bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INNOVATION IN A CAPSTONE COURSE IN YOUTH WORK
Authors: Hovington Stéphanie , Blanchet-Cohen Natasha , Mann-Feder Varda R.
Published: July 2020

Capstone courses often focus on applied learning, typically practicum experiences such as internships. However, students do not always benefit as much as they could from their internships because teaching and learning resources are not used optimally. This paper explores the use of project-based learning in a capstone course of the Graduate Diploma in Youth Work program at Concordia University that includes an in-class seminar and an internship in a human services agency. Using the principles of context authenticity and cognitive apprenticeship from the Authentic Situated Learning and Teaching (ASLT) framework, we examine the experiences of two cohorts of interns (24 students in all). An analysis of their final papers and participation in a focus group, as well as the results of the university’s course evaluation, suggests that the ASLT framework contributes to the transfer of learning in a professional setting. Furthermore, the use of the psychoeducative model to structure active pedagogies in a youth work capstone course provides a means for planning therapeutic activities and organizing intervention programs that help develop competencies to work in diverse settings.
Peculiaridades de Labor Orientadora en la Prevención de los Trastornos de la Conducta Reclamo Actual
Authors: Téllez Rodríguez Niurka , Bonne Falcón Eduardo
Published: July 2020

El artículo parte de las inconsistencias teórico prácticas en torno al desarrollo de la labor orientadora por parte de los actores sociales en el proceso de prevención de los trastornos de la conducta en la población infantil, proponiendo una concepción que legitime las particularidades de dicha labor en aras de favorecer la protección del menor desde la promoción de la justicia pedagógica como cualidad de la mencionada labor.
Carbono acumulado en la biomasa aérea en plantaciones de Terminalia ivorensis A. Chev (terminalia) y Gmelina arborea Roxb (melina), en el Litoral ecuatoriano
Authors: González Osorio Betty , Suatunce Cunuhay Pedro , Simba Ochoa Luís
Published: July 2020

Esta investigación se realizó con el objetivo de cuantificar el carbono (C) almacenado en la biomasa aérea de plantaciones de Gmelina arborea (melina) y Terminalia ivorensis (terminalia), de nueve años de edad, en tres localidades del Litoral ecuatoriano, mediante la utilización de ecuaciones alométricas. En cada localidad se ubicaron, al azar, cuatro áreas de muestreo, para cada especie, y en cada área de muestreo se establecieron cuatro parcelas de 500 m2, en los cuales se registró el DAP (diámetro a la altura de pecho = 1.30 m sobre el suelo) y la altura total (h). Para estimar la biomasa aérea se utilizó la ecuación alométrica Bt = 5.025173 + 0.021553*DAP2h) y para estimar el carbono se multiplicó la biomasa aérea (Bt) por 0.5, según la guía del IPCC. El potencial de la fijación de carbono se determinó mediante el incremento medio anual (IMA) del volumen. Se encontraron diferencias significativas, entre las especies y entre las localidades, para la biomasa, carbono almacenado y fijado, en la parte aérea de las plantaciones. El promedio de la biomasa aérea, carbono almacenado y fijado fue mayor para la especie G. arborea; la localidad con mayor promedio de biomasa, carbono almacenado y fijado fue Santo Domingo, y la localidad con menor promedio fue Balzar.
REFLEXOS DAS MUDANÇAS ESTRATÉGICAS NO DESEMPENHO ORGANIZACIONAL
Authors: Friedrich Marcos Paulo Albarello , Bogoni Nadia Mar , Beuren Ilse Maria
Published: July 2020

Este estudo analisa os reflexos das mudanças estratégicas no desempenho organizacional de um banco, com base nos Indicadores Chave de Performance (KPI). As estratégias de cada unidade foram classificadas com base nas tipologias de Miles e Snow (1978) e tiveram o efeito no desempenho avaliado com base nos KPI. Os resultados da pesquisa mostram que estratégias prospectoras apresentam elevado custo de aquisição e, portanto, devem ser projetadas para longo prazo. Já estratégias defensivas, devem considerar a lacuna de eficiência disponível para crescimento de modo que este compense a maior ênfase em um produto do que nos demais. A estratégia híbrida, que adotou diferentes tipologias, não apresentou os resultados.
Manipulation of microhabitat by polyculture planting system as ecosystem stabilizer for management of pests and natural enemies in shallot (Allium ascalonicum Linn.)
Authors: Prastowo Sigit , Sukarno Rizal
Published: July 2020

Shallot (Allium ascalonicum Linn.) is one of important commodities for Indonesian people, yet its production is still limited by pest attack This research was conducted in Banyuputih Village, Wringin Subdistrict, Bondowoso Regency from July to October 2019. This study applied a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with six treatments, namely: P1 = Polyculture of shallot + lemongrass; P2 = Polyculture of shallot + celery; P3 = Polyculture of shallot + mustard; P4 = Polyculture of shallot + lemongrass + mustard; P5 = Polyculture of shallot + celery + mustard; P6 = Monoculture of shallot. Each treatment was repeated 4 times. Observation was started when plant was at the age of 30 days after planting. Data collection was done by directly observing the sample plants. Sampling was carried out using Yellow trap and pit fall trap. A total of 10 samples were collected from each plot with interval of 4 days. Observation included collecting the pest insects and natural enemies that were found, counting the number of populations of each species, and scoring towards the damage plants. The results showed that shallot planting by polyculture with different types of plants affected the population of pests and natural enemies as well as the level of diversity of insects in shallots. Planting shallots by polyculture has been proven to control pest population compared to planting shallots by monoculture. Polyculture planting with two types of plants was found to produce better outcome than polyculture planting with three types of plants with best treatment observed in P1, namely polyculture of shallot and lemongrass which resulted in the lowest pest population of 17.5.
COVID-19: Comprehensive Synopsis of Suggested Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Repurposed Drugs
Authors: Binkhorst Mathijs , Offringa Annette K. , van der Hoeven Johannes G.
Published: July 2020

