bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Normal and Tangential Force Modeling and Control of Single Crystal Silicon Using Wire Saw Velocity Reciprocation
Authors: Wang Jiabin , Li Shujuan , Liang Lie , Hao Zheng , Liu Feilong
Published: January 2022

Single crystal silicon wafer is widely used as the substrate material for integrated circuits, and the wafer is cut by wire saw with fixed diamond abrasive owning to the wire saw’s narrow kerf, low cutting force. The cutting force changes during the process operation since the wire change motion direction continuously (i.e., reciprocation) in order to effectively leverage the wire, even if the contact length of wire and part and wire saw tension are fixed, leading to wire saw breakage, wafer collapse, and inferior surface roughness. This paper established the model of cutting force that includes normal force and tangential force, and design the controller for regulating the force via wire velocity control, and the controller obtains the relationship between the normal force and commanded wire velocity. A PI controller experimental studies for Single crystal Silicon wafer wire saw machining are conducted. The results show the controller can well regular the cutting force generated when wire saw machines silicon and on that the wire saw machining process with PI control can decrease wafer surface roughness as compared to the cutting process with a constant wire velocity reciprocation.
Causality analysis of CO2 emissions, foreign direct investment, gross domestic product, and energy consumption: Empirical evidence from SAARC countries
Authors: Mozahid Md. Nur , Akter Sharmin , Iqbal Md. Hafiz
Published: January 2022

Over the period 1980-2016, this study looks into the causal relations among CO2 emissions, energy consumption (EC), foreign direct investment (FDI), and gross domestic product (GDP) in SAARC countries. To achieve the research objectives, panel unit root tests, panel cointegration autoregressive distributed lag model, and Granger causality tests are used. In the long-run, income has a positive impact on CO2 emissions, while squared income has a negative impact, confirming the occurrence of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory in SAARC countries. Among all SAARC countries, Bangladesh and Nepal support the pollution haven hypothesis, but India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka support the pollution halo hypothesis. EC has a large positive impact on CO2 emissions across the country. In the long-run, the Granger causality test confirms one-way causation from EC to CO2 emissions and bidirectional causality of FDI and CO2. As a result, these countries might encourage clean energy technology through FDI without jeopardising GDP and environmental quality. This will allow these countries to reduce CO2 emissions to achieve a long-term green GDP and combat global warming.
Origins and breadth of pairwise epistasis in an α-helix of β-lactamase TEM-1
Authors: Birgy André , Roussel Clement , Kemble Harry , Mullaert Jimmy , Panigoni Karine , Chapron Audrey , Magnan Mélanie , Jacquier Hervé , Cocco Simona , Monasson Rémi , Tenaillon Olivier
Published: January 2022

Epistasis affects genome evolution together with our ability to predict individual mutation effects. The mechanistic basis of epistasis remains, however, largely unknown. To quantify and better understand interactions between fitness-affecting mutations, we focus on a 11 amino-acid α-helix of the protein β-lactamase TEM-1, and build a comprehensive library of more than 15,000 double mutants. Analysis of the growth rates of these mutants shows pervasive epistasis, which can be largely explained by a non-linear two-state model, where inactivating, destabilizing, neutral, or stabilizing mutations additively contribute to the phenotype. Hence, most epistatic interactions can be predicted by a non-linear model informed by single-point mutational measurements only. Deviations from the two-state model are consistently found for few pairs of residues, in particular when they are in contact. This result, as well as single-point mutation parameters, can be quantitatively found back through direct-coupling-analysis-based statistical models inferred from homologous sequence data. Our results thus shed light on the existence and the origins of the multiple determinants of the epistatic landscape, even at the level of small structural components of a protein, and suggest that the corresponding constraints shape the entire β-lactamase family.
Leukocyte inflammatory phenotype and function in migraine patients compared with matched non-migraine volunteers: A pilot study
Authors: Li Hongtao , Fu Qiang , Philips Kamaira , Sun Yufei , Faurot Keturah R. , Gaylord Susan A. , Mann John Douglas
Published: January 2022

Background: Migraine is a neurological condition characterized by chronic inflammation. However, not much is known about the potential role of peripheral blood immune cells in the pathophysiology of migraine.Methods: We investigated the status of peripheral blood immune cells of 15 adults with frequent episodic migraines recruited chronologically from a Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT) on Nutrition for Migraine (NCCIH 5R01AT007813-05) and 15 non-migraine, healthy volunteers (control) matched by age, gender, and Body Mass Index (BMI).Continuous variables were presented as means ± standard deviation, and comparisons between patients and healthy volunteers were performed with paired sample t-tests. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics for Window, Version 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) data were processed using FlowJo software (Ashland, OR: Becton, Dickenson and Company; 2019).Results: We observed that migraineurs had significantly higher percentages of classical monocytes (CD14++CD16-) and a significantly lower percentage of non-classical monocytes (CD14+CD16++) in blood circulation, compared to the control group. And the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) level of CD36 on monocyte was significantly lowered in the migraine group. Migraineurs also showed a significantly lower percentage of blood CD3+CD4+ helper T cells and CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells, compared to controls. Both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells displayed lower expression (MFI) of integrin CD18 in migraineurs vs. controls.Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that migraine is associated with dysregulated peripheral immune homeostasis that may play a role in its pathophysiology.
Green Synthesis of rGO-AgNP Composite Using Curcubita Maxima Extract for Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of the Organophosphate Pesticide Chlorpyrifos
Authors: Chinnappa Karthik , Ananthai Punnaivalavan Karuna , Sriniva Pandi Prabha , Bai Caroline Dharmaraj Glory
Published: January 2022

