bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of ram sperm rheotaxis analysed by microfluidics for fertility
Authors: Abdel‐Ghani Mohammed A. , El‐sherry Timor , Mahmoud Gamal , Nagano Masashi
Published: August 2020

Rheotaxis of sperm using a microfluidic device was explored in human, mice and bull. However, the rheotaxis of ram sperm and its role in fertility are unknown. Herein, we described the sperm rheotaxis in ram using microfluidic devices and focused on rheotaxis as potential markers of in vivo fertility. Computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA) with controlled flow velocity was used to explore the kinematic parameters of sperm, total motility and positive rheotaxis (PR). The percentage of PR was defined as the number of PR sperm cells over the number of motile sperm cells. Then, according to the percentage of PR sperm, rams were classified into two groups; sperm with ≥40% PR and <40% PR, although the two ram groups showed similar total motility and kinematic values of sperm evaluated by CASA (p > .05). Two groups of rams mated one hundred thirty ewes naturally (10 ewes/ram). In the results, the pregnancy rate was higher in ≥40% PR (94.4%) than in <40% PR (42.5%, p < .05) after natural mating. Besides, the pregnancy loss was higher in <40% PR (33.3%) than in >40% PR group (8.1%, p < .05). In conclusion, the PR examination in semen can contribute to evaluate the reproductive performance of ram that will provide valuable insights into the semen evaluation.
Remote monitoring system as a tool for calving management in Mediterranean Buffalo heifers (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Rossi Emanuela , Ferri Nicola , Crociati Martina , Monaci Maurizio , Stradaioli Giuseppe , Sylla Lakamy
Published: August 2020

Buffalo breeding is common in Southern Italy. Dystocia compromises dam's and newborn health and welfare. Difficult parturition could be solved through prompt calving assistance, even if the identification of the beginning of delivery is challenging. Herein, we aimed to evaluate a remote calving alarm system in 15 Mediterranean buffalo heifers. An intravaginal probe was placed close to the external cervical os once premonitory signs of delivery were observed. No vaginal discharge nor signs of discomfort were notified in the days following the insertion of the probe. Heifers calved from 48 to 72 hr after the alarm was activated. The system correctly warned the farm personnel at the beginning of stage II of parturition, except for 2 cases. In the former, the intravaginal probe was expelled but the poor carrier network coverage negatively affected phone's signal quality; in the latter, recurrent vaginal prolapse was responsible for non‐retention of the probe. Overall median expulsive phase was 68 ± 8 min, while the expulsion of a female calf took 54 ± 22.0 min and 90 ± 34.0 min in males, with significant difference (p =.02). Deliveries were homogeneously distributed across a 24‐hr interval. No retention of foetal membranes nor metritis was identified at postpartum clinical examination. The calving alarm system used in this work was well tolerated in buffalo heifers. The introduction of smart technology in buffalo farming could contribute to the overall farm net return by reducing calf losses, especially for calves born from sexed‐sorted semen, and by increasing animal welfare through quick resolution of dystocia. Further studies will be necessary to evaluate the net return in buffalo farms which will implement a remote calving alarm system on a wider population.
Quantifying precipitation extremes and their relationships with large‐scale climate oscillations in a tropical country, Singapore: 1980–2018
Authors: Jiang Rengui , Cao Ruijuan , Lu Xi Xi , Xie Jiancang , Zhao Yong , Li Fawen
Published: August 2020

Extreme precipitation indices (EPIs) were defined to quantify the precipitation extremes in Singapore, a typical tropical country situated near the equator. The paper investigated the spatial and temporal variability of precipitation extremes based on seventeen EPIs using non‐parametric Mann‐Kendall test and Sen’s slope, and further explored the linear and nonlinear relationships between precipitation extremes and four large‐scale global climate oscillations using correlation and wavelet analysis, during the period of 1980–2018 in Singapore. The results indicated that the trends of precipitation extremes varied for different EPIs, regions and stations. Increasing trends dominated thirteen out of seventeen EPIs. The trends of EPIs were scattered and irregularly distributed. The cross‐correlation analysis between different EPIs demonstrated that annual total precipitation on wet days (PRCPTOT) was strongly correlated with other EPIs. The result of composite analysis indicated that El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) exerted stronger impacts on southwest monsoon season (SMS) precipitation than PRCPTOT and northeast monsoon season (NMS) precipitation. The SMS precipitation composite suggested that ENSO created more influence on dry spells than wet spells. The linear and nonlinear relationships revealed that all climate oscillations were negatively correlated with precipitation. The wavelet coherence and phase differences were consistent with the results of correlation analysis, indicating possible prediction of precipitation extremes using climate oscillations as potential predictors.
CropPAL for discovering divergence in protein subcellular location in crops to support strategies for molecular crop breeding
Authors: Hooper Cornelia M. , Castleden Ian R. , Aryamanesh Nader , Black Kylie , Grasso Sally V. , Millar A. Harvey
Published: August 2020