During the current COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, clinicians and scientists are working assiduously to unravel its pathophysiology and find effective treatments. An impressive number of papers has been published on SARS-CoV-2, exposing the complexity of the disease, the tendency of scientists to form hypotheses within their area of expertise, and the lack of orchestration of research. Hypotheses and research findings mainly complement each other, though sometimes controversies can be discerned among various theories and study results. Our overview aims to portray the ‘big picture’ of COVID-19, visualising the interwovenness of different pathophysiological pathways, with a focus on cytokine-induced pathology, the sequelae of ACE2 downregulation, and thrombosis associated with microvascular injury. It aids in overseeing the effects of repurposed drugs on intended targets, but also alerts to the (adverse) effects on interacting pathways. The overview shows how comorbidities probably increase susceptibility to (severe) COVID-19 and provides the possible pathophysiological origin of signs, symptoms, and biochemical abnormalities.
SARS-CoV19-2 Spike Protein Mutation Patterns: A Global Scenario
Authors: Math Renukaradhya K. , Goni Mallikarjun , Javaregowda Palaksha K. , Khandagale Ajay S. , Oli AjayKumar
Published: July 2020

Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein sequences of over 19 countries from biological databases submitted around the globe was carried out with help of bioinformatics tools and structure prediction databases. Initial data analysis showed entry of virus into different geographic regions started in the month of January 2020. Meanwhile, alignment of spike protein sequences of SARS-CoV-2 isolates from China and other countries revealed a critical mutation of D614G. Surprisingly, mutation D614G was not seen in early samples submitted in the month of January but gradually it started appearing globally from the month of March 2020. However, the mutations of amino acids in the spike protein other than D614G exhibiting similar pI and altered polarity were found to be specific to geographical regions. Besides, prediction of homology model for interaction of spike protein showed predominant role of chain C of trimeric spike protein in adhering receptor binding domain (RBD) of human ACE2 receptor. Furthermore, the prediction of glycosylation points has revealed that there are about 20 N-glycosylation potential sites on spike protein. We believe that the information present here would not only help in thorough understanding of infectivity but also enhance the knowledge of the scientific community in developing prophylactics and/or therapeutics for SARS-CoV19-2 virus.
A Study on New Type of Degenerate Poly-Cauchy Polynomials and Numbers of the Second Kind
Authors: Khan Waseem
Published: July 2020

Kim-Kim [20] studied the type 2 degenerate poly-Bernoulli numbers and polynomials by using modified degenerate polylogarithm function. In this paper, we construct the new type of degenerate poly-Cauchy polynomials and numbers of the second kind, called the new type of degenerate poly-Cauchy polynomials and numbers of the second kind by using degenerate polylogarithm function and derive several properties on the degenerate poly-Cauchy polynomials and numbers of the second kind. Furthermore, we consider the degenerate unipoly-Cauchy polynomials of the second kind and discuss some properties of them.
Dialektika Hukum Trading Saham Syariah di Bursa Efek Indonesia
Authors: Hana Kharis Fadlullah
Published: July 2020

This study aims to find out how the legal basis and stock trading transactions that occur in the Islamic capital market in Indonesia. This study uses a field research method that discusses legal issues regarding stock trading based on field studies from various relevant sources. The capital market is a place for corporate activities to seek additional funds to finance its business activities. In Indonesia alone there are two capital markets, namely the regular capital market and the Islamic capital market. The Islamic capital market is a new breakthrough that has been carried out as a solution to the current trend of halal investment. It also becomes very interesting for the community, especially for Muslim communities to invest their capital in the company to get results and can participate in developing the company, but the reality that happens in the market is that many companies that have been listed on the stock exchange are still operating in accordance with sharia principles . The Islamic capital market can simply be interpreted as a capital market that implements sharia principles in economic transaction activities and apart from things that are prohibited such as usury, gambling and speculation.
Ihtikar dan Tas’ir dalam Kajian Hukum Bisnis Syariah
Authors: Zaini Ahmad
Published: July 2020

We have heard news on television about the depletion of the availability and even the disappearance of food and gas in several regions. This causes the price of rice and gas to rise. As a result, there were long queues in these areas to buy rice (the price of which was quite affordable). Likewise with gas, the gas tube queues that are lined up become a common sight. The incident, not infrequently some sellers carry out hoarding actions or often referred to as monopolies. Broadly speaking, the attitude of the jurists regarding ihtikār includes several groups, groups that see that ihtikar is an act of haram, makruh, mubah and mandub. Ihtikar and tas'ir can be done if the price situation in the market soars. Of course, those who have the right to control monopoly and pricing are the authorities with the conditions for the benefit of the people. Monopoly and pricing basically harm many people, but both can be enforced under forced conditions and prices are not stable.
Eksekusi Hak Tanggungan dalam Perjanjian Pembiayaan
Authors: Sobirin Sobirin , Abdullah Junaidi
Published: July 2020