Chlorpyrifos is a broad-spectrum organophosphate pesticide widely used for agricultural and non-agricultural applications that can highly intervene and impact with the ecosystem and affects both biotic and abiotic components. Photocatalytic degradation process using nanoparticles and nanocomposites are more fascinating as they are rapid and efficient than the existing other degradation routes. In this study, Curcubita maxima leaves are used as a novel source for green synthesis of reduced graphene oxide - silver composite in a single pot. Characterization of the novel phyto source driven composite was performed by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopic methods. The assessment of degradation effect of chlorpyrifos by the synthesized nanocomposite was performed. The photocatalytic activity of the composite was demonstrated through two different process as adsorption under room temperature and photocatalysis in the presence of sunlight. Different parameters such as pH, time, photocatalyst dose and pesticide concentration were optimized. The adsorption isotherms governing the photocatalytic adsorption process were investigated to predict the adsorption capacity of the synthesized nanocomposite. In addition, the results of antimicrobial activity of the nanocomposite against gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria and antifungal activity were also been found to be highly promising to utilize this composite for the removal of microbial contaminations in wastewater treatment.
Efficacy of Electromechanical-Assisted Gait Training on Walking Ability and Symmetry After Brain Injury: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Nam Yeon-Gyo , Ko Mun jung , Bok Soo Kyung , Paik Nam-Jong , Lim Chi-Yeon , Lee Jin Won , Kwon Bum Sun
Published: January 2022

Background: Electromechanical-assisted gait training might be one of the most effective interventions to promote motor recovery after brain injury. But many studies still have difficulties to clarify the difference with conventional gait training.Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of electromechanical-assisted gait training compared to conventional gait training on walking ability and symmetry in stroke patients.Methods: Patients with stroke (n = 144) were randomly assigned to control (physical therapist-assisted gait training) and experimental groups (electromechanical gait training). Both types of gait training were performed for 30 minutes each day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Main outcome measures are changes in functional ambulatory category (FAC). Secondary outcomes were walking abilities and walking symmetries of swing time and step length. Results: FAC showed significant improvement after 4 weeks intervention in both groups. Walking abilities showed significant improvement after intervention, but, walking symmetries did not in both groups. According to sub-group analysis of stroke duration of 90 days, FAC and walking abilities in both groups showed significant improvement in subacute group compared to chronic group. However, walking symmetries did not show any significant changes in subacute and chronic group. Swing time asymmetry in the experimental group showed significant improvement in chronic group while it did not in the control group.Conclusion: Electromechanical-assisted gait training by Exowalk® was shown to be as effective as conventional gait training with a physiotherapist. Electromechanical-assisted gait training for four weeks can change gait patterns close to normal by reducing swing time asymmetry in chronic stroke patients.Trial registration: KCT0003411 Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS), Republic of Korea.
The Use of Co-production, Co-design and Co-creation to Mobilise Knowledge in the Management of Health Conditions: A Systematic Review
Authors: Grindell Cheryl , Coates Elizabeth , Croot Liz , O’Cathain Alicia
Published: January 2022

Background Knowledge mobilisation is a term used in healthcare research to describe the process of generating, sharing and using evidence. ‘Co’approaches, such as co-production, co-design and co-creation, have been proposed as a way of overcoming the knowledge to practice gap. There is a need to understand why researchers choose to adopt these approaches, how they achieve knowledge mobilisation in the management of health conditions, and the extent to which knowledge mobilisation is accomplished. Methods Studies that explicitly used the terms co-production, co-design or co-creation to mobilise knowledge in the management of health conditions were included. Web of Science, EMBASE via OvidSP, MEDLINE via OvidSP and CINHAL via EBSCO databases were searched up to April 2021. Quality assessment was carried out using the Joanna Briggs Institute qualitative quality assessment checklist. Pluye and Hong’s seven steps for mixed studies reviews were followed. Data were synthesised using thematic synthesis. Results 24 international studies were included. These were qualitative studies, case studies and study protocols. Key aspects of ‘co’approaches were bringing people together as active and equal partners, valuing all types of knowledge, using creative approaches to understand and solve problems, and using iterative prototyping techniques. Authors articulated mechanisms of action that included developing a shared understanding, identifying and meeting needs, giving everyone a voice and sense of ownership, and creating trust and confidence. They believed these mechanisms could produce interventions that were relevant and acceptable to stakeholders, more useable and more likely to be implemented in healthcare. Varied activities were used to promote these mechanisms such as interviews and creative workshops. There appeared to be a lack of robust evaluation of the interventions produced so little evidence in this review that ‘co’approaches improved the management of health conditions. Conclusion Those using ‘co’approaches believed that they could achieve knowledge mobilisation through a number of mechanisms, but there was no evidence that these led to improved health. The framework of key aspects and mechanisms of ‘co’approaches developed here may help researchers to meet the principles of these approaches. There is a need for robust evaluation to identify whether ‘co’approaches produce improved health outcomes. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020187463
IMPLANT: a new technique for transgene copy number estimation in plants using a single end-point PCR reaction
Authors: De Saeger Jonas , Park Jihae , Thoris Kai , Chung Hoo Sun , Inzé Dirk , Depuydt Stephen
Published: January 2022

