bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auxotrophic mutations of Trichophyton rubrum created by in vitro synthesized Cas9 ribonucleoprotein
Authors: Blechert Oliver , Mei Huan , Zang Xiaohui , Zheng Hailin , Liang Guanzhao , Liu Weida
Published: January 2020

Background

Trichophyton rubrum is an obligate human parasitic fungus and responsible for approximately 80–90% of dermatomycosis in human. Molecular genetic manipulations of this pathogen are challenging and available tools and protocols are only rudimentary. We adapt molecular genetics methods of well established fungal model organism, to knock out genes in T. rubrum. For the adaptation, crucial modifications are necessary. With the implementation of in vitro synthesized Cas9-sgRNA ribonucleoprotein complex, it is possible to adapt molecular genetic methods, to knock out genes in T. rubrum.

Results

The gene knock-out method is based on integration of a selection marker into the target site, to interrupt the gene translation. The target gene gets preassigned by the homologous sequence of the in vitro synthesized Cas9-sgRNA ribonucleoprotein complex. To develop the method, we first isolated and characterized a T. rubrum strain with a high amount of microconidia. Next, we developed a transformation protocol, whereby the Cas9-sgRNA ribonucleoprotein gets delivered into the fungal protoplast by the PEG method.

We knocked out the URA3 gene and resulted, as predicted, uracil auxotrophic strains. These strains can be used for specific gene knock-outs by reintegrating the URA3 fragment and selection on uracil lacking cultivation media. Exemplary, we knocked out the TRP3 gene and got the predicted phenotype, tryptophan auxotrophic strains. The mutation had been verified by sequencing.

Conclusions

We developed a method, based on in vitro synthesized Cas9-sgRNA ribonucleoprotein complex, for target specific gene knock-outs in T. rubrum. We knocked out the Ura3 gene and resulted uracil auxotrophic strains. These strains were used for target specific gene knock-outs by reintegrating the Ura3 fragment into the target gene site to interrupt the gene transcription. The developed method allows to adapt sophisticate gene manipulation methods of model fungal species to non-model species.
Remuneration systems of community health workers in India and promoted maternal health outcomes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Koehn Hannah J. , Zheng Shenglin , Houser Robert F. , O’Hara Corey , Rogers Beatrice Lorge
Published: January 2020

Background

This study assessed the association of remuneration systems of paid-for-performance Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and salaried Anganwadi workers (AWWs) on seven maternal health outcomes in four states in India: Andhra Pradesh (AP), Chhattisgarh, Odisha (Orissa), and Uttar Pradesh (UP).

Methods

The cross-sectional study surveyed mothers of children aged 6–23 months. A total of 3455 mothers were selected via multistage cluster sampling. The seven health outcomes related to the community health worker (CHW) visits were: institutional delivery, complete immunization, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, timely introduction of complementary feeding, continued breastfeeding during child’s illness, handwashing, and awareness of Nutrition and Health Days (NHDs).

Results

The results varied by state. Mothers who received ASHA visits were significantly less likely to have an institutional delivery, timely introduction of complementary feeding, awareness of Nutrition and Health Days (NHDs), proper handwashing, and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months in at least one of the four states. Conversely, AWW’s home visits were positively predictive of the following health outcomes in certain states: complete immunization for index child, continued breastfeeding during the child’s illness, handwashing, and awareness of NHDs.

Conclusions

ASHAs’ home visits were not more strongly associated with health outcomes for which they were paid than outcomes for which they were unpaid. AWWs’ home visits were positively associated with awareness of NHDs, and associations varied for other recommended health behaviors. Further research could elucidate the causes for successes and failures of CHW programs in different states of India.
“Can do, don’t do” are not the lazy ones: a longitudinal study on physical functioning in patients with COPD
Authors: Sievi Noriane A. , Brack Thomas , Brutsche Martin H. , Frey Martin , Irani Sarosh , Leuppi Jörg D. , Thurnheer Robert , Kohler Malcolm , Clarenbach Christian F.
Published: January 2020

Background and objective

Reduced physical capacity (PC) and physical activity (PA) are common in COPD patients and associated with poor outcome. However, they represent different aspects of physical functioning and interventions do not affect them in the same manner. To address this, a new PC-PA quadrant concept was recently generated to identify clinical characteristics of sub-groups of physical functioning. The objective of this study was to I) proof the new concept and to verify their differentiating clinical characteristics, II) evaluate the consistency of the concept over time, III) assess whether patients changed their quadrant affiliation over time, IV) and to test if changes in quadrant affiliations are associated with changes in clinical characteristics.

Methods

In a longitudinal, prospective, non-interventional cohort with mild to very severe COPD patients, PC and PA as well as respiratory variables, COPD-specific health status, comorbidities, survival, and exacerbations were yearly assessed.