BMT both in the form of KJKS and KSPS in providing loans and financing can be in the form of Mudhorobah, Murobahah or Musyarokah, usually KJKS and KSPS parties make the conditions in the form of collateral. Goods that are used as collateral can be in the form of movable or immovable objects. When collateral is in the form of a moving object (usually in the form of a motorcycle or car), the KJKS and KSPS will make a fiduciary guarantee and when the collateral is in the form of immovable property (usually in the form of land or house), the KSPS and KJKS will dependents. When a member who carries out a broken promise, the KSPS Logam Mulia party can execute directly the Underwriting Right object. However, the KSPS Logam Mulia sub-district of Klambu, Grobogan, did not directly execute the object of collateral rights. The mortgages in the KSPS Logam Mulia sub-district in Klambu, Grobogan Regency were carried out to bind the collateralized object to guarantee the immovable property such as land or land along with the building on it. KSPS Logam Mulia does not execute directly on objects that are pledged as collateral rights, but through sales voluntarily or ask for help to sell.
Efektivitas Penerapan Prinsip-Prinsip Syariah Dalam Penyelesaian Sengketa Ekonomi Syariah di Badan Arbitrase Syariah Nasional (Basyarnas)
Authors: Rosidah Zaidah Nur , Mahfiana Layyin
Published: July 2020

This study aims to determine the application of sharia principles in sharia economic dispute resolution in the National Sharia Arbitration Agency (Basyarnas). This study uses a method of socio legal study, how sharia principles are applied in resolving sharia economic disputes so that they can provide justice for both parties. Secondary data collection is carried out through a literature study of primary legal materials and secondary legal material. Some data was requested for confirmation from the National Sharia Arbitration Agency (Basyarnas) in the Yogyakarta region. To obtain answers to the research problems, 3 activities were carried out simultaneously, namely data reduction, data presentation, conclusion drawing / syllogistic verification of deduction. The results of the research and discussion obtained several conclusions, namely first, Islamic principles have not been maximally implemented by Basyarnas, this can be seen from the basis of the consideration of Basyarnas law in its decision. Basyarnas should also correct in terms of the contract, whether it is in accordance with sharia principles or not so that the arising of the dispute is not solely due to the default of the customer but can also be caused by incompatibility with sharia principles. Second, according to Antony Allot's theory of legal effectiveness, the application of sharia principles in sharia economic dispute resolution has not been carried out in accordance with sharia principles, this is due to the lack of clarity in the case in Basyarnas' decision.
Analysis of exosomal circRNAs upon irradiation in pancreatic cancer cell repopulation
Authors: Chen Yi-yun , Jiang Ming-jie , Chen Zhi-long , Tian Ling
Published: July 2020

Background: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most malignant tumors. However, radiotherapy can lead to tumor recurrence, which is caused by the residual surviving cells repopulation stimulated by some molecular released from dying cells. Exosomes may mediate cell-cell communication and transfer kinds of signals from the dying cells to the surviving cells for stimulating tumor repopulation. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) may be one vital kind of exosomal cargos involving in modulating cancer cell repopulation.Methods: Next generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics were performed to analyze and annotate the expression and function of exosome-derived circRNAs in pancreatic cancer cells after radiation. 4 circRNAs were chosen for qRT-PCR analysis to validate the sequencing results.Results: In this study, 3,580 circRNAs were annotated in literatures and circBase among 12,572 identified circRNAs. There were 196 filtered differentially expressed circRNAs (the up-regulation and down-regulation respectively is 182 and 14, fold change >2, p-value <0.05). Regulation of metabolic process and lysine degradation were the main enriched biological processes and pathway according to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Conclusions: The hsa_circ_0002130-hsa_miR_4482-3p-NBN interaction network suggested potential sponging miRNA and target mRNA. Our results provided potential functions of circRNAs to explore molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer cell repopulation upon irradiation.
Spiral artery blood flow during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Authors: Schiffer Veronique , Evers Laura , de Haas Sander , Ghossein Chahinda , Al-Nasiry Salwan , Spaanderman Marc
Published: July 2020