Agriculture faces increasing demand for yield, higher plant‐derived protein content and diversity while facing pressure to achieve sustainability. Although the genomes of many of the important crops have been sequenced, the subcellular locations of most of the encoded proteins remain unknown or are only predicted. Protein subcellular location is crucial in determining protein function and accumulation patterns in plants, and is critical for targeted improvements in yield and resilience. Integrating location data from over 800 studies for 12 major crop species into the cropPAL2020 data collection showed that while >80% of proteins in most species are not localised by experimental data, combining species data or integrating predictions can help bridge gaps at similar accuracy. The collation and integration of over 61 505 experimental localisations and more than 6 million predictions showed that the relative sizes of the protein catalogues located in different subcellular compartments are comparable between crops and Arabidopsis. A comprehensive cross‐species comparison showed that between 50% and 80% of the subcellulomes are conserved across species and that conservation only depends to some degree on the phylogenetic relationship of the species. Protein subcellular locations in major biosynthesis pathways are more often conserved than in metabolic pathways. Underlying this conservation is a clear potential for subcellular diversity in protein location between species by means of gene duplication and alternative splicing. Our cropPAL data set and search platform (https://crop‐pal.org) provide a comprehensive subcellular proteomics resource to drive compartmentation‐based approaches for improving yield, protein composition and resilience in future crop varieties.
Seizure activity following atracurium continuous rate infusion in three mechanically ventilated juvenile dogs
Authors: Donaldson Rebekah E , Cortellini Stefano , Humm Karen
Published: August 2020

Objective

To describe patient recovery in dogs that had undergone mechanical ventilation (MV) and received atracurium as a continuous rate infusion (CRI).

Case series summary

Three dogs were treated with atracurium CRI while mechanically ventilated and were successfully weaned. All were pediatric patients (2‐3 months old) ventilated due to respiratory fatigue and hypoxemia. All dogs experienced seizure activity in the initial 24 h following extubation and were treated with various anticonvulsant protocols; no patients experienced documented seizures after 48 h of discontinuation from MV.

New or unique information provided

All three successfully weaned dogs that had received an atracurium CRI experienced new onset seizures in their recovery from MV. Atracurium use in long‐term MV has not been described previously, and seizures in dogs following atracurium administration has not been described in the clinical setting. Although causation cannot be proven in this case series, atracurium use should be carefully considered and be monitored appropriately when used for a prolonged duration.
Effect of sedation or general anesthesia on elbow goniometry and thoracic limb circumference measurements in dogs with naturally occurring elbow osteoarthritis
Authors: Clarke Emily , Aulakh Karanvir S. , Hudson Caleb , Barnes Katherine , Gines J. Alberto , Liu Chin‐Chi , Aulakh Harmeet K.
Published: August 2020

Objective

To evaluate the effect of sedation or general anesthesia (GA) on elbow goniometry and thoracic limb circumference (TLC) measurements in dogs with elbow osteoarthritis (OA).

Study design

Prospective study.

Animals

Twenty‐four client‐owned dogs with radiographically confirmed elbow OA.

Methods

Elbow goniometry and TLC measurements were made before and after either sedation or GA by using a hand‐held goniometer and spring tension measuring tape, respectively. Observers were not allowed to review their pre‐sedation or pre‐GA measurements at the time of obtaining measurements on dogs under sedation or GA. Mixed analysis of variance models were used to compare elbow goniometry and TLC measurements before and after sedation or GA.

Results

Eleven and thirteen dogs were included in the sedation and GA groups, respectively. Mean elbow flexion decreased by 5° and 3° and mean elbow extension increased by 6° and 2° under sedation and GA, respectively. Total range of motion increased by 11° under sedation and by 5° under GA. Each of these changes was statistically significant (P < .05) except elbow extension under GA (P = .129). Sedation and GA did not influence TLC measurements (P > .05).

Conclusion

Sedation or GA led to slight and similar increase in elbow flexion and extension but did not influence TLC measurements in dogs with elbow OA.

Clinical significance

Sedation or GA can cause slight alterations to goniometric measurements in canine elbows with OA. The protocols used in this study for sedation and GA seem interchangeably acceptable for goniometry and TLC measurements in dogs with elbow OA.
Cooperation of Children and Seniors Through the Lens of Research
Authors: Fuchsová Katarína , Kapová Jana
Published: August 2020

The goal of the authors of this empirical study is to present the results of research on the effectiveness of the intervention program focused on co-educational activities of children and seniors living in social service homes. Program creators and implementers are convinced that the interaction of children and seniors, having different forms and contexts (communication, educational, sports, artistic, work, relaxation, etc.), has the potential to influence inner experience and its subsequent manifestation of behaviour in all participants. Used research tools (Child Mental Health Problems Questionnaire, Rohner’s Personality Assessment Questionnaire for Children, Satisfaction with Life Scale for Old Age) pointed out that the program had a facilitating and developing effect on some psychological characteristics related to the quality of life of participants. In children, there was a reduction in symptoms of problem behaviour and a higher rate of adequate emotional manifestations. In the elderly, there was an increased level of overall subjective satisfaction and reduction of negative emotional manifestations.
University Teachers and Their Reflections on Their Pedagogical Development
Authors: Nekardová Barbora
Published: August 2020