Results

Data from 283 patients were analysed at baseline. Mean (min/max) follow-up time was 2.4 (0.5/6.8) years. The PC-PA quadrants could be characterized as follows: I) “can’t do, don’t do”: most severe and symptomatic, several comorbidities II) “can do, don’t do”: severe but less symptomatic, several comorbidities III) “can’t do, do do”: few patients, severe and symptomatic, less comorbidities IV) “can do, do do”: mildest and less symptomatic, less comorbidities, lowest exacerbation frequency. Of the 172 patients with at least one follow-up, 58% patients never changed their quadrant affiliation, while 17% declined either PC, PA or both, 11% improved their PC, PA or both, and 14% showed improvement and decline in PC, PA or both during study period. None of the clinical characteristics or their annual changes showed consistent significant and relevant differences between all individual sub-groups.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that there are no clinical characteristics allowing to distinguish between the PC-PA quadrants and the concept seems not able to illustrate disease process. However, the already low PA but preserved PC in the “can do, don’t do” quadrant raises the question if regularly assessment of PA in clinical practice would be more sensitive to detect progressive deterioration of COPD compared to the commonly used PC.

Clinical trial registration

www.ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01527773.
Immune cell phenotyping in low blood volumes for assessment of cardiovascular disease risk, development, and progression: a pilot study
Authors: Baumer Yvonne , Gutierrez-Huerta Cristhian A. , Saxena Ankit , Dagur Pradeep K. , Langerman Steven D. , Tamura Kosuke , Ceasar Joniqua N. , Andrews Marcus R. , Mitchell Valerie , Collins Billy S. , Yu Quan , Teague Heather L. , Playford Martin P. , Bleck Christopher K. E. , Mehta Nehal N. , McCoy J. Philip , Powell-Wiley Tiffany M.
Published: January 2020

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the world. Given the role of immune cells in atherosclerosis development and progression, effective methods for characterizing immune cell populations are needed, particularly among populations disproportionately at risk for CVD.

Results

By using a variety of antibodies combined in one staining protocol, we were able to identify granulocyte, lymphocyte, and monocyte sub-populations by CD-antigen expression from 500 µl of whole blood, enabling a more extensive comparison than what is possible with a complete blood count and differential (CBC). The flow cytometry panel was established and tested in a total of 29 healthy men and women. As a proof of principle, these 29 samples were split by their race/ethnicity: African-Americans (AA) (N = 14) and Caucasians (N = 15). We found in accordance with the literature that AA had fewer granulocytes and more lymphocytes when compared to Caucasians, though the proportion of total monocytes was similar in both groups. Several new differences between AA and Caucasians were noted that had not been previously described. For example, AA had a greater proportion of platelet adhesion on non-classical monocytes when compared to Caucasians, a cell-to-cell interaction described as crucially important in CVD. We also examined our flow panel in a clinical population of AA women with known CVD risk factors (N = 20). Several of the flow cytometry parameters that cannot be measured with the CBC displayed correlations with clinical CVD risk markers. For instance, Framingham Risk Score (FRS) calculated for each participant correlated with immune cell platelet aggregates (PA) (e.g. T cell PA β = 0.59, p = 0.03 or non-classical monocyte PA β = 0.54, p = 0.02) after adjustment for body mass index (BMI).

Conclusion

A flow cytometry panel identified differences in granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes between AA and Caucasians which may contribute to increased CVD risk in AA. Moreover, this flow panel identifies immune cell sub-populations and platelet aggregates associated with CVD risk. This flow cytometry panel may serve as an effective method for phenotyping immune cell populations involved in the development and progression of CVD.
Effects of probiotics on type II diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis
Authors: Tao Yun-Wen , Gu Ying-Luo , Mao Xin-Qi , Zhang Lei , Pei Yu-Fang
Published: January 2020

Objective

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics on type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

We performed a comprehensive search on PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Scientific Journal Databases, Wan Fang database and China biology medicine disc for relevant studies published before June 2019. Glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were used as indicators for T2DM. Inverse-variance weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for the mean HbA1c, FBG and HOMA-IR changes from baseline.

Results

15 randomized controlled trials (RCT) with a total of 902 participants were included into the meta-analysis. Considering the clinical heterogeneity caused by variation of dosage and duration of probiotic treatment, random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled WMD. Significantly greater reduction in HbA1c% (WMD = − 0.24, 95% CI [− 0.44, − 0.04],p = 0.02), FBG (WMD = − 0.44 mmol/L, 95% CI [− 0.74, − 0.15],p = 0.003) and HOMA-IR (WMD = − 1.07, 95% CI [− 1.58, − 0.56],p < 0.00001) were observed in probiotics treated group. Further sensitivity analysis verified the reliability and stability of our results.