Background

Copy number determination is one of the first steps in the characterization of transgenic plant lines. The classical approach to this, Southern blotting, is time-consuming, expensive and requires massive amounts of high-quality genomic DNA. Other PCR-based techniques are either inaccurate, laborious, or expensive.
Results
Here, we propose a new technique, IMPLANT (Insertion of competitive PCR calibrator for copy number estimation), a competitive PCR-based technique in which the competitor (based on an endogenous gene) is also incorporated in the T-DNA, which then gets integrated in the genome together with the gene of interest. As the number of integrated competitor molecules directly corresponds to the number of transgene copies, the transgene copy number can be determined by a single PCR reaction. We demonstrate that the results of this technique closely correspond with those obtained by segregation analysis in Arabidopsis and digital PCR In rice, indicating that it is a powerful alternative for other techniques for copy number determination.
Conclusions

We show that this technique is not only reliable, but is also faster, easier, and cheaper as compared with other techniques. Accurate results are obtained in both Arabidopsis and rice, but this technique can be easily extended to other organisms and as such can be widely adopted in the field of biotechnology.
CYP19A1 Is Regulated by BRD4 and Suppresses Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer Cell Invasion and Proliferation by Decreasing AR Expression
Authors: Chen Xi , Xu Chengdang , Wang Xinan , Yao Yicong , Wu Gnag , Wu Denglong
Published: January 2022

BackgroundCastration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is the final stage of prostate cancer (PCa). Thus far, there is no effective method for CRPC treatment. Androgen and androgen receptor (AR) play a vital role in CRPC occurrence and drug tolerance. Testosterone is the main androgen in males. CYP19A1 can encode aromatase, a key enzyme that can catalyze the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, and may affect both androgen and AR. CYP19A1 may play a role in the occurrence of CRPC; however, the function of CYP19A1 in CRPC remain unclear.MethodsUsing data from public databases and clinical samples, we analyzed the expression of CYP19A1 in PCa and CRPC specimens. In addition, the influence of CYP19A1 on cell invasion and proliferation was detected in vivo and vitro. The affect of BRD4 on CYP19A1 and AR was detected by qRT-PCR and western blot experiments.ResultsWe found that CYP19A1 was downregulated in CRPC samples and cells. CYP19A1 overexpression decreased CRPC cell invasion and proliferation. In addition, CYP19A1 expression was negatively correlated with AR expression. CYP19A1 affected CRPC cell invasion and proliferation ability by suppressing the expression of AR, and this may be attributed to the metabolism of testosterone by CYP19A1. Moreover, the BRD4 inhibitor-JQ1 induced the expression of CYP19A1 and suppressed the expression of AR. Following BRD4 knockdown, CYP19A1 showed a higher expression level, and, AR expression was decreased. ConclusionsIn conclusion, our findings demonstrated that CYP19A1 could reduce CRPC cell invasion and proliferation by targeting AR, and this process could be regulated by BRD4. The BRD4-CYP19A1-AR pathway may be a potential cause of CRPC occurrence. Therefore, CYP19A1 may be a potential therapeutic target for treating CRPC.
Pan-Cancer Analysis Based on Gene Mutation and Epigenetic Modification Explains The Value of HJURP in The Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Li Junwu , Zhang Ronggui , Zhang Weili , Zhang Junyong , Zheng Jun , Zhang Yuanfeng
Published: January 2022

