bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Domestication and Feed Restriction Programming Organ Index, Dopamine, and Hippocampal Transcriptome Profile in Chickens
Authors: Chen Siyu , Yan Chao , Xiao Jinlong , Liu Wen , Li Zhiwei , Liu Hao , Liu Jian , Zhang Xiben , Ou Maojun , Chen Zelin , Li Weibo , Zhao Xingbo
Published: September 2021

The domestication process exerts different phenotypic plasticity between slow- and fast-growing breeds of chicken. Feed restriction has a critical role in production performance, physiological plasticity, and stress response. Our study aimed to explore how feed restriction programed the organ index, dopamine, and hippocampal transcriptome profile between slow- and fast-growing chickens, which were fed eitherad libitum(SA and FA), or feed restricted to 70% ofad libitum(SR and FR), for 30 days. Results showed that feed restriction influenced the brain organ index (P< 0.05), but not the organ index of the heart, liver, and spleen. The slow-growing breed tested had a higher brain organ index than the fast-growing breed (P< 0.05). Under feed restriction conditions, both the slow- and fast-growing breeds had significantly elevated dopamine concentrations (P< 0.05) compared to those fedad libitum. In the GO term, upregulated genes in the FA group were enriched in the mitochondria, respiratory chain, and energy metabolism compared to the SA group (P< 0.05). Membranes and ribosomes were enriched in the cellular component between the SR and FR groups (P< 0.05). In the KEGG functional pathways, upregulated DEGs in the FR group were enriched in the cardiovascular disease category and neurodegenerative disease category compared to the FA group (P< 0.05). Downregulated DEGs in the FA group were enriched in the oxidative phosphorylation and neurodegenerative disease categories (Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease) compared with the SA group (P< 0.05). Upregulated DEGs in the FR group were enriched in the cardiovascular disease category, neurodegenerative disease category, and energy metabolism than the SR group (P< 0.05). In conclusion, feed restriction had profound effects on the brain organ index and plasma dopamine in the slow- and fast-growing chickens. Feed restriction may result in issues relating to cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases in the fast-growing breed tested, but not in the slow-growing breed.
Aerosolized Hypertonic Saline Hinders Biofilm Formation to Enhance Antibiotic Susceptibility of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Lin Hui-Ling , Chiang Chen-En , Lin Mei-Chun , Kau Mei-Lan , Lin Yun-Tzu , Chen Chi-Shuo
Published: September 2021

Limited therapeutic options are available for multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB), and the development of effective treatments is urgently needed. The efficacy of four aerosolized antibiotics (gentamicin, amikacin, imipenem, and meropenem) on three different MDR-AB strains was evaluated using hypertonic saline (HS, 7 g/100 mL) as the aerosol carrier. HS aerosol effectively hindered biofilm formation by specific MDR-AB strains. It could also interrupt the swarming dynamics of MDR-AB and the production of extracellular polymeric substances, which are essential for biofilm progression. Biofilms protect the microorganisms from antibiotics. The use of HS aerosol as a carrier resulted in a decreased tolerance to gentamicin and amikacin in the biofilm-rich MDR-AB. Moreover, we tested the aerosol characteristics of antibiotics mixed with HS and saline, and results showed that HS enhanced the inhaled delivery dose with a smaller particle size distribution of the four antibiotics. Our findings demonstrate the potential of using “old” antibiotics with our “new” aerosol carrier, and potentiate an alternative therapeutic strategy to eliminate MDR-AB infections from a biofilm-disruption perspective.
Computer Assisted Surgery and 3D Printing in Orthopaedic Oncology: A Lesson Learned by Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery
Authors: Bianchi Giuseppe , Frisoni Tommaso , Spazzoli Benedetta , Lucchese Alessandra , Donati Davide
Published: September 2021

Primary bone sarcomas are rare tumors and surgical resection in combination with chemo and radiation therapy is the mainstay of treatment. Some specific anatomical sites still represent a reconstructive challenge due to their complex three-dimensional anatomy. In recent years, patient specific instruments along with 3D printing technology has come to represent innovative techniques in orthopaedic oncology. We retrospectively reviewed 23 patients affected by primary bone sarcoma treated with patient-specific instruments and 3D printing custom made prostheses. At follow up after approximately two years, the infection rate was 26%, mechanical complication rate 13%, and local recurrence rate 13% (with a five-years implant survival rate of 74%). Based on our experience, patient-specific instruments and 3D custom-made prostheses represents a reliable and safe technique for improving the accuracy of resection of primary bone tumour, with a particular use in pelvic surgery ameliorating functional results.
Simple Double-Layer Coating for Efficient Daytime and Nighttime Radiative Cooling
Authors: Benlattar Mourad , Ibourk Issam , Adhiri Rahma
Published: September 2021