Background: Downstream remodeling of the spiral arteries (SpA) decreases utero-placental resistance drastically, allowing sustained and increased blood flow to the placenta at all circumstances. We systematically evaluated available reports to visualize adaptation of spiral arteries throughout pregnancy by ultra-sonographic measurements and evaluated when this process is completed.Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of spiral artery flow (pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI) and peak systolic velocity (PSV)) was performed. English articles were obtained from Pubmed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library and included articles were assessed on quality and risk of bias. Weighted means of Doppler indices were calculated using a random-effects model. Results: In healthy pregnancies, PI and RI decreased from 0.80 (95% CI: 0.70-0.89) and 0.50 (95% CI: 0.47-0.54) in the first trimester to 0.50 (95% CI: 0.45-0.55, p<0.001) and 0.39 (95% CI: 0.37-0.42, p<0.001) in the second trimester and to 0.49 (95% CI: 0.44-0.53, p=0.752) and 0.36 (95% CI: 0.35-0.38, p=0.037) in the third trimester, respectively. In parallel, PSV altered from 0.22 m/s (95% CI: 0.13-0.30 m/s) to 0.28 m/s (95% CI: 0.17-0.40 m/s, p=0.377) and to 0.25 m/s (95% CI: 0.20-0.30 m/s, p=0.560) in the three trimesters. In absence of second and third trimester Doppler data in complicated gestation, only a difference in PI was observed between complicated and healthy pregnancies during the first trimester (1.49 vs 0.80, p<0.001). Although individual studies have identified differences in PI between SpA located in the central part of the placental bed versus those located at its periphery, this meta-analysis could not confirm this (p=0.349).Conclusions: This review and meta-analysis concludes that an observed decrease of SpA PI and RI from the first towards the second trimester parallels the physiological trophoblast invasion converting SpA during early gestation, a process completed in the midst of the second trimester. Higher PI was found in SpA of complicated pregnancies compared to healthy pregnancies, possibly reflecting suboptimal utero-placental circulation. Longitudinal studies examining comprehensively the predictive value of spiral artery Doppler for complicated pregnancies are yet to be carried out.
An Outbreak of Acute Respiratory Infection at a Training Base in Beijing, China Due to Human Adenovirus Type B55
Authors: Lu Guilan , Peng Xiaomin , Li Renqing , Liu Yimeng , Wu Zhanguo , Wang Xifeng , Zhang Daitao , Zhao Jiachen , Sun Ying , Zhang Li , Yang Peng , Wang Quanyi
Published: July 2020

Background: Twelve students experienced symptoms of acute respiratory infection (ARI) at a training base in Beijing from August 26 to August 30, 2015. We investigated the cause of this ARI outbreak.
Methods: In partnership with the local center for disease control, we collected a total of twelve pharyngeal swab specimens as well as demographic information for the affected patients. We used multiplex real-time PCR to screen for sixteen common respiratory viruses in these samples. To isolate HAdV, we inoculated Hep-2 cells with the human adenovirus (HAdV)-positive samples and then carried out sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the hexon, fiber, and penton genes of the isolated adenoviruses. In addition, we analyzed the entire genome of one strain isolated from the index case to identify single-nucleotide substitutions.
Results: We identified ten HAdV-positive students using multiplex real-time PCR. None of the students were co-infected with other viruses. We successfully isolated seven HAdV strains from the pharyngeal swab specimens. The coding sequences of the hexon, fiber, and penton genes of these seven HAdV strains were identical, suggesting that they represented seven strains from a single virus clone. One HAdV isolate obtained from the index case, BJDX-01-2015, was selected for whole genome analysis. From this isolate, we obtained a 34,774-nucleotide sequence. The genome of BJDX-01-2015 clustered with HAdV-B55 in phylogenetic analyses and had 99.97% identity with human adenovirus 55 isolate HAdV-B/CHN/BJ01/2011/55 (GenBank accession no. JX491639).
Conclusions: We identified HAdV-B55 as the strain associated with the August 2015 ARI outbreak at a training base in Beijing. This was the first reported outbreak in Beijing due to HAdV-B55. Continuous surveillance of respiratory adenoviruses is urgently needed to understand the epidemiological and evolutionary features of HAdV-B55, and an epidemiological modeling approach may provide further insights into this emerging public health threat. Furthermore, the clinical laboratory data from this outbreak provides important reference for the clinical diagnosis and may ultimately aid in informing the development of strategies to control and prevent respiratory tract infections caused by HAdV-B55.

Keywords: Outbreak, Human adenovirus, Acute Respiratory Infection, Phylogenetic Analysis, Whole Genome Sequencing
Bradymonabacteria, a novel bacterial predator group with versatile survival strategies in saline environments
Authors: Mu Da-Shuai , Wang Shuo , Liang Qi-Yun , Du Zhao-Zhong , Tian Renmao , Ouyang Yang , Wang Xin-Peng , Zhou Aifen , Gong Ya , Chen Guan-Jun , Nostrand Joy Van , Yang Yunfeng , Zhou Jizhong , Du Zongjun
Published: July 2020

Background: Bacterial predation is an important selective force in microbial community structure and dynamics. However, only a limited number of predatory bacteria have been reported, and their predatory strategies and evolutionary adaptations remain elusive. We recently isolated a novel group of bacterial predators, Bradymonabacteria, representative of the novel order Bradymonadales in δ-Proteobacteria. Compared with those of other bacterial predators (e.g., Myxococcales and Bdellovibrionales), the predatory and living strategies of Bradymonadales are still largely unknown.Results: Based on individual coculture of Bradymonabacteria with 281 prey bacteria, Bradymonabacteria preyed on diverse bacteria but had a high preference for Bacteroidetes. Genomic analysis of 13 recently sequenced Bradymonabacteria indicated that these bacteria had conspicuous metabolic deficiencies, but they could synthesize many polymers, such as polyphosphate and polyhydroxyalkanoates. Dual-transcriptome analysis of cocultures of Bradymonabacteria and prey suggested a potential contact-dependent predation mechanism. Comparative genomic analysis with 24 other bacterial predators indicated that Bradymonabacteria had different predatory and living strategies. Furthermore, we identified Bradymonadales from 1552 publicly available 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing samples, indicating that Bradymonadales was widely distributed and highly abundant in saline environments. Phylogenetic analysis showed that there may be six subgroups in this order; each subgroup occupied a different habitat.Conclusions: Bradymonabacteria have unique living strategies that are transitional between the “obligate” and the so-called “facultative” predators. Thus, we propose a framework to categorize the current bacterial predators into 3 groups: (i) obligate predators (completely prey-dependent), (ii) facultative predators (facultatively prey-dependent), and (iii) opportunistic predators (prey-independent). Our findings provide an ecological and evolutionary framework for Bradymonadales and highlight their potential ecological roles in saline environments.
Exploring contraception myths and misconceptions among young men and women in Kwale County, Kenya
Authors: Mwaisaka Jefferson , Gonsalves Lianne , Thiongo Mary , Waithaka Michael , Sidha Hellen , Agwanda Alfred , Mukiira Carol , Gichangi Peter
Published: July 2020