Conclusion

The results of our meta-analysis indicated that probiotics treatment may reduce HbA1c, FBG and insulin resistance level in T2DM patients. More clinical data and research into the mechanism of probiotics are needed to clarify the role of probiotics in T2DM.
Contributions of Age-Related Thymic Involution to Immunosenescence and Inflammaging
Authors: Thomas Rachel , Wang Weikan , Su Dong-Ming
Published: January 2020

Immune system aging is characterized by the paradox of immunosenescence (insufficiency) and inflammaging (over-reaction), which incorporate two sides of the same coin, resulting in immune disorder. Immunosenescence refers to disruption in the structural architecture of immune organs and dysfunction in immune responses, resulting from both aged innate and adaptive immunity. Inflammaging, described as a chronic, sterile, systemic inflammatory condition associated with advanced age, is mainly attributed to somatic cellular senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and age-related autoimmune predisposition. However, the inability to reduce senescent somatic cells (SSCs), because of immunosenescence, exacerbates inflammaging. Age-related adaptive immune system deviations, particularly altered T cell function, are derived from age-related thymic atrophy or involution, a hallmark of thymic aging. Recently, there have been major developments in understanding how age-related thymic involution contributes to inflammaging and immunosenescence at the cellular and molecular levels, including genetic and epigenetic regulation, as well as developments of many potential rejuvenation strategies. Herein, we discuss the research progress uncovering how age-related thymic involution contributes to immunosenescence and inflammaging, as well as their intersection. We also describe how T cell adaptive immunity mediates inflammaging and plays a crucial role in the progression of age-related neurological and cardiovascular diseases, as well as cancer. We then briefly outline the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of age-related thymic involution, and finally summarize potential rejuvenation strategies to restore aged thymic function.
A study of voice and non-voice processing in Prader-Willi syndrome
Authors: Strenilkov Kuzma , Debladis Jimmy , Salles Juliette , Valette Marion , Mantoulan Carine , Thuilleaux Denise , Laurier Virginie , Molinas Catherine , Barone Pascal , Tauber Maïthé
Published: January 2020

Background

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare and complex neurodevelopmental disorder of genetic origin. It manifests itself in endocrine and cognitive problems, including highly pronounced hyperphagia and severe obesity. In many cases, impaired acquisition of social and communication skills leads to autism spectrum features, and individuals with this syndrome are occasionally diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using specific scales. Given that communicational skills are largely based on vocal communication, it is important to study human voice processing in PWS.

We were able to examine a large number of participants with PWS (N = 61) recruited from France’s national reference center for PWS and other hospitals. We tested their voice and nonvoice recognition abilities, as well as their ability to distinguish between voices and nonvoices in a free choice task. We applied the hierarchical drift diffusion model (HDDM) with Bayesian estimation to compare decision-making in participants with PWS and controls.

Results

We found that PWS participants were impaired on both voice and nonvoice processing, but displayed a compensatory ability to perceive voices. Participants with uniparental disomy had poorer voice and nonvoice perception than participants with a deletion on chromosome 15. The HDDM allowed us to demonstrate that participants with PWS need to accumulate more information in order to make a decision, are slower at decision-making, and are predisposed to voice perception, albeit to a lesser extent than controls.

Conclusions

The categorization of voices and nonvoices is generally preserved in participants with PWS, though this may not be the case for the lowest IQ.
Correction to: IL-33 facilitates proliferation of colorectal cancer dependent on COX2/PGE2
Authors: Li Yongkui , Shi Jie , Qi Shanshan , Zhang Jian , Peng Dong , Chen Zhenzhen , Wang Guobin , Wang Zheng , Wang Lin
Published: January 2020

In the original publication of this manuscript [1], there are three errors in Fig. 1. The identified errors do not affect the conclusions of the work.
Benchmarking principal component analysis for large-scale single-cell RNA-sequencing
Authors: Tsuyuzaki Koki , Sato Hiroyuki , Sato Kenta , Nikaido Itoshi
Published: January 2020

Background

Principal component analysis (PCA) is an essential method for analyzing single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) datasets, but for large-scale scRNA-seq datasets, computation time is long and consumes large amounts of memory.

Results

In this work, we review the existing fast and memory-efficient PCA algorithms and implementations and evaluate their practical application to large-scale scRNA-seq datasets. Our benchmark shows that some PCA algorithms based on Krylov subspace and randomized singular value decomposition are fast, memory-efficient, and more accurate than the other algorithms.

Conclusion

We develop a guideline to select an appropriate PCA implementation based on the differences in the computational environment of users and developers.
Comparison of the effectiveness of a tailored cognitive behavioural therapy with a supportive listening intervention for depression in those newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (the ACTION-MS trial): protocol of an assessor-blinded, active comparator, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kiropoulos Litza , Kilpatrick Trevor , Kalincek Tomas , Cherulov Leonid , McDonald Elizabeth , Wijeratne Tissa , Threader Jennifer , Rozenblat Vanja , Simpson-O’Brien Neil , Van Der Walt Anneke , Taylor Lisa
Published: January 2020

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, chronic neurological disease accompanied with high rates of depression and anxiety, particularly in the early stages of diagnosis. There is evidence to suggest that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective for the treatment of depression amongst individuals with MS; however, there is a paucity of tailored CBT interventions designed to be offered in the newly diagnosed period. This trial is the first to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a tailored CBT intervention compared to a supportive listening (SL) intervention amongst individuals with MS who are depressed.

Methods

ACTION-MS is a two-arm parallel group, assessor-blinded, active comparator, randomised controlled trial which will test whether a tailored CBT-based intervention compared to an SL intervention can reduce depression and related factors such as anxiety, fatigue, pain and sleep problems in those newly diagnosed with MS. Sixty participants who are within 5 years of having received a diagnosis of MS and scored within the mild to moderate range of depression on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) will be recruited from MS clinics located across three hospital sites in Melbourne, Australia. The primary outcome is depression severity using the BDI-II at post-assessment. Intervention satisfaction and acceptability will be assessed. A cost-effectiveness analysis will also be conducted. Data will be analysed on an intention-to-treat basis.