The passive radiative cooling approach refers to the physical process that pumps heat into outer space via the atmospheric window (8–13 μm) without energy input. The ability to continuously adjust the emissivity of thermal emitters in the sky window while maintaining high reflectivity in the solar spectrum remains a challenge. In order to achieve this task, a novel design referred to as double-layer nanoparticle-based coating is proposed. Our proposed emitter is appropriate for both high solar reflection and strong mid-infrared emissivity. The bottom and top layers are Al2O3 embedded with Ni nanoparticles and a super-hydrophilic TiO2-SiO2 layer. The bottom layer is designed to achieve high emissivity in “the atmospheric transparency window”. The top layer is designed to block solar illumination and to favor an enhanced cleanability of the coated design. Our double-layer coating as an optical solar reflector has excellent solar irradiation (0.96) and is strongly emissive (0.97) across the “full sky window” at room temperature. Furthermore, a detailed numerical energy study has been performed, evaluating the temperature reduction and the radiative cooling performance under different conditions. The proposed simple coating can be used as an efficient radiative cooler on a large scale for energy conservation and thermoelectric devices.
The Impact of Tumor Edema on T2-Weighted 3T-MRI Invasive Breast Cancer Histological Characterization: A Pilot Radiomics Study
Authors: Santucci Domiziana , Faiella Eliodoro , Cordelli Ermanno , Calabrese Alessandro , Landi Roberta , de Felice Carlo , Beomonte Zobel Bruno , Grasso Rosario Francesco , Iannello Giulio , Soda Paolo
Published: September 2021

Background: to evaluate the contribution of edema associated with histological features to the prediction of breast cancer (BC) prognosis using T2-weighted MRI radiomics. Methods: 160 patients who underwent staging 3T-MRI from January 2015 to January 2019, with 164 histologically proven invasive BC lesions, were retrospectively reviewed. Patient data (age, menopausal status, family history, hormone therapy), tumor MRI-features (location, margins, enhancement) and histological features (histological type, grading, ER, PgR, HER2, Ki-67 index) were collected. Of the 160 MRI exams, 120 were considered eligible, corresponding to 127 lesions. T2-MRI were used to identify edema, which was classified in four groups: peritumoral, pre-pectoral, subcutaneous, or diffuse. A semi-automatic segmentation of the edema was performed for each lesion, using 3D Slicer open-source software. Main radiomics features were extracted and selected using a wrapper selection method. A Random Forest type classifier was trained to measure the performance of predicting histological factors using semantic features (patient data and MRI features) alone and semantic features associated with edema radiomics features. Results: edema was absent in 37 lesions and present in 127 (62 peritumoral, 26 pre-pectoral, 16 subcutaneous, 23 diffuse). The AUC-classifier obtained by associating edema radiomics with semantic features was always higher compared to the AUC-classifier obtained from semantic features alone, for all five histological classes prediction (0.645 vs. 0.520 for histological type, 0.789 vs. 0.590 for grading, 0.487 vs. 0.466 for ER, 0.659 vs. 0.546 for PgR, and 0.62 vs. 0.573 for Ki67). Conclusions: radiomic features extracted from tumor edema contribute significantly to predicting tumor histology, increasing the accuracy obtained from the combination of patient clinical characteristics and breast imaging data.
Radiomics and Machine Learning Can Differentiate Transient Osteoporosis from Avascular Necrosis of the Hip
Authors: Klontzas Michail E. , Manikis Georgios C. , Nikiforaki Katerina , Vassalou Evangelia E. , Spanakis Konstantinos , Stathis Ioannis , Kakkos George A. , Matthaiou Nikolas , Zibis Aristeidis H. , Marias Kostas , Karantanas Apostolos H.
Published: September 2021

Differentiation between transient osteoporosis (TOH) and avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip is a longstanding challenge in musculoskeletal radiology. The purpose of this study was to utilize MRI-based radiomics and machine learning (ML) for accurate differentiation between the two entities. A total of 109 hips with TOH and 104 hips with AVN were retrospectively included. Femoral heads and necks with segmented radiomics features were extracted. Three ML classifiers (XGboost, CatBoost and SVM) using 38 relevant radiomics features were trained on 70% and validated on 30% of the dataset. ML performance was compared to two musculoskeletal radiologists, a general radiologist and two radiology residents. XGboost achieved the best performance with an area under the curve (AUC) of 93.7% (95% CI from 87.7 to 99.8%) among ML models. MSK radiologists achieved an AUC of 90.6% (95% CI from 86.7% to 94.5%) and 88.3% (95% CI from 84% to 92.7%), respectively, similar to residents. The general radiologist achieved an AUC of 84.5% (95% CI from 80% to 89%), significantly lower than of XGboost (p = 0.017). In conclusion, radiomics-based ML achieved a performance similar to MSK radiologists and significantly higher compared to general radiologists in differentiating between TOH and AVN.
Risk Factors of In-Hospital Mortality in Non-Specialized Tertiary Center Repurposed for Medical Care to COVID-19 Patients in Russia
Authors: Kondakov Anton , Berdalin Alexander , Lelyuk Vladimir , Gubskiy Ilya , Golovin Denis
Published: September 2021