Background Myths and misconceptions around modern contraceptives have been associated with low contraceptive uptake in sub-Saharan Africa and Kenya in particular. Addressing persistent contraceptive knowledge gaps can make a significant contribution towards improved contraceptive uptake among young women. This qualitative study therefore sought to explore and understand young people’s knowledge of modern contraception and to identify their key concerns regarding these methods. Methods We used focus group discussions (FGD) with vignette and writing activities to explore key myths and misconceptions around the use of contraceptives. Six FGDs (three for young men and three for young women) were conducted with a total of 28 young women and 30 young men from Kwale County, Kenya. We included 10 discussants aged 18-24 per FGD, one FGD had 8 participants. Predefined codes reflecting the discussion guides and emerging issues in the FGDs were used to develop the thematic coding framework. Our analysis followed a pattern of association on the key preset themes focusing on myths and misconceptions around contraceptive use.Results Results are presented under three key themes: awareness of contraception, myths and misconceptions around contraception, and males’ contraceptive narratives. Both men and women participants reported basic awareness of contraceptives. A mixture of biological and social misconceptions were discussed and included perceptions that modern contraception: jeopardized future fertility, prolonged menstrual bleeding, could result in problems conceiving or birth defects, made women promiscuous, was ‘un-African’, and would deny couples their sexual freedom. Compared to female respondents in the study, young men appeared to be strong believers of the perceived socio-cultural effects of contraceptives.Conclusions This study revealed the presence of a mixture of biological and social myths and misconceptions around contraception, with young men also strongly adhering to these misconceptions. The low level of contraceptive knowledge, particularly on contraceptive fears as revealed by the study demonstrate critical gaps in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge among young people. Improved SRH literacy to address contraceptives’ fears through appropriate and gender specific interventions to reach out to young men and women with factual SRH information may therefore contribute to increased uptake of SRH services including modern contraceptive methods.
18F-FDG PET and DCE kinetic modeling and their correlations in primary NSCLC: First voxel-wise correlative analysis of human simultaneous [18F]FDG PET-MRI data
Authors: Besson Florent L , Fernandez Brice , Faure Sylvain , Mercier Olaf , Seferian Andrei , Mignard Xavier , Mussot Sacha , Péchoux Cécile le , Caramella Caroline , Botticella Angela , Levy Antonin , Parent Florence , Bulifon Sophie , Montani David , Mitilian Delphine , Fadel Elie , Planchard David , Besse Benjamin , Ghigna-Bellinzoni Maria-Rosa , Comtat Claude , Lebon Vincent , Durand Emmanuel
Published: July 2020

Objectives: To decipher the correlations between PET and DCE kinetic parameters in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), by using voxel-wise analysis of dynamic simultaneous [18F]FDG PET-MRI. Material and methods: Fourteen treatment-naïve patients with biopsy-proven NSCLC prospectively underwent a one-hour dynamic [18F]FDG thoracic PET-MRI scan including DCE. The PET and DCE data were normalized to their corresponding T1-weighted MR morphological space, and tumors were masked semi-automatically. Voxel-wise parametric maps of PET and DCE kinetic parameters were computed by fitting the dynamic PET and DCE tumor data to the Sokoloff and Extended Tofts models respectively, by using in-house developed procedures. Curve-fitting errors were assessed by computing the relative root mean square error (rRMSE) of the estimated PET and DCE signals at the voxel level. For each tumor, Spearman correlation coefficients (rs) between all the pairs of PET and DCE kinetic parameters were estimated on a voxel-wise basis, along with their respective bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals (n = 1000 iterations).Results: Curve-fitting metrics provided fit errors under 20% for almost 90% of the PET voxels (median rRMSE= 10.3, interquartile ranges IQR = 8.1; 14.3), whereas 73.3% of the DCE voxels showed fit errors under 45% (median rRMSE = 31.8%, IQR = 22.4; 46.6). The PET-PET, DCE-DCE and PET-DCE voxel-wise correlations varied according to individual tumor behaviors. Beyond this wide variability, the PET-PET and DCE-DCE correlations were mainly high (absolute rs values > 0.7), whereas the PET-DCE correlations were mainly low to moderate (absolute rs values < 0.7). Half the tumors showed a hypometabolism with low perfused/vascularized profile, a hallmark of hypoxia and tumor aggressiveness. Conclusion: A dynamic “one-stop shop” procedure applied to NSCLC is technically feasible in clinical practice. PET and DCE kinetic parameters assessed simultaneously are not highly correlated in NSCLC, and these correlations showed a wide variability among tumors and patients. These results tend to suggest that PET and DCE kinetic parameters might provide complementary information. In the future, this might make PET-MRI a unique tool to characterize the individual tumor biological behavior in NSCLC.
Coal-bearing strata sequence stratigraphy of Paleogene Meihe Formation, Meihe Basin, NE China
Authors: Bai Yueyue , Lü Qingtian , Liu Zhaojun , Sun Pingchang , Liu Rong , Yao Shuqing
Published: July 2020