Discussion

There is a scarcity of psychological interventions for depression targeting the newly diagnosed period. However, interventions during this time point have the potential to have a major impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of those newly diagnosed with MS. The current trial will provide data on the effectiveness of a tailored CBT intervention for the treatment of depression in those newly diagnosed with MS. Findings will also provide effect size estimates that can be used to power a later-stage multi-centre trial of treatment efficacy, and will provide information on the mechanisms underlying any treatment effects and cost-effectiveness data for delivering this intervention in outpatient MS clinics.

Trial registration

ISRCTN trials registry, ISRCTN63987586. Current controlled trials. Retrospectively registered on 20 October 2017.
Stepwise evolution and convergent recombination underlie the global dissemination of carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli
Authors: Patiño-Navarrete Rafael , Rosinski-Chupin Isabelle , Cabanel Nicolas , Gauthier Lauraine , Takissian Julie , Madec Jean-Yves , Hamze Monzer , Bonnin Remy A. , Naas Thierry , Glaser Philippe
Published: January 2020

Background

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae are considered by WHO as “critical” priority pathogens for which novel antibiotics are urgently needed. The dissemination of carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli (CP-Ec) in the community is a major public health concern. However, the global molecular epidemiology of CP-Ec isolates remains largely unknown as well as factors contributing to the acquisition of carbapenemase genes.

Methods

We first analyzed the whole-genome sequence and the evolution of the E. coli sequence type (ST) 410 and its disseminated clade expressing the carbapenemase OXA-181. We reconstructed the phylogeny of 19 E. coli ST enriched in CP-Ec and corresponding to a total of 2026 non-redundant isolates. Using the EpiCs software, we determined the significance of the association between specific mutations and the acquisition of a carbapenemase gene and the most probable order of events. The impact of the identified mutations was assessed experimentally by genetic manipulations and phenotypic testing.

Results

In 13 of the studied STs, acquisition of carbapenemase genes occurred in multidrug-resistant lineages characterized by a combination of mutations in ftsI encoding the penicillin-binding protein 3 and in the porin genes ompC and ompF. Mutated ftsI genes and a specific ompC allele related to that from ST38 inducing reduced susceptibility to diverse β-lactams spread across the species by recombination. We showed that these mutations precede in most cases the acquisition of a carbapenemase gene. The ompC allele from ST38 might have contributed to the selection of CP-Ec disseminated lineages within this ST. On the other hand, in the pandemic ST131 lineage, CP-Ec were not associated with mutations in ompC or ftsI and show no signs of dissemination.

Conclusions

Lineages of CP-Ec have started to disseminate globally. However, their selection is a multistep process involving mutations, recombination, acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes, and selection by β-lactams from diverse families. This process did not yet occur in the high-risk lineage ST131.
Perceived work-related stress and its associated factors among public secondary school teachers in Gondar city: a cross-sectional study from Ethiopia
Authors: Kabito Gebisa Guyasa , Wami Sintayehu Daba
Published: January 2020

Objective

We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess perceived work-related stress and associated factors among public secondary school teachers in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia. A self-completed questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was entered into Epi-info version 7.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 20 software. The associations between dependent and independent variables were assessed using a multivariate binary logistic regression analysis based on the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and p values < 0.05.

Results

The response rate was 96.4%. The overall prevalence of perceived work-related stress was 58.2%. Teaching experience < 5 years (AOR 2.03, 95% CI (1.10, 3.73), education level BSC/BED (AOR 1.66, 95% CI (1.07, 3.17), high job demand (AOR 1.61, 95% CI (1.29, 3.74), and poor relationships (AOR 1.88, 95% CI (1.07, 3.31) were significantly associated with work-related stress. In conclusion, the findings showed a high proportion of stress among participants. Therefore, we suggested a need to take action to balance job demand and teaching experience, offering the opportunity to upgrade their educational level and establish good relationships to ease the burden of stress factors related to work.
Abnormal cerebellar volume in somatic vs. non-somatic delusional disorders
Authors: Krämer Joshua , Huber Markus , Mundinger Christina , Schmitgen Mike M. , Pycha Roger , Kirchler Erwin , Macina Christian , Karner Martin , Hirjak Dusan , Kubera Katharina M. , Depping Malte S. , Romanov Dmitry , Freudenmann Roland W. , Wolf Robert Christian
Published: January 2020

Background

There is abundant evidence for cerebellar involvement in schizophrenia, where the cerebellum has been suggested to contribute to cognitive, affective and motor dysfunction. More recently, specific cerebellar regions have also been associated with psychotic symptoms, particularly with auditory verbal hallucinations. In contrast, little is known about cerebellar contributions to delusions, and even less is known about whether cerebellar involvement differs by delusional content.