The purpose of our study is to investigate the risk factors of in-hospital mortality among patients who were admitted in an emergency setting to a non-specialized tertiary center during the first peak of coronavirus disease in Moscow in 2020. The Federal Center of Brain and Neurotechnologies of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia was repurposed for medical care for COVID-19 patients from 6th of April to 16th of June 2020 and admitted the patients who were transported by an ambulance with severe disease. In our study, we analyzed the data of 635 hospitalized patients aged 59.1 ± 15.1 years. The data included epidemiologic and demographic characteristics, laboratory, echocardiographic and radiographic findings, comorbidities, and complications of the COVID-19, developed during the hospital stay. Results of our study support previous reports that risk factors of mortality among hospitalized patients are older age, male gender (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.03–3.52), previous myocardial infarction (OR 3.15, 95% CI 1.47–6.73), previous acute cerebrovascular event (stroke, OR = 3.78, 95% CI 1.44–9.92), known oncological disease (OR = 3.39, 95% CI 1.39–8.26), and alcohol abuse (OR 6.98, 95% CI 1.62–30.13). According to the data collected, high body mass index and smoking did not influence the clinical outcome. Arterial hypertension was found to be protective against in-hospital mortality in patients with coronavirus pneumonia in the older age group. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio showed a significant increase in those patients who died during the hospitalization, and the borderline was found to be 2.5. CT pattern of “crazy paving” was more prevalent in those patients who died since their first CT scan, and it was a 4-fold increase in the risk of death in case of aortic and coronal calcinosis (4.22, 95% CI 2.13–8.40). Results largely support data from other studies and emphasize that some factors play a major role in patients’ stratification and medical care provided to them.
Fault Feature Extraction for Reciprocating Compressors Based on Underdetermined Blind Source Separation
Authors: Wang Jindong , Chen Xin , Zhao Haiyang , Li Yanyang , Liu Zujian
Published: September 2021

In practical engineering applications, the vibration signals collected by sensors often contain outliers, resulting in the separation accuracy of source signals from the observed signals being seriously affected. The mixing matrix estimation is crucial to the underdetermined blind source separation (UBSS), determining the accuracy level of the source signals recovery. Therefore, a two-stage clustering method is proposed by combining hierarchical clustering and K-means to improve the reliability of the estimated mixing matrix in this paper. The proposed method is used to solve the two major problems in the K-means algorithm: the random selection of initial cluster centers and the sensitivity of the algorithm to outliers. Firstly, the observed signals are clustered by hierarchical clustering to get the cluster centers. Secondly, the cosine distance is used to eliminate the outliers deviating from cluster centers. Then, the initial cluster centers are obtained by calculating the mean value of each remaining cluster. Finally, the mixing matrix is estimated with the improved K-means, and the sources are recovered using the least square method. Simulation and the reciprocating compressor fault experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Exploring the Relationship between Residential CO2 Emissions, Urbanization, Economic Growth, and Residential Energy Consumption: Evidence from the North Africa Region
Authors: Haouraji Charifa , Mounir Badia , Mounir Ilham , Farchi Abdelmajid
Published: September 2021

Rapid urbanization, coupled with income growth, will inevitably cause the residential energy consumption in the North Africa region to continue to increase, with adverse effects on the climate, human health, and the economy. In these regards, this paper explores the relationship between residential carbon dioxide emissions (RCO2), urbanization, economic growth, and residential energy use in four North African countries (Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Egypt) over the period 1990–2016. To do this, we used the bounds cointegration and the Toda–Yamamoto Granger causality test. The existence of cointegration relationships was confirmed for the four countries. In the long run, the environment Kuznets curve relationship between increased income per capita and RCO2 emissions was verified for only Morocco and Tunisia. The causality analysis also reveals a combination of neutral, unidirectional, and bidirectional relationships for all countries. The RCO2 emissions have not proved to be a limiting factor in any country’s economic growth. The findings of this study certainly contribute to advancing the existing literature by emphasizing the income–pollution nexus in African countries. Policy makers and government regulators should implement the necessary policies that accelerate the development of renewable technologies to drive sustainable cooling and heating as well as water management.
Influence of the Rhizobacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides KE149 and Biochar on Waterlogging Stress Tolerance in Glycine max L.
Authors: Kang Sang-Mo , Adhikari Arjun , Khan Muhammad Aaqil , Kwon Eun-Hae , Park Yong-Sung , Lee In-Jung
Published: September 2021

In the context of the current climate change and increasing population scenarios, waterlogging stress in plants represents a global threat to sustainable agriculture production. Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria and biochar have been widely reported to mitigate the effects of several abiotic stresses. Hence, in the present study, we examined the effect of the rhizobacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides KE149 and biochar on soybean plants subjected to sufficient water supply and waterlogging stress conditions. Our results revealed that KE149 and biochar inoculation significantly improved plant morphological attributes, such as root length, shoot length, and fresh biomass. The biochemical analysis results showed that the two treatments determined a significant drop in the levels of endogenous phytohormones (such as abscisic acid) under normal conditions, which were considerably enhanced under waterlogging stress. However, the jasmonic acid content increased with the application of biochar and KE149 under normal conditions, and it considerably decreased under waterlogging stress. Moreover, proline, methionine, and aspartic acid were significantly increased, whereas the phenolic and flavonoid contents were reduced with the application of the two treatments under waterlogging stress. These results suggest that the application of KE149 and biochar can be a safe biological tool with which to improve the physiology and productivity of soybean plants exposed to waterlogging stress.
Use of Lachancea thermotolerans for Biological vs. Chemical Acidification at Pilot-Scale in White Wines from Warm Areas
Authors: Vaquero Cristian , Izquierdo-Cañas Pedro Miguel , Mena-Morales Adela , Marchante-Cuevas L. , Heras José María , Morata Antonio
Published: September 2021