The Meihe Basin is an important Paleogene coal-bearing basin located in the Dunhua-Mishan Fault Zone, northeastern China. Based on a comprehensive study of well logs, seismic profiles, cores and rock geochemical properties, three third-order sequences were identified in the Paleogene Meihe Formation of Meihe Basin. The two coal-bearing sequences are the Lower Coal-bearing Member of Sequence I and the Upper Coal-bearing Member of Sequence III. All three types of system tracts are developed in both sequences, i.e., the lowstand systems tract (LST), the transgressive systems tract (TST), and the highstand systems tract (HST). Typically, coal seams developed in the lake swamp environments with good thicknesses and continuity are economically attractive for mining. In the study area, they are primarily found in the TST and HST of Sequence I. These nice thick coal seams usually develop in an ideal stable depositional environment where organic matter accommodation space grows at a balanced rate with peat, in other words, free of sediment input or channel migration. The key findings of this study could provide guidance for the exploration of coal seams in the Meihe Basin and other similar basins.
Metagenomic insights into the diversity of carbohydrate-degrading enzymes in the yak fecal microbial community
Authors: Gong Ga , Zhou Saisai , Luo Runbo , Gesang Zhuoma , Suolang Sizhu
Published: July 2020

Background: As a special herbivorous ruminant, yak is supposed to utilize the gastrointestinal microbiota to digest plant materials. Although the cellulolytic bacteria in the yak rumen have been reported, there is still limited information on the diversity of the major microorganisms and putative carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes for the degradation of complex lignocellulosic biomass in its gut ecosystem. Results: Here, this study aimed to decode biomass-degrading genes and genomes in the yak fecal microbiota using deep metagenome sequencing. A comprehensive catalog comprising 4.5 million microbial genes from the yak feces was established based on metagenomic assemblies from 92 Gb sequencing data. We identified a full spectrum of genes encoding carbohydrate-active enzymes, three-quarters of which were assigned to highly diversified enzyme families involved in the breakdown of complex dietary carbohydrates, including 120 families of glycoside hydrolases, 25 families of polysaccharide lyases, and 15 families of carbohydrate esterases. Inference of taxonomic assignments to the carbohydrate-degrading genes revealed the major microbial contributors were Bacteroidaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Rikenellaceae, Clostridiaceae, and Prevotellaceae. Furthermore, 68 prokaryotic genomes were reconstructed and the genes encoding glycoside hydrolases involved in plant-derived polysaccharide degradation were identified in these uncultured genomes, many of which were novel species with lignocellulolytic capability. Conclusions: Our findings shed light on a great diversity of carbohydrate-degrading enzymes in the yak gut microbial community and uncultured species, which provides a useful genetic resource for future studies on the discovery of novel enzymes for industrial applications.
Genome-scale metabolic modelling underscores the potential of Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosus ATCC 20509 as a cell factory for biofuel production
Authors: Pham Nhung TT , Reijnders Maarten , Suarez-Diez Maria , Nijsse Bart , Springer Jan , Eggink Gerrit , Schaap Peter
Published: July 2020

Background: Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosus ATCC 20509 is a fast growing oleaginous basidiomycete yeast that is able to grow in a wide range of low-cost carbon sources including crude glycerol, a byproduct of biodiesel production. When glycerol is used as a carbon source, this yeast can accumulate more than 50% lipids (w/w) with high concentrations of mono-unsaturated fatty acids.
Results: To increase our understanding of this yeast and to provide a knowledge base for further industrial use, a FAIR re-annotated genome was used to build a genome-scale, constraint-based metabolic model containing 1553 reactions involving 1373 metabolites in 11 compartments. A new description of the biomass synthesis reaction was introduced to account for massive lipid accumulation in conditions with high carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio in the media. This condition-speciﬁc biomass objective function is shown to better predict conditions with high lipid accumulation using glucose, fructose, sucrose, xylose and glycerol as sole carbon source.
Conclusion: Contributing to the economic viability of biodiesel as renewable fuel, C. oleaginosus ATCC 20509 can eﬀectively convert crude glycerol waste streams in lipids as a potential bioenergy source. Performance simulations are essential to identify optimal production conditions and to develop and ﬁne tune a cost-eﬀective production process. Our model suggests ATP-citrate lyase as a target for further improve lipid production.
Keywords: Genome-scale metabolic model; Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosus ATCC 20509; lipid accumulation; Crude glycerol; biodiesel production; ﬂux balance analysis; oleaginous yeast
Bacillus subtilis spore vaccines displaying protective antigen induce functional antibodies and protective potency
Authors: Oh Yeonsu , Kim Jung Ae , Kim Chang-Hwan , Choi Soo-Keun , Pan Jae-Gu
Published: July 2020