In this paper, I deal with the question of how university teachers perceive and evaluate their pedagogical development. I originate from a qualitative analysis of 9 in-depth semi-structured interviews with teachers from different faculties of Masaryk University who participated in a two-semester educational program aimed at increasing pedagogical competencies organized by the university. The respondents draw attention to the lack of educational opportunities to support pedagogical competencies, identifying several areas in which they would like to develop. That is why they had applied for a program organized by the University. As a part of this program, it wasn‘t the intensive full-time course led by experienced lecturers that teachers evaluated as the best, but a collaboration with a mentor they chose from their colleagues on their own. These findings are discussed in the context of current efforts of higher education institutions to achieve excellence in teaching.
Vzdelávanie dospelých rómov z marginalizovaných komunít
Authors: Temiaková Dominika
Published: August 2020

PIROHOVÁ, I., LUKÁČ, M., LUKÁČOVÁ, S. 2019. Vzdelávanie dospelých Rómov z marginalizovaných komunít. Prešov: Vydavateľstvo Prešovskej univerzity v Prešove. 187 s. ISBN 978-80-555-2318-7.
The Infinitely Expandable Resource
Authors: Siegel R.P.
Published: August 2020

While many engineers look to develop new, clean energy sources, Amory Lovins of the Rocky Mountain Institute has spent 40 years preaching that the cleanest fuel is efficiency. His team’s designs for buildings and vehicles use creative engineering to push the envelope of what’s possible.
An Optimal Self-Report Physical Activity Measure for Older Adults: Does Physical Function Matter?
Authors: Glynn Nancy W. , Meinhardt Alexa J. , LaSorda Kelsea R. , Graves Jessica L. , Gmelin Theresa , Gerger Allison M. , Caserotti Paolo , Boudreau Robert M.
Published: August 2020

The authors compared two self-report measures of physical activity, the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS), against the device-derived SenseWear Armband (SWA), to identify a recommended self-report tool to measure physical activity in older adults across physical function levels. A total of 65 community-dwelling older adults completed the PASE, CHAMPS, and seven full days of SWA wear. The authors measured physical function using the modified short physical performance battery (SPPB) and a usual-paced 6-m walk. Age- and sex-adjusted Spearman correlations showed that CHAMPS and SWA were correlated in higher functioning participants (SPPB: ρ = .33, p = .03; gait speed: ρ = .40, p = .006) and also correlated in lower functioning participants for SPPB (ρ = .70, p = .003) only. PASE and SWA were not significantly correlated across physical function. When an objective measure of physical activity is not practical, the CHAMPS questionnaire appears to capture physical activity for older adults across physical function levels.
Using Self-Determination Theory to Define Pathological Exercise
Authors: Coniglio Kathryn A. , Selby Edward A.
Published: August 2020

Pathological exercise behavior is pervasive in eating disorder psychopathology, yet minimal treatment guidance exists for extinguishing it as little is known about how to differentiate pathological from healthy exercise. The purpose of this study was to characterize pathological exercise in terms of motivation to increase the specificity with which both pathological and healthy exercise is described and to inform treatment interventions. Latent profile analysis characterized homogenous groups based on exercise motivation in two samples: college women (n = 200) and women with eating psychopathology (n = 211). These profiles were compared on levels of eating and general psychopathology and emotion dysregulation. Three profiles emerged describing sedentary, pathological exercise, and athlete groups in the first sample, and five profiles describing neutral, sedentary, weight loss, athlete, and pathological exercise groups emerged in the second sample. Findings indicate that motivation style is salient in defining pathological exercise and may, therefore, be a clinically useful treatment target.
Ten Research Priorities Related to Youth Sport, Physical Activity, and Health
Authors: Howie Erin K. , Guagliano Justin M. , Milton Karen , Vella Stewart A. , Gomersall Sjaan R. , Kolbe-Alexander Tracy L. , Richards Justin , Pate Russell R.
Published: August 2020

Background: Sport has been identified as one of the 7 best investments for increasing physical activity levels across the life span. Several questions remain on how to effectively utilize youth sport as a strategy for increasing physical activity and improving health in youth. The purpose of this paper is to identify the main research priorities in the areas of youth sport and physical activity for health. Methods: An international expert panel was convened, selected to cover a wide spectrum of topics related to youth sport. The group developed a draft set of potential research priorities, and relevant research was scoped. Through an iterative process, the group reached consensus on the top 10 research priorities. Results: The 10 research priorities were identified related to sport participation rates, physical activity from sport, the contribution of sport to health, and the overall return on investment from youth sport. For each research priority, the current evidence is summarized, key research gaps are noted, and immediate research needs are suggested. Conclusion: The identified research priorities are intended to guide researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to increase the evidence base on which to base the design, delivery, and policies of youth sport programs to deliver health benefits.
Unexpected reproductive fidelity in a polygynous frog
Authors: de Sá Fábio P. , Consolmagno Rafael C. , Muralidhar Pavitra , Brasileiro Cinthia A. , Zamudio Kelly R. , Haddad Célio F. B.
Published: August 2020

Single-male polygyny with reproductive fidelity is documented across animals, but it was not fully demonstrated for any amphibian.
Fluoroalkylation promotes cytosolic peptide delivery
Authors: Rong Guangyu , Wang Changping , Chen Lijie , Yan Yang , Cheng Yiyun
Published: August 2020