Climate change is affecting vineyards, resulting in grapes with a low acidity a high pH and sugar at harvest time. The most common procedure so far to improve the acidity and reduce the final pH of wines is to use tartaric acid, but wine can also be acidified microbiologically using Lachancea thermotolerans yeasts, a natural bio-tool that acidifies gradually during the first stage/days of fermentation. Two strains of L. thermotolerans were compared with one Saccharomyces cerevisiae at a pilot-scale under similar fermentation conditions and in duplicate. A sequential inoculation was performed on the third day for the non-Saccharomyces, producing only about 1 g/L of lactic acid, which was suitable for comparison with the Saccharomyces, to which 1.5 g/L of tartaric acid had been added to lower the final pH. The three fermentations ended with a total acidity without significant differences. A significant and normal feature of the L. thermotolerans yeasts is their higher propane-1,2,3-triol production, which was observed in the Laktia yeast, and the acetic acid was <0.3 g/L. The amount of volatile metabolites was generally higher for non-Saccharomyces and the increase was seen in carbonyl compounds, organic acids, lactones, fumaric compounds, and phenols. Finally, the sensory analysis showed that there were hardly any significant differences, even though the non-Saccharomyces had a higher quantity of volatile metabolites, which could lead to a good acceptance of the product, since biological acidification was used, generating a more natural product.
Investigating the Role of the Catalyst within Resorcinol–Formaldehyde Gel Synthesis
Authors: Martin Elisha , Prostredny Martin , Fletcher Ashleigh
Published: September 2021

Resorcinol–formaldehyde (RF) gels are porous materials synthesized via a sol–gel reaction and subsequently dried, producing structures with high surface areas and low densities—properties that are highly attractive for use in various applications. The RF gel reaction takes place in the presence of a catalyst, either acidic or basic in nature, the concentration of which significantly impacts final gel properties. The full extent of the catalyst’s role, however, has been subject to debate, with the general consensus within the field being that it is simply a pH-adjuster. The work presented here explores this theory, in addition to other theories postulated in the literature, through the synthesis and analysis of RF gels catalysed by mixtures of relevant compounds with varying concentrations. The relationship between catalyst concentration and initial solution pH is decoupled, and the individual roles of both the cation and the anion within the catalyst are investigated. The results presented here point towards the significance of the metal cation within the RF gel reaction, with similar structural properties observed for gels synthesized at constant Na+ concentrations, regardless of the initial solution pH. Furthermore, through the use of alternative cations and anions within catalyst compounds, the potential effects of ions on the stabilization of macromolecules in solution are explored, the results of which suggest a ‘Hofmeister-like’ series could be applicable within the catalysis of RF gel reactions.
Association of the SNP rs112369934 near TRIM66 Gene with POAG Endophenotypes in African Americans
Authors: Kim Claire D. , Gudiseva Harini V. , McGeehan Brendan , Daniel Ebenezer , Ying Gui Shuang , Chavali Venkata R. M. , O’Brien Joan M.
Published: September 2021

We investigated the association of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs112369934 near the TRIM66 gene with qualitative and quantitative phenotypes of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in African Americans (AA). AA subjects over 35 years old were recruited for the Primary Open-Angle African American Glaucoma Genetics (POAAGG) study in Philadelphia, PA. Glaucoma cases were evaluated for phenotypes associated with POAG pathogenesis, and the associations between rs112369934 and phenotypes were investigated by logistic regression analysis and in gender-stratified case cohorts: The SNP rs112369934 was found to have a suggestive association with retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) in 1087 male AA POAG cases, individuals with the TC genotype having thinner RNFL (95% CI 0.85 to 6.61, p = 0.01) and larger CDR (95% CI −0.07 to −0.01, p = 0.02) than those with wildtype TT. No other significant associations were found. In conclusion SNP rs112369934 may play a role in POAG pathogenesis in male AA individuals. However, this SNP has been implicated in higher POAG risk in both male and female AA POAG cases.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of Corallococcus sp. Strain EGB Reveals the Genetic Determinants Linking Taxonomy and Predatory Behavior
Authors: Zhao Yuqiang , Wang Yanxin , Xia Chengyao , Li Xu , Ye Xianfeng , Fan Qiwen , Huang Yan , Li Zhoukun , Zhu Cancan , Cui Zhongli
Published: September 2021

