to the trained stimulus, limiting the overall improvement in visual function.

Objective:

Recent advances in the field of perceptual learning show that such specificity can be overcome with training paradigms that leverage the properties of higher-level visual cortical structures, which have greater capacity to generalize across stimulus positions and features. This targeting can be accomplished by using more complex training stimuli that elicit robust responses in these visual structures.

Methods:

We trained cortically blind subjects with a complex optic flow motion stimulus that was presented in a location of their blind field. Participants were instructed to train with the stimulus at home for approximately 30 minutes per day. Once performance plateaued, the stimulus was moved deeper into the blind field. A battery of pre- and post-training measures, with careful eye tracking, was performed to quantify the improvements.

Results:

We show that 1) optic flow motion discrimination can be relearned in cortically blind fields; 2) training with an optic flow stimulus can lead to improvements that transfer to different tasks and untrained locations; and 3) such training leads to a significant expansion of the visual field. The observed expansion of the visual field was present even when eye movements were carefully controlled. Finally, we show that regular training is critical for improved visual function, as sporadic training reduced the benefits of training, even when the total numbers of training sessions were equated.

Conclusions:

These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that complex training stimuli can improve outcomes in cortical blindness, provided that patients adhere to a regular training regimen. Nevertheless, such interventions remain limited in their ability to restore functional vision.
Developing new quantitative CT image markers to predict prognosis of acute ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Danala Gopichandh , Ray Bappaditya , Desai Masoom , Heidari Morteza , Mirniaharikandehei Seyedehnafiseh , Maryada Sai Kiran R. , Zheng Bin
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND: Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT) is an effective method to treat acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, stratifying AIS patients who can and cannot benefit from EMT remains a clinical challenge. OBJECTIVE: To develop a new quantitative image marker computed from pre-intervention computed tomography perfusion (CTP) images and evaluate its feasibility to predict clinical outcome among AIS patients undergoing EMT after diagnosis of LVO. METHODS: A retrospective dataset of 31 AIS patients with pre-intervention CTP images is assembled. A computer-aided detection (CAD) scheme is developed to pre-process CTP images of different scanning series for each study case, perform image segmentation, quantify contrast-enhanced blood volumes in bilateral cerebral hemispheres, and compute features related to asymmetrical cerebral blood flow patterns based on the cumulative cerebral blood flow curves of two hemispheres. Next, image markers based on a single optimal feature and machine learning (ML) models fused with multi-features are developed and tested to classify AIS cases into two classes of good and poor prognosis based on the Modified Rankin Scale. Performance of image markers is evaluated using the area under the ROC curve (AUC) and accuracy computed from the confusion matrix. RESULTS: The ML model using the neuroimaging features computed from the slopes of the subtracted cumulative blood flow curves between two cerebral hemispheres yields classification performance of AUC = 0.878±0.077 with an overall accuracy of 90.3%. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates feasibility of developing a new quantitative imaging method and marker to predict AIS patients’ prognosis in the hyperacute stage, which can help clinicians optimally treat and manage AIS patients.
Sedimentos de tanque de piscicultura na produção de cenoura em sucessão com feijão-caupi
Authors:   Universidade Federal de Roraima, Melo Valdinar Ferreira , Maia Sonicley da Silva ,   Universidade Federal de Roraima, Medeiros Wigna Maria de ,   Universidade Federal de Roraima, Gomide Plínio Henrique de Oliveira ,   Universidade Estadual de Roraima, Uchôa Sandra Cátia Pereira ,   Universidade Federal de Roraima, Souza Fernando Gomes de ,   Universidade Federal de Roraima, Duarte Daniel de Sousa ,   Universidade Federal de Roraima
Published: February 2022

The use of fish farming residues in cultivated fields is currently well seen in the sustainable environmental parameters of agricultural production. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the use of solid waste from fishponds and their interactions with NPK and limestone in the production of carrots and cowpea in succession. The experiment was designed in randomized blocks, with four replications and fourteen treatments, being carried out in the field on a Dystrophic Yellow Latosol. The addition of solid residues from a fishpond increased the production of tuberous carrot root as a function of doses and combinations of residues and levels of mineral supplementation. The greatest effects of residues were in relation to yield, size and tuberous root diameter.
QIṢAṢ AL-ĀBĀI WA AL-ABNĀI FĪ AL-QURĀN AL-KARĪM WA ĀṠARUHĀ FĪ TARBIYAH AL-ABNĀI: DIRĀSAH MUQĀRANAH BAINA QIṢATAY NUḤ MA’A IBNIHI WA IBRĀHĪM MA’A IBNIHI
Authors: Ramadhani Wali , Gumi Sulaim Sulaiman , Humaira Dara
Published: February 2022

