bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Up-to-date technology in construction, upgrading and reconstruction of farms and cattle facilities
Authors:   Rosinformagrotech, Voytyuk M.M. , Vinogradov P.N. ,   Moscow SAVMB, Machneva O.P. ,   Rosinformagrotech, Voytyuk V.A. ,   Rosinformagrotech, Kuznetsova S.S. ,   Rosinformagrotech
Published: January 2021

The analysis of up-to-date domestic and foreign technology and innovative building materials used in the construction of new agribusiness facilities, farms and cattle facilities and upgrading and reconstruction of previously built ones is provided
Research of quality indicators of motor vehicles for farmers during the warranty period
Authors:   Ogarev Mordovia State University, Komarov V.A. , Kurashkin M.I. ,   Ogarev Mordovia State University, Sedoikin S.V. ,   Ogarev Mordovia State University
Published: January 2021

The sequence of examination of consumer claims for the supply of vehicles with quality discrepancies is described. The algorithm for consumer claim settling has been improved taking into account the specifics of agricultural produc-tion. The results of research on various levels of warranty repairs taking into ac-count the value of the period of the equipment operation are given.
Foreign experience in spreading new knowledge in ag-riculture
Authors:   Rosinformagrotekh, Mishurov N.P. , Kondratyeva O.V. ,   Rosinformagrotekh, Fedorov A.D. ,   Rosinformagrotekh, Slinko O.V. ,   Rosinformagrotekh, Voytyuk V.A. ,   Rosinformagrotekh
Published: January 2021

The role of information support and popularization of the results of scientific and production activities in the agrarian sphere and the peculiarity of the development of scientific developments abroad are shown. The assessment and indices of new knowledge in foreign countries, the commercialization of research results, and methods of innovative teaching and the most popular ways of disseminating new knowledge are discussed.
Analise de trilha da massa da espiga de milho e seus atributos físicos
Authors: Pinheiro Luana da Silva , Vieira Regiane da Conceição , Barata Henrique da Silva , Mota Rodrigo de Souza , Sousa Raul Fortes , Vieira Mateus Monteles , Nascimento Maiane Rodrigues do , Silva Vicente Filho Alves , Oliveira Job Teixeira de , Silva Priscilla Andrade
Published: January 2021

O milho faz parte da base alimentar do brasileiro. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os atributos que melhor representam a massa úmida da espiga do milho, através da análise de trilha, permitindo estabelecer correlações entre estas variáveis, que são indicativos de produtividade e qualidade do milho. O presente estudo foi realizado no município de Parauapebas-PA, nas dependências da área experimental do Centro Tecnológico da Agricultura Familiar (CETAF). Os atributos da espiga do milho foram: massa úmida da espiga (MAU), casca úmida da espiga (CAU), sabugo úmido (SAU), grão úmido da espiga (GRU), massa seca da espiga (MAS), massas do grão seco (GRS), sabugo seco (SAS) e casca seca da espiga (CAS). Resultados mostraram pela correlação de Pierson que casca úmida da espiga e massa úmida da espiga apresentaram uma alta correlação positiva. Como conclusões, a análise de trilha possibilitou verificar que, de forma direta, os atributos casca úmida e grãos úmidos da espiga são os atributos que melhor servem para avaliar a massa úmida da espiga do milho. Indiretamente, observamos via análise de trilha que a casca úmida tem correlação positiva com casca seca e massa seca da espiga e negativa com sabuco úmido e grãos secos da espiga.
Modelagem matemática aplicada a cinética de secagem da pasta de amido de feijão preto
Authors: Almeida Raphael Lucas Jacinto , Santos Newton Carlos , Ribeiro Victor Herbert de Alcântara , Silva Virgínia Mirtes de Alcântara , Muniz Cecília Elisa de Sousa , Silva Rebeca de Almeida , Eduardo Raphael da Silva , Santiago Ângela Maria , Galdino Pablícia Oliveira , Mota Mércia Melo de Almeida
Published: January 2021

O presente estudo teve como objetivo extrair amido de sementes de feijão preto e ajustar modelos matemáticos empíricos aos dados obtidos experimentalmente na sua cinética de secagem. A extração do amido das sementes de feijão preto foi realizada fazendo-se o uso de uma solução de metabissulfito de sódio (0,5 %). A pasta obtida após o processo de extração foi submetida a uma cinética de secagem nas temperaturas de 40, 50 e 60 °C e velocidade do ar de 1,5 m s-1. Aos dados experimentais foram ajustados modelos matemáticos empíricos, no qual foram avaliados através dos indicadores estatísticos coeficiente de determinação (R2) e função qui-quadrado (X2) e por fim o rendimento de extração foi calculado como porcentagem de massa do amido obtido em relação à massa bruta das sementes de feijão preto. O coeficiente de determinação (R2) de todos os modelos aplicados apresentaram valores superiores a 0,98 (R2 >0,98) e o modelo de Page apresentou os menores valores para função qui-quadrado, no qual variam de 0,005637 a 0,003212. Os valores de rendimento de extração variaram de 45,35 a 47,62% sendo o maior percentual obtido na temperatura de 60 °C. No entanto, o modelo de Page na temperatura de 50 °C é o mais adequando para representar esse estudo, pois apresentou o maior valor de R2 (0,9998) e o menor valor da função qui-quadrado (0,3212x10-2).
Penguatan Budaya Organisasi Melalui Sistem Pengendalian Manajemen Untuk Meningkatkan Kinerja Hotel
Authors:   Universitas Atma Jaya Makassar Indonesia, Arviana Nerissa , Daromes Fransiskus Eduardus ,   Universitas Atma Jaya Makassar Indonesia, Kampo Kunradus ,   Universitas Atma Jaya Makassar Indonesia
Published: January 2021