Objective: To analyze expression levels, prognostic value and immune infiltration association of Holliday junction protein (HJURP) as well as its feasibility as a pan-cancer biomarker for different cancers. Methods: The Protter online tool was utilized to obtain the protein structure and localization of HJURP in diverse tumors, then the mutation and methylation of HJURP in tumors were further explored. Thereafter, the mRNA data and clinical characteristics of 33 tumor types from TCGA database were obtained for investigating HJURP levels within different tumor types and different tumor stages and its prognostic relation. Finally, the composition pattern and immune infiltration of HJURP in different tumors were detected in Tumor Immune Estimation Resource. Results: HJURP was abnormally expressed in most of the cancer types and subtypes in TCGA database. Also, it was related to metastasis, tumor stage, and poor prognosis of different cohorts. Moreover, HJURP was related to tumor immune escape through diverse mechanisms, including T cell rejection and methylation within diverse cancers. Besides, the methylation of HJURP was inversely proportional to mRNA expression levels, which mediated the dysfunctional phenotypes of T cells and poor prognosis of different cancer types. Patients with HJURP mutations had a higher tumor mutation load than those with no HJURP mutations. Alternatively, based on this work, HJURP level was related to immune cell infiltration within diverse cancers. Conclusions: HJURP may serve as an oncogenic molecule, and its expression and immune infiltration characteristics can be used as the diagnostic, prognostic marker and therapeutic target.
Effect of Black Seeds (Nigella sativa) on Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Markers in Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice
Authors: Ojueromi Opeyemi Oluwafemi , Oboh Ganiyu , Ademosun Ayokunle
Published: January 2022

N.sativa, a core dietary supplement and food additive in folklore is one of the most broadly studied seed plants in the global nutraceutical sector. Malaria infection impairs the ability of principal cells of the immune system to trigger an efficient inflammatory and immune response. Ninety-six mice weighing (20-25g) were grouped into twelve consisting of eight animals each. The mice were infected with standard inoculum of the strain NK65 P.berghei (chloroquine sensitive) and the percentage parasitemia suppression were evaluated. The individual effect of black seed supplemented diet and its combinatory effect with chloroquine (CQ) were investigated on the glutathione peroxidase(GPx), reduced glutathione(GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), serum immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM), and the hematological parameters (haemoglobin, packed cell volume and red blood cell count) in P.berghei infected mice. The inflammatory cytokines; Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin (IL-6 and IL-10) as well as IgG and IgM were assayed in the serum. The mice temperature and behavioural changes were observed. Infected mice treated with the dietary supplementation of black seed with a percentage inclusion (2.5%, 5% and 10%) showed significantly decreased parasitemia levels (p<0.05) compared with the untreated mice. The result demonstrated a significant suppression in the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, CRP, IL-6) levels and a notable elevation in the anti- inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), antioxidant markers as well as the immunoglobulin levels of the P.berghei-infected mice treated with black seed. The study revealed that black seed enhanced host antioxidant status, modulated inflammatory and immune response by regulating some inflammatory cytokines and immunomodulatory mediators.
Modified Pseudo-Dynamic Bearing Capacity of Shallow Foundations Subjected to Inclined-Eccentric Combined Loading
Authors: Tavakoli Maedeh Akhavan , Fathipour Hessam , Payan Meghdad , Chenari Reza Jamshidi , Ahmadi Hadi
Published: January 2022

Shallow foundations are commonly subjected to simultaneous inclined and eccentric combined loadings exerted by the overlying superstructure and geo-environmental sources. The performance of such footings in seismic-prone areas is a topic of great interest in geotechnical engineering practice. In this paper, a comprehensive parametric study is conducted to evaluate the seismic bearing capacity of shallow strip foundations overlying dry and cohesionless granular soil under the action of vertical-horizontal-moment combined loading. For this purpose, a systematic combination of the lower-bound theorems of the limit analysis, the finite element method, and the nonlinear programming is implemented. The second-order cone programming (SOCP) is adopted for efficient optimization purposes so as to model the actual nonlinear form of the universal Mohr-Coulomb yield function. In addition, the equilibrium equations associated with the combined loading are incorporated into the lower bound formulations. The seismic condition is simulated by the well-established modified pseudo-dynamic approach by accounting for the significant influence of phase difference as well as the primary and shear waves propagation through applying non-uniform inertia forces along the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively. The employed formulations are rigorously validated against a majority of high-quality studies in the literature in the static combined loading condition. The results of the seismic bearing capacity are presented in the forms of spectral responses and failure envelopes for the eccentric and inclined loadings. Accordingly, the influences of non-dimensional frequency, induced seismic acceleration and material damping on the ultimate bearing capacity of eccentrically and obliquely loaded strip footings are thoroughly examined and discussed. The results show that the most critical responses of the shallow foundation are captured in the resonance condition of earthquake excitation. As the seismic intensity decreases and the damping ratio increases, the spectral vertical, horizontal and moment bearing capacities of surface footings become smoother. In addition, the failure envelopes of the shallow foundation subjected to either inclined or eccentric loading significantly shrink with the increase in the earthquake accelerations and decrease in the material damping of the underlying soil mass. The amount of changes in the size of failure envelopes in the normalized V - H and V - M spaces due to the variation of seismic intensity and material damping depends directly on the non-dimensional frequency of the earthquake excitation.
Bacillus siamensis I7B strain as heavy metal quencher and probiotics; isolated from gut of Stolepherous commersonni
Authors: Selta Daniel Raja Femil , BS SABNA , MAHENDRAN RAMASAMY , THANKAPPAN BENCY , MUTHUSAMY GAYATHRI , BALASUBRAMANIAN VINOTH , JAYARAMAN ANGAYARKANNI , kavitha Rangasamy
Published: January 2022