Corallococcus sp. strain EGB is a Gram-negative myxobacteria isolated from saline soil, and has considerable potential for the biocontrol of phytopathogenic fungi. However, the detailed mechanisms related to development and predatory behavior are unclear. To obtain a comprehensive overview of genetic features, the genome of strain EGB was sequenced, annotated, and compared with 10 other Corallococcus species. The strain EGB genome was assembled as a single circular chromosome of 9.4 Mb with 7916 coding genes. Phylogenomics analysis showed that strain EGB was most closely related to Corallococcus interemptor AB047A, and it was inferred to be a novel species within the Corallococcus genus. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that the pan-genome of Corallococcus genus was large and open. Only a small proportion of genes were specific to strain EGB, and most of them were annotated as hypothetical proteins. Subsequent analyses showed that strain EGB produced abundant extracellular enzymes such as chitinases and β-(1,3)-glucanases, and proteases to degrade the cell-wall components of phytopathogenic fungi. In addition, 35 biosynthetic gene clusters potentially coding for antimicrobial compounds were identified in the strain EGB, and the majority of them were present in the dispensable pan-genome with unexplored metabolites. Other genes related to secretion and regulation were also explored for strain EGB. This study opens new perspectives in the greater understanding of the predatory behavior of strain EGB, and facilitates a potential application in the biocontrol of fungal plant diseases in the future.
Building Global Indigenous Media Networks: Envisioning Sustainable and Regenerative Futures around Indigenous Peoples’ Meaningful Representation
Authors: Morales Reynaldo A. , Kumar Sunuwar Dev , Veran Cristina
Published: September 2021

Asserting the right to meaningful representation, challenging the epistemological and methodological expansion of global corporate capitalism and its impacts on Indigenous Peoples’ territories and cultures, aligns with the implementation of global treaties and conventions that are part of key international laws regarding issues of climate change, biodiversity conservation, education, global health, human rights, and sustainable development. Indigenous Peoples have been consistently excluded from nation state visions of modernity and development, which continues to limit their full participation in global sustainable development initiatives and their meaningful representation therein. Increasing the visibility of this struggle is imperative for Indigenous Peoples, particularly around the strategic areas in which the implementation of global sustainable development treaties, policies, and goals continues to affect their rights. This article inquires whether Indigenous Peoples’ emancipatory appropriation of media means from a transnational perspective that breaks their regional enclosure can contribute to decolonize the world. More specifically, it questions how a new Indigenous global media network would contribute to decolonize the relations between Indigenous Peoples and nation states. A wider mapping of Indigeneity that decolonizes sustainable development becomes critical in order to formally document the efforts of Indigenous Peoples to reconstruct and restore their epistemic and material relations. This article questions how an Indigenous global media network around new nexus research can benefit Indigenous Peoples, and make visible the incorporation of the recommendations and principles from international law emanated from the self-determined voices of Indigenous leaders, experts, and policy makers to decolonize global sustainable development goals.
Towards a Digital Approach to the Listening to Ancient Places
Authors: Bellia Angela
Published: September 2021

This paper aims to investigate digital heritage and acoustical techniques for exploring sonic heritage of archaeological sites and performative spaces. Through the analysis of case studies in Greece and in Italy, this paper intends to highlight a new approach to the development of the relationship between space, sound, and environment and a novel method in deciphering the sonic heritage of ancient spaces thanks to digital technology.
Comprehensive Survey of Recent Drug Discovery Using Deep Learning
Authors: Kim Jintae , Park Sera , Min Dongbo , Kim Wankyu
Published: September 2021

Drug discovery based on artificial intelligence has been in the spotlight recently as it significantly reduces the time and cost required for developing novel drugs. With the advancement of deep learning (DL) technology and the growth of drug-related data, numerous deep-learning-based methodologies are emerging at all steps of drug development processes. In particular, pharmaceutical chemists have faced significant issues with regard to selecting and designing potential drugs for a target of interest to enter preclinical testing. The two major challenges are prediction of interactions between drugs and druggable targets and generation of novel molecular structures suitable for a target of interest. Therefore, we reviewed recent deep-learning applications in drug–target interaction (DTI) prediction and de novo drug design. In addition, we introduce a comprehensive summary of a variety of drug and protein representations, DL models, and commonly used benchmark datasets or tools for model training and testing. Finally, we present the remaining challenges for the promising future of DL-based DTI prediction and de novo drug design.
Identification of Small Molecule Inhibitors against Staphylococcus aureus Dihydroorotase via HTS
Authors: Rice Amy J. , Pesavento Russell P. , Ren Jinhong , Youn Isoo , Kwon Youngjin , Ellepola Kassapa , Che Chun-Tao , Johnson Michael E. , Lee Hyun
Published: September 2021

Drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is an imminent threat to public health, increasing the importance of drug discovery utilizing unexplored bacterial pathways and enzyme targets. De novo pyrimidine biosynthesis is a specialized, highly conserved pathway implicated in both the survival and virulence of several clinically relevant pathogens. Class I dihydroorotase (DHOase) is a separate and distinct enzyme present in gram positive bacteria (i.e., S. aureus, B. anthracis) that converts carbamoyl-aspartate (Ca-asp) to dihydroorotate (DHO)—an integral step in the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis pathway. This study sets forth a high-throughput screening (HTS) of 3000 fragment compounds by a colorimetry-based enzymatic assay as a primary screen, identifying small molecule inhibitors of S. aureus DHOase (SaDHOase), followed by hit validation with a direct binding analysis using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Competition SPR studies of six hit compounds and eight additional analogs with the substrate Ca-asp determined the best compound to be a competitive inhibitor with a KD value of 11 µM, which is 10-fold tighter than Ca-asp. Preliminary structure–activity relationship (SAR) provides the foundation for further structure-based antimicrobial inhibitor design against S. aureus.
Economic Evaluation of Different Screening Strategies for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Based on Real-Life Data
Authors: van den Akker-van Marle M. Elske , Blom Maartje , van der Burg Mirjam , Bredius Robbert G. M. , Van der Ploeg Catharina P. B.
Published: September 2021