The stories of the Quran are one of the interesting topics in the Quranic studies. Every story in the Qur'an contains various wisdom and lessons. One of the stories mentioned in the Quran is the story of parents and children. In this article, the author presents two stories of parents and children in the Koran, namely the story of Prophet Nuh As. and his disobedient son and the story of Prophet Ibrahim As and his son who was pious and devoted to his parents, namely Prophet Ismail As. This study uses a descriptive-analytical method. Using this Method, the author gathered Quranic verses relating to two stories and subsequently elaborated and analyzed the wisdoms on child education contained in the stories. Based on this method there are several research results: First; The story of Nuh As and his son showed us the distinct behavior of humans. Prophet Nuh As represents a father who believes and responsible on his Child’s education, while his son, Kan'an represents a child who is disbelieving and disobeying to his father. Second; The story of Prophet Ibrahim As and his son, Prophet Ismail as showed us a strong relationship between a father and his son. Prophet Ibrahim as represents a father who is faithful and responsible on his child’s education, while Prophet Ismail as represents a child who is faithful, tough and strong. Third; Some aspects of education in child care based on these two stories are faith education (the first education that must be given to children) and moral education, which is a reflection of faith education. This moral education will be achieved by three elements, namely in the form of exemplar, advice and environment.
Organizational culture and competitiveness in the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the UNMSM, Peru, 2020 [Cultura organizacional y competitividad en la Facultad de Química e Ingeniería Química de la UNMSM, Perú, 2020]
Authors: Porlles Loarte José Angel
Published: February 2022

This research was mixed with a qualitative approach. The purpose is to understand the degree of understanding of the underlying beliefs of the administrative workers in their perception of the Institutional Image of the organizational culture (OC), and from the quantitative perspective to evaluate the degree of relationship between the OC constructs and competitiveness. To conceptualize OC, the theory of organizational behavior was considered, and regarding competitiveness, the approach of the World Economic Forum (WEF). In the methodological framework, a Faculty of the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru was taken as the unit of analysis. In the quantitative analysis, a randomly selected sample of 294 people was considered, the study being correlational, cross-sectional, applicative and with a non-experimental design; a questionnaire with 21 items was applied, whose data were processed in the statistical program SPSS version 25, validating its internal reliability for both variables (Cronbach's alpha: 0.932), content validity via expert judgment and construct validity via the exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The qualitative study was exploratory and with a phenomenological design with a sample of 9 people, using the semi-structured interview. The results for the descriptive analysis revealed that 93% of the sample considered OC important in understanding competitiveness. Contrasting the general hypothesis, a high statistical significance was found between both constructs (p-value =0.000), and a positive correlation (Spearman 0.718). The tests of the specific hypotheses showed the same pattern of results. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) reaffirmed that the OC is capable of interpreting about 52.2% of the competitiveness construct.
Key Factors of Competitiveness and Sustainability in Livestock Systems of The Andean-Amazonian Piedmont
Authors: Pardo Rozo Yelly Yamparli , Hernández Castorena Octavio , Andrade Adaime Milton Cesar
Published: February 2022

The objective was to identify factors of competitiveness and sustainability in livestock systems of The Andean-Amazonian Piedmont. In a sample of 60 farms in the area, a survey aimed at producers was implemented to identify internal and external factors for competitiveness and sustainability. Data envelopment analysis was used to measure technical efficiency and an econometric model to identify the determinants of competitiveness and sustainability. The key factors towards competitiveness were the profitability of the cattle and the forest extension within the farms. The key factors towards sustainability were the reduction of environmental impacts of deforestation to increase carbon storage and the enhancement of ecosystem services. The increase of profitability and the establishment of sustainable systems of livestock production are the rallying points to improve competitiveness and sustainability in livestock of the Amazonian foothills.
The Impact of Covid 19 Pandemic on the Cattle Sales
Authors: Harly Resolinda , Mulyani Sri
Published: February 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the order of life and affected all sectors of life, including the livestock sub-sector. Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo (2020) stated that the need for cattle farming in Indonesia reaches 700 thousand tons, while the existing livestock can only meet the needs of 400 thousand tons. This means that cattle farming still has a great opportunity to develop. Based on data, existing cattle farms are dominated by smallholder farms (97.7%). This study aims to see how the condition of smallholder cattle farms during the pandemic in terms of; 1. How is the level of cattle sales during the pandemic, 2. Maintenance system. The research design used in this study was a survey method conducted in the district of 50 cities of Lareh Sago Halaban. Sampling was carried out by purposive random sampling method. The results of research conducted on smallholder cattle farms during the pandemic on sales at the beginning of the pandemic in March-May 2020, are 56% in the following three months June-August 2020 as many as 52% in the third  of Sept-Nov 2020 is 96% and at 52% for the month of Dec-Feb 2021. Sales are also influenced by policies taken by the government at the regional level. The cattle rearing system has been 72% intensively carried out by farmers, the availability of forage is still at a sufficient level for a cattle scale of 1-3 heads, but more than that amount if farmers do not have grass land is not sufficient. The cattle business during the pandemic can still run well and can be used as a business opportunity for youth.
Water rationalization in Brazilian irrigated agriculture
Authors: Viana Felipe Jorge , Cunha Fernando França da , Rocha Mayara Oliveira , Oliveira Job Teixeira
Published: February 2022