Probiotic products have been administered in food, medicine, dairy and fermentation industry to enhance the beneficial functions in the host. In the present study gut bacteria of stolepherous commersonnii have been isolated and subjected to screening for heavy metal resistance. A potent heavy metal resistant bacterial strain of gut microbiota was subjected to assessment for its probiotic and antioxidant potential. Four bacterial strains namely I7A, I7B, I7C, and I8 were isolated and the strain I7B showed heavy metal resistant potential (upto 20 mg/ml of Cr, Cr, and Pb). The strain I7B showed high sensitivity to Streptomycin (10 μg), low sensitivity to Rifampin (5 μg) and resistant to pencillin (2 μg, 10 μg). Atomic absorption spectrometry studies showed that the I7B strain possess maximum heavy metal (Cu) removal ability of 81.64 % in textile dye effluent and the strain was identified as Bacillus siamensis by 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies. Hence I7B strain was named as Bacillus siamensis I7B and has been submitted in NCBI with accession number MN404539. Bacillus siamensis 17B strain possess high acid tolerance (90.9 %), high bile tolerance (96.9 %) and nonhemolytic. The17B strain showed auto aggregation (28±0.011%) and coaggregation potential (27±0.16 %) which could be a feasible characteristic of potent probiotic strain. Cell free Supernatant of Bacillus siamensis I7B strain possess good DPPH free radical scavenging ability (59.43±0.002 %) and moderate hydroxyl radical scavenging ability (27.6±0.010 %). Biopreservation effect of Bacillus siamensis I7B strain on tomato puree showed 72 % growth inhibition against A. niger for 15 days.
Toughness improvement of epoxy composites using a kind of environment-friendly bio-based polyester polyol
Authors: Shang Xinyu , Xue Lei , Zhang Yanhua
Published: January 2022

Epoxy resin (EP) is a thermosetting resin with prominent performances and wide applications. However, the inherent brittleness limits its development in the engineering materials area. A liquid bio-based polyester polyol (LLP) with flexible long chains was synthesized in this study by melt polycondensation of corn straw lignin. After being compounded with EP (LLP/EP), the mechanical property, micromorphology and thermal behavior of the composite were evaluated. The experimental result indicated that the fracture brittleness of EP composite was decreased by importing the LLP. The bending and impact strength were up to 113.67 MPa and 51.29 kJ/m2 for 10%-LLP/EP, which were 5.25% and 27% higher than those of unmodified EP. The results of this work build new avenues for the efficient utilization of lignin and the development of low-cost, high-performance and well environmentally adaptable EP composite by renewable resources.
A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing complications following total hip arthroplasty for systemic lupus erythematosus versus for non-systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zeng Yirong , Huang Yiwei , Guan Danni , Li Yijin , Li Jiahao
Published: January 2022

Background: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head is one of the most severe complications in systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) patients. Total hip arthroplasty(THA) is an effective treatment for femoral head necrosis. However, there is no consensus on the specific effect of THA on SLE patients. The objective of the present study was to review the current evidence regarding rates of THA complications and postoperative function in systemic lupus erythematosus.Methods: Two independent reviewers searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE from January 1, 2000, to December 29, 2021. The primary outcomes were postoperative complications, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), hematoma, wound infection, dislocation, periprosthetic fracture, revision, mortality.Results: A total of 179 articles yielded 28 studies eligible for inclusion with 10 studies used for meta-analysis. This study found a statistically significant difference in DVT, dislocation, wound infection, periprosthetic fracture, and revision.Conclusions: This meta-analysis shows that SLE patients with THA are at an increased risk of DVT, wound infection, dislocation, periprosthetic fracture, revision, periprosthetic joint infection, following THA in comparison to non-SLE patients with THA. There was no adequate evidence to support the notion that the risk of seroma or hematoma following THA is increased in SLE. Also, there was no significant difference in HHS scores between SLE patients and non-SLE patients after THA.
Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide Attenuated Discogenic Low Back Pain by Inhibiting Microglia Activation Through the NLRP3/caspase-1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Xie Weixin , Li Fan , Han Yi , Su Diansan , Yu Weifeng , Li Zhanchun , Xiao Jie
Published: January 2022

Discogenic low back pain (DLBP) is a multifactorial disease, associated with intervertebral disc degeneration. Calcitonin gene-related protein (CGRP) plays a critical role in pain processing, while the role in DLBP remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the anti-nociceptive role and related mechanisms of CGRP in DLBP. Here we established the DLBP rat and validated the model using histology and radiography. CGRP and minocycline were intrathecally injected respectively and the behavioral test was performed to determine hyperalgesia. Further, BV2 microglial cells and microglial activation agent lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were employed for the in vitro experiment. We observed obvious lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration and hyperalgesia at 12 weeks postoperation in DLBP group, with significantly activated microglia in the spinal cord. CGRP treatment significantly inhibited the upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and NLRP3/caspase-1 expression induced by LPS in BV2 cells, whereas treatment with CGRP alone had little effect on BV2 cells. The intrathecal injection of CGRP into DLBP rats relieved mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, reverted the microglial activation and decreased the expression of NLRP3/caspase-1, similar to the effects produced by minocycline. Our results provide evidence that microglial activation in the spinal cord play a key role in hyperalgesia in DLBP rats. CGRP effectively alleviates hyperalgesia and inhibits microglial activation in the spinal cord. Regulation of CGRP and microglial activation may provide a new strategy for ameliorating for DLBP.
Chronic Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Treatment Counteracts SIV-induced Modulation of Proinflammatory microRNA Cargo in Basal-ganglia-derived Extracellular- Vesicles
Authors: Kaddour Hussein , McDew-White Marina , Madeira Miguel M. , Tranquille Malik A. , Tsirka Stella E. , Mohan Mahesh , Okeoma Chioma M.
Published: January 2022