This study explains that management control system is a mechanism to encourage the strengthening of organizational culture in enhancing hotel performance. The study used a survey method through questionnaires on managers and heads of departments at 3, 4, and 5-star hotels Makassar. Data analysis was performed by path analysis and Sobel test. The results show that organizational culture has no direct effect on hotel performance, however, it has a positive and significant effect on the management control system, which in turn has a positive and significant effect on hotel performance. In other words, management control system mediates the influence of organizational culture on hotel performance.
Regional-scale variability in the movement ecology of marine fishes revealed by an integrative acoustic tracking network
Authors: Friess C , Lowerre-Barbieri SK , Poulakis GR , Hammerschlag N , Gardiner JM , Kroetz AM , Bassos-Hull K , Bickford J , Bohaboy EC , Ellis RD , Menendez H , Patterson WF , Price ME , Rehage JS , Shea C , Smukall MJ , Walters Burnsed S , Wilkinson KA , Young J , Collins AB , DeGroot BC , Peterson CT , Purtlebaugh C , Randall M , Scharer RM , Schloesser RW , Wiley TR , Alvarez GA , Danylchuk AJ , Fox AG , Grubbs RD , Hill A , Locascio JV , O'Donnell PM , Skomal GB , Whoriskey FG , Griffin LP
Published: January 2021

Marine fish movement plays a critical role in ecosystem functioning and is increasingly studied with acoustic telemetry. Traditionally, this research has focused on single species and small spatial scales. However, integrated tracking networks, such as the Integrated Tracking of Aquatic Animals in the Gulf of Mexico (iTAG) network, are building the capacity to monitor multiple species over larger spatial scales. We conducted a synthesis of passive acoustic monitoring data for 29 species (889 transmitters), ranging from large top predators to small consumers, monitored along the west coast of Florida, USA, over 3 yr (2016-2018). Space use was highly variable, with some groups using all monitored areas and others using only the area where they were tagged. The most extensive space use was found for Atlantic tarpon Megalops atlanticus and bull sharks Carcharhinus leucas. Individual detection patterns clustered into 4 groups, ranging from occasionally detected long-distance movers to frequently detected juvenile or adult residents. Synchronized, alongshore, long-distance movements were found for Atlantic tarpon, cobia Rachycentron canadum, and several elasmobranch species. These movements were predominantly northbound in spring and southbound in fall. Detections of top predators were highest in summer, except for nearshore Tampa Bay where the most detections occurred in fall, coinciding with large red drum Sciaenops ocellatus spawning aggregations. We discuss the future of collaborative telemetry research, including current limitations and potential solutions to maximize its impact for understanding movement ecology, conducting ecosystem monitoring, and supporting fisheries management.
Ontogenetic feeding ecology of the scalloped hammerhead shark Sphyrna lewini in the Colombian Eastern Tropical Pacific
Authors: Estupiñán-Montaño C , Galván-Magaña F , Elorriaga-Verplancken F , Zetina-Rejón MJ , Sánchez-González A , Polo-Silva CJ , Villalobos-Ramírez DJ , Rojas-Cundumí J , Delgado-Huertas A
Published: January 2021

Changes in feeding habits during ontogeny show that organisms can present shifts in foraging behavior during their life cycle, which can alter local trophic dynamics. Therefore, describing diet across species ontogeny clarifies the ecological niche and ecosystem role of marine predators. In this study, diet tracers (stable isotope analysis) were analyzed in 16 scalloped hammerhead sharksSphyrna lewini, using δ13C and δ15N values of collagen in vertebral cross-sections to reconstruct diet across their ontogeny. Our results suggest thatS. lewinioccupies a broad isotopic niche due to the consumption of prey belonging to different trophic levels (δ15N: 7.6-13.0‰) of the food chain in both coastal and oceanic zones (δ13C: -17.2 to -14.1‰) during their lifetime. Accordingly, ontogenetic changes in diet and habitat use were suggested by differences in δ13C and δ15N across age groups, indicating high consumption of coastal prey at 0-2 yr, oceanic prey at ~2-4 yr, a shift to high coastal prey at >4 yr, and a shift to high coastal prey, along with the consumption of prey from multiple trophic levels through feeding ontogeny (estimated trophic position: 2.9-6.5). This study showed migration from coastal to oceanic zones in juvenileS. lewini, and their return to coastal habitats as adults, potentially related to the use of coastal zones (i.e. mangroves) in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, both as important feeding areas for neonates and as feeding and breeding grounds for adults.
Dietary and reproductive biomarkers in a generalist apex predator reveal differences in nutritional ecology across life stages
Authors: Rangel BS , Hammerschlag N , Sulikowski JA , Moreira RG
Published: January 2021

