bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nomogram Based on Log Odds of Positive Lymph Nodes Predicting Cancer-Specific Survival in Patients With T3 and T4 Gallbladder Cancer After Radical Resection
Authors: Yuan Chen , Tao Qiaomeng , Wang Jian , Wang Kai , Zou Shubing , Hu Zhigang
Published: October 2021

Background: The aim of this study based on log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) is to develop and validate an effective prognostic nomogram for patients with T3 and T4 gallbladder cancer (GBC) after resection.

Patients and Methods: A total of 728 T3 and T4 gallbladder cancer patients after resection from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, randomly divided into training cohort and validation cohort according to 7:3. Another 128 patients from The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University for external validation. The nomograms were built by the Cox regression model and the Fine and Grey's model. Concordance index (C-index), calibration curve and the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the nomogram and internal verification. The decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to measure clinical applicability.

Result: LODDS was independent prognostic predictor for overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS), and established the nomograms on this basis. The nomogram we have established has a good evaluation effect, with a C-index of 0.719 (95%CI, 0.707–0.731) for OS and 0.747 (95%CI, 0.733–0.760) for CSS. The calibration curves of OS and CSS both showed good calibration capability, and the AUC for predicting 1-, 2-, and 3-year 0.858, 0.848 were and 0.811 for OS, and 0.794, 0.793, and 0.750 for CSS. The DCA of nomograms both showed good clinical applicability.

Conclusion: The nomogram can provide effective OS and CSS prediction for patients with advanced gallbladder cancer after surgery.
Risk Factors for Introduction of Bovine Herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) Into Cattle Herds: A Systematic European Literature Review
Authors: Waldeck H. W. Frederik , van Duijn Linda , van den Heuvel-van den Broek Kristel , Mars Maria H. , Santman-Berends Inge M. G. A. , Biesheuvel Marit M. , van Schaik Gerdien
Published: October 2021

Given that bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) -the causative agent of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR)- is still endemic in most European countries, BoHV-1 free herds are subject to a considerable risk of (re)introduction of the virus. The aim of this literature review was to describe published, quantified risk factors that are relevant for the introduction of BoHV-1. The risk factors described in this study can be used as input for modeling eradication scenarios and for communication on biosecurity measures to stakeholders. A literature search was conducted in November 2020 in two major online search databases, PubMed and Web of Science. The search criteria “risk factor” combined with different synonyms for BoHV-1 were explored, which resulted in 564 hits. Only studies performed in Europe, written in Dutch, English, French, German or Spanish with an English summary and that quantified risk factors for introduction of BoHV-1 into cattle herds were included. Studies had to quantify the risk factors with crude odds ratios (OR), an estimate of the chance of a particular event occurring in an exposed group to a non-exposed group. After checking for duplicates and excluding articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria, 12 publications remained for this review. Risk factors were classified into seven groups, i.e., herd characteristics, management, animal characteristics, purchase, direct animal contact, neighborhood and indirect transmission routes. Most relevant factors for introduction of BoHV-1 into cattle herds include herd size, purchase of cattle, cattle density, age of cattle, distance to neighboring cattle herds and professional visitors. Together with other direct and indirect animal contacts, these factors are important when elimination of BoHV-1 is considered. A closed farming system and protective clothing for professional visitors can eliminate the major routes of introduction of BoHV-1 in cattle herds. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review solely focussing on measures that can be taken to control introduction of BoHV-1 into cattle herds. Besides testing, focus on managing these (biosecurity) factors will decrease the risk of introducing the virus.
On-Call Duties: The Perceived Impact on Veterinarians' Job Satisfaction, Well-Being and Personal Relationships
Authors: Kogan Lori , Schoenfeld-Tacher Regina , Carney Patrick , Hellyer Peter , Rishniw Mark
Published: October 2021

Objective:To assess the impact of on-call duties on veterinarians' job satisfaction, well-being and personal relationships.

Design:Cross-sectional survey.

Sample:The sample was obtained from Veterinary Information Network (VIN) members in private practice within the United States.

Procedures:A link to an anonymous online survey was distributed via an email invitation to all Veterinary Information Network (VIN) members with access from August 15, 2017 to October 21, 2017.

Results:A total of 1,945 responses were recorded. The majority of those who reported having on-call duties were female associates. Composite scales were created to assess the impact of on-call shifts on job satisfaction and well-being. Multiple linear regression was conducted and found that gender (p= 0.0311), associate status (p< 0.0001), and age (p= 0.0293) were all significantly associated with on-call related job satisfaction. Additionally, multiple linear regression found that gender (p= 0.0039), associate status (p< 0.0057), and age (p< 0.0001) were all significantly associated with on-call related well-being. On-call shifts were reported by many to have a negative impact on job satisfaction and well-being; this was especially pronounced for female associates. Females had on-call related job satisfaction scores that were, on average, 1.27 points lower than that of males (lower scores equates to lower job satisfaction). Further, females' average on-call related well-being scores were 1.15 points higher than that of males (lower scores equates to higher well-being).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance:This study suggests that on-call shifts have a negative impact on veterinarian job satisfaction, well-being and personal relationships. The negative impact on job satisfaction and well-being is greatest for female associates. Veterinary medicine has been identified as a stressful occupation that can lead to psychological distress. It is therefore important to critically assess current practices that appear to increase stress and reduce emotional well-being. For this reason, it is suggested that veterinary hospitals explore alternative options to traditional on-call shifts.
Identification of Chimeric RNAs in Pig Skeletal Muscle and Transcriptomic Analysis of Chimeric RNA TNNI2-ACTA1 V1
Authors: Liu Dongyu , Xia Jiqiao , Yang Zewei , Zhao Xuelian , Li Jiaxin , Hao Wanjun , Yang Xiuqin
Published: October 2021