Fluorination significantly promotes the cytosolic delivery of various cargo peptides.
Forward genetics identifies a novel sleep mutant with sleep state inertia and REM sleep deficits
Authors: Banks Gareth T. , Guillaumin Mathilde C. C. , Heise Ines , Lau Petrina , Yin Minghui , Bourbia Nora , Aguilar Carlos , Bowl Michael R. , Esapa Chris , Brown Laurence A. , Hasan Sibah , Tagliatti Erica , Nicholson Elizabeth , Bains Rasneer Sonia , Wells Sara , Vyazovskiy Vladyslav V. , Volynski Kirill , Peirson Stuart N. , Nolan Patrick M.
Published: August 2020

A noninvasive sleep screen uncovers a
Vamp2
mouse mutation with synaptic deficits underlying substantial sleep disturbances.
A durable nanomesh on-skin strain gauge for natural skin motion monitoring with minimum mechanical constraints
Authors: Wang Yan , Lee Sunghoon , Yokota Tomoyuki , Wang Haoyang , Jiang Zhi , Wang Jiabin , Koizumi Mari , Someya Takao
Published: August 2020

A thin, soft nanomesh strain gauge enables natural skin motion monitoring with minimum mechanical constraints.
TRIBE editing reveals specific mRNA targets of eIF4E-BP in
Drosophila
and in mammals
Authors: Jin Hua , Xu Weijin , Rahman Reazur , Na Daxiang , Fieldsend Allegra , Song Wei , Liu Shaobo , Li Chong , Rosbash Michael
Published: August 2020

We used a relatively new method, HyperTRIBE, to identify in vivo RNA targets of the translation inhibitor 4E-BP.
Genetic ultrasonic biosensor for picturing proteases
Authors: Airan Raag
Published: August 2020

A genetically encoded biosensor allows noninvasive imaging of protease activity using ultrasound.
A gut feeling to stress enhances neutrophil-mediated vascular occlusion
Authors: Giannarelli Chiara
Published: August 2020

Psychological stress alters T
H
17 cell response to gut microbiome and triggers acute vascular-occlusion induced by aged-neutrophils in sickle cell disease.
Impact on Multiple Antibiotic Pathways Reveals MtrA as a Master Regulator of Antibiotic Production inStreptomycesspp. and Potentially in Other Actinobacteria
Authors: Zhu Yanping , Zhang Peipei , Zhang Jing , Wang Jiao , Lu Yinhua , Pang Xiuhua
Published: August 2020

In natural environments, the ability to produce antibiotics helps the producing host to compete with surrounding microbes. InStreptomyces, increasing evidence suggests that the regulation of antibiotic production is complex, involving multiple regulatory factors. The regulatory factor MtrA is known to have additional roles beyond controlling development, and using bioassays, transcriptional studies, and DNA-binding assays, our study identified MtrA recognition sequences within multiple antibiotic pathways and indicated that MtrA directly controls the production of multiple antibiotics. Our analyses further suggest that this role of MtrA is evolutionarily conserved inStreptomycesspecies, as well as in other actinobacterial species, and also suggest that MtrA is a major regulatory factor in antibiotic production and in the survival of actinobacteria in nature.
Transcriptional Downregulation of a Type III Secretion System under Reducing Conditions in Bordetella pertussis
Authors: Goto Masataka , Hanawa Tomoko , Abe Akio , Kuwae Asaomi
Published: August 2020

The type III secretion system (T3SS) of
Bordetella pertussis
forms a needlelike structure that protrudes from the bacterial cell surface.
B. pertussis
uses a T3SS to translocate virulence proteins called effectors into host cells. The culture conditions for effector production in
B. pertussis
have not been investigated. We attempted to optimize culture medium compositions for producing and secreting type III secreted proteins. We found that
B. pertussis
secretes type III secreted proteins in reducing agent-deprived liquid medium and that BteA-secreting
B. pertussis
provokes cytotoxicity against cultured mammalian cells. These results suggest that redox signaling is involved in the regulation of
B. pertussis
T3SS.
Optimized Pseudotyping Conditions for the SARS-COV-2 Spike Glycoprotein
Authors: Johnson Marc C. , Lyddon Terri D. , Suarez Reinier , Salcedo Braxton , LePique Mary , Graham Maddie , Ricana Clifton , Robinson Carolyn , Ritter Detlef G.
Published: August 2020

In work with pathogenic viruses, it is useful to have rapid quantitative tests for viral infectivity that can be performed without strict biocontainment restrictions. A common way of accomplishing this is to generate viral pseudoparticles that contain the surface glycoprotein from the pathogenic virus incorporated into a replication-defective viral particle that contains a sensitive reporter system. These pseudoparticles enter cells using the glycoprotein from the pathogenic virus, leading to a readout for infection. Conditions that block entry of the pathogenic virus, such as neutralizing antibodies, will also block entry of the viral pseudoparticles. However, viral glycoproteins often are not readily suited for generating pseudoparticles. Here, we describe a series of modifications that result in the production of relatively high-titer SARS-COV-2 pseudoparticles that are suitable for the detection of neutralizing antibodies from COVID-19 patients.
Baculovirus Transduction in Mammalian Cells Is Affected by the Production of Type I and III Interferons, Which Is Mediated Mainly by the cGAS-STING Pathway
Authors: Amalfi Sabrina , Molina Guido Nicolás , Bevacqua Romina Jimena , López María Gabriela , Taboga Oscar , Alfonso Victoria
Published: August 2020