Knowledge of the nutritional requirements of apex predators is key for determining ecological interactions. However, an understanding of how diet is influenced by reproduction, and the consequences of foraging variation on the nutritional status of a predator, is limited. Here, we used short-term dietary markers (plasma and whole-blood fatty acids) integrated with reproductive hormones (17β-estradiol and testosterone) and ultrasonography as a non-lethal approach to investigate the effect of life stage on nutritional status and trophic dynamics of female tiger sharks Galeocerdo cuvier. Despite their generalist feeding behavior, female tiger sharks fed on different food sources and/or modulated their fatty acid metabolism depending on the reproductive context. This suggests some adjustment in their nutritional requirements associated with changes in their reproductive state. Plasma and whole-blood fatty acids indicated distinct dietary sources across life stages, with a high dependence on coastal/benthic food resources during juvenile life stages, and on pelagic/oceanic and reef-associated food resources during adult life stages. Higher percentages of highly unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids found in females during their reproductive cycles suggest the dependency on these fatty acids as a source of metabolic energy during reproduction. A high percentage of arachidonic acid (ARA) found in plasma of gravid females suggests the possibility of a selective diet of ARA-rich prey species and/or selective mobilization of ARA from stored energy during gestation. Based on our findings, we propose a conceptual model of expected changes in nutritional and trophic markers across life stages of female tiger sharks.
Absence of Flow-Mediated Vasodilation in the Rabbit Femoral Artery
Authors: Clifford P S , Madden J A , Hamann J J , Buckwalter J B , Valic Z
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is flowmediated vasodilation of the femoral artery in response to progressive increases in flow within a physiological range
observed in the in vivo experiments. Femoral artery blood flow
was determined in conscious rabbits (n=5) using chronically
implanted flowprobes. Resting blood flow was 8.3±0.6 ml/min
and increased to 39.9±5.4 ml/min during high intensity exercise.
Femoral arteries (n=12, 1705±43 µm outer diameter) harvested
from a separate group of rabbits were mounted on cannulas and
diameter was continuously monitored by video system.
Functional integrity of the endothelium was tested with
acetylcholine. The arteries were set at a transmural pressure of
100 mm Hg and preconstricted with phenylephrine to 73±3 % of
initial diameter. Using a roller pump with pressure held constant,
the arteries were perfused intraluminally with warmed,
oxygenated Krebs' solution (pH=7.4) over a physiological range
of flows up to 35 ml/min. As flow increased from 5 ml/min to
35 ml/min, diameter decreased significantly (p<0.05) from
1285±58 µm to 1100±49 µm. Thus, in vessels with a functional
endothelium, increasing intraluminal flow over a physiological
range of flows produced constriction, not dilation. Based on these
results, it seems unlikely that flow-mediated vasodilation in the
rabbit femoral artery contributes to exercise hyperemia.
Osteogenic Cells on Bio-Inspired Materials for Bone Tissue
Engineering
Authors: Vagaská B , Bačáková L , Filová E , Balík K
Published: January 2021

This article reviews the development of artificial bone substitutes
from their older single-phase forms to novel multi-phase
composites, mimicking the composition and architecture of
natural bone tissue. The new generation of bone implants should
be bioactive, i.e. they should induce the desired cellular
responses, leading to integration of the material into the natural
tissue and stimulating self-healing processes. Therefore, the first
part of the review explains the common principles of the cellmaterial interaction and summarizes the strategies how to
improve the biocompatibility and bioactivity of the materials by
modifying the physico-chemical properties of the material
surface, such as surface chemistry, wettability, electrical charge,
rigidity, microroughness and especially nanoroughness. The latter
has been shown to stimulate preferentially the growth of
osteoblasts in comparison with other competitive cell types, such
as fibroblasts, which could prevent fibrous tissue formation upon
implantation. The second more specialized part of the review
deals with materials suitable for bone contact and substitution,
particularly novel polymer-based composites reinforced with
fibres or inorganic particles and containing bioactive components,
such as crystals of hydroxyapatite or other calcium phosphates,
synthetic ligands for cell adhesion receptors or growth factors.
Moreover, if they are degradable, they can be gradually replaced
with a regenerating tissue.
Approach for Securing Network Communications Modelling Based on Smart Multipath Routing
Authors: Dakhnovich A. D. , Moskvin D. A. , Zegzhda D. P.
Published: January 2021

Digital transformation, or Industry 4.0, is already changing manufacturing processes as it brings more automation to standardized Industrial Control Systems (ICS) based systems such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. It is performed by the means of cyber-physical systems such as Internet of Things (IoT). For now, these “Things” are communicating in a new network area, where peer-to-peer communications are widely used. Such networks are responsible for real life processes safety. However, such shift also extends a threat vectors and entry points for an adversary inside the industrial segments. In the paper, new cybersecurity challenges on the Industrial Internet of Things network segments are considered as well as known practices to mitigate some of them. As a result, a peer-to-peer smart multipath network routing based on garlic routing is proposed to model secure network communications in IoT field. An approach is aimed to be used on the IoT field to tackle all of the network-scoped cybersecurity challenges.
Study on the Manufacturing of Ultra-Fine Ore Briquettes for Charging in a Sintering Machine
Authors: Bae Jong-Ho , Kim Kang-Min , Lee Kyeong-Uk , Han Jeong-Whan
Published: January 2021