Although several countries have adopted severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) into their newborn screening (NBS) program, other countries are still in the decision process of adding this disorder in their program and finding the appropriate screening strategy. This decision may be influenced by the cost(-effectiveness) of these screening strategies. In this study, the cost(-effectiveness) of different NBS strategies for SCID was estimated based on real-life data from a prospective implementation study in the Netherlands. The cost of testing per child for SCID was estimated at EUR 6.36. The cost of diagnostics after screen-positive results was assessed to vary between EUR 985 and 8561 per child dependent on final diagnosis. Cost-effectiveness ratios varied from EUR 41,300 per QALY for the screening strategy with T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC) ≤ 6 copies/punch to EUR 44,100 for the screening strategy with a cut-off value of TREC ≤ 10 copies/punch. The analysis based on real-life data resulted in higher costs, and consequently in less favorable cost-effectiveness estimates than analyses based on hypothetical data, indicating the need for verifying model assumptions with real-life data. The comparison of different screening strategies suggest that strategies with a lower number of referrals, e.g., by distinguishing between urgent and less urgent referrals, are favorable from an economic perspective.
Autism Spectrum Disorder in Pediatric Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Jensen Anne K. , Sheldon Claire A. , Paley Grace L. , Szperka Christina L. , Liu Geraldine W. , Liu Grant T. , McCormack Shana E.
Published: September 2021

In recent years, the substantial burden of medical comorbidities in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) populations has been described. We report a retrospective observational case series of pediatric patients with suspected idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and concurrent ASD. Pediatric subjects with suspected IIH aged 2–18 years were identified by review of a pediatric neuro-ophthalmologist’s database spanning from July 1993 to April 2013. ASD diagnoses were identified within this cohort by an ICD-9 diagnosis code search and database review. Three subjects had concurrent ASD diagnoses; all were non-obese males. Since the retrospective observational case series was performed in April 2013, we identified three additional IIH cases in boys with ASD. Our experience suggests that IIH may be a comorbidity of ASD, particularly in non-obese boys.
Influence of Lubricant Environment on Machined Surface Quality in Single-Point Diamond Turning of Ferrous Metal
Authors: Zhou Menghua , Wang Jianpeng , Zhang Guoqing
Published: September 2021

In the field of single-point diamond turning (SPDT), machining ferrous metal is an important research topic with promising application. For SPDT of ferrous metal, the influence of lubricant on the workpiece surface morphology remains to be studied. In this study, three lubricant machining environments were selected to carry out specific control experiments. The machined surface morphology and cutting force in different lubricant machining environments were analyzed. The experiment results showed that the lubricant environment will have significant impacts on the quality of the machined surface morphology of ferrous metal. In the environment of minimum quantity lubrication machining (MQLM-oil), better machined surface quality can be obtained than that in ordinary dry machining (ODM) and high-pressure gas machining (HGM). Furthermore, the cutting force captured in the ODM and HGM environment increased with the increase of the cutting depth, while the cutting force in the MQLM-oil environment remained almost unchanged. That indicates MQLM-oil can suppress the formation of hard particles to improve the machining quality.
Lithospermum erythrorhizon Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis-like Skin Lesions by Restoring Immune Balance and Skin Barrier Function in 2.4-Dinitrochlorobenzene-Induced NC/Nga Mice
Authors: Oh Jin-Su , Lee Sang-Jun , Choung Se-Young
Published: September 2021

The incidence of atopic dermatitis (AD), a disease characterized by an abnormal immune balance and skin barrier function, has increased rapidly in developed countries. This study investigated the anti-atopic effect of Lithospermum erythrorhizon (LE) using NC/Nga mice induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene. LE reduced AD clinical symptoms, including inflammatory cell infiltration, epidermal thickness, ear thickness, and scratching behavior, in the mice. Additionally, LE reduced serum IgE and histamine levels, and restored the T helper (Th) 1/Th2 immune balance through regulation of the IgG1/IgG2a ratio. LE also reduced the levels of AD-related cytokines and chemokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), thymic stromal lymphopoietin, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine, macrophage-derived chemokine, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in the serum. Moreover, LE modulated AD-related cytokines and chemokines expressed and secreted by Th1, Th2, Th17, and Th22 cells in the dorsal skin and splenocytes. Furthermore, LE restored skin barrier function by increasing pro-filaggrin gene expression and levels of skin barrier-related proteins filaggrin, involucrin, loricrin, occludin, and zonula occludens-1. These results suggest that LE is a potential therapeutic agent that can alleviate AD by modulating Th1/Th2 immune balance and restoring skin barrier function.
Scalable Preparation of Cellulose Nanofibers from Office Waste Paper by an Environment-Friendly Method
Authors: Huang Deyuan , Hong Haoqun , Huang Weilong , Zhang Haiyan , Hong Xiaobin
Published: September 2021