Baculoviruses are nonpathogenic viruses that infect mammals, which, among other applications, are used as vehicles for gene delivery. Here, we demonstrated that the cytosolic DNA sensor cGAS recognizes baculoviral DNA and that the cGAS-STING axis is primarily responsible for the attenuation of transduction in human and mouse cell lines through type I and type III IFNs. Furthermore, we identified DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) as a cGAS-independent and alternative DNA cytosolic sensor that contributes less to the antiviral state in baculovirus infection in human epithelial cells than cGAS. Knowledge of the pathways involved in the response of mammalian cells to baculovirus infection will improve the use of this vector as a tool for gene therapy.
MARTX Toxin-Stimulated Interplay between Human Cells and Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Kim Byoung Sik , Kim Jong-Hwan , Choi Sanghyeon , Park Shinhye , Lee Eun-Young , Koh Serry , Ryu Choong-Min , Kim Seon-Young , Kim Myung Hee
Published: August 2020

V. vulnificus
is an opportunistic human pathogen that can cause life-threatening sepsis in immunocompromised patients via seafood poisoning or wound infection. Among the toxic substances produced by this pathogen, the MARTX toxin greatly contributes to disease progression by promoting the dysfunction and death of host cells, which allows the bacteria to disseminate and colonize the host. In response to this, host cells mount a counterattack against the invaders by upregulating various defense genes. In this study, the gene expression profiles of both host cells and
V. vulnificus
were analyzed by RNA sequencing to gain a comprehensive understanding of host-pathogen interactions. Our results suggest that
V. vulnificus
uses the MARTX toxin to subvert host cell immune responses as well as to oppose host counterattacks such as iron limitation.
Obesity susceptible novel DNA methylation marker on regulatory region of inflammation gene: results from the Korea Epigenome Study (KES)
Authors: Koh In-Uk , Choi Nak-Hyeon , Lee Kibaick , Yu Ho-Yeong , Yun Jun Ho , Kong Jin-Hwa , Kim Hyo Jin , Lee Song , Kim Song Cheol , Kim Bong-Jo , Moon Sanghoon
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Obesity is growing global health concern and highly associated with increased risk of metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes. We aimed to discover new differential DNA methylation patterns predisposing obesity and prioritize surrogate epigenetic markers in Koreans.

Research design and methods

We performed multistage epigenome-wide analyses to identify differentially expressed CpGs in obesity using the Illumina HumanMethylationEPIC array (EPIC). Forty-eight CpGs showed significant differences across three phases: 902 whole blood DNAs from two cohorts (phase 1: n=450, phase 2: n=377) and a hospital-based sample (phase 3: n=75). Samples from phase III participants were used to examine whether the 48 CpGs are significant in the fat tissue and influenced gene expression. Furthermore, we investigated the epigenetic effect of CpG loci in childhood obesity (n=94).

Results

Seven of the 48 CpGs exhibited similar changes in the fat tissue along with gene expression changes. In particular, hypomethylated CpG (cg13424229) on the GATA1 transcription factor cluster of CPA3 promoter was related to its increased gene expression and showed consistent effect in childhood obesity. Interestingly, subsequent analysis using RNA sequencing data from 21 preadipocytes and 26 adipocytes suggested CPA3 as a potential obesity-related gene. Moreover, expression patterns from RNA sequencing and public Gene Expression Omnibus showed the correlation between CPA3 and type 2 diabetes (T2D) and asthma.

Conclusions

Our finding prioritizes influential genes in obesity and provides new evidence for the role of CPA3 linking obesity, T2D, and asthma.
Efficient elimination of primary B-ALL cells in vitro and in vivo using a novel 4-1BB-based CAR targeting a membrane-distal CD22 epitope
Authors: Velasco-Hernandez Talia , Zanetti Samanta Romina , Roca-Ho Heleia , Gutierrez-Aguera Francisco , Petazzi Paolo , Sánchez-Martínez Diego , Molina Oscar , Baroni Matteo Libero , Fuster Jose Luis , Ballerini Paola , Bueno Clara , Fernandez-Fuentes Narcis , Engel Pablo , Menendez Pablo
Published: August 2020

Background

There are few therapeutic options available for patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) relapsing as CD19– either after chemotherapy or CD19-targeted immunotherapies. CD22-chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells represent an attractive addition to CD19-CAR T cell therapy because they will target both CD22+CD19– B-ALL relapses and CD19– preleukemic cells. However, the immune escape mechanisms from CD22-CAR T cells, and the potential contribution of the epitope binding of the anti-CD22 single-chain variable fragment (scFv) remain understudied.

Methods

Here, we have developed and comprehensively characterized a novel CD22-CAR (clone hCD22.7) targeting a membrane-distal CD22 epitope and tested its cytotoxic effects against B-ALL cells both in in vitro and in vivo assays.