In ironmaking, the optimal size of the iron ore charged into a blast furnace is generally 10-30 mm. Oversized ores, which have a smaller reaction surface area, are crushed, while undersized ores, which decrease permeability, undergo a sizing process before being charged into the blast furnace. Recently, however, iron ore has been micronized, and there is less high-quality iron ore. Also, in accordance with the Paris climate change accord, the Republic of Korea must reduce CO2 gas emissions by about 39% before 2030 to conserve the environment. In response, steelmakers have researched a sinter-briquette complex firing process which employs a method of charging where the raw materials are sintered together with briquettes made of ultra-fine ore. Extra heat is needed to sinter the briquettes. If the briquettes are broken during transporting and charging, the sinter bed permeability decreases, which decreases productivity. In this study, briquettes were made by changing manufacturing conditions such as moisture content, feeding speed, and size, and were simulated by changing the pocket depth in a numerical analysis. Consequently, it was determined that the compressive strength of the briquette was highest when moisture in the briquette was 6 wt%, in proportion to feeding speed and large particle size. Briquette density was in inverse proportion to pocket depth, and when the depth was over 15 mm, the briquette was broken in the pocket.
РЕЦЕНЗИЯ НА МНОГОТОМНОЕ СПРАВОЧНОЕ ИЗДАНИЕ: БИОГРАФИЧЕСКИЙ СЛОВАРЬ ВЫПУСКНИКОВ КИЕВСКОЙ ДУХОВНОЙ АКАДЕМИИ: 1819–1920-е гг.: МАТЕРИАЛЫ ИЗ СОБРАНИЯ ПРОФ. ПРОТОИЕРЕЯ Ф. И. ТИТОВА И АРХИВА КДА в 4 т. / [сост. В. И. Ульяновский]. Т. 1: А–Й. Киев: Издательский отдел Украинской Православной Церкви, 2014 – 576 с., илл.; Т. 2: К–П. Киев: Издательский отдел Украинской Православной Церкви, 2015. – 624 с., илл.; Т. 3: Р–Я. Киев: Издательский отдел Украинской Православной Церкви, 2019. – 640 с., илл.
Authors: Лабынцев Юрий Андреевич , Щавинская Лариса Леонидовна
Published: January 2021

Аннотация. Опубликованные три тома «Биографического словаря выпускников Киевской духовной академии: 1819–1920-е гг.» – плод огромного труда нескольких поколений православных ученых XIX–XXI вв. Они составлены нашим современником киевским профессором В. И. Ульяновским на основе многочисленных архивных материалов, прежде всего собранных известным историком и богословом профессором протоиереем Ф. И. Титовым (1864–1935). В результате кропотливой работы составителю удалось подготовить огромный ценнейший свод сведений практически обо всех не только знаменитых и известных выпускниках Киевской духовной академии 1819 – начала 1920-х гг., но и большого числа малоизвестных.
Ключевые слова: православие, Киевская духовная академия, богословие, биографические словари.

Abstract. The published three volumes of the «Biographical dictionary of graduates of the Kiev theological Academy: 1819-1920» are the fruit of a great work of several generations of Orthodox scientists of the XIX-XXI centuries. They were compiled by our contemporary Kiev Professor V.I. Ulyanovsk on the basis of numerous archival materials, primarily collected by the famous historian and theologian Professor Archpriest F.I. Titov (1864-1935). As a result of painstaking work, the compiler managed to prepare a huge valuable set of information about almost all of the famous and repute graduates of the Kiev theological Academy in 1819 – early 1920 s, but also a large number of little-known ones.
Key words: Orthodoxy, the Kiev Theological Academy, theology, and biographical dictionaries.
X̅ and R control charts based on marshall-olkin inverse log-logistic distribution for positive skewed data
Authors: Aako O. L. , Adewara J. A. , Adekeye K. S , Nkemnole E. B.
Published: January 2021

The fundamental assumption of variable control charts is that the data are normally distributed and spread randomly about the mean. Process data are not always normally distributed, hence there is need to set up appropriate control charts that gives accurate control limits to monitor processes that are skewed. In this study Shewhart-type control charts for monitoring positively skewed data that are assumed to be from Marshall-Olkin Inverse Loglogistic Distribution (MOILLD) was developed. Average Run Length (ARL) and Control Limits Interval (CLI) were adopted to assess the stability and performance of the MOILLD control chart. The results obtained were compared with Classical Shewhart (CS) and Skewness Correction (SC) control charts using the ARL and CLI. It was discovered that the control charts based on MOILLD performed better and are more stable compare to CS and SC control charts. It is therefore recommended that for positively skewed data, a Marshall-Olkin Inverse Loglogistic Distribution based control chart will be more appropriate.
Influence of soil physical factors on productivity of herbaceous forage species in Kivaa and Ntugi rangelands in Eastern Kenya
Authors: Karugia E. , Kariuki F. , Mwaniki J.
Published: January 2021

Rangelands are extensive tracts of land with natural vegetation which is the main forage resource for domestic and wild ungulates. This study investigated the influence of soil texture, bulk density, and moisture content on the production of herbaceous forage species biomass in Kivaa and Ntugi rangelands in Eastern Kenya. Stratified random sampling was used where one out of four blocks of the target rangelands was picked and three belt transects established. Along the belt transects, ten experimental plots of 5 metres by 5 metres were established at intervals of 5 metres. Key forage species were identified using a structured questionnaire administered to key informants. Soil samples were collected from the experimental plots and analyzed for soil texture, bulk density and moisture content. Forage samples were collected and dry matter weight determined. The data collected were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics especially tabulation and regression respectively. The study identified the most valuable forage species namely, Dichanthium annulatum, Themeda triandra, Cenchrus ciliaris, Rhynchelytrum repens, Digitaria abyssinica, Chloris roxburghiana and Cyperus rotundus. Soils in Ntugi ranged from clay loam to sandy clay while those from Kivaa ranged from silty loam to sandy loam. There was higher moisture content in soils in Ntugi than soils in Kivaa (t = 7.71, P ≤ 0.05). Soil moisture content had significant influence on herbage production in both Kivaa (R= 0.968, P ≤ 0.05) and Ntugi (R = 0.962, P ≤ 0.05). Soil bulk density significantly influenced forage grass species herbage production in Ntugi in 2014 (R= 0.513, P ≤ 0.05) and in 2016 ((R = 0.632, P ≤ 0.05). This study concluded that soil texture, bulk density and moisture content significantly influenced herbaceous forage production in the two rangelands. The study recommends use of rotational grazing systems combined with proper stocking rates to maintain moderate soil bulk density and good levels of soil moisture for the herbaceous forage species to continue producing adequate biomass while maintaining residual foliage for continued primary production.
Engineering a Synthetic Pathway for Gentisate in Pseudomonas Chlororaphis P3
Authors: Wang Songwei , Fu Cong , Liu Kaiquan , Cui Jiajia , Hu Hongbo , Wang Wei , Zhang Xuehong
Published: January 2021