Chimeric RNA was considered a special marker of cancer. However, recent studies have demonstrated that chimeric RNAs also exist in non-cancerous cells and tissues. Here, we analyzed and predicted jointly 49 chimeric RNAs by Star-Fusion and FusionMap. One chimeric RNA, we named TNNI2-ACTA1, and its eight transcript variants were identified by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. The overexpression of TNNI2-ACTA1 V1 inhibited the proliferation of porcine skeletal muscle satellite cells through down-regulating the mRNA expression levels of cell cycle–related genes cyclinD1. However, as parental genes, there is no such effect in the TNNI2 and ACTA1. To explore the underlying mechanism for this phenomenon, we used RNA-seq to profile the transcriptomes of PSCs with overexpression. Compared with the negative control group, 1,592 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were upregulated and 1,077 DEGs downregulated in TNNI2 group; 1,226 DEGs were upregulated and 902 DEGs downregulated in ACTA1 group; and 13 DEGs were upregulated and 16 DEGs downregulated in TNNI2-ACTA1 V1 group, respectively. Compared with the parental gene groups, three specific genes were enriched in the TNNI2-ACTA1 V1 group (NCOA3, Radixin, and DDR2). These three genes may be the key to TNNI2-ACTA1 V1 regulating cell proliferation. Taken together, our study explores the role of chimeric RNAs in normal tissues. In addition, our study as the first research provides the foundation for the mechanism of chimeric RNAs regulating porcine skeletal muscle growth.
Development Real-Time PCR Assays to Genetically Differentiate Vaccinated Pigs From Infected Pigs With the Eurasian Strain of African Swine Fever Virus
Authors: Velazquez-Salinas Lauro , Ramirez-Medina Elizabeth , Rai Ayushi , Pruitt Sarah , Vuono Elizabeth A. , Espinoza Nallely , Gladue Douglas P. , Borca Manuel V.
Published: October 2021

Currently, African swine fever virus (ASFV) represents one of the most important economic threats for the global pork industry. Recently, significant advances have been made in the development of potential vaccine candidates to protect pigs against this virus. We have previously developed attenuated vaccine candidates by deleting critical viral genes associated with virulence. Here, we present the development of the accompanying genetic tests to discriminate between infected and vaccinated animals (DIVA), a necessity during an ASFV vaccination campaign. We describe here the development of three independent real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays that detect the presence of MGF-360-12L, UK, and I177L genes, which were previously deleted from the highly virulent Georgia strain of ASFV to produce the three recombinant live attenuated vaccine candidates. When compared with the diagnostic reference qPCR that detects the p72 gene, all assays demonstrated comparable levels of sensitivity, specificity, and efficiency of amplification to detect presence/absence of the ASFV Georgia 2007/1 strain (prototype virus of the Eurasian lineage) from a panel of blood samples from naïve, vaccinated, and infected pigs. Collectively, the results of this study demonstrate the potential of these real-time PCR assays to be used as genetic DIVA tests, supporting vaccination campaigns associated with the use of ASFV-ΔMGF, ASFV-G-Δ9GL/ΔUK, and ASFV-ΔI177L or cell culture adapted ASFV-ΔI177LΔLVR live attenuated vaccines in the field.
A Novel Double Redundant Brake-by-Wire System for High Automation Driving Safety: Design, Optimization and Experimental Validation
Authors: Li Chao , Zhang Junzhi , Hou Xiaohui , Ji Yuan , Han Jinheng , He Chengkun , Hao Jiangmai
Published: October 2021

The high redundant brake-by-wire system reveals vehicular safety handling ability and rarely emerges in the automotive area at the present time. This paper presents a novel brake-by-wire system, DREHB (Double Redundant Electro-Hydraulic Brake), with extensible fail-safe operations for high-automation autonomous driving vehicles. The DREHB is designed as a decoupled-architecture system containing three-layer cascaded modules, including a hydraulic power provider, a hydraulic flow switcher, and a hydraulic pressure modulator, and each of the modules can share dual redundancy. The operating principles of the DREHB in normal and degraded initiative braking modes are introduced, especially for the consideration of fail-safe and fail-operational functions. The matching and optimization of selected key parameters of the electric boost master cylinder and the linear solenoid valve were conducted using computer-aided batched simulations with a DREHB system modeled in MATLAB/Simulink and AMESim. The prototype of the DREHB was tested in hardware-in-the-loop experiments. The test results of typical braking scenarios verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the DREHB system, and the hydraulic pressure response as 28.0 MPa/s and tracking error within 0.15 MPa and the desirable fail-safe braking ability fully meets the requirements of higher braking safety and efficiency.
New Business Education Model for Entrepreneurial HEIs: University of Tirana Social Innovation and Internationalization
Authors: Kripa Dorina , Luci Edlira , Gorica Klodiana , Kordha Ermelinda
Published: October 2021