Background: Bacillus anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax, a disease of both humans and various animal species, and can be used as a bioterror agent. Effective vaccines are available, but those could benefit from improvements, including increasing the immunity duration, reducing the shot frequency and adverse reactions. In addition, more sophisticated antigen delivery and potentiation systems are urgently required. The protective antigen (PA), one of three major virulence factors associated with anthrax was displayed on the surface of Bacillus subtilis spores, which is a vaccine production host and delivery vector with several advantages such as a low production cost, straightforward administration as it is safe for human consumption and the particulate adjuvanticity. Mice were immunized orally (PO), intranasally (IN), sublingually (SL) or intraperitoneally (IP) with the PA displaying probiotic spore vaccine. Clinical observation, serological analysis and challenge experiment were conducted to investigate the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. Results: A/J mice immunized with the PA spore vaccine via PO, IN, SL, and IP were observed to have increased levels of active antibody titer, isotype profiles and toxin neutralizing antibody in sera, and IgA in saliva. The immunized mice were demonstrated to raise protective immunity against the challenge with lethal B. anthracis spores. Conclusions: In this study, we developed a B. subtilis spore vaccine that displays the PA on its surface and showed that the PA-displaying spore vaccine was able to confer active immunity to a murine model based on the results of antibody isotype titration, mucosal antibody identification, and a lethal challenge experiment.
Human papillomavirus infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia progression are associated with increased vaginal microbiome diversity in a Chinese cohort
Authors: Chen Yulian , Qiu Xingdi , Wang Wenjing , Li Dong , Wu Anyue , Hong Zubei , Di Wen , Qiu Lihua
Published: July 2020

Background: In this study, the association between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and related cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or cervical cancer and vaginal microbiome was evaluated in Chinese cohorts. Methods: The vaginal bacterial composition of five groups, HPV-infected women without CINs (HPV, n=78), women with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL, n=51), women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL, n=23), women with invasive cervical cancer (Cancer, n=9) and healthy women without HPV infection (Normal, n=68), was characterized by deep sequencing of barcoded 16S rRNA gene fragments (V3-4) using Illumina MiSeq. Results: HPV infection increased vaginal bacterial richness and diversity regardless of the status of CINs. The vaginal bacterial richness and diversity were further augmented in women with cervical cancer. Lactobacillus was the most abundant genus in all groups. HPV infection had a negative influence on the abundances of Lactobacillus, Gardnerella and Atopobium. Accordingly, HPV infection increased the relative abundance of Prevotella, Bacillus, Anaerococcus, Sneathia, Megasphaera, Streptococcus and Anaerococcus. The increased proportions of Bacillus, Anaerococcus and the reduced abundance of Gradnerella vaginalis were probably related with the progression of CINs severity. HPV infection without CINs or cancerous lesions was strongly associated with Megasphaera. The most abundant bacterium in the LSIL group was Prevotella amnii. However, Prevotella timonensis, Shuttleworthia and Streptococcaceae at the family level were three taxa related to HSIL. Furthermore, more taxa were associated with the Cancer group including Bacillus, Sneathia, Acidovorax, Oceanobacillus profundus, Fusobacterium, Veillonellaceae at the family level, Anaerococcus and Porphyromonas uenonis. Samples in the Normal group were mostly assigned to CST III. HPV infection converted the vaginal bacterial community structure from CST III to CST IV. Furthermore, the proportions of CST IV were gradually augmented with the progression of the severity of CINs.Conclusions: This work interpreted the differential vaginal bacteria under HPV infection and various precancerous or cancerous lesions in a Chinese cohort. We distinguished the specific microbes and the vaginal bacterial structure that were related with the progression of CINs severity in Chinese women.
Study of Economic Management Forecast and Optimized Resource Allocation Based on Cloud Computing and Neural Network
Authors: He Pinzhen
Published: July 2020

As various factors which affect the development of global market economy become increasingly uncertain, economy and commodity will become more and more fluctuating in economic operation. With its strong non-linear mapping capacity, artificial neural network has already been applied in many fields, time series analysis and trend prediction. Cloud computing can interact fast with service provider at the minimum management cost. This paper proposes an economic forecast and optimized resource allocation model based on cloud computing and BP neural network. Its main goal is to break down a complex prediction task into several sub-tasks, effectively reduce the workload of a single computer and enhance the operating efficiency. Simulation results show that the proposed method does not rely on gradient information, and has strong optimization calculation ability. At the same time, it can analyze and predict economic management, so as to provide strong decision support for decision makers.
In-vitro Antimicrobial Activity of the Combined Effect of Kalanchoe Crenata and Vernonia Amygdalina on Salmonella Species
Authors: Effah-Yeboah Emmanuel , Asare Emmanuel Agyapong , Balali Gadafi Iddrisu
Published: July 2020