Pseudomonas chlororaphis P3 has been well-engineered as a platform organism for biologicals production due to enhanced shikimate pathway and excellent physiological and genetic characteristics. Gentisate displays high antiradical and antioxidant activities and is an important intermediate that can be used as a precursor for drugs. Herein, a plasmid-free biosynthetic pathway of gentisate was constructed by connecting the endogenous degradation pathway from 3-hydroxybenzoate in Pseudomonas for the first time. As a result, the production of gentisate reached 365 mg/L from 3-HBA via blocking gentisate conversion and enhancing the gentisate precursors supply through the overexpression of the rate-limiting step. With a close-up at the future perspectives, a series of bioactive compounds could be achieved by constructing synthetic pathways in conventional Pseudomonas to establish a cell factory.
Current Progress in the Endogenous Repair of Intervertebral Disk Degeneration Based on Progenitor Cells
Authors: Zhang Yanbin , Hu Yiqiang , Wang Wentian , Guo Zijun , Yang Fan , Cai Xianyi , Xiong Liming
Published: January 2021

Intervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration is one of the most common musculoskeletal disease. Current clinical treatment paradigms for IVD degeneration cannot completely restore the structural and biomechanical functions of the IVD. Bio-therapeutic techniques focused on progenitor/stem cells, especially IVD progenitor cells, provide promising options for the treatment of IVD degeneration. Endogenous repair is an important self-repair mechanism in IVD that can allow the IVD to maintain a long-term homeostasis. The progenitor cells within IVD play a significant role in IVD endogenous repair. Improving the adverse microenvironment in degenerative IVD and promoting progenitor cell migration might be important strategies for implementation of the modulation of endogenous repair of IVD. Here, we not only reviewed the research status of treatment of degenerative IVD based on IVD progenitor cells, but also emphasized the concept of endogenous repair of IVD and discussed the potential new research direction of IVD endogenous repair.
A Novel Design of Temporomandibular Joint Prosthesis for Lateral Pterygoid Muscle Attachment: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Zou Luxiang , Zhong Yingqian , Xiong Yinze , He Dongmei , Li Xiang , Lu Chuan , Zhu Huimin
Published: January 2021

Introduction: In temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement operation, due to the condylectomy, the lateral pterygoid muscle (LPM) lost attachment and had impact on the mandible kinematic function. This study aimed to design a novel TMJ replacement prosthesis for LPM attachment and to verify its feasibility by preliminary in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Materials and Methods: An artificial TMJ prosthesis designed with a porous structure on the condylar neck region for LPM attachment was fabricated by a 3D printed titanium (Ti) alloy. A rat myoblast cell line (L6) was tested for adhesion and biocompatibility with porous titanium scaffolds in vitro by cell counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), scanning electron microscope (SEM), flow cytometry (FCM), real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), immunocytofluorescense, western blotting, etc. The porous titanium scaffolds were further embedded in the rat intervertebral muscle to analyze muscle growth and biomechanical strength in vivo. The novel artificial TMJ prosthesis was implanted to reconstruct the goat's condyle and LPM reattachment was analyzed by hard tissue section and avulsion force test.

Results: L6 muscle cells showed good proliferation potential on the porous Ti scaffold under SEM scanning and FCM test. In RT-qPCR, immunocytofluorescense and western blotting tests, the L6 cell lines had good myogenic capacity when cultured on the scaffold with high expression of factors such as Myod1 and myoglobin, etc. In the in vivo experiment, muscles penetrated into the porous scaffold in both rats and goats. In rat's intervertebral muscle implantation, the avulsion force was 0.716 N/mm2 in 4 weeks after operation and was significantly increased to 0.801 N/mm2 at 8 weeks (p < 0.05). In goat condylar reconstruction with the porous scaffold prosthesis, muscles attached to the prosthesis with the avulsion force of 0.436 N/mm2 at 8 weeks, but was smaller than the biological muscle-bone attachment force.