Educational needs are changing worldwide. Social aspects and the impact of knowledge and education on changing society are already taken into consideration from some viewpoints. However, the social impact of different models of education that bring new knowledge in innovative ways and the application of social entrepreneurship still need be investigated. The main question that this study addressed is how higher education institutions (HEIs) will approach the new era, in relation to knowledge needs and their social impact, and which model allows HEIs to become more entrepreneurial and follow social entrepreneurship. The paper contributes to addressing challenges and opportunities that universities (especially those located in developing countries) face in their pathway to developing social entrepreneurship education with the aim of increasing their value creation capacity. Through a case study analysis, this paper highlights the relevance of knowledge creation, circulation, and transfer among different stakeholders for universities to shift towards an entrepreneurial and innovative perspective. The findings of this research highlight the relevance of social innovation, knowledge development processes, and wide and collaborative national and international networks as essential elements in paving the way for universities to become entrepreneurial universities.
Relative Importance of Plant Species Composition and Environmental Factors in Affecting Soil Carbon Stocks of Alpine Pastures (NW Italy)
Authors: Ravetto Enri Simone , Petrella Fabio , Ungaro Fabrizio , Zavattaro Laura , Mainetti Andrea , Lombardi Giampiero , Lonati Michele
Published: October 2021

Alpine pastures are agricultural systems with a high provision of ecosystem services, which include carbon (C) stocking. Particularly, the soil organic C (SOC) stocks of Alpine pastures may play a pivotal role in counteracting global climate change. Even if the importance of pasture SOC has been stated by several research studies, especially by comparing different land uses, little is known about the role of plant species composition. We studied a wide sample of 324 pastures in the north-western Italian Alps by performing coupled vegetation and soil surveys. Climatic (i.e., mean annual precipitation), topographic (i.e., elevation, slope, southness), vegetation (i.e., the first three dimensions of a non-metric multid imensional scaling—NMDS), and soil (i.e., pH) parameters were considered as independent variables in a generalised linear model accounting for SOC stocks in the 0–30 cm depth. Pasture SOC was significantly affected by precipitation (positively) and by pH (negatively) but not by topography. However, the higher influence was exerted by vegetation through the first NMDS dimension, which depicted a change in plant species along a thermic-altitudinal gradient. Our research highlighted the remarkable importance of vegetation in regulating SOC stocks in Alpine pastures, confirming the pivotal role of these semi-natural agricultural systems in the global scenario of climate change.
Mechanical Control with a Deep Learning Method for Precise Weeding on a Farm
Authors: Chang Chung-Liang , Xie Bo-Xuan , Chung Sheng-Cheng
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a mechanical control method for precise weeding based on deep learning. Deep convolutional neural network was used to identify and locate weeds. A special modular weeder was designed, which can be installed on the rear of a mobile platform. An inverted pyramid-shaped weeding tool equipped in the modular weeder can shovel out weeds without being contaminated by soil. The weed detection and control method was implemented on an embedded system with a high-speed graphics processing unit and integrated with the weeder. The experimental results showed that even if the speed of the mobile platform reaches 20 cm/s, the weeds can still be accurately detected and the position of the weeds can be located by the system. Moreover, the weeding mechanism can successfully shovel out the roots of the weeds. The proposed weeder has been tested in the field, and its performance and weed coverage have been verified to be precise for weeding.
Practical Structural Design and Construction of an Innovative Composite Plastic Greenhouse
Authors: Tsai Meng-Hao , Lee Ying-Chieh
Published: October 2021

A composite plastic material made of recycled Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Nylon, and glass fiber reinforced Nylon was innovated and applied to the construction of a prototype simple greenhouse in this study. With reference to the mechanical properties of a conventional galvanized steel greenhouse, sectional dimensions of the composite plastic structural members were determined. Structural performances of the conventional galvanized steel and the composite plastic greenhouse models were analyzed under static design wind loads. It was realized that the greenhouse model designed with composite plastic 田-sections of 5 mm wall thickness could have peak displacement response and sectional forces comparable to that of the galvanized steel greenhouse. Therefore, the 田-sections with 5 mm wall thickness were manufactured and used to construct the prototype simple greenhouse. On-site free vibration tests were conducted to estimate the dynamic characteristics of the prototype for validating the design assumptions and assembly procedure. The test results indicated that the prototype had a similar vibration period to that predicted from the numerical model. Moreover, the composite plastic greenhouse could have an average damping ratio of 6.2%.
An Internet of Things Solution for Smart Agriculture
Authors: Gagliardi Gianfranco , Lupia Marco , Cario Gianni , Cicchello Gaccio Francesco , D’Angelo Vincenzo , Cosma Antonio Igor Maria , Casavola Alessandro
Published: October 2021