Methods

Using structural magnetic resonance imaging at 1.0 T together with cerebellum-optimized segmentation techniques, we investigated gray matter volume (GMV) in 14 patients with somatic-type delusional disorder (S-DD), 18 patients with non-somatic delusional disorder (NS-DD) and 18 patients with schizophrenia (SZ) with persistent non-somatic delusions. A total of 32 healthy controls (HC) were included. Between-group comparisons were adjusted for age, gender, chlorpromazine equivalents and illness duration.

Results

Compared to HC, S-DD patients showed decreased GMV in left lobule VIIIa. In addition, S-DD patients showed decreased GMV in lobule V and increased GMV in bilateral lobule VIIa/crus II compared to NS-DD. Patients with SZ showed increased GMV in right lobule VI and VIIa/crus I compared to HC. Significant differences between HC and NS-DD were not found.

Conclusions

The data support the notion of cerebellar dysfunction in psychotic disorders. Distinct cerebellar deficits, predominantly linked to sensorimotor processing, may be detected in delusional disorders presenting with predominantly somatic content.
Response and productivity of Garlic (Allium Sativum L.) by different levels of potassium fertilizer in farm soils
Authors: Jiku Md. Abu Sayem , Alimuzzaman Md. , Singha Ashutus , Rahaman Md. Arifur , Ganapati Ratan Kumar , Alam Md. Ashraful , Sinha Shata Rupa
Published: January 2020

Background

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) has been used as a medicine throughout ancient and modern history; it has been taken to prevent and treat a wide range of conditions and diseases. In Bangladesh, the demand for garlic increases day by day, but on the other hand, due to a shortage of land, production of garlic is not up to the mark. However, to solve the problem, a pot culture experiment was conducted at the net house of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period of November 2007 to March 2008 to examine the effect of potassium (K) on the growth, yield, nutrient content, and its uptake by garlic.

Results

In this study, six levels of K viz. 0, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250 kg ha−1 were used as treatments. All the parameters, i.e., plant height, number of leaves plant−1, fresh and dry weights of leaves (g plant−1), fresh and dry weights of bulb (g plant−1), bulb diameter, and number of cloves bulb−1 significantly varied due to different doses of K application. The maximum total yield and size of garlic bulb were obtained with potassium application at 200 kg ha−1. Potassium at 200 kg ha−1 produced the highest fresh and dry weights of bulbs and leaves, diameter, moisture content, number of cloves, and yield as compared to the other treatments. The uptake of nutrients like N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, B, and Na significantly varied due to the application of different doses of K. The highest contents and nutrient uptake of N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, B, and Na were found with potassium application at 200 kg ha−1.

Conclusions

The overall results suggested that the yield of garlic increased with increasing potassium fertilizer, where K application at 200 kg ha−1 is suitable for obtaining maximum yield.
Correction to: In vitro bulb formation of direct and indirect regeneration of Lilium orientalis cv. “Starfighter” plants
Authors: Youssef Nora M. , Shaaban Shimaa A. , Ghareeb Zenna Fawzia , Taha Lobna S.
Published: January 2020

After publication of the original article (Youssef et al., 2019), we were notified that the corresponding author’s family name has been erroneously spelled. It should be corrected from Yousef to Youssef.
Bio-treatment of maize processing wastewater using indigenous microorganisms
Authors: Ewida Ayman Y. I.
Published: January 2020

Wastewater arising from maize processing industry is rich in proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates and nitrogenous compounds. Discharging of such wastewaters to the main water bodies without proper treatment creates environmental risks. The present research aimed to reduce maize processing wastewater contaminants by indigenous microorganisms. Industrial wastewater samples of maize processing factory at 10th of Ramadan city, Egypt were collected. The chemical and microbiological characteristics of samples were evaluated. An in vitro batch experiment was conducted in triplicates using 5 L Erlenmeyer flasks enriched with 2 L of the maize processing wastewater and incubated under shaking ambient conditions at 120 rpm for 30 d. Another 2 L Erlenmeyer flask was enriched with 2 L of the wastewater sample, and incubated under static ambient conditions, used as control. The biodegradation of nitrogenous and organic compounds was followed up by measuring Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and pH. The biomass growth rate was monitored by counting the viable bacterial cells (TBC) and fungal cells. The concentration of TKN, BOD and COD was reduced from 2330, 9000 and 12,000 mg L− 1 to 420, 220 and 430 mg L− 1, respectively. DO concentrations were ranged between 6 to 12 mg L− 1 and the pH value was elevated from 6.9 to 9.3. TBC was elevated from 2 × 106 to 4 × 1010 CFU mL− 1, while the yeast count was reduced from 12 × 106 to 2.2 ×  104 CFU mL− 1. Microbial identification by Analytical Profile Index (API) profiling kits indicated that Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, and Bacillus licheniformis are the strains involved in bio-treatment.
Inertial sensors technologies for navigation applications: state of the art and future trends
Authors: El-Sheimy Naser , Youssef Ahmed
Published: January 2020