Conclusion: The novel designed TMJ prosthesis can help LPM attach to its porous titanium scaffold structure area for future function.
Sesquiterpene Alcohol Cedrol Chemosensitizes Human Cancer Cells and Suppresses Cell Proliferation by Destabilizing Plasma Membrane Lipid Rafts
Authors: Mishra Siddhartha Kumar , Bae Yun Soo , Lee Yong-Moon , Kim Jae-Sung , Oh Seung Hyun , Kim Hwan Mook
Published: January 2021

Chemosensitization of cancer cells with small molecules may improve the therapeutic index of antitumoral agents by making tumor cells sensitive to the drug regimen and thus overcome the treatment resistance and side effects of single therapy. Cell membrane lipid rafts are known to transduce various signaling events in cell proliferation. Sensitizing cancer cells may cause modulation of membrane lipid rafts which may potentially be used in improving anticancer drug response. Cedrol, a natural sesquiterpene alcohol, was used to treat human leukemia K562 and colon cancer HT-29 cell lines, and effects were observed. Cedrol decreased the cell viability by inducing apoptosis in both cell lines by activation of pro-apoptosis protein BID and inhibition of anti-apoptosis proteins Bcl-XL, Bcl-2, and XIAP. Cedrol activated the caspase-9-dependent mitochondrial intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Furthermore, cedrol inhibited the levels of pAKT, pERK, and pmTOR proteins as well as nuclear and cytoplasmic levels of the p65 subunit of NF-κB. Cedrol caused redistribution of cholesterol and sphingomyelin contents from membrane lipid raft, which was confirmed by a combined additive effect with methyl-β-cyclodextrin (lipid raft-disrupting agent). Lipid raft destabilization by cedrol led to the increased production of ceramides and inhibition of membrane-bound NADPH oxidase 2 enzyme activity. Cholesterol/sphingomyelin-redistributing abilities of cedrol appear as a novel mechanism of growth inhibition of cancer cells. Cedrol can be classified as a natural lipid raft-disrupting agent with possibilities to be used in general studies involving membrane lipid raft modifications.
From the Basis of Epimorphic Regeneration to Enhanced Regenerative Therapies
Authors: Laplace-Builhé Béryl , Bahraoui Sarah , Jorgensen Christian , Djouad Farida
Published: January 2021

Current cell-based therapies to treat degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA) fail to offer long-term beneficial effects. The therapeutic effects provided by mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) injection, characterized by reduced pain and an improved functional activity in patients with knee OA, are reported at short-term follow-up since the improved outcomes plateau or, even worse, decline several months after MSC administration. This review tackles the limitations of MSC-based therapy for degenerative diseases and highlights the lessons learned from regenerative species to comprehend the coordination of molecular and cellular events critical for complex regeneration processes. We discuss how MSC injection generates a positive cascade of events resulting in a long-lasting systemic immune regulation with limited beneficial effects on tissue regeneration while in regenerative species fine-tuned inflammation is required for progenitor cell proliferation, differentiation, and regeneration. Finally, we stress the direct or indirect involvement of neural crest derived cells (NCC) in most if not all adult regenerative models studied so far. This review underlines the regenerative potential of NCC and the limitations of MSC-based therapy to open new avenues for the treatment of degenerative diseases such as OA.
Role of Base Excision Repair Pathway in the Processing of Complex DNA Damage Generated by Oxidative Stress and Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Baiken Yeldar , Kanayeva Damira , Taipakova Sabira , Groisman Regina , Ishchenko Alexander A. , Begimbetova Dinara , Matkarimov Bakhyt , Saparbaev Murat
Published: January 2021

Chemical alterations in DNA induced by genotoxic factors can have a complex nature such as bulky DNA adducts, interstrand DNA cross-links (ICLs), and clustered DNA lesions (including double-strand breaks, DSB). Complex DNA damage (CDD) has a complex character/structure as compared to singular lesions like randomly distributed abasic sites, deaminated, alkylated, and oxidized DNA bases. CDD is thought to be critical since they are more challenging to repair than singular lesions. Although CDD naturally constitutes a relatively minor fraction of the overall DNA damage induced by free radicals, DNA cross-linking agents, and ionizing radiation, if left unrepaired, these lesions cause a number of serious consequences, such as gross chromosomal rearrangements and genome instability. If not tightly controlled, the repair of ICLs and clustered bi-stranded oxidized bases via DNA excision repair will either inhibit initial steps of repair or produce persistent chromosomal breaks and consequently be lethal for the cells. Biochemical and genetic evidences indicate that the removal of CDD requires concurrent involvement of a number of distinct DNA repair pathways including poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-mediated DNA strand break repair, base excision repair (BER), nucleotide incision repair (NIR), global genome and transcription coupled nucleotide excision repair (GG-NER and TC-NER, respectively), mismatch repair (MMR), homologous recombination (HR), non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), and translesion DNA synthesis (TLS) pathways. In this review, we describe the role of DNA glycosylase-mediated BER pathway in the removal of complex DNA lesions.
In utero Therapy for the Treatment of Sickle Cell Disease: Taking Advantage of the Fetal Immune System
Authors: Cortabarria Alba Saenz de Villaverde , Makhoul Laura , Strouboulis John , Lombardi Giovanna , Oteng-Ntim Eugene , Shangaris Panicos
Published: January 2021

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive disorder resulting from a β-globin gene missense mutation and is among the most prevalent severe monogenic disorders worldwide. Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation remains the only curative option for the disease, as most management options focus solely on symptom control. Progress in prenatal diagnosis and fetal therapeutic intervention raises the possibility of in utero treatment. SCD can be diagnosed prenatally in high-risk patients using chorionic villus sampling. Among the possible prenatal treatments, in utero stem cell transplantation (IUSCT) shows the most promise. IUSCT is a non-myeloablative, non-immunosuppressive alternative conferring various unique advantages and may also offer safer postnatal management. Fetal immunologic immaturity could allow engraftment of allogeneic cells before fetal immune system maturation, donor-specific tolerance and lifelong chimerism. In this review, we will discuss SCD, screening and current treatments. We will present the therapeutic rationale for IUSCT, examine the early experimental work and initial human experience, as well as consider primary barriers of clinically implementing IUSCT and the promising approaches to address them.
Integrated Profiles Analysis Identified a Coding-Non-Coding Signature for Predicting Lymph Node Metastasis and Prognosis in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Zhang Yu , Sun Di , Song Jiayu , Yang Nan , Zhang Yunyan
Published: January 2021