Freshwater, an essential asset for the life of living beings and one of the main resources for the development of nations. About 70% of the freshwater on the planet is used by irrigated agriculture. In view of the increasing population density for food production, considering the limitations of agricultural processes, countless producers are looking for viable alternatives that provide them with greater production, irrigation being one of them. This bibliographic review aims to summarize information on the topic: Rationalization of Water Resources and Environmental Impacts in Irrigated Agriculture, based on searches in books, scientific articles, and publications by reputable organizations related to the topic. In these, aspects related to water scarcity, the challenges of irrigated agriculture, contamination of water resources, the reuse of water for irrigation, the quality of reused water, and adequacy of water for irrigation are dealt with. The need for conservation of water resources and awareness of the irrigator regarding the rational use of water and the environmental impacts inherent to the irrigation process is evident, therefore, the intention is to consolidate increasingly sustainable agriculture.
Determinants of mortality in children aged under two years in Bangladesh using two approaches: an analysis of the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2014 data
Authors: Rahman Md Sazedur , Rahman Md Ashfikur , Afroze Laila , Rahman Md Saidur , Khan Abdul Gaffar , Mahmud Zarzis Al , Shariful Islam Sheikh Mohammed
Published: February 2022

Aims: Mortality in children aged under two years is a severe public health problem in many developing countries. The aims of the study were to reveal the prevalence and factors associated with mortality in children under two years in Bangladesh.
Methods: Data were analyzed using the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2014. A total of 7886 participant data used in this study. The chi-square test of association was performed with dependent and independent variables to measure the prevalence rate, while the final model binary logistic and log-binomial regressions were used to identify the potential risk factors for under-two mortalities.
Results: The prevalence of under-2 mortalities in Bangladesh was 3.9%. Regression analysis revealed that a lower level of paternal education, succeeding birth interval less than 24 months, multiple birth babies, and smaller than the average size at birth were significantly associated with children’s mortality under two years in Bangladesh.
Conclusions: Despite improvements in the reduction of child mortality in Bangladesh, many children died within the first 24 months of life, mostly preventable. Programs towards increasing education levels and pregnancy intervals might help in preventing infant mortality in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 21 No. 02 April’22 Page : 413-421
True Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms with High Risk of Rupture despite Very Small Diameter
Authors: Shin Dong Gyu , Park Jaechan , Kim Myungsoo , Kim Byoung-Joon , Shin Im Hee
Published: February 2022

Objective : This retrospective study investigated the clinical and angiographic characteristics of ruptured true posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysms in comparison with junctional PCoA aneurysms presenting with a subarachnoid hemorrhage.Methods : The medical records and radiological data of 93 consecutive patients who underwent three-dimensional rotational angiography and surgical or endovascular treatment for a ruptured junctional or true PCoA aneurysm over an 8-year period were examined.Results : The maximum diameter of the ruptured true PCoA aneurysm (n=13, 14.0%) was significantly smaller than that of the ruptured junctional PCoA aneurysms (n=80, 4.45±1.44 vs. 7.68±3.36 mm, p=0.001). In particular, the incidence of very small aneurysms <4 mm was 46.2% (six of 13 patients) in the ruptured true PCoA aneurysm group, yet only 2.5% (two of 80 patients) in the ruptured junctional PCoA aneurysm group. Meanwhile, the diameter of the PCoA was significantly larger in the true PCoA aneurysm group than that in the junctional PCoA aneurysm group (1.90±0.57 vs. 1.15±0.49 mm, p<0.001). In addition, the ipsilateral PCoA/P1 ratio was significantly larger in the true PCoA aneurysm group than that in the group of a junctional PCoA aneurysm (mean PCoA/P1 ratio±standard deviation, 2.67±1.22 vs. 1.14±0.88; p<0.001). No between-group difference was identified for the modified Fisher grade, clinical grade at admission, and 3-month modified Rankin Scale score.Conclusion : A true PCoA aneurysm was found to be associated with a larger PCoA and ruptured at a smaller diameter than a junctional PCoA aneurysm. In particular, the incidence of a ruptured aneurysm with a very small diameter <4 mm was significantly higher among the patients with a true PCoA aneurysm.
A Novel Powered Nasal Irrigation After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Lee Ki-Il , Kim Jong-Yeup , Son Sumin , Kim Seung Ho , Kim Myeong Hee , Nam Eunwoo , In Seung Min
Published: February 2022

Background and Objectives We aimed to compare the efficacy of a novel powered irrigation system with that of the manual bottle-squeeze method for postoperative healing after endoscopic sinonasal surgery (ESS).Subjects and Method In this prospective randomized clinical trial, 29 patients were enrolled for nasal irrigation (NI) with either NOSSHA® (Womens Care Co., Ltd.) powered irrigation system (NOSSHA® group, n=14) or manual irrigation (control group, n=15). Objective findings were evaluated using the modified Lund-Kennedy scores. Subjective outcomes were assessed using the total nasal endoscopic score (TNES), total nasal symptom score (TNSS), visual analog scale (VAS), and quality of life (QOL) questionnaires in each group at baseline, and 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after ESS. We compared the postoperative changes between both groups.Results The mean TNES of patients were significantly higher in the NOSSHA® group than in the control group (p=0.015); however, the improvement in TNES was achieved 2 weeks earlier in the NOSSHA® group. The improvement in TNES (p<0.001) and TNSS (p<0.001) was statistically significant in both groups. The improvement in QOL was statistically significant in the NOSSHA® (p<0.001) and control group (p=0.007). The improvement in the TNSS and QOL was earlier in the NOSSHA® group by 4 and 7 weeks, respectively; no early improvement occurred in the NOSSHA® group for the VAS score.Conclusion We validated the usefulness of postoperative NI using a powered device, which may be useful for patients who cannot tolerate manual NI.
SAÚDE E SEGURANÇA DO TRABALHO NA ENGENHARIA CLÍNICA
Authors: De Carvalho Santos Thaina Lazari , Batiston Michele Cristina
Published: February 2022