Over the last decade, the increased use of information and communication technology (ICT) in agriculture applications has led to the definition of the concept of precision farming or equivalently smart agriculture. In this respect, the latest progress in connectivity, automation, images analysis and artificial intelligence allow farmers to monitor all production phases and, due to the help of automatic procedures, determine better treatments for their farms. One of the main objectives of a smart agriculture system is to improve the yield of the field. From this point of view, the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm plays a key role in precision farming applications due to the fact that the use of IoT sensors provides precise information about the health of the production. In this paper, the results of the recently concluded R&D project ENOTRIA TELLUS are reported. The project aimed at the development of all hardware/software components for implementing a precision farming architecture allowing the farmers to manage and monitor the vineyards’ health status. The smart architecture combines various sub-systems (web application, local controllers, unmanned aerial vehicles, multi-spectral cameras, weather sensors etc.) and electronic devices, each of them in charge of performing specific operations: remote data analysis, video processing for vegetation analysis, wireless data exchanges and weather and monitoring data evaluation. Two pilot sites were built where the smart architecture was tested and validated in real scenarios. Experimental activities show that the designed smart agriculture architecture allowed the farmers to properly schedule the various phases of cultivation and harvesting.
Typology of Consumers According to the Declared Consumption of Food Products and Non-Alcoholic Beverages. Polish and Slovakian Case Studies
Authors: Maciejewski Grzegorz , Kita Pavol , Ozimek Irena , Szlachciuk Julita
Published: October 2021

The aim of the paper is to create a typology of consumers based on the consumption of food products and non-alcoholic beverages for two countries. The research was conducted among non-randomized respondents representing 900 Polish and 300 Slovakian households. The Polish part of the study was carried out in the Silesian and Mazovian provinces. The Slovakian part of the study was carried out in the whole country. To identify four groups of consumers, the paper used the clustering of objects method, especially the Two-Step method: Ward (hierarchical) cluster analysis and non-hierarchical k-means cluster analysis. The authors represent the difference in the results achieved between types of consumers. Poles and Slovakians similarly perceive the financial status of their households and the attention paid to food price when buying it. However, there is a significant difference in food consumption. When eating, Slovaks are influenced more by vegetarian and vegan fashion trends and emotional experience than price. On the contrary, Poles are more interested in the health aspect of the food consumed and its quantity when emphasizing the price, which results from being less financially satisfied. The results of the research provide information about changes in consumer attitudes in the researched area and their thinking about their consumption, respectively lifestyle, and illustrate some trends in consumer behavior for the current and post-COVID-19 era.
Yield and Economic Response of Modern Cotton Cultivars to Nitrogen Fertilizer
Authors: Pabuayon Irish Lorraine B. , Mitchell-McCallister Donna , Lewis Katie L. , Ritchie Glen L.
Published: October 2021

Non-optimal application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production systems often results from a producer’s uncertainty in predicting the N rate that ensures maximum economic return. Residual soil nitrate-N (NO3-N) is also often unaccounted for in fertilizer management decisions. In this study, the lint yield and profitability of two cotton cultivars (FiberMax FM 958 and Deltapine DP 1646 B2XF) were compared across five N fertilizer treatments [0 kg ha−1 (control), 45 kg ha−1 (N-45), 90 kg ha−1 (N-90), 135 kg ha−1 (N-135), 180 kg ha−1 (N-180)] from 2018 to 2020. For both cultivars, additional N fertilizer on top of the control treatment did not increase the lint yield of cotton. For each year, both control and N-45 treatments resulted in the greatest revenue above variable costs (RAVC) values for all cultivars. The improved N partitioning efficiency in newer cultivars and the high levels of residual soil NO3-N allowed sustained plant growth and yield even with reduced N application. Overall, the results show the advantage of reducing N inputs in residual N-rich soils to maintain yield and increase profits. These findings are important in promoting more sustainable agricultural systems through reduced chemical inputs and maintained soil health.
Potential Toxic Elements Accumulation in Several Food Species Grown in Urban and Rural Gardens Subjected to Different Conditions
Authors: Rossini-Oliva Sabina , López-Núñez Rafael
Published: October 2021

Urban agriculture increased in Seville (South Spain) in the last 20 years and play different roles in the urban context. Edible species can be contaminated by soil and airborne contamination leading to health risks. Samples of different crop and fruit species and their soils were collected in urban and rural gardens, including urban gardens from a mining area to investigate the potential contamination in food and soils. Results show that soils from mining gardens were the most contaminated. In the city, crops were generally not more contaminated those in the rural area. Most differences were observed between species, chard and lettuce were the species that reached the highest level of most elements’ accumulation and fruits always had lower metal accumulation than leafy vegetables. Arsenic, Cd, and Pb concentrations did not exceed the FAO/HWO and European legal maximum levels for vegetables studied, so their consumption would be safe for human health. The concentration of Cr, Cu, Mn, and Ni can be considered in the range cited in the bibliography. Special attention should be paid for leafy green vegetables (lettuce and chard) since high values of Ba and Zn were found, up to 42 and 123 mg kg−1, respectively, and the risk to human health associated with consuming these species should be studied.
Evidence of Hearing Loss and Unrelated Toxoplasmosis in a Free-Ranging Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)
Authors: Morell Maria , IJsseldijk Lonneke L. , Berends Alinda J. , Gröne Andrea , Siebert Ursula , Raverty Stephen A. , Shadwick Robert E. , Kik Marja J. L.
Published: October 2021