Inertial navigation represents a unique method of navigation, in which there is no dependency on external sources of information. As opposed to other position fixing navigation techniques, inertial navigation performs the navigation in a relative sense with respect to the initial navigation state of the moving platform. Hence, inertial navigation systems are not prone to jamming, or spoofing. Inertial navigation systems have developed vastly, from their occurrence in the 1940s up to date. The accuracy of the inertial sensors has improved over time, making inertial sensors sufficient in terms of size, weight, cost, and accuracy for navigation and guidance applications. Within the past few years, inertial sensors have developed from being purely mechanical into incorporating various technologies and taking advantage of numerous physical phenomena, from which the dynamic forces exerted on a moving body could be computed accurately. Besides, the evolution of inertial navigation scheme involved the evolution from stable-platform inertial navigation system, which were mechanically complicated, to computationally demanding strap-down inertial navigation systems. Optical sensory technologies have provided highly accurate inertial sensors, at smaller sizes. Besides, the vibratory inertial navigation technologies enabled the production of Micro-electro-machined inertial sensors that are extremely low-cost, and offer extremely low size, weight and power consumption, making them suitable for a wide range of day-to-day navigation applications. Recently, advanced inertial sensor technologies have been introduced to the industry such as nuclear magnetic resonance technology, cold-atom technology, and the re-introduction of fluid-based inertial sensors. On another note, inertial sensor errors constitute a huge research aspect in which it is intended for inertial sensors to reach level in which they could operate for substantially long operation times in the absence of updates from aiding sensors, which would be a huge leap. Inertial sensors error modeling techniques have been developing rapidly trying to ensure higher levels of navigation accuracy using lower-cost inertial sensors. In this review, the inertial sensor technologies are covered extensively, along the future trends in the inertial sensors’ technologies. Besides, this review covers a brief overview on the inertial error modeling techniques used to enhance the performance of low-cost sensors.
Initial analysis for characterizing and mitigating the pseudorange biases of BeiDou navigation satellite system
Authors: He Chengyan , Lu Xiaochun , Guo Ji , Su Chengeng , Wang Wei , Wang Meng
Published: January 2020

Pseudorange bias has become a practical obstacle in the field of high-precision global navigation satellite system (GNSS) applications, which greatly restricts the further development of high-precision applications. Unfortunately, no studies have been conducted on the pseudorange biases of the BeiDou navigation satellite system (BDS). To mitigate the effects of pseudorange biases on the BDS performance to the greatest extent possible, the origin of such BDS pseudorange biases are first thoroughly illustrated, based upon which the dependency of the biases on the receiver configurations are studied in detail. Owing to the limitations regarding the parameter re-settings for hardware receivers, software receiver technology was used to achieve the ergodicity of the receiver parameters, such as the correlator spacing and front-end bandwidth, using high-fidelity signal observations collected by a 40-m-high gain dish antenna at Haoping Observatory. Based on this, the pseudorange biases of the BDS B1I and B3I signals and their dependency on different correlator spacings and front-end bandwidths were adequately provided. Finally, herein, the suggested settings of the correlator spacing and front-end bandwidth for BDS receivers are in detail proposed for the first time. As a result, the pseudorange biases of the BDS signals will be less than 20 cm, reaching even under 10 cm, under this condition. This study will provide special attention to GNSS pseudorange biases, and will significantly promote a clear definition of the appropriate receiver parameter settings in the interface control documents of BDS and other individual satellite systems.
Basic performance and future developments of BeiDou global navigation satellite system
Authors: Yang Yuanxi , Mao Yue , Sun Bijiao
Published: January 2020

The core performance elements of global navigation satellite system include availability, continuity, integrity and accuracy, all of which are particularly important for the developing BeiDou global navigation satellite system (BDS-3). This paper describes the basic performance of BDS-3 and suggests some methods to improve the positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) service. The precision of the BDS-3 post-processing orbit can reach centimeter level, the average satellite clock offset uncertainty of 18 medium circular orbit satellites is 1.55 ns and the average signal-in-space ranging error is approximately 0.474 m. The future possible improvements for the BeiDou navigation system are also discussed. It is suggested to increase the orbital inclination of the inclined geostationary orbit (IGSO) satellites to improve the PNT service in the Arctic region. The IGSO satellite can perform part of the geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite’s functions to solve the southern occlusion problem of the GEO satellite service in the northern hemisphere (namely the “south wall effect”). The space-borne inertial navigation system could be used to realize continuous orbit determination during satellite maneuver. In addition, high-accuracy space-borne hydrogen clock or cesium clock can be used to maintain the time system in the autonomous navigation mode, and stability of spatial datum. Furthermore, the ionospheric delay correction model of BDS-3 for all signals should be unified to avoid user confusion and improve positioning accuracy. Finally, to overcome the vulnerability of satellite navigation system, the comprehensive and resilient PNT infrastructures are proposed for the future seamless PNT services.
Addressing variability in iPSC-derived models of human disease: guidelines to promote reproducibility
Authors: Volpato Viola , Webber Caleb
Published: January 2020