O aparecimento da doença COVID-19 trouxe exigências, normas e orientações que garantam a segurança e a saúde do profissional atuante na engenharia clínica. Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar os riscos presentes nesse ambiente de trabalho, comparar a tratativa de prevenção antes e depois da pandemia. A análise foi feita com base em normas regulamentadoras, e a experiência obtida durante estágio obrigatório do Curso Superior de Tecnologia em Sistemas Biomédicos, o qual despertou o interesse no aprofundamento das pesquisas em cartilhas de recomendações de proteção aos trabalhadores dos serviços de saúde no atendimento de COVID-19 e conversas informais com funcionários atuantes na ala de atendimento a pacientes acometidos com a COVID-19. Conclui-se, então, que as exigências e orientações surgidas após o aparecimento da doença pode promover maior segurança a saúde do trabalhador e também reduzir danos causados por riscos existentes antes da atual pandemia.
AUTOMATIZAÇÃO DE UM BANHEIRO PÚBLICO PARA REDUÇÃO DA CONTAMINAÇÃO POR DOENÇAS INFECCIOSAS
Authors: Sampaio Gabriel Liobino , Parcerão Guilherme Matheus Rafael , Chaves Isabella Romão , Almeida Fernando Luis de
Published: February 2022

Com a pandemia da Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), que assola o mundo, o contato direto em ambientes propícios à contaminação deve ser evitado; nos quais, o ambiente sanitário se mostra como um local com mais chances de ocorrer uma contaminação, sem que o usuário a perceba. Assim, o principal objetivo do presente trabalho de graduação é automatizar um banheiro de forma a evitar a contaminação e favorecer o saneamento e a acessibilidade, promovendo a saúde pública. Em relação aos métodos, foi adotada uma pesquisa exploratória com uma abordagem hipotético-dedutiva, e um procedimento experimental que represente um banheiro de uso público. A automação foi realizada de acordo com os métodos já existentes para automatizar os componentes de um banheiro, sendo estes a possibilidade de erguer a tampa do sanitário e acionar uma torneira, ambos de maneira automatizada e sem a necessidade de contato humano. Em seguida, revisou-se as propostas já existentes dentro do tema “banheiro automatizado”, como a automatização de elementos como portas, dispensers etc., com objetivo de encontrar viabilidade em sua aplicação neste projeto reduzindo seus gastos. A segunda etapa consiste na elaboração do design eletrônico e na programação dos processos. Foi possível realizar a automatização da torneira e do vaso sanitário uma automação parcial do banheiro por meio deste trabalho. Espera-se que com os resultados obtidos, a automação do banheiro público possa contribuir com o saneamento e a melhora da saúde.
MODELO COMPUTACIONAL DE ANÁLISE DO COMPORTAMENTO MECÂNICO DA LIGA TI-6AL-4V EM COMPARAÇÃO A LIGA Ti-20Nb
Authors: Silva Alessandro Márcio Hakme Da , Farah Alessandro Fraga , Ribeiro Abimael Caleb , Ribeiro Alexandre José , De Carvalho Jonas
Published: February 2022

O presente trabalho apresenta um modelo computacional com análise pelo método dos elementos finitos aplicado a uma liga Titânio-Nióbio Ti-20Nb comparativamente a liga de titânio TI-6AL-4V. Os dois modelos de compressão mecânica foram criados e simulados no Software Ansys. Os objetivos do trabalho foram analisar comparativamente, através de um modelo computacional, as ligas a fim de se interpretar as características mecânicas de tensões e deformações sob carregamento estático, buscando compreender e verificar se os comportamentos das ligas são similares, em vista que o nióbio poderá ser usado como material para próteses ortodônticas e ortopédicas em um cenário futuro. Foi utilizado o Método dos Elementos Finitos (MEF), que é um método numérico usado para resolver, de forma aproximada, equações diferenciais que governam o comportamento mecânico dos materiais das ligas consideradas no estudo. Foi utilizado o software de desenho 3D SpaceClaim, para a criação dos modelos simplificados TiM1 (titânio malha 1) e NbM1 (Nióbio malha 1). A análise comparativa entre os resultados computacionais e experimentais foi realizada em termos qualitativos e quantitativos. Na comparação dos comportamentos mecânicos das ligas, Ti-6Al-4V e Ti-20Nb, as tensões se concentraram na porção onde foi feita a vinculação do modelo e os maiores valores de tensão encontrados diferiram entre os modelos considerados da ordem de 7%. As tensões médias encontradas ficaram bem próximas do modelo numérico para escalas em tecidos ósseos com implantes, e as deformações totais foram pequenas comparadas com modelos para ligas de titânio mais utilizadas em medicina, o que corrobora que a liga Ti-Nb é bastante promissora para aplicações na área de saúde.
O PROCESSO DECISÓRIO DE COMPRA DO CONSUMIDOR EM UMA LOJA DE ROUPAS CASUAIS
Authors: Souza Jéssika Lamartine de , Lima Gustavo Barbieri
Published: February 2022