Evidence of hearing impairment was identified in a harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) on the basis of scanning electron microscopy. In addition, based on histopathology and immunohistochemistry, there were signs of unrelated cerebral toxoplasmosis. The six-year old individual live stranded on the Dutch coast at Domburg in 2016 and died a few hours later. The most significant gross lesion was multifocal necrosis and haemorrhage of the cerebrum. Histopathology of the brain revealed extensive necrosis and haemorrhage in the cerebrum with multifocal accumulations of degenerated neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages, and perivascular lymphocytic cuffing. The diagnosis of cerebral toxoplasmosis was confirmed by positive staining of protozoa with anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. Tachyzoites were not observed histologically in any of the examined tissues. Ultrastructural evaluation of the inner ear revealed evidence of scattered loss of outer hair cells in a 290 µm long segment of the apical turn of the cochlea, and in a focal region of ~ 1.5 mm from the apex of the cochlea, which was compatible with noise-induced hearing loss. This is the first case of concurrent presumptive noise-induced hearing loss and toxoplasmosis in a free-ranging harbour porpoise from the North Sea.
IL-33, IL-37, and Vitamin D Interaction Mediate Immunomodulation of Inflammation in Degenerating Cartilage
Authors: Rai Vikrant , Radwan Mohamed M. , Agrawal Devendra K.
Published: October 2021

Chronic joint inflammation due to increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the accumulation of inflammatory immune cells (mainly macrophages), and vitamin D deficiency leads to cartilage degeneration and the development of osteoarthritis (OA). This study investigated the effect of vitamin D status on the expression of mediators of inflammation including interleukin (IL)-33, IL-37, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, toll-like receptors (TLRs), damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in degenerating the cartilage of hyperlipidemic microswine. Additionally, in vitro studies with normal human chondrocytes were conducted to investigate the effect of calcitriol on the expression of IL-33, IL-37, IL-6, TNF-α, TLRs, DAMPs, and MMPs. We also studied the effects of calcitriol on macrophage polarization using THP-1 cells. The results of this study revealed that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased expression of IL-33, IL-37, IL-6, TNF-α, TLRs, DAMPs, and MMPs, while vitamin D supplementation is associated with a decreased expression of the former. Additionally, vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased M1, while vitamin D-supplemented microswine cartilage showed increased M2 macrophages. It was also revealed that calcitriol favors M2 macrophage polarization. Taken together, the results of this study suggest that modulating expression of IL-33, IL-6, TNF-α, TLRs, DAMPs, and MMPs with vitamin D supplementation may serve as a novel therapeutic to attenuate inflammation and cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis.
Essential Oil and Hydrophilic Antibiotic Co-Encapsulation in Multiple Lipid Nanoparticles: Proof of Concept and In Vitro Activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Ben-Khalifa Rayhane , Gaspar Frédéric Bustos , Pereira Cristina , Chekir-Ghedira Leila , Rodríguez-Rojo Soraya
Published: October 2021

In the worldwide context of an impending emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, this research combined the advantages of multiple lipid nanoparticles (MLNs) and the promising therapeutic use of essential oils (EOs) as a strategy to fight the antibiotic resistance of three Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains with different cefepime (FEP) resistance profiles. MLNs were prepared by ultrasonication using glyceryl trioleate (GTO) and glyceryl tristearate (GTS) as a liquid and a solid lipid, respectively. Rosemary EO (REO) was selected as the model EO. REO/FEP-loaded MLNs were characterized by their small size (~110 nm), important encapsulation efficiency, and high physical stability over time (60 days). An assessment of the antimicrobial activity was performed using antimicrobial susceptibility testing assays against selected P. aeruginosa strains. The assays showed a considerable increase in the antibacterial property of REO-loaded MLNs compared with the effect of crude EO, especially against P. aeruginosa ATCC 9027, in which the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value decreased from 80 to 0.6 mg/mL upon encapsulation. Furthermore, the incorporation of FEP in MLNs stabilized the drug without affecting its antipseudomonal activity. Thus, the ability to co-encapsulate an essential oil and a hydrophilic antibiotic into MLN has been successfully proved, opening new possibilities for the treatment of serious antimicrobial infections.
CRISPR Element Patterns vs. Pathoadaptability of Clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from a Medical Center in Moscow, Russia
Authors: Tyumentseva Marina , Mikhaylova Yulia , Prelovskaya Anna , Karbyshev Konstantin , Tyumentsev Aleksandr , Petrova Lyudmila , Mironova Anna , Zamyatin Mikhail , Shelenkov Andrey , Akimkin Vasiliy
Published: October 2021