Background:Early invasion of the central nervous system (CNS) by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (1, 2), results in neuroinflammation, potentially through extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their micro RNAs (miRNA) cargoes (3, 4). Although the basal ganglia (BG) is a major target and reservoir of HIV in the CNS (5, 6), whether BG produces EVs and the effect of HIV and/or the phytocannabinoid― delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on BG-EVs and HIV neuropathogenesis remain unknown. Methods:We used simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) model of HIV and THC treatment in rhesus macaques (7) to demonstrate for the first time that BG contains EVs (BG-EVs), and that BG-EVs cargo and function are modulated by SIV and THC. We also used primary astrocytes from the brains of wild type (WT) and CX3CR1+/GFP mice to investigate the significance of BG-EVs in CNS cells.Results:Significant changes in BG-EV associated miRNA specific to SIV infection and THC treatment were observed. BG-EVs from SIV infected rhesus macaques (SIV EVs) contain 11 significantly downregulated miRNA. Remarkably, intervention with THC led to significant upregulation of 37 miRNAs in BG-EVs (SIV-THC EVs). Most of these miRNAs regulate pathways related to inflammation/immune regulation, TLR signaling, Neurotrophin TRK receptor signaling, and cell death/response. BG-EVs activated WT and CX3CR1+/GFP astrocytes and reprogrammed astrocyte transcriptome in an EV and CX3CR1 dependent manners. Conclusions:Our findings reveal a role for BG-EVs as a vehicle with potential to disseminate HIV and THC induced changes within the CNS.
Characterization of New Multifunctional GH20 β-N-Acetylglucosaminidase From Chitinibacter sp. GC72 and Its Application in Converting Chitin Into N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Authors: Chen Yan , Zhou Ning , Chen Xueman , Wei Guoguang , Zhang Alei , Chen Kequan , Ouyang Pingkai
Published: January 2022

Background

N-acetyl glucosamine (GlcNAc), possesses many specific bioactivities and has been widely used in biomedical, food, and chemical industries. Alternatively, enzymatic hydrolysis of chitin into GlcNAc using chitinolytic enzymes was shown to be a more attractive approach in recent years, because of the green process and the excellent bioactivity of product. Therefore, it is of economic and environmental value to realize the efficient production of GlcNAc from abundant chitin resources.
Results

In this study, a gene encoding β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, designated NAGaseA, was cloned from Chitinibacter sp. GC72 and subsequently functional expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). NAGaseA contains a glycoside hydrolase family 20 catalytic domain that shows low identity with the corresponding domain of the well-characterized NAGases. The recombinant NAGaseA had a molecular mass of 92 kDa. Biochemical characterization of the purified NAGaseA revealed that the optimal reaction condition was at 40°C and pH 6.5, and exhibited great pH stability in the range of pH 6.5–9.5. The Vmax, Km, Kcat, and Kcat/Km of NAGaseA toward pNP-GlcNAc were 3333.33 µmol min−1 L−1, 39.99 µM, 4667.07 s−1, and 116.71 mL µmol −1 s−1, respectively. Analysis of the hydrolysis products of N-acetyl chitinoligosaccharides (N-Acetyl COSs) indicated that NAGaseA capable of converting N-Acetyl COSs((GlcNAc)2–(GlcNAc)6) into GlcNAc with hydrolysis ability order: (GlcNAc)2 > (GlcNAc)3 > (GlcNAc)4 > (GlcNAc)5 > (GlcNAc)6. Moreover, NAGaseA could generate (GlcNAc)3–(GlcNAc)6 from (GlcNAc)2–(GlcNAc)5, respectively. These results showed that NAGaseA is a multi-functional NAGase with transglycosylation activity. In addition, significantly synergistic action was observed between NAGaseA and other sources of chitinases during hydrolysis of colloid chitin. Finally, 0.759 g/L, 0.481 g/L and 0.986 g/L of GlcNAc with purity of 96% were obtained using different chitinase combinations, resulting in 1.6-2.69 fold increase, respectively.
Conclusions