O objetivo central da presente pesquisa é compreender o comportamento de compra de consumidoras de uma loja de roupas casuais, localizada no interior do estado de Minas Gerais, assim como investigar o nível de satisfação das clientes com a loja (localização, infra-estrutura, atendimento, etc). Esta pesquisa caracteriza-se como qualitativa, de natureza exploratória. Para o desenvolvimento da mesma, realizaram-se 06 entrevistas com clientes da referida loja, seguindo-se um roteiro de entrevista semi-estruturado, contendo 19 questões. Os principais resultados apontam que: (a) as consumidoras entrevistadas seguem os perfis de lojas para acompanhar o que está na moda e o que tem sido usado, mas não seguem exatamente as últimas tendências, comprando de acordo com o que gostam e suas necessidades;(b)todas as entrevistadas valorizam a comodidade das compras pela internet, mas a maioria ainda prefere a compra na loja física, o que não deixa de ser muito importante estar presente nas redes sociais, acompanhado o que está acontecendo e também postando as novidades, uma vez que as consumidoras têm o hábito de visualizar as roupas divulgadas na Internet e ir até a loja para experimentar e comprar; (c) na maioria das respostas, as compras de roupas e acessórios acontecem por impulso e muitas vezes as consumidoras não vão às compras com um modelo pré-definido; (d) em relação às perguntas específicas sobre a loja, as consumidoras gostam muito do estilo de roupa oferecido e as consideram lindas, mas não inovadoras e diferenciadas; um estilo mais básico e casual.
A INFLUÊNCIA DA TEMPERATURA DE PRÉ-AQUECIMENTO EM JUNTA SOLDADA PELO PROCESSO TIG EM AÇO ASTM A335 P11
Authors: Pereira Orlando Fortunato , Bosquetti Péricles , Bovério Maria Aparecida
Published: February 2022

O aço ligado ASTM A335 P11 pode apresentar diferentes comportamentos ao sofrer diferentes tratamentos térmicos. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi de analisar comparativamente juntas soldadas do aço ASTM A-335 grau P11, unidas pelo método de soldagem TIG, em temperatura ambiente e realizando-se um pré-aquecimento de 200°C antes da soldagem. O metal base utilizado foi o aço ASTM A335 P11 e o metal de adição utilizado foi a vareta de solda ER 80S-B2. Foram realizados ensaios metalográficos, medidas de microdureza e ensaios de tração. Observou-se que não houve mudança significativa na microestrutura do material base nem na zona termicamente afetada tanto para o material base sem pré-aquecido quanto para o material pré-aquecido à temperatura de 200°C. Entretanto, na região do metal de solda observou-se uma microestrutura pouco mais irregular no metal que foi pré-aquecido, além de ter sido observado um leve aumento de dureza na região soldada nas amostras com o pré-aquecimento à 200°C. Conclui-se que o pré-aquecimento à 200°C utilizado neste trabalho influiu discretamente na microestrutura, dureza e consequentemente nas propriedades mecânicas da junta soldada do metal base ASTM A335 P11.
Time Metaphors in Film: Understanding the Representation of Time in Cinema
Authors: Dunat Silvana
Published: February 2022

According to conceptual (cognitive) metaphor theory (CMT), there are two basic metaphorical models for conceptualising time in terms of space: the ego-moving model maps our movement through space onto our imagined movement through time, while the time-moving model represents time as an entity moving through spatial locations, the ego being just a passive observer. The aim of this article is to investigate how time is conceptualized in film where ego (character), movement, time and space also play basic roles. I compare the two linguistic models to Gilles Deleuze’s conceptualization of filmic time: the movement-image and the time-image. While the movement-image and the moving-ego metaphor directly map spatial structures onto the domain of time, the time-image and the moving-time metaphor correlate only in their basic structures and involve different levels of conceptual integrations and conversions. Due to film techniques such as a mobile camera, montage and image manipulation, the time-image seems to transcend the constraints of natural perception and maps onto mental rather than external space, thus giving rise to a new reverse metaphor where space acquires characteristics of the time domain.
ANALISIS PENGENDALIAN PERSEDIAAN BAHAN BAKU DI UKM BATIK SEKAR JATI STAR DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN METODE ABC ANALYSIS DAN ECONOMIC ORDER QUANTITY (EOQ)
Authors: Jiroyah Fakhma , Sumarsono
Published: February 2022