Waste paper is often underutilized as a low-value recyclable resource and can be a potential source of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) due to its rich cellulose content. Three different processes, low acid treatment, alkali treatment and bleaching treatment, were used to pretreat the waste paper in order to investigate the effect of different pretreatments on the prepared CNFs, and CNFs obtained from bleached pulp boards were used as control. All sample fibers were successfully prepared into CNFs by 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) oxidation. It was quite obvious that the bleached CNFs samples showed dense fibrous structures on a scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while needle-like fibers with width less than 20 nm were observed on a transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Meanwhile, the bleaching treatment resulted in a 13.5% increase in crystallinity and a higher TEMPO yield (e.g., BCNF, 60.88%), but a decrease in thermal stability. All pretreated CNFs samples showed narrow particle size distribution, good dispersion stability (zeta potential less than −29.58 mV), good light transmission (higher than 86.5%) and low haze parameters (lower than 3.92%). This provides a good process option and pathway for scalable production of CNFs from waste papers.
Autofocus Entropy Repositioning Method Bioinspired in the Magnetic Field Memory of the Bees Applied to Pollination
Authors: Santos Daniel de Matos Luna dos , Santana Ewaldo Eder Carvalho , Junior Paulo Fernandes da Silva , Queiroz Jonathan Araujo , Neto João Viana da Fonseca , Barros Allan Kardec , Augusto de Moraes Cruz Carlos , de Aquino Viviane S. , de Castro Luís S. O. , Freire Raimundo Carlos Silvério , Silva Paulo Henrique da Fonseca
Published: September 2021

In this paper, a bioinspired method in the magnetic field memory of the bees, applied in a rover of precision pollination, is presented. The method calculates sharpness features by entropy and variance of the Laplacian of images segmented by color in the HSV system in real-time. A complementary positioning method based on area feature extraction between active markers was developed, analyzing color characteristics, noise, and vibrations of the probe in time and frequency, through the lateral image of the probe. From the observed results, it can be seen that the unsupervised method does not require previous calibration of target dimensions, histogram, and distances involved in positioning. The algorithm showed less sensitivity in the extraction of sharpness characteristics regarding the number of edges and greater sensitivity to the gradient, allowing unforeseen operation scenarios, even in small sharpness variations, and robust response to variance local, temporal, and geophysical of the magnetic declination, not needing luminosity after scanning, with the two freedom of degrees of the rotation.
Adsorption of EDCs on Reclaimed Water-Irrigated Soils: A Comparative Analysis of a Branched Nonylphenol, Nonylphenol and Bisphenol A
Authors: Wang Shiyu , Zhang Junnan , Zhou Fada , Liang Cunzhen , He Liao , Jiao Wentao , Wu Wenyong
Published: September 2021

Nonylphenol (NP) and bisphenol A (BPA) are two typical endocrine disrupter chemicals (EDCs) in reclaimed water. In this study, the adsorptions of NP, a branched NP (NP7) and BPA on reclaimed water-irrigated soils were studied by isothermal experiments, and the different environmental factors on their adsorptions were investigated. The results showed that the adsorptions of NP and NP7 on soils conformed to the Linear model, and the adsorption of BPA conformed to the Freundlich model. The adsorptions of NP, NP7 and BPA on soils decreased with increasing temperatures and pHs. Adsorption equilibrium constant (Kd or Kf) were maximum at pH = 3, temperature 25 °C and As(III)-soil, respectively. The adsorption capacity of NP, NP7 and BPA to soils under different cation valence were as follows: neutrally > divalent cations > mono-cations. Kd of NP7 on soil was less than that of NP under different pH and temperatures, while under different cation concentrations it was the inverse. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) analysis showed alkyl chains of NP and BPA seemed to form van der Waals interactions with the cavity of soil. Results of this study will provide further comprehensive fundamental data for human health risk assessment of NP and BPA in soil.
Personality Test Disc Application Design in Android Based Business
Authors: Lorena Br Ginting Selvia , Ezhar K , Dean R , R Faiza S
Published: September 2021

The purpose of making this android-based application design is to maximize the potential of each colleague who wants or is running a business. The method used to meet system development needs is the descriptive analysis method with a qualitative approach. Object-oriented development methods and prototyping development methods are used as the basis for building the system. The results show that the data information collected through the application can provide information in tips that can be applied. This system is formed based on the DISC Test personality results, which will be processed through the system. Then the match values are obtained with the predetermined business field data to obtain appropriate results. Using this application is expected to make business people more aware of each consumer's personality desires. With this application, the results of the data obtained are expected to help fellow beginner businessmen determine what position or business is suitable for them. This application acts as a helper or advisor that makes it easier for entrepreneurs to make decisions and increase the businessman's potential.
What Does it Take to Lead Extension Master Gardener Volunteers?
Authors: Glen Charlotte , Jayaratne K.S.U. , Moore Gary , Bradley Lucy , Edwards Harriett
Published: September 2021