The hydrolytic properties and good environmental adaptions indicate that NAGaseA has great potential in the bioconversion of chitin waste and behaved as an excellent candidate in GlcNAc producing.
Research plan for evaluating service quality of public art museums through on-site survey using IAM scale of three question groups
Authors: Iwakiri Momone , Moteki Yasutoshi
Published: January 2022

We examine the methods for evaluating service quality in public art museums. Specifically, we will conduct a multi-group questionnaire survey of museum users on their satisfaction with the services provided by public museums. Using selective multigroup principal component regression analysis—which combines principal component analysis and multiple regression analysis—we will statistically examine the factors that public art museums should emphasize when providing services to their users. The four-page questionnaire will comprise three groups: hardware (building and interior), software (staff responses), and exhibition content. Each question will be rated on a 7-point Likert scale. We named the survey scale the indicators for art museums’ service quality scale. The scale comprises three question groups. The eventual survey will be conducted at the Higashihiroshima City Museum of Art for six business days on the third week of August 2022. Self-administered questionnaires will be distributed to visitors to the special exhibition. We are disclosing our research methods and data analysis procedures prior to conducting the research to prevent hypothesizing after the results are known, and to ensure the transparency of the research. In addition, presenting the details of the research implementation and data analysis methods can promote the accuracy of follow-up and replication experiments. Our proposed scale has the following advantages. First, it is simpler than the existing SERVQUAL-based survey framework, which is a 5-group scale, and is expected to reduce the burden on respondents and increase the response rate in actual surveys. Second, the fact that the opinions of those in charge of art museums were heard from the very beginning of the formulation of the research framework, makes the explanatory power of the analytical model, as expressed in the coefficient of determination of the multiple regression analysis, high for a scale targeting public art museums.
Validation of A New Classification System For Surgical Planning of Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT)
Authors: Trobisch Per D , Birkenmaier Christof , Migliorini Filippo , Bas Teresa , Berjano Pedro , Cho Samuel K , Courvoisier Aurelien , Hegde Sajan , Helenius Ilkka J , Lui Darren F , Papadopoulos Elias C , Maffulli Nicola , Baroncini Alice
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND: Vertebral body tethering (VBT) may represent a paradigm shift in the management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, the ideal candidates, who may profit the most from this technique, have not yet been identified. We evaluated patients based on their curve type and on the potential benefits of VBT over fusion and developed a new classification to guide decision making for VBT, evaluating 5 different curve types (lumbar, double, long thoracic, short thoracic, presence of high thoracic curve). This study analyzed the inter- and intrarater variability of this new classification. METHODS: 11 spinal deformity surgeons contributed to the validation. Four radiographs (p. a., lateral, right and left p. a. side bending) were prepared for 27 patients. Two sets of the patients’ images were sent to each participant, with identical radiographs but in different order. Each participant was given instructions on how to employ the classification and was asked to apply it to the radiographs. The inter- and intra-observer reliability was assessed evaluating the kappa coefficient (k).RESULTS: The overall inter-observer reliability was k = 0.84 (confidence interval: 0.76 to 0.91). The overall intra-observer reliability was k = 0.88 (confidence interval 95%: 0.68 to 1.00). All k values were statistically significant and indicated an excellent inter- and intra-observer reliability of the classification.CONCLUSION: The newly developed classification for VBT planning showed an excellent reliability.
Wide bandgap semiconductor nanomembranes as a long-term bio-interface for flexible, implanted neuromodulator
Authors: Nguyen Tuan-Khoa , Barton Matthew , Ashok Aditya , Truong Thanh-An , Yadav Sharda , Leitch Michael , Nguyen Thanh-Vinh , Kashaninejad Navid , Dinh Toan , Hold Leonie , Yamauchi Yusuke , Nguyen Nam-Trung , Phan Hoang-Phuong
Published: January 2022

Electrical neuron stimulation holds promise for the treatment of several chronic neurological disorders, including spinal cord injury, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease. The implementation of ultrathin, flexible electrodes, that can offer non-invasive attachment to soft neural tissues, is a breakthrough technology for timely, continuous, programable, and spatial stimulations. However, to enable flexibility in neural electrodes, the conventional thick and bulky ceramic package is no longer applicable to soft electronics, which poses several technical issues such as device degradation and long-term stability. We introduce herein a new concept of long-lived flexible neural electrodes using silicon carbide nanomembranes as the Faradaic interface, and thermal oxide thin films as the electrical isolation layer. The silicon carbide (SiC) membranes were developed using a wafer-level chemical deposition process while thermal oxide was grown employing a standard and high-quality wet oxidation approach, which are scalable and compatible with industrial microelectronic technologies. Our experimental results showed excellent stability in the SiC/SiO2 hybrid system that can potentially last several decades with maintained reliable electrical properties in biofluid environments. We demonstrated the capability of our material system in stimulating peripheral nerves (i.e., sciatic nerve) in rat models, showing comparable muscle contraction response recorded from electromyogram (EMG) stimulation results to a gold-standard non-implanted nerve stimulation device. The design concept, scalable fabrication approach, and the multimodal functionalities in SiC/SiO2 flexible electronics open an exciting possibility for fundamental neuroscience studies as well as clinical neural stimulation-based therapy.
Eradicating little fire ants (Wasmannia auropunctata) from the island of Kaua`i, Hawai`i: process, challenges, and results to date
Authors: Montgomery Michelle , Vanderwoude Casper , Lynch A. J. Jasmyn , Keanini Tiffani , Kaneshige Craig
Published: January 2022