SMEs of Batik "Sekar Jati Star" is one of the manufacturing industries engaged in batik making located in Jatipelem Village, Jombang and established since 1999. One of the typical motifs in ukm is jombangan motif that depicts the icon of Jombang city. The problem is management of raw material supplies is not optimal, where so far there is no evaluation and no inventory model method is used. So that the article aims to control the inventory of batik raw materials which include fabric, dye and wax. This inventory control includes the classification of each raw material for making batik using the ABC Analysis method. Next, determine the amount of economical raw material inventory using the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) method. The results showed that the classification of raw materials using the ABC analysis method shows that the raw materials included in category A are fabric raw materials, category B is dye raw materials, and category C is wax raw materials. Implementation of the results of the classification of raw materials, so that the main priority of control is carried out according to the order of categories. The results of the EOQ inventory model show the monitoring of inventory control of raw materials for fabrics, dyes, wax for a year. Monitoring includes the time and quantity of economic Q, RoP, frequency of purchases, average inventory per week. Furthermore, from the comparison of inventory costs, the results of the EOQ model provide more economical results compared to the raw material inventory management that has been carried out so far for fabrics, dyes and waxes.
Optimization of Culture Conditions for Secretory Production of 3-Hydroxybutyrate Oligomers Using Recombinant Escherichia coli
Authors: Sakurai Tetsuo , Mizuno Shoji , Miyahara Yuki , Hiroe Ayaka , Taguchi Seiichi , Tsuge Takeharu
Published: February 2022

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] is the most representative polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), which is a storage polyester for prokaryotic cells. P(3HB)-producing recombinant Escherichia coli secretes diethylene glycol (DEG)-terminated 3HB oligomers (3HBO-DEG) through a PHA synthase-mediated chain transfer and alcoholysis reactions with externally added DEG. The purpose of this study was to optimize the culture conditions for the secretory production of 3HBO-DEG with jar fermenters. First, the effects of culture conditions, such as agitation speed, culture temperature, culture pH, and medium composition on 3HBO-DEG production, were investigated in a batch culture using 250-ml mini jar fermenters. Based on the best culture conditions, a fed-batch culture was conducted by feeding glucose to further increase the 3HBO-DEG titer. Consequently, the optimized culture conditions were reproduced using a 2-L jar fermenter. This study successfully demonstrates a high titer of 3HBO-DEG, up to 34.8 g/L, by optimizing the culture conditions, showing the feasibility of a new synthetic strategy for PHA-based materials by combining secretory oligomer production and subsequent chemical reaction.
Natural 5-Aminolevulinic Acid: Sources, Biosynthesis, Detection and Applications
Authors: Jiang Meiru , Hong Kunqiang , Mao Yufeng , Ma Hongwu , Chen Tao , Wang Zhiwen
Published: February 2022

5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is the key precursor for the biosynthesis of tetrapyrrole compounds, with wide applications in medicine, agriculture and other burgeoning fields. Because of its potential applications and disadvantages of chemical synthesis, alternative biotechnological methods have drawn increasing attention. In this review, the recent progress in biosynthetic pathways and regulatory mechanisms of 5-ALA synthesis in biological hosts are summarized. The research progress on 5-ALA biosynthesis via the C4/C5 pathway in microbial cells is emphasized, and the corresponding biotechnological design strategies are highlighted and discussed in detail. In addition, the detection methods and applications of 5-ALA are also reviewed. Finally, perspectives on potential strategies for improving the biosynthesis of 5-ALA and understanding the related mechanisms to further promote its industrial application are conceived and proposed.
Should Gene Editing Be Used to Develop Crops for Continuous-Living-Cover Agriculture? A Multi-Sector Stakeholder Assessment Using a Cooperative Governance Approach
Authors: Jordan Nicholas R. , Kuzma Jennifer , Ray Deepak K. , Foot Kirsten , Snider Madison , Miller Keith , Wilensky-Lanford Ethan , Amarteifio Gifty
Published: February 2022

Continuous-living-cover (CLC) agriculture integrates multiple crops to create diversified agroecosystems in which soils are covered by living plants across time and space continuously. CLC agriculture can greatly improve production of many different ecosystem services from agroecosystems, including climate adaptation and mitigation. To go to scale, CLC agriculture requires crops that not only provide continuous living cover but are viable in economic and social terms. At present, lack of such viable crops is strongly limiting the scaling of CLC agriculture. Gene editing (GE) might provide a powerful tool for developing the crops needed to expand CLC agriculture to scale. To assess this possibility, a broad multi-sector deliberative group considered the merits of GE—relative to alternative plant-breeding methods—as means for improving crops for CLC agriculture. The group included many of the sectors whose support is necessary to scaling agricultural innovations, including actors involved in markets, finance, policy, and R&D. In this article, we report findings from interviews and deliberative workshops. Many in the group were enthusiastic about prospects for applications of GE to develop crops for CLC agriculture, relative to alternative plant-breeding options. However, the group noted many issues, risks, and contingencies, all of which are likely to require responsive and adaptive management. Conversely, if these issues, risks, and contingencies cannot be managed, it appears unlikely that a strong multi-sector base of support can be sustained for such applications, limiting their scaling. Emerging methods for responsible innovation and scaling have potential to manage these issues, risks, and contingencies; we propose that outcomes from GE crops for CLC agriculture are likely to be much improved if these emerging methods are used to govern such projects. However, both GE of CLC crops and responsible innovation and scaling are unrefined innovations. Therefore, we suggest that the best pathway for exploring GE of CLC crops is to intentionally couple implementation and refinement of both kinds of innovations. More broadly, we argue that such pilot projects are urgently needed to navigate intensifying grand challenges around food and agriculture, which are likely to create intense pressures to develop genetically-engineered agricultural products and equally intense social conflict.
System-Level Analysis of Transcriptional and Translational Regulatory Elements in Streptomyces griseus
Authors: Hwang Soonkyu , Lee Namil , Choe Donghui , Lee Yongjae , Kim Woori , Kim Ji Hun , Kim Gahyeon , Kim Hyeseong , Ahn Neung-Ho , Lee Byoung-Hee , Palsson Bernhard O. , Cho Byung-Kwan
Published: February 2022