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies have provided in vitro models of inaccessible human cell types, yielding new insights into disease mechanisms especially for neurological disorders. However, without due consideration, the thousands of new human iPSC lines generated in the past decade will inevitably affect the reproducibility of iPSC-based experiments. Differences between donor individuals, genetic stability and experimental variability contribute to iPSC model variation by impacting differentiation potency, cellular heterogeneity, morphology, and transcript and protein abundance. Such effects will confound reproducible disease modelling in the absence of appropriate strategies. In this Review, we explore the causes and effects of iPSC heterogeneity, and propose approaches to detect and account for experimental variation between studies, or even exploit it for deeper biological insight.
Acoustic behaviour of male European lobsters (Homarus gammarus) during agonistic encounters
Authors: Jézéquel Youenn , Coston-Guarini Jennifer , Chauvaud Laurent , Bonnel Julien
Published: January 2020

Previous studies have demonstrated that male European lobsters (Homarus gammarus) use chemical and visual signals as a means of intra-specific communication during agonistic encounters. In this study, we show that they also produce buzzing sounds during these encounters. This result was missed in earlier studies because low frequency buzzing sounds are highly attenuated in tanks, and are thus difficult to detect with hydrophones. To address this issue, we designed a behavioural tank experiment with hydrophones, and accelerometers placed on the lobsters to directly detect their carapace vibrations (i.e. the sources of the buzzing sounds). While we found that both dominant and submissive individuals produced carapace vibrations during every agonistic encounter, very few of the associated buzzing sounds (15 %) were recorded by the hydrophones. This difference is explained by their high attenuations in tanks. We then used the method of algorithmic complexity to analyze the carapace vibration sequences as call-and-response signals between dominant and submissive individuals. Even if some intriguing patterns appeared for closely size-matched pairs (< 5 mm carapace length difference), the results of the analysis did not permit to conclude that the processes underlying these sequences could be differentiated from random ones. Thus, such results prevented any conclusion about acoustic communication at this time. This concurs with both the high attenuation of the buzzing sounds during the experiments and the poor understanding of acoustic perception by lobsters. New approaches that circumvent tank acoustic issues are now required to validate the existence of acoustic communication in lobsters.
Molecular Tools to Detect Alloforms of Aβ and Tau: Implications for Multiplexing and Multimodal Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Arora Harshit , Ramesh Madhu , Rajasekhar Kolla , Govindaraju Thimmaiah
Published: January 2020

The advancements in the field of imaging and diagnostics have been benefitted by the concurrent expansion of molecular probes space to monitor the diverse biological targets and events. The misfolding and aggregation of amyloid β peptide as well as Tau protein generate toxic polymorphic species (referred to as alloforms in this article) which are formally designated as core AD biomarkers by National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer’s Association Research Framework (NIA-AA 2018). Positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, which are currently the efficient and sophisticated techniques in the clinical diagnosis, are incapable of detection and differentiation of various alloforms besides being not easily operable and affordable by the common people. As a consequence, fluorescence optical imaging has gained great impetus besides many recent technological advancements that have positioned its sensitivity at par with PET and MRI in addition to offering the possibility of alloform detection, rapid analyses and economic benefits to cater to a larger population. In addition, there exists an array of biomarkers or pathophysiological conditions that are known to aggravate the disease progression. This emphasises the importance of molecular tools and methods for the detection of various known as well as yet to be identified AD biomarkers. The molecular and hybrid tools intended for detection and imaging of biomarkers inside the AD brain must cross the blood brain barrier which is one of the persistent challenges for synthetic organic chemists and in this context various strategies are discussed. In this review, we have proposed multiplexed and multimodal analytical approach for the in vitro and in vivo detection and imaging of the core and indirect biomarkers in brain and bio-fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood among others to generate characteristic fingerprints to distinguish between healthy and AD patients with precision. Overall, this review offers critical discussions on design, properties, functions, advantages and limitations of the existing molecular probes besides providing current and future prospects for the development of novel diagnostic and theranostic tools for AD.
МЕТОДИЧЕСКИЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ ОБУЧЕНИЯ ВЫПОЛНЕНИЮ ЭСКИЗОВ БЕЛЫМ ПО ЧЁРНОМУ В ПРОЦЕССЕ СОЗДАНИЯ ВЫПУКЛОЙ ГРАВЮРЫ СТУДЕНТОВ ВЫСШИХ УЧЕБНЫХ ЗАВЕДЕНИЙ
Authors: Golovkina Tatiana Evgenievna , Miheeva Elena Pavlovna
Published: January 2020

Статья посвящена разработке упражнений, способствующих освоению техники высокой печати - гравюра на пластике. В исследовании выявляются теоретические основы обучения выполнению эскизов в процессе создания выпуклой гравюры студентов высших учебных заведений, анализируются методические, технические и технологические особенности рассматриваемого процесса.Метод проведения работы: изучение, анализ и обобщение научных методических работ и учебных программ высших учебных заведений по рассматриваемой проблеме, а также анализ творческих работ в области художественной и печатной графики.Результаты работы: выполнен отбор содержания учебного материала на освоение техники «процарапывание» при создании выпуклой гравюры, разработан ряд упражнений для эффективного усвоения студентами высших учебных заведений названной техники.Область применения результатов: детские художественные школы, художественные факультеты средних и высших учебных заведений.Предлагаемая методика обучения выполнению эскиза белым по-чёрному в процессе создания выпуклой гравюры позволяет студентам освоить процесс создания изображения в технике высокой печати, формировать творческое мышление и развивать эстетический вкус.
ВОЗМОЖНОСТИ РЕГИОНАЛЬНЫХ ОСОБЕННОСТЕЙ ПРИ ОБУЧЕНИИ ИЗОБРАЖЕНИЮ ГРАФИЧЕСКОГО ПЕЙЗАЖА УЧАЩИХСЯ ОБЩЕОБРАЗОВАТЕЛЬНЫХ ШКОЛ
Authors: Zinukova Polina Aleksandrovna , Mokshin Jurij Aleksandrovich
Published: January 2020