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a member of the ESKAPE opportunistic pathogen group, which includes six species of the most dangerous microbes. This pathogen is characterized by the rapid acquisition of antimicrobial resistance, thus causing major healthcare concerns. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of clinical P. aeruginosa isolates based on whole-genome sequencing data. The isolate collection studied was characterized by a variety of clonal lineages with a domination of high-risk epidemic clones and different CRISPR/Cas element patterns. This is the first report on the coexistence of two and even three different types of CRISPR/Cas systems simultaneously in Russian clinical strains of P. aeruginosa. The data include molecular typing and genotypic antibiotic resistance determination, as well as the phylogenetic analysis of the full-length cas gene and anti-CRISPR genes sequences, predicted prophage sequences, and conducted a detailed CRISPR array analysis. The differences between the isolates carrying different types and quantities of CRISPR/Cas systems were investigated. The pattern of virulence factors in P. aeruginosa isolates lacking putative CRISPR/Cas systems significantly differed from that of samples with single or multiple putative CRISPR/Cas systems. We found significant correlations between the numbers of prophage sequences, antibiotic resistance genes, and virulence genes in P. aeruginosa isolates with different patterns of CRISPR/Cas-elements. We believe that the data presented will contribute to further investigations in the field of bacterial pathoadaptability, including antimicrobial resistance and the role of CRISPR/Cas systems in the plasticity of the P. aeruginosa genome.
Unpuzzling Friunavirus-Host Interactions One Piece at a Time: Phage Recognizes Acinetobacter pittii via a New K38 Capsule Depolymerase
Authors: Domingues Rita , Barbosa Ana , Santos Sílvio B. , Pires Diana Priscila , Save Jonathan , Resch Grégory , Azeredo Joana , Oliveira Hugo
Published: October 2021

Acinetobacter pittii is a species that belong to the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii complex, increasingly recognized as major nosocomial bacterial pathogens, often associated with multiple drug-resistances. The capsule surrounding the bacteria represents a main virulence factor, helping cells avoid phage predation and host immunity. Accordingly, a better understanding of the phage infection mechanisms is required to efficiently develop phage therapy against Acinetobacter of different capsular types. Here, we report the isolation of the novel A. pittii-infecting Fri1-like phage vB_Api_3043-K38 (3043-K38) of the Podoviridae morphotype, from sewage samples. Its 41,580 bp linear double-stranded DNA genome harbours 53 open reading frames and 302 bp of terminal repeats. We show that all studied Acinetobacter Fri1-like viruses have highly similar genomes, which differentiate only at the genes coding for tailspike, likely to adapt to different host receptors. The isolated phage 3043-K38 specifically recognizes an untapped Acinetobacter K38 capsule type via a novel tailspike with K38 depolymerase activity. The recombinant K38 depolymerase region of the tailspike (center-end region) forms a thermostable trimer, and quickly degrades capsules. When the K38 depolymerase is applied to the cells, it makes them resistant to phage predation. Interestingly, while K38 depolymerase treatments do not synergize with antibiotics, it makes bacterial cells highly susceptible to the host serum complement. In summary, we characterized a novel phage-encoded K38 depolymerase, which not only advances our understanding of phage-host interactions, but could also be further explored as a new antibacterial agent against drug-resistant Acinetobacter.
Detection of Residual Antibiotics and Their Differential Distribution in Broiler Chicken Tissues Using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Authors: El Tahir Yasmin , Elshafie Elshafie I. , Asi Muhammad Nadeem , Al-Kharousi Kaadhia , Al Toobi Al Ghalya , Al-Wahaibi Yahya , Al-Marzooqi Waleed
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to estimate the residue levels of five commonly used antibiotics in poultry tissue samples using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 200 samples that comprised breast and liver (100 each) were collected from five poultry farms randomly selected from Muscat regions. The samples were analyzed for enrofloxacin (ENR), gentamicin (GEN), oxytetracycline (OTC), sulfamethazine (SMZ), and tylosin (TYL) residue concentrations. Comparisons of antibiotic residues between breast and liver of chickens under investigations showed a significant difference of ENR, GEN, OTC, SMZ, and TYL residue concentrations (p < 0.05). The highest antibiotic residue concentrations reported in the chicken liver were TYL, GEN, OTC, SMZ, and ENR, respectively. The lowest residual antibiotic concentrations observed in the chicken breast were TYL, GEN, OTC, SMZ, and ENR, respectively. Furthermore, the Kruskal–Wallis statistical test revealed a significant difference between the five antibiotic concentrations in both breast (H (4) = 54.69, p < 0.05) and liver (H (4) = 44.36, p < 0.05). A follow up of this finding by Bonferroni correction for both breast and liver samples revealed a significant difference for the breast sample between the concentration of ENR residue, and the concentration of residues for of both OTC and TYL (p < 0.05). These data show that not all tissues incorporate antibiotics at the same concentration. The results of this study could support regulatory bodies in adopting, monitoring, and enforcing guidelines pertinent to safety levels of different antibiotic residue concentrations in poultry meat when antibiotics are used for different indications.
Cold Tolerance during the Reproductive Phase in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Is Associated with Superior Cold Acclimation Ability Involving Antioxidants and Cryoprotective Solutes in Anthers and Ovules
Authors: Rani Anju , Kiran Asha , Sharma Kamal Dev , Prasad P. V. Vara , Jha Uday C. , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Nayyar Harsh
Published: October 2021