Bacteria belonging to Streptomyces have the ability to produce a wide range of secondary metabolites through a shift from primary to secondary metabolism regulated by complex networks activated after vegetative growth terminates. Despite considerable effort to understand the regulatory elements governing gene expression related to primary and secondary metabolism in Streptomyces, system-level information remains limited. In this study, we integrated four multi-omics datasets from Streptomyces griseus NBRC 13350: RNA-seq, ribosome profiling, dRNA-seq, and Term-Seq, to analyze the regulatory elements of transcription and translation of differentially expressed genes during cell growth. With the functional enrichment of gene expression in different growth phases, one sigma factor regulon and four transcription factor regulons governing differential gene transcription patterns were found. In addition, the regulatory elements of transcription termination and post-transcriptional processing at transcript 3′-end positions were elucidated, including their conserved motifs, stem-loop RNA structures, and non-terminal locations within the polycistronic operons, and the potential regulatory elements of translation initiation and elongation such as 5′-UTR length, RNA structures at ribosome-bound sites, and codon usage were investigated. This comprehensive genetic information provides a foundational genetic resource for strain engineering to enhance secondary metabolite production in Streptomyces.
An in Silico Approach to Reveal the Nanodisc Formulation of Doxorubicin
Authors: Xu Daiyun , Chen Xu , Chen Zhidong , Lv Yonghui , Li Yongxiao , Li Shengbin , Xu Wanting , Mo Yuan , Wang Xinpei , Chen Zirui , Chen Tingyi , Wang Tianqi , Wang Zhe , Wu Meiying , Wang Junqing
Published: February 2022

Molecular dynamic behaviors of nanodisc (ND) formulations of free doxorubicin (DOX) and DOX conjugated lipid prodrug molecules were investigated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We have unveiled how formulation design affects the drug release profile and conformational stability of ND assemblies. Our simulation results indicate that free DOX molecules loaded in the ND system experienced rapid dissociation due to the unfavorable orientation of DOX attached to the lipid surface. It is found that DOX tends to form aggregates with higher drug quantities. In contrast, lipidated DOX-prodrugs incorporated in ND formulations exhibited sufficient ND conformational stability. The drug loading capacity is dependent on the type of lipid molecules grafted on the DOX-prodrug, and the drug loading quantities in a fixed area of NDs follow the order: DOX-BMPH-MP > DOX-BMPH-TC > DOX-BMPH-PTE. To gain further insight into the dynamic characteristics of ND formulations governed by different kinds of lipidation, we investigated the conformational variation of ND components, intermolecular interactions, the solvent accessible surface area, and individual MSP1 residue flexibility. We found that the global conformational stability of DOX-prodrug-loaded ND assemblies is influenced by the molecular flexibility and lipidated forms of DOX-prodrug. We also found that the spontaneous self-aggregation of DOX-prodrugs with increasing quantities on ND could reduce the membrane fluidity and enhance the conformational stability of ND formulations.
Unravelling the Biology of EhActo as the First Cofilin From Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Kumar Nitesh , Rath Pragyan Parimita , Aggarwal Priyanka , Maiti Sankar , Bhavesh Neel Sarovar , Gourinath Samudrala
Published: February 2022

Actin-depolymerising factors (ADF) are a known family of proteins that regulate actin dynamics. Actin regulation is critical for primitive eukaryotes since it drives their key cellular processes. Entamoeba histolytica, a protist human pathogen harbours eleven proteins within this family, however, with no actin depolymerising protein reported to date. We present here the NMR model of EhActo, the first Cofilin from E. histolytica that severs actin filaments and also participates in cellular events like phagocytosis and pseudopod formation. The model typically represents the ADF-homology domain compared to other cofilins. Uniquely, EhActo lacks the critical Serine3 residue present in all known actophorins mediating its phospho-regulation. The second mode of regulation that cofilin’s are subjected to is via their interaction with 14-3-3 proteins through the phosphorylated Serine residue and a consensus binding motif. We found a unique interaction between EhActo and 14-3-3 without the presence of the consensus motif or the phosphorylated Serine. These interesting results present unexplored newer mechanisms functional in this pathogen to regulate actophorin. Through our structural and biochemical studies we have deciphered the mechanism of action of EhActo, implicating its role in amoebic biology.
Radiomics of Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography: A Potential Biomarker for Pretreatment Prediction of the Response to Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Immunotherapy in Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Ye Lei , Chen Yuntian , Xu Hui , Wang Zhaoxiang , Li Haixia , Qi Jin , Wang Jing , Yao Jin , Liu Jiaming , Song Bin
Published: February 2022

Background:Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) instillation is recommended postoperatively after transurethral resection of bladder cancer (TURBT) in patients with high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). An accurate prediction model for the BCG response can help identify patients with NMIBC who may benefit from alternative therapy.