Accumulating evidence has shown that lymph node metastasis (LNM) is not only an important prognostic factor but also an indicator of the need for postoperative chemoradiotherapy. Therefore, identifying risk factors or molecular markers related to LNM is critical for predicting the prognosis and guiding individualized treatment of patients with cervical cancer. In this study, we used the machine learning-based feature selection approach to identify eight optimal biomarkers from the list of 250 differentially expressed protein-coding genes and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the TCGA cohort. Then a coding-non-coding signature (named CNC8SIG) was developed using the elastic-net logistic regression approach based on the expression levels of eight optimal biomarkers, which is useful in discriminating patients with LNM from those without LNM in the discovery cohort. The predictive performance of the CNC8SIG was further validated in two independent patient cohorts. Moreover, the CNC8SIG was significantly associated with patient’s survival in different patient cohorts. In silico functional analysis suggested that the CNC8SIG-associated mRNAs are enriched in known cancer-related biological pathways such as the Wnt signaling pathway, the Ras signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.
The Role of pHi in Intestinal Epithelial Proliferation–Transport Mechanisms, Regulatory Pathways, and Consequences
Authors: Amiri Mahdi , Seidler Ursula E. , Nikolovska Katerina
Published: January 2021

During the maturation of intestinal epithelial cells along the crypt/surface axis, a multitude of acid/base transporters are differentially expressed in their apical and basolateral membranes, enabling processes of electrolyte, macromolecule, nutrient, acid/base and fluid secretion, and absorption. An intracellular pH (pHi)-gradient is generated along the epithelial crypt/surface axis, either as a consequence of the sum of the ion transport activities or as a distinctly regulated entity. While the role of pHion proliferation, migration, and tumorigenesis has been explored in cancer cells for some time, emerging evidence suggests an important role of the pHiin the intestinal stem cells (ISCs) proliferative rate under physiological conditions. The present review highlights the current state of knowledge about the potential regulatory role of pHion intestinal proliferation and differentiation.
A Mini Review on pH-Sensitive Photoluminescence in Carbon Nanodots
Authors: Liu Cui , Zhang Fang , Hu Jiao , Gao Wenhui , Zhang Mingzhen
Published: January 2021

Carbon nanodots (C-dots) with sp2/sp3 framework and diameter of <10 nm contain abundant functional groups or polymers on their surface. C-dots have attracted immense attention because of their unique optical properties, excellent biocompatibility, facile preparation, and low cost. With these merits, C-dots have been used in a wide range of applications including sensing, bioimaging, catalysis, and light-emitting devices. C-dots exhibit good optical properties, such as tunable emission wavelength, good photostability, nonblinking, up-conversion emission, etc. Of note, C-dots show intrinsic pH-sensitive photoluminescence (PL), indicating their great potential for pH sensing, especially in biotic pH sensing. In this review, we systematically summarize the pH-sensitive PL properties and the pH-sensitive PL mechanism, as well as recent research progress of C-dots in pH sensing. The current challenges of pH-sensitive C-dots and their future research focus are also proposed here. We anticipate this review might be of great significance for understanding the characteristics of pH-sensitive C-dots and the development of photoluminescent nanomaterials with pH-sensitive properties.
Interaction Between Dendritic Cells and Candida krusei β-Glucan Partially Depends on Dectin-1 and It Promotes High IL-10 Production by T Cells
Authors: Dinh Truc Thi Huong , Tummamunkong Phawida , Padungros Panuwat , Ponpakdee Pranpariya , Boonprakong Lawan , Saisorn Wilasinee , Leelahavanichkul Asada , Kueanjinda Patipark , Ritprajak Patcharee
Published: January 2021

Host-Candidainteraction has been broadly studied duringCandida albicansinfection, with a progressive shift in focus toward non-albicans Candidaspecies.C. kruseiis an emerging multidrug resistant pathogen causing rising morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, understanding the interplay between the host immune system andC. kruseiis critically important.Candiacell wall β-glucans play significant roles in the induction of host protective immune responses. However, it remains unclear howC. kruseiβ-glucan impacts dendritic cell (DC) responses. In this study, we investigated DC maturation and function in response to β-glucans isolated from the cell walls ofC. albicans,C. tropicalis, andC. krusei. These three distinctCandidaβ-glucans had differential effects on expression of the DC marker, CD11c, and on DC maturation. Furthermore, bone-marrow derived DCs (BMDCs) showed enhanced cytokine responses characterized by substantial interleukin (IL)-10 production followingC. kruseiβ-glucan stimulation. BMDCs stimulated withC. kruseiβ-glucan augmented IL-10 production by T cells in tandem with increased IL-10 production by BMDCs. Inhibition of dectin-1 ligation demonstrated that the interactions between dectin-1 on DCs and cell wall β-glucans varied depending on theCandidaspecies. The effects ofC. kruseiβ-glucan were partially dependent on dectin-1, and this dependence, in part, led to distinct DC responses. Our study provides new insights into immune regulation byC. kruseicell wall components. These data may be of use in the development of new clinical approaches for treatment of patients withC. kruseiinfection.
Enteric Phageome Alterations in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Chen Qian , Ma Xiaojing , Li Chong , Shen Yun , Zhu Wei , Zhang Yan , Guo Xiaokui , Zhou Jian , Liu Chang
Published: January 2021