We investigated the importance of volunteer engagement competencies to successful master gardener volunteer administration. We used a web-based survey to collect data from a census of North Carolina Extension agents with master gardener volunteer administration responsibilities. Respondents indicated 52 of the 55 competencies were important to the administration of master gardener volunteers. We concluded that although traditional volunteer management skills are essential, a more comprehensive model encompassing personal and leadership skills is needed to inform development of training and resources that will support attainment of competencies required for successful master gardener volunteer administration.
Evaluating the Structure, Demographics, and Effectiveness of the Mississippi Master Naturalist Program
Authors: Cunningham Sarah , Sparks Eric , Rohnke Adam
Published: September 2021

The purpose of our evaluation was to assess the structure, demographics, and effectiveness of the Mississippi Master Naturalist Program (MMNP) from 2015-2019. Results show that racial diversity within the MMNP was low and offering basic training courses during the work week attracts more retirees. Subsequently, an average retiree completed nearly three times more annual volunteer service hours than a non-retiree. Therefore, targeting retirees may be the most effective means of enhancing environmental stewardship within this program. Additionally, the results of this evaluation highlight that active recruitment of underserved populations is necessary to increase the diversity of participants in Extension programs.
Fostering Civil Public Dialogue Through Collaboration: Opportunities for Extension
Authors: Warren William
Published: September 2021

This article addresses the issue of incivility in public policy debates by pointing to citizen collaboratives as an alternative that promotes civil dialogue. Collaboration forums bring together those having diverse and often opposing interests to craft solutions to public policy issues intended to advance all parties’ interests in an atmosphere of mutual trust, mutual learning, and respect. Extension has a role to play through engagement with collaboratives to build community capacity and advance community and ecological sustainability. Examples of Extension involvement and the potential success that collaboratives can achieve is presented.
Leadership Life Skills Development in 4-H Teen Leadership Programs
Authors: Leman Amy , Wang Junfeng
Published: September 2021

This study introduces a framework for 4-H leadership competencies and explores the relationship between 4-H leadership programs and participant leadership life skills development. Illinois 4-H members aged 15-18 completed an online survey about their 4-H experiences and skills. Participants reported local programs exhibited the characteristics in the leadership competencies framework. Members participating in leadership competency programs reported higher leadership life skills scores than those in other 4-H non-leadership oriented programs. Females reported higher leadership life skills scores in comparison to males. However, spending more years in leadership programs was only related to a significant change in skills development for some participants.
ANALYSIS ON THE EFFECT OF HALF ANGLE ON THE DISPLACEMENT OF PEDICLE SCREW DURING AXIAL PULL-OUT TEST IN CANCELLOUS BONE USING 2D AXISYMMETRIC FE MODEL
Authors:   Department of Applied Mechanics, Indian Institute of Technology Madras,  Chennai – 600036, India, Makaram Harikrishna , Swaminathan Ramakrishnan ,   Department of Applied Mechanics, Indian Institute of Technology Madras,  Chennai – 600036, India
Published: September 2021

Pedicle screw fixations are commonly used in the treatment of spinal pathologies. For effective treatment, stable anchorage between the screw and bone is necessary. In this study, the influence of proximal and distal half angle of the screw, on the displacement of fixation and stress transfer are simulated using a 2D axisymmetric finite element model. A parametric study was performed by varying the proximal half-angle between 0° and 60° in steps of 10° and the distal half angles are considered as 30° and 40°. The material properties and boundary conditions are applied based on previous studies. Frictional contact is considered between the bone and screw. Results show that, displacement of fixation is observed to be minimum at a proximal half angle of 0° and maximum at an angle of 60°. High stress concentration is observed in first few threads with highest maximum von Mises stress at an angle of 60°. High stress transfer was obtained for proximal half-angles of 40° and 50°. It is observed that, this method might aid to develop better pedicle screws for treatment of Scoliosis.
CORTICAL INTEGRATIVE THERAPY FOR THE TREATMENT OF MIGRAINES AND HEADACHES
Authors:   iBrain - International Institute for the Brain, New York, NY, Lim Nicole C. , Pedro Victor M. ,   iBrain - International Institute for the Brain, New York, NY,   Director of Rhode Island Integrated Medicine, Cranston, RI, Oggero Elena ,   Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA,   Vestibular Technologies, LLC, Cheyenne, WY, USA
Published: September 2021

Migraine is a common neurological disorder that is characterized by a host of symptoms including severe throbbing headaches. In this retrospective chart review, the effectiveness of Cortical Integrative Therapy (PedroCIT®) was examined in adults with migraines. Multivariate General Linear Model (M-GLM) was utilized to determine if the emotional, functional, and overall difficulties, as well as the intensity of pain experienced with headaches decreased from before to after PedroCIT® treatment in individuals with mild to complete disability resulting from headaches. Repeated Measures General Linear Model (RM-GLM) was also used to investigate if postural stability increased from pre- to post-treatment. The results of the M-GLM showed that PedroCIT® was effective in reducing emotional, functional, overall disability, and intensity of pain resulting from headaches. Furthermore, RM-GLM indicated that patients who underwent PedroCIT® improved their postural stability from pre- to post-treatment. Finally, the findings also showed that the duration of the treatment did not have any effect among patients with varied degrees of headache disability. This study illustrates the effectiveness of PedroCIT® in the treatment of headaches and postural instability in migraine patients.