Objective: To investigate the value of computed tomography (CT) radiomics features in predicting the response to BCG instillation among patients with primary high-risk NMIBC.

Methods: Patients with pathologically confirmed high-risk NMIBC were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent contrast-enhanced CT examination within one to 2 weeks before TURBT and received ≥5 BCG instillation treatments in two independent hospitals were enrolled. Patients with a routine follow-up of at least 1 year at the outpatient department were included in the final cohort. Radiomics features based on CT images were extracted from the tumor and its periphery in the training cohort, and a radiomics signature was built with recursive feature elimination. Selected features further underwent an unsupervised radiomics analysis using the newly introduced method, non-negative matrix factorization (NMF), to compute factor factorization decompositions of the radiomics matrix. Finally, a robust component, which was most associated with BCG failure in 1 year, was selected. The performance of the selected component was assessed and tested in an external validation cohort.

Results: Overall, 128 patients (training cohort, n = 104; external validation cohort, n = 24) were included, including 12 BCG failures in the training cohort and 11 failures in the validation cohort each. NMF revealed five components, of which component 3 was selected for the best discrimination of BCG failure; it had an area under the curve (AUC) of .79, sensitivity of .79, and specificity of .65 in the training set. In the external validation cohort, it achieved an AUC of .68, sensitivity of .73, and specificity of .69. Survival analysis showed that patients with higher component scores had poor recurrence-free survival (RFS) in both cohorts (C-index: training cohort, .69; validation cohort, .68).

Conclusion: The study suggested that radiomics components based on NMF might be a potential biomarker to predict BCG response and RFS after BCG treatment in patients with high-risk NMIBC.
Calcium Signaling Regulated by Cellular Membrane Systems and Calcium Homeostasis Perturbed in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Huang Dong-Xu , Yu Xin , Yu Wen-Jun , Zhang Xin-Min , Liu Chang , Liu Hong-Ping , Sun Yue , Jiang Zi-Ping
Published: February 2022

Although anything that changes spatiotemporally could be a signal, cells, particularly neurons, precisely manipulate calcium ion (Ca2+) to transmit information. Ca2+ homeostasis is indispensable for neuronal functions and survival. The cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]CYT) is regulated by channels, pumps, and exchangers on cellular membrane systems. Under physiological conditions, both endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria function as intracellular Ca2+ buffers. Furthermore, efficient and effective Ca2+ flux is observed at the ER-mitochondria membrane contact site (ERMCS), an intracellular membrane juxtaposition, where Ca2+ is released from the ER followed by mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake in sequence. Hence, the ER intraluminal Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]ER), the mitochondrial matrix Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]MT), and the [Ca2+]CYT are related to each other. Ca2+ signaling dysregulation and Ca2+ dyshomeostasis are associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), an irreversible neurodegenerative disease. The present review summarizes the cellular and molecular mechanism underlying Ca2+ signaling regulation and Ca2+ homeostasis maintenance at ER and mitochondria levels, focusing on AD. Integrating the amyloid hypothesis and the calcium hypothesis of AD may further our understanding of pathogenesis in neurodegeneration, provide therapeutic targets for chronic neurodegenerative disease in the central nervous system.
PAMPs and DAMPs as the Bridge Between Periodontitis and Atherosclerosis: The Potential Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Zhu Xuanzhi , Huang Hanyao , Zhao Lei
Published: February 2022

Atherosclerosis is a chronic artery disease characterized by plaque formation and vascular inflammation, eventually leading to myocardial infarction and stroke. Innate immunity plays an irreplaceable role in the vascular inflammatory response triggered by chronic infection. Periodontitis is a common chronic disorder that involves oral microbe-related inflammatory bone loss and local destruction of the periodontal ligament and is a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Periodontal pathogens contain numerous pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) such as lipopolysaccharide, CpG DNA, and Peptidoglycan, that initiate the inflammatory response of the innate immunity depending on the recognition of pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) of host cells. The immune-inflammatory response and destruction of the periodontal tissue will produce a large number of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) such as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), alarmins (S100 protein), and which can further affect the progression of atherosclerosis. Molecular patterns have recently become the therapeutic targets for inflammatory disease, including blocking the interaction between molecular patterns and PRRs and controlling the related signal transduction pathway. This review summarized the research progress of some representative PAMPs and DAMPs as the molecular pathological mechanism bridging periodontitis and atherosclerosis. We also discussed possible ways to prevent serious cardiovascular events in patients with periodontitis and atherosclerosis by targeting molecular patterns.