В статье рассматриваются актуальные возможности обучения изобразительной деятельности учащихся на основе применения регионального компонента в процессе обучения изображению графического пейзажа, который обеспечивает усиление мотивации обучающихся и дает возможность определить оптимальную последовательность выполнения упражнений, направленных на формирование специальных умений.Метод проведения работы: искусствоведческий анализ графического пейзажа, изучение и анализ учебных программ общеобразовательных учреждений, а также анализ творческих работ Владимирских художников.Результаты работы: выявлена оптимальная методика обучения учащихся общеобразовательных школ изображению графического пейзажа, на основе применения региональных особенностей в области изобразительного искусства.Область применения результатов: детские художественные школы, общеобразовательные учреждения(факультативные занятия).Предлагаемая методика изображению графического пейзажа позволяет учащимся общеобразовательных школ определить оптимальную последовательность обучения, выявить особенности, стимулирующие успешные результаты и предупреждающие трудности, возникающие в процессе обучения.
ОСОБЕННОСТИ СЛОГОВОЙ СТОРОНЫ РЕЧИ У ДЕТЕЙ ДОШКОЛЬНОГО ВОЗРАСТА С ОБЩИМ НЕДОРАЗВИТИЕМ РЕЧИ
Authors: Larina Elena Anatolevna , Lebed Svetlana Vladimirovna
Published: January 2020

В статье рассматриваются особенности слоговой стороны речи у детей с общим недоразвитием. Охарактеризованы направления логопедической работы по формированию слоговой структуры слова.
КНИЖНАЯ ГРАФИКА ЕЛЕНЫ ПОЛЕНОВОЙ КАК ПРИМЕР РАБОТЫ ОФОРМЛЕНИЯ И ИЛЛЮСТРИРОВАНИЯ В СТИЛЕ РУССКОГО МОДЕРНА
Authors: Lobanova Valeriya Glebovna
Published: January 2020

Истоки формирования русского модерна исследуются в работах многих художников (В. Васнецов, М. Врубель, И. Билибин, А. Бенуа, М. Якунчикова), но особое внимание привлекают работы Елены Поленовой, известной в большей степени как первый иллюстратор детской русской литературы. Поленова Елена Дмитриевна(1850–1898) – художник-иллюстратор, живописец, деятель декоративно-прикладного искусства и новатор промышленного дизайна, сестра известного художника Василия Поленова. Её считают одной из основоположниц русского модерна. Сама идея русского модерна восходила к духовной традиции и культурной памяти народа, в которых Е. Поленова неизменно черпала вдохновение для своего творчества. В данной статье исследуется книжная иллюстрация Елены Поленовой, особенности её творчества в контексте времени и опыт, который может быть использован в процессе обучения оформления и иллюстрирования книг.
Theory, electronic structure and physical chemistry of materials cathodes for microwave devices
Authors: Kapustin Vladimir , Li Illarion
Published: January 2020

In the monograph the kinetic theory of cathode materials based on metal and oxide phases, analytical methods of research of the cathodes, methods of study of their emission properties. Details the authors discuss the theory and physico-chemistry of oxide-Nickel, metalloplastic, and metal alloyed oxide-yttrium cathodes, including a cathode for magnetrons with cold start.
Designed for scientific and engineering-technical workers, specializing in electronic materials and electronic devices.
Lipopolysaccharide increases lysozyme adhesion to chitin
Authors: Levitsky A. P. , Mudrik L. M. , Khromagina L. N. , Sevostianova T. A. , Selivanskaia I. A.
Published: January 2020

Background. To study the effect of lipopolysaccharide on the adsorption of lysozyme on chitin.Methods. Egg white lysozyme, lipopolysaccharide and chitin were used. The lyophilized cells of M. lyzodeikticus were used as a lysozyme substrate. Lysozyme activity was determined by the bacteriolytic method using different concentrations (8-512 μg/ml). Lysozyme adsorption on chitin was determined by the loss of lysozyme from solution after shaking with chitin. The effect of lipopolysaccharide (0.6-40 μg/ml) on lysozyme adsorption was evaluated by the loss of lysozyme from the solution after shaking with 50 mg of chitin.Results. In determining the activity of lysozyme by the bacteriolytic method, the linear nature of the dependence of activity on the concentration of the enzyme is observed only at low concentrations (8-100 μg / ml). Lipopolysaccharide does not affect the bacteriolytic activity of lysozyme, however, dose-dependently increases the adsorption of lysozyme on chitin.Conclusion. Lipopolysaccharide increases the adsorption of lysozyme on chitin.