Results

Conformational epitope mapping, cross-blocking, and molecular docking assays revealed that the hCD22.7 scFv is a high-affinity binding antibody which specifically binds to the ESTKDGKVP sequence, located in the Ig-like V-type domain, the most distal domain of CD22. We observed efficient killing of B-ALL cells in vitro, although the kinetics were dependent on the level of CD22 expression. Importantly, we show an efficient in vivo control of patients with B-ALL derived xenografts with diverse aggressiveness, coupled to long-term hCD22.7-CAR T cell persistence. Remaining leukemic cells at sacrifice maintained full expression of CD22, ruling out CAR pressure-mediated antigen loss. Finally, the immunogenicity capacity of this hCD22.7-scFv was very similar to that of other CD22 scFv previously used in adoptive T cell therapy.

Conclusions

We report a novel, high-affinity hCD22.7 scFv which targets a membrane-distal epitope of CD22. 4-1BB-based hCD22.7-CAR T cells efficiently eliminate clinically relevant B- CD22high and CD22low ALL primary samples in vitro and in vivo. Our study supports the clinical translation of this hCD22.7-CAR as either single or tandem CD22–CD19-CAR for both naive and anti-CD19-resistant patients with B-ALL.
Complex intragene deletion leads to oculocutaneous albinism in tanuki (Japanese raccoon dog)
Authors: Mae Yuji , Nagara Kenji , Miyazaki Manabu , Katsura Yukako , Enomoto Yuki , Koga Akihiko
Published: August 2020

Tanuki (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus), or Japanese raccoon dog, is a canine native to Japan. Tanuki with complete oculocutaneous albinism are relatively frequent in mountainous areas of mainland Japan. Tyrosinase, which is encoded by the TYR gene, is an enzyme essential for the biosynthesis of melanin pigment. We examined the structure and nucleotide sequence of TYR in an albino tanuki and found that the third exon was removed due to a deletion of approximately 11 kb. In addition, two nonsynonymous nucleotide substitutions were found in the fifth exon. These mutations are possible causes of the albino phenotype; however, the order of occurrence is unclear. Even if the 11-kb deletion was not the first of these mutations, it is considered to cause a total loss of the tyrosinase function because the third exon carries codons for one of the two copper-binding sites of tyrosinase and these sites are essential for the enzyme function. Intriguingly, the deletion was not a simple removal of an 11-kb segment: an internal portion was retained as a segment in the reverse orientation. We propose possible formation processes for this mutation that involve multiple DNA scission events, or an inversion followed by a deletion.
Equilibrium, radial stability and non-adiabatic gravitational collapse of anisotropic neutron stars
Authors: Pretel Juan M. Z.
Published: August 2020

In this work we construct families of anisotropic neutron stars for an equation of state compatible with the constraints of the gravitational-wave event GW170817 and for four anisotropy ansatze. Such stars are subjected to a radial perturbation in order to study their stability against radial oscillations and we develop a dynamical model to describe the non-adiabatic gravitational collapse of the unstable anisotropic configurations whose ultimate fate is the formation of a black hole. We find that the standard criterion for radial stability$$dM/d\rho _c >0$$dM/dρc>0is not always compatible with the calculation of the oscillation frequencies for some anisotropy ansatze, and each anisotropy parameter is constrained taking into account the recent restriction of maximum mass of neutron stars. We further generalize the TOV equations within a non-adiabatic context and we investigate the dynamical behaviour of the equation of state, heat flux, anisotropy factor and mass function as an unstable anisotropic star collapses. After obtaining the evolution equations we recover, as a static limit, the background equations.
Minimal coupling in presence of non-metricity and torsion
Authors: Delhom Adrià
Published: August 2020

We deal with the question of what it means to define a minimal coupling prescription in presence of torsion and/or non-metricity, carefully explaining while the naive substitution$$\partial \rightarrow \nabla $$∂→∇introduces extra couplings between the matter fields and the connection that can be regarded as non-minimal in presence of torsion and/or non-metricity. We will also investigate whether minimal coupling prescriptions at the level of the action (MCPL) or at the level of field equations (MCPF) lead to different dynamics. To that end, we will first write the Euler–Lagrange equations for matter fields in terms of the covariant derivatives of a general non-Riemannian space, and derivate the form of the associated Noether currents and charges. Then we will see that if the minimal coupling prescriptions is applied as we discuss, for spin 0 and 1 fields the results of MCPL and MCPF are equivalent, while for spin 1/2 fields there is a difference if one applies the MCPF or the MCPL, since the former leads to charge violation.
Experimental and Numerical Study on Free Vibration of Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Composite Plates
Authors: Patel Asha , Das Rahul , Sahu Shishir Kumar
Published: August 2020

The effects of different percentages of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) on natural frequencies of polymer composite plates of varying edge-to-thickness ratio, aspect ratio and boundary conditions at ambient temperature are investigated experimentally and numerically. Conventional hand lay-up technique is used to prepare the MWCNT polymer composite plates with different percentages of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) mixed to the polymer. The elastic properties are determined experimentally by conducting uniaxial tensile test in the universal testing machine INSTRON 8862 as per ASTM D-3039. A set of experiments were conducted for the natural frequencies of vibration of MWCNT composite plates using the Bruel and Kjaer Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analyzer with pulse platform. Detailed parametric studies are carried out to determine the effect of weight fraction of CNTs, aspect ratios, edge-to-thickness ratios and boundary conditions on the natural frequency of composite plates. Numerical solutions were obtained by the commercial finite element method (FEM) package ABAQUS. A simulation model is developed using the same geometrical and material properties determined experimentally from which the frequency responses are obtained. The simulation results are found to be consistent with the experimental ones. The results obtained showed an increase in elastic properties and natural frequencies up to 0.3 wt.% of MWCNT and decrease thereafter for all cases due to agglomeration of CNT in the polymer matrix. The morphology and dispersion of the CNTs in composites at micro level are investigated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to further corroborate the behavior of specimens.
An Eigen-Based Theory For Structure-Dependent Integration Methods for Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis
Authors: Chang Shuenn-Yih
Published: August 2020