Type 2 diabetes is a complex metabolic disease and has been shown to involve alteration of the gut microbiota. Previous studies have primarily focused on changes in the bacterial microbiome, while ignoring the phage community composition. Extracellular phages can lyse host bacteria and thus influence the microbiota through positive or negative interactions with bacteria. We investigated changes in the extracellular phageome and discussed its role in T2D pathogenesis. We used a sequencing-based approach to identify bacteriophage after isolation of VLPs (virus like particles) from fecal samples. We identified 330 species of phages according to the predicted host bacteria from T2D patients (N=17) and nondiabetic controls (N=29). The phageome characteristics were highly diverse among individuals. In the T2D group, the intestinal phage population was altered, and the abundance of phages specific to Enterobacteriaceae hosts increased markedly. Meanwhile, the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae in the gut was significantly increased, and systemic LPS content elevation was observed in the T2D group. Additionally, a consortia of eight phages was found to distinguish T2D patients from nondiabetic controls with good performance (AUC>0.99).
A Novel Approach for Predicting Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Ablation Using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks by Assessing Left Atrial Curved M-Mode Speckle-Tracking Images
Authors: Hwang Yi-Ting , Lee Hui-Ling , Lu Cheng-Hui , Chang Po-Cheng , Wo Hung-Ta , Liu Hao-Tien , Wen Ming-Shien , Lin Fen-Chiung , Chou Chung-Chuan
Published: January 2021

Aims: Curved M-mode images of global strain (GS) and strain rate (GSR) provide sufficiently detailed spatiotemporal information of deformation mechanics. This study investigated whether a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) could accurately classify these images in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) with different outcomes.

Methods and Results: We retrospectively evaluated 606 consecutive patients who underwent RFCA for drug-refractory AF. Patients were divided into AF-free (n = 443) and AF-recurrent (n = 163) groups. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed within 24 h after RFCA. Left atrial curved M-mode speckle-tracking images were acquired from randomly selected 163 patients in AF-free group and 163 patients in AF-recurrent group as the dataset for deep CNN modeling. We used the ReLu activation function and repeatedly performed CNN model for 32 times to evaluate the stability of hyperparameters. Logistic regression models with the left atrial dimension, emptying fraction, and peak systolic GS as predictor variables were used for comparisons. Images from the apical 2-chamber (2-C) and 4-chamber (4-C) views had distinct features, leading to different CNN performance between settings; of them, the “4-C GS+4-C GSR” setting provided the highest performance index values. All four predictor variables used for logistic regression modeling were significant; however, none of them, individually or in any combined form, could outperform the optimal CNN model.

Conclusion: The novel approach using deep CNNs for learning features of left atrial curved M-mode speckle-tracking images seems to be optimal for classifying outcome status after AF ablation.
Supporting the Inclusion of Socially Vulnerable Early Adolescents: Theory and Illustrations of the BASE Model
Authors: Farmer Thomas W. , Sterrett Brittany I. , Norwalk Kate E. , Chen Chen-Chih , Dawes Molly , Hamm Jill V. , Lee David L. , Farmer Adaline G.
Published: January 2021

We focus on the inclusion of socially vulnerable early adolescents including students with special education needs (SEN). Building from multiple intervention and randomized control trials of a professional development model aimed at supporting teachers' management of the classroom social context, we provide an overview of the Behavioral, Academic, and Social Engagement (BASE) Model as a framework to foster social inclusion. We briefly review the conceptual foundations of this model and we present the delivery (i.e., directed consultation, the scouting report process) and content (i.e., Academic Engagement Enhancement, Competence Enhancement Behavior Management, Social Dynamics Management) components of BASE. We then briefly discuss the intervention support needs of subtypes of socially vulnerable youth and how these needs can be differentially addressed within the BASE framework.
Materials and Structure Design for Solid-State Zinc-Ion Batteries: A Mini-Review
Authors: Hansen Evan J. , Liu Jian
Published: January 2021

Solid-state zinc-ion batteries (SSZIBs) are receiving much attention as low-cost and safe energy storage technology for emerging applications in flexible and wearable devices, and grid storage. However, the development of SSZIBs faces many challenges from key battery materials development to structure design. Herein, we review the most recent progress in the development of polymer electrolytes, cell chemistry and configuration, and demonstration of SSZIBs. In conclusion, perspectives for future research in materials, interface, and assessment of SSZIBs are discussed.
Island Invasions by Introduced Honey Bees: What Can Be Expected for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean?
Authors: Ackerman James D.
Published: January 2021

Apis species are a major component of pollinator faunas in their native and introduced habitats. A widespread concern is that non-native Apis mellifera may have negative effects on native pollinators and on plant reproduction. This is based on the assumptions that natural communities are at capacity, resource competition structures communities, native pollinators are more effective pollinators of native species, yet A. mellifera are superior competitors. The latter two assumptions are often true, but evidence from the Neotropics indicates that tropical communities are not tightly structured, and the foraging flexibilities of native bees maintain their populations. However, the less diverse and disharmonic biotas of islands may limit the buffering capacity of flexible behaviors. While few studies address these assumptions or the ecological and evolutionary consequences of A. mellifera to the flora and fauna of tropical islands, an accumulation of taxon-specific studies are suggesting that such effects run the spectrum from subtle and indirect to obvious and direct. A concerted research effort is needed to address the multitude of issues to develop strategies to ameliorate or enhance honey bee effects, or just let nature take its course.