Chickpea is sensitive to cold stress, especially at reproductive stage, resulting in flower and pod abortion that significantly reduces seed yield. In the present study, we evaluated (a) whether cold acclimation imparts reproductive cold tolerance in chickpea; (b) how genotypes with contrasting sensitivity respond to cold acclimation; and (c) the involvement of cryoprotective solutes and antioxidants in anthers and ovules in cold acclimation. Four chickpea genotypes with contrasting cold sensitivity (cold-tolerant: ICC 17258, ICC 16349; cold-sensitive: ICC 15567, GPF 2) were grown in an outdoor environment for 40 days in November (average maximum/minimum temperature 24.9/15.9 °C) before being subjected to cold stress (13/7 °C), with or without cold acclimation in a controlled environment of walk-in-growth chambers. The 42-d cold acclimation involved 7 d exposure at each temperature beginning with 23/15 °C, 21/13 °C, 20/12 °C, 20/10 °C, 18/8 °C, 15/8 °C (12 h/12 h day/night), prior to exposing the plants to cold stress (13/7 °C, 12 h/12 h day/night; 700 μmol m−2 s−1 light intensity; 65–70% relative humidity). Cold acclimation remarkably reduced low temperature-induced leaf damage (as membrane integrity, leaf water status, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic pigments, and chlorophyll fluorescence) under cold stress in all four genotypes. It only reduced anther and ovule damage in cold-tolerant genotypes due to improved antioxidative ability, measured as enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) and non-enzymatic (ascorbate and reduced glutathione), solutes (particularly sucrose and γ-aminobutyric acid) leading to improving reproductive function and yield traits, whereas cold-sensitive genotypes were not responsive. The study concluded that cold tolerance in chickpea appears to be related to the better ability of anthers and ovules to acclimate, involving various antioxidants and cryoprotective solutes. This information will be useful in directing efforts toward increasing cold tolerance in chickpea.
Production of Carbon Black in Turbulent Spray Flames of Coal Tar Distillates
Authors: Rodriguez-Fernandez Helena , Dasappa Shruthi , Sabado Kaylin Dones , Camacho Joaquin
Published: October 2021

Conventional carbon black production occurs by pyrolysis after heavy aromatic feedstock is injected into the post-combustor region of furnace black reactors. The current work examines the conversion of the coal tar distillate in turbulent spray flames to demonstrate a more compact reactor configuration. Coal tar distillates diluted in toluene is atomized and burned in a standardized flame spray synthesis configuration, known as SpraySyn. Flame conditions are characterized by thermocouple, soot pyrometry and image analysis and product particle properties are examined by TEM and Raman spectroscopy. The measured flame temperature corresponds to the range of temperatures used in the furnace black process, but the current synthesis includes oxidizing conditions and faster residence times. The resulting carbon black particles are aggregates with primary particle sizes on the small end of the carbon black size spectrum, according to analysis of TEM images. Carbon black, formed under a range of flame temperatures, show Raman spectra with features resembling typical carbon black materials. Conversion of coal tar distillate to carbon black by direct flame synthesis may be a scalable method to produce high-surface area grades without a conventional pyrolysis reactor stage.
Machine Learning Based on Resampling Approaches and Deep Reinforcement Learning for Credit Card Fraud Detection Systems
Authors: Dang Tran Khanh , Tran Thanh Cong , Tuan Luc Minh , Tiep Mai Viet
Published: October 2021

The problem of imbalanced datasets is a significant concern when creating reliable credit card fraud (CCF) detection systems. In this work, we study and evaluate recent advances in machine learning (ML) algorithms and deep reinforcement learning (DRL) used for CCF detection systems, including fraud and non-fraud labels. Based on two resampling approaches, SMOTE and ADASYN are used to resample the imbalanced CCF dataset. ML algorithms are, then, applied to this balanced dataset to establish CCF detection systems. Next, DRL is employed to create detection systems based on the imbalanced CCF dataset. The diverse classification metrics are indicated to thoroughly evaluate the performance of these ML and DRL models. Through empirical experiments, we identify the reliable degree of ML models based on two resampling approaches and DRL models for CCF detection. When SMOTE and ADASYN are used to resampling original CCF datasets before training/test split, the ML models show very high outcomes of above 99% accuracy. However, when these techniques are employed to resample for only the training CCF datasets, these ML models show lower results, particularly in terms of logistic regression with 1.81% precision and 3.55% F1 score for using ADASYN. Our work reveals the DRL model is ineffective and achieves low performance, with only 34.8% accuracy.
Effects of Running Speed on Coupling between Pantograph of High-Speed Train and Tunnel Based on Aerodynamics and Multi-Body Dynamics Coupling
Authors: Ji Zhanling , Guo Yi , Guo Dilong , Yang Guowei , Liu Yubiao
Published: October 2021