An eigen-based theory for structure-dependent integration methods is constructed and it can provide the fundamental basis for the successful development of this type of integration methods. It is proved that a structure-dependent integration method can simultaneously combine unconditional stability and explicit formulation since it is proposed to accurately integrate low-frequency modes while no instability is guaranteed for high-frequency modes. In general, it is promising for solving inertial problems, where the total response is dominated by low-frequency modes. In addition, it can be explicitly and implicitly implemented for time integration although an explicit implementation is of practical significance since it can save many computational efforts due to the combination of unconditional stability and explicit formulation. A typical procedure to develop structure-dependent integration methods is constructed. In general, a coupled equation of motion for a multiple degree of freedom system can be decomposed into a set of uncoupled modal equations of motion by means of an eigen-decomposition technique. Next, an eigen-dependent integration method is developed to solve each modal equation of motion. Consequently, all the eigen-dependent integration methods are combined to form a structure-dependent integration method by employing a reverse procedure of the eigen-decomposition technique.
Review of the Research Landscape of Multi-Criteria Evaluation and Benchmarking Processes for Many-Objective Optimization Methods: Coherent Taxonomy, Challenges and Recommended Solution
Authors: Mohammed R. T. , Yaakob R. , Zaidan A. A. , Sharef N. M. , Abdullah R. H. , Zaidan B. B. , Dawood K. A.
Published: August 2020

Evaluation and benchmarking of many-objective optimization (MaOO) methods are complicated. The rapid development of new optimization algorithms for solving problems with many objectives has increased the necessity of developing performance indicators or metrics for evaluating the performance quality and comparing the competing optimization algorithms fairly. Further investigations are required to highlight the limitations of how criteria/metrics are determined and the consistency of the procedures with the evaluation and benchmarking processes of MaOO. A review is conducted in this study to map the research landscape of multi-criteria evaluation and benchmarking processes for MaOO into a coherent taxonomy. Then contentious and challenging issues related to evaluation are highlighted, and the performance of optimization algorithms for MaOO is benchmarked. The methodological aspects of the evaluation and selection of MaOO algorithms are presented as the recommended solution on the basis of four distinct and successive phases. First, in the determination phase, the evaluation criteria of MaOO are collected, classified and grouped for testing experts’ consensus on the most suitable criteria. Second, the identification phase involves the process of establishing a decision matrix via a crossover of the ‘evaluation criteria’ and MaOO’, and the level of importance of each selective criteria and sub-criteria from phase one is computed to identify its weight value by using the best–worst method (BWM). Third, the development phase involves the creation of a decision matrix for MaOO selection on the basis of the integrated BWM and VIKOR method. Last, the validation phase involves the validation of the proposed solution.
Improvement of the end-to-end scene text recognition method for “text-to-speech” conversion
Authors: Makhmudov Fazliddin , Mukhiddinov Mukhriddin , Abdusalomov Akmalbek , Avazov Kuldoshbay , Khamdamov Utkir , Cho Young Im
Published: August 2020

Methods for text detection and recognition in images of natural scenes have become an active research topic in computer vision and have obtained encouraging achievements over several benchmarks. In this paper, we introduce a robust yet simple pipeline that produces accurate and fast text detection and recognition for the Uzbek language in natural scene images using a fully convolutional network and the Tesseract OCR engine. First, the text detection step quickly predicts text in random orientations in full-color images with a single fully convolutional neural network, discarding redundant intermediate stages. Then, the text recognition step recognizes the Uzbek language, including both the Latin and Cyrillic alphabets, using a trained Tesseract OCR engine. Finally, the recognized text can be pronounced using the Uzbek language text-to-speech synthesizer. The proposed method was tested on the ICDAR 2013, ICDAR 2015 and MSRA-TD500 datasets, and it showed an advantage in efficiently detecting and recognizing text from natural scene images for assisting the visually impaired.
The Rise of Social Media in Sport: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: López-Carril Samuel , Escamilla-Fajardo Paloma , González-Serrano Maria Huertas , Ratten Vanessa , González-García Rómulo Jacobo
Published: August 2020

Social media has revolutionized the sports industry by changing the way athletes, coaches, clubs, federations, sport companies and other industry actors interact. Although academic interest in the emergence of social media in the context of sports has increased in recent years, these platforms have not been studied from a bibliometric viewpoint. Therefore, this study examined the scientific production of social media in sports using descriptive bibliometric software. The most prolific authors, journals, institutions, number of citations and networks of authorship are identified. From the bibliometric analysis, implications for sport managers and future research directions for social media in sports are stated.
A Numerical Method to Solve Fuzzy Fractional Optimal Control Problems Using Legendre Basis Functions
Authors: Mirvakili M. , Allahviranloo T. , Soltanian F.
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a solution scheme for a class of Fuzzy Fractional Optimal Control Problems (FFOCPs) in Caputo sense is presented using the Legendre basis functions. The control variable will be found so that it minimizes a quadratic performance function. Having the Euler–Lagrange equations for FFOCP and using the distance function, the problem is divided into a couple of parts which are solved in a system of equations and the approximate numerical solution of the equations is obtained. Through two examples, one time invariant and the other time varying, the numerical solutions are presented to show the applicability of the proposed method. Numerical results show that both the state and control variables converge at the end of the intended interval.
On a New Class of Complex Uncertain Sequences Related to the ℓp(Γ) Space
Authors: Debnath Piyali , Tripathy Binod Chandra
Published: August 2020