IntroductionThe major breakthrough in the treatment of pathogenic diseases was the unearthing of naturally occurring antipathogenic agents or antibiotics. There have been upsurges in antibiotic-resistant strains of clinically important pathogens, which made way to the emergence of new-fangled bacterial strains that are multi-resistant. The major aim of scientists is to develop new antibiotics or other therapeutic strategies at a pace greater than that at which bacteria are developing resistance. Development of resistance to first-line antimicrobial therapies made way to recommendations for combination therapies for the treatment of some infections and some of this form of chemotherapy seems to be very successful.ObjectivesThis research was carried out the determine the effect of Kalanchoe crenata extract on salmonella Tyhi load. It was carried out to also assess the potency of the extract of Vernonia amygdalina on Salmonella typhi and also to ascertain the effect of the combined extract of Kalanchoe crenata and Vernonia amygdalina on salmonella typhi.MethodIn this research, Salmonella typhi was exposed to a crude extract of Kalanchoe crenata and Vernonia amygdalina and also the combination of the two extracts. Agar wells diffusion method was employed.ResultsThe combined effect was not sensitive to the Salmonella strain. The Salmonella strain was resistant to V. amygdalina than to K. crenata. K. cranata had the strongest activity against S. typhi with its highest zone of growth inhibition of 20 mm and lowest zone of inhibition of 7 mm while V. amygdalina produced consistent zone of growth inhibition of 5–6 mm; The combined effect produced a zone inhibition diameter only at the 100 mg/ml with zone of inhibition value of 14 mm. The subsequent lower concentrations did not show any activity against the microbes. At P-value = 0.05 two-way ANOVA statistics exhibited significant difference amongst the effects produced by the different extracts, though there were no substantial differences in the effects produced by the various concentrations.ConclusionThe salmonella strain was resistant to V. amygdalina than to K. crenata. At P-value = 0.05 there was a substantial difference in the sensitivity of the bacteria to the different extracts.
Pelvic Rotation Parameters Related to In-Brace Correction in Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: li kepeng , Miao Jun , Jing-an Zhang
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND: To identify the pelvic parameters affecting in-brace correction (IBC) in patients with idiopathic scoliosis (IS). METHODS: Patients with IS receiving Chêneau brace treatment in our scoliosis center from January 2019 to November 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Pelvic rotation parameters, including Pelvic incidence (PI), Sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), L/R ratio, were collected. Other radiographic data, such as Risser sign, coronal and sagittal balance, curve location, kyphosis, lordosis of each patient was also recorded to analyze their correlations with IBC. Correlation analyses were performed to identify the classified variables influencing IBC. The principal component analysis was used to extract common factors of radiographic parameters to eliminate interaction effects. The linear regression equation was established using principal components, the variables influencing IBC were identified.RESULTS: A cohort of 44 patients with IS (36 girls and 8 boys) were included in the present study. The mean IBC was 49.87% (range, 3%∽100%). IBC of lumbar IS was negatively correlated with apical rotate factor (ARF, B=-0.385), mainly consisted of pelvic coronal plane rotation (PCPR, 0.449), cobb angle (CA,0.575), apical vertebral rotation (AVR, 0.918), and pelvic rotate factor (PRF, B=-0.387), mainly consisted of PT (0.861), PI (0.728), PCPR (-0.570). The regression equation of lumbar IS had statistical significance (F=6.500, P=0.005，R2=0.317). Whereas statistically significance was not found in the regression equation of thoracic IS (F=2.913, P=0.106). The remaining parameters were not related to IBC.CONCLUSIONS: For lumbar IS, ARF and PRF have negative effects on IBC, Coronal and sagittal rotation of the pelvis is related to IBC.
Distinguishing Adenocarcinomas From Granulomas in the CT Scan of the Chest: Performance Degradation Evaluation in the Automatic Segmentation Framework
Authors: Tavakoli Mahsa Bank , Orooji Mahdi , Teimouri Mehdi , Shahabifar Ramita
Published: July 2020

Background:The most common histopathologic malignant and benign nodules are Adenocarcinoma and Granuloma, respectively, which have different standards of care. However, distinguishing Adenocarcinoma from Granuloma in the CT scan of the chest is a challenging task, due to the similar appearance in shape and appearance. Indeed, biopsies are needed for the diagnosis. The radiomic features of pulmonary nodules, along with the torsion of the vessels attached to the nodules are accepted by expert radiologists as the biomarker for discriminating the benign nodules from the malignant ones. In this paper, we propose an automatic framework for the distinction of the Adenocarcinomas and the Granulomas in CTs using the radiomic features of nodules and the attached vessel tortuosity.Methods:To automatically segment the delineated nodule area and the attached vessels area, we apply a morphological-based approach. For distinguishing the malignancy of the segmented nodule, two texture features of the nodule, the curvature mean and the number of the attached vessels are extracted. Then, we apply a trained SVM classifier to identify the segmented nodule as the Adenocarcinoma or the Granuloma.Results:The proposed framework is evaluated on a private dataset, including 22 CTs for each nodule type, i.e., adenocarcinoma and granuloma (44 CTs for both nodule types). The dataset contains the CTs of the non-smoker patients who are between 30 and 60 years old. Compared to the state-of-the-art feature selection methods which employ only the shape features of the nodule, the texture features of the nodule, or the torsion features of the attached vessels along with the radiomic features of the nodule for differentiating Adenocarcinomas from Granulomas, the accuracy of our framework is improved by 21:39%, 3:72%, and 8:27%, respectively. The area under the ROC curve of the introduced framework for the manually and automatically segmented nodules is 0:8874 and 0:7583, respectively.Conclusions:The AUC value for the automatically segmented nodules is lower than that of the manual ones labeled by a radiologist. However, the time run of the introduced framework for the automatically segmented nodules is much lower than that of the manual ones.