First detected on the Island of Kaua`i in 1999, the little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) has persisted despite early attempts at eradication by state agencies. A multi-agency collaboration was formed in 2011 to develop and implement a two-phase eradication plan. The infestation was delimited to 4.02 ha of rural residences and steep coastline habitat. Treatments regimens were divided between easily accessible infested areas (Phase I) and steep areas requiring rope safety systems (Phase II). The eradication plan included ground and arboreal treatment technologies and long-term post-treatment monitoring. Treatments consisted of broadcasting baits containing s-methoprene (0.25% a.i.), indocaxarb (0.18% a.i), or hydramethylnon (0.73% a.i.) eight times over the course of 12 months. Treatments effectively reduced the population to below detectable levels throughout much of the treatment area, however isolated remnant colonies were detected as recently as September 2019. Remnant colonies were associated with specific site features known to be difficult to treat, such as tall palm trees and large mulch piles. On one occasion, in 2017, two little fire ant detections were confirmed outside of the original treatment area, where no little fire ants had been detected before; highlighting the ability for little fire ants to remain undetected for many years. Current results stress the importance of long-term commitment to post-treatment monitoring and expanded surveys. We recommend development and incorporation of novel detection methods which could increase accuracy and improve efficiency of monitoring and detection surveys.
Critiquing American structural racism: a comparative analysis of the cases of Muhammed Ali and Collin Kaepernick
Authors: Pillay Anton M. , Madzimure Jeremiah
Published: January 2022

In fighting for justice and equality in the face of American institutional racism, Muhammed Ali became an internationally known and respected figure. His 1976 auto-biography, The Greatest, with Richard Dunham and edited by Toni Morrison is a fast paced and well written book. It showcases the intellect, humanity, and determination behind the globally recognized icon. The auto-biography is interesting in the sense that it places boxing on the periphery and instead focuses on Ali’s struggles and disappointments, to be recognized as a man in the American South, which would later morph into the greater struggle for civil rights for American minorities. In fighting against what this research terms ‘structural racism, what emerged was a battle against the very fabric of core norms and culture, which establishes white American hegemony. In taking on established structures, Ali faced the wrath of ‘the Establishment.’ The idea of this term becomes vivid via comparative analysis of other case studies, which reveal that those who question American structural racism are met with similar reactions and consequences for their criticism. This study is thus relevant because it exposes how Ali’s own fight for justice and racial equality 60 years ago is essentially no different than it is today.
Investigatation of YouTube as an online platform used during remote learning forced by COVID-19
Authors: Madzimure Jeremiah
Published: January 2022

The main aim of this study was to investigate online platforms, specifically YouTube, suitable for remote learning, forced by covid-19 from traditional face-to-face to online learning. To achieve the study's objectives, which are to investigate the effectiveness of remote learning, general students’ feelings have about online education, lecturer's efficiency in using online tools to teach, and student's ability to adapt to online learning, the study employed a qualitative method where three videos with content relevant for a post-graduate diploma in higher education were made and uploaded to YouTube to investigate the efficiency of the online tool. Advantages of YouTube as an educational platform were discussed, which include flexibility and cost, among others. The challenges related to internet connections; resources, used to conduct YouTube lessons, were discussed. Recommendations to address some of these challenges using YouTube as an educational platform were explored. These recommendations include, amongst others, workshops and seminars should be held by administrators to teach lecturers and teachers how to use technology in their classes, universities need to adopt this new learning system as a part of the curriculum because to save time, money.
Investigation of the Effectiveness of the Research Skills Teaching Program
Authors: POLAT Betül , KUTLU Omer
Published: January 2022

In this study, it was investigated whether the Research Skills Teaching Program (RSTP) prepared for elementary school 4th grade students was effective in imparting the sub-skills required for conducting the research process to students. To this end, pretest-posttest control group design; one of the quasi-experimental designs; was employed. The study was conducted on the students attending two classes of a state elementary school. In the experimental group, the program developed on the basis of the Big Six Research Skills Model was administered, while no such special application was conducted in the control group. In both of the groups, the Research Skills Test was administered as pretest and posttest and Monitoring Tests. The collected data were analyzed by using Independent Samples t-test and Paired Samples t-test. The responses given by the experimental and control group students to each of the open-ended items in the Monitoring Tests were separately examined. It was found that the activities developed within the context of the teaching program had comprehensive effect on the development of the skills needed to direct the research process. When the number of the students giving the most correct answers in the items in the monitoring tests was examined, it was seen that although there are students finding the most correct answers to the items in the experimental group, their levels of using these strategies were not found to be at the desired level and there are students in the control group finding the most correct answers only for four skills.