The aim of this paper is to introduce the complex uncertain sequence space [Formula: see text] related to the [Formula: see text] space. We have introduced the space [Formula: see text] of almost surely, in measure, in mean, in distribution and uniformly almost surely. Also we have studied their different properties.
S-ARMA Model and Wold Decomposition for Covariance Stationary Interval-Valued Time Series Processes
Authors: Sadefo Kamdem Jules , Guemdjo Kamdem Babel Raïssa , Ougouyandjou Carlos
Published: August 2020

The main purpose of this work is to contribute to the study of set-valued random variables by providing a kind of Wold decomposition theorem for interval-valued processes. As the set of set-valued random variables is not a vector space, the Wold decomposition theorem as established in 1938 by Herman Wold is not applicable for them. So, a notion of pseudovector space is introduced and used to establish a generalization of the Wold decomposition theorem that works for interval-valued covariance stationary time series processes. Before this, set-valued autoregressive moving-average (S-ARMA) time series process is defined by taking into account an arithmetical difference between random sets and random real variables.
Structure of long idempotent-sum-free sequences over finite cyclic semigroups
Authors: Wang Guoqing
Published: August 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite cyclic semigroup written additively. An element [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is said to be idempotent if [Formula: see text]. A sequence [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] is called idempotent-sum-free provided that no idempotent of [Formula: see text] can be represented as a sum of one or more terms from [Formula: see text]. We prove that an idempotent-sum-free sequence over [Formula: see text] of length over approximately a half of the size of [Formula: see text] is well structured. This result generalizes the Savchev–Chen Structure Theorem for zero-sum-free sequences over finite cyclic groups.
Fixed point theorems for generalized weak contraction mapping in generating space of b-dislocated metric spaces
Authors: Jain Reena
Published: August 2020

In this paper, the concept of generalized weak contraction mapping in the setting of generating space of [Formula: see text]-dislocated metric space endowed with partial order is introduced and some fixed-point theorems for the mappings in space satisfying the generalized weak contraction are proved. Example is also given in order to justify our main result.
A graph associated to centralizer of elements of a group
Authors: Johari Farangis , Khashyarmanesh Kazem
Published: August 2020

For a given nonabelian finite group [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] denotes the center of [Formula: see text] we introduce a new graph [Formula: see text] associated to the group [Formula: see text] as follows: Take [Formula: see text] as its vertex set and two distinct vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] being adjacent if and only if there exists an element [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] This paper is devoted to investigate the properties of graphs [Formula: see text] and establish some graph theoretical properties. Moreover, we describe the planarity of these graphs when [Formula: see text] Also, we provide some examples of finite nonabelian groups [Formula: see text] with the property that if [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for some group [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] then [Formula: see text]
Investigating Barriers Toward the Implementation of Circular Economy: A Fuzzy CRITIC Approach
Authors: Haleem Abid , Khan Shahbaz , Pundir Harsh , Jain Aarjav , Upadhyay Piyush , Khan Mohd Imran
Published: August 2020

The concept of circular economy (CE) attracts the attention of industries and academia; however, the implementation of CE faces many barriers. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study is to identify and prioritize significant barriers toward the implementation of CE. In order to accomplish these objectives, the barriers of CE implementation are identified through an extensive literature review and finalized through experts’ inputs. After finalizing the barriers, we appropriately applied a fuzzy CRITIC (CRiteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation) approach to prioritize the barriers. Further, the identified barriers are analyzed using the Pareto rule. The results suggest that laws and regulations-related barriers and management-related barriers are the most critical barriers toward the implementation of a circular economy. Further, the lack of environmental laws and regulations, insufficient financial resources, lack of financial incentives and a higher cost related to recycled materials in the supply chain are the most significant barriers in industries. The novelty of this paper is that the identified barriers toward the implementation of CE are generic as well as industry-specific.
Bézier guarding
Authors: Mandad Manish , Campen Marcel
Published: August 2020

We present a mesh generation algorithm for the curvilinear triangulation of planar domains with piecewise polynomial boundary. The resulting mesh consists of regular, injective higher-order triangular elements and precisely conforms with the domain's curved boundary. No smoothness requirements are imposed on the boundary. Prescribed piecewise polynomial curves in the interior, like material interfaces or feature curves, can be taken into account for precise interpolation by the resulting mesh's edges as well. In its core, the algorithm is based on a novel explicit construction of guaranteed injective Bézier triangles with certain edge curves and edge parametrizations prescribed. Due to the use of only rational arithmetic, the algorithm can optionally be performed using exact number types in practice, so as to provide robustness guarantees.