(1) Background: The ratio of railway tunnel to line is larger, which produces tunnel entrance and exit effect, aerodynamic resistance, and sudden pressure changes. When the train passes through the tunnels at high-speed, the interaction between the pantograph on it and its surrounding air intensifies and the coupling effects between the pantograph and tunnel become more significant; (2) Methods: A coupling method between aerodynamics and multi-body dynamics is proposed based on hybrid meshing and grid motion. The layered grid motion method is combined with the viscous mesh deformation method with swift, effective data exchange. The significant coupling effects between the pantograph and tunnel are revealed; (3) Results: The influence laws and evolution mechanism of running speed as it affects important service characteristics and behaviors of the pantograph are accurately quantified. Noteworthy factors include the temporal characteristics of panhead aerodynamic lift, the contact force between the pantograph and catenary, vertical displacement and acceleration of the contact strip, the phase diagram of the contact strip, and various frequency-domain characteristics. The action mechanism of running speed on the coupling effect between the pantograph and tunnel is comprehensively and accurately revealed by the proposed method; (4) Conclusions: The larger service characteristics amplitudes of the high-speed pantograph appear at low frequencies and are not multiple frequencies of the basic frequency. By comparisons, the coupling calculation results are closer to the test results than the non-coupling results regardless of the maximum, minimum, or mean.
Aspirin Exerts Synergistic Effect with Anti-Fas Stimulation against Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells In Vitro
Authors: Szaryńska Magdalena , Olejniczak-Kęder Agata , Zubrzycki Adrian , Wardowska Anna , Kmieć Zbigniew
Published: October 2021

Cancer cells, especially cancer stem cells (CSCs), are known for their therapeutic resistance and ability to induce a cancer relapse even many years after successful treatment. The quest for a novel protocol utilizing some commonly used non-oncologic drugs that would improve patients outcomes seems to be the right solution. Aspirin (ASA) is one of such eminent drugs. Our study demonstrated that ASA may exert synergistic effect with the anti-Fas antibody on CSCs of colorectal cancer cell lines. We found that such compound treatment inhibited the pro-cancerous effect of anti-Fas stimulation and decreased spherogenicity, survival and CD133-positive cells’ count. Additionally, ASA with anti-Fas antibody may have a positive impact on dendritic cells’ functions. Our innovative study explored simultaneous usage of two biologically active compounds which haven’t been considered in such combination to assess their significance in colorectal cancer cell biology.
Failure Analysis of a Concrete Anchor under Severe Seismic Action
Authors: Rhee Inkyu , Chun Nakhyun , Kim Jae-Min
Published: October 2021

We explored the usage of a response modification factor and overstrength factor for analyzing brittle or ductile failure of anchor system. Parametric studies on the tension and shear behaviors of anchor systems were compared in terms of elastic and ductile design using tuned Gyeongju earthquake data (ca. 0.3 g). We evaluated the yields of concrete anchors in terms of ductile failure and reviewed the various anchors, anchor attachments, and facilities and equipment that ensure anchor safety and functionality. The pseudo-static pushover test and elastic/inelastic dynamic tests revealed that a ductile design reduces the seismic demand relatively efficiently. As the DS-0050 design standards are based on strength design, no displacement limit for non-structural facilities/equipment is imposed. Despite the advantages of ductile design, large displacements of equipment or facilities during seismic action can cause permanent deformation and fall-out of major compartments; also, rapid functional recovery may be difficult. Thus, displacement limits for non-structural equipment or facilities should be included in the design code.
A Discrete Model of Rock-Soil Medium Response in the Determination of Horizontal Strain Values
Authors: Sroka Anton , Misa Rafał , Tajduś Krzysztof , Dudek Mateusz , Jiang Yue , Jiang Yan , Mrocheń Dawid
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a method for determining the standard deviation and variation coefficient for both the predicted and measured values of horizontal strain that were caused by underground mining operations. The solution was based on a discrete model of the rock–soil medium response to the effects of mining operations. The “elementary horizontal strain increment” variable was random and could be described using the normal distribution. It was also assumed that the average horizontal strain values could be described using the solution given by Budryk and Knothe. The obtained solution allows for a much more comprehensive analysis of the results of deformation forecasts that are obtained with a view toward the protection of buildings that are located on the surface.
Measuring System Design and Experiment for Ground Pressure on Seeding Skateboard of Rice Direct Seeding Machine
Authors: Gao Yuan , Zhang Guozhong , Wang Hongchang , Salem Abouelnadar , Fu Jianwei , Zhou Yong
Published: October 2021

Acquiring real-time ground pressure measurements from the surface of the soil in working parts of paddy fields is a challenging task. The real-time data can be used to monitor the changing state of the ground pressure of the working parts in a paddy field. To effectively reduce the accumulation of choked mud at the front end of the seeding skateboard and the contact adhesion between the skateboard and the paddy soil, a ground pressure measuring device suitable for paddy fields was designed. The device uses an Arduino controller, combined with Internet of things technology and wireless measurement technology. It can measure the pressure from 16 measuring points at the same time and transmit the measurement data to the computer remotely through the Internet of things technology, which greatly reduces the labor intensity of measuring personnel in the muddy paddy field. Analysis of the data showed that the forward tilt angle, ground pressure, and forward resistance of the seeding skateboard also increased with the increase of forward speed and vertical load. In addition, the distribution law of the ground pressure between the skateboard and the paddy soil was obtained. The conclusions show that the ground pressure measurement system can work stably in the paddy field and the measured data can be wirelessly transmitted to the computer